Ed shares his wild experiences from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, revealing the absurd products that took center stage. The discussion highlights the chasm between flashy technology and real-world utility, especially in industries like insurance. Listeners get insight into the marketing spectacle and how superficial technologies, like humanoid robots, shape public perception. Expect a mix of thrilling commentary on innovation and skepticism about the actual usefulness of these so-called advancements.
The disconnect in the insurance industry arises from a technology-first mindset that neglects specific process needs, hindering blockchain integration.
The consumer electronics market is saturated with gimmicky products that prioritize spectacle over genuine utility, leaving consumers disillusioned.
Deep dives
Challenges of Blockchain in Insurance
The insurance industry has explored blockchain technology, primarily looking for innovative applications such as improved claims handling and parametric insurance. However, many insurance companies have encountered a significant disconnect between the technology and the actual problems they aim to address. Rather than focusing on specific needs or processes, the industry has often approached blockchain with a technology-first mindset, resulting in a lack of meaningful progress. This leads to a general sentiment of disappointment, as initiatives fail to generate viable use cases that could effectively integrate blockchain into their operations.
Consumer Electronics and Market Saturation
The landscape of consumer electronics is characterized by an overwhelming abundance of similar products and innovations that often fail to provide substantial advancements or societal benefits. The market is flooded with redundant technologies, such as AI smart glasses and other gadgets, which struggle to differentiate themselves, making it difficult for consumers to feel excited about the options available. The focus on spectacle and marketing over genuine utility can lead to disillusionment, as many offerings appear to serve more as attention-grabbing gimmicks than practical solutions for users. As a result, individuals may leave tech events feeling skeptical rather than inspired by the future of innovation.
Ed is back from his gonzo reporting trip at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. We hear all about the biggest themes, the most stupid products, the most dangerous lies, and the mountains of bullshit being created in the place where futures are made—or, at least, where expectations are manufactured and where beliefs are harvested.
••• Jathan’s essay on AI and Tinkerbell: https://futurism.com/ai-tinkerbell
Standing Plugs:
••• Order Jathan’s new book: https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520398078/the-mechanic-and-the-luddite
••• Subscribe to Ed’s substack: https://substack.com/@thetechbubble
••• Subscribe to TMK on patreon for premium episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thismachinekills
Hosted by Jathan Sadowski (bsky.app/profile/jathansadowski.com) and Edward Ongweso Jr. (www.x.com/bigblackjacobin). Production / Music by Jereme Brown (bsky.app/profile/jebr.bsky.social)
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