The Rundown AI is reporting that Google CEO Sundar Pichai provided exclusive insights into the company's AI strategy during an interview at I/O 2026. It said Google is pursuing a comprehensive approach to integrate AI into daily life, aiming to simplify tasks for users, empower creators, and assist engineers. Pichai stated that models like Omni enhance creators' self-expression while YouTube maintains its creator-first, human-to-human focus. He highlighted Gemini's seamless integration for everyday users, with agents handling tasks 24/7 across devices, predicting that current technology will seem primitive in three years. For engineers, Pichai emphasized "agentic coding" for long-running tasks as a key metric of success.
The Rundown AI also reported on OpenAI's latest wave of upgrades to its Codex agentic assistant. It said new features include Appshots, allowing Mac users to attach any open app window's content to a Codex thread. A new Goal mode, available across the Codex app, IDE extension, and CLI, enables users to set long-term objectives for Codex to pursue over extended periods. Additionally, Locked computer use permits Codex to operate desktop applications even when a Mac is locked, triggered by a second device. Advanced annotation mode allows users to directly describe desired changes to web pages and instantly preview results. OpenAI is betting these enhancements will help it compete with Anthropic and maintain its lead over xAI and Google.
In other developments, The Rundown AI reported that California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order directing state agencies to study and develop policies aimed at protecting workers from AI-driven job losses. This action came a day after Meta laid off 8,000 employees, citing AI investments. The order mandates exploration of policies such as severance standards, stock compensation, worker ownership models, and universal basic capital. Within 90 days, the state will launch a dashboard to track AI's impact on employment, and within 180 days, agencies are to propose updates to the WARN Act for quicker layoff alerts. By Oct. 15, the state will review union negotiations on AI adoption, update workforce training, and investigate ways to direct AI revenue toward public benefit. California, home to 33 of the world's top 50 AI companies, is the first state to formally examine AI's implications for its workforce and economy, with over 70,000 jobs already lost in 2026 due to AI adoption.
The Rundown AI also noted that Figure AI co-founder Brett Adcock's Hark secured $700 million in funding at a $6 billion valuation to develop personal intelligence solutions. It said Anthropic is reportedly in discussions to utilize Microsoft's Maia AI chips, following similar agreements with Google and Amazon. Furthermore, agentic AI startup Manus is exploring options, including a potential $1 billion raise, to comply with China's directive to unwind its acquisition by Meta. SpaceX's IPO prospectus revealed Anthropic is paying $1.25 billion per month through 2029 for compute capacity. Microsoft and EY announced a $1 billion partnership to accelerate clients' AI projects.