Mon. 06/16 – What Happens When Search Abandons The Web?

Jun 16, 2025 16m

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Episode Description

Ads finally come to WhatsApp. Are we about to get a literal Trump phone? More ads on your TV. All ads are about to become AI. And at the end of the show, a bit of an essay from me about Google, AI, and what I think is about to happen to the larger web, literally right now. Sponsors: AGNTCY.ORG QualiaLife.com/ride and code ride Links: WhatsApp Introduces Ads in Its App (NYTimes) Trump Mobile: President’s Company Unveils Wireless Service Delivered via AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, Plans to Launch a U.S.-Made ‘Sleek, Gold’ Android Smartphone (Variety) Amazon Ads & Roku Set Landmark Pact Giving Brands Access To 80% Of Connected-TV Households (Deadline) TikTok Pushes Deeper Into AI-Generated Video Ads With New Tools (Bloomberg) Google Search Is Fading. The Whole Internet Is At Risk. (Barron's) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI-Generated Summary

WhatsApp Introduces Ads

In a significant shift, WhatsApp has begun displaying ads in its updates tab, a change that diverges from the app's original design for secure, ad-free communication. Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, will use data like location and language to target ads but assures that personal message content remains untouched. Additionally, the app is launching paid subscriptions for creators and establishing business advertising options.

Trump Mobile and the T1 Phone

The Trump Organization is stepping into the mobile market with the launch of Trump Mobile and the T1 phone, a gold-themed smartphone set to release later this year. The organization aims to provide a 5G service plan at a competitive price while emphasizing its American roots and appealing to users seeking a patriotic mobile experience.

The Shift of Advertising to AI

Advertising is rapidly evolving with the integration of AI. TikTok announced new features allowing creators to generate video ads using text and images, while Amazon and Roku are collaborating to create targeted ad offerings across connected TV platforms. These developments showcase a trend toward more automated, targeted ad solutions aimed at enhancing user engagement and reducing costs for advertisers.

The Future of Google and the Web

Brian McCulloch concludes with a reflective essay on the potential decline of traditional search engines, particularly Google, as AI-generated results gain prevalence. The shift raises concerns about the future landscape of the web, questioning its role and relevance as AI becomes the primary information provider.