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AI Ads, Automation Risks & VR Exits: The Business of Tech

Jan 20, 2026

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OpenAI is introducing advertisements into ChatGPT for free and ChatGPT Go users, aiming to fund artificial general intelligence development. These ads will be clearly labeled and separate from AI responses, with OpenAI stating user conversations will remain private and data will not be sold. Ads will be excluded from sensitive topics. Users can avoid ads by upgrading to a paid subscription, such as the new $8/month ChatGPT Go tier, which offers increased limits and access to the latest model but also features advertisements. This move signifies a monetization strategy, with OpenAI reporting significant revenue growth for ChatGPT.

The broader impact of AI on jobs is also discussed, with data suggesting job losses attributed to AI may be overstated. While some roles are affected, particularly entry-level positions, the overall employment impact appears limited. Reports indicate that AI is often used as a justification for layoffs driven by economic factors or overhiring, rather than being the sole cause. The analysis highlights that AI's productivity gains are currently modest, requiring substantial increases to drive large-scale job replacement. However, the International Monetary Fund estimates nearly 40% of global jobs are at risk due to AI, with a growing demand for new skills that offer a wage premium.

Automation and platform integrations are accelerating, with ConnectWise acquiring ZofIQ to automate service desk operations within its PSA workflow. D&H is expanding its logistics capabilities by acquiring fulfillment.com, enhancing its supply chain services. Microsoft MVPs are collaborating to showcase free Intune management tools to help organizations manage their Intune environments more effectively. These developments indicate a trend towards deeper platform integration and automation within IT service delivery and logistics.

For MSPs and IT service providers, these developments highlight several critical considerations. The introduction of ads in AI tools like ChatGPT raises questions about trust and governance, particularly when these tools are integrated into client-facing workflows. The slowdown in hiring, especially for junior roles, underscores the need for strategic talent development to avoid future capacity gaps. Furthermore, the increasing automation within platforms and services, while offering efficiency, necessitates careful management of counterparty risk, clear contractual definitions of authority, and redefined pricing models to account for shifting liability and decision-making. Vendors retreating from emerging technologies like Meta's VR business also underscore the importance of diligent vendor selection and managing the credibility cost associated with adopted technologies.

Four things to know today

00:00 Jobless Claims Fall as Small Businesses Pull Back on Hiring, Especially Entry-Level Roles

05:45 OpenAI Adds Ads to ChatGPT as It Scales Revenue, Expands Go Tier, and Deepens Enterprise and SMB Adoption

09:17 Automation Moves From Tools to Authority as ConnectWise, D&H, and Intune Ecosystems Shift Control—and Risk

13:05 Meta’s Retreat from Business VR Leaves MSPs Managing Cleanup, Data Deletion, and Client Expectations

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