

Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson
Andrew Sharp and Ben Thompson
A podcast about understanding how tech works and the way it is changing the world. Hosted by Andrew Sharp with Ben Thompson.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 6, 2024 • 13min
(Preview) What Walmart Could Offer to Advertisers, Walmart's Momentum in E-Commerce, AI Skepticism and the Logic of a Bubble
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon discusses Walmart's ad business challenges, becoming an Amazon competitor; AI skepticism talk leads to bubble discussion. Plus, NBA Finals picks.

25 snips
Jun 3, 2024 • 1h 10min
Generative AI and Hardware Upgrades, Google History and the Dark GPU Theory, Amazon’s Logistics Long Play
Exploring generative AI in voice assistants, GPU future projections, Amazon's logistics strategies, and a review of the Cybertruck. Discussions on Apple's AI plans, Google's dark fiber purchase, Nvidia's GPU models, and Amazon's e-commerce dominance. An in-depth look at investments in future technologies, shareholder reactions, and the evolving GPU market landscape.

4 snips
May 30, 2024 • 13min
(Preview) Big Questions About an AI Future, The State of LLMs 18 Months After ChatGPT, AI and Google/Apple/Microsoft
Exploring AI's disruptive potential in the workplace, TSMC's influence on probabilistic LLMs, AI as a differentiator for big companies, frustrations with tech barriers. Also, a note about Scarlett Johannson. Plus, updates on AI integration, Microsoft PAINT, and Apple's AI strategy.

May 23, 2024 • 12min
(Preview) Can Microsoft Make PCs Cool Again?, What Windows is Offering Developers, Scarlett Johansson and OpenAI
Scarlett Johansson and Sam Altman discuss Microsoft's new PC innovations at Build, the potential for Windows as an AI platform for developers, and Johansson's concerns about OpenAI's use of her voice. The episode delves into tech giants' strategies, AI differentiation, platform stability, and the challenges of developing for cutting-edge technologies.

6 snips
May 20, 2024 • 1h 6min
Netflix Gets the NFL for Christmas, The Streaming Wars Become the Bundle Wars, Leagues and Studios and Internet Realities
Netflix secures NFL games, internalizes ads, and bundles with Disney and Warner Bros; Leagues adapt to internet realities. Review of 'Her', voice assistance future also discussed.

May 17, 2024 • 18min
(Preview) Good and Bad from Google I/O, Google and the Digital Economy, Mail on LLMs and SpaceX
Reactions to Google I/O, AI makeover for search, mailbag questions on Google Cloud, Apple's rumored partnership with OpenAI, Amazon, and SpaceX's ascent. Exploring Google's strengths and weaknesses, AI advancements, and strategic format changes by tech giants.

May 14, 2024 • 11min
(Preview) OpenAI and the Latency Leap, Questions About an Apple/OpenAI Partnership, A Defense of AI Dating Agents
Reactions to GPT-4o demo, OpenAI's relation to consumer tech, potential Apple partnership. A follow-up on Apple's ads, defense of Bumble CEO.

7 snips
May 9, 2024 • 1h 8min
A Disastrous (and Resonant) New iPad Commercial, The Future of Google Search, Tom Brady and the Netflix Roast
Topics discussed include the controversial iPad commercial, the future of Google search, and insights on the Tom Brady roast by Netflix. The show explores the impact of technology in media consumption, the allure of high-end technology products, and Google's evolving search strategy.

May 7, 2024 • 13min
(Preview) Apple in China and Japan, The iPad as a Mac Replacement, Apple and the Growth Premium
Discussions on Apple's presence in China and Japan, the iPad's potential as a Mac replacement, Apple's growth premium, and Meta's investments in the Metaverse. Also, insights on Apple acquisitions and the Vision Pro.

May 2, 2024 • 15min
(Preview) The NBA Creates a Rights Bidding War, The Optimal NBA Schedule, RSNs and the Future of Customer Acquisition
The podcast delves into the fierce battle for NBA broadcast rights, the optimal NBA schedule, and the future of regional sports networks. Topics include major media corporations competing for rights, Netflix's strategic approach, sports rights impact on streaming services, and NBC's aggressive pursuit in the NBA broadcasting market.


