Amazon Eyes $50B OpenAI Investment, Microsoft & Perplexity's $750M Deal, and Alibaba's Qwen-3 in Orbit - Daily AI Brief #380

January 30, 2026 - Daily AI Brief
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Welcome to today's AI Brief.

In recent developments, OpenAI has announced the release of its latest language model, GPT-5, which is set to improve upon the capabilities of its predecessor with enhanced processing speed and accuracy. Meanwhile, Google has introduced a new AI-powered tool designed to streamline data analysis for businesses, promising to reduce the time required for complex data processing tasks.

Additionally, Microsoft has expanded its AI research division with the acquisition of a leading AI startup, aiming to bolster its machine learning capabilities. Stay tuned for more updates on these stories and other advancements in the AI sector.
Mistral AI Partners with Wikimedia Enterprise
Mistral AI has formed a strategic partnership with Wikimedia Enterprise to enhance its AI solutions by utilizing Wikimedia's extensive resources. This collaboration aims to improve the reliability and accuracy of Mistral AI's models by accessing Wikimedia's free content through APIs. Read more
Augment Code Launches Intent for Spec-Driven Development
Augment Code has introduced a macOS app called Intent, aimed at enhancing spec-driven development with AI agents. The app is available as a Research Preview and focuses on improving collaboration and productivity. Read more
Law.com Launches AI-Enhanced Digital Library
Law.com has introduced a new digital library experience with AI tools from Scholar Answers to enhance legal research. The updated ScholarStore features a modern design for easier access to legal materials. Read more
CGI and OpenAI Form Global Alliance
CGI has announced a partnership with OpenAI to help clients implement advanced AI solutions securely. The collaboration focuses on improving business outcomes and integrating AI technologies within enterprises. Read more
Perplexity Signs $750M AI Cloud Deal with Microsoft
AI startup Perplexity has entered a $750 million agreement with Microsoft to use Azure for AI model deployment, while in a legal dispute with Amazon. Read more
OpenAI Launches EU Economic Blueprint 2.0
OpenAI has introduced its EU Economic Blueprint 2.0, which proposes training initiatives for SMEs, a grant for youth safety research, and recommendations for AI-in-education frameworks across Europe. Read more
Factify Secures $73 Million for AI Document Standard
Factify, based in Tel Aviv, Israel, has raised $73 million in seed funding to develop a new document standard that integrates AI capabilities, aiming to replace traditional PDFs with intelligent records. Read more
ThetaRay Introduces AI Suite for AML Compliance
ThetaRay has launched Ray, an AI-powered suite designed to enhance Anti-Money Laundering investigations for financial institutions. Built on Microsoft Azure, it automates tasks to ensure compliance with global standards. Read more
Apera AI Unveils Apera Vue 9.52 and Apera Forge
Apera AI has released Apera Vue 9.52, featuring Programmable Autopilot and Range Finding to boost robotic performance. The update also includes Apera Forge, which accelerates AI training by up to four times. Read more
OpenAI's Sora App Sees Decline in Popularity
OpenAI's Sora app, initially successful, is now facing a decline in downloads and consumer spending. The app, which allows AI-generated video creation, is experiencing competition and copyright challenges. Read more
Waabi Partners with Uber for Robotaxi Deployment
Autonomous vehicle startup Waabi has raised $1 billion and partnered with Uber to introduce self-driving cars on the ride-hailing platform, marking its expansion beyond autonomous trucking. Read more
Thomson Reuters Launches CoCounsel Legal in UK
Thomson Reuters has introduced CoCounsel Legal in the UK, an AI tool for legal professionals that enhances document review and research capabilities. Read more
Sentra.app Secures $5 Million for AI Memory System
Sentra.app has raised $5 million in seed funding to develop an AI organizational memory system designed to improve collaboration and decision-making in enterprises. Read more
Case.Dev Introduces Thurgood for Legal Tech Development
Case.Dev, operated by CaseMark, has launched Thurgood, a platform designed to help legal professionals turn AI-driven prototypes into secure, scalable applications. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between experimental coding and fully deployed legal tech solutions. Read more
Amazon Considers $50 Billion Investment in OpenAI
Amazon is reportedly in discussions to invest up to $50 billion in OpenAI, which is seeking $100 billion in new capital. This move could enhance the collaboration between the two companies. Read more
Microsoft CEO Highlights Copilot AI Growth Amid Investor Concerns
During an earnings call, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reported significant growth in the usage of Copilot AI products, despite investor concerns about cloud infrastructure spending. The company saw a notable increase in daily users and GitHub Copilot subscribers. Read more
Apple Acquires Audio AI Startup Q.ai
Apple has acquired the Israeli startup Q.ai for nearly $2 billion. The acquisition aims to enhance Apple's AI capabilities in speech recognition for products like AirPods and Vision Pro headset. Read more
Flapping Airplanes AI Lab Secures $180 Million Funding
A new AI lab, Flapping Airplanes, has been launched with $180 million in seed funding from investors like Google Ventures, Sequoia, and Index. The lab focuses on developing less data-intensive methods for training AI models. Read more
Alibaba's Qwen-3 AI Model Launched into Orbit
The Alibaba Cloud's Qwen-3 AI model has been launched into orbit, marking a significant step in transitioning AI infrastructure from Earth to space. Read more
Google Maps Adds Hands-Free Gemini AI for Walkers and Cyclists
On January 29, 2026, Google announced a new feature for Google Maps that allows hands-free access to the Gemini AI for walking and cycling users, enhancing real-time navigation. Read more
Apple CEO's Vague AI Monetization Strategy
During an earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook's unclear response to a question about AI monetization strategy has raised concerns among analysts. Read more
Hugging Face Declines $500M Investment from Nvidia
AI start-up Hugging Face turned down a $500 million investment offer from Nvidia, which would have valued the company at $7 billion. This decision highlights Hugging Face's focus on open AI models and independence. Read more
SpaceX and xAI Consider Merger Before IPO
Elon Musk's companies, SpaceX and xAI, are in early talks about a potential merger ahead of SpaceX's planned IPO. This merger could integrate SpaceX's aerospace capabilities with xAI's technology offerings. Read more
Google Adapts AI Tools for Indian Education System
Google is tailoring its AI education tools based on insights from India's education system, which serves 247 million students. The company aims to localize its offerings to address the specific needs of Indian schools. Read more
Gatik AI Secures $600 Million for Autonomous Trucks
Gatik AI Inc has announced securing $600 million in contracts to expand its autonomous delivery truck operations in the U.S., aiming to enhance delivery efficiency for major retailers. Read more

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