Perplexity funding, ChatGPT Store, Rabbit r1, Bitcoin ETF, and holo Elvis
Jan 16, 2024
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Topics discussed in the podcast include Apple's Vision Pro ad, Rabbit r1 AI assistant, Perplexity's funding, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT Store, Bitcoin ETFs, holographic Elvis, Mustafa Suleyman's 'The Coming Wave', Xbox toasters, BT EV cabinets, and Satya Nadella.
Big tech companies are likely to incorporate AI assistant functionality into their existing systems, reducing the demand for standalone AI devices like the R1 Rabbit.
The approval of Bitcoin ETFs by the US SEC marks a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency industry, signaling mainstream adoption and credibility.
Deep dives
Apple's Vision Pro Spatial Computing Goggles
Apple's Vision Pro Spatial Computing goggles, though currently expensive, were recently featured in an advert on YouTube. The advert used old film clips and evoked nostalgia for Apple's 2007 iPhone commercials. Despite the high price tag, the speaker suggests checking out the advert. However, they question the long-term viability of Apple's standalone AI assistant device, the R1 Rabbit, which has received significant attention at CES. The R1 has AI assistant functionality and offers a simple alternative to using smartphone apps, allowing users to give voice commands for tasks. The speaker believes that big tech companies like Amazon, Apple, and Google will likely incorporate such assistant functionality into their existing AI systems, potentially reducing the demand for standalone devices like the R1. They also mention Microsoft's Co-Pilot app as an alternative for AI capabilities on smartphones and touch upon the relevance of personalized AI chatbots.
Perplexity: Question and Answer Machine
Perplexity, an AI-powered question and answer machine, has gained traction and recently raised additional funding. The app allows users to ask questions conversationally, and using AI, it searches the internet for relevant stories and summarizes the information. Perplexity distinguishes itself by providing citations and allowing users to shape the answers they receive. Comparisons are made to Google and DuckDuckGo as traditional search engines rely on keyword-based queries. The speaker recommends trying Perplexity for AI-driven search queries. The need for AI-driven search is seen through the lens of recent investments in AI, indicating growing awareness and interest in Perplexity.
The Rise of GPT Store and Customized Chat GPTs
The emergence of Chat GPTs and the GPT Store is highlighted, signifying a new direction for AI applications. Chat GPTs are AI-powered chatbots that enable users to communicate with the system in a more conversational manner. The speaker mentions the advantage of shape-shifting responses and creating customized versions of GPTs for specific purposes, such as hiking trail recommendations or research databases. Commercial implications are discussed, including the potential for revenue generation by companies through selling access to AI systems, moving away from traditional spreadsheet or database models. Although comparisons with Microsoft's Co-Pilot app are made, the speaker acknowledges its limitations compared to the capabilities of Chat GPTs like Perplexity.
Bitcoin ETF Approval and the Future of Cryptocurrency
The approval by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of 11 Bitcoin investment funds for trading on stock exchanges is seen as a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency industry. This move allows individuals and institutions to invest in Bitcoin through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) rather than directly holding the digital asset. The speaker notes that mainstream adoption of Bitcoin is gaining credibility, particularly with the halving event coming in 2024, where the supply of new Bitcoins entering the market is reduced. The speaker also shares their conflicted thoughts on the prevalence of holographic projections, such as the rumored holographic Elvis Presley show, pondering the impact on nostalgia and the potential for perpetuating the past instead of progressing with new music.
In episode 41 of the Big Tech Little Tech podcast, hosts Shaun Weston and Rick Huckstep discuss a range of current topics, including Apple's Vision Pro ad, the Rabbit r1 AI assistant, Perplexity's series B funding, Microsoft Copilot, the ChatGPT Store, and the recent approval of Bitcoin ETFs by the US SEC.
Also in the show, holographic Elvis, Mustafa Suleyman's 'The Coming Wave', Xbox toasters, BT EV cabinets, and Satya Nadella.
