TechCheck

The tech layoffs just keep coming. The latest: Google cutting hundreds of jobs in its engineering, product and hardware divisions. How the future of Google is making itself felt within Google.

What is the reality in the software sector? We're seeing a wave of layoffs to start 2024 at Unity and Twitch, along with some CEO changes at Twilio and Match. Is the sector recovering… or is this new lower growth era just the new normal?

Microsoft's multi-billion dollar investment into OpenAI and its all-out embrace of ChatGPT could now be the subject of a merger investigation in the EU. Why, and why Europe?

This podcast explores Apple's stock performance and discusses its potential as an AI darkhorse. It delves into Apple's approach to integrating AI, its price to earnings ratio, and its preference for 'machine learning' over 'AI'. The podcast also examines the significance of AI and machine learning in the tech industry, Apple's reliance on machine learning, and their quiet approach to AI development. Additionally, it speculates on Apple's upcoming antitrust action and the development of an AI platform.

Perplexity, a generative AI startup, aims to disrupt Google Search with $74 million in funding. The podcast explores the history of search engines, challenges faced by smaller players, and Google's search results. It also discusses current trends in Silicon Valley, investments in AI companies, and the future of consumer applications.

Google disabling cookies in Chrome signals a major change in the ad landscape. The impact on user privacy and targeted advertising is discussed. Video ads can bring significant revenue. Apple's changes affected big players like Meta and Snap. Privacy-centric moves may create friction and uncertainties in the advertising industry.

Data shows new businesses are being created outside Silicon Valley. Seattle not considered a hub for AI. Fiscal issues and thriving AI sector in San Francisco.

Analysis of recent Apple stock downgrade and discussion of potential headwinds including weak iPhone sales, regulatory risks, and concerns about next iPhone launch.

The podcast discusses the issues with blockbuster IPOs in 2023 and cautions retail investors to be cautious. It explores the challenges faced by startups and investors in a changing market, the pitfalls of IPOs using examples of Uber and Alibaba, and the challenges of transitioning to the IPO market with valuation disparities.

Apple's reliance on China as a supply chain and its challenges, including protests, censorship accusations, and concerns about supply chain control. The difficulties Apple faces in diversifying its supply chain. The significance of Luxshare in Apple's manufacturing and design process. The compromises Apple has made in China, including storing user data on state-owned servers and censoring critical apps.