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cover of episode The State of Consumer Tech in the Age of AI

The State of Consumer Tech in the Age of AI

2025/6/6
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a16z Podcast
AI Deep Dive AI Chapters Transcript
People
A
Anish Acharya
B
Bryan Kim
E
Erik Torenberg
J
Justine Moore
O
Olivia Moore
Topics
Erik Torenberg: 过去几年消费者科技领域突破性应用减少，但ChatGPT等AI工具崭露头角。AI正在重塑消费者科技的格局，改变了人们对消费的认知。未来，软件可能成为新的奢侈品，消费支出将更多地集中在软件上。我们需要思考AI时代消费者的状态，以及如何构建新的社交网络。 Justine Moore: 许多AI产品缺乏社交或传统消费者动态，因为AI仍处于早期阶段，创新主要由擅长训练模型的研究团队驱动。现在模型已经足够成熟，可以通过API构建更出色的传统消费者产品。AI公司可以通过不断改进技术和质量来保持竞争力，即使在同一领域，也存在针对不同用户群体的细分市场，只要不断创新，就能长期存在。 Anish Acharya: 互联网、移动和云平台的成熟度较高，而现在人们需要适应的是底层模型不断更新带来的变化。ChatGPT的商业模式质量高于之前的消费公司，用户愿意支付高额费用。AI时代，消费者公司的盈利模式与以往不同，用户留存和收入留存之间的差异更加明显。企业已经迅速采用语音技术来取代或增强电话中的人工服务，即使在金融服务等敏感领域也是如此。 Bryan Kim: 在信息、实用工具和表达创意领域已经有很多公司，但连接（社交图谱）领域在AI上尚未重建，可能存在机会。社交网络的核心是状态更新，AI可以通过分享个人的本质来帮助人们感受到连接。模仿现有社交产品的AI社交产品可能不是正确的形式，真正的消费者产品可能需要离开移动设备。在AI时代，速度和产品迭代比传统的护城河更重要。 Olivia Moore: 人们愿意支付更高的费用，因为AI产品可以帮助他们完成工作，节省时间。AI可以通过分析大量信息，为人们推荐合适的商业伙伴、朋友或约会对象。企业已经迅速采用语音技术来取代或增强电话中的人工服务，即使在金融服务等敏感领域也是如此。AI语音产品可以帮助人们以不同的方式学习，例如Masterclass的语音助手。

Deep Dive

Chapters
This chapter explores the slowdown in breakout consumer app releases in recent years, examining the impact of AI and the evolution of consumer behavior. It questions whether the traditional model of consumer app success is still relevant in the age of AI.
  • A slowdown in breakout consumer app releases has occurred.
  • AI has emerged as a significant force in consumer technology.
  • Traditional metrics of success, such as network effects, may be less important than speed and iteration in the AI era.
  • AI-powered tools offer improved business models with higher revenue potential.

Shownotes Transcript

In this episode, a16z General Partner Erik Torenberg is joined by the a16z Consumer team—General Partner Anish Acharya and Partners Olivia Moore, Justine Moore, and Bryan Kim—for a conversation on the current state (and future) of consumer tech.

They unpack why it feels like breakout consumer apps have slowed down, how AI is changing the game, and what might define the next era of products. Topics include:

  • The rise of AI-native consumer tools and companion apps
  • Why users are now spending $200+/month on AI products
  • The missing AI-powered social graph
  • Why speed and iteration may matter more than traditional moats
  • And what it means to build for a world where software touches everything

From shifting business models to new behavior patterns, this is your pulse check on where we are—and where consumer is heading next.

Timecodes:

00:00:00 – Introduction to Consumer AI

00:01:00 – The Evolution of Consumer Breakouts

00:03:18 – The Shift in Consumer Spending

00:08:00 – The Future of Social Networks with AI

00:13:00 – Enterprise Adoption of AI

00:20:42 – The Rise of Voice Technology

00:23:06 – AI's Role in Enterprise Conversations

00:25:25 – AI in Education and Personal Development

00:26:34 – AI Companions: The New Norm

00:31:52 – The Future of AI Companions

00:38:50 – Speculating on New AI Platforms

00:42:07 – The Social Norms of AI Integration

**Resources: **

Find Anish on X: https://x.com/illscience)

Find Olivia on X: https://x.com/omooretweets)

Find Justine on X: https://x.com/venturetwins)

Find Bryan on X: https://x.com/kirbyman01)

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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.