GeekWire

Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft, shares fascinating insights from his groundbreaking tenure, touching on key collaborations with Bill Gates and Paul Allen. He reveals his biggest leadership mistakes and offers a heartfelt look at Microsoft's current state as its largest shareholder. Beyond tech, Ballmer discusses reinventing fan experiences with the L.A. Clippers and his mission to enhance transparency in government through data. His nostalgic reflections underscore the enduring impact of Microsoft’s culture and innovation journey.

Brad Smith, the Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, reflects on the company's 50-year legacy while navigating future challenges. He discusses the impact of proposed Washington state taxes on the tech sector and the ethical debates surrounding AI and technology's societal role. Smith also emphasizes the importance of innovation and collaboration in a rapidly changing landscape, while reminiscing about Microsoft's journey through resilience, especially during its antitrust trials. Expect insights into both historical reflections and future visions for technology.

This week on the GeekWire Podcast, we discuss the big real estate technology news of the week: Rocket Companies, the mortgage, real estate and personal finance giant, is buying Redfin, the Seattle-based tech-powered real estate company that has been a longtime disrupter in the world of buying and selling homes.  Joining us to assess the implications are Stephanie Reid-Simons, who oversees the news team at RealEstateNews.com as a senior vice president with the news site; and Tim Ellis, a former Redfin market analyst who's a podcaster and blogger, and a veteran of Seattle-area startups including Porch, Moz, and Glowforge. Also on the show: Microsoft brings its Copilot AI technology to gaming, but can Microsoft prove this is more than Xbox meets Clippy? We’ll consider that question in the final segment with Thomas Wilde, an independent video-game journalist and editor who writes about games for GeekWire, Hard Drive, and other publications. Join us at Microsoft@50 at Town Hall Seattle this Thursday, March 20.  With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week: Michael Levin and Josh Lowitz of Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) discuss the state of Amazon's Alexa and Echo business, and what the recently announced Alexa+ service means for the company and users. CIRP studies consumer behavior to provide insights for investors and industry leaders. Related links and coverage CIRP: Amazon Report on Substack. (Check out CIRP's Apple Report, as well.) CIRP's Amazon Report: Alexa, Should I Pay for Alexa+? Or Get a New Echo? GeekWire: Amazon’s new Alexa+ uses generative AI to personalize conversations and automate tasks Amazon: Introducing Alexa+, the next generation of Alexa With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; Edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chetan Nayak, a Technical Fellow and Corporate Vice President of Quantum Hardware at Microsoft, shares his insights on the future of quantum computing. He discusses the transformative potential of Microsoft's innovations, especially in materials science and chemistry. The conversation also covers the shift of Google from Seattle's Fremont area and the fading prominence of Skype as it transitions to Teams. Nayak highlights the challenges faced in quantum technology and its promise to revolutionize computing in the near future.

Tune in for a captivating discussion about Microsoft's groundbreaking leap in quantum computing, promising a new era of technology. Explore Washington state's new bill aimed at regulating ride-hailing surge pricing, offering potential relief for consumers. Discover the latest shifts in the GeekWire 200 startup rankings, spotlighting promising Pacific Northwest companies. Plus, hear about Amazon's intriguing acquisition of the James Bond franchise, stirring controversy and excitement in Hollywood.

Dean Carignan, co-author of "The Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft," shares invaluable insights from his work on AI in the company’s chief scientist office. He discusses the transformational journey of Xbox following its rocky launch and the importance of the BXT framework, which balances business, user experience, and technology. Carignan also highlights vital lessons learned from Microsoft's history, including the need for adaptability and the role of community in innovation, showcasing how setbacks paved the way for future successes.

Ali Farhadi, CEO of the Allen Institute for AI (AI2), discusses the revolution of open-source AI and its pivotal role in maintaining the U.S.'s technological edge. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and transparency in AI development. The conversation dives into the challenges faced by proprietary models versus the benefits of open-source solutions, such as privacy and security. Farhadi also highlights innovative initiatives like the Olmoe app, aiming to empower global innovators with accessible AI technologies.

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a philanthropic titan, reflects on the tech giant's 50th anniversary. He draws fascinating parallels between the personal computer revolution and today's AI advancements. Discussion highlights the potential of AI in healthcare and education, alongside the importance of intuitive user experiences. Gates shares insights on Microsoft's evolution, its strategic collaborations, and the balanced approach needed for innovation in a rapidly changing landscape. His perspective is both nostalgic and forward-looking, emphasizing the role of technology in shaping the future.

Corey Quinn, chief cloud economist at The Duckbill Group and host of multiple podcasts, dives deep into the cloud computing landscape. He tackles the buzz around Amazon's AI advancements and the financial realities behind managing AWS costs. Quinn contrasts AI hype with steady cloud adoption, and examines competitive dynamics among tech giants. He shares insights on financial strategies for individuals and discusses the balance companies seek in generative AI adoption. It's a witty yet informative take on the current state of cloud technology.