AI for business: what changes this month (no. 1)

AI moves so fast that reading everything is impossible, and most headlines change nothing in your day-to-day. This is the first monthly AI for business roundup: six news items from September and early October 2026 that may actually matter to you, with a link to the source, my opinion and one concrete action.

I am Miguel Ángel, founder of GUADIGITAL in Guadalajara, Spain. House rule: if it is no use to your business, it does not make the list. And if I could not check a fact at the source, I do not report it. Edition closed on 16 October 2026.

1. Google launches the "Gemini agent" for work

What happened. On 8 October, at its Gemini at Work event, Google Cloud introduced the Gemini agent, a "universal" agent for work: you give it an objective, it plans the steps, uses tools, connects to company systems and returns the result inside the documents and email you already use. According to TechCrunch, it reaches businesses first, no prices have been published and consumer access comes later, with no date. Google's own source: the Google Cloud blog.

My take. It is the step from "chat that answers" to "assistant that does tasks". Interesting, but today it is designed for larger organisations, with administrators and data governance. It is no reason to rip up your current workflow.

What to do. If you use Google Workspace, change nothing yet. Note which repetitive tasks would eat less of your time with an agent and start by automating the simple stuff.

2. Gemini "skills" will replace Gems

What happened. On 30 September Google announced skills in the Gemini app and Workspace: reusable instructions that guide Gemini and will eventually replace Gems. In its 13 October update, Google says the rollout in the app began that day and the Workspace rollout is delayed until further notice. Gems stay for now and move to settings on 17 November; removal will not start before 1 March 2027 for business accounts. Sources: the announcement and the update on the Workspace Updates blog.

My take. A practical detail: if you already have Gems with your instructions (tone, reply templates), you do not lose them now, but do not marry them.

What to do. Keep the instructions you give AI in a separate document. They work in any tool, and they are what really has value.

3. OpenAI DevDay: persistent agents and shared workspaces

What happened. In early October OpenAI presented, according to InfoQ's report, things such as an updated model (GPT-6.1 Sol), operating software through graphical interfaces in its agents API, Dots (persistent agents that work on ongoing tasks) and ChatGPT Space (a shared workspace where teams and agents work with common context). For many of the features the report gives no date or availability.

My take. It is a developer event, so a lot of it is still raw material. The direction is clear, though: agents that keep working and share context with your team.

What to do. Nothing urgent. If a new tool promises "an agent that does it all", ask what exactly it does, with which data and who reviews the result.

4. Anthropic cuts prices with its 5.5 models

What happened. Anthropic launched Claude Opus 5.5 on 22 September and Claude Sonnet 5.5 on 28 September. According to TechCrunch, Opus 5.5 charges $20 per million output tokens versus $25 for its predecessor; according to Anthropic, Sonnet 5.5 generates output more than 30% faster than Sonnet 5 and costs up to 30% less on most work (by its own measurement, because it needs fewer tokens).

My take. What matters to you is not the model names but the trend: the AI behind automations keeps getting faster and cheaper. These are the company's own figures, so take them as what they are: their tests.

What to do. If you pay for an AI automation, ask which model it uses and whether it can be switched. Keeping flexibility stops you being tied to a single one.

5. ChatGPT tests visual ads (for now, in the US)

What happened. On 5 October OpenAI announced a new visual ad format in ChatGPT and measurement tools. According to 9to5Google, it will be tested "later this month" in the United States while images are being generated; OpenAI says advertising does not influence the answers. Original announcement: OpenAI (I could not open it, so I rely on the coverage cited).

My take. I have not confirmed that this format will reach Spain. What matters is that AI assistants are becoming an advertising channel, as search engines were before.

What to do. Your foundation is still being well placed on Google and having a good profile. If you want to understand how customers find you today, start with local SEO.

6. To keep in view: the EU AI Act is partly delayed

What happened. It is not from this month, but worth having on your radar. According to the European Commission, the AI Omnibus entered into force on 27 July 2026. It delays the high-risk rules to 2 December 2027 (Annex III uses, such as employment or education) and 2 August 2028 (systems embedded in regulated products), and adds a ban on AI-generated non-consensual sexual content from December 2026.

My take. For most small businesses day-to-day life changes little: what counts is using AI transparently and protecting data.

What to do. If you automate customer data with AI, go over it with your legal adviser. This is guidance only and does not replace their advice.

Summary in a table

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Sources checked on 16 October 2026. Figures and dates are those of the cited sources; opinions are mine.

Miguel Ángel
I design websites and brands in Guadalajara, Spain. About me