Google's AI Inbox, Zhipu's $558M IPO, and OpenAI's Healthcare ChatGPT - Daily AI Brief #362
January 09, 2026 -
Daily AI Brief
Hi there,
Welcome to today's AI Brief.
Backboard.io has launched with pre-seed funding, marking its entry into the AI landscape. Google has introduced new AI features for Gmail, enhancing user experience with advanced capabilities. Meanwhile, Zhipu AI has launched a $558 million IPO in Hong Kong, expanding its financial reach.
Workday has unveiled AI innovations specifically designed for the retail and hospitality sectors. OpenAI has released a HIPAA-compliant version of ChatGPT for healthcare applications. Additionally, Perplexity is offering a free AI tool to law enforcement agencies, aiming to support their operations.
Welcome to today's AI Brief.
Backboard.io has launched with pre-seed funding, marking its entry into the AI landscape. Google has introduced new AI features for Gmail, enhancing user experience with advanced capabilities. Meanwhile, Zhipu AI has launched a $558 million IPO in Hong Kong, expanding its financial reach.
Workday has unveiled AI innovations specifically designed for the retail and hospitality sectors. OpenAI has released a HIPAA-compliant version of ChatGPT for healthcare applications. Additionally, Perplexity is offering a free AI tool to law enforcement agencies, aiming to support their operations.
Backboard.io Launches with Pre-Seed Funding
Backboard.io, founded by Rob Imbeault, has launched to provide a memory-native layer for AI, securing pre-seed funding led by Mistral Venture Partners. Read more
Google Introduces AI Inbox and New Gmail Features
On January 8, 2026, Google announced a personalized AI Inbox for Gmail, featuring 'Suggested to-dos', 'Topics to catch up on', AI Overviews for search, and a new proofreading tool. These updates will first be available to select users. Read more
Zhipu AI Launches $558 Million IPO in Hong Kong
Chinese AI company Zhipu AI has successfully raised $558 million through its initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The firm aims to compete with global AI leaders such as OpenAI and Anthropic. Read more
Workday Unveils AI Innovations for Retail and Hospitality
Workday has announced new artificial intelligence innovations to enhance the retail and hospitality sectors, along with recent customer acquisitions to strengthen its industry offerings. Read more
OpenAI Unveils HIPAA-Compliant ChatGPT for Healthcare
OpenAI has launched a HIPAA-compliant version of ChatGPT aimed at enhancing healthcare services. Major institutions like AdventHealth and Boston Children’s Hospital are already using it to improve care delivery and reduce administrative tasks. Read more
Perplexity Offers Free AI Tool to Law Enforcement
On January 8, 2026, Perplexity introduced 'Perplexity for Public Safety', a free AI platform for law enforcement agencies, supporting up to 200 users for a year. The tool aids decision-making with features like scene photo uploads and bodycam footage review. Read more
Elon Musk's Lawsuit Against OpenAI Set for 2026 Trial
A jury trial is scheduled for March 2026 in Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and its co-founders. Musk claims that OpenAI deviated from its nonprofit mission to pursue profits. Read more
Pudu Robotics Introduces PUDU T150 for Material Distribution
Pudu Robotics has launched the PUDU T150, a lightweight robot designed for internal material distribution in manufacturing and warehouse settings. The robot, with a 150 kg load capacity, targets small and medium-sized manufacturers for efficient automation. Read more
CrowdStrike Acquires SGNL for $740 Million
Cybersecurity provider CrowdStrike has announced its acquisition of identity management startup SGNL for nearly $740 million to enhance its Falcon platform's security against AI-driven cyberattacks. Read more
X Faces Global Scrutiny Over AI-Generated Nudity
Governments are addressing a rise in non-consensual nude images created by the Grok AI chatbot on X, leading to regulatory actions from multiple countries. Read more
Anthropic and Allianz Collaborate on AI in Insurance
AI research lab Anthropic has partnered with Allianz to integrate AI technologies into the insurance sector, including the use of Claude Code and custom AI agents. Read more
Cyera Raises $400 Million for AI Data Security
Cyera Ltd. has raised $400 million in a Series F funding round, boosting its valuation to $9 billion. The company plans to enhance its AI data security solutions amid growing AI adoption. Read more
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