ChatGPT WhatsApp departure, HP AI layoffs...

OpenAI and Microsoft announced that their AI tools, ChatGPT and Copilot, will no longer operate on WhatsApp starting January 15, 2026, due to Meta's updated terms of service, which restrict AI chatbots not created by Meta from using the platform. Meta's move aims to ensure WhatsApp's Business API is used for customer support rather than as a distribution channel for rival AI products. Other third-party chatbot providers, such as Perplexity, are likely to follow suit, leaving Meta as the dominant AI player on WhatsApp. Analysts suggest this shift highlights Meta’s strategic emphasis on AI products integrated within its own ecosystem. The Verge

HP plans to eliminate up to 6,000 positions by 2028, citing an AI-driven restructuring strategy intended to save $1 billion. While the company emphasized its commitment to AI-enhanced processes, analysts argue the layoffs are likely driven by rising memory chip costs and declining PC demand. HP’s CEO, Enrique Lores, outlined plans to allocate savings into product innovation, customer satisfaction, and productivity improvements. However, concerns have emerged over whether these changes will disrupt service levels for enterprise clients during the transition. Computer World TechSpot

OpenAI has broadened data residency coverage for enterprise users of its ChatGPT and API platforms, adding regions such as India, Australia, and the UAE. This move addresses regulatory hurdles like GDPR and local compliance mandates, enabling businesses to store sensitive data in their jurisdictions. However, the policy does not cover where data is processed during interactions, which remains restricted to US-based infrastructure. Analysts suggest this step could significantly ease compliance for regulated sectors but leaves certain industries, such as defense, cautious about adoption. Computer World

Intel’s Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs will debut with native DDR5-7200 CUDIMM support, offering a 12.5% speed increase over their predecessors. The upgrade is positioned as essential for high-performance computing and gaming, further solidifying Intel’s competitiveness in the race for advanced RAM compatibility. Industry observers see this as a critical step in catering to enthusiasts and professional users demanding cutting-edge hardware. Tom's Hardware

TSMC has filed a lawsuit against its former vice president for allegedly transferring confidential information to Intel, violating a non-compete agreement and trade secrecy laws. The case, lodged in Taiwan's Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, reflects the increasing importance of intellectual property protection in the semiconductor industry as global competition intensifies. TechSpot

The Nvidia RTX Pro 6000D, a GPU tailored for China, outperformed expectations in Geekbench OpenCL benchmarks, edging out the RTX 5090D. Despite regulatory hurdles, the card's performance suggests Nvidia continues to refine its products for specialized markets, balancing innovation with geopolitical constraints. Tom's Hardware

Rumored specifications for the Meta Quest 4 suggest a lighter design, enhanced processors, and a potential name change. These developments aim to improve user experience and maintain Meta’s leadership in the VR hardware market, as competition in augmented reality intensifies. Tech Radar

A keyboard-driven launcher for Linux, praised for replacing traditional taskbars, enables users to streamline app launching and file navigation. This innovation underscores the growing demand for productivity tools tailored to power users who prioritize efficiency over conventional graphical interfaces. XDA Developers

The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in southern China has delivered groundbreaking measurements of neutrino parameters just two months after activation. Researchers achieved unprecedented precision in determining the mixing angles and mass state differences of neutrinos, marking a significant milestone in particle physics and advancing understanding beyond the Standard Model. Live Science

A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America reveals that professional fighters with repeated head impacts experience significant declines in glymphatic system function, the brain's waste-clearing mechanism. This dysfunction is linked to risks of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding athletes against chronic trauma. The Scientist