Reading List — 4/25/2025

TikTok Shopping Trends and Statistics by PartnerCentric

A recent survey found that 37% of Americans under 60 have bought from TikTok Shop, spending around $59 per purchase. The most popular items purchased are personal accessories, household items, and fashion. Influencers play a significant role in driving purchases on the platform. Read more »

Real-world gen AI use cases from the world’s leading organizations | Google Cloud Blog

The advancements showcased at Google Cloud Next 25 in Las Vegas include predictive tools enhancing operations for companies like Wendy’s, Uber, and Samsung. The increasing momentum and potential in AI innovation across industries are evident, with 280 new entries on the list marked with an asterisk denoting their inclusion. Read more »

Vending-Bench: Testing long-term coherence in agents | Andon Labs

Agents in a simulated vending machine business must handle ordering, pricing, and inventory over long periods to make profit. Results varied among AI models. Interact with a shorter version to engage with the environment and better understand the AI’s challenges. Read more »

On Jagged AGI: o3, Gemini 2.5, and everything after

In the midst of the AI advancements today, understanding the intelligence and capabilities of these systems remains a challenge. Recent findings reveal that even measuring AI’s abilities through tests can be inconsistent and subjective. The concept of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is complex and lacks a clear definition, stirring ongoing debates in the AI community. Read more »

Apple and the Ghosts of Companies Past – Stratechery by Ben Thompson

Apple faced potential challenges due to tariffs and under-delivering on AI promises, but the temporary tariff reprieve helps for now. While Apple is not doomed there is some cause for concern. Read more »