The U.S. Women’s Open is set to claim a pivotal place in women’s golf, rivaling prestigious events like the Masters. This year’s championship will feature extensive broadcast coverage from NBC, providing eight hours of programming over the weekend—the most for any women’s golf event. In a groundbreaking development, the event will include the Emmy-winning Drone Tracer technology, which enhances viewer experience by providing dynamic and engaging shot visuals. This innovative tech, previously used in men’s golf, will be utilized for the first time in a women’s event, coinciding with the rich landscape of Erin Hills. Fans can tune in for expanded coverage on Peacock and USA Network.

By the Numbers

• Eight hours of broadcast coverage from NBC for the U.S. Women’s Open.
• The Drone Tracer will be used for the first time in women’s golf.

State of Play

• The U.S. Women’s Open aims to draw a larger audience with unprecedented network hours of coverage.
• The event will be held at the expansive Erin Hills course, enhancing the new technology’s impact.

What’s Next

As the U.S. Women’s Open unfolds, increased technological innovations in broadcasting may cater to a growing fanbase, potentially influencing future women’s events. The success of the Drone Tracer could lead to its widespread adoption in subsequent tournaments.

Bottom Line

The introduction of advanced broadcast technology in the U.S. Women’s Open epitomizes a significant evolution for women’s golf, aiming to elevate the sport’s visibility and engagement with fans.

How do you save an ailing publicly traded company in 2025? One answer, and an increasingly popular one at that, is: pivot to crypto—or more specifically, become a crypto treasury company.

The previously unknown online gambling marketer SharpLink Gaming did just that earlier this week, when it announced it had raised $425 million in investment to establish an Ethereum treasury. It was a notable departure from the more common route of building a Bitcoin treasury, with Ethereum being the second largest and most liquid crypto asset on the market next to Bitcoin. As part of the raise, Consensys CEO and Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin joined SharpLink’s board of directors. (Disclosure: Consensys is one of 22 investors in an editorially independent Decrypt.)

Before going all in on Ethereum, SharpLink had a market capitalization of around $2 million, trading for just over $2 per share and was just weeks ago dangerously close to being delisted from the Nasdaq for falling below the $1 per share minimum. On Tuesday, everything changed: The company’s stock jumped 420% to $35 per share, with a market cap above $23 million.

It’s a strategy reminiscent of, well, Strategy. Michael Saylor’s company, formerly known as MicroStrategy, laid down the blueprint for how this works: you buy up a bunch of Bitcoin (or, in Sharplink’s case, Ethereum), and your stock functions as a proxy bet on the crypto asset. Shares in a crypto treasury company will often trade at a premium to the digital assets because, for the average investor, it’s much easier to buy stock than fiddle around with crypto directly.

Before being worth $101.76 billion and amassing a Bitcoin treasure chest worth over $60 billion, MicroStrategy was floundering at a double-digit share price as a fairly average business intelligence software solutions company. MicroStrategy then bought $425 million in Bitcoin in the fall of 2020. The same amount in Ethereum that SharpLink plans to buy. Back in 2020, MicroStrategy came out of nowhere. Just like SharpLink did Tuesday.

So what is SharpLink, and where did it come from?

What is SharpLink Gaming?

SharpLink was co-founded in 2019 by now-CEO Rob Phythian and former COO Chris Nicholas, who left the company in 2024. Tori Roberts joined the team in 2021 as vice president, in charge of affiliate marketing with Robert DeLucia following in 2022 as chief financial officer.

According to the official SharpLink site, there are also three independent directors in Leslie Bernhard, Robert Gutkowski, and Obie McKenzie that make up the board of directors, chaired by Phythian himself. 

Bernhard has previously served as a director and chairman in multiple Nasdaq-listed companies, Gutkowski helped seal a $486 million cable distribution deal, and McKenzie was a managing director at BlackRock. So, it appears at least, the directors are a capable bunch.

Put simply, SharpLink Gaming uses technology to help match sports betting companies with fans. According to its LinkedIn page, the company now uses an AI tool that collects and analyzes behavioral insights on users, pushes relevant betting content onto those users, and converts them into paying customers.

Trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SBET, it currently sits at a market cap of $55 million trading at nearly $80 per share, already doubling its price since Tuesday, according to data on Trading View. If you bought SBET stock five years ago, though, you’re still down around 67%.

The company’s revenues declined 26.1% from 2023 to 2024, last year’s financial report showed, with cash on hand decreasing by 42.2% to $1.43 million. That said, it saw a positive net income of $10 million, a notable rise from a net loss of $14.2 million.

In 2024, SharpLink Gaming sold two of its businesses for $22.5 million, used most of these proceeds to write off outstanding debts, and completed a domestic merger that changed the company from an Israeli LLC to a Delaware corporation, according to a company release.

In July 2024, the board of directors started a formal review process to “evaluate strategic alternatives” that would “drive growth and create and maximize value” for stockholders. It appears that in this process, the board of directors started to consider cryptocurrency more seriously. 

In February 2025, the company announced that it acquired a 10% equity stake in Armchair Enterprises Limited, a company that owns CryptoCasino.com, as part of a strategy to become the “first Nasdaq-listed company focused on crypto gaming.”

“We carefully evaluated more than two dozen compelling opportunities,” SharpLink CEO Phythian said in a release, referencing the board’s review process. “And [we] determined that the combination of market expansion, cost efficiency, security and player demand makes crypto gaming one of the most promising growth opportunities in the online gaming industry today.”

But this initial crypto pivot wasn’t enough to prevent the price of SBET stock from dropping 60.8%, from $5.75 to $2.26, over the next two and a half months. 

During this period, SharpLink announced a reverse stock split to stay above Nasdaq’s stock price minimum requirement of $1. And then a $4.5 million public stock offering in order to regain  “compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum requirement for total stockholders’ equity.” 

Things were existential for SharpLink. But that was before the Ethereum treasury strategy led its stock price to surge 420% on Tuesday to $35 a share—and now more than doubling that.

Who is the SharpLink CEO?

Rob Phythian co-founded SharpLink and today serves as its CEO and chairman of the board of directors. And now he’s the Ethereum Michael Saylor.

Pythian founded SharpLink after he spent almost nine and a half years as CEO of SportsHub Technologies, a company that created games and apps for sports gaming sites. Prior to that, he’d also co-founded SportsData LLC, a sports experience creator, and served as its CEO and president.

During his time at SportsHub, he was named by a local business publication as one of the top 100 people to know in Minnesota. Phythian was hailed a pioneer and a “sports tech godfather.”

One former business partner told Decrypt that he has great respect for Pythian.

“I worked with Rob maybe 10 or 15 years ago on [an unnamed] skill gaming venture,” Matthew Warneford, CEO of Roblox game creator Dubit, told Decrypt. “Rob’s a great guy, very smart, and good to work with. Have nothing but positive things to say.”

By 2023, now CEO of SharpLink, Phythian and his company started to embrace artificial intelligence. In a guest blog post for Sportico, he outlined a future where AI could help personalize the sport fan experience, while also batting away concerns that AI outputs are too generic as he believed that the tide was turning.

A year later, it was clear that the company needed a new direction, and Pythian led the company through its shift to crypto gaming. 

And now he’s leading SharpLink into its next phase as the Microstrategy of Ethereum. The question now is: Will it work?

If Phythian follows Saylor’s playbook, then the next step will be to sell shares, or debt against those shares, to buy more Ethereum. Then rise and repeat. That likely bodes well for ETH—and perhaps even SBET shareholders. But what it means for SharpLink as a business is an open question. It’s a gamble, but one that so far appears to be paying off.

KhiladiPro (KPro), the Bengaluru-based Visual AI sports tech startup, has raised USD 1 million in a funding round led by Shastra VC and MGA Ventures.

The round also saw participation from notable investors including M Pallonji, Jeena & Co., Ayaz Billawala, Nimesh Kampani, and Jaimin Bhat, former CFO of Kotak Bank.

The capital infusion will be used to scale KPro’s proprietary AI technology, expand its domestic footprint, and strengthen support systems for young athletes across India.

Founded in August 2023 by Utkarsh Yadav, KPro is on a mission to democratise athletic talent discovery and youth fitness development using cutting-edge Visual AI. “This funding validates our mission to make world-class sports science and coaching accessible to every child in India on their smartphones, regardless of geography or background,” said Yadav. “We’re empowering current and future generations of khiladis to chase their sporting dreams.”

KPro’s offerings include AI-driven sports ability tests for cricket and badminton, the Khiladi Ability Index (KAI)—India’s first AI benchmark for youth fitness—KPro Olympiad for schools, and Khiladi Klub for high-potential youth. These tools allow mobile-based, standardised assessments that generate expert-level insights and personalized video feedback. Built on global fitness frameworks like Fundamental Motor Skills (FMS) and Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD), KPro enables early talent identification and structured athletic growth.

With over 56 proprietary AI models developed in-house and collaborations with major sports associations such as Karnataka Badminton Association and the Handball Association of India, KPro aims to conduct 200,000 assessments by 2025. Its inclusive 6-pincode marketing strategy targets outreach in India’s underserved Tier III and IV towns, aligning closely with national initiatives like Khelo India and the 2036 Olympic vision.

Investor Jay Desai of MGA Ventures highlighted, “KhiladiPro represents the rare confluence of deep-tech innovation and social impact. It’s one of the most exciting early-stage ventures in India’s sports-tech space.”

Now poised for international expansion to Australia and the UAE, KPro is not just redefining youth fitness—it’s laying the foundation for India’s Olympic future through technology, inclusion, and purpose-driven innovation.

Nature Sports Market

According to Market Research Intellect, the global Nature Sports market under the Internet, Communication and Technology category is expected to register notable growth from 2025 to 2032. Key drivers such as advancing technologies, changing consumer behavior, and evolving market dynamics are poised to shape the trajectory of this market throughout the forecast period.

The market for nature sports is expanding steadily due to growing interest in outdoor recreation and growing consciousness of wellbeing and health. As people look for active, outdoor experiences, sports like hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and trail running have become more and more popular. Growing eco-friendly and adventure travel-focused tourism is also helping the sector. There is a high demand for equipment, clothing, and guided experiences as more people resort to wilderness sports for mental and physical renewal as urbanization increases. Furthermore, social media has increased awareness of outdoor lifestyles and prompted younger populations to participate. The environment sports market is poised for sustained growth on a global scale due to growing government funding for sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation infrastructure.

The market for nature sports is expanding due to a number of important considerations. The growing consumer emphasis on outdoor fitness and healthy lifestyles is a significant motivator, encouraging people to partake in physical activities that provide both adventure and wellness advantages. In the post-pandemic period, nature sports are especially enticing since they offer a means of escaping the stress of city life while also fostering mental health. The growth of outdoor sports destinations and adventure packages has been further stimulated by the increasing popularity of eco-tourism and sustainable travel. Nature activities are now more accessible and pleasurable because to technological developments in sports equipment, such as GPS-enabled tracking devices and lightweight, weatherproof clothing. Access and safety are also being improved by public and private investments in national parks, trail networks, and outdoor recreation facilities. Another motivator is the impact of social media and outdoor lifestyle branding, which encourages a younger audience to accept nature-based sports as a component of their identity and recreational pursuits.

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Global Nature Sports Market Driver – Rising Technological Advancements and Innovation

The global Nature Sports market is being significantly propelled by rapid technological advancements and continuous innovation across product lines. As industries increasingly demand higher efficiency, better performance, and more environmentally sustainable solutions, manufacturers are investing heavily in R&D. These innovations lead to enhanced functionalities, cost efficiencies, and better integration with smart systems or digital platforms. For instance, the integration of IoT, AI, or automation capabilities in Nature Sports systems enhances their appeal across sectors such as healthcare, automotive, and energy. Furthermore, companies that offer customizable and scalable solutions are gaining a competitive edge, as they cater to niche requirements while ensuring operational efficiency. This technological momentum not only fuels product adoption in established economies but also accelerates penetration into emerging markets where infrastructure and industrial needs are evolving rapidly. Consequently, technological progress remains a critical pillar supporting market expansion globally.

Global Nature Sports Market Restraint – High Initial Investment and Operational Costs

One of the primary constraints impacting the growth of the global Nature Sports market is the high upfront capital required for deployment, installation, and maintenance. For many small and medium enterprises, the cost barrier significantly limits access to advanced Nature Sports solutions. Additionally, operational costs-especially in cases where energy consumption, skilled labor, or regular maintenance is involved-can further burden organizations seeking to upgrade or modernize their systems. This issue is more pronounced in developing regions, where budget allocations for technological upgrades are limited. Even when long-term benefits such as efficiency gains and regulatory compliance are evident, the steep initial expenditure can delay investment decisions. Moreover, fluctuations in raw material prices and logistical costs add another layer of financial pressure, especially in the post-pandemic economic recovery phase. These financial constraints collectively dampen adoption rates and restrict the scalability of the Nature Sports market in cost-sensitive segments.

Global Nature Sports Market Opportunity – Expansion in Emerging Economies

Emerging economies present a significant growth opportunity for the global Nature Sports market due to rising industrialization, urbanization, and increasing government support for modernization initiatives. Countries across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are witnessing infrastructure development and a growing focus on energy efficiency, healthcare improvements, and technological adoption. These factors create a conducive environment for Nature Sports solution providers to expand their market reach. Moreover, the increasing availability of affordable financing options, growing public-private partnerships, and awareness campaigns are driving adoption across sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and utilities. As these regions continue to build capacity and improve digital connectivity, the demand for reliable, scalable, and sustainable Nature Sports systems is likely to surge. Companies that localize their offerings and create region-specific strategies-such as cost-effective product variants or training and support-can tap into these fast-growing markets and build a strong competitive presence.

Global Nature Sports Market Trend – Integration of Sustainability and Green Technologies

A prominent trend shaping the global Nature Sports market is the increasing emphasis on sustainability and the integration of green technologies. Governments and industries alike are setting aggressive targets for carbon neutrality and environmental responsibility, prompting manufacturers to align their products and operations with eco-friendly standards. This includes the use of recyclable materials, energy-efficient components, and low-emission manufacturing processes in Nature Sports production. Furthermore, end-users are showing a clear preference for solutions that contribute to environmental goals without compromising on performance. Certifications and compliance with international sustainability standards also enhance marketability and foster customer trust. In sectors such as construction, energy, and transportation, the incorporation of green design principles in Nature Sports products can even offer tax benefits or subsidies. As environmental consciousness continues to grow among stakeholders, this trend is expected to drive innovation and create a competitive edge for companies investing in sustainable development within the Nature Sports market.

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The Following Key Segments Are Covered in Our Report

Global Nature Sports Market by Type

Spectator Sports

Participatory Sports

Global Nature Sports Market by Application

Tickets

Media Rights

Sponsorship

Others

Major Companies Operating in the Nature Sports Market

Spark Nature Sports, Touch to Nature Adventure, Hardacho, Trere lnnovation, Sport Nature Dordogne, NATURE’S PANTRY, Get Set Sports Company

Geographic Insights: Nature Sports Market by Region

The Nature Sports market exhibits significant regional variations, driven by economic conditions, technological advancements, and industry-specific demand. North America remains a dominant force, supported by strong investments in research and development, a well-established industrial base, and increasing adoption of advanced solutions. The presence of key market players further enhances regional growth.Europe follows closely, benefiting from stringent regulations, sustainability initiatives, and a focus on innovation. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK are major contributors due to their robust industrial frameworks and technological expertise.Asia-Pacific is witnessing the fastest growth, fueled by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing consumer demand. China, Japan, and India play a crucial role in market expansion, with government initiatives and foreign investments accelerating development.Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are emerging markets with growing potential, driven by infrastructure development and expanding industrial sectors. However, challenges such as economic instability and regulatory barriers may impact growth trajectories.

Key Questions Answered in the Nature Sports Market Report (2025-2032)

1. What is the projected growth rate of the Nature Sports market from 2025 to 2032?

The Nature Sports market is expected to experience steady growth from 2025 to 2032, driven by technological advancements, increasing consumer demand, and expanding industry applications. The market is projected to witness a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR), supported by rising investments in research and development. Additionally, factors such as digital transformation, automation, and regulatory support will further boost market expansion across various regions.

2. What are the key drivers fueling the growth of the Nature Sports market?

Several factors are contributing to the growth of the Nature Sports market. The increasing adoption of advanced technologies, a rise in industry-specific applications, and growing consumer awareness are some of the primary drivers. Additionally, government initiatives and favorable regulations are encouraging market expansion. Sustainability trends, digitalization, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are also playing a vital role in accelerating market development.

3. Which region is expected to dominate the Nature Sports market by 2032?

The Nature Sports market is witnessing regional variations in growth, with North America and Asia-Pacific emerging as dominant regions. North America benefits from a well-established industrial infrastructure, extensive research and development activities, and the presence of leading market players. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific, particularly China, Japan, and India, is experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization, driving increased adoption of Nature Sports solutions. Europe also holds a significant market share, particularly in sectors focused on sustainability and regulatory compliance. Emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are showing potential but may face challenges such as economic instability and regulatory constraints.

4. What challenges are currently impacting the Nature Sports market?

Despite promising growth, the Nature Sports market faces several challenges. High initial investments, regulatory hurdles, and supply chain disruptions are some of the primary obstacles. Additionally, market saturation in certain regions and intense competition among key players may lead to pricing pressures. Companies must focus on innovation, cost efficiency, and strategic partnerships to navigate these challenges successfully. Geopolitical factors, economic fluctuations, and trade restrictions can also impact market stability and growth prospects.

5. Who are the key players in the Nature Sports market?

The Nature Sports market is highly competitive, with several leading global and regional players striving for market dominance. Major companies are investing in research and development to introduce innovative solutions and expand their market presence. Key players are also engaging in mergers, acquisitions, and strategic collaborations to strengthen their positions. Emerging startups are bringing disruptive innovations, further intensifying market competition. Companies that prioritize sustainability, digital transformation, and customer-centric solutions are expected to gain a competitive edge in the industry.

6. How is technology shaping the future of the Nature Sports market?

Technology plays a pivotal role in the evolution of the Nature Sports market. The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, automation, and IoT is transforming industry operations, improving efficiency, and enhancing product offerings. Digitalization is streamlining supply chains, optimizing resource utilization, and enabling predictive maintenance strategies. Companies investing in cutting-edge technologies are likely to gain a competitive advantage, improve customer experience, and drive market expansion.

7. What impact does sustainability have on the Nature Sports market?

Sustainability is becoming a key focus area for companies operating in the Nature Sports market. With increasing environmental concerns and stringent regulatory policies, businesses are prioritizing eco-friendly solutions, energy efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing processes. The shift toward circular economy models, renewable energy sources, and waste reduction strategies is influencing market trends. Companies that adopt sustainable practices are likely to enhance their brand reputation, attract environmentally conscious consumers, and comply with global regulatory standards.

8. What are the emerging trends in the Nature Sports market from 2025 to 2032?

Several emerging trends are expected to shape the Nature Sports market during the forecast period. The rise of personalization, customization, and user-centric innovations is driving product development. Additionally, advancements in 5G technology, cloud computing, and blockchain are influencing market dynamics. The growing emphasis on remote operations, automation, and smart solutions is reshaping industry landscapes. Furthermore, increased investments in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and advanced materials are opening new opportunities for market growth.

9. How will economic conditions affect the Nature Sports market?

Economic fluctuations, inflation rates, and geopolitical tensions can impact the Nature Sports market’s growth trajectory. The availability of raw materials, supply chain stability, and changes in consumer spending patterns may influence market demand. However, industries that prioritize innovation, agility, and strategic planning are better positioned to withstand economic uncertainties. Diversification of revenue streams, expansion into emerging markets, and adaptation to changing economic conditions will be key strategies for market sustainability.

10. Why should businesses invest in the Nature Sports market from 2025 to 2032?

Investing in the Nature Sports market presents numerous opportunities for businesses. The industry is poised for substantial growth, with advancements in technology, evolving consumer preferences, and increasing regulatory support driving demand. Companies that embrace innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability can gain a competitive advantage. Additionally, expanding into emerging markets, forming strategic alliances, and focusing on customer-centric solutions will be crucial for long-term success. As the market evolves, businesses that stay ahead of industry trends and invest in R&D will benefit from sustained growth and profitability.

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Market Research Intellect: Company Overview

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Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance using industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 25,000 high-impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise, and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research.

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Nine months ago, a federal judge ruled that Google has an illegal monopoly in the search engine market. Today, the tech giant is back in court for closing arguments in the final phase of this trial. The judge will be left to decide how the company should be punished, concluding the biggest tech antitrust case in 25 years.

During what’s called the “remedies” phase of the trial, which began April 21, lawyers for Google and the Justice Department presented very different options for how they hope U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta will rule that the roughly $2-trillion-dollar company should atone for its monopoly. And the two sides remain far apart.

Closing arguments, which are expected to last all day Friday at the E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse in Washington, D.C., give the two sides a final chance to argue their ideas to Mehta. The DOJ has urged the court to slap Google with aggressive remedies including forcing the sale of its incredibly popular Chrome browser and making the company license some of its core search technology.

The tech company has strongly objected to these remedies. Google maintains the DOJ’s proposals are out of line with legal precedent and have suggested much lighter alternatives, saying that they will stop making exclusive agreements with device makers to ensure Google is their default search engine, and that they will establish an oversight committee to check the company’s actions.

Here’s what to know about the trial so far.

Drew Angerer / Getty Images North America

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Getty Images North America

What is this case about?

The DOJ filed its case against Google in 2020, focusing on the company’s contracts with device makers like Apple and Samsung that require Google to be the default search engine on new phones. The agency argued this unfairly boxed out competitors.

Now, the DOJ wants Google to be barred from making these exclusive deals.

“Unless Google’s vast payments are eliminated, Google will likely win each search distribution opportunity, given the tremendous advantages it has accrued from over 10 years of monopoly maintenance,” lawyers for the DOJ wrote in court filings ahead of closing arguments.

And while the company has agreed to roll back those agreements, the DOJ’s proposals go much further. The DOJ is also asking the judge to order Google to sell off its Chrome browser and the open source Chromium project. The government argues that Google’s control of Chrome, the world’s most popular browser, drives traffic to its search engine and revenue to the company — which the DOJ calls an unfair advantage. The sale of Chrome, the DOJ argues, will even the playing field for competitors.

And although the government’s case originally focused on search, it now encompasses artificial intelligence. Lawyers for the DOJ want to prevent Google from establishing similar exclusive distribution agreements for its AI programs and apps, such as its Gemini chatbot.

The DOJ says Google could use its artificial intelligence products to strengthen its monopoly in online search — and to use the data from its powerful search index to become the dominant player in AI. Google’s search index is essentially an enormous database of information from billions of webpages.

In particular, the DOJ is focusing on the future of generative AI, or GenAI, which can be used to create text or images based on a user’s prompts.

“We are at an inflection point,” the DOJ wrote in court documents. “Now GenAI offers the possibility of the next digital frontier, if given the opportunity and time to emerge. It is thus critical to extend remedies to GenAI to allow this new technology to rise or fall outside the shadow of Google’s search monopoly.”

The DOJ argues that making Google share its index as well as search data — like users’ search queries, clicks and results — with AI developers who want to license it will create fair competition.

The DOJ called Nick Turley, OpenAI’s head of product for ChatGPT, to testify in April. He said that his company would love to have access to Google’s search index and data to strengthen their popular large language model.

Turley also testified that OpenAI had previously tried to make a deal with Google to gain access to their search data, but Google declined, seeing them as a direct competitor.

What is Google expected to argue?

Google has argued that these remedies are too severe, calling them “unprecedented” and saying they would hurt consumers, the economy and tech innovation.

In April, Google CEO Sundar Pichai testified that forcing the company to share its search data would be a “de facto divestiture” of its search engine, representing decades of investment and work.

Google’s lawyers have repeatedly argued that the company does not monopolize the AI market, because there are a host of AI companies with chatbots — some of which are outperforming Gemini.

And they have emphasized the cybersecurity and data security risks posed by spinning off Chrome and sharing search information.

Spinning off Chrome would break it, rendering it “insecure and obsolete” and a “shadow of the current Chrome,” Parisa Tabriz, vice president of engineering and general manager for Chrome, said in court.

And Google has long argued that it can’t vouch for the security of search data once it’s shared with other companies.

“DOJ’s proposal would force Google to share your most sensitive and private search queries with companies you may never have heard of, jeopardizing your privacy and security,” Lee-Anne Mulholland, the company’s vice president of regulatory affairs, wrote in an April blog post. “Your private information would be exposed, without your permission, to companies that lack Google’s world-class security protections, where it could be exploited by bad actors.”

What comes after closing arguments?

Several months of waiting.

Mehta has indicated he expects to issue a decision in August.

After a decision comes down, Google is expected to file a request for a stay of the remedies. If granted, the company won’t have to immediately follow through with any of the penalties Mehta decides to levy.

CAMILLE COHEN / AFP via Getty Images

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AFP via Getty Images

After that, Google officials have said they will file an appeal of Mehta’s 2024 finding that the company violated antitrust laws.

But that doesn’t mean the tech giant is safe from further government scrutiny.

Last week, Bloomberg reported that the Justice Department is investigating whether Google broke antitrust law in a deal with chatbot maker Character.AI. And in April, a federal judge found that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online advertising technology.

Copyright 2025 NPR

Fitness technologies have forever changed the world of sports and training, opening up opportunities that just a few years ago could only be dreamed of. Today, with the help of modern gadgets and advanced analytical programmes, athletes and coaches gain access to incredibly precise and personalised data. How exactly have technologies transformed the approach to training, why is it now impossible to imagine sports without them, and what innovations await us in the near future – read all about this in our article.

Why will sport never be the same again?

Modern sport has fundamentally changed, becoming much more technological and personalised. Not long ago, comfortable clothing and good motivation were enough for training, but today fitness gadgets and digital tools have become deeply integrated into the training process. Gadgets track everything — from heart rate and calories to sleep quality and movement efficiency. For gamblers and bettors, this opens up entirely new opportunities: the ability to use data on athletes’ physical condition when placing bets on sports.

Smart gadgets: personal control over workouts

The use of smart gadgets is radically changing athletes’ approach to training and sports in general. Now, anyone involved in sports — whether professionally or just for themselves — can monitor important indicators of their body in real time. Such devices help to structure training programmes more accurately, avoiding overtraining and reducing the risk of injuries.

Fitness bracelets and smartwatches

Fitness bracelets and smartwatches are the most accessible and widespread gadgets for sports. They measure heart rate, the number of calories burned and steps taken, track sleep quality, and even stress levels. Thanks to this data, athletes have the opportunity to adjust workloads in a timely manner and monitor the overall condition of their body, increasing the efficiency of their training.

Smart sportswear

A new level of technological advancement has also been reached in sportswear. Built-in sensors and detectors are capable of tracking exercise technique, muscle tension, and even the degree of an athlete’s fatigue. This allows for timely identification of errors in training and avoiding injury-prone situations. Today, such clothing is becoming increasingly popular among professionals and amateurs.

Motivation and game mechanics in training sessions

Fitness gadgets and applications actively use game mechanics to enhance athletes’ motivation. Gamification elements, such as virtual competitions, rankings, and rewards for achieving goals, turn regular sports activities into an engaging game. Thanks to game mechanics, fitness becomes more interesting, and the motivation for regular training significantly increases.

Mobile applications — a virtual trainer always at hand

Today, fitness apps have become a full-fledged replacement for personal trainers and expensive gyms. Thanks to the convenience and accessibility of such apps, users have the opportunity to exercise anywhere and anytime, whether at home, at work, or while travelling. Moreover, the apps help not only to perform exercises but also to monitor progress, track achievements, and adjust workouts depending on the current state of the body.

Artificial intelligence and personalisation of training

Artificial intelligence in applications takes fitness to an entirely new level. Smart algorithms create personalised training programmes, taking into account the characteristics of each user: age, weight, fitness level, and training goals.

Motivation and gamification through applications

Fitness apps actively use game mechanics that capture users’ attention and encourage them to exercise regularly. Users receive rewards for achieving set goals, compete with friends, and participate in online challenges. All of this turns workouts into an engaging and exciting process, motivating people to continue exercising and achieve new successes.

Data analysis in sports: how technology enhances training efficiency

Modern data analysis technologies have radically changed the approach to athletes’ training processes. Now coaches and athletes actively use information obtained from various devices and applications to plan workloads as accurately as possible and improve performance. The technological approach makes it possible to take into account the individual characteristics of each athlete and, based on this, build truly effective training plans.

Personalisation of training based on data analysis

Analytical systems provide the opportunity to create personalised training programmes taking into account physical parameters, fitness level, and the current condition of the athlete. Thanks to this, the load becomes optimal, the risk of overtraining decreases, and sports results improve faster and more consistently. Such technologies allow coaches to make informed decisions based not on guesses but on real data.

Prevention of injuries and improvement of sports performance through analytics

Data analysis helps coaches and athletes effectively prevent injuries by identifying early signs of fatigue or overload. Modern monitoring systems collect and process data in real time, signalling potential health risks for the athlete. This allows for timely adjustment of the load and ensures recovery, which directly improves athletic performance and extends athletes’ careers.

How data analysis shapes competitive sports and betting odds

In the world of sports, data analysis has become a cornerstone for optimising performance and developing strategies not only for athletes but also for bookmakers. By evaluating key performance indicators such as player statistics, physical data, and historical performance, bookmakers can set accurate odds for upcoming events. This data-driven approach is crucial as it enables better predictions and more fair betting.

For players, this intersection of data and betting is more important than ever. Online casinos outside the Czech Republic often combine traditional slot offerings and live casino with sports betting, this analytics is used to set odds for various sporting events. These betting sites rely on advanced data to provide real-time betting odds, adjusting them depending on the events unfolding on the field.

Prospects and challenges of future fitness technologies

The development of fitness technologies is progressing at an incredible pace, and in the coming years, the sports industry will face significant changes. On the one hand, advanced solutions such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and smart clothing make workouts more effective and personalised. On the other hand, the rapid growth of technology raises many questions for athletes and manufacturers regarding data security, ethics, and user privacy.

Data security and confidentiality

One of the main problems associated with fitness technologies, the security of users’ personal data remains. Gadgets and applications collect a huge amount of information, including biometric indicators and medical data, and their protection from hacking or unauthorised use is far from always guaranteed. Manufacturers are already working on strengthening data protection systems, but it is important for users to be aware of the risks and approach the choice of applications and devices carefully.

The most anticipated innovations in the coming years

In the coming years, numerous new innovations are expected to emerge, capable of significantly transforming the sports industry:

• Distribution neurotechnologies, allowing the control and optimisation of athletes’ psychological state during training sessions.
• Robotic systems and simulators capable of automatically adjusting the load to the individual characteristics of each person.
• The use of implantable sensors for continuous and highly accurate monitoring of athletes’ body condition.

These technologies promise to significantly enhance the efficiency of training and take sport to a new level of personalisation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be confidently stated that technology has made sports much more efficient, safer, and accessible. Personalised training, smart gadgets and clothing, as well as the use of virtual and augmented reality, have transformed regular sports activities into an engaging process with a high level of involvement. At the same time, the future of fitness technologies presents serious challenges for the industry in terms of data security and the ethics of information usage. It is already clear: sports and technology are inseparable and will continue to evolve together, opening up new, as yet unexplored opportunities.