Hi {{firstName|Futurist}},
I hope you had a great start to the new year and that the holidays treated you well. Before we dive in, you might notice something different: a fresh new look! I've redesigned the newsletter to lean fully into the dipping theme. Think of each edition as a platter of crispy bites, ready for you to dip into the flavors of AI that matter most. And here's another change: from now on, I'm aiming to serve up Digital Dips weekly, so you'll never miss what's new in the world of AI.
Now, take a moment to remember how 2025 felt. Hold onto that memory, because 2026 is shaping up to be completely different. Just look at what's already on the menu: Anthropic's Cowork turning Claude into an action partner on your desktop, ads arriving in ChatGPT, Google weaving Personal Intelligence across your digital life, Gmail getting a Gemini-powered makeover, and Shopify teaming up with Google to let AI agents handle your shopping.
So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's dip into what's cooking. No time to read? Listen to this episode of Digital Dips on Spotify and stay updated while you’re on the move. The link to the podcast is only available to subscribers. If you haven’t subscribe already, I recommend to do so.
🍟 Crispy bites
Fresh tech nuggets. Short, sharp, snackable.
Cowork launches as a new way to use Claude
TL;DR
Anthropic introduces Cowork, a new feature built on Claude Code, but designed for more than just developers. Now available as a research preview for Claude Max subscribers, Cowork lets users give Claude controlled access to folders on their macOS, enhancing task execution beyond simple conversations. This move not only broadens Claude's usability but also aims to tackle new challenges in digital task automation while maintaining security.
Why this matters
Allows Claude to access, read, and modify specific folders on macOS
Enhances Claude's capabilities for non-coding tasks, such as organizing files, creating spreadsheets, and drafting documents
Transforms AI tools like Claude from a conversational chatbot into an execution and action partner
Incorporates safety features, asking for explicit permissions before major actions
Addresses potential security risks like prompt injections with ongoing defenses
My taste
It’s intriguing to see how Cowork expands Claude’s utility from a developer-focused tool to something more universal. By simplifying complex tasks and managing files proactively, Cowork nudges us closer to a future where digital assistants can act with more autonomy. However, the potential for errors or security breaches means users need to stay vigilant. As these tools grow more capable and widespread, balancing convenience with control could become a central challenge for developers and users alike. Looking ahead, I’ll be interested to see how these systems mature and integrate into everyday workflows.
Ads coming to ChatGPT
TL;DR
Ads will soon start appearing in the free and Go tiers of ChatGPT. The focus is on maintaining user trust, ensuring ads are distinct and labeled, and keeping user conversations private. Paid tiers, including Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise, will remain ad-free. This approach highlights a growing trend in monetizing AI responsibly without compromising user experience or privacy.
Why this matters
Ads to be included only in ChatGPT's free and Go tiers
Responses will remain unbiased by advertiser content
Ads will be distinctly marked and kept separate in conversation
Conversations will stay private from advertisers
No ads planned for Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise tiers
My taste
I think it was less than two years ago that Sam Altman said showing ads would be OpenAI's last resort to make money. So have we reached that point? As for the ads themselves, isn't it actually strange that they're not personalized based on chat history? I don't want to be spammed by brands I have no connection with. I only want to see brands I'd actually buy something from. I'd rather receive flyers through my mailbox from stores I actually visit than from senders I'd prefer to avoid. I don't expect people to massively switch to other providers now. The majority will still remain active on ChatGPT. Only when ads are shown in the other pricing plans will people actually switch. For now, ChatGPT remains the go-to AI platform for most people.
Google unveils Personal Intelligence for Gemini App
TL;DR
Google introduces Personal Intelligence within the Gemini App, designed to tailor responses by accessing your Gmail, YouTube, Google Photos, and Search apps. The service, which respects user privacy by default, is now in beta for AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. It plans to expand to more countries and features like AI Mode in Search. This move could redefine user interaction by providing hyper-relevant assistance spanning your digital life.
Why this matters
Personal Intelligence accesses Gmail, YouTube, Photos, and Search with user permission.
Users fully control connectivity and privacy settings.
Currently available for AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S.
Planned expansions to include additional countries and search integrations.
Beta phase reflects Google’s push for personalized tech experiences.
My taste
Google is stepping into an intriguing space with Personal Intelligence, individualized digital assistance. There's a keen awareness to balance utility with user control, which is refreshing in a data-driven world. However, the real test will be how widely users adopt these privacy-enabled features. The eventual global rollout will likely test our comfort with deeper personalization. The landscape of personal digital assistants is evolving, and Google is making a calculated bet on customization winning the day. Let's see how far personalization can stretch without crossing the comfort line for users.
Gmail steps into the Gemini era
TL;DR
Gmail introduces AI Overviews, turning inbox data into actionable answers without endless searching. This comes as daily email volume hits record highs, making inbox management critical. Features like Help Me Write and AI Inbox streamline communication and task prioritization, available now for 3 billion users. As Gmail embraces the Gemini era, expect a smarter, more intuitive email experience.
Why this matters
3 billion people use Gmail today
AI Overviews transform cluttered email threads into concise summaries
Help Me Write and Suggested Replies available at no cost
AI Inbox helps prioritize important emails with privacy protections
Gemini 3 powers these enhancements with improved AI capabilities
My taste
Gmail's shift into the Gemini era isn't only an upgrade, it's a strategic adaptation to the information overload many face. The introduction of AI tools like AI Overviews not only simplifies email triage but shifts expectations for how intelligent our digital assistants can be. YouTube is full of people who have recorded tutorials on how to build an inbox cleaner with various other AI-tools, but with this step, Google ensures you no longer need to watch those.
Shopify and Google launch Universal Commerce Protocol
TL;DR
Shopify, in collaboration with Google, has launched the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP). This new protocol simplifies integration between agents and retailers, enabling seamless transactions across platforms. Major retailers are already on board. Shopify merchants can now use AI platforms like Google AI Mode, Gemini, ChatGPT, powered by UCP, with more control over where they sell. This initiative empowers a versatile commerce landscape where agents can manage a wide range of customer interactions.
Why this matters
UCP accelerates integration for AI agents and retailers
Developed jointly by Shopify and Google
Transacts with any merchant due to its open default nature
Supports commerce types like subscriptions and loyalty programs
Available for use through Google AI Mode and Gemini
Merchants can enable or disable AI platforms at will
My taste
The roll-out of UCP marks a notable shift in commerce by reducing friction in integration processes. With platforms now open by default, we're going to see a smoother path for merchants looking to reach wider audiences. But it's also about strategy, a retailer's ability to control which AI platforms they engage with keeps a lid on potential chaos. This move could very well redefine how we think about agency in commerce. Keep an eye out for how this protocol might change the landscape of online transactions moving forward. Because it’s becoming increasingly clear. The future of e-commerce consists of AI agents from e-commerce providers communicating with the AI agents of customers.
🧀 Cheesy pick
A cheesy selection of three tools and one tasty rabbit hole.
🍱 Leftovers
A roundup of updates that are too cheesy to ignore.
Higgsfield Relight delivers pro-level lighting control with presets and precise 3D positioning for studio-like results anywhere.
Higgsfield AI Stylist transforms your photos into detailed outfits and characters in seconds.
Higgsfield Cinema Studio v1.5 unleashes full aperture control, every aspect ratio, and extensive camera options for AI-driven filmmaking.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health offers a secure space to connect medical records for personalized health advice.
OpenAI’s API Open Responses unveils open-source spec for seamless multi-provider LLM integration.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Go launches worldwide, offering 10x more features and unlimited GPT 5.2 for $8/month.
Lightricks launches LTX-2 as an open-source AI video model.
Runway’s Featured Workflows now allow seamless subject transitions across scenes for easy creation.
Runway’s Story Panels app transforms any character or product image into a dynamic three-panel narrative.
Manus unveils Meeting Minutes, turning in-person talks into actionable notes instantly.
Manus Pro’s new Similarweb partnership unleashes 12-month web traffic insights and competitive analysis.
Apple launches Creator Studio with smart tools for video, music, and productivity.
Apple teams up with Google to enhance a more personalized Siri coming this year.
Google’s Veo 3.1 elevates your videos with vertical formats, 4K upscaling, and Google AI verification via Gemini.
Google debuts agentic commerce updates, offering in-search checkouts, AI chat with retailers, and personalized deals.
Google Antigravity introduces Agent Skills, turning workflows into reusable knowledge units.
PixVerse unveils R1: a real-time, infinite, and continuous world model for immersive experiences.
Slack reinvents Slackbot as a personal agent for every employee.
Firecrawl’s Zapier's new /agent endpoint automates web data gathering for your Zaps, boosting workflow efficiency.
Zai’s GLM-Image redefines open-source image generation with its hybrid architecture excelling in text and knowledge-intensive visuals.
BlackForestLabs FLUX.2 [klein] speeds up your creativity with instant, high-quality image generation via API or locally.
Amazon expands Alexa to the web with Alexa[dot]com, positioning it as a family-focused AI chatbot.
Elevenlabs Scribe v2 sets a new benchmark in transcription with precision for batch, subtitles, and captions.
Nvidia unveils Vera Rubin, tripling AI task speed with its cutting-edge computing architecture.
How’d this digital dip taste?
This was it. Our forty-seven digital dip together. Hope you enjoyed this taste. Forward this to a colleague who still thinks AI belongs to IT.
Not sure how to apply any of this to your own organization? Reply to this email. I’ll help you figure out what’s relevant, what’s noise, and how to make smarter moves with AI, based on your actual context, not just hype.
Looking forward to what tomorrow brings! ▽
-Wesley
