What’s next for AI in 2026

The podcast delves into the future of AI in 2026, highlighting five key predictions. It anticipates increased adoption of Chinese open-source LLMs by Silicon Valley companies due to their customizability and cost-effectiveness, naming DeepSeek's R1 and Alibaba's Kuen as examples. A regulatory tug-of-war is expected in the U.S. between the White House, states, and AI companies, particularly concerning AI safety and data usage. Chatbots are predicted to revolutionize shopping, with AI driving a significant portion of online purchases through personalized recommendations and direct purchasing options. The potential for LLMs to make new discoveries is explored, referencing Google DeepMind's Alpha Evolve as a pioneering effort. Finally, the podcast forecasts messier legal battles for AI companies, addressing questions of liability for chatbot behavior and misinformation.