LG is getting ready to take the wraps off a new robot it claims is capable of performing a "wide range" of household chores. The robot, called LG CLOiD, will make its debut at CES next month, featuring two articulated arms and five individually actuated fingers on each hand. Though we only have a description and two images showing LG CLOiD's five-fingered hands, it already seems a lot different from the two-wheeled home companion LG revealed last year, which came with a handle attached to its head rather than two arms. LG says CLOiD's motor-equipped arms operate with seven degrees of freedom, indicating a more humanlike range of motion and … Read the full story at The Verge.

Related: Rob Pike got spammed with an AI slop "act of kindness" - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46394867 Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46392115 Points: 1326 # Comments: 1585

Article URL: https://www.learnix-os.com Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46391599 Points: 204 # Comments: 83

I mostly read newspapers and technical journals, but two books that I read that made an impression: "The Changing World Order" and "The Gulag Archipelago". Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46391572 Points: 189 # Comments: 264

Apple's iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max have been available to buy since September, and a fair few will have been gifted over the holidays. If you're the proud owner of one of Apple's latest models, then keep reading. Whether you're upgrading from an older iPhone or completely new to the devices, this article will help you get the most out your new ‌iPhone‌. MacRumors has put together the following series of ‌iPhone 17‌ how-to articles explaining all the new features that can be found on Apple's newest models. All iPhone 17 Models (Incl. iPhone Air) Dynamic Island Explained: What It Does and How to Use It iPhone 17 Camera Control: Everything You Need to Know Action Button: What It Does and How to Customize It How to Use the New Center Stage Front Camera How to Rotate the Front Camera Without Changing iPhone Orientation How to Disable Center Stage Front Camera Auto-Zoom How to Disable Center Stage Front Camera Auto-Rotate How to Enable Dual Capture Video Recording How to Disable Adaptive Power Mode (On by Default) How to Hard Reset or Force Restart All iPhone 17 Models iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max How to Use 8x Optical Zoom Shooting Video in Apple's New ProRes RAW Format iOS 26 Ultimate iOS 26 Walkthrough: Guides and How Tos for Every New Feature Tone Down Apple's New Liquid Glass Design for Improved Legibility iOS 26 Setup Guide: 10 Things You Should Do First Tint App Icons to Match Your New iPhone 17 Color Tint App Icons to Match Your iPhone's Case Color iOS 26: All the New iPhone Lock Screen Customizations All the New iPhone Ringtones in iOS 26 iOS 26 Camera App: New Features and Design ChangesHappy holidays!This article, "Got a New iPhone 17? How to Use All the New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

With online betting on the rise in the US and the rise of entertainment-focused prediction markets, is the identity of gambling evolving? The atmosphere of gambling is changing rapidly as more innovations enter the space. Prediction markets are encroaching on the space of traditional gambling companies, with market leaders like Kalshi partnering with major brands like CNN to establish a foothold in the traditional media space. CNN partners with Kalshi to integrate prediction markets into its global newsroom. The first major news network to embrace Kalshi prediction markets. A new era of media is here. pic.twitter.com/uXLlWVLjQs — Kalshi (@Kalshi) December 3, 2025 The growing prevalence of prediction markets means that cultural or entertainment-based contracts are becoming ever more synonymous with betting. A quick glance over Kalshi’s bets, for example, shows some you’d expect from traditional sportsbooks, but also some more unusual options, such as “What will Carmelo Anthony say during The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon?”, or “‘Avatar: Fire And Ash’ Rotten Tomatoes score?” “My clients don’t see themselves as gamblers anymore. They’re ‘engaged fans’ using apps that look like social media.” – Ava Chavez, Mission Prep Healthcare Adolescent Services Vice President What’s more, traditional gambling brands are chasing down people’s attention spans with more and more entertainment or game-driven approaches. Microbets during live sports events and same-game parlays become quickfire, low-cost bets that are seen more as part of the fun of watching live sports than taking a risk on a bet. “The gambling industry is reframing itself into something that doesn’t feel like gambling at all, and that’s exactly what worries me,” said Aja Chavez, Vice President of Adolescent Services at Mission Prep Healthcare, a teen residential health care center, while speaking to ReadWrite. “My clients don’t see themselves as gamblers anymore. They’re ‘engaged fans’ using apps that look like social media. “The industry has successfully rebranded betting as entertainment, and it’s working. People spend hours on these platforms without recognizing it as gambling because it feels like just another part of watching sports. When I ask them about it, many genuinely don’t connect their daily app use with what their parents did at the bookies.” This isn’t necessarily something wholly new, of course. Casinos, perhaps one of the most traditional forms of betting, has always leaned into the glitz and glamor of the spectacle. What is new, however, is how prevalent this entertainment-meets-gambling atmosphere is when it can be funnelled out to everyone via gaming apps and online slots games. Gambling is becoming increasingly woven into places typically reserved for entertainment. You can find gambling odds and prediction markets seamlessly on social media platforms like X, exposing more people to betting-style services from new demographics. A new type of bettor As the lines blur between entertainment and gambling, it brings new people into the world of betting. While that’s not inherently a bad thing, the lack of proper awareness about problem behavior can leave them exposed to risks they’re unused to handling. Indeed, David Weisselberger, founding partner of Erase The Case, a law firm dedicated to assisting individuals in resolving their criminal history, has seen a rising number of first-time offenders being charged with petty theft or embezzlement. Each offense tends to be for less than $1,000 and was sparked by attempts to cover up or fund weekend ‘fun’ betting losses, often through misappropriating company funds or small-scale fraudulent acts. “The traditional risk assessment models used by regulators do not capture this demographic of users because they do not gamble frequently enough or with the desperation of a traditional gambling addict,” Weisselberger explained to ReadWrite. “However, they continue to support their families and hold down full-time emp

Unlike its less impressive successor, the Galaxy Z TriFold just can’t stand up to the same sort of bend abuse the Galaxy Z Fold 7 can. In a heartbreaking but familiar durability test to push the phone to its limits, the Galaxy Z TriFold simply gives up. more…

Don’t ask us why, but some Android phones do not come with the best features enabled out of the box. more…

Buddy’s in space. When your kid starts showing a preference for one of their stuffed animals, you're supposed to buy a backup in case it goes missing. I've heard this advice again and again, but never got around to buying a second plush deer once "Buddy" became my son's obvious favorite. Neither, apparently, did the parents in Google's newest ad for Gemini. It's the fictional but relatable story of two parents discovering their child's favorite stuffed toy, a lamb named Mr. Fuzzy, was left behind on an airplane. They use Gemini to track down a replacement, but the new toy is on backorder. In the meantime, they stall by using Gemini to create images and vid … Read the full story at The Verge.

Just got a new Android smartphone for the holidays? If it’s your first one, it could be a little intimidating, so to get you started, here are a few apps you should immediately install or set up on a new Android device. Alternatively, if you’re not already using these apps, it might be time to give them a shot! more…

AI isn't new to Hollywood - but this was the year when it really made its presence felt. For years now, the entertainment industry has used different kinds of generative AI products for a variety of post-production processes ranging from de-aging actors to removing green screen backgrounds. In many instances, the technology has been a useful tool for human artists tasked with tedious and painstaking labor that might have otherwise taken them inordinate amounts of time to complete. But in 2025, Hollywood really began warming to the idea of deploying the kind of gen AI that's really only good for conjuring up text-to-video slop that doesn't ha … Read the full story at The Verge.

Prediction markets are the latest in a long line of examples of how gambling innovation takes root in the gray areas. Major prediction markets are embroiled in lawsuits across the country, with some states like Arizona banning some operators altogether. State governments argue that the services are sidestepping necessary gambling licensing laws, while prediction markets maintain they shouldn’t be subject to state-level regulation. While there are some ways that prediction markets mimic traditional gambling, especially sportsbooks, there are also clearly ways that they are innovating. Traditional gambling operators wouldn’t offer so many entertainment or political bets – if any at all. Local betting shops don’t offer odds on what a tech CEO is going to say in the next all-hands meeting. These types of off-the-wall bets are attracting a new crowd who wouldn’t typically be betting. Speaking to Sigma, CEO and founder of Yield Sec Ismail Vali noted that those under 30 are the most responsive to prediction markets and their current affairs-style event contracts. “Under-30s don’t think they’re gambling,” he said. “They genuinely believe they’re predicting. Whatever that means, but it’s not gambling when it absolutely is.” Gambling innovation has a long history of operating in the legal gray areas Part of the reason why prediction markets have surged in popularity so quickly, and why they’re getting so much pushback now, is because they operate in the legal gray area. There is virtually no specific regulation for what prediction markets can offer event contracts on, as they’re currently overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which treats them as derivatives exchanges. Some market leaders like Kalshi are working proactively with the CFTC to keep up this relationship, rather than move to state-by-state regulation like traditional gambling. “Prediction markets are a perfect example. They borrow mechanics from futures and options markets, behavioral incentives from gambling, and speech-based framing that resembles polling or forecasting. That hybridity creates regulatory ambiguity, which is where innovation thrives.” – Braden Perry, Kennyhertz Perry, LLC, attorney Prediction markets may be the current example of gambling innovation springing up just past the line of official regulation, but past examples have included sweepstakes, slot machines, daily fantasy sports games, and a wealth of other once-innovative, now-normalized (and regulated) gambling methods. “Most gambling laws in the US were written to regulate clearly defined activities: casinos, sportsbooks, lotteries, or regulated derivatives markets,” Braden Perry, a litigation, regulatory, and government investigations attorney with Kennyhertz Perry, LLC, explained to ReadWrite. “Innovation happens when a new product doesn’t fit neatly into any of those boxes. “Prediction markets are a perfect example. They borrow mechanics from futures and options markets, behavioral incentives from gambling, and speech-based framing that resembles polling or forecasting. That hybridity creates regulatory ambiguity, which is where innovation thrives.” As Perry goes on to note, this is far from incidental. The developers of prediction markets seemingly skirt regulation to create something new, avoiding being weighed down by regulatory ties. “Developers tend to design products right up to the edge of existing definitions: avoiding ‘chance’ by emphasizing skill or information, avoiding ‘wagering’ by using contracts or tokens, or avoiding ‘consideration’ through alternative purchase mechanisms,” he stated. “This is not accidental. It’s a direct response to highly prescriptive gambling statutes that leave little room for licensed experimentation.” Where does regulation need to step in? Prediction markets are in a lightning-in-a-bottle stage right now. With little specific regulation beyond what applies to derivatives exchanges, the playing field is fairly open for experimentatio

Apple Gift Cards are one of the most common Apple-related gifts given during the holidays, so if you've received one today, here are all of the things you can and cannot use it for. After redeeming an Apple Gift Card, the value is added to the Apple Account balance and automatically applies at checkout when making eligible purchases. It can be spent on a wide range of Apple products, services, and digital content. Apple Gift Cards are marketed as a single, flexible balance that works across Apple's ecosystem, but there are clear limits on what they can and cannot be used for once redeemed to an Apple Account. What Apple Gift Cards Can Be Used For Purchasing Apple hardware and accessories on apple.com, in the Apple Store app, or in an Apple retail store. Using the balance toward Apple hardware when checking out, with any remaining cost paid using another payment method. Buying apps and games on the App Store, including in-app purchases. Paying for digital media, including movies, TV shows, and books through Apple's digital storefronts. Covering subscriptions to Apple services such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ storage, as well as eligible third-party app subscriptions billed through the ‌App Store‌. What Apple Gift Cards Can't Be Used For Making purchases outside Apple's ecosystem, such as goods or services from non-Apple retailers. Starting certain recurring payments, such as AppleCare+ plans, without an additional credit or debit card on file. Redeeming or using balances across different countries or regions, as gift cards are typically region-locked. Transferring to or purchasing other gift cards. Exchanging for cash or cash equivalents. While Apple Gift Cards are intentionally designed to be more versatile than older ‌App Store‌ or ‌Apple Store‌–only gift cards, they still come with some limits. For users, the key distinction is that Apple Gift Cards work best for Apple-direct purchases and subscriptions, but they can't replace a traditional payment method for gifting or non-Apple spending.This article, "What You Can (and Can't) Use an Apple Gift Card For" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

At I/O 2025, Google One AI Premium (and Gemini Advanced) became “Google AI Pro,” while a higher, more expensive tier was introduced with “Google AI Ultra.” more…

With the Pixel 9, Google introduced a new Panorama mode, and the latest Camera update brought it to the Pixel 8 series.  more…

On a Google support page, the company says it is rolling out a new option to let users change their email address even if it is an “@gmail.com” address. more…

As you might expect, things have been relatively quiet on the deals front since Black Friday, particularly when it comes to discounts on charging accessories. Thankfully, Anker’s aptly titled Laptop Power Bank is once again on sale at Amazon and Walmart for $87.99 ($47 off), which matches the record-low price we last saw at the end of November. Anker Laptop Power Bank Where to Buy: $119.99 $87.99 at Amazon $119.99 $89.99 at Best Buy $119.99 $87.99 at Walmart Unless you’ve been living under a proverbial rock for the past several years, you’re probably aware that Anker makes an ungodly amount of charging accessories. The portable A1695 “InstaCord” has quickly become a favorite among Verge staffers, however, owing to the fact that it comes with a retractable USB-C cable and a second that doubles as a handle, both of which are bidirectional and allow for passthrough charging. The 25,000mAh / 90Wh power bank also sports a USB-A port and an additional USB-C port, allowing you to charge your phone, a MacBook Pro, and up to two other devices simultaneously. In terms of output distribution, Anker’s 600-gram Laptop Power Bank can deliver up to 165W when two devices are plugged in, or up to 130W when charging three or four gadgets. It’s carry-on compliant, too, meaning you shouldn’t have any trouble getting it through TSA while traveling, which isn’t the case if your charger is above the agency’s 100 watt-hours threshold for carry-on devices. It even features a built-in LCD display, allowing you to quickly view the remaining charge, overall power output, battery temperature, and other info at a glance. More ways to save today The Bose SoundLink Home has fallen to around $179 ($50 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, which is about $15 more than its all-time low. It’s a bit more limited than other speakers you might get at this price — there’s no water or dust resistance, for example, and the battery tops out at 9 hours — but it still offers great sound for its size, supports USB-C audio in, and features a handsome, mid-modern look that few speakers can match. Read our review. If you own an older TV that lacks built-in support for streaming apps, Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K is on sale at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target for $24.99 ($25 off), a mere $1 shy of its best price to date. The small HDMI stick supports 4K resolution and all your major 4K HDR formats, not to mention Roku’s TV interface, which remains the gold standard in terms of simplicity. It also draws power directly from your TV, allowing you to skip the cable. Microsoft jacked up the price of the Xbox Series X in mid-September; however, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are now selling the company’s latest gaming console for $599.99 ($50 off). It’s certainly not the cheapest we’ve seen it go for — hell, it once dropped to $340 at Best Buy — but it’s likely the best price we’re going to see until the ongoing tariff situation in the US is resolved and prices begin to come back down. Read our review.

OnePlus has already confirmed its plans to launch a new “Turbo” series of devices, and a leak offers up a first look at the new design that’s… not really what we expected. more…

Apple CEO Tim Cook disclosed a roughly $3 million open-market purchase of Nike shares this week (via Reuters). According to a regulatory filing published yesterday, Cook purchased 50,000 Class B shares of Nike on December 22 at an average price of $58.97 per share, for a total investment of approximately $2.95 million. The filing shows that Cook now holds about 105,000 Nike shares, a position valued at nearly $6 million. Nike shares rose following the disclosure, gaining between about 2% and 5% in premarket and early regular-session activity, after the stock had fallen sharply in the days following the company's most recent earnings report, which highlighted ongoing challenges in its business, particularly in China. Nike is currently in the early stages of a turnaround effort under CEO Elliott Hill, who returned to the company last year after retiring. Cook has served on Nike's board of directors since 2005 and is its lead independent director, a role he assumed in 2016 after Nike co-founder Phil Knight stepped down as chairman. In addition to his position at Apple, Cook also chairs Nike's compensation committee, placing him in a central governance role at the apparel maker. The December 22 transaction represents Cook's largest open-market purchase of Nike shares in years and comes at a time when the company is under pressure from investors following a prolonged decline in its stock price.Tag: Tim CookThis article, "Apple CEO Tim Cook Buys $3 Million of Nike Shares" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the feature, open the Wallet app and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, select Driver's License and ID Cards and follow the steps. Supported States The following 13 states offer driver's licenses in the Wallet app:Arizona (since March 2022) Maryland (since May 2022) Colorado (since November 2022) Georgia (since May 2023) Ohio (since July 2024) Hawaii (since August 2024) California (since September 2024) Iowa (since October 2024) New Mexico (since December 2024)Montana (since August 2025) North Dakota (since September 2025) West Virginia (since October 2025) Illinois (since November 2025)The feature is also available in Puerto Rico. Future States Apple and local DMV offices have announced that the following U.S. states have signed on to adopt the feature, but no timeframes were disclosed:Connecticut Kentucky Mississippi Oklahoma Utah Arkansas VirginiaParticipating Airports Apple Wallet IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports in the U.S., for domestic travel. Given that Apple Wallet IDs are not accepted by law enforcement, and lack many other use cases, carrying a physical ID is still necessary. Here are just some of the airports that offer the feature — there are hundreds of others:Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Denver International Airport (DEN) Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG) John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) San Francisco International Airport (SFO) San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) Los Angeles International (LAX) Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) Des Moines International Airport (DSM) Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) Lea County Regional Airport (HOB) Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) Great Falls International Airport (GTF) Missoula International Airport (MSO) Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) Richmond International Airport (RIC) Norfolk International Airport (ORF) Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)Travelers should refer to TSA signage to confirm availability of the feature. Digital Passport If you live in a state that does not yet offer Apple Wallet IDs, you can now create a Digital ID based on your U.S. passport, and present it at the same participating TSA checkpoints, for age and identity verification purposes during domestic travel. It is not a replacement for a physical passport, and it cannot be used for international travel.Tag: Apple WalletThis article, "Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Brazilian regulators have approved a settlement that will require Apple to change how the App Store operates on iPhone in the country, including allowing alternative app stores, expanded payment options, and a defined new fee structure. In a press release, Brazil's Administrative Council of Economic Defense (CADE), said its court has approved a Term of Commitment to Cease proposed by Apple to resolve an investigation into the company's ‌App Store‌ rules on iOS. The case began in 2022 and examined whether Apple's restrictions on app distribution and payments limited competition in Brazil. CADE said the investigation focused on Apple's prohibition of third-party app stores on iOS, the requirement that developers use Apple's in-app purchase system for digital goods and subscriptions, and restrictions that prevented developers from informing users about alternative payment options. Under the settlement, Apple will be required to allow developers in Brazil to link to external payment options and promote offers that take place outside their apps. Developers will also be permitted to offer third-party payment methods within their apps alongside Apple's own in-app purchase system, with CADE requiring that these options be presented next to Apple's payment option. Apple will also have to allow third-party app stores in Brazil. CADE specified that Apple may still display warnings or informational messages to users, but those messages must be neutral, objective, and limited in scope, and must not introduce extra steps or barriers that make alternative options harder to use. According to Brazilian technology site Tecnoblog, which said it obtained the details directly from CADE, purchases made through the ‌App Store‌ will remain subject to a 10% or 25% commission under standard terms. Developers who use Apple's payment system would also pay a 5% transaction fee. If an app directs users to pay outside the app using only static text, with no clickable link or button, Apple will not charge a fee. If the app includes a clickable button or link that sends users to an external website for payment, Apple will charge a 15% fee. Third-party app stores will be subject to a 5% Core Technology Commission. CADE said Apple will have up to 105 days to implement the required changes once the new rules become binding. Tags: Apple Antitrust, BrazilThis article, "Apple to Introduce New App Store Fee Structure in Brazil Following Antitrust Settlement" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple's next-generation iPhone Air could still launch in the fall of 2026, according to the Weibo leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital." The leaker claims to have been told by sources that the second-generation ‌iPhone Air‌ will launch in the fall. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17e is said to already be in mass production ahead of unveiling at a spring product launch event. The rumor comes in contrast to an array of corroborated reports that the second-generation ‌iPhone Air‌ has been delayed until March 2027, where it is expected to launch alongside the standard iPhone 18 and a lower-end ‌iPhone‌ 18e. The second-generation ‌iPhone Air‌ was originally rumored to launch alongside the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro, ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max, and foldable ‌iPhone‌ in the fall of 2026, but poor sales of the debut model apparently led Apple to delay the launch. The second-generation ‌iPhone Air‌ is rumored to address complaints about the device by adding a second rear camera and lowering its price. A lighter weight, vapor chamber cooling, and a larger battery capacity are also among the rumored new features. It is still possible that a new ‌iPhone Air‌ could launch in the fall of next year, especially if Apple has expedited development of new features, since this was the original scheduled launch time frame. Nevertheless, it would be surprising if the multitude of rumors indicating a delayed launch were mistaken. Related Roundup: iPhone AirTag: Fixed Focus DigitalBuyer's Guide: iPhone Air (Buy Now)This article, "iPhone Air 2 Could Still Launch Next Year" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

With the end of 2025 near, the time has come to look back at the devices and accessories that Apple discontinued throughout the year. Most of the products that were discontinued this year were simply replaced by a new model with an updated chip. However, the iPhone SE line was entirely discontinued when the iPhone 16e launched, and the iPhone Plus line is being phased out. Below, we have listed 25 products that were discontinued by Apple this year. iPhones Apple discontinued the third-generation iPhone SE in February, after introducing the iPhone 16e. As a result, Apple no longer sells any iPhone models with a Home button, Touch ID, LCD screen, a sub-6-inch screen size, or Lightning. The original iPhone SE was released in March 2016. That model's design was largely based on the iPhone 5s, with key specs including a 4-inch display, a Touch ID home button, and an aluminum and glass frame with chamfered edges. However, the device was powered by a newer A9 chip from the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Apple went on to release two more iPhone SE models in 2020 and 2022, respectively, with those devices having a similar design as the iPhone 8. Meanwhile, the iPhone Plus has effectively been replaced by the ultra-thin iPhone Air in Apple's smartphone lineup. Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 15 Plus were discontinued this year, and it is only a matter of time before the iPhone 16 Plus is axed too. Apple is not expected to release another Plus model in the foreseeable future. Here are all of the iPhone models that were discontinued this year:iPhone 16 Pro Max (succeeded by iPhone 17 Pro Max) iPhone 16 Pro (succeeded by iPhone 17 Pro) iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 iPhone SE (succeeded by iPhone 16e)iPads It was a spec-bump year for the iPad lineup, with the iPad Pro, iPad Air, and entry-level iPad all receiving faster chips, but no major design changes. Here are all of the iPad models that were discontinued this year: iPad Pro with M4 chip (updated with M5 chip) iPad Air with M2 chip (updated with M3 chip) iPad 10 (updated with A16 chip)Apple Watches Apple Watch Series 11 is a very minor upgrade over the now-discontinued Series 10, but the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3 offer some more meaningful changes. None of the latest Apple Watch models received a new chip, though. Here are all of the Apple Watch models that were discontinued this year: Apple Watch Ultra 2 (succeeded by Apple Watch Ultra 3) Apple Watch Series 10 (succeeded by Apple Watch Series 11) Apple Watch SE 2 (succeeded by Apple Watch SE 3)Macs Here are all of the Mac models that were discontinued this year: Mac Studio with M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips (updated with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips) 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 chip (updated with M5 chip) 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with M3 chip (updated with M4 chip) 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 chipOther Here are other Apple products and accessories that were discontinued this year: AirPods Pro 2 (succeeded by AirPods Pro 3) Apple Vision Pro with M2 chip (updated with M5 chip) MagSafe Charger with Qi 2 (succeeded by MagSafe Charger with Qi 2.2 support) 30W USB-C Power Adapter (succeeded by 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max)* Lightning to 3.5mm Audio Cable (succeeded by USB-C to 3.5mm Audio Cable) MagSafe to MagSafe 2 Converter* In the U.S., U.K., Canada, Japan, and select other countries only. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments section.This article, "Apple Discontinued These 25 Products This Year" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Google Play has served up a near countless number of deals on top-tier Android games and apps over the last week or so, alongside another sizable bundle this morning. We have collected up everything for you down below to enjoy during your time off or while traveling to see friends and family, just be sure to scope out the ongoing Samsung Holiday Deals with up to $720 off Galaxy gear as well as the all-time lows that popped this week across the Pixel 10 lineup (various configs are up to $400 off right now on Amazon). All of the best Android game and app deals on sale for the holidays await below. more…

The Kinston Police Department announced that its Violent Crime Action Team has concluded a months-long investigation into what authorities described as an illegal online gambling operation conducted through Facebook. According to a statement posted by the department, detectives took 51-year-old Quarla Blackwell into custody at her residence in North Carolina on Tuesday (December 23) without incident. Police said Blackwell faces four counts of money laundering and two counts of gambling. The department added that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges are possible. In a separate social media post, an account claiming to belong to Blackwell shared a video Tuesday showing police vehicles pulling up in front of a residence where she was present. The same account later stated that she had spent two days in jail. In a written post, she said, “As long as I’ve been playing on these fish tables now it’s a crime.” Fish table games are a type of casino game, where players take control of a cannon, aim, shoot, and try to catch as many fish as possible. Police vehicles are seen outside a residence in Kinston during an investigation announced by authorities. Credit: Quarla Blackwell / Facebook Police have not commented on the video or the statements attributed to Blackwell. Authorities stressed that the charges are allegations and that the case will proceed through the court system. Blackwell is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Former city council candidate faces gambling charges in Kinston Facebook probe According to Gambling America, Blackwell is a former city council candidate and well-known community activist. She has faced legal scrutiny before. In September, she was charged with perjury in connection with disclosures filed during her run for Kinston’s at-large city council seat. Warrants allege she reported that her rights had been restored as of 2025, when police say they were not scheduled to be restored until 2028. Blackwell later filed an election protest seeking a new vote, saying she had evidence of irregularities. The State Board of Elections reviewed her claims last week during a meeting in Raleigh and denied the request. Featured image: Kinston Police Department via Facebook The post Kinston police arrest former council candidate in alleged Facebook gambling investigation appeared first on ReadWrite.

Welcome to episode 83 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Abner, Damien, and Will welcome their fellow 9to5 staff members Andrew Romero, Ben Schoon, and Jordan Floyd to the show to assemble a full tier list for 2025’s Android-adjacent launches. From phones and wearables to software upgrades and Gemini’s improvements, we manage to rank more than 20 launches from throughout the year from the best to the rest. Check out the complete tier list at the bottom of these show notes (spoilers!). Subscribe YouTube Podcasts Pocket Casts Spotify Apple Podcasts Overcast more…

A finance director who swindled a business based in Birkenhead, England, out of nearly £1.9 million ($2.4 million) has been sentenced to prison after his “predilection for gambling got out of hand.” Allan Wood, 59, from Saltersgate in Ellesmere Port, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday (December 23) after admitting to four counts of fraud by abuse of position linked to his role at Cammell Laird. The case first came to light in January 2021, when the allegations were reported to Merseyside Police, triggering an investigation by their Economic Crime Team. As detectives dug into the company’s finances, they uncovered the scale of the fraud. Over more than a decade, Wood siphoned off an eye-watering amount of money from his employer. Finance director Allan Wood moved money into accounts for gambling and personal spending Between 2007 and 2008 alone, he dishonestly redirected company funds for his own benefit, moving more than £1.5 million ($2 million) into personal accounts and using company money to pay off his personal credit card bills. On top of that, Wood signed off on more than £315,000 ($426,000) in what was described as “unauthorised corporate entertainment,” spending company cash on himself, friends, and family. This included charging the firm for tickets to the Champions League final and football season tickets. According to the Liverpool Echo, when questioned later, he even came up with a far-fetched claim that the spending was connected to suspected spying within the company. Altogether, his actions left Cammell Laird out of pocket by £1,870,243. At the time the fraud was taking place, the company was already under serious financial pressure. Board members had to put in large sums of their own money just to keep things afloat, while staff faced the very real threat of layoffs and strike action. Wood was sentenced to five years and three months in prison. Detective Constable Laura Madden, who led the investigation, said: “This fraud placed a business under significant financial pressure, causing distress and worry to all employees. Let’s not also forget the impact it would have had on their families as many feared for their jobs. “This impact was clearly lost on Wood and he will now be left to consider the full consequences of his actions while he serves time in prison. “Fraud can and does devastate individuals and businesses, and thankfully Wood has now been prevented from causing any more harm.” Featured image: Merseyside Police The post Finance director jailed after gambling-fueled £1.9M fraud at Birkenhead firm appeared first on ReadWrite.

Samsung is preparing to supply Apple with advanced image sensors for the iPhone in Austin, Texas, according to The Elec. The sensors will reportedly be made by Samsung at its existing facility in Austin. The company is expected to install production equipment for the project in the near future and has posted job listings for mechanical and electrical technicians, engineers, and managers to work on set up. Samsung is expected to make the ‌iPhone‌'s image sensor with a three-stack design, which enables higher pixel density and improved low-light performance by vertically stacking multiple sensor layers. Stacked sensor architecture also allows for faster readout speeds, reduced power consumption, and higher dynamic range. This manufacturing process has not previously been deployed at a commercial scale. Earlier this month, Samsung notified the city of council of Austin of its intention to spend $19 billion on its Austin facility. The new image sensor production line is expected to begin operation in March at the earliest. The new sensor is believed to be destined for the iPhone 18, which is expected to launch in the first half of 2027. Apple reportedly reached a deal with Samsung in August for supply of the component. This will be the first time Apple will move away from Sony as the sole supplier for ‌‌iPhone‌‌ image sensors and make the component in the United States. Today, Sony is the sole supplier of ‌‌iPhone‌‌ image sensors; they are produced in Japan and delivered via TSMC.Related Roundup: iPhone 18Tags: Texas, The ElecRelated Forum: iPhoneThis article, "Advanced iPhone 18 Camera Sensor to Be Made in Texas" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced a new partnership with Kalshi, making history in the process. This is the first time an NHL team and any professional sports team in North America has teamed up with a federally regulated prediction market platform. The deal, announced Tuesday (December 23), kicks off this week. It includes shared use of logos and trademarks for co marketing, collaborations on social media, and Kalshi signage inside the United Center and during Blackhawks game broadcasts across the Chicago area. Illinois is already one of Kalshi’s top ten markets. We're excited to be the official prediction market partner of the Chicago Blackhawks for their Centennial season The @NHLBlackhawks make history as the first pro sports team to partner with a prediction market A partnership first with one of the largest fanbases in sports pic.twitter.com/jTQQkBuhsS — Kalshi (@Kalshi) December 23, 2025 Kalshi’s platform allows users to trade on the outcomes of real world events, including elections, economic indicators, and cultural trends. The company says these markets are designed to help forecast events with real economic and social impact. The partnership follows Kalshi’s October agreement with the National Hockey League, which gave the company access to official NHL data along with the right to use league logos and branding. The deal marked the first time a major US sports league licensed its data and marks to a company that identifies as a financial exchange rather than a gambling operator. However, the distinction has sparked criticism from the Indian Gaming Association and tribal leaders nationwide. They argue that prediction markets tied to sports outcomes raise legal and regulatory concerns similar to sports betting, an area where tribal governments have long held rights and compacts. The Blackhawks are one of the NHL’s Original Six franchises and were founded in 1926. The team is currently celebrating its Centennial season, which will conclude with its official 100th anniversary game in November 2026. Over the years, the Blackhawks have also been associated with several innovations in hockey, including the original goal horn and the curved stick. Kalshi partnership with the Blackhawks to add ‘value to their fan experience’ “We’re proud to share an innovative mindset with Kalshi,” said Blackhawks Executive Vice President of Revenue and Strategy Matt Gray. “Prediction markets are changing how fans interact with sports – moving from passive viewing to informed, engaged participation – and we’re excited to explore that with our fans during this Centennial season.” Kalshi Head of Sports Partnerships Adam Barrick said the company views the partnership as part of a broader expansion strategy. “The Blackhawks have a fanbase like no other,” Barrick said. “We’re looking forward to adding value to their fan experience as we continue to expand across sports, media, and entertainment.” Featured image: Kalshi / Chicago Blackhawks The post Blackhawks make history with Kalshi partnership, first pro sports prediction deal appeared first on ReadWrite.

Have you been good this year? If so, you may be interested to know that Google has launched its annual Santa tracking feature, allowing Santa to be tracked in real time on his journey to the North Pole as he prepares to deliver presents to children around the world. Google's Santa Tracker continues a two-decade tradition for the company, allowing excited children (and grown-ups!) to keep up with the jolly gift-giver's travels throughout December 24. On this day, Santa's Village transforms into a tracking experience where children can follow Santa and his reindeer as they merrily go about their important work. Santa can be tracked using a web browser on iPhone, iPad, or Mac by visiting Google's official Santa Tracking website. The site features a live map of Santa's current location, his next stop, a live video feed of his journey, and the estimated time that he will arrive in each specific location. The Santa site provides pictures of locations that Santa has already visited, a live count of gifts that have been delivered, and Santa's current distance from your location. There are also a selection of games to play, creative things to do, and videos to watch. Other Santa tracking services are also available, such as the NORAD Tracks Santa Claus app and website, but Google's site is often the most interactive and detailed. Happy holidays!This article, "Track Santa's Journey From the North Pole Using Google's Santa Tracker" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

The boss of gambling giant bet365 took home at least £280 million ($379 million) in salary and dividends last year, even though the company’s profits dropped sharply, according to its latest accounts filed at Companies House. A review of the filing by ReadWrite shows that Denise Coates received £104 million ($141 million) in salary alone. Rather than being highlighted upfront, that figure is buried in the accounts under key management compensation, instead of appearing as a single headline pay total. The accounts state: “Emoluments paid to key management personnel amounted to £104.0m.” In addition to her salary, Coates benefited from a substantial dividend payout. The company confirmed in its strategic report that: “The Company declared dividends of £353.6m (2024: £110.0m).” Bet365 chief Denise Coates is consistently one of Britain’s highest-paid bosses As bet365’s controlling shareholder, Coates takes home the lion’s share of the dividend. Even using cautious estimates from analysts and past reports, that puts her total earnings for the year at at least £280 million. That massive payout came even as profits took a hit. The company said profit before tax fell sharply compared with the previous year, largely due to rising costs and tougher regulation in key gambling markets. Bet365 pointed to higher compliance expenses, increased spending on safer gambling measures, and a more difficult trading environment as the main reasons for the decline. Earlier this year, we reported that the company was even considering a landmark sale of the business for £9 billion ($11.94 billion). Still, shareholders did very well. Dividends more than tripled year on year, showing that the company continued to reward investors generously despite the pressure on profits. Coates’ pay doesn’t appear in a standard remuneration table, because private companies aren’t required by Companies House to publish one. Instead, the details are tucked away in the accounts, under notes covering related-party and key management transactions. Taken together, the numbers reinforce Coates’ status as one of the highest-paid executives in the world, with annual earnings that dwarf those of FTSE 100 chief executives many times over. Featured image: bet365 / University of Staffordshire via YouTube The post Bet365 boss Denise Coates earned £280M despite sharp profit decline last year appeared first on ReadWrite.

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is now pushing back aggressively in court. A little more than two weeks after pleading not guilty, Rozier has taken the next step in his legal strategy by asking a federal judge to dismiss the charges against him entirely. The case is part of a sweeping federal sports betting investigation that includes more than 30 defendants. Rozier was arraigned on two counts, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. His attorney, Jim Trusty, argues those charges should never have been filed. Lawyers for Terry Rozier filed a motion to dismiss wire fraud conspir. charges. The scheme deprived a sportsbook of making informed decisions on accepting a wager, bc Rozier provided a co-defendant w certain non-public info. SCOTUS rejected the theory in Ciminelli v US they wrote pic.twitter.com/2v58BD0LO8 — Matt Rybaltowski (@MattRybaltowski) December 23, 2025 According to Trusty, the indictment fails to clearly explain how Rozier allegedly committed wire fraud, which he says is a fatal flaw. Without a valid wire fraud charge, the money laundering allegation would also fall apart. CBS Sports reports that Trusty pointed to a 2023 United States Supreme Court ruling that spells out what prosecutors must prove in a wire fraud case. Specifically, the scheme must be intended to deprive a victim, in this instance sportsbooks, of money or property. Terry Rozier seeks to dismiss federal charges in NBA gambling case In a public legal filing, Trusty criticized how prosecutors have framed the case. “The government has billed this case as involving ‘insider betting’ and ‘rigging’ professional basketball games,” Trusty said in a public legal document. “But the indictment alleges something less headline-worthy: that some bettors broke certain sportsbooks’ terms of use.” Prosecutors claim Rozier was connected to a gambling ring that relied on sharing inside, non-public information. According to the indictment, Rozier allegedly told a co-conspirator, De’Niro Laster, that he planned to remove himself early from a March 2023 game while playing for the Charlotte Hornets. Laster then allegedly sold that information to gamblers, who distributed it through a betting syndicate. Trusty argues the indictment does not establish criminal intent by Rozier. “The indictment does not allege that Mr. Rozier ever placed a bet, whether himself or through a proxy, on any NBA game,” Trusty said. “Nor does it allege that he knew that Laster intended to sell this information to others, or that using it to place wagers would violate the Betting Companies’ rules.” Prosecutors have until February 2 to respond to the motion to dismiss. The next procedural hearing for all defendants is scheduled for March 4. At a previous hearing, Judge Ramon Reyes said he intends for the trial to begin by September. Rozier was arrested in October along with suspended Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, former NBA player Damon Jones, and dozens of others. Billups is accused of taking part in a separate gambling scheme involving rigged poker games tied to organized crime. Jones is implicated in both cases. Both have pleaded not guilty. Featured image: The Financial Express via YouTube The post Terry Rozier asks judge to dismiss charges in federal NBA betting case appeared first on ReadWrite.

Chicago is weighing a $16.6 billion city budget, and one part of it is catching the eye of the sports betting world. The proposal would shake up how sports wagering is taxed inside city limits. Chicago is planning to significantly raise the tax on revenue generated from sports bets placed in the city. That potential increase has already sparked interest and concern among betting operators and industry groups watching closely to see how it could affect business in the Windy City. The ordinance states: “There is hereby imposed a tax on each primary sports licensee operating in the City. The rate of the tax shall be 10.25% of the adjusted gross sports wagering receipts from sports wagers that are placed within the City.” The tax would apply both to wagers placed at approved physical locations and to bets made “over the internet or through a mobile application” when verified as having been placed within Chicago. Chicago mayor is tight-lipped on the city’s sports betting tax Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, has said he won’t sign or veto the budget, which means it would take effect without his formal approval. City officials say the higher sports wagering tax is meant to bring in new revenue, with the administration estimating it would generate at least $26 million a year. If the measure moves forward, the city tax would sit on top of existing state and local taxes. Based on city estimates, that would push the total tax rate on sports betting revenue generated in Chicago to 32.25%. Industry groups are already raising red flags. Representatives for sportsbooks warn that a higher tax rate could make Chicago a tougher place to do business, potentially leading some operators to cut back or leave altogether. They also argue it could drive bettors toward unregulated or illegal betting options instead. In a letter, the Sports Betting Alliance warns that “the proposed budget and revenue ordinance would impose a City licensing requirement effective January 1, 2026, yet the City does not currently have a licensing rubric that contemplates online sports wagering operators.” The alliance argues that without “defined terms, application standards, required documentation, and administrative procedures,” operators would have “no meaningful way to comply with the ordinance upon its effective date.” The group is urging the city to delay implementation by at least 180 days, cautioning that a temporary shutdown of legal online sports betting in Chicago could undermine the city’s revenue goals and “drive consumers to online platforms that dodge laws that ensure consumer protection, age verification, and responsible gaming protections.” Chicago’s proposed sports betting tax is budgetary smoke and mirrors that risks undermining a legal market that protects bettors — and could leave the city with nothing to show for it. https://t.co/CGU0aXOpU1 — Sports Betting Alliance (@SBAllianceUS) December 16, 2025 The Sports Betting Alliance also wrote on X: “Chicago’s proposed sports betting tax is budgetary smoke and mirrors that risks undermining a legal market that protects bettors — and could leave the city with nothing to show for it.” The sports betting provision is just one of several tax and fee changes folded into the budget ordinance, which stretches across dozens of chapters of the municipal code. City council members are expected to weigh the potential revenue boost against concerns about how the change could affect the legal sports wagering market in the nation’s third-largest city. Featured image: Canva The post Chicago weighs major sports betting tax hike in $16.6 billion budget appeared first on ReadWrite.

Samsung’s brand new Galaxy Z TriFold form factor has arrived and, of course, one of the big questions around it is whether or not it’s actually durable. One YouTube channel put that to the test, finding that the device sort of gave up quite a bit shy of Samsung’s promise. more…

Following last week’s release, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 is rolling out with one fix for Pixel devices. more…

Apple is working on a foldable iPhone that's set to come out in September 2026, and rumors suggest that it will have a display that's around 5.4 inches when closed and 7.6 inches when open. Exact measurements vary based on rumors, but one 3D designer has created a mockup based on what we've heard so far. On MakerWorld, a user named Subsy has uploaded a 1:1 ‌iPhone‌ Fold replica (via Macworld), which can be 3D printed to give you a rough idea of the size of the upcoming foldable ‌iPhone‌. Subsy claims that the model is "based on recently leaked CAD drawings of the ‌iPhone‌ Fold," but there haven't been actual CAD leaks to our knowledge. There were reports of CAD drawings earlier this month, but it turns out those drawings were concept drawings and renders created by MacRumors reader iZac back in May. iZac designed a mockup with a 5.5-inch display when the device is closed, and 7.76 inches when open. That's in line with the multiple rumors that we've heard, but so far, we don't have exact dimensions. While you can now print a 3D mockup of iZac's concept, the design isn't based on an actual CAD render. It's likely somewhat similar to what the ‌iPhone‌ Fold will look like in terms of size, but Apple's design for the cameras and the hinge will probably differ quite a bit. If you have a 3D printer, it's a useful way to get something that's close to the size of the ‌iPhone‌ Fold so you can see how it compares to your existing ‌iPhone‌. We'll likely see more accurate CAD renders and dummy models starting to surface in the first months of 2026.This article, "Have a 3D Printer? You Can Make Your Own iPhone Fold Dummy" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Google One is running a “limited time” discount for 2026 where new subscribers can get 50% off 2 TB and AI Pro annual plans. more…

A Texas federal judge today blocked an App Store age verification law that was set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, which means Apple may not have to support the changes after all. The Texas ‌App Store‌ Accountability Act (SB2420) requires Apple and other app marketplaces to confirm user age when a person creates an Apple Account. Apple Accounts for users under 18 would need to join a Family Sharing group, with new controls available for parents and restrictions for minors. In a preliminary injunction that delays the implementation of the act, Judge Robert Pitman said that it violates the First Amendment and is "more likely than not unconstitutional." The Act is akin to a law that would require every bookstore to verify the age of every customer at the door and, for minors, require parental consent before the child or teen could enter and again when they try to purchase a book. As set out below, the Court finds a likelihood that, when considered on the merits, SB 2420 violates the First Amendment. The injunction was in response to a motion filed by the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), a group that includes Apple and Google. Today's decision is a win for Apple, as Apple has been fighting against age assurance requirements in Texas and other states. Apple says that the Texas law impacts user privacy. While we share the goal of strengthening kids' online safety, we are concerned that SB2420 impacts the privacy of users by requiring the collection of sensitive, personally identifiable information to download any app, even if a user simply wants to check the weather or sports scores. The court will move on to determining whether the law is facially invalid, which would mean that it is unconstitutional and will be entirely thrown out.Tag: TexasThis article, "Texas App Store Age Verification Law Blocked by Federal Judge" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026. Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18 aspect ratio when open. Samsung has used a similar size for its prior Z Fold devices. Rumors suggest the ‌iPhone‌ Fold's display will measure in at 5.3 to 5.5 inches when closed, and 7.5 to 7.8 inches when open (rumors vary). It's squatter and wider than Samsung's taller, narrower design, with a 4:3 aspect ratio when open. Samsung's "Wide Fold" will coincidentally feature a 7.6-inch display when open, and a 5.4-inch display when closed. It's also expected to have a 4:3 aspect ratio, making it noticeably different than prior models because of the more square shape. The wider 4:3 aspect ratio is expected to be more comfortable to hold than a taller device, similar to a notebook. ETNews says that Samsung plans to release its wider foldable device in the fall of 2026, which is also when the ‌iPhone‌ Fold will be coming out. The wide fold will join the next-generation Galaxy Fold for a total of two "Fold" devices, plus there will be a flip device.Tags: Foldable iPhone, SamsungThis article, "Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple's latest Apple Pay promo provides a 20 percent discount for ‌Apple Pay‌ users who purchase Adidas gear through the Adidas website or the Adidas app. To get the deal, buy something from Adidas and then enter the promo code APPLEPAY at checkout. As with all ‌Apple Pay‌ promos, making the purchase using ‌Apple Pay‌ is a requirement. Apple says the discount can be applied on purchases up to $250, with the deal set to last until December 31 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Some gear is excluded, including Campus, Gazelle, Disney, Human Made, limited edition originals, and more. Tag: Apple Pay PromoThis article, "Apple Pay Promo Offers 20% Off Adidas Purchases" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

The Gaming Authority in the Netherlands (KSA) has imposed a half-million euro fine on LeoVegas, on the same day it gives the operator Vbet a warning for ‘shortcomings.’ The €500,000 ($590,000) fine for LeoVegas has come as the regulators said the company didn’t comply sufficiently with duty of care during the period from October 2023 to May 2024. In the media release, the KSA explained how they requested several player files from the company and “found that all files referred to non-compliance with the duty of care.” In a shared example, they allege a player who deposited and lost tens of thousands of euros in a short time was not intervened in time. They also suggest applied interventions were not always good enough as they said “a player who showed serious signs of immoderate playing behavior initially only received a pop-up that pointed out that playing behavior. This was also easy for the player to click away.” Speaking on the fine, Michel Groothuizen, the chairman of the board of the KSA, said in a translated statement: “The duty of care is an essential part of the wider range of player protection. Providers must respond adequately to immoderate play. Large losses in a short time are an important signal of this. “We have intensified our supervision of the duty of care and gambling providers are tackling this hard, because such an important part should not be neglected.” KSA publishes two news updates on same day, about two separate companies Also this week, the gaming authority said it has given SCGO Limited, which operates in the Netherlands under the name Vbet, a warning “for shortcomings in the field of the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Act.” Back in April 2025, various documents were requested, including client files, internal documents on the Wwft policy and the risk assessment. It was after going through these that some shortcomings were found. “The study shows, among other things, that Vbet does not sufficiently give substance to the company-wide risk assessment. This does not provide insight into the gross risks identified by Vbet and has no version control. As a result, the Ksa cannot properly assess how the risks from the risk assessment have been assessed, whether the management measures are effective and whether the risks are current.” The company cooperated and proactively worked on a recovery plan during the investigation and indicated that it will follow the recommendations of the KSA. Featured Image: Canva / LeoVegas / Vbet The post KSA fines LeoVegas for failing to comply with its duty of care and issues warning to Vbet appeared first on ReadWrite.

While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in top-left corner of the screen Variable aperture for at least one rear camera A20 Pro chip manufactured with TSMC's 2nm process and new packaging technology A simplified Camera Control button with no swipe gestures Design changes to the rear Ceramic Shield for MagSafe charging, potentially including a more frosted glass appearance Apple-designed C1X or C2 modem for 5G/LTE cellular connectivity Apple-designed N1 chip or newer for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread Web browsing via satellite New color options under consideration: burgundy, brown, and purple iPhone 18 Pro Max may be slightly thicker than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, perhaps to accommodate a larger batteryApple will likely release the iPhone 18 Pro models in September 2026. Bookmark our iPhone 18 roundup to stay on top of future rumors.Related Roundup: iPhone 18Related Forum: iPhoneThis article, "iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

A contractor has been accused in a post–Hurricane Milton scam, with police alleging he targeted elderly victims and spent upwards of $53,000 at casinos. Brian Michaud was arrested by Bradenton Police Department on Tuesday (December 16) on 13 felony charges. It was in July 2025 when Detective Michael Carpenter began to investigate complaints made by residents of Seabreeze Mobile Home Park. BPD has arrested a contractor who solicited elderly victims in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Brian Michaud, operating as RedFin Construction, is charged with 13 felonies. His victims, ages 62-95, paid $220,000 for work that wasn't completed. STORY:https://t.co/xldpgLnlym pic.twitter.com/vnGLuoMW0F — Bradenton Police Department (@BradentonPD) December 17, 2025 “Fourteen victims, who range in age from 62 to 95, reported hiring Brian Michaud, operating as RedFin Construction, to repair damage caused by Hurricane Milton,” the police claim. “Bank statements, contracts, and copies of checks indicated the victims made down payments totaling $222,000 for aluminium repairs to their carports, lanais, roofs, and sheds. However, Michaud failed to complete any of the work.” Man held in Florida jail, as police ask people to contact them if they have more information In the media release about the investigation, the police say it also allegedly revealed that the man isn’t a licensed contractor in the state and used another company’s license. “Financial subpoenas for October 2024 through April 2025 indicated Michaud made multiple transactions and transfers between several business and personal accounts,” the press release states. “During this time, the subpoenas indicated Michaud spent upwards of $53,000 at casinos and used these accounts for daily living and recreational expenses. While some transactions indicated Michaud made construction-related purchases, he didn’t use those materials to complete any of the victims’ projects.” Michaud is facing the following charges, all of which remain alleged: ten counts of presenting someone else’s contractor’s license during a declared state of emergency, one count of scheming to to defraud ($50,000 or more), one count of misappropriation of construction funds ($100,000 or more), and one count of aggravated white-collar crime against an elderly victim ($50,000 or more). The man is currently being held without bond at the Manatee County jail and the investigation continues. The police have asked people to contact Detective Carpenter if they have a similar complaint against Michaud or RedFin Construction. Featured Image: Bradenton Police Department The post Contractor accused of scamming elderly, spending $53K at casinos after hurricane appeared first on ReadWrite.

A British man who funneled money he’d stolen into gambling has been sentenced to seven years in prison, after conning 10 people out of more than £1 million ($1.4 million). Morgan Reeve, 26, of Wodehouse Road, Hunstanton, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on Friday (December 19) after being found guilty of 19 counts of fraud by false representation following a trial. British man’s gambling-fueled investment scam exposed before prison sentence The court heard that Reeve’s scheme started in 2018 and ran for about three years. Over that time, he convinced people to hand over their money by telling them he would invest it for them. In reality, none of the victims ever saw the returns he promised, and their money was never paid back. Reeve portrayed himself as a successful, wealthy trader, claiming he could make big profits through foreign exchange trading using an online platform called BD Swiss. Prosecutors said this image was built on lies. He repeatedly exaggerated or completely made up the profits he said he had earned for both himself and his victims, using false reassurances to keep them on side. A man has been jailed for seven years after defrauding victims of over £1m. Morgan Reeve, aged 26 was found guilty of 19 counts of fraud by false representation, following a trial. pic.twitter.com/WsOUVpySHR — Norfolk Police (@NorfolkPolice) December 22, 2025 The court was told he stayed in touch with victims through several messaging apps, often guaranteeing there was no risk of losing money. When people started asking for their cash back, he stalled them with excuses and fresh promises instead of returning the funds. The fraud finally unraveled when one victim went to the police. After that, others came forward, each describing similar stories and financial losses tied to Reeve. Handing down a seven-year prison sentence, the judge pointed to how large the fraud was, how long it went on, and the serious impact it had on the victims’ lives. Investigating officer DC Aaron Jones said in a press release that Reeve had “continuously manipulated multiple victims over an extended period of time” and confirmed that the money obtained was used to fund a lavish lifestyle and gambling. He added that the offences had a “devastating effect” on the victims and expressed hope that the sentence would provide reassurance that Reeve would be unable to commit further frauds for the foreseeable future. Featured image: Norfolk Police The post British fraudster jailed seven years after stealing millions to fund gambling appeared first on ReadWrite.

The Canadian rapper Drake has posted on social media that there will be three livestreams back-to-back, with people who sign up having the chance to win 10% of his take home winnings. The Stake branding is visible throughout the video, with the clips showing off hints at Drake’s luxury lifestyle, along with several gambling-related videos. The 39-year-old has advertised the online casino and sports betting company several times. In a statement on Stake.US, the platform said: “Drake, the hip-hop sensation, has been a long-time member of the Stake community. Storming the ranks of the VIP program, Drake fell in love with both the platform, and the perks associated with our VIP program. It was then that this partnership was formed, based on mutual appreciation between mega-star and product.” pic.twitter.com/up9HO77xWR — Drizzy (@Drake) December 20, 2025 Not everyone has been happy with the musician’s partnership with Stake though, as a Missouri man filed a lawsuit against Drake and others in October. The class action lawsuit claims the online gambling site Stake.us, influencer Adin Ross, and Canadian rapper Aubrey “Drake” Graham were allegedly running an illegal online casino aimed at people in Missouri. Shortly after, another lawsuit was filed accusing Sweepsteaks Limited, online influencer Adin Ross, and musician Drake (Aubrey Drake Graham) of allegedly operating an illegal online casino scheme marketed to New Mexico residents. Drake has become a big name in celebrity gambling world The man is known to gamble, and has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in the world of celebrity gambling, but it doesn’t always go as planned in what many describe as being the ‘Drake Curse.’ In February 2023, the man bet against Tyson Fury’s younger brother in the boxing match against Jake Paul as he put $400,000 on the YouTuber turned boxer. It wasn’t to be in Drake’s favor though, as Tommy Fury won the fight by decision. In 2024, he lost $565,000 as he bet on the Gypsy King to beat Oleksandr Usyk. More recently, it was revealed that he lost more than $8 million in a single month, all on sports betting. Featured Image: Screenshot via X post The post Drake promotes upcoming streams, with chance of winning 10 percent of gambling wins appeared first on ReadWrite.

A newly filed amicus brief in Kalshi’s ongoing legal fight with Maryland is adding fuel to a growing debate about who should regulate sports-related prediction markets, federal commodities regulators or state gambling authorities. In a filing sent to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, Todd Phillips, an assistant professor of legal studies at Georgia State University, argues that many of the sports-related contracts offered by KalshiEx LLC are “unlikely to be commodity derivatives.” Because of that, he says they wouldn’t fall under the “exclusive jurisdiction” of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). If courts ultimately agree with that view, Phillips contends, Maryland’s gaming laws would not be preempted. I just filed an amicus brief in Kalshi's lawsuit against Maryland, arguing that the sports-related contracts Kalshi lists are unlikely to be commodity derivatives, such that the CFTC does not have "exclusive jurisdiction" over them and Maryland's gaming laws are not preempted. 1/ pic.twitter.com/flARj6aqHx — Todd Phillips (@tphillips) December 22, 2025 Maryland amicus brief against Kalshi filing claims sport events are not commodities “I just filed an amicus brief in Kalshi’s lawsuit against Maryland, arguing that the sports-related contracts Kalshi lists are unlikely to be commodity derivatives, such that the CFTC does not have ‘exclusive jurisdiction’ over them and Maryland’s gaming laws are not preempted,” Phillips wrote in a series of posts on X announcing the filing. The brief lays out what Phillips describes as three core arguments. First, he says Congress enacted the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) to regulate financial instruments designed to hedge economic risk. As summarized in his post, “No financial risk, no derivative. No derivative, no federal preemption.” The brief similarly states that Congress intended the CEA to apply to “commodity derivative contracts that reasonably can be expected to be used for hedging on more than an occasional basis,” and not to contracts lacking meaningful economic consequences . Second, Phillips argues that sports events generally do not qualify as commodities because they are not tied to the kind of financial or commercial consequences that would make contracts useful for hedging. He points to examples of contracts offered on Kalshi’s platform, including wagers tied to in-game commentary. “Kalshi offers a contract about whether an announcer says ‘what a catch’ during a broadcast,” he wrote. “There is no way this contract can be used to hedge.” In the brief, Phillips underlines that this position is consistent with Kalshi’s own prior statements. He quotes Kalshi’s filing before the US Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, in which the company stated that “contracts relating to games—again, activities conducted for diversion or amusement—are unlikely to serve any ‘commercial or hedging interest.’” Third, Phillips argues that it is ultimately up to the courts, not regulators or exchanges, to decide whether a contract qualifies as a commodity derivative. “Just because Kalshi has self-certified that a contract is a derivative, or even if the CFTC agrees that a contract is a derivative, doesn’t mean it is,” he wrote. “Courts decide.” Maryland warns against prediction markets The filing comes as state regulators are taking a closer look at prediction markets. In November, Maryland became the latest state to warn licensees about offering these products, joining a growing number of jurisdictions questioning whether they amount to illegal gambling. Under Maryland law, online gaming, mobile sports wagering, and online fantasy sports competitions are allowed only when they are offered by operators licensed by the state. Earlier, on August 13, a filing in the US District Court for the District of Maryland noted that Kalshi had received written assurances from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming that the agency would not enforce state gambling laws against the company while

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a public service announcement as they warn of the risks of illegal gambling. The law enforcement agency explains how the sports betting industry has become more widespread in the U.S, with 39 states and the District of Columbia legalizing some form of it. Great odds, high risk: The FBI encourages U.S. bettors to know the risks of illegal gambling. Learn how to protect yourself by betting legally and responsibly. https://t.co/88UXiTuT2j pic.twitter.com/0jOlOHJxX6 — FBI (@FBI) December 19, 2025 They warn, however, that “illegal sportsbooks and illegal online gaming sites are still prevalent. These illegal sportsbooks and online gaming sites have significant consequences for the American public, the U.S. economy, and the integrity of sports betting in the U.S.” The FBI says those that engage in illegal gambling risk funding organized crime activity and suggest it can make them vulnerable to violence, extortion, and fraud. The FBI enforces criminal statutes, including those involving organized crime and illegal gambling operations, but they say it’s each bettor’s individual responsibility to ensure they are wagering legally and responsibly. FBI: One of the priorities is to investigate organized crime groups that operate illegal sportsbooks to disrupt operations In August 2025, the American Gaming Association estimated Americans wager $673.6 billion annually with illegal and unregulated gambling operators. This is said to have been driven by a sharp rise in illegal iGaming, including the use of unregulated skill machines and illegal sports betting. Since 2022, when the AGA last did a report on the subject, the illegal market has grown 22%. Now, illegal operators account for nearly one-third (31.9%) of the total U.S. gaming market. “Many offshore gambling websites advertise towards U.S. consumers, obfuscating their overseas presence, and providing U.S. consumers with a false sense of comfort. These offshore sportsbooks are not held to the same legal standards as U.S. licensed sportsbooks and may lack consumer protections, increasing the risks for U.S.-based users,” the FBI writes in its notice. In the tips the agency has provided to bettors, they ask for people to stay informed of applicable federal, state, and local laws and say people should check their state gaming agency’s website to ensure they are betting through a legal sportsbook operator. Featured Image: FBI via X The post The FBI has issued a warning to the public about illegal gambling appeared first on ReadWrite.

Coinbase is buying The Clearing Company, a startup that focuses on prediction markets, as the crypto exchange looks to broaden its lineup of regulated, onchain products tied to real-world events. The deal comes shortly after Coinbase rolled out prediction markets to its users, letting them place trades on outcomes like elections, economic data, sports, and even cultural moments, all from the same platform they already use for crypto, derivatives, and stocks. Coinbase says the acquisition will help build on that launch and scale prediction markets as part of what it calls its vision for an “Everything Exchange.” Coinbase acquires The Clearing Company as it joins prediction markets competition In its press release, Coinbase said the deal is all about “powering the future of prediction markets,” pointing out how important it is to bring event-based contracts onto the same platform as more traditional financial products. The company noted that The Clearing Company brings hands-on experience building and running prediction markets, which Coinbase believes will help it grow this category within a regulated setup. First we announced prediction markets on Coinbase. Now we’re bringing in the specialized talent to take our plans to the next level. Welcome to Coinbase, @theclearingco. pic.twitter.com/KfRZSp9w9j — Coinbase (@coinbase) December 22, 2025 The Clearing Company is led by founder Toni Gemayel, who Coinbase describes as a product and growth leader with deep industry experience. According to Coinbase, Gemayel and his team will help “scale world-class prediction markets trading on Coinbase” and push forward the company’s bigger platform goals. Prediction markets let people trade contracts based on the likelihood of future events. Coinbase said it sees a big opportunity to offer these markets to millions of users around the world, folding them directly into portfolios that already hold cash, crypto, stocks, and derivatives. Excited to share that @theclearingco is joining @coinbase! We set out to transform how people engage with prediction makers, and now we are taking it to the next level. More soon to come https://t.co/GG7yVM8Ifz — Nina Qi (@theninaqi) December 22, 2025 More broadly, Coinbase framed the acquisition as another step toward bringing multiple asset classes together in one place. However, the deal still needs to clear standard closing conditions and is expected to close in January. Coinbase also pointed out that listed futures and swaps are offered through Coinbase Financial Markets, which is registered with the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission, while spot accounts are held separately by Coinbase, Inc. The company’s CEO, Brian Armstrong, may have accidentally highlighted some real concerns around prediction markets after he rattled off a list of buzzwords that were reportedly picked based on what users on prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket had wagered would come up during the call. Even if it was meant as a joke, the moment underscored just how easy it could be for individuals to influence the outcome of what was, in this case, an $84,000 betting market. Featured image: Coinbase press release The post Coinbase agrees to acquire The Clearing Company to expand prediction markets offering appeared first on ReadWrite.