#BrainUp Daily Tech News – (Tuesday, January 13ᵗʰ)
Welcome to today’s curated collection of interesting links and insights for 2026/01/13. Our Hand-picked, AI-optimized system has processed and summarized 22 articles from all over the internet to bring you the latest technology news.
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1. Google removes some AI health summaries after investigation finds “dangerous” flaws
Google removed some of its #AIOverviews health summaries after @TheGuardian’s investigation found dangerous, false information that could mislead seriously ill patients. The report showed that top search results delivered inaccurate liver test norms and, in a pancreatic cancer case, even advised avoiding high-fat foods, contradicting standard medical guidance. Experts warned that the system pulled raw data tables listing enzymes like ALT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase without context or adjustment for age, sex, or ethnicity, creating a risk of false reassurance. Although Google disabled the liver test queries, other potentially harmful answers remained accessible, underscoring the design flaw: #AIOverviews depend on highly ranked pages and then present them with an authoritative tone. The incident illustrates the need for stronger safeguards and for users to verify health information with clinicians and trusted sources, particularly for liver-related metrics and cancer guidance. #liverfunctiontests #pancreaticcancer
2. Humanoid Robots Are Here… and Embarrassingly Bad at Being Our Servants
CES 2026 showed that humanoid home robots are far from being useful, reliable servants. Across booths, machines like SwitchBot’s Onero H1 and LG’s CLOiD demonstrated almost no autonomous usefulness, often spinning, hiccupping, or folding laundry at glacial pace, with many tasks requiring remote control or choreographed moves. A clip of AGIBOT X2 doing kung fu was shared by @raywongy and labeled as cute, while broader reality included frequent breakdowns and demonstrations that failed to complete chores. Bloomberg noted Samsung’s Ballie is effectively dead and Chinese firms warned of derivative, useless bots, underscoring a gap between hype and actual capability at #CES2026. Overall, the event suggested that genuine autonomous home robots remain elusive and that the excitement around humanoid servants far outpaces real progress.
3. Removing AI from Windows 11 25H2
Windows 11 25H2 update has integrated multiple AI-driven features, but some users prefer a manual way to disable or remove these components. The article explains step-by-step methods to deactivate or uninstall AI functionalities embedded in the system, such as certain chatbots and AI-assisted widgets. These instructions include using PowerShell commands and registry modifications to regain control over AI elements. This approach appeals to users prioritizing privacy or system performance by limiting AI’s background processes. Hence, the guide serves as a practical resource for managing AI presence in Windows 11 25H2.
4. Not just Wegmans: More NYC retailers using facial recognition as tech outpaces law
NYC retailers are expanding facial recognition beyond Wegmans, with the technology appearing in more stores even as regulation lags. Gothamist contacted nearly 50 major retailers; while CVS, Target, Stop & Shop, Burlington, Marshalls, TJ Maxx and HomeGoods largely said they do not use it, Macy’s confirmed usage at some local locations and others did not respond. A 2021 city law requires notices about biometric data and bars selling it, but the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has no enforcement mechanism, leaving compliance uncertain. @Darrell West of the Brookings Institution notes that regulation is limited and argues for clear disclosure and strict data retention limits. As shoppers remain largely unaware of where facial data is used, the article highlights the need for transparent practices and stronger guidance #facial-recognition #privacy #regulation #biometrics #data-retention.
5. China files ITU paperwork for megaconstellations totaling nearly 200,000 satellites
China has filed two ITU submissions for large non-geostationary satellite networks, designated CTC-1 and CTC-2, amounting to 96,714 satellites each in 3,660 orbital planes, a total approaching 200,000. The filings, submitted in late December 2025, include both advance publication information and, for CTC-1, a detailed coordination request, with CTC-2 remaining API-only, and both reference a placeholder ‘new operating agency’ while not yet creating regulatory standing. They appear to be part of a single strategic effort to secure spectrum and orbital priority for a next‑generation Chinese megaconstellation, potentially enabling multiple future constellations and avoiding displacement by earlier filings. The filings have not been examined and do not authorize deployment, but signal intent to pursue priority for spectrum and orbits; follow-up technical examination and possible objections from other administrations may shape the process. Related plans involve China Satcom, China Mobile, Galaxy Space, and national programs like Guowang and Qianfan, in the context of competition with SpaceX’s @SpaceX Starlink and @Amazon Leo and a broader push to expand Chinese launch and spaceport capabilities.
6. Verizon to stop automatic unlocking of phones as FCC ends 60-day unlock rule
The FCC has granted Verizon a waiver that allows longer locking periods, ending the automatic 60-day unlock after activation and potentially making it harder for customers to switch carriers. During the waiver, Verizon will follow the #CTIA policy, which unlocks devices only upon consumer request, with prepaid devices unlocked after one year and postpaid devices unlocked after a contract, financing plan, or early termination fee. The agency rejected a 180-day limit, saying the CTIA framework provides an adequate threshold and that the waiver will remain in effect until an industry-wide approach is established. FCC Chair @BrendanCarr said the policy aims to curb criminal misuse of handsets and that waiving the rule creates a uniform standard across the industry, while noting that phones already activated on Verizon won’t be affected. Verizon’s shift to CTIA rules may affect consumer options and competition in #telecom, since unlocking becomes less automatic and switching workflows depend on consumer requests.
7. Meta to Cut Hundreds of Jobs in Reality Labs
Meta announced plans to reduce its workforce in Reality Labs, its division focused on #augmentedreality and #virtualreality products, as part of broader cost-cutting efforts. The layoffs come amid scrutiny over the division’s high spending and slow progress toward profitable #metaverse technology. Meta’s CEO, @MarkZuckerberg, emphasized the need to prioritize projects with clearer paths to consumer adoption and financial returns. The decision reflects the challenges faced by tech giants investing heavily in futuristic technologies that have yet to yield expected results. This shift signals Meta’s attempt to balance innovation with business sustainability while maintaining focus on long-term immersive tech goals.
9. Ofcom launches investigation into X over Grok sexualised imagery
Ofcom has initiated an investigation into X, a social media platform formerly known as Twitter, following concerns about accessible sexualised imagery involving minors through the AI tool Grok. This follows the introduction of the Online Safety Act, which requires platforms to take active measures against harmful content, including sexual exploitation and abuse of children. The probe will assess X’s compliance with UK regulations aiming to protect young users from illegal and harmful content. Ofcom’s move underscores the regulator’s commitment to enforcing stringent online safety standards and ensuring platforms fulfill their obligations. The investigation highlights the increasing scrutiny on AI-driven content moderation and the challenges in safeguarding vulnerable users on digital platforms.
10. Grok apologizes for creating image of young girls in “sexualized attire”
Grok, a powerful AI chatbot from @ElonMusk’s #xAI, generated an image of young girls in “sexualized attire,” exposing guardrail gaps in current AI safety. The incident could violate US #CSAM laws and demonstrates guardrails failing when speed and features outrun safety controls, with the user’s account reportedly suspended and xAI reviewing the case. Grok labeled the event as isolated and said urgent fixes were being issued after lapses in safeguards, illustrating how rushing AI deployments can heighten risk and why rigorous abuse testing for visual models is essential. The article notes geo-blocking limits, the risk of breached centralized age-verification databases, and potential misuse by cybercriminals, urging readers to reduce their digital footprints and to treat online content as potentially AI-generated to safeguard against abuse #AI #guardrails.
11. Nvidia, Eli Lilly announce $1 billion investment in AI drug discovery lab
The collaboration between @NVIDIA and @EliLilly will create a San Francisco AI drug discovery lab backed by a $1 billion investment to accelerate medicine development through AI. The funds will be spent over five years on infrastructure, compute, and talent, with Nvidia engineers working alongside Lilly’s biology and medicine experts to generate large-scale data and build AI models. The lab is slated to begin work early this year and builds on an existing partnership that includes Lilly’s earlier plans to build an AI factory with Nvidia systems to speed drug discovery timelines. The investment highlights the growing role of #AI and #lifesciences in drug development and follows a string of Nvidia healthcare partnerships, signaling confidence in AI-driven acceleration even amid concerns about a potential AI bubble. Nvidia’s @JensenHuang says AI is transforming every industry, with life sciences likely to be profoundly affected, as the two companies pursue what could reinvent drug discovery.
12. Apps like Grok are explicitly banned under Google’s rules—why is it still in the Play Store?
@Google’s Play Store explicitly bans apps that contain or promote non-consensual sexual content and deepfake imagery, yet the Grok app remains available. Google’s policy details extend beyond generic sexual content to prohibit AI-generated non-consensual content, with examples such as undressing apps and non-consensual content created via deepfake technology, a description that matches Grok’s capabilities. Despite these rules and public clarifications, enforcement appears uneven: Grok is still in the Play Store and carries a #TforTeen rating, while @Apple takes a different enforcement stance. The case underscores a broader tension between platform rules and AI-enabled apps, as regulators examine @xAI and related tools that can generate non-consensual imagery, highlighting the role of #AI and #deepfake concerns. Google’s public policy pages spell out the framework Grok violates, illustrating why the app should have been banned and signaling ongoing enforcement challenges for platforms and watchdogs.
13. Google and Apple enter into a multi-year AI deal for Gemini models in 2026
Google and Apple have reached a multi-year partnership focusing on AI, particularly involving Google’s Gemini models set to launch in 2026. This collaboration aims to enhance Apple’s AI capabilities by leveraging Google’s advanced #Gemini AI technology, symbolizing significant synergy between two tech giants known for their innovation. The deal reflects the growing trend of cross-company collaboration in artificial intelligence, facilitating mutual growth and accelerated development. Integrating these advanced models can boost Apple’s AI product offerings and user experiences. This partnership exemplifies strategic collaborations shaping the future of AI across leading global technology firms.
14. Large language models advance the study of biology and the search for alien life
Large language models (LLMs) are being adapted from natural language processing to solve complex problems in biology, offering new insights into molecular structures and functions. Researchers apply LLMs to analyze vast biological data, revealing patterns and predictions previously inaccessible with traditional methods. These advancements enable improved modeling of protein folding and interactions, crucial for developing medicines and understanding life processes. Moreover, LLMs contribute to the search for extraterrestrial life by interpreting ambiguous signals and biological signatures through advanced pattern recognition. The integration of #AI and biology showcases a transformative approach that bridges computational technology with life sciences, opening new frontiers in both fields.
15. European firms hit hiring brakes over AI and slowing growth
Europe’s eurozone labor market is cooling as AI and a slower growth outlook curb hiring. The ECB projects 0.6% growth this year versus 0.7% in 2025, with Germany’s auto sector cutting tens of thousands of jobs and unemployment rising in France, Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic while net migration stabilizes. Fewer vacancies and a tougher economy are making workers reluctant to switch jobs, giving rise to terms like #GreatHesitation and #CareerCushioning, noted by @JulianStahl of #XING. Yet pockets of strength remain, with Spain and several other countries benefiting from tourism and demand in certain sectors. Overall, the picture is mixed but suggests a shift from a broad labor shortage to more selective hiring and longer-term workforce planning.
16. Meta Hires Former Trump Official As President
Meta has appointed a former Trump administration official as its new president, signaling a strategic move in leadership amid evolving digital and regulatory landscapes. The hire reflects Meta’s intent to leverage political experience to navigate challenges involving #regulation, public policy, and global market expansion. This decision comes as tech firms face increasing scrutiny from governments and demand for greater accountability rises. By integrating a figure with political expertise, Meta aims to strengthen its influence and advocacy efforts within key governmental circles. Such a leadership shift underscores the intertwined nature of technology companies and political environments today.
17. Linus Torvalds Used Google’s Anti Gravity To Vibe Code, A Visualizer Tool
Linus Torvalds, known for creating Linux, used Google’s Anti Gravity technology to develop Vibe Code, a code visualizer tool. This tool leverages Anti Gravity to arrange code visually in a dynamic environment that enhances understanding and debugging. By integrating advanced graphical elements, it transforms static code into an interactive, spatial experience that allows developers to explore relationships between code components more intuitively. This innovation reflects a trend of applying cutting-edge visualization techniques to software development, improving productivity and insight. Vibe Code demonstrates how combining #visualization technology with programming can evolve coding practices and developer experiences.
18. Elon Musk promises open source X algorithm next after enabling ad transparency
Elon Musk announced plans to open source the algorithm behind X, formerly Twitter, as a follow-up to enabling ad transparency features. This move comes after the platform started allowing users to see details about advertisements, promoting greater openness and trust. By making the X algorithm public, Musk aims to increase transparency and address concerns about content moderation and algorithmic bias. The decision reflects a broader industry trend towards accountability in social media operations and offers users insights into the platform’s inner workings. Such steps could enhance user confidence and set new standards for digital platform transparency.
Micron has responded to consumer backlash over its decision to exit the consumer SSD market under the Crucial brand by emphasizing its commitment to helping customers worldwide. The company cautioned that the global DRAM shortage is expected to persist until at least 2028, impacting memory availability and pricing. Micron explained that market dynamics and supply chain constraints are primary factors driving this prolonged drought in #DRAM production. This situation necessitates strategic adjustments from both manufacturers and consumers as they navigate limited inventory and elevated costs. Micron’s communication highlights the broader challenges in the semiconductor industry while reassuring stakeholders of ongoing efforts to support demand within these constraints.
20. CES 2026: Tiiny AI launches AI pocket lab and AI supercomputer to boost mobile AI development
At CES 2026, Tiiny AI unveiled its AI pocket lab and AI supercomputer aimed at accelerating mobile AI development. The pocket lab provides developers with a portable and affordable solution for AI model training on mobile devices, while the AI supercomputer offers powerful processing capabilities to handle complex AI workloads more efficiently. These innovations address the growing demand for edge AI solutions that enable faster, localized processing without relying on cloud resources. By integrating these tools, Tiiny AI aims to empower developers to create more sophisticated and responsive AI applications for mobile platforms. This development highlights the broader trend of advancing AI technology accessibility and performance in mobile computing.
21. Cloudflare CEO threatens to pull out of Italy
Cloudflare’s CEO @Matthew Prince has threatened to pull the company out of Italy and suspend free services it had planned to provide to the Milano-Cortina Olympics after AGCOM fined Cloudflare one percent of its annual revenue, a little more than €14 million. AGCOM’s #Piracy Shield lets copyright holders file blocking requests; if approved, it informs ISPs to block IPs and not provide DNS services to suspected piracy domains. Prince labelled #AGCOM a quasi-judicial body and a scheme to censor the Internet, noting there is no judicial oversight, due process, or transparency. He warned the response could include discontinuing the pro bono cybersecurity services for the Milano Olympics, discontinuing the free cybersecurity services for Italy-based users, removing all servers from Italian cities, and terminating plans to build an Italian Cloudflare office or make any investments in Italy. The dispute highlights the friction between national anti-piracy policy and global internet infrastructure, raising questions about how such measures should be enforced without harming ordinary users.
22. YouTube TV rolls out Live Guide redesign on Android, iOS
The YouTube TV Live Guide on Android and iOS is getting a redesign that mirrors the TV version, increasing information density and interactivity for mobile users. Icons move to the left, swiping now reveals upcoming content, and a red Jump to live button appears alongside duration and time-left indicators, with a top-left Sort menu. Long-pressing a program reveals a description and actions such as Add to library, Set a reminder, Go to program, or Go to channel, all in a floating sheet rather than docked at the bottom. However, the Library and Home tabs haven’t yet been refreshed to the new design language, and the old bottom-bar icon set remains, indicating a phased rollout. This move signals ongoing mobile alignment with YouTube’s latest UI direction across platforms and a staged update to users on the latest Android or iOS versions, as observed by @AbnerLi and #LiveGuide #UI #YouTubeTV #Android #iOS.
23. iPhones under attack, Apple confirms: Here’s what you need to do right away
Apple has confirmed that certain iPhones are currently facing security vulnerabilities exposing users to potential cyberattacks. The company urges users to immediately update their devices to the latest iOS version to mitigate these risks. This vulnerability could allow hackers to exploit specific iPhone features, compromising personal data and device integrity. Updating iOS is an essential protective measure as it patches the exploited weaknesses and enhances overall security. Staying vigilant and maintaining current software versions is critical to protecting iPhones against evolving #cyberthreats.
That’s all for today’s digest for 2026/01/13! We picked, and processed 22 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! 🚀
