Episodes

  • Snapshot of Post-Election Reactions and Tech Updates: OWITH.ai Podcast

    Snapshot of Post-Election Reactions and Tech Updates: OWITH.ai Podcast
    Nov 7 2024
    Good morning from OWITH.ai: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in AI and tech world.Polymarket, a prediction market platform, has seen a surge in popularity during the 2024 U.S. election, with users placing $3.3 billion in bets on Trump vs. Harris. However, concerns have been raised about wash trading, which artificially inflates trading activity. The accuracy of prediction markets as a tool for forecasting outcomes is now being questioned. Prediction markets are seen as metrics of sentiment rather than guarantees of future events. It is important to critically assess the dynamics at play in prediction markets and not take them too seriously as definitive predictions. Leo Schwartz suggests that if the underdog wins, it does not necessarily mean the prediction markets were wrong, as they reflect the sentiments of those placing bets. Ultimately, prediction markets offer data points rather than certainties about future outcomes.Amazon has received FAA approval for its new delivery drone, allowing it to fly its mk30 drone in the west valley of Phoenix. This is part of its Prime Air program, which has been in the works for over a decade. Mozilla has laid off 30% of its workforce, focusing on advocacy and global programs. Interpol has arrested 41 individuals in a global operation targeting cybercrime, taking down malicious IP addresses and servers. Nintendo cuts its Switch sales forecast as demand slows, hinting at a successor console. The FTC has sued fintech app Dave for misleading consumers about fees and loan amounts.The aftermath of the election results is discussed, with Donald Trump returning to the White House alongside a Republican Senate and House. Potential policy changes in a second Trump administration are mentioned along with advice for business leaders on how to navigate the current political climate. Additionally, it highlights Palantir CEO Alex Karp gloating over earnings, Jen Psaki's comments on Biden's legacy, and TGI Fridays' concerns about outstanding gift card balances. Starbucks' new CEO's agenda is also mentioned along with predictions of rich Americans leaving the country post-election and fluctuations in Trump media stock prices. Overall, it provides a snapshot of post-election reactions and potential impacts on various industries.

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    2 mins
  • AI Updates and Industry Insights: Stay Informed with OWITH.ai Podcast

    AI Updates and Industry Insights: Stay Informed with OWITH.ai Podcast
    Nov 6 2024
    Good morning from OWITH.ai: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in AI and tech world.Meta has made its AI model available to the U.S. military, emphasizing its "open source AI" framing, despite controversy over restrictions on military use. The move comes after reports of Chinese researchers using a version of the AI model for military purposes without permission, raising concerns about foreign misuse of AI technology. In response, some U.S. lawmakers have called for export controls on American AI. Meta is positioning itself as a champion of open-source AI standards aligned with U.S. interests, but challenges remain in defining what constitutes truly open-source AI and ensuring national security.Other developments in the AI industry include Intel's disappointment with its Gaudi AI chips, Amazon adding an AI-powered feature to Prime Video, and key hires at OpenAI and Anthropics. These developments underscore the growing influence of AI in various industries and increasing competition among tech companies in the AI space.Additionally, Google cybersecurity analysts collaborating with DeepMind on an LLM-powered agent called Big Sleep discovered a vulnerability in the SQLite database engine. This highlights the importance of finding vulnerabilities early to give defenders an advantage in cybersecurity. Tech companies like Meta and Amazon face setbacks in plans to power AI data centers with nuclear energy due to regulatory challenges and environmental concerns. Despite interest in using nuclear energy for its reliability and efficiency, companies must navigate obstacles to ensure sustainability and grid reliability.Reflecting on election day in Silicon Valley and Washington D.C., the historical context of close, chaotic, and contested elections in American politics is highlighted. The author draws parallels to past elections, such as the disputed election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden, and the infamous 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. The resilience of democracy through peaceful transfers of power despite contentious elections is emphasized. Updates on recent venture deals, private equity acquisitions, exits, and other business news are included, with a note of encouragement to go out and vote, emphasizing the importance of being part of a long continuum in American democracy.In another update, Meta has extended its ban on political ads on Facebook and Instagram beyond election day to curtail attempts to influence public opinion while votes are still being counted. OpenAI is in talks to restructure into a for-profit benefit corporation, signaling a shift towards revenue generation. Palantir has raised its annual revenue forecast for the third time, reflecting strong demand for its AI services. Netflix will remove most of its interactive specials by December 1 as it winds down the format experiment launched in 2017. Physical Intelligence has raised $400 million in funding, while infostealer malware is prevalent in recent data breaches. General Motors is convinced that ditching CarPlay and Android Auto is the right move for controlling the tech stack, and women on TikTok are seeing more content from Kamala Harris compared to men.The potential impact of deepfakes on the upcoming election is discussed, with warnings issued by government agencies about foreign adversaries creating fake videos to spread disinformation. The text also highlights the use of deepfakes in fraud cases, such as a fake CFO tricking an employee into transferring millions of dollars. Legal implications of deepfakes are explored, focusing on holding platform companies accountable for failing to stop the spread of disinformation. Berkshire Hathaway selling Apple stock, the U.S. dollar

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    4 mins
  • Insights in AI and Tech: Stay Informed and Embrace Accessibility with OWITH.ai

    Insights in AI and Tech: Stay Informed and Embrace Accessibility with OWITH.ai
    Nov 5 2024
    Good morning from OWITH.ai: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in AI and tech world.Transitioning from the use of AI-generated code at Google to the ChatGPT search engine, the future of AI and robotics, and the potential benefits of AI for Hollywood, we explore the role of AI agents in human coordination. An AMA session by OpenAI on Reddit sheds light on the idea that the era of AI companies is over, urging readers to subscribe to a blog focusing on AI and people, with paid subscribers gaining access to exclusive content.Moving on to discuss the digital accessibility gap, particularly in AI, we learn about a startup called Evinced that aims to improve web and mobile accessibility. Despite efforts to enhance accessibility, there is still a long way to go, with critical errors found in popular AI platforms. Better accessibility practices benefit everyone, emphasizing the importance of accessible tools for creating a better experience for billions of people worldwide.Shifting gears, we delve into the shifting polling data leading up to the U.S. election, with potential victory for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump. A conversation with Malcolm Gladwell on leadership and decision-making highlights the need for business leaders to engage with curious individuals and have a deeper understanding of the world. The impact of "digitally illiterate" CEOs on productivity, challenges faced by Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, new venture funds, concerns raised by Google employees, and legal issues involving Trump and CBS are also covered.As we navigate through these diverse topics in the world of AI and tech, it becomes evident that staying informed and embracing accessibility are key components in shaping a more inclusive and innovative future. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest developments in this ever-evolving landscape.

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    2 mins
  • The AI and Tech Update: GPT-5 Release, Lux Capital's Strategy, and More

    The AI and Tech Update: GPT-5 Release, Lux Capital's Strategy, and More
    Nov 4 2024
    Good morning from OWITH.ai: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in AI and tech world.GPT-5, also known as "Orion," is expected to be released soon, despite denials from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The release of GPT-5 is highly anticipated, as it will have a significant impact on the generative AI industry. Alberto Romero plans to write a new article about GPT-5, with 15 key points about the upcoming release. Lux Capital has formalized its company creation strategy with Lux Labs being launched as a platform and strategy to help scientific ideas move from labs into real-world settings. Lux Capital co-founder Josh Wolfe backs startups that create technology inspired by science fiction movies, such as Star Wars surgical robots and metal detectors reminiscent of Total Recall.Amazon reported strong financial results, with its cloud computing business, AWS, standing out with a 50% year-over-year growth in operating income. OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Search, a new search feature for its flagship product. Apple saw a 6% revenue increase in its fiscal fourth quarter, driven by a rebound in iPhone sales. China announced sanctions on Skydio, the largest U.S. drone maker, for selling drones to Taiwan. Intel's shares surged after reporting better-than-expected earnings and guidance, despite restructuring charges and impairment charges.Android 16 is set to launch earlier than expected in the second quarter of 2025. Microsoft hired Facebook's former engineering chief, Jay Parikh. Nvidia's acquisition of Run:AI will undergo an EU review. Uber's shares dropped after slowing growth due to higher prices. Anthropics called for targeted regulation of AI, warning that the window for policy action is closing fast. The email discusses the upcoming U.S. election and its potential impact on the global economy, with a focus on CEO perspectives.It also highlights the Fortune Global Forum and includes news about Starbucks offering free non-dairy milk, AWS employees criticizing in-person work requirements, and EY resigning from auditing Super Micro. Additionally, it features articles on various topics including Anthony Scaramucci's case against Trump and Ikea pledging funds to former prisoners of communist East Germany. The email encourages CEOs to attend the Fortune Global Forum for networking and learning opportunities.

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    2 mins
  • 2024-11-02 Saturday Special

    2024-11-02 Saturday Special
    Nov 2 2024
    Each Saturday we take the headlines of daily podcast and ask ChatGPT to create a Sci-Fi story inspired by the news. The outcome for this week is this short story.

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    6 mins
  • Unveiling the AI Landscape: Insights from OWITH.ai Podcast

    Unveiling the AI Landscape: Insights from OWITH.ai Podcast
    Nov 1 2024
    Good morning from OWITH.ai: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in AI and tech world. Big tech companies, such as Microsoft, Meta, and Google, are reporting increased spending on artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in their quarterly earnings reports. Meta is focusing on AI investments to enhance its social media platforms, while Microsoft is on track to surpass $10 billion in annual revenue from AI. Google highlighted that AI is writing over 25% of new code at the company. OpenAI has dropped its plans to create its own foundries and is working with Broadcom and TSMC to develop custom AI chips. Wall Street is investing $50 billion in AI power and data center projects to meet the energy demands of AI technology. However, there are concerns about the accuracy of AI models, with leading models providing incorrect voting information half of the time. Overall, big tech's commitment to AI remains strong, with ongoing developments and investments in the AI space.The hype surrounding AI influencers may not reflect reality. A popular post on LinkedIn promoting AI technology has left many people unsatisfied with the results. A new CNBC poll revealed that 79% of respondents had tried Microsoft Copilot, but only 25% thought it was worth it. This suggests that people are not ignoring AI but are waiting to see if it will be effective. Emphasizing the importance of seeing through the hype surrounding AI, author Gary Marcus offers his publication, "Taming Silicon Valley," as a resource for readers and government leaders. He encourages readers to support his work by becoming subscribers.Female Founders Fund (FFF) has successfully returned its first fund, a rare achievement in the venture capital industry. Their focus on investing in female founders has led to outsized returns, with investments in companies like Maven, Eloquii, and Billie showcasing the potential for success when backing overlooked founders. FFF's hands-on approach and strong founder-investor relationships have contributed to their success, attracting attention from LPs and industry players. The firm, led by founder Anu Duggal, is challenging traditional norms in venture capital and paving the way for more diverse and inclusive investment strategies.Fears and challenges surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) are discussed in a Halloween-themed issue. Exaggerated fears driven by financial incentives, potential energy consumption implications, and the impact of laws and regulations on AI innovation are explored. Researchers and policymakers must collaborate to regulate AI responsibly while harnessing its potential and mitigating risks.Dropbox laid off 20% of its workforce as it transitions to improve its financial performance. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy sought to establish a rapport with Republican nominee Donald Trump, leading to various repercussions in the industry.Cultural changes in Saudi Arabia regarding women's rights and the celebration of Halloween are highlighted. The intersection of cultural shifts, art investment, technology developments, and business news is emphasized.OpenAI has partnered with Broadcom and TSMC to develop AI chips for running AI models after training, focusing on inference chips rather than GPUs. Despite challenges in becoming profitable by 2029, OpenAI continues to innovate and partner with other tech giants.In conclusion, big tech companies' heavy investments in AI raise concerns about competition in the global technology market and its impact on society. The future may be dominated by AI-driven societies led by American tech giants, with potential negative impacts on democracy and capitalism.

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    4 mins
  • Balancing Hype and Reality: The Latest in AI and Tech News from OWITH.ai

    Balancing Hype and Reality: The Latest in AI and Tech News from OWITH.ai
    Oct 31 2024
    Good morning from OWITH.ai: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in AI and tech world.The evolution of generative AI has been a topic of discussion in the tech industry, with both hype and anti-hype surrounding it. Past failures have been acknowledged, but there remains optimism about the potential of AI technology. Finding a balance between hype and substance is crucial, despite concerns about a potential tech bubble burst. Such a burst could lead to a renaissance in AI development, according to experts in the field.Moving on to the prevalence of inaccurate and exaggerated AI predictions, particularly highlighted at a recent event in Saudi Arabia. Figures like Elon Musk and Masayoshi Son have made claims about the future of AI that are deemed unrealistic and lacking scientific credibility. These statements are seen as misleading to investors and driven by financial incentives rather than scientific reality.Shifting gears to cybersecurity, we see the increasing importance and complexity in today's digital world. Industry experts have noted rising budgets, vendor consolidation, and increased investment in cybersecurity solutions. Collaboration and partnership are key factors in navigating this complex landscape successfully, beyond just IPO potential.The highlights of the Future Investment Initiative Institute conference include global tech and finance leaders discussing various topics. From TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, the conversations covered a wide range of issues impacting the tech and finance sectors. Apple CEO Tim Cook's decision-making lessons from Steve Jobs were also shared at the event.In other news, Jeff Bezos' strategic move to block The Washington Post endorsement was linked to protecting his self-interests, particularly related to Blue Origin. Updates on Apple's Mac Mini, Google's integration of AI, and Intel's revival efforts were also discussed. NVIDIA's potential to accelerate India's AI capabilities presents an exciting opportunity for economic growth in the region.As tech companies continue to navigate challenges and opportunities, collaborations with major players like NVIDIA could be pivotal in boosting India's AI capabilities and attracting foreign investment. Aligning various factors to secure a better future for India in the technology sector is crucial for establishing itself as a global leader in AI technology.

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    2 mins
  • OWITH.ai: Your Essential AI & Tech News Digest

    OWITH.ai: Your Essential AI & Tech News Digest
    Oct 30 2024
    Good morning from OWITH.ai: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in AI and tech world.A recent study reveals that 40% of U.S. adults have utilized generative AI tools, with some researchers suggesting slower adoption rates than anticipated. Major companies such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Meta are incorporating AI assistants into their products, despite concerns about their effectiveness. Elon Musk's XAI startup is in search of funding at a $40 billion valuation, while Microsoft's GitHub Copilot is expanding its model options. The industry is witnessing a surge in low-quality AI-generated content on platforms like Medium. The U.S. government has implemented regulations to limit AI investments in China's tech sectors for national security reasons. As the AI industry continues to evolve rapidly, there are both opportunities and challenges on the horizon for companies and consumers alike.Turning our attention to Meta, the text discusses the company's potential to become the most valuable globally by leveraging generative AI in advertising. Despite initial concerns about ad prices and lack of new formats, Meta has adapted to challenges like Apple's ATT policy, enhancing its efficiency and profitability. Integration of generative AI into its advertising platform has further solidified Meta's position, enabling advertisers to set broad parameters for ad content creation. The incorporation of AI into Meta's content strategy underscores the potential for personalized feeds, generative ads, and content to drive revenue growth. Meta's investment in AI development across various business verticals is seen as a pivotal move towards ensuring success in the ever-evolving digital landscape.Venture capital firm MAC VC has secured $150 million for its third fund within four years, establishing itself as a significant player in the seed stage investment domain. Founded in 2019, MAC VC's meticulous approach to deal flow and emphasis on not missing out on opportunities have been instrumental in its success. The diverse backgrounds and interdisciplinary expertise of its partners have attracted founders, with an intimate and hands-on approach to supporting startups. MAC VC's portfolio boasts investments in companies like Pipe, Stoke Space, Chef Robotics, and Wonder Dynamics. The firm's reputation as a top player in venture capital is attributed to its dedicated team of partners who bring a unique blend of skills and experiences to the table.In other recent tech news, Apple faced customer complaints over a waitlist for its new Apple Intelligence features, Amazon's top grocery exec departed for Wonder, and Strava tracking unveiled the locations of French President Macron's security team. Russia acquired U.S. AI technology through an Indian company, while Hong Kong outlined a "responsible" AI policy for the financial services sector. Indonesia banned iPhone 16 sales, Meta is developing a conversational search engine, and Delta sued CrowdStrike over a global outage. The tech industry remains vigilant about the impact of the U.S. election on AI regulation and privacy laws.Fortune's CEO Daily newsletter highlights the upcoming Fortune Global Forum in New York featuring prominent CEOs and leaders discussing global opportunities and economic growth. The newsletter touches on growth potential in Africa, sustainable farming, social entrepreneurship, the American Opportunity Index rating companies based on employee economic mobility, the 100 fastest-growing companies, Robinhood's venture into the prediction market, and UK firms contemplating relocation due to tax changes.Thank you for tuning in to OWITH.ai: delivering concise updates on AI and tech news that matter most.

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    4 mins