Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Alex Kantrowitz
May 4, 2020
Alex Kantrowitz, a BuzzFeed News reporter and author of "Always Day One: How The Tech Titans Plan To Stay On Top Forever," dives into how major tech companies like Amazon and Apple adapt to challenges and stay innovative. He discusses the pandemic's impact on consumer relationships with tech giants and the potential for a labor movement. Kantrowitz also highlights TikTok's role in fostering creativity among youth and compares Apple's current situation to Microsoft under Steve Ballmer, emphasizing the need for educational reform over automation in the future of work.
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Tech Giants' Make-or-Break Moment
- Tech giants face a pivotal moment with increased power and responsibility during the pandemic.
- They must prioritize worker safety and combat misinformation to avoid backlash.
Amazon Automates Retail
- Alex Kantrowitz learned about Amazon's automation by cat-sitting in Seattle and reporting on them.
- Amazon automated vendor manager tasks, freeing them up for product management, leading to Amazon Go.
Tricking Amazon Go
- Alex Kantrowitz tried to trick Amazon Go's cashierless system by grabbing products quickly and obscuring packaging.
- Despite his efforts, the system worked, highlighting the effectiveness of Amazon's technology.
