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- Product & Design Pulse v45
Product & Design Pulse v45
Netflix Dips Into Linear and OpenAI-Microsoft Tension
Malcom Jones
June 23, 2025
Welcome to this weekās edition of Product & Design Pulse, where we explore the latest in tech, product, design, and innovation! OpenAI and Microsoftās partnership showed signs of strain, with internal tensions surfacing around product direction, revenue, and control. Monotype released its 2025 Type Trends report, spotlighting expressive, personality-driven typography as a key branding tool in the year ahead. At Cannes, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan emphasized AIās growing role in discovery, creator tools, and advertising, underscoring the platformās global ambitions. Apple secured a legal win in its $300 million patent case, while Netflix broke new ground by adding French linear TV channels in a move tailored to regional streaming preferences. And according to Nielsenās latest data, YouTube remains the top streaming destination, widening the gap between digital platforms and traditional TV. More product releases from Google, Snap, Meta, and more.
Last weekā¦
OpenAIāMicrosoft Tensions Boil Over
According to the Wall Street Journal, growing tensions between OpenAI and Microsoft stem from diverging visions on product direction, revenue splits, and model ownership. Concerns have emerged internally about control over AI development and platform distribution. The article suggests these frictions may influence future collaboration strategies and strategic autonomy.
Monotypeās annual Type Trends report forecasts key typography directions, highlighting a resurgence in expressive typefaces, variable fonts, and bold typographic contrast. It shows how brands are gravitating toward designs that balance readability with distinctive personality, setting the stage for 2025 trends. The insights offer designers a data-driven lens into emerging type aesthetics and usage.
Neal Mohan at Cannes on YouTubeās Future
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan highlighted the platformās growth at Cannes, emphasizing AIās pivotal role in transforming content discovery and creator tools. He discussed YouTubeās expanded investments in emerging markets and premium advertising formats, reinforcing the platformās evolving entertainment ecosystem. The post reaffirms YouTubeās commitment to blending creativity, AI, and global reach in its next phase.
Apple appeals U.S. $300M patent verdict
Apple has won a significant victory with the U.S. Court of Appeals overturning a $300āÆmillion verdict in its ongoing Optis LTE patent case, citing flawed jury instructions. The decision mandates a new trial to reassess both infringement and damages, marking a second reversal of major financial penalties. This legal reprieve comes amid parallel litigation in the UK, where a separate $502āÆmillion ruling awaits appeal.
Netflix & TF1 Partner for French Linear TV on Streaming
Netflix has struck a deal to stream live TF1 channels and on-demand TF1+ content for French subscribers beginning summer 2026 . This first-of-its-kind integration of linear TV into a streaming service reflects Netflixās strategy to diversify content and boost engagement. Industry analysts caution this approach is specific to France due to regulatory and market structure differences .
Nielsenās The Gauge ā TV Viewing Trends by Platform
Nielsenās latest āThe Gaugeā report shows YouTube maintaining its lead in TV viewing among streaming platforms in the U.S., capturing 9.7% of total TV usage in May 2025. Netflix followed at 7.6%, while traditional cable and broadcast networks continued to decline, now comprising under 50% of total viewership. The report underscores the continued shift toward streaming dominance and the growing fragmentation of audience attention across platforms.
