

GeekWire
GeekWire
GeekWire brings you the week's latest technology news, trends and insights, covering the world of technology from our home base in Seattle. Our regular news podcast features commentary and analysis from our editors and reporters, plus interviews with special guests.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Oct 28, 2023 • 39min
Inside the AI Revolution: Tech execs on the new realities for software, startups, and the future
CTO at Redfin and Chief Product Officer at GitHub share real-world examples of AI in software development, real estate, and meetings. They discuss topics like privacy, bias, education, and the changing nature of technical jobs. Questions from the audience include adapting AI for emotional intelligence and improving work-life balance with increased AI productivity.

Oct 21, 2023 • 23min
What the heck happened at Convoy?
Exploring the downfall of Convoy, a digital freight marketplace that raised $260 million but closed within 48 hours, impacting high-profile investors and disrupting traditional freight brokering. The hosts discuss the reasons behind the rapid burn rate, the impact on employees, and the challenges of raising venture capital.

12 snips
Oct 14, 2023 • 38min
Robots, AI, and the future of labor: 'Way bigger than the steam engine'
GeekWire podcast with guest Geordie Rose, CEO of Sanctuary AI, discusses the future of labor and the rise of humanoid robots. They explore the design and development of Phoenix, a humanoid robot powered by advanced AI, and the concept of 'labor as a service'. They delve into the intersection of declining birth rates and the advancement of robots, as well as the use of robots in warehouses and the challenges of building intelligent systems.

Oct 7, 2023 • 25min
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella vs. Google
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella testified this week in Google's antitrust case in Washington, D.C., supporting the U.S. Justice Department's contention that the search giant unfairly leverages its market power to stifle competition, a charge that Google vehemently disputes. On this episode of the podcast, we reenact portions of Nadella's testimony, explain the positions staked out by Microsoft and Google in the case, and discuss the irony of Microsoft siding with the DOJ two decades after fighting its own antitrust battle against the agency. Read additional excerpts in this GeekWire Post: What Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in court about Google, Apple, search, and the future of AI Plus, Generative AI and the "Ghost of Lesser Seattle." We revisit our attempt to channel the late, great Seattle newspaper columnist Emmett Watson with the help of ChatGPT, and assess the reaction. With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Related links and coverage: Testifying in Google trial, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warns AI could extend search giant’s lead The Verge: Satya Nadella tells a court that Bing is worse than Google — and Apple could fix it Emmett Watson meets ChatGPT: What if the champion of ‘Lesser Seattle’ could see us now? Marketplace: There’s a corner of the internet where YouTubers read strangers’ obituaries. Why? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 30, 2023 • 42min
Unpacking the FTC's case vs. Amazon
On this episode of the GeekWire Podcast, we dive deep into the landmark lawsuit filed by the FTC against Amazon with insights from former Amazon seller Jason Boyce, co-author of "The Amazon Jungle," host of the Day 2 podcast, and CEO of Avenue7Media, an agency that works with online sellers. We discuss the implications of the lawsuit for Amazon, consumers, and sellers in the context of the changing dynamics of the online retail. Boyce, with his 17 years of experience as a seller and his current role working with third-party sellers, offers a unique perspective on Amazon's practices and the broader e-commerce landscape. We also touch upon Amazon's evolving relationship with sellers, the challenges of omni-channel retail, and the rise of new online marketplace competitors. GeekWire coverage FTC and 17 states sue Amazon for maintaining alleged monopoly power that stifles competition FTC targets alleged secret Amazon pricing algorithm ‘Project Nessie’ in antitrust complaint FTC’s case against Amazon hinges on internal messages and secrets yet to be revealed Lawsuit: FTC et al vs. Amazon, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington New York Times: For Amazon’s Andy Jassy, a Cleanup Job Just Got a Lot Bigger Reuters: Amazon drops planned merchant fee as FTC lawsuit looms CNBC: FTC Chair Lina Khan: Amazon lawsuit is about protecting free and fair competitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 28, 2023 • 33min
Lumen CEO Kate Johnson: Seattle tech, AI, Microsoft, and 'cloudifying' telecom
Kate Johnson, Lumen Technologies CEO and former U.S. president of Microsoft, discusses the Seattle tech hub as a test bed for Lumen's offerings. She explains the company's efforts to reinvent itself and the importance of digitizing and cloudifying telco services. Johnson also shares insights on Microsoft's transformation under Satya Nadella, creating benchmarks for success, and Lumen's adoption of AI and Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot. She highlights the power of vulnerability, leadership, and curiosity, emphasizing the involvement of people and gratitude.

Sep 23, 2023 • 33min
Longtime Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley is our Copilot on this episode
Mary Jo Foley, Longtime Microsoft watcher, joins the GeekWire Podcast to discuss the latest Windows and AI features. They also talk about the surprise resignation of Panos Panay, the chief product officer at Microsoft, and his potential move to Amazon. The discussion covers Microsoft's new branding strategy, the release date and competitiveness of Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot, the cost implications for business customers, and the departure of Panoz Pene and the future of the Surface line. They also reflect on the changing and surprising nature of Microsoft.

Sep 16, 2023 • 41min
Human creativity and AI: Catching up with Chris Pirillo
Chris Pirillo is an entrepreneur, creator, event organizer, and online community leader who has been a guide to the world of tech for everyday users since the early days of the web. On this episode of the GeekWire Podcast, we catch up with Chris about his latest project, CreatorTech.net, an email newsletter and monthly meetup focused on the intersection of creativity and artificial intelligence. The next CreatorTech meetup is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 25, at the Microsoft Reactor in Redmond. We also discuss some of the latest AI and tech tools that Chris has been finding useful, and hear his take on corporate return-to-office mandates — spoiler alert, he's not a fan! Chris Pirillo on the new iPhone 15, and the edited take discussed on the show. The latest CreatorTech email with a list of 25 AI tools to check out. Our last GeekWire Podcast/Radio conversation with Chris in June 2013. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. Edited by Curt Milton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 14, 2023 • 32min
Is Elon Musk calculated or crazed? Walter Isaacson on his new book
Our guest on this special episode is journalist and biographer Walter Isaacson, whose new book about Elon Musk, the SpaceX and Tesla founder and X (Twitter) owner, was published this week. Isaacson addresses the question of whether Musk is "calculated or crazed," as one anecdote in the book puts it; discusses Musk's role in some of the world's most vital infrastructure, including SpaceX's Starlink satellites; compares Musk's approach and style to Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Jeff Bezos; addresses Musk's outlook on artificial intelligence and space travel; and outlines the key issues that could determine Musk's legacy. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. Edited and produced by Curt Milton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 9, 2023 • 29min
Amazon's robots and its larger vision for work
Tye Brady, chief technologist for Amazon Robotics, joins us on this episode of the GeekWire Podcast to talk about the company's latest warehouse robots, explaining how they represent the emergence of the larger vision that prompted him to join Amazon more than eight years ago. Our conversation at Amazon HQ in Seattle followed a trip by GeekWire's Todd Bishop to Austin and San Marcos, Texas, to see many of Amazon's newest autonomous robots first-hand. Related coverage: New robots are making Amazon’s warehouses more efficient — can they also make them safer? Video: Amazon's Robots, explained Amazon’s Sparrow is leaving the nest: Trailblazing warehouse robot is ready for a wider rollout Video: Up close with Amazon's Sparrow Robot See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


