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a16z Podcast | Selling Tech to Everyone -- Changes Everything
13 segments available
It’s always hard to predict how a generational shift in technology will impact the wider world, especially when you are in the trenches building that new technology. It happened with the mainframe computer, mini-computer, and the PC. These were all technologies that fundamentally changed how industries functioned and culture evolved (especially the PC plus internet), and in ways that were hard to predict. With mobile and the smartphone, a16z’s Benedict Evans argues, the impact will be even greater. a16z Board Partner Steven Sinofsky joins Evans in a conversation examining the massive scale and monstrous leverage of mobile devices and the software running on them and how -- unpredictably as always -- this technological shift is changing the world. As Sinofsky puts it, “Mobile is everything.”
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The Mobile Revolution
Benedict Evans introduces the discussion on how mobile technology is reshaping the tech industry and the broader economy. He emphasizes that mobile devices are not just larger than previous technologies like PCs, but they are also accessible to a vast majority of the global population, fundamentally altering how technology interacts with everyday life.
"hello this is Benedict Evans and this is the andreessen horowitz podcast i'm here with my colleague Steven Sinofsky I put a presentation online that I gave it a Wall Street Journal conference and that..."
Predicting Change in Technology
Evans discusses the challenges of predicting the impact of exponential technological changes. He illustrates how individuals involved in creating these changes often struggle to see their full implications, using the example of how mobile apps have transformed everyday tasks like hailing a cab.
"profound change and it changes the tech industry and it changes how the internet functions but it also gives rise to scape for these kinds of products for the tech industry overall to change much broa..."
Generational Shifts in Technology
The conversation shifts to the generational changes in technology, from mainframes to PCs to mobile devices. Evans and Sinofsky reflect on how each transition is met with skepticism from those comfortable with existing technologies, highlighting the resistance to change that often accompanies innovation.
"it feels and I think that's that's why it's also because you have these these step changes these generational changes and say you go from doing stuff with a mainframe and a terminal to doing stuff wit..."
Transformative Business Models
Sinofsky explains how new technologies initially fit into existing business models before leading to transformative changes. He uses examples from retail and computing to illustrate how innovations like mobile devices can redefine entire industries by enabling new business structures.
"unbelievable like it and it wasn't I mean like certainly you know everybody said the PC was a toy compared to the mainframe I mean like in fact it was a toy compared to many computers which were basic..."
The Evolution of Work Processes
The discussion continues with how work processes evolve alongside new technologies. Sinofsky emphasizes that while traditional tasks may seem incompatible with mobile devices, the majority of work today can be effectively managed through smartphones, shifting the focus from specific tasks to overall accountability.
"of this new technology so the example that I give in my presentation is if you think back to things like Walmart or McDonald's which are fundamentally enabled by things like trucking or interstate hig..."
The Impact of Ubiquitous Technology
Evans and Sinofsky explore the implications of ubiquitous technology, particularly smartphones, on society. They discuss how the integration of mobile devices into daily life is changing consumer behavior and the nature of industries, leading to a new era of digital interaction.
"is you always have to take a deep breath and realize whatever it is that we all use today there was a point in time when it was the disruptive thing yeah and we often seem to forget that well I rememb..."
Mobile as the Center of Innovation
Sinofsky argues that mobile technology is at the forefront of innovation, with new applications and development languages emerging to cater to this shift. He stresses the importance of embracing mobile as the primary platform for future technological advancements.
"not using a PC at your desk why would you buy it what would you use by to use the Internet at home would you buy a smartphone would you buy a new PC would you maybe heat with you see you have for the ..."
The Changing Landscape of Payments
The conversation shifts to the evolution of payment systems, with Evans highlighting how mobile technology is transforming financial transactions. They discuss the potential for mobile payments to disrupt traditional banking structures and the implications for consumer behavior.
"like it's you know in college courses you learn mobile application development now you're going to learn new languages that are really tuned towards the mobile world and so you have to really embrace ..."
The Future of Digital Transactions
Evans and Sinofsky delve into the future of digital transactions, discussing how the integration of software into payment systems is set to revolutionize the financial landscape. They emphasize the importance of understanding these changes as they unfold.
"the internet came along it had to ride on top of tens of millions of computers and but and so now you have a billion pcs they don't just evaporate and all of that work doesn't change but it is actuall..."
Urbanization and Technology
The discussion touches on how technology, particularly mobile and ride-sharing services, is influencing urbanization trends. Sinofsky explains how these innovations are reshaping where people live and work, leading to a shift back towards urban centers.
"yeah yeah and in ten years time I'll buy a new car and well you know I might be able to drive if I want to but well and and also you know and when you speak about how software changes those things car..."
The Disappearance of Technology
Evans reflects on how technologies become invisible as they integrate into daily life. He discusses the historical context of technological adoption and how current advancements in software and mobile devices are following a similar trajectory.
"and actually even more striking for me so I'm sort of that much younger is seeing the original video where he unveiled the original Mac yes and the thing comes up and it's got a color screen and peopl..."
The Role of Software in Business
The conversation concludes with a discussion on how software is becoming central to all businesses. Evans and Sinofsky highlight the shift from traditional business models to those driven by software innovation, emphasizing the need for companies to adapt to this new reality.
"full of money so you go and rob the truck and there are no payroll jobs anymore because nobody gets paid in cash anymore I mean your point about payments I mean I was thinking about the Apple the way ..."
The Future of Industries
Evans and Sinofsky wrap up by discussing the broader implications of mobile technology on various industries. They emphasize that as software continues to evolve, it will enable new business models and disrupt existing ones, fundamentally changing how industries operate.
"just sits neatly on top of the value chain but then you think okay if I've got a payment card on my phone in software that can be provisioned in software immediately that changes almost everything abo..."