From CNBC Technology · 40 stories
Tesla and Waymo Expand Robotaxi Services in U.S. Cities
Tesla has expanded its robotaxi service into Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, marking its third city rollout in Florida. Waymo is launching driverless operations in San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, and Denver, initially for employees. The expansions reflect ongoing competition in the autonomous vehicle sector.
eBay and Former Executives Settle Harassment Lawsuit for $56 Million
eBay and several former executives have agreed to pay approximately $56 million to Ina and David Steiner, publishers of EcommerceBytes, to resolve a 2021 civil lawsuit. The settlement stems from a 2019 harassment and cyberstalking campaign orchestrated by former eBay employees in retaliation for the couple's critical reporting on the company. This resolution follows criminal charges and prison terms for some of the former eBay employees involved.
Bipartisan Bill Proposes AI 'Kill Switch' Mandating Shutdown Capabilities
Reps. Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) introduced the "AI Kill Switch Act," requiring developers of powerful AI models to implement shutdown or throttling capabilities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could order these actions in specific "loss-of-control" scenarios, such as those involving significant casualties or economic damage, with non-compliance facing fines up to $20 million per day.
Apple Challenges UK Government's Demand for Encrypted iCloud Data Access
Apple has launched a new legal challenge against the UK government's demand for access to encrypted user data in iCloud. This action, filed in July at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, contests a "technical capability notice" that Apple states would require weakening or redesigning its Advanced Data Protection service, which uses end-to-end encryption.
Microsoft Launches MAI-Cyber-1-Flash and Perception for AI Cybersecurity
Microsoft introduced MAI-Cyber-1-Flash, its first AI model specialized in cybersecurity, and Project Perception, an agentic security platform. These tools are designed to identify and remediate software vulnerabilities, with MAI-Cyber-1-Flash integrated into Microsoft's MDASH harness. The company claims the new offerings outperform competitor models on benchmarks and reduce operational costs.
OpenAI Proposes 5% Equity Stake to U.S. Government Amid AI Industry Scrutiny
OpenAI is in early discussions with the U.S. government to potentially sell a 5% equity stake to foster better relations. This proposal may expand to other AI firms like Google and Meta as a way to share AI-driven wealth with the public. The initiative comes amid increasing governmental scrutiny over AI developments and deployment.
Tesla Reports 25% Increase in Q2 2026 Vehicle Deliveries, Exceeding Expectations
Tesla reported a 25% year-over-year increase in vehicle deliveries for Q2 2026, totaling 480,126 units. This represents a recovery in sales after two years of decline, driven largely by strong demand for the Model 3 and Model Y. The growth exceeded Wall Street expectations but did not prevent a subsequent 7% drop in Tesla's stock price.
Tesla Reports Increased Revenue and Deliveries, but Lower-Than-Expected Profits in Q2
Tesla reported second-quarter revenues of $28.2 billion, a 26% year-over-year increase, with vehicle deliveries up 25% to 480,126 units. Despite exceeding revenue expectations, net income rose only 5% to $1.11 billion, and earnings per share were 31 cents, below the 51 cents predicted by Wall Street, due to increased operating expenses and significant investments in AI and robotics.
YouTube Premium to Include Peacock Premium for US Subscribers Starting Early 2027
YouTube Premium subscribers in the U.S. will gain access to Peacock Premium, the ad-supported streaming service, at no additional cost starting in early 2027. This multi-year agreement between NBCUniversal and YouTube integrates Peacock's content directly into the YouTube platform, expanding Peacock's distribution and adding a major entertainment service to YouTube Premium's offerings.
Amazon Integrates Luna Game Streaming into Prime Video App on Fire TV Devices
Amazon has integrated its Luna cloud gaming service directly into the Prime Video app, making games accessible to Prime subscribers on Fire TV devices in the US and UK. This move allows users to play games alongside video content, aiming to broaden gaming accessibility and position Prime Video as a comprehensive entertainment platform.
Google Launches Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber for Efficient Vulnerability Management
Google DeepMind has launched Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber, a cybersecurity AI model to detect and patch vulnerabilities efficiently. Initially available to governments and trusted partners via CodeMender, this model provides a cost-effective alternative to larger AI security models like Anthropic's Mythos. Its introduction is part of a broader release including Gemini 3.6 Flash and 3.5 Flash-Lite, demonstrating Google's continued commitment to cybersecurity innovation.
Meta Faces Lawsuit Over AI-Driven Layoff Decisions Allegedly Discriminating Against Leave-Takers
Twenty-six former Meta employees have filed a lawsuit claiming biased AI systems were used for layoffs, disproportionately targeting those on protected leave. The suit alleges that AI tools ranked employees for layoffs without accounting for leave-related absences or disabilities, leading to possible violations of federal and state discrimination laws.
Apple and Broadcom Sign $30 Billion U.S. Chip Manufacturing Deal
Apple has entered a $30 billion agreement with Broadcom to produce over 15 billion chips in the U.S. This deal, focusing on custom wireless components, marks Apple's largest manufacturing investment in domestic production to date, supporting Broadcom's facility expansion in Colorado.
US Imposes Tariffs Up to 100% on Foreign Drones and Components
The United States has implemented new tariffs on foreign-made drones and their components, with rates up to 100% for certain categories. This action aims to strengthen national security, reduce reliance on overseas suppliers, and encourage domestic manufacturing of drones and parts.
Situational Awareness Hedge Fund Sells Public Portfolio After Significant Losses
Situational Awareness, an AI-focused hedge fund founded by former OpenAI researcher Leopold Aschenbrenner, sold most of its public stock portfolio to Ken Griffin's Citadel following substantial losses in AI stocks. The fund's assets under management reportedly dropped from $45 billion to $10 billion in July, highlighting the volatility of highly leveraged investments in the AI infrastructure sector.
Nintendo Exceeds Q1 Profit and Revenue Estimates Despite Switch 2 Sales Decline
Nintendo reported fiscal first-quarter earnings exceeding revenue and profit estimates, with net profit reaching 147.4 billion yen and revenue at 517.8 billion yen. This occurred despite a 34.4% decline in Switch 2 console sales to 3.82 million units. The company's financial performance was bolstered by strong game sales and a $300 million refund from US tariffs.
Crypto Traders Value Chinese Chipmaker CXMT at $425B on Derivatives Platform Pre-IPO
Crypto traders on a decentralized exchange are valuing China's largest memory chipmaker, ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), at $425 billion, significantly higher than its official IPO valuation. This speculative valuation, driven by offshore investors lacking direct access to the upcoming Shanghai listing, highlights the demand for exposure to major Chinese tech companies through alternative financial platforms.
Google launches Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5 with expanded Gemini AI features
Google unveiled its Pixel 11 smartphone series, including the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, alongside the Pixel Watch 5 at its Made by Google 2026 event. The new devices emphasize Gemini AI integration, offering features like proactive assistance, task automation, and enhanced accessibility, with minimal hardware changes to the Pixel 11 phones. Google also reduced the free trial period for its Google One AI Pro plan for Pixel 11 models.
SpaceX stock drops below IPO price amid Nasdaq-100 inclusion and market volatility
SpaceX shares have fallen below their IPO price of $135, despite the company's recent inclusion in the Nasdaq-100. This decline highlights volatility and challenges in investor sentiment, impacting market perceptions of the aerospace company as it prepares for another Starship test flight.
Zoox to Launch Paid Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas Following Federal Exemption
Amazon-owned Zoox will begin charging for robotaxi rides in Las Vegas starting August 10, 2024. This follows a temporary exemption granted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that allows Zoox to commercially operate its custom-built, steering wheel-free vehicles, deploying up to 2,500 vehicles annually for two years.
NVIDIA Unveils Vera CPU for AI-centric Workloads, Challenging AMD and Intel
NVIDIA has launched its Vera CPU, emphasizing high single-threaded performance for AI workloads. The Vera CPU aims to outperform x86 architectures in AI inference scenarios, challenging AMD and Intel in the expanding market for AI data centers. The release supports NVIDIA's goal of capturing market share among growing AI infrastructures.
Reddit shares drop 9% amid potential end of Google AI content deal
Reddit's shares fell 9% after reports indicated it may not renew its $60 million AI content deal with Google. The deal, struck in 2024, has been reconsidered due to declining traffic from Google's AI summaries, reflecting broader trends affecting various news sites.
Apple anticipates significant supply constraints and increased memory costs in September quarter
Apple expects significant supply constraints for iPhone, Mac, and iPad products in the September quarter, alongside increased memory pricing and foreign exchange headwinds. This follows strong Q3 2026 results, but the company's stock fell by approximately 6.5% after the earnings call due to the outlook.
Samsung reveals features of new smart glasses to compete with Meta
Samsung introduced features of its upcoming smart glasses, including gesture controls and a built-in camera for recording. This launch challenges Meta's dominance in the smart glasses market, where it holds a significant share.
Qualcomm to Increase Chip Prices by Double-Digit Percentages Starting September 1
Qualcomm will raise prices on its chips by a double-digit percentage for products shipped after September 1. The company attributes this increase to its inability to absorb higher supplier costs and ongoing component shortages. This price hike is expected to affect device manufacturers and could lead to higher costs for consumer electronics, including smartphones and PCs.
SpaceX Starship Test Launch Aborted Due to Engine Ignition Failure
SpaceX aborted its Starship rocket launch due to engine ignition failure on Thursday. Two engines will be replaced, with a new attempt planned for next week, critical for deploying new Starlink satellites. SpaceX's stock fell following the aborted launch, continuing volatility post-IPO.
Amazon Seeks FCC Approval for 5,105-Satellite Direct-to-Device Network by 2028
Amazon has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch a new constellation of 5,105 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, with deployment planned to begin in 2028. This initiative aims to provide direct-to-device services for voice, messaging, data, and emergency services, leveraging Globalstar's spectrum and integrating with Amazon's existing satellite infrastructure. The network will target users in areas unserved or underserved by traditional wireless providers.
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis Proposes U.S.-Led Global AI Regulation Body
Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, has suggested the formation of a U.S.-led global AI watchdog to regulate advanced AI models. This proposed body would assess the safety of AI systems before their release and manage risks associated with emerging technologies like artificial general intelligence. Hassabis emphasizes the need for urgent regulation as AI developments pose increasing cybersecurity and biosecurity threats.
Microsoft to Deploy AMD's Helios AI Accelerator on Azure
Microsoft will integrate AMD's Helios, a rack-scale AI accelerator, into its Azure cloud infrastructure. This partnership aims to enhance AI computational power for Azure users, directly competing with Nvidia's offerings. The deployment underscores the growing demand for AI compute capabilities.
Google Develops 'Frozen v2' AI Chip to Enhance Gemini Model Efficiency by 2028
Google is developing a new AI chip, called 'Frozen v2', designed to improve the efficiency of its Gemini models. Projected to be 6-10 times more efficient than current chips, it aims to address AI compute shortages and reduce dependency on external hardware. This development reflects a shift towards in-house chip production for AI workloads.
Apple Intelligence Secures Chinese Market Entry with Alibaba's AI Integration
Apple has secured regulatory approval in China for its generative AI service, Apple Intelligence, by integrating local AI models from Alibaba and Baidu. The collaboration facilitates compliance with Chinese laws and advances Apple's expansion in a major market. This has implications for Apple's presence in China, a key growth region.
Alibaba Bans Anthropic's AI Tools Amid Espionage Allegations
Alibaba has banned Anthropic's AI tools, including Claude Code, for employees. The ban, effective July 10, follows Anthropic's accusation of a distillation attempt by Alibaba. This highlights rising tensions between U.S. and Chinese tech industries over AI technology and access.
Samsung and SK Hynix Shares Plummet Amid Global Tech Stock Rout
The shares of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix experienced significant declines, over 7% and 9% respectively, amidst a global sell-off in tech stocks. This drop affected the South Korean benchmark Kospi index, highlighting investor concerns about meeting AI growth expectations. The sell-off extended to other Asian semiconductor firms, influenced by the broader downturn in U.S. semiconductor shares.
Kids Online Safety Act Advances in Senate, Faces House Disagreement on 'Duty of Care'
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) advanced through the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, moving it closer to a full Senate vote. The bill, which has 76 cosponsors, aims to establish protections for children online through parental controls and by requiring social media platforms to exercise a "duty of care" to prevent harm to minors. However, a key disagreement with the House version of the bill, specifically regarding the "duty of care" provision, may hinder its passage this session.
OpenAI Expands Daybreak Cybersecurity Initiative with New Tiers and GPT-5.6-Cyber Model
OpenAI has expanded its Daybreak cybersecurity initiative, introducing Daybreak Blue and Daybreak Red tiers to provide specialized access to its AI models for defensive security work. The expansion includes a new AI model, GPT-5.6-Cyber, designed for advanced security testing and vulnerability research, addressing evolving AI-driven cyber threats.
White House Finalizes AI Model Testing Framework, Keeps Details Private
The White House has finalized a framework for voluntarily evaluating advanced AI models for cybersecurity risks, following President Trump's June executive order. The framework, which requires a 30-day review period for participating models, was discussed with AI companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, but its details will not be publicly released. This decision raises concerns about transparency and the exclusion of open-source AI models from the testing process.
Uber and Waymo Clash Over Proposed Robotaxi Bill in Washington, D.C.
Uber and Waymo are in conflict over proposed legislation in Washington, D.C. affecting autonomous vehicle operations. Uber argues the bill could monopolize the market for Waymo while threatening existing human driver jobs. Waymo supports the bill, which aligns with their operational goals. This disagreement underscores the intense competition between the two companies in the robotaxi sector.
AMD's Q2 Revenue Jumps 50% to $11.5 Billion Driven by Data Center Growth
AMD reported a 50% year-over-year increase in second-quarter revenue, reaching $11.5 billion, primarily due to a 107% surge in data center sales to $6.7 billion. This growth was attributed to demand for AI capacity and sales of Epyc CPUs and Instinct GPUs, while gaming revenue declined by 31% to $779 million.
Apple Reclaims Most Valuable Company Title, Surpassing Nvidia
Apple has overtaken Nvidia as the world's most valuable company with a market cap of $4.88 trillion during Friday's trading. This shift in ranking reflects changing investor sentiment towards AI and product innovation. Apple's stock rise follows a growth of 22% this year.
White House Accuses Chinese AI Firm Moonshot of Siphoning Anthropic's Fable 5 Data
White House official Michael Kratsios accused Chinese AI startup Moonshot of deceptively extracting data from Anthropic's Fable 5 model to train its Kimi K3 system. This accusation signals a potential shift in US policy, framing large-scale model distillation as theft of American technology, which could lead to tighter API restrictions and expanded export controls on AI chips. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of sanctions against Chinese AI companies for intellectual property theft.