Why AI Is Making Things More Expensive

Galaxy Brain

The Atlantic

Technology

4.5 • 1.2K Ratings

🗓️ 24 July 2026

⏱️ 40 minutes

🔗️ Recording | Apple Podcasts | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Electronics are getting more expensive—and the culprit has a lot to do with generative AI. Amid all the talk of AI taking over people’s jobs, automating people’s workflows, and doing people’s homework, we’re learning that actually scaling this technology is a lot harder, and more expensive, than it seems. On this week’s episode, “Galaxy Brain” host Charlie Warzel talks to his Atlantic colleagues Hana Kiros and Alex Reisner about why AI is such an engineering disaster, and how this memory shortage is impacting everything from MRI machines to smart fridges to kids’ access to technology in schools. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	The Audi Q models.
0:02.0	There goes one.
0:04.0	Right now there are exclusive offers across the Audi Q range.
0:09.0	But only until the 31st of August.
0:12.0	Visit us online or at West London, Audi.
0:16.0	The Audi event.
0:18.0	Blink and you'll miss it.
0:20.0	Audi, Foursprung Dirk Technic. Termink and you'll miss it.
0:21.5	Audi.
0:23.1	Foresbrung Dirk Technic.
0:24.6	Terms and conditions apply.
0:28.1	Selected models, retail customers and participating Audi centres only.
0:32.0	British Gas Annual Boiler Service.
0:36.4	Right now it's got everyone raving because it will cost you just £79.
0:39.2	That's a whopping £30 saving.
0:45.4	So there's no better time for a check-up to make sure your boilers fit and strong. But don't dilly-dally.
0:48.5	Don't hang around because this offer won't last long.
0:52.0	Search British Gas Boilers Service, taking care of things.
0:56.2	£79 with membership £89 without versus £109 standard. First year new annual boiler service, taking care of things. $79 with membership, $89 without versus $109 standard.
0:58.1	First year new annual boiler service contract only ends 5th of August.
1:00.1	This era of dirt cheap consumer electronics
1:02.1	seems like it's at least temporarily over.
	...

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