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- Product & Design Pulse v73
Product & Design Pulse v73
Happy New Year š„³
Malcom Jones
January 05, 2026
Welcome to this weekās edition of Product & Design Pulse, where we explore the latest in tech, product, design, and innovation! Last week was a reminder that while AIās momentum is undeniable, its real impact is still taking shape. We looked at why many OpenAI-powered apps feel more like experiments than essentialsāand why the real breakthrough may come when AI quietly disappears into the tools we already use every day. Satya Nadella zoomed out with a clear-eyed view of 2026, arguing that execution, trust, and organizational resilience will matter just as much as technical innovation in the next phase of computing. On the product side, Meta continued its push to operationalize AI by bringing Manus onboard to supercharge business tools across its platforms. Taken together, the stories point to an industry shifting from hype and demos toward durability, integration, and long-term value.
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Last weekā¦
Why OpenAI Apps Arenāt Very Useful Yet
The article argues that despite massive hype, most OpenAI-powered apps still struggle to deliver everyday utility beyond novelty and experimentation. Sam Altman acknowledges that todayās AI apps often lack deep integration with workflows, reliable memory, and clear user value, making them feel unfinished. The piece suggests the real breakthrough will come not from standalone AI apps, but from AI becoming invisibly embedded into existing software people already rely on.
Looking Ahead to 2026 ā Satya Nadella
In a forward-looking essay, Satya Nadella outlines how AI, cloud infrastructure, and organizational resilience will define the next phase of computing. He emphasizes long-term platform thinking, responsible AI deployment, and the importance of adapting culture alongside technology. The piece frames 2026 as a pivotal moment where execution and trust will matter as much as innovation.
Manus Joins Meta to Accelerate AI Innovation for Businesses
Meta announced that Manus is joining the company to help accelerate AI-driven tools for businesses across its platforms. The move is aimed at improving automation, creative workflows, and performance insights for advertisers and merchants. It reflects Metaās continued push to embed generative AI deeper into its business and monetization products.
