WSJ Tech News Briefing: Tech Minute – Tesla to Double Robotaxi Fleet in Austin

Episode Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Julie Chang (The Wall Street Journal)
Duration: ~2 minutes

Episode Overview

This Tech Minute provides rapid-fire updates on three hot stories in tech: Tesla’s rapid scaling of its robotaxi fleet in Austin, regulatory scrutiny faced by Meta (WhatsApp) in Europe, and dramatic shifts in AI chip market dynamics impacting major players like Nvidia, Google, and Meta.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tesla to Double Robotaxi Fleet in Austin

• Announcement: Tesla will double the number of its autonomous robo-taxis in Texas next month, as confirmed by CEO Elon Musk in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
• Expansion phase: This move comes just six months after the initial June launch of Tesla’s self-driving taxi service in Austin, which currently operates with safety drivers.
• Future plans: Tesla is aiming to:
  • Remove safety drivers in parts of Austin soon.
  • Expand robo-taxi operations to 8–10 metro areas nationwide by year-end.

“Tesla began its self driving taxi service in Austin in June with safety drivers. The company aims to remove safety drivers in parts of Austin as well as operate robo taxis in eight to 10 metro areas by the end of the year.”
—Julie Chang [00:34]

2. Meta (WhatsApp) Under Italian Regulatory Scrutiny

• Regulatory action: Italy’s competition watchdog has expanded its probe into Meta Platforms regarding WhatsApp’s new AI chatbot policy.
• Policy in question: WhatsApp, since October, excludes rival chatbots from its messaging platform, while integrating its own AI features.
• Concerns:
  • Policy could limit market access, production, or technical developments for AI chatbot competitors.
  • Potential violation of EU antitrust rules preventing abuse of market dominance.
• Meta response: Company spokesperson strongly rejects the regulator’s claims.

“The authorities said WhatsApp's policy change could limit production, market access or technical developments in the AI chatbot services market. It added that Meta may be breaching European Union rules that seek to prevent dominant companies from abusing their position in the market.”
—Julie Chang [01:04]

3. AI Chip Market Upheaval

• Investor sentiment shifting: The tech stock market is undergoing a rotation, changing which players investors are betting on in the AI space.
• Meta–Google negotiations: Meta is in talks with Google to use Google’s AI chips, potentially challenging Nvidia’s long-held dominance in AI hardware.
• Implications:
  • Nvidia's stock has faced pressure, now less favored by investors.
  • Alphabet (Google’s parent company) shares are rising sharply, nearing a $4 trillion market cap.
  • AMD has also seen a drop in share value.
• Current movements: Alphabet shares are up in pre-market trading; Nvidia and AMD are down.

“In markets, the tech stock market is shifting, causing investors to change their bets on which AI companies will succeed. As we reported yesterday, Meta is in talks with Google to use the company's AI chips. This potential deal could challenge Nvidia's leading position in the chip market.”
—Julie Chang [01:35]

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• “Tesla will roughly double the number of its robo taxis in Texas next month. That's according to a post on X today by CEO Elon Musk.”
  —Julie Chang [00:24]
• “A spokesperson for Meta said it strongly rejects the regulator's claims."
  —Julie Chang [01:21]
• “Google parent Alphabet stock has climbed, bringing it closer to a $4 trillion valuation.”
  —Julie Chang [01:48]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tesla Robotaxi News: 00:16–00:47
• Meta/WhatsApp AI Chatbot Scrutiny: 00:48–01:22
• AI Chip Market Developments (Meta, Google, Nvidia): 01:23–01:54

Summary Table

| Segment | Main Content | Notable Quotes/Details | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|------------| | Tesla Robotaxi Fleet Expansion | Doubling of Austin fleet; safety drivers to be removed; expansion to 8–10 cities by year's end | “Tesla will roughly double...”; “The company aims to remove safety drivers...” | 00:16–00:47 | | Meta/WhatsApp Regulatory Probe | Italy investigates exclusion of rival chatbots; Possible EU antitrust breach | “The authorities said WhatsApp's policy change could limit...” | 00:48–01:22 | | AI Chip Market Rotation | Meta–Google chip talks; Nvidia pressured; Alphabet nears $4T | “Meta is in talks with Google to use the company’s AI chips...” | 01:23–01:54 |

This episode delivers succinct but impactful updates on major tech industry battles and policy debates—ideal for listeners seeking a rapid but comprehensive tech news briefing.