Artificial intelligence continues to expand its influence across various sectors, from finance and entertainment to healthcare and education. In the realm of tax technology, DynaTax AI recently launched an AI-powered platform for US small businesses, aiming to simplify financial organization and tax guidance for freelancers and contractors. Similarly, Thomson Reuters introduced ONESOURCE Sales and Use Tax AI, a new software tool designed for US corporations and accounting firms that automates sales and use tax tasks across over 19,000 US areas, allowing electronic filing in 33 states and Canada.
Beyond financial applications, AI is making significant strides in healthcare and performance. Researchers have developed Revoice, an AI-powered wearable choker that helps stroke patients with dysarthria regain their speech by converting mouthed words into full sentences in real time. Meanwhile, Bosch Engineering is developing Track Performance Assist (TPA), an AI coach for race car drivers that calculates the fastest racing line and maximum speed, offering real-time corrections to improve track performance and prevent damage.
The World Economic Forum and Accenture released a report highlighting successful AI adoption, with companies like Schneider Electric saving 5 to 15 percent on energy and PepsiCo saving over $100,000 annually. However, the integration of AI also presents challenges and concerns. Hollywood, for instance, is grappling with AI's growing role, as discussed on "The Sunday Daily" podcast on January 18, 2026, with examples like The Sphere in Las Vegas partnering with Google and Warner Bros. for an AI adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz."
Educational institutions and regulatory bodies are also addressing AI's impact. Delaware's Department of Education is actively setting rules for AI use in public schools, establishing agreements with ten AI companies that prevent the use of student data for training models. Concurrently, Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission issued a warning on January 19, 2026, about a suspicious AI investment product offered by Gold Fun Corporation and Angel Guardian Alliance Technology, which was not approved for public sale.
While AI customer service offers cost savings for companies, it often leads to user frustration due to AI's struggle with emotional context, as noted by Tom Snyder. Former Walker Mayor Jed Shaw also emphasized the importance of double-checking AI-generated data, citing challenges like deep fakes and the risk of untrue information given AI's reliance on publicly available data. These developments underscore the dual nature of AI: a powerful tool for innovation and efficiency, yet one that requires careful implementation, ethical considerations, and robust oversight.
Key Takeaways
- DynaTax AI launched an AI-powered platform for US small businesses to organize finances and manage tax documents.
- Thomson Reuters introduced ONESOURCE Sales and Use Tax AI, automating tax tasks for corporations across over 19,000 US areas.
- Researchers developed Revoice, an AI-powered wearable choker that helps stroke patients regain speech by converting mouthed words into sentences.
- Bosch Engineering is developing Track Performance Assist (TPA), an AI tool to help race car drivers optimize speed and racing lines.
- A WEF and Accenture report highlights successful AI adoption, with Schneider Electric saving 5 to 15 percent on energy and PepsiCo saving over $100,000 annually.
- Hollywood is addressing AI's growing role, exemplified by The Sphere's partnership with Google and Warner Bros. for an AI adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz."
- Delaware's Department of Education is creating rules and agreements with ten AI companies to prevent student data use for AI training in schools.
- AI customer service, while cost-effective for companies, often frustrates users due to AI's inability to process emotional context.
- Former Walker Mayor Jed Shaw advises double-checking AI-generated data due to risks like deep fakes and reliance on publicly available information.
- Hong Kong's SFC warned the public about a suspicious, unapproved AI investment product offered by Gold Fun Corporation and Angel Guardian Alliance Technology.
DynaTax AI launches smart tax platform for small businesses
DynaTax AI, a Texas company, launched an AI-powered platform for US small business owners. This tool helps organize finances, manage documents, and offers simple tax guidance. It aims to reduce tax stress and save time for various professionals like freelancers and contractors. DynaTax AI also plans to release an AI Tax Research Assistant for tax practitioners and a Pro Firm Subscription with a Firm Management Suite next month.
Thomson Reuters unveils AI tax tool for US businesses
Thomson Reuters launched ONESOURCE Sales and Use Tax AI, a new software tool for US corporations and accounting firms. This AI-powered system automates sales and use tax tasks, helping tax teams save time and lower audit risks. It works across over 19,000 US areas and allows electronic filing in 33 states and Canada. The cloud-based tool, part of ONESOURCE+, is now available and updates monthly with the latest tax forms and rates.
New AI device helps stroke patients speak again
Researchers created Revoice, a new AI-powered device that helps stroke patients regain their speech. This soft, wearable choker captures heart rate and throat vibrations, then uses AI to turn mouthed words into full sentences in real time. A trial with five patients who had dysarthria, a common post-stroke speech issue, showed very low error rates. Professor Luigi Occhipinti from Cambridge University led the study, which aims to help thousands communicate naturally without invasive brain implants.
WEF report shows companies successfully using AI
A new report from the World Economic Forum and Accenture highlights how companies are successfully using AI. Released at the Davos meeting, the report shows a growing gap between companies that adopt AI well and those that struggle. Examples include Schneider Electric, which saved 5 to 15 percent on energy, and PepsiCo, which saved over $100,000 annually by using AI in factories. Hyundai also improved its robot efficiency with AI. This report offers a positive view of AI adoption, contrasting with a previous warning from Gartner about an "AI trough of disillusionment."
Hollywood grapples with AI's growing role
On January 18, 2026, "The Sunday Daily" podcast discussed Hollywood's concerns about artificial intelligence. Host Michael Barbaro spoke with reporter Brooks Barnes and critic Alissa Wilkinson about how AI is already impacting movies and television. They explored AI's current uses and its potential future complications for the industry. For example, The Sphere in Las Vegas partnered with Google and Warner Bros. to use AI for adapting "The Wizard of Oz."
Delaware plans rules for AI use in schools
Delaware's Department of Education is working to set rules for how AI technology is used in public schools. The state recently held an "AI and Innovation Education Summit" and is creating agreements with ten AI companies. These agreements include terms that prevent companies from using student data to train their AI models. Alyssa Moore, a state director, explained that Delaware aims to carefully bring AI into classrooms. The department will also build an "Assurance Lab" to continue vetting AI tools for K-12 education.
AI customer service saves money but frustrates users
Tom Snyder writes that AI customer service, while saving companies money, often leads to frustrated customers. Companies use AI chatbots and voice assistants to cut costs in call centers, viewing customer service as an expense. However, AI systems are built to process structured data like account numbers, not the emotional context of a conversation. Humans remember the meaning and feeling of an interaction, but AI struggles with this, leading to a less satisfying experience. Snyder argues that the issue lies in how these systems are designed, as they fail to truly "listen" to customer needs.
Bosch AI coach helps drivers go faster on track
Bosch Engineering is developing a new AI-powered tool called Track Performance Assist, or TPA, to help drivers improve their speed on race tracks. This system uses advanced technology, including AI, to calculate the fastest racing line and maximum speed for any car on a given circuit. TPA offers three main features: an ideal trajectory display, a maximum velocity profile for data comparison, and real-time brake and throttle corrections. Dr. Lars Koenig from Bosch explains the system can intervene to prevent damage if a driver exceeds safe speeds.
Walker Rotary hears AI update from Jed Shaw
Former Walker Mayor Jed Shaw gave an update on artificial intelligence at the Walker Rotary meeting on January 6. Shaw explained that AI can learn patterns, improve training, and translate languages, with current uses in facial recognition and fraud detection. He uses AI in his realtor job for marketing and social media. Shaw also highlighted AI's challenges, such as deep fakes and the risk of untrue information since AI uses publicly available data. He advises always double-checking AI-generated data.
Hong Kong warns public about suspicious AI investment
On January 19, 2026, Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission, or SFC, warned the public about a suspicious AI investment product. Gold Fun Corporation and Angel Guardian Alliance Technology offered this product, which claimed to use high-frequency trading. The SFC stated that the product was not approved for sale to the public in Hong Kong. The regulator suspects the scheme violates the Securities and Futures Ordinance.
Sources
- DynaTax AI introduces AI-driven bookkeeping and tax platform
- Thomson Reuters introduces AI-based sales and use software tool
- Stroke sufferers get their voice back thanks to artificial intelligence
- WEF insists companies 'making AI work' amid warning of 'trough of disillusionment'
- The Sunday Daily: Hollywood’s A.I. Moment
- Delaware talks guardrails on AI companies and public education: Education roundup
- Tom Snyder: AI customer service saves money, but at a cost to satisfaction
- This AI driver coaching tech could make you faster than Lando Norris
- Update on artificial intelligence at Walker Rotary
- SFC alerts for AI investment scheme tied to Gold Fun and AGA
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