Techmeme Ride Home: Thu. 07/24 – The US AI Action Plan

Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host: Brian McCullough

1. Introduction

In today’s episode of Techmeme Ride Home, host Brian McCullough delves into significant developments shaping the tech landscape. From the White House unveiling its comprehensive AI Action Plan to major updates from tech giants like Google, Amazon, T-Mobile, and Nintendo, this episode covers pivotal moments that define the current state and future trajectory of technology.

2. The White House’s AI Action Plan

Unveiling of the AI Action Plan
At [00:30], Brian announces that the White House has rolled out its ambitious AI Action Plan aimed at securing the United States' leadership in artificial intelligence, particularly in competition with China. President Donald Trump emphasized the urgency and significance of this initiative during an AI event hosted by the All In Podcast and the Hill and Valley Forum.

Key Components of the AI Action Plan

• Streamlining AI Infrastructure:
  "From this day forward, it'll be a policy of the United States to do whatever it takes to lead the world in artificial intelligence," Trump declared ([02:15]). The plan includes revamping permitting processes and environmental standards to expedite AI-related infrastructure projects.

• Promoting AI Exports and Neutral Models:
  The administration is pushing for increased AI exports and mandates that large language models procured by the government remain neutral and unbiased. "We need one common sense federal standard that supersedes all states," Trump asserted ([04:05]).

• Regulatory Rollbacks:
  The federal government will review and potentially roll back existing regulations that impede AI adoption. This includes limiting AI-related funding to states with restrictive regulatory environments.

• Labor Market and Education Initiatives:
  Acknowledging AI’s impact on the labor market, the plan calls for prioritizing skill development and training to support American workers. Additionally, there is an emphasis on investing in theoretical, computational, and experimental AI research, despite recent cuts in grants to top-tier universities.

Engagement with Industry Leaders
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang attended the event, marking a shift in relations as the administration recently allowed Nvidia to resume shipments of AI chips to China, despite previous export controls. Trump highlighted the importance of maintaining technological superiority, stating, "The greatest threat of all is to forfeit the race and force our partners into rival technology end." ([07:45]).

Bias and Ideological Neutrality in AI
An executive order signed by Trump directs federal agencies to vet AI models for ideological biases. "We have to have AI that pursues truth, fairness and strict impartiality," Trump emphasized ([10:20]). This move targets concerns that AI models like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini may propagate liberal ideologies.

Intellectual Property and AI Regulations
Trump addressed the complexities of AI and intellectual property, asserting that requiring AI firms to pay for each copyrighted work is impractical. "You can’t do it because it's not doable," he remarked ([12:40]). He contrasted U.S. approaches with China’s more lenient stance on AI and copyright.

3. Google’s Q2 Earnings and AI Advancements

Financial Performance
Google reported robust Q2 earnings with revenue up 14% year-over-year and net income rising by 19% ([14:10]). Notably, YouTube ad revenue surged by 13% to $9.8 billion, while Google Cloud saw a 32% increase, reaching $13.62 billion.

AI Feature Growth and User Engagement
Sundar Pichai, Google CEO, revealed significant growth in AI-driven features:

• AI Overviews:
  Now boasting 2 billion monthly users, up from 1.5 billion in May 2025. "AI overviews are driving over 10% more Google search queries," Pichai noted ([15:05]).

• Gemini App:
  The Gemini app has expanded to 450 million monthly active users with daily requests growing over 50% since Q1 ([16:00]).

• AI Development Tools:
  Over 9 million developers have built with Gemini, and AI-powered features like Google Vids and AI meeting notes in Google Meet have seen substantial user adoption.

Consumer-Focused AI Innovations
Google continues to enhance user experiences with AI:

• Google Photos Enhancements:
  New features include a VO2-powered photo-to-video tool and a remix tool that applies artistic styles to photos. The "Photo to Video" feature, available for free in the US on Android and iOS, allows users to animate still images into dynamic clips ([18:30]).

• Unified Create Tab:
  Google Photos is introducing a new Create tab, consolidating various creative tools for easier access and enhanced functionality ([19:15]).

Safety and Feedback Mechanisms
All media generated through Google Photos incorporates invisible synth and digital watermarks, with visible indicators for videos. Users can provide feedback on generated content, ensuring quality and reliability ([20:00]).

4. Amazon’s Kindle ColorSoft and T-Mobile’s Starlink Service

Amazon’s Kindle ColorSoft Updates
Amazon has introduced a more affordable 16GB Kindle ColorSoft model priced at $250, alongside a Kids Focus bundle. "Our customers have loved reading Kindle in color," Amazon stated, highlighting increased reading time and page engagement ([22:10]).

• Kindle ColorSoft Features:
  The new 16GB model offers essential features at a lower price point, while the 32GB variant includes an auto-adjusting front light and wireless charging.

• Kids Focus Bundle:
  Designed for younger users, this bundle includes a special cover and a one-year Amazon Kids+ subscription ([23:50]).

T-Mobile’s Starlink-Powered Satellite Service
T-Mobile has expanded its Starlink-powered satellite service, now available as a standalone subscription called T Satellite for $10 per month (increasing to $15 later). This service offers coverage across the continental U.S., Hawaii, parts of southern Alaska, and Puerto Rico.

• Service Capabilities:
  Users can send text messages, including to 911, and share location links, provided they have an unlocked device supporting ESIMS and satellite connectivity ([25:30]).

• Future Enhancements:
  T-Mobile plans to add voice messaging and support for satellite-optimized apps like AllTrails, AccuWeather, and WhatsApp. The service currently supports over 60 phone models, including the iPhone 13 and up, Google Pixel 9, and Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer ([26:45]).

5. Nintendo Switch 2 Achieves Record-Breaking Sales

Sales Milestone
The Nintendo Switch 2 has become the fastest-selling video game console in U.S. history, selling 1.6 million units in June alone, surpassing the PS4’s 1.1 million units sold in November 2013 ([28:00]).

• Financial Impact:
  Hardware spending surged by 249% year-over-year, totaling $978 million and breaking the previous monthly record of $608 million from June 2008 ([28:45]).

Top-Selling Titles on Switch 2

• Mario Kart World emerged as the best-selling game, followed by Cyberpunk 2077 and Rune Guardians of Xisuma.
• Other notable titles included Tears of the Kingdom, Breath of the Wild, Street Fighter 6, Hogwarts Legacy Remastered, and Minecraft ([29:30]).

Analyst Insights
Circana analyst Matt Piscatella cautions that while launch sales are impressive, they don’t necessarily predict lifetime success. He mentioned, "Lifetime sales and launch sales of a console do not correlate," emphasizing the importance of ongoing demand and supply chain efficiency ([30:15]).

6. Conclusion

Brian McCullough wraps up the episode by highlighting the dynamic nature of today’s tech environment. From government policies shaping AI’s future to major corporations pushing the boundaries of technology and consumer products, the landscape is rapidly evolving. The record-breaking success of the Nintendo Switch 2 underscores the sustained enthusiasm for innovative gaming experiences, while advancements from Google, Amazon, and T-Mobile demonstrate the relentless pace of technological progress.

Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analyses in tomorrow’s episode of Techmeme Ride Home.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump on AI Leadership:
  "From this day forward, it'll be a policy of the United States to do whatever it takes to lead the world in artificial intelligence." ([02:15])

• Trump on Federal Standards for AI:
  "We need one common sense federal standard that supersedes all states." ([04:05])

• Sundar Pichai on AI Demand:
  "We are seeing significant demand for our comprehensive AI product portfolio." ([16:30])

• Trump on AI and Biodiversity:
  "We have to have AI that pursues truth, fairness and strict impartiality." ([10:20])

• Matt Piscatella on Switch 2 Sales:
  "Lifetime sales and launch sales of a console do not correlate." ([30:15])

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