The Aboard Podcast

Adam Pash, CTO at Aboard, joins the discussion on harnessing AI to build apps, emphasizing the blend of structure and flexibility in development. He explores the critical role of digital agents in enhancing user onboarding and provides insights into the balance between systematic approaches and vibe coding. Lively anecdotes reveal common pitfalls in using AI and stress the necessity of 'guardrails' for maintaining control. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the dynamic interplay between AI technologies and human creativity in app development.

“Agents” are a big marketing term for AI companies right now—but how do they actually work? In the second installment of AI Summer School, Paul and Rich are joined by Aboard Director of Engineering Kevin Barrett, who breaks down what “agent” actually means, and how they function within the platform. Plus: In the process of demoing Aboard’s agent capabilities, Paul becomes transfixed by the breeding records of a fictional alpaca farm.

Feel a little lost when it comes to AI? It’s time to go back to school—Aboard’s AI Summer School! Over the month of August, Paul, Rich, and a few special guests will break down the basics of LLMs, agents, AGI, and a host of other AI-related topics. In the first installment, they discuss how LLMs think—or rather, don’t think—and compare the major players on the AI scene right now.

The hosts dive into the concept of vibe coding, contrasting it with traditional software development. They explore the evolution of coding tools, discussing the balance between simplicity and complexity, as well as the psychological challenges of using AI. A humorous personal story about a birthday cake order highlights the importance of personalization. They also address AI's limitations in understanding user prompts. Finally, the conversation looks at the future of computer science education and the foundational skills needed for tomorrow's tech landscape.

How do you build for the future amid ongoing instability? This week, Paul and Rich turn to Lebanon—literally, since that’s where Rich, who was born in the country and still has family there, is calling in from. After they discuss some Lebanese basics (Cedars! Small plates!) they turn to the Lebanese tech scene, discussing everything from investments in the Beirut Digital District to Aboard’s partner agency in Lebanon, Speedlane.  

AI is a great first step, but to really build software, you need humans to get the job done. On last week’s podcast, Paul and Rich talked about how Aboard works by focusing on those AI first steps; this week, they dig into the human work that gets Aboard projects over the line, from classic agency-style client management to the brand-new role of “Solution Engineer.”

Dive into the fascinating world of AI-driven software development! Discover how Aboard transforms simple prompts into functional applications in mere minutes. The hosts creatively demonstrate a digital management solution for a hypothetical pumpkin patch, showcasing innovative tools for scheduling and event coordination. Learn about the essential interplay of human engagement in tech and the exciting evolution of the software industry. With discussions on user experience and faster app development, this is a peek into a revolutionary future.

Dive into a nostalgic journey reflecting on a 1980 issue of Omni magazine, exploring how past discussions on computers mirror today’s AI conversations. The hosts ponder the meaning of 'new technology' while highlighting the rise of personal computer literacy as a defense against automation and cybercrime. They also analyze IBM's evolution and the shift from hardware to consulting. Plus, get insights on the urgent need for awareness in our rapidly changing tech landscape, illuminated by the interplay of culture and technology.

As the legacy tech giants weave AI functionality through their existing systems, is it all over for AI-first companies like OpenAI and Anthropic? In the wake of this year’s WWDC, Paul and Rich analyze Apple’s AI plans, and contextualize them within broader industry shifts. What’s Apple’s AI endgame—and where can we expect to see a player like OpenAI a few years from now?

When is something “done”—and why is it so hard to define “done” when it comes to AI? On this week’s podcast, Paul and Rich talk about the challenges of the last mile of software development, and why the industry needs a whole new set of processes to actually use AI to ship product. Plus: Paul reveals one neat trick that will make you finish writing something.