Artificial Intelligence

Google’s Gambit and the future of the open web

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Hyr0VTAJQ5JonO7X3nci2?si=6e26a9d0dead4465 In this episode of the podcast, I examine Google's Gambit: its effort to transition Search from a distribution intermediary…

August 26, 2025

Diffusion models for ad creative production

Denoising diffusion probabilistic models (DDPM), also known as diffusion models, represent an important area of frontier research in machine learning.…

August 25, 2025

How AI efficiency could shape ad load

In Commerce at the Limit, I argue that the improved efficiency delivered through applications of AI to digital advertising may…

August 13, 2025

AI is not the Metaverse

A pervasive narrative frames large-scale investments in AI by the behemoths of digital advertising as speculative, long-term bets with potential…

Alphabet Q2 2025 earnings: 10% growth in AI Overviews queries

Alphabet reported its Q2 2025 earnings this week: Overall advertising revenue of $71.3BN represented year-over-year growth of 10.4%; Search revenue…

Google’s Gambit, Part 3: Consumers embrace AI Mode

Last week, Search Engine Land published data from January to June 2025 related to consumer conversion metrics in Google Search.…

Commerce at the limit

https://open.spotify.com/episode/04MGDdhi11sWB0yv5NmwE7?si=84e8610d362d4218 In this episode of the podcast, I argue that the total automation of digital advertising through AI enablement presents…

Meditations in an emergency

It is a divine precedent you perpetuate! Roll on, reels of celluloid, as the great earth rolls on!Frank O'Hara, "To…

Podcast: Meta’s AI advertising playbook (with Matt Steiner)

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1AFmSLMnuJnYM1SY8LRR9d?si=d60adfa751c641e7 In this episode of the podcast, I speak with Matt Steiner, Meta's Vice President of Monetization Infrastructure, Ranking &…

Google’s gambit, part 2

Google hosted its annual I/O developer conference last week. Predictably, every product showcase emphasized AI-enabled functionality; this video provides a…