Tech News — May 17, 2026

Tech News — May 17, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

What connected the day

17 topics

01
3 sources · 3 updates
OpenAI Restructures Product Teams Under Greg Brockman
Greg Brockman has taken charge of OpenAI's product strategy during CEO Fidji Simo's medical leave, leading a significant restructuring of the company's product teams. The reorganization aims to streamline offerings by merging ChatGPT and Codex into a unified product experience, as OpenAI prepares for a potential IPO later this year.
- Thibault Sottiaux will lead a new central team focused on developing a 'super app'.
- Nick Turley has transitioned to the Enterprise division from his previous role as Head of ChatGPT.
02
2 sources · 2 updates
Apple to Launch Standalone Siri App in Beta
Apple is set to unveil a new standalone Siri app at WWDC 2026, which will feature auto-deleting chat history to enhance user privacy. The app, developed over two years, will operate on Gemini-based technology hosted on Apple's private cloud, ensuring that user data is not utilized for training models by other companies. Users will have the option to choose between a conversation view and a Messages-style conversation list.
- The Siri app will allow users to set chat history to auto-delete after 30 days or 1 year.
- The app's launch will coincide with the release of iOS 27, which will also include a Genmoji upgrade.
03
2 sources · 2 updates
Cerebras IPO Ignites Market Interest in AI Giants
Cerebras recently launched a blockbuster IPO, with shares surging nearly 70% on debut, valuing the company at $95 billion. This event has heightened interest in major tech players like SpaceX and OpenAI, both of which are preparing for their own IPOs amid a challenging landscape for non-AI companies.
- SpaceX plans to file its IPO prospectus next week, following a $1.25 trillion merger with xAI.
- OpenAI recently raised $122 billion at an $852 billion valuation but is facing challenges in meeting revenue targets.
04
2 sources · 2 updates
Social Media Giants Settle School Lawsuit
Snap, YouTube, and TikTok have settled a lawsuit filed by the Breathitt County School District in Kentucky, which alleged that social media addiction negatively impacts student mental health and academic performance. This settlement comes ahead of a trial scheduled for June 12, 2026, and is part of a larger legal initiative involving over 1,200 school districts across the U.S. that are seeking accountability from social media companies.
- The lawsuit claimed that social media addiction disrupts learning and mental health for students.
- Meta is still facing a trial related to the same lawsuit involving over 1,200 districts.
05
2 sources · 2 updates
YouTube Expands Deepfake Detection Tool to All Adult Creators
YouTube has rolled out its Likeness Detection tool to all creators aged 18 and older, moving beyond its initial pilot program. This AI-powered feature flags unauthorized uses of a creator's AI-replicated face and allows users to request removal directly through YouTube Studio under the platform's Privacy Guidelines.
- YouTube is expanding its AI deepfake detection tool to all adult users. YouTube expands AI deepfake detection to all adult users.
- YouTube opens its deepfake face-swap detection tool to all adult creators. YouTube expands deepfake detection tool to all adult creators.
06
2 sources · 2 updates
OpenAI's executive shuffle targets AI agent strategy
OpenAI has announced a significant reorganization, appointing Greg Brockman as the new lead for product strategy. The company plans to merge its ChatGPT and Codex platforms into a single agentic solution, responding to investor pressures for profitability ahead of a potential IPO.
- OpenAI aims to create a unified platform by integrating ChatGPT and Codex.
- Greg Brockman's new role emphasizes a strategic focus on key revenue drivers, including coding and enterprise solutions.
07
2 sources · 2 updates
Musk Expands Lawsuit Against Apple and OpenAI
A court has added Craig Federighi, Apple’s software chief, as a document custodian in Elon Musk's antitrust lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI. The ruling suggests that Federighi may hold unique evidence related to Apple's integration of OpenAI technologies, while the court denied Musk's request to include Tim Cook as a custodian due to insufficient evidence.
- Craig Federighi must provide documents by June 17, 2026.
- OpenAI successfully compelled Musk to produce emails and texts from Tesla and SpaceX by June 3, 2026.
08
1 sources · 1 updates
TechCrunch Mobility: The AI skills arms race is coming for automotive
The automotive industry is undergoing significant changes as companies like General Motors shift their workforce towards AI expertise, resulting in substantial job losses. GM recently laid off over 600 employees from its IT department to hire talent skilled in AI development and data engineering. This trend is echoed across the sector, with Ford, GM, and Stellantis collectively cutting more than 20,000 salaried jobs, primarily driven by technological advancements in AI.
- General Motors laid off over 600 employees, about 10% of its IT department, to hire AI-focused talent.
- Ford, GM, and Stellantis have collectively cut more than 20,000 U.S. salaried jobs, representing 19% of their workforces.
09
1 sources · 1 updates
Gates' foundation sold all of its Microsoft shares. Bill Ackman is loading up on the stock. What is Wall Street missing?
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust has sold its final 7.7 million shares of Microsoft, concluding a decades-long investment worth approximately $3.2 billion. In contrast, investor Bill Ackman has initiated a new position in Microsoft, acquiring 5.65 million shares valued at around $2.09 billion, suggesting a divergence in market sentiment regarding the tech giant's future prospects.
- The Gates Foundation sold its final 7.7 million Microsoft shares for approximately $3.2 billion.
- Bill Ackman's Pershing Square acquired about 5.65 million Microsoft shares worth around $2.09 billion.
10
1 sources · 1 updates
Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch warns France against letting Anthropic's Mythos scan military code bases
Arthur Mensch, CEO of Mistral AI, cautioned a French inquiry against permitting Anthropic's AI model, Mythos, to scan military code bases, citing the risks of creating a cybersecurity dependency. He argued that such models can orchestrate attacks and identify vulnerabilities, not only in US systems but also in European and Chinese frameworks. Mensch highlighted that Mistral aims to remain independent, with less than 30% of its ownership held by US investors, while the EU is in talks with major AI firms for access to their cybersecurity tools.
- Mistral's CEO stated that US investors own less than 30% of the company.
- Mistral is the only EU company with competitive language models.
11
1 sources · 1 updates
Samsung, Labor Union to Meet in ‘Last Chance’ to Avert Strike
Samsung Electronics and its largest labor union are resuming negotiations to prevent a strike that could significantly impact South Korea's economy, as warned by the nation's prime minister. The talks focus on wages and compensation, following a surge in operating profit driven by demand for the company's semiconductors fueled by artificial intelligence advancements.
- Samsung's operating profit surged due to AI-driven demand for semiconductors.
- The meeting comes after warnings from South Korea's prime minister about economic impacts.
12
1 sources · 2 updates
Google Debunks Myths About AI Search Optimization
Google has clarified that traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques are sufficient for optimizing visibility in AI search features. The company dismissed the concepts of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) as unnecessary, emphasizing the importance of high-quality, original content.
- Google asserts that existing SEO practices are adequate for AI Overviews and AI Mode.
- The company highlights that its AI systems rely on the same ranking mechanisms as traditional Google Search.
13
1 sources · 2 updates
Musk Holds SpaceX Shares Ahead of IPO
Elon Musk has confirmed that he will retain his shares in SpaceX as the company prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO). This announcement comes as SpaceX is expected to file for its long-awaited IPO as soon as next week, amidst speculation about share sales following a lockup period.
- SpaceX is planning to file for an IPO as early as next week.
- The company has executed a 5-for-1 stock split, reducing the share price from $526.59 to approximately $105.32.
14
1 sources · 1 updates
What new Google Messages features are rolling out [May 2026]
Google Messages is enhancing its platform with several new features, including a redesigned read receipts system and the introduction of a 'Tap to Draft' option that allows users to edit Smart Replies before sending. Additionally, Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July, requiring users to transition to Google Messages, which will also now support encrypted RCS messaging for both Android and iPhone users.
- Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July, prompting users to switch to Google Messages.
- Encrypted RCS messaging is now available for both Android and iPhone users with iOS 26.5.
15
1 sources · 1 updates
Users turn to jailbreaking their older Kindles as Amazon ends support
As Amazon prepares to end support for ten older Kindle models on May 20, many users are turning to jailbreaking as a way to extend the functionality of their devices. Jailbreaking allows users to bypass Amazon's software restrictions, enabling the installation of custom fonts, screensavers, and third-party apps. However, this process carries risks, including potential violations of Amazon's terms of service and the possibility of rendering devices unusable if not done correctly.
- Amazon will cease support for 10 older Kindle models on May 20.
- Jailbreaking allows users to install custom software and apps on their devices.
16
1 sources · 1 updates
Trump Discussed Nvidia Chips With Xi Jinping | Bloomberg Tech 5/15/2026
During a recent summit, former President Trump revealed that he discussed Nvidia's H200 chips with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This exchange reflects the critical role of semiconductor technology in the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China relations, particularly as both nations navigate complex economic and technological challenges.
- Trump's discussion with Xi Jinping focused on Nvidia's H200 chips.
- The meeting highlights ongoing U.S.-China tech relations amid rising tensions.
17
1 sources · 1 updates
Anthropic's $900 billion valuation would make it more valuable than OpenAI for the first time
Anthropic is in talks for a new funding round that could value the company at $900 billion, surpassing OpenAI for the first time. This valuation represents a significant increase from $350 billion in January, fueled by rapid revenue growth and a rising customer base, with annualized revenue expected to hit $45 billion soon.
- Anthropic's new funding round is valued at $30 billion.
- The company's annualized revenue is projected to reach $45 billion.

The archive

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The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

OpenAI Restructures Product Teams Under Greg Brockman

Apple to Launch Standalone Siri App in Beta

Cerebras IPO Ignites Market Interest in AI Giants

Social Media Giants Settle School Lawsuit

YouTube Expands Deepfake Detection Tool to All Adult Creators

OpenAI's executive shuffle targets AI agent strategy

Musk Expands Lawsuit Against Apple and OpenAI

TechCrunch Mobility: The AI skills arms race is coming for automotive

Gates' foundation sold all of its Microsoft shares. Bill Ackman is loading up on the stock. What is Wall Street missing?

Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch warns France against letting Anthropic's Mythos scan military code bases

Samsung, Labor Union to Meet in ‘Last Chance’ to Avert Strike

Google Debunks Myths About AI Search Optimization

Musk Holds SpaceX Shares Ahead of IPO

What new Google Messages features are rolling out [May 2026]

Users turn to jailbreaking their older Kindles as Amazon ends support

Trump Discussed Nvidia Chips With Xi Jinping | Bloomberg Tech 5/15/2026

Anthropic's $900 billion valuation would make it more valuable than OpenAI for the first time

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AI-related layoffs a boost for stocks? Not necessarily

World Action Models give robots the ability to simulate consequences before they move

G7 finance ministers to meet amid warning of economic consequences of prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure

Standalone Siri app to offer auto-deleting chat history, launch with beta label: report

Greg Brockman consolidates OpenAI's product teams to build an "agentic future"

Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch warns France against letting Anthropic's Mythos scan military code bases

Apple’s New ChatGPT-Like Siri App Will Have Auto-Deleting Chats

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