Stratechery

Ben Thompson
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162 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 14min

OpenAI's Windows Play

Explore OpenAI's ambitious strategy to become the dominant OS in AI, akin to Windows in the computing world. Discover how integrating apps like Canva and Zillow within ChatGPT transforms user interactions. Delve into the implications of OpenAI's multi-billion dollar partnership with AMD, challenging NVIDIA’s market stronghold. The conversation highlights the unique competitive landscape between OpenAI and Google, and the potential long-term benefits of building robust AI infrastructure.
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106 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 25min

Sora, AI Bicycles, and Meta Disruption

The discussion dives into Sora's viral, AI-generated content and its resemblance to platforms like TikTok. Ben explores the creative liberation Sora offers, likening it to a 'bicycle for the mind.' The analysis extends to Meta's challenges with AI, as Sora poses a significant threat to its attention economy. He also reflects on the importance of storytelling in engaging users, while questioning whether traditional social networks can adapt to the new wave of AI-driven creativity. The implications for personal superintelligence in social media are intriguing!
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159 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 18min

The YouTube Tip of the Google Spear

Recent AI deal dynamics are explored, highlighting NVIDIA's investment in OpenAI and its role in accelerating AI adoption through ChatGPT. The shift from text to video as the primary social media medium is discussed, emphasizing YouTube's massive reach. Key insights are shared about AI's impact on content creation, especially through features like product tagging in videos, turning each clip into ad inventory. The closing thoughts center on YouTube's position as Google's leading force in the AI landscape, hinting at its explosive future potential.
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229 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 15min

iPhones 17 and the Sugar Water Trap

Delve into Apple's strategic moves in a shifting tech landscape, examining how its services sector impacts user growth and revenue. Discover the fallout of potential Google payment bans on innovation for companies like Apple. Reflect on Apple's transition from an innovation powerhouse to perceived stagnation, questioning its current focus on profits. Get the latest on the iPhone 17 and its nuanced advancements, including camera enhancements, while acknowledging the pressure from rising AI competition in the industry.
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138 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 16min

U.S. Intel

Dive into the U.S. government's equity stake in Intel and the intense debate over its impact on American industrial policy. Explore Intel's struggles in the semiconductor race against fierce competitors like NVIDIA and AMD. Uncover the credibility issues and capital challenges Intel faces, especially in comparison to TSMC. Finally, examine the complex tension between national security and market viability driving Intel's commitment to domestic manufacturing.
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135 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 20min

Facebook is Dead; Long Live Meta

Explore Meta's impressive 22% revenue growth as it balances hefty AI investments with robust advertising income. Dive into the company's strategic shift towards AI and the metaverse, while investors question the long-term viability of their shares. Discover Meta's focus on empowering over 3.4 billion users and the rising dominance of short-form videos amidst competitive pressures. Finally, envision a future fueled by superintelligent systems that enhance creativity and connectivity, showcasing the transformation from social networking to individual empowerment.
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166 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 28min

Paradigm Shifts and the Winner's Curse

The conversation dives into the rapid shifts in the tech landscape, spotlighting the decline of giants like Microsoft and Nokia due to a lack of innovation. It contrasts their fate with adaptive success stories such as Google and Samsung. The discussion then transitions to the evolving AI infrastructure and its implications, highlighting the role of generative AI and the advancements in hardware performance. Lastly, it delves into how tech giants are navigating these disruptions, emphasizing the importance of staying adaptable in a turbulent environment.
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234 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 27min

Content and Community

Explore how digital technology is transforming the content industry, especially with AI reshaping creation and copyright challenges. Discover the historical evolution of copyright law and its implications for publishers navigating the digital landscape. Learn about innovative ideas like the Paper Crawl initiative, promoting fair compensation for creators. Finally, dive into the cultural significance of totem poles as a metaphor for community building in the digital age, highlighting the economic opportunities for content creators.
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257 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 23min

Tech Philosophy and AI Opportunity

Dive into the intriguing world of AI as it tackles the balance between abundance and scarcity, spotlighting soaring valuations of tech giants like NVIDIA. Explore the rivalry between major players like Apple and Meta, each pursuing unique AI philosophies. Discover how generative AI is reshaping traditional business models and the shifting landscape from Google searches to AI-driven assistants. Finally, the intense competition between OpenAI and Microsoft reveals divergent strategies that could redefine the workforce and economic landscape.
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360 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 26min

Checking In on AI and the Big Five

Dive into the shifting world of artificial intelligence and its impact on the tech giants. Discover how companies like Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon are navigating the evolving landscape. Learn about Meta's struggles and innovative strategies as they adapt to new challenges. The discussion also highlights AI's influence on traditional business models and the intense competition shaping the industry. Get insights into how these dynamics will redefine the future of technology.

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