Meta Introducing Class C Stock, iPhone Duo’s Botched Launch | Diet TBPN

Overview

This episode dives into a mix of tech industry drama, product launches, and corporate strategies. Key topics include Trevor Milton's controversial jet company launch, Meta's introduction of Class C stock, and Apple's missteps with the iPhone Duo. The hosts also touch on the evolving landscape of tech podcast advertising and some quirky product ideas.

Notable Quotes

- Flying private is such a luxury, but once you get to a certain level of wealth, you’ve got to put it all on the line. A plane that’s a little rough around the edges might actually be a thrill for some buyers. – John Coogan, on Trevor Milton's jet company.

- Zuckerberg wants both birds in the bush to be in his hands. – Jordi Hays, on Mark Zuckerberg’s dual goals with Meta’s Class C stock.

- Apple is no longer better than this. They should be, but they’re not. My disappointment is immeasurable. – Jordi Hays, on the iPhone Duo’s botched launch.

✈️ Trevor Milton’s Jet Company Drama

- Jordi Hays and John Coogan discuss Trevor Milton’s new jet company, which launched with a mock-up plane. Critics called the presentation underwhelming, and Milton responded aggressively on social media, claiming significant pre-orders and dismissing detractors.

- Milton’s social media behavior, including posting poorly cropped screenshots, was described as elite unposting by John Coogan.

- The hosts debated whether Milton’s claims, such as breaking the world speed record for light jets, were credible, with Jordi noting a pattern of stretching the truth.

📈 Meta’s Class C Stock and Zuckerberg’s Strategy

- Meta’s new Class C stock is a non-voting share designed to allow Mark Zuckerberg to sell or donate parts of his stake without losing control of the company.

- The move is seen as a way for Zuckerberg to manage his wealth, fund philanthropic efforts, and potentially avoid California’s proposed billionaire tax by relocating to Florida.

- John Coogan highlighted the parallels with Google’s founders, who executed similar strategies to maintain control while avoiding high taxes.

📱 Apple’s iPhone Duo Launch Missteps

- The iPhone Duo, Apple’s foldable phone, faced criticism for poor app optimization and software glitches, including black bars and rendering issues.

- Jordi Hays called the launch embarrassing, noting that even Apple’s native apps weren’t optimized.

- The hosts speculated on whether developers had enough time to prepare for the device, with John Coogan suggesting AI tools could accelerate fixes.

🎙️ Tech Podcast Advertising Evolution

- The hosts celebrated the rise of advertising in tech podcasts, noting that Ben Thompson’s Stratechery is now sponsored by Stripe.

- They joked about their mission to get every major tech podcast to adopt advertising, with John Coogan pointing out that even Tyler Cowen’s podcast might soon feature ads.

🛠️ Quirky Product Ideas and Tech Culture

- The hosts discussed a Gumwatch, a hypothetical wristwatch that doubles as a nicotine gum holder, calling it a potential hit.

- They also shared a video of a Mad Max-style custom vehicle, dubbing it the car of the future for post-apocalyptic scenarios.

- The episode ended with a motivational note: When you catch lightning in a bottle, it’s time to double down.