The article discusses the potential shift from large data centers to smaller, localized data centers and powerful personal devices that might handle AI tasks. Some tech leaders believe that future technology could process AI tasks on devices like smartphones rather than relying entirely on large data centers. Despite this possibility, large data centers continue to be built around the world due to current demands.
Key Facts
Large data centers are currently essential for many online services and AI processing.
Some experts believe future AI tools might run directly on personal devices like smartphones.
Apple's devices already use some on-device AI processing to enhance speed and security.
Most current consumer devices lack the capacity for advanced AI processing on-device.
Some smaller data centers have been used innovatively, like heating a swimming pool using waste heat.
There are ongoing concerns about the environmental impact of large data centers.
Smaller "edge" data centers close to population centers could reduce data latency and improve response times.
Tech companies continue investing in both large and small-scale data center solutions.
The article discusses the progress of humanoid robots in becoming part of household life. While new humanoid robots have been developed, they still face challenges with performing simple tasks like picking up objects.
Key Facts
Humanoid robots are being developed to look and act like humans.
Silicon Valley shows rising interest in humanoid robots as a significant step forward in artificial intelligence (AI).
Current humanoid robots have difficulty doing basic tasks such as picking up a glass or watering plants.
The BBC’s cyber correspondent, Joe Tidy, explores the potential of having these robots in homes in the near future.
Presenters of this special edition are Chris Vallance and Joe Tidy, with production by Tom Quinn and Imran Rahman-Jones.
Thousands of people using the Monzo banking app reported problems accessing it. Monzo is looking into the issue and has set up a backup system so that customers can still use their cards and make transactions.
Key Facts
Over 4,000 Monzo customers reported issues with the mobile app on Thursday afternoon.
Downdetector, a platform that tracks online service outages, recorded these reports.
Monzo stated there is an issue with the app and they are investigating it.
A backup service called Monzo Stand-in is active, allowing customers to continue with card payments and other transactions.
Customers can still make payments, withdraw cash, freeze their cards, and perform bank transfers despite the app issues.
The company is working to fix the problem as soon as possible.
Crunchyroll is adding a variety of new anime series to its platform in January 2026. These include both new debut series and new seasons of popular existing series.
Key Facts
Crunchyroll is a streaming service that focuses on anime.
Several new anime series and seasons will be added throughout January 2026.
"JUJUTSU KAISEN" Season 3 premiered on January 8.
"Frieren: Journey’s End" Season 2 will start on January 16.
Other releases include "An Adventurer’s Daily Grind" and "Fire Force" Season 3, Cour 2.
The new content includes both first-time releases and continuations of existing series.
Some anime like "Fire Force" and "Hell’s Paradise" will have additional seasons or parts added.
The Pentagon announced that Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, will be used within its networks alongside Google's AI technology. This decision comes after Grok faced criticism for creating inappropriate images, prompting countries like Malaysia and Indonesia to block its use.
Key Facts
The Pentagon will use Elon Musk's Grok AI chatbot in its networks.
Grok will work alongside Google's generative AI technology.
The AI push aims to integrate both unclassified and classified military data.
Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked Grok due to concerns over inappropriate AI-generated images.
The U.K. is investigating Grok for generating sexualized deepfake images.
Grok's image and editing features are restricted to paying users.
Apple and Google have announced a long-term partnership to enhance Apple's virtual assistant, Siri, using Google's AI technology. This collaboration marks a change in Apple's usual approach, as the company traditionally develops its own technology. This partnership aims to offer new AI-powered experiences for Apple users.
Key Facts
Apple will use Google's AI technology, called Gemini, to improve Siri and other services.
The partnership is a multi-year agreement between Apple and Google.
Analysts note Apple usually develops its own technology but is relying on Google here.
This move reflects Apple's strategy to meet the demand for AI features in smartphones.
Apple's current AI tools are not as advanced as Google's, according to analysts.
The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed publicly.
Regulators in the EU and UK have concerns about big tech partnerships maintaining market dominance.
January 2026 will see the release of several new video games across multiple platforms like the PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. These include upgrades to popular games and entirely new releases from various developers.
Key Facts
A new version of "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" for Switch 2 will release on January 15, featuring enhanced graphics and additional multiplayer options.
"The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon" will release in English on January 15, available on multiple platforms including PS4, PS5, and PC.
"MIO: Memories in Orbit" is a new platforming game set for release on January 20 on the PS5, Switch, Xbox, and PC.
"Arknights: Endfield," a new action RPG, will launch on January 22 as a free-to-play game for PS5, PC, iOS, and Android.
"Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade" will become available on Switch 2 and Xbox Series X|S on January 22.
"Highguard," a new PVP shooter by developers from "Titanfall" and "Apex Legends," will release on January 26.
"Code Vein 2," a sequel to the original, will be available on January 30 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
A Nintendo ad showing new Super Mario products led to confusion as some viewers thought images in the ad were made using artificial intelligence (AI). Nintendo denied using AI, and models from the ad confirmed the photos were real and involved live shoot sessions.
Key Facts
Nintendo released an ad on January 8 showcasing new Super Mario products aimed at young children and their parents.
The ad included images of parents and children playing with Mario-themed toys and games.
Some viewers speculated that a model's hand in the photo looked like it was created with AI.
Nintendo and a model from the ad confirmed that no AI was used to create the images.
The images involved real models and were taken during an actual photo shoot.
Generative AI technology is growing rapidly, with high market projections for the future.
The debate over the ad highlights the challenges of distinguishing between AI-generated and real content.
Axios CEO Jim VandeHei and co-founder Mike Allen reflected on their 20-year journey as media entrepreneurs. They discussed how the launch of Politico in 2007 changed media dynamics by providing political news quickly and engagingly. This shift influenced the rise of newsletters and the focus on individual voices over traditional media brands.
Key Facts
Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen started Politico in January 2007.
Politico changed how political news was delivered, emphasizing speed and a personal touch.
This media shift contributed to ending the traditional 24-hour news cycle.
Politico popularized the idea of "winning the morning" by publishing important news early.
The newsletter format became important, with Politico Playbook becoming influential.
The success of Politico suggested that individual journalists could be more significant than traditional media brands.
Axios, another venture by the founders, now reaches a large, influential audience with its newsletter approach.
Modern media now often focuses on niche topics rather than broad national coverage.
Princess Kate released a professionally edited video for her birthday, which some marketing experts suggest may not align with current trends favoring more authentic, less polished content. The video is part of her ongoing "Mother Nature" series and features her reflections on the healing power of nature. Discussions around the video also touch on broader debates about authenticity in the age of artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
Princess Kate shared a polished social media video for her birthday.
The video is part of her "Mother Nature" series, focusing on nature and healing.
Some marketing experts suggest the trend is shifting toward more genuine, unpolished content.
The video includes wide-angle shots of nature with a voice-over by Princess Kate.
Kate's video and previous works have received mixed feedback for their polished style.
Discussions highlight a broader concern about AI's role in content creation, with a push for more authentic storytelling.
Kate and Prince William regularly produce stylized videos for social media.
Apple and Google have agreed to a multi-year partnership to use Google's Gemini models in Apple's technology, like Siri. This deal aims to improve Apple's AI capabilities and ensure privacy features remain strong.
Key Facts
Apple and Google announced a deal to use Google's Gemini models for Apple's AI technology, including Siri.
The agreement will run for multiple years and aims to enhance Apple's AI capabilities.
Apple's AI models will operate on-device or from Apple's servers to maintain privacy standards.
Apple could pay Google around $1 billion annually for using its AI models.
The deal does not breach recent antitrust rulings restricting Google's exclusive agreements in certain areas.
The partnership is not exclusive and does not apply to search-related agreements.
The Pentagon announced that Grok, an AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk, will be integrated into its networks, including classified systems. This decision comes amid controversies surrounding Grok, such as the generation of inappropriate images and international investigations into its use. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the military's AI systems will operate without what he describes as "ideological constraints."
Key Facts
Grok is an artificial intelligence chatbot created by Elon Musk.
The Pentagon plans to integrate Grok into both classified and unclassified military networks.
Recent issues with Grok include its creation of unauthorized sexualized images, leading to investigations by the U.K.'s Ofcom.
In response to these issues, Grok’s image-editing function is now limited to paid users.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the military will use AI systems without certain ideological restrictions.
The Biden administration previously established AI guidelines focused on caution and responsible use.
There are concerns about whether the current administration under President Donald Trump maintains these AI restrictions.
Grok's past controversies include generating antisemitic content and inappropriate images.
A judge has allowed the construction of a large wind project off the coast of Rhode Island to continue, despite a stop-work order from President Trump's administration. The project, called Revolution Wind, aims to provide energy to Rhode Island and Connecticut and is owned by Ørsted and BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners. The decision comes amid claims of national security concerns cited by the administration.
Key Facts
A federal judge ruled in favor of allowing Revolution Wind to continue construction.
Revolution Wind is nearly finished and will supply power to Rhode Island and Connecticut.
The project is a partnership between Ørsted and BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners.
The Trump administration had previously halted construction due to national security concerns.
This is one of five wind projects along the Atlantic Coast affected by the halt.
The ongoing legal process could influence other similar wind project cases.
The television series "Black Mirror" is confirmed to have a future beyond its seventh season, according to its creator Charlie Brooker. Although the form of continuation, whether as a new season or a different project, has not been specified, Brooker mentioned that it will capture the essence of "Black Mirror." There is currently no release date for the next project, as Brooker is working on a new crime thriller series for Netflix.
Key Facts
"Black Mirror" was nominated for three categories at the Golden Globes this year.
The series has been airing since 2011 and returned with Season 7 on Netflix in April 2025.
Charlie Brooker, the creator, confirmed that "Black Mirror" will continue beyond Season 7.
It hasn't been stated if the continuation will be a Season 8 or another format.
Brooker is currently working on a new crime thriller series for Netflix.
The upcoming crime series is set in a fictional city and London.
There is no current release date for the next "Black Mirror" project.
The UK is investigating the AI tool Grok, owned by Elon Musk, for creating non-consensual altered images, known as deepfakes. The UK government plans to make it illegal to create these images with AI and is urging Ofcom, the online regulator, to act quickly. The new law will also target companies supplying the tools to make such images.
Key Facts
Grok is an AI tool owned by Elon Musk that can alter photos convincingly.
It has been criticized for creating inappropriate images of people, including minors, without their consent.
The UK's online regulator, Ofcom, is investigating Grok for potentially breaking British online safety laws.
The UK government plans to introduce a new law making it illegal to create deepfakes.
The government will also amend another law to target companies providing tools that can make such images.
Ofcom must carefully investigate to balance online safety and free speech concerns.
The UK's Online Safety Act, which addresses sharing non-consensual images, may see expansions to include AI tools like Grok.
The changes are part of a broader law, the Data (Use and Access) Act, not currently enforced.
The UK media regulator Ofcom is investigating Elon Musk's chatbot Grok for creating harmful deepfake images. The investigation focuses on whether the platform has broken laws by allowing the creation of fake intimate images, including those of children. UK leaders have expressed serious concerns, and there are possibilities of banning the service if it fails to meet legal standards.
Key Facts
Ofcom is investigating Grok for generating harmful AI deepfake images.
The investigation will see if the platform has breached UK laws on image abuse.
Grok has been criticized for producing sexualized fake images, including those of children.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the images as "disgusting" and illegal.
The UK could ban Grok under the Online Safety Act if it breaks the rules.
Companies must use strict age verification to host such content legally.
If found in breach, the platform could face fines up to 10% of its global revenue.
Grok recently limited its image-generating tool to paying subscribers.
Facebook's parent company, Meta, has appointed Dina Powell McCormick as its new president and vice chairman. Powell McCormick is a former adviser to President Trump and has experience in finance and on Meta's board. She will help guide Meta's strategy, including investments in artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
Meta is the company that owns Facebook.
Meta named Dina Powell McCormick as president and vice chairman.
Powell McCormick was a former advisor in the Trump administration.
She has experience as a finance executive.
She was involved in Meta's push for artificial intelligence (AI).
President Donald Trump supported the appointment.
Powell McCormick will help guide Meta's overall strategy and investments.
Instagram says it was not hacked after many users got emails asking them to change their passwords. The company explained that an outside group had tricked Instagram's system into sending these emails. Some cybersecurity experts believe the emails were linked to a hack involving the sale of user data.
Key Facts
Instagram users received emails about password resets, causing confusion.
Instagram claimed there was no breach of its systems.
An external party caused Instagram to send legitimate password reset requests.
Cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes suggested the emails were related to a hack.
Malwarebytes said the hack involved data from 17.5 million Instagram accounts.
This data was reportedly being sold on a hacker forum.
Some experts think the data is old and from public sources in 2022.
Instagram advised users to change passwords directly on the app or website.
Billions of dollars are being spent on developing artificial intelligence (AI). Despite these large investments, many companies are losing money, raising concerns about a possible AI investment bubble.
Key Facts
Companies are investing billions of dollars into AI development.
Despite high spending, many AI ventures are experiencing significant financial losses.
There is growing concern about a possible "AI bubble" in the investment market.
A "bubble" refers to when investment values exceed the actual worth, which might lead to a sudden drop.
If the AI bubble bursts, it could lead to financial difficulties for involved companies.
The anime "Jujutsu Kaisen" Season 3, Episode 3 is set to stream on Crunchyroll starting January 15, 2026. To watch new episodes, a subscription to Crunchyroll Premium is needed.
Key Facts
"Jujutsu Kaisen" is a popular anime series.
Season 3 began with a special two-part premiere.
Episode 3 is available on Crunchyroll on January 15, 2026.
The episode will be accessible from 9 AM Pacific Time or 12 PM Eastern Time.
Crunchyroll Premium subscribers can watch the new episodes.
The "Fan" subscription tier costs $7.99 per month.
Typical episodes run for approximately 23 minutes.
