Joanna Stern, a Wall Street Journal columnist renowned for her tech reviews, joins the discussion about the tech landscape of 2025. They explore the future of major tech players like NVIDIA and Google, especially how regulations might shape their paths. The conversation shifts to the impacts of technology on children and the evolving streaming service market, spotlighting platforms like Peacock. With humor, they anticipate innovations in autonomous vehicles, gaming, and social media, while engaging listeners in playful predictions and the whimsical quirks of AI.
Effective goal setting, rather than traditional resolutions, can lead to substantial progress and achievements in personal development.
2025 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for technology, with significant regulatory changes and advancements particularly centered around AI.
The survival of streaming services is uncertain, with speculation that at least one major platform may no longer exist by the end of 2025.
Deep dives
Goal Setting and Resolutions
Focusing on effective goal setting instead of traditional New Year's resolutions can lead to real progress. A small, actionable goal, such as reading one page of a book daily, can help combat the overwhelming nature of larger ambitions. This approach allows individuals to build momentum, as successfully completing small tasks can lead to more significant achievements. Through this strategy, the speaker found themselves reading more than 50 books in a year, demonstrating the effectiveness of breaking down goals into manageable units.
The Excitement for 2025
Anticipation builds for 2025 as it is expected to be a transformative year for technology and regulation. Key areas of focus include questions surrounding AI, the potential for a new tech administration in the U.S., and significant international developments. The landscape of technology may shift dramatically, with high stakes driving innovations and changes. Predictions about the outcomes of these changes will shape conversations throughout the upcoming year.
Predictions for 2025
A series of predictions for 2025 were discussed, posing whether certain high-profile events will occur, such as the exploration of Mars and changes in leadership at major tech companies. Each prediction invites participants to weigh the likelihood of these events happening, creating an engaging and speculative environment. The playful nature of these discussions adds excitement, allowing listeners to reflect on what the future might hold for both technology and society. As time travelers from the future, the group considers the truth behind these intriguing possibilities.
The Future of AI and Technology Regulation
Conversations around the future of AI and the potential for significant scandals or breakthroughs are prevalent. The group predicts that a major scandal related to AI will reshape public perception and regulation. Issues such as deepfakes and their impact on society could reach critical levels in 2025, prompting widespread discourse on the ethical use of AI. These developments signal a growing awareness of technology's ramifications and a collective call for accountability.
Streaming Services and the Entertainment Landscape
The fate of various streaming services hangs in the balance, with predictions that at least one major platform may cease to exist by the end of 2025. With the entertainment industry undergoing constant evolution, services such as Max, Paramount Plus, and Peacock are scrutinized for their survival. The conversation reflects broader trends, including the consolidation of services and possible consumer fatigue. Factors that influence the streaming market will continue to shape its future as companies adapt to retain subscribers.
For the second episode in our two-part 2025 preview, Nilay and David are once again joined by Wall Street Journal columnist (and friend of The Verge) Joanna Stern to talk about what will, and won't, happen in tech next year. This time, David joins us after a quick jaunt to the end of next year, and relays a bunch of things that happened in tech in 2025. But some of them are lies. Joanna and Nilay have to decide which things really will happen next year, and which won't. As always, the hosts get points for good guesses and negative points for bad ones. And once we're all in late 2025, we'll declare a winner.