China is pushing ahead with its semiconductor materials strategy. Shanghai, one of the country’s leading cities, has included brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and fourth-generation semiconductors among its priority future industries, signaling early preparation for a new materials era beyond third-generation semiconductors.

Salesforce has released its outlook on artificial intelligence (AI) trends for 2026, describing the year as a turning point for the emergence of what it calls the “agentic enterprise.” Citing its latest research, the company said that AI adoption by chief information officers has increased by 282%. However, concerns around data reliability and governance remain the primary constraint on scaling enterprise automation.

Apple has taken a significant step in the intensifying AI competition with Meta Platforms and Alphabet by acquiring Israeli startup Q.ai, a move that underscores its effort to rebuild momentum in artificial intelligence. Reuters reported the acquisition, citing sources who said the deal is valued at about US$1.6 billion, while the Financial Times put the price closer to US$2 billion. If confirmed, the transaction would rank as Apple’s second-largest acquisition, after its 2014 purchase of Beats Electronics.