Tech News — Mar 25, 2026

Tech News — Mar 25, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

What connected the day

20 topics

01
9 sources · 11 updates
OpenAI Shuts Down Sora Video App
OpenAI has officially discontinued its social video app, Sora, just six months after its launch due to a significant decline in user engagement and downloads. Initially peaking at 3.3 million downloads in November 2025, Sora's user base plummeted to 1.1 million by February 2026, prompting OpenAI to pivot towards more profitable enterprise ventures, including a new super app integrating its AI technologies.
- The closure of Sora also results in the termination of a $1 billion partnership with Disney, which included character licensing.
- Sora generated approximately $2.1 million in revenue from in-app purchases during its short lifespan.
02
3 sources · 8 updates
Apple Introduces Age Verification in iOS 26.4 for UK Users
Apple's latest update, iOS 26.4, mandates that UK users verify they are over 18 to access certain features and apps. Users can complete this verification through an ID scan or by linking a credit card, aligning with the UK's Online Safety Act. The initiative has been praised by Ofcom as a significant step towards enhancing online safety for children and families.
- Failure to verify age will restrict access to web browsing and communication features.
- Ofcom commended Apple for being among the first to implement these child safety protections.
03
3 sources · 4 updates
GM Expands Apple Music Availability to Millions of Vehicles
General Motors is rolling out a native Apple Music app to select Buick and GMC models, making it accessible in 1.2 million vehicles. This includes the 2026 Enclave and 2025–2026 Sierra EV, enhancing the in-car audio experience as GM phases out CarPlay in future models.
- The supported models also include the 2026 Envision and several 2025–2026 GMC vehicles.
- This rollout follows GM's strategic decision to move away from CarPlay, offering a new audio solution for drivers.
04
3 sources · 3 updates
Anthropic Launches Safer 'Auto Mode' for Claude Code
Anthropic has introduced a new 'auto mode' feature for its AI coding assistant, Claude Code, aimed at enhancing safety during coding tasks. This mode allows the AI to automatically execute safe actions while blocking potentially risky commands, such as mass deletions or external deployments. Currently available as a research preview for Team plan users, the feature will soon be accessible to Enterprise and API customers.
- Auto mode is designed to reduce interruptions during longer tasks while maintaining safety protocols.
05
2 sources · 3 updates
Samsung Expands AirDrop Support for Galaxy S26
Samsung has rolled out AirDrop support for its Galaxy S26 series in new regions, including Europe and India, enhancing cross-platform sharing capabilities. Users will find a new toggle for 'Share with Apple Devices' in the Quick Share preferences, though the update is not yet available in the U.S..
- The Quick Share update requires users to have Play Services updated for optimal functionality.
06
2 sources · 2 updates
Google Launches Lyria 3 Pro Music Generation Model
Google has unveiled its latest music generation model, Lyria 3 Pro, which allows users to create tracks up to three minutes long. This advanced model enhances creative control by enabling users to specify elements such as intros and verses, and is available through the Gemini app for paid subscribers.
- Lyria 3 Pro tracks are marked with SynthID to indicate AI involvement.
- The model is integrated into ProducerAI, a recently acquired music production tool.
07
2 sources · 2 updates
Meta Introduces AI-Driven Shopping Features
Meta has launched new AI features on Instagram and Facebook to enhance the shopping experience, allowing users to access summarized product information and user reviews. The updated checkout process enables purchases directly within Meta's apps through partners like Stripe and PayPal, while creators will benefit from expanded affiliate partnerships with companies such as Amazon and eBay.
- Meta's AI feature summarizes user reviews and product information for shoppers on Facebook and Instagram.
- The new checkout process allows users to complete purchases in just a tap, keeping them within Meta's apps.
08
2 sources · 2 updates
Reddit Targets Bots with New Verification Measures
Reddit is implementing new human verification requirements for accounts exhibiting suspicious, bot-like behavior. The platform will utilize third-party tools, including Apple's passkeys and biometric methods like fingerprint scans, to confirm the identity of these accounts. This initiative comes as Reddit currently removes an average of 100,000 bot accounts daily, with projections indicating that bot traffic could surpass human traffic by 2027.
- Reddit's CEO, Steve Huffman, stated that human verification will be rare and will not affect most users.
09
2 sources · 2 updates
Google Launches Lyria 3 Pro for Advanced Music Creation
Google has unveiled Lyria 3 Pro, a new tool that enhances music generation capabilities by allowing users to create tracks up to 3 minutes long. This innovative tool is integrated into Vertex AI, Google AI Studio, and the Gemini app, making it accessible for various creative projects. Notably, Grammy-winning producer Yung Spielburg has already utilized Lyria in a recent short film project for Google DeepMind.
- Lyria 3 Pro supports integration into Google Workspace for enhanced creative collaboration.
- The tool is available in public preview on Vertex AI for scalable audio production.
10
2 sources · 2 updates
New Mexico pursues reforms from Meta after ruling
A jury in New Mexico has ordered Meta to pay $375 million for violating state laws related to child safety on its platforms. This landmark verdict marks Meta's first jury loss concerning child safety issues, stemming from a 2023 investigation that revealed significant risks to minors. The state’s Attorney General, Raúl Torrez, is now seeking changes to Meta's platform design, including implementing real age verification.
- The ruling has been described as a watershed moment for child safety online.
- The case was based on findings from a 2023 undercover investigation that exposed dangers on Meta's platforms.
11
2 sources · 2 updates
OpenAI Secures $10 Billion Boost Ahead of IPO
OpenAI has successfully expanded its funding round by $10 billion, bringing the total to over $120 billion as it gears up for a potential IPO later this year. New investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, D.E. Shaw Ventures, and TPG have joined the funding, reflecting strong market confidence in the company's future. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to play a significant role as a major investor, though it faces challenges from rising competition in the AI sector.
- OpenAI's funding now exceeds $120 billion, surpassing its initial target of $100 billion.
- Microsoft is participating in this latest funding round, reinforcing its key partnership with OpenAI.
12
2 sources · 2 updates
Amazon buys startup Fauna Robotics
Amazon has acquired Fauna Robotics, a startup known for its kid-sized humanoid robots, including the Sprout, which is designed to be approachable and human-friendly. Founded in 2024 by former engineers from Meta and Google, Fauna's team of 50 employees will join Amazon's operations in New York City.
- Sprout is a 59-pound bipedal robot priced at $50,000 that began shipping earlier this year.
- This acquisition marks Amazon's second robotics purchase within the same month, following its acquisition of Rivr.
13
2 sources · 2 updates
NASA Unveils $30 Billion Moon Base Initiative
NASA has announced a significant shift in its lunar exploration strategy, abandoning the Lunar Gateway project to focus on a $30 billion Moon base initiative. The plan includes 21 landings by 2028, which will deliver essential payloads such as the VIPER rover, aiming to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon.
- The Moon base development will occur in three phases over the next decade.
- NASA plans to deliver 150 metric tons of payload to the Moon by 2036.
14
1 sources · 1 updates
How soap opera-TikTok hybrids became a billion-dollar business
The rise of micro dramas—short, mobile-first scripted shows designed for vertical viewing—has transformed the entertainment landscape into a billion-dollar industry. Leading the charge is ReelShort, which reported $1.2 billion in consumer spending last year. As the genre evolves, industry insiders like Watch Club's founder Henry Soong predict that micro dramas are just beginning to tap into their full potential.
- ReelShort generated $1.2 billion in consumer spending last year.
- The micro drama industry is compared to its MySpace era, with potential for growth.
15
1 sources · 1 updates
Senate Democrats are trying to ‘codify’ Anthropic’s red lines on autonomous weapons and mass surveillance
Senate Democrats are intensifying efforts to regulate AI technologies, particularly in military applications, with Sen. Adam Schiff drafting a bill to codify Anthropic's red lines against autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. This follows the Pentagon's recent blacklisting of Anthropic, which has sparked a lawsuit from the company claiming constitutional violations. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that human operators remain in control of life-and-death decisions involving AI.
- Sen. Adam Schiff is drafting legislation to ensure human oversight in autonomous weapons.
- Sen. Elissa Slotkin's AI Guardrails Act restricts the Defense Department's AI use for mass surveillance.
16
1 sources · 1 updates
With Sift Stack, two ex-SpaceX engineers are bringing the software that helped launch rockets to the factory floor
Sift Stack, founded by former SpaceX engineers Karthik Gollapudi and Austin Spiegel, is revolutionizing manufacturing data management by providing advanced software tools that handle the complex data streams from modern machines. With a focus on AI-driven data infrastructure, the company has attracted notable clients, including United Launch Alliance, as it adapts to the increasing demands of the manufacturing sector.
- Sift Stack raised $42 million in Series B funding at a $274 million valuation.
- The company supports clients like United Launch Alliance and various defense contractors.
17
1 sources · 1 updates
Uber Automates Design Documentation with Agentic Systems
Uber has introduced uSpec, an agentic system that automates the creation of component design specifications, significantly reducing the documentation process from weeks to mere minutes. By utilizing AI agents and the open-source Figma Console Model Context Protocol, uSpec translates visual designs into technical specifications while ensuring that proprietary design data remains secure on local networks.
- uSpec reduces documentation time from weeks to minutes by automating the translation of visual designs.
- The system operates locally, ensuring no proprietary design data leaves Uber's network.
18
1 sources · 1 updates
Baltimore is first U.S. city to sue over Grok deepfake porn as legal pressure mounts on Musk's xAI
Baltimore has taken legal action against Elon Musk's xAI, becoming the first major U.S. city to sue the company over its Grok AI image generator, which allegedly facilitates the creation of deepfake porn involving non-consenting individuals. The lawsuit, filed on March 24, accuses xAI of deceptive trade practices and seeks to hold the company accountable for the traumatic consequences of its technology, as highlighted by Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott's statement on the issue.
- Baltimore is the first U.S. city to sue xAI for violating consumer protection laws.
- Three Tennessee teens have also filed a class action lawsuit against xAI over Grok's content.
19
1 sources · 1 updates
This Keypad + Smart Lock combo has tap-to-unlock, but Samsung beat Google to supporting it
Nuki has unveiled its Keypad 2 NFC, a device that allows users to unlock their smart locks with a simple tap, similar to contactless payment methods. This new keypad features an NFC reader and is certified under the Aliro standard, ensuring compatibility with various smart home systems, including Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings. While Samsung Wallet has already integrated support for digital home keys, Google Wallet is still in the process of rolling out its support for Aliro-enabled devices.
- The Nuki Keypad 2 NFC is priced at $179 and requires a compatible smart lock.
- Samsung Wallet now supports digital home keys, enhancing compatibility with Nuki locks.
20
1 sources · 1 updates
Microsoft snaps up Texas data center that Oracle and OpenAI left behind
Microsoft has secured a lease for a data center in Abilene, Texas, originally intended for Oracle and OpenAI, which abandoned their plans due to stalled financing negotiations. The facility boasts a capacity of approximately 700 megawatts and is strategically located near Oracle and OpenAI's Stargate campus. This move aligns with Microsoft's ongoing efforts to enhance its computing infrastructure as the demand for data centers continues to rise.
- The Abilene data center has a capacity of 700 megawatts.
- Oracle and OpenAI abandoned their plans for the site due to stalled financing talks.

The archive

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Google launches Lyria 3 Pro music generation model

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The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

OpenAI Shuts Down Sora Video App

Apple Introduces Age Verification in iOS 26.4 for UK Users

GM Expands Apple Music Availability to Millions of Vehicles

Anthropic Launches Safer 'Auto Mode' for Claude Code

Samsung Expands AirDrop Support for Galaxy S26

Google Launches Lyria 3 Pro Music Generation Model

Meta Introduces AI-Driven Shopping Features

Reddit Targets Bots with New Verification Measures

Google Launches Lyria 3 Pro for Advanced Music Creation

New Mexico pursues reforms from Meta after ruling

OpenAI Secures $10 Billion Boost Ahead of IPO

Amazon buys startup Fauna Robotics

NASA Unveils $30 Billion Moon Base Initiative

How soap opera-TikTok hybrids became a billion-dollar business

Senate Democrats are trying to ‘codify’ Anthropic&#8217;s red lines on autonomous weapons and mass surveillance

With Sift Stack, two ex-SpaceX engineers are bringing the software that helped launch rockets to the factory floor

Uber Automates Design Documentation with Agentic Systems

Baltimore is first U.S. city to sue over Grok deepfake porn as legal pressure mounts on Musk's xAI

This Keypad + Smart Lock combo has tap-to-unlock, but Samsung beat Google to supporting it

Microsoft snaps up Texas data center that Oracle and OpenAI left behind

What moved

Google launches Lyria 3 Pro music generation model

Waymo relies on firefighters and police to bail out stuck robotaxis

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Google Lyria 3 Pro makes longer AI songs

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OpenAI sending Sora to the dustbin makes sense: 2 charts to know

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Ocorian: Family offices turn to AI for financial data insights

OpenAI Enters Its Focus Era by Killing Sora

U.S.-Iran negotiations, Meta trial verdict, OpenAI shuts Sora and more in Morning Squawk

iOS 26.4 now available: Here are all the new features for your iPhone

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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly teases a "very strong" model internally that can "really accelerate the economy"

iOS 26.4 has fixes for 35+ security issues on iPhone, details here

Samsung widens AirDrop support rollout to Galaxy S26 in more regions, not US yet

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Disney pulls out of OpenAI partnership after Sora app and API gets killed just months after launch

Disney cancels $1 billion OpenAI partnership amid Sora shutdown plans

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Senate Democrats are trying to ‘codify’ Anthropic’s red lines on autonomous weapons and mass surveillance