Techmeme Ride Home Me On The Big Technology Podcast Talking This Week In Tech
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Mar 30, 2025 
Brian McCullough, the host of a daily tech news recap, dives into the dynamic world of AI competition, particularly analyzing OpenAI's strategic responses amidst growing rivals. He discusses the cultural impact of AI-generated art reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, sparking debates within the animation community. The conversation also navigates the ramifications of Corleaf's underwhelming IPO and the shifting investor landscape in AI tech, influenced by geopolitical changes. Expect insights on how these factors shape the future of innovation and tech dominance.
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Ghibli's Distinctive Style
- The distinct and beloved style of Studio Ghibli, reminiscent of Walt Disney in Japan, contributed to the viral trend.
- This style, often described as anime with a dreamlike quality, is instantly recognizable and highly regarded.
Ghibli-fying Trend
- OpenAI's ChatGPT update introduced advanced image generation, including a Studio Ghibli style.
- This led to a viral trend of "Ghibli-fying" images, with even Sam Altman changing his profile picture.
OpenAI's Strategic Choice
- OpenAI's intentional choice and seeding of the Ghibli style, along with increased permissiveness in image generation, fueled the trend.
- Sam Altman changing his profile picture further amplified the trend's virality.