Tech News — Mar 30, 2026

Tech News — Mar 30, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

What connected the day

16 topics

01
3 sources · 3 updates
OpenAI Shuts Down Sora Amid Rapid User Decline
OpenAI has announced the shutdown of its Sora app, an AI video-generation tool, after a dramatic drop in users from 1 million to 500,000 within just six months. The app's operational costs soared to approximately $1 million per day, leading to unsustainable financial losses and internal concerns about content quality. This decision comes just before a significant partnership with Disney, valued at $1 billion, collapsed.
- Sora's user base decreased by 50% in a short time, prompting the shutdown announcement.
- The app will officially cease operations in April 2026, with its API following in September 2026.
02
2 sources · 2 updates
Vivo Launches X300 Ultra Smartphone for Photography Enthusiasts
Vivo has introduced the X300 Ultra, a flagship smartphone designed specifically for professional photographers, featuring advanced camera technology. The device boasts a 200MP Samsung HP0 sensor in its telephoto lens and supports Multi-Focal 4K 120fps video recording, making it a strong contender for video enthusiasts. This marks Vivo's first Ultra launch outside of China, with a global rollout expected later this year.
- The X300 Ultra includes a 3+2 ZEISS Master Lenses Collection, featuring a 14mm ultra-wide and a gimbal-grade telephoto lens.
- It is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and offers up to 1TB of storage.
03
2 sources · 2 updates
Google Enhances EV Trip Planning and AI Integration in Android Apps
Google has expanded its Google Maps EV trip planning feature to support over 350 car models from 16 brands in the U.S., allowing users to input their vehicle details for optimized route planning. Additionally, the company has launched AppFunctions, a new Jetpack API that enables seamless AI integration in Android apps, currently in beta for the Galaxy S26 series.
- Google Maps EV trip planning uses AI to predict battery usage and suggest charging stops based on real-time data.
- The AppFunctions feature allows users to execute complex tasks, such as ordering pizza, through the Gemini Assistant with minimal developer effort.
04
2 sources · 2 updates
Rebellions Secures $400 Million Funding Ahead of IPO
South Korean AI chip startup Rebellions has successfully raised $400 million in a pre-IPO funding round, bringing its total valuation to $2.34 billion. The funding, led by Mirae Asset Financial Group and the Korea National Growth Fund, will support the company's expansion into the U.S., Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan.
- Rebellions has now raised a total of $850 million, with $650 million coming in the last six months.
- The company recently launched two new AI infrastructure products: RebelRack and RebelPOD.
05
2 sources · 2 updates
Mistral AI Secures $830 Million for New Data Center
Mistral AI has raised $830 million in debt to establish a new data center in Bruyeres-le-Chatel, near Paris. The facility, which is expected to be completed by Q2 2026, will utilize 13,800 NVIDIA Grace Blackwell GB300 GPUs and aims to expand to 200 megawatts of computing capacity across Europe by 2027.
- The loan is backed by a consortium of banks including BNP Paribas and HSBC.
- The new data center will initially provide 44 megawatts of output capacity to meet rising AI demand.
06
1 sources · 2 updates
Google Pixel Enhances Commuting Experience with New Features
Google has launched a new Transit mode for its Pixel devices, designed to assist commuters by automatically activating helpful settings during travel. This feature includes real-time updates on departure times and delays, which will be displayed directly on users' lock screens. The rollout is global for Pixel 7 and newer devices, although it excludes users in Europe and the UK.
- Transit mode requires users to confirm their home and work addresses and enable Google Maps Timeline for optimal functionality.
- The real-time updates feature will be integrated into the At a Glance section on the homescreen.
07
1 sources · 1 updates
Microsoft rolls out Copilot Cowork more broadly and lets AI models check each other's work
Microsoft is broadening the availability of its 'Copilot Cowork' feature, which now facilitates multi-step tasks such as calendar planning and daily briefings. The update includes a 'Critique' function where one AI model drafts content while another reviews it, demonstrating significant advancements in AI collaboration and research capabilities.
- The new 'Critique' function allows one AI model to review another's draft.
- Copilot Cowork now supports multi-step tasks, including calendar planning.
08
1 sources · 1 updates
The Pentagon’s culture war tactic against Anthropic has backfired
A California judge has temporarily blocked the Pentagon's attempt to label Anthropic as a supply chain risk, preventing government agencies from using its AI technologies. This ruling comes amid a contentious dispute over the government's punitive measures against the company, which has drawn support from unexpected allies, including former Trump administration officials. The judge's opinion highlighted the government's failure to follow proper legal processes and raised concerns about potential violations of Anthropic's First Amendment rights.
- A California judge ruled that the Pentagon's designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk lacked sufficient evidence.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's statements about Anthropic's risk were found to have no legal effect.
09
1 sources · 1 updates
Apple will hide your email address from apps and websites, but not cops
Apple has revealed that it provided federal agents with the real identities of customers using its 'Hide My Email' feature, which is designed to mask email addresses from apps and websites. This disclosure occurred during investigations by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, highlighting the limitations of Apple's privacy assurances, as the company can still access and share customer information with law enforcement despite promoting end-to-end encryption for its iCloud services.
- Apple disclosed identities linked to its Hide My Email feature in response to law enforcement requests.
- The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations accessed records for 134 anonymized email accounts.
10
1 sources · 1 updates
Microsoft (MSFT) Beyond the OpenAI Hype – Should You Still Buy The Stock For Long-Term Growth?
Despite emerging challenges in its partnership with OpenAI, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) continues to showcase robust growth, particularly with its Azure cloud services, which have seen a remarkable 39% year-over-year increase. The company's extensive user base enables it to effectively monetize its AI products, with over 80% of Fortune 500 companies reportedly leveraging Microsoft AI technologies. Analysts forecast a promising future for Microsoft, predicting annual revenue growth of 12-15% as it capitalizes on cloud expansion and subscription services.
- Microsoft's Azure cloud services achieved 39% YoY growth, outpacing competitors.
- Over 80% of Fortune 500 companies are utilizing Microsoft AI technologies.
11
1 sources · 1 updates
Samsung built a motion sickness app for Galaxy Buds, but you can try it on any earbuds
Samsung has launched the Hearapy app, aimed at reducing motion sickness by using specific audio frequencies. While designed for Galaxy Buds, the app can be used with any earbuds capable of producing 100Hz frequencies, playing bass sine waves to help the brain process movements better. Backed by research from Nagoya University, the app can provide relief for up to two hours after a quick session.
- The Hearapy app can reduce motion sickness for up to two hours with a 60-second session.
- The app is compatible with any earbuds that can reach 100Hz frequencies.
12
1 sources · 1 updates
watchOS 27 to reportedly offer two main Apple Watch upgrades
Apple plans to launch watchOS 27 at WWDC on June 8, 2026, with a focus on integrating advanced AI features and improving overall performance. According to Mark Gurman, the update will not include major hardware redesigns but will enhance the software experience significantly, aligning with similar updates expected in iOS 27.
- watchOS 27 will introduce significant AI features and performance improvements.
- The update will be unveiled on June 8 at WWDC 2026.
13
1 sources · 1 updates
Uber is buying Berlin startup Blacklane to bolster its ‘Elite’ offering
Uber is set to acquire Blacklane, a Berlin startup known for its on-demand black-car chauffeur services, as part of its strategy to expand into the luxury travel sector. This acquisition, which is still subject to regulatory approval, aims to enhance Uber's recently launched Uber Elite service, which offers premium amenities and support in select cities.
- Blacklane has raised over $100 million from investors including Sixt and Mercedes-Benz.
- Uber's acquisition requires regulatory approvals but is expected to close by the end of 2026.
14
1 sources · 1 updates
AI-generated dating show pulls 10 million views per episode on TikTok
The AI-generated dating show 'Fruit Love Island' has quickly become a sensation on TikTok, averaging over 10 million views per episode since its debut last week. Featuring animated fruit characters in a villa reminiscent of the popular 'Love Island' series, the show allows viewers to vote on plot developments, showcasing the potential of AI-generated content to attract large audiences despite its technical flaws. Industry experts, like Justine Moore from Andreessen Horowitz, highlight this trend as indicative of AI's growing role in entertainment.
- Fruit Love Island has released 21 episodes since its launch last week.
- Viewers can influence the storyline by voting online.
15
1 sources · 1 updates
3 Reasons I'm Buying Amazon Stock Hand Over Fist Right Now
Despite a challenging start to the year with a 6.5% decline in stock price, Amazon remains a strong investment due to its robust business fundamentals. Key growth drivers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), which recently reported a 24% revenue increase, a burgeoning advertising segment that generated over $21.3 billion, and a significant push towards automation in e-commerce, evidenced by the deployment of its 1 millionth robot.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) saw a 24% revenue increase year over year in its latest quarter.
- Amazon's advertising revenue grew by 23% year over year, reaching over $21.3 billion.
16
1 sources · 1 updates
‘Project Hail Mary’ becomes Amazon MGM’s biggest box office hit
Amazon's gamble on 'Project Hail Mary' has paid off, as the film has surpassed 'Creed III' to become the company's highest-grossing movie ever. With a budget of around $200 million, this adaptation of Andy Weir's bestselling novel has grossed an estimated $164.3 million in North America and $136.2 million internationally within just 10 days, marking it as the biggest hit of 2026 so far.
- The film has grossed an estimated $164.3 million in North America and $136.2 million overseas.
- It is now Amazon MGM's highest-grossing film, surpassing Creed III.

The archive

What moved

MIT Technology Review AI

The Pentagon’s culture war tactic against Anthropic has backfired

Pentagon's actions against Anthropic face legal setbacks.

Read source

TechCrunch

Apple will hide your email address from apps and websites, but not cops

Apple's email privacy feature fails against law enforcement requests.

Read source

The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

OpenAI Shuts Down Sora Amid Rapid User Decline

Vivo Launches X300 Ultra Smartphone for Photography Enthusiasts

Google Enhances EV Trip Planning and AI Integration in Android Apps

Rebellions Secures $400 Million Funding Ahead of IPO

Mistral AI Secures $830 Million for New Data Center

Google Pixel Enhances Commuting Experience with New Features

Microsoft rolls out Copilot Cowork more broadly and lets AI models check each other's work

The Pentagon’s culture war tactic against Anthropic has backfired

Apple will hide your email address from apps and websites, but not cops

Microsoft (MSFT) Beyond the OpenAI Hype – Should You Still Buy The Stock For Long-Term Growth?

Samsung built a motion sickness app for Galaxy Buds, but you can try it on any earbuds

watchOS 27 to reportedly offer two main Apple Watch upgrades

Uber is buying Berlin startup Blacklane to bolster its ‘Elite’ offering

AI-generated dating show pulls 10 million views per episode on TikTok

3 Reasons I'm Buying Amazon Stock Hand Over Fist Right Now

‘Project Hail Mary’ becomes Amazon MGM’s biggest box office hit

What moved

The Pentagon’s culture war tactic against Anthropic has backfired

Apple will hide your email address from apps and websites, but not cops

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Biren Tech’s Revenue Triples on China’s Demand for AI Chips

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Okta&#8217;s CEO is betting big on AI agent identity

Microsoft rolls out Copilot Cowork more broadly and lets AI models check each other's work

AI models confidently describe images they never saw, and benchmarks fail to catch it

Mantis Biotech is making ‘digital twins’ of humans to help solve medicine’s data availability problem

ScaleOps raises $130M to improve computing efficiency amid AI demand

Microsoft (MSFT) Beyond the OpenAI Hype – Should You Still Buy The Stock For Long-Term Growth?

Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) Continued to Gain from Its Incretin Portfolio

Secure governance accelerates financial AI revenue growth

For $200 more, you can get a MacBook Air

Vivo launches X300 Ultra flagship ‘designed for professional photography’

Trump’s Technology Council Ignores Top AI Company Chiefs

Inside the Odd&mdash;and Oddly Human&mdash;Work of Teaching AI to Talk

Android Auto brings Google Maps EV trip planning to 350+ models from 16 brands

OpenAI's Sora burned a million dollars a day while losing half its users in record time

Vivo X300 Ultra wants to be Android’s ultimate video phone, global launch to come

watchOS 27 to reportedly offer two main Apple Watch upgrades

JPMorgan begins tracking how employees use AI at work

Mistral secures $830 million in debt financing to fund AI data center

iPhone will still exist 50 years from now, says Apple – and no AI execs

Budget airlines built on cheap fares now face a painful reality: Fuel is getting expensive

Helping disaster response teams turn AI into action across Asia

Okta’s CEO is betting big on AI agent identity

Inside the Odd—and Oddly Human—Work of Teaching AI to Talk