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Hike the Appalachian Trail Without Leaving Your Screen
Trending

Hike the Appalachian Trail Without Leaving Your Screen

Experience the Appalachian Trail through A Trail Tale, an interactive journal with gorgeous pixel art, original music, and Oregon Trail-inspired gameplay. Many hikers dream of conquering the Appalachian Trail, but life's demands often stand in the way. A Trail Tale offers a solution: an interactive trail journal that lets you experience the legendary AT's journey virtually. Created by Andy Moliski and his brothers, this beautifully crafted experience might just reignite your sense of adventure. Gorgeous Pixel Art From Classic Adventures The journey unfolds in beautiful pixel art reminiscent of Sierra's classic point-and-click adventure games. Each location on the Appalachian Trail is rendered with meticulous detail and nostalgic charm, bringing the landscapes to life in a way that feels both classic and fresh. The visual style perfectly captures the essence of outdoor exploration while maintaining an inviting, playable aesthetic. Original Music Brings the Trail to Life Alex Moliski crafted an original score that combines nature sounds with acoustic guitar, strings, and clarinet. The music enhances every moment of the virtual trek, from quiet forest moments to dramatic weather events, creating an emotional connection to the journey that goes beyond visuals alone. Game-Like Mechanics Inspired by Oregon Trail The interface draws inspiration from the classic Oregon Trail game, featuring a UI that feels familiar yet fresh. As you progress through each day's journey, you encounter interactive elements and choices that keep you engaged, turning the trail experience into an accessible adventure anyone can enjoy. Explore Landmarks Along the Appalachian Trail As you advance through the journal, you're presented with detailed information about landmarks, geological features, and notable locations along the Appalachian Trail. The daily progression creates a sense of pacing and accomplishment, letting you experience the entire trail's journey in bite-sized, digestible segments. Discover Andy's Inner Thoughts and Poetry Clicking on Andy's character unfurls a detailed menu of icons that reveal his thoughts, poetry, and emotional state throughout the journey. This personal perspective transforms the experience from a simple trail guide into an intimate look at one person's transformative outdoor adventure. Track Morale and Fortitude Through Challenges The game incorporates meters that measure Andy's fortitude and morale, influenced by various factors like inclement weather or breathtaking scenery. These mechanics mirror the real emotional ups and downs of backcountry trekking, making the virtual experience feel authentic and relatable to actual hikers. Hours of Immersive Virtual Trail Experience The interactive journal design is so engaging that players often find themselves clicking through hours of content without realizing how much time has passed. The combination of visuals, audio, storytelling, and mechanics creates a genuinely compelling experience that appeals to both gamers and outdoor enthusiasts. Inspire Your Own Real-World Adventure Goals Whether you're a lapsed hiker or someone who's never tackled the AT, A Trail Tale might just inspire you to get outdoors yourself. The experience captures the essence of long-distance hiking in a way that celebrates the adventure rather than diminishing it. Appalachian Trail, A Trail Tale, interactive game, pixel art adventure, trail journal, hiking game, virtual experience

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1 week ago
Judge Questions Google's AI Content Use in Antitrust Hearing
Technology

Judge Questions Google's AI Content Use in Antitrust Hearing

Federal judge raised concerns about Google's use of publisher content for AI Overviews, questioning whether search dominance creates unfair advantages. A federal judge raised significant concerns about Google's practice of using publisher content to power its AI Overviews feature, questioning whether the company's dominant search position enables it to extract content under terms that heavily favor the technology giant. During Tuesday's hearing in Penske Media's antitrust lawsuit, Judge Amit Mehta directly challenged Google's characterization of AI Overviews as a standard "product improvement." His questioning signaled doubt about whether that framing accurately describes Google's use of publisher content without meaningful publisher consent or control. Jason Kint, CEO of Digital Content Next, witnessed the hearing and reported the judge's skepticism. Mehta stated the situation "seems really unfair" and said the technology was being developed "on the backs of the publishers." The judge specifically noted that "publishers lack control over how Google uses their content," highlighting a core asymmetry the antitrust case seeks to address. This lack of control reflects publishers' practical powerlessness. While they can technically block Google's search bots from accessing their sites, doing so eliminates the traffic that keeps them afloat. Most readers discover news and content through Google Search. This creates what Digital Content Next calls an impossible choice: publishers cannot realistically refuse to participate in Google's content-gathering system without accepting potentially fatal business consequences. The arrangement amounts to mandatory participation disguised as voluntary cooperation. Google did not explicitly state that its August spam update targeted AI-generated content, but affected site owners reported a stark pattern. Fully automated publishing operations-sites running with algorithmic content generation and minimal or no human involvement-experienced significant visibility losses in search results. Researcher Roger Montti collected examples of these declines across multiple affected websites, documenting what affected publishers reported about the update's impact. The update's effects were not uniform. Websites that used AI tools to generate content but supplemented that output with human review, editing, and judgment retained their rankings better than fully automated sites. This distinction indicates Google's algorithm made deliberate choices about penalizing purely automated publishing while accepting AI content with human curation. The update thus differentiated between AI-assisted publishing-where humans remain in control-and fully automated systems The antitrust case now forces these practices into court at a moment when the tension between Google's dominance and publisher vulnerability has become impossible to ignore. As Google expands AI Overviews across its search interface, it simultaneously uses the content that publishers create and depend on Google Search to distribute. This creates a one-way flow: publishers provide content; Google uses it for AI systems; publishers have no say in how their work appears or contributes to AI-generated answers. Judge Mehta's comments indicate the court takes this imbalance seriously. His characterization of the arrangement as "really unfair" suggests skepticism toward Google's defense of its practices. The case will turn partly on whether the court accepts Google's argument that this is ordinary product development, or whether it agrees with Digital Content Next that publishers face an illusion of choice-they can participate in Google's system or watch their traffic disappear. Google AI Overviews, antitrust lawsuit, publisher content, search dominance, Penske Media, Digital Content Next, automated publishing, SEO impact

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1 week ago
Fernandes Hat-Trick Guides Manchester United Past Ipswich
Sports

Fernandes Hat-Trick Guides Manchester United Past Ipswich

Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick as Manchester United defeated Ipswich Town. Rashford made his first Premier League start since December 2024. Bruno Fernandes marked Manchester United's Premier League fixture at Old Trafford with a hat-trick, guiding the home side past Ipswich Town after falling behind in the match. The captain's three-goal performance, supplemented by a near-miss from the halfway line, provided the attacking foundation for United's comeback victory and demonstrated the scoring threat the club possesses. Fernandes' threat came from multiple sources throughout the ninety minutes. Having previously missed two penalties in pre-season, he demonstrated mental resilience by converting a penalty during this fixture. His opening goal proved striking in execution-a thunderous strike that arrived when United needed stabilizing-while his third goal showcased composed finishing. A fourth attempt launched from deep showed the creative range and confidence he carried through the match. Marcus Rashford made his first Premier League appearance in the Manchester United starting XI since December 2024, returning to an attacking role against Ipswich. Throughout the fixture, Rashford received possession regularly and took the attack directly to United's opponents through repeated forward runs. His movement nearly generated an immediate opening when he provided a cross to Bryan Mbeumo, though Mbeumo's resulting attempt from close range was deflected against the post. Mbeumo operated as a consistent attacking threat from the flank, maintaining his position and creating chances through crosses into the box and shorter passes to teammates. Beyond the near-opening created by Rashford's provision, Mbeumo found the net during the latter stages of the match, giving his afternoon tangible reward. Matheus Cunha rotated with Fernandes in the most advanced attacking position, contributing decently to United's forward setup as circumstances shifted. United's defensive organization displayed both strength and vulnerability. Diogo Dalot pursued an attacking opportunity with a curling left-footed effort that narrowly missed, while performing dependably in his defensive duties. Harry Maguire provided reliable presence at the centre of defence, though his goal benefited considerably from a deflection that might have prevented the score in different circumstances. The left flank emerged as a significant problem area, with Luke Shaw struggling substantially against Ipswich's Fatawu and enduring what proved a difficult 90 minutes. The midfield contest shifted decidedly in Ipswich's favour when the visiting side committed runners forward repeatedly. Kobbie Mainoo, restored to the starting lineup after a period absent, demonstrated assured technical quality on the ball but could not prevent United's midfield from being overrun by Ipswich's direct approach. Youri Tielemans, still in the process of establishing himself at Manchester United, lacked the defensive security required and demonstrated a readiness to go to ground easily-notably in the penalty area. Lisandro Martinez's defensive experience proved vital in stabilizing United during phases when they risked collapsing completely, though concentration lapsed late in the fixture when an error directly contributed to Ipswich's goal. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens operated with authority throughout, stepping beyond his box to control play and distributing the ball accurately. Ipswich's defensive record relied heavily on the interventions of goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, who produced a superb save to deny Dalot early in the match and then made a crucial block to prevent Mbeumo from scoring an easier chance, though he had no response to Fernandes' equalising goal. Leif Davis contributed both defensively and in possession, executing a superb pass inside Dalot to create a chance for Maeda while also generating a precise shooting opportunity himself. Dara O'Shea delivered a robust defensive display prior to Fernandes' control of proceedings becoming dominant. Jacob Greaves maintained composure on the ball and held his position without being drawn out when Cunha dropped deeper, though questions emerged about whether he possessed the technical class this level demands. Issa Diop managed scrambling defensive situations adequately while providing vocal coordination to Ipswich's back line. Marcelino Nunez operated in front of Ipswich's defence with constant activity, eager to receive possession and slot into advanced positions. Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes, Ipswich Town, Premier League, Rashford, Hat-trick, Old Trafford, football  

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1 week ago
Nevada Faces Curaçao for Little League World Series Title
Sports

Nevada Faces Curaçao for Little League World Series Title

Nevada and Curaçao compete for the 2026 Little League World Series title on Aug. 30. Watch live on ESPN, ABC and streaming platforms. Nevada will face Curaçao in the 2026 Little League World Series Championship Game on Sunday, August 30 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time and 12 p.m. Pacific Time. The championship match takes place at Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with broadcasts on ESPN and ABC available nationwide. Multiple streaming platforms offer cable-free access to the championship. DirecTV carries the game through its "Entertainment" package at $59.99 for the first month and $89.99 per month thereafter. The package includes ESPN, ABC, more than 90 local and cable channels, unlimited cloud DVR and 105 additional channels via DirecTV's "MyFree" network. New subscribers receive a five-day free trial. ESPN Unlimited provides livestreaming at $29.99 per month individually, or $35.99 per month bundled with Disney+ and Hulu. The service grants access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPN on ABC, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network and ESPN+. ESPN Unlimited does not offer a free trial, though workarounds for free viewing are available. Sling TV's Sling Blue package begins at $54.99 per month and includes ABC, over 40 additional channels, 50 hours of cloud DVR and a free on-demand content library. Fubo starts at $63.99 for the first month ($88.99 monthly thereafter), featuring ABC, more than 220 live channels, unlimited cloud DVR and simultaneous streaming on two devices. Fubo offers a five-day free trial. Hulu + Live TV is also available as a viewing option. Pricing and channel availability vary by local television market. The championship game may attract celebrity spectators with youth baseball and softball backgrounds. Potential attendees include former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, actress and producer Elizabeth Banks, country music artist Jason Aldean, former Major League Baseball player Todd Frazier and Mo'ne Davis, known for her prominence as a youth pitcher. Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania hosts the annual Little League World Series. The tournament brings together youth baseball teams from across the United States and internationally to compete for the championship title. Little League World Series Championship, Nevada vs Curaçao, 2026 Little League, Lamade Stadium, Little League Baseball, Sports streaming, How to watch  

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1 week ago
Xbox Chief Confronts 'Rampocalypse' in Next-Gen Console Race
Technology

Xbox Chief Confronts 'Rampocalypse' in Next-Gen Console Race

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discusses affordability concerns for next-generation console amid AI-driven component shortage, revealing digital entitlement plans for physical games. Asha Sharma, chief executive of Xbox, told the BBC in an exclusive interview that the gaming giant must prioritize affordability in its next-generation console amid a severe component shortage that has pushed hardware costs to their highest levels in industry history. Sharma described the current market environment as "Rampocalypse"-a crisis in computing hardware partly driven by artificial intelligence companies purchasing massive quantities of RAM and other computer components for their data centres. This competition from the AI sector has inflated prices for components that console manufacturers depend on, forcing Xbox and its rivals to fundamentally reconsider how they design and price their next systems. "As an industry, we're in the middle of 'Rampocalypse,'" Sharma said. Component costs have risen so sharply that prices for current-generation consoles have increased years after their initial launch, a pattern without precedent in gaming history. Microsoft, the parent company of Xbox, has itself invested heavily in AI infrastructure, positioning it at the centre of the dynamic pushing hardware costs upward. "This next generation, we have to be thinking about efficiency and affordability alongside performance," Sharma said. The principle represents a deliberate departure from previous console cycles, which typically prioritized raw computational power without the same urgency around cost reduction. Sharma was direct about the necessity of the shift. "All of the industry needs to start to innovate on affordability and efficiency," she said. "That is something that we have not had to do" in prior generations. The focus extends to giving consumers options in how they purchase and play consoles, an acknowledgment that not all players have the same budget for new hardware. To address these pressures while maintaining player choice, Xbox is preparing a significant initiative around physical and digital game ownership. Sharma revealed that Xbox will enable players to obtain digital entitlements for approximately 1,000 game titles that currently exist only as physical discs. This mechanism allows gamers to insert a supported disc into their Xbox console and automatically receive a digital version of the game, playable on current and future hardware without requiring a physical disc drive. The program extends to the second-hand market, addressing a key advantage of physical media that digital-only systems eliminate. If a player sells a physical disc after obtaining its digital entitlement, the digital rights transfer to the new owner. This creates a bridge between the traditional benefits of physical ownership-resale value and ownership permanence-and the convenience of digital distribution. "I know players love physical media, and I know there's a lot of benefits in digital media, and I want to make sure people have a choice," Sharma said in explaining the philosophy. Backwards compatibility will remain core to Xbox's hardware strategy going forward. Sharma referenced the company's track record of allowing games designed for older consoles to function on newer systems. "We've long pioneered backwards compatibility and so you'll continue to see that as we go forward in the generations," she said, hinting that next-generation hardware would support older game libraries. She declined, however, to confirm whether Project Helix-the codename for Xbox's next-generation console-will retain a physical disc drive. The gaming industry is undergoing a broader transition away from physical media, narrowing player options. Sony announced that new PlayStation games will no longer release on physical discs beginning January 2028. Grand Theft Auto VI, one of the most anticipated games in the industry, is also launching exclusively in digital form, further signalling the direction major publishers are moving. Sharma's approach to these challenges reflects both the immediate cost crisis and longer-term strategic thinking. "Our job as Xbox, as we continue on in our next generation, is to take into consideration what's happening in the world and build the best experience for our players," she said. This involves optimizing hardware efficiency in storage and memory usage, managing component costs and achieving a competitive price point despite market pressures largely outside the company's control. Sharma assumed the Xbox role six months before the BBC interview, transitioning from Microsoft's artificial intelligence division. Her appointment reflected Xbox's need to navigate the intersection of AI-driven market dynamics and gaming hardware strategy at a moment when traditional console economics no longer apply. Xbox, next-generation console, affordability, Asha Sharma, component shortage, digital games, backwards compatibility, Project Helix

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1 week ago
"premier league 26/27" Tottenham's Relegation Odds Climb After Brentford Rout
Sports

"premier league 26/27" Tottenham's Relegation Odds Climb After Brentford Rout

Opta gives Tottenham a 14.9% relegation chance after a 3-0 loss to Brentford opened De Zerbi's reign following £400m in summer spending."premier league 26/27" Tottenham Hotspur opened the 2026-27 Premier League season with a 3-0 defeat at Brentford on Saturday, August 22, leaving the club second-bottom of the table under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt and Michael Kayode scored for Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, while Brentford striker Igor Thiago struck the post from the penalty spot. The result came after Tottenham spent close to £400 million on transfers over the summer. The club had narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship last season, survival that came at the expense of West Ham United, who went down instead. Only Aston Villa sit below Spurs in the early standings after Villa's 4-0 opening-day loss to Brighton. Opta updated its season-long projections following the weekend's full round of fixtures, which also included Chelsea's 3-2 win over Fulham. The data model now gives Tottenham a 14.9 per cent chance of relegation this season and predicts a 13th-place finish by the end of May. The same projections put Tottenham's chances of qualifying for the Champions League at 10.85 per cent and their odds of winning the Premier League title at just 1.12 per cent. Financial Stakes Tied to Champions League Speaking to Football Insider, football finance analyst Stefan Borson said Champions League qualification would be essential to Tottenham's financial position given the scale of this summer's spending. Among the deals contributing to that outlay, the club's signing of Cody Gakpo from Liverpool is set to cost Tottenham an extra £10 million based on the latest terms of the transfer. Individual Performances Under Scrutiny Several players face pressure to respond following the Brentford defeat. Richarlison struggled leading the line as a lone striker, while Lucas Bergvall did not do enough in midfield. Archie Gray played out of position but still captained the side until he was substituted in the 86th minute. Pedro Porro, once he returns to full fitness, will have to settle for a place on the bench rather than an immediate starting role. Charlton and Newcastle Next Tottenham's next fixture is a Carabao Cup tie against Charlton Athletic before Premier League action resumes with Newcastle United visiting the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Attention will remain focused on the league table as De Zerbi looks to arrest the poor start, with multiple players needing to prove their place in the side against the Magpies. Tottenham Hotspur, Roberto De Zerbi, Premier League relegation, Brentford, Opta predictions, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Stefan Borson

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1 week ago
Five Teachers Hurt in RTC Bus Collision "బస్సు"
OtherNews

Five Teachers Hurt in RTC Bus Collision "బస్సు"

RTC bus collides with teachers' vehicle in Srikakulam, injuring five educators heading to a professional DSC rally in Visakhapatnam. "బస్సు" Five government teachers were injured Sunday when an RTC bus collided with their vehicle in Srikakulam district. They were traveling to Visakhapatnam for a professional DSC rally. The accident near Palasa mandal has raised new concerns about highway safety in rural Andhra Pradesh. Collision on a Sunday Morning The accident took place near Garudakandi in Palasa mandal, Srikakulam district, on Sunday morning. An RTC bus collided head-on with a government vehicle carrying passengers. The collision occurred on a busy highway. Emergency responders reached the scene quickly after receiving distress calls from witnesses. Five Teachers on the Ground Five government teachers suffered injuries in the crash: S. Gopal, M. Hemasundar, K. Raju, and Chakravarti from Meliapuetti mandal, along with female teacher J. Sai Kalyani. All were conscious and responsive after the collision. Their injuries required immediate medical attention. Paramedics worked quickly to stabilize them at the accident site. Heading to a DSC Rally These educators were traveling to Visakhapatnam to participate in the DSC Atmagaurava Rally, an important professional gathering for teachers. The rally represents a significant opportunity for the teaching community. The accident disrupted their journey and their attendance at this crucial professional event, impacting their plans. RTC Bus Impact The Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation bus, a common mode of public transport across the state, was involved in the collision. RTC operates thousands of buses serving millions of passengers daily. The accident raises important questions about road safety and vehicle maintenance standards in public transport systems across the region. 108 Ambulance Arrives Fast The 108 ambulance service received emergency calls within minutes of the accident. Well-trained paramedics arrived at the scene quickly despite the remote location near Palasa. Their rapid response prevented the situation from becoming more critical. Professional medical teams worked efficiently to stabilize the injured before transport. Palasa Hospital Treats Injured All five injured teachers were transported to Palasa Hospital for medical treatment and observation. Hospital staff admitted them and conducted thorough medical examinations to assess injuries. Doctors determined appropriate treatment plans for each patient's condition. Hospital authorities are providing ongoing care and monitoring of all patients. A Scary Morning on the Road What started as a routine journey to a professional event turned into a terrifying experience for the teachers. Road accidents on rural highways remain a significant safety concern across India. This incident highlights the unpredictable dangers that travelers face on national highways. Community members and families expressed shock following the collision. What Caused This Crash? Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Details about the accident's exact cause remain under investigation by police. Investigators are examining factors including vehicle speed, road conditions, and driver behavior. The investigation will inform future safety recommendations for the highway and public transport system. RTC bus accident, Srikakulam road accident, teachers injured, DSC rally, Andhra Pradesh, road safety India, highway collision

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1 week ago
Nasa Launches Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Into Orbit
World

Nasa Launches Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Into Orbit

Nasa's Roman telescope launched from Florida with a field of view 100 times wider than Hubble, aiming to hunt exoplanets and probe dark energy. Nasa's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launched Sunday morning from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning a mission to study dark energy, black holes and planets beyond our solar system. The telescope lifted off aboard a SpaceX rocket and separated from it about 30 minutes after launch, heading toward an orbital point roughly one million miles from Earth. "Roman is going to change the way we look at the Universe," said Nicky Fox, a Nasa administrator, at a news conference following the launch. Jackie Townsend, a project manager on the Roman telescope, called the launch "glorious," adding, "The ride was magnificent. It put us right where we wanted to be." The telescope will take about 100 days to reach its vantage point, after which it will begin charting exoplanets - planets located outside our solar system. Fox said Roman "is going to discover tens of thousands, maybe even 100,000 new exoplanets." She said the search connects to one of Nasa's central questions: "Are we alone in the universe?" Nasa says Roman's field of vision is 100 times larger than both the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes, allowing it to capture far more panoramic views of space. Astronomer Jenifer Millard told the BBC that Roman will orbit about four times farther from Earth than the Moon. She said the distance keeps infrared light - what she called "heat light" - from the Moon and Earth from interfering with the telescope's cameras. Millard also said scientists expect Roman to find thousands of new worlds within our own galaxy, even as its primary work looks outward into the wider Universe. How Roman Compares to Hubble and Webb Nasa's James Webb Space Telescope, launched in 2021, also orbits the Sun at about one million miles from Earth, but its field of vision is narrower than Roman's. The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, orbits much closer to Earth, at about 300 miles above the surface. US President Donald Trump dialled into Nasa's post-launch news conference to congratulate the mission team. "You're the hottest in space, and we have the hottest country anywhere in the world. So, let's keep it all going. You're a big part of it," Trump told the scientists. Named After Nasa's First Chief Astronomer The telescope is named for physicist Nancy Grace Roman, who served as Nasa's first chief astronomer in the 1960s and was the agency's first female executive. She played a key role in securing US Congressional approval for the Hubble Space Telescope during her career. With Roman now on its journey to deep space, Nasa's next milestone will come once the telescope settles into position roughly one million miles from Earth and begins its search for exoplanets and other cosmic phenomena. Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, Nasa launch, Kennedy Space Center, exoplanets, dark energy, Hubble, James Webb Space Telescope, SpaceX rocket  

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1 week ago
Binance Futures Launches USD-Margined USDT Contract
India

Binance Futures Launches USD-Margined USDT Contract

Binance Futures launched a USD-margined USDT perpetual contract on August 30, 2026, generating over 100 searches on Google Trends India. Binance Futures, the derivatives trading division of Binance, announced the launch of a new perpetual contract on August 30, 2026. The contract is margined in US Dollars and denominated in USDT, Tether's stablecoin. Perpetual contracts are cryptocurrency derivatives that allow traders to establish leveraged positions on price movements. Unlike futures with set expiration dates, perpetual contracts have no expiration and can remain open indefinitely. The USD-margined structure requires traders to post collateral in US Dollars while taking positions in USDT. This approach provides leverage on USDT price exposure while maintaining dollar-based margin requirements. The new contract expands Binance Futures' offerings in the perpetual contracts market. Binance Futures operates as the cryptocurrency exchange Binance's derivatives trading platform. The launch generated significant search interest. The term "Binance" trended on Google Trends India following the August 30 announcement, driven by over 100 searches relating to the new product.  binance, futures, perpetual contract, USDT, cryptocurrency, derivatives, margin trading.

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1 week ago
Babar Azam's Test Century Drought Stretches Past 1,300 Days
Sports

Babar Azam's Test Century Drought Stretches Past 1,300 Days

Babar Azam's century drought extends 1,300 days across 36 innings since December 2022. Multiple near-misses of 88 and 81 have failed to end the drought for Pakistan's captain. For a batter once capable of accumulating Test centuries as though they were routine, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has entered an increasingly uncomfortable new phase of his career. More than 1,300 days have now elapsed since his last Test hundred-a commanding 161 against New Zealand in Karachi on December 26, 2022. Across 17 Tests and 36 innings spanning multiple series at home and abroad, leadership changes, and shifting squad compositions, he has drawn tantalizingly close to three figures on numerous occasions, yet remains unable to break through. That December century represented the culmination of an extraordinary 2022. Azam accumulated 1,184 Test runs that calendar year, a haul punctuated by four centuries that marked him as one of the format's most prolific run-makers. The 161 against New Zealand stood as his ninth Test century, suggesting a career trajectory pointing only upward. The drought, however, began almost at once. Dismissed for 14 in his very next innings, back at Karachi during the same series, Azam saw a pattern take shape that would define the following three and a half years. The early phase stretched through 2023 without respite. Subsequent Tests against New Zealand yielded 24 and 27. A tour of Sri Lanka produced 13, 24 and 39 across three innings. Australia proved no more fruitful: 21, 14, 1, 41, 26 and 23 across three Tests. The 41 at Melbourne represented his best score during this entire 12-month span, yet it dissolved before he could build the sustained innings needed for a century. The South Africa Turning Point (2024-2025) The crisis deepened markedly in 2024 before a glimmer of recovery appeared late that year. Against Bangladesh, he managed 0, 22, 31 and 11 across two Tests-a sequence that included a duck. The May series at home against England brought fresh despondency. At Multan, he made 30 before falling LBW to Chris Woakes. The dismissal carried particular sting: Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique both scored centuries on the same pitch, underlining that the surface held runs for those able to build long innings. South Africa offered genuine progress in late 2024. At Centurion in the first Test, he finally made a fifty-50 runs representing his first Test half-century since the 161 against New Zealand nearly two and a half years prior. The second Test at Cape Town offered greater promise. He made 58 in the first innings, then returned with 81 in the second, finishing merely 19 runs short of what would have constituted his tenth century. The pattern of near-misses had evolved: he was now reaching 50s and 80s, yet the barrier to three figures remained unbroken. Through 2025, Azam continued posting solid individual scores without completing the journey. Across a two-Test series, he amassed 193 runs with three fifties and a best score of 81. The improvement in consistency had not translated into the breakthrough he desperately needed. From Port of Spain to Lord's (2026) The West Indies series in early 2026 intensified the frustration. At Port of Spain in May, he reached 88 in the second Test-his closest approach to a century in years-before being run out by Brandon King with 12 runs still required. The first Test of that series had yielded 58 not out, though Pakistan ultimately lost. Bangladesh offered another opportunity shortly after. Azam scored 68 and 47 across two Tests, contributions sufficient to suggest form without delivering the breakthrough. His current assignment against England began with adversity. A finger injury forced him to miss the first Test at Headingley, where Pakistan lost by an innings and 103 runs. He returned for Lord's declaring himself 90 per cent fit. The decision failed to yield dividends. He was caught by Jordan Cox off Josh Tongue for 8 in the first innings as Pakistan managed just 110 all out. In the second innings, chasing 389, Jofra Archer's pace and bounce prompted an awkward shot that ballooned to Cox at third slip. Azam departed for 6. The century drought now extends beyond four years. Babar Azam, Test cricket, Century drought, Pakistan cricket, Test batting, Cricket statistics, Test century

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1 week ago