AI Ramblings: Episode 33

Keywords

AI, Disney, OpenAI, Nvidia, AGI, technology trends, copyright, prediction markets, gadgets, tech habits

Summary

In this episode of AI Ramblings, hosts Michael Parekh and Neil McQuanna discuss significant developments in the AI and tech industry, including Disney’s partnership with OpenAI, Nvidia’s challenges in the Chinese market, and the ongoing debate about the future of AI and AGI. They also share their favorite tech gadgets and predictions for the future, emphasizing the importance of open-source technology and the evolving landscape of prediction markets.

Takeaways

Disney’s partnership with OpenAI marks a significant shift in the industry.

Nvidia faces challenges in accessing the Chinese market due to geopolitical tensions.

The debate around AGI continues, with researchers advocating for new approaches beyond LLMs.

Prediction markets are gaining traction, but regulation is needed to ensure fairness.

The Pebble watch is making a comeback with an open-source approach.

AI technologies are still in their infancy, with much room for growth.

The importance of creativity in the face of AI advancements is a pressing concern.

Tech habits are evolving, with a focus on digital writing and e-ink devices.

The landscape of gadgets is changing, with new innovations emerging.

The conversation around insider trading and prediction markets is becoming increasingly relevant.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Industry Overview

02:51 Disney’s Content Copyright and AI Partnership

06:10 Nvidia’s Market Challenges and US-China Relations

14:51 The Future of AI: AGI and Current Research Trends

21:58 Watch and Read Recommendations

30:10 Tech Obsessions and Predictions for the Future

38:00 Burning Questions and Personal Tech Habits

NEWS OF THE WEEK:

1. Disney & OpenAI/Google

   1. Disney OpenAI Deal: https://www.wsj.com/business/media/behind-the-deal-that-took-disney-from-ai-skeptic-to-openai-investor-798fce13?mod=tech_feat1_ai_pos2

   2. Disney Google Suit: https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/disney-google-ai-copyright-infringement-cease-and-desist-letter-1236606429/

   3. AI-RTZ #933:

AI: Reset to Zero

AI: Disney vs Google/YouTube & Disney + OpenAI. RTZ #933

The ongoing tussles and kerfuffles between LLM AI companies and content/copyright owners saw some notable developments today. With OpenAI and Disney signing an investment plus content sharing deal on the one hand…

Read more

2 days ago · 4 likes · Michael Parekh

2. US/China Nvidia Sales for a cut

   1. Axios: https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/trump-nvidia-200-chips

   2. AI-RTZ #931:

AI: Reset to Zero

AI: US gives Nvidia green light to China sales. RTZ #931

A new deal to let Nvidia sell chips into China has been struck, for ‘A Piece of the Action’, as the famous 1968 Star Trek episode goes. And it may be a move backwards and forwards…

Read more

4 days ago · 4 likes · Michael Parekh

3. Apple’s People Problem

   1. Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-06/apple-rocked-by-executive-departures-with-johny-srouji-at-risk-of-leaving-next?sref=E6afWE5p

   2. AI-RTZ #929:

AI: Reset to Zero

AI: Apple’s ‘People Problem’ Signals. RTZ #929

Lot of static in the Apple AI Signal of late. In particular. the narrative of Apple’s AI challenges continues to build in this AI Tech Wave. This as companies like Google and Amazon are starting to shake their ‘AI underdog’ narratives in recent weeks…

Read more

6 days ago · 3 likes · Michael Parekh

MAIN TOPICS: ‘Are we there yet’ with LLM AIs?

1. The Information: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/ais-biggest-event-researchers-said-field-needs-overhaul?rc=fgvbao

2. AI-RTZ #932:

AI: Reset to Zero

AI: Widening the apertures of current LLM AI Research. RTZ #932

I’ve been discussing for a while the growing schism in this AI Tech Wave between the AI Researchers that believe AI Scaling can get us to AGI, in any form. And the increasing community on the other side that say a different path may be needed. These including AI heavyweights like…

Read more

3 days ago · 3 likes · 1 comment · Michael Parekh

WATCH/READ OF THE WEEK:

1. Neal: Polymarket Bets on OpenAI, Google Raise Insider Trading Suspicions

   1. https://www.theinformation.com/articles/polymarket-bets-openai-google-raise-insider-trading-suspicions?rc=fgvbao

2. Michael:

   1. WSJ: AI Gadgets in 2025, https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/ai-devices-meta-google-openai-82f57187?mod=tech_lead_pos2

OBSESSION OF THE WEEK:

1. Neal: Pebble is Making a $75 Smart Ring

   1. Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/pebble-index-ring/

   2. The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/840352/pebble-index-smart-ring-launch-price

2. Michael: Phone of the year awards, 2025:

   1. MKBHD:

1. 1. Mr. Who’s the Boss:

Burning Questions:

1. Michael to Neal: Your favorite Gadget of the Year?

   1. iPhone 17 Pro Max: https://9to5mac.com/2025/12/08/iphone-17-best-smartphone-of-the-year-mkbhd-smartphone-awards/

2. Neal to Michael: Biggest tech habit change of the year?

   1. Kindle Scribe Colorsoft favorite 2025 gadget: https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/e-readers/kindle-scribe-2025-review