VOLUME 57

In case you missed it, here’s this week’s biggest stories in tech and culture. Let’s get into it!

— Jacob Pace

BlackRock and Microsoft to Launch $30 Billion AI Investment Fund

What happened: BlackRock and Microsoft are teaming up to create a massive $30 billion artificial intelligence investment fund. The partnership aims to capitalize on the rapid expansion of AI across industries, offering institutional investors a structured way to benefit from advancements in machine learning, automation, and other AI-driven technologies.

Why it matters: AI continues to reshape industries from healthcare to finance, and this fund represents a significant move to channel capital around the world into promising AI ventures. For Microsoft, it enhances their commitment to AI research, while BlackRock's influence brings credibility and reach into new markets.

Snap’s New Spectacles Target AR Developers

What happened: Snap has launched its fifth-generation Spectacles, but this time they’re aimed exclusively at developers. With a clearer display, longer battery life, and improved hand tracking, the new Spectacles are Snap's latest push to bring augmented reality (AR) glasses to the mainstream. However, access to these devices comes with a catch—developers need to pay $99 a month for at least a year to test and create apps for the platform.

Why it matters: Snap is betting on developers to unlock the full potential of AR. By placing these Spectacles in the hands of creative developers, the company hopes to generate use cases that go beyond gimmicks and showcase AR’s true promise. This open-source strategy could give Snap an edge against other tech giants like Meta, Google, and Apple, which are also working on AR glasses.

Logan Paul, KSI, and MrBeast Team Up for 'Lunchly'

What happened: In an unexpected collaboration, social media titans Logan Paul, KSI, and MrBeast are joining forces to promote "Lunchly," a new line of Lunchables-style snacks aimed at Gen Z. The trio, each with massive followings across YouTube and social platforms, have been actively marketing the product to their fanbases with the goal of turning Lunchly into a viral sensation.

What the market is saying: The response to Lunchly has been polarizing. While some fans are eager to support their favorite creators, others, including prominent content creators like DanTDM, have criticized the product, claiming it’s a cash grab aimed at impressionable audiences. Social media erupted with debates about the ethics of influencers launching consumer goods, with complaints focusing on the product's perceived poor nutritional quality and the use of influencers’ platforms to target younger demographics.

Sam Altman Departs OpenAI's Safety Committee

What happened: Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has stepped down from the company's Safety Committee, which oversees the ethical implications and safety standards of AI development. This committee has been central to OpenAI's mission of ensuring that powerful AI technologies are developed responsibly.

Why it matters: Altman's departure comes at a critical time for AI regulation and ethical considerations. OpenAI’s advancements in AI, particularly in the area of language models, have sparked concerns around misinformation, bias, and automation. His decision to step down raises questions about the future direction of OpenAI's safety protocols and how the company plans to address emerging risks.

For context: Altman has been a vocal advocate for ethical AI development and has led numerous discussions about balancing innovation with safety. His exit from the committee, however, does not signal a departure from OpenAI but could reflect shifting internal dynamics as the company navigates regulatory challenges and commercial opportunities.