Technology

528 Stories

Seattle crosswalk signals with deepfake Bezos audio may have been hacked with just a cellphone

Instead of the little robotic voice that tells you to wait until it's safe to cross, at least five intersections in Seattle last week played the voice of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Tech experts say it was likely a product of generative artificial intelligence, or GAI.
- Casey Martin
'Please don't tax the rich.' Seattle crosswalks hacked with audio deepfake of Jeff Bezos

Pedestrians at several Seattle intersections were surprised by a rogue message when they pushed the crosswalk button on Wednesday.
- Monica Nickelsburg
New AI startup incubator is making waves on Seattle's waterfront

It may sound like reality television: 15 startup founders move their companies into a charming pier on Seattle's waterfront. Occasionally they're visited by investors, who wander through like Heidi Klum, providing advice and looking for the next big thing. But it's not reality television: It's AI House, a startup incubator with academic, political, and financial support run by the influential Allen Institute spinoff, AI2.
- Joshua McNichols
Safety measures for kids on social media may become law in Washington state

Changes could be coming to how minors can use social media in Washington.
- Monica Nickelsburg
Seattle woman has lived her whole life without a smartphone. She recommends it

Patti Gorman is becoming a rarity. According to the Pew Research Center’s latest “Mobile Fact Sheet,” 98% of Americans now own a cellphone of some kind.
- Stephen Howie
Some cities are ditching ShotSpotter. Tacoma still wants the gunshot detection technology

Tacoma plans to install acoustic gunshot detection technology this spring in an area that has been the site of several homicides in recent years. But not everyone is convinced the ShotSpotter system will lead to a reduction in gun-related crimes.
- Libby Denkmann
Culture-building or cost-cutting? Amazon's return-to-office order raises questions, fears
- Monica Nickelsburg
Online retailers aren't the only ones digitally spying on you. Brick-and-mortar stores are, too

The holiday shopping season is in full swing and there’s lots of talk about how online shoppers are being tracked. If that creeps you out, you might be tempted to hit the mall instead. But artificial intelligence is tracking you there, too.
- Joshua McNichols
Drones and robbers. Redmond police take drones to the next level

If you call 911 in Redmond, don't be surprised if a drone shows up first instead of a police officer.
- Dyer Oxley
Seattle startup behind Amazon gift guides on your feed just raised $20 million

Seattle startup Levanta, which connects Amazon sellers with influencers on social media, just secured $20 million in funding to grow its platform.
- Monica Nickelsburg

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