OpenAI and Jony Ive's AI super-gadget

Key takeaways

OpenAI and Jony Ive are collaborating on a new gadget, sparking a mix of excitement and skepticism about its potential impact.
Google I/O showcased a surge of AI advancements, with a significant focus on the Gemini model and new integrations that place AI at the forefront of Google's product lines.
Brendan Carr continues to make headlines for his controversial tactics at the FCC, specifically targeting NBC over political content and Verizon's merger involving D.I. policies.
The race for smart glasses is heating up, with companies like Apple and Google on the verge of new releases, highlighting challenges surrounding display technology.

Summary

OpenAI and Jony Ive's Collaboration

The podcast kicks off with the revelation that OpenAI and Jony Ive are teaming up to create a new gadget. The hosts discuss the implications of this collaboration, theorizing about what kind of device could emerge from it and how it plays into the broader AI landscape. There's a palpable excitement mixed with skepticism, particularly given that the exact nature of the product remains vague. References to the potential of AI technology and the influence of Jony Ive's design expertise are discussed, alongside the potential for significant disruption in both consumer tech and productivity.

Highlights from Google I/O 2025

The discussion then shifts to the Google I/O event, where numerous AI advancements and projects were announced. Gemini, Google's AI model, is highlighted as a significant focus, including various modes of operation such as an AI Mode in Search and Project Astra—a powerful new AI assistant. The hosts note Google's confidence in its AI capabilities, shedding light on innovations designed to integrate AI more deeply within everyday tools and applications. Information on the newly announced Project Mariner, which allows agents to interact with web interfaces, illustrates the direction Google aims to take the web.

Brendan Carr's Controversial Moves

In the lightning round, the segment ‘Brendan Carr is a Dummy’ resurfaces, examining the FCC chairman's recent actions involving NBC and discussions about the equal time rule. The hosts express disappointment at how Carr seems to be using his position to limit corporate speech, particularly targeting content involving politicians. A second story discusses Verizon's recent merger, highlighting how companies cave into pressure rather than standing firm for their values, which leads to musings on the future of corporate responsibility in the face of regulatory pressure.

The Future of Smart Glasses and AI Integration

Finally, the podcast touches on the future of smart glasses, discussing a potential new push from Apple to create their smart glasses and the challenges around display technology. The hosts reflect on the different approaches tech companies are taking towards integrating AI into wearables, commenting on Google’s latest prototypes and how companies are racing to find viable consumer applications for AI.

Show notes

Bad news if you don't care about AI: this week was absolutely chock-full of AI news. First, Nilay, David, and The Verge's Alex Heath talk about the news that OpenAI and Jony Ive are teaming up to build... something. A gadget, for sure, maybe lots of gadgets. We don't know much, but we have a lot of thoughts, and a lot of questions. After that, the hosts talk through all the news at Google I/O, including what's new with Gemini, Google Search, Project Astra, Project Mariner, and the countless other ways Google is putting AI absolutely everywhere. Finally, in the lightning round, we buckle up for another round of Brendan Carr is a Dummy, talk through some late-breaking Apple gadget news, and marvel over the future of conference calls.