Tech
Taco Bell, Pizza Hut are going “AI first”
Yum! Brands is taking a significant leap into the realm of technology with plans to introduce “AI-powered” fast food.
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Yum! Brands, which operates Taco Bell and Pizza Hut among others, is embracing AI technology to power fast-food innovations.
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With digital sales now comprising 45% of total sales, the company aims to enhance operational efficiency and cut costs amidst California’s new $20 minimum wage law.
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Their AI initiatives include SuperApp for restaurant managers, featuring generative AI for operational guidance, augmented reality for training, and franchise-funded investments.
The company has been ramping up its investment in technology and automation, with digital sales now accounting for about 45% of its total sales, amounting to approximately $30 billion.
This figure marks a significant increase compared to 2019, where digital sales stood at half the current level, according to Joe Park, Yum’s chief digital and technology manager.
“Our vision of quick-service restaurants is centered around an AI-first mentality that permeates every aspect of our operations,” Park explained to The Wall Street Journal.
“We believe the potential for AI-powered solutions within the restaurant environment is limitless.”
Fast food restaurants are turning to AI
High paid workers
In light of California’s new minimum wage law, which will see most fast-food workers earning $20 per hour, Yum!
Brands, like many other restaurant operators, is turning to AI as a means to reduce costs and drive sales.
The implementation of AI by fast-food giants like Yum goes beyond merely enhancing the customer experience.
Yum has developed a mobile app called SuperApp for restaurant managers, currently being tested with generative AI capabilities.
This feature allows team members to seek operational guidance, such as optimal oven temperatures. Additionally, the app, which is already in use across over 8,700 Pizza Hut and KFC outlets, facilitates ingredient procurement and staff scheduling.
Anew augmented reality feature is in development to aid workers in learning how to prepare new menu items.
Tech
Apple’s AI wearable push: Cameras, speakers and a 2027 vision
Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable device, aiming for a launch of 20 million units in the growing AI market.
Apple is developing an AI-powered wearable device, aiming for a launch of 20 million units in the growing AI market.
Apple is reportedly developing an AI-powered wearable device equipped with cameras and speakers, signalling its next major move into artificial intelligence-driven hardware.
While still in early development, the company is said to be planning a launch scale of up to 20 million units.
This move places Apple squarely into the fast-growing AI wearable market, where tech giants are racing to define what hands-free, AI-first devices will look like. Rather than rushing to market, Apple appears to be taking a measured approach by embedding AI capabilities into its existing ecosystem.
Reports suggest Apple is also experimenting with camera-equipped AirPods and smart glasses, with a potential launch timeline around 2027. If successful, these devices could reshape how users interact with AI in everyday life.
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Tech
AI spending in 2026: Why investment is compounding, not just cyclical
As 2026 begins, AI investment debates rise; real revenue growth signals pivotal changes for tech adoption and future trends.
As 2026 begins, AI investment debates rise; real revenue growth signals pivotal changes for tech adoption and future trends.
As we kick off 2026, the debate around AI spending is heating up. Skeptics warn of cyclical hype, but new evidence suggests that AI investment is delivering real revenue and gaining traction across enterprises. Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies breaks down why this year could be pivotal for AI adoption.
We dive into how AI spending today compares to previous tech booms, the impact of circular funding models, and why enterprise and sovereign demand are driving durable growth. Brad explains the compounding effect of AI investment and what it means for future technological development.
Finally, we explore the race toward AGI and ASI and the broader implications for the tech landscape. From skeptics to believers, understanding these trends is key for investors, businesses, and tech enthusiasts alike.
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Tech
TSMC posts record profits on AI chip boom
TSMC posts record Q4 profit, driven by strong chip demand, exceeding predictions and signaling market dominance.
TSMC posts record Q4 profit, driven by strong chip demand, exceeding predictions and signaling market dominance.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has posted a record net profit for the fourth quarter, driven by strong demand for advanced chips.
Net profit surged 35% year-on-year, exceeding analyst expectations and signalling a dominant position in the semiconductor market.
Quarterly revenue also rose 20.5% compared to last year, supported by robust sales in AI and high-performance computing segments. The company’s success reflects the growing global appetite for cutting-edge semiconductor technology.
Looking ahead, TSMC plans to ramp up capital expenditure, projecting investments of up to $56 billion in 2026. The positive results have sparked an upbeat reaction across global markets, highlighting TSMC’s influence in the tech sector.
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