Tech News — May 12, 2026

Tech News — May 12, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

What connected the day

20 topics

01
3 sources · 9 updates
Google Unveils Major Android Updates and New Devices
Google has announced significant enhancements to its Android operating system, including the introduction of Android 17, which features improved video quality for Instagram and redesigned 3D emojis. Alongside these updates, Google also unveiled the Googlebook, a new line of high-end laptops designed for its Gemini AI capabilities, set to launch later this year.
- Gemini AI will enable users to complete multistep tasks across apps, enhancing productivity.
- The Create My Widget feature allows users to design custom widgets using natural language prompts, debuting this summer.
02
4 sources · 4 updates
Spotify Launches 'Party of the Year(s)' Feature
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Spotify has introduced a new feature called 'Party of the Year(s)' that recaps users' entire music streaming history. This feature allows users to explore unique stats, including their first song streamed and their all-time most-listened-to artist, along with a playlist of their top 120 tracks. Available for a limited time, users can access it by searching for 'Spotify 20' in the app or on the website.
- The feature is available in 144 markets and 16 languages.
- Users can share custom stat cards on social media, similar to the annual Wrapped feature.
03
3 sources · 4 updates
EBay Rejects GameStop's $56 Billion Offer
EBay has officially rejected GameStop's unsolicited takeover bid of $56 billion, labeling it as 'neither credible nor attractive.' The proposal, initiated by GameStop's CEO Ryan Cohen, aimed to acquire eBay at $125 per share, despite eBay's market cap being significantly larger at $48 billion compared to GameStop's $10.3 billion.
- GameStop claims to have secured up to $20 billion in debt financing for the acquisition.
- EBay's board expressed concerns regarding operational risks and the long-term growth implications of the deal.
04
3 sources · 3 updates
Amazon Expands 30-Minute Delivery Service Nationwide
Amazon has launched its ultrafast 30-minute delivery service, Amazon Now, in several major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Seattle. The service offers a wide selection of items, such as groceries and electronics, available for delivery at any time, significantly enhancing Amazon's competitive edge in the delivery market.
- Delivery costs $3.99 for Prime members and $13.99 for non-members.
- Amazon plans to reach tens of millions of customers with this service by the end of the year.
05
2 sources · 2 updates
Anthropic enhances AI offerings for legal sector
Anthropic has launched a suite of new AI tools designed specifically for legal professionals, expanding the capabilities of its Claude chatbot. Key features include a 'commercial counsel' tool for reviewing vendor agreements and integration with popular legal software like DocuSign and Thomson Reuters.
- Anthropic introduced a dozen new tools for legal professionals, including features for bar exam preparation.
- The legal AI sector is competitive, with Harvey recently raising $200 million and Legora securing $600 million.
06
2 sources · 2 updates
Googlebooks: A New Era of AI Laptops
Google has announced the launch of Googlebooks, a new line of AI-native laptops powered by the Gemini AI model, set to debut this fall. These laptops will feature an innovative Magic Pointer cursor designed to enhance user interaction with contextual suggestions and will allow seamless integration with Android devices for direct app access.
- Magic Pointer will provide contextual suggestions to improve user experience.
- OEM partners such as Acer, Asus, and Dell will manufacture the Googlebooks with a unique Glowbar design.
07
2 sources · 2 updates
Altman Takes the Stand in Musk Trial
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, began his testimony in a high-profile jury trial against Elon Musk. The trial centers on Musk's legal actions against OpenAI, including a request for the removal of Altman and Brockman from the company, stemming from a deteriorating relationship following Musk's $38 million investment in OpenAI.
- Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has also testified in the trial, stating he lacked clarity on Altman's firing from OpenAI.
- The PHLX Semiconductor index fell roughly 5%, marking its worst day in seven months amid the trial.
08
2 sources · 2 updates
Amazon Employees Engage in 'Tokenmaxxing' to Boost AI Metrics
Amazon employees are increasingly using the internal tool MeshClaw to inflate their token consumption and improve their standings on internal AI leaderboards. This trend, dubbed 'tokenmaxxing,' has emerged as the company pushes for over 80% of developers to utilize AI tools weekly, raising concerns about security and the potential for unintended consequences in automated tasks.
- Amazon plans to invest $200 billion this year in AI and data center infrastructure.
- Employees believe management is closely monitoring AI token consumption, despite assurances that it won't impact performance evaluations.
09
2 sources · 2 updates
Trump's China Trip Excludes Nvidia CEO Huang
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was notably absent from President Donald Trump's delegation for an upcoming summit in China, which aims to address U.S.-China trade relations and technology partnerships. Huang expressed that it would have been an honor to join the trip, but he was not invited, highlighting ongoing challenges for Nvidia in the Chinese market due to strict U.S. chip sales restrictions.
- Trump's visit marks the first by a sitting U.S. president to China in nearly a decade.
- Qualcomm's Cristiano Amon and Tesla's Elon Musk are among the executives included in the delegation.
10
2 sources · 2 updates
Political Scrutiny Surrounds Sam Altman Ahead of OpenAI IPO
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is facing increasing political scrutiny as the House Oversight Committee investigates potential conflicts of interest related to his personal investments before the company's planned IPO. Six Republican attorneys general are urging the SEC to look into allegations that Altman pressured OpenAI to invest in his holdings, raising concerns about self-dealing that could impact state pension funds and retail investors.
- Ilya Sutskever Stands by His Role in Sam Altman’s OpenAI Ouster: ‘I Didn’t Want It to Be Destroyed’. Ilya Sutskever testifies in Musk's trial against OpenAI.
- Sam Altman's personal investments face political scrutiny ahead of OpenAI's planned IPO. Political scrutiny intensifies ahead of OpenAI's IPO.
11
2 sources · 2 updates
Microsoft Aims for $92 Billion Return on OpenAI Investment
Microsoft has set a target of $92 billion in returns from its early investments in OpenAI, with CEO Satya Nadella highlighting the strategic risks taken in these ventures. During the ongoing trial involving Elon Musk, Nadella also stated that Musk never expressed concerns about Microsoft's financial involvement with OpenAI, despite Musk's lawsuit alleging a breach of charitable trust.
- $13 billion has been invested by Microsoft in OpenAI since 2019.
- Nadella was surprised by OpenAI's board decision to oust Sam Altman, attributing it to jealousy and poor communication.
12
2 sources · 2 updates
Santa Clara County Sues Meta Over Scam Advertisements
Santa Clara County has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., alleging that the company profits from scam advertisements on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit claims that Meta knowingly facilitates fraud, particularly targeting vulnerable users such as seniors and families, and seeks restitution for affected California residents.
- Meta is accused of earning approximately $7 billion annually from scam ads.
- The lawsuit demands that Meta be prohibited from engaging in unfair business practices.
13
1 sources · 3 updates
Day One Streamlines Transition for Apple Journal Users
Day One has launched a dedicated import tool to assist Apple Journal users in migrating their entries to its platform. This new feature simplifies the upgrade process by allowing users to export their journal entries from Apple Journal before importing them into Day One. The import tool is accessible on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.
- Apple Journal users must export their entries as a file compatible with Day One before using the import tool.
- The import feature can be found in the Settings section on iPhone and iPad, and under the File menu on Mac.
14
1 sources · 2 updates
Google Unveils Major Updates at The Android Show
At The Android Show, Google introduced Gemini Intelligence, a new suite of AI features designed for advanced Android devices, set to launch this summer on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models. Additionally, the company announced the upcoming release of Googlebooks, which will integrate AI capabilities and is expected to hit the market this fall in collaboration with major manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
- Gemini Intelligence includes advanced task automation and generative UI widgets, enhancing user experience on Android devices.
- The new Gboard 'Rambler' feature will improve voice input through natural language processing, also rolling out this summer.
15
1 sources · 2 updates
Apple Introduces New Subscription Model for App Store Apps
Apple has launched a new subscription model for App Store apps that allows users to make monthly payments with a 12-month commitment. This model aims to combine the affordability of monthly payments with the discounts typically associated with annual plans, making it appealing to users. However, this option is not yet available in the US or Singapore.
- Apple updates App Store rules for betting apps in Brazil. Apple mandates licensing for betting apps in Brazil.
- Apple launches monthly subscriptions with 12-month commitment on App Store, here’s how they work. Apple introduces new subscription model for App Store apps.
16
1 sources · 1 updates
Anthropic Warns Investors to Avoid Certain Secondary Market Sellers
Anthropic PBC has alerted investors to several unauthorized secondary marketplaces selling its shares, emphasizing that purchases from these sellers will not be honored. This warning follows a previous alert about fraudulent share certificates, and the company has now specified eight firms involved in these unauthorized transactions, which violate its transfer restrictions.
- Anthropic identified eight firms selling unauthorized shares of its stock.
- The company previously issued a warning about fraudulent share certificates related to its private shares.
17
1 sources · 2 updates
Samsung Launches One UI 9 Beta for Galaxy S26
Samsung is set to launch the One UI 9 beta, based on Android 17, for its Galaxy S26 devices this week. The beta program will initially be available in select countries, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US, and introduces enhanced security features and new creative tools in Samsung Notes.
- The One UI 9 beta program allows users to sign up via the Samsung Members app, although sign-ups are not yet live.
- One UI 9 includes features that warn users about high-risk apps, enhancing overall device security.
18
1 sources · 1 updates
Threads tests a Meta AI integration that works similarly to Grok
Threads is currently testing a Meta AI integration that functions similarly to X's Grok, allowing users with public accounts to mention Meta AI in posts or replies for real-time context on trending topics. This beta feature, being tested in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina, and Singapore, aims to enhance user conversations by providing information and recommendations directly within the app, responding in the language of the original post.
- The feature is currently in beta testing across five countries: Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina, and Singapore.
- Users can mention Meta AI to receive contextual replies on trending topics and events.
19
1 sources · 1 updates
Microsoft ousts its Israel chief following reports that Azure quietly powered military AI targeting in Gaza
Microsoft has removed its Israel chief, Alon Haimovich, following an internal investigation into the Israeli subsidiary's collaboration with the defense ministry, particularly regarding the use of Azure for military AI targeting in Gaza. Reports indicate that Azure was utilized for mass surveillance and target identification, raising significant legal and ethical concerns for the company.
- Microsoft's Azure reportedly stored 11,500 terabytes of Israeli military data.
- Alon Haimovich's departure follows an investigation into military AI targeting in Gaza.
20
1 sources · 1 updates
TikTok now wants to be the place you book the trip you just saw on TikTok
TikTok has unveiled TikTok GO, a new feature that allows users to discover and book hotels, attractions, and experiences directly within the app. Launching in the U.S. for users aged 18 and older, TikTok GO integrates with platforms like Booking.com and Expedia, enabling seamless bookings from viral travel content. This initiative marks a significant step in TikTok's strategy to transform its platform into a comprehensive transaction layer, enhancing user retention and opening new revenue streams.
- TikTok GO is launching in the U.S. for users 18 and older.
- The feature is supported by partnerships with Booking.com, Expedia, and others.

The archive

What moved

Bloomberg Technology

Anthropic Expands Push Into Legal Industry With New AI Tools

Anthropic launches new AI tools for legal professionals.

Read source

Bloomberg Technology

Google Unveils New Android AI Features Ahead of Apple’s Siri Revamp

Google enhances Android with new AI features before Apple’s updates.

Read source

The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

Google Unveils Major Android Updates and New Devices

Spotify Launches 'Party of the Year(s)' Feature

EBay Rejects GameStop's $56 Billion Offer

Amazon Expands 30-Minute Delivery Service Nationwide

Anthropic enhances AI offerings for legal sector

Googlebooks: A New Era of AI Laptops

Altman Takes the Stand in Musk Trial

Amazon Employees Engage in 'Tokenmaxxing' to Boost AI Metrics

Trump's China Trip Excludes Nvidia CEO Huang

Political Scrutiny Surrounds Sam Altman Ahead of OpenAI IPO

Microsoft Aims for $92 Billion Return on OpenAI Investment

Santa Clara County Sues Meta Over Scam Advertisements

Day One Streamlines Transition for Apple Journal Users

Google Unveils Major Updates at The Android Show

Apple Introduces New Subscription Model for App Store Apps

Anthropic Warns Investors to Avoid Certain Secondary Market Sellers

Samsung Launches One UI 9 Beta for Galaxy S26

Threads tests a Meta AI integration that works similarly to Grok

Microsoft ousts its Israel chief following reports that Azure quietly powered military AI targeting in Gaza

TikTok now wants to be the place you book the trip you just saw on TikTok

What moved

Anthropic Expands Push Into Legal Industry With New AI Tools

Google Unveils New Android AI Features Ahead of Apple’s Siri Revamp

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

Anthropic Warns Investors to Avoid Certain Secondary Market Sellers

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

The AI legal services industry is heating up. Anthropic is getting in on the action.

Google brings agentic AI and vibe-coded widgets to Android

Google unveils Googlebooks, a new line of AI-native laptops

Korea Roils Market by Floating ‘Citizen Dividend’ From AI

Sam Altman takes the stand in trial against Elon Musk

George Clooney, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep back new &#8216;Human Consent Standard&#8217; for AI licensing

Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed governor, clears way for chair vote

Rivian’s AI-powered voice assistant is ready to roll

United Airlines flight attendants ratify new contract with 31% raises this summer

Microsoft ousts its Israel chief following reports that Azure quietly powered military AI targeting in Gaza

Goldman Sachs says the S&P 500's run past 7,100 is 'froth' — a previous time Wall Street said that, a crash followed

JBS Dev: On imperfect data and the AI last mile – from model capability to cost sustainability

"Tokenmaxxing" spreads at Amazon as employees game internal AI leaderboards

Google is bringing AirDrop support to most Android phones later this year

Android is getting a big AI overhaul in 2026

Thinking Machines Lab ships its first model and argues interactivity is what OpenAI gets wrong about voice

How a 64-Year-Old Couple Added $200,000 to Social Security by Delaying One Claim

Apple launches monthly subscriptions with 12-month commitment on App Store, here’s how they work

iOS 26.5 now available: Here are all the new iPhone features

GitHub Expands Secret Scanning with General Availability of MCP Server Integration

Samsung launching One UI 9 beta, based on Android 17, for Galaxy S26 this week

George Clooney, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep back new ‘Human Consent Standard’ for AI licensing