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- Product & Design Pulse v26
Product & Design Pulse v26
Cheap AI, Shifting Ethics in Tech, and App Alternatives
Malcom Jones
February 10, 2025
Welcome to this week’s edition of Product & Design Pulse, where we explore the latest in tech, product, design, and innovation! This week, researchers have developed an open-source alternative to OpenAI's O1 reasoning model for under $50. Google has quietly removed its pledge not to use AI for weapons and announced a shift in its diversity hiring goals, sparking debate over the company's evolving ethical stance. Disney is preparing to launch a flagship ESPN streaming service, signaling a major shift in the future of sports entertainment. Finally, a new "WikiTok" web app is transforming the way we browse Wikipedia, bringing a TikTok-style scrolling experience to random knowledge discovery.
Last week…
Researchers Created an Open Rival to OpenAI's O1 'Reasoning' Model for Under $50
AI researchers at Stanford and the University of Washington have developed a reasoning model comparable to OpenAI's O1, achieving this with less than $50 in cloud computing costs. This development underscores the potential for cost-effective advancements in AI research. The open-source nature of the project aims to foster further innovation in the AI community.
Google Tells Employees Why It's Ending DEI Hiring Goals
In an internal memo, Google's head of HR informed employees that the company is reevaluating its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs due to concerns about potential legal risks under the current U.S. administration. The memo indicates a shift in Google's approach to DEI initiatives, emphasizing compliance with evolving regulations. This move has sparked discussions about the future of corporate diversity efforts.
Disney Teases ESPN's Expansive Sports Streaming Future
Disney has announced plans to launch a flagship ESPN streaming service in the fall of 2025, offering viewers the option to bundle it with Disney Plus and Hulu. This move aims to consolidate Disney's streaming services and provide a comprehensive sports entertainment experience. The initiative reflects Disney's strategy to adapt to the evolving media landscape and consumer preferences.
Google Removes Pledge to Not Use AI for Weapons from Website
Google has quietly removed a commitment from its AI principles that pledged not to develop artificial intelligence for use in weapons or surveillance. This change, first reported by Bloomberg, suggests a potential shift in Google's ethical stance on AI applications. The decision has raised concerns among industry observers about the future direction of Google's AI development.
New 'WikiTok' Web App Allows Infinite TikTok-Style Scroll of Wikipedia
A developer has created "WikiTok," a web application that presents Wikipedia articles in an infinite, TikTok-style scrolling format. Accessible through mobile and desktop browsers, WikiTok delivers a random selection of Wikipedia entries, offering users an engaging way to explore information. This innovative approach aims to make learning more interactive and entertaining.
