🚨 Daily Tech & AI Pulse | 2026-01-08

🌍 Global Tech News

• #1: OthmanAdi/planning-with-files (link)
  🤖 Claude Code skill implementing Manus-style persistent markdown planning — the workflow pattern behind the $2B acquisition.

  • A tool for structured planning and project management, leveraging AI for enhanced productivity.

• #2: jarrodwatts/claude-hud (link)
  🤖 A Claude Code plugin that shows what's happening - context usage, active tools, running agents, and todo progress.

  • Monitors AI tools and agents in real-time, providing insights into AI operations.

• #3: kepano/obsidian-skills (link)
  🤖 Claude Skills for Obsidian.

  • Integrates AI capabilities into Obsidian, enhancing note-taking and knowledge management.

• #4: ChrisWiles/claude-code-showcase (link)
  🤖 Comprehensive Claude Code project configuration example with hooks, skills, agents, commands, and GitHub Actions workflows.

  • Demonstrates the setup for advanced AI-driven projects.

• #5: huseyinbabal/taws (link)
  🤖 Terminal UI for AWS (taws) - A terminal-based AWS resource viewer and manager.

  • Simplifies AWS resource management with a user-friendly terminal interface.

☁️ Cloud Infrastructure & IT Management Platforms

• AMC is open-sourcing its old smart speakers
  🤖 Article on how AMC is making older smart speaker models accessible.
  • A move towards transparency and user control, potentially benefiting tech enthusiasts and developers.

🍁 Canada Tech Scene

• Canada has a lot of problems: Here are 26 startups trying to tackle them in 2026
  🤖 Financial Post article exploring startups addressing Canadian challenges.
  • Highlighting innovative solutions to national issues, showcasing the Canadian tech ecosystem.

💼 Canada Job Market

• Functional Pet Food Market Size to Worth USD 7 Billion by 2035 | Towards FnB
  🤖 GlobeNewswire press release on the growing pet food market.

  • Insights into emerging trends and opportunities in the pet food sector.

• SaaS-Based Core Banking Software Market to Reach USD 50.62 Billion by 2033
  🤖 GlobeNewswire article on the growth of SaaS in banking software.

  • Predictions on the digital transformation of banking systems.

🚀 Startups & Funding

• Lux Capital lands $1.5B for its largest fund ever
  🤖 TechCrunch report on Lux Capital's new funding round.

  • Reflects the continued interest in venture capital for tech startups.

• Shopify competitor Swap raises $100M six months after raising $40M
  🤖 TechCrunch article on Swap's fundraising success.

  • Indicates the competitive landscape in e-commerce platforms.

• VC predicts the consumer AI products OpenAI ‘won’t want to kill’
  🤖 TechCrunch podcast discussing consumer AI opportunities.

  • Insights into the potential of consumer AI products in the market.

💡 Top 5 GitHub Repositories

1. OthmanAdi/planning-with-files (link)

   • A tool for structured planning using AI, inspired by recent acquisitions.

2. jarrodwatts/claude-hud (link)

   • Provides real-time insights into AI operations, enhancing transparency.

3. kepano/obsidian-skills (link)

   • Integrates AI into note-taking software, improving productivity.

4. ChrisWiles/claude-code-showcase (link)

   • Demonstrates advanced AI project setups, aiding developers in complex AI projects.

5. huseyinbabal/taws (link)

   • Simplifies AWS management, making cloud services more accessible.

Pulse Summary

This pulse highlights the rapid evolution of AI tools and consumer AI products, with startups addressing both global and local challenges. The tech scene is vibrant, with significant funding rounds and open-source initiatives showcasing the dynamic landscape of innovation. As consumer AI products gain prominence, the potential for transformative solutions across various sectors is evident. The Canadian tech ecosystem, particularly in startups tackling national issues, stands out as a hub of innovation. Overall, the tech landscape is buzzing with opportunities and challenges, driven by AI and data-driven solutions.