ChatGPT leaves WhatsApp, HP AI transformation...

OpenAI's ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot will no longer be available on WhatsApp due to updated terms by Meta, prohibiting third-party AI chatbots from using its platform for distribution. These changes, effective January 15, 2026, aim to ensure WhatsApp Business API remains focused on customer support rather than serving as a distribution medium for competing AI products. Other AI services, like Meta AI, will remain unaffected by this policy shift, potentially leading to a reduction in options for users who rely on external AI tools for messaging. The Verge

HP announced a workforce reduction of up to 6,000 jobs by 2028 as part of a broader shift toward AI-driven transformation. The company aims to save $1 billion over three years by redesigning processes with agentic AI. However, analysts have questioned whether these cuts are primarily driven by AI productivity gains or by economic pressures, including rising memory chip costs and declining PC market demand. Concerns about operational continuity and service levels have been raised, particularly by enterprise buyers managing vendor relationships. Computer World TechSpot

OpenAI has introduced new data residency options for enterprise customers to address compliance challenges in regulated markets. This update allows data-at-rest storage within specific regions, including India, South Korea, and Australia, facilitating smoother adoption of OpenAI's tools in data-sensitive sectors like banking and healthcare. However, the processing of data for inference still occurs in the US, which may deter institutions requiring stricter compliance. Computer World

The integration of voice mode in ChatGPT brings a more seamless conversational experience, transforming it into a versatile assistant. Early user feedback highlights the feature's potential to create a more interactive and human-like AI experience, addressing a long-standing gap in AI usability. This development reflects OpenAI’s continuous efforts to enhance its product’s accessibility and functionality. Tech Radar Tech Radar

A keyboard-driven launcher for Linux has gained popularity as an efficient alternative to traditional taskbars. By focusing on text-based navigation, the tool allows users to launch applications and manage files more quickly without a mouse. This innovation could indicate a growing trend toward minimalist, productivity-focused interfaces in open-source systems. XDA Developers

Businesses globally are struggling to deploy responsible AI effectively despite acknowledging its potential for productivity gains. Common challenges include ethical concerns, regulatory compliance, and the lack of clear frameworks for AI governance. This gap between ambition and execution underscores the need for more robust guidelines to harness AI safely and equitably. Tech Radar

Poco has partnered with Bose to introduce a subwoofer-equipped smartphone, the Poco F8 Ultra, offering enhanced audio capabilities. With stereo speakers and two sound profiles, this collaboration showcases a growing trend of blending consumer tech with premium audio engineering, aimed at distinguishing devices in a competitive market. The Verge

TSMC has filed a lawsuit against a former vice president for allegedly taking trade secrets to Intel. The case, submitted in Taiwan's Intellectual Property and Commercial Court, highlights the ongoing tension and competitive dynamics within the semiconductor industry, where intellectual property is a critical asset. TechSpot

The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in China has achieved unprecedented precision in measuring neutrino parameters after only two months of operation. This advancement may provide new insights into particle physics and potentially lead to discoveries beyond the Standard Model. Scientists emphasize the significance of this work, which builds on decades of research. Live Science

Researchers have pinpointed a biological turning point where aging processes accelerate, potentially aiding future interventions in age-related diseases. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in understanding how aging impacts the human body, offering hope for medical advancements in longevity and healthspan. Science Alert