Google develops AI chips while OpenAI launches Codex app

Mozilla's Firefox browser is introducing new controls to give users more choice over AI features. Starting February 2, 2026, users can find a "Block AI enhancements" toggle in desktop settings, allowing them to disable all AI pop-ups and reminders. This includes managing individual tools like Translations, AI-enhanced tab grouping, and the AI chatbot, which supports services such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Mozilla's move comes after previous criticism, aiming to address user concerns by offering transparency and control.

OpenAI launched a new macOS desktop app for Codex, its AI coding tool, on February 2, 2026. This app helps developers manage multiple coding agents simultaneously and run tasks in parallel, improving on older command-line versions. OpenAI is also doubling Codex usage limits for paid plans and offering it to ChatGPT Free and Go users for a limited time, aiming to compete with Anthropic's Claude Code. Meanwhile, Indonesia has allowed Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok to resume operations after a previous ban due to explicit content, with X Corp promising to adhere to local laws and restrict certain features.

Microsoft's Copilot AI recently predicted the entire first round of the 2026 NFL Draft for USA TODAY Sports on February 2, 2026, generating 32 picks with minor human corrections. In the broader AI chip market, a significant shift towards custom-made chips is evident. While Nvidia remains a leader, Broadcom and TSMC are emerging as key players in this trend. Major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are developing their own AI chips to gain competitive advantages and reduce costs, with Broadcom assisting in design and TSMC handling manufacturing.

Despite the growth, some analysts are noting potential warning signs in the AI market. Oracle is reportedly raising $3 billion in debt, and Nvidia is said to be reducing its investment in OpenAI, actions that are causing investor concern. However, Nancy Tengler of Laffer Tengler Investments believes the AI trade is still in its early stages, with interesting movements observed among AI stocks, particularly in software companies like HubSpot and ServiceNow in early 2026. Informatics Day 2026 in Atlanta will further explore AI career paths, connecting students with industry experts from companies like Visa and PayPal to highlight AI's impact on fields such as healthcare and finance.

Key Takeaways

  • Mozilla's Firefox browser will introduce AI controls starting February 2, 2026, allowing users to block all AI features, including those supporting ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
  • OpenAI launched a new macOS desktop app for Codex on February 2, 2026, enhancing AI coding agent management and offering it to ChatGPT Free/Go users, aiming to compete with Anthropic's Claude Code.
  • Indonesia has permitted Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok to return under strict regulations, following a ban for explicit content, with X Corp committing to service improvements.
  • Microsoft Copilot AI predicted the entire first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on February 2, 2026, generating 32 picks for USA TODAY Sports.
  • The AI chip market is seeing a significant shift towards custom chips, with Broadcom and TSMC becoming major players alongside Nvidia, as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft develop their own AI hardware.
  • Oracle is reportedly raising $3 billion in debt, and Nvidia is said to be reducing its investment in OpenAI, signaling potential concerns in the AI market.
  • Nancy Tengler of Laffer Tengler Investments believes the AI trade is still in its early stages, with notable activity in AI software stocks like HubSpot and ServiceNow in early 2026.
  • Informatics Day 2026 in Atlanta will focus on AI career paths, connecting students with professionals from companies like Visa and PayPal to discuss AI's impact on various industries.

Firefox adds new controls to block all AI features

Mozilla's Firefox browser will soon let users block all its AI features. Starting February 24, 2026, with Firefox 148, a new AI controls section will appear in desktop settings. Users can turn on a "Block AI enhancements" toggle to hide all AI pop-ups and reminders. They can also manage individual features like Translations, AI-enhanced tab grouping, and the AI chatbot. This move gives users choice as AI changes the web, and Mozilla plans to invest in AI transparency.

Mozilla offers an off switch for AI in Firefox

Mozilla is giving Firefox users a way to turn off AI features in their browser. Starting February 2, 2026, a new toggle in desktop settings will let users "block AI enhancements." This means they can shut off all AI tools, including translations, tab grouping, and chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. This decision comes after Mozilla faced criticism in December when CEO Anthony Enzor-DeMeo announced AI would be central to Firefox's future. The new switch aims to address user concerns by offering choice.

Firefox introduces new AI controls for users

Firefox is adding new AI controls to give users more choice over how they use the web. Starting February 2, 2026, users can find these controls in their browser settings. They can choose to turn off all AI features with a "Block AI enhancements" toggle, which will stop pop-ups and reminders. Users can also manage individual AI tools like Translations, AI-enhanced tab grouping, and the AI chatbot in the sidebar, which supports services like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. These preferences will remain set even after browser updates.

OpenAI launches Codex desktop app for macOS

OpenAI has released a new macOS desktop app for Codex, its AI coding tool. This app helps developers manage many coding agents at once and run tasks side by side, which was harder with the old command line or IDE versions. The app groups agents by project and supports "Skills," which are like extensions for specific tasks. OpenAI is also doubling Codex usage limits for paid plans and offering it to ChatGPT Free and Go users for a short time, aiming to compete better with Anthropic's Claude Code.

OpenAI unveils new Codex app for macOS

OpenAI launched the new Codex app for macOS on February 2, 2026, designed to help developers manage many AI coding agents at once. This app allows users to run tasks in parallel and work with agents on long projects, improving on older command line tools. OpenAI is also offering Codex to ChatGPT Free and Go users for a limited time and doubling usage limits for paid plans. The app features "Skills" to extend Codex beyond just writing code, enabling it to complete complex tasks like building a racing game from a single prompt.

Indonesia allows Elon Musk's Grok to return

Indonesia has allowed Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok to operate again, but under strict rules. The country had banned Grok earlier for showing explicit sexual content. Elon Musk's company, X Corp, promised to improve its services and follow Indonesian laws. The communications ministry stated that X has restricted access to some features to prevent misuse. Indonesian authorities will check these changes, and if any violations occur, Grok could be banned again.

Microsoft Copilot AI predicts 2026 NFL first round

USA TODAY Sports used Microsoft Copilot AI to predict the entire first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. On February 2, 2026, the AI generated 32 picks from a single prompt, with minor errors corrected by human input. Notably, Copilot did not include Rueben Bain Jr. in its mock draft. Some of its top picks included Julian Sayin to the Chicago Bears, Elias Ricks to the Washington Commanders, and Ty Simpson to the Arizona Cardinals. The AI also suggested Tetairoa McMillan for the Minnesota Vikings and Evan Stewart for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Broadcom and TSMC win big in custom AI chip market

The AI chip market is changing, with a big move towards custom-made chips. While Nvidia still leads, Broadcom and TSMC are becoming major winners in this new trend. Big tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are creating their own AI chips to gain an advantage and lower costs. Broadcom helps design these complex chips, and TSMC manufactures them using advanced processes. This shift means more competition for companies that sell general AI hardware, creating a divided market with new leaders.

Oracle and Nvidia show warning signs for AI trade

An analyst suggests that both Oracle and Nvidia are showing signs that the AI market might be on shaky ground. Oracle is reportedly raising 3 billion dollars in debt. Meanwhile, Nvidia is said to be reducing its investment in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. These actions are causing concern among investors and analysts who are closely watching the artificial intelligence boom.

Informatics Day 2026 explores AI career paths

Informatics Day 2026 in Atlanta will help students understand how AI is changing careers in fields like healthcare, finance, and technology. Dr. Awatef Ben Ramadan says the event connects students with Mercer alumni, faculty, and industry experts. Attendees can learn about internships, career planning, and how AI skills translate into various jobs. Professionals from companies like Visa and PayPal will share their experiences, and Mercer alumni will discuss their career journeys, making AI feel practical and relevant for future jobs.

AI trade is still in early stages says strategist

Nancy Tengler, CEO and CIO of Laffer Tengler Investments, shared her views on the AI market during 'Closing Bell'. She believes the AI trade is still in its early stages. Tengler also discussed the progress of Big Tech companies and mentioned Palantir Technologies. Her comments touched on Disney's search for a new CEO and the changing prices of gold and other precious metals.

Two surprising AI trends emerge in early 2026

Two unexpected trends have stood out in the world of artificial intelligence stocks during early 2026. Matt Frankel and Tyler Crowe reported on these developments on February 2, 2026. They noted interesting movements among AI stocks, especially within software companies like HubSpot and ServiceNow. This report covers the first month of 2026, highlighting key shifts in the AI market.

Sources

NOTE:

This news brief was generated using AI technology (including, but not limited to, Google Gemini API, Llama, Grok, and Mistral) from aggregated news articles, with minimal to no human editing/review. It is provided for informational purposes only and may contain inaccuracies or biases. This is not financial, investment, or professional advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please verify all information with the linked original articles in the Sources section below.

Firefox Mozilla AI Features User Control Browser Settings AI Chatbots ChatGPT Google Gemini OpenAI Codex AI Coding macOS App Developers Grok Elon Musk X Corp AI Regulations Microsoft Copilot AI Prediction NFL Draft AI Chip Market Custom AI Chips Nvidia Broadcom TSMC Google Amazon Microsoft Oracle AI Investment AI Market Trends Career Paths AI Skills Palantir Technologies HubSpot ServiceNow Semiconductors AI Transparency Content Moderation

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