Good morning, AI enthusiasts. Waymo’s autonomous robotaxi fleet in San Francisco halted operations during a widespread blackout, highlighting the challenges AI systems face in unpredictable urban conditions. After pausing service, the company has resumed with updated safety protocols designed to better handle sudden infrastructure failures.
This incident raises important questions about how autonomous fleets can maintain reliability amid real-world disruptions. As Waymo adapts, it offers a window into the growing resilience needed for AI-powered vehicles to gain lasting trust and operate safely at scale.
In today’s AI recap:
From Larry Bruce:
"Waymo's recent blackout challenge highlights the real-world hurdles AI-driven autonomous fleets face and how leaders must adapt quickly. This story offers valuable insight for professionals eager to understand AI deployment risks and resilience in complex urban environments."
— Larry Bruce, BDCbox
The Recap: Waymo paused its autonomous robotaxi service during a widespread San Francisco blackout that stalled many vehicles and caused traffic chaos. After improving safety protocols and operational controls, Waymo has resumed service with a focus on handling unexpected infrastructure failures effectively (source).
Unpacked:
Bottom line: Unexpected infrastructure failures remain a key challenge in deploying AI at scale. Waymo’s quick recovery reflects how AI-driven automation is becoming more resilient and safer for everyday use.
"OpenAI's new personalized year-end review feature sets a new benchmark for engaging AI experiences. It highlights how AI tools can deepen user connections while helping professionals reflect on their productivity gains over the year."
Larry Bruce, BDCbox
The Recap: OpenAI launched "Your Year with ChatGPT," a personalized annual review that celebrates your AI interactions with custom awards, poems, and images. This feature elevates how AI moves beyond task completion to creating richer, more memorable user experiences.
Unpacked:
Bottom line: Personalized AI tools like ChatGPT’s year-end review make your interactions feel meaningful, boosting motivation and retention. This approach signals a future where AI not only assists but also celebrates your achievements and growth.
From Larry Bruce:
"OpenAI's update on prompt injection vulnerabilities highlights the complex security challenges for AI-driven tools. Professionals and early adopters must stay informed about these risks as AI integrates deeper into workflows and customer-facing experiences."
— Larry Bruce, BDCbox
The Recap: OpenAI publicly acknowledges that prompt injection attacks will continue to threaten AI browsers like ChatGPT Atlas, which could let attackers manipulate AI agents through hidden malicious inputs. To counter this, OpenAI deploys an automated attacker bot that tests security proactively and speeds patching. Learn more about OpenAI's acknowledgment.
Unpacked:
Bottom line: AI browsers offer huge productivity benefits but come with ongoing security risks like prompt injection. Staying ahead with proactive protection measures will keep AI tools both powerful and safe for professionals relying on them daily.
"Alphabet's move to acquire Intersect Power shows that powering AI responsibly means securing clean, reliable energy at scale. Professionals building and deploying AI should watch how infrastructure investments like this define the industry's future growth and sustainability." — Larry Bruce, BDCbox
The Recap: Alphabet plans to buy Intersect Power for $4.75 billion to boost clean energy capacity for its data centers, cutting through local grid limits to expand AI computing power effectively.
Unpacked:
Bottom line: Energy infrastructure will increasingly dictate how fast AI innovation can grow. By securing clean power, companies like Alphabet pave the way for scalable, efficient AI services that professionals can rely on.
Mozilla promises a Firefox AI kill switch set for Q1 2026, giving users clear control to disable AI features completely rather than just hiding them.
Splat uses AI to convert your photos into personalized coloring pages for kids, blending creativity and practicality in a clutter-free app for families.
Google Chrome introduces tab-aware AI that remembers content from previous tabs to provide context-aware answers, simplifying multi-tab research and reducing repetitive manual searches.
OpenAI warns AI browsers with agentic capabilities like Atlas remain inherently vulnerable to prompt injection attacks, but defends its approach with an AI-powered automated attacker bot to find and patch vulnerabilities faster.
Lenovo unveils a self-charging keyboard concept at CES 2026 that harvests energy from low indoor light, alongside a smart keyboard adapting its feel for productivity and gaming needs, signaling innovation in AI-powered peripherals.
