GeekWire

Sam Schillace, Deputy CTO at Microsoft and author of "No Prize for Pessimism," chats about optimism in tech innovation. He shares insights from his days creating Google Docs, emphasizing the need to tackle complex problems. Schillace discusses the shift from traditional programming to modern user-centric AI applications. He also reflects on the timing and strategies involved in selling his company to Google, revealing lessons in collaboration and the importance of embracing the messiness of the creative process.

Elon Musk's recent lawsuit against OpenAI now includes Microsoft, stirring debates about their partnership. Early emails reveal Musk's desire to prevent OpenAI from becoming too dependent on Microsoft. Meanwhile, the GeekWire 200 showcases emerging startups in the Pacific Northwest, with Highspot claiming the top position. The discussion extends to the impact of AI innovations, cleantech trends, and Seattle's need to revitalize its innovation ecosystem. Insights from local tech events highlight the interplay between politics and technology as the city navigates its future.

Michael Levin and Josh Lowitz, co-founders of Consumer Intelligence Research Partners, delve into Amazon's new discount storefront, Amazon Haul, designed to compete with rising competitors like Temu and Shein. They discuss how Amazon is adapting shopping habits for the TikTok generation with gamification techniques. The conversation touches on the shifts in Amazon Prime membership demographics, the substantial financial impact of subscriptions, and how these strategies aim to attract younger consumers while transforming the e-commerce landscape.

Tech historian Margaret O’Mara, author of "The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America," takes a deep dive into Microsoft's founding narrative. She discusses the pivotal 1980 meeting between Bill Gates and an early investor, which shaped Microsoft's initial funding. O'Mara reveals how the strategic choice of Seattle and innovative software monetization propelled Microsoft to success. Additionally, she addresses the early skepticism surrounding software as a business and the challenging culture that prevailed at the company, all while highlighting its lasting impact on technology and productivity.

Explore the intriguing world of self-driving wheelchairs and the unexpected hurdles they face. Dive into Barry Diller's bold take on the Uber-Expedia merger and the implications for travel tech. Discover how the new Trump administration may reshape tech regulation, including the FTC's scrutiny of Amazon. Reflect on modern leadership styles and useful financial tips for kids. Plus, get a glimpse of exciting community events celebrating innovation, like a unique fashion contest and a look back at Microsoft's mobile history.

Danielle Lee Thompson, a research manager at the University of Washington Center for an Informed Public, dives into the role of AI and social media in spreading misinformation ahead of the 2024 election. She discusses how financial incentives fuel the rumor mill and the influence of AI-generated content on public perception. Thompson emphasizes the critical need for media literacy and fact-checking, particularly around divisive topics like non-citizen voting. Solutions for bridging the gap between academia and public understanding are also explored.

Panos Panay, Amazon's Senior Vice President of Devices & Services, shares insights from his transformative year at Amazon after his time at Microsoft. He introduces the new Kindle Colorsoft, highlighting its focus on a vibrant, distraction-free reading experience. Panay discusses his excitement about AI, particularly generative summaries for the upcoming Kindle Scribe, emphasizing that it's here to stay. He touches on the integration of projects like Alexa and Project Kuiper, showcasing Amazon's innovative spirit in evolving consumer technology.

Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce and owner of Time magazine, shares his excitement for AI agents that can transform business operations. He critiques Microsoft's Copilot, likening it to the notorious Clippy, and argues it undermines AI's potential with its shortcomings. Benioff introduces Salesforce's new AgentForce, designed for enhanced data security and operations. The conversation spans his political involvement through media ownership and the need for balancing AI advancements with human relationships in modern workplaces.

Peter Lee, President of Microsoft Research, dives into the exciting future of AI, sharing the top three technical challenges that lie ahead. He discusses the transformative impact of generative AI on research and everyday life. The conversation also touches on the potential merger between Uber and Expedia, revealing strategic implications and the rise of 'super apps.' Additionally, insights about Steve Ballmer's evolution post-Microsoft offer a nostalgic look into leadership in tech. A fascinating blend of innovation and history!

Artificial intelligence and automation are transforming the way companies get stuff to stores and doorsteps, changing the world of logistics, transportation and the supply chain, as demonstrated by a few Amazon-related stories we covered this week:  Amazon's unveiling of a new "Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval (VAPR) system for the cargo hold of its electric Rivian vans; The announcement of Amazon’s next-generation fulfillment center, with updated and expanded versions of its robotics systems in Shreveport, La. Former Amazon executive Dave Clark's launch of a new supply chain technology startup, based in the Seattle area, with $100 million in funding out of the gate.  Those are our topics in our first two segments of the show this week. In the third segment, we hear more about the new Cancer AI Alliance spearheaded by Seattle’s Fred Hutch Cancer Center, in partnership with other national cancer research organizations and major tech companies including Amazon, Microsoft and Nvidia.  With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.