We’re back this week on the GeekWire Podcast as humans, not bots, we promise, but we’ve still got a lot of AI to talk about.
This week’s show starts with highlights from my visit to Google I/O, including two generative AI tools that demonstrated the potential of technology to change the way we process and convey information.
- Project Tailwind is an AI notebook that uses your notes and source materials to create a “personalized and private AI model” that answers questions and summarizes content.
- Help Me Write is an upcoming feature for Gmail in Google Workspace that drafts entire messages for users. It is an evolution of Gmail’s Smart Reply (quick suggested responses) and Smart Compose (suggested auto-complete for sentences).
John and I wrestle with the implications of these AI tools for human creativity, consider the long-term impact on society, balance these concerns against their natural sense of awe and wonder about innovation, and discuss ways that new tech realities are shielding companies from scrutiny.
Stories and topics referenced on this week’s show.
- We had our AI voice clones read an AI-generated GeekWire Podcast script — listen to the result
- Microsoft’s optimistic view of AI sees technology ending the drudgery of ‘digital debt’
- In search of AI’s killer app … and other notes from Google I/O
- Google Workspace Duet AI (Google)
- Google teases Project Tailwind — a prototype AI notebook that learns from your documents (The Verge)
- Dan Deacon’s pre-show Google I/O performance. (YouTube)
- How Gmail’s New AI Feature Will Write Your Emails for You (CNET)
- As storm clouds clear for travel, Expedia Group looks to become a bigger tech provider to industry
- Trump’s Town Hall, Santos Charged, and STFU with Dan Lyons (Pivot)
Listen above, or subscribe to GeekWire in Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
