## OpenAI Closes Record-Breaking $122 Billion Funding Round

OpenAI has officially wrapped up the largest funding round in its history, raising $122 billion at an eye-popping valuation of $852 billion. The deal signals the company's aggressive push toward the public markets and cements its position as the most valuable private AI company in the world.

### Who Led the Round?

SoftBank co-led the investment alongside venture capital heavyweight Andreessen Horowitz, D.E. Shaw Ventures, MGX, TPG, and T. Rowe Price Associates. Tech giants Amazon, Nvidia, and Microsoft also participated, reinforcing the deep ties OpenAI has forged across the broader technology ecosystem.

## Retail Investors Get a Piece of the Action

In an unusual move for a private company of this scale, approximately $3 billion of the total raise came directly from individual investors through bank channels. OpenAI also announced it will be included in several ETFs managed by ARK Invest, opening the door for everyday investors to gain exposure to the company's stock well before a formal IPO takes place.

This deliberate broadening of its shareholder base points strongly to an imminent public offering, with OpenAI clearly laying the groundwork for a smooth transition to the public markets.

## Financial Firepower and Credit Expansion

Beyond the equity raise, OpenAI expanded its revolving credit facility to approximately $4.7 billion, backed by several of the world's leading banks. The company noted the facility remains untouched, suggesting the move is designed to maximize financial flexibility as it scales up spending on computing infrastructure and data center development — rather than plug any immediate funding gaps.

The capital infusion will fuel OpenAI's insatiable appetite for AI chips, cutting-edge hardware, and top-tier engineering talent as competition in the artificial intelligence space continues to intensify.

## Revenue Milestones and Bold Claims

OpenAI used the funding announcement as an opportunity to flex its financial muscle. The company revealed it is now generating $2 billion in revenue every single month and took direct aim at some of the biggest names in tech:

> "At this stage, we are growing revenue four times faster than the companies who defined the Internet and mobile eras, including Alphabet and Meta."

Enterprise business now accounts for 40% of total revenue, up from roughly 30% just a year ago, and OpenAI says it is on track for business and consumer revenue to reach equal footing by the end of 2026. The company attributed much of this momentum to its latest model, GPT-5.4, which is driving rapid adoption across agentic workflows.

## Positioning Itself as the AI Superapp

Perhaps the most telling detail from OpenAI's announcement was its self-description as an "AI superapp." The label makes its ambitions crystal clear — OpenAI doesn't just want to build powerful AI models; it wants to own the primary interface through which people interact with artificial intelligence in their daily lives.

The language throughout the announcement read less like a standard press release and more like the early draft of an S-1 filing, loaded with flywheel metaphors, total addressable market justifications, and revenue-per-compute-unit metrics that institutional investors typically look for in a pre-IPO company.

## The Bigger Picture: An IPO Story in Real Time

Taken together, this funding round tells a story that goes well beyond capital raising. OpenAI is actively constructing its public market narrative, using this raise to anchor investor expectations and build credibility ahead of what many believe will be one of the most anticipated IPOs in recent memory.

With a valuation approaching $1 trillion, a rapidly growing user base, surging enterprise adoption, and some of the biggest names in technology backing the company, OpenAI appears to be positioning itself not just as an AI leader — but as the defining technology company of its generation.

OpenAI closes a record $122B funding round at an $852B valuation, with $3B from retail investors and an IPO expected later this year.

OpenAI Raises $122B at $852B Valuation Before IPO

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OpenAI Secures Massive $122B Funding Round, Valued at $852 Billion Ahead of IPO

## NomadicML Lands $8.4 Million to Tame the Data Overload Facing Autonomous Vehicle Builders

Building the next generation of autonomous machines requires more than just cutting-edge hardware — it demands an intelligent way to make sense of the enormous volumes of data those machines produce. That's exactly the problem NomadicML is setting out to solve, and investors are taking notice.

The startup announced a seed funding round of **$8.4 million** on Tuesday, reaching a post-money valuation of **$50 million**. The round was led by TQ Ventures, with additional participation from Pear VC and Google's AI chief Jeff Dean. The fresh capital will fuel customer acquisition and further development of the company's core platform.

## The Problem: A Sea of Unsearchable Video

Companies building self-driving cars, warehouse robots, and autonomous construction equipment routinely accumulate millions of hours of video footage for training and evaluation purposes. The traditional approach to organizing this content? Hire humans to watch it. Even at fast-forward speed, that process simply doesn't hold up at scale.

NomadicML estimates that roughly **95% of fleet data** collected by its target customers sits untouched in archives — valuable intelligence that goes completely unused.

The challenge intensifies when teams need to locate so-called *edge cases* — rare but critically important events that expose weaknesses in physical AI models. Finding a needle in a million-hour haystack is precisely where NomadicML's technology steps in.

## How NomadicML's Platform Works

Founded by CEO **Mustafa Bal** and CTO **Varun Krishnan** — who first crossed paths as computer science undergraduates at Harvard — NomadicML has built a platform that converts raw video footage into structured, searchable datasets using a suite of vision language models.

The system doesn't just label footage; according to Krishnan, it functions as an **"agentic reasoning system"** capable of understanding the context of actions taking place on screen. Teams can describe what they're looking for in natural language, and the platform figures out how to locate it across vast libraries of video.

Practical applications include:
- Identifying every instance in which an autonomous vehicle crosses an intersection under police direction
- Pinpointing moments when vehicles pass beneath a specific type of overpass
- Extracting precise gripper positions from robotic manipulation footage
- Analyzing the physics of lane changes from camera data

These findings can then be fed directly into training pipelines, enabling faster iteration and more reliable reinforcement learning.

## A Team Built for the Problem

Bal explained that he and Krishnan developed the concept after repeatedly encountering the same data management headaches during their time at companies including **Lyft** and **Snowflake**.

"We are providing folks insight on their own footage, whatever drives their own AVs and robots," Bal told TechCrunch. "That is what moves these autonomous systems builders forward, not random data."

The team behind the platform is notable in its own right. Krishnan holds the title of international chess master, currently ranked **1,549th in the world**. Meanwhile, every one of the company's roughly dozen engineers has published a peer-reviewed scientific paper.

NomadicML also claimed **first prize at Nvidia GTC's pitch competition** last month, adding further validation to its technical approach.

## Growing Demand and Early Customers

The platform is already being used by a handful of high-profile clients, including **Zoox, Mitsubishi Electric, Natix Network, and Zendar**.

Antonio Puglielli, VP of Engineering at Zendar, noted that Nomadic's tool allowed his team to accelerate development significantly faster than outsourcing would have permitted, and highlighted the company's domain expertise as a clear differentiator.

This category of AI-powered auto-annotation is quickly becoming essential infrastructure for physical AI development. Established players like **Scale, Kognic, and Encord** are all building similar capabilities, while Nvidia has released an open-source model family called **Alpamayo** aimed at the same challenge.

## Why Specialization Is the Winning Strategy

Schuster Tanger, the TQ Ventures partner who led the round, framed the investment thesis around the value of focused infrastructure.

"It's the same reason Salesforce doesn't build its own cloud and Netflix doesn't build its own content distribution facilities," Tanger said. "The second an autonomous vehicle company tries to build Nomadic internally, they're distracted from what makes them win, which is the robot itself."

## What Comes Next

Looking ahead, NomadicML is expanding its capabilities beyond visual data. The next frontier involves processing **non-visual sensor inputs** such as lidar readings, as well as fusing data across multiple sensor modalities simultaneously.

"Juggling terabytes of video, running it against hundreds of hundred-billion-parameter models, and accurately extracting insights from all of that — it's genuinely, insanely difficult," Bal acknowledged.

With fresh funding, an impressive technical team, and a growing roster of enterprise customers, NomadicML appears well-positioned to become a foundational layer in the autonomous systems stack.

NomadicML secures $8.4M in seed funding to help AV and robotics companies transform raw video footage into searchable, structured datasets using AI.

NomadicML Raises $8.4M to Organize Autonomous Vehicle Data

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NomadicML Secures $8.4 Million to Transform How Autonomous Vehicles Handle Massive Video Data

## Meta Quietly Launches Instagram Premium Subscription Tests

Meta is taking its first steps toward a paid Instagram experience, currently testing a premium subscription tier that unlocks a handful of exclusive features for everyday users. While the rollout remains limited for now, early details suggest the company is gauging user interest before a broader launch.

### What Does the Instagram Premium Subscription Offer?

The subscription, reportedly being referred to as **Instagram Plus**, introduces features centered around privacy and content analytics. Among the highlighted perks, subscribers can browse Stories anonymously — meaning the person who posted the Story will not be able to see that you viewed it. Additionally, users gain access to rewatch count data for their own Stories, giving creators and casual users alike a deeper look at how their content is performing.

### Where Is It Being Tested?

Meta has not made an official announcement regarding which markets are participating in the trial. However, screenshots and reports circulating on social media suggest the subscription is currently being tested in **Mexico, Japan, and the Philippines**.

Pricing appears to be tailored to each local market:

- **Mexico:** MX$39 per month (roughly $2.20 USD)
- **Japan:** ¥319 per month (approximately $2.00 USD)
- **Philippines:** PHP 65 per month (around $1.07 USD)

It remains possible that Meta is running parallel tests in other countries that have yet to be publicly reported.

### How Is This Different From Meta Verified?

It is important to distinguish Instagram Plus from **Meta Verified**, which is a separate paid offering already available to content creators and businesses. Meta Verified focuses on professional-grade benefits such as account verification badges and protection against impersonation. Instagram Plus, by contrast, is being designed with the general consumer in mind, targeting everyday users rather than brands or influencers.

### Will Users Embrace Another Subscription?

While the addition of a premium tier gives Meta a new revenue stream, the timing raises questions about user appetite. Subscription fatigue is a growing concern among digital consumers, who are already managing multiple paid services across streaming, productivity, and social platforms. Early reactions on social media have been mixed, with a notable number of users expressing frustration at the prospect of paying for features on a platform they have long used for free.

### What Comes Next?

Meta has confirmed that testing will continue before any wider rollout is considered. The company appears to be taking a measured approach, collecting user feedback and behavioral data to determine whether Instagram Plus has enough appeal to justify expansion into additional markets.

As competition among social platforms intensifies, monetization through premium subscriptions is becoming an increasingly common strategy — and Meta's latest move signals that Instagram is no exception to that trend.

Meta is testing a paid Instagram subscription called Instagram Plus, offering anonymous Story viewing and rewatch stats in select countries.

Instagram Tests Premium Subscription With Privacy Features

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Instagram Tests Paid Subscription Plan With Exclusive Privacy Features

## YouTube CEO Confident Top Creators Won't Abandon the Platform

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan has made it clear he harbors zero concern about streaming giants like Netflix attempting to lure the platform's biggest stars away. In a candid and wide-ranging conversation with The New York Times' interview series — which, as Mohan pointedly noted, is itself hosted on YouTube — the executive projected the quiet confidence of someone who believes he holds all the cards.

### A Magnanimous Winner

Throughout the discussion, Mohan carried himself with the composure of someone unbothered by the competition. When the subject of Oscars host Conan O'Brien taking lighthearted jabs at YouTube came up, Mohan responded with nothing but praise, calling O'Brien "very funny" and acknowledging that his Team Coco channel performs exceptionally well on the platform. It was a subtle but effective reminder that even YouTube's critics tend to benefit from its massive reach.

### Flattery From Competitors

The topic of high-profile podcasts — including cultural staples like *The Breakfast Club* and *My Favorite Murder* — making the jump to Netflix was also addressed. Rather than expressing concern, Mohan described the migration as "flattering," interpreting it as a clear signal that rival platforms recognize YouTube as the beating heart of modern digital culture.

His message to skeptics was straightforward: competing services are essentially validating YouTube's cultural dominance every time they chase its content.

### Creators Always Come Back to YouTube

Mohan was particularly emphatic when discussing the loyalty of YouTube's top creators. Drawing from his personal conversations with prominent YouTubers, he revealed that many of them view the platform as irreplaceable — regardless of what other opportunities land on their desks.

"No matter what they look to do, they understand that YouTube is their home," Mohan explained, echoing sentiments he says he hears repeatedly from creators navigating competitive offers.

He went further, stating that in negotiations between YouTubers and rival streaming platforms, the outcome is nearly always the same. Outside streamers, he argued, ultimately "acquiesce" to what creators already know deep down — that walking away from YouTube entirely is not a winning long-term strategy.

"I have not come across YouTubers that have completely yanked their content off YouTube," Mohan said firmly.

### What This Means for the Streaming Wars

Mohan's comments arrive at a time when competition for premium digital content has never been more intense. Netflix, Spotify, and other major platforms have been aggressively courting creators with lucrative exclusive deals. Yet YouTube's CEO appears unfazed, suggesting the platform's combination of audience scale, monetization tools, and cultural relevance creates a gravitational pull that competitors simply cannot replicate.

For creators weighing their options in an increasingly crowded media landscape, Mohan's message is clear: there may be opportunities elsewhere, but there is only one home.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan says top creators always return to YouTube, despite Netflix and other streamers aggressively competing for exclusive content deals.

YouTube CEO: Top Creators Will Never Leave the Platform

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YouTube CEO: Top Creators Will Always Call YouTube Home

## Bluesky Steps Into AI Territory With New Standalone App

Bluesky, the decentralized social networking platform, has expanded beyond its core app with the debut of **Attie** — an AI-powered tool designed to help everyday users build custom social media feeds without writing a single line of code. Built on Bluesky's open AT Protocol (atproto), Attie marks the company's first standalone product venture and signals a broader ambition to democratize how people interact with social technology.

## Unveiled at Atmosphere Conference

Attie made its public debut at the Atmosphere conference, where Bluesky's former CEO and current Chief Innovation Officer **Jay Graber**, alongside CTO **Paul Frazee**, introduced the app to attendees for the first time. Conference participants have been selected as the first beta testers for the platform.

Under the hood, Attie is powered by **Anthropic's Claude**, making it an agentic social application that can understand user preferences, respond to natural language commands, and take meaningful action within the social ecosystem.

## What Exactly Does Attie Do?

At its core, Attie allows users to create highly personalized content feeds simply by typing conversational requests — much like chatting with any AI assistant. Users sign in using their Atmosphere credentials, which grants access to any app running on the atproto network, including Bluesky itself.

Because atproto is an open system that shares data across applications, Attie can quickly learn about a user's interests, conversation history, and content preferences from the moment they log in.

Users can:
- Ask Attie which posts they might enjoy or want to reshare
- Curate completely personalized content feeds
- Shape their social algorithm without any technical expertise

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand Attie's capabilities to allow users to **"vibe-code" their own social apps** and build tools for others within the Atmosphere ecosystem.

### A Product Built for People, Not Platforms

"You control it, you shape it, without having to write code or know how to set up these feeds," said **Toni Schneider**, Bluesky's interim CEO and partner at backer True Ventures. "It's the beginning of just having a lot more people be able to build on top of the Atmosphere."

Schneider was emphatic that despite its AI foundation, Attie is fundamentally a human-centered product. "It is an AI product, but it's an AI product that's very people-focused. We think AI is a very powerful technology, but we want to make sure that we use it to build things that really benefit people," he explained.

## Jay Graber's Vision: AI That Serves Users, Not Big Tech

Graber, who stepped back from her CEO duties to focus on innovation and product development, has been working on Attie for several months. Her transition back to building was a natural one, according to Schneider.

"She realized that there was so much more that she wanted to build, and just doing the CEO job kept her busy," Schneider told TechCrunch. "This is her happy place. She's an amazing leader and visionary, and we want her building more things."

Graber herself has been vocal about her concerns regarding how AI is being used by mainstream social platforms — primarily to maximize engagement, harvest user data, and tighten algorithmic control.

"We think AI should serve people, not platforms," Graber stated in her official announcement. "An open protocol puts this power directly in users' hands. You can use it to build your own feeds, create software that works the way you want it to, and find signal in the noise."

## $100 Million in Funding Provides Long-Term Stability

Alongside the Attie announcement, Bluesky revealed it has secured **$100 million in additional funding** from a round that closed last year. Schneider confirmed that this gives the company more than three years of runway, providing stability for both the platform and the broader atproto ecosystem.

"It means we have three-plus years of runway, which is great. That means stability and security for the rest of the ecosystem," he said.

With 43.4 million users on the platform, Bluesky's team is now focused on tackling larger challenges ahead, including strengthening **privacy controls** within the protocol and identifying sustainable **monetization strategies**.

## No Crypto Integration — Despite Investor Background

One concern among some Bluesky users has been the possibility of crypto features being introduced, given that several of the platform's investors have backgrounds in cryptocurrency. Schneider moved quickly to put those fears to rest.

"It's the kind of investors who were attracted to crypto because of its decentralization," he explained. "This is decentralized social, so it fits those who are invested to believe in the platform and the ecosystem opportunity." There are no plans to integrate crypto payments or blockchain-based features into the platform.

## How Will Attie Be Monetized?

Attie is currently in private beta, and no final decisions have been made about its pricing model. Ideas under consideration include **subscription plans** and **hosting services** for communities that want to run their own instances on the protocol.

Schneider, who previously served as CEO of Automattic — the company behind WordPress.com — sees a striking parallel between the Atmosphere ecosystem and the WordPress economy.

"At the center of it is a completely open system, so anybody can participate," he said. "With WordPress, that turned into a huge ecosystem with over $10 billion a year flowing through it. This is what we're hoping for with the Atmosphere — lots of apps and services coexisting and building together."

## The Road Ahead

With Attie, Bluesky is making a clear statement: the future of social media should be open, user-controlled, and genuinely powered by AI that works *for* individuals rather than against them. As the app moves from private beta toward a broader release, it could reshape how millions of people experience and personalize their online social lives.

Bluesky's new AI app Attie lets users build personalized social feeds using plain language commands, powered by Anthropic's Claude on the AT Protocol.

Bluesky Launches Attie: AI App for Custom Social Feeds

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Bluesky Unveils Attie: An AI-Powered App for Building Custom Social Feeds

## A New Push to Keep Vapes Out of Underage Hands

The Food and Drug Administration recently issued draft guidance outlining what flavored e-cigarettes would need to achieve in order to gain approval for sale in the United States. Central to those requirements is a demand that nicotine companies verify user age directly on the vaping device itself — a challenge that has defeated the industry for more than ten years.

Now, one company believes it has finally cracked the code, and claims it is already in active discussions with the FDA about bringing its solution to market.

## Meet Ike Tech: The Company Behind the Idea

Ike Tech is a joint venture between Ispire Technology — a manufacturer of vape cartridges, e-cigarettes, and batteries — and Chemular, a regulatory consulting firm focused on the nicotine industry. The company's stated mission is to embed age-verification technology directly into disposable vape cartridges using a combination of biometric data and blockchain security.

Ispire CEO Michael Wang has been vocal about his desire to push back against what he describes as "irresponsible players" flooding the market with unregulated, potentially dangerous products. His broader ambition is for this technology to open the door for flavored vapes to be legally manufactured and sold in the US under proper FDA oversight.

"By making the device a different color, light up in the dark, and even almost like a game console design, it's really targeting underage people," Wang said. "We are hoping that with age gating, the FDA could finally approve fruit-flavored devices that are safe."

## The Vaping Landscape Today

The American vape market is currently saturated with cheap, high-potency disposable products imported from overseas. Because these products largely operate outside regulatory frameworks, they are accessible to virtually anyone — including minors. The absence of proper inspection also means many of these devices contain harmful substances such as nickel, lead, and other toxic chemicals, potentially making them more dangerous than traditional cigarettes.

Several major players in the nicotine space — including Juul, British American Tobacco, and Altria — have invested years into developing their own age-verification systems. However, those approaches have consistently raised concerns around user privacy, data collection, and vulnerability to hacking.

Stanton Glantz, a former professor and director of the UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, remains deeply skeptical of these efforts. "The industry has been selling this stuff for a decade now," he said. "Age-verification tech has never been shown to work."

## How Ike Tech's System Actually Works

Ike Tech's approach centers on blockchain-enabled chips embedded within the e-cigarette cartridge. Here is how the verification process is designed to function:

### Step-by-Step Verification Process

- A camera scans the user's ID
- A short video is recorded of the user's face to confirm identity
- The system verifies the user's age and converts all data into anonymized tokens
- That information is passed to a recognized identity service such as ID.me or Clear
- Upon approval, a Bluetooth signal is sent from the paired smartphone app, granting the device permission to activate

"Everything is tokenized," Wang explained. "As a result of this process, we don't communicate consumer personal private information."

The entire process is said to take roughly 90 seconds. After the initial one-time verification, the device uses a Bluetooth connection to recognize when the cartridge is within range of the registered phone, keeping it unlocked automatically. Move the device beyond a certain distance from the phone, and it shuts off.

### Claims of Near-Perfect Accuracy

Ike Tech says internal testing has demonstrated a 100 percent success rate in correctly verifying user age. Wang also claims the FDA responded enthusiastically during a meeting, allegedly describing the technology as "the holy grail" they had been searching for — though the FDA did not respond to requests for independent confirmation of that statement.

## Criticism and Limitations

Despite the bold claims, not everyone is persuaded. Glantz argues the technology is riddled with exploitable loopholes.

"The FDA is just showing their pro-industry bias," Glantz said. "If I were running the FDA, I would prohibit these devices from having any Bluetooth capability at all, period. There are just too many ways it could go south. Every technical fix has a work-around."

One glaring flaw is that the verification is tied to a single individual. Once a device is unlocked, the verified user can freely share it with anyone nearby — including minors — with no additional checks. Wang acknowledged this gap, placing the burden squarely on the individual user.

"You really have to count on the responsibility of that person," he said. "If it's a 21-year-old or older person, of course, that's fine, but if you really want to hand it to an underage person, then you are really irresponsible."

### Future Features on the Roadmap

Wang says Ike Tech plans to expand the system's capabilities over time, including:

- **Geo-fencing** — automatically disabling the device near schools or on aircraft
- **Fingerprint reader integration** — for added biometric security
- **Licensing to other e-cigarette brands** — allowing the technology to be adopted industry-wide
- **Expansion into other age-restricted product categories** — including firearms

## When Will It Be Available?

The timeline for a commercial launch remains unclear. Wang acknowledged partnerships with two nicotine companies but declined to identify them or commit to a launch date. "In 2026, there will be a clear indication of when our solution will be approved and how many other brands will license our technology," he said.

Pricing details — including how much the technology will add to the cost of individual cartridges — have not yet been disclosed.

## The Bigger Health Question

Even setting aside the age-verification debate, fundamental questions about the safety of e-cigarettes persist. Wang subscribes to a view common within the industry: that nicotine itself is not a killer, and that vaping represents a meaningfully safer alternative to smoking.

"In the industry, we have a saying: 'Nicotine never killed a single person,'" Wang said. "To a large degree, e-cigarettes are a safer way to consume nicotine."

Glantz strongly disputes this framing. He points to the practice of "smoking topography," in which nicotine companies study how users inhale and then manipulate nicotine delivery to maximize addictive potential. He also challenges the premise that vaping is genuinely cleaner than smoking.

"You can't make a healthy e-cigarette; it's impossible," Glantz said. "It's true that nicotine isn't a carcinogen, but it has all kinds of adverse cardiovascular effects. Nicotine screws up your nervous system."

For nicotine to be inhaled as vapor, it must be broken down into ultrafine particles through heat — a process that carries its own significant health risks, regardless of what other chemicals are present.

"There are all of these other implications that are extremely serious that nobody's really thinking about," Glantz added. "Even if the age-verification thing worked, it's still not worth it."

## The Bottom Line

Ike Tech's biometric, blockchain-based approach to vape age verification is arguably the most sophisticated attempt the industry has produced to date. Whether it can satisfy regulators, withstand real-world misuse, and genuinely protect young people from nicotine addiction remains to be seen. What is certain is that the conversation around vaping, regulation, and public health is far from over.

Ike Tech claims its biometric and blockchain vape age-verification system is the answer regulators need. But will it actually work? Here's what we know.

Biometric Vape Age Verification: Can Ike Tech Deliver?

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Can Biometric Technology Finally Solve the Vape Age-Verification Problem?

## Best Meta Quest Promo Codes and Deals for March 2026

Whether you're a first-time VR buyer or a seasoned headset owner looking to expand your library, Meta is offering some compelling savings this month. From $50 off headsets to half-price game add-ons, here's everything you need to know to make the most of your budget.

## Save $50 on Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S Headsets

Meta currently offers two flagship headsets: the Quest 3 and the more affordable Quest 3S. For buyers watching their spending, the Quest 3S is a strong contender — it earned an 8/10 from WIRED and delivers a solid VR experience despite featuring a slightly lower-resolution display and less refined passthrough capability compared to its sibling. Right now, the Quest 3S is available for as low as $250, thanks to a $50 markdown.

If you're planning to use those savings on accessories, select add-ons are also discounted by 20%. One upgrade worth considering is the Elite Strap with battery — it significantly improves wearing comfort and extends playtime beyond the headset's standard battery capacity.

### Bonus Quest Cash With New Headset Purchases

Buying through select partner links also unlocks $30 in Quest Cash when you purchase either the Quest 3 or Quest 3S. This credit can be applied toward games, apps, or downloadable content in the Meta store. The cash is deposited into your account after the device is activated, giving you an immediate head start on building your game library.

### Quest+ Subscription and Bundle Perks

For regular users, a Quest+ subscription offers outstanding value. Subscribers gain access to at least two free games each month — available to keep as long as they're claimed and the subscription remains active. The subscription also includes an extensive library of titles, recurring discounts on DLC, and reduced pricing on major releases.

Opting for a Quest 3 bundle sweetens the deal further: buyers receive three months of Quest+ along with Batman: Arkham Shadow, widely regarded as one of the best single-player story experiences available on the platform. It's an ideal entry point for anyone stepping into virtual reality for the first time.

## Certified Refurbished Meta Devices Starting at $239

Refurbished doesn't have to mean compromised. When products are recertified directly by the manufacturer, they undergo thorough cleaning, functional testing, and a full factory reset. Minor cosmetic wear may be present, but manufacturer-refurbished units typically come with warranty coverage and replacement parts for any surface-level blemishes.

### Like-New Meta Quest 3 for $380

For shoppers who want the more powerful Quest 3 experience at a reduced cost, Meta's certified refurbished units are currently listed at $380 — a $50 savings over the retail price of a new model. Each refurbished unit includes a one-year warranty, a pair of Touch Plus controllers, a charging cable, and a power adapter.

### Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses From $239

Refurbished Ray-Ban Meta AI-powered glasses are also available, starting at $239. Several styles and colorways of the Gen 1 glasses are in stock, including the iconic Wayfarer silhouette. All refurbished smart glasses purchases include free shipping and a 30-day return window, providing flexibility if the fit or style doesn't suit you.

## Up to 50% Off Meta Quest Games

Already own a headset? There are strong game discounts on offer as well. Batman: Arkham Shadow and Metro Awakening are each marked down by 10% through partner links — both offering dark, deeply immersive single-player gameplay. Beat Saber, the rhythm game that has become a staple of virtually every VR collection, is also available at 10% off.

### Multiplayer Game Add-On Discounts

Competitive players can unlock 50% off their first add-on purchase in the popular movement-based game Gorilla Tag, as well as 50% off their first add-on in the tactical shooter VAIL. These offers are a cost-effective way to personalize your experience and stand out in online lobbies.

## Student and Educator Discount: 10% Off

Meta's Education Purchase Program (EPP) offers higher education students and faculty members an additional 10% discount on eligible products. To qualify, applicants must verify their status through Meta's EPP portal using a valid .edu email address. Once approved, a personalized discount link is provided — no promo code necessary. The discount applies to Quest headsets, Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and select accessories.

Institutions interested in deploying Meta technology for educational, manufacturing, or nonprofit purposes can explore a separate initiative called Meta for Education.

## Refer a Friend and Earn $30 in Store Credit

Existing Meta headset owners can earn rewards by introducing friends to the platform. Inside the Meta Horizon mobile app, navigate to the Menu, then locate the Referrals option under Payment and Subscriptions. Sharing your unique referral link with a friend who goes on to purchase and activate a Quest 3 or Quest 3S will earn both parties $30 in Quest Cash. Full details are available on Meta's official referrals page.

## Meta Quest 3S Xbox Limited Edition Bundle

In a collaboration with Xbox, Meta has released the Quest 3S Xbox Edition — a limited-edition bundle designed for gaming enthusiasts. The package includes a custom 128GB Quest 3S in Xbox Carbon Black and Velocity Green, matching Touch Plus controllers, a limited-edition Xbox controller, an Elite Strap, and a three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership.

The bundle is optimized for Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta), enabling players to stream hundreds of Xbox titles on a large virtual screen directly through their headset, alongside content available from the Meta Horizon Store.

## Flexible Financing Options Available

For those who prefer to spread out the cost, Meta offers financing through several trusted providers — including Affirm, Shop Pay, PayPal, and Klarna. Monthly payment plans start as low as $19.99, making it easier to bring home a Quest headset or a pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses without a significant upfront investment.

Find the best Meta Quest deals for March 2026. Save up to $50 on headsets, unlock game discounts, and explore financing options with these promo codes.

Meta Quest Promo Codes: Save Up to $50 in March 2026

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Meta Quest Deals: Save Up to $50 on VR Headsets with March 2026 Promo Codes

## Top iPad Apps That Will Unleash Your Inner Creative

The iPad has evolved far beyond a simple streaming or browsing device. Thanks to Apple's relentless hardware improvements, today's iPads are genuinely powerful creative tools capable of producing professional-grade artwork, polished videos, and stunning graphic designs. Whether you're a seasoned creative professional or someone just beginning to explore a new hobby, there's an iPad app out there built specifically for you.

Below, we've rounded up some of the most impressive creative apps available on the App Store right now. One thing to note: you won't find Adobe's suite of tools on this list. Those apps are already widely recognized. Instead, we're shining a light on some equally capable — yet slightly less mainstream — alternatives worth adding to your home screen.

---

### Lake – Coloring for Calm and Creativity

Not every creative app needs to confront you with a blank canvas. Lake takes a refreshingly laid-back approach to digital creativity, offering a library of hand-drawn illustrations from independent artists that you can color using a palette of over 700 colors and a variety of brushes.

For those who prefer total creative freedom, the app also includes a blank canvas mode and a coloring journal where you can capture your thoughts and ideas visually. Lake is ideal for beginners, casual users, or anyone looking for a mindful way to unwind after a long day. There are no rules here — drawing outside the lines is entirely welcome.

A limited selection of illustrations is available for free, while a full subscription unlocks the entire catalogue for **$9.99 per month**.

---

### Procreate – The Gold Standard for Digital Artists

Procreate has earned its reputation as one of the best drawing apps ever made for iPad. The app provides a rich digital painting environment with dozens of brush types, intuitive gesture controls, and a clean, distraction-free interface that lets your creativity take center stage.

On compatible iPad Pro models, Procreate supports ultra-high-resolution canvases up to 16K by 8K — a feature that will impress even the most demanding professional illustrators. The app also handles storyboards, GIFs, animatics, and simple animations, and supports popular file formats including JPG, PNG, and TIFF.

Built-in tools like QuickShape, StreamLine, Drawing Assist, and ColorDrop take care of the technical details so you can focus on expressing your ideas. Once your piece is complete, the app's time-lapse Replay feature lets you watch your entire creative process play back in real time — a surprisingly satisfying experience that's also easy to share as a 30-second clip on social media.

Procreate is available as a **one-time purchase for $12.99** — exceptional value for what it delivers.

---

### LumaFusion – Professional Video Editing on the Go

If you've outgrown iMovie and are ready to step up your video editing game, LumaFusion is the natural next step. Designed with aspiring filmmakers and content creators in mind, it packs a surprisingly robust feature set into a mobile-friendly interface.

The app supports multilayer editing with 4K ProRes and HDR media, a wide range of visual effects and transitions, voice-over recording, and multilayer title creation with custom font and graphic imports. For audio enthusiasts, LumaFusion includes Graphic EQ, Parametric EQ, and voice isolation controls to help you achieve a polished final sound.

Projects can be exported in multiple aspect ratios, including 16:9 landscape, 9:16 portrait, square, widescreen film, and anamorphic formats — making it versatile for any platform or screen size.

LumaFusion is available for a **one-time payment of $29.99**, with optional add-ons for multicam editing and Final Cut Pro for Mac integration.

---

### Canva – Design Made Simple for Everyone

Canva has long been a favorite for non-designers who need to produce great-looking visuals quickly. The iPad app brings the same user-friendly experience to your tablet, offering access to over 250,000 templates for everything from social media graphics and presentations to infographics, websites, and short videos.

Beyond templates, Canva includes photo editing tools, branding customization options, audio integration, and video cropping and speed controls. Its growing suite of AI-powered features adds another dimension to the creative process — tools like Magic Switch allow you to expand images intelligently, while Magic Media converts written ideas into generated visuals.

Canva's core features are available for **free**, with a premium subscription at **$12.99 per month** unlocking unlimited AI tools, advanced templates, and additional assets.

---

### Affinity Designer 2 – A Professional Graphic Design Powerhouse

Affinity Designer 2 is a sophisticated graphic design platform that merges vector illustration, pixel-based texture work, and photo retouching into a single seamless application. It's built for professionals — including illustrators, UI/UX designers, web developers, and game artists — who need precision and versatility in one tool.

The app supports an extensive range of creative output, from logos, icons, and typography to concept art, posters, labels, and stickers. Full Apple Pencil compatibility means you get pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and precise stylus control throughout. Gesture-based shortcuts and customizable keyboard commands help keep your workflow fast, while the ability to zoom in to over 1,000,000% ensures pixel-perfect accuracy at every level.

Affinity Designer 2 is available for a **one-time payment of $18.49** — a strong value for a professional-tier tool.

---

### Concepts – Sketch, Plan, and Brainstorm Freely

Concepts is an infinitely flexible sketching environment designed for thinkers and makers who want to capture and develop their ideas fluidly. Whether you're mapping out a project, sketching design concepts, drafting storyboards, or building mindmaps, Concepts gives you the space and tools to do it all.

The app features realistic pens, pencils, and brushes that respond naturally to pressure and tilt. Standout tools like Nudge, Slice, and Select let you modify specific elements of a sketch without starting over. Scale and measurement tools are built in to help you work with real-world dimensions, and a customizable tool wheel keeps your most-used functions within easy reach.

Basic features are free to use, while a **$4.99 monthly subscription** unlocks premium editing tools and the ability to create custom brushes.

---

### Tayasui Sketches – A Beautifully Simple Drawing Experience

Tayasui Sketches offers an approachable yet capable drawing and sketching environment for iPad users of all skill levels. The app stands out with its realistic watercolor brushes, digital acrylic tools, color blending capabilities, and gradient and depth effects that bring a natural feel to digital artwork.

A handy multitasking mode lets you open a second app alongside Sketches and drag layers or documents between them — a useful workflow feature for those who reference materials while creating. A dedicated Zen Mode strips away all interface distractions so you can focus entirely on the act of creating. You can also import your own images to incorporate into your work, and organize finished pieces into custom folders for easy access.

---

## Final Thoughts

The App Store is packed with creative tools that can genuinely transform the way you use your iPad. Whether you're looking to relax with some casual coloring, develop serious illustration skills, cut together polished video content, or design professional graphics, there's an app on this list built to meet you where you are. The best part? Many of them offer free tiers or affordable one-time purchase options, making creativity on the iPad more accessible than ever.

Explore the best iPad apps for creativity, from digital painting and video editing to graphic design. Find the right app to unlock your creative potential.

Best iPad Apps for Creativity and Digital Art in 2024

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Top iPad Apps That Will Unleash Your Inner Creative

## Aetherflux Targets $2 Billion Valuation in Series B Round

Aetherflux, the space solar power company founded by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt, is reportedly in advanced discussions to secure between $250 million and $350 million in a Series B funding round. According to sources familiar with the matter, the deal would place the startup's valuation at an impressive $2 billion.

### Index Ventures Steps Up to Lead the Deal

The Wall Street Journal first broke the news, reporting that prominent venture capital firm Index Ventures is set to lead the fundraising effort. Since its founding in 2024, Aetherflux has raised approximately $80 million in total capital. The company has so far declined to make any official statement regarding the reported round.

## A Strategic Pivot Toward Space-Based Data Centers

In a notable strategic shift, Aetherflux has redirected much of its focus away from its original concept — beaming electricity down to Earth using laser technology — and is now channeling efforts toward powering space-based data centers. This move places the company alongside other major players in the space computing arena, including SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Starcloud, all of which are actively developing distributed computing infrastructure in orbit.

Founder Baiju Bhatt addressed the pivot with characteristic humor during a recent interview. "Let the record show we never lifted our pivot foot — it wasn't a travel," he quipped. He went on to explain the reasoning behind the strategic shift: "The light bulb went off about a year ago that, actually, if you wanted to power AI with the technology that we were thinking about, it would be much more advantageous to actually put the chips in space, rather than project the power from space down to a terrestrial data center."

### Laser Transmission Research Continues in Parallel

Despite the new strategic emphasis, Aetherflux has not completely abandoned its original laser power transmission ambitions. The company intends to press ahead with related experiments using a satellite bus developed by Apex Space. However, the centerpiece of its near-term roadmap is now a dedicated data center satellite, which Bhatt has indicated is expected to launch by 2027.

## Competing on Cost With Terrestrial Infrastructure

Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of Aetherflux's vision is its goal to make space-based computing economically viable on a large scale. "Our goal is to build something that competes with terrestrial economics," Bhatt stated, underscoring the company's intent to challenge conventional data center models with an orbital alternative.

If the Series B round closes as reported, Aetherflux will be significantly better positioned to accelerate both its hardware development and its satellite deployment timeline — potentially reshaping how AI workloads are powered in the years ahead.

Space solar startup Aetherflux is raising up to $350M in a Series B round led by Index Ventures, targeting a $2 billion valuation amid a pivot to space data cen

Aetherflux Seeks $2B Valuation in Series B Funding Round

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Aetherflux Eyes $2 Billion Valuation With Major Series B Fundraising Round

## Apple's Next 50 Years: Bold Predictions From the Top

As Apple marked its 50th anniversary, the tech world was busy looking backward — celebrating iconic products, legendary keynotes, and the towering legacy of Steve Jobs. But rather than indulge in nostalgia, a more compelling question begged to be asked: What does Apple want the *next* 50 years to look like?

To find out, two of Apple's most senior executives sat down for a candid conversation about the road ahead. Greg Joswiak — known widely as "Joz" — serves as Apple's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and has been with the company since 1986. Joining him was John Ternus, SVP of Hardware Engineering, a 25-year Apple veteran widely regarded as a leading candidate to eventually succeed Tim Cook as CEO. Cook himself briefly weighed in as well, just before singer Alicia Keys performed outside the Apple Store at Grand Central Station, kicking off the company's surprisingly lavish birthday festivities.

## From Personal Computers to the Pocket Supercomputer

Apple's history is essentially a masterclass in knowing when to pivot. The Macintosh introduced the graphical user interface and made computing accessible to everyday people. The iMac helped the company ride the wave of the early internet era. And despite not being first to market, Apple completely redefined what a mobile device could be with the iPhone — a product that continues to dominate nearly two decades after its debut.

Just this month, Apple refreshed another long-standing franchise with the release of the MacBook Neo, the latest evolution of a product line now 42 years old. These are not relics — they are living, breathing platforms that continue to generate enormous relevance and revenue.

But the conversation has shifted. Artificial intelligence is now the defining technological force of our era, and critics have argued that Apple has stumbled in this race while competitors sprint ahead.

## Apple Says It Was Doing AI Before AI Was Cool

Joswiak and Ternus push back firmly on the notion that Apple has fallen behind. "We were doing AI before we even called it AI," Joswiak said, arguing that Apple's deep integration of machine learning across its products has quietly laid a strong foundation. He also pointed out that every major AI chatbot and tool performs at its best on Apple hardware.

Ternus echoed that sentiment, making the case that even if Apple wasn't the one to develop the most cutting-edge AI models, its devices remain the premier platform for experiencing them. "Our products are the best place people will use the existing AI tools," he said.

### But What About AI-Native Hardware?

It's a fair challenge: if the future of computing is being reimagined around artificial intelligence, shouldn't next-generation devices be purpose-built for that world? That's precisely the direction Apple's former design chief Jony Ive appears to be heading in his collaboration with OpenAI — and he's far from alone. A growing number of startups and tech giants are racing to develop AI-first hardware that could render today's smartphones obsolete.

When pressed on whether Apple plans to be part of that wave with a dedicated AI device, Joswiak's answer was telling. "Let's not lose sight of the fact that nothing you just said is incompatible with the iPhone," he said. "The iPhone is not going to go away. iPhone is going to serve a very central role in any of those things you're talking about."

## Will People Still Use the iPhone in 2075?

The implication was clear — and striking. Apple appears to believe the iPhone will remain a cornerstone of personal technology well into the future. Asked directly whether people might still be using iPhones 50 years from now, Joswiak didn't hesitate.

"It's hard to imagine not," he said. "That's where everybody else struggles. They don't have an iPhone, and so they're scrambling for what to do. A lot of what they talk about ends up being accessories for an iPhone. We're not going to get into future road maps, but I will tell you, iPhones are not going anywhere."

That's a bold statement — though it's worth noting that Apple has surprised the market before, and a purpose-built AI device from the company in the coming years would surprise very few industry observers.

## Tim Cook on What Makes Apple, Apple

Cook's take on Apple's future was characteristically philosophical. Rather than pointing to specific product categories or technologies, he focused on the company's culture, values, and the people who carry them forward.

"Yes, the technologies of the future will change," Cook acknowledged. "Yes, there will be more products and more categories. All of those things are true, but the things that made Apple Apple will be the same for the next 50 years, and the next 100 and the next 1,000."

It's an inspiring vision — though it raises a significant question. What happens if artificial superintelligence fundamentally disrupts not just industries, but the very nature of human society? OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has gone so far as to suggest that his own successor at the company may not be human at all, but an AI model.

### Will an AI Ever Run Apple?

When Cook was asked whether an AI could conceivably lead Apple within the next 50 years, he laughed off the idea without missing a beat. "When you look at the leadership page," he said of Apple's future, "there will not be an agentic kind of model on there."

It was a confident, characteristically human answer. What remains an open question is what device the people of 2076 will use to pull up that leadership page — and whether it will have an Apple logo on it.

Apple executives say the iPhone isn't going anywhere, even as AI reshapes tech. Here's what Apple's leaders envision for the company's next 50 years.

Apple Plans to Keep Selling iPhones for the Next 50 Years

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Apple at 50: Why the iPhone Will Still Matter When the Company Hits 100

## Why Backing Up Your iPhone Matters

Imagine losing every photo from a friend's wedding, years of text messages, or all your app data in an instant. It happens more often than you'd think — a cracked screen, a stolen device, or a botched software update can wipe everything out. Whether you're upgrading to a newer model or simply protecting what's already on your device, making regular backups is one of the smartest habits you can build as an iPhone user.

There are several reliable ways to back up your iPhone, each with its own advantages. Let's break them all down.

---

## Method 1: Back Up to iCloud

Apple's own cloud service is the most straightforward option for most users. Before you begin, make sure you're connected to a Wi-Fi network.

### Step-by-Step iCloud Backup

1. Open the **Settings** app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your name at the top, then select **iCloud**.
3. Scroll down and tap **iCloud Backup**.
4. Toggle the switch **on** to enable automatic backups every 24 hours — this kicks in whenever your phone is charging, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi.
5. Tap **Back Up Now** to trigger an immediate backup.
6. Review the categories listed and check or uncheck items based on what you want included.

### iCloud Storage Plans

Apple provides 5 GB of free iCloud storage by default, which fills up quickly. If you need more room, Apple's **iCloud+** subscription tiers are as follows:

- **50 GB** — $1/month
- **200 GB** — $3.50/month
- **2 TB** — $10/month
- **6 TB** — $30/month
- **12 TB** — $60/month

Users who rely on multiple Apple services may find better value in an **Apple One** bundle subscription.

### Switching iPhones? You're Covered

Since iOS 15, Apple offers a helpful workaround for users upgrading to a new device. Even if your iCloud storage is full, Apple grants **21 days of unlimited iCloud storage** when you purchase a new iPhone — giving you plenty of time to migrate your data without paying for extra storage.

### Advanced Data Protection

By default, Apple retains access to your iCloud backups. If you want stronger privacy, you can enable **Advanced Data Protection** through your iCloud settings page. This activates end-to-end encryption for your backups, meaning only you can access your data. Keep in mind that enabling this feature requires setting up an alternative recovery method in case your device is lost or stolen.

---

## Method 2: Back Up to a Mac

Prefer keeping your data off the cloud entirely? Backing up locally to your Mac is a solid alternative, especially if your iPhone holds a large amount of photos, music, messages, and apps.

### How to Check Your macOS Version

Click the **Apple icon** in the top-left corner of your screen and select **About This Mac**. A window will appear displaying your current operating system version.

### Backing Up Using Finder (macOS Catalina and Later)

Apple replaced iTunes with dedicated apps for Music, Podcasts, and TV starting with macOS Catalina in 2019. iPhone backups now live inside **Finder**.

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a cable.
2. Open **Finder** and select your iPhone under **Locations** in the sidebar.
3. Click **General**, then choose **Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac**.
4. To password-protect your backup, select **Encrypt local backup**.
5. Click **Back Up Now**.

From this same screen, you can review previous backups and manage media sync preferences.

### Backing Up Using iTunes (Older macOS Versions)

For Macs running an older operating system, iTunes is still available and functional.

1. Plug your iPhone into your Mac and open **iTunes**.
2. Click the **Device button** in the top-left corner of the iTunes window.
3. Select **Summary** beneath your iPhone's name.
4. Click **Back Up Now** under the Backups section.
5. To encrypt your backup, click **Encrypt iPhone Backup**, enter a password, and click **Set Password**.

**Pro Tip:** New backups overwrite previous ones by default. However, if you right-click on a backup and select **Archive**, you can preserve multiple versions over time. Navigate to **iTunes Preferences → Devices** for a full list of saved backups. When you need to restore, simply select the appropriate backup and hit **Restore Backup**.

---

## Method 3: Back Up to a Windows PC

Windows users can also back up their iPhones through iTunes.

1. Connect your iPhone to your Windows computer.
2. Open **iTunes** and click the **iPhone button** near the top-left of the window.
3. Click **Summary**.
4. Select **Back Up Now** under the Backups section.
5. To encrypt your backup, click **Encrypt local backup**, set a password, and click **Set Password**.

### Enable Wi-Fi Syncing

Plugging in your phone every time you want to back up can get tedious. Here's how to enable wireless syncing:

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer via cable.
2. **On Mac:** Open Finder, select your iPhone, click General, and enable **Show this iPhone when on Wi-Fi**.
3. **On Windows:** Open iTunes, click the iPhone button, go to Summary, and check **Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi** under Options.
4. Click **Apply**.

From this point forward, your iPhone will sync automatically when both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

---

## Method 4: Use Google Photos or Alternative Cloud Services

For photo and video specifically, backing up to a second location is a wise move. **Google Photos** offers 15 GB of free storage and includes a convenient feature to clear your iPhone's camera roll after everything has been uploaded — a real bonus if you're running low on device storage.

If you'd rather not use Google's ecosystem, there are plenty of strong alternatives, including Dropbox, Amazon Photos, and Microsoft OneDrive, among others.

---

## Method 5: Local Backup to External Storage or NAS

If cloud services aren't your preference, you can always create a local backup on your Mac or Windows PC using the methods above, then manually transfer the files to a **portable hard drive** or **USB flash drive**. It requires a bit more effort, but it keeps your data entirely in your hands.

For those with a **Network Attached Storage (NAS)** device at home, manufacturers like Synology and Asustor offer dedicated apps that can automatically back up photos, videos, and files whenever your iPhone connects to your home Wi-Fi. Third-party tools such as **iMazing** or **PhotoSync** are also worth considering, though some advanced features may require a paid license.

---

## Backing Up Individual Apps

Certain apps — particularly messaging platforms — operate their own independent backup systems. It's worth checking your most-used apps to see what options are available.

- **WhatsApp:** Navigate to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup and set your preferred backup frequency. For maximum security, enable **End-to-End Encrypted Backup**.
- **Signal:** Signal does not support cloud backups. Instead, you must create a local backup file and transfer it off your device manually. Head to Settings → Backups → On-Device Backups → Turn On to get started.

---

## Don't Forget: 2FA Codes and Passkeys

Losing access to your phone when two-factor authentication (2FA) is active can lock you out of your Apple account. To reduce this risk, link more than one trusted device to your account and add a secondary trusted phone number.

If you use **Google Authenticator**, the app now supports encrypted cloud sync. Open the app, tap your profile picture in the top-right corner, and confirm a cloud icon with a checkmark appears — that means you're backed up.

For **passkeys**, which are typically stored locally on your device, consider backing them up in multiple places. iCloud Keychain handles this automatically, but you can also use a cross-platform password manager like **Bitwarden** or store them on a physical security key such as a **YubiKey** for an added layer of protection.

---

## Final Thoughts

A good backup strategy doesn't have to be complicated. At minimum, enable iCloud Backup and let your phone handle the rest automatically. For extra peace of mind, add a local backup to your computer and consider a dedicated photo backup service as a secondary layer. The few minutes it takes to set this up today could save you from a serious headache down the road.

Learn every way to back up your iPhone in 2026 — iCloud, Mac, Windows, and local storage. Keep your photos and data safe with this complete guide.

How to Back Up Your iPhone in 2026: Full Guide

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The Complete Guide to Backing Up Your iPhone in 2026

## Why You Should Consider Skipping the Airport Entirely

Airport security lines have become a genuine nightmare. With thousands of TSA workers going unpaid due to government funding disputes, many have walked off the job — leaving travelers stranded in security queues that can stretch beyond three hours. And even when airports are running smoothly, flying comes with its own baggage: high ticket prices, carbon emissions, and the general stress of modern air travel.

The good news? You have options. Buses, trains, and ferries are often more affordable, more comfortable, and significantly easier on the planet. The challenge is knowing where to look. Fortunately, a handful of powerful travel search tools make comparing routes and prices easier than ever.

Here are the best platforms to help you find ground and water-based travel alternatives.

---

## Wanderu — Best for Bus and Train Travel Across North America

For anyone traveling within the United States or Canada, Wanderu stands out as one of the most reliable aggregators for bus and train journeys. It also extends its coverage to Europe and the United Kingdom, making it a versatile choice for international travelers as well.

Wanderu pulls schedules and fares from a wide range of carriers — including Amtrak, Greyhound, Flixbus, BestBus, OurBus, Peter Pan, RedCoach, Vamoose, and more — presenting them side by side for easy comparison. Users can view upgraded fare classes, check departure and arrival times, and pinpoint the exact location of each terminal. Since station locations can significantly affect your travel time, this feature alone can save you hours. Robust filtering options let you tailor results to your preferences, and booking can be completed directly through the app.

---

## Omio — The Smart Choice for Comparing Air, Rail, and Road

If you're still on the fence about whether to fly or travel overland, Omio is the tool for you. Simply enter your starting point, destination, and travel date, and Omio returns results across planes, trains, and buses in a single, clean interface.

What sets Omio apart is its concise summary panel at the top of search results, which displays the lowest available fare and total travel time for each mode of transport. This lets you make a quick, well-informed decision without wading through endless listings. Another standout feature: Omio shows how prices fluctuate across different days of the same week, which is invaluable if your schedule has any flexibility.

---

## Rome2Rio — Adds Driving to the Mix

Rome2Rio takes a broader approach to travel comparison by including self-driving as an option alongside flights, trains, and buses. It calculates estimated fuel costs to give you a realistic picture of what hitting the road yourself might actually cost.

The platform works reasonably well for North American travel, though it truly shines in Europe and the United Kingdom, which appear to be its strongest markets. For destinations outside these regions, Rome2Rio is still useful — just be prepared to cross-reference its information with other sources before committing to a route.

---

## Virail — Solid Multi-Modal Comparisons With a Few Trade-Offs

Virail operates similarly to Omio, aggregating travel options across trains, buses, and flights and presenting a helpful price summary at the top of search results. However, it does fall short in one key area: total journey time is not included in the summary view, meaning you'll need to scroll through individual results to find that information.

Booking through Virail also requires an extra step, as the platform redirects users to third-party websites rather than handling reservations internally. You may need to navigate multiple sites to confirm and secure your seat. Virail performs reliably in the US, Canada, Europe, and the UK, though it encountered some inconsistencies during testing in Mexico.

---

## Vivanoda — Ferries and Carpools Included

Vivanoda is a web-only platform (no mobile app) that casts the widest net of any tool on this list. In addition to trains, buses, and flights, it incorporates ferries and carpool or rideshare options when available — making it especially useful for trips that involve water crossings or shared ground transport.

Based in the European Union, Vivanoda is most reliable for travel within Europe and the UK. Its North American coverage has some notable gaps — during testing, it failed to surface any direct flights between San Francisco and Vancouver, despite multiple daily options existing. Still, as a supplementary research tool, it offers genuine value.

---

## Seat 61 — The Gold Standard for Rail and Bus Information Worldwide

Seat 61, officially known as The Man in Seat 61, is unlike anything else on this list. With a deliberately old-school web design and an encyclopedic depth of knowledge, this site — run by rail enthusiast Mark Smith — is the most trusted resource for train and bus travel information across the globe.

The site covers an impressive range of countries, listed alphabetically from Albania to Zimbabwe along the left-hand navigation bar. Each entry includes timetables, fare information, practical travel tips, and even photos. While Seat 61 is not a booking aggregator — you'll need to visit other sites to purchase tickets — it serves as an indispensable research companion, particularly for complex or off-the-beaten-path itineraries.

---

## The Bottom Line

Whether you're avoiding airport headaches, cutting travel costs, or trying to reduce your environmental footprint, ground and sea travel deserve serious consideration. With tools like Wanderu, Omio, Rome2Rio, Virail, Vivanoda, and Seat 61 at your disposal, finding the best alternative to flying has never been more straightforward. Do your research, compare your options, and you might just discover that the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.

Skip long TSA lines and high airfare. Discover the best travel apps for finding bus, train, ferry, and carpool routes with price comparisons.