Closing Bell Closing Bell: The AI Battleground 12/4/25
Dec 4, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Steve Kovach, a CNBC technology reporter, dives into the fierce competition among major tech players in the AI device market. He shares insights on the implications of Meta poaching Apple's design chief and explores the shift towards consumer AI products. Dan Greenhaus, a market strategist, evaluates sector rotations and the strong performance of banks amidst the evolving market landscape. Meanwhile, Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Advisor at Allianz, provides thought-provoking commentary on potential Fed chair candidates and their impact on equity markets.
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Device Wars Shift To AI Wearables
- Meta and Apple are shifting from metaverse headsets to AI-first glasses and other wearable devices.
- Design hires like Alan Dye signal a device-focused arms race as AI moves from data centers to consumer hardware.
Talent Moves Change Design Momentum
- Apple losing Alan Dye to Meta blends Apple design know-how into Meta's wearables push.
- Alex Kantrotwitz notes even a B-player from Apple can look like an A-player at Meta and boost product design rapidly.
Ive's OpenAI Project Started Small
- Steve Kovach relayed a source saying Johnny Ive and Sam Altman's OpenAI project began as "just an Alexa" box prototype.
- He described the pressure on Ive after OpenAI's acquisition and the uncertain path to an iPhone-like product.