Technology
Baseball is changing forever with robot ump challenges
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For generations, baseball has followed a simple rule. The umpire calls balls and strikes, and that call stands. That changes now. This season, Major League Baseball is introducing something that once felt unthinkable. Players can challenge an umpire’s call and let technology decide the outcome.
It is called the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System, or ABS. Most fans already know it by another name. The robot ump. And whether you love it or hate it, the game is stepping into a new era.
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YANKEES SHORTSTOP JOSÉ CABALLERO MAKES MLB HISTORY, BECOMES FIRST PLAYER TO USE AUTOMATED BALL-STRIKE SYSTEM
Replay of an automated ball-strike challenge appears on the videoboard during an AAA MiLB game between the Buffalo Bisons and Worcester Red Sox at Polar Park in Worcester, Mass., on May 5, 2023. (Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
What is the MLB robot ump challenge system?
At a basic level, ABS uses advanced cameras to track every pitch with precision. It creates a digital strike zone that removes guesswork. But MLB is not handing full control to machines just yet.
Instead, this is a hybrid system. Human umpires still make every call on the field. Players now have a limited way to challenge those calls when they believe something was missed. So the umpire still runs the game. Technology simply keeps them honest.
How the robot ump actually sees every pitch
The system uses a network of high-speed cameras placed around the stadium to track the baseball in three dimensions. It measures the pitch as it crosses home plate and compares it to a digital strike zone that is customized to each batter’s height.
All of that happens in milliseconds. The result is sent almost instantly to the scoreboard, which is why the challenge feels fast and seamless instead of disruptive.
Scott Jacka, Sr. Director of Technology Development Strategy at T-Mobile, told CyberGuy:
“T-Mobile’s private 5G network enables the real-time transmission of pitch data to the ABS operator during ABS challenges. As pitches are tracked by cameras around the field, that data is transmitted quickly and reliably to the ABS system operator in the press box, who can then deliver the results back to the field within seconds.”
Jacka added:
“ABS depends on fast, reliable data transmission in a live game environment. T-Mobile’s private 5G network is designed to provide secure, low-latency connectivity through a dedicated spectrum in every U.S. MLB stadium. This helps pitch data move quickly and consistently so decisions can be delivered without disrupting the rhythm of play.”
How the challenge system works during a game
The process is surprisingly simple and fast. Each team starts with two challenges per game. Only the pitcher, catcher or batter can call for one. No dugout help. No replay delays.
The player signals by tapping their head. Within seconds, the stadium screen shows the pitch location and whether it was truly a ball or a strike. If the challenge is correct, the team keeps it. If not, they lose one.
That quick moment has already become one of the most intense parts of the game. Teams may also receive additional challenges in extra innings, giving them a bit more flexibility in longer games.
What happens if the tech gets it wrong
One big concern with any new system is reliability. MLB designed ABS to deliver results almost instantly, without slowing down the game.
If anything ever goes wrong, the human umpire is still there as the final authority. That built-in fallback helps ensure the game keeps moving smoothly without long delays or confusion.
Who is powering the robot ump tech?
The system behind MLB’s robot ump is powered by Hawk-Eye Innovations, the same camera tracking technology used in tennis and soccer for line calls and goal decisions. That alone gives the system a proven track record for accuracy.
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T-Mobile supports the infrastructure behind the scenes, helping deliver results quickly to stadium displays and broadcast feeds.
Why MLB decided now was the time
Bad ball and strike calls have always been part of baseball. Sometimes they even become part of the story. But fans, players and teams have grown less patient with mistakes that technology can easily fix. MLB sees this system as a way to clean up the most frustrating part of the game without removing the human element entirely.
It is not about perfection. It is about fairness in the biggest moments.
Why fans might end up loving it
You might expect this to slow things down. It does the opposite. Every challenge creates a moment. The crowd pauses. The screen lights up. Everyone waits for the answer.
It adds tension without dragging out the game. Even better, it removes the endless arguing. Instead of debating calls for hours, fans get a clear answer almost instantly. It turns controversy into drama.
Players can challenge a call instantly, triggering a real-time ABS review on the stadium screen. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)
Why timing and emotions matter more than ever
One of the biggest lessons from early testing is that when you challenge matters more than what you challenge. Players who use challenges too early may regret it later in high-pressure moments.
There is also a human factor. Players admit emotions can get the best of them, leading to impulsive challenges that cost their team later in the game.
Some pitches are harder to judge than others
Not every pitch is easy to challenge. High-velocity pitches and those with heavy movement, like sinkers, can be extremely difficult to judge in real time.
Even experienced players can misread a pitch by inches, which makes deciding whether to challenge even more difficult.
How MLB players feel about robot umps
This is where things get interesting. Hitters with elite plate discipline could gain an edge. Players like Juan Soto are known for recognizing the strike zone better than almost anyone. That skill now has real strategic value.
Catchers face a different reality. Pitch framing has long been one of the most valuable defensive skills in baseball, where catchers subtly position their glove to make pitches look like strikes to the umpire. With ABS, framing is not disappearing. Instead, it is evolving into a more strategic tool while still influencing live calls from the human umpire.
Pitchers are the least likely to use the system. Many do not believe they have the best view of the strike zone in real time. Veterans like Max Scherzer have also raised a bigger question. How much technology should be allowed to shape the game? That debate is far from settled.
The hidden data boom behind robot umps
Beyond making calls, ABS is generating a massive amount of data. Teams can now analyze pitch accuracy, player tendencies and challenge success rates in real time.
This opens the door to deeper analytics, from evaluating hitters’ strike zone awareness to measuring how effective catchers are at identifying missed calls. Over time, this data could influence coaching decisions and even player value.
Could this lead to full robot umps?
That question is already on the table. MLB has tested fully automated strike zones in the minor leagues. Other sports like tennis have already moved in that direction.
But baseball is different. Many players and fans still want a human behind the plate. They believe the personality, judgment and even the imperfections are part of what makes the game special.
Right now, the challenge system feels like a middle ground. It fixes the worst mistakes while keeping the human touch.
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What this means to you
If you watch baseball, you will notice the difference right away. Games could feel fairer. Big moments are less likely to hinge on a missed call. You will also see more strategy. Players must decide when to challenge and when to hold back. One wrong decision could matter later in the game.
Teams are already treating challenges like a limited resource, often saving them for the most important moments late in the game. If you are a casual fan, this may actually make baseball easier to follow. The strike zone becomes visible and understandable in real time. In short, the game becomes more transparent, more strategic and more engaging.
The ABS system tracks each pitch in real time and shows exactly where the ball crossed the strike zone. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Baseball has never stood still. From instant replay to pitch clocks, the game keeps evolving while trying to protect what makes it unique. The robot ump challenge system fits that pattern. It does not replace umpires. It simply gives players a voice when something looks wrong. And in a sport built on inches, that voice could change everything.
If technology can get every call right, would you trust it more than the human behind the plate? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Meta is, by and large, a company built on other companies’ ideas. It has almost perfected the strategy: wait for a new platform or social mechanic to take off, then either buy or clone it, put it next to Meta’s unmatched user base and advertising engine, and watch the money pile up. Well, the next big thing appears to be turning everything into gambling. So why wouldn’t Meta make a Polymarket?
On this episode of The Vergecast, David and Nilay discuss the reported prediction market app being built inside Meta, plus the company’s onslaught of other news this week — and its massive, apparently increasing morale problems. Nilay’s at Cannes Lions in France this week, where Meta’s advertising prowess is on full display, and yet it also feels like Meta is in crisis. So which is it? And what is your Facebook feed about to become?
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You finally find World Cup seats that fit your budget. The site looks polished. The ticket has a QR code. The seller says someone else wants them, so you need to move fast. That is exactly the moment scammers are counting on.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs through July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada and Mexico. With the tournament underway, fans are still hunting for last-minute seats. Meanwhile, fraudsters are using fake ticket listings, spoofed FIFA websites, social media posts and artificial intelligence-made scams to steal money and personal information.
This scam hits differently because the purchase feels emotional. Maybe you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Perhaps the tickets are a surprise for your child or grandchild. Or maybe you are trying to turn a match into a memory your family talks about for years. That is why knowing where these scams show up, and how they pressure fans, can save you from a painful and expensive mistake.
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A Cape Verde fan attends the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match between Uruguay and Cape Verde at Miami Stadium in Miami on June 21, 2026. (Craig Williamson/SNS Group)
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World Cup ticket scams are surging during the tournament
The tournament’s timing, ticket demand and last-minute pressure are giving scammers exactly what they need. World Cup tickets are expensive. Demand is intense. Many fans waited until the tournament started to look for seats. That creates the perfect opening for criminals.
Scammers love urgency. A sold-out match makes people panic. A lower price can feel like luck. A countdown timer can make you ignore the little things that feel off.
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The FBI has already warned that cybercriminals are creating fake FIFA websites. These sites copy FIFA branding, official-looking pages and ticket language. Some fake domains look close enough to fool a fan checking from a phone.
The FBI also said scammers may use these fake sites to collect names, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and banking information. That is important because this scam can go beyond one bad ticket purchase. Once criminals have that personal information, they can try to open accounts in your name. They can also target you with more believable scams later.
The real FIFA ticketing page is the safest place to start, since scammers are creating spoofed sites that look official. (Elisa Schu/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
Fake FIFA websites can steal more than ticket money
A fake ticket site can look official while quietly collecting your payment details and personal information. The safest move is also the easiest one to overlook. Type FIFA.com directly into your browser. Then go to the official ticketing page from there.
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Do not rely on a search ad. Do not trust a link in a text. Be careful with links in Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats or emails that claim to offer verified seats. Scammers can buy ads. They can clone logos. They can copy the feel of an official checkout page. A fake page may even have clean writing and a professional design.
That means the old scam clues may not show up. You may not see misspelled words or strange graphics. The fake page may look good enough to pass a quick glance. Before you enter payment details, slow down and look at the address bar. The official FIFA site should use FIFA.com. If the domain includes extra words, odd spellings or a different ending, back out.
FBI lists fake FIFA domains to watch for
The FBI named examples of spoofed FIFA domains so fans can see how small changes can make a fake page look official.
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The FBI says more fake websites may appear leading up to and throughout the 2026 World Cup. These examples have already been identified:
- www.fifa[.]cab
- www.fifa[.]pink
- www.fifa[.]blue
- www.fifa[.]pub
- FIFA[.]city
- Fifa[.]bio
- fifa[.]beer
- fifa[.]click
- fifa[.]cam
- fifa[.]ceo
- fifa[.]help
- filfa[.]org
- fifa-online[.]com
- https://fifa-2026[.]xyz
- jobs-fifa[.]com
- fifa-hr[.]com
- fifa-careerhub[.]com
- fifaworldcup-careers[.]com
- fifa-hiring[.]com
- fifahiring[.]com
- fifa-ticket[.]live
- fifastore.us[.]com
- fifaworldcup26[.]sale
- fifaworldcup26.xcover-staging[.]com
- worldcup2026-tickets.com[.]mx
- worldcup26ticket[.]com
- 2026fifaworldcuptickets[.]online
- fwc2026[.]net
- fwc2026.web[.]app
- www.fifa2026p[.]com
- fifa2026fworldcup[.]com
- wvvw-fifa[.]com
- ww-fifa[.]com
- fifa-com[.]com
- www.fifa-com[.]services
- quiniela-fifa-2026.pages[.]dev
Notice the patterns. Some domains use strange endings. Others add words like “ticket,” “career,” “hiring” or “World Cup.” A few rely on tiny spelling tricks, such as changing “www” to “wvvw.” The FBI calls this typo squatting. That means scammers count on people making small typing mistakes or clicking links too quickly.
AI ticket scams make fake listings look legitimate
Artificial intelligence is helping scammers make fake ticket pages, emails and seller messages feel more believable. Fake pages can now have polished copy, realistic customer service language and smooth checkout prompts.
Scammers can also create fake confirmation emails that look like they came from a real ticketing company. They can generate ticket screenshots, QR codes and fake order pages in minutes. That means a nice-looking QR code proves very little. So does a screenshot of a ticket.
A scammer can copy a real-looking image, edit it and send it to several buyers. By the time fans find out, the seller may be gone. The real test is whether the ticket transfers through the official channel. For World Cup tickets, that means using FIFA’s official ticketing system or official resale marketplace.
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If a seller refuses to transfer the ticket through the proper platform, walk away. A screenshot should make you more suspicious, not more comfortable.
World Cup resale problems are already hitting fans
Even fans who use known resale platforms can end up with refunds instead of seats. Bina Ramroop reportedly bought World Cup tickets through StubHub for her grandson’s 13th birthday. She paid $485 per ticket for Spain versus Cape Verde in Atlanta. When she arrived, the tickets would not transfer into the FIFA ticketing app. StubHub offered a refund. However, she wanted the experience, not the money back.
Another fan, Pape Ndaw, reportedly bought tickets in December for about $550 each. Two days before a June 14 match near Dallas, he received a message saying the seller could not deliver. He later found last-minute seats going for more than $1,500 each.
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Then there was Patrick O’Neil’s family. They traveled to Atlanta after buying five tickets through StubHub. Two tickets transferred. Three never arrived. Some family members went in, while the others watched nearby.
These examples show the ugly part of the resale market. Even a known platform may leave you with a refund instead of a seat. That may not help after you have paid for flights, hotels and time off.
Social media World Cup ticket deals carry big risks
Ticket offers on Facebook Marketplace, X, Reddit, Telegram and WhatsApp can look more trustworthy than they really are. A scammer may use a real-looking profile photo, a friendly message and a believable excuse.
They might say a family member got sick. They could claim their group has extra seats. Or they may tell you they “just want a real fan to go.” That story could be true. However, it could also be bait.
The biggest warning sign is when the seller pushes you away from a protected checkout system. If they ask for Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, wire transfer, gift cards or crypto, your risk jumps fast. Those payments can be hard to reverse. In some cases, you may have no easy way to get your money back.
Also, watch for pressure. A legitimate seller may want to move quickly, but a scammer wants you to stop thinking, so you send money before checking the ticket, the transfer method or the website.
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How to spot a World Cup ticket scam
These warning signs can help you pause before a fake seller turns your excitement into a costly mistake.
1) Check the website address before you click
Look closely at the domain. The FBI says scammers use typo squatting, which means they rely on small spelling changes or fake web endings to trick people. For example, a fake site may use an extra letter, a strange ending or words like “ticket,” “career,” or “World Cup” to look official. The real FIFA website should be entered directly as www.fifa.com. If the link looks different, back out before entering your name, payment details or login information.
2) Watch the ticket transfer method
A real ticket should transfer through the official ticketing system. A screenshot, PDF or QR code image should not be enough. If the seller refuses to use the official transfer process, end the conversation.
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3) Avoid risky payment requests
Be careful if a seller asks for peer-to-peer payment apps, crypto, gift cards or a wire transfer. A credit card often gives you stronger fraud protections. Also, keep the transaction inside a trusted platform whenever possible.
4) Question the bargain price
A seat far below the going rate may be bait. Scammers know fans are searching for one lucky break. Compare the price with official listings and trusted resale options. If the gap feels huge, treat it as a warning sign.
5) Slow down when the seller adds pressure
Scammers love phrases like “last chance,” “someone else wants them” or “pay now.” Take a breath before you pay. A few extra minutes can save your money, your trip and your personal information.
Scottish fans took over Ocean Avenue in Miami’s South Beach. (Photo by Ryan McDougall/PA Images via Getty Images)
What to do before buying World Cup tickets
A few checks before checkout can help you avoid fake tickets, bad transfers and stolen account details.
1) Start with FIFA’s official ticketing page
Go directly to FIFA’s official site and navigate from there. Avoid sponsored search results for tickets. The FBI has warned that paid imitators can try to pull fans away from the legitimate site.
2) Bookmark the real FIFA site
After you reach the real FIFA website, save it as a bookmark or favorite. That gives you a safer way back later. Also, be careful with FIFA subdomains. The FBI says fans should navigate to subdomains, such as plus.fifa.com, directly from the official FIFA homepage instead of typing them from memory.
3) Be careful with ads
Exercise caution when clicking ads for tickets, hospitality, merchandise or jobs. Before you click an ad, check the URL. Some malicious ads may display one website but send you somewhere else.
4) Use safer payment options
Use a credit card when possible. It may give you more options if something goes wrong. Do not send money to a stranger through Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, wire transfer, gift cards or crypto.
5) Protect your accounts before checkout
Use a password manager so fake sites do not trick you into reusing passwords. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your email, FIFA account and payment accounts. That adds another layer if scammers get your password.
6) Keep proof before you travel
Save emails, receipts, transfer confirmations and seller messages. Before you leave for the stadium, confirm that the ticket appears in the official ticketing app or platform. Do not wait until you are standing at the gate.
What to do if a World Cup ticket scam hits you
Fast action can limit the financial damage and reduce the risk of identity theft.
1) Contact your bank or credit card company
Explain what happened and ask what options you have to dispute the charge or block further payments.
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2) Change your passwords
Change the password for any account tied to the transaction. Start with your email because scammers often use it to reset other logins. Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords for your FIFA account, email, banking apps and any account where you reused the same password.
3) Turn on two-factor authentication
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) if you have not already. Start with your email, banking apps and any account tied to the fake ticket purchase.
4) Save the evidence
Keep screenshots, emails, seller profiles, payment receipts and website addresses.
5) Check your device
Run strong antivirus software if you clicked a suspicious link or downloaded anything from a fake ticket site. A scam page may try to steal more than payment details. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
6) Reduce your personal information online
A data removal service can help reduce how much personal information scammers can find about you online. That can make future impersonation attempts harder. 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.
7) Report the scam to the FBI
Report the fake site or seller to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Include the fake domain, a description of what happened, what information you entered and any payment details. If money changed hands, include the payment date, amount, payment type, account numbers involved and any receiving bank or crypto wallet details you have.
8) Freeze your credit if sensitive information was exposed
If you entered sensitive personal details, freeze your credit. Then watch for new accounts or hard inquiries you do not recognize.
Kurt’s key takeaways
World Cup ticket scams are getting harder to spot because fake sites now look clean, polished and believable. AI makes that problem worse. The safest route is still FIFA’s official ticketing system. If you buy anywhere else, understand the risk before you pay. A screenshot or QR code does not prove that a ticket will get you into the stadium. The transfer needs to happen through the official platform. Do not let urgency make the decision for you. Scammers want you to be rushed and emotional. If a deal feels too easy, take a breath and check the source. The few minutes you spend verifying the ticket could save your money, your trip and your personal information.
Would you risk buying a last-minute World Cup ticket from a stranger online if the deal looked almost too good to pass up? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Android 17 is getting a dedicated gaming mode for foldables that will put a virtual gamepad with touch controls on half of your screen to theoretically make it easier to play games.
With foldable gaming mode, which is set to launch in the coming months, the virtual controller emulates physical button presses at a system level and is designed to work “with any game that supports physical controllers,” says Google’s Mishaal Rahman on Reddit. For the actual inputs, the virtual controller will have a D-pad; left and right virtual sticks; A, B, X, and Y buttons; L1, L2, L3; R1, R2, and R3; and a start button. And you’ll be able to configure the gamepad in several ways, such as keeping the virtual joysticks inline or staggered from each other, scaling the size of the buttons, and toggling haptics on or off.
Turning on the mode “is as simple as unfolding your device, either before or after launching a compatible game,” Rahman says. You can also choose to hide the gamepad, and if you connect a physical controller, the virtual gamepad will turn off on its own.
“Android allows you to play a wide variety of games on the go,” says Rahman. “While touch controls work incredibly well for many titles, certain games are better enjoyed with physical gamepads. The problem is that carrying a Bluetooth controller or a snap-on gamepad with you everywhere isn’t always convenient. We want to bridge that gap, and we’re addressing it with a new feature in the Android 17 platform release that’s specifically tailored for foldable devices.”
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