Google DeepMind Advances AI Video While OpenAI Develops Earbuds

Google DeepMind recently enhanced its AI video creation capabilities with the release of Veo 3.1 on January 13, 2026. This update, led by Ricky Wong, allows users to generate more expressive and creative videos, including native vertical videos in a 9:16 aspect ratio, ideal for platforms like YouTube Shorts. The "Ingredients to Video" tool now creates consistent clips from up to three reference images, maintaining character and background stability. Users can also upscale videos to 1080p and 4K resolution, with these features available across the Gemini app, YouTube, Flow, Google Vids, the Gemini API, and Vertex AI. Meanwhile, OpenAI is reportedly venturing into hardware with AI-powered earbuds codenamed "Sweetpea," a collaboration between Sam Altman and Jony Ive. These earbuds, featuring a unique metal design and a 2nm smartphone-class chip, aim to challenge Apple AirPods by potentially replacing iPhone actions through Siri commands. Leaks suggest a possible September release, with Foxconn preparing to produce five prototype devices, including Sweetpea, by late 2028. This device is expected to house an AI voice assistant powered by ChatGPT. Beyond consumer gadgets, OpenAI and SoftBank made a significant joint investment of $1 billion into SB Energy on January 12, 2026, with each contributing $500 million. This funding supports the "Stargate project," an initiative to build next-generation AI and energy infrastructure across the United States. OpenAI has specifically chosen SB Energy to construct and operate its 1.2 gigawatt data center in Milam County, Texas, with the first facilities anticipated to open in 2026, creating thousands of construction jobs. In other industry news, Tesla is strategically shifting its focus towards artificial intelligence and robotics following a 6.7 percent global sales decline in 2025, marking its second consecutive year of reduced deliveries. With 700,000 units of factory capacity unused and underperforming models like the Cybertruck, Elon Musk is prioritizing the production of the Optimus humanoid robot. Tesla aims to produce one million Optimus units annually at its Fremont plant, eventually scaling to 10 million in Austin. National laboratories are also making strides in AI for cyber defense. Scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) developed "Aloha," a system that quickly reconstructs cyberattacks. Aloha utilizes Anthropic's Claude and MITRE's Caldera to simulate attacks in a safe environment, observing and adjusting actions to dramatically reduce the time needed to understand attack methodologies. This innovation makes advanced cyber defense more accessible and helps security analysts respond faster. Further demonstrating AI's diverse applications, OrbicTrade announced Amir Soufizadeh as its new Director on January 13, 2026, as it expands its AI-powered trade capture technology for commodity trading. ZeroEyes also reported strong growth in 2025 for its AI gun detection technology, surpassing 1,000 verified detections since 2023 and expanding into LATAM and APAC markets. In education, both the West Central School District and Arab universities are integrating AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Gemini Pro for lesson planning and content creation, while the US FDA updated its guidelines on January 6, 2026, for AI and machine learning in medical devices, moving towards post-market monitoring and predetermined plans for algorithm changes.

Key Takeaways

• Google DeepMind released Veo 3.1 on January 13, 2026, enhancing AI video creation with vertical video support (9:16), 4K upscaling, and consistent character/background generation from up to three images.
• OpenAI, in partnership with Jony Ive and Sam Altman, is developing AI-powered earbuds codenamed "Sweetpea," featuring a 2nm chip and potential Siri command integration to compete with Apple AirPods.
• OpenAI and SoftBank jointly invested $1 billion into SB Energy on January 12, 2026, to fund the "Stargate project" for AI and energy infrastructure, including a 1.2 gigawatt OpenAI data center in Milam County, Texas.
• Tesla is shifting its strategic focus to AI and robotics, planning to produce one million Optimus humanoid robots annually at its Fremont plant, following a 6.7% global sales decline in 2025.
• The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) developed "Aloha," an AI system using Anthropic's Claude to quickly reconstruct and understand cyberattacks through simulation.
• OrbicTrade appointed Amir Soufizadeh as Director on January 13, 2026, aiming to expand its AI-powered trade capture technology for commodity trading.
• ZeroEyes reported strong 2025 growth for its AI gun detection technology, surpassing 1,000 verified detections since 2023 and expanding into LATAM and APAC markets.
• The US FDA updated its guidelines on January 6, 2026, for AI and machine learning medical devices, emphasizing post-market monitoring and allowing predetermined plans for algorithm changes without new submissions.
• Educational institutions, including the West Central School District and Arab universities, are integrating AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Gemini Pro for tasks such as lesson planning and content creation, while also teaching responsible AI use.

Google Veo 3.1 improves video creation with AI

On January 13, 2026, Google DeepMind released Veo 3.1, an update that makes videos more expressive and creative. This tool, led by Ricky Wong, now generates vertical videos in 9:16 aspect ratio for platforms like YouTube Shorts. It also allows upscaling to 1080p and 4K resolution for sharper quality. Veo 3.1 improves consistency for characters, backgrounds, and objects across scenes, even with simple prompts. Users can try these new features in the Gemini app, YouTube, Flow, Google Vids, the Gemini API, and Vertex AI.

Google Veo 3.1 creates vertical AI videos from images

On January 13, 2026, Google updated its Veo 3.1 AI video model, making generated clips more consistent with reference images. The Ingredients to Video tool now lets users create videos from up to three images, ensuring characters and backgrounds stay the same across scenes. This update also adds support for vertical video outputs, perfect for mobile platforms. Users can now upscale their videos to 4K resolution, and 1080p quality has also improved. These features are available in the Gemini app, YouTube Shorts, and the YouTube Create app.

Google Veo 3.1 enhances AI video creation

Google updated its Veo 3.1 AI model, adding new features to its Ingredients to Video tool. This update allows users to create more consistent videos from up to three reference images, keeping characters and backgrounds stable. Veo 3.1 now supports native vertical video output in a 9:16 ratio, which is great for platforms like YouTube Shorts. Users can also upscale videos to 1080p and 4K resolution for better quality. These new capabilities are available in the Gemini app, YouTube Shorts, YouTube Create app, Flow, the Gemini API, and Vertex AI.

OpenAI AI earbuds Sweetpea may challenge Apple AirPods

Leaked information suggests OpenAI is developing AI-powered earbuds, codenamed "Sweetpea," to compete with Apple AirPods. These earbuds, a result of OpenAI's partnership with io.ai and led by Sam Altman and Jony Ive, feature a unique metal design and a 2nm smartphone-class chip. Sweetpea might even replace iPhone actions by commanding Siri. The leak from @zhihuipikachu on X indicates a possible September release with high production goals. Foxconn is reportedly preparing to produce five prototype devices, including Sweetpea, by late 2028.

Jony Ive and Sam Altman AI gadget Sweetpea targets AirPods

Jony Ive and Sam Altman are reportedly developing an AI gadget, codenamed "Sweetpea," to challenge Apple AirPods. According to supply chain leaker Smart Pikachu, this special audio product resembles an earpiece housed in an egg-shaped case. Sweetpea will likely feature an AI voice assistant powered by ChatGPT and a 2nm smartphone-style chip. It may also include a custom chip designed to replace iPhone actions by commanding Siri. This device could be the first of five prototypes, with others possibly including a home-style device and a pen.

SoftBank and OpenAI invest $1B in SB Energy for AI data centers

On January 12, 2026, SoftBank and OpenAI each invested $500 million into SB Energy, totaling $1 billion, to support the Stargate project. This partnership aims to build next-generation AI and energy infrastructure across the United States. OpenAI has chosen SB Energy to construct and operate its 1.2 gigawatt data center in Milam County, Texas. SB Energy is already developing several large data center campuses, with the first facilities expected to open in 2026. This investment will create thousands of construction jobs and modernize the grid, with SB Energy recently acquiring Studio 151 to boost its data center capabilities.

OrbicTrade boosts AI trade capture with new director

On January 13, 2026, OrbicTrade, a company providing AI-powered trade capture technology, announced Amir Soufizadeh as its new Director. OrbicTrade helps commodity trading organizations by automating trade capture from emails, chat messages, and voice inputs. This technology improves speed, accuracy, and efficiency without changing how traders work or replacing current systems. With growing demand, OrbicTrade aims to expand its reach in businesses and improve its integration with other trading technologies. Soufizadeh's experience will help OrbicTrade scale its operations and ensure the product remains ready for large companies.

West Central teachers learn to use AI in classrooms

The West Central School District is exploring artificial intelligence as a tool for educators. Superintendent Stacey Day announced that Technology Director Jeremy Hennings is leading professional development sessions for staff. Teachers are learning how AI can act as an assistant to speed up tasks like designing lesson plans and generating ideas. The district is also starting to teach students how to use AI responsibly. The Board of Education will receive an update on this progress at their January 21st meeting.

Tesla shifts to AI and robotics as car sales slow

Tesla experienced a 6.7 percent global sales decline in 2025, marking its second year of reduced deliveries. The company produced 1.65 million vehicles but left 700,000 units of factory capacity unused. Sales cooled in the U.S. and fell 28 percent in Europe, while Chinese competitors gained ground. The Cybertruck underperformed, and older models like the Model 3 and Model Y are aging. In response, Elon Musk is shifting Tesla's focus to artificial intelligence and robotics. The company plans to produce the Optimus humanoid robot, aiming for one million units annually at the Fremont plant and eventually 10 million in Austin.

National labs make AI breakthroughs in cyber defense

National laboratories are making significant advancements in AI-powered cyber defense. Scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, or PNNL, developed a system called "Aloha" that quickly reconstructs cyberattacks. This system uses Anthropic's Claude and MITRE's Caldera to simulate attacks in a safe environment. Aloha observes the simulation and can adjust actions, dramatically reducing the time it takes to understand how attacks happen. This technology helps security analysts respond faster and makes advanced cyber defense more accessible to organizations. The PNNL team plans to expand Aloha to identify vulnerabilities and create solutions.

ZeroEyes reports growth in AI gun detection technology

On January 13, 2026, ZeroEyes announced strong growth in 2025 for its AI-powered gun detection technology. The company doubled its partner network and saw a twofold increase in partner-driven sales. ZeroEyes has surpassed 1,000 verified gun detections since 2023, with its technology now used in thousands of locations across the U.S., including schools and government sites. The company also expanded into LATAM and APAC markets. ZeroEyes' platform uses existing cameras to detect firearms, with human analysts verifying threats before alerting authorities within seconds. The company plans to expand its technology to drones and intrusion detection.

Arab university teachers use AI in classes

Arab university lecturers are discussing how they and their students use artificial intelligence in their courses. Mariam Emad, an assistant lecturer at the Egyptian-Chinese University, uses tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard for translation and creating presentations. Khaled El-Bendary, an economics professor at Beni Suef University, uses Gemini Pro to prepare lectures and simplify complex topics. Both lecturers emphasize the need for human oversight and verification due to potential AI errors. They allow limited AI use in classes but also employ tools to detect AI-generated content in student work. A Kuwait University study found that most teachers are ready for digital changes.

FDA updates rules for AI medical devices

On January 6, 2026, the US Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, updated its guidelines for digital health products, including AI and machine learning in medical devices. This change moves the FDA towards a more flexible approach, focusing on monitoring products after they are released rather than strict pre-market approval. The new guidance clarifies when off-the-shelf software functions do not require FDA review. For AI and machine learning medical devices, the FDA's action plan allows manufacturers to create predetermined plans for algorithm changes without needing new submissions. It also emphasizes monitoring device performance in real-world settings and clear explanations of how AI algorithms work.

Sources

• Veo 3.1 Ingredients to Video: More consistency, creativity and control
• Google’s Veo now turns portrait images into vertical AI videos
• Google’s updated Veo model can make vertical videos from reference images with 4K upscaling
• Look out, Apple — Leaked AI earbuds from OpenAI could rival AirPods
• Jony Ive and Sam Altman’s First AI Gadget May Try to Kill AirPods
• SoftBank and OpenAI Invest $1B in SB Energy to Support Stargate AI Data Center Buildout
• OrbicTrade accelerates enterprise adoption as demand grows for AI-driven trade capture
• West Central Educators Explore Artificial Intelligence as a Classroom Tool
• Tesla struggles with sales and shifts focus to AI and robotics
• National labs are quietly making major breakthroughs in AI cyber defense
• ZeroEyes Touts Channel-Led Sales Growth in AI Gun Detection
• Arab University Lecturers Discuss Use of AI in Their Courses
• FDA loosens the reins: New AI and wearables guidance