From CNBC Technology · 40 stories
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.
Trump Administration Launches America.gov, an AI-Powered Government Website Using Gemini and Grok
The Trump administration launched America.gov, a new government website utilizing AI from Google's Gemini and Elon Musk's Grok. The site aims to improve user interaction with government services, addressing the 40 million daily interactions with existing government websites.
Lowe's launches drone delivery service with DoorDash and Alphabet's Wing
Lowe's has partnered with DoorDash and Alphabet's Wing to launch a drone delivery service for home improvement products, marking the first such service in the sector. This initiative allows customers to receive over 100 products within 20 minutes, addressing a common need for quick access to missing items during projects.
Apple ordered to pay $5.7 billion in patent infringement case over iPhone and Apple Watch haptics
A federal jury in San Diego awarded Taction Technology over $5.7 billion in damages after finding Apple infringed on two haptics patents. The lawsuit alleged Apple's Taptic Engine in iPhones and Apple Watches used Taction's vibration technology without license, a claim Apple denies and plans to appeal.
Anthropic Accuses Chinese AI Labs of Illegally Distilling Claude Models
Anthropic's head of threat intelligence, Jacob Klein, stated that foreign adversaries, particularly Chinese AI labs, are illegally accessing and distilling its Claude models to train competing AI technology and sell cheaper copycat versions. This practice, which Anthropic considers theft of intellectual property, is intensifying as the company approaches a potential IPO and has prompted concerns from the U.S. government regarding undermined American research.
Jim Cramer Highlights Market Rotation and AI Infrastructure Opportunities
Jim Cramer discussed a recent market rotation where investors moved away from high-performing AI infrastructure stocks into lagging sectors like healthcare and financials. He identified a pullback in AI infrastructure stocks as a buying opportunity, mentioning companies like Micron, AMD, and Intel. Additionally, he noted the impact of Samsung's earnings on the semiconductor market and highlighted Apple's stock performance due to its cautious AI spending approach.
Meta Hires MongoDB CEO CJ Desai to Lead New Enterprise Platform
Meta Platforms hired CJ Desai, former MongoDB CEO, to lead its new Meta Enterprise Platform, which will focus on AI tools for businesses. This move caused MongoDB shares to drop 20% and Meta's stock to decline 4%.
Qualcomm Unveils Dual Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Chips with Enhanced On-Device AI
Qualcomm announced two new flagship smartphone processors, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, both built on a 2nm process. These chips focus on improving on-device AI capabilities, enabling local execution of large AI models and enhanced personalization for AI agents. The Extreme version offers additional performance improvements in AI processing, video capture, and gaming, positioning them for premium Android smartphones.
Tesla Cybercab Public Launch Nears in Austin Amidst Safety Concerns
Tesla is preparing for the public launch of its two-seater Cybercab in Austin, Texas, potentially as early as this month. The driverless vehicle, which operates without a steering wheel or pedals, relies on Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software, raising questions about its readiness for public roads given ongoing regulatory scrutiny and safety concerns.
GoPro Merges with Starman Optical for $285M, Expands into AI Data Centers and Defense
GoPro announced a $285 million merger with optical-photonics company Starman Optical, with GoPro shareholders receiving $1.14 per share and retaining 10% ownership. This deal will clear GoPro's $92 million debt and enable the company to enter the AI data center market, defense, robotics, and aerospace sectors, diversifying its business beyond action cameras.
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.
OpenAI's Jalapeño AI Chip Shows Faster Responses and Higher Throughput in Benchmarks
OpenAI has released benchmark results for its custom Jalapeño AI inference chip, developed in partnership with Broadcom. The chip demonstrated 1.5 to 1.9 times more AI work per watt and 1.7 to 3.6 times lower latency compared to Nvidia's GB200 or GB300 superchips in InferenceX tests. This development aims to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of AI systems, particularly for multi-step agent tasks.
Polish Energy Plant Cyberattack Used Novel Private APN Vector, Shutting Down Turbine
A previously undisclosed cyberattack in December 2025 targeted a small Polish combined heat and power (CHP) plant, causing a temporary shutdown of its steam turbine and water treatment system. The attack, which threatened heat supply to 50,000 residents, utilized a private Access Point Name (APN) as an attack vector, marking the first documented real-world use of this method to access industrial control systems.
Apple Seeks Approval to Source RAM from Blacklisted Chinese Supplier CXMT
Apple is testing and seeking approval to use RAM chips from ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), a blacklisted Chinese supplier, for its devices sold in China. This move is part of Apple's strategy to alleviate supply chain pressures amid rising RAM prices. The situation highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and security concerns regarding U.S.-China tech relations.
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 Proposes AI Incident Alert System to China Ahead of Trump-Xi Talks
The U.S. proposed a notification mechanism for AI incidents with national security implications during discussions with China. This initiative aims to increase transparency between the two leading AI powers and sets a precedent for international cooperation on AI risks.
Tesla Opens First High-Volume Semi Truck Production Factory in Nevada
Tesla has opened its first factory for high-volume production of the heavy-duty electric Semi truck in Sparks, Nevada. This expansion into commercial trucking comes as Tesla faces increased competition in its EV business and as rising diesel costs create an opportunity for electric alternatives in the commercial sector.
TSMC and Samsung Commit to ASML's High NA EUV Chipmaking Tools
TSMC and Samsung, the world's largest chipmakers, have committed to using ASML's High NA extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines for advanced chip production, driven by increasing demand for AI applications. This adoption signifies a move towards more intricate chip designs and improved manufacturing efficiency, with Samsung planning to use the technology for DRAM production from 2028.
Disney Appoints Karandeep Anand as First CTO, Signaling Tech and AI Focus
Disney has appointed Karandeep Anand, former CEO of Character.AI, as its first Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, effective October 2. This new C-suite role reports directly to CEO Josh D'Amaro and will oversee enterprise technology, infrastructure, data, AI platforms, product, and engineering. The appointment occurs despite Disney previously sending a cease and desist letter to Character.AI in September 2025 over alleged copyright infringement.
OpenAI's Astra AI model faces safety concerns over opaque internal processing
OpenAI's upcoming Astra AI model is raising concerns among researchers due to its use of a recurrent depth or looped transformer technique, which makes its internal reasoning less transparent than other frontier AI models. This opacity could make it harder to monitor for undesirable behaviors, despite OpenAI's stated efforts to implement additional safety protocols.
Uber lays off 3,300 employees, 10% of global staff, to streamline operations
Uber is laying off approximately 3,300 employees, representing 10% of its global workforce, as part of a restructuring effort to reduce management layers and focus investments on ride-sharing, delivery, and robotaxi divisions. This move aims to simplify the company's structure, which CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated had become overly complex due to growth.
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.
SpaceX finalizes acquisition of AI coding startup Cursor
SpaceX has officially completed its acquisition of AI coding startup Cursor, following an initial deal announced in April. This acquisition provides Cursor with access to SpaceX's computing infrastructure, including a large fleet of GPUs, to further develop AI capabilities.
Stripe Reportedly Acquires AI Gateway Startup OpenRouter for Over $7 Billion
Stripe has reportedly finalized a deal to acquire OpenRouter for more than $7 billion, according to Bloomberg. OpenRouter provides a single access point for customers to select and use various AI models, preventing vendor lock-in.
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.
Tesla Recalls 3 Million Vehicles in China Over Hidden Emergency Door Releases
Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China to address hidden emergency door releases, a safety concern that can trap occupants during emergencies. This recall is part of a broader effort by 11 automakers in China to install warning labels and push software updates related to electronic door latch systems. The issue highlights a safety challenge with electronic door latches, which can fail in collisions, making manual releases critical but often hard to locate.
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.
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.
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.