The global AI race is entering a new phase. Governments are choosing technological alliances, Chinese models are gaining ground, massive amounts of energy are being secured for AI infrastructure, and artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly embedded in education, work, and everyday tools.

In this fifth episode of AI News, David Akpovi’s weekly podcast, we explore the major developments from August 17–23, 2026. The United States is considering asking countries to choose between American and Chinese technology ecosystems, while China pushes back in the name of digital sovereignty. Alibaba’s Qwen is surging in global adoption, Christine Lagarde warns that Europe cannot afford to miss the AI revolution, and NVIDIA is securing 4.25 GW for a massive AI factory in Ohio.

This week also brings some special news: David Akpovi has released How To Master Prompts: The Complete Guide To Getting What You Want from AI, his fifth book in the How To series, designed to help readers communicate more effectively with tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.

We also look at the investigation into Amazon’s use of physical books for AI development, Google making visible watermarks optional for Gemini-generated content, OpenAI launching ChatGPT for Teens, the UK using AI training to help young people enter the workforce, Google Sheets turning data into interactive apps with Gemini, and Veyala, an AI platform created by Hervé Houndjetode. that tailors CVs and cover letters to specific opportunities.