Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson cover image

Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson

Latest episodes

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Feb 6, 2025 • 12min

(Preview) Experimenting With OpenAI’s Deep Research, Another ChatGPT Moment, Won’t Someone Think of the Entry-Level Employees?

To email the show: email@sharptech.fm @SharpTechPodcast Channel — YouTube @Stratechery Channel — YouTube Apple Earnings, OpenAI Deep Research, The Unbundling of Substantiation — Stratechery Update OpenAI Releases AI Agent Designed to Act Like a Research Analyst — Bloomberg The AI Unbundling — Stratechery 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.
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13 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 13min

(Preview) Apple Abandons Its Smart Glasses, Google as the Yellow Pages, LLMs and the Overton Window

A deep dive into Apple's surprising decision to abandon its smart glasses project reveals the complexities of integrating new tech with existing devices. The discussion touches on the struggles of generative AI in sports statistics and its acceptance in media. Internal dynamics and market factors influencing product development are also scrutinized, particularly how Apple's choices may reshape the tech landscape, especially for competitors like Meta. The evolving strategy towards practical mobile devices leaves listeners questioning the future of augmented reality.
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119 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 16min

The End of DeepSeek Week: Moneyball for AI, The Future of Compute Demand, Geopolitical Reality Checks, and More

In a lively exchange, the hosts compare DeepSeek's AI tactics to the Oakland A's Moneyball strategy, discussing its impact on tech giants and stock markets. They dive into the nuances of AI cost management and the geopolitical stakes surrounding China's advancements. The conversation meanders through the evolution of tech performance, highlighting the importance of constraints in driving innovation. They also examine the complex landscape of AI chip supply and its implications for U.S. governance, alongside a humorous look at the shift from combustion engines to electric vehicles.
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Jan 27, 2025 • 12min

(Preview) 72 Hours of DeepSeek Hysteria, What DeepSeek Means for Big Tech, Lessons on the Efficacy of Chip Controls

DeepSeek stirs a whirlwind of reactions, spotlighting its hefty model training costs and transparency issues. The conversation shifts to the tech industry's trust dilemmas and the fallout from chip bans, comparing the performance of H800 and H100 chips. Innovative AI modeling techniques come to the fore, showcasing advanced strategies and their implications for chip costs. Pricing tactics from major players like OpenAI and Anthropic are dissected, urging listeners to critically assess claims in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
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Jan 23, 2025 • 14min

(Preview) The End of OpenAI and Microsoft, Risks and Rationale of the Stargate Project, DeepSeek-R1 and Bitter Lessons for the Future

Dive into the ambitious Stargate Project, which aims to funnel $500 billion into U.S. AI infrastructure! Discover the shifting dynamics in the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, especially in light of ChatGPT's rise. Explore the complexities surrounding OpenAI's evolution and its pursuit of artificial general intelligence. There's also a look at the significant implications for national security and job creation, making for a compelling discussion on the future of AI.
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Jan 20, 2025 • 11min

(Preview) A Long Weekend for TikTok, Preparing for Trump and an Era of Upheaval, LeBron James as an iPhone

The discussion kicks off with the political implications of executive power, specifically in light of Trump’s influence. The looming TikTok ban raises questions about First Amendment rights and national security, prompting a dive into how political leaders are balancing legislation with public sentiment. Historical legislative actions from FDR are compared to today's debates, revealing parallels in legal interpretations. The complexities of regulating TikTok amidst lobbying pressures underline the urgent need for robust national security measures.
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91 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 10min

AI’s Uneven Arrival, TikTok’s Potential Departure, Xiaohongshu and the Delights of Cultural Exchange

The complexities of AI adoption reveal uneven benefits across businesses. Discussions on AGI and ASI explore their potential to transform workplace dynamics, alongside concerns about job displacement. Meanwhile, the uncertain future of TikTok in the U.S. raises questions about national security versus free market principles. Cultural exchanges through platforms like Xiaohongshu highlight misunderstandings between the U.S. and China, impacting tech dynamics and free speech debates. TikTok's influence on news consumption among younger generations complicates public discourse.
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9 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 15min

(Preview) Meta’s Moderation Changes, Tech’s Evolving Political Calculus, The Importance and Difficulty of Maintaining Principles on the Internet

The discussion highlights Meta’s evolving approach to content moderation and the implications of political shifts within tech leadership. Innovative concepts like community-driven moderation are explored, emphasizing user accountability and the complexities of diverse values online. The challenges posed by misinformation, especially during the COVID era, are examined, alongside the rise of vaccine skepticism and the dangers of censorship. Insights into Mark Zuckerberg's views on Apple and its relevance in today's tech landscape add an intriguing layer.
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23 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 14min

(Preview) What AI Could Mean for Aggregation Theory, o3 and Moore’s Law, More Questions Than Answers as Tech Enters 2025

The discussion kicks off with the potential decline of aggregation theory due to AI advancements. There's a deep dive into the architecture of OpenAI's o3 model and its implications for software engineers. The hosts ponder the future of SaaS companies in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Plus, they touch upon the curious case of Scarlett Johansson and her missed opportunities. Finally, they share a light-hearted moment, praising the joys of learning to ski as a middle-aged beginner.
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44 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 40min

Holiday Mailbag: The Next Intel, Google’s AI Revival, Modern Sportswriting, TSMC Mugs, Tutoring Takes, and Lots More

Listeners dive into intriguing questions about the future of flagship tech companies and Google's AI advancements. The hosts dissect the shift from engineer-led to finance-led management and its risks. Sports writing's evolution is explored, balancing data analysis with storytelling. The complexity of chip production highlights the role of AI versus human expertise. Cool collectibles, like a unique TSMC mug, spark excitement. Finally, they tackle academic pressures in Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of genuine learning over high grades.

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