Axios

Qualcomm on Thursday announced an updated version of its chip for augmented and virtual reality devices designed to make headsets more detailed and realistic.

Why it matters: Consumer tech companies, including Samsung and HTC, are racing to build new reality-altering products with Qualcomm as Apple readies its mixed-reality Vision Pro, which is expected to launch by February.

The number of PR professionals who use generative AI has more than doubled since March 2023, according to a new Muck Rack report shared first with Axios.

In 2023, communicators used generative artificial intelligence to complete basic tasks like writing social copy or press releases. In 2024, they are taking it up a notch by using it for predictive measures.

Why it matters: AI technology can predict how select stakeholder groups will react to certain messaging, test specific narratives and detect when these narratives might go awry.

Microsoft is so confident AI is the future of computing that it's adding a new button to the keyboards of Windows PCs dedicated to its Copilot AI assistant, starting with new machines to be announced at CES next week.

Why it matters: It's the first change to the Windows keyboard in 30 years, and the latest example of hardware makers betting on AI to both create new product categories and breathe life into older ones.

Sweeping layoffs across Big Tech over the past two years have left a permanent impression on leaders and workers.

Why it matters: The experience is likely to reset expectations for many in the industry that haven't experienced prior down cycles.

X, formerly known as Twitter, briefly brought back headlines to user posts containing links on Tuesday but appeared to revert back Wednesday.

Driving the news: X began removing news links and headlines from posts in October after Elon Musk said the new changes would "greatly improve" aesthetics on the platform.

That all 379 passengers and crew aboard Japan Airlines Flight 516 survived after the airliner collided with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft in Tokyo on Tuesday is a miracle — but an explicable one, with valuable lessons.

The big picture: As with all major aviation incidents, it will take time for investigators to piece together exactly what caused the crash, which killed five of six aboard the smaller Coast Guard craft.

Around one billion voters will head to polls all over the world this year, while wily campaigns and underfunded election officials will face pressure to use AI for efficiencies.

Why it matters: Conditions are ripe for bad actors to use generative AI to amplify efforts to suppress votes, libel candidates and incite violence.