Big Technology Podcast AI’s Steve Jobs?, Big Tech AI Chaos Ladder, 2026 Crystal Ball
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Jan 12, 2026 
M.G. Siegler, a tech investor and writer at Spyglass, joins to explore whether AI needs a charismatic leader like Steve Jobs. They discuss challenges in marketing AI, the lack of standout products from big tech firms, and privacy concerns fueling skepticism. Siegler introduces his 'AI Chaos Ladder' concept to assess stability among tech giants, particularly highlighting Google’s current lead. Plus, they share bold predictions for 2026, including potential developments from Apple and implications for the future of AI.
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AI's U.S. Perception Problem
- AI faces a major perception problem in the U.S. that could slow adoption and invite regulation.
- Trusted, charismatic messengers can accelerate acceptance by making the technology relatable.
Hardware Makes AI Feel Real
- Hardware demos (like iPhone) make new tech emotionally tangible in ways blank-box software often cannot.
- Software-first AI faces a harder marketing problem because it's a "blank page" with many use cases.
NVIDIA Keynotes As Must-See TV
- Jensen Huang turned NVIDIA keynotes into must-see TV by dramatizing chips and infrastructure.
- He made non-consumer hardware exciting despite most people never building their own AI servers.