Tech News — Apr 13, 2026

Tech News — Apr 13, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

What connected the day

13 topics

01
3 sources · 4 updates
U.S. Blockade of Strait of Hormuz Triggers Global Food and Oil Crisis
The U.S. has initiated a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, significantly impacting global oil and fertilizer supplies amid rising tensions with Iran. Crude oil prices surged by 7%, exceeding $100 per barrel, while fertilizer prices in the U.S. have spiked by 30% to 40% in just four weeks, raising concerns about a potential food crisis for farmers.
- The blockade affects all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, as confirmed by U.S. Central Command.
- Approximately 25% of U.S. farmers are currently facing unexpected fertilizer costs due to the blockade.
02
3 sources · 3 updates
OpenAI Strengthens Amazon Alliance Amid Microsoft Constraints
OpenAI is shifting its focus towards a strategic partnership with Amazon, which includes a planned investment of up to $50 billion to enhance its enterprise offerings. This move comes as the company faces limitations from its existing partnership with Microsoft, which restricts its ability to serve clients on competing cloud platforms. OpenAI's enterprise segment now accounts for 40% of its revenue, reflecting a growing demand for integrated AI solutions.
- OpenAI's chief revenue officer, Denise Dresser, emphasized the need for multi-product adoption to improve user retention.
- The company plans to leverage its partnership with Amazon to expand its market share in the enterprise sector.
03
2 sources · 2 updates
Slate Auto Secures $650 Million for Affordable Electric Truck
Slate Auto has successfully raised $650 million in a Series C funding round to develop its budget electric pickup truck, the Slate Truck. With over 160,000 refundable reservations already in place, the company plans to start preorders in June 2026 and expects to create more than 2,000 jobs at its new factory in Warsaw, Indiana.
- The funding round was led by TWG Global, with backing from investors including Jeff Bezos' family office.
- Slate Auto has raised a total of approximately $1.4 billion to date for its electric vehicle initiatives.
04
2 sources · 2 updates
Huawei Unveils Pura X Max Foldable Phone
Huawei has launched the Pura X Max, a new foldable smartphone featuring a wide 16:11 inner display aspect ratio designed to enhance video viewing experiences. The device is set to officially release on April 20, 2026, and will be available in multiple configurations, including options for 12GB RAM/256GB storage and 16GB RAM/1TB storage.
- The Pura X Max will be available in four colors: Interstellar Blue, Vibrant Orange, white, and black.
- The design of the Pura X Max resembles early leaks of Apple's rumored foldable iPhone.
05
2 sources · 2 updates
OpenAI opens new London office for 500+ staff
OpenAI has officially opened its first permanent office in London, which can accommodate over 500 employees. This new location in King's Cross marks a significant expansion from its current workforce of around 200 in the city, as the company aims to establish London as its largest research hub outside the United States. The move comes after OpenAI paused its UK Stargate infrastructure project due to rising energy costs.
- The new office spans approximately 8,200 square meters or 88,500 square feet.
- OpenAI's plans for London include making it its largest research hub outside the U.S.
06
2 sources · 2 updates
Apple's Smart Glasses Focus on AI
Apple is developing innovative smart glasses, codenamed N50, which will operate without a display and emphasize AI functionality. Set for announcement in late 2026 or early 2027, these glasses will integrate with AirPods and a camera pendant to enhance Siri's capabilities.
- Apple is testing four designs for the smart glasses, including various frame shapes and colors like black and ocean blue.
- The glasses will feature functionalities such as photo capture, answering calls, and music playback.
07
1 sources · 1 updates
Microsoft is testing OpenClaw-like AI bots for 365 Copilot
Microsoft is testing new AI capabilities for its 365 Copilot, aiming to create an always-on assistant that autonomously completes tasks for users. The initiative, inspired by OpenClaw technology, seeks to enhance productivity by monitoring user activities and providing tailored suggestions. Omar Shahine, a corporate vice president at Microsoft, confirmed the exploration of these features, which may include specialized agents for roles like marketing and sales.
- Microsoft aims to make 365 Copilot an always-on assistant for users.
- The company is exploring safer implementations of OpenClaw-like technology.
08
1 sources · 1 updates
Google now offers Ultra subscribers video generation with Veo 3.1 Lite at no extra credit cost
Google has introduced a new video generation option, Veo 3.1 Lite, for its Ultra subscribers, allowing them to create videos without using additional credits. This model is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to the existing Veo 3.1 Fast, offering similar speed at a significantly lower price. Starting May 10, 2026, the Veo 3.1 Fast - Lower Priority will be replaced by the Lite version, providing users with more flexibility in their video projects.
- The new Veo 3.1 Lite model is available at no extra credit cost.
- Veo 3.1 Lite is priced at less than half of the existing Veo 3.1 Fast model.
09
1 sources · 1 updates
Meta spins up AI version of Mark Zuckerberg to engage with employees
Meta is developing an AI version of Mark Zuckerberg to engage with employees, reflecting a strategic shift towards AI integration. The initiative involves creating photorealistic, interactive characters trained on Zuckerberg's mannerisms and recent thoughts, aiming to enhance employee connection with the company's founder. This effort aligns with Zuckerberg's hands-on approach to AI, as he spends significant time coding and reviewing projects while the company pushes to innovate in the AI space.
- Meta's AI Zuckerberg character is being trained on his mannerisms and recent thoughts.
- Zuckerberg has dedicated 5 to 10 hours weekly to coding and reviewing AI projects.
10
1 sources · 1 updates
Google Meet on Android Auto starts rolling out, doesn’t support work accounts
Google Meet has begun its rollout on Android Auto, allowing users to check their schedules and join calls directly from their car's display. However, a significant limitation is that the app does not support work accounts, which may hinder its utility for many users who rely on the platform for professional meetings. The experience is designed to minimize distractions, as video is turned off during calls and the interface is simplified.
- Google Meet on Android Auto does not support work accounts.
- The app allows users to check schedules and join calls directly from their car.
11
1 sources · 1 updates
Investors’ Concerns Hurt Microsoft (MSFT) in Q1
In the first quarter of 2026, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) experienced stock pressure as investors expressed concerns over the escalating costs associated with its AI infrastructure investments. The company's Azure segment reported a 39% year-over-year revenue growth, which fell short of expectations, leading to a sell-off after its earnings report. Despite these challenges, Microsoft is viewed as well-positioned for long-term growth due to its robust financial health and diversified revenue streams.
- Microsoft's stock fell 7.27% in the past month, closing at $370.87.
- Azure revenue growth of 39% year-over-year was below investor expectations.
12
1 sources · 1 updates
A renewed 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is a steal at just $110 right now on Amazon
The Google Pixel Watch 3, now available in a renewed condition for just $110 on Amazon, offers a significant discount compared to its regular price of $220. This model features a larger 45mm display, enhancing user experience with more information and notifications. With only two units left in stock, buyers are encouraged to act quickly to secure this deal, which also includes a 90-day guarantee for satisfaction.
- The renewed 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is priced at $110, down from $220.
- This model features a larger display and improved functionality over previous versions.
13
1 sources · 1 updates
Trump officials may be encouraging banks to test Anthropic’s Mythos model
Trump administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, have encouraged major banks to test Anthropic's new AI model, Mythos, for identifying security vulnerabilities. While JPMorgan Chase is the sole initial partner with access, other banks like Goldman Sachs and Citigroup are also reportedly evaluating the model, which Anthropic has limited access to due to its effectiveness in finding vulnerabilities. This development comes amid ongoing legal disputes between Anthropic and the Trump administration over the company's AI model usage restrictions.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell are leading the initiative.
- JPMorgan Chase is the only initial partner with access to Mythos, while other major banks are testing it.

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The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

U.S. Blockade of Strait of Hormuz Triggers Global Food and Oil Crisis

OpenAI Strengthens Amazon Alliance Amid Microsoft Constraints

Slate Auto Secures $650 Million for Affordable Electric Truck

Huawei Unveils Pura X Max Foldable Phone

OpenAI opens new London office for 500+ staff

Apple's Smart Glasses Focus on AI

Microsoft is testing OpenClaw-like AI bots for 365 Copilot

Google now offers Ultra subscribers video generation with Veo 3.1 Lite at no extra credit cost

Meta spins up AI version of Mark Zuckerberg to engage with employees

Google Meet on Android Auto starts rolling out, doesn’t support work accounts

Investors’ Concerns Hurt Microsoft (MSFT) in Q1

A renewed 45mm Pixel Watch 3 is a steal at just $110 right now on Amazon

Trump officials may be encouraging banks to test Anthropic’s Mythos model

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Slate raises $650 million to make its budget electric truck

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Microsoft is testing OpenClaw-like AI bots for 365 Copilot

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Gas prices 'likely to jump again' as oil surges back above $100

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Judge dismisses Trump defamation lawsuit against Murdoch, WSJ about Epstein letter

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Meta spins up AI version of Mark Zuckerberg to engage with employees

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Read Openai’s latest internal memo about beating the competition — including Anthropic