American public benefit company known for minimalist footwear, origins in New Zealand
A wave of AI-enabled tools is reshaping publishing, note-taking, and defense sectors. Beehiiv and Substack roll out chat-assisted publishing; Plaud ships AI-powered notetaking hardware; Mode Inc expands via acquisitions to crowdsource data labeling; Mach Industries pursues multiple weapons programs to boost U.S. defense capabilities.
A wave of AI-driven restructuring is redefining how companies run global operations. Opendoor is moving operational work back to the U.S., signaling a broader shift toward leaner, AI-enabled workflows that compress offshore back offices and emphasize Services-as-Software. The changes echo across tech and outsourcing sectors as companies recalibrate headcount, partnerships, and location strategies.
SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son has argued data centers in space offer little cost benefit and that the AI race will be decided by Earth-based compute. He cites power costs, transport, and delays as barriers to orbital data centers, while emphasising the ongoing importance of on-Earth infrastructure.
GoPro has announced a definitive merger with Starman Optical. The deal will pay $1.14 per share ($285 million total) and will wipe $92 million in debt. GoPro aims to expand into AI data centers and defense markets while continuing to support existing products. The market has reacted positively, with shares rising and investor interest mounting around Markiplier’s stake.