Envirotech Vehicles (EVTV) and AZIO AI successfully installed a 40-foot immersion-cooled AI data center container in Houston, Texas, on January 26, 2026. This specialized facility is designed for high-density AI computing, aiming to boost efficiency and stability. With the physical setup complete and power/network connected, teams are now integrating CPUs and preparing the system for commissioning, marking EVTV's expansion into advanced infrastructure markets.
Meanwhile, Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar are heavily investing in AI, aspiring to leadership in sectors such as energy and smart cities. However, these nations face significant challenges in governing the rapidly evolving technology, struggling to create regulations that balance growth with addressing AI's uncertain long-term impacts. Governments in the Asia/Pacific region are also preparing for agentic AI, which can interpret intent and execute tasks, by increasing investments in data management and governance to improve public services.
AI pioneer Yann LeCun, a computer scientist and Turing Award winner who recently left Meta, issued a warning on January 26, 2026. He suggested that Silicon Valley's intense focus on large language models like ChatGPT might lead to a dead end for AI development, arguing these models have inherent limits for achieving human-level intelligence. Separately, the Chinese startup DeepSeek, which caused market jitters a year prior by suggesting cheaper AI development, was ultimately not a major competitive threat, with AI spending continuing to benefit chipmakers like Nvidia.
Agentic AI is poised to transform daily life, particularly in grocery shopping. Experts at the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference predicted that personal AI agents could influence shopper decisions by 2028 and become widespread by 2030. Retailers, including Walmart, which already uses "super agents," must ensure data readiness and transparency to build trust with these systems and consumers.
Despite political challenges and the rise of AI, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) remains crucial, according to Aaliyah Samuel, outgoing CEO of CASEL. She argues that AI actually underscores the need for human skills, emphasizing that humans are essential to technology. Furthermore, Cisco has been recognized as a leader in IT training services, addressing projected skill shortages that could cost the global economy US$5.5 trillion by the end of next year. Cisco is updating its certifications to include AI-specific skills like AI/ML Foundations, supporting millions of learners annually.
In the arts, EGOT winner Liza Minnelli, 79, defended her use of AI for her new song, "Kids Wait Till You Hear This," her first in 13 years. Released on January 26, 2026, the dance track features her spoken word phrases with "AI arrangements" from ElevenLabs, not "AI vocals." Minnelli views this as using new tools for expression while maintaining artistic ownership, especially given her health challenges affecting speech.
Key Takeaways
- Envirotech Vehicles (EVTV) and AZIO AI installed a 40-foot immersion-cooled AI data center in Houston, Texas, on January 26, 2026, expanding EVTV's advanced infrastructure business.
- Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar are investing heavily in AI but face challenges in governing its rapid development and uncertain long-term effects.
- Yann LeCun, a computer scientist and Turing Award winner who recently left Meta, warned that Silicon Valley's focus on large language models like ChatGPT might lead to a dead end for AI development.
- Agentic AI is expected to transform grocery shopping, with personal AI agents influencing purchasing decisions by 2028 and becoming widespread by 2030.
- Governments in Asia/Pacific are increasing investments in data management and governance to prepare for agentic AI, aiming to improve public services.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) remains important, with AI highlighting the necessity of human skills like trust and relationships.
- The Chinese startup DeepSeek's AI model, which caused market jitters a year ago, was not a significant competitive threat, and AI spending continues to benefit companies like Nvidia.
- EGOT winner Liza Minnelli, 79, used "AI arrangements" from ElevenLabs for her new song "Kids Wait Till You Hear This," her first in 13 years, while maintaining artistic ownership.
- Cisco was recognized as a Leader in IT Training Services by IDC MarketScape, addressing projected skill shortages of US$5.5 trillion by updating certifications for AI/ML Foundations.
Envirotech and AZIO AI install 40-foot immersion data center
Envirotech Vehicles (EVTV) and AZIO AI announced on January 26, 2026, the successful installation of a 40-foot AI data center container in Houston, Texas. This container is built for immersion-cooled computing, which helps improve efficiency and stability for high-density AI work. The physical setup is now complete, and teams are moving towards installing CPUs and getting the system ready. This project helps EVTV expand its business into advanced infrastructure markets.
Envirotech and AZIO AI launch immersion-cooled AI data center
Envirotech Vehicles (EVTV) and AZIO AI announced on January 26, 2026, the successful delivery and installation of a 40-foot AI data center container in Houston, Texas. This container is specially designed for immersion-cooled computing, which supports powerful AI operations and boosts efficiency. The physical setup is now complete, with power and network fully connected. The project will now focus on CPU integration and system commissioning to validate its performance. This initiative helps EVTV grow its business into new advanced infrastructure areas.
Gulf States face challenges in governing fast-moving AI
On January 26, 2026, an article discussed how Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar are investing heavily in AI but face challenges in governing it. These nations aim for AI leadership and use AI in sectors like energy, healthcare, and smart cities. However, they struggle with creating regulations that allow for growth while addressing AI's uncertain long-term effects. The main barriers include the unpredictable nature of AI, its rapid development, and global competition.
AI pioneer Yann LeCun warns tech industry about LLM dead end
On January 26, 2026, AI pioneer Yann LeCun, a computer scientist and Turing Award winner, warned that Silicon Valley's strong focus on large language models like ChatGPT could lead to a dead end for AI development. LeCun, who recently left Meta, believes these models have limits and will not help companies achieve human-level intelligence despite huge investments. He suggested that more creative Chinese companies might reach advanced AI first. LeCun argues that the tech industry's "herd effect" prevents exploring other promising AI approaches.
Agentic AI will soon transform grocery shopping and sales
On January 26, 2026, experts at the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference discussed how agentic AI will soon change grocery sales. Dan O'Connor from Harvard Business School stated that shoppers could have personal AI agents by 2028, influencing their purchasing decisions. By 2030, this technology will be widespread, making data readiness crucial for grocers. Walmart already uses "super agents" to help customers and employees. Retailers must provide accurate and transparent product data to build trust with these AI systems and consumers.
Governments prepare for agentic AI with data and governance
Government organizations in Asia/Pacific are preparing for agentic AI, which can interpret intent and execute tasks across different systems. This technology offers a way to improve public services and do more with fewer resources. However, the main challenge is data readiness, including data quality, system integration, and oversight models. Governments are increasing investments in data management and governance to address this. Key forces shaping adoption include budget limits, compliance needs, skill shortages, and citizen demands for better services.
Social-Emotional Learning will thrive despite politics and AI
Aaliyah Samuel, the outgoing CEO of CASEL, believes Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) will continue to be important despite political challenges and the rise of AI. She states that the biggest challenge for SEL is clearly defining what it is, despite decades of research supporting its value. Samuel explains that AI actually highlights the need for SEL skills because humans are still essential to technology. While politics may cause schools to avoid the term "SEL," teachers and principals continue to foster these crucial skills like trust, relationships, and curiosity in students.
DeepSeek AI model was not a major market threat
On January 26, 2026, an article reflected on the Chinese startup DeepSeek, which a year ago caused market jitters by suggesting AI development was cheaper than thought. This led to a brief drop in Nvidia's stock. However, experts like Eric Diton and Demis Hassabis now agree that DeepSeek's model was not a significant competitive threat. AI spending has since soared, benefiting not only chipmakers like Nvidia but also memory stocks and companies developing custom chips. The AI boom continues to be strong, impacting the entire market like an industrial revolution.
Liza Minnelli uses AI for new song after 13 years
On January 26, 2026, EGOT winner Liza Minnelli, 79, defended her use of AI to create her first new song in 13 years, titled "Kids Wait Till You Hear This." She clarified that she approved "AI arrangements" from ElevenLabs, not "AI vocals," to create the dance track featuring her spoken word phrases. Minnelli, who has faced health challenges affecting her speech, stated that she believes in using new tools for expression while respecting the artist's ownership. The song is part of ElevenLabs' recent "AI-Generated Album."
Cisco named a leader in IT training services by IDC MarketScape
Cisco has been recognized as a Leader in the 2025-2026 IDC MarketScape for IT Training Services in North America and Europe. This recognition comes as AI and automation are rapidly changing job roles, creating a high demand for new skills. IDC projects that skill shortages could cost the global economy US$5.5 trillion by the end of next year. Cisco aims to make IT skills accessible through its learning ecosystem, including Cisco Networking Academy and Cisco U. The company is updating certifications and adding new ones for AI-specific skills like AI/ML Foundations. Cisco supports millions of learners annually with personalized, AI-driven, and hands-on training.
Sources
- Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. (NASDAQ:EVTV) and AZIO AI Announce Delivery and Installation of 40-Foot Immersion-Ready AI Data Center Container
- A 40-foot AI data center in a box: Envirotech tests immersion cooling
- Why the Gulf States Share in the AI Governance Dilemma
- Yann LeCun, an A.I. Pioneer, Warns the Tech ‘Herd’ Could Hit a Dead End
- Agentic AI is coming fast and could make or break grocery sales
- Preparing Government for Agentic AI: Data, Governance, and Operating Model for Responsible Adoption
- Why This Expert Believes Social-Emotional Learning Will Survive Politics and AI
- DeepSeek Was Less of a ‘Sputnik’ Moment Than AI Boom Aberration
- EGOT winner defends using AI to create new song, first in 13 years
- IDC MarketScape Recognizes Cisco as a Leader in North America IT Training Services and IT Training Services in Europe
Comments
Please log in to post a comment.