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Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson

Latest episodes

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Oct 28, 2024 • 13min

(Preview) Monday Mailbag: AI Abundance and Enterprise Questions; Automated Podcasts; Big Tech and China Tariffs; Reading Habits

Dive into the exciting world of AI, where the potential for transforming industries like healthcare and energy is immense. Explore how agentic AI is reshaping software licensing and driving the shift to cloud-based models. Imagine the future of work as terraforming gains traction, supported by unlimited energy and automation. Unpack the interplay between AI and energy solutions, highlighting the critical role of nuclear power as we respond to an evolving energy landscape. Get ready for visions of an abundant future!
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5 snips
Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 4min

Understanding Stablecoins and Their Utility, Why Stripe is Buying Bridge, Virtual Reality for NFL Quarterbacks

Explore the fascinating world of stablecoins, gaining insight into their growing utility in crypto and cross-border payments. Discover why Stripe is acquiring the stablecoin platform Bridge and its implications for the payment industry. Delve into advancements in virtual reality technology, especially how NFL quarterbacks are leveraging it to enhance their skills. In the mix, enjoy a lighthearted take on sports fandom and the emotional ties we have to our teams.
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Oct 21, 2024 • 13min

(Preview) Monday Mailbag: The Value of the ChatGPT Brand; OpenAI and Its AGI Clause; Bitter Lesson Follow-Up; Orion and Big Tech Recruiting

The podcast dives into OpenAI's staggering $157 billion valuation and how it stacks up against tech giants. It also highlights the booming brand value of ChatGPT and its competitive edge in the AI landscape. A discussion follows on the implications of the AGI clause in the OpenAI-Microsoft partnership. They explore the impact of elite talent recruitment on big tech companies and revisit lessons learned from autonomous driving data. This insightful conversation weaves together brand dynamics and the evolving narrative of AI investments.
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12 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 1h 5min

Tesla and the Road to True Autonomy, Strategy that Starts with the Dream, Regulation and Market Questions

Dive into Tesla's unique approach to achieving true autonomy, where customer feedback shapes their tech strategies. Discover how they stack up against competitors like Waymo, emphasizing data-driven outcomes over elaborate mapping. The podcast also examines regulatory challenges in autonomous vehicles and the contrasting strategies between American and European markets. Plus, get insights into the intense rivalry in Formula 1, focusing on the mental versus physical aspects of racing, especially between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.
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Oct 14, 2024 • 15min

(Preview) Monday Mailbag: A Moment for SpaceX; After the End of the Beginning; Tesla's 'We, Robot' Event; Waymo Follow-Up

A thrilling discussion unfolds around SpaceX's recent breakthrough in rocket recovery, showcasing innovative engineering. The conversation dives into how reusability in space travel could drive humanity's ambitions toward Mars. Comparisons of public perception highlight the contrasting feelings about SpaceX's successes versus Tesla's technology. Geopolitical implications come to the fore as the impact of low-orbit satellites on national security is examined, spotlighting SpaceX's role amid global competition.
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Oct 10, 2024 • 12min

(Preview) Google and the Search for Antitrust Remedies, Network Effects and Natural Monopolies, Waymo vs. Tesla for the Future of Transportation

A recent ruling targets Google's App Store practices, aiming to boost competition. The complexities of antitrust challenges reveal how network effects hinder new market entrants. The discussion shifts to Tesla and Waymo, showcasing their divergent paths in autonomous driving. Tesla’s unique approach contrasts sharply with Waymo's strategy, highlighting the competitive landscape in transportation. Additionally, the friction between developers and app store policies raises concerns about innovation and economic viability in the tech ecosystem.
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Oct 2, 2024 • 11min

(Preview) Waymo and Our Automated Future, Augmented Reality and Form Factor Questions, NotebookLM and Media Consumption

In this discussion, Ben from Waymo shares insights on the implications of AI automation in our future. He dives into the arrival of NotebookLM and its potential impact on media consumption. The conversation also covers the challenges faced by platforms like Uber and the future of technologies such as the Vision Pro. With plenty of thought-provoking moments, Ben emphasizes the need to adapt to change and explores the evolving relationship between AI, creativity, and communication.
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Sep 30, 2024 • 12min

(Preview) Mailbag Monday: Meta and the Smartphone; Upheaval at OpenAI; Dossier Censorship; ESPN and Media Consumption

Zach Lowe, a prominent sports media figure, dives into the competitive landscape of tech and sports. He discusses Meta's Orion glasses and how they stack up against Apple. The conversation shifts to the recent upheaval at OpenAI, touching on major resignations and the company's shift towards consumer tech. Lowe also critiques the decision to limit access to a controversial dossier and reflects on ESPN's media strategy, especially after his departure. It's a compelling blend of technology and media insights!
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Sep 27, 2024 • 1h

Meta Previews an Augmented Reality Future, Orion and the Apple Vision Pro, A Call for More Live Keynotes

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, and Andrew Bosworth, CTO of Meta, share insights on the future of augmented reality and their recent innovations. They discuss the exciting atmosphere during Zuckerberg’s keynote and compare the Orion AR glasses with Apple’s Vision Pro. The conversation touches on the evolution of tech presentations, emphasizing the need for engaging live demos. They also explore the competitive dynamics between Meta and Apple, highlighting manufacturing challenges and the collaboration with Ray-Ban, all while reimagining the future of social networks.
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Sep 23, 2024 • 14min

(Preview) Mailbag Monday: Sports Gambling Apps; PlayStation’s New Price Point; Robotics and AI Upheaval; Apple’s ‘Intelligence’ Ads

Delve into the explosive world of sports gambling apps and their ethical implications. Discover how aggressive advertising strategies shape the landscape, featuring giants like DraftKings and FanDuel. The discussion navigates the risky complexities of gambling behavior in the smartphone era. Plus, explore the future of gaming consoles with insights on Sony's pricing strategies for the PlayStation Pro. Buckle up for a thrilling conversation on tech, morals, and market dynamics!

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