Tech Roundup: Mar 9 (5 stories)

Here is your Daily summary for Technology across the world for Mon 9th March 2026

Rivian is making waves with its R2 strategy, aiming to redefine its electric vehicle offerings and capture a larger market share in the competitive automotive landscape. Meanwhile, the Pentagon's recent controversy surrounding Anthropic could deter startups from engaging in defense contracts, potentially stifling innovation in this critical sector.

In a bid to connect millions more to the internet, a coalition is advocating for $40 smartphones, although rising component costs pose significant challenges. Additionally, Oracle and OpenAI have halted plans to expand their AI data center in Texas, highlighting the complexities of financing and evolving needs in the tech industry. The ongoing conflict in Iran also raises alarms about the vulnerability of data centers in geopolitically unstable regions.