Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson

A question about the future of the NBA as the league sees record revenues and declining ratings, several emails about Apple's continued adventures in AI, and follow-ups to last week's episode on Formula 1, Amazon, chatbots as the AI UI, and tech that removes friction. To email the show: email@sharptech.fm @SharpTechPodcast Channel — YouTube @Stratechery Channel — YouTube Apple Delays Siri Upgrade Indefinitely as AI Concerns Escalate — Bloomberg Apple’s Shifting Differentiation — Stratechery Behind the scenes with Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive,’ capturing the F1 drama of Season 7 — The Athletic 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.

Surveying the streaming landscape in 2025, including YouTube’s opportunity to solve problems for millions of frustrated entertainment consumers, Peacock’s murky future, HBO and the Max mess, and lots more. To email the show: email@sharptech.fm @SharpTechPodcast Channel — YouTube @Stratechery Channel — YouTube An Interview with Michael Nathanson About the Streaming Endgame — Stratechery Interview NBCUniversal is pinning Peacock’s streaming success on its $2.45 billion per year NBA deal — CNBC Spotify Wants to Sell You Concert Tickets — Bloomberg 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.

Amazon's new AI-powered Alexa aims to revolutionize smart home experiences with enhanced features and subscription models. The conversation shifts to OpenAI's potential as a major player in the tech landscape, drawing comparisons to BlackBerry's fall. The hosts address the social implications of technology that prioritizes efficiency, questioning what we lose when we eliminate friction. They also tease an exciting app expected to make waves in 2025, tying together the themes of innovation and user experience.

Dive into the intricate world of geopolitics as tensions rise over Taiwan and its vital role in semiconductor production. Explore the complexities of U.S. chip policies and their implications for national security and tech innovation. Unpack the ongoing struggle between American and Chinese tech dominance while reflecting on the emotional toll of content creation. Tune in for insights on how these dynamics shape the future of AI and global policy amidst a rapidly changing landscape.

Apple faces pressure from the UK government for backdoor access to encrypted data, raising alarms about global data security. The discussion critiques Apple’s decision to pull advanced data protection features, reflecting the tensions between law enforcement needs and user privacy. Insights from an interview with a drone delivery CEO explore the future of tech logistics. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of device security and the ongoing debate about trust in technology, privacy, and encryption.

The discussion kicks off with Xi Jinping's recent engagement with China's tech firms amid a changing landscape. A deep dive into the chip ban reveals potential long-term implications and the uncertainty of a possible course correction. The conversation shifts to the rising influence of DeepSeek in the AI sector, showcasing its impact on competition and market dynamics. Finally, concerns around Taiwan's future and speculations about Trump's strategic maneuvering add an intriguing layer to this complex tech narrative.

Dive into the world of Apple as they discuss earnings and the challenges faced in the China market. The conversation highlights the dual-edge sword of AI in analyzing complex business topics, emphasizing both its organization and potential risks of misinformation. They also navigate the balance between AI insights and human expertise, showcasing the importance of precise prompts. OpenAI's Deep Research tool takes the spotlight, demonstrating its power in streamlining research, all while raising questions about the future of entry-level jobs.

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.

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.

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.