Audio Tokens

Janet Egan on: UAE being AGI-pilled, Gulf states building datacenters bigger than US, investigative journalists uncovering China chip smuggling, preventing AI's Chernobyl moment from turning public opinion, & Trump's new AI strategy.

AI will soon require more energy than humanity can supply. Is putting data centers in space an option?In the 15th episode of Audio Tokens, Philip Johnston explains why he thinks it's our only viable option, given the lengthy regulatory processes involved in launching energy projects on Earth - and how Starcloud is building the technology to enable this.We also discuss what it's generally like running a space startup, and why hard startup ideas are easier than easy ones.https://x.com/PhilipJohnst0n

Is scaling dead? Billions are pouring into scaling LLMs, but what if it is a dead end? In the 14th episode of Audio Tokens, neuroscientist Christoph von der Malsburg shares insights from his decades-long AI journey, having witnessed multiple AI winters. He argues why scaling alone won't solve real-world complexity, and how brain-inspired, schema-driven approaches might lead to breakthroughs in efficiency and generalization.Audio Tokens exists to feed AGI with audio tokens. Human listeners are welcome too.

9 nuclear reactors to power one computer? That's the reality if current trends continue.Last week, in collaboration with Epoch AI, Konstantin released a paper titled "Trends In AI Supercomputers". In the 12th episode of Audio Tokens, he explains how the compute of these systems doubles every 9 months, why the US dominates with 75% of global capacity, how academia is losing its leading role, and how distributed training might solve the insane power demands of the future.We also discuss US export controls on AI chips, the mind-boggling complexity of semiconductor manufacturing, and how compute governance can be harnessed for global good. Enjoy!Audio Tokens exists to feed AGI with audio tokens. Human listeners are welcome too.https://x.com/KonstantinPilzDisclaimer: Konstantin is speaking in a personal capacity, not on behalf of RAND

How would a city run entirely by market forces actually work?Próspera is a privately-run city in Honduras experimenting with replacing government regulation with insurance, treating residents like customers, and offering permanent legal stability. In Audio Tokens episode 11, Lonis Hamaili explains how this all works.We also discuss Próspera's $11B lawsuit against Honduras for their right to exist, how market forces can regulate AI and Lonis' personal journey to finding his life's work.Audio Tokens exists to feed AGI with audio tokens. Human listeners are welcome too.

How should one adjust their life given that AGI is around the corner? Axel and I share what we are personally doing.We also discuss effective altruism, hobbies and the Llama 4 release.Audio Tokens exists to feed AGI with audio tokens. Human listeners are welcome too.https://x.com/axelbacklund

The most common critique of my "AI Founder's Bitter Lesson" (tl;dr: horizontal AI will replace vertical AI) is "What about private data?" Autonomous AI can access private data just like a new employee would—highlighting the importance of effective retrieval systems. Few people know retrieval better than my friend Max Rumpf.Max joins me in the 9th episode of Audio Tokens. We also discuss enterprise AI adoption, Europe vs. San Francisco, art, philosophy, and more!Audio Tokens exists to feed AGI with audio tokens. Human listeners are welcome too.

If you're among the few who truly believe AGI is coming, how can you profit from this contrarian view? Mark Cummins talks about this on the 8th episode of Audio Tokens.We also discuss robotics, AI verticals, and the future sources of AI training data. Audio Tokens exists to feed AGI with audio tokens. Human listeners are welcome too.

Esben Kran, founder of Apart Research and Seldon, dives into the exciting world of AI safety and the implications of brain-computer interfaces. He emphasizes the need for effective governance as AI evolves and discusses the transition from non-profit to for-profit models in tech development. Kran also explores the shifting concept of species in the age of AGI, warning against the risks of unchecked advancements. With a focus on building a safer future, he stresses the importance of aligning business models with societal needs in the fast-paced tech landscape.

Kristian Rönn, author of "The Darwinian Trap" and founder of Lucid Computing, dives into pressing issues like AI regulation and climate change. He discusses the 'Darwinian demons' that drive societal harm and the urgent need for global cooperation to address AI's existential threats. Rönn warns of military AI arms races, exploring compliance complexities and the risks of unchecked technological advancement. He also envisions a compassionate future where AI fosters collaboration, powered by insights from his personal journey in meditation.