David Haye isn’t backing down in his ongoing war of words with Adam Thomas, after the I’m A Celebrity South Africa winner opened up emotionally about his jungle experience this week.
The former boxer has once again addressed the bullying accusations levelled at him by Adam, following their tense clashes on the ITV show — including a heated exchange during the live finale.
Earlier this week, Adam broke down in tears on his podcast as he reflected on his time in the jungle, describing David’s behaviour as “bullying” and admitting he felt “dead inside and numb” afterwards.
But David has now hit back — and in typically blunt fashion, he’s made it clear he sees things very differently.
Boxer David has fired back at Adam again (Credit: ITV)
David Haye responded to Adam Thomas’
Taking to Instagram on Thursday (April 30), David said he had listened to Adam’s podcast episode with his brothers Ryan and Scott — but suggested Adam had twisted events. David said: “So I’ve just taken the time to listen to Adam Thomas’ podcast – him and his brothers Ryan and Scott. Very interesting. Very, very interesting to see he’s had a few days to sit down, mull it over, process everything that’s happened. Him winning I’m A Celebrity and how he processed it, it was enlightening.
“Dishing out banter to me and then losing the banter game, giving it back to him, and he starts crying and moaning, and somehow he’s spun it so he’s still the victim.”
He went on: “And he’s done an hour of chat with his brother. I put it in double speed because I couldn’t listen to the waffle. All three of them [bleep] and whining and moaning, complaining.
“He won. I don’t think he’s been around guys, proper guys, who actually have a bit of back and forth, you kind of build your resilience, your mental resilience to jibes. I’ve had plenty of it in my time. Whenever I lose, whenever I get something wrong, I always get my mates giving me [bleep] for it. That’s just what we do. It’s what real guys do.
“But somehow, the light sprinkling of primary school banter that I gave him, which was so gentle, he nearly had an emotional breakdown over it, started crying.”
David brands Adam ‘weak’
David then claimed that Adam “couldn’t take” the banter and added: “Ugh, everyone’s so damn soft, it just makes me sick. But it’s the world we live in right now, and you’re rewarded for being the softer and weaker you are. The more weak, brittle-spirited you are, the more validation the masses give you.
“But I ain’t interested in them. I’m interested in the 15-20 percent of people who listen to me’ and go ‘David makes sense, he’s right’. The rest of them I couldn’t give a [bleep]. The rest of you sensible people, you know what the score is, you know what’s right.”
David appeared to be referring to a social media poll he put out this week, asking fans to vote on whether they thought he was being a bully towards Adam.
Hours after he shared the poll, David revealed 77% of people had voted yes, indicating that he was a bully. He shared a screenshot and said: “So much for the sensible people. Is the world truly that full of sensitive morons?”
Adam broke his silence this week (Credit: ITV)
David says ‘a lot of stuff is going to come to light’
In his Instagram video, David savagely continued: “You’re nearly 40 years old and you’re moaning that you won a TV competition – ‘it’s the worst thing in my whole life, it’s the worst thing I’ve ever had to do, I didn’t even want to be there’ – what are you talking about?
“You’ve got £100,000 to give to a charity of your choice. You’ve made more money in a day than most people earn in a year.
“For three weeks straight, you’re going to get loads of endorsements, everyone loves you. ITV are going to give you your own show, things are looking positive, good vibes.”
“It’s a big slice of the population who love that soft [bleep] so just keep giving them the weakness. Keep giving them that soft, flaccid energy, that’s it, Mr Flaccid.”
He also suggested that Adam’s version of events may not be the full story.
He ended the video with: “Maybe your weak-[bleep] fan base just want the soft marshmallow energy. So just keep giving it to them. There’s a lot of stuff that is going to come to light that hasn’t come to light, that kind of contradicts his story just a little bit that I’m looking forward to seeing the light of day.”
Read more: I’m A Celebrity South Africa fans call for ‘unedited’ footage of Jimmy and Adam’s row
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Fancy bags are more than just extras; they show style, rank and good taste. In the past few years, India has seen a big jump in aspiration for high-end designer bags. This is thanks to more world exposure, changing fashion likes and more rich buyers. So shoppers are always looking for true answers to one main question: where can I find luxury bags in India?
With the growth of both offline shops and online sites, getting fancy bags in India has become easier than before. From nice stores in big cities to special websites, there are many paths to check out. But with this ease also comes the trouble of realness, cost and trustworthiness. Knowing where to shop is just as key as knowing what to buy.
Fancy names like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel have made a solid mark in India. This makes it simple for buyers to find authentic products. Also, shops that sell many brands and other sellers are becoming more liked for giving a bigger choice and sometimes lower prices.
This guide will show you where to get fancy bags in India, looking at both store and online choices, plus tips to make sure you get real items and good deals. If you are buying your first fancy bag or adding to a current͏ set, this full guide will help you shop with trust and ease.
Official Brand Boutiques in India
When looking for a place to buy fancy bags in India, brand shops are the best and most trusted choice. These shops give you a clear path to the label, ensuring all genuineness, fresh groups and an improved buying time that shows real luxury standards.
India’s stylish shopping spots are mostly in large towns like Delhi and Mumbai. In Delhi, places like DLF Emporio and The Chanakya are seen as the top areas for costly buying. These malls have main shops of famous brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès and Dior giving a unique and rich shopping experience.
In Mumbai, fancy shopping is also becoming a main spot for world-class designer shops and high-end store fun. These places put together many fancy brands all in one spot, making it easy for buyers to check out a lot of choices in one trip.
Shopping at real shops offers you many good things. First, you know that the items are real and come right from the brand. Next, these places help with special services like styling help, private͏ rooms to look at things and support after buying things like fixing or taking care of things. Also, you can see unique collections and one-of-a-kind pieces that might not be found in other stores.
Though costs at real shops are usually high, the promise of good quality, real goods and a fancy time makes them the top pick for serious buyers. For new luxury shoppers or those putting money into famous items, real brand stores remain the safest and most trusted way to find luxury bags in India.
Luxury Multi-Brand Retailers
When looking for a place to buy fancy bags in India, luxury shops with many brands have become one of the easiest and most handy choices. These stores gather different global designers in one spot, letting buyers look at styles, costs and collections without going to separate brand shops.
One of the main players in this area is Darveys, which works as a marketplace website, giving access to world luxury brands through chosen collections. Together with this, other sites have also greatly increased the spread of fancy fashion across India. These sites work with many high-end and bridge-to-fancy brands, offering bags, accessories and clothes all in one spot.
What makes many brand sellers really nice is their chosen collection. Instead of looking at one brand, shoppers can see a big mix of makers from old names to new ones making it simple to find fresh looks and patterns. This helps buyers who are still finding their likes or want to check choices before they buy.
One big benefit is access. While fancy shops are mostly stuck in big cities, many brand sites make it easier for buyers all over the country, even in smaller towns. In fact, more and more luxury buyers in India now come from non-big place areas showing how key these sites are to growing the market.
Also, these shops often give seasonal deals, special picks, and sometimes lower prices than single stores. But, it is important to buy from good platforms to make sure of real items and dependable help.
In all, fancy shops with many brands are a good place to get fancy bags in India. They give choice, ease, and reach to worldwide style all in a single spot.
Online Luxury Shopping Platforms
In today’s digital-first world, online platforms have become a major answer to where to buy. In today’s online world, internet sites have become a big way to get fancy bags in India. With the growth of high-end shopping, buyers don’t need to go to real stores to find global luxury brands. Instead, they can look through selected groups, check choices and buy from the comfort of their home.
Trusted sites like Darveys have helped in bringing real luxury items to Indian buyers. These sites often work right with brands or trusted sellers, making sure that the things shown are real and match quality levels. They show a broad range of bags, from old styles to new collections, it makes it easier for shoppers to find w͏hat they want.
One of the largest perks of online fancy buying is ease. Shoppers in India, even in small towns, can find world brands without having to go anywhere. Also, online sites often give clear product details, many pictures, and size or style tips helping buyers make good choices.
One more plus is getting special online deals, yearly sales, and picked items that show popular styles. This can make fancy shopping easier and in some cases cheaper than buying in stores.
But, it’s key to stay careful. Always check the site’s trustworthiness, look at return and refund rules, and make sure payment methods are safe before you buy. Reading what other users say and making sure of realness help dodge possible dangers.
In general, web sites have changed how to get fancy bags in India, giving a smooth mix of ease, choice, and new comfort for today’s rich buyer.
Pre-Owned and Resale Luxury Market
The used bag market has turned into a more and more liked choice for where to find fancy bags in India, mainly for buyers wanting to get high-end brands at better prices. As the luxury resale market gets bigger worldwide, India is seeing a rise in need for real second-hand designer bags making it simpler than ever to have famous items with no need of paying total retail costs.
Several sites focus on shared used collections, giving bags from big names like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès. These sites usually check each item before showing it, making sure buyers get real products. This extra step of checking is important in a market where fake items can be a worry.
One of the largest benefits of getting second-hand is finding rare and stopped designs. Many fancy bags that are not sold in stores can still be seen in great shape through selling sites. This makes the second-hand market very interesting to collectors and fashion fa͏ns looking for special items.
Another plus is worth cash. While fancy bags are known for their big price tags, the resale market often has them at lower prices, based on state, age and need. In some situations buyers can even find good pieces that hold or grow in worth over time.
But, care is very important. Always pick trusted sites that give clear condition reports, proof of realness papers, and simple return rules. Stay away from offers that look too cheap, since they might mean fake items.
All in all the resale part adds a clever and useful side to where to get fancy bags in India, mixing low cost, uniqueness and being eco-friendly in one growing market place.
Tips to Ensure Authenticity
When looking for where to get fancy bags in India, making sure they are real is the most key part of keeping your money safe. As more folks want fancy bags, fake stuff have also become harder to spot, making it really key to shop smartly and stay updated with news.
The safest way is to buy right from brand stores or trusted websites. These places often get items from allowed sellers or the brands, which helps lower the risk of fakes. Another key step is to look closely at product details. Real luxury bags are known for their perfect making; it includes exact stitching, good materials, and steady branding. Note logos, metal parts and finishing, as luxury brands keep strict quality rules. Any mistakes like uneven stitching or bad materials can be a warning sign
Checking number series, realness cards, and first packing is also very important. Many fancy brands have special signs that can be checked. If you buy from the second-hand market, always pick places that give expert checks and share detailed state reports.
Cost is another main sign. If a bargain looks too nice to be real, it likely is. Fancy bags seldom come at very cheap costs, even during sales. Be careful of lots marked down from unknown sellers.
Also, look at return rules and buyer comments before you buy. Good sellers will have clear rules and helpful support. By doing these steps, you can surely find where to buy nice bags in India. This way you make sure that your buy is real, good and worth the money.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Picking the best spot when you think about where to get fancy bags in India relies on your wants – is it realness, ease, cost or uniqueness? Each choice found in India helps a different kind of shopper and knowing this can help you make a more sure and h͏appy purchase.
If realness and a high-end shopping time are your main aims, brand shops are the best pick. These places give you direct entry to fancy brands, making sure of true items, special help, and support after buying. This choice is really good for new buyers or people putting money in well-known, high-priced bags.
For buyers who like choices and ease, multi-brand sites such as Darveys give access to many foreign brands in one spot. These sites use a gatherer way, linking shoppers to world shops and giving a bigger selection of items than many local stores.
Online fancy sites are great for people who like to shop from home. They provide ease across India and often have handpicked selections. But, it is key to check rules and customer opinions because some users say there were problems with returns, and customer help on some platforms.
If money is a big thing, the second-hand market is good to check out. It lets you have fancy items at cheaper costs while also giving you a chance to find rare or no longer made designs.
In the end, there isn’t one “best” choice— it relies on what you want. For sure real items, pick small shops. For many choices, go for multi-brand sites. For easy shop͏ping, take online stores. And for good deals, look at second-hand options.
Conclusion
Finding a good place to buy pretty bags in India is important for making a wise and joyful choice. With more options from brand stores to online places and used markets Indian buyers now have a better chance at top-notch luxury than ever before.
Every choice has its own benefits. Small shops have realness and uniqueness, but online sites give ease and many choices. Stores with many brands connect the two, and second-hand markets let you find special items at lower costs.
The trick is to put realness first, look into things well, and pick sites you can rely on. A nice bag isn’t just a purchase, it’s putting in style and kindness.
With a good way, you can safely move through the fancy market and find a nice bag that fits your likes, lifestyle and budget.
FAQs
1. Where can I buy authentic luxury bags in India?
Real brand shops and reliable places like Darveys are the best choices.
2. Are luxury bags cheaper online in India?
At times, web places give deals but costs are mostly like store prices.
The European Union is building a government-controlled, PKI-anchored identity system. It is also, in the process, formally adopting the same cryptographic and data standards that the decentralised identity community spent years developing. Those two things are not contradictory.
For most of the past decade, standards like Verifiable Credentials, Decentralised Identifiers, and selective disclosure protocols existed primarily in a specific corner of the internet: W3C working groups, self-sovereign identity research papers, privacy coin white papers, and blockchain developer forums. Mainstream institutions largely ignored them. Governments showed little interest.
That is changing. Under Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 — eIDAS 2.0 — every EU member state is legally required to provide a European Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet to its citizens by the end of 2026. The technical specifications underpinning that wallet draw directly from the same standards the decentralised identity community built. The EU is not building a Web3 system. But it is, at significant institutional scale, confirming that the cryptographic tools Web3 identity proponents championed are the right ones for the job.
That distinction matters and is worth unpacking.
The Standards the EU Chose — and Where They Came From
The EUDI Wallet’s core credential format is the W3C Verifiable Credential (VC)standard. A Verifiable Credential is a structured, cryptographically signed data package — a machine-readable, tamper-evident representation of a claim made by one party about another. The W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model specification was published as a formal recommendation in 2019, after years of work in the decentralised identity community. Projects like uPort and Evernym were exploring practical VC implementations years before any government mandate existed.
The EU reviewed those efforts explicitly. The Springer chapter on the EUDI Wallet architecture notes that self-sovereign identity pilot projects and the standardisation progress of the W3C Working Group on Decentralised Identifiers were taken into account when defining the EUDI Wallet model. Early projects like uPort and Evernym helped demonstrate that the underlying concepts were workable, but the more direct influence came through the W3C standards and large-scale EU pilot programmes those efforts helped produce. The architecture borrows from a tradition the decentralised identity space helped build — via the standards layer, not project-to-project lineage.
Alongside VCs, the wallet uses Decentralised Identifiers (DIDs) — globally unique identifiers that allow institutions to be represented digitally without relying on a single central registry. DIDs are also a W3C standard, and they emerged from the same community of researchers and developers who were building self-sovereign identity systems before governments were paying attention.
The interoperability protocols — OIDC4VC (OpenID for Verifiable Credentials) and OIDC4VP (OpenID for Verifiable Presentations) — allow the wallet to share specific attributes rather than entire documents. These build on OpenID Connect, a widely used authentication standard, and extend it to handle VC-based interactions. The result is a system where presenting your digital driving licence to a rental company does not require handing over your full date of birth, home address, or any other data the transaction does not need.
Selective Disclosure: The Privacy Primitive That Crossed Over
Selective disclosure is where the overlap with Web3 cryptographic research becomes most visible. The concept — proving a specific fact without revealing the data that supports it — sits at the intersection of privacy engineering and applied cryptography. It is also foundational to some of the most technically interesting work in the blockchain space.
Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), which allow a prover to convince a verifier that a statement is true without revealing any underlying information, are used in privacy-preserving cryptocurrencies like Zcash and in Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solutions like zkSync. The mathematical techniques are the same ones now being explored for EUDI Wallet implementations.
Research published in January 2026 proposes combining ZKPs with Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) to produce verifiable proofs without relying on centralised third parties — and without exposing credential data even to the phone’s operating system. The paper is academic, and the authors note that benchmarking and prototyping remain future work. Not all member state wallet implementations will include ZKP support from day one.
But the direction is clear: the privacy primitives that the blockchain and cryptography research community developed for decentralised, permissionless contexts are now being integrated — selectively, carefully, within a regulated framework — into government identity infrastructure.
For a Web3-native reader, that is a meaningful data point. It suggests the technical instincts of that community were not wrong. The tools were sound. What governments are building now is different in governance and purpose, but it is built on the same cryptographic foundation.
EBSI: Where a Blockchain Actually Appears
The European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) is the most direct blockchain component in the EUDI ecosystem. It is a permissioned distributed ledger operated by all 27 EU member states, Norway, Liechtenstein, and the European Commission. Each member runs at least one node.
EBSI functions as a trust registry — a tamper-evident, publicly auditable record of the DIDs and public keys of every authorised credential issuer in the EU. When someone presents a digital diploma, the verifying system checks EBSI to confirm the issuing university is a legitimate, registered authority. No phone call. No central master database. The blockchain is the reference layer that makes cross-border verification possible without centralising the data itself.
Pilot projects testing the wallet in the education sector are already using EBSI in this capacity. The EBSI-VECTOR project has been running production implementations of the Verifiable Credentials framework in education since 2024, with social security use cases following in 2025.
EBSI is not Ethereum. It is not permissionless, and it does not support arbitrary smart contracts or open participation. It is a state-run ledger for a specific, bounded function. But it is a blockchain, and its selection — over alternatives like a traditional centralised database or a federated directory — reflects a deliberate choice to use distributed ledger architecture for a function where tamper-resistance and auditability across multiple sovereign governments matter.
That choice was not inevitable. It reflects accumulated confidence in the approach.
The Pluralistic Model: Not One Stack, But Several
One of the more technically nuanced aspects of the EUDI architecture is that it does not pick a single technology and apply it everywhere. The DC4EU (Digital Credentials for Europe) project, which concluded its final reporting phase in early 2026, confirmed that the EU has adopted what it describes as a pluralistic trust model.
In practice, this means different credential types use different underlying technologies:
PKI handles traditional government documents — passports and national ID cards — where established legal frameworks and hardware security modules are already in place.
W3C Verifiable Credentials handle the portable credential layer: driving licences, professional qualifications, academic diplomas.
DLT manages revocation registries, so that when a credential is invalidated — a licence suspended, a professional certification revoked — that status can be checked in real time across borders without a central authority processing every query.
For someone who has followed decentralised identity closely, this architecture will look familiar. It mirrors the layered thinking that SSI researchers proposed years before governments were listening: use the right tool for each function, maintain user control over what is shared, and avoid single points of failure. The EU did not arrive at this architecture independently. It built on work that was already there.
What This Is Not
Being precise here matters, particularly for a Web3-native audience that will notice overreach.
The EU is validating the tools, not the ethos. Verifiable Credentials, DIDs, and ZKPs are being adopted because they are technically well-suited to the problems of cross-border interoperability and privacy-preserving verification. That adoption does not represent an endorsement of permissionless finance, decentralised governance, or the broader philosophy of trustless systems.
Governmental oversight remains central. Credentials are issued by licensed, regulated institutions. The blockchain component — EBSI — is state-operated and permissioned. Citizens control what they share, but the system operates within a clear legal and regulatory hierarchy. GDPR applies. National data protection authorities have jurisdiction.
Some research has explored whether the eIDAS trust framework might eventually extend to public EVM-compatible chains, potentially enabling institutions to link qualified electronic seals to smart contracts on Ethereum or Polygon. This is an active area of academic inquiry — see Pourtalier & Lamberti (2026) — but it has no confirmed policy backing and no implementation timeline. It should be read as speculative research, not a signal of where EU policy is heading.
Why the 2026 Deadline Is More Complicated Than It Looks
The legal deadline is end of December 2026, anchored by implementing regulations published on 4 December 2024. The practical picture, as of April 2026, is considerably more uneven. ENISA — the EU’s own cybersecurity agency — stated in a recent draft certification scheme that no EUDI Wallet has been deployed or certified, and that no security standard is foreseen to be available by year end. A recent interoperability testing exercise found fewer than one quarter of member states participating with EUDI Wallet-enabled applications.
Readiness varies sharply by country. France, Italy, Poland, Austria, and Germany are the strongest candidates — each upgrading an existing national identity platform rather than building from scratch. At the other end, the Netherlands has signalled it is unlikely to fully meet the deadline, and Bulgaria has not yet begun work on a state-provided wallet.
The result will almost certainly be a staggered rollout rather than a uniform launch. Some member states will deliver a basic, compliant wallet by the deadline; others will arrive late or with reduced functionality. The Commission’s target of 80% active adoption by 2030 adds further pressure — but whether citizens actually use the wallets will depend on usability, service acceptance, and trust in government-issued apps. Privacy advocates have also raised unresolved questions about data retention and profiling safeguards that national implementing laws will need to address.
The Longer View
There is a version of the EUDI Wallet story that is straightforwardly about EU digital infrastructure modernisation. And there is a narrower, more specific story that is worth telling for a technically informed audience: a set of cryptographic and data standards developed in open research communities, driven in part by blockchain and decentralised identity researchers, has now been formally adopted as the basis for the largest government-mandated digital identity system ever attempted.
That does not mean the EU has endorsed Web3. It means the standards were good enough, and the technical arguments behind them sound enough, that a highly cautious regulatory body chose them over the alternatives.
For the Web3 identity community, that is a form of validation worth understanding clearly — not overclaimed, but not dismissed either.
Published: April 30, 2026 at 4:26 am Updated: April 30, 2026 at 4:26 am
by Anastasiia O
Edited and fact-checked:
April 30, 2026 at 4:26 am
To improve your local-language experience, sometimes we employ an auto-translation plugin. Please note auto-translation may not be accurate, so read original article for precise information.
In Brief
Stripe launches Treasury, a unified platform for payments, spending, and stablecoins, enabling multi-currency accounts, instant settlements, global payouts, and advanced financial tools.
Stripe, the financial infrastructure company, has introduced Stripe Treasury, a business account designed to combine payments management, spending tools, and access to stablecoins within a single platform.
The announcement was made at the company’s annual Stripe Sessions conference, where it presented 288 new products and updates to an audience of more than 9,000 business leaders and developers.
The Treasury product is positioned as an integrated financial system that allows businesses to manage payments, monitor balances, and connect accounting software in order to accelerate financial reconciliation. It enables companies to open accounts within minutes and access settled funds immediately, including during weekends and public holidays. The service supports multi-currency storage, local account creation, and access to dollar-pegged stablecoins across more than 100 countries, while also offering risk mitigation features such as eligibility for FDIC insurance coverage of up to $250,000 on qualifying funds.
Within the same platform, users are able to store funds, convert currencies, issue spending cards, execute payouts, and interact with stablecoin-based transfers directly from the Stripe dashboard. Account activation can be completed through transfers from existing Stripe balances or by adding funds from external bank accounts.
Stripe also outlined a series of planned expansions and feature updates for Treasury. In the United States and the United Kingdom, support for holding balances in up to 15 currencies is expected to be introduced by the end of the year. Domestic transfers between U.S.-based Stripe businesses will be available instantly and without fees. In addition, U.S. users will gain access to a Stripe card powered by Mastercard, offering 2% cashback on eligible purchases. Treasury balances in the United States will also generate Stripe credits that can be used to offset processing fees.
The company further introduced a mobile interface for Treasury within the Stripe application, providing users with real-time access to balances, transactions, cards, and spending activity. International expansion plans include availability in Australia and Canada, along with planned stablecoin support in an additional 41 markets.
Another upcoming feature involves integration with noncustodial wallets provided by Privy, allowing Treasury balances in the United States to be extended to users in more than 150 markets for faster cross-border transfers. Stripe also described the development of agent-compatible financial accounts, enabling automated systems to perform tasks such as balance checks, invoice payments, fund storage, card creation, money transfers, and cash flow management, subject to human approval for sensitive actions.
Introducing the new Stripe Treasury:
• Hold funds in multiple currencies and stablecoins.• Instantly transfer money to US businesses on Stripe for free.• Pay anyone in 160 countries with just their email address.• Earn credits on balances to apply towards Stripe fees.•… pic.twitter.com/mkKHlSFNxL
— Stripe (@stripe) April 29, 2026
The company framed these developments in the context of fast growth in the AI-driven economy, where businesses increasingly operate across multiple jurisdictions from inception. It noted that financial tools have often lagged behind this shift, with many companies relying on fragmented systems for money management. The updated Treasury platform is intended to address this by consolidating core financial operations and enabling programmable financial workflows through APIs, including support for custom financial agents.
Additional updates related to money management include expanded capabilities for Stripe Atlas users, allowing founders to track and receive SAFE investment funding through ACH, wire, or stablecoin transfers via Treasury accounts. The company also previewed enhancements to its Global Payouts system, which will enable payments to recipients in more than 100 countries in fiat currencies and up to 160 countries using stablecoins, alongside faster USD transfers to Link users.
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines, please note that the information provided on this page is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of advice. It is important to only invest what you can afford to lose and to seek independent financial advice if you have any doubts. For further information, we suggest referring to the terms and conditions as well as the help and support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice.
About The Author
Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in crypto, AI, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.
More articles
Alisa, a dedicated journalist at the MPost, specializes in crypto, AI, investments, and the expansive realm of Web3. With a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies, she delivers comprehensive coverage to inform and engage readers in the ever-evolving landscape of digital finance.
As a self-proclaimed coffee nerd, I thought I had seen every possible way to extract liquid from a roasted bean. I’ve owned traditional pump espresso machines, manual levers, siphon brewers, and countless pour-over cones. But when the KUKU Maker landed on my kitchen counter, claiming to use centrifugal force to brew everything from a delicate pour-over to a thick espresso, I was highly skeptical. After weeks of playing mad scientist with this gorgeous, industrial-looking machine, I can safely say it has completely rewired my understanding of coffee extraction.
✅ Unprecedented control over extraction variables (RPM, pressure, temperature)✅ Replaces multiple machines by brewing espresso, pour-over, and cold brew✅ Industrial, aerospace-grade aluminum build that looks incredible on a counter❌ Steep learning curve that will intimidate casual coffee drinkers❌ Heavily reliant on the companion app for advanced profile tweaking❌ The motor can be quite loud when spinning at maximum RPM
FeatureDetailsExtraction MethodVariable Centrifugal ForceMotor SpeedAdjustable (Up to high-speed RPMs for high pressure)Brewing CapabilitiesEspresso, Pour-over style, Cold Brew, TeaMaterialsAerospace-grade Aluminum Alloy & Stainless SteelWater CapacityApprox. 300ml internal tankConnectivityBluetooth / Wi-Fi via Companion App
Unboxing the KUKU Maker feels less like acquiring a kitchen appliance and more like receiving a piece of high-end lab equipment. The all-metal construction is incredibly dense, cold to the touch, and visually striking. There are no cheap plastics here; it looks like a miniature jet engine turbine sitting next to my toaster. The core concept is fascinating: instead of using a traditional water pump to push hot water through a puck of coffee grounds, the KUKU Maker spins the coffee and water at high speeds. This centrifugal force generates the pressure needed for extraction.
My first experiment was with cold brew. Traditionally, cold brew takes anywhere from 12 to 24 hours of steeping to achieve that sweet, low-acidity flavor profile. With the KUKU Maker, I loaded room-temperature water and coarse grounds, set the app to the “Cold Brew” profile, and watched it spin. Just a few minutes later, I poured out a genuinely fantastic, fully extracted cup of cold brew. The rapid agitation and centrifugal pressure forced the extraction process into hyper-drive without introducing heat. It felt like absolute magic.
Dialing in an espresso, however, required me to unlearn years of muscle memory. Usually, you tweak your grind size and your dose to hit the perfect pressure. With the KUKU Maker, you have an entirely new variable: RPM. If your shot is pulling too fast, you don’t necessarily have to grind finer; you can simply increase the motor speed to generate more centrifugal pressure. This opens up an absurd number of flavor profiles for the exact same bag of beans. Using the smartphone app, you can create custom extraction curves—starting with a slow spin for pre-infusion, ramping up to maximum RPM for the core extraction, and tapering off at the end.
Cleanup was another pleasant surprise. Because the final step of most brewing profiles involves a high-speed spin without water, the machine essentially spin-dries the coffee puck. When you unlock the portafilter, you are left with a bone-dry, easily discardable puck, rather than a soggy mess. The primary drawback, however, is that to get the most out of this machine, you must use the app. There are physical controls for basic functions, but without the app, you are ignoring 90% of the machine’s capability. At $599, it is an investment, but it successfully condenses three different coffee setups into one highly experimental, incredibly fun device.
Who is this for?The KUKU Maker is the ultimate playground for coffee enthusiasts, home baristas, and tinkerers who love experimenting with extraction science. If you obsess over flavor notes, extraction yields, and custom profiles, this machine will keep you entertained for years.
Alternatives to consider:If you want deep, app-controlled extraction profiling but prefer a traditional pump-based espresso system, the Decent Espresso (DE1) is the gold standard, though it costs nearly seven times as much. If you want manual pressure profiling on a budget, the Flair 58 is a fantastic, purely mechanical lever alternative.
Does it use proprietary coffee pods?No, the KUKU Maker uses standard coffee beans that you grind yourself. It gives you complete freedom to use whatever specialty coffee you prefer.
Is the machine difficult to clean?Surprisingly, no. The centrifugal drying phase leaves the coffee grounds extremely dry, making them easy to knock out. The metal components can be easily rinsed under the sink.
KUKU Maker Review
Build Quality & Design – 10/10
Brew Versatility – 10/10
“A mad-scientist approach to coffee that rewards patience with unparalleled control over every single drop.”
Strategy is currently purchasing Bitcoin at a rate approximately 2.7 times faster than the amount of new BTC created by miners since the beginning of 2026, amid a post-halving supply that continues to tighten and BTC exchange balances dropping to multi-year lows. On-chain data show the company’s supply absorption rate far outstrips the amount of new Bitcoin entering circulation daily, bringing the “supply shock” narrative back to the forefront of the Bitcoin market.
Strategy Is Absorbing Bitcoin Faster Than New Supply
According to data from Strategy, Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings have increased from approximately 673,783 BTC at the start of 2026 to 818,334 BTC as of April 29, representing an accumulation of roughly 144,551 BTC in less than four months.
During the same period, the Bitcoin network only produced approximately 53,550 new BTC. Following the April 2024 halving, block rewards were reduced to 3.125 BTC per block, equivalent to about 450 BTC per day at an average rate of 144 blocks per day.
Based on the BTC produced since the start of the year, Strategy alone has purchased new supply roughly 2.7 times faster than the network generates it.
This figure is significantly higher than the 2.2x level previously announced by Strategy in an April 7 post on X, when the company reported purchasing 94,470 BTC since the start of 2026.
YTD 2026, we have acquired 2.2x the natural supply of $BTC and achieved BTC Yield of 3.7%, generating a BTC Gain of ₿24,675 (~$1.7B). pic.twitter.com/xH2m4dmO2B
— Strategy (@Strategy) April 7, 2026
Unlike previous periods, the majority of new Bitcoin supply now comes from BTC mined daily, as the issuance rate has dropped sharply post-halving. This makes large-scale institutional purchases have a more pronounced impact on available BTC in the spot market, especially since a large portion of the current supply is being held long-term rather than circulating frequently on exchanges.
Why Post-Halving Supply Looks Much Tighter
After the April 2024 halving, the amount of new Bitcoin created daily dropped to approximately 450 BTC—less than half of the previous period.
Currently, Bitcoin’s annualized supply growth has fallen below 1% per year—the lowest level in the asset’s history. Meanwhile, demand from institutions, ETFs, and corporate treasuries continues to persist.
BTC mining stats. Source: BitBo
In previous cycles, miners were typically the market’s largest natural source of supply, as they had to sell a portion of BTC to cover operational costs. But after the halving, the amount of BTC miners that can be brought to market daily has plummeted, making spot liquidity increasingly dependent on BTC circulating on exchanges or held by existing holders.
Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz, in a recent episode of theAll Things Markets podcast, also suggested that the market may be underestimating the scarcity of Bitcoin actually available for trade, particularly as demand from traditional financial institutions continues to rise post-halving.
Exchange Liquidity Is Starting to Shrink
On-chain data also indicates that Bitcoin held on exchanges is continuing to decline as Strategy accelerates its BTC accumulation.
According to CryptoQuant, total Bitcoin reserves on centralized exchanges have dropped from approximately 3.05 million BTC at the beginning of the year to about 2.67 million BTC by the end of April.
BTC Exchange Reserve. Source: CryptoQuant
This decrease of nearly 380,000 BTC has occurred simultaneously with Strategy’s continuous accumulation, indicating that the remaining Bitcoin on exchanges is narrowing significantly.
Miner reserve data also shows that the amount of BTC held by miners has continued to gradually decrease over several months. As of the end of April, miner reserves stood at approximately 1.803 million BTC, significantly lower than the 1.81 million BTC range seen at the beginning of the year. Miner Netflow data shows that miners are still moving BTC to exchanges in batches, but large-scale selling pressure similar to previous cycle peaks has not yet appeared.
BTC Miner Reserve. Source: CryptoQuant
This indicates that the market currently relies more on BTC circulating on exchanges and existing holders rather than new supply from miners. In the context of Strategy continuing to buy at scale with a long-term holding trend, the amount of Bitcoin actually available for trade could become increasingly scarce if institutional demand persists in the coming quarters.
Is This a Real Supply Shock Yet?
However, current data does not yet show that Bitcoin has entered a state of distinct market-wide supply deficiency.
In an April 7 analysis, CoinDesk noted that the scale of the Bitcoin market is still large enough to absorb institutional purchases without necessarily creating an immediate supply shock. A portion of liquidity also comes from OTC desks, investment funds, and long-term holders willing to take profits when prices rise sharply. Accordingly, the strategy of purchasing more BTC than miners produce does not automatically lead to the market “running out of supply.”
Nevertheless, on-chain data shows that pressure on available Bitcoin in the market is gradually increasing. Exchange reserves continue to fall while the new supply post-halving is significantly lower than in previous cycles. If demand from corporate treasuries or ETFs persists in the coming quarters, the pressure on BTC available for trade could become more distinct.
Currently, the market may not have entered a phase of clear supply shortage. But on-chain data shows the structure of Bitcoin supply is beginning to differ significantly from previous cycles—especially as an increasingly large portion of new supply is being absorbed by institutions with long-term holding tendencies like Strategy.
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / April 30, 2026 / Route1 Inc . (“Route1” or the “Company”) (TSXV:ROI), a provider of technology-enabled services focused on parking operations, public safety, and mobility, today announced its financial results for the three and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2025.
Fiscal 2025 was a transition year. The Company focused on reducing reliance on one-time project activity and building a model based on recurring support, software licensing, operational engagement, and account expansion. Early results of this transition are beginning to appear in customer engagement, support contract growth, and demand for Route1’s operational improvement capabilities.
Fiscal 2025 and Q4 Highlights
Expanded deployment of Route1 ABI and introduced “Mr. Parking” in response to increasing demand for operational performance and accountability within customer environments
Grew quarterly ALPR support contract revenue to exceed USD $310,000, representing annualized recurring revenue of approximately USD $1.25 million
Continued growth in ALPR end users and average support contract value
Expanded Route1’s role within customer environments beyond deployment into ongoing operational performance
Monetized employee retention credits totaling USD $549,000 for fiscal 2025
Completed a non-brokered private placement generating gross proceeds of approximately $328,000
Q4 2025 Commentary
Revenue in Q4 2025 was $2.6 million compared to $3.9 million in Q4 2024, reflecting variability in device and project-based activity.
Consistent with prior periods, hardware and project revenue continued to fluctuate based on timing of customer deployments. In contrast, the Company’s support and services revenue remained more stable and is increasingly reflective of its long-term operating model.
Route1 continues to prioritize expansion of recurring revenue within its existing customer base, focusing on increasing the scope and value of each customer relationship over time rather than maximizing one-time transactional revenue. This approach reflects how customers are now engaging Route1, with increasing demand for operational improvement that extends beyond system deployment.
The Company expects variability in hardware revenue to continue, while recurring support, software licensing and services revenue represents a growing portion of total revenue. This shift in revenue mix is expected to materially improve the predictability, visibility, and quality of revenue over time.
The Company is already seeing this shift in customer activity, with increasing engagement beyond traditional support and deployment.
Business Model and Recurring Revenue Expansion
Route1’s operating model is built on long-term lifecycle engagement rather than one-time system deployment.
Within this model, the Company:
Deploys and integrates ALPR infrastructure
Provides ongoing support, monitoring, and maintenance
Works directly with operators in live environments
Expands its role over time into operational performance and decision support
This approach shifts value from deployment activity to ongoing operational outcomes and performance accountability.
The Company is also evolving its operating model to support broader deployment and partner structures designed to scale recurring revenue across multiple customer environments.
This shift changes Route1’s role from a system provider to an embedded participant in operational performance and outcomes.
“Mr. Parking” and Expansion Within Existing Accounts
As part of this evolution, Route1 introduced “Mr. Parking” in April 2026 as an operational capability deployed within existing customer engagements.
The capability is deployed within existing customer relationships and is not positioned as a standalone system. Instead, it is integrated into Route1’s support and operational model, where the Company maintains continuous involvement in client environments.
Across the parking technology market, much of the discussion remains focused on deployment, system features and data access. Route1’s view is that this framing misses the core issue. Much of the sector remains focused on system deployment, while the primary challenge in live environments is whether performance is being measured, managed, and improved over time.
“Mr. Parking” is designed to address this gap by enabling continuous performance management within existing environments. This reflects a broader shift in how customers are evaluating technology investments, with increased focus on measurable outcomes and return on existing infrastructure.
Embedded in the Lifecycle, Not Sold as Software
“Mr. Parking” is deployed within Route1’s lifecycle model. It is configured to each client’s environment and operates using live data generated through existing systems and workflows.
It is not accessed as a standalone application. It is deployed as part of ongoing engagement, with outputs delivered directly into existing operational workflows used by supervisors, analysts, and enforcement teams.
As a result, Route1’s role becomes more embedded in the client’s day-to-day operations, increasing the durability of the customer relationship over time.
Expanding Across the Operation
Initial deployment of “Mr. Parking” is focused on enforcement and patrol operations. However, the underlying framework is designed to extend across additional operational areas including:
Violation processing workflows
Customer communication and response management
Other back-office and administrative functions
As these applications are introduced, the capability is expanded within the same customer relationship, further embedding Route1 within the client’s operating environment and increasing the value of each customer relationship and expanding recurring revenue over time.
Market Context: From Deployment to Performance
Across North America, ALPR deployment is largely complete and the remaining challenge is operational performance. This shift is increasingly driven by governance, compliance, and accountability requirements within customer environments, where operators are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes rather than simply deploying technology.
Route1’s direct engagement in live environments continues to show:
Variability in enforcement output
Missed revenue opportunities
Limited ability to measure and defend outcomes
These conditions reinforce a consistent conclusion: deployment alone does not improve operations. In many cases, performance degrades after systems go live.
Q4 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS
Statement of operations
In 000s of CAD dollars
Q42025
Q32025
Q22025
Q12025
Q42024
Revenue
Subscription and services
$
1,041
$
1,203
$
1,465
$
1,327
$
1,130
Devices and appliances
1,596
1,759
2,233
906
2,804
Other
–
(7
)
(8
)
–
(3
)
Total revenue
2,637
2,954
3,691
2,234
3,931
Cost of revenue
1,610
1,775
2,343
1,324
2,542
Gross profit
1,027
1,179
1,348
910
1,389
Operating expenses
1,186
1,136
1,274
1,306
1,464
Operating profit 1
(159
)
43
74
(395
)
(75
)
Total other expenses (income) 2
(169
)
(209
)
135
181
226
Net income (loss)
$
(328
)
$
252
$
(61
)
$
(214
)
$
(301
)
Before stock-based compensation. The last quarter of stock-based compensation expenses was Q4-24.
Includes gain or loss on asset disposal, stock-based compensation expense, gain on sale of employee retention credits, interest expense, income tax recovery, foreign exchange loss or gain, other expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA 3
In thousands of Canadian dollars
Q42025
Q32025
Q22025
Q12025
Q42024
Adjusted EBITDA
$
19
$
220
$
269
$
(190
)
$
130
Depreciation and amortization
178
176
195
205
205
Operating profit
$
(159
)
$
43
$
74
$
(395
)
$
(75
)
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, and other costs. Adjusted EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA allows Route1 to compare its operating performance over time on a consistent basis.
Subscription and services revenue
in 000s of CAD dollars
Q42025
Q32025
Q22025
Q12025
Q42024
Application software
$
16
$
14
$
15
$
17
$
24
Other services
1,025
1,189
1,451
890
1,106
Total
$
1,041
$
1,203
$
1,466
$
907
$
1,130
Other services revenue
in 000s of CAD dollars
Q42025
Q32025
Q22025
Q12025
Q42024
Technology life-cycle maintenance and support 4
$
438
$
413
$
412
$
381
$
378
Professional services
587
776
1,039
526
727
Total
$
1,025
$
1,189
$
1,451
$
907
$
1,106
Route1 ABI license revenue is included in this line
FISCAL YEAR 2025 (FY 2025)
In 000s of CAD dollars
FY 2025
FY 2024
FY 2023
FY 2022
Revenue
Services
$
4,616
$
4,342
$
4,456
$
6,194
Device
6,923
10,821
13,104
15,830
Other
(24
)
(9
)
18
21
Total Revenue
11,516
15,154
17,578
22,045
Cost of revenue
7,051
9,903
11,703
14,462
Gross profit
4,465
5,251
5,875
7,583
Operating expenses
4,901
5,771
6,439
7,645
Operating profit 1
(436
)
(520
)
(564
)
(62
)
Total other expenses 2, 3
(85
)
541
719
1,656
Net income (loss)
$
(351
)
$
(1,061
)
$
(1,283
)
$
(1,718
)
In 000s of CAD dollars
Dec 31
2025
Sep 30
2025
Jun 30
2025
Mar 31
2025
Dec 31
2024
Working capital analysis
Total current assets
$
2,956
$
2,913
$
3,116
$
1,939
$
3,422
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accruals
4,107
3,637
4,260
3,480
4,683
Contract liabilities (deferred revenue)
1,065
1,189
922
917
995
Operating lease liabilities (property leases)
322
317
301
320
335
Bank indebtedness and notes payable
2,335
2,454
1,652
1,601
1,561
Total current liabilities
7,829
7,597
7,136
6,317
7,573
Net working capital
(4,873
)
(4,684
)
(4,020
)
(4,378
)
(4,151
)
Pro Forma net working capital 5
$
(1,151
)
$
(724
)
$
(1,143
)
$
(1,541
)
$
(1,261
)
Debt analysis
Current bank indebtedness and notes payable
$
2,335
$
2,454
$
1,652
$
1,601
$
1,561
Non-current bank indebtedness and notes payable
482
676
1,564
1,731
1,586
Total bank indebtedness and notes payable
$
2,817
$
3,130
$
3,216
$
3,332
$
3,147
Net working capital adjusted for (a) bank indebtedness and notes payable, (b) contract liabilities, and (c) operating leases.
PRIVATE PLACEMENT
The Company completed a private placement in December 2025 and issued 4,376,665 Units for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $328,250. Company management subscribed for Units under the Offering for a total of $68,000, representing approximately 21% of the Offering.
Each Unit consisted of one common share in the capital of the Company (a “Common Share”) and one common share purchase warrant (a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.10 for a period of 18 months from the issue date of the Units. All securities issued pursuant to the offering were subject to a four-month hold period that has now expired.
The Company is using the net proceeds of the Offering to fund the development of Route1’s Actionable Business Intelligence (“ABI”) software application and “Mr. Parking”.
MONETIZING ROUTE1’S EMPLOYEE RETENTION CREDITS
The Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”), also known as the Employee Retention Tax Credit (“ERTC”), was designed to help businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall goal of the program was to encourage employers to retain employees during pandemic-related business shutdowns and slowdowns.
First introduced in March 2020 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the ERC has been updated twice since its original creation. In November 2021, the ERC program expired early with the signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The change limited ERC claims to wages paid before October 1, 2021, except for recovery startup businesses. Businesses were able to retroactively claim ERC by amending their 2020 or 2021 tax returns, meaning employers were able to claim the credit for actions during the pandemic on their tax returns up until the year 2024.
With the help of a third-party professional to assist in its submission, Route1 filed ERCs in the amount of USD $1,320,002. The credits were for Route1’s wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries Route 1 Security Corporation, Group Mobile Int’l, LLC (“GMI”) and Portable Computer Systems, Inc. (“PCS”) relating to wages paid to employees between April 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021.
On June 18, 2025, Route1 sold USD $467,030 of its ERCs (the “First ERC Claim”) to a private equity fund. Route1 received payment of USD $179,807 and subject to the US government paying out the First ERC Claim, will receive an additional USD $65,384. The private equity fund purchased the First ERC Claim at a discount to the face value and required an additional amount to be held back until the First ERC Claim is paid out by the US government. Route1 also incurred professional fees to complete the transaction. In certain circumstances, including situations in which the Internal Revenue Service disallows some or all of Route1’s ERC claims, the private equity fund may cause Route1 to refund the proceeds paid. Should that occur, some or all of the professional fees incurred will also be reimbursed.
On August 8, 2025, Route1 sold USD $468,802 of its ERCs (the “Second ERC Claim Amount”) to a private equity fund. Route1 received payment of USD $167,836 and subject to the US government paying out the ERC Claim Amount, will receive an additional USD $58,122. The private equity fund purchased the Second ERC Claim Amount at a discount to the face value and required an additional amount to be held back until the Second ERC Claim Amount is paid out by the US government. Route1 also incurred professional fees to complete the transaction.
FINANCIAL REPORTING UPDATE
Route1 does not intend to host a shareholder call in connection with its year-end results.
The Company expects to host a shareholder call in mid-May 2026 following the release of its first quarter 2026 financial results. Management expects to provide additional commentary at that time regarding operational progress and early observations following the launch of “Mr. Parking.”
About Route1 Inc.
Route1 provides operational intelligence and secure data solutions for public sector and critical infrastructure operators. The Company’s ABI platform supports structured intelligence and operational improvement initiatives across mobility, parking enforcement, public safety and smart infrastructure environments. Route1 trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ROI.
For More Information, Contact:Tony BusseriPresident and Chief Executive Officer+1 480 578-0287[email protected]
This news release, required by applicable Canadian laws, does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release may contain statements that are not current or historical factual statements that may constitute forward-looking statements or future oriented financial information. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions, including expectations regarding the granting of the patent and the terms thereof, the launch date of “Mr. Parking”, the results of development and testing, market trends and the continuation of such trends, the expected growth in the value of support contracts for the LPR business, competition for skilled personnel, expected financial performance and subscription-based revenue, business prospects, technological developments, development activities and like matters. While Route1 considers these factors and assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to the market demand for the Company’s products and services and risk factors described in reporting documents filed by the Company. Actual results could differ materially from those projected as a result of these and other risks and should not be relied upon as a prediction of future events. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or future-oriented financial information to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Estimates used in this presentation are from Company sources. Past or forecasted performance is not a guarantee of future performance and readers should not rely on historical results or forward-looking statements or future oriented financial information as an assurance of future results.
#
SOURCE: Route1, Inc.
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Lionsgate is on track to have one of the biggest hits of the year with “Michael.” Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the Michael Jackson biopic opened this past weekend and came in well above even the most optimistic expectations. As a result, we may well be looking at a franchise rather than a one-off cinematic look at the King of Pop.
“Michael” ruled the box office on its opening weekend, taking in a staggering $218 million worldwide. That number includes $97.2 million domestically and $121.6 million internationally. In just a matter of days, it will pass “Wuthering Heights” ($241 million) to become the fifth-biggest movie of 2026 overall. By the end of this upcoming weekend? We’re likely looking at the fourth-biggest movie of the year behind “Project Hail Mary” ($613 million and counting).
Even though the movie carries a very hefty budget in the $200 million range, it’s going to pay off for all involved. Pre-release preview numbers suggested the “Michael” biopic would earn $90 million domestically on the very high end. It did much more than that, and now, even if it has lousy legs (which it probably won’t), it’s going to sail to $500 million worldwide. It’s probably going to make a lot more than that, given the audience’s reception.
The film was written by John Logan and tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life from his early days as the lead of the Jackson Five to his rise as a solo artist, culminating in his becoming the biggest entertainer in the world. Jafaar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s real-life nephew, plays the late pop star.
There was some talk of a possible sequel before the release. Now? That talk is undoubtedly going to heat up. Lionsgate will almost certainly try to make it happen.
A Michael sequel is now a no-brainer for Lionsgate
Lionsgate
Critics haven’t been particularly kind to “Michael,” with /Film’s Witney Seibold calling it an “overly-sanitized biopic” in his review. Many critics have pointed out that the movie doesn’t address any of the allegations of misconduct against Michael Jackson. The movie, however, doesn’t even lead up to the ’90s and ends before any allegations were made.
“Michael” also had to reshoot its entire third act amid behind-the-scenes drama, largely because of a settlement over one of Jackson’s allegations. Setting any commentary aside, purely from a business POV, there’s a lot of Jackson’s life left to examine, and a lot of financial incentive to do so given how well this movie is performing. Speaking with Business Insider, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chairman Adam Fogelson acknowledged that a sequel is in the cards:
“There’s at least one more movie. Just speaking less as an employee of Lionsgate and more as a person who has spent a lot of time in the movie business, I was always excited by the possibility that you could make a more complete and satisfying telling of Michael’s story if you weren’t confined to only one movie.”
“There’s a possibility of there being a part two, that may deal with some other things that happen afterwards,” star Colman Domingo, who plays Joe Jackson, Michael’s father, said of a possible sequel on “Today”. Director Antoine Fuqua has also talked about it, telling Deadline that he would like to return, provided the schedule permits.
“I would like to, it’s just about scheduling. It would kill me if somebody else did it.”
Rest assured, Lionsgate is at the very least going to try to make “Michael 2” a thing.
New Lego sets typically drop on the first day of each month, and May 2026 is no different–though there are a couple exceptions. The Star Wars Mandalorian N-1 Starfighter drops on May the 4th for $250, Star Wars Day, and on May 7 you can pick up the huge Jurassic Park Jeep Wrangler for $200. But the sets you can expect to release May 1 include a new Minifigure Collection in Series 29 for $5 per pack (or a 6 pack for $30), a new Botanicals Rocking Plants set for $23, new F1 models like Lewis Hamilton’s Helmet for $90, FIFA builds like like the Lionel Messi Soccer Highlights kit for $30, and even some new Toy Story sets like the adorable Slinky Dog Bookends for $150. Check out the full list of upcoming sets below.
What’s better, Lego will often offer free gift sets with your purchase when you spend the qualifying amount of money, and until April 19 you can take advantage of two: Restaurants of the World: Mexico (exclusive to Lego Insider members) if you spend $180 or more, and the TIE Advanced Mini-Build for anyone who spends $40 or more. So if you preorder any of these new May sets, you’ll get at least one free gift.
Toy Story Slinky Dog Bookends (1,311 Pieces)
$150 | Releases May 1
Lego Toy Story sets aren’t new, but these upcoming kit are taking cues from the larger model-style builds for adults, but are still good for kids. The Slinky Dog Bookends is a really cool modular build with plenty of hidden elements and moving parts. It function as a real bookend, but makes for great display with the rest of you Lego collection. You’ll get two minifigures:
Slinky DogWoody
Preorder at Lego
Preorder at Amazon
Lotso (570 Pieces)
$40 | Releases May 1
This 570-piece kit is an accurate recreation the unassuming villain. He stands at over 6.5in. high and his limbs are fully posable. You can even move his eyebrows to give him a more menacing look.
See at Lego
Alien With Pizza Planet Rocket Ride (714 Pieces)
$60 | Releases May 1
Crank mechanics are making a big splash in Lego sets over the last couple of years, and this Alien from Toy Story set is the next one. The full set is a fully brick-built Alien toy and Pizza Planet rocket ride, and you can turn the crank to make it move just like it would outside of a grocery store. You can even insert a coin into the slot for added immersion.
Preorder at Lego
Preorder at Amazon
Rocking Plans (253 Pieces)
$23 | Releases May 1
The Lego Botanicals line is another popular and long running theme. The rocking plants build features two adorable planters with rounded bottoms to rock back and forth, hence the name. At 253 pieces it’s not the biggest or most intricate build, but due to their size and design make for good decoration with their pastel colors.
See at Lego
Minifigures Series 29 (8 Pieces)
$5 per Minifigure | Releases May 1
The collectible minifigures line is about to see its 29th iteration. These are blind box-style single minifigure bags where you have the chance to open one of 12 unique minifigures, and they all include minifigure components and pieces that are good for any Lego collection. With Series 29, you have a chance to open any of these:
Bionicle CosplayerBoba Cup FanChocolatierCute WitchMarine BiologistMonster HunterMysterious RoninRobot T. RexSoccer GoalkeeperTrash MonsterTuba PlayerUnicorn Elf
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Scuderia Ferrari HP Lewis Hamilton Helmet (884 Pieces)
$90 | Releases May 1
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari helmet is just as detailed as Leclerc’s, complete with fully detailed sponsor-printed bricks, a display stand, and info plaque with Hamilton’s signature on it. You’ll also receive a Lewis Hamilton minifigure.
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Scuderia Ferrari HP Charles Leclerc Helmet (886 Pieces)
$90 | Releases May 1
Like the Star Wars helmet display models, the F1 helmets are just as detailed and accurate. The Scuderia Ferrari helmet is an 886-piece stands at over 7in. tall, surprising for its high brick count, and comes with a display stand and Charles Leclerc minifigure.
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2026 U.S. Soccer National Team Jersey (167 Pieces)
$25 | Releases May 1
Lego has dozens upon dozens of original and licensed sets spanning the sci-fi and fantasy genres, but they’ll often come out sets celebrating real life events. The U.S. Soccer National Team Jersey is a 167-piece kit with a framed brick-built #26 jersey and with a support stand to help it stand up on its own. It also includes two unnamed soccer player minifigures.
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FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Emblem (290 Pieces)
$25 | Releases May 1
The 298-piece FIFA World Cup 2026 Logo is a pretty cool one-to-one recreation of the logo we’ve seen all year. The golden cup itself it set to the background of a multi-color “26” background, with a FIFA logo bring underneath it. It comes with an angled display stand to easily set it up on your shelf.
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Cristiano Ronaldo – Soccer Legend (854 Pieces)
$80 | Releases May 1
The second Ronaldo set is a fully brick-built version of him. Similar to older Bionicle sets, his joins are posable and it’s much larger than a regular minifigure. It’s 854 pieces and stands at 10in. high, so if you’re a big soccer fan this would make a great shelf piece. It comes with a display stand and plaque brick with Ronaldo’s signature.
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Cristiano Ronaldo – Soccer Highlights (490 Pieces)
$30 | Releases May 1
I don’t know anything about soccer, but even I’m aware of who Cristiano Ronaldo is. This tribute vignette celebrates some of the soccer legend’s best moments, and the backflip kick build with fire coming off the ball is something straight out of an anime. You’ll get a Cristiano Ronaldo minifigure and a logo plaque brick to go along with the rest of the kit.
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Lional Messi – Soccer Legend (958 Pieces)
$80 | Releases May 1
Lionel Messi’s brick-built vignette is an almost 1,000-piece kit featuring the player’s iconic celebration. The blue and gold colors really pop, and the figure is fully posable. The forearm tattoo brick is also a really cool and unique feature never quite done on a Lego kit before.
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Lional Messi – Soccer Highlights (500 Pieces)
$30 | Releases May 1
Lionel Messi is another soccer legend getting a highlights vignette. His blue and gold jersey is represented throughout the whole set, both in the structure and the #10 jersey number in the back. You’ll get a Messi minifigure and plaque brick with his name on it.
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Kylian Mbappé – Soccer Highlights (490 Pieces)
$30 | Releases May 1
The next Soccer Highlights set is the 490-piece Kylian Mbappé build, with a big #10 as the centerpiece to celebrate the French player’s jersey number. This one also comes with an information plaque brick with with players name and minifigure portrait, as well as a minifigure version of him.
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Vini Jr. – Soccer Highlights (510 Pieces)
$30 | Releases May 1
Brazilian soccer icon Vinicius Junior, or Vini Jr., is also a getting a sweet vignette set featuring his jersey number and colors. You’ll get a Vini Jr. and info plaque with his name on it.
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The Mandalorian’s N-1 Starfighter (1,809 Pieces)
$250 | Releases May 4
Big Star Wars display models are always fan favorite sets, and the converted Naboo Starfighter the The Mandalorian Din Djarin flies in the later seasons of the show of the same name is next in the long line of super detailed sets. At 1,809 pieces it’s rather large, but it comes with a nice display stand and infographic brick to make it pop on your shelf. You’ll also get two minifigures:
The Mandalorian (Din Djarin)Grogue
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Jurassic Park Jeep Wrangler (1,924 Pieces
$200 | Releases May 7
One of my personal favorite upcoming sets, the massive Jeep Wrangler set from the first Jurassic Park film recreates the iconic scene from that fateful rainy night. It’s a detailed brick-built recreation of an actual Wrangler, and comes with a Dennis Nedry minifigure with the shaving can and an infographic brick with display stand.
Google Cloud hit $20.03 billion in Q1 2026—up 63% year-over-year—while Microsoft’s AI business surpassed a $37 billion annual revenue run rate, up 123% year-over-year.
Alphabet’s total Q1 revenue reached $109.9 billion, its fastest growth rate since 2022; Microsoft posted $82.9 billion in revenue, up 18%.
OpenAI missed its own internal revenue and user targets in recent months, with CFO Sarah Friar reportedly warning the company may struggle to fund future compute contracts.
Wednesday was a bad day to be an AI doomer.
Microsoft and Alphabet, Google’s parent company, both reported earnings after the bell, and both crushed expectations—on the same day OpenAI’s revenue stumbles were still reverberating through the market. The message from the two biggest players in enterprise cloud was hard to miss: The AI trade isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s accelerating.
Alphabet posted $109.9 billion in Q1 2026 revenue, up 22% from a year ago and the company’s fastest growth rate since 2022. Wall Street was expecting around $107.1 billion. The headline number is Google Cloud, which brought in $20.03 billion—up 63% year-over-year from $12.26 billion in Q1 2025, and nearly $1.6 billion above analyst estimates. CEO Sundar Pichai said enterprise AI solutions had become “our primary growth driver for cloud for the first time in Q1.”
Microsoft wasn’t far behind. The company reported $82.9 billion in revenue for its fiscal Q3 2026, up 18% year-over-year, beating the $81.39 billion estimates. The real number that turned heads: Its AI business surpassed an annual revenue run rate of $37 billion, up 123% from the prior year. Azure and other cloud services grew 40% year-over-year. Microsoft Cloud overall hit $54.5 billion, up 29%.
All of this thanks to the magic of the AI boom.
Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant for enterprise, now exceeds 20 million paid users—up from 15 million just last quarter. CEO Satya Nadella called it the “agentic computing era,” which is the kind of phrase you say when your numbers back it up.
Gemini is pulling its weight across the board. Earlier this year, Apple signed a multi-year deal to build its next generation of Foundation Models on Google’s Gemini, handing the search giant one of the biggest AI endorsements of 2026. Paid monthly active users of Gemini Enterprise grew 40% quarter-over-quarter. Google’s Cloud backlog hit $460 billion—nearly double the prior quarter.
All of this lands against the backdrop of OpenAI’s bad week. The company missed its own internal targets for both revenue and user growth, with CFO Sarah Friar reportedly telling company leaders she was worried OpenAI might not be able to fund future compute contracts if revenue doesn’t pick up fast enough.
The market response was swift. CNBC reports that Oracle dropped around 4%, CoreWeave sank more than 5%, and SoftBank—one of OpenAI’s largest investors—fell roughly 10% during Tokyo trading hours. Nvidia and AMD also slid.
The contrast is hard to ignore. While OpenAI is leaning on investors to absorb the gap between ambition and revenue, Google and Microsoft are printing cash from the same AI wave. Gemini 3 Pro, released in November 2025, outpaced its predecessor on every benchmark Google tested, and is now driving commercial demand across the Cloud stack.
On the advertising side, Google’s total ad revenue came in at $77.25 billion, up 15.5% year-over-year, beating estimates in that field too. YouTube was the one soft spot at $9.88 billion versus the $9.99 billion forecast—a minor miss in an otherwise clean sweep.
Alphabet guided 2026 capital expenditures at $175 billion to $185 billion, up from $91.4 billion in 2025. The $460 billion Cloud backlog may suggest the company expects those bets to keep converting into revenue well into 2027.
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