

Stratechery
Ben Thompson
Content from Stratechery, via podcast or RSS
Episodes
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8 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 13min
China Chips and Moore's Law
Explore the nuances of Moore's Law as it relates to the latest advancements in semiconductors. Discover the fallout from U.S. export restrictions on AI chips and how companies like NVIDIA are adapting. Dive into the geopolitical tensions that shape the future of computing power and the implications for global technology markets.

9 snips
Sep 28, 2023 • 14min
AI, Hardware, and Virtual Reality
Discover how AI, hardware, and virtual reality are reshaping the Technology, Media, and Telecom sectors. Explore the updated Meta Smart Glasses that integrate AI for hands-free interaction and enhance daily usability. Learn about the collaborative efforts among industry leaders to create innovative AI hardware devices, pushing the boundaries of user experience. This dialogue also highlights the synergy between AI and virtual reality, suggesting a future where both technologies elevate one another beyond current possibilities.

7 snips
Sep 12, 2023 • 12min
Charter-Disney Winners and Losers
The discussion kicks off with a crucial agreement between Disney and Charter, ending a major channel blackout for subscribers. The negotiation dynamics reveal Charter's leverage, while questioning Disney's adaptability in a changing media landscape. A deep dive into the value of bundling showcases a strategic shift that could benefit consumers. Finally, the podcast analyzes how consumer preference for ad-free content is reshaping TV and broadband competition, leaving traditional cable providers scrambling to keep up.

13 snips
Sep 5, 2023 • 25min
The Rise and Fall of ESPN's Leverage
Explore the fascinating evolution of ESPN's negotiating power in the cable TV landscape. Discover how satellite technology propelled ESPN from local content to national prominence. Delve into the network's transformative 1980s shift to a subscriber model and the high-stakes battles for broadcasting rights. Uncover the ongoing tensions between cable providers and media giants as they face streaming challenges. This deep dive illustrates the crucial adaptations needed in an ever-changing media environment.

9 snips
Aug 28, 2023 • 15min
Nvidia On the Mountaintop
Explore NVIDIA's impressive revenue growth, driven by the booming interest in artificial intelligence. Dive into a comparative analysis of NVIDIA and Cisco, revealing their different market trajectories. Discover how NVIDIA is revolutionizing AI technologies and influencing industries with tools like ChatGPT. Learn about the shift towards accelerated computing and generative AI, highlighting the cost efficiencies and performance gains in data centers.

8 snips
Aug 15, 2023 • 14min
Disney's Taylor Swift Era
Explore the whirlwind of Taylor Swift's concert impact, uniting generations in a post-pandemic world. Discover how social media fuels the excitement of live performances while Swift reshapes the music industry's dynamics. Delve into the digital transformation of music value, highlighting the challenges artists face in revenue generation. Finally, analyze Disney's pivot from streaming to real-life experiences, showcasing its unique business model and exploring how it contrasts with competitors like Netflix.

10 snips
Jul 17, 2023 • 17min
Hollywood on Strike
The podcast dives into the historic Hollywood Actors Union strike, the first in over four decades, highlighting the pressing pay issues shaped by technological advancements. It unpacks the complexities of calculating residuals in the streaming era and contrasts this strike with past labor movements. Detailed discussions include the tense negotiations between actors and studios over fair compensation and the evolving financial landscape of content distribution. The insights reveal the challenges amidst a competitive media environment and shifting audience engagement.

8 snips
Jul 11, 2023 • 0sec
Threads and the Social/Communications Map
The discussion kicks off with the launch of Threads, a game-changer by Meta, aiming to reshape social media beyond Twitter. There's a deep dive into how content distribution has evolved from decentralized to algorithm-driven models. Insights into Twitter’s struggles with user experience illuminate the shifting dynamics in social networking. Finally, the podcast explores the potential for Threads to foster a creative community, amidst challenges of attracting users from entrenched platforms while carving out its own unique identity.

76 snips
Jun 29, 2023 • 0sec
An Interview with Marc Andreessen about AI and How You Change the World
Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz and a tech industry thought leader, delves into the complexities of AI and societal change. He discusses how shifting perceptions of tech influence public discourse and responsibility. The dialogue contrasts software's growing importance over traditional infrastructure, referencing companies like Amazon and Tesla. Andreessen critiques public health responses during the pandemic and emphasizes the need for responsible communication in AI. He advocates for a balanced view of technological risks and opportunities, impacting investment strategies and energy policies.

10 snips
Jun 26, 2023 • 0sec
Amazon, Friction, and the FTC
Explore Amazon's lightning-fast delivery evolution through a personal story showcasing its perks. Dive into the FTC's lawsuit accusing Amazon of misleading Prime subscribers with dark patterns in their signup process. The podcast also unpacks the notorious 'Iliad flow,' a convoluted cancellation route designed to discourage opt-outs. Lastly, it scrutinizes the complexities of consumer rights and education in navigating Amazon's services, raising thought-provoking questions about user interface friction and corporate ethics.


