TECH

Powerline Adapters: Why should have them in your home

Powerline adapters are a home connectivity solution that uses the existing electrical wiring in the home to transmit data between rooms, without the need to run network cables or rely on a wireless signal. The vast majority of models available on the market in 2026 include Wi-Fi integrated into the remote adapter, making them a complete alternative in homes where the wireless signal does not reach due to physical obstruction. The decision to adopt them, however, requires knowing their real limitations before any investment.

Powerline adapters work in pairs: one adapter connects to the router via Ethernet cable and an electrical outlet, and the second adapter, in another room or floor, receives the signal through the home's electrical wiring and distributes it via cable or Wi-Fi. Communication between the two adapters uses the existing electrical infrastructure as a transmission medium, eliminating the need for construction work or additional network cables.

Most Powerline adapters currently available include integrated Wi-Fi in the remote adapter, allowing you to connect wireless devices directly to the receiving point without the need for an additional cable. Models without integrated Wi-Fi, such as the TP-Link TL-PA9020P KIT, are more suitable for connecting fixed devices via Ethernet cable, offering better performance and lower latency.

Transmission speed depends on the quality of the electrical installation, the distance between the adapters, and the presence of interference in the electrical network. Under ideal conditions, adapters with the HomePlug AV2 standard achieve theoretical speeds of up to 2 Gbps, although real-world values ​​in a home environment are typically lower.

HomePlug AV2 vs. G.hn: the two standards that dominate the market...The Powerline adapter market is dominated by two technical standards with distinct characteristics. The choice between the two depends on the type of electrical installation and bandwidth needs, although in the Portuguese consumer market, HomePlug AV2 is by far the most affordable.

HomePlug AV2 is the most widespread standard in the European home market, with broad compatibility between brands and models. It operates in the frequency range between 2 MHz and 86 MHz and supports theoretical speeds up to 2 Gbps in the MIMO version. It is the safest choice for homes with conventional electrical installations and the only one with widespread availability in Portuguese retail.

G.hn (ITU-T G.9960), developed by the International Telecommunication Union, supports higher theoretical speeds and operates on multiple physical media, including electrical, telephone and coaxial cabling. The availability of G.hn products in the Portuguese consumer market is currently very limited, with the standard being more geared towards business and operator solutions than the home segment.

When Powerline adapters are the best solution...Powerline adapters are the most suitable solution in specific scenarios where other technologies fail or involve disproportionate costs. The use cases where they stand out are the following:

-Homes with granite, schist, or solid concrete walls: common materials in Portuguese construction prior to 1980, which severely attenuate the Wi-Fi signal and make Mesh systems less effective.

-Offices or bedrooms on different floors from the router: when vertical distance and building materials prevent a stable Wi-Fi connection.

-Garages or outbuildings adjacent to the main dwelling: provided they share the same electrical circuit and the same distribution panel.

-Homes where it is not possible to run a network cable: for aesthetic, rental, or structural reasons.

T-elevisions, consoles, and desktop computers: devices that benefit from a stable Ethernet cable connection, which the second Powerline adapter can provide directly.

When Powerline adapters fail: the risks that no one explains in the store...Powerline adapters have technical limitations that can make them completely ineffective in certain homes. Knowing them before buying avoids returns and frustration.

The most common problem is incompatibility with separate electrical circuits. When a dwelling has two or more independent electrical panels, as often happens in houses with garages, basements, or annexes with their own electrical installation, the adapters cannot communicate with each other because they are on different electrical phases. This limitation is structural and has no technical solution without intervention in the electrical installation.

Interference from electrical equipment is another significant degradation factor. Appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, and electric vehicle chargers introduce noise into the electrical network that can significantly reduce transmission speed. Connecting adapters to network extensions or filters should be avoided, as these devices block the Powerline signal. Adapters should always be plugged directly into the wall electrical outlet.

Powerline and Mesh: how to combine the two technologies...Powerline adapters and Mesh systems are not necessarily alternatives. In large homes with hard-to-reach areas, combining the two technologies may be the most effective solution. For those considering these options, the article Mesh Wi-Fi System: how to choose the right one for your home details the selection criteria for Mesh systems based on the type of home.

One possible configuration is to use a Powerline adapter to bring the wired connection to an area of ​​the home where the Wi-Fi signal does not reach, and connect an additional Mesh node there via Ethernet. This approach combines the reliability of wired backhaul with the wireless coverage of a Mesh system, without the need for construction work. It is also the recommended configuration in homes where wireless backhaul between Mesh nodes is insufficient due to excessive walls or distance.

For those still deciding between Mesh, Powerline, and repeaters, the opinion piece by Bruno Silva, Marketing Manager at TP-Link Portugal, offers a contextualized perspective for the Portuguese home market.

FAQ:

- What are Powerline adapters and how do they work?

Powerline adapters use the home's electrical wiring to transmit data between rooms. One adapter connects to the router via Ethernet cable and to the electrical outlet; the second, in another room, receives the signal and distributes it via cable or Wi-Fi, without the need for construction work or additional cabling.

- Do Powerline adapters work in older homes with original electrical wiring?

It depends on the quality of the installation. In homes with degraded electrical wiring or circuits on different electrical phases, performance may be very low or nonexistent. In single-circuit installations with good wiring, Powerline adapters work satisfactorily even in older buildings.

-What is the difference between the HomePlug AV2 and G.hn standards in Powerline adapters?

HomePlug AV2 is the most widespread standard in the European home market, with broad compatibility between brands and theoretical speeds up to 2 Gbps. G.hn, developed by the ITU, supports multiple physical media in addition to the electrical network, but has very limited availability in the Portuguese consumer market in 2026, being more geared towards business solutions.

Key points:

-Powerline adapters use the existing electrical network to transmit data, making them ideal for homes with thick walls or areas without Wi-Fi coverage.

-Most models available in 2026 include integrated Wi-Fi in the remote adapter, eliminating the need for additional cables at the receiving point.

-The HomePlug AV2 standard is the only one with widespread availability in Portuguese retail, with theoretical speeds up to 2 Gbps and broad compatibility between brands.

-Adapters do not work between electrical circuits on different phases, a common limitation in garages or annexes with independent electrical panels.

-The combination of Powerline adapters with a Mesh system is an effective solution for large homes with hard-to-reach areas.

mundophone

TECH

Amazon looks to redefine a need for speed with 30-minute deliveries

More than 20 years after it redefined fast shipping, Amazon is preparing to raise the bar on consumer expectations again by offering to fulfill customers' most urgent product needs in a half-hour or less for an extra fee.

The company, which revolutionized online shopping in 2005 with two-day deliveries for Prime members, is rapidly opening small order-processing hubs in dozens of U.S. and foreign cities to cater to shoppers who can't or don't want to wait for cough medicine to relieve flu symptoms or tomatoes for tonight's dinner salad.

The ultrafast service, called Amazon Now, first launched in India last June. Amazon says 30-minute deliveries now are also available in urban areas of Brazil, Mexico, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The mini-warehouses devoted to Amazon Now are about the size of a CVS drugstore. They stock about 3,500 products for expedited delivery, including beer, diapers, pet food, meat, nonprescription medications, playing cards and cellphone charging cables.

"We know that customers love speed and always have," Beryl Tomay, Amazon's head of transportation, told The Associated Press on Monday. "What we see customers doing, when we offer faster speeds, are they purchase more from Amazon. And Amazon becomes more top of mind for that or other types of items as well."

In the U.S., the company first tested Amazon Now in Seattle, the home of its headquarters, and in Philadelphia. Most residents of Atlanta and the Dallas-Fort Worth area now have access as well. The service also is live or expected to land by year-end in Houston, Denver, Minneapolis, New York, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Florida, and dozens of other cities, Amazon said.

The service charges for Amazon Now start at $3.99 for Prime members, who pay an annual fee of $139, and $13.99 for non-members. A $1.99 small basket fee applies to orders under $15, Amazon said.

The company's bet on a need for speed also comes as some consumers are rebelling against rushed deliveries as they weigh the potential impact on the environment and the workers tasked with preparing orders at a rapid rate.

Amazon Now UK...Amazon has officially introduced their new ‘Amazon Now’, this offers a new ultra fast delivery service designed to get every day essentials to consumers in 30 minutes or less.

This marks another major step in Amazon’s mission to push their convivence, speed and customer expectations. The launch follows from an announcement that they’re planning to invest £40 billion in the UK over the next three years, highlighting their plans to continue expanding into the online delivery of groceries and household essentials.

What does this mean for brands?

⭐️ Delivery speed is becoming a competitive advantage

⭐️ Customer expectations will continue to rise

⭐️Marketplace strategy is longer just about product

⭐️Amazon is investing heavily in fulfilment innovation

Despite this currently being in London, when this is rolled out across the UK it will be essential for brands to adapt quickly. As Amazon evolves, brand that stay aligned with innovation, customer behaviour and fulfilment capability will be the brands that grow with Amazon rather than get left behind.

Amazon's approach...A relentless focus on speed helped Amazon build a logistics and e-commerce empire. After it made two days the new delivery time normal, Amazon moved into one-day and same-day deliveries for its Prime members. This spring, the company began making 90,000 products available in one hour or three hours at an extra cost.

The scaled down and sped up microhubs that are designed to handle 30-minute orders represent another step in Amazon's pursuit.

Only a handful of people prepare orders from aisles of shelves in the 5,000- to 10,000-square-foot facilities, unlike the sprawling fulfillment centers storing millions of items where Amazon employs a mix of human workers and robotics to pick and pack orders.

Amazon tailors the product inventory to each location and uses artificial intelligence and other technology to analyze what customers buy, as well as when and how often. The most popular U.S. purchases so far include soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, toilet plungers, bananas, limes and wireless earbuds, Amazon said.

Parking signage for drivers stands outside an Amazon Now location, Monday, May 11, 2026, in Bellevue, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

The competition...Amazon's attempt to up the instant gratification ante provides direct competition to on-demand food delivery platforms like Instacart, Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub, which don't have the scale of the e-commerce titan, according to independent retail analyst Bruce Winder.

"What Amazon brings is their prowess in supply chain," Winder said.

These smaller companies said they don't see Amazon as a threat, though, citing the hundreds of thousands of items they are able to deliver to users' doorsteps by partnering with various merchants and restaurants.

"DoorDash has a mission to empower grocers and retailers and augment their existing footprint, not to replace them," DoorDash spokesperson Ali Musa said in an emailed statement. "We win only when they win, which is how we can offer over half a million grocery and retail items in under an hour across the country."

Amazon also is in a race with Walmart to become the retailer that reliably gets orders to online shoppers in under an hour.

For an additional $10 on top of standard delivery charges, shoppers can place Walmart Express Delivery orders from among more than 100,000 products that are guaranteed to arrive in an hour. Many customers, however, are receiving the items under 30 minutes, Walmart CEO John Furner told analysts in February.

Domino's cautionary tale...Companies have promised deliveries in 30 minutes or less before, but the landscape also is littered with failed attempts to break the speed barrier.

The COVID-19 pandemic produced a flurry of companies that promised 10- to 15-minute grocery deliveries from microwarehouses in dense neighborhoods, according to Sucharita Kodali, an analyst at market research firm Forrester Research.

But soaring operating costs, low customer loyalty and the drying up of investor money ultimately caused most to fail before the pandemic was over, analysts said.

Domino's in 1984 pushed a guarantee that customers would receive their pizzas for free if they weren't delivered in under a half-hour. The company amended the "30 minutes or it's free" policy after two years, providing only a $3 discount for late deliveries.

The promotion helped Domino's win market share, but it ended up tarnishing the company's reputation. It dropped the guarantee in December 1993 after a string of crashes and lawsuits involving drivers racing to meet the deadline.

Brad Jashinsky, a retail analyst at information technology research and consulting firm Gartner, said he thinks Amazon should take the pizza chain's experience as a cautionary tale.

"You get in trouble when you start overpromising something like that," he said.

Amazon won't be making any time guarantees and instead plans to keep customers who chose the 30-minute delivery option updated on the progress of their orders, Tomay said.

"There's no rushing either in our building workers or the gig workers," she said.

Taking it slow...Kodali thinks Amazon will need a lot of people placing orders around the same time from the same or adjacent apartment buildings for the 30-minute service to be cost-effective.

Consumers may appreciate rapid receipt of products like toilet paper and batteries, but retailers and logistics experts said they also see some online shoppers, especially members of Generation Z, choosing no-rush shipping for products they don't need in a hurry.

Amazon for several years has invited customers to skip one- or two-day delivery and to receive their orders on the same day in as few parcels as possible. Consolidating orders into fewer packages by electing to have them delivered at the same time cuts down on boxes, shipping envelopes and fuel use, analysts said.

"The millennials who came to age in an era that was on fast delivery came to expect it de facto, whereas ... Gen Z is more accepting of a slower speed than previous generations before them," said Darby Meegan, a general manager at Flexport, a supply chain and logistics company that fulfills orders for thousands of online merchants.

Still, Amazon executives have cited positive early results for Amazon Now in India, where they said Prime members tripled their requests for 30-minute deliveries once they started using the service.

Amazon Now also is attracting more repeat American customers, Tomay said.

"It's in early days and time will tell," she said. "I think that it will be interesting to see how it evolves."

© 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

DIGITAL LIFE

'News will find me' mindset makes people trust algorithms and online networks

One in three people believe they don't have to seek the news from traditional outlets like newspapers and television. Instead, they think the "news will find me" (NFM), relying on algorithms and social networks to get their information. A research team led by Penn State scholars recently found that these individuals often consider their online networks to be as trustworthy as professional editors and journalists.

This mindset may make people more vulnerable to believing and sharing misinformation, according to the researchers, who have published their findings in the journal Social Media & Society.

To understand news consumption behavior, the researchers designed an experiment that allowed them to observe how individuals with different levels of NFM engage with news. The researchers found users with higher NFM considered news recommended by algorithms or shared by others in their social network to be just as credible as news recommended by editors and reporters.

However, mid- and low-NFM individuals more critically evaluated news sources and placed higher value on stories from editors and reporters.

"The good news is that overall, professionals are still valued," said corresponding author S. Shyam Sundar, Evan Pugh University Professor and James P. Jimirro Professor of Media Effects at Penn State. "But people with this tendency to rely on news coming to them—which is becoming more and more people—are trusting algorithms and social media friends to be their news sources."

When readers grant algorithms and social networks the same authority as journalists, it's easy for bad actors to manipulate that digital space versus imitating a trusted news source, the researchers said.

"The underlying psychological mechanism was not parsed out in previous studies," said first author Mengqi Liao, assistant professor at the University of Georgia who completed her doctoral studies with Sundar at Penn State. "We did this experiment to understand and explain why respondents evaluate the recommended news the way they do."

The web-based experiment included 244 participants. Each user completed a pre-questionnaire that measured NFM level using a standardized survey scale. Then participants were randomly assigned to one of three simulated news feeds, which recommended content by a news editor, social media friends or an algorithm.

The content stayed the same across news feeds, only the source of the recommendation—algorithm, friends or editors—changed. This allowed the researchers to examine how each source prompted participants to rely on different heuristics: "mental shortcuts," or rules of thumb that people use to make quick judgments.

For example, when a news article is recommended by an editor, this activates the authority heuristic, prompting readers to trust the information because it comes from professional journalists.

When content is recommended by an algorithm, it triggers the machine heuristic. Articles recommended by social media friends activate the homophily heuristic, meaning people are more likely to trust information shared by individuals they see as similar to themselves.

"For some people, the algorithm now carries the same weight as a journalist," said co-author Homero Gil De Zúñiga, distinguished professor of media studies at Penn State. "We're seeing a flattening of authority so that algorithms and social media feeds are being trusted like professional journalism."

Sundar said the fact that this makes people with high NFM more vulnerable to misinformation and less informed overall is especially problematic with more people adopting an NFM approach to their news and information.

Liao added that it "would be a really big problem" if social media friends and algorithms recommended very biased or even false information.

"Subscriptions are going down; people are not actually seeking news," Sundar said. "Machine as a source is now becoming predominant, undermining the more traditional professional sources, and that's worrisome."

Sundar suggested possible strategies for combating the phenomenon, such as targeting high NFM people with customized media literacy interventions. These interventions could inform readers about where information originated, as well as the steps journalists took to uncover the information.

Trusting algorithms and online networks poses significant dangers, primarily because these systems are not neutral, objective, or transparent. They can amplify harmful biases, manipulate behavior through echo chambers, and facilitate the rapid spread of misinformation, ultimately threatening personal safety, social cohesion, and democratic processes.

1. Amplification of bias and discrimination:

-Biased training data: Algorithms are trained on historical data, which often contains societal prejudices. As a result, they can perpetuate, or even amplify, discrimination regarding race, gender, and socioeconomic status.

-Unfair Outcomes: Automated systems used in hiring, lending, or criminal justice can lead to unfair decisions, punishing or marginalizing individuals based on flawed, biased data.

-Facial Recognition Errors: Algorithms, particularly in facial recognition, have been shown to work less accurately for people of color, causing disproportionate issues for certain demographics.

2. Information manipulation and echo chambers:

-Filter Bubbles: Algorithms prioritize content that matches a user's previous preferences to maximize engagement. This restricts exposure to diverse perspectives, reinforcing existing beliefs and creating "echo chambers".

-Prioritizing Polarization: Platforms often highlight divisive or sensationalist content because it generates more engagement (clicks, views), which can radicalize users and increase social polarization.

-Spread of Misinformation: Algorithms can act as a catalyst for misinformation, promoting false or harmful content simply because it triggers high emotional reactions, which can destabilize democracies.

Provided by Pennsylvania State University

DIGITAL LIFE

CallPhantom: Fraudulent Android apps scam the curious

It sounds like a story straight out of a tech spy movie, but the damage is very real. Imagine you need to check a number's call log, or perhaps confirm a detail in a WhatsApp message history, and you find an app that promises to do exactly that in a simple way. The result? More than 7.3 million people fell into the CallPhantom trap, a sophisticated scheme that turned the Google Play Store into a veritable minefield for the wallets of less attentive users.

IT researchers from Eset have uncovered a malware campaign called “CallPhantom,” in which the masterminds behind the Android apps promise to provide call history for any number. Millions of users actually paid for this, only to receive fabricated data in the end.

In a post, the malware analysts write that the apps claim to be able to access and make available SMS histories and even WhatsApp call logs for any phone number. However, interested parties had to pay or subscribe for this. According to Eset, several million users of 28 such apps did just that. They were available for download on the Google Play Store, where they were downloaded and installed a total of around 7.3 million times. After being informed by the antivirus company, Google has now removed the apps.

The trigger was an app called “Call History of Any Number,” which had also published a list of alleged call history in its app store screenshots. These were also faked. An analysis by malware analysts revealed that the app generates random phone numbers, assigns them fixed names, times, and call durations from its source code. A payment was necessary to view the data.

The security company ESET recently exposed a network of 28 fraudulent applications that operated under a tempting premise: to give full access to call and SMS logs of any phone number. However, what these applications delivered was pure digital theater. Instead of accessing real databases or telecommunications networks, the code of these "apps" was programmed to generate names and numbers randomly.

To lend an air of plausibility to the scheme, the fraudsters included fixed names and predefined call durations in the source code, which were then randomly combined. The user saw a list that looked legitimate, but which was nothing more than a statistical combination of false data. The level of brazenness was such that the promotional screenshots in the Google Play Store even showed the fake code itself, trusting that the average user would not know how to interpret what they were seeing.

CallPhantom did not limit itself to displaying advertising; the main objective was to extort money directly. The applications required an upfront payment to release the supposed call “reports.” The situation became even more complicated because many of these titles managed to bypass Google's official billing system.

By using external payment methods — such as the UPI system, very popular in India, the main market for this attack — these applications prevented Google from processing automatic refunds after their removal. When the tech giant finally removed the 28 apps from the store, the money had already flown into accounts that were difficult to trace, leaving victims without the promised service and without their capital.

Psychological tactics to force subscription...The social engineering behind this group of apps was particularly aggressive. If a user installed the app and decided to leave without making the payment, the system would trigger a false alert. These notifications simulated the arrival of an urgent email, stating that the “requested call history was now available,” in an attempt to create a sense of urgency and curiosity that would lead the user to complete the financial transaction.

In addition, the criminals tried to disguise the common origin of the apps by using different designs and developer names. One of the most popular apps, for example, used the name “Indian gov.in” to convey a false sense of governmental authority, despite having no connection to official institutions.

How to identify these traps in the future...Although the applications have already been banned, this case serves as a warning about the importance of maintaining a critical spirit before clicking the install button. Here are some essential points to avoid becoming the next victim:

-Always read reviews carefully: In the case of CallPhantom, several users had already warned in the comments that the numbers were made up.

-Be wary of miraculous promises: Legally, no application is allowed to access the call history of third parties without explicit authorization or court orders.

-Check the payment method: If an application on the Play Store asks you to pay outside of the Google system, it is almost certainly a scam.

-Analyze the developer's name: Names that try to imitate official entities or that look like a random sequence of letters should be avoided.

The role of the App Defense Alliance in Android security...The discovery of these 28 applications was only possible thanks to the intervention of ESET, which is part of the App Defense Alliance. This partnership between Google and several cybersecurity companies serves as an extra layer of protection for the Android ecosystem, attempting to filter threats before they reach such massive installation numbers.

Despite these efforts, CallPhantom proved that, with a bit of appealing design and promises that play on human curiosity, scammers can still bypass Google's automatic filters. A word of warning: if a tool seems too powerful to be true or to be freely available in an official store, the most likely product is you—or, in this case, your bank account balance.

Eset researchers also provide a list of the 28 apps found and their hashes. The most popular was “Call history: any number deta” (calldetaila.ndcallhisto.rytogetan.ynumber) with over 3 million downloads, followed by Call History of Any Number (com.pixelxinnovation.manager) and Call Details of Any Number (com.app.call.detail.history), each with over a million downloads. Interested parties can use the list to check if they have installed the malware and then uninstall it.

Malware in smartphone app stores is not uncommon. Last August, for example, Zscaler's ThreatLabz found 77 malware apps with 19 million installations that delivered the Anatsa malware to phones. However, the “CallPhantom” campaign found now apparently contained no malware function; instead, the perpetrators simply exploited the victims' intrusive curiosity to trick them into making payments.

by mundophone

 

TECH

European minnows bid to challenge social media giants

A flurry of new schemes to launch Europe-based social networks faces a steep, rocky road to seduce users away from American and Asian giants in the sector.

Founders nevertheless see opportunity in the disillusionment and distrust of major platforms that have spiked alongside transatlantic tensions under Donald Trump's second presidency.

"We think the timing is perfect, in a context where relations between Europe and the US are still deteriorating," said Gregoire Vigroux, co-founder of Croatia-based network eYou.

"It's time for Europe to equip itself with its own social networks," he added.

Opening to users on Tuesday, eYou is one of a number of efforts on the old continent, including W—a would-be competitor to X announced in January—or Eurosky, a platform for accessing independent social networks launched last month.

Bulle (French for "bubble") also launched in January promising a "healthy social network" while Monnett—a hybrid of TikTok and Instagram—is set for full release in July.

"The rejection targeting the (American) platforms is still stronger today" than in the past, said Romain Badouard, a researcher at France's Inria computing institute specializing in social networks.

He suggested that a "conservative turn in Silicon Valley" had proved unpopular with European users seeing the likes of X owner Elon Musk or Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) chief Mark Zuckerberg cosying up to Trump.

'Enormous graveyard'...At W, "the idea is to bring back what was once Twitter in the good old days," said founder Anna Zeiter ahead of the Saturday launch. Some interest is apparent among investors and users in the new crop of networks.

In a second fundraising round, eYou garnered 300,000 euros ($353,000) in late 2025, while Monnett claims more than 65,000 users on the beta version of its app.

But such figures would be rounding errors to the giants of the sector, who count in hundreds of millions of users and billions in revenue.

The dominance of incumbent players has left little space for challenge beyond niche offerings like Mastodon or BeReal.

"The world of social networks is an enormous graveyard," eYou's Vigroux acknowledged, adding that "99% of European social networks launched in the last 10 years have fallen flat."

Badouard pointed to the so-called "network effect" that powered the snowballing of major platforms' user numbers as a factor now shielding them from competition.

For users on Instagram and TikTok, "all the people they know and the accounts they follow" are on the existing networks.

But the "technological maturity" of the latest wave of challengers could still count in their favor, he said.

"They're answering to a lot of the expectations users have," Badouard said.

Out of the algorithm?...There is a familiar litany of criticisms leveled at the big players, including sorting users into "filter bubbles," unevenly-enforced moderation and addictive design.

European would-be competitors see those as openings to vaunt their own virtues.

W promises to keep all but verified human users from posting, while eYou says it will "promote users sharing content considered trustworthy."

"It's really important for us that it's not an algorithm that determine what's on your screen, but yourself," said Christos Floros of Monnett, which is aiming to hit a million users this year.

Such commitments could steepen the path to profitability for the new arrivals, in a market where financial success is still largely determined by raking in advertising sales.

Zeiter said W would have "no crazy hyper-targeted advertising."

"Right now we are all trying out different business models and different approaches," she said.

"Maybe in one or two years we see what's most successful and then we can team up."

A new wave of European social media apps is emerging to challenge the dominance of American and Asian giants like Meta (Facebook/Instagram), TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). Driven by a desire for digital sovereignty and increased dissatisfaction with current platforms, these European alternatives aim to offer safer, more transparent, and privacy-focused digital spaces.

Key players and their approaches (As of Early 2026)

-W Social (W): Positioned as an alternative to X, this Swedish-backed platform intends to "bring back the good old days" of social media. It focuses on verified human users, strictly opposing bots, and is launching in 2026 to fight disinformation.

-eYou: A Croatia-based network aiming to foster trustworthy content sharing.

-Monnett: A Luxembourg-based photo and video-sharing app launched in 2025, described as an Instagram alternative. It distinguishes itself by offering a chronological feed rather than algorithm-driven content and has gained over 65,000 users in its beta phase.

-Eurosky: More of an infrastructure than a single app, this initiative seeks to store user data natively in Europe, offering a foundation for sovereign social media.

-BeReal: A French-born photo-sharing app that pioneered the trend toward "unfiltered" daily content, growing significantly in popularity.

Why now? Drivers for a European wave:

-Disillusionment with giants: Growing fatigue over "filter bubbles," poor content moderation, and addictive design on US platforms.

-Data sovereignty & privacy: High distrust of US/Chinese companies (eight in ten Europeans) regarding personal data, leading to a preference for apps compliant with GDPR and hosted in Europe.

-Political timing: Increased "transatlantic tensions" are fueling the push for local alternatives.

-Legislative support: The EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA) are actively restricting the power of big tech, creating a more regulated environment for new entrants.

The uphill battle...Despite the optimism, these newcomers face a steep, "rocky road." The social media market is described as a "graveyard," where 99% of European startups have failed over the past decade.

-Scale problem: While European apps count users in the thousands, incumbents (like Facebook) have hundreds of millions in Europe, with 83.64% market share reported in 2026.

-Migration difficulty: Users are reluctant to leave established networks, as seen with the limited success of Mastodon and Bluesky in competing with X.

-Profitability: The new apps, which often rely on subscriptions or premium models (e.g., Monnett) rather than intensive ad-targeting, face challenges in competing with the immense ad revenues of Silicon Valley giants.

mundophone

 

STREAMING

Dexter: Resurrection season-What we know about the return

If you thought the dark passenger of television's most beloved serial killer had finally found his rest, you were completely wrong. Dexter: Resurrection proved to be the electric shock the franchise needed, and after a first season that kept fans glued to the screen, Paramount+ has already given the green light for a continuation. Production officially began in April 2026, and this time, the concrete jungle of New York is preparing to welcome new predators who promise to push Dexter Morgan and his son, Harrison, to the absolute limit.

Although Paramount+ hasn't yet stamped a specific date on the calendar for the premiere of the second season, the news coming from behind the scenes is very encouraging. Michael C. Hall himself used social media in April to confirm that the team is already in the field filming: “It’s happening. We have new guests and others returning, and we’re planning another mind-blowing ride,” the actor revealed.

Looking at the series' history, the first season took about six months to film and reached the public just one month after filming wrapped. Following this production logic, it's very likely that you'll be able to see the premiere of Dexter: Resurrection season 2 at the end of 2026. For now, it's still too early for an official trailer, as filming is still in its early stages, but details about who's joining the cast are already causing a stir.

The big bombshell of this season is, without a doubt, the confirmation of Brian Cox (the eternal Logan Roy from Succession) as a regular on the show. He will play Don Frampt, better known as the "New York Ripper." He's a legendary killer who terrorized the city decades ago and, although no longer active, finds pleasure in tormenting the survivors of his crimes.

Actor Desmond Harrington, who originally played Joey Quinn in the original “Dexter” series and appeared in two episodes of “Resurrection,” has been promoted to join the regular cast for the show’s second season.

A synopsis for the second season was also recently revealed: In Dexter: Resurrection, Dexter Morgan will be connected to two killers, one of whom is familiar to the audience and the other who is terrorizing New York in unexpected ways. At the same time, Dexter faces his most feared adversary: ​​a midlife crisis. Meanwhile, the character Harrison Morgan, played by Jack Alcott, continues his own quest for justice.

Other actors already confirmed to return to the series alongside Michael C. Hall will be: Uma Thurman as Charley, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Blessing Kamara, Kadia Saraf will take on the role of Detective Claudette Wallace, Dominic Fumusa will play Detective Melvin Oliva, and James Remar will be Harry Morgan, Dexter’s father. Bokeem Woodbine and Nona Parker Johnson will also be part of the regular cast.

In addition, it was previously announced that actor Brian Cox would be present in the second season, clarifying important questions left open in the first season. Cox will play Don Frampt, the "New York Ripper," a serial killer who terrorized the city years ago. Although no longer active, he has discovered a new way to preserve his fame, provoking the survivors of his past crimes.

Dan Stevens was also announced as the second major villain of the season. He will play Owen Stark, a killer similar to the Zodiac Killer, who challenges the police with phone calls threatening to kill innocents, and not only that, but also carrying out his threats, spreading terror throughout the city.

But one villain is never enough in Dexter's world. Dan Stevens also joins the party as Owen Stark, the "Five District Killer." Your character is described as someone inspired by the infamous Zodiac, who enjoys taunting the police with phone calls before committing heinous acts. Here are the key points you need to know about this new phase:

-Production started: Filming officially began in April 2026.

-New villains: Brian Cox and Dan Stevens are the big additions as rival assassins.

-Main cast: Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jack Alcott (Harrison), and James Remar (Harry) are confirmed.

-Official synopsis: Dexter will face two new assassins while dealing with an unexpected midlife crisis.

-Future of the series: The creators already have detailed plans for at least a third season.

What the story holds for Dexter and Harrison...The official synopsis released by Paramount+ suggests that this will be the darkest chapter in the father-son relationship. Dexter Morgan now finds himself in a complex scenario, caught between his need for vigilante justice and a midlife crisis that threatens his usual precision. Meanwhile, Harrison continues his own quest for justice, trying to balance his dark side with the introduction of a new love interest, Fiona Mixon (played by Nona Parker Johnson).

Fiona is a trainee officer in the homicide unit and the daughter of Captain Mixon (Bokeem Woodbine), which puts Harrison—and consequently Dexter—dangerously close to the law's crosshairs. Uma Thurman's return as Charley also suggests that the escape from New York at the end of last season wasn't as definitive as it seemed.

Is there life beyond season two? Although we are currently focused on the episodes being filmed, creators Scott Reynolds and Clyde Phillips don't hide their ambition to go further. In recent interviews, they revealed that they presented Paramount+ with a structured plan for three seasons. "We already know what the arc for season 3 is and we even know who we would like to cast," stated Clyde Phillips.

Everything will depend, of course, on the audience's reception of this second year. With killers of Brian Cox's caliber on Dexter's trail and police pressure mounting at every turn, all the ingredients for a resounding success are there. If you enjoy a good psychological thriller with a generous dose of blood and moral dilemmas, the end of 2026 promises to be unforgettable. Now all that's left is for you to stay tuned for updates and get ready for the return of your favorite killer.

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TECH

Sunlitt: Follow the path of the sun and shadows anywhere in the world

Whether for photography, architecture, or planning a leisurely afternoon, Sunlitt uses augmented reality to predict the sun's position and shadow projection on any date and location.

Understanding the sun's path and how shadows are projected is essential for various activities, from planning an architectural project to choosing the ideal setting for photography. Sunlitt simplifies this task through an elegant and intuitive interface, allowing you to track the sun's path in real time or predict its exact position on any date and geographical location, even without internet access.

The great advantage of this application lies in the effective use of Augmented Reality. By pointing the iPhone at the sky, the user visualizes the solar trail projected onto the real image, making it easier to choose the perfect moment to capture an image or to check the solar exposure of an object. The shadow map is another powerful tool, which helps predict how light interacts with buildings and other obstacles throughout the day.

For photography and video enthusiasts, Sunlitt serves as a valuable assistant, offering accurate data on so-called "magic hours," such as the "golden hour" and the "blue hour" (both around sunrise and sunset). Furthermore, the app seamlessly integrates with the Apple ecosystem, providing detailed widgets for the lock screen and Apple Watch.

Recognized for its excellence in design and user experience, Sunlitt works entirely offline, making it ideal for explorers in remote areas. The app is available for free on the App Store, with an optional Pro version that unlocks advanced features such as integrated weather forecasts and detailed astronomical events.

Augmented Reality (AR)...With Sunlitt’s AR mode, you can see how sunlight moves through your actual surroundings. Walk around and visualize where the sun will rise, how it will travel across the sky, and where shadows will fall — not just today, but for any date or season.

It’s ideal for checking natural light through windows, planning shade in your garden, or scouting outdoor shots — all from your iPhone or iPad. 

Shadow Map...Visualize how shadows move through space, hour by hour and season by season. With Sunlitt’s Shadow Map, you can see how buildings, streets, and city blocks cast shadows at any time and date.

It’s ideal for planning natural light in dense urban areas — whether you’re designing a space, photographing architecture, or just checking when your balcony gets sun.

Landform Shadows...With Sunlitt’s new Landform Shadows, you can explore how natural terrain — like mountains, hills, and valleys — affects light and shade across the day and through the seasons.

It’s a powerful tool for architects working in complex environments, filmmakers scouting outdoor locations, or anyone planning with sunlight in real-world landscapes.

Solar info, even offline...Sunlitt provides accurate, location-based timings for major solar events, including sunrise, sunset, golden hour, blue hour, first light, and last light.

Most features, including solar event timings, work even without an internet connection—so you can plan sun paths, check shadows, and view sun event times anywhere, even off-grid.

Widgets, Live Activities & more...Stay in sync with the sun — without even opening the app.

Sunlitt puts the sun’s key moments where you need them: on your Lock Screen, Home Screen, and wrist.

Moreover, you can track golden hour and blue hour as they happen with Live Activity. Or check your Apple Watch for sun position and key sun events — quick, clear, and always in sync.

Sunlitt is a popular solar tracking app, used by over 200,000 people, that helps photographers, architects, and enthusiasts visualize the sun's position and project shadows in real time using Augmented Reality (AR). Available for Apple devices, it maps the sun's path, golden hours, and shadows for any location and date.

Key features of Sunlitt:

Augmented Reality (AR): Overlays the sun's path and shadows onto the camera view, useful even on cloudy days.

Shadow Prediction: Allows you to plan photo shoots or events by anticipating the exact position of shadows.

Solar Events: Provides accurate times for sunrise, sunset, golden hour, blue hour, and twilight.

3D Exploration: Includes a 3D sun dial and maps (satellite, relief) to track the sun's movement throughout the year.

Apple Devices: Available for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.

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