xAI, founded by Elon Musk, is investing over US$ 20 billion to establish the MACROHARDRR data center in Southaven, Mississippi, marking the largest development project in the state’s history. The facility will retrofit an existing building near xAI’s power plant and existing data centers, enhancing total computing capacity to nearly 2 GW. Governor Tate Reeves stated, “This record-shattering investment is an amazing start” for Mississippi's economic growth as the center aims to be operational by February 2026.
CES 2026 showcases groundbreaking innovations set to revolutionize the tech landscape. Key highlights include advancements in AI with more seamless integration across devices and smarter home technologies. Industry experts predict augmented reality will redefine user experiences, particularly in gaming and remote collaboration. Moreover, sustainability initiatives feature prominently, promoting eco-friendly tech solutions. As companies push the boundaries of innovation, the event sets the stage for impactful shifts in consumer technology.
Iran experiences a near-total internet blackout amid escalating protests against economic hardships. Amir Rashidi, a cybersecurity researcher, reported an effective disconnection from the outside world, coinciding with significant drops in internet traffic, as noted by Doug Madory from Kentik. Monitoring services like NetBlocks and Cloudflare registered this disruption, tying it to government crackdowns triggered by a currency crisis leading to shortages and price spikes. The blackout significantly hampers communication and information access during the protests.
Amazon has introduced a detailed office attendance tracker for managers, providing insights into employee presence over an 8-week period. This tool offers data on days worked, hours spent, and office locations, streamlining what was previously a lengthy request process. Employees are categorized into groups, such as “Low-Time Badgers” and “Zero Badgers,” to aid managers in assessing compliance with the company’s five-day in-office mandate. This move enhances real-time oversight of attendance at Amazon.
Microsoft introduces a direct shopping feature in Copilot, allowing users to complete transactions within chat interactions. This feature is currently in rollout on the Copilot web client in the US, collaborating with select retailers such as Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. Users can receive product recommendations and checkout directly, thanks to partnerships with PayPal, Stripe, and Shopify. CEO Aashish Kumar states this positions Microsoft to enhance conversational commerce, setting it apart in the competitive market.
Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, anticipates groundbreaking advancements in robotics this year, stating that we will witness “some pretty amazing things.” His remarks highlight the rapid evolution of AI technologies, promising robots with human-like capabilities that could transform various industries. As the tech landscape evolves, these advancements fueled by Nvidia's innovations may redefine automation and human-robot interactions, significantly impacting the workforce and everyday life.
China's regulatory body has announced an investigation into Meta's recent acquisition of AI startup Manus, citing concerns over competition and market dominance. The acquisition, valued at approximately $300 million, aims to enhance Meta's AI capabilities. Analysts stress the importance of market transparency, with technology expert Mei Zhao stating, "Ensuring fair competition is vital for innovation." This scrutiny highlights China's growing focus on regulating foreign tech mergers within its borders.
Arm has launched a new “Physical AI” unit, reorganizing its business to deepen its push into robotics and automotive technology. The move comes as humanoid robots dominate the show, with companies demonstrating machines for factory work and everyday tasks. Physical AI will combine Arm’s automotive and robotics efforts, reflecting shared needs like safety, power efficiency, and reliability. Arm sees robotics as a major long-term growth driver and plans to expand staffing as demand accelerates.
At CES 2026, executives Bob Sternfels of McKinsey & Company and Hemant Taneja of General Catalyst emphasized how AI is rapidly transforming the workforce, stating, “The world has completely changed.” Taneja cited Anthropic’s growth from a $60 billion to “a couple hundred billion” valuation in just a year, foreseeing new trillion-dollar companies. They stressed that continuous skilling and adaptability are crucial for success, as traditional career paths become obsolete.
OpenAI has unveiled ChatGPT Health, designed to securely integrate users' medical records and wellness applications. This initiative aims to enhance health awareness, providing users personalized health insights without replacing professional medical advice. OpenAI emphasizes that ChatGPT Health serves as a supportive tool for health management. By prioritizing user privacy and data security, the platform seeks to empower individuals while maintaining their trust in healthcare professionals. This development marks a significant step in AI-assisted health technology.