Big Technology Podcast

Bret Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Sierra and OpenAI board chair, is a veteran tech leader who helped build Google Maps, Facebook, and Salesforce. He explores how AI agents could replace dashboards and forms, reshaping software interfaces and discovery. He also discusses who will build these agents, new economics for online discovery, and why business-model change is the hardest part.

Ranjan Roy, technology and business analyst at Margins, returns to unpack Davos news, OpenAI’s reported $50B raise and what that means for monetization and IPO timing. He digs into ads appearing in ChatGPT and the strategic game of AI advertising. They also unpack rumors of an Apple AI wearable pin and which hardware form factors might win.

Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, is a pioneering AI researcher known for leading breakthroughs like AlphaGo. In this conversation, he discusses the current state of AI and the potential for future breakthroughs, including a five to ten-year timeline for achieving true AGI. Hassabis emphasizes the importance of continual learning, memory, and hybrid systems in advancing AI. He also shares insights on Google’s ambitious AI glasses project and the ethical considerations surrounding AI and advertising. It’s a thought-provoking look at the future of intelligence.

Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, leads the charge in AI and wearable technologies. He discusses the future of AI devices, highlighting how wearables could surpass smartphones with a market potential of 10 billion. Amon envisions AI-powered glasses offering real-time contextual assistance and expresses concerns about privacy and human choices. He also delves into the importance of edge computing in the AI race and contrasts consumer versus enterprise demands for AI PCs. With insights on robotics and China's advancements, Amon paints a vivid picture of AI's transformative potential.

Ranjan Roy, a tech commentator from Margins, joins the discussion to dissect recent advancements in AI. They explore Google's potential dominance with its Gemini model and its integration with Siri. The duo debates the implications for Google's ad model and ponders which company—Google or OpenAI—will excel in AI-driven advertising. They also tackle the concerning state of Thinking Machines Lab amidst recent turmoil, and introduce Claude Cowork, a new tool empowering non-coders to leverage AI. It’s a fascinating dive into the future of technology!

Arthur Mensch, Co-founder and CEO of Mistral, shares insights on the AI landscape as foundational models become commoditized. He emphasizes the shift from creating better models to focusing on practical applications that meet enterprise needs. Mensch discusses the strategic fork between premium model offerings and customizable open-source services, as well as the importance of iterative development and user feedback. He also explores the geopolitical implications of AI and highlights Mistral's role in promoting European innovation against global competition.

M.G. Siegler, a tech investor and writer at Spyglass, joins to explore whether AI needs a charismatic leader like Steve Jobs. They discuss challenges in marketing AI, the lack of standout products from big tech firms, and privacy concerns fueling skepticism. Siegler introduces his 'AI Chaos Ladder' concept to assess stability among tech giants, particularly highlighting Google’s current lead. Plus, they share bold predictions for 2026, including potential developments from Apple and implications for the future of AI.

Join Ranjan Roy, a tech writer from Margins, as he breaks down the latest innovations in AI. They explore Claude Code's groundbreaking autonomy and its implications for knowledge work. Ranjan discusses OpenAI's entry into healthcare and how chatbots could revolutionize doctor-patient interactions. They also ponder the ethics of prediction markets and whether busywork has a place in a world dominated by AI. This conversation shines a light on how AI can free us for more creative thinking!

In this engaging discussion, Michael Intrator, CEO of CoreWeave, and Brian Venturo, Chief Strategy Officer, dive into the company’s rapid rise in the AI sector. They share their experiences of expanding data centers at lightning speed, transitioning from crypto beginnings to AI infrastructure. Delving into the technical aspects, they reveal how their unique cooling systems and software set them apart. The duo also discusses managing risks, utilizing debt for growth, and how market downturns may open up new opportunities. Insightful and candid, their insights paint a picture of a fascinating and dynamic business.

Ranjan Roy, a tech and business commentator from Margins, dives into the latest developments in the tech world. He discusses Meta’s acquisition of Manus and its potential as a consumer AI strategy. The duo explores the implications of AI-driven advertising for Meta’s future and critiques the current state of Instagram aesthetics influenced by AI. They also tackle the troubling issues surrounding Grok's recent scandal involving inappropriate AI-generated content. Finally, they ponder why younger generations are drawn to betting as a response to financial uncertainties.