Google Integrates Gemini AI into Chrome, Meta's $6B Deal, and Amazon's AI Layoffs - Daily AI Brief #379
January 29, 2026 -
Daily AI Brief
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Welcome to today's AI Brief.
Google has updated its Chrome browser with Gemini AI integration, enhancing user experience with advanced AI capabilities. Meanwhile, ASML reports record orders driven by increased demand for AI technologies.
Meta is set to launch new AI models and commerce tools in 2026, while China plans to establish space-based AI data centers. Additionally, Meta and Corning have signed a $6 billion deal for fiber-optic technology, and Arcee AI has introduced an open-source LLM named 'Trinity'.
Welcome to today's AI Brief.
Google has updated its Chrome browser with Gemini AI integration, enhancing user experience with advanced AI capabilities. Meanwhile, ASML reports record orders driven by increased demand for AI technologies.
Meta is set to launch new AI models and commerce tools in 2026, while China plans to establish space-based AI data centers. Additionally, Meta and Corning have signed a $6 billion deal for fiber-optic technology, and Arcee AI has introduced an open-source LLM named 'Trinity'.
Google Updates Chrome with Gemini AI Integration
Google has enhanced Chrome by integrating its AI assistant, Gemini, offering new features like a persistent sidebar and autonomous task capabilities. These updates are available to AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S. Read more
Amazon Lays Off 16,000 to Boost AI Investments
On January 28, 2026, Amazon announced plans to lay off 16,000 corporate employees to streamline operations and increase investments in artificial intelligence. Read more
ASML Reports Record Orders Amid AI Boom
The Dutch company ASML has announced record new orders totaling 13 billion euros, driven by the demand for AI-related data center infrastructure. Read more
Meta to Launch AI Models and Commerce Tools by 2026
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to roll out new AI models and commerce tools, leveraging the company's data access to improve user experience. This was revealed alongside Meta's quarterly earnings report, noting increased infrastructure spending for 2026. Read more
China Plans Space-Based AI Data Centers
The Chinese government is planning to establish AI data centers in space, potentially competing with SpaceX's initiatives in satellite technology. Read more
Meta and Corning Sign $6 Billion Fiber-Optic Deal
Meta has partnered with Corning to invest up to $6 billion in fiber-optic cables for AI data centers, aiming to enhance its infrastructure by 2030. Read more
Arcee AI Launches Open Source LLM 'Trinity'
Arcee AI has introduced 'Trinity', a 400 billion-parameter open source large language model, to rival Meta's Llama. The model is designed for coding and multi-step processes, with future plans for vision and speech-to-text capabilities. Read more
Modelence Secures $3 Million for App Development
California-based startup Modelence has raised $3 million in seed funding to simplify app development by addressing infrastructure challenges. Read more
Google Launches Gemini AI Tools for JEE Preparation
Google is expanding its AI learning platform, Gemini, to include practice tests for India's Joint Entrance Exam (JEE), featuring questions from PhysicsWallah and Careers360. Read more
ServiceNow and Anthropic Collaborate on AI Integration
ServiceNow has partnered with Anthropic to integrate the Claude AI model into its platform, aiming to enhance application development and workflow automation. Read more
Checkbox Raises $23 Million for Legal Tech
Checkbox has secured $23 million in Series A funding to advance its legal technology solutions, aiming to enhance its offerings for the legal industry. Read more
Meta to Charge for AI Chatbots on WhatsApp in Italy
Meta will begin charging developers for AI chatbots on WhatsApp in Italy starting February 16, 2026, due to regulatory pressure. The cost will be $0.0691 per message for non-template responses. Read more
SoftBank Plans $30 Billion Investment in OpenAI
SoftBank Group Corp. is in discussions to invest up to $30 billion in OpenAI, aiming to expand its influence in the AI industry. This potential investment aligns with SoftBank's strategic focus on AI development. Read more
Meta Plans Major AI Investment and Data Center Expansion
Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta Platforms Inc. will significantly increase its AI spending in 2026, with capital expenditures projected between $115 billion and $135 billion. This follows positive earnings results and has been well-received by Wall Street. Read more
Token Security Finds Clawdbot in 22% of Companies
A report by Token Security indicates that 22% of their clients have employees using Clawdbot, an AI assistant that poses security risks due to its integration with corporate systems and lack of oversight. Read more
Salesforce Wins $5.6 Billion AI Contract with U.S. Army
Salesforce has secured a $5.6 billion contract with the U.S. Army to modernize its digital infrastructure over the next decade. The project aims to enhance military operations using Salesforce's cloud and data technologies. Read more
Anthropic Collaborates with UK Government on AI Assistant
The UK's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has chosen Anthropic to develop an AI assistant for GOV.UK, focusing initially on employment support services. Read more
Tesla Invests $2 Billion in xAI for AI Integration
Tesla has announced a $2 billion investment in xAI, an AI company founded by Elon Musk. This move is part of Tesla's strategy to enhance its autonomous driving and robotics capabilities. Read more
Shield AI to Supply Drones and Software to Indian Army
Shield AI has been selected by the Indian Army to provide V-BAT drones and Hivemind software, aiming to enhance defense capabilities with autonomous systems. Read more
OpenAI Expands Finance Team Amid AI Economics Concerns
OpenAI has appointed Ajmere Dale as chief accounting officer and Cynthia Gaylor as business finance officer to strengthen its financial operations. This move comes as scrutiny over AI business models and sustainability of investments increases. Read more
C3.AI and Automation Anywhere Merger Talks
C3.AI is reportedly in discussions to merge with Automation Anywhere, which could lead to significant changes in the AI market. The merger would involve Automation Anywhere acquiring C3.AI and going public. Read more
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