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Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson

Latest episodes

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5 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 14min

(Preview) Mailbag: Building Toward Self-Driving Computers, Capitalism and Its Trade-Offs, The Reels-ification of 'X'

Explore the fascinating intersection of generative AI and user interfaces as they redefine how we interact with technology. Discover insights into the impact of capitalism on global birth rates and the future of wearable tech. Dive into the evolution of self-driving computers, drawing parallels to the iPhone's revolution. The conversation also touches on American lithography and the intriguing 'Reels-ification' of social media platforms. A thought-provoking mix of tech, history, and societal implications awaits!
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28 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 4min

Gelsinger Out at Intel, 20 Years of Structural Challenges and Strategic Blindspots, The Board and What’s Next

The podcast dissects the implications of Intel's CEO Pat Gelsinger's unexpected exit, highlighting two decades of strategic blunders. Insightful discussions cover Intel's struggles in adapting to mobile technology, contrasting management approaches with competitors like NVIDIA and TSMC, and the fallout from the CHIPS Act. The analysis also touches on internal leadership crises, missed opportunities, and potential paths for Intel’s future, including transforming into a fabless company, questioning resilience in a rapidly evolving industry.
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7 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 14min

(Preview) Mailbag: AppLovin on a Tear, The Business of OnlyFans, Questions on OpenAI and Elon Musk

Dive into the remarkable rise of AppLovin, the powerhouse in mobile gaming advertising, and learn how Apple's privacy policies have reshaped the ad landscape. Unpack the explosive success of OnlyFans and its implications on digital content creation. Explore the evolving world of ad technology and how platforms adapt to new privacy regulations. Discover the intricate strategies companies use in the mobile gaming ad network, revealing the synergy between gaming and advertising. It's a fascinating look at market dynamics and innovation.
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14 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 18min

(Preview) LLM Utilities, Google Disruption, Remote Work Angst, Family Tech Support, and a Thanksgiving Mailbag

Listeners are treated to a holiday special filled with subscriber emails. Topics dive into the integration of LLMs into workflows and the human reactions to AI-generated content. There's an insightful discussion on the disruption risks facing Google. A young engineer's remote work challenges are addressed, alongside some humorous family tech support tales. The show even touches on creating reality shows and features an amusing unpaid shoe testimonial. A festive mix of insights and levity awaits!
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10 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 1h 9min

America and the Trade Status Quo, Tariffs and What May Come Next, A Chance to Build in Tech and Beyond

Explore the shifting dynamics of trade and tariffs in the U.S., focusing on the tech industry's evolution. The impact of China's tech advancements and the complexities of U.S.-China economic relations come into play. Delve into the resurgence of American innovation and the challenges within manufacturing post-COVID. The crucial role of semiconductors in geopolitics is discussed, alongside the potential revival of American factories. Finally, the conversation looks at how regulation can either stifle or stimulate technological growth.
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12 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 13min

(Preview) Monday Mailbag: Netflix and Its Mike Tyson Adventures; WBD Settles with the NBA; Lessons from Building Passport

The discussion dives into Netflix's ambitious foray into live streaming with the Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, unraveling what went wrong and its cultural implications. There’s a deep analysis of viewership numbers against traditional broadcasts and the technological hurdles streaming platforms face. Insights into the resolution of Warner Bros. Discovery's legal tussle with the NBA add to the intrigue. The conversation wraps with takeaways from the journey of building the Passport tool for creators, showcasing lessons learned along the way.
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Nov 14, 2024 • 12min

(Preview) Today’s Internet and Tomorrow’s AI Innovation, Progress Reportedly Slowing for New LLMs, The Vision Pro as a Productivity Device

The conversation kicks off with a thought-provoking question about the internet's role in the AI transformation. There's a discussion on how major players like OpenAI and Google are facing challenges in advancing LLMs. Insights on the Vision Pro reveal its potential as a productivity device, with strategic advice for Apple. Additionally, the speakers reflect on Twitter's evolution, pondering the nostalgia for its vibrant past amidst today's chaotic atmosphere. Technology's impact on human interactions and society is a central theme throughout.
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Nov 7, 2024 • 16min

(Preview) What Trump 2.0 Could Mean for Tech, Questions on Antitrust, EU and Growth, Elon Musk and the Election

Dive into the political landscape's effect on tech as analysts ponder Trump's potential return. Discover how Apple weaves through U.S.-China tensions and trade dynamics. Explore the contrasting fates of giants like Meta and Google under different administrations. The discussion also touches on antitrust questions, crypto policies, and the influence of platforms like TikTok in today’s market. Plus, insights into Elon Musk's rising prominence during electoral shifts add a captivating twist!
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Nov 4, 2024 • 18min

(Preview) Monday Mailbag: The James Harden of Tech; Bandwidth and the Video Takeover; Gen AI and Ads; Political Donation Texts

The podcast draws an amusing parallel between NBA star James Harden and the tech world, highlighting the addictive power of short-form content like TikTok. It dives into the history of internet bandwidth that fueled video dominance. Generative AI's impact on digital ads sparks intriguing debates. A listener's frustrations with political donation texts add to the mix, while Ben shares insights on his Google Pixel experiment gone awry. It's a lively blend of sports, tech, and modern media dilemmas.
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13 snips
Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 10min

Meta and an Abundance of AI Opportunities, When AI Integrates Into the Feed, AI for UI and One Emailer's Dismay

The discussion dives into Meta's future in the e-commerce space, emphasizing the shift towards AI-generated content and its role in advertising. New strategies in targeting and the impact of privacy measures are explored, alongside the potential downside of integrating AI into social media feeds. The conversation highlights the challenges of user engagement and the balance of influencer marketing. Lastly, it reflects on the emotional impacts of a tech-driven world, advocating for awareness and management of our digital experiences.

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