AP Technology

January 12, 2026

Apple calls on Google to help smarten up Siri and bring other AI features to the iPhone

Apple will lean on Google to help finish its bungled attempts to smarten up its virtual assistant Siri and bring other artificial intelligence features to the iPhone as the trendsetting company plays catch up in technology’s latest craze. The deal that allowing Apple to tap into Google’s AI technology was disclosed Monday in a joint statement from the Silicon Valley powerhouses. The partnership will draw upon Google’s Gemini technology to customize a suite of AI features dubbed “Apple Intelligence” on the iPhone and other products. Apple announced plans to use AI to turn Siri into a more conversational and versatile multitasker in 2024, but that promise remains unfulfilled.

Meta names former Trump adviser Dina Powell McCormick as president and vice chairman

NEW YORK (AP) — Facebook owner Meta has named Dina Powell McCormick, a former Trump administration adviser and longtime finance executive, as president and vice chairman of the tech giant. The company says she will help guide its overall strategy, including major investments. The announcement on Monday received praise from Donald Trump, who called it a “great choice” by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Powell McCormick has extensive experience in global finance and government roles. She worked in the Trump and Bush administrations and held leadership positions at Goldman Sachs. Her appointment arrives amid wider efforts from Meta to boost its ties with Trump.

Google teams up with Walmart and other retailers to enable shopping within Gemini AI chatbot

NEW YORK (AP) — Google is expanding the shopping features in its AI chatbot by teaming up with Walmart, Shopify, Wayfair and other big retailers to turn the Gemini app into a virtual merchant as well as an assistant. An instant checkout function will allow customers to make purchases from some businesses and through a range of payment providers without leaving the Gemini chat they used to find products, according to Walmart and Google. The news was announced Sunday on the first day of the National Retail Federation’s annual convention in New York. The role of artificial intelligence in e-commerce and its impact on consumer behavior are expected to dominate the three-day event.

As protests rage, Iran pulls the plug on contact with the world

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has disconnected its internet and phone lines to cut off its 85 million people from the rest of the world. Thursday night’s action sharply limits the sharing of images and accounts of the growing protests over Iran’s struggling economy. The shutdown follows a pattern seen in past demonstrations. The disruption appears to affect even Starlink, which has been used to share protest information. Iran has been disrupting GPS signals, which Starlink receivers use to position themselves to connect to low-orbit satellites. As the country effectively goes dark, loved ones in Iran’s diaspora are frantic for any scrap of news.

VR headsets are ‘hope machines’ inside California prisons, offering escape and practical experience

CHOWCHILLA, Calif. (AP) — Prisoners are now taking regular trips to far-flung, exotic locales such as Thailand. No passport required, just a virtual reality headset. A Los Angeles-based nonprofit is bringing the technology to California lockups with the goal of providing inmates a brief escape and, more importantly, exposure to real world scenarios that will prepare them to reenter society. During a weeklong program last month, incarcerated men at Valley State Prison near Fresno strapped on VR goggles. Some saw the sights on the other side of the globe, including Bangkok, while others experienced more practical scenes, such as job interviews.

Lyft and Uber drivers protest Waymo robotaxis as California considers further regulations

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Lyft and Uber drivers protested Waymo’s self-driving taxis in San Francisco. They urged state regulators to increase oversight of autonomous vehicles after incidents where the cars killed pets and blocked traffic. Around two dozen drivers and supporters gathered Friday outside the California Public Utilities Commission offices. They called for safer streets and greater accountability. Joseph Augusto, a driver for both Uber and Lyft, expressed concerns about unfair treatment compared to autonomous vehicle companies. The California Gig Workers Union wants the vehicles removed until safety issues are addressed. Waymo says it strives to be the world’s most trusted driver. The utilities commission says it has no comment.

From climbing vacuums to cyber pets: Some highlights of CES 2026

LAS VEGAS (AP) — CES 2026 showcased futuristic tech, from paper-thin screens to AI-driven gadgets. Meanwhile, robots were everywhere on the show floor, assisting and entertaining. Highlights of the annual tech trade show in Las Vegas included Lego introducing Smart Play, a blend of connected bricks with Star Wars themes. Clicks Technology also revived the digital phone keyboard with a magnetic QWERTY mode, while LG unveiled a TV as thin as paper. Roborock presented a vacuum that climbs stairs and Razer demoed AI-powered headphones similar to smart glasses. Strutt introduced a self-driving mobility chair and Uber revealed a premium robotaxi.