Inside the Google algorithm | The Vergecast

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Intro (00:00:00)

Google search algorithm insights were leaked, offering a rare look into how Google search operates.
Fox Media made a deal with OpenAI, which was discussed during the podcast.
The Verge received a review unit of the Sony Field 7 UL speaker, a notable product in the current "UL era" of technology. The speaker boasts powerful sound, an X-balance speaker unit, and an impressive 30 hours of battery life.
The Vergecast team received seven Google Nest Hub Max devices, with Chris Welch having one in his home.
The team apologizes for mentioning the UL field on the show, expressing their excitement about taking a screenshot of the Notes app.

Google Search exposed (00:05:54)

Google's search algorithm has been revealed to be less transparent than previously claimed, with leaked internal API documentation exposing 14,000 individual ranking signals.
The leaks contradict Google's previous statements and have sparked anger among SEO professionals who feel misled.
Click-through rates seem to be a significant factor in Google's ranking algorithm, despite previous denials.
Google collects data on user behavior, including dwell time and click data from Chrome, which could influence search rankings.
The leaked information confirms assumptions about Google's practices, such as using user data from Chrome for search rankings, challenging the concept of "domain authority."
Google's Chrome browser may be collecting user data, including links visited and text entered, raising concerns about its potential use as a key logger.
Unlike other platforms that foster relationships with content creators, Google does not prioritize building connections with website owners.
Google's handling of user data and its impact on businesses that rely on Google search have sparked discussions and concerns.

Vox and OpenAI deal (00:38:04)

Vox Media, including The Verge, signed a content and technology deal with OpenAI, similar to deals made by other media companies like Fox Media and The Atlantic.
The Verge emphasizes transparency and editorial independence, ensuring that reporting is not influenced by commercial interests or partnerships.
Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of AI on journalism, with some arguing that media companies should be cautious about making deals with AI companies due to past experiences with platforms like Facebook and Google.
Media companies are seeking to regain control in an environment where tech companies have gained significant influence, focusing on long-term thinking and building new media products rather than constantly pivoting to new platforms.
Deals with AI companies involve a fair use argument, where AI companies can index and display media content in exchange for traffic, addressing concerns about copyright and the potential financial impact of copyright lawsuits.
Google's dominance in the search engine market and its tendency to prioritize its own content over external links have led media companies to make deals with AI companies to control how their content is displayed and attributed in AI-generated results.
The legality of AI training on copyrighted material is uncertain, and media companies may use copyright law to gain leverage in negotiations with Google, although the uncertain nature of copyright law makes the outcome uncertain.
The trend suggests that media companies may eventually threaten to pull the plug on Google indexing their websites if traffic continues to drop, potentially accelerating the decline of Google's traffic share.

Why OpenAI fired Sam Altman (01:02:51)

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has regained control of the company after a brief period of being ousted.
OpenAI has undergone significant changes, including the departure of safety personnel and the establishment of a safety committee headed by Sam Altman.
Despite the growing backlash against AI due to concerns about its potential negative impact, AI tools remain widely used and appreciated for their usefulness and convenience.
Sam Altman has become a central figure in the discussion surrounding AI, with many expressing distrust in him and the type of AI he is developing.
OpenAI, under Sam Altman's leadership, has shifted from its non-profit structure with a profit center to a more traditional company model.
Despite lacking substantial revenue, OpenAI continues to attract investments due to its promises of achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) and the popularity of its GPT apps.
One notable example of a GPT app is an astrology app, demonstrating a practical use case for AI in generating personalized content.
Reports suggest that Apple has made advancements in its AI capabilities, as indicated by rumors ahead of the upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WDC).

AI at WWDC (01:09:04)

Apple and OpenAI's partnership may involve the use of OpenAI's GPT-4 language model, but it's uncertain whether it will run locally on devices or in the cloud.
Apple might use M2 Ultra or M3 Ultra chips in a data center for AI processing, raising privacy concerns.
Apple's AI strategy may focus on integrating AI features into existing apps rather than introducing a full-fledged chatbot like ChatGPT.
Google is expected to announce new AI features across various products, including search, photos, and emojis, showcasing advancements in AI integration.
Google's approach to AI implementation might be cautious due to concerns about negative cultural perceptions and the readiness of the technology.
The upcoming announcements may focus on in-app AI capabilities and emphasize the idea of AI as a companion or friend.

Lightning Round (01:15:51)

The Vergecast discussed the latest tech news, including the new Fitbit Ace LTE watch for kids, which gamifies fitness and has a tamagotchi-like feature. However, it is expensive at $229.95 and requires a $10 monthly data plan.
Discord announced a return to its gaming roots after a failed attempt to expand beyond its original user base. The platform is now available on the PS5, allowing users to chat while playing games.
Twitter is hiding who liked a post, which is seen as a sign of the platform's decline as users resort to liking porn without the fear of being judged. Twitter is also removing engagement metrics, such as like counts and the ability to see who liked someone else's post, in an effort to make the platform easier to use for sketchy purposes.
Elon Musk announced that Twitter is now a "video-first" platform, despite the fact that he rarely makes videos himself.
The Vergecast hosts are excited about the new Sony Xperia 1 IV smartphone, particularly its karaoke features and RGB lights in the bass speakers.