Retailers bring conversational AI and analytics closer to the user

Source: AI News | Published: 2026-01-16

Retailers are advancing from experimenting with AI to embedding consumer insights directly into their daily business decisions. This represents a significant shift from relying on traditional data dashboards to using conversational AI for analytics. The new dialogue-based approach, championed by companies like First Insight, aims to make data more accessible and actionable for users.

CES showed me why Chinese tech companies feel so optimistic

Source: Artificial intelligence – MIT Technology Review | Published: 2026-01-12

Based on a large number of Chinese contacts planning to attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the author decided to go to the event. This strong turnout is presented as a key indicator of the optimism currently felt within China’s tech industry.

The hidden technology behind fluid robot motion

Source: The Robot Report | Published: 2026-01-18

The fluid, life-like movements of modern robots are the result of specific engineering design choices. Engineers select from five key technological options, such as pneumatics and strain wave gears, to achieve this smooth and precise motion.

Artificial intelligence coding enters the mainstream

Source: IBL News | Published: 2026-01-17

The use of artificial intelligence in software development is quickly moving into the mainstream. Developers are increasingly using AI-powered tools to assist with writing, debugging, and optimising code. This trend marks a significant shift, integrating AI as a standard part of the modern coding workflow.

🔮 Exponential View #557: Starlink, Iran & abundance; AI’s exploration deficit; AGI vibes, aliens, Merge Labs & regulating companions++

Source: Exponential View | Published: 2026-01-18

This Sunday briefing from Exponential View analyses the latest developments in AI and exponential technologies. The issue covers a wide range of topics, including the geopolitical impact of Starlink in Iran, challenges in AI development, and the emerging need to regulate AI companions.

The Sequence Radar #791: The Eastern Surge & The Silicon Valley Shuffle

Source: TheSequence | Published: 2026-01-18

This edition of The Sequence Radar highlights a significant surge in major AI model releases from China. It also covers the latest noteworthy developments and drama unfolding within Silicon Valley.

ChatGPT to carry adverts for some users

Source: BBC News | Published: 2026-01-16

OpenAI is set to introduce advertisements on ChatGPT for some users, signalling a new approach to monetizing its popular AI service. In a related move, the company is also expanding its more affordable subscription plan, ChatGPT Go, to all countries where it operates.

How AI Companies Got Caught Up in US Military Efforts

Source: Wired | Published: 2026-01-14

Leading AI companies like Meta and OpenAI have reversed their previous stance against the military use of their technology. This marks a significant shift from just two years ago, as these firms are now becoming more involved in US military efforts.

Self-Help Ghouls Are Charging People Absurd Prices to Talk to Impersonator Chatbots

Source: Gizmodo.com | Published: 2026-01-15

Self-help figures are charging users high fees to interact with AI chatbots designed to impersonate various personalities. This business model, while profitable for its creators, is being heavily criticised as an exploitative practice.

TSMC Says ‘No More’ To Nvidia: Why That Is Intel’s Golden Ticket

Source: Yahoo Entertainment | Published: 2026-01-17

Surging demand for Nvidia’s AI chips is reportedly exceeding the production capacity of its primary manufacturer, TSMC. This manufacturing bottleneck creates a significant opportunity for competitors like Intel to step in and capture the overflow business. In essence, the high demand that has benefited Nvidia could now become a “golden ticket” for Intel’s own foundry services.

What Apple and Google’s Gemini deal means for both companies

Source: The Verge | Published: 2026-01-13

Apple is reportedly in talks with Google to license its Gemini AI model to power new features, including a significant upgrade for its Siri virtual assistant. This potential deal would equip Apple’s services with advanced generative AI capabilities. The partnership signifies a major collaboration between the two tech giants, who have long been both partners and rivals.

Google brings buy buttons to Gemini and AI search

Source: The Verge | Published: 2026-01-12

Google is integrating e-commerce features into its AI products by adding “buy” buttons to its Gemini chatbot and AI-powered search. To support this, the company is launching a new open-source standard in collaboration with major retailers like Shopify, Walmart, and Target. This move intensifies the competition among tech companies in the AI-driven shopping space.

Matthew McConaughey trademarks iconic phrase to stop AI misuse

Source: BBC News | Published: 2026-01-15

Actor Matthew McConaughey has trademarked several of his iconic phrases, most notably “Alright, alright, alright” from the film Dazed and Confused. This legal move is aimed at preventing the unauthorised use of his voice and likeness by artificial intelligence.

Why AI is becoming the hottest cost-cutting tool in corporate legal departments

Source: Business Insider | Published: 2026-01-14

Corporate legal departments are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence as a key cost-cutting measure. These new tools are proving popular because they dramatically increase efficiency, reducing tasks that once took days to mere minutes.

Eggie, Neo, Isaac and Memo are domestic robots. But would you let them load your dishwasher?

Source: BBC News | Published: 2026-01-12

Reporter Joe Tidy introduces a new generation of domestic robots, including Eggie, Neo, Isaac, and Memo, which are being trained to perform household chores. The report explores their development for tidying up messes and questions whether people are ready to trust them with delicate tasks like loading a dishwasher.

What the future holds for AI – from the people shaping it

Source: Nature.com | Published: 2026-01-14

Six leading experts in artificial intelligence are sharing their predictions for the future of the technology. The article compiles their diverse opinions on what is next for the rapidly evolving field, offering insights from the people actively shaping it.

Videos

Why CEOs Need to Lead AI Strategy

Channel: The AI Daily Brief: Artificial Intelligence News | Published: 2026-01-16

According to recent enterprise surveys, CEOs are taking direct control over their company’s AI strategy. This C-suite leadership is driven by rising AI investments and the increasing pressure to deliver a faster return on investment. The trend signals that AI is no longer just an IT initiative but a core component of top-level business strategy.

Anthropic: Our AI just created a tool that can ‘automate all white collar work’, Me:

Channel: AI Explained | Published: 2026-01-14

A new viral tool named Claude Cowork, reportedly coded entirely by an AI, is making waves with the bold claim that it can automate all white-collar work. However, there is significant scepticism about whether the tool’s actual capabilities can live up to the hype. The true performance and impact are still being evaluated.

This report was automatically generated by AI and then lightly curated by humans for presentation purposes. All content belongs to the respective creators.