Google denies claims that AI shopping tools enable overcharging
Google is defending its new AI shopping protocol after a consumer watchdog warned it could potentially enable "personalized upselling" and overcharging, which the company denies.
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Apps & Consumer
889 storiesRing pivots to AI-powered home assistant strategy
Ring is transitioning from a video doorbell provider to an AI-powered intelligent assistant for homes and businesses, while navigating new law enforcement partnerships and privacy concerns.
Apple launches Creator Studio subscription bundle
Apple is launching a $12.99-per-month "Creator Studio" subscription bundle, providing access to six creative apps and premium iWork content starting January 28.
Salesforce turns Slackbot into an AI agent
Salesforce has launched an AI-agent version of Slackbot, designed to automate tasks like scheduling and email drafting, in a bid to drive enterprise adoption.
Amazon bets on massive device footprint to scale Alexa+
Amazon is rolling out its Alexa+ generative AI platform, claiming that more than 600 million of its devices are capable of supporting the new assistant.
Betterment confirms data breach after social engineering attack
Betterment confirmed a data breach via social engineering that exposed customer personal information, though the company states no accounts or login credentials were compromised.
Netflix leads 83rd Golden Globes with seven wins
Netflix secured seven wins at the 83rd Golden Globes, a performance that coincides with the company's strategic preparations to acquire Warner Bros.
Meta appoints Dina Powell McCormick as president and vice chairman
Meta has appointed former Trump advisor Dina Powell McCormick as president and vice chairman to help guide the company's strategy and execution.
inDrive rolls out in-app ads and grocery services in Pakistan
inDrive is rolling out in-app advertising across 20 markets and expanding grocery delivery to Pakistan to diversify revenue beyond its core ride-hailing business.
Instagram denies data breach despite security claims
Instagram denies a data breach occurred, stating it only fixed a bug allowing unauthorized password reset requests, contradicting claims that 17.5 million accounts were compromised.
Google introduces open standard to streamline AI-powered commerce
Google has launched the Universal Commerce Protocol, an open standard that could soon streamline AI-powered shopping and payments for U.S.-based retailers.
Wing to expand drone delivery to 150 more Walmart stores
Wing is expanding its drone-delivery partnership with Walmart to 150 additional stores, aiming to eventually serve about 10% of the U.S. population.
Ozlo pivots to platform model with new SDK and Segotia acquisition
Sleepbuds maker Ozlo is transitioning into a platform provider, opening its SDK to third-party apps and acquiring neurotech firm Segotia to enter the medical device market.
Disney to bring short-form video to Disney+ this year
Disney will introduce short-form video content to Disney+ in the U.S. this year, aiming to increase daily engagement among younger users accustomed to quick clips.
VC Vanessa Larco predicts 2026 will be the year of the consumer
VC Vanessa Larco predicts 2026 will be the year of the consumer, driven by AI-powered concierge services and a shift away from enterprise-only investment strategies.
Google adds AI Inbox and search features to Gmail
Google is launching a personalized AI Inbox, search overviews, and a proofreading tool for Gmail, while making several previously paid AI features available to all users.
Apple names JPMorgan Chase as new Apple Card issuer
Apple has named JPMorgan Chase as the new issuer for the Apple Card, replacing Goldman Sachs in a transition expected to take up to 24 months.
Ford unveils AI assistant and next-gen BlueCruise tech
Ford announced an AI assistant hosted by Google Cloud and a cheaper, next-generation BlueCruise system, with eyes-off driving expected by 2028.
Roku plans to bring its Howdy streaming service to other platforms
Roku CEO Anthony Wood says the company intends to expand its $2.99 ad-free streaming service, Howdy, to platforms beyond its own ecosystem.
Skylight debuts Calendar 2 with AI-powered scheduling features
Skylight launched its Calendar 2 at CES 2026, featuring AI-driven scheduling and household management tools for its base of 1.3 million-plus families.