Big Technology Podcast

Todd Sherman, the product lead for YouTube Shorts and a veteran from Twitter and Snap, dives into the competitive world of short-form video. He discusses YouTube's innovative strategies to compete with TikTok and the evolution of platforms like Vine. Sherman sheds light on the newly launched YouTube Shorts for smart TVs, emphasizing the shift to communal viewing. The conversation also explores the challenges creators face, the importance of algorithms, and how user engagement shapes the landscape of short-form content.

Marshall Kosloff and Saagar Enjeti, co-hosts of The Realignment podcast, dive into the impact of the midterm elections on tech and politics. They discuss inflation, the challenges for the Biden administration, and the evolving landscape of social media, particularly under Elon Musk's leadership on Twitter. The duo also explores the geopolitical implications of the Ukraine conflict and the future of emerging technologies like TikTok and the metaverse, emphasizing how these factors might shape voter sentiment and policy in 2024.

Simon Balmain, a former senior community manager at Twitter, shares his firsthand experience of the company's recent layoffs and the emotional turmoil within. He discusses the chaotic atmosphere post-Elon Musk's acquisition, highlighting breakdowns in communication and morale. Balmain reflects on leadership changes and their impact on company culture, as well as Twitter's struggle to adapt its revenue model amidst fierce competition. Ultimately, he emphasizes the need for empathy and community support during such challenging transitions in the tech industry.

Eric Jackson, president and portfolio manager at EMJ Capital, dives into the significant downturn of major tech companies, focusing particularly on Meta's staggering 71% drop this year. He discusses the fierce competition Meta faces from TikTok, the implications of their pivot to the metaverse, and the skepticism surrounding their operational expenditures. The conversation expands to include Amazon's struggles and Apple's contrasting resilience, shedding light on the shifting dynamics of the tech market and what the future might hold for these giants.

Carmel DeAmicis, a former journalist and the 20th employee at Figma, shares her journey of the company's meteoric rise that surprised Adobe. She discusses Figma's innovative approach to real-time collaboration and how it disrupted traditional design workflows. DeAmicis reveals the cultural revolution within Figma that contrasted sharply with toxic environments at other tech giants. She also explores how Adobe's complacency allowed Figma to thrive, ultimately leading to a $20 billion acquisition that signals a significant shift in the design software landscape.

Anil Seth, a professor of cognitive and computational neuroscience at the University of Sussex and author of 'Being You,' dives into the fascinating realm of consciousness and AI. He explores what defines consciousness and the scientific hurdles AI must overcome to achieve it. The discussion also touches on the ethical dilemmas posed by AI in the metaverse, the simulation hypothesis, and the subjective nature of free will. Seth emphasizes the importance of understanding individual perceptions and the moral responsibilities that come with developing conscious machines.

Ranjan Roy, co-author of the Margins newsletter and a regular contributor to CNBC's Tech Check, dives into the complexities of the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies and their detrimental effects on tech valuations. He discusses the resilience of the labor market amid economic challenges and explores the fierce competition in the short-form video landscape among platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Roy also touches on the intriguing dynamics surrounding Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition and its implications for the tech industry.

In this engaging discussion, Tom Alison, Head of the Facebook app at Meta, shares insights on innovating to compete with TikTok and attract younger audiences. He delves into Facebook's evolving identity, emphasizing the push for personalized, user-driven content and the integration of short-form videos. Alison also unpacks the challenges of maintaining user trust while fostering community engagement and explores Facebook’s role as a 'third place' for social connections. It’s a candid look at navigating the fast-changing social media landscape.

Frances Haugen, a former Facebook employee and founder of the non-profit Beyond the Screen, discusses the fallout from her leaked documents revealing internal practices that affected public trust and Meta's stock. She contrasts Facebook's decline with TikTok's rise, emphasizing the impact of user behavior and data privacy. Haugen advocates for transparency and ethical practices in social media, while also sharing personal insights on health changes from moving to Puerto Rico. It's a lively conversation packed with nuance and laughter!

Prabhakar Raghavan, Google’s senior vice president, shares insights from his role overseeing Search, Maps, and more. He discusses the evolution of search technology, emphasizing the shift towards human-centric interactions and natural language queries. Raghavan highlights how AI advancements are transforming Google’s offerings and improving everyday communication. He also addresses the challenges in digital advertising and the importance of maintaining trust in an increasingly complex tech landscape. Expect a look into the future of search and innovation!