Hope you enjoy this episode!
As an aged father of little ones, I can’t write AND podcast at the same time. My sleep-deprived brain just can’t handle it.
So yes, the written version below is, in fact, AI generated based on what I discuss on the pod. Thus, the best experience I think is the audio, but in case you can’t experience that, a written version is below.
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Slides are also here for visual reference.
Siri’s AI Revolution & My 3D Printing Hell
We’re back, baby.
It’s a couple of weeks before the holidays, and I am so excited to give you an update on what has been rattling around inside my head. We have a lot to cover—from Apple’s potential AI comeback to a disaster in my workshop—so let’s hop right into it.
🍎 The Case for Siri (Yes, Really)
I’ve been thinking a lot about Siri. Now, before you balk and say, “Oh my God, Siri? What a waste. What a flop. Apple is so far behind,” hear me out.
I agree. From a user point of view—and honestly, from a fan point of view—Siri has been a disappointment. I was so excited when Apple bought Siri back in the day. It had so much promise as something forward-looking. The idea of a voice assistant driving the entire Apple ecosystem was so clutch, and the fact that it just didn’t happen is a letdown.
What we are seeing now with ChatGPT Voice Mode is exactly what we all imagined Siri would be.
I’ve been a Product Manager inside a number of tech companies, and I know how these things go. If you aren’t viewed as the strategic priority, you don’t get the funding or the love. And if you look at Apple’s meteoric rise over the last 15 years, it hasn’t really involved Siri. It’s been about selling devices, increasing margins, and expanding product lines.
But the game is not over.
Apple has always been a “laggard” in the best way possible. They take new technologies, they do them late, and they perfect them. I think once they jump into this generative AI game—and it looks like they’re going to jump in big time this spring—adoption is going to explode.
The Power of Default
It isn’t just about the LLM experience; it’s about the platform advantage.
Apple Devices: There are 2.35 billion active devices worldwide on Apple platforms.
ChatGPT: Currently has about 800 million weekly users.
We are comparing apples to oranges here, but the scope is undeniable. One thing I’ve learned as a PM is that the Power of Default is incredibly strong. If you are the default offering on a device, it is really tough for competitors to beat you. When Siri gets its act together, it will be the default on nearly 3x the devices of its competitors.
The Gemini Rumors
Rumor has it that Apple is going to use Google’s Gemini as the core of their LLM offering.
If this is true, it’s huge. Gemini 3 is benchmarking better than GPT-4 in many areas. Right now, my pet peeve with Gemini is that I have to open a separate app. If I’m driving or running, I want to use the hot button on my phone.
If Apple integrates Gemini into the native Siri experience—hosted on Apple servers for privacy, with a handoff to Gemini for complex search queries—it’s going to be a massive win. You get the engine of Gemini, but within the comfort and familiarity of the Apple ecosystem.
Come March, I think usage is going to skyrocket. Sam Altman is right to view Apple as a main competitor.
📉 AI Job Market: A Reality Check
I’ve been thinking about the “AI taking our jobs” narrative, and my perspective is shifting.
I recently read an article suggesting that LLMs might not be the “final form” of AI architecture, but rather a stepping stone. More importantly, I think we are currently in the “Mainframe Era” of AI models.
The Mainframe Theory: Right now, we have centralized models. We send a request to the “mainframe” (OpenAI, Google), it generates an output, and sends it back. We are likely heading toward the “Personal Computer Era” of AI, where everyone runs their own models connected via the internet.
We are still in the early innings. I used to think the job loss waves would come fast. I don’t really believe that anymore. Why? Because I’m swamped.
I’m working on AI products, and I have more work now than ever. Our engineers are still working hard to bring products to life. The way we work is changing—similar to when Excel rolled out—but the jobs aren’t vanishing overnight. Old tasks will fade, new ones will take their place, and the trick will be riding that wave rather than drowning in it.
🖨️ 3D Printing Hell
You’ll notice I don’t have a specific robotics update this week. That is because my 3D printer is currently my enemy.
The situation: My printer is jammed. I turned it off because I was genuinely pissed at it.
I feel like the guy in the stock photos with his head in his hands. Basically, I tried to “Emergency Stop” the machine. Pro tip: Don’t do that. I should have let it stop normally. Instead, it threw error after error.
I have a Creality K2 Plus. When it works, the parts are beautiful. But right now?
I’m finding filament in places filament should not be.
I had to replace the nozzle.
There are multi-spool disasters.
I am slowly turning into a 3D printer technician, which is not what I signed up for. It’s been three days of troubleshooting. If I can’t figure it out soon, I’m calling a professional.
🏈 Quick Sports Update
I was bummed to see my Texas Longhorns miss the playoffs. Maybe we won’t play Ohio State next year (or whoever the equivalent is) and we’ll be 10-2 and in the playoffs. But, Hook ‘em. It was a great season, and I’m excited for the bowl game.
Hope this was informative and thought-provoking. See y’all next week!
