

Stratechery
Ben Thompson
Content from Stratechery, via podcast or RSS
Episodes
Mentioned books

205 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 21min
Apple and the Ghosts of Companies Past
The podcast dives into Apple's current challenges, including rising manufacturing costs and AI hurdles, while assuring listeners it's not doomed. It examines the evolution of personal computing, contrasting Apple's and Microsoft's strategies. A critique of the Apple Vision Pro reveals potential pitfalls tied to traditional app interfaces. The discussion draws parallels with Intel's decline, emphasizing lessons in innovation and adaptability. Finally, it highlights the risks of reliance on China for manufacturing amid geopolitical tensions, suggesting strategic pivots for future success.

211 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 25min
American Disruption
The discussion kicks off with a critique of oversimplified narratives surrounding U.S. technology and trade policies. The spotlight shifts to how smaller firms challenge major players in semiconductor manufacturing by targeting overlooked customer needs. The conversation delves into the move towards modular designs, enhancing speed and customization in product development. Job creation dynamics in manufacturing reveal the challenges of attracting workers. Finally, the complex ties between Apple and Chinese manufacturers illustrate the delicate balance necessary in global supply chains amid changing trade wars.

190 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 18min
Trade, Tariffs, and Tech
Exploring the military and economic repercussions of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, the discussion highlights the profound impact on global supply chains. The historical trade dynamics between the U.S. and China reveal the complexities of tariffs and their influence on manufacturing. A look back at the Nixon administration's bold economic policies sheds light on modern fiscal challenges. Finally, insights into the Trump-era trade policies and their effects on major tech firms illustrate the evolving landscape of tariffs and innovation.

90 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 17min
YouTube TV, Wiz, and Why Monopolies Buy Innovation
Explore the cutting-edge features of sports streaming with YouTube TV, including their unique mixed-gender multi-view during events. Learn about the intense competition among streaming giants like Disney and Amazon, and discover how Google's $32 billion acquisition of cybersecurity firm Wiz could reshape its cloud strategy. Dive into the strategic implications of Murdoch's NFL deal and the challenges that streaming platforms face in securing sports rights. The future of streaming is unfolding with innovation and fierce rivalry!

105 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 27min
Apple AI's Platform Pivot Potential
Recent challenges faced by Apple in AI initiatives, including the mixed reception of a new commercial, reveal high expectations. The company is shifting Siri towards more personalized and conversational features. Security concerns around these intelligence capabilities are notable, especially regarding user data vulnerabilities. The unveiling of the M3 Ultra chip promises significant enhancements in processing power and AI application. Lastly, the discussion covers Apple's evolution from hardware to AI, balancing privacy with competitive pressures.

120 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 29min
AI Promise and Chip Precariousness
Explore the dynamic evolution of AI with a focus on Anthropic's latest model and its competition against giants like GPT-4. Delve into the critical role of Taiwan in the semiconductor supply chain and the geopolitical tensions influencing U.S. strategies. Discover strategic plans to strengthen the U.S. chip industry, highlighting the importance of subsidies, domestic manufacturing, and open-source technology. Uncover how these elements converge to shape the future of AI and chip manufacturing amidst global challenges.

178 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 23min
Deep Research and Knowledge Value
Dive into the fascinating world of Artificial General Intelligence and its implications for the economy. Explore Apple's earnings, highlighting both service revenue growth and market challenges in China. Discover how deep research navigates the complexities of market dynamics while distinguishing valuable insights from low-quality information. Gain insights from Amazon's earnings call, revealing new transparency in its cloud operations, and ponder the future of deep research in an AI-driven landscape, addressing the potential loss of serendipity.

282 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 30min
DeepSeek FAQ
Recent breakthroughs in AI, particularly with models R1 and V3, are reshaping the landscape. Innovations like mixture of experts and multi-head latent attention are not just technological marvels; they also have political implications reminiscent of past events. The financial nitty-gritty of training these models reveals a staggering $5.576 million cost. Major tech players are adapting to new inference models, with promising benefits for most, but hurdles for Google. Lastly, the semiconductor industry faces a shake-up due to these advancements, while calls for regulatory openness grow.

8 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 3min
Stratechery Plus + Asianometry
Explore the intriguing rebranding of a subscription service that now includes a tech-focused newsletter and podcast. Discover insights on the Asianometry connection and how it enriches the content available. The discussion highlights John's expertise in technology and the value it brings to subscribers. Dive into a world of rich, informative content that covers various aspects of tech and trends.

119 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 21min
AI's Uneven Arrival
Discover the challenging journey SaaS companies face towards their IPO, emphasizing customer relationships and advertising strategies. Explore Procter & Gamble's pivot from precision targeting and its effects on traditional marketing. Delve into the financial shifts caused by major brands boycotting Facebook and the advancements of OpenAI's O3 model, which enhances task adaptation and efficiency. Finally, consider how AI agents may transform workplaces by 2025, highlighting the stark contrasts between nimble startups and traditional corporations in leveraging AI technology.