System Crash

Some news, as they say: System Crash is going on hiatus as Brian and Paris are overloaded with other projects they need to take care of. Thanks for plugging in, and stay tuned to this feed for updates on what's next.Until then, subscribe to Brian’s newsletter Blood in the Machine, check out Paris’ newsletter Disconnect, and go listen to Tech Won’t Save Us.Support the show

Brian is out this week, so we’re dropping one of our bonus episodes to give you a preview of the benefits of supporting the show over on Patreon. In the episode, Brian and Paris dig into Anduril CEO Palmer Luckey’s scary vision for the future of warfare — and how he plans to profit off the whole thing. Arming countries to the teeth with automated weapons, to the degree they’re considered “porcupines,” might sound bad to some people, but to Luckey it’s the obvious goal of the Western “warrior class.”Support the show

Canada ditches its digital services tax under U.S. pressure, highlighting the clash between tech interests and public good. The ban on state-level AI regulations has unexpectedly collapsed, sparking a bipartisan uproar. Meanwhile, the AI backlash is intensifying as jobs get replaced, leading to growing fears about emotional dependency on AI for communication. In a lighter twist, tech leaders launch a bank named after a Middle Earth location while layoffs loom in the industry, bringing a mix of humor and serious discussions about the future of tech.

Dive into the darkly comedic world of tech billionaires as the film Mountainhead unravels their psyches. Discover how humor meets existential crises, showcasing the absurdities of AI misinformation and extravagant lifestyles. A thought-provoking look at Silicon Valley's elite through a satirical lens that entertains while it critiques.

A court ruling allows AI companies to use copyrighted materials under the fair use doctrine, stirring discussions on creators' rights. Meanwhile, Tesla's robotaxi rollout in Austin faces numerous challenges and safety concerns, especially after a demo highlighted flaws in its self-driving tech. The conversation also critiques Tesla's choice to bypass LIDAR, raising alarms about public safety. Additionally, the impact of AI on jobs is explored, notably through personal stories of those affected by these technological shifts.

This week, the hosts dive into the absurdity of celebrity phones and the questionable quality of tech tied to political figures. They explore the troubling alliance between AI and the military, examining ethical concerns around military contracts. The dangers of deep fakes and their role in shaping public narratives are also discussed. Plus, there's light-hearted banter about Tesla's production woes and the challenges AI poses to libraries and cultural heritage. Join for insights that blend tech, culture, and geopolitics!

The discussion kicks off with a look at Silicon Valley’s surprising pivot from consumer tech to defense innovation. Tech billionaires are reimagining their roles as they aim to bolster American power in the face of rising global competition. The focus then shifts to a prominent figure in virtual reality who is now shaping the military-industrial sector. His provocative thoughts on creating a 'warrior class' and the ethical dilemmas posed by autonomous weapons spark a fascinating debate.

Tensions rise as the feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk escalates amid Los Angeles protests against Waymo's autonomous vehicles. Ohio's mandate for undergrads to be AI-proficient sparks debate on education's future. Meanwhile, the gaming industry inches toward unionization. In China, tech firms are tightening AI tool restrictions. Public sentiment shifts with frustrations over Apple’s perceived stagnation. The chaotic political landscape is further complicated by controversial alliances and Musk's provocative online presence.

Elon Musk's recent exit from a Dogecoin-related role raises eyebrows about his reputation and its impact on the Department of Government Efficiency. Amidst protests and controversies, discover the humorous side of Musk's black eye incident. The discussion delves into Palantir's data practices and the interplay of tech and politics. Meanwhile, explore the humanitarian consequences of policies linked to Musk. The hosts also critique Dogecoin's political implications and dissect the evolution of social media amid labor movements.

A future AI hardware collaboration is on the horizon with Sam Altman and Jony Ive partnering up. Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on iPhones stirs up a debate about U.S. manufacturing. BYD edges out Tesla in Europe, while Google’s Veo 3 gains viral fame. Duolingo is facing challenges in its AI strategies, and Marc Andreessen's tech manifesto gets a print edition, sparking discussions about the tech elite shaping narratives. The skepticism around AI innovations raises eyebrows, all while tensions in the smartphone market heat up.