Waveform: OpenAI's Voice Scandal & Microsoft's AI Event
The OpenAI & Scarlett Johansson Controversy
The podcast begins with a discussion regarding OpenAI and its recent controversy involving Scarlett Johansson.
• Direct Connections: OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, tweeted the word "Her"—a reference to the movie voiced by Johansson—shortly before launching a new ChatGPT voice, "Sky."
• Allegations of Imitation: Although OpenAI claims "Sky" is not modeled after the actress and was cast before they even approached her, the proximity of the events and the voice's striking resemblance to Johansson's performance as Samantha has caused significant backlash.
• Corporate Responsibility: The hosts discuss the risks of tech companies explicitly modeling products after dystopian sci-fi warnings without proper consent or regard for ethical implications.
Microsoft's "AI PC" Event & Snapdragon X Elite
The team pivots to Microsoft's recent event, which heavily emphasized their move into "AI PCs" powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processors.
• Integrated Features: Windows 11 is getting deeper integration with AI, notably the Recall feature. This tool takes periodic snapshots of the user's screen to build a searchable index of activity, which the hosts note is both powerful and potentially invasive.
• Surface Hardware Updates: New Surface devices were announced, including a refreshed Surface Pro with an OLED screen and a Surface Laptop with a haptic touchpad. The hosts critique the high cost of accessories like the $450 Surface Flex keyboard.
Rivian Software and Tesla's Steam Removal
Finally, the podcast addresses automotive software updates and the removal of features:
• Rivian Updates: Rivian is adding YouTube and Google Cast support, a feature the hosts agree makes sense for EV charging downtime.
• Tesla Controversy: Tesla is reportedly removing the ability to play Steam games from new models like the Cybertruck due to hardware changes, highlighting the fragility of digital features in modern vehicles.
"Big tech, for some reason, has an obsession with recreating things in movies that are extremely dystopian, go terribly wrong."