AMD Unveils AI Chips While Google Gemini Powers Samsung Devices

AMD made significant announcements at CES 2026, unveiling a new lineup of processors designed to boost AI capabilities across various devices. The company introduced the Ryzen AI 400 Series for general use, featuring 12 CPU Cores and 24 threads, alongside the gaming-focused Ryzen 7 9850X3D. AMD also launched its Ryzen AI 400 laptop chips, codenamed "Gorgon Point," which incorporate Zen 5 and Zen 5c CPU cores, RDNA 3.5 graphics, and an NPU capable of up to 60 TOPS in models like the HX 475. These new chips are also AMD's first Copilot+ processors for desktops, promising up to 30 percent faster multi-tasking and 70 percent faster content creation. Laptops featuring these processors from major brands are expected to ship in the first quarter of 2026. Further expanding its AI portfolio, AMD revealed the Ryzen AI Max and AI Max Pro series, with the top-tier Ryzen AI Max+ boasting 16 cores, 32 threads, and 50 peak TOPS. AMD claims these new processors offer significantly faster AI performance, multitasking, content creation, and gaming compared to the Apple M5 MacBook Pro. For developers, AMD plans to release the Ryzen AI Halo mini PC in the second quarter of 2026, designed to run large AI models up to 200 billion parameters directly on the device. Additionally, new Ryzen AI Embedded P100 and X100 Series processors are set to simplify AI solutions for automotive, industrial, and autonomous edge applications, with full production expected in Q2 2026. In related AI developments, Samsung co-CEO TM Roh announced ambitious plans to integrate AI into all its products, aiming to equip 800 million phones and tablets with AI by the end of 2026, doubling last year's figure. Samsung's Galaxy AI suite primarily utilizes Google's Gemini model alongside its Bixby assistant, positioning the company to compete with rivals like Apple. Meanwhile, Salesforce reported that AI and agents significantly influenced 20 percent of all 2025 holiday retail revenue, totaling $262 billion, with shoppers from AI-powered search channels converting nine times more often than those from social media. However, the rapid adoption of AI also brings challenges. A Netskope report highlighted significant security risks from "shadow AI," revealing that nearly half of employees use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Copilot through personal accounts without company oversight. This practice has led to a doubling of incidents where sensitive company data was sent to AI apps, averaging 223 incidents per month. Billionaire Mark Cuban echoed these concerns, emphasizing that while AI is vital for businesses, it also has limits like hallucinations and can compromise sensitive data if not managed carefully. Amidst these advancements and warnings, companies like Bosch are introducing consumer-facing AI, such as the Cook AI system demonstrated at CES 2026, which offers personalized cooking guidance and integrates with smart kitchen appliances.

Key Takeaways

• AMD launched new Ryzen AI 400 Series, AI Max, and AI Embedded processors at CES 2026, targeting AI PCs, gaming, and edge applications, with some models offering up to 60 NPU TOPS for Copilot+ PCs.
• AMD's new Ryzen AI Max+ processors claim significantly faster AI performance, multitasking, content creation, and gaming compared to the Apple M5 MacBook Pro.
• Samsung aims to double its AI-enabled mobile devices to 800 million by the end of 2026, integrating Google's Gemini model into its Galaxy AI suite.
• Salesforce reported that AI and agents influenced 20% ($262 billion) of 2025 holiday retail revenue, with AI-powered search channels converting 9 times more often.
• A Netskope report revealed that 47% of employees use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Copilot through personal accounts, leading to significant "shadow AI" security risks and a doubling of sensitive data exposure incidents.
• AMD introduced the Ryzen AI Halo mini PC for AI developers, designed to run large AI models up to 200 billion parameters directly on the device, expected in Q2 2026.
• Mark Cuban emphasized that businesses must become proficient in AI or risk failure, while also warning about AI's "stupid" limits like hallucinations and the risk of compromising sensitive data.
• AI is fundamentally changing economic goods, making scarce resources abundant and expert labor infinitely scalable, requiring governments to rethink industrial and competition policies.
• Bosch introduced Cook AI at CES 2026, an AI-powered system offering personalized cooking guidance and precise control, integrating with smart kitchen appliances.
• AMD's AI PC platforms using its chips have doubled to over 250 in the past year, with new processors and laptops expected to ship in Q1 2026.

AMD reveals new AI PC and gaming chips at CES 2026

AMD CEO Lisa Su announced new AI PC processors at CES 2026 on January 5. The company revealed the AMD Ryzen AI 400 Series processor, featuring 12 CPU Cores and 24 threads, for general use. AMD also launched the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D, a gaming-focused processor, and updated Redstone ray tracing technology. Rahul Tikoo noted over 250 AI PC platforms now use AMD chips, doubling in a year. These new processors will be available in the first quarter of 2026.

AMD launches Ryzen AI 400 laptop chips at CES

AMD officially launched its Ryzen AI 400 line of laptop chips at CES on January 6, 2026. These new "Gorgon Point" processors use the same Zen 5 and Zen 5c CPU cores and RDNA 3.5 graphics as the Ryzen AI 300 series. Key improvements include slightly faster CPU and GPU frequencies, increased memory bandwidth, and a quicker NPU for AI tasks in top models, like the HX 475 with 60 TOPS. AMD's Rahul Tikoo stated that manufacturing and software improvements will boost performance. Laptops featuring these chips from brands like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo will ship in the first quarter of 2026.

AMD Ryzen AI 400 chips boost laptops and desktops

AMD introduced its new Ryzen AI 400 processors at CES 2026, bringing speed upgrades and the company's first Copilot+ processors for desktops. The 12-core Ryzen AI 9 HX 475 offers 12 Zen 5 CPU cores, up to 5.2GHz boost speeds, and 8,533 MT/s memory. Even the four-core Ryzen AI 5 430 supports 8,000 MTS RAM and a 50 TOPS NPU. AMD claims these chips provide up to 30 percent faster multi-tasking, 70 percent faster content creation, and 10 percent faster gaming. They also promise 70 percent better "unplugged connectivity" for improved battery performance.

AMD unveils Ryzen AI Halo mini PC for developers

AMD plans to release a new mini PC called the AMD Ryzen AI Halo, designed for AI developers. This compact system uses Ryzen AI Max Plus series processors. It can run large AI models, specifically up to 200 billion parameters, directly on the device. AMD expects to introduce the Ryzen AI Halo in the second quarter of 2026. More details on its pricing and availability will be shared closer to its launch date.

AMD reveals powerful Ryzen AI Max CPUs at CES 2026

AMD introduced a new line of Ryzen AI Max and AI Max Pro series processors at CES 2026, designed for advanced AI software. The top model, AMD Ryzen AI Max+, features 16 cores, 32 threads, a 5.1 GHz max boost, 80MB cache, 50 peak TOPS, 40 graphics cores, and 60 TFLOPS. AMD claims these new processors offer significantly faster AI performance, multitasking, content creation, and gaming compared to the Apple M5 MacBook Pro. The company also announced the Ryzen 9850X3D, which replaces the Ryzen 7 9800X3D as its top gaming processor.

AMD boosts AI with new Ryzen chips and software at CES

At CES 2026 on January 8 in Las Vegas, AMD announced major advancements in AI across its client, graphics, and software offerings. The company introduced new AMD Ryzen AI 400 and PRO 400 Series processors, providing up to 60 NPU TOPS for Copilot+ PCs with their XDNA 2 NPU architecture. AMD also unveiled new Ryzen AI Max+ SKUs for high-performance AI and graphics in various devices. Additionally, AMD launched the Ryzen AI Halo, a mini-PC for AI developers, and updated its ROCm software platform with better performance and integration. These new Ryzen AI processors and the Ryzen AI Halo platform will be available in the second half of 2026.

Samsung CEO promises AI in all products by 2026

Samsung co-CEO TM Roh announced that the company will integrate AI into all its products, functions, and services as quickly as possible. Samsung aims to equip 800 million phones and tablets with AI by the end of 2026, doubling from 400 million devices last year. The company's Galaxy AI suite uses Google's Gemini model and Samsung's Bixby assistant. Roh expects AI adoption to grow rapidly, with AI tools becoming common within six to twelve months. Popular AI features include search, generative editing, productivity, translation, and summarization.

Samsung to power 800 million devices with Google Gemini AI

Samsung plans to double its AI-enabled mobile devices to 800 million units in 2026, according to co-CEO T M Roh. The company's Galaxy AI features primarily use Google's Gemini model along with Samsung's Bixby assistant. This move helps Google in the AI competition and allows Samsung to compete with Apple and Chinese rivals. Samsung's internal surveys show Galaxy AI brand awareness jumped from 30% to 80% in one year. Roh expects AI technologies to become much more common within six months to a year, with popular features including search, generative editing, productivity, translation, and summarization.

AI transforms how we define economic goods

On January 5, 2026, Sami Mahroum discussed how artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing economic goods. AI makes scarce goods abundant and exclusive services universal, blurring the lines between private, public, and club goods. Activities once needing costly human experts, like policy analysis or financial modeling, now become digital items that can be endlessly copied. This shift means expert labor, once a rival good, becomes infinitely scalable and non-rival. The economy moves from producing units per hour to orchestrating models, data, and computation. Governments must rethink industrial and competition policies as AI alters market structures and the very nature of economic goods.

AI agents boost 2025 holiday shopping sales

Salesforce reported that AI and agents significantly impacted 2025 holiday sales, influencing 20 percent of all retail revenue, totaling $262 billion. Shoppers coming from AI-powered search channels like ChatGPT converted nine times more often than those from social media. Companies such as Pandora, SharkNinja, and Funko, which used their own AI agents, saw a 59 percent higher growth rate. Customer service conversations handled by agentic AI jumped 66 percent in December compared to November. However, global online returns reached over $181 billion, accounting for 14 percent of all purchases and a 10 percent increase from the previous year.

Shadow AI use creates major security risks for companies

A Netskope report released on January 6, 2026, reveals that widespread "shadow AI" use poses significant security risks for companies. Nearly half of employees, 47%, use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Copilot through personal accounts without company oversight. This creates security gaps that hackers can exploit, leading to data exposure. The report noted a doubling in incidents where users sent sensitive company data to AI apps, averaging 223 incidents per month. While company-approved AI use is rising, the increase in employees switching between personal and work accounts shows companies need better AI governance. Organizations must prioritize clear policies, better provisioning, and continuous monitoring to manage these risks.

AI Bartender creates custom cocktail at CES

At CES on January 5, 2026, writer Katelyn Chedraoui tested an AI Bartender device, the AI Barman, co-founded by Alex Snesarev. The device uses a camera to scan a user's face, estimating age and detecting signs of intoxication to adjust drink strength. Users can also choose preferred tastes like fruity or bitter. Chedraoui asked for a "fruity, strong, and festive" drink, and the AI created a "Weekend Fiesta Punch" with raspberry, cola, and whisky. The drink tasted surprisingly good, similar to a less artificial Dr Pepper. While the AI Barman offers a unique experience for events, it does not replace the human connection of a traditional bartender.

AMD launches Ryzen AI Embedded chips for edge AI

At CES 2026, AMD introduced its new Ryzen AI Embedded P100 and X100 Series processors, designed for automotive, industrial, and autonomous edge AI applications. These compact processors combine Zen 5 CPUs, RDNA 3.5 GPUs, and XDNA 2 NPUs. The platform features an open, virtualized software stack that can securely run multiple operating systems at once. This innovation aims to simplify the creation and use of AI solutions directly on devices, ensuring real-time processing and improved data privacy. Early samples are available now, with full production shipments expected in the second quarter of 2026.

Mark Cuban says AI is vital but also stupid

Billionaire Mark Cuban believes AI will revolutionize business, stating that companies must become great at AI or risk failure. He sees AI chatbots as helpful assistants that can quickly gather and present information, like a savant with a great memory. However, Cuban also calls AI "stupid" and warns it has limits, such as hallucinations, and is not a cure-all. He stresses that businesses must understand AI's capabilities to avoid harm, as employees using standard AI tools can compromise sensitive data. Cuban advises protecting intellectual property carefully, as online content can train other AI models for free.

Central Georgia students explore AI careers for 2026

Central Georgia students are exploring career opportunities in artificial intelligence for 2026. An IT expert from FVSU discussed the new possibilities that the AI field presents. Students are learning about the growing demand for AI skills and how they can prepare for future jobs in this evolving sector. This initiative helps students understand the career paths available in AI.

Bosch introduces Cook AI with Chef Marcel Vigneron at CES

Bosch unveiled its new Cook AI technology at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, aiming to revolutionize home cooking. Celebrity Chef Marcel Vigneron demonstrated the AI-powered system, which offers personalized guidance, recipe suggestions, and precise cooking control based on user preferences. Cook AI integrates with Bosch's smart kitchen appliances to create an intuitive cooking experience. It helps both new and experienced cooks achieve restaurant-quality results through features like real-time adjustments and automated processes. Bosch hopes to make complex culinary techniques accessible to everyone, boosting creativity and confidence in the kitchen.

Sources

• AMD unveils new AI PC processors for general use and gaming at CES
• AMD Ryzen AI 400 official: Will these laptop chips maintain AMD’s lead?
• AMD's Ryzen AI 400 chips are a big boost for laptops and desktops alike
• AMD is releasing a new mini PC for AI developers.
• AMD unveils a new class of Ryzen AI Max CPUs, the new powerhouse is here
• AMD Expands AI Leadership Across Client, Graphics, and Software with New Ryzen, Ryzen AI, and AMD ROCm Announcements at CES 2026
• Samsung's boss: "We will apply AI to all products, all functions, and all services"
• Samsung To Have 800 Million Phones This Year Powered By Google’s Gemini
• AI is changing the nature of economic goods
• AI’s Big Impact on Holiday Shopping
• Risky shadow AI use remains widespread
• I Challenged an AI Bartender to Design Me a Cocktail. I Was Surprised With the Result
• Is AMD’s New Ryzen AI Embedded Platform Recasting Its Edge AI Investment Case (AMD)?
• Mark Cuban says AI is both 'stupid' and make-or-break in business
• Central Georgia Students taking a closer look at Artificial Intelligence (AI) careers in 2026
• Bosch Unveils Cook AI at CES 2026