Product & Design Pulse v62

Everything is AI šŸ¤–

Welcome to this week’s edition of Product & Design Pulse, where we explore the latest in tech, product, design, and innovation! The AI boom is straining the grid, as data centers become so power-hungry that companies like Microsoft and Google are now building their own plants. Apple doubled down on its media and AI ambitions—securing exclusive Formula 1 broadcast rights, while Meta hired a top Apple exec to supercharge its ChatGPT-style assistant. Meanwhile, Netflix and Spotify joined forces to bring video podcasts to millions of viewers, blending two of the world’s biggest streaming platforms. And in the chip race, OpenAI teamed up with Broadcom to co-develop custom silicon that could redefine AI infrastructure. It’s a week of bold moves, massive investments, and a few sparks—both electrical and competitive.

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Last week…

  1. AI Data Centers Are So Power-Hungry They’re Building Their Own Plants

    AI companies are facing massive electricity shortages as data center demand surges, pushing them to build their own power plants. The article highlights how firms like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are exploring private energy infrastructure to support AI workloads. Experts warn the trend could reshape national energy grids and accelerate tensions between tech growth and sustainability goals.

  2. Apple Becomes Exclusive U.S. Broadcast Partner for Formula 1

    Apple has secured exclusive rights to broadcast Formula 1 in the United States, marking its most significant live sports deal to date. The partnership will bring races to Apple TV+ starting in 2026 with integrated behind-the-scenes content and new fan experiences. This move underscores Apple’s growing ambitions in premium sports streaming.

  3. Apple’s Newly Appointed AI and Search Head to Depart

    Apple’s newly appointed executive leading its ChatGPT-style AI and web search initiatives is reportedly leaving the company just months after taking the role. The departure raises questions about Apple’s internal AI strategy as it races to catch up with competitors like OpenAI and Google. Sources suggest the move could slow progress on Apple’s efforts to build a next-generation AI assistant and proprietary search technology.

  4. Netflix Partners with Spotify to Bring Video Podcasts to the Platform

    Netflix and Spotify are teaming up to bring select video podcasts to the Netflix platform. The collaboration will feature popular creators and hybrid audio-video content, expanding Netflix’s push into interactive and personality-driven media. This partnership marks another step in Netflix’s broader strategy to diversify content formats and engagement models.

  5. OpenAI and Broadcom Announce Strategic Collaboration

    OpenAI and Broadcom announced a multi-year partnership to co-develop custom AI chips optimized for large-scale model training. The collaboration aims to expand OpenAI’s compute capacity while reducing reliance on Nvidia hardware. Broadcom will leverage its semiconductor expertise to help OpenAI scale infrastructure for future generations of its AI models.

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