This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on Netflix, follow Andrew Webster. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started Boggle has become a spectator sport in my household. Everyone crowds around the […]
Netflix's traditional binge-watching model is losing ground to short-form video platforms like TikTok and YouTube, and microdrama apps. Data suggests viewers are abandoning shows before season two, prompting Netflix to reconsider its content strategy and release models.
Researchers clarified that while an AI agent executed a ransomware attack from start to finish, a human was still involved in setting up the operation, provisioning infrastructure, and choosing the victim. The agent exploited known vulnerabilities to encrypt files and generate a ransom note.
Katalyst Space Technologies successfully launched its Link satellite via a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket to rescue NASA's Swift satellite, which is at risk of falling out of orbit. This marks the first mission of its kind, aiming to boost Swift's altitude using robotic arms.
Vercel CEO Guillermo Rauch discusses the evolution of AI agents from prototyping to production. He highlights two key use cases: coding agents and internal corporate agents for data access and productivity. Rauch also touches on Vercel's role as an "AWS of this generation" in the AI platform space.
Apple's iOS 27 beta 3 introduces voice customization for Siri, allowing users to adjust its speaking pace and expressivity. This update aims to make Siri more natural and personal, integrating generative AI.
Rakuten's Kobo e-reader, once thought to support independent bookstores via their websites, is experiencing delays in its partnership with Bookshop.org. Originally slated for 2025, then 2026, the integration is now tentatively expected "later this year," according to Bookshop.org's CEO.
