Daily Tech Digest
24 trending stories · 20 topic overviews
Amazon Develops New Alexa-Focused Smartphone
Amazon is reviving its smartphone ambitions with a new device codenamed Transformer, designed to integrate its AI assistant, Alexa, as a core feature. This initiative comes over a decade after the failure of the original Fire Phone, and aims to enhance user engagement with Amazon services like Prime Video and music.
Show moreOpenAI Develops Integrated Desktop Superapp for macOS
OpenAI is creating a new desktop superapp that will merge its popular applications, including ChatGPT, Codex, and Atlas, into a single platform for macOS. This initiative, led by Chief of Applications Fidji Simo, aims to enhance user experience and reduce app fragmentation. While the mobile ChatGPT app will remain unchanged, the timeline for the superapp's rollout has yet to be announced.
Show moreApple's Mac Launch Sets New Record
Apple has achieved its best launch week ever for Macs, primarily driven by the new MacBook Neo, which starts at $599. This surge in sales is particularly notable among first-time buyers, many of whom are transitioning from PCs and Chromebooks.
Show moreSuper Micro Executives Indicted for Nvidia Chip Smuggling
Two executives from Super Micro Computer, including co-founder Yih-Shyan Liaw, have been indicted for allegedly smuggling Nvidia chips to China. The indictment claims that the defendants generated approximately $2.5 billion in illegal sales since 2024, using fake paperwork and dummy servers to evade export controls.
Show moreApple Struggles to Meet MacBook Neo Demand
Apple's new MacBook Neo has quickly sold out online, with all eight models unavailable until April. While some configurations can be found in-store, many are also facing delays, pushing availability to mid-April for several options.
Show moreDow Jones Faces Fourth Consecutive Weekly Decline
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is on track for its fourth consecutive weekly decline, marking its longest losing streak since 2023. Concurrently, fertilizer prices are surging due to ongoing supply chain disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, while Novo Nordisk's new higher-dose version of Wegovy has shown promising results in clinical trials, demonstrating over 20% weight loss in patients.
Show moreNvidia Introduces AI Tokens to Boost Engineer Productivity
At the GPU Technology Conference, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang proposed that engineers receive AI tokens worth up to 50% of their salary to enhance productivity. He also revealed plans for hundreds of thousands of AI agents to assist engineers, potentially transforming job roles in the company.
Show moreAmazon Acquires Rivr to Boost Delivery Robot Technology
Amazon has acquired Rivr, a Zurich-based startup specializing in stair-climbing delivery robots, to enhance its delivery capabilities. The acquisition is expected to accelerate the deployment of Rivr's innovative technology, which aims to improve safety and efficiency in last-mile delivery solutions.
Show moreGoogle Uncovers DarkSword Exploit for iOS
Google has identified a new exploit chain named DarkSword that targets outdated iPhones running iOS 13 and iOS 14, similar to the previously disclosed Coruna. The company warns that users must update to iOS 15 to protect their devices from this vulnerability, which has been linked to state-sponsored actors in multiple countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Malaysia, and Ukraine.
Show moreGoogle beta tests Gemini app for Mac
Google has launched a consumer beta testing program for its Gemini AI app designed for macOS, aiming to compete with ChatGPT and Claude. The app, which features a new capability called Desktop Intelligence, allows users to receive personalized interactions based on their screen context, although it currently lacks some functionalities available on other platforms.
Show moreMeta Introduces Advanced AI for Content Enforcement
Meta has unveiled new AI systems aimed at enhancing content moderation while decreasing its reliance on third-party vendors. Early tests indicate that the AI can detect twice as much adult sexual solicitation content compared to human reviewers and is capable of identifying around 5,000 scam attempts daily. Additionally, Meta is launching a Meta AI support assistant to provide 24/7 user support across its platforms.
Show moreMeta retains VR support for Horizon Worlds
Meta has decided to keep its Horizon Worlds virtual reality platform operational after receiving significant feedback from users. The company had initially planned to remove the platform from Quest headsets by June 15, but has now reversed that decision amid concerns over user engagement.
Show moreUnitree Robotics Seeks $610 Million IPO
Unitree Robotics, a leading Chinese robot manufacturer, has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) on the STAR board to raise 4.2 billion yuan (approximately $610 million). The funds will be allocated towards advancing AI model research, enhancing product development, and expanding manufacturing capabilities, reflecting a surge in investor interest in the robotics sector.
Show morexAI Sends Engineers to Client Sites to Win Business from OpenAI
Elon Musk's xAI is taking a direct approach by sending engineers to the offices of potential clients to win business from competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic. This strategy has already proven effective, as evidenced by Shift4 Payments' decision to replace OpenAI's ChatGPT with xAI's Grok following on-site support from xAI engineers, while still using Anthropic's Claude for coding tasks.
Show moreSamsung confirms Galaxy S26 will get AirDrop support via Quick Share ‘soon’
Samsung has officially announced that its Galaxy S26 series will soon support AirDrop functionality through Google's Quick Share, as confirmed by Choi Won-jun during a press conference in Japan. This feature was initially rumored prior to the series' launch earlier this month but was not included in the initial software release. The rollout will occur through software updates, with plans for other Galaxy devices to follow, although a specific timeline has not been disclosed.
Show moreWho's most optimistic about AI — and who isn't, according to Anthropic
A recent report from Anthropic reveals significant global disparities in attitudes toward artificial intelligence, with individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia expressing greater optimism than those in Western Europe and North America. The study, which surveyed around 81,000 people across 159 countries, found that economic gains are the primary aspiration for AI users, although concerns about job displacement were prevalent, with 22.3% of respondents highlighting this as their main worry.
Show moreByteDance-Backed Dongchedi Is Said to Pick Citi, Goldman Sachs for Hong Kong IPO
Beijing Dongchedi Technology Co., backed by ByteDance, has selected Citigroup Inc. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to assist with its upcoming initial public offering in Hong Kong. The company, known for its automotive platform DCar, may engage additional banks as the IPO process unfolds.
Show moreByteDance Agrees to Sell Moonton to Savvy Games for $6 Billion
ByteDance Ltd. has reached an agreement to sell its gaming subsidiary Moonton to Savvy Games Group for $6 billion. This divestment comes as ByteDance shifts its strategic focus towards generative AI, having acquired Moonton only a few years ago. Moonton's CEO, Zhang Yunfan, confirmed that his management team will stay in place, ensuring continuity for the studio's employees.
Show moreAlibaba workforce shrinks 34% in 2025 as Chinese tech giant doubles down on AI
Alibaba's workforce decreased by 34% in 2025, dropping to 128,197 employees as the company divested from its offline retail businesses, including Sun Art and Intime. This significant reduction comes alongside a 67% plunge in profits and a strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence, with plans to grow AI and cloud revenue to over $100 billion annually.
Show moreAlibaba Shares Sink After Earnings Report
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. experienced a significant drop in its share price following the release of its earnings report, which analysts described as a 'reality check' for the company. Despite the disappointing results, Macquarie Capital's Ellie Jiang noted that Alibaba remains well-positioned in the artificial intelligence sector, suggesting potential for future growth.
Show moreAI startups are eating the venture industry and the returns, so far, are good
AI startups have surged in venture capital funding, capturing 41% of the total $128 billion raised last year, with major players like OpenAI and Anthropic leading the charge. OpenAI's recent $110 billion funding round positions it closer to a $1 trillion valuation, reflecting a significant trend where a small number of startups are attracting the majority of investment. This bifurcated venture landscape indicates a promising internal rate of return for newer funds, particularly those focused on AI, as they navigate a market increasingly dominated by a select few.
Show moreSoftBank Plans Giant Ohio AI Data Center Powered by Gas Plants
SoftBank Group Corp. is set to develop a substantial AI data center in Ohio, investing approximately $33 billion to power it with natural gas-fired electricity. The facility, located on federally owned land previously used for uranium enrichment, will have the capacity to draw 10 gigawatts of power, equating to the energy needs of around 7.5 million homes.
Show moreDubai property sector shows early signs of weakness
Dubai's property market is experiencing early signs of weakness as the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran impacts investor confidence. Transaction volumes have plummeted, with a reported 37% year-on-year decline in early March, while some properties are being offered at significant discounts of up to 15%. This downturn raises concerns about the future of Dubai's real estate sector, which has thrived on an influx of wealthy migrants.
Show moreSuper Micro Co-Founder Charged in AI Smuggling Case
The co-founder of Super Micro Computer has been indicted for allegedly conspiring to smuggle servers containing Nvidia chips to China. This case involves not only the co-founder but also a Taiwan-based executive and a contractor, highlighting serious legal implications for the involved parties in the tech industry.
Show moreTrump admin unveils national AI policy framework to limit state power
The Trump administration has introduced a legislative framework for a national policy on artificial intelligence, aiming to establish uniform safety and security regulations while preventing states from enacting their own rules. The six-pronged outline includes new regulations for child safety and energy use in AI data centers, with a push for Congress to convert this framework into law within the year.
Show moreGoogle Search is now using AI to replace headlines
Google Search is currently testing a feature that replaces news headlines with AI-generated alternatives, a move that has raised concerns among publishers about the accuracy and integrity of their content. This experiment, which has already seen instances of altered headlines that misrepresent original articles, is still in its early stages and has not been approved for a broader launch. While Google asserts that the aim is to enhance user engagement by providing more relevant titles, the implications for journalistic standards are significant.
Show more'Marriage penalty' in Washington state's new millionaire tax stirs debate
Washington state has enacted its first income tax, imposing a 9.9% rate on individuals and couples earning over $1 million annually. This legislation has sparked debate over a significant marriage penalty, as couples with combined incomes exceeding the threshold will be taxed, even if each partner earns less than $1 million individually. Critics argue that this could disproportionately affect dual-income families in a state known for its high salaries, prompting discussions about potential tax strategies, including legal separations to avoid the penalty.
Show morexAI Sends Engineers to Client Sites to Win Business from OpenAI
Elon Musk's xAI is taking a direct approach by sending engineers to the offices of potential clients to win business from competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic. This strategy has already proven effective, as evidenced by Shift4 Payments' decision to replace OpenAI's ChatGPT with xAI's Grok following on-site support from xAI engineers, while still using Anthropic's Claude for coding tasks.
Show moreWhy people really hate AI
A significant cultural divide is emerging regarding artificial intelligence, as companies promote its transformative potential while the public expresses skepticism. Despite numerous studies revealing widespread concerns about the risks associated with AI, there remains a lack of compelling applications that consumers are eager to adopt or pay for, highlighting a critical gap in trust and acceptance.
Show moreThese AI notetaking devices can help you record and transcribe your meetings
A range of new physical AI notetaking devices, including the Plaud Note Pro and Mobvoi TicNote, are emerging to help users transcribe and summarize meetings more effectively. These devices, which vary in form from credit card-sized models to wearable pins, utilize AI to provide real-time transcription, action items, and even live translation, catering to both in-person and remote meeting needs.
Show moreDaily Spotlight: Not All Sectors Are Equal
Investors are advised to concentrate on high-impact sectors within the S&P 500, particularly Information Technology and Financials, which significantly contribute to earnings. The Real Estate and Materials sectors, while forecasted for growth, represent a minimal portion of the index and are less critical for portfolio performance.
Show moreWho's most optimistic about AI — and who isn't, according to Anthropic
A recent report from Anthropic reveals significant global disparities in attitudes toward artificial intelligence, with individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia expressing greater optimism than those in Western Europe and North America. The study, which surveyed around 81,000 people across 159 countries, found that economic gains are the primary aspiration for AI users, although concerns about job displacement were prevalent, with 22.3% of respondents highlighting this as their main worry.
Show moreAmazon developing Fire Phone successor to take on iPhone with Alexa AI focus
Amazon is reportedly working on a new smartphone, dubbed 'Transformer', aimed at competing with the iPhone by leveraging its voice assistant, Alexa. This effort marks a significant shift from the company's failed Fire Phone launch in 2014, focusing instead on creating a device that enhances user interaction with Amazon services throughout the day.
Show moreOpenAI is building a desktop ‘superapp’ for macOS
OpenAI is set to consolidate its Mac applications into a single desktop 'superapp' that will combine ChatGPT, Codex, and Atlas. This strategic shift, confirmed by an OpenAI spokesperson and led by Chief of Applications Fidji Simo, is intended to simplify the user experience and enhance collaboration among teams. The new app will also focus on developing 'agentic' AI capabilities, allowing the software to perform tasks autonomously on users' computers.
Show moreSamsung confirms Galaxy S26 will get AirDrop support via Quick Share ‘soon’
Samsung has officially announced that its Galaxy S26 series will soon support AirDrop functionality through Google's Quick Share, as confirmed by Choi Won-jun during a press conference in Japan. This feature was initially rumored prior to the series' launch earlier this month but was not included in the initial software release. The rollout will occur through software updates, with plans for other Galaxy devices to follow, although a specific timeline has not been disclosed.
Show moreTim Cook says the Mac just set a new launch record for Apple
Apple's recent launch of three new Mac models, including the MacBook Neo, has set a record for first-time buyers, according to CEO Tim Cook. The MacBook Neo, priced at $599, is particularly aimed at converting PC and Chromebook users, contributing significantly to this achievement as Apple refreshes its entire laptop lineup.
Show moreNvidia's Huang pitches AI tokens on top of salary as agents reshape how humans work
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has introduced a new compensation model for engineers that includes 'AI tokens' alongside their base salaries, aiming to enhance productivity by incentivizing the use of AI agents. This proposal aligns with Huang's vision of a future workplace where AI agents outnumber human workers, potentially leading to significant changes in job structures and raising concerns about the displacement of white-collar roles.
Show moreProject Hail Mary is in theaters—but do the linguistics work?
The film adaptation of Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary has been released, showcasing the evolving relationship between schoolteacher Ryland Grace and an alien named Rocky. While the film is praised for its engaging narrative, it faces criticism for oversimplifying the complexities of language acquisition between two vastly different species, a point explored by linguist Dr. Betty Birner, who highlights the cognitive prerequisites necessary for meaningful communication.
Show moreGoogle’s battery-powered Nest Doorbell is $40 off right now
Google's battery-powered Nest Doorbell is currently available for $139.99, a $40 discount ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale starting March 25. This doorbell stands out by offering free smart alerts for people, packages, and vehicles, eliminating the need for a paid subscription. With features like night vision, two-way audio, and a wide field of view, it integrates seamlessly into the Google ecosystem, enhancing home security and convenience.
Show moreTim Cook’s China visit reinforces country’s importance to Apple as global frictions rise
Tim Cook's recent visit to Chengdu, China, emphasizes Apple's significant presence in the world's largest smartphone market, particularly as the company navigates rising geopolitical tensions. Despite a broader decline in the Chinese smartphone market, Apple's iPhone sales surged by 23% in early 2026, driven by strong demand for the iPhone 17 and strategic retail promotions, while the company also made concessions to Chinese regulators by lowering its App Store commission.
Show moreCyberattack on vehicle breathalyzer company leaves drivers stranded across the US
A cyberattack on Intoxalock, a U.S. vehicle breathalyzer company, has left drivers stranded nationwide since March 14, unable to start their vehicles due to calibration issues. The company confirmed the attack and has paused some systems as a precaution, but has not provided details on the attack's nature or a recovery timeline.
Show moreI want Lenovo’s awesome arcade dock with joystick for my Legion Tab [Gallery]
Lenovo has introduced the Legion Y700 Tablet Arcade Dock, a playful accessory for its newly launched Legion Tab gaming tablet in China. This dock transforms the 8.8-inch Android tablet into a compact arcade cabinet, complete with an arcade joystick and multiple buttons, catering to retro gaming enthusiasts. Priced around $60, the dock currently lacks a global release plan, leaving fans hoping for wider availability.
Show moreReport: Amazon planning Alexa phone over a decade after Fire Phone flop
Amazon is reportedly planning to re-enter the smartphone market with an Alexa-focused device, codenamed 'Transformer', more than ten years after the failure of the Fire Phone. This new smartphone aims to integrate closely with Amazon services like Prime Video and Grubhub, leveraging AI to potentially eliminate the need for traditional app stores. While Alexa will be a core feature, it may not serve as the primary operating system, and details regarding pricing and release remain uncertain.
Show moreRocket Report: Canada makes a major move, US Space Force says actually, let's be hasty
Canada is taking significant steps toward launch independence with a $200 million investment in a spaceport in Nova Scotia, announced by Defense Minister David J. McGuinty. This move comes amid rising tensions with the United States, prompting Canada to develop its own launch capabilities. The investment will support a multi-user spaceport operated by Maritime Launch Services and includes funding for local rocket companies to utilize the facility.
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