The legacy and future of CES, Dwarkesh’s “Capital in the 22nd Century,” Ben Thompson’s “AI and the Human Condition” | Diet TBPN

Overview

This episode dives into the history and evolution of CES (Consumer Electronics Show), the decline of traditional tech conferences, and the rise of company-specific product launches. It also explores the societal implications of AI on inequality, the role of marketing in tech product launches, and notable innovations showcased at CES 2026.

Notable Quotes

- The celebrity cameo in the tech launch is a completely forgotten art. We don't know how to do this anymore. - John Coogan, on the decline of showmanship in tech product launches.

- The iPhone, probably the biggest consumer electronics product in history, should have been launched at CES. - John Coogan, reflecting on the missed opportunity for CES to host the iPhone debut.

- Everything is amazing right now, and nobody's happy. - Louis C.K., quoted during a discussion on the paradox of technological progress and human satisfaction.

📜 The Legacy of CES

- CES, launched in 1967, has been a platform for groundbreaking tech like the VCR, Atari Pong, and the Xbox.

- John Coogan highlighted iconic moments, such as Bill Gates unveiling the Xbox with Dwayne The Rock Johnson in 2001, showcasing the lost art of celebrity-driven product launches.

- Despite its growth to 130,000 attendees in 2024, CES has shifted away from being the epicenter of major tech announcements.

📱 The Decline of Independent Tech Conferences

- The iPhone's 2007 launch at Macworld, instead of CES, marked a turning point. John Coogan explained how Steve Jobs prioritized control over presentation, avoiding direct comparisons with competitors like Nokia.

- Following Apple's lead, companies now host their own events (e.g., WWDC, Google I/O), reducing the relevance of independent trade shows.

- Even Nvidia, which unveiled its Vera Rubin chip at CES 2026, primarily relies on its own conferences for major announcements.

🤖 AI's Impact on Inequality

- The podcast discussed Dwarkesh Patel's essay, Capital in the 22nd Century, which argues that AI could exacerbate wealth inequality.

- Key points include the privatization of AI returns, limited access for average individuals, and the diminishing role of labor in wealth creation.

- Jordi Hays noted that traditional wealth-building assets like home equity may not benefit from AI-driven economic shifts.

🎭 The Role of Showmanship in Tech Marketing

- Jordi Hays and John Coogan lamented the decline of creative marketing, emphasizing the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements over expensive launch videos.

- They cited examples like Orca's memorable campaigns and suggested that founders lacking charisma could benefit from hiring celebrities to promote their products.

🧱 Innovations at CES 2026

- Highlights included Lego's smart brick, which integrates computing power into classic Lego pieces, and Boston Dynamics' humanoid robots with advanced mobility.

- Nvidia's Vera Rubin chip and AMD's AI chips were also showcased, signaling advancements in AI hardware.

- The podcast humorously critiqued overhyped AI integrations in consumer products, like AI-powered TVs, as often being underwhelming.