Big Technology

Big Technology by Alex Kantrowitz covers the intersection of big tech companies and society, analyzing trends, impacts, and future predictions. It delves into AI advancements, tech company strategies, leadership changes, and the social implications of technological growth, backed by exclusive data and firsthand interviews with industry insiders.

Artificial Intelligence Tech Company Dynamics Social Media Trends Tech Industry Predictions Digital Economy Leadership and Governance in Tech Companies Technological Innovation and Society

The hottest Substack posts of Big Technology

And their main takeaways

Does Elon Musk Actually Want To Buy OpenAI?

3127 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Corporate Mergers Industry Competitors
  1. Elon Musk's recent offer to buy OpenAI for $97 billion may not be genuine; it could just be a strategy to disrupt the company. This move is raising a lot of attention and questions about his true intentions.
  2. Musk's actions seem aimed at blocking OpenAI's shift to a for-profit model, which might benefit his own AI ventures. By creating uncertainty around OpenAI's financial future, he could gain a competitive edge.
  3. The ongoing public disputes between Musk and OpenAI's leaders are creating distractions that may hinder OpenAI's progress. This drama is drawing attention away from their technological advancements and focusing it on personal feuds.

Notes on DeepSeek: Generative AI is All About the Applications Now

25395 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Applications Development Infrastructure Investment
  1. Generative AI is now cheaper to build, making it easier for developers to create new applications. This means we might start seeing more innovative uses of AI technology.
  2. The focus is shifting from how much money is spent on infrastructure to what practical applications can be built with AI. This could change the way companies approach AI development.
  3. While there is potential for exciting products, there is still uncertainty about how to effectively use generative AI. Not all that has been built so far has met high expectations.

OpenAI is an App Company Now

13260 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Apps Innovation Data
  1. OpenAI is focusing more on building apps rather than just creating AI models. This shift reflects a need to stay competitive and profitable in the changing AI landscape.
  2. The market for AI applications is growing, and OpenAI's ChatGPT is performing well, far ahead of its competitors in earnings. This positions OpenAI favorably as it continues to innovate its products.
  3. While OpenAI aims to develop artificial general intelligence, it faces challenges as competition increases and cost structures change in the AI industry. Staying ahead will require continuous product improvements.

Boom Times For ChatGPT

4003 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Chatbots Data Analytics Competitors
  1. ChatGPT is seeing a big surge in usage after some slow months. It’s now doing much better than its competitors.
  2. Recent data shows ChatGPT has reached a key turning point in its growth. This is a positive shift that many are noticing.
  3. The chatbot now attracts more users and interest, making it a front-runner in the AI space. Its popularity is on the rise.

Let's Talk DeepSeek, AI, Etc. on Big Technology's New Discord Server

5379 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Discord Communication Social media Technology News
  1. A new Discord server has been launched for Big Technology's paid subscribers. It aims to create a space for discussions about recent tech news.
  2. The Discord will allow members to share ideas and communicate more easily. It's a chance to connect with each other and tackle current tech stories together.
  3. If you're a paid subscriber, you can join through a special link. If you want to participate, signing up will give you access to the Discord server.
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Money, Drama, and China: Why AI’s Next Step Could Be Messy

6880 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Open Source Startups Investment Competition
  1. A new AI model called DeepSeek is cheaper and efficient, potentially making big investments in AI technology seem unnecessary. This raises questions about how much companies should really spend on AI.
  2. DeepSeek's success is surprising since it was developed in China, challenging the notion that good tech only comes from big investments in the West. Its ability to compete shows that smaller companies can innovate effectively.
  3. This development might shift the AI landscape significantly. Big players like OpenAI may need to rethink their approaches to stay competitive, especially now that cheaper models are proving their worth.

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis: The Path To AGI, LLM Creativity, And Google Smart Glasses

5754 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Innovation Tech industry Digital Transformation
  1. Demis Hassabis thinks we're still a few years away from achieving AGI, or human-level AI. He mentions that while there's been progress, we still need to develop more capabilities like reasoning and creativity.
  2. Current AI models are strong in some areas but still have weaknesses and can't consistently perform all tasks well. Hassabis believes an AGI should be able to reason and come up with new ideas, not just solve existing problems.
  3. He warns that if someone claims they've reached AGI by 2025, it might just be a marketing tactic. True AGI requires much more development and consistency than what we currently have.

Will Your AI Agent Be Your Friend or Lover Too?

5003 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Companionship Innovation Relationships Ethics
  1. AI agents might become more than just helpers and could turn into friends or even romantic partners. This shift changes how we think about our relationships with technology.
  2. Apps like Replika are making AI companions more connected to our daily lives, helping us in personal ways like watching movies or suggesting breaks from social media.
  3. While AI companionship can help with loneliness, it also comes with risks and emotional challenges, highlighting the need for trust in these relationships.

Cameras, Cars, and Culture: Notes From a Brief China Visit

4878 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Society Technology Media Automobiles
  1. In Beijing, there are cameras everywhere. It's a bit unsettling to feel constantly watched by so many surveillance cameras on the streets.
  2. Electric cars are super common in China. Many cars have green license plates, showing that they are electric, and you can see a lot of brands on the road.
  3. People mainly use mobile payments for everything. It's hard to find places that accept cash or credit cards, making it seem like future payments could all happen through phones.

Seven Predictions for Tech in 2025

7380 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Startups Trends Innovation
  1. Some companies might decide that generative AI isn't right for them, leading to at least one big name publicly quitting it in 2025. It's important for businesses to find what works for them.
  2. Social media may start feeling less relevant as platforms focus less on real news and engage more with content they think will grab our attention. This shift could make important global events seem distant.
  3. Brain-computer interface technology could gain more attention in 2025 as it continues to develop, possibly helping people with disabilities. This could spark new conversations around its potential benefits.

“Sometimes I Forget I'm Paralyzed.” How Neuralink’s First Patient Found Freedom by Connecting His Brain to a Computer.

6004 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Health tech Neuroscience Innovation Medical Devices
  1. Noland Arbaugh, a quadriplegic, was able to control a computer with his mind after getting a Neuralink device implanted. This technology allows him to communicate and interact with others in ways he couldn't before.
  2. Neuralink's goal is to connect human brains to computers, helping people with disabilities regain some lost functions. Arbaugh's participation in the first human trial symbolizes hope for future advancements in brain-computer interfaces.
  3. The ethical implications of brain technology are significant. While it can be used for good, like helping those with disabilities, there are risks and potential for misuse that society will need to address.

Scale AI’s Alexandr Wang’s Predictions for AI In 2025: Geopolitical Turf Wars Escalate, AI Agents Progress, Data Beats Compute

5629 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Geopolitics Military Data Innovation
  1. The competition between the U.S. and China in AI will heat up, with each country trying to promote their AI technology globally. This battle will affect which AI systems become the global standard.
  2. In 2025, we might see AI agents become more useful in everyday life, helping with tasks like managing emails and planning trips. People will likely start trusting these agents to handle bigger parts of their work and personal lives.
  3. Military use of AI is expected to grow significantly, with AI agents being implemented to process large amounts of data and improve logistical operations. This could change how wars are fought and complicate decisions about military autonomy.

What Is Sora For?

4503 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Video Generative Innovation Digital Media
  1. Sora is a cool AI video generator but is not very useful right now. The videos it creates are interesting but lack quality for serious use.
  2. There’s no clear audience for Sora yet, as it struggles to find practical ways for everyday users to engage with it. Most people might enjoy it initially, but it's hard to see why they'd keep using it.
  3. Sora could help in some specific applications, like filmmaking or marketing, but it also raises concerns about how we distinguish real from fake videos in a confusing digital world.

Full Q&A: Neuralink Patient Noland Arbaugh on His Injury, Selection, and Newfound Superpower

3627 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Health tech Neuroscience
  1. Noland Arbaugh, the first Neuralink patient, had a brain chip implanted that allows him to control computers using his brain signals. This technology translates his thoughts into actions on a screen.
  2. Despite losing movement due to his injury, Noland feels hopeful because he can see his brain's neuron activity when he attempts to move. This gives him the sense that he still has control, even if he can't physically move.
  3. Neuralink has the potential to enhance human interaction with technology, allowing people to multitask in ways not possible before. It might even revolutionize gaming, offering advantages that could separate users into different gaming leagues based on Neuralink usage.

Enterprise AI is Moving Fast, and Other Takeaways From a Week With Amazon

4503 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Enterprise Software Innovation Business
  1. Generative AI is mainly used in businesses right now because they face unique problems. Companies are investing in it to process information and improve operations.
  2. Spending on generative AI is mostly for tools like ChatGPT and APIs for building custom solutions. This growth in enterprise spending may help develop AI technologies for consumers later on.
  3. OpenAI and Amazon are becoming competitors in the AI space. Their focus and innovations can change how AI is used in both business and personal applications.

AWS CEO Matt Garman Talks Amazon’s Big Bets in AI Chips, Reasoning, and Nuclear Energy

5129 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Development Cloud Computing Nuclear Energy Partnerships
  1. Amazon is focusing heavily on AI and has introduced new AI chips, reasoning tools, and a large AI training cluster to enhance their cloud services. They want customers to have more options and better performance for their AI needs.
  2. AWS believes in providing choices to customers instead of pushing one single solution. They aim to support various AI models for different use cases, which gives developers flexibility in how they build their applications.
  3. For energy solutions, Amazon is investing in nuclear energy. They see it as a clean and important part of the future energy mix, especially as demand for energy continues to grow.

Rough Times Ahead for News Business as Trump Bump Gives Way to Trump Dump

6380 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Trump Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. The news business is facing tough times after Trump's latest election win. Many viewers are tuning out and canceling their subscriptions.
  2. Unlike the excitement around Trump's first win, this time people feel exhausted and less interested in political news. They are questioning whether their subscriptions are worth it now.
  3. Some media outlets that positioned themselves as opposing Trump are struggling to keep their audience. Meanwhile, some pro-Trump platforms are seeing a rise in popularity.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Has Thoughts on AI Agents, Automation, And The Future of Your Job

4753 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI agents Automation Customer Service Productivity
  1. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff believes AI agents will work for companies rather than individuals. This means businesses can use these agents to handle customer service and other tasks, making things more efficient.
  2. Benioff sees AI as a way to boost productivity, not just replace jobs. By using technology, companies can enhance the skills of their workers and make them more effective without necessarily hiring more people.
  3. The future of business software could change a lot. Instead of traditional programs, companies might start using chatbots to manage data and interact with customers, creating a new kind of relationship with technology.

Universities Are Woefully Under-Resourced For AI Research. They’re Fighting To Change That.

5129 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Research Higher education Public Policy Data science
  1. Universities are struggling to keep up with AI research due to a lack of resources like powerful GPUs and data centers. They can't compete with big tech companies who have millions of these resources.
  2. Most AI research breakthroughs are now coming from private industry, with universities lagging behind. This is causing talented researchers to prefer jobs in the private sector instead.
  3. Some universities are trying to address this issue by forming coalitions and advocating for government support to create shared AI research resources. This could help level the playing field and foster important academic advancements.

Spotify’s Plans For AI Generated Music, Podcasts, and Recommendations, According To Its Co-President, CTO, and CPO Gustav Söderström

5879 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Music Podcasts Digital Media Recommendations
  1. Spotify is embracing AI to enhance creativity in music and podcasts. They see these tools as ways to help artists express themselves better rather than replacing them.
  2. The company is focusing on improving how users find new music and podcasts. They want users to feel like they have control over their recommendations and can provide feedback.
  3. Spotify aims to create a more personal experience by using AI. They envision a platform where users can interact like friends with the app, making the recommendations feel tailored and engaging.

Notes On The Bezos Debacle At The Washington Post

6630 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Journalism Ethics
  1. Jeff Bezos didn't understand his audience at the Washington Post. By not endorsing a candidate, he disappointed many subscribers who expected a clear stance.
  2. Bezos might be trying to change the newspaper's direction. It's possible he's breaking from past norms to create something new, but it's still unclear what that is.
  3. While the idea of not endorsing candidates is interesting, the timing was poor. This decision made people question the newspaper's independence and hurt its trustworthiness.

4 Truths About OpenAI’s Wild Financial Position

5504 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Investments Corporations Economics Startups
  1. OpenAI plans to change how it looks at training costs, suggesting these might not be fixed over time. This could impact their profits, as training expenses are significant.
  2. OpenAI believes that ChatGPT will generate more revenue than its API, showing confidence in its widespread use. They expect more people will want to interact with AI in the future, which could be risky if the growth doesn’t happen as hoped.
  3. OpenAI is already making big payments to Microsoft, which is one reason they expect to lose a lot of money this year. If their losses continue at this rate, they will need to raise more money soon.

The AI Story Will Roll On in Trump’s Second Term

3502 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Governance Political strategy Political History
  1. AI technology is becoming increasingly important and cannot be overlooked, especially with key figures in tech having connections to the political landscape. This means the AI story will remain a big topic as politics unfold.
  2. Trump's new presidency will likely influence AI regulations and policies, particularly around open-source AI and tariffs. This could impact major tech companies and their strategies moving forward.
  3. The evolution of generative AI has just begun, and it's becoming crucial for businesses. However, many AI startups are still struggling financially, which could shape the future of the industry.

Looking Back: One Year Of Big Technology's Paid Edition

4128 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Tech news AI Subscriptions Journalism Events
  1. The launch of paid subscriptions for Big Technology has been a success, allowing the publication to grow and provide better content.
  2. The newsletter included valuable insights on major tech companies like Amazon and Google, highlighting important trends and changes in leadership.
  3. Engagement with subscribers has been strong, with the addition of exclusive podcasts and events, making the relationship between the writer and readers even more meaningful.

Tech’s Winners and Losers From Trump’s Election

3002 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Campaigns Public Opinion Technology influence
  1. Prediction markets became popular during the 2024 election and helped forecast the winner correctly. These markets showed how people bet on political outcomes and made a mark in the election process.
  2. Elon Musk actively supported Trump through X, showing his strong influence in the tech and political landscape. His endorsement highlighted the connection between tech giants and their political preferences.
  3. Silicon Valley investors were openly backing Trump, hoping for financial gains if he won. This shows how the tech industry is intertwined with politics and how investments can be linked to election outcomes.

Trade War? Tariffs? How A Trump Election Would Change Tech

2752 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Elections Global Trade Economic Impact
  1. Global trade is super important for tech companies like Apple and those in semiconductors. If trade gets disrupted, it could lead to higher prices and inflation.
  2. Donald Trump's potential election could lead to drastic changes in global trade, including high tariffs on imports. This could reshape the landscape for many tech businesses.
  3. With Trump's focus on tariffs, global trade issues might become the main concern for the tech industry instead of social media or other topics that dominated past elections.

How Google Blew Up Its Open Culture and Compromised Its Product

16387 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Product Development Leadership Tech industry Employee Relations
  1. Google's open culture deteriorated, impacting its product quality and employee morale.
  2. Issues began when Google shut down discussions on sensitive topics like diversity and employee concerns.
  3. The closure of open channels for questioning within Google led to a negative impact on the company's innovation and decision-making processes.

The First Hit Generative AI Product After ChatGPT? Somehow, It’s Snapchat+

17388 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Generative AI Subscription Messaging
  1. Snapchat+ is a popular AI-powered subscription service with generative AI features.
  2. The success of Snapchat+ shows that generative AI may be best as a feature within existing apps rather than standalone products.
  3. Generative AI technology is being utilized to enhance user experiences and could be a new revenue stream for companies.

Inside the Crisis at Google

9632 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Corporate Ethics Crisis Management Innovation
  1. The crisis at Google, involving controversial AI outputs, highlights significant organizational dysfunction and lack of clear accountability.
  2. The focus on culture war narratives in analyzing the crisis may overlook deeper issues within Google's operations.
  3. Google's handling of the crisis with its Gemini tool demonstrated the company's struggle with transparency and the need for significant organizational changes.

Rivian's CEO on Elon's Influence, The Plan For Profitability, And The Grid’s Risky Future

750 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Electric Vehicles Sustainability Innovation Manufacturing Energy Policy
  1. Rivian wants to make electric cars appealing to everyone, not just one type of buyer. They're focused on inviting all people into the electrification movement and fostering a diverse community of users.
  2. The company is dealing with challenges in becoming profitable while also launching new vehicles. They're now working on lowering costs and improving supply chains to achieve positive cash flow.
  3. Rivian believes that moving away from fossil fuels is essential for the future. They see a big responsibility in transitioning to renewable energy and are committed to creating products that contribute to this change.

Tim Cook’s Apple Has Been Meta’s Best Friend. Completely By Accident.

10007 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Social media Augmented reality Advertising Messaging Market Impact
  1. Apple's Tim Cook unintentionally became a key asset for Meta through various business moves.
  2. Apple's Vision Pro launch helped boost Meta's mixed reality efforts by establishing it as a category.
  3. Apple's ad tracking restrictions unintentionally harmed Meta's competitors, giving Meta an advantage in the advertising space.

Seven Predictions For Tech in 2024

9632 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Virtual reality Social media Market Analysis Autonomous Vehicles
  1. Generative AI will advance in 2024 with new capabilities like better conversation retention and reasoning.
  2. The year 2024 is predicted to be significant for mixed reality advancements, integrating AI avatars and assistants.
  3. Tech industry forecasts include Elon Musk selling X, Meta's market cap reaching $1 trillion, and NVIDIA facing increased competition.

ChatGPT’s Growth Is Flatlining

7380 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Tech industry
  1. ChatGPT's growth is flatlining, with declining web traffic and stagnant mobile app usage.
  2. OpenAI is transitioning into a post-ChatGPT era sooner than expected, prompting a shift in company focus.
  3. Despite initial excitement, ChatGPT has not reached mainstream success according to a senior insights manager at SimilarWeb.

Will Search Engine Traffic Really Drop 25% by 2026, As Gartner Predicts?

6004 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Search Engines AI Predictions Business impact Content Strategy
  1. Gartner predicts a 25% drop in traditional search engine traffic by 2026, with AI chatbots and virtual agents gaining more traction.
  2. The decline in search engine traffic could significantly impact major players like Google and potentially lead to a shift in web navigation towards chatbots and away from traditional search.
  3. The prediction of a decline in search traffic raises questions about the future of web content strategy and the role of individual web pages in the era of AI-driven answer engines.