Fired By Robots

Aivars Meijers & Paweł Karniej
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  • Entrepreneurship

Two indie devs, no corporate playbook. Aivars Meijers and Pawel Karniej talk through building apps in public, scaling products, and staying useful while software keeps changing.

Episodes

  1. 12 hr ago

    Fired By Robots Podcast - Episode 10: AI Design Is Finally Good

    Paweł and Aivars discuss their holiday plans and the challenges of recording during the holiday season. They encounter technical issues and connection problems, leading to a discussion about product development, feedback threads, open source tools, and the future of software for indie app developers. The conversation also covers AI tools, the Revenue Cat update, selling applications, and Trust MRR. The conversation delves into the evolving mindset of embracing change and creativity, the challenges of managing multiple projects, the importance of deepening focus on existing projects, and the need to protect intellectual property. It also explores cost optimization and scalability, the transition to a manager of agents, automating workflows with cloud co-work, transitioning to cloud-based development, and leveraging cloud design for app development. Takeaways Holiday season challenges for podcast recordingThe future of software and indie app developmentSelling applications and Trust MRR Embracing change and creativity leads to clarity and new opportunities.Deepening focus on existing projects and protecting intellectual property is essential for long-term success. Chapters 00:00 Podcast Introduction and Holiday Update03:06 Technical Issues and Connection Problems04:24 Product Development and Feedback Thread06:01 Open Source Tools and Indie App Development10:07 The Future of Software and Indie Hackers13:25 AI Tools and Revenue Cat Update30:37 Selling Applications and Trust MRR46:43 Embracing Change and Creativity47:42 Managing Multiple Projects49:00 Deepening Focus on Existing Projects50:27 Protecting Intellectual Property51:20 Cost Optimization and Scalability01:02:30 Transition to Manager of Agents01:09:00 Automating Workflows with Cloud Co-Work01:17:28 Transitioning to Cloud-Based Development01:23:47 Leveraging Cloud Design for App Development

  2. 23 Jul

    Fired By Robots Podcast - Episode 9: Are Simple Apps Dead?

    The podcast hosts discuss their recent app development activities, including the implementation of new features and the challenges of building and monetizing Android applications. They also share insights on the 30 Apps Challenge, feedback collection, and the development of a SAS product for feedback collection. Additionally, they explore the idea of participating in a Shipathon to build new applications. The conversation covers topics such as the App Growth Annual Conference, transition in mobile product building, the shift towards courageous and creative ideas, the impact of AI on development, AI's influence on application development, AI's role in writing code, the Subscription Tracker Challenge, and closing thoughts on individual developer projects. The discussion emphasizes the importance of focusing on bigger, more robust, and complex projects as individual developers, and the potential impact of AI on various aspects of development. Takeaways App development challenges and feature implementationFeedback collection and SAS product developmentParticipation in Shipathon for new app development Transitioning towards more courageous and creative ideas in mobile product buildingThe importance of focusing on bigger, more robust, and complex projects as individual developers Chapters 00:00 Podcast Introduction and Weekly Updates01:01 App Development and Feature Implementation04:07 Inspiration from Video Content and Building New Features07:27 Building Android Applications and Monetization12:45 30 Apps Challenge and Feedback Collection25:09 Building a SAS Product for Feedback Collection37:01 Feedback Collection and Shipathon Participation43:38 App Growth Annual Conference46:13 Transition in Mobile Product Building49:35 Shift Towards Courageous and Creative Ideas52:26 Impact of AI on Development01:05:59 AI's Influence on Application Development01:11:20 AI's Role in Writing Code01:19:48 Subscription Tracker Challenge01:24:00 Closing Thoughts

  3. 17 Jul

    Fired By Robots Podcast - Episode 8: Is AI Coding Actually Better Than Coding by Hand?

    The conversation covers the challenges of coding by hand versus AI-assisted coding, the complexities of the recruitment process, the transition to product-focused work, and the use of Fable and Codex in development. The conversation delves into the challenges of content creation, the ongoing developments in AI hardware and software, and the future impact of AI on everyday life. It explores the struggle with content creation, the lawsuit between Apple and OpenAI, and the potential for AI-native operating systems. The discussion also highlights the increasing use of AI by non-technical individuals and the evolving capabilities of AI models and code. Takeaways Coding by hand vs. AI-assisted codingRecruitment process challengesTransition to product-focused workUse of Fable and Codex in development Content creation challengesAI hardware and software developmentThe future of AI and its impact on everyday life Chapters 00:00 Coding by Hand vs. AI-Assisted Coding03:09 Challenges in the Recruitment Process09:00 Transition to Product-Focused Work31:12 Use of Fable and Codex in Development40:44 Content Creation Challenges58:22 AI Hardware and Software Development01:10:04 The Future of AI and Its Impact on Everyday Life

  4. 3 Jul

    Fired By Robots Podcast - Episode 7: Is Mobile Apps Buisness Model For You?

    The conversation covers topics related to climate and environment, the popularity of AC in Europe, challenges and successes in app development, and considerations for B2B and B2C business models. The discussion delves into climate differences between countries, the debate on the popularity of AC in Europe, app revenue and marketing strategies, and the exploration of service-based business models. The conversation covers various topics related to app development, app revenue, AI models, and the implications of using AI-generated applications. It also delves into the considerations for selling and buying indie applications, the costs and efficiency of AI models, and the impact of AI model usage on coding and development. Additionally, the conversation highlights the increasing use of AI models and tools, as well as the rising costs associated with their usage. Takeaways Climate differences between countriesDiscussion on the popularity of AC in EuropeChallenges and successes in app developmentConsiderations for B2B and B2C business models AI-generated applications are becoming increasingly commonThe use of AI models and tools is becoming more expensive Chapters 00:00 Climate and Environment12:54 App Development Challenges30:56 B2B vs B2C Business Models43:43 Freelancing and Human Management49:18 Selling Indie Applications55:08 Selling and Buying Applications01:05:17 AI Models and Open Source01:11:14 AI Model Costs and Usage01:16:19 AI Model Efficiency and Usage01:23:35 Coding with AI and AI Model Costs

  5. 25 Jun

    Fired By Robots Podcast - Episode 6: Content & Challenges

    The conversation covers various aspects of app development, marketing, and revenue generation. It delves into data mining, app revenue, marketing strategies, app subscriptions, app development, ASO, influencer marketing, app niche targeting, content marketing, YouTube content strategy, and app promotion insights. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to content creation, including content strategy, algorithm changes, audience targeting, language localization, and mobile app development. The discussion delves into the impact of algorithm changes on video recommendations, the challenges of single developer content creation, and the localization of content for different markets and audiences. Additionally, the conversation explores the audience demographics and language preferences, as well as the strategies for building public content and business through content marketing and coaching. Takeaways Data mining and analysis are crucial for app development and revenue generation.App store optimization (ASO) and influencer marketing play significant roles in app promotion and revenue generation. Algorithm changes impact video recommendationsLocalization of content is essential for audience targeting and engagement Chapters 00:00 Data Mining and Analysis05:57 App Marketing Strategies11:02 Influencer Marketing for Apps17:14 App Promotion and Marketing Insights23:09 Content Localization and Audience Targeting29:21 Content Creation and Regional Audience36:43 Content Creation and Audience Demographics43:20 Content Creation and Population Demographics

  6. 17 Jun

    Fired By Robots Podcast - Episode 5: Is Self-hosted AI the future?

    The podcast episode covers a range of topics including app development, revenue growth, challenges in subscription app development, the impact of Cloud Fable 5 on development work, comparison of AI models, the impact of AI model subscriptions on business and expenses, exploring local AI models, and the shift towards local AI models and corporate AI expenses. The conversation delves into the impact of AI euphoria on the job market, SpaceX's investments in AI, recent acquisitions and partnerships, and the role of AI in user acquisition and recommendations. Takeaways AI Model SubscriptionsLocal AI ModelsCorporate AI Expenses AI Euphoria and Job MarketSpaceX and AI InvestmentsAcquisitions and PartnershipsAI Recommendations and User Acquisition Chapters 00:00 Podcast Introduction and Weekly Updates07:10 Challenges and Progress in Subscription App Development13:12 Comparison of Fable 5 and Other AI Models19:30 Impact of AI Model Subscriptions on Business and Expenses26:48 Exploring Local AI Models and Their Potential Impact36:08 Shift Towards Local AI Models and Corporate AI Expenses48:32 SpaceX and AI Investments58:27 AI Recommendations and User Acquisition

  7. 10 Jun

    Fired By Robots Podcast - Episode 4: Apple WWDC26 Recap

    The conversation covers a range of topics including app development, revenue, the WWDC keynotes, the building of 30 apps challenge, bundle and suite offer subscription packets, and the impact of Siri AI and EU regulations. The conversation covers topics such as the regulation of AI and robotics, Apple's Siri and AI integration, and highlights from Apple's WWDC event. The discussion delves into the impact of regulations on AI, the trustworthiness of Apple's approach to AI, and the potential of new AI features in Apple's ecosystem. Takeaways App development and revenue are stable, with a focus on building 30 apps challenge and the impact of Siri AI and EU regulations. Regulation is crucial for AI and roboticsApple's Siri and AI integration is a key focusApple's WWDC event highlights new AI features Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Apple Developer Conference08:07 Building 30 Apps Challenge17:41 WWDC Keynotes and Updates33:58 Bundle and Suite Offer Subscription Packets53:03 Siri AI and EU Regulations01:02:47 Regulation of AI and Robotics01:16:08 Apple's Siri and AI Integration01:23:10 Apple's WWDC Highlights

  8. 3 Jun

    Episode 3 - App Store Review Process Sucks

    Paweł and Aivars discuss their experiences as indie app developers, including revenue growth, app monetization, app store rejections, and the upcoming WWDC event. They share insights on MRR growth, app monetization strategies, app store review processes, and their expectations for WWDC. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the potential release of a foldable iPhone, the need for AI improvements in Apple products, the impact of AI on the job market, and the use of social media for information consumption and research. Takeaways MRR growth is a significant milestone for indie app developersApp monetization strategies can include ads, in-app purchases, and subscriptionsApp store review processes can be challenging and may involve delays and rejectionsExpectations for WWDC include improvements and updates for iOS and potential new hardware releases Foldable iPhone potential releaseNeed for AI improvements in Apple products Chapters 00:00 Indie App Development and MRR Growth09:44 Implementing Ads and Monetization Experiments19:23 App Store Review Processes and Automation Tools44:41 Expectations for WWDC and New Releases49:47 Potential Release of a Foldable iPhone55:29 AI Improvements in Apple Products01:26:00 Impact of AI on the Job Market01:31:31 Use of Social Media for Information Consumption and Research

  9. 28 May

    Episode 2 - Limits of Tools & Creativity

    The conversation covers the importance of setting limits for creativity, the impact of raising prices for products, the challenge of focusing on one project versus multiple projects, the significance of ASO on app revenue, and the value of personal effort in marketing applications. The conversation covers the challenges of using AI tools for automated image posts and social media marketing, experiences with OpenCloud and Hermes Agent, the illusion of productivity, transitioning from OpenCloud to Hermes Agent, and the impact of AI on jobs and tech firings. The decline in students applying to tech universities may be influenced by the belief that AI will make programming jobs obsolete. AI tools are not always cost-effective and may not always replace human developers. Takeaways Importance of setting limits for creativityThe value of raising prices for productsThe challenge of focusing on one project versus multiple projectsThe impact of ASO on app revenueThe significance of personal effort in marketing applications AI tools are not always cost-effective and may not always replace human developersThe decline in students applying to tech universities may be influenced by the belief that AI will make programming jobs obsolete

  10. 20 May

    Episode 1 - Unemployed as Long as Possible

    Two developers discuss their experiences with unemployment, indie app development, and the impact of AI on app development. They also explore the revenue comparison between iOS and Android platforms and discuss the challenges of cross-platform development. The conversation covers the journey of learning and building, the challenge of app distribution, insecurities and exploitation, vanity metrics and micromanagement, content marketing and AI, ASO strategy and app distribution, content creation and distribution strategies, strategies for app distribution, influencer partnerships and distribution, audience-focused app ideas, and a conclusion and farewell. Takeaways Unemployment challenges and strategiesImpact of AI on app developmentRevenue comparison between iOS and Android platformsChallenges of cross-platform development The challenge of app distribution in a crowded marketThe importance of content marketing and audience-focused app ideas Chapters 00:00 Podcast Inception08:03 Tech Industry Layoffs19:54 AI in App Development30:09 Platform Revenue Comparison36:26 Cross-Platform Development44:09 The Journey of Learning and Building51:15 Insecurities and Exploitation57:24 Content Marketing and AI01:10:54 ASO Strategy and App Distribution01:19:00 Content Creation and Distribution01:29:52 Audience-Focused App Ideas

  • 10 Episodes

About

Two indie devs, no corporate playbook. Aivars Meijers and Pawel Karniej talk through building apps in public, scaling products, and staying useful while software keeps changing.

Information

  • Creator
    Aivars Meijers & Paweł Karniej
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Aivars Meijers & Paweł Karniej
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    Fired By Robots