Welcome to another episode of AI Innovators with Rob May, where we explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on various industries.

In this episode, we're joined by the insightful Karen Hao, a freelance journalist known for her expertise in AI and technology reporting.

The AI Innovators Podcast is sponsored by Half Court Ventures and the Investing in AI newsletter, this episode promises to provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in the cutting-edge developments in AI and their real-world applications.

Karen shares her unique journey from a mechanical engineering background to becoming a leading journalist covering AI advancements, initially at MIT Technology Review.

Together, Rob and Karen dive into pressing topics such as the current landscape of AI ethics, the rapid developments in AI capabilities, and the ongoing global competition in the AI space, particularly between the US and China.

Karen also provides a sneak peek into her forthcoming book on OpenAI, promising an in-depth look at one of the most influential companies in AI today.

Tune in to hear their thought-provoking discussion on the societal impacts of AI, the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in an ever-evolving field, and the importance of fostering international collaboration for the benefit of all.

00:42 - Karen Hao's career and unexpected start in AI journalism.

01:11 - Karen Hao's initial reluctance to cover AI and eventual realization of its significance.

02:31 - Exploration of AI research and its societal impacts.

03:31 - Society's preparedness to handle AI's ethical dilemmas.

03:59 - Complex world challenges ethical AI development.

05:33 - Race against time in AI development versus ethical consideration.

05:39 - Deep Seek's impact and reflection on AI industry's scaling beliefs.

07:45 - Thoughts on hardware as the only moat in AI development.

09:07 - Public market reactions and AI defensibility concerns.

10:30 - Discussion on AI hardware innovation and talent.

12:01 - Societal costs demand efficient AI hardware and software.

13:02 - Ethical concerns in AI development supply chains.

13:34 - Hope for innovative solutions to AI's power consumption.

14:30 - Silicon Valley's AGI obsession and skepticism.

15:29 - AGI's shifting definition and its relevance in AI development.

17:12 - Concerns over ideological divides hampering AI dialogue.

17:50 - US-China AI competition narrative's incorrectness.

19:37 - Importance of international collaboration in AI research.

20:20 - Shift from competition to cooperation for global AI progress.

20:42 - Book recommendation: "Non Zero" by Robert Wright.

20:49 - Karen Hao's book announcement and its focus on OpenAI.

21:18 - Inside story of OpenAI and future AI implications.

Karen Hao's Links

(Linkedin)