Article URL: https://lalitm.com/post/building-syntaqlite-ai/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47648828 Points: 567 # Comments: 174

A photo of a black speaker, the Amazon Echo, on a gray background. | Photo: Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge Jeff Bezos badly wanted a voice computer. He had been saying so publicly since the very early days of Amazon, telling anyone who would listen about why voice might make it easier and more natural to interact with technology. (And to buy stuff from Jeff Bezos.) But when a team at Amazon set out to actually make the voice computer a reality, they encountered a seemingly endless series of hard problems. Eventually, though, they created two products, the Echo speaker and the Alexa voice assistant, that would help bring a new kind of computer to millions of people. On this episode of Version History, we tell the story of the Echo's development i … Read the full story at The Verge.

This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on the ups and downs of AI, follow Stevie Bonifield. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started Most people probably know Grammarly for its browser extension that suggests how to spruce up your emails, but over the past few years, it's been eyeing bigger ambitions. In October, the company formerly known as Grammarly made a public pivot to rebrand as an AI company called Superhuman. The new name was adopted from Superhuman Mail, an AI email platform that Grammarly acquired i … Read the full story at The Verge.

Apple's HomePod mini today reached a notable milestone, marking 2,000 days since its introduction in October 2020, an unusually long lifespan for an Apple hardware product that has yet to receive a second-generation refresh. Apple unveiled the ‌HomePod mini‌ at its iPhone 12 event on October 13, 2020, positioning it as a smaller and more affordable alternative to the original HomePod. The device launched at just $99, with pre-orders beginning November 6 and availability following on November 16. Unlike the original ‌HomePod‌, which emphasized premium audio at a higher price point, the ‌HomePod mini‌ was designed as a mass-market smart speaker that could be deployed throughout the home at comparatively low cost. Apple described it as delivering "amazing sound" alongside Siri functionality and smart home control, with a compact spherical design that enabled 360-degree audio. The ‌HomePod mini‌ is powered by the Apple S5 chip, the same processor used in the Apple Watch Series 5, and features a single full-range driver, dual passive radiators, and a four-microphone array. It supports 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Ultra Wideband for proximity-based features, and Thread networking, allowing it to function as a smart home hub. Apple expanded the available colors in 2021, adding blue, yellow, and orange options to the original white and space gray finishes, and later replaced space gray with a similar "midnight" variant. Beyond these cosmetic updates, the underlying hardware has remained unchanged, making the ‌HomePod mini‌ one of the longest-running Apple devices without a specification revision. Apple is widely expected to release a second-generation ‌HomePod mini‌ sometime soon, and the most consistent expectation is a move to a newer chip in place of the current S5, which should improve responsiveness, computational audio performance, and headroom for future ‌Siri‌ features. A second-generation Ultra Wideband chip and Apple's N1 Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip are also possibilities. The new ‌HomePod mini‌ was reportedly "ready" to launch since late last year. Now, the device is said to be "on hold" until Apple releases its more personalized version of Siri later this year. The revamped assistant is expected to debut in iOS 27, which will be available in beta starting in June and should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in September.Related Roundup: HomePod miniBuyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "HomePod Mini Is Now 2,000 Days Old" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Samsung has shared an “End of Service Announcement” for its Messages app in the US. Set for July 2026, Google Messages is the intended replacement, with Samsung offering a guided transition. This has been a long time coming. more…

Murphy Campbell is at the center of a brewing storm around AI and a broken copyright system. | Image: Murphy Campbell In January, folk artist Murphy Campbell discovered several songs on her Spotify profile that did not belong there. They were songs that she had recorded, but she'd never uploaded them to Spotify, and something was off about the vocals. She quickly surmised that someone had pulled performances of the songs she posted to YouTube, created AI covers, and uploaded them to streaming platforms under her name. I ran one of the songs, "Four Marys", through two different AI detectors, and it seemed to support her suspicions with both saying it was probably AI-generated. Campbell was shocked, "I was kind of under the impression that we had a little b … Read the full story at The Verge.

If you just picked up a shiny new Galaxy S26 series phone and want to keep it that way, dbrand has cases available for every need and want you might have. more…

This ain’t gonna buff out. Target is offering a great deal to some Target Circle members that knocks $30 off the cost of two Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 games. The sale is happening for the rest of the day, expiring at 2:59AM ET on April 5th. If you sign in with the free-to-join membership, you might be able to add two eligible games to your cart, then watch the prices fall at checkout. There are 224 eligible games (some physical, some digital), and many of Nintendo’s biggest hits from the past year and beyond are here, including Switch 2-exclusive games like Donkey Kong Bananza, Kirby Air Riders, Mario Kart World, Mario Tennis Fever, and more (I didn’t see Pokémon Pokopia in the list, though). Donkey Kong Bananza Where to Buy: $69 at Amazon $69.99 at Target Mario Kart World Where to Buy: $79.99 at Amazon $79.99 at Target Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Where to Buy: $69 at Amazon (Switch 2) $69.99 at Target (Switch 2) Kirby Air Riders Where to Buy: $69 at Amazon $69 at Target This deal is worth hopping on whether you intend to gift these games, or just get them for yourself. Discounts on Nintendo-published games are rare, and it’s quite a nice perk that Target Circle members have in getting to choose the games they want to save on. While each of the games that I mentioned ship on cartridges that don’t require a bunch of your console’s internal storage (just enough for save data), there are some Switch 2 games that ship on Game Key Cards. Those cartridges, once inserted into the console, simply grant you the ability to download a copy from the Nintendo eShop onto your console. Game sizes varies, but you may want to pick up a microSD Express card to add more storage on top of the Switch 2’s 256GB built-in SSD. This 256GB Samsung model is $59 at Amazon.

I’ve spent months in the lab testing the latest AR glasses from Xreal and Viture. By “lab,” I mean cozied up on my couch each night, playing my Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch 2 on a huge, virtual screen that only I can see through these glasses. Using AR glasses as a portable display for your handhelds (and other USB-C devices, like phones, tablets, and laptops) is nothing new. However, the latest versions have one must-have feature in common: three degrees of freedom, or 3DoF, which lets you anchor the screen anywhere you’d like, as opposed to having it nauseatingly wiggle with every head movement. This won’t make AR glasses worth their $400-plus costs for most gamers. But this makes them more useful if you travel a lot, or if you want a more ergonomic handheld setup. I tested three popular models — Xreal’s $449 1S, its $649 One Pro, and Viture’s $549 Beast — and there is no best pair that everyone should buy. Each does a few things well and a few things not so well, which leaves me no other choice than to list out the ingredients that would make for one perfect pair of AR glasses for gaming.  The comfort, sound quality, and ease of use of Xreal’s glasses All of these AR glasses are heavier and thicker than regular glasses, but Xreal’s 1S glasses are the lightest model of the bunch. On my kitchen scale, they weigh 85 grams (for comparison, the One Pro glasses weigh 91 grams, while the Viture Beast glasses are 96 grams). A small thing that’s actually a big deal is that they (as well as the One Pro) have great weight distribution and thinner temple arms than Viture’s Beast, which helps me feel less strain on my ears. It’s great that Xreal’s most affordable AR glasses are just as comfortable as its most expensive pair. The 1S and One Pro glasses deliver better-sounding audio through their temple arms than Viture’s latest glasses. Xreal’s audio is tuned by Bose, and the glasses have balanced audio with surprisingly good low-end performance. Viture’s is tuned by Harman, and the Beast glasses pack considerably less oomph, with more emphasis on the mids and highs. Music, movies, and games are all more fun to listen to through Xreal’s glasses, even at low volumes. The 1S and One Pro glasses have fewer buttons than Viture’s glasses, which lowers the learning curve. Xreal’s glasses have four buttons in total, all of which are along their right temple arm. To be fair, all AR glasses’ button layouts take a while to learn. But the Beast has six in total spread across both temple arms, two of which are a button rocker dedicated solely to adjusting the opacity of its electrochromic lenses — it’s overkill.  The superior contrast and clarity of Viture’s Beast glasses The three pairs of AR glasses that I tested use similar Sony micro-OLED screens, but Viture’s glasses are my favorite when it comes to displaying games with the same rich contrast, inky blacks, and bright highlights as would appear on the OLED TV in my living room. Just as important, picture quality looks great regardless of where you use these glasses because their optics cut down on reflections (however, they’re not “4K-like,” as Viture misleadingly advertises). The Xreal One Pro glasses are also fantastic in terms of picture quality and exhibit next to no reflections due to having high-end optics, but they’re typically $100 more — though sometimes just $50 — than Viture’s Beast.  Unfortunately, the Xreal 1S’s biggest weakness is reflections. Bright rooms make their OLEDs exhibit crushed blacks, looking more like LCDs in these scenarios. They can produce a good image in low-light scenarios, though content appears blurrier through them than with the other glasses. The great fit and finish of Xreal’s glasses Xreal is peerless when it comes to build quality, and its $449 1S feels just as high-end as its pricier One Pro. Both pairs have snappy metal hinge mechanisms that prevent their temple arms from opening unintentionally (the ones on Viture’s Beast quickly swing open and

Last month, tech columnist David Pogue launched a new book called "Apple: The First 50 Years." On Amazon, you can get the new book for $34.38 in hardcover, down from $50.00, which is a 31 percent discount on the book. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. The book explores the first five decades of Apple's history, including interviews with 150 key people who shaped Apple into what it is today, like Steve Wozniak, John Sculley, Jony Ive, and more. The book launched to coincide with Apple's 50th anniversary, which just happened on April 1, 2026. 31% OFFApple: The First 50 Years for $34.38 Amazon's sale is on the hardcover version of the book, and provides an estimated April 9 delivery date for free delivery. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Get the New Book 'Apple: The First 50 Years' for 31% Off on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple's CarPlay system for accessing iPhone apps on a vehicle's dashboard screen received three popular apps this week: ChatGPT, Google Meet, and Audiomack. CarPlay Ultra in an Aston Martin In addition, WhatsApp is beta testing a revamped CarPlay app that will improve upon the basic Siri-based functionality that was previously available. Make sure you have the latest version of each app and they will automatically appear on CarPlay. ChatGPT Starting with iOS 26.4, CarPlay supports voice-based conversational apps. This means that chatbots can extend their iPhone apps to CarPlay for voice-based conversations, and OpenAI's ChatGPT is one of the first options available. With the ChatGPT app on CarPlay, you can have voice conversations with ChatGPT while the app is open, and view the titles of your past conversations. For safety reasons, the app does not show the text or images within conversations. Google Meet Google Meet is now available on CarPlay as well, allowing you to join meetings with a single tap, view your upcoming schedule, and participate in audio calls. For safety reasons, you cannot view video calls on the CarPlay interface. Audiomack Audiomack expanded to CarPlay this week. The 11th-most downloaded app in the App Store's Music category in the U.S. lets you stream and download songs, with a focus on independent artists and especially the Afrobeats and hip-hop genres. Audiomack's CarPlay app has Discover, Charts, Playlists, and My Library tabs, allowing you to listen to your existing songs and discover new ones. Coming Soon: Revamped WhatsApp A revamped WhatsApp app for CarPlay is currently in beta testing. WhatsApp is already available on CarPlay, but the app has limited Siri-based functionality. The revamped app displays lists of recent chats and phone calls, and there is also a tab that displays a list of your favorite contacts.Related Roundup: CarPlayRelated Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "Apple CarPlay Just Got Three Popular iPhone Apps" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

An incredibly busy March in the Apple world has come to end, punctuated by the company celebrating its 50th anniversary on April 1. That doesn't mean the news and rumors have stopped, however, as this week saw new discussion of the foldable iPhone, the iPhone 18 Pro, a potential future iMac upgrade, and much more to come throughout the remainder of the year, so read on below for all the details! Top Stories Apple Preparing 'Most Significant Overhaul in the iPhone's History' Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has high expectations for Apple's first foldable iPhone. In his Power On newsletter this week, he said the foldable iPhone will be "the most significant overhaul in the iPhone's history." "iPhone 4, iPhone 6 and iPhone X were clearly a big deal, but this is a whole new design," he said. Like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, the foldable iPhone will reportedly open up like a book, providing users with a large inner screen for watching videos, playing games, and multitasking. iOS 27 is expected to be optimized for the foldable iPhone, allowing for apps to be open side-by-side and for other iPad-like multitasking functionality. We're expecting the foldable iPhone to be unveiled in September alongside iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, though it may not ship until a few months later. Everything New in iOS 26.5 Beta 1 Following last week's public release of iOS 26.4 and related updates, this week saw the first developer betas of iOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, and more. While we still haven't seen the revamped Siri powered by Apple Intelligence that had previously been rumored for iOS 26.4 and is now seemingly pushed back until iOS 27, the new update does have some changes and we've recapped all of the ones we've spotted in the first beta. Apple to Launch These 15+ New Products Later This Year March was an incredibly busy month for Apple, with the company unveiling more than 10 new products and accessories. We said hello to the MacBook Neo at the start of the month, and we bid farewell to the Mac Pro at the end of it. Nevertheless, there is still a lot more to come this year. Beyond the usual annual updates to iPhones and Apple Watches, Apple's all-new smart home hub is finally expected to launch later this year, once the more personalized version of Siri arrives. We are also expecting a foldable iPhone, a MacBook Pro with an OLED display, and long-awaited updates to the Apple TV and HomePods this year. Check out our full list of everything we're expecting to see through the rest of this year, according to rumors. Apple Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Employee Gifts, Finale Concert With Paul McCartney at Apple Park Apple celebrated its 50th anniversary this week, and the company's month-long celebration that saw a variety of events around the world culminated with a major party at Apple Park. As hinted at by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman over the previous weekend, the Apple Park celebration was highlighted by a concert by Paul McCartney. Apple employees also received commemorative t-shirts, enamel pins, and limited-edition posters to mark the milestone anniversary. iPhone 18 Pro's Smaller Dynamic Island Revealed New images of an alleged iPhone 18 Pro prototype and screen protectors have emerged from multiple sources, adding weight to earlier reports that Apple plans to significantly shrink the Dynamic Island later this year. An X user called @earlyappleleaks recently shared an image purportedly showing a prototype ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ with a noticeably smaller ‌Dynamic Island‌. In the picture, the flashlight of another iPhone is held over the corner of the display, revealing a small circular punch-hole cutout under the display, which is presumably a relocated Face ID sensor. Apple Reportedly Planning to Launch iMac With OLED Display Apple is preparing to launch an iMac featuring an OLED panel with higher brightness, according to ZDNet Korea. Apple has apparently requested that Samsung Display, LG

"This looks like AI." It's a phrase I dread seeing as a writer who dabbles in illustration and amateur photography. In a world where generative AI technology is increasingly adept at mimicking the work of humans, people are naturally skeptical when online platforms refuse to label even obvious AI content. This leads me to one conclusion: maybe we should start labeling human-made text, images, audio, and video with something akin to a universally recognized Fair Trade logo. The machines sure as hell aren't motivated to label their work, but the creators at risk of being displaced most definitely are. Fortunately, I'm not alone in my thinki … Read the full story at The Verge.

Google on Friday evening announced a new firmware update for the original Pixel Buds A-Series. more…

We're long overdue for an Apple TV update, and there have been rumors about an imminent refresh since late last year. It's now sounding like we're not going to get a new version for several months because of Siri delays. If you're holding out for a new model, here's a recap on what to expect when it eventually comes out so you can decide whether to continue to wait, or buy now. Design ‌Apple TV‌ design updates are few and far between, and that's not changing in 2026. The next ‌Apple TV‌ is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black plastic material. We're expecting the 2026 ‌Apple TV‌ to be indistinguishable from the existing ‌Apple TV‌ on the exterior. New Chip A new A-series chip will be the main ‌Apple TV‌ update, and rumors suggest that it will get the A17 Pro chip that Apple first used in the iPhone 15 Pro models. Compared to the A15 Bionic in the current ‌Apple TV‌, the A17 Pro is a big update, and it's a good reason to hold off on buying the current model. The A17 Pro is built on a 3-nanometer process for faster speed and better efficiency, and it has hardware-accelerated ray tracing for higher-quality graphics in games. Given that Apple has held the ‌Apple TV‌ update for so long, it's entirely possible it'll get an even newer chip like the A18 or A19. A RAM update is possible too, especially if the ‌Apple TV‌ has any kind of Apple Intelligence support. Apple Intelligence and Siri The next ‌Apple TV‌ is supposedly ready to launch at any time, but new ‌Siri‌ features are the holdup. Apple wants to debut the ‌Apple TV‌ with the smarter version of ‌Siri‌ that's in the works, and it's not ready to go. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the Apple TV is linked to "new artificial intelligence features" that Apple has postponed until September 2026. Apple intended to launch the ‌Apple Intelligence‌ ‌Siri‌ features in spring 2026, but the company was still experiencing issues with ‌Siri‌. At this point, we're not going to see new ‌Siri‌ capabilities until iOS 27, which also means a delay for all the devices that Apple is holding. Along with the ‌Apple TV‌, the rumored home hub and a next-generation version of the HomePod are waiting on ‌Siri‌. Updated ‌Siri‌ features will likely require more RAM and a faster chip, so if you want the smarter ‌Siri‌ on the ‌Apple TV‌, that's another reason to wait before making a purchase. Wi-Fi The ‌Apple TV‌ could get Apple's N1 networking chip with Wi-Fi 7 support. Wi-Fi 7 works with the 6GHz band offered by newer routers. 6GHz connectivity is faster and less congested, which you generally want for a device designed for streaming content. Bluetooth The ‌Apple TV‌ 4K could get Bluetooth 6 for connecting devices like controllers and earbuds. Pricing There might be a cheaper version of the ‌Apple TV‌ available because there have been rumors of a price drop. Apple could release two models, one that's higher-end and one that has lower specs and a lower price tag, or it could keep the existing ‌Apple TV‌ around as a low-cost option. Launch Date If the new version of ‌Siri‌ has been pushed to ‌iOS 27‌ and the ‌Apple TV‌ is tied to that update, we're not going to see the ‌Apple TV‌ refreshed until September 2026 or later.Related Roundup: Apple TVTag: SiriBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)Related Forum: Apple TV and Home TheaterThis article, "New Apple TV Waiting for Siri: Here's What's Coming When It Launches" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple today provided public beta testers with the first releases of upcoming iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, and tvOS 26.5 updates for testing purposes. The public betas come four days after Apple provided the betas to developers, though Apple seeded updated iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 betas to developers earlier today. After signing up for beta testing on Apple's beta site, public beta testers can download the updates using the Software Update section of the Settings app on each device. iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, and ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.5 include a new Suggested Places feature for recommending nearby locations to visit, and Apple is also gearing up to start showing ads in Maps. Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users again, and there are proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third-party wearables in the EU.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS TahoeRelated Forums: iOS 26, macOS TahoeThis article, "Apple Releases First iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5 and macOS Tahoe 26.5 Public Betas" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Today marks the 16th anniversary of when Apple released the first-generation iPad. After Steve Jobs announced the ‌iPad‌ on January 27, 2010, it launched a few months later on April 3, 2010. Apple's original ‌iPad‌ looked like a larger version of the iPhone, featuring thick bezels, a 9.7-inch multitouch display with a 1,024 x 768 resolution, a Home Button, and a 30-pin dock connector. The ‌iPad‌ was the first device that Apple released with a custom-designed chip, the Apple A4. The concept of a tablet device like the ‌iPad‌ actually predated the iPhone, and Apple had a prototype project in the works in 2004. Then-Apple CEO Steve Jobs wanted to prioritize the iPhone, so the ‌iPad‌ was put on hold until after the iPhone was established. Apple priced the ‌iPad‌ at $499, and Jobs called it a "magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price." Like the iPhone, the ‌iPad‌ dominated the tablet space, and it still continues to do so today. Apple sold a million iPads in the first month, and while competitors like Microsoft and Samsung quickly came out with competing tablets of their own, the ‌iPad‌ has no match. Apple has led the global tablet market for over a decade and no competitor comes close to matching its tablet market share. As of the fourth quarter of 2025, Apple's market share was 44.9 percent, with Samsung the next closest at 14.7 percent. Apple has expanded its ‌iPad‌ lineup over the years, and we now have multiple sizes at multiple price points. The 11-inch ‌iPad‌ is available for those who want a low-cost option, while the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air are mid-range products with a Mac chip. The 8.3-inch iPad mini is available for those who want a smaller-sized tablet, and for those who want top-of-the-line performance with Apple's latest Mac chip, the 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Pro models are available.This article, "Happy Birthday, iPad: Apple's Tablet Turns 16" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple is now selling M4 iPad Pro models in its online store for refurbished products, allowing customers to purchase like-new models at a discounted price. There are both 11-inch and 13-inch options available, in multiple storage configurations. Apple is offering Wi-Fi and Cellular refurbished models, and silver and black color options. Pricing on the 11-inch M4 ‌iPad Pro‌ starts at $759, down from the original $999 price. The 13-inch model is priced starting at $1,019, down from the original $1,299 price. Entry-level models are Wi-Fi only with 256GB of storage. Apple released the M4 ‌iPad Pro‌ models in May 2024, but this is the first time that refurbished models have been available for purchase. Apple discontinued the M4 ‌iPad Pro‌ models with the launch of the M5 ‌iPad Pro‌ in October 2025. Apple sells refurbished devices with the same one-year warranty that comes with a new Apple product. Refurbished iPads feature all manuals and accessories, plus Apple has a testing, repair, repackaging, and cleaning process to make sure that refurbished products are identical to new devices. Refurbished products are eligible for AppleCare+ protection.Related Roundup: iPad ProTag: Apple Refurbished ProductsBuyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Neutral)This article, "Apple Now Sells Refurbished M4 iPad Pro Models Starting at $759" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Apple today seeded revised first betas of upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming four days after Apple seeded the initial betas. Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update. It's not clear why Apple has seeded new beta updates, but there may be a bug fix that couldn't wait for the second beta. iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 do not include new Siri capabilities, suggesting any ‌Siri‌ updates are being held until iOS 27. The Maps app has a Suggested Places feature for recommending locations to visit nearby based on trends and recent searches, plus Apple is laying the groundwork for ads. Apple is again testing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users. Apple tested the feature in iOS 26.4, but removed it before the update launched. In the European Union, Apple is testing proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third-party wearables like earbuds and smartwatches. More detail on what's new in iOS 26.5 can be found in our beta 1 features guide.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "Apple Seeds Revised iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 Betas to Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

If you often find yourself adding a track to an Apple Music playlist, going back, and then adding it to other playlists, iOS 26.4 includes an option that could save you bags of time: You can now select multiple playlists when adding a song. Previously, tapping Add to Playlist would take you to a list of your playlists, and you could only pick one at a time. In iOS 26.4, there's a new multi-select option that lets you check off as many playlists as you like in one go. Here's how it works. In the Music app, find the song you want to add. Long press the song, or tap the three-dot menu (...) next to it. Tap Add to Playlist. In the bottom-right corner, tap the new multi-select button. Select all the playlists you want to add the song to – each one gets a red checkmark. Tap the checkmark button in the top-right corner to confirm. The header at the top of the screen will update to reflect how many playlists you've selected, so you can keep track before confirming. It might seem like a minor addition, but if you maintain several playlists organized by mood, genre, or occasion, it eliminates so much back-and-forth navigation. It's no exaggeration to say that some users will have been waiting years for this option. In iOS 26.4, Apple has also given albums and playlists a new fullscreen design so that the album artwork colors style the entire background of the track list and other UI elements to give each album a more immersive, authentic look. To check out what's new, make sure your iPhone is up-to-date with the latest version by going to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Tag: Apple MusicRelated Forum: iOS 26This article, "This Music Selection Tweak in iOS 26.4 Will Save You Bags of Time" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Your Friday lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now ready to roll, including titles like Friend of a Slime: Survivors, LUNA The Shadow Dust, Growbot, Paths & Danger, The Longing, Unforeseen Incidents, Terra Mystica, Lara Croft GO, Homo Machina, and more. We also have $150 off all Galaxy Tab S11 configs plus 30% off Book Cover Keyboard Slim with purchase alongside Samsung’s already affordable Galaxy Tab A11+ at the $202 Amazon all-time low, but all of the apps are waiting below.  more…

Fitbit is rolling out version 4.66 of the Android app with all the new Public Preview features announced earlier this week. more…

Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by Samsung now offering $150 off all Galaxy Tab S11 configs alongside 30% off Book Cover Keyboard Slim as well as the already affordable Galaxy Tab A11+ sitting at the $202 Amazon all-time low today. On to the monitors, we have Samsung’s 34-inch ViewFinity ultrawide QHD monitor for your workstation down at $210 and the originally $650 Alienware 27-inch 280Hz QHD gaming monitor for your battlestation at $290, as well as Anker’s display-equipped 250W 6-port Prime Charging Station returning to the Amazon low at $100. Head below for a closer look and more of this week’s best discounts. more…

Nothing has really hit its stride with the whole budget smartphone thing, with two generations that really got the fundamentals right without breaking the bank. Throughout the company’s history, though, I’ve always felt like something was missing, and I think they’ve finally found it. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is the “something” I’ve been waiting for and, as it turns out, the formula was really quite simple. more…

This week was the launch of the AirPods Max 2, and Amazon has the first cash discount on these brand new headphones for launch week. Below, you'll also find great deals on the M5 MacBook Air, 2026 Studio Display, and M4 iPad Air. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. AirPods Max 2 What's the deal? Take $20 off AirPods Max 2 Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $20 OFFAirPods Max 2 for $529.00 Apple's new AirPods Max 2 launched this week, and Amazon is one of the only retailers offering any sort of discount on the headphones. You can get the Midnight and Starlight color options for $529.00 on Amazon, down from $549.00. M5 MacBook Air What's the deal? Take up to $84 off M5 MacBook Air Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $66 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (512GB) for $1,033.00 $84 OFF13-inch M5 MacBook Air (24GB/1TB) for $1,415.50 Amazon has introduced a few new record low prices on the new M5 MacBook Air this week, with up to $84 off these notebooks. The biggest markdowns can be found on the 13-inch MacBook Air, but there are still some solid deals on 15-inch models as well. Apple Studio Display What's the deal? Take $100 off the new Studio Display Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $100 OFFApple Studio Display (Standard/Tilt) for $1,499.00 $100 OFFApple Studio Display (Standard/VESA) for $1,499.00 $100 OFFApple Studio Display (Nano-Texture/VESA) for $1,799.00 $100 OFFApple Studio Display (Standard/Tilt and Height) for $1,899.00 Apple just launched the new line of Studio Displays last month, and Amazon already has a few $100 discounts on select models. You can get the Standard Glass Studio Display with Tilt-Adjustable Stand for $1,499.00, down from $1,599.00, an all-time low price. M4 iPad Air What's the deal? Take up to $80 off M4 iPad Air Where can I get it? Amazon Where can I find the original deal? Right here $40 OFF11-inch M4 iPad Air for $559.00 $50 OFF13-inch M4 iPad Air for $749.00 Last month saw the launch of all of Apple's new products, and Amazon is already offering good discounts on many models of the M4 iPad Air. We're seeing up to $80 off both the 11-inch and 13-inch models, which is solid for a brand-new product. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "Best Apple Deals of the Week: AirPods Max 2 Launch Deal Arrives, Plus $100 Off Apple Studio Display and More" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

Earlier this week, Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 26.5 to developers. The software update is relatively minor so far, which is not too surprising given that Apple is likely shifting its focus towards iOS 27. Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and the update should be released in September. Below, we outline what is new in iOS 26.5 so far, along with rumored iOS 27 features. iOS 26.5 iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for two changes, including end-to-end encryption for RCS in the Messages app and ads in the Apple Maps app. End-to-end encryption for ‌RCS‌ is a security feature that ensures that messages sent between supported iOS 26.5 and Android devices are encrypted and cannot be intercepted and read by a third party while they are being delivered. Apple already tested end-to-end encryption for RCS in the iOS 26.4 beta, but the feature did not make it into the final release of iOS 26.4 last week. It remains to be seen if the feature launches with iOS 26.5, or if it will be removed again before beta testing ends and return at some point during the iOS 27 software cycle. Last month, Apple announced that ads are coming to the Apple Maps app on the iPhone and iPad in the U.S. and Canada starting "this summer," and there is evidence of Apple preparing for that within iOS 26.5's code. Apple says businesses in the U.S. and Canada will be able to place ads in search results and at the top of a new "Suggested Places" section in the app. The new "Suggested Places" section is visible in the iOS 26.5 beta. "Ads on Maps will appear when users search in Maps, and can appear at the top of a user's search results based on relevance, as well as at the top of a new Suggested Places experience in Maps, which will display recommendations based on what's trending nearby, the user's recent searches, and more," says Apple. Similar to the ads that are already shown in App Store search results on the iPhone and iPad, ads in Apple Maps will have an "Ad" label, and Apple promises strong privacy protections. For example, Apple says a user's location and the ads they see and interact with in Apple Maps are not associated with a user's Apple Account. Read our coverage of Apple's announcement for more details about the ads. In the iOS 26.5 beta, Apple is working to extend iPhone features like notifications, Live Activities, and AirPods-like pairing to third-party smartwatches and headphones in the EU, as required under the Digital Markets Act. Beyond that, iOS 26.5 has only a few other minor changes. iOS 27 Apple's long-awaited Siri revamp is finally expected to arrive with iOS 27. The more personalized version of Siri will have understanding of a user's personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app controls. For example, during its WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple showed an iPhone user asking Siri about their mother's flight and lunch reservation plans based on info from the Mail and Messages apps. That is not all, though, as iOS 27 will reportedly feature a dedicated Siri app with its own chatbot functionality and conversation history, or users will be able to tap into third-party chatbots such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude through a so-called "Extensions" feature in the app. Earlier this year, Apple and Google announced that Gemini will help to power Apple Intelligence's underlying models and features, including the more personalized version of Siri. iOS 27 will likely expand Apple Intelligence to additional Apple apps, and it was rumored that this will include the Apple Calendar app. iOS 27 will reportedly support 5G satellite internet connectivity, although this functionality might be limited to the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models with Apple's next-generation C2 modem. Additional satellite features have been rumored, including Apple Maps via satellite and the ability to send and receive photos when using Messages via satellite. iOS 27 m

Item trackers are everywhere in the footsteps of the AirTag, and better options just keep appearing. Recently, a new Find Hub tracker from Nomad debuted for Android users, and I think it makes an argument for being the best option for your wallet – in more ways than one – right up against the Pebblebee Card 5 that launched last year. more…

Google is giving Chrome for Android more Material 3 Expressive with a redesign of the Settings page. more…

Welcome to episode 94 of Pixelated, a podcast by 9to5Google. This week, Damien, Abner, and Will talk all about this week’s Pixel 11 leaks, granting everyone an early look at what appears to be a strikingly familiar smartphone launch on deck for later this year. After a brief dip into some Android 17 Beta 3 thoughts, the crew discusses Google’s upcoming display-less Fitbit band, clearly designed to take Whoop head-on with the help of Steph Curry. Subscribe YouTube Podcasts Pocket Casts Spotify Apple Podcasts Overcast Sponsored by Proton Unlimited: Pixelated listeners can save 30% on an annual subscription to the company’s suite of privacy-friendly services by signing up using our link. Thanks to Proton Unlimited for sponsoring the podcast. more…

YouTube has just revealed details on how it will broadcast Coachella next week, including support for multiview, 4K streams, and even a feed shot by Google Pixel. more…

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is a premium phone – hands-down. What that means is it needs a case, and the excuse that Qi2 works without a case is useless in this instance, thanks to the Samsung. From cases with “Aaron” buttons to hidden visuals, these options are our favorites. more…

Google Meet is now available on Apple CarPlay for iPhone users to “join meetings safely while on the road.” more…

Federal regulators have taken Arizona, Illinois, and Connecticut to court, opening a new front in the fight over so-called event contracts and who gets to regulate them. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, joined by the United States, filed lawsuits in federal district courts seeking to stop those states from enforcing laws that would block these products. Federal officials argue event contracts fall under their authority when they trade on registered exchanges. State regulators see something else entirely, calling them unlicensed gambling.  The cases seen by ReadWrite stem in part from recent enforcement moves. In Illinois, regulators sent cease-and-desist letters to firms including Kalshi and Robinhood, arguing their sports-related event contracts amount to unlawful wagering without proper state licenses. Connecticut officials made similar claims, saying companies were “conducting unlicensed online gambling” by offering these contracts to residents. The @CFTC has clear and longstanding exclusive jurisdiction to regulate prediction markets. But recently, state regulators have tried to impose inconsistent and contrary obligations on CFTC-registered prediction markets. In response, the CFTC and @TheJusticeDept today filed three…— Mike Selig (@ChairmanSelig) April 2, 2026 However, CFTC Chairman Michael Selig stated in a press release that the agency would “continue to safeguard its exclusive regulatory authority over these markets and defend market participants against overzealous state regulators. “This is not the first time states have tried to impose inconsistent and contrary obligations on market participants, but Congress specifically rejected such a fragmented patchwork of state regulations because it resulted in poorer consumer protection and increased risk of fraud and manipulation,” he added. CFTC and DOJ challenge states over prediction markets ban The federal complaints lean heavily on the Commodity Exchange Act. According to the filings, the law “provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for the regulation of derivatives transactions in the United States” and gives the CFTC “exclusive jurisdiction” over products like futures, options, and swaps listed on regulated exchanges. NEW: DOJ & CFTC sue Illinois, claiming federal law preempts state gambling rules on event contracts, asserting exclusive oversight of derivatives markets #PredictionMarkets @RWW pic.twitter.com/pFGmp4VGNp— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 2, 2026 Officials argue that event contracts fit squarely within that framework when structured as derivatives. The filings describe them as instruments that “enable parties to trade on their predictions about whether a future event…will occur,” spanning areas like “economics, or elections, or climate, or sports.” States are pushing back with a different interpretation. Illinois regulators, for example, said it is illegal to run platforms that allow users to “make a wager upon the result of any sport, game, contest, political nomination, appointment, or election…without an [Illinois Gaming Board]-issued license.” Connecticut authorities have taken a similar stance. The lawsuits also draw on history, pointing out that futures trading was once treated as gambling in some jurisdictions before Congress stepped in to centralize oversight. Lawmakers ultimately handed the CFTC exclusive authority in 1974 to avoid what they warned could become “total chaos” from overlapping rules. Recent developments have added urgency. The CFTC has been weighing guidance and potential rulemaking around sports-related prediction markets, while also attempting to have a more pragmatic approach in recent advisory discussions. At the same time, legal debates have expanded beyond these states, including outside support for prediction markets in filings tied to Nevada disputes. A ruling against the federal government might limit the agency’s reach and reinforce state control over anything resembling sports betting. A decision

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has handed down a four-year ban to Counter-Strike player Dmytro “Nifee” Tediashvili after concluding he took part in match manipulation and betting-related misconduct, according to a newly released sanction decision. Investigators with ESIC determined that Tediashvili violated its integrity rules by engaging in conduct that compromised fair competition. The decision was based on influencing match outcomes and placing bets tied to those same contests, actions the commission treats as serious integrity breaches. The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has issued a four-year ban to CS2 player Dmytro “nifee” Tediashvili following a detailed investigation into match manipulation and betting-related corruption during an ESIC Member Event.Findings confirmed deliberate in-game manipulation… pic.twitter.com/2EoXz5AX78— ESIC (@ESIC_Official) April 1, 2026 Under the ruling, Tediashvili is barred for four years from any involvement in events connected to ESIC member organizations. That prohibition stretches across all roles, meaning he cannot compete, coach, manage, or take part in any capacity within tournaments operating under ESIC oversight. Officials said their conclusions rely on evidence gathered during the investigation, though the announcement stops short of naming specific matches. The decision fits into a wider push by ESIC to clamp down on corruption, particularly as betting activity becomes more intertwined with competitive gaming. Counter-Strike Nifee ESIC sanction reflects crackdown on esports corruption ESIC stated that the length of the ban matches the severity of the violations. Cases involving match-fixing and betting conflicts are treated as some of the most damaging offenses because they erode trust in results and the broader esports ecosystem. The suspension takes effect immediately and will stay in place for the full term unless altered through formal procedures. Until then, Tediashvili remains excluded from all ESIC-governed competitions and affiliated organizations. This comes as ESIC recently took action against multiple players and teams, including a high-profile sanction involving the ATOX Esports CS2 roster, which was also banned following a match-fixing investigation.  At the same time, the industry is facing growing scrutiny around gambling-related issues beyond match-fixing. Valve is currently pushing back against legal claims that loot boxes in games like Counter-Strike violate gambling laws. ESIC continues to position itself as a central enforcement body, working alongside tournament organizers, teams, and betting operators to detect suspicious activity and prevent corruption before it spreads. In its announcement, the commission reiterated that strong penalties are meant to discourage others from similar conduct. It also noted that maintaining competitive integrity is essential. No public response from Tediashvili was included in the ruling.  Featured image: Counter-Strike via Steam / Screenshot via incircleesports on Instagram The post ESIC bans Counter-Strike player Nifee for match fixing violations appeared first on ReadWrite.

The Iowa Senate has signed off on a bill that would bring new rules and taxes to a fast-expanding corner of finance often called prediction markets. Lawmakers approved Senate File 2470 on Tuesday (March 31), making it the first time a state legislative chamber has moved to formally regulate this type of trading. The proposal lays out a structure for companies offering what it calls event-driven contracts. These are financial products that pay out based on whether a specific future event happens or not. The bill spells out a wide range of qualifying events, including sports contests, lotteries, elections, legislative decisions, and key economic data points. NEW: Iowa Senate passes bill regulating #PredictionMarkets, adding taxes and permits. The measure now moves to the House for debate. @RWW pic.twitter.com/wC4sotj63C— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 1, 2026 Under the measure, companies would need a state-issued permit before operating in Iowa. That entry comes at a steep cost, with an initial fee set at $20 million and annual renewals priced at $100,000. Prediction markets to face new taxes and regulatory framework under Iowa bill A central piece of the legislation is a new tax aimed at platform operators. The bill sets a 20% tax on adjusted yearly revenue generated from these contracts. The legislation defines adjusted revenues as “the total charges and fees collected…less payouts made to traders,” with further adjustments based on the share of activity tied to Iowa users. All of that tax money would flow into the state’s general fund. The proposal also shifts responsibility onto companies to handle tax withholding for users. It treats payouts as Iowa-earned income and requires operators to withhold and send those taxes directly to the state. On top of that, it changes how traders calculate gains and losses for state taxes, forcing them to recompute certain figures rather than rely on federal tax treatment. Lawmakers added a fallback plan in case the primary tax structure runs into legal trouble. If courts strike it down or block enforcement, the state would instead impose a 20% tax on each contract purchase. This would only kick in after a final court ruling and all appeals are exhausted. The bill sets its first tax period from July 1 through the end of 2026, with standard calendar-year taxation after that. The move comes as legal and political pressure builds around prediction markets. Kalshi, a federally regulated exchange, has already sued Iowa, arguing that federal oversight through the Commodity Futures Trading Commission preempts state-level restrictions.  At the same time, Iowa lawmakers are advancing a separate effort to strengthen gambling enforcement. It would target unlicensed or unregulated betting-like activities. Featured image: Canva The post Iowa Senate passes bill regulating and taxing fast growing prediction markets appeared first on ReadWrite.

Kentucky lawmakers are moving forward with a wide-ranging gaming bill that would reshape how betting works across the state, from fantasy sports to emerging prediction markets. The proposal bundles multiple changes into one framework while giving regulators broader authority to oversee the industry. House Bill 904 cleared the House in March and is now under review in the Senate. If it passes, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation would take on expanded control over several forms of wagering. The bill also formally defines a “prediction market” as a platform where users can “buy, sell, or exchange event contracts” tied to future outcomes, bringing those platforms under state oversight for the first time. Kentucky's House-approved bill HB 904 was just passed 10-0 in its first Senate committeeIt would:– raise sports betting age to 21– ban election betting– ban credit card use in gambling– regulate/tax DFS– prevent licensees from participating in IN-STATE* prediction markets— Tom Nightingale (@TNightingaming) April 1, 2026 The legislation adjusts age requirements as well. Fantasy contests would remain open to participants 18 and older, but the minimum age for charitable gaming would increase to 21. Kentucky bill expands oversight of prediction markets and raises betting age Lawmakers are also setting clearer rules for fantasy sports operators. Companies would need state licenses and would be required to verify users’ identities and locations. The bill mandates geolocation tools to confirm that players are physically in approved jurisdictions before they can enter contests. Operators must also “implement procedures to prevent fraud, abuse, and money laundering” while monitoring for suspicious activity like collusion or unauthorized accounts. Any confirmed violations tied to match-fixing or other illegal conduct would have to be reported to regulators. Certain groups would be barred from participating. Athletes, coaches, referees, and others with inside knowledge would not be allowed to enter contests connected to their sports. The bill also explicitly bans attempts to manipulate outcomes. The measure introduces a tiered licensing system, with fees ranging from $7,500 to $15,000 upfront and annual renewals between $5,000 and $10,000. Those funds would support regulation, problem gambling services, and the state pension system. Additional revenue would flow into a new “purse stabilization fund” backed by taxes on fixed-odds horse racing bets. The push comes as Kentucky’s gambling market continues to grow. Reporting from 2025 shows wagering activity in the state jumped 54% in February compared to the same month last year. At the same time, other states are taking a far more cautious approach to newer betting models. Lawmakers in Minnesota are weighing a bill that would criminalize certain prediction market activity, while Hawaii has introduced legislation that would ban those platforms outright. Kentucky’s proposal instead targets regulation rather than prohibition, while also tightening enforcement. One provision would block individuals who owe at least $1,000 in unpaid child support from opening or maintaining betting accounts. Tax rates would also be standardized, with fixed-odds horse racing wagers taxed at 9.75% in person and 14.25% online, matching existing sports betting rates. The bill remains under Senate consideration. Featured image: Canva The post Kentucky lawmakers push gaming bill barring sportsbooks from prediction markets and raising betting age to 21 appeared first on ReadWrite.

Two major names in online sports betting are now facing twin federal lawsuits filed on the same day, as a smaller tech firm accuses them of using its patented systems without authorization. Interactive Games LLC brought separate cases against FanDuel and Betfair in New Jersey and DraftKings in Massachusetts. In both filings, the company claims the operators are relying on mobile wagering technology that traces back to patents it now controls. The lawsuits state that Interactive Games’ predecessor, Cantor Gaming, “was the first to develop systems that allowed users to gamble, place sports wagers, and play casino games on mobile devices.” The company argues those early breakthroughs became the backbone of today’s mobile betting ecosystem. Interactive Games fight against DraftKings and FanDuel rooted in early smartphone technology The filings walk through the technical hurdles developers faced in the mid-2000s, when smartphones were still new and unproven for gambling. Engineers had to figure out how to confirm a user’s identity, ensure they were physically located in a legal jurisdiction, and detect whether a device had been altered or “rooted.” Complaint excerpt alleges willful patent infringement and seeks damages and court-ordered relief. Credit: Interactive Games vs FanDuel and Betfair Interactive US At that point, existing gambling setups depended heavily on in-person verification or stationary terminals, which didn’t translate to mobile use. According to the documents, there wasn’t a ready-made solution for secure, compliant wagering on handheld devices. Cantor Gaming, the lawsuits claim, built systems to close those gaps. The technology could identify unauthorized device changes, track behavior patterns to spot fraud, and confirm location using multiple points instead of relying on a single signal. The gaming firm says those inventions were later patented and are now being used without permission. In both lawsuits, the company alleges FanDuel and DraftKings “have been developing, distributing, and profiting from” their apps in ways that infringe those patents “without a license.” The New Jersey case targets a wide range of FanDuel products, including its sportsbook, casino, fantasy, and racing apps, and points to five specific patents. The Massachusetts filing mirrors those claims, focusing on DraftKings’ betting and gaming platforms. Each complaint also showcases the companies’ operational ties to the states where the lawsuits were filed. FanDuel and Betfair are described as running and developing products in New Jersey, while DraftKings is said to base key engineering work in Boston. This is not the first time an intellectual property case has affected a betting firm. DraftKings is also facing a patent infringement lawsuit tied to its micro-betting features, which allow users to wager on rapid, in-game events. The case alleges the company used patented technology covering real-time betting mechanics without proper authorization. Another recent dispute involved a Light & Wonder slot machine, which was pulled from circulation amid controversy. Interactive Games is now seeking damages in both cases and has requested jury trials. Featured image: FanDuel / DraftKings The post Federal lawsuits from Interactive Games accuse FanDuel and DraftKings of patent infringement appeared first on ReadWrite.

Authorities in Sarasota County say they’ve dismantled an illegal gambling setup and taken two people into custody after spending months building the case. Investigators focused on a business operating as Spin 24/7 along South Beneva Road. Deputies arrested Mohamed Belyaqout, 52, at the storefront on March 26. The next day, they tracked down a second suspect, Mabielka C. Cumbrera, 45, and arrested her at a Sarasota residence. SCSO in cooperation with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), have arrested two people on charges of Keeping & Maintaining a Gambling House & Possession of Slot Machines. Read full news release: https://t.co/NlUIutUfv5 pic.twitter.com/rGIp22pacc— SarasotaSheriff (@SarasotaSheriff) March 30, 2026 Both are now facing charges tied to running what deputies describe as an unlawful gambling house, along with possession of slot machines. Jail records show they were booked into the Sarasota County Correctional Facility shortly after their arrests. Detectives say this case is part of a push targeting illegal gaming operations across the county. Several units inside the sheriff’s office teamed up with the Florida Gaming Control Commission to investigate not just this location, but a wider network of suspected activity. When deputies carried out a search warrant at Spin 24/7, they removed 66 slot-style machines and collected cash from inside the business. Officials noted the operators had already been put on notice. A cease-and-desist letter had been issued in April 2025, more than a year before authorities moved in. So far, investigators haven’t shared how long the business had been running or how much money was seized. They’ve also stayed quiet about any additional sites that may still be under scrutiny. Sarasota crackdown on illegal gambling operations Sheriff Kurt Hoffman said the arrests are one example of a continuing effort to shut down unauthorized gambling spots in the region. “We will continue our partnership with FGCC holding these illegal gambling establishments accountable and shutting them down,” Hoffman said in a press release. The sheriff’s office says its Intelligence Unit, Tactical Unit, Special Investigations Section, and Patrol Bureau all contributed to the case, alongside state regulators. Recent enforcement actions across Florida have led to the seizure of hundreds of illegal machines, including more than 600 devices taken in a separate multi-agency operation. In Central Florida, investigators have also targeted businesses accused of disguising gambling machines as legitimate arcade-style entertainment, often uncovering large amounts of cash during raids. Authorities say these operations tend to move or reopen under different names, which makes long-term enforcement a challenge. For now, officials say the investigation in Sarasota County is still active, and more arrests haven’t been ruled out. The Spin 24/7 location has been shut down following the search, though it’s unclear what will happen to the property going forward. Anyone with information about illegal gambling activity in the area is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office as investigators continue their work. Featured image: Sarasota County Correctional Facility The post Two arrested after Sarasota illegal gambling operation uncovered by local investigators appeared first on ReadWrite.

Tennessee lawmakers are taking another step toward tightening rules on online gambling, advancing legislation that targets sweepstakes-style casino platforms officials say are misleading residents. House Bill 1885, introduced by Rep. Scott Cepicky, moved forward Tuesday (March 31) after clearing a House panel with a recommendation for passage. The proposal now heads to the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee, where lawmakers will weigh its financial impact before deciding whether to move it further along. UPDATE: Tennessee HB1885 targets illegal gambling, including #sweepstakes-style operations. Now recommended for passage and sent to Finance committee @RWW pic.twitter.com/dgStu5s8Ku— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) March 31, 2026 The push comes as Tennessee joins a growing list of states examining or proposing restrictions on sweepstakes casinos. Regulators and law enforcement officials have raised concerns that these platforms blur the line between legal promotions and real-money gambling. How the Tennessee sweepstakes casino bill defines illegal activity The online gaming model relies on virtual currencies. Players can buy those currencies or receive them through bonuses, then use them to play casino-style games. In some cases, winnings can be redeemed for cash or prizes. State lawmakers argue that setup creates confusion. The bill describes a “growing presence in Tennessee of illegal online sweepstakes casinos” that present themselves as free-to-play entertainment while operating much differently in practice. According to the legislation, the platforms “serve as a façade” that allows players to participate in real-money gambling while believing they are engaging in legal promotional gaming. It further states that consumers are “induced to purchase virtual currency under the false impression” that they are not gambling. If approved, the measure would make it explicitly illegal to operate, promote, or assist these types of platforms in Tennessee. The prohibition would also extend to offering wagers or supporting unlawful gambling activity in the state. Violations would be treated as offenses against “the public health, safety, and welfare of this state,” and would fall under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, opening the door to penalties tied to deceptive business practices. The proposal also strengthens enforcement powers. It gives the state attorney general expanded authority to investigate suspected violations, including the ability to demand records and sworn testimony. It would build on recent actions from the attorney general’s office, which has already issued cease-and-desist letters to several sweepstakes operators. Some companies have begun responding. VGW, a major operator in the space, has already pulled its sweepstakes offerings from Tennessee as scrutiny intensifies. Lawmakers stress that the bill does not touch existing legal gambling options, including licensed sports betting, fantasy sports, nonprofit gaming, or the state lottery. Supporters say that there is a need to address what they see as a fast-growing and largely unregulated corner of online gaming, protecting Tennesseans from “the potential risks of illegal gambling” as these platforms continue to spread. If the bill ultimately passes, it would take effect immediately. Featured image: Canva The post Tennessee lawmakers advance bill targeting online sweepstakes casinos appeared first on ReadWrite.

A legal fight over online prediction markets is picking up steam, as companies tied to Polymarket push a federal appeals court against Nevada to step in and block a lower court’s decision. In a new filing with the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the companies, which include Blockratize Inc., QCX LLC, and Adventure One QSS Inc, argue the case belongs in federal court and are now seeking an emergency stay while their appeal moves forward. argue they’re likely to win on appeal and shouldn’t be forced to fight the case in Nevada state court in the meantime. They’re asking for an emergency stay after a federal judge ordered the dispute sent back to state jurisdiction. NEW: #Polymarket urges Ninth Circuit to stay remand, citing federal jurisdiction, irreparable harm, and need for federal forum in Nevada dispute @RWW pic.twitter.com/Oa6ZJdxzTm— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) March 31, 2026 This comes as the appeals court has already declined to grant a pause in related proceedings, allowing the case to keep moving forward even as the jurisdictional fight continues. The enforcement action from the Nevada Gaming Control Board says the companies operated without the required state license. The companies insist their platform falls under federal oversight, not state control. The filing states, “Plaintiff’s opposition does not defend the district court’s reasoning, ignores Defendants’ key arguments, and seeks to replace Nken’s discretionary standard with a categorical rule.” The Nken issue is whether the court should apply the usual four-factor balancing test for a stay pending appeal, or adopt a categorical rule that effectively denies stays in these cases. The defendants argue that Polymarket US operates under authority delegated by federal regulators, giving them the right to defend themselves in federal court. “Courts have consistently held that private entities exercising federally delegated authority may invoke the federal officer removal statute,” the filing states. They also take direct aim at the lower court’s reasoning. “The district court’s theory for remanding—the notion that federal supervision defeats removal—is indefensible,” the companies argue. Polymarket urges federal appeals court to stay remand against Nevada Beyond jurisdiction, the companies say the case raises federal questions that can’t be handled properly at the state level. They point to Nevada law allowing conduct if it is “otherwise provided by law,” arguing that it includes federal law and requires federal interpretation. At the same time, pressure is mounting on the ground in Nevada. A state court recently issued a temporary restraining order against Polymarket, reinforcing regulators’ efforts to halt its operations while the case plays out. The companies warn that continuing in state court could cause lasting damage. “Congress has determined that those who remove under the federal officer removal statute are entitled to have their federal defenses decided in federal court,” the filing states. Without a stay, they argue, Nevada could expand earlier enforcement actions into a wider injunction. They also say forcing the case to move forward in parallel courts would waste time and resources. “Judicial economy would be better served by staying the case, not by forcing the parties to litigate merits issues once in state court and again on return to federal district court,” the filing says. Nevada, for its part, has argued that delays would be harmful. The companies counter that point by noting prior rulings acknowledging Congress anticipated delays when allowing these types of appeals. With a temporary administrative stay nearing its expiration, the companies are urging the appeals court to act quickly or extend relief. Featured image: Polymarket / Canva The post Polymarket legal fight intensifies as appeals court weighs ongoing jurisdiction battle in Nevada appeared first on ReadWrite.

Tribal leaders from around the country came together this week as the Indian Gaming Association’s Board of Directors met at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego alongside its annual tradeshow, tackling financial business before turning to a fast-growing fight over sports prediction markets. The board approved a formal resolution pushing back on efforts by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to oversee so-called event contracts, including sports betting. Tribal leaders argue those products function as gambling and should remain under tribal and state jurisdiction, not federal financial regulators. IGA statement: The Indian Gaming Association welcomes the introduction of the “Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act” @RWW pic.twitter.com/IBKM0rHYiI— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) March 23, 2026 Chairman David Z. Bean said the decision reflects a broader effort to defend long-standing tribal authority in gaming. “Today, our Board took decisive action to protect what generations before us fought to build,” Bean said. “These so-called prediction markets are an attempt to bypass tribal authority and recast gambling as a financial product. We will not allow that. We will stand united to defend tribal sovereignty and the integrity of Indian gaming.” Tribal board takes aim at federal proposal over sports prediction markets The resolution urges Congress to clarify that sports event contracts qualify as gambling, placing them firmly under existing tribal and state frameworks. Lawmakers in Washington have already begun weighing that question, with bipartisan Senate legislation introduced to address the rise of sports prediction markets and close what tribes see as a regulatory loophole. The American Gaming Association applauds the introduction of the Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act by @SenAdamSchiff and @SenJohnCurtis, a critical step to to uphold state and tribal sovereignty and protect consumers. pic.twitter.com/ZpXsj1N2TA— American Gaming Association (@AmericanGaming) March 23, 2026 Industry groups, including the Indian Gaming Association and the American Gaming Association, have also pressed Congress to examine the emergence of crypto-based prediction platforms tied to sports outcomes. They argue those markets risk skirting established gaming laws while operating in a gray area between finance and wagering. Bean framed the issue as urgent and widespread across Indian Country, pointing to frustration that federal officials have acknowledged concerns but have yet to act decisively. “This is federal overreach, plain and simple,” he said. “When outside entities attempt to operate gambling under a different name, without respect for our laws, our compacts, or our sovereignty, we have a responsibility to act. And that is exactly what this Board has done.” The board is also encouraging tribal governments to formally oppose the CFTC’s proposal before an April 30 deadline, signaling a coordinated national response. “As we move forward, we do so together,” Bean said. “When we stand united as tribal governments, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.” Featured image: David Bean via LinkedIn The post Tribal gaming leaders confront federal push over sports prediction markets appeared first on ReadWrite.

Ohio is digging in against Kalshi, claiming that it wants to keep offering sports-related contracts, telling a federal appeals court the business is essentially dodging state gambling rules and shouldn’t keep operating while its appeal plays out. In a new filing with the Sixth Circuit, state officials say the prediction market company is unlikely to win and hasn’t cleared the high legal threshold needed to justify an injunction during the appeal process. Our team is grateful for your kind words. I’m proud of their work! https://t.co/0LWKzq7gK3— Dave Yost (@DaveYostOH) March 31, 2026 “Sports bets are not ‘swaps’ under the Act,” the state wrote, pushing back on Kalshi’s claim that federal law overrides Ohio’s authority to regulate gambling. Ohio officials say Congress never authorized shift in power to Kalshi amid appeal Ohio’s attorneys portray Kalshi’s argument as an attempt to stretch federal law far beyond what Congress intended. The company has argued that changes to the Commodity Exchange Act in 2010 effectively handed control of sports betting to federal regulators. The state rejects that outright. “Congress does not legislate through magic,” the brief states, saying there’s no clear wording in the law that supports such a major shift. Officials also stress that swaps are meant to manage financial risk tied to economic outcomes. Sports wagers, they argue, hinge on game results and don’t involve “any relevant economic consequence.” The dispute has been building for months. Kalshi launched its sports-related contracts in early 2025, offering markets tied to game outcomes and player performance. Ohio regulators quickly moved to stop the activity, prompting Kalshi to file a federal lawsuit against the Ohio Casino Control Commission. A federal judge later sided with the state, rejecting Kalshi’s request for an injunction and finding that “Kalshi fail[ed] to establish that Congress intended the [Act] to preempt state laws on sports gambling.” Kalshi has since asked the appeals court to halt Ohio’s enforcement while the case continues. The broader fight has drawn outside attention. A coalition of 30 tribal groups filed a joint brief backing Ohio, warning that allowing Kalshi’s model could undermine existing gaming compacts and state-based regulation. Ohio argues the risks go beyond legal theory. The state says letting Kalshi continue operating would weaken consumer protections, including age limits and oversight mechanisms that apply to licensed sportsbooks. Kalshi, for its part, says it faces serious harm without court intervention, pointing to conflicting regulatory demands across states. Ohio counters that the company has already shown it can comply by suspending operations where required. The state frames the request as extraordinary and unwarranted. “This Court should reject both of Kalshi’s requests,” the filing adds. Featured image: Kalshi / Canva The post Ohio fights Kalshi appeal over sports contracts and gambling authority appeared first on ReadWrite.

Kalshi is asking a federal judge in Arizona to step in and halt state enforcement actions targeting its event-based trading platform. The move ramps up a growing legal fight over whether Kalshi’s contracts should be treated as legitimate financial products or illegal sports betting. The company’s request is based on a preliminary injunction that would block Arizona officials from continuing what Kalshi describes as a criminal case tied to its platform. In a reply brief filed Tuesday (March 31), the prediction market platform argues the state is crossing a line by trying to regulate activity it says falls squarely under federal commodities law. NEW: #Kalshi fights Arizona charges arguing for a preliminary injunction and that federal law gives CFTC exclusive control over event contracts, warning states risk fragmenting markets @RWW pic.twitter.com/4qJFqW8Ep9— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) April 1, 2026 “Defendants have taken the extraordinary step of filing criminal charges against Kalshi in Arizona state court,” the company wrote, adding that the case “turn[s] on the theory that all of Kalshi’s event contracts are criminal gambling.” This follows earlier action from Arizona regulators in 2025, who issued a cease-and-desist order accusing Kalshi of offering unlicensed event-based betting in the state. Regulators argued the platform’s contracts function like wagers on real-world outcomes, putting them under state gambling laws rather than federal financial oversight. Kalshi insists its exchange is federally regulated. It points to the Commodity Exchange Act, saying the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has “exclusive jurisdiction” over trading on designated markets like its own. From the company’s perspective, that authority overrides state gambling rules, meaning Arizona cannot “take the unprecedented step of filing criminal charges” over contracts that federal regulators permit. Arizona tribes warn of Kalshi threat to gaming framework A coalition of tribal gaming groups and federally recognized tribes is pushing back. In an amicus brief filed the same day, they argue Kalshi’s position could dismantle long-established rules governing tribal gaming. “Kalshi asks this Court to override the unique tribal-state regulatory structure of sports betting in Arizona, abandon the national policy of state and tribal sports-betting regulation, and turn decades of federal law on its head,” the tribes wrote. NEW: 28 Native American Tribes and 10 tribal associations (including the Indian Gaming Association) have filed an amicus brief in support of Arizona's response to Kalshi's motion for preliminary injunction. Brief authored by leading tribal gaming attorneys, who are 5-0 as amici. pic.twitter.com/wmvBFCkElz— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) April 1, 2026 They point to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which requires gaming on tribal lands to be approved through state-tribal compacts. In Arizona, those agreements tightly control who can offer sports betting, limiting it to licensed tribes and certain sports organizations. According to the tribes, Kalshi has sidestepped that system entirely. “Without any license or approval by the Arizona Tribes or the State, [Kalshi] brazenly entered onto state and tribal lands to conduct unregulated gaming,” the tribes wrote. They also raise concerns about economic fallout, warning that tribal gaming revenues support essential services and development. The brief claims Kalshi’s platform is “siphoning away vital tribal and state governmental revenue.” Meanwhile, the courts have already shown some hesitation. A federal judge recently denied an emergency request from Kalshi to immediately block the state’s case. Featured image: Kalshi / Canva The post Kalshi seeks preliminary injunction as tribes oppose Arizona betting crackdown appeared first on ReadWrite.

Minutes before Donald Trump posted a market-moving message on Iran, trading volumes in S&P 500 futures and oil markets suddenly surged. The spike was sharp, concentrated, and unusually well-timed. To outside observers, it raised an obvious question. Was this some kind of fluke, sharp analysis, or something closer to inside information? Just minutes before Trump's announcement of talks with Iran, massive trades hit the market.In one move, $1.5 billion in S&P 500 futures were purchased. This trade was so large it sent the entire index +0.3% higher that minute.$192 million in oil futures were also sold.… pic.twitter.com/RFBVRrrSBW— Europa.com (@europa) March 23, 2026 In most contexts, that kind of pattern would trigger immediate scrutiny. In financial markets tied to geopolitical events, it often leads somewhere less definitive. Some kind of gray zone where suspicion is high but enforcement is uncertain. The ambiguity points to a deep-seated issue. The rules governing modern markets were built for a world where information had clearer owners, clearer boundaries, and shorter paths between source and trade. But today, those assumptions no longer hold. For years, the rules around corruption in sport have felt straightforward. Fix a match and you are likely facing criminal charges. In financial markets, the picture is far less clean. A trader can place a billion-dollar position moments before a major geopolitical announcement and still operate in a space where legality is uncertain, enforcement is inconsistent, and outcomes are rarely clear-cut. The contrast is now drawing renewed attention. Unusual trading patterns tied to Trump-era Iran developments, combined with the surge of prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, are forcing regulators and legal experts to confront a deeper issue. The system itself may not be designed to handle the kind of information these markets trade on. A system built for simpler cases In sports betting, enforcement works because the structure of wrongdoing is simple. Cases typically involve a small circle of participants and a short, traceable chain of evidence. As Alan Heimlich, president of Heimlich Law, told ReadWrite: “Match fixing cases are successful because the trail of evidence is short. You have a fixer, a player and a betting account. Text messages, wire transfers and platform records tell the whole story.” As a result, simplicity translates into speed. Prosecutors can often assemble and complete these cases within a year using standard financial forensics, making enforcement both efficient and predictable. Recent cases reinforce that clarity, as we saw in 2025, more than 30 individuals, including professional athletes, were arrested in an FBI investigation into manipulated games linked to betting markets. However, these kinds of contracts operate on an entirely different plane. Heimlich draws a sharp distinction: “Geopolitical insider trading… is a different animal. Information can go through briefings, leaked memos or casual conversations… and a case like that can drag on 3 to 5 years before falling apart at trial.” This complexity exposes a deeper flaw as the legal system relies on tracing clear ownership and transmission of information, but in geopolitical contexts, those concepts begin to break down. The ownership problem behind geopolitical insider trading So, the question we ask ourselves is, who actually owns the information? In sports, the answer is well established. The integrity of the game belongs to leagues and governing bodies, and manipulating outcomes violates both internal rules and criminal law. In financial markets, insider trading law attempts to impose a similar structure. Heimlich explains the limitation to us: “Securities law attempts to do something like this with material nonpublic information, but ownership becomes murky quickly when the ‘information’ is a government policy decision.” He goes further, arguing that trading on politically sensitive information si

The killing of a well-known poker player in Westfield is putting new focus on the financial relationships that can grow around the game, and how they can turn dangerous. Ronald Dewayne Brown Jr., an Indianapolis resident now charged with murder, was arrested March 27 in connection with the shooting. Prosecutors filed the charge in Hamilton County on Monday (March 30), and court records seen by ReadWrite show he is being held without bond while awaiting trial. Suspect arrested for murder of beloved poker pro Matt Lushin as police uncover possible "secret life" – Click here to read more. pic.twitter.com/3BOHuI211s— gambling911 (@gambling911) March 30, 2026 Authorities say Brown is accused of killing James “Matt” Lushin, a respected figure on the regional poker circuit and a real estate investor. Investigators believe the conflict between the two men centered on money, though not directly on poker losses. Police found Lushin shot multiple times inside his Westfield home on March 12. While processing the scene, investigators reported discovering marijuana and packaging materials, including sealed bags and larger quantities stored in a safe. Westfield poker player case brings off table dealings into focus Officers found Lushin with multiple gunshot wounds inside his Westfield home on March 12. While processing the scene, investigators reported finding marijuana and packaging materials, including sealed bags and larger quantities stored in a safe, according to court filings cited by WTHR. Within poker circles, money often moves through informal channels such as staking, shared action or short-term loans. Authorities say those kinds of arrangements can sometimes intersect with other business activity. Ronald Brown Jr. made his first court appearance in Hamilton County Monday afternoon.Brown is accused of shooting and killing professional poker player, 47-year-old James "Matt" Lushin inside his Westfield home earlier this month.He was arrested March 27 and allegedly… pic.twitter.com/tWtsQCKaCt— Ashton Hackman WTHR (@ashtonhackmantv) March 30, 2026 Investigators believe Lushin was involved in extensive gambling activity, including trips to Europe for tournaments and cash games. The same filings reference published records, stating that he had won: “$511,000 in live tournament cashes, including fourth-place finish for $69,542 in a 2025 World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) Main Event in Amsterdam.” The records also indicate that family members and acquaintances told investigators Lushin regularly took part in local games in Carmel and Indianapolis and was believed to be involved in marijuana distribution. One person told investigators that someone known as “RB” owed Lushin thousands of dollars. Another individual described the relationship differently, saying the two men were business partners. The source alleged Lushin supplied marijuana to Brown for resale and that Brown owed him money. The same individual said Lushin had “fronted” Brown between $20,000 and $70,000 worth of marijuana, based on the court filings cited by WTHR. Financial records referenced in the case include multiple CashApp transactions between the two men, with payments labeled in various ways. Investigators say they identified Brown as a suspect using surveillance video, phone data and financial activity. The filings describe a rented SUV near the home, along with communication records and a series of payments in the months leading up to the shooting. A search of Brown’s residence reportedly turned up items similar to those found at Lushin’s home, along with a firearm consistent with the weapon believed to have been used, according to the same filings. Lushin had remained active in regional tournaments in the weeks before his death and was widely recognized among players for his results and steady presence. Brown appeared in court March 30 for an initial hearing, where he was advised of the charge and his rights. A jury trial is scheduled for August 2026. The al

Louisiana lawmakers are pressing ahead with legislation that would expand the state’s racketeering laws to cover a range of gambling-related crimes. House Bill 53 cleared the House on Monday (March 30), and quickly moved to the Senate for further consideration. Rep. Bryan Fontenot, who sponsored the measure, saw it pass with strong support. Lawmakers backed the bill by wide margins, with vote counts of 87-11 and 86-11, while several members did not vote. The Senate has already given the proposal its first reading and placed it on the calendar. #Louisiana HB53 adds gambling crimes to racketeering laws; passed House 86–11, now heads to Senate for further approval. @RWW pic.twitter.com/9M6wTA5MdI— Suswati Basu (@suswatibasu) March 30, 2026 The bill attempts to reshape how Louisiana defines racketeering activity by folding in a series of gambling-related offenses. The legislation amends state law “relative to gambling crimes; to add certain gambling crimes as predicate offenses for racketeering activity,” according to the bill text. Louisiana expands racketeering law to cover gambling offenses Louisiana law already outlines a list of crimes that can trigger racketeering charges, typically tied to wider patterns of criminal conduct. This proposal keeps that framework but extends it to cover specific gambling violations. The bill names several statutes that would now qualify, including gambling in public, using computers, wagering at cockfights, or using electronic sweepstakes devices. Additional offenses spelled out in the measure include “R.S. 14:90.8 (Unlawful wagering; prohibited player)” and “R.S. 14:118.1 (Bribery of sports participants).” The legislation places these crimes into the racketeering statute under new provisions listed as R.S. 15:1352(A)(89) through (95). State law defines racketeering activity more generally, covering both the commission of crimes and attempts or efforts to organize them. It includes “conspiring to commit, or soliciting, coercing, or intimidating another person to commit” those offenses. As a result, prosecutors could gain more flexibility to pursue cases involving coordinated or ongoing illegal betting operations, instead of handling each charge separately. A legislative digest attached to the bill states that the measure “retains present law and adds crimes related to gambling.” Louisiana’s effort comes amid a national push in 2026, as states such as Oklahoma and Florida, weigh new laws targeted at both expanding legal gambling and tightening enforcement against illegal activity. Some proposals focus on regulation and consumer protections, while others point to stronger criminal tools, including racketeering statutes. Featured image: Canva The post Louisiana bill would expand racketeering law to cover gambling crimes appeared first on ReadWrite.