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22 Jan 2026

ChatGPT Atlas adds Tab Groups and Auto Search Switching between Google and AI

OpenAI rolls out a major update to ChatGPT Atlas, its AI-powered browser for Mac, introducing Tab Groups for better organization and an Auto mode that intelligently switches between ChatGPT and Google search. The update also brings a refreshed vertical layout for search results and improved onboarding for Safari users migrating to the platform.

2 Sources

Hyundai's humanoid robot plans spark fierce labor union resistance over mass job losses

Hyundai Motor Group's announcement to deploy Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robots at its factories by 2028 has triggered fierce opposition from its labor union. The union warns that the planned deployment of 30,000 robots annually could bring a massive employment shock, while Hyundai argues the robots will handle dangerous tasks and boost efficiency.

4 Sources

Spotify launches AI-powered Prompted Playlists in U.S. and Canada for Premium subscribers

Spotify is expanding its AI playlist creation capabilities with Prompted Playlists, now available to Premium subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. The beta feature lets users create personalized music playlists using detailed, conversational prompts that draw from their entire listening history and real-time cultural music trends. Unlike earlier AI playlist tools, this version offers deeper control and auto-refresh options.

21 Sources

Microsoft Paint and Notepad gain AI coloring books and faster text generation for Windows 11

Microsoft introduces AI-powered coloring book generation in Paint and streaming text features in Notepad for Windows Insiders. The updates, exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, let users create custom coloring pages from text prompts while Notepad streams AI results faster. But critics question whether these additions serve users who prefer simple, straightforward tools.

6 Sources

Google DeepMind acquires Hume AI leadership to accelerate emotionally intelligent voice technology

Google DeepMind has hired Hume AI CEO Alan Cowen and several top engineers through a licensing agreement, marking another strategic talent acquisition in the voice AI race. The AI voice startup, which specializes in emotion detection technology, expects to generate $100 million in revenue this year while continuing to supply its technology to other AI firms.

3 Sources

Neurophos Raises $110M to Build Optical Processing Units That Could Outperform Nvidia's GPUs

Austin-based Neurophos has raised $110 million in Series A funding led by Bill Gates' Gates Frontier to develop optical processing units for AI inferencing. The startup claims its photonic chips can deliver 470 petaFLOPS while consuming less power than Nvidia's current GPUs, using metamaterial technology that's 10,000 times smaller than traditional optical transistors.

4 Sources

eBay bans AI agents from automated shopping as agentic commerce tools rapidly emerge

eBay updated its User Agreement to explicitly prohibit third-party AI agents and chatbots from conducting automated shopping on its platform without permission. The policy update, effective February 20, 2026, targets the rapid rise of agentic commerce tools while leaving room for eBay's own AI shopping features and authorized partnerships.

3 Sources

Apple home hub with robotic swiveling base could arrive this spring with AI features

Apple is preparing to launch its long-awaited smart display, potentially called HomePad, as soon as this spring. The device will feature a robotic swiveling base, speakers, and a small display with heavy emphasis on AI features. The launch timing aligns with the expected release of upgraded Siri powered by Google Gemini in iOS 26.4.

5 Sources

Software Stocks Tumble as AI Disruption Fears Trigger M&A Activity and Private Equity Interest

Cloud software stocks have plunged more than 8% this year as investors worry artificial intelligence will displace traditional enterprise software. But Orlando Bravo of Thoma Bravo sees the selloff as creating exceptional buying opportunities, arguing that software companies' deep domain knowledge positions them to lead enterprise AI adoption rather than be disrupted by it.

2 Sources

Nvidia slashes RTX 50-series production to prioritize AI demand, triggering GPU drought

Nvidia is reportedly cutting production of its RTX 50-series consumer graphics cards by 15-20% through at least Q3 2026 to meet surging AI demand. The RTX 5060 may be discontinued for six months, while flagship models like the RTX 5090 and 5070 Ti could become nearly unobtainable. Industry sources warn of potential 30-50% price increases as the company prioritizes AI data centers over gaming hardware.

4 Sources

Daily AI Chatbot Users Show 30% Higher Depression Rates, New Study of 21,000 U.S. Adults Finds

A national survey of nearly 21,000 U.S. adults reveals that people using AI chatbots like ChatGPT or Google Gemini daily are 30% more likely to report moderate depression. The study highlights correlation not causation, with researchers noting that loneliness and personal use for emotional support may drive the connection.

3 Sources

Eightfold AI faces first-of-its-kind lawsuit over secret scoring system used by Microsoft

A class-action lawsuit filed in California accuses Eightfold AI of using hidden algorithms to score job applicants without their knowledge or consent. The case marks the first time an AI hiring platform has been challenged under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, raising questions about whether automated recruitment systems should face the same transparency requirements as credit bureaus.

6 Sources

Alibaba plans IPO for chip unit T-Head to bankroll $53B AI infrastructure push

Alibaba is preparing to list its AI chipmaking unit T-Head through an initial public offering, tapping surging investor demand for companies competing in the AI accelerator market. The move follows CEO Eddie Wu's pledge of over $53 billion toward AI infrastructure investments. T-Head will first be restructured with partial employee ownership before the IPO, though timing remains unclear.

5 Sources

Pocket FM hires former Meta scientist Vasu Sharma as head of AI to advance audio storytelling

Pocket FM has appointed Vasu Sharma, a former scientist at Meta's Facebook AI Research (FAIR), as its head of AI. Sharma will lead AI research and innovation across narrative generation, production intelligence and large-scale localisation. His work will focus on developing models that understand story structure and dramatic flow while maintaining creator control over content quality.

2 Sources

Rokid launches AI Glasses Style at $299, challenging Meta with voice-first smart wearables

Rokid AI Glasses Style is now available globally at $299, offering a screenless, voice-first alternative to Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses. Weighing just 38.5 grams with a titanium frame, the AI-powered smart glasses support ChatGPT, real-time translation in 89 languages, and built-in prescription lens customization, positioning themselves as practical AI wearables for everyday use.

3 Sources

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