Big Technology Podcast

Ryan Mac, a tech reporter at The New York Times, and Bobby Allyn, an NPR technology correspondent, dive into the looming ban on TikTok in Montana and its implications for data privacy and competition with platforms like Instagram Reels. They discuss Twitter's pivotal role in the 2024 presidential election and Elon Musk's influence as a Republican kingmaker. The conversation also navigates the complexities of AI regulation and the notorious case of Elizabeth Holmes, highlighting accountability in the tech industry and the future of media engagement.

John Herrman, a contributing editor at New York Magazine, joins Ranjan Roy and Alex Kantrowitz to dissect the latest in tech and e-commerce. They dive into NVIDIA's record earnings amidst an AI boom, illuminating its competitive landscape. The discussion shifts to Temu's rise in e-commerce, highlighting its disruptive pricing and gamification tactics. Ethical dilemmas in fast fashion and the effects of recommendation algorithms on consumer experiences are also scrutinized, painting a vivid picture of the retail industry's future.

Jack Krawczyk, Director of Bard at Google, shares insights on the revolutionary chatbot designed to enhance creativity and reshape user interactions. He discusses Bard's potential impact on the tech landscape compared to traditional search engines. The conversation delves into the vibrant culture at Google and the collaborative energy driving innovative features. Krawczyk emphasizes the importance of user feedback and responsible AI development, addressing concerns around AI sentience while showcasing the team's vision for the future of generative AI tools.

In this engaging discussion, Ranjan Roy, a contributor to Margins known for his keen tech insights, dives into Apple's struggles with its mixed reality device, questioning its design and user appeal. He tackles the potential for an AI bubble in the stock market while exploring regulatory themes, including TikTok's ban in Montana. The conversation shifts to Shein's rapid rise in fast fashion, contrasting the distinct legacies of tech giants Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in shaping the industry. Expect sharp observations and lively analysis!

Richard Mathenge, a former team lead at Sama, shares his gripping experiences from training OpenAI's GPT models in Nairobi. He reveals the harsh realities of his job, including exposure to explicit content and insufficient mental health support. Mathenge discusses the toll this work took on him and his team, highlighting payment disparities and the urgent need for proper advocacy and mental health resources in tech. The conversation emphasizes the human side of AI training and the ethical dilemmas faced by those behind the technology.

Ben Smith, author of "Traffic" and editor-in-chief of Semafor, dives into the changing landscape of social media. He discusses Twitter's new CEO Linda Yaccarino and her mission to regain advertiser trust. The conversation touches on Tucker Carlson's shift to Twitter and the conclusion of the streaming wars. Smith reflects on journalism's evolving role, alongside the impact of social media influencers on political narratives. The episode humorously contrasts Mark Zuckerberg's jiu-jitsu hobby with the pressing issues facing Facebook today.

Ashlee Vance, author of "When the Heavens Went on Sale" and a Bloomberg Businessweek feature writer, shares insights on the modern space race. He discusses the shift towards private companies like SpaceX and Rocket Lab dominating low Earth orbit, revealing how this shift mirrors early internet innovation. Vance also delves into Ukraine's use of satellite technology during conflict, corporate accountability in space, and his unique relationship with Elon Musk, exploring both Musk's ventures and public persona.

Brian McCullough, host of the Techmeme Ride Home Podcast, teams up with Ranjan Roy, a tech and economy expert, to dissect the challenges facing OpenAI's business model, questioning its long-term viability amid significant losses. They also delve into the clash between open-source and proprietary AI, alongside mainstream concerns about AI misuse. The discussion shifts to Apple's mixed reality device, its impact on computing, and Ed Sheeran's copyright win—an intriguing intersection of creativity and AI's future in music.

Ellis Hamburger, former head of marketing strategy at Snap and now a storyteller at The Browser Company, shares his insights on the evolution of social media. He discusses how platforms often sacrifice their unique identities to mimic TikTok. Hamburger delves into the lifecycle of social media companies, highlighting the shift from idealism to monetization pressures. The conversation raises critical questions about user trust and healthier online interactions, exploring the future of platforms like Blue Sky and Be Real amidst the challenges of growth and ethics.

Ranjan Roy, a contributor to Margins, dives into the exciting world of tech news. He discusses the rise of Bluesky, highlighting its potential to reshape social media with a focus on user control. The conversation takes a turn to examine recent big tech earnings, revealing insights about the economy's health. Ranjan also addresses the UK blocking Microsoft's Activision acquisition and reflects on Clubhouse's layoffs. Finally, he poses a thought-provoking question: do we really want human writers to disclose when AI does their writing?