Down Round

The chaos ignited by DeepSeek's powerful AI model sends tech stocks plummeting to historic losses. The conversation dives into the geopolitical implications of China’s rising AI ambitions and its impact on global market dynamics. Training costs for AI are revealed to be much higher than expected, posing challenges for developers. DeepSeek’s advanced reasoning capabilities and the competitive landscape facing American tech giants like Apple and Meta offer a glimpse into the future of the industry. It’s a mix of serious analysis and light-hearted banter as they untangle the madness.

January kicks off with a whirlwind of tech drama. The spotlight is on TikTok and the potential consequences of a ban due to national security fears. Dive into the fascinating rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model reshaping the landscape. The discussions touch on everything from meme coins to the geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan’s independence. Plus, catch insights on how political dynamics are influencing TikTok's future strategies and potential buyers. It's a tech lover's paradise!

The number one social media app in the Apple App Store is currently Xiaohongshu, AKA The Little Red Book, the Chinese social shopping app reminiscent of TikTok but with more shopping.  We take a squiz at that, before assessing the latest announcements from Nvidia and what it all means.  Strap in, the boys are back for 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last couple of weeks, Mark Zuckerberg and Meta have signalled a shift in the way the company is run — eliminating factcheckers, rolling back internal DEI policies and bringing politics content back to company platforms. On the one hand, you can read it as an obvious sop to the incoming Trump administration. But there's definitely a cultural change in the air when it comes to online platforms and politics, and Zuck is right at the coalface. Joining us for this episode is Mike Isaac, tech correspondent and Meta whisperer at The New York Times. He helped us untangle some of the forces driving Meta's change of heart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Down Round, we make many predictions. Almost all of them are correct. For this episode, we have used the power of AI to forensically audit a representative sample of episodes over the last year, with the goal of answering the question: just how right were we?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join a hilarious Shark Tank-style session where your startup pitches meet a panel of witty judges. Explore the amusing escapades of renting pools through Swimply and the chaotic logistics behind it. Dive into a quirky concept that mixes funeral planning with car negotiation tactics, blending humor with heartfelt discussions. Engage in lively debates about AI’s potential in improving relationship dynamics. Finally, discover the absurdities of food labeling standards and the hilarious costs tied to regulations, all in a playful and entertaining banter.

This is part two of our annual Xmas spectacular, and we continue to answer your questions. To hear the rest, sign up to premium: downround.netSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is part one of our annual Xmas spectacular, and we are answering your burning questions. Is AI a bust? Why is a company called AppLovin worth more than 100 billion dollars? Has Raph watched any movies in 2024? An insane prank. Subscribe for part 2, which is out now: downround.netSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple's late entry into AI is generating buzz with features like writing tools and image generation, but there's skepticism about its impact. The discussion highlights Apple's strategic pivot and its response to competitors like ChatGPT. Humorous critiques emerge around AI image applications and the quirks of automated email sorting. A comparison of Apple and Microsoft's AI strategies reveals a landscape of competition and innovation. The future of tech models and subscription perks are also explored, prompting thoughts on what's next for Apple in the AI realm.

Cam Wilson, a Crikey reporter and associate editor, dives into Australia's new law banning social media for those under 16. He discusses the legislation's motivations tied to mental health and enforcement challenges, comparing it to global standards. The conversation raises ethical questions about protecting youth while balancing their digital rights. Cam humorously debates whether this ban will truly shield children or just push them towards unregulated platforms, tackling the complexities of age verification and privacy along the way.