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For the past three years, AIs breakout moment has happened almost entirely through text. We type a prompt, get a response, and move to the next task. While this intuitive interaction style turned chatbots into a household tool overnight, it barely scratches the surface of what the most advanced technology of our time can actually do. This disconnect has created a significant gap in how consumers utilize AI. While the underlying models are rapidly becoming multimodalcapable of processing voice, visuals, and video in real timemost consumers are still using them as a search engine. Looking toward 2026, I believe the next wave of adoption wont be about utility alone, but about evolving beyond static text into dynamic, immersive interactions. This is AI 2.0: not just retrieving information faster, but experiencing intelligence through sound, visuals, motion, and real-time context. AI adoption has reached a tipping point. In 2025, ChatGPTs weekly user base doubled from roughly 400 million in February to 800 million by years end. Competitors like Gemini and Anthropic saw similar growth, yet most users still engage with LLMs primarily via text chatbots. In fact, Deloittes Connected Consumer Survey shows that despite over half (53%) of consumers experimenting with generative AI, most people still relegate AI to administrative tasks like writing, summarizing, and researching. Yet when you look at the digital behavior of consumers outside of AI, its clear consumers crave immersive experiences. According to Activate Consultings Tech & Media Outlook 2026, 43% of Gen Z prefer user-generated platforms like TikTok and YouTube over traditional TV or paid streaming, and they spend 54% more time on social video platforms than the average consumer, abandoning traditional media for interactive social platforms. This creates a fundamental mismatch: Consumers live in a multi-sensory world, but their AI tools are stuck delivering plain text. While the industry recognizes this gap and is investing to close it, I predict well see a fundamental shift in how people use and create with AI. In AI 2.0, users will no longer simply consume AI-generated content but will instead leverage multimodal AI to bring voice, visuals, and text together, allowing them to shape and direct their experiences in real time. MULTIMODAL AI UNLOCKS IMMERSIVE STORYTELLING If AI 1.0 was about efficiency, AI 2.0 is about engagement. While text-based AI is limited in how deeply it can engage audiences, multimodal AI allows the user to become an active participant. Instead of reading a story, you can interact with a main character and take the plot in a new direction or build your own world where narratives and characters evolve with you. We can look to the $250 billion gaming industry as the blueprint for the potential that multimodal AI has. Video games combine visuals, audio, narrative, and real-time agency, creating an immersive experience that traditional entertainment cant replicate. Platforms like Roblox and Minecraft let players inhabit content. Roblox alone reaches over 100 million daily users, who collectively spend tens of billions of hours a year immersed in these worlds; engagement that text alone could never generate. With the rise of multimodal AI, users everywhere will be able to create these types of experiences theyve loved to participate in through gaming. By removing technical barriers, multimodal allows everyone to build experiences that not only feel authentic to the real world but also actively participate in them. Legacy media is also responding to this trend. Disney recently announced a $1 billion investment in OpenAI and a licensing deal that will let users create short clips with characters from Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars through the Sora platform. WHY MULTIMODAL AI CAN BE SAFER FOR YOUNGER USERS As AI becomes part of everyday life, safetyparticularly for younger usershas become one of the most critical issues facing the industry. Moving from open-ended chat to structured, multimodal worlds allows us to design guardrails within the gameplay. Instead of relying on continuous unstructured prompts, these environments are built around characters, visuals, voices, and defined story worlds. Interaction is guided by the experience itself. That structure changes how and where safety is designed into the system. Educational AI demonstrates this approach. Platforms like Khan Academy Kids and Duolingo combine visuals, audio, and structured prompts to guide learning. The AI isnt trying to be everything; it focuses on one task well. As multimodal AI evolves, one of its most meaningful opportunities may be this ability to balance creative freedom with thoughtful constraint. AI 2.0 presents a design shift that could give builders, educators, and families new ways to shape safer, more intentional digital spaces for the next generation. WHY MULTIMODAL AI IS THE NEXT FRONTIER In 2026, I predict that consumers wont be prompting AI; it will be a more immersive interactive experience. This excites me because users wont just passively receive outputs; theyll actively shape experiences and influence how AI evolves in real time. We could see users remixing the series finale of their favorite TV show, or students learning history not by reading a textbook, but by actively debating a historically accurate AI simulation. For founders and creators, the next step is to stop building tools only for efficiency and start building environments for immersion and exploration. The winners of the next cycle wont be the ones with the smartest models, but the ones who make AI feel less like a utility and more like a destination for rich, interactive experiences. Karandeep Anand is CEO of Character.AI
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E-Commerce
The White House will unveil new details on President Donald Trump’s planned East Wing ballroom during a hearing early next month, according to a federal commission tasked with reviewing the project. The new ballroom, which Trump has said would cost $400 million and would dwarf the adjacent White House building, has been challenged in court by preservationists, while Democratic lawmakers have called it an abuse of power and are investigating which donors are supporting it. The National Capital Planning Commission, chartered by Congress to manage planning for Washington-area federal lands, said on its website that the White House will provide an “information presentation” on plans to rebuild the East Wing during a commission meeting on January 8. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The commission, chaired by a White House aide and onetime personal lawyer to Trump, Will Scharf, has declined to review the demolition of the former East Wing, preparation activities at the site, or potential effects to historic properties, in what would mark the biggest change to the historic property in decades. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit organization chartered by Congress, is suing to halt the construction, arguing that the proposed 90,000 square foot (8,360 square meter) ballroom would dwarf the rest of the White House, at 55,000 square feet. The judge in the case earlier this month declined to issue a temporary restraining order against work on the project, noting among other things that the size, scale and other specifications had not been finalized. Another hearing is scheduled for next month. The president, a one-time real estate developer, has taken a hands-on role in what he has described as sprucing up the White House and the U.S. capital city ahead of celebrations next year marking the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary. He has also proposed a new grand arch near Washington, while decorating the Oval Office extensively in gold leaf and installing plaques there offering his personal take on his predecessors’ legacies. The former East Wing was largely demolished in October, with comparatively little public notice or consultation. In a recent notice posted online, the planning commission said a formal review taking place this coming spring will consider topics including lines of sight, public space and landscapes. Members of the public will be allowed to submit comments or testify during the review, it said. Trevor Hunnicutt, Reuters
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E-Commerce
California, soaked from days of relentless rain and recovering from mudslides in mountain towns, was hit with another powerful storm Christmas Day that led to evacuation warnings and high surf advisories.The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in Southern California issued an evacuation warning for Wrightwood, a mountain town about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles, a day after rescuing people trapped in cars during a mud slide.The National Weather Service said waves near the San Francisco Bay Area could reach up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) Friday.Statewide, more than 70,000 people were without power Thursday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.us.A day ago, heavy rain and fierce winds were blamed for at least two deaths.A major storm system moving toward the Midwest and Northeast was expected to interfere with travel, according to the National Weather Service.A mix of freezing rain and sleet could create icy conditions in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Maryland. Forecasters warned heavy ice could cause outages. Snow was expected to blanket the Northeast early Friday.Roads in the 5,000-resident California town of Wrightwood were covered in rocks, debris and thick mud on Thursday. With power out, a gas station and coffee shop running on generators were serving as hubs for residents and visitors.“It’s really a crazy Christmas,” said Jill Jenkins, who was spending the holiday with her 13-year-old grandson, Hunter Lopiccolo.Lopiccolo said the family almost evacuated the previous day, when water washed away a chunk of their backyard. But they decided to stay and still celebrated the holiday. Lopiccolo got a new snowboard and e-bike.“We just played card games all night with candles and flashlights,” he said.Davey Schneider hiked a mile and a half (1.6 kilometers) through rain and floodwater up to his shins from his Wrightwood residence Wednesday to rescue cats from his grandfather’s house.“I wanted to help them out because I wasn’t confident that they were going to live,” Schneider said Thursday. “Fortunately, they all lived. They’re all okay just a little bit scared.”Arlene Corte said roads in town turned into rivers, but her house was not damaged.“It could be a whole lot worse,” she said. “We’re here talking.”With more rain on the way, more than 150 firefighters were stationed in the area, said San Bernardino County Fire spokesman Shawn Millerick.“We’re ready,” he said. “It’s all hands on deck at this point.”A falling tree killed a San Diego man Wednesday, news outlets reported. Farther north, a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy died in what appeared to be a weather-related crash.Areas along the coast, including Malibu, were under a flood watch until Friday afternoon, and wind and flood advisories were issued for much of the Sacramento Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.The storms were the result of atmospheric rivers carrying massive plumes of moisture from the tropics during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.Southern California typically gets half an inch to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) of rain this time of year, but this week many areas could see between 4 and 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters), with even more in the mountains, National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wofford said.More heavy snow was expected in the Sierra Nevada, where gusts created “near white-out conditions” and made mountain pass travel treacherous. Officials said there was a “high” avalanche risk around Lake Tahoe and a winter storm warning was in effect through Friday.Ski resorts around Lake Tahoe recorded about 1 to 3 feet (30 to 91 centimeters) of snow overnight, said Tyler Salas, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Reno. Forecasters expect to see up to another 3 feet (91 centimeters) of snow through Friday, Salas said. The area could see 45-mph (72-kph) gusts in low elevation areas and 100-mph (161-kph) winds along mountain ridges.Gov. Gavin Newsom declared emergencies in six counties to allow state assistance.The state deployed resources and first responders to several coastal and Southern California counties, and the California National Guard was on standby. Associated Press writers Sophie Austin in Oakland, California, and Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City contributed. Ty ONeil, Associated Press
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E-Commerce
As 2025 comes to a close, business leaders are inevitably already planning how 2026 will shape up, particularly as the last year proved to be a tumultuous one. The so-called AI boom is still booming, corporate DEI initiatives have shrunk or disappeared altogether, and return-to-office mandates have tightened. No one has a crystal ball to predict emerging technologies, financial headwinds, political hurdles, and market trends for the next year. But that doesnt mean that companies can sit backthere are steps to take now to help insulate your company against potential turbulence in the coming year, while simultaneously fostering success by focusing on the human aspects of technology and leadership. So, here are five things Im thinking about as we head into 2026and I welcome every other business leader to join me as we ring in yet another new year. 1. There is no AI bubble Some business leaders speak about AI like they did about the internet circa 1998. But while we saw a dotcom bubble burst in the stock market, consumer appetite for e-commerce only grew and grew. The same will be true for AIalthough we may see tech company value corrections, theres no bubble regarding user demand. What were seeing instead is a seismic shift in how humans and non-humans interact with each other. The only real risk is to the companies (choosing to be) left behind through inaction. 2. AI should be leveraged for growthnot cost saving Company leaders are approaching AI with a short-term lensviewing it as a means to save money and drive shareholder value from a profitability perspective. This short-sighted way of planning means doing the same amount of work with less, leading to sacrifices from a product, process, or people perspective. Instead, C-suites should be looking at AI from a long-term growth lens by using it to augment and accelerate the work people are already doing. The goal should be to spend the same amount of money while increasing output, without hamstringing the quality of work. 3. Use AI to amplify creativity and critical thinking Implementing a solid AI strategy takes more than downloading the hottest new tool. Which leaders in your organization are ensuring that your culture of creativity and critical thinking is alive and well? To be truly successful with AI, the human element cannot be overlooked. Just like a parent governs their childs technology use to foster growth, a successful leader implements AI in a way that is supportivenot stifling. 4. Abolish absolutism When a leader speaks in absolutes, its a huge red flag. Everyone must be in the office five days a week, or We must do all this work in-house because thats always best. Leaders should remember that the future is hybrid in all its iterations. Not just in terms of how often employees are in an office, but in terms of staffing and how they leverage technology. The flexibility offered by hybrid thinking affords leaders an opportunity to diversify their business and find the most effectiveand profitableway to operate. With the world seemingly more uncertain than ever, building agility into your leadership style and business planning is increasingly important. 5. Check your ego Its time that the C-suite remembers to embrace a bit more humilityor at least try to. No matter how senior you are, no one cares about your opinion unless you care about theirs. Successful leaders consistently recognize that their people are their greatest asset, whether theyre internal or external. Im not saying a company should be run like a democracy, but its important to be collaborative about forming opinions. Remember: Your point of view isnt the only one. Justin Tobin is founder and president of Gather.
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E-Commerce
Whats one thing most Americans likely dont know? Demand for donor sperm is increasing. Initially established in the 1970s to help men undergoing vasectomies and facing cancer treatments, sperm banks today support people facing a wide range of challenges on their path to pregnancy. Alongside heterosexual couples dealing with infertility issues like azoospermia and young men facing cancer diagnosis, single mothers by choice, and same-sex couples are frequently turning to sperm banks in hopes of building their family. With approximately 1,500 sperm donors serving the entire United States, a new sperm bank, Premier Sperm Bank, is venturing to address modern family building needs with a commitment to research and ethically-minded practices. I caught up with John Jain, MD, the sperm banks founder, to understand more about the future of family building with donor sperm. Q: Why sperm and why now? Why enter the sperm bank industry? Jain: During my time running an egg bank in California, I took a real interest in male reproductive health, observing that very little research was being done even though sperm is 50% of the baby equation. So, it was sort of a natural progression for me, having run an egg bank, to open Premier Sperm Bank. And this is an exciting time to open a sperm bank, as the way people build their families has evolved and society is adapting with new technologies. Were seeing increased rates of single mothers by choice, lesbian couples, and people of all identities wanting to be parentsand we can help these families by offering them a chance to self-inseminate in the privacy of their own home as an alternative to in-clinic insemination. Simultaneously, while launching Premier, I built a research center in Oxford, England to study the genetics and epigenetics of sperm. Q: Can you explain a little bit more about your research? How is that connected Premier Sperm Bank? Jain: The cornerstone for male fertility has been the semen analysis, a nearly 100-year-old test that was standardized in the 1930s that does not truly predict fertility. There have been no meaningful advances in sperm testing to connect the health of the sperm to fertility outcomes, and/or the health of the resulting children. This field is strangely quite nascent when compared to our understanding of female fertility. How does the DNA work, how do the epigenetics fit in? My research going forward is focused on epigenetics and how we better assess sperm to ensure we are optimizing for good fertility outcomes and healthy babies for families using donor sperm. Q: Your website mentions that you are the only sperm bank in the world that DNA verifies sperm. What does that mean? Jain: It means we have verified the identity of the donor by matching his sperm to his DNA profile. Its important because the other methods of verification used by sperm banks depend on manual human processes or electronic medical witnessing systems. Clients want to know that they are receiving the correct sperm. DNA-verified is nearly 100% accurate and Premier is the only sperm bank in the world to offer the service. Q: What is your donor selection process? How do you select a donor? Jain: It’s pretty rigorous. We only accept 1.8% of donor applicants into our portfolio. While we consider physical characteristics, personal accomplishments, and check criminal and educational backgrounds, my role as a medical director is to assure quality sperm from healthy donors. We do that by performing an extensive 100-question family and medical history, FDA-mandated infectious disease tests, and sperm quarantine for 6 months. We also use a test that screens 500 genes to lower the risk of passing on a genetic disease. Q: Where do you see the industry in the next 10 to 20 years? Jain: I think there needs to be more acknowledgement about the needs of donor-conceived children and their families. Legacy sperm banks have not consistently monitored how many families have used a donors sperm; it is not uncommon to see donors whose sperm has resulted in dozens or even hundreds of donor-conceived children. Many donor-conceived children eventually want to meet their biological father. Anonymous donation is becoming a thing of the past, as we are now only accepting donors willing to disclose their identity once the child is 18. The next 10 to 20 years will also see the emergence of better tools to evaluate sperm and predict fertility and childhood health. My lab in Oxford was built with that purpose in mind. And then there’s germline gene editing, the intentional modification of DNA in sperm, eggs, and embryos, currently banned in most countries. I believe gene editing is inevitable as it brings the potential of eliminating serious diseases like cancer, but it does change the human genome and presents an ethical slippery slope that requires oversight. Maureen Brown is CEO and cofounder of Mosie Baby.
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E-Commerce
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