Perplexity just launched its AI agent orchestrator Computer as a Slack integration, available now in the Slack Marketplace. Teams can tag @Computer in channels or send direct messages to research the web, analyze data, and build apps without leaving their workflow. Tasks and context stay synced between Slack threads and the Perplexity web platform.
OpenAI has reportedly enlisted up to 4,000 freelancers under an internal initiative called Project Stagecraft, paying at least $50 an hour to train ChatGPT on niche professional tasks. Contractors across more than 400 occupations—from commercial pilots to soil scientists—are simulating authentic digital workflows. It signals a major shift from generic data labeling to systematic cataloging of what knowledge workers actually do.
Elgato just added Model Context Protocol (MCP) support to Stream Deck 7.4, letting AI agents trigger your hardware macros. By running the Elgato MCP Server bridge, tools like Claude Desktop or NVIDIA's Project G-Assist can execute multi-step routines—like launching OBS, dimming lights, and playing audio—purely via text or voice commands. Why it matters: It turns Stream Deck from a manual button board into an execution layer for local AI agents.
Gmail just launched AI Inbox in beta for Google AI Ultra subscribers in the US. The feature cuts through cluttered inboxes with smart prioritization and serves up personalized daily briefings so you don't have to chase Inbox Zero yourself. For now, it's exclusive to Google's top-tier US subscribers.
OpenAI just launched a dedicated CarPlay interface for ChatGPT, taking advantage of Apple's iOS 26.4 update that greenlights voice-based conversational apps in the car. It is completely voice-driven without showing any text responses, keeping your eyes on the road with only mute and end-call buttons. It marks the first major AI assistant natively integrated into CarPlay, though iOS 26.4 is required.
Meta just launched its first prescription-optimized Ray-Ban AI glasses, debuting the Blayzer and Scriber frames starting at $499. The hardware arrives with fresh AI software upgrades, including hands-free nutrition tracking via camera and on-device WhatsApp chat summaries. It finally solves the everyday comfort gap for billions who rely on corrective lenses.
Salesforce just supercharged Slackbot with over 30 new features, turning it into a full enterprise agent hub. It can now transcribe meetings and update CRM records automatically, follow you across desktop apps, and orchestrate other agents via MCP client support. Business+ and Enterprise+ users can toggle it on now.
OpenAI just closed a massive $122 billion funding round at an $852 billion post-money valuation, backed by Amazon, Nvidia, and SoftBank. The company is generating $2 billion in monthly revenue with ChatGPT topping 900 million weekly active users. OpenAI plans to pour the capital into computing power and roll ChatGPT, Codex, and agent workflows into a single AI superapp.
Bluesky just launched an experimental AI feed builder called Attie, and users responded by blocking the account more than 125,000 times. Built by The Atmosphere, the tool creates custom feeds from simple text descriptions, but instant community backlash quickly made it the platform's second-most blocked account behind only JD Vance. Why it matters: Bluesky drew many users looking to escape AI-heavy feeds on X, and this backlash shows that community strongly rejects automated bots.
Microsoft just upgraded Copilot Researcher with two multi-model tools: Critique and Council. Critique pairs different frontier models from OpenAI and Anthropic to split drafting and fact-checking, boosting benchmark scores by 13.8%, while Council lets you compare divergent answers side by side.
OpenAI just partnered with the Gates Foundation, ADPC, and DataKind in Bangkok to host its first AI Jam for disaster response. Fifty frontline leaders from 13 Asian nations built custom GPTs to handle situation reports, needs assessment, and emergency communications. A pilot rollout phase is scheduled across the region in the coming months.
Anthropic just confirmed that Claude paid subscriptions have more than doubled this year, fueled by clever Super Bowl ads mocking ChatGPT, its standoff with the Pentagon over AI safety, and popular tools like Claude Code. Credit card data shows record sign-ups for the $20-a-month Pro tier in early 2026. Why it matters: Strong principles and developer utility are finally turning free AI users into paying customers, even as ChatGPT maintains the overall lead.
Anthropic is reportedly testing a dedicated desktop mode called Operon built specifically for computational biology. It can access local research files to design CRISPR screens, analyze single-cell RNA data, and run automated research workflows. The workspace is still in early testing, but it marks Anthropic's deepest move yet into life sciences.
MLB just teamed up with Google Cloud to launch Scout Insights, a new AI commentary feature inside its Gameday feed on the MLB App and website. Powered by Gemini models, it crunches hundreds of petabytes of league data to serve real-time historical tidbits at key moments. It essentially gives fans personalized booth-level analysis directly on their phones.
Anthropic just started testing Claude Mythos 5.0 with select early-access users after internal leaks revealed the new flagship. Sitting above the Opus tier, it brings a step change in coding, reasoning, and cybersecurity. Why it matters: The lab is being unusually cautious with rollout, as the model's offensive cyber capabilities are advanced enough to outpace current defenses.
A new Stanford study published in Science shows top chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini validate users 49% more often than humans do, even when people describe harmful or illegal acts. It turns out this flattery makes users more self-righteous and less likely to apologize, while perversely driving higher trust and engagement.
Google just launched switching tools for Gemini, allowing users to import AI memories and full chat histories directly from rival assistants. Memories are transferred by pasting a generated summary prompt, while past conversations can be uploaded via a ZIP file. Why it matters: Google is tearing down the switching costs that keep users locked into other chatbots.
Google just launched Gemini 3.1 Flash Live, its highest-quality audio model built for faster, more natural voice interactions. It handles complex multi-step reasoning and interruptions with ease, powers Search Live across 200+ countries, and watermarks all audio outputs with SynthID.
OpenAI just indefinitely paused plans for a sexualized "adult mode" in ChatGPT following pushback from employees and investors. The company wants more time to study the long-term emotional and societal impacts of explicit chats. It marks another dropped side quest after Sora as OpenAI scrambles to refocus on its core products against rising rivals.
Claude just brought its work tool integrations to mobile devices. Users can now explore Figma designs, create Canva slides, and check Amplitude analytics dashboards directly from their phones, turning the mobile assistant into a more practical work companion on the go.
