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Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson

Latest episodes

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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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Sep 19, 2024 • 14min

(Preview) OpenAI's Latest Model Is Not Like the Others, Copilot Pages and Salesforce Agents, When AI Moves from Copilots to Airplanes

Dive into the intriguing details of OpenAI's latest model, o1, and how it stands apart from its predecessors. Explore the potential of Microsoft's Copilot Pages and Marc Benioff’s innovative vision for Salesforce Agents. The discussion also sheds light on the challenges AI faces in creative tasks versus programming. Uncover the innovative training methods like reinforcement learning that could redefine generative AI's future, highlighting the fine line between learned responses and true intelligence.
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Sep 16, 2024 • 10min

(Preview) Mailbag Monday: Politics as Monoculture; Startup Anxiety in Europe and China; WhatsApp Spam

Dive into a playful exploration of how politics has become America’s leading pop culture phenomenon. The discussion connects sports fandom to political identity and examines the decline of traditional viewership during debates. Discover the rise of streaming among youth and the impact of hyper-targeted news on public opinion. With a mix of humor and insight, the episode critiques the notion of politics as a zero-sum game, revealing its implications on societal engagement and fragmentation.
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Sep 12, 2024 • 58min

The Strategic Logic of the iPhone 16, Services Upside and Downside, Steve Jobs and Modern Apple

The discussion kicks off with the new iPhone 16 and its powerful A18 chip, spotlighting its camera redesign and pricing strategy. Insights into Apple's revenue strategies reveal a shift toward maximizing services while grappling with hardware sales. The podcast delves into the complexities of the App Store's ecosystem, potential regulatory changes, and the impact of Steve Jobs on Apple's present. There's also a critical look at Apple's cautious AI integration and the challenges it faces in maintaining its innovative edge.
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Sep 9, 2024 • 11min

(Preview) Mailbag Monday: Three Apple Questions, Intel and Founder Mode, 230 Follow-Up, China’s Chip Ambitions

Paul Graham, a renowned entrepreneur and startup guru, joins the discussion to tackle fascinating questions about Apple's latest moves and innovations. He dives into the complexities of Apple's diverse range of products and how that 'paradox of choice' affects consumer decisions. The conversation also touches on the new 'founder mode' concept and Apple's ambitions in foldable devices. Additionally, Graham provides insights into the challenges facing China’s chip production amidst geopolitical tensions.
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Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 2min

Understanding Intel’s Decline, Searching for Structural CHIPS Solutions, The Future of Section 230 Protections

The decline of Intel takes center stage, with analysis of the tech giant's manufacturing challenges and strategic missteps. A fascinating dive into the history of Section 230 reveals its pivotal role in shaping online platform liability, especially after a tragic TikTok case. The conversation further explores how evolving interpretations and recent legal battles could reshape the future of social media, content moderation, and First Amendment rights, leaving listeners contemplating the potential ramifications for the entire tech ecosystem.
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27 snips
Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 1min

The Arrest of Pavel Durov, Encryption Explanations and Moderation Questions, Mark Zuckerberg’s Letter to Congress

In this discussion, Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, dives into the legal challenges he faces in France regarding crime on his platform. He contrasts Telegram's encryption features with those of other messaging apps, raising thought-provoking questions about user privacy and content moderation. The conversation touches on Mark Zuckerberg's recent letter to Congress, exploring the tensions between censorship, government pressure, and tech ethics. Durov reflects on the delicate balance between free expression and accountability in the digital age.
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Aug 26, 2024 • 12min

(Preview) Mailbag: Disney’s Taylor Swift Expansion, Canva and IPOs, Perplexity in Paris, SaaS for Cars, The Online Recipe Economy

Melanie Perkins, CEO of Canva and a key figure in redefining design processes, joins the discussion to tackle listener questions. They dive into Disney's bold expansion plans, including its significant cruise investment and the innovative 'Taylor Swift era' experience. The conversation navigates the complexities of scarcity in entertainment, reflected in both Taylor's concert tours and Disney's evolving business strategies. Additionally, they explore the competitive landscape for Canva, particularly against emerging players in the design market.
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Aug 22, 2024 • 14min

(Preview) Canva and the Disruption Ideal, What AI Could Mean for Graphic Design, Fubo and Venu and FUBAR Post-Cable Plans

In this chat, Melanie Perkins, the CEO of Canva, dives into how generative AI is transforming graphic design and social media marketing. She highlights the rapid shift from text to visual communication and the implications for learning in a video-centric world. Melanie also explores Canva's journey toward an IPO, discussing the hurdles and the competitive landscape around public versus private companies. Plus, she touches on the challenges faced by retail investors eager to get in on high-growth firms.
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Aug 19, 2024 • 11min

(Preview) Mailbag: Smartphone Subsidies, Apple Intelligence and Search, Surgeon Groupchats, The Metaverse and AI

The discussion dives into the buy now, pay later model for smartphones and its impact on consumer behavior. It explores the shifting dynamics of mobile carriers and how competition is reshaping pricing strategies. The talk also touches on Apple’s internal struggles with technical challenges and legacy systems. Additionally, they delve into listener questions about Apple employees' opinions on App Store policies and the implications of smartphone economics in today’s digital world.

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