Tech News — Mar 18, 2026

Tech News — Mar 18, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

What connected the day

20 topics

01
4 sources · 4 updates
Kalshi Faces Criminal Charges in Arizona
Arizona has filed 20 criminal charges against Kalshi, alleging the company operated an illegal gambling business by accepting bets on state elections. This marks the first criminal action taken against a prediction market platform by a state, which could have significant repercussions for Kalshi's operations in Arizona and beyond.
- The complaint includes four counts of election wagering, explicitly forbidden under Arizona law.
- Kalshi is also suing Arizona's Department of Gaming, claiming its operations fall under federal jurisdiction.
02
3 sources · 6 updates
Nvidia's Huang Boosts Chinese AI Stocks
Shares of Chinese AI companies surged following Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's endorsement of OpenClaw, which he called 'the next ChatGPT'. Notably, Minimax and Zhipu saw their stock prices rise by 22% and 14%, respectively, as the technology gains traction in the Chinese market.
- Zhipu's new GLM-5 model reportedly outperforms Google's Gemini 3 Pro in coding benchmarks.
- SenseTime's shares rose 2.43% after integrating an AI assistant with OpenClaw.
03
2 sources · 3 updates
Matic Robots Adds Apple Home Support
Matic Robots has enhanced its vacuum/mop by integrating support for Apple Home, allowing users to control the device through Siri voice commands. This update also enables connectivity with Google Home, although users must pair them separately. The vacuum/mop is priced at $1,245 and comes with a 60-day return period.
- Matic's vacuum/mop can connect to both Apple Home and Google Home, but only one can be paired at a time.
04
2 sources · 3 updates
Apple Tightens Restrictions on Vibe Coding Apps
Apple is cracking down on AI vibe coding apps, including Replit and Vibecode, by restricting their updates. This move is part of Apple's enforcement of App Store Guideline 2.5.2, which prohibits apps from executing code that alters their functionality, as these apps pose a potential threat to Apple's revenue.
- Developers must modify their apps to comply with App Store Guideline 2.5.2.
- Apple has integrated vibe coding technology into its Xcode development environment.
05
2 sources · 2 updates
Meta Unveils Creator Fast Track Program to Attract Influencers
Meta has launched the Creator Fast Track program aimed at enticing popular creators from platforms like TikTok and YouTube to post on Facebook. Eligible creators can earn up to $3,000 per month based on their follower count, with those having 100,000 followers earning $1,000 monthly. The initiative comes as Meta reported paying nearly $3 billion to creators in 2025, reflecting a 35% increase from the previous year.
- Creators must post at least 15 Reels on Facebook within a 30-day period to qualify for the program.
- The number of creators earning more than $10,000 annually on Facebook has increased by over 30% year-over-year.
06
2 sources · 2 updates
Meta Ends Horizon Worlds VR Platform
Meta has announced the shutdown of its VR social platform, Horizon Worlds, effective June 15, 2026. The decision reflects a significant shift in the company's strategy, moving away from the metaverse toward a focus on AI technologies, as the platform struggled to attract users, never exceeding a couple hundred thousand active monthly users.
- Horizon Worlds will be removed from Quest headsets on June 15, 2026, but access will remain via the Meta Horizon mobile app.
- Meta's Reality Labs unit reported an operating loss of $6.02 billion in the fourth quarter.
07
2 sources · 2 updates
Ikea's Smart Home Devices Struggle with Connectivity Issues
Ikea's new Matter-over-Thread smart home devices are facing significant connectivity problems, leading to widespread user complaints. Many customers report difficulties onboarding devices across platforms like Apple Home and Google Home, raising concerns about the interoperability of the Matter standard. In response, Ikea is rolling out updates to improve the stability of its Dirigera hub and enhance device performance.
- $6 is the starting price for Ikea's new smart home products.
- The initial cooperative spirit of the Matter standard has deteriorated, complicating device compatibility across different platforms.
08
2 sources · 2 updates
Meta's Manus Launches Desktop App for AI Integration
Meta's Manus has introduced a new desktop app that allows users to integrate its AI agent directly onto personal devices, enhancing local access and functionality. The app features 'My Computer', which enables the AI to read, analyze, and manage local files, automating tasks such as organizing photos and renaming invoices. This launch positions Manus to compete with the popular open-sourced AI agent OpenClaw, which also focuses on local installations.
- The 'My Computer' feature enables complex task execution, significantly reducing time spent on repetitive tasks.
- Manus's subscription service contrasts with OpenClaw, which is available for free as an open-source alternative.
09
2 sources · 2 updates
OpenAI Enhances ChatGPT with New GPT-5.4 Mini and Nano Models
OpenAI has launched the GPT-5.4 mini and nano models, significantly improving the capabilities of its ChatGPT platform. The GPT-5.4 mini model is over 2x faster than its predecessor and is designed for responsive coding tasks, while the nano version is tailored for cost-sensitive applications like classification and data extraction.
- GPT-5.4 mini is now integrated into ChatGPT, Codex, and OpenAI's API.
- The GPT-5.4 nano model is the smallest and cheapest version, ideal for specific tasks.
10
1 sources · 4 updates
Samsung Faces Challenges Despite Galaxy S26 Success
Samsung's mobile division is reportedly in 'emergency management' mode as it grapples with a projected 60% drop in operating profit to 5 trillion won in 2026, despite the successful launch of the Galaxy S26. The company is implementing significant cost-cutting measures, including executives flying economy class and potential voluntary retirements, amid fears of its first-ever loss this year.
- Samsung admits Galaxy S26 Ultra’s screen quality is slightly hindered by Privacy Display. Samsung acknowledges display quality trade-off in Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- Samsung’s mobile business is in ’emergency management’ mode despite Galaxy S26 success. Samsung's mobile division faces significant challenges despite Galaxy S26 success.
11
1 sources · 2 updates
Nvidia's DLSS 5 Faces Gamer Backlash
Nvidia's latest graphics technology, DLSS 5, has sparked controversy among gamers for its use of generative AI to alter game visuals in real-time. Critics argue that the update results in characters appearing overly artificial and unrecognizable, with some dubbing the output 'AI slop.' Despite the backlash, Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang defends the technology as a significant leap in photorealism for gaming.
- Major developers like Bethesda and Capcom support DLSS 5, while indie developers have publicly criticized it for its AI-generated aesthetics.
12
1 sources · 1 updates
BMG sues Anthropic for using Bruno Mars, Rolling Stones lyrics in AI training
BMG Rights Management has initiated a lawsuit against Anthropic in California federal court, alleging that the AI company improperly used copyrighted lyrics from artists like Bruno Mars and the Rolling Stones to train its Claude chatbot. The complaint cites 493 instances of copyright infringement, highlighting ongoing tensions between copyright holders and tech firms over the use of creative works in AI training.
- BMG claims Anthropic infringed on 493 copyrights from various artists.
- Anthropic previously settled a lawsuit for $1.5 billion regarding AI training.
13
1 sources · 1 updates
Microsoft hires the team of Sequoia-backed AI collaboration platform, Cove
Microsoft has acquired the team from Cove, a startup known for its AI-powered collaboration board, which will cease operations on April 1, 2026. Founded in late 2023 by former Google Maps engineers, Cove raised $6 million in seed funding and aimed to provide a flexible canvas for AI collaboration, offering features like built-in browsing and task management.
- Cove raised $6 million in seed funding from notable investors including Sequoia Capital.
- Cove's AI collaboration tool will cease operations on April 1, 2026.
14
1 sources · 1 updates
Google Search referrals to the web have plummeted, AI links are ‘less than 1%’ of traffic
Recent data reveals a significant decline in Google Search referrals to publishers, with small publishers experiencing a staggering 60% drop in traffic over the past year. Medium and large publishers have also seen declines of 47% and 22%, respectively. Additionally, traffic from Google Discover has decreased by 15%, highlighting a broader trend of diminishing referral traffic across the web.
- Referral traffic from Google to small publishers has fallen by 60%.
- Traffic from Google Discover has decreased by 15% over the past year.
15
1 sources · 1 updates
Cramer weighs in on 'hack downgrade' of Starbucks — and what's behind Amazon's dip
Stocks experienced a downturn as rising oil prices and unexpected inflation data rattled investors. Jim Cramer addressed the situation, particularly focusing on Starbucks, which was downgraded by RBC Capital, and Amazon, whose shares dipped nearly 2% after CEO Andy Jassy's ambitious revenue forecast for AI in cloud computing. Despite the current volatility, Cramer expressed optimism about a market rebound in the near future.
- RBC Capital downgraded Starbucks to a hold-equivalent rating due to high revenue expectations.
- Amazon shares dropped nearly 2% as CEO Jassy projected AI-driven cloud revenues to reach $600 billion in ten years.
16
1 sources · 1 updates
Sequen snags $16M to bring TikTok-style personalization tech to any consumer company
Sequen, a startup founded by former Etsy executive Zoë Weil, has raised $16 million in Series A funding to bring advanced AI-driven personalization technology to consumer businesses. The company aims to democratize access to real-time personalization tools that have traditionally been available only to major tech firms, enabling businesses to enhance user engagement and drive revenue growth without compromising user privacy.
- Sequen's technology has already delivered a 20% revenue lift for Fetch Rewards in under 11 days.
- The company has processed 10 billion monthly requests and secured contracts with several Fortune 500 firms.
17
1 sources · 1 updates
DOD says Anthropic’s ‘red lines’ make it an ‘unacceptable risk to national security’
The U.S. Department of Defense has declared that Anthropic poses an 'unacceptable risk to national security,' marking a significant response to the AI lab's legal challenges against the Pentagon's classification of the company as a supply chain risk. The DOD's concerns center on the possibility that Anthropic could alter its technology in response to perceived threats to its corporate 'red lines,' particularly during military operations. Anthropic, which has a $200 million contract with the Pentagon, argues that its First Amendment rights are being violated.
- The DOD filed a 40-page rebuttal in federal court against Anthropic's lawsuits.
- Anthropic signed a $200 million contract with the Pentagon last summer.
18
1 sources · 1 updates
Samsung Agrees to Supply Next-Generation AI Memory to AMD
Samsung Electronics has signed a preliminary agreement to supply Advanced Micro Devices Inc. with next-generation high-bandwidth memory, specifically HBM4. This memory will serve as the primary component for AMD’s MI455X accelerators, which are utilized in corporate data centers, marking a significant step in their collaboration on AI technologies.
- Samsung will provide HBM4 memory for AMD's MI455X accelerators.
- The agreement marks a significant collaboration in next-generation AI technologies.
19
1 sources · 1 updates
Alibaba Hikes AI Prices As Much as 34% to Meet Demand Surge
Alibaba Group is increasing the prices of its AI computing and storage offerings by up to 34%, driven by a surge in demand and escalating infrastructure expenses. The price adjustments affect its T-Head AI chips, including the Zhenwu 810E, which will see hikes between 5% and 34%, while its Cloud Parallel File Storage service will rise by 30%.
- Alibaba's T-Head AI chips will see price increases ranging from 5% to 34%.
- The Cloud Parallel File Storage service will cost 30% more due to rising infrastructure costs.
20
1 sources · 1 updates
Pixel Weather tweaks widget as new icons come to Google Clock 8.6
Google has rolled out updates to Pixel Weather and the Google Clock app, introducing a new icon set and making sizing adjustments to the weather widget in version 8.6. The Pixel Weather widget now has increased padding, which alters the display of forecast days, while the Google Clock app has transitioned from a monochrome to a colorful icon set, enhancing its visual appeal. Notably, weather features remain exclusive to Pixel devices.
- The Pixel Weather update introduces a new icon set and changes widget sizing.
- Google Clock version 8.6 features colorful icons, reversing the previous monochrome design.

The archive

What moved

Bloomberg Technology

Chinese Partnerships With European Universities Stir Security Concerns

Concerns rise over Chinese university partnerships in Europe

Read source

Bloomberg Technology

AI Will Create Losers in Software Space, Pimco's Stracke Warns

AI's impact on the software industry raises concerns.

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The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

Kalshi Faces Criminal Charges in Arizona

Nvidia's Huang Boosts Chinese AI Stocks

Matic Robots Adds Apple Home Support

Apple Tightens Restrictions on Vibe Coding Apps

Meta Unveils Creator Fast Track Program to Attract Influencers

Meta Ends Horizon Worlds VR Platform

Ikea's Smart Home Devices Struggle with Connectivity Issues

Meta's Manus Launches Desktop App for AI Integration

OpenAI Enhances ChatGPT with New GPT-5.4 Mini and Nano Models

Samsung Faces Challenges Despite Galaxy S26 Success

Nvidia's DLSS 5 Faces Gamer Backlash

BMG sues Anthropic for using Bruno Mars, Rolling Stones lyrics in AI training

Microsoft hires the team of Sequoia-backed AI collaboration platform, Cove

Google Search referrals to the web have plummeted, AI links are ‘less than 1%’ of traffic

Cramer weighs in on 'hack downgrade' of Starbucks — and what's behind Amazon's dip

Sequen snags $16M to bring TikTok-style personalization tech to any consumer company

DOD says Anthropic’s ‘red lines’ make it an ‘unacceptable risk to national security’

Samsung Agrees to Supply Next-Generation AI Memory to AMD

Alibaba Hikes AI Prices As Much as 34% to Meet Demand Surge

Pixel Weather tweaks widget as new icons come to Google Clock 8.6

What moved

Chinese Partnerships With European Universities Stir Security Concerns

AI Will Create Losers in Software Space, Pimco's Stracke Warns

You've seen the record. See the live version.

BMG sues Anthropic for using Bruno Mars, Rolling Stones lyrics in AI training

You've seen the record. See the live version.

Facebook launches a new monetization program to attract popular creators from TikTok, YouTube

Snail-mailing her résumé helped this 25-year-old get noticed and land a job she didn’t even apply for. Here’s how

Oaktree's Howard Marks on Unpredictablility, Importance and Investing in AI

Microsoft hires the team of Sequoia-backed AI collaboration platform, Cove

Trump waives U.S. shipping law for 60 days to steady oil market

Russians caught stealing personal data from Ukrainians with new advanced iPhone hacking tools

The hits keep coming in Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s first trailer

Stablecoin Firm TransFi Raises Nearly $20 Million

How the red-hot AI data center boom is igniting demand for a new, lucrative career path: trade workers

Mastercard keeps tabs on fraud with new foundation model

The PhD students who became the judges of the AI industry

DLSS 5: Has Nvidia&#8217;s AI graphics technology gone too far?

AirPods Max 2 are here, but rumors say a bigger overhaul might be coming

Google Search referrals to the web have plummeted, AI links are ‘less than 1%’ of traffic

Tencent's 2025 revenue beats estimates as Chinese tech giant ramps up AI investment

China’s ‘AI tigers’ see shares surge after Nvidia CEO touts OpenClaw as ‘next ChatGPT’

Ikea smart home failings point to a major problem with Matter

France ready to help U.S. secure Strait of Hormuz — but not while ships are under attack

Philips’ new audio gear brings back the bright, bold colors of the ’80s

Apple’s 50th anniversary celebrations in China marred by government pressure

Samsung reportedly preparing Galaxy Z TriFold sequel, slideable phone for 2027

DLSS 5: Has Nvidia’s AI graphics technology gone too far?