Product & Design Pulse v41

Last week…

1. The Agentic Web and Original Sin – Stratechery by Ben Thompson

   Ben Thompson explores the foundational economic decisions of the internet, arguing that the absence of built-in payment mechanisms led to an advertising-dominated model. He discusses how this “original sin” has shaped the web’s evolution and the potential of AI agents to redefine online interactions. Thompson emphasizes the need to reconsider the internet’s economic structures in the age of AI.

2. Google I/O 2025: From research to reality

   At Google I/O 2025, the company showcased advancements in AI, highlighting the integration of Project Astra into Gemini Live, enabling real-time camera and screen-sharing capabilities. Google emphasized its commitment to making AI more helpful and accessible across various products and services. The keynote underscored the transition of AI research into practical applications for users.

3. Amazon’s Coders Are New Warehouse Workers

   Amazon has quietly deployed generative AI agents to handle software development tasks once performed by human engineers, including writing code and conducting bug fixes. While Amazon executives praise the efficiency gains, employees report a rushed rollout, lack of transparency, and growing anxiety over job displacement. The article raises questions about the pace of AI integration and its impact on both productivity and morale inside one of the world’s largest tech companies.

4. Crafting stories through motion: A conversation with Ronan McMeel

   Ronan McMeel, a motion designer at Microsoft, discusses the role of motion design in storytelling and user experience. He shares insights into how motion can convey emotions, guide users, and enhance the overall design narrative. McMeel emphasizes the importance of collaboration and experimentation in creating compelling motion designs.

5. Microsoft is racing to build an AI ‘agent factory’

   Microsoft, under the leadership of Jay Parikh, is transforming into an AI “agent factory,” focusing on developing AI agents through platforms like GitHub, Copilot, and Azure. The initiative aims to embed AI deeply into Microsoft’s product development and empower enterprises to build their own AI solutions. This strategic shift positions Microsoft at the forefront of AI integration in enterprise software.

6. What Sam Altman Told OpenAI About the Secret Device He’s Making With Jony Ive

   OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and former Apple designer Jony Ive are collaborating on a new AI device intended to be a third core gadget alongside smartphones and laptops. The device aims to integrate AI seamlessly into users’ lives without relying on traditional screens. OpenAI plans to acquire Ive’s startup, io, for $6.5 billion, marking a significant step into consumer hardware.

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