Tech news digest for Wednesday, July 15, 2026

OpenAI Launches Codex Micro Keyboard for Enhanced Coding

OpenAI has introduced the Codex Micro, a hardware keyboard designed to enhance user interaction with its coding platform, Codex. Priced at $230, the device features six frosted keys that allow users to trigger skills instantly, improving workflow efficiency and customization options.

• The Codex Micro is available while supplies last, emphasizing limited stock.
• Users can customize key assignments and adjust reasoning levels on-the-fly for tailored coding experiences.

Apple Intelligence Approved for China Launch

The Cyberspace Administration of China has approved the launch of Apple Intelligence, which will integrate Alibaba's Qwen AI to enhance its capabilities. This partnership allows Apple to leverage Qwen AI's features, including advanced text and image understanding, across its platforms in China.

• Alibaba's stock rose 4% in pre-market trading following the announcement of the integration.
• PrismML has compressed Qwen AI from 54 GB to under 4 GB, making it compatible with iPhone 15 and newer devices.

Samsung Teases Galaxy Z Fold 8 in Spider-Man Collaboration

Samsung has unveiled a teaser for its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8, showcasing a new design in a cinematic advertisement featuring Spider-Man. The ad highlights the durability of the devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, as Spider-Man interacts with the products in a playful manner.

• Samsung teases Galaxy Z Fold 8’s ‘new shape’ in Spider-Man: Brand New Day ad [Video]. Samsung reveals Galaxy Z Fold 8 design in Spider-Man ad.
• Samsung shows off ‘brand new shape’ for Z Fold 8 in Spider-Man teaser. Samsung reveals new design for Galaxy Z Fold 8 in teaser.

Stripe and Advent Bid $53.4 Billion for PayPal

Stripe and Advent International have made a joint offer to acquire PayPal for approximately $53.4 billion, valuing the company at $60.50 per share. This acquisition would bring together two significant players in the digital payments sector, as PayPal currently manages 440 million active accounts. In response to the bid, PayPal's new CEO Enrique Lores is planning to implement cost-cutting measures amounting to at least $1.5 billion over the next few years.

• PayPal's stock surged by 15% in premarket trading following the acquisition news.

Spotify Expands Managed Accounts to Free Users

Spotify has announced the expansion of its Managed Accounts feature to users on its free tier, enabling parents to create accounts for their children with parental controls. This update allows parents to filter explicit content and manage music choices without impacting their own Spotify experience. Managed accounts can later be converted to regular accounts once children reach the minimum age set by their country.

• Spotify plans to roll out Managed Accounts to additional countries in the future.

Apple TV Welcomes Back Major League Soccer

Apple is enhancing the Major League Soccer (MLS) experience with new features as the league returns on July 16, 2026. Fans can enjoy six matches on Apple TV, along with exclusive Apple Music playlists from players like Diego Luna and Evander da Silva Ferreira. Additionally, a new Time to Walk episode featuring Thomas Müller will be available for Apple Fitness+ subscribers.

• MLS matches will be available on July 16, 2026, with a total of six games scheduled.
• Adidas is hosting a two-day celebration event in Brooklyn, New York, on July 16 and 17.

Microsoft patches record number of security vulnerabilities, citing its use of AI

Microsoft has released a record 570 security patches this week as part of its monthly 'Patch Tuesday' update, leveraging AI to enhance vulnerability discovery. Among these patches, two are classified as zero-days, meaning they were exploited prior to Microsoft's awareness. One vulnerability allows hackers to escalate privileges on Windows Server, while another affects SharePoint, prompting warnings from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) about active exploitation. This surge in patches follows Microsoft's recent announcement that it anticipates a higher volume of security updates due to AI advancements in identifying dormant vulnerabilities.

• This month's patch includes 570 security flaws across various Microsoft products.
• Two vulnerabilities are classified as zero-days, actively exploited before disclosure.

Netflix tries to recapture Stranger Things magic with nostalgic re-release

Netflix has launched a 'VHS Special Edition' of the first season of Stranger Things, celebrating the show's 10th anniversary. This version employs a VHS-style filter that creates a convincing 1980s aesthetic, complete with scanlines and a nearly square aspect ratio. The nostalgic effect not only enhances the viewing experience but also cleverly conceals some of the show's less impressive CGI. While Netflix continues to explore the Stranger Things universe with a behind-the-scenes documentary and an animated series, the future of the franchise remains uncertain as the Duffer brothers appear to be moving on.

SpaceX stock sinks below $135 IPO price for the first time

SpaceX shares fell below their initial public offering price of $135 for the first time on Wednesday, marking a significant decline of about 34% since the company's historic IPO in June 2026, which raised a record $86 billion. The stock has experienced volatility since its debut, peaking at nearly $202 shortly after trading began. Following its recent inclusion in the Nasdaq-100 index, which was facilitated by a rule change that shortened the eligibility period to 15 trading days, SpaceX shares have continued to slide, dropping about 2% on Wednesday alone.

Samsung Health won’t delete all of your data if you opt out of AI training after all [U]

Samsung Health has updated its policy regarding user data in relation to AI training. Users can now opt out of having their health data used for AI development without losing all their information. In a statement, Samsung clarified that only the data collected for AI purposes will be deleted, allowing users to retain their existing health data for continued use of the app. This change comes as part of a broader redesign of Samsung Health, which introduces more AI-powered features, just ahead of the Galaxy Watch 9 launch.

• Users can withdraw consent for AI data use at any time.
• Existing health data will remain accessible for users even after opting out.

Anthropic, Blackstone bet the next trillion-dollar AI business is implementation, not models

Ode, a new AI implementation company launched by Anthropic in partnership with Blackstone, is positioned to capitalize on the growing need for enterprise AI adoption, boasting a valuation of $1.5 billion. This venture, which employs 100 engineers, focuses on creating tailored AI solutions for businesses, leveraging technology from Anthropic while also remaining open to other AI products. Ode was built upon the acquisition of Fractional AI, a startup recognized for its effective AI engineering services, highlighting the importance of quality implementation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

• Ode operates under a 'Claude-first' principle, prioritizing Anthropic's technology.
• Demand for elite AI implementation teams far exceeds supply, presenting a challenge.

Xgimi’s new Elfin Flip Google TV projectors are made to move around your home

Xgimi has introduced its new Elfin Flip series of Google TV projectors, including the Elfin Flip Laser and Elfin Flip 4K, designed for home use without battery power. Both models utilize an RBG Triple Laser light engine with up to 1,600 ISO lumens, but differ in contrast and resolution, with the Elfin Flip 4K capable of a 20,000:1 contrast ratio. They feature automatic keystone and focus correction for easy setup and include a built-in 7W Harman Kardon speaker system for Dolby Audio support. Priced at $799 and $999, they are available on Xgimi's website and will soon be on Amazon.

• The Elfin Flip 4K offers a contrast ratio of 20,000:1, enhancing picture depth.
• The Elfin Flip 4K supports 120Hz at 1080p, making it suitable for gaming.

Google Health outage breaks device sync for ‘all’ Fitbit & Pixel Watch users

A significant outage affecting Google Health began at approximately 5:41 AM PT on July 15, 2026, disrupting device sync for all users. Fitbit and Pixel Watch owners reported issues accessing their health data, including sleep stats and activity tracking. While Google Health indicated that local storage may allow users to retain their data, it remains uncertain whether all data will be recoverable once the sync functionality is restored. Additionally, the outage has impacted the Health Coach feature, including its Ask and Summaries functionalities.

• Users can expect data tracking to resume once sync is restored, but no guarantees are provided.

A SpaceX vet raised $65M to pull wire harnesses out of the Cold War era

Senra, a startup founded by former SpaceX engineer Jordan Black, has raised $65 million in a Series B funding round to modernize wire harness production, a critical component in vehicles and spacecraft. Black, who previously scaled wire harnesses for SpaceX's Starship, noted that the industry has seen little innovation since the Cold War. Senra aims to improve the manufacturing process through software and automation, while maintaining human craftsmanship. The company serves various sectors, including defense and aerospace, and plans to ramp up production from 1,000 to 10,000 wire harnesses per month by 2027.

• Senra utilizes a proprietary software platform called Amp to enhance wiring processes.

OpenAI Staffers Are Funding a Rival Super PAC to Take on Their Boss

A coalition of OpenAI employees has contributed more than $215,000 to Guardrails Alliance, a super PAC advocating for stricter regulations on AI development. This initiative, which launched last month with $5 million in initial funding, aims to counter the influence of Leading the Future, a pro-AI industry super PAC backed by over $100 million from tech leaders, including OpenAI's president Greg Brockman. The donations reflect rising tensions within OpenAI regarding the company's political affiliations and the push for responsible AI governance.

• Juan Felipe Cerón Uribe made the largest donation of $200,000 to Guardrails Alliance.

Nokia’s AI-RAN platform: a radio comeback that runs on NVIDIA

Nokia unveiled its AI-RAN platform on July 15, 2026, claiming it to be the industry's first GPU-accelerated AI-native radio access network. Built on its anyRAN software and NVIDIA's Aerial system, the platform is designed to enhance spectral efficiency, with a goal of achieving over 100% gains by 2028. This launch is pivotal for Nokia, as the mobile business has struggled under CEO Justin Hotard, who has consolidated it into a new Mobile Infrastructure segment. The platform's commercial availability is projected for 2027, with pilot programs set to begin by the end of this year.

• The platform will be available through a software subscription model, with pilots starting by the end of 2026.
• Nokia's partnership with NVIDIA includes a $1 billion investment for a 3% stake.

Meta employees sue over layoffs they say were driven by discriminatory AI selection systems

Former and current Meta employees have filed a lawsuit in federal court in California, alleging that the company used internal AI systems to create layoff lists that discriminated against certain groups. The lawsuit claims that during a May 2026 layoff of 8,000 employees, the AI systems disproportionately affected individuals with disabilities and those on medical or parental leave. One plaintiff reported receiving layoff notification just two days before giving birth. Meta has denied these allegations, asserting that all personnel decisions are made by human managers. The plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction to keep their jobs while the case is arbitrated.

• Meta's spokesperson stated that all personnel decisions are made by humans, denying the allegations.