Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson

Dive into the fascinating evolution of app platforms, spotlighting the App Store's impact and regulatory challenges. Explore Apple's potential pivot to AI-driven search, shaking up the long-standing dominance of Google. The discussion delves into the future of higher education, reflecting on how AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping learning and academic integrity. Personal anecdotes and critiques on product choices and Google's AI capabilities add a nuanced perspective on the interplay between technology and consumer experience.

The podcast dives into the heated legal conflict between Apple and Epic Games, focusing on in-app purchase policies. It discusses the risks Apple faces as it navigates this ongoing battle and the potential need for regulatory changes. The conversation shifts to Meta's ambitious plans for AI business agents, raising questions about the future of Facebook. Lastly, an entertaining proposal for AI officiating in the NBA is humorously shot down, adding a light-hearted twist to the tech-heavy discussion.

Dive into the world of Meta's groundbreaking AI app and its potential impact on advertising strategies. Hear insights from a conversation with Mark Zuckerberg about how this could reshape personalized experiences. Plus, the fallout from a significant court ruling against Apple, raising questions about consumer rights and responsibilities. Finally, a discussion on the financial dynamics of tech journalism subscriptions and their implications for transparency in reporting. A mix of humor and critical tech trends awaits!

After last week's conversation about AI for companionship, Ben and Andrew answer emails about the future of personalized LLM answers, speculative costs and benefits, the tension between building trust and building a product with 3 billion customers, and much more. To email the show: email@sharptech.fm @SharpTechPodcast Channel — YouTube @Stratechery Channel — YouTube ChatGPT Memory, Boundaries and AI Companions, Auren — Stratechery Update Tech’s Two Philosophies — Stratechery How People Are Really Using Gen AI in 2025 — Harvard Business Review Get all episodes of Sharp Tech, Sharp China, Stratechery Updates and Interviews, Greatest of All Talk, Asianometry and the Dithering Podcast as part of Stratechery Plus for $15/month or $150/year.

Talking through Ben's article on Apple and the Ghosts of Companies Past, including Apple's religious commitment to privacy, untapped platform potential in AI, parallels to Intel, and why Tim Cook is probably the wrong CEO to undertake the cultural shifts today that may be required for the company to thrive tomorrow. At the end: An AppleTV+ public service announcement. To email the show: email@sharptech.fm @SharpTechPodcast Channel — YouTube @Stratechery Channel — YouTube Apple and the Ghosts of Companies Past — Stratechery The Intel Opportunity — Stratechery The Deal That Makes No Sense — Stratechery Apple is Losing Over $1 Billion a Year on Streaming Service — The Information Get all episodes of Sharp Tech, Sharp China, Stratechery Updates and Interviews, Greatest of All Talk, Asianometry and the Dithering Podcast as part of Stratechery Plus for $15/month or $150/year.

The discussion delves into memory capabilities for ChatGPT and their potential to enhance AI companionship. It also critiques OpenAI's platform ambitions and explores why Google Circles flopped despite its innovation. Listeners will enjoy insights into the challenges of integrating AI across different applications. Additionally, the talk touches on the dynamics between tech platforms, contrasting super apps in China with those in the U.S., all while drawing parallels to college football and its lessons for the tech world.

Explore the fascinating evolution of Facebook and the challenges it faces in the FTC v. Meta case, as its monopoly on social media is scrutinized. Delve into how Facebook's revolutionary news feed transformed the digital landscape and user engagement. The podcast discusses the complexities of market competition, touching on the impact of acquisitions like Instagram on innovation. It also humorously examines mispronunciations in tech and the cultural quirks surrounding them, making for an engaging listen.

Explore the intriguing dynamics of no-phone policies at elite events, enhancing collective experiences like watching the Masters. Contrast the thrill of live sports with the isolation of social media. Dive into Apple's precarious position amid trade tensions, revealing how tariffs are reshaping the tech landscape. Reflect on the complexities of personal connections in our tech-driven world and celebrate shared achievements that span generations. Uncover the fundamental shifts in internet culture as technology evolves, questioning the future of connectivity.

The hosts dive into the complexities of America's manufacturing revival, discussing Apple's deep-rooted ties to China and the challenges posed by tariffs. They explore the shifting dynamics in international trade and the implications for tech innovation and labor. The thrill of attending a Formula 1 race in Suzuka adds personal anecdotes, contrasting the excitement of the event with the race's quieter moments. Their insights on F1's exclusive access business model offer a fascinating glimpse into the sports industry's evolving landscape.

Elon Musk's recent merger of xAI with X sparks discussions about valuation and the future of AI. The challenges of transforming Twitter into an AI-driven platform highlight its financial struggles. Listen in as they evaluate the effectiveness of targeted advertisements amid ongoing instability. The podcast contrasts Grok's usability issues with OpenAI's smoother experience, while critiquing Google's slow deployment of its Gemini 2.5 technology. The implications for the future of AI products and advertising strategies are critically examined.