AI development is described as the first and last intelligence revolution, with cognition costs collapsing. Experts argue that humans need traits like taste, conviction, and courage to excel in the AI era, citing examples from Coco Chanel and Jeff Bezos.
TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft's AI PC push meets a wall of RAM prices, but Redmond is still beating the drum
Microsoft is urging enterprise customers to consider PC refreshes alongside AI investments, but rising component costs are causing delays. The company is promoting AI-enabled PCs, but the PC market is experiencing a downturn due to high memory costs and economic conditions.
MARKETING & DESIGN
What AI has changed in Design Systems, and what is still up to us
Three design experts discuss how AI is changing Design Systems, with varying approaches to balance automation and human input for complex decisions and brand consistency, highlighting the limitations of AI in certain areas.
Editor's noteDesign Systems are not just about automation, but about people and process. The real challenge is not what AI can do, but what it can't: making nuanced decisions that require human judgment and empathy. Watch the number of design teams that adopt a 'guardrails' approach, where AI is a tool, not a replacement, for human designers.
Alter design exhibition returns to Tokyo with AI-powered tea ceremony and washi paper furniture
Alter design exhibition has returned to Tokyo with works by 75 young international designers, featuring innovative pieces such as AI-powered tea ceremony and washi paper furniture, as part of Designart Tokyo 2026.
40,000 ADUs in New York by 2039? Not at This Pace
New York City's ADU permit numbers remain low, despite a 2024 law allowing backyard homes, with only a few hundred permits issued in the two years since the law was enacted, far short of the 40,000 units projected by 2039.
ADVERTISING & PR
What to do before buying a martech platform with AI context
Martech vendors offer context to help AI agents understand marketing rules and customer information, but this context is often already owned by marketing teams. Before investing in an AI platform, it's essential to clarify guidelines and approval processes.
Editor's noteBuying an AI martech platform is a bet on data quality, not a fix for poor processes. The real problem is that teams are still assigning tasks without clear guidelines, not that the AI doesn't know the rules. Watch whether the platform's implementation includes training on process documentation as well as data integration.
The Missing Half: Have We Already Lost the Plot on AI Measurement?
Researchers are examining the limitations of current methods for evaluating AI's performance, suggesting a potential gap in understanding the technology's capabilities and limitations may have already been overlooked or underestimated.
Balancing the right to life with free speech
A court has refused an injunction to stop media outlets publishing allegations against an individual, citing freedom of expression over the risk of suicide. The claimant's anonymity was maintained in the judgment. The court's decision was based on established legal principles and Convention rights.
HUMAN RESOURCES
SAP TechEd 2026: All In On AI
SAP TechEd 2026 in Berlin focused on AI capabilities with a business context, including tools that understand company operations and processes. The event highlighted SAP's AI offerings. AI is a key area of focus for SAP.
Editor's noteSAP's emphasis on AI with business context is a demonstration of its bet on operational efficiency, not innovation. The tools announced at TechEd 2026 suggest SAP is prioritizing process understanding over disruption. Watch the adoption of these tools in mid-sized enterprises, where AI's value is often most tangible.
Fair Work Commission releases new AI guidance and warns against blind reliance on AI
Fair Work Commission has released new guidance on AI, advising employers to use technology judiciously in employment decisions and not rely solely on it for resolving disputes or making decisions.
AI Agents Need More Than Least Privilege. They Need Least Agency.
Cybersecurity principle of least privilege is insufficient for AI agents, as they can cause harm even with proper permissions due to their autonomous actions and decision-making capabilities. This is because AI agents can still make incorrect decisions, regardless of their access levels. This raises concerns about their potential impact.
PUBLIC POLICY
GSA appoints former banking exec as new government contracting head
Jennifer Hill, a former banking executive, has been appointed as the new head of the Federal Acquisition Service, which manages a large volume of government contracts worth over $125 billion.
Indiana Republican Who Said Undocumented Immigrants Shouldn't Get Due Process Has Lost Reelection to Congress
Rep. Victoria Spartz (R–Ind.) lost her congressional seat after saying undocumented immigrants shouldn't get due process. She was defeated by J.D. Ford, who will take her place in Congress, with over 95% of votes counted.
J.D. Vance Blames Iran for Republican Midterm Wipeout
Vice President J.D. Vance has attributed the Republican party's midterm election loss to alleged Iranian influence, sparking debate among media commentators and editors. The claim has been discussed in a recent segment of the Free Media podcast.
Editor's noteVice President J.D. Vance's claim that Iran is responsible for the Republican midterm wipeout is a red herring. The real issue is the party's failure to connect with voters on domestic issues. Watch whether Vance's Iran narrative is used to deflect from internal party problems or to justify a shift in foreign policy priorities.
