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Tag: Rumors

  • Apple Might Announce Colorful, Low-Cost MacBook on March 4

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    In about two weeks, on March 4, Apple is going to announce something. Maybe a bunch of somethings. That’s about all we can glean from the invite the company sent to Gizmodo. The “Apple Experience,” held in New York City (and London and Shanghai), shows an Apple logo made up of yellow, green, and light blue discs. Is it a hint at what’s to come?

     

    Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple could be hinting at the colors that the long-rumored low-cost MacBook could launch in. In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said Apple “developed a new manufacturing process” that allows the aluminum shells to be created faster. It could also be the reason why Apple is finally introducing more fun colors to its laptops. Gurman said Apple has also tested pink, silver, and dark gray, but doesn’t believe the low-cost MacBook will ship in every tested shade.

    This new MacBook is expected to be unusual for several reasons. The first is, of course, the cost—rumored to be a few hundred dollars less than the 13-inch MacBook Air with M4 chip, which starts at $999. That laptop is arguably one of the best values you can buy, considering it has 16GB of RAM and the performant M4 chip, all packed into a slim design that weighs only 2.7 pounds. How low will Apple go with pricing for a laptop that’s expected to come in at just under 13 inches? $799? $699? $599? At a time when electronics are getting more expensive because of the great RAM and storage shortage—an industry problem created by AI data centers gobbling up the components from suppliers—Apple announcing a laptop that costs less instead of more would earn it a lot of points with consumers.

    The second reason I’m so intrigued is that the laptop will reportedly be powered by an iPhone chip—the A18 Pro. For those keeping track, that’s the same chip inside of the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. If you’re looking at the A18 Pro chip and thinking it’ll be insufficient, let me remind you that it’s “46% faster than the M1 in single-core tasks, and almost identical to the M1 on multi-core and graphics tasks,” according to Six Colors’ Jason Snell. For basic computing such as web browsing, watching videos, and working with documents, this low-cost computer could really sing. In fact, it might even have better battery performance than a MacBook Air with M-series silicon.

    And third is, yes, the colors. Look, as much as I love silver and space gray, it’s about damn time that Apple gets playful with the MacBook. The iMac with M4 chip has fun colors, so why not Apple’s laptops? A variety of colors would help market the low-cost MacBook as anything but boring.

    New MacBook Air and MacBook Pros, too?

    The low-cost MacBook is expected to be the highlight of Apple’s March 4 event, but we could also see a new MacBook Air with M5 chip and updated 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros with beefier M5 Pro and M5 Max chips “over the course of the next several weeks,” according to Gurman. The Bloomberg reporter also said on X that he’s expecting new Mac displays, referring to an updated version of the Apple Studio Display, possibly with a rumored higher 90Hz refresh rate.

    “There’s also a new Mac Studio, iMac and Mac mini this year. Huge year for the Mac. And that doesn’t even include the touch MacBook Pro end of 2026.”

    iPhone 17e and new iPads

    On the smartphone and tablet front, Apple might announce a refreshed version of its $599 iPhone 16e, expected to be called the iPhone 17e. The more affordable iPhone with a 6-core CPU and 6-core GPU is reportedly “imminent”, according to Gurman.

    Meanwhile, a 12th-gen entry-level iPad with an A18 chip could also be right around the corner. Similarly, Gurman believes that new iPad Airs with M4 chips are “coming soon.”

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    Raymond Wong

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  • NFL Won’t Allow Prediction Market Ads During Super Bowl

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    Posted on: January 29, 2026, 07:48h. 

    Last updated on: January 29, 2026, 07:48h.

    • League adds prediction markets to list of prohibited advertisers
    • DraftKings, FanDuel will still run sportsbook ads

    Fans of Super Bowl commercials shouldn’t expect to see advertisements from Kalshi, Polymarket, and other prediction markets during the big game because the NFL isn’t allowing it.

    The NFL logo. Prediction market companies are reportedly banned from advertising during the Super Bowl. from (Image: Shutterstock)

    Several media reports surfaced earlier Thursday indicating the league added prediction markets to its prohibited advertisers list, a group that’s rumored to include industries such adult entertainment, firearms makes, and tobacco.

    While NFL games have been important drivers of increased volume across prediction markets, the league itself has taken a hard line against sports event contracts, saying those derivatives are unregulated gambling that threatens league and game integrity. The league has gone so far as to ban players and staff from participating in prediction markets.

    That’s a departure from the NHL and Major League Soccer (MLS), both of which are embracing prediction markets. The NHL has agreements with Kalshi and Polymarket. Earlier this week, MLS announced a marketing accord with Polymarket.

    Familiar Betting Names Still Running Super Bowl Ads

    While Kalshi, Polymarket, and friends won’t be running Super Bowl spots, their sportsbook rivals, several of which are in event contracts space, will.

    For example, Fanatics Sportsbook is already generating buzz with a campaign poking fun at the Kendall Jenner “curse.” FanDuel and DraftKings, the two largest US online sportsbooks and recent entrants to the prediction markets industry, are expected to run Super Bowl ads tied to their sports betting operations. FanDuel, a unit of Flutter Entertainment, will reportedly run a pregame spot.

    For now, the list of Super Bowl advertisers doesn’t include other gaming companies, but it is chock full of familiar faces such as Budweiser, Google, Instacart, Pepsi, Toyota, Uber Eats, Wegovy, and Wix, among many others.

    Prediction Markets Saving Money by Not Running Super Bowl Ads

    If there’s a silver lining for prediction market operators in the NFL advertising ban, it’s that those companies — some of which are well-heeled startups — will save some cash. The Super Bowl has long been prime time to roll out new ad campaigns and pricing reflects that status.

    Reports suggest 30-second spots for the big game, which will air on NBC on Feb. 8, are selling for $8 million to $10 million. At the high end of that range, advertisers are paying a staggering $243,000 per second for exposure.

    Talk about inflation: A 30-second ad during the first edition of the Super Bowl cost just $37,500. If the $10 million figure is accurate, that means the cost has nearly doubled in a decade.

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    Todd Shriber

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  • It Sure Seems Like the Foldable iPhone Will Be a Wide Boi

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    Apple’s very long-rumored foldable iPhone is finally starting to take shape. Expected to arrive in fall 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, the foldable iPhone is not only supposedly going to have a small-ish external screen when closed, but it’s increasingly looking likely that it’ll have wider dimensions than Android foldables like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Google’s Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

    “Unlike other foldable phones made by Samsung and Google, Apple’s product will have an aspect ratio similar to that of Apple’s largest iPads when viewed in landscape mode, meaning it will be more wide than tall when unfolded,” reports The Information (via 9to5Mac).

    There are a few reasons why I could see Apple ship a foldable iPhone with a wider aspect ratio compared to its competitors. The first is that Apple needs its foldable iPhone to be recognizable instantly. In a sea of Android book-style foldables that are all taller than they are wide when closed, there would be no mistaking a foldable iPhone.

    The second is software. Think about an iPad running iPadOS 26 and how its latest windows-based multitasking works. It’s designed for landscape orientation. An iPhone that opens up to a widescreen tablet device would mean software consistency and familiarity for users. As somebody who has tested nearly every book-style foldable, it’s less cramped running two or three apps on a wider foldable display than it is on a taller one.

    I could easily picture Apple next fall touting the benefit of having an iPad app’s sidebar on the left half of the foldable iPhone and content on the right. Notes, Photos, Files—Apple loves trumpeting a sidebar and how it makes it easier to organize your content. I could also imagine a redesigned Apple Books app to feel more like you’re flipping pages on a real book.

    A wider foldable iPhone also makes more sense for watching videos and playing mobile games. On the Z Fold 7 and Pixel 10 Pro Fold, videos are sandwiched between thick black bars (letterboxing), which makes them look no larger than on a big regular touchscreen phone. The only way to get larger video dimensions with smaller black bars is to rotate the foldable, in which the video will fill up more pixels. Videos in 16:9 or 2:1 would automatically appear much larger on a wider foldable screen. The crease would run vertically down the middle, but apparently Apple has solved that, or at the very least, reduced its visibility. The usefulness of a significantly larger screen for consuming content is arguably the biggest reason why book-style foldables even exist.

    Leaker @UniverseIce shared on X what a foldable iPhone with a 4:3 aspect ratio would look like when unfolded. ETNews, another source, which has semi-accurately leaked details on unreleased Apple and Samsung products, also said that Samsung is planning to release its own foldable with a wide aspect ratio in Q3 2026 to compete with the foldable iPhone.

    Not a new idea

    A foldable phone that’s wider than it is tall when it’s unfolded wouldn’t be an Apple invention. Countless other companies have tried a similar form factor. These “passport-style” devices, like the original Google Pixel Fold and the Oppo Find N, and even the dual-screen Microsoft Surface Duo, all failed to catch on.

    © JOSH EDELSON / Contributor / Getty Images

    The design intent of these devices all seemed logical, but they all either suffered from subpar hardware, poorly optimized software, or both. Consumers preferred foldable phones that worked more like a regular phone when closed, but still allowed for a bigger screen when unfolded. Known for elegantly combining hardware and software, Apple could bring its expertise to the still relatively niche foldables market, so to speak. Smaller dimensions when closed would also make the device more pocketable, something wider passport-shaped foldables were not.

    There’s almost 9 months before Apple is expected to announce the foldable iPhone, and more leaks will certainly drip out in the new year. One thing I’m sure about is that the foldable iPhone’s complete schematics haven’t leaked out yet.

    As MacRumors Senior Editor Tim Hardwick pointed out, the alleged CADs detailing the dimensions are from a concept created by a MacRumors forum member “based on rumored specs dating back to May.”

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    Raymond Wong

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  • Affinity, Owner of Las Vegas, Primm Casinos, Reportedly Seeking Debt Deal

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    Posted on: November 7, 2025, 08:21h. 

    Last updated on: November 7, 2025, 08:22h.

    • Company is reportedly working with investment bank Moelis.
    • Creditors said to have hired a law firm known for Chapter 11 expertise.
    • Affinity owns several Las Vegas-area and regional casinos.

    Affinity Interactive, the owner of the Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, is reportedly working with investment bank Moelis in hopes of potentially restructuring its outstanding liabilities.

    Affinity Gaming SPAC
    Affinity Gaming’s Buffalo Bill’s Casino in Primm, Nevada. The company is rumored to be working with a bank to restructure its debt. (Image: Pinterest)

    Earlier Friday, Bloomberg reported the operator of the Primm Valley Resort & Casino is working with Moelis to possibly compel bondholders to come the bargaining table for restructuring talks. Some of those creditors hired law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP — known in part for its Chapter 11 bankruptcy expertise, according to the news outlet.

    That same firm was recently hired by a consortium of Bally’s creditors that balked at that regional casino operator’s plans to sell the real estate of a Rhode Island casino to free up financing for its Chicago integrated resort.

    Creditors of Affinity, which also owns the Daily Racing Form, are believed to be restless because the gaming company’s senior secured debt trades at significant discounts

    Affinity Debt Ratios Surged

    Affinity bondholders are right to be concerned. At the end of 2023, the company’s debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) was 7.8x, but that metric swelled to 11.7x by the end of the third quarter 2024. That compelled S&P Global Ratings to drop its grade on the gaming company to “CCC+” from “B-.”

    Corporate bonds rated in “C” territory are considered highly speculative and vulnerable to default. S&P notes Affinity’s debt ratio trajectory isn’t tenable.

    We view Affinity’s capital structure as unsustainable because we expect the company to sustain S&P Global Ratings-adjusted leverage above 8x through 2026, when it would likely begin to explore refinancing its senior notes. The downgrade reflects weaker than expected credit metrics and our forecast for leverage sustained above 8x,” according to the research firm.

    In March 2023, Affinity sold the Rail City Casino in Sparks, Nevada to affiliates of Truckee Gaming, LLC to raise cash, but that transaction also modestly pinched EBITDA, said S&P Global.

    Affinity Could Conduct Casino Fire Sale

    Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Affinity is working with CBRE and Goldman Sachs to identify potential buyers for Silver Sevens and its three Midwest regional casinos — the Lakeside Hotel Casino in Iowa, the Mark Twain Casino, and St. Jo Frontier Casino in Missouri. Iowa and Missouri are competitive casino markets dominated by larger operators.

    Deals for those properties haven’t been announced as of yet and it’s likely Silver Sevens is the most valuable, though it is an off-Strip property.

    If Affinity sells those venues to raise cash, it’s casino portfolio would consist of Buffalo Bill’s in Primm, Nevada and Primm Valley Resort & Casino. The company also owns the Primm Center & Pilot Truck Stop.

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    Todd Shriber

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  • Polymarket Could Be Live in US by End of November

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    Posted on: October 28, 2025, 09:55h. 

    Last updated on: October 28, 2025, 09:55h.

    • Sports contracts expected to be point of emphasis in US return
    • Polymarket could be available in this country by end of November on a limited basis
    • Company was banished from the US in 2022

    Polymarket could be live in the US by the end of November, adding a new player to this country’s football-fueled prediction markets madness.

    Polymarket
    A Polymarket logo. The exchange could be back in the US by the end of November. (Image: Wikipedia)

    Citing unidentified sources with knowledge of the matter, Bloomberg reported earlier Tuessday that Shayne Coplan’s company could return to the US by end of the next month, but the platform won’t immediately be available to all bettors and traders. The exchange operator is currently looking for beta testers and has a wait list.

    It’s believed sports contracts will be central to Polymarket’s return to the US and the estimated timing of the company’s reentry into this market aligns with that speculation. Assuming the prediction market is operational here at some point next month, it’d capture the tail end of college football’s regular season while potentially benefiting the latter part of the NFL season and the ramping up of the NBA and college basketball.

    If Polymarket reenters the US next month, it’d occur roughly a year after Coplan’s Manhattan apartment was raided by the FBI and more than three years after the company was banished from this country amid a regulatory flap with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

    Polymarket US Return Could Drive Valuation Higher

    Speculation that Polymarket could be operating this country, albeit on a limited basis, next month arrives against the backdrop of soaring prediction market valuations.

    Earlier this month, Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE), the owner of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), took a $2 billion stake in Polymarket at a pre-money valuation of $8 billion. That deal, which made Coplan the youngest self-made billionaire on record, values the exchange at $9 billion to $10 billion on a post-transaction basis.

    Last week, rumors surfaced that Polymarket may be pursuing another capital raise at a valuation of $12 billion to $15 billion. Word is Kalshi – Polymarket’s primary rival – fresh off a funding round that pushed its valuation to $5 billion, may be in talks to raise more cash at a $10 billion to $12 billion to price point. By some estimates, more than 80% of Kalshi’s current turnover is derived from sports event contracts, perhaps underscoring why those derivatives are central to Polymarket’s US return.

    The valuation gap between the two companies is, according to some industry observers, largely attributable to Polymarket being the more cryptocurrency-centric of the pair. Digital currencies, mostly stablecoins, are used for trading on the platform, which is backed by blockchain technology.

    About Polymarket and Crypto…

    Rumors of Polymarket’s potentially imminent return to the US aren’t lost on the crypto community. In fact, many in that space believe the prediction market giant’s reentry into this country is a precursor to it launching its own cryptocurrency and potentially conducting an airdrop.

    It’s believed the “POLY” token is already in the works to some extent, but that effort is on the backburner until the company cements its return to this country.

    That return comes amid surging prediction markets competition. For example, DraftKings (NASDAQ: DKNG) recently announced an acquisition setting the stage for DraftKings Predictions and on Tuesday, Trump Media and Technology Group (NASDAQ: DJT) and Crypto.com announced a partnership that will see the latter integrate event contracts on the former’s Truth Social platform.

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    Todd Shriber

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  • Polymarket to Launch Its Own Crypto Token After Returning to US

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    Posted on: October 27, 2025, 12:46h. 

    Last updated on: October 27, 2025, 12:46h.

    • Prediction markets operator says it will introduce digital token, conduct airdop
    • Those events will take place after the company reenters the US
    • Polymarket taking pragmatic approach to its native cryptocurrency

    A Polymarket executive recently confirmed the prediction markets will launch its own digital token, but the company’s priority is focusing on reentering the US.

    Polymarket
    A Polymarket logo. The exchange could soon launch its own cryptocurrency. (Image: Wikipedia)

    In an interview last week with Degenz Live, Polymarket CMO Matthew Modabber confirmed the derivatives exchange will launch its own cryptocurrency, likely under the ticker “POLY” and that there will be an airdrop. Specifics such as allocation formulas, claiming process, and launch dates haven’t been revealed as of yet.

    We just want to make sure that when we do shift our focus to a token, it is one of our core priorities. Right now, our core priority is launching in the US,” said Modabber in the interview. “It’s not like we’re not eyeing and getting things ready. But, obviously, our focus will shift more to that once it’s time.”

    Following a regulatory clash with the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in 2022, Polymarket was banned from operating in this country. The company worked through those issues and in June, it announced the $112 million purchase of clearinghouse and derivatives exchange QCEX LLC  — a deal that paves the way for the buyer to reenter the US market.

    Signs Abound Regarding Polymarket Token Debut

    The POLY token rumors arrive as Shayne Coplan’s company is just weeks removed from landing a $2 billion investment from Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE) that values Polymarket at $9 billion to $10 billion post-money and amid rumors that it’s next funding round could vault its valuation to $12 billion to $15 billion.

    The signs have been there that Polymarket, already a crypto-intensive company, could eventually bring its own digital currency to market. For example, a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) stirred chatter in crypto circles that the event contracts purveyor was inching towards launching a token.

    That document included the phrase “other warrants” pertaining to investors options and rights to buy other securities, expanding upon verbiage in prior filings indicating investors would have access to equity and traditional warrants. In the crypto world, the phrasing in the latest SEC filing was construed as a sign Polymarket is readying a token of its own.

    As of now, it’s not clear what POLY’s exact functions will be or if it will trade on the Ethereum or Solana blockchains.

    POLY Airdrop Could Be Huge

    Polymarket’s exact date for US reentry isn’t known, but it may be close as the company is looking for beta testers and has a wait list. Those could be signs it’s time for cryptocurrency fans to stay abreast of airdrop goings on.

    “A crypto airdrop is an activity typically performed by blockchain-based startups to help bootstrap a virtual currency project. Its aim is to spread awareness about the cryptocurrency project and to encourage more people to participate in it when it becomes available. Airdrops are generally communicated through the company’s official channels and cryptocurrency communities,” according to Coinbase.

    Typically, the recipients of the biggest shares of airdrops are the most active members of the underlying community, indicating those that get the most POLY are the most active traders on the platform, but that’s just speculation for now.

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    Todd Shriber

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  • Casino M&A Likely Limited Until Interest Rates Decline Further

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    Posted on: October 11, 2025, 05:04h. 

    Last updated on: October 11, 2025, 05:04h.

    • Casino consolidation chatter is alive, but not as vibrant as in past years
    • Still high interest rates weighing on Las Vegas Strip asset sales
    • Bolt-on, not transformational deals expected

    The casino industry is often a hotbed of consolidation rumors, but if chatter from the recently concluded Global Gaming Expo (G2E) is any indication, large-scale deal-making likely isn’t the near-term cards.

    Las Vegas gaming revenue Nevada
    Las Vegas Strip M&A activity is likely to be slow until interest rates fall more. (Image: Shutterstock)

    In a new report to clients, Stifel analyst Jeffrey Stantial notes that mergers and acquisitions (M&A) talk at G2E was subdued compared to prior years. That includes a muted outlook for asset sales on the Las Vegas Strip.

    Given larger average purchase price, Strip M&A appetite seems limited until interest rates come in further,” observes Stantial.

    That’s relevant to Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ: CZR) and likely priced into the flailing stock. Caesars has long been rumored to be a candidate to offload one of its Strip properties — a move that would help reduce debt — but the pool of credible cash buyers is small, meaning prospective suitors likely need to finance deals and that’s an unattractive proposition when interest rates are high. The potential good news is that rates are expected to fall by 100 to 120 basis points by the end of 2026.

    Slim Pickings for Regional Casino M&A, Too

    Beyond the Strip, it’s also unlikely that there will be needle-moving transactions among regional casinos over the near-term. Stantial said the bulk of seller interest is for lower quality assets and that could result in limited interest among potential buyers.

    That jibes with some operator commentary indicating that would-be buyers of regional casinos simply can’t find assets that meet their standards and that they won’t be rushed into deals just to increase the size of their portfolios.

    The analyst noted a possible exception on the seller side is Century Casinos (NASDAQ: CNTY), which is currently in the midst of a strategic review. Stantial said that operator “seemed open to all options in the ongoing strategic review.” The company is holding talks about the long-awaited divestment of its two-thirds interest in Casinos Poland.

    “We continue to see an outright sale as unlikely given the variety of assets/markets & challenges under-writing to expected ‘fully-ramped’ earnings power, though see potential for one-off divestitures – in particular CNTY’s Canadian portfolio given increasingly non-core nature & historically higher transaction multiples vs. U.S. assets,” observes the Stifel analyst. “We expect management to be thorough evaluating options, indicating more likely CY26 resolution.”

    Eye on Prediction Markets, Sports Betting

    Given the recent flurry of financing activity in the prediction markets space, it’s possible that online sports betting (OSB) take closer looks at acquisition candidates in that arena. However, OSB operators could be hamstrung regarding prediction market purchases because some state regulators have warned gaming companies licenses could be at risk if they earnestly move into event contracts.

    Related M&A trends to monitor include “undetermined prediction markets strategies for incumbent OSB operators, and efforts to accelerate player deposits/liquidity for exchanges, and brand & odds provider tuck-ins for regulated OSB operators,” concludes Stantial.

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    Todd Shriber

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  • How to Watch Apple’s iPhone 17 Announcement, and What to Expect

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    Ah, September. The kiddos head back to school, the geese head south for the winter, and we all head to Cupertino to see the new iPhones.

    Apple’s latest product launch event is happening on September 9. The livestreamed announcement starts on Tuesday at 10 am Pacific, 1 pm Eastern, and 6 pm British Summer Time. You can watch the livestream right here on this page, on Apple’s website, or on Apple’s YouTube channel. If you’re already deep in the Appleverse, you can also watch in the Apple TV app on any screen where it runs.

    For weeks, little nuggets of information about Apple’s forthcoming device lineup have been regularly extracted from the various online rumor mines. Based on those whispers and Apple’s typical release schedule (which rarely varies) we can expect an event filled with announcements. We’ll likely see a full line of iPhones 17, including the base model, the Pro models, and a brand-new ultra-thin version called the iPhone Air. We are also expecting new Apple Watches and new AirPods. All of these devices will surely have some sort of AI-enabled capabilities. There might even be some Apple TV news.

    Just know that Apple always stays tight-lipped in the lead-up to its launch events, so the information we’re providing here is speculative. Also, the company likes to drop a surprise or two during its presentation, so keep an eye out for WIRED’s roundup of everything Apple announces once the event ends.

    In the meantime, here’s what to look out for.

    Air Born

    The biggest news of the event might just be about one of the lightest gadgets in the lineup. We’re expecting a new addition to the iPhone lineup called the iPhone 17 Air.

    This phone is expected to be noticeably thinner and lighter than other iPhones. The Air is rumored to have a 6.6-inch OLED screen and come in at a svelte 5.5 mm thick. (That’s 2.3 mm thinner than the iPhone 16.)

    Given the phone’s slim size, the Air might come with some design tweaks and sacrifices to its internal powers to keep its lithe form. Rumors have indicated that the USB-C port won’t be centered along the bottom of the phone.

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    Boone Ashworth

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  • Crutch (The Neighborhood Spin-off) Release Date Rumors: When Is It Coming Out?

    Crutch (The Neighborhood Spin-off) Release Date Rumors: When Is It Coming Out?

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    If you are wondering when Crutch (The Neighborhood Spin-off) is coming out, this is what we learned. Since its premiere in 2018, the CBS series The Neighborhood has become one of the most popular sitcoms on TV. Now, a spin-off of the successful comedy show is in the works. Titled Crutch, it revolves around Francois ‘Frank’ Crutchfield, or Crutch, a widowed father and Harlem resident. Just when he thinks that he will have the home to himself, his children return to the nest.

    Here’s all the Crutch release date information we know so far, and all the details on when it is coming out.

    Is there a Crutch (The Neighborhood Spin-off) release date?

    The Crutch release date could arrive by late 2025 at the earliest.

    In May 2024, Paramount Plus announced that it is developing Crutch, a spin-off to The Neighborhood. Like the original series, Crutch will be a half-hour, multi-camera comedy series. Tracy Morgan (30 Rock) will portray the titular character, who is a cousin of Calvin Butler (Cedric the Entertainer). Owen Smith (The Last O.G.) developed the script for the pilot episode of the series.

    Previously, there were conversations about another The Neighborhood spin-off starring Morgan. In that one, the legendary comedian was supposed to play Calvin’s brother Curtis, a character that appears in a Season 4 episode. However, that project never really took off.

    “Crutch will be navigating the ups and downs of having his kids and grandkids back under one roof, and you know if I am doing this, there will be plenty of laughs along the way,” Morgan said in a statement about the newer series. “I am so happy to be able to do this with my brother Cedric The Entertainer, Owen Smith, and the rest of the amazing crew we have put together. Get ready for your new favorite show!”

    If Crutch goes into production this year, it will likely premiere in late 2025 at the earliest.

    This date is an estimation based on the information we have at the time of this writing.

    Where is Crutch (The Neighborhood Spin-off) coming out?

    Crutch is anticipated to come out on Paramount Plus in late 2025 at the earliest.

    This is because the series is in development at Paramount Plus. ComingSoon will provide an update when the streaming service announces the exact release date of the series.

    The official synopsis for Crutch reads:

    “Francois ‘Frank’ Crutchfield or ‘Crutch’ to those who know him well, is a Harlem widower whose empty-nest plans are put on hold after his millennial son and free-spirited daughter move back home.”

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    Tamal Kundu

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  • As deal rumors fly, Alphabet and HubSpot would be a strange pairing | TechCrunch

    As deal rumors fly, Alphabet and HubSpot would be a strange pairing | TechCrunch

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    Reuters reported on Thursday that Google’s parent company, Alphabet, is exploring the possibility of buying Boston-based HubSpot, a CRM and marketing automation company with a market cap of over $33 billion – a number that has been climbing on those reports.

    If such a deal were to happen, the cost would likely be pretty substantial, involving some significant premium over the current value. It would have to be to motivate the company to sell and become part of the search giant. It’s worth noting that the two companies have a relationship already — a partnership to use Google ads to drive sales in HubSpot — which can sometimes be the start of an acquisition discussion like this.

    While Google/Alphabet has been extremely acquisitive over the years, the largest deal that it’s ever made was spending $12.5 billion for Motorola Mobility in 2011. It later sold it to Lenovo for just $2.91 billion, so it would have reason to be gun shy on a much larger price tag. More recently the largest deal involved spending $5.4 billion for security intelligence platform Mandiant in 2022. Google usually stays under $3 billion, so a deal of this scope would be very much out of character for the company.

    When you combine that with the austerity program that most tech companies have been on in recent years, and a warning from Google CEO Sundar Pichai in January that more job cuts were coming, it’s not the type of deal that seems likely in a belt tightening climate, and certainly one that might be tough to justify to employees if those kind of optics actually matter. Yet with a huge cash horde of $110 billion on hand as of the end of last year, it certainly has the cash to make the move if it wants to.

    Another issue the company could face in trying to buy HubSpot is a hostile regulatory environment for large deals. The U.S., the U.K and the EU have been monitoring large deals closely these days. Some, like Adobe’s attempt to buy Figma for $20 billion didn’t make it to the finish line because of competitive concerns. It’s not clear that Alphabet would face those same concerns with a CRM tool. HubSpot faces pretty powerful competition from Adobe and Salesforce, two well-capitalized firms, so this wouldn’t give Google a lock on that market by any means, but if there’s a risk, there’s sure to be a termination fee involved to hedge against that, another factor the company would need to take into consideration.

    The question is what is the likelihood of such a deal coming to fruition and what would it give the companies that they can’t get from the existing partnership. As one analyst said to me, it doesn’t feel likely, but you never know.

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    Ron Miller

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  • John Mayer Reportedly Denies Scheana Shay’s Past Group Romp Claim – He’s ‘Annoyed’ & Wants ‘Nothing To Do With Her’! – Perez Hilton

    John Mayer Reportedly Denies Scheana Shay’s Past Group Romp Claim – He’s ‘Annoyed’ & Wants ‘Nothing To Do With Her’! – Perez Hilton

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    Did Scheana Shay really once have an orgy with John Mayer and others like she claims?? Well… maybe not! Not according to the musician’s side of the story, at least!

    As you will recall, on last week’s episode of Vanderpump Rules, Scheana dropped a not-so-subtle hint that she supposedly had a group sex thing with the Your Body Is A Wonderland crooner years ago. The 38-year-old and her pals were playing the NSFW version of “Never Have I Ever” when the topic of threesomes came up. After Scheana’s husband Brock Davies took a drink and exclaimed he wasn’t involved with his wife’s old trio tale, Shay explained coyly:

    “I was in a room and there were other things going on, but there were definitely more bodies.”

    And in a follow-up confessional clip, when a producer straight-up asked if Scheana was in an orgy, she replied:

    “Once upon a time, my body was a wonderland, I’ll say that.”

    Yeahhh… But insiders close to John sure aren’t saying that!!

    Related: Rachel Leviss Accuses Lisa Vanderpump Of ‘Victim-Shaming’ Amid Revenge Porn Lawsuit!

    On Tuesday, the US Sun published quotes from a source who steadfastly denied Scheana’s orgy allegations! Speaking candidly about the 46-year-old’s frustration over Scheana spilling the (allegedly incorrect) tea, the insider said:

    “John has told several people close to him that he never hooked up with Scheana. He knows that she has been telling people they hooked up well before the Vanderpump Rules episode aired and it’s gotten back to him.”

    Interestingly, the anonymous insider added that John and Scheana were both at the same party recently along with Bravo exec and longtime Mayer backer Andy Cohen. That fun night apparently wasn’t so fun for John, the source claimed:

    “Scheana and John were even at a party not long ago where Andy Cohen also turned up and he tried his best to avoid Scheana. She was trying her best to talk to John and even go as far as take a picture with him, but he shot her down. He was doing his best to avoid her all night.”

    Ultimately, according to this mole, Mayer wants “nothing to do” with Scheana:

    “He’s very annoyed by the entire thing and wants nothing to do with her.”

    OUCH!

    As we’ve noted, last week’s VPR ep was not the first time Scheana has claimed to have had a group thing with the guitarist. Way back in 2020, on the Flashbacks podcast, Scheana told host Heather Rae El Moussa that she and The Hills alum Stacie Adams had “a little throuple going on … for about six months” with Mayer a long time in the past. Eventually, Scheana claimed that she became “jealous” of Stacie because John supposedly liked her more, and that was (allegedly) that.

    So who’s telling the truth here?? Scheana has been making these claims for years. But these new source quotes from John’s side certainly don’t give any ground! Thoughts, y’all?! Share your reactions in the comments (below)!

    [Image via Dominic Chan/MEGA/WENN]

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    Perez Hilton

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  • What to expect at Microsoft’s March 21 event

    What to expect at Microsoft’s March 21 event

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    Microsoft is holding a digital event titled “Advancing the new era of work with Copilot” on March 21. Among the possible announcements are new Surface devices, potentially the first branded as AI PCs. It will already be the second Windows hardware event — and first mainline Surface Pro launch — without former chief product officer and longtime keynote presenter Panos Panay, who left for Amazon last year. Here’s everything we could see at the company’s first launch event of 2024.

    The company describes the event as breaking down “the latest in scaling AI in your environment with Copilot, Windows, and Surface.” There are conflicting reports about exactly what we’ll see in late March.

    Windows Central claims an OLED Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 will headline the event, with their upgraded processors enabling “huge performance and efficiency gains” over their predecessors. However, a report from The Verge suggests this month’s event will only cover the business and commercial-focused versions of the devices — with much subtler upgrades than the consumer versions. The outlet claims the consumer variants with “a larger redesign” will follow later this spring.

    The new devices will allegedly be powered by Intel Core Ultra or Snapdragon X Elite silicon with next-generation neural processing units (NPUs) for advanced AI tasks. The Intel variants are expected to launch in April, while the Arm-based Snapdragon ones will reportedly arrive several months later in June. If the reports are accurate, this would be the first time the Surface Laptop line has included an Arm-based version.

    At least in the consumer models, the Surface Pro 10 is rumored to switch from LCD to an anti-reflective OLED screen. The device would be brighter than the Surface Pro 9’s screen and support HDR content. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 6 is rumored to include thinner display bezels (with rounded corners) and a haptic touchpad. Its updated port selection is said to include two USB-C and one USB-A on its left side.

    The commercial / business models (which may be all we see at this month’s event) are rumored to include a built-in Common Access Card (CAC) reader and options with up to 64GB of RAM.

    Image of a Windows keyboard with a dedicated Copilot AI key between the left arrow and Alt keys.

    Microsoft

    Whether at this month’s event or later, the new consumer-facing Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are expected to kick off Microsoft’s push for Windows 11-running AI PCs. They’ll reportedly be among the first to include an on-device version of Copilot. Other rumored AI features include real-time captioning and translation, upscaling and frame-rate smoothing for games, upgraded Windows Studio Effects and a feature called AI Explorer. Both devices will reportedly include a dedicated Copilot key.

    AI Explorer is rumored to include a built-in timeline that’s searchable using natural language. Perhaps similar to the third-party Rewind AI app for macOS, the feature will allegedly log everything you do and see on your device, letting you sift through it with Copilot. It would let you ask the assistant things like, “Find me that thing about dinosaurs,” and see every moment in your PC’s history relating to them. (It could be a privacy nightmare if not handled properly, but expect Microsoft to offer security assurances like encryption and entirely on-device processing.)

    The feature would also allegedly “understand context, help jumpstart projects or workflows, and even suggest tasks based on what’s currently on screen.” Other rumored features include the ability to tell Copilot to remove the backgrounds of onscreen images from third-party apps in the Photos app.

    The AI features, which aren’t expected to be exclusive to the Surface devices, will reportedly arrive in this year’s annual feature update for Windows 11 (version 24H2), expected in the fall. Windows Central noted it isn’t clear whether Microsoft will discuss the features during the March event.

    Engadget will have full coverage of Microsoft’s announcements on March 21 at noon ET.

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    Will Shanklin

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  • Peacock-Paramount+ Merger Rumors, Questions, and What-Ifs

    Peacock-Paramount+ Merger Rumors, Questions, and What-Ifs

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    Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss Peacock’s strong start to 2024 and the prospect of a possible joint venture or “commercial partnership” with Paramount+, as reported by The Wall Street Journal late last week. They run through the logistics of a merger, the curious timing of the Journal’s story, the critical role live sports rights play, Warren Buffett’s sale of a third of his stake in Paramount Global, and who is most to blame for Paramount’s struggles. Matt finishes the show with a prediction about John Oliver’s HBO show, Last Week Tonight.

    For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, What I’m Hearing …, click here.

    Email us your thoughts!

    Host: Matt Belloni
    Guest: Lucas Shaw
    Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez
    Theme Song: Devon Renaldo

    Subscribe: Spotify

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    Matthew Belloni

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  • 7 Major GTA 6 Leaks and Rumors & How Likely They Are to Be Real

    7 Major GTA 6 Leaks and Rumors & How Likely They Are to Be Real

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    It has been a decade since the release of Grand Theft Auto 5, and fans are ready for whatever comes next in the franchise.

    For the most part, Rockstar has been entirely silent on the next game, leading fans to do their own investigative work, and any possible leak or rumor spreads like wildfire. Though we still don’t know what GTA 6 will bring, there is a mountain of leaks and rumors to judge based on the likelihood of legitimacy.

    Possible Release Window

    Image Source: Rockstar Games

    Take-Two Interactive’s August 2023 quarterly finance reports reported an expected “significant inflection point” in Fiscal Year 2025. This means they expect a massive revenue boost in just this specific span of time, which almost certainly points to the release of a huge game like GTA 6. As the 2025 Fiscal Year ends in March 2025, it would be reasonable to expect the game sometime before then.

    This one doesn’t have any trail to check; it comes from the publisher directly. While they don’t come right out and say anything about GTA 6, it will certainly be the biggest game of the year whenever it does finally release. On the bright side, time is ticking down, and fans might be able to expect GTA 6 in the next 15 months.

    Co-op

    GTA Online Halloween Masks 2023
    Image Source: Rockstar Games

    Reddit user Tobbelobben30 dug through the older massive leak that Rockstar suffered and found several references to character actions that suggest co-op gameplay. The BuddyPing and BuddyComms actions suggest that there will be some sort of interaction between two players, and there is evidence that players can be downed and get revived, which isn’t exactly a single-player thing.

    This one is highly likely because co-op is huge in games like this. However, the evidence provided doesn’t directly show it means co-op teammates. The “Buddy” in question could easily mean that you get AI partners that can revive you, and you can direct them through pings.

    Modern Setting

    Image Source: Rockstar Games

    Jason Schreier commented in a Reddit thread, revealing what he knew about the game’s setting. He wrote, “I can’t rule out any flashbacks or excursions, but AFAIK the main game is set in modern times.” This Reddit thread is from July 2022, so it is highly unlikely this could change. After the way GTA 5 starts, it would make sense if that idea carried forward into showing other past events in a new story.

    As this comes directly from Jason Schreier, it is almost guaranteed to be the truth. Also, it’s only been a year since the comment was made. While game development can constantly shift, it feels too late to entirely rework the game’s main setting.

    Female Protagonist

    The Last Dose promo art for GTA Online
    Image via Rockstar Games

    Continuing leaks/announcements from Jason Schreier, a Bloomberg article reveals a first for the series: a female protagonist. Following the modern setting, it makes sense to finally depart from only male lead characters. As GTA Online allowed player creation, continuing this specific series norm would be highly unusual.

    The source for this one is once again one of the most trustworthy names in games journalism, so there shouldn’t be any doubts about this one. He further reveals that, unlike the three-way split in GTA 5, there will only be two protagonists in GTA 6. This could easily be where co-op comes into play as it could be two-player, and they both control one character.

    The Female Protagonist is Named Lucia

    Grand Theft Auto Vice City 50 Cent Leak side eye cover art
    Image via Rockstar Games

    This one is a bit harder to source, as it is once again from Reddit, but the author has been deleted. In the post, they claim the female protagonist is named Lucia, and that she gets arrested for robbing a bank. She is joined by her fellow bank-robbing cohort, Jason.

    This one is tricky, as other sources corroborate that the female protagonist is Latina, and Lucia would be a fitting name. The bank robbing is a little more tenuous, as that’s pretty much just a rehash of the GTA 5 protagonists. I know there’s not enough leeway for criminals to do crimes that result in big money besides bank robbery, but it still seems a little convenient. I can only chalk this one up to a firm maybe.

    Map Based on Miami

    GTA: Vice City's Ocean Beach main street
    Image Source: Rockstar Games

    A different part of that Bloomberg article claims that the main area for GTA 6 will be based on Miami. This may be the reintroduction of Vice City, as that location existed within the canon of the pre-GTA 4 titles. However, San Andreas returned with GTA 5, so it’s possible.

    If we’re accepting the female protagonist at face value, considering the source, there’s no reason to discount this piece of information. It’s weird to think that Rockstar might overwrite the established geography, but Vice City is older canon and could be changed. Regarding environmental variance, using Miami could mean an inclusion of the Everglades.

    Outside US Location

    grand-theft-auto-fans-need-customizable-housing-in-gta-6
    Image Source: Rockstar Games

    In a June video, YouTuber (and notable Valve leaker) Tyler McVicker claimed that GTA 6 would take players to Cuba. While the Red Dead Redemption games occasionally take players outside the United States, Grand Theft Auto has never done the same. This would certainly increase the playable area in GTA 6 and make the total map larger than ever.

    I’m unsure about this, but it could also depend on the presentation. I don’t think it would make sense to have Cuba as a destination, but it would make sense if the game started there and you don’t get to return. However, assuming the Miami-esque location is true, featuring a facsimile of Cuba makes a little more sense.

    About the author

    Cameron Waldrop

    Cameron is a freelance writer for Twinfinite and regularly covers battle royales like Fortnite and Apex Legends. He started writing for Twinfinite in late 2019 and has reviewed many great games. While he loves a good shooter, his heart will always belong to JRPGs.

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    Cameron Waldrop

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  • Does ex husband Tom Brady moving on with Irina Shayk help Gisele Bündchen’s freedom? Here’s what we know

    Does ex husband Tom Brady moving on with Irina Shayk help Gisele Bündchen’s freedom? Here’s what we know

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    Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady‘s separation came as a major shock to netizens across the world last year.  After 13 long years of marriage, the supermodel and the NFL star announced their divorce in 2022, surprising their fans and well-wishers. Ever since the two split, dating rumors have floated around the former couple who share two children together.

    While Bündchen has been linked to her jiu-jitsu trainer Joaquim Valente, Brady has been linked to reality television star Kim Kardashian and supermodel Irina Shayk. After several reports, the former football player was spotted getting cozy with Shayk, sparking the dating rumors a massive notch. Here’s how Bündchen is reported to be feeling about the same.

    ALSO READ: Did Irina Shayk ‘throw herself’ at Tom Brady? Report claims model ‘followed’ NFL star despite his disinterest

    Are Tom Brady and Irina Shayk dating?

    According to the pictures obtained by TMZ, Brady and Shayk spent two days hanging out with the quarterback picking the model from Hotel Bel-Air and driving them to his home. The two were all smiles and the model was reported to have only left his place the next morning. Paparazzi pictures also show Brady stroking Shayk’s cheek as they sit in his car.

    While some reports claim they met in May at the wedding of rich art heir Joe Nahmad and model Madison Headrick, others claim the two were already friends before that. Meanwhile, TMZ claimed that Bündchen is “not happy at all” about her ex-husband dating Shayk but a recent report by the portal sees a source close to the model rubbishing these rumors.

    How does Gisele Bündchen feel about Tom Brady dating Irina Shayk?

    “Why wouldn’t she be happy for Tom? She divorced him. It is helpful to her freedom that he moved on,” the source said. They added that Bündchen and Shyak are not friends, but have known each other professionally from having worked in the same industry for years. The source concludes that the two have been cordial every time they’ve crossed paths.

    Meanwhile, Brady has been linked to Kim Kardashian recently but sources claim the two are just friends. Shayk has had two prominent previous relationships with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bradley Cooper. While the model was with the football player from 2010 to 2015, she dated the actor from 2015 to 2019 and has a daughter named Lea De Seine with him. Bündchen and Brady have a son named Benjamin and a daughter named Vivian.

    According to reports, Shayk barely “let [Brady] out of her sight” and was “throwing herself at him” during the wedding in May. Brady was also reported to have told the model that he “wasn’t interested” but the rest is now history with the recent images of them surfacing on the Internet. Shayk’s representative slammed the story back then calling it “completely false” and a “totally malicious” account of the star-studded Italian wedding celebration.

    ALSO READ: Gisele Bündchen feels her divorce with Tom Brady was ‘like a death and a rebirth’

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