Latest Software & Apps News

๐Ÿ“…January 16, 2026 at 1:00 AM
AI coding agents, enterprise funding, sovereign software, and agentic AI trends dominate 2026 software news, with major deals from OpenAI, Apple-Google, and IBM.Source 1Source 2Source 5
1

OpenCode Launches Fully Open-Source Coding Agent

OpenCode debuts a coding agent connecting to over 75 AI model providers, allowing local runs of models like Llama and Mistral without cloud GPUs.Source 1 It addresses frustrations with locked-in AI tools by supporting flexible editors and workflows. Users can prototype agents on cheap hardware.Source 1

2

Apple Strikes Gemini Deal with Google for Siri Overhaul

Apple partners with Google to integrate Gemini into Siri and future AI features, boosting Alphabet's $4T valuation.Source 1 This deal raises questions about Apple's OpenAI ties. It's a major win for Google amid AI momentum.Source 1

3

Lovable's GPT Engineer Hits $6.6B Valuation with $330M Raise

Stockholm-based Lovable, from GPT Engineer, raises $330M Series A to build autonomous 'Software-as-a-System' AI stacks.Source 1 It threatens $300B SaaS market by enabling instant bespoke software. Concerns rise over developer jobs and AI safety.Source 1

4

OpenAI Secures $10B+ Compute Deal with Cerebras

OpenAI inks massive AI compute agreement with Cerebras for utility-scale infrastructure.Source 2 This underscores hardware's role in AI dominance amid rising stakes in energy and geopolitics. It highlights shifts in software power dynamics.Source 2

5

Parloa Raises $350M, Valuation Triples to $3B

German AI startup Parloa secures $350M for enterprise voice AI agents using multi-model approaches.Source 2 It signals strong funding for practical AI with revenue traction in Europe. Focuses on avoiding vendor lock-in and compliance.Source 2

6

IBM Launches Sovereign Core for AI-Ready Environments

IBM announces Sovereign Core, first AI-ready software for sovereign workloads, aiding compliance and data control.Source 5 Tech preview in February, full availability mid-2026. Addresses regulatory pressures for enterprises and governments.Source 5

7

Microsoft Elevate for Educators with New AI Tools

Microsoft launches Elevate program offering free AI tools, communities, and Copilot for educators globally.Source 6 Includes 12-month free Microsoft 365/LinkedIn Premium for students. Aims to prepare for AI-driven education.Source 6

8

Agentic AI Emerges as 2026 Dominant Trend

2026 heralds agentic AI using large action models for autonomous planning and execution via APIs.Source 3 Gartner predicts 15% of work decisions autonomous by 2028, 33% enterprise apps with agents. Transforms from assistants to active participants.Source 3

9

Speech Central Adds Cached Cloud Audio for Offline TTS

Speech Central introduces offline caching of AI text-to-speech audio, cutting cloud costs.Source 4 Enables instant replay without extra fees, boosting accessibility. Update rolled out January 10, 2026.Source 4

10

AI Guide Dog App Uses LiDAR for Obstacle Detection

New AI Guide Dog app turns iPhone into obstacle detector with LiDAR and haptic feedback.Source 4 Enhances accessibility for blind users. Featured in discussions on tech evolution.Source 4

11

Adobe Reader Update Fixes Screen Reader PDF Issues

Adobe Acrobat Reader patch resolves focus bugs preventing JAWS users from filling PDF forms.Source 4 Users urged to update immediately. Improves software accessibility.Source 4

12

AI Models Like Opus 4.5 and GPT-5.2 Dominate Code Writing

Advanced AI models now generate most software code, shifting engineering practices.Source 1 Reduces emphasis on traditional language skills. Prompts industry-wide adaptations.Source 1