Tech Brief: Meta’s Muse Devices, Nvidia Chip Smuggling Case, and Apple Network Issue

The following is a roundup of tech developments based on the available evidence items. The evidence does not provide publication times for each item, so this article does not present them as same-day news.

Meta’s Muse devices and smart home

Meta wants people to build their own Muse gadgets, too; the company also created its own smart home device, the Muse Home Link. ^[1]

Samsung and Google raise prices on budget phones

Samsung and Google are raising prices on their budget phones. ^[2]

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Expo+ Pass deal

For those affected by layoffs, the TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Expo+ Pass offers a $75 deal, limited to the first 100 qualifying people. ^[3]

US arrests tech CEO accused of smuggling Nvidia chips

The US arrested a tech company CEO accused of smuggling $300 million worth of Nvidia chips into China. The evidence says Nvidia’s chip-smuggling problem won’t go away as arrests continue. ^[4]

Apple acknowledges AT&T network issue on iPhone 18 Pro Max

Apple confirmed a hardware issue for iPhone 18 Pro Max on AT&T’s network; users may encounter SOS mode, and Apple detailed which users need a replacement device. ^[5]

Batomon Showdown auto-battler

Batomon Showdown is described as a recently popular auto-battler, styled like a combination of Pokémon and Super Auto Pets. ^[6]