

FT Tech Tonic
Financial Times
We are in the midst of a digital revolution, where the line between our physical world and cyberspace is blurring. Tech Tonic is the show that investigates the promises and perils of this new technological age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 46sec
Coming soon: Will AI ever make any money?
The podcast dives into the profitability of generative AI, questioning whether the hype can translate into real returns. It explores the billions invested in AI since the rise of ChatGPT and evaluates efforts to find a so-called 'killer app.' The discussion also highlights challenges faced by users and examines if leading tech firms in Silicon Valley might be miscalculating their AI strategies. Tune in to uncover insights on the future of AI and its potential financial impact.

8 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 34min
Tech in 2025: The EU vs Big Tech
Aura Salla, former Meta lobbyist and current MEP, provides an insider’s view on EU tech regulation. She discusses the balance between curbing big tech's power and fostering innovation in Europe. Salla critiques the implications of the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act, emphasizing their potential to stifle local tech growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges of regulating platforms like X under Elon Musk, and the complexities surrounding the EU's AI regulatory landscape, highlighting the ongoing struggle for accountability and competition in the tech industry.

39 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 26min
Tech in 2025: China’s AI ‘Sputnik moment’
Eleanor Olcott, the Financial Times’ China technology correspondent, dives into the stunning rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company challenging the U.S. tech landscape. They discuss how DeepSeek’s R1 model demonstrates China's leap in AI innovation despite U.S. export controls. The conversation shifts to open-source initiatives fueling this advancement and the implications on global competition with giants like OpenAI. Olcott also highlights China's ambition for AI chip independence, raising crucial questions about the future of tech rivalry.

44 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 32min
Tech in 2025: All hail the AI revolution
Reid Hoffman, billionaire founder of LinkedIn and a venture capitalist, shares his insights on the booming artificial intelligence scene in Silicon Valley. He discusses the massive investment influx into AI startups and the mixed political climate under Trump, weighing potential benefits against regulatory challenges. Hoffman also highlights the transformative impact of AI on various industries, emphasizing the need for thoughtful design to maximize societal benefits. Expect an engaging take on the future of tech and innovation!

36 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 38min
Tech in 2025: Trump and the tech bros
Joe Miller, the Financial Times' Washington correspondent, dives into the intersection of tech and politics, focusing on Elon Musk's influence under Trump's presidency. Hannah Murphy discusses the impact of social media regulations, while Stephen Morris examines the tech landscape and AI development. They explore how Trump's policies may reshape the industry, from potential tech oligarchies to the challenges for emerging platforms like Truth Social. The conversation presents an intriguing outlook on the tech world ahead in 2025.

55 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 28min
Tech in 2025: Hi, I’m your AI-powered assistant
In this engaging discussion, Madhumita Murgia, FT's AI editor, and Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, dive into the future of AI by 2025. They explore how AI agents might soon autonomously handle tasks like email replies and grocery shopping. The conversation emphasizes the importance of AI safety and building consumer trust, as well as the rapid advancements in generative AI and the need for innovative solutions. They also touch on how AI could tackle significant challenges in healthcare and its implications for everyday life.

4 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 44sec
Coming soon: How will technology shape the world in 2025?
Discover what the tech landscape might look like in 2025. Dive into the anticipated advancements in generative AI and its implications. Explore how political figures like Donald Trump and influencers such as Elon Musk could sway Silicon Valley. Examine the regulatory landscape of Big Tech in Europe and the emergence of China as a formidable tech player. Expect insights from industry leaders that illuminate crucial developments shaping our digital future.

33 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 24min
The geopolitics of chips: Nvidia and the AI boom
The surge in AI chip demand is reshaping the tech landscape. Energy consumption of these chips poses significant challenges. Nvidia currently leads the market, but rival companies are emerging with hopes to challenge its dominance. The podcast looks into the clash between U.S. and Chinese chip technologies amidst geopolitical tensions. It also highlights innovations like Google's proprietary TPU chip and analyzes the implications of localized production and the future competition in AI. Can anyone match Nvidia's prowess? The race is on!

49 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 23min
The geopolitics of chips: Taiwan’s ‘Silicon Shield’
Taiwan's semiconductor industry is at the heart of global tech and serves as a 'Silicon Shield' against possible Chinese aggression. As tensions escalate, countries like the US and Germany are reducing their reliance on Taiwanese chips, raising questions about Taiwan's vulnerability. The discussion highlights the geopolitical implications of semiconductor production and the potential risks in global supply chains. A new Taiwanese TV series dramatizes these urgent security concerns, shedding light on the island’s precarious position.

43 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 31min
The geopolitics of chips: A manufacturing miracle
Dive into the intricate world of semiconductors, where the advanced EXE 5000 lithography machine is reshaping manufacturing. Explore the implications of Moore's Law on chip technology and competition. Unpack the complex geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China in the global chip race. Discover the critical role of key players like ASML and Intel, and what the future holds for semiconductor innovation amidst national security concerns. This journey reveals the challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing tech landscape.