Tech News — Mar 12, 2026

Tech News — Mar 12, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

What connected the day

14 topics

01
5 sources · 6 updates
Google Maps Enhances Navigation with AI Features
Google Maps has launched two significant features aimed at improving user navigation: the AI-powered 'Ask Maps' and the upgraded 'Immersive Navigation'. The 'Ask Maps' feature allows users to ask complex questions and receive personalized answers, while 'Immersive Navigation' offers a detailed 3D view and real-time alerts for road disruptions. Both features are currently rolling out in the U.S. and India on Android and iOS platforms.
- The 'Ask Maps' feature utilizes Gemini AI to provide tailored navigation responses based on user search history.
- Google Maps has over 2 billion monthly users, making it the leading navigation app worldwide.
02
3 sources · 4 updates
Anthropic Faces Pentagon Supply Chain Designation
The Pentagon has designated Anthropic's Claude AI as a supply chain risk, marking a significant move that requires defense contractors to certify they do not use Claude in their projects. This unprecedented designation has prompted Anthropic to file a lawsuit against the Pentagon, claiming violations of its First and Fifth Amendment rights and alleging economic harm.
- Despite the Pentagon's restrictions, Palantir continues to use Claude AI for military operations in Iran.
03
3 sources · 4 updates
Next Xbox Console Set for Developer Release
Microsoft has announced that its upcoming console, Project Helix, will be distributed to game developers in 2027. This new console aims to enhance gaming experiences with significant advancements in ray tracing performance and will support the Play Anywhere initiative, allowing cross-platform play.
- Project Helix will utilize a custom AMD chip for improved graphics and efficiency.
- The early version will be showcased at the Game Developers Conference in 2027.
04
3 sources · 3 updates
Google Expands Play Games with New Features
Google has announced significant updates to its Play Games platform, introducing game trials for select paid titles and a new 'Buy once, play anywhere' pricing model that allows users to access both mobile and PC versions with a single purchase. Additionally, the Play Games Sidekick feature is now available for over 90 titles, providing AI-generated tips to enhance gameplay.
- Game trials will allow users to test paid games risk-free, starting with Dredge on Android.
- New premium titles like Sledding Game and Potion Craft will be introduced for Play Games on PC this year.
05
2 sources · 2 updates
Stryker Corp. Faces Major Disruption from Iran-Linked Cyberattack
Stryker Corp. has been severely impacted by a cyberattack linked to an Iranian hacking group, Handala, which has taken its global ordering and shipping systems offline. The attack has resulted in the loss of over 200,000 systems, servers, and mobile devices, halting operations across Europe, Asia, and the US while the company works to restore functionality.
- Handala claims to have extracted 50 terabytes of data during the attack.
- Stryker's internal Microsoft environment was compromised, but its medical products remain safe for use.
06
2 sources · 2 updates
Microsoft's Leadership Shakeup Following Jha's Exit
Rajesh Jha, head of Microsoft's Experiences and Devices unit, has announced his retirement effective July 1, 2026, after more than 35 years with the company. His departure comes amid a broader leadership transition at Microsoft, following the recent exit of gaming division head Phil Spencer and leading to a restructuring of the executive team under CEO Satya Nadella.
- Jeff Teper has been promoted to executive vice president as part of the succession plan following Jha's retirement.
- Four executives, including Pavan Davuluri and Ryan Roslansky, will now report directly to CEO Satya Nadella.
07
2 sources · 2 updates
Disney+ Launches TikTok-Style Verts Video Feed
Disney+ has introduced a new feature called Verts, a short-form video feed available to U.S. users on its mobile app. This feature aims to enhance user engagement by showcasing clips from over 100 years of Disney storytelling, utilizing an advanced algorithm to tailor content to individual preferences. Users can also easily add titles to their watchlist or start playback directly from the Verts feed, promoting seamless content discovery.
- Early testing indicated that Verts significantly boosted user engagement through its advanced algorithm.
08
2 sources · 2 updates
Social Media Firms Face Pressure on Child Safety
UK regulators Ofcom and the ICO are calling on social media companies to implement stronger child safety measures after lawmakers rejected a blanket ban on under-16s accessing these platforms. Ofcom's CEO Melanie Dawes criticized tech giants for inadequate age verification, which exposes children to risks, while the ICO emphasized the need for advanced technologies like facial age estimation and digital IDs.
- April 30 is the deadline for social media firms to report on child safety measures to UK regulators.
- Australia's recent under-16 social media ban resulted in the closure of 5 million accounts of users under 16.
09
2 sources · 2 updates
FCC Chair Criticizes Amazon for Satellite Deployment Delays
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has publicly criticized Amazon for its slow progress in deploying satellites, highlighting that the company is falling short of its own goals. While Amazon has requested a 24-month extension to meet its target of deploying 1,600 satellites by July 2026, SpaceX has already launched over 9,000 satellites as part of its Starlink service.
- Amazon's satellite deployment plans are approximately 1,000 satellites short of its milestone.
- The company has requested an extension to deploy half of its 3,236 satellite constellation by July 30, 2028.
10
2 sources · 2 updates
Netflix Acquires Ben Affleck's AI Startup for $600 Million
Netflix has announced its acquisition of InterPositive, an AI startup co-founded by Ben Affleck, for up to $600 million. The startup specializes in developing AI tools that enhance post-production efficiency for filmmakers, particularly in continuity and scene enhancement. The deal may involve a lower initial cash payment, with additional earnings tied to performance targets for the startup's owners.
- InterPositive aims to integrate AI into content production, building on Netflix's previous use of generative AI in its original programming.
- The acquisition follows Netflix's unsuccessful bid for Warner Bros. Discovery Inc..
11
2 sources · 2 updates
Apple Releases Repair Manuals for New Devices
Apple has published repair manuals for its latest devices, including the iPhone 17e, various iPad Air models, and new MacBooks. This update expands the offerings of the Self Service Repair Store, which has provided manuals since 2022, allowing users to access detailed repair instructions for products like the MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch, 2026) and Studio Display (2026).
- Apple’s Foldable iPhone to Feature iPad-Like Interface When Opened. Apple's foldable iPhone will feature multitasking capabilities.
- Apple publishes repair manuals for the iPhone 17e, new MacBooks, iPads, more. Apple releases repair manuals for new devices.
12
1 sources · 1 updates
Uber, Wayve, and Nissan plan to launch a robotaxi service in Tokyo this year
Uber, Wayve, and Nissan are set to launch a robotaxi service in Tokyo by late 2026, following Wayve's recent $1.2 billion funding round. The service will utilize Wayve's AI-driven self-driving software integrated into Nissan Leaf vehicles, marking Uber's first foray into robotaxis in Japan and expanding its global network of partnerships.
- Wayve recently secured $1.2 billion in funding to support its autonomous vehicle initiatives.
- The pilot for the robotaxi service is scheduled for late 2026.
13
1 sources · 1 updates
Apple launches new ‘Hello Apple’ Instagram account
Apple has officially launched a new Instagram account, @helloapple, to expand its social media reach beyond its existing @apple account, which boasts 36.2 million followers. The new account features six initial posts, including a mix of promotional content and engaging visuals, suggesting a strategy aimed at a younger, Gen Z audience.
- The new @helloapple account currently has six posts and aims to share fun, Gen Z-focused content.
- Apple's existing @apple account has 36.2 million followers, showcasing the company's significant social media presence.
14
1 sources · 1 updates
Meta exec hopes VR teens will stick around
Meta's director of VR games, Chris Pruett, addressed the challenges facing the VR gaming industry, highlighting significant job cuts and studio closures while expressing optimism that today's young players, particularly those engaged with free-to-play titles like GorillaTag, will continue to embrace VR as they mature. Pruett anticipates that as these teens grow older, they will seek more sophisticated gaming experiences, and he emphasized that Meta is also targeting older consumers who may use VR primarily for media consumption rather than gaming.
- Meta's director Chris Pruett noted that the company cut over 1,000 VR jobs.
- The upcoming lightweight VR headset is expected to launch in 2027.

The archive

What moved

Bloomberg Technology

The US-China Race for AI Dominance

US and China compete for AI supremacy.

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Bloomberg Technology

Stryker Shipping Still Down in Attack Claimed by Pro-Iran Group

Stryker Shipping systems remain offline after cyberattack

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The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

Google Maps Enhances Navigation with AI Features

Anthropic Faces Pentagon Supply Chain Designation

Next Xbox Console Set for Developer Release

Google Expands Play Games with New Features

Stryker Corp. Faces Major Disruption from Iran-Linked Cyberattack

Microsoft's Leadership Shakeup Following Jha's Exit

Disney+ Launches TikTok-Style Verts Video Feed

Social Media Firms Face Pressure on Child Safety

FCC Chair Criticizes Amazon for Satellite Deployment Delays

Netflix Acquires Ben Affleck's AI Startup for $600 Million

Apple Releases Repair Manuals for New Devices

Uber, Wayve, and Nissan plan to launch a robotaxi service in Tokyo this year

Apple launches new ‘Hello Apple’ Instagram account

Meta exec hopes VR teens will stick around

What moved

The US-China Race for AI Dominance

Stryker Shipping Still Down in Attack Claimed by Pro-Iran Group

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AI Impact on Software Won’t Trigger Wave of Downgrades, S&amp;P Says

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Anthropic&#8217;s Claude AI can respond with charts, diagrams, and other visuals now

Morgan Stanley Raises KeyCorp (KEY) Price Target to $26

Gumloop lands $50M from Benchmark to turn every employee into an AI agent builder

Wonderful raises $150M Series B at $2B valuation

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Dyson’s new stain-spotting AI robovac is now available

Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as 'tool to pressure enemy,' Iran's new supreme leader says

Gig workers feel pain at the pump as gas prices hit 21-month highs

Accenture (ACN) is Poised to Benefit from AI Implementation Contracts

How multi-agent AI economics influence business automation

Oil reserves, tariff investigations, airline fuel prices and more in Morning Squawk

Disney+ is launching vertical video today, here’s how it works

Apple launches new ‘Hello Apple’ Instagram account

Google Maps gets its biggest navigation redesign in a decade, plus more AI

FIFA is rebuilding world football operations on AI. The World Cup is just the first test

Microsoft's Rajesh Jha, head of experiences and devices unit, to retire

Social media giants urged to tighten child safety after UK rejects blanket ban for teens

Palantir is still using Anthropic's Claude as Pentagon blacklist plays out, CEO Karp says

Chinese brain interface startup Gestala raises $21M just two months after launch

AI Impact on Software Won’t Trigger Wave of Downgrades, S&P Says

Anthropic’s Claude AI can respond with charts, diagrams, and other visuals now