This is Lowpass by Janko Roettgers, a newsletter on the ever-evolving intersection of tech and entertainment, syndicated just for The Verge subscribers once a week.
Technology
AI-powered bat tracking could give baseball players the edge
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Baseball teams have long searched for a way to study the entire swing without sensors or complex lab setups. Today, a new solution is entering the picture. Theia, an AI biomechanics company, debuted a commercially available video-only system that analyzes bat trajectory and full-body biomechanics together. This new approach works in real baseball environments and needs no reflective body markers, wearables or special equipment.
The system has been field-tested by Driveline Baseball and the San Diego Padres Biomechanics Lab, and the tests show it delivers high-quality results in both cages and on the field.
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Theia unveils a video-only biomechanics system that tracks a hitter’s full swing without sensors or lab gear. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
A new chapter in baseball biomechanics
Theia’s platform relies on deep-learning models trained on millions of movement data points. It captures the full 3D bat path, attack angle, sequencing and body motion in one workflow that teams can run with standard high-speed video. This makes advanced biomechanics more accessible to coaches and players who train in normal environments.
Dr. Arnel Aguinaldo of the PLNU Biomechanics Lab tested the system with the Padres. He said, “Theia’s markerless technology represents a breakthrough in how we capture and analyze swing mechanics. It removes the barriers of traditional setups, letting us gather quality swing data directly from the field or the cage. That’s a game changer for both research and applied development.”
Independent testing across more than 2,000 swings showed median bat-plane angle differences of less than 3 degrees compared with marker-based systems. As a result, teams can evaluate roster-sized groups in routine cage or field sessions without slowing players down.
Why video-only tracking works in real baseball settings
Many existing tools rely on sensors or suits that can change how an athlete moves. Marcus Brown, CEO of Theia, explained to CyberGuy why video-only tracking matters.
“Using only video means teams get lab-grade biomechanics data that previously required a full lab setup, but without special suits, reflective markers, or hardware mounted to the bat or the player,” he said.
The system runs in the background once cameras are placed and calibrated. Coaches record sessions as usual, and the analysis processes automatically. Because of this, training routines stay the same, and players move naturally.
Brown added, “Until now, full swing analysis meant choosing between bat-only tools or biomechanics labs that couldn’t scale. Our new markerless technology changes that. Teams can now see the complete swing picture for every hitter using one system in an environment that matches their individual needs.”
How AI bat and body tracking improves player performance
A complete swing view gives coaches the chance to link body motion to bat results. Brown described why this matters for player development.
“Theia’s new bat tracking feature helps players improve because it gives coaches a complete and more accurate picture of the swing. Many tools today either measure the bat or the body, and many rely on wearables or sensors that can influence how an athlete moves,” Brown said. “When coaches can connect a player’s sequencing, posture, timing, and rotation to the bat’s path, speed, and contact quality, they can identify the specific movement patterns that drive results. That makes mechanical adjustments more targeted and much easier to track over time, leading to more consistent and meaningful improvements.”
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Driveline Baseball and the Padres Biomechanics Lab report strong accuracy from Theia’s markerless tracking tests. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
What players experience when teams use Theia’s system
Players will not need to attach anything to the bat or their bodies. They swing in their regular training spaces without changing behavior. Brown said, “For athletes, the biggest change is the level of precise personalized feedback they get. Coaches can isolate whether an issue is coming from sequencing, posture, timing, or how the hitter is delivering the barrel to the ball. That level of detail helps translate mechanical work in the cage into more consistent, reliable results in the field.”
Independent testing shows consistent bat and body data
Driveline Baseball and the PLNU x Padres Biomechanics Lab tested the system in both professional and collegiate settings. Brown said, “Our work with Driveline and the PLNUxPadres’ Biomechanics Lab showed the system could deliver high-quality bat-and-body data in the same environments where hitters actually train. What those tests demonstrated was consistency: the ability to capture the full swing automatically, link the bat and body with the precision needed for player development, and fit seamlessly into a normal training session.”
Why Theia’s system fits seamlessly into normal cage sessions
Sports tech can create workflow friction, but Theia aims to avoid that. Brown said, “We designed the system so coaches can use it without changing anything about their normal training routine. Once the cameras are in place, coaches simply record the session the same way they normally would, and the analysis happens automatically in the background.”
There are no extra steps, no equipment put on the players, and no training interruptions.
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Coaches can now review 3D bat paths and body sequencing using standard high-speed video. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
The road ahead for AI sports performance
Brown believes this breakthrough sets the stage for future innovation.
“Player development is ultimately about understanding what drives performance, and this technology gives coaches a far clearer way to see that,” he said. “When you can connect a player’s movement to the result of the swing with objective repeatable data, you can build training plans that are far more individualized and precise.”
He also added: “This work builds on more than a decade of research and over 50 peer-reviewed validation studies focused on highly accurate markerless human motion tracking. It reflects where the field as a whole is headed toward integrated markerless solutions that give athletes and coaches clearer insight with far less friction.”
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Theia’s new bat and body tracking system reshapes how baseball teams study movement. It gives coaches deeper clarity, provides athletes with natural training conditions, and removes the hardware hurdles that limited biomechanics in the past. Fans may also see long-term effects. This level of detail can influence how hitters develop power, attack angles and timing. Young players may gain personalized training guides that shape better habits earlier in their careers. As video-driven AI expands across sports, tools like this give teams more ways to understand performance.
If your favorite team had access to this level of swing insight, how do you think it would change their lineup development strategy? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Google is expanding access to its AI videomaking tool. Launched last May, Flow was initially only available to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers, but now, those with Business, Enterprise, and Education Workspace plans can access it, too.
Flow uses Google’s AI video generation model Veo 3.1 to generate eight-second clips based on a text prompt or images. You can stitch together the clips to create longer scenes, as well as access a bunch of other tools that allow you to change the lighting, adjust the “camera” angle, and insert or remove objects in scenes. Earlier this week, Google added vertical video support inside Flow.
Google brought audio support to more features within Flow late last year, allowing you to generate audio whether you prompt the app based on reference images, ask it to create transitions between scenes, or have the tool extend a clip. The company also integrated its AI-powered image generator Nano Banana Pro into Flow, which you can use to create characters or starting points for your clips.
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Every January, I hear from people who say the same thing: “I just got an email that looked official, and I almost fell for it.” That’s not a coincidence. January is one of the busiest months of the year for scammers. While most of us are focused on taxes, benefits, subscriptions, and getting our finances in order, criminals are doing their own kind of cleanup, refreshing scam lists and going after people with newly updated personal data. If you’ve ever received a message claiming your account needs to be “verified,” your benefits are at risk, or your tax information is incomplete, this article is for you.
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10 SIMPLE CYBERSECURITY RESOLUTIONS FOR A SAFER 2026
Scam messages often look urgent and official, pushing you to act before you have time to think. That pressure is exactly what criminals rely on. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Why January is prime time for scammers
January is when scammers have everything they need. According to YouMail’s Robocall Index, U.S. consumers received just over 4.7 billion robocalls in January 2025, a roughly 9% increase from December 2024. This year, we can expect the same pattern from scammers.
They know:
But the biggest reason scams spike now? Your personal data is easier to find than you think. Data brokers quietly collect and update profiles year after year. By January, those profiles are often more complete than ever, and scammers know it.
The “account verification” scam you’ll see everywhere
One of the most common January scams looks harmless at first. You get a message saying:
- “Your Social Security account needs verification”
- “Your Medicare information has to be updated”
- “Your benefits could be delayed without action”
The message sounds official. Sometimes it even uses your real name or location. That’s where people get tricked. Government agencies don’t ask for sensitive information through random emails or texts. Scammers rely on urgency and familiarity to push you into reacting before thinking.
My rule: If you didn’t initiate the request, don’t respond to it. Always go directly to the agency’s official website or phone number, never through a link sent to you.
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January is a prime time for fraud because people are dealing with taxes, benefits and account updates. Scammers know these messages feel expected and familiar. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Fake tax and benefits notices ramp up in January
Another favorite scam this time of year involves taxes and refunds.
You may see:
- Emails claiming you owe back taxes
- Messages saying you’re due a refund
- Notices asking you to “confirm” banking information.
These scams work because they arrive at exactly the moment people expect to hear from tax agencies or benefits programs.
Scammers don’t need much to sound convincing. A name, an email address or an old address is often enough. If you get a tax-related message out of the blue, slow down. Real agencies don’t pressure you to act immediately.
Subscription “problems” that aren’t real
January is also when subscription scams explode. Fake messages claim:
Scammers know most people have subscriptions, so they play the odds. Instead of clicking, open the app or website directly. If there’s a real problem, you’ll see it there.
Why these scams feel so personal
People often tell me, “But they used my name, how did they know?” Here’s the uncomfortable truth: They probably bought it. Data brokers compile massive profiles that include:
- Address histories
- Phone numbers and emails
- Family connections
- Shopping behavior.
That data is sold, shared and leaked. Once scammers have it, they can tailor messages that feel real, because they’re built on real information.
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The more personal data scammers have, the more convincing their messages become. Removing your information from data broker sites can help reduce targeted scams over time. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What you should do right now
Before January gets any busier, take these steps to reduce your exposure to scams and fraud:
1) Remove your personal data from broker sites
Deleting emails or blocking numbers helps, but it does not stop scams at the source. Scammers rely on data broker sites that quietly collect, update and sell your personal information. Removing your data from those sites reduces scam calls, phishing emails and targeted texts over time. It also makes it harder for criminals to personalize messages using your real name, address or family connections. You have two ways to do this:
Do it yourself:
You can visit individual data broker websites, search for your profile and submit opt-out requests.This method works, but it takes time. Each site has its own rules, identity verification steps, and response timelines. Many brokers also re-add data later, which means you have to repeat the process regularly.
Use a data removal service:
A data removal service automates the opt-out process by contacting hundreds of data brokers on your behalf and monitoring for re-listings. This option saves time and provides ongoing protection, especially if you want long-term results without constant follow-ups.
While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
Check out my top picks for data removal services, and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
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2) Don’t click links in unexpected messages
If you did not initiate the request, do not click. Scam messages are designed to create urgency, especially around taxes, benefits and account issues. Instead, go directly to the official website by typing the address yourself or using a saved bookmark. This single habit prevents most phishing attacks.
3) Turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a critical second layer of protection. Even if someone gets your password, they still cannot access your account without the second verification code. Start with email, financial accounts, social media and government services.
4) Check accounts only through official apps or websites
If you receive a warning about an account problem, do not trust the message itself. Open the official app or website, and check there. If something is wrong, you will see it immediately. If not, you just avoided a scam.
5) Watch for account alerts and login activity
Enable login alerts and security notifications on important accounts. These alerts can warn you if someone tries to sign in from a new device or location. Early warnings give you time to act before real damage occurs.
6) Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager
Reusing passwords makes it easy for scammers to take over multiple accounts at once. If one service is compromised, attackers try the same login on email, banking, and social media accounts. A password manager helps you create and store strong, unique passwords for every account without needing to remember them. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
January scams aren’t random. They’re targeted, timed and fueled by personal data that shouldn’t be public in the first place. The longer your information stays online, the easier it is for scammers to use it against you. If you want a quieter inbox, fewer scam calls and less risk this year, take action early, before criminals finish rebuilding their lists. Protect your data now, and you’ll be safer all year long.
Have you noticed more scam emails, texts or calls since the new year started? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Last month, Netflix made the surprising decision to kill off a key feature: With no prior warning, the company removed the ability to cast videos from its mobile apps to a wide range of smart TVs and streaming devices. Casting is now only supported on older Chromecast streaming adapters that didn’t ship with a remote, Nest Hub smart displays, and select Vizio and Compal smart TVs.
That’s a stunning departure for the company. Prior to those changes, Netflix allowed casting to a wide range of devices that officially supported Google’s casting technology, including Android TVs made by companies like Philips, Polaroid, Sharp, Skyworth, Soniq, Sony, Toshiba, and Vizio, according to an archived version of Netflix’s website.
But the streaming service didn’t stop there. Prior to last month’s changes, Netflix also offered what the company called “Netflix 2nd Screen” casting functionality on a wide range of additional devices, including Sony’s PlayStation, TVs made by LG and Samsung, Roku TVs and streaming adapters, and many other devices. Basically, if a smart TV or streaming device was running the Netflix app, it most likely also supported casting.
That’s because Netflix actually laid the groundwork for this technology 15 years ago. Back in 2011, some of the company’s engineers were exploring ways to more tightly integrate people’s phones with their TVs. “At about the same time, we learned that the YouTube team was interested in much the same thing — they had already started to do some work on [second] screen use cases,” said Scott Mirer, director of product management at Netflix at the time, in 2013.
The two companies started to collaborate and enlist help from TV makers like Sony and Samsung. The result was DIAL (short for “Discovery and Launch”) — an open second-screen protocol that formalized casting.
In 2012, Netflix was the first major streaming service to add a casting feature to its mobile app, which at the time allowed PlayStation 3 owners to launch video playback from their phones. A year later, Google launched its very first Chromecast dongle, which took ideas from DIAL and incorporated them into Google’s own proprietary casting technology.
For a while, casting was extremely popular. Google sold over 100 million Chromecast adapters, and Vizio even built a whole TV around casting, which shipped with a tablet instead of a remote. (It flopped. Turns out people still love physical remotes.)
But as smart TVs became more capable, and streaming services invested more heavily into native apps on those TVs, the need for casting gradually decreased. At CES, a streaming service operator told me that casting used to be absolutely essential for his service. Nowadays, even among the service’s Android users, only about 10 percent are casting.
As for Netflix, it’s unlikely the company will change its tune on casting. Netflix declined to comment when asked about discontinuing the feature. My best guess is that casting was sacrificed in favor of new features like cloud gaming and interactive voting. Gaming in particular already involves multidevice connectivity, as Netflix uses phones as game controllers. Adding casting to that mix simply might have proven too complex.
However, not everyone has given up on casting. In fact, the technology is still gaining new supporters. Last month, Apple added Google Cast support to its Apple TV app on Android for the first time. And over the past two years, both Samsung and LG incorporated Google’s casting tech into some of their TV sets.
“Google Cast continues to be a key experience that we’re invested in — bringing the convenience of seamless content sharing from phones to TVs, whether you’re at home or staying in a hotel,” says Google’s Android platform PM Neha Dixit. “Stay tuned for more to come this year.”
Google’s efforts are getting some competition from the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the group behind the Matter smart home standard, which developed its own Matter Casting protocol. Matter Casting promises to be a more open approach toward casting and in theory allows streaming services and device makers to bring second-screen use cases to their apps and devices without having to strike deals with Google.
“We are a longtime advocate of using open technology standards to give customers more choice when it comes to using their devices and services,” says Amazon Device Software & Services VP Tapas Roy, whose company is a major backer of Matter and its casting tech. “We welcome and support media developers that want to build to an open standard with the implementation of Matter Casting.”
Thus far, support has been limited though. Fire TVs and Echo Show displays remain the only devices to support Matter Casting, and Amazon’s own apps were long the only ones to make use of the feature. Last month, Tubi jumped on board as well by incorporating Matter Casting into its mobile apps.
Connectivity Standards Alliance technology strategist Christopher LaPré acknowledges that Matter Casting has yet to turn into a breakthrough hit. “To be honest, I have Fire TVs, and I’ve never used it,” he says.
Besides a lack of available content, LaPré also believes Matter Casting is a victim of brand confusion. The problem: TV makers have begun to incorporate Matter into their devices to let consumers control smart lights and thermostats from the couch. Because of that, a TV that dons the Matter logo doesn’t necessarily support Matter Casting.
However, LaPré also believes that Matter Casting could get a boost from two new developments: Matter recently added support for cameras, which adds a new kind of homegrown content people may want to cast. And the consortium is also still working on taking casting beyond screens.
“Audio casting is something that we’re working on,” LaPré confirms. “A lot of speaker companies are interested in that.” The plan is to launch Matter audio casting later this year, at which point device makers, publishers, and consumers could also give video casting another look.
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