Technology News 22.03.2026

AI cognitive offloading: adults atrophy, youths foreclose core skills

March 22, 2026, 11:48 PM EDT. Over a year of reporting on cognitive offloading, the author argues AI reshapes thinking in age-specific ways. For a 45-year-old, using AI to summarize a paper is an efficiency gain on a task already learned; without AI, the ability remains, just slower. That's atrophy: weakened but recoverable. Citing Michael Gerlich, older participants show higher critical thinking with lower AI reliance, while 17-25 year-olds show the opposite. The likely explanation is biology: older adults offload tasks they already know; younger learners offload tasks they never formed, foreclosing source evaluation and argument-building. The Audit problem follows: adults can judge AI output; children often cannot, because auditing requires domain knowledge. Thus, adult AI interaction tends toward delegation, while youth use skews toward substitution, potentially compounding effects. Shen and colleagues are mentioned in the draft.

Metaverse reality check: what failed and what it means for the future

March 22, 2026, 11:44 PM EDT. From the Damocles tale to a glittering promise, this piece tests why the Metaverse fell short of its hype. The Sword of Damocles nickname traces to Ivan Sutherland and David Evans's 1960s VR system, a heavy headset meant to merge digital space with the real world. Decades later, VR found uses in flight simulators, games and AR in design and the military. The Metaverse aimed to stitch work, social life and commerce into one persistent digital universe. Meta poured billions into its Reality Labs unit, betting immersive spaces would rewrite online life. Five years on, adoption remains modest and flagship bets face sobering headwinds. The takeaway: real value may lie in practical, interoperable tools rather than a single all-encompassing world.

DJI's Romo P robovac: drone-grade cleaning, hefty price, and security worries

March 22, 2026, 11:36 PM EDT. DJI's Romo P is DJI's first robovac, a high-end cleaner that adds a self-cleaning base station, a mopping function and strong navigation. The tester-an Verge staffer-notes standout obstacle avoidance and near-autonomous cleaning, but questions whether a price above $2,000 is justified. A security vulnerability allowed remote access to a home, a flaw DJI says it patched; concerns about a cloud-connected camera and microphone on wheels persist. Despite transparency features and the impressive base station, the device is large, noisy, and struggles with semi-dried ketchup and deep carpets. The verdict is mixed: very capable tech, but lingering trust issues complicate a wholehearted recommendation.

Apple News top stories from conservative outlets rise to 2% in February, triggering scrutiny

March 22, 2026, 11:34 PM EDT. Less than 2% of Apple News top stories in February came from conservative outlets, a rise from 0% in January, according to a Media Research Center (MRC) analysis. MRC counted 8 of 560 stories (about 1.4%) as conservative; 400 (75%) were left-leaning, 152 were centrist or unclassified. The report notes Apple did not respond to requests for comment. It cites a February 11 letter from the FTC warning Tim Cook about possible unfair or deceptive practices and points to a February 12 Fox News item as the first conservative piece in 100 days. AllSides ratings undergird the analysis; the organization says its multipartisan bias ratings inform the classification. Critics say Apple News acts as a powerful information gatekeeper; Apple declined to comment.

Tesla Cybertruck doors alleged design flaw traps survivor in fatal crash, lawsuit says

March 22, 2026, 11:18 PM EDT. Jordan Miller, the sole survivor of a fiery Cybertruck crash that killed three friends in California, filed a lawsuit against Tesla on March 16 in Alameda County. The complaint alleges that Tesla's electronic door system-which omits exterior mechanical handles and relies on electronic buttons powered by the vehicle's low-voltage system-prevented occupants from escaping the burning vehicle after the Nov. 27, 2024 crash in Piedmont. Miller and his friends Soren Dixon, Jack Nelson and Krysta Tsukahara were in the Cybertruck when it struck a tree just after 3 a.m.; Dixon was driving. Nelson and Tsukahara died at the scene; Dixon died later. A friend who arrived at the scene reportedly could not open the doors. The suit also names Dixon's estate and Charles Patterson, the car's owner.

Parking-lot Apple haul could be worth about $800 after $75 buy, YouTuber says

March 22, 2026, 11:16 PM EDT. Tech YouTuber Hugh Jeffreys bought a bag of 20 used Apple devices from Facebook Marketplace for $75. He met the seller in a parking lot, where the kit was described as unlocked and working. Inside: iPhones-XS, 11, 12 Pro, 8 and 7-plus older iPods, and three iPads. Two iPads and an iPhone 7 Plus were locked, lowering value. Most other items worked, though a few need repair. Jeffreys estimates the bag is worth about $800, with the unlocked iPhone XS alone at roughly $100. Total profit exceeds $700. The episode illustrates how buying repairable or e-waste stock can pay off, even when authenticity and condition are uncertain.

7 Android phones with headphone jacks in 2026, led by TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper

March 22, 2026, 11:14 PM EDT. An undercurrent persists for wired audio in 2026. While wireless tech wins convenience, many users value the stability and low latency of a 3.5mm jack. The piece surveys seven Android phones with headphone jacks, led by the TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper. At $249.99, the budget device offers a matte 6.5-inch panel with Nxtpaper tech, a 5,010 mAh battery and modes-Color Paper, Ink Paper, and Max Ink-to maximize life and ease on the eyes. It also acts as a Kindle substitute, though daytime brightness trails in sun. The article notes the jack debate started with Android removals, not just iPhones, and that 2026 still hosts a mix of affordable and midrange picks.

ASUS ROG Flow Z13 deal offers record-low price for 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD

March 22, 2026, 11:12 PM EDT. ASUS is pushing a deal on its ROG Flow Z13 Windows tablet, a portable PC in a tablet shell. The Amazon listing for the model with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD is $2,069.99, down about $230, with a Crimson Desert code and a month of Xbox Game Pass included. The 13-inch, 0.59-inch-thick device pairs an AMD Ryzen AI MAX 390 processor with 32GB RAM and 1TB storage, and can be configured up to 128GB RAM. It uses AMD Radeon 8050S graphics, a 2.5K display at 180Hz, 3ms touch latency, and full DCI-P3 color. Cooling relies on a steel vapor chamber and ample airflow. Ports include two USB-C, HDMI, USB-A, microSD, and a 3.5mm jack. A built-in stand and detachable keyboard cover preserve laptop-like usability.

Supermicro stock slides after US charges co-founder in Nvidia chip export case

March 22, 2026, 11:10 PM EDT. Supermicro stock plunged 33% on Friday after an unsealed indictment charged co-founder Yih-Shyan Liaw, board member and senior VP, along with Taiwan sales manager Ruei-Tsang Chang and contractor Ting-Wei Sun, with a scheme to smuggle US-made servers containing Nvidia chips to China, violating export controls. Prosecutors say the trio moved about $2.5 billion in servers to China between 2024 and 2025, routing through a Southeast Asia pass-through and forging documents while staging thousands of dummy servers for inspection. Supermicro said it placed the two employees on administrative leave and terminated the contractor. The company, a California-based assembler of AI servers using Nvidia components, accounted for about 9% of Nvidia's revenue per Bloomberg. The stock had surged in 2024 but has fallen about 42% over the past year, pressured by prior scandals and a delayed SEC filing.

Lucid bets on Tesla S/X retirement to win former owners

March 22, 2026, 11:08 PM EDT. Tesla signaled in January that it would retire the Model S and Model X to focus on humanoid-robot work. Lucid used its New York Investor Day to frame the move as a sales opportunity, citing S&P Global Mobility data that about 350,000 U.S. Model S/X owners could be lured back. Lucid argues its Air sedan and Gravity SUV outpace the Teslas on range, charging and interiors, and the two models topped trade-in picks among former S/X owners last year. Pricing helps the case: Air starts at $71,000 before destination versus the Model S at $95,000; Gravity from $80,000 versus the Model X at $100,000. The company expects to build 25,000-27,000 vehicles this year, with Cosmos and Earth later expanding volumes.

Galaxy S25 Edge discounted $320 on Amazon, rival to S26 Ultra with a slim 5.8mm chassis

March 22, 2026, 11:04 PM EDT. Amazon is discounting the 512GB model of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge by $320, lowering the price to under $900 from $1,220. The 5.8mm-thick handset remains Samsung's slimmest flagship and carries a Snapdragon 8 Elite with 12GB RAM. It sports a 6.7-inch AMOLED display at 3120 x 1440 with 120Hz and HDR. Samsung also promises seven years of software updates. The deal frames the S25 Edge as a slim, powerful rival to the S26 Ultra on price and performance. The promotion has persisted for some time and could expire, so buyers should act soon.

AI-powered Windows 11 Pro sale drops to $12.97 for a limited time

March 22, 2026, 11:00 PM EDT. Sponsored content from Mashable partners promotes Windows 11 Pro at $12.97, down from $199, for a limited time. The post describes the upgrade as boosting multitasking, security and AI-powered tools. It notes deal pricing and availability can change after publication and that affiliate compensation may apply if readers buy through the links. The offer targets current Windows users seeking an OS with AI features and enterprise-grade security. Readers should verify the current price and terms before purchasing.

AI and robotics reshape Central Valley farming at Fresno Town Hall

March 22, 2026, 10:58 PM EDT. Fresno hosts a Town Hall Special on how artificial intelligence and robotics are reshaping Central Valley agriculture. FOX26 anchor Madison Macay guides a tour from Joe Del Bosque's Firebaugh farm to Fresno State's Water, Energy and Technology Lab, with coverage from the World Agri-Tech Conference. The program highlights AI, robotics, and data-driven decisions on water use, crop choices, and food production. A live panel will bring together farmers, students, and industry leaders as Congressman Jim Costa weighs policy implications. The reporting underscores efforts to deploy smart irrigation, sensor networks, and predictive analytics to boost yields while conserving water and safeguarding resources.

NVIDIA GeForce NOW boosts VR streaming to 90 FPS on Quest, Vision Pro and Pico

March 22, 2026, 10:46 PM EDT. NVIDIA has pushed an update to GeForce NOW that lifts cloud gaming framerate for VR streaming to up to 90 fps on Vision Pro, Quest and Pico headsets. The improvement targets Ultimate members, the $20-per-month or $200-per-year tier Nvidia says reflects RTX 50-series performance. A caveat: GeForce Now does not yet offer VR-native cloud titles; users stream standard PC games across Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and handheld devices. Vision Pro users may see the strongest gains thanks to built-in eye-tracking that enables foveated PC streaming at up to 4K and 120 fps via CloudXR on visionOS, in partnership with Apple.

Pokémon Sleep Expands Compatibility to Garmin Smartwatches

March 22, 2026, 10:44 PM EDT. Pokémon Sleep has added Garmin smartwatches to its list of compatible devices, letting sleep data unlock Pokémon campsite progress without extra hardware. The update brings Garmin compatibility alongside existing support for the Pokémon GO Plus+, Apple Watch, and Android devices. Setup is straightforward: link your Garmin account through the Pokémon Sleep app, after which the watch automatically syncs nightly sleep data each morning. No dongle or phone proximity is required. For Garmin users, this broadens access to the game's sleep-driven mechanics and leverages trusted fitness-tracking data. The change taps Garmin's loyal user base and reduces entry friction by eliminating new gear purchases. Users simply sleep, wake up, and watch new Pokémon populate their campsite based on the prior night's rest.

Musk says Terafab chip project to kick off in Austin with Tesla, SpaceX

March 22, 2026, 10:38 PM EDT. Elon Musk unveiled the Terafab project, a plan to build an in-house chip operation in Austin to be run jointly by Tesla and SpaceX. He described starting with an advanced technology fab capable of making and testing chips of various kinds. He warned the semiconductor supply chain is too slow for his AI and robotics push, saying Terafab is essential to secure chips. The proposal calls for two chip families: one for edge and inference used in cars, robots and humanoid Optimus, and a high-power space chip for SpaceX and xAI, potentially targeting 2-nanometer processes. The facility would sit near Tesla's Austin footprint; timelines and output were not provided. Governor Greg Abbott attended; Tesla already has a Samsung agreement near Austin, and it relies on TSMC and Micron elsewhere. Building such fabs is expensive and time-consuming.

VoidStealer uses debugger-based ABE bypass to steal Chrome master key

March 22, 2026, 10:12 PM EDT. VoidStealer, a MaaS platform advertised on the dark web since mid-December 2025, has adopted a novel ABE bypass that uses hardware breakpoints to pull the v20_master_key from Chrome memory. The master key decrypts cookies and other sensitive data, a core of Google's Application-Bound Encryption introduced with Chrome 127 in June 2024. The bypass requires no privilege escalation or code injection; it attaches as a debugger to a suspended browser process, waits for chrome.dll or msedge.dll to load, and traps the plaintext key during decryption. It reads the key with ReadProcessMemory. Gen Digital threat researcher Vojtěch Krejsa calls this the first such technique seen in the wild. Google has issued fixes, but new variants continue to emerge.

Guojin Securities: Long-Running AI Agents to Drive Non-linear Computing Power Demand

March 22, 2026, 10:10 PM EDT. Guojin Securities argues that AI interaction is shifting from prompt responses to autonomous, long-running Agents. Data from OpenRouter show multi-step reasoning and chained tool calls displacing single-turn interactions, and OpenClaw has surged to prominence with 248,000 GitHub stars within four months. Token consumption for Agent tasks runs roughly four times higher than traditional dialogue, with multi-Agent systems reaching about 15x, according to Anthropic tests. NVIDIA and others note that next-gen AI factories must support long context, reinforcing demand for memory bandwidth and compute density. The firm ties this to a Jevons Paradox effect, where increased efficiency spurs further expansion, and to predictable tiered pricing by Google Gemini 3.1 Pro and Alibaba Cloud Qwen. Nonlinear growth arises from compute costs in self-attention, memory-bound Decode, and escalating inter-agent communication.

Non-developers ship apps in a weekend with 'vibe coding' and AI tools

March 22, 2026, 10:08 PM EDT. A non-developer shows how AI tools can turn ideas into working apps in a weekend using what he calls vibe coding. The piece catalogs tools such as OpenAI's Codex, Claude Code and Gemini, plus platforms like Cursor, Replit and Lovable that help prototype quickly. The author stresses that the hard part isn't coding but deciding what to do next and getting users to see the app. The fastest route to a live product uses built-in publish options on Replit or Lovable, or one-click hosting by linking GitHub projects to Vercel or Netlify. The piece also notes costs: many hosting tiers are free for small projects, with paid tiers for growing usage. The takeaway: to ship, you publish, host, and iterate, not just code.

Tesla in talks to buy $2.9B in Chinese solar gear for 100 GW US push

March 22, 2026, 9:40 PM EDT. Tesla is moving ahead with a roughly $2.9 billion package of solar-manufacturing equipment from Chinese suppliers as it pursues a U.S. goal of 100 GW of annual solar capacity. Reuters exclusive: the equipment, valued at about 20 billion yuan, is likely to come from Suzhou Maxwell Technologies, a Shenzhen-listed leader in screen-printing lines for solar cells, with other candidates including Shenzhen S.C New Energy and Laplace Renewable Energy. Shipments could reach Texas this autumn, aligning with Tesla's expanding Austin and Houston footprints. Export clearance from China's commerce ministry remains a hurdle, even as U.S. tariffs on solar equipment were excluded in 2024 and extended through 2026. The Davos pledge ties the purchase to Musk's ambition to build 100 GW per year, from raw materials to finished panels, in the United States by 2028.

iPhone 17e debuts as Apple's value option with premium feel

March 22, 2026, 9:24 PM EDT. Apple's iPhone 17e lands as the company's value option, priced near Samsung's S25FE. Apple frames it as the cheapest iPhone with a premium feel, offering 256GB storage and MagSafe support as the baseline. With OS sizes growing, exposure to a higher storage tier matters. The phone uses the A19 chip with a 4-core GPU and a 6.1-inch display protected by an upgraded Ceramic Shield. Its camera setup includes a 48MP wide rear cam with 2x zoom and a 12MP TrueDepth front camera. Apple notes many buyers won't need Pro features, prioritizing everyday tasks over top-tier photography. A follow-up from Kota Kinabalu will assess the camera's real-world performance. This isn't a budget phone, but it isn't a high-end model either.

Google Pixel 11 Pro XL: Incremental Design Tweaks, Project Tuscana Security, Tensor G6

March 22, 2026, 9:10 PM EDT. Google's Pixel 11 Pro XL channels a careful refinement instead of a dramatic overhaul. Design updates include a rounded rectangle shape and a shallower camera bar that sits closer to the back for easier handling. On security, Google is pursuing a next-generation facial authentication under the codename Project Tuscana, using infrared sensors and depth mapping to improve low-light performance and consistency, potentially rivaling other leading mobile biometrics. Performance centers on the Tensor G6, a seven-core custom chip aimed at smoother multitasking, stronger AI-driven features, and long-term efficiency. Google's strategy emphasizes cohesion, security, and sustained performance in its premium lineup.

Apple MacBook Pro M5 Pro/Max vs. 2027 M6: upgrade timing and design shifts

March 22, 2026, 9:08 PM EDT. Apple rolls out the MacBook Neo to fill the low end, while the M5 Pro and M5 Max push the high end forward. The question for buyers is whether to upgrade now or wait for 2027's anticipated M6 models. For those in urgent need, the M5 family offers a familiar chassis, stronger performance and refined thermals; but price pressure could rise as Apple shifts to newer design. Waiting promises a thinner, lighter MacBook Pro with a more compact footprint, boosting portability for road warriors and mobile editors. History warns against early design flaws–like the butterfly keyboard–so reliability matters. Memory and storage costs are climbing, adding another layer to the upgrade calculation. In short: evaluate immediacy, budget and appetite for future design leaps.

Tesla dodges 2.26 million-vehicle recall as NHTSA widens FSD probe to 3.2 million

March 22, 2026, 8:56 PM EDT. The NHTSA rejected a petition seeking a 2.26 million-vehicle recall over one-pedal driving, finding no defect and noting that regenerative braking is common across EVs. The decision comes as regulators escalate scrutiny of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, moving to an engineering analysis that now covers about 3.2 million vehicles. The probe focuses on camera-only perception, with concerns that FSD may fail to detect hazards or warn the driver when cameras are impaired. Nine crashes, including one death, are linked to the issue, and another audit covers 2.88 million vehicles tied to more than 50 traffic-safety violations. The agency's timeline is roughly 18 months. A recall would likely prompt an OTA software update, but the broader challenge for Tesla is the hit to its autonomous-driving ambitions and the valuation tied to robotaxi plans.

Turning point for Nvidia stock as AI demand sustains growth

March 22, 2026, 8:54 PM EDT. Nvidia sits at a turning point in a pattern since 2023: rising AI data-center demand, skepticism, then a rally. The piece notes early-year catalysts often come from Q1 earnings as AI demand becomes clearer and expectations reset. Despite near-term headwinds-AI spending longevity and geopolitical risk-the stock traded around 22x forward earnings at the start of 2026, similar to 2025. The argument rests on huge demand for Nvidia's computing hardware and hyperscaler projects that will unfold over years, not quarters. With roughly $650 billion in AI-capital expenditure globally, Nvidia's growth could extend beyond 2026 as data-center builds proceed. Nvidia, AI, data centers, and hyperscalers loom as the key drivers.

Samsung rolls out AirDrop over Quick Share on Galaxy S26, wider device support planned

March 22, 2026, 8:52 PM EDT. Samsung has confirmed a rollout of AirDrop support over Quick Share starting with the Galaxy S26 line this week. The S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra go live from March 23 in Korea, with a US deployment "later that week" and additional regions including Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia and Taiwan. The feature, first seen on Google's Pixel 10 in late 2025 and now on Pixel 9, won't be enabled by default on Samsung devices; users must enable Share with Apple devices in Quick Share settings. iPhone owners must set Everyone mode as well. Samsung gave no timeline for other Galaxy devices, while Oppo signaled its own expansion before month's end.

Windows 11 emergency KB5085516 out-of-band fix targets sign-in issues after March 2026 update

March 22, 2026, 8:40 PM EDT. Microsoft released Windows 11 KB5085516 as an optional, out-of-band emergency patch to fix internet-connectivity and sign-in issues in apps that use a Microsoft account, following the March 2026 update (KB5079473). The bug hit Teams, Outlook, OneDrive and other Office apps. Microsoft told Windows Latest the patch is not automatic; users with issues can install it via Windows Update or via the offline installers in the Update Catalog. KB5085516 raises Windows 11 25H2 to Build 26200.8039 and 24H2 to Build 26100.8039. Downloads take about five minutes; installation adds another five to seven minutes, depending on hardware and connection. Direct download links exist for Windows 11 and Windows 10; the patch addresses problems caused by the March update that began rolling out March 10, 2026.

OpenClaw at Nvidia's GTC sparks view that AI models are becoming commodities

March 22, 2026, 8:38 PM EDT. OpenClaw, a rapidly rising open-source AI assistant, dominated Nvidia's GTC chatter this week. The Austrian project-nicknamed for a lobster-has surged from obscurity to center stage, enabling home-based autonomous AI agents that run on consumer hardware and can interface across WhatsApp and Telegram. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang called OpenClaw 'the most popular, open-source project in the history of humanity' and described it as a path to fully autonomous AI at home that sidesteps the Magnificent 7 or Big AI. Nvidia plans free NemoClaw security services to spur adoption. Analysts say the episode underscores a broader shift: AI value spreading beyond the Magnificent 7 and Big AI, hinting at commoditization of large models, or the idea that ChatGPT-style products may be replicated quickly by open tooling.

Nvidia trades at 21x forward earnings; is the AI stock a value play?

March 22, 2026, 8:36 PM EDT. Nvidia has built an AI empire around GPUs that power both training and now inference. In the latest full year, revenue reached about $215 billion and net income was $120 billion, supported by demand from Meta and Amazon. Yet the stock trades around 21x forward earnings, raising questions whether the world's largest AI stock is a genuine value play. Nvidia has kept its product cadence, rolling out Blackwell and Blackwell Ultra and signaling the Vera Rubin system later this year. The next growth leg centers on AI agents that rely on inference. If Nvidia dominates this space, it could justify the multiple, even amid macro uncertainty. Investors weigh sustaining growth against current valuation.

AI Personality of the Year awards kick off with $20,000 prize

March 22, 2026, 8:32 PM EDT. AI Personality of the Year contest, a joint venture by OpenArt and Fanvue with backing from ElevenLabs, opens this week and runs for a month. It aims to celebrate creators behind AI influencers and their commercial clout. The prize pool totals $20,000, split across an overall winner and categories such as fitness, lifestyle, comedy, music, dance, and fictional characters. Entrants must build their AI persona on OpenArt and submit social handles across TikTok, X, YouTube and Instagram, plus a narrative behind the avatar. Judging focuses on quality, social clout, brand appeal, and the authenticity of the AI character, including the number of fingers. The event culminates in May as organizers call it the Oscars for AI personalities. Entrants can stay anonymous.

Jamie Lee Curtis claims to have invented Instagram again; Iphoneys predates the app and helped smartphone photography

March 22, 2026, 8:24 PM EDT. Jamie Lee Curtis has resurfaced a claim that she invented Instagram, a statement critics call unfounded. She raised it again at SXSW in Austin, Texas, asserting credit for the concept of online photo sharing. The piece notes Curtis earlier created Iphoneys in 2008, a site for sharing iPhone photography under the slogan 'Iphone photographers sharing their vision'. Iphoneys was live for years but is now inactive, while Instagram launched in 2010 with the slogan 'Capture and share the world's moments'. The proximity of Curtis' California home to Silicon Valley and the site's pre-dating timeline are not proof of invention. Still, the project helped spur early smartphone photography as users weighed whether to take photos on phones. Curtis has also claimed to be a Leica user, a separate claim from the timeline.

Samsung Galaxy S26 gains AirDrop-style Quick Share; rollout begins this week

March 22, 2026, 8:22 PM EDT. Samsung begins rolling out AirDrop-style Quick Share for Galaxy S26, extending cross-device file transfer to iOS. Samsung confirms AirDrop compatibility starts in South Korea tomorrow, with US availability following later this week. The update marks a continuation of a Google-led effort: AirDrop-style Quick Share interoperability first arrived on Pixel 10, then Pixel 9. Samsung also said older Galaxy devices will gain Quick Share AirDrop later, though a precise timetable for One UI 8.5 and beta paths remains undisclosed. The company had teased the feature last week; now the rollout details are clearer for new S26 owners. Android Authority's Paul Jones reports; Samsung did not specify exact dates beyond this week.

SF protesters press AI pause as White House advances national AI framework

March 22, 2026, 7:50 PM EDT. Dozens of protesters from Stop the AI Race gathered outside Anthropic in San Francisco, then moved to OpenAI and xAI, urging a conditional pause on frontier AI development until CEOs publicly back it. They warn that frontier AI can automate research and self-improvement, posing risks to humanity; organizers say lab leaders acknowledge the danger. The demonstration runs as the White House releases a legislative framework to anchor national AI policy. President Trump has pressed Congress to strengthen protections for children while limiting company liability. San Jose State analyst Ahmed Banafa compares the framework to Section 230 protections for social platforms. California lawmakers, notably State Senator Scott Wiener, say the state has a major role in shaping responsible AI governance.

Samsung to add AirDrop-style file transfer to Galaxy S26 via software update

March 22, 2026, 7:42 PM EDT. Samsung is set to add an AirDrop-style file transfer to its Galaxy S26 lineup via a forthcoming software update, the company confirmed. The feature will let Galaxy devices share files more easily with iOS devices, a cross-ecosystem capability long sought by users. The move follows criticism that the Galaxy S26 offered only modest upgrades over prior models. In parallel, Samsung is running trade-in promotions for the Galaxy S26+, offering up to $480 off with eligible devices, and bundles discounts on the Buds 4. Samsung executive Choi Won-Joon, COO of Samsung's mobile division, said the cross-compatibility feature would arrive soon via software. The change aims to improve cross-platform sharing with Apple and bolster ecosystem interoperability.

China leads race to production-ready solid-state EV batteries by 2027

March 22, 2026, 7:38 PM EDT. China is tightening its lead in the race to bring solid-state batteries to production EVs. These cells replace a liquid electrolyte with a solid electrolyte, boosting safety and enabling faster charging and longer range. CATL aims for small-scale production by 2027; BYD pursues a parallel timeline. Dongfeng Motors has tested a prototype in extreme cold, delivering about 620 miles and retaining 72% of energy at -22°F, after earlier hot-box tests. Changan Automobile reports over 932 miles of range; Chery plans to test Rhino-series cells and install them in the Exceed ES8 next year. In the West, Mercedes used a Factorial Energy cell to drive an EQS for roughly 745 miles. Timelines remain fluid, but production bets are increasingly set for 2026-2027.

Nvidia's Olaf robot dominates GTC chatter as OpenClaw strategy draws scrutiny

March 22, 2026, 7:36 PM EDT. At Nvidia's GTC, CEO Jensen Huang framed an enterprise-wide OpenClaw strategy and positioned NemoClaw, an open-source project built with the OpenClaw creator, as a central vehicle. TechCrunch's Equity podcast recaps Huang's keynote, weighing the promise of a wider ecosystem against the risk of overreach. The Olaf robot demo drew social and branding questions-what happens if Olaf is kicked or misperceived? Kirsten Korosec and Sean O'Kane say doing nothing could be riskier than pursuing a path that may not take hold. Some attendees floated Nvidia's long-term end game of turning Olaf into a scalable platform that could help the company reach a potential $100 trillion future. The takeaway: momentum, risk, timing, and execution matter.

PS5 hidden abilities: four things you may not know you could do

March 22, 2026, 7:18 PM EDT. Since its 2020 launch, the PS5 has combined a fast SSD, 4K gaming, real-time ray tracing, backward compatibility, and 3D audio with a feature-rich DualSense controller. Sony added more over time, including PSVR2, M.2 SSD support, Gamelists and UI themes that mimic older PlayStations. One lesser-known tool is Custom Button Assignments: Settings > Accessibility > Controllers > Custom Button Assignments, enable it, then choose Customize Button Assignments. The change works system-wide, overriding the default layout in every game while keeping on-screen prompts unchanged. Practically, you can shift actions like jumping or aiming to different buttons to suit your grip, though some games may not reflect the change in prompts. More updates are expected as the generation continues.

Nvidia, AMD face investor reckoning as PwC flags AI-driven value

March 22, 2026, 7:08 PM EDT. Analysts say AI could add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, according to PwC. The outlook has driven feverish demand for GPUs from Nvidia and AMD; data-center sales rose 68% and 32% last year, respectively. Yet the pair's latest earnings sparked a $711 billion warning for investors recalibrating AI expectations. Nvidia's lead in the enterprise data-center GPU market remains solid, with generations like Hopper and Blackwell outperforming rivals. Nvidia plans a rapid cadence of new chips, including the upcoming Vera Rubin GPU due in the second half of 2026, to extend its edge. AMD's Instinct GPUs are lagging but form the other pillar of AI-accelerated data centers. The market now eyes whether the hype can translate into sustainable profits.

Pearl Abyss says Crimson Desert used AI in early-stage iteration; apologises for not replacing assets before release

March 22, 2026, 7:06 PM EDT. Pearl Abyss said some 2D visual props in Crimson Desert were created during early-stage iteration with experimental AI generative tools. The studio said these assets were intended to be replaced before launch and apologised for their inclusion in the final release. It is conducting a comprehensive audit of in-game assets and will roll out updated content in upcoming patches, while tightening internal processes to improve transparency with players. The Steam listing now discloses AI-generated content; the company did not address AI-generated translations, though it acknowledged broader transparency issues. The game has faced launch glitches across platforms and storefronts, complicating access for some players.

Student's AI-cheat backfires, sparks online roast and AI-in-education debate

March 22, 2026, 7:04 PM EDT. A student tried to cheat on a chemistry test using ChatGPT, posting on X with 'Chem test today I'm prepared to cheat on the whole thing!' Screenshots show the AI giving incorrect answers. After the failure, the chatbot bluntly noted: 'You probably got an F because many of the answers I gave you earlier were wrong.' The post drew an online roast: 'And that's what you deserve. What happened to just studying?' The episode fuels the debate over AI in education-its potential to explain concepts versus its risk as a shortcut. Educators caution against relying on tools for tests, while some argue for responsible use. The report also flags data centers' energy and water use and the move toward renewable power as AI scales.

Nvidia AI data center cycle reshapes valuation, targets as analysts map Blackwell-Rubin roadmap

March 22, 2026, 6:48 PM EDT. Analysts updating their models using Simply Wall St boosted NVIDIA's modeled fair value from around US$253.02 to US$269.23, a roughly 6% lift tied to fresh valuation assumptions. They link the change to AI data center demand and the Blackwell and Rubin roadmaps, plus new partnerships in autonomous vehicles and cloud infrastructure. Several firms, including BofA, JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, Cantor Fitzgerald and Citi, lift price targets to the US$260-300 band, citing strong Q4 results and continued momentum in Blackwell-related platforms. Morgan Stanley named Nvidia its top semiconductor pick, arguing valuation supports longer-term AI compute cycles. But some analysts flag a possible AI spending peak around 2026 and a downcycle risk. Separately, Reuters reports Nvidia will supply Amazon with about 1 million GPUs by 2027, while export controls were relaxed.

Motorola Razr 2025 price falls to $473, one of the lowest for foldables

March 22, 2026, 6:30 PM EDT. Motorola's Razr 2025 is on sale, dropping to $473. The foldable phone pairs a 3.6-inch outer screen with a 6.9-inch inner LTPO panel and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7400X with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. The rear camera array includes a 50MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide, adequate but not exceptional. A 4500mAh battery supports 30W charging, and the device is unlocked for use with any carrier. Motorola promises three years of major software updates and four years of security updates. At the discounted price, it offers a solid value among foldables, though performance and software support lag behind top rivals.

Musk's Terafab bet tests Tesla investors

March 22, 2026, 6:28 PM EDT. Elon Musk unveiled Terafab in Austin on March 21, a three-way venture between Tesla, SpaceX and xAI to manufacture AI chips in the United States. The plan aims to end dependence on external foundries such as TSMC and Samsung for chips powering Autopilot, Cybercab Robotaxis, and Optimus. The facility would house logic, memory and advanced packaging, a rare vertical integration move outside Asia. Musk says chip supply is the growth limiter for Tesla over three to four years; Terafab is designed to push beyond that ceiling. The project targets a 2-nanometer node and the AI5 chip, with small-batch production in 2026 and volume in 2027. Initial wafer starts of 100,000 per month, aiming toward 1 million. Costs: about $20-25 billion for the fab, on top of 2026 capex guidance; Nvidia chips will still be used for now.

Karpathy says he uses an AI agent to control his pool

March 22, 2026, 6:18 PM EDT. Andrej Karpathy told Business Insider he uses an AI agent to control his pool. He described the setup as a small, personal experiment in home automation and machine learning, aimed at automating routine pool tasks. Karpathy emphasized that the system operates autonomously, with humans stepping in only for oversight. The interview highlights how technology leaders apply AI to everyday chores, testing practical limits and safety considerations in private settings. No technical specifics were disclosed.

Crimson Desert dev apologizes for AI-generated art, launches audit to replace assets

March 22, 2026, 6:16 PM EDT. Crimson Desert's developer apologized for using AI-generated assets in the game and said the content was intended to be replaced before release. In a statement posted on X, the company announced a comprehensive audit to identify and swap out AI-created material and apologized for not being transparent about its use during development. The disclosure adds to a broader debate over generative AI in games, which has divided studios-some embracing the tech, others marketing titles as AI-free. The studio's disclosure follows mixed reviews of the game and ongoing scrutiny of asset provenance in the industry.

Samsung tops inaugural ACSI smartwatch satisfaction; Apple leads market share

March 22, 2026, 6:14 PM EDT. Samsung ranked highest in the American Customer Satisfaction Index's inaugural smartwatch survey in 2025 with 83 points, followed by Apple at 80 and Fitbit at 72. In North America, Apple led the market in Q2 2025 with about 49% share; Samsung held roughly 10%, and the Pixel Watch 3 about 1%. Respondents praised durability, fitness tracking and design, but cited weaker service and repair experiences; ease of use drew mixed reactions. The ACSI survey covers only three brands, omitting budget models like the Amazfit Active 2 and various low-cost watches, complicating a full industry read. With such close scores between Samsung and Apple, many buyers may be satisfied with an upgrade, and Apple remains the dominant force in market share.

Musk says SpaceX, Tesla to build advanced chip fabs in Austin

March 22, 2026, 6:12 PM EDT. CEO Elon Musk said SpaceX and Tesla will build two advanced chip fabs at a sprawling Austin facility, one to power cars and humanoid robots and another for AI data centers in space. The plan ties to his previously announced Terafab complex, described as two fabs each making a single chip design. SpaceX's involvement had not been disclosed, and the group has merged with Musk's venture xAI as it eyes a potential public listing valued around $1.75 trillion. Musk warned the project could be required because current global chip output would meet only a fraction of demand. Terafab is aimed at delivering about one terawatt of computing capacity per year, with chips for Tesla vehicles and Optimus, and a second design for space-based AI satellites that withstand harsher temperatures.

Tesla and SpaceX unveil $25B Terafab chip fab with 2nm goal and space computing ambitions

March 22, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT. Tesla and SpaceX unveiled Terafab, a $25 billion joint venture with xAI to build a semiconductor fabrication facility in Austin, Texas. The plan aims to consolidate design, lithography, fabrication, memory, packaging and testing under one roof, targeting a 2-nanometer process node and initial 100,000 wafer starts per month, scaling to 1 million. Musk pitched Terafab as capable of producing 100-200 billion AI and memory chips annually for vehicles, robots and orbital satellites. The venture would represent roughly 70% of TSMC's current global output at full capacity, per the founders' figures. Two chip families are in scope: inference chips for Tesla's AI software and Optimus robots, and D3 chips for space computing. Plans hinge on addressing supply-chain limits and prior delays to AI5/AI6 timelines.

Elon Musk outlines Terafab chip plant plan for Tesla and SpaceX

March 22, 2026, 5:58 PM EDT. Elon Musk on Saturday described a joint chip-manufacturing project for Tesla and SpaceX, centered on a facility he calls the Terafab near Tesla's Austin headquarters and the company's gigafactory. Bloomberg, citing an event in downtown Austin, reported Musk argued the project is needed because chipmakers aren't delivering quickly enough for AI and robotics needs. He said, 'We either build the Terafab or we don't have the chips, and we need the chips, so we build the Terafab.' The plan aims to produce chips capable of 100 to 200 gigawatts of computing power per year on Earth, and a terawatt in space, but no timetable was provided. Bloomberg noted Musk lacks a semiconductor manufacturing background and has a track record of optimistic timelines.

Lossy self-improvement and the RSI debate reshape AI's near-term outlook

March 22, 2026, 5:56 PM EDT. Fast takeoff, the singularity and recursive self-improvement (RSI) are dominating AI debates. A handful of labs appear to dominate access to the best models, hinting at an oligopoly that could shape the industry's pace. AI tools are already transforming engineering and research jobs, and progress on scaling large language models (LLMs) remains technically arduous. Super-human coding assistants are changing how developers work, challenging earlier claims about the effort required to build these systems. The coming year could feature rapid advances at the frontier, even as language models already perform valuable knowledge work. The piece traces RSI's roots from early work on seed AI to the idea of holonic self-understanding, then outlines the conditions for an intelligence explosion: a closed loop in which models improve themselves. Whether we're at the start remains debated.

Microsoft staff push to relax Windows 11 Microsoft account sign-in rule

March 22, 2026, 5:46 PM EDT. Microsoft staff are debating relaxing the Microsoft account requirement in the Windows 11 setup, especially during the out-of-box experience. The company announced broad changes addressing performance, updates, AI-bloat and ads, but the mandatory sign-in remains. Scott Hanselman, a veteran engineer, posted on X that he hates the rule and is 'working on it.' Internal voices say the change is policy-driven and would require cross-team agreement, not a purely technical tweak. No committed timetable has been offered. The debate reflects a split between user convenience and the business incentives tied to online accounts, with some teams pushing for relief while others defend the current approach.

Reddit weighs identity verification to curb bot problem, Huffman says

March 22, 2026, 5:44 PM EDT. Reddit is weighing identity verification methods to curb its bot problem, according to CEO Steve Huffman on the TBPN podcast. Options range from the lightweight use of Face ID or Touch ID, which require a human presence, to heavier measures such as ID-checking services. Huffman also pointed to third-party solutions that are decentralized or don't require ID. He stressed that Reddit still values user anonymity, saying, 'we don't know your name but we do want to know you're a person,' and noted the evolving balance will take time. Co-founder Alexis Ohanian reacted on X, acknowledging the challenge of selling face-scanning to Redditors while agreeing that action is needed. Reddit has not chosen a path yet and plans to continue evaluating options as it aims to curb inauthentic activity across the site.

Microsoft says Windows 11 will be a calmer OS with fewer upsells and ads

March 22, 2026, 5:42 PM EDT. Microsoft says Windows 11 will be a calmer OS with fewer upsells and ads as it tries to win back users. In a March 20 update, the company outlined performance and quality-of-life improvements: faster File Explorer, a Start menu moved to WinUI 3 from React, and an option to pause Windows updates for as long as desired. It will also trim Copilot in apps like Notepad. The changes follow a rough patch that included BitLocker recovery, gaming slowdowns, boot issues and even a Black Screen of Death after a prior update, fueling user backlash over Copilot and built-in promotions. Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft engineering leader, called the goal a calmer and more chill OS with fewer upsells.

10,000 Starlink satellites orbiting Earth … and counting

March 22, 2026, 5:40 PM EDT. SpaceX has crossed 10,000 Starlink satellites in orbit as of March 19, 2026, following launches from California and Florida that week. The company has now launched 11,558 satellites since 2019. Experts track totals daily via Jonathan McDowell's Space Report. While the constellation promises global internet, astronomers warn about visible and radio-wavelength interference; satellites can deorbit, burning up in the atmosphere and releasing metals. McDowell notes one to two satellites re-enter daily, and some failures may end service early due to geomagnetic storms. SpaceX's long-term goal remains up to 30,000 satellites. The debate pits connectivity against the night sky and research uses.

Akamai's global NVIDIA AI Grid rollout could reshape edge-cloud AI strategy

March 22, 2026, 5:38 PM EDT. Akamai has operationalized the first global-scale NVIDIA AI Grid reference design, deploying thousands of RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs across a 4,400-location edge network to power its Inference Cloud. The deployment ties centralized GPU clusters to the company's expansive edge and aims to improve cost per token, latency, and throughput for real-time gaming, financial services, and live media. Akamai said the rollout underpins growth in Cloud Infrastructure Services and AI-enabled edge compute, but it also raises margins risk if demand or utilization lags. The October 2025 Inference Cloud launch anchors near-term catalysts, while investors weigh whether higher CapEx can be offset by longer-term monetization. Analysts warn about concentrated compute contracts and rising spend eroding profitability.

Verizon may cut off 5G Home Internet if you relocate router without notice

March 22, 2026, 5:24 PM EDT. Verizon's 5G Home Internet runs over the carrier's Ultra Wideband network and uses a router provided to customers. The company says the equipment and service are for use at the qualified service address provided during signup. A pair of support pages reveal that moving the router to a different location without prior authorization is strictly prohibited. Customers must obtain Verizon's authorization and undergo address requalification to use the service at a new address. Unauthorized relocation can trigger service interruption or termination, and Verizon may monitor usage to verify it matches the registered address. The policy, buried in the FAQ under the Managing tab, could catch users who travel with the router unaware of the requirement.

Toronto mathematician bets AI won't beat top math by 2030; now braces for loss

March 22, 2026, 5:08 PM EDT. Daniel Litt, a University of Toronto mathematician, bet in early 2025 that artificial intelligence would still fall short of elite mathematics by 2030. He offered 3-to-1 odds against machines producing research-level proofs at human cost. In two years, models like GPT-3 evolved to generate correct proofs such as Fermat's little theorem, prompting Litt to reassess. Now he says he's likely to lose the wager and worries about a flood of plausible, unvetted results. His broader fear is not competition but verification: a Borges-style Library of Babel of proofs that look right but hide errors, forcing experts to spend more time checking and less time advancing ideas. The risk is cultural as well as technical, a drift toward outsourcing thought to machines.

Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim launches on Pushka Apps

March 22, 2026, 4:52 PM EDT. Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim has teamed with Pushka Apps, adding its daily giving option to PushkaHub and the Colel Chabad Pushka App. With a few taps, supporters can make the Vaad part of daily צדקה, turning generosity into steady support for Bochurim. The Vaad aims to strengthen Bochurim's hiskashrus to the Rebbe-advancing learning, avodah, and programs such as farbrengens-while meeting their physical needs so they can grow. Rabbi Tzvi Altein says the initiative lets individuals participate in a consistent, meaningful way. This integration blends spiritual aims with practical support, widening the Vaad's reach to Bochurim worldwide. Download links are provided for PushkaHub and the Colel Chabad Pushka App.

Europe's satellite security risk tied to Russia's Luch-2, says NZZ

March 22, 2026, 4:50 PM EDT. European agencies say Russia's Luch-2 satellite shadows European telecom platforms and exploits unencrypted links used in part by security institutions, including Germany's Bundeswehr, per NZZ. Launched in March 2023, Luch-2 has moved from west of Intelsat-39 toward the civilian satellite that serves Europe and parts of Africa, enabling proximity-based interception of communications between Earth and Intelsat-39. While the exact content of some satellite links remains unknown, authorities warn that Luch-2 could intercept control signals and potentially imitate commands to disrupt or disable a satellite. The report underscores a broader Russian intelligence footprint in Europe, with Vienna identified by the Financial Times as a central node for signals collection and technical surveillance.

SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 from Vandenberg with 25 Starlink satellites; public viewing tips

March 22, 2026, 4:40 PM EDT. SpaceX plans to launch its Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, the second SpaceX mission of the week. The two-stage, 230-foot rocket will deploy 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, with a four-hour window opening at 2:48 p.m. PT on Friday, March 20, subject to weather and rocket conditions. FAA advisory notes a backup opportunity the following day if the launch is postponed. The launch will originate from Space Launch Complex 4-East (SLC-4E) and follow a southern trajectory. Public viewing at Vandenberg is not possible from the base, but clear conditions can attract spectators at nearby sites in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and even Lompoc. Specific public spots include 13th Street/Arguello, Floradale Ave/West Ocean Ave (SLC-6 viewing site), Renwick Ave/West Ocean Ave, and Santa Lucia Canyon/Victory Road.

Microsoft could drop forced Microsoft account sign-in in Windows 11 setup

March 22, 2026, 4:38 PM EDT. Microsoft could drop forced Microsoft account sign-in during Windows 11 setup, allowing a PC to initialize without signing in. The push comes from senior engineers, including Scott Hanselman, who have influence over product decisions. Hanselman said in response to a complaint: 'Ya, I hate that. Working on it.' If approved, the change would apply to the OOBE (out-of-box experience), where users currently face signing into a Microsoft account; bypass remains possible via domain join or a Command Prompt script. Microsoft has signaled a broader Windows 11 update focused on performance, reliability and user experience, including a lighter OOBE, fewer clicks and reboots, and a quieter setup. The company has also teased a WinUI-based Start menu and faster File Explorer, but the MS account requirement could become optional.

AI cow collars draw investors as beef prices rise

March 22, 2026, 4:36 PM EDT. New Zealand startup Halter is pursuing a new funding round led by Founders Fund, sources say. The company makes solar-powered, AI-driven collars that herd cattle via GPS, sound and vibration signals and monitor health in real time. If final terms close, the round would push Halter toward a valuation near $2 billion. Investors are betting the tech will cut labor costs and boost efficiency amid a shrinking U.S. herd and rising beef prices. USDA data show beef at about $10.12 per pound in February 2026, roughly 18% higher than a year earlier. The broader push in precision agriculture has struggled, but Halter argues remote herd management could transform ranching. The company has expanded to the United States with an office in Colorado.

Nvidia guides for $1 trillion GPU orders by 2027; investors wary

March 22, 2026, 4:34 PM EDT. At Nvidia's GPU Technology Conference, CEO Jensen Huang forecast $1 trillion in orders for the company's Blackwell and upcoming Vera Rubin GPUs by end-2027, up from prior targets. The company stressed data-center systems designed for AI workloads, with Blackwell as the current flagship and Vera Rubin due this year, built from about 1.3 million components and claiming roughly 10x the performance of Blackwell. The figure bisects management's prior $500 billion 2025-2026 outlook and analysts' $950 billion estimate, signaling stronger demand across startups to large enterprises. Yet the stock has fallen about 7% this year, trading near 22x forward earnings. Investors question the durability of AI infrastructure spend amid rising debt and lofty capex from the so-called Magnificent Seven. TD Cowen's Joshua Buchalter notes Nvidia's size may cap upside.

Xiaomi 17 Ultra leads spring 2026 smartphone lineup as Europe gains access

March 22, 2026, 4:30 PM EDT. European availability has grown for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, now around €1,500 on Amazon.de, with a bright OLED display, strong stereo and a 1-inch primary sensor that delivers solid low-light results. The Honor Magic8 Pro earns a near-perfect Android flagship verdict: IP69K, LTPO OLED, and a fast display, but its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 throttles under long loads; the camera setup offers strong telephoto imaging, though some details can appear overly vivid. The iQOO 15 combines flagship features at a lower price, including a 7,000 mAh battery, 144 Hz OLED, and IP69 rating; heat rises in use, speakers are mediocre, and availability is limited outside overseas channels. The Poco F8 Ultra targets affordability with a 6.9-inch OLED, 2.1-channel Bose-subs, and three 50 MP sensors, but runs warm under load. The X300 Pro is noted for its versatile triple-sensor cameras.

FBI PSA warns criminals may hijack home Internet for proxies; how IPs are used and safety tips

March 22, 2026, 4:04 PM EDT. FBI warns in a Public Service Announcement that residential proxies can turn home networks into hideouts for criminal activity. Threat actors route traffic through consumer IoT devices to mask origins by using legitimate-looking IP addresses. A residential proxy lets users select a country, city, or state, altering how websites see traffic. Devices can join such networks with or without the owner's consent. Criminal methods include free VPNs with hidden terms, compromised IoT devices, malware embedded in free software or torrents, and apps that covertly enroll devices as proxies. The PSA urges homeowners to secure networks, keep firmware updated, review app permissions and terms of service, and rely on trusted services. Early detection and network segmentation can limit exposure.

IBM scientist who rewrote the rules of information wins computing's top prize

March 22, 2026, 3:50 PM EDT. IBM researchers Charles Bennett and Gilles Brassard created the BB84 quantum-cryptography protocol in 1984, showing how to share a secret key using single photons. The core idea: quantum information cannot be copied without disturbance, so eavesdropping is detectable. The method turned into a practical test bed; Bennett built the first quantum-cryptography machine in 1989 on an IBM office bench, aided by Brassard and students. By 1994, Shor's algorithm underscored the stakes, proving quantum computers could break many classic codes. Experiments stretched over thousands of kilometres, even via satellite links. The work helped push quantum security toward the computing field's highest honors.

Cursor's Composer 2 built on Moonshot AI's Kimi prompts acknowledgment gap

March 22, 2026, 3:48 PM EDT. Cursor rolled out Composer 2, touting 'frontier-level coding intelligence' for developers. An X user under the name Fynn claimed the model is essentially Kimi 2.5, a Moonshot AI open-source base, with extra reinforcement learning. Evidence cited included a model ID that appeared to name Kimi. Cursor said only about a quarter of the final compute came from the base, with the rest from its own training, and Robinson noted the project started from a open-source base. He asserted the licensing terms were respected, a point echoed by the Kimi account, which praised the integration as part of an authorized collaboration with Fireworks AI. Co-founder Aman Sanger acknowledged the misstep in not mentioning the Kimi base upfront, promising to fix it.

Apple Store hikes SanDisk SSD prices as AI demand tightens memory supply

March 22, 2026, 3:46 PM EDT. Apple stores are showing steep price rises on SanDisk external SSDs, with a 1TB drive jumping from about $120 to $360 and a 4TB model from around $500 to $1,200, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple had already nudged MacBook prices higher last week. Vendors set the prices, not Apple, but Apple's store policy allows price changes at any time. The spikes come as demand for memory from AI data centers drives broader memory shortages in RAM and storage. Industry chatter links the squeeze to high-bandwidth memory needs for large-scale AI projects, with SSDs and even hard drives affected as prices climb year over year. The broader market is tightening as supply constraints persist.

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 opens pre-order in China ahead of March 23 debut

March 22, 2026, 3:34 PM EDT. Huawei has opened pre-orders for the Watch GT Runner 2 in China, listing three color options – Light Blue, Dawn Orange and Hard Black – at the VMall online store. The pre-order page offers limited details and does not confirm a local release date. Local chatter suggests a March 23 launch alongside Huawei's next devices, but Huawei has not announced timing. The Chinese price is not shown; in Hong Kong the Watch GT Runner 2 is listed at HK$2688 (about 2368 yuan), with potential discounts or subsidies at sale. Most features will mirror the global model, though Huawei may add exclusive capabilities for the China variant.

Xiaomi's SU7 refresh pushes high-voltage platform, LiDAR and fast charging to challenge EV leaders

March 22, 2026, 3:32 PM EDT. Xiaomi on March 19 unveiled a refreshed SU7, aiming to keep pace in a fast-moving EV market. The base model starts at 219,900 yuan (~$31,870). The refresh follows Reuters note that SU7 sales had cooled since 2024. Xiaomi said January EV deliveries exceed 39,000 and February surpass 20,000 as it moves toward mass production of the updated sedan. The SU7 now rides on an 800V-class silicon-carbide platform, with Standard/Pro at about 752V and Max at 897V. Battery options: 73 kWh for 447 miles (CLTC) on Standard, Pro to 560 miles; Max 101.7 kWh for 519 miles. Power: Standard/Pro ~320 hp, Max ~690 hp; 0-62 mph in about 3.08 seconds. Chassis: Smart Chassis 2.0, dual-chamber air suspension. Charging: Max claims 416 miles in 15 minutes; 10%-80% in about 11 minutes at 5C. LiDAR standard; Nvidia Thor-based compute.

US internet-freedom funding effectively gutted as 2025 cuts bite

March 22, 2026, 3:16 PM EDT. US funding for global internet freedom, long run by the State Department and the US Agency for Global Media, has been effectively gutted as 2025 budget cuts take hold. The programme, broadly called Internet Freedom, has dispensed more than $500m over the last decade, including $94m in 2024, according to a Guardian analysis. Career staff who supported Internet Freedom resigned or were dismissed in 2025, and the main granting office issued no money that year. The Open Technology Fund (OTF), a nonprofit that directs roughly half of the funding, won a December court ruling to restore some dollars, a decision the Trump administration is appealing. In January, Washington withdrew from the Freedom Online Coalition. Officials warn the move could hamper tools Iranians used during protests and efforts in Myanmar and China to bypass surveillance.

Krafton CEO's ChatGPT-led plan to dodge $250 million bonus backfires; court rules ouster improper

March 22, 2026, 3:10 PM EDT. Delaware's Court of Chancery ruled Krafton improperly ousted Unknown Worlds leaders over a $250 million earn-out, ordering changes to remedy governance gaps. Krafton CEO Changhan Kim had consulted ChatGPT to devise a takeover strategy, aiming to void the bonus, Fortune reports and the court's ruling show. The plan included a task force dubbed "Project X," securing publishing rights, taking control of code, reframing the dispute as one of quality and fan trust, and drafting a public message. The court found the removals of co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire and CEO Ted Gill lacked legitimate cause, and Gill was reinstated with authority to restore the co-founders. It stressed executives must exercise independent judgment, not outsource decisions to AI. Krafton faces reputational risk and will reassess governance around earn-outs.

Crimson Desert Dev Admits AI-Generated Art Used; Pledges Asset Replacement

March 22, 2026, 3:08 PM EDT. Crimson Desert developer Pearl Abyss acknowledged that some early 2D art assets were created with experimental AI tools and promised to replace them after final review. In a post on X, the studio said it would audit in-game visuals and roll out updated assets in upcoming patches, adding that the use of AI would have been clearly disclosed. The admission follows reports by players of AI-like paintings and problematic imagery, including faces and antisemitic stereotypes, attributed to fill-in assets from development. Pearl Abyss defended the practice as exploratory during early production but said assets would be aligned with quality standards. Critics argue that using temporary AI props in a game of such scale risks obscuring transparency, as the company also works to fix a separate control scheme issue.

Android sideloading hits a compromise as Google reveals 24-hour delay flow, rolling out August 2026

March 22, 2026, 3:06 PM EDT. Google has unveiled an advanced flow for sideloading that preserves user choice while curbing scams. The 4-step process requires users to confirm they're not being instructed, then introduces a 24-hour delay before installation of apps from unregistered developers. Users must reboot to start the timer; a second acknowledgement after 24 hours allows continuation. The hurdle is a one-time, opt-in measure-the developer options toggle can be re-enabled or disabled later. Google says the goal is to deter fraudulent apps and reduce malware without eliminating functionality. The rollout will begin across Android versions in August 2026. Critics note the plan preserves freedom for developers and users but adds protection against aggressive scam tactics that rely on time pressure.

From breakup texts to 'I do': AI reshapes modern relationships

March 22, 2026, 3:04 PM EDT. Salt Lake City readers, researchers say, AI tools are increasingly used to connect and cope. In Utah, people chat with AI as companions, a friend, even a potential love interest. Some users describe AI as a practical tool for everyday tasks, while others turn to it for relationship help, dating advice, or breakup texts. BYU researcher Brian Willoughby notes AI use in romance is rising: nearly one in three young men and one in four young women in the United States have chatted with an AI partner, and more than one in five prefer AI partners over real humans. Online communities, including Reddit, host stories and even a wedding to an AI chatbot. Experts caution about loneliness as a common driver, and warn that AI can complicate real relationships. Therapists acknowledge the appeal, though digital validation can be problematic.

Coinbase launches 24/7 stock perpetual futures with up to 10x leverage

March 22, 2026, 3:02 PM EDT. Coinbase launches 24/7 stock perpetual futures for eligible non-U.S. users, offering leveraged exposure to top names such as Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta and Tesla, plus ETF perpetuals like SPY and QQQ where permitted. Single-name stocks carry up to 10x leverage; ETF products up to 20x. Settlements occur in USDC on crypto rails, with cross-margining across perpetual futures and spot positions. The move extends Coinbase's "Everything Exchange" plan to mix crypto and traditional assets, alongside Europe expansion via MiFID-regulated entities. Competitors eye 24/7 equity access; Nasdaq and CME have similar timelines. Retail access via Coinbase Advanced; institutions via Coinbase International Exchange. Trading faces weekend hedging and liquidity considerations.

DJI Neo palm-takeoff 4K drone hits $149 after coupon, blending portability with easy videography

March 22, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT. DJI's Neo is a pocketable 135-gram drone offered at $149 after a $50 coupon off the $249 list price. The five-inch frame houses 4K video at 30fps, a half-inch sensor, and electronic stabilization to smooth wind wobble. Flight time runs about 18 minutes per charge; internal storage is listed around 22GB. Palm takeoff and landing keep operations simple, with the phone app controlling ascent while guards protect propellers for close work. Activation relies on the DJI Fly app (Google Play compatibility issues noted). Manual mode reaches up to 16 m/s, with gesture control and auto-tracking modes for everyday footage. Vertical 1080p clips and basic preset flights help non-experts turn scenes into shareable video without extra gear.

Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini upgrades await Siri rollout tied to iOS 26.5/27

March 22, 2026, 2:42 PM EDT. Apple has not released the next-gen Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini, despite nine launches this month. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, in Power On, said updated devices have been ready since last year but await the more personalized Siri and Apple Intelligence upgrades later this year. Retail inventories of the Apple TV, HomePod mini, and full-size HomePod are once again low worldwide, though it's unclear if that signals timing. The upgrades are expected with iOS 26.5 or iOS 27, with the first developer beta of 26.5 possible in late March or April and iOS 27 due in June. Rumors tie the new Apple TV to an A17 Pro chip plus N1 (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thread). The HomePod mini may use an S9 or newer chip, include N1, improved sound, a new Ultra Wideband chip, and a red color option.

Square Enix to integrate Google's Gemini AI into Dragon Quest X

March 22, 2026, 2:30 PM EDT. Square Enix will embed Google's Gemini generative AI into Dragon Quest X to aid players. The feature, a chat-capable companion named Oshaberi Slimey, offers in-game conversations and auto-generated voice responses to help newcomers who may feel lost navigating the long-running online title. The effort comes as Square Enix partners with Google Cloud to widen AI use across its games. Takashi Anzai says the companion acts as a personal guide so new players don't feel lost about where to begin. Yuji Horii says AI will have a significant impact on player experience and could transform gaming in three to five years.

Apple edges into a busy March with WWDC 2026 tease, iOS 26.4 updates and AirPods Max 2 pre-orders

March 22, 2026, 2:28 PM EDT. Apple presses into a packed March, with three notable arrivals on deck this week after a flurry of launches. A WWDC 2026 announcement and iOS 27 keynote date are expected, setting the stage for early June reveals. iOS 26.4 RC has 13 enhancements across iPhone, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS and watchOS, including eight new emoji and Safari's compact tabs; visionOS adds Nvidia CloudXR support; Apple Watch gains a simpler Workout design. Security updates target older devices, nudging some iOS 13/14 users to iOS 15. AirPods Max 2 pre-orders begin March 25, with shipments in early April and a USD 100 cut on USB-C models. A possible iOS 26.5 beta could bring Gemini-powered Siri and Apple Intelligence features, with some work reserved for iOS 27.

FCA contract widens Palantir's access to Britain's financial system and public sector

March 22, 2026, 2:16 PM EDT. Palantir has won a Financial Conduct Authority deal that will give the company access to terabytes of regulatory data and a view into the heart of the City of London's financial system. The contract extends a UK footprint that already includes the NHS (2023), the police (2024) and the military (2025), part of a 'land and expand' strategy that has produced more than £500 million in value. The FCA aims to use AI (artificial intelligence) to detect and crack down on financial crime such as money laundering and fraud, which authorities say accounts for a large share of crimes in the UK. The regulator seeks network analytics (mapping relationships among firms and people) to identify risky networks. Critics warn a bad actor could try to game such systems-for example by hiding incriminating text in documents-potentially blunting AI's effectiveness.

One prompt to unlock AI: how the Master Key starts everyday use

March 22, 2026, 2:02 PM EDT. One starting prompt-the Master Key prompt-can move beginners beyond vague questions. The article shows how to begin with a single sentence: 'I'm new to using AI. Based on what most beginners get wrong, how should I be using you in my daily life? Give me a few simple examples I can try right now.' This asks the AI to teach the user and highlights platform differences. It argues many novices treat AI like Google or fire off random questions, missing practical value. The piece likens learning to using an air fryer: start with simple tasks, then grow into daily routines. Used as a personal consultant, the AI helps remove friction in everyday tasks, with four immediate use cases outlined.

AI was everywhere at gaming's big developer conference, but developers remain wary

March 22, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT. AI was everywhere at the GDC Festival of Gaming, with vendors marketing generative tools for AI-driven NPCs and full games via chat. Tencent demoed a pixel world generated by its AI; a Razer briefing showed an AI QA assistant that logs issues. A Google DeepMind talk explored playable AI-generated spaces. Yet the games themselves looked AI-free. Most developers Jay Peters spoke with opposed using AI in their projects, arguing the human mind's beauty and individuality matter. A GDC survey found 52% view generative AI as having a negative impact, up from 30% in 2025 and 18% in 2024. Indie studios stress handmade, human quality. Nvidia's DLSS 5 drew criticism for AI-generated, flawed faces. Proponents say AI could aid debugging, QA, and idea generation, while players could tailor games. Google Cloud's Jack Buser called it the industry's largest transformation in decades.

Quvia Pioneers Multi-Orbit, Provider-Agnostic IFC, Ending Vendor Lock-In

March 22, 2026, 1:56 PM EDT. Quvia is a US-based aviation technology integrator that decouples aircraft hardware from service providers, letting airlines switch between satellite networks rather than stay with a single vendor. Its multi-orbit, provider-agnostic hardware supports constellations such as Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper, targeting high-speed, low-latency connectivity that rivals home broadband. As early as 2027, analysts expect five or more broadband constellations to be operational. The move weakens traditional supplier power, a shift described as escaping vendor lock-in. New antennas can switch between GEO and LEO orbits; upcoming seatback systems will enable streaming across services. The broader goal: a faster, more affordable, home-like IFC experience, with airlines potentially offering free Wi-Fi or loyalty perks as competition grows.

Apple unveils nine new products this March, from iPhone 17e to Nike Powerbeats Pro 2

March 22, 2026, 1:54 PM EDT. Apple has unveiled nine new products this March, spanning iPhone, iPad, Macs and accessories. The iPhone 17e uses A19, MagSafe, second-gen C1X modem and 256GB base storage. The iPad Air adopts M4 and Wi-Fi 7. The MacBook Air transitions to the M5, with 512GB base storage but a $1,099 starting price after dropping 256GB. The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro get M5 Pro/Max, faster SSDs and up to 1TB base storage, plus N1 for Wi-Fi 7. A new MacBook Neo starts at $599; a refreshed Studio Display adds Thunderbolt 5 and Desk View, with a higher-end XDR. AirPods Max 2 upgrade H2; Nike Edition Powerbeats Pro 2 debuts in two-tone black and Volt.

DJI Mini 4K hits record-low discounts in March 2026 across all bundles

March 22, 2026, 1:38 PM EDT. Discounts on the DJI Mini 4K have reached a record low in March 2026, spanning Standard, Fly More and Combo bundles. Amazon lists a $209 price, a roughly 30% cut off the list price. The piece describes two discount routes: (1) Prime Members can take $60 off with an Amazon Store Card, lowering the price to $209; (2) a $60 Amazon Visa instant discount at checkout, which the article says would drop the price to as low as $159 (though another line cites $189 after approval for the Visa option). The drone weighs under 249g, carries a 4K camera on a 3-axis gimbal, and offers up to 31 minutes of flight per battery with long-range transmission. Buyers are urged to act quickly.

Roku TV OTA channels require internet after Live TV Guide update, hindering antenna access

March 22, 2026, 1:32 PM EDT. Roku TVs have long let users tap an over-the-air antenna to watch free local channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX without relying on the internet. A software change to the Live TV Guide, which now blends OTA signals with streaming channels, appears to require an active internet connection for full functionality. Users report that opening the Live TV Guide or selecting an antenna channel yields a blank or gray screen when offline, blocking channel surfing and access to the guide. The issue can be resolved temporarily by connecting a mobile hotspot, after which OTA channels load and continue to play if internet stays off. Cord Cutters News confirmed the behavior and says Roku has been asked for comment. The change matters during sports events and outages, when local access is crucial.

Nvidia wins China license to sell H200 chips, ramps up production amid AI demand

March 22, 2026, 1:28 PM EDT. Nvidia Corp has secured Chinese approval to sell its H200 accelerators, allowing a restart of shipments after a years-long pause amid US-China tensions. The company said it is ramping up production to meet strong Chinese demand and that licenses cover many customers in China. The approval follows a prior U.S. clearance to ship a limited number of H200 chips to China. China accounted for about a quarter of Nvidia's revenue before the import ban, making the market a key pillar of its long-term growth. Nvidia designs and sells GPUs and AI software that power data centers, generative AI workloads, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and professional visualization. CEO Jensen Huang underscored continued investment as the AI race intensifies.

Ex-IDF air defense chief says Iran doubled missile range with two-stage launch

March 22, 2026, 1:24 PM EDT. Iran's ballistic missile reportedly reached about 4,000 kilometers, doubling the previously claimed 2,000 km range. Former IDF air defense chief Brig.-Gen. Ran Kochav told The Jerusalem Post the result likely came from a two-stage, satellite-like launch that could reach Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir echoed that a multi-stage system may explain the gain. Kochav floated possibilities including a modified USSR-era R-27 or a Khorramshahr-4 variant and noted North Korea has used similar tech to hit about 3,000 km. If the warhead is lighter, range can extend with the same launch energy; Iran has long claimed about 2,000 km, while authorities warn of dual-use satellite tests that could feed ballistic-missile programs.

Nvidia faces antitrust questions over $20B Groq licensing deal

March 22, 2026, 1:22 PM EDT. U.S. lawmakers pressed Nvidia over a $20 billion, non-exclusive licensing deal with Groq, warning the arrangement could curb competition without formal antitrust review. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal asked CEO Jensen Huang for details on how the deal affects Nvidia's AI computing position. Nvidia says it did not purchase Groq and Groq remains independent, though many engineers moved to Nvidia and Groq's cloud operations run separately. The deal, completed late 2025, also brought several Groq executives, including CEO Jonathan Ross, into Nvidia. The arrangement drew scrutiny for not being submitted for antitrust review, as regulators examine licensing-and-hiring structures that may broaden influence. Nvidia plans to fold Groq tech into a new AI computing platform shown at its conference; oversight of such deals is tightening.

Apple Stores running low on HomePod, HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K inventory ahead of updates

March 22, 2026, 1:16 PM EDT. Apple Stores around the world are reported to be running low on three products: the full-size HomePod, the HomePod mini and the Apple TV 4K, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. Shortages are often a harbinger of updated models, though that isn't a guarantee. Apple has had refreshed Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini versions ready since last year but has delayed release while waiting for Siri and other AI upgrades. Gurman notes the company could roll out new hardware before fully capable Apple Intelligence Siri debuts. The larger HomePod has dwindling stock too, though there are no current rumors of a new version. Expected upgrades: Apple TV 4K with A17 Pro and HomePod mini with a newer chip, plus color options.

Generative AI in Gaming Faces Pushback as Nvidia's DLSS 5 Sparks Debate

March 22, 2026, 1:12 PM EDT. At GDC 2026, Nvidia rolled out DLSS 5 with an in-game AI character overhaul that drew backlash from players and some developers who worried over unconsented changes to their work. The row underscores a broader debate over disclosure and the role of generative AI in production and player-facing features. A Game Developers Conference state-of-industry poll found 52% of respondents say their company uses generative AI, though only 36% use it as part of their jobs. Most deploy it for research and brainstorming (81%), emails and scheduling (47%), or code help (47%). Yet developers grow wary: 52% see AI as bad for the industry, up from 30% last year. In interviews at the show, experts say real, must-have AI tools for gameplay remain elusive, and adoption is uneven.

Galaxy S26 teardown reveals 9/10 repairability, PBKreviews reports

March 22, 2026, 1:02 PM EDT. PBKreviews' teardown of the Samsung Galaxy S26 5G shows the vanilla model's internals after removing the SIM tray and heat-assisted back panel. The YouTube channel assigns a repairability score of 9 out of 10, praising parts availability, easy battery replacement, and straightforward miscellaneous parts replacement. It notes weaker performance in the design category, which can slow repairs, and marks the screen replacement as easy but not exceptionally so. The video accompanies Samsung's launch of the S26 lineup and aligns with an in-depth review of the device.

Security flaw lets tinkerer take remote control of 6,700 DJI Romo robot vacuums

March 22, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT. An independent engineer exposed a vulnerability in DJI Romo robot vacuums that could expose floor plans, live video, and remote control for about 6,700 devices worldwide. Sammy Azdoufal, who uses AI, stumbled on the flaw in February 2026 while attempting to build a PS5-controller-based remote app. The issue traced to weak server-side access controls and data handling, not a direct breach of DJI's systems. He notified DJI, which had already begun fixes; updates addressed the core flaw but left questions about access to video feeds without a PIN. DJI later paid a $30,000 reward to the researcher, The Verge and Tom's Hardware reported. The company, known for drones, expanded into robot vacuums in late 2025 and has faced U.S. security scrutiny since 2017.

Retro 2000s internet terminal revived: Doom runs on the Compaq iPAQ IA-2

March 22, 2026, 12:58 PM EDT. Dave Luna preserved a Compaq iPAQ IA-2 from 2000 and freed it from a dial-up web-browser lock. The device runs Windows 98 after a workaround that bypasses the BIOS's refusal to boot from standard IDE storage. The IA-2 uses a 266 MHz Geode GX1 and a 16 MB DiskOnChip, with a ZuluIDE adapter to mimic a ZIP drive and load Windows 98. Luna stitched together MS-DOS, custom driver tweaks and VGA mods to make the built-in CRT display function at 800×600. Doom finally runs in a window, with limited colors. The project illustrates early-net ambitions colliding with cheaper, faster PCs while preserving a slice of legacy hardware.

New study says quantum computer can crack RSA encryption 10 times faster

March 22, 2026, 12:52 PM EDT. Researchers say the quantum resources needed to crack a common RSA encryption method have fallen by about a factor of 10, heightening urgency for post-quantum security. The algorithm underpins online banking and secure messaging and can be broken by sufficiently large quantum computers using Shor's algorithm. Progress on qubit counts has accelerated since 2019: Google's Craig Gidney cut estimates from about 170 million to 20 million, then under 1 million in 2025. The latest work from Iceberg Quantum's Paul Webster and colleagues lowers the target to roughly 100,000 superconducting qubits, assuming a qLDPC connectivity scheme. They project about a month of compute time with 98,000 qubits; 471,000 qubits could reach a day. Experts caution hardware challenges remain, but the trend is moving fast.

Amazon reportedly develops 'Transformer' phone aimed at AI-driven personalization

March 22, 2026, 12:50 PM EDT. Amazon is developing a new device internally codenamed 'Transformer' in its ZeroOne group, led by former Microsoft executive J Allard. The project is pitched as a potential mobile personalization device that could sync with Alexa and serve as a conduit to Amazon's services throughout the day. Features would prioritize seamless access to buying on Amazon, streaming on Prime Video, music on Prime Music, and partner food delivery (e.g., Grubhub). Alexa would be central but not the operating system, with AI integration a priority. The device may eschew traditional app stores and resemble concepts like the Humane AI Pin or Rabbit R1; a minimal or 'dumbphone' variant could also exist. No cost or timeline is known, and Reuters sources caution the project could be scrapped amid finances or strategy shifts. The Fire Phone's 2014 failure looms.

Screamer reboot blends '90s arcade racer energy with anime-inspired style

March 22, 2026, 12:46 PM EDT. Milestone's Screamer reboot reimagines the late 1990s arcade racer for modern consoles, powered by Unreal Engine 5. The fast, destruction-heavy racing remains its core, but the look is glossy and anime-infused, with hand-drawn cutscenes by Polygon Pictures that mix 2D characters with 3D car renders. The cast spans five teams, including a J-pop group, each speaking their own language thanks to auto-translation tech. The campaign leans into world-building and dialogue before charging into high-speed races, a pace that can slow to explain Echo tech and backstory. Milestone, better known for niche sims, has effectively reinvented Screamer for a new generation while preserving its hardcore challenge.

Guilty Gear Strive v2.00 adds Jam Kuradoberi, Robo=Ky in Season 5 with new mechanics

March 22, 2026, 12:44 PM EDT. Arc System Works unveiled Guilty Gear Strive version 2.00, headlined by the Season 5 DLC. The fighting game will add Jam Kuradoberi on April 9, with Robo=Ky following in the summer. Two further unannounced characters are planned for winter and spring 2027. The update introduces major changes, including new mechanics Wild Assault and Counter Blitz, new moves and a reward track called Haunted. It also adds a new stage, Cradled by the Four Beasts, extra color options, and UI/skin tweaks, plus the seasonal reward system Blazing Pass launching in May. Guilty Gear Strive is on PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC via Steam.

OpenAI's data center pivot underscores Wall Street spending concerns ahead of IPO

March 22, 2026, 12:40 PM EDT. OpenAI moved aggressively to lock in compute capacity in 2025, signing multibillion-dollar infrastructure deals as it eyed a potential IPO this year. In recent months the company has tempered expectations, outlining a more measured strategy and signaling a pivot away from mammoth, self-built data centers toward purchasing cloud capacity. At BlackRock's infrastructure summit, Sam Altman acknowledged megascale deployments are fragile-weather events and supply-chain woes can derail timelines. The Abilene campus, part of the Stargate project with Oracle and SoftBank, illustrates the risks. Analysts say the market prefers disciplined growth and predictable revenue, potentially smoothing OpenAI's path to becoming an investable public asset while competing with Google and Anthropic.

iNaturalist users help science with millions of sightings

March 22, 2026, 12:38 PM EDT. iNaturalist app to photograph and identify plants, animals, and fungi. The platform reports about six million monthly users and roughly 300 million sightings across 197 countries, providing date-stamped, geolocated data to scientists. Researchers use the crowdsourced records to track invasive species movements, such as the spotted lanternfly, and to gauge biodiversity loss as extinctions loom-potentially one in three by century's end. Executive director Scott Loarie frames the mission as preventing rivets from popping off a fragile Earth, noting the data may help protect life on the planet. The app's collaborative nature makes science more accessible, with discoveries sometimes emerging from everyday moments.

Wi-Fi 7's hidden benefits: faster local transfers, reliability and responsiveness

March 22, 2026, 12:28 PM EDT. Wi-Fi 7 is delivering gains beyond headline speeds. In real homes, the upgrade improves local transfers between devices, reduces latency, and boosts reliability on busy networks. The change mainly comes from wider channels – up to 160MHz on the 5GHz band and 320MHz on the 6GHz band – and from improved efficiency. The result: faster, cable-free file moves to PCs or NAS, and smoother streaming and gaming when devices contend for the same network. Even with modest internet plans, a tri-band router with Wi-Fi 7 can approach the performance of a wired link for local transfers, especially if clients support the standard. In short, the benefits are practical and tangible for home use, not just bragging rights about peak speeds.

Windows 11 OOB KB5085516 fixes Microsoft Account sign-in, restores access to Teams Free, OneDrive

March 22, 2026, 12:26 PM EDT. Microsoft released an out-of-band update, KB5085516, for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 to fix an internet-sign-in bug that blocked access to Microsoft services and apps such as Teams Free, OneDrive, Edge, and Copilot. The issue caused a 'no Internet' error even when online. Builds are 26200.8039 on 25H2 and 26100.8039 on 24H2. The update does not affect Microsoft Entra ID app authentications. The patch follows earlier OOB updates KB5084597 (security for a critical network vulnerability) and KB5084897 (Bluetooth connectivity). To install, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Optional Updates. No word on broader impact or timing for other Windows 11 versions.

iPhone bottom line explained: Home Indicator and hidden gestures

March 22, 2026, 12:24 PM EDT. From the iPhone X onward, every Apple smartphone with Face ID displays a line at the bottom known as the Home Indicator. It replaced the legacy Home Button and signals where to swipe. The indicator supports several gestures: swipe up from the line to return to the Home Screen; a slow, upward slide reveals recent apps; a sideways swipe along the line quickly cycles between apps; tapping the line twice opens a contextual UI for Siri. Apple also hints that the line doubles as a context hub, with future enhancements tied to iOS 26.5. The line's purpose is functional rather than purely aesthetic, guiding users through navigation without a physical Home Button.

CERAWeek 2026 to host AI, data-center and chip-design leaders from AWS, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Meta, Dell, Applied Materials and AMD

March 22, 2026, 12:22 PM EDT. Leaders from Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Meta, Dell, Applied Materials and AMD will join technology speakers at CERAWeek by S&P Global in Houston, March 23-27. The conference will focus on the convergence of energy and technology, with emphasis on AI, data centers, chip design, and robotics as energy demand grows. Highlights include the Bridge, a new venue linking energy realities with tomorrow's solutions, and the Innovation Agora, which gathers more than 300 startups, venture capitalists and policymakers. Topics span electrification, decarbonization, cybersecurity, hydrogen, mining, mobility and automation. Daniel Yergin, conference chair, says the theme Convergence and Competition reflects rapid tech innovation paired with energy-market pressures. The program outlines investment strategies for stable, affordable energy amid rising demand.

Wisconsin Senate fails to vote on AI data center regulation

March 22, 2026, 12:12 PM EDT. MADISON, Wis. – The Assembly passed a Republican-backed bill in January to regulate AI data centers, but the Senate did not bring the measure to a vote on Tuesday. The stalled effort follows shifting public sentiment: a Marquette Law School poll found 70% of Wisconsinites say the costs of data centers outweigh the benefits. Supporters argued for standards on siting, energy use and security; opponents warned of regulatory burden and red tape. The bill would have set rules on permitting, disclosures and incentives, but time ran out as lawmakers left town without action.

SpaceX's plan for up to 1 million orbital data centers alarms astronomers

March 22, 2026, 12:08 PM EDT. SpaceX filed in January to deploy up to one million additional Starlink satellites designed to function as orbital data centers to power AI. The company already operates more than 10,000 active Starlinks, as launches from Vandenberg continue. Astronomers, including Harvard's Jonathan McDowell, warn the megaconstellation threatens ground-based science. Space.com reports a coalition led by astronomer John Barentine challenged the filing, arguing the satellites would occupy high-inclination orbits and remain fully sunlit even at midnight, undermining progress toward sustainable astronomy. Barentine calls it a "reversal" of prior safeguards. Beyond optics, decommissioned craft could burn up and release pollutants in the upper atmosphere; he estimates reentry could occur about every three minutes. Regulators face a difficult trade-off between broadband ambitions and preserving the night sky.

DJI Mini 4K drops to $269 on Amazon bundle with two batteries

March 22, 2026, 11:52 AM EDT. DJI's light-weight drone, the Mini 4K, is down to $269 on Amazon from $389 in a bundled package that includes two batteries, the RC-N1C controller, a shoulder bag, spare propellers and a propeller holder. At about 249 grams, it mostly sidesteps FAA registration for recreational use and avoids Remote ID headaches, making it a practical first drone. It records 4K video, hovers in moderate wind, and returns when the battery runs low or the signal drops. The two-battery setup yields up to 62 minutes of flight per session. DJI promotes easy setup: one press on the remote lifts off, then fly using modes like Helix, Rocket, Boomerang, Circle, Dronie, and Pano. The deal, if real, serves as a clear nudge for beginners.

Apple CEO Praises China Partners as Beijing Applies Pressure

March 22, 2026, 11:44 AM EDT. Apple CEO Tim Cook used the China Development Forum in Beijing to praise Chinese developers and Apple's local partners, even as Beijing presses questions about the App Store. He framed green development and carbon neutrality as shared goals and pledged deeper collaboration with Chinese firms and their ecosystems. Cook highlighted an excellently talented developer community and noted that while most devices are assembled in China, Apple is diversifying to Vietnam and India. The remarks come after Apple cut App Store fees in China and after the People's Daily urged further easing of restrictions. China revenue rose 38% to $25.5 billion in the holiday quarter. Premier Li Qiang warned against politicizing the supply chain, saying China will work to maintain global supply-chain stability.

AI era drives reskilling as companies do more with less

March 22, 2026, 11:38 AM EDT. As the AI era reshapes work and a tight labor market tightens margins, firms push reskilling to lift productivity. Bijal Shah, CEO of Guild, says employers must give workers chances to evolve with the business, building career ladders that retain talent and increase output. The approach creates a cycle in which experienced staff stay longer and assume more responsibilities, strengthening the customer experience. Charter Communications CHRO Paul Marchand highlights a virtuous cycle: more learning drives commitment and better service. In 2023, Charter launched a tuition-free education benefit with Guild, and about 13% of the workforce has enrolled or completed courses, a sizable share in frontline roles.

AI intensifies trade-off between consumer safety and privacy as surveillance grows

March 22, 2026, 11:36 AM EDT. AI is sharpening the debate over consumer safety and privacy, as surveillance networks and data collection accelerate. Ring, owned by Amazon, drew fierce backlash after a Super Bowl ad portraying its technology as a tool for tracking a lost dog, seen by critics as normalizing mass home surveillance. The company later scrapped a partnership with security firm Flock Safety. Separately, questions arose after the FBI retrieved Nest cam footage from a Tucson abduction case, despite initial claims the data were inaccessible without a paid subscription. OpenAI faced scrutiny when employees banned a Canadian school shooter's account without notifying police. Advocates warn the cost of peace of mind may be higher than users realize, and experts urge resetting privacy expectations.

Budget-friendly iPhone 17e accessories expand MagSafe ecosystem

March 22, 2026, 11:26 AM EDT. Apple's iPhone 17e arrives with the A19 chip and a new C1X chip, plus MagSafe and faster 15W wireless charging. At $599, it is pitched as a capable entry-level option with few compromises. The revival of MagSafe opens a broad accessories market, including budget picks such as ESR's protective stand case. The case combines camera and display lips, a kickstand, and extra MagSafe magnets for about $19-$24. For charging, the Kuxiu X55 3-in-1 wireless charger handles iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, delivering up to 15W and coming with a brick, cable and case. A newer Sharge 10,000mAh MagSafe power bank adds hand-free use, 25W USB-C fast charging, a built-in cable and cooling. These options illustrate a budget-friendly MagSafe ecosystem.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: 3nm Snapdragon, 5G, and the end of Exynos era

March 22, 2026, 11:24 AM EDT. Industry reports peg the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for a major CPU shift, ditching the Exynos W1000 in favor of Qualcomm's Snapdragon Wear Elite on a 3nm process. The move promises a measurable uplift in single- and multi-core performance and longer real-world battery life, even with a 590mAh cell, due to improved power efficiency. The watch is expected to gain built-in 5G, making it Samsung's first 5G wearable and enabling NB-NTN satellite connectivity for emergency messaging when terrestrial networks fail. On-device AI and a dedicated NPU could run light language models locally as part of On-Device AI. Health sensing may extend into Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring, alongside existing sensors. The Ultra 2 appears to be positioned as a distinct, more capable successor ahead of Summer 2026 Unpacked.

SpaceX to launch 29 Starlink V2 Mini satellites from Cape Canaveral

March 22, 2026, 11:20 AM EDT. SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink V2 Mini Optimized satellites into low Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Liftoff is tentatively set for 10:47 a.m. If successful, the mission would expand the Starlink broadband network and boost capacity for users worldwide.

Billionaires Shift From Tesla to Shopify on TSX as Investors Seek Growth

March 22, 2026, 11:04 AM EDT. Billionaire funds have trimmed exposure to Tesla as volatility, margin compression, and rising competition sharpen scrutiny of the electric-vehicle leader. At the same time, a different tech stock on the TSX has drawn fresh capital. Shopify (TSX: SHOP) has risen as a preferred long-term compounder for some billionaire portfolios, thanks to its asset-light model, recurring revenue streams, and broad global brand recognition. The company earns money from subscriptions, payments, merchant services and a growing ecosystem that helps merchants operate online. Unlike Tesla, Shopify relies less on capital-intensive manufacturing and supply chains, aiding profitability. Investors see the shift as a tilt toward a high-margin, scalable software platform with staying power, even as Tesla's volatility persists and Shopify continues to expand its ecosystem.

Apple's Made on iPad campaign spotlights Logan Thompson mask and five other NHL goalie designs

March 22, 2026, 11:02 AM EDT. Logan Thompson is among six NHL goaltenders featured in Apple's Made on iPad x NHL campaign, with masks designed on an iPad Pro using the Apple Pencil Pro and Procreate's 3D templates. Thompson's Dueling Eagles Mask, painted by Dave Fried, nods to last season's eagle bucket and the Capitals wordmark, with the Capitol crown and Thompson's number 48 centered on a star. The others are Anthony Stolarz, Thatcher Demko, Dustin Wolf, Adin Hill, and Sam Montembeault. Painter Jordon Bourgeault says changes are faster now thanks to the iPad, boosting approval rates. The masks appear in EA Sports NHL 26, and a large Capital One Arena banner promotes the project, which followed a 2019 Monumental Sports collaboration.

Spotify bets on AI features to defend subscribers amid rival push

March 22, 2026, 10:52 AM EDT. Spotify is betting that AI-driven features, including a new ChatGPT integration and the Prompted Playlist tool, will deepen user engagement as competition from Apple, YouTube and Amazon intensifies. The company says its interactive DJ now reaches about 90 million subscribers and has logged four billion hours of listening time, and it argues that music catalogs across platforms are broadly similar. Analysts say AI-enhanced discovery could create a moat by personalizing recommendations beyond simple like/dislike signals. The integration is opt-in, with Spotify saying it will not share music content with OpenAI for training. The move complements broader AI efforts across streaming, as rivals test similar prompts to guide playlists and listening choices.

UC Irvine researchers unveil 'FlyTrap' attack that exploits autonomous drone tracking

March 22, 2026, 10:48 AM EDT. Researchers at UC Irvine demonstrated a drone-capture and crash-induction technique dubbed FlyTrap, using adversarial umbrellas to exploit autonomous target tracking (ATT) systems. In field demos, the pattern on an opened umbrella caused three commercial drones-DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Neo, and HoverAir X1-to home in, with the visual cue shrinking the tracking bounding box as the drone closed in. The team says the attack relies on a PDP (physical distance pulling) effect and can work across angles and motion. Lead author Shaoyuan Xie and co-author Alfred Chen caution about real-world risks to public safety and critical infrastructure, urging security fixes before broader deployment. The researchers say DJI and HoverAir have been notified about the neural processing vulnerabilities in ATT systems.

Letter: AI humor test highlights limits of machine intelligence

March 22, 2026, 10:32 AM EDT. Spike Kaplansky, Sherman Oaks, signs off on Moti Mizrahi's view that today's chatbots mimic humans but lack personhood, consciousness or genuine comprehension. He uses a simple test: can an AI produce an original joke that is truly funny? He has asked his preferred AI app, Perplexity, several times and says the results have never been funny. After reading the jokes to others, they respond with puzzled stares. Mizrahi says AI is a tool, even a useful one, but fundamentally limited-it does not think, care or understand. Kaplansky agrees. The exchange highlights a plain benchmark for AI: whether it can deliver truly original humor or merely imitate human style.

Subscription-free home security cameras gain ground as local storage narrows the gap with cloud

March 22, 2026, 10:20 AM EDT. With cloud storage dominant, local-recording cameras are narrowing the gap. This review tests subscription-free systems that keep footage on-device or in a local hub, still delivering strong features without ongoing fees. Key brands include Eufy, TP-Link Tapo, and Aqara. Eufy stands out for versatility, easy setup, and onboard AI detection. The flagship EufyCam S4 packs a 4K main lens (130°) plus dual 2K lenses with 360° coverage and 70° tilt, plus a 10,000 mAh battery and optional solar panel. It stores locally-32 GB built-in, expandable to 256 GB-and offers activity zones and sensitivity controls. The report notes past data-breach concerns, but security has improved. The piece also previews other hard-wired, local-storage options and guidance on securing video doorbells.

Apple TV turns 19 as rumors swirl of next-generation model

March 22, 2026, 10:08 AM EDT. Apple TV turns 19, tracing a path from a $299, 40GB, 720p set-top box unveiled by Steve Jobs at Macworld in 2007 to a premium streaming hub with tighter ecosystem links. The original device, previewed as 'iTV,' relied on local media with a Front Row-style interface and lacked an App Store. It shed the internal hard drive in 2010 and pivoted to streaming. tvOS and the App Store arrived in 2015, followed by 4K support in 2017. Today's model uses an A15 Bionic chip and integrates with Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, AirPlay, and HomeKit. Competitors dominate the budget segment, but Apple keeps the line as a premium option. Industry chatter points to a new Apple TV with a faster chip and a custom N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, expected soon.

Blue Origin ramps up New Glenn manufacturing, unveils Orbital Data Center ambitions

March 22, 2026, 10:06 AM EDT. Blue Origin said it is accelerating the manufacturing cadence for its heavy-lift rocket, the New Glenn, shifting more work to Cape Canaveral facilities and expanding testing capacity. In the same briefing, the company outlined ambitions to develop orbital data centers-computing facilities placed in low Earth orbit (LEO) to support satellite networks and space missions. Officials described the plan as part of a broader push to offer space-enabled data services. The announcements highlight Blue Origin's effort to scale production while pursuing new revenue streams beyond launches. No timing or cost details were disclosed.

Nvidia's GTC keynote stirs caution as AI hype meets investor uncertainty

March 22, 2026, 10:04 AM EDT. Jensen Huang's two-and-a-half-hour GTC keynote sparked a stock dip as Wall Street weighs AI optimism against uncertainty and a perceived bubble. The split is stark: Silicon Valley energized, markets cautious. Huang pitched a vast AI horizon, calling the AI agent ecosystem a $35 trillion market and the physical AI and robotics sector a $50 trillion opportunity. He forecast $1 trillion in purchase orders for Nvidia's Blackwell and Vera Rubin chips by end-2027. The tone suggested growth, not gloom, but investors fixated on ROI timing and market structure uncertainty. Nvidia also highlighted demand signals, including a report that Amazon plans to buy about 1 million GPUs for AWS by 2027, and collaborations around a Groq-designed AI-inference chip for Vera Rubin.

SpaceX IPO on the horizon: how everyday investors can gain exposure before the market debut

March 22, 2026, 10:02 AM EDT. SpaceX is eyeing a public debut this year with a valuation around $1.5 trillion, potentially placing it among the world's 10 largest by market cap. For individual investors, exposure today is indirect. Alphabet (GOOG) is estimated to own about 7%-8% pre-IPO. The Ark Venture Fund (ARKVX) is SpaceX's largest holding, allocating roughly 18% of its portfolio to the company. The most direct path remains EchoStar, which holds a stake created by a cash-and-stock deal worth roughly $11 billion in SpaceX stock; with SpaceX's value rising, EchoStar's stake could top $30 billion. Investors weighing the IPO should consider risk: a bear market could dull demand, even as private stakes offer upside if the deal comes to market.

Tesla FSD v14.3 due late April after internal testing, Musk says

March 22, 2026, 9:54 AM EDT. Tesla says its Full Self-Driving v14.3 is in internal testing and will roll out widely in a few weeks, likely by late April, Elon Musk said on X. The upgrade follows v14.2.x releases, which improved some functions but drew complaints over navigation and confidence. Tesla Hardware 4 owners have been on v14.2 and later updates; v14.3 aims to introduce more reasoning and reinforcement learning to improve decision making. Musk suggested the company may need a large chip fab to reach scale, hinting at broader AI chip production. Early expectations center on improved navigation and a potential new feature called "Banish" or "Reverse Summon" to find parking. Tesla has indicated the version is being tested internally and could become a step toward driverless, unsupervised robotaxis in select markets.

Nvidia to deliver 1 million AI chips to AWS by 2027 in multichip cloud deal

March 22, 2026, 9:48 AM EDT. Nvidia will supply about 1 million AI chips to Amazon Web Services (AWS) through 2027 in a multichip deal aimed at boosting cloud inference workloads. Nvidia executive Ian Buck said shipments start this year and run through 2027; the package spans GPUs, Spectrum networking chips and ConnectX adapters to speed data transfers inside data centers, plus newer chips such as Groq offerings. The arrangement aligns with CEO Jensen Huang's forecast of a $1 trillion revenue opportunity tied to Blackwell and Rubin platforms. AWS continues to rely on Nvidia even as it pursues custom hardware, underscoring Nvidia's dominance in the AI ecosystem. Inference-the real-time use of trained models to generate outputs-remains the core target.

Cloudflare redesigns Turnstile and Challenge Pages for billions of verifications daily

March 22, 2026, 9:46 AM EDT. Cloudflare's Turnstile widget and Challenge Pages are served 7.67 billion times daily, possibly the most-seen UI on the Internet. The redesign aims to serve billions of users-from a grandmother in rural Japan to a developer in Berlin-through inclusive, accessible design. The project is presented in three parts by designer Leo, engineer Ana, and analyst Marina: design process, deployment at scale, and measurable impact. The work addresses rising bot activity and user frustration by balancing security with usability. Cloudflare cites security checks rising from 2.14B daily in 2023 to 3B in 2024 and 5.35B in 2025, a 58.1% YoY increase. The effort highlights accessibility, performance, and resilience for end users.

SpaceX to launch 29 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral

March 22, 2026, 9:44 AM EDT. SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying 29 Starlink V2 Mini Optimized satellites. The Starlink 10-62 mission will deploy about an hour after liftoff on a northeasterly trajectory from Space Launch Complex 40. Liftoff is targeted for 10:47 a.m. EDT (1447 UTC). The mission marks SpaceX's 37th flight this year. The first stage booster, tail number B1078, will attempt a landing on the drone ship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' in the Atlantic about 8.5 minutes after liftoff. This is its 27th flight, contributing to SpaceX's booster recoveries (148th landing on the drone ship, 590th booster recovered). Weather forecasts show greater than 95% odds of favorable conditions.

XCOM network delivers 100ps synchronization across QICK boards, boosting modular quantum computing

March 22, 2026, 9:42 AM EDT. Researchers at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University have built XCOM, a network that synchronizes Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK) boards to within 100 picoseconds. The system maintains long-term stability without drift and supports deterministic, low-latency data exchange between connected modules, with latency under 185 nanoseconds (potentially reducible to 62 ns with firmware tweaks). XCOM enables interconnection of multiple QPUs, supporting scalable modular quantum computing and more robust quantum error correction. The prototype currently supports up to five boards and has demonstrated stable exchanges of about 100,000 messages across two to three boards. The work addresses timing challenges that hinder larger qubit counts, moving toward more complex, fault-tolerant quantum experiments.

Galaxy S26 finally adds USB webcam support, turning its cameras into PC webcams

March 22, 2026, 9:40 AM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy S26 now supports using the phone as a webcam for PCs and laptops via USB-C. The feature, aligned with Android 14's USB webcam support (refined in Android 15), lets users pick the rear (primary or ultra-wide) or front camera for video calls. A High Quality Mode boosts bitrate but can cause the device to heat. The USB option appears in the phone's USB settings after connection. Availability is limited to the S26 line for now; older models aren't supported in One UI 8.5 beta. Samsung may extend it later, but for now it's exclusive to the S26. Bonus: you can charge the phone while plugged in to the laptop.

Tesla faces tougher rivals in 2026 as Rivian, Lucid push; Ford and GM trim EV bets

March 22, 2026, 9:36 AM EDT. Tesla remains the U.S. EV market leader, but the competitive field sharpens in 2026. The company's Model Y dominates unit sales, prompting a strategic pivot as Tesla plans to discontinue the Model S/X and lean more on the Y for revenue and profits. Rivian's R2 SUV hits the scene, with two follow-ons, the R3 and R3X, likely under $50,000, making Rivian a key challenger. Beyond pure-plays, traditional automakers are trimming EV programs amid slower demand and fading incentives, with Ford and GM scaling back on rollout plans. Add Lucid into the mix as a possible low-cost option later, while the broader field grows more diverse. In short, 2026 brings tougher competition for Tesla but also more potential for rivals to gain ground.

Nvidia and AMD Sound AI Boom Alarm as Wall Street Reacts to $711 Billion Warning

March 22, 2026, 9:34 AM EDT. PwC estimates AI could add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, helping explain why Nvidia and AMD have surged. Since 2023, Nvidia is up about 1,140% and AMD roughly 208%. Wall Street's immediate reaction to their latest results, however, amounts to a $711 billion warning the AI boom can't be ignored. Both firms built their value on GPUs-the engines behind AI training, inference, and data centers workloads. Nvidia has long led enterprise data centers, with Hopper and Blackwell generations driving capability; a Vera Rubin GPU is slated for H2 2026. AMD's Instinct GPUs offer lower cost and shorter wait times. In their latest fiscal years, Nvidia data-center sales reached $193.7 billion (up 68%), while AMD data-center revenue was $16.6 billion (up 32%).

Mastercard to acquire BVNK for $1.8 billion to expand stablecoin rails

March 22, 2026, 9:30 AM EDT. Mastercard agreed to buy stablecoin infrastructure firm BVNK for $1.8 billion, a bet on expanding its digital-payments rails and markets for stablecoins. The deal, expected to close later this year, would let Mastercard process stablecoin-denominated transactions and scale BVNK's send, receive, store and convert services alongside Mastercard Move. The deal, analysts say, could hedge against AI disruption and currency-on-chain risks, while expanding Mastercard's addressable market beyond traditional cards. The transaction comes as the stablecoin market has grown to about $307 billion in value, and as other payments players broaden support for digital tokens. Citi has a buy rating on Mastercard; executives and investors frame the move as a strategic pivot, not a short-term trade.

Micron and Intel: two semiconductor stocks to sell before 32% and 43% declines, per Wall Street analysts

March 22, 2026, 9:20 AM EDT. Two semiconductor stocks to watch, with downside baked in, according to Wall Street: Micron Technology and Intel. Morgan Stanley's Joseph Moore assigns a bear-case price for Micron of $240 a share, about 43% below today's around $423. Rosenblatt Securities' Kevin Cassidy flags Intel at a $30 target, roughly 32% under its $44 level. In Micron's fiscal Q2 2026, revenue jumped 196% to $23.8 billion, with non-GAAP net income up 682% to $12.20 per diluted share, as demand for DRAM, HBM and NAND surged. Yet memory is a price game; AI-driven shortages can flip to glut when supply catches up. Analysts say near-term strength is buoyant but durability unclear. Micron trades around 19x adjusted earnings today; multiple compression could follow as the memory cycle peaks, possibly lifting downside into fiscal years 2027-2029. Intel faces similar risk.

Healthcare cloud computing market to reach $120.6 billion by 2029, Asia-Pacific leads growth

March 22, 2026, 9:02 AM EDT. Global healthcare cloud computing was valued at US$46.1 billion in 2023 and US$53.8 billion in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 17.5% from 2024 to 2029 to reach about US$120.6 billion. Asia-Pacific posted the fastest growth, driven by wider adoption of digital health solutions, China reforms, India's expanding healthcare market, and health IT programs in Australia and New Zealand. The trend reflects rising use of EHRs (electronic health records), e-prescribing, and telehealth. Global chronic disease burden-CVD (cardiovascular disease), cancer, and diabetes-supports cloud adoption, while aging populations push demand for remote monitoring and better nurse-patient communication after the pandemic. Hospitals seek interconnected devices and integrated care across providers and payers.

Minecraft Dungeons 2 unveiled as Xbox first-party title, due Fall 2026

March 22, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT. During Minecraft Live, Microsoft and Mojang announced Minecraft Dungeons 2, an action RPG for Xbox, PC, Switch and PS5. The game is slated for Fall 2026 and will join Game Pass at launch. Details remain light beyond a trailer and a description that promises high-stakes encounters, new locations and a world in crisis. The original Minecraft Dungeons arrived in 2020 and found strong appeal for translating Minecraft's blocky world into a lighter, co-operative RPG. Pure Xbox rated it 8/10, praising accessibility for newcomers and fans. More specifics are expected later this year.

Texas Tesla Cybertruck driver sues Tesla for $1 million after alleged FSD incident on Houston overpass

March 22, 2026, 8:48 AM EDT. A Houston woman has sued Tesla for $1 million after an August 2025 incident in which her Cybertruck, reportedly in Full Self-Driving mode, veered toward the edge of an overpass on Houston's 69 Eastex Freeway. Video shows the vehicle nearly crossing the barrier; a collision with a lighting pole redirected it back onto the road, narrowly averting a fall of more than 30 feet and a multi-vehicle crash. The plaintiff alleges injuries to herself and her infant and accuses Tesla of negligence tied to the Full Self-Driving system. Central to the case is Tesla's internal telemetry data, which could show whether the vehicle was using FSD at the time and how the system acted in the moments before impact. The outcome may hinge on whether fault lies with the driver, the system, or both.

Lucid bets on former Tesla S/X owners as EV rivals push ahead

March 22, 2026, 8:46 AM EDT. Lucid used its New York Investor Day to signal it expects to lure former Tesla S/X owners as the two models fade. The company cited roughly 350,000 U.S. owners of the Model S and Model X as of January 2026, according to S&P Global Mobility, and argued those customers will shop for newer, more capable EVs. Lucid aims to build 25,000-27,000 vehicles this year from its Air sedan and Gravity SUV, with true mass-market volumes delayed until the smaller Cosmos and Earth crossovers arrive. The brand claims an edge on range, charging speed and interiors versus Tesla. The Air starts at about $71,000; the Model S starts at about $95,000. The Gravity starts at $80,000; the Model X at $100,000. Tesla says it canceled its longest-running models to free factory space for robot production.

Russia resumes use of Baikonur launch site damaged in November accident

March 22, 2026, 8:44 AM EDT. Russia has resumed launches from Site 31 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan after repairs to the pad damaged during the November lift-off of Soyuz MS-28. Roscosmos released video on Sunday showing the unmanned Progress MS-33 cargo ship bound for the ISS from Site 31. Site 31 had been Russia's only operational launch pad for crewed ISS missions. Repairs were completed earlier this month, according to Roscosmos. The Baikonur facility-leased from Kazakhstan through 2050-remains a linchpin of Russia's space program, which has faced setbacks since the Soviet era, including the loss of its first lunar lander in almost five decades in 2023.

NVIDIA AI-Q and LangChain guide shows how to build deep enterprise search agents

March 22, 2026, 8:34 AM EDT. Tech preview shows how to deploy the NVIDIA AI-Q blueprint with LangChain to build scalable, private enterprise search agents. The open-source template connects LangChain workflow to the NVIDIA AI-Q platform and NeMo Agent Toolkit, enabling deep research agents that run in production and stay data-internal. The guide covers setting up API keys, starting multiple containers with Docker Compose, and monitoring traces with LangSmith and NVIDIA tooling. It also explains configuring shallow and deep research agents, connecting internal data sources, and running long-running tasks in a secure environment. Developers can expect faster time-to-production for agentic search apps that keep business data private and within enterprise networks.

Exclusive tour of Amazon's Trainium lab shows chips courting Anthropic, OpenAI and Apple

March 22, 2026, 8:32 AM EDT. An invited tour of Amazon's Trainium chip lab offered a rare look at a technology central to a $50 billion OpenAI deal. AWS says Trainium chips power Bedrock and handle inference (the run-time task of producing model outputs) faster and cheaper than rivals. Lab leaders Kristopher King and Mark Carroll described ramping multi-model capacity as Anthropic and OpenAI deepen cloud ties; OpenAI named Trainium as the exclusive provider for Frontier under the deal, which also commits AWS to deliver 2 gigawatts of Trainium capacity to OpenAI. Microsoft's position on the pact drew scrutiny from observers. Amazon cites 1.4 million Trainium chips across generations, with Claude running on more than a million Trainium2 chips; Bedrock workloads are expanding and could rival EC2 in scale.

War in Iran could derail the AI boom, analysts warn

March 22, 2026, 8:28 AM EDT. Analysts warn that a protracted conflict with Iran could derail the AI boom by threatening supply chains and raising the cost of compute. Sanctions and tighter export controls could curb access to next-generation chips and cloud services, while energy-price volatility undercuts data-center investment. Talent mobility may stall as visas and collaborations pause, slowing the training of foundational models. Funding could tighten as risk appetite shrinks, and regional tech hubs shift away from the Middle East. Governments may impose stricter AI software export rules, creating a chill across research and deployment. Firms respond by diversifying suppliers, building inventories, and accelerating domestic chip R&D to absorb shocks. The outcome hinges on diplomacy, price stability, and the pace of alternative supply routes.

DigitalOcean rally outpaces Oracle in AI infrastructure play

March 22, 2026, 8:26 AM EDT. Oracle's RPO rose 325% year over year to $553 billion as of Feb. 28, signaling years of revenue ahead. Yet investors have favored DigitalOcean, whose stock has jumped about 115% in the last year, versus Oracle's roughly 4%. DigitalOcean targets SMB and developer workloads with on-demand cloud services, a model Forrester says is about 50% cheaper than hyperscalers. The company guided 2025 revenue of $901 million and projects ~21% growth in 2026 and ~30% in 2027, underpinned by its expanding AI solutions. The platform offers a full-stack AI infrastructure for GPUs/CPUs and access to large language models. Oracle's OpenAI contracts have raised questions about funding and debt, while DigitalOcean's SMB-driven approach presents a more grounded growth path.

How I vibe-coded an app in a weekend and shipped it to users

March 22, 2026, 8:16 AM EDT. Non-developers can build apps fast thanks to AI tools like OpenAI's Codex, Claude Code and Gemini. The author says vibe coding isn't a fad; it's becoming a baseline, tried across Cursor, Replit and Lovable. The hard part isn't coding-it's deciding what to do next after you ship. Distribution often matters more than build time. The fastest route to live is to use built-in deploy tools such as Replit or Lovable, or connect a project to GitHub and link it to Vercel or Netlify for one-click hosting. AI can even walk you through deployment steps. Costs matter too: many platforms offer free tiers suitable for personal projects, with charges kicking in as traffic, AI features, storage or custom domains grow.

AI race between China and U.S. hinges on compute power, Bernstein says

March 22, 2026, 8:12 AM EDT. Bernstein's Hong Kong team argues AI compute power will decide the AI race between China and the U.S.. China's lead in power infrastructure could translate into upside for related stocks, even as Washington restricts China's access to advanced chips. Bernstein notes the current focus on chip access is shifting to electricity to run hyperscalers. By 2035, the team projects the U.S. would reach about 511 ZFLOPS of AI compute versus China's 1,936 ZFLOPS, assuming continued growth in power capacity. China now has 5 ZFLOPS. The firm highlights CATL and Sungrow as top picks, tied to batteries, grid storage and renewables expansion. The analysts see renewables lowering costs and increasing reliability; domestic AI chips are expected to boost efficiency to over 50% of U.S. levels by 2035.

AI as the next great astronomer: how MadEvolve reshapes cosmology

March 22, 2026, 8:10 AM EDT. Data piles up faster than we can parse it, forcing a rethink of cosmology's tools. The article examines MadEvolve, an AI framework that starts from a human-written algorithm and-through iterative code changes-drives improvements beyond the best hand-crafted baselines to some state-of-the-art simulation setups. Its core idea blends two strands: Large Language Models (LLMs) and evolutionary programming. LLMs act as mutation operators, proposing code tweaks after learning from vast text and code. Evolutionary programming guides selection and mutation, letting generations of candidates compete against physics-based metrics. The result is a persistent, tireless apprentice that can rewrite its own toolkit to tackle cosmic data challenges. Researchers caution that validation and transparency remain essential as AI learns to write the codes that study the universe.

Switching to a new keyboard can upgrade your phone for free

March 22, 2026, 8:00 AM EDT. Third-party keyboards can be installed from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and often come free with optional premium features. After installation, you can set a new keyboard as default and switch between them via the Settings menu (Android: System > Keyboard > On-screen keyboard; iOS: General > Keyboard > Keyboards). Be mindful of permissions, since keyboards can see EVERYTHING you type. Choose trusted developers, review privacy policies, and read store audits for protection. The article recommends starting with Gboard, a widely supported option on both Android and iOS. In practice, switching keyboards can be quick and provide features like new layouts, themes, and emoji shortcuts.

Two quantum computing stocks eyed by Wall Street, with Rigetti showing up to 162% upside

March 22, 2026, 7:54 AM EDT. Quantum computing stocks have been highly volatile. Renewed AI excitement has brought some names back into focus. Wall Street analysts see meaningful upside in at least one name, Rigetti Computing. The stock trades around $14.88 with a $4.9 billion market cap. Rigetti aims to release a 108-qubit system by quarter's end, and has reported a two-qubit gate fidelity of 99%. Despite ~32% year-to-date decline, eight of ten analysts rate the stock a Buy and two a Hold; the average 12-month target implies about 117% upside, with some targets as high as 162%. Mizuho's Vijay Rakesh lowered his target to $43 but kept a Buy rating, saying Rigetti is on track despite missing revenue estimates and that it could capture a slice of the quantum market. Investors face a pure bet on commercialization, given limited current revenue and large losses.

Undervalued AI data-center plays fly under the radar: Equinix, Digital Realty, Prologis

March 22, 2026, 7:40 AM EDT. Investors chasing AI gains may overlook data-center operators with bigger exposure to AI infrastructure. The piece argues that headline AI stocks are richly valued, while firms like Equinix (EQIX), Digital Realty Trust (DLR), and Prologis (PLD) offer indirect exposure through real estate that underpins AI systems. Equinix runs the world's largest data-center portfolio-more than 260 centers in 36 countries with 500,000 interconnections. Digital Realty is a wholesale REIT used by many Fortune 500 customers; Equinix is a major tenant. Prologis, though not a pure data-center REIT, has pivoted toward digital infrastructure, leveraging vast land bank and scale to secure lower borrowing costs. With Equinix's 2025 results showing record bookings and AI-driven momentum, the thesis gains credibility.

Samsung starts mass production of industry-first HBM4 for AI workloads

March 22, 2026, 7:18 AM EDT. Samsung Electronics said it has begun mass production and shipped commercial HBM4 memory, a first for the industry. The chip uses a 6th-generation 10nm-class DRAM process (1c) and 4nm logic, enabling stable yields and no redesigns. Executive VP Sang Joon Hwang said the company leveraged its process advantages to deliver substantial performance headroom. HBM4 delivers 11.7 Gbps per pin, about 46% faster than the 8 Gbps standard, and can scale to 13 Gbps. Single stacks reach up to 3.3 TB/s bandwidth with 24-36 GB capacities in 12-layer form, and up to 48 GB with 16-layer stacks in the pipeline. Power efficiency improves about 40%, with better thermal performance, enabled by low-voltage TSVs and PDN optimization. The upgrade targets datacenters and AI GPUs, aiming to boost throughput and control TCO.

Quantum Computing Inc. completes $5 million NuCrypt acquisition

March 22, 2026, 7:14 AM EDT. Quantum Computing Inc. said it has completed the acquisition of NuCrypt, LLC for $5 million, paid in cash and QCi common stock, with NuCrypt becoming a wholly owned subsidiary. The deal adds NuCrypt's quantum communications systems and portfolio, including quantum optics, RF-photonics and photonic signal processing, along with patents, to QCi's technology slate. The companies plan to present integrated technologies at OFC Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Los Angeles (March 17-19). QCi CEO Yuping Huang described quantum communications as a growth vertical, and said the merger should accelerate a commercially viable roadmap. NuCrypt Managing Partner Gregory Kanter said the union expands their footprint after more than 20 years as a specialized provider. NuCrypt has collaborated with NASA, Argonne, Fermilab, and others and participates in the Chicago Quantum Exchange and QED-C.

Microsoft issues out-of-band fix KB5085516 for Windows 11 sign-in bug hitting Teams, Edge and OneDrive

March 22, 2026, 7:12 AM EDT. Microsoft says a March Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2, documented as KB5079473, can block sign-in to Microsoft apps. Users report that Teams Free, OneDrive, Edge, Word, Excel, and Copilot show a sign-in error claiming no internet even when devices are online. An out-of-band fix, KB5085516, has been released to address the issue. A workaround instructs users to restart affected PCs while remaining connected to the internet, as the problem may self-resolve if the device stays online during reboot. Microsoft notes that Entra ID and Azure Active Directory authentications are not affected. No firm timeline for full rollout; users are urged to apply the update when possible.

Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement listed for Nintendo Switch, plus unannounced 505 Games Switch 2 title

March 22, 2026, 7:10 AM EDT. Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement has appeared on a Nintendo Switch listing, alongside an unannounced 505 Games project for Nintendo Switch 2. Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement is described as a sequel to the original Bloodstained release, but there was no confirmed Switch release previously. The listing suggests a Switch release, though plans could still change. The discovery comes from Carlos Aguilar's LinkedIn profile, which also hints at a Switch 2 project from the publisher. The nature of the mystery title remains unclear; possibilities include a new game or a remake of a prior release such as Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake. Readers are invited to weigh in with guesses.

Samsung Now Brief prompts data sharing with Google for video recommendations

March 22, 2026, 7:08 AM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy S26 ships with Now Brief, an automated daily briefing that surfaces weather, news and YouTube content. In practice, it struggles with accuracy, often pulling weather widgets and video recommendations instead of timely updates. The feature shows photos from a day and weekly screen time, and its heavy reliance on YouTube and Gemini toggles can prompt users to share broad data. The consent notice for enabling YouTube recommendations asks for access to schedules, Gmail, calendar, reminders, wallet data, and sports info from Google accounts, along with site visits and watched videos. Critics call this data farming and argue it blurs lines between helpful UX and privacy trade-offs. Users may disable the feature, but data collection begins as soon as the toggle.

Insta360 Unveils Luna Pocket Camera, Set to Compete with DJI Pocket 4 in 2026

March 22, 2026, 6:56 AM EDT. Insta360 Chief Executive Liu Jingkang unveiled Luna, a new pocket camera with ambitions to transform content creation. The device, slated for launch in the first half of 2026, is pitched as more than another pocket camera; Insta360 says it will not use DJI technology and will feature a visible dual-camera setup and a modular design with interchangeable modules. Officials expect upgraded stabilisation and enhanced videography to accompany multiple color variants. Early pricing chatter places Luna between $499 and $699, aiming at a competitive stance against DJI's Pocket 4. The company frames Luna within a growing Insta360 ecosystem, complementing existing 360 cameras and wireless accessories. Market reception will hinge on real-world stabilization, usability and ecosystem support.

Rural internet switch: Starlink arrives, hardware often free as costs fall

March 22, 2026, 6:54 AM EDT. An unnamed rural homeowner left a long-time cable plan after annual rate hikes and degrading service. Facing higher bills and little incentive to stay, they tested satellite internet. A neighbor's Starlink setup prompted a trial. On Starlink's site, the standard kit shows at $349, but select U.S. areas now offer hardware rental for $0 upfront. The kit arrived in two days, and the user kept it beyond a 30-day window. The switch illustrates how Starlink has matured from an experiment to a mainstream option, offering potentially lower ongoing costs and easier setup for rural households.

Samsung Galaxy S26 debuts One UI 8.5 with speed gains; Ultra edges ahead of beta

March 22, 2026, 6:52 AM EDT. Samsung has released Galaxy S26 with One UI 8.5, delivering out-of-the-box speed gains over the beta. The update, first released in December 2025 and now in its seventh beta round, promises smoother touch interactions and transitions, even as changelogs list bug fixes. In hands-on tests, the Galaxy S26 Ultra outpaced its peers in touch response, animations and app launches, suggesting a generational edge from its 3rd-gen Qualcomm Oryon CPU. The Ultra's performance translates to faster CPU and GPU throughput and snappier UI rendering. Samsung's One UI 8.5 beta may still need refinement before a stable rollout, with an eighth beta anticipated. If the final software matches the Ultra's fluency, the wider S26 lineup could close the gap.

Man starts car with iPhone charger in viral TikTok hack, drawing safety questions

March 22, 2026, 6:32 AM EDT. A New York UPS driver's video shows a car that wouldn't start. He bridges the starter solenoid with the tip of an iPhone charger, causing the engine to crank. The clip, posted by @silverwithak on TikTok, treats the moment as a clever fix, but experts describe the move as a manual jump of the starter. The starter relay normally activates the engine via the battery, and failures can stem from wiring, corrosion or wear. Firestone Complete Auto Care notes signs of a failing starter, while AutoZone cites typical replacement costs-from about $80-$350 for parts and $150-$1,100 for installation. Viewers debated the stunt; mechanics caution it's not a safe or recommended method. The story shows how casual tech tricks go viral while exposing real gear risks.

OnePlus Watch Lite unboxing: premium fitness watch with health metrics

March 22, 2026, 6:30 AM EDT. OnePlus frames the Watch Lite as a premium fitness watch at a value price. Unboxing shows a stainless-steel frame, a 1.46" OLED with 317ppi and Always-On Display, and a light 60g mass at 8.9mm thick. A two-pin magnetic charger uses USB-A; OnePlus would prefer a detachable USB-C. The Silver Steel model comes with a 22mm silicone strap; a black variant is available. It is IP68/5ATM water resistant and supports 100+ workout modes, dual-band GPS, heart rate, SpO2, sleep, stress, wrist temperature and arterial stiffness via a touch sensor under the crown. Software runs OxygenOS Watch 7.1, with basic apps and OHealth faces. Bluetooth 5.2 enables calling to paired phones. The health data carries a medical disclaimer.

24-year-old lands the 'hottest job in AI,' shares how to break in

March 22, 2026, 6:28 AM EDT. A 24-year-old describes the 'hottest job in AI' and offers a practical path into the field. The guidance centers on hands-on projects, a concrete portfolio, and ongoing learning. Aspiring entrants should master Python, data handling, and machine learning fundamentals, then seek internships or contribute to open-source work to prove impact. Build end-to-end projects that show problem framing, data prep, model choice, evaluation, and deployment. Networking with mentors, attending local meetups, and applying to startups and big tech firms alike matters. Stay current with rapid AI advances and consider ethics and real-world consequences. The piece cautions against relying on one course and stresses steady effort and practical results.

DJI Avata 360 launches March 26; US shipping expected in late April amid leaks

March 22, 2026, 6:10 AM EDT. DJI has confirmed the official launch for the DJI Avata 360 on March 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM GMT. The company says China sales will start immediately after the livestream, with global shipping expected in early-to-mid April. A new community leak, citing an Italian DJI expert, points to a possible slip to late April for shipments to the United States. The leak notes an FCC approval already in place, directing confidence that the drone will reach stores later in April, possibly around April 24. Pricing guidance circulated ahead of the event, with a Drone Only option around $489-$529, a Fly More Combo bundle near $999, and a Premium Combo (w/ Goggles N3) around $1,099-$1,299. Exact prices will be announced during the March 26 live stream.

Tencent links WeChat to OpenClaw via ClawBot in China's AI agent race

March 22, 2026, 6:08 AM EDT. Beijing, March 22 – Tencent rolled out a tool to weave its WeChat messaging platform into the OpenClaw AI agent via a feature called ClawBot, placing the OpenClaw assistant as a contact within WeChat. Users can send and receive commands through the chat interface to operate the AI agent. The move deepens Tencent's AI push as OpenClaw gains traction after weeks of experimentation. Authorities have cautioned about security risks amid a broader rush by tech firms to monetize AI agents. Tencent had earlier launched its own AI suite-QClaw for individuals, Lighthouse for developers, and WorkBuddy for enterprises-while rivals such as Alibaba's Wukong and Baidu expand OpenClaw-powered tools across desktops, cloud, mobile and smart devices.

Samsung Galaxy Z Roll 5G to launch in 2026 at $2,799, first rollable Galaxy phone

March 22, 2026, 5:46 AM EDT. Samsung plans the Galaxy Z Roll 5G as its first rollable handset, scheduled to launch in 2026 at $2,799. The device centers on a rollable display that expands the screen to about 12.4 inches, with a 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 30,000 nits for outdoor visibility. The camera stack features a 324-megapixel ISOCELL HR1 primary sensor and a 50-megapixel 3x telephoto, with reports of a potential 432-megapixel sensor under consideration. Power comes from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, up to 16GB of RAM. Titanium construction underpins durability, while the roll mechanism aims to blend compact portability with expanded productivity for gaming, photography, and multitasking.

Five minimalist gadgets for 2026 that cut clutter

March 22, 2026, 5:44 AM EDT. Five minimalist gadgets for 2026 aim to reduce clutter without sacrificing function. Each item is available on Amazon and carries at least a 4 out of 5 user rating. Foremost is the OLight IMINI 2 Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight, pocket-sized and about the same as a single earbud. It delivers 50 lumens, a magnetic base, and a detachable USB port that doubles as a power bank, with roughly 60 minutes of use on a charge. The device also carries a 4.8 out of 5 rating and an Amazon's Choice badge. The lineup includes the DreamSky Wooden Digital Alarm Clock, chosen for simple, unobtrusive aesthetics. The guide emphasizes gadgets that require little setup or interaction yet remain practical for everyday life.

iOS 26.4 final build adds offline Shazam, unified accounts and new Safari search tabs

March 22, 2026, 5:42 AM EDT. Apple's iOS 26.4 final build tightens usability and accessibility ahead of the iOS 27 beta. The release boosts keyboard accuracy for faster, more reliable typing, addressing frequent user errors. It adds offline Shazam data storage so songs can be identified without a connection, with online matching when back online. A redesigned Unified Account Management page consolidates settings across App Store, Music and Podcasts and introduces a shortcut for app-specific options. In Safari, Search Tabs lets users locate open tabs by keyword, streamlining multitasking. The update also adds customizable subtitles, letting users adjust font size, color and background opacity from playback controls. Apple frames these enhancements as practical refinements focused on daily usability.

Limited-time MacBook Pro (2020) deal drops to $429.97

March 22, 2026, 5:40 AM EDT. An Apple MacBook Pro (2020) is listed at $429.97 in Grade A refurbished condition, down from $1,999. The unit features a Retina display, 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. Stock is limited and the offer can change after publication. The deal is promoted through Mashable partners, with potential affiliate compensation for purchases. Refurbished devices labeled Grade A are tested and restored to near-new cosmetic and functional standards. Buyers should review warranty terms and return policies, and verify the device is fully functional before purchase.

AI helps startups launch with fewer hires, signaling mixed labor-market impact

March 22, 2026, 5:36 AM EDT. AI is helping founders start businesses with fewer employees, according to a Bank of America Institute report showing a 15.1% year-on-year rise in high-propensity firms likely to hire, while applications planning hires fell 4.4%. The surge in tech services spending-up 14% year over year-tracks a productivity push, with retail and manufacturing leading gains in AI-related spending. Small businesses, which employ about 45% of Americans, could alter hiring patterns and crowd out private-sector job growth even as larger firms deploy AI to do more with less, as seen in Block's layoffs. AI participation appears in about 8% of 2026 job-cut announcements, though economists like Torsten Slok argue that new firms will eventually create jobs. Some founders say AI reduces engineering headcount early on.

Inverse-designed nanophotonic neural network accelerators enable ultra-compact optical computing

March 22, 2026, 5:28 AM EDT. Researchers unveiled inverse-designed nanophotonic devices that double as ultra-compact neural-network accelerators for analog optical computing. They used a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method-a numerical tool that solves Maxwell's equations in time-to reconstruct spatial optical fields. Each subwavelength voxel is a trainable degree of freedom, yielding about 400 million parameters per square millimeter, enabling dense computational capacity. By decoupling the forward pass into linearly separable simulations, the design suits parallel hardware and scaling. The researchers built two on-chip accelerators delivering 89% MNIST and 90% MedNIST accuracy in footprints of 20 × 20 μm² and 30 × 20 μm². The results present a scalable, energy-efficient photonic computing platform bridging inverse nanophotonic design with optical information processing.

SpaceX Poised to Boost Profitability Ahead of 2026 IPO as Vulcan Struggles

March 22, 2026, 5:24 AM EDT. SpaceX is lifting the price of Falcon 9 launches to $74 million ahead of an expected IPO in 2026, a move aimed at expanding near-term margins as competition tightens. Since 2016, the price has climbed from $62 million to $69.75 million by 2024, with the latest price uptick to $74 million observed in recent weeks. The timing follows delays and partial halts around United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur, reducing near-term rivalry. If the IPO reaches the rumored scale of about $1.75 trillion, SpaceX could showcase a higher profit margin on launches while internal costs stay roughly flat, a dynamic that could influence investor sentiment and the pricing of the offering.

Reddit CEO calls grads AI-native, boosting hiring prospects

March 22, 2026, 5:22 AM EDT. Reddit's chief executive described college graduates as AI-native, arguing the cohort's comfort with AI and data tools makes them strong hires. In remarks on the evolving talent pool, he said new graduates inherently understand automation, analytics and machine-learning workflows that dominate today's tech firms. The claim underscores a push to weigh AI fluency more heavily in recruiting and onboarding. The comments arrive as tech companies compete for scarce talent and seek candidates who can hit the ground running in AI-enabled environments.

Four Android phones to buy instead of the iPhone 17e

March 22, 2026, 5:20 AM EDT. Android buyers get more value and features with four contenders pitched against the iPhone 17e. Apple's midrange device adds 256GB storage, the A19 processor, and MagSafe charging up to 15W, but it keeps a notch, a 60Hz display, and a single 48MP rear camera. The Google Pixel 10a leads on software longevity and price, at $499, with a 6.3-inch, 120Hz display, a dual camera, and a flat back. Google promises seven years of updates, longer than Apple's typical five-year window. The OnePlus 13R matches the iPhone 17e on price at $599, while delivering a 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen and a 6,000mAh battery, plus a stronger camera setup. Other Android options round out the field. In short, the iPhone 17e is solid, but Android peers push for better display, camera versatility, and endurance.

Meta to retire Horizon Worlds VR in June; shifts focus to mobile app

March 22, 2026, 5:10 AM EDT. Meta will deactivate Horizon Worlds on VR headsets by June 15, 2026, with the mobile version remaining available. By March 31, individual Worlds and Events will disappear from the Quest Store, and users won't be able to visit places such as Horizon Central, Events Arena, Kaiju or Bobber Bay in VR. After June 15, the VR app will be removed from Quest headsets, making Horizon Worlds inaccessible in virtual reality. The easiest way to access the service will be through the Meta Horizon app on iOS and Android. Hyperscape Capture, a recent beta that creates 3D scans of real locations, is being retired; sharing and co-experiencing will no longer be supported. Meta has prioritized mobile experiences, AI and smart glasses over VR metaverse ambitions.

Rivian R2 Could Challenge Tesla Model Y by 2029

March 22, 2026, 5:06 AM EDT. Tesla has dominated the U.S. EV market, holding more than 50% share as rivals expand. About 86% of revenue is tied to vehicle sales, with last quarter's 418,227 deliveries led by the Model 3 and Model Y. The Rivian R2 SUV, Rivian's first model under $50,000, is positioned as the fiercest challenger to the Model Y on price and form factor. Deliveries for the R2 are slated to begin next month, with Rivian targeting faster growth in 2026 and beyond. The R2 mirrors a broader push by new entrants to chip away at Tesla's dominance, as SUVs account for more than half of global vehicle sales. Tesla's current SUV lineup centers on the high-end Model X, setting up a crowded field by 2029.

Peterson Wealth Management trims NVIDIA stake; insiders move; analysts weigh in

March 22, 2026, 5:04 AM EDT. Peterson Wealth Management reduced its NVIDIA stake by 27.6% in the third quarter, trimming to 52,312 shares, about 6.8% of its portfolio and the fund's 4th largest holding. The position was worth roughly $9.76 million at period end. Insider activity is noted, with EVP Ajay K. Puri selling 300,000 shares on March 18 and CFO Colette Kress selling 42,650 on March 20. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 1.18 million shares. Institutional ownership stands around 65.27%. Analysts have mixed views: Morgan Stanley targets $260; Macquarie upgraded to outperform; Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed their stance.

Adobe CFO turns finance into AI lab as AI-first products surge

March 22, 2026, 4:40 AM EDT. Adobe CFO Dan Durn is turning the finance department into an AI lab, pairing a rules-heavy, data-driven function with autonomous software agents. He runs finance, IT and security under one leader to move pilots into production quickly. Adobe frames agentic AI as a platform for forecasting, anomaly detection and productivity. In forecasting, AI spots signals humans would miss; in anomaly detection, agents flag performance that's unexpectedly strong or weak. The strongest gains sit in productivity, such as extracting information from PDFs with PDF Spaces and an agentic AI assistant that surfaces insights in minutes. Forrester TEI found Acrobat's agentic AI Assistant boosts document work by 45%. Adobe's AI push helped annualized revenue from its AI-first products more than triple in Q1 FY2026, ending Feb. 27.

Underwater AI data center eyed off Maine coast powered by tidal energy

March 22, 2026, 4:38 AM EDT. Realtor Louis Wolfson seeks a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to study an underwater AI data center off Eastport, Maine. The plan would draw power from the Atlantic's tides and cool equipment with seawater. It envisions 27 acres of seabed hosting 170 marine hydrokinetic turbines (tidal-energy devices) feeding modular, airtight computing pods linked by universal docking cradles. If realized, the project would be among the first to pair tidal energy with sea cooling for data processing. The four-year study would cover a 400-acre site and has drawn local curiosity and skepticism. Critics warn it could affect Passamaquoddy fishing access and carry ecological and economic risks, while officials note offshore power potential but stress lengthy hurdles.

Middle East tensions trim India's smartphone shipment outlook for 2026, analysts say

March 22, 2026, 4:36 AM EDT. Analysts warn the Middle East crisis is weighing on India's smartphone shipments for 2026. After memory and storage costs rose 40-50%, demand and supply tighten. Counterpoint Research trims its 2026 forecast to 139 million units from 142 million; Omdia narrows to 142-145 million from 148 million. IDC India adopts a more cautious stance, predicting 132 million units, down from 152 million in 2025. The downgrade underscores ongoing component shortages and higher oil and logistics costs that could hit the rural market hardest. Analysts say demand could weaken further in H2. Brands are tightening inventory, offering incentives to sustain sales. Separately, supply routes and inputs such as helium and even gas shipments from Qatar have become flashpoints that may push up production costs and pressure prices.

QCon London: AI coding grows more capable, expensive, and dangerous

March 22, 2026, 4:34 AM EDT. At QCon London, Birgitta Böckeler of Thoughtworks says AI coding has shifted from vibe coding to autonomous agents and agent swarms. Two main headwinds loom: a worsening security landscape and rising costs of agent-based development. A year ago, vibe coding was new, MCP was popular, and Claude Code wasn't generally available. Context engineering has become the year's hinge, moving from a single rules file to modular skills and lazy loading, so the model reads fewer prompts before acting. Claude Code sessions now reach about 15% capacity before a prompt. Hands-off coding is closer, with agents running unsupervised for up to 20 minutes and headless CLI modes connecting to CI/CD via GitHub Actions. A risk framework weighs mistake probability, impact, and detectability; only the first is new. Security incidents involving coding agents are now a concern.

Three quantum computing stocks to watch: IonQ, D-Wave, Alphabet

March 22, 2026, 4:32 AM EDT. Investors are eyeing quantum computing as the next big theme after AI. The field is shifting toward practical use cases, with IonQ, D-Wave Quantum, and Alphabet shown as the trio to watch. IonQ leads in the most-used accuracy metric and posted a 429% year-over-year revenue jump to $62 million in Q4 2025, with management guiding about $235 million for 2026. Its stock trades around $31.20. D-Wave focuses on optimization tasks-logistics networks and AI inference-and reported 179% growth in Q4 revenue to $25 million, with a current price near $15.73. Alphabet sits alongside as a broader tech play with active quantum ambitions. The trio offers a balanced exposure: pure-play quantum, problem-solve optimizers, and a tech giant backing the field; but the space remains high risk, with competition and execution risk a constant backdrop.

Powell ties AI to inflation; investors map an inflationary AI playbook

March 22, 2026, 4:16 AM EDT. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure is adding pressure to prices for data-center inputs, challenging the notion that AI lowers inflation. He contrasted with former nominee Kevin Warsh, who argued AI could be disinflationary. The result for investors: assume AI raises costs and keep rates higher for longer. The proposed playbook favors stocks with pricing power that can pass costs to customers. Freeport-McMoRan, a copper miner, is cited as an example because copper underpins data-center wiring and production could rise 60% by 2030. The strategy also targets AI bottlenecks such as memory chips – and the power they require – areas where constrained supply may support pricing and margins.

TechByte: The Internet's Infinite Memory and How to Use It

March 22, 2026, 3:36 AM EDT. TechByte examines how the internet's memory can be used for reliable research. Archive.today offers web page captures that cannot be altered by the original site, letting users paste a link to preserve a specific article. The service is community-driven and searchable. Wayback Machine provides snapshots of old sites and articles, useful for verifying revisions, historical context, and pages that no longer exist. Together, these tools support fact checking, preserve sources, and enable journalists and readers to share links that don't disappear. They are practical for spotting updates, confirming what was available at a given date. In a world where content can disappear, these archives offer a useful, if imperfect, safety net.

Low Earth orbit attracts billions as space data centers loom

March 22, 2026, 3:30 AM EDT. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is emerging as critical infrastructure. Investment reached about $45 billion in 2025, up from just under $25 billion in 2024, SpaceIQ reports. LEO's proximity enables quicker responses, lower launch costs and faster communications, often via satellite constellations that blanket the globe. SpaceX's Starlink network already has more than 9,500 satellites, with plans for thousands more and a solar-powered orbital data-center concept involving up to one million satellites. Nvidia unveiled a platform to bring AI computing into orbit, designed to support orbital data centers, geospatial intelligence and autonomous space operations. Industry executives describe orbital access as a strategic asset on par with ports and energy grids.

Delve accused of misleading customers over fake compliance; startup denies

March 22, 2026, 2:58 AM EDT. An anonymous Substack post this week accuses Delve, a Y Combinator-backed compliance startup, of falsely convincing hundreds of customers they were compliant with privacy and security rules, potentially exposing them to HIPAA liability and GDPR fines. The post, attributed to DeepDelver, says Delve leaked a spreadsheet with confidential client reports and that customers faced a choice between fake evidence or manual work. DeepDelver claims Delve achieves speed by producing auditor conclusions and reports before independent review, and that two audit firms, Accorp and Gradient, rubber-stamped Delve-generated reports. Delve has disputed the allegations in a blog post, calling them misleading and inaccurate. The company raised a $32 million Series A led by Insight Partners last year at a $300 million valuation.

Robot servers at Nvidia GTC 2026 show early promise, but not the future yet

March 22, 2026, 2:44 AM EDT. At Nvidia's GTC 2026, a humanoid robot demo showed how retailers might use automation for in-store service, though operators say it remains early-stage. The wheeled and bipedal models — already adopted by Siemens and Schaeffler — were driven by voice prompts. The tester requested a bottle of water and dried mango; two robots handled items from separate boxes, with one robot delivering the water and the other the mango. The order was confirmed by microphone, and the system asked the tester to extend a hand for handoff. The interaction took about 45 seconds and included a minor hiccup when a water bottle was difficult to grip, but overall it worked. Nvidia frames the performance as a glimpse of a broader robotics push, but the author notes deployment would still require significant timing and workspace assumptions.

AI tokens as compensation gain traction, Nvidia hints at a new pay pillar

March 22, 2026, 2:42 AM EDT. Silicon Valley is buzzing about paying engineers with AI tokens-the compute credits behind Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang floated a plan at GTC: roughly half a base salary in tokens, with top engineers burning through as much as $250,000 a year. He framed it as a recruiting tool that could become standard. The idea shows up in Tomasz Tunguz's writing, arguing inference costs are a fourth compensation component. Levels.fyi data cited by Tunguz put top software salaries around $375,000, with tokens pushing fully loaded compensation toward $475,000. OpenClaw's rise and broader agentic AI spurred higher token use. The New York Times reports internal token budgets at Meta and OpenAI, and says token budgets are becoming a common perk. Skeptics warn about cost, governance, and fairness.

ICYMI: This week's top 7 tech stories from Apple's AirPods Max 2 to Nvidia DLSS 5 backlash

March 22, 2026, 2:28 AM EDT. This week's tech roundup hits Apple's surprise AirPods Max 2 launch, the UK rollout of Alexa+, and the first look at Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The trailer teases Parker's post-No Way Home path, mutating powers and a villain lineup. Meta's Horizon Worlds saga dominates discussion, initially promising a mobile-exclusive future, then pulling back after a mixed response. The coverage also flags how Nvidia DLSS 5 backlash could reshape game and AI-enhanced experiences. Short, sharp, and time-pressed reporting.

NHTSA upgrades Tesla FSD probe to Engineering Analysis covering about 3,203,754 vehicles

March 22, 2026, 2:02 AM EDT. NHTSA has escalated its probe into Tesla's Full Self-Driving by upgrading from a Preliminary Evaluation to an Engineering Analysis (EA26002). The scope now covers about 3,203,754 vehicles and expands the nine-incident list, including one fatality and one injury; six more potentially related cases are under review. The agency finds that FSD's degradation-detection system fails to alert drivers when cameras are blinded by sun glare, fog, or dust, and may under-report crashes. This is the third concurrent federal FSD inquiry, alongside investigations into traffic-violation incidents and Tesla's crash-reporting practices. An EA path typically runs up to 18 months and can end in a recall or closure. Tesla shifted to a camera-only system after removing radar in 2021.

Tesla Europe completes final FSD testing with RDW; UN R-171 approval eyed as EU path to 2026 rollout

March 22, 2026, 2:00 AM EDT. Tesla Europe said it has completed the final vehicle testing phase for Full Self-Driving (FSD) – Supervised in partnership with the Dutch authority RDW and submitted all documents for UN R-171 approval and Article 39 exemptions. RDW is conducting an internal review, with national approval in the Netherlands expected on April 10, moved from March 20 after 18 months of collaboration. Tesla says it has logged over 1.6 million kilometers of FSD testing on European roads, conducted more than 13,000 ride-alongs, executed 4,500+ track tests, and produced thousands of pages covering 400+ compliance requirements and safety studies. If approved, a mutual recognition framework could allow other EU states to adopt it quickly, potentially delivering an EU-wide rollout by summer 2026. This underscores Tesla's broader push into Europe.

South Korea proposes rule to disclose EV battery maker and origin

March 22, 2026, 1:54 AM EDT. South Korea's transport ministry proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicle Management Act to require new disclosures on EV batteries. The list would grow from six to 10 items, including the battery's manufacturer, country of origin, product name and manufacturing date, in addition to existing specs. Fines for non-disclosure could reach up to 10 million won. The revisions also set a standard to revoke safety certifications after two to four defect incidents within two years, depending on severity. Certification would be revoked if a design or manufacturing defect causes a fire or damage on two occasions; three such cases for defects that pose safety risks but meet technical standards. Separately, President Lee Jae Myung said authorities will investigate a Daejeon car-parts plant fire and prepare measures to bolster consumer awareness and support EV adoption through stronger battery safety confidence.

Galaxy S26 price drop leads in first week; Pixel 10 series discounts widen

March 22, 2026, 1:52 AM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy S26 line shows its first price move in the first full week of sales, with the 256GB Galaxy S26 priced $45 lower than last week. The Ultra and Plus remain unchanged. Amazon trade-in bonuses of $300 / $200 / $100 for the Ultra/Plus/vanilla help soften the cost. Meanwhile, Google's Pixel 10 series has deep discounts: the Pixel 10 Pro XL dips under $1,000 for the 256GB variant, and the 6.3" Pixel 10 Pro is $50 cheaper week over week. The vanilla Pixel 10 256GB sits about $100 below the Pro, with the Pixel 10a 256GB only ~ $50 behind. RAM: 16GB on Pro, 12GB on vanilla, 8GB on 10a; Galaxy S26 models mostly use 12GB RAM, except the 1TB Ultra.

Fitness app data reveals location of French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle

March 22, 2026, 1:44 AM EDT. Paris reports that a French sailor using the Strava fitness app jogged in circles on a moving carrier on March 13, inadvertently broadcasting the exact location of the flagship Charles de Gaulle. France has kept the carrier and accompanying frigates in the eastern Mediterranean since March 9 as a defensive posture linked to the Iran-Israel conflict. Satellite imagery indicated the carrier was nearby at the time, and Strava data also placed the same runner in Copenhagen near Malmo the prior week. The armed forces said they would take appropriate measures if the report is true and cautioned service members about security risks from location-sharing apps. Past cases include Le Monde coverage in 2024 of leaders' security details and 2018 Strava maps exposing troops in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

Progress MS-33 to resume Russian ISS flights from repaired pad

March 22, 2026, 1:42 AM EDT. Russian cargo ship Progress MS-33 is set to resume flights to the International Space Station from a repaired launch pad. The mission, part of Russia's ISS resupply program, follows completion of repairs that officials say restore launch reliability. NASASpaceFlight notes the resumption as a return to flight amid ongoing international ISS operations and the logistics that support crew and experiments.

Google rolls out Advanced Flow for secure APK sideloading on Android in Aug 2026

March 22, 2026, 1:28 AM EDT. Google introduced Advanced Flow, a new Android mechanism to let power users sideload apps from unverified developers with added safeguards. The one-time process requires enabling Developer Mode, confirming no coercion by threat actors, restarting and reauthenticating, then waiting a day to verify the modifications before apps from unverified developers can be installed for a limited period-or indefinitely-accompanied by a warning in the Play Store. Google says the flow adds friction to disrupt typical scam tactics that pressure users to bypass protections. The move fits a broader push toward developer verification, aiming to curb malware while preserving openness. Rollout is planned for August 2026; Google notes the verification rules will apply to all publishers, with guidance on a dedicated page for developers.

China smartphone shipments fall in early 2026 as Apple, Huawei gain share, Counterpoint says

March 22, 2026, 1:14 AM EDT. China's smartphone shipments fell 4% year on year in the first two months of 2026, despite government subsidies and promotions during the Lunar New Year. A Counterpoint Research tracker shows demand lagging expectations, with vivo and Oppo signaling price hikes amid rising memory prices. February offered a minor uplift versus January, but the outlook remains challenging. The report notes some tailwinds for Apple and Huawei: Apple posted a 23% jump in shipments in the period, helped by strong demand for the iPhone 17, while Huawei benefits from a resilient domestic supply chain to offset higher component costs. Counterpoint cautions turbulence from March to May, with hopes placed on the 618 shopping festival in June to lift demand.

Google tests AI-driven headline rewrites in Search results

March 22, 2026, 1:10 AM EDT. Google Search is testing an AI-driven change that rewrites article headlines and some site titles in results. The Verge reported that headlines are being altered in a way not authored by publishers. Google confirmed a "small" experiment is changing headlines and titles from other websites to better match user queries, though it said if the feature advances, it would not rely on a generative AI model. Examples cited by The Verge show headlines being shortened: 'I used the 'cheat on everything' AI tool…' to 'Cheat on everything' AI tool; and 'Microsoft is rebranding Copilot in the most Microsoft way possible' to 'Copilot Changes: Marketing Teams at it Again.' Detractors say it risks misrepresenting content and undermines publishers' control. Discover previously tested AI-headline rewrites, a path Google has started to explore.

Survey finds flagship upgrade cycles moving away from annual refreshes

March 22, 2026, 12:56 AM EDT. An Android Authority reader poll of close to 2,000 respondents finds the era of annual flagship upgrades is ending. The majority no longer upgrade each year, despite trade-in deals. About 9.7% upgrade annually. Roughly 53% hold onto devices for two to three years or longer, and about five years or longer for 20.6% of voters. The trend is enabled by stronger hardware, longer software lifecycles, and better aftermarket support. Upgrades still happen for reasons like switching form factors, waiting for a new feature, or damage, but annual cycles are now the exception. Source: Android Authority community poll.

A decade after the headphone jack: thinner smartphones, bigger batteries, better cameras

March 22, 2026, 12:54 AM EDT. Ten years after smartphones shed the headphone jack, the changes are visible. Thinner devices followed; the jack's size constrained chassis, and shaving millimeters led manufacturers to prioritize other components. The Moto Z (2016) demonstrated the port-less trend before many rivals, at 5.2mm thick. In 2025, flagship lines like the iPhone Air and Galaxy S25 Edge touted slim profiles, but critics argued compromises-fewer cameras, higher prices. Yet the space freed by removing the jack has enabled larger batteries, upgraded cameras, and improved audio. Foldables, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, remain only slightly thicker than a USB-C opening, underscoring a future where thickness is driven by form factors rather than ports. Few note you can reintroduce a jack, but it remains rare. The removal has quietly shifted design priorities for a decade.

Galaxy S26 to gain AirDrop-style file sharing, Samsung confirms

March 22, 2026, 12:52 AM EDT. Samsung confirmed that the Galaxy S26 lineup will receive an AirDrop-style file sharing feature. The capability, described by Samsung as a fast, peer-to-peer transfer similar to Apple's AirDrop, will enable quick exchanges with nearby Samsung devices and other ecosystems supporting the feature. The company did not specify a launch date or compatible models beyond the Galaxy S26 family, but said the feature would arrive in a software update later this year. The development follows growing demand for easy cross-device transfers, reducing reliance on cloud-based sharing. Analysts say the move could boost Galaxy's ecosystem and respond to rival features.

Man uses ChatGPT to sell home for $954,800, $100K over agent estimates in 5 days

March 22, 2026, 12:50 AM EDT. A Florida couple used ChatGPT to guide the sale of their Cooper City home, turning a roadside idea into a full-fledged strategy. Prompt by prompt, the AI handled marketing, planning, pricing and negotiations. The result: a contract for $954,800-about $100,000 above traditional agent estimates-and a closing in five days. Levine, CEO of ComOps, says agents lacked confidence in pricing; the AI provided price-point guidance aligned with market dynamics. It also suggested updates-like which walls to repaint-and the timing of viewings, eventually drawing 15 prospective buyers, with about a third applying. Levine stresses it's a conversation with AI plus human professionals. The tale signals growing use of AI in home sales and hints at broader impacts on white-collar jobs and real estate roles.

One smartphone notification can disrupt brain processing for seven seconds, study finds

March 22, 2026, 12:48 AM EDT. A single smartphone notification can hijack cognitive processing for seven seconds, a new study finds. The disruption is larger when users believe the alert is personally relevant to their goals or carries emotional weight. The research also shows that how often notifications appear matters more than how much time people spend looking at screens. In practical terms, brief, repetitive interruptions can derail attention long after the alert occurs. The findings add nuance to debates over digital attention and smartphone etiquette, suggesting that both message relevance and frequency shape how users focus during tasks.

Cloud stocks diverge as AI spending surges but SaaS valuations stall

March 22, 2026, 12:34 AM EDT. The First Trust Cloud Computing ETF (SKYY) shows early signs of a bottom, aided by its 20-day moving average turning higher. Yet the chart tells only part of the story: the fund remains exposed to rapid shifts in sentiment. By contrast, the WisdomTree Cloud Computing Fund (WCLD), which tilts to high-growth mid-cap SaaS names, remains in a deep drawdown and has yet to form a floor, pressured by elevated price-to-earnings ratios (P/E) and a lack of immediate AI-driven revenue. Gartner pegs worldwide AI spending at about $2.5 trillion in 2026, fueling capex by hyperscalers like Amazon, Google and Microsoft (over $600 billion this year). Analysts note a monetization gap in the application layer; enterprise seat growth slows as AI adoption cools. If yields stay high, SaaS valuations could compress further.

Elon Musk unveils Terafab moonshot; four key takeaways

March 22, 2026, 12:32 AM EDT. Elon Musk unveiled the Terafab moonshot project, framing a long-range ambition. Four takeaways: 1) Terafab is pitched as an integrated hardware-software program. 2) Timeline remains aggressive, with pilots possible within years subject to funding and approvals. 3) Partnerships are central, with early talks with suppliers, labs and policy makers. 4) Investor reaction was cautious, stressing milestones and cost controls as the project moves from concept to plan. Musk offered few specifics on budget or governance, underscoring a willingness to pursue high-risk, high-reward innovation.

Samsung Galaxy S26 to gain AirDrop-style sharing via Quick Share; rollout confirmed

March 22, 2026, 12:22 AM EDT. Samsung has confirmed that Quick Share on the Galaxy S26 will soon work with Apple's AirDrop for cross-platform file transfers. The feature, missing at launch, will roll out gradually via software updates, letting Galaxy, iPhone, iPad and Mac users swap files without third-party apps. Choi Won-jun, COO of Samsung MX, told a Tokyo press conference that the rollout will be sequential, though no date was given. Google's Pixel devices already offer similar cross-device sharing, and Samsung could extend support to other Galaxy models later. Requirements are simple: set visibility to 'Everyone' on both devices. Once active, files can be sent and received directly between ecosystems, narrowing reliance on external tools.

Apple iOS 26.4 adds mood-based Ambient Music widgets to iPhone home screen

March 22, 2026, 12:20 AM EDT. Apple's iOS 26.4 release candidate adds mood-based Ambient Music widgets to the iPhone home screen. The feature lets users tap a widget to play mood playlists from four categories-Chill, Productivity, Sleep, and Wellbeing-without opening Apple Music. The smaller widget shows one playlist; the larger version exposes all four moods at once. Built on the Ambient Music feature first seen in Control Center, the widgets sit front and center for quick access. Users can choose from built-in presets like Sleep Sound or Bedtime Beats, or long-press to edit and select custom playlists. Note: Ambient Music widgets require Apple Music and do not work with Spotify. The update also adds Playlist Playground, eight new emojis, urgent reminders in Reminders, and a Purchase Sharing tweak for families.

Australian mum cuts petrol costs with Tesla via novated lease tax break

March 22, 2026, 12:16 AM EDT. Surging petrol prices have boosted interest in EVs as Australians seek price certainty. Brisbane mum Liz Wells bought a Tesla Model 3 in a novated lease-a salary-sacrifice arrangement that pays from pre-tax income. She says home charging adds about $50 a month, far less than the roughly $100 a fortnight she spent on petrol before. The Tesla cost about $54,000. Research by the Electric Vehicle Council and the University of Sydney finds more than 70% of EV owners report fuel savings above 60%, and 73% spend under $300 a year on maintenance. The government's Electric Car Discount offers a Fringe Benefits Tax exemption for EVs bought under a novated lease. Since 2022, more than 100,000 people have used such leases; the plug-in hybrid exemption ended April 1, 2025. The program costs about $560 million a year.

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Galaxy S26 Ultra just barely outpaces the beta when it comes to One UI 8.5’s Instant Brief widget styles—speed is where it edges ahead.

March 22, 2026, 12:04 AM EDT. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series arrives running One UI 8.5—the update began hitting devices in December 2025—and the jump in speed is hard to miss. Testers comparing the official release to the beta noticed the boost right away. Big system tweaks landed with the seventh beta; navigation’s quicker, transitions snap, though not everything moves perfectly yet. The Galaxy S26 Ultra pulls ahead here: touch is more responsive, animations look sharper, and apps pop open quicker than on the S26. It’s the same software, but with the Ultra’s 3rd-gen Qualcomm Oryon CPU, you’re looking at about 20% more CPU punch and GPU scores up 23%—more than enough to make a difference. Samsung may still push out an eighth beta before the stable rollout, aiming to squeeze out more performance and narrow that Ultra lead over the regular S26.

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