Big Tech turns to mining, Thinking Machines loses top executives, NYC Sauna Wars heat up | Diet TBPN

Overview

This episode dives into the increasing vertical integration of tech giants like Tesla and AWS into mining and refining, the turmoil at AI startup Thinking Machines, the rise of sauna culture in NYC, and Meta's shifting focus from the metaverse to AI.

Notable Quotes

- We're now in the era where tech companies are starting to vertically integrate so deep that they own the mines and refineries. - Speaker 1, on the evolution of tech's industrial ambitions.

- The evidence is so clear that if you use a sauna every day, you will probably extend your health span and lifespan. - Speaker 2, on the health benefits driving the sauna boom.

- At some point, if you have a new big money pit initiative like AI, you have to make a sacrifice to show shareholders you're refocusing. - Speaker 1, on Meta's pivot from the metaverse to AI.

🛠️ Tech Giants Enter Mining and Refining

- Tesla and AWS are delving into mining and refining to secure critical materials for their operations.

- Tesla's Texas lithium refinery, operational within 19 months, produces battery-grade lithium hydroxide, bypassing intermediate steps and reducing environmental impact.

- AWS partnered with Rio Tinto to underwrite a new copper refining process, potentially unlocking 70% of the world's uneconomical copper reserves.

- These moves reflect a broader trend of tech companies addressing supply chain bottlenecks caused by AI and data center expansions.

🤖 Thinking Machines Faces Leadership Shakeup

- Thinking Machines terminated CTO Barrett Zoff for alleged unethical conduct, with Sumit Chantala stepping in as CTO.

- Several co-founders and employees have returned to OpenAI, sparking speculation about internal challenges.

- The company, once valued at $12 billion, faces high expectations amidst talent departures and industry scrutiny.

🔥 NYC Sauna Wars and the Wellness Boom

- A surge in boutique bathhouses in NYC, such as Bathhouse, Othership, and Altar, has sparked competition in the wellness space.

- These facilities offer saunas, cold plunges, and unique experiences like comedy nights and custom bathing suits.

- While NYC's dense urban environment fuels demand for communal spaces, many Americans may opt for personal saunas at home due to affordability and convenience.

📉 Meta's Metaverse Retreat and AI Pivot

- Meta laid off 1,500 employees in its Reality Labs division, signaling a shift away from the metaverse.

- The company is ramping up AI investments, including a $2 billion acquisition of Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup.

- Despite Reality Labs' struggles, Meta's AI-driven Ray-Ban smart glasses have sold over 2 million units, showcasing a successful pivot.

🌍 Land and Resource Trends

- Billionaire Stan Kroenke became the largest private landowner in the U.S., acquiring nearly 1 million acres in New Mexico.

- Greenland's politics and resource use, including whale and seal hunting, highlight cultural and environmental tensions.

- The rising value of land for data centers and resource extraction underscores its strategic importance in tech and energy sectors.