GeekWire

Former CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, discusses the outcome of the drama at OpenAI and its implications for Microsoft. The podcast also delves into Amazon's foray into car sales and the declining number of unicorn startups in the Seattle region.

The podcast discusses the surprise removal of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, exploring questions about the company's role in AI revolution, its complex partnership with Microsoft, and the broader implications for the tech industry. The hosts speculate on the reasons behind Altman's ouster, discuss the dynamics at OpenAI Dev Day, and examine Microsoft's commitment to OpenAI and its potential impact on AWS and customers' choices in the AI world.

AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li shares her journey in AI, from China to the U.S. and from academia to corporate life. She discusses the importance of considering humanity in AI development and the challenges and imbalances in AI research. She also emphasizes the need for increased funding and support for AI research institutions.

Jeff Bezos' decision to move from Seattle to Miami, Convoy's acquisition by Flexport, Yoodli's AI pitch coach for startup founders, and Amazon's test of Bluetooth earplugs for warehouse workers

CTO at Redfin and Chief Product Officer at GitHub share real-world examples of AI in software development, real estate, and meetings. They discuss topics like privacy, bias, education, and the changing nature of technical jobs. Questions from the audience include adapting AI for emotional intelligence and improving work-life balance with increased AI productivity.

Exploring the downfall of Convoy, a digital freight marketplace that raised $260 million but closed within 48 hours, impacting high-profile investors and disrupting traditional freight brokering. The hosts discuss the reasons behind the rapid burn rate, the impact on employees, and the challenges of raising venture capital.

GeekWire podcast with guest Geordie Rose, CEO of Sanctuary AI, discusses the future of labor and the rise of humanoid robots. They explore the design and development of Phoenix, a humanoid robot powered by advanced AI, and the concept of 'labor as a service'. They delve into the intersection of declining birth rates and the advancement of robots, as well as the use of robots in warehouses and the challenges of building intelligent systems.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella testified this week in Google's antitrust case in Washington, D.C., supporting the U.S. Justice Department's contention that the search giant unfairly leverages its market power to stifle competition, a charge that Google vehemently disputes.  On this episode of the podcast, we reenact portions of Nadella's testimony, explain the positions staked out by Microsoft and Google in the case, and discuss the irony of Microsoft siding with the DOJ two decades after fighting its own antitrust battle against the agency.  Read additional excerpts in this GeekWire Post: What Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in court about Google, Apple, search, and the future of AI Plus, Generative AI and the "Ghost of Lesser Seattle." We revisit our attempt to channel the late, great Seattle newspaper columnist Emmett Watson with the help of ChatGPT, and assess the reaction. With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Related links and coverage: Testifying in Google trial, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warns AI could extend search giant’s lead The Verge: Satya Nadella tells a court that Bing is worse than Google — and Apple could fix it Emmett Watson meets ChatGPT: What if the champion of ‘Lesser Seattle’ could see us now? Marketplace: There’s a corner of the internet where YouTubers read strangers’ obituaries. Why? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the GeekWire Podcast, we dive deep into the landmark lawsuit filed by the FTC against Amazon with insights from former Amazon seller Jason Boyce, co-author of "The Amazon Jungle," host of the Day 2 podcast, and CEO of Avenue7Media, an agency that works with online sellers. We discuss the implications of the lawsuit for Amazon, consumers, and sellers in the context of the changing dynamics of the online retail. Boyce, with his 17 years of experience as a seller and his current role working with third-party sellers, offers a unique perspective on Amazon's practices and the broader e-commerce landscape. We also touch upon Amazon's evolving relationship with sellers, the challenges of omni-channel retail, and the rise of new online marketplace competitors.  GeekWire coverage FTC and 17 states sue Amazon for maintaining alleged monopoly power that stifles competition FTC targets alleged secret Amazon pricing algorithm ‘Project Nessie’ in antitrust complaint FTC’s case against Amazon hinges on internal messages and secrets yet to be revealed Lawsuit: FTC et al vs. Amazon, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington New York Times: For Amazon’s Andy Jassy, a Cleanup Job Just Got a Lot Bigger Reuters: Amazon drops planned merchant fee as FTC lawsuit looms CNBC: FTC Chair Lina Khan: Amazon lawsuit is about protecting free and fair competitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Johnson, Lumen Technologies CEO and former U.S. president of Microsoft, discusses the Seattle tech hub as a test bed for Lumen's offerings. She explains the company's efforts to reinvent itself and the importance of digitizing and cloudifying telco services. Johnson also shares insights on Microsoft's transformation under Satya Nadella, creating benchmarks for success, and Lumen's adoption of AI and Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot. She highlights the power of vulnerability, leadership, and curiosity, emphasizing the involvement of people and gratitude.