- Product & Design Pulse
- Posts
- Product & Design Pulse v61
Product & Design Pulse v61
From Metaverse to AI Apps š±
Malcom Jones
October 13, 2025
Welcome to this weekās edition of Product & Design Pulse, where we explore the latest in tech, product, design, and innovation! Metaās big bet on AI takes center stage as Mark Zuckerberg pivots the companyās focus away from the metaverse and toward generative and recommendation-driven tools. In the UK, regulators tightened their grip on Googleās search dominance, while Elon Muskās X quietly settled a $128 million dispute with its former executives. Qualcomm made waves with its acquisition of Arduino, Apple is reportedly shifting from Vision Pro toward more accessible smart glasses, and OpenAIās evolving dance with Microsoft is being likened to the early Windows era. Itās a week full of pivots, partnerships, and platform plays.
š§ Audio Overview [BETA]
For those who donāt have time to read š |
Last weekā¦
Inside Mark Zuckerbergās AI Pivot at Meta
Wired takes a deep dive into how Mark Zuckerberg has shifted Metaās long-term vision from the metaverse to artificial intelligence. The company is now betting heavily on AI-powered productsāfrom generative tools to advanced recommendation systemsāwhile quietly integrating metaverse technology into these efforts. Insiders describe the pivot as both a survival strategy and a rebranding of Metaās massive R&D investment into something more commercially viable.
UK Regulator Confirms Googleās āStrategic Market Statusā in Search
The UKās Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has formally designated Google as having āstrategic market statusā in online search services. The designation imposes stricter obligations on Google, including transparency around data use and advertising practices. The move marks a major milestone in the UKās push to regulate Big Tech dominance.
Muskās X Settles $128 Million Severance Lawsuit with Former Executives
Elon Muskās X (formerly Twitter) has settled a lawsuit with several former executives, agreeing to pay $128 million in severance. The case stemmed from claims that Musk unlawfully withheld payments following his 2022 acquisition of the company. The settlement ends one of the most prominent legal disputes tied to Muskās turbulent takeover of the platform.
Qualcomm to Acquire Arduino, Expanding Developer Reach
Qualcomm announced plans to acquire Arduino, the open-source hardware company known for democratizing electronics prototyping. The acquisition aims to bring Qualcommās chips and connectivity tools to millions of developers and hobbyists worldwide. Industry analysts see it as a move to strengthen Qualcommās position in the IoT and embedded computing ecosystem.
Inside Appleās Glasses Pivot and Upcoming M5 Devices
Bloombergās Mark Gurman reports that Apple is reorienting its AR/VR roadmap, shifting resources from Vision Pro to a more accessible pair of smart glasses. The company is also preparing to launch new M5 MacBook Pro and iPad Pro models in early 2026, featuring improved battery life and on-device AI performance. The pivot reflects Appleās attempt to balance cutting-edge innovation with broader consumer adoption.
OpenAIās Windows Play ā Stratechery
Ben Thompson examines OpenAIās evolving relationship with Microsoft, arguing that the companyās growing independence mirrors Microsoftās own strategy during the Windows era. He suggests OpenAI is transforming from a partner into a platformāone that could define the next generation of software ecosystems. The piece highlights the delicate balance between collaboration and competition in the AI infrastructure race.
