Apple unveils AI wearables as Microsoft Copilot faces exploits

Key Takeaways

• Apple plans to launch AI-powered smart glasses, an AI pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods by 2027, with smart glasses production starting December 2026.
• These Apple wearables will integrate Siri to use visual and environmental context from their cameras, positioning Apple to compete with Meta's smart glasses.
• Agoda open-sourced APIAgent, a zero-code tool that converts REST/GraphQL APIs into Model Context Protocol servers for AI agent integration, using OpenAI Agents SDK.
• Cloudflare's Agents SDK v0.5.0 includes a Rust-powered Infire engine, optimizing edge inference and enabling AI agents to maintain state, performing 7% faster than vLLM 0.10.0.
• The Bharat-VISTAAR AI tool, launched in India on February 17, 2026, provides farmers with multilingual crop health, weather alerts, and government benefit access via phone calls.
• Lam Research opened a 9,200-square-foot facility in Boise, Idaho, to support AI growth by advancing Micron's memory technology and semiconductor manufacturing.
• Chief Sustainability Officers are using AI to integrate data, optimize operations, and accelerate clean technology adoption, but must ensure AI strengthens sustainability.
• Brands now need to market to AI chatbots like ChatGPT, which have become new influencers and can misrepresent company offerings.
• Cybersecurity researchers found AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot can be abused as stealthy malware command-and-control relays (AI-C2-Proxy) without requiring an API key.
• Billionaire investor Vinod Khosla suggests tax exemptions for up to 125 million people potentially unemployed by AI, citing concerns about job displacement and wealth disparity.

Apple targets 2027 for AI smart wearables

Apple plans to launch AI-powered smart glasses, an AI pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods in 2027. Production for the smart glasses is set to begin in December 2026. These devices will connect to the iPhone, allowing Siri to use visual information from their cameras. This move aims to embed AI capabilities across multiple devices, competing with companies like Meta. The pendant and camera AirPods offer different ways for users to access AI assistance.

Apple speeds up AI pendant smart glasses and new AirPods

Apple is reportedly speeding up development of three new AI wearables: an AI pendant, smart glasses, and updated AirPods with infrared cameras. The AI pendant, similar in size to an AirTag, will act as an iPhone accessory with an always-on camera and microphone for Siri. This will allow Siri to understand what users are looking at without needing the phone. The smart glasses, code-named N50, aim for production in December 2026 and a 2027 release. New AirPods could arrive as early as this September.

Apple reportedly develops three new AI wearables

Apple is reportedly developing three new AI-powered wearable devices. These include smart glasses, an AI pendant, and AirPods with new AI capabilities. The smart glasses will have a high-resolution camera and may start production in December for a 2027 public release. All three devices will connect to the iPhone and use Siri as a critical part of the user experience. The glasses are described as more upscale and feature-rich than the other two devices.

Apple advances three AI wearables with Siri focus

Apple is accelerating development on three new AI wearables: an AI pendant, smart glasses, and camera-equipped AirPods. These products are built around the Siri digital assistant and aim to provide environmental context. The smart glasses will feature high-resolution and computer vision cameras to act as an all-day AI companion. Prototypes show the glasses evolving from needing a cable to having components embedded in the frame. The AI pendant could serve as an always-on camera and microphone for the iPhone, while camera-equipped AirPods might launch this year.

Apple plans AI glasses pendant and camera AirPods

Apple is reportedly moving forward with plans to launch AI-powered smart glasses, an AI-powered pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods. The smart glasses are expected to begin production in December for a 2027 launch, competing with Meta's smart glasses. They will include speakers, microphones, and high-resolution cameras, along with another lens for AI features. These devices will connect to the iPhone, allowing Siri to perform actions based on the wearer's surroundings. Apple plans to develop the frames for the smart glasses itself.

Agoda releases APIAgent for AI API integration

Travel company Agoda has open-sourced APIAgent, a new tool that converts any REST or GraphQL API into a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server. This tool requires zero code and zero deployments, solving the common problem of integrating AI agents with data. APIAgent acts as a universal MCP server, sitting between Large Language Models like Claude or GPT-4 and existing APIs. It uses FastMCP, OpenAI Agents SDK, and DuckDB for SQL post-processing to understand API documentation and manage data. A key feature is Recipe Learning, which saves complex query traces as templates to reduce latency and cost for future similar questions.

Cloudflare SDK v0.5.0 boosts AI with Rust engine

Cloudflare released Agents SDK v0.5.0, which includes a rewritten @cloudflare/ai-chat and a new Rust-powered Infire engine. This update aims to improve AI development by allowing agents to maintain state over time, unlike traditional stateless serverless functions. It uses Durable Objects for persistent state and identity, and Infire, a custom Rust LLM engine, for optimized edge inference. Infire maximizes GPU use on H100 hardware, reducing CPU overhead by 82% and performing 7% faster than vLLM 0.10.0. The SDK also introduces "Code Mode," where LLMs write TypeScript programs to orchestrate multiple tools, improving token efficiency.

Bharat-VISTAAR AI tool helps farmers across India

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Bharat-VISTAAR, an AI-powered multilingual tool for Indian farmers, on February 17, 2026, in Jaipur. This tool, which stands for Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources, provides smart and accurate information via phone calls. It offers personalized crop health and weather alerts, direct access to government benefits, and is available in over 22 Indian languages. Bharat-VISTAAR integrates AgriStack portals and ICAR agricultural practices, using natural language voice bots for easy access. The government allocated 150 crore rupees to enhance farm productivity, reduce risks, and bridge the digital divide in rural areas.

Lam Research opens Boise facility for AI growth

Lam Research opened a new 9,200-square-foot facility in Boise, Idaho, to support the growth of artificial intelligence. The facility will initially employ 150 people and focus on research, development, and manufacturing to advance Micron's memory technology. This expansion is part of a multi-year plan to increase operational speed as the semiconductor industry supports AI demand. Lam Research's manufacturing equipment is crucial for chip production. Idaho Senator Jim Risch and Micron Technology leaders attended the opening, highlighting Idaho's role in semiconductor manufacturing.

CSOs use AI to drive sustainable business growth

The role of the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) has become central to corporate strategy, with AI being a key enabler. CSOs are using AI to integrate scattered data, understand complex supply chains, and speed up clean technology adoption. AI helps move from static reporting to dynamic insights, tracing emissions and powering ideas like digital product passports. It also optimizes operations like smart grids and logistics, and shortens the path from pilot projects to large-scale solutions. However, CSOs must ensure AI's adoption strengthens sustainability, as its use can increase energy demand and create other challenges.

Brands must now market to AI chatbots

Companies are realizing they must market to AI chatbots, which have become new influencers for consumers. Stacy Simpson, CMO of Athenahealth, discovered that chatbots like ChatGPT did not accurately represent her company's offerings. This shift means businesses need to win over AI models in addition to potential customers. Brian Stempeck, co-founder of Evertune, states that AI models are a new type of influencer brands need to reach. This change marks one of the biggest shifts in digital marketing in decades.

Khosla suggests tax breaks for AI unemployed

Billionaire investor Vinod Khosla suggests that up to 125 million people unemployed by AI should be exempt from income taxes. He proposes the government make up lost revenue by relying on capital gains tax and eliminating certain tax breaks. Khosla's comments come as experts warn about mass job losses due to artificial intelligence automation. The World Economic Forum predicted 92 million jobs would be displaced by AI by 2023. AI's implementation is also expected to widen the wealth gap between rich and poor.

Researcher creates AI games for libraries

H. Blake-Lee, an MLIS researcher at UNC Greensboro, designed AI-themed games to help academic librarians understand and discuss artificial intelligence. Her research found that while librarians are aware of AI concerns, only 30-35% feel comfortable using or teaching about it. About 70% of librarians want to learn about AI through engaging with others, not just computers. Blake-Lee developed a card game with 200 illustrations, some AI-generated, to spark discussions about different perspectives on AI. Players describe images with one word simultaneously, fostering open conversation and connection about the technology.

AI chatbots can be abused for malware attacks

Cybersecurity researchers at Check Point Research discovered that AI assistants like Microsoft Copilot and xAI Grok can be used as stealthy malware command-and-control (C2) relays. This attack method, called "AI-C2-Proxy," uses the AI's anonymous web access and browsing features to create a hidden communication channel for malware. Attackers can use specially crafted prompts to make the AI agent contact their infrastructure and pass commands to compromised machines. This technique does not require an API key or registered account, making traditional detection methods difficult. The findings show how AI tools could become external decision engines for malware, automating attack stages and evading security measures.

AI brings possibilities productivity and policy questions

Mary C. Daly from the Federal Reserve discussed the possibilities, productivity, and policy implications of artificial intelligence on February 17, 2026. She noted that major technological transformations, like electricity, take a long time to fully develop and integrate into society. While AI's origins date back to the 1940s and 50s, the public release of ChatGPT and other large language models in 2022 created a significant surge. This surge has led to real investments and excitement about AI's potential. Daly emphasized the need to understand AI's impact to separate facts from fears and guide appropriate monetary policy responses.

Sources

• Apple Plans AI Smart Glasses, Pendant & Camera AirPods for 2027
• Apple 'accelerates' work on AI pendant, smart glasses, and revamped AirPods
• Apple is reportedly cooking up a trio of AI wearables
• Apple accelerating work on three new AI wearables, per report
• Apple is reportedly planning to launch AI-powered glasses, a pendant, and AirPods
• Agoda Open Sources APIAgent to Convert Any REST pr GraphQL API into an MCP Server with Zero Code
• Cloudflare Releases Agents SDK v0.5.0 with Rewritten @cloudflare/ai-chat and New Rust-Powered Infire Engine for Optimized Edge Inference Performance
• Bharat-VISTAAR launches today- All about the AI tool to help farmers via a simple phone call
• Lam Research opens new Boise facility to support artificial intelligence growth
• AI and the CSO - Using Artificial Intelligence
• Chatbots Are the New Influencers Brands Must Woo
• Billionaire Khosla: If 125 Million Are Unemployed By AI They Shouldn’t Pay Taxes
• AI@Work in Libraries
• Researchers Show Copilot and Grok Can Be Abused as Malware C2 Proxies
• The AI Moment? Possibilities, Productivity, and Policy