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Instagram to Notify Parents When Teens Repeatedly Search for Self-Harm Content

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Instagram is introducing a new safety feature aimed at strengthening parental awareness around teen mental health. Starting next week, the platform will begin notifying parents when a teen repeatedly searches for terms related to suicide or self-harm within a short period of time.

The alerts will be available to parents who have enabled Instagram’s parental supervision tools and will initially roll out in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Meta says additional regions will follow later.

According to Instagram, the alerts are designed to strike a careful balance between privacy and safety. The system will only trigger notifications after several related searches occur within a limited timeframe, rather than flagging a single query. While the company acknowledges that some alerts may not always indicate immediate risk, it says experts advised that early awareness is critical.

From the notification, parents will have the option to access guidance and resources intended to help them start supportive conversations with their teens about mental health and wellbeing.

Instagram emphasized that its existing protections for younger users remain in place. Teens are still prevented from seeing search results or content related to suicide and self-harm under current policies, and the platform continues to redirect such searches toward support resources.

The company also confirmed that it is working on a similar alert system tied to its AI-powered tools, though further details are not expected until later this year.

The move is part of Meta’s broader effort to address concerns from parents, regulators, and mental health advocates about the impact of social media on young users, particularly around sensitive and potentially harmful topics.

Airtel Uganda Posts Strong 2025 Results as Data and Digital Services Drive Growth

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Airtel Uganda has reported a solid financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, with revenue rising 13.3 percent to UGX 2.23 trillion and profit after tax reaching UGX 446.8 billion. The results were driven by rapid growth in mobile data and value added services, continued subscriber expansion, and sustained investment in network infrastructure.

Airtel Uganda Limited has posted robust results for the 2025 financial year, underscoring the operator’s growing influence in Uganda’s increasingly competitive telecommunications market. According to the company’s audited financial statements, total revenue rose to UGX 2.23 trillion, up from UGX 1.97 trillion in 2024, marking a 13.3 percent year on year increase.

Data emerges as the primary growth engine

The standout driver of Airtel Uganda’s performance was mobile data and value added services, which generated UGX 1.30 trillion in revenue in 2025, a sharp rise from UGX 899.7 billion the previous year. Voice services also delivered steady growth, climbing to UGX 1.03 trillion from UGX 995.5 billion in 2024.

The operator’s total customer base expanded by 19.2 percent over the year, reflecting increased smartphone adoption, wider 4G coverage, and growing demand for digital services such as streaming, mobile payments, and online communication.

Profitability improves despite higher costs

Profit before tax increased significantly to UGX 639.9 billion in 2025, compared to UGX 431.7 billion in 2024. After accounting for income tax expenses of UGX 193 billion, Airtel Uganda reported a profit after tax of UGX 446.8 billion.

Operating profit rose 35 percent to UGX 849.2 billion, translating into an operating margin of 37.7 percent. The company noted that operating costs increased during the year due to higher network operating expenses, expanded sales and distribution activities, and increased depreciation and amortisation following the rollout of 258 new network sites across the country.

Finance costs and balance sheet position

Finance costs grew to UGX 209.3 billion from UGX 177.4 billion in 2024, largely driven by higher interest expenses on lease liabilities. Despite this, Airtel Uganda reduced its total market debt, comprising bank overdrafts and term loans, from UGX 653.5 billion in 2024 to UGX 645 billion in 2025, signalling improved balance sheet management. The company maintained that its leverage ratio remains sustainable and within acceptable levels.

Total assets increased to UGX 2.74 trillion, while shareholders’ equity strengthened, supported by higher retained earnings.

Strong cash flows support investment and returns

Airtel Uganda continued to generate healthy cash flows, reporting net cash from operating activities of UGX 1.01 trillion in 2025, up from UGX 879.9 billion a year earlier. Net cash used in investing activities amounted to UGX 238 billion, primarily reflecting capital expenditure on network infrastructure and equipment.

The Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of UGX 3.55 per share for the year ended December 31, 2025. Subject to shareholder approval, the dividend will be paid on or before April 29, 2026, to shareholders on record as of April 8, 2026.

Leadership commentary

Commenting on the results, Airtel Uganda Managing Director Soumendra Sahu said the performance reflected the company’s continued focus on innovation, customer experience, and operational efficiency. Chairman Hannington Karuhanga added that the results demonstrate sustained revenue growth supported by disciplined cost management and ongoing investment in network capacity to meet rising data demand.

Outlook

Airtel Uganda’s 2025 performance highlights the central role of data in shaping the future of the telecom sector. As usage patterns continue to shift toward digital services, the company’s strategy of expanding coverage, improving quality, and strengthening its financial position places it well to capture further growth in Uganda’s fast evolving digital economy.

WhatsApp Introduces Group Message History to Help New Members Catch Up

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WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature called Group Message History, aimed at making it easier for new members to join group chats without disrupting ongoing conversations or compromising privacy.

The feature allows group admins and members to selectively share recent messages with newly added participants, enabling them to quickly understand the context of discussions. Users can choose to send between 25 and 100 recent messages, eliminating the need for screenshots or manual message forwarding.

WhatsApp says Group Message History is one of its most requested updates and reinforces the platform’s leadership in secure group messaging across devices. Like all messages on the platform, shared group history remains fully end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that only intended recipients can access the content.

When someone new is added to a group, WhatsApp presents an option to send recent messages. This action is optional rather than automatic, giving members control over what information is shared. Group admins can also disable the feature entirely for their groups, although admins will always retain the ability to share message history if necessary.

To ensure transparency, WhatsApp notifies all group members whenever message history is shared. The messages are clearly labeled with timestamps and sender information and are visually distinct from regular chat messages, making it easy to identify shared history.

How to use Group Message History on WhatsApp

When you add a new participant to a WhatsApp group, the app will now prompt you to decide whether you want to share recent messages with them. At this point, you can choose to send between 25 and 100 previous messages, in increments of 25. This gives new members enough context to follow the conversation without exposing the full chat history.

For privacy reasons, WhatsApp does not allow unlimited access to past messages, and message history can only be shared during the process of adding someone to a group. If you skip this step, there is no way to send the history afterward unless the member is removed and added again.

Once message history is shared, WhatsApp notifies everyone in the group. The shared messages are clearly marked with timestamps and sender details and are visually distinct from regular chat messages to avoid confusion.

Group admins remain in full control. While sharing history is optional for members, admins can disable the feature entirely for their groups if they choose. As with all WhatsApp conversations, Group Message History remains fully end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that privacy and security are preserved throughout the process.

WhatsApp says the feature is rolling out gradually and will become available to more users over time. WhatsApp describes Group Message History as part of its broader effort to make group chats more welcoming while maintaining strong privacy protections.

What to Know About Moving Vehicles Safely and Efficiently

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Moving a vehicle, whether you’re relocating across town or shipping a classic car to another state, can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider, from choosing the right transport method to ensuring your vehicle arrives in the same condition it left in. With careful planning and the right support, you can make the process smooth, safe, and efficient.

Choose the Right Transport Option

The very first step in moving a vehicle is determining how you want it transported. There are a few common options:

  • Open-air transport: This is the most cost-effective and widely used method. Vehicles are loaded onto a trailer exposed to the elements, which is generally safe for everyday cars.
  • Enclosed transport: This option offers added protection from the weather and road debris. It’s ideal for luxury cars, antiques, or vehicles with sentimental value.
  • Drive-away services: In some cases, a professional driver may be hired to drive the car to its destination. While convenient, this method can add wear to your vehicle’s mileage.

For specialized needs, such as transporting a motorcycle across state lines, services like vehicle transportation in Tennessee make it easy to find vetted carriers and competitive quotes.

Prepare Your Vehicle Before Transport

Proper preparation can make a big difference in how well your vehicle withstands transport. Before your pick-up date, take time to:

  • Clean your vehicle inside and out. This helps you spot any existing dings, scratches, or dents before transport.
  • Document its condition. Take detailed photos from all angles. You’ll thank yourself later if there’s ever a dispute about damage.
  • Disable alarms and remove toll tags. Unexpected noises can be distracting, and toll tags could charge you incorrectly.
  • Check fluid levels and battery health. While most carriers won’t transport a vehicle with major leaks or a dead battery, you’ll want to avoid leaving these issues until the last minute.

If you’re transporting personal items, be sure they are securely packed inside the car. Most carriers limit the weight and quantity of items allowed in the vehicle.

Understand Insurance and Liability

Before your vehicle is on the road with a carrier, it’s crucial to clarify the insurance coverage. Ask your transport provider:

Your own auto insurance policy may also provide supplemental coverage during transport. Don’t hesitate to contact your insurance agent to confirm what’s included and whether you need additional protection for peace of mind.

Communicate Clearly with Your Carrier

Communication is a key part of a smooth transport experience. Stay in touch with the carrier leading up to the pick-up and delivery, and confirm:

  • Dates and times
  • Location accessibility
  • Any specific requirements (like narrow driveways or apartment building loading zones)

A reliable carrier will provide tracking updates and clear contact information so you always know where your vehicle is in the process.

On Delivery Day

When your vehicle arrives, carefully inspect it before signing any delivery paperwork. Compare its current state to the photos you took before transport, and note any differences. If damage occurred, document it immediately and inform the carrier before they leave.

To Sum Up

Moving a vehicle doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right transport method, proper preparation, thorough communication, and attention to detail, you can ensure your vehicle arrives safely and efficiently. Taking these steps not only protects your investment but also gives you confidence throughout the entire process.

AirDrop and Quick Share File Sharing Is Expanding to More Android Phones

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Google is preparing to expand AirDrop and Quick Share interoperability beyond Pixel phones, bringing cross-platform file sharing to a wider range of Android devices starting next year.

The feature, first announced in November, allows users on select Google Pixel phones and Apple devices to share files directly between Android and iOS using Quick Share and AirDrop. Until now, support has been limited to Google’s Pixel 10 lineup, but that exclusivity appears to be coming to an end.

Speaking during a recent Pixel Labs tour at Google’s Taipei office, Android platform engineering vice president Eric Kay confirmed the broader rollout. Kay said the company spent significant time ensuring compatibility across Apple’s ecosystem, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs, before moving toward expansion.

“Now that we’ve proven it out, we’re working with our partners to expand it into the rest of the ecosystem,” Kay said, adding that more announcements are expected soon.

The comments were reported by Android Authority, which attended the press briefing.

At launch, AirDrop interoperability worked on Apple devices alongside the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Fold. While Google has not yet named the next Android phones to receive the feature, Kay’s remarks strongly suggest it will no longer be limited to Pixel hardware.

Technical changes under the hood support that conclusion. Rather than keeping AirDrop compatibility locked behind a Pixel-exclusive system component, Google converted the Quick Share extension into a full APK distributed through the Play Store. That approach makes it easier to update the feature and deploy it across devices from different manufacturers.

Some Android partners are already lining up. Nothing has confirmed it is working to bring AirDrop interoperability to its phones, while Qualcomm has hinted that Snapdragon-powered devices could gain support as well.

Google says the feature relies on a multi-layered security system, including encrypted file transfers, built-in protections on both Android and iOS, and explicit user consent before any file is received.

For now, interoperability is limited to the “Everyone for 10 Minutes” sharing mode on both platforms. Google says it hopes to collaborate with Apple in the future to support more restrictive sharing options, such as Contacts Only mode.

If widely adopted, the move could finally remove one of the longest-standing friction points between Android and iPhone users: fast, wireless file sharing across platforms.

1win Application for Sports Betting Fans in Uganda

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The popular betting platform in Uganda, 1win, has a mobile app. With it, you can make deposits, place bets, receive bonuses, and much more. The application is completely free to download. The download of the 1win betting app only takes a few minutes. New users will get a 500% welcome bonus up to 7,200,000 UGX to explore more betting markets.

Pros and Cons of Application

The 1win mobile app has a lot of users. But the app has both advantages and disadvantages. They are reflected in the lists:

Pros:

  • Great optimization;
  • Huge welcome bonus;
  • The app on Android takes only 50 MB of free space;
  • Very simple and convenient interface;
  • Opportunity to watch live-streams of matches.

Cons:

  • No dedicated 1win Betting app on iOS. Need to use PWA;
  • Not all matches have livestreams.

Installation of the 1win App

You can install the application on Android or iOS with PWA. The installation is easy and will not take much time on any device. You can find the download guides for both systems below:

Setting up on Android

The application is available on Android devices. You need to complete the 1win app download APK from the website to install it:

  1. Open the website on your device.
  2. Go to the “Menu” through the selector at the bottom of the site.
  3. Select “1win for Android” to download the APK file.
  4. Open your settings. Allow installation from unknown sources.
  5. Open the APK file and install it.

Installation of PWA on iOS

The iOS app has not yet been developed. However, starting with iOS 11.3, it became possible to install PWAs (Progressive Web Apps). This is an application that runs through the browser and doesn’t take up any storage space. To add a shortcut to your home screen:

  1. Launch the Safari browser and open the 1win website.
  2. Tap the “Share” button.
  3. In the list, select “Add to home screen.”
  4. Confirm action.

How to Place a Bet through the App

After the successful installation, you can start to use 1win. You need to complete some actions before you can place a bet. The full path from registration to the place of your stake is provided below:

Create an Account

Tap the green “Registration” button. Complete the registration form.

Replenish Your Account

Press the “Deposit” button. Choose a method and then add money to your balance.

Open Section with Sport Events

Select “Sports” from the bottom right corner.

Choose an Event

Select a game, league, and event.

Place a Bet

Pick odds. Then you can enter your bet amount and confirm it in the bet slip.

Popular Types of Sport on 1win

On 1win Uganda, you will find hundreds of sports events daily. But some of them are especially popular among Ugandans. You can view these types of sports in the list:

Football

Bet on many events, including the big leagues like Series A and the Bundesliga. The main markets include match outcome and total score over/under.

Basketball

Top leagues like the NBA and Euroleague are available. You can choose markets such as match winner, total points over/under, and quarter results.

Tennis

Matches from ATP, WTA, and Grand Slams can be found here. Markets include match winner and set betting.

Ice Hockey

Leagues like the NHL and KHL are offered on the platform. Main options are match result, total goals over/under, and period winner.

Cricket

Big tournaments such as T20 leagues and international games are covered. You can bet on the match winner, total runs, and top batsman.

Bonuses for Sports Fans on the 1win Application

With the 1win app, you can take advantage of lots of bonuses. Deposits, boosts, cash backs, and daily tasks, you can receive it all right after the installation and registration. Users will find a full list of bonuses in the “Promotions” and “Bonuses” section. The main bonuses you can activate are:

  • Welcome Bonus: 500% bonus for your first 4 deposits. Minimum deposit to activate the promotion is 6,000 UGX. The maximum bonus amount is 7,200,000 UGX. To be able to withdraw, wager the bonus funds 40 times;
  • Multiple Bet Bonus: Place a multiple bet with at least 5 selections to boost your winnings up to 15%;
  • 1win Coins: Stay active on the platform. Make deposits, play casino games, or place bets. These actions will earn you 1win Coins. The coins can be exchanged for real money;
  • Free Money: Check the “Free Money” section in the left tab. There you will find a daily free wheel and lots of easy tasks. By completing these tasks, you will receive 1win Coins. One of the main tasks is to complete 1win app download. It will bring you 200 1win Coins.

1win Support

The support team is ready to help you at any time. Contact them via:

  • Live chat;
  • Email: support@1win.social for detailed inquiries with attachments;
  • Telegram: @FAQ_1win_bot.

1win support can help you with any problems you encounter on the platform.

Conclusion

The download of the 1win bet app is really fast and simple. The application has lots of markets and events. You can even watch livestreams of games directly in the app. App users get lots of promotions to expand their betting budget. The 1win application works well on most devices and is convenient for betting.

Uganda’s Spotify Wrapped 2025: Afrobeats Dominance Meets a Rising Kampala Wave

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Walk into any bar in Kabalagala or hop into a taxi weaving through Kampala’s rush hour, and one soundtrack has defined Uganda’s year: Afrobeats. Nigeria’s cultural engine continues to roar across the country, shaping club playlists, radio rotations, and personal streaming habits. But beneath the heavy continental influence, a new story is taking shape — one led by Ugandan artists who are beginning to command their space.

Spotify’s 2025 Wrapped data shows just how deeply the West African sound has embedded itself in Ugandan listening culture. Of the top 10 most-streamed songs in Uganda, seven are Nigerian. Tracks like Venus by Faceless and My Darling by Chella became near-inescapable staples, functioning like unofficial Ugandan anthems throughout the year.

On the Top Artists chart, global heavyweights Drake and Chris Brown sit alongside Afrobeats titans Burna Boy, Davido, and Rema. The Top Albums list tells a similar story, with Davido’s 5ive, Omah Lay’s Boy Alone, and Ayra Starr’s The Year I Turned 21 securing prominent positions.

Nigeria’s presence remains unmistakable, and for now, unshakable.

Joshua Baraka Outstreams Davido and Kendrick Lamar

Yet 2025 delivered a breakthrough moment that cannot be ignored. At number one on the country’s Top Songs list is a Ugandan, Joshua Baraka, with Wrong Places, his collaboration with British-Ghanaian producer JAE5.

Baraka’s rise has been steady and intentional. From his 2023 breakout Nana to his latest album Juvie, he has refined a sound that sits comfortably between soulful vulnerability and global polish. Pairing that with JAE5’s production gave Wrong Places the international sheen that propelled it past Davido and even Kendrick Lamar on Ugandan soil.

It’s the kind of homegrown win that signals a shifting tide.

Street Anthems and Local Chemistry

The surge didn’t stop with Baraka. At number nine is Tabbu, the electrifying collaboration between Dax Vibez and Ava Peace. Built on flirtatious lyricism and undeniable chemistry, the track became a nightlife favourite, proving that Ugandan duets can go toe-to-toe with the biggest international collaborations.

Further down the chart, the underground made a bold appearance. FYNO UG’s Che Che, rooted in the grit of African Dancehall, broke into the top 20, a strong signal of evolving local tastes and the maturing Kampala street sound.

Over on the Top Artists list, Elijah Kitaka is the next notable milestone. Landing just outside the top 10, the drummer-turned-Afro-soul vocalist has emerged as one of Uganda’s most refined musical exports. His single Good Idea, featuring Dax Vibez, helped solidify his rise.

A Shift in the Air

This year marked the moment when Ugandan artists stopped seeking validation and started dictating the pace. The charts still show the unmistakable pull of West African music, but names like Joshua Baraka, Dax Vibez, Ava Peace, and Elijah Kitaka reflect a growing appetite for local storytelling and soundscapes.

Uganda isn’t rejecting the Afrobeats wave — it’s learning to ride it on its own terms.

Spotify Wrapped 2025: Top Songs in Uganda

  1. Joshua Baraka, JAE5 — Wrong Places
  2. Faceless, Serøtonin — Venus
  3. Kunmie — Arike
  4. Chella — My Darling
  5. Shallipopi — Laho
  6. Fido — Awolowo
  7. Davido — KANTE (feat. Fave)
  8. Alex Warren — Ordinary
  9. Dax Vibez, Ava Peace — Tabbu
  10. Davido, Omah Lay — With You

Top Artists in Uganda

  1. Drake
  2. Chris Brown
  3. Burna Boy
  4. Davido
  5. Rema
  6. Ruger
  7. Asake
  8. Ayra Starr
  9. Kendrick Lamar
  10. Fireboy DML

Top Albums in Uganda

  1. Chris Brown — 11:11
  2. SZA — SOS Deluxe: LANA
  3. Davido — 5ive
  4. Omah Lay — Boy Alone
  5. Davido — Timeless
  6. Ayra Starr — The Year I Turned 21
  7. Kendrick Lamar — GNX
  8. Ruger — The Second Wave (Deluxe)
  9. Asake — Work Of Art
  10. Tyla — TYLA

1Win Aviator Game Play Online

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Aviator is a popular crash game from the well-known provider Spribe, which has a huge audience of players around the world and in Kenya. It has simple gameplay, and the main feature of the game is that your decisions directly affect whether you win or lose. 1Win has included Aviator in its casino lobby. New users can get a guaranteed 500% welcome bonus of 260,000 KES. Learn all about 1Win Aviator and start playing with maximum comfort today!

1Win Aviator Rules

Before starting to play Aviator at 1Win Kenya, it’s important to understand how the game works. Here are the key rules every player should know:

  • Before the round begins, you can place one or two bets;
  • Once the round starts, the plane takes off and the multiplier begins to rise;
  • You can cash out at any moment by tapping the “Cash Out” button;
  • The amount of your winnings is determined by the odds displayed on the screen when you press the “Cash Out” button;
  • If you don’t cash out before the plane disappears, the bet is lost;
  • The Provably Fair system ensures that round results cannot be predicted or influenced;
  • All Aviator rounds run in real time, and every player sees identical outcomes.

How to Play Aviator at 1Win

Any user from Kenya over the age of 18 can start playing 1Win Aviator. Below are detailed instructions on how to do this:

  1. Pass 1Win Aviator registration. Click on the “Registration” button and fill it in with your personal information to create an account.
  2. Deposit Funds. Tap the “Deposit” button at the top of the page, choose a payment method, enter the amount, and confirm the transaction.
  3. Launch Aviator. Open the casino section and use the search bar to find Aviator.
  4. Place a 1Win bet Aviator. The game screen and betting field will open in front of you. Decide how much you want to bet and confirm your bet.
  5. Collect Your Winnings. Wait for the desired multiplier, then click the “Cash Out” button to collect your winnings.

If your bet is successful, the money you win will be added to your balance, and you can withdraw it at any time.

Aviator Algorithm

The Aviator game 1Win is unpredictable, and you cannot accurately predict the final odds of any round. This is because the outcome of each round is determined by modern Provably Fair technology. At the same time, everything is transparent and open to every player in a publicly accessible registry, which proves the fairness of the game. You may encounter some signals and strategies that supposedly help you predict the exact winning result. 

Aviator Strategy for Betting

When playing Aviator 1Win, users must decide how much to bet on a particular round and when to press the “Withdraw money” button. This means you can directly influence whether you win or lose. To improve your results, you can use some of the popular strategies:

Low Bet Strategy

This strategy is suitable for Kenyan players who prefer safe and stable play. You place small bets and withdraw your money early at low multipliers, such as x1.2-x1.5. 

High Bet Strategy

Here, players use larger bets and aim for multipliers of around x3-x4. This is an option for those who want to win more in fewer rounds.

Martingale Strategy

In this strategy, you start with a small bet and double it after each loss. As soon as the bet wins, you cover your previous losses and return to the initial amount.

Demo Mode

Before starting to play 1Win Aviator online for real money, users can play in demo mode. This is a free mode, so you don’t have to pay anything to participate. Here are some of its advantages:

  • The user does not risk losing money and at the same time can try out different strategies;
  • Users can experience the thrill of big wins;
  • After 1Win Aviator login, players have the opportunity to fully explore the interface elements;
  • There is an opportunity to understand how the multiplier increases and how the Cashout button works.

Once you get the hang of it, you can switch to real money mode with a single click. 

Aviator 1Win Predictor

You can find information on the Internet about the existence of the 1Win Aviator predictor, a program that is supposedly able to predict the outcome of a round. It is recommended to completely avoid installing and using such applications, as they are distributed by scammers. 

FAQ

Is it legal to play Aviator at 1Win in Kenya?

Aviator is a licensed Provably Fair game, and 1Win legally operates under the Curacao eGaming license, making it safe for Kenyan users.

Can I play Aviator on my smartphone?

You can make the 1Win Aviator app download and play the game on your mobile device.

Can I try Aviator for free?

Yes, 1Win provides a demo mode where Kenyan players can test Aviator using virtual funds.

How much can I win in Aviator?

The multiplier can reach up to x10,000 per round, so your win depends on your bet amount.

Amazon Cracks Down on Illegal Streaming Apps on Fire TV Devices

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Global rollout begins as Amazon blocks piracy-linked apps on both new and older Fire TV Sticks

Amazon is taking aggressive new steps to curb illegal streaming on its popular Fire TV Stick, moving to block third-party apps that enable access to pirated content. The crackdown, first reported by The Athletic, has already begun in France and Germany, with a worldwide rollout planned over the coming weeks and months.

For years, the Fire TV Stick — alongside similar plug-in streaming devices — has been widely associated with unauthorized sports streaming. Users have often “side-loaded” apps that bypass official app stores to access illegal live sports feeds at prices far cheaper than legitimate broadcasters.

A Device-Level Ban

According to the report, Amazon will now block piracy-linked apps at the device level, rendering many sideloaded apps inoperable. TechRadar notes that this move could also undermine the common workaround of using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions or mask activity.

The decision follows the recent launch of Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which runs on a Linux-based system instead of Android — a shift that makes it harder for users to modify or exploit the software. The new stick also restricts app installs exclusively to the Amazon Appstore and introduces beefed-up security protections.

An Amazon spokesperson told The Athletic:

“Piracy is illegal and we’ve always worked to block it from our app store. We’ll now block apps identified as providing access to pirated content, including those downloaded from outside our app store. This builds on our ongoing efforts to support creators and protect customers, as piracy can also expose users to malware, viruses and fraud.”

Illegal Streaming Is Widespread

A recent six-month YouGov Sport survey commissioned by The Athletic highlights the scale of the issue.

  • About 9% of UK adults — roughly 4.7 million people — illegally streamed sports in 2025, up by about 200,000 from two years prior.
  • Fire TV Sticks (and similar plug-in devices) were the second most common method used, cited by 31% of respondents.
  • Unauthorized websites remain the top source of illicit sports streams at 42%.

A Major Shift for Fire TV

By enforcing system-level blocks on piracy tools, Amazon is signaling a significant shift in how it manages its streaming hardware ecosystem. The company has long prohibited piracy apps in its official store, but this new step goes much further, targeting sideloading — a major reason some users prefer Fire TV over more locked-down competitors.

As the global rollout continues, millions of Fire TV users engaging in illegal sports streaming may soon find their favorite third-party apps unusable.

Google Announces Private AI Compute, Its Answer to Apple’s Private Cloud Compute

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Google has unveiled Private AI Compute, a new privacy-focused cloud system designed to power advanced AI features while safeguarding user data. The technology closely mirrors Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, extending Google’s AI processing capabilities to the cloud without compromising privacy.

The company says the system allows AI tasks that exceed a device’s on-board processing power to be executed securely in the cloud — without exposing sensitive data to Google or third parties.

“For decades, Google has developed privacy-enhancing technologies to improve AI use cases,” the company wrote in a blog post. “Private AI Compute combines our most capable Gemini models with the same security and privacy assurances you expect from on-device processing. It’s part of our commitment to deliver AI with safety and responsibility at the core.”

Built for Security and Isolation

Private AI Compute operates on custom Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) integrated with Titanium Intelligence Enclaves (TIE), hardware-based secure environments designed to isolate and protect user data. These enclaves act as a sealed “fortified space” for processing AI workloads. Devices connect using remote attestation and encrypted channels, ensuring that even Google’s engineers and administrators cannot access the underlying user information.

Coming First to Pixel 10

The system will debut with the Pixel 10 lineup, powering a new wave of cloud-assisted AI experiences. Among them are enhancements to Magic Cue, a contextual assistant that provides real-time suggestions, and an upgraded Recorder app that can summarize transcripts in multiple languages. Both rely on Google’s Gemini models, which require more computational power than what is available on-device.

A Direct Parallel to Apple’s Private Cloud Compute

Google’s new approach mirrors Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, which launched last year as part of the company’s Apple Intelligence ecosystem. Apple’s system uses custom servers built with Apple silicon, operating as verifiable, sealed environments for AI tasks. Both companies are moving toward hybrid AI architectures — balancing the speed and privacy of on-device AI with the computational scale of the cloud.

The Bigger Picture

Private AI Compute marks another step in Google’s broader effort to position Gemini as a privacy-conscious AI ecosystem capable of competing with Apple’s tightly integrated AI framework. By anchoring its system in hardware-based security and encrypted data flows, Google is signaling that it intends to make privacy not just a compliance feature, but a competitive advantage.

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