Friday, March 13, 2026

Amazon Will Use Cerebras’ Giant Chips to Help Run AI Models

Amazon.com Inc. has announced plans to incorporate chips from Cerebras Systems Inc. into its AI operations, complementing its existing Trainium processors. This collaboration aims to enhance the performance of AI software, with a new service expected to launch through Amazon Web Services in the latter half of 2026.

UBS Raises PT on EchoStar (SATS) Stock

UBS has increased its price target for EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS) to $127 from $125, while keeping a 'Neutral' rating. The adjustment follows mixed Q4 2025 results, which revealed a significant net loss of $14.50 billion, driven by non-cash asset impairments and a decline in pay-TV subscribers, though wireless losses showed improvement as the company shifts to an MVNO-focused strategy.

Peacock is adding an AI Andy Cohen to narrate an endless stream of Bravo clips

Peacock is set to launch an AI version of Andy Cohen this summer, designed to narrate a personalized feed of Bravo clips called 'Your Bravoverse.' This innovative feature will utilize AI to curate and present content from popular shows like Love Island and The Real Housewives, enhancing viewer engagement and offering a unique streaming experience tailored to individual preferences.

How the Iran war could start to impact U.S. retail prices

The ongoing Iran war is poised to disrupt global supply chains, particularly through the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route. This disruption is likely to lead to increased retail prices, especially in grocery stores, as food supply chains are less adaptable than those for apparel. Consumer confidence is also declining due to rising gas prices, which may further impact discretionary spending.

Dubai-Based Veon Says Digital Push to Offset Energy-Driven Costs

Veon Ltd., a telecommunications company based in Dubai, is bracing for increased costs due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. CEO Kaan Terzioglu indicated that if oil prices remain between $90 and $120 a barrel, the resulting inflation could inflate operational costs by as much as 9%. However, the company aims to mitigate these impacts through an expanded range of digital services.

Peacock expands into AI-driven video, mobile-first live sports, and gaming

Peacock is significantly enhancing its mobile app by integrating AI-driven features and a mobile-first approach to entertainment. The standout addition is 'Your Bravoverse,' which curates personalized playlists from over 5,000 hours of Bravo content, narrated by a generative AI avatar of Andy Cohen. Alongside this, Peacock is set to roll out vertical live NBA broadcasts this spring, aiming to create a more engaging experience for mobile users.

Uber, Hyundai-Backed Motional Relaunch Robotaxi Service in Vegas

Uber Technologies Inc. is relaunching its robotaxi service in Las Vegas in partnership with Motional, a company backed by Hyundai Motor Co. Riders using the Uber app can now be matched with a Motional Ioniq 5 autonomous vehicle when they request standard Uber services, such as UberX, at no additional cost.

We're buying more of this leading AI stock on this year's undeserved pullback

Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is capitalizing on a recent dip in Alphabet's stock by purchasing 45 shares at around $307, increasing its holdings to 300 shares. This move comes as the stock has pulled back approximately 10% from its February peak, amidst broader market volatility and concerns over geopolitical tensions and oil prices. Alphabet continues to demonstrate strong fundamentals, with expected free cash flow of $31 billion this year, positioning it favorably compared to its peers.

Pete Hegseth on Strait of Hormuz: 'Don't need to worry about it'

During a Pentagon briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed concerns about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing Iran war, stating, 'We have been dealing with it, and don't need to worry about it.' He noted that the U.S. has a plan in place to address threats from Iran, which has historically targeted shipping in the strait, while oil prices have risen sharply amid the conflict.

Daily Spotlight: Can GDP's Engine Run on $4 Gas?

The Bureau of Economic Analysis is set to release its second estimate of 4Q GDP, which initially showed a growth rate of 1.4%, down from 4.4% in the third quarter. This slowdown reflects challenges such as oil-supply disruptions and inflation, but strong business investment, particularly in artificial intelligence, signals potential for future productivity gains. Consumer spending also decelerated, rising only 2.4% in Q4 compared to 3.5% in Q3, despite solid growth in the services sector.

Aliens announce their presence in latest Disclosure Day trailer

The new trailer for Disclosure Day, directed by Steven Spielberg, unveils a plot centered on a government conspiracy to conceal the existence of aliens. Starring Emily Blunt as a meteorologist, the film suggests that the truth about extraterrestrial life will soon be revealed, challenging the established order of society. The film is set to hit theaters on June 12, 2026.

Who is really footing the AI energy bill? Inside the debate about data center electricity costs

As the demand for artificial intelligence grows, big technology companies are facing increasing scrutiny over the rising electricity costs attributed to their data centers. Critics argue that these facilities, built by hyperscalers like Microsoft and Amazon, are straining local power grids and driving up residential electricity prices, which have surged by over 36% since 2020. While these companies have pledged to cover additional costs and invest in renewable energy, doubts remain about the sustainability of such commitments amidst a backdrop of rising energy prices and community pushback.

E.SUN Bank and IBM build AI governance framework for banking

E.SUN Bank is partnering with IBM to develop a comprehensive AI governance framework aimed at clarifying how artificial intelligence can be utilized within banking operations. This initiative comes as financial institutions increasingly rely on AI for tasks like fraud detection and customer service, raising critical questions about compliance and risk management. The framework incorporates global standards to ensure that banks can effectively scale their AI systems while adhering to regulatory requirements.

The Big 12 basketball tournament is ditching slippery LED courts for hardwood

The Big 12 basketball tournament will replace its controversial LED courts with traditional hardwood floors for the finals, following reports of players slipping and sustaining injuries. This decision was made after concerns were raised during the women's tournament and the early rounds of the men's tournament, particularly after Texas Tech's Christian Anderson suffered a groin injury attributed to the slippery surface.

The R2 is nearly here — can Rivian stick the landing?

Rivian has introduced the R2, a midsize SUV that is pivotal for the company's survival in a competitive EV market dominated by Tesla's Model Y. With a starting price under $50,000, Rivian aims to sell 20,000-25,000 units in its first year, marking a critical step towards establishing itself as a mass-market player amidst a challenging economic landscape for electric vehicles.

Apple drops commission rates in China without a fuss

Apple announced it will lower its App Store commission rate in China from 30% to 25% after discussions with the Chinese regulator. This change, effective March 15, 2026, will apply to paid apps and in-app purchases, while auto-renewals will see a reduced rate of 12%. The decision reflects Apple's strategic importance in the Chinese market, especially as the company reported a 16% increase in iPhone sales revenue year-over-year.

The FBI is investigating malware hidden inside games hosted on Steam

The FBI is currently investigating a hacker believed to have embedded malware in several video games available on Steam, including titles like BlockBlasters and Tokenova. This investigation comes after a similar incident last year, where malware was also found in games on the platform, leading to infections among users before the games were removed by Steam.

$100 oil, PCE data, MLB valuations and more in Morning Squawk

Oil prices soared above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022, driven by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz following remarks from Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. This spike in oil prices contributed to a significant drop in U.S. stock markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling more than 700 points, while the U.S. Navy indicated it is not yet prepared to escort oil tankers through the region.

iOS 26.4 adds three new ways to customize your iPhone

iOS 26.4 is set to launch soon, introducing three significant customization features for iPhone users. The update includes a 'Reduce Bright Effects' setting to minimize flashy design elements, automation for battery charge limits via the Shortcuts app, and new options for customizing video subtitle styles, enhancing user experience and accessibility.

iOS 26’s Passwords app has a new feature that can save you a headache

Apple's Passwords app in iOS 26 has introduced a new feature that helps users recover passwords that may not have been saved correctly. The 'Generated Passwords' menu, accessible via a three-dot icon, displays recently generated passwords, allowing users to save them for AutoFill across devices. This enhancement aims to alleviate the frustration of forgotten passwords and streamline the login process.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 8 might skip out on a battery capacity upgrade

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 8 is set to retain its predecessor's battery capacity of 4,174mAh, according to recent leaks. This marks a departure from the trend of increasing battery sizes in the Flip series, which had seen gradual improvements over previous generations. While the battery remains unchanged, rumors suggest the Flip 8 could be smaller and lighter, potentially making it a more portable option.

ChatGPT and Claude are evolving from chatbots into interactive learning tools

OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude are advancing from traditional chatbot functionalities to interactive learning tools, with both companies introducing features that enhance educational engagement. ChatGPT now offers over 70 interactive visualizations for math and science, allowing users to manipulate variables and observe real-time outcomes. Meanwhile, Claude has integrated the ability to create custom charts and diagrams during conversations, marking a significant shift towards more dynamic and visual learning experiences.

Disney+ fixes Dolby Vision HDR following dispute

Disney+ has resolved a recent issue that temporarily disabled Dolby Vision and HDR10+ in certain regions, including Germany, due to a patent dispute. The company confirmed that these advanced video formats are now being restored, following a month of limited access and customer complaints. Disney expressed disappointment over the necessity of these changes, emphasizing their commitment to providing the best viewing experience for subscribers.

BMW puts humanoid robots to work in Germany–and Europe’s factories are watching

BMW Group has initiated the deployment of humanoid robots in its Leipzig manufacturing plant, marking a significant milestone as the first automotive use of the AEON robot in Europe. This move follows a successful pilot in South Carolina, where a similar robot supported the production of over 30,000 vehicles, demonstrating the potential of physical AI in enhancing manufacturing efficiency.