Tech News — Mar 20, 2026

Tech News — Mar 20, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

What connected the day

20 topics

01
4 sources · 4 updates
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.
- The Transformer smartphone is being developed by Amazon's ZeroOne unit.
- Amazon has invested $50 billion into OpenAI and plans to allocate $200 billion for AI and robotics by 2026.
02
4 sources · 4 updates
OpenAI 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.
- Fidji Simo emphasized the need to refocus efforts to improve product quality during a recent company-wide meeting.
- The new superapp is part of OpenAI's strategy to enhance team collaboration and user engagement amid competition from rivals like Anthropic PBC.
03
2 sources · 2 updates
Apple'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.
- 23% increase in iPhone sales in China during early 2026, despite a 4% decline in the overall smartphone market.
- Apple's revenue in Greater China rose 38% to $25.5 billion in the last quarter.
04
2 sources · 2 updates
Super 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.
- 12% drop in Super Micro's stock price followed the indictment announcement.
- $464 million in Super Micro shares are controlled by Yih-Shyan Liaw, one of the indicted executives.
05
2 sources · 2 updates
Apple 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.
- In-store availability varies, with some models ready for immediate pickup, while others are delayed until April 14.
- Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart are also showing delayed delivery dates for the MacBook Neo.
06
2 sources · 2 updates
Dow 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.
- The FDA approved a 7.2-milligram dose of Wegovy, set to launch in April 2026.
- High-dose Wegovy achieved an average weight loss of 20.7% over 72 weeks in trials, outperforming the standard dose's 15%.
07
2 sources · 2 updates
Nvidia 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.
- Nvidia currently employs 42,000 human workers, indicating a significant shift towards AI integration in the workforce.
08
2 sources · 2 updates
Amazon 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.
- $100 million was Rivr's previous valuation, with a total funding of $25 million raised.
- Rivr's CEO Marko Bjelonic mentioned the acquisition will help achieve their vision of General Physical AI.
09
2 sources · 2 updates
Google 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.
- The DarkSword exploit affects devices that have not been updated to iOS 15, leaving them vulnerable.
- Google's Threat Intelligence Group has connected DarkSword to state-sponsored activities across various nations.
10
2 sources · 2 updates
Google 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.
- Currently, macOS users can only access Gemini via the web, with the app's interface resembling existing versions for iPhone and iPad.
11
2 sources · 2 updates
Meta 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.
- The new AI systems promise to improve accuracy and speed in detecting violations, reducing error rates by over 60%.
- Human oversight will still be maintained for high-risk decisions to ensure expert evaluation.
12
2 sources · 2 updates
Meta 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.
- Horizon Worlds has struggled to attract users, with monthly engagement never exceeding a few hundred thousand.
- Meta's CTO Andrew Bosworth announced the decision via Instagram, highlighting a shift in focus towards mobile experiences while still maintaining some VR support.
13
1 sources · 2 updates
Unitree 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.
- 4.2 billion yuan will be raised through the IPO to support various initiatives.
- The proceeds will specifically fund AI research, product development, and manufacturing expansion.
14
1 sources · 1 updates
xAI 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.
- xAI's Grok is set to replace OpenAI's ChatGPT at Shift4 Payments.
- Shift4 Payments plans to continue using Anthropic's Claude for coding tasks.
15
1 sources · 1 updates
Samsung 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.
- AirDrop support for the Galaxy S26 series will roll out through software updates.
- Other Galaxy devices will receive AirDrop support after the S26, but no timeline is provided.
16
1 sources · 1 updates
Who'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.
- Respondents from Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia expressed 10-12% lower negative sentiments about AI compared to Western Europe and North America.
- Independent workers reported over three times the economic empowerment from AI compared to salaried employees.
17
1 sources · 1 updates
ByteDance-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.
- Dongchedi plans to go public in Hong Kong, potentially adding more banks later.
18
1 sources · 1 updates
ByteDance 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.
- ByteDance acquired Moonton in 2021 and is now focusing on generative AI.
- Moonton CEO Zhang Yunfan and his management team will remain post-sale.
19
1 sources · 1 updates
Alibaba 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.
- Alibaba's employee count dropped from 194,320 to 128,197 in one year.
- The company aims to grow its cloud and AI revenue to over $100 billion annually in five years.
20
1 sources · 1 updates
Alibaba 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.
- Alibaba's earnings report reflects a challenging year, marking a 'reality check' for the company.
- Macquarie Capital's Ellie Jiang believes Alibaba is well-positioned in the AI sector.

The archive

What moved

TechCrunch

AI startups are eating the venture industry and the returns, so far, are good

AI startups dominate venture funding landscape in 2023.

Read source

Bloomberg Technology

SoftBank Plans Giant Ohio AI Data Center Powered by Gas Plants

SoftBank announces plans for a major AI data center in Ohio.

Read source

The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

Amazon Develops New Alexa-Focused Smartphone

OpenAI Develops Integrated Desktop Superapp for macOS

Apple's Mac Launch Sets New Record

Super Micro Executives Indicted for Nvidia Chip Smuggling

Apple Struggles to Meet MacBook Neo Demand

Dow Jones Faces Fourth Consecutive Weekly Decline

Nvidia Introduces AI Tokens to Boost Engineer Productivity

Amazon Acquires Rivr to Boost Delivery Robot Technology

Google Uncovers DarkSword Exploit for iOS

Google beta tests Gemini app for Mac

Meta Introduces Advanced AI for Content Enforcement

Meta retains VR support for Horizon Worlds

Unitree Robotics Seeks $610 Million IPO

xAI Sends Engineers to Client Sites to Win Business from OpenAI

Samsung confirms Galaxy S26 will get AirDrop support via Quick Share ‘soon’

Who's most optimistic about AI — and who isn't, according to Anthropic

ByteDance-Backed Dongchedi Is Said to Pick Citi, Goldman Sachs for Hong Kong IPO

ByteDance Agrees to Sell Moonton to Savvy Games for $6 Billion

Alibaba workforce shrinks 34% in 2025 as Chinese tech giant doubles down on AI

Alibaba Shares Sink After Earnings Report

What moved

AI startups are eating the venture industry and the returns, so far, are good

SoftBank Plans Giant Ohio AI Data Center Powered by Gas Plants

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

Dubai property sector shows early signs of weakness

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

Super Micro Co-Founder Charged in AI Smuggling Case

Trump admin unveils national AI policy framework to limit state power

Google Search is now using AI to replace headlines

'Marriage penalty' in Washington state's new millionaire tax stirs debate

xAI Sends Engineers to Client Sites to Win Business from OpenAI

Why people really hate AI

These AI notetaking devices can help you record and transcribe your meetings

Daily Spotlight: Not All Sectors Are Equal

Who's most optimistic about AI — and who isn't, according to Anthropic

Amazon developing Fire Phone successor to take on iPhone with Alexa AI focus

OpenAI is building a desktop ‘superapp’ for macOS

Samsung confirms Galaxy S26 will get AirDrop support via Quick Share ‘soon’

Tim Cook says the Mac just set a new launch record for Apple

Nvidia's Huang pitches AI tokens on top of salary as agents reshape how humans work

Project Hail Mary is in theaters—but do the linguistics work?

Google’s battery-powered Nest Doorbell is $40 off right now

Tim Cook’s China visit reinforces country’s importance to Apple as global frictions rise

Cyberattack on vehicle breathalyzer company leaves drivers stranded across the US

I want Lenovo’s awesome arcade dock with joystick for my Legion Tab [Gallery]

Report: Amazon planning Alexa phone over a decade after Fire Phone flop

Rocket Report: Canada makes a major move, US Space Force says actually, let's be hasty