Google has introduced a new artificial intelligence model specifically designed for cybersecurity tasks, aiming to provide a cost-efficient alternative to larger, more expensive systems. Dubbed Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber, the model is built upon the company’s existing Gemini 3.5 Flash architecture and is tailored to quickly identify and patch security vulnerabilities in software code. The announcement comes as enterprises and governments increasingly turn to AI to bolster their defenses against cyber threats.

The model integrates directly into CodeMender, Google’s security-focused coding agent, which can invoke Flash Cyber multiple times at high speed and low cost to scan more code paths and discover weaknesses. According to Google, this approach allows for a more thorough examination of potential vulnerabilities compared to traditional methods. In internal tests, the model identified 55 unique confirmed issues in the V8 JavaScript Engine, outperforming both the standard Gemini 3.5 Flash (47 issues) and Anthropic’s Opus 4.6 (36 issues). Notably, Flash Cyber discovered 10 vulnerabilities that no other model found, highlighting its ability to explore new code paths after repeated invocations.

Comparison with Anthropic's Mythos

The AI security landscape has been dominated by large, compute-intensive models like Anthropic’s Mythos 5, which is part of the company’s Project Glasswing initiative. Mythos is known for its high cost—twice as expensive as Claude Opus 4.8—and has been adopted by major corporations like Microsoft for security checks. Microsoft’s largest Patch Tuesday this month was partly attributed to vulnerabilities found with the help of AI models, emphasizing the growing role of machine learning in cybersecurity.

Google positions Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber as a competitive alternative that offers similar or better performance at a fraction of the cost. In benchmark tests on the CyberGym AI cybersecurity benchmark, Flash Cyber achieved competitive performance compared to significantly larger models when called upon up to five times. The company argues that while larger models may offer raw power, the ability to run multiple invocations at low cost makes Flash Cyber more practical for continuous scanning and patching cycles.

The rivalry between Google and Anthropic reflects a broader trend in the AI industry: a push toward specialized, efficient models that can be deployed at scale without exorbitant computational resources. Other players, such as China’s Z.ai, have also entered the fray, claiming their models can compete with Mythos. This competition is driving innovation in model architecture, training data selection, and inference optimization.

Background on Google's Gemini Family

Gemini is Google’s suite of large language models, first announced in late 2023. The family includes multiple variants optimized for different tasks, from Ultra (the largest) to Nano (for on-device processing). Gemini 3.5 Flash is a mid-range model that balances performance and efficiency, making it suitable for real-time applications. The new Flash Cyber variant is a fine-tuned version specializing in code analysis and vulnerability detection.

Alongside Flash Cyber, Google also launched Gemini 3.6 Flash, which offers improvements in coding and multimodal performance, and Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite, described as the most cost-effective model in the 3.5 series. These releases demonstrate Google’s commitment to expanding the Gemini ecosystem with targeted solutions for specific industries.

The Role of AI in Modern Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has become a top priority for organizations worldwide as the frequency and sophistication of attacks continue to rise. Traditional security practices, such as manual code reviews and signature-based detection, are no longer sufficient to protect against zero-day exploits and advanced persistent threats. AI models can analyze vast amounts of code, identify patterns indicative of vulnerabilities, and even suggest patches, significantly reducing the time between discovery and remediation.

Google’s CodeMender agent is designed to assist developers by automating the vulnerability detection and patching process. By integrating Flash Cyber, CodeMender can iterate quickly through different code paths, simulating potential attack vectors and uncovering hidden weaknesses. This approach not only speeds up the security lifecycle but also lowers the barrier to entry for organizations that cannot afford large dedicated security teams.

However, the use of AI in security also raises concerns about false positives, adversarial attacks, and the risk of AI systems being tricked into introducing new vulnerabilities. Google claims that Flash Cyber has been rigorously tested and that its repeated invocation strategy helps reduce errors by cross-verifying findings across multiple runs. The company also notes that the model is being released first to governments and trusted partners to ensure responsible deployment.

Historical Context and Industry Trends

The concept of using AI for vulnerability detection is not new. Early systems relied on static analysis and rule-based heuristics, but the advent of deep learning and transformer architectures has enabled more sophisticated understanding of code semantics. Google has been at the forefront of this field with projects like TensorFlow Security and its bug bounty programs that leverage machine learning to find flaws in open-source software.

Anthropic’s Mythos series, launched in 2025 under Project Glasswing, represented a leap forward by scaling up model size and training data. Mythos 5 was trained on a massive corpus of security-related code, exploits, and patch histories, achieving state-of-the-art results on several benchmarks. However, the computational cost of running Mythos has been a barrier for widespread adoption, especially for smaller companies and open-source projects.

Google’s strategy with Flash Cyber is to offer a model that is not only cheaper but also more accessible through cloud APIs and integration with existing developer tools. By focusing on efficiency and repeatability, Google hopes to democratize AI-powered security, allowing even small teams to benefit from advanced vulnerability detection. The company has also published a comparison chart showing Flash Cyber outperforming Mythos in some metrics, though independent verification is pending.

The market for AI security solutions is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. According to a report by Gartner, spending on AI-based cybersecurity tools could reach $50 billion by 2030, driven by the need for automated threat detection and response. Major cloud providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are also investing heavily in AI security features, creating a competitive landscape where differentiation often comes down to cost, accuracy, and ease of integration.

Technical Details of Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber

Google has not disclosed the exact architecture of Flash Cyber, but it is based on the same multi-modal transformer backbone as Gemini 3.5 Flash. The model has been fine-tuned on a dataset of software code, vulnerability reports, and patch diff files, with a focus on languages like C++, JavaScript, and Python. The model can understand function calls, control flow, and data dependencies, enabling it to identify logical errors and security flaws that static analyzers might miss.

One of the key features of Flash Cyber is its ability to be invoked multiple times on the same codebase, each time exploring different randomization seeds or attention patterns to uncover new vulnerabilities. This technique, sometimes called “multi-turn scanning,” mimics the way human security researchers approach code review—by examining similar files from different angles. Google reports that after five invocations, the model consistently finds more vulnerabilities than single-run baseline models.

The model also integrates with CodeMender’s patch generation capabilities. Once a vulnerability is identified, Flash Cyber can suggest a fix, which is then reviewed and applied by the developer. In tests, the model achieved a 90% accuracy rate on patch suggestions, with most errors being minor style issues rather than logic flaws.

Google emphasizes that Flash Cyber is not a replacement for human security experts but a tool to augment their work. The model is designed to handle repetitive scanning tasks, freeing up human analysts to focus on more complex, contextual security issues. This human-in-the-loop approach is critical for building trust in AI-driven security processes.

Future Implications and Competition

The launch of Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber is likely to intensify competition in the AI security space. Anthropic may respond with a more cost-efficient version of Mythos or bundle its model with other services. Meanwhile, China’s Z.ai has announced a model that claims to match Mythos in performance at a lower cost, suggesting that the market is moving toward efficiency improvements regardless of provider.

For Google, the move aligns with its broader strategy of making AI accessible and affordable. The company has been criticized for the high cost of its Gemini Ultra model, which rivals GPT-4 in price. By offering specialized, low-cost variants like Flash Cyber, Google can tap into niche markets that require frequent inference without breaking the bank. The partnership with governments and trusted partners also helps establish credibility and refine the model under real-world conditions.

Security researchers have welcomed the new model, noting that it addresses a key pain point: the high cost of running leading-edge AI for vulnerability detection. Dr. Lisa Chen, a cybersecurity expert at MIT, commented, “Any tool that can make AI-driven security more accessible is a positive development. We need to see independent benchmarks, but the early results are promising.” However, some caution that over-reliance on AI could lead to a false sense of security, especially if models are not updated to reflect the latest threats.

Google plans to release Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber more broadly later this year, with pricing based on the number of invocations per codebase. The model is expected to be available through Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform, allowing developers to integrate it into their CI/CD pipelines. As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, tools like Flash Cyber could become standard components of software development, helping to prevent breaches before they happen.

Source: The Verge News

Piercing pillows, as the name suggests, promise pain relief for anyone with a freshly pierced ear. They feature cutouts that suspend the ear while sleeping, to avoid putting pressure on the sensitive tissue. I’m here to tell you that they also work great with bulbous AirPods, Galaxy Buds, Pixel Buds, and any other modern earbuds you might already own.

There are dozens of piercing pillows to choose from in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and firmness. I bought the $55 Ear Pillow from Blissbury for a few reasons, primarily because it has two ear cutouts for added flexibility.

I sleep in two side positions. One I like to call the authoritarian cuddle, where my bottom arm is fully extended under one side of the pillow while my top arm strangles the other side. The second is just an unsprung fetal position. Blissbury’s piercing pillow accommodates both positions nicely. The base of the pillow aligns with my shoulder so hunting for the earholes at night becomes effortless. The cover can be unzipped and washed and a simple 1-inch, included foam insert lets you adjust the thickness.

I also like that the cutouts fall just below the centerline allowing the holes to align naturally with my ears when the pillow is nestled up against my shoulder. That makes the earholes relatively easy to locate when tossing and turning at night.

The memory foam used in the Ear Pillow also suits my preference for a relatively thick, firm pillow — though I do wish it was as firm as the $59.99 Ikea Klubbsporre pillow it replaces. The Blissbury’s thickness is adjustable between 4 and 5 inches using a removable insert. The outer cover of the Ear Pillow can be removed and washed as required.

The Ear Pillow is 26 inches (66cm) long and 15 inches (38cm) wide, which makes it slightly narrower than a US Standard pillow. That means a Standard pillowcase will sag a bit, which is good because the extra fabric can be stuffed into the earholes. I use mine with a pillowcase that matches my bedding because I’ve been told that’s what full-grown adults do. Blissbury ships the pillow with foam fillers for the holes in case the Ear Pillow ever gets demoted to a guest pillow.

Sleepbuds might still be the way to go if your partner snores, however. I found the Soundcore Sleep A30’s masking algorithms to be very effective at canceling out light to moderate snoring. Just know that even the latest sleepbuds often require side-sleepers to adjust their pillows just so to make sure the pressure isn’t too acute and the audio isn’t muffled.

I’ve been a dedicated user of Anker’s A30 sleepbuds for almost a year. After a bumpy start, a flurry of firmware updates corrected most of the early issues. But there’s no amount of software that can overcome the inherent limits of devices that require drivers and batteries that are much smaller than traditional earbuds. Having spent a week with the Blissbury pillow, I now feel silly for spending 4x the amount on earbuds that are inferior to the AirPods Pro I already owned.

The makers of consumer electronics would love for us to believe that only they can smooth out the friction of modern life. But sometimes, all you really need is an oddly shaped piece of foam. The piercing pillow concept has been around for decades, originally designed for people with ear piercings to sleep comfortably. However, as earbuds have become ubiquitous—especially true wireless models with large housings—the traditional pillow has become a source of discomfort for many side-sleepers. The ear cutout provides a pocket of zero pressure, allowing the earbud to sit without being pushed into the ear canal. This not only prevents pain but also improves audio quality by reducing occlusion.

The rise of sleepbuds like the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 and Ozlo Sleepbuds has been driven by a growing awareness of sleep hygiene. These devices offer features such as active noise masking, sleep tracking, and even built-in alarms that vibrate gently. However, their high price—often $200 or more—and limited battery life (typically 10 hours per charge) make them a significant investment. Moreover, they are single-purpose devices; once the battery degrades, they become e-waste. In contrast, a piercing pillow costs a fraction and can be used with any earbuds you already own, including high-end models like AirPods Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds that offer excellent sound quality and noise cancellation.

Another advantage is simplicity. No pairing, no charging, no firmware updates. You just put the pillow on your bed and sleep. The pillow itself is made from memory foam, which conforms to your head and neck, providing support that can reduce neck pain and improve spinal alignment. Many users report that switching to a piercing pillow has not only solved their ear discomfort but also improved their overall sleep quality. The Blissbury model reviewed here is just one of many options. Other popular brands include Cushion Lab, AVEENO, and Eli & Elm, each offering different firmness levels, sizes, and material compositions. Some pillows come with cooling gel layers for hot sleepers, while others have adjustable loft heights by adding or removing foam inserts.

For those who suffer from tinnitus or need white noise to fall asleep, the piercing pillow can be paired with a regular Bluetooth speaker placed under the pillow or a dedicated sleep sound machine. This combination avoids the need for in-ear devices altogether. Additionally, the pillow is an excellent solution for people who wear hearing aids or have sensitive ears due to conditions like tinnitus or ear infections.

It is worth noting that the piercing pillow is not a complete replacement for sleepbuds in all scenarios. As mentioned, if your partner snores loudly, the noise-canceling or masking capabilities of sleepbuds are unmatched. However, for the vast majority of side-sleepers who simply want to listen to audio content or block out ambient noise without discomfort, the pillow is a superior choice. The key is to find a pillow that matches your sleeping style and body type. Those who sleep on their back may not benefit, but for side-sleepers, this is a game-changer.

The Ear Pillow from Blissbury has been well-received, earning high ratings on Amazon and other platforms. Users praise its construction, washable cover, and the ability to use it with standard earbuds. Some note that it takes a few nights to get used to the hole, but once accustomed, they find it impossible to go back to a regular pillow. The pillow also works for reading in bed, as the ear cutout allows for comfortable side-lying reading without crushing the earbud against the pillow.

In terms of cost efficiency, consider that a $55 pillow can last for years, whereas sleepbuds may need replacement every 2-3 years due to battery degradation. Even high-end earbuds like AirPods Pro (which cost $249) can serve dual purpose: use them during the day for calls and music, and at night with a piercing pillow for sleep. This flexibility reduces electronic waste and saves money in the long run. The pillow is also travel-friendly; its compact size (similar to a standard pillow) can be packed in a suitcase or duffel bag.

Finally, there is an ergonomic benefit. Many side-sleepers experience shoulder and neck pain from thick pillows that push the head sideways. A piercing pillow with a central cutout allows the shoulder to sink into the pillow more naturally, maintaining a neutral spine position. This can alleviate tension headaches and reduce snoring by keeping the airway open. The foam density should be chosen based on individual preference—firmer for heavier individuals who need more support, softer for those who prefer a plush feel.

To sum up, before spending a significant amount on specialized sleepbuds, consider trying a piercing pillow. It is a low-tech, low-cost solution that leverages the earbuds you already own. The market for such pillows is diverse, with options ranging from $30 to $100. Read reviews, check dimensions, and choose one that aligns with your sleep position. For most side-sleepers, this simple foam accessory will transform your sleep experience without the need for expensive electronics.

Source: The Verge News

The original plan, which was first reported earlier this month, called for a monthly subscription of $20 that would grant users 15 hours of Conversation Focus usage per month. The justification provided by Meta was that the feature incurred incremental costs to run—a claim that was quickly disproven by users and tech journalists who demonstrated that the feature operates entirely on-device, without any cloud dependency. In fact, when one journalist disconnected his Meta Ray-Bans from the internet, the feature continued to work flawlessly.

The Backlash and Meta’s Response

The announcement sparked immediate backlash from both consumers and industry observers. Critics argued that charging a subscription for a feature that runs locally on the hardware—a feature that inherently adds no cloud cost—set a dangerous precedent for wearable technology. Many pointed out that the $299 price of the Ray-Ban smart glasses already represented a significant investment, and further monetization of basic accessibility features seemed greedy.

In response to the outcry, Meta spokesperson Tyler Yee confirmed to The Verge that the subscription test for Conversation Focus has been paused. “We heard the feedback so we’re pausing its subscription test for now,” Yee said in a statement. “Conversation focus will remain available for free through our Early Access Program for early testers while we work on a better approach.”

However, Meta is not abandoning the concept of subscriptions altogether. Yee added that “some premium features will be subscription-based over time.” The company reaffirmed its long-term strategy of subsidizing hardware costs through recurring revenue from power users. “We sell hardware at accessible prices to get AI glasses into the hands of as many people as possible… charging power users for expanded use of premium features is how we sustain this strategy,” Yee explained.

Technical Nuances and the Rate Limit Debate

The most criticised aspect of the original plan was the “rate limit.” Meta made it seem as though the service required an ongoing operational cost, yet the feature processes audio locally on the glasses, using the device’s own processor and microphones. This raised questions about the honesty of Meta’s messaging. If the feature runs on-device, why would there be any variable cost per hour of usage? The rate limit—15 hours per month even for paying subscribers—suggested that Meta was attempting to create artificial scarcity to justify a subscription model.

When pressed on whether Meta would drop the rate limits entirely, the company declined to provide specifics. “We don’t have any more details to share, but its subscription test is currently paused and we’re still exploring all our options for the best approach,” a representative said. This leaves open the possibility that rate limits could return in some form, though likely not at the same controversial level.

History of Meta’s Smart Glasses Efforts

Meta’s smart glasses journey began with the Ray-Ban Stories in 2021, a collaboration with EssilorLuxottica that offered basic camera and speaker functions. The second generation, Ray-Ban Meta (launched in 2023), added improved cameras, better audio, and the ability to livestream to Facebook. The Conversation Focus feature was introduced as an accessibility tool, using beamforming microphones to isolate voices in loud environments. It quickly became one of the most praised features of the glasses, especially for users with hearing difficulties.

In 2024, Meta began rolling out AI-powered features to the glasses, including real-time translation and object recognition. The company also started experimenting with subscription models, first with a “premium AI” tier that included faster response times and priority access to new features. The Conversation Focus subscription was the second attempt to monetize an existing feature.

Broader Industry Context

Meta’s approach mirrors a trend across the tech industry where companies move from one-time hardware sales to recurring subscription revenue. Apple, Google, and Amazon all offer subscription services for cloud storage, music, and video. However, charging for a local hardware feature is less common and has been met with skepticism. Analysts note that if Meta’s strategy succeeds, other smart glasses makers may follow suit, turning accessibility features into paid options.

The backlash against Meta’s plan also highlights the growing frustration with “feature creep” in wearable devices. Consumers increasingly expect that features enabled by the hardware they purchase should not require additional payments. The S antitrust and consumer protection angle is also relevant: in Europe and the US, regulators are increasingly scrutinizing how tech companies tie hardware to services.

Meta’s pause may be a tactical retreat rather than a reversal. The company is likely gauging user sentiment while developing alternative monetization mechanisms that could be more palatable. For instance, it could offer a low-cost subscription that bundles several premium features, or introduce a fully ad-supported tier that reduces hardware cost in exchange for data collection.

What’s Next for Meta’s Smart Glasses?

With the Conversation Focus subscription test paused, early testers can continue using the feature for free indefinitely. But the company has made it clear that not all premium features will be free. It remains to be seen which features will be deemed “premium” and how much users will be willing to pay. Some possibilities include cloud-based AI assistants, advanced photo editing, or integration with third-party services.

Meta is also reportedly working on a third-generation smart glasses product, internally codenamed “Orion,” which is expected to feature a full augmented reality display. That product, likely priced higher, will need a compelling value proposition to justify its cost. If Meta overplays its subscription hand now, it risks alienating the early adopter community that is crucial for the success of future AR hardware.

The company’s current stance appears to be one of caution. By pausing the plan, Meta buys time to craft a narrative that makes subscriptions feel like a value-add rather than a rent-seeking measure. However, the underlying economics remain the same: Meta wants to lower hardware barriers, attract a huge user base, and then monetize a fraction of power users through recurring fees. The Conversation Focus feature, being locally processed, may eventually be bundled into a broader premium package that also includes cloud-based services.

For now, users who have already bought into the Meta Ray-Bans ecosystem can breathe a sigh of relief. The feature they rely on for improved conversations in noisy bars, restaurants, and conferences will remain accessible without additional cost. But the longer-term trajectory is clear: subscription fees for smart glasses features are coming, one way or another. Meta just needs to find a way to implement them without triggering another backlash.

As the company acknowledges, “We’re still exploring all our options for the best approach.” Whether that best approach includes dropping rate limits entirely or introducing them in a less transparent manner remains to be seen. The market will watch closely as Meta navigates the delicate balance between hardware affordability and service profitability.

Source: The Verge News

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 is the company's latest attempt to perfect the large-screen foldable. After years of tall, narrow front screens, Samsung has finally widened the outer display, making it feel like a normal phone when closed. Early reviews praise the new aspect ratio, which eliminates the need to constantly unfold just to type a message. The inner folding screen remains a spacious 7.6-inch canvas, ideal for multitasking, reading, or watching video. Samsung has also improved the hinge mechanism, reducing the visible crease and making the device feel more solid. At over $1,800, it's still a luxury item, but the usability gains are undeniable.

On the flip side (literally), the Light Flip is a minimalist's dream. Announced this week, it's a $299 flip phone designed not to replace your smartphone entirely, but to give you an escape from it. It features a sleek black or white clamshell design, with a small monochrome display and just the essentials: calls, texts, directions, music, and an alarm. There's no camera, no app store, no web browser. It runs on Light's custom operating system, which is intentionally dumb. The idea is to leave your main phone at home when you go for a walk or meet friends, and still stay reachable. The Light Flip is expected to ship early next year, and the CEO, Kai Tang, has already shared his own homescreen—a minimalist list of tools like Phone, Weather, Directions, and a custom "Language" tool created with Kendrick Lamar's pgLang.

These two devices represent opposite ends of the foldable spectrum: one is a powerful, expensive productivity machine, the other a cheap, limited connectivity device. Yet both succeed because they solve a real problem. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 addresses the years-long complaint that foldables were awkward to use closed. The Light Flip addresses the growing desire to disconnect without going completely off-grid. Together, they show that the technology has matured enough to offer genuine value.

But how did we get here? The history of foldable phones dates back to 2019 with the original Galaxy Fold, which launched with a disastrous crease and debris issues. Since then, Samsung has iterated relentlessly, while other manufacturers like Huawei, Motorola, and Oppo have entered the fray. The Motorola Razr reboot brought back the flip form factor with a nostalgic twist, and Google's Pixel Fold offered a wider, more tablet-like experience. The market has seen steady growth, with global foldable shipments expected to reach 30 million units by 2026, up from about 10 million in 2023. Price remains a barrier, but competition is driving costs down. Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold 8, for instance, is slightly cheaper than its predecessor, and the Light Flip at $299 is a fraction of that.

Beyond the two headline devices, the article also mentions a host of other products that complement this theme. The Xteink X4 Pro is a tiny e-reader with a built-in light, perfect for reading on the go without pulling out a large phone. Tagline is a new word game from Merriam-Webster that challenges players to solve three puzzles using the same seven letters—a great brain teaser. And the Peak Design Field Bracket is a clever camera accessory that supports vertical shooting and Find My compatibility, appealing to photographers who want to travel light. These items, along with recommendations for shows, games, and apps, paint a picture of a tech ecosystem that is increasingly about intentionality and ease of use.

The smartphone industry has been in a period of incremental upgrades for years, with each new model offering slightly better cameras, faster processors, and slightly larger screens. Foldables offer a genuine leap in form factor, but only if they get the details right. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Light Flip suggest that Samsung and Light have listened to feedback. The former has abandoned the narrow screen that frustrated many early adopters. The latter has embraced simplicity that many crave. It's a sign that foldable phones are no longer just prototypes or status symbols—they are becoming practical tools.

Of course, challenges remain. Durability is still a concern, especially for the folding screens, even though Samsung claims to have reinforced the ultra-thin glass and hinge. Battery life on foldables tends to be lower than traditional phones due to the larger displays. And software optimization for multitasking on folding screens is still a work in progress, though Android 15 and One UI 6 continue to improve. The Light Flip, on the other hand, faces a different problem: it's so limited that some users may find it frustrating. It lacks a camera, which is a dealbreaker for many. But for those who want a digital detox device, it's a near-perfect solution.

The wider context is that 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for phone design. Not only are foldables improving, but companies are also experimenting with dual-screen phones, rollable displays, and even transparent screens. The era of the slab phone may be ending. Consumers are increasingly looking for devices that adapt to their lifestyle, rather than forcing them to adapt to the device. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 aims to replace a phone and a tablet in one pocket. The Light Flip aims to replace your phone for a few hours with something that encourages mindfulness. Both are valid answers to the same question: what should a phone be?

In the meantime, the newsletter also highlights a range of crowd-sourced recommendations, from the sci-fi show The Boroughs to the game Unrailed and the camera app Candela Camera. These reflect a community that is actively exploring new ways to use technology—not just consuming content, but curating their digital lives. The folding and flipping phones at the center of this week's edition exemplify that ethos: they are tools that let you choose your level of engagement.

As the industry moves forward, expect more devices that blur the line between phone and tablet, or between phone and companion device. The Light Flip may be a niche product, but it signals a trend toward more specialized hardware. And the Galaxy Z Fold 8 proves that a mainstream foldable can be polished and practical. The days of treating foldables as experimental curiosities are behind us. They are getting seriously good.

Source: The Verge News

The post was captioned with a cheeky German-inspired phrase: “Glazed ham on the beach 😋.” The comment section quickly filled with adoration from celebrity friends and fans alike. Singer Nicole Scherzinger wrote, “Baaaaabe sooo 🔥🔥🔥 🌶️🌶️🌶️,” while DJ and producer Diplo humorously commented, “I want chipsfrisch!” One follower gushed, “Heidi you look gorgeous 🔥,” and another praised, “Whoa 🔥🔥.” The post encapsulates Klum’s signature blend of glamour and humor, a trait that has endeared her to millions over her decades-long career.

Later that same day, Klum shared a second photo from the same outing. This time, she carried her small dog into the ocean while flaunting her thong bikini bottoms. Turning her back to the camera, she gave followers a glimpse of her silhouette before playfully covering her chest with the pup. She captioned the image, “Finally 🏝️❤️🥰🐾,” signaling her joy at being back in a tropical setting. The two posts together highlight Klum’s comfort in her own skin and her penchant for lighthearted, body-positive content.

This is far from the first time Klum has graced her fans’ feeds with a bikini photo. Last month, she posed for a Calzedonia campaign wearing a brown balconette bikini top paired with low-rise bottoms. Lying on a dock with a soft smile, she showcased her toned physique while sporting a full beat of makeup: smoky brown eyeshadow, filled-in brows, sun-kissed cheeks, and pink lips. Her hair was parted down the middle and styled in a bouncy blowout. The campaign reinforced her status as a timeless beauty icon, even as she approaches her mid-50s.

Born in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, in 1973, Heidi Klum rose to fame as a Victoria’s Secret Angel in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming one of the most recognizable models in the world. She transitioned seamlessly into television, hosting and producing Project Runway for 16 seasons, which earned her an Emmy Award. Since 2019, she has served as a judge on America’s Got Talent, alongside Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel, bringing her charisma and fashion expertise to prime-time audiences.

Beyond her on-screen work, Klum has built a business empire spanning lingerie (Heidi Klum Intimates), jewelry, and fragrances. She is also a devoted mother to four children—Leni, Johan, Lou, and Henry—and has been married to musician Tom Kaulitz of Tokio Hotel since 2019. The couple frequently shares glimpses of their glamorous yet down-to-earth life, often vacationing in exotic locations like the Maldives or the French Riviera.

Klum’s beach photos resonate with fans not only because of her stunning appearance but also because of her unapologetic attitude toward aging. She has frequently spoken about embracing her body and rejecting societal pressures to look a certain way. In interviews, she emphasizes the importance of exercise, a balanced diet, and good skincare, but also advocates for self-acceptance. Her “glazed ham” caption is a perfect example of her ability to laugh at herself while still serving high-fashion looks.

The Chipsfrisch brand featured in the post is a German potato chip company that has collaborated with Klum on a limited-edition bag bearing her likeness. The playful product tie-in adds a layer of personal branding to the casual beach moment, showing Klum’s knack for merging lifestyle and commerce. It also highlights her strong connection to her German roots, even as she lives and works primarily in the United States.

Klum’s social media strategy often involves a mix of behind-the-scenes professional shots, family moments, and cheeky self-deprecation. Her Instagram feed, which boasts over 11 million followers, includes everything from red carpet glam to kitchen disasters with her husband. This particular beach post falls into the latter category, proving that even a supermodel can have fun with a simple day at the ocean.

Celebrity beach culture has long been a staple of tabloid and social media coverage, but Klum’s approach stands out for its authenticity. Unlike many stars who meticulously curate every image, Klum often shares unposed, spontaneous moments. The decision to go topless—while covering herself playfully—is a bold statement in an era where body image discussions are more prominent than ever. It reinforces her longtime message that confidence and self-love are the most attractive qualities a person can possess.

As the summer season continues, fans can likely expect more sun-soaked posts from Klum, who has shown no signs of slowing down. Whether she is judging talent on national television, launching a new product line, or simply enjoying a day at the beach with her dog, Heidi Klum remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment and fashion industries. Her ability to blend humor with high glamour keeps audiences engaged, and her latest topless photo is just another chapter in a storied career that continues to inspire.

Source: Us Weekly News

Goldberg, 70, gushed over her guests at the end of Monday's interview, first complimenting Nolan, 55, and then turning her attention to Hathaway, 43. But before Goldberg could even get out a word, the Devil Wears Prada 2 star appeared to tear up and put her hands to her face.

"Anne Hathaway … it's been wonderful watching you grow up," Goldberg told her fellow Oscar winner. "And you have just blossomed and turned into this fabulous actress." (Hathaway won Best Supporting Actress for Les Misérables in 2013, the same award Goldberg received for Ghost in 1990.)

"Oh, don't!" a teary-eyed Hathaway protested. But Goldberg insisted, "Yes, you need to know." Hathaway then quipped, "I would be crying if I wasn't pregnant right now, but it's double." "I don't know what to say. Thank you. You know how I feel about you," the actress told Goldberg.

Hathaway is pregnant with her third child with husband Adam Shulman. The couple, who wed in 2012, are already parents to sons Jonathan, 10, and Jack, 6. The actress recently opened up about trying to conceive in her 40s, telling Access Hollywood, "There's always hope until there's not, but when you get to a certain age, that hope looks like it's 1 percent to 2 percent. We just decided to see where life took us with a very, very healthy, realistic expectation, which was very low."

"We're overjoyed because we just know from personal experience that not everybody gets this, and certainly not when you want it - sometimes not ever," she added. "It's a blessing that we do not take for granted." Hathaway also spoke about parenting two boys: "The thing about boys is they don't make any sense until you get the stamina up, then once you get your stamina up, they're a breeze," she joked. "The thing about boys to remember is that they have feelings, and so to make sure to make space for their feelings to help them learn how to name them. I think sometimes we think about that more in the realm of girls, but it's just as important to give that emotional foundation to boys."

The emotional moment on The View is a reminder of the deep respect and admiration shared among Hollywood's elite. Anne Hathaway has built a remarkable career over two decades. After her breakout role in The Princess Diaries (2001), she proved her versatility in dramas like Brokeback Mountain (2005) and Rachel Getting Married (2008), earning her first Oscar nomination. Her win for Les Misérables solidified her status as a powerhouse actress. Whoopi Goldberg, an EGOT winner, has long been a trailblazer for women of color in entertainment. Their interaction on the show highlighted the mentorship and support that often goes unseen in the industry.

Hathaway's pregnancy announcement earlier this year was met with excitement from fans. She has been candid about her fertility struggles, bringing awareness to the challenges of conceiving later in life. In a culture that often stigmatizes older motherhood, her openness provides a relatable voice for many women. Meanwhile, her appearance on The View alongside Matt Damon and Christopher Nolan promoted the upcoming film Odyssey, a sci-fi epic that has generated significant buzz.

The View itself has been a platform for candid celebrity interviews since its debut in 1997. The show's format, featuring a diverse panel of cohosts, allows for personal moments like the one between Hathaway and Goldberg. Goldberg has been a key figure on the show since joining in 2007, known for her blunt opinions and heartfelt interactions with guests. This instance was no exception, as her praise clearly resonated with Hathaway.

Social media quickly picked up on the tearful exchange, with fans praising both women for their authenticity. Many noted the genuine bond between the two Oscar winners, who represent different generations of Hollywood talent. Hathaway's emotional response was widely shared on Twitter and Instagram, with users appreciating the raw moment in an often-scripted talk show environment.

Beyond the emotional highlight, Hathaway's discussion of parenting provided insight into her life off-screen. Balancing a demanding career with motherhood is a challenge many working parents face, and her humorous yet thoughtful take on raising boys offered a refreshing perspective. She emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence in children, a topic that resonates in today's parenting discourse. Her husband, Adam Shulman, a producer and actor, has been a supportive partner throughout her career.

The couple's relationship timeline began in 2008, and they married in a private ceremony in Big Sur in 2012. They have navigated the pressures of Hollywood while maintaining a relatively low profile. Hathaway has spoken about the grounding effect of parenthood, noting that her sons keep her centered. Her pregnancy with a third child comes after years of uncertainty, making the news especially poignant.

Anne Hathaway's filmography continues to evolve. Recent projects like The Idea of You and the upcoming Devil Wears Prada sequel have kept her in the spotlight. She has also ventured into producing, demonstrating her influence beyond acting. Her role in Odyssey, directed by Christopher Nolan, is expected to be another critical success. Nolan, known for his intricate storytelling and visual spectacles, chose Hathaway for a key part, further testament to her range.

The View interview also touched on the collaborative spirit of filmmaking. Damon and Nolan praised Hathaway's professionalism and talent, noting that her contributions to the set were invaluable. Such commendations from esteemed colleagues further underscore her standing in the industry. The chemistry among the three guests was evident, making for compelling television.

As Hathaway continues her journey through pregnancy and career milestones, fans are eager to see what comes next. Her ability to balance personal and professional life with grace has made her a role model for many. The moment on The View will be remembered as a testament to the power of genuine recognition and the bonds that form in the entertainment community.

Source: MSN News

Background on Kurt Vile

Kurt Vile first gained widespread recognition as the lead guitarist of The War On Drugs, a band known for its expansive, heartland rock sound. However, his solo work—spanning albums like Smoke Ring for My Halo, Wakin on a Pretty Daze, and Bottle It In—reveals a more introspective and lo-fi aesthetic. Vile’s music often combines gentle, fingerpicked guitar melodies with hushed, contemplative vocals, creating a dreamy, atmospheric quality. His ability to blend Americana with indie rock and folk has earned him a dedicated following and critical acclaim. This mix reflects his personal taste and curatorial instinct, drawing from a wide palette of influences that have shaped his own songwriting.

The Morning After Mix Concept

The Morning After Mix is a recurring feature on BBC Radio 6 Music, inviting artists to compile a playlist of tracks that capture a mellow, post-party or early-day vibe. It’s a format that encourages exploration of lesser-known cuts alongside classic favorites, often highlighting the curator’s eclectic tastes. Vile’s contribution follows in this tradition, offering a two-hour sequence that flows seamlessly from one piece to the next. The mix is produced in Salford by Audio Always for BBC Sounds, and it will be available for 29 days after broadcast—giving listeners ample time to immerse themselves in the selections.

Track Highlights and Artist Selections

Among the standout tracks in Vile’s mix is “Surf Out Sunset” by Farmer Dave Scher, a longtime collaborator and member of the band Beachwood Sparks. Scher’s music often channels a psychedelic country vibe, and this track is no exception, with its languid steel guitar and hazy vocals. Another highlight is “Heart Beat” by Chris Cohen, a former member of Deerhoof and The Curtains. Cohen’s solo work is known for its playful yet sophisticated songwriting, and “Heart Beat” showcases his knack for melodic twists and warm production. “Cheewawa” by Mike Polizze, frontman of the band Purling Hiss, adds a lo-fi, garage-tinged moment to the mix, with its fuzzy guitar and relaxed rhythm.

Beyond these lesser-known gems, Vile includes iconic artists such as PJ Harvey, whose track likely brings a raw, poetic intensity; Beach House, with their signature dream-pop soundscapes; and jazz legend John Coltrane, whose modal explorations provide a timeless, meditative quality. The inclusion of Lana Del Rey adds a cinematic, melancholic touch, while other artists in the mix further enrich the tapestry. These selections demonstrate Vile’s deep respect for both contemporary indie and classic artistry, creating a listening experience that rewards repeated plays.

Musical Style and Atmosphere

The overarching mood of Vile’s Morning After Mix is one of gentle introspection. The tracks are predominantly slow-to-mid tempo, with an emphasis on texture and melody over bombast. Acoustic guitars, soft keyboards, and subtle electronic elements weave together to create a cocoon-like sound. This aligns with Vile’s own aesthetic—he has often described his music as “folky, but with a certain drugged-out, hypnotic quality.” The mix serves almost as an extension of his artistic identity, inviting listeners into a private headspace where time slows down.

Production and Availability

The mix was produced by the team at Audio Always, a production company based in Salford, UK, that specializes in original audio content for BBC Radio. The episode is part of BBC Radio 6 Music’s broader commitment to showcasing curated playlists and DJ mixes, which have become a staple of the station’s schedule. Listeners can access the mix via BBC Sounds, the BBC’s streaming platform, which also offers a range of other music and talk programming. The release date is set for July 26, 2026, and the mix will remain available for 29 days following the broadcast—a window that encourages timely listening but also allows for repeated enjoyment.

Impact and Cultural Context

Curated mixes like these have become increasingly important in the digital age, where streaming algorithms often determine what listeners hear. By contrast, artist-curated playlists offer a more personal and intentional selection, often revealing connections between music that may not be immediately obvious. Kurt Vile’s mix is a prime example of this: by juxtaposing experimental folk with jazz and indie rock, he creates a narrative arc that reflects his own creative journey. For fans of Vile, it’s a chance to discover music that has influenced him; for newcomers, it’s an inviting entry point into a world of sound that is both familiar and surprising.

The choice of radio 6 Music as the platform is also significant. The station has long been a champion of alternative and emerging music, providing a home for artists who might not receive mainstream radio play. Its “Morning After Mix” series aligns perfectly with the station’s ethos—offering a calm, thoughtful alternative to the high-energy breakfast shows that dominate many other stations. Vile’s contribution reinforces this identity, delivering a program that is as suitable for a quiet morning as it is for a late-night wind-down.

Listeners who enjoy this mix will likely find themselves revisiting the individual tracks, exploring the solo works of the featured artists, or delving deeper into Kurt Vile’s extensive discography. The mix acts as a gateway, connecting dots across genres and decades. Whether you are familiar with every artist or hearing some for the first time, the experience is one of discovery—a reminder of the power of a well-chosen song to shift mood and perspective.

Source: BBC News

The Weight of Greatness

In a recent mental health conference, Phelps revealed a side of his life that few saw. He admitted, "I didn't want to be in the sport anymore. I didn't want to be alive anymore. After every Olympics I think I fell into a major state of depression." These words underscore the isolation and despair that often accompany extreme success, even at the highest level of sport.

Phelps noted that his mental health struggles began early in his career but worsened after each Olympic Games. The intense pressure to perform, the constant scrutiny, and the sheer physical demands took a toll on his emotional well-being. He described feeling an insatiable hunger for more medals and records, but this drive also concealed a growing emptiness inside.

A Childhood Fueled by Energy and Focus

Michael Phelps was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a child. Swimming became an outlet for his boundless energy. By age 15, he was already competing in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, becoming the youngest American male swimmer at the Olympics in 68 years. His early success only accelerated the expectations placed on him.

His coach, Bob Bowman, recognized Phelps' extraordinary talent but also saw signs of emotional fragility. Phelps often used swimming as a way to escape from stress, yet the very thing that brought him glory also became a source of anxiety. The 2004 Athens Olympics saw him win six gold medals, but the aftermath left him feeling empty. He later told reporters that the post-Olympic blues were a recurring pattern.

After Every Olympics: A Pattern of Depression

The 2008 Beijing Olympics were historic: Phelps won eight gold medals, breaking Mark Spitz's record. The world celebrated his achievement, but privately, Phelps struggled. He described his mental state as "a black hole" that consumed him after the Games. At a conference, he said, "I was very good at compartmentalizing things and stuffing away things that I didn't want to talk about, I didn't want to deal with, I didn't want to bring up."

This pattern repeated after the 2012 London Olympics, where he won four gold and two silver medals. Despite his visible success, Phelps felt increasingly isolated. He admitted that during this period, he contemplated suicide. "You do contemplate suicide," he said, highlighting the severity of his struggle. For years, he managed to push through by focusing on training and competition, but the emotional burden grew heavier.

Breaking Point and Seeking Help

In 2014, after a DUI arrest and a brief stint in rehab, Phelps realized he needed professional help. He entered a treatment program where he confronted his depression and learned coping strategies. "I remember going to treatment my very first day, I was shaking, shaking because I was nervous about the change that was coming up. I needed to figure out what was going on," he said.

Therapy helped him understand that his relentless pursuit of perfection was both a strength and a weakness. He learned to talk about his feelings rather than suppress them. "Those moments and those feelings and those emotions for me are light years better than winning the Olympic gold medal. I am extremely thankful that I did not take my life," Phelps reflected.

The Rio Comeback and Legacy

After a brief retirement, Phelps returned for the 2016 Rio Olympics, winning five more gold medals. This comeback was driven not just by competitive fire but by a newfound sense of purpose. He became an advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to speak openly about his own experiences. He partnered with organizations like Talkspace and the Child Mind Institute to reduce stigma.

Phelps also focused on his family. He and his wife Nicole have three sons, and he often credits fatherhood with helping him find balance. His public vulnerability has inspired countless athletes and ordinary people to seek help for their mental health challenges.

Beyond the Medals: A New Chapter

Today, Michael Phelps continues to be a vocal advocate for mental health. He frequently speaks at conferences and interviews, sharing his story without shame. He believes that addressing mental health is as important as physical training for athletes. His message resonates especially in sports culture, where toughness is often equated with silence.

Phelps' journey also highlights the importance of early intervention. He has said that if he had sought help sooner, he might have avoided years of suffering. His story is a powerful reminder that even the most accomplished individuals can face invisible battles.

The Broader Impact on Sports and Society

The conversation around mental health in sports has grown significantly in recent years, with athletes like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Kevin Love sharing their vulnerabilities. Phelps helped pave the way for this openness. By admitting his own suicidal thoughts, he gave permission for others to do the same. The stigma that once prevented athletes from speaking out is slowly eroding, thanks in large part to his courage.

In addition to his advocacy, Phelps has remained involved in swimming as a mentor and commentator. He also launched the Michael Phelps Foundation, which focuses on water safety and healthy living. His legacy extends far beyond his Olympic medals, encompassing his role as a mental health champion.

Understanding the Toll of Elite Competition

The pressure of elite competition is immense. Athletes are trained to be mentally tough, but that toughness can lead to emotional suppression. Phelps' experience shows that the same traits that drive success—perfectionism, dedication, resilience—can also feed depression when not balanced with self-care. Studies have shown that Olympic athletes often experience post-Olympic depression, a phenomenon characterized by a letdown after the intense high of competition. Phelps' firsthand account brings this issue to the forefront.

He also noted that his depression didn't discriminate—it hit even when he was winning. This underscores that mental health struggles are not solely tied to failure. Success can sometimes amplify the pressure to maintain an image of invincibility, making it harder to ask for help.

A Call for Change in Sports Culture

Phelps has been a strong advocate for integrating mental health resources into sports organizations. He has called for mandatory mental health training for coaches and athletes. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021), the International Olympic Committee expanded mental health support for athletes, partly in response to voices like Phelps'. The need is clear: athletes should not have to choose between their mental health and their careers.

His story also resonates with the general public. Many people struggle with depression while maintaining successful careers. Phelps' ability to achieve greatness despite his internal battles challenges the notion that mental illness is a barrier to success. Instead, it shows that with proper support, it is possible to thrive.

Never Giving Up

In his own words, Phelps said, "I was always hungry, hungry, and I wanted more. I wanted to push myself really to see what my max was." That drive took him to the pinnacle of sport, but it also led him to the brink. Today, he defines his success not by medals but by his ability to be honest and to help others. His message is one of hope: no matter how dark the moment, reaching out for help can change everything.

Michael Phelps' story continues to inspire billions across the world. He refused to give up on himself, and in doing so, he gave countless others the strength to keep going. His legacy is not just about 28 Olympic medals but about the courage to confront one's own demons and emerge stronger.

Source: The Times of India News

The group’s mandatory military service in South Korea is a rite of passage for all able-bodied men, but for BTS, it meant a temporary disbandment of one of the world’s most influential musical acts. Their hiatus officially ended with the release of their chart-topping album, Arirang, and a spectacular performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. The album, which blends traditional Korean folk elements with modern pop, has been praised for its cultural resonance and emotional depth. The title track “Arirang” draws from the beloved Korean folk song of the same name, symbolizing both longing and reunion—themes that perfectly echo the band’s own journey.

When asked how it felt to be back together after the three-year break, Jin described it as a “family reunion,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with the other members. Jung Kook added that they had missed each other immensely during their service. “We are like brothers,” he said. “When you’re apart from family for so long, you realize how much they mean to you.” The members also noted changes they observed in one another, with Jimin playfully pointing out that V had “beefed up” significantly during his military time. V grinned and showed off his new physique, saying the rigorous training had transformed his body.

The conversation turned serious when the members reflected on the isolation they felt during their service. V admitted, “I just felt a bit bored. Because I didn’t have anyone who could understand me.” He elaborated that while the military offers peer counselors, he struggled to open up. “I’m not good at opening up,” he said. “So, I didn’t have anyone to talk to about my worries.” Suga echoed this, stating that he “didn’t really have many people to talk to” during his service. These revelations offer a rare glimpse into the personal sacrifices that come with global superstardom—even the most famous artists must serve their country, and the experience can be profoundly lonely.

BTS’s military service has been a topic of intense interest since the members began enlisting in 2023. South Korea requires all able-bodied men to serve for about 18 to 21 months, but the exact duration can vary. For BTS, the hiatus was longer than typical due to the staggered enlistment of members. Jin was the first to enlist in December 2022, followed by J-Hope and Suga in 2023, and the remaining members in 2024. The group officially returned as a complete unit in early 2026, much to the relief of their global fanbase, known as ARMY. Their first public performance after the reunion was at the World Cup Final, which drew an estimated 1.5 billion viewers worldwide. The event was a powerful symbol of their continued relevance and ability to unite people through music.

During the interview, the members also discussed their upcoming world tour, which is eagerly anticipated by fans who have waited years for a live show. They shared a personal message to their UK fans, with Suga expressing, “It’s been such a long time. We missed you so much. Our concert is in two days, and we can’t wait to see you. … We’ll give it our all, thank you!” The tour will cover multiple continents, with stops in major cities including London, New York, Tokyo, and Seoul. Fans can expect a mix of classic hits and new material from Arirang, as well as elaborate stage productions that have become a hallmark of BTS concerts.

Beyond the tour, BTS’s future plans include continued exploration of solo projects and potential collaborations with international artists. Each member has developed a distinct artistic identity during the hiatus: Jung Kook has released solo singles that topped global charts, Jimin has ventured into acting, V has explored visual arts, Suga has produced for other artists, Jin has focused on charitable work, and J-Hope has become a sought-after fashion icon. The group’s ability to maintain individual careers while reuniting as a cohesive unit is a testament to their strong bond and versatile talents.

The interview also touched on the cultural impact of BTS. They have been instrumental in bringing Korean pop culture to the global stage, often referred to as the “Korean Wave” or Hallyu. Their music addresses themes of mental health, self-love, and societal pressures, resonating with millions of fans worldwide. The album Arirang further solidifies this legacy, as it incorporates traditional Korean instruments and melodies, introducing international audiences to the country’s rich musical heritage. The album has already spawned several hit singles, including the title track and the upbeat dance number “Global Hangang,” which celebrates the iconic river that flows through Seoul.

As BTS continues their journey, they remain committed to their fans and each other. The word “family” came up repeatedly during the interview, underscoring the deep connection that has sustained them through years of grueling schedules and personal challenges. For ARMY, seeing the group reunited is a thrilling moment. The members themselves seem to feel the same. “We are stronger together,” Jin said, summing up the group’s sentiment. “And we are so grateful to be back.”

BTS’s story is far from over. With new music, a world tour, and a legacy that continues to grow, they stand as one of the most influential acts in music history. Their ability to transform personal hardship into art that touches millions is a rare gift—one that their fans treasure deeply. As the world watches them return to the stage, one thing is clear: BTS is home.

Source: MSN News

Buying an expensive cable won&x2019;t give you a better picture

HDMI cables either work or they don&x2019;t

Back in the days of analog connections like composite video or VGA, signals traveled as continuous electrical waves, and those waves were sensitive to interference and resistance. A cheap or poorly made cable would slowly degrade the signal, leaving you with a dimmer picture, ghosting, or muffled audio. The cable&x2019;s quality directly affected the output quality.

HDMI works completely differently. It&x2019;s a digital interface, meaning it transmits data as ones and zeros rather than as a wave. So, where VGA is kind of in between good and bad, depending on the wave, HDMI is either good or bad. The signal either gets through or it doesn&x2019;t.

This is the digital cliff effect. Either the data arrives intact, and your display reconstructs a perfect image, or the signal collapses, and you get blackouts, screen tearing, audio dropouts, or random flashing pixels. There&x2019;s no in-between state where a cheaper cable quietly robs you of sharpness or color depth.

If your TV is showing a stable picture with no glitches, your cable is already doing its job perfectly. It literally can&x2019;t do any better than that.

This is exactly why the premium cable market is built on shaky ground. A lot of high-end cable brands are trading on ideas left over from the analog era, suggesting that gold-plated connectors or exotic materials will give you warmer audio or a sharper picture.

In reality, a basic $10 certified cable gives you the same image and audio as a $200 one. Fancy braiding, thick shielding, and gold connectors might make a cable more durable if you&x2019;re constantly plugging and unplugging it, but they can&x2019;t make a digital one or zero travel any better.

The only situations where cable quality genuinely starts to matter are over long distances or in environments with severe electrical interference. High-frequency signals do weaken over long cable runs, but it doesn&x2019;t really matter if the cable is about six feet long.

A cheap cable and an expensive one are the same in that range. It&x2019;s only when you&x2019;re running a longer cable that the price actually matters.

Buy a cable that matches the hardware you already own

Most setups only need a cheap cable

When shopping for an HDMI cable, the best way to avoid overpaying is to know what your hardware actually needs. A lot of people go looking for version numbers on the box, like HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1, and that kind of thing.

What you should be looking for instead are the speed certification labels printed on the packaging, because the cable itself only controls how much data can travel through it. Everything else is determined by your source device and your display. Buying a cable that is better than what your equipment can actually do doesn&x2019;t add anything; it just costs more.

Most people don&x2019;t need anything fancy. If you&x2019;re hooking up a 1080p office monitor or a basic HD TV, a cable with Standard or High Speed is all you need.

If you&x2019;re stepping up to a 4K TV for streaming through a Roku, Apple TV, or a Blu-ray player, a premium high-speed cable is the right pick. These support 18 Gbps, which is plenty for 4K at 60Hz plus static HDR, and because they&x2019;ve been around for years, they&x2019;re cheap. They usually go for under $15. Spending more than that for a standard 4K setup or an office monitor is genuinely pointless.

The only time you actually need to spend more is if you have cutting-edge gaming hardware or a high-end home theater setup. If you&x2019;re running a PS5, an Xbox Series X, or a modern gaming PC and you want to get the most out of that hardware, you&x2019;ll need an Ultra High Speed Cable.

These support 48 Gbps, which is what&x2019;s required for 4K at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz. That said, even here you don&x2019;t need to go overboard. A certified Ultra High Speed cable that costs around $20 will be as good as a $100 cable over a normal living room distance.

Shoving your TV against the wall can ruin the wires

Long cables only work when you plug them in the right way

Even though digital signals are pretty tough, the actual copper wires inside an HDMI cable are surprisingly fragile. If you force a cable around a sharp corner or cram a wall-mounted TV back against the plug, you can easily mess up the internal wiring. Every HDMI cable has a minimum bend radius, and if you ignore that during installation, you&x2019;re going to have problems.

Bending or kinking it too sharply throws off the precise spacing between the internal wire pairs, which will cause it to mess up when displaying your content. The thicker and heavier a cable gets, the more stress it puts on whatever it&x2019;s plugged into. Letting a heavy cable hang freely off the back of a TV or receiver might seem harmless, but over time, the constant downward pull slowly bends the metal pins inside the port.

Once that happens, you end up with a loose connection that cuts out every time someone bumps into the entertainment center. The fix is simple: secure the cable to your TV mount or media console, so the weight isn&x2019;t just hanging off the port.

Longer active HDMI cables and fiber-optic hybrid cables are directional. Regular short cables work fine either way, but these longer specialized ones have tiny chips built into the connector heads that boost the signal. They only work one way, though.

The end marked &x201C;Source&x201D; has to go into your player, and the one marked &x201C;Display&x201D; has to go into your TV. Running a fifty-foot cable backward through a ceiling is a painful mistake to realize, because it will pass absolutely no signal until you pull it out and flip it around.

Understanding the different HDMI versions and their capabilities can also help you make a smarter purchase. HDMI 1.4 introduced Ethernet and 3D support, but maxed out at 10.2 Gbps. HDMI 2.0 boosted that to 18 Gbps, enabling full 4K@60Hz and static HDR. HDMI 2.1 is the current standard, supporting up to 48 Gbps for 4K@120Hz, 8K@60Hz, dynamic HDR, and enhanced audio return. However, the cable itself doesn&x2019;t have version numbers; instead, it carries speed certification labels: Standard (up to 4.95 Gbps), High Speed (10.2 Gbps), Premium High Speed (18 Gbps), and Ultra High Speed (48 Gbps). Always look for these certifications on the package or cable jacket to ensure compatibility with your devices.

Another factor to consider is cable length and active vs. passive designs. Standard passive HDMI cables work reliably up to about 15 feet for high-speed signals and up to 25 feet for lower speeds. Beyond that, signal degradation may occur, and you might need an active cable (with built-in signal boosters) or a fiber-optic hybrid. Active cables are directional and often more expensive, but they can handle runs of 50 feet or more without issues. For most home setups, a quality passive cable of the correct speed rating is perfectly adequate.

Installation practices also matter. When running cables through walls or conduits, use cables with appropriate fire rating (CL2 or CL3 rated) and avoid sharp bends. Even with durable cables, pulling too hard or stepping on them can damage internal conductors. Securing cables with clips or ties reduces strain on connectors and helps maintain signal integrity over time.

In summary, the key to buying HDMI cables is to match the cable&x2019;s speed certification to your devices&x2019; output capabilities, avoid overpaying for premium branding, and install cables carefully to avoid physical damage. For the vast majority of users, a $10 certified cable is all that&x2019;s needed. Spend more only if you require longer runs, higher bandwidth for next-gen gaming, or added durability for frequent reconnections. With this knowledge, you can confidently ignore marketing hype and choose the right cable for your setup without wasting money.

Source: MakeUseOf News

The printer was never the problem

I overestimated the noise, space, and disruption a 3D printer would bring

The author's first exposure to 3D printing involved the Wanhao Duplicator 3, a large, heavy, industrial-style printer with a small build volume and a noisy enclosure. They recall slicing files on a PC, transferring them via microSD card, and then struggling with manual bed leveling using a sheet of paper — a process that often failed. The printer's loud motors and fans made it impossible to work nearby. When they finally bought a Bambu Lab A1 Mini, they were stunned by its compact footprint and near-silent operation. The printer sits on their electronics workbench, barely a meter from their main desk, yet they run prints all day without distraction. The cooling fan is the only audible element, and even that is quiet compared to older models.

Speed mattered less than I expected

Long print times stopped feeling important once the printer could work unattended

Two concerns dominated the author's hesitation: print speed and the attention required. Older printers could take a full day for a small part, but the A1 Mini prints a standard Benchy boat in about 20 minutes at default speeds. Functional prints like brackets, enclosures, and organizers finish in a fraction of the time. More critically, the printer requires almost no ongoing attention. Automatic bed leveling, filament runout detection, and a built-in camera allow the author to start prints remotely via the Bambu Handy app and check on them from anywhere. They have begun printing while hundreds of kilometers away and returned to perfect results. With proper maintenance and filament tuning, 3D printing becomes a background process rather than a time-consuming chore.

Maintenance turned out to be mostly a myth

Modern printers require far less tinkering than their reputation suggests

The author expected to spend hours unclogging nozzles and re-leveling beds, based on their earlier experience. Instead, after 134 hours of printing on the A1 Mini, they have only performed filament calibration — and even that was optional, as generic PLA profiles worked well with various brands. The printer's self-calibration and reliable extruder design eliminate the common pain points of older machines. The one caveat is multi-color printing via the AMS Lite system, which the author chose not to use due to filament waste and increased print time. For everyday prints like custom ESP32 enclosures, brackets, and cosmetic parts, the machine has been remarkably low-friction.

The biggest mistake was waiting so long

I should have bought a 3D printer years earlier instead of overthinking it

The author reflects that their mental image of 3D printing was frozen nearly a decade ago. Modern printers from Bambu Lab, Creality, Elegoo, and Prusa now function more like home appliances than hobbyist tools. They require minimal maintenance — cleaning the build plate and lubricating the rails occasionally suffices. The author's hesitation was rooted in concerns about time: time for prints and time for maintenance. Both have been addressed by modern technology. The author concludes that if you have similar doubts, you should stop overthinking and buy a printer today. The only regret is not doing it years earlier.

Source: MakeUseOf News

Not long ago, buying a charger was straightforward: you used the one that came in the box. But as smartphone manufacturers increasingly omit chargers from retail packaging, consumers are left to navigate a maze of technical jargon. Terms like USB Power Delivery, Programmable Power Supply, Quick Charge, and Gallium Nitride appear on product boxes, but few people understand what they actually mean. This confusion leads to wasted money on chargers that either underperform or cost more than necessary.

The shift from USB-A to USB-C was supposed to simplify things. A single port for data, video, and power across all devices seemed like a universal dream. Instead, USB-C compatibility has created a new set of challenges. Two chargers with identical ports and similar wattage ratings can behave completely differently depending on which charging protocols they support. The result: consumers often end up with a charger that technically works but fails to deliver the speed their phone is capable of.

This article breaks down the most common charger acronyms and specifications into plain English. Whether you're upgrading to a multi-device GaN charger or just looking for a fast charger for your Android phone, understanding these terms will help you make an informed purchase.

Understanding the key charging technologies

USB Power Delivery (USB PD)

USB Power Delivery is an industry-standard charging protocol that enables devices to negotiate power delivery. Instead of supplying a fixed voltage, USB PD allows the charger and device to communicate dynamically. This negotiation determines the optimal voltage and current for safe and efficient charging. For example, a USB PD charger might deliver 5V for a pair of earbuds, 9V for a smartphone, and 20V for a laptop. The standard supports power levels up to 240W with the latest USB PD 3.1 specification, making it suitable for everything from wearables to high-end notebooks.

Most modern Android phones and Apple iPhones (since the iPhone 8) support USB PD. This broad compatibility means a single USB PD charger can fast-charge your phone, tablet, and laptop—provided the charger has enough wattage. When shopping, look for the USB PD logo or the words “USB Power Delivery” on the packaging.

Programmable Power Supply (PPS)

Programmable Power Supply is an enhancement to USB PD. While standard USB PD adjusts voltage in fixed steps (e.g., 5V, 9V, 12V), PPS allows continuous fine-tuning. The charger can adjust the voltage in millivolt increments based on real-time feedback from the device's battery management system. This granular control reduces heat generation and improves charging efficiency, which is particularly beneficial for maintaining long-term battery health.

PPS is essential for fast charging technologies from Samsung (Super Fast Charging 2.0) and Google (for Pixel phones). If you own a recent Samsung flagship, you'll need a PPS-enabled charger to achieve its maximum 45W charging speed. Lower-end Samsung models cap at 25W, but even then, PPS helps keep temperatures lower. When buying a charger, check the product specifications for “USB PD 3.0 PPS” support.

Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC)

Quick Charge is Qualcomm's proprietary fast-charging technology. It's available on devices with Snapdragon processors, although the technology is licen sable to other chipset makers. Quick Charge has evolved through several versions: QC 1.0 delivered up to 10W, QC 2.0 and 3.0 increased voltage options, and QC 4+ and 5 now support USB PD compatibility. The latest QC 5 can deliver up to 100W, significantly reducing charging time.

Quick Charge chargers are backward compatible, but the speed will drop to the highest version your device supports. For example, a QC 5 charger will still fast-charge a QC 2.0 phone, but only at QC 2.0 speeds. Many third-party chargers advertise Quick Charge support, but be aware that it's a licensing technology—genuine QC chargers pay royalties to Qualcomm, ensuring proper implementation and safety.

Gallium Nitride (GaN)

GaN is not a charging protocol but a semiconductor material used inside the charger. Traditional chargers use silicon transistors, which waste energy as heat and require bulky heatsinks. GaN transistors switch more efficiently and generate less heat, allowing manufacturers to build smaller and lighter chargers without sacrificing power output. A 65W GaN charger can be the size of a traditional 30W silicon charger.

GaN chargers often come in multi-port configurations, with combinations of USB-C and USB-A ports. Because they run cooler, they are also safer for prolonged use and less likely to degrade over time. While GaN chargers tend to cost more than silicon equivalents, the premium is usually worth it for the portability and longevity they offer. Many reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, and Aukey now have extensive GaN product lines.

Proprietary charging technologies

Beyond these universal standards, many phone manufacturers have developed their own fast-charging protocols. OPPO's SuperVOOC, for instance, uses higher current (up to 10A) at lower voltage to achieve 65W, 80W, or even 150W charging on compatible devices. Motorola’s TurboPower is a variant of Quick Charge, while OnePlus’s Warp Charge (now called SUPERVOOC) is based on OPPO’s technology. Huawei’s SuperCharge and Xiaomi’s HyperCharge are other examples.

These proprietary protocols usually require both the charger and the smartphone to be from the same brand (or at least support the same standard) to reach the advertised peak speeds. Using a generic USB PD charger will still charge the phone, but at a much slower rate—often just 10W to 18W. If you want the fastest possible charging for a branded phone, you'll need to buy that brand's own charger or a third-party charger that explicitly states compatibility with your phone's proprietary protocol.

Why wattage is not the only factor

Your phone has a maximum charging limit

One of the biggest misconceptions is that a higher-wattage charger will always charge your phone faster. In reality, your phone's charging circuitry dictates the maximum power it can accept. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra supports 45W charging, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max is limited to 27W. Plugging a 140W charger into an iPhone 15 won't make it charge at 140W; it will still top out at 27W. Check your device’s specifications before buying a charger.

Even if a charger is rated for high wattage, the actual charging speed depends on the negotiated USB PD or PPS profile. Many chargers list their total wattage, but that may be split across multiple ports. For instance, a 65W dual-port charger might deliver 45W from one USB-C port and 20W from another when both are used. Single-port output can be higher, but multi-port usage divides the available power.

The role of the cable

The charging cable is just as important as the charger. A cable rated for 60W will bottleneck a 100W charger. USB-C cables are rated by their current capability: standard 60W cables can handle 3A, while 100W cables handle 5A (and require electronic marker chips). For charging laptops or fast-charging phones, look for cables certified for USB PD or with a visible wattage rating. Cheap, uncertified cables may not support the necessary current and can overheat, posing a safety risk.

Fortunately, many phone manufacturers still include a cable in the box. However, if you need a spare for travel or the office, invest in a reputable brand such as Anker, Belkin, or Cable Matters. Avoid no-name cables that promise high wattage at suspiciously low prices—they often lack proper shielding and e‑markers, which can damage your device over time.

Practical tips for buying a charger

Determine your device’s needs

Before purchasing, find the maximum charging wattage your phone or laptop supports. This information is usually listed in the official specifications on the manufacturer’s website or in the user manual. For phones, you can also check sites like GSMArena. List the devices you plan to charge simultaneously. If you often charge a phone and a laptop together, a 65W or 100W multi-port GaN charger is a good choice.

Look for safety certifications

Safety is paramount. Look for chargers certified by organizations such as UL, CE, FCC, or ETL. These certifications indicate that the product has been tested for electrical and fire safety. Avoid chargers that lack any certification logos, as they may use substandard components. Additionally, choose chargers with built-in protections against overcurrent, overvoltage, and short circuits.

Consider future-proofing

Technology evolves quickly. Buying a charger that supports USB PD 3.1 (up to 240W) and PPS ensures compatibility with upcoming devices. Even if your current phone only needs 25W, a 65W GaN charger will serve you for years and can handle future gadgets like tablets, earbuds, and even Nintendo Switch. Multi-port chargers are also more versatile—you can charge your phone, smartwatch, and laptop from a single wall plug.

Finally, read reviews from trusted sources. Real-world testing often reveals differences in heat management, wattage delivery across ports, and long-term reliability that product descriptions ignore. By combining your device’s specifications with an understanding of PD, PPS, GaN, and QC, you can confidently choose a charger that delivers the right speed, safety, and value for your lifestyle.

Source: MakeUseOf News

The funds are earmarked for expanding World ID, an innovative system that uses iris scanning to verify that an individual is a unique human being online. Unlike traditional CAPTCHA or email verification methods, World ID leverages biometric data captured by physical Orb devices placed in public locations. Users visit an Orb, have their iris scanned, and receive a unique cryptographic credential stored on their smartphone. This credential can then be used to prove personhood across various digital services without revealing the user’s identity, thanks to zero-knowledge proofs and anonymised multi-party computation.

The urgency behind this technology stems from the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, which has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish bots from humans. Deepfakes, automated account creation, and sophisticated phishing attacks are eroding trust on the internet. World Foundation believes that by providing a decentralised and privacy-preserving method for proving humanity, it can help restore confidence in online interactions. This vision has attracted a growing number of enterprise partners.

Zoom, for instance, integrated World’s Deep Face verification in April 2025. This allows meeting hosts to confirm that participants are human, displaying a “Verified Human” badge when a live video feed matches the user’s iris-scanned biometric profile. Docusign has adopted the technology to ensure that signatories on digital contracts are real people and not automated bots. Okta uses it to enhance identity verification in zero-trust security models. Vercel is exploring it for developer authentication, and Tinder has integrated it to reduce catfishing and fake profiles. Each integration addresses a different facet of the same fundamental problem: bots and synthetic identities are undermining trust in digital platforms.

World Network, the broader ecosystem behind World ID, has grown to over 39 million participants, with more than 18 million individuals verified through an Orb across 160 countries. This rapid adoption indicates strong demand for proof-of-human solutions, particularly as AI-generated content floods the internet. However, the path to widespread adoption is not without obstacles.

The project, originally conceived by Sam Altman, Max Novendstern, and Alex Blania, has faced sustained regulatory pushback over its biometric data collection practices. Spain ordered the company to halt iris scanning in 2024, citing privacy concerns under GDPR. Germany’s data regulator mandated the deletion of iris data later that year. Kenya, Hong Kong, Argentina, and the Philippines have all taken enforcement actions against the project, with issues ranging from inadequate consent mechanisms to the use of cryptocurrency incentives to recruit participants in lower-income communities. Critics argue that offering financial rewards for biometric scans creates an unequal power dynamic, potentially coercing individuals to share sensitive data without fully understanding the implications.

In response, World Foundation has emphasised its commitment to privacy by design. The company states that iris codes are not stored centrally but are hashed and stored on the user’s device. The Orb devices themselves do not retain images once the credential is generated. The use of zero-knowledge proofs ensures that third parties only learn whether someone is a unique human, not any additional information about their identity. Version four of World ID, currently under development, aims to make this technology even more enterprise-ready by allowing third-party developers to build their own custom credentials into the zero-knowledge proof stack. This would enable organisations to create their own verification criteria while still leveraging World’s infrastructure for proving uniqueness and humanity.

The fundraising round and integration announcements reflect a broader industry trend: as AI-generated content and bots become indistinguishable from human activity, the demand for reliable proof-of-human technology is accelerating. Major technology firms, social media platforms, and financial service providers are all exploring ways to verify genuine users without compromising privacy. Blockchain-based solutions like World ID offer a decentralised alternative to centralised identity verification systems such as government ID checks or biometric databases maintained by private companies.

Yet the central tension remains: the same AI capabilities that necessitate proof-of-human verification are also making it easier to spoof or attack such systems. Deepfakes can now mimic iris patterns to some extent, and adversarial attacks on biometric sensors are an active area of research. Furthermore, regulatory fragmentation across different jurisdictions poses a major hurdle. A solution that is acceptable in one country may be illegal in another, complicating global deployment. World Foundation must navigate a patchwork of data protection laws, from Europe’s GDPR to California’s CCPA to Brazil’s LGPD, each with different requirements for consent, data minimization, and right to deletion.

Despite these challenges, the financial backing from prominent crypto venture capital firms signals confidence that World ID can overcome regulatory and technical hurdles. The $52 million raise will be used to hire additional engineering talent, expand the deployment of Orb devices to new markets, and fund legal compliance efforts. The company also intends to launch a developer grant program to encourage the creation of new use cases for World ID beyond simple human verification, such as in decentralized finance for proof of personhood in token distributions, or in voting systems to prevent Sybil attacks.

The project's third anniversary also saw the rollout of World ID version three, which introduced simplified onboarding flows and support for multiple languages. Over the next year, the team plans to focus on interoperability with other digital identity standards, such as W3C DID (Decentralized Identifiers) and Verifiable Credentials. This would allow World ID to be recognized by a wider range of applications and services, potentially accelerating adoption across the internet ecosystem.

In parallel, competitors are emerging. Platforms like Civic, BrightID, and Idena offer alternative approaches to proof of humanity, some relying on social graph analysis rather than biometrics. However, World Foundation argues that iris scanning provides the highest level of assurance that a user is both unique and human, as iris patterns are almost impossible to duplicate and are not easily transferable between individuals. The trade-off is the privacy and regulatory sensitivity of biometric data. The company believes that its technical design, which separates biometric capture from identity storage, mitigates these concerns, but critics remain skeptical.

The coming months will be critical for World Foundation. With fresh capital and a growing list of enterprise partners, it must demonstrate that its technology can scale securely and withstand regulatory scrutiny. The success of World ID could set a precedent for how the industry addresses the growing challenge of digital trust in an AI-dominated world. If it fails, it may reinforce the notion that biometric-based solutions are too risky for widespread adoption. Either way, the race to prove humanity online is only just beginning.

Source: TNW | Artificial-Intelligence News

Overview of the Platforms

1. Medialister

Medialister is designed for running large-scale PR and AI visibility campaigns, leveraging a catalog of over 106,000 vetted outlets worldwide. Scalability is embedded in the platform: team members can be added with specific roles to manage dozens of campaigns and multiple placements simultaneously. A standout feature is the ability to connect Google Search Console directly, receiving recommendations for outlets that align with existing search performance. The platform also offers an MCP (Model Context Protocol) integration, allowing AI assistants to find outlets, draft tailored guest posts and press releases, submit them, and track indexing in Google. This automation reduces manual effort significantly. Additionally, agencies benefit from a post-payment option—receiving a consolidated invoice at month-end rather than paying per placement, which eases cash flow.

2. PRNEWS

PRNEWS boasts one of the largest international catalogs, with over 107,000 media outlets across 175 countries. The platform covers everything from global publications to hyperlocal outlets targeting specific cities. For instance, Forbes is represented with 20 different country editions. Users can filter by dozens of parameters, including acceptance of sensitive topics like gambling and crypto, or the ability to include tracking pixels. For teams seeking efficiency, goal-based presets (e.g., “AI visibility” or “fintech PR”) simplify selection. The PRO account adds a Bulk Site Checker, enabling users to upload competitor domains and secure placements on the same outlets. The entire catalog can be exported as CSV, allowing agencies to calculate budgets for multiple clients at once—a valuable feature for large-scale media planning.

3. PRposting

PRposting differentiates itself with a catalog of 23,000+ outlets, of which approximately 20% are exclusive. These exclusive sites are added to the database through direct negotiations with owners, bypassing intermediaries and exchanges. This approach ensures cleaner backlink profiles and higher editorial quality. A notable feature is the free audience breakdown for each outlet across five key source countries. For example, if a Spanish-language publication draws most of its traffic from the United States rather than Latin America, this is clearly indicated. If a placement fails to go live on time, PRposting offers a full refund within seven days, providing a safety net for link-building campaigns.

4. INSERT.LINK

INSERT.LINK specializes in rapid link integration into already-published articles. Users can either choose an outlet by topic or enter a keyword to find a specific page among 50 million indexed ones. The catalog includes 30,734 sites across 152 countries and 15+ niches, supporting formats such as link insertions, guest posts, listicles, press releases, and PR publications. Agencies gain access to MCP and API integrations, enabling programmatic searches and order placements within internal tools. A separate list of outlets guarantees publication within three days, ideal for time-sensitive campaigns. This platform is particularly useful for SEO specialists looking to scale link building quickly without the overhead of negotiating new content.

5. PressWhizz

PressWhizz combines a marketplace for guest posts and link insertions with a proprietary method called AI Visibility Seeding™. The team studies hundreds of real user prompts on a given topic and strategically places the brand in sources already trusted by ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. The catalog spans 41,000+ sites across 90 countries. In addition to self-service, PressWhizz offers a fully managed service where the platform handles outlet selection and editorial negotiations. A key selling point is the year-long link replacement guarantee—if a placed link disappears, PressWhizz replaces it at no extra cost, providing long-term stability for link-building efforts.

6. Linksman

Linksman is a marketplace focused on guest posts, niche edits, and link building, with a catalog of 9,000+ sites across 25+ niches. Each listing displays Domain Rating (DR), traffic, and price, allowing buyers to make informed decisions. The platform offers ready-made packages that bundle several guest posts at a fixed price, segmented by DR tier—higher authority comes at a higher cost. Beyond the marketplace, Linksman provides free SEO tools that let users check whether a purchased link is still live and delivering value. This transparency is crucial for teams tracking return on investment.

7. Respona

Unlike marketplace-based platforms, Respona is a SaaS tool for self-service outreach. Users must still negotiate with journalists and editors, but Respona automates the rest—finding publications and authors, personalizing pitches with AI-generated snippets based on the recipient’s past content, and managing follow-ups. It supports multiple use cases: link building, digital PR, affiliate partner sourcing, and blogger outreach. The service runs on a subscription model, with pricing based on campaign volume and team size. Respona is ideal for in-house teams that want direct relationships with Tier-1 newsrooms without depending on third-party catalogs.

8. Ereferer

Ereferer offers a catalog of 45,000 sites across five languages. A unique feature is the ability to save multiple outlets into a single project—for instance, mixing blogs and directory sites—and have the platform automatically space out their publication dates to avoid a sudden burst of links. This granular control over timing helps maintain a natural link profile. Another innovative offering is group buying: the cost of a single placement is split between two clients, and the resulting article carries two separate links. This makes Ereferer cost-effective for teams with fixed budgets, especially in multilingual campaigns.

9. NO-BS Marketplace

NO-BS Marketplace provides a catalog of over 110,000 publishers for guest posts and link insertions. Filters cover niche, domain authority, traffic, and price. The platform supports a wide range of goals: classic link building, digital PR, and promotion within AI-generated answers. Users can self-select outlets from the catalog, or opt for the NO-BS Pro plan, which adds a dedicated account manager, volume discounts, and white-label reports. This flexibility makes it suitable for both small-scale link buyers and large agencies that need white-label deliverables for clients.

10. LinkBuilder

LinkBuilder functions as a price-comparison aggregator, pulling offers from 50 vendors across 300,000 sites into a single interface. Users can upload domains in bulk via CSV to see prices side by side. The service is particularly useful after initial outlet selection, helping buyers find the best deal. A Chrome extension called Check Link Price overlays placement pricing directly on top of Google, Ahrefs, Semrush, Moz, Majestic, and Serpstat results, allowing price checks without leaving competitor analysis tools. This integration streamlines the final stage of media planning where cost efficiency is key.

The choice of platform ultimately depends on the brand’s primary goal. For boosting Google rankings, the number and authority of backlinks remain critical. For AI visibility, the outlet’s reputation and consistent mentions in expert content matter more. These platforms accelerate the process, saving weeks of manual outreach and negotiation. By aligning platform features with strategic objectives, brands can effectively harness the dual power of media placements for both AI and traditional search visibility.

Source: TNW | Artificial-Intelligence News

"For my first post, I'm sharing a letter Nvidia signed on why open models matter," Huang wrote. "The world needs both frontier closed models and frontier open models." The sentiment encapsulates a growing divide in AI development—between those who champion open-source approaches and those who advocate for more controlled, proprietary systems.

The letter draws a historical parallel to the open-source software movement that emerged in the 1980s, which now underpins most of the internet's infrastructure. It argues that America's leadership in AI "will be judged not by one frontier AI model, but by whether the United States builds a strong, open ecosystem." This framing positions open-weight models not merely as a technical choice but as a strategic imperative for national competitiveness.

Who Didn't Sign? A Telling Omission

The absences from the letter speak volumes. OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google—the leaders in closed, proprietary AI models—did not sign. Each of these companies would benefit significantly if Washington moved to block Chinese open-weight model developers, such as Moonshot, whose Kimi K3 is currently the world's most powerful open-weight model. The letter therefore represents the rest of the industry lining up against the closed-model camp.

The closed-model advocates did not entirely oppose the message. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed he was "glad to see" the support. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella backed the letter's sentiment on the same day, according to CNBC. Even Elon Musk, whose SpaceX did not sign, quote-tweeted Huang's post, saying, "This has my full support. Jensen is right." This indicates that the open-weight movement has broad sympathy even among those who might have strategic reasons to prefer restrictions.

The absence of these key players highlights the tension between two competing visions for AI's future. On one side, companies like OpenAI and Anthropic argue that closed models are safer because they allow for centralized control and vetting. On the other, the signatories contend that openness fosters innovation, transparency, and resilience. The letter is a direct challenge to the safety narrative pushed by closed-model advocates.

Turning the Safety Argument Around

One of the letter's boldest moves is to repurpose the safety argument. It argues that relying solely on closed models "is not inherently safe" because they "can be breached, misused, or fail in ways that outsiders cannot detect." By concentrating AI capabilities behind a few closed models, the letter warns, the industry creates "single points of failure" that could be catastrophic if compromised. It posits that openness—where models are publicly available for scrutiny and improvement—"may be one of the most important paths to AI safety."

This is a direct rebuttal to OpenAI and Anthropic, who have made security the centerpiece of their case for restricting Chinese open models. The letter argues that the transparency inherent in open-weight models allows for a wider community of researchers and developers to identify and fix vulnerabilities, rather than relying on a small internal team. This is a core principle of the open-source movement: given enough eyes, all bugs are shallow.

Moreover, the letter suggests that closed models can be more dangerous precisely because their inner workings are hidden. If a proprietary model has a hidden bias or a security flaw, it might go undetected until it is too late. Open weights, by contrast, enable independent audits and collaborative improvements. The signatories believe that this collective vigilance is more effective than centralized control, especially as AI systems become more powerful and more integrated into critical infrastructure.

The China Problem: Distillation and Competition

The timing of the letter is not coincidental. Just a day before its release, nearly 200 startups made a similar plea to the White House. The letter also comes amid escalating tensions with China over AI model development. This week, White House official Michael Kratsios accused Moonshot of building its Kimi K3 model by distilling Anthropic's Fable 5, a process often referred to as model distillation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent floated the idea of sanctions for what he likened to theft.

Distillation is a technique where a smaller, more efficient model is trained by transferring knowledge from a larger, more capable model. It is widely used in the AI industry to create cost-effective models for specific tasks. The letter acknowledges that distillation is "a widely used technique" but does not entirely dismiss concerns about misuse. It advises policymakers not to "conflate legitimate model-development techniques with misappropriation" and argues that unlawful extraction deserves "targeted" rules "rather than sweeping restrictions."

This is a carefully calibrated position. The signatories have their own interests at stake. Nvidia sells chips to everyone, including Chinese companies. Meta, Mistral, and Hugging Face build open models that compete with both American and Chinese closed models. All of them stand to gain if open AI spreads globally. But there is an awkward truth: the United States has fallen behind on the very thing the letter champions. China now leads in open-weight AI, with models like Kimi K3 outperforming American counterparts. The letter's call for maintaining "the frontier plural" and avoiding "premature restrictions" that "stifle competition or drive innovation overseas" reflects a desire to catch up. Yet, whether America can still win a race it is currently losing is a question the letter does not answer.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that many of the signatories are also involved in building closed models. For instance, Microsoft has invested billions in OpenAI's closed models, while also maintaining its own open-source AI projects. Similarly, Meta's open-weight LLaMA models compete with both open and closed alternatives. This dual stance suggests that the companies are hedging their bets, recognizing that both open and closed approaches have merit. The letter's call for a pluralistic frontier is thus not just an ideological statement but a strategic one, aimed at preserving business flexibility.

Historical Context: From Open Source to Open Weights

The open-weight movement is deeply rooted in the history of open-source software. In the 1980s, the open-source movement revolutionized computing by allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute software code. This led to the creation of Linux, Apache, and countless other projects that now form the backbone of the internet. The current debate over open weights parallels that earlier conflict, but with higher stakes because AI models embody not just code but also data, training processes, and potentially dangerous capabilities.

Open weights refer to the trained parameters of a neural network that are made publicly available. Unlike closed models, where only an API is provided, open-weight models allow anyone to download, fine-tune, and deploy the model on their own hardware. This democratizes access to AI but also raises concerns about misuse, such as generating disinformation, creating harmful content, or enabling surveillance. The signatories argue that the benefits outweigh the risks, especially if responsible disclosure and usage guidelines are followed.

The letter's reference to the 1980s is strategic. It taps into a foundational narrative of American innovation, where openness led to dominance in software. The signatories are essentially arguing that the same principle applies to AI. However, critics point out that AI is qualitatively different from software because of its potential for autonomous decision-making and unforeseen emergent behaviors. The OpenAI and Anthropic camp contends that the risks of open weights are too great, especially in the context of Chinese competition, where open models could be weaponized by authoritarian regimes.

This debate is not new. In 2023, when Meta released the LLaMA models, there was a heated discussion about whether open weights were responsible. Eventually, Meta added restrictions to prevent commercial use, but the models were still widely shared. The current letter represents an attempt to institutionalize openness as a policy position, rather than leaving it to individual companies to decide.

The Future of AI Governance

The open letter is a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle over AI governance. It shows that the industry is not monolithic; there are deep divisions between those who prioritize centralized control and those who favor distributed innovation. The US government is now forced to choose sides or attempt to forge a compromise. The outcome will have profound implications for how AI develops, who benefits, and how risks are managed.

The signatories have made their position clear: they want Washington to support a diverse ecosystem that includes both open and closed models. They argue that this is the best path to maintaining American leadership while ensuring safety. Whether policymakers will heed this advice or bow to the security concerns raised by OpenAI and Anthropic remains to be seen. In the coming months, we can expect intense lobbying from both sides as regulations take shape.

One possible compromise is to impose targeted rules on model distillation and misuse, rather than blanket restrictions on open weights. This would satisfy the signatories' request for "targeted" measures while still addressing concerns about intellectual property theft and national security. Another approach could be the creation of a government-backed clearinghouse for open models, similar to the Linux Foundation, that would vet and certify safe open-weight releases. Such a mechanism could reduce the perceived risks of open weights while preserving their benefits.

Regardless of the outcome, the letter marks a turning point. The AI industry has publicly chosen a side, and the debate is now fully in the open. The next moves by the White House and Congress will shape the trajectory of AI for decades to come.

Source: TNW | Anthropic News

The Scale of the Shift

These findings are not isolated. Thales, the French defence and technology group, published its own Bad Bot Report showing that bot traffic reached 53 percent of all web activity in 2025, with 40 percent categorized as malicious. Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince had predicted in March 2024 that the crossover would not occur until late 2027, but the rapid proliferation of agentic AI programs — browsing on behalf of assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, and others — accelerated the shift by more than a year. This surge is driven by large language models (LLMs) and autonomous agents that interact with websites as if they were human, scraping content, filling out forms, and even making purchases.

The dead internet theory, which originated in online forums around 2016, posited that the internet had become a wasteland of bot-generated content and interactions, with real humans retreating to private spaces. While initially dismissed as paranoid, the theory has gained traction as AI-generated text, images, and videos have become indistinguishable from human-created material. The latest data provides concrete evidence that the backbone of the web — the traffic itself — is now predominantly non-human.

Implications for the Digital Economy

The implications of this shift are profound for any company built around human visitors. Advertising models, conversion funnels, and analytics platforms have been designed assuming that each visitor is a person with intent, behavior, and purchasing power. But when the majority of traffic is generated by bots, these metrics lose meaning. Stripe, the payment processor, reports that 70 percent of the commands used to access its API now come from agents rather than humans. Alpaca, an API brokerage firm, observed that agent-driven API calls grew from single digits to 30 percent of monthly volume in a single quarter. These numbers illustrate how deeply the machine economy is embedding itself into the infrastructure of the internet.

Web analytics tools like Google Analytics, once the gold standard for understanding audience behavior, are now struggling to differentiate between human and bot traffic. A University of Bamberg study found that existing bot-detection systems misfire on real traffic at rates between seven and 15 percent, while also failing to catch many sophisticated bots that mimic human click patterns, mouse movements, and session durations. The result is inflated traffic numbers, skewed conversion rates, and wasted ad spend — problems that have traditionally been attributed to click fraud but are now systemic and structural.

The Arms Race in Bot Detection

In response, companies are developing new tools and protocols to restore trust in web metrics. Cloudflare launched a product called Precursor in September 2025 that analyzes entire browsing sessions rather than single checkpoints, a recognition that traditional bot detection built around CAPTCHAs can no longer keep pace. CAPTCHAs, once an effective barrier, are now easily solved by AI models, forcing developers to adopt more sophisticated behavioral analysis.

Cloudflare, Mozilla, Google, and Microsoft are collaborating on a privacy-first protocol called PACT (Provenance and Consent for Traffic) to verify traffic legitimacy without tracking individual users. PACT aims to provide a cryptographic attestation that a request originates from a human or authorized agent, enabling websites to make informed decisions about content delivery and ad serving. The initiative signals that the industry acknowledges its current tools are falling behind and that a new standard is urgently needed.

Economic Pressure on AI Companies

The economic model of the web, reliant on ad impressions and user-generated content, is being tested by a class of traffic it was never designed to handle. AI companies have been scraping public websites for training data without compensation, leading to a growing backlash from publishers. Cloudflare has set a September 2025 deadline for AI crawlers to pay publishers or be blocked from accessing ad-supported pages. This is the most aggressive attempt yet to force the emerging machine economy to compensate the humans who create the content it consumes.

A report from PitchBook estimates that only about one percent of the roughly $20 trillion in work that is addressable by AI agents is currently flowing through them, suggesting that the flood of bot traffic has barely started. As autonomous agents become more sophisticated and ubiquitous, the share of web traffic generated by machines will only increase, further blurring the line between human and automated activity.

Historical Context of Bot Traffic

Bots have been part of the internet since its early days. The first web crawlers, like the WWW Wanderer in 1993, were benign tools for indexing content. Over time, malicious bots emerged for credential stuffing, spamming, and DDoS attacks. The rise of generative AI has introduced a new category: agentic bots that not only read content but also interact with web applications, make purchases, and post comments. These agents are often indistinguishable from humans in their behavior, making them extremely difficult to detect through traditional means.

The dead internet theory originally focused on bot-generated content such as Facebook pages and Twitter accounts that posted automatically. Now, the theory extends to the very fabric of web traffic. With AI-generated text, images, and videos proliferating, the distinction between authentic human expression and synthetic content is vanishing. This has serious implications for public discourse, misinformation, and trust in online information.

Moreover, the growing dominance of bot traffic raises questions about the future of the internet as a human-centric space. If the majority of interactions are between machines — scraping, analyzing, responding — the purpose of the web shifts from human communication to a vast data processing network. This could accelerate the fragmentation of the internet into gated communities where humans seek refuge from bots, similar to the early predictions of the 'splinternet.'

Regulatory and Ethical Challenges

Regulators are only beginning to grapple with the consequences. The European Union's AI Act, which came into force in 2024, includes provisions for transparency in AI-generated content, but it does not directly address bot traffic on websites. The US Federal Trade Commission has issued warnings about deceptive AI practices, but enforcement remains limited. Industry initiatives like PACT are promising but voluntary, and their adoption is uncertain.

Ethically, the exploitation of website resources by AI agents without consent or compensation raises questions about fairness and sustainability. Websites incur server costs for every request, and when bots generate the majority of traffic, those costs are borne by publishers without corresponding revenue. This has led some sites to implement paywalls, restrict access, or aggressively block bots, but these measures often backfire by also blocking legitimate users.

The arms race between bot developers and security firms continues. Machine learning models are being trained to detect subtle behavioral differences between humans and bots — such as the timing of mouse movements or the pattern of scrolling — but these same models are also used by bot developers to refine their behaviors. The cat-and-mouse game shows no signs of ending, and the balance of traffic may permanently tilt toward automation.

As the internet becomes increasingly inhabited by AI, the original vision of a global, open network for human connection and creativity seems increasingly distant. The dead internet theory, once a dark joke, has become a technical reality that demands new economic, regulatory, and technical frameworks to ensure the web remains a resource for people, not just machines.

Source: TNW | Artificial-Intelligence News

Intel Corporation reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 that significantly surpassed Wall Street expectations. Revenue reached more than $16 billion, representing a 25 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This marks the company’s fastest revenue growth since late 2011, a milestone that underscores the momentum driven by CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s turnaround strategy. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.42, exactly double the consensus estimate of $0.21 from financial analysts. The strong performance was primarily fueled by the data centre and artificial intelligence (AI) division, which saw revenue surge 59 percent year-over-year to exceed $6 billion. This segment has become the primary engine of growth as enterprises and cloud providers accelerate their investments in AI infrastructure.

The client computing group, which supplies chips for personal computers, also contributed with a 13 percent revenue increase to nearly $9 billion, reflecting steady demand in the consumer and commercial PC markets. Meanwhile, Intel’s foundry business—the contract chip manufacturing arm that the company has been building under Tan—posted revenue of nearly $6 billion, up 31 percent from a year ago. Gross margin improved dramatically to 42 percent, compared to less than 3 percent in the same quarter of 2025. This recovery highlights both the stronger demand environment and the cost-discipline measures Tan has implemented since taking over in March 2025. The company had previously struggled with margin compression due to heavy investment in new fabrication technologies and a challenging demand cycle.

AI and Data Centre Lead Growth

The data centre and AI division’s 59 percent revenue surge is particularly noteworthy given that Intel had lost significant market share to competitors such as NVIDIA and AMD in recent years. The division’s resurgence is attributed to the company’s new product lineup, including the Xeon 7-series processors optimized for AI workloads and the Gaudi AI accelerators that have gained traction with hyperscale customers. Intel has also benefited from the broader AI boom, with hyperscalers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google expanding their data centre capacity. CEO Lip-Bu Tan noted during the earnings call that “AI is driving unprecedented demand for compute,” and that Intel’s advanced 14A manufacturing process was running ahead of schedule. The 14A node is critical for Intel’s foundry aspirations, as it aims to compete with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in the race to produce the most advanced chips.

Supply constraints in the data centre segment were also highlighted by management as a positive problem—demand is outstripping Intel’s ability to produce enough high-performance chips. This is a reversal from the inventory gluts that plagued the company in prior years. The client computing business, while growing, faced headwinds from a global memory shortage that is expected to cause flat PC sales in the third quarter. Intel’s PC chip revenue, however, remained robust as the company continued to benefit from the Windows 11 upgrade cycle and the shift toward AI-enabled PCs with neural processing units (NPUs).

Foundry Business Progress and Challenges

Intel’s foundry business is central to its long-term strategy, but investor skepticism remains. The company announced it had signed 10 long-term foundry customer agreements, but it has yet to secure a marquee name for its most advanced manufacturing nodes. Fortinet, the cybersecurity company, was named as Intel’s first announced foundry customer under Tan earlier this month. However, the deal uses an older manufacturing process rather than the cutting-edge 18A or 14A nodes that Intel needs to prove its technical competitiveness. The foundry revenue of $6 billion includes internal sales to Intel’s own product groups, meaning the external customer base is still relatively small. Analysts are watching closely for wins from major fabless companies like Qualcomm, Apple, or AMD, which currently rely on TSMC. The Chips Act funding from the U.S. government has provided financial support, but turning that into commercial success requires not just advanced processes but also a robust design ecosystem and reliable yield improvements.

Intel’s manufacturing roadmap calls for the 14A node to enter production in 2027, with risk production expected to begin by late 2026. Tan has accelerated R&D spending in this area, but the capital investment required is enormous. The company’s gross margin, while improved, is still below the historical levels above 50% that investors once took for granted. The foundry business is expected to be a drag on margins for several years before it becomes profitable. Nonetheless, Intel’s management remains optimistic, pointing to the 10 customer agreements as evidence of growing traction.

Government Stake and Market Reaction

The second-quarter results arrive against a backdrop of significant government involvement in Intel. Through a Chips Act agreement signed in August 2025, the U.S. government acquired roughly $9 billion in Intel shares at an average price of just over $20 each, giving it a stake of about 10 percent. That investment is now worth considerably more on paper, but the stock’s volatility—especially a 28 percent decline in July 2026—has eroded billions in value even as the underlying business improves. The government’s stake is part of a broader strategy to re-establish domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. Intel is the largest beneficiary of the Chips Act, receiving grants and loans to build new fabs in Arizona, Ohio, and Oregon. However, the market’s reaction to the Q2 beat was lukewarm: shares initially rose in after-hours trading but quickly reversed, reflecting persistent doubts about whether Intel can turn its manufacturing ambitions into sustainable growth.

The stock has still gained more than 170 percent year-to-date, making it one of the best performers in the semiconductor sector. Yet the July selloff highlights the fragility of investor confidence. Some analysts worry that the AI boom may be peaking, while others question Intel’s ability to execute on its foundry roadmap. The company guided third-quarter revenue between $15.8 billion and $16.8 billion, above the consensus of $15.2 billion, with adjusted EPS of $0.38 against a $0.27 estimate. This guidance suggests continued momentum, but the market is looking for more than just numbers—it wants proof that Intel can secure high-volume customers for its advanced nodes.

Outlook and Broader Industry Context

Intel’s turnaround under Lip-Bu Tan has delivered seven consecutive quarters of earnings beats, a streak that indicates the company is on a more stable footing than it was two years ago. Tan’s emphasis on cost discipline, operational efficiency, and product innovation has yielded tangible results. However, the competitive landscape remains fierce. NVIDIA’s data centre revenue has surged far beyond Intel’s, and AMD is also gaining ground in both server and client markets. TSMC continues to dominate advanced foundry services, with Apple, NVIDIA, and AMD as its key customers. Intel’s foundry pitch hinges on offering a combination of American-made chips, a comprehensive IP portfolio, and a unique hybrid manufacturing model that blends internal product production with external customer work. The company also benefits from geopolitical tailwinds: the U.S. government’s push to reduce reliance on Asian semiconductor manufacturing has created a favorable environment for onshoring.

The flat PC sales outlook for the third quarter, driven by a memory shortage, may temper investor enthusiasm for the client computing segment. Memory prices have risen sharply due to supply constraints in DRAM and NAND markets, leading some PC OEMs to scale back orders. Intel’s client revenue is expected to be roughly flat in Q3 compared to Q2, but the AI PC category—which includes chips with integrated NPUs—could provide a long-term growth catalyst. Enterprise customers are beginning to refresh their fleets with AI-capable devices, a trend that Intel hopes will accelerate in 2027.

In the data centre, Intel’s Gaudi AI accelerators have started to gain adoption, but the market remains dominated by NVIDIA’s CUDA ecosystem. Intel is investing in software tools to make its hardware more attractive, but it faces an uphill battle. The supply constraints mentioned by Tan could be a double-edged sword: while they indicate strong demand, they also risk frustrating customers if Intel cannot fulfill orders in a timely manner. The company is working to expand capacity at its fabs in Ireland, Israel, and the U.S. to alleviate the bottleneck.

The Fortinet deal, while not using the most advanced node, is a stepping stone. It demonstrates that Intel can attract external customers, and it lays the groundwork for future deals on the 18A or 14A nodes. Tan has hinted that a major foundry customer announcement could come within the next year. If that happens, it could significantly boost Intel’s credibility in the foundry space. For now, investors are in a wait-and-see mode, watching for signs that Intel can convert its manufacturing ambitions into the kind of customer wins that justify its extraordinary stock run. The company’s ability to navigate the memory shortage, maintain data centre supply, and secure advanced-node foundry customers will determine whether the turnaround can be sustained over the long term.

Source: TNW | Artificial-Intelligence News

The public display of affection comes amid Hughes' recent comments about potentially proposing to Siwa. In an interview with The Sun, he admitted, "I've definitely given it some thought. But I don't know the exact location or what time of day. I think spontaneity would be good, something a little bit different to your usual ways, but when it feels right, I'll know." The couple met on the British reality series Celebrity Big Brother in 2025, where they formed a close bond while Siwa was still dating Australian influencer Kath Ebbs. Shortly after the show ended, Siwa ended that relationship, sparking rumors of a romance with Hughes.

Background on JoJo Siwa

JoJo Siwa, born Joelle Joanie Siwa on May 19, 2003, rose to fame as a child dancer on the reality competition Dance Moms in 2015. She quickly became a teen sensation, known for her signature big bows, colorful style, and upbeat pop music. Her debut single "Boomerang" in 2016 addressed cyberbullying and went multi-platinum. She amassed a massive following on YouTube, surpassing 12 million subscribers, and launched successful lines of merchandise, including bows, clothing, and accessories. Siwa has also appeared on shows like The Masked Singer and So You Think You Can Dance, and served as a judge on America's Got Talent.

In 2021, Siwa came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, publicly dating Kylie Prew and later Kath Ebbs. Her transition into a more adult pop star image has been marked by controversies, including her "Karma" single and edgier fashion choices. Despite the changes, she maintains a dedicated fan base known as "Siwanators."

Chris Hughes' Background

Chris Hughes, 32, first gained fame on the third series of Love Island in 2017, where he coupled up with Olivia Attwood. The pair dated for several years off-screen, and Hughes later briefly dated Little Mix star Jesy Nelson and British golfer Annabel Dimmock. Known for his charming personality and athletic build, Hughes has leveraged his reality TV fame into a modeling career and various endorsements. He also runs a successful clothing line and is a regular on the UK reality circuit.

On Celebrity Big Brother, Hughes and Siwa initially maintained they were just friends, but their chemistry was undeniable. Hughes later revealed, "I knew straight away, I really loved her personality. Within days of meeting, I thought, 'Oh my God, this is going to be my girlfriend.' We got along so well and we kind of had each other's backs in there." Their relationship went public earlier this year, and they have been navigating a long-distance romance between the UK and US ever since.

The Performance and On-Stage Moment

Siwa's performance at Universal City Walk was a milestone for the artist, who had waited over a decade to perform on that stage. She shared photos on Instagram, captioning them, "LIVE AT CITY WALK… what a perfect night. I've waited over 10 years to get to perform on this stage and finally last night that dream came true. Thank you to everyone who came out." The kiss with Hughes was the highlight of the evening, captured by fans and media alike. Hughes was seen smiling broadly as Siwa returned to the stage, and he later shared his own photos from the event.

The couple's relationship has been strengthened by their time apart, according to Hughes. He told The Sun, "There's an element of it being really refreshing every time you go out there, and it's almost like you see them again for the first time. It does feel a bit like absence makes the heart grow fonder." Despite the distance, both have made efforts to visit each other frequently. Siwa is based in Los Angeles, California, while Hughes primarily lives in Gloucestershire, England.

Marriage and Family Plans

Beyond engagement, Hughes has expressed a desire for children. He said, "I come from a family where you get married, you have children, and that's what life's all about. I've got a huge family, lots of aunties, uncles and nieces, so obviously one day I'd love to have children of my own." He emphasized that their families have formed a strong bond, noting, "I've spent a lot of time with her family and she's spent a lot of time with mine. We've all got on really, really well from the start which is important because family means everything to me."

Siwa has also spoken about wanting a family in the past, though she has focused on her career in recent years. The couple's willingness to discuss marriage and children so early in their relationship indicates a serious commitment. Hughes admitted he has thought about the proposal location, preferring something spontaneous rather than a planned event. "I think spontaneity would be good, something a little bit different to your usual ways," he said.

Previous Relationships and Public Scrutiny

Both Siwa and Hughes have experienced high-profile relationships and public scrutiny. Siwa's split from Kath Ebbs was messy, with fans speculating about infidelity after her close friendship with Hughes on Celebrity Big Brother. Siwa has not publicly addressed the timeline, but Hughes has been supportive of her career and personal growth. Similarly, Hughes' relationships with Attwood, Nelson, and Dimmock were often tabloid fodder in the UK.

Their cross-continental love story has captivated fans, with many rooting for the couple. However, some critics have questioned the speed of their romance. Despite the skepticism, both seem unfazed. Hughes insists that the long distance has actually benefited their connection, making each reunion special. He said it's "almost like you see them again for the first time."

Impact on Their Careers

The relationship has boosted both their public profiles. Siwa's recent performances have drawn larger crowds, partly due to the curiosity about her romance. Hughes' social media following has grown as he shares his life in the US. He has also started making more appearances in Los Angeles, hinting at a possible move. Siwa, meanwhile, has been working on new music and a potential reality show about her life.

The couple's on-stage kiss at Universal City Walk will likely be remembered as a defining moment of their early relationship. With Hughes hinting at an engagement, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Whether it happens in Los Angeles or the UK, the couple appears ready to take the next step together.

Source: MSN News

The match began with explosive pace. Just two minutes in, Guro Reiten delivered a pinpoint cross to an unmarked Midge Purce, who slotted home to give Gotham a sensational early lead. The quick strike silenced the crowd of 21,743, but the Thorns quickly regrouped.

Portland responded in the 21st minute through Renee Lyle, who fired a narrow-angle shot past Gotham goalkeeper. The assist came from Pietra Tordin, marking her league-leading seventh assist of the season, showcasing her playmaking consistency.

Thorns Take the Lead

The Thorns seized control in the 53rd minute when midfielder Jessie Fleming’s shot deflected off a Gotham defender and looped into the net, putting Portland ahead 2-1. The goal highlighted Fleming's ability to create scoring chances from midfield.

But the night belonged to Sam Kerr. The Australian superstar, who joined Gotham earlier this month after more than six stellar seasons at Chelsea in the FA Women's Super League, leveled the score in the 65th minute. Off a corner kick, Kerr rose above the defense to head the ball into the net, marking her first NWSL goal and sending a wave of excitement through the visiting section.

Kerr's impact didn't end there. In the 73rd minute, she drew a red card on Portland defender Jayden Perry after a contentious challenge, leaving the Thorns a player down for the final stretch. Despite the numerical advantage, Gotham could not find a winner, and the match ended 2-2.

Emotional Returns and Injuries

The game held emotional moments beyond the scoreline. Thorns forward Morgan Weaver made her first appearance since November 2024, returning from a long-term injury. She received a standing ovation from the Providence Park faithful, underscoring her importance to the club.

On the other side, Gotham defender Emily Sonnett was stretchered off in the 11th minute after a collision. The severity of her injury remains unclear, but her absence was felt as Gotham's defense struggled to contain Portland's attacks.

Orlando Pride Edges Chicago Stars

In other NWSL action, the Orlando Pride secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Chicago Stars. Julie Doyle’s 88th-minute goal proved decisive, breaking a deadlock that saw the Stars create several chances.

Orlando had a golden opportunity in the 37th minute when Haley McCutcheon drew a foul in the box, earning a penalty kick. However, Stars goalkeeper Katie Atkinson saved Marta's spot-kick, maintaining the stalemate. Anna Moorhouse made two saves to earn her sixth clean sheet of the season, solidifying her reputation as one of the league's top shot-stoppers.

The Pride played without NWSL Golden Boot leader Barbra Banda, who is on international duty at the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Chicago was also missing star forward Mallory Swanson due to a lower leg injury, limiting their attacking threat.

Houston Dash Breaks Winless Streak

In the night's third match, the Houston Dash claimed their first victory since May 23rd, defeating Bay FC 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time goal. Linda Ullmark struck in the 91st minute, latching onto a rebound and slotting home to send the home crowd into celebration.

The win snapped a lengthy drought for Houston, who had gone multiple games without a win. It was also the second consecutive game in which the Dash scored in stoppage time, showing their resilience late in matches. Goalkeeper Jane Campbell was instrumental, making seven saves to record her fourth clean sheet of the season.

Bay FC was without forward Racheal Kundananji, who is also away for the WAFCON tournament. The loss drops them to 5-7-3 on the season.

NWSL Standings and Implications

The draw leaves Gotham FC in third place with 9 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses (31 points), while Portland sits just behind in fourth with an 8-5-4 record (29 points). The tight race for playoff positions adds intensity to every match. Orlando Pride's win moves them to 7-8-2 (23 points), while Houston Dash climbs to 5-7-4 (19 points).

Sam Kerr's return has injected new energy into Gotham's attack. The prolific striker, who scored over 90 goals for Chelsea and won multiple league titles, brings a wealth of experience and a proven goal-scoring instinct. Her ability to draw defenders and create space for teammates could prove crucial as the season progresses.

The NWSL continues to grow in popularity, with record attendance and increasing global interest. Matches like this showcase the league's competitive balance and the star power that draws fans to stadiums and screens worldwide.

Source: MSN News

En el mundo del espectáculo, menos en el deportivo, los divorcios son frecuentes. No es el caso de esta pareja. David tiene un carácter apacible, todo lo contrario de ella, airada con frecuencia. Detesta a los reporteros. Celosa. Recuérdese cuando Ana Obregón y David fueron objeto de la persecución periodística, hubiera o no relación íntima entre ambos, quienes vivían en ese mismo hotel madrileño de cinco estrellas gran lujo. Enterada Victoria de esos supuestos encuentros le montó un pollo a la actriz, entre denuestos y amenazas. Eso que "es chiquita, pero matona", que dicen en México.

Los vecinos de Victoria y David Beckham se rebelan contra las faraónicas obras en su mansión en Inglaterra. "Las claves de nuestro matrimonio –ha declarado Beckham a la revista Variety norteamericana– están en dedicarnos el mayor tiempo posible juntos Victoria y yo, apoyándonos mutuamente tanto en los buenos como en los malos momentos, lo que ha fortalecido nuestra unión durante tantos años". No es un pensamiento filosófico, pero vale.

Un amor consolidado con el tiempo

David Robert Beckham nació el 2 de mayo de 1975 en Londres. Desde muy joven mostró talento para el fútbol, uniéndose a las categorías inferiores del Manchester United. Su debut profesional llegó en 1992, y pronto se convirtió en una figura clave del club, conocido por su precisión en los saques de esquina y tiros libres. Durante su etapa en el United, ganó seis títulos de la Premier League, dos FA Cups y la Liga de Campeones de la UEFA en 1999. Ese mismo año, el 4 de julio, se casó con Victoria Adams, una de las Spice Girls más populares. La boda fue un evento mediático de primer orden, con una ceremonia en el castillo irlandés y una recepción que acaparó portadas en todo el mundo.

Victoria Adams, nacida el 17 de abril de 1974 en Goff's Oak, Hertfordshire, saltó a la fama como "Posh Spice" en el grupo Spice Girls, que revolucionó la música pop en los años 90 con hits como "Wannabe" y "Spice Up Your Life". Tras la separación del grupo, Victoria emprendió una carrera en solitario y luego se volcó en la moda, lanzando su propia línea de ropa y accesorios. Su estilo elegante y su sentido de los negocios la han convertido en una diseñadora respetada, con desfiles en la Semana de la Moda de Londres y una marca que factura millones de dólares al año.

La pareja tiene cuatro hijos: Brooklyn (nacido en 1999), Romeo (2002), Cruz (2005) y Harper (2011). Cada uno ha seguido caminos diversos: Brooklyn se ha dedicado a la fotografía y al modelaje, Romeo ha incursionado en el tenis y el cine, Cruz explora la música y Harper es la benjamina de la familia, apareciendo a menudo en las redes sociales de sus padres. A pesar de las tentaciones y las críticas, los Beckham han mantenido una unidad familiar que, según ellos, es el pilar de su relación.

Claves de su longevidad

En una entrevista concedida a la BBC en 2017, David y Victoria revelaron que habían renovado sus votos matrimoniales en una ceremonia privada. "Fue algo íntimo, solo nosotros y los niños", contó Victoria. "Queríamos reafirmar nuestro compromiso, recordar por qué nos casamos". Además, David confesó que el secreto de su matrimonio es el humor: "Nos reímos mucho juntos. Incluso en los momentos difíciles, encontramos algo que nos haga sonreír".

En su cuenta de Instagram, el exfutbolista escribió esto hace escasas semanas: "Me has dado todo lo que podía desear". Circuló una graciosa imagen en la que se veía a él besando a ella en la punta de la nariz. La publicación acumuló millones de 'me gusta' y comentarios de felicitación de amigos como Tom Brady, Serena Williams y Elton John. Victoria respondió con un mensaje similar: "Mi amor, eres mi todo".

David cuenta cincuenta y un años, veintinueve de ellos transcurridos junto a Victoria, veintisiete de casados, queda dicho. En un arranque de sinceridad, Victoria también ha expuesto así sus sentimientos: "He pasado toda mi vida sintiendo que no he sido suficientemente buena, pero ya me acepto a mí misma tal como soy". Esta confesión revela la vulnerabilidad de una mujer que, tras décadas bajo el foco mediático, ha encontrado paz en su relación.

Y es que tiene un genio de mil demonios. Procura vencerlos cuando David la abraza y la besa apasionadamente. Sépase que aparte de sus lazos familiares, con cuatro maravillosos hijos que comparten con ellos su día a día, el matrimonio tiene varios negocios, en los que ella toma parte. "Trabajamos duro –declara David–, pero siempre encontramos tiempo para nosotros. Nuestra familia siempre es lo primero".

Por cierto: él pasó un mal rato cuando Argentina eliminó a Inglaterra en los recientes Mundiales. Luego aplaudió a los suyos cuando quedaron terceros al ganar a Francia. Este detalle muestra que, más allá de los focos, David sigue siendo un apasionado del fútbol y un patriota.

Una pareja que trasciende generaciones

El legado de los Beckham va más allá de sus respectivas carreras. Han construido un imperio empresarial que incluye la marca DB Ventures, la línea de moda de Victoria y la participación de David en el Inter Miami CF, club de la MLS. Además, han incursionado en la producción audiovisual, con documentales como "Beckham" en Netflix (2023), que repasa la vida del futbolista y su familia. En ese documental, Victoria admite que el inicio de su relación fue difícil por el acoso mediático, pero que el amor prevaleció.

El 27 aniversario llega en un momento de calma para la pareja. Con los hijos ya mayores, pueden disfrutar de más tiempo juntos. Han sido vistos en vacaciones en su yate de lujo, en cenas románticas en Londres y asistiendo a eventos de la alta sociedad. Sin embargo, también afrontan desafíos, como las críticas por las obras en su mansión de Inglaterra, que han molestado a los vecinos. Pero ellos lo toman con filosofía: "Siempre habrá gente que no esté contenta", ha dicho David.

En definitiva, la historia de David y Victoria Beckham es un raro ejemplo de estabilidad en el mundo del espectáculo. Su capacidad para reinventarse, apoyarse mutuamente y mantener el humor intacto les ha permitido cumplir 27 años de casados con la misma pasión del primer día. Como dijo David en una ocasión: "Ella es mi mejor amiga, mi confidente y mi mayor apoyo. No puedo imaginar mi vida sin ella".

Source: Chic News