Next Big App

Read the Newsletter Issue #57

Is AI the next big blockbuster or a silent killer of creativity in Hollywood? This week, we dive deep into the brewing storm in the animation industry, where artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how movies are made and threatening the livelihoods of artists.

We explore why AI excels in the realm of animation and how major studios like DreamWorks, Netflix, and Pixar are already experimenting with tools like Midjourney, leading to faster production times but potentially derivative results.

We'll uncover the economic threats facing animators, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands of job losses by 2026, and compare their recent negotiations with the stronger AI protections secured by writers and actors. What does the complex copyright landscape mean for studios investing in AI-generated content, and what are the ongoing legal battles launched by artists?

But it's not all doom and gloom. We shift gears to explore the exciting world of AI video generation tools that promise "Hollywood-style magic". We'll give you a rundown of some of the top players as of April 3, 2025, including:

• Runway Gen-3: Known for smooth motion and its partnership with Lionsgate.
• Kling 1.6: Praised for realism and fluid motion, especially in action sequences.
• Luma Dream Machine: Highlighting lifelike visuals and controlled transitions with keyframes.
• Sora (OpenAI): Generating buzz for its powerful text-to-video capabilities.
• Pika Labs 2.1: Offering unique styles and outpainting features.
• Veo 2 (Google): Aiming for photorealistic cinematic text-to-video for filmmakers.
• Hailuo (MiniMax): Delivering fast-paced, Hollywood-ready action clips.

We'll also touch on bonus tips like pairing Midjourney for image generation with video tools and using post-production software to enhance AI output.

Finally, we address the crucial question: Will Hollywood prioritize efficiency over human creativity? We'll delve into 10 actionable steps film professionals can take to thrive in the AI era, from continuous learning of new tools like Runway and Kling to diversifying skills, understanding AI's role as a tool, and doubling down on uniquely human creativity.

Tune in to understand the crossroads Hollywood stands at and how you can navigate the evolving landscape of filmmaking in the age of artificial intelligence.

Read the Newsletter Issue #55

The Next Big App newsletter, discussed in issue #55, explores the concern that AI's tendency to provide single, simple answers ("gray") is leading us away from the vibrant diversity of thought and information ("rainbow") that characterizes life. Author Selim Yörük, inspired by Mo Gawdat, questions whether reliance on AI like ChatGPT is causing us to lose the critical thinking and creativity fostered by engaging with multiple perspectives, as was common with early internet search engines like Google.

The newsletter warns of potential negative consequences if we accept this "gray" world, including:

• Drying up of debates and worsening echo chambers.
• Stifled creativity.
• "Truth" becoming a popularity contest.
• Shrinking attention spans.
• Fading diversity of thought.
• Superficial softening of polarization.
• Education focused on memorizing single answers.

Drawing on insights from Mo Gawdat, the newsletter also highlights broader societal risks related to rapid AI development, such as the concentration of power in unelected hands and the dangers of an AI arms race.

However, the newsletter also offers strategies for both business and personal life to resist this "gray" trend and embrace complexity, such as hosting "Wild Ideas" brainstorms and trying "reverse hobbies". The core message is to actively seek diverse perspectives and challenge AI's single answers to maintain a colorful and vibrant world.

Tap to Read the Newsletter Issue #54

This episode of The Next Big App explores diverse topics, from productivity hacks to cutting-edge security and cultural preservation.

• Efficiency: Learn how to apply Elon Musk's 5-step algorithm—question, delete, simplify, accelerate, and automate—to transform daily tasks and boost productivity in both work and home life. The episode provides real-world examples, such as questioning unnecessary reports, streamlining cooking, and automating bill payments, to help listeners focus on what matters and eliminate the rest.
• Security: Discover "The Protector," an app that allows users to hire on-demand bodyguards, similar to Uber. The episode examines the rising demand for private security and the ethical debates surrounding accessibility and potential safety divides.
• Language Revival: Explore how Indigenous innovators are using AI to revive endangered languages. The episode shines a light on initiatives like First Languages AI Reality (FLAIR) and VR projects connecting Native kids to their ancestral lands, showcasing the fusion of technology and tradition in preserving cultural heritage.

Tap to Read the Newsletter Issue #53

Is AI a Kitchen Nightmare or a Culinary Master? Learn from McDonald's AI mishaps and discover the secret recipe for AI success in business. In this episode, we explore how to guide your AI from potential disaster to delivering masterpiece-level results.

• The AI Fiascos: We dissect real-world AI failures like McDonald's AI-powered drive-thru bot that turned orders into chaos and Google's AI suggesting glue on pizza. Also, we touch on Tesla's self-driving car's vulnerability to stickers and Amazon's biased AI recruiting tool.
• The AI Triumphs: Discover how companies like PayPal and Netflix have used AI to revolutionize online payments and personalized recommendations.
• The Recipe for AI Success: Learn how to identify real problems, feed your AI quality data, and monitor its performance. We'll discuss the customer value chain, the importance of focusing on weak links, and how to strategically implement AI in your business.
• Leading Through AI Transformation: Understand how to manage employee fears, enhance productivity, and create reskilling programs to empower your team in the age of AI.

Tune in to learn how to make AI work for your business and avoid the pitfalls that can lead to costly failures.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tap to Read the Newsletter Issue #52⁠

Are you ready for the age of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)? This week we explore how AGI could completely upend our economic system. 

By 2030, your labor might be worthless, and only capital will matter, potentially creating a new global aristocracy.

We dive into how the development of AGI is accelerating and how it may impact jobs, entrepreneurship, and wealth. Imagine a world where AI can do almost anything better and faster than humans, from coding and content creation to medical diagnoses and business management.

Key Topics Covered:

• The potential worthlessness of human labor in a post-AGI world.
• How capital ownership could become the primary path to security and prosperity.
• The possibility of a modern form of feudalism, where AI systems are owned by a new aristocracy.
• The transformation of entrepreneurship, with AI potentially running hundreds of startups simultaneously.
• Best-case and worst-case scenarios: from a "Norway-plus" society with limited economic mobility to a world of unprecedented inequality dominated by AI trillionaires.
• Actions to take now: Building capital, developing AI-complementary skills (emotional intelligence, creativity), and getting politically engaged.
• How businesses can prepare by focusing on AI-complementary skills, investing in AI without over-relying on it, and prioritizing human-centered innovation.
• Bold predictions: the reduced value of human labor, the amplified power of money, and the potential divergence of state and individual interests.
• The potential need for Universal Basic Income (UBI) and the risk of stifled human ambition.

Tune in to discover how to navigate the transition into a post-AGI economy and ensure a more equitable future for all.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tap to Read the Newsletter Issue #51⁠

Are you still chasing Google rankings? In 2025, the rules have changed!

This week, we're diving deep into Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and why it's essential for staying visible in the age of AI. Learn why traditional SEO is no longer enough and how platforms like ChatGPT are redefining information consumption.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What GEO is: Transparency, clarity, and authority in content creation.
• The core components of GEO: Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust.
• How ChatGPT thinks: Creating content that is direct, scannable, and contextually rich.
• Expert strategies for GEO success: From answering directly to building your E.E.A.T. credentials.
• Actionable steps to optimize your content for GEO: Auditing, revising, implementing schema markup, and more.

It's time to adapt or get left behind! Learn how to become the go-to source for AI and transform your digital presence.

📖⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tap to Read the Newsletter Issue #50

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of AI voice agents and explore how visionary companies are using them to achieve unprecedented efficiency and customer satisfaction.

We'll explore how this technology is moving beyond simple phone trees to provide sophisticated, personalized engagement across various platforms.

We'll discuss why voice is poised to become the primary way people interact with AI, thanks to its natural and intuitive nature. You'll hear how AI advancements have made voice interactions more lifelike and responsive. We'll unpack the increasing number of voice AI startups and the substantial funding pouring into this technology, highlighting the momentum behind this shift.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

• How AI voice agents can cut costs and boost efficiency by handling thousands of interactions simultaneously, reducing the need for large customer service teams.
• How AI voice agents can elevate the customer experience by providing quick, personalized service and engaging users in natural conversations.
• How AI voice agents enable businesses to scale without limits, providing instant, global coverage, and making expansion into new markets easier.
• How AI voice agents help businesses gain a competitive edge by making previously costly or resource-intensive services easily accessible.
• Real-world applications of AI voice agents in various industries, including recruitment, customer support, healthcare, sales, and lead generation.
• Practical tips on how to get started with AI voice agents, including starting small, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems, and measuring and optimizing performance.

We'll address common concerns about the cost and complexity of implementing AI voice agents and reveal how advancements in AI technology have made these solutions more affordable and easier to implement than ever before. We will discuss how this technology integrates seamlessly into existing systems like VoIP, CRMs, and scheduling tools.

Tune in to discover how adopting AI voice agents can help your business stay ahead of the curve, offering superior customer experiences and maximizing efficiency. Learn how this technology isn’t just a trend but the future. Don’t get left behind - embrace the transformative potential of AI voice agents today!

📖 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tap to Read the Newsletter Issue #49

This week, we dive into the fascinating world of how subtle environmental cues can impact our behavior and the innovative solutions that are making travel easier.

First, we uncover the secret science behind bar lighting and its impact on sales. Learn how dimming the lights can not only set a mood but also rewire your brain to spend more.

We will explore how lower lighting can increase per-tab spending, and why shadowy ambiances lead to a greater likelihood of ordering premium liquor. Discover the strategic use of tunable white LEDs, floor-level path lighting, and programmed lighting scenes to maximize bar profitability.

Then, we shift gears to Japan, where we explore the revolutionary "Any Wear, Anywhere" clothing rental service. This service, a collaboration between Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation, allows travelers to rent clothes suited to the season and their activities. We’ll examine how this service enables travelers to pack lighter, dress smarter, and help the planet. We will also discuss the ease of use, from booking online to delivery at your hotel and simple returns at the end of your trip. We'll cover the cost benefits of renting versus buying, and how this service champions sustainability through reduced carbon emissions and giving garments a second life.

Key Discussion Points:

Who Should Listen:

Tune in to discover how a little science can make a big difference, whether you're running a bar or planning your next trip!

📖 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tap to Read the Newsletter Issue #48

This week, we dive deep into a monumental shift in the tech world, sparked by the emergence of Deep Seek, a Chinese AI company that has launched an open-source AI assistant, R1, which rivals and surpasses current leading models like ChatGPT.

This event is being compared to the launch of Sputnik, signaling a potential new era of technological competition and raising critical questions about the future of AI.

Key Discussion Points:

Call to Action:

Join us as we navigate the complexities of this new AI landscape, exploring the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. This episode is a must-listen for executive decision-makers, startup founders, small business owners, and anyone interested in the future of technology and its impact on the world.

Don't miss this crucial conversation about the AI revolution – it's happening now!

📖 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tap to Read the Newsletter Issue #47

What's in store for marketing in 2025? 

Join us as we dive deep into the strategies that are shaping the future of marketing based on a massive survey of over 11,000 marketers.

Discover how businesses are balancing tried-and-true methods with cutting-edge innovations to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

In this episode, we'll explore:

Get actionable takeaways on:

Tune in to decode the 2025 marketing playbook and discover how to lead the charge into a new era of growth and success!