Chris Savage (Wistia) Analyzes InVision's Downfall, Reviews Humane’s Product Reveal, and Discusses the OpenAI Drama
Nov 28, 2023
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Chris Savage, Co-Founder & CEO of Wistia, discusses InVision's downfall, critiques Humane's product reveal, and dives into the OpenAI drama. He also shares his excitement for Ro.am, a new product. Topics include competition between InVision and Figma, incorporating AI technology into Wistia's platform, and the advantages of Rome as a virtual headquarters for remote teams.
The launch video for the Humane AI pin was underwhelming, failing to effectively communicate the product's benefits and purpose.
Despite skepticism, there is still interest in the Humane AI pin as it offers the potential to revolutionize personal technology with an always-available AI assistant.
Rome, a virtual office platform, improves remote communication with features like audio conversations, resulting in shorter, more focused meetings and increased team connection.
Deep dives
Underwhelming Launch Video
The launch video for the Humane AI pin was seen as underwhelming, receiving a grade of C or F. It failed to communicate the key benefits and purpose of the product, focusing instead on trivial details like color options. The video lacked a clear message and failed to hook viewers, making it difficult for them to understand why they should be interested in the product.
Unmet Potential and Grandiose Claims
Despite the disappointment with the launch video, there is potential for the Humane AI pin to revolutionize personal technology. The concept of having an AI assistant at all times, freeing us from the need to carry smartphones, is intriguing and could offer a better future. However, the grandiose claims made in the video, positioning the product as superior to smartphones, raised skepticism and generated mixed reactions.
Lack of Clear Use Cases and Interface Concerns
One criticism of the video was the lack of clear use cases and the confusion it created regarding the product's capabilities. Additionally, concerns were raised about the interface, with questions about its responsiveness and whether it could truly replace smartphones or deliver on promised features. Some expressed interest in certain use cases, such as an improved Siri or auto-translation, but felt these features were not highlighted effectively in the video.
Early Adopter Interest Despite Concerns
Despite the underwhelming video and skepticism, there is still interest among early adopters in experimenting with the Humane AI pin. The concept of a lightweight, always-available AI assistant is intriguing, and the potential for a responsive and functional interface could make a significant impact. However, there are concerns about the product's ability to deliver on its promises and whether it can truly revolutionize personal technology as claimed.
Rome - A Virtual HQ for Improved Remote Communication
Rome is a virtual office platform that aims to improve remote communication and connections within a company. It allows users to have audio conversations by default and provides a sense of presence similar to being in an in-person office. With individual offices, conference rooms, floors, and even a theater, Rome provides a unique interface for remote teams to interact and collaborate. Wistia, a company that experimented with Rome, saw an increase in the number of meetings while spending 30% less time in meetings. The average meeting time dropped significantly, emphasizing the effectiveness of shorter, more focused conversations. Wistia also reported that 40% of their employees felt more connected to their teams after using Rome. The platform offers features like chat, whiteboards, and persistent audio conversations, serving as a potential competitor to tools like Slack. While Rome's adoption depends on the entire company using it, its success highlights the importance of faster, less formal communication methods in remote work.
The Challenges and Potential of Remote Communication Platforms
The podcast discussion delves into the challenges faced by remote communication platforms and the potential impact of innovative interfaces. Zoom has struggled to create a sense of presence and establish a home-like experience outside of live meetings. The podcast hosts note that many remote communication tools emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, but few have had lasting success. The conversation explores various platforms such as Groove, Tandem, and Rome, each with its unique features and interfaces. The hosts express the need for an interface that facilitates shorter, more efficient conversations and reduces the reliance on formal meetings. The discussion also touches on the difficulties of achieving widespread adoption and the potential benefits of a sales-assisted demo growth model. The conversation concludes by reflecting on the future of remote communication and the challenge of competing with established tools like Slack.
This week, our dynamic duo, Brian Balfour and Fareed Mosavat, have the pleasure of hosting Chris Savage, the Co-Founder & CEO of Wistia.
Our post-Thanksgiving menu features a hearty discussion about InVision's fall (starts at 14:30), spiced up with Chris's “Savage” critique of Humane's product reveal (starts at 36:15).
Of course, we couldn't resist visiting the OpenAI drama that's been simmering recently.
To round off, Chris shares a product he is excited about, Ro.am.
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