Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson

The podcast delves into the fading era of the ad-supported internet, examining its past significance and the challenges it faces today. With engaging parallels to sports, the discussion highlights how niche products thrive thanks to digital connectivity. It critiques the current advertising landscape, unpacking the decline in effectiveness and its effects on open web usability. The conversation wraps up with a thought-provoking look at evolving AI workflows and the human-AI interaction paradigm, signaling exciting changes ahead.

OpenAI is making waves by acquiring Jony Ive's hardware startup for a whopping $6.5 billion, raising intriguing questions about the future of AI devices. The hosts discuss the competitive landscape with giants like Apple and Google, emphasizing the need for design innovation. They critique recent tech presentations for lacking authenticity and explore the evolving role of generative AI in video creation. The conversation also touches on the chaotic world of sports social media, highlighting the importance of distinguishing real narratives from misinformation.

Recent partnerships between the U.S. and Middle Eastern nations in AI are reshaping tech landscapes. The discussion highlights significant investments and collaborations, including a major data center in Abu Dhabi. Also, OpenAI's acquisition of Windsurf raises questions about future innovation. With changes in AI policies and the repeal of diffusion rules, the conversation delves into what this means for American tech leadership and the competitive arena, especially against China.

The hosts dive into Airbnb's revamped app, exploring its ambitious expansion into personal services like meals and spa treatments. They humorously critique the gap between the company's idealistic mission and revenue strategies, revealing inconsistencies in branding. Discussions on Brian Chesky’s presentation style highlight the clash between design ambitions and marketplace realities, while reflecting on Airbnb's evolution from community-focused to a more transactional experience. Insights on shifting public perceptions toward Airbnb and Uber add depth to the conversation.

Dive into the fascinating evolution of app platforms, spotlighting the App Store's impact and regulatory challenges. Explore Apple's potential pivot to AI-driven search, shaking up the long-standing dominance of Google. The discussion delves into the future of higher education, reflecting on how AI tools like ChatGPT are reshaping learning and academic integrity. Personal anecdotes and critiques on product choices and Google's AI capabilities add a nuanced perspective on the interplay between technology and consumer experience.

The podcast dives into the heated legal conflict between Apple and Epic Games, focusing on in-app purchase policies. It discusses the risks Apple faces as it navigates this ongoing battle and the potential need for regulatory changes. The conversation shifts to Meta's ambitious plans for AI business agents, raising questions about the future of Facebook. Lastly, an entertaining proposal for AI officiating in the NBA is humorously shot down, adding a light-hearted twist to the tech-heavy discussion.

Dive into the world of Meta's groundbreaking AI app and its potential impact on advertising strategies. Hear insights from a conversation with Mark Zuckerberg about how this could reshape personalized experiences. Plus, the fallout from a significant court ruling against Apple, raising questions about consumer rights and responsibilities. Finally, a discussion on the financial dynamics of tech journalism subscriptions and their implications for transparency in reporting. A mix of humor and critical tech trends awaits!

After last week's conversation about AI for companionship, Ben and Andrew answer emails about the future of personalized LLM answers, speculative costs and benefits, the tension between building trust and building a product with 3 billion customers, and much more. To email the show: email@sharptech.fm @SharpTechPodcast Channel — YouTube @Stratechery Channel — YouTube ChatGPT Memory, Boundaries and AI Companions, Auren — Stratechery Update Tech’s Two Philosophies — Stratechery How People Are Really Using Gen AI in 2025 — Harvard Business Review 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.

Talking through Ben's article on Apple and the Ghosts of Companies Past, including Apple's religious commitment to privacy, untapped platform potential in AI, parallels to Intel, and why Tim Cook is probably the wrong CEO to undertake the cultural shifts today that may be required for the company to thrive tomorrow. At the end: An AppleTV+ public service announcement. To email the show: email@sharptech.fm @SharpTechPodcast Channel — YouTube @Stratechery Channel — YouTube Apple and the Ghosts of Companies Past — Stratechery The Intel Opportunity — Stratechery The Deal That Makes No Sense — Stratechery Apple is Losing Over $1 Billion a Year on Streaming Service — The Information 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.

The discussion delves into memory capabilities for ChatGPT and their potential to enhance AI companionship. It also critiques OpenAI's platform ambitions and explores why Google Circles flopped despite its innovation. Listeners will enjoy insights into the challenges of integrating AI across different applications. Additionally, the talk touches on the dynamics between tech platforms, contrasting super apps in China with those in the U.S., all while drawing parallels to college football and its lessons for the tech world.