Asianometry

Explore the fascinating rise and fall of Westinghouse Electric, from its groundbreaking inventions to its struggle during the Panic of 1907. Discover how postwar shifts led to neglect in turbine technology and costly diversification strategies. Delve into the company's risky ventures in real estate and the disastrous consequences of a market crash. Learn about the pivotal move toward media, culminating in the acquisition of CBS, and the eventual transformation into a media-centric corporation. A historic tale of ambition, overreach, and reinvention.

Discover the groundbreaking Tandem NonStop computers that were built not to fail, revolutionizing critical industries like banking and hospitality. Learn about the innovative design featuring modular processors and hot-swapping capabilities. Explore the competitive landscape, including Tandem's visionary approach against IBM and Stratus. Delve into the evolution of their software, partnerships with industry giants, and the challenges that led to strategic pivots. Ultimately, uncover how Tandem's legacy endures in mission-critical systems today.

Explore the remarkable journey of the human hand and its robotic counterparts. Discover how Rajko Tomović transformed biological principles into the first autonomous robotic hand. Uncover the challenges of controlling prosthetics, like conveying simple gestures through complex movements. Delve into the history of prosthetics, myoelectric control innovations, and the evolution of the Belgrade Hand, showcasing both successes and limitations. This fascinating story blends science, history, and the relentless pursuit of better artificial limbs.

Discover the captivating journey of Delta Electronics, Taiwan's powerhouse in energy management. It began with Bruce Cheng's inspiring story of migration and innovation. The company's growth mirrors Taiwan's booming TV industry and its pivot to cutting-edge power supplies. Delve into Delta's expansion into diverse markets, from fans to EVs, and their commitment to sustainability. Learn how AI data centers are now driving Delta's success, reshaping its future in technology and leadership.

Reflecting on the past year, the discussion highlights the surprising success of videos like Indomie Nigeria and nostalgia surrounding Compaq. Insight is shared on the Nissan-Honda deal's collapse and the implications of Japan's rice price crisis. Personal favorites like the mini-mills video illustrate innovation in storytelling. The unpredictability of YouTube is acknowledged with hints at high-effort flops. Plans for 2026 include intriguing topics like Tandem Non-Stop and Westinghouse, all underscored by a touch of creator fatigue and a desire for new beginnings.

Explore the rise and fall of China's bike-share phenomenon, hailed as a modern marvel but soon left in ruins. Discover the journey from early innovations and fierce campus rivalries to a chaotic price war with unsustainable subsidies. Uncover the financial pitfalls, customer deposit mishaps, and regulatory responses that led to the collapse of many bike startups. The episode highlights surprising survival strategies and places this wild ride within the broader context of Chinese tech bubbles and their impact.

Explore the fascinating world of ternary computing, where trits take center stage over bits! Discover its theoretical advantages, such as improved efficiency and simplicity in comparisons. Delve into the intriguing history of early ternary machines like the Soviet SETUN and the challenges that led to its decline. Learn about modern advancements, including Huawei's innovative patents and exciting new materials like memristors and carbon nanotubes. This journey through computing's past and future reveals why ternary could transform technology!

Discover the untold story of how Japan's push into supercomputing spurred the Internet's evolution. Explore ARPANET's humble beginnings and its struggles for growth. Learn about alternative networks like BBS systems and AOL in the 80s. Dive into Japan's national supercomputer project and the US's alarm over technological competition. Uncover how NSFNet emerged, paving the way for the World Wide Web and rapid online expansion. Finally, witness the commercialization of the Internet and its lasting impacts.

Explore Chile's captivating agricultural evolution from a wheat powerhouse in the 1800s to a leading fruit exporter today. Discover how diverse climates and rich soils in the Central Valley created a thriving horticulture scene. Delve into the impact of historical land reforms and the tumult of social changes, alongside the rise of global supermarkets. Uncover the delicate balance of modern fruit exports and the looming threat of a mega drought. A journey through Chile's vibrant agricultural landscape reveals both triumphs and challenges.

Dive into the intense world of the RISC Wars, where giants like IBM and Intel clashed alongside fledgling startups. Discover the birth of RISC from IBM's 801 project and the contributions of Berkeley and Stanford. Learn about MIPS’ breakthroughs, DEC's Alpha ambitions, and the rise of PowerPC amidst fierce market competition. Explore how Intel grappled with adaptation while x86 forged ahead, ultimately reclaiming dominance. A gripping tale of innovation, rivalry, and the ever-shifting landscape of computing technology.