Tech News — Apr 15, 2026

Tech News — Apr 15, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

What connected the day

18 topics

01
3 sources · 4 updates
Anthropic's Mythos Model Gains International Acclaim
Anthropic's AI model, Mythos, is being recognized as a significant advancement in cybersecurity, with praise from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Canada's AI Minister Evan Solomon. Bessent emphasized that American AI technology is currently three to six months ahead of China's, while Solomon lauded the selective testing approach for Mythos, which aims to identify software vulnerabilities.
- Mythos is being released to a limited number of companies for testing before a broader rollout.
- JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs are among the major banks encouraged by Trump officials to test the Mythos model.
02
3 sources · 3 updates
Google Launches AI Skills Feature in Chrome
Google has introduced a new feature called Skills for its Chrome browser, allowing users to save and reuse AI prompts seamlessly. This feature, designed to enhance productivity, enables users to access frequently used prompts with a simple command and is available across all signed-in devices. A dedicated Skills Library will also provide pre-built prompts for various tasks, making it easier for users to streamline their workflows.
- The Skills feature is accessible by typing a forward slash (/) or clicking a plus sign (+).
- Skills will roll out to all Chrome users with US English settings starting today.
03
2 sources · 2 updates
DeepMind Unveils Gemini 3.1 Flash TTS with Enhanced AI Speech Capabilities
DeepMind has launched the Gemini 3.1 Flash TTS, a new AI speech model that significantly improves expressiveness and control over vocal output. The model supports over 70 languages and introduces audio tags that allow developers to customize speech characteristics, enhancing creative precision in applications. Additionally, all generated audio is watermarked with SynthID to help identify AI-generated content and combat misinformation.
- Gemini 3.1 Flash TTS achieved an Elo score of 1,211 on the Artificial Analysis TTS leaderboard.
04
2 sources · 2 updates
Adobe Firefly AI Assistant Launches Soon
Adobe has announced the upcoming launch of its Firefly AI Assistant, designed to enhance workflows within its Creative Cloud applications. Set to enter public beta in the coming weeks, the assistant will automate multi-step tasks and learn user preferences over time for more tailored results.
- Firefly AI Assistant will allow users to control outputs using text prompts, buttons, and sliders.
- Adobe is collaborating with Anthropic to integrate Firefly with Claude, a third-party large language model.
05
2 sources · 2 updates
Netflix's Apple TV App Redesign Sparks User Backlash
Netflix has introduced a custom video player for its Apple TV app, replacing the native tvOS player, which has led to significant user frustration. Many subscribers are reporting difficulties with basic functions, such as rewinding, which now requires multiple clicks, and some have even canceled their subscriptions in response to the changes. This redesign coincides with Netflix's recent price increase, further aggravating its user base.
- Users must now click twice to rewind by 10 seconds, disrupting the viewing experience.
- The redesign comes alongside a price increase for Netflix subscriptions.
06
2 sources · 2 updates
Apple Unveils iPhone Ultra with Foldable Design
Apple is set to launch its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Ultra, this fall, featuring a unique book-style design and a crease-free display. The device will be powered by the new A20 Pro chip and will include two rear cameras and two front-facing cameras, starting at a price of $1,999 for the 256GB model.
- The iPhone Ultra will utilize Touch ID integrated into the power button instead of Face ID.
- Amazon is acquiring Globalstar for approximately $11.6 billion to enhance its satellite capabilities for Apple devices.
07
2 sources · 2 updates
OpenAI's European Stargate Plans Dwindle
OpenAI has significantly reduced its data center plans in Europe, cutting its projected investment from $1.4 trillion to $600 billion by 2030. This shift comes as Microsoft secures key resources, including leasing 30,000 Nvidia Vera Rubin chips at the Narvik facility, originally intended for OpenAI's Stargate initiative. Additionally, Google is set to take over the London Nscale data center, further impacting OpenAI's infrastructure strategy.
- Microsoft has expanded its presence in Narvik, Norway, following a previous $6.2 billion investment at the same site.
- Google is poised to take control of the London Nscale data center, which affects OpenAI's operational capabilities in Europe.
08
2 sources · 2 updates
Meta Expands AI Chip Partnership with Broadcom
Meta Platforms Inc. has announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Broadcom Inc. to develop custom chips specifically for artificial intelligence applications. This collaboration includes an initial deployment of 1 gigawatt of AI chips, with plans to scale up to multiple gigawatts by 2027. Additionally, Hock Tan, CEO of Broadcom, will step down from Meta's board after two years of service.
- Meta's MTIA chips will utilize a 2 nanometer process, representing a major technological advancement.
09
2 sources · 2 updates
OpenAI Introduces New Cybersecurity Model
OpenAI has launched the GPT-5.4-Cyber model, aimed at enhancing defensive cybersecurity capabilities for a select group of vetted professionals. This release comes shortly after Anthropic unveiled its own AI tool, Mythos, highlighting the competitive landscape in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions.
- Access to GPT-5.4-Cyber is restricted to users in the Trusted Access for Cyber program.
- The model improves capabilities for binary reverse engineering and malware analysis.
10
2 sources · 2 updates
Google Chrome launches AI Skills feature
Google has introduced a new feature in Chrome called Skills, allowing users to save and reuse AI prompts for enhanced productivity. This feature is currently available to US English users and enables quick access to saved prompts through simple commands in the Gemini interface. Additionally, a library of preset Skills will be offered for users to customize for various tasks.
- Users can access Skills by typing a forward slash (/) or plus sign (+) in Gemini, streamlining multi-tab functionality.
- Early testers have created Skills for tasks such as calculating nutritional information and comparing product specifications.
11
1 sources · 1 updates
Anthropic prepares Opus 4.7 and AI design tool, VCs offer up to 800 billion dollars
Anthropic is preparing to launch Claude Opus 4.7 and a new AI design tool for creating websites and presentations, with both products expected to debut this week. This announcement has led to a decline in shares for competitors like Adobe and Figma, while Anthropic's valuation has soared to $800 billion, reflecting its rapid revenue growth.
- Anthropic's valuation has surged to $800 billion, more than double its February figure.
- The new AI design tool allows users to create content using natural language, targeting Adobe and Figma.
12
1 sources · 1 updates
Microsoft faces fresh Windows Recall security concerns
Microsoft's AI-powered Recall feature, designed to enhance user experience by capturing screenshots and other data, is under renewed scrutiny following the release of TotalRecall Reloaded by cybersecurity researcher Alexander Hagenah. This tool reveals vulnerabilities in Recall's security architecture, which was redesigned after previous criticisms labeled it a 'privacy nightmare.' Despite Microsoft's assurances of robust protections, Hagenah argues that the system's trust boundaries are insufficient, allowing unauthorized data extraction.
- Cybersecurity expert Alexander Hagenah developed TotalRecall Reloaded, revealing flaws in Recall's security.
- Recall captures sensitive data, including emails and browsing history, raising privacy concerns.
13
1 sources · 1 updates
Netflix to refocus on ads, content after failed Warner Bros bid
Netflix is shifting its focus towards enhancing content spending and growing its advertising business following its unsuccessful bid for Warner Bros Discovery, which would have provided access to major franchises like 'Game of Thrones.' As the company prepares for its quarterly earnings report, it is expected to show a significant revenue increase while facing intensified competition from a merged Warner Bros and Paramount Skydance.
- Netflix anticipates a 15.5% revenue increase to $12.18 billion in Q1.
- The company raised U.S. subscription prices in March, impacting user tiers.
14
1 sources · 1 updates
Microsoft Copilot in Word can now track changes and manage comments
Microsoft has rolled out new features for Copilot in Word, specifically designed for professionals in legal, finance, and compliance fields. The enhancements allow users to track changes at the word level, manage comments directly within the text, and utilize dynamic fields for tables of contents, headers, and footers. Currently, these features are accessible only on Windows desktop through the Office Insiders Beta Channel, with plans for web and Mac support in the future.
- The new features are currently available only on Windows desktop through the Office Insiders Beta Channel.
- Copilot's updates allow real-time tracking of changes and comment management directly in the text.
15
1 sources · 1 updates
Samsung SDS shares jump 20% on KKR partnership and $820 million bond purchase
Samsung SDS shares jumped as much as 21.3% after KKR announced an investment of $820 million in newly issued convertible bonds. This partnership is aimed at bolstering Samsung SDS's capabilities in AI infrastructure and facilitating its global expansion, with KKR also providing strategic advisory on mergers and acquisitions.
- KKR's investment involves purchasing $820 million in convertible bonds.
- Samsung SDS aims to enhance its AI infrastructure and global expansion efforts.
16
1 sources · 1 updates
NAACP sues Elon Musk's xAI over Memphis data center air pollution
The NAACP has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's xAI, claiming the company violated the Clean Air Act by operating 27 natural gas-burning turbines in Memphis and Southaven without the required permits. The suit highlights health risks posed by emissions from these turbines, which have sparked protests for over a year, and seeks to compel xAI to cease operations until it complies with environmental regulations.
- The NAACP alleges xAI operated 27 gas turbines without necessary permits.
- xAI's Colossus data centers in Memphis are central to its AI infrastructure.
17
1 sources · 1 updates
Amazon to Buy Globalstar for $11.6 Billion | Bloomberg Tech 4/14/2026
Amazon has announced its intention to acquire Globalstar, a satellite operator, for $11.6 billion. This strategic move is expected to bolster Amazon's capabilities in satellite communications, potentially enhancing its service offerings in various sectors, including logistics and cloud computing.
- The acquisition is valued at $11.6 billion.
- This move expands Amazon's capabilities in satellite communications.
18
1 sources · 1 updates
Nvidia stock is on a 10-day winning streak and up 18% over that stretch
Nvidia's stock has surged 18% over the past ten days, marking its longest winning streak since 2023. The rise comes amid explosive demand for AI technology, with CEO Jensen Huang revealing that the company has secured over $1 trillion in GPU orders through 2027. Additionally, Nvidia denied rumors of pursuing acquisitions of major PC companies like Dell and HP, while its data center revenue has skyrocketed, now accounting for 88% of its business.
- Nvidia has over $1 trillion in GPU orders through 2027.
- The company denied acquisition rumors involving Dell or HP.

The archive

What moved

DeepMind Blog

Gemini 3.1 Flash TTS: the next generation of expressive AI speech

Gemini 3.1 Flash TTS enhances AI speech capabilities.

Read source

The Verge

Allbirds announced a switch from shoes to AI and its stock jumped 600 percent

Allbirds pivots from footwear to AI services.

Read source

The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

Anthropic's Mythos Model Gains International Acclaim

Google Launches AI Skills Feature in Chrome

DeepMind Unveils Gemini 3.1 Flash TTS with Enhanced AI Speech Capabilities

Adobe Firefly AI Assistant Launches Soon

Netflix's Apple TV App Redesign Sparks User Backlash

Apple Unveils iPhone Ultra with Foldable Design

OpenAI's European Stargate Plans Dwindle

Meta Expands AI Chip Partnership with Broadcom

OpenAI Introduces New Cybersecurity Model

Google Chrome launches AI Skills feature

Anthropic prepares Opus 4.7 and AI design tool, VCs offer up to 800 billion dollars

Microsoft faces fresh Windows Recall security concerns

Netflix to refocus on ads, content after failed Warner Bros bid

Microsoft Copilot in Word can now track changes and manage comments

Samsung SDS shares jump 20% on KKR partnership and $820 million bond purchase

NAACP sues Elon Musk's xAI over Memphis data center air pollution

Amazon to Buy Globalstar for $11.6 Billion | Bloomberg Tech 4/14/2026

Nvidia stock is on a 10-day winning streak and up 18% over that stretch

What moved

Gemini 3.1 Flash TTS: the next generation of expressive AI speech

Allbirds announced a switch from shoes to AI and its stock jumped 600 percent

You've seen the record. See the live version.

Final Agenda for 2nd Princeton CorpGov Forum: Endowments, Activism and Entertainment

You've seen the record. See the live version.

Motorola sues social platforms and creators over posts, raising speech concerns in India

Airwallex is about to take on Stripe and the rest of the payments industry — in the physical world

Citi Upgrades US Stocks to Overweight on AI, Tech

Struggling shoe retailer Allbirds makes bizarre pivot from shoes to AI, stock explodes more than 300%

Barclays Raises its Price Target on Vertiv Holdings (VRT)

Anthropic prepares Opus 4.7 and AI design tool, VCs offer up to 800 billion dollars

Adobe’s new Firefly AI assistant can use Creative Cloud apps to complete tasks

Adobe embraces conversational AI editing, marking a ‘fundamental shift’ in creative work

Claude beat human researchers on an alignment task, and then the results vanished in production

Allbirds Is Pivoting to AI Compute. Sure, Why Not

Starbucks launches beta app in ChatGPT to fuel new drink discovery

Why are workers so worried about AI? Listen to how business leaders talk about it

Chip giants AMD, Qualcomm and Arm back driverless car startup Wayve with fresh funds

Trump threatens to fire Powell if the Fed chair doesn't leave office on his own

Microsoft faces fresh Windows Recall security concerns

Google launches Gemini Mac app, here’s what it offers

Galaxy devices ditch some image data using AirDrop over Quick Share, fix coming

Human input needed: take our survey on AI agents

Arthur Blank was fired from his first job. When he launched The Home Depot at 36, customers said 'these guys are nuts'

Nothing Warp is an AirDrop stopgap that uses your Google Drive, and I don’t get it [Gallery]

OpenAI's European Stargate plans shrink as Microsoft and Google take over capacity