01-20-2026

Windows 11 Emergency Update Fixes Shutdown Issues

PLUS: Rising GPU prices, chip tariffs, and Anthropic AI research insights

Good morning, AI enthusiasts. Microsoft’s urgent response to critical shutdowns and Remote Desktop failures in its first 2026 Windows 11 update has brought relief to millions, especially those relying on stable AI development environments. The swift emergency patch aims to restore reliability and keep AI workflows running smoothly.

With systems forming the backbone of AI productivity, this issue raises important questions about how professionals can safeguard their setups against sudden disruptions. How will ongoing patch vigilance shape the way AI developers manage their workstations moving forward?

In today’s AI recap:

  • Windows 11 emergency update fixes shutdown and Remote Desktop issues
  • NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti production ends, causing a GPU price surge
  • U.S. tariffs threaten to raise costs for Asian AI chipmakers
  • Anthropic shares new foundational AI research and interactive demo

Windows 11 Emergency Patch Saves AI Workflows

From Larry Bruce: "Microsoft’s quick response to early Windows 11 2026 update issues shows how crucial stable systems are for professionals relying on AI workflows. Staying updated with patches lets you keep your productivity on track and avoid unexpected downtime."
— Larry Bruce, BDCbox

The Recap: Microsoft’s first Windows 11 security update for 2026 caused critical shutdown and Remote Desktop sign-in failures, prompting an emergency patch release. This fix restores stability for millions, including AI developers who depend on reliable environments.

Unpacked:

  • The initial update introduced shutdown errors and blocked Remote Desktop access, directly disrupting workflows that rely on remote AI development and testing setups.
  • Millions of users, especially those running intensive AI workloads on Windows 11, faced potential downtime without this emergency patch, highlighting the fragility of environments that power AI productivity.
  • Timely patch management now becomes essential for AI professionals to prevent similar disruptions and maintain seamless access to AI tools and platforms.

Bottom line: Quick patch deployment protects your AI workflows from unexpected interruptions, enabling continuous productivity. Staying vigilant with updates helps you avoid costly downtime and keeps your systems ready for innovation.

NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti Ends Production, Prices Surge

From Larry Bruce:
"The halt in production and soaring prices of the NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti signal a tightening grip on AI hardware availability. Tech professionals must watch this closely to ensure their AI workflows remain uninterrupted and cost-effective amidst shifting supply realities."
— Larry Bruce, BDCbox

The Recap:
ASUS has stopped producing the NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti graphics card, causing stock shortages and driving prices up globally. This squeeze challenges AI developers and others who rely on affordable GPUs to automate and accelerate their work.

Unpacked:

  • The RTX 5070 Ti has officially reached end-of-life, with ASUS ceasing production due to ongoing supply constraints.
  • This supply crunch is causing price increases worldwide, making it harder for AI professionals to find mid-range GPUs at reasonable costs (source).
  • AI developers depending on these GPUs should consider upgrading early or exploring alternative hardware to maintain productivity and avoid disruption.

Bottom line:
Rising GPU prices and scarcity can slow AI development and automation projects if hardware needs go unmet. Planning ahead for upgrades and alternative options will keep professionals on the cutting edge without costly delays.

US Tariffs Threaten AI Hardware Costs

From Larry Bruce:
"The U.S. government's new pressure on Asian chipmakers marks a significant shift with tangible effects for AI pros. Staying informed on hardware supply changes is key for timing upgrades and managing costs in this evolving landscape." — Larry Bruce, BDCbox

The Recap: The U.S. threatens tariffs up to 100% on Asian memory chip makers unless they build U.S. plants, potentially driving up costs for crucial AI hardware. This move signals shifting supply chains that could affect how and when AI professionals source components.

Unpacked:

  • The Trump administration pushes major chipmakers to establish U.S.-based manufacturing or face tariffs up to 100%, aiming to shift the global supply chain source.
  • AI professionals should anticipate rising hardware costs and consider accelerating purchases as these tariffs threaten to increase prices and limit supply for AI-focused memory and chips.
  • This tariff threat highlights broader geopolitical tensions reshaping global AI technology access, making supply chain awareness essential for planning and innovation.

Bottom line: The escalating tariff pressure foreshadows higher costs and supply challenges for AI hardware. Professionals must watch these developments closely to secure critical components and stay competitive.

Anthropic Fellows Share New AI Foundational Research

From Larry Bruce: "Anthropic's latest research from its AI fellows offers a fresh look at foundational model advances that define the near future of AI. This insight will help you understand the building blocks powering new AI tools that unlock productivity and innovation in your work." — Larry Bruce, BDCbox

The Recap: Anthropic recently published new research and an interactive demo led by its AI fellows, showcasing key advances in foundational AI models and expanding access to their learnings.

Unpacked:

  • Anthropic made both the research and demo publicly available, allowing developers and entrepreneurs to explore the work firsthand and apply its insights.
  • This research reflects a growing trend of AI fellow initiatives that drive innovation by combining deep expertise with practical experimentation.
  • By sharing these foundational model advances, Anthropic helps professionals stay ahead in AI development and integrate emerging tools efficiently into their workflows.

Bottom line: Anthropic's open research provides a valuable resource for tech professionals eager to deepen their AI knowledge and discover new capabilities. Access to these advances makes it easier to build smarter, automation-focused applications that boost productivity.

The Shortlist

VCs are betting big on AI security as startups like Witness AI tackle risks from rogue AI agents in enterprises, detecting shadow AI tool use and preventing misaligned or harmful behaviors.

Meta has abandoned its hefty metaverse bet, laying off VR staff and closing studios as focus shifts to AI-driven products like smart glasses and large language models, signaling a pivot away from virtual reality.

Google is testing a new Chrome Canary feature that lets users query AI about any webpage with a single right-click, streamlining how AI assists web browsing and boosting accessibility to AI-powered insights.

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