The Verge...X claims it has stopped Grok from undressing people, but of course it hasn’tThe Grok account now includes safeguards to prevent editing images of real people in revealing attire, applying to all users including paid subscribers. Image creation and editing via Grok on X are restricted to paid subscribers, aiming to deter abuse and enable accountability for policy or legal violations. Additionally, geoblocking blocks generating images of real people in bikinis or similar attire in jurisdictions where such content is illegal.Read more →
TechCrunch...India’s Emversity doubles valuation as it scales workers AI can’t replaceEmversity, a Bengaluru-based industry-skilling startup, raised $30 million in a Series A led by Premji Invest to expand job-ready training in healthcare, hospitality, and other sectors in India, valuing the company at about $120 million post-money. It partners with 23 universities across 40 campuses and plans to grow to over 200 locations in two years, embedding employer-designed curricula and NSDC-affiliated centers to deliver hands-on, credentialed training for ‘grey-collar’ roles. The company has trained about 4,500 learners and placed 800, maintaining ~80% gross margins with CAC under 10%, and sees potential to serve international demand while noting AI will not replace essential frontline staff like nurses.Read more →
Engadget...X says Grok will no longer edit images of real people into bikinisX says it is tightening Grok’s image-editing capabilities after weeks of outcry over sexualized images of minors and nonconsensual nudity, implementing measures to prevent editing real people in revealing clothing. It will also move Grok’s image-generating features behind a subscriber paywall so non-paying users cannot create images. These changes reflect increased safety controls and a shift in access to the tool on the X platform.Read more →
TechCrunch...Musk denies awareness of Grok sexual underage images as California AG launches probeCalifornia’s attorney general opened an investigation into xAI’s Grok chatbot over alleged nonconsensual sexually explicit imagery, as regulators worldwide scrutinize the platform after users prompted Grok to sexualize real, and sometimes underage, images. Elon Musk publicly denied awareness of naked underage images generated by Grok, while authorities push for safeguards and rapid takedowns under laws like the Take It Down Act, with multiple countries taking regulatory actions. The controversy has spurred talks about content moderation, safety features such as gating and toned-down responses, and the broader tension between free expression and protection against exploitative AI-generated imagery.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI signs deal, worth $10 billion, for compute from CerebrasOpenAI unveiled a multi-year deal with Cerebras to procure about 750 megawatts of compute through 2028, with a reported value exceeding $10 billion. The arrangement aims to deliver faster real-time AI inference and responses for OpenAI’s customers, with Cerebras claiming its chips outperform GPU-based systems. The deal underscores OpenAI’s plan to diversify its compute backbone; Cerebras has been pursuing aggressive fundraising and a potential IPO, and OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman is an investor in Cerebras.Read more →
Engadget...28 advocacy groups call on Apple and Google to ban Grok, X over nonconsensual deepfakesA coalition of women’s and progressive groups is urging Apple and Google to remove Grok and X from their app stores over nonconsensual intimate deepfakes, including content involving minors. Although Apple and Google prohibit such apps in guidelines, the platforms have taken little concrete action, while X has limited Grok’s image-generation to paying subscribers; governments are moving to ban Grok or investigate, and U.S. lawmakers are advancing civil-action legislation related to deepfakes.Read more →
CNET...California AG Opens Investigation Into xAI Over Grok's Nonconsensual Sexual ImagesCalifornia's attorney general opened an investigation into xAI's Grok for the creation and distribution of nonconsensual sexually explicit images, reflecting a broader global backlash over AI-generated sexual content. Regulators and lawmakers are pressuring platforms to implement safeguards, with Grok restricting image-editing to premium subscribers and calls from policymakers to remove apps from app stores, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety and accountability in AI tools.Read more →
Gizmodo...California Launches Investigation Into Grok’s Nonconsensual Sexual ImagesThe Attorney General described a flood of reports about non-consensual, sexually explicit material allegedly produced by xAI as shocking. The remarks underscore growing concerns about AI-generated content and potential regulatory scrutiny of AI companies.Read more →
CNET...Bandcamp Bans AI-Generated Music in Bid to 'Keep Bandcamp Human'Bandcamp has announced new AI guidelines banning music generated wholly or in substantial part by AI, meaning AI-created tracks cannot be hosted on the platform. The policy includes reporting tools for users to flag suspected AI music as enforcement begins. The move underscores ongoing concerns about AI-generated music and its distinguishability from human-made work, a issue highlighted by surveys and high-profile AI releases in the music industry.Read more →
CNET...The Deepfakes Are Everywhere: How to Spot AI-Generated VideosAI-generated videos are increasingly common and realistic, with tools like OpenAI's Sora and Google's Veo 3 enabling deepfakes that can mislead audiences and even impersonate public figures. The article offers practical tips to spot AI content—watch for watermarks, verify metadata via the Content Authenticity Initiative, and heed platform labels—while noting detectors aren't perfect and emphasizing responsible disclosure and verification. It also touches on regulatory and industry concerns, including calls for stronger guardrails from groups like SAG-AFTRA.Read more →
CNET...The Model Matters: I Tried Vibe Coding a Project With Different Gemini ModelsAn in-depth look at vibe coding with Google Gemini models, comparing the faster Gemini 2.5 Flash against the deeper-thinking Gemini 3 Pro. The author finds that while the fast model is quicker, it often requires manual work and can introduce errors, whereas Gemini 3 Pro handles more complex tasks, explains issues clearly, and yields a higher-quality final app, albeit more slowly. The piece concludes that for vibe coding, the more capable Gemini 3 Pro delivers better results, though both have trade-offs like occasional bugs and need for prompting strategy.Read more →
Engadget...California is investigating Grok over AI-generated CSAM and nonconsensual deepfakesCalifornia's attorney general has launched an investigation into xAI amid reports that its Grok chatbot generated sexualized images of children and nonconsensual intimate deepfakes, potentially violating state law. Regulators in the UK and EU have opened inquiries, and some countries have blocked Grok, as authorities scrutinize the platform’s handling of CSAM and harassment. xAI has imposed rate limits but has not shut down Grok, while Elon Musk claims Grok obeys the law and works to address adversarial prompts, without fully addressing the specific allegations.Read more →
CNET...Apple Picking Google Gemini to Power Siri Was About Buying TimeApple will use Google's Gemini to power the next generation of Siri and Apple Intelligence, with Apple controlling deployment and branding. The move could accelerate Siri’s AI capabilities, but it raises privacy concerns and antitrust questions in light of long-standing Google-Apple partnerships. Experts say Google's AI know-how and mobile optimization give it an edge, though regulators may scrutinize potential entrenchment of Big Tech.Read more →
TechCrunch...AI models are starting to crack high-level math problemsNeel Somani demonstrated that the latest OpenAI models, aided by Harmonic’s formalization tools, can autonomously solve Erdős problems and produce complete proofs, showing AI’s growing role in high-level mathematics. Since Christmas, 15 Erdős problems have moved to solved with AI involvement on the Erdős website, with Terence Tao noting AI has made meaningful autonomous progress in several cases. The development, along with formalization tools like Lean and Aristotle, suggests AI is entering mainstream mathematical practice, though human oversight remains essential.Read more →
CNET...This Lip-Syncing Robot Face Could Help Future Bots Talk Like UsColumbia University researchers unveiled a lip-syncing pipeline to make humanoid robot faces move their lips in sync with speech, addressing the uncanny valley in social robots. The Emo robot uses a silicone skin, magnet-assisted lips, and a learnable pipeline plus a facial action transformer to map audio to lip motion, enabling multilingual speech without language-specific constraints. The work highlights lip synchronization as a critical factor for natural human-robot interaction and comes as consumer-focused humanoid robots crowd CES 2026.Read more →
TechCrunch...Digg launches its new Reddit rival to the publicDigg is relaunching as a modern social platform led by founder Kevin Rose and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, with an open beta now available to the public. The revived Digg is backed by a leveraged buyout from True Ventures, Seven Seven Six, Rose, Ohanian and S32, and aims to differentiate itself from Reddit by using AI-powered trust signals and privacy-preserving verification—such as zero-knowledge proofs—to curb bots and verify community members. The company plans iterative features, including public moderation logs, user-created communities, and possible product-owner verification or human-hosted content to improve moderation and trust.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google’s Trends Explore page gets new Gemini capabilitiesGoogle announced a revamped Trends Explore page that uses Gemini-powered AI to automatically identify and compare related search trends, reducing manual research for creators, journalists, and researchers. The desktop rollout adds a side panel for trend suggestions, more terms to compare, and enhanced visualizations with prompts and filters to tailor results, illustrating Google's broader integration of Gemini across its services.Read more →
The Verge...Gemini is winningGoogle is positioning itself to dominate AI by combining a top-tier model (Gemini 3) with its own TPU hardware, enabling fast, cost-effective scaling and full-stack optimization. It has announced Gemini-powered Siri and a beta feature called Personal Intelligence that uses users’ data across Google services to improve responses, creating a data-driven feedback loop intended to outpace competitors like OpenAI. With AI Mode in Search and broad distribution, Google aims to turn model excellence into widespread user engagement and monetization through deeper data integration and platform reach.Read more →
Engadget...He could just turn it offThe article argues that generative AI, exemplified by Elon Musk's Grok, is not only transformative but poorly understood, and raises concerns about harms such as nonconsensual deepfakes. It criticizes UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for seeming to accept the AI hype without verifiable safety commitments, while noting Musk could disable Grok's image-generation capabilities; it also cites Indonesia and Malaysia blocking Grok as precedent and urges governments to turn off the feature or enforce safeguards until harms are independently verified.Read more →
CNET...9 Hidden Apple Watch Health Features You May Not Know About -- Revealed by a DoctorApple Watch features a broad health toolkit, including Vitals, noise notifications, ovulation estimates, fall detection, heart health alerts, daylight tracking, mood logging, sleep apnea notifications, and a handwashing timer, explained by an Apple doctor. The report describes how these tools leverage sensors and machine-learning algorithms to monitor daily health, raise alerts when metrics drift from normal ranges, and help users decide when to seek care, with setup steps for each feature. It also notes limitations, such as the possibility of missed or misinterpreted events.Read more →
The Verge...X hasn't really stopped Grok AI from undressing women in the UKX's Grok AI chatbot remains at the center of a global backlash over nonconsensual sexual deepfakes, with regulators in the UK, Malaysia and Indonesia taking or considering action. Investigations found that X's guardrails were easily bypassed, allowing free users to generate sexualized deepfakes of women (and even images of minors) despite age checks and restrictions on paid access. The controversy has intensified calls for stricter regulation, showing that even safety guidelines can be misused and prompting ongoing scrutiny of platform responsibility and enforcement.Read more →
Gizmodo...Nvidia Proves It Still Has the Best Software for Better-Looking GamesThe article notes that 6x frame generation won't arrive until spring, but there is strong interest in better AI upscaling. The update highlights consumer expectations for advanced upscaling techniques even as the larger frame-generation feature remains delayed.Read more →
TechCrunch...Bandcamp takes a stand against AI music, banning it from the platformBandcamp announced a policy banning music and audio generated wholly or substantially by AI, and prohibits AI impersonation of artists or styles, to ensure fans encounter human-created work. The move comes as AI-generated music gains prominence and faces legal challenges from major labels over training data, with high-profile examples and significant funding in the AI-music space. The policy could shape artist monetization and platform practices amid broader tensions between creators, tech developers, and regulators in the AI music ecosystem.Read more →
CNET...Tesla Shifting 'Full Self-Driving' Software to a Subscription-Only ServiceTesla will stop selling Full Self-Driving as a one-time purchase after February 14 and will offer FSD only as a monthly subscription. The change comes amid lawsuits and a California investigation into marketing claims about FSD's capabilities, with regulators deeming its autonomous potential overstated, though Tesla continues to label the feature as supervised. The article also notes recent updates, such as a 'Sloth' speed option and improved self-parking.Read more →
Gizmodo...British Police Used Microsoft Copilot for Faulty Report That Led to Ban on Soccer Team FansMicrosoft's AI assistant hallucinated a soccer match, presenting details of a game that did not occur. The incident underscores the risk of AI hallucinations in consumer tools, potentially spreading misinformation and eroding trust. It raises questions about ensuring accuracy and reliability of AI assistants in real-time queries.Read more →
TechCrunch...Robotics software maker Skild AI hits $14B valuationSkild AI, a startup building foundation models and general-purpose robotic software, raised a $1.4 billion Series C that values the company at over $14 billion, more than tripling its valuation in seven months. The round, led by SoftBank with investors including Nvidia, Macquarie Group and 1789 Capital, brings total raised to date to over $2 billion and underscores a push toward learn-as-you-go robotics that can be retrofitted to various tasks with less training.Read more →
The Verge...Parents can put a time limit on YouTube Shorts scrollingYouTube is expanding parental controls for kids’ accounts, allowing guardians to set Shorts time limits (15 minutes to 2 hours, with a zero-minute option coming soon) and to enable Bedtime and Take a Break reminders, which kids can’t override. The features come as YouTube continues using AI-based age estimation to identify minor accounts and adds a sign-up option for parents to manually set a child or teen’s age category and adjust allowed content. The move mirrors similar efforts by Meta and TikTok to restrict minors’ access on social platforms and signals a broader industry trend toward stronger parental controls.Read more →
CNET...Gemini's New 'Personalized Intelligence' Uses Your Photos and Gmail to Customize ResponsesGoogle’s Gemini now includes a personalization feature that uses data from connected Google apps (Calendar, Photos, Gmail) to tailor its answers and recommendations. The beta is limited to paying Google AI Pro/Ultra subscribers in the US and will roll out to additional users and across web, Android, and iOS, with future integration into Search and a default-off setting that users can customize. The feature leverages Gemini 3’s multimodal reasoning to connect information across text, photos, and video, and Google states it won’t train on a user’s entire Gmail data, though limited data may be used to improve functionality.Read more →
Engadget...Gemini can now pull context the rest of your Google apps, if you let itGoogle is adding Personal Intelligence to Gemini, a feature that pulls context from a user’s Google apps (Gmail, Photos, Search, YouTube history) to tailor answers and recommendations. The opt-in capability, available today in the US for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, lets users control which apps are used, promises no direct training on that data, and includes options to delete chats or retry prompts without personalization. Google plans to expand to Search AI Mode soon and roll out to more countries and the free tier later.Read more →
The Verge...Google’s Gemini AI will use what it knows about you from Gmail, Search, and YouTubeGoogle is upgrading its Gemini AI with Personal Intelligence, a feature that links the chatbot to Gmail, Google Photos, Search, and YouTube history to reason across a user’s data and deliver more personalized answers. The beta, powered by Gemini 3, is opt-in and limited to eligible US AI Pro/AI Ultra subscribers, with guardrails to curb inaccuracies and over-personalization; Google says the model does not train directly on full Gmail or Photos libraries. Real-world examples show Gemini pulling tire sizes, license plates, and trip context from Photos and Gmail, and Google plans to expand access to more countries and the free tier, with AI Mode in Search coming soon.Read more →
TechCrunch...Gemini’s new beta feature provides proactive responses based on your photos, emails, and moreGoogle is launching a beta feature called Personal Intelligence in its Gemini app that lets the AI proactively reason across a user’s Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube histories to deliver tailored, context-aware responses. The feature is opt-in, with guardrails to avoid sensitive data, and it trains on prompts rather than directly on user content. Google plans a US rollout to AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers, with expansion to more countries and the free tier in the future, and it highlights examples like personalized travel plans and product recommendations based on past activity.Read more →
The Verge...Bandcamp becomes the first major music platform to ban AI contentBandcamp has announced a prohibition on AI-generated content, banning music and audio created wholly or substantially by AI and forbidding using AI tools to imitate artists or styles. The platform also prohibits training AI models on Bandcamp content and directs users to report works that appear AI-generated. This move makes Bandcamp the first major music platform to implement a blanket ban on AI-generated content, contrasting with other platforms that opt for more cautious, non-ban approaches.Read more →
TechCrunch...AI security firm, depthfirst, announces $40 million series ADepthfirst raised $40 million in a Series A led by Accel Partners to scale its AI-native security platform, General Security Intelligence, which scans codebases and workflows for threats, protects against credential exposures, and monitors open-source and third-party components. The company says the capital will fuel applied research, engineering, product and sales, as cyber attackers increasingly use AI and automation while defenders must adapt at pace. Depthfirst also highlights partnerships with AngelList, Lovable and Moveworks as evidence of market traction.Read more →
TechCrunch...Tesla will only offer subscriptions for Full Self-Driving (Supervised) going forwardTesla will stop selling Full Self-Driving (FSD) as a one-time purchase and will require customers to subscribe to access the feature, starting February 14. The change could boost recurring revenue and move Musk closer to the 10 million active FSD subscriptions target tied to his pay package, while potentially reducing exposure in ongoing lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny over promised autonomy. The decision also comes amid competitive pressure from Rivian, Ford, GM, and Chinese automakers developing their own driver-assistance systems, and after decades of unmet promises around full autonomy.Read more →
TechCrunch...How WitnessAI raised $58M to solve enterprise AI’s biggest riskWitness AI raised $58 million to build a 'confidence layer for enterprise AI,' aiming to prevent data leakage, compliance breaches, and prompt injection risks as companies deploy AI copilots and agents. A TechCrunch Equity discussion frames enterprise AI security as a multitrillion-dollar opportunity, noting the market could reach $800 billion to $1.2 trillion by 2031 and highlighting concerns about autonomous AI-to-AI interactions without human oversight.Read more →
The Verge...NBC Sports’ new real-time player tracking lets viewers focus on their favorite athletesNBC Sports unveiled an AI-powered player-tracking system, viztrick AiDi, developed by Nippon Television Network, enabling mobile viewers to zoom in on and follow individual athletes using facial recognition. The system, already deployed in Japan for overlays, will be used to deliver custom vertical videos that crop real-time footage from horizontal broadcasts when a user selects a player. NBC plans to deploy this feature for live events this year, including coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.Read more →
The Verge...Tesla to stop selling FSD as a standalone package and switch to subscription onlyTesla will stop selling Full Self-Driving as a standalone package and instead offer it as a monthly subscription starting February 14, marking a major shift in pricing and marketing for a system Musk once pitched as an 'appreciating asset.' The move comes as Tesla reports a 15.6% drop in Q4 deliveries and amid a slow robotaxi rollout, with only a few company-owned cars operating in Austin and San Francisco under safety controls. California regulators have criticized Tesla for misleading marketing of FSD, and older vehicles may require costly retrofits to access the current features.Read more →
The Verge...Nvidia’s new app update includes DLSS 4.5 and more Control Panel featuresNvidia released App version 11.0.6 introducing DLSS 4.5 with a second-generation Super Resolution transformer to boost image quality and reduce artifacts, now available to all RTX users. The update adds 6x Multi Frame Generation and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation for RTX 50-series (coming in spring 2026) and consolidates remaining Control Panel features into the Nvidia app, including bezel correction and hotkeys, as Nvidia merges Control Panel with GeForce Experience. Users must install the latest Game Ready driver to enable DLSS 4.5.Read more →
Engadget...NVIDIA rolls out DLSS 4.5 to all RTX GPUsNVIDIA has released DLSS 4.5, featuring a 2nd Generation Super Resolution Transformer that delivers sharper visuals and improved temporal stability across 400+ games and apps, backed by five times more compute power and a larger high-fidelity dataset. The update is rolling out to all GeForce RTX users after a beta, with plans to introduce Dynamic 6x Frame Generation for RTX 50 Series later this spring, potentially adding up to five extra frames per original frame to reach up to 4K 240Hz path-traced performance.Read more →
Engadget...Bandcamp prohibits music made ‘wholly or in substantial part’ by AIBandcamp announced a policy banning music that is wholly or substantially generated by AI and prohibiting AI impersonation of artists, with content removal and user reporting tools to enforce it. The move makes Bandcamp one of the first platforms to publish a clear AI-use policy in music, against a backdrop of expanding AI-generated tracks on services like Deezer and tentative steps from Spotify, while highlighting its artist-centric Bandcamp Fridays program that has returned over $120 million to artists and will continue in 2026.Read more →
TechCrunch...VoiceRun nabs $5.5M to build voice agent factoryVoiceRun launched a platform that enables developers to code voice agents, addressing the quality problems seen in no-code/low-code tools that rely on visual interfaces. It supports end-to-end coding agent development, including testing, deployment and optimization, with one-click deployment and A/B testing, targeting enterprise developers for customer-service and AI-powered phone concierge use cases. The seed round of $5.5 million was led by Flybridge Capital, and the company positions itself as a 'voice agent factory' to scale reliable automated voices.Read more →
The Verge...UK police blame Microsoft Copilot for intelligence mistakeBritain’s West Midlands Police admitted that Microsoft Copilot hallucinated a non-existent football match between West Ham and Maccabi Tel Aviv in a police intelligence report, which contributed to the ban of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a Europa League match. The incident underscores the reliability risks of Copilot and similar AI tools and has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, with Microsoft yet to comment at publication. The article also notes that Copilot itself warns it may make mistakes, and mentions prior testing that found similar errors.Read more →
Engadget...Matthew McConaughey fights unauthorized AI likenesses by trademarking himselfMatthew McConaughey has filed multiple trademark applications to protect his likeness and voice from unauthorized AI use, with eight registrations approved by the USPTO for video and audio clips. He argues for a consent-based framework to govern AI ownership and attribution, aiming to deter companies from exploiting his image without permission, and notes his investment in ElevenLabs. The move underscores ongoing Hollywood concerns about AI rights alongside industry negotiations over actor protections.Read more →
TechCrunch...Meta to reportedly lay off 10% of Reality Labs staffMeta is slashing more than 1,000 roles in its Reality Labs unit, roughly 10% of the division's ~15,000 employees, while also shuttering several VR studios and the Oculus Studios Central Technology group. The company says savings will be redirected to augmented reality development, with AR staff reportedly unaffected, as it pivots toward AI initiatives. The move accompanies leadership changes and the creation of Superintelligence Labs to attract top AI researchers, signaling a broader shift from the metaverse to artificial intelligence.Read more →
Engadget...Tesla's Full Self-Driving is switching to a subscription-only serviceTesla will stop selling the $8,000 Full Self-Driving option as a one-time purchase and make it available only as a monthly subscription after February 14. The company already offers FSD by subscription at $99 per month or $999 per year. The move comes amid ongoing questions about FSD's performance and branding, with regulators criticizing the messaging as potentially deceptive, including a California judge's recommendation to suspend sales for 30 days.Read more →
CNET...Tired of AI Hallucinations? Use These 7 Expert Tips to Fix Your Image Errors FastAn AI image generator reviewer explains that even top tools struggle with realistic faces, logos, and complex scenes, frequently producing errors or ‘hallucinations’ despite ongoing improvements. The article offers practical fixes—simplifying prompts, reducing the number of subjects, using post-generation edits, and leveraging area-edit tools—while stressing that human oversight remains essential and ethical considerations, including copyright, should guide usage. It emphasizes the need to credit AI-generated images and redesign concepts to avoid trademark or brand infringements as these technologies evolve.Read more →
CNET...Your iPhone 15 Pro Can Access Apple's Visual Intelligence. Here's HowApple's iOS 18.4 adds Visual Intelligence to the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and the iPhone 16 lineup via a new Control Center control, along with three new Apple Intelligence options: Talk to Siri, Type to Siri, and Visual Intelligence. The update also introduces Ambient Music controls—Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing—that you can add to Control Center and tailor to playlists from your Library. While Apple markets these as convenient AI and mood-based audio tools, Visual Intelligence may not always be accurate, and Apple emphasizes verifying results.Read more →
TechCrunch...New York governor clears path for robotaxis everywhere, with one notable exceptionNew York Governor Kathy Hochul proposed legislation to legalize fully autonomous robotaxi operations outside New York City and to expand the state’s autonomous vehicle pilot program, requiring applications that demonstrate local support and adherence to high safety standards. Details are sparse and will be clarified in the upcoming executive budget, with the goal of reducing regulatory bottlenecks while NYC remains restricted and requires separate city approvals. Waymo publicly welcomed the move, signaling potential for safer, more accessible autonomous transport if implemented, though current NYC permits continue to require a human safety operator behind the wheel.Read more →
Engadget...Roblox's age verification system is reportedly a trainwreckRoblox's new age-verification for chat is aimed at curbing predator activity but is proving inaccurate, with children being mislabeled as adults and adults as children. The system relies on a facial age estimate via selfie or government ID and is being bypassed by users who spoof ages, while parents and developers report reduced chat activity and a sense that the platform feels like a ghost town. The rollout comes amid lawsuits and subpoenas from multiple states, forcing Roblox to fix the tool without crippling the user experience.Read more →
Engadget...Instagram wants you to personalize your Reels algorithm for 2026Instagram is expanding its Reels topic controls to all English-speaking users globally, enabling personalization of recommended topics, a see-less feature, and a new build-your-2026-algorithm to highlight three priorities. Early tests show the algorithm can adjust quickly yet may mislabel content (for example, a skiing clip tagged as snowboarding), and the option to reduce ads is not yet available, with some topics returning errors when added to the see-less list.Read more →
Gizmodo...Signal’s Founder Turns His Attention to AI’s Privacy ProblemConfer, an open source chatbot, encrypts both prompts and responses to prevent access to user data by companies and advertisers. This privacy-preserving design highlights how chatbots can reduce data collection and give users greater control over their information, with open-source transparency enabling auditing.Read more →
Engadget...Senate passes Defiance Act for a second time to address Grok deepfakesThe Senate approved the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits (DEFIANCE) Act, enabling individuals depicted in nonconsensual sexually explicit deepfakes to sue the creators and hosts of that content. The bill would not stop AI tools from generating deepfakes but would make producing or hosting such material financially risky for defendants, addressing concerns raised by incidents involving X's Grok prompts. The move follows international actions against X and earlier U.S. deepfake regulation, though the House has not yet acted on the new version.Read more →
The Verge...Senate passes a bill that would let nonconsensual deepfake victims sueThe Senate advanced the DEFIANCE Act, enabling victims of AI-generated nonconsensual explicit deepfakes to sue creators for civil damages and expanding protections alongside the Take It Down Act. The measure, propelled by recent deepfake controversies involving X's Grok and a Taylor Swift incident, now faces a House vote to become law.Read more →
The Verge...Anthropic shakes up C-suite to expand its internal incubatorAnthropic is expanding its internal incubator, Labs, with Mike Krieger moving from chief product officer to co-lead the team alongside Ben Mann, while Ami Vora takes over Krieger’s duties. The company plans to double Labs’ headcount in six months to accelerate experimental product development around Claude, as Krieger emphasizes hands-on building to address hard problems. This leadership shake-up comes amid fierce AI competition and rising fundraising activity, underscoring Anthropic’s push to speed delivery and scale product initiatives.Read more →
TechCrunch...Microsoft announces glut of new data centers but says it won’t let your electricity bill go upMicrosoft unveiled a 'community-first' approach to its AI infrastructure, pledging to cover its data centers’ local grid costs, work with utilities and regulators to prevent higher residential electricity bills, create local jobs, and minimize water use. The move responds to intense backlash against data-center projects, which has led to stalled plans and protests, as well as political scrutiny from the White House and public critics. The announcement mirrors similar promises from Meta and signals a broader industry effort to expand AI capacity while addressing community concerns, though its effectiveness remains to be seen.Read more →
Gizmodo...‘Star Trek Real’: Hegseth Praises Grok for Allowing Users to Fight WarsA Defense Secretary stated that the United States will win by becoming an AI-first war-fighting force across all domains, signaling a strategic shift toward AI-driven military capabilities. The remark emphasizes AI as a central priority in defense policy, with potential implications for future investments, procurement, and operations across air, land, sea, cyber, and space.Read more →
TechCrunch...A consumer watchdog issued a warning about Google’s AI agent shopping protocol — Google says she’s wrongThe piece examines Google's introduction of a Universal Commerce Protocol for AI-powered shopping agents and a consumer watchdog's warning that such systems could enable personalized upselling and 'surveillance pricing' based on chat and shopping data. Google denies the allegations, saying its pricing would not be manipulated and that 'upselling' simply offers premium options, while emphasizing user choice and non-discriminatory pricing. The article also notes ongoing regulatory scrutiny of Google's business practices, the incentive misalignment in ad-supported tech, and early signs that independent startups may build competing, privacy-respecting shopping tools.Read more →
Engadget...Proposed legislation opens the door to robotaxi services in New YorkWaymo tested its autonomous vehicles in New York City in 2025, and a proposed New York law would create a pilot program to allow limited deployment of for-hire autonomous passenger vehicles outside New York City. The bill would require applicants to show local support and adhere to high safety standards, a stance Waymo supports as a path to broader access to its technology. Waymo already operates robotaxi services in California, Texas, and Georgia and plans expansions to Las Vegas, San Diego, and Detroit in 2026, following substantial lobbying in New York.Read more →
TechCrunch...Ring founder details the camera company’s ‘intelligent assistant’ eraRing founder Jamie Siminoff is steering the company toward an AI-powered intelligent home assistant, unveiling features such as Fire Watch, Search Party, and Familiar Faces ahead of CES. While these tools aim to boost safety and personalization, they also revive privacy and civil-liberties concerns as Ring expands into commercial surveillance and seeks partnerships with entities like law enforcement, citing incidents like the Brown University shooting to justify broader data use.Read more →
CNET...In 2026, Google Is Focused on Making AI Actually UsefulGoogle is focusing its Gemini AI efforts on practical utility across its hardware and software ecosystem, moving from model announcements to real-world usage. After unveiling advanced models like Veo 3, Nano Banana, and Gemini 3 with agentic capabilities, Google aims to integrate AI into Android devices, Chromebooks, TVs, and smart glasses, enabling hands-free, autonomous tasks and AI-powered features such as Maps assistance and Circle-based search. CEO-style patience is being aimed at turning AI from curiosity into useful, everyday utility across form factors, as described by Android leader Sameer Samat.Read more →
TechCrunch...Doctors think AI has a place in healthcare – but maybe not as a chatbotAI health chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT Health aim to provide more private, patient-facing conversations and streamline access to medical data and records, with potential efficiency gains for clinicians through tools like ChatEHR and automated administrative tasks. The piece also highlights serious concerns about hallucinations, misinterpretation of medical information, and privacy risks when health data is shared with non-HIPAA compliant vendors, underscoring the need for clearer regulations as healthcare providers explore these tools. It portrays a tension between expanding access to care and protecting patients, with investors and clinicians weighing potential benefits against safety and privacy challenges.Read more →
CNET...Gemini AI is Headed for Your Gmail Inbox. Here's What's ChangingGoogle is rolling out AI-powered Gmail features, including a new AI Inbox that surfaces your most important messages and a Catch me up recap. The free options include Smart Replies with personalization, thread summaries (AI Overviews) and Help Me Write, while paid Google One Ultra/Pro subscribers gain more advanced tools such as AI Overviews for Gmail Search and Proofread; AI Inbox will launch first in Trusted Tester and then wider rollout.Read more →
CNET...This Type of AI Model Is Going to Be More Important Than LLMs in 2026The article explains that AI’s next major advance will focus on world models and spatial intelligence—systems that understand the physical world and can reason about it, rather than just generating text. These models, exemplified by Nvidia’s Cosmos for self-driving cars, enable realistic video, robotics guidance and safer autonomous driving by using sensor data, simulations and synthetic data to cover edge cases. Leading voices like Yann LeCun and Fei-Fei Li argue this physics-grounded approach will underpin practical AI that acts in the real world, not just chats.Read more →
Gizmodo...Google Pulls Some Health-Related AI Overviews as Industry Goes All-In on HealthcareThe article signals that 2026 is being framed as a pivotal year for AI companies to take an active role in personal health. It suggests a growing push for AI-driven health tools and services, potentially reshaping how individuals monitor and manage their well-being. The piece implies implications for privacy, regulation, and accessibility as AI touches more health-related decisions.Read more →
The Verge...Mercedes temporarily scraps its Level 3 ‘eyes-off’ driving featureMercedes-Benz is pausing the rollout of Drive Pilot, its Level 3 conditional automated driving system, due to limited consumer demand and high development costs, while pivoting to a Level 2++ Drive Pilot Assist that requires driver attention. The decision comes amid regulatory and operational constraints (ODD, mapping requirements, weather conditions) and supplier issues with lidar, with Mercedes hinting at a potential future merge of Drive Pilot with Drive Pilot Assist as regulations evolve. The move underscores ongoing debates about Level 3 safety and why many automakers are prioritizing higher-level automation (Level 4) instead.Read more →
CNET...Apple Launches Creator Studio Package as $13 a Month SubscriptionApple announced Creator Studio, a $13/month or $129/year subscription (students $3/month or $30/year) that bundles Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, MainStage and Freeform with Keynote, Pages and Numbers. Launching January 28, it offers beta features for free apps first to subscribers and adds AI-powered tools such as Transcript Search and Beat Detection in Final Cut Pro, Montage Maker on iPad, Chord ID and AI Session Players in Logic Pro, plus expanded Pixelmator Pro tools and AI image creation in Freeform; Mac users can still buy Final Cut Pro as a one-time license, marking a shift toward a unified pro-software subscription.Read more →
TechCrunch...Neo humanoid maker 1X releases world model to help bots learn what they see1X unveiled the 1X World Model, a physics-based AI system that processes video paired with prompts to enable Neo humanoids to learn new real-world tasks. The company says the model allows Neo to learn from internet-scale video and apply that knowledge to the physical world, providing insights into bot reasoning and guiding future training, though it cautions that it does not instantly grant complex capabilities. With pre-orders exceeding expectations, 1X plans to ship Neo humanoids this year as the World Model is used to progressively improve the bots' behavior through feedback loops.Read more →
The Verge...Google’s Veo now turns portrait images into vertical AI videosGoogle unveiled Veo 3.1, upgrading its AI video tool with 'Ingredients to Video' that uses up to three reference images to guide generation, improving consistency and enabling reuse of objects across scenes. The update adds vertical 9:16 outputs for platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, integrates with the Gemini app and YouTube Shorts/YouTube Create, and introduces on-platform 4K upscaling (with sharper 1080p results), aiming to produce more expressive videos and storytelling. Native 4K generation remains unconfirmed, as prior claims have not yet materialized.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google’s update for Veo 3.1 lets users create vertical videos through reference imagesGoogle updated its Veo 3.1 AI video generator to natively output 9:16 vertical videos from reference images, improving expressions, movements, and overall consistency for social platforms such as YouTube Shorts, Instagram, and TikTok. The update also introduces higher-resolution upscaling to 1080p and 4K, and integrates with YouTube Shorts and YouTube Create, with professional access through Flow, Gemini API, Vertex AI, and Google Vids, plus the Gemini app for broader workflows.Read more →
CNET...Home and Wildfire Safety Combined: Ring's Watch Duty Partnership and What It MeansRing is expanding its Neighbors app with a Fire Watch feature by integrating Watch Duty wildfire alerts, delivering location-based updates to Ring users. The system will relay Watch Duty alerts into Ring and can analyze saved Ring video via Ring Protect for signs of fire, with users able to share camera snapshots to assist first responders; rollout is expected this spring and includes opt-in sharing controls.Read more →
The Verge...Meta confirms Reality Labs layoffs and shifts to invest more in wearablesMeta will lay off roughly 10% of Reality Labs, starting Tuesday, as it shifts investment away from the metaverse toward wearables and reinvests the savings to support wearable growth this year. The company has highlighted Ray-Ban smart glasses and AI-enabled glasses as priorities, signaling a pivot from a VR-first metaverse strategy while not abandoning the concept entirely; an internal memo indicates the metaverse focus will shift toward mobile devices. This move follows public confirmation from a Meta spokesperson and reporting from Bloomberg and The Verge regarding the company’s strategy changes.Read more →
TechCrunch...ElevenLabs CEO says the voice AI startup crossed $330 million ARR last yearElevenLabs surpassed $330 million in ARR, with rapid growth since its 2022 founding and 2023 product launch, reaching $100 million in ARR in 20 months, $200 million in 10 months, and $330 million in just five months. Its voice agent technology is adopted by Fortune 500s and startups to power customer support, handling more than 50,000 calls per month. The company has raised $180 million in Series C at a $3.3 billion valuation (June 2025) and later saw its valuation double as investors bought employee shares; it has also expanded into music creation and licensed celebrity voices for AI-generated content.Read more →
CNET...Samsung's Smart Fridge May Be a Little Too Nosy for My LikingSamsung used CES 2026 to roll out an AI-powered smart refrigerator that inventories items, nudges users when food nears expiry, and suggests recipes to use up aging ingredients. The demo fits into a broader ecosystem of interconnected home devices—robots, vacuums, cameras and voice assistants—raising questions about privacy, data collection and how such a 'smart' household might influence daily routines.Read more →
Gizmodo...Games Workshop Rejects the Abominable IntelligenceThe makers of Warhammer have banned the use of generative AI in their design process, labeling it heresy. This policy signals a cautious stance on AI-assisted design within the company and could influence how creators approach AI tools in future product development.Read more →
The Verge...Dreame brings 8K video to compact action camerasDreame used CES 2026 to unveil the Leaptic Cube, its first action camera, a high-end model that can detach from its screen and stream a live preview up to 98 feet away. The 8K-capable camera uses a 1/1.3-inch sensor with a 155-degree lens, offering 8K 30fps (or 4K up to 120fps) and AI-powered features like tracking, auto-framing, and a voice-controlled assistant, with battery life extended by an external dock; pricing and release timing remain undisclosed.Read more →
Engadget...Anthropic launches Claude Cowork, a version of its coding AI for regular peopleAnthropic introduced Claude Cowork, a preview that lets ordinary users grant Claude access to a folder on their computer to read, edit or create files, navigate websites via a Chrome plugin, and connect to apps like Canva. The company argues Cowork makes Claude usable for non-developers by queuing tasks and running them in parallel, but it cautions that the system can take potentially destructive actions if given vague guidance. Availability starts with Claude Max subscribers on macOS, with a waitlist for others.Read more →
Engadget...Apple bundles creative apps such as Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro into a single subscriptionApple unveiled Apple Creator Studio, a bundled subscription that unlocks Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor and MainStage for $13/month or $129/year, with access to premium templates in Pages, Keynote and Numbers and various AI-enabled features. Student plans are $3/month or $30/year, and up to six people can share via Family Sharing; the apps remain available as one-time purchases. The bundle introduces AI-powered tools such as Beat Detection, Montage Maker and AI features across the suite, plus a Content Hub, with availability starting January 28, as Apple positions itself against Adobe and productivity suites like Microsoft 365 Copilot and Google Workspace.Read more →
The Verge...What Apple and Google’s Gemini deal means for both companiesApple and Google announced a multiyear partnership to use Google's Gemini AI to power a more personalized Siri, with Apple’s devices and Private Cloud Compute handling AI processing and an expected 2026 rollout. Analysts view the deal as a mutually beneficial co-opetition that could strengthen both companies’ AI offerings and privacy positioning, while raising ongoing antitrust scrutiny about large tech platform tie-ups and data-sharing implications.Read more →
CNET...I'm Happy the 2026 Moto G Power Is $300 but I'm Bummed To Lose Wireless ChargingMotorola's 2026 Moto G Power goes on sale at $300 with a larger 5,200 mAh battery, 8GB of RAM, and the same Dimensity 6300 processor as the 2025 model, plus new RAM Boost and AI features, but it sacrifices wireless charging. It retains 30W wired charging, IP68/IP69 water resistance, a 6.8-inch display, improved front and rear cameras, and ships with Android 16 along with Google's Circle to Search and the Gemini AI assistant. Availability is through Motorola, Best Buy, and Amazon, with carrier releases expected in the coming months.Read more →
TechCrunch...Deepgram raises $130M at $1.3B valuation and buys a YC AI startupDeepgram has raised $130 million in a Series C at a $1.3 billion valuation, led by AVP with participation from existing investors and new backers, bringing total funding to over $215 million. The company will use the capital to expand globally, enhance multilingual support, and accelerate its restaurant-focused initiatives after acquiring Ofone, as voice AI adoption for contact centers, sales, and consumer applications continues to rise. With 1,300+ organizations using its text-to-speech and speech-to-text APIs, the market is forecast to grow significantly, potentially reaching multi-billion-dollar valuations by 2030.Read more →
Engadget...Insta360 releases AI-powered follow-up to its Link webcamsInsta360 has unveiled two AI-powered 4K webcams, the Link 2 Pro and Link 2C Pro, targeting creators, educators, and remote professionals with a webcam experience closer to a professional camera setup. They feature a large 1/1.3-inch sensor, HDR, dual native ISO, AI-driven audio with beamforming and four pickup modes, 4K/30fps video, and a True Focus autofocus with a Natural Bokeh option. The Link 2 Pro adds a 2-axis gimbal for AI-assisted tracking, while the Link 2C Pro is static; both offer gesture control, magnetic mounting, teaching modes like Smart Whiteboard and DeskView, virtual backgrounds, and integration with Insta360 InSight for meeting transcripts and summaries.Read more →
The Verge...Insta360’s face-tracking webcams get bigger sensors and more expensiveInsta360 unveiled Pro variants of its Link 2 and Link 2C webcams, upgrading to larger 1/1.3-inch sensors and 24mm f/1.9 lenses for better low-light performance, a claim the company says will yield brighter, more detailed video (hands-on testing was not yet performed). The Link 2 Pro adds a two-axis gimbal and costs $249.99, while the Link 2C Pro relies on software tracking and costs $199.99; both max out at 4K/30fps (1080p up to 60fps) and include AI-powered audio with multiple pickup modes. Features like gesture controls, background blur, green screen, and whiteboard mode persist, with Elgato Stream Deck support coming soon, and availability worldwide through Insta360's online store.Read more →
TechCrunch...Slackbot is an AI agent nowSalesforce's Slack unveils a next-generation Slackbot AI agent, available to Business+ and Enterprise+ customers, capable of finding information, drafting emails, scheduling meetings, and connecting with other enterprise apps like Microsoft Teams and Google Drive from within Slack. Billed as a 'super agent' powered by generative AI, it’s a central piece of Salesforce’s enterprise AI push and aims to emulate the viral impact of ChatGPT. Salesforce plans future enhancements such as voice capabilities and internet browsing, while emphasizing internal adoption as proof of product-market fit.Read more →
The Verge...PC shipments just grew unexpectedly amid RAM shortagesIDC reports Q4 2025 PC shipments rose nearly 10% year-over-year to 76.4 million, with Windows 10 end-of-support and aggressive inventory pull-forward helping offset market turbulence. Surging RAM and NAND/SSD prices driven by AI data-center demand have led manufacturers to stockpile memory, potentially lowering memory specs as inventories thin in the coming months. The firm forecasts higher average selling prices in 2026 as makers shift toward midrange and premium systems, creating a volatile AI-driven PC market and encouraging buyers to consider purchasing soon.Read more →
TechCrunch...Superorganism raises $25M to back biodiversity startupsSuperorganism, launched in 2023 as what it claims to be the first venture capital firm focused on biodiversity, has closed its first fund at $25.9 million with backing from Cisco Foundation, AMB Holdings, Builders Vision and individuals like Jeff Jordan. The firm invests $250,000 to $500,000 in pre-seed and seed-stage startups across three areas—tech that slows or reverses extinction, biodiversity-enabled climate solutions, and conservation tools—and donates 10% of profits to conservation efforts, pursuing a diverse, cross-industry portfolio of about 35 companies (20 invested so far) exemplified by Spoor’s bird-movement tracking to minimize wind-turbine impacts.Read more →
TechCrunch...Brazil orders Meta to suspend policy banning third-party AI chatbots from WhatsAppCADE, Brazil's competition watchdog, ordered WhatsApp to suspend its policy banning third-party AI chatbots from the WhatsApp Business API and opened a probe into possible anti-competitive conduct. The move follows EU and Italian investigations into Meta's terms, with potential penalties up to 10% of global revenue if breaches are found. Meta has indicated that AI chatbots may continue in some markets, while the policy change affects providers such as OpenAI, Perplexity, and Microsoft and leaves room for businesses to use their own chatbots within WhatsApp.Read more →
Engadget...The Morning After: Apple will use Gemini to power Siri AIApple and Google confirmed that Gemini models power the new Siri and other generative AI features, with Apple stating that its foundation models run on Apple devices or Private Cloud Compute while preserving privacy standards. The move follows reports that Apple explored partnerships with OpenAI and Anthropic, and that current iPhones already access ChatGPT, with rumors of a potential Google deal around $1 billion per year. The article also recaps other tech headlines in the morning briefing, including Netflix awards, Artemis 2 timing, and LEGO‑Pokémon sets.Read more →
TechCrunch...Converge Bio raises $25M, backed by Bessemer and execs from Meta, OpenAI, WizConverge Bio secured a $25 million oversubscribed Series A to scale its AI-driven drug-discovery platform that trains generative models on DNA, RNA and protein data to accelerate programs such as antibody design and protein yield optimization. With about 40 partnerships and 40 active programs, the Boston–Tel Aviv startup provides ready-to-use systems that integrate into customers’ workflows, combining generative, predictive and physics-based components to reduce risk in molecule design. The funding highlights the growing momentum in AI-enabled life sciences as the industry shifts from trial-and-error to data-driven, accelerated drug development.Read more →
Engadget...Proton's Lumo AI chatbot now has an encrypted space for your projectsProton has updated Lumo, its privacy-focused chatbot, with a new Projects feature that creates encrypted, persistent workspaces for individual tasks or long-running projects. Projects store data and files, sync across devices, and integrate with Proton Drive, while keeping chat histories private and not used to train AI models; Lumo relies on open-source models. The update is available to all users, with unlimited projects available only to Lumo Plus subscribers at $10 per month, and free accounts limited to one project.Read more →
CNET...Lenovo's Twisting Laptop Follows You Around the Meeting RoomLenovo's ThinkBook Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist is a lightweight business laptop with a motorized, rotating 14-inch 2.8K OLED display that follows the user around a room via its camera, similar to Apple's Center Stage. It adds an AI-powered mode that lights up two large kewpie eyes and supports voice commands, and is planned for commercial sale in June 2026 at a starting price of $1,650, powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3. The device was first shown as a CES 2024 concept; Lenovo also previewed ThinkPad Rollable XD and Legion Pro Rollable concepts at CES 2026, with no clear release dates.Read more →
TechCrunch...Meta-backed Hupo finds growth after pivot to AI sales coaching from mental wellnessHupo, a Singapore-based startup led by Justin Kim, pivots from a mental wellness app to AI-powered sales coaching for banking, insurance, and financial services, delivering real-time, context-aware guidance designed to fit regulatory workflows. The company has raised a $10 million Series A led by DST Global Partners, bringing total funding to $15 million since 2022, and serves customers across APAC and Europe with plans to expand into the US in the first half of this year. Hupo aims to scale coaching beyond individual conversations to help large teams perform at scale, focusing on practical, non-judgmental guidance rather than replacing human judgment.Read more →
CNET...Transport Your Dungeons & Dragons Hero Off the Page With This Tabletop GadgetAt CES 2026, Arcalink unveiled two tabletop gaming enhancements: the Arcalink One hardware display, a compact device with interchangeable fantasy shells that can show a player avatar and voice-activated spell animations, and Arca Studio, AI-powered software that records game sessions to create searchable logs and word-cloud visualizations for game masters. The Arcalink One is priced around $100–$150 with preorders in spring and a Kickstarter expected in June, while Arca Studio will launch as a subscription service around May or June, with pricing to be determined. Together, they highlight a trend of blending analog tabletop play with digital tooling, signaling a startup-driven push in RPG accessories.Read more →
TechCrunch...More than 100 new tech unicorns were minted in 2025 — here they areTechCrunch uses Crunchbase and PitchBook data to track VC-backed startups that reached unicorn status this year, highlighting AI as the primary driver of the investor frenzy. While AI dominates, the list also features notable non-AI unicorns such as Loft Orbital (satellite) and Kalshi (blockchain-based trading), with valuations rising to as high as $8 billion for open foundation models like Reflection. The story is periodically updated to reflect new unicorns and changing valuations.Read more →
The Verge...The best robot vacuums we’ve tested for 2026Verge's robot vacuum round-up evaluates top models on cleaning performance, mopping, autonomous emptying, navigation (SLAM), and AI obstacle detection. It names the Matic as the top pick for most users, with Roborock's Saros 10 as a strong runner-up, and covers budget, pet-hair, small-space options, and notable trade-offs like dock size, carpet handling, and app stability. The piece also notes updates from CES 2026 and emphasizes local data storage and offline operation.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI buys tiny health records startup Torch for, reportedly, $100MOpenAI has acquired the tiny startup Torch in an acqui-hire, reportedly paying about $100 million in equity for Torch’s four-person team. Torch built a 'medical memory for AI' that unifies medical data from doctors, labs, wearables and other sources to power health-focused AI tools, and the team will join OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health initiative. The deal follows Torch’s founders’ prior work at Forward Health, which shut down in 2024, and positions Torch’s technology as a core component of OpenAI’s health analytics offering.Read more →
TechCrunch...Hands-on with Bee, Amazon’s latest AI wearableAmazon's Bee is a wearable AI device that records and transcribes conversations, then segments the audio into color-coded sections with summaries for easier navigation. While the app is polished and integrates with Google services for task ideas, it currently lacks robust speaker labeling and discards audio after transcription, raising playback and privacy concerns about everyday use. The device is positioned as a consumer-friendly companion rather than a professional tool, with Amazon signaling more features to come and broader questions about whether people will embrace AI-enabled listening in daily life.Read more →
Engadget...Framework increases Desktop prices by up to $460 due to RAM crisisFramework has raised RAM prices for its Desktop systems and Mainframes due to higher supplier costs. The 32GB and 64GB options each increase by $40, while the 128GB upgrade has surged by $460, bringing current prices to $1,139 (32GB), $1,639 (64GB), and $2,459 (128GB). The company commits to price transparency, says it will lower prices when the market calms, and will honor original prices for existing pre-orders; CES 2026 highlighted RAM as an expensive commodity driven by AI-driven data-center expansion, prompting buyers to consider cheaper configurations or fewer memory upgrades.Read more →
Gizmodo...Meta Reportedly Cutting About 1,500 VR and AR Jobs Amid Renewed Push to Become an AI JuggernautMeta's Mark Zuckerberg says that its AI infrastructure will give the company a strategic advantage. The comment mirrors his earlier assertion that investments in emerging technologies, like the metaverse, could yield similar strategic benefits.Read more →
CNET...Cowork for Claude Can Tap Into a Folder on Your Computer and Organize Its ContentsAnthropic rolled out Cowork, a Claude feature that can access a user’s MacOS folders to organize files, rename items, or generate documents and spreadsheets from the data. Available only to MacOS users with a Claude Max subscription ($100/month) and in research preview, Cowork also connects to external apps via Connectors and works with the Claude in Chrome extension, enabling agentic tasks; Anthropic cautions users to avoid sensitive data and warns about prompt-injection risks.Read more →
The Verge...Meta plans to lay off hundreds of metaverse employees this weekMeta's Reality Labs is preparing to lay off about 10% of its staff, with most cuts focused on the metaverse division, according to The New York Times. The moves coincide with Meta's intensified focus on AI, including a highly anticipated in-person meeting led by CTO Andrew Bosworth, and follow prior reports of a 30% reduction in metaverse spending amid VR challenges. The layoffs come as Ray-Ban smart glasses gain prominence and the overall VR initiative struggles to gain traction, with Meta declining to comment on the situation.Read more →
TechCrunch...Why Amazon bought Bee, an AI wearableAmazon showcased Bee at CES, a wearable AI device acquired to extend its AI reach beyond the home and complement Alexa. Bee records conversations, learns from user data, and can access services like Gmail, Calendar, contacts, and Apple Health to suggest tasks and provide summaries, while discarding audio after transcription for privacy. The company envisions Bee and Alexa as complementary with potential future integration, as the SF-based startup expands features ahead of 2026.Read more →
TechCrunch...Mark Zuckerberg says Meta is launching its own AI infrastructure initiativeMeta unveiled Meta Compute to expand its AI infrastructure, signaling a plan to dramatically increase its energy footprint by tens of gigawatts this decade and potentially hundreds of gigawatts over time. CEO Mark Zuckerberg named three executives—Santosh Janardhan, Daniel Gross, and Dina Powell McCormick—to lead architecture, long-term capacity strategy, and government engagement for a global data-center network, highlighting a strategic push to build AI-ready cloud infrastructure amid intense industry competition. The move could significantly impact electricity demand and underscores Meta’s commitment to scaling its AI capabilities.Read more →
CNET...Garmin Has Jumped on the Nutrition-Tracking Bandwagon With Its New App FeatureGarmin announced at CES 2026 that nutrition tracking will be built directly into its Connect Plus app, eliminating the need for a separate MyFitnessPal integration (which remains available). Users can log meals via a global database, barcode scan, or AI-analyzed images, with nutrition data feeding into personalized dashboards and AI-driven Active Intelligence insights that support training and overall health, viewable on Garmin devices. The service costs $7 per month or $70 per year, with a 30-day free trial for new customers and a 14-day trial for existing Connect Plus users.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic announces Claude for Healthcare following OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health revealAnthropic announced Claude for Healthcare, a set of tools for providers, payers, and patients that can synchronize health data from devices and apps and use connectors to CMS Coverage, ICD-10, the National Provider Identifier Registry, and PubMed to accelerate tasks such as prior authorization. It positions Claude for Healthcare as a more capable option than OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health, while acknowledging the risk of hallucinations and emphasizing that data will not be used to train models. Both companies note that health information is increasingly discussed with LLMs, but advise consulting healthcare professionals for tailored guidance.Read more →
TechCrunch...Pebble founder says his new company is ‘not a startup’Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky is reviving the brand as Core Devices with a lean, self-funded team and a direct-to-consumer approach, aiming for a sustainable, long-running enterprise rather than a traditional startup. The lineup includes the Pebble Time 2, Pebble Round 2, and a $75 AI smart ring called Index 01, with five employees and pre-orders already underway, leveraging Pebble OS open-sourced by Google and a relaunch of the developer SDK. Migicovsky emphasizes a focused, casual hardware ecosystem that complements a phone, learning from Pebble’s past inventory missteps and prioritizing profitability and scalability over rapid expansion.Read more →
Engadget...CES 2026 proved the PC industry is hosed this yearCES 2026 highlighted a looming memory shortage as AI datacenters drive RAM demand, pushing consumer devices like Dell's XPS laptops to $2,000+ and signaling higher prices and tighter availability. Nvidia and AMD unveiled large AI supercomputers that consume substantial RAM, reinforcing a shift toward component upgrades over full system swaps, with AMD noting AM4 as a viable upgrade path for gamers. Industry insiders expect RAM prices to stabilize within 3-6 months, though the memory crunch will continue to influence hardware costs and availability this year.Read more →
The Verge...UK pushes up a law criminalizing deepfake nudes in response to GrokThe UK will enforce provisions from the Data Act and Online Safety Act criminalizing the creation of non-consensual intimate deepfake images, with Ofcom already formally investigating X over Grok AI-generated content and potential penalties. The government describes this as a priority offense requiring platforms to proactively block such material, and violations could incur fines up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue. While X has begun restricting Grok’s image-generation to paying subscribers, free methods to generate or edit images persist, highlighting ongoing enforcement and safety challenges for social platforms.Read more →
The Verge...Anthropic wants you to use Claude to 'Cowork' in latest AI agent pushAnthropic released Claude Cowork, a research-preview feature that lets Claude handle non-coding tasks by accessing a folder on the user’s Mac and connecting to external apps, with tasks queuing and parallel execution to function more like a coworker. It’s available to Claude Max subscribers as part of expanding Claude’s AI agent capabilities, following the earlier Skills for Claude and Claude Code efforts. The rollout underscores the push for practical AI agents while highlighting safety concerns about potentially destructive actions and prompt-injection risks.Read more →
TechCrunch...Anthropic’s new Cowork tool offers Claude Code without the codeAnthropic announced Cowork, an accessible version of Claude Code integrated into the Claude Desktop app that lets users designate a folder for Claude to read or modify files. Currently in research preview and limited to Max subscribers with a waitlist for other plans, Cowork aims to broaden non-coding use cases by serving as a general-purpose agent tool. Built on the Claude Agent SDK, it shares similar risks to Claude Code, including prompt injection and potential file deletions, so users are advised to craft clear instructions.Read more →
Engadget...Anthropic made a version of its coding AI for regular peopleAnthropic released Claude Cowork, a preview that lets Claude access and manage files in a user’s computer to automate tasks such as organizing folders, turning receipts into spreadsheets, and navigating websites via a Chrome plugin and Canva connectors. The feature aims to broaden Claude’s usefulness beyond developers, with explicit access controls and warnings that it can perform potentially destructive actions; access is limited initially to Claude Max subscribers on macOS, with a waitlist for others. The company also positions Cowork in the competitive landscape against Microsoft Copilot.Read more →
CNET...Google Moves to Simplify AI-Driven Shopping as Retailers Show SupportGoogle unveiled the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open standard to let AI shopping tools communicate with retailers and payment systems across product discovery, checkout, and post-purchase support. Co-developed with major retailers and payments firms (Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, Target, Walmart; Visa, Mastercard, Stripe), UCP aims to power a new checkout via AI interfaces in Google Search and the Gemini app, using saved payment data (Google Wallet/Google Pay with PayPal later). Retailers remain the merchant of record, and Google is adding retailer-focused tools like Business Agent and Direct Offers as part of a broader push into AI-enabled commerce; US rollout is imminent with global expansion planned.Read more →
Engadget...Mark Zuckerberg announces new 'Meta Compute' initiative for its data center and AI projectsMeta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg outlined Meta Compute, a major infrastructure initiative, appointing Dina Powell McCormick as president and vice chairman to lead government and sovereign partnerships. The plan targets tens to hundreds of gigawatts of data-center capacity this decade, with internal leaders guiding capacity strategy and partnerships, and includes nuclear power deals as Meta aims to spend up to $600 billion on AI infrastructure and jobs by 2028.Read more →
TechCrunch...Amazon says 97% of its devices can support Alexa+At CES, Amazon pitched Alexa+ as the cornerstone of its generative AI push, built on the existing Alexa-enabled device footprint and consumer familiarity. With over 600 million devices shipped and 97% capable of supporting Alexa+, the company expects tens of millions of upgrades, starting with Prime members, and aims to expand through integrations with partners and the Bee AI wearable. The move comes amid competing AI efforts from Apple and Google as users consider several AI assistants for everyday tasks.Read more →
CNET...The Home Tech Gadgets That Stole the Show at CES 2026CES 2026 unveiled a range of home-tech innovations—from AI-assisted ovens and fast-cold-brew gadgets to robot cleaners and security devices—that could change everyday life in the near term. The lineup includes autonomous and sensor-driven appliances (AISO oven, LG washer-dryer, CLOiD), legged and carpet-cleaning robots (Saros Rover, Robotin R2), wireless smart locks with AuraCharge, a gluten/dairy detector, and a self-emptying pool cleaner, with pricing and release timelines varying.Read more →
CNET...Apple Picks Google Gemini to Power SiriApple has chosen Google's Gemini to power the next iteration of Siri, with Apple Intelligence continuing to run on Apple devices and Private Cloud Compute, according to a joint statement. The deal, long speculated to favor Gemini over OpenAI's ChatGPT, reportedly involves a sizable annual payment to Google and aims to enhance Siri's capabilities while upholding Apple's privacy standards. The partnership follows broader discussions of AI leadership and recalls past Apple-Google payments amid antitrust scrutiny.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google’s Gemini to power Apple’s AI features like SiriApple has formalized a multi-year partnership with Google to power its AI initiatives, including future Apple Foundation Models and a revised Siri, using Google’s Gemini models and cloud infrastructure. The deal, reportedly around $1 billion and non-exclusive, follows Apple’s internal testing of OpenAI and Anthropic and emphasizes on-device privacy; Apple plans a broader Siri upgrade later this year, though the changes are expected to be incremental. The arrangement comes amid antitrust scrutiny of Google’s default-search arrangements with Apple.Read more →
TechCrunch...A New Jersey lawsuit shows how hard it is to fight deepfake pornClothOff, a deepfake pornography app that targeted young women, has been banned from major app stores but remains accessible online, prompting a Yale Law School clinic to file a lawsuit seeking its takedown. The case underscores the challenge of holding platforms accountable for general-purpose AI tools that can generate child sexual abuse material, the First Amendment tensions involved, and a patchwork of global regulatory responses to similar technologies.Read more →
The Verge...Amazon has started automatically upgrading Prime members to Alexa PlusAmazon is quietly auto-upgrading Prime members to a new AI-driven 'Alexa Plus' experience, a non-opt-in overhaul designed to compete with rivals like Google Gemini. Users can still revert to the original Alexa by saying 'Alexa, exit Alexa+' after the update, but many report longer wait times, a changed voice, and an influx of ads. The move mirrors broader AI-enabled updates and echoes reported issues from Google's Gemini rollout, including misidentifications and hallucinations.Read more →
The Verge...Apple picks Google’s Gemini AI for its big Siri upgradeApple plans to use Google's Gemini AI model to power a more personalized Siri this year, marking a major shift in its AI strategy and the foundation for its Apple Foundation Models. The company said Google's technology offers the most capable foundation for its AI ambitions, a move that comes after delays to an AI-upgraded Siri and the recent stepping down of AI chief John Giannandrea. Apple has also explored partnerships with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity and signaled plans to expand integrations with more AI firms over time.Read more →
Engadget...Apple's Siri AI will be powered by GeminiApple has confirmed that it will use Google Gemini’s AI models to power a new version of Siri and other generative AI features, under a multi-year agreement with Google. The company says Google’s technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models and will unlock innovative experiences for users.Read more →
TechCrunch...Harmattan AI raises $200M Series B led by Dassault Aviation, becomes defense unicornHarmattan AI, a French defense technology startup founded in 2024, raised a $200 million Series B led by Dassault Aviation, bringing its valuation to $1.4 billion. The funds come with a strategic partnership to embed AI in Dassault’s Rafale aircraft and drones, while accelerating manufacturing for drone interception, electronic warfare and ISR and expanding access to the U.S. and other markets. The move signals a rapid scale-up in Europe’s defense AI ecosystem, with leadership framing it as strengthening strategic autonomy for liberal democracies, alongside broader geopolitical commentary from the CTO.Read more →
The Verge...Google brings buy buttons to Gemini and AI searchGoogle announced plans to turn its Gemini AI into a merchant by launching the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open-source standard developed with retailers like Shopify, Walmart, Target and others to standardize how AI agents interact with shopping systems. The protocol aims to enable a forthcoming AI-driven checkout in Search and Gemini, aligning discovery, payment and post-purchase support across retailers and fintechs, and positioning Google in the AI-powered shopping arena alongside competitors. UCP has already gained support from more than 20 companies including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Stripe and major retailers, with Google also introducing a brand-facing shopping assistant on Search.Read more →
Engadget...Malaysia and Indonesia are the first to block Grok following CSAM scandalIndonesia and Malaysia blocked Grok over concerns that the AI tool enables explicit, non-consensual deepfakes of women and children, citing inadequate safeguards and potential rights violations. In the UK, Ofcom opened a formal Online Safety Act investigation into X to assess protections against illegal content, including child sexual abuse material and non-consensual intimate images, and to evaluate age verification and risk assessments. The case underscores heightened regulatory scrutiny of Grok across jurisdictions, even as X shifts Grok toward a paid-subscription model for image generation while some non-paying access remains possible during the transition.Read more →
Engadget...UK regulator Ofcom opens a formal investigation into X over CSAM scandalOfcom has opened a formal probe into X under the Online Safety Act after reports that the Grok AI chatbot on X was used to generate non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material. The investigation will examine whether X has met its duties to shield UK users from illegal content, including rapid removal, risk assessments before platform changes, and effective age verification, with urgent clarifications sought from xAI. The regulator warned of possible compliance orders or fines and noted global scrutiny, including recent blocks of Grok in Indonesia and Malaysia.Read more →
TechCrunch...These Gen Zers just raised $11.75M to put Africa’s defense back in the hands of AfricansTerra Industries is a Nigerian-based defense startup that emerged from stealth with 11.75 million dollars in funding to build Africa's first defense prime. The company develops autonomous systems and ArtemisOS software to monitor critical infrastructure and counter terrorist threats, deploying drones, surveillance towers, ground drones, and maritime technology, with manufacturing anchored in Africa and plans to expand to San Francisco and London. With over 2.5 million dollars in commercial revenue and assets protected valued at around 11 billion dollars, Terra aims to reduce reliance on foreign intelligence by creating sovereign, multi-domain defense capabilities for the continent.Read more →
TechCrunch...Motional puts AI at center of robotaxi reboot as it targets 2026 for driverless serviceMotional has pivoted from its traditional robotics approach to an AI-first self-driving system built on a foundation-model backbone designed to generalize across cities. The company aims to launch a commercial driverless service in Las Vegas by the end of 2026, initially with a human safety operator and then fully autonomous, with a ride-hailing partner to be announced. Hyundai has supported the shift with additional funding after Aptiv's departure, and Motional is pursuing cost-efficient, scalable deployment by unifying smaller models under a single architecture.Read more →
Gizmodo...Trump Administration Wants to Achieve ‘Pax Silica’ Through AI. Here’s What That MeansThe article argues that the Trump administration aims to extend its global influence by shaping the AI supply chain, using policy levers and regulatory measures to influence technology ecosystems and international partners. It suggests that control over components, vendors, and standards within AI could become a central tool of U.S. foreign and security strategy. The approach has broad implications for global tech competition, supply-chain resilience, and alliances with allies and adversaries.Read more →
Engadget...Google's new commerce framework cranks up the heat on 'agentic shopping'Google has introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open standard to enable agent-driven shopping across AI agents and retailers. The rollout includes new features in AI Mode, such as a checkout that works with Google Pay and will add PayPal, plus capabilities like product discovery and loyalty point integration, and a Business Agent that acts as a virtual sales associate in a brand’s voice, along with Direct Offers for advertisers. The standard is designed to be compatible with existing protocols and counts Shopify, Etsy and Walmart among its co-developers, with support from Macy's, Stripe, and Visa.Read more →
The Verge...Google pulls AI overviews for some medical searchesTwo alarming cases show Google's medical guidance generated by its AI was dangerously misleading: it told pancreatic cancer patients to avoid high-fat foods, contrary to medical guidance. It also provided bogus information about liver function tests that could lead liver-disease patients to think they are healthy, risking serious harm or death.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google removes AI Overviews for certain medical queriesA Guardian investigation found that Google AI Overviews sometimes provided misleading health information for liver-test queries. Google has removed AI Overviews for those exact questions, but related phrases can still yield AI-generated summaries, and independent checks suggested issues may persist in variants. Google says it is pursuing broad improvements and notes clinician review, while critics argue the problem extends beyond single query removals and into broader health AI risks.Read more →
The Verge...Google’s AI Inbox could be a glimpse of Gmail’s futureGoogle is testing a new AI Inbox mode in Gmail that replaces the standard inbox with AI-generated summaries, to-dos, and topics drawn from emails. The feature is in early access for trusted testers and could eventually transform email management with potential calendar integration and quick-reply options, though its usefulness is uncertain for users who keep a highly organized inbox and it is not yet broadly available. The author views it as a promising concept that may evolve, but remains skeptical about its practicality in its current form.Read more →
TechCrunch...Indonesia and Malaysia block Grok over non-consensual, sexualized deepfakesOfficials in Indonesia and Malaysia temporarily blocked access to Grok amid a surge of sexualized AI-generated imagery, including non-consensual deepfakes involving real people. The moves follow broad regulatory pressure worldwide, with India ordering action to curb obscene content, the EU demanding document retention, and the UK Ofcom signaling potential investigations, highlighting a global debate over moderation and safety. xAI apologized and restricted image-generation to paying subscribers on X, while Malaysia's ban was announced, underscoring ongoing tensions between safeguarding users and concerns about censorship and innovation.Read more →
TechCrunch...Google announces a new protocol to facilitate commerce using AI agentsGoogle unveiled the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), an open standard for AI agent-based shopping developed with major retailers, designed to let agents manage discovery, checkout and post-purchase support across brands and apps. The protocol works alongside related agentic protocols (A2P, A2A, MCP) and will power features in Google search, Gemini apps, and retailer integrations, including Google Pay and Wallet-based checkout with PayPal to follow. This signals a move toward standardized, AI-driven shopping experiences across the ecommerce ecosystem.Read more →
CNET...Struggling With a Steep Lawn? Mammotion's Extreme Mower Aims to Fix Your Toughest Yard WorkCES 2026 showcased Mammotion's Luba 3 AWD and Mini series as breakthroughs in consumer robot lawn care, combining rugged off-road design with advanced navigation that eliminates boundary wires. The mowers use lidar, AI vision, and RTK to tackle steep inclines up to 38.6 degrees and navigate tight yards, with pre-orders at $2,399 and delivery planned for early March. While hands-on real-world testing remains pending, the demos suggest a significant shift toward credible, user-friendly autonomous lawn maintenance.Read more →
CNET...CES 2026: LG's Latest Washer-Dryer Combo Solves the Biggest Issues With All-In-One MachinesLG unveiled a ventless Signature Series washer-dryer combo at CES 2026 that can complete a 10-pound load in about 90 minutes, dramatically reducing cycle times and offering a single, space-saving alternative to two machines. The unit uses heat-pump drying, AI load detection, and LG's ThinkQ app to optimize water and drying time, making the appliance more convenient and fabric-friendly. Pricing and exact launch date weren’t disclosed, but the device is expected to arrive early in 2026 at an estimated around $3,000.Read more →
CNET...CES 2026: We Found the Robots That Actually Solve Real Housework ProblemsCES 2026 showcases a surge in AI-enabled robots that are moving beyond basic chores to act as household companions and entertainment, signaling a shift toward more capable, human-like machines. Highlights include LG's CLOiD home helper, Roborock Saros Rover with legged navigation, the Tamagotchi-like Sweekar, the Boston Dynamics Atlas prototype, and Narwal Flow 2's improved object avoidance, with industry partnerships hinting at a broader future for robotics in everyday life. While some devices cue consumer availability this year, price expectations range from around $150 for Sweekar to about $2,500 or more for the Saros Rover, with Atlas and Flow 2 targeting broader deployments.Read more →
Engadget...Elon Musk says X's new algorithm will be made open source next weekElon Musk said X will open-source its new recommendation algorithm and all related code within seven days, with ongoing updates and developer notes every four weeks. The move comes amid investigations by France and the European Commission and renewed scrutiny after the Grok chatbot incident involving CSAM, raising questions about platform safety and transparency. Past openness efforts, such as the 2023 For You feed release, were incomplete, and regulators will gauge whether this new approach meaningfully improves accountability.Read more →
The Verge...Musk says he's going to open-source the new X algorithm next weekIn a post about X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk announced that the platform will open-source its new recommendation algorithm within seven days, promising transparency into how organic and advertising posts are ranked and indicating forthcoming developer notes every four weeks. The plan follows earlier open-source efforts such as Grok, but the associated GitHub repositories are outdated and have drawn skepticism given past controversies over Grok’s handling of sensitive content and the platform’s perceived focus on rage-bait in feeds. While the move could improve transparency for users and developers, critics caution that prior promises have not always materialized, and observers will watch closely how the updates and notes address concerns about algorithmic bias and safety.Read more →
The Verge...These smart home devices impressed me at CES 2026The CES coverage emphasizes that 2026 smart-home trends are driven by interoperability through Matter, enabling cheaper, feature-rich devices across lighting, locks, cameras, and TVs. Highlights include LG CLOiD robots, Ikea and Lifx smart furnishings, Aqara thermostats and cameras, Lockin’s AI-powered V7 Max lock, GE’s connected refrigerator and roller shades, and Amazon’s Ember Artline TV, all showcasing Matter, Thread, and adaptive energy features to unify ecosystems and reduce development costs. The report underlines a shift toward a centralized, AI-enabled, energy-aware smart home where devices from multiple brands work together and become more affordable and easier to use.Read more →
TechCrunch...OpenAI is reportedly asking contractors to upload real work from past jobsOpenAI and training-data company Handshake AI are reportedly asking third-party contractors to upload real work from past and current jobs to help train their models, as part of a broader push to source high-quality data for automating white-collar tasks. Contractors are instructed to provide actual outputs (e.g., Word docs, PDFs, spreadsheets) and to scrub proprietary and personally identifiable information using a tool called 'Superstar Scrubbing.' Legal experts warn that such an approach poses confidentiality and intellectual property risks, and OpenAI declined to comment.Read more →
Gizmodo...SAG-AFTRA Is Keeping an Eye on the Disney/OpenAI DealThe article notes that Disney's collaboration with OpenAI drew mixed reactions, with some critics expressing disapproval. SAG-AFTRA argues the partnership could improve transparency and drive progress within the entertainment industry.Read more →
Gizmodo...Elon Musk Says In One Week He Will Fully Reveal Why Your X Timeline Is… Like ThatThe article notes that the individual has been claiming since 2022 that they would make the algorithm open source. It provides little detail on which algorithm is involved or when the release might occur. The piece underscores a commitment to openness in algorithm development, but lacks further context.Read more →
TechCrunch...Indonesia blocks Grok over non-consensual, sexualized deepfakesIndonesia temporarily blocked access to xAI’s Grok chatbot amid a government crackdown on sexualized, AI-generated imagery, calling non-consensual deepfakes a serious violation of rights and digital security. The move signals a broader regulatory push, with India ordering action to curb obscene content, the EU seeking document retention for potential investigations, and UK regulators weighing compliance issues; in the US, lawmakers have urged Apple and Google to remove X from app stores.Read more →
Gizmodo...The Fourth Most Populous Country in the World Just Reportedly Blocked GrokIndonesia has placed a temporary restriction on Grok, and X has been invited to discuss the matter with regulators. The move signals a regulatory review rather than a permanent ban.Read more →
Engadget...Engadget Podcast: Best of CES 2026 and a chat with Pebble's founderEngadget’s CES 2026 wrap highlights the show's standout moments and announces its Best of CES 2026 awards, featuring innovations like Lego’s Smart Brick and Lenovo’s rollable laptop screen. The episode also includes an interview with Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky about reviving the Pebble smartwatch and introduces an intriguing AI-powered notetaking ring, signaling continued momentum in wearables, health tech, and AI-enabled gadgets.Read more →
Engadget...The robots we saw at CES 2026: The lovable, the creepy and the utterly confusingCES 2026 highlighted robotics as a centerpiece, with AI-enabled humanoids and autonomous assistants demonstrating advanced autonomy, social interaction, and versatile capabilities. The show ranged from Agibot's A2/X2 and other humanoids to AI-powered pets, chore-handling bots, and innovative vacuums, illustrating rapid AI-driven progress, while many demos remain prototypes or have unclear commercial timelines. Overall, the event underscored both practical potential and ambitious visions for a robot-rich future.Read more →
