Another “free” phone deal proves too good to be true

**Verizon vs. AT&T: The Truth Behind the “Free” Google Pixel 10 Pro Ad**

A recent dispute between telecom giants Verizon and AT&T shines a light on the confusing tactics often used in carrier advertising. Verizon faced criticism from AT&T over a “free” Google Pixel 10 Pro commercial that wasn’t entirely accurate. In response, Verizon quietly pulled the ad before any formal ruling was made, effectively ending the controversy.

### What’s the Deal with This “Free” Phone Ad?

Anyone who’s shopped for a new phone knows that carrier deals can be complicated—especially when they throw around the word “free.” This time, Verizon found itself caught in the crossfire.

AT&T filed a challenge with the National Advertising Division (NAD) over Verizon’s commercial for the Google Pixel 10 Pro. According to AT&T, the ad implied you could get the latest Pixel for free on any Verizon plan. The catch? That wasn’t true. The offer was actually only available to customers signing up for Verizon’s most expensive plan—the Unlimited Ultimate tier.

Before the NAD, an advertising watchdog, could evaluate the complaint, Verizon notified them that the commercial was permanently discontinued. As a result, the NAD closed the case, which, for compliance purposes, carries the same weight as a ruling against Verizon.

Although the ad is now officially pulled, for now, you can still watch the commercial [here](#).

### Why This Carrier Spat Matters to You

This isn’t just about two telecom behemoths bickering; it’s a prime example of why you need to be cautious with carrier promotions.

The word “free” almost always comes with a hefty asterisk.

While AT&T stepped in as the “hero” calling out a competitor, the truth is—they run very similar promotions themselves. These “free phone” deals usually work by applying monthly bill credits over a 24 or 36-month contract. You’re required to remain on a specific, often premium, unlimited plan throughout the entire period.

If you switch carriers or downgrade your plan early, you will owe the remaining balance on the “free” phone. It’s a classic lock-in strategy used by all major carriers to keep customers on their most profitable plans.

So, while Verizon’s ad may have been misleading in its vagueness, the practice itself is standard across the industry.

### Do Wireless Carriers Need a Watchdog Like the NAD?

– Yes, otherwise they’d go rogue taking advantage of consumers
– No, it should be up to consumers to catch false claims

### Always Read the Fine Print

This kind of situation is just another typical day in the wireless industry. Carrier advertising is often designed to be just enticing enough to reel you in, leaving critical details buried in the fine print.

Verizon pulling the ad was the right move, but it’s unfortunate it took a legal challenge from a direct competitor to push it through.

### Our Take

My personal advice? Treat every “free” phone offer with a healthy dose of skepticism. Before signing any contract, calculate the total cost over the entire period—including the expensive monthly plan you’re committing to.

Many times, buying the phone outright (unlocked) and finding a more affordable plan actually saves you money long-term.

This incident serves as a reminder: when it comes to carrier deals, you have to be your own best advocate.

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### Related Stories

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– **FCC Approves Cingular’s Purchase of AT&T Wireless**
Stay tuned for updates on this significant industry development.

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https://www.phonearena.com/news/another-free-phone-deal-proves-too-good-to-be-true_id174935

O’Reilly Confronts Tom Homan About ABC Smear, Homan Claps Back Hard [WATCH]

Border Czar Tom Homan pushed back forcefully against accusations aired on ABC claiming he accepted a $50,000 bribe, calling the story false and politically motivated during an exchange with Bill O’Reilly.

O’Reilly opened the discussion by referencing comments made by ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. “I know George Stephanopoulos is one of your best friends. He convicted you on television, okay, of a $50,000 bribe. Stephanopoulos did this on ABC. The Vice President JD Vance defended you, and I thought he did so pretty well, because due process is important. You want to clarify anything about that situation?” O’Reilly asked.

Homan was direct in his denial. “I didn’t take $50,000 from anybody,” he said.

O’Reilly followed up by asking how the accusation reached national coverage. “Okay, how did that get into the mainstream, do you think?”

Homan responded that he believed the story was part of an ongoing campaign against him by left-wing media outlets. “Do you think I have no idea? Look, there’s been hit pieces on me since I came back to this administration,” he explained. “There have to be 30-40 hit pieces on me about how I’m involved with contracts or government deals, when, in fact, day one I came back, I recused myself from any discussions of any contract or any monetary decisions like that, because I used to have a company that did consulting, so I cleared myself.”

Homan emphasized that rather than profiting from his role, he made a personal sacrifice to serve. “Day one, what people don’t talk about is I took a significant, huge pay cut to come back and serve my nation, and I’m not enriching myself doing this job,” he said.

O’Reilly asked whether the repeated attacks bothered him personally. “Does this make you angry that they’re coming at you this way?” he inquired.

Homan replied that he was unfazed by the criticism, saying his focus remains on duty and integrity. “I don’t care what people think about me because I know who I am. I work for the greatest precedent in the history of this nation in my family, and we’re doing the right thing every day,” Homan stated.

The ABC segment that prompted the exchange sparked backlash among conservatives, with many calling it another politically driven attack against Trump administration officials.

Homan’s comments reinforced his reputation for blunt honesty and commitment to border enforcement despite ongoing media scrutiny.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/10/oreilly-confronts-tom-homan-about-abc-smear-homan-claps-back-hard-watch/

How ByteDance Made China’s Most Popular AI Chatbot

Your Kindle Can Speak Multiple Languages

Every Kindle works in multiple languages and can download books in just about any tongue. Here’s how to take advantage of this versatile feature and expand your reading horizons.

How China Is Hoping to Attract Tech Talent

In this episode of Uncanny Valley, we uncover how America’s new $100,000 H-1B golden visa has thrown tech workers and their employers into chaos. The shifting landscape for foreign tech talent in the US is prompting reactions worldwide.

China Rolls Out Its First Talent Visa as the US Retreats on H-1Bs

The Chinese government unveiled a program to woo foreign talent just as the US cracked down on H-1Bs with a $100,000 fee. However, this move immediately provoked a xenophobic backlash, stirring debate about globalization and talent migration.

China Is Leading the World in the Clean Energy Transition. Here’s What That Looks Like

China spends like no one else on renewables and has reshaped the global market. We explore what this massive investment means for the future of clean energy and whether it will be enough to secure a sustainable global transition.

Save With Our KitchenAid Promo Codes for October 2025

Save on every purchase with top KitchenAid coupons, including 20% off stand mixers and attachments. Check out our latest deals and get the best prices on your favorite kitchen appliances this October.

The City That Made the World Fall for a Monster

Discover how Hong Kong gave rise to Labubu and a designer toy movement that is now shaping global culture. Dive into the fascinating story behind this plushie monster phenomenon.

Europe Pledges $600 Million for Clean Energy Projects in Africa

The EU’s Global Gateway plan is challenging China’s Belt and Road Initiative by providing funding that will expand access to electricity across Africa. This ambitious effort aims to influence development and foster sustainable energy growth on the continent.

10% Off Dell Coupon Code for October 2025

Get 10% off with a verified Dell promo code, plus take advantage of today’s coupons offering up to $650 off desktops, laptops, monitors, and all things tech. Upgrade your gear without breaking the bank.

What Is Google One, and Should You Subscribe?

If you use Google’s apps and AI frequently, it’s worth looking at Google One—an all-inclusive service offering expanded storage and other benefits. We break down the plans and pricing to help you decide if it’s right for you.

A Journey Into the Heart of Labubu

I made an epic trek across four countries to answer one question: Why is the world going mad for a plushie monster? Join me as I explore the cultural impact and the fanfare surrounding Labubu.

Chewy Promo Codes: $20 Off in October 2025

Explore Chewy coupon codes for great discounts this October, including a $20 gift card with a purchase of $49 or more. Take advantage of these offers to treat your pets while saving money.

https://www.wired.com/story/bytedance-doubao-chatbot-popularity/

2025 Worldwide Sales Comparison Charts Through August – Switch 2 vs PS5 vs Xbox Series X|S vs Switch

**2025 Worldwide Sales Comparison Charts Through August: Switch 2 vs PS5 vs Xbox Series X|S vs Switch 1**
*Sales by William D’Angelo | Posted 59 minutes ago | 716 Views*

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This article presents data representing the sales through to consumers and changes in sales performance of four current gaming platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the original Nintendo Switch. The comparison covers comparable periods from 2022 through 2025, offering insight into market trends and platform performance over the years.

**Year-to-Date Sales Comparison (Same Periods Covered):**
– 2022 (January to August 2022)
– 2023 (January to August 2023)
– 2024 (January to August 2024)
– 2025 (January to August 2025)

The data includes both total sales and market share for each console during these periods. Year-to-date sales for 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 are presented at the top of the table, followed by comparisons of 2025 sales versus 2024 and 2025 sales versus 2023. This layout provides an easy-to-view summary of all the key figures.

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### Total Sales and Market Share for Each Year (Year-to-Date)

**Nintendo**
– *Nintendo Switch 2*: 8.16 million units sold year-to-date
– *Nintendo Switch 1*: 2.99 million units sold year-to-date, down year-on-year by 3.11 million units (-50.9%)

**Sony**
– *PlayStation 5*: 7.06 million units sold year-to-date, down year-on-year by 1.81 million units (-20.4%)

**Microsoft**
– *Xbox Series X|S*: 1.54 million units sold year-to-date, down year-on-year by 0.98 million units (-38.9%)

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**Note:**
VGChartz estimates for 2025, 2023, and 2022 include 34 weeks through August, while estimates for 2024 include 35 weeks.

—

### About the Author

William D’Angelo is a lifelong and avid gamer who was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he joined as a junior analyst in 2010. He progressed to lead analyst by 2012 and took over hardware estimates in 2017. William has also expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube and Twitch channels.

You can follow William on Bluesky for more insights and updates.

—

*For more articles and detailed charts, stay tuned.*
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/465965/2025-worldwide-sales-comparison-charts-through-august-switch-2-vs-ps5-vs-xbox-series-xs-vs-switch/

Tomonobu Itagaki, Creator of Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden Reboot, Has Died Aged 58

**Tomonobu Itagaki, Creator of Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden Reboot, Has Died Aged 58**

*News by William D’Angelo | Posted 9 minutes ago | 80 Views*

Tomonobu Itagaki, best known as the creator of the *Dead or Alive* series and the *Ninja Gaiden* reboot series, has passed away at the age of 58.

Itagaki joined Tecmo in 1992 and went on to lead Team Ninja. He served as producer and director on the first four *Dead or Alive* games and the first two *Ninja Gaiden* reboot titles that began in 2004, among other projects.

In June 2008, he left Team Ninja to form a new studio, Valhalla Game Studios, alongside several former Team Ninja employees. The studio released *Devil’s Third* for the Wii U in 2015 but was eventually dissolved in December 2021. However, Itagaki did not stop there, as Itagaki Games was founded shortly afterward.

Below is a message posted on Itagaki’s personal Facebook page (translated by Gematsu):

**My Last Words**

*The light of my life is finally about to fade. The fact that this message has been posted means that the time has come at last. I am no longer in this world. (This final message was entrusted to someone dear to me.)*

*My life was a series of battles. I kept on winning. I also caused a lot of trouble. I take pride in having fought through to the end according to my own convictions. I have no regrets.*

*However, I am filled with sorrow that I was unable to deliver a new work to my fans. I’m sorry.*

*That’s how it is. So it goes.*

\- Tomonobu Itagaki

—

A lifelong and avid gamer, William D’Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he joined in 2010 as a junior analyst, later becoming lead analyst in 2012 and taking over hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his presence in the gaming community by producing content on his YouTube and Twitch channels.

You can follow William D’Angelo on Bluesky.

—

*More Articles*
https://www.vgchartz.com/article/466023/tomonobu-itagaki-creator-of-dead-or-alive-and-ninja-gaiden-reboot-has-died-aged-58/

Trump’s new $100K visa fee could worsen state doctor shortages, experts say

In Kentucky, patients often drive up to two hours to see Dr. Manikya Kuriti, one of the few endocrinologists serving the rural communities surrounding Louisville. Her expertise is crucial for residents who otherwise have limited access to specialized medical care.

Dr. Kuriti’s husband, a pulmonologist, also plays a vital role in supporting rural healthcare. He travels from Louisville to small hospitals located an hour south and north in Indiana. There, he assists small medical teams in treating critically ill patients, bringing much-needed expertise to these underserved areas.

Rural communities have long struggled with limited access to specialized medical services, making the contributions of medical professionals like Dr. Kuriti and her husband invaluable to the health and well-being of these populations.
https://ncnewsline.com/2025/10/16/repub/trumps-new-100k-visa-fee-could-worsen-state-doctor-shortages-experts-say/

Ancient underground freezer unearthed at South Korean castle

The 1,400-Year-Old ‘Bingo’ is the Oldest Known Facility of Its Kind

Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient underground freezer, known as a ‘bingo,’ at a historic castle site in South Korea. This remarkable discovery dates back approximately 1,400 years, making it the oldest known facility of its kind.

The bingo was used to store perishable food items, utilizing natural cooling from underground temperatures to preserve them long before the advent of modern refrigeration. This finding offers valuable insight into early preservation techniques and the ingenuity of past civilizations.

Located within the castle grounds, the structure highlights the advanced engineering and practical knowledge that existed during that period in Korean history.

The post Ancient underground freezer unearthed at South Korean castle appeared first on Popular Science.

https://www.popsci.com/science/ancient-freezer-south-korea/

Bitcoin Treasury Inflows Drop to Lowest Levels Since Mid-June 2023

TLDR Bitcoin treasury inflows fell to just 140 BTC per day, the lowest since June 2023. Institutional demand for Bitcoin slowed significantly after the October 6 price peak. About 25% of public Bitcoin treasury firms trade below their net asset value. Bitcoin’s price stabilization around $110,000 may be impacting institutional buying. Bitcoin treasuries, once seen as a major driver for Bitcoin’s market growth, have sharply reduced their purchases of the cryptocurrency in recent months. The sharp decline in daily inflows of Bitcoin to these firms indicates that the momentum seen earlier this year is waning, with many now questioning the sustainability of the digital asset treasury model. Institutional Demand for Bitcoin Drops Bitcoin digital asset treasuries (DATs) have seen a notable reduction in inflows, reflecting a significant cooling in institutional interest. The seven-day moving average of net daily inflows has dropped to 140 BTC, the lowest since mid-June. This marks a drastic decline from the peak in July, when inflows were as high as 8, 249 BTC, according to data from BitcoinTreasuries. net. In fact, recent daily activity has shown even weaker performance. Out of 15 days in October, 12 days recorded inflows of under 500 BTC, with several days experiencing no inflows at all. This trend suggests that the once-aggressive buying activity from institutional investors has significantly slowed down, possibly due to the current market conditions and uncertainty about Bitcoin’s future price movements. Price Stabilization and Market Consolidation Bitcoin’s price has also cooled after reaching an all-time high of over $126,000 on October 6. Currently, it has stabilized above the $110,000 mark, showing signs of market consolidation. According to market analysts, Bitcoin’s price has been range-bound since June, reflecting a balance between bullish optimism and profit-taking among investors. The stabilization of Bitcoin’s price could be playing a role in the decreased appetite for further acquisitions from firms holding digital asset treasuries. As the market experiences this phase of consolidation, the likelihood of significant price jumps in the short term appears to be decreasing, which may reduce the urgency for institutions to increase their holdings. Challenges Faced by Bitcoin Treasury Firms The business model behind Bitcoin treasuries relies heavily on borrowing fiat to acquire Bitcoin, betting that its price will continue to rise. However, this model faces several challenges, particularly the lack of inherent yield from Bitcoin itself. Unlike stocks or bonds, Bitcoin does not generate any regular income for its holders. Therefore, for companies that have borrowed funds to buy Bitcoin, the value of their holdings needs to appreciate significantly to justify the cost of the debt. For many digital asset treasury firms, this has resulted in a dilemma. They are exposed to potential market downturns and may face difficulties if Bitcoin’s price fails to continue rising. As a result, firms that once issued stock or debt to fund Bitcoin purchases now risk seeing their market valuations drop, especially as Bitcoin prices have shown signs of stabilizing or even declining. As NYDIG points out, the relationship between a firm’s net asset value (NAV) and its stock price is closely tied to Bitcoin’s price. A downtrend in Bitcoin could see firms’ market value fall below the value of the Bitcoin they hold. Market Sentiment and the Future of Digital Asset Treasuries While Bitcoin’s price recovery earlier in the year spurred a wave of institutional interest, the recent slowdown in treasury inflows may signal a shift in market sentiment. Moreover, some publicly traded Bitcoin treasury firms are now facing a situation where they trade below their NAV, meaning the value of their stock is less than the Bitcoin they hold. According to NYDIG, this development is concerning, as the premiums tied to Bitcoin’s price may evaporate in a market downturn. Approximately one in four of these publicly traded DATs now trade below their NAV, further highlighting the potential risks these firms face as Bitcoin’s market outlook remains uncertain. In the face of these challenges, it remains to be seen whether Bitcoin treasuries can continue to grow or if institutional interest in them will decline further. The recent reduction in inflows is a sign that firms may be reevaluating their strategies and waiting for clearer market signals before making further Bitcoin purchases.
https://coincentral.com/bitcoin-treasury-inflows-drop-to-lowest-levels-since-mid-june-2023/

Corn Trading Steady on Thursday Morning

Corn futures are holding steady on Thursday morning, with contracts remaining close to unchanged. On Wednesday, the corn market saw gains of 3 to 4 cents across most contracts. Preliminary open interest slipped by 6,238 contracts on Wednesday, signaling some shorts covering.

The CmdtyView national average cash corn price rose by 3¾ cents to $3.74.

Due to the Monday holiday, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) data release has been postponed to Thursday. Market watchers will be closely monitoring whether ethanol production can continue its recent rebound. Normally, Export Sales data would be released on Friday; however, the ongoing government shutdown has suspended this update. Traders estimate that corn bookings ranged between 0.9 to 2 million metric tons (MMT) for the week ending October 9.

In international news, two separate South Korean importers purchased a combined total of 269,000 metric tons of corn in private tenders on Wednesday. No official origins were listed for these purchases.

Corn Contract Closing Prices:
– December 2025 corn closed at $4.16¾, up 3¾ cents and is currently unchanged.
– Nearby cash corn was $3.74, up 3¾ cents.
– March 2026 corn closed at $4.32¼, up 3 cents and is currently unchanged.
– May 2026 corn closed at $4.41, up 3 cents and is currently up ¼ cent.

Disclaimer: As of the date of publication, Austin Schroeder does not hold positions, either directly or indirectly, in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data are provided solely for informational purposes. For more details, please refer to the [Barchart Disclosure Policy](https://www.barchart.com/disclosure).

Additional news from Barchart:
– Grain Traders React to Unexpected Deterioration in U.S.-China Relations
– Five Things to Watch for a Turnaround
– Will Cotton Ever Rally?
– As China Shuns U.S. Agricultural Products, Make This One Trade Now
– Corn and Soybean Bulls Faced Challenges Last Week: What to Watch Next

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/corn-trading-steady-thursday-morning

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