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a16z Podcast | Innovation vs. Invention at Google I/O
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Innovation or invention? Platform or app? Vertical or horizontal? Strategy or tactic? Does the smartphone eat VR? And (not to get all existential about it or anything but), what is an app, really? a16z partners Benedict Evans, Connie Chan, Kyle Russell, and board partner Steven Sinofsky explore these tensions in this episode of the podcast as they share some quick reactions to Google I/O, Google's annual developer conference, where the company announced a number of new platform products -- for VR to messaging to the smart home. Maybe most new things are really old things, but maybe those distinctions don't matter as artificial intelligence leaps into how we live our lives, automating (and anticipating) things in a new way...
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Welcome to the a16z Podcast
In this segment, the hosts introduce the a16z podcast and set the stage for discussing the recent announcements from Google I/O. They highlight the focus on new platform products ranging from VR to smart home technologies, emphasizing the significance of the event.
"everyone welcome to the a 6nc podcast today we're sharing some quick reactions to Google i/o Google's annual developer conference where the company just announced a number of new platform products for..."
Skepticism Around Google's Innovations
Kyle Russell addresses the skepticism surrounding Google's recent product announcements at Google I/O. He counters the notion that these innovations are merely rehashes of old ideas, arguing that the coherence and clarity of Google's presentation signify genuine innovation.
"Russell discusses the news with a 16 ZZZ Benedict Evans Connie Chan and board partner Steven Sinofsky / - Kyle so Steven yesterday Google announced quite a few different products and services several ..."
Innovation vs. Invention
Kyle Russell delves into the distinction between innovation and invention, explaining that true innovation often involves incremental improvements rather than groundbreaking inventions. He emphasizes that many new products are built on existing ideas, reshaped by unique perspectives and expertise.
"none of this feels new but you push back against that why do you feel so strongly that you know this was actually a really exciting event for Google well because it was a really exciting event for Goo..."
AI as the Next Generation Platform
The discussion shifts to the role of artificial intelligence as a transformative platform for Google. Kyle highlights how Google is leveraging its strengths in data and computer vision technology to create innovative solutions that anticipate user needs, marking a significant evolution in their approach.
"stuff like with a slightly different perspective that comes from how you think about it the collection of things your own expertise your own experiences and so when you look at something like the the ..."
The Evolution of Google Assistant
Kyle reflects on the historical development of Google Assistant, tracing its evolution from basic search functionalities to a more anticipatory service. He illustrates how Google is moving beyond traditional search to proactively suggest solutions based on user behavior and context.
"thing now they may or may not be right but it's super clear right and they're also pulling on their main strengths of having access to a ton of data having the best computer vision technology out ther..."
Eliminating Friction in Daily Life
The conversation explores Google's ambition to automate everyday tasks and eliminate friction in users' lives. Kyle discusses how Google services like Calendar and Gmail are evolving to become more intuitive and anticipatory, enhancing user experience through automation.
"the point that the computer could no like every in one way I think one way to think about AI is like the computer should know this what should the computer know and this is now going to the point well..."
The Challenges of AI Implementation
Kyle addresses the potential pitfalls of AI technology, acknowledging that while AI can streamline processes, it is not without its flaws. He shares anecdotes about early challenges with Google Maps and autocorrect, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement in AI systems.
"more anticipatory and it turns out you know we do a lot of patterns in life and the self-driving car is a recognition of like most driving is very pattern based so why should it also be pattern based ..."
Overview of Google I/O Announcements
In this segment, the hosts provide a summary of the key products and services announced at Google I/O, including the new messaging app 'Allo' and updates to Google Assistant. They discuss the implications of these innovations for users and the tech landscape.
"our phrase that was like literally we had a kind of bug that you could open up with the descriptors stupid computer trick which was like the algorithm went nuts for those in our audience who didn't wa..."
AI as Google's Core Strategy
The conversation shifts to Google's core strategy centered around AI, particularly through the Google Assistant. The hosts explore how Google aims to transform traditional search models into predictive, conversational experiences, demonstrating the integration of AI across various platforms and applications.
"I mean I think I mean it was to kind of Stephens point I think one one should think look at that any of these two big tech companies in terms of what is a tactic and what is a strategy and so you look..."
Platforms vs. Apps: Understanding Google's Approach
This segment delves into the distinction between platforms and apps in Google's ecosystem. The hosts argue that while new apps like Alo are important, the underlying platform strategy is what truly drives Google's innovation. They discuss how all Google services are interconnected through a robust data platform.
"fundamental thing and then they were like two other interesting things one is the VR project and then the other is the the Google Instant apps on just your thesis there just for a second because I cou..."
The Future of Messaging Apps
The hosts speculate on the future of messaging apps, asserting that despite the dominance of existing players, there is still room for new entrants. They discuss the fragmented state of messaging in the Western world and predict a defragmentation process that could lead to a more unified messaging experience.
"messaging application a low one do you think it's going to be you know successful given their kind of I almost don't care well it doesn't matter if really what they're making which is like if you were..."
VR and Instant Apps: Google's New Directions
In this segment, the hosts discuss Google's announcements regarding VR and Instant Apps at Google I/O. They analyze how these innovations fit into Google's broader strategy and whether they align with the company's core competencies in data and AI, highlighting the potential impact of these technologies on user experience.
"basically we're talking about the laws of thermodynamics yeah but but like when people like that was that was sort of one of the little Twitter battles yesterday for me was like this notion that we're..."
Instant Apps: A Game Changer for User Experience
The conversation shifts to Google's announcement of Instant Apps, which allow users to access app content without full installation. This innovation is compared to Java's reincarnation, emphasizing how it changes the traditional app installation process and enhances user experience by reducing friction. The implications for developers and the app ecosystem are also discussed.
"gear VR this idea that so class full Samson button synapse is a really big deal yeah that's huge you know not to say that that wasn't a big deal I was just saying that wasn't clearly connected to this..."
Revolutionizing App Accessibility
This segment delves into how Instant Apps fundamentally alter the binary question of app installation. The speakers explain how users can access apps directly from links, with the app downloading in the background, thus transforming the user interaction model. The technical achievements behind this innovation and its potential impact on the app market are highlighted.
"go to exactly the same piece of content inside the app and that's just sort of been baked in in the lawful over the last two or three years and on iOS or Android now what Google have now said is and r..."
Eliminating Friction in Transactions
The discussion focuses on how Google's Instant Apps can streamline transactions by eliminating the need for sign-ins and payment credential inputs. The speakers compare this approach to WeChat's successful model and highlight a specific example of paying for parking using Android Pay without needing the app installed, showcasing the potential for increased transaction velocity.
"challenges the question of this binary split between apps and the web and if you think that they owned the Google Play Store - the natural linkage for people to upgrade to the full app it makes a lot ..."
Comparing Approaches: Google vs. Facebook and Apple
In this segment, the speakers compare Google's approach to app accessibility with Facebook's bot strategy and Apple's rumored mobile web payment solutions. They discuss how Google aims to simplify user interactions by providing direct app access, contrasting it with Facebook's more complex AI-driven solutions, and the implications for user engagement.
"certain way by putting the browser runtime on every device you could imagine and then the code that you could download was JavaScript and an HTML but it turns out to not be rich enough for a whole bun..."
Innovative Solutions to Old Problems
The conversation reflects on how Google addresses longstanding challenges in mobile technology, such as app installation barriers. The speakers draw parallels to historical challenges in mobile phone design and emphasize Google's innovative approach to solving these issues, positioning it as a leader in adapting to changing technology landscapes.
"conversion of transactions and so the Google demonstrated one example where you could pay for parking within just a couple of clicks wave Android pay with Android pay without the app but just so we ha..."
The Evolution of App Interaction Models
This segment discusses the evolution of interaction models in mobile technology, highlighting the shift from traditional web browsers to more dynamic app experiences. The speakers emphasize the ongoing innovation from tech giants like Google and Apple, and how this constant change affects user expectations and app development.
"me I was on a young I remember like in I think 2002 or 3 talking to the CTO of Motorola and he was talking about how hard it was to put a hard disk into a mobile phone to compete with the iPod because..."
Google's VR Journey: From Cardboard to High-End Headsets
The final segment explores Google's foray into virtual reality, starting with its cardboard headsets that democratized access to VR. The speakers reflect on the initial user experiences and the potential for future advancements in VR technology, positioning Google as a key player in the evolving landscape of immersive experiences.
"new way to solve it people were speculating that you'd solve this was like a kind of a Citrix approach where you know you have the at running remote in a VM and you kind of screencast you saying hey s..."
Smartphones as the Future of VR
The conversation shifts to the relationship between smartphones and virtual reality. The speakers argue that the future of VR is closely tied to smartphones, suggesting that VR will become more standardized and accessible through Android and iOS platforms. They discuss the implications for hardware and the potential for a more democratized VR experience.
"you know it didn't come to market with a high-end headset that you connect to a computer it was the first of the major tech incumbents to release something that's actually used by millions of people c..."
The Competitive Landscape of VR
In this segment, the speakers analyze the competitive dynamics in the VR market, particularly in China. They discuss how Google's Daydream initiative could impact companies like Samsung and the approach of building an ecosystem of partners versus a full-stack solution. The conversation highlights the potential for a wide range of VR products and varying quality in user experiences.
"you know clearly Google that's the kind of the owner of the Android platform is the people to drive that I sort of said earlier like poor Samson like you're kind of looking at the instant apps and you..."
The Messy Innovation of VR
The speakers reflect on the chaotic yet innovative nature of the VR industry, drawing parallels to the early days of mobile phones. They discuss the challenges developers will face with diverse VR hardware and the potential for enthusiasts to experiment with non-certified devices. This segment emphasizes the unpredictable journey of innovation in technology.
"don't know if there is one or not that you know but but but that is itself is going to show this the stark contrast between these approaches and it really is this analogy of like they're gonna bet on ..."