Anthropic Launches Cowork While Meta Scales AI Compute

Anthropic recently introduced Cowork, a new AI agent designed to assist non-technical users with everyday computer tasks directly on their macOS Claude desktop app. Built on the same technology as Claude Code, Cowork can manage files, create documents, organize downloads, and even convert receipt screenshots into expense spreadsheets using natural language instructions. Notably, Boris Cherny, creator of Claude Code, revealed that Claude Code itself wrote almost all the code for Cowork in under two weeks, showcasing AI's growing capability in development. This tool is currently available as a research preview for Claude Max subscribers, with Anthropic emphasizing the need for careful instructions to avoid risks like accidental file deletion or prompt injection. Meanwhile, other tech giants are also making significant moves in the AI space. Meta is establishing a new organization called Meta Compute, led by Santosh Janardhan and Alexis Gross, to massively scale its AI computing infrastructure. This initiative involves planning years ahead for hardware, buildings, power, and networks to support data centers requiring hundreds of gigawatts. Google, however, faced a setback, quietly removing some of its AI-generated health summaries, known as AI Overviews, after reports of misleading and potentially dangerous information. This incident highlights the critical need for accuracy in AI applications, especially as many AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are heavily investing in healthcare AI tools. Separately, Micron announced it is discontinuing its Crucial brand of consumer memory products by the end of January to prioritize the high demand for memory chips from AI data centers, signaling a strategic shift towards enterprise AI hardware. Beyond these specific company developments, AI continues to expand its influence across various sectors. The US War Department launched an AI Acceleration Strategy to become a global leader in military AI, focusing on ethical development and responsible deployment. In energy, AI and digital tools are being leveraged to optimize existing power grids, predict failures, and extend equipment life, aiming to enhance energy security. The University of Toledo's Neff College of Business and Innovation initiated an AI Fellows program to integrate AI into its curriculum and prepare students for future jobs. Furthermore, Affinity Group acquired Mascari NXT to introduce AI-powered selling tools in the food industry, while Cityblock Health appointed a new CTO, Alberto Lopez Toledo, to boost its use of AI for patient triage, outreach, and clinical support, with human oversight. An Apollo Chief Economist report also points to a high concentration of AI stocks within the S&P 500, underscoring AI's significant impact on market performance.

Key Takeaways

• Anthropic launched Claude Cowork, an AI agent for non-technical users to manage files and create documents on macOS, built largely by Claude Code itself in under two weeks.
• Claude Cowork is available as a research preview for Claude Max subscribers and requires careful user instructions due to potential risks like file deletion.
• Meta is forming Meta Compute, led by Santosh Janardhan and Alexis Gross, to build massive AI computing infrastructure, planning for data centers needing hundreds of gigawatts.
• Google removed some AI-generated health summaries (AI Overviews) after reports of misleading information, highlighting accuracy challenges in healthcare AI, where companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are also investing.
• Micron is discontinuing its Crucial consumer memory brand by January to focus on high-demand memory chips for AI data centers.
• The US War Department launched an AI Acceleration Strategy to lead in military AI, focusing on ethical development and responsible deployment.
• AI is being applied to optimize power grids for energy security, predict failures, and extend equipment life.
• AI is accelerating materials discovery by finding patterns in science data, potentially leading to a "TechBio moment" for new materials.
• The University of Toledo initiated an AI Fellows program to integrate AI into its curriculum and prepare students for AI-driven careers.
• AI is transforming industries, with Affinity Group acquiring Mascari NXT for AI-powered food sales and Cityblock Health appointing a CTO to expand AI use in patient care.

Anthropic introduces Cowork for everyday computer tasks

Anthropic launched Cowork, a new tool for general office work, built on the same technology as Claude Code. It is designed for non-technical users and runs on the macOS Claude desktop app. Users can give Claude access to a specific folder and provide plain language instructions for tasks like expense reports or file organization. Cowork is currently a research preview for Max subscribers. Anthropic warns users to be careful with instructions to avoid accidental file deletion or prompt injection risks.

Anthropic releases Claude Cowork for file management

Anthropic launched Claude Cowork, a new AI agent that can manage files and create documents on a user's computer. This tool is for non-technical users and leverages the abilities of Claude Code. It can help with tasks like organizing downloads or turning receipt screenshots into expense spreadsheets. Anthropic developed Cowork quickly, mostly using Claude Code itself. The company warns about security risks like prompt injection attacks and advises users to limit access to trusted sites. Claude Cowork is currently available as a research preview.

Claude Code AI built Anthropic's new Cowork tool

Boris Cherny, the creator of Claude Code at Anthropic, revealed that Claude Code itself wrote almost all the code for the new Cowork product. Cowork expands Claude Code's abilities to non-coding tasks, like organizing files or creating reports. Anthropic noticed users were already using Claude Code for many different everyday tasks. Cowork offers new features such as a built-in virtual machine and browser automation. It is currently a research preview for Claude Max subscribers on macOS. Human oversight remains important even as AI takes on more development work.

Anthropic launches Cowork for local file management

Anthropic released Cowork, a new tool that acts as Claude's local file system agent for daily tasks. It runs within the Claude desktop app, allowing users to select a folder for Claude to read, edit, or create files. Cowork can reorganize downloads, make expense spreadsheets from screenshots, or create reports from notes. It uses natural language instructions and builds on the same technology as Claude Code. Anthropic emphasizes safety by limiting access to chosen folders and requiring confirmation for major actions, but warns about prompt injection risks. Cowork is currently available as a research preview.

Anthropic's Cowork AI tool built by AI in weeks

Anthropic's new Claude Cowork tool was mostly built by its own AI, Claude, in under two weeks. Boris Cherny, head of Claude Code, and Product Manager Felix Rieseberg confirmed this. Cowork is designed for non-programming tasks, making AI more accessible to everyday users. Users give the AI tool access to files and then tell it what to do. It is currently available to Claude Max subscribers on the Mac app. Anthropic warns users to be very clear with instructions, as the AI can perform destructive actions like deleting files.

AI can boost energy security and power grids

Artificial intelligence and digital tools can help countries improve energy security and meet rising power demands. Instead of only building new infrastructure, AI can optimize existing power grids to unlock hidden capacity. This involves balancing traditional fuels with more sustainable options like renewables. AI can turn energy data into useful information, helping to predict power plant failures and extend equipment life through predictive maintenance. Leaders at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 will discuss how to prepare workers for these changes.

AI and circularity will transform future materials

The climate transition needs new, efficient materials and systems that reuse existing ones, but traditional discovery has been slow. Artificial intelligence offers a big change by learning the "language of matter." AI uses advanced computing to find patterns in science data and suggest new materials much faster. This new approach could lead to a "TechBio moment" for materials, speeding up discoveries for areas like energy, mobility, and electronics. However, a challenge remains in moving these AI-predicted materials quickly from discovery to large-scale production and circular use.

War Department launches AI strategy for military

The US War Department launched a new Artificial Intelligence Acceleration Strategy. This plan aims to make the United States the top leader in military AI technology. It will speed up how AI is used across all parts of the military. The strategy focuses on developing AI ethically, deploying it responsibly, and ensuring strong security. Key efforts include investing in AI research, working with companies and universities, and training a skilled workforce. This will help improve military decisions, make operations more efficient, and protect national security.

University of Toledo launches AI Fellows program

The University of Toledo's Neff College of Business and Innovation started an AI Fellows program. This program helps faculty learn about artificial intelligence and share their knowledge with others. AI Fellows act as experts, guiding how AI is used in classrooms and for preparing students for future jobs. They attend professional development, give presentations, and mentor colleagues. Dean Dr. Barbara Ritter says this ensures the college stays current with AI technology. Seven faculty members are part of the first group of AI Fellows for 2025-26.

Meta creates Meta Compute for massive AI data centers

Meta is forming a new organization called Meta Compute to greatly expand its computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence. This initiative will be led by Santosh Janardhan and Alexis Gross. AI models need huge amounts of power, measured in gigawatts, so Meta must plan for hardware, buildings, power, and networks years ahead. The new structure will combine hardware and software decisions to maximize efficiency. Meta Compute aims to secure advanced equipment and build data centers capable of handling hundreds of gigawatts over time.

Affinity Group buys Mascari NXT for AI food sales

Affinity Group, a leading sales and marketing agency, acquired Mascari NXT, an AI and data integration company. Mascari NXT will now operate as a subsidiary, aiming to transform sales and customer engagement in the food industry. This acquisition brings new AI-powered selling tools to improve accuracy, speed, and growth for clients. It will combine human connections with digital precision, reaching over 50% more operators. Affinity Group is one of the first in the industry to use AI-driven selling for food, setting a new standard for innovation.

Google removes some health AI summaries after errors

Google quietly removed some of its AI-generated health summaries, called AI Overviews, after reports of misleading information. The Guardian found that some summaries, like those for liver tests, lacked important context and could be dangerous. Google stated it invests in quality and most overviews are accurate, but it is making improvements. This happens as many AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are heavily investing in healthcare AI tools. These tools aim to help with tasks like patient communication and summarizing health records, but even small errors could have serious effects.

Micron ends Crucial brand to focus on AI chips

Micron is stopping its Crucial brand of consumer memory products by the end of January. The company made this decision to focus on the high demand for memory chips from AI data centers. This means people building their own computers or upgrading will have one less brand choice for RAM and SSDs. However, large PC makers like Dell will still receive unbranded Micron memory. Micron plans to honor warranties and provide support for Crucial products. Other memory makers, like Samsung, have stated they will continue their consumer lines.

Cityblock Health names CTO to boost AI use

Cityblock Health, a healthcare provider for Medicaid members, appointed Alberto Lopez Toledo as its new Chief Technology Officer. He will focus on expanding the company's technology, especially in artificial intelligence. Cityblock already uses AI to help providers with administrative tasks. Future plans include using AI for patient triage, outreach, and clinical support, always keeping humans involved. Lopez Toledo aims to apply AI to ensure high-quality care reaches everyone. The company also added three new board members: Karen DeSalvo, Mario Schlosser, and Cynthia Burks, to support its growth and AI innovations.

S&P 500 shows high AI stock concentration

A report from Apollo Chief Economist highlights a very high concentration of artificial intelligence stocks within the S&P 500. The report includes charts showing how much AI impacts the S&P 500's market value, returns, earnings, and spending. The main finding is that investors in the S&P 500 are still too heavily invested in AI. This suggests a significant portion of the market's performance is tied to a few AI-related companies.

Sources

• Anthropic launches Cowork, a Claude Code-like for general computing
• Anthropic launches Cowork, a file-managing AI agent that could threaten dozens of startups
• Claude Code Creator Says Claude Code Wrote “Pretty Much” All The Code For Cowork
• Anthropic Releases Cowork As Claude’s Local File System Agent For Everyday Work
• Anthropic's Claude Cowork was mostly built by AI
• How AI could unlock capacity and strengthen energy security
• Why AI and circularity are key to the future of materials
• War Department Launches AI Acceleration Strategy to Secure American Mi
• AI Fellows Support Technology Integration, Innovation in Neff College of Business
• Meta sets up 'Meta Compute' organization for gigawatt-scale AI data centers — initiative is said to consumer hundreds of gigawatts over time
• Affinity Group Acquires AI Innovator: Mascari NXT to Transform Sales and Customer Engagement Across the Food Industry
• Google Pulls Some Health-Related AI Overviews as Industry Goes All-In on Healthcare
• Micron Addresses the End of Its Crucial Brand and the AI Boom
• Cityblock Health appoints CTO as it looks to scale AI investment
• Extreme AI Concentration in the S&P 500