
TechCheck
1,185 episodes — Page 4 of 24
Perplexity AI nears deal with Samsung 6/2/25
Startup Perplexity is close to a deal with Samsung that would make their assistant the default on upcoming devices. We look at what the deal means as AI companies battle to reach more users and become the default chatbot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Zuckerberg & Luckey's Reconciliation 5/30/25
Meta's Mark Zuckerberg and Anduril's Palmer Luckey are now teaming up to make virtual reality headsets for defense military training. But the new venture represents a reconciliation between two tech CEOs who had a complicated last decade and speaks to the new alignments taking shape between Silicon Valley and politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nvidia's Inference Growth Engine 5/29/25
China may have been the big headline out of Nvidia's quarter, with 28 mentions on the earnings call, but right behind was inference at 27. It represents the next wave of AI, models that generate responses after getting trained, and could unlock a major new growth engine for Nvidia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The growing disconnect in AI 5/28/25
Meta is reportedly shaking up its AI team after months of delays on its latest Llama 4 Behemoth AI model. We look at how Meta is not alone in having model issues, and the reignited debate around slowing AI progress. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Tariffs threaten big tech’s physical AI buildout 5/23/25
President Trump’s threat to slap iPhones with a 25% tariff is just his latest attempt to reshape the global supply chain. We look at how his push for American manufacturing could derail big tech’s move into physical AI. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
OpenAI’s Jony Ive deal escalates Google rivalry 5/22/25
OpenAI’s deal with iphone designer Jony Ive came right in the middle of Google I/O and sent a signal the AI company is aiming to challenge the big tech ecosystem. Plus, we look what DOJ’s reported probe of Google’s Character.AI deal means for the AI talent battlefield. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Balancing search, AI at Google I/O 5/20/25
Alphabet kicks off its adeveloper event Google I/O today – we look at the tech giant’s delicate balancing act between prioritizing AI while maintaining its core search business Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Why Palantir, Anduril are Washington's new tech favorites 5/19/25
Apple and Alibaba shares under pressure after New York Times reporting that their deal to bring AI to Chinese iPhones is facing U.S. government scrutiny. We look at how as Apple feels the squeeze of Trump’s trade policies, defense tech is winning big. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Meta reportedly delays launch of flagship AI model “Behemoth” 5/16/25
The Wall Street Journal reporting Meta has again delayed the launch of flagship AI model, named “Behemoth.” We look at how the news highlights Meta’s massive AI spend and the increasing focus on leaner models. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Trump, Cook clash over iPhones 5/15/25
President Trump attacking Tim Cook over Apple’s plans to produce more iPhones in India. We look at how Trump’s tariffs are shifting supply chains. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Databricks buys Neon for $1B, Plus Coreweave’s first quarterly report 5/14/25
Databricks CEO talks with Deirdre Bosa about the company’s $1B deal to acquire cloud-based database software vendor Neon, and the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Plus, we walk through what to watch in AI Infrastructure Coreweave’s first quarterly report since its March IPO. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Gulf’s AI ambitions, and China backdoor risks 5/13/25
President Trump escalating chip diplomacy in his trip to the Gulf states. We look at how Gulf ambitions to become an AI and their longstanding ties to Chinese tech. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Gulf nations’ new role in AI race 5/12/25
President Trump kicking off the first major international trip of his second term today, heading to the Gulf states as top tech CEOs make their way to the region for a major investor conference. We look at how a partnership between the Gulf and big tech could reshape the AI landscape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
TechCheck Takes: I Held Google's Willow Chip — What Quantum Means for the Future of AI 5/7/25
"Inside a secretive lab in Santa Barbara, California, scientists at Alphabet are working on one of the company's most ambitious bets yet. They're attempting to develop the world's most advanced quantum computers. Late last year, Google unveiled a breakthrough quantum computing chip called Willow, which it says can solve a benchmark problem unimaginably faster than what's possible with a classical computer. CNBC’s Deirdre Bosa gets an exclusive look inside Google quantum lab and explores whether Willow may give Google a chance to take the lead in the next technological era. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
OpenAI scraps for-profit plans 5/6/25
OpenAI is now trying to balance the interests of its biggest backers after the AI darling announced their restructuring plan to remain under non-profit control. We look at where that leaves its major investors like Microsoft and Softbank. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Rise of AI Vibe-Coding 5/5/25
One of AI's emerging superpowers is writing software, as shown by the rapidly climbing valuation of Anysphere, which makes one of the leading tools in the space. But now, we're also seeing big tech jump in, with Microsoft, Google, and Amazon all saying that 30% of their code is being written by AI. We dive into when we'll start seeing evidence of the boom impacting profits. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Big tech earnings signal tariff resilience 5/2/25
As Apple and Amazon mark the tail end of the big tech earnings season, megacaps are sending bullish signals about their ability to weather the tariff storm. Amazon's CEO said AI demand is growing triple digits while Apple shifts production to India and Vietnam. But it might also be too early to capture the full impact of macro uncertainties, and quarters ahead could be messier. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Meta, Microsoft boost AI bulls 5/1/25
AI stocks moving sharply higher after Meta and Microsoft posted strong results and doubled-down on AI spending plans. We dig into why the AI bull case may be more complicated than it seems. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
TechCheck Takes: Justice for AI “wrappers” — the rise of the app layer 4/30/25
Early in the AI race, apps like Perplexity, Cursor, Sesame and Abridge were known pejoratively as “wrappers,” describing the way their either app or business was wrapped around existing AI models. Critics called them as second-rate middlemen, slapping an interface on someone else’s technology while companies like OpenAI, Google, Meta and Anthropic developed their own models. Now, that thesis is changing. Wrappers have changed the way Silicon Valley builds, ushering in the era of vibe-coding. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
AI gets caught in trade war crossfire 04/30/25
Shares of Nvidia under pressure after reporting that Trump administration officials are considering changes to chip export laws that would lead to country-by-country deals. We dig into how AI is getting caught in the crossfire of the trade war. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
100 days in, cracks showing in Trump, tech relationship 04/29/25
The White House slamming Amazon today over reports that Amazon was considering showing the added price of tariffs next to products. We dig into how the spat highlights the cracks showing in the relationship between President Trump and big tech. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Silicon Valley split on China 4/28/25
Shares of Nvidia sliding today after reports that Chinese rival Huawei is developing a new AI chip. We dig into how the news is adding fuel to the debate in Silicon Valley over the best strategy in the AI arms race against China. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Pichai: Alphabet may offer personal robotaxis 4/25/25
Alphabet shares up after reporting stronger than expected Q1 results. We dig into how new numbers around Waymo showing the robotaxi company could most undervalued part of the tech giant. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What to watch in Alphabet results 4/24/25
Alphabet kicks off earnings season for the hyperscalers after the bell today. We dig into what investors are looking for, from ad revenue to color around capital expenditures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Tesla’s ambitious robotaxi goals 4/23/25
Elon Musk reiterating his plan to launch paid, driverless Robotaxis in Austing by the end of June on the Tesla earnings call. We look at Musk’s robotaxi ambitions and why he believes Tesla has an edge on rival Waymo. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
DOJ Now Targeting Google’s Future, Not Just Its Past 4/22/25
Google back in court today for day two of the search remedies trial, where the DOJ is arguing that AI could help the tech giant expand its search monopoly. We look at how regulators are moving past playing catch-up with big tech, and going on the offense. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nvidia shares slide report of new Huawei chip, Plus hints of data center pullback 4/21/25
Tech stocks continuing their steep decline amid Monday’s selloff, with Nvidia down after reports that Huawei is planning mass shipments of its own AI chip. Plus, we look at reports that Amazon is joining Microsoft in pausing some data center leases, and what it means for the AI trade. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Why Trump’s chip ban could help Chinese Nvidia rival 4/16/25
Nvidia shares falling and dragging down the rest of semis after a surprise reveal of a $5.5 billion hit tied to China chip export controls. We look at why the restrictions may be the opening a Chinese rival needs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Why Trump is backing Nvidia, Plus the tech earnings mirage 04/15/25
President Trump promising to expedite permits for Nvidia after the chip giant announced plans to build AI supercomputers in the United States. We look at how Jensen Huang and Mark Zuckerberg offer two very different case studies on how CEOs are gaming out the Trump 2.0 playbook. Plus, with Tariff uncertainty already impacting behavior, could we see an earnings mirage as big tech begins to report next week? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
AI startups set funding records 4/14/25
As big tech continues to feel the whiplash from Trump’s tariff policy, one pocket of tech has remained insulted. We look at the AI startups that are setting funding records and what they mean for Megacap tech. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Tech CEOs still waiting for return on Trump bet 04/11/25
Tech COEs flipped the script for Trump 2.0 and played nice with millions in donations to Trump’s inauguration and visits to Mar-a-Lago. We look at why they are still waiting for a return on their charm offensive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Big Tech digs in on AI Capex amid tariff whiplash 4/10/25
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy affirming the company will continue it’s AI spend the day after Google CEO Sundar Pichai recommitted Google to $75 Billion in Capex for 2025. We look at what it means amid tariff whiplash and what Amazon’s Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
TechCheck+ How Google can leverage AI amid tariff turmoil: Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian explains 4/9/25
Deirdre Bosa sits down with Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian to talk the announcements coming out of Google Cloud Next and how the tech giant could leverage AI to navigate tariff uncertainty roiling the market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Google's cloud strategy amid tariff turmoil 04/09/25
Deirdre Bosa sat down with Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian to talk the announcements coming out of Google Cloud Next, and how the tech giant could leverage AI to navigate tariff uncertainty roiling the market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Tariffs threaten AI data center build 4/8/25
Tech stocks tried to make a comeback Tuesday led by AI names. We look at how Trump’s tariffs could put a dent in plans for AI data center buildout. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
How Tariffs could threaten the AI Boom 4/4/25
Magnificent 7 stocks down again today as markets reel from President Trump’s tariff announcement. We look at how tariffs could hit the hyperscalers where it counts, threatening to dent multi-billion dollar data center plans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Magnificent 7 stocks slide as tariffs hammer big tech
The Magnificent seven losing more than $800 billion in Market cap today as President Trump’s tariffs sparked a selloff on wall street. We look at what Megacaps are in the best position to weather the tariff fallout. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
TikTok deadline looms as Meta faces key AI test 4/2/25
Amazon and AppLovin are just two of the many names reportedly jumping in to try and buy TikTok as the deadline looms. We look at how no matter who buys TikTok, it could have a huge impact for competitor Meta and its AI strategy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
OpenAI to launch open-weight model 4/1/25
OpenAI raising a record-setting $40 Billion in its latest funding round, and announcing a new open-weight model in the works. We look at what OpenAI stands to gain from its shift in strategy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Justice for the AI Wrappers 3/31/25
In Silicon Valley calling a startup a "wrapper" used to be one of the worst digs you could make. But with increasing model commoditization and costs plummeting, it just might be time for Justice for the Wrappers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Meta readies for another EU fine, plus Oracle’s role in TikTok’s future 3/28/25
The European Union is set to fine Meta up to $1 billion for violating the Digital Markets Act, expected to come down before next week. The fines come despite Meta's changes of offering consumers the option of paying for an ad-free subscription or less personalized ads. Plus, Oracle is largely seen as the frontrunner to win the bid for TikTok, since Bytedance already relies heavily on Oracle's Texas servers to store customer data. We look at what's at stake and what an actual deal would look like. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Robinhood goes from meme stock to maturity 3/27/25
Robinhood made its name as the place to trade meme stocks. Now, it's looking to grow with its customers, launching a suite of new products aimed at the more mature, high net worth investor including wealth management, private banking and a low-cost, actively managed robo-advisor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Big Tech’s AI Spending Spree & The Rise of Special Purpose Vehicles 3/26/25
After years on the sidelines, Apple is finally making a move in the data center race, according to Loop Capital. The shift could have implications for AI spending—just as Wall Street grows skeptical—while also reshaping its partnership with OpenAI and serving as a last-ditch effort to revive Siri. Plus, CNBC’s Kate Rooney reports on the rise of special purpose vehicles and private market access for smaller investors. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Google: practical quantum applications 5 years away 3/25/25
Google telling CNBC that practical quantum computing applications could be only 5 years away. We look at what the Quantum breakthrough would mean plus the announcements on Gemini 2.5 and Waymo’s expansion to Washington D.C. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Alphabet’s Wiz deal signals signs of life in M&A 3/24/25
Alphabet’s $32 billion dollar acquisition of cyber security startup Wiz setting records. We look at why it could be a turning point for M&A markets. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The shifting view of so-called AI ‘Wrappers’, Plus Starlink’s India expansion 3/21/25
AI search startup Perplexity is in funding talks that would double the company’s valuation to $18 billion. We look at how the focus in AI is shifting from model makers to so-called AI “Wrappers.” Plus, Starlink is expanding into India, but its success lies in the hands of two billionaires. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Apple’s reported AI leadership shakeup and Softbank’s bet on AI infrastructure 3/20/25
Apple’s reported shakeup among its AI leadership has intensified the spotlight on the ongoing AI talent wars among mega-cap tech companies. And Softbank’s acquisition of Ampere deepens CEO Masayoshi Son’s bet on data centers. It’s a strategic move in one of the hottest battlegrounds in tech: AI infrastructure. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nvidia's Roadmap to Physical AI 3/19/25
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang unveiled his vision and roadmap to physical AI at the company's GTC event... Describing the robots, self-driving cars, and workplace automation that he suggests might enter our lives sooner than we think. But it's a cut-throat race against China, which has already seen companies release commercialized robots that are more affordable and accessible. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Google secures $32 billion deal for cybersecurity startup Wiz 3/18/25
Google parent Alphabet is sealing a $32 billion deal to acquire the cybersecurity startup Wiz. We dig into the acquisition, which is Alphabet’s largest, and look at why the company is willing to pay a premium— nearly $10 billion more than last summer’s failed bid – to bolster its security technology in the face of advancing AI and cybersecurity threats Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Google expands access to AI image generator 3/17/25
Google is now expanding access to its powerful AI image generation model. We look at the buzz, and dig into new developments that show AI giants are moving to practicality over power. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.