Tech News — Mar 16, 2026

Tech News — Mar 16, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

What connected the day

20 topics

01
4 sources · 5 updates
Apple Unveils AirPods Max 2 Headphones
Apple has launched the AirPods Max 2, the successor to its original model, featuring significant upgrades including enhanced active noise cancellation and live translation capabilities. Priced at $549, the new headphones will be available for preorder starting March 25, with shipping expected in early April.
- The AirPods Max 2 feature an H2 chip that improves active noise cancellation by 1.5 times compared to the previous model.
- The headphones support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio via a new USB-C connector.
02
2 sources · 2 updates
Apple Acquires MotionVFX to Enhance Creative Tools
Apple has acquired MotionVFX, a Polish company renowned for its popular plug-ins for Final Cut Pro. This acquisition is part of Apple's strategy to boost revenue from creative professionals and follows the recent launch of the Apple Creator Studio bundle.
- 70 employees from MotionVFX will join Apple as part of the deal.
- MotionVFX has been developing plugins and templates for over 15 years, since its founding in 2009.
03
2 sources · 2 updates
OpenAI Pursues $10 Billion Joint Venture with Private Equity
OpenAI is in discussions with several private equity firms, including TPG, Advent, Bain, and Brookfield, to secure $4 billion for a joint venture valued at $10 billion. This move comes as OpenAI's enterprise business reported $10 billion in revenue last year, underscoring its strong market position.
- Anthropic is also seeking a similar deal with private equity firms for its AI technology.
- OpenAI aims to increase its enterprise revenue from 40% to 50% by the end of the year.
04
2 sources · 2 updates
JD.com enters European e-commerce with Joybuy
JD.com has officially launched its European online shopping platform, Joybuy, in the UK, positioning itself to compete directly with Amazon. The platform promises same-day delivery for orders over £29 and features brand stores from well-known companies like L'Oréal Paris and De'Longhi.
- Joybuy offers same-day delivery for orders placed before 11 a.m. in the U.K.
- JD.com has developed a local logistics network to support its fast delivery promises.
05
1 sources · 2 updates
Meta to Spend $27 Billion on AI Infrastructure
Meta Platforms Inc. has announced a substantial investment of up to $27 billion over the next five years to enhance its AI infrastructure through a partnership with Nebius Group NV. This deal includes $12 billion of dedicated AI capacity from Nebius starting in early 2027, along with an additional $15 billion earmarked for third-party capacity.
- Meta to Spend Up to $27 Billion on Nebius AI Infrastructure. Meta invests heavily in AI infrastructure from Nebius.
- Meta to Spend Up to $27 Billion on Nebius AI Infrastructure. Meta invests heavily in AI infrastructure.
06
1 sources · 3 updates
Trump Demands Action on Strait of Hormuz Security
President Donald Trump has urged countries dependent on Gulf oil to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for global oil supplies, as shipping disruptions have caused vessel traffic to stall. Despite Trump's calls for action, no nations have publicly committed to deploying warships to the area, even as oil prices rise to around $100 per barrel amid ongoing tensions.
- 90% of China's crude imports are claimed to pass through the Strait, although analysts suggest it accounts for only 40% to 50% of its seaborne oil imports.
- Several ships have been damaged in the Strait since military actions against Iran began last month.
07
1 sources · 2 updates
Google Translate Unveils New Homescreen Widgets for Android
Google Translate has launched a set of eight new homescreen widgets for Android, aimed at improving user accessibility and functionality. These widgets include features such as Camera, Voice, Live translate, Clipboard, and Practice, all designed in a Material You style to align with Google's design language.
- The new widgets rolled out with version 10.8 of the Google Translate app.
- Additional widgets include a Translate text option and five other tiles for various translation methods.
08
1 sources · 2 updates
Trump-Xi Summit Faces Delay Amid Iran Tensions
The upcoming summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping is at risk of postponement due to the escalating conflict in Iran. Scheduled for March 31-April 2, 2026, this would mark the first visit by a U.S. president to China since 2017, but logistical challenges may arise as Trump prioritizes the situation in Iran.
- The U.S. is opening new trade investigations into China following a Supreme Court ruling under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
- Trump has called for China and other countries to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict.
09
1 sources · 1 updates
Meta Could Cut 20% of Jobs, Reuters Says
Meta Platforms Inc. is reportedly preparing to lay off about 20% of its workforce, which could amount to around 15,000 jobs, according to a report by Reuters. This decision reflects the company's ongoing efforts to manage financial pressures and restructure its operations amid a challenging economic landscape.
- Meta could lay off 15,000 employees, representing 20% of its workforce.
- This move follows ongoing financial pressures and restructuring efforts.
10
1 sources · 1 updates
OpenAI Discusses $10 Billion Venture With PE Firms, Reuters Says
OpenAI is in advanced talks to establish a joint venture with private equity firms, notably TPG Inc. and Bain Capital, aimed at increasing the adoption of its AI software among their portfolio companies. The venture is projected to have a pre-money valuation of around $10 billion, with investors expected to contribute approximately $4 billion to the initiative.
- Private equity firms TPG Inc. and Bain Capital are involved in the discussions.
- The joint venture aims for a pre-money valuation of approximately $10 billion.
11
1 sources · 1 updates
Canada Leases Space Port in Bid to Break Reliance on US Rockets Like Musk’s SpaceX
The Canadian government has announced a significant move to enhance its aerospace capabilities by leasing a private space port on the east coast for a decade. The C$200 million ($146 million) agreement aims to provide Canada with independent satellite launch capabilities, allowing the country to deploy critical satellites even amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in foreign launch markets.
- The agreement is valued at C$200 million ($146 million) over 10 years.
- The space port is located on Canada's east coast, enhancing local aerospace capabilities.
12
1 sources · 1 updates
The last remaining subscription for unlimited Google Photos storage is dead [U]
T-Mobile has ended its special Google One subscription that offered unlimited Google Photos storage, a key feature that attracted many users. The service, which included 2TB of storage for $15/month, was discontinued effective April 1, 2026, following the cessation of new enrollments on September 30, 2025. Existing subscribers can still use the service until their plans change or lapse, after which they will need to switch to standard Google One plans.
- T-Mobile's special Google One subscription for unlimited Google Photos storage ended on April 1, 2026.
- Existing subscribers can continue using the service until their plan changes or lapses.
13
1 sources · 1 updates
Samsung’s ‘Wide’ Galaxy Z Fold sounds more like the original Pixel Fold than ever
Samsung is set to unveil a wider Galaxy Z Fold this summer, marking a significant shift in its foldable design strategy. The new model will feature a 7.6-inch internal display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, reminiscent of Google's original Pixel Fold, but with a distinct design. This change aims to enhance media consumption while addressing typing comfort issues seen in previous models.
- The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold will have a 7.6-inch internal display with a 16:10 aspect ratio.
- It will be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and a 4,800mAh battery.
14
1 sources · 1 updates
NTT DATA and NVIDIA bring enterprise AI factories to production scale
NTT DATA has unveiled a new initiative to create enterprise AI factories powered by NVIDIA technology, providing organizations with a scalable, production-ready model for AI deployment. This platform combines NVIDIA's GPU-accelerated computing and AI software to streamline the transition from successful pilot projects to full-scale production, addressing common challenges faced by enterprises in AI implementation.
- NTT DATA's AI factory model aims to streamline the transition from pilot to production.
- Early adopters include a cancer-research hospital and a global automotive supplier.
15
1 sources · 1 updates
Musk’s xAI Hiring Credit Experts, Bankers to Teach Grok Finance
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI is hiring bankers and credit lenders to enhance its Grok chatbot's finance strategy capabilities. The company is seeking Wall Street professionals to train Grok in financial modeling, covering areas such as leveraged loans and distressed investing.
- xAI is actively recruiting Wall Street bankers and credit analysts to improve Grok's financial modeling skills.
- The Grok chatbot will learn about leveraged loans, distressed investing, and niche bonds.
16
1 sources · 1 updates
Oil continues to rise, the Federal Reserve, Nvidia's big week and more in Morning Squawk
U.S. oil prices surged past $100 as President Trump threatened strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil export hub. Trump's comments, made via social media, indicated a willingness to escalate military action if Iran interferes with maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, a federal judge's ruling has complicated the Justice Department's investigation into the Federal Reserve, affecting interest rate policies and Powell's leadership.
- U.S. oil prices reached $100 following President Trump's threats against Iran.
- Trump's comments included potential strikes on Kharg Island, crucial for Iran's oil exports.
17
1 sources · 1 updates
Big Tech purchases of carbon credits explode amid AI race, with Microsoft leading the way
As the AI race accelerates, major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta are significantly increasing their purchases of carbon credits to offset emissions from their energy-intensive operations. Following the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, these companies collectively bought nearly 68.4 million carbon credits in 2025, a dramatic rise from 14,200 in 2022, raising questions about the feasibility of their net-zero emissions goals amid rising energy demands.
- Big Tech companies increased carbon credit purchases from 14,200 in 2022 to 68.4 million in 2025.
- Microsoft's carbon credit purchases rose 247% from fiscal year 2022 to 2023, reaching 5 million.
18
1 sources · 1 updates
Alibaba Creates AI Tool for Companies to Ride China Agent Craze
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is preparing to introduce an agentic AI service tailored for businesses, capitalizing on the growing enthusiasm for AI assistants such as OpenClaw. This new product, based on Alibaba's Qwen model, is expected to integrate with existing services like Taobao and Alipay, enhancing operational efficiency for companies. Developed by the team behind DingTalk, the launch could be announced as soon as this week.
- The new AI service is based on Alibaba's flagship Qwen model.
- Integration plans include Alibaba's Taobao and Alipay platforms.
19
1 sources · 2 updates
Microsoft's New Windows 11 Updates Announced
Microsoft Corporation has unveiled significant updates for Windows 11, enhancing gameplay and loading speeds, which will be available starting in April. Additionally, the Xbox mode will now be accessible on all Windows 11 PCs, broadening its user base. The company also signed a memorandum of understanding with Codelco to explore initiatives in AI and digital security.
- Microsoft's stock price target has been raised to $675 by Truist.
- The new Windows 11 updates will enhance gameplay and load times starting in April.
20
1 sources · 1 updates
Netflix’s ‘Frankenstein’ wins three Oscars, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ wins two
Netflix celebrated a successful night at the Oscars, with its films ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ winning a total of five awards. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, ‘Frankenstein’ took home three Oscars for Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling, while ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song. Despite these wins, Netflix has yet to secure the coveted Best Picture award, which remains elusive even as streaming films gain recognition at the Oscars.
- Netflix’s ‘Frankenstein’ won three Oscars, including Best Production Design.
- ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ secured two Oscars, including Best Animated Feature.

The archive

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Meta to Spend Up to $27 Billion on Nebius AI Infrastructure

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The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

Apple Unveils AirPods Max 2 Headphones

Apple Acquires MotionVFX to Enhance Creative Tools

OpenAI Pursues $10 Billion Joint Venture with Private Equity

JD.com enters European e-commerce with Joybuy

Meta to Spend $27 Billion on AI Infrastructure

Trump Demands Action on Strait of Hormuz Security

Google Translate Unveils New Homescreen Widgets for Android

Trump-Xi Summit Faces Delay Amid Iran Tensions

Meta Could Cut 20% of Jobs, Reuters Says

OpenAI Discusses $10 Billion Venture With PE Firms, Reuters Says

Canada Leases Space Port in Bid to Break Reliance on US Rockets Like Musk’s SpaceX

The last remaining subscription for unlimited Google Photos storage is dead [U]

Samsung’s ‘Wide’ Galaxy Z Fold sounds more like the original Pixel Fold than ever

NTT DATA and NVIDIA bring enterprise AI factories to production scale

Musk’s xAI Hiring Credit Experts, Bankers to Teach Grok Finance

Oil continues to rise, the Federal Reserve, Nvidia's big week and more in Morning Squawk

Big Tech purchases of carbon credits explode amid AI race, with Microsoft leading the way

Alibaba Creates AI Tool for Companies to Ride China Agent Craze

Microsoft's New Windows 11 Updates Announced

Netflix’s ‘Frankenstein’ wins three Oscars, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ wins two

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