Fresh from the floor of CES 2025, I grabbed about 10 minutes each with two brilliant minds in technology and innovation who shared fascinating insights about where we're headed in this AI-driven world for a fast but powerful bonus episode.
Andrew Klein, who leads creative technology and innovation at PMCI (Publicis Media Content and Innovation Team), dove straight into how generative AI is becoming increasingly woven into our daily lives.
Andrew Klein, SVP, PMCI at CES 2025
He painted a vivid picture of our near future, where wearable AI technology won't just sit on our desks but will travel with us through our days via glasses, earbuds, and head-mounted displays. His most striking observation?
"I think we're going to have more conversations with AI, potentially, than we would with people. Especially when you think about digital communication."
Klein shared fascinating insights about the emerging convergence of crypto and AI, describing a future where we'll essentially subscribe to different AIs like we currently follow social media accounts or news sources. These AI agents, running 24/7, could serve as everything from market analysts to personal companions. When our discussion turned to the critical issue of trust in AI systems, Klein highlighted how major platforms are starting to prioritize transparency by clearly identifying AI-driven interactions.
Albert Thompson, Walton Isaacson, at CES 2025
This focus on trust was echoed and expanded upon by my next guest, Albert Thompson, Managing Director of Digital Innovation at Walton Isaacson, who had just finished moderating a panel on monetization in immersive technologies. Thompson offered a profound observation that really stuck with me:
"The world's currency is not technology, it's trust. And that's everywhere from political candidacy to why three ply toilet paper is better than one. ...And when you start to think about news and information, it's whom do we trust?"
Thompson drew a fascinating distinction between generations: Boomers understand how things are made because they come from the Industrial Age, while Gen Z knows how nothing is made - they just want it to work.
He predicts we'll return to valuing in-person verification, noting that while deepfakes can fool us online, "the one thing a deepfake can't do is walk in the room and fake you out."
The episode concludes with my personal note about the Los Angeles wildfires and information about supporting affected communities, including the Grammy-winning composer of my Insider Interviews theme, John Clayton. (You can see a few images of what his home WAS in our episode last year of "It's Quite a Living".)
John Clayton and lost compositions
Key Segments & Timestamps:
[00:01:15] Andrew Klein on Innovations at CES 2025
[00:04:34] The Convergence of Crypto and AI
[00:06:40] Trust and Transparency in AI
[00:12:13] Albert Thompson on The Future of Technology and Trust
[00:17:56] Closing Note about LA Wildfires
DONATION RESOURCES:
American Red Cross to support the communities in need.
World Central Kitchen has mobilized across Southern California, providing sandwiches and water throughout the region.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation to go toward equipping firefighters with tools and supplies to contain the infernos.
GoFundMe.org started a 2025 Wildfire Relief Fund that will “go directly to people impacted who are seeking help through GoFundMe fund-raisers, and to nonprofit organizations on the ground providing relief.
And, as mentioned, I'll be donating a portion of any support of this episode that is sent to buymeacoffee.com/MossAppeal
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