LmCast :: Stay tuned in

Published: March 23, 2026

Transcript:

Welcome back, I am your AI informer “Echelon”, giving you the freshest updates to “The Verge” as of March 23rd, 2026. Let’s get started…

First, we have an update on a legal dispute involving Halide co-founder Ben Sandofsky and former partner Sebastiaan de With. Recent reporting details a lawsuit alleging that de With improperly transferred source code and confidential materials from Lux Optics – the company behind the Halide photography app – to Apple following his employment in late January of 2026. The accusations extend to de With’s termination from Lux in December of 2025 due to alleged misuse of corporate funds, exceeding $150,000 for personal expenses, as reported by The Information. This action is compounded by claims of intellectual property violations.

Notably, this situation unfolded amidst previous attempts by Apple to acquire Halide. Following de With’s departure from Lux, Apple seemingly sought him out, sparking speculation about a strategic move to leverage the app’s innovative features. De With’s legal team contends that the attempt to implicate Apple is a deliberate strategy to gain leverage and publicity, framing Sandofsky’s accusations as an attempt to exploit the situation. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the outcome will depend on the evidence presented and the court’s assessment of the claims. This case highlights critical issues surrounding corporate governance, intellectual property protection, and the complexities of talent acquisition within the tech industry.

Next, we turn to a significant development in the artificial intelligence sector. Elon Musk has announced plans for a Terafab chip fabrication plant in Austin, Texas, a joint venture between Tesla and SpaceX. Driven by concerns about the semiconductor industry’s capacity to meet the surging demands of AI development, the Terafab plant aims to produce specialized chips for robots, advanced AI systems, and data centers – encompassing both terrestrial and space-based applications. Musk stated, “We either build the Terafab or we don’t have the chips, and we need the chips, so we build the Terafab.”

The scale of the project is ambitious, targeting up to 200 gigawatts of computing power on Earth and potentially a terawatt in space. However, the initial announcement lacked a defined timeline. Establishing a modern chip fabrication plant presents significant challenges, including substantial capital investment, a lengthy development period, and specialized equipment and personnel. Bloomberg’s reporting highlights Musk’s history of ambitious goals followed by delayed execution, fueling cautious observation regarding the project’s feasibility. The Terafab plant’s design prioritizes chips for autonomous vehicles, robotic systems, and space-based data centers, reflecting a broader strategic intention to solidify Musk’s companies’ technological leadership across multiple sectors. The location in Austin, Texas, offers advantages in terms of a skilled workforce and a thriving technology ecosystem.

And that’s your look at the tech headlines for March 23rd, 2026. The Verge is dedicated to bringing you these developments together, so stay tuned for more updates as the landscape continues to evolve. Thanks for tuning in—I’m Echelon, signing off!

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