## Google Commits Nearly $1 Billion Per Month to SpaceX for AI Infrastructure

In a landmark agreement that underscores the surging demand for artificial intelligence computing resources, Google has struck a deal with SpaceX to rent a massive chunk of GPU capacity — at a staggering cost of $920 million per month.

The agreement was disclosed through a regulatory filing submitted on Friday. Under its terms, Google will gain access to approximately 110,000 NVIDIA GPUs, along with CPUs, memory, and supporting hardware components. Payments are set to begin in October 2026 and will continue through June 2029.

## A Deal That Mirrors the Anthropic Agreement

This arrangement closely resembles a separate compute deal SpaceX finalized with AI company Anthropic just weeks earlier. In that agreement, Anthropic committed to paying SpaceX $1.25 billion per month through 2029 in exchange for access to the full computing capacity of the Colossus 1 data center, located near Memphis, Tennessee. That facility was originally constructed by xAI — now operating under the SpaceX umbrella — to support Elon Musk's own artificial intelligence ventures.

By comparison, Google's deal appears to cover roughly half the compute capacity available at Colossus 1. SpaceX has not disclosed which specific data center Google will be drawing from. Musk has previously indicated that the upcoming Colossus 2 facility would be kept in reserve for xAI's operations.

## Why Google Is Turning to SpaceX for Compute

Google's situation stands in sharp contrast to Anthropic's. While Anthropic faced significant constraints on its computing capacity before partnering with SpaceX, Google is widely regarded as one of the world's largest individual owners of AI infrastructure. So why is the search giant renting capacity from a rocket company?

According to a Google spokesperson, the answer lies in unexpectedly strong demand for its latest AI products. The company described the agreement as a short-term bridge solution.

*"Google Cloud and SpaceX are long-time partners,"* the spokesperson stated. *"This is a short-term, timely agreement to ensure we have bridge capacity to meet surging customer demand for our agent platform, Gemini Enterprise, which has been even higher than we expected."*

## Alphabet's Broader Investment Push

The deal comes amid an aggressive capital spending campaign by Google's parent company, Alphabet. The tech giant has already pledged over $180 billion in capital expenditures for the current year, with further increases projected for 2027. To help fund that expansion, Alphabet recently announced an $80 billion equity sale — signaling that the company is preparing to dramatically scale its AI infrastructure over the coming years.

## Flexibility Built Into the Contract

Like the Anthropic deal, Google's agreement with SpaceX includes a cancellation clause offering both parties an exit option. Either side may terminate the contract with 90 days' notice after December 31, 2026. Google's access to the data center will be phased in gradually through September at a reduced rate.

The filing also includes a performance provision: if SpaceX fails to deliver the agreed number of GPUs by September 30, 2026, Google may — after a one-month grace period — either immediately cancel the contract or accept whatever compute capacity is available at a proportionally lower monthly fee.

## Timing Aligns With SpaceX's Historic IPO

SpaceX announced the deal just one week before its stock is expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq exchange. According to documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company is targeting a valuation of approximately $1.75 trillion and hopes to raise around $75 billion — which would make it the largest IPO in history.

Google has been a longtime investor in SpaceX, and its stake in the company is expected to exceed $100 billion in value following the public listing. The two companies are also reported to be in exploratory discussions about developing orbital data centers, a concept that could play a significant role in SpaceX's long-term strategy as a publicly traded company.

Google will pay SpaceX $920 million per month for 110,000 NVIDIA GPUs from 2026 to 2029, meeting surging demand for its Gemini Enterprise AI platform.

Google Pays SpaceX $920M Monthly for AI GPU Capacity

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Google Signs $920 Million Monthly Deal With SpaceX for Massive AI Computing Power

## Segway Myon E-Bike Review: Is All That Technology Actually Worth It?

The Segway Myon arrives loaded with features that most e-bikes simply don't offer — from fire safety certification to rear radar detection. Whether all that technology enhances or complicates your daily ride depends on how much you enjoy troubleshooting gadgets. One thing is certain: this bike is unlike anything else in its class.

### Safety First: UL 2849 Certification

Before you even twist the throttle, the Myon distinguishes itself with UL 2849 certification — the highest US fire safety standard for e-bike electrical systems, batteries, and chargers. Surprisingly, this certification is not yet a legal requirement for e-bikes sold in the United States, making Segway's compliance a genuine differentiator. Beyond the peace of mind it offers riders, this certification also increases the chances that your local bike shop will be willing to service and repair the bike.

### Logging In to Ride: The Intelligent Ride System

Starting up the Myon feels less like hopping on a bicycle and more like accessing a secure financial account. The bike operates through Segway's Intelligent Ride System, which keeps the bike locked until you either enter a password directly on the handlebar-mounted display or unlock it remotely through the companion smartphone app. That same app integrates Apple Find My, built-in GPS tracking, and even allows riders to fine-tune their gear settings remotely.

Speaking of gears, the Myon features a Shimano Cues nine-speed electronic shifting derailleur — a genuinely premium component at this price point. Riders can micro-adjust their drivetrain from their phones, a level of precision that serious cyclists will appreciate.

### The Alarm: Powerful, But Overly Eager

One of the Myon's most talked-about features is also its most frustrating. The theft alarm is extraordinarily sensitive, emitting a foghorn-level sound that will immediately attract attention — including the kind you don't want. During testing, the alarm triggered repeatedly while simply maneuvering the bike out of a garage or unlocking it outside a restaurant.

There is an option within the app to adjust the alarm sensitivity, but until you find and configure that setting, expect a few very public, very awkward moments. This bike demands that you stay connected to your smartphone at all times.

### Smooth Power Delivery on the Road

Once you are actually moving, the Myon rewards patience with an impressively smooth ride experience. Its torque sensor continuously reads terrain inclines and adjusts motor assistance accordingly. A torque-filtering algorithm also synchronizes motor output with the rider's own pedaling effort, eliminating the abrupt, jerky surges of power that can occur when shifting gears or accelerating from a standstill — a common and sometimes dangerous problem on lesser e-bikes.

### Built for the Commuter

Stick to pavement or compacted gravel, and the Myon genuinely shines as an urban commuter. It comes equipped with a rear rack capable of holding up to 50 pounds of cargo, integrated front and rear fenders to protect your clothing from road spray, and a highly visible integrated taillight for safer low-light riding. The handlebars also feature illuminated turn signals and a built-in horn for navigating traffic.

The 48-volt battery delivers a maximum range of approximately 80 miles on a single charge and slides cleanly out of the down tube for convenient indoor charging. A full recharge takes around 5.5 hours, making range anxiety essentially a non-issue for everyday urban use.

### A Few Caveats Worth Noting

The Myon is not a lightweight machine. At nearly 73 pounds, maneuvering it up stairs or loading it into a vehicle requires real effort. Some technology-related quirks also surfaced during testing, including a turn signal that occasionally failed to illuminate. More features inevitably mean more potential points of failure.

### Final Verdict

The Segway Myon is a genuinely impressive commuter e-bike that pushes the boundaries of what riders expect from urban cycling technology. Its safety certifications, electronic drivetrain, and smart connectivity set it apart from the competition. However, its heavy weight, hypersensitive alarm, and occasional tech glitches remind you that cutting-edge innovation sometimes comes with a learning curve. If you enjoy technology and prioritize safety, the Myon is well worth serious consideration.

The Segway Myon e-bike delivers radar detection, electronic shifting, and app security. Read our full review to see if all that tech is worth it.

Segway Myon E-Bike Review: Smart Tech for Commuters

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Segway Myon E-Bike Review: Is All That Technology Actually Worth It?

## Meta's Unconventional Solution to the AI Infrastructure Crisis

The artificial intelligence infrastructure race has taken a surprising turn. Meta, the social media and technology giant behind Facebook and Instagram, is now constructing data centers inside enormous weatherproof tents — a bold and unconventional strategy aimed at dramatically reducing both construction time and overall costs.

## Tents as Technology Infrastructure

According to Michael Thomas, founder of Cleanview, a firm that monitors data center deployments, Meta has erected six large-scale structures — officially referred to internally as "rapid deployment structures" — at a site near New Albany, Ohio. City permit records reviewed by Thomas reveal that construction on five of these structures, each spanning approximately 125,000 square feet, began between April and June. Satellite imagery confirms that all of the structures are now fully in place.

This isn't entirely new territory for Meta's leadership. CEO Mark Zuckerberg previously discussed his vision of using weatherproof tent structures to support the company's multi-gigawatt data center ambitions in a conversation with The Information. However, Thomas' documentation of local permits and aerial imagery brings new clarity to both the pace and the sheer scale of what Meta is actually executing on the ground.

## Borrowing Tactics From Tesla and xAI

Meta's approach draws inspiration from two well-known industry players. The use of large tent structures mirrors a strategy employed by Tesla during its frantic push to manufacture the Model 3, when the automaker famously set up production tents in the parking lot of its Fremont, California facility to meet demand.

The power infrastructure supporting Meta's Ohio tents bears a resemblance to methods popularized by Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI. The site is currently powered by approximately 200 megawatts of modular gas turbines — an off-grid solution that allows Meta to operate independently of traditional utility timelines and constraints.

Inside these tent-based facilities, advanced AI chips — potentially worth billions of dollars in aggregate — are being deployed to support Meta's growing artificial intelligence workloads.

## The High-Stakes AI Arms Race

Meta's tent strategy reflects the mounting pressure the company faces to accelerate its AI capabilities. The company has reportedly struggled with the rollout of its latest AI model, Muse Spark. While the model itself is said to be complete, the developer-facing APIs required to access it have encountered repeated delays, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report.

The broader context is equally significant. Meta has committed to spending as much as $145 billion on data centers and related capital expenditures. That staggering figure has unnerved investors, with the company's stock declining approximately 5% so far this year. By housing AI hardware in tent-based structures rather than traditional purpose-built facilities, Meta may be able to bring computing capacity online faster and at a lower upfront cost.

## What This Means for the Future of AI Infrastructure

Meta's approach signals a broader shift in how technology companies are thinking about infrastructure in an era defined by urgency. The traditional model of designing, permitting, and constructing permanent data center buildings over multi-year timelines simply cannot keep pace with the explosive demand for AI computing power.

By combining rapid deployment structures, modular power generation, and dense chip installations, Meta appears to be rewriting the playbook for large-scale AI infrastructure. Whether this approach proves to be a temporary bridge or a long-term model remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the competition for AI supremacy is driving tech giants to explore every possible edge — even if that means putting billion-dollar hardware under a tent.

Meta is housing billions in AI chips inside giant weatherproof tents in Ohio, borrowing tactics from Tesla and xAI to speed up data center deployment.

Meta Builds AI Data Centers in Tents to Cut Costs

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Meta Is Building AI Data Centers Inside Giant Tents — And It Just Might Work

## Cash App Turns Tap-to-Pay Into a Magical Experience

Digital payments have long been celebrated for their speed and convenience — but let's be honest, swiping a card or tapping a phone isn't exactly a memorable moment. Cash App, the popular payments platform operated by Block, is looking to change that with one of the most unexpected fintech products in recent memory: a $25 magic wand that functions as a fully operational payment device.

That's right. You can now wave a sparkly, pearlescent wand at a payment terminal and walk away with your coffee, your tacos, or your train ticket — no card, no phone required.

## What Exactly Is the Cash App Wand?

The wand is the debut product in a new hardware line called **Cash App Tags** — NFC-enabled physical devices designed to link directly to a user's Cash App account. Unlike smartwatches or phone-based payment systems, these Tags require no Wi-Fi connection, no Bluetooth pairing, and no battery. To activate one, you simply hold it against the back of your smartphone, and it syncs to your account instantly.

The only prerequisite is having a registered Cash App card on file. Once linked, the wand operates just like a standard debit card — except it's shaped like something out of a fairy tale and clips onto a keychain like a charm bracelet.

The device works anywhere contactless tap-to-pay is accepted, making it surprisingly practical despite its fantastical appearance.

## Why a Wand? The Philosophy Behind the Product

Thomas Templeton, Block's head of hardware, believes that modern digital payments, while efficient, have stripped the act of buying something of all personality. Transactions have become silent, invisible, almost forgettable.

"At Cash App, we think payment should be just the opposite," Templeton explains. "It should be visible. It should be fun. And social and expressive."

Even Cash App's existing physical cards, he notes, spend the vast majority of their lives buried in someone's pocket. The wand is designed to be something users actually want to show off — a payment tool that stays "top of wallet" by being too interesting to ignore.

## Testing the Wand in the Real World

Early hands-on testing confirms the product does exactly what it promises. The wand successfully processed payments at a coffee shop, a fast food chain, and a local bar. It even worked on San Francisco's Muni transit system, with the gates opening at a tap of the wand — a moment that one tester compared to channeling their inner Gandalf for the modest price of $2.85.

Reactions from cashiers and bystanders ranged from amusement to genuine curiosity, which seems to be precisely the point. One minor hiccup during testing — a declined transaction at a smoke shop — turned out to be a setup issue rather than a product flaw.

## Tapping Into the Trend of Whimsy

The wand arrives at a cultural moment when playfulness and whimsy are having a genuine resurgence, particularly among younger consumers who are actively seeking lighthearted, joyful experiences in everyday life. It's a sentiment that has found a natural home on platforms like TikTok, where videos of people attaching credit cards to handmade magic wands and using them to pay for things have gathered significant attention. The aesthetic has even made its way into rave culture, inspiring a wave of 3D-printed wand designs now available on Amazon.

Templeton insists that Cash App's version wasn't inspired by those viral videos, stating that the concept had been in development internally for roughly nine to twelve months before launch.

## Limited Release and Future Plans

The initial run of Cash App Wands is deliberately limited to approximately **10,000 units**, following a product "drop" model designed to generate buzz and gather user feedback. The goal is to test different shapes, sizes, and use cases for Cash App Tags before committing to a wider rollout.

The technology behind these Tags is impressively compact — small enough to be embedded in clothing or integrated into jewelry. Templeton confirmed that Block is actively exploring both of those possibilities, with additional product drops in new categories expected to arrive later this year. The Tags are also durable enough to survive a run through a standard washer and dryer, making wearable integration a genuinely practical prospect.

## A Whimsical Launch Against a Complicated Backdrop

The lighthearted product launch does come with some context worth noting. Block — formerly known as Square before its 2021 rebrand — has faced significant internal turbulence this year. The company, led by Jack Dorsey, reduced its workforce by 40 percent in a round of layoffs that left many employees describing the office culture as stressful and demoralizing.

Visiting Block's offices during this period painted a stark picture: a cavernous workspace that felt largely empty, with only a handful of employees spread across rows of desks.

When asked about the current atmosphere at Block, Templeton remained optimistic. "Block's doing great," he said. "We just had earnings. We're shipping faster than ever. We're moving like a startup again — it's great."

Whether the magic wand can conjure a more spirited chapter for Cash App and Block remains to be seen. But as far as payment devices go, it's certainly the most enchanting one to hit the market in quite some time.

Cash App's $25 magic wand is a real NFC payment tool. Tap to pay anywhere contactless payments work — no phone, no Bluetooth, no battery needed.

Cash App Magic Wand: A Real NFC Payment Device

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Cash App's Magic Wand Is Now a Real Way to Pay for Things

## Lovable and Google Cloud Forge Expanded Multiyear Partnership

Stockholm-based AI coding startup Lovable has formalized a significant expansion of its relationship with Google Cloud, signing a multiyear agreement that will dramatically scale its cloud footprint and broaden access to some of the most powerful AI models available today.

While neither company disclosed the financial terms of the arrangement, a source familiar with the deal confirmed to industry insiders that it involves a fivefold increase in Lovable's Google Cloud usage — including a substantial ramp-up in AI compute consumption.

## What the Deal Actually Covers

Under the terms of the new agreement, Lovable will gain significantly expanded access to two major AI model families: Anthropic's Claude — a go-to model for software development and coding workflows — and Google's own Gemini series. The dual-model access positions Lovable to offer more versatile and powerful capabilities to its rapidly growing user base.

The partnership also extends into Google's broader ecosystem in meaningful ways. Lovable's AI agent will be listed and distributed through the **Gemini Enterprise Agent Gallery**, Google Cloud's marketplace for enterprise-grade agents. This listing was first hinted at during Google's major cloud conference in the United States back in April, and it now becomes official.

In addition, Lovable will integrate with **Wiz**, the cybersecurity platform Google acquired for $32 billion — its largest acquisition to date, which officially closed in March following a year-long process. The integration is designed to provide real-time identification and remediation of security vulnerabilities in code produced by both human developers and AI agents alike.

## Why Anthropic's Role in This Deal Matters

The inclusion of Anthropic Claude access adds an interesting dimension to the agreement. Google committed $10 billion to Anthropic in cash and cloud compute credits back in April, with a further $30 billion pledged contingent on Anthropic meeting specific performance benchmarks. That initial investment was made at a $350 billion valuation — just one month before Anthropic closed a landmark $65 billion funding round that pushed its valuation close to $1 trillion.

By channeling Lovable's substantial and growing AI consumption through Anthropic's models, this deal could meaningfully contribute to Anthropic hitting those performance targets that trigger Google's additional investment.

## Lovable's Explosive Growth Makes It a Valuable Partner

Lovable is no ordinary startup. The company crossed **$400 million in annualized revenue** as of February, reportedly adding $100 million in a single month — all with a lean team of just 146 employees. The company also claims that more than half of all Fortune 500 companies use its product in some capacity, a remarkable penetration rate for a company of its size and age.

This trajectory makes Lovable one of the fastest-growing startups in European history, and precisely the kind of high-velocity customer that Google Cloud wants anchored to its infrastructure.

## Strategic Value for Google

For Google, the strategic logic behind this deal is straightforward. The tech giant has outlined plans to spend between **$180 billion and $190 billion in capital expenditures** in the current year alone — an extraordinary commitment to infrastructure buildout. It is also in the process of raising a record $85 billion in equity to help finance that spending.

Locking in high-growth customers like Lovable — while simultaneously supporting Anthropic's expansion — helps Google generate the revenue streams needed to sustain that level of investment. By offering enterprise procurement and billing simplification through its agent marketplace, Google also makes it easier for Lovable to win over larger corporate clients, creating a mutually reinforcing growth cycle for all parties involved.

## Bottom Line

The Lovable-Google Cloud deal is more than a routine vendor agreement. It represents a carefully constructed alliance that ties together cloud infrastructure, enterprise AI distribution, real-time security, and the broader competitive dynamics of the AI industry. For Lovable, it provides the scale and credibility to accelerate its enterprise ambitions. For Google, it deepens its position at the center of the AI ecosystem.

Lovable has signed a multiyear Google Cloud deal involving a 5x infrastructure expansion and broader access to Anthropic Claude and Google Gemini models.

Lovable Signs 5x Google Cloud Deal with Expanded AI Access

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Lovable Seals Major Google Cloud Deal with 5x Expansion and Broader AI Access

## Greg Bovino Steals the Show at European Remigration Summit

Among the crowd gathered at a controversial political conference held just south of Porto, Portugal, several attendees wore a distinctive red and blue circular badge — the emblem of Patriot Front, a American white-supremacist organization that emerged following the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The group is well known for staging large masked marches and targeting progressive gatherings. When approached by journalists, one attendee confirmed their membership without hesitation.

Patriot Front was only one piece of a much larger contingent of American far-right figures who made the transatlantic journey to participate in the Remigration Summit — a gathering that drew European political figures and hundreds of additional attendees to debate what proponents call "remigration," a racially charged policy framework centered on the forced removal of ethnic minorities and immigrants from Western nations.

## Who Attended the Summit

Among the notable American figures present were prominent white nationalist Jared Taylor, Stefano Forte — president of the New York Young Republican Club — and Greg Bovino, the former Border Patrol official who gained notoriety for his aggressive immigration enforcement operations targeting communities in Minneapolis and Chicago.

Bovino stated plainly that his purpose in attending was to build stronger relationships with European right-wing networks. He also claimed that a version of remigration was already taking shape inside the United States, though he argued progress remained too slow.

"Over the past year, remigration did actually occur in the US, but they've got a long way to go," Bovino told reporters at the event. He went further, criticizing those currently overseeing the Trump administration's deportation agenda, including Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. "President Trump needs a little bit better advice, and Mullin's a great guy, a great plumber, no doubt about that," Bovino remarked. "He could probably fix a leaky faucet, but a hundred million illegal aliens is not a leaky faucet." Mullin previously operated a plumbing business before entering politics.

## What Is Remigration?

Remigration as a political concept has grown significantly in Europe over the past five years, largely driven by Martin Sellner, the event's organizer and a former neo-Nazi group member who founded Austria's far-right Identitarian Movement. At the summit, Sellner was described by attendees as "the godfather of remigration."

According to Sellner's published framework, remigration would involve not only the deportation of undocumented immigrants but also the expulsion of legal residents and citizens deemed to have failed to sufficiently integrate into national culture. The idea has been embraced by major far-right political parties across Europe, including Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Spain's Vox party. Several elected officials who publicly support the concept took to the stage during the summit.

In recent years, the ideology has crossed the Atlantic. The Trump administration has appeared to adopt aspects of the concept, establishing an Office of Remigration within the State Department and amplifying the term across official social media channels.

## Media Restrictions and Conference Atmosphere

Shortly before the conference commenced, journalists — including reporters from WIRED — were informed they would be barred from entering the venue. Media were instead directed to a tent in the parking lot, furnished with a small table, a few chairs, and a single iPad streaming the proceedings from inside. Organizers claimed the restriction was intended to protect attendees who feared professional repercussions if their participation became public. Observers noted that the majority of those entering the event appeared to be young white men dressed in nearly identical outfits: fitted chinos, white shirts, and exposed ankles.

## Forte's Speech and Remarks

Stefano Forte was among the first speakers to address the audience. Beyond leading the New York Young Republican Club, Forte also serves as executive director of the 1776 Project PAC, an organization that has backed parental rights candidates in school board elections across Pennsylvania and Texas.

In his remarks, Forte described New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as an "anti-American, radical Islamic migrant mayor." Speaking to the press, Forte claimed he was not representing the Trump administration while simultaneously discussing Trump's endorsement of European far-right leaders.

"When we come overseas and have conversations about foreign policy, the president is going to make his picks," Forte said. "It's obvious that there is a way we would like Europe to be reshaped in the modern era, because Europe is not strong right now, and there needs to be new leaders."

## Jared Taylor's Explicit Vision

While Forte declined to specify which immigrant groups he believed should be subject to remigration, veteran white nationalist Jared Taylor had no such reservations. Taylor, a longtime central figure in American white-supremacist circles, articulated his vision directly.

"We used to be a country that was 90 percent European. Now whites are headed for minority status," Taylor told reporters. "Here in Europe, political parties that are called far right are quite explicit — they want their nations to look as they once did, and that is impossible if they allow too many Muslims, Africans, or Central Americans in. Nothing is more natural, healthy, and moral than to wish to remain a master in your own house."

## Trump's Embrace of the Term

Although President Trump has used the word remigration sparingly, he has used it. In the summer of 2025, Trump referenced the term at least three times on his Truth Social platform, connecting it to mass deportation initiatives. In a July 4 post, Trump wrote: "It's called 'REMIGRATION' and, it will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN."

The presidential endorsement of the term carried significant weight among summit attendees. Jean-Yves Le Gallou, a former European Parliament member who served under French far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen, captured the sentiment succinctly: "When the word is acknowledged by the president of a major power, one can no longer say that it is marginal."

## Patriot Front and Transnational Extremism

The Patriot Front members in attendance declined to explain their presence at the summit. Despite being a US-based organization, the group maintains strong international ties through the Active Club network, which promotes white-nationalist ideology through the guise of fitness training. According to a 2025 report by the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, this transnational movement spans at least 187 chapters across 27 countries, with a significant footprint throughout Europe.

"With the Trump administration's support, American and European extremists believe the time is right for international institutional collaboration to put this ethnic cleansing plan into action," said Wendy Via, cofounder and president of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism. "Having Gregory Bovino — whose agents killed two American citizens — speak at this summit demonstrates that European extremists are looking to the United States as proof that remigration, no matter how violent, is possible."

## Bovino's Hero's Welcome

Bovino offered his own definition of remigration when pressed: "Assimilation. Are you willing to assimilate to the United States culture? If you're not, then don't come," he said, clutching an orange notebook decorated with a sticker bearing his image and former social media handle.

After his press remarks, Bovino entered the main conference hall to a thunderous reception. Crowds chanted "USA, USA, USA" as he took the stage and declared remigration "the most important topic of our lifetimes." He urged European attendees to study the Trump administration's approach, focus on long-term strategic planning, manage media narratives, and find ways to deal with politicians who resist their agenda.

"We care about Europe, especially on this topic. This is one that binds us together," Bovino told the audience. "Use us. Many of you have my phone number. I am a phone call away."

His offer was promptly taken up by Kay Gottschalk, a German lawmaker and co-founder of the AfD, who told journalists he had already spoken with Bovino and extended a formal invitation for him to address the German parliament.

### The Trench Coat Promise

Bovino notably arrived without his now-infamous trench coat — a garment California Governor Gavin Newsom once described as "Nazi-coded" — though photographs of him wearing it were displayed prominently on the conference stage. Bovino closed his remarks with a theatrical promise to the crowd.

"I'll make you a deal, Europe," Bovino said. "We get this remigration underway full-throttle in Europe, I'll break that trench coat out, and I'll wear it on European soil."

The audience responded with a prolonged eruption of applause.

Former US Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino headlined a far-right Remigration Summit near Porto, urging European extremists to follow the Trump administration's l

Greg Bovino Headlines European Remigration Summit in Portuga

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Greg Bovino Takes Center Stage at European Remigration Summit in Portugal

# How to Stop Spam Calls and Texts on iPhone and Android in 2026

Spam calls and unsolicited text messages have become one of the most frustrating aspects of owning a smartphone. Whether it's a robocall pitching an extended warranty or a suspicious text urging you to click a sketchy link, the volume of these intrusions shows no sign of slowing down. The good news? Both iPhone and Android give you powerful tools to fight back — and this guide walks you through all of them.

## Essential Rules Before You Start

Before diving into the technical steps, a few ground rules can save you a lot of trouble:

- **Don't answer calls from unknown numbers.** If the caller has something genuinely important to say, they'll leave a voicemail. This isn't practical for everyone — business owners and professionals who regularly receive calls from new contacts will need other strategies.
- **Never tap links or open attachments in suspicious texts.** Doing so can activate malware on your device. When in doubt, don't open the message at all.
- **Never reply to a spam text.** Responding confirms to the sender that your number is active, which typically results in even more spam.
- **Search the number online first.** If you're unsure whether a call or text is legitimate, paste the number into a search engine. Verified business numbers are usually easy to confirm, while scammer numbers often turn up nothing — or show up on fraud-reporting forums.

### Report Spam — It Makes a Difference

Blocking numbers is only part of the solution. Reporting spam helps build the databases that carriers and platforms use to identify and flag nuisance callers for everyone. You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Keep in mind that the registry only applies to legitimate sales operations — scammers and many robocall outfits ignore it entirely. Still, reporting consistently does contribute to broader protective systems over time.

---

## How to Block Spam Calls and Texts on iPhone

### Blocking Individual Numbers

Apple makes it straightforward to block specific numbers across its native apps:

- **Phone app:** Go to Recents, tap the number or contact you want to block (or the info icon in Classic view), scroll down, and select **Block Caller**.
- **FaceTime app:** Tap the number or contact, scroll down, and tap **Block Caller**.
- **Messages app:** Open the conversation, tap the contact name at the top, and select **Block Caller**.

Once blocked, the person won't be able to reach you through calls or messages, and you won't receive any notifications from them. Importantly, they won't know they've been blocked — they can still leave voicemails. To review or remove blocked contacts, go to **Settings → Privacy & Security → Blocked Contacts**.

### Filtering Unknown Callers and Messages

Blocking individual numbers has limited effectiveness when scammers cycle through dozens of different numbers. Apple's screening features offer a smarter approach:

- Go to **Settings → Apps → Phone** and scroll down to **Screen Unknown Callers**. You can choose **Ask Reason for Calling**, which prompts unsaved numbers to identify themselves before your phone rings, or **Silence**, which automatically mutes calls from anyone not in your contacts. These calls still appear in your recent calls list, and callers can leave a voicemail.
- For messages, go to **Settings → Apps → Messages** and toggle on **Screen Unknown Senders**. This moves messages from unknown contacts into a separate list without triggering notifications. You can also enable **Filter Spam** to automatically hide messages from known spam sources.

### Reporting Spam Texts on iPhone

If a suspicious message arrives, swipe left on it without opening it, tap the trash icon, then select **Delete and Report Spam**. If you've already opened it, scroll to the bottom of the conversation and tap **Report Spam**, then confirm by selecting **Delete and Report Spam**.

---

## How to Block Spam Calls and Texts on Android

### Blocking Individual Numbers

The exact steps vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer:

- **Stock Android (e.g., Google Pixel):** Open the Phone app and go to the Home tab. Long-press the number you want to block and tap **Block or Report**. You can choose to report it as spam or flag it as a scam before confirming the block.
- **Samsung devices:** Open the Phone app, navigate to Recents, tap the number, select the Menu icon, and tap **Block**.

### Filtering Unknown Callers on Android

When spam numbers keep changing, filtering all unknown callers is a practical option:

- Open the Phone app, tap the Menu icon (three vertical lines) at the top, go to **Settings → Blocked Numbers**, and toggle on **Unknown**. On Samsung phones, this option appears as **Block Unknown Callers**.
- To enable caller ID and spam detection, go to **Phone → Menu → Settings → Caller ID and Spam** and activate **See Caller and Spam ID**. Samsung users can find a similar toggle labeled **Caller ID and Spam Protection**.
- **Google Pixel users** can take advantage of the Call Screen feature, which uses Google Assistant to answer calls and generate a real-time transcript. Access it via **Phone → Menu → Settings → Call Screen → Automatic Call Screen**. You can set the sensitivity level and activate the spam filter for fully automated screening.

### Blocking Spam Texts on Android

Open the Messages app, tap your profile picture in the upper right corner, go to **Messages Settings → Protection and Safety**, and toggle on **Spam Protection**.

---

## Carrier Apps That Add Another Layer of Protection

The major U.S. wireless carriers offer their own spam-blocking tools, most of which are free or low-cost:

- **AT&T – ActiveArmor:** The free version includes spam and fraud call blocking, nuisance call alerts, and unknown call blocking. The advanced tier at $7/month per line adds caller ID, reverse number lookup, and expanded nuisance call controls.
- **Verizon – Call Filter:** Provides spam detection and filtering, a whitelist option for iOS users, and a neighborhood spoofing filter at no charge. The Plus version ($4/month for one line or $11/month for three or more lines) adds caller ID and a spam risk meter.
- **T-Mobile – Scam Shield:** A free app offering caller ID, scam detection and blocking, and even a proxy phone number you can use to protect your real number when needed.
- **Google Fi:** Includes caller ID and multiple blocking options for free within the Google Fi app.
- **US Cellular – Call Guardian:** Offers caller ID, spam alerts, and spam reporting. The Premium plan at $4/month adds automatic call blocking and enhanced alerts.

You can also report spam texts to any carrier free of charge by forwarding the message to **7726** (which spells SPAM on a keypad).

---

## Should You Use a Third-Party Spam Blocking App?

The app stores are packed with tools promising to eliminate robocalls and spam texts. Apps like **RoboKiller** ($90/year) and **Nomorobo** (starting at $3/month) are legitimate services with solid track records. However, proceed carefully before downloading any third-party spam blocker.

For these apps to function, they require access to your call logs and contacts — sensitive data that not every developer handles responsibly. Many lesser-known apps have been found to share or sell user data, or to store it without adequate security measures. Before installing any third-party solution, research the company's reputation, read their privacy policy carefully, and understand their business model. In many cases, the built-in tools provided by Apple, Google, and your carrier will serve you just as well — without requiring you to hand over your personal data.

---

Staying ahead of spam calls and texts requires a combination of smart habits and the right settings. By using the built-in tools on your device, taking advantage of your carrier's protection features, and staying cautious about what you click and respond to, you can dramatically reduce the volume of unwanted contact reaching your phone.

Learn how to block spam calls and texts on iPhone and Android in 2026. Step-by-step guide covering built-in tools, carrier apps, and smart filtering tips.

Block Spam Calls & Texts on iPhone and Android (2026)

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How to Stop Spam Calls and Texts on iPhone and Android in 2026

## Carvana Eyes Stake in Slate Auto as It Moves Beyond Used Cars

Carvana, the prominent online used car marketplace, has quietly secured the option to invest in Slate Auto — the electric vehicle startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos — according to corporate documents reviewed by TechCrunch. The development signals a potentially significant strategic pivot for Carvana as it explores opportunities in the new car market.

## Warrant Filed in Delaware Points to Growing Partnership

Documentation filed with Delaware's division of corporations confirms that Carvana received a warrant granting it the right to purchase shares in Slate Auto in 2025. The timing aligns closely with Slate Auto's efforts to close its $650 million Series C funding round. However, it remains unclear whether Carvana has acted on the warrant or what the exact volume of purchasable shares entails. Neither company has offered public comment on the arrangement.

In a March regulatory disclosure, Carvana referenced being granted a warrant to acquire shares in an unnamed "private consumer products company" in June 2025. The company noted the warrant carried an aggregate value of $1.5 million at the close of 2025 and described a vesting structure tied to mutually agreed-upon performance benchmarks extending through 2029. Carvana also disclosed that major shareholder Mark Walter holds a "substantial ownership interest" in the issuing company — a detail that strongly points toward Slate Auto.

## Mark Walter: The Common Thread

Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter serves as a significant link between both companies. Walter's investment firm, TWG Global, led Slate Auto's Series C round, positioning him as one of the EV startup's largest backers. On the Carvana side, Walter holds approximately 8% of the company's Class B common stock and controls 1% of total voting power — placing him just behind CEO Ernie Garcia III and his father, Ernie Garcia II, in terms of influence.

## Carvana's Ambitions in New Car Sales

The Slate Auto connection emerges at a particularly revealing moment for Carvana. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the company is actively seeking to break into new car sales, having reportedly acquired several Stellantis dealerships across the United States. When pressed about these plans during a recent earnings call, CEO Ernie Garcia III offered little detail, telling analysts simply to "stay tuned."

A partnership with Slate Auto could serve Carvana's expansion goals well. Slate has publicly stated it will not rely on traditional dealerships — mirroring the direct-to-consumer models used by Tesla and Rivian. Yet the logistics of delivering that customer experience remain vague. Leveraging Carvana's existing physical infrastructure could help Slate fill those operational gaps while simultaneously raising its public profile.

## Slate Auto on the Verge of a Major Milestone

Slate Auto is approaching a pivotal moment of its own. The company is expected to announce final pricing and begin accepting nonrefundable preorders for its debut electric vehicle within weeks. The low-cost EV is anticipated to carry a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range, with Slate targeting first deliveries before the end of this year.

The startup has remained tight-lipped about its full investor roster since emerging from stealth. TechCrunch was first to report that Bezos and Walter were among its backers — a revelation that preceded Slate's official confirmation that TWG Global led its most recent funding round.

## What This Means for the EV and Auto Retail Landscape

The apparent alliance between Carvana and Slate Auto reflects broader shifts across both the electric vehicle industry and traditional auto retail. As legacy dealership models face mounting pressure and EV startups search for scalable sales channels, cross-sector partnerships like this one may become increasingly common. Whether Carvana ultimately exercises its warrant — and what role it plays in Slate's go-to-market strategy — will be worth watching closely in the months ahead.

Carvana has secured a warrant to invest in Bezos-backed Slate Auto as it expands into new car sales. Here's what the deal means for both companies.

Carvana Gets Warrant to Buy Slate Auto Shares in EV Deal

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Carvana Secures Stake Option in Bezos-Backed EV Startup Slate Auto Amid New Car Sales Push

## Cyera Pushes Toward $12 Billion Valuation Amid Aggressive Growth Strategy

Cybersecurity firm Cyera is in the final stages of closing a funding round worth at least $300 million, led by Evolution Equity Partners, that would value the company at $12 billion. Four individuals with direct knowledge of the deal confirmed the details to reporters, signaling another major milestone for the fast-rising data security startup.

## Staggering Valuation Multiple Turns Heads

Perhaps the most striking aspect of this deal is the valuation multiple attached to it. Three sources familiar with Cyera's financials indicate the company has crossed $150 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). At a $12 billion valuation, that places the deal at roughly **80 times ARR** — a figure that surpasses the multiples typically assigned even to the hottest AI-focused startups currently attracting investor attention.

Despite its impressive revenue trajectory, Cyera is not yet profitable, and a portion of its capital has gone toward covering operating losses. The company's spokesperson pushed back on the reported figures, stating that the numbers cited are "factually and significantly inaccurate." Evolution Equity Partners did not respond to requests for comment.

## Rapid-Fire Fundraising Continues

What makes this round particularly notable is its timing. It comes just five months after Cyera announced a **$400 million Series F** at a $9 billion valuation, led by private equity giant Blackstone. That earlier round drew participation from a roster of high-profile investors, including Accel, Coatue, Lightspeed, Redpoint, Sapphire, Sequoia, and Cyberstarts, among others.

If the new round closes as expected, Cyera's total capital raised will reach at least **$2 billion** — a remarkable accumulation for a company founded as recently as 2021.

## AI-Driven Threats Fuel Enterprise Demand

Cyera's rise is closely tied to a broader shift in enterprise security priorities. As organizations face increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks powered by artificial intelligence, demand for robust data protection platforms has surged. When announcing its Series F, Cyera revealed that its customer base included roughly **one-fifth of the Fortune 500**, and that its revenue had more than tripled in 2025 alone.

### Strategic Acquisitions Expand the Platform

Beyond organic growth, Cyera has been actively expanding its capabilities through strategic acquisitions. The company recently purchased **Ryft**, a startup backed by Index Ventures, as well as **Genie Security**, a firm less than a year old at the time of acquisition. These moves suggest Cyera is positioning itself not just as a point solution, but as a comprehensive data security platform capable of addressing a wide range of enterprise threats.

## What This Means for the Cybersecurity Market

Cyera's fundraising momentum reflects the broader investor appetite for cybersecurity infrastructure, particularly solutions that address AI-amplified risks. The willingness of major investors to support a company at 80x ARR — despite operating losses — underscores just how much confidence the market places in the long-term value of data security platforms. Whether Cyera can eventually convert that revenue velocity into sustainable profitability will be the defining question as it continues its rapid expansion.

Cyera is finalizing a $300M+ funding round at a $12B valuation and an 80x ARR multiple, just months after its $400M Series F led by Blackstone.

Cyera Eyes $12B Valuation at 80x ARR in New Funding Round

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Cyera Seeks $12 Billion Valuation in New Funding Round at Eye-Popping 80x ARR Multiple

## Monica Lewinsky's Digital Life Is More Intentional Than You'd Expect

From her iPhone to her overflowing email inbox, Monica Lewinsky has developed a surprisingly mindful relationship with technology — one built on boundaries, self-awareness, and a firm refusal to let apps dictate her attention.

### Her Devices of Choice

Lewinsky is a committed iPhone user, currently carrying the **iPhone 15 Pro**, and says she doesn't see that loyalty changing anytime soon. On the computer side, she works from a **13-inch MacBook Air** and also keeps an **iPad Air** in rotation. Living in Los Angeles, she's found a clever workaround for the city's notorious traffic: rather than making unnecessary crossings of the 405 freeway, she loads up her iPad and handles Zoom calls from her car using a small tablet stand — keeping her schedule intact without the commute chaos.

### Intentional Screen Time

Her average screen time clocks in at **4 hours and 28 minutes** per day, though she admits she doesn't pay close attention to that figure. What she does pay attention to is *why* she's on her phone. By her own estimate, roughly 75 percent of her phone usage is purposeful rather than passive. When she catches herself doomscrolling — or what she calls "otherwise-scrolling" — she takes it as a cue to check in with herself. "Am I trying to escape something?" she'll ask. She gives herself grace when the answer is yes, particularly given the current state of the world.

### A Long-Standing Aversion to Notifications

Lewinsky's distaste for digital interruptions goes back further than most people's mindfulness journeys. She made a conscious decision early on to opt out of Google news alerts, and today she limits her notifications exclusively to **text messages**. Social media alerts are entirely switched off, and she never agrees when apps ask permission to send push notifications. She credits this early instinct to a growing awareness of how technology was affecting her nervous system — long before "nervous system regulation" became a wellness buzzword.

### Music, Podcasts, and the ADHD Advantage

Lewinsky uses **Apple Music** as her go-to music platform, though she admits that over the past year and a half, podcasts have taken over much of her listening time. As preparation for her own podcast interviews, she makes a habit of listening to her guests' previous conversations or audiobooks before sitting down with them — often at **double speed**. She attributes her ability to process audio quickly to her ADHD, calling it one of the condition's underrated advantages. Music itself tends to take a back seat, as she prefers to use her walking and driving time in New York and Los Angeles for phone calls.

### The Inbox Situation

Her unread email count currently sits at a staggering **3,916 messages** — a number she's actually proud of, given that it once ballooned to around 40,000. She laughs off the milestone, confessing she wishes she were the kind of person who maintained inbox zero but has accepted that she simply isn't. Her unread texts tell a similar story, with **1,025 messages** waiting for a response.

### Family, FaceTime, and the Little Things

The last person Lewinsky FaceTimed was one of her nieces or nephews, aged 7 and 10. When she lived in New York while they were based in Los Angeles, she made it a ritual to read to them over FaceTime, purchasing two copies of every book so the kids could follow along in real time — a genuinely sweet use of technology in an otherwise notification-free existence.

### Recent Phone Activity

Her last Google search? **"Tide times Malibu."** Her most recent photo was a candid snapshot taken at a bar mitzvah — she spotted a cast member from *The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox*, a show she executive produced, attending with her new girlfriend. The two were holding hands, and Lewinsky thought the moment was worth capturing. Her last screenshot was an Instagram meme making the rounds that reads: *"Your bank balance in 2026 is $75 million. Send this to yourself."*

---

*A version of this feature appears in the June/July print issue.*

Monica Lewinsky shares her iPhone habits, notification boundaries, inbox struggles, and mindful approach to screen time in this revealing digital profile.

Monica Lewinsky's Tech Habits and Digital Life Explained

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How Monica Lewinsky Manages Her Digital Life — and Why She Hates Notifications

## Maximize Your Travel Budget With Hotels.com Coupons and Deals

Whether you're planning a summer escape or a spontaneous weekend getaway, Hotels.com offers a variety of ways to stretch your travel dollars further. From exclusive member discounts to verified coupon codes, savvy travelers can unlock serious savings before they even pack a bag.

## Hotels.com OneKey Membership: Built-In Savings for Every Traveler

One of the smartest ways to save on Hotels.com is by joining the OneKey rewards program. Current members can enjoy up to **30% off** hotel stays, with additional savings available when bundling hotels with flights. The discount tiers increase as you climb the membership ladder, but even the free entry-level membership delivers competitive pricing that makes booking worthwhile. Of course, stacking a membership deal with a Hotels.com coupon code takes your savings to an entirely new level.

## Top Hotels.com Coupon Codes Verified for 2026

The WIRED team regularly verifies Hotels.com deals and promo codes so you never waste time chasing expired offers. Here are some of the best opportunities available right now.

### Get 10% Off Select Hotels This Summer

Ready for a vacation? Use Hotels.com coupon code **SUMMER10** to score up to 10% off select hotels across the US, Canada, and Mexico. To qualify, book your stay by **June 8** and check in by **August 31**. Keep in mind that the maximum discount is capped at **$150**, so plan accordingly to get the most out of this deal.

Heading to the World Cup? Hotels.com has you covered with a dedicated page of offers in top soccer host cities, including **Atlanta, Boston, Dallas**, and other major destinations worldwide.

### Save 20% or More on Last-Minute Bookings

Spontaneous travel doesn't have to mean overpaying. Hotels.com rewards last-minute bookers with discounts of **20% or more** on city breaks and quick getaways when you book travel within the next two weeks. It's the perfect solution for flexible travelers who love a great deal without the weeks of advance planning.

### Buy Hotels.com Gift Cards at 10% Off

Looking for a thoughtful gift for the traveler in your life? A Hotels.com gift card is a practical and generous option that lets them choose their own adventure. Even better, you can save **10% when purchasing a Hotels.com gift card valued at $150 or more**, making it a win for both the giver and the recipient.

### Unlock App-Exclusive Deals and Flash Sales

Downloading the Hotels.com mobile app is one of the easiest ways to access deals you won't find anywhere else. The app features rotating **exclusive offers and flash sales** that are only available to users booking through the mobile platform. If you travel frequently, keeping the app on your phone ensures you never miss a limited-time opportunity.

## Plan Ahead and Save More in 2026

Hotels.com regularly updates its coupon offers and promotional deals throughout the year, making it worthwhile to check back often whether you're booking a family vacation, a business trip, or a solo adventure. Combining a Hotels.com promo code with OneKey membership rewards and app-exclusive discounts is the ultimate strategy for booking smarter and spending less on every trip.

Find the latest Hotels.com coupon codes and deals for 2026. Save up to 30% on hotels, last-minute bookings, gift cards, and app-exclusive offers.

Hotels.com Coupons & Promo Codes: Save Up to 30% in 2026

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Hotels.com Deals & Coupons: Save Up to 30% on Your Next Stay in 2026

## Partiful Takes Its First Step Toward Making Money

After six years of operating as a completely free service, Partiful — the wildly popular social events platform millions of people use to organize everything from backyard barbecues to neighborhood block parties — has unveiled its first significant monetization strategy. The company announced on Tuesday that it is introducing native ticket purchasing directly within its app, marking a notable shift in how the platform operates.

Previously, hosts who wanted to charge admission for their events had no choice but to direct guests to third-party payment platforms via external links. That workaround created unnecessary friction for both organizers and attendees. Now, the entire ticketing process lives inside Partiful itself.

## What the New Ticketing Feature Actually Does

The updated platform gives event hosts a comprehensive set of tools to manage paid events without ever leaving the app. These include:

- **Multiple ticket tiers** to accommodate different pricing levels
- **Capacity controls** so hosts can cap attendance
- **Integrated payment processing** handled seamlessly in-app
- **QR code verification** at the door when guests arrive

In exchange for providing these services, Partiful collects a percentage of each transaction. Hosts have the flexibility to absorb that fee into their ticket pricing or pass it along to buyers as a separate charge.

Partiful CEO Shreya Murthy was clear that the decision to build ticketing functionality was driven by user need rather than pure financial pressure. "We built this not because we felt the need to monetize; we really built it in response to a problem that hosts were facing," Murthy explained. She also confirmed that ticketing is just the beginning: "This is the first big monetization feature that we've had on the platform, and it won't be the last."

## A Brief History of Partiful

Partiful was launched in 2020 by Murthy and co-founder Joy Tao, both of whom previously worked at Palantir. The platform gained serious momentum in the post-pandemic era around 2021, as people eagerly returned to socializing. Its cultural moment truly arrived in 2024, when Partiful became the go-to hub for invitations to a viral Timothée Chalamet look-alike competition.

The company has operated on $27 million in venture capital funding from backers including Andreessen Horowitz, maintaining a free product for its growing base of millions of users. Those users have relied on Partiful to send invites for birthday gatherings, community events, trading meetups, and quirky local happenings.

## From "We Won't Make Money" to Monetization

The irony of this announcement is hard to miss. Back in 2023, Partiful posted a now-infamous tweet declaring: "Partiful will not make money. There is no pitch at scale. Investors gave us money to help u party, and that is what we are here to do. Enjoy it babes."

That post took on a life of its own, circulating widely and becoming something of a running joke — or, as many assumed, a genuine promise. Murthy clarified in a conversation with WIRED that the tweet was never meant to be taken seriously.

"It's kind of funny how many people took it literally, and now it's followed us around everywhere, and it's become a meme," she said. "But it is nice to say that Partiful is monetizing now."

Partiful's own website acknowledges the transition openly, stating that while its "core product is free, and always will be," the company plans to roll out optional paid features over time. Tickets represent the first chapter of that strategy.

## Can Partiful Monetize Without Losing Its Soul?

One of the biggest concerns users have when a beloved free platform starts charging for things is the dreaded "enshittification" effect — the gradual degradation of a product as it chases revenue at the expense of user experience. Murthy pushed back firmly on that characterization.

"I would contend that with the launch of ticketing, this is an act of unshittification," she said. "The experience today is janky for hosts, and it's janky for guests. That process that people were already going through is now streamlined directly in Partiful."

Partiful has always thrived on a sense of community charm and offbeat energy. A quick browse of events listed in the Bay Area reveals gatherings like "Open Paint Night," "Capture the Flag," and an event called "Bean-Up" — whose description simply asks, "Do you love beans?" — with dozens of confirmed attendees. That spirit is a big part of what has kept users loyal.

## Taking Aim at Community Events, Not Coachella

Murthy was careful to distinguish Partiful's ticketing ambitions from those of industry giants like Ticketmaster or AXS. The focus, she says, remains firmly on smaller, community-driven gatherings rather than massive stadium concerts or arena tours.

That said, when pressed on whether large-scale events could ever be in the picture, Murthy did not exactly close the door — especially when it comes to one very high-profile artist.

"Look, if Taylor Swift reads this article, please print that I would love for her to have her concert on Partiful," Murthy said with characteristic humor. "She can have her people contact my people."

With competitors like Facebook Events, Apple Invites, and the rising platform Luma all vying for the same audience, Partiful's move into ticketing is as much about survival as it is about growth. The question now is whether it can generate sustainable revenue while holding onto the irreverent, community-first identity that made it beloved in the first place.

Partiful launches native in-app ticketing after six years as a free platform. Here's what the new feature means for hosts, guests, and the company's future.