GeekWire

Amazon is experimenting again. This week, we dig into our scoop on Amazon Now, the company's new ultrafast delivery service. Plus, we recap the GeekWire team's ride in a Zoox robotaxi on the Las Vegas Strip during AWS re:Invent. And in our featured interview, from the show floor, AWS Senior Vice President Colleen Aubrey discusses Amazon's push into applied AI, why the company sees AI agents as "teammates," and how her team is rethinking product development in the age of agentic coding. RELATED STORIES Stars on the ceiling, Cher on the speakers: Notes from our first ride in Amazon’s Zoox robotaxi Groceries in a flash: We tested ‘Amazon Now’ in Seattle — and got our delivery in 23 minutes AWS CEO Matt Garman thought Amazon needed a million developers, until AI changed his mind With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the real value in AI tools — and what separates those who use them well from those who don't? Sam Ransbotham, professor of business analytics at Boston College and host of the "Me, Myself and AI" podcast from MIT Sloan Management Review, compares notes with GeekWire Podcast host Todd Bishop in a two-part collaboration between the shows. On this episode, they discuss the new digital divide emerging in the classroom, AI's measurement problem (and what Wikipedia teaches us about it), the "race to mediocre," how AI is democratizing startup creation, and the tension between AI productivity, time, and the moments that make us human. Find the rest of their conversation in the Me, Myself and AI podcast feed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week: Jeff Bezos is back in startup mode (sort of) with Project Prometheus — a $6.2 billion AI-for-the-physical-world venture that instantly became one of the most talked-about new companies in tech. We dig into what his return to the CEO title really means, why the company’s location is still a mystery, and how this echoes the era when Bezos was regularly launching big bets from Seattle. Then we look at Amazon’s latest real-world experiment: package-return kiosks popping up inside Goodwill stores around the Seattle region. It’s a small pilot, but it brings back memories of the early days when Amazon’s oddball experiments seemed to appear out of nowhere. And finally…Todd makes the case for upgrading his 2007 Toyota Camry with CarPlay, Android Auto, and a backup camera — while John questions the logic of sinking thousands into a beloved older car. All that, plus a mystery Microsoft shirt, a little Seattle nostalgia, and a look ahead to next week’s podcast collaboration with Me, Myself and AI from MIT Sloan Management Review. With GeekWire co-founders John Cook and Todd BishopSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week: A glimpse of the AI frontier in workplace productivity through the eyes of David Shim — serial entrepreneur, Read AI co-founder and CEO, former Foursquare leader, and this year’s GeekWire Awards CEO of the Year. Shim spoke with GeekWire co-founder John Cook at a recent dinner event hosted in partnership with Accenture, in conjunction with our new Agents of Transformation editorial series, exploring AI, productivity, and the future of work. They discuss the rapid rise of workplace AI, why Shim believes today’s boom is fueled by real revenue rather than dot-com-style subsidies, and where he sees both hype and genuine value emerging. Shim offers insights on AI assistants, cross-team “multiplayer AI,” global adoption, and the controversial idea of “digital twins” built from employees’ work data. Recorded by Jessica Reeves; edited by Curt Milton. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle’s consumer-hardware ambitions are once again colliding with economic reality. The struggles of Glowforge and Rad Power Bikes echo a long regional history of big raises, high hopes, and hard landings — shaped by the pandemic, VC, and the unforgiving nature of building real products.  GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook recorded this conversation for the purpose of providing the audio to an AI tool that turned the conversation into a written column that was edited and reviewed before publication. Check it out here. Related Stories:  Glowforge hits restart: After restructuring, co-founders acquire key assets of laser engraver startup Rad Power Bikes faces possible shutdown as it tries to survive ‘significant financial challenges’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s it like to pitch your dream on Shark Tank, get rejected on national TV in front of eight million people — and then turn that failure into a company Amazon later buys for more than a billion dollars. Ring founder Jamie Siminoff did just that. A serial inventor and entrepreneur, Siminoff joins us to talk about his new book, Ding Dong: How Ring Went from Shark Tank Reject to Everyone’s Front Door (out Nov. 10), sharing the messy, high-stakes, and ultimately inspiring story behind the company. Now back at Amazon as a vice president leading Ring and the company’s home-security businesses, Siminoff reflects on failure, reinvention, and what comes next in the age of AI. Related links and stories Pre-order the book on Amazon. GeekWire: Ring founder Jamie Siminoff rejoins Amazon in new VP role Business Insider: Amazon VP says his division is hiring and promoting based on employees’ AI usage Inc.: The tech founder who wants to fix small-town America With GeekWire co-founder Todd BishopSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is Amazon laying off 14,000 people during a massive AI boom? Todd and John analyze the Seattle tech paradox, digging into Andy Jassy's 'startup' reasoning and debating whether the AI frenzy is a bubble. Then, they take on the Cascadia high-speed rail: a necessary connector or a misguided project? Related headlines from the week Amazon layoffs Amazon confirms 14,000 job cuts, says push for ‘efficiency gains’ will continue into 2026 A tale of two Seattles in the age of AI: Harsh realities and new hope for the tech community Filing: Amazon cuts more than 2,300 jobs in Washington state as part of broader layoffs Amazon layoffs hit software engineers hardest in Washington Amazon layoffs reaction: ‘Thought I was a top performer but guess I’m expendable’ Amazon CEO says massive corporate layoffs were about agility — not AI or cost-cutting Amazon earnings Amazon stock soars 11% after topping Q3 estimates with $180B in revenue, $21B in profits Amazon’s Anthropic investment boosts its quarterly profits by $9.5B ‘Big Beautiful’ tax benefit: Amazon and other tech giants reap the rewards of new law, for now Microsoft Azure, earnings and OpenAI Microsoft’s Azure reports cloud outage, disrupting global customers including Alaska Airlines Microsoft beats expectations, reports nearly $35B in Q1 capital spending amid Azure outage Microsoft gets 27% stake in OpenAI, and a $250B Azure commitment Seattle-Portland-Vancouver Slowly but surely, high-speed rail backers believe Cascadia mega-project will become a reality Cascadia’s AI paradox: A world-leading opportunity threatened by rising costs and a talent crunch The ‘enormous barrier’ that threatens economic growth in the Pacific Northwest Beta’s unique electric airplane flies into Seattle to wow state officials and aviation experts With GeekWire co-founders John Cook and Todd BishopSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From empty offices in 2020 to AI colleagues in 2025, the way we work has been completely rewired over the past five years. Our guest this week studies these shifts closely along with her colleagues at Microsoft. Colette Stallbaumer is the co-founder of Microsoft WorkLab, general manager of Microsoft 365 Copilot, and the author of the new book, WorkLab: Five years that shook the business world, and sparked an AI-first future, from Microsoft’s 8080 Books. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; edited by Curt Milton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran technology journalist Ed Bott has "seen things," after more than 30 years of covering Microsoft and the PC industry, and he recognizes a pattern in the company's latest AI features for Windows. It's part of a high-stakes effort to avoid missing the next big platform shift — attempting to avoid what happened to the company in the mobile revolution. Ed joins the GeekWire Podcast to analyze this big bet, digging into the new "Hey Copilot" voice commands, the promise and security risks of "Copilot Actions" that can work on your local files, and Microsoft's strategic shift to bring AI features to all Windows 11 PCs, not just the premium Copilot+ PC models. Plus, we discuss whether users will ever really want to talk to their computers and the timing of it all, right as Windows 10 support comes to an end. Ed Bott on ZDNet:  Microsoft debuts its next big high-stakes feature in Windows — can you trust it?  Windows 10 PC can't be upgraded? You have 5 options - and must act now Microsoft announcement: Making every Windows 11 PC an AI PC GeekWire coverage: Microsoft’s new AI features aim to give Windows a voice and mind of its own A new era for Windows: Can Microsoft’s longtime engine power another tech revolution? Thanks to Buzz Bruggeman of ActiveWords for suggesting this episode. With GeekWire co-founder Todd BishopSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Pirillo, the longtime tech enthusiast and entrepreneur, joins the show this week to discuss how AI software development tools are opening up new possibilities for everyday users, as illustrated by his own experience going from commentator to creator, building nearly 100 apps and games. He’s launching a free, in-person event series called CTRL+ALT+CREATE Live, where anyone can build something real using AI and no-code tools. The first event takes place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m on Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Amazon AWS Skills Center in Seattle. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the GeekWire Podcast: How artificial intelligence is changing the way companies are created, built, and operated. We're on location at Pioneer Square Labs in Seattle with investor and entrepreneur T.A. McCann, a managing director at the startup studio and venture capital firm. He explains how AI agents are automating complex functions, letting small teams do the work that once required large groups of people. As AI makes product development easier, he says, the key strategic moat for many startups is now shifting to distribution and data. Other topics include: The wearable AI recorder that captures everything he says throughout the day. The rise of the "one-person billion-dollar company" powered by a suite of specialized AI agents. How AI-generated personas are replacing human focus groups for market research. The future of "agent-to-agent" conversations, where different AI systems negotiate with each other on behalf of their companies. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; Edited by Curt Milton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. tech and startup community was stunned by an executive order last week imposing a $100,000 fee for employers seeking new H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers, a program heavily used by the technology industry.   This move brings a longstanding debate back to the forefront: are skilled immigrants taking American jobs, or are they a vital engine for innovation and economic growth? Our guest this week has a strong point of view on this topic. Shirish Nadkarni is a serial entrepreneur and Microsoft veteran who founded companies acquired by BlackBerry and Rosetta Stone. An immigrant himself, he just released a timely new book, The Indian American Tech Success Story, which makes the case that immigrant founders, particularly from India, are one of America's greatest economic assets — creating far more jobs than they could ever be accused of taking. Related Links and Stories Startup leaders warn new $100K H-1B visa fee will hurt U.S. entrepreneurship and innovation New TiE Seattle president on how the $100K H-1B fee could snuff out entrepreneurial flame Will new U.S. visa fee boost Canada’s tech sector? B.C. sees an opening against Seattle and Silicon Valley With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; Edited by Curt Milton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the GeekWire Podcast: How artificial intelligence is reshaping media and advertising, and what it says about the future of the creative process. Our guest is Jay Richman, an Amazon vice president of product and technology who leads the technology team developing AI tools used by sellers and brands to create and deploy ads across Amazon's platforms. His career has tracked the evolution of digital media, from early apps for the Palm Pilot to the first wave of streaming at NBC Universal, and the reinvention of podcast ads and monetization at Spotify. Richman, who's based in New York, was in town this week for Amazon's Accelerate seller conference, where he announced new agentic AI capabilities within Amazon's Creative Studio. Related Post: Amazon unveils new agentic AI tools for sellers amid heightened scrutiny With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. Audio editing by Curt Milton.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week: Executive coach and AI strategist Mark Briggs explains why your "personal operating system" needs an upgrade, and how to use AI to get more time back in your day. He shares practical tips for turning scattered notes into a powerful knowledge base and discusses how AI can act as a collaborator to fight procrastination and provide instant feedback.  Plus, we play a game of "Bot or Not" to see if you can tell the difference between a human and an AI assistant, and learn how better productivity can lead to achieving personal goals. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; Edited by Curt Milton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the GeekWire Podcast: Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his NBA team, the Clippers, face scrutiny over an alleged salary-cap dodge tied to star Kawhi Leonard. We unpack the report and Ballmer’s emphatic denial, while reflecting on his history in tech and sports.  Also: OpenAI's surprise $1.1 billion acquisition of Seattle startup Statsig, and what it says about the AI talent wars. Plus, the ironic role of Microsoft’s own antitrust past in the landmark ruling against Google’s search monopoly this week. Seattle journalist, radio host and bar owner Mike Lewis joins GeekWire's Todd Bishop for this episode, which also features a highlight from a segment with KUOW's Kim Malcolm.  Related Stories OpenAI acquires Statsig for $1.1B, names CEO to key role in surprise exit for Seattle-area unicorn ‘Absurd’: Steve Ballmer responds to report that Clippers funneled money to star player via endorsement deal Pablo Torre details his investigation on "Pablo Torre Finds Out." ESPN's Ramona Shelburne interviews Steve Ballmer. Google antitrust ruling gives Microsoft a shaky bridge over search giant’s competitive moat KUOW: Is the Google antitrust ruling a ‘big whiff,’ or an advantage for rivals like Microsoft?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In light of his estate's launch of the new $3.1 billion Fund for Science and Technology, we revisit a classic 2011 interview with the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen to explore the "Idea Man" mindset that continues to shape his legacy. The conversation reveals the personal motivations behind his "big bet" philanthropy, his candid thoughts on his partnership with Bill Gates, and his passion for everything from brain science to jamming with rock stars. Related stories and links:  Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s final act: New $3.1B foundation bets big on science and tech In an age of billionaire backlash, Paul Allen’s lasting legacy stands out in Seattle With GeekWire's Todd Bishop and Kurt Schlosser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does Seattle gain — and lose — in times of dramatic change? University of Washington Foster School of Business marketing professor Jeff Shulman has spent years studying that question, as host of the Seattle Growth Podcast, director of the Product Management Center, and a civic voice on issues ranging from housing affordability to the campaign to bring back the Sonics. On this episode of the GeekWire Podcast, Shulman joins us to talk about Seattle’s place in the global AI boom, why the city has struggled to produce superstar startups, what AI means for marketing and education, and how civic identity, tech and sports have fueled the region. RELATED STORIES Seattle is a global AI hub — but where are the superstar startups? Despite status as a global tech hub, Seattle passengers still can’t hail a driverless ride Ken Griffey Jr. Wants Role in Bringing Seattle Sonics Back Seattle Now Podcast: Casual Friday with Todd Bishop and Jeff Shulman Also check out the Seattle Growth Podcast and "On the Brink" documentary.  With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop; Edited by Curt Milton    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guests this week: Adam Brotman and Andy Sack, co-authors of the book AI First: The Playbook for a Future-Proof Business and Brand.  Brotman was Starbucks’ chief digital officer and later co-CEO of J.Crew. Sack is a founder, investor, and longtime advisor to tech leaders. Together, they run Forum3, a company that helps brands rethink loyalty and customer engagement. For their book, they interviewed experts including Bill Gates, Sam Altman, Reid Hoffman and Ethan Mollick, and spent time with companies that have had early success with AI implementation. We talk about their "holy sh*t" moment with Sam Altman, how Moderna achieved 80% employee participation through AI contests, the CEO who supercharged sales by using AI to analyze call transcripts, and what leaders should actually be doing to roll out AI within their organizations. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longtime University of Washington computer science professor Ed Lazowska — newly retired at 75 after nearly a half-century on the faculty — joins us to discuss the evolution of computer science, how AI is changing what and how students learn, why specialization is rising, the role of universities in Seattle’s tech economy, and what he plans to tackle next across teaching, advising, and policy. Read more on GeekWire. With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook. Edited by Curt Milton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the GeekWire Podcast: Microsoft soars past Wall Street expectations, briefly hitting a $4 trillion valuation, while Amazon faces sharper scrutiny over its AI strategy. Todd Bishop and John Cook break down the contrasting earnings results, analyst reactions, and what it all means for the future of AI — and Seattle's place in it. Plus: insights from Microsoft's Mustafa Suleyman on the future of Copilot, a throwback lesson from the Zune era, and a guestbook entry that shows just how mainstream ChatGPT has become.  Related stories and links Microsoft plans record $30B in quarterly capital spending Microsoft cut product R&D jobs, added operations roles over the past year Microsoft beats expectations, says Azure revenue tops $75B annually Internal memo: Nadella urges long-term thinking as Azure marks 15 years Microsoft reaches $4 trillion valuation after big earnings report Amazon Web Services profits squeezed amid AI spending surge Amazon tops Q2 estimates with $167.7B in revenue, $18.2B in profits Can Seattle own the AI era? 20 investors and founders weigh the potential From Startup to Exit: Microsoft@50: Birth of Xbox, with Chief Xbox Officer, Robbie Bach Colin & Samir Podcast with Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman Tim Ferriss Podcast with Expedia and Zillow co-founder Rich BartonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.