Episode
#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
2:52:32
Published: Wed Jun 15 2022
Description
Tony Fadell is an engineer and designer, co-creator of the iPod, iPhone, Nest Thermostat, and author of the new book Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Mailgun: https://lexfridman.com/mailgun - Scale: https://scale.com/lex - NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour - SimpliSafe: https://simplisafe.com/lex and use code LEX - Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex and use code LEX to get special savings EPISODE LINKS: Tony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/tfadell Tony's Website: https://tonyfadell.com Build (book): https://amzn.to/3xSReee Story (book): https://amzn.to/3Olzqhv PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (07:16) - Memories (14:13) - Apple II (22:51) - First business (26:55) - iPod (50:56) - Ideas (55:09) - Marketing (1:05:26) - PR and Comms (1:15:06) - Design (1:20:03) - Experts (1:26:04) - Steve Jobs (2:09:43) - Jony Ive (2:16:55) - Nest (2:27:13) - Advice for young people (2:31:30) - Startup (2:36:25) - Money (2:41:33) - Work-Life Balance (2:44:11) - Darkest moment (2:49:48) - Meaning of life
Chapters
The speaker suggests using an API like Mailgun to manage email sending and automate the process of determining the best time to send emails to different subscribers based on their sign-up information.
00:00 - 02:04 (02:04)
Summary
The speaker suggests using an API like Mailgun to manage email sending and automate the process of determining the best time to send emails to different subscribers based on their sign-up information.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The success of machine learning systems in real-world applications largely depends on the quality of data annotations, data selection, and the quality of the data.
02:04 - 07:43 (05:38)
Summary
The success of machine learning systems in real-world applications largely depends on the quality of data annotations, data selection, and the quality of the data. Scale Rapid provides support for various use cases, tasks, and sensors to enhance the annotation process.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the creation of three-dimensional video games using assembly code, the lowest level code next to binary.
07:43 - 13:07 (05:23)
Summary
This podcast discusses the creation of three-dimensional video games using assembly code, the lowest level code next to binary. The process of inputting programs line by line using pencil and paper as well as the backstory of Electronic Arts is also explored.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker recounts his first experiences with electronics and computing during his childhood, including the use of a Moog and adding a joystick.
13:07 - 20:07 (06:59)
Summary
The speaker recounts his first experiences with electronics and computing during his childhood, including the use of a Moog and adding a joystick.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about hiring more people to pack boxes and help with customer support so they could focus on releasing a new product to a small group of tech-savvy customers and expanding their current hardware and software.
20:07 - 26:43 (06:36)
Summary
The speaker talks about hiring more people to pack boxes and help with customer support so they could focus on releasing a new product to a small group of tech-savvy customers and expanding their current hardware and software.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The guest speaker reflects on their love for music since childhood and how it remains a fundamental part of humanity's history.
26:43 - 31:05 (04:22)
Summary
The guest speaker reflects on their love for music since childhood and how it remains a fundamental part of humanity's history.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the benefits of having books on mobile devices and the impact of Wikipedia on human knowledge.
31:05 - 34:56 (03:51)
Summary
This podcast discusses the benefits of having books on mobile devices and the impact of Wikipedia on human knowledge. It also touches on the content-focused approach of some companies who prioritize knowledge over hardware.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The process of designing a new device includes modeling battery life, costs, mass, and different types of batteries while considering the user interface and form factor options.
34:56 - 41:43 (06:46)
Summary
The process of designing a new device includes modeling battery life, costs, mass, and different types of batteries while considering the user interface and form factor options.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the challenges in creating a realistic holographic display, including mechanical design, electrical design, battery life, and interface at scale, in order to make it a deliverable product.
41:43 - 46:18 (04:34)
Summary
The speaker discusses the challenges in creating a realistic holographic display, including mechanical design, electrical design, battery life, and interface at scale, in order to make it a deliverable product.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The iPod was born after Apple tried to hook up to all these third party MP3 players with horrible experiences, and Steve Jobs looked for someone who knew how to sell and market it.
46:18 - 51:11 (04:53)
Summary
The iPod was born after Apple tried to hook up to all these third party MP3 players with horrible experiences, and Steve Jobs looked for someone who knew how to sell and market it.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The founder of Figma, Dylan Field, emphasizes the importance of articulating the purpose behind a tech product and not solely focusing on the marketing story.
51:11 - 59:31 (08:19)
Summary
The founder of Figma, Dylan Field, emphasizes the importance of articulating the purpose behind a tech product and not solely focusing on the marketing story. He believes that understanding and communicating the reason behind creating a product will ultimately lead to more fulfilling work.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker explains that people often confuse product marketing/management with marketing.
59:31 - 1:04:20 (04:49)
Summary
The speaker explains that people often confuse product marketing/management with marketing. While marketing deals with promoting the product, product management is about understanding and catering to customer needs.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the significance of emotional design and how it can impact the success of a product or service.
1:04:20 - 1:15:48 (11:28)
Summary
The podcast discusses the significance of emotional design and how it can impact the success of a product or service. The conversation touches on the importance of storytelling and how it can add value to a brand.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Collaboration between designers and engineers is crucial for successful product development, as rigid engineers with a non-negotiable mindset can hinder the design process.
1:15:49 - 1:21:09 (05:20)
Summary
Collaboration between designers and engineers is crucial for successful product development, as rigid engineers with a non-negotiable mindset can hinder the design process.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about an experience in which he was told his plans wouldn't work, but he persisted and found a solution.
1:21:09 - 1:25:34 (04:24)
Summary
The speaker talks about an experience in which he was told his plans wouldn't work, but he persisted and found a solution. He also reflects on the importance of seeking advice and feedback without being deterred by potential obstacles.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Companies often try to turn opinion-based decisions into data-driven decisions as a fear of losing their job.
1:25:34 - 1:30:23 (04:49)
Summary
Companies often try to turn opinion-based decisions into data-driven decisions as a fear of losing their job. However, in order to innovate and create new products, it is important to own and articulate those opinion-based decisions, especially in the early stages of a project.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The decision to move from a hardware keyboard to a virtual one was opinion-driven, but the data eventually showed evidence that the SIM slot was necessary.
1:30:23 - 1:36:28 (06:04)
Summary
The decision to move from a hardware keyboard to a virtual one was opinion-driven, but the data eventually showed evidence that the SIM slot was necessary.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A discussion on the importance of pushing beyond personal boundaries, both in software design and personal growth.
1:36:28 - 1:41:46 (05:18)
Summary
A discussion on the importance of pushing beyond personal boundaries, both in software design and personal growth. The speaker compares it to the way parents push their kids to grow beyond their limitations.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode talks about the design process of Apple iPod and how they addressed the issue of scratches on the plastic cover of the display.
1:41:47 - 1:47:50 (06:02)
Summary
This podcast episode talks about the design process of Apple iPod and how they addressed the issue of scratches on the plastic cover of the display.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker advises individuals to refrain from using negative language in the workplace, especially when offering criticism, which may offend those who are more sensitive.
1:47:50 - 1:53:16 (05:26)
Summary
The speaker advises individuals to refrain from using negative language in the workplace, especially when offering criticism, which may offend those who are more sensitive.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares the importance of acknowledging and praising team members for their great ideas, as it encourages them to bring more ideas that are more polished and have a greater chance of success.
1:53:16 - 1:58:07 (04:50)
Summary
The speaker shares the importance of acknowledging and praising team members for their great ideas, as it encourages them to bring more ideas that are more polished and have a greater chance of success. This approach also helps to foster an infectious environment of creativity and innovation within an organization.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the collaboration between Apple and Motorola that led to the creation of ROKR, a feature phone with software that could hook up to iTunes and store music.
1:58:07 - 2:02:55 (04:48)
Summary
This podcast discusses the collaboration between Apple and Motorola that led to the creation of ROKR, a feature phone with software that could hook up to iTunes and store music.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The iPhone evolved from the technology of the full screen iPod and smartphone, combined with a new era of computing that simplified and invented a new kind of computer.
2:02:55 - 2:09:28 (06:33)
Summary
The iPhone evolved from the technology of the full screen iPod and smartphone, combined with a new era of computing that simplified and invented a new kind of computer.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the importance of putting in effort to make small changes for customers, even if it may come at a high cost.
2:09:28 - 2:18:21 (08:53)
Summary
The speaker discusses the importance of putting in effort to make small changes for customers, even if it may come at a high cost.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Bill Warner, founder of Avid Technology, discusses his experience building a platform company and the challenges of competing against product companies.
2:18:21 - 2:24:14 (05:52)
Summary
Bill Warner, founder of Avid Technology, discusses his experience building a platform company and the challenges of competing against product companies. He also talks about the importance of working with the right leadership and environment to create a successful company.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the challenges of funding startups and building a successful team with a shared vision and desire to learn.
2:24:14 - 2:31:10 (06:56)
Summary
The podcast discusses the challenges of funding startups and building a successful team with a shared vision and desire to learn.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the importance of forming networks and relationships, especially when working hard on something one is passionate about, in order to continue to learn and grow.
2:31:10 - 2:37:05 (05:54)
Summary
The speaker discusses the importance of forming networks and relationships, especially when working hard on something one is passionate about, in order to continue to learn and grow.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The presence of mentors and advocates who support your mission, provide advice, and help navigate legal frameworks can be incredibly powerful when working towards a goal that benefits others.
2:37:05 - 2:44:19 (07:14)
Summary
The presence of mentors and advocates who support your mission, provide advice, and help navigate legal frameworks can be incredibly powerful when working towards a goal that benefits others.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes how his obsession with building and hacking things caused him to become insular and separated from his peers, leading him to hack phone systems to stay in touch with like-minded friends.
2:44:19 - 2:50:29 (06:10)
Summary
The speaker describes how his obsession with building and hacking things caused him to become insular and separated from his peers, leading him to hack phone systems to stay in touch with like-minded friends.
Episode#294 – Tony Fadell: iPhone, iPod, and Nest
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Tony Fadell discusses the purpose of life and the significance of creating cool things, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and bringing people together towards a shared goal.
2:50:29 - 2:52:48 (02:19)
Summary
Tony Fadell discusses the purpose of life and the significance of creating cool things, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and bringing people together towards a shared goal.