Google introduces a new'Checkout' feature in Gemini and Search AI Mode, allowing US users to make direct purchases through conversations with AI. PCWorld reports that Google launched the Universal Commerce Protocol alongside major retailers like Shopify, Etsy, Walmart, and Target for seamless integration. Users can complete transactions using Google Pay or PayPal, streamlining online shopping by eliminating the need to navigate to separate websites. Google is launching a "Checkout" feature in its Gemini AI chatbot as well as in Google Search's AI Mode, according to a recent blog post . The feature allows users to purchase products without leaving the chat or search interface. Purchases can be completed with Google Pay or PayPal. At the same time, Google is also unveiling its Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP). This is an open standard that enables different AI agents, payment systems, and shops to work seamlessly together.

Abandoned pigs rescued on Tennessee's Looney Islands The animals are in good hands thanks to patience and a'pig whisperer.' A team from Young-Williams Animal Center in Knoxville, Tennessee and Knox County Rescue worked together to save the abandoned pigs. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. A team from the Young-Williams Animal Center in Knoxville recently rescued two pigs stranded on a group of islands in the Tennessee River. After receiving multiple calls about the animals that appeared to be abandoned on Looney Islands, the team worked with the Knoxville Fire Department and Knox County Rescue to get to the islands.

In this photo illustration, a screen displays examples of AI prompt-created videos, made with Xai's Grok app, on January 12, 2026 in London, England. In this photo illustration, a screen displays examples of AI prompt-created videos, made with Xai's Grok app, on January 12, 2026 in London, England. The United Kingdom plans to bring into force a law that criminalizes the creation of non-consensual sexualized images, including through Grok, the chatbot within Elon Musk's X application, following the app's deepfake scandal of the last few weeks. "This means individuals are committing a criminal offence if they create--or seek to create--such content--including on X--and anyone who does this should expect to face the full extent of the law," Technology Secretary Liz Kendal announced in the House of Commons Monday, adding that the government would work to also make it illegal for companies to supply the tools designed to create these nonconsensual images. The move came just hours after the Office of Communications (Ofcom)--the country's independent regulator for the communications industry--announced that it will be investigating X and the thousands of pornographic images generated by Grok that flooded the app, including sexualized images of what appear to be minors.

The layoffs have been a long time coming. The Meta Quest 3 VR goggles and controllers are shown sitting on a wooden tabletop with blue walls and a white door in the background. As we expected, Meta has begun laying off more than 1,000 employees from its Reality Labs division, which focused on virtual reality and metaverse products, reports . The company will refocus on developing wearables, like its recent batch of AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses, according to a memo from CTO Andrew Bosworth. Reality Labs has lost more than $70 billion since the beginning of 2021, and while Meta has done a solid job of delivering desirable consumer VR headsets and smart glasses, that business hasn't been nearly profitable enough to justify the cost.

Dell is shifting focus away from AI PCs after discovering consumers show little interest in purchasing computers solely for AI capabilities, according to PCWorld. The company plans to re-emphasize consumer and gaming segments while bringing back its popular XPS line, though Copilot+ PCs will remain available. PC prices may increase by 20% due to RAM shortages, creating additional market challenges as manufacturers adjust their AI-focused strategies. Last week at CES 2026, AI-capable Copilot+ PCs were all over the convention show floor, with many PC makers promoting their so-called "AI PCs" with NPUs and other cutting-edge features. AI PCs have been hyped since 2024 as the next evolution of home computing, but it appears consumers aren't buying into the new technology.

In response to a growing backlash, Microsoft said it would take steps to ensure that data centers don't raise utility bills in surrounding areas and address other public concerns. A Microsoft data center in Aldie, Virginia.Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images Microsoft said on Tuesday that it would be taking a series of steps toward becoming a "good neighbor" in communities where it is building data centers--including promising to ask public utilities to set higher electricity rates for data centers. Speaking onstage at an event in Great Falls, Virginia, Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith directly referenced a growing national pushback to data centers, describing it as creating "a moment in time when we need to listen, and we need to address these concerns head-on." "When I visit communities around the country, people have questions--pointed questions. They even have concerns," Smith said, as a slide showed headlines from various news outlets about opposition to data centers.

Bill and Hillary Clinton declare themselves ABOVE THE LAW as they defy Epstein subpoena with astonishing letter slamming Trump's'cruel agenda' Vicious whispers expose the uncomfortable truth about Tulsi Gabbard... and what it means for her future Lawyer shows why he's most forgiving husband in America after glamorous teacher wife, 25, cheated on him with boy, 17, in marital home Iran's Islamic rulers are teetering on collapse. America must give them a final shove. Here's what I am advising Trump's team: MARK DUBOWITZ Waitress wearing a crash helmet'who started fatal Swiss resort inferno' was among the 40 to die in the tragedy Restaurant server sparks outrage after'infuriating' move on customer's bill: '15% wasn't good enough, apparently' Jolene needs surgery to cure her crippling disease. Doctors say they're too busy... but approved euthanasia in ONE HOUR How much do you know about history's most infamous serial killer? Take our Jack the Ripper quiz in this week's The Crime Desk newsletter But now this tiny detail in this disgraceful new picture has made me realise she may be the most deluded woman in the world.

Animal trials helped to restore order when the unspeakable happened. In 1457, a sow and her piglets were put on trial for the murder of a child in the village of Savigny in Burgundy, France. The sow was ultimately found guilty and her piglets were acquitted. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. It's a common scene in many films set in medieval Europe: a wooden cart wheeling its way through a jeering crowd of townsfolk, taking a condemned prisoner to the gallows.

The government is set to announce its intention to build a new rail link between Birmingham and Manchester, the BBC understands. Previous plans for the HS2 high-speed rail line had included a line between the two cities, but that part of the project was scrapped by Rishi Sunak's government. On Wednesday, the government is expected to confirm proposals for new and improved rail links across the North of England in a scheme known as Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR). Little detail about a new Birmingham to Manchester route is anticipated, other than the intention to build it after NPR is completed, meaning it may not happen for decades. HS2 is currently tens of billions of pounds over budget and around a decade behind schedule.

Ukraine missile attacks by Russia prompt emergency Security Council session as U.S. deputy ambassador to the United Nations Tammy Bruce condemns strikes on civilian infrastructure.