🔑 Key Takeaways
- During the podcast, the hosts debated the usefulness of knobs on keyboards versus other controls like jog wheels and faders, with Marquez suggesting that users consider alternative options for controlling parameters in their software.
- Speaker rates his latest mechanical keyboard purchase at 8.1/10 for unique features like a customizable wheel and potential for a solid copper wrist rest, but dislikes tall cases and high price point. He also discusses his surprise at Nikon's acquisition of RED and shares a personal anecdote about Austin Evans' use of Nikon cameras despite teasing.
- Red's patent on compressed raw recording was challenged by Nikon for being too broad, as it covered all compressed raw recordings, not just Red's specific implementation.
- Patent disputes can lead to unforeseen business outcomes, such as acquisitions, and highlight the importance of staying informed and adaptable in the technology industry.
- Red and Nikon's competition in film industry revolves around their unique color grading capabilities and mount systems. Nikon's acquisition of Red raises concerns about potential changes in quality and patent enforcement.
- Blue Sky allows users to create personalized content moderation filters, complementing their existing team and policies, to address unwanted content and improve community reporting and removal.
- The ozone layer, a protective coating in Earth's atmosphere, was damaged by human activities, leading to harmful radiation entering and contributing to global warming. A new social media app, Bird Buddy, prioritizes positivity and community building, offering an alternative to traditional platforms with its simplicity and focus on animal content.
- Bird Buddies is a hypothetical video-based social media app for bird enthusiasts, while Strava is a real-life app for fitness tracking and social interaction, both offering unique user experiences.
- Tesla's new policy restricts Cybertruck sales within the first year to combat excessive markups and reselling, sparking controversy over ownership rights, with potential blacklisting for violators.
- Tesla is strictly enforcing its policy against selling Cybertrucks before delivery, risking reservation cancellation and refund loss.
- Some companies prevent reselling of high-end vehicles by setting sticker prices and not allowing resale, while dealerships mark up prices for various business costs.
- Porsche's VIP program allows customers to buy and sell cars at a loss to reach a spending threshold, benefiting dealerships with significant profits. However, this practice limits availability and potentially increases prices for others, raising ethical concerns.
- Companies implement various tactics to prevent or restrict reselling of their high-demand, limited-supply products, aiming to encourage ownership and enjoyment, but these measures can be confusing and may not entirely stop reselling.
- Some Tesla investors buy Cybertrucks through stocks, potentially leading to resales and a potential Tesla-owned resale platform. Steam power was used in cars in 1902, and speakers discussed concerns over TikTok's addictive nature and shift to video content.
- Social media platforms compete, leading to a rapidly changing landscape with potential user confusion and the need to maintain multiple accounts
- Stay open to new features and adaptable to changes in technology as social media platforms continually evolve and overlap in offerings.
- Users can find useful additions like concert tickets, but may also encounter distractions and longer sessions in apps due to new features and increased ad exposure.
- Google integrates shopping into YouTube, Spotify explores audio content and e-commerce, Nikon manufactures components for tech devices to ensure growth
- Despite gasoline cars gaining popularity, half of early automobiles were steam-powered, illustrating the evolution of technology and consumer preferences
📝 Podcast Summary
Discussing Tech: Acquisitions, Competition, and Custom Keyboards
During this episode of the Waveform Podcast, the hosts discussed various topics including the acquisition of RED by Nikon, Tesla punishing Cybertruck resellers, TikTok competing with Instagram, and Spotify adding a new feature. However, a more intriguing part of the episode was when Marquez showed off a custom-made keyboard from Geist Machine. The keyboard, which is a one-of-a-kind matte black version with red and black keycaps, was made specifically for the studio. The hosts engaged in a debate about the usefulness of knobs on keyboards versus other controls like jog wheels and faders. Marquez argued that people think they want knobs but don't actually use them, suggesting instead that users should consider other options for controlling parameters in their software. The keyboard, which is custom-made and costs over $800 without keycaps, stabilizers, or switches, is a testament to the art and culture of mechanical keyboards. The hosts also shared their personal typing tests and preferences when trying out new keyboards. Overall, the episode provided insights into various tech-related topics and showcased the hosts' unique perspectives and debates.
High-end mechanical keyboards compared to hobbies like sneakers and cars
The speaker is passionate about high-quality mechanical keyboards, comparing them to hobbies like sneakers and cars. He rates his latest purchase, a high-end mechanical keyboard, at an 8.1 out of 10, praising its unique features like a customizable wheel and potential for a solid copper wrist rest. He also mentions his dislike for tall cases and the high price point, which is seven times the cost of a regular keyboard. The speaker then brings up RED cameras, which they often use in their work, and expresses surprise at Nikon's acquisition of RED. He shares a personal anecdote about Austin Evans, who used Nikon cameras despite teasing from his colleagues, and discusses the long-standing lawsuit between Nikon and RED over compressed internal raw video. Overall, the speaker's enthusiasm for both high-end keyboards and cameras underscores the importance of quality and innovation in hobbies and technology.
Red's Patent on Compressed Raw Recording Challenged by Nikon
Red Film Technologies held a patent on compressed raw internal recording in video cameras, preventing other companies like Nikon from implementing the feature. This patent covered all compressed raw recordings, not just Red's specific implementation. When Nikon released the Z9, their highest-end mirrorless camera, in 2022, it included internal compressed raw recording. Nikon challenged the patent, believing it was too broad and should not have been granted. Compressed raw is a form of raw data that retains most of the sensor's information while reducing file size. It's not a new concept, as raw photos have been compressed for years. Red's patent tried to claim ownership over the idea of compressing raw data, which is an overly broad claim. The patent issue highlights the complexities and potential issues with patenting technologies in the rapidly evolving world of digital media.
Unexpected outcomes in patent disputes
Patent disputes in the technology industry can lead to unexpected outcomes, as seen in the case of Nikon's acquisition of RED. RED, known for its high-end cinema cameras, was involved in a patent lawsuit with Nikon in 2022. The lawsuit was dropped unexpectedly in April 2023, and the reason for the dismissal was never disclosed. Later, it was revealed that Nikon had acquired RED, a move that seemed surprising given Nikon's financial struggles in the consumer camera market. The acquisition did not change RED's operations significantly, as it continued to operate independently. The patent dispute and subsequent acquisition serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of intellectual property disputes and the potential for significant business implications. The technology industry is constantly evolving, and companies must be prepared for unexpected twists and turns in the business landscape.
Red vs Nikon: Color Science and Mount Systems Debate
The debate between Red and Nikon, two major players in the film industry, revolves around their unique color science and mount systems. Red cameras are known for their intense color grading capabilities, while Nikon cameras have a different mount and focus system. Nikon has historically argued against Red's patent for their technology, but after Nikon's acquisition of Red, there are concerns about potential changes in quality or even enforcement of the patent against other manufacturers. A recent development in the industry is Blue Sky's open-source tool, Ozone, which allows users to set their own moderation filters. This tool showcases the potential for user-driven customization in the tech world. As for the future, it remains to be seen how the acquisition of Red by Nikon will impact the film industry and the competition between the two brands.
Blue Sky introduces tool for users to customize content moderation filters
Blue Sky, a social media company, has recently updated its logo and is introducing a new tool that allows users to customize their own content moderation filters. This comes as some social media platforms are moving towards less content moderation, leading to issues with unwanted content. Blue Sky's approach is to let users create their own moderation platforms, with the possibility of joining others or creating your own. This is in addition to Blue Sky's own content moderation team and policies. The tool is designed to be more community-focused and allow for more effective reporting and removal of content that slips through the cracks. However, there are concerns about the potential for users to take control and create unmoderated spaces. The tool is still in development and more details will be released in the future. The discussion also touched on the topic of social media ads, specifically the prevalence of Liver King ads on Twitter. Overall, the conversation highlighted the ongoing challenges of content moderation on social media and the potential for user-driven solutions.
The ozone layer's role in preventing radiation and its damage by human activities
The ozone layer, which functions as a protective coating in the Earth's atmosphere, was damaged by human activities, leading to a hole that allowed harmful radiation to enter and contribute to global warming. The term "ozone" refers to a gas composed of three oxygen molecules, forming a pale blue layer in the stratosphere. The ozone layer's role is not related to carbon dioxide, but it plays a crucial part in preventing radiation from warming the Earth. Currently, there is a race among social media platforms to attract users with various approaches, such as Blue Sky's app protocol and Threads' federation model. A new social media app, Bird Buddy, has gained popularity by focusing on positivity and community building through sharing pictures of birds and allowing users to engage with each other through an applause button. Despite its simplicity, Bird Buddy offers an alternative to traditional social media platforms by prioritizing positivity and animal content, creating a more wholesome user experience.
Discussing unique social media apps: Bird Buddies and Strava
During the conversation, the topic of unique and engaging social media apps came up. One such app mentioned was Bird Buddies, a hypothetical video-based social media app where users can share videos of birds and interact with each other. Another app discussed was Strava, which uses GPS technology to track and share fitness activities. Although Strava has a large user base, many users may not personally know all of their followers. Despite this, the social interaction and community aspect of Strava was seen as a positive feature. The conversation also touched upon Nikon's camera business and their role as a manufacturer of essential equipment for electronics, such as steppers, which are not directly related to cameras but are found in many devices including phones.
Tesla's New Policy Prevents Cybertruck Reselling within First Year
Tesla has implemented a new policy preventing customers from selling their Cybertrucks within the first year of purchase. This policy was inspired by past experiences with other automakers, where similar restrictions were put in place to combat excessive markups and reselling. However, the policy has been met with mixed reactions, as some see it as a violation of their ownership rights. Additionally, Tesla has the power to blacklist customers who breach this agreement, preventing them from buying another Tesla in the future. The high demand for the Cybertruck, combined with its current scarcity, makes it an attractive target for reselling. Despite this, Tesla's stance against reselling aims to discourage profiteering and maintain the vehicle's value for the long term.
Tesla Cracks Down on Cybertruck Resales
Tesla is strictly enforcing its policy against reselling Cybertrucks before delivery, and those who attempt to do so risk having their reservations canceled without a refund. This was recently demonstrated when a member of the Tesla Cybertruck Owners Club forum had two reservations canceled after listing one of his Cybertrucks for sale on CarGurus. Tesla's agreement states that any attempt to sell a Cybertruck before delivery is a violation, and the company is able to track sales through the VIN number or other means. The incident has caused uncertainty among other potential sellers, leading some to reconsider listing their reservations for sale. The strict enforcement of this policy highlights Tesla's commitment to controlling the market for its highly anticipated electric pickup truck.
Preventing Reselling of High-End Vehicles
Some companies implement measures to prevent the reselling or flipping of their high-end vehicles, such as the Tesla Cybertruck, by only allowing customers to buy them at the sticker price and not allowing them to be resold. This practice, which has been used by car manufacturers like Ford, Ferrari, and Porsche, is aimed at maintaining the value of the vehicles and preventing inflated prices due to reselling. However, this raises ethical concerns as it infringes on the owner's right to sell their property. Companies like dealerships, on the other hand, mark up the prices of vehicles due to various costs involved in their business operations, which is different from flipping. The debate over the morality of these practices continues, with some arguing that everyone should buy things they need and let people buy things at regular prices, while others believe in the freedom to sell one's property. The extent of markups and fees at dealerships can be significant, but they are not considered the same as flipping. Ultimately, the discussion revolves around the balance between maintaining the value of high-end vehicles and respecting the property rights of their owners.
Porsche VIP Program: Buying and Selling at a Loss
Becoming a Porsche VIP involves buying and selling cars at a loss from a specific dealership to reach a certain spending threshold. This business model allows dealerships to make significant profits from rare and high-demand cars. While some may argue that this is similar to the business model of bodegas or resellers who charge higher prices due to convenience or scarcity, there is a key difference: dealerships are removing the cars from the general market for consumers, potentially limiting availability and increasing prices for others. This practice, especially in the context of supercars, can be perceived as predatory. Instead, a more consumer-friendly approach, such as Tesla's direct-to-consumer sales, may be preferred. Ultimately, the most frustrating aspect for consumers is when they miss out on a good deal due to someone else buying and immediately reselling an item at its original price.
Strategies to limit reselling of products
Some companies implement strategies to prevent or limit reselling of their products, especially those with high demand and limited supply. This is often seen in industries like tech and entertainment. For instance, Taylor Swift used to require fans to buy merchandise to get early access to tour tickets, and Tesla is giving early Cybertruck deliveries to long-term shareholders. The rationale behind these strategies is to encourage ownership and enjoyment rather than reselling for profit. However, these measures can be confusing and may not entirely prevent reselling. In the case of Tesla, the company is trying to filter through its massive list of reservations to prioritize deliveries to those less likely to flip the Cybertruck. This highlights the challenge of balancing the needs of loyal customers and the market demand for limited-edition products.
Tesla Cybertruck Investors and Potential Resale Platform
Some Tesla fans have the opportunity to secure an early Cybertruck by investing in Tesla stocks, but this practice may lead to the trucks being resold rather than being used personally. This trend could potentially lead Tesla to create a platform for reselling these trucks, similar to Ticketmaster, which some may view as taking away the experience from those who truly want to own and use the product. Additionally, during the discussion, there was a mention of a trivia question about an uncommon propulsion technology used in automobiles in 1902. The answer to this question is steam power. Furthermore, one of the speakers expressed their reluctance towards using TikTok due to the addictive nature of the app and its shift towards video content.
Social media platforms copy each other's features, creating a blurred line
Social media platforms are constantly evolving and competing with each other by introducing new features and content formats. This competition often leads to platforms copying each other, creating a blurred line between them. For instance, TikTok and Instagram are currently in a race to offer the best photo and video sharing experience, with TikTok reportedly working on a photo-focused app to counter Instagram's Reels feature. This competition can be frustrating for users, as it might force them to maintain multiple accounts and post the same content across different platforms. Additionally, political factors, such as potential bans or acquisitions, can further complicate the situation. Ultimately, this race to innovate and cater to various user groups results in a rapidly changing social media landscape.
Social Media Platforms' Continuous Evolution
Social media platforms are constantly evolving and improving to better serve their users and stay competitive. The speaker in this conversation shared his experiences with new cameras and social media apps, expressing frustration with certain UX decisions but also appreciating new features. He also discussed how social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are increasingly overlapping in their offerings. Additionally, Spotify's recent move to add music videos for premium users was mentioned as a sign of the platform's continued evolution and competition with YouTube. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of staying open to new features and adaptable to changes in technology.
Apps adding new features to keep users engaged
Apps, including Spotify, are constantly expanding their offerings to keep users engaged and earn additional revenue. This can include integrated ads, merchandise and concert sections, podcasts, audiobooks, and even shopping features. While some users may appreciate these additions, others may find them intrusive or distracting from the core functionality of the app. For example, Spotify's concert ticket feature can be useful for discovering and purchasing tickets, but it may also lead to longer sessions in the app and increased exposure to ads. Ultimately, it's important for users to be aware of these trends and make conscious decisions about how they use different apps to balance their needs and preferences.
Tech companies expanding offerings for user value and revenue
Tech companies are constantly expanding their offerings to provide more value to users and generate revenue. For instance, Google is integrating shopping into YouTube videos to make purchases more convenient, while Spotify could potentially delve deeper into audio content and even e-commerce. However, this expansion comes with potential drawbacks, such as potentially reducing user control and earnings for artists. Additionally, companies like Nikon, which have faced unexpected challenges in their primary businesses, are exploring new areas like manufacturing essential components for technology devices to ensure growth. In the end, these companies' moves reflect their commitment to meeting user needs and driving continuous growth in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Early automobiles were half steam-powered
In the early days of automobile history, contrary to popular belief, half of the cars in use were not gasoline-powered, but rather steam-powered. ASML, a leading manufacturer of lithography machines for producing semiconductors, was not yet in existence during this time. Instead, the competition was between steam and gasoline cars, with steam cars like Stanley Steemer being popular but eventually overshadowed by the convenience of gasoline engines with the invention of the electric starter motor. This historical fact sheds light on the evolution of technology and consumer preferences.