Cultural factors shaping AI optimism

Jason contrasts China’s optimism about tech with U.S. distrust rooted in broken social contracts.

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Today’s show:

How long until AI models can improve AI models? Once possible, recursive self-improvement by AI technology could accelerate — forever. Thus far, humans (and their coding agents) are still driving AI progress. But a recent project by AI developer extraordinare Andrej Karpathy, called ‘autoresearcher’, is turning heads as it shows that it is possible — in certain contexts — to allow AI agents to run successive coding experiments to improve specific elements of LLM performance. Call it an early demonstration of the future.

OpenClaw is exploding in China, while here in the United States, AI is polling somewhere underneath the basement. AI in the United States is about as popular as ICE, which could create a political issue for the technology in the coming elections.

Next? Three demos. First, NetXD’s Suresh Ramamurthi showed off how he has built OpenClaw functionality to move money, Rohan Arun showed off PhoneClaw automation on Android devices from an AR headset, and Eugene Stuckless gave us a taste of what Eir is building. Our takeaway? OpenClaw is still boring its way into our digital lives, one new skill or tool at a time!

GUESTS:

Suresh Ramamurthi: ⁠⁠https://x.com/sureshr7⁠⁠

Rohan Arun: ⁠⁠https://x.com/Viewforge/⁠⁠

Eugene Stuckless: ⁠⁠https://x.com/eugene_eir_inc⁠⁠

Timestamps:

0:00 — ‘Autoresearcher’ and the future of AI improvements

6:52 — Why people around the world are flocking to OpenClaw

7:57 — Plaud - If your work depends on conversations — interviews, meetings, calls — you need a Plaud NotePin. You can check it out at Plaud.ai/twist and use code TWIST for 10% off!

9:46 — Gusto - Check out the online payroll and benefits experts with software built specifically for small business and startups. Try Gusto today and get three months FREE at Gusto.com/twist.

12:57 — The changing American social contract

20:15 — Quo - Quo (formerly OpenPhone) gives you a clean, modern way to handle every customer call, text, and thread all in one place. Try it free at quo.com/TWIST

23:50 — Why China is all-in on AI (and Europe isn’t)

26:26 — How to keep your job in the AI era

28:05 — Northwest Registered Agent - Get more when you start your business with Northwest. In 10 clicks and 10 minutes, you can form your company and walk away with a real business identity — Learn more at www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

29:38 — Athena - Get $2,000 off your first EA at https://www.athena.com/jcal

34:42 — Demo: Suresh Ramamurthi of NetXD

42:47 — Demo: Rohan Arun of PhoneClaw

47:35 — Why bringing OpenClaw to your smartphone is what’s next

49:49 — Demo: Eugene Stuckless of Eir

56:45 — How can we make smarter, more efficient agents?

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