Daily Tech Digest
24 trending stories · 17 topic overviews
Meta Launches New Prescription Smart Glasses
Meta has unveiled two new styles of prescription smart glasses, the Blayzer and Scriber, designed to accommodate a wide range of vision needs. Priced at $499, these glasses feature customizable fittings and will be available for preorder starting April 14th. Additionally, an AI-powered nutrition logging feature will be integrated into the glasses later this summer.
Show moreSamsung Galaxy Watches Gain Blood Pressure Monitoring
Samsung has officially launched blood pressure monitoring for Galaxy Watch users in the US, a feature that has been available in South Korea for six years. This capability is accessible on all models starting from the Galaxy Watch 4 and requires users to calibrate their devices every 28 days with a traditional upper arm cuff for accurate readings.
Show moreGmail address change feature now live
Google has officially launched a feature allowing users in the US to change their Gmail address while retaining access to their old email as an alternate. This update enhances digital identity management and is part of a gradual rollout that may take time to reach all users. The feature was previously tested in other regions and is now available to all Google Account users in the US.
Show moreWhoop Raises $575 Million from High-Profile Investors
Fitness tracking company Whoop has secured $575 million in Series G funding, elevating its valuation to $10.1 billion. The funding round attracted notable investors, including athletes Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James, and highlighted Whoop's impressive growth, with bookings increasing by 103% year over year.
Show moreNvidia Partners with Marvell for $2 Billion Investment
Nvidia Corp. has made a significant move by investing $2 billion in Marvell Technology Inc. to advance their collaboration on silicon photonics technology. This partnership aims to enhance capabilities in AI and cloud computing, focusing on high-speed, energy-efficient data transmission essential for modern applications.
Show moreOpendoor Acquires Doma's Escrow Business to Cut Refinancing Costs
Opendoor has announced its acquisition of Doma's closing and escrow business, aiming to streamline processes and reduce mortgage refinance costs for homeowners. This move is expected to save homeowners approximately $1,100 per refinance as mortgage applications have recently dropped by 20% due to rising interest rates.
Show moreInstagram Tests Paid Anonymous Story Views
Meta is currently testing a new subscription service called Instagram Plus that allows users to view stories anonymously. This feature, being trialed in Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines, also enables subscribers to create unlimited audience lists and see how many times their stories have been replayed, enhancing user engagement.
Show moreAirbnb Expands Services with Car Pickups
Airbnb has announced a partnership with Welcome Pickups to provide private car pickup services for international guests in 125 cities worldwide. This new feature allows guests to schedule pickups directly through the Airbnb app, enhancing their travel experience with options for meet-and-greet services upon arrival.
Show moreApple Enhances Siri and Shortcuts with AI in iOS 27
Apple's upcoming iOS 27 will introduce significant enhancements to the Siri and Shortcuts apps, integrating AI-driven capabilities that allow users to create custom actions using voice commands. This update aims to streamline user interaction by incorporating an upgraded Siri interface alongside the new features in Shortcuts.
Show moreSamsung might raise prices on its most expensive phones, starting in South Korea
Samsung is set to raise prices on its premium smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, and S25 Edge, starting April 1st in South Korea. The increase will affect only the higher storage tiers, with the 512GB models rising by approximately 100,000 won (~$65) and the 1TB version of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 increasing by nearly 200,000 won (~$130), while the entry-level 256GB models will retain their original prices.
Show moreHow did Anthropic measure AI's "theoretical capabilities" in the job market?
Anthropic's recent report highlights the theoretical capabilities of large language models (LLMs) in the job market, suggesting they could potentially perform up to 80% of tasks across various occupations. However, the study reveals that these projections are based on speculative assumptions and subjective evaluations, with only 2.3% of jobs currently seeing significant exposure to LLMs. The researchers caution that their findings do not imply LLMs will replace human labor but rather augment it in specific tasks.
Show moreOpenAI launches a Codex plugin that runs inside Anthropic's Claude Code
OpenAI has introduced a Codex plugin that seamlessly integrates its AI coding assistant into Anthropic's Claude Code platform. This plugin provides features such as standard code reviews, adversarial reviews that scrutinize weaknesses, and the ability to delegate tasks to Codex in the background, all while operating on OpenAI's infrastructure. This move is part of OpenAI's broader strategy to enhance its coding tools and consolidate its offerings into a unified desktop application.
Show moreYou can order Grubhub and Uber Eats ‘conversationally’ with Alexa Plus
Amazon has launched a new feature for its Alexa Plus that allows users to order food from Grubhub and Uber Eats in a conversational manner, eliminating the awkwardness of traditional voice commands. This update enables users to modify their orders seamlessly during the conversation, with Alexa stepping in only when needed. The feature is part of Amazon's broader initiative to enhance Alexa's capabilities and will initially roll out to subscribers using Echo Show 8 devices and larger.
Show moreNvidia rolls out DLSS 4.5 update with new frame generation features
Nvidia has unveiled its DLSS 4.5 update, enhancing its Deep Learning Super Sampling technology with new AI-driven frame generation capabilities for GeForce RTX graphics cards. The standout feature, 6x Multi Frame Generation, allows users with RTX 50-series GPUs to generate five additional frames for every natively rendered frame, significantly boosting performance across more than 20 supported gaming titles while maintaining responsiveness.
Show moreGoogle shows how you should use ‘Ask Maps’ as the feature rolls out widely
Google Maps has officially rolled out its new 'Ask Maps' feature, powered by Gemini, to users in the US and India. This conversational tool allows users to pose complex, real-world questions to receive tailored recommendations, enhancing the mapping experience significantly. Google has provided example prompts to illustrate how users can leverage this feature for various needs, from dining suggestions to scenic route planning.
Show moreMicrosoft hit with UK competition regulator probe over software business
Microsoft is under scrutiny from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) regarding its business software ecosystem, with an investigation set to begin in May 2026. The CMA's concerns focus on Microsoft's licensing practices in cloud services, which affect hundreds of thousands of businesses and public sector organizations in the UK. Microsoft has expressed its commitment to address these issues constructively as the CMA aims to ensure fair competition in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Show moreNetflix Is Testing Just How Much You Will Pay
Netflix is currently testing subscription price increases of up to $3 as part of a strategy to determine how much customers are willing to pay for its streaming services. This move reflects the company's ongoing efforts to balance revenue growth with customer retention amid a competitive market landscape.
Show moreOracle cutting thousands in latest layoff round as company continues to ramp AI spending
Oracle has begun notifying employees of significant layoffs affecting thousands, as the company increases its investment in data center infrastructure to support AI workloads. Despite the layoffs, Oracle's capital expenditures are rising sharply, driven by a recent $300 billion agreement with OpenAI that has led to a dramatic increase in its remaining performance obligations.
Show moreWhoop CEO after raising $575 million: Our next step is an IPO
Whoop, a wearable device company focused on human performance, has successfully raised $575 million in Series G funding, achieving a valuation of $10.1 billion. CEO Will Ahmed indicated this funding will likely be the last private round before an IPO, as the company has become cash flow positive and is experiencing significant growth, with bookings increasing by 103% year over year.
Show moreActivist Investor Irenic Is Said to Build Stake in Snap
Activist investor Irenic Capital Management has taken a position in Snap Inc., seeking to enhance the company's financial and operational performance. The firm has expressed its views to CEO Evan Spiegel, aiming to elevate Snap's share price to over $26, with Irenic holding about 2.5% of Snap's Class A shares.
Show moreBuild with Veo 3.1 Lite, our most cost-effective video generation model
Google has introduced Veo 3.1 Lite, its most affordable video generation model, designed to enable high-volume video applications at less than 50% of the cost of Veo 3.1 Fast while maintaining the same speed. Available through the Gemini API, this model supports various video formats and resolutions, providing developers with the flexibility to create tailored video content efficiently.
Show moreMeta launches new ‘prescription optimized’ smart glasses
Meta has unveiled its latest smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta Optics Styles, tailored for individuals with diverse vision needs. Available in two styles, Blayzer and Scriber, these glasses support an unrestricted range of prescriptions and feature customizable fit options. Priced at $499, they will be available for preorder and officially launch on April 14th.
Show moreArt schools are being torn apart by AI
Art schools are increasingly incorporating generative AI tools into their curricula, despite significant pushback from students and faculty. Institutions like CalArts and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design are emphasizing the importance of understanding AI's role in creative fields, aiming to equip students with the skills necessary to navigate a rapidly changing job market. However, many students express concerns over job security and the ethical implications of AI in creative processes.
Show moreNomadic raises $8.4 million to wrangle the data pouring off autonomous vehicles
NomadicML has secured $8.4 million in seed funding to improve how autonomous vehicles manage and analyze vast amounts of video data. Founded by Mustafa Bal and Varun Krishnan, the startup aims to address the challenge of organizing archived fleet data, enabling better compliance and training for self-driving systems. With notable clients like Zoox and Mitsubishi Electric, Nomadic's platform is designed to convert footage into structured datasets, enhancing the development of intelligent machines.
Show moreRoku launches a standalone app for Howdy, its $2.99 streaming service
Roku has announced the launch of a standalone mobile app for Howdy, its ad-free streaming service priced at $2.99 per month. Available on both iOS and Android, the app allows subscribers to access Howdy's extensive library of nearly 10,000 hours of content from major partners, including Disney and Sony, enhancing the service's accessibility beyond the Roku platform.
Show moreMeta launches two new Ray-Ban glasses designed for prescription wearers
Meta has introduced two new models of Ray-Ban smart glasses aimed specifically at prescription wearers, enhancing comfort and fit for users who need all-day eyewear. Starting at $499, the Blayzer and Scriber styles will be available in the U.S. and select international markets from April 14, and they include features like flexible hinges and adjustable nose pads for a personalized fit.
Show moreOkCupid settles claims it shared user photos with a facial recognition company
OkCupid has agreed to settle claims from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that it misled users by sharing their photos with the facial recognition company Clarifai without consent. Although OkCupid and its parent company, Match Group, did not admit to any wrongdoing, they committed to not misrepresent their data-sharing policies in the future. The FTC's complaint revealed that OkCupid provided access to nearly three million user photos, violating its own privacy policy, and the settlement includes compliance monitoring to prevent future violations.
Show moreLilly to spend up to $7.8 billion to acquire Centessa, a maker of experimental sleep disorder drugs
Eli Lilly has announced its agreement to acquire Centessa Pharmaceuticals for up to $7.8 billion, focusing on Centessa's experimental drugs aimed at treating narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness. The deal includes an upfront payment of $6.3 billion, with additional payments contingent on FDA approvals, reflecting Lilly's strategy to leverage its recent financial success in the obesity and diabetes markets.
Show moreSAP and ANYbotics drive industrial adoption of physical AI
Swiss robotics company ANYbotics and software giant SAP are collaborating to integrate autonomous robots into industrial environments, transforming them into mobile data-gathering nodes within IoT networks. This partnership aims to enhance safety and efficiency by allowing robots to perform continuous inspections, automatically generating maintenance requests through SAP's ERP system, thus minimizing downtime and operational costs.
Show moreAI benchmarks are broken. Here’s what we need instead.
Current AI benchmarks, which compare machine performance to human capabilities in isolated tasks, fail to capture the complexities of real-world applications. As AI is increasingly deployed in collaborative environments, researchers advocate for a shift to HAIC benchmarks that assess AI's effectiveness within human teams over longer time frames, addressing the disconnect between benchmark scores and actual performance outcomes.
Show moreHuawei's cloud computing revenue dropped in 2025 as Chinese AI lagged U.S. rivals
In 2025, Huawei's cloud computing revenue declined by 3.5%, totaling 32.16 billion yuan, as the company struggled to keep pace with U.S. rivals in artificial intelligence. Despite being the second-largest cloud provider in mainland China, Huawei's growth lagged behind competitors like ByteDance and Alibaba, who reported robust increases in their cloud revenue during the same period.
Show moreNASA’s Artemis II launch to be filmed in Apple Vision Pro immersive video
NASA's Artemis II mission, a highly anticipated test flight around the Moon, is set to launch on April 1 at 6:24 p.m. Eastern from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The event will be captured in immersive video for Apple Vision Pro users, with Cosmic Perspective utilizing a Blackmagic URSA camera to film the launch, promising a unique viewing experience for space enthusiasts.
Show moreGalaxy Watch users in the US can finally track their blood pressure after years of waiting
Samsung Galaxy Watch users in the US can finally monitor their blood pressure, a feature that has been regionally locked since the Galaxy Watch Active 2's launch in 2020. The blood pressure tracking will be accessible through the Samsung Health Monitor app, but it requires a Galaxy phone and calibration with a traditional upper arm cuff every 28 days to ensure accuracy. This rollout marks a significant change in health monitoring capabilities for US users, aligning them with features available in other regions.
Show moreNovo Nordisk launches multi-month subscriptions for Wegovy obesity drugs as it tries to catch up with Eli Lilly
Novo Nordisk has launched a subscription program for its Wegovy obesity drugs, allowing cash-paying patients to select from three, six, or twelve-month plans that promise lower, predictable monthly costs. This initiative aims to help patients manage treatment expenses and improve adherence, especially as the company prepares for increased competition from Eli Lilly's upcoming oral GLP-1 drug.
Show moreQwen3.5-Omni learned to write code from spoken instructions and video without anyone training it to
Alibaba has introduced Qwen3.5-Omni, a cutting-edge omnimodal AI model capable of processing text, images, audio, and video. This model not only excels in audio tasks, outperforming Google's Gemini 3.1 Pro, but also demonstrates an unexpected ability to write code based on spoken instructions and video content, a feature that emerged during its training. With significant improvements in language support and processing capabilities, Qwen3.5-Omni marks a notable advancement in AI technology.
Show moreNebius plans $10 billion AI data center in Finland near Russian border
Nebius Group is set to construct a $10 billion AI data center in Lappeenranta, Finland, strategically located near the Russian border. This facility, with a capacity of 310 megawatts, will be one of Europe's largest AI data centers and is expected to begin phased operations in 2027. The decision to establish the center in Finland is influenced by the country's low energy costs and renewable resources, which will help reduce operational expenses.
Show moreAirbnb Adds Third-Party Private Car Pickups in Latest Services Push
Airbnb Inc. has launched a new service allowing private car pickups in major international markets, partnering with UK-based Welcome Pickups. This initiative aims to enhance the guest experience by providing seamless transportation options in 125 cities across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, including popular destinations like Paris and Bali.
Show moreAT&T launches new all-in-one plan for wireless and home internet
AT&T has unveiled its new 'OneConnect' plan, which merges wireless service and home internet into a single subscription, aiming to simplify connectivity for users. This offering promises unlimited connectivity across devices for a flat monthly fee, positioning AT&T as a pioneer in combining these services under one plan.
Show moreCalifornia sets its own AI rules for state contractors, pushing back against federal policy
California has taken a significant step in AI regulation by mandating that companies with state contracts implement safeguards against the misuse of artificial intelligence. Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order requires these companies to prevent their AI systems from generating illegal content, reinforcing harmful biases, or violating civil rights. Additionally, state agencies will watermark AI-generated media to combat misinformation, and California will conduct its own reviews of federal supply chain risk designations, allowing continued collaboration with certain vendors like Anthropic.
Show moreMorning Brief: Americans paid $8 billion extra for gas this month
Americans have incurred an additional $8 billion in gas expenses since the onset of the Iran conflict, with average gas prices now at $3.99. This increase is driven by geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices, prompting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to highlight the critical role of inflation expectations in shaping economic behavior.
Show moreMortgage and refinance interest rates today, March 31, 2026: Lower, as bonds gain favor
Mortgage rates have eased lower today, with the average 30-year fixed rate now at 6.36%, a decrease of 11 basis points. The 15-year fixed rate also fell to 5.81%. This decline follows a drop in bond yields amid a month-long downturn in stocks, influencing mortgage lenders to offer more competitive rates.
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