2025 was the year of agents, what's coming in 2026?

The Practical AI podcast kicks off the year discussing key AI trends from 2025 and predictions for 2026. A major theme explored is the rise of AI agents and their transformative impact, particularly in coding, where they've enabled significant productivity gains for those with domain expertise. However, the hosts caution against hype, noting that successful agent implementation requires careful prompting, integration, and a focus on sound processes. The conversation also covers the emergence of reasoning models, the shift from GPU limitations to power constraints, and the growing geopolitical implications of AI development. The hosts predict a rise in AI integration and tool development, as well as a consumer-level AI maker era driven by cheaper hardware.