GeekWire

This week on the GeekWire Podcast, we revisit the controversy over Starbucks' hybrid work policy for its new CEO, Brian Niccol; discuss the cyberattack that crippled computer systems at Sea-Tac Airport in the Seattle area this week; and provide an update on last week's episode about AI text-to-music generators. Articles and topics discussed on this episode: Hybrid policy for new Starbucks CEO sparks debate over remote work, corporate jet emissions Starbucks’ New CEO Has a Big Carbon Footprint - WSJ Starbucks’ New CEO Will Take Charge Without Training Wheels - Bloomberg Steve Ballmer Chases NBA Glory at Intuit Dome, the LA Clippers’ Gleaming New Home Plane English: Sea-Tac Airport turns to pen and paper to replace digital displays after cyberattack Port of Seattle outage continues two days after suspected cyberattack by ‘nefarious characters’ GeekWire’s quest for an AI theme song opened our ears to the debate rattling the music industry GeekWire Podcast listener Fortunato Vega shares his AI-generated theme song on LinkedIn. With Todd Bishop and Taylor Soper. Edited by Curt Milton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hosts venture into the realm of AI-generated music, revealing the creative process behind crafting an original jingle. They celebrate the intriguing yet complex effects of AI on the music industry, juxtaposing generated tunes with those of famous artists. A lively debate ensues over which AI-themed song captures their podcast vibe best, showcasing clever lyrics and humor. The conversation further delves into ethical concerns and legal challenges surrounding AI’s role in music creation, sparking engaging reflections on the future of musicianship.

Brian Niccol, former CEO of Chipotle, discusses his new role at Starbucks and the digital transformation ahead. He highlights the importance of blending in-person and digital experiences to enhance customer engagement. The conversation also touches on lessons learned from the food industry and challenges like unionization. Niccol emphasizes a shift towards prioritizing customer experience over rigid data analysis, sharing innovative ideas like olive oil coffee. Plus, the hosts share a light-hearted moment about Starbucks’ dog treats and their marketing.

Explore the recent antitrust ruling against Google and its nuanced implications for Microsoft Bing. Delve into Amazon's complex relationships with delivery partners and the impact on rural communities. Discover the evolving tensions in Seattle as the city mandates more in-office work, sparking backlash from employees. The conversation highlights the shifting dynamics in tech and logistics amidst regulatory pressures.

Rich Barton, co-founder and former two-time CEO of Zillow, teams up with Jeremy Wacksman, the newly appointed CEO, to discuss their leadership transition. They delve into Zillow's evolution from an advertising platform to a transaction-driven model, enhancing the buying and selling processes. The conversation also highlights the impact of AI on real estate and how remote work has redefined collaboration within the company. Together, they emphasize adaptability in a post-COVID landscape and the importance of consumer focus in future innovations.

Microsoft's massive $19 billion investment in AI sparks discussions on its potential and user experiences. Meanwhile, Amazon faces challenges with its earnings, revealing shifting consumer habits. Boeing's new CEO, based in Seattle, hints at strategic changes aimed at quality improvements. The launch of an AI marketing tool, Spok, suggests innovation in the tech landscape. Finally, a critique of Google's disconnected ad showcases the ongoing struggle for tech to resonate with human emotions.

Ben Gilbert, co-founder of the podcast Acquired and a savvy entrepreneur, dives into Microsoft's misunderstood era. He traces the tech giant’s evolution from 1995 to 2014, emphasizing key innovations and missed opportunities in mobile and gaming. Ben discusses how antitrust challenges reshaped Microsoft’s culture and innovation strategies. With insights from Bill Gates’ interviews, he highlights the company’s transition to cloud dominance and the lessons learned in this tumultuous tech journey. Plus, exciting news about their upcoming live show!

Veteran cybersecurity expert Erik Moore discusses the aftermath of the CrowdStrike outage and the future of cybersecurity. Moore talks about the increasing complexity of cyber threats, the need for quicker responses, and the overhaul of current testing processes. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about the field's advancement and societal impact in the long term.

This podcast discusses OpenAI's legal battle with NYT for using their content, Microsoft CEO's remarks on AI and fair use, a new EV charging startup in Seattle, using AI to mine email data, and the importance of treating AI as a partner for insights.

Greg Fyke is president and CEO of ecobee, the Toronto-based smart home company known for its pioneering smart thermostat and a growing ecosystem of devices, including security systems and smart doorbells. A former Amazon Alexa executive, he’s personally based in Seattle, exemplifying how remote work has transformed the geography of the tech industry. Fyke succeeded ecobee founder Stuart Lombard as the company's CEO last fall upon Lombard's retirement.  On this episode of the GeekWire Podcast, Fyke discusses the emerging "golden age" of smart home technology; ecobee's focus on simplicity, long-term functionality, and integration across ecosystems; its competition with Amazon and Google; and its approach to automation and artificial intelligence. Other topics include ecobee's November 2021 acquisition by Generac, and their broader focus on energy management solutions, leveraging components like home batteries, solar energy, and intelligent control systems. The Verge: How Ecobee is becoming the smart home company Nest should have been Greg Fyke on the HomeKit Insider podcast. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. Audio editing and production by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.