The Business of Tech

What is the purpose of the Callaghan Innovation? In the wake of the mandate to reduce headcount by about 7%, this was the question that Stefan Korn had to answer. To answer it, he returned to the organisation's founding documents, looked at similar organisations overseas, and considered the unique position of Aotearoa New Zealand. In this episode, Dr Korn discusses his vision of Callaghan's future and the thought process that led him to it. Also, what do NZ's tech leaders say about the impact of AI on the workforce? Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aotearoa New Zealand's startup and VC scene has a bit of a problem with some investors taking too much equity for their money, leaving founders with little incentive to put in the effort it takes to grow their businesses. On top of that, using equity to attract talent is near-impossible when it just lands that talent with a big tax bill the day they start. Rob Vickery, founder and managing partner of Hillfarrance Venture Capital, digs into this issue and outlines what he thinks should change to create a stronger and better startup ecosystem in NZ. We also dig into the untimely death of Sunfed and what it says about the alternative meats industry, the wild story of Unity and Wētā Digital, and the huge success of Canva. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple’s efforts to redefine the world of augmented reality with its Vision Pro have been slowly creeping across the globe. In February, the device landed in the hands of the developers at Kiwi virtual reality games studio Beyond who developed Runaways, one of the first ever games for the ‘spatial computer’. Speaking with Beyond co-founders Jessica Manins and Anton Mitchell, Peter digs into what it was like to work with the Vision Pro and where they see the technology headed next. Plus, we chat about Ola’s exit from NZ and what we learned from the Commerce Commission’s latest broadband performance report. Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts. Reading list (and bonus pic of Peter wearing the Vision Pro)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Being AI CEO David McDonald explains the huge aspirations for the newly-listed company and why listing on the New Zealand Exchange was a key step in those plans. McDonald and his assembled team have a history of AI success underpinning the promise of future glory. The company's share price rocketed since listing, sparking a lot of attention and some criticism. Is it tall poppy syndrome? Or just fair scrutiny for a listed company? We also delve into Ben's experiment playing with a range of free-tier GenAI chatbots, unpacking the pros and cons of the seven he tested. Reading list See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to be a modern, competitive internet provider in 2024? One NZ CEO Jason Paris has been focused on exactly that question for the last few years as he has transitioned Vodafone NZ into One NZ. Now, one year since the official launch of the rebrand, Paris joins us to provide some insight into how the gears are turning inside one of Aotearoa's biggest technology companies. Plus, more AI job displacement talk, and has Elon done enough with X to keep his own personality from sinking it? Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finally, it's a fintech episode! With the Commerce Commission releasing a draft report that outlines all the ways our banking sector is uncompetitive, now is the perfect time to talk disruption in the world of financial services. First, Dosh CEO and co-founder Shane Marsh weighs in on the state of the NZ financial services sector with a view on how we got to this point of staleness and lack of competition, with four Australian banks dominating the industry. Then, Immersive CEO and co-founder Jerome Faury zooms out further to ask how NZ can avoid being left behind as the world of payments speeds ahead worldwide. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi futurist Ben Reid joins the (award nominated!) podcast for a second time to talk about his new book, Fast Forward Aotearoa, which unpacks the path to a future of technological success and positivity for NZ. Peter speaks to Ben Reid about what systemic changes need to be made to ensure the best outcomes for all Kiwis. Plus, we talk about Chorus' investment in datacentres, Uber's big Aussie settlement, and why news outlets are making deals with AI companies. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What exactly is sovereign AI and why would we want it? Machine learning and artificial intelligence expert Kiarie Ndegwa has been in the trenches with the tech for a decade, including working on Te Hiku Media's bilingual te reo Māori/NZ English transcription tool. Ndegwa shares his unique perspective on what it means to truly own AI and data and dips into the technical details to debunk the claims that only Big Tech can deliver the goods to power AI. Plus, the government's promise to open up genetic tech soon, US and China IT cold war continues, and NZ's telcos' steps toward modernisation. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amazon and Microsoft have thrown around some big numbers about how their impending NZ-based datacentres will benefit the economy. But is it really that simple? Will Amazon and MIcrosoft's NZ public cloud regions be ready in 2024 as promised? Where do our local cloud companies fit in? All of these questions and more are discussed on our episode today as we're joined by Don Christie, NZ IT industry veteran and the founder and managing director of Catalyst IT and Catalyst Cloud. Plus, Ben talks about his visit to Rocket Lab for event celebrating the launch of NZ's first publically funded space project - MethaneSat. Reading list and linksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben and Peter talk to Spark CEO Jolie Hodson and NZIER principal economist Christina Leung about the recent research into how adopting more advanced digital tech can boost industry output by up to $26 billion, and increase GDP by 2.08% annually. The pair unpack the report to explain what will it take among Kiwi businesses to realise these gains. BusinessDesk senior journalist Cécile Meier also joins to answer some questions about her reporting on Hira, the government's embattled project to revamp NZ's IT systems for healthcare. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian journalist, host of the Tech Won't Save Us podcast, and former Wellington resident Paris Marx joins us to discuss the role that technology and the billionaires that control it play in mitigating the impact of climate change. Plus, the role Aotearoa New Zealand can play in ensuring that emissions mitigation tech is effective at more than just turning a profit. Plus, we talk about the cellphone bans in schools, cleaning up space junk, identifying methane leaks, and Australia's new Rocket Lab competitor. Reading list and linksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1998, there has been a global moratorium on charging tariffs for digital services but that may soon come to an end, depending on what happens at the World Trade Organisation conference later this month. Ben talks to BusinessDesk senior correspondent Dileepa Fonseka about his research into the matter, and what it might mean for Kiwi software companies looking to go global. Plus, Peter and Ben discuss the need for sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure, the US’ plan to undermine Huawei, and Electric Kiwi’s criticism of broadband notice periods. Links and reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of bringing together cloud products, adding a little engineering and business strategy magic, and then implementing and managing bespoke cloud services, Dave Howden is out to do the same thing with AI. While an AI consulting and services business may not sounds as flashy as an exciting new platform, it's the kind of company that makes up the backbone of a major technological transition. Peter speaks to Dave about why he decided to start his new company, SupaHuman, and what he's got planned for the coming year. Ben and Peter also dig into the tech-based content from the Briefings to Incoming MInisters (BIMs) that reveal some of the inner workings and plans inside the public service. Links and reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Already in 2024 we are seeing big tech companies like SAP point at AI as a reason to slash headcount, and it's likely we will see more of that to come. This week, technologist and educator Frances Valintine joins to talk about how to stay relevant in the age of AI, and what responsibilities businesses bear to their employees when it comes to learning. Ben and Peter also share their thoughts on the topic, and look at some recent news stories and research that give a glimpse into an AI-dominated future. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech reporter and commentator Rob O'Neill says he likes to "get down among the weeds" and in our first episode for the year, he does exactly that. We speak to Rob, senior writer for Reseller News, about what he's seeing in his reporting on the IT industry in NZ, and his view of the future for all of the work that's been done on the now-dead water reform and Te Pūkenga IT transformation projects. Plus, more AI talk, VR/AR, disinformation, and expecting the unexpected. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March of last year, Judith Collins was but a senior member of parliament for the opposition. Today, she is a senior member of the government, with more ministerial positions than any other member of the National Party government. Collins spent a significant amount of her time in opposition learning about NZs tech sector, and wooing its members. It was in March when Peter Griffin spoke to her to ask her thoughts on tech in NZ and what she would focus on if she made it into cabinet, which we played in our first-ever episode. Listening back, one of the most interesting things is thinking about just how far we’ve come with artificial intelligence in less than a year. You can also hear the beginnings of one of Collins’ other portfolios – digitising government. With the new Government’s first full year in power ahead, it’s a great time for us to replay this interview with the now-minister for space and see what could be in store for tech in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jackson Henry is an Australian ethical or white hat hacker who we spoke to last year. We only featured him briefly in episode 29 because he was guesting on a lot of shows, but our interview with him was a little different. He spoke a little more widely about his career path and how he went from cheating at video games to being a part of the white hat team that breached the United Nations He also delved into what cybersecurity means at different sizes of business, and how enterprises can entice ethical hackers to test their own systems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in July of 2023, now last year, Rocket Lab finalised its plans for recovering and reusing engines for its rockets. Founder and CEO Peter Beck spared some time to chat about what that means for the company. Plus, he spoke about how he saw the space industry in Aotearoa New Zealand, and where he thought we stood on the global stage. Since then, Beck hosted the National Party’s pre-election space policy announcement, and the industry has made some significant strides. Listening back to the interview is a timely reminder of the value the industry can bring to NZ’s economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Clare is the founding and managing partner at Clare Capital, a boutique investment bank that releases a regular tech insights newsletter. We chose this conversation to feature because not only does Mark offer fantastic insights about listed companies and the public market, but goes wider than that. He talks about the private capital market, about the value that a strong NZX can bring to the country, the benefits of selling to offshore companies, and what he sees as the industry’s biggest weakness. Spoiler – it is not a lack of technical talent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's episode 33, the final full episode for the year. To put a bow on what has been a full on year of tech news, we quickly recap the biggest stories from 2023 from across the world, and in Aotearoa New Zealand. Then we speak to Merja Myllylahti, a senior lecturer at AUT and co-director of the universities research centre for journalism, media and democracy (JMAD). She recently published her book From Papers to Platform, which scrutinises how major digital platforms exert ever-growing influence over news, journalism, our everyday lives, personal rights and access to information. Merjia shares her view on why it's so important for news media to break away from reliance on Big Tech and social media platforms and learn how to be independent operators once more. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we look back at the NZ tech stock market in 2023 to get a sense of where priorities lie for those investing their capital into the industry, and which stocks to watch in 2024. We speak to three financial markets specialists, Clare Capital’s founder Mark Clare, and Joshua Dale and Stephen Ridgewell from Craigs Investment Partners to hear about the positives and negatives of higher rates and constrained capital for tech. Plus, they share what they expect to see as things start to warm up again next year. We also discuss the NZ winners and losers on the NASDAQ and how AI has helped boost the big US stocks. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence exploded onto the scene in a major way in 2023, establishing foundations for a level of disruption that we don't yet fully understand. In this episode, we speak to Simply Privacy's Frith Tweedie and Frankly AI's Matt Ensor about what we saw in the AI market this year, and where we might see it go in 2024. We also share our thoughts about the new government's ministerial make-up, and what that might mean for NZ's tech industry. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Easy Crypto CEO and co-founder Janine Grainger joins us to explain why she and her team decided to launch a locally owned wallet, and the NZDD stablecoin pegged to the NZ dollar, and backed 1:1 by funds in the bank. Plus, we discuss the biggest tech story of the year, the ousting of OpenAI founding CEO Sam Altman, and why the news should matter to Kiwis and their businesses. Note: When Ben said artificial generative intelligence, he meant artifical general intelligence. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toby Littin features this week’s episode to talk about the global success of Parkable, a company that started in 2015 as a way to connect drivers with people with spare carparks, and has grown into an international parking management platform with the likes of Meta as a customer. Littin speaks to the changes a company goes through when it moves from start up to scale up, and whether it’s possible to remain a NZ-based company in the current investment climate. We also discuss the latest tech news including the 18-year-old ethical hacker promoting good security practice for small businesses, and how Tokelau, a nation of 15,000 people, became a central to the world of international cybercrime. Reading list Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Peter talks to stalwart of both the supermarket and telecommunications industries, Ernie Newman. In the early 2000s, the government intervened to ensure that the monopoly that then-Telecom had on broadband internet industry didn’t last long. What can we learn from those efforts and where should we be putting out hopes for disruption? We also chat about the latest tech news including, the governments facial recognition failures, how much big tech is spending on cloud capacity, and OpenAI’s new GPT marketplace. Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter talks to Lawrence Gasman, the founder of news and research company Inside Quantum Technology, who says that quantum computing and the changes it will bring is now just around the corner. Whether you’re a total quantum newbie or an industry stalwart this interview will give you something to think about. We also dig into the latest tech news, including Supie’s downfall and the surprising ups and downs of Big Tech’s Q3 results. Reading list Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we look into Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's plan to grow the city's tech industry, create high-paying jobs and attract more talent and investment to the region. One year into the three year Tech Tāmaki Makaurau strategy, how are things tracking? Tātaki's head of tech and innovation Marissa Brindley joins us to explain how the Auckland Council's economic development arm is helping startups make global connections, attract and retain more international talent, and encourage Māori and Pacific Island peoples into the industry. We also ask: what’s going on with patient portal apps, what does it mean when Microsoft invests big money in a country, and is X’s $1 bot battle too little, too late. Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode we chat with Emma-Kate Greer, 2degrees' chief corporate affairs officer whose duties include overseeing the telco's emissions reduction and sustainability efforts. She shares why 2degrees has gone with science-based targets and how it plans to get there, offering a frank look at the challenges faced by the telecommunication industry. Emma-Kate also offers some insight into where NZ Inc might need to focus in order to maintain our clean, green look into the coming years. Also, we discuss which tech policies will be on the chopping block under a National government with Act behind it, and recount some of the promises the party made in the lead up to the election. This episode was sponsored by 2degrees. Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the 2023 general election just days away we have one last episode around tech and politics, this time looking at the fear that concerted and bad-faith social media campaigns are eroding the very fabric of democracy. We're joined by Ximena Smith from the public interest think tank Brainbox Institute who digs into whether the outcome of democratic elections are really being swung by social media and all its algorithms. We also dig into some of the latest news, including the National Party's space policy, agritech robots, and how AI is failing to live up to its promise. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whoever wins the vote at the election, it is going to be a very different government than we have had for most of the past six years. Part of that, is going to be overseeing the contuing digitalisation of business, government and pretty much every other part of our society. One big project will be enabling digital identification for the residents of Aotearoa, a move that is working its way through the grinding gears of our own parliamentary processes with the Digital Identity Trust Framework Act. The University of the Sunshine Coast's Dr Erica Mealy talks us through what's going on with digital ID in Australia, and some of the pitfalls that we should be thinking about as head toward it ourselves. We also look at some of NZ's industry bodies and what they are looking for from the government as the election looms. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk to Worldline’s Julia Nicol, who outlines the upcoming debut of contactless Eftpos, as well as Tristan Dakin of Wise, who explains the digital money transfer platform’s new deal with Swift, and what it could mean for integration with banks worldwide. Also, BusinessDesk’s media writer Daniel Dunkley joins us to talk about Meta’s standoff with the Canadian government over the Online News Act, which requires the social media giant to pay news publishers for the right to carry snippets of their content on its platforms. Meta has rejected that, instead removing links to news content from its platform. With comparable legislation in the pipeline here, are we about to see a similar showdown with Meta and Google, or would a change of government following the election see it shelved completely? Read moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Matt Boyd of Adapt Research deals with catastrophes on a day-to-day basis. In episode 21 of The Business of Tech, Dr Boyd takes us through some of the big risks on his radar, both natural and man-made, and suggests how we can put in place the ”resilience infrastructure” to give us a shot at coping with a major global catastrophe that could see us isolated from our trading partners and left to fend for ourselves. Also on The Business of Tech, Salesforce debuted Einstein Copilot, a generative AI version of its Einstein platform that allows users to instantly create sales and marketing content by entering prompts into a chatbot. Peter caught up with Hamish Miles, managing director of Salesforce NZ, to find out what the new developments mean for local customers like Xero and Fisher & Paykel. Plus, Peter's thoughts on Walter Isaacson’s new biography, Elon Musk, and the insights it gives us into one of the most innovative and polarising figures of the 21st century. Read moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we catch up with our resident political guru, Pattrick Smellie, BusinessDesk’s founder and editor, to get his insights into how tech issues are factoring into politicians' thinking. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Silicon Valley is a bastion of innovation, where fortunes are made and unicorns created. But it also has its dark side in the rapacious business models, and the extreme concentration of power and wealth the Valley's key players have amassed. In his new book Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism and the World, best-selling author Malcolm Harris revisits the city where he grew up and takes us on a twisting journey through the history of this tech mecca and its influence on the world. Peter also looks at Google as it turns 25. Is the search giant ready to lead the disruption of the AI era? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Billinghurst is a professor at the University of Auckland’s bioengineering institute and director of the empathic computing laboratory at the University of South Australia in Adelaide. In our feature interview he paints a mixed future for mixed reality tech. And Ben and Peter talk about a raft of new research showing that Kiwis trust in AI is lower than ever, and the increasing pressure for regulation. Reading list Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it time for NZ to be bolder with regulating big tech? Peter talks to the European Union's envoy to Silicon Valley about how the EU's efforts to regulate big tech have been received and what NZ could learn from the massive government's imminent law changes. We also ask if Microsoft's co-pilot can really be worth the pricetag. Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week our main feature comes from Peter's experience at the site of OpenStar, a local startup that has big plans for creating a viable nuclear fusion reactor. He speaks to founder Ratu Mataira, investor Robbie Paul, and fusion expert Dennis Whyte to get their takes on what OpenStar is doing differently. Ben reports on one of the startup events of the year: Ministry of Awesome's Electrify Aotearoa conference for 2023. If you missed out, it's your chance to get a taste of what was on offer. From our browsers to yours, recommended reading from across the internet. Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's episode is sponsored by 2degrees and takes a deep look at the telco's Shaping Business report for 2023. Ben interviews a guest panel that includes: 2degrees chief business officer Andrew Fairgray, Mitre10 CEO Andrea Scown, and Founder of Valocity, Data Insight and Generate Zero Carmen Vicelich. Plus, Ben and Peter share their own views on some of the key findings. Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts. From our browsers to yours – recommended reading from across the internet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month was the hottest in recorded history, and the evidence that humanity is at fault is irrefutable. That's why episode 14 is all about how using data and digital tools could help start to move the needle on greenhouse gas emmissions. From next year, listed companies are going to be expected to disclose their emmissions in their annual reports. KPMG director and data specialist Greg Scott joins to explain what that means and what the benefits to both planet and businesses could be. That's followed by an interview with Ben Gleisner, founder and CEO of Cogo, a NZ-born startup that is helping people and small businesses across the globe get better visibility into their own emmissions. The big question is: will any of this make a difference? Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts. From our browsers to yours – recommended reading from across the internet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's episode 13 and Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck joins to talk about why the company gave up on catching rockets with helicopters to focus on fishing them out of the ocean instead. Beck also gives detail into what's happening at Rocket Lab and where he sees Aotearoa New Zealand on the global space industry stage. News topics: Twitter is out, X is... well, Twitter's called X now. Cutting costs of contracting with cozy consultants. Are we ready for an all-AI ad agency? Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts. From our browsers to yours, recommended reading from across the internet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tāwhaki chief exec Linda Falwasser and BryceTech managing director Simon Potter join this week to talk about the big plans for an aerospace hub on the Kaitorete Spit in Canterbury, and how it can help rejuvenate the surrounding land and water. We also speak to Brooke Lord from the NZ and Aus recruitment peak body RCSA about the sudden drop in tech job listings. Our news topics include: Monopoly concerns over Microsoft acquiring Activision AI in Hollywood - actor strikes and Oppenheimer's warning From our browers to yours, recommended reading from across the internet. Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one is 100% immune to being scammed and for businesses, one simple mistake can cost dearly. We talk to Nigel Latta who has returned to NZ's screens with You've Been Scammed, a deep dive on the business of scams in Aotearoa and has some top tips for who to be wary of and how to avoid becoming a victim yourself. Tech news covered: Should we have a sovreign cloud for AI? The impending end of 3G mobile networks. Twitter v Threads (because we can't help ourselves). From our browsers to yours, recommended reading from across the internet. Subscribe on iHeart Radio or wherever you get podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 10 we talk to science communicator extraordinaire Neil deGrasse Tyson. In an interview with Ben, Neil shares his views on commercialising space, the cesspit of social media, science's racist history, and more. They discuss his latest book, in which Neil asks what people, governments and businesses can learn by looking at the world from a cosmic perspective. Ben and Peter also discuss the shifting sands for One NZ and Spark, Twitter's latest floundering, and the launch of UK-based fintech Revolut into NZ. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Pocket Casts, or wherever you get podcasts. From our browsers to yours, recommended reading from across the internet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 9 of The Business of Tech we quickly dip into the 2023 NZ Hi Tech Awards. Then, we catch up with Ben Reid, Aotearoa's leading futurist, the creator of the influential Memia weekly newsletter, NZTE Beachheads advisor, and business consultant. What do Kiwi businesses need to know about the generative AI revolution? Can robotics help transform our manufacturing sector, and is there still life in the metaverse? Tune in to hear Ben's take on all of this and insight on how we, in the words of Sir Paul Callaghan, "get off the grass" and build a low-carbon weightless economy. Find our reading list here, and don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 8, we feature an extended interview with Paul James, the government's chief digital officer, and the chief executive officer of Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). James is the man responsible for coordinating how government departments adopt technology and the work DIA does also has a key impact on how digital services are delivered to citizens and how aspects of the digital realm are regulated in Aotearoa. Our chat ranged far and wide, spanning the government’s cloud-first strategy, the Christchurch Call, new digital identity legislation and efforts to address gaps in the regulation of online content. There’s a lot going on when it comes to tech-related policy across government – tune in to get up to speed on some of the latest developments and what they mean for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Special guest Marian Johnson, chief executive of the Ministry of Awesome, features in episode 7 to explain the benefits that women founders can bring to NZ's economy, and how we can best support women who decide to follow their own high growth startup dreams. Before that, Ben and Peter talk cybersecurity, with commentary from Microsoft's local national security officer Mark Anderson, following the Privacy Commissioner stating that two-factor authentication is now "a bare minimum" They talk about the growth of cybercrime-as-a-service and business email compromise, and share their own stories of being the victims. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify. Recommended reading list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Ben and Peter are joined by Apple watcher Dr Sarb Johal from A+ Report to talk about the biggest Apple product drop since the Apple Watch - the Vision Pro. They ask what it will take for the device to catch on and who the actual customers could be. Sarb shares what he expects to see for the future of Apple's attempts at mixed reality and why he thinks Apple's share price dropped in response to its 'spatial computer' launch. Plus, they chat about the other news out of the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Reading listSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week it's all about generative AI and LLMs on episode five. Ben and Peter dig into the NZ Privacy Commission's 'expecations' around businesses using tools like ChatGPT and consider how it compares it to the EU's regulatory approach. They ask who will win the race to the AI personal assistant (and what does that even mean) and consider who will be the winners in the race to build infrastructure to support the AI revolution. Finally, Peter talks to AI chatbot expert Tim Warren, CEO and founder of Kiwi tech success story Ambit. Find our recommended reading list here. New episodes every Thursday. Follow or subscribe to get it delivered straight to your favourite podcatcher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the state of NZ’s startup scene is on Ben and Peter’s minds following the release of TIN’s 2023 Technology Investment Report. They discuss key points from Ben’s interview with TIN managing director Greg Shanahan. They ask how good the 2023 budget was for tech and science. Then, Capture the Bug founder and CEO Ankita Dhakar explains to Peter why businesses should be putting out bounties for flaws in their systems. New episodes every Thursday. Follow or subscribe to get it delivered straight to your favourite podcatcher. @petergnz @bentm_journo @businessdesk_nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to episode three of The Business of Tech, hosted by leading tech journalist Peter Griffin and BusinessDesk technology editor Ben Moore. This week we're joined by Mark Callander, chief executive of our sponsor 2degrees. The word of the day is satellites as Mark draws back the curtain on the telco's partnership with Lynk Global for its upcoming satellite-to-mobile tech to deliver cell service to customers out of the range of cell towers. Mark outlines what it does, how it works, and why it’s different from Apple’s Emergency SOS service. But before that, the news of the day is unpacked, including 5G spectrum allocation and rural connectivity, Zenno Astronautics’ success, and Google’s AI announcement Find our recommended reading list here. New episodes every Thursday. Follow or subscribe to get it delivered straight to your favourite podcatcher. @petergnz @bentm_journo @businessdesk_nzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.