Tech Brew Ride Home

New Meta smartglasses are set to launch with exciting features like a heads-up display. OpenAI reveals an upgraded Codex with GPT-5, sharpening its AI coding capabilities. The TikTok saga takes a dramatic turn as Beijing outlines its influence on the app’s US operations. Spotify enhances the experience for free users, allowing them to select and play tracks. Plus, iOS 26 showcases functional updates and a fresh look that promises longevity for users.

Google's Gemini app has surprisingly surged to the top of the App Store, outpacing ChatGPT. New insights reveal shifting trends in AI usage, particularly among younger users. The conversation dives into the geopolitical tensions affecting AI development, especially NVIDIA's legal woes in China. Plus, PayPal's new payment features aim to revolutionize transactions, while OpenAI introduces a mentorship program for aspiring tech founders. The podcast raises intriguing questions about the economic impacts of generative AI.

Join John Borthwick, a key player in New York City's tech scene, as he takes you through his tech journey from early programming to the rise of the World Wide Web. He recalls the vibrant 90s tech culture and reflects on the creation of Total New York and the lessons from the AOL acquisition. Borthwick discusses the impact of the dot-com bubble and highlights landmark innovations like Photolog in early social media. He emphasizes how constraints can foster creativity and the evolution of Betaworks as a hub for innovation in AI.

OpenAI and Microsoft have reached a tentative agreement, signaling a shift in their partnership dynamics. Meanwhile, the FDA's clearance for the Apple Watch to monitor hypertension could lead to many discovering health issues. A curious initiative in Albania sees an AI bot appointed as a minister to tackle corruption, questioning if AI could be less corrupt than humans. Additionally, discussions about AI's role in drug discovery highlight both the potential and challenges it faces in transforming industries.

Discover the $300 billion cloud deal between OpenAI and Oracle that sent shockwaves through the tech industry. Explore YouTube's new multi-language dubbing feature, designed to help creators tap into global audiences. Dive into how major tech players are betting big on AI, scrutinizing the risks of relying on a single version of technology. Plus, get insights into Oracle's strategic pivot towards AI as they ride the growing wave of innovation in the sector!

Larry Ellison briefly became the richest person as Oracle sees explosive growth, stirring debates about its place in tech. Spotify finally delivers lossless audio for premium users, enhancing its competitive edge. Apple announces major security upgrades for the new iPhone 17, tackling spyware threats head-on. Robinhood is embracing social trading, tapping into the social media generation. Meanwhile, quantum computing continues to attract significant investment, and AI-driven podcasting is set to revolutionize content creation once again.

The latest iPhone event reveals the iPhone Air, touted as the thinnest model yet. Concerns arise as a judge blasts a $1.5 billion AI copyright settlement with Anthropic, raising questions about legal transparency. Meanwhile, OpenAI faces challenges in California amidst rumors of a possible exit. Notably, Google argues in court that the post-AI web is already in decline. Plus, Microsoft teams up with LG to bring Xbox gaming to cars, transforming road trips into a gaming experience!

Anthropic's $1.5 billion settlement raises questions about copyright and AI training as authors ponder if their works qualify for reparations. Meanwhile, OpenAI ventures into film with an AI-made animated feature. The podcast also explores the rise of tokenized securities, with NASDAQ proposing to integrate them with traditional assets. Exciting funding news highlights Mistral's valuation, Databricks' revenue growth, and ElevenLabs' innovative talent retention strategies. Lastly, an AI experiment on historical narratives ignites discussions on authenticity in storytelling.

Julie Samuels, CEO of Tech:NYC and former advocate at EFF, shares her fascinating journey from journalism to tech advocacy. She discusses the vibrant evolution of New York's tech scene, contrasting it with Silicon Valley's culture. Julie emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and how Tech:NYC is dedicated to support the industry locally. She reflects on significant moments in internet history, including the dot-com bubble and the changing landscape of digital rights, highlighting the need for a collective effort in shaping the future of technology.

OpenAI is launching a job board aimed at connecting candidates with AI skills to employers. Broadcom is making waves, potentially challenging Nvidia in the AI chip market. The rise of AI image generation may lead to a pivotal moment reminiscent of Napster's disruption. Additionally, the podcast delves into the complexities of copyright as AI-generated content faces legal scrutiny, and it explores the evolving landscape of the tech job market, emphasizing the growing demand for AI engineers.