Tech News — Apr 9, 2026

Tech News — Apr 9, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

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20 topics

01
6 sources · 6 updates
Meta Unveils Muse Spark AI Model
Meta has launched its first proprietary AI model, Muse Spark, marking a significant shift from open-source to closed-weight technology. The model aims to enhance Meta's advertising capabilities, which accounted for 98% of its $200 billion revenue last year, and is designed to improve problem-solving efficiency using multiple AI agents.
- Meta invested $14.3 billion for a 49% stake in Scale AI to strengthen its AI initiatives.
- Muse Spark scored 52 on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index, ranking it among the top 5 models.
02
4 sources · 4 updates
Pentagon's Blacklisting of Anthropic Upheld
A U.S. appeals court has upheld the Pentagon's designation of Anthropic as a national security risk, marking the first public supply chain risk for a U.S. company. The blacklisting follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision after Anthropic refused to lift usage restrictions on its AI assistant, Claude. Despite a previous ruling in Anthropic's favor, the court acknowledged potential irreparable harm but prioritized national security concerns.
- Anthropic PBC is now prohibited from Department of Defense contracts but can still work with other agencies.
03
3 sources · 3 updates
Anthropic Launches Claude Managed Agents for Developers
Anthropic has introduced Claude Managed Agents in public beta, allowing developers to deploy autonomous AI agents without the need for extensive infrastructure management. Early adopters, including Notion and Rakuten, are already using the service for various enterprise tasks, which can run autonomously for hours and maintain results even during connection drops.
- The service costs $0.08 per session hour in addition to standard token rates.
- Claude Cowork has transitioned to enterprise-ready with six new features, including role-based access controls.
04
3 sources · 3 updates
Microsoft Account Lockout Halts WireGuard Updates
WireGuard's developer, Jason Donenfeld, has been locked out of his Microsoft account, preventing him from shipping critical software updates. This situation leaves users vulnerable to potential security threats, as no updates can be released until the account issue is resolved. The incident mirrors a previous account lockout affecting VeraCrypt, raising concerns about Microsoft's verification program's impact on open-source projects.
- Jason Donenfeld is unable to ship updates, risking user security if vulnerabilities arise.
- Other developers, including Windscribe, are experiencing similar account lockout issues.
05
2 sources · 2 updates
Amazon's Jassy Unveils Bold AI Investment and Challenges Rivals
In his recent shareholder letter, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy outlined a robust $200 billion investment plan for AI in 2026, emphasizing the company's commitment to aggressive growth in the sector. Jassy also highlighted the success of Amazon's custom chips, including Trainium and Graviton, which are driving significant revenue and market adoption among major clients.
- Amazon's AI revenue in its cloud segment has reached a $15 billion annual run rate.
- The custom chip business is generating over $20 billion in annual revenue, with demand for Trainium3 nearly sold out.
06
2 sources · 2 updates
OpenAI Restricts Access to Cybersecurity AI Model
OpenAI has announced that its new cybersecurity AI model will only be accessible to a select group of companies, following a similar move by Anthropic with its Mythos Preview model. This decision comes after OpenAI's previous pilot program, Trusted Access for Cyber, which provided $10 million in API credits to participants.
- OpenAI's cybersecurity AI model access is limited to select tech and security firms.
- Anthropic's Mythos Preview model has also restricted access due to its hacking capabilities.
07
2 sources · 2 updates
Spotify Allows Users to Disable Videos
Spotify has introduced a new feature that allows users to disable all videos in its app, enhancing the audio experience for both music and podcasts. This update is available to all users, including those on free and paid plans, and will roll out globally this month. Family Plan managers can now control video settings for all members, reflecting a growing demand for customizable user experiences.
- 60% of users under 13 had their video turned off by account managers.
- The video controls can be managed across mobile, desktop, web, and TV platforms.
08
1 sources · 5 updates
Samsung Announces Galaxy Z Fold 8 Launch Date
Samsung has confirmed that its highly anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 8 will be unveiled at the Unpacked event on July 22, 2026, in London. The event is expected to also feature the return of the S Pen, which was previously removed from the foldable lineup, and the potential announcement of the Galaxy Z Flip 8.
- The Unpacked event continues Samsung's global launch trend, following previous events in Korea, Paris, and New York.
- The S Pen's return marks a significant design change for the Galaxy Z Fold series.
09
2 sources · 2 updates
Gemini App Enhances Organization with New Notebooks Feature
Google's Gemini app has launched a new notebooks feature designed to help users organize their chats and files more effectively. This feature will initially be available to subscribers of Google’s AI Ultra, Pro, and Plus plans, with plans to roll out to mobile and free users in the coming weeks. Notebooks will integrate with Google’s NotebookLM AI research tool, allowing for improved workflow and enhanced responses.
- Notebooks will serve as personal knowledge bases across Google products, similar to ChatGPT’s Projects feature.
- Conversations in notebooks will sync with NotebookLM for enhanced responses.
10
2 sources · 2 updates
Amazon Cuts Support for Older Kindle Devices
Amazon has announced that support for 13 Kindle models released in 2012 and earlier will end on May 20, 2026. After this date, users will no longer be able to access the Kindle Store or download new content, although they can still read previously downloaded books on their devices.
- Affected devices include the original Kindle, Kindle DX, and Kindle Paperwhite.
- Amazon is offering limited discounts on new Kindle models to encourage users to upgrade.
11
1 sources · 2 updates
Google Introduces New Features for Pixel At a Glance
Google has unveiled two new location-based features for its Pixel At a Glance widget, enhancing user convenience and dining experiences. The 'Passes nearby' feature provides quick access to Google Wallet passes based on the user's location, while 'Restaurant insights' suggests menu items by leveraging Google Maps reviews tailored to nearby eateries.
- The 'Passes nearby' feature builds on existing Google Wallet notifications to improve accessibility.
12
1 sources · 1 updates
Google expands partnership with Intel for AI chips
Google has announced an expanded partnership with Intel, committing to use multiple generations of Intel processors in its AI data centers. This move marks a significant step in their long-standing relationship, which dates back nearly three decades, and positions Intel to better compete in the AI chip market, traditionally dominated by Nvidia.
- Google will utilize multiple generations of Intel Xeon 6 CPUs for AI workloads.
- Intel shares rose by 2% following the announcement, while Alphabet shares fell by 1%.
13
1 sources · 1 updates
Meta commits to spending additional $21 billion with CoreWeave as AI costs keep rising
Meta has announced a significant commitment of an additional $21 billion to AI cloud provider CoreWeave, building on a previous $14.2 billion agreement. This investment, which spans from 2027 to 2032, aims to enhance Meta's AI infrastructure while leveraging CoreWeave's capabilities, particularly its extensive use of Nvidia graphics chips, to meet the growing demand for AI resources.
- Meta's total commitment to CoreWeave now stands at $35.2 billion.
- CoreWeave's infrastructure supports major clients like Google and OpenAI.
14
1 sources · 1 updates
First, Tesla canceled the Model 2—now it's working on a new small EV
Tesla is reportedly working on a new smaller, affordable electric vehicle, following the cancellation of the Model 2. Sources indicate that this new model will be an all-new design measuring 168 inches long, significantly shorter than the existing Model 3 and Model Y. However, production may occur in China, which could complicate US sales due to tariffs, and the project has not yet been officially greenlit by CEO Elon Musk.
- The new EV is reported to be 168 inches long, shorter than the Model 3 and Model Y.
- Production is likely to occur in China, facing potential 100% tariffs for US imports.
15
1 sources · 1 updates
Apple Card’s transition to Chase: Here’s what’s not changing (and might be)
Apple Card is officially transitioning from Goldman Sachs to Chase over the next year or two, with Apple outlining what will remain unchanged for users. Key features, such as earning up to 3% Daily Cash back and having no fees, will continue, while uncertainties remain regarding potential changes to card numbers and the physical card itself.
- Apple Card users will continue to earn up to 3% Daily Cash on purchases.
- The transition will maintain no fees for users, including annual and late fees.
16
1 sources · 1 updates
Tesla is un-canceling its plan to build a smaller, cheaper EV: report
Tesla is reportedly reviving its plans to build a smaller, more affordable electric vehicle, potentially an SUV priced below $25,000. This marks a significant change for Elon Musk, who previously deemed such a model unnecessary while focusing on autonomous vehicle technology. The new vehicle is expected to be manufactured in China before being introduced in the US and European markets.
- Tesla is reportedly exploring a new electric SUV priced below $25,000.
- The vehicle is expected to be manufactured first in China before reaching the US and Europe.
17
1 sources · 1 updates
OpenAI halts UK stargate project amid regulatory and energy price concerns
OpenAI has halted its Stargate project in the UK, citing concerns over high energy costs and regulatory challenges. Originally announced in September 2025, the initiative aimed to deploy up to 8,000 GPUs in collaboration with Nvidia and Nscale. The company plans to revisit the project when conditions improve for long-term infrastructure investment.
- OpenAI's Stargate project aimed to deploy 8,000 GPUs but is now paused.
- The UK has some of the highest industrial energy prices in the world.
18
1 sources · 1 updates
This founder helped build SpaceX’s most powerful rocket engine. Now he’s building a ‘fighter jet for orbit’
Jeff Thornburg, a key figure in developing SpaceX's Raptor engine, is now leading Portal Space Systems, which has secured $50 million in Series A funding to advance solar thermal propulsion technology. This innovative approach, which concentrates solar energy to heat propellant, aims to enhance spacecraft speed and maneuverability, addressing the growing demands of both military and commercial space operations.
- Portal Space Systems raised $50 million in Series A funding, valuing the company at $250 million.
- The company is developing solar thermal propulsion, a technology previously studied by NASA since the 1960s.
19
1 sources · 1 updates
Ex-Apple engineers create an AI button that looks like an iPod Shuffle – but can’t explain why
Chris Nolet and Ryan Burgoyne, ex-Apple engineers, have developed an AI device called Button, which looks like an iPod Shuffle and features a generative AI chatbot. While it aims to solve privacy issues associated with always-on devices, the creators have not clarified why this hardware is necessary when similar functions could be achieved through apps.
- The device, called Button, features a generative AI chatbot activated by pressing it.
- Chris Nolet and Ryan Burgoyne, former Apple engineers, designed the Button to address privacy concerns.
20
1 sources · 1 updates
Volkswagen begins testing its self-driving microbuses in Los Angeles ahead of launch with Uber
Volkswagen's MOIA America and Uber have commenced testing autonomous microbuses in Los Angeles, marking a significant step toward their planned robotaxi service set to launch by late 2026. The initial testing phase will involve around 10 electric ID. Buzz vehicles, which are designed to accommodate four passengers, with plans to scale the fleet to over 100 units in the future.
- Testing will begin with about 10 autonomous ID. Buzz vehicles in Los Angeles.
- The robotaxi service aims for a commercial launch by late 2026.

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The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

Meta Unveils Muse Spark AI Model

Pentagon's Blacklisting of Anthropic Upheld

Anthropic Launches Claude Managed Agents for Developers

Microsoft Account Lockout Halts WireGuard Updates

Amazon's Jassy Unveils Bold AI Investment and Challenges Rivals

OpenAI Restricts Access to Cybersecurity AI Model

Spotify Allows Users to Disable Videos

Samsung Announces Galaxy Z Fold 8 Launch Date

Gemini App Enhances Organization with New Notebooks Feature

Amazon Cuts Support for Older Kindle Devices

Google Introduces New Features for Pixel At a Glance

Google expands partnership with Intel for AI chips

Meta commits to spending additional $21 billion with CoreWeave as AI costs keep rising

First, Tesla canceled the Model 2—now it's working on a new small EV

Apple Card’s transition to Chase: Here’s what’s not changing (and might be)

Tesla is un-canceling its plan to build a smaller, cheaper EV: report

OpenAI halts UK stargate project amid regulatory and energy price concerns

This founder helped build SpaceX’s most powerful rocket engine. Now he’s building a ‘fighter jet for orbit’

Ex-Apple engineers create an AI button that looks like an iPod Shuffle – but can’t explain why

Volkswagen begins testing its self-driving microbuses in Los Angeles ahead of launch with Uber

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