The hosts discuss the future of technology after smartphones, exploring potential disruptions and the relationship between VR and mobile devices. They also discuss the need for adaptation in B2B businesses, the impact of the pandemic on technology, and the importance of regulation in the tech industry.
The smartphone industry has reached saturation, prompting a need for a major transformative shift in the tech industry.
Understanding and adapting to the evolving regulatory landscape is crucial for companies in the dominant and pervasive tech industry.
Deep dives
The End of the Smartphone Era
The podcast hosts discuss how the smartphone industry has reached a saturation point, with nearly everyone already owning a smartphone. They analyze the historical pattern of the tech industry, which sees a major transformative shift approximately every 15 years, such as the rise of mainframes, PCs, and the internet. They question whether there will be a similar paradigm shift that sets the next agenda and redefines the tech industry. They explore potential candidates like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), but note that VR has primarily been limited to gaming and lacks widespread consumer use cases beyond niche applications. They also consider the possibility of advancements in machine learning and databases as the next significant shifts in technology. Additionally, they highlight the increasing importance of regulation for tech companies and the need to address the evolving regulatory landscape. The hosts conclude by emphasizing the significance of the ubiquity of technology in our lives and how it opens up new possibilities and shifts the focus of innovation.
Evolution of Technology and Regulation
The conversation delves into the evolution of technology and its relationship with regulation. They explore how industries like cars and aircraft underwent profound transformations after their technology became widespread. They note that the tech industry is no longer a small, exciting niche, but a central part of society with profound societal implications. They caution that companies in the tech industry need to embrace the inevitability of increased regulation as they become dominant and pervasive. The hosts also discuss the importance of understanding that not every company is a tech company, but rather companies leverage technology to enhance their operations and offerings. They highlight the need to recognize and adapt to the changing regulatory landscape, drawing a parallel with the need for the UK to understand the benefits of being a member of the European Union. The conversation ends by emphasizing the potential for people to become more conscious and informed about regulation and its importance.
The Power and Limitations of Technology
The podcast explores the power of technology and the way it shapes our lives. They discuss how technology like HD video cameras and broadband were available for a while, but people didn't fully realize their potential until recently. They emphasize that technological advancements unlock new possibilities and reshape industries and societal structures. Additionally, they acknowledge that technology can only go so far in addressing societal issues and challenges. They give examples of how technology has driven transformations in industries like grocery delivery and e-commerce. The conversation also touches upon the role of efficiency and increased focus on improving processes and operations through technology, particularly considering the impact of the pandemic. The hosts highlight the need to ask new questions and think beyond traditional approaches as technology becomes more integrated into various aspects of our lives.
The Future of Innovation and Transformation
The hosts discuss the question of what comes next after major technological shifts. They explore the concept of technology enabling new industries and businesses to emerge, highlighting the need to identify the right questions to understand the factors that matter for each company. They examine how companies that once perceived themselves as disruptors eventually become regulated entities as they grow and dominate their respective industries. They discuss potential areas of innovation, such as machine learning and cloud computing, while acknowledging that technological advancements will continue to unfold beyond these developments. They also emphasize the importance of recognizing that the possibilities offered by technology are continually expanding, influencing the role of regulation and shaping our society as a whole.
Benedict and Toni talk about what comes after the smartphone, and whether even matter. Maybe the models of how to think about this question have more to offer us than the question itself.
