Author: rb809rb

  • Gate US joins BitGo off-exchange settlement network

    Gate US joins BitGo off-exchange settlement network

    Gate US joined BitGo’s Go Network Off-Exchange Settlement service on July 28, giving eligible institutional clients access to the exchange’s U.S. liquidity while their assets remain in custody at BitGo Bank & Trust, National Association.

    The integration extends a broader partnership announced five days earlier. Gate US said BitGo would provide institutional custody, wallet management and risk-control technology as the exchange expands its U.S. business. Neither company disclosed financial terms, expected trading volume or a separate rollout schedule for the OES connection.

    Gate US clients can trade without pre-funding the exchange

    Under the arrangement, an institution allocates part of its balance held at BitGo Bank & Trust for trading on Gate US. BitGo then projects the available balance to the exchange for order execution, while the underlying assets remain in segregated custody until settlement.

    .@GateUS_Official is now part of BitGo’s Go Network Off-Exchange Settlement.

    How it works 👇

    🏛️Assets stay in segregated, regulated custody at BitGo Bank & Trust throughout the trading lifecycle

    💸Clients pledge cash, crypto, and select tokenized real-world assets, then… pic.twitter.com/OosXz3rB4N

    — BitGo (@BitGo) July 28, 2026

    Completed trades settle through Go Network rather than requiring customers to transfer assets into a conventional exchange wallet before each transaction. BitGo’s technical documentation says Go Network settlements occur off-chain while assets remain in its cold-storage system.

    Gate US Chief Operating Officer Laura Liu said the connection gives clients a framework built around regulated custody. Her description of the service as a “secure and efficient path” is a company claim. The firms have not published performance data comparing settlement speed, failure rates or costs with ordinary exchange deposits.

    BitGo separates custody from trade execution

    BitGo Bank & Trust provides custody and settlement, while Gate US continues to operate the market and execute orders. BitGo’s disclosures identify the subsidiary as a national trust bank chartered and regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

    The OCC’s corporate applications database shows that BitGo’s conversion from a South Dakota trust company became effective on Dec. 12, 2025. The charter authorizes fiduciary and custodial services but does not make digital assets eligible for federal deposit insurance.

    The model resembles traditional-market structures where a custodian holds assets while another venue executes trades. As crypto.news previously reported, OKX US added BitGo OES for institutional clients in April. In related coverage, Binance connected to Anchorage Digital’s Atlas platform under a similar structure.

    Off-exchange settlement reduces but does not remove risk

    Keeping assets away from an exchange can reduce exposure if the venue experiences insolvency, withdrawal restrictions or a custody breach. However, BitGo’s annual SEC filing says its OES services still create operational, regulatory and counterparty risks.

    BitGo lists possible trade-data errors, delayed asset transfers, insider misconduct, cyber incidents, technology disruptions and reconciliation failures. It also warns that a participating exchange or its clients could fail to meet obligations or provide inaccurate transaction data.

    Those disclosures qualify broader claims that off-exchange custody eliminates counterparty exposure. Settlement still depends on BitGo’s systems, Gate US’s execution records and enforceable agreements between the parties. The announcement did not specify supported assets, margin arrangements, settlement frequency, default procedures or separate OES fees.

    Gate US said in July that it held 36 state money-transmitter licences and served 47 U.S. jurisdictions. Its legal page states that cryptocurrency accounts are not protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or Securities Investor Protection Corporation.

    Gate US expands BitGo’s institutional venue network

    BitGo now lists Gate US alongside Crossover Markets CROSSx, Deribit through Copper ClearLoop, Finery Markets, Gate Global, HTX, INX, KuCoin, OKX US and STS Digital. Clients may trade directly with connected venues or use BitGo Prime for aggregated access to exchanges, market makers and over-the-counter liquidity providers.

    BitGo calls the expanding system its “Global Liquidity Layer.” That remains a strategic description rather than a regulated market category. Its value will depend on institutional adoption, reliable settlement and the amount of usable liquidity available through each connected venue.

    The next measurable updates will be the start of client activity, the assets supported on Gate US and any disclosed settlement or volume data. The companies have not announced deadlines for those disclosures. No verified market-price reaction was directly attributable to the integration.

  • AI Book Burning? Companies Are Destroying Millions of Books to Feed Chatbots

    AI Book Burning? Companies Are Destroying Millions of Books to Feed Chatbots

    In brief

    • AI companies are anonymously buying physical books in bulk and destroying them after scanning them for AI training.
    • Booksellers say demand for obscure and out-of-print titles has surged, raising fears that rare books are disappearing.
    • A federal judge ruled that destructive scanning of legally purchased books can qualify as fair use, even as separate copyright litigation continues.

    Like a scene out of the classic dystopian novel “Fahrenheit 451,” some AI companies aren’t just reading books—they’re destroying them.

    As developers race to build more powerful AI models, and lawsuits over copyright mount, a cottage industry has sprung up to supply them with millions of physical books that are stripped apart, scanned into training datasets, and discarded.

    First reported by 404 Media, AI companies are using intermediaries to acquire books at industrial scale anonymously. Companies specializing in bulk sourcing advertise their ability to locate hundreds of thousands of titles while promising confidentiality for AI clients, reflecting the sensitivity surrounding the practice.

    Critics say the buying spree is driven by AI companies racing to preserve human-authored knowledge before it is diluted by AI-generated text, often called “AI slop.” Books published before the rise of generative AI in 2023 are especially valuable because they provide high-quality training data written entirely by humans.

    The surge in demand is already reshaping the used-book market. One unnamed bookseller told 404 Media that weekly sales climbed from roughly 20 books to several hundred after AI buyers entered the market. While the increase has been profitable, he said he worries uncommon and out-of-print books are being permanently lost after they are scanned and destroyed.

    “It benefits me financially as well as by clearing out old inventory that is otherwise unlikely to sell,” the bookseller told 404 Media. “I’ve been well suited for these sales with inventory from overseas and foreign language books. On the other hand, I don’t like the end-use, and I don’t like that uncommon books are being pulped.”

    The practice mirrors Anthropic’s “Project Panama,” which digitized millions of books through destructive scanning.

    Last summer, in the copyright lawsuit Bartz v. Anthropic PBC, a federal judge in San Francisco ruled that scanning legally purchased physical books into digital copies, even when the originals were destroyed, constituted transformative fair use. Federal judges later issued similar fair use rulings in separate copyright cases involving OpenAI and Meta.

    However, in a separate case, a federal judge in the same district this week approved a $1.5 billion copyright settlement requiring Anthropic to pay thousands of authors about $3,000 per book after the company used pirated copies of their works to train Claude.

    In response to the growing backlash, AI developers, including Elon Musk, have spoken out against the practice and said companies should maintain the books being scanned.

    “I’ve asked the SpaceXAI team to preserve any rare books in a library and scan them the hard way vs just cutting off the spine and scanning,” Musk wrote on X.

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  • Bruce Campbell to Bring ‘Ernie & Emma’ on Nationwide Alamo Drafthouse Tour This Fall (EXCLUSIVE) – Film News in Brief

    Bruce Campbell to Bring ‘Ernie & Emma’ on Nationwide Alamo Drafthouse Tour This Fall (EXCLUSIVE) – Film News in Brief

    Bruce Campbell is set to bring his new independent film, “Ernie & Emma,” to Alamo Drafthouse screens this fall.

    The nationwide tour will feature Campbell in-person, beginning Friday, Sept. 4 in Los Angeles before stops in San Francisco, New York City, Texas, Washington, D.C., North Carolina, Virginia and more cities through Nov. 14. The romantic comedy “Ernie & Emma,” which Campbell directed, wrote, produced and starred in, follows a small-town salesman who goes on a road trip across Oregon to honor his late wife through a “meticulous list of instructions she leaves behind,” according to an official synopsis.

    “It’s incredibly special to share this film with audiences across the nation. Getting to bring it directly to communities and experience those conversations in real time is the reason you make something like this in the first place,” Campbell said in a statement. “I’m going to start these screenings with one question: ‘How many people here have lost a loved one? Raise your hand. Every hand is going to go up. That’s why I believe this movie connects with everyone. Loss is universal, and so is the challenge of finding your way forward.”

    In addition to his acting work in “The Evil Dead” trilogy and “Spider-Man 2,” Campbell previously directed “My Name is Bruce,” “Make Love! The Bruce Campbell Way” and “Man with the Screaming Brain.”

    Wednesday, July 29

    Cosm and Warner Bros. Pictures Set Shared Reality Release of ‘It’

    Cosm and Warner Bros. Pictures announced “It” will premiere in shared reality at Cosm venues on Aug. 28.

    Cosm will utilize its 87-foot-diameter, 12K+ LED domes and fulldome production technology to transport guests to Derry, Maine. Intensified sound design and dynamic environments will supplement the jump scares in the horror film, which premiered in 2017 and quickly became the highest grossing horror film.

    “Over the past year, we’ve seen experiential cinema in Shared Reality bring to life a fresh, exciting way for fans to interact with – and enter the worlds of – their favorite films,” said Alexis Scalice, vice president of business development and entertainment at Cosm.

    “It” marks the fourth entry in Cosm’s film portfolio, along with “The Matrix,” “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

    “It” will premiere at Cosm Los Angeles, Dallas and Atlanta on Aug. 28, and at Cosm Detroit at a later date.

    Tuesday, July 28

    Byron Allen’s Freestyle Digital Media Picks Up Jeff Ryan’s Golf Crime Comedy ‘Mooch’

    Freestyle Digital Media has acquired the golf crime comedy “Mooch,” written by, directed by and starring Jeff Ryan. “Mooch” will debut on digital platforms starting Aug. 14. Ryan, who retains theatrical rights through is First-Names Films, will release the film in a national roadshow of one-night screenings developed in partnership with Emo Nite, featuring live performances from its soundtrack artists.

    “The rollout reimagines the theatrical experience for the ‘Mooch’ audience: part screening, part concert, part reunion for a generation raised on Warped Tour,” the filmmakers said in a statement. The ensemble cast includes Scott Cohen, Katerina Tannenbaum, Geneva Carr, Molly Brown, Ashby Gentry, Will Chase, Louis Cancelmi Olli Haaskivii, Ian Dolley, Natalie Roy and Oscar Williams.

    Featuring an original emo soundtrack, “Mooch” tells the story of Shane, the oldest caddy at his local golf club, who takes on the job of digging up dirt for a charismatic New Jersey nightclub owner.

    Monday, July 27

    CSA Announces 2026-27 Board of Directors and Dates, Venues and Timeline for 42nd Annual Artios Awards

    The Casting Society announced its newly elected Board of Directors for the 2026-27 term, as well as the date, venues and voting timeline for the 42nd annual Artios Awards. 

    The Artios Awards will be Feb. 18, 2027, with events in Beverly Hills, New York City and London. The awards recognize excellence in casting in film, television, commercials and theater.

    The 2026-27 Board of Directors includes Destiny Lilly, Elizabeth Berra, Matthew Glasner, Sujotta Pace, Danielle Pretsfelder Demchick, Devon Brady, Jazzy Collins, Wendy Kurtzman, Asjai Lou, Gayle Pillsbury, Rachel Reiss, Erica A. Hart, Felicia Joseph, Tiffany Mak, Becca McCracken and Dustin Presley.

    The 2026-27 CSA Global Chapter Board of Governors includes Cassandra Han, Dave Bennett, Sien Josephine Teijssen, Kei Kawamura, Mawuko Kuadzi and Maria Lainas.

    Phase 1 submissions for the Artios Awards are open Aug. 3-13, with nominees announced Oct. 7. Phase 2 submissions are open Oct. 26-Nov. 5, with nominees announced Dec. 16.

  • Morpho Signs First Hong Kong Partnership With HashKey’s HSK Chain

    Morpho Signs First Hong Kong Partnership With HashKey’s HSK Chain

    Morpho, the DeFi lending protocol with about $7.6 billion in total value locked, will complete a full deployment on HashKey’s HSK Chain and become the network’s official onchain credit partner, HSK Chain said in a post on X on Tuesday.

    The deal gives Morpho its first anchor in Hong Kong, one of the few jurisdictions running a licensed regime for virtual asset trading, and gives HashKey, the licensed Hong Kong crypto group behind the chain, a battle-tested credit engine to build regulated lending products on. The two said they will develop onchain credit products for institutional and retail users, explore CeDeFi and yield products backed by Bitcoin and real-world asset collateral, and bring more institutional-grade assets into Morpho as eligible collateral.

    “HashKey becomes our anchor partner in one of the world’s most important capital markets,” Shan, who leads APAC growth at Morpho, said in a post on X. “This is proof that onchain credit infrastructure is ready to expand via licensed, institutional rails in APAC.”

    Morpho’s infrastructure lets HashKey layer KYC, wallet screening and access controls on top to meet local regulatory requirements, Shan said, calling Hong Kong “a strategic entry to APAC.”

    MORPHO rose 0.7% in the past 24 hours while HSK slipped 0.8%, both trailing Bitcoin’s 1.3% gain, according to CoinGecko. Morpho’s TVL stands at roughly $7.6 billion, per DefiLlama.

    Compliance Meets Permissionless

    The structure the partners describe keeps Morpho’s base contracts permissionless while pushing compliance to the edges — a licensed operator gates who gets in, while the credit engine underneath stays open infrastructure.

    HashKey Group operates a licensed virtual asset trading platform and holds a Type 9 asset management license from Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission, making it one of the most heavily regulated crypto operators in Asia.

    The partnership extends a year in which Morpho has leaned hard into distribution through regulated channels rather than direct-to-DeFi growth, powering lending products for exchanges and fintechs. HSK Chain framed the deal as accelerating “the adoption of open, efficient on-chain financial services in Asia and beyond.”

  • ‘The Odyssey’ Surpasses $700 Million Globally After 12 Days in Theaters

    ‘The Odyssey’ Surpasses $700 Million Globally After 12 Days in Theaters

    “The Odyssey” has surpassed $700 million at the global box office, becoming the fourth highest-grossing movie of the year after just 12 days in theaters.

    Christopher Nolan‘s Greek epic has generated $320.5 million domestically and $407.4 million overseas, bringing worldwide ticket sales to $727.9 million. Hollywood’s top three releases of 2026 are June’s “Toy Story 5” ($1.02 billion) and April’s “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” ($1.001 billion) and “Michael” ($1.001 billion). In the coming week, “The Odyssey” will join those films in the billion-dollar club, a remarkable feat that underscores Nolan’s ability to transform his movies into cultural events.

    These ticket sales are all the more impressive considering that “The Odyssey” has yet to open in China, the world’s second-biggest moviegoing market. The country is rolling out the red-carpet treatment for the film, which is expected to land on nearly 800 Imax screens — and across thousands of standard auditoriums on Aug. 14.

    Even with outsized competition from Sony and Marvel’s adventure “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which debuts on Friday and is primed to score one of the biggest openings of all time, “The Odyssey” is expected to remain a force at the box office. It could earn as much as $50 million to $60 million in its third weekend of release, a tally that most adult-skewing dramas would be lucky to earn in their debuts these days.

    “The Odyssey” cost $250 million, marking Nolan’s most expensive film to date. It’ll soon be his most commercially successful, too. It’s primed to overtake “The Dark Knight” ($1.008 billion) and 2012’s “The Dark Knight Rises” ($1.08 billion) as the director’s highest-grossing film of all time.

    Adapted from Homer’s 3,000-year-old epic poem and starring Matt Damon as the Greek king Odysseus, “The Odyssey” has been a major draw in Imax. As the first feature shot entirely with Imax cameras, it’s been sold out in those formats for weeks. So far, Imax has contributed $140 million of the film’s global ticket sales. It’s the company’s second-fastest title (after “Avengers: Endgame”) to surpass the $100 million mark, having done so in just 10 days.

  • The evolution of play-to-earn models: From NFT gaming to mining simulators

    The evolution of play-to-earn models: From NFT gaming to mining simulators

    Play-to-earn gaming is evolving beyond crypto rewards as developers prioritize sustainable economies, stronger gameplay, and long-term player retention.

    The play-to-earn (P2E) genre of games has witnessed a lot of popularity since the 2021–2022 crypto boom. The concept was pretty straightforward: spend time playing a game but get something valuable in return. The use of NFTs, crypto tokens, and the whole blockchain technology has become one of the biggest selling points for the genre.

    With the rise in popularity of crypto, numerous P2E games emerged. While some were able to form a strong community around themselves, most of them faced challenges related to sustainability. They relied on the constant flow of new users, which declined with the decrease in interest in the crypto market. Earning money was not enough to retain players.

    A different approach to play-to-earn

    As a result, many of the developers have changed their approach. Rather than developing game mechanics based on costly NFTs or quick gains, they have placed much emphasis on designing entertaining games. The incentives are still a part of the game, but not the only motivation for playing anymore.

    Rollercoin provides a perfect example. It is a mining simulator that can be accessed through one’s web browser. In this simulator, people are required to engage in mini-games and build virtual mining projects to earn rewards. The idea is to encourage regular participation and consistent gains instead of focusing on immediate gains. This is in line with what many gaming applications are doing.

    How traditional gaming is influencing P2E Design

    Most modern play-to-earn projects are taking inspiration from classic video games and not the earlier attempts in the cryptocurrency space. Concepts like season-specific battle pass, daily missions, achievements system, ranking battles, and cosmetic customization have all found their way into blockchain games.

    This shift reflects changing player expectations. Rather than viewing crypto rewards as the primary attraction, developers are incorporating blockchain elements into gameplay loops that players already understand. The result is a model where digital ownership and token incentives support the experience instead of defining it, potentially making blockchain games more accessible to mainstream audiences.

    What has changed?

    There are a few features that distinguish some of the most successful P2E games from others:

    • They prioritize gameplay before rewarding the player.
    • The economy of the game is well-balanced.
    • It’s possible for new players to start without spending much money.
    • Progress comes from regular play rather than pure speculation.
    • The developers care about keeping players interested in the game.

    None of these factors is a recipe for success, but they make the games look more sustainable than many P2E projects were at their beginning.

    Why mining simulators are growing

    In this new form of P2E, mining simulators have taken root. Instead of acquiring costly NFTs, players establish their own mines and make money through consistent upgrades to both themselves and their gear.

    The game is for those individuals who are interested in management and idle gaming, and at the same time, some concepts of cryptocurrency will be introduced in an easy manner. Since the main idea is to upgrade and optimize, such games can be fun even during crypto market downtimes.

    How regulation could shape the next generation of P2E

    With the evolution of blockchain-based gaming, regulation is gradually becoming an essential consideration for developers. Various jurisdictions have become more interested in digital currencies, token issuance, and in-game economies featuring monetary value. Although play-to-earn games have been made primarily for entertainment purposes, those games issuing tokens or NFTs will be subject to differing legal considerations according to their jurisdiction.

    For developers, this means balancing innovation with compliance. Features such as KYC requirements, regional restrictions, or transparent token disclosures may become more common as the industry evolves. Although regulation introduces new challenges, it could also help improve trust among players and institutional partners by establishing clearer standards for blockchain-based games.

    Looking ahead

    The play-to-earn game industry has evolved significantly within a relatively short period of time. Initially concentrated around the use of NFTs and rapid profits, it has been shifting its attention to creating games for extended player engagement.

    Much experimentation is left to do, yet one thing is evident: people will stay involved in the process if the game is fun by itself. Getting some sort of reward could be an additional element, but it certainly is not enough anymore to drive everything.

  • Woot’s Best Deals of the Week: Save $610 on a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

    Woot’s Best Deals of the Week: Save $610 on a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

    With prices on the rise just about everywhere, it pays to shop at Woot. The site is essentially a deals hub where you can find discounted items every single day of the year across seven categories, including electronics and computers. While the selection is constantly changing, it’s not unusual to find devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other top tech brands at steep markdowns. Since items tend to sell out quickly, don’t wait to checkout when you see something that catches your interest. Plus, Prime members automatically get free shipping.

    Right now, you can take advantage of a $1,000 markdown on a Samsung 11-channel surround sound system and save $700 off a Samsung 65-Inch The Frame QLED 4K TV. Plus, pick up a self-emptying iRobot Roomba Combo 2 for $340 less. The deals don’t stop there: snag the award-winning Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for $610 less, and get a year of NordVPN Standard for just $24.99.

    Let’s take a closer look at the best Woot deals so you can start saving!

    VR Headset Deal

    Meta Quest Pro

    With 1,920 by 1,800 resolution (per eye), 90 Hz refresh rate, and 6DOF motion detection


    $679.99
    at Woot

    $999.99
    Save $320.00


    Get Deal

    Earning our PCMag Best of the Year Award in 2022, the Meta Quest Pro is an impressive standalone virtual reality headset with performance that makes it suitable for professionals and enthusiasts alike. We were highly impressed by the eye- and face-tracking tech, color pass-through camera, and comfortable fit. Plus, the headset and controllers are all rechargeable, and you don’t need a PC to operate.

    VPN Deal

    NordVPN Standard

    1-year digital code for PC, Mac, or mobile. Connect up to 10 devices at once



    $24.99
    at Woot

    $69.99
    Save $45.00


    Get Deal

    Boasting an extensive suite of privacy and security features, including advanced encryption, threat detection, and transparent data practices, NordVPN is not only the fastest VPN we’ve tested, but also the best value. It’s essentially a robust privacy ecosystem, using tools like NordPass for secure password management and NordLocker for file encryption and cloud storage. It’s our Editors’ Choice Pick for VPN, and right now, you can get an entire year’s subscription on sale for just $24.99.

    Smartphone Deals

    Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

    1 TB, 14-hour tested battery life, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, Android 15, IP68 rating


    $1,049.99
    at Woot

    $1,659.99
    Save $610.00


    Get Deal

    Per our expert, Iyaz Akhtar, “The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the ultimate Android handset with top-of-the-line power, terrific cameras, a built-in stylus, and the most innovative AI features we’ve seen in a phone to date”. The large 6.9-inch screen provides an immersive experience for watching content, while the rounded corners and narrower body make the phone ergonomic and comfortable to hold. Performance is exceptionally smooth, too. It earned our Editor’s Choice Award last year, and right now, you can pick one up for $610 less.

    Computer Monitor Deals

    Samsung 49-Inch Odyssey G9 Curved Gaming Monitor

    32:9 ratio, 240 Hz refresh rate, Neo Quantum processor, FreeSync Premium Pro, Gaming Hub


    $954.99
    at Woot

    $1,299.99
    Save $345.00


    Get Deal

    In the words of our expert reviewer, Zackery Cuevas, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is “a feast for the eyes and the ultrawide monitor to beat for immersive PC gaming”. It’s slim in design with a dazzling 49-inch screen featuring glare-free technology and automatic brightness control. Both color gamut and color accuracy are exceptional, and it boasts a near-instant 0.03ms GTG response time. Premium performance comes at a premium price, but you can save $345 right now.

    Samsung 27-Inch Essential S3 FHD Curved Monitor

    FHD 1800R, Game Mode, Advanced Eye Comfort, HDMI and D-sub Ports


    $99.99
    at Woot

    $159.99
    Save $60.00


    Get Deal

    If all you need is basic curved monitor for work or play, then the Samsung Essential S3 delivers. The wide screen is slightly curved to enhance depth perception and minimize peripheral distraction, immersing you in your content. In terms of performance, it’s fast and smooth so you don’t have to put up with lagging or motion blurring. Plus, it features plenty of optimizable game settings.

    More Deals on Monitors

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Smartwatch Deal

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

    3,000-nit AMOLED display, 26-hour battery life, WearOS, GPS, ECG, Light Sensor, Gyroscope, Pedometer


    $249.99
    at Woot

    $499.99
    Save $250.00


    Get Deal

    Samsung’s flagship smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 8, is our Editors’ Choice pick for Android-compatible smartwatches. It looks as stunning as previous models but now has more accurate exercise and sleep tracking, plus advanced AI abilities. Google’s AI Gemini is built in to allow for convenient voice assistance, and an AI coach provides health insights for training, sleep, and stress. Overall, the Galaxy Watch 8 is an exceptionally capable fitness, wellness, and lifestyle wearable — and right now, you can save $250.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

    Waterproof at depths up to 328 feet. Functions at up to 29,500 feet above sea level


    $389.99
    at Woot

    $649.99
    Save $260.00


    Get Deal

    The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is designed for Android users who enjoy exploring and going off-grid, as well as athletes. It offers advanced technical performance and rugged durability. In addition to highly detailed sleep analysis (including snore detection) and multisport tracking, it features AI-based recommendations to maximize your progress, giving an energy score, wellness score, and more. In terms of hardware, it’s slightly bigger and beefier with a titanium build and includes a customizable quick button to speed up navigation. Currently $260 off, it’s a great time to invest in this adventure companion.

    More Smartwatch Deals

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Robot Vacuum and Mop Deal

    iRobot Roomba Combo i5

    Smart navigation, Dirt Detect Technology, microfiber mop pad, Alexa, Siri, or Google voice control


    $149.99
    at Woot

    $349.99
    Save $200.00


    Get Deal

    The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is a capable robot vacuum and mop designed for dry and wet messes. It uses a 4-stage cleaning system with unique dual multi-surface rubber brushes that adjust to different floor types and don’t get tangled with pet hair. Plus, it empties itself into an enclosed bag that can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt, making your life even easier. With a 57% discount, now is the time to grab this smart cleaning companion!

    See how it compares to other robot vacuums we’ve reviewed.

    Earbuds Deals

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

    IP57 rating, 24-bit hi-fi codec, HD voice conversations, and intuitive touch-control


    $199.99
    at Woot

    $249.99
    Save $50.00


    Get Deal

    The sleek and stylish Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are a premium pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, offering a comfortable fit, excellent audio quality, and nifty AI features – and all for under $200 right now. In addition to crisp high-res audio, adaptive ANC technology automatically adjusts the noise cancellation in real time for a strong, smooth, and distraction-free listening experience. Plus, you can access Galaxy’s AI assistant hands-free and take advantage of live translation. We awarded their predecessor, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, a rating of “Excellent.” If you’re an Android user, these are a top pick.

    Beats Fit Pro

    H1 chip, Spatial Audio with head tracking, one-touch iOS pairing, IPX4 rating, USB-C charging


    $109.99
    at Woot

    $199.95
    Save $89.96


    Get Deal

    The Beats Fit Pro are designed to fit securely in your ears and stay in place, making them a compelling choice for those who find typical earbuds tend to slip out of their ears. In terms of sound, they deliver the classic bass-forward Beats audio profile, with above-average noise cancellation and adaptive EQ. We already recommend them for iPhone users who love strong bass, and now they’re $90 cheaper.

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE

    IPX4 rating, Auto Switch, EQ presets, Bluetooth 5.2, ANC and Ambient modes, on-ear controls


    $71.99
    at Woot

    $149.99
    Save $78.00


    Get Deal

    Currently on sale for under $80, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE are an affordable but quality option for Samsung users. They provide above-average noise cancellation with a bass-forward sound signature and crisp mics. We reviewed a prior model of these earbuds and especially appreciated how seamlessly they integrate across the Samsung device ecosystem. If you’re an Android user looking for capable earbuds on a budget, these are for you.

    Beats Studio Buds

    On-ear controls, IPX4 rating, Bluetooth 5.2, support AAC and SBC codecs, multi-mic array


    $78.82
    at Woot

    $149.95
    Save $71.13


    Get Deal

    The Beats Studio Buds are another solid budget-friendly option for wireless noise-cancelling earbuds. While they’re significantly cheaper than AirPods Pro 2 (especially with this 47% discount), they offer similar features, including active noise cancellation, Spatial Audio, and one-touch pairing for iOS and Android devices. The overall audio output is solid with powerful bass and crisp highs, too. As you might expect, the noise cancellation is less impressive, but for the price, it’s a great value.

    More Deals on Earbuds

    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Headphones Deals

    Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones

    AAC, AptX, AptX HD, and SBC codec support, 37mm dynamic drivers, adjustable five-band EQ


    $79.95
    at Woot

    $199.95
    Save $120.00


    Get Deal

    According to our expert, Tim Gideon, the Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones “offer commendable active noise cancellation (ANC) and produce balanced sound with plenty of sub-bass power and high-frequency detail for half the price of category leaders from Bose and Sony” (and that’s at full price). Add a sleek design and a comfortable fit, and you’ll understand why we recommend them as a great value for wireless Bluetooth over-ear headphones. With a 55% discount, bringing the price to well under $100, they’re practically a no-brainer.

    Smart Thermostat Deal

    Google Nest Smart Thermostat (4th Gen) + Nest Temperature Sensor

    Stainless steel design, Google Home App control, compatible with most 24V systems with no C-wire


    $189.99
    at Woot

    $299.99
    Save $110.00


    Get Deal

    This Google Nest smart thermostat bundle helps you save energy and money. Like any thermostat, you can program a specific heating and cooling schedule (either manually or through the app), but it goes one step further by learning your routine and adjusting the temperature in your home accordingly. It even takes into account the outdoor temperature and how it affects indoor temperatures in certain rooms! You can place the Google Nest temperature sensor in any room and use the app to set the temperature it should reach at a specific time of day.

    Portable Speaker Deals

    JBL Charge 6

    IP68 rating, 30-watt woofer, 15-watt tweeter, Lossless audio via USB-C, Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast


    $129.95
    at Woot

    $199.95
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    Compact and rugged, the JBL Charge 6 produces surprisingly powerful sound for its size with strong bass and high-frequency clarity – and it’s $70 off right now! Plus, the companion app features adjustable EQ for a more personalized listening experience. Per our expert testing, this fully waterproof and dustproof device earned a rating of “Excellent,” and we recommend it as a top pick for a Bluetooth speaker you can bring anywhere and everywhere.

    JBL Clip 5

    Weighs ~0.5 pounds, 12-hour battery, IP67 rating, 7W of power, and USB-C charging


    $49.95
    at Woot

    $79.95
    Save $30.00


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    Featuring a built-in carabiner, this fully waterproof (and dust-proof) Bluetooth speaker is super portable and easy to bring on the go. Considering its small size, the Clip 5 produces surprisingly loud and crisp sound, thanks to the powerful driver and passive radiator. The bass is punchy, and you can pair it with other JBL speakers for more robust stereo sound. With a sale price of $49.95, it’s a solid budget-conscious choice if you want to listen to music when you’re out and about. Clip it to your bag, belt, or bike, and get ready to jam out—for less.

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    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Sound System Deals

    Samsung HW-Q990H/ZC Surround Sound System

    11.1.4 ch sound, Wireless Dolby Atmos, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Pro Mode


    $1,199.99
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    $1,997.99
    Save $798.00


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    The Samsung HW-Q990H/ZC system features a powerful soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and rear speaker kit that work together to create rich, room-filling sound. The wireless soundbar automatically analyzes the environment to calibrate the sound to your space. At the same time, “Active Voice Analyzer” technology helps make sure dialogue and on-screen voices remain crisp, clear, and easy to understand. Plus, the sound system integrates easily with voice assistants and smart devices via Alexa, Chromecast, AirPlay, and more. It’s a robust, high-end sound system that’ll immerse you in your favorite on-screen content — and with roughly an $800 markdown, now is the time to upgrade.

    Curious how this model compares to other soundbars? Read our reviews for the best soundbars.

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    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Smart TV Deals

    Samsung 65-Inch The Frame QLED 4K TV

    Pantone-validated color, AI-driven motion and brightness sensors, Samsung Tizen OS


    $897.99
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    $1,697.99
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    At first glance, the Samsung 65-Inch The Frame QLED 4K TV looks more like a framed work of art than a smart TV. That’s because it’s meant to double as wall art when not in use. It hangs flush against the wall with customizable bezel options and features an anti-glare matte display for showcasing beautiful works of art (such as Monet’s Water Lilies or the famous Mona Lisa). However, it also streams video content and video games beautifully in clear, colorful 4K resolution. You can see how it compares to other TVs we’ve tested at a similar size and price.

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    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Home Security Camera Deal

    Ring Outdoor Cam (Stick Up Cam)

    130-degree field of view, mounting bracket, Amazon Alexa voice commands


    $39.99
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    $79.99
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    The Ring Outdoor Cam is a completely wireless, battery-powered security camera that’s rich in features, versatile, and easy to install, earning it our Editor’s Choice Award. It records 1080p HD footage day and night with motion detection, two-way audio, and a built-in siren. There’s no hub required, but you will need a subscription to view previously recorded footage.

    Computer Mouse Deal

    Logitech G309 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse

    Hero 25k sensor, Lightforce hybrid switches, tracks to sub-micron with mechanical feel


    $49.99
    at Woot

    $89.99
    Save $40.00


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    Weighing just 68 grams (and 86 grams with the battery installed), this lightweight, wireless mouse provides reliable and efficient performance for both work and play. In addition to optical-mechanical switches, six programmable buttons help ensure optimized video gaming performance as you can set up personalized gameplay and custom shortcuts. With a single AA battery installed, it boasts over 300 hours in battery life, but you can also use the Powerplay wireless charging station for virtually endless use.

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    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Smart Lighting Deal

    Philips Hue Bridge 2.0

    Zigbee advanced technology enables Wi-Fi free control. Voice Control via Apple HomeKit


    $31.99
    at Woot

    $52.79
    Save $20.80


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    If your home is already decked out with Philips Hue bulbs, you’ll want to pick up this Hue Bridge 2.0 for full control of your smart home lighting. It lets you add up to 50 Philips lights and accessories (both indoor and outdoor) to your smart home devices, meaning you can turn them on/off, adjust the brightness, sync the lights to music, and more, all from your smartphone — even from miles away. This clever smart hub earned a rating of “Excellent” in our 2015 review, so it’s worth grabbing for under $32.

    Microsoft Office Deals

    Microsoft Office Home 2024

    32-bit or 64-bit installer or offline installation, ODF1.4 support, imports from PDF, records macros


    $114.99
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    $149.99
    Save $35.00


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    Earning an Editors’ Choice and PCMag’s Best of the Year awards, Microsoft Home Office 2024 is a one-time purchase that gives you lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote on a single Mac or Windows device (meaning you won’t have to pay for a Microsoft 365 subscription over and over again). The Microsoft Office productivity apps are top-tier, especially with Word being the world’s most powerful word processor and Excel boasting more features and power than Apple’s Numbers. It’s a worthwhile investment if you primarily use one device.

    Microsoft Project Professional 2024

    Run what-if scenarios, auto populate start and end dates, and visually represent complex schedules


    $49.99
    at Woot

    $149.99
    Save $100.00


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    Suitable for cloud-free use on a single device, the Microsoft Project Professional 2024 software package includes an extensive set of project- and resource-management tools, timesheets, Microsoft Teams business collaboration, and the option to sync with Project Online and Project Server. It’s a powerful tool if your team manages lots of complex projects and has the time to learn how to use the software optimally — you can read more about who we recommend Microsoft Project for in our review.

    Portable Charger Deal

    Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock

    Connects via the Lightning to USB Cable and Apple 5W USB Power Adapter


    $19.99
    at Woot

    $79.00
    Save $59.01


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    Compatible with all Apple Watch models and sizes, this handy charging dock lets you power up your smartwatch through wireless magnetic charging. You can lay the watch flat with the band open or prop the watch up on its side to enable Nightstand mode and use your watch as an alarm clock.

    For more options, give a gander at our expert advice and tips for buying Batteries & Power.

    Looking for something else? Check out additional Woot tech deals for even more summer savings.

    About Our Expert

  • Penélope Cruz, Sian Heder, Isabelle Huppert Set for Tributes Awards at Toronto Film Fest

    Penélope Cruz, Sian Heder, Isabelle Huppert Set for Tributes Awards at Toronto Film Fest

    Penélope Cruz, Sian Heder, Isabelle Huppert, Rosalind Eleazar and Lee Chang-dong are set to receive TIFF Tribute Awards at the upcoming Toronto Film Festival.

    Oscar–winning actor Cruz will receive a Special Tribute Award as she touts two movies in Toronto, the Spanish drama epic La Bola Negra and Florian Zeller’s Bunker, both of which premiered in Cannes.

    Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong will pick up the Ebert Director Award as he brings Possible Love to TIFF. Netflix has set a theatrical release in Korea, U.S. and other select territories for Lee’s first film in eight years after premieres in Venice and Toronto. Eleazar will receive a Performer Award as she helps launch in Toronto Chris Rock’s Misty Green, the comedian’s latest work as a film writer/director in which Eleazar stars as Misty Green.

    Elsewhere, fellow actor Huppert will also receive a Performer Award as her latest film, Marc Fitoussi’s All About Corinne, gets gala treatment in Toronto. Also at the Sept. 13 fundraiser, Oscar–winning CODA filmmaker Heder will receive the Impact Media award as she brings her latest movie, Being Heumann, to Toronto for a world premiere.  

    Proceeds from the Tribute Awards go towards the festival’s year-round talent development programs that encourage diversity, equity and inclusion in filmmaking. The gala dinner fundraiser for the fest’s philanthropic efforts is also an occasional harbinger of Oscar recognition and is held each year at Fairmont Royal York Hotel. 

    TIFF Tribute Award honorees tend to have films in Toronto’s official lineup. The 51st Toronto Film Festival is set to run Sept. 10 to 20.

  • Need a New Laptop or Tablet for School? Skip the Sales Tax During Your State’s Tax Holiday

    Need a New Laptop or Tablet for School? Skip the Sales Tax During Your State’s Tax Holiday

    It may be the most expensive time of the year for parents and college students, but back-to-school season can be made a little more affordable when coupled with a sales tax holiday.

    A sales tax holiday is a tax-free shopping event that states offer throughout the summer to pause taxes charged on eligible back-to-school essentials. This year 18 states (and Puerto Rico) are participating, and nine of them will pause sales tax on tech purchases, including laptops, personal computers, and tablets. And many of them are kicking off this weekend.

    With inflation still high and the RAM crisis continuing to drive the cost of PCs, finding easy ways to save on back-to-school tech is crucial. In fact, a PCMag survey recently found that most US adults are willing to spend $800 on a new laptop, but the median price of a new one is double that at $1,600. What’s the solution? While shopping sales and secondhand can help, timing your purchase with your state’s sales tax holiday is another way to keep a little extra cash in your bank account.

    Here’s every state that’s holding a tax-free holiday this summer, and when to shop.

    Which States Have Sales Tax Holidays on Tech This Summer?

    There are 9 states offering sales tax exemptions on computers and tech during summer sales tax holidays. They are:


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    Full 2026 Sales Tax Holiday Schedule and Eligible Items by State

    Here’s a full overview of every US state and territory offering sales-free back-to-school shopping events this summer.

    Alabama 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: July 17 – July 19, 2026 (expired)

    • Items included: Clothing up to $156, school supplies up to $78, computers up to $1,173, books up to $47 (per item). See the full list here.

    • Notes: Local municipalities can opt in/out; more than 300 cities/counties waive local tax.

    Arkansas 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: August 1 – August 2, 2026 (starts this weekend!)

    • Items included: Clothing and accessories up to $100 per item, school supplies (no strict limit), select electronics (no strict limit). See the full list here.

    • Notes: Applies to state and local sales tax; participation is mandatory for retailers.

    Connecticut 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: August 16 – August 22, 2026

    • Items included: Clothing and footwear up to $300 per item. Includes standard back-to-school apparel; excludes athletic uniforms and luxury goods. See the full list here.

    Florida 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: July 20 – August 20, 2026 (now live!)

    • Items included: Clothing, footwear, and accessories up to $100, school supplies up to $50, computers and electronic accessories up to $1,500, learning aids and puzzles up to $30 (per item). See the full list here.

    Illinois 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: August 7 – August 16, 2026

    • Items included: Clothing, footwear, and select school supplies up to $125 per item. See the full list here. 

    • Note: Illinois does not eliminate sales tax during this event. Instead, it is lowered by 5%.

    Iowa 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: August 7 – August 8, 2026

    • Items included: Clothing and footwear up to $100 per item. See the full list here. 

    Maryland 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: August 9 – August 15, 2026

    • Items included: Clothing and footwear up to $100 per item, backpacks (first $40 is exempt). See the full list here.

    Massachusetts 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: August 8 – August 9, 2026

    • Items included: Most retail items up to $2,500 per item. Full list here.

    • Notes: Broad retail holiday that excludes alcohol, electricity, gas, meals, motor vehicles, motorboats, tobacco, and more.

    Mississippi 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: July 10 – July 12, 2026 (expired)

    • Items included: Clothing, footwear, and school supplies up to $100 per item. See the full list here.

    Missouri 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: August 7 – August 9, 2026

    • Items included: Clothing up to $100, school supplies up to $50, computer software up to $350, computers up to $1,500. See the full list here.

    New Mexico 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: July 31 – August 2, 2026 (starts this weekend!)

    • Items included: Clothing and footwear up to $100, school supplies up to $30, computers up to $1,000, computer hardware up to $500 (per item). See the full list here.

    • Notes: Retailers are not required to participate.

    Ohio 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: August 7 – August 9, 2026

    • Items included: Clothing up to $75, school supplies up to $20, school instructional materials up to $2 (per item). See the full list here.

    Oklahoma 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: August 7 – August 9, 2026

    • Items included: Clothing and footwear up to $100 per item. See the full list here.

    • Notes: Exemptions do not apply to most athletic wear.

    Puerto Rico 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: July 17 – July 18, 2026 (expired)

    • Items included: School uniforms, footwear, and school supplies (no specified limit). See the full list here.

    South Carolina 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: August 7 – August 9, 2026

    • Items included: Clothing, footwear, school supplies, computers, bed and bath items (no specified limit). See the full list here.

    Tennessee 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: July 31 – August 2, 2026 (starts this weekend!)

    • Items included: Clothing up to $100, school supplies up to $100, computers up to $1,500 (per item). See the full list here.

    Texas 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: August 7 – August 9, 2026

    • Items included: Clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks up to $100 per item. See the full list here.

    Virginia 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: August 7 – August 9, 2026

    • Items included: Clothing and footwear up to $100, school supplies up to $20 (per item). See the full list here.

    West Virginia 

    • Sales tax holiday dates: July 31 – August 3, 2026 (starts this weekend!)

    • Items included: Clothing up to $125, school supplies up to $50, computers up to $500, instructional materials up to $20, sports equipment up to $150 (per item). See the full list here.


    What Are Sales Tax Holidays?

    Also known as ‘tax-free weekends’, a state sales tax holiday is a statewide event where sales tax is temporarily paused or reduced on certain items. Many states hold these events during the back-to-school shopping season. Items that are typically exempt from tax during these events include clothing, school supplies, and computers (laptops and tablets).

    If you live in a state that also imposes local sales tax, it may also be exempt during the event. This varies by state and county.


    Do Sales Tax Holiday Exemptions Apply to Online Purchases?

    Yes, you’ll be able to shop tax-free even at online retailers like Amazon and Apple during your state’s event.


    Can Sales Tax Holidays Really Save You Money on Laptops, Desktops, and Tablets?

    Shopping for school supplies during a tax-free event can help you save a little extra, especially if you need to purchase a big-ticket item, like a new laptop or desktop.

    Let’s say you plan to purchase a new MacBook Neo, which starts at $599 for students. If you live in Massachusetts, which has a 6.25% state sales tax rate, this would cost you $636.44 after tax. So, you could save $37.44 on one new MacBook Neo (with the student discount) by shopping during this tax holiday. 

    If you need a MacBook with more power, we recommend the Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2026, M5) as our top pick for most college students. This starts at $1,149. Using the same example from Massachusetts, with the 6.25% sales tax tacked on, this MacBook would cost you $1,220.81. If you were to buy this laptop during the sales tax holiday, you’d save $71.81.

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    Can You Save on Refurbished Tech During Sales Tax Holidays?

    Yes, if you live in a state that’s offering sales tax exemptions on computers and electronics, you won’t pay sales tax on used tech during the sales tax holidays. Shopping secondhand is one of the best ways to beat rising computer prices. We even have tips on how to find the best value when shopping for refurbished computers and tablets.


    Are There States That Never Charge Sales Tax?

    Yes, there are five US states that do not impose a state-level sales tax. They are Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. Alaska does, however, charge a local sales tax.


    Will You Pay Local Sales Tax During Sales Tax Holidays?

    If you live in a city or county that levies local sales tax, it may be temporarily paused for eligible items during your state’s sales tax holiday. This varies across cities, counties, and states, so check your local state and city website for more information.


    My State Doesn’t Have a Tax Holiday. Can I Shop In Another State?


    Technically, yes, you can travel to another state to shop tax-free during that state’s sales tax holiday. However, if you bring the items you purchased back to your home state, you might be required to list these items on your taxes next year and pay use tax on them.

    Is New Jersey Holding a Sales Tax Holiday This Year?

    New Jersey used to hold tax-free weekends in the summer for the back-to-school season. Its sales tax holiday was officially repealed in 2024, and the state has not held a tax-free holiday since.

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  • SiriusXM Is Launching a Sports Subscription Service

    SiriusXM Is Launching a Sports Subscription Service

    SiriusXM is launching a niche subscription offering targeting sports fans, creating what will be its least expensive option in the process.

    The satellite radio giant is launching SiriusXM Sports Pass, a $5 per month audio subscription that will bundle all of its sports channels alongside a slew of terrestrial sports radio stations.

    The service will be the most comprehensive live sports subscription offering anywhere (albeit audio-only), with every home and away NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL game broadcast; every NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula 1 race; PGA TOUR events and golf’s major championships; WWE Premium Live Events including WrestleMania, and many other events.

    The new offering will launch Sep. 1, right as the NFL and college football season get underway. Channels include Mad Dog Radio, Fantasy Sports Radio, and the channels dedicated to individual sports like the NFL, MLB, NBA, F1, etc. It also includes national sports radio brand from ESPN, Fox Sports and Westwood One, as well as sports stations from Audacy, including WFAN New York and 97.1 The Fan Los Angeles.

    “Every new channel, artist performance, live event, and creator collaboration advances our vision for the future of audio: making SiriusXM a home for fandom, where listeners can go deeper into the things they love and feel part of a lasting community,” said Jennifer Witz, SiriusXM’s CEO, in a statement. “SiriusXM Sports Pass brings that vision to life for sports fans by putting every game and event we carry, hometown voices, national personalities and the daily sports conversation into one simple, affordable subscription. No matter who you cheer for or where you listen, it brings you closer to the teams and voices that matter most to you.”

    The sports offering opens up new possibilities for the company, which currently has an all-music tier for $11.99 per month and an all-access tier for $25.99 per month ($11.99 for streaming only) that serve as its most popular offerings. There also premium and family plans, as well as a $14.99 per month news, talk and sports plan.

    The sports offering suggests a future where SiriusXM could cater to more specific tastes, be it through news or opinion, specific music genres, or other areas of “fandom,” as Witz puts it.