Tech News — May 7, 2026

Tech News — May 7, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

What connected the day

20 topics

01
5 sources · 11 updates
Courtroom Showdown Between Musk and OpenAI Intensifies
Elon Musk and OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman are currently engaged in a contentious legal battle over control of AI technology, sparked by Musk's 2018 proposal to merge OpenAI with Tesla. Key testimony from Shivon Zilis revealed that Musk offered Altman a board seat at Tesla, while Musk's lawsuit alleges that OpenAI deviated from its original nonprofit mission after his departure.
- Musk dropped fraud claims against OpenAI during the trial.
- Prediction markets have seen Musk's odds of winning the lawsuit drop from 60% to 34% following his testimony.
02
5 sources · 9 updates
Google Launches Affordable Screenless Fitbit Air
Google has introduced the Fitbit Air, a screenless fitness tracker priced at $99, designed for all-day health monitoring. The device features 24/7 heart rate monitoring, a 7-day battery life, and is 25% smaller than the previous Fitbit Luxe model. Users can also take advantage of a $10 monthly subscription for additional health insights through the new Google Health app.
- The Fitbit Air includes advanced sensors for heart rate and oxygen saturation monitoring.
03
4 sources · 4 updates
Anthropic Enhances Claude AI with New Features and Partnerships
Anthropic has rolled out significant updates to its Claude AI, introducing three new features for Claude Managed Agents: 'dreaming,' 'outcomes,' and multiagent orchestration. The 'dreaming' feature allows agents to autonomously improve by analyzing past interactions, while the multiagent orchestration tool enhances workflow efficiency by enabling a lead agent to delegate tasks to specialized subagents.
- Anthropic has partnered with SpaceX to access 220,000 NVIDIA GPUs from the Colossus-1 data center, significantly boosting its AI capabilities.
- The new agreement with SpaceX will double usage limits for Claude Code and eliminate peak-time throttling for Pro and Max accounts.
04
4 sources · 4 updates
DeepMind Partners with EVE Online Developer for AI Research
Google DeepMind has acquired a minority stake in CCP Games, the studio behind the popular game EVE Online, to advance its AI research initiatives. This partnership will leverage an offline version of EVE Online to explore AI capabilities in long-term planning and dynamic systems. Additionally, CCP Games is repurchasing itself from Pearl Abyss for $120 million, significantly lower than its previous valuation of $225 million.
- DeepMind's investment in CCP Games aims to enhance AI model testing within the game's complex environment.
- The initial research will take place in controlled, offline versions of EVE Online.
05
3 sources · 4 updates
Samsung Achieves $1 Trillion Valuation Amid AI Chip Demand
Samsung Electronics has reached a significant milestone, surpassing a market valuation of $1 trillion driven by a surge in demand for its AI chips. This achievement follows a remarkable 15% increase in its stock price, reflecting strong financial performance and investor confidence.
- Samsung's first-quarter operating profit soared to 57.2 trillion won, exceeding its full-year 2025 profit forecast.
- The company's stock has more than quadrupled in the past year, making it the second Asian company to achieve a $1 trillion valuation after TSMC.
06
3 sources · 4 updates
Apple Settles Siri Lawsuit for $250 Million
Apple has agreed to a $250 million settlement over a class action lawsuit concerning misleading claims about Siri's AI capabilities. The lawsuit alleged that Apple misrepresented the features of Siri, particularly ahead of the iPhone 16 launch, affecting customer purchasing decisions. Eligible U.S. customers who purchased specific iPhone models between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025 may receive payouts ranging from $25 to $95 per device.
- Claims must be filed within 90 days after Apple notifies customers, expected by August 7, 2026.
- The lawsuit claimed Apple exaggerated Siri's AI capabilities, influencing customer purchases.
07
3 sources · 4 updates
Apple Expands AI Service Choices for Users
Apple is set to enhance its software capabilities by allowing users to select from various external AI models, including those from Google and Anthropic, in its upcoming iOS 27. This move aims to transform Siri and other applications into a more comprehensive AI platform, integrating third-party services for a personalized user experience.
- The new feature, called 'Extensions', will also be available on iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 this fall.
- Users can set a compatible AI app as their preferred model through the Settings app.
08
2 sources · 2 updates
Spotify Integrates AI for Personalized Podcast Creation
Spotify has launched a new feature that allows users to create personalized podcasts using AI agents like OpenClaw and Claude. This integration enables users to incorporate calendar events and other personalized data into their audio content, which can be saved directly to their Spotify libraries.
- The Save to Spotify CLI tool allows AI agents to save audio summaries directly to Spotify.
- Users can prompt their AI to generate content and add 'and save to Spotify' for seamless integration.
09
2 sources · 2 updates
Musk's Texas chip factory could reach $119 billion
Elon Musk's ambitious Terafab chip factory project in Texas is projected to cost up to $119 billion for its full buildout. The initial phase, estimated at $55 billion, aims to produce chips for Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, with Intel collaborating on the project to enhance semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
- A public hearing for property tax abatements related to the project is scheduled for June 3 in Grimes County.
- Musk's strategy for the Terafab project spans 15 years, focusing on supply chain control for his companies.
10
2 sources · 2 updates
Microsoft Rethinks Clean Energy Goals Amid AI Data Center Expansion
Microsoft is reconsidering its commitment to match 100% of its hourly energy use with clean power by 2030, as the rapid expansion of its AI data centers raises questions about feasibility. The company is also collaborating with Chevron to develop a 5 gigawatt natural gas power plant in Texas, indicating a potential shift in its energy strategy.
- Microsoft’s AI data center push is colliding with its clean power goals. Microsoft's clean energy goals face challenges from AI data center expansion.
11
2 sources · 2 updates
Anthropic Partners with SpaceXAI for Supercomputing Power
Anthropic has entered a partnership with SpaceXAI to leverage its Colossus 1 supercomputer, gaining access to over 300 megawatts of computing power. This collaboration is particularly significant as SpaceXAI prepares for a public offering next month, enhancing its credibility in the competitive AI landscape.
- Anthropic has previously committed $200 billion to Google’s AI cloud services and $100 billion to Amazon over ten years.
- The partnership aims to improve service capacity for Anthropic's Claude Pro and Claude Max subscribers.
12
2 sources · 2 updates
Deepseek Approaches $45 Billion Valuation Amid Major Funding Round
Deepseek is on the verge of a staggering $45 billion valuation, a significant leap from its previous $20 billion mark, as it engages in a funding round primarily led by China's Big Fund, known for its investments in semiconductor firms. The company's AI models are specifically optimized for Huawei Technologies chips, enhancing China's capabilities in artificial intelligence.
- Deepseek nears $45 billion valuation as China's state chip fund leads round. Deepseek's valuation skyrockets amid significant funding talks.
13
2 sources · 2 updates
Uber Integrates OpenAI for Smarter Ride-Hailing
Uber has announced the integration of OpenAI technology to enhance its ride-hailing services, processing 40 million trips per day across 15,000 cities. The new Uber Assistant will provide drivers with real-time insights to optimize their earnings, while voice features are being introduced to streamline ride requests and improve accessibility for users.
- The Uber Assistant aims to improve decision-making for drivers by offering actionable insights.
14
1 sources · 1 updates
Netflix has its own, impressive AI-powered voice search
Netflix has begun testing an AI-powered voice search feature that allows select subscribers to find movies and TV shows using natural language prompts. By pressing the Netflix button on their remote, users can access tailored viewing suggestions, showcasing Netflix's effort to enhance user experience while circumventing traditional voice assistants integrated into smart TVs.
- The new feature is currently in beta testing with select U.S. subscribers.
- Voice search allows for natural language prompts and offers tailored viewing suggestions.
15
1 sources · 1 updates
Samsung’s flagship laptop is a MacBook Pro clone gone horribly wrong
Samsung's Galaxy Book6 Ultra aims to be a premium Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro, boasting an attractive design and a vibrant OLED display. However, it disappoints with a poor keyboard and webcam, and at a price point of $3,800, it struggles to justify its cost against competitors, particularly the MacBook Pro, which offers better performance for less.
- The Galaxy Book6 Ultra is priced at $3,800, nearly matching a MacBook Pro.
- It features a 16-inch OLED display but suffers from a poor keyboard and webcam.
16
1 sources · 1 updates
Meta AI is analyzing teen faces but a 12yo kid with a fake mustache fooled it [U]
Meta is rolling out AI technology to analyze the faces of teenage users on Facebook and Instagram as part of its compliance with age verification regulations in various regions. The AI aims to estimate users' ages based on visual cues rather than facial recognition, but a recent incident revealed its shortcomings when a 12-year-old managed to trick the system with a fake mustache. This development highlights the ongoing challenges social media companies face in effectively managing underage users.
- A 12-year-old successfully deceived Meta's AI by using a fake mustache.
- Meta's AI analyzes visual cues like height and bone structure to estimate age.
17
1 sources · 1 updates
Amazon Cuts Workers, Phases Out Grocery Service in Singapore
Amazon.com Inc. is discontinuing its grocery service, including Amazon Fresh, in Singapore, impacting a small number of roles. The company aims to shift its focus toward international e-commerce, responding to the growing demand in Singapore for products sourced from abroad.
- Amazon will cut a small number of roles as it ends local fulfillment.
- The shift focuses on increasing demand for overseas products in Singapore.
18
1 sources · 2 updates
Uber's Positive Outlook Amid Global Tensions
Uber has reported a stronger-than-expected forecast, projecting total gross bookings between $56.25 billion and $57.75 billion for Q2 2026. The company's CFO, Balaji Krishnamurthy, noted that robust demand from US commuters will help mitigate the effects of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
- Analysts had anticipated gross bookings of $56.23 billion, highlighting Uber's better performance.
- Balaji Krishnamurthy emphasized that US demand is crucial in offsetting geopolitical impacts, particularly from the Middle East.
19
1 sources · 1 updates
Is xAI a neocloud now?
xAI has entered a significant partnership with Anthropic, which involves the latter purchasing 300MW of compute capacity from xAI's Colossus 1 data center. This move not only monetizes xAI's infrastructure but also marks a strategic shift for the company, as it transitions from a consumer of compute to a provider, potentially worth billions and aiding its IPO ambitions.
- Anthropic has acquired 300MW of compute capacity from xAI's Colossus 1 data center.
- This partnership is likely worth billions for xAI as it prepares for an IPO.
20
1 sources · 1 updates
SpaceX is starting to move on from the world's most successful rocket
SpaceX is beginning to transition away from its Falcon 9 rocket, which has been the backbone of its launch operations, as it prepares for the larger Starship rocket. While Falcon 9 launches are decreasing, with plans for around 140 launches in 2026 compared to 165 last year, the rocket will remain in service at least until the International Space Station's anticipated retirement around 2032.
- SpaceX plans approximately 140 Falcon 9 launches in 2026, down from 165 in 2025.
- Falcon 9 will remain operational at least until 2032, coinciding with the ISS's extended life.

The archive

What moved

Bloomberg Technology

Arm CEO Sees AI Demand While Smartphone Business Slumps

Arm's AI growth offsets smartphone decline.

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Bloomberg Technology

MNTN CEO: TV Remains Dominant Medium as Streaming Grows

MNTN CEO defends TV's relevance amid streaming growth.

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The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

Courtroom Showdown Between Musk and OpenAI Intensifies

Google Launches Affordable Screenless Fitbit Air

Anthropic Enhances Claude AI with New Features and Partnerships

DeepMind Partners with EVE Online Developer for AI Research

Samsung Achieves $1 Trillion Valuation Amid AI Chip Demand

Apple Settles Siri Lawsuit for $250 Million

Apple Expands AI Service Choices for Users

Spotify Integrates AI for Personalized Podcast Creation

Musk's Texas chip factory could reach $119 billion

Microsoft Rethinks Clean Energy Goals Amid AI Data Center Expansion

Anthropic Partners with SpaceXAI for Supercomputing Power

Deepseek Approaches $45 Billion Valuation Amid Major Funding Round

Uber Integrates OpenAI for Smarter Ride-Hailing

Netflix has its own, impressive AI-powered voice search

Samsung’s flagship laptop is a MacBook Pro clone gone horribly wrong

Meta AI is analyzing teen faces but a 12yo kid with a fake mustache fooled it [U]

Amazon Cuts Workers, Phases Out Grocery Service in Singapore

Uber's Positive Outlook Amid Global Tensions

Is xAI a neocloud now?

SpaceX is starting to move on from the world's most successful rocket

What moved

Arm CEO Sees AI Demand While Smartphone Business Slumps

MNTN CEO: TV Remains Dominant Medium as Streaming Grows

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

Arm Sees ‘Explosion’ in CPU Demand on AI Amid Smartphone Slump

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

Summer airfares set to surge as jet fuel shortage grips market

How Anthropic’s Mythos has rewritten Firefox’s approach to cybersecurity

Google’s $9.99-per-month AI health coach launches May 19

Netflix has its own, impressive AI-powered voice search

Google unveils Whoop-like screenless Fitbit Air

Paul Tudor Jones says U.S. is late to regulating AI: 'We should have already done it'

Shake Shack shares crater 30% after burger chain reports operating loss

OpenClaw and Claude can put your AI-generated podcasts in Spotify

Google’s taking a big swing at AI health with the Fitbit Air

AI translation company DeepL cuts around 250 jobs to rebuild as an "AI-native" organization

How Anthropic's 80x growth blew past its own infrastructure and straight into Musk's data center

New Apple TV 4K adding AI might look like this Netflix feature

AI models follow their values better when they first learn why those values matter

Google will still sell you the Fitbit Sense 2 or Versa 4 after launching ‘Air’

OpenAI Introduces Websocket-Based Execution Mode to Reduce Latency in Agentic Workflows

Presentation: Engineering at AI Speed: Lessons from the First Agentically Accelerated Software Project

John Ternus on AI said exactly what I wanted to hear

You won’t need to leave your Pixel Watch behind to use Google’s new Fitbit Air

Google announces $99 Fitbit Air for screen-less, all-day tracking

Apple Arcade just added 4 new ad-free games with these titles now available

Elon Musk tried to hire OpenAI founders to start AI unit inside Tesla