Today’s episode was recorded on the sidelines of Google Cloud Next 2025, where I caught up with Umesh Vemuri, Google Cloud’s VP of Strategic Missions and Partnerships. Umesh’s team focuses on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible by scaling up nascent, yet powerful technologies. Join us as we explore how they shaped the future of entertainment experiences at The Sphere in Las Vegas with ‘The Wizard of Oz’- a project that reveals just how far ambition and technology can go together.
Taking the cue from the previous episode on the history of AI, all the way to ChatGPT, this episode looks into the concept of multi-modal AI. We explore how this technology integrates text, images, and audio to mimic human brain processing. We discuss fusion mechanisms that combine these modalities, allowing AI models to comprehend and respond to complex inputs. These mechanisms are crucial for practical applications, such as extracting information from PDFs or answering questions about images. Subsequently, we transition to reasoning models that can be prompted to provide sequential reasoning. Reasoning models, like DeepSeek’s r1, are designed to automatically reason through problems and manage the reasoning effort based on complexity. This approach distinguishes itself from prompting techniques such as “let’s think step by step” or “chain of thought,” which aim to enhance accuracy through structured reasoning. Group Relative Policy Optimization (GRPO) emerges as a reinforcement learning method employed to train models like DeepSeek R1. GRPO incentivizes model improvement through rewards, such as correct answers in mathematical problems. This approach facilitates self-supervised training without human intervention, enabling the emergence of extended thinking chains and enhanced responses. In the concluding segment of the discussion, we address the reduction in training and inference costs, even as companies invest substantial resources in GPUs for training large models efficiently. Algorithmic advancements and hardware improvements facilitate the training of smaller models, thereby increasing AI’s accessibility to enterprises and startups. Agentic AI, model context protocols, and smaller language models represent emerging trends that will shape the future of AI. These advancements will render AI more practical and efficient for real-world applications. Produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from theoretical concepts to real-world applications that transform industries. In a recent episode of The Hindu's podcast hosted by John Xavier, Dr. Shreyas Subramanian, machine learning expert and principal data scientist at Amazon Web Services discusses AI's journey—from its early foundations to the ground breaking advancements that define today’s landscape. Read more here. Produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
In this episode, we look into the inflated claims about artificial intelligence, how to distinguish between predictive AI, which often fails to accurately predict individual behavior due to inherent limitations in forecasting and data quality, and generative AI, which is seen more favorably as it creates useful output rather than attempting future predictions. The conversation also touches upon the rapid advancements and decreasing costs of AI development, particularly highlighting the competitiveness of Chinese AI models despite sanctions, and explores the potential societal impacts of AI, including job displacement and the proposal of a "partial lottery system" to mitigate inequalities in merit-based systems. Technological acceleration is increasing exponentially. Innovations that once took decades are now happening in a matter of years, or even months. AI, automation, and robotics are making jobs and industries obsolete while creating new roles and economic opportunities. To make sense of this acceleration our host John Xavier speaks to scientists, business leaders and policymakers on The Interface. Guest: Sayash Kapoor, co-author of AI Snake Oil and computer science Ph.D. candidate at Princeton University. Host: John Xavier, Technology Editor, The Hindu. Edited by Jude Francis Weston
In this episode, Asus India’s VP for compute and gaming, Arnold Su, sheds light on how AI is reshaping the PC market. Over the past 18 - 24 months, AI PCs have gained momentum, with India emerging as a significant market for this next generation of devices. What was once a premium feature is now inching closer to the mainstream, with predictions that AI PCs will dominate the market by the end of the decade.
This podcast interview features Mudit Dandwate, CEO and Co-founder of Dozee, a medtech company developing AI-powered contactless patient monitoring systems. In this interaction, Mudit shares his perspective on how AI personalizes healthcare through continuous vital sign monitoring, enabling early detection of health deterioration and proactive intervention. He also shares his personal journey to underscore his motivation to create a system to continuously monitor patients to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The discussion also touches on the challenges of AI accuracy and personalization, emphasizing the importance of human oversight in interpreting AI-generated information.
The aerospace industry is transforming through advanced technologies like open fan, hybrid electric, and AI, aiming for efficiency and sustainability. While supply chain issues persist, fundamental engineering skills remain crucial for talent acquisition and innovation. GE Technology Centre CEO Alok Nanda joins this week's Interface podcast to share his insights on AI and aviation technology. Technological acceleration is increasing exponentially. Innovations that once took decades are now happening in a matter of years, or even months. AI, automation, and robotics are making jobs and industries obsolete while creating new roles and economic opportunities. To make sense of this acceleration our host John Xavier speaks to scientists, business leaders and policymakers on The Interface. Host: John Xavier, The Hindu. Edited by Jude Francis Weston
AI and automation are changing the way humans use technology and robotics in offices and shop floors. This interaction can have a profound impact on how humans relate to emerging technologies. MIT researchers at the institute's Industrial Performance Centre have been studying and measuring this relationship over the past several years. Joining me to discuss the insights from their studies is Ben Armstrong, Executive Director of MIT's Industrial Perfomance Centre. Guest: Ben Armstrong, Executive Director at MIT's Industrial Performance Centre Host: John Xavier Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
In today's episode, we're joined by Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Salesforce, India. In this role, Arundhati oversees the growth strategy of the company. Prior to Salesforce, Arundhati Bhattacharya was the first woman chairperson at SBI. During this interaction, Arundhati shares her insights on agentic AI framework, the challenge of deploying cloud-based AI applications in public sector banks in India, and the impact of autonomous AI agents on the job market. Host: John Xavier Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
JSW MG Motor India recently launched the MG Windsor, a crossover utility vehicle, that looks to disrupt the EV market with a new ownership model. In today's episode, we're joined by Gaurav Gupta, the Chief Growth Officer of JSW MG Motor India, to get more details about the company's take on EVs, government policies, consumer preference, and battery as a service business model.
In this episode, we explore the use of vintage tech gadgets in modern warfare in the context of recent blasts in Lebanon. From walkie-talkies to pagers, these outdated devices have been repurposed to deadly effect, fuelling tensions, and pushing the region to the brink of a larger conflict. We'll delve into the strategic use of these technologies and what it means for future warfare. Guest: Bruce Schneier is an Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and a Fellow at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society
In this episode, we dive into the Uttar Pradesh government’s new social media policy, which encourages influencers to promote the state’s initiatives and achievements with incentives. However, this move has sparked controversy, with opposition parties criticizing it as an attempt to sway public opinion ahead of the upcoming elections. How does UP’s policy compare to other states? What are the rules for government advertising, and how does this new policy affect influencers and current practices? Guest: Apar Gupta, a lawyer, tech policy expert, and co-founder of the Internet Freedom Foundation Host: John Xavier, Technology Editor, The Hindu Edited by Jude Francis Weston
As Apple gears up to unveil the iPhone 16 on Monday, September 9th expectations are high. The device will likely come with significant AI capabilities, potentially leveraging on-device processing for enhanced privacy and performance. The integration of generative AI features, like those seen in Google's Pixel devices, could be a major add on. Additionally, improvements in camera technology with computational photography, low-light performance and zoom capabilities, are anticipated. Joining me to discuss what's in store at Apple's event is Phil Solis, Research Director for connectivity and smartphone semiconductor, at IDC. Host: John Xavier, Technology Editor, The Hindu. Produced by Jude Francis Weston
In today's episode, we will be looking at investments in AI projects and unpack some real-world impact of Gen AI to businesses' bottom lines. We will deep-dive into the challenges of AI deployment, costs of digital transformation, and whether the promised returns are materializing through AI use cases across industry verticals. Guest: Mr. D.R. Balakrishna (Bali), EVP, Global Services Head, AI and Industry Verticals at Infosys Produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
2023 was AI's breakout year. Just after ChatGPT landed on the scene, several companies sought to understand the nascent tech and test where they could deploy it in their business contexts. What followed then was a series of pilots and experiments. After testing for nearly a year, these early adopters seem to have a better understanding of Gen AI and where it works well in their lines of business. In today's podcast, we will look into some of these use cases, learnings from pilots, and path ahead for Gen AI in business. Guest: Saikat Banerjee, Partner at Bain & Company. Host: John Xavier, Technology Editor, The Hindu Produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
Among several features smartphone buyers look for in their product of choice, keeping their phone battery charged up for long is a key criterion. Roughly eight after OnePlus introduced fast chargers, transforming the market for smartphones, another Chinese handset maker, Realme, is pushing the boundaries of fast charging. The company on Wednesday (August 14, 2024) unveiled 320W SuperSonic charging tech that can fully charge a smartphone in under five minutes. In today's episode, we discuss this new paradigm in fast charging with Francis Wong, Realme's Global Head of Product Marketing. This episode was recorded in Shenzhen, China at Realme's headquarters. Host: John Xavier, Technology Editor, The Hindu Produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian.
In today's data-driven world, we're witnessing a peculiar paradox -- on one side, tech giants and established corporations are drowning in vast oceans of data, struggling to extract meaningful insights from information overload. These data-rich entities often find themselves paralyzed by the sheer volume and complexity of their datasets, unable to harness their full potential. On the flip side, emerging startups and traditional industries are desperately seeking more data to fuel their AI initiatives and decision-making processes. In this episode, we discuss: 1. How we moved from a data scarce to a data abundant world? 2. How this massive, growing ocean of data is fuelling data-hungry language models 3. Why are businesses finding it difficult to harness the power of Big Data? 4. Are businesses re-thinking investments in AI? Guest: Nitin Seth, author of Mastering The Data Paradox and CEO of Incedo Inc. Host: John Xavier, Technology Editor, The Hindu. Produced by Jude Francis Weston
Two weeks ago, the Karnataka Cabinet passed a labour legislation that effectively reserved 50% of jobs in managerial positions and 70% in non-managerial positions for local candidates in private firms. The controversial bill was severely criticised by businesses for being heavy-handed, forcing the government to stop the legislation temporarily. State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories and Other Establishments Bill, 2024 government shelved a labour reservation bill. But what does this piece of legislation say about India's job? Guest: Dr Suresh Babu, Director, Madras Institute of Development Studies, Chennai. Host: John Xavier, Technology Editor, The Hindu. Produced by Jude Francis Weston
Artificial intelligence has sparked an insatiable appetite for computing power and data storage, driving rapid expansion of data centres - the physical backbone of the digital world. At the forefront of this expansion are hyperscalers - data centres of tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. Their massive, scalable data centre infrastructures power cloud services and AI applications that are becoming increasingly integral to business operations and daily life. As AI technologies continue to evolve and proliferate, the demand for data centre capacity is skyrocketing, leading to a global boom in data centre construction and investment. These modern data fortresses are growing not just in number, but in scale, with some facilities now consuming as much electricity as small cities. This growth, while enabling remarkable technological progress, also brings significant challenges. From the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions to the constant drive for greater efficiency and innovation, the intersection of AI, hyperscalers, and data centres represents a critical frontier in technology infrastructure - one that will play a pivotal role in shaping our digital future. India's data centre capacity is set to touch 2,000 MW by 2026. And the country is making plans to transition into a green economy. Joining me to explore the impact of data centres in India and in the Asia Pacific region is Vivek Dahiya, Managing Director & Head Data Centre Advisory Team, Asia Pacific, at Cushman & Wakefield. In this discussion, John and Vivek discuss: How the emergence of AI changed the market for data centres globally? How different are developed and emerging markets in their approach towards data centre infrastructure? What is the impact of data centre on climate change? What policies around green energy can make this industry green? This episode is powered by AMD EPYC Processors. Host: John Xavier, Technology Editor, The Hindu Produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian
Behind the seamless experience of an internet call lies a complex ecosystem of networking infrastructure. When you call a friend using a WhatsApp service, your voice is converted into digital data packets that zip through a maze of routers, switches, and servers before reaching your friend's device, where they're reassembled into sound. This process, which happens in milliseconds, relies on a harmonious interplay between wireless technologies that efficiently use the radio spectrum and the robust wired networks that form the internet's backbone. From the 5G tower that picks up your smartphone's signal to the undersea cables that might carry your call across oceans, each piece of this vast infrastructure plays a crucial role in making your conversation possible. Given how much India has digitised in the past decade, is the country now prepared for the next frontier in telecommunication? That's the question I will be exploring with my guest today, Sajan Paul, Managing Director and Country Manager of Juniper Networks. Host: John Xavier, Technology Editor, The Hindu Produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian