Really long read, but worth it -> The Vision Fund’s min investment in startups is $100m, in just over 2 yrs it’s committed more than $70b. Computers, Son believes, will run the planet more intelligently than humans can. Futurist Ray Kurzweil coined the term “the singularity” to describe the moment when computers take over—and he predicts it will be here by 2040. The Vision Fund could move up this date. Son is pouring unprecedented amounts of capital into the people and companies employing artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize every industry that affects our lives—from real estate to food to transportation. Son believes that robots will make us healthier and happier. He has long told people, “I have a 300-year plan,” and that declaration is not just the fantastic ambition of a billionaire. He has the means to pursue these dreams, and they’re starting to become very real.

A first look at ‘Wonderscope,’ the new AR app from Chris Milk’s Within

Nike’s new $350 Adapt BB shoe doesn’t just collect data about your training – it adapts itself to your foot at a moment’s notice. For the past 3 years, a team has been working on a shoe that could change the trajectory of the company. It’s the most-tested piece of footwear Nike has ever released. Athletes, ranging from high schoolers to pros, wore it for more than 27K miles on the court.

For mixed-reality experiences to take off, input will be as crucial as output. An Apple patent suggests that the company is already at work on that challenge.

Interesting idea, @matlock says he’s going to do it

Time to play: “Innovation” or “Just Weird?”

This is not about a “parenting trick” – that’s clickbait, but it is about a good lesson that we should all be learning about where our apps come from and the culture around them. Well done @NatashaVianna

Of course, you read about all the layoffs in media this week. Here is one of probably many sites to help them find a job – this one for Buzzfeed alums.

Wattpad, the online reading and writing platform, at last has announced the development of its own book publishing wing, Wattpad Books.

HT @BISG Scroll down for the tables to see the extent of printer consolidation

CEO Steve Swartz released his annual state of the privately held media giant’s performance for 2018 – and once again, the dullest parts of Hearst are growing the fastest among the six divisions. For 8th straight year, the overall company achieved “record profits” as revenue grew 4%, to $11.4B

Cases of fraud are common in the multi-billion dollar influencer marketing industry. A “Cambridge Analytica moment” could be next.

UNICEF research: There are 170K children going online for the first time every day – no other audience type is growing that quickly. Consumer advocacy groups are asking the FTC to investigate kids apps on Google Play for potentially violating federal privacy law

RT @chrisbrogan In stories I never thought I’d see…

This sounds familiar! Fans may assume the $10 they pay for a monthly streaming subscription goes to the artists they listen to most. That’s not the case. Now, a growing number of musicians and industry players want change.

The online retail giant is taking advantage of what it knows better than anyone: consumers’ online shopping habits.

Another Amazon story worth reading.

HT @garysguide Seeds taken to moon by China have sprouted. Marks 1st time biological matter grown on Moon. Significant step for space exploration. Cargo soil incl. cotton & potato seeds, yeast & fruit fly eggs will form artificial, self-sustaining biosphere

HT ⁦@garysguide⁩ Using #AI, evolutionary biologists discovered new human ancestor, hybrid Denisovans & Neanderthals split off common ancestor 744K yrs ago. While Neanderthals settled in Europe& western Asia, Denisovan remains found Central Asia & Siberia

‘The Shape of Water’ director encourages ‘horror lovers’ to help the beloved shop.

Last year it was only $350m! Millions of fans are delighted to make an ongoing financial commitment to the people whose work they love—and there’s more to come.

The move is the most ambitious effort yet by a tech company to fund construction for local teachers, firefighters and other middle- and low-income residents.

Why yes, we are! They’re tough, outspoken, compassionate and unstoppable.