In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Syed Zaeem Hosain, Founder and Chief Evangelist at Aeris. This conversation comes at a critical moment. Deloitte’s 2024 Cyber Threat Trends Report reported a 400 percent surge in IoT malware attacks across industries. Forrester has gone further, warning that a major IoT breach could disrupt a large class of devices by 2025. With the stakes higher than ever, Aziz shares his vision for protecting a hyperconnected world. We explore the growing risks in sectors like healthcare, energy and transportation, where compromised devices could have serious real-world impact. Aziz explains why IoT security can no longer be treated as an afterthought and how Aeris is tackling the problem with AI-powered solutions like IoT Watchtower, designed to detect and respond to threats at scale. He also addresses the shifting regulatory landscape, from the EU's NIS2 Directive to the upcoming Cyber Resilience Act. These frameworks are beginning to push organisations toward stronger protections and greater accountability. But are they moving fast enough? My guest outlines where he believes the future of IoT security is heading and what enterprises need to do now to avoid being caught off guard. From embedded AI to next-generation cellular infrastructure, this is a conversation that connects the dots between innovation, risk and responsibility. So how prepared is your organisation for the coming wave of IoT threats? Are we securing what matters most, or sleepwalking into a preventable crisis? Let me know what you think. Is IoT security finally getting the attention it deserves, or are we still too focused on convenience over caution? Join the conversation and share your thoughts. Check out the Internet of Things for Business book.
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3336: Ultra and the Mission to Build the Netflix of Gaming
In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I'm joined by Gus van Rijckevorsel, the energetic new CEO of Ultra, who's on a mission to redefine how we access, experience, and value games. Speaking from the sunny backdrop of Nice, Gus shares why now is the moment for Europe to stop playing catch-up and start leading the charge in shaping the future of on-chain gaming, digital ownership, and platform sovereignty. Backed by a fresh $12 million in funding, Ultra is not trying to be a better version of Steam. It wants to be something entirely different. Gus pulls no punches on the complacency of today's dominant platforms. He explains why Ultra's "super app" approach, blending social interaction, gameplay, creator tools, and blockchain infrastructure, is uniquely positioned to serve today's evolving gamer. This includes not just players, but watchers, creators, and earners. We explore what makes Europe the perfect launchpad for Ultra's ambitions. From its dynamic tech ecosystem to the growing urgency around digital sovereignty, Gus argues this is no longer just a business case. It is a political and strategic necessity. He outlines how Web3 can quietly enhance gaming without overwhelming users, and why the traditional idea of play-to-earn needs a serious rethink. For Gus, recognition and reputation matter more than speculative tokens. We also discuss what success looks like for Ultra. For Gus, this is not a gradual climb. It will either be massive or it will not exist at all. Along the way, he shares his personal story of being drawn back into the world of company building after vowing never to do it again. And why this particular "unpolished diamond" was impossible to ignore. So is it finally time for a European challenger to rewrite the rules of gaming? Can a platform that puts value creation at its core break through the dominance of established players? Let me know your thoughts. Is Ultra the fresh start gaming needs, or is the market simply too entrenched to shift? Join the conversation and tell us what you think.
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3335: How SoundExchange Is Rewiring the Music Industry With Tech, Data, and Advocacy
What if the songs we love and the artists behind them could finally be compensated fairly, across every platform, every play, and every country? In today’s episode, I sit down with Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange, to unpack how this music tech nonprofit is challenging the very foundations of how royalties are calculated and distributed. Michael shares how SoundExchange, which has now distributed over $12 billion to artists and rights holders, is not just administering royalties but actively shaping the policies and technologies that govern the future of music. We explore their groundbreaking use of AI for fraud detection and royalty matching, as well as the advocacy behind the American Music Fairness Act, a long-overdue effort to ensure artists are paid for terrestrial radio plays, a right still denied in the US but granted nearly everywhere else. The conversation turns toward the growing tension between innovation and creator protection in the age of generative AI. Michael discusses how SoundExchange is balancing these forces by backing ethical standards like the Human Artistry Campaign and lobbying for policies that prioritize consent, credit, and compensation. He also touches on fascinating use cases for AI in music, such as voice localization, signature sound licensing, and even resurrecting voices of beloved artists like Randy Travis. We also discuss SoundExchange’s vision for the future, one where its expertise in large-scale, data-driven payouts could help solve the thorny question of compensating artists whose works are used to train generative AI models. From indie musicians to global superstars, the impact of this work is vast, nuanced, and increasingly urgent. So, how do we build a future where technology and creativity can coexist and both thrive? And who’s making sure the voices behind our favourite tracks aren’t lost in the noise of innovation? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are we doing enough to protect artists in the digital era? Let me know
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3334: How Phison and StoreOne Are Making AI Training More Accessible
After meeting on the IT Press Tour, I enjoyed a conversation with Michael Wu, President and General Manager of Phison US, about the revolutionary advances in AI-enabled storage technology. We begin by exploring Phison's AdaptivePlus platform and its integration with StoreOne's AI solution, making AI training more accessible and affordable for businesses. We also discuss the technical innovations behind their storage-based AI acceleration, including their new E28 controller and Pascari SSDs. Finally, we discuss the future of AI workloads and how Phison's technology is preparing to handle models with up to 2 trillion parameters. This episode is packed with insights for IT leaders, business executives, and anyone interested in the intersection of storage technology and artificial intelligence.
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3333: The Human + AI Equation: How Zendesk is Building the Future of Customer Experience
In a candid conversation with Zendesk CTO Adrian McDermott, it's become clear that enterprise AI has reached a pivotal moment. We're witnessing the end of AI theater and the emergence of practical platforms delivering real business value. "We're moving from chapter one to chapter two of the application of generative AI," McDermott explains. "It's not just party tricks anymore - it's platforms. And we're really building things that have value and meaning." The Rise of Platform Thinking The shift from isolated AI features to comprehensive platforms marks a significant evolution in enterprise technology. Companies are no longer satisfied with flashy demonstrations - they demand measurable outcomes and clear ROI. This transformation is evident in Zendesk's new resolution platform, which integrates multiple AI capabilities into a cohesive system. The New Economics of AI Implementation Zendesk has pioneered outcome-based pricing for AI agents in the customer experience industry - a significant departure from traditional seat-based pricing models. This approach aligns vendor success directly with customer outcomes. "You should really be able to run a model that would prove and predict the ROI upfront," McDermott notes, highlighting the increasing sophistication of AI implementation. Customers now expect vendors to demonstrate clear business value before deployment. Voice: The Critical Escalation Channel Despite predictions of voice's decline, it remains crucial in an AI-first world. McDermott explains: "In a world of automation, the escalation channel is voice, and you need it to be tightly integrated." The future of voice in customer service is being reimagined through: Seamless integration with AI systems Warm handoffs between digital and voice channels Enhanced context preservation across interactions Real-time analytics and support The Resolution Platform Framework Zendesk's resolution platform represents a comprehensive approach to customer service, incorporating: Customer-facing AI agents Agent copilot systems Automated content generation Continuous analysis and quality assurance Unified governance and measurement Looking Ahead: The iPhone Moment? McDermott poses a crucial question: "Are we building Windows Mobile on top of generative AI, or is there innovation and disruption to come?" This reflection suggests we're still in early stages, with significant disruption ahead. Key Takeaways Enterprise AI has matured beyond demonstrations to delivering measurable outcomes Platform approaches are replacing point solutions Voice remains critical in an AI-first service strategy Economic alignment between vendors and customers is essential Continuous innovation and adaptation are necessary The shift from AI theater to practical platforms marks a new era in enterprise technology. Organizations must now focus on building comprehensive, outcome-driven AI strategies rather than chasing individual features or capabilities.
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