Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson Apple and the Power of Platforms, AI Comes for Google Search, ChatGPT Comes for Higher Education
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May 8, 2025 Dive into the fascinating evolution of app platforms, spotlighting the App Store's impact and regulatory challenges. Explore Apple's potential pivot to AI-driven search, shaking up the long-standing dominance of Google. The discussion delves into the future of higher education, reflecting on how AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping learning and academic integrity. Personal anecdotes and critiques on product choices and Google's AI capabilities add a nuanced perspective on the interplay between technology and consumer experience.
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Ben Thompson's Microsoft App Store Role
- Ben Thompson worked in Microsoft recruiting developers for the Windows App Store.
- He helped get major apps like Kindle and WordPress onboard during the initial announcement.
Users Drive App Development
- The chicken and egg problem of apps and users is a fallacy; users always come first.
- Demand from users drives app development, not the other way around.
Platform vs Aggregator Power
- Platforms have untrammeled power due to their essential role but aggregators depend on user choice.
- Regulating platforms is critical; focusing solely on aggregators misses the root problem.