WSJ Tech News Briefing: Elon Musk and Apple Go Head to Head in the Skies

Release Date: April 2, 2025
Host: Victoria Craig, The Wall Street Journal

1. Introduction

In the April 2nd episode of WSJ Tech News Briefing, host Victoria Craig delves into two pivotal tech narratives shaping our future. The first explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing healthcare accessibility for gig economy workers. The second examines the escalating rivalry between tech giants Elon Musk's SpaceX and Apple as they vie for dominance in satellite communications to eliminate cell phone dead zones.

2. AI-Powered Healthcare: Aikido Labs’ Scope AI Enhances Medical Access for Gig Workers

Timestamp: [00:18] – [04:51]

Victoria Craig introduces an innovative solution aimed at improving healthcare access for gig economy workers, particularly ride-sharing drivers. Brian Gormley, WSJ Pro’s venture capital and healthcare reporter, provides an in-depth look into Aikido Labs and its groundbreaking Scope AI technology.

• Aikido Labs’ Transformation

  • Aikido Labs, founded in 2015 as a software company, transitioned to a healthcare provider in 2022 by acquiring a multi-specialty medical practice.
  • Brian Gormley explains, “Aikido is setting up doctors around New York City… using artificial intelligence technology to help diagnose and identify treatments for patients” (01:28).

• How Scope AI Works

  • Scope AI assists medical assistants by prompting relevant questions to patients, compiling their history and symptoms.
  • The AI system then generates diagnostic and treatment recommendations for doctors to review, modify, or reject.
  • Gormley notes, “Aikido trained Scope AI on historical data… it's been aided by the development of large language models” (01:28).

• Benefits and Accessibility

  • The system is designed to provide a timely and convenient healthcare option for individuals who may lack the time or flexibility to seek traditional medical appointments.
  • Victoria Craig emphasizes, “The idea is to make it easier for patients to get care in a timely manner and for doctors to extend their reach” (03:03).

• Potential Concerns

  • A significant point of discussion is the accuracy of AI-driven diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Gormley mentions, “The company says it does not need FDA approval because the artificial intelligence system is providing support to the doctors” (04:16).
  • As the technology is newly deployed, ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure reliability and safety.

3. Satellite Wars: Apple vs. SpaceX in Eliminating Cell Phone Dead Zones

Timestamp: [05:38] – [11:56]

Post a brief advertisement, Victoria Craig shifts focus to a high-stakes battle between Apple and SpaceX over satellite communications, aimed at addressing cellphone dead zones.

• Overview of the Rivalry

  • Drew Fitzgerald, WSJ Telecom reporter, provides an exclusive analysis of the competition between Apple and SpaceX.
  • The central contention revolves around access to airwaves that facilitate satellite signals to areas lacking reliable cell service.
  • Fitzgerald states, “The main issue at stake is really the future of satellite communications” (06:17).

• Current Services and Developments

  • SpaceX’s Starlink offers satellite-based internet and is expanding into cell phone connectivity through partnerships with U.S. wireless providers.
  • Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite enables users to send text-based emergency messages in dead zones across 17 countries, with recent investments aiming to enhance this service beyond basic texts.
  • Fitzgerald explains, “Apple has actually funding a new build of a more advanced satellite constellation… it could possibly send text messages with images or even make voice calls” (07:34).

• Resource Competition and Regulatory Hurdles

  • Both companies require substantial financial investment and regulatory approval to launch and maintain extensive satellite networks.
  • SpaceX is actively attempting to stall Apple’s expansion with the FCC, seeking to control the allocation of wireless spectrum critical for satellite communications.
  • Fitzgerald highlights, “SpaceX is trying to do is basically get in the way of this expansion of globalstar that Apple is funding” (10:09).

• Potential for Collaboration

  • While both companies have a history of rivalry, there have been mentions of potential collaboration.
  • Fitzgerald notes, “Elon Musk actually tweeted about it a few years ago, saying that they had held talks” (11:29), but skepticism remains due to their competitive nature.

• Regulatory Outlook

  • The FCC, under Chairman Brendan Carr, is known for its swift decision-making, which could expedite resolutions affecting both companies' satellite ambitions.
  • Fitzgerald concludes, “Whatever the decision is, we may not have to wait long for it” (10:15).

4. Conclusion

The April 2nd episode of WSJ Tech News Briefing underscores the transformative impact of AI in healthcare and the intense competition in satellite communications between industry titans Apple and SpaceX. As AI continues to streamline medical services for gig workers, the rivalry above the skies highlights the race for technological supremacy and the strategic maneuvers companies employ to secure their positions in emerging markets.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Gormley on Scope AI’s functionality:
  “Aikido is setting up doctors around New York City… using artificial intelligence technology to help diagnose and identify treatments for patients.” — 01:28

• Victoria Craig on the intent behind Scope AI:
  “The idea is to make it easier for patients to get care in a timely manner and for doctors to extend their reach.” — 03:03

• Drew Fitzgerald on the future of satellite communications:
  “The main issue at stake is really the future of satellite communications.” — 06:17

• Drew Fitzgerald on Apple’s satellite advancements:
  “Apple has actually funding a new build of a more advanced satellite constellation… it could possibly send text messages with images or even make voice calls.” — 07:34

• Drew Fitzgerald on SpaceX’s FCC strategy:
  “SpaceX is trying to do is basically get in the way of this expansion of globalstar that Apple is funding.” — 10:09

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions from the episode, providing insights into AI integration in healthcare and the strategic competition in satellite technology, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.