📝 Field Brief: Community Pulse

Here are the latest trends we spotted in emerging tech, culture, and community from the last week:

• AI: ChatGPT's new AI store is struggling to keep a lid on all the AI girlfriends. This comes after OpenAI launched its new GPT Store, providing custom AI assistants. Users have already created over 3 million custom assistants since the announcement of custom ‘GPTs’ two months ago.

• Blockchain: Mastercard says wide adoption of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) would be ‘difficult’ right now. They’ve also [officially] ended their relationship with Binance. But Singapore is still set to pilot the use of wholesale CBDC’s in 2024. We believe there’s no escaping CBDC’s, so prepare now and watch the enterprise blockchain patent space.

• Fintech: SumUp defies fintech funding slump with a $307 million round. Robinhood launches a crypto trading service in the EU, and Coinbase secures a crypto license in France, pushing deeper into Europe. So if you’re seeking investment, don’t be alarmed by the macroeconomics — just find the right investors. They’re there.

• Social Media: Concerns amount as TikTok's content on some political subjects aligns with the Chinese government. But this isn’t necessarily surprising. Facebook's parent company is being sued by New Mexico for allegedly failing to shield children from predators.

• Workplace Culture: Companies must reimagine the future of work and improve the workplace by following the new corporate culture trends that have emerged, such as focusing on community engagement, understanding context, and reaching people when they are most receptive.

• Spatial Computing: Pre-orders for Apple’s Vision Pro, a revolutionary new VR device, started rolling out today. It seamlessly blends digital content with the physical world and unlocks powerful spatial computing capabilities controlled by the user’s eyes, hands, and voice. There’s been mixed reviews already, but we think Apple has set some good solid foundations.

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