GREY Journal Daily News Podcast

In 2025, technology became a foundational component of the global economy, with artificial intelligence investments shifting toward large-scale infrastructure and the introduction of advanced models like GPT-5 enabling complex problem-solving. AI adoption expanded, with 78 percent of organizations integrating AI and 71 percent using generative AI in critical business functions. Generative watermarking and regulatory measures addressed concerns about content authenticity and compliance. Collaborative sensing and 5G coverage supported real-time urban management, while B2B transactions increasingly moved to digital channels, led by millennial buyers. Hardware priorities shifted to high-capacity RAM, and companies like NVIDIA transitioned to full-stack AI platforms. Structural battery composites and small modular reactors advanced energy efficiency and sovereignty, and sodium-ion batteries reduced reliance on foreign resources. Organizations adopted hybrid infrastructure strategies and prepared for the convergence of AI, robotics, and cybersecurity challenges as the pace of technological change accelerated.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

Vivacity Tech announced the relocation of its education technology operations to Greenville, South Carolina, after nearly five years of maintaining a small office in the region. Founder and CEO Eli Maloley cited Greenville's talent pool, business climate, and quality of life as primary reasons for the move. The company aims to hire local professionals, benefit from the city's economic development initiatives, and expand its presence in the Upstate. The relocation is expected to generate new jobs and strengthen partnerships with local institutions.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

Google has expanded its Gemini AI chatbot by partnering with Walmart, Shopify, Wayfair, and other retailers to enable users to browse products, receive personalized recommendations, and complete purchases directly within the chat interface. The instant checkout feature allows customers to make payments without leaving the app, and Walmart users can link accounts for tailored suggestions and cart integration. The announcement was made at the National Retail Federation’s annual convention, with similar AI shopping initiatives underway at OpenAI and Amazon. Salesforce reported that artificial intelligence influenced $272 billion in global retail sales during the recent holiday season. Gemini’s new shopping features are currently available in the United States, with plans for international expansion.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

Walmart introduces advanced shopping technology, including self-service checkout kiosks, real-time inventory tracking, personalized mobile promotions, and contactless payment options. The White House advocates for lower credit card rates, aiming to increase consumer spending power and reduce transaction costs for businesses. These developments signal significant changes for retailers and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need to adopt new technology and monitor regulatory shifts. Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

The United States, by executive order from President Donald Trump, is withdrawing from multiple international organizations central to research, technology, climate science, renewable energy, and security, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, International Union for Conservation of Nature, International Renewable Energy Agency, International Solar Alliance, and the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats. These actions align with a broader policy shift toward energy exports and reduced participation in international climate and research initiatives, affecting access to global collaboration, funding, and technology markets for US businesses and research institutions.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

A former Palantir Technologies executive raised fifty-four million dollars to establish a defense technology holding company, aiming to acquire and support startups focused on advanced security solutions such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and surveillance. The funding reflects increased private investment in national security innovation and highlights the role of experienced tech leaders in accelerating the development of new defense technologies for government and commercial sectors.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

Google unveiled Willow, a quantum computer using 105 superconducting qubits to perform calculations beyond the reach of traditional supercomputers. The system is maintained at temperatures near absolute zero and is designed to address complex challenges in fields such as drug discovery, energy optimization, and food production. Quantum computing advancements raise security concerns, as the technology could potentially decrypt current encryption standards, prompting companies and governments to prepare for new cybersecurity threats. China and the United Kingdom are investing heavily in quantum research to compete globally. Some researchers are investigating whether quantum computers could access parallel universes, though this remains under debate.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

China is investigating Meta's acquisition of Manus, an AI startup with Chinese roots now based in Singapore, to determine compliance with Chinese laws and export controls. Meta stated there will be no continued Chinese ownership in Manus AI and that Manus will cease operations in China. Chinese officials and legal experts are reviewing whether the deal involves the export of restricted technologies. Manus, known for its AI agent capable of complex task automation, reported annual recurring revenue exceeding 100 million dollars. The investigation reflects heightened scrutiny of cross-border technology deals between the United States and China.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

Retailers continue to face challenges with outdated checkout processes, resulting in lost sales due to customer frustration with long lines. Technology such as mobile payments and SoftPOS solutions is available and allows staff to process transactions anywhere in the store, with secure integration into existing systems. Despite these advancements, many retailers hesitate to adopt new payment methods due to concerns about security, staff errors, and integration, although these issues have been addressed by current technology. Empowering store staff with mobile payment tools can reduce checkout friction and improve operational efficiency, enabling a more seamless customer experience.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/