a16z Podcast

In this discussion, Kirt McMaster, CEO and co-founder of Cyanogen, explores the idea of a third mobile operating system. He argues that an open platform could revolutionize how developers and consumers interact with mobile tech, giving rise to innovative services that aren’t limited to the current duopoly. McMaster highlights how emerging markets are embracing mobile technology differently, reshaping user experiences. He envisions a future where uniqueness thrives through local optimization, challenging the status quo set by Apple and Google.

Judy Smith, founder of Smith&Company and the real-life inspiration for Olivia Pope, teams up with Margit Wennmachers, partner at Andreessen Horowitz and co-founder of The Outcast Agency. They discuss how crises can transform corporate culture if handled correctly. Key topics include the importance of authentic apologies, transparent crisis communication, and tailored responses to restore trust after product failures. They highlight the critical role of leadership and cultural integrity in navigating crises, especially in the fast-paced tech landscape.

Benedict Evans, a Venture Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, dives into the mobile landscape with keen insights. He highlights Apple's dominance in the high-end smartphone market and discusses Android's evolving role. Evans forecasts a continued split between premium and low-end devices. He unveils internal dynamics at Google and the challenges major players like Facebook and Amazon face in mobile adaptation. Additionally, he touches on the stagnation of the tablet market and reflects on the legacy of the iPod, hinting at changes ahead in mobile OS.

Join Peter Rubin, a Wired Magazine writer and VR/AR expert, as he dissects the fascinating worlds of virtual and augmented reality. He explores the key differences between VR and AR, assessing their strengths for work versus play. Discover the future of Oculus beyond gaming and how immersive storytelling challenges traditional narratives. Rubin also highlights the importance of industry standards and user experience in the growing VR landscape. Tune in for insights on the evolution of gaming and the potential of VR in the entertainment industry!

Tracy Chou, a software engineer at Pinterest known for her insights on coding as literacy, joins Chris Granger and Jamie Brandon from EVE, emphasizing coding as a crucial skill in today’s world. They debate whether coding is a superpower everyone should wield or if understanding software is sufficient. Personal stories highlight the impact of early programming experiences. The conversation also addresses the decline of women in tech, advocating for inclusive education and practices to bridge the tech divide. Discover how coding might be the key to solving societal challenges.

Benedict Evans, a venture capitalist known for his keen insights on technology trends, and Preeti Kassareddy, a partner focused on consumer and enterprise tech, dive into the fascinating world of the Internet of Things. They discuss how devices like burglar alarms and thermostats can interact and what this means for consumers. The conversation highlights the importance of interoperability, successful use cases in industries like healthcare, and the evolving role of IoT in everyday life, particularly in retail and automotive sectors.

In this discussion, Paula Long, CEO and founder of DataGravity, teams up with Peter Levine, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, to explore the evolution of storage technology. They highlight the shift from traditional storage methods to intelligent solutions that enhance data awareness. Paula shares insights on embedding intelligence into storage, revolutionizing how data is managed and accessed. They address modern challenges, including compliance and privacy, advocating for smarter, tiered storage systems that reflect the value of content.

Benjamin Hindman, co-creator of Apache Mesos and key figure at Mesosphere, joins the discussion on the revolutionary Data Center Operating System (DCOS). He explores how DCOS enhances resource management, drawing parallels to traditional operating systems while emphasizing microkernel designs. The conversation dives into the shift from monolithic architecture to microservices, addressing security challenges and the transformative potential of containerization technologies. Hindman shares insights on improving application management and operational efficiency in modern data centers.

Benedict Evans, a Venture Partner at Andreessen Horowitz and a tech industry guru, discusses the shift from outdated mobile platform debates to fresh questions regarding the future of Android. He highlights Samsung's revenue struggles and the rise of Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi, reshaping global competitiveness. Evans also explores the evolving dynamics of app interactions and wearable tech, emphasizing their impact on smartphone usage. He predicts a mobile revolution with billions of devices and stresses the importance of localized strategies for emerging user demographics.

Ben Kaufman, CEO of Quirky and a pioneer in connected home products, shares insights into the Internet of Things. He discusses the patience required for mainstream adoption of smart home gadgets. Kaufman highlights how individual purchases often lead consumers to start with simple devices like lighting. He emphasizes the balance between convenience and privacy in automated systems, while also showcasing exciting innovations, such as smart appliances and enhanced security measures with technology. Will the future of our homes be seamlessly connected?