Down Round

Google is making waves with its advancements in AI, particularly in video generation, showcasing the new VO 3 tool. The dynamics of small business advertising reveal how local enterprises prioritize practical solutions over societal issues. A deep dive into customer value highlights the value of effective digital advertising strategies. Meanwhile, the relationship between Google and Apple is shifting as search traffic trends change, signaling a new era in competitive advertising and tech innovation.

Airbnb is in a mid-life crisis. Founder Brian Chesky is undergoing one of his routine meltdowns where he suddenly decides that the short-stay rental platform should actually be a ticket-clipping mediator of literally all human experience. The platform has been redesigned and relaunched, with both 'services' and 'experiences' living in separate tabs and hoping to tempt you to open the app more than once or twice a year. A tall order indeed. We discuss.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hosts dive into Apple's ongoing legal battles, dissecting the implications of the notorious '30% Apple tax' on developers. They shed light on intriguing court testimonies from Apple's services chief, stirring stock market ripples. The conversation shifts to the complexities of tech revenue, including the scrutiny of Google's partnership with Apple amid declining search trends. They also touch upon the challenges posed by AI misinformation and how major tech firms are navigating changing landscapes in public trust and operational strategies.

Australia's graphic design unicorn is yet to go public, and find themselves in an intersting position. As we all know infinite growth means you can't just be a really nice graphic design platform, you have to be Microsoft. The boys ask the question, are Canva an enterprise company or for SMEs? Are they for pros or amateurs? What the hell is AI? And also an update on Apple's App Store issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They discuss the surprising news about Tesla's CEO search and the implications for its future. The latest ChatGPT update gets a humorous critique for being overly flattering, raising questions about AI's true nature. There's an exploration of the ethics surrounding digital companions, particularly their impact on young users. The conversation shifts to the nuanced dynamics of validation versus truth on social media, highlighting how these issues affect personal growth and consumer behavior in the tech-driven landscape.

Tesla turned in an absolute shocker of an earnings result, which may be related to why Elon Musk announced he would be turning more of his attention to the electric carmaker and less on being Trump's friend. In this ep, we go into the earnings, give a little update on what the EV market is looking like and what Tesla says it wants to do — and a little detour into talking about a Down Under business, GoGet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raph has returned from the land of the free, and we're back in the regular studio for some more Down Round. Nvidia has just been slapped with a new restriction on exporting its slightly less than cutting edge H20 chip, which cost it a $5.5 billion charge. We talk about chips and continue our chat from last week's premium episode about how Trump's trade war is affecting tech.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hosts dive into the quirky world of smart home tech mishaps, sharing humorous anecdotes about battling with their air conditioning units. They then explore the heated debate around AI-generated art, reflecting on its emotional disconnect compared to Studio Ghibli's classic animations. Discussions on the financial implications of streaming Ghibli content reveal the impact of currency fluctuations. Finally, they tackle the ethical dilemmas of using pirated material for AI training, drawing parallels to history's creative shifts.

The chickens have come home to roost for 23andme, the consumer genetic testing company which has gone from making people feel nice about being 4% Italian to languishing in bankruptcy. With the vultures circling the carcass, we reflect on its very weird business model and why it should never have gone public. Then we talk about Google, which has been cooking on the AI front recently, and how it looks like their overall strategy in that space is coming into focus.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the quirky world of HR SaaS as Rippling and Deel engage in bizarre corporate warfare. Allegations of espionage, a mole in the ranks, and a failed toilet phone flush make for riveting drama. The rivalry highlights hilariously absurd stories alongside serious business insights. In a surprising twist, the conversation also meanders into the 'acai wars' of Australia, revealing a flavorful competition among vendors. This mix of tech intrigue and lighthearted commentary keeps the discussion lively and engaging!