Amazon deploys Alexa+, its advanced generative AI assistant with expressive voices and task automation capabilities, to 97% of its 600 million devices, giving tens of millions of Prime members early access to compete with ChatGPT and Claude.
FDA eliminates regulatory oversight for AI health devices and wearables in sweeping deregulation move, allowing clinical decision support software to enter markets without review as Commissioner Makary prioritizes 'Silicon Valley speed' over traditional safety protocols.
Lenovo unveils Qira, a revolutionary AI system launching Q1 2026 that seamlessly controls PCs, tablets, smartphones, and wearables without opening apps, using ambient intelligence to orchestrate actions across devices and build personalized knowledge bases through partnerships with Microsoft, Stability AI, and other tech giants.
LEGO launches groundbreaking SMART Play platform in March 2026, featuring intelligent bricks with over twenty patented technologies that make Star Wars creations respond with realistic sounds and character interactions without requiring any screens.
ServiceNow announces massive $7.75 billion acquisition of cybersecurity startup Armis, more than tripling its security market opportunity as companies ramp up spending to defend against AI-era cyber threats.
AI voice assistants like Alexa Plus continue to struggle with basic smart home functions like operating coffee makers and lights, as generative AI fails to deliver on 2025 promises of seamless home automation, achieving only minor advances in security camera notifications instead of the revolutionary ambient intelligence consumers were promised.
Google launches Model Context Protocol support, enabling AI agents to directly access Google Maps, BigQuery, and Cloud services through unified APIs, with plans to expand to additional cloud platforms in coming months.
Pebble unveils the Index 01, a $75 smart ring that ditches health tracking for voice recording capabilities, featuring a physical button to capture notes and reminders with two-year battery life and no subscription fees required.
Scientists develop world's first microwave-powered computer chip that processes over 20 billion operations per second using analog microwaves instead of digital circuits, consuming less than 200 milliwatts while achieving 88% accuracy in pattern recognition tasks for AI and wearable applications.
Cybersecurity firm Armis raises $435 million at a $6.1 billion valuation while boldly rejecting seven acquisition offers including a $5 billion bid from Thoma Bravo, choosing instead to pursue an IPO in late 2026 with $300 million in annual recurring revenue.