How TikTok’s parent, ByteDance, became an A.I. powerhouse

The director of A Minecraft Movie is laughing off the chaos at rowdy screenings, where fans are cheering and tossing popcorn—so much so that the cops have been called. According to Variety's Zack Sharf, it’s a bizarre situation that the director finds more funny than concerning.

More and more tweens are diving into podcasting, sharing their thoughts on everything from social issues to pop culture. With easy-to-use tools, they’re making their voices heard in a whole new way. The Cut’s E.J. Dickson breaks down how this trend could change the media landscape for younger generations.

Xbox is launching its “Wake Up” campaign to shake up the gaming scene and get players energized. With vibrant visuals and bold moves, the campaign aims to bring gamers together like never before. Adweek’s Mark Mwachiro breaks down how Xbox is taking gaming culture to the next level.

TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is no longer just a social media titan—it’s now a major player in the AI game. With massive investments and its data-driven approach, it’s taking over sectors like e-commerce and autonomous tech. The New York Times reports that while ByteDance is capitalizing on these opportunities, its rapid rise in AI has raised concerns among regulators worldwide.

Meta’s heading to court to fend off the FTC’s bid to block its acquisition of Within, a VR company that could lead to a breakup. The trial comes as Meta dives headfirst into the metaverse and VR space, with the FTC arguing it could harm competition. According to The Verge, the stakes are high, with the outcome possibly shaping how tech mergers are handled in the future.

Canva's taking a creative spin with its new musical, “The Canva Show,” to show off its latest products. The fun, catchy performance blends its design tools with entertainment, helping Canva stand out as a creative powerhouse. Jeff Beer covers the story for Fast Company, noting that this musical is part of a bigger strategy to make Canva more memorable and relatable.

Guess what? ChatGPT can now remember your past chats! This update means it can give more personalized responses by recalling your previous conversations, making it way more useful over time. Jess Weatherbed reports for The Verge that the rollout will be gradual, and users will have the option to control their data privacy.

So, what’s going on with Apple? In After Steve, Tripp Mickle, reported by The New York Times, takes a deep dive into how the company changed after Jobs' passing, with a focus on leadership and product shifts. Despite its massive success, Mickle highlights how Apple's culture may have veered away from its roots.

Costco’s making big moves, taking on the likes of Target and Walmart with its new 16,000-square-meter warehouse in Ardeer, Australia. It’s got everything, from groceries to fancy electric golf carts. Rob Walker for Fast Company shares that the opening day was packed with people, and some products sold out fast—showing just how much demand there is for Costco’s value-packed offerings.

Harlem is officially the menswear capital of the world, with its iconic style influencing everything from the Met Gala to designers like Abloh and Pharrell. It’s a mix of history, culture, and bold self-expression, shaping the future of fashion. GQ, reported by Taylor Plett.