Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson (Preview) Deep Research and OpenAI's Business Model, A Counterpoint on White Collar Concerns, The Future of Cognition and Companionship
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Mar 21, 2025 The hosts dive into the intriguing implications of AI, questioning how it might reshape deep research and business models. They dissect OpenAI's aversion to ad-based revenue and assess its impact on user experience. The conversation turns to AI's role in changing the white-collar job landscape, emphasizing transformation over elimination. They also ponder the potential for AI in companionship and its influence on human cognition, raising the question of whether we've hit peak brain power. The discussion wraps up with a nod to innovative uses of tech like Vision Pro.
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Embrace Advertising for Growth
- OpenAI should prioritize an advertising-based business model, even if initial attempts are subpar.
- Iterating and improving ad products over time is crucial for long-term success.
Subscription Model Limitations
- High-agency users who are willing to pay are the hardest to retain.
- Competition for these users is fierce, demanding continuous improvement.
Ad Blocker Confession
- Ben Thompson initially criticized ad-blocker users but now uses one himself.
- The open web's degraded ad experience forced this change, highlighting its severity.