#BrainUp Daily Tech News – (Wednesday, January 14ᵗʰ)

#BrainUp Daily Tech News – (Wednesday, January 14ᵗʰ)

Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights for 2026/01/14. Our Hand-picked, AI-optimized system has processed and summarized 31 articles from all over the internet to bring you the latest technology news.

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1. Qwen boss says Chinese AI models have ‘less than 20%’ chance of leapfrogging Western counterparts — despite China’s $1 billion AI IPO week, capital can’t close the gap alone

China’s AI sector celebrated more than $1 billion in Hong Kong IPOs, signaling policy-driven support but not a shortcut to closing the gap with @OpenAI and @Anthropic. Bloomberg cites @JustinLin, head of Alibaba Group’s Qwen open-source models, who says Chinese firms have a ‘less than 20%’ chance of leapfrogging Western rivals with fundamental breakthroughs in the near term. Yet, executives from @Tencent and @ZhipuAI warn that IPOs extend funding runways and align private capital with Beijing’s priorities, while they cannot supply the most expensive part of the AI stack, #GPUs or #HBM. Lin at the AGI-Next summit described the bottleneck: @OpenAI’s compute is devoted to next-generation research, while Chinese teams are stretched thin just meeting delivery demands. Still, #open-source LLMs like Qwen and DeepSeek show China narrowing the performance gap on benchmarks, especially for Chinese-language tasks, underscoring progress even as capital cannot close the compute gap alone.


2. India reportedly tells quick-commerce firms to drop 10-minute delivery promise | TechCrunch

India’s labor ministry is pressing the quick-commerce sector to prioritize gig workers’ wellness and safety by asking firms to drop marketing language promising 10-minute deliveries. @MansukhMandaviya met with executives from @Zomato’s Blinkit, @Swiggy’s Instamart, and @Zepto to discuss safety and working conditions for delivery personnel. Blinkit has removed the 10-minute messaging, and rivals are expected to follow, as workers and protests push for protections, better wages, and social security benefits #gig-work #labor-laws. The move comes as India grants legal status to gig and platform workers under new laws that require aggregators to contribute 1% to 2% of annual revenue to a government social security fund, amid forecasts that gig work could grow from 7.7 million in 2020-21 to 23.5 million by 2029-30.


3. Aqueous zinc battery hit 1,000 cycles with plant-derived hydrogel

Plant-derived cellulose hydrogel has been developed to address the #dendrite problem in #aqueous-zinc-ion-batteries, marking a sustainable route for longer cycle life. The material, sourced from cellulose, is designed to suppress dendrite growth that can compromise Zn-ion cells. By inhibiting dendrite formation, the hydrogel could improve safety, durability, and reliability of zinc-based batteries, potentially broadening their use in grid storage and portable devices. Further work will assess scalability and compatibility with existing electrolytes, linking bio-derived design to safer, longer-lasting energy storage.


4. A new study has revealed electric car batteries last a lot longer than you think

A study analyzing 22,700 electric cars and vans finds that battery degradation averages about 2% per year, meaning batteries last much longer than many buyers expect. The analysis, as reported by @TopGear, draws on a broad data set across various models and driving patterns, underscoring durability beyond individual cases. This longevity could lower long-term ownership costs, affect warranties, and boost confidence in #electricVehicles, though results can vary by model and usage. Overall, the result points to a more optimistic view of EV battery life and its impact on the market.


5. Never-before-seen Linux malware is “far more advanced than typical”

Researchers uncovered VoidLink, a never-before-seen Linux malware framework with more than 30 modules (at least 37 identified so far) across a broad, adaptable toolkit for stealth, reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and lateral movement #modules. A two-stage loader delivers a final implant with embedded core modules that can be augmented by plugins downloaded at runtime, and an extensive development API supports ongoing evolution #plugins #API. VoidLink targets cloud environments, detecting if hosts run on AWS, GCP, Azure, Alibaba, or Tencent by querying vendor metadata, with indications that Huawei, DigitalOcean, and Vultr may be added in future releases; it also gathers details about the infected system, including whether it is running in a Docker container or a Kubernetes pod #cloud #containerization. Researchers from @Checkpoint say the framework is far more advanced than typical Linux malware, and the interface is localized for Chinese-affiliated operators, suggesting its origin in a Chinese development environment #China. Its design emphasizes long-term, stealthy access to compromised Linux systems, uses C2 over legitimate outward connections, employs anti-analysis and integrity checks, and relies on a plugin system to evolve into a full post-exploitation framework, while no infected machines in the wild have been found so far #C2 #antianalysis.


6. Your Slack Is Infected With an AI Agent Now

Slack announces that @Slack is turning Slackbot into a full AI agent built natively into Slack that starts with your context and can draft emails, find events on your calendar, and pull information from your chats and channels, while integrating with other apps like @MicrosoftTeams and @GoogleDrive. It sees only what you can see and respects existing permissions, and Slack says admins won’t have default access to conversations with Slackbot or use those conversations to train AI models. It can work across apps without leaving Slack and is expected to pair with other AI agents, including @Salesforce’s #Agentforce, enabling cross-agent work entirely through Slackbot. Harvard Business Review’s research is cited to suggest AI agents are more effective for internal processes than customer-facing work, hinting Slackbot’s value may depend on use and configuration rather than hype. The update is available to most Business+ and Enterprise+ customers now, with admins able to disable or opt out organization-wide.


7. Dell tells staff to get ready for the ‘biggest transformation in company history.’ Read the memo.

Dell unveils #OneDellWay, a companywide systems overhaul that @Jeff Clarke calls the biggest transformation in company history, intended to connect data, break down silos, and standardize processes. The rollout starts on May 3 for the PC business (CSG) and key operations including finance, supply chain, marketing, sales, revenue operations, services, and HR, with the ISG division following in August and training beginning February 3. One Dell Way will replace the current sprawl of apps, servers, and databases to enable seamless data flow, fewer repetitive tasks, and faster decision making. Dell frames the effort as foundational to success in an AI driven world, insisting that simplified, standardized, and automated infrastructure is essential for competing in the AI era.


8. Teachers Union Says It’s Leaving X, Calling AI Images of Children the Last Straw

The National Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers’ union in the U.S., announced its departure from X (formerly Twitter), citing recent AI-generated images of children on the platform as unacceptable. This decision comes amid growing concerns over the ethical use of #AI and its impact on children, highlighting tensions between technology companies and user communities about content moderation and AI policies. NEA’s exit signals a firm stance against what it views as irresponsible AI content creation that compromises child safety. Their departure adds pressure on X’s new leadership to address content controls and user concerns more effectively. This development emphasizes the challenges social media platforms face in balancing innovation with safeguarding vulnerable users.


9. Backlash: Microsoft Now Tells Millions Of Windows Users To Upgrade

Microsoft has initiated a new campaign urging millions of Windows users to upgrade their operating system due to growing security and performance concerns with older versions. Reports indicate that the company is pushing aggressive notifications and prompts emphasizing the risks of not updating, including vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and decreased functionality. This approach has sparked backlash from users who view the tactics as intrusive and pressure-driven. Experts argue that while upgrading is beneficial for security and compatibility with #newtechnologies, Microsoft’s method of communication risks alienating its user base. The move highlights ongoing tensions in software adoption, balancing user freedom with necessary updates to protect data and improve experience.


10. Starlink tries to stay online in Iran as regime jams signals during protests

Starlink is attempting to maintain internet access in Iran amid widespread protests where the government is actively jamming signals to disrupt communication. The Iranian regime’s efforts to block connectivity include sophisticated signal interference techniques targeting satellite internet providers like #Starlink. This jamming affects both protesters trying to communicate and the overall flow of information, aiming to suppress dissent. Starlink’s continued operation demonstrates the challenges and importance of satellite internet in countries facing censorship and state control. The situation highlights the ongoing battle between authoritarian regimes and technology companies attempting to preserve open digital communication.


12. UK government accused of planning illegal Rwanda asylum seeker flights

The United States has given approval for the export of advanced @Nvidia H200 artificial intelligence chips to #China following a government review, a shift from previous tighter export controls aimed at limiting Chinese access to high-end AI hardware. The decision reflects ongoing negotiations between Washington and Beijing to balance economic engagement with strategic technology competition, even as policymakers debate national security risks associated with sending powerful AI processors to Chinese technology firms and research institutions. Analysts see the move as a potential middle path that allows US companies to benefit commercially while maintaining some restrictions on the most sensitive technology, though some critics warn it could undercut efforts to slow China’s development of autonomous systems and AI capabilities that might have military or surveillance applications. This development comes amid broader trade and tech tensions between the two nations, including tariffs, investment curbs, and policy disputes over supply chains and intellectual property.

Definition: AI export controls
AI export controls are government policies that restrict the sale or transfer of advanced artificial intelligence hardware and related technologies to certain countries to protect national security interests. These controls aim to prevent rival states from acquiring computing power that can accelerate development of military systems, surveillance tools, or other strategic capabilities that could challenge US technological leadership, while still allowing other forms of commercial trade.


13. AI Ruined Job Applications, So People Are Resorting to Dating Apps to Find Work

The use of AI in job applications has led to increased difficulties for candidates, prompting some to seek alternative methods like dating apps to find employment. Applicants face algorithmic barriers and automated screening that often filter out qualified individuals, reducing human interaction and personalization in hiring. This shift reveals flaws in current AI-driven recruitment processes that prioritize data patterns over individual candidate potential. As a result, people adapt by repurposing platforms designed for social connections to create personal bonds and networks that algorithms overlook. This trend underscores the ongoing challenges and unintended consequences of integrating #AI into #jobsearch and #recruitment.


14. A Robot Builds a 200 m² Home in 24 Hours: A Breakthrough That Could Ease the Housing Crisis

A new robotic construction technology has achieved the rapid building of a 200 m² home in just 24 hours, signaling a potential breakthrough in addressing the global housing crisis. This innovation leverages advanced automation and precision robotics, significantly reducing construction time and costs compared to traditional methods. The technology’s ability to rapidly produce high-quality homes offers a scalable solution to housing shortages, particularly in urban settings facing growing demand. By integrating robotics in construction, the industry can improve efficiency, sustainability, and affordability, making housing more accessible to a wider population. Such advancements may transform how communities plan and develop residential spaces in the near future.


15. NASA releases all launch dates for Artemis II. This is how soon we could be going back to the Moon | BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Artemis II could launch as early as 6 February 2026, marking the first crewed flight of the #SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft for @NASA, and a key step toward a future lunar settlement. While no astronauts will land on the Moon in this mission, it will carry @Reid Wiseman, @Victor Glover, @Christina Koch and @Jeremy Hansen, testing crewed operations in spaceflight as a milestone after Artemis I. Final preparations include rolling the fully stacked vehicle to Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center no earlier than 17 January 2026, a journey of about four miles that could take up to 12 hours, and a late-January wet dress rehearsal to practice countdown procedures and propellant loading of over 700,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. If all systems prove ready, a launch window opens from 31 January to 14 February 2026 with several opportunities (6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 February). The rollout and tests are subject to weather and technical readiness, but NASA says final timing will depend on mission readiness and orbital constraints.


16. AI vulnerability in ServiceNow could expose remote workforces

Security researchers have disclosed a critical vulnerability in the #ServiceNow platform that could allow attackers to bypass authentication and remotely execute code against enterprise environments, posing significant risk for distributed workforces that rely on the cloud-based service for IT workflows, ticketing, and automation. The flaw exists in the way ServiceNow’s APIs handle specially crafted requests, enabling unauthenticated actors to gain administrative access without valid credentials and potentially pivot to other internal systems once inside. Organizations using the platform are urged to apply patches immediately and implement compensating controls such as network segmentation and strict monitoring of API access logs to mitigate exploitation in hybrid and remote work setups. This incident highlights how integrated AI-enabled workflow systems can become a single point of compromise if not secured rigorously, especially as enterprises increasingly automate processes across geographically distributed teams.

Definition: Remote code execution vulnerability
A remote code execution vulnerability is a security flaw that enables an attacker to run arbitrary commands or software on a target system without prior authorization. In enterprise platforms like ServiceNow, such vulnerabilities can be exploited to gain control over workflows, access sensitive data, or move laterally within an organization’s network, making them among the most serious classes of software security issues.


17. China’s role in the Meta-Manus Singapore partnership highlights its expanding influence in Asia’s tech landscape

China has strengthened its influence in Asia’s technology sector through the Meta-Manus Singapore partnership, focusing on advanced manufacturing and digital innovation. The collaboration aims to leverage Singapore’s strategic position and China’s technological capabilities to boost regional competitiveness. This partnership showcases China’s strategic intent to expand its footprint beyond domestic borders by aligning with key Asian markets. The initiative is expected to foster deeper integration of supply chains and promote high-tech development across the region. Ultimately, China’s involvement in the Meta-Manus project signifies a broader regional strategy to lead in emerging technology sectors and maintain economic leadership in Asia.


18. Deepseek research touts memory breakthrough, decoupling compute power and RAM pools to bypass GPU & HBM constraints — Engram conditional memory module commits static knowledge to system RAM

DeepSeek’s Engram is a conditional memory module that decouples memory from compute by committing static knowledge to system RAM, letting AI models answer long-context queries from a queryable memory bank instead of repeatedly reasoning. It weaves #N-grams into the model as a stored memory index and relies on a memory bank that reduces the need for high-bandwidth memory (#HBM), enabling GPUs to focus more on complex tasks. Compared with standard #MoE models, an Engram-based model scaled to about 27B parameters can beat long-context training by avoiding runtime reconstruction of facts, while KVCache offloads context to NVMe memory via @BlueField-4 as a shorter-term workaround. If realized, Engram could rewrite AI hardware memory hierarchies by storing knowledge in system memory and reserving GPU memory for reasoning, linking to #CXL and other memory technology discussions.


19. Researchers Beam Wireless Power From a Moving Airplane

Overview Energy has demonstrated wireless power beaming from a moving aircraft, a milestone toward delivering #Space-based_solar_power to Earth. In a test over Pennsylvania, a Cessna turboprop flew at about 5,000 meters as crosswinds reached 70 knots, while a near-infrared beam was transmitted to ground receivers, marking the first time power has been beamed from a moving platform. CEO @Marc_Berte says the demonstration uses the same components and methods planned for space, providing a proof of concept that can scale to GEO satellites. Power-beaming expert @Paul_Jaffe joined Overview as head of systems engineering after hearing the plan, noting that it could work and that the approach they use addresses major showstoppers by balancing beam density and safety. This work sits within the broader push for #Space-based_solar_power and #wireless_power_beaming, with Caltech’s Space Solar Power Project and a DARPA laser-transmission milestone providing context.


20. BMW’s Electric M3 Has Four Motors and a Special Battery

@BMW is reshaping its high-performance EV strategy with the M Neue Klasse, signaling that these future models will rely on unique hardware, not just software tunes, to deliver a driving experience that could rival combustion machines. The setup centers on a #dual_drive_unit powertrain, with two motors on each axle controlled by the HeartOfJoyECU, enabling full torque modulation across all four wheels and the option to decouple the rear for either all-wheel grip or rear-wheel bias. BMW has developed a dedicated cell chemistry for these cars, powering an #800V_system with a pack capacity exceeding #100_kWh, and a network of four control units nicknamed #Superbrains to simplify high-performance architectures. The battery housing is mounted to the suspension and body to boost stiffness, and a refined #natural_fiber composite—produced with around 40% less CO2e than #carbon_fiber—adds structural weight savings. The article notes the first @BMW M Neue Klasse models won’t be on roads until 2027, with the base sedan rumored to begin production in Munich this summer.


21. Apple Creator Studio suite is launching to take on Adobe

Apple unveils Apple Creator Studio, a bundled subscription of its popular creative apps designed to rival @Adobe Creative Cloud. The plan costs $12.99 per month or $129 per year, starts January 28, includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage, with Mac and iPad access for some apps and Mac-only for others, plus intelligent features in free Apple apps like Keynote, Pages, Numbers and forthcoming Freeform. A one-month free trial is offered, and students/educators pay $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. While one-time purchases remain available for all six apps (for example Final Cut Pro $299.99, Logic Pro $199.99, Pixelmator Pro $49.99, Motion $49.99, Compressor $49.99, MainStage $29.99), the bundle marks a shift toward subscriptions and competition with Adobe. The move broadens Apple’s reach across Mac and iPad and positions @Apple as a potential pressure point for @Adobe and other creative-software bundles like #Affinity, signaling a new era of accessible pro tools from Apple.


22. Police Unmask Millions of Surveillance Targets Because of Flock Redaction Error

A redaction error by the police using Flock Safety’s surveillance technology resulted in the exposure of information about millions of individuals, compromising the privacy of people under surveillance. Flock Safety provides license plate reading cameras to law enforcement agencies, but a flawed redaction process led to personal details being inadequately masked, revealing identities. This error highlights significant risks in the deployment of #mass surveillance technology and the importance of robust data protection and redaction protocols. The exposure threatens civil liberties by potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information about innocent people. It underscores the need for tighter regulations and oversight on the use of surveillance and automated data handling systems.


23. EU calls for a 2026 open source strategy to boost digital sovereignty

The European Union is preparing to adopt a formal open source strategy in 2026 aimed at strengthening digital sovereignty, reducing dependence on foreign technology providers, and fostering a more resilient and competitive tech ecosystem. The plan encourages public institutions and member states to prioritise open source software in procurement and development, create shared infrastructure for collaborative codebases, and develop interoperable standards that avoid locking users into proprietary systems. Advocates say such a strategy could empower governments and local industries by enabling transparency, auditability, and customisation of digital tools, while creating economic opportunity across the region. The initiative also signals Europe’s attempt to assert more control over its technology stack in areas like cloud computing, digital identity, AI frameworks, and cybersecurity, and reduce reliance on dominant non-European vendors.

Definition: Open source strategy
An open source strategy is a coordinated policy that promotes the development, adoption, and maintenance of open source software across public and private sectors. It typically emphasises code transparency, collaborative governance, shared infrastructure, and standards that enable interoperability, giving organisations freedom to inspect, modify and reuse software without restrictive licensing, while reducing dependency on proprietary solutions.


24. The Defending Tactical Intelligence Act passes Senate amid deepfake fears

The Defending Tactical Intelligence Act has passed the Senate to address growing concerns about deepfake technology and its potential misuse in disinformation campaigns. The bill introduces measures to improve tactical intelligence gathering and combat the malicious use of synthetic media, reflecting increased legislative focus on emerging #deepfake threats. Proponents argue that the Act will strengthen national security by equipping agencies with better tools and resources to detect and counter deceptive content. This legislative action exemplifies a proactive approach to balancing technological advancement with public safety and trust. Ultimately, the Defending Tactical Intelligence Act aims to mitigate the risks posed by evolving digital manipulation techniques and protect information integrity.


25. Spain moves to curb AI deepfakes, tighten consent rules for images

Spain is advancing measures to restrict the use of AI-generated deepfake content and reinforce consent requirements for images, aiming to protect privacy and prevent misuse. The proposed regulations will mandate explicit permission for using individuals’ images in artificial intelligence applications, addressing rising concerns about unauthorized AI manipulations. This move reflects growing global attention on ethical AI development and the protection of personal data amidst the expansion of generative AI technologies. By setting stringent legal frameworks, Spain seeks to balance innovation with safeguards against identity exploitation and misinformation. The effort aligns with broader European trends focusing on responsible AI governance and user rights.


26. UK to outlaw non-consensual intimate images after Grok AI outcry — Financial Times

The UK government will bring into force laws making it a criminal offence to create or request non-consensual intimate images using AI, a response to a public backlash against @ElonMusk’s Grok chatbot after reports it produced sexually explicit deepfake images without consent. The move follows an investigation by regulator Ofcom into whether platform X has failed to remove illegal content quickly, and ministers warned that X could lose the right to self-regulate if it does not comply with safety standards set under the Online Safety Act. Officials also propose legislation targeting the supply of online tools designed specifically to generate such harmful images, and technology secretary @LizKendall has urged swift action to protect women and children from digital abuse. If X breaches the new requirements, Ofcom can fine the company up to 10 percent of its global revenue or seek a court order to block access to the service in the UK entirely, underscoring growing regulatory pressure on social media platforms to manage AI-generated content responsibly.

Definition: Non-consensual intimate images law
A non-consensual intimate images law makes it a criminal offence to create, distribute or request sexually explicit or intimate images of people without their consent, including those generated with AI. The aim is to protect individuals’ privacy and dignity, deter misuse of generative technologies such as deepfake tools, and hold both individuals and platforms accountable when such harmful content is produced or shared. This legal framework supports regulators like Ofcom in enforcing compliance and imposing penalties on platforms that fail to remove illegal material or prevent its spread.


27. Pentagon tests device tied to Havana Syndrome, CNN reports

CNN reports that the @US Department of Defense has been testing a device acquired through an undercover operation that some investigators believe could be linked to the mysterious condition known as Havana Syndrome, which has affected U.S. diplomats, intelligence officers and military personnel since 2016. The equipment, purchased for an “eight-figure” sum by the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations division using Pentagon funds in the final weeks of the previous administration, emits pulsed radio waves and contains some components of Russian origin, and is small enough to fit in a backpack, raising questions about portability and potential misuse. Defense officials have studied the device for over a year and briefed congressional intelligence committees on their findings, though significant debate and skepticism remain within the U.S. government about whether the device actually causes the reported neurological symptoms such as vertigo and headaches. The investigation has reignited discussion about whether foreign adversaries could have developed similar technology and about how to protect American personnel from unexplained health incidents.

Definition: Havana Syndrome
Havana Syndrome is the name given to a series of unexplained health incidents first reported in 2016 by American diplomats in Cuba, involving symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, ear pain and cognitive difficulties. U.S. officials have investigated whether these episodes—also termed anomalous health incidents (AHIs)—result from environmental, medical or directed-energy causes, but there is no definitive public conclusion, and some intelligence assessments have stated that foreign involvement is unlikely while others leave open the possibility that advanced technologies could be involved.


28. Personal Details of Thousands of Border Patrol and ICE Goons Allegedly Leaked in Huge Data Breach

A DHS whistleblower allegedly leaked sensitive data on about 4,500 ICE and Border Patrol employees after the Jan 7 shooting of @Renee Nicole Good by @Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis. The dataset reportedly includes names, work emails, phone numbers, roles, and some résumé data, and initial figures show roughly 1,800 frontline agents and 150 supervisors named, bringing the project’s total in its possession to around 6,500. @Dominick Skinner, founder of ICE List, says the leak represents the largest DHS staff data breach and intends to publish the majority of verifiable names, with case-by-case exceptions for sensitive roles such as childcare workers and nurses. DHS says it shields staff identities for safety, and Skinner hosts ICE List outside the U.S. to avoid domestic takedowns, noting previous projects such as the ICEBlock tracker had been shut down. The disclosures follow the shooting and have spurred protests and debates over reform of @ICE and @CBP, highlighting concerns about internal dissent and safety.


29. Instagram AI Influencers Are Defaming Celebrities With Sex Scandals

The article highlights a rising tactic where AI-generated influencers post fake sexual content with celebrities on Instagram to defame them and funnel audiences to adult sites #AI-generated content. It cites targets such as @LeBronJames, @iShowSpeed, @DwayneTheRockJohnson, and @NicolasMaduro, with AI-made bed scenes that aren’t disclosed as generated, violating Instagram policies. The posts follow a recurring formula—still images with captions like ‘How it started,’ then quick cuts to coitus scenes, often using the same audio and attracting millions of views (e.g., 7.7M for @JonJones, 14.5M for @iShowSpeed). Bios rarely disclose AI generation, and many link to Fanvue, an OnlyFans competitor that allows more permissive AI content, where the generation is disclosed as ‘AI-generated or enhanced,’ and some posts involve face-swapping into real adult creators. This pattern illustrates a broader trend of monetizing AI-generated porn on social platforms and highlights ongoing challenges for Meta to police AI content and curb defaming, sensational strategies.


30. Pentagon is embracing Musk’s Grok AI chatbot as it draws global outcry

The Pentagon plans to integrate Elon Musk’s #GrokAI chatbot with Google’s AI engine inside its network, a move announced by Defense Secretary @Pete Hegseth. Grok will join Google’s #GoogleAI engine inside the Pentagon’s infrastructure, signaling the incorporation of consumer and private sector AI into defense operations. This integration could expand decision support capabilities while also raising concerns about security, oversight, and dependence on private platforms given Grok’s consumer origins. The deployment reflects a broader trend of military adoption of private AI technologies, as agencies balance speed and innovation with risk management and accountability. Thus, the plan highlights the tension between rapid #AI enabled innovation and the need for public accountability in defense.


31. Meta refocuses on AI hardware as metaverse layoffs begin

Meta is refocusing its strategy from the #metaverse toward #AI hardware and #wearables after initiating extensive layoffs in Reality Labs. Bloomberg reports the company is cutting more than 1,000 Reality Labs employees and has logged losses of over $70B since 2021, while CTO @Andrew Bosworth notes a shift to wearables such as #Ray-Ban AI-powered glasses. Meta says its metaverse plans will concentrate on #mobile devices, and the VR division will operate as a leaner, flatter organization with a more focused road map, making a Quest 3 follow-up unlikely. This pivot is presented in the article as a move to reach a larger user base and faster growth by mobile and wearables, rather than continuing costly VR bets, signaling a strategic shift toward AI hardware.


That’s all for today’s digest for 2026/01/14! We picked, and processed 31 Articles. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s collection of insights and discoveries.

Thanks, Patricia Zougheib and Dr Badawi, for curating the links

See you in the next one! 🚀

Sam Salhi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samsalhi

Sr. Program Manager @ Nokia | Engineer, Futurist, CX Advocate, and Technologist | MSc, MBA, PMP | Science & Technology Communicator, Consultant, Innovator, and Entrepreneur