Another Crazy Day in AI: Tech Insider Breaks Down AI Companies' Real Motives

Wowza Team
Jul 5
4 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

Did you survive the hot dogs, sparklers, and small talk with relatives who still ask what AI even is? Hope your Independence Day had more sizzle than screen time.

One new book, written by a trained engineer turned journalist, looks at AI not from the top, but from the ground. It captures the messy, human side of a tech revolution too often told in headlines.

Meanwhile, your next meal might be prepped by prediction... Fast-food chains are quietly turning to AI to cut down waste and boost efficiency.

And if you’ve ever said “I wish I could build that,” now you can. Claude’s latest update lets anyone turn ideas into tools.

Here's to independence—in thought, tech, and whatever’s next. Catch you after the weekend.

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Former engineer exposes silicon valley's AI empire
Fast food chains tap AI to predict demand and cut waste
New Claude update turns conversations into apps
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Tech Insider Reveals AI Industry's Dark Secrets

A robotic scientist in a classic white coat with 'AI Scientist' on its back stands beside a human scientist with 'Human Scientist' on their coat, looking towards the AI Scientist.

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)

What happens when the companies building tomorrow's technology operate more like empires than businesses?

In a recent interview on Novara Media’s podcast Downstream, journalist and MIT-trained engineer Karen Hao sits down with host Aaron Bastani to discuss her new book, Empire of AI. Drawing from over 300 interviews and rare internal access, Hao unpacks the myths, power plays, and ethical failings of the AI industry. Her book examines the artificial intelligence sector beyond the usual hype and fear narratives, looking at the actual mechanics of how these companies operate and grow.

What this conversation reveals:

Environmental costs that rarely make headlines - AI systems demand enormous data centers consuming vast amounts of water and electricity, sometimes placing additional strain on communities already facing resource challenges
OpenAI's journey from idealistic nonprofit to corporate giant - What began as a research organization focused on transparency has evolved into a company valued in the hundreds of billions
The complexity of tech leadership - Sam Altman's management approach combines personal magnetism with unwavering beliefs about artificial general intelligence, generating strongly divided opinions among those who work with him
Stark disparities in working conditions - While executives accumulate wealth, content moderators in Kenya deal with psychological trauma from their work, and data labelers in Colombia face intense competition for minimal pay
Corporate influence that extends beyond traditional business - The relationship between major AI companies and government institutions echoes historical patterns of powerful trading companies
Opportunities for public engagement - Communities have successfully challenged data center projects, artists have pursued legal remedies, and educational institutions have developed their own AI governance approaches
The challenge of vague terminology - Using "AI" as an umbrella term for vastly different technologies makes it difficult to create targeted policies and regulations

Hao's analysis reveals an industry that has expanded rapidly while many of its most significant impacts remain out of public view. The conversation explores how corporate power functions in the modern economy and what mechanisms exist for public influence over private decisions that affect society broadly. Her dual perspective as both technical expert and journalist allows her to examine not just what these technologies do, but how the systems behind them actually work.

The discussion raises important questions about democratic participation in technological development. Rather than treating these as abstract policy debates, Hao grounds her analysis in concrete examples of how AI development affects real people and communities. Her work suggests that understanding the future of artificial intelligence requires looking carefully at the present-day institutions, economic incentives, and power structures that guide its development. The conversation treats these as ongoing challenges that require sustained attention rather than problems with simple solutions.

Watch the Podcast here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Fast Food Chains Tap AI to Predict Demand and Cut Waste

/Shefali Kapadia, Business Journalist, on Business Insider

AI is transforming fast-food supply chains by helping restaurants like Juici Patties, Domino’s, and McDonald’s predict demand, reduce waste, and optimize operations. These data-rich environments are well-positioned to leverage AI for better inventory planning, labor management, and ingredient purchasing. While major chains are pushing forward with AI partnerships, small restaurants face challenges due to cost and integration hurdles. Still, the payoff is clear: greater efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.

Another Crazy Day in AI: Tech Insider Breaks Down AI Companies' Real Motives

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