E885 Year-end special! 2018 trends, 2019 predictions: products, AI, podcasting, platforms, politics

TL;DR

China's rise in AI, the convergence of media formats, and the impact of smart speakers are key trends in 2018 and beyond.

Transcript

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Key Insights

• 🛵 Scooter companies like Bird and Lime experienced significant growth and attracted substantial funding in 2018.
• 🇺🇸 China's investments in AI have positioned it as a major player and competitor to the United States in the industry.
• 🫥 The convergence of streaming, traditional media, and film is blurring the lines between different formats and platforms.
• 🧑‍🏭 The emergence of voices in podcasting and the focus on diversity in the industry are becoming increasingly important factors.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were some of the most significant trends in media in 2018?

The rise of China in AI and the impact of scooters on transportation were among the major trends in media this year. Additionally, the convergence of streaming, traditional media, and film became increasingly evident.

Q: Who were the key players in podcasting in 2018 and who should we watch in 2019?

Players like Slate, Pushkin Industries, Google, and Luminary Media made waves in the podcasting industry in 2018. In 2019, keep an eye on Apple and emerging voices supported by programs like the Google Creator Program.

Q: How can distributed networks solve the challenges of freedom of speech on digital platforms?

Distributed systems have their own challenges, such as being slower and more expensive to run. While they may offer benefits like decentralized control and data ownership, they are not a panacea for solving freedom of speech issues. This responsibility largely falls on the platforms themselves to enforce their own policies.

Q: Should platforms like Facebook and Twitter be more explicit about what content they tolerate and promote?

Yes, increased transparency from platforms about their content policies and how they interact with certain voices is essential. Platforms should clearly communicate what content they promote and what they do not, allowing users to make informed decisions about which content they engage with.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Scooters became a major trend in 2018, with companies like Bird and Lime expanding globally and attracting significant funding.

• China's investments and advancements in AI have positioned it as a key player in the industry, challenging the dominance of the United States.

• Media saw a shift towards the convergence of streaming, traditional media, and film, driven by platforms like Disney Plus and the widespread availability of 5G technology.

• Podcasting witnessed the entry of big players like Google and Spotify, sparking industry shake-ups and a focus on diversifying voices in the podcasting landscape.