Microsoft unveils three foundational AI models
According to TechCrunch, “Microsoft takes on AI rivals with three new foundational models”, Microsoft AI released MAI-Transcribe-1, MAI-Voice-1 and MAI-Image-2, signaling a push into *multimodal* capabilities to compete with OpenAI and bolster Azure AI services. [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/02/microsoft-takes-on-ai-rivals-with-three-new-foundational-models/)
Google brings prompt-driven avatars to Vids
According to TechCrunch, “Google now lets you direct avatars through prompts in its Vids app”, the update lets creators direct, customize and export avatar-driven clips via natural-language prompts, accelerating content production while raising reuse and IP questions around *avatars*. [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/02/google-now-lets-you-direct-avatars-through-prompts-in-its-vids-app/)
Cash App adds ‘pay later’ for P2P transfers
According to TechCrunch, “Cash App launches ‘pay later’ feature for P2P pay transfers”, Block introduced a six-week deferred payment option with a 7.5% fee for eligible transfers, expanding consumer financing into peer-to-peer flows and spotlighting potential *affordability* risks. [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/02/cash-app-launches-buy-now-pay-later-feature-for-p2p-pay-transfers/)
Oil-driven volatility
According to AP, “Stocks recover most early losses as volatility again hits Wall Street. US oil tops $110 a barrel” — oil surged toward $114 a barrel after President Trump’s remarks on Iran, triggering intraday equity swings and lifting energy and inflation risks that unsettled markets. [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/6fc90a2e50b1252cde130fc3e0ce0da3)
Mortgage pain returns
According to AP, “Average US long-term mortgage rate rises to 6.22%, highest level in more than 3 months” — mortgage rates climbed alongside higher Treasury yields, raising borrowing costs for buyers and cooling demand in the spring housing market. [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/fda7c7e7294afd7be6ab6ac14c9c7ce2)
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