What we learned about Microsoft in the OpenAI trial, and is Seattle squandering its edge?

This week on the GeekWire Podcast: As the Musk v. OpenAI trial heads to the jury, we dig into what Microsoft’s internal board memos and executive testimony revealed about the origins of the company’s massive bet on AI, and why this case matters beyond the billionaire drama.

Plus, Howard Schultz, a former Washington governor, and the tech community weigh in on whether Seattle is squandering its edge as an innovation capital.

Finally, the GeekWire Trivia Challenge explores the modern mysteries of Microsoft’s naming conventions. And in the opening, Todd owes John and the United Kingdom an apology.

RELATED STORIES AND LINKS

• Microsoft’s CTO testifies about email at the heart of Elon Musk’s allegations
• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s stake in Helion Energy draws scrutiny in Musk trial
• New filing reveals who Microsoft favored — and opposed — for OpenAI’s board
• Satya Nadella was worried about Microsoft being ‘the next IBM’ in OpenAI deal
• Are we on a Road to Nowhere? Seattle’s growth masks deeper anxieties about its future
• Microsoft’s multi-agent AI system tops Anthropic’s Mythos on cybersecurity benchmark
• Seattle Turns Hostile to the Great Businesses It Made (WSJ, by Howard Schultz)
• Association of Washington Business 2026 Spring Summit (TVW, featuring former Gov. Chris Gregoire and former AG Rob McKenna)

With GeekWire co-founders Todd Bishop and John Cook

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