Listen to today’s podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-nqwUyvLDEvs7bV985k-gQ
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
How Google’s new protocol transforms AI agents into shopping powerhouses
Source: Original article
By Sanuj Bhatia — January 12, 2026
Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) standardizes how AI agents interact with retailers and payment providers, letting tools like Gemini and AI Mode in Search handle discovery, checkout, and loyalty rewards in one flow. Early partners include Shopify, Target, Walmart, Visa, Mastercard, Stripe, and more, with PayPal coming soon. Google is also debuting Business Agents and Direct Offers, turning AI into a sales and support channel, not just a search layer.
Agentic commerce: Wie Google sich die Zukunft des Handels vorstellt
Source: Original article
By Tobias Weidemann — January 12, 2026
Google’s Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience aims to unify shopping and service in one agentic architecture that can plan, act, and resolve tasks end-to-end—from recommendations and cart-building to returns. Alongside this, UCP enables seamless checkout in AI Mode and Gemini, while Business Agents and “Direct Offers” bring branded assistance and targeted promotions into the AI interface. The upside is speed and personalization; the trade-off is growing dependence on AI platforms as gatekeepers for commerce and customer data.
I’m a CEO who built a fantasy board of directors with AI versions of leaders like Steve Jobs and Warren Buffett
Source: Original article
By Sarah E. Needleman — January 12, 2026
Markup AI CEO Matt Blumberg built an “AI board” by crafting detailed profiles and instruction sets for icons like Buffett, Jobs, and Oprah, then using the agent as a thought partner on strategy, reviews, and board prep. It delivers useful consensus views and dissenting takes, but its limits are clear: it only knows what it’s fed and can’t replicate human nuance. As a complement—not a replacement—it’s already piqued interest from other executives looking to augment decision-making.
Tesla faces several self-imposed deadlines in ‘prove-it’ year
Source: Original article
By Ben Shimkus — January 12, 2026
Analysts say 2026 is pivotal as Tesla pushes robotaxi expansion, targets volume production of its steering-wheel-free Cybercab, and teases an Optimus humanoid timeline alongside a splashy Roadster re-reveal. The company’s autonomy bets face regulatory scrutiny and rising competition, while sales softness and a “stale” lineup raise execution pressure. Investors remain focused on whether Tesla can make autonomy work at scale—and translate it into real-world growth.
Google Pixel 9a drops to all-time low to compete with Samsung Galaxy S25 deals, now the cheapest Gemini-powered smartphone
Source: Original article
By Brittany Vincent — January 12, 2026
Amazon cut the Pixel 9a to $399, making it a standout value with a 6.3-inch Actua display, Tensor G4, on-device Gemini features, and seven years of updates. With 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, adaptive 120Hz, and AI-powered camera tools like Best Take, it underlines how quickly advanced AI is moving into mainstream phones. For budget-conscious buyers, it’s a lower-cost on-ramp to Google’s growing AI ecosystem.
Together, these stories show AI agents moving from concepts to real utility—running storefronts, advising executives, driving cars, and powering affordable devices. The common thread: intelligence is shifting into the interface, and the winners will be those who turn that intelligence into trustworthy, end-to-end experiences people actually use.
