Top articles of the week | May 19

May 19, 2018

Every week, we put together a list of our top 5 articles of the past week. Happy reading!

Microsoft charts its own path on artificial intelligence Wired

It’s interesting to see how the large technology players have alternative approaches to machine learning. Microsoft is betting on working with Intel’s ML chips while Google is building its own. Microsoft’s argument is that the landscape is changing too quickly to build your own. It’s fascinating to see how this new field is emerging right in front of us.

Why Traditional TV Is in Trouble NY Times

The cracks are starting to show for television advertising. I haven’t had cable for 10 years and the trend among young people is to never subscribe. Traditional TV sales are in structural decline and it doesn’t look like anything is going to change that. This Times piece highlights the data behind the trend.

GDPR will pop the adtech bubble Doc Searls Weblog

Europe General Data Protection Regulation is having a massive impact on online advertising. If you’re curious about the effect on ad tech, you have to read this analysis. North American companies also have to adjust because the large tech companies are adjusting their approach at a global level.

How we make decisions at Coinbase Brian Armstrong, CEO Coinbase

A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week. I really enjoyed this article by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong on how they make decisions. He even shares his thoughts (and spreadsheet!) on how they do this, keep a track record and why it matters.

Apple and Its Rivals Bet Their Futures on These Men’s Dreams Bloomberg

I’ll read anything Ashlee Vance writes (author of Elon Musk’s biography). His piece in Bloomberg covers the history of artificial intelligence and its roots in Canada. This interview of Justin Trudeau, Yoshua Bengio, Geoff Hinton and Yann Lecunn covers the history of AI, the definition of what it is and where the field is headed.