
GeekWire
GeekWire brings you the week's latest technology news, trends and insights, covering the world of technology from our home base in Seattle. Our regular news podcast features commentary and analysis from our editors and reporters, plus interviews with special guests.
Latest episodes

Feb 15, 2025 • 35min
'Open source will win': Allen Institute for AI CEO Ali Farhadi on the new era of artificial intelligence
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.

11 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 25min
Bill Gates, Part 2: Microsoft at 50, and the next big opportunities for AI and innovation
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.

12 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 33min
Amazon, AI, and the cloud: A reality check, with Corey Quinn of 'Last Week in AWS'
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.

13 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 36min
Bill Gates, Part 1: His remarkable upbringing, and outlook on the world today
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and renowned philanthropist, shares insights ahead of his new memoir. He reflects on his Seattle upbringing and influential relationships that shaped his journey in technology. Gates discusses the evolution of parenting and its effects on his social skills, while also navigating the dual nature of current global challenges in tech and health. With a keen eye on the future, he explores the role of tech leaders in society and the impact of political polarization on progress.

Feb 1, 2025 • 41min
DeepSeek reality check; Amazon, Kuiper, Bezos, and the Post; lost in the Microsoft garage
Dive into the game-changing AI platform DeepSeek and its profound impact on the tech landscape. Discover the fascinating parallels between today's AI transformations and historic tech moments. Uncover Amazon's legal struggles over Kuiper and The Washington Post, highlighting corporate tensions. Experience the expansive Microsoft campus, reminiscent of a small city, and reflect on its evolution. Engage in discussions about AI efficiency, open-source models, and the balance of control and creativity in this fast-paced tech world.

23 snips
Jan 25, 2025 • 31min
Stargate, OpenAI and Microsoft; BlueSky in Seattle; and Madrona's big new funds
Explore the implications of Project Stargate as OpenAI teams up with Oracle and Softbank, reshaping its ties with Microsoft. Discover what Satya Nadella's remarks reveal about this venture and Elon Musk's influence in the tech world. The podcast also covers the launch of Madrona's hefty new fund aimed at bolstering startups in the Pacific Northwest. Plus, a nostalgic look at Microsoft’s past via an old CD-ROM sheds light on the company’s evolution in a competitive landscape.

Jan 24, 2025 • 22min
Revisiting 'The Road Ahead': Bill Gates' classic book, and its insights for today
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Peter Rinearson, who co-authored 'The Road Ahead' with Bill Gates, as he reflects on the groundbreaking insights from the mid-1990s book. Rinearson delves into Gates' visionary predictions on technology's democratization and its resonance today, especially in the realm of the internet and smart devices. He also shares the collaborative process behind the book and discusses the dual-edged impact of technology, from empowering innovations to challenges like misinformation, offering a fascinating lens on our digital evolution.

Jan 18, 2025 • 37min
Inside Amazon's strategic planning process; the state of the Seattle startup community
Marcelo Calbucci, a serial entrepreneur and Seattle startup leader with a background at Amazon and Microsoft, reveals the inner workings of Amazon's strategic planning. He discusses the PRFAQ process that fosters clarity and collaborative feedback in product development. The conversation also highlights the current climate of Seattle's startup scene post-COVID, identifying shifts in funding and opportunities within AI-driven startups. Calbucci encourages the importance of structured innovation, adaptability, and continuous learning in business.

15 snips
Jan 11, 2025 • 41min
The state of AI in 2025: A solopreneur software developer's view on where the tech is headed
Patrick Husting, a Seattle-area software developer and AI entrepreneur, shares insights on the rapid evolution of AI over the past two years. He discusses his innovative projects, Ghostwriter AI and the Equestrian App, exploring the challenges and excitement of launching an AI tool in a competitive market. Husting highlights the need for personalized user experiences and the impact of economic uncertainty on AI adoption. He also delves into how AI is reshaping job landscapes, balancing its benefits with concerns about privacy and safety.

Jan 4, 2025 • 12min
'From impossible to merely difficult': AI meets a vintage 1980s musical gadget
Dive into the nostalgic charm of a 1980s musical gadget, uncovering its creative impact and personal stories. Discover how AI breathes new life into old technology, making the impossible achievable. Explore the innovative potential of AI in music, revealing its effects on creativity and the economy. Finally, learn how AI can partner with human creativity, enhancing the artistic process and inspiring future innovations.