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What’s the technology story of the year? No, it’s not Anthropic’s Mythos model, nor any other AI model. Upcoming IPOs? Wrong again. Jason thinks it’s China’s government’s decision to block Meta's acquisition of Manus. The multi-billion-dollar deal was heralded as evidence that AI companies founded in China could sidestep onerous government meddling by moving their operations to Singapore. That loophole now appears closed.
Jason and Lon then dug into the newly-reforged OpenAI-Microsoft partnership. The two companies have had a mutually beneficial, if fractious, operating relationship to date; that they had to rework their agreement is not a shock.
Then, your hosts watched and digested a video from China purportedly showing a self-driving car hitting a child at speed. What would happen in the United States if such a tragedy struck? And is that fait accompli?
Closing the show, Jason and Lon reacted to the latest Russell Brand implosion, discussed Lon’s new favorite show ‘Criminal Record,’ and shared recommended foot pedals (for AI dictation) and headphones for the road warriors tuning in.
Key Links: OpenAI and Microsoft
OpenAI’s announcement of its new Microsoft deal
Microsoft’s announcement of its new OpenAI deal
OpenAI announces its deal with AWS
News that Microsoft was considering legal action against OpenAI
Microsoft-OpenAI negotiations late 2025 edition, and terms announced in early 2026
Amazon announces that OpenAI models are coming to AWS
Timestamps:
Show starts
OpenAI and Microsoft have a new deal
Why would Microsoft cede exclusive access to OpenAI models?
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Why Jason thinks Microsoft and Apple should work together on AI
China will block the Meta-Manus deal
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Golden Shares and what they provide
How do you unravel a multi-billion-dollar deal?
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The Huawei ADC crash
What happens when something similar happens in the United States?
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Russell Brand's public humiliation
Don't trust palm reading!
Lon's Off Duty streaming pick: Criminal Record
Jason's Pick: Which foot pedal for AI dictation is right for you?
Jason's Pick: In the market for new headphones?
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