Google extends Personalized Gemini AI to all US free-tier users
March 18, 2026, 1:38 AM EDT. Google says all US users can now access Personal Intelligence in the Gemini app and Gemini in Chrome, expanding beyond earlier limits for AI Pro/AI Ultra subscribers. Free-tier access covers AI Mode in Search, Gemini in Chrome, and the Gemini app, though availability currently targets personal Google accounts, not business, enterprise, or education accounts. Personal Intelligence pulls data from connected apps such as YouTube, Google Photos, and Gmail to tailor Gemini's responses without requiring manual prompts. With the feature opt-in, users can disable it or disconnect apps; Google notes that Gemini and AI Mode don't train directly on Gmail or Google Photos, instead training on limited prompts and responses. The rollout marks a notable shift in Google's consumer AI integration.
Apple expands developer reach in China ahead of WWDC 2026 and iOS 27
March 18, 2026, 1:30 AM EDT. Apple is expanding its developer reach in China ahead of WWDC 2026 and the unveiling of iOS 27 in June. The Apple Developer account joined bilibili, publishing 32 developer-focused videos and amassing about 17,600 followers and 6,000 likes within hours. bilibili content mirrors material on YouTube and targets a Chinese audience, with cross-posts across platforms. Apple also joined LinkedIn and launched a new Hello Apple Instagram account for its 50th anniversary. Last fall, Apple joined RedNote, and the company is expected to confirm WWDC 2026 dates next week, following last year's March 25 WWDC 2025 announcement.
Chevrolet Silverado EV leads Consumer Reports' real-world range rankings; five EVs have the longest range
March 18, 2026, 1:28 AM EDT. Consumer Reports' real-world testing shows the Chevrolet Silverado EV as the longest-range EV pickup, hitting 472 miles in highway testing (EPA estimate 493). It's the only model in CR testing to exceed 400 miles. The five-model list also includes the Tesla Model S, Rivian R1S, Audi A6 Sportback e-tron, and Lucid Air. The EPA ranges are 410 miles for the Tesla and Rivian, with CR highway figures of 366 and 358, respectively; Audi sits at 333 EPA and 347 highway; Lucid at 396 EPA and 344 highway. As gas prices rise, buyers linger on long-range options and real-world performance data from CR aids decision-making.
Cobalt Sulfate Market to 2035: EV Growth, Concentrated Supply Drive Outlook
March 18, 2026, 1:24 AM EDT. An IndexBox forecast sees the global cobalt sulfate market entering 2026 with steadier demand, disciplined purchasing, and a regionally diversified, but still concentrated, supply chain. The report frames cobalt sulfate as a critical cathode precursor for lithium-ion batteries and notes a decade of transformative growth amid relentless EV adoption and grid storage expansion. From 2026 to 2035, demand should rise, but at a slower pace as battery chemistries shift toward mid- and low-cobalt formulations (e.g., NCM 9.5.5, NMx). Supply remains heavily weighted toward the DR Congo for raw cobalt and China for refined sulfate and precursors, raising geopolitical and ethical risk. Price volatility in cobalt metal feeds into sulfate pricing, challenging long-term contracts. Recycling and secondary supply after 2030 could alter dynamics late in the period.
Tesla faces investor questions as Model S and X end production; pivot centers on Optimus and autonomy
March 18, 2026, 1:22 AM EDT. Tesla investors weigh a pivotal shift as the company ends production of the Model S and Model X in Q2 (June 30), and repurposes Fremont capacity for an Optimus robotics program aiming at up to a million units annually. Tesla frames the move as an orderly transition, but analysts see a risky bet on long-term autonomy and robotics. Piper Sandler described the strategy on earnings day as burning the boats and betting on a future of autonomous cars and robots. Competition intensifies: BYD has overtaken Tesla in global EV sales and cites 11 new models. With two straight years of falling global deliveries, the path to a 2026 rebound remains debated among investors.
Nvidia debuts NemoClaw, enterprise OpenClaw platform with OpenShell controls
March 18, 2026, 1:20 AM EDT. At its GTC conference, Nvidia introduced NemoClaw, an enterprise-ready iteration of the OpenClaw AI agent platform. Nvidia says NemoClaw adds security, privacy controls and policy enforcement by pairing OpenClaw with its Nemotron AI models and a new OpenShell runtime. OpenClaw originally let an AI assistant act on a user's behalf across systems, reading email, browsing and initiating tasks without human sign-offs. Nvidia says OpenShell creates a controlled, auditable walled environment, defining what the agent can touch and what requires human approval. NemoClaw can run with locally stored or cloud-based models and can be installed in a single command. Nvidia frames it as early-stage and not yet production-ready, citing a market with competitors such as OpenAI Frontier and Perplexity's Computer.
Onyx Boox Go 10.3 Gen II Lumi: Android 15 e-ink tablets add dual-tone light and stylus upgrade
March 18, 2026, 1:18 AM EDT. Onyx unveiled two Go 10.3 Gen II tablets, including the Lumi variant with a dual-tone light for use in low light. The devices stay slim-4.8mm for the Lumi and 4.6mm for the base Gen II-while promising battery life measured in weeks. A new InkSense Plus stylus offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity plus tilt support, appealing to writers and sketchers. The tablets run Android 15, include access to the Google Play Store, and ship with 64GB of onboard storage. Pricing wasn't disclosed in the briefing. In early hands-on, reviewers praised the display and app base, but real-world stylus feel will require testing. This aligns with Onyx's aim to broaden Android-on-e-ink use cases.
Apple reportedly developing foldable iPhone with iPad mini-sized display
March 18, 2026, 1:16 AM EDT. Apple is developing a foldable iPhone, tentatively dubbed the iPhone Fold, according to people familiar with the matter. The device would blend smartphone portability with a large, iPad Mini-sized 7.8-inch display that unfolds into a tablet-like experience. It would offer dual functionality, serving as a compact phone when folded and a productive tablet when opened, for video, multitasking and work. Software is expected to be tailored for foldables, with Apple adapting iOS (inspired by iPadOS) to improve navigation and app optimization. Apple is pursuing a crease-free display and a wider aspect ratio to boost streaming and browsing. If realized, the approach could set a standard in the still-evolving foldable market.
Nvidia's Huang says AI will create jobs, not erase them
March 18, 2026, 1:14 AM EDT. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says AI will create jobs, not erase them. He cites widespread labor shortages in trucking and manufacturing and argues robots will fill the gap, boosting economic growth and prompting companies to hire more people to manage more robots and AI agents. He envisions Nvidia staff working alongside millions of AI agents, with human oversight required for AI systems and autonomous agents. Huang reiterated his commitment to employees in Israel and Taiwan amid geopolitical concerns. The remarks frame AI as a job-creating force rather than a displacement risk, reinforcing Nvidia's view of a tech-enabled labor market.
Blockade at Hormuz and Red Sea threatens global Internet, subsea cables at risk
March 18, 2026, 1:10 AM EDT. Analysts warn that the simultaneous disruption of two global data corridors could threaten the Internet as we know it. The Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea chokepoints carry thousands of kilometres of fibre-optic cables, the physical backbone of international communications. When those routes are blocked or damaged, data can slow or stall across continents. War-induced shipping chaos endangers undersea links not by deliberate strikes alone but through collateral damage: anchors, tug lines and drifting debris can sever cables quickly, producing outages with plausible deniability. The scenario magnifies a preexisting risk: reduced redundancy as more traffic passes through fewer routes. For economies with heavy digital footprints, notably India and other nations building Gulf data centers, the disruption would ripple through cloud services, e-commerce and real-time communications.
China's EV battery makers widen lead to over 70% global share
March 18, 2026, 1:00 AM EDT. China's CATL remains the world's largest EV battery maker. Chinese manufacturers widened their global share to more than 70% last year, up from under 50% in 2021. South Korean rivals are struggling in the U.S. market as competition intensifies. The shift underscores China's growing dominance in battery supply chains and its impact on automakers.
Man wears Apple Watch Ultra 2 for years; red wrist mark prompts skin irritation questions
March 18, 2026, 12:56 AM EDT. An Apple Watch Ultra 2 wearer on Reddit posted a photo of a red patch on his wrist, asking if the mark signals a problem. The uploader, Knoezelbos, said he wears the device almost continuously and the red area sits where the watch backs against the skin. Respondents suggested skin irritation and wear habits as likely causes, with tips to give the wrist a break and rotate wrists. Others warned that moisture, friction and debris trapped under the band could trigger reactions, noting dermatographia in some people. Medical guidance from the Mayo Clinic describes contact dermatitis as an itchy rash from irritants or allergies. Apple advises regular cleaning, drying after water, a proper fit, and non-abrasive cloths; disinfecting with alcohol-based wipes may be used carefully.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra review: Private and performant
March 18, 2026, 12:52 AM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra backs its premium stance with a 6.9-inch OLED display and a 200 MP main camera, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and 12GB of RAM. It starts at $1,300 and retains a physical SIM tray, USB-C, and an S Pen silo. Connectivity spans Sub-6 and mmWave 5G, and the phone uses an aluminum frame to trim weight versus titanium-rimmed predecessors. The 5,000 mAh battery supports a full day of use. The S Pen remains highly precise and responsive, though it loses some past Bluetooth tricks. Overall, it delivers robust performance and stylus input at a premium price.
Former judges back Anthropic in suit over Pentagon supply chain risk label
March 18, 2026, 12:48 AM EDT. Nearly 150 retired federal and state judges filed an amicus brief backing Anthropic in its suit against the Trump administration over the Pentagon's designation of the AI maker as a supply chain risk. Appointed by Republicans and Democrats, the judges say the move could set a dangerous precedent for government influence over private firms. They argue the Defense Department misread the statute and violated procedures as it aimed to bar federal use of Anthropic's Claude in classified systems. Anthropic warns the label could threaten revenue and contracts with the military and its private-sector ecosystem. Pentagon talks broke down over redlines on autonomous weapons and mass surveillance. The administration says Anthropic seeks to force continued use and to overturn the designation, a claim Anthropic disputes.
Aqara launches first Matter-certified camera; Apple users see limited benefit
March 18, 2026, 12:40 AM EDT. Two Aqara devices go on sale after CES 2026: the G350 indoor camera and the G400 doorbell. The G350 is the world's first Matter-certified camera and a 4K indoor model with a dual-lens setup, 1X/3X/9X hybrid zoom, 360-degree rotation and up/down tilt. It supports local storage via microSD, Aqara cloud, and Apple HomeKit Secure Video, and can function as a Thread, Zigbee, or Matter hub. For now, Matter is largely negligible for Apple Home users, as only Samsung SmartThings supports Matter 1.5 cameras. The main benefit is for multi-platform homes with other ecosystems. The G350 lists for $139 on Amazon. The G400, a 2K doorbell, is wired or PoE powered, with a microSD slot for local recording.
Rumor: iPhone 19e may bring ProMotion display
March 18, 2026, 12:38 AM EDT. Fresh rumors suggest the iPhone 19e, due in early 2028, could adopt a ProMotion display. A report from ZDNet Korea says Apple is developing LTPO+ technology that uses oxide materials for switching and driving transistors, boosting power efficiency and response times. The new tech is expected to debut on the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series, as well as the next-gen iPhone Air and a foldable iPhone; if proven, regular LTPO panels could eventually reach the 19e. Uncertainty remains about whether the 19e will switch to LTPO, and which ProMotion variant would appear, since implementations vary – the iPhone 13 Pro offered 10Hz-120Hz, while the iPhone 14 Pro narrowed to 1Hz. Source: ZDNet Korea.
IBM researchers unveil first half-Möbius molecule with quantum-computing help
March 18, 2026, 12:32 AM EDT. IBM Research scientists have created a new molecular topology dubbed a half-Möbius molecule. The ring-shaped assembly was engineered by precisely breaking and reconfiguring atomic bonds and imaged with advanced microscopy. The team says quantum computers from IBM were used to confirm the structure and simulate its unusual electron clouds. The work, published today in Science, marks a milestone in topological chemistry-the study of molecules whose electron behavior follows unusual twists. Researchers say the result was previously only theoretical and demonstrates how quantum computing can help model subatomic systems. External expert Yasutomo Segawa of the Institute for Molecular Science called it a major impact. IBM has a track record in atom manipulation, including a 2013 stop-motion movie built from individual atoms. The study suggests new routes to design molecules with exotic properties.
Top 5 Educational Tech Devices for Kids in 2026: Cameras, Smartwatches and Creative Tools
March 18, 2026, 12:24 AM EDT. Singapore-based myFirst founder G-Jay Yong seeks to balance play, creativity and learning through a kid-focused tech ecosystem. The core is myFirst Circle, a parent-managed, kid-safe platform that connects devices for messaging, photo sharing and curated content. Yong describes five standout products designed to blend safety, creativity and skill-building. The best-known is the myFirst Camera 50, an AI-powered camera with a built-in selfie light that teaches lighting and composition. On-device editing lets children narrate a moment, then the AI assembles a vlog-style video that matches the voiceover. The ecosystem aims to build visual literacy, narrative thinking and speaking confidence while keeping families in control.
Samsung to source cheaper OLED panels from CSOT, potentially sidelining Samsung Display
March 18, 2026, 12:22 AM EDT. Samsung is weighing a supplier shift for some Galaxy A-series and Fan Edition displays. The company's MX division reportedly ordered about 15 million OLED panels (organic light-emitting diode displays) from China Star Optoelectronics Technology (CSOT), stepping away from Samsung Display for these panels. CSOT's units are said to be at least 20% cheaper, a move prompted by rising RAM costs that are lifting overall production expenses. The change would let Samsung trim costs on mid-range devices, but it has sparked internal friction, with Samsung Display reportedly resisting the shift. Samsung says display quality should remain unaffected. The report from The Elec cites unnamed industry sources as the basis for the claim.
Wedbush's Dan Ives sees Nvidia valued at $6 trillion by 2027
March 18, 2026, 12:20 AM EDT. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives argues Nvidia could reach a $6 trillion valuation by 2027. He says the recent software sell-off is the most disconnected from fundamentals since the late 1990s. In a note to clients, Ives framed the software sector as the heart and lungs of the AI buildout, supporting demand for Nvidia's chips and related tools. The stance reflects a bullish view on AI hardware cycles even as broader equity groups pull back. Ives did not change Nvidia's own guidance, but his commentary highlights a scenario in which AI investments ride through volatility in software shares.
Samsung halts Galaxy Z TriFold sales after brief US run
March 18, 2026, 12:16 AM EDT. Samsung is winding down sales of the Galaxy Z TriFold after a short US debut. Bloomberg on Tuesday cited a company spokesman as the company will phase out by first ending sales in South Korea and then in the United States once inventory is exhausted. In the US, the device was sold only through Samsung's site or its seven Experience Stores; some outlets have reported sporadic purchases recently as stock vanishes online. The phone, priced at $2,899, features a 6.5-inch cover screen and a 10-inch main display via two hinges and was billed by Dong-A Ilbo as a flagship showcase rather than a profit driver. Analysts noted elevated DRAM, NAND and processor costs have squeezed margins.
Oppo Find N6 debuts as premium foldable, but no US/Europe launch yet
March 18, 2026, 12:12 AM EDT. Oppo's Find N6 lands as a high-spec, ultra-thin foldable aimed at Asian markets, with sub-9mm thickness and a dual-screen setup. The device emphasizes a zero-feel crease through 3D printing and meticulous hinge work, reducing height variance to 0.05mm. Oppo claims improved glass and TÜV Rheinland testing cut long-term crease formation by up to 82% versus last year. The phone weighs around 8.93mm folded, carries a 6,000mAh Silicon-Carbon battery, and runs a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Front and inner screens reach 3,500 and 2,500 nits brightness, respectively. It includes IP59 dust/water protection and a configurable hardware button. Availability remains limited to parts of Asia, with no US/Europe rollout announced.
