TechCheck

A social media site where only AI agents are allowed is going viral in tech circles this weekend. We dig into "Moltbook" where AI bots are conversing and sharing stories about 'their humans.' Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Naveen Rao, an AI hardware and systems entrepreneur who founded Unconventional AI and previously worked at Databricks, joins to unpack China’s hardware pivot. He explains how domestic chips, cheap power and integrated systems are being scaled. They discuss manufacturing workarounds, efficiency vs brute force strategies, and why new compute paradigms matter.

Deirdre Bosa, tech reporter who analyzes AI trends and hiring shifts, breaks down OpenAI’s plan to dramatically slow hiring. Short takes cover whether the pause is prudent discipline or a precursor to cuts. Discussion touches on investor signals, how AI changes workforce needs, and where new opportunities may arise.

Discussion of Claude Code’s momentum versus upcoming OpenAI coding upgrades. A demo of Excel integration that automates financial analysis and scenario modeling. Walkthrough of bull, base, and bear scenarios showing AI-driven margin pressure. Conversation about rebuilding workflows with AI-native tools and AI enabling app-building for non-experts.

Amjad Masad, Founder and CEO of Replit, leads a dynamic conversation about the evolution of AI-first coding. He reveals how Replit's new feature allows users to create and monetize mobile apps using just natural language, a game changer in the tech landscape. Masad discusses the implications for traditional software vendors and the rise of 'vibe coding' for nontechnical users. He predicts a shift toward decentralized, entrepreneurial software creation, emphasizing the importance of faster feedback loops and innovative app development in this new era.

Aaron Levie, CEO of Box, dives into the intense AI talent wars, highlighting OpenAI's strategic rehiring of top researchers. He discusses how AI tools, like Claude Cowork and Replit, are transforming software development. Levie emphasizes that while AI can enhance internal tools, core systems like CRMs and ERPs will remain crucial. He also shares insights on how AI agents could elevate platform value and competitive dynamics, touching on global strategies and the role of open-source in the AI landscape.

Microsoft is unveiling a bold plan to cut electricity costs for consumers using data centers. As U.S. pushback against these centers grows, China is ramping up its AI adoption on a global scale. The report highlights that Chinese open-source models are gaining traction in regions like Russia and Africa. With big tech framing China as a risk, concerns about an energy capacity gap between the U.S. and China are escalating. Meanwhile, U.S. firms are navigating a complex landscape of regulations, seeking federal oversight to boost AI infrastructure.

Deirdre Bosa, a tech correspondent known for her insights on major tech players, discusses Apple’s groundbreaking decision to integrate Google’s Gemini AI into Siri. She explains the implications of this move and how it intensifies competition with ChatGPT. Bosa also analyzes Meta's aggressive infrastructure spending and the strategic hiring of Dina Powell McCormick, emphasizing the challenges this creates amidst its ambitions in AI. Tune in for an enlightening look into the future of tech as Apple and Meta navigate their evolving landscapes.

Google’s Gemini push rolling out on Gmail today with new features that can access user’s entire email history. We dig into what the new tools mean for Gmail users and how they can choose to opt-out. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Deirdre Bosa, a business and technology reporter, dives into the electrifying partnership between Google’s DeepMind and Boston Dynamics, unveiled at CES. She discusses how physical AI is evolving, illustrated by Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot. Deirdre contrasts U.S. strengths in AI with China's manufacturing prowess, highlights NVIDIA's ambition in robotics training, and examines the impact on Tesla’s autonomy valuation. The conversation wraps up with a debate on the future landscape of autonomous mobility and the competition brewing in the field.