This summer transfer window is expected to be one of the busiest for Manchester United.
They are in the market for strengthen several positions with midfield and the centre-back position high on their priority list.
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Now, another position is receiving attention from the recruitment team at Old Trafford as they feel a new, long term replacement of Luke Shaw is needed at the club.
Although Luke Shaw has recently returned to form and fitness, United simply cannot rely on him alone given the grueling, expanded European schedule awaiting them next year.
That is why Bournemouth defender Adrien Truffert has become their target ahead of the summer transfer window.
Man United interested in promising left-back
According to reports from TEAMtalk, the 24-year-old Bournemouth defender has rapidly emerged as a primary target after establishing himself as one of the standout full-backs in the Premier League this season.
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Interestingly, Truffert had been on United’s radar over the past year, but he simply didn’t fit the tactical blueprint under former manager Ruben Amorim.
He has started every single Premier League match for the Cherries, chipping in with a crucial goal and three assists.
If the Cherries demand an astronomical fee, the Red Devils are keeping a close eye on several high-profile alternatives. The shortlist reportedly includes Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, and Arsenal’s highly-rated Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Adding a dynamic, reliable left-back like Truffert would be a massive step toward building a squad actually capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
If the Red Devils can successfully negotiate this deal, the left flank of Old Trafford is going to be incredibly exciting to watch next season.
Marcus Rashford’s future has been up in the air for a while, but the situation is getting seriously complicated.
After spending this season out on loan at Barcelona, it originally looked like the Manchester United academy graduate was destined to stay in Spain long-term.
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However, a major rift is reportedly developing between the two heavyweights over finances.
That has given other clubs a major boost to target a move for Rashford and one of the clubs closely monitoring the England international is Premier League leaders Arsenal, according to Daily Mail.
Marcus Rashford faces uncertainty over his career
To be fair to Rashford, the change of scenery has definitely helped him reset his career.
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He has chipped in with 13 goals in 45 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions.
However, manager Hansi Flick has mostly used him as a rotation option, handing him just 15 starts in La Liga.
The real issue, though, is the money. Barcelona have an option to make the move permanent for £26 million, but their well-documented financial troubles are making them seriously hesitate.
Man United just want him off the wage bill. With the Red Devils qualifying for the Champions League next season, Rashford’s salary would automatically jump to a staggering £325,000 per week.
United simply cannot afford to carry that massive financial burden for a player who isn’t even in their long-term plans.
Arsenal have entered the race for Man United attacker
This is exactly where Mikel Arteta and Arsenal step into the picture. As Barcelona and Man United continue to haggle over the £26 million fee, the Gunners are quietly monitoring the situation, ready to pounce if the deal completely collapses.
Adding a player with Rashford’s blistering pace, Premier League pedigree, and big-game experience could be a massive coup for an Arsenal side looking to solidify their status as top-tier contenders.
If Arsenal decide to pull the trigger and meet the asking price, we could very well see Rashford back in the Premier League, playing for one of Man United’s biggest rivals.
However, nothing has been fully agreed yet due to uncertainty over whether Tottenham can stay in the Premier League, which could lead to other clubs joining the race.
According to talkSPORT, Liverpool could be set to try to get in ahead of their rivals, with there still seemingly being no clarity on Ibrahima Konate staying and signing a new contract at Anfield.
Marcos Senesi transfer looks like a good opportunity for top clubs
Even if Senesi isn’t the biggest name in world football, he’s a quality player with Premier League experience who’s about to be available on a free transfer.
Tottenham could certainly do well to add someone like that to their squad for next season after flirting with relegation this term.
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Liverpool, meanwhile, have also had a disappointing season by their high standards, with Champions League qualification still not entirely guaranteed yet.
It seems clear the Reds would benefit from strengthening at the back after conceding 47 league goals – more than the likes of Everton and Crystal Palace, and 21 more than league leaders Arsenal.
Bournemouth to lose more star players?
Bournemouth saw Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez leave last summer, while Antoine Semenyo then joined Manchester City in January.
The Cherries now look set to lose Senesi for nothing, while there’ll likely be speculation over other star players such as Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott.
Meanwhile, manager Andoni Iraola is also leaving his position as he’ll also be out of contract this summer.
Manchester United have secured Champions League football for next season and their target for next season is achieved.
But as the dust settles on an intensely demanding campaign under interim boss Michael Carrick, the club’s hierarchy is already looking ahead to a massive summer rebuild.
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They need a clever summer transfer window and a lot of positions will be on their agenda.
The midfield issues are there for all to see and it is clear that the Red Devils will target new midfielders in the summer.
Man United are looking to sign a new centre-back
Latest report has suggested that even signing a new centre-back has become a priority at Old Trafford ahead of the transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Man United have made signing a new, elite centre-back their absolute number one priority for the upcoming transfer window.
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To understand exactly why the United board is so desperate to splash the cash on a central defender, you just have to look at the absolute injury nightmare they’ve endured this season.
While young talents like Leny Yoro have stepped up admirably in crucial, high-pressure moments, like coming off the bench to lock down that massive win against Liverpool and veterans like Harry Maguire have consistently put their bodies on the line, the sheer lack of structural consistency has been a massive headache.
You simply cannot mount a sustained Premier League title challenge or survive deep, grueling Champions League knockout runs when you are forced to field a different centre-back partnership every single weekend due to nagging muscle injuries.
Now that Carrick has brilliantly steered the ship back into Europe’s elite competition, Man United once again hold the ultimate bargaining chip.
Elite, highly sought-after defenders want to play under the Champions League lights.
Furthermore, the massive financial windfall that naturally comes with UEFA qualification means the club’s sporting directors won’t be forced to bargain hunt in the market, they can legitimately target a marquee, world-class defensive anchor who can immediately slot into the starting XI and provide some much-needed physicality and leadership.
Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and other defenders have all struggled with injuries this season and United are looking for someone more reliable in the market.
The Brazil international is heading towards the end of his Man Utd contract and is keen to make a move to Miami his priority due to a desire to play with Lionel Messi.
Apparently, Casemiro would even be willing to accept a pay cut to get this dream move, with he and his family also keen on the move to the US, according to Sky Sports.
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Casemiro has performed well for United this season, with some fans perhaps even wondering if the club should make a quick U-turn on the 34-year-old’s deal as he edges closer to becoming a free agent.
Manchester United will surely miss Casemiro
Despite surely coming towards the end of his career, Casemiro has enjoyed a real renaissance this season, putting some of his past difficult MUFC form behind him.
It’s slightly surreal that it was two years ago we were seeing Jamie Carragher famously declaring that Casemiro should leave football before the football leaves him, with the former Real Madrid man now looking like someone the Red Devils are really going to miss…
It will be interesting to see how United end up replacing such an influential player, with Casemiro widely regarded as one of the top defensive midfielders of his generation.
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Even if we didn’t see Casemiro at his peak during his time at Old Trafford, he was world class for many years at Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and numerous other major honours.
United will surely have a tough job on their hands this summer trying to strengthen in midfield, with a signing needed to replace Casemiro, and also another probably required as an upgrade on the struggling Manuel Ugarte.
Chelsea are once again on the hunt for a new permanent boss following the brutal sacking of Liam Rosenior last month.
Rosenior’s turbulent reign lasted a mere 107 days, leaving the Blues scrambling to secure European football after a dismal string of league results.
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While caretaker manager Calum McFarlane is steadying the ship until the end of the campaign and has a massive FA Cup final against Manchester City to look forward to, the club’s hierarchy is intensely focused on the upcoming summer rebuild.
The Chelsea ownership is currently undergoing what is being described as a “period of self-reflection” following the Rosenior debacle.
They are absolutely desperate to find a coach whose tactical approach matches with their footballing identity.
Chelsea make approach to Xavi Hernandez
According to talkSPORT, the Blues have made contact with Spanish manager Xavi, who guided Barcelona to the La Liga title in the 2022–23 season season.
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We already know that Fabregas isn’t expected to abandon his project at Como this summer.
Meanwhile, outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is heavily admired by the board, but there are lingering concerns that his distinct tactical style might represent too much of a deviation from the club’s desired philosophy.
Spaniard is interested in a move to the Premier League
This is exactly where Xavi comes into the picture. The legendary Spanish midfielder has been out of work since departing Barcelona in May 2024, but early indications suggest he is “open” to the prospect of taking the reins in West London.
Interestingly, the Premier League is a stage Xavi has had his eyes on for quite some time.
Back in 2019, he openly confessed his love for the English game, stating, “Who doesn’t like the Premier League?” and specifically naming Chelsea among the top clubs he would choose to manage.
Despite contacting Xavi, the report mentions that the Spaniard is no longer a contender for the Blues job and the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge is considering other options.
The UFC 328 middleweight title fight between champion Khamzat Chimaev and former titleholder Sean Strickland has become one of the biggest grudge matches in the promotion's history.
The two used to train together but a dispute in the gym has festered into a full-blown rivalry. Their fight week interaction has been limited by the organization. They're staying in two different hotels and extra security has been added.
Strickland has accused "Borz" of seeking out lesser training partners in the gym and mercilessly dominating them to feed his ego. On Tuesday, Chimaev released footage of a sparring session with Strickland. He captioned the video, "I am bullying weak people."
The video was only 26 seconds long. The two have very different recollections of how their training sessions went. They'll settle their differences inside the octagon at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Saturday. It will be Chimaev's first title defense.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick watches his team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
OKLAHOMA CITY––Before 18,000 souls rose as one, before the energy of a blue-and-orange crashed against the hardwood, and in that single breath before tip-off — that suspended moment where time holds its breath and possibility still lives — you could almost convince yourself the Lakers had a chance.
Almost.
The Paycom Center hums with a frequency that rattles your ribcage and scatters your thoughts, a low thrum of anticipation that says, "We know something you don't know."
Not the roar. Not yet.
The hum.
The hum of a young crowd that believes.
The hum of sneakers squeaking on clean hardwood.
The hum of 18,203 people who have already watched the film, studied the matchups and can recite the scouting report from memory.
They are here early. They are here ready.
And across the court, leaning against the scorer's table with arms folded and eyes half-closed, sits a 41-year-old king on a throne fashioned of borrowed time.
The Los Angeles Lakers don't have enough dawgs in the kennel. They don't have enough firepower to fight this war.
The Thunder are too tough, too talented, too tenacious. They're a pack of hyenas fighting over the lone chicken breast – and that chicken breast walked off the floor with a full dislocation of his right pinky finger and didn't come back.
Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals ended 108-90.
But the funeral started somewhere around the nine-minute mark of the third quarter, right about the time Austin Reaves caught an open wing three – a clean look, a prayer of a shot that would have cut the deficit to three – and watched it clang off iron like a bell tolling for his own lost season.
The Thunder grabbed the rebound. The Thunder pushed. The Thunder scored.
Just like that, 60 seconds of basketball turned a four-point game into a double-digit deficit that never shrank again.
Welcome to Oklahoma City, where the Thunder devour details like dinner and the Lakers are left fasting.
Third quarters have doomed the Lakers all season.
The third quarter has haunted their huddles. The third quarter has turned winnable games into white flags.
The third quarter has been the slow leak in their tire, the crack in their foundation, the whisper that becomes a scream when the lights shine brightest.
Tuesday night, the Thunder won the third quarter by four. Only four.
But here's the poison in that number: Oklahoma City wins every quarter.
Plus five in the first. Plus three in the second. Plus four in the third. Plus six in the fourth.
OKC wears you down like water on a stone. They don't need a knockout punch. They throw 1,000 jabs.
They come at you in waves. They play 11 guys. They throw so much on you that you overwhelm yourself.
When their bench comes in, they don't lose a step.
If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has an off night, Chet Holmgren is there to carry the load.
If they need to overwhelm you with defense, they do so with aggression.
The numbers don't lie.
Eight of Oklahoma City's 13 made threes came from their bench. The Thunder's bench outscored the Lakers' bench 34-15.
That's not a gap; that's a canyon.
Holmgren – all 7-foot-1 of arms and angles and offensive ambition – finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
He was the Thunder's best player on a night when Gilgeous-Alexander looked mortal by his MVP standards: 18 points, seven turnovers, only three free throw attempts.
And the Lakers still couldn't stay within striking distance.
That's the thing about Oklahoma City, they're a chameleon. They're a team with a plethora of identities.
Whatever the Thunder need to morph into, they can. They will. They do.
The Lakers burst from the gate like men possessed, like they had something to prove, like the 41.7% shooting and 17 turnovers that would eventually doom them were some other team's problem.
LeBron James — ageless, relentless, almost absurd in his refusal to bow to biology — scored five of the first seven points, and for one shimmering, fragile moment, the purple and gold led 7-0.
The crowd murmured. The workers in the arena yawned. The Thunder blinked.
Hope, that most dangerous of drugs, coursed through the Lakers' veins.
But hope is a liar. Hope would have you believe that the third quarter won't be their grave.
Hope whispers that this time, this time, the collapse won't come.
Hope is wrong. Hope is always wrong.
By the end of the first quarter, the Thunder had shaken off the rust from their eight-day layoff and seized a 31-26 lead, James' 12 points be damned.
By halftime, Oklahoma City led 61-53, and James had 16 — a one-man army fighting a war his teammates couldn't seem to find the ammunition for.
The Lakers were hanging on by fingernails and duct tape, by prayer, by the sheer gravitational force of James' will.
Then came the third quarter. Then came the tomb.
If you want to understand the 2025-26 Los Angeles Lakers, don't look at the final score — 108-90, a rout that felt closer than it was and further than it should have been.
Don't look at the 41.7% shooting or the 17 turnovers that bled 20 points.
Don't look at the bench scoring disparity, 34-15, a canyon where the Lakers' reserves should have been.
Look at the third quarter. Always look at the third quarter.
It has been the third quarter that has buried this team all season long, the 12-minute stretch where focus frays and execution evaporates, where leads dissolve and deficits become chasms.
The third quarter is where the Lakers' season goes to die, over and over, a recurring nightmare they cannot wake from.
And Tuesday night in Oklahoma City was no different.
It was worse.
The Lakers trimmed the deficit to four early in the third, 69-65, a tantalizing whisper of competitiveness.
Rui Hachimura had found his rhythm, knocking down triples. The defense was bending but not breaking. For a moment — one breath, one heartbeat — it felt like a game.
Then the Thunder did what the Thunder do––annihilate.
They don't respond; they erase.
Oklahoma City peeled off seven consecutive points. A Lu Dort three-pointer that cut through the air like a blade. A Cason Wallace steal and layup that turned a Lakers possession into Thunder points before the Lakers could even process what happened.
The lead stretched. The crowd roared. The Lakers' shoulders sagged.
And then, the dagger — the moment that turned a basketball game into a coronation for the defending champions.
With the final minute of the third quarter bleeding away, Ajay Mitchell — starting in place of the injured Jalen Williams, a backup playing like a star — drained a corner three. Marcus Smart fouled him on the way down.
The free throw dropped. Four-point play. Thunder up 84-72.
The quarter ended with the Lakers trailing by 12, and the game, for all practical purposes, was over.
"I don't think there was a turning point," Lakers coach JJ Redick said. "I think it was a general theme throughout the night when we made game plan mistakes, they hurt us."
General theme. That's one way to put it. Recurring tragedy might be another.
Austin Reaves has returned to action, but appears premature.
He doesn't look like himself.
Then again, Reaves looks like a shadow of himself every playoff run.
The regular-season superhero who averaged 23.3 points becomes something smaller in the postseason spotlight – hunted on defense, hurried on offense, haunted by the realization that the whistles don't blow the same way in May.
Reaves' total on the night: eight points. Three-for-16 from the field. Zero-for-five from three. Five rebounds. Six assists.
"I got to my spots multiple times and just missed a couple easy shots," Reaves said. "Nobody cares about that now. I got to go out there and play better."
Redick, sitting at the podium later, offered the measured patience of a coach who knows he has no other choice: "He didn't play well, but he's going to bounce back. He's a great player."
But here's the question hovering over every possession, every missed rotation, every ill-advised three: Is he great enough to be the second option on a championship team? Or is he what Sam Presti's front office sees when they let talent walk – a nice story, a fan favorite, but not a foundation?
The Thunder don't have that problem.
Mitchell dropped 18 points and looked like he'd been running that offense for years, not days.
Isaiah Joe came off the bench and knocked down shots with the mechanical precision of a man who has taken that same corner three 10,000 times.
Jared McCain checked in and hit two threes like he was checking his watch.
The Lakers have LeBron James. The Thunder have a program.
But, James scored 27 points for Los Angeles. He scored 12 in the first quarter alone.
He was aggressive. He was physical.
He was, for long stretches, the only Laker who looked like he belonged on the same floor with the defending champions.
And it wasn't enough.
It wasn't nearly enough.
Father Time is undefeated, and it appears that the keeper of the sands of time has finally caught up to James.
Not in the box score – not yet – but in the margins.
It shows in the defensive rotations he can't quite make; in the loose balls he used to snatch from midair; in the third quarters when his legs get heavy and the young Thunder keep running.
"He's had the greatest career of any NBA player," Redick said. "You can argue all you want. I really don't care to postulate on who's the greatest of all time. But for him to answer the bell again? It's baffling in some ways."
Baffling. But not sustainable.
Long gone are the days of trading picks for talent. That model doesn't work in the modern NBA, where the apron tax strangles flexibility.
Oklahoma City is the blueprint. Sam Presti has amassed a collection of talent that is nothing short of miraculous – draft picks that hit, development that works, a culture that breeds buy-in from the 15th man to the franchise superstar.
The Lakers? They're still chasing ghosts.
Still suffering from a Sisyphus curse –– leaning on a 40-year-old to push them up a mountain that gets steeper every season.
Jarred Vanderbilt dislocated his pinky finger trying to block a shot. Full dislocation.
The pinky went one way. His hand went the other.
He screamed.
Audibly screamed.
Redick heard it from the sideline and went to check on him.
"I mean, he was audibly screaming," Redick said. "He knew he had done something."
That play – that freakish, unfortunate, perfectly symbolic play – happened on a two-handed alley-oop from Isaiah Hartenstein to Holmgren.
Vanderbilt went up to contest. His right pinky caught the edge of the rim on the way down. His hand kept moving. His finger didn't.
He didn't return. He might not return for the rest of the series.
The Lakers needed his length. They needed his athleticism. They needed his ability to muck things up, to cause havoc, to be the irritant that makes Shai think twice.
And now? Now they're down a body against a team that plays 10 deep and doesn't lose a step when the subs check in.
"We didn't have the attention to detail in Game 5 against Houston," Redick admitted. "We had it tonight."
Did they?
17 turnovers...18 turnovers if you count the bad shots that functioned as turnovers – the ill-advised threes, the rushed floaters, the possessions that ended before they ever really began.
Oklahoma City turned those mistakes into 20 points.
20 points that James couldn't get back. 20 points that Reaves couldn't erase. 20 points that felt like 40 in a building that feeds on error.
"They take advantage of every single mental mistake," Reaves said. "Once you make a couple in a row, they capitalize."
On every possession, every screen, every closeout, the Thunder are dialed in.
There is no wandering. There is no wondering.
Each player knows their role as well as their own name.
They are deep. Ten players scored. Four hit double figures.
The rotation goes 11 deep without a drop-off in energy, execution or intensity.
When Gilgeous-Alexander sits, nobody panics. When Holmgren needs a breather, nobody shrinks.
Oklahoma City is devoted to the details. The box-outs. The weak-side rotations. The extra pass. The early help. The late contest.
They do the small things with the same ferocity that other teams reserve for dunks and daggers.
"They're the defending champions," James said. "It's a tall task."
But here's the truth that everyone in the building felt but few wanted to say: This didn't feel like a tall task. This felt like a mismatch.
This felt like a team that has built something, rather than one that is still trying to borrow something.
The Lakers shot 41.7% from the field. They turned it over 17 times. They lost the bench battle by 19 points. They lost the third quarter – again – and with it, any hope of stealing Game 1 on the road.
Somehow, Los Angeles managed to hold SGA under 20 points. They had a sound plan.
The Lakers just didn't make shots.
But they didn't make shots for a reason.
The Thunder made them uncomfortable. The Thunder made them hurry. The Thunder made them think, not react; hesitate, not attack.
That's what devotion to the details looks like.
That's what the Lakers used to be.
That's what they may never be again.
The series shifts to Thursday night. Same building. Same hum. Same hungry crowd.
The Lakers will talk about adjustments. They'll talk about shooting better. They'll talk about taking care of the ball and winning a quarter – just one quarter – to change the momentum.
"They got down to four at one point," Redick said. "We hung around all night. The game never felt out of reach."
But it did.
It felt out of reach the moment Mitchell hit that corner three and got fouled by Smart in the final minute of the third quarter. Four-point play. Twelve-point lead. Game over. Season teetering.
Reaves will watch the film.
He'll see his misses. He'll see his mistakes. He'll promise to be better.
James will ice his knees, rest his bones and prepare to do it all over again at the ripe age of 41.
And the Thunder will show up – dialed in, deep, devoted to the details – and dare the Lakers to find an answer they don't have.
Oklahoma City, simply, is too good. They compel, no, force you to have your antennas up for 48 minutes.
For most teams, that's unsustainable. The Lakers had their antennas up for about 24.
The third quarter came. The third quarter conquered.
Same as it ever was.
The fourth quarter was a formality, a victory lap for a team that knew the outcome before the Lakers did.
The Paycom Center emptied slowly, the crowd still buzzing, still celebrating, still living in the afterglow of a performance that felt inevitable from the opening tip.
The Lakers filed toward their locker room, a procession of golden-clad ghosts moving through a building that had already forgotten them.
James walked slowly, his 27 points heavy on his shoulders, his 41 years heavy on his legs.
He gave everything, again, and it had not been enough, again. There aren't too many of these performances in that body.
Somewhere in the arena, a replay showed Holmgren's alley-oop, the play that broke Vanderbilt's finger and the Lakers' spirit in one cruel moment.
This is who the Lakers are. This is who the Thunder are.
The distance between them is not measured in points but in eras, in philosophies, in the fundamental understanding of what it takes to win basketball games in 2026.
The Thunder know. The Lakers are still learning. And the third quarter — that cruel, unforgiving third quarter — is teaching them the hardest lesson of all.
Brad Garlinghouse has warned that recent Senate progress on the CLARITY Act still leaves a narrow window for the bill to move forward. According to Brad Garlinghouse, the next two weeks will determine whether the digital asset market structure bill…
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Deal | The Humble Bundle Choice selection has been updated, and for May 2026, there are hits like Diablo IV and Crysis 3 Remastered. With retail prices considered, the value of the collection stands at $247.92, but they can all be scored for just $14.99.
Samsung's Galaxy A27 first surfaced in November, and more recently we saw it in the Geekbench database in early April, then it starred in some leaked renders not long afterwards.
Today Samsung itself has confirmed that the Galaxy A27 is a real device that is coming soon. It's not surprising, of course, but it's still good to have an official confirmation. The Korean company still hasn't unveiled the phone, by the way, but it has listed it as compatible with Samsung Wallet on its Brazilian website, as you can see in the screenshot below.
The Galaxy A27 is powered by the Snapdragon 6...
Instagram has started testing an "AI creator" label for accounts that frequently post AI-generated content. It seems like this is opt-in, so the owner of the account needs to want this label in order to get it. If they do go this route, then an "AI creator" label will appear on their profile and alongside their content.
It's still a test, so not everyone has access to it yet, but the feature will be expanding "in the coming weeks", according to Instagram. Why people who post AI slop would go through the trouble to tell you with this badge that they post AI slop is beyond us, but maybe...
Bruno Fernandes has had a brilliant season for Manchester United and media speculation continues to link him with a move away from Old Trafford.
The Portuguese midfielder could make history this season by providing the most assists in a single Premier League season. He is just two assists away from the record.
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Naturally, his form and consistency has attracted interest from some of the top clubs.
According to Sky Germany, Turkish heavyweights Galatasaray have identified Man United captain Fernandes as their absolute “dream target” for the upcoming window.
Galatasaray eyeing move for Bruno Fernandes
The Istanbul outfit is reportedly desperate to initiate formal contact with the player’s camp, hoping to pull off one of the biggest European transfer heists of the entire year.
To be completely fair to Galatasaray, their immense admiration for the Portuguese magnifico is absolutely nothing new.
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However, after watching Fernandes put together yet another stunning individual campaign, racking up a massive 28 goal involvements across all competitions even at 33 years old, their desire to bring him to Rams Park has only intensified.
They clearly view him as the ultimate marquee signing required to elevate their squad to the next tier of European competition.
Prying Fernandes away from the red half of Manchester right now feels like a completely impossible mission.
As we saw recently during United’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool, the captain remains the undisputed, beating heart of this squad.
Having just helped interim boss Michael Carrick successfully steer the club back into the promised land of the Champions League, Fernandes is currently riding a massive emotional high.
This is a player who recently turned his back on astronomical sums of money, including a heavily reported £200 million mega-offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last summer, simply because of his profound, unshakeable connection to the Man United badge.
If he wasn’t willing to cash out for unbelievable Saudi riches, it is incredibly difficult to imagine him suddenly abandoning his current project for a move to the Turkish Süper Lig, especially just as magical Champions League nights are returning to Old Trafford.
TOLONO, Ill. (WCIA) — Unity baseball is off to a 19-3 start after making runs to state in boys basketball and football.
The Rockets are looking for redemption after a close loss to Monticello in the sectional championship game last season.
A notable part of thjs season’s success includes head coach Tom Kimball surpassing the 400-win milestone.
He credits many people for the program’s recent success, including community members, administrators and talented players.
While winning was the biggest goal early in his career, that isn’t the case anymore.
“As I’ve grown older and grown into this little bit, I realize that winning is important and we all love to win, but in reality, the relationships that you build and if you can help kids better themselves and be a better part in society, at the end of the day, that’s kind of what coaching is about,” Kimball said.
“Seeing him in school, it just builds an even better relationship with him,” senior Coleton Langendorf said. “He’s always joking with us when he sees us, and we’re just always having a good time with him.”
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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch during the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.
HOUSTON — The Dodgers keep finding new ways to make Shohei Ohtani’s brilliance feel like a footnote.
On a quiet Tuesday night at Daikin Park, Ohtani delivered exactly what you’d expect from an ace, and still walked off the mound with a loss attached to his outing. The Dodgers fell 2-1 to the Houston Astros, dropping another one-run game in which their most dynamic player was limited to just one side of his skill set.
That’s becoming a theme. And not a flattering one.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch in the second inningv against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch in the second inningv against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.
Ohtani, working strictly as a pitcher again, turned in his most extended outing in nearly two years. Seven innings. Eight strikeouts. No walks. Just 89 pitches, 62 for strikes. Outside of two early mistakes, solo home runs by Christian Walker in the second and Braden Shewmake in the third, he dictated the game.
Ohtani is dealing like a Cy Young contender, yet the Dodgers keep wasting it.
His final line — 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 8 K — his ERA goes up to 0.97. It should have been the headline. Instead, it’s buried under another night where the offense vanished until it was too late.
The only life came in the eighth, when Kyle Tucker poked an RBI single to right to cut the deficit to one. That was it. No sustained pressure. No response to early damage. Just another late, insufficient push.
And here’s where this gets uncomfortable for Dave Roberts.
For the second straight Ohtani start, Roberts opted to use him as a pitcher only, no DH, no bat in the lineup. For the second straight time, the Dodgers lost by one run. Last week, it was against the Miami Marlins. This time, a more respectable opponent, but the same hollow result.
Coincidence? Maybe. But it’s starting to feel like more than that.
Even in the middle of an 0-for-17 slump, Ohtani’s presence changes the shape of a game. Pitchers work differently. Bullpens get leveraged earlier. Mistakes get punished differently. Take that out, and the Dodgers lineup, deep as it is on paper, suddenly looks a lot more ordinary.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch during the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch during the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park.
Ohtani himself didn’t exactly hide his stance last week.
“I think for players who wanna do two-way and if they wanna DH, they should get the option,” he said after that loss to Miami.
Shohei Ohtani discussed his first loss of the season and also shared some thoughts on whether he would like to hit on days he pitches.
“I think for players who wanna do two-way and if they wanna DH, they should get the option to do DH,” Ohtani said. “At the same time, it’s hard… pic.twitter.com/oKCuKM5U8r
Read between the lines, and it wasn’t just a general comment. It was a window into how he views his role, and maybe how this balancing act is affecting him.
Because Ohtani doesn’t just play both ways. He thrives on it. It’s rhythm. It’s identity. It’s part of what makes him different.
And right now, the Dodgers are experimenting with that identity in real time. The results? Mixed at best.
Yes, protecting his workload matters. Yes, it’s early May, not October. But wins in May count the same, and the Dodgers are now 22-14 with a familiar issue: dominant pitching performances getting little to no offensive backing.
So the question isn’t just about strategy. It’s about philosophy.
Do you manage Ohtani like a traditional ace, carefully, conservatively, one role at a time? Or do you lean into what makes him singular, even if it comes with risk?
"If there was a situation where I was hitting well, I'm sure the team would want me to pitch and hit as well,” Ohtani said postgame. “I understand in this situation where just focus on the pitching, turn the page on hitting, I understand that the team might think like that."
Because nights like Tuesday make one thing clear: the “pitcher-only” version of Ohtani might be elite, but it might not be enough, not for this team, and not the way these games are unfolding.
With the San Francisco Giants waiting next week back at Dodger Stadium, the decision looms again. And it’s no longer just a lineup card choice. It’s a test of whether the Dodgers truly understand the player they built all of this around, or if they’re still trying to fit him into a box he was never meant to occupy.
Defensive ends coach Miguel Chavis goes through drills as the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU ) hold fall football camp outside Gaylord Family/Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Aug. 8, 2022 in Norman, Okla. [Steve Sisney/For The Oklahoman] Ou Fall Camp STEVE SISNEY / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Oklahoma Sooners made the right decision to go after 2027 edge rusher Krew Jones, as he looks like he could play right now.
Landing four-star 2027 defensive end Krew Jones from Millville, Utah, significantly boosted the Sooners’ class this cycle. His only barrier to five-star status is the level of competition faced in high school, as his opponents lacked elite talent.
Jones has impressed at camps, where every player is evaluated by colleges, proving he's highly skilled. He ranks as the 20th-best edge in his class and the second-best player in Utah for 2027. The Sooners also secured 2026 edge rusher Dane Bathurst, who has prototypical senior size. As a junior, Jones is even larger, demonstrating the physical traits and athleticism he brings to OU.
He showed that in his most recent video, where he looks to be at a camp, just absolutely destroying offensive linemen. This isn’t new for Jones; he's shown these kinds of videos before. Last time, he was throwing offensive linemen around left and right, and in one play in particular, he threw a lineman onto his backside, almost as if he was the one doing the pancaking.
Krew Jones has all the tools necessary to be a great SEC edge rusher
Standing 6'4 and weighing 225 pounds, Jones has the ideal SEC edge rusher frame, complemented by long arms. Like many high school prospects, SEC weight training will help him fill out further. Recently, Jones excelled at an All-Star camp against top players, performing well beside his future teammates and current Sooners edge rusher Jake Kreul.
In the UA All-American game, Kreul was the standout, causing havoc, but Jones contributed with key plays. He recorded a sack by tracking the quarterback in the backfield as he tried to escape the pocket.
Krew Jones’ class rankings
Rivals – 163 National, 20th EDGE, 3rd in Utah
247 Sports – 153 National, 18th EDGE, 2 in Utah
ESPN – 43 National, 5th EDGE, 1 in Utah
Jones is stronger, faster, and undeniably bigger. Both players put on a showcase for the country, demonstrating readiness for SEC competition. Jones made it clear: he'll be SEC-ready when he arrives on campus. This time, Jones was a standout. He showed that he can be scary as a pass rusher.
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Apple has settled a class-action lawsuit for $250 million over the delayed rollout of Siri’s Apple Intelligence features. U.S. owners of iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro models purchased between June 2024 and March 2025 may be eligible for a payout of up to $95. Here is everything you need to know.
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After three years from his professional debut at FC Barcelona, Lamine Yamal has outperformed Lionel Messi over that same span with record numbers.
Lamine Yamal made his professional debut at FC Barcelona at just 15 years old, and in the time since he has systematically shattered every record of precocity within his reach. Three years on from that historic moment, the numbers he has posted in that span surpass even those of Lionel Messi at the same stage.
Back in the 2022-23 season, coach Xavi Hernández placed his trust in a group of young players as he looked to rebuild Barcelona amid a severe financial crisis. Yamal was among those who emerged during that period, making his debut on April 29, 2023, when he came off the bench in the 86th minute for Gavi in a 4-0 win over Real Betis, becoming the youngest player in the club’s history to appear in La Liga at 15 years, nine months and 16 days old.
Three years on from those brief minutes off the bench, that teenager has developed into one of the best players in the world. Still yet to turn 19, with his birthday falling on July 13, Yamal, currently sidelined through injury, will have the chance to make his World Cup debut when the 2026 edition gets underway in North America.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, across Barcelona and the Spain national team, Yamal has accumulated 12,928 minutes of action spread across 176 appearances. His production in those minutes has been equally impressive, totaling 57 goals and 55 assists between club and country.
Gavi of FC Barcelona is substituted off for Lamine Yamal in the game against Real Betis.
Yamal has already finished as runner-up for the 2025 Ballon d’Or behind Ousmane Dembele and claimed the Golden Boy award, but the accolades are only part of the story. His trophy cabinet already includes a Euro with Spain in 2024, two Spanish Super Cups, a Copa del Rey and two La Liga titles, with a third league title looking imminent, a collection that only hints at what may lie ahead in the years to come.
Messi at the same age: a very different starting point
Unlike Yamal, Lionel Messi did not emerge at a club in crisis. When he broke into Barcelona’s first team, he was surrounded by generational talents including Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o and Deco. His professional debut came on October 16, 2004, at 17 years of age, two years older than Yamal was when he first appeared, and with numbers that the young Spaniard has since surpassed.
Measured against the same milestone of approaching the age of 19, Messi had accumulated just 1,954 minutes across Barcelona and the Argentina national team. His early output was solid rather than spectacular, amounting to 10 goals and six assists in less than two years of professional action.
The gap becomes even more pronounced when matched against Yamal’s specific three-year timeline from debut to present. Over that same stretch, Messi had logged 6,612 minutes across 102 club and international appearances, roughly half of Yamal’s total, contributing 41 goals and 15 assists. While his goals-per-minute ratio was sharper, the overall volume and range of Yamal’s early impact stands in a category of its own.
Al Hilal star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic decided to heat up the Saudi Pro League clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr by calling it a "league final."
Cristiano Ronaldo saw Al Nassr‘s winning streak come to an end at the worst possible time, with three Saudi Pro League games remaining and the title still far from secured. Al Hilal have now closed the gap at the top, and star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has turned up the heat ahead of the showdown with Ronaldo’s side, calling it the “league final.”
While Al Nassr were falling 3-1 to Al Qadsiah, Al Hilal had the opportunity to chip away at the five-point deficit with a home game against Al Khaleej on Tuesday. The hosts fell behind to a Joshua King goal in the 11th minute before Milinkovic-Savic drew them level in the 34th, and Sultan Mandash completed the comeback in the 79th to claim all three points.
Speaking to Thmanyah Sports after the match, Milinkovic-Savic acknowledged the difficulty of the victory while keeping his focus fixed firmly on the prize ahead: “Difficult game against this team, specially here when we play it’s difficult, but we knew from the beginning what we needed to do to win the game and get closer to Al Nassr.”
Before the eagerly anticipated clash with Ronaldo’s side, Al Hilal have the chance to secure their first piece of silverware of the 2025-26 season. On Friday, May 9, the team coached by Simone Inzaghi will face Al Kholood in the King’s Cup final, a fixture that was originally scheduled for April 23.
«مباراة النصر ستكون نهائي الدوري.» 🔵🔥
سافيتش، لاعب الهلال، مع مراسل «ثمانية» بدر رافع @Bader_raf3 🎤
With two potentially season-defining games on the horizon, Milinkovic-Savic was careful to take things one step at a time. “We go game by game. The first stop is the final (King’s) cup, and after I think against Al Nassr will be the final for the league. We don’t think about the derby; first we think for the cup final,” the Serbian midfielder said, though his words left little doubt about just how much the upcoming Derby of Champions means to him.
What remains for Al Nassr in the SPL?
Al Nassr currently sit atop the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League table with 79 points from 31 games, while Al Hilal have closed to within two points on 77 from the same number of matches. The head-to-head showdown between the two sides is scheduled for Al Awwal Park on Tuesday, May 13, though Ronaldo and his teammates have pressing business before then, including the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka on May 16.
First up, Al Nassr travel to face Al Shabab, currently 13th in the league, on May 7. A victory over Al Hilal on the 13th could hand Ronaldo and company the SPL title on the spot, but in the event of a draw or defeat, the championship race will go down to the final matchday, when Al Nassr host Damac and Al Hilal travel to Al Fayha, both on May 21.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (L) of Al Hilal and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Al Nassr.
CHICAGO (AP) — Michael Busch singled in the winning run in the 10th inning after hitting a tying homer in the eighth and the Chicago Cubs won their seventh straight by rallying again to beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 on Tuesday night.
Busch won it when his grounder up the middle leading off the 10th against Sam Moll (1-2) handcuffed shortstop Elly De La Cruz. Dansby Swanson scored from second, giving the Cubs their 17th win in 20 games. They’ve won 13 straight at home, their best streak at Wrigley Field since a 14-game run in 2008.
The Cubs scored two in the ninth on Monday to beat the Reds, who have lost a season-high five in a row.
Reds closer Emilio Pagán came in to start the ninth and fell to the ground clutching his left hamstring after throwing one pitch to Nico Hoerner. He stayed down for several minutes before leaving the field on a cart.
Jose Franco walked Hoerner before retiring Alex Bregman on a line drive to left. Ian Happ then walked, putting runners on first and second. But Franco got out of the jam by retiring Seiya Suzuki on a pop to second and Swanson on a fly to right.
JJ Bleday gave the Reds a 1-0 lead in the first with a drive to right for his second homer in as many nights. Nathaniel Lowe chased Cubs starter Jameson Taillon in the sixth with a drive that made it 2-0. Andrew Abbott pitched shutout ball into the sixth, allowing four hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Taillon gave up two runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. Ryan Rolison (3-0) worked the 10th.
Bregman cut it to 2-1 with an RBI single in the seventh against Connor Phillips. Busch tied it in the eighth with a 427-foot drive to right-center against Tony Santillan. But the Cubs lost for just the fourth time in 20 games.
Up next
RHP Brady Singer (2-2, 5.57 ERA) starts for Cincinnati and RHP Colin Rea (4-1, 4.41) pitches for Chicago. ___
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Most introductory press conferences for pro sports front-office officials barely make the news outside the local market.
The introductory press conference for Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka, however, ended up making international headlines, thanks in large part to questions from Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons. The longtime journalist opened the presser with a pointed question for Keith Pelley, the president and CEO of MLSE, about the new hire sitting next to him.
“You talk about the due diligence that you did on John prior to hiring him, and now hiring him. In the past three to four days, I have been in contact with about 20 people who work in the National Hockey League, many of whom are prominent names that we would all know. Of the 20 people I spoke to, one was supportive of his hiring, the other 19 thought it was a sham, to be perfectly honest,” said Simmons. “Words were used like ‘con artist,’ ‘liar,’ ‘salesman.’ “How did you come to a different conclusion than I was able to come to in a very short time?”
“I must’ve talked to different people,” dryly replied Pelley.
“That’s it?” asked Simmons. “Because the hockey world today is astounded by this announcement.”
“Okay,” offered a smiling Pelley.
“And your response to that?” asked Simmons.
“We’ve conducted due diligence, and it was deep due diligence,” Pelley replied. “It was a thorough process, and I am quite happy with where we’ve landed.”
“When you’ve been around as long as I have, you’re used to reactions and explosions and things like that. And yesterday was bigger than I think I could remember experiencing in a very long time,” said Simmons. “But because of the way I sort of tune out social media, I don’t really know that I’m trending, and I don’t really know who’s saying what or who’s saying anything, to be honest.
“And I do my job and I do my work and I do my writing. And that’s what I focus on. And I let everybody else have their say. And I don’t respond very much to what they have to say. Although yesterday, most of the responses that I received, I can’t speak for anything online because I didn’t see it. But personally, either emails, texts, phone calls, I would say was about 90-10 in my favor of the question.”
Simmons added further context to the harsh comments he heard from other NHL figures, saying that many of them had reached out to him directly.
“I asked the question for a reason. Why did you settle on John Chayka?” said Simmons. “If your due diligence was anything like mine, you couldn’t possibly have settled on John Chayka. So that was the reason for the question.
“I didn’t know John Chayka. I didn’t know much about him, to be perfectly honest. You ask one person who knew him, then you ask another person, then you text another person. And then what was happening, strangely enough, is I was getting texts from people that I hadn’t reached out to who were saying, you know, this is what my experience with him was, or this is what happened with me, or this, you know, different things like that.
“These weren’t marginal people, EJ. These were people who have worked in prominent positions or still work in prominent positions in the NHL. And so we’re talking about hockey people whose names anybody who knows hockey would know. And I had a long list of people, and I think I talked to about 20 of them. And there was one person who gave John a glowing recommendation, and there were 19 who didn’t, or 20 who didn’t. I don’t know what the number is exactly, but it was incredibly one-sided.
“And that’s why when he said, ‘We did our due diligence,’ I’d like to know what his due diligence was that was so different from my due diligence. And that’s why I asked the question as I asked it. And I picked the words out, and I don’t like to break confidences in any way, but I picked the words out of emails or texts that I had received from people in the NHL who described him in different words, in different ways. And that’s why I asked the question the way I asked it.”
Simmons would go on to say that “NHL GMs… and major player agents” were among those he was texting with.
Hradek asked Simmons what he thinks of Pelley, who was named MLSE President & CEO in April 2024. While he feels as though they actually have a friendly relationship, Simmons wonders if he’s cut out for the job of overseeing a sizable portfolio of pro sports teams, including the NHL’s Maple Leafs, the NBA’s Raptors, the CFL’s Argonauts, and the MLS’s Toronto FC.
“I almost consider Keith Pelley to be a friend,” said Simmons. “We’ve known each other for so long and been around so many of the same events.
“Keith Pelley has a long history in television and a successful history of television. He is a great guy. I love him sort of as a friend and as a person to hang with, and as someone to have lunch with and someone to talk to. And he’s treated me extraordinarily well over the years. And I think most of the time I’ve treated him extraordinarily well over the years.
“But there comes points where… he has a job to do and I have questions to ask. And that’s where, you know, the uncomfortable nature of Monday came out. And, I just think in this instance, this job might be too big for him. This is a big job.”
There’s a lot riding on the Chayka hire, not just for Pelley but for the Maple Leafs as an organization. It’s going to be fascinating to watch how that goes, not to mention what happens at the next press conference that Simmons attends.
Stefon Diggs’ acquittal in court clears a path for the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver to return to the field.
He still could face discipline from the NFL.
“We have been monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Tuesday.
Diggs was found not guilty Tuesday of assaulting his personal chef. The charges stemmed from a Dec. 2 incident at his house in Massachusetts where Jamila Adams, a former live-in personal chef, testified that Diggs slapped and choked her during an argument. He had pleaded not guilty to a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before clearing Diggs of all charges.
“The evidence has shown what we’ve maintained from day one: Mr. Diggs was wrongly accused, and this case represents exactly the kind of opportunistic targeting that players can face the moment they step off the field,” Diggs’ attorney, Mitch Schuster, said in a statement.
That could change in the coming weeks, though league discipline is still a possibility.
Several NFL players, including Ben Roethlisberger, Jameis Winston and Ezekiel Elliott, have been suspended for violating the personal-conduct policy despite not being arrested or charged with a crime.
Roethlisberger, the former Steelers quarterback was suspended six games — it was later reduced to four after an appeal — in 2010 following sexual assault accusations.
Winston was in his fourth season with the Buccaneers when he was suspended three games in 2018 following a sexual assault allegation.
Elliott, a three-time Pro Bowl running back, was in his second season with the Cowboys when he was suspended six games in 2017 following a league investigation into domestic violence allegations. An arbitrator upheld the six games following an appeal.
Diggs led New England with 85 receptions and 1,013 yards receiving with four touchdowns in his only season with the team. He was the go-to option for Drake Maye, who finished runner-up to Matthew Stafford for the AP NFL MVP award.
Diggs, who turns 33 on Nov. 29, has played for three teams in the last three seasons. He began his career in Minnesota in 2015 and went from fifth-round pick to No. 1 receiver in five seasons with the Vikings.
He was traded to Buffalo for a first-round pick in 2020 and had an All-Pro season that year. Diggs spent four seasons with the Bills before he wore out his welcome. He played for the Texans in 2024.
Here are five potential landing spots for Diggs going forward:
Baltimore Ravens
Despite drafting Ja’Kobi Lane in the third round and Elijah Sarratt in the fourth, Baltimore could use another veteran receiver to pair with Zay Flowers and give Lamar Jackson more options.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr. in a trade to join DK Metcalf and tried to select Makai Lemon in the first round before the Eagles swooped in and took him instead. The Steelers ended up taking wideout Germie Bernard in the second round but Aaron Rodgers, if he returns, prefers veterans and Diggs would be a fit.
Los Angeles Chargers
Fourth-round pick Brenen Thompson joins a group that’s led by Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston and includes Tre’ Harris. Diggs would give Justin Herbert a dependable target.
Los Angeles Rams
After exploring the possibility of a trade for A.J. Brown earlier in the offseason, the Rams could still be in the market for another veteran to add to a formidable unit led by All-Pro Puka Nacua and six-time Pro Bowl pick Davante Adams.
New England Patriots
They’re likely going to acquire Brown from the Eagles after June 1. However, bringing Diggs back if the price is right could be an option. He knows the offense and didn’t hold any grudges after being informed he was going to be released. Diggs posted his appreciation for the organization, saying: “We family forever.”
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A 44-year-old woman who punched a 17-year-old during a cruise on board the Carnival Sunrise back in March was arraigned in a Miami-Dade courtroom on Tuesday.
How the Incident Happened
It appears Jennifer Frost first encountered the teen — identified only as NJ in court, given her status as a minor — at the Lido buffet on board the ship. Police reports indicate that Frost appeared intoxicated to the teen, and that the older woman attempted to insert herself into the teen’s conversation with several people she was traveling with.
Frost initially walked away from that first encounter, but soon after the two crossed paths again. It’s unclear why Frost eventually punched the girl in the face. During Monday’s hearing, it was established that NJ suffered a broken nose as a result of the punch.
How Frost Wound Up In Court
According to a report from Florida’s Local 10, Frost fled immediately after the incident, but was followed by witnesses who summoned security. While being questioned by security, Frost reportedly admitted to having punched the girl and “expressed satisfaction with her actions.”
Although initially detailed by the ship’s security team, it appears Frost managed to disembark when the vessel returned to Port Miami. After contacting an attorney, Frost returned to Miami to face the consequences of her actions.
Charged with aggravated battery, she was released on $2,500 bond while awaiting further court proceedings. Frost was also ordered to stay away from the victim.
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The deal adds a Solana-based trading infrastructure platform that has processed more than $50 billion in volume and aggregates liquidity across multiple venues.
Álvaro Carreras responded to the rumors about a fight with Real Madrid teammate Antonio Rüdiger.
Real Madrid are ending a very poor season with no trophies to show their fans. They are likely to lose La Liga to Barcelona either in next Sunday’s El Clásico or in the next few matches. The problems do not stop there, as there have been rumors about a fight involving Álvaro Carreras and Antonio Rüdiger.
Carreras addressed the issue in the final paragraph of his statement: “About the incident with a teammate, it was about a specific subject with no relevance that has already been solved. My relationship with the entire team is really good.”
The left back also responded to criticism of his professionalism: “In the last few days, insinuations about my professionalism and comments about me that are not true have emerged. My commitment to this club and the managers I have had has been intact since the first day.”
His continuity with the club looks like his priority, as he said: “Since I came back to the club, I have always worked with professionalism, respect and dedication. I fought hard to fulfill the dream of returning home.”
Rüdiger reportedly slapped Carreras
Results have not been ideal for Real Madrid. A club used to winning every match has not been able to replicate its usual success. This led to frustration among the fans, but also among the players.
Rüdiger was involved in many incidents (Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
A report from Spanish radio Onda Cero said that Rüdiger slapped Carreras in a heated altercation during a training session after Real Madrid’s victory over Alavés and before the draw with Betis.
This was one of many reports about misconduct by Rüdiger lately, including a dispute involving him and Josip Stanišić after Real Madrid were eliminated by Bayern Munich. The Athletic also reported an incident involving an unnamed player that led to an apology to his teammates.
Carreras’ numbers with Real Madrid
When Real Madrid made the 50 million euro investment to sign Carreras from Benfica, it was seen as a very good move. However, the left back has not been the same player the club thought they were signing. Carreras played 38 matches and scored two goals, but more importantly, he was never a factor for the team.
Manchester United are currently leading the race to sign Atalanta’s Ederson, ahead of other top clubs including Arsenal, according to prominent Italian journalist Matteo Moretto.
The 26-year-old Brazilian, who has been a standout performer in Serie A, is increasingly likely to head to Old Trafford this summer.
While Atletico Madrid were previously considered the frontrunners, United’s financial muscle and a lucrative contract offer have shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
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Man United leading the race to sign Ederson
Speaking via Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Moretto revealed that several Premier League sides have stepped up their interest.
However, the Red Devils have made the most significant move, reportedly offering a salary that surpasses the proposals currently on the table from Spain.
Moretto said: “I can tell you that Manchester United are currently the club that has shown the most interest, offering around €4.5 million net per year.
“Arsenal have also made enquiries, though Ederson is not a priority for them. Right now, United appear to have the strongest financial capacity.”
While a personal agreement seems closer, United still face the task of negotiating a transfer fee with Atalanta.
The Italian side is known to be tough negotiators and is expected to demand a high fee, likely in the region of £39 million (€45-50m), for their midfield engine.
Man United need to bolster the midfield this summer
The pursuit of Ederson comes at a critical time for Manchester United’s midfield.
Following a season of transition under Michael Carrick, the club is preparing for a significant clearing of the decks.
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Credit: March Madness/Stephen Curry/The Masters
Sports fans were recently treated to some positive news, as Charles Barkley confirmed that he and Michael Jordan buried the hatchet after being estranged for years. The two NBA legends apparently reconnected thanks to a mutual friend, baseball player Vince Coleman. While Barkley is set to golf with Jordan sometime in the near future, someone he’s seemingly not planning to see soon is Tiger Woods. On that note, Barkley explained why both he and Jordan are no longer all that tight with the famous golfer.
Charles Barkley Speaks About His Relationship With Tiger Woods
To put it mildly, Barkley is someone who doesn’t exactly have a problem speaking his mind. (His wild sentiments about Inside the NBA’s suspected cancellation a few years ago prove that sentiment.) Barkley’s candor also extends to his discussions about his personal relationships and, with that, he discussed his former bond with Woods while on ESPN Radio. During the interview (which is on YouTube), after being asked if he and Jordan might reach out to Woods, Barkley shared an honest assessment:
I’ve never understood, to be honest with you, the whole Tiger situation. Number one, I called his agent — I don’t even have Tiger’s number anymore — I said, ‘Let the young guy know I love him, I hope he’s gonna be alright.’ I wish him nothing but the best. Obviously, he has a drug problem, and I got nothing but love for him. He disowned us after one of those car accidents. I’ve not talked to him in probably — I can’t even remember.
Woods has experienced a number of personal issues in recent years, including automobile incidents as Charles Barkley alluded to. Most recently, this past March, Woods was arrested for DUI again after getting into a car accident near his home in Juniper Island, Florida. Woods – who’s allegedly been grappling with the situation – released a statement in which he asked for privacy while seeking treatment. As Woods seeks to make changes, Barkley apparently wants to make it clear where he (and MJ) stand with him:
Tiger left us. I don’t turn on my friends when they do something wrong or make a mistake. I wish him nothing but the best.
Barkley still seems to have respect for Woods, even though the latter supposedly ended their friendship. All in all, this situation sounds considerably different from what went down when Barkley and Jordan parted ways years ago.
How Did Charles Barkley And Michael Jordan Become Estranged For More Than A Decade?
Jordan and Barkley’s period of estrangement was set in motion by comments the latter made during a 2012 interview. During that discussion, Barkley chastised Jordan’s management of the Charlotte Bobcats at the time. The longtime media personality also opined that Jordan needed to get some better people around him. As has been shared by Barkley, Jordan didn’t take too kindly to the critiques, as His Airness later called his friend and chewed him out for airing those views.
In the years after all of that happened, Barkley opened up about “losing” Jordan’s friendship and admitted to missing their dynamic. However, the former Philadelphia 76er admitted that both he and the Chicago Bulls icon were “stubborn.” Barkley seemingly proved that point in 2023 when he was asked if he would ever mend fences with Jordan and simply said, “He’s got my number.” Despite that, Barkley was civil when discussing MJ and gave him his props, even going as far as to reveal the moment he knew Jordan was a better player than him.
As a fan, it honestly warms my heart to know that Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan are taking steps to renew their friendship. Such a reconciliation between the two of them and Tiger Woods seems unlikely at this point, however. It is still amiable, though, that Barkley wishes Woods well as he contends with his personal challenges.
Credit: ESPN, The Rock/CFL, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
A heated social media tiff between Bussin’ With The Boys’ Taylor Lewan and ESPN NFL analyst Andrew Hawkins over CFL rules was worked out on Tuesday, thanks in large part to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Who had all that on their bingo card?
Our sordid story actually begins way back on August 22, 2024, when the Toronto Argonauts defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 20-19 after kicker Lirim Hajrullahu’s 40-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left, but also went through the end zone for a game-winning single (or rouge), as is the rule in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
For some reason, Lewan took to X on Monday and shared a clip of that kick, adding some harsh commentary.
“This is the dumbest rule I’ve ever witnessed,” he wrote on X. “You missed a kick but it hit the back of the end zone so you get a point to win the game? So dumb.”
That caught the attention of Hawkins, who played six seasons in the NFL after two seasons for the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes, where he was part of back-to-back Grey Cup Championships. The ESPN analyst took Lewan to task for taking a shot at a rule that has existed long before the CFL began.
“Typical NOOB, jumping on twitter to give his opinion on a game he watched for the first time ever,” wrote Hawkins. “Bring that sh*t north of the border and see what me and Saskatoonians do to you!!!”
Typical NOOB, jumping on twitter to give his opinion on a game he watched for the first time ever.
Bring that shit north of the border and see what me and Saskatoonians do to you!!! https://t.co/6Zc0oj8ZyQ
Things mostly went quiet from there. However, on Tuesday, Hawkins revealed that he and Lewan had connected by phone and hashed things out, thanks in part to former Calgary Stampeders linebacker The Rock.
Hawks right, our different opinions were clouding our judgement. Luckily the level headedness of @TheRock stepping in and connecting us made me realize it’s okay to disagree.
“Don’t want to go into it too much here… but I hopped on a call with [Taylor Lewan] and we talked it out like men,” wrote Hawkins. “We agree to disagree on some things, but overall agree we are both fathers, sons, uncles, nephews, brothers, and cousins and that neither of us were proud how showed up in the last 24 hours. We good.”
“Hawks right, our different opinions were clouding our judgement,” added Lewan in a quote of Hawkins’ post. “Luckily, the level-headedness of [The Rock] stepping in and connecting us made me realize it’s okay to disagree.”
And so, all was right with the North American football world once more, whether you appreciate the rouge or not.
Florida head coach Jon Sumrall speaks after spring practice at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun
Florida Gators HC Jon Sumrall’s incredible energy has launched the program into a new stratosphere with recruiting.
Tuesday was a phenomenal day in recruiting for the Florida Gators.
Cinco de Mayo was a phenomenal recruiting day for the Florida Gators, landing four-star OT Elijah Hutcheson and four-star safety Kailib Dillard.
Head coach Jon Sumrall has improved the Gators’ recruiting class to sixth in the nation per Rivals.
The energy around Gainesville is palpable and has been consistently mentioned anytime Sumrall’s recruiting is discussed.
Florida Gators are turning heads nationally
The vibes in Gainesville haven’t been this good in years, and Sumrall is crushing it with recruiting. After the second commitment of the day in Dillard, Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman couldn’t say enough good things about the job Sumrall is doing.
“Right now you’re seeing them reap the rewards of just John Sumrall and his coaching staff making a splash, making great first impressions. We know they had a couple of massive Junior days beginning in January, and they hit the ground running. We’re seeing a ton of guys come off the board. Guys at the top of their board come off before they take their official visit to the swamp, speaking the sources in the swamp, this is just the beginning. I think that they are going to be red hot in June and July during official visit season. And if John Sumrall and the staff win, as they expect to do in Gainesville, we’re going to be talking about Florida as a team poised for big flips and more blue chippers toward the end of this 2027 recruiting cycle, and kicking 2028 off with some fireworks.
Rivals’ Sam Spiegelman
One thing we didn’t talk about enough in the Billy Napier era was how recruits viewed the program in terms of first impressions. It’s all anyone can talk about with Sumrall and his staff. The energy has been consistent ever since he arrived on campus.
That aspect isn’t just going to be huge for the Gators landing players before official visits happen. Imagine how impactful it’ll be once official visit season begins at the end of the month.
AMD expects that overall PC and Gaming demand will decline in the second half of this year due to rising memory and component prices. RAMpocalypse Is The Primary Reason Why PC and Gaming Demand Will Decline In The Second Half of This Year, Says AMD In its Q1 2026 earnings, AMD's Client and Gaming segment saw a 23% increase in revenue versus the prior year, reaching $3.94 billion, while declining 9% versus the previous quarter. AMD states that its client side, which includes desktop and laptop segments, saw great traction through a strong portfolio of products, which includes its latest […]
AMD's MI450 GPUs are now being sampled to customers, and there's already huge interest in the MI500 series within AI Inference data centers. Customers Are Lining Up To Deploy AMD's MI450 GPUs As Sampling Begins, Next-Gen MI500 Also Gains Traction In The "AI Inferencing" Segment During the Q1 2026 earnings call, AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su confirmed that they have started sampling the first Instinct MI450 GPUs to "lead" customers, and the chips remain on track for deployments at various data centers in the Helios rack, which will see production shipments commence in the second half of this year. Several […]
AMD has just announced its earnings for Q1 2026, posting a record revenue of $10.3 billion driven by strong demand for its EPYC CPUs & Instinct accelerators in the AI segment. AMD Delivers An Outstanding Q1 2026, Driven By Strong Sales of EPYC CPUs & Instinct Accelerators While Tackling Supply Constraints In The Agentic AI Era AMD's CEO outlined an "outstanding" first quarter for the company, with revenue of $10.3 billion, a 38% increase versus the previous year. This growth was driven mainly by strong demand in the data center and AI segments, which were up 7% year over year […]
Apple’s launch strategy for this year is going to be a little different, as the base iPhone 18 isn’t going to be a part of the lineup, with the company delaying the unveiling to early 2027. It turns out that the device’s absence from the September keynote is part of a bigger plan to maintain healthier margins during the DRAM shortage, at least that’s what a tipster wants you to believe. The base iPhone 17 is already the best-selling smartphone in the world, with Apple expected to dominate markets by keeping it around for longer With Apple previously claimed by Weibo […]
Wall Street executives warned at Consensus 2026 that legacy markets built for slower trading are breaking under 24/7 crypto pressure. Wall Street executives gathering at Consensus 2026 in Miami on May 5 warned that traditional financial infrastructure was not built…
Casio has officially released its new G-Shock Black and Electro Green watches in the US. Now available at the brand’s online store, four of the five products were previously only available via third-party retailers in this region.
Garmin has announced the launch of the JL Audio Primacy home audio system. Available via specialist dealers worldwide, the premium range includes three products: a tower speaker, a compact speaker and a stereo system controller.
Back at MWC Barcelona, Lenovo unveiled several new tablets, including the gamer-focused Legion Tab Gen 5, aka Legion Y700 Gen 5 in China. That device has now made its way to the US with a starting price of $850 in its Eclipse Black colorway. That price gets you the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage trim.
Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 in Eclipse Black
Comparing the Legion Tab Gen 5’s US price with European pricing for the same RAM/storage trim €900/£699 shows the US model is a slightly better deal but it is far from a bargain. Deliveries from Lenovo US are scheduled for May 11
Legion Tab...
Vincent Kompany doesn't see Bayern Munich changing much against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinals.
Neutral fans enjoyed the Champions League semifinals. A 5-4 goal fest in the first leg put Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Bayern Munich. However, Vincent Kompanyruled out any tactical changes to his team.
Kompany said when asked about tweaking the tactical side of his team: “Answering that question affirmatively would be idiotic. A match like this one is about the players, not the managers. My job is to make them stronger.”
The only thing to focus on should be the details, as the manager said: “It’s about polishing the small details. Players must get better at those things that they have done well during the season.”
Kompany on the playstyle debate
The spectacle shown by these teams a week ago in Paris must remain in the history books, but it is understandable that some people may think a better defensive approach would be more viable.
Kompany wants his team to attack (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
That is not what the manager thinks based on his short experience, especially when looking at what he has done with the German club, so he was quick to push back against those who ask for a more conservative approach.
Kompany said: “Some people ask for more pragmatism, but the most pragmatic thing to do is play to win. To do that, you must score one more goal than your rival. You must think about what these teams have done to get here.”
Kompany gets some players back
For this match, it is important to have as many players ready as possible. While Serge Gnabry has been ruled out with an injury, three players are back with the team. Kompany said Lennart Karl, Raphael Guerreiro and Tom Bischof may be on the bench after they were able to train at full speed again.
Ian Fray, a teammate of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, has been sanctioned by Major League Soccer following comments about the loss to Orlando City.
Inter Miami’s dramatic 4-3 loss to Orlando City last Saturday continues to have repercussions for Lionel Messi’s team. Now, Ian Fray has been fined by Major League Soccer for comments he made after the match.
“Ian Fray has been fined for ‘violating the league’s public criticism policy,’” reporter Jose Armando reported Tuesday in a post on his official X account. “The sanction is financial only.”
The punishment stems from remarks the Jamaican right-back made after the match, taking aim at referee Guido Gonzalez. “I think this referee has something against maybe some of the players on our team. That’s just as simple as that,” Fray said during the postgame press conference at Nu Stadium on Saturday.
However, the Inter Miami defender was quick to clarify that Gonzalez’s performance was not the reason for the result. “We shouldn’t have lost regardless of the referee,” Ian said. “That’s not an excuse, I’m not trying to make that an excuse at all.”
Ian Fray agrega que considera que el árbitro de hoy tiene algo en contra de algunos jugadores de Inter Miami.
Inter Miami have received several MLS sanctions recently
Fray’s case adds to a growing list of Inter Miami players who have been disciplined by MLS in recent weeks. Some of those sanctions stemmed from incidents during matches, while others—like this one—came from postgame actions.
The most recent example involved Luis Suarez, who was also fined by the league for “violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment” after attempting to draw a penalty during a match against New England Revolution.
Earlier this season, Facundo Mura received a fine for a similar incident against Real Salt Lake, while the most severe punishment was handed to Yannick Bright, who received an additional match suspension for racist remarks.
“The captain spoke and gave us a lot of motivational words ahead of the upcoming match,” Fray said about Messi. “He said that this is unacceptable, and it’s something we all completely agree with — this is unacceptable, and it certainly won’t happen again.”
rose the pound-for-pound rankings with a sensational stoppage of , and ‘The Mexican Monster’ has revealed what boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez told him after the fight. A former champion at super-middleweight and a reigning light-heavyweight ruler, the 25lb jump up to cruiserweight was expected to push Benavidez to the limit and provide him with […]
Brad Rea gave a titanic effort, even flooring his man in the second round, but was ultimately denied a European title triumph over Lyndon Arthur in November. ‘The Sting’ had previously elevated his career by claiming the EBU title, unanimously outpointing Shakan Pitters with an assertive performance last June. In his light-heavyweight encounter with Arthur, […]
Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli says that he is ‘angry’ at the yellow card he received for simulation over the weekend, and says that Juventus need more ‘nastiness’ and to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to return to the Champions League next season.
Locatelli on Juventus 1-1 Verona, call for ruthlessness and yellow card for diving
Juventus remain locked in a battle with Roma and Como for a spot in next season’s Champions League. The Bianconeri occupy fourth spot on 65 points, Roma trail by one point and Como trail by three heading into the final three matches of the 2025-26 season.
The gap between Juventus and Roma narrowed over the weekend, following a 1-1 draw between the Bianconeri and Hellas Verona and a 4-0 victory for the Giallorossi against Fiorentina on Monday night.
Whilst there is only one point separating Juventus and Roma, Locatelli says there is comfort to be taken from the fact that the race is still in Juve’s control. He urges his teammates to be more ruthless heading into the final stretch, though.
“I think we lack a bit of competitive nastiness in certain moments,” Locatelli told reporters at the launch event of Juve’s Strength of Stories podcast series.
TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Manuel Locatelli and Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates after Lloyd Kelly (not pictured) scores his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
“We have to try to score when games are still open. Being clinical in front of goal helps us. The coach told us, we need a pinch of extra nastiness.
The Bianconeri skipper insists that he is not distracted by the ‘pressure’ that some suggest is burdening the players heading into the final few matches of the season.
“As I’ve always said, it’s a familiar concept in football, we’re used to this sort of pressure. The important thing is that it all still depends on us. We have to play these next few games with maturity. We’re trying, but we lack that wickedness.”
Locatelli does not deny the fact that Juve were not at their best during their 1-1 draw with Verona, though: “As I’ve said, it still depends on us. We can’t be happy with the game we played against Verona.”
TURIN, ITALY – APRIL 19: Manuel Locatelli of Juventus applauds the fans following his side’s victory in the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Allianz Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Locatelli also took a moment to criticise the decision to show him a yellow card for simulation during the Verona draw.
When asked how frustrated he was, he replied: “Very. I got angry. I don’t usually talk about referees, I don’t like that, but he can’t give me a yellow there. I was nervous, which is why I made a mistake, but I don’t dive. You can’t dive with VAR, there’s no point in giving me the yellow card.”
West Ham United are interested in signing the Wolves defender, Santiago Bueno, at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old has done well for Wolves despite a disappointing season, and he is on the radar of top clubs. According to a report from Football Insider, West Ham are hoping to get the deal done for him in the summer.
It remains to be seen whether they come forward with an official offer in the coming weeks. Leeds are also keen on Bueno.
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Santiago Bueno to West Ham?
Bueno will want to compete at the highest level, and leaving Wolves in the summer would be ideal for him. However, West Ham will need to secure Premier League safety to attract him. They are not guaranteed to compete in the Premier League next season. They are still fighting for survival, and it remains to be seen whether they can finish the season strongly.
They have been quite poor defensively, and the 27-year-old will certainly help them improve. He has impressed in the Premier League since 2023, and he is a reliable performer in the top flight. He will help West Ham tighten up defensively.
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Meanwhile, Wolves will be under pressure to sell key players in the summer, especially now that they have been relegated to the Championship. Top players will not want to compete in the second division of English football.
It remains to be seen whether any other club is prepared to provide Bueno with an exit route. The report claims that Crystal Palace and Brentford are also monitoring his situation. All three clubs could be exciting opportunities for the 27-year-old defender.
Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon has been linked with multiple clubs in recent weeks.
The 25-year-old has 22 goal contributions this season, and he has been quite impressive for the Premier League club. He has the quality to play for a bigger club in future, and the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich are interested in him.
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Anthony Gordon offered a contract by Bayern Munich
According to Florian Plettenberg (h/t The Mag), the German champions have offered the England international a five-year contract, and it will be interesting to see whether they can convince the player to join the club.
The player’s agent has also met with Barcelona sporting director Deco. It remains to be seen what he decides.
The 25-year-old is at the peak of his career, and this could be the right time for him to move on and join a bigger club where he can fight for major trophies.
Newcastle are still in a period of transition, and they are likely to finish in the mid-table this season. It is unlikely that they will be able to challenge for major trophies next year. Gordon will not want to waste his peak years, and joining an elite club will be quite attractive for him.
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Bayern Munich and Barcelona are both attractive destinations for the player, and it remains to be seen where he ends up. The 25-year-old can operate on the flanks as well as centrally. His versatility would be a huge bonus for both clubs.
On the other hand, Barcelona will need more quality going forward. They will be hoping to win the UEFA Champions League and need a deeper squad. Signing the versatile Newcastle attacker could be a wise decision.
Radu Dragusin has been linked with a move away from Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season, and they are prepared to cash in on him.
The Romanian defender has been a squad player for Tottenham and needs to leave to play more often. He is at the peak of his career, and sitting on the bench at the London club will not appeal to him.
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According to a report from Sportsboom, RB Leipzig, Roma and Juventus are interested in signing the defender. Tottenham would be prepared to sanction his departure for a fee of around €20-€25 million. It is a reasonable asking price for a player of his quality, and it remains to be seen whether the interested parties are prepared to pay up.
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Dragusin has shown his quality in Italy, and the move to Roma or Juventus could be ideal for him. Returning to his comfort zone could help him discover his form and confidence.
On the other hand, a move to Germany could be exciting for him as well. RB Leipzig have an exciting project and a talented squad. They could provide him with regular opportunities. It will be interesting to see whether the player is willing to take on a new challenge and move to Germany.
Meanwhile, Tottenham might need to invest in multiple central defenders at the end of the season. Apart from the Romanian, Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven could also be on the way out of the club.
Leeds United are keen on signing Dynamo Dresden midfielder Kofi Amoako at the end of the season.
The 20-year-old defensive midfielder is highly rated across Europe and a report from BILD claims that Leeds are monitoring his progress.
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Leeds keen on Kofi Amoako
The Germany Under-20 international could be a quality long-term investment for the Premier League club and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to make a move for him. The report claims that he could cost around €2 million.
It would be a major bargain for Leeds United if they manage to get the deal done. There is no doubt that they have the financial resources and they should be able to convince the player to join the club as well. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for Amoako.
He is a young player with a lot of potential and regular football in the Premier League could help him improve further. The 20-year-old could develop into an important player for Leeds United with the right guidance.
The Premier League side is currently looking to secure safety in the top flight and they need to improve defensively next season.
Adding a quality defensive midfielder will help shield the defensive unit and allow the creative players to operate with more freedom. The 20-year-old could prove to be an excellent addition for the Whites.
It remains to be seen whether Leeds United follow up on their interest with an official offer at the end of the season. Multiple clubs are keeping tabs on his situation, and the Premier League side must look to move quickly in order to win the race for his signature.
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Arsenal in talks for Tino Livramento
They have reportedly held talks with the player’s representatives regarding a summer move, and it will be interesting to see if they come forward with an official offer to get the deal done.
Livramento is a key player for Newcastle United, and they will not want to lose the player easily. They have had a disappointing season, and they will look to bounce back strongly next year. Signing the right players could help them get back on track.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have had an outstanding season so far, and they are looking to win the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League. Adding more quality to the team will help them sustain their current run of form and compete at the highest level.
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It will be interesting to see if Arsenal can secure an agreement with Newcastle. The player has also been linked with clubs like Manchester City in recent months.
The 23-year-old is a reliable performer in the Premier League, and he has shown that he has the quality to play for bigger clubs and compete at a higher level. It remains to be seen where he ends up.
The Holiday Bowl and the newly returned Poinsettia Bowl, jointly operated by Sports San Diego, are both looking for a media partner, and The CW might just answer the call.
Late last month, college football insider Brett McMurphy of On3 reported that Fox Sports, which has televised the Holiday Bowl since 2017, would not bid on this year’s game. McMurphy also noted that ESPN, which broadcasts most college football bowl games and was the home of the Holiday Bowl from 1986 to 2016, is not interested.
“We have not had one group say they were not willing to take the call,” Excelsior Sports and Entertainment’s Tag Garson, who is assisting Sports San Diego in its media search for both bowl games, told SBJ. “When Fox passed on our final offer, it allowed us to go into the marketplace, and we have been talking to everyone. … We’re not leaving any stone unturned. … We’ve only been in the marketplace for a couple of weeks, so this is very new.”
Karp says that sources told him there is no animosity between Fox and the bowl games, and Fox could end up submitting a bid for the Holiday Bowl “under the right financial circumstances.”
Another day and another Apple Mac configuration appears to have been pulled, all in a bid to conserve precious memory resources for Apple's upcoming M5-based Mac Studio and Mac mini devices. Just days after pulling the base M4 Mac mini, Apple has narrowed the M3 Ultra Mac Studio configurator to the lone 96GB memory option First, Apple increased their lead times. And now, entire memory configurations for the Mac Studio and Mac mini devices are going offline. Just last week, Apple pulled the base variant of the Mac mini, which sported the M4 chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB of storage, and a […]
Shortly after the new leadership cabinet for Xbox chief executive officer Asha Sharma was made public, Sharma took to her personal X (formerly Twitter) account to comment on the appointments but also to reveal another change regarding Xbox's direction. Microsoft's Copilot AI, which had been introduced into the gaming ecosystem as Gaming Copilot through the mobile Xbox app and the Xbox PC app, is seemingly something that no longer aligns with platform's direction. "Xbox needs to move faster, deepen our connection with the community, and address friction for both players and developers," Sharma began in her statement. "Today, we promoted […]
Anthropic venture with Blackstone and Goldman Sachs will deliver enterprise AI tools to private equity-backed companies. Anthropic is close to finalising a $1.5 billion joint venture with Blackstone, Goldman Sachs, and Hellman and Friedman, targeting private-equity-backed companies as its primary…
GoMining’s GoBTC protocol promises instant authorization and on-chain Bitcoin settlement with a 0.2% merchant fee, positioning miner-run rails as a low-cost challenger to Visa and Mastercard. According to Forbes, GoMining will formally debut its GoBTC payment protocol at this year’s Consensus…
Passengers Left Stranded at Sarasota/Bradenton International as Delta, Allegiant, American Airlines, and More Face 12 Delays and 3 Cancellations Impacting...
Deal | Age of Wonders 4 is a game in which your goal is to build your empire in a world where magic is everywhere. You’ll need to create your own subjects and develop your empire to overcome all your opponents. But you'll also have to fight turn-based battles and use diplomacy to win.
With I'm Back Roll, analog cameras such as the Leica M6, the Canon AE-1 or the Nikon F4 can be transformed into digital cameras. Shortly before the Kickstarter campaign ends, I'm Back Roll fixes one of its biggest weaknesses with an optional accessory product.
Ruko is expanding its 8K drone line-up with the F11PRO 2 Plus, which claims some impressive video specs and features, despite its low price. The new video drone packs three-axis gimbal stabilisation, 8K photos and 4K 30 FPS video from the 48 MP 1/2-inch sensor, and up to 6 km of range with live video.
With the reMarkable Paper Pure, the manufacturer will soon be launching a more affordable e-ink tablet with stylus. The e-note is now listed in advance by a retailer, who reveals the most important details about the Paper Pure.
The Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 5 is now available to purchase in the US. The tablet brings a compact 8.8-inch form factor with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a 165Hz display, and a 9,000mAh battery in a 360g body.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra just dropped to its lowest price yet – you can get the base 12/256GB model for an even $1,000 (minus one cent, but who’s counting). Additionally, the 512GB upgrade is $1,200.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
$300 off
Read our review
12/256GB - $1,000 at Amazon US
12/512GB - $1,200 at Amazon US
For comparison, if you bought the S26 Ultra on Saturday, you would have paid $1,100 or $1,300, respectively. The deal is available for all...
The club is now within touching distance of the elite tier, with pressure mounting as the season approaches its decisive final stretch and four matches remaining to decide its fate.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s most recent investment, Almeria, continues to push toward La Liga promotion after extending its dominant home form with a record-breaking consecutive victory at home, tightening its grip on a top-two finish in Spain’s Segunda Division. The club is now within touching distance of the elite tier, with pressure mounting as the season approaches its decisive final stretch and four matches remaining to decide its fate.
Almeria’s 4-2 win over Mirandes was more than just another three points; it marked an eighth straight home victory, setting a new club record in the process. That run has included wins over teams such as Leganes, Malaga, and FC Andorra, underlining the consistency that has defined their season.
“The Andalusian outfit have set a new club record, underlining the importance of maintaining their dominance on home soil,” reported Diario de Almeria. The streak began in early February and has turned their stadium into a key foundation for their promotion ambitions.
Mirandes entered the match hoping to disrupt that momentum, but Almeria maintained control and continued their push toward the top of the table. The result ensured they remain firmly in the automatic promotion places.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement adds global attention
The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo as an investor has brought additional attention to Almeria’s rise, with his ownership stake of 25% in the club confirmed earlier this year. While he is not involved on the pitch, his association has increased global interest in the club’s progress.
His name continues to be linked with the project as Almeria aims to return to La Liga, where financial and sporting rewards are significantly higher. The club’s upward trajectory has only intensified scrutiny as the season reaches its climax.
Promotion race reaches boiling point
With four games left, Almeria sits second in the Segunda Division with 70 points, just behind leaders Racing Santander on 72. The situation is tight, with Deportivo La Coruna and Las Palmas also closing in behind Los Rojiblancos in a fiercely competitive race. The promotion system is unforgiving: the top two teams go directly up, while those finishing third to sixth must navigate the pressure-filled playoffs.
Almeria currently holds one of those automatic spots, but the margin is razor-thin. The equation is simple but brutal: consistency will decide everything in the final weeks, and even a single poor result could shift the entire structure of the table.
What Almeria needs to secure promotion
While nothing is mathematically decided, the path forward is becoming clearer. A perfect finish would take Almeria to 82 points, which would almost certainly guarantee promotion regardless of rival results. However, realistically, analysts suggest it likely needs between eight and 10 points from its final four matches to stay safe.
That would place the Cowboys in the 78-80 point range, historically strong enough for a top-two finish in this division. Anything below that threshold could open the door for Deportivo La Coruna or Las Palmas to overtake it in the final weeks.
Almeria’s four remaining games in the Segunda Division
The final stretch is unforgiving, with Almeria facing Burgos on May 9, La Palmas on May 16, Gijon on May 24, and Real Valladolid on May 31. These fixtures will test not only quality but mental strength. The upcoming clash with Las Palmas stands out as particularly decisive, given the direct impact it could have on the standings.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Sergio Arribas (right)
After serious issues in front of goal, Barcelona have decided to target Julián Álvarez as a reliable reinforcement. However, given the major difficulties in negotiating with Atlético Madrid, the Blaugrana are reportedly turning to Gonçalo Ramos as an alternative.
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Barcelona have struggled in terms of goal scoring, as Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have both experienced a significant dip in form. In response, Julián Álvarez emerged as the ideal solution. However, Atlético Madrid are not very open to letting him leave, forcing to look for alternatives. As a result, the Blaugranas have reportedly turned their attention to Gonçalo Ramos as a reliable reinforcement in the forward line.
According to TEAMtalk, the Blaugrana have decided to add Gonçalo Ramos as a potential transfer target, following Chelsea’s rejection of João Pedro. Having fallen out of the starting lineup under head coach Luis Enrique, PSG are open to letting the Portuguese forward leave, as Ousmane Dembélé has taken over the starting role in attack. Because of this, the Spanish side may not face many obstacles in securing his arrival.
While Paris Saint-Germain paid €65M + €15M in variables to SL Benfica for Gonçalo Ramos, he has only played 1,532 minutes, in which he has scored 12 goals, falling short of expectations this season. In addition, Ousmane Dembélé’s emergence has pushed him into a secondary role, making his departure a real possibility. The Portuguese striker has proven to be a very complete player, fitting well into Hansi Flick’s possession-based style of play.
Far from being a guaranteed signing, the Blaugrana could be taking a rather uncertain decision. Although he shone at SL Benfica, Gonçalo has not managed to prove as a difference-maker at PSG, making several mistakes in important matches that ultimately relegated him to a bench role. However, Ramos could represent a strong opportunity if he arrives for an affordable transfer fee, as he has already shown his potential and could flourish under head coach Hansi Flick.
Wojciech Szczesny of FC Barcelona saves the shot of Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain.
Gonçalo Ramos raises doubts, while Julián Álvarez guarantees goals
Following numerous inconsistencies in front of goal, Barcelona appear determined to reinforce their attacking line, even being open to letting Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski leave, signalling a drastic change. With this in mind, a potential move for Julián Álvarez of Atlético Madrid for around €100M had strong consensus, as he is in top form and highly consistent. However, the option of Gonçalo Ramos raises several doubts.
Julián Álvarez has proven to be one of the best forwards in the world, shining with Argentina at the 2022 World Cup and becoming an undisputed starter for Atlético Madrid. Beyond being a goalscorer, he also contributes to collective play, making him compatible with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. It differs from Gonçalo Ramos, as he has struggled to fit in alongside Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé, often remaining a substitute and missing several clear chances.
Alongside Ramos’s inconsistency, PSG may not make things easy for Barcelona to sign the Portuguese striker, and his high cost relative to his performances would also be a deterrent. However, if Barcelona manage to secure his arrival on loan, he could become one of the best options available, similar to what they did with Marcus Rashford, unlocking his potential under Hansi Flick.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid and Goncalo Ramos of Paris Saint-Germain.
Mauricio Serna, a former player and executive at Boca Juniors, spoke about the possibility of Neymar moving to Argentina.
Neymar is currently at the center of several talking points in the soccer world. His potential return to the Brazil national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as his conflicts at Santos with fans and teammates, are among them. Now, speculation about a possible move to Argentina to play for Boca Juniors has emerged—something Mauricio Serna addressed.
“Within the Boca world, anything is possible. In fact, when I was working at the club, some agents used to call me to offer Neymar,” Serna said in a recent interview with Radio Splendid. “We never moved forward. I don’t know if it was real or not, but he’s been offered.”
Serna was a Boca Juniors star as a player in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Years later, when club legend Juan Roman Riquelme became president, he brought him in to join the sporting council, a role the former Colombian player held from 2022 to 2025.
It was during those years that Neymar was first offered to Boca, a period that coincided with the Brazilian forward’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain, his struggles with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, and ultimately his return to Santos at the beginning of last year.
Former Boca executive Mauricio Serna.
Serna imagines Neymar at Boca Juniors
In the same interview, Mauricio Serna allowed himself to imagine a scenario in which Neymar actually becomes a Boca player. “Anything can happen. Boca are capable of anything. Who wouldn’t want to see Neymar wearing the shirt of the club they love? It would be beautiful—I’d have to move back to Buenos Aires so I wouldn’t miss a single match,” the Colombian said.
Serna then analyzed Neymar’s current situation, acknowledging that while he is no longer the same player he was at Barcelona and PSG, he remains an important figure: “Even if it’s been difficult for him to regain rhythm and form, he’s one of those players who still brings a smile to soccer fans.”
Neymar’s current struggles
Rumors about a possible move to Argentina have several roots. The first spark came from Neymar’s visit to Buenos Aires last week, when he played with Santos against San Lorenzo in the Copa Sudamericana. He received a warm welcome from opposing fans—something that contrasts with his recent experiences in Brazil—and also visited Boca’s training facility, where he met with former PSG teammate Ander Herrera.
Those speculations have grown amid ongoing tensions at Santos that cast doubt over his future at the club. Disagreements with fans unhappy with the team’s performances have been compounded by a reported dispute with teammate Robinho Jr. following an alleged incident in training. All of this comes as Neymar looks to regain top form in hopes of convincing Carlo Ancelotti to include him in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Portuguese icon continues to lead Al-Nassr through a tense title race, yet beneath the surface, a rare and uncomfortable milestone has quietly emerged.
There are nights when even the most dominant careers take an unexpected turn, and this latest chapter involving Cristiano Ronaldo has added a surprising twist. The Portuguese icon continues to lead Al-Nassr through a tense title race, yet beneath the surface, a rare and uncomfortable milestone has quietly emerged.
For much of the campaign, Al-Nassr appeared to have everything under control. A long winning run of 20 matches and a commanding lead had positioned it as the clear favorite for the Saudi Pro League title, with consistency becoming its defining trait. That sense of stability was shaken by a 3-1 defeat to Al-Qadsiah, a result that shifted the momentum of the race.
The loss not only ended an impressive streak but also allowed rivals to close the gap, turning what once felt secure into a genuine battle. Ronaldo came close to changing the narrative during the match, striking the crossbar with a curling effort. Instead, the night belonged to the hosts, who capitalized on defensive lapses to secure a decisive victory.
The consequences of that result have reshaped the title picture. Al-Nassr’s lead has narrowed, with Al-Hilal now firmly back in contention, holding both momentum and a crucial game in hand. A potential title-deciding clash between the two sides looms large, with May 12 circled as a defining moment.
If current results hold, the gap could shrink to just a couple of points, turning that encounter into a high-stakes showdown. Beyond the league, Al-Nassr also has another opportunity for silverware on the horizon. An upcoming AFC Champions League 2 final offers a second route to success, but balancing both competitions only adds to the intensity of the run-in.
Ronaldo’s unexpected statistical setback
The defeat carried an additional layer of significance for Cristiano Ronaldo. It has confirmed an unusual statistic in Ronaldo’s career, one that stands out given his extraordinary record across decades.
The 41-year-old is now winless in four matches against Al-Qadsiah, making it the longest winless streak he has ever had against a single club in his senior career. In a journey filled with victories against the world’s biggest teams, this particular matchup has become a rare exception.
What makes the statistic notable is not just the number itself, but the consistency of the results. Across multiple meetings, Al-Nassr have been unable to secure a win, with Al-Qadsiah repeatedly finding ways to frustrate one of the world’s most decorated players.
The numbers underline just how unusual this situation is. Across hundreds of opponents, very few have managed to consistently deny the Portuguese superstar’s success, making this streak a genuine anomaly in his career.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts
Ronaldo’s other winless streaks
Ronaldo’s other notable winless streaks against individual clubs are shorter than the current 4 consecutive losses to Al Qadsiah. Most other difficult opponents involve 1-2 matches, often from his early Sporting Lisbon days or cup ties:
Young Boys (Switzerland): 0 wins in 2 matches (both 2-1 losses with Juventus in the 2018-19 Champions League). Ronaldo contributed goals/assists but still lost both.
Leiria (Portugal): 0 wins in 2 matches (1 draw, 1 loss) during his Sporting Lisbon days in 2002-03.
Partizan (Serbia): 0 wins in 2 matches (1 draw, 1 loss) in 2002-03 UEFA Cup with Sporting.
Gil Vicente (Portugal): 0 wins in 2 matches (both losses, combined 4-0) with Sporting in 2002–03.
Lionel Messi’s free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was expected to bring plenty of trophies as he joined Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. However, the team did not do much in Europe under Mauricio Pochettino, who explained why they did not work well together during the 2021-22 season in a conversation with The Overlap. Pochettino said: “Messi […]
Lionel Messi’s free transfer to Paris Saint-Germainwas expected to bring plenty of trophies as he joined Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. However, the team did not do much in Europe under Mauricio Pochettino, who explained why they did not work well together during the 2021-22 season in a conversation with The Overlap.
Pochettino said: “Messi wanted to build from the back, slowly, with combinations and passes. Because he has the quality to dribble past one, two, three opponents. But if we played for Mbappé, we could not play for him.”
The manager added more about the French forward’s style of play: “If we were deep and won the ball back, Mbappé looked for space. It was about giving him the ball so he could run. When we played for Messi, Mbappé used to tell me, ‘My ability is to run, but I cannot.’ Neymar wanted to play with the ball.”
The star trio was not a good experience
Domestic trophies are expected at Paris Saint-Germain. They are more of an obligation than a goal, which was reflected in the club’s decision to fire Pochettino after just 18 months in charge. During his time with Messi, Neymar and Mbappé, they only won Ligue 1.
Pochettino managed Paris Saint-Germain for a year and a half (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The main reason for replacing the manager was their performance in the Champions League, the obsession the club had until it finally conquered the competition under Luis Enrique, after losing to Real Madrid in the round of 16 in a tie they controlled for much of the time.
Pochettino had guided the team to the Champions League semifinals in his first year after arriving in January, eliminating Barcelona and Bayern Munich before losing to Manchester City. His trophies with the club were one Ligue 1 title, one Coupe de France and one Trophée des Champions.
Messi, Neymar and Mbappé’s numbers under Pochettino
The trio did not have the best year collectively when they came up against stronger rivals. Their individual numbers also were not as good compared to other seasons. Messi played 34 matches, scoring just 11 goals. Neymar played only 38 matches and scored 13 goals. Mbappé was the best of the three as the younger player, with 46 matches and 39 goals.
Messi, Neymar and Mbappé couldn't play well as a team
Regional lenders gain access to infrastructure for stablecoins, tokenized deposits and crypto-backed lending without building systems in-house, signaling wider bank adoption.
While Roni Cohen-Pavon’s lawyers have asked for time served, US Attorney Jay Clayton was unspecific in the federal government’s recommendation, requesting the judge defer to sentencing guidelines.
Bernstein points to Figure’s expansion beyond home equity lending into blockchain-based credit, as tokenization begins to scale across broader loan markets.
Reports in Italy claim that there have been five meetings between Juventus and the entourage of striker Dusan Vlahovic in an attempt to come to an agreement over a new contract, but the parties are not yet aligned on figures, and most importantly, commission fees.
Report: Juventus and Vlahovic camp haggling over commission fees
Vlahovic is into the final two months of his Juventus contract and could potentially walk away from the Allianz Stadium for free at the end of June. He is earning a net salary of €12m on the final year of his Juventus deal, which makes him the highest-paid player in the division by some distance.
Despite a 2025-26 season that has been heavily impacted by injuries, Juventus are still keen to tie Vlahovic down to a new deal, particularly knowing that he could potentially go on and join a direct league rival if his contract is allowed to expire next month. Milan and Bundesliga side Bayern Munich are both said to be interested.
However, according to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, there have now been five meetings between Juventus and Vlahovic’s camp, led by the striker’s father, Milos, but there is still no agreement over a new deal in place.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus FC celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Vlahovic has reportedly ‘opened up’ to the idea of signing a relatively short-term contract, potentially for two years. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that a reduction of salary is not out of the question either, potentially to a contract ‘a la Yildiz’ i.e. for €6m-€7m per year.
However, there are still issues relating to ancillary costs, i.e. commission fees and signing bonuses according to Tuesday’s reports.
Kei Kamara has announced his retirement from soccer, 20 years after making his MLS debut -Credit:Howard Smith/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images
A true MLS icon, Kei Kamara has decided it's time to hang up his cleats for good, two decades after first joining the league.
The 41-year-old former Sierra Leone international spent most of last season with FC Cincinnati, failing to find the back of the net in 22 appearances across all competitions.
Regardless, Kamara retires as the MLS’s second leading goal scorer to date with 147 in 461 games for 12 different teams. He steps aside just 24 goals behind former U.S. Men’s National Team striker Chris Wondolowski.
Kamara won two U.S. Open Cups during his storied career -Credit:Melinda Meijer/ISI Photos/Getty Images
Kamara announced his decision to retire via a video shared on social media. Captioned “#ThankYou #AmSoBlessed #HeartShapedhands,” the clip sees Kamara at the Kansas City Current’s CPKC Stadium, picking up his cleats and kissing them before being reunited with his family on the field.
“I never played for just one crest. I played for the love of the game and the places it carried me,” he said. “From Sierra Leone to America, 20 years of chasing something bigger. Goals fade, records fade, but what you carry forward, that stays.”
As he and his family then walk towards a scoreboard which reads “Thank you” along with the heart-shaped hands emoji, Kamara is asked by his one of his three children, “Dad, where are we going now?” To which he replies, “We're going home.”
The video ends with the caption, “Thank you, football. Kei Kamara. 06’ - 26’. God Bless.”
The home of the NWSL’s Current was a fitting place to make his announcement, given that his 122 appearances for Sporting Kansas City are the most he made for any single club by far.
During his time with Kansas City, Kamara won two Eastern Conference titles and one of his two career U.S. Open Cups.
His best was still to come, however, being named to the MLS Best XI for the first and only time in his career in 2015 after rejoining the Columbus Crew, having also led the MLS in goals scored that season along with Sebastian Giovinco, before leading the MLS Cup Playoffs in goals that year.
The Crew went on to lose the Cup final 2-1 to the Portland Timbers, with Kamara scoring Kansas City’s lone goal.
A two-time MLS All-Star, Kamara would go on to win his second U.S. Open Cup in 2024 with LAFC, marking his last major trophy.
While Kamara retires having spent the vast majority of his career in the U.S., he did also venture abroad, spending part of the 2012-2013 Premier League season on loan with Norwich City, before spending the next year in the Championship with Middlesbrough.
Kamara is perhaps most well-known for his time with Sporting Kansas City -Credit:Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images
In 2021, Kamara returned to Europe, briefly joining Finnish side HIFK Fotboll, before once again heading back to the U.S.
As for his international career, Kamara made 45 appearances between 2008 and 2025 for Sierra Leone, scoring eight goals and appearing in one Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
BREAKING NEWS: I was just informed they are pulling the plug on my show. My thanks to you for your support and @RyaninSactown who did a great job. Join me tonight at 7pm for my show on YouTube and X. Appreciate you!
Napear had been the television voice of the Sacramento Kings since 1988, and a dominant presence in the Sacramento radio market on KHTK before a June 2020 Twitter exchange with former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins ended both careers almost simultaneously. Cousins had asked Napear for his thoughts on Black Lives Matter, and Napear responded by tweeting “ALL LIVES MATTER…EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!”
Hey!!!! How are you? Thought you forgot about me. Haven’t heard from you in years. ALL LIVES MATTER…EVERY SINGLE ONE!!! https://t.co/DfzKl3w0jm
For years before 2020, Napear’s afternoon show on KHTK had dominated the Sacramento market, and his 32 years as the television voice of the Kings made him one of the most recognizable sports media personalities in the city. He came back to Fox Sports Sacramento, promising to win the afternoons again, and told the Sacramento Bee he was competitive and wanted to talk to Sacramento fans again. The station was a newer entry competing directly against KHTK, and as we noted when Napear launched the show, it’s tough for secondary sports stations in small markets to survive, especially without broadcast rights to major pro or college teams. The show did not survive long enough to mount the kind of challenge Napear had promised.
Since his 2020 firing, Napear had been hosting a Sacramento Kings podcast with longtime broadcast partner Jerry Reynolds. Based on his send-off message to listeners Monday, his YouTube and X show is where he will continue from here·
Fuse Games' highly anticipated sci-fi arcade racer Star Wars Galactic Racer is due to arrive on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox this coming October 6, 2026. That much we (officially) learned last week, and today NVIDIA revealed that it'll arrive this coming fall with support for NVIDIA DLSS 4.5 with Dynamic Multi-Frame Generation and NVIDIA Super Resolution. It'll also support DLSS Ray Reconstruction on PCs and laptops powered by NVIDIA's GeForce RTX graphics cards, and of course, players who are running NVIDIA's latest RTX 50 Series graphics cards will be able to take full advantage of NVIDIA's suite of graphical technologies. […]
The wins in Apple’s column haven’t stopped increasing, and that’s terrible news for rivals as the latest data reveals that the iPhone maker is now the top manufacturer when comparing global smartphone revenue share for Q1 2026. In fact, the latest statistics show that Apple rules this segment with an iron fist, with its mobile devices accounting for 48 percent of the world’s revenue, with the remaining firms left to fight over breadcrumbs. The latest research reveals that the Average Selling Price (ASP) of Apple’s iPhones is $908, with a record 21 percent share in global shipments for Q1 2026 […]
Crypto asset ETPs just notched a fifth straight week of inflows, lifting five-week net flows above $4B and pushing AUM near $155B despite sharp midweek outflows. CoinShares said that digital asset ETPs took in $117.8 million last week, extending their…
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The Bullish acquisition of Equiniti, announced today, values the transfer agent at $4.2 billion The Bullish acquisition of Equiniti, announced on May 5, positions the crypto exchange as a core piece of infrastructure for tokenized securities markets. Equiniti currently serves…
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The United States Postal Service has marked the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with a new set of eight stamps celebrating one of America’s best-known roads. The 2,448-mile route runs across the United States and […]
Oceanwide Expeditions confirmed on Tuesday afternoon it is arranging the medical evacuation of two passengers requiring urgent care and another guest associated with the passenger who passed away on May 2. Two specialized aircraft are en route to Cape Verde and passengers will be transferred for onward medical evacuation to the Netherlands. The company said...
Oceanwide Expeditions has provided an update on the ongoing medical situation onboard the Hondius, which remains off the coast of Cape Verde, according to a May 5 press update. The World Health Organization confirmed on May 4 that seven cases, including two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus cases and five suspected cases, have been identified. Three passengers have...
Lindblad Expeditions delivered a record first quarter occupancy of 93 percent even as it grew available guest nights by more than 6 percent, with Chief Executive Officer Natalya Leahy noting disciplined commercial execution and strengthening demand across the company’s global portfolio. “In a complex macro and geopolitical environment, our team delivered another record quarter,” she...
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Google has now officially confirmed that the “Android Show: I/O Edition” will stream on May 12, days before I/O 2026 officially kicks off.
Not many details are available, but the messaging is clear. Google is calling 2026 one of the most important years in Android’s history, which points directly to Android 17.
Expect a tighter focus on usability rather than headline-grabbing redesigns. Early reports suggest features like controller remapping and improved multitasking through floating app bubbles.
Google’s Gemini push is evolving into what it calls “agentic AI.” The Android Show will likely preview how deeply Gemini integrates at the OS level.
The Mountain View giant has promised smarter assistants for years, but consistency across devices remains a weak spot. If Android 17 is serious about AI, it needs tighter control over how these features behave across different OEM skins.
Hardware could also make an appearance: Google’s Android XR initiative, introduced last year, is still in its early phase, with smart glasses being the more interesting angle.
The Android Show is not just another livestream. It is a signal of where Google wants Android to go in 2026. For Samsung fans, it’s as crucial as Pixel fans as the upcoming One UI 9 will be based on the Android 17 operating system.
A new development board comes with a display and various sensors, and it can even be controlled using touch input. The model is based on a Raspberry Pi chip and also supports external sensors and actuators. It can be used without being connected to a power outlet.
Seeed Studio offers an interesting kit for communication that is completely independent of cellular networks, which could help maintain a basic level of communication in remote areas or during natural disasters. It can also bridge relatively long distances.
The Hiwill-Audio N512 is a new surround sound system available at a very low price. Installation should be particularly simple, since no cables need to be routed across the living room. Peak output is listed at 400 watts.
Bose will launch its new Lifestyle Collection on May 15, headlined by the $299 Lifestyle Ultra Speaker (or $399 limited Driftwood Sand edition), the $1,099 Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar, and the $899 Lifestyle Ultra Subwoofer, with preorders open now and shipping beginning at launch.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring was unveiled in July 2024, but a successor is not expected to launch until 2027. Rumors suggest that Samsung's next-generation smart ring will be significantly improved in three areas.
Dell is now selling a new lightweight laptop with a range of 14-inch display options. Also configurable with multiple Intel Panther Lake processors, the Dell Pro 7 Series 14 comes with up to a 70 Wh battery and 64 GB of ultra-fast LPDDR5X RAM too.
ShinyHunters claimed it had accessed Nvidia’s GeForce Now systems and obtained a “full database leak” containing user account and personal information. NVIDIA says its investigation found no impact on NVIDIA-operated services, stating the incident is confined to databases run by its Armenia-based third-party partner GFN.am, which has begun notifying affected users, and reports indicate passwords were not leaked.
Dell is now selling a new 13-inch laptop globally. The thinnest Dell Pro laptop ever released, the Pro 7 Series 13 (P713260) combines up to 64 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 RAM with Intel Panther Lake processors and a 55.8 Wh battery. Dell is only offering 60 Hz IPS panels for its new 13-inch laptop, though.
Valve's Steam Controller sold out in 35 minutes, crashing servers and feeding a scalper frenzy with eBay listings hitting $300. Valve has since acknowledged the shortage on X, and also promised a restock update soon.
Deal | The Acer Aspire 14 AI Windows laptop is now on sale on eBay for less than $550. The laptop packs an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V CPU, 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage, and a touch-sensitive display. Overall, It can be argued that the Acer Aspire 14 AI offers better value than the MacBook Neo at a lower price.
The Sony Xperia 1 VIII has now surfaced on a popular benchmarking website. Featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, the new Xperia flagship is once again saddled with 12 GB of RAM unlike many of its peers.
The Apple iPhone 17 was the best-selling smartphone globally in Q1 this year, according to data from Counterpoint. It represented an impressive 6% of all smartphones sold during the quarter. Just like in Q1 2025, its pricier siblings round out the Top 3 – the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 Pro.
This year, the vanilla iPhone has a bigger lead over its Pro siblings. And the old iPhone 16 is still on the chart – it holds the #6 spot.
The best-selling smartphones of Q1 2026
Meanwhile, the best-selling Android phone of the first three months of 2026 is the Samsung Galaxy A07 4G –...
Vodafone and Three announced plans to merge in the UK back in 2023, and the consolidation was eventually given the go-ahead by regulators in December 2024. The merged entity, VodafoneThree, officially began operations on May 31, 2025, with Vodafone holding 51% of the shares and CK Hutchison (Three's owner) holding 49%.
Now, almost exactly one year later, Vodafone is buying out CK Hutchison's stake, and thus will take full ownership of VodafoneThree. This will cost Vodafone £4.3 billion. The deal will of course need to be cleared by regulators, and that's expected to happen at some point...
A fresh legal fight is brewing over how AI models are built, and this time it puts Meta back in the spotlight. A group of major publishers, including Elsevier, Cengage, Hachette, Macmillan, and McGraw-Hill, has sued Meta Platforms in Manhattan […]
Coinbase is laying off about 700 employees, roughly 14% of its workforce, as the company reshapes itself around AI and braces for a softer crypto market. CEO Brian Armstrong framed the move as a reset, meant to make the company […]
Crypto is trying to break into Wall Street. This time, it’s coming with paperwork. Bullish said Tuesday it will acquire Equiniti in a $4.2 billion deal, giving the exchange something the industry has long lacked: a regulated transfer agent that already […]
The rush to build AI is starting to hit a physical limit. It is not chips or models this time. It is electricity. Across the U.S. and Canada, data centers are drawing more power than grids were built to handle. New […]
The race to build bigger AI models is running into a hard limit: power. A single training run can burn through as much electricity as thousands of homes, and new data centers are getting stuck in years-long queues for grid […]
It’s Tuesday, May 5, 2026, and AI’s hunger for power, chips, and secure supply chains is forcing governments, hyperscalers, and startups into high-stakes moves that will shape the next decade of tech. Here are the top global stories making waves […]
Wall Street is stepping deeper into AI, and this time it’s not just about funding models. It’s about putting them to work inside real businesses. Anthropic said Monday it is teaming up with Goldman Sachs and Blackstone to launch a […]
It’s Monday, May 4, 2026, and we’re back with today’s top startup and tech funding news. Today’s rounds reflect a clear shift toward infrastructure that powers AI, defense, and real-world systems. From enterprise AI agents and customer data platforms to […]
After a disappointing season, the real impact of Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior is being questioned. However, Real Madrid reportedly still consider them undisputed starters and have made them a key condition in selecting the next head coach.
Real Madrid are heading toward two consecutive trophyless seasons, raising serious doubts on their roster. Following this, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is expected to be either dismissed or reassigned at the end of the season, with the club targeting a candidate with extensive experience. However, Los Blancos have reportedly set a clear condition for the next appointment: Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior are untouchable.
According to José Félix Díaz via Diario AS, Los Blancos maintain full confidence in Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior, seeing them as key figures for the next season. With this in mind, they rule out the departure of any of the three stars. In fact, Real Madrid aim for the next head coach to be capable of extracting the best version of all three within the same lineup, making this a central factor in defining the appointment.
Although Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior being world-class players, they have not managed to shine simultaneously at Real Madrid. While the Englishman and the Brazilian stood out under Carlo Ancelotti, the Frenchman’s arrival changed everything, as his presence directly overlaps with the areas where his teammates shined. Therefore, the next head coach may be forced to adjust the roles of the three, aiming to fit them into the same lineup.
Far from being a simple task, Ancelotti, Xabi, and Arbeloa have all struggled to make them fit together, as Mbappé’s total freedom of movement prevents Jude and Vinícius from fully occupying their natural roles. Because of this, the Frenchman may need to adapt into a centre-forward role in the style of Cristiano Ronaldo, freeing up space for his teammates and could even enhance his own scoring output.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates a goal with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
Real Madrid defense issue could unlock Mbappé, Bellingham and Vinícius
Throughout the 2025–26 season, Real Madrid have struggled with consistency defensively, suffering multiple injuries and costly defeats. As a result, the efforts of Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior are often overshadowed, as they concede many goals and are forced to contribute to defensive pressing. Because of this, Los Blancos could strengthen their defensive structure to better maximize their three stars.
Without having to make excessive defensive efforts, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior could focus entirely on the attacking phase, improving their counterattacks and avoiding unnecessary physical fatigue. In addition, their offensive impact could become more evident without constant defensive issues. For this reason, Los Blancos could prioritize strengthening their defense and appointing a world-class coach.
Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
There are moments in a season when everything seems to hinge on one absence, and this is where both Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric find themselves as Milan navigates a tense run-in. The Italian club is chasing stability, yet uncertainty surrounds one of its most influential figures, with developments behind the scenes hinting at a potential late twist before this summer’s 2026 World Cup.
There are moments in a season when everything seems to hinge on one absence, and this is where both Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric find themselves as Milan navigates a tense run-in. The Italian club is chasing stability, yet uncertainty surrounds one of its most influential figures, with developments behind the scenes hinting at a potential late twist before this summer’s World Cup.
Milan’s recent stumble against Sassuolo exposed just how important Modric has become to the system. The 2-0 defeat not only dented its UEFA Champions League hopes but also highlighted a lack of control in midfield, an area usually dictated by the Croatian’s composure and intelligence.
Without him, the Rossoneri struggled to impose themselves, conceding early and losing further ground after a red card disrupted their rhythm. The absence of their experienced playmaker left the side looking disconnected, with few answers to Sassuolo’s tempo and movement.
That defeat has tightened the race for a top-four finish, with rivals circling and pressure building ahead of the final stretch. For a team that once looked comfortable, the margin for error has suddenly disappeared.
The injury that changed the picture
Modric’s setback came at the worst possible time, following a facial injury that required surgery after an aerial collision. Initially, the expectation was clear: his season with Milan was over, allowing him to focus entirely on recovery ahead of international duty.
However, the situation has evolved in recent days, with fresh reports suggesting that the story may not be finished just yet. As confirmed by Antonio Vitiello of MilanNews.it, the midfielder has already returned to the training environment, signaling a determination to remain involved during a decisive period.
Infortunio Modrić da 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙤 🤕🚑 Saelemaekers chiede il 𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙤 per Locatelli 🟥 Poi le scintille che non t'aspetti: Kalulu-Tomori 😳
His presence at the training ground has lifted spirits, even if only symbolically for now. Milan’s staff are carefully monitoring his progress, aware that any decision carries both short-term and long-term implications.
Surprise twist as Modric’s possible comeback window revealed
The narrative takes a dramatic turn in the middle of this story, as reports from Italy point to a potential comeback that few expected. According to multiple outlets, including Sky Italia, La Gazzetta dello Sport, and MilanNews.it, Modric is now targeting a return for the final league match against Cagliari on May 24, possibly wearing a protective mask to manage the injury.
Stamattina alle 10.00 #Modric si è presentato a #Milanello per la prima volta dopo l'operazione.
Nonostante il brutto infortunio allo zigomo proverà a rientrare per l'ultima partita di campionato.
This development changes the entire outlook for the Rossoneri’s closing fixtures. What once seemed like a campaign without their midfield leader could now include one last appearance, offering both tactical value and emotional lift.
There is still caution surrounding the idea, as medical clearance and the player’s own confidence will ultimately decide the outcome. Yet the mere possibility has already shifted the mood within the club.
What it means for Pulisic and Milan
For Pulisic, the situation carries added significance as he has struggled to fit into Milan’s attacking structure ever since the start of 2026. In the first part of the season, American was one of the team’s key performers, and the potential return of Modric could restore balance behind him, easing creative pressure.
Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory after during the Serie A match.
At the same time, Milan’s broader ambitions are tied to this delicate moment. Champions League qualification remains essential, not only for prestige but also for influencing Modric’s future at the club, with contract discussions still unresolved.
The Croatian, now approaching the twilight of his career, is weighing his next step carefully. A return before the season ends would send a strong message about his fitness and intent ahead of what is expected to be his final World Cup.
“Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi has been named to the Major League Soccer Team of the Matchday,” the club announced in a statement published on its official website. “The Argentine earns his fifth Team of the Matchday selection of the campaign after a standout performance in which he contributed to all three Inter Miami goals, recording one goal and two assists.”
The Herons’ first-half advantage was largely driven by the Argentine forward’s performance. On Ian Fray’s opening goal, Messi played the pass to Telasco Segovia, who then delivered the cross. He later assisted the Venezuelan midfielder for the second goal, and in the 33rd minute, he scored the third with a precise finish.
However, Messi’s performance was overshadowed in the second half by another Argentine. Martin Ojeda led Orlando City’s comeback with a hat trick to level the score and then assisted Tyrese Spicer for the game-winning goal in stoppage time.
The honor awarded by MLS to Lionel Messi as part of the Team of the Matchday for Week 11 adds to a growing list of similar recognitions the Argentine forward has earned for his performances with Inter Miami.
In fact, during the 2026 season, Messi has been named to the Team of the Matchday in five of the first eleven weeks. His previous selections came in Matchday 2 (alongside Javier Mascherano, Telasco Segovia, and Mateo Silvetti), Matchday 5 (alongside Gonzalo Lujan), Matchday 6, and Matchday 8.
These honors reflect the Argentine star’s production so far this season. Messi has played in 10 of Inter Miami’s 11 MLS matches in 2026—resting only for the March matchup against Charlotte FC—and has recorded eight goals and one assist.
Inter Miami’s upcoming challenges
Following the tough loss to Orlando City, Inter Miami now have a week to recover both mentally and physically. On Saturday, they will travel to Canada to face Toronto FC in the first of three matches in a one-week span. They will then visit FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, May 13, before returning home the following Sunday to host Portland Timbers.
Despite being named in the matchday squad, Martin Odegaard is not in Arsenal’s starting lineup against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Martin Odegaard is not in Arsenal’s starting lineup against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg at the Emirates Stadium, a decision that has raised eyebrows given the magnitude of the occasion. The tie remains finely poised after a 1-1 draw in Spain last week, with both clubs chasing a place in the final.
The Gunners come into the night knowing that only a win will guarantee progression after a tense first leg filled with controversy and penalties. Atletico Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, arrives with the belief it can upset the hosts and reach its first Champions League final in the last 10 years.
The opening match in Madrid ended 1-1, with both sides scoring from the penalty spot in a game defined by fine margins. Viktor Gyokeres gave Arsenal the lead, while Julian Alvarez equalised for Atletico after a VAR-reviewed handball incident involving Ben White.
Arsenal also had a second penalty decision overturned, leaving Mikel Arteta visibly frustrated. The Gunners now return to London unbeaten in the competition this season, but Simeone’s side remain dangerous in knockout action, particularly when games are tight and physical.
Why Martin Odegaard is not starting
Despite being named in the matchday squad, Martin Odegaard is not fit enough to start after recent injury concerns. The Arsenal captain had been dealing with knee discomfort, which also caused him to miss the weekend’s 3-0 win over Fulham.
While he returned to training and made himself available, the decision was made to start him on the bench rather than risk aggravating the issue. Kai Havertz is in a similar situation after a muscle knock, though both players are available for selection if needed during the match.
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal
Arsenal stick with winning momentum as stakes higher than ever
Arteta has opted to keep faith with the same starting XI that impressed against Fulham, prioritizing rhythm and chemistry. Bukayo Saka, who was rested at half-time in that match, retains his place, while Viktor Gyokeres continues up front after scoring twice at the weekend. Myles Lewis-Skelly remains in midfield after an impressive showing, while Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White also keep their places in defence.
The lineup reflects a preference for stability in a match where structure and control could be decisive. With no away goals rule in effect, the winner at the Emirates Stadium will advance directly to the final if the match is decided in normal or extra time, or via penalties if required.
‘s highly-anticipated return to the ring has been officially announced, as he takes on Welshman Joe Cordina in Cleveland. Mason is widely-regarded as one of the most exciting young fighters in the entire sport, with the 22-year-old having become world champion when he competed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia back in November. It was a competitive […]
Ahead of his September return for , trainer Eddy Reynoso has mapped out how the final chapter of his career might look, and who he would like to face. Last year, Canelo became a two-time undisputed super-middleweight world champion when he outpointed Cuba’s William Scull to regain the IBF world title, having vacated it the […]
OpenAI is taking the next step in building its ChatGPT ads platform — introducing self-serve buying, CPC bidding and improved measurement to bring more advertisers into the ecosystem
What’s happening. Ads in ChatGPT are moving beyond a limited pilot, with new ways for businesses to buy and manage campaigns. Advertisers can now access inventory through agency and tech partners — or directly via a new beta Ads Manager rolling out in the U.S.
This marks a shift from a controlled test environment to a more scalable ad platform.
Why we care. Until now, access to ChatGPT ads has been restricted and expensive, limiting participation to large advertisers. These updates lower the barrier to entry, opening the door for SMBs, startups and a wider range of brands to test the channel.
At the same time, introducing CPC bidding brings ChatGPT closer to established performance platforms, allowing advertisers to optimise for actions — not just impressions.
Self-serve Ads Manager. The new Ads Manager gives advertisers direct control over campaigns, including budgeting, bidding, creative uploads and performance tracking.
While still in beta, it signals OpenAI’s intention to build a full-service ad platform — not just a partner-led ecosystem.
Between the lines. This is a familiar playbook. Platforms typically start with high-touch, partner-led campaigns before moving to self-serve tools that unlock scale. ChatGPT is now entering that second phase.
CPC bidding arrives. Previously, ChatGPT ads were sold on a CPM basis. The addition of CPC means advertisers can now align spend with user actions — a critical step for performance marketers.
Given the nature of ChatGPT queries — often exploratory, comparative and decision-driven — clicks could become a strong proxy for intent.
Measurement catches up. OpenAI is also rolling out pixel-based tracking and a Conversions API, allowing advertisers to measure actions like purchases, sign-ups and leads.
Importantly, this data is aggregated, with no access to individual conversations — reinforcing OpenAI’s emphasis on privacy.
Why this is a big deal. Measurement has been one of the biggest gaps in early ChatGPT ads. Without it, advertisers struggled to justify spend. These updates begin to close that gap and make optimisation more viable.
The ecosystem grows. OpenAI is also expanding its partner network, working with agencies like WPP and Publicis Groupe, as well as tech platforms such as Criteo and Adobe.
This allows advertisers to buy ChatGPT ads through tools and workflows they already use.
What to watch:
How quickly self-serve adoption scales
Whether CPC performance holds as competition increases
How measurement evolves to match advertiser expectations
Earlier this year, Google announced Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), a protocol to allow AI-agents to buy directly from search. This went live only in Google’s AI Mode interface in February. But now, it seems to be rolling out in the main Google Search results where there are retailers that support UCP.
What it looks like. Brodie Clark posted a screenshot, which I can replicate, of the UCP-powered “Buy” button in the product detail overlay within Google Search, specifically for the retailer Wayfair. Here is his screenshot:
Clicking the Buy button will connect your Google checkout account with Wayfair and make the purchase without having to go to the Wayfair website to checkout.
About UCP. UCP establishes a shared language between AI agents and commerce systems, removing the need for custom integrations across agents or platforms.
UCP works with existing standards (e.g., Agent2Agent, Agent Payments Protocol, and Model Context Protocol).
Google co-developed it with partners including Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, and Target.
More than 20 additional companies across retail and payments have already endorsed it.
Why we care. A lot of people are saying AI-agents are the future of the web, well, here is a clear sign of how agents can help retailers make money. While Wayfair did not get any traffic from Google for this query, and there is no click, 0 click-through rates from Google Search. There was an impression in Google Search that led to a purchase without any clicks to the web site.
This won’t necessarily stop all searchers for wanting to visit the site and learn more about the product before purchasing. Just like it doesn’t stop all buyers from going into a physical store to touch and feel the product before purchasing. But some may just click “Buy” and never visit your site.
Now that it is rolling out in the main search results, it is something to keep a closer eye on.
Alongside the Honor Play 80 Plus,Honor today announced another budget smartphone called the Honor Play 70C. The phone gets the basics right and targets the most entry-level segment.
The phone starts at 599 yuan (around $90) for the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage version. There are two other configurations: 4GB + 128GB at 699 yuan and 6GB + 128GB at 799 yuan.
Honor Play 70C Specifications
For the price, the Honor Play 70C features a 6.75-inch IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 720 × 1600 resolution. The panel includes a waterdrop notch that houses a 5MP front-facing camera, which is about what you’d expect at this price point.
On the back, the device has a single 13MP main camera capable of shooting 1080p video and supporting up to 10x digital zoom.
Powering the phone is the MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra chipset, paired with up to 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It’s backed by a relatively large 5,300mAh battery.
The Play 70C runs Android 15 with MagicOS 9.0 out of the box. Connectivity options include dual SIM 4G, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Honor is offering the phone in multiple color options, including Midnight Black, Moonlight Silver, and Ocean Blue (also referred to as Ink Rock Black, Moonlit Silver, and Lake Blue in some listings). The device itself is fairly slim at 7.89mm and weighs 186 grams.
The Honor Play 80 Plus is a better phone with a larger 7,500mAh battery and a Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chipset. But the Play 70C sticks to the basics, a low-cost phone that focuses on battery life, modest performance, and just enough features to get by.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Ugreen has introduced a new 45W power bank, the Rhythm Series S45 (model PB603), currently listed on JD.com in China for 199 yuan ($29). It features a standard 10,000mAh capacity and is designed to address a very common annoyance: remembering your battery pack but forgetting the charging cable. By integrating a built-in USB-C cable, it offers a straightforward solution for keeping your devices powered on the go.
Ugreen PB603 Power Bank Specifications
The device measures 152 x 71 x 29.8 mm. On the outside, it has a ripple-textured finish to help with grip and a small TFT digital display on the front to clearly show the remaining battery percentage.
The built-in 45W USB-C cable sits at the top, supports the PD3.0 fast charging standard, and features a braided finish to handle standard wear and tear. Ugreen hasn’t detailed the rest of the port selection yet.
Inside the casing, the power bank uses ATL battery cells, which are generally known in the industry for their reliability. Ugreen notes that this model includes updated battery technology aimed at extending its overall lifespan.
The company states the new model offers a 166% improvement in charge cycle longevity over its previous generation, which was rated for around 300 cycles.
For safety, it uses a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) to monitor charging conditions. According to the company, the device has gone through over 150 testing procedures to meet China’s latest 3C safety standards.
Some of these tests are quite specific, for instance, Ugreen says the battery cell passed a puncture test with a 4mm steel needle and withstood 1.43 tons of pressure without catching fire or failing. It also reportedly survived a 135°C heat chamber test.
To keep things cool during standard 45W fast charging, the device relies on a four-layer cooling system. This includes high thermal conductivity graphene materials and an NTC intelligent temperature control system that Ugreen says performs up to 360,000 temperature checks per hour to prevent overheating.
In related news, OnePlus has recently introduced a 15,000mAh power bank with 120W fast charging and advanced battery safety technology.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
The global smartphone market in early 2026 turned out to be increasingly top-heavy. According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 17 was the best-selling smartphone globally in Q1 2026, grabbing 6% of all global smartphone sales on its own.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro followed right behind in second and third place, meaning Apple owned the top three spots on the list entirely.
Senior analyst Harshit Rastogi says the iPhone 17 outperformed its predecessor by a clear margin. The base model got meaningful upgrades this time with more storage out of the box, a higher-resolution camera, and a faster screen refresh rate. This narrowed the gap between the standard and Pro models, which seems to have pushed more buyers toward the cheaper option.
Sales in China and the US grew by double digits year-over-year. South Korea was even better, where sales tripled compared to the previous generation.
Android’s budget segment dominates the market
On the Android side, Samsung dominated with five spots in the top ten, all from its Galaxy A budget lineup. The Galaxy A07 4G was the top-selling Android phone of the quarter, driven by demand in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Samsung is now promising six years of software updates on these devices.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra didn’t crack the top ten, though Samsung says it opened stronger than the S25 Ultra did.
Redmi A5
The only Chinese brand to make the list was Xiaomi, with the Redmi A5 landing at number ten. It’s also the cheapest device on the list and has held steady demand in emerging markets since launch.
All in all, the top ten phones accounted for 25% of all global smartphone sales, the highest share ever recorded for a first quarter. Two things explain that: iPhone 17 demand stayed strong, and a memory chip shortage pushed up component costs, which squeezed Android manufacturers trying to compete at lower price points.
Counterpoint’s Karn Chauhan says the overall phone market is likely to shrink in 2026, with the budget segment taking the hardest hit. Manufacturers seem to know this already, as most are shifting resources toward higher-end products rather than racing to sell volume.
Xiaomi seems to be getting ready to bring another budget tablet to more markets, this time under the Poco brand. A new FCC listing has revealed details of what is expected to launch as the Poco C Pad.
The tablet showed up in the FCC database with model number 2603APC14G. The filing itself does not mention the Poco C Pad name, but the same model number has already been linked to it through Xiaomi’s HyperOS code. The listing also confirms support for 18W charging, though it looks like a charger may not be included in the box.
One small detail that stands out is the color options. The device is listed in Pantone finishes, including Cool Gray and Red. It adds a bit of personality to what is otherwise a fairly straightforward tablet.
In terms of hardware, this is not entirely new. The Poco C Pad is expected to be a rebranded version of the Redmi Pad 2 9.7, which Xiaomi launched recently in some markets. So the overall experience should be quite similar.
That means a 9.7-inch LCD display with a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, along with a slim metal body that keeps things relatively light at just 401 grams. Under the hood, it is powered by the Snapdragon 6s Gen 2 4G processor, paired with up to 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, expandable via microSD.
The rest of the setup is fairly standard. You get an 8MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, dual speakers, a headphone jack, and optional 4G connectivity. Nothing flashy, but enough for everyday use. The tablet packs a 7,600mAh battery, which Xiaomi claims can last well over a day on mixed usage. It runs HyperOS 3 based on Android 16, with features like cross-device integration and some AI-assisted tools built in.
Pricing should stay on the lower side. In markets like Malaysia, the Redmi version starts at around RM560, which is equivalent to US$140. Prices may vary across regions, but it should stay in a similar range.
With certification already in place, an official announcement does not seem too far away.
Zebronics has added a new flagship soundbar to its home audio lineup in India. The ZEB-Juke Bar 9890 is a 5.1.2 channel system that supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It is currently available on Amazon and Flipkart with a launch price of ₹29,999 ($315).
Zebronics ZEB-Juke Bar 9890 Specifications
The system has a total stated output of 1030W RMS, which is divided among a few different components. The main soundbar unit contains five drivers, three facing forward and two pointing upward to handle the height channels required for spatial audio formats.
The package also includes two rear satellite speakers and an 8-inch (20.32cm) subwoofer. Because the rear speakers and subwoofer connect wirelessly to the main bar, it cuts down on the amount of cabling needed across the living room, making the initial setup a bit more straightforward.
For audio processing, the soundbar relies on its up-firing drivers to bounce sound off the ceiling, simulating overhead audio for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X tracks. Zebronics also includes its own internal audio processing, which it calls Zeb-AcoustiMax, designed to manage the surround sound distribution.
Physically, the soundbar and satellite speakers are wrapped in a dark fabric finish, a common design choice intended to help the hardware blend in with standard living room furniture. The main bar features a basic LED display on the front to show the current input or volume level, and the unit includes the necessary hardware to be mounted to a wall.
The connectivity options cover the standard requirements for a modern TV setup. The primary connection is HDMI eARC, which is necessary to transmit high-bandwidth audio formats directly from the TV.
It also features an optical input, a 3.5mm auxiliary jack, and a USB port for playing MP3 files from a flash drive. For wireless audio playback from a phone or tablet, it uses Bluetooth 5.3.
In related news, Sony has recently introduced the HT-B500 soundbar with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and a 3.1-channel configuration, while boAt has launched the Aavante Prime X, a wireless 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos soundbar delivering 700W output
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Smart rings are becoming pretty common, and RingConn has just announced its third-generation model. The main updates for the RingConn Gen 3 are a built-in vibration motor and a feature that tracks nighttime blood pressure trends. It costs $349 globally (or $314 if you pre-order) and, like the company’s previous models, it doesn’t require a monthly subscription to use the companion app.
RingConn Gen 3 Specifications
Physically, the Gen 3 is a titanium ring with a medical-grade epoxy resin on the inside. It’s about 2.3mm thick and weighs between 2.5 and 3.5 grams depending on the size you get, which keeps it in line with the standard footprint for this category. The sensors inside are what you’d expect: an optical heart rate sensor, a temperature sensor, and an accelerometer.
The most noticeable hardware change is the vibration motor. Putting haptic feedback in a ring without making it bulky or severely draining the battery is usually tricky, but RingConn included it to give you physical nudges.
The ring vibrates for things like a low battery, high stress, or if you’ve been sitting still for too long. It’s a small change, but it means you don’t have to look at your phone as often to know what the ring is doing.
On the health tracking side, RingConn is introducing a feature it calls Vascular Health Insights. It is important to note that this isn’t a medical diagnostic tool. Instead, it monitors your blood pressure trends automatically overnight while you sleep. The goal is to show you how your daily habits might be affecting your vascular patterns over time.
The Gen 3 also adds sleep apnea pattern tracking and full-cycle predictions for women. For daily use, it tracks standard metrics like blood oxygen, stress, and workouts, with automatic detection for basic exercises like walking, running, and cycling.
Coming to the battery life, RingConn says the Gen 3 lasts 11 to 14 days if you turn the vibrations off, and 10 to 12 days if you leave them on. It comes with a wireless charging case that holds up to 150 days of standby charge and takes about 90 minutes to recharge the ring. It’s also water-resistant up to 10ATM, so you don’t need to take it off to shower or swim.
The ring works with both iOS and Android, and it syncs with Apple Health and Google Health Connect. If you happen to be away from your phone, the ring can store up to 10 days of data locally.
In related news, Rogbid has recently launched the SR15 smart ring, offering health tracking features along with vibration-based alerts.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Google has already released four betas of Android 17, which are more than enough to show us what the upcoming version has in store. There are some new, exciting features, as well as many essential upgrades to existing ones, that make the software more useful and feature-rich.
With the stable Android 17 release approaching, here are the eight features or upgrades I can’t wait to try.
1. A native app lock, finally
Google is finally bringing the ability to lock individual apps, a feature users have been requesting for years. You will be able to lock apps directly from the home screen by long-pressing an app icon and choosing the “App lock” option from the quick options menu.
You can set up app lock using a PIN, pattern, password, or biometrics like fingerprint or face unlock, without needing a third-party app. This feature on the Google Pixel works just like any other app lock, but keep in mind that notifications for a locked app, along with all associated shortcuts and widgets, will be hidden.
Google notes that certain AI features, such as Gemini’s screen automation, may still be able to interact with apps, depending on permissions. You’ll be notified if other apps have access to the app you’re locking.
Most Android skins, including One UI, already have this feature, but it’s a nice welcome addition for Google Pixels.
2. Floating app bubbles make multitasking easier
The bubble feature has been around for quite a few years now, but it was restricted to messaging and conversations. Android 17 takes it a major step forward by allowing users to turn any app into a floating bubble.
For example, if you’re watching a tutorial on YouTube and noting important steps on Google Keep, you’ll be able to convert Google Keep into a floating bubble for quicker access. When you tap the Keep bubble, the app will open in a small floating window, while the YouTube tutorial plays in full screen. This is better than switching between the two apps and using them in a split-screen view.
You will be able to close an app bubble by dragging it to the bottom of the screen.
Bubbles are more useful on large-screen devices like foldables or tablets where the user has more screen to work with than on a regular smartphone.
3. A more powerful screen recording with a preview screen
Android 17 will upgrade the screen recording experience with a more refined UI and a new preview screen. Currently, when you tap the screen recording tile in Quick Settings, a pop-up shows up asking about the recording area and audio options.
In Android 17, when you tap the screen recording tile, a new floating pill interface will show up, letting you choose what to record, whether to record device audio or microphone (or both), and whether to show touches. You can tap the status indicator in the status bar to bring back the floating pill UI.
Once you stop the recording, you’ll see a new preview screen where you can play, edit, delete, or share the clip instantly without opening the gallery.
4. Mandatory Large-Screen Adaptivity
Google enforces a stricter policy on app resizability and orientation, preventing developers from restricting apps to a single orientation on large devices (sw ≥ 600dp). This effectively skips smartphones (generally below 600dp) and targets tablets and larger-screen devices.
The latest move is designed to make Android apps truly adaptive. On a device running Android 16 or an earlier build, if you open a portrait-locked app on a landscape tablet, the app appears as a tall, narrow window in the center of the screen, with thick black bars on the sides. In Android 17, the app would rotate to fill the gap, resulting in a more usable screen and better app experience.
Games are exempted from these strict mandates to ensure they don’t break during critical gameplay.
Google began phasing out apps’ ability to restrict screen orientation and resizability on large-screen devices with Android 16. However, it still allowed app developers to opt out of this change. But Android 17 makes it mandatory, and developers will no longer be able to opt out.
5. Hide app names on the home screen
In the Beta 3 build, Google introduced a feature that lets users hide the app labels on the home screen. This isn’t a big step, but it helps users create a cleaner home screen setup.
To hide app labels, you’ll need to go to Wallpaper & style, tap Home screen, select Icons, tap the Names tab at the bottom, and turn off the toggle for Show app names. Keep in mind that this won’t affect the app drawer or apps inside folders.
6. Separate Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles
On Pixel devices running Android 16 or earlier, if you need to switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or turn them on or off, you must open Quick Settings, tap the Internet tile, and then perform the action.
Many users have expressed their frustration with the extra step required to access Wi-Fi or mobile data. After nearly four and a half years, Google is finally allowing users to add separate Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles in Android 17.
This change would particularly benefit Pixel users, as most other Android skins, including Samsung’s One UI and OnePlus’s OxygenOS, already have it.
7. Give apps limited access to your contacts
Right now, there’s no way to give apps access to specific contacts. If you grant the contacts permission, the app will have access to all contacts stored on your device.
This is certainly not a privacy-focused approach, and therefore, Google is introducing a new system-level Contact Picker interface that will allow users to select one or more contacts to share with an app at a time. Google says apps won’t be able to track any changes you make to a contact’s information.
Contact Picker grants temporary, session-based read access to the specific data fields selected by the user. That means the app will need to request permissions again after the session timeout, further strengthening users’ privacy.
8. Seamless task continuity on another device
Google is working on a “Task Continuity” feature, which will allow users to sync notifications, share files, and continue apps across their linked Android devices. Essentially, you will be able to transfer an app’s current state from one Android device to another. This feature could debut with Android 17.
This feature will show a suggestion on the taskbar representing the running app from another device. When you click this suggestion, the system initiates the handoff and passes the remote app’s state, as Android Authority explains.
Google announced the new Handoff API in Android 17 Beta 2, which allows developers to specify the application state to resume on another device. Once enabled, the Android system displays a handoff suggestion in the launcher of the user’s nearby devices.
Final build may not include all of them
If you’ve been following Android releases, you’d know that Google doesn’t include all the features from the beta builds into the final package. But there’s a very good chance some of them will make it to the final release.
All the features we’ve discussed so far are available in the Android 17 beta releases. You can get an eligible Google Pixel to test them or wait for the stable release, which could happen around June 2026.
We’ll regularly update you with the latest information in the Android 17 section on this website. You can visit the page regularly for the latest details, or join our Telegram channel for instant updates.
2026’s flagship race is already settled, at least on paper. The phones launched between January and April — from Samsung, Xiaomi,OPPO, Vivo, Honor, Motorola, Huawei, and iQOO — will define what a high-end Android phone looks like for the rest of the year.
New chipsets will come, but these are the devices most people will be comparing, buying, and arguing about through December. So here’s what actually shipped, and what each one is trying to do.
January
Motorola Razr Fold
Motorola introduced the Razr Fold at CES 2026 as its first book-style foldable. Unlike the Razr’s usual clamshell form, this one opens up like a tablet, with an 8.1-inch 2K LTPO inner display and a 6.6-inch cover screen. The cover screen is large enough that you can handle most everyday tasks without unfolding the device.
The camera setup is all 50-megapixel across the board: a Sony LYTIA main sensor, an ultra-wide with macro support, and a periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom. There’s also a 32MP camera on the outer display and a 20MP shooter on the inner screen. Video recording supports Dolby Vision. The phone also supports Motorola’s Moto Pen Ultra stylus.
Honor Magic 8 RSR Porsche Design
Honor kicked things off with the Magic 8 RSR Porsche Design, which went on sale in China on January 23rd. The phone is what it sounds like: a high-end device made in collaboration with Porsche Design, with finishes called Slate Gray and Moonstone, and a back panel made of microcrystalline nano-ceramic material that Honor says has a Mohs hardness rating of 8.5.
Inside, it runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, with configurations going up to 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide, and a 200MP telephoto with 3.7x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom. Battery is 7,200mAh with 120W wired and 80W wireless charging. It also supports satellite communication and IP68/IP69K water resistance.
Honor is also selling an optional photography kit with a magnetic grip, filter adapter, and external telephoto lens. It runs MagicOS 10 with Porsche Design-themed UI elements layered on top.
February
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series
Samsung’s February Unpacked event brought the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. The base S26 has a 6.3-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the S26+ bumps that up to 6.7 inches at QHD+ resolution. Both have 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rates and Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus
Depending on your region, these phones ship with either the Exynos 2600 or the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The main camera across the standard models is a 50MP sensor, paired with a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom. The S26 has a 4300mAh battery, the S26+ has a 4900mAh battery, and both support Qi2 wireless charging at 20W.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
The S26 Ultra takes a different direction. It has a 6.9-inch QHD+ display with Gorilla Armor 2, runs exclusively on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and includes a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide, a 10MP telephoto at 3x, and a 50MP periscope lens at 5x zoom. Battery is 5000mAh with Super Fast Charging 3.0. The S Pen is still here. The software on all three runs One UI 8.5 on Android 16, with AI features like Photo Assist, Now Brief, and Creative Studio built in.
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Xiaomi launched the 17 Ultra in China in February, and it arrives with one of the more interesting camera setups of the year. The main camera uses a 1-inch Light Fusion 1050L sensor co-developed with Leica, shooting at 50MP. The telephoto is a 200MP Leica-certified lens that supports lossless optical zoom between 75mm and 100mm, going up to 400mm digitally. The ultra-wide is a 50MP sensor with 115-degree FOV.
The display is a 6.9-inch OLED with up to 3,500 nits peak brightness, 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support. It runs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and Xiaomi says the phone can mirror and control Apple devices through its HyperOS 3.0 software.
The battery is 6,800mAh, the largest in any Xiaomi Ultra device. It charges at 90W wired and 50W wireless. Despite all of that, Xiaomi says the 17 Ultra is the thinnest Ultra device it has made, at 8.29mm.
iQOO 15 Ultra
The iQOO 15 Ultra is a performance-first phone, and it makes that clear from the spec sheet. The display is a 6.85-inch flat Samsung AMOLED at 2K resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate and 8,000 nits peak brightness. The touch sampling can go up to 4000Hz.
The phone runs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 alongside iQOO’s in-house Q3 esports chip, and the company claims an AnTuTu score of 4.51 million.
iQOO 15 Ultra
For cooling, it has a 59-blade fan and an 8,000mm² vapor chamber. The phone also includes pressure-sensitive shoulder triggers and a 500Hz gyroscope. Battery is 7,400mAh with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging.
On the camera side, it’s a triple 50MP system consisting of main, ultra-wide, and periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom. Not the headline feature here, but solid. It runs OriginOS 6 on Android 16 and supports 8K video recording.
March
OPPO Find X9 Ultra
OPPO’s Find X9 Ultra is the most camera-forward device on this list. It’s the only 2026 flagship to use two 200MP cameras, one for main and another for 3x telephoto. Both deliver maximum detail in portrait and general photography. There’s also a dedicated 50MP 10x optical zoom telephoto and a 50MP ultra-wide.
OPPO is leaning hard on the Hasselblad partnership here. The new Hasselblad Master Mode includes features like True Detail for 8K output across six focal lengths, a full-link ProXDR pipeline, and nine film presets that try to simulate real film color behavior rather than just slapping a filter on.
Video-wise, it supports 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps in 10-bit Log format, along with custom 3D LUT import and an ACES color management workflow. TILTA accessories like ND filters and manual focus grips are available for it. The phone runs Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with a 144Hz 2K display, a 7,050mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, and IP66/IP68/IP69 water resistance.
OPPO Find N6
OPPO’s Find N6 is pitching itself as the world’s flattest foldable, and the engineering behind that claim is genuinely interesting. The hinge uses a bionic four-axis structure built with chip-level polymer 3D printing, reducing surface unevenness to 0.1mm. Paired with memory glass that restores up to 99.9% flatness after folding, the crease situation is about as controlled as any foldable has managed. It’s TÜV certified for 600,000 folds.
The inner display is an 8.12-inch QXGA+ foldable OLED, and the outer cover screen is a 6.62-inch FHD+ AMOLED, both running 1-120Hz adaptive refresh with 240Hz touch sampling. The outer panel peaks at 3,600 nits.
Cameras follow the same Hasselblad-partnership playbook as the Find X9 Ultra: a 200MP main with dual-axis OIS leads, supported by a 50MP ultra-wide, a 50MP 3x telephoto, and a dedicated Danxia color calibration lens. It supports 8K stills and 4K 120fps Dolby Vision video.
The chipset is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, paired with a 6,000mAh battery, 80W wired and 50W wireless charging. It folds to 8.93mm and weighs 225g, with IP56/IP58/IP59 ratings.
Vivo X300 Ultra
Vivo’s X300 Ultra follows a similar camera-first philosophy as the Find X9 Ultra, but leans into a Zeiss partnership instead of Hasselblad. The camera array includes a 50MP ultra-wide (Sony LYTIA 818), a 200MP main camera (Sony LYTIA 901), and a 200MP telephoto (Samsung HP0) with gimbal-level stabilization.
Vivo X300 Ultra – Victory Green
Vivo is also selling two external teleconverter modules, one for 200mm and one for 400mm. The imaging system supports 4K 120fps Dolby Vision and 4K 120fps 10-bit Log recording, along with 3D LUT imports and ACES workflows.
The display is a 6.82-inch 2K LTPO AMOLED at 144Hz. Battery is 6,600mAh with 90W wired and 40W wireless charging. It runs OriginOS 6 on Android 16 and carries IP68/IP69 ratings.
April
Huawei Pura 90 Pro and Pura 90 Pro Max
Both the Huawei Pura 90 Pro and 90 Pro Max share the same XMAGE imaging philosophy and a Red Maple multispectral lens, but the Pro Max gets better hardware meaningfully across the board.
The Pro Max camera system leads with a 50MP RYYB main sensor (1/1.28-inch) with OIS, LOFIC tech, and a variable aperture from f/1.4 to f/4.0. The telephoto is a 200MP RYYB periscope unit with 4x optical zoom, up to 8x optical-quality zoom, CIPA 7.0 stabilization, and what Huawei calls an industry-first three-in-one super concentrating prism. Rounding it out is a 40MP RYYB ultra-wide.
The standard Pro keeps the same main sensor and aperture setup but steps down to a 12.5MP ultra-wide and a 50MP periscope telephoto.
Both phones run on the Kirin 9030S, a step below the Kirin 9030 Pro found in the Pura X Max foldable. Huawei claims a 200 percent improvement in NPU image understanding over the previous generation, with gains in AI ISP color processing, telephoto video clarity, and stabilization accuracy. AI features are central to the software pitch — AI pose recommendations, composition assist, portrait retouching, and one-click photo creation are all present, alongside an upgraded Xiaoyi assistant with real-time pointing recognition and voiceprint detection.
The Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display; the Pro gets 6.6 inches. Both use single-punch-hole cutouts. The Pro Max also gets Kunlun glass protection, which Huawei says cuts reflections by 70 percent and improves scratch resistance up to 16 times over standard glass. Both phones run HarmonyOS 6.1.
OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra
The OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra is squarely aimed at mobile gamers. It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, built on TSMC’s third-gen 3nm process, with OnePlus claiming a 32% performance uplift and 55% better power efficiency over the previous generation.
Keeping things cool is a 6,000mm² vapor chamber that sits alongside a Glacier Cooling System and a deeper integration of OnePlus’s Wind Chaser Gaming Kernel.
OnePlus Ace 6 Ultra
The headline accessory is an optional Strix Gaming Controller with a joystick-free layout, mechanical triggers rated at 1.8ms response time, a dedicated e-sports chip, and support for magnetic cooling modules. It’s the kind of peripheral ecosystem you’d more typically associate with a dedicated gaming phone brand.
The display is a 6.78-inch 1.5K LTPS OLED at 165Hz with 4,000Hz instantaneous touch sampling. As for cameras, it has a 50MP main with OIS and an 8MP ultra-wide unit. The battery is a large 8,600mAh dual-cell unit with 120W wired charging. It runs ColorOS 16 on Android 16, and carries IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K ratings.
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The upcoming Honor 600 series is gearing up for its China debut later this month, and new leaks have revealed some exciting upgrades. According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the China variant could bring major improvements, especially in battery capacity and color options.
One of the biggest highlights is the massive battery upgrade. While the global version already offers a large 7000mAh battery, the China model is expected to push this further to around 8500mAh to 9000mAh, making it one of the biggest batteries in a mainstream flagship-style smartphone. This suggests a strong focus on long-lasting performance and heavy usage without frequent charging.
In terms of design, the Honor 600 series will reportedly arrive in six vibrant colors, including Good Orange, Lucky Star, Jasmine White, Green Apple, Light Feather Blue, and Obsidian Black. The device is also said to feature a premium metal frame and high durability ratings, including IP68, IP69, and IP69K protection against dust and water.
The smartphone is expected to sport a 6.57-inch 1.5K flat display with a 120Hz refresh rate and ultra-slim 0.98mm bezels on all sides. It will also use 3840Hz PWM dimming technology, aimed at improving eye comfort during extended use.
Under the hood, the device is rumored to be powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with MagicOS 10 based on Android 16.
For photography, the Honor 600 series could feature a 200MP main camera, along with a 12MP ultra-wide lens and a 50MP 3.5x periscope telephoto sensor. A 50MP front camera is also expected for selfies.
Overall, the China variant of the Honor 600 series appears to focus heavily on battery life while retaining flagship-grade performance and camera capabilities.
Honor has quietly introduced the Honor Play 80 Plus in China, adding a new entry to its budget lineup with a focus on battery life and everyday performance. The device stands out with a large 7,500mAh battery, a 120Hz display, and Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 platform. It also brings MagicOS 10 based on Android 16, positioning it as a modern entry-level 5G option. Here is a closer look at what the phone offers.
Honor Play 80 Plus specifications and features
Honor Play 80 Plus
The Honor Play 80 Plus features a 6.61-inch TFT LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1604 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. The panel supports eye protection features and delivers a 20.05:9 aspect ratio. Like the recent Honor phones, the Play 80 Plus runs on MagicOS 10 based on Android 16.
Powering the device is the Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chipset, making it the first phone to feature this platform. Announced in December 2025, the 4nm processor comes with an octa-core setup featuring 2 x 2.3GHz Cortex-A78 performance cores and 6 x 1.95GHz Cortex-A55 efficiency cores paired with the Adreno 613 GPU. The chipset focuses on improved power efficiency, better AI handling, and stable connectivity. It is designed to handle daily tasks smoothly while keeping battery consumption in check, which aligns well with devices targeting long endurance.
Honor Play 80 Plus
The phone includes a 13-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and a 5-megapixel front camera. The device is backed by a huge 7,500mAh battery with support for 45W fast charging. Additional features include dual SIM support, Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a USB-C port. The device measures 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.29mm and weighs around 205 grams.
Honor Play 80 Plus price and availability
The Honor Play 80 Plus is available in Aquamarine, Black, and Gold color options. Pricing in China starts at 1,699 Yuan (~$250) for the 6GB+128GB variant and goes up to 2,099 Yuan (~$310) for the 8GB+256GB model. The device is already on sale in China, but there is no confirmation yet regarding its global availability.
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Lenskart first introduced its AI-powered smart eyewear, B by Lenskart, back in November 2025, offering an early glimpse at its vision for connected wearables. The company has now moved a step further by opening early access, with the official microsite revealing key details about the pricing and full specifications.
B by Lenskart smart glasses specifications and features
B by Lenskart
The B by Lenskart smart glasses are designed to feel like regular eyewear, weighing around 45g and supporting prescription lenses from -6 to +6. Under the frame, the device runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 platform, paired with 32GB internal storage. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 and works with devices running iOS 18 and above or Android 12 and above. Interaction is handled through touch controls and voice commands, including a wake phrase for the built-in assistant powered by Google Gemini.
For imaging, the glasses feature a 12 megapixel Sony camera with a 16mm ultra-wide lens. It captures photos at up to 4032 x 3024 resolution and records videos at 1080p in landscape and 1440 x 1920 in portrait at 30fps. Audio is handled through dual directional speakers, while a three-microphone setup supports calls and voice inputs.
B by Lenskart
Battery life is rated at up to 4 hours on a single charge, with the included charging case extending total usage to up to 48 hours. Fast charging is supported, with 50 percent charge achieved in around 15 minutes. The glasses can be charged through the case or directly using a cable.
B by Lenskart smart glasses price and availability
The B by Lenskart smart glasses are priced at Rs 22,000 (~$230) as an early access offer, compared to a listed price of Rs 27,000 (~$285). They are available in Black and Silver colour options and come bundled with a charging case.
The product is currently open for waitlist registrations, indicating a phased rollout. Features like real-time AI assistance, multi-language support, note-taking and hands-free capture position it as more than just a wearable accessory.
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Inllie has introduced two new wearable devices, the Luna Core Bracelet and Sense Core Band, bringing a different take on everyday fitness tracking. The announcement highlights a shift towards blending wellness features with a more refined design language, setting the tone for what these devices aim to deliver.
Inllie Luna Core Bracelet and Sense Core Band features and design
Inllie smart bracelets
The Inllie Luna Core Bracelet is designed to resemble a piece of jewellery, featuring a stainless steel bracelet paired with a zinc alloy and epoxy resin case. It includes gold and silver accents, giving it a polished look suitable for both casual and formal wear. The device weighs 11.6g, making it comfortable for extended use. The Sense Core Band follows a slimmer and more conventional design, with a 5.6mm thin body and a weight of 16.5g. It offers strap options, including metal Milanese and silicone, allowing flexibility between style and practicality.
Inllie smart bracelets
Both devices focus on integrating health tracking into daily wear without appearing overly sporty. They support heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen levels, stress tracking, heart rate variability, menstrual cycle tracking, sleep insights, step count, and multiple exercise modes. The Sense Core Band also features a compact display that shows essential data such as steps, battery status, and heart rate.
Battery capacity differs between the two models. The Luna Core Bracelet houses a 26mAh battery, while the Sense Core Band includes an 18mAh battery. Each device is rated to deliver around 5 to 7 days of usage on a single charge, with standby extending up to 12 days for Luna Core and 10 days for Sense Core.
Inllie Luna Core Bracelet and Sense Core Band price and availability
Inllie smart bracelets
The Luna Core Bracelet is priced at $149, while the Sense Core Band is available for $109. The company is also offering a limited-time bundle where both devices can be purchased together with a $79 discount.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Honor has quietly introduced the Honor Play 11 Plus in China, where it is already listed on the brand’s official website and available for purchase. This mid-range 5G phone offers a balance of battery life and everyday performance by packing a large 7000mAh battery and a bright AMOLED display in a slim design. Here is a closer look at its specifications, features, and pricing.
Honor Play 11 Plus specifications and features
Honor Play 11 Plus
The Honor Play 11 Plus features a 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2600×1200 pixels, offering DCI-P3 color support and up to 6500 nits peak brightness. It also includes 3840Hz PWM dimming for eye comfort and aluminosilicate glass protection.
Powering the device is the Dimensity 6500 Elite chipset paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It packs a 7000mAh battery with support for fast wired charging and reverse charging. The phone runs MagicOS 10 based on Android 16 and brings several AI-driven features such as YOYO smart assistant, AI notes, translation tools, and system-level optimizations.
For photography, the phone includes a 50-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and support for up to 10x digital zoom. On the front, it has an 8-megapixel camera for selfies and video calls. It also supports 1080p video recording.
Honor Play 11 Plus
Other features include in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, IP66 rating, NFC, infrared remote, Bluetooth 6.0, and dual SIM 5G support. Despite packing a huge battery, it measures 7.34mm in thickness, with a weight of around 185 grams. To sum up, this phone appears to be a rebranded version of the Honor X80i, which debuted earlier this year in China.
Honor Play 11 Plus price and availability
The Honor Play 11 Plus is available in an 8GB + 256GB variant priced at 2,199 Yuan (~$320). It comes in Sunrise Gold and Lanyue Silver colour options, also referred to as Moon Embracing Silver in some listings. The device is already on sale in China via official channels.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
At SID Display Week 2026 in the United States, Samsung showcased a range of next-generation display technologies that could redefine how smartphones are used in daily life. The highlight of the event was the shift from traditional screens to multi-functional displays that combine visuals, health tracking, and privacy features.
One of the most impressive innovations is the Sensor OLED display. This technology allows users to measure heart rate and even blood pressure simply by placing a finger on the screen. It works by using light emitted from the display, which reflects off the skin and is captured by built-in sensors. This removes the need for smartwatches or separate health devices, making smartphones more useful for quick health checks.
Samsung also introduced the Flex Chroma Pixel display, which focuses on brightness and color accuracy. It can reach up to 3,000 nits of brightness and covers 96% of the BT.2020 color range. The goal is to deliver richer colors while improving power efficiency, especially for future premium devices.
Another key feature is Flex Magic Pixel technology, designed for privacy. It limits viewing angles so sensitive content like messages or health data stays hidden from people nearby, without affecting the main viewing experience.
Samsung also showcased a stretchable Micro LED display aimed at automotive use, along with improvements in EL-QD display efficiency.
Overall, Samsung is pushing toward displays that do much more than just show content. Future smartphones could act as health monitoring tools, offer built-in privacy, and deliver better visual performance, all through a single screen.
Motorola officially unveiled the Motorola Razr Fold, its first-ever book-style foldable, at MWC 2026. The device is now gradually making its way to different markets. While it has already landed in Europe, it is making its way to China this month. Now, a new development reveals that it is also heading to India in the coming days.
Motorola Razr Fold teaser page
The landing page for the Motorola Razr Fold has gone live in India, indicating that the launch may not be far away. The page states “coming soon” suggesting that t The page includes a notify option, allowing users to register interest ahead of the official launch.
Motorola Razr Fold specs, price
The specifications of the Motorola Razr Fold are already known, as the device has debuted globally. It features a 6.6-inch pOLED outer display with a 2520 x 1080 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness of up to 6000 nits, protected by Gorilla Glass Ceramic 3. The inner display measures 8.1 inches with an LTPO panel, 2484 x 2232 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 6200 nits brightness, along with UTG protection.
The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, paired with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and up to 1TB storage. It houses a 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery with support for 80W wired, 50W wireless, and 5W reverse wired charging.
For photography, the Razr Fold includes a 50-megapixel main camera with a Sony LYT-828 sensor and OIS, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens with a 122-degree field of view, and a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom with OIS. It also features a 32-megapixel front camera on the outer display and a 20-megapixel inner camera. The device supports 8K video recording along with Dolby Vision.
On the software front, it runs Android 16 and is promised to receive seven Android upgrades along with seven years of security updates. Additional features include Motorola Pen Ultra support and an IP48/49 rating for durability.
In Europe, the Motorola Razr Fold is priced in the premium segment, placing it alongside other flagship foldables. However, there is no information yet regarding its pricing in India. Once launched, it is expected to compete with upcoming foldable devices such as the Vivo X Fold 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 in the Indian market.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
For the past ten years, I have relied almost entirely on air conditioning to get through the summer. Where I live, temperatures regularly reach 45°C (113°F), and the heat can be difficult to manage.
However, running an AC unit all day comes with a significant downside: high electricity bills. This year, I decided to look for a more cost-effective way to cool my home during the daytime. I wanted to see if a modern desert cooler could do the job without using as much power.
To test this out, I received the Kenstar TALL BOY Honey Comb 105 Litre BLDC Desert Cooler (Model: KCLTBDBL105FRH) as a review unit. It retails for ₹15,990 ($168) and features a Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motor, which is designed to be energy efficient.
After using it for a week, including during a particularly hot and humid stretch of weather, I have a clear understanding of how it performs, where it works well, and what its limitations are. Here is my experience using it as a daily cooling solution.
Design and Dimensions
The first thing you notice about the Kenstar Tall Boy is its height. It stands 1428 mm tall, which is about 4.7 feet. It is a large appliance that will be very noticeable in whatever room you place it in. However, the height serves a specific, practical purpose.
Many standard desert coolers are relatively short, meaning the air they blow often hits the side of a bed or the back of a chair. By elevating the 40.6 cm (16-inch) fan, the Tall Boy directs the airflow higher up. When I am sitting at my desk or lying in bed, the air reaches me directly rather than cooling the floor.
Despite being tall, the cooler’s footprint is fairly standard for its capacity, measuring 630 x 445 mm. It fits reasonably well into the corner of my dining room and doesn’t take up too much floor space on my balcony. The body is made from ABS and HIPS plastic. It feels sturdy enough for regular indoor and covered outdoor use, and it hasn’t shown any signs of strain.
When the cooler is empty, it weighs 18 kg, which is manageable to move. But this model has a 105-liter water tank. Once you fill it up, the total weight exceeds 120 kg. To handle this, Kenstar included four castor wheels at the base. I was initially concerned about moving it when full, but the wheels roll smoothly on flat floors. I can push it from the living room to the terrace without much effort, though you do have to be careful over door thresholds.
BLDC Motor and Power Consumption
This model comes with a BLDC motor. Traditional desert coolers of this size usually consume between 200 and 250 watts of electricity. The Kenstar Tall Boy is rated at 145 watts. While that might not sound like a massive difference on paper, it adds up over a month when you are running the cooler for 10 to 15 hours a day. It is a noticeable reduction in power consumption compared to older models.
This low wattage also provides a very practical benefit during power cuts. Because it draws only 145 watts, the cooler runs easily on my standard home inverter. In areas where the power grid can be unreliable during peak summer months, being able to keep your primary cooling appliance running on battery backup is highly convenient.
Kenstar says that the motor uses a double ball bearing system. In practice, this is meant to reduce internal friction, which should help the motor last longer and run a bit smoother. It comes with a five-year warranty on the motor, which provides some peace of mind regarding its durability.
Cooling Performance and Airflow
If you are transitioning from an air conditioner to a desert cooler, there is a learning curve. I made the mistake of setting the Tall Boy up in a closed bedroom on the first day. Desert coolers use evaporative cooling, which naturally adds moisture to the air. Because the room lacked ventilation, the humidity increased quickly, and the room just felt sticky and uncomfortable.
Once I realized my error, I moved the cooler to my dining area and opened a window to allow for cross-ventilation. The difference was immediate. In an open space, the cooler works effectively. The fan pushes out 4500 m³/h (cubic meters per hour) of air, and Kenstar claims an air throw of 50 feet.
While I didn’t measure the exact distance, it easily circulates air across my entire living space. The motorized louvers move side to side, helping to distribute the air evenly rather than blowing it in just one direction.
The cooling media consists of honeycomb pads on three sides. They hold water well, don’t sag, and provide consistent evaporation.
For particularly hot afternoons, the cooler has an ice chamber on top. You can add ice cubes to cool the water before it runs through the pads. It does lower the temperature of the air noticeably for a short period. Once the ice melts, it returns to standard evaporative cooling, which is still effective as long as you keep a window or door open.
Day-to-Day Use and Maintenance
Living with a 105-liter cooler is fairly straightforward. The large tank is very convenient; a full tank easily lasts me 12 to 15 hours of continuous use. I can fill it in the evening and run it through the night without worrying about the water running out. There is a clear water level indicator on the front, so you can check how much water is left at a glance.
The cooler includes a dust filter net on the outside of the cooling pads. This is a simple but useful feature. It catches larger dust particles, pet hair, and insects, stopping them from getting stuck in the honeycomb pads. This means the pads stay cleaner for longer, and the air smells fresher. Also, a quick heads-up for new buyers: if you have just bought it, you will likely notice a distinct smell for the first two days of use, but it eventually goes away completely.
The control panel is a modern touch interface that is intuitive and easy to use, and it also comes with a handy remote control. The touch panel works really well with absolutely no issues, housing all the necessary buttons including power, fan settings, cooling on or off, swing, and a timer. It offers seven different fan speeds, which is highly practical. You can keep it on a low setting for a gentle breeze or turn it up when you need to cool the room quickly.
There are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. First, moving this volume of air generates noise. On the lower settings, it is a manageable background hum. But on the highest fan speeds, it is quite loud. If you are watching TV or taking a phone call in the same room, you will likely need to turn the fan speed down.
Second, maintenance is required. If you live in an area with hard water, minerals will eventually build up on the honeycomb pads. You will need to periodically drain the tank and descale the pads to keep the cooler working efficiently. It isn’t a difficult process, but it is an extra chore you don’t have with an AC.
The Verdict
The Kenstar TALL BOY 105 Litre BLDC Desert Cooler is a practical and effective appliance, provided you use it in the right environment. It will not replace an air conditioner in a sealed room, and it won’t drop the room temperature to 18°C.
However, if you have a large, well-ventilated space, like a living room, a spacious bedroom with open windows, or a covered patio, it performs very well. The 4.7-foot height ensures the air reaches you where you are sitting, and the 105-liter tank minimizes the need for constant refilling.
At ₹15,990 ($168), the initial cost is reasonable, and the 145W BLDC motor helps keep ongoing electricity costs down. It is a sensible, energy-efficient alternative for managing the summer heat, especially if you need an appliance that can run on a home inverter during power outages.
Since the beginning of this month, Oppo has been teasing the arrival of the Find X9 Ultra in India, but is yet to confirm the launch date. Most likely, the company may unveil it after its rival brand Vivo introduces the Vivo X300 Ultra tomorrow in India. Ahead of the expected launch this month, Oppo has now shared key details about the camera capabilities of the Find X9 Ultra.
The Oppo Find X9 Ultra introduces a redesigned periscope camera system that aims to deliver 10x optical zoom without increasing module size. At its core is the Industry-first Quintuple Prism Reflection Periscope Structure, where light is redirected multiple times within a compact 29mm space before reaching the 50-megapixel sensor. This design extends the optical path, enabling an approximate 230mm focal length while keeping the device slim.
To maintain image quality across this complex setup, Oppo has developed a refined optical path system that reduces stray light and preserves clarity. The device also integrates sensor shift stabilisation, which physically moves the sensor to counter hand movements at higher zoom levels. This helps in capturing stable shots even at extended zoom ranges.
Find X9 Ultra – Triple Active Optical Alignment
The camera module is further refined through Triple Active Optical Alignment, a precision-based assembly process that ensures accurate positioning of the lens, prism, and sensor for consistent sharpness. The overall setup includes a 200-megapixel main camera with a Sony LYTIA 901 sensor, a 200-megapixel 3x telephoto lens for portraits and telemacro use, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera. All lenses support 4K 60fps Dolby Vision recording, supported by an image engine focused on colour and detail refinement.
Oppo Find X9 Ultra launch date (rumored)
According to tipster Sanju Choudhary, the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Find X9s could launch in India on May 15. Pricing is expected to be positioned above the Find X9 Pro, which is currently priced at Rs 1,09,999, with the Ultra variant likely to cost significantly more. The Find X9s, on the other hand, may start at around Rs 70,000.
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Last year, Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 15s Pro powered by its homegrown Xring O1 chip. There have been reports that the brand is now working on a successor version of the chip dubbed the Xring O3. Speculation suggests that the Xring O3 may debut as early as this year, possibly powering the upcoming Xiaomi 17 Fold (tentative name) foldable smartphone. Now, a new leak reveals that it may also power the next-generation Ultra-branded flagship phone.
Xiaomi’s mysterious Ultra flagship with Xring O3 in the works
Xiaomi 17 Ultra
Tipster Yogesh Brar suggests that Xiaomi is working on a new Ultra-branded smartphone powered by its in-house Xring O3 chipset. The report indicates that this device is being developed alongside the upcoming Xiaomi 18 Ultra, which is still expected later this year.
The new Xring O3-powered Ultra model is said to be a separate offering from the 18 Ultra, raising questions about its positioning within Xiaomi’s flagship lineup. It is also being suggested that this device may remain limited to China, with no plans for a global rollout at this stage.
What’s known about the Xring O3?
Reports have revealed that the Xring O3 will arrive with a simplified yet more powerful architecture. It is expected to shift to an octa-core design, moving away from the earlier 10-core layout. The new setup may include a Prime core clocked at up to 4.05GHz, Titanium cores at around 3.42GHz, and efficiency-focused little cores reaching 3.02GHz.
The GPU is also tipped to improve, nearing 1.5GHz frequencies. Memory speeds may remain unchanged at 9600 MT/s. Overall, these changes are likely aimed at improving multitasking, background processing, and sustained performance efficiency across demanding workloads.
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Samsung has quietly increased prices for a bunch of its budget and mid-range Galaxy phones in India, and this is not the first time this year. The latest revision, which took effect in early May 2026, marks the sixth price hike so far in 2026.
This time, the increase hits models across the M and F series, including the Galaxy F06, F36, F70e, M06, M17e, M17, and M36. Based on updated listings on Samsung’s official website, most variants have gone up by a flat ₹1,000.
The change was first pointed out by tipster Abhishek Yadav on X, who shared what looks like internal communication sent to retailers.
For the more affordable models like the Galaxy F06 and M06, prices now start at ₹12,499 for the 4GB/64GB variant, going up to ₹15,999 for the 6GB/128GB version. For context, the 4GB/128GB version of the Galaxy F06 was priced at ₹9,999 at launch and now stands at ₹13,999.
The F36 and M36 series now sit between ₹21,999 and ₹27,999 depending on the configuration. Mid-tier options like the F70e and M17e have also seen a similar ₹1,000 bump across variants, while the Galaxy M17 lineup now starts at ₹16,999 and goes up to ₹20,999.
Samsung has not officially explained the reason behind the repeated increases, but the broader industry trend gives some context. Component prices, especially memory and storage, have been climbing due to demand from AI infrastructure and data centers, and that shift seems to be trickling down to consumer devices.
What stands out is how frequent these adjustments have been. Samsung has been revising prices almost every month this year, and while ₹1,000 might not sound like much to some buyers, it starts to add up over multiple hikes.
Seasonal sales on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart could offset some of the increase, depending on discounts and exchange offers. So the actual street price may still look reasonable in some cases. Still, if this trend continues, these phones are slowly drifting away from their original “budget” positioning.
Previous reports suggested that OpenAI was exploring hardware such as AI-focused earbuds and possibly a phone developed with partners like MediaTek and Qualcomm. Now, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has shared deeper insights into a dedicated AI agent smartphone, including timelines, specifications, and the broader strategy behind it.
OpenAI’s AI agent smartphone vision takes shape
According to Kuo, OpenAI may accelerate development of its first smartphone, targeting mass production as early as the first half of 2027. MediaTek is currently the leading candidate to supply the processor, which is expected to be a customised chip based on the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 and manufactured using TSMC’s N2P process in the second half of 2026.
The hardware is said to focus heavily on AI-driven tasks, with a dual NPU architecture designed for layered computing. Memory and storage could also see upgrades with LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0, aiming to reduce bottlenecks when handling continuous AI workloads. For imaging, an enhanced ISP is expected to improve high dynamic range output, which could help the device better interpret real-world environments visually.
Kuo suggests that the device may rethink how users interact with smartphones. Instead of relying on multiple apps, the focus could shift to AI agents that handle tasks directly based on user intent. This approach may require deep integration between hardware and software, allowing OpenAI to control the entire experience without platform-level restrictions seen on existing ecosystems.
The phone is also expected to continuously process user context, which includes behaviour and usage patterns, making on-device efficiency critical. Simpler tasks could be handled locally, while more demanding processes may be executed through cloud-based AI systems.
Security features such as pKVM and inline hashing are also expected to be part of the system design. If development stays on track, shipments could reach around 30 million units across 2027 and 2028 combined.
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Motorola has launched two different versions of the Edge 70 Pro for India and global markets. Now, the brand is working on a new model called the Edge 70 Pro+ for the Indian market. According to reliable tipster Mukul Sharma, this phone is scheduled to launch by the end of this month. Ahead of the launch, he has revealed that the device will offer three major upgrades over the existing Edge 70 Pro.
Motorola Edge 70 Pro+: Key features revealed
Motorola Edge 70 Pro+
The leak reveals that the Motorola Edge 70 Pro+ will feature a telephoto lens, support wireless charging, and offer a 16GB RAM variant. Additionally, it will be available in three shades, as shown in the image. The extreme left one is dubbed Satin Wine Red, and there is also a wood finish variant.
While the other specifications of the phone are under wraps, they are likely to be identical to the regular Edge 70 Pro. It appears that the global version of the Edge 70 Pro, which includes all the above-mentioned specifications, will be called the Edge 70 Pro+ in the Indian market.
The Edge 70 Pro is priced at Rs 38,999 (~$410) in the Indian market. Therefore, the Edge 70 Pro+ with its distinguishing features may carry a sub-Rs 50,000 price tag.
The Edge 70 Pro+ may feature a 6.8-inch AMOLED panel offering a 1.5K resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and 5200 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, it could be equipped with the Dimensity 8500 Extreme chip and a 6,500mAh battery with 90W wired and 15W wireless charging.
The Edge 70 Pro+ could be equipped with a 50-megapixel front camera and a 50-megapixel (main) + 50-megapixel (ultra-wide) + 50-megapixel (3.5x periscope) triple camera setup. The device will run on Hello UX-based Android 16 and is expected to receive three major Android updates.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Casio recently added two new digital watches to its US lineup: the AE1600HX-1BV and the AE1600HX-3AV. Both models are priced at $45.95. If they look familiar, it is because they were already listed on Casio’s international and European websites last month, but they are now officially available for US buyers.
Design Details
The main difference between these new “HX” models and the standard AE-1600H series is the strap length. Standard Casio resin bands usually fit wrist sizes up to 215mm. These new models come with an extra-long rally-style strap that accommodates wrists from 145mm up to 235mm.
It is a practical change for people who usually find standard watch bands too tight. The longer band is also useful if you need to wear the watch over a jacket or long sleeves while working or spending time outdoors. The strap uses a double-hole design, which helps keep the watch secure on the wrist.
As for the design, both watches have a large resin case measuring 54.1 by 49.7mm, and they are 15.9mm thick. Despite the bulky size, they only weigh 55 grams. The AE1600HX-1BV is the black model. It uses a negative LCD, meaning the screen background is dark while the numbers are light, and has small light blue text on the case.
The AE1600HX-3AV comes in a dark olive color with a standard LCD screen and lime yellow text. Both versions have a large button on the front of the case that turns on an amber LED backlight, making it easy to check the time in the dark.
Internally, these watches offer the standard set of features you would expect from an affordable Casio. They are powered by a CR2032 coin battery that is rated to last for about 10 years. They also have 100-meter (10-bar) water resistance, meaning you can swim or wash your hands with them without an issue.
The software includes basic daily tools: a dual time function, a 1/100-second stopwatch, a 24-hour countdown timer, and five alarms (including one snooze option). The digital calendar is fully automatic up to the year 2099.
Reports in Italy claim that Barcelona have been left ‘disappointed’ by the fact that a potential deal for Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni seems to be fading away, but there are also suggestions that the financially-troubled LaLiga giants should priorities the signing of a new striker rather than a new defender.
Why Bastoni’s move to Barcelona is beginning to look unlikely
For several weeks, reports in Spain and Italy have linked Barcelona with a summer move for Italy international Bastoni, who was part of the squad that celebrated Inter’s 21st Serie A title over the weekend.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Nerazzurri President Beppe Marotta has recently admitted: “I won’t deny there is interest from Barcelona (in Bastoni), but nothing concrete yet.”
However, according to the latest updates from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Barcelona’s interest in the left-sided defender is now beginning to fade away.
There are several reasons for this, but perhaps most importantly is the player’s apparent unwillingness to leave San Siro this summer.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Inter value Bastoni in the region of €70m, but Barcelona had believed that they would be able to negotiate a discounted fee closer to €50m. In order for that to happen, though, they would have needed for Bastoni to express his desire to leave for Barcelona, thus forcing Inter’s hand into a sale.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, this has not happened, and the Nerazzurri have no intention of letting Bastoni go for a cut-price fee.
Whether a €50m or a €70m fee, it is still a significant investment for a club who continue to feel the impact of LaLiga’s strict financial rules. As a result of their recent financial troubles, the only new, permanent signings that Barcelona have been able to complete over the last two seasons have been Dani Olmo in a €58m deal, Joan Garcia in a €27m deal and youngster Roony Bardghji in a €2m deal.
Given that it has practically been a case of one new first-team signing per summer for Barcelona over the last two years, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Bastoni would not be the best use of available funds during the upcoming transfer window.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 07: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou on February 07, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
That is because Barcelona will likely need a new striker too, as the high-earning Robert Lewandowski, 37, is likely to leave the club this summer, which leaves Hansi Flick with a big gap to fill at centre-forward, which would likely be Barcelona’s priority rather than the signing of a luxury centre-back.
Riccardo Calafiori and Matteo Ruggeri are both in the starting line-ups as Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League final on Tuesday evening.
Arsenal and Atletico are level at 1-1 at the halfway stage of their Champions League semi-final after goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Julian Alvaerz, both from the penalty spot, at the Metropolitano last week.
Tonight’s second leg will kick off at 20.00 BST.
Calafiori keeps his place in the Arsenal starting XI after a stellar performance against Fulham in the Premier League over the weekend. The Italy international was denied his first goal at The Emirates after a late VAR review on Saturday.
The former Roma and Bologna defender had missed four matches across all competitions with a knock leading up to the first leg of this tie, and was left on the bench for the opening game last week. This is the first time since December that Calafiori has started two games in a row for Arsenal.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on January 31, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Ruggeri also keeps his place at left-back in the Atletico Madrid line-up. The former Atalanta wing-back has started in 12 of Atleti’s 15 Champions League outings this term and was one of several key players that Diego Simeone decided to rest for the LaLiga match against Valencia over the weekend.
Former Atalanta star Ademola Lookman also starts for Atletico, and former Dea goalkeeper Juan Musso is named among Simeone’s substitutes.
Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid: Confirmed line-ups
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 14: Matteo Ruggeri of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Club Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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Chelsea eye Joel Ordonez swoop
Chelsea have been tracking the 22-year-old defender since 2022, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done this summer. They need more quality in the defensive unit. They have looked quite poor at the back this season, and they need to improve in that area if they want to compete with top clubs next season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool need an alternative to Ibrahima Konate, who will be out of contract in the summer. It will be interesting to see if they can get a deal done for the 22-year-old South American defender.
Manchester United and Tottenham also need more quality in the defensive unit. Both clubs have looked vulnerable at the back this season. Manchester United need a long-term replacement for Harry Maguire, and Tottenham could lose Cristian Romero in the summer. It remains to be seen which of the Premier League clubs can get the deal done.
The Belgian club could demand around £35 million for the South American defender, and the Premier League club certainly has the financial muscle to afford him.
Liverpool and Arsenal are interested in signing the Bournemouth attacker Eli Junior Kroupi at the end of the season.
The 19-year-old has 12 goals in 30 league matches for the Cherries, and top clubs are interested in securing his signature. According to a report from INews, Liverpool are looking to reshape their attacking unit after the departure of Mohamed Salah, and they are firm admirers of the French attacker.
They believe he could become a key player for the club. However, the Cherries are unwilling to sanction his departure. The player is valued at in excess of £100 million, and they are hoping to offer him a new contract after his impressive debut campaign.
It will be interesting to see if Liverpool decides to come forward with an offer for him at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are keeping tabs on his situation as well. Even though Viktor Gyokeres has scored 20 goals in all competitions, this season, he has not been prolific enough in the Premier League.
Arsenal need more quality in the final third, and the French attacker would be ideal for them.
The 19-year-old has the potential to develop into a star in the Premier League, and joining clubs like Arsenal or Liverpool could be attractive for him. It would be a huge step up for him, and he would get to compete at the highest level with them.
However, it is unlikely that any club would be willing to pay in excess of £100 million for him this summer. Therefore, any move might have to wait for the future.
Manchester United are interested in signing the West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
The 21-year-old has done quite well for the London club this season, and he has been one of their brightest performers despite a disappointing season. Naturally, top clubs are interested in him. According to Ben Jacobs, Manchester United are looking to sign him in the summer, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops.
West Ham is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they will struggle to keep their best players if they go down. Fernandes will want to compete at a high level, and the move to Manchester United would be ideal for him.
The hard-working central midfielder will add defensive cover, control and composure in the middle of the park. It could be the ideal next step in his development. Manchester United will be able to provide him with Champions League football and the opportunity to fight for trophies.
In theory, he should be the ideal partner for Kobbie Mainoo. He has been described as “an ultimate Premier League midfielder”.
Manchester United will need to invest in a reliable defensive midfielder as well. Adding more quality in the middle of the park should be a top priority for them as they head into the summer transfer window. They have shown great improvement in recent months, but they need quality additions in order to close the gap with Arsenal and Manchester City.
Convincing Fernandes to join the club will not be difficult for them. The opportunity to play for them will be exciting for the young midfielder. However, they will need to secure an agreement with West Ham United. They could demand a premium for the talented young midfielder.
Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to agree on a new deal with Luka Vuskovic at the end of the season.
The Croatian has been on loan at Hamburg, and he has been outstanding for the German club since joining.
He has been linked with multiple clubs in recent weeks, but Tottenham are determined to keep him at the club for the long term. According to a report from the Sun, they are prepared to offer him a new deal. The report further claims that Johan Lange personally flew to Hamburg to discuss a new deal with the player.
He has a contract with Tottenham until 2030, but he joined on relatively low wages. Tottenham is prepared to offer him a pay rise, given his performances in Germany this season. They expect him to be a key player for the club in the coming seasons.
Vuskovic has been very reliable defensively and has scored 5 goals as well. He has proven himself to be a revelation in German football, and there is no doubt he has the quality to succeed in England as well. He is regarded as one of the finest young defensive talents in the world right now, and Tottenham must do everything in its power to keep him at the club for as long as possible.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season. They will need someone to step up and fill the void. The creation defender could be ideal. He is a young player with a lot of potential, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. He has all the attributes to develop into a future star.
Former ESPN and Fox host Marcellus Wiley responded to the latest sexual assault allegations against him by four new accusers.
The new allegations were filed in court last month, joining three existing claims of sexual assault against Wiley. The first accuser came forward in 2023, alleging Wiley raped them in 1994 while he was a football player at Columbia University in 1994. Wiley previously called those claims “B.S.,” and his lawyer similarly denied the allegations in a 2024 court filing.
Rolling Stone was first to report the latest accusations filed against Wiley last week. In the new filings, one claim was made by an ESPN production assistant, who alleged Wiley assaulted them in his hotel room while the two were coworkers in 2009. Another accuser in the new filings claimed Wiley raped her on her 18th birthday in Dallas while he was a member of the Cowboys, alleging he had been grooming her since she was 13.
Tuesday morning, Wiley went live on his YouTube channel for his regular show, which generally addresses the more salacious topics and headlines in sports. And Wiley included the allegations against him in the rundown. While Wiley didn’t address any specific allegation against him, he claimed to have evidence that would disprove his accusers.
“Pick a date, pick the encounter, pick the allegation,” Wiley said. “For every one of them, I either saw, communicated through email, text, phone, was invited by these individuals after these dates to engage, to be intimate, or all of the above. After the dates that are in question. It directly contradicts the narrative that they’re trying to present publicly.”
“I got one straightforward question for all the accusers,” Wiley continued. “Why did you continue to see or maintain friendly communication at a minimum, that can be verified, will be verified, with someone that you’re accusing after the alleged incidents?”
Wiley did not provide any records, receipts, or direct evidence during his show, but said there are tons of details he’s refraining from addressing at this time, citing “the burden is not on me to prove innocence…it is on them who are making these accusations to prove their claims are credible, prove their claims are truthful, prove that they’re supported by evidence.”
Wiley insisted he’s going to fight the allegations, noting there are no criminal charges, and claimed his accusers are using him to get to the deep pockets of ESPN and Columbia University. And because the former ESPN host and Columbia football player is not the only party named in the filings, Wiley was careful with how much information he shared. But according to Wiley, he will fight the allegations because of his son, who shares his name.
“To you, it’s about money,” Wiley said. “To me, it’s about my son’s name that he will one day Google and think this is about him, but he’s gonna know it’s about his dad. And how dare you stain the brain of my child and his hero?”
Wiley has not worked in mainstream media since leaving Fox Sports in 2022, but he has built a following on YouTube with over 500,000 subscribers to his channel. And Wiley said he will continue to do his YouTube show amid these latest court filings, just as he has since being hit with the first round of sexual assault allegations a few years ago.
That ERA would be best in the NL if Ohtani had enough qualifying innings, though he’s at 30 going into Tuesday’s start. Depending on how long he goes, he could take the NL lead outright.
Apr 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani reacts against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“Shohei Ohtani, without question, with a bullet,” McKain said. “He’s been the Dodgers’ best starting pitcher. He hasn’t been just the Dodgers’ best starting pitcher, he’s been the best starting pitcher in all of Major League Baseball and definitely the National League.”
2. Tyler Glasnow
Coming in second is Tyler Glasnow, who might be a surprise for some given the pitchers he’s topped on the list.
Through six starts, though, he has a 3-0 record with a 2.56 ERA, WHIP of 0.828 and 47 strikeouts.
“Tyler Glasnow has put together a really good start to the season,” McKain said.
3. Justin Wrobleski
Justin Wrobleski gets the third spot, which some might find odd considering he’s leading the NL with his 1.25 ERA.
“Three, I’ve got to go Justin Wrobleski. I know Wrobleski’s ERA will say he’s had a better year so far, but I think Glasnow’s bigger stuff is just better, so I’ve got to go with Glasnow,” McKain said.
4. Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Before the season, it would’ve been hard to imagine that the Dodgers’ ace and Opening Day starting pitcher would be in the bottom half of the rotation, but that’s just how strong the Dodgers’ starting pitching is.
“Yama and Glasnow are really close; it’s Yama after Glasnow though,” McKain said.
Yamamoto (3-2) has an ERA of 3.09, WHIP of 1.008 and 40 strikeouts on the season.
5. Roki Sasaki
Now we’re getting into the post-Snell-return danger zone, though Roki Sasaki’s potential puts him slightly ahead of Sheehan, according to McKain.
“I think Roki still has some more upside there,” McKain said.
Sasaki (1-3) has an ERA of 5.97, WHIP of 1.674 and 26 strikeouts.
6. Emmet Sheehan
While Sasaki may have a slightly higher potential, Sheehan’s stats, while not great, are currently better than Sasaki’s.
Sheehan (2-1) has an ERA of 5.23, WHIP of 1.323 and 36 strikeouts.
Jon Rahm said Tuesday that he doesn’t “see many ways out” of his LIV Golf contract as he spoke openly for the first time about what his options will be now that the league has announced it’s no longer funded by Saudi Arabia’s PIF and is looking for investors for it to continue.
The two-time major champion was asked in Washington, D.C., ahead of their event at Trump National, if he was able to get out of his contract with the league if he feels like it’s not suitable for him beyond this year.
“I have no idea, I couldn't tell you,” he said. “I have very few talents in my life, and reading a contract or business are not two of them.
“As of right now, I have several years on my contract left, and I'm pretty sure they did a pretty good job when they drafted that. So I don't see many ways out, and as of right now, I'm not really thinking about it since we still have a season to play and majors to compete for. So it's not something I want to think about just yet.”
He may not be thinking about it yet, but it’s something Rahm is likely going to have to deal with soon. He’s willing to see what CEO Scott O’Neil comes up with first.
“I don't think he would ask anybody to buy into anything without giving us a business plan first,” Rahm said. “Until we have that, I don't think we can really answer the rest, right? It would just be speculation at that point.”
Rahm said that the league has worked with team captains, of which he is for Legion XIII, about their respective ideas. He’s given his opinion but realizes it’s impossible to make everyone happy in a situation like this where there are 57 players and 13 teams.
For now, he’s trying to focus on playing this week in the nation’s capital. He leads the season’s individual standings, has won twice—including two weeks ago in Mexico City—and hasn’t finished worse than fifth place in six events.
But it’s not easy to focus on the golf course when there are so many distractions off of it. On Tuesday, he squashed one distraction by announcing that he and the DP World Tour have ended their dispute and he’s now eligible to play on Europe’s Ryder Cup team next year. The LIV Golf intrusions, however, do not appear to be going away soon.
“It's definitely extra noise, there's no denying it,” he said. “But I think we deal with it as athletes honestly. I think it's part of the job a lot of times, and sometimes that extra noise is internal for something that may be happening family-wise that's not public, which is much worse than this.
“We practice enough so once you get in competition mode, it doesn't matter. It might be a worry before or after, but it shouldn't be once you get to that first tee. We've said a few times, when it's so uncertain and so out of our control, there's really nothing to think about.”
A new report from CNBC reveals that Xbox chief executive officer Asha Sharma is bringing over more of her former CoreAI team to the Xbox side of Microsoft in an overhaul of Xbox's executive team with five new members in total, the fifth coming instead from Sharma's other previous home of Instacart. Part of the move also includes the dismissal of more of the old guard, as one moves to an advisory role, and the other leaves the company. Since Asha Sharma stepped into the role of chief executive officer of Xbox, the former CoreAI president has been establishing what […]
LG has showcased new OLED technologies at the SID Display Week 2026, but its 3rd-gen Tandem OLED was the main highlight of the show. LG Showcases 3rd Gen Tandem OLED That Targets Efficiency, and a 5K OLED Panel With 221 PPI The LG Display is expanding its OLED stack by introducing new monitors and new panel technologies. At SID Display Week 2026, held in Los Angeles, LG Display showcased the 3rd-generation Tandem OLED technology and a 5K RGB OLED monitor panel. The biggest highlight was the 3rd-gen Tandem OLED that brings meaningful improvements over previous OLED technologies. As per the […]
NVIDIA CEO has said that China should not have access to its most advanced AI chips, such as Blackwell or Rubin. Blackwell or Rubin AI Chips are a no-go for China, but NVIDIA's CEO Wants US Firms To Continue To Compete In Global Markets The US AI policy shift towards China has been ongoing since NVIDIA's Hopper generation of chips. Export controls restricted NVIDIA from selling its bleeding-edge chips to Chinese firms & this ban has extended into the Blackwell generation. Reaffirming the US-first policy, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has stated that the company's most advanced AI chips, Blackwell and […]
Apple is still a fair distance away from unveiling the 2027-launching iPhone 20. Yet, the iPhone has been the focus of supply chain leaks for quite some time, which is hardly a surprise given the quantum of change that Apple is reportedly bringing to the proverbial table. Now, a well-known tipster has tried to wholly demystify the iPhone 20 by pairing feature leaks with plausible speculation. Apple iPhone 20 to sport an all-glass look, replete with solid-state buttons, a quad-curved display, and hefty use of under-display tech, and topped off with a massive battery The Weibo-based tipster Instant Digital has […]
IO Interactive's James Bond licensed game, 007 First Light, is now just three weeks away from its debut. As we got closer to the launch, the developers started revealing new details; now, YouTuber JorRaptor has reported that Gameplay Director Andreas Krogh confirmed the game's average length is around 20 hours. That's without counting the Tactical Simulator mode (inspired by HITMAN's escalations), which will repurpose main story locations with added difficulty, restrictions, and online leaderboards, with new missions added post-launch. Notably, all cosmetic outfits (including pre-order and special edition ones) are restricted to the Tactical Simulator and cannot be worn in the main campaign, where Bond's wardrobe […]
Quantware is building the world's most powerful Quantum processor, and Intel is one of the investors behind it and the company's KiloFab project. Quantware's VIO-4K Quantum Processor Can Drive 10,000 Qubits, 100x More Than Today's State-of-the-Art Quantum Computers Quantware has raised $176 million to build the world's fastest and largest quantum processor to date, the VIO-4K. The company will also be building KiloFab, the largest dedicated quantum open architecture fab, as it anticipates strong customer demand, boosting its production capacity by 20x. In the announcement, Quantware secured new investors, including Intel Capital, In-Q-Tel, and ETF Partners, which are in addition […]
Major US banking associations rejected the Clarity Act’s stablecoin yield compromise, splitting publicly from Coinbase and Circle Major US banking associations publicly rejected the stablecoin yield compromise brokered by Senators Tillis and Alsobrooks in the Clarity Act. The banking groups…
OnRe Finance raised $5M from Forward and RockawayX as Forward prepares up to $25M into ONyc, scaling Solana-based, tokenized reinsurance with DeFi integrations. OnRe Finance said it has closed a $5 million strategic funding round to accelerate development of its…
Pi Network co-founders took the Consensus 2026 stage in Miami, six days before Protocol 23 activates on May 11 Pi Network co-founders Dr. Chengdiao Fan and Nicolas Kokkalis both appeared at Consensus 2026 in Miami this week, speaking to over…
XRP Evernorth has named Robert Kaiden, CFO of the OpenAI Foundation, to its board of directors XRP Evernorth, the Ripple-backed treasury company building an XRP-denominated balance sheet ahead of a Nasdaq listing, has appointed two senior executives to its board.…
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse defended Clarity Act progress at Consensus 2026, calling the past week a “big positive shift.” Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse took the Consensus 2026 stage in Miami today and told attendees the Clarity Act is gaining genuine…
Ripple is feeding North Korea–linked threat intelligence into Crypto ISAC, hoping shared context on DPRK operatives and DeFi exploits can blunt a 2026 hack wave led by Drift and KelpDAO. Ripple said it has begun sharing internal threat intelligence on…
Oceania Cruises is eliminating non‑commissionable cruise fares (NCFs) on all newly launched sailings, set to be announced in May and June. Covering the 2028 summer and 2028–29 winter seasons and 2028 and 2029 Around the World voyages, the change is meant to simplify advisor compensation and expand their earning opportunities. Once the new itineraries go...
As one of the few laptops to come standard with tandem OLED, the Pro 9i 16 Aura Edition makes a strong case against mini-LED when it comes to maximizing brightness and improving HDR support.
Windows 11 KB5083769 is blocking the psmounterex.sys driver used by Macrium Reflect and Acronis, causing backup failures and VSS timeouts on 24H2 and 25H2.
GTA 6 could raise the price level of new triple-A games, but still not be quite as expensive as some customers had feared. An analyst from Bank of America has now commented specifically on the price of the game. Meanwhile, the CEO of Take-Two speaks of "terrifying" expectations.
Apple is rumoured to be a few months away from lifting the lid on its first foldable iPhone. Regardless, a prominent YouTuber has shared fresh insights into the state of the iPhone Ultra and how it could look when it arrives in September.
With a new exploit, Sony’s console can become a capable gaming PC. Using the PS5 on Linux hack, Digital Foundry evaluated the performance of several PlayStation games. The ports exhibited similar frame rates, but memory limitations led to stuttering in Pragmata.
Astronomers observed a trans-Neptunian object during its passage in front of a star, and it appears that this celestial object has an atmosphere. But if this discovery is confirmed, many questions remain unanswered.
Dell has released a new 16-inch laptop featuring Intel Panther Lake processors and up to a 70 Wh battery. Available globally, the Dell Pro 5 Series 16 can also be configured with up to 64 GB of LPCAMM2 RAM and PCIe Gen 5 storage. OLED display options are missing altogether, though.
Dell has started selling a new 14-inch laptop globally featuring user-upgradeable LPCAMM2 RAM. Also offered with a choice of Intel Panther Lake processors, the Dell Pro 5 Series 14 (P514260) can be configured with OLED or 120 Hz VRR displays and up to a 70 Wh battery.
Today is the first day of Display Week 2026 and Samsung Display will demonstrate a new OLED display that combines privacy and health tracking features, a display that improves brightness and color rendering, a brighter QD display and a stretchable display for cars.
The company’s upgraded Sensor OLED Display is a 6.8” panel, which incorporates biometric sensors that can detect heart rate and blood pressure. This is done by organic photodiodes, which are embedded alongside the regular OLEDs. These photodiodes detect blood flow by seeing light that comes from the display and reflects off your...
Apple had a long-lasting partnership with Intel until the company decided to move away from the chip designer and manufacturer and rely on its own silicon for its MacBooks. With TSMC, Apple's relationship started in 2014, with the Taiwanese company shipping the Apple A8 chip. TSMC has remained the only chip supplier ever since. Now, Apple is trying to restore its partnership with Intel.
Numerous reports suggest that Apple has been looking to diversify away from TSMC for quite some time, but with the supply chain disruptions and chip shortage, fueled by the AI data centers, the matter...
Bukayo Saka's rebound goal in the 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid made Arsenal reach the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League final stage.
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid clashed at the Emirates stadium on Tuesday, May 5, for the second leg of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League semifinals. Bukayo Saka‘s decisive strike proved to be the only goal of the night, sending the Gunners through to the final in Budapest on a 2-1 aggregate scoreline.
The match began with Atletico sitting in a deep 5-4-1 defensive structure, and Arsenal struggled to find any penetration through the lines, failing to register a single shot on target in the opening 43 minutes. The breakthrough finally came in the 44th minute when Leandro Trossard tested Jan Oblak after bringing down a Viktor Gyokeres cross, and Saka was quickest to react to the rebound, slotting home to give Arsenal the lead.
In the second half, Atletico were forced to open up in search of the goal that would level the tie on aggregate and force extra time. Antoine Griezmann threatened with a right-footed effort, and Alexander Sorloth failed to make clean contact with another chance inside the box, but the Colchoneros could not find the breakthrough they needed and the scoreline stood.
With the result confirmed, Arsenal extended their unbeaten run in the 2025-26 Champions League to 14 games, a sequence made up of 11 wins and three draws. The Gunners now turn their attention to the final in Budapest, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, where they will await the winner of the other semifinal between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal and Atletico Madrid will be clashing for the UEFA Champions League semifinals at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal host Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, May 5, for the decisive second leg of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League semifinals. While both powerhouse clubs are navigating nagging fitness concerns, they are each expected to push their stars to the limit to secure a ticket to the final in Budapest.
The Gunners struck first in the opening leg after David Hancko was whistled for a foul on Viktor Gyokeres inside the area, with the striker clinicaly converting in the 44th minute. However, Atletico showed their trademark resilience, leveling the score after a Benjamin White handball gifted Julian Alvarez a penalty of his own to knot the game.
Following the 1-1 draw at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, the tie will be decided in North London. This marks the third meeting between Arsenal and Atletico this season; their first clash came during the UCL league phase, where the Gunners cruised to a dominant 4-0 victory at the Emirates, a result Mikel Arteta’s side will be desperate to replicate.
Injury updates and key returns
A major concern for Atletico Madrid following the first leg was the health of Julian Alvarez, though manager Diego Simeone was quick to downplay the severity of the Argentine’s second-half exit. Additionally, Alexander Sorloth, who missed the first leg due to discomfort, was rested over the weekend and is expected to be at peak fitness for Tuesday’s clash.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid is challenged by Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice of Arsenal.
Los Colchoneros traveled from Spain to England with a 21-man squad, missing only Nicolas Gonzalez and midfielder Pablo Barrios. On a positive note, veteran defender Jose Maria Gimenez has recovered from an injury sustained in early April and is expected to provide a defensive boost from the substitutes’ bench.
On the Gunners’ side, Mikel Arteta confirmed during Monday’s press conference that both Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are fit and available. The most notable absences remain Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber; Merino is sidelined for the remainder of the season, while Timber continues to struggle with ongoing fitness issues.
Confirmed lineups for Arsenal and Atletico Madrid
Arsenal’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): David Raya; Benjamin White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori; Eberechi Eze, Miles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, Leandro Trossard. Head coach: Mikel Arteta.
Atletico Madrid’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Marc Pubill, Robin Le Normand, David Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Koke, Ademola Lookman; Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez. Head coach: Diego Simeone.
Martin Odegaard (L) of Arsenal and Antoine Griezmann (R) Atletico Madrid.
Two years after leaving Barcelona, Xavi Hernández appears to have a new professional path. Ahead of the 2026–27 season, Chelsea are reportedly targeting the Spaniard as their top priority for the head coach position.
Xavi Hernández became one of the key architects of Barcelona’s project success, building a promising roster. Although he was dismissed, he was the one who helped develop young players such as Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal. Despite being without a team for two years,Chelsea have reportedly decided to pursue the Spanish head coach as the leader of their sporting project, aiming to build an elite-level team.
According to The Independent, the Blues have decided to prioritize the appointment of Xavi Hernández as their new head coach for the 2026–27 season. Although he has been without a team since leaving Barcelona in 2024, the Spaniard coach is highly regarded for his attacking philosophy and solid results. In addition, the English side believes his time at the LaLiga club provided him with valuable experience to lead this project.
Far from being a straightforward decision for Xavi Hernández, he could have serious doubts about accepting Chelsea’s proposal. Given the club’s instability with managers, the Spaniard might not have the opportunity to build a long-term project, as Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior were not afforded that chance either. If he fails to deliver strong results, he could once again exit through the back door, potentially affecting his career, as happened with Graham Potter.
In case Xavi Hernández manages to build a solid project at the Blues, he could once again reestablish as one of the best managers in the world. However, he would likely need to win the Premier League or the UEFA Champions League. In addition, he could request greater control over transfers, aiming to reshape several areas of the squad with players suited to his dominant, attacking style of play.
FC Barcelona Head Coach Xavi Hernandez interacts with Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona.
Report: Chelsea also chase Cesc Fabregas as leading coaching candidate
In an effort to restore the competitive direction of their project, Chelsea appear determined to back a coach who excels at developing young talent. While Xavi Hernández seems to be the front office’s top priority, they are also keeping alternatives in mind in case an agreement cannot be reached. As a result, they have set their sights on Cesc Fàbregas, who is impressing at Como in Serie A.
According to CaughtOffside, the Blues believe Cesc Fàbregas would be an ideal solution for the head coach role. After establishing as a club legend, the Spaniard could be tempted to return to the Premier League. However, he has already made it clear that leaving Como 1907 will not be easy, as he is a shareholder in the club and feels strongly connected to the project, although he has always expressed his love for the English league.
Both Xavi Hernández and Cesc Fàbregas stand out in one key area: Developing young players. Because of this, Chelsea are making it clear that their focus is on maximizing the potential of the young players in their squad, something Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior did not manage to achieve. As a result, they are targeting coaches who have already made an impact on youngsters, with Nico Paz and Lamine Yamal standing out as clear examples of this philosophy.
Xavi, Then Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on before the LaLiga EA Sports match.
The possibility of both stars wearing the same shirt once came dangerously close to reality, only for one decisive factor to change everything.
The careers of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have long been defined by rivalry, but a new revelation suggests their paths could have briefly converged. Long before their iconic battles between Real Madrid and Barcelona, there was a moment when history could have taken a dramatically different turn. The possibility of both stars wearing the same shirt once came dangerously close to reality, only for one decisive factor to change everything.
The summer of 2009 is remembered as a turning point, when Cristiano Ronaldo completed a blockbuster move to Real Madrid, beginning a legendary chapter. However, fresh insight reveals that the deal was far from straightforward and nearly collapsed at a critical stage.
According to former Los Blancos president Ramon Calderon, there was a genuine possibility that Ronaldo could have joined Barcelona instead, creating a partnership with Messi that would have redefined the sport.
Calderon explained that the Blaugrana made a serious push to secure Ronaldo’s signature during that period. “Barcelona offered Cristiano Ronaldo a larger amount. There was a real possibility of him moving to Barcelona and joining Messi,” he said on theYouTube podcast Ingenios, as reported by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
Lionel Messi of Argentina and FC Barcelona (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Real Madrid (R)
The financial aspect of the offer made the situation even more compelling. Barcelona was reportedly willing to outbid Real Madrid, presenting Ronaldo with a lucrative alternative that could have altered his career trajectory. At the same time, Alex Ferguson played a key role behind the scenes. As Manchester United’s manager, he was reluctant to see Ronaldo move to Madrid due to tensions between the clubs.
The decisive moment behind the collapse
The crucial turning point came during discussions about Ronaldo’s next step, when Ferguson attempted to redirect the transfer. “Sir Alex Ferguson… told him at the time: ‘Okay, you will leave, but to Barcelona.’”
It was at this moment that Ronaldo made his stance clear, effectively shaping soccer history. “No, I have reached an agreement with Real Madrid, with Ramon Calderon, and I will go to Real Madrid.”
Sir Alex Ferguson the manager of Manchester United talks with Cristiano Ronaldo
This response closed the door on a potential Barcelona move and ensured that Ronaldo’s long-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid would go ahead, preserving the iconic rivalry between him and Messi rather than uniting them.
Resistance inside Real Madrid and complicated relationship behind the success
Interestingly, even after Ronaldo chose Madrid, the deal still faced internal resistance. Calderon revealed that Florentino Perez, upon returning as president, was initially hesitant to finalize the agreement.
“When Florentino arrived and saw the contract, he did not want to complete the deal. He did not even want to present it… Those around him convinced him that the matter was something crazy.” This hesitation highlights how the transfer was not universally supported within the club at the time, despite its eventual success.
ristiano Ronaldo poses with the trophy as all-time top scorer of Real Madrid CF and president Florentino Perez
Calderon also shed light on the relationship between Perez and Ronaldo, suggesting it was strained from the beginning. “The relationship between Perez and Ronaldo was not good at all from the beginning.”
He went further, recalling the circumstances of Ronaldo’s departure in 2018. “He did not accept the exit either; Perez agreed on the condition that the player bring a cheque worth €100 million [$117m]… and when the player arrived with the cheque, there was no room to back out.”
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF (R)
As Al-Nassr prepares for another defining moment, developments involving Abderrazak Hamdallah and Yannick Carrasco have cast a shadow over Al-Shabab.
The spotlight once again falls on Cristiano Ronaldo as developments off the pitch hand Al-Nassr a potential advantage ahead of a crucial derby. As Al-Nassr prepares for another defining moment, developments involving Abderrazak Hamdallah and Yannick Carrasco have cast a shadow over Al-Shabab.
The buildup to the Riyadh derby has taken an unexpected turn, with internal conflict at Al-Shabab emerging at the worst possible time. The club now faces questions about squad harmony and readiness, while its rival prepares to capitalize on any instability. For Al-Nassr, the situation presents a timely boost as the club continues its push at the top of the table.
The issue at Al-Shabab did not arise overnight, but it escalated dramatically following a disappointing 5-1 defeat in the league. What began as a disagreement quickly evolved into a wider problem that forced the club’s hierarchy to step in.
At the heart of the controversy was a heated moment between Hamdallah and Carrasco during a match. A disagreement over decision-making on the pitch led to visible frustration, which later continued beyond the final whistle.
il a bien raison jai vu le match du début à la fin malgré la défaite 5-1 je suis rester et j’ai vu un Carrasco horrible et même les journalistes on confirmer que il joue personnelle l’an passé il était blesser et l’équipe était mieux classé il mérite mieux hamdallah pic.twitter.com/lRtZhKNvek
The situation reportedly extended into the dressing room, requiring intervention from staff members to prevent further escalation. What might have been a minor dispute instead turned into a full-blown internal issue, raising concerns about discipline and unity within the squad.
Club responds with firm sanctions
Al-Shabab has, thus, reacted decisively, making it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated. According to the Arriyadiyah newspaper, the club imposed a series of disciplinary measures on the Moroccan striker, including exclusion from the upcoming clash against Al-Nassr and suspension from team training for seven days.
Beyond the immediate suspension, questions are now being raised about Hamdallah’s long-term position at the club. Arriyadiyah also goes on to suggest that his future could be in doubt, with the possibility of an early departure not ruled out.
Abderrazak Hamdallah of Al Shabab battling for the ball
This was not an isolated incident, either. SBA Sport has reported ongoing tension between Hamdallah and Carrasco throughout the season, indicating that the clash was the culmination of unresolved issues rather than a one-off disagreement.
While efforts are believed to be underway to resolve the situation internally, the damage may already have been done. The incident has exposed deeper issues within the squad, leaving the club with a difficult balancing act between discipline and stability.
Golden opportunity for Al-Nassr
For Al-Nassr, the timing of this crisis could hardly be better. Facing an opponent dealing with internal disruption, Jorge Jesus and his player have a clear opportunity to strengthen their position in the league standings.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.
With Ronaldo continuing to deliver on the pitch with 25 goals this season, the focus now shifts to whether the Knight of Najd can take full advantage of the situation. The absence of a key attacking figure from the opposition may prove decisive in a match where margins are often thin.
Abderrazak Hamdallah (left), Cristiano Ronaldo (center), and Yannick Carrasco (right)
Even though Kylian Mbappé is now the cornerstone of Real Madrid, he could have become a Barcelona player in 2017. Despite this, the technical staff prioritized the signing of Ousmane Dembélé, as revealed by former president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Kylian Mbappé has become Real Madrid’s cornerstone after arriving as a marquee signing from PSG. However, the Frenchman was close to joining Barcelona when he was still at AS Monaco. After the departure of Neymar Jr., the Blaugrana were looking for their next star on the left wing, ready to pay a huge transfer fee. While he was a clear option, the staff decided to prioritize the signing of Ousmane Dembélé, as revealed by former president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
“We didn’t want the players to leave for other teams, so we matched the offers. Neymar’s departure led other clubs to pay high amounts… We asked about Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, but the coaching staff preferred Dembélé. The only decision I made as president was the signing of Luis Suárez,” reveló Josep Maria Bartomeu, via Cadena SER.
After several brilliant seasons at AS Monaco, Mbappé pushed for a move away in 2017, with Real Madrid as the main interested party. However, he rejected that option, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale would not have guaranteed him a starting role. While he eventually signed for PSG for €180 million, he could have become a Barcelona player had they decided to pursue his signing instead of Ousmane Dembélé, who never truly shined at the club.
While Ousmane Dembélé went on to become one of the best players in the world, the Frenchman had a disappointing stint at Barcelona. Signed as one of the world’s most promising young talents, the Blaugranas expected him to make a major impact on the field, but injuries and poor decisions on field prevented him from shining. In contrast, Mbappé excelled at PSG, becoming the team’s best player, proving that the Spanish club’s decision was completely wrong.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League.
Barcelona’s post-Neymar transfers: Three big failures under Bartomeu
Despite being one of the best players in the world, Neymar Jr. decided to leave Barcelona via his €222M release clause to PSG. While this record fee could have been key to rebuilding the squad, president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his front office instead chose to sign Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembélé, and Antoine Griezmann, all of whom ultimately failed to meet expectations and later left as free agents.
Far from acknowledging the failure of his decisions, Bartomeu chose to justify them in a surprising way: “It’s a shame. Dembélé has succeeded at PSG. Xavi said he shouldn’t have been let go. Maybe he was signed too young, I don’t know. Griezmann came to lead a generational transition, which I may have handled too late. I should have started it after the defeat in Liverpool, and I did it a year later,” he said, via Cadena SER.
In case the Blaugranas had pursued the signing of Mbappé in 2017, he likely would have formed an ideal partnership with Lionel Messi, becoming the cornerstone of the team for the future. Moreover, Coutinho and Dembélé would not have arrived, avoiding the multimillion-dollar failure that shook the club’s financial and sporting stability for years.
Kylian Mbappe of Monaco and Ousmane Dembele of FC Barcelona.
has been warned against moving up to the heavyweight division. Benavidez proved his worth as one of the best fighters in the world on Saturday when he successfully stepped up to cruiserweight to dethrone WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez with a sixth round stoppage win. It is the third division that Benavidez has held […]
Google is rolling out new tools to help advertisers better understand performance across increasingly complex customer journeys.
What’s happening. As AI continues to transform campaigns, creatives and targeting, Google is introducing updates focused on data integration, experimentation and media mix modelling — all aimed at helping marketers turn fragmented signals into actionable insights.
Why we care. Automation has made it easier to run campaigns, but harder to understand what’s actually working. These updates make it easier to connect data, prove what’s actually driving results, and make smarter budget decisions across channels. As AI handles more of the execution, having strong measurement in place becomes the key differentiator for performance and growth.
Data is the starting point. Google is expanding its Data Manager to give advertisers a clearer view of how their data flows across platforms like BigQuery, HubSpot and Shopify.
A new map-based interface will help marketers visualise connections between data sources and identify gaps in tracking or configuration. At the same time, updates to the Google tag aim to simplify setup, allowing advertisers to upgrade existing tags without additional coding.
The goal: make it easier to unify signals and improve data quality — which directly impacts campaign performance.
Between the lines. Google is acknowledging a long-standing issue — advertisers struggle more with data setup and integration than with campaign execution itself.
By simplifying tagging and data flows, Google is trying to remove one of the biggest blockers to effective AI adoption.
Proving what actually works. Google is also introducing Meridian GeoX, a new geo-experimentation tool designed to measure incremental impact across regions.
Built on an open-source framework, GeoX feeds into Google’s broader Marketing Mix Model, Meridian, giving advertisers a more defensible way to validate performance — especially when presenting results to finance teams.
This signals a shift toward causal measurement, not just correlation.
Why it matters. As privacy changes reduce visibility and attribution becomes more complex, marketers are under pressure to prove impact. Tools like GeoX aim to provide that “ground truth” — something many attribution models struggle to deliver.
Simplifying media mix modelling. To address the complexity of Marketing Mix Models (MMMs), Google is launching Meridian Studio — a Google Cloud-powered platform that helps teams build, customise and scale models more easily.
The focus is on operationalising MMMs, making them less resource-intensive and more accessible for enterprise teams managing large datasets.
What to watch:
Whether advertisers adopt MMMs more widely with simplified tools
How effective GeoX is in proving incremental impact
If improved data visibility translates into better campaign performance
Bottom line. Google is making a strategic shift: in an AI-driven world, better measurement — not just better automation — will determine who wins.
Juventus have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Robert Lewandowski in Italy, but a face-to-face meeting with the Polish striker’s agent Pini Zahavi has yet to take place, leaving the situation unresolved as the Barcelona forward continues to weigh up his options.
According to Fabrizio Romano, via CalcioMercato, Juventus have established a degree of priority over AC Milan through intermediary contacts with Zahavi, though the in-person meeting that will determine whether Italian clubs have a genuine chance remains to be scheduled.
Milan had moved first, attempting to replicate the kind of deal that brought Luka Modric to Serie A, but Juventus have since overtaken them in the race.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 28: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Spotify Camp Nou on February 28, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Lewandowski collecting all offers before making decision amid Juventus links
Lewandowski’s contract at Barcelona expires on June 30, making him a free agent, though the club retain a renewal clause in the agreement. Barcelona have so far respected an informal understanding that they would negotiate with the player before activating it rather than impose the option unilaterally.
The Poland international and his family are understood to want to gather all available proposals, including any renewed offer from Barcelona, as well as approaches from Chicago Fire and clubs in the Middle East, before making what is described as a life decision as much as a footballing one.
A resolution is not expected until after Barcelona have officially wrapped up their Liga title challenge.
Ismael Kone has a €35 million release clause in his Sassuolo contract that is valid until the end of July, with Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus all understood to be among the clubs interested in signing one of Serie A’s standout performers this season.
According to Fabrizio Romano, via TuttoMercatoWeb, contacts between the parties are expected before the start of the World Cup, which Koné will feature in as a key member of the Canada squad.
Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali has also addressed the situation publicly. “I haven’t spoken with Inter or Milan about Koné, but it’s also true that we have had some requests from foreign clubs,” he said. “It’s possible that an Inter-Milan derby could emerge. We need to find the best situation for him, but at the same time for us too.”
PISA, ITALY – JANUARY 31: Ismael Kone’ of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Arena Garibaldi on January 31, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Sassuolo open to Kone sale as Serie A giants circle ahead of World Cup
Milan sporting director Igli Tare has already publicly confirmed his club’s interest, and with the release clause set at a fixed figure, the race is likely to come down to the player’s preference rather than a negotiation over fee.
Inter and Juventus have also been linked with the Sassuolo man, in what promises to be a difficult battle for his signature.
As Carnevali noted, there is also interest from abroad in the Canadian, meaning Italian clubs will want to act fast to avoid missing out.
Koné will head into the summer with considerable leverage, having established himself as one of the most dynamic midfielders in Serie A this season.
Mandela Keita has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe after an impressive debut Serie A season with Parma, with Atalanta joining Premier League sides Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur in monitoring the Belgian.
According to ParmaToday, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Atalanta’s interest is directly linked to the expected departure of Ederson, who is widely anticipated to leave Bergamo this summer with Manchester United understood to be ahead of Atletico Madrid in the race for his signature.
While Keita is a different profile to the Brazilian, he is reported to fit the technical criteria Raffaele Palladino’s side are working to ahead of next season.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Mandela Keita of Parma Calcio during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Parma Calcio 1913 at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Atalanta scouts watch Keita closely as Parma hold firm on valuation
Atalanta’s interest remains at an exploratory stage for now, with club scouts having watched Keita on multiple occasions to assess his physical qualities and ability to break into opposition lines.
No formal offer has been submitted by any of the interested clubs.
Keita arrived at Parma from Antwerp in the summer of 2024 for around €13 million and has developed into one of the cornerstones of Carlos Cuesta’s side.
Parma are under no financial pressure to sell, though as is often the case, the right offer could change the picture quickly.
Milan passed up the opportunity to sign Donyell Malen in January, with the Dutch striker having since transformed Roma’s attack under Gian Piero Gasperini and emerged as one of Serie A’s most effective forwards in the second half of the season.
According to CalcioMercato, an intermediary offered Malen to Milan during the winter window, but the club declined to commit to an operation worth a total of around €27 million.
Instead, Roma secured the former Aston Villa forward on an onerous loan of approximately €2 million, with an obligation to buy that will be triggered should the Giallorossi qualify for next season’s Europa League or Champions League.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Igli Tare, Sporting Director, looks on prior to the Serie A match at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Malen form at Roma highlights Milan’s costly January miscalculation
The numbers make for uncomfortable reading from a Milan perspective.
Since joining Roma, Malen has scored 11 goals and contributed two assists in 15 Serie A appearances, adding a further assist in the Europa League against Bologna.
The Dutchman left Aston Villa seeking a club that would trust him as an out-and-out centre-forward rather than a wide attacker, and Gasperini’s direct, vertical system has brought out the best in him.
Milan’s January business, by contrast, yielded little. Sporting director Igli Tare operated without a significant budget, and the arrival of Niclas Fullkrug, the only notable attacking addition, has produced just one goal, against Lecce.
Inter Milan’s home kit for the 2026/27 season has been leaked online, with Footy Headlines revealing images of a Nike design that retains the club’s classic black and blue stripes while introducing a striking deep yellow finish on the club’s badges and logos.
According to Footy Headlines, who published exclusive images of the authentic version on April 25, more images of the shirt have since been leaked in collaboration with KamilBerberler.
The outlet also reported that the jersey was spotted on sale ahead of its official launch, with the inside collar carrying the inscription “Made of Milalo.”
Leaked Inter Home Kit 26/27 – FootyHeadlines
Gold logos and zig-zag detailing mark Inter new Nike home shirt
The design largely lets the stripes do the talking, but there are subtle departures from tradition.
The black stripes are notably thicker than the blue, and the blue stripes feature a zig-zag pattern at both ends, a contemporary touch on an otherwise classic template.
The deep yellow used on the crests and Nike branding is described as sitting midway between yellow and orange, giving the shirt a warmer, more distinctive feel than a standard gold.
The Nike Inter Milan 2026/27 home shirt will reportedly be available to purchase from May 2026.
Liverpool are interested in signing the Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.
The 25-year-old defender has been outstanding for Tottenham since joining the club from Wolfsburg, and he has attracted the attention of top clubs recently. Liverpool would be willing to spend around €95 million (£82m) to sign the player in the summer, according to reports from FussballDaten.
Tottenham is fighting for survival in the Premier League, and it will be interesting to see if they can stay up. Even if they do, the top players could look to move on in the summer. They will look to compete at the highest level and fight for trophies. Liverpool is certainly better placed than Tottenham to fight for League titles or the UEFA Champions League.
The Netherlands International could be attracted to the idea of joining the Premier League champions. Liverpool has a strong Dutch contingent, and convincing Van de Ven to join will not be difficult for them.
Meanwhile, the Reds have looked poor at the back this season, and they need to improve defensively. Signing the Tottenham star would be ideal for Liverpool. He could replace Ibrahima Konaté at the heart of the Liverpool defence. The French International will be out of contract soon, and he has not signed an extension with the club.
Van de Ven is not just a quality defender; he is quite accomplished on the ball, and his recovery pace could add a new dimension to the Liverpool defence. He is a proven performer in the Premier League and at the peak of his career. This could be the right time for the Premier League site to secure his signature.
Van de Ven has been hailed as a “Rolls-Royce“ player.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are interested in signing Kim Min-jae from Bayern Munich.
The 29-year-old central defender could be sold in the summer, and the two Premier League clubs are among the most interested. According to a report from FussballDaten, they have already expressed interest in signing the South Korean International as well. He could cost around €35-40 million during the summer transfer window.
The defender has struggled for regular opportunities at the German club, and it would be ideal for him to move on. Spurs or Newcastle might be able to provide him with regular opportunities next season. However, he earns around €16 million (£265k-a-week) at the German club, and he would have to take a significant pay cut to seal the move.
Tottenham need more in the defensive unit, especially with players like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven expected to leave. They need to tighten up at the back, and the 29-year-old could prove to be a useful acquisition for them. He has the experience and the quality to succeed in the Premier League.
On the other hand, Newcastle need more depth in the defensive unit as well. They are looking to build a formidable team, and the 29-year-old will help them tighten up at the back. They have looked vulnerable defensively this season.
Tottenham is fighting for survival in the Premier League, while Newcastle is in the midtable. It will be interesting to see where the South Korean ends up.
The defender has a contract with Bayern Munich until 2028, and they will be hoping to get rid of him this summer to recoup as much as possible. His value is likely to plummet next season.
The Pirates’ manager and a pitcher were both suspended during a recent incident during a game against the Cincinnati Reds.
The MLB announced Tuesday that pitcher Chris Devenski was suspended for three games and issued an undisclosed fine for intentionally throwing at Sal Stewart at the top of the seventh inning last Saturday. The throw led to Devenski’s ejection from the game.
The suspension, unless appealed, will begin on Tuesday — which is the start of the Pirates’ road series in Arizona. If Devenski elects to appeal, the discipline will be held until the appeals process is complete.
Kelly was suspended for one game and issued an undisclosed fine for Devenski’s actions. He will serve the suspension on Tuesday.
Prosecutors say Diggs hit a woman working for him as a private chef across the face and wrapped his arm around her neck from behind, choking her, on Dec. 2. The woman reported the incident on Dec. 16. Diggs’ defense says the incident never happened.
Assistant Norfolk District Attorney Drew Virtue is prosecuting the case, and attorneys Andrew Kettlewell and Sara Silva are representing Diggs. The jury comprises six women and one man.
Follow live updates from the trial’s second day:
12:28 p.m. - Hairstylist recalls chef saying she wanted to make Diggs ‘pay’
Kettlewell called Xia Charles, a New York City-based hair stylist, to the stand. Charles said she met Diggs when he played for the Buffalo Bills and has regularly braided his hair.
Charles went to Diggs’ Dedham home several times, and became friendly with the woman.
On Dec. 2, Charles called the woman while out buying groceries. The woman was sitting in the kitchen in Diggs’ home at the time. Charles said she didn’t notice anything odd about her appearance.
The pair connected again that day when Charles picked her up from the airport. Charles again confirmed she saw nothing out of the ordinary and didn’t notice any bruising.
The next day, Charles saw the woman in a towel and again told Kettlewell she noticed no visible injuries. The woman made no mention of being attacked or assaulted.
Charles went to Dedham on Dec. 12 or 13 to do Diggs’ hair for a game, she said.
She recalled the woman yelling at Diggs, “Yo Stef, when am I gonna get my money?”
Later that night, Charles said she spoke to the woman again, who said she was going to sue Diggs for money she believed she was owed.
“Do you remember her saying she was going to make him pay?” Kettlewell asked. Charles said she did.
On cross-examination, Virtue asked Charles about how much Diggs paid her and the nature of their relationship.
Charles said she was paid up to $1,500 and had attended several football games with Diggs, but that their relationship was strictly professional.
12 p.m. - Diggs business manager describes audit of chef’s expenses
Diggs’ defense called Melissa Goddard, who oversaw both Diggs’ personal expenses and his business, in December 2025, as the next witness.
Goddard initially handled only Diggs’ business expenses but took over the personal concierge expenses in the fall of 2025.
When the woman submitted an invoice in early December 2025, Goddard said she “immediately knew it was incorrect,” because she had been paid for two of the weeks she claimed to have not been paid for.
Goddard said she then reviewed all payments made to the woman and the receipts and reimbursements she submitted, trying to determine whether she had made a mistake or the woman had.
That review determined the woman had been overpaid by roughly $2,500 and submitted receipts multiple times over the course of six months and asked to be reimbursed for packages sent by Diggs’ FedEx account.
Goddard also found an additional $744 that “maybe was legitimate,” but she couldn’t substantiate. She said she reached out to the woman to clarify, but she never responded. When she reported the overpayments to Diggs on Dec. 5, 2025, he told her to prepare a report.
He “wanted to make sure she was paid,” Goddard said.
Goddard also testified about asking the woman to fill out a non-disclosure agreement after determining she was missing paperwork that other employees working for Diggs had filled out.
But Goddard said she didn’t follow up because Diggs told her “not to worry about it.”
11:50 a.m. - Massage therapist says woman ‘seemed to be ok’ after alleged assault
The next witness to testify for the defense was Stephanie Anastassi, a massage therapist at The Right Touch Day Spa in Attleboro. Anastassi explained that she also does work for private clients, including Diggs.
She met Diggs through a physical therapist she knew from working for the Boston Celtics, she said.
Anastassi said she arrived at the home between 5:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. and massaged Diggs in his bedroom.
During the massage, the woman entered but left when she noticed Diggs was asleep. Anastassi said she returned later in the massage, waking up Diggs.
The woman “seemed to be ok” and “looked the same as in the past,” Anastassi said. She didn’t see any marks on the woman’s face or neck.
On a brief cross-examination, she confirmed that word of mouth is “very important” in her field.
11:37 a.m. - Defense calls next witness
The next witness for the defense was Julianna Stratoti, a registered nurse at Mass General Brigham who also does private work on the side.
Stratoti explained that she often makes house calls and told Kettlewell that she arrived at Diggs’ home around 4:50 p.m. on Dec. 2, 2025. She said she didn’t have a specific memory of leaving, but her appointments were typically 45 minutes to an hour long.
The treatment she did for Diggs was in the living room, she said, and she didn’t hear or see anything unusual in the house that day.
Virtue conducted a brief cross-examination and Stratoti stepped down.
11:18 a.m. - Testimony resumes
Jeanelle Sales, Diggs’ chief of staff, resumed her testimony after the break. She confirmed to Kettlewell that she left the house around 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 2, and returned around 1 p.m. Diggs returned around 3:40 p.m., she said.
Sales said she saw the woman, Diggs’ brother and his childhood best friend in the home that day.
She saw “nothing out of the usual,” she testified.
Sales said she spoke to the woman later that afternoon when she asked if Sales had purchased her a flight to Atlanta.
Kettlewell asked her if she saw any redness or swelling on the woman’s face or neck. Sales said she didn’t.
The woman was walking around the kitchen, looking for a note to write something to Diggs for his birthday, Sales said.
She confirmed she didn’t hear anything out of the ordinary. When she spoke to the woman that day, she never reported the alleged assault.
On cross-examination, Sales told Virtue that Diggs pays her between $90,000 and $100,000 each year.
“Was there a time when both of them were out of your range to see and hear?” Virtue asked, referring to Diggs and the woman. Sales said there was.
Virtue returned to the subject of finances, asking the woman if it was “fair to say” she had a “financial interest in Mr. Diggs doing well?”
“I think we collectively do well,” she said, adding that Diggs was a “great” boss and she wanted to keep working for him.
On re-direct from Kettlewell, Sales said she wouldn’t lie to keep her job.
Her testimony ended there.
10:59 a.m. - Morning recess
Carroll called a break while Kettlewell questioned Sales.
Sales explained that she coordinates most aspects of Diggs’ life, including travel and regular appointments. She was also involved in the hiring of Diggs’ accuser and other chefs.
On Dec. 2, the day of the incident, Sales said she and Diggs were planning to go to Miami along with Diggs’ brother and two close friends. Diggs was planning to debut a luxury furniture line there at Art Basel, a contemporary art fair.
Kettlewell showed Sales Ring camera footage of Diggs leaving for work that morning.
10:41 a.m. - First defense witness concludes testimony
The first witness to testify for Diggs’ defense was Michael Perry, a digital forensics expert at Stroz Friedberg. Perry extracted text messages from Diggs’ phone and prepared reports of his texts with the accuser.
Perry said users can’t insert messages into conversations that haven’t been sent, and explained that on iPhones, deleted texts can be recovered after 30 days.
On cross-examination, he conceded that he wouldn’t be able to tell if Diggs had deleted messages from his phone because he performed the extractions in April.
10:23 a.m. - Commonwealth rests
Prosecutors rested their case after calling Dedham police officer Kenneth Ellis to the stand.
An 18-year veteran of the police force, Ellis was the officer who took the report from Diggs’ accuser and filed the application for a criminal complaint. He said the woman initially didn’t want to mention anyone involved, but eventually told him that Diggs attacked her.
Ellis said he spoke to the woman two or three more times on the phone and exchanged emails with her before filing the complaint.
On cross-examination from Kettlewell, Ellis acknowledged that while he attempted to contact Diggs, he never spoke to him or anyone else about the incident.
Ellis confirmed that the woman told him she and Diggs had argued over money and that she left her job after the assault. He agreed with Kettlewell that it would be “important” for him to know if someone had deleted text messages they turned over to police.
“I’d want the whole picture, correct,” Ellis said.
Kettlewell concluded his questioning there. After Virtue announced the commonwealth was resting its case, the lawyers had a brief conversation with Carroll at sidebar.
10:11 a.m. - Accuser’s testimony concludes
On a brief re-direct, Virtue had the woman read more texts between her and Diggs leading up to the alleged assault.
Diggs told her, “I won’t be paying you” and “tell them to come take the money.” The woman responded by calling him an expletive.
She told Virtue it was “common practice” when private chefs are sent away for a week, they still get paid.
He concluded by asking the woman if when she said she hadn’t sought money to settle the case, she was referring to the criminal case. She said that was true.
Silva’s re-cross-examination focused mostly on the issue of payment, as she tried to get the woman to concede she wanted Diggs to give her money to open her own restaurant.
“You wanted him to pay you to open your restaurant, right?” Silva asked. “I wanted him to pay me past wages,” the woman countered.
10:02 a.m. - Cross-examination concludes
With the woman back on the stand, Silva returned to the $5.5 million demand that the woman’s lawyer sent to Diggs.
The woman said she couldn’t answer the question, then claimed that the subject was covered by attorney-client privilege. When Silva pushed further, the woman said she was pursuing a workers’ compensation claim — an answer Carroll struck from the record.
Silva eventually concluded her questioning. Virtue’s re-direct examination was interrupted by several quick objections and a sidebar.
9:58 a.m. - Judge warns accuser: ‘Your entire testimony may be stricken.’
Without the jury in the room, Carroll again warned the woman that she must only answer the questions that are asked of her.
“If you don’t understand, you can say that,” Carroll told her, explaining that trials function in a question-and-answer format. “This is not an opportunity for you to interject your own narrative.”
“If you continue to do so your entire testimony may be stricken,” she said.
When the jury returned, Carroll emphasized to them that any answers that are stricken by her can’t be considered evidence in the case.
“When an answer is stricken, it does not exist,” she said. “You’re sworn to determine those facts solely and exclusively from the evidence presented.”
9:28 a.m. - Woman questioned about demands for money
Silva moved on to questions about requests for money the woman had made through a mediator, then through a lawyer.
She suggested to the woman that a mediator made a money demand on Dec. 29 — the same day the criminal complaint was issued in Diggs’ case. The woman said she hadn’t seen the demand and then that she couldn’t answer the question.
The woman did confirm the mediator asked for $19,000, a claim she said was for “wages owed.”
Silva then turned to questions about the lawyer the woman hired to represent her.
She asked if the lawyer helped prepare her to testify, but the woman replied, “I don’t know how to answer that question.”
The woman followed up that she hired a lawyer because “I was injured on the job and I needed to file a workers’ comp case.”
The questioning was frequently interrupted by Silva asking Carroll to strike the answer and sidebar conversations. Carroll also had to instruct the woman to let Silva finish her questions and to only answer the question she had been asked.
Silva asked the woman whether her lawyer demanded $5.5 milion from Diggs. The woman replied that Diggs had offered her $100,000 to recant her statement, a response Carroll quickly told the jury to disregard.
The lawyers then went to sidebar. After the conversation, jurors were ushered out of the courtroom and Carroll stepped off the bench.
During the break, Diggs huddled with his lawyers at the defense table.
9:18 a.m. - Cross-examination resumes
Silva restarted her examination of the woman with questions about texts she exchanged with Diggs’ girlfriend on Jan. 1, 2026.
That day, the woman texted Diggs’ girlfriend, “I didn’t say that,” which Silva suggested was a reference to the statements she gave to Dedham Police.
The woman told Silva she couldn’t answer the question.
“Did you or did you not write those words?” Silva pressed on. “I don’t understand the question without further explaining,” the woman replied.
Evloev is currently considered the frontrunner for the next
featherweight title shot against Alexander
Volkanovski. Masvidal recently predicted that Evloev will
dethrone Volkanovski in a potential fight. Masvidal notes that he
had also correctly predicted Evloev’s last win over fellow
contender Lerone
Murphy. According to “Gamebred,” Evloev will only become more
dangerous soon as he peaks physically.
“I’m saying it here right now. Movsar beats Volkanovski… I said he
was going to beat Murphy,” Masvidal told UFC on Paramount. “I love
Volk. But right now, Movsar is on a different level… That gear that
Movsar has… And it’s only going to get tougher for people because
he is coming more into his groove, more into his prime physically.
I think he beats Volk right now.”
Despite being widely considered the top featherweight contender for
a long time, Evloev (20-0) has been deprived of a title shot so
far. Even Volkanovski (28-4) has acknowledged Evloev as the No.1
contender. However, Diego
Lopes, who lost to Evloev, has leapfrogged him to
unsuccessfully challenge Volkanovski for the title twice.
Meanwhile, the undefeated Evloev has the longest winning streak in
the featherweight division at 10.
NFL Network has been dark on Comcast’s Xfinity cable systems for five days as the cable provider negotiates a fresh carriage agreement with Disney, the new owner of NFL Network.
It appears there are two primary holdups stalling negotiations, according to a new report by Austin Karp in Sports Business Journal. First, Comcast wants assurances that the NFL Network will continue to carry seven exclusive NFL games throughout the entirety of its new carriage deal. And second, Disney is seeking to return NFL Network to a more basic tier of Xfinity offerings. NFL Network has been moved to higher, more expensive packages on Xfinity in recent years.
As for the first issue, NFL Network has long guaranteed distributors like Comcast that it would carry at least seven exclusive NFL games each season. These games drive much of the value for the network when negotiating deals with distributors; without the seven-game package, NFL Network would simply be a supplemental channel filled with ancillary NFL programming rather than a must-have network with exclusive games during key portions of the NFL season.
Assurances that the network would fulfill its seven-game minimum were never much of an issue under league ownership. But under Disney ownership, it’s possible these NFL Network games could shift to other Disney-owned networks like ESPN or ABC in the future.
This won’t be an issue next season, per Karp, who reports NFL Network will be allocated a seven-game slate as normal. However, Disney has not given Comcast “a guarantee that NFL Network would continue to have a slate of seven exclusive games into the future of any longer-term carriage deal.”
The second issue, tiering, has been a common refrain in sports-focused carriage disputes recently. Comcast would like to keep NFL Network in the higher tier, where it can pay fewer per-subscriber fees to Disney and avoid passing the channel’s costs onto consumers that may not watch the network. Disney, on the other hand, likely sees NFL Network as on-par with channels like ESPN or ESPN2, both of which are included in more basic tiers, and believes it should be compensated as such.
Karp cites sources suggesting the cyclical nature of NFL Network content, particularly the fact that there is little worthwhile programming between the NFL Draft and the start of the season in September, as reason the channel should remain on the higher tier with other specialty sports channels.
That very programming gap gives Comcast quite a bit of leverage in this negotiation. The company can reasonably hold out for a few months without its customers missing any important NFL Network programming, all the while Comcast doesn’t have to pay for NFL Network during the least-important months on the football calendar. Of course, there’s no guarantee Comcast could get a better deal from Disney in August than it can right now. In fact, the opposite is likely true.
Regardless, these negotiations could well determine the future of the exclusive seven-game slate on NFL Network, which itself is important to how all NFL fans, not just Comcast customers, will consume games in the coming years.
Binance will shift to an orderbook-weighted pricing model for commodity perpetual futures during off-hours, potentially changing margin and liquidation behavior.
Crypto ETPs shed $619 million over four days before a $737 million Friday session rescued the week, extending the inflow streak to $4.02 billion across five weeks.
The Bank of Italy’s deputy governor floated the evaluation of tokenized SEPA payments, as the ECB experiments with tokenized digital payment frameworks to avoid stablecoin competition.
Bullish has agreed to acquire transfer agent Equiniti as more Wall Street participants accelerate their tokenization initiatives to offer 24/7 trading.
Polymarket was banned in the Netherlands in February, but Kalshi, Hyperliquid and Interactive Brokers are still offering prediction markets to Dutch users.
U.S. stocks opened higher in a modest risk-on move, led by AI‑linked storage names like Micron and Western Digital, even as PayPal dropped about 10% on weak profit guidance. U.S. equities opened in the green, with the Dow up 0.45%,…
U.S. stocks opened higher on Tuesday, with major indexes gaining and AI‑linked storage names outperforming, even as PayPal sank about 10% after disappointing profit guidance. According to CoinDesk, State Street and Galaxy have rolled out SWEEP, a “tokenized private liquidity fund”…
Yesterday, Valve launched its Steam Controller (2026), the follow-up to its 2015 predecessor and an improvement based on the years of learning Valve took from developing that first controller, to the Steam Deck, and now this latest gamepad. The launch went about as well as you would hope if you're Valve. The 'Buy Now' button went live on Steam, the gamepad shot up to the top of the best-selling charts, and it sold out within minutes. The unfortunate part of that last bit was that it seems Valve wasn't fully prepared for a complete sell-out of the device. In an […]
After Season 2 of the best-selling game in 2025 was delayed, causing a great deal of strife within the game's community, EA and Battlefield Studios aren't allowing for the same gap between Season 2 and Season 3 of Battlefield 6. The new season will arrive next week on May 12, 2026, and the studios just debuted our first look at the new season and a tease at what will be the largest map in the game when it arrives with the return of the Railway to Golmud. Season 2 arrived back on February 17, making it a more reasonable 12-week […]
The growth in agentic AI software will lead to high demand for CPUs in the AI era, believes investment bank UBS. In an investment note, the bank explains that agentic AI increases the workload for processors. It adds that this workload typically favors firms that offer chips with higher cores and are able to cater to power efficiency. As a result, UBS outlines that in the era of agentic AI workloads, chips from Arm and then AMD are slated to benefit the most, with Intel also benefiting as the total addressable market (TAM) grows. Agentic AI Workloads To Favor CPUs […]
Although an official announcement has yet to be made, leaks from multiple reliable sources have made it clear that the PlayStation 6 will launch alongside a handheld system that should be more than capable of running current and next-generation games. However, much like the Xbox Series S did with the Xbox Series X and possibly the entirety of the current console generation, there is the real possibility this portable system could hold back the home console, especially with mandatory support. According to known leaker Moore's Law is Dead, who first leaked the specs for Sony's next-generation systems, the chances of […]
NVIDIA has expanded its RTX & AI feature set with more capabilities provided to developers for integration within their latest apps, including games. NVIDIA Bets Big on Its "AI PC" Ecosystem With RTX GPUs, Provides Devs With New & Improved Tool Sets The NVIDIA RTX and AI PC technologies are one of the industry's most advanced tool sets offered to developers. These tools make integration of the latest features and capabilities in apps & games easier than ever. Today, NVIDIA has announced more integrations that help developers create next-gen experiences. Last month, NVIDIA rolled out its DLSS 4.5 SDK, allowing […]
Xbox has unveiled the first batch of Xbox Game Pass games that'll hit the service in May 2026, with two of 2026's biggest releases set to arrive on day one for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. Those games are, of course,Forza Horizon 6 and Subnautica 2, as one of the most anticipated first-party Xbox Game Studios' game releases and the most wishlisted game on Steam pair up on the same subscription service. They aren't the only two games entering the service in the first half of May, of course. An additional seven games are joining the service, with five out of […]
Micron has just released the highest capacity and commercially available SSD to date, its 6600 ION, with a capacity of 245 TB. You Can Practically Fit Anything You Want on Micron's 245 TB "6600 ION" SSD, but These Still Aren't Enough For Data Centers Press Release: Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), today announced it is now shipping the 245TB capacity Micron 6600 ION SSD, the world’s highest capacity commercially available SSD. The drive marks a major step forward in rack-scale storage density for data centers and is designed to support AI, cloud, enterprise, and hyperscale workloads, including next-generation AI data lakes […]
Funcom has released a massive free update for Conan Exiles players with Conan Exiles Enhanced, a new update that overhauls the game and brings it to Unreal Engine 5. Announced last month, the update introduces UE5's Lumen Global Illumination lighting system, nanite geometry, virtual shadow maps, and an improved terrain for a significant visual overhaul. It's an update that is meant to celebrate the popular survival game as it nears its eight-year anniversary on May 8, 2026, though it's not a celebration for all of the 15 million+ players who've stepped into the Exiled Lands and the Isle of Siptah […]
007 First Light is launching on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S later this month, but Nintendo Switch 2 users will have to wait a little longer to experience James Bond's new gaming adventure. While the lack of a solid release window beyond a generic Summer has some worried the game has only been delayed to be canceled, IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak confirmed this won't be the case. “It’s running on the Switch 2. We just want to make sure it’s good as it can be. I don’t want to hear it wasn’t a good version,” Abrak said […]
Intel has placed a massive order at Taiwanese manufacturers to secure advanced packaging equipment, which will be used for its EMIB plans. Intel Bets Big on EMIB, As The Company Has Placed A Huge Order To Secure Advanced Packaging Equipment From Taiwan EMIB, the advanced packaging solution and alternative to TSMC's CoWoS, has been making headlines for some time now. The packaging technology is gaining lots of momentum as potential customers line up to utilize the tech for their upcoming chips, mainly for AI purposes. This demand has now led Intel to go after Taiwanese manufacturers to secure the equipment […]
Vivo has announced that a new camera-heavy update is headed the way of two new Vivo X series smartphones. Available on the Vivo X300 Ultra and the Vivo X300s, the new update aims to improve the camera experience in multiple areas, including adding Log video support to the Vivo X300 Ultra.
The Oppo Pad Mini was launched in China in April 2026, and it has yet to be launched in the global market. However, for those interested in this compact flagship tablet, it's now available to import from Giztop with a starting price of $699.
A massive leak on Amazon UK and Germany has revealed the Sony Xperia 1 VIII ahead of schedule. The listings detail a June 26 release date, new colors, 6.5-inch 120Hz OLED display, a new telephoto lens, and a launch bundle. With prices starting at £1,728, Sony's next flagship faces scrutiny over a significant price hike compared to the Xperia 1 VII.
The TCL C8L SQD-Mini LED TV is now available at some European retailers. Launched earlier this year, this model sits above the C7L and is known as the QM8L in North America. Features include up to 6,000 nits brightness, an up to 288Hz refresh rate with VRR and Google TV.
After waiting for several months, Nothing fans will soon be able to purchase the CMF Watch 3 Pro. The watch will be available in all four colors at launch and will be sold by Flipkart.
Ugreen has added a second version of the Nexode Power Bank (10000mAh, 55W, 2 Ports, Built-in Cable) to its range in Europe. Like the original accessory, the device has three outputs, an integrated display and a compact body.
Xiaomi will disrupt the flagship market with the Xiaomi 18 Ultra next December, and the camera monster might be featuring the new in-house Xring O3 chipset. Codenamed "Lhasa," this SoC features a redesigned three-tier CPU architecture with clock speeds exceeding 4GHz and a 25% GPU performance boost. Xiaomi's custom silicon aims to compete with Apple and Qualcomm's flagships chips.
Previews of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Wide Fold appeared inside a One UI 9 build. The images, which were discovered by Android Authority, showcase the design of the two devices.
Galaxy Wide Fold (codenamed H8) appears just as in previously leaked renders with a short and horizontally spacious cover screen sporting a punch hole cutout, which is rumored to be smaller than previous Samsung foldables. We can also see its dual cameras housed inside a vertical camera island.
Samsung Galaxy Wide Fold
According to a recent report, Galaxy Wide will measure 123.9 x 164.4...
The Motorola Razr Fold was first announced at CES earlier this year and only recently went on sale in select global markets, including the UK and Europe. Now, Motorola has confirmed that the Razr Fold will also be coming to India.
In a recent social media post, Motorola India teased an upcoming launch, hinting at the Razr Fold. While the post itself stops short of naming the device and simply reads “Something flawless is coming soon,” the teaser image clearly reveals a book-style foldable. However, a Flipkart landing page for the product confirms that it is indeed the Razr Fold and also...
Despite his strong performances this season, Kylian Mbappé has been heavily criticized for his trip to Italy and his alleged tense situation with Álvaro Arbeloa. In response, the Frenchman has decided to release a statement to clarify the situation.
Kylian Mbappé has managed to remain Real Madrid’s standout player, serving as the team’s top scorer. Despite this, the Frenchman has been heavily criticized by fans, as his trip to Italy during the competition, while recovering from an injury, did not sit well. In response, the 27-year-old striker has decided to release a strong statement amid rumors of tensions with Álvaro Arbeloa due to a reported problem during a training session.
According to Mario Cortegana and Guillermo Rai, via The Athletic, Kylian Mbappé was involved in an altercation during a Real Madrid training session, where he ended up strongly insulting an assistant coach acting as the referee in the exercise. Following this, people within the club are reportedly unhappy with the lack of action taken by the front office. In addition, the Frenchman’s trip to Italy did not sit well with the squad.
While recovering from a hamstring injury, Mbappé had been granted a few days off to focus consistently on his recovery process. However, he was seen in Italy while his teammates were playing and training in Madrid, which has sparked strong criticism from key figures within the club, according to The Athletic. As a result, the Frenchman’s commitment and behavior are now being widely questioned.
In the face of widespread criticism from fans, Kylian Mbappé has issued a statement through AFP to clarify the situation: “A portion of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, and does not reflect the reality of Kylian’s commitment and daily work for the team… I’ve reached a point where you’re going to get criticised whatever you do.”
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid
Coupled with this release, head coach Árbeloa tried to defuse the intense criticism directed at Kylian and his trip to Italy in the middle of the season: “In their free time, each player does what they see fit, and I don’t get involved in that… All planning regarding injured players is supervised and managed by Madrid’s medical staff, who are the ones who decide when they need to go to Valdebebas (the club’s training centre) and when they don’t.”
Report: Kylian Mbappé races to recover for El Clásico vs Barcelona
After suffering a hamstring injury just months before the 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé seemed set to remain sidelined for the rest of the season with Real Madrid. In fact, Pablo Gallego reported via Le Journal Du Real that the Frenchman is quite frustrated with Los Blancos, and he will not push to play against Barcelona. However, a new report contradicts this information, making it clear that the 27-year-old striker has already accelerated his recovery.
According to Manuel de Juan via Diario AS, Kylian Mbappé decided to go to Valdebebas despite the team having a day off, in order to work closely with the physiotherapists and fitness coaches of the staff. He also did the same last week, making his priority clear: To be in full shape for El Clásico against Barcelona, aiming to lead another big win and silence doubts about his lack of commitment.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match.
The main card has been officially announced for the iVB boxing event that is set to take place in San Francisco this summer, featuring a world title bout in the headline attraction. It was announced earlier this year that Ed Pereira was set to stage an event at San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza on July […]
After ran through Gilberto ‘Zurdo Ramirez’ with ease, two-division world champion can only see one winner in a potential fight with . Despite moving up 25lbs, Benavidez needed only six rounds to dispatch of Ramirez, becoming a three-division ruler and rising up the pound-for-pound rankings. Although, his future in the division is unknown, due to […]
On Saturday, Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois collide at the Co-op Live Arena with the WBO heavyweight world title at stake, as Wardley seeks to prove that he is a valid and worthy ruler after being elevated to the throne. All-British clashes for the heavyweight title have become more common over the last few decades […]
A crypto Ponzi scheme operating under the names DSJ Exchange and BG Wealth Sharing collapsed last week, with on-chain investigator ZachXBT estimating total losses exceed $150 million. The scheme had been running since 2025 and accumulated thousands of victims before falling apart.
Between April 27 and May 3, operators moved more than $92 million in illicit funds across multiple blockchain networks in an apparent attempt to obscure the trail. Approximately $63 million of those funds flowed to custody provider Cobo across four identified wallet addresses on the Tron network.
How the Money Was Traced
ZachXBT said the case came to his attention while he was reviewing USDD contract flows for an unrelated investigation. After identifying the consolidation pattern, he traced outflows across Solana and Tron, matched deposit addresses to Binance accounts through timing analysis, and provided the findings to exchanges, law enforcement, and stablecoin issuers.
The coordination moved quickly. On May 4, Tether froze $38.4 million in funds connected to the scheme. A further $3.1 million was frozen across other platforms, bringing the total amount immobilised to more than $41.5 million. ZachXBT said he worked directly with Tether, Binance’s security team, OKX, and US law enforcement throughout the process.
Who Was Targeted
ZachXBT described the scheme as a Chinese investment fraud deliberately designed to target unsophisticated retail investors through social media channels. The mechanics were straightforward enough that experienced crypto users would likely have identified it quickly, but the operators relied on reaching people with limited familiarity with how these schemes work.
Reading through victim accounts on Reddit after publishing his findings, ZachXBT said many affected users were still in denial about having been defrauded. He urged anyone affected to file a police report in their local jurisdiction, directing US victims specifically to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
The $150 million figure, he added, is likely a significant underestimate. The scheme operated for well over a year and thousands of victim exchange withdrawals have been identified, suggesting the actual losses may be considerably higher once the full picture emerges.
A Note on the Investigation
ZachXBT said that Ponzi scheme investigations are not cases he typically pursues, describing them as lacking the complexity of the hacks and exploits he more commonly analyses. The repetitive nature of the work means he rarely takes them on. This one was an exception, caught by chance while he was working on something else entirely.
Just when Telegram-based Play-to-Earn (P2E) tokens looked completely written off, they’re suddenly back from the dead and moved fast. The trigger today? A sharp 6x drop in TON blockchain fees, now sitting near zero, per Pavel Durov CEO and founder of Telegram. That single shift flipped sentiment overnight, dragging the entire ecosystem along for the ride.
TON Fee Cuts Spark Sudden Ecosystem Revival
Well, on its ecosystem, lower fees didn’t just improve usability but even they reignited speculation. TON token price itself surged roughly 40% intraday, instantly pulling attention back to a chain many had quietly ignored or acted to forgot.
Now, this move shows that cheap transactions will mean more activity. More activity means more hype. And in crypto, that’s often enough.
P2E Tokens Ride TON’s Explosive Momentum Wave
But, the real fireworks was not only in TON today but showed up in the mini-app tokens running on its blockchain. Catizen (CATI) jumped 27%, Hamster Kombat (HMSTR) climbed 24%, and Notcoin (NOT) ripped 35% higher.
These Telegram-based Play-to-Earn (P2E) tokens thrive on simplicity that’s tap, earn, repeat. Massive user bases were already there, but high friction and fading interest had nearly killed its growth. Now, with near-zero fees, that friction is basically gone. It’s not innovation driving this, it’s accessibility but now will demand follow that’s a question for future which has high odds at this point.
Can TON Break Resistance And Sustain Rally
So, what’s next in TON price action? That’s where things get tricky. TON is now hovering around $1.84, pushing toward a key $2.0 resistance level. Break that cleanly, and momentum could extend.
But fail? And it could unwind just as quickly. For now, Telegram-based Play-to-Earn (P2E) tokens are riding the wave which are proving once again that in this market, one update can turn a graveyard into a gold rush overnight.
Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto arm has raised $2.2 billion for its fifth fund, bringing total commitments across all funds to $9.8 billion. The firm said crypto is moving into a more mature phase driven by real-world use cases like stablecoins, on-chain lending, and blockchain-based capital markets. Partners highlighted long-term infrastructure growth supported by evolving regulation, including the 2025 GENIUS Act. The fund signals continued strong venture confidence in practical crypto applications despite weak market prices.
Bitcoin crossed back above $81,000 Monday, reclaiming a level it had not seen in four months and extending a recovery that has added nearly $500 billion to the total crypto market capitalisation since the US-Iran war began.
The move was accompanied by liquidation of short positions, with bearish traders caught offside as price pushed through the $80,000 psychological barrier. The forced short covering accelerated the rally, adding fuel to a move that was already building on improving macro sentiment.
What the Numbers Show
Avinash Shekhar, Co-Founder and CEO of crypto derivatives platform Pi42, told Coinpedia that the $80,000 level is now the line that separates a confirmed breakout from continued sideways trading.
“Bitcoin is trading above the $80,000 level, testing a key psychological resistance after recently reclaiming it for the first time in three months,” Shekhar said. “The move higher has been supported by strong momentum and a sharp liquidation of bearish positions, reflecting aggressive short covering as price pushed upward.”
The technical picture, he said, is constructive but not yet confirmed. A sustained close above $80,000 would open the path toward $85,000 to $92,000 in the near term. Failure to hold the level would likely push Bitcoin back into consolidation as traders hedge and wait for a clearer directional signal.
Iran Is Still in the Background
The geopolitical backdrop continues to add noise to what would otherwise be a clean technical setup. US-Iran tensions have contributed to intermittent volatility throughout the recovery, creating moments of uncertainty that have tested Bitcoin’s ability to hold gains.
Shekhar said that market participants remain watchful of these external triggers and that geopolitical developments may continue to influence short-term sentiment and positioning even as Bitcoin holds firm near highs.
What Comes Next
The immediate focus is on whether Bitcoin can hold and close convincingly above $80,000 rather than simply wick through it. A strong weekly close above the level would represent the kind of structural confirmation that institutional participants typically require before adding exposure.
The $85,000 to $92,000 range identified by Shekhar sits just above the 200-day moving average near $83,000, a technical level that has acted as resistance throughout the recent recovery. A clean break through that zone would reset the narrative from recovery to breakout and bring the $100,000 conversation back into serious focus for the first time since October 2025.
Kraken has teamed up with MoneyGram to let users cash out crypto at nearly 500,000 locations in over 100 countries. Co CEO Arjun Sethi said it targets users in volatile markets who use crypto for savings and payments. The partnership strengthens Kraken’s global off-ramp system and improves access to local fiat. It also supports the company’s wider expansion strategy, following recent acquisitions and its ongoing preparations for a possible public listing.
The crypto layoffs wave isn’t slowing down it’s accelerating in 2026, and this time it’s not just about market cycles. It’s about survival in an AI-driven world. In early May 2026, major firms are cutting deep, trimming teams, and quietly admitting that fewer humans can now do a lot more work and Coinbase joined the list.
Coinbase Leads Crypto Layoffs With Major Workforce Cut
Let’s start with the headline move. Coinbase just slashed roughly about 14% of its workforce today. The message? Pretty blunt. The company wants to be “leaner, faster, and more efficient.”
But here’s the kicker: this isn’t just cost-cutting. Per Brian Armstrong it’s a structural rewrite. The company is flattening management layers, pushing leaders to act as individual contributors, and building “AI-native pods” where smaller teams that handle what used to require entire departments. In simple terms, AI isn’t assisting anymore. It’s replacing.
AI Shift Forces Industry-Wide Workforce Restructuring
Coinbase isn’t alone here, in simple not the only villain. Even not long back, Gemini also reportedly cut around 30% of its staff after posting a $582 million loss in 2025. Crypto.com followed with a 12% workforce reduction, explicitly pointing to AI-driven efficiency, as well.
Then there’s Algorand, which announced trimming 25% of its team while citing macro uncertainty. Messari platform posted to have downsized significantly, now sitting near 140 employees approx, far below its earlier ambitions.
Well, here’s the scary pattern: fewer people, more automation, tighter margins. Even firms like Block, OP Labs, and PIP Labs have were also on the list.
Market Pressure And Volatility Add Fuel
But let’s be real and practical, though the situation is concluded towards AI efficiency over humans hands. But supporting this trend is the declining overall crypto market conditions, which still matter. Weak token prices and inconsistent trading volumes are forcing companies to rethink spending.
Even Coinbase admitted its revenue remains volatile quarter to quarter. That’s a polite way of saying: when markets dip, things break.
This is an email I sent earlier today to all employees at Coinbase:
Team,
Today I’ve made the difficult decision to reduce the size of Coinbase by ~14%. I want to walk you through why we're doing this now, what it means for those affected, and how this positions us for the…
Meanwhile, restructuring itself isn’t cheap. Severance packages, equity vesting, and transition support all add up in the short term so even as firms chase long-term efficiency.
So, what’s next? More of the same. The crypto layoffs trend isn’t a phase but a clear shift. And right now, the industry is choosing machines over headcount.
The crypto industry has long treated 2030 as the planning horizon for quantum readiness. Ayo Akinyele, Head of Engineering at RippleX, says that the window may no longer be wide enough.
Speaking in a recent interview, Akinyele acknowledged that the standard guidance has been to prepare for 2030 as the point by which blockchain networks should be migrated to quantum-safe cryptography.
But recent research findings, particularly work coming out of Google around improvements to Shor’s algorithm, the mathematical tool most associated with breaking classical public key cryptography, have pushed that timeline forward.
“We can’t necessarily wait until 2030,” Akinyele said. “We have to be ready in the next couple of years so that in the event technology outpaces the rate at which we’re able to migrate, we have contingency plans in place.”
Why This Is Harder Than a Software Update
Akinyele was direct about the scale of what quantum readiness actually requires. This is not a patch or a routine upgrade. “It’s not like a software update in the traditional sense,” he said. “It’s a massive impact to how we operate infrastructure in general.”
If quantum hardware capable of breaking classical cryptography is ever realised, Akinyele noted it will most likely operate silently. There will be no public announcement that the encryption underpinning digital assets has been compromised.
Where XRP Ledger Stands
RippleX has published a roadmap reflecting the intention to be quantum ready and is actively engaging with development teams working on quantum-safe signature schemes for different use cases. Several teams have already approached RippleX to explore how their work might be integrated into the XRPL’s migration path.
Akinyele confirmed that RippleX has been in contact with the Ethereum Foundation, which expressed confidence that ETH will be ready. RippleX is now in active conversations with Ripple to ensure the same can be said for the XRP Ledger.
“This year is all about addressing the foundation,” Akinyele said. “People are seeing 23-year-old bugs in Linux kernels right now. This is the moment to use these tools to find all of the cracks in the XRPL foundation and evolve the architecture.”
Institutional DeFi Raises the Stakes
The urgency around quantum readiness is amplified by the direction the XRP Ledger is heading. RippleX is actively building infrastructure for institutional DeFi, including token issuance, collateral management, repo transactions, and yield generation, all using RLUSD as a foundational layer.
Institutions operating on-chain have an expectation of reliability, security, and deterministic settlement that consumer-facing applications do not require to the same degree. Meeting that standard means the quantum readiness question is not abstract. It is a prerequisite for the institutional use cases the XRP Ledger is being built to serve.
After months of stalling, the Clarity Act is finally moving. Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks released a stablecoin yield compromise late last week that effectively clears the path for a Senate Banking Committee markup. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott confirmed the markup is happening in May.
What the Banks Got and What They Did Not
The stablecoin yield language has been the central battleground for months. Banks pushed hard for broad restrictions on crypto exchanges paying rewards on stablecoin holdings. On the surface, the compromise extends those restrictions beyond issuers to cover third-party platforms including crypto exchanges, which looks like a win for the banking lobby.
But the detail in the language is where things get interesting. Coinbase chief legal officer Paul Grewal suggested the rewards language was either a complete capitulation to banks or had nothing whatsoever in it, implying it struck a balance that gives both sides something to claim. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong then posted two words: “Mark it up.”
Who Holds the Real Power
Perhaps the most significant structural element in the released language is a referral mechanism that sends potential violations to the Secretary of the Treasury rather than leaving enforcement solely with the SEC or CFTC. In practical terms, that means Bessant holds meaningful interpretive authority over how the yield restrictions are applied. A pro-crypto Treasury Secretary effectively becomes a safeguard built directly into the legislation.
The New Name to Watch
One fresh obstacle has appeared. Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is expected to weigh in on provisions around Section 1960, the statute that governs criminal liability for money transmission. The section could affect DeFi developers and software builders depending on how it is interpreted. Grassley has not been part of the conversation until now and represents a new variable as the bill approaches markup.
The Calendar Is Clear
The week of May 11 is when most observers expect the markup to happen. After that, June and July are the realistic windows for a final Senate vote, a return to the House for what is expected to be a straightforward approval, and a signing at the White House. If the bill does not clear the Senate before August, the midterm election calendar takes over and the window narrows considerably.
LINK price rose nearly 6% after AWScloud partnership announcement, as this time it was an actual substance. The LINK price reacted quickly after AWScloud officials posted about this team up with Chainlink. Was it a hype, many curious? Sure it is one. But unlike most headlines, this one comes with real infrastructure behind it.
AWScloud Partnership Brings Real Utility To Blockchain
AWScloud is integrating Chainlink’s CRE by utilizing this effectively will be giving its massive developer base tools to connect cloud systems with smart contracts.
Not just theory but this have practical actual use cases. Think custom price feeds, stablecoin reserve verification, and off-chain computation running inside secure environments. It’s enterprise-grade stuff, the kind that institutions usually demand before even pretending to care about blockchain.
Well, Chainlink isn’t just chasing headlines but clearly it’s chasing developers and by locking this deal its after millions of them.
LINK Price Eyes Key Resistance After Recent Push
But, in crypto markets most investors eyes are still glued to charts. The LINK price bump comes alongside a broader tailwind from BTC and ETH, helping it grind higher since February.
Now, it’s staring directly at the $10 resistance level. Crack that, and the next logical target sits near the 200-day EMA around $11.52. Momentum’s improving too and because of that the 30-day MVRV just flipped above zero, meaning short-term holders are finally seeing profits. Not euphoric. But definitely less painful.
Institutional Demand Builds While Holders Stay Patient
Meanwhile, the long-term crowd isn’t exactly celebrating. The 365-day MVRV still shows holders sitting in the red, even as recovery slowly creeps in.
On the institutional side, though, it’s oddly stable. US spot LINK ETF assets are holding at $107.86 million which is roughly 1.59% of market cap per sosovalues’s data and most importantly with no outflows reported since December 2025. That’s not explosive demand, but it’s consistent.
Add to that reserve activity climbing to 3.44 million LINK by April 30, and you start seeing the bigger picture. Infrastructure is being built. Slowly, deliberately.
So yeah, the LINK price might still be dragging its feet but the groundwork underneath? That’s moving a lot faster than it looks.
Initial reports from SimilarWeb indicate ChatGPT ads are outperforming traditional benchmarks on engagement — but with limited inventory and small-scale tests, it’s too early to call this a long-term trend.
What’s happening. According to early analysis, ads appearing in ChatGPT conversations are generating strong click-through rates vs Display and Podcast channels, likely driven by high-intent user queries and the native way ads are integrated into responses.
Unlike traditional search ads, these placements appear directly within conversational answers, making them feel more contextual and less disruptive.
Why we care . If these early CTRs hold at scale, ChatGPT could become a serious performance channel — especially for advertisers looking to reach users at the moment of intent.
But there’s a catch: inventory is still limited, and early performance often looks better before wider rollout introduces more competition and variability.
Between the lines. High CTRs don’t necessarily mean high performance. Conversion quality, cost efficiency and scalability will ultimately determine whether ChatGPT ads can compete with established platforms like Google Ads.
There’s also the novelty factor — users may be more likely to engage simply because the format is new.
Zoom in. Some categories are already showing stronger signals than others.
Mother’s Day-related prompts are far more likely to trigger ads—about three times more than average—because they signal strong purchase intent, with brands like Etsy, Nordstrom and flower retailers already showing strong visibility.
What to watch:
Whether CTRs hold as inventory expands
How conversion rates compare to search and social
If pricing models evolve beyond early testing phases
Bottom line. ChatGPT ads are off to a strong start on engagement — but until scale, cost and conversion data catch up, advertisers should treat this as a promising test channel, not a proven one.
Romelu Lukaku’s agent, Federico Pastorello, confirms the Belgian striker will resume training with his Napoli teammates today, meeting with Antonio Conte: ‘The coach will decide what to do.’
Belgium international Lukaku has returned to Naples after spending over one month in Antwerp, Belgium, for individual training sessions to regain full fitness.
Lukaku refused to return to Naples during the international break in March, remaining in Belgium without the club’s consent.
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
He was, therefore, fined and frozen out of the team. He did return to Naples for just one day towards the end of April to meet club directors with his agent, Pastorello.
“I know both [Lukaku and Conte] really well, and they both live football with great passion,” Pastorello told DAZN Belgium via TMW.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Romelu Lukaku of SSC Napoli reacts after missing a penalty in the penalty shootout during the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“That was not the right moment for a meeting, but they’ll do it today.”
Lukaku has now returned to Napoli’s training centre, his agent confirmed.
“Lukaku is back to Napoli, as expected, and he’ll resume training with the team now that he’s in better shape. Then the coach will decide what to do with Romelu,” Pastorello said.
Lukaku suffered a severe muscle injury at the beginning of the season, which forced him to the sidelines in the first part of the campaign.
The Belgian international, 32, has played only 64 minutes across all competitions this season, scoring one goal.
His contract at the Stadio Maradona runs out in June 2027.
Reports in Italy claim that Luka Modric returned to the Milan training centre this morning. Hence, the Rossoneri hope to see the Croat return to action for the last game of the season despite a recent cheekbone surgery.
Modric’s season with Milan might not be over as Italian sources, including Sky Sport Italia and MilanNews, report that the 40-year-old returned to Milanello on Tuesday morning for the first time since suffering a cheekbone injury that required surgery two weeks ago.
Modric returns to Milanello for first time after surgery
It was expected that Modric would not play for Milan again this season, focusing his recovery on the World Cup with the Croatia national team.
However, according to MilanNews, his return to Milanello this morning suggests that the Real Madrid legend will push to be available for the season’s final game.
PISA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AC Milan at Arena Garibaldi on February 13, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Gian Piero Gasperini is pushing Roma to secure contract renewals for four out-of-contract players this summer, including Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, both of whom have been linked with Inter Milan, while Zeki Celik has also attracted interest from Liverpool.
According to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the recent departures of Claudio Ranieri and sporting director Frederic Massara have actually brought the squad closer together, with Gasperini using that unity to press the club for a clean sweep of renewals.
Alongside Dybala, Pellegrini and Celik, winger Stephan El Shaarawy is also out of contract, with all four previously considered likely to leave at the end of the season.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 25: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Gasperini pushes Roma board to retain key quartet despite summer uncertainty
The situation has shifted, however, with Gasperini now understood to want all four players kept at the club.
His desire to retain them comes amid significant external interest, especially at zero cost.
Celik has been linked with both Inter and Liverpool, while Pellegrini has also been mentioned in connection with the Nerazzurri.
Dybala, meanwhile, has been repeatedly linked with a return to Argentina to join Boca Juniors.
Keeping hold of these players would be a significant mark of strength from Roma, especially as fans feel many still have something to give to the club.
Losing any of them, especially to a division rival like Inter, would be a huge blow, especially as
Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà reports that Lazio coach Sarri is the leading candidate for the Napoli job next season if Conte leaves.
The Partenopei boss is under contract at the Stadio Maradona, but his future at the club will be determined in the coming weeks, with a meeting expected between the Italian tactician and the Napoli management, including President Aurelio De Laurentiis.
NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 18: Maurizio Sarri SS Lazio head coach greets Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 18, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Pedullà writes on X that “confirmations are coming from all sides” that Sarri is Napoli’s “top name” for next season if the club and Conte decide to part ways.
Sarri returned to Lazio last summer but has had a troubled season at the Stadio Olimpico, mostly due to a summer transfer embargo that prevented the Biancocelesti from making new signings for the first part of the campaign.
Sarri, 67, already spent three seasons at Napoli, from 2015 to 2018.
He won 98 of 148 games in charge of the Partenopei, failing to win the Scudetto in his final season at the club despite collecting 91 points.
Inter legend Beppe Bergomi insists Milan, Juventus and Napoli can’t settle for a mere top-four finish next season and warns Barcelona about Alessandro Bastoni’s price tag: ‘He has great value…’
Inter and Italy legend Bergomi examined the Nerazzurri’s title-winning campaign in an interview with Repubblica, where he also discussed the improvements that Cristian Chivu’s team will need for 2026-27.
Chivu has won the Scudetto in his first full Serie A season as a coach, and Bergomi had no doubts about the former defender’s quality in the dugout.
“I knew he’d do well. Roberto Samaden, who had long been in charge of the youth sector, told me that Cristian could win his players’ hearts, and he did,” he said.
Bergomi went on to name the key Inter player this term.
“Lautaro. He’s the top scorer despite playing fewer games than in the past,” he said.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“He has amazing quality and leadership skills. Zielinski and Dimarco are just one step behind.”
Bergomi feels the Nerazzurri’s target for next season is already set, but he also sent a warning to the other contenders.
“Win the league again, and it is not only true for Inter,” he claimed.
“Milan, Napoli and Juve can’t just say ‘we aim for a Champions League spot.’ It’s not fair towards the fans. The Champions League is an opportunity, but it is complex. With the new formula, if you don’t finish [the league phase] in the top eight, it gets very tough.”
According to recent reports, the Nerazzurri will have a minimum budget of €40-50m to strengthen the team, a sum that could be increased through some sales.
“I’d like a physically strong central midfielder, like Koné, Rabiot or Khephren Thuram, and a dribbler, like Nico Paz,” Bergomi said.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MARCH 01: Beppe Bergomi looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari and FC Internazionale at Sardegna Arena on March 1, 2019 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
“It will be hard to sign him from Real Madrid, but that’s the type of player [Inter need].
“Inter have been without Calhanoglu, Dumfries, and Lautaro for many games,” continued the ex-defender.
“Bastoni too. In addition to injuries, he was subjected to unjustified public shaming. He made a mistake, but he took responsibility for it.”
With all eyes falling on the Allianz on Wednesday night, a spot in the final of this season’s Champions League hangs in the balance as Bayern Munich welcome PSG to Germany for their second-leg showdown. Eventually dragging themselves to an early advantage last week as they secured what was a remarkable 5-4 victory in Paris, […]
The personal chef who accused former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs of assault and attempted strangulation returned to the witness stand Tuesday before the prosecution rested its case on the second day of trial in Dedham District Court.
Defense attorneys have pushed back on Adams’ account, arguing the assault never happened. They pointed out that Adams did not take photos of any alleged bruising or marks and failed to disclose to police that she and Diggs were involved in what they described as an intimate relationship.
The defense also noted Adams was upset about being excluded from a trip to Miami and suggested that anger may have played a role in her allegations.
Boston attorney Elyse Hershon, a legal analyst, said the defense aggressively highlighted inconsistencies in Adams’ testimony.
“We have to look at why she would lie about this, and the defense is bringing out information,” Hershon said. “She deleted text messages before she went to the police and showed an angry exchange between her and Diggs. That doesn’t look good. So something that doesn’t look good is something the defense will use in their closing — to really say you can’t believe her, you can’t trust her, she lied, she just wanted money.”
The trial is expected to last another one to two days. Adams is scheduled to resume testimony first thing Tuesday morning as cross-examination continues.
Microsoft, Google, and xAI have agreed to provide the U.S. government with early access to upcoming artificial intelligence models, allowing officials to examine potential national security risks before the systems are released to the public. The arrangement will enable the…
Elastics, which describes itself as an “AI predictive market operating system,” announced it has raised $2 million in an oversubscribed pre-seed round led by early-stage investor Frst. Frst leads oversubscribed round into Elastics According to details shared by Menlo Times…
Guerrilla Games' upcoming multiplayer spin-off of its mainline open-world Horizon series, Horizon Hunters Gathering, is set to have its second closed beta playtest later this month, from May 22-25, 2026. The closed playtest adds two new characters for players to try out, a new story mission from the game's narrative, a new region to explore, and an increased challenge with more difficult missions and changes to one of its core game modes. The game's first closed playtest, which, just like this upcoming one, you'll need an invite to participate in, took place at the cross between February and March of […]
Teamgroup has released its latest Elite DDR5 memory modules featuring high speeds of up to 8000 MT/s, which are ready for next-gen platforms. Next-Gen Platforms Will Support Some Crazy High-Speed DDR5 Memory & Teamgroup Is Ready With Its Elite Series Offering Up To 8000 MT/s Transfer Rates Press Release: Global memory leader Team Group Inc. continues to advance product performance with the introduction of new high-frequency specifications for its ELITE PLUS DDR5 and ELITE DDR5 desktop memory modules. Both products deliver speeds of up to 8000 MT/s and operate at 1.1V with CL56-56-56-128 timings, fully compliant with JEDEC standards. Designed […]
Intel has accelerated its PC roadmap, with several chips including Nova Lake, Razor Lake, Titan Lake & Moon Lake on track to tackle AMD. Intel To Offer Four PC CPU Families In The Next Two Years As It Positions Its Lineup To Compete Aggressively Against AMD, Apple & Qualcomm Chipzilla is going aggressive not only on the Foundry front, but also in its PC business as it remains on track to offer four diverse chip families in the next two years. This shows heightened confidence at Intel as its PC platform execution not just accelerates, but also gets back on […]
The AI boom has resulted in TSMC battling to increase its manufacturing capacity for clients to fulfill 3nm chip orders, leaving a massive opportunity for Samsung to capitalize on. However, even though the Korean giant has made strides in bringing its 2nm GAA technology to U.S. soil in the form of its Taylor plant, its reliability in manufacturing higher volume at stable yields remains in question. While there have been talks of Samsung becoming a viable alternative to TSMC, companies like Tesla and Qualcomm are only considering a dual-sourcing strategy because they now have a backup option to a foundry that […]
Bahamas police opened an investigation following the drowning death of an elderly cruise ship passenger.
An American man, 83, died after being found unresponsive in the water Sunday during a stop at Norwegian Cruise Line’s private Bahamas destination, Great Stirrup Cay.
The man was found unresponsive by his son while snorkeling, Eyewitness News reported. Despite assistance by a lifeguard and medical personnel, he never regained consciousness. He was pronounced deceased at the scene, and his body was later transferred to New Providence for an autopsy.
Norwegian Getaway Guest Pronounced Dead at Great Stirrup Cay
It is thought the man was a guest on Norwegian Getaway, which was the only ship to call on May 3. The vessel was on a three-night sailing in The Bahamas and had earlier docked at Nassau. It returned to PortMiami on Monday, May 4.
The incident comes less than a month after the cruise company settled a lawsuit claiming negligence in the drowning death of a guest in Bermuda in 2024.
The suit was settled for an undisclosed sum just days before a trial was set to begin. The lawsuit alleged NCL failed to warn guests about dangerous riptides, the absence of lifeguards at the beach, and previous drowning deaths in the area.
Norwegian Getaway (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)
Great Stirrup Cay, part of the Berry Islands chain, has been operated by Norwegian Cruise Line since 1977, when it became the first cruise line in the industry to develop a private island concept.
The cruise line recently spent about $150 million upgrading the 268-acre island with more amenities and guest experiences. These include a 28,000-square-foot pool area and the Vibe Shore Club adults’ retreat. The Great Tides Waterpark is set to open in late summer 2026.
Norwegian Cruise Line did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publication.
BW LNG has signed an agreement with BASS Software to deploy BASSnet Neo software solution across its fleet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers and floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs). According to a statement, the contract win followed a global evaluation process covering up to 30 solutions in the market. “We are extremely proud...
Samsung News is getting updated with support for short videos alongside premium publishers in the US. With these updates, the company’s news aggregator app is taking the traditional reading experience to the next level.
Now, Samsung News will offer short videos and content from credible publishers in the US. The update is now rolling out across devices, bringing a mix of premium journalism and quick-hit video content into one streamlined feed.
Short videos
A new short-form video carousel now sits inside the app, serving up bite-sized clips across categories like news, sports, finance, lifestyle, and entertainment.
The initial lineup includes content from outlets like ABC News, PEOPLE, Allrecipes, EatingWell, and Entertainment Weekly, among others. These clips are curated by Samsung’s editorial team, not just pulled in randomly.
Premium publishers
Samsung is doubling down on trusted, mainstream publishers to make its curated feed more credible and useful.
Users will now see content from names like ABC News, USA TODAY, The Washington Post, and PEOPLE integrated directly into Samsung News.
Sports and finance coverage is powered by Yahoo Media Group, which fills in the gaps with real-time updates and broader coverage.
The curation feels tighter, and the sources are the kind you would actually trust for daily updates. It is also a smart move for users who do not want to juggle multiple apps.
“Galaxy users consume news in different ways, whether it’s through quick video updates or in-depth reporting,” said Maya Harris, VP & Head of Strategic Partnerships for Samsung’s TV & Mobile Services. “We’re continuing to evolve Samsung News to meet those needs, with more formats, more trusted sources and a personalized experience that puts the day’s most important stories front and center.”
A typewriter with an e-ink display and mechanical keyboard – Auteur aims to make writing texts without distractions more comfortable. With an integrated battery and a USB-C port for charging, the typewriter should also be suitable for on the go.
The Ugreen PB603 has been officially introduced in China. This new power bank supports 45W fast charging, sports a built-in cable, and features an integrated display. The Chinese retail price is CNY 299, around $44.
Ride1Up has introduced the world’s first electric bicycle with a semi-solid-state battery, the Revv1 Evo. The e-bike features a powerful 750 W Bafang hub motor with 100 nm torque, a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h), up to 60 miles (96.5 km) of range, an HD color display, and a front light. Plus, it can handle up to 400 lbs of load capacity.
In addition to GPS and other technologies, there are other ways to track location: it’s not just about determining the smartphone’s location, but also about how it can detect other objects in the space. Yet this is precisely where Samsung has cut corners on its most affordable flagship model.
Xiaomi has finally released a new smartwatch internationally with optional NFC. Now available in Europe and Southeast Asia, the Redmi Watch 6 also features over 150 pre-installed sports modes, GNSS location services and a large AMOLED display that is said to deliver over 2,000 nits of peak brightness.
Deal | Stellaris is one of Paradox Interactive’s best-known grand strategy games and is currently 75% off on Steam. Players create their own galactic empire, wage wars, advance research and build diplomatic relations – all for less than $10 until May 10.
Deal | Hunt the Pale Gods combines tactical deckbuilding with dark cosmic horror. The roguelike is 90% off on Steam until May 11 and is currently available for just under $1.50, marking a new all-time low.
The RingConn Gen 3 has launched with a pre-order discount in place. This smart ring can do in-depth vascular health monitoring, offers haptic feedback, and has a battery life rating of up to 14 days. The discounted starting price is $314.
About a year ago, Xiaomi introduced the Xiaomi 15S Pro, its first phone to be powered by an in-house chipset, which was called the Xring O1. This was a variant of the Xiaomi 15 Pro, which originally ran on a Snapdragon 8 Elite. The company may be looking to do something similar this year, reports Yogesh Brar.
The scuttlebutt is that there will be a version of the Xiaomi 18 Ultra powered by the Xring O3. That’s the next generation Ultra, which should arrive in December – according to Brar, the company isn’t planning on a global release for the Xring-based model, so it will be available only...
outboxed Junto Nakatani on Saturday to retain his undisputed super-bantamweight titles and reaffirm his position amongst boxing’s best, but in the eyes of , there is another fighter who deserves top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. In a technical affair, Inoue landed the cleaner shots to claim a unanimous decision win and hand Nakatani a […]
On Saturday, hopes to regain the heavyweight throne at the first time of asking, challenging for the WBO world title, and in the eyes of David Price, there is one man who sticks out as the favourite. Wardley earned knockout wins over and in 2025 to become interim WBO champion, before he was later elevated […]
Google is trying a new method of bot authentication named Web Bot Auth. Google posted a new help document that explains that Web Bot Auth is a “new cryptographic protocol that helps websites to validate that bots are authentic.”
The goal of Web Bot Auth is to help you automate the process of authenticating which AI Agent bots are authentic and which are fraud.
Limited test. Google said the search compan is “testing the protocol with some AI agents hosted on Google infrastructure.” Not all Google user agents are using Web Bot Auth and Google is not yet signing every request of agents using the protocol.
What is Web Bot Auth. Google defined Web Bot Auth as “Web Bot Auth is an experimental cryptographic protocol used to authenticate requests sent by bots. Instead of relying solely on self-reported headers and IP addresses, Web Bot Auth allows agents to cryptographically sign their requests.”
Web Bot Auth can bring the following benefits according to Google:
Future-proofing: Help establish a web where agent providers and websites can build mutual trust and make informed access decisions.
Cryptographic certainty: Move beyond easily spoofed headers to a verified identity and decouple agent identity from IP addresses.
Better observability: Gain clearer insights into how agents interact with your content.
Why we care. As AI Agents become more and more common across the web, managing which Agents can access your site and web pages may become more and more of a challenge. This new method of authentication may help you allow authentic AI Agents and block the inauthentic AI Agents.
Again, this is an “experimental” feature right now, so keep track of its progress.
Jamie Carragher has ruled out Antonio Conte as a candidate to become the next Chelsea manager while identifying Como head coach Cesc Fabregas as one of the most exciting emerging coaches in football, as the Blues search for a permanent successor to interim manager Callum McFarlane.
According to comments made on Sky Sports, via the Standard, Carragher was unequivocal about several names on the shortlist.
“You can probably rule out the bottom three, Mourinho, Lampard and Conte,” he said. “They’ve all managed Chelsea before, so I don’t see that. Fabregas does look like right now one of the new hot things in football, doing really well. Filipe Luis is doing really well, obviously had a spell at Chelsea as a player.”
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 28: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, reacts from the technical area during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between SSC Napoli and Chelsea FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 28, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
Carragher says Chelsea is ‘broken’ as Como boss Fabregas emerges amongst leading candidates
Carragher reserved particular praise for Andoni Iraola before returning to the broader problem facing any incoming manager, a club he believes has been fundamentally damaged by its ownership.
“It’s shocking, and it comes from the top,” he said. “There are five or six really top players on that pitch and they’ve just been beaten by Nottingham Forest’s B team. Less than 12 months ago they were taking PSG to the cleaners. This football club is broken.”
On the challenge of attracting players, he added: “If I were a young player, why would I sign for Chelsea? They’d give me 12 months and if I wasn’t amazing, they’d buy another player in my place. How do you build a connection between players, fans and staff? It’s not there.”
The context makes Fabregas’s candidacy all the more intriguing. The former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder has impressed enormously in his first adventure as a top-flight manager, guiding Como to the brink of European qualification.
His connection to Chelsea, where he spent two seasons as a player, adds another layer to what would be a compelling appointment, and Carragher’s endorsement will only strengthen his standing as a frontrunner.
Juventus risk losing some of their most prized assets this summer if they fail to secure Champions League qualification, with Real Madrid among the clubs monitoring Kenan Yildiz and Premier League sides keeping tabs on Francisco Conceicao.
According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the weekend’s home draw against already-relegated Verona has intensified the pressure on Juventus, leaving the club in a precarious position in the race for a top-four finish. The consequences of missing out would stretch well beyond the dugout.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Bremer of Juventus FC is challenged by Kieron Tom Bowie of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Hellas Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Yildiz, Conceicao and Bremer all at risk without Champions League football for Juventus
Yildiz is understood to be a long-standing target of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, and while the young Turkish forward is devoted to the Juventus cause, the club’s ability to retain him would be significantly weakened without European football to offer.
Conceicao has also attracted sustained Premier League interest, and Gleison Bremer, who publicly apologised for his error in the Verona draw, has similarly not fallen off the radar of top clubs.
Dusan Vlahovic’s situation adds another layer of complexity.
His contract talks remain unresolved, and without Champions League football, the Serbian would likely be far more receptive to approaches from clubs already guaranteed a place in Europe’s elite competition next season.
Manchester United are planning to strengthen their midfield this summer, and several Serie A stars, as well as Italy international Sandro Tonali, have been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Sandro Tonali of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Manchester United’s targets in Serie A
UK media outlets (via Manchester Evening News) are reporting that Manchester United are ready to invest £150m (circa €173m) in new signings this summer, with a specific aim on central midfield.
Italian transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà has claimed that both the Red Devils and Atletico Madrid are interested in Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the Colchoneros seemingly slightly ahead in the race, having already offered €30m plus add-ons.
Atalanta, however, aim to get at least €40m from the Brazilian’s sale in the summer, so the race to secure his signature remains wide open.
Italy and Newcastle midfielder Tonali has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but other top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester City, are also considering a move for the ex-Milan star.
Manchester United are also looking for attacking reinforcements with Milan stars Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic both reported to be on their agenda.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Thomas Thiesson Kristensen of Udinese Calcio and Christian Pulisic of AC Milan compete for the ball during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
United reportedly scouted Leao during a 0-0 draw against Juventus two weeks ago, and Gazzetta reported last week that the Premier League giants are eager to offer Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee or Marcus Rashford in a potential player-plus cash swap deal.
According to Calciomercato.it is understood that Manchester United are also attracted to Pulisic’s versatility, but are aware that Milan won’t sell the USMNT captain for less than €60m.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter owners have already made €40-50m available for the summer transfer window, but the budget would increase with the sale of some players, especially Alessandro Bastoni.
Inter are already preparing to strengthen their team for 2026-27 after winning their 21st Scudetto this season.
Gazzetta reports that club owners Oaktree have already informed directors about their transfer budget for the summer, which will be between €40m and €50m.
The Serie A champions are expected to make significant changes, especially in defence, with Yann Sommer, Matteo Darmian, Francesco Acerbi and Stefan De Vrij leaving at the end of their contracts in June.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool controls the ball whilst under pressure from Leo Scienza of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on September 23, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri have already been linked with Liverpool centre-back Giovanni Leoni, who played under Cristian Chivu at Parma last season.
Inter’s strategy in defence will largely depend on whether Bastoni stays beyond the summer.
President Beppe Marotta has confirmed Barcelona’s interest in the Italian centre-back, yet the Nerazzurri have received no formal proposal.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates with his teammates after being confirmed as Serie A champions following victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Sassuolo centre-back Tarik Muharemovic has already reached an agreement with the Nerazzurri, but club-to-club talks are still not at an advanced stage.
Experienced midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is also expected to leave at the end of his contract in June, and according to Gazzetta, Curtis Jones is another Liverpool player targeted by the Nerazzurri.
Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario has been identified as the priority to replace Yann Sommer.
According to Gazzetta, Inter and Chivu could even decide to reshape the team, making suitable signings to a four-man defence.
In this scenario, Atalanta-owned Marco Palestra is a primary target, as the Italian can play either as a full-back or an attacking winger.
As reported by Corriere dello Sport, Inter still hope to sign Nico Paz from Real Madrid next summer, as the Argentine is expected to return to the Bernabeu from Como at the end of the current campaign.
Michael Saylor says his Bitcoin vehicle Strategy has realized 63,410 BTC of “Bitcoin Gain” in 2026, lifting its stash to over 815,000 BTC, or about 3.9% of total supply. In a new post on X, Strategy founder and executive chairman…
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Apple has once again raised the possibility of making its chips at Fabs besides TSMC, as it is in early talks with Intel and Samsung. Intel & Samsung Emerge As Potential Fix To Apple's Supply Constraints Affecting Its Consumer Chips Bloomberg has just dropped some big news surrounding Apple, which is in early talks with Intel and Apple to secure additional supply for its consumer lineup. The report highlights that Apple has held "exploratory" discussions with the two semiconductor firms as it aims to diversify the production of its chips. The company has so far relied upon TSMC for its […]
Being fast can be a problem, well, you haven't heard that one right? Apex Legends developers just fixed an issue with physics calculations on AMD Ryzen X3D CPUs caused by their high single-threaded performance. Apex Legends Patch Addresses Physics Calculations-Based Stutters Encountered On CPUs With Fast Single-Threaded Performance, Such as AMD's Ryzen X3D Apex Legends rolled out its latest patch, "Overclocked," which includes a range of changes, including performance improvements on the PC platform. One of the changes is unexpected, which calls out the fast single-threaded performance of AMD Ryzen X3D and a similarly performant CPU as the primary cause […]
Around five months ago, CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski signaled a shift in tone for Lords of the Fallen 2 away from "political correctness" and toward, among other things, skimpy female armor designs. Now, that's been confirmed with the official reveal of five concept art pieces that leave little to imagination: the female characters will feature much more revealing armor sets in the upcoming Soulslike sequel. The studio claimed to be responding to players' feedback: You wanted fierce. You wanted beautiful. You wanted provocative. The reveal also took place in partnership with content creator TheBackgroundNPC, who focuses specifically on female […]
Toncoin rose 33.8% after Pavel Durov said Telegram would deepen its role in TON, while details on the foundation and validator structure remain unclear.
Malta is working to attract more boutique cruise ships and expand homeporting operations, according to Arthur Grima, director of marketing for the Malta Tourism Authority. In 2025, in addition to 4 million tourists, the destination welcomed 870,560 cruise passengers who visited the country as part of 387 calls. While overall passenger volume increased by 2.5...
As MSC Cruises continues to expand its LNG-powered fleet and explore next-generation ship designs, the company is focusing on building vessels capable of exceeding current sustainability targets over a three-decade lifespan, according to Chief Energy Transition Officer Michele Francioni. Cruise ships designed today will enter service in five years and operate for 35 years or...
Lindblad Expeditions has financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. Natalya Leahy, Chief Executive Officer, said: “In a complex macro and geopolitical environment, our team delivered another record quarter, achieving 93% occupancy- highest in the Company’s history, record yields, and 16% EBITDA growth. These results reflect the strength of our strategy and...
The global expedition cruise market is at an inflection point with serious grow expected to start again soon as the all new 2026 Expedition Cruise Market Report from Cruise Industry News captures it all. Now available for instant download in PDF format, the 280+ page report is the most comprehensive independent analysis of the expedition...
Huna Totem has built up to four ports in Alaska and is extending its reach into the Caribbean, which is a transformation that Howard Sherman, president, Huna Totem Tourism Group, said reflects both the industry’s growth and Huna Totem’s evolving ambitions. “If you go back and look before COVID, it was a single destination, which...
The RingConn Gen 3 has launched with a pre-order discount in place. This smart ring can do in-depth vascular health monitoring, offers haptic feedback, and has a battery life rating of up to 14 days. The discounted starting price is $314.
SnailMail is a new business model in which creators send physical mail to paying subscribers. As artificial intelligence makes digital content increasingly generic, the idea seems attractive to many. How lucrative the business really is, however, remains questionable.
Casio appears to be working on a new Ring Watch, the CRW-H001. Spotted in a certification database, the specifications of this model have yet to be confirmed. However, the model number could point to an integrated heart rate sensor.
An embarrassing bug, mocking comments and fear of theft: a Reddit discussion shows why many players still feel uncomfortable gaming in public, despite the boom around the Steam Deck and similar handhelds.
How Dobby is brought to life could play an important role in the success of the Harry Potter series. After all, the house-elf ranks high among many fans’ favorite characters. One question in particular is on Potterheads’ minds: will Dobby be brought to life through animatronics or CGI?
Xgimi has launched the new V10 home theatre projector in China. Described as an “ultra-high brightness” model, it builds on the older T10 (Titan), which has been released in various markets worldwide.
Two new Home Assistant-related Zepp Mini Apps are now available for Amazfit smartwatch users. They arrive alongside a simple drawing tool and a remote control for the Android app Tasker.
The 2026 Casio G-Shock Baby-G x Hysteric Glamour watch is about to launch in Japan. This collaboration model, based on the BGD-10K, has a square-shaped digital display and comes with interchangeable accessories.
Citizen has launched three new quartz chronographs: the AN8230-59M, the AN8234-58E, and the AN8236-52P. These watches have metal casings and straps, with features including a tachymeter bezel and a triple subdial.
OmniOS r151058, only supporting upgrades from r151054 and r151056, is now available with improved IPv6 support, GMAC signing in SMB 3.1.1, ZFS improvements, better hardware support, load-balancing for individual logical units via mpathadm, as well as many other tweaks and fixes.
Samsung’s 2026 foldables have leaked via One UI 9 firmware, revealing the new "Wide" variant of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 designed to take on Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra with a 200MP camera and a crease-less display.
Honor has quietly introduced a budget Play series device in China, called the Play 70C. It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G81 Ultra chipset and packs a 5,300mAh battery. The company also unveiled the Play 80 Plus with a 7,500mAh battery and a Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 SoC.
The Honor Play 70C comes with a 6.75-inch LCD display that offers HD+ resolution and a refresh rate of 90Hz.
It gets a single 13MP rear camera that supports 1080p video recording and offers up to 10x digital zoom. On the front, the phone offers a 5MP camera for selfies and video calls.
The device packs a 5,300mAh...
Motorola recently introduced two versions of the Edge 70 Pro for global and Indian markets, with differences in camera hardware and charging capabilities. Now, it appears that the global variant could launch in India under the Edge 70 Pro+ moniker.
According to a tipster, Motorola is set to unveil the Edge 70 Pro+ in India by the end of this month.
Motorola Edge 70 Pro (global)
The phone is said to bring several upgrades over the Edge 70 Pro, including a telephoto camera, support for wireless charging, and a 16GB RAM option. It is also tipped to be available in Satin Wine Red and...
has put himself in pole position for another monumental opportunity, courtesy of his unanimous decision victory over Junto Nakatani. The two Japanese stars squared off at a sold-out Tokyo Dome, with Inoue successfully defending his undisputed super-bantamweight crown. While being a sizable pre-fight favourite, ‘The Monster’ was never likely to encounter a straightforward night’s work […]
Coinbase will cut about 14 of its workforce as it responds to weak crypto market conditions and the rising impact of artificial intelligence on productivity. CEO Brian Armstrong said the company is moving toward a leaner and more AI native structure. This includes reducing management layers and building smaller, more efficient teams. The goal is to improve speed and efficiency while adapting to how AI is changing work across the industry and preparing for future market cycles.
South Korea’s financial markets are seeing a dramatic shift, with equities surging while crypto demand weakens sharply. The benchmark KOSPI has gone parabolic, hitting a fresh all-time high and climbing 37% in just 34 days after adding nearly $1 trillion in market value. According to the Bull theory X post, over the past year, the index has been up an impressive 172%, pushing closer to the key 7,000 level.
The South Korean stock market is going parabolic like never seen before in history. $KOSPI just hit a new all-time high today and is up +37% in the last 34 days after adding ₩1,600 trillion ($1 trillion USD) to its market cap.
This rally has been fueled by strong foreign and institutional inflows, along with improving global sentiment. A rebound in U.S. tech stocks during South Korea’s holiday break triggered nearly $3.5 billion in fresh buying.
At the same time, major firms like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have seen upgraded earnings forecasts, further boosting confidence that the rally may extend.
According to an X user, Investing to Mars the KOSPI rally is still far from over. The index continues to surge higher, with a potential upside target in the 8,000–9,000 range before any major correction kicks in. The outlook could turn even more bullish if KOSPI breaks above its current channel resistance, which may push long-term targets even higher.
— Investing to Mars (@investingtomars) May 4, 2026
Crypto Weakens as Funds Rotate
However the local report, says while stocks surge, South Korea’s crypto market is losing momentum. Total crypto holdings across major exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb have dropped to 60.6 trillion won by February, down nearly half from the 121.8 trillion won peak seen earlier.
Trading activity has also cooled significantly. Daily volumes fell from 17.1 trillion won in late 2024 to just 4.5 trillion won, while exchange deposits, often seen as ready-to-invest capital, declined sharply as well. The shift suggests investors are actively reallocating funds away from crypto and into equities.
Interestingly, demand for stablecoins is moving in the opposite direction. Holdings surged from under 100 billion won to over 600 billion won, reflecting growing interest in dollar exposure amid currency volatility.
Analysts say the trend is clear. According to NH Investment & Securities analyst Hong Sung-wook, the stock market rally and weaker crypto prices have driven capital rotation. Meanwhile, Korbit’s Kim Min-seung points to exchange rate fluctuations as a key factor boosting stablecoin demand.
The bigger picture is unfolding fast: as South Korea’s stock market heats up, crypto is losing local momentum, at least for now.
Bullish has agreed to acquire Equiniti in a 4.2 billion dollar deal that brings together a crypto exchange and a major global transfer agent. Equiniti works with nearly 3000 public companies, including Berkshire Hathaway and Moody’s, and processes large-scale shareholder services. The combined business plans to build a tokenized securities infrastructure offering 24/7 trading, real-time settlement, and stablecoin-based payments. The move signals a push to modernize traditional financial markets using blockchain technology. The deal is expected to close in January 2027 pending regulatory approvals.
Bitcoin is currently trading around $80,874, showing steady resilience despite minor short-term fluctuations. Over the past 24 hours, BTC has gained about 1.49%, with trading volume crossing $47.5 billion, highlighting strong market participation. While still down roughly 36% from its all-time high of $126,198 in October 2025, Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory remains impressive, considering its rise from near-zero levels in its early days.
Technical Signals Point Higher
According to Ali Martinez, Bitcoin continues to show structural strength following a bullish MACD crossover on April 13. This signal has already driven a 15% rally and has historically marked the beginning of major multi-month uptrends, with past gains reaching as high as 147%.
On the daily chart, Bitcoin is now approaching the crucial 200-day moving average near $83,000. A clean breakout above this level could unlock further upside toward $89,000 and potentially $94,000 in the near term.
Whales Accumulate as Retail Stays Quiet
According to him, one of the most notable developments is strong whale activity. Large holders accumulated 4,527 BTC in the past 24 hours, worth approximately $362 million, indicating high conviction buying at current levels.
At the same time, on-chain data from Santiment shows network activity at two-year lows, with only 531,000 daily transactions and around 203,000 new wallets being created. This divergence suggests that while institutional and large players are accumulating, retail investors have yet to re-enter the market in full force.
$100K Narrative Gains Momentum
Crypto analyst Arthur Hayes thinks Bitcoin could reach $100,000 after the summer, driven by improving global dollar liquidity. He also projects a potential move toward $125,000 by the end of 2026, noting that Bitcoin is already outperforming traditional markets like the Nasdaq despite geopolitical tensions, including risks involving Iran.
Institutions Keep Buying
Institutional demand remains a main pillar of support. MicroStrategy (Strategy) now holds over 818,000 BTC worth more than $64 billion, continuing to accumulate aggressively.
Meanwhile, BlackRock manages over $50 billion in Bitcoin ETF assets, with total ETF holdings surpassing $100 billion again. Recent inflows nearing $630 million in a single day reinforce the growing institutional appetite.
Pavel Durov confirmed this week that Telegram is replacing the TON Foundation as the primary operational force behind the TON blockchain, marking a significant structural shift for one of crypto’s most closely watched Layer 1 networks.
“Fees in TON have dropped 6x, to nearly zero,” Durov wrote on X. “Next step: Telegram replaces the TON Foundation. Focus shifts to tech superiority.”
Toncoin rose on the news as markets digested what the change means for the network’s direction and governance.
Why the Fee Cut Matters More Than It Looks
TON’s transaction fee is now approximately 0.00039 TON, roughly half a tenth of a cent, fixed regardless of how busy the network gets. That fixed element is as important as the size of the cut itself. Unpredictable fees are one of the main reasons developers and users avoid blockchain applications for everyday payments.
Here is how TON now compares to its main rivals:
Ethereum: highly variable, can spike to several dollars during busy periods
Solana: around $0.00025 per transaction, high throughput, TON’s closest competitor
BNB Smart Chain: around $0.10 per transaction
Cardano: $0.11 to $0.40 per transaction
Polkadot: around $0.60 per transaction
TON and Solana are now in a category of their own on cost. The difference is that TON comes with direct distribution through a messaging app used by nearly one billion people.
Telegram’s Big Plan Ahead
Telegram is not just supporting TON, it’s taking over its core operations. This includes becoming the largest validator, staking around 2.2 million TON, and directly strengthening network security.
Whether replacing it with direct Telegram control accelerates development or introduces new dependencies is a debate the community has already started. Durov’s answer, implicitly, is that the speed and focus that comes with unified control outweighs the governance trade-off.
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has pushed back strongly against critics who claim the network ignored scaling to focus on governance. He called the idea misleading and said scaling work has been ongoing for years.
His response shows a growing debate in crypto about balancing speed, decentralization, and long-term growth.
Governance Concerns Are Growing
Last week, Crypto analyst Cardano Yoda pointed out a key issue with how the system is working today.
Earlier, Cardano was mainly guided by three groups, IOG, the Cardano Foundation, and EMURGO. But after on-chain governance was introduced, the structure changed.
Now, DReps are responsible for voting and decisions, while another group handles execution.
However, Yoda says the system is not fully working as expected. DReps can vote on spending, but they are often not aligned on strategy or priorities. Because of this, real execution still depends heavily on the original founding teams.
He warned that without better coordination, the system could explode.
Hoskinson Rejects “Scaling Was Ignored” Narrative
As these concerns grew, Charles Hoskinson responded directly, rejecting claims that Cardano slowed down scaling to focus on governance.
“I am getting insanely tired of hearing a false narrative that we abandoned scaling,” he said, making it clear that development has been ongoing for years.
According to him, Cardano has been working on multiple scaling solutions even before the Shelley upgrade. These include Layer-2 innovations, a new accounting model called eUTXO, zero-knowledge research, and advanced systems like Leios and Peras.
So, Why Governance Was Introduced?
Hoskinson also explained why governance, especially the Voltaire upgrade, was necessary. He said the goal was to give the community control over decisions, including how and when scaling upgrades are implemented.
“Implementing Voltaire means that every single one of you has a voice and a vote.”
He argued that scaling changes require constant updates, which can’t be something that can be rushed.
Instead of pushing quick fixes, Cardano focused on building long-term solutions. He argued that some networks chose faster but less stable approaches, while Cardano chose a more careful path.
A “Future-Proof” Scaling Plan
Hoskinson claims Cardano now has one of the most advanced scaling strategies in crypto.
“We now have the best scaling strategy in the entire cryptocurrency space,” he stated, pointing to systems like Leios and a broader Layer-2 roadmap.
He believes this approach will deliver stronger performance over time, even if it requires patience.
Lastly, Hoskinson also referenced Bitcoin’s ongoing governance challenges.
He argued that disputes over proposals could split the community, while Cardano’s governance model aims to avoid such conflicts.
Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures has invested in crypto market maker GSR, becoming its first external strategic investor since the firm was founded in 2013. The investment, part of a broader partnership, highlights growing ties between traditional finance and digital assets. GSR, one of the largest crypto liquidity providers, recently also invested in Libeara, a tokenization platform backed by SC Ventures. The collaboration aims to strengthen crypto capital markets and expand institutional adoption of digital asset infrastructure.
Italy international Riccardo Calafiori is not expected to start for Arsenal in the Champions League semifinal second leg against Atletico Madrid tonight, as Mikel Arteta ‘could be tempted by the added security of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie.’
Arteta to drop Calafiori for Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid?
Calafiori’s Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League semifinals at the Emirates Stadium in London tonight.
The first leg played in Madrid last week ended in a 1-1 draw.
Calafiori returned to action after nearly a month last weekend, playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 win over Fulham.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The Italian defender is eligible for tonight’s fixture, and even though Standard.co.uk admits the ex-Roma and Bologna defender ‘looked sharp’ in his latest outing, Arteta ‘could be tempted by the added security of Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie.’
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Calafiori has scored one goal and provided three assists in 32 appearances across all competitions with Arsenal this term.
He is in his second season at the Emirates Stadium, where his contract expires in June 2029.
Milan risk missing out on Champions League qualification, and Gazzetta warns that failing to secure a top-four finish will have consequences, including the departure of Luka Modric.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that missing out on a Champions League placement would have significant consequences for Milan, not only in terms of appeal and finances.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Luka Modric of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
To start with, Croatian star Modric would almost certainly leave San Siro at the end of the season if Milan don’t finish in the top four.
Modric’s contract expires in June, and Milan will activate their option to extend until 2027 only if the 40-year-old agrees to stay.
Sky Sport previously reported that Modric would stay at Milan only in case of Champions League qualification and if Massimiliano Allegri stays for one more season.
The Italian tactician’s future at San Siro would also be uncertain without a top-four finish.
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 11: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Udinese Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
His contract expires in June 2027 and will automatically be extended to 2028 with Champions League qualification.
However, failing to reach the season’s main target might convince the coach to leave the Rossoneri, especially with the Italy national team job available.
Roma are still very much in the race for the Champions League. After securing a comfortable 4-0 home win against Fiorentina on Monday, the Giallorossi are just one point below fourth-placed Juventus with three games remaining.
Roma 4-0 Fiorentina: Gasperini’s post-match press conference
“I’ve always received important answers from these lads, who have always wanted to improve themselves,” the Roma boss said via Corriere dello Sport.
“We’ve always had a strong attachment, and I see even more in these last few games. We’ve never given up; we didn’t have a target, so we set it ourselves.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 04: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal with teammate Matias Soule during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on May 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
“We know that by recovering some players, we can have our say, we get to the final rush with confidence, but we’ve always been there.
“At the end of the season, we’ll have to talk to avoid the misunderstandings we’ve had. We need clarity,” he added.
“Perhaps we didn’t understand each other well. Now we are there, and we’ll fight.”
Roma parted ways with Senior Advisor Claudio Ranieri two weeks ago, effectively reinforcing Gasperini’s powers within the club.
Sporting director Frederic Massara is also expected to leave the Stadio Olimpico at the end of the season, with Gasp previously admitting that he and the club executive had had different views throughout the current campaign.
“We want to gift a result beyond predictions, and this strongly motivates us. This team’s strength is the unity in the dressing room, and it bothers me to think that this group is only worthy of a fifth- or sixth-place finish,” Gasp continued.
“This is a strong team with solid foundations. There are values that must be strengthened and not wasted. I respect everyone’s opinions, but I must work with my ideas. If I have to work with other ideas, I’d rather find another place.”
Roma will face Lazio in the penultimate round of the season. Even if the date and kick-off time have yet to be officially confirmed, Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli has hinted that the match will be played on May 17 at 12:30 CET.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri looked unhappy with the kick-off time decided by Lega Serie A and threatened not to go on the bench for the derby.
“Perhaps it will rain. It won’t be hot. The problem is that there aren’t any other times available,” Gasp said.
“Nobody is happy with that kick-off time. I’ve been told that we can’t play in the evening. Monday at 18:00 [CET] would be even worse, and then there’s the matter of games played simultaneously. You’ll see, Sarri will be there eventually.”
Real Madrid’s midfield is clearly in desperate need of a massive overhaul, and it looks like club president Florentino Perez has finally locked onto his primary target.
Following another deeply frustrating campaign where Los Blancos are seemingly surrendering the La Liga title to Barcelona for a second consecutive year, sweeping changes are expected at the Bernabeu.
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Real Madrid are actively plotting an audacious summer raid on Manchester City to secure the services of their Dutch international midfielder, Tijjani Reijnders, according to Defensa Central.
Now, after two underwhelming seasons, the Spanish giants are ready to take decisive action to revitalise their stalling project.
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The club’s management is desperately searching for a technical leader capable of providing vision, balance, and much-needed personality in the middle of the park.
Ultimately, the upcoming summer transfer window is shaping up to be an absolutely critical period for Real Madrid.
They are set to end the season without winning a single trophy and for a club like Real Madrid, it is totally unexpected, considering their high standards.
Man City midfielder has struggled at Etihad this season
Securing a complete, dynamic midfielder like Reijnders from Man City would be a massive statement of intent.
It remains to be seen whether the Dutchman alone would be able to solve their midfield issues. Perhaps they need more than one player in that position.
However, Reijnders showed at AC Milan how consistent he can be and if Real Madrid can get that version of the Dutchman, they would be more than happy with their business.
As per recent reports, the Dutch midfielder is being heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium following his reduced playing time under Pep Guardiola.
The winger has just enjoyed a phenomenal individual campaign, particularly shining on the grandest stage with a staggering 10 goals in 12 Champions League appearances.
This elite European form has fully convinced Bayern manager Vincent Kompany, who has approved the move.
However, Bayern aren’t the only ones impressed with the England international.
Despite interest from other top clubs, FC Bayern have now presented Anthony #Gordon and his camp with concrete figures. Gordon could sign a five-year contract at Bayern.
The main issue remains an agreement with Newcastle – not with the player. Bayern have clear limits.… pic.twitter.com/u0iRXkmsBg
Gordon himself hasn’t publicly demanded an exit, but the desire to consistently compete for major silverware and regular Champions League football is a massive draw for the attacker.
If Bayern can find a way to meet Newcastle’s lofty valuation, both Arsenal and Liverpool would lose the race to sign the attacker before even entering the race properly.
Bayern Munich mean business and they are wasting no time to secure the signature of Gordon.
CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid earns CCSS Level 3 certification for institutional wallet infrastructure security. CryptoProcessing by Coinspaid, a regulated crypto payment gateway serving enterprise and institutional merchants globally, has achieved Level 3 certification under the Cryptocurrency Security Standard (CCSS) for its Institutional-Grade…
Ripple has begun sharing its internal threat intelligence on North Korean hacking operations with the crypto industry, expanding how firms respond to insider-driven attacks. According to Crypto ISAC, the move follows incidents where attackers bypassed code vulnerabilities and instead infiltrated…
Final Fantasy VII Remake Part 3 has yet to be officially announced, but recent statements from director Naoki Hamaguchi suggest the game's reveal and release aren't too far off. According to a high-effort leak posted on ResetEra, the third and final entry in the remake trilogy will be revealed during this year's Summer Game Fest opening showcase on June 5, but many of the details sound too good to be true. "I am posting this on behalf of somebody else I know to protect their identity who works somewhere in the chain between Square Enix marketing and Summer Game Fest event staff. The level of […]
The memory shortage faced by Apple can be avoided as the company can purchase DRAM quantities in bulk for a multitude of products, but one area where the Cupertino firm may continue to struggle is chip supply. As TSMC is operating at its maximum capacity by fulfilling 3nm silicon orders for AI customers, it’s adversely affecting iPhone 17 Pro Max shipments to the point that a customer who has been searching around for a flagship unit is unable to find one in a U.S. state. Low A19 Pro chip supply could also affect the second-generation MacBook Neo shipments, as Apple will […]
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings expects net yields to decline three to five percent, the company said in its earnings announcement on Monday. “This updated guidance reflects both the impact of the macroeconomic environment and the extent to which those pressures have compounded the execution and commercial challenges already facing our business,” said Mark Kempa, CFO,...
Following her 134-day world cruise, Phoenix Reisen’s Amera entered drydock this week at Chantiers Naval de Marseille for scheduled refurbishment work. Working with the ship management company BSM, Phoenix Reisen is investing approximately 15 million euros in a number of upgrades. Work will cover the modernization of 160 guest bathrooms as well as the redesign...
France Travel Boom Ignites As Disneyland Paris Anniversary Spectacle Unleashes Record Crowds And New Attractions For Global TouristsFrance travel surges...
This new hardware mod uses a 6th generation iPod Nano to power three Sharp Aquos displays in May 2026. By leveraging a legacy 30-pin iPad dock and custom adapters, the tiny device runs a full multi-screen media setup.
The latest stable version of this distro ships with the Steam client installer alongside Lutris Launcher, Gaming, Heroic Launcher, Moonlight GameStream, and more. These components allow the user to run several Epic Games titles, Battle.net games, Xbox Game Pass remote play, and more.
Smartphones without a notch or punch-hole that still offer secure 3D facial recognition - this is exactly what Metalenz Polar ID is designed to make possible, and at an affordable price. The manufacturer is demonstrating the technology publicly for the first time.
A new leak has outlined key information regarding OpenAI's first smartphone. It is tipped to be powered by a custom version of MediaTek's next-generation chipset, with mass production expected as early as the first half of 2027.
Expected to start at around $300, the Feiyu Pocket 4 has surfaced in a hands-on video, showcasing major upgrades over the Pocket 3. With a larger touchscreen and much improved sensor, this gimbal camera is positioned as an affordable rival to the premium DJI Osmo Pocket 4.
In a move that could see Apple diversify its supply chains, Apple is reportedly evaluating Intel and Samsung to manufacture its upcoming processors. So far, TSMC has been the sole producer for Apple's iPhone and MacBook chips. Apple's reliance on TSMC is so big that it is TSMC's second-largest customer, second only to Nvidia.
Last month, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that OpenAI was developing an AI-agent smartphone slated for mass production in 2028. Now, Kuo suggests the timeline may have been accelerated and has also shared some early specifications of the device.
According to Kuo, the OpenAI smartphone is now expected to enter mass production in the first half of 2027. The analyst attributes the accelerated timeline to the growing AI phone market, along with a potential year-end IPO.
Ming-Chi Kuo also shared key specifications of OpenAI’s AI agent-focused smartphone. According to the analyst,...
The third entry in the Honor Play 80 series is here with the Play 80 Plus. It joins the Play 80 and Play 80 Pro, which were announced earlier this year in China, and brings a larger 7,500mAh battery alongside Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 4 chipset.
Honor Play 80 Plus
Play 80 Plus is built around a 6.61-inch TFT LCD with HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate and 1,010 nits peak brightness. The panel also gets a 5MP front-facing camera inside a punch hole cutout. Around the back, we have a single 13MP cam with f/1.8 aperture, which supports up to 1080p video recording.
Honor...
This Saturday night, and go toe-to-toe in one of the most intriguing bouts in British heavyweight history, with the WBO crown at stake. Ahead of the action, well-respected former trainer and fight analyst, Teddy Atlas, has made his prediction for how the contest will play out. Wardley announced himself on the world stage with a […]
Former WBC heavyweight world champion has shared his thoughts ahead of the planned ‘Battle of Britain’ between and later this year, in what is expected to be the biggest clash in the history of British boxing. Bruno looked set to be the man to break Britain’s heavyweight hoodoo, with the United Kingdom not producing a […]
In the Italian Serie A, while Inter have secured their 21st Scudetto, there’s a true thriller going on in the lower parts of the table: Fiorentina, Cremonese, Lecce and Genoa are fighting to stay in the championship. One of them will certainly be relegated to Serie B. Two teams are already certain to go down: Pisa and Hellas Verona, who have already been mathematically relegated.
In such an uncertain situation, it’s not easy to predict which teams will be relegated or manage to stay up. For those who still want to place a bet, betting apps with free bets no deposit required are just what they need—allowing them to bet conveniently from their phone, while limiting potential losses should the outcome not go as hoped for the team they decide to trust in the not-so-easy mission of avoiding relegation.
Relegation trends in Serie A
The teams at the bottom of the table allow too many goals in a championship as defensively strong as Serie A traditionally is. Pisa and Verona are tied at the bottom and have almost no chance of escaping that position: together, the two teams have won fewer than five games at the midpoint of April. You can’t hope to avoid relegation with these few points.
Verona and Pisa scored 24 and 25 goals, respectively, in 35 matches, which is a pretty poor result. Lecce also managed 24, Cremonese found the back of the net 27 times, while Fiorentina and Genoa did considerably better: the Viola scored 38 times and Genoa 40. Their problem, though, are the goals they allowed. According to Opta Analyst statistics, Pisa allowed 63 goals. This is obviously the worst result of the season and the reason why they are so low in the standings. Cremonese allowed 53 goals; Verona 57; Lecce 47; Fiorentina 49 and Genoa 48. These are all among the highest in the league.
In the cases of Pisa, Verona and Genoa, the goals they concede are considerably higher than the scores they are expected to allow. This is a key stat in order to establish the favourites for relegation, so Genoa should be aware that the company is keeping. Pisa and Verona are bound to go down, but the Grifone can still win out and has the players to do just that. Genoa is a way better team than the last two of the bunch.
Games that matter until the end of the league
In the next few weeks, there will be some massive games to decide the relegations. Let’s see what the near future holds for the teams fighting to stay in Serie A.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – APRIL 12: Eusebio Di Francesco, Head Coach of US Lecce, gestures to his players during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Lecce at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on April 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Lecce
Eusebio Di Francesco’s boys recently faced Fiorentina, Verona and Pisa in consecutive weeks, before closing down the season against Genoa. Obviously, they hope this last game will not matter at all, as it will be the case if they mathematically avoid relegation before that day. Their opponents are not that tough, and their position in the standings is no longer a concern.
Cremonese
The Grigiorossi have it worse. They play against Pisa (week 36), but must face Napoli and Como, two of the better sides in the league in a couple of games where Giampaolo’s team will probably drop points. So they must win out the other games, which are way more winnable but surely not easy.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Paolo Vanoli, Head Coach of Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Fiorentina
The Viola is almost out of contention. The team is considerably better than the others we are writing about and must face Genoa, among other better teams. The Viola are probably the team that risks less, in the fight to avoid relegation, given their history, talent and financial means, but must play at their best to keep it safe.
Genoa
The Grifoneplays against Fiorentina in a week 36 game where the Grifone is seen as the underdog and against Lecce, in a week 38 match that could be of paramount importance for one of the two sides, or could not matter at all, should Cremonese get to the last weekend of the season already sure of its relegation.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Daniele De Rossi of Genoa FC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Giampaolo’s team seem to be the worst-positioned to stay in Serie A. Their roster is depleted and their schedule is considerably tough. Motivation will be key for them and they could use some help from their rivals.
Maybe some of them will lose out and eliminate themselves with their own hands. In Cremona, they would be quite delighted should that happen. On Football Italia, we will closely follow how this battle develops, keeping an eye on Cagliari as well, which is not in good shape after the defeat against Inter Milan and could be the sixth team involved in the clash to avoid relegation.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was desperate to see Everton’s second goal ruled out on Monday, even kneeling before referee Michael Oliver, a gesture that earned him his seventh yellow card of the season, the most of any goalkeeper in Europe.
Italy captain Donnarumma received his seventh yellow card of the season on Monday, during Manchester City’s 3-3 draw against Everton.
As reported by Goal.com, Gigio has received more yellow cards than any other goalkeeper in Europe’s top ten leagues.
Donnarumma believed he had been fouled in the build-up to Everton’s second goal, which stemmed from a corner kick routine. However, his protests to the referee did not yield the desired outcome.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City speaks with referee Michael Oliver during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium on May 04, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The Italian goalkeeper had previously produced a couple of decisive saves and somehow contributed to Manchester City’s late equaliser by rushing inside the Everton box for a late corner kick which led to Jeremy Doku’s goal.
Donnarumma is in his first season at Manchester City, where he has conceded 40 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions and kept 16 clean sheets.
Donnarumma’s ups and downs in Everton 3-3 Man City
One name that is making waves in the managerial world is Spaniard Cesc Fabregas who has impressed with Como in Serie A.
His team is currently sitting in 5th position in the league and they could qualify for the Champions League next season in a major surprise, showing the impact Fabregas has had at the Italian club.
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Given his legendary status at both Arsenal and Chelsea, it makes perfect sense that English clubs are keeping a close eye on his rapidly rising coaching stock.
But if any Premier League owners think they can easily lure the Spaniard away from his current project, they are going to be severely disappointed.
Fabregas is ready to wait for Premier League opportunity
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After initially guiding Como out of the depths of Serie B, he has completely transformed them into genuine heavyweights in the top flight.
A huge part of that success is down to their watertight defense. Fabregas has organised his team brilliantly, and they currently boast the best defensive record in Serie A, having conceded a league-low 28 goals so far this campaign.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Fabregas reiterated his deep love for English football, firmly declaring it the “best league in the world.”
However, he also revealed a brilliant piece of advice he received from Jose Mourinho during their time together at Stamford Bridge.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world,” Fabregas told the Daily Telegraph, as reported by Sky Sports.
“I’ve always been very, very clear about it. I felt it as a player, I feel it as a coach, as a fan.
“But [Jose] Mourinho told me one day when I was at Chelsea: ‘I still have 30 years to work.’ So I could be here [Como] for 10 years, and you can still go to the Premier League in 12, 15 years.
“Football is so unpredictable, it changes in one second. One day, you are the best. The day after, you are the worst. So let’s enjoy the moment. I like to enjoy the moment. It’s beautiful what we are living here. Let’s see what the future holds.”
Chelsea are currently without a manager and are reportedly heavily monitoring their former midfield maestro.
But Fabregas recently revealed that at Como, he takes all the football decisions. He works seamlessly day-to-day with his sporting director and feels incredibly lucky to have a club president who completely trusts him to run the show.
That kind of absolute structural freedom is something he would likely struggle to find under Chelsea’s current ownership model.
At the end of the day, Fabregas knows exactly how brutal this industry can be. As he wisely pointed out, football changes in a second, one day you are hailed as the absolute best, and the very next day you are the worst.
The Premier League will undoubtedly be waiting for him whenever he is ready, but for now, he is determined to make Como successful.
Donald Trump asked how Patrick Mahomes is doing to a Kansas City BBQ owner during the small business summit in Washington, DC. This question came when he was looking at the barbecues and t-shirts presented on the table. Last year in December, Mahomes suffered an injury in his left knee that disqualified him from playing the last three games of the season.
Donald Trump asks about Patrick Mahomes during White House meet
In a video shared by The White House’s Margo Martin, Donald Trump appeared to pay a visit to the stall of Joe Pearce, the owner of Slaps BBQ in Kansas City, during the summit. As he looked after the products, he asked Pearce about Mahomes. He questioned, “How is Mahomes doing?” He learned that he’s keeping well before wishing him a speedy recovery and praising his personality. “You tell the people of (Kansas City) we love him. He’s going to be OK. I hate to see that. He’s a fantastic guy,” he added.
“How’s Mahomes doing?! You tell the people we love him!” @POTUS speaks with the owners of Slap’s BBQ from Kansas City ?? pic.twitter.com/je8zceJf6k
In mid-December, Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL, and the following day immediately underwent surgery. Since then, he has undergone rehabilitation and has been recovering from his condition as another season approaches.
Recently, Coach Andy Reid provided a positive update about Mahomes’ health. He said, “We’ll have to see about that. He is in a good position to be able to do some things. If he can do some things, [he’ll do it]. Phase 2 [of the offseason program], remember, there’s no contact, and there’s no offense vs. defense. It’s Phase 3 that you get into that. Once you start the clock, then the clock’s gotta be rolling, you just have to evaluate what you want to do there. He’s in a position where he can do everything, I think.” He revealed that Mahomes is up to a lot of stuff, but reassured that he can throw the ball on his own (via ESPN)
Originally written by Shazmeen Navrange on Mandatory.
Strive, Inc. has pushed its Bitcoin treasury past 15,000 BTC after its latest purchase added to a months-long accumulation run. According to an 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Dallas-based firm bought 444 BTC for $33.9…
Bitmine chairman Tom Lee has said the crypto market may be entering an early recovery phase even as investor sentiment remains cautious. According to Bitmine Immersion Technologies chairman Tom Lee, recent market trends resemble past cycle transitions where prices begin…
This morning, Finnish developer Remedy Entertainment posted its Q1 2026 financial report, which revealed, among other things, a new sales milestone for CONTROL: 6 million units sold. The year's first quarter was profitable but slightly down year over year, with revenue falling 1.9% to €13.1 million, though EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) actually improved to €2.9 million from €2.6 million. The more notable shift is in the revenue mix: game sales and royalties nearly doubled to €5.0 million (from €2.6 million in Q1 2025), while development fees fell from €10.7 million to €8.2 million as CONTROL Resonant nears completion. […]
US Senator Thom Tillis said the current text of the CLARITY Act offers a compromise for the crypto industry and banks and provides a bipartisan path for the bill’s passage.
Haun Ventures founder Katie Haun said AI will “increasingly begin to conduct economic activity on our behalf," and services will need to adapt for that world.
The new wallet feature hides senders, receivers and amounts onchain while maintaining compliance through know your transaction screening and auditable files.
Deal | The Acer Nitro KG241Y P6bip is enjoying a special discount on Amazon. This limited-time deal slashes 32% off the regular price of the 144Hz gaming monitor, making it currently stand at $89.99.
Apple has released the iOS 26.5 release candidate build for developers, and this means two things: the public release is coming very soon (either tomorrow or within a few days, next week tops), and there's an official changelog from Apple now.
This reveals what has been rumored so far: with iOS 26.5, Apple is adding support for end-to-end encryption in RCS messaging. There are caveats for this, however.
First, the feature will be in beta. Then, it's important to note that end-to-end RCS encryption will only be "available with supported carriers", and will "roll out over time". So it...
vivo's V70 family currently comprises three members - the vanilla V70, the V70 FE, and the V70 Elite. Soon, however, they will be joined by a fourth device, and that is the V70 Lite 4G.
This handset has been certified by the FCC with the model number V2604. The certification has revealed that the phone has a battery capacity rated at 7,920 mAh, which probably means it will be advertised as an 8,000 mAh or 8,100 mAh typical capacity.
vivo V70 Lite 4G certification documents
The V70 Lite 4G will be offered with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and it obviously doesn't support 5G,...
Eddie Hearn has claimed that rejected three world title opportunities before inking a deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. It was announced in February that ‘The Destroyer’ had signed a one-fight agreement with the new promotional outfit, ending his working relationship with Matchroom Boxing. This followed his successful revenge mission against Chris Eubank Jr in […]
Mbappé’s recent trip to Italy has raised concerns at Real Madrid, as the French superstar is reportedly on bad terms with some members of the Merengues’ dressing room.
According to Marca, Mbappé’s trip to Cagliari, Italy, last week has further worsened his standing with his club and teammates.
Mbappé is recovering from an injury, but Marca has described his trip to Italy as ‘controversial.’
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 26: Bremer of Brazil runs with the ball against Kylian Mbappé of France during the international friendly match between Brazil and France at Gillette Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Although the Frenchman is recovering from an injury and other players in the same situation travelled abroad last week, his short trip to Sardinia has raised further concerns at the Bernabeu, affecting his status inside the dressing room.
The Spanish newspaper reports that Mbappé has distanced himself from the team in recent weeks, and not only because of his injuries.
The Frenchman is reported to be on bad terms with parts of the dressing room, including Vinicius Junior, and his attitude, on and off the pitch, is not appreciated by most of his Real Madrid teammates.
His recent trip to Italy with his girlfriend, Ester Exposito, has increased dissatisfaction within the team and the club.
Kylian Mbappé, İtalya’nın Cagliari şehrinde Ester Exposito ile birlikte zamanının tadını çıkarıyor. pic.twitter.com/Do3nJkPU75
Four-man defence and an assaulting team to go beyond the Scudetto.
Milan and Juve, Champions risk
Stars at stake
The Devil without Cup? Allegri doubt, Modric’s farewell. The Old Lady might lose Yildiz, and Comolli is no longer safe.
Roma arrive, one point from the fourth spot
Sarri: ‘Derby at 12:30? I won’t go on the bench.’
Corriere dello Sport
New Inter
From the 21st Scudetto to market moves: more powers to Cristian and renewal to 2028
Chivu, let’s change
Assault on Paz, Koné and Palestra. Moratti: ‘Marvellous Nico.’
The Argentine will return to Real Madrid: Marotta tries. A new attempt for the Frenchman. Pressing on, Atalanta: the full-back is a priority. Chasing a centre-back: from Muharemovic to Leoni.
Poker Roma: Gasp goes -1 from Juve
Endless Lazio: Noslin’s magic
Referee managers called by the Prosecutor
Tuttosport
Toro in Superga: rage and pride
Juve, enough! Now Silva and Alisson
The coach expects six high-level reinforcements. First of all, he wants to feel safe with a central midfielder and a goalkeeper, like the experienced players of City and Liverpool. Tough speech to the players: if you do the minimum, you won’t go to the Champions League. Blitz in Stuttgart for Stiller and Grimaldo.
Roma boom: once again -1 from the fourth spot with four goals.
Defending champions Inter have Paz ready
45m plus sales to persuade Real Madrid, who will re-sign him from Como.
Seeing Phil Foden wearing any shirt other than sky blue just wouldn’t feel right.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle to extend their homegrown superstar’s contract.
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At 25 years old, Foden is currently entering the absolute prime of his career, and tying him down is undoubtedly one of the most crucial pieces of boardroom business the Premier League giants will conduct all year.
However, the club’s hierarchy has moved decisively to nip any potential drama in the bud.
Phil Foden is set to stay at Man City
The freshly agreed terms will see the England international ink a massive four-year extension, keeping him firmly locked into the Etihad project until June 2030.
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Crucially, the blockbuster deal also includes a club option for an additional year.
While the final legal formalities still need to be officially rubber-stamped before an announcement, the deal has been successfully navigated by Foden’s high-profile agent, Rafaela Pimenta.
Foden is the ultimate proof of concept for the City Football Academy, a local Stockport lad who successfully navigated his way through the youth ranks to become a completely undroppable cog in Pep Guardiola’s relentless winning machine.
Versatile Englishman has a crucial role at the Etihad
As the squad naturally transitions and legendary figures gradually begin to age out or move on, Foden is no longer just a brilliant supporting act or a promising youngster, his role has increased at the club.
Despite having a poor season by his high standards, the England international remains the future of Man City.
He dictates the tempo, unlocks deep defensive blocks, and scores crucial goals when the lights are brightest.
Securing his signature ensures that the beating, creative heart of City’s attack remains firmly in place for the next half-decade.
Real Madrid, along with Manchester United, are looking for a new manager at the end of the season.
Both the clubs are set to end the season without a trophy, following spells of struggles in the season.
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Both Real Madrid and Man United parted ways with their managers in the middle of the season.
Xabi Alonso was shown the exit door at the Santiago Bernabeu while Ruben Amorim was sacked following a poor run of form at Old Trafford.
Coincidentally, both the club turned to their former players. Alvaro Arbeloa joined Real Madrid while Michael Carrick was given the keys to the kingdom at Old Trafford.
However, both of them were interim appointments and now the search for a permanent manager has started.
Real Madrid are set to target Unai Emery
According to talkSPORT, Spanish giants Real Madrid have officially placed Aston Villa mastermind Unai Emery on their highly exclusive shortlist to become their next manager.
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As Los Blancos begin mapping out their long-term future, their search for a proven, tactically astute leader has seemingly led them straight to the Premier League.
When the Spaniard first arrived at Villa Park, the club was struggling to find a clear identity.
Fast forward to today, and he has completely transformed them into a legitimate Premier League heavyweight, consistently disrupting the established elite and turning their home ground into a genuine fortress.
His brilliant ability to elevate individual players and implement a highly effective, possession-heavy system has rightfully re-established him as one of the elite managers in world football.
From Real Madrid’s perspective, adding Emery to their wishlist makes perfect logical sense.
Club president Florentino Perez knows exactly what it takes to survive in the Spanish capital, and Emery’s La Liga pedigree is absolutely undeniable.
He has a massive history of overachieving in Spain, having previously delivered immense success and multiple trophies during his stints at Sevilla and Villarreal.
More importantly, he possesses the one thing Madrid values above all else, elite European knockout pedigree.
As a serial winner on the continental stage, his tactical blueprint is practically tailor-made for navigating tricky Champions League ties.
Emery is totally bought into the long-term project backed by Villa’s highly ambitious ownership group. More importantly, he is firmly locked into a massive contract that runs all the way until the summer of 2029.
Even Man United are interested in him but both Real Madrid and the Red Devils face a mountain to climb to convince him to leave the promising project at Aston Villa.
Liverpool’s legendary goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, has emerged as the absolute top transfer target for Italian giants Juventus.
At 33 years old, the Brazilian shot-stopper finds himself at a major career crossroads.
With his contract at Anfield entering its final twelve months, following the club’s recent decision to trigger a one-year extension option to keep him until the summer of 2027, the whispers of a blockbuster move back to Serie A are growing louder by the day.
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Sky Sports have confirmed that the Premier League legend has become the primary target for Italian giants Juventus.
It all comes down to the man currently sitting in the Juventus dugout.
Alisson Becker is being eyed by his former manager
From Liverpool’s perspective, cashing in on their iconic goalkeeper might actually make a lot of logical sense right now.
Let’s be completely honest, Alisson has endured a deeply frustrating campaign ravaged by nagging hamstring injuries, forcing him to miss crucial Premier League and Champions League fixtures.
Furthermore, the Reds already have their succession plan completely sorted out.
Giorgi Mamardashvili has seamlessly stepped up to the plate during Alisson’s injury absences, proving to the Anfield hierarchy that he is more than ready to permanently take over the gloves.
With huge, experienced dressing room figures like Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson already heading out the exit door this summer, Liverpool are firmly in the middle of a ruthless, sweeping squad evolution under Arne Slot.
Losing a player of Alisson’s immense caliber is never an easy pill to swallow. Even club captain Virgil van Dijk recently admitted that while players will inevitably leave, the Brazilian remains “the best goalkeeper in the world” and a genuinely crucial leader on the pitch.
If Juventus can match Liverpool’s financial demands and offer a tempting package, a return to Italy might be the perfect fresh start for Alisson to cap off his career.
The narrative surrounding Anfield has definitively turned negative in recent weeks.
Following a deeply frustrating 3-2 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Manchester United over the weekend, Liverpool’s 2025/26 campaign has officially hit another massive speed bump.
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That loss marked their 11th Premier League defeat of the season.
While manager Arne Slot is still expected to keep his job provided he guides the Reds to a top-five finish and secures elite European football, the immense pressure is undeniably starting to mount.
Legendary striker and pundit Gary Lineker has just thrown gas on the fire, admitting he genuinely wouldn’t be surprised to see the club make a ruthless managerial change by bringing in former midfield maestro Xabi Alonso this summer.
Arne Slot continues to struggle at Liverpool
Just 12 months ago, Slot was viewed as untouchable after brilliantly winning the Premier League title during his debut season in the Anfield dugout. However, this current campaign has been an absolute slog.
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Big-money acquisitions like Florian Wirtz have struggled to find their absolute best form, and a frustrating injury to striker Alexander Isak has severely hampered their attacking flow.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker didn’t hold back his thoughts on the situation.
“Would Slot be there next season?” Lineker asked Shearer and Richards.
“Eleven defeats in the Premier League, still in the Champions League positions. I wouldn’t be surprised if Xabi Alonso was there next season.”
It is worth noting that Alonso is currently a high-profile free agent, having been out of work since parting ways with Real Madrid in January 2026.
He was heavily linked to the Liverpool job when Jurgen Klopp initially stepped down, but he opted to stay at Bayer Leverkusen before eventually making his move to Madrid in June 2025.
Currently, Liverpool are incredibly close to mathematically securing their primary objective for the season.
They need just four more points from their remaining fixtures against Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Brentford to completely guarantee Champions League qualification for next term.
If Liverpool stumble poorly through their final three fixtures, the club’s ownership group might just decide that bringing their former Champions League-winning midfielder back home is the perfect way revive the club.
May 4, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights left wing Ivan Barbashev (49) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period of game one of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena.
LAS VEGAS – Game 1 was a contest of fine margins, and it was the finest of them that served as the flashpoint to open this second-round series.
One minute after Mikael Granlund’s game-tying goal, an icing was waved off on a potentially 50-50 play in the Anaheim Ducks end, which sent coach Joel Quenneville into a frenzy on the bench. The Vegas Golden Knights jumped into the lull of play to capitalize a back-door play to Ivan Barbashev for the go-ahead goal with five minutes to play in a 3-1 victory on Monday at T-Mobile Arena.
Anaheim will get its shot to capitalize on an otherwise strong opening performance and even the series in Game 2 on Wednesday back here on the Vegas Strip.
"We're fortunate that we found a way to win," Vegas coach John Tortorella said. "They played well, but we have some things to work on... It’s a ‘dind a way’ league and we found a way to win."
With 6:03 remaining in the game, Jackson LaCombe made up for an earlier open-net whiff by driving to the net and setting up Granlund’s own open-cage chance to tie the game, 1-1.
Anaheim had dominated in possession time and earned the advantages on the shot clock (34-22), shot attempt share (55.68%) and expected goal share (67%), but a singular elite play by Mitch Marner set up Vegas’ opening goal by Brett Howden in the second period.
LaCombe’s play-creation felt like a just result for himself and for the Ducks’ overall game.
“I thought we did a great job,” LaCombe said. “I think our pace was good. We're making plays. We were kind of playing to our game, which was great. We just got to clean up those two mistakes there, and we will be good.”
The first came on that second-period strike in opening the lane for Marner to create.
The second came less than a minute after Granlund’s game-tying goal.
Ivan Barbashev flipped a high puck diagonally from left wing of the Vegas side of the center red line, and LaCombe was the last man back between Jack Eichel and the puck. Eichel never got fully around LaCombe, but as the puck went to the corner and the players hit the hashmarks, the linesman had yet to make a call.
"I just tried to put the puck deep. I saw Jack on the far side going through," Barbashev said. "I thought for a second he beat him, and that's why they waved it off."
On icing plays, the linesman is to make the call when the player or players chasing the puck hit the hashmarks of the face-off circle. This was changed several years ago to curtail dangerous races into the boards, which had led to injuries.
The linesman made his call a beat after LaCombe and Eichel crossed that threshold, and the call–despite neither player having a chance to reach the puck before it crossed the final red line and both players seemingly letting up at the moment of truth–was no icing.
Officials declined to speak to, or offer a statement on this waved icing call by linesman Bevan Mills. pic.twitter.com/KsnhJ9wYrR
Quenneville and the Ducks bench exploded on the officials while play continued.
“Clearly, I disagree with the call, and it was clearly icing,” Quenneville said. “Their guy stopped skating, which really made me annoyed.”
"I didn’t even see it. I was blocked," Tortorella said.
What followed made the call into a series-opening flashpoint, as LaCombe tapped the puck up the wall and Pavel Dorofeyev jumped on the soft clear.
“As soon as I heard him wave it off, I just made a mistake,” LaCombe said. “I made a soft play at the wall, and I just, I can't do that, it's not a good play.”
Dorofeyev then split LaCombe and Leo Carlsson coming off the wall and hit Barbashev for the back-door goal–Vegas’ second of the game–and the go-ahead marker.
In a game where the Ducks weren’t capitalizing on their own chances and had finally broken through, it’s a small call that becomes a stand out.
“We just scored. It was a huge call and it was an easy call,” Quenneville said.
It’s a call that gets magnified because of how strong the Ducks played without much else to show for it.
In many ways, it was extremely similar to Anaheim’s first playoff effort in Edmonton, where after a eye-opening first period, the Ducks took it to the Oilers and proved they were able to skate with their renowned opposition and may even be the better team.
“There's a lot of emotions right now,” Terry said. “Kind of a hard one to swallow. We can feel we deserve better or whatever. That's why they've been so far in the playoffs as many years, they're hard to beat in those close games. But leaving the game, similar feelings (to Game 1 in Edmonton). I think we feel good about this group. We feel good about how we match up with them. I thought we used our speed all night. Honestly, I thought we made it hard on them and I like how we played.”
Terry said there were three or four plays he’d be kicking himself over tonight, as the Ducks couldn’t get any more past the 33 saves of Carter Hart to support a smaller but stellar 19 saves from Lukas Dostal.
However, the biggest “kicking himself” play of the night went back to LaCombe in the second period.
Carlsson made a dazzling play to find space in the zone and spun a pass to LaCombe, who had a wide open cage to look at. However, LaCombe immediately passed it to an unaware Terry in front, and the pass glanced off the stick and out of the zone.
“I thought Hart kind of slid over, and as soon as I fully turned my head around, he wasn't there, and I already kind of made the decision to pass,” LaCombe said. “It was just a stupid mistake. Yeah, I want that one back.”
Plays like the non-call or the passed-up shot become magnified in a game where Anaheim didn’t capitalize in the areas it should.
After being red hot on the power play against Edmonton, where the Ducks converted eight of 16 opportunities with a power play goal in all six games, Anaheim with 0-for-4 with the extra man with five shots generated.
As previously mentioned, the Ducks also outchanced Vegas all over the ice at five-on-five.
The fine margins were elevated in Game 1, but it’s still a performance Anaheim can ride with confidence into Game 2.
“I thought the pace that we played at tonight, if we can play like that for the length of this series, I think we should put ourselves in a good spot,” Terry said. “They're a good team. They going to make adjustments. We're going to make adjustments. This group's excited for Game 2 already.”
The crypto market got a strong boost after progress on the CLARITY Act. U.S. Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks reached a key deal, lifting investor confidence.
The Bitcoin price jumped as regulatory clarity improved. While crypto-linked stocks also rose. Now all eyes are on 21 May.
Bipartisan Deal Clears Major Roadblock
According to a joint statement from Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks, a final agreement has been reached on one of the most debated parts of the bill, i.e, stablecoin rewards.
After months of closed-door talks involving the White House, banks, and crypto firms, both sides agreed on a middle ground. Both senators made their stance clear, stating,
“We respectfully agree to disagree,” signaling that the compromise is final and ready to move forward.
Senator Thom Tillis explained the outcome in detail.
“Our compromise prohibits stablecoin rewards from resembling interest on bank deposits,” while also confirming that “it allows crypto companies to offer other forms of customer rewards.
However, this approach tries to balance concerns from both banks and crypto companies.
Why This Deal Matters for Crypto
The compromise directly addresses the concerns of traditional banks.
Banks had warned that stablecoins offering interest-like rewards could pull deposits away from the banking system. The new rule removes that risk by restricting such reward structures.
At the same time, lawmakers pointed toward balanced approaches, noting the goal is to “encourage compromise and avoid letting the perfect become the enemy of the good.”
This means crypto firms still have room to innovate, while the financial system remains protected.
Crypto Market Reacts Quickly to Positive Signal
The crypto market responded almost immediately. Bitcoin surged past $81,000, and crypto-related stocks, including Coinbase (COIN), MicroStrategy (MSTR), and Circle (CRCL), rose 4% to 8%. The rally shows how sensitive the market is to regulatory clarity.
Prediction markets are also reflecting this shift. Polymarket shows that the chances of the CLARITY Act becoming law in 2026 have jumped to 70%, up from 42% previously.
What Happens Next?
That gives the Clarity Act a window of roughly two weeks before Congress’s Memorial Day recess on May 21.
If the markup does not happen before that deadline, the political calendar could push the entire bill past the point of no return for 2026.
Russia is stepping deeper into crypto, but not through hype cycles or speculative mania. Instead, it’s building quietly through structured financial products and regulatory alignment. The Moscow Exchange (MOEX), the country’s largest securities exchange, is now expanding its crypto footprint in a way that reflects long-term positioning rather than short-term noise.
Expanding Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum
From May 13, MOEX will introduce four new crypto indexes tracking Solana, XRP, TRON, and BNB. These will trade under MOEXSOL, MOEXXRP, MOEXTRX, and MOEXBNB, expanding its existing lineup that already includes Bitcoin and Ethereum indexes launched in 2025.
This move signals a clear shift; Russia is no longer just tracking the top two assets, it’s opening the door to broader altcoin exposure within a regulated framework.
Built on Global Liquidity
The structure behind these indexes is carefully designed. Pricing data will be aggregated from leading global exchanges, with Binance contributing 50%, Bybit 20%, OKX 15%, and Bitget 15%.
At the same time, MOEX is upgrading how these indexes function. Instead of daily updates, all crypto indexes will now refresh every 15 seconds during trading sessions, bringing them much closer to real-time market conditions.
A Derivatives-First Strategy
This expansion isn’t about spot trading yet. These indexes will primarily serve as the foundation for crypto derivatives, which are currently restricted to professional investors. Under existing rules, these instruments cannot involve direct delivery of crypto assets, keeping exposure indirect but regulated.
MOEX has already been active in this space, offering derivatives linked to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and even products from BlackRock, showing how traditional finance and crypto are beginning to overlap.
Regulation Is Catching Up
Behind the scenes, Russia is working toward a broader legal framework. A new digital asset bill under review is expected to be finalized by mid-2026, potentially allowing limited retail participation with caps of around $4,000 annually.
At the same time, MOEX plans to expand its crypto index suite to at least 10 assets, with future additions likely including Dogecoin and Cardano.
Polygon Labs has introduced shielded payments for USDC and USDT in its wallet, enabling users to send funds privately through Hinkal’s system instead of standard on-chain transfers. The feature uses zero-knowledge proofs to hide sender, receiver, and transaction details while still verifying activity on the network. Each transfer is checked through KYT screening to ensure compliance. The system remains non-custodial, allowing users to keep full control of their funds while improving privacy and usability.
David Schwartz, aka JoelKatz and formerly Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, disclosed in a social media exchange this week that he once held 26 million XRP, significantly more than what he currently holds.
Responding to a question on X about the size of his personal XRP position, Schwartz offered an unexpected point of reference. “My idea of not a lot is still more than a million,” he wrote. “I once had 26 million XRP.”
The comment came in the context of a broader exchange about risk tolerance and crypto exposure among Ripple’s founding figures.
David Schwartz reveals he once held 26M XRP and touches on Arthur Britto’s historical preference for holding XRP over BTC. pic.twitter.com/ZvmaF6c0IK
When asked whether Ripple co-founder Arthur Britto shares a similar approach to risk and asset exposure, Schwartz said the two had never directly discussed the topic. He added that his vague recollection from years ago was that Britto had been selling Bitcoin to cover personal expenses while holding onto most or all of his XRP.
“I vaguely remember him saying that he’s been selling Bitcoin to cover expenses and hadn’t sold any, or very little, XRP,” Schwartz wrote. “But that was many years ago and I have no idea what he’s done since then.”
Schwartz was careful to note the limits of his knowledge, stressing that the recollection was both vague and dated, and that Britto’s current holdings and strategy are unknown to him.
The exchange drew attention within the XRP community, given the rarity of public disclosures from Ripple’s founding figures about their personal crypto positions. Schwartz’s acknowledgement that he once held 26 million XRP, a sum worth tens of millions of dollars at current prices, added context to how his personal holdings have changed over the years since the network launched.
Neither Schwartz nor Ripple made any further comment on the matter at the time of publication.
Polygon has introduced a privacy layer for stablecoin transfers, allowing transactions to remain hidden from public view while still meeting compliance checks. According to a statement released by Polygon on Sunday, the update adds a wallet feature that routes payments…
U.S. banking groups have pushed back against the latest CLARITY Act language on stablecoin rewards, arguing it does not sufficiently prevent risks to bank deposits. According to a joint statement from the American Bankers Association, Bank Policy Institute, Consumer Bankers…
South Korea’s Upbit has partnered with Optimism to develop a dedicated Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain using the OP Stack. According to an announcement from the Optimism Foundation, the new network, called GIWA Chain, will operate under the Self-Managed tier of…
OpenAI appears to be fast-tracking its plans for an AI-enabled smartphone, partially in a bid to bolster its IPO that might land as soon as this year. And, in its urgency, OpenAI appears to be settling on a customized version of MediaTek's upcoming flagship Dimensity 9600 chip as the SoC of choice for the planned smartphone. OpenAI's smartphone will use a customized version of the Dimensity 9600 chip, replete with a dual-NPU architecture and enhanced HDR for real-world visual sensing The famous analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed towards the end of April that OpenAI had relegated its planned range of consumer […]
Samsung could produce iPhone processors as Apple quietly explores alternatives to TSMC amid supply chain risks and geopolitical shifts reshaping its chip strategy.
According to Bloomberg, Apple has held early discussions with both Samsung Electronics and Intel about manufacturing the processors that power the iPhone.
For years, TSMC has been Apple’s undisputed partner for advanced chips. That relationship still stands strong, yet it also represents a single point of failure.
Geopolitical tensions around Taiwan, combined with periodic capacity crunches, have turned that reliance into a strategic risk. Apple felt it recently; supply constraints limited iPhone shipments, and even Tim Cook acknowledged the pressure.
Apple executives have reportedly visited Samsung’s upcoming fab in Taylor, Texas. A US-based production line offers geographic diversification, something Apple has been steadily pushing across its entire supply chain.
Samsung moved early to Gate-All-Around transistor architecture at the 3nm node, and is pushing further toward 2nm. On paper, that is a meaningful leap over the FinFET approach still used elsewhere.
Samsung has struggled with yields, and that gap has kept Apple firmly tied to TSMC so far. If the Korean company can stabilize production at scale, GAA could become the hook Apple needs to justify a split strategy.
Intel, meanwhile, represents a different kind of gamble. Its foundry ambitions are growing, but it is still playing catch-up in the ultra-advanced node race.
In late April 2026, modder Andy Nguyen released PS5-Linux for PlayStation 5 consoles running firmware 3.xx and 4.xx. With Linux installed, the system can essentially work like a regular PC, which also opens the door to emulation, and that's what another modder just showed off.
Casio is officially launching W-738H watches this May in Japan. The Casio W-738H series consists of two models, namely, the W-738H-1AJF and the W-738H-3AJF. Key features of the latest digital watch include a square digital display, a 10-year battery life, vibration alerts, and 100 m (10 bar) water resistance.
Nearly 30 years after Core Design’s planned Nintendo 64 version of Tomb Raider was canceled, a homebrew developer known as Snake has demonstrated a work-in-progress port running on N64 hardware via the Analogue 3D. Built from scratch using the TRX decompilation approach alongside libdragon and Tiny3D, the project reportedly implements most of the full game but still faces major bugs and performance constraints, with no release date or ROM distribution confirmed.
Following the debut of the Find X9 Ultra and Find X9s in China last month, Oppo confirmed that the phones will arrive in the Indian subcontinent this May. While the company has yet to announce an exact date, a new leak has now revealed both the expected launch date and pricing details for the phones.
The launch date and pricing details come from tipster Sanju Choudhary, who claims that the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Find X9s will debut in India on May 15.
The Oppo Find X9 Ultra
Notably, Oppo India has been teasing the arrival of the devices on social media since the beginning of the...
Neymar's controversy with Robinho Jr. at Santos keeps escalating as the 18-year-old is reportedly looking to discuss the termination of his contract over "lack of security" in the Brazilian side.
Neymar‘s recent friction with Robinho Jr. dominated headlines over the weekend following a physical confrontation between the two Santos teammates during a training session. The conflict has now escalated to a critical level, as Robinho Jr. is reportedly discussing a contract termination, citing a “lack of security” within the Brazilian club.
While some reports suggest Neymar offered an apology to Robinho Jr., the situation has continued to spiral. The youngster, son of former Brazil international Robinho, has officially notified the club regarding the alleged assault he suffered at the hands of the veteran superstar during Sunday’s practice.
Santos released an official statement confirming that the matter has been elevated to the club’s legal department: “Santos FC informs that, by order of the presidency, an internal inquiry process was initiated immediately following the events to analyze the episode involving athletes Neymar Jr. and Robson de Souza Jr. (Robinho) during training this past Sunday (05/03), at the CT Rei Pelé.“
Neymar of Santos celebrates after scoring with Robinho Junior.
A conflict that could trigger a contract termination
Reports from Globo Esporte indicate that Neymar attempted to de-escalate the situation by not only apologizing to Robinho Jr. directly but also reaching out to the youngster’s family. Those gestures, however, did not prevent the 18-year-old’s legal team from taking formal action.
According to ESPN Brasil, the attorney representing Robinho’s family has notified Santos of three specific accusations against Neymar, involving verbal insults and physical offenses. Consequently, the legal team has demanded a meeting to discuss a contract termination, citing a “lack of minimum security conditions” for the player at the club.
The eventual consequences for either Neymar or Robinho Jr. remain to be seen as the investigation unfolds. However, reports from R7 Esportes suggest the relationship between the squad and the youngster has soured; his decision to take the matter to the legal department, combined with a perception that he has benefited from his father’s ties to the club, has reportedly damaged his standing in the locker room.
In the meantime, there has been radio silence from both Neymar and his PR team regarding the public fallout. Santos is scheduled to play in Paraguay on Tuesday, May 5th, for the CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana, a trip for which both Neymar and Robinho Jr. were originally included in the traveling squad.
Liverpool are preparing for life without influential defender Virgil Van Dijk.
It is an open secret that Liverpool’s recruitment team is heavily focused on future-proofing their defensive line.
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With Ibrahima Konaté’s long-term future remaining slightly uncertain and the legendary Virgil van Dijk entering the twilight years of his brilliant career, finding elite reinforcements at the back is an absolute necessity.
According to Football Insider, the Reds have aggressively narrowed their search, drafting a highly ambitious shortlist that features two of Europe’s absolute best left-footed centre-backs: Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck.
Liverpool start search for Van Dijk’s replacement
Slot’s possession-heavy system heavily relies on building out from the back with quick, precise passing under high pressure.
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Having a naturally left-footed centre-back is considered the ultimate tactical luxury these days.
While cheaper domestic options have been floated around, Bastoni and Schlotterbeck represent genuine, marquee additions designed to keep Liverpool firmly at the top of the English game.
Bastoni is widely regarded as one of the most complete, elegant ball-playing defenders on the planet.
At Inter Milan, he has developed into an absolute anchor, famous for his ice-cold composure, elite long-range passing, and brilliant ability to comfortably carry the ball out of tight spaces.
The Italian defender has helped Inter win the Serie A title this season with his consistent performances.
The Borussia Dortmund star is an absolute warrior in the air and thrives on stepping out of the defensive line to crunch into tackles and disrupt attacks early.
He brings a massive wealth of Champions League experience and that relentless, high-intensity energy that translates perfectly to the grueling pace of English football.
Ultimately, securing either of these defensive juggernauts will require Liverpool’s ownership group to significantly open their checkbooks this summer.
Landing a player of Bastoni or Schlotterbeck’s caliber wouldn’t just solve a massive tactical puzzle, it would send an undeniable warning shot to the rest of Europe.
Manchester United are searching for a long term replacement of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
The iconic midfielder is set to leave the club at the end of the season having impressed during his spell at Old Trafford.
However, his time in the Premier League is now coming to an end and the deep search has started to replace him at the club.
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Carlos Baleba of Brighton is one of the names on Man United’s radar to replace Casemiro, having held long term interest in the young midfielder, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.
The 22-year-old Cameroonian midfielder has enjoyed a strong campaign, establishing himself as a key figure in Brighton’s system.
After high-profile sales like Moisés Caicedo in recent years, the Seagulls are once again preparing for a potentially huge transfer, with Baleba now attracting serious interest from across Europe.
Baleba is high in demand among Premier League elites
Baleba’s rise this season has been impressive. Featuring in 28 Premier League matches, he has showcased the kind of consistency and composure that top clubs look for in a defensive midfielder.
His 86% passing accuracy highlights his reliability in possession, while his ability to break up play and shield the defense has made him one of Brighton’s most important players.
What stands out most is his balance. Baleba isn’t just a defensive presence, he’s also capable of progressing the ball forward and supporting attacking transitions.
That combination of physical strength and technical quality has drawn comparisons to elite holding midfielders, which explains why clubs are lining up to secure his signature.
Even so, they are unlikely to accept anything significantly below that figure, given Baleba’s importance and long-term potential.
Other clubs are also monitoring the situation. Arsenal and Chelsea have both shown interest in the past, while scouts from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have followed his progress closely.
The upcoming summer transfer window wouldn’t be complete without a massive tug-of-war over one of the world’s brightest young talents.
Right now, that spotlight is firmly locked onto 19-year-old Brazilian sensation Endrick.
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According to TEAMtalk, Premier League heavyweights, specifically Arsenal and Chelsea, have recently made formal enquiries about the striker’s availability.
But if the Gunners were hoping to pull off a sensational summer heist to bolster their attack, they are completely out of luck.
Real Madrid have made their stance crystal clear: Endrick is absolutely not for sale.
After struggling to find regular minutes under former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso during the first half of the campaign, the teenager actively pushed for a temporary move and joined Lyon in the winter window.
Endrick has revived his career in France
Since arriving at Lyon on loan in January, he has been absolutely electric. By racking up seven goals and seven assists in just 18 appearances across all competitions, Endrick has completely reignited the massive hype surrounding his long-term potential.
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That kind of elite, explosive production is exactly why Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Arsenal viewed him as a perfect, high-upside fit for their squad.
Despite the massive financial pull of the English top flight, Real Madrid are ruthlessly slamming the door shut.
Sources confirm that the Spanish giants have directly informed both Arsenal and Chelsea that the Brazilian will be returning to the Bernabeu, as he is firmly part of their first-team plans for next season.
Club president Florentino Perez still fiercely maintains his belief that Madrid signed the absolute best young player in world football, effectively turning any potential exit into a total non-starter.
He genuinely believes that proving himself on the grandest stage with Los Blancos is the best way to secure his international future, and he wants at least one more solid opportunity to establish himself as a regular.
Real Madrid are simply not in the business of losing control over their most prized young assets.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza walks past the Raiders’ logo after a press conference, Friday April 24, 2026 in Henderson, Nev.
For Fernando Mendoza, the sweat of hard work matters more than the shine of a championship — it’s what earns a leader respect inside the locker room.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft recently surprised many by turning down a chance to visit the White House with the Indiana Hoosiers. As a rookie, Mendoza felt skipping practice for a celebration wasn’t “a good look.” Although Raiders OTAs (Organized Team Activities) officially begin May 18 and the White House visit is scheduled for May 11, Mendoza’s ‘football-first’ attitude shows he came to Vegas not to sell jerseys, but to win.
“I’m on the bottom of the totem pole here. I’ve got to prove myself. I can’t miss practice,” Mendoza said. “I don’t have the calendar, but as a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look.”
#Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza says if Indiana’s White House visit on May 11 coincides with a day of practice, he won’t be able to go:
“I’m at the bottom of the totem pole here. I gotta prove myself. I can’t miss practice. … As a rookie, I don’t think that’s a good look.” pic.twitter.com/flg4VGLiXX
“Although I’ve come off as very humble, and pretty fuzzy and warm, at the end of my Indiana career when you have that equity, you’re able to be like No. 4 [Brett Favre] and No. 12 [Aaron Rodgers],” he told the Raiders broadcast this week.
Mendoza knows that with a veteran like Kirk Cousins present, he’ll have to fight for every rep.
“He has no fears about working and staying late and being the best he can be,” said his mother, Elsa Mendoza. “He’s just confident that he knows he can outwork anybody.”
The Raiders have made only two playoff appearances in the past 23 years, which is why on his very first day after the draft, Mendoza met legends like Marcus Allen and Tim Brown before immediately shifting back into football mode. Reports also note that by the second day of rookie minicamp, Mendoza was already bonding with teammates.
Mendoza’s mindset recalls 1984, when Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird declined President Ronald Reagan’s White House invitation. Bird famously said, “[The President] knows where to find me,” meaning his real work was on the basketball court, not at a ceremony.
May 4, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill (3) after scoring a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oracle Park.
SAN FRANCISCO -- Monday was overall a frustrating night for the San Diego Padres, who were held to just three hits in their 3-2 series opening loss against the Giants at Oracle Park.
Despite an average performance on the mound from right-hander Randy Vásquez (3-1, 3.20 ERA), the offense couldn't figure out San Francisco's young right-hander Trevor McDonald (1-0, 1.29 ERA). On 81 pitches (60 counted for strikes), the 25-year-old allowed just one run, two hits and eight strikeouts in his season debut.
"The kid was making pitches," Padres manager Craig Stammen said. "He's throwing a little harder than what he's doing all year. You know, his season debut, came out firing in front the home crowd. And then I think a little bit is, you know, we've got to fight him a little bit more. We made it a little easier on him."
The only offense the Padres had against McDonald came from one player and it was outfielder Jackson Merrill. Merrill struck in the first inning with the game first run on a first pitch solo home run, and then in the fourth inning, he got on base with a lead-off single to right field.
The other remaining offense from the night came on a lead-off solo shot by Ramón Laureano in the ninth inning and Jake Cronenworth getting hit by a pitch earlier in the game. San Diego only had two runners left on base and went 0-for-1 with runners in scoring position.
To list a few performances by some Padres tonight: Fernando Tatis Jr. (0-for-4, 3 K), Manny Machado (0-for-4), Gavin Sheets (0-for-3, 2 K), Miguel Andújar (0-for-3) and Freddy Fermin (0-for-3) did not reach on base.
For a team that is coming off a 2-4 record during last week's homestand, this type of night is very concerning.
Even with a performance like tonight by McDonald, it is unsettling because a team like the Padres, who have superstar players, should not be shutdown this easily and it shouldn't happen this consistently. This season, opposing starting pitchers have 16 quality starts against the Padres, which is the most in the majors.
One thing that is true about the Padres up until this point is that they're a good baseball team, but they haven't crossed that great threshold. If they choose to hit that mark this season, they have to find way to work passed pitchers like McDonald.
"We haven't really broken through on offense," Stammen said. "We've had a couple games where we looked really good, but for the most part, we've grinded out some games and got some wins... But I think eventually, if we're gonna be who we want to be - not just a good team, but a great team - we've got to be able to handle pitchers like that and figure out a way to put a few more runs on the board."
Following the Merrill homer in the first inning, the Giants were quick to answer back with a two-run frame to give the club the lead. Third-baseman Casey Schmitt connected on a four-seam fastball for a solo home run and first baseman Rafael Devers batted in the go-ahead run with a ground ball single to center field to score former Padre Luis Arraez.
Later in the sixth inning, Arraez reached on base with his second double of the game and was brought in to score by a sac-fly from Devers to give San Francisco a 3-1 lead. That final run plus a single by Willy Adames would Vásquez's night.
In his first loss of the season, Vásquez pitched 5 2/3 innings on 88 pitches (58 counting for strikes), and he allowed five hits, three earned runs, two walks and two strikeouts. This is the first time this season that the Padres have lost a game where the right-hander has started on the mound.
The Padres will look to even the series on Tuesday with a 6:45 p.m. first pitch. The starting pitching matchup with be RHP Walker Buehler (1-2, 5.40 ERA) for the Friars and RHP Logan Webb (2-3, 4.30 ERA) for the Giants.
TSMC is turning into a victim of its own success as the world's preferred chip foundry, leaving its heretofore prized customers such as Apple in a bind of sorts as they suddenly find themselves crowded out by AI hyperscalers. In its frustration, Apple is now reportedly exploring the possibility of dividing up its silicon load between Samsung, Intel, and TSMC rather than remaining largely TSMC-exclusive. Apple is looking for contingencies by tentatively probing Intel and Samsung as additional vectors for manufacturing its custom chips According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple has already held "early-stage talks" with Intel for using its […]
Samsung might have a lot of faults, but a lack of innovation is certainly not among those. As a case in point, look no further than the recent SID exhibition in the United States, where Samsung just unveiled two revolutionary display technologies, unlocking a veritable suite of biomarker-led applications in the process. Samsung flexes its innovative muscle with the "Flex Chroma Pixel" and "Sensor OLED" The famous tipster Ice Universe has just detailed two new display technologies that Samsung recently showcased at the SID exhibition. Samsung's "Flex Chroma Pixel" display combines next-gen emissive materials, such as phosphorescent sensitized fluorescence (PSF), […]
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Explore the World’s Most Remarkable Tunnel in Switzerland That Transforms Travel Across EuropeDiscover Switzerland’s remarkable Gotthard Base Tunnel, a groundbreaking...
Apple’s iPhone 17 series led the worldwide smartphone sales in Q1 2026 as the Galaxy S26 Ultra narrowly missed entry in the top 10 chart.
iPhone 17 captured 6 percent of global unit sales to become the world’s best-selling smartphone in Q1 2026. Apple seized four spots, Samsung dominated with five, with one going to Xiaomi for its entry level smartphone.
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple’s iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17 Pro were the top 3 best-selling phones in Q1 2026. Samsung dominated the top 10 chart with the highest five entries, but no flagship was included.
Galaxy A07 4G, Galaxy A17 5G, Galaxy A56, Galaxy A36, and Galaxy A17 4G were the five entries from Samsung world. Xiaomi’s Redmi also managed to enter the list, though in the 10th spot, due to its Redmi 5 phone.
Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series is selling better than its predecessor. Still, none of the flagship models were able to make an entry into the top 10. The reason is the launch window, which favored Apple in the first quarter.
Galaxy S26 series was launched in late February, and worldwide sales began in the second week of March 2026. The first quarter ended on March 31, leaving no significant timespan for the Samsung flagships to sell at scale.
The chart of the second quarter should include at least one model from the Galaxy S26 series. Apple has historically dominated the best-selling segment. Meanwhile, Samsung leads the charge of keeping Android relevant.
Galaxy A07 4G from Samsung was the world’s best-selling Android phone in the first quarter. The device received high contribution from emerging regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
Commenting on outlook, Senior Analyst Karn Chauhan said, “Looking ahead to 2026, the top 10 smartphone models are expected to expand their share of global unit sales. The anticipated market decline is likely to impact mass-market segments more significantly, while high-end smartphones continue to gain share. In response, OEMs are shifting focus toward premium portfolios, prioritizing value over volume.”
Image – Q1 2026 Top 10 Best Selling Phones | Source – Counterpoint Research
At Display Week 2026, Samsung Display pulled the wraps off its new Flex Chroma Pixel OLED, a smartphone panel that pushes brightness to 3,000 nits while dramatically improving color accuracy.
If this display technology makes its way into upcoming Galaxy flagships, we’re looking at a serious leap in outdoor visibility and true-to-life visuals.
The headline number is that 3,000 nits peak brightness in High Brightness Mode. Samsung is pairing that with BT.2020-96 color gamut coverage, which is where things get interesting.
BT.2020 is the gold standard for color in UHD and HDR content. It covers a much wider range than the DCI-P3 space used in most smartphones today, roughly 1.7 times broader.
Most phone displays only hit around 70 percent of that range, whereas Samsung’s Flex Chroma Pixel jumps to 96 percent, which is a massive jump.
Inside Samsung’s Flex Chroma Pixel
Samsung Display is using a new material approach called phosphorescent sensitized fluorescence, or PSF. This helps improve how OLED pixels emit light, leading to better color purity without sacrificing efficiency.
Then there’s LEAD, Samsung’s proprietary polarizer-free OLED tech. Some recent panels have boosted color accuracy, but at the cost of peak brightness.
Samsung is claiming it doesn’t have to make that trade-off anymore. With LEAD, the panel maintains high brightness, wide color gamut, and long lifespan all at once.
This is exactly the kind of tech that tends to trickle down into Galaxy S and Galaxy Z devices over time. It might not land immediately in the next release cycle, but the direction is clear.
A new Xiaomi tablet has been certified by the FCC, expected to be called the Poco C Pad. The filing points to a global release and also lists two Pantone color options.
Nearly 30 years after Core Design’s planned Nintendo 64 version of Tomb Raider was canceled, a homebrew developer known as Snake has demonstrated a work-in-progress port running on N64 hardware via the Analogue 3D. Built from scratch using the TRX decompilation approach alongside libdragon and Tiny3D, the project reportedly implements most of the full game but still faces major bugs and performance constraints, with no release date or ROM distribution confirmed.
Nothing launched the CMF Watch 3 Pro in July of last year, and, believe it or not, this device still isn't available in India. That, however, will finally change on May 6. Nothing has announced the official launch date for the affordable smartwatch in India without revealing why it's taken more than nine months for this to happen.
[#InlinePriceWidget,14217,1#]
Anyway, the watch will be available on Flipkart. It boasts a 1.43-inch 466x466 AMOLED touchscreen with 650-nit peak brightness, a 350 mAh battery, a heart rate monitor and blood oxygen level monitor, support for 130+ sports modes,...
Lionel Messi’s hope of seeing Casemiro in an Inter Miami kit could be in jeopardy, as the LA Galaxy reportedly hold a significant advantage in the race to secure the Brazilian's signature.
Lionel Messi has witnessed a significant decline in his Inter Miami squad compared to the roster that claimed the 2025 MLS Cup, prompting the front office to target Casemiro as their next blockbuster signing. However, reports have surfaced revealing that the LA Galaxy have joined the hunt, holding a key procedural advantage over Messi’s side.
Despite pleas from fans, who even composed a chant urging him to stay for another year, Casemiro has decided to leave Manchester United once his contract expires this June. Major League Soccer has emerged as a primary destination for the Brazilian, and while the Herons are highly interested in his services, they could be outmaneuvered in the race for his signature.
According to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs and Josh Fordham, the LA Galaxy have challenged Inter Miami for Casemiro’s services ahead of the winter transfer window. Crucially, the West Coast club currently holds the midfielder’s “discovery rights,” providing them with a major strategic edge regarding his potential arrival in MLS.
At this stage, Casemiro’s personal preference remains the defining factor for any eventual move. As revealed by Fabrizio Romano, while the Saudi Pro League has expressed interest to the midfielder’s inner circle, the Brazilian’s current intention is to join forces with Messi in South Florida.
Casemiro of Manchester United passes the ball under pressure from Tim Iroegbunam of Everton.
Further reports from Diario AS suggest that Casemiro purchased a home in Miami during a recent family vacation, signaling a lean toward the Herons. With an international roster slot still available, Messi could see his midfield significantly bolstered once the 2026 World Cup concludes.
Why Casemiro is a necessity for Inter Miami
Landing Casemiro, a winner of five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid and a Copa America with Brazil, would represent another massive victory for MLS in attracting global icons to U.S. soil. However, for Inter Miami, the Brazilian wouldn’t just be a marketing boost; he would be a tactical lifeline for a struggling midfield.
Inter Miami has found it difficult to fill the void left by Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. During the 2025 campaign, both players ranked in the top three for completed passes and long balls, while “Busi” also led the team with 2.5 tackles per game, according to SofaScore. The board signed David Ayala to bridge the gap, but personal struggles and injuries have limited the Argentine to just four appearances this season.
In the 2026 MLS campaign, Rodrigo De Paul currently ranks second among midfielders in completed passes (73.9) and leads the league in long balls (5.2). While those numbers are impressive, the lack of a true holding midfielder alongside him has forced De Paul into a deeper defensive role. This has diminished his impact in the final third, as he is preoccupied with a buildup phase that Miami continues to find challenging.
A disciplined holding midfielder like Casemiro fits Inter Miami’s current needs perfectly. In the Premier League this season, Casemiro leads Manchester United in tackles (2.7) and ranks second in long balls (2.4) per game. He represents the most natural replacement for Busquets, offering a solution to a midfield zone where the Herons are currently struggling both offensively and defensively.
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF and Casemiro of Manchester United.
Aave argued that a thief doesn’t gain lawful ownership of property by stealing it and that Gerstein Harrow’s legal argument “defies logic, common sense and the law.”
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