Big Technology Podcast

Ranjan Roy, Editor at Margins, dives into the $100 billion investment from NVIDIA in OpenAI, questioning its potential and the implications for AI profitability. They explore whether AI companies need to monetize their efforts eventually and discuss the economic risks involved in such investments. Ranjan critiques OpenAI's new Pulse feature as possibly intrusive and explores Meta's latest AI-driven content, dubbing it 'sloppy vibes.' The conversation wraps with Ranjan's skepticism about the viability of a TikTok deal amid geopolitical hurdles.

Yinon Costica, co-founder and VP of Product at Wiz—a cloud security company acquired by Google—dives into the cybersecurity implications of generative AI. He reveals how AI creates new software vulnerabilities and discusses alarming trends like ‘vibe coding.’ Yinon highlights the asymmetry faced by defenders against automated attacks and the urgent need for robust security measures. He also touches on the risks of hacking autonomous vehicles and the importance of democratizing security across organizations to fend off emerging threats.

Ranjan Roy, a thoughtful newsletter author at Margins, returns to share insights on the tech landscape. He dives deep into how users interact with ChatGPT, highlighting practical guidance and the implications of AI in decision-making. The conversation also touches on the potential impact of Meta’s $799 AI glasses and their social ramifications. Finally, they ponder if Jimmy Kimmel can remain relevant today and explore the evolving nature of audience ownership in the age of digital media.

Aaron Levie, CEO of Box, shares insights on the alarming report suggesting that 95% of businesses see no return on their AI investments. He examines the disconnect between AI hype and reality, emphasizing the need for tailored use cases to foster success. The conversation dives into the challenges of integrating AI in consumer products and the evolution of AI agents. Levie also discusses the emergence of GPT-5 and its transformative impact across various industries, highlighting the strategic choices companies must make in the competitive AI landscape.

Ranjan Roy, a writer at Margins and a frequent technology analyst, dives into the latest trends in tech and business. He discusses the surprising target audience for Apple’s new iPhone Air and questions if smartphones have hit their peak design. The conversation touches on Nepal's Gen Z revolution, harnessing Discord to effect change against corruption. They also explore the rise of generative AI and its potential to disrupt the smartphone market, along with San Francisco’s controversial 996 work culture that raises important questions about work-life balance.

Bill Vass, the Chief Technology Officer of Booz Allen and a former Amazon executive, shares insights on how AI can revolutionize government efficiency. He discusses the potential of AI in cutting redundancy and improving citizen services, including its deployment in various sectors from the VA to space. Vass also explores autonomous driving, the complexities of modernizing government technology, and the evolving landscape of quantum computing, emphasizing the need for better collaboration and innovation in the public sector.

Explore Google's thrilling legal wins and partnerships with Apple, especially around AI innovations. Dive into the competitive race in voice tech, with Siri potentially leveling up through Google's Gemini. Discover the viral impact of the Nano Banana image creator, revolutionizing digital art. Meanwhile, ponder the rising costs and ethical dilemmas of AI alongside a fascinating discussion on Putin and Xi's quest for immortality. Finally, get the lowdown on the anticipated iPhone 17, where innovation races against consumer expectations.

Ben Rapoport and Michael Mager, co-founders of Precision Neuroscience, delve into the fascinating world of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). They discuss using BCIs for revolutionizing stroke rehabilitation, decoding consciousness in coma patients, and treating depression with AI-driven neural biomarkers. The duo explores the potential to merge human cognition with machines, highlighting the ethical challenges and transformative possibilities. Their insights promise to change our understanding of the brain and reshape medical treatments.

M.G. Siegler, author of Spyglass and an expert in Big Tech strategy and AI, joins to dissect whether OpenAI's rollout of GPT-5 was a blunder. He explores user backlash and emotional ties to AI, questioning corporate accountability. The conversation turns to Apple's upcoming iPhone lineup, including a foldable model, and the challenges facing Intel, now partly owned by the U.S. government under the CHIPS Act. Insights into tech competition and the future of AI also flow, offering a riveting glimpse into the industry's evolving landscape.

Sally Adee, a science journalist and author of 'We Are Electric,' dives into the fascinating world of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). She explores how electrical impulses drive our thoughts and movements, the groundbreaking potential of BCIs for disabled individuals, and the ethics surrounding pleasure-enhancing technology. Adee discusses innovative topics like limb regrowth in tadpoles, cancer cells that disrupt electrical balance, and the future challenges of keeping implants functional. Tune in for an electrifying journey through science and ethics!