IonQ, Inc. (NYSE: IONQ), a leading quantum computing company, saw its shares rocket more than 21% Thursday after reporting fourth-quarter results that far exceeded expectations and issuing optimistic revenue guidance for 2026 that topped Wall Street forecasts.

The stock closed regular trading at $40.88, up $7.29 or 21.70% from the previous close of $33.59, on massive volume exceeding 69 million shares — well above its average. Intraday trading ranged from a low of $38.75 to a high of $41.90, reflecting strong investor enthusiasm following the earnings release.

IonQ reported fourth-quarter revenue of $61.9 million, a staggering 429% increase from $11.7 million in the prior-year period. The figure beat the company’s own guidance midpoint by 55% and surpassed analyst expectations. For full-year 2025, revenue reached $130 million, up 202% year-over-year and 20% above the guidance midpoint, marking the first time a publicly traded quantum computing firm surpassed $100 million in annual GAAP revenue.

Adjusted loss per share narrowed to $0.20, better than the consensus estimate of a $0.23 loss. The results highlighted accelerating commercial demand, with more than 60% of 2025 revenue from commercial customers and over 30% from international sales. Organic growth approached 80% year-over-year.

CEO Niccolo de Masi described the performance as evidence of IonQ’s evolution into the “world’s only full-stack quantum platform company.” He emphasized strong backlog, pipeline visibility and momentum positioning the firm for continued expansion.

For 2026, IonQ guided full-year revenue between $225 million and $245 million, with a midpoint of $235 million — about 22% above the average analyst estimate of roughly $193 million. First-quarter revenue is projected at $48 million to $51 million. The outlook implies roughly 81% year-over-year growth at the midpoint, driven by sustained demand for trapped-ion quantum systems, software and services.

The company anticipates an adjusted EBITDA loss of $310 million to $330 million for 2026, reflecting heavy investments in scaling operations, R&D and recent acquisitions. IonQ maintains a robust cash position of approximately $3.3 billion, providing runway for these initiatives.

A key catalyst in the report was IonQ’s announcement of deploying one of Europe’s largest operational quantum key distribution networks in Romania as part of the RoNaQCI project. The deployment underscores growing adoption in quantum networking and security applications across government and enterprise sectors.

IonQ also highlighted progress toward major milestones, including shipments of its Tempo system in 2026 and a planned 256-qubit demonstration. The company is pursuing a $1.8 billion acquisition of SkyWater Technology, a quantum chip foundry, to bolster manufacturing capabilities and reduce costs for future high-qubit systems.

Analysts reacted positively overall, though some adjusted targets modestly. Jefferies maintained a Buy rating but trimmed its price target, while JP Morgan lowered its target from $47 to $42 while keeping a Neutral stance. The average one-year price target from 12 analysts stands around $71, implying significant upside from current levels, with highs reaching $100.

Technical indicators show IonQ breaking key resistance near $40, with the surge pushing it well above recent trading ranges but still below its 52-week high of $84.64 from October 2025. The 52-week low sits at $17.88. The stock’s beta of around 2.6 indicates high volatility, typical for emerging tech in quantum computing.

Market observers note IonQ’s results as a potential inflection point for the quantum sector, demonstrating commercial traction amid competition from rivals like Rigetti, Quantinuum and IBM. The company’s trapped-ion approach has achieved notable performance benchmarks, including a world-record 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity in 2025.

Despite the rally, IonQ remains unprofitable on an adjusted basis, with full-year 2025 net losses at $510.4 million and adjusted EBITDA loss of $186.8 million. Investors are betting on the long-term transformative potential of quantum computing in fields like drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity and defense.

The stock’s performance contrasts with broader market trends Thursday, where some tech names faced pressure. IonQ’s surge stood out as a bright spot in speculative growth sectors.

As quantum adoption accelerates, IonQ’s focus on full-stack solutions, international expansion and strategic partnerships positions it as a frontrunner. Traders will monitor execution on 2026 milestones, backlog conversion and any updates on the SkyWater deal for further catalysts.

For now, the earnings beat and raised outlook have reignited enthusiasm, sending shares to their strongest close in recent months and signaling renewed confidence in quantum computing’s commercial path.

The Pokémon Company unveiled the first official trailer for *Pokémon Winds* and *Pokémon Waves* during a special Pokémon Presents livestream on February 27, 2026, marking the highly anticipated reveal of the franchise’s 10th generation mainline games. Exclusively developed by Game Freak for the Nintendo Switch 2, the titles are slated for a global simultaneous release in 2027.

The announcement, timed to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary on Pokémon Day, capped a packed presentation filled with franchise updates. The new trailer, titled “First Look: Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves | Announcement Trailer,” provides an extended glimpse into the upcoming open-world adventure, emphasizing stunning visuals and innovative exploration mechanics.

The trailer opens with a nostalgic flip through an illustrated book recapping past regions, before transitioning to a sunny oceanfront scene. Two special Pikachu variants—Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu, dressed in vacation attire—serve as apparent guides, playfully interacting with the environment and teasing their involvement in the story. The footage showcases a lush, unnamed archipelago region featuring windswept islands, dense tropical jungles, mangrove swamps, volcanic areas, rugged cliffs with towering windmills, palm-lined beaches, and expansive glittering oceans.

A major highlight is the clear tease of underwater exploration, with segments showing diving mechanics and submerged coral reefs teeming with Pokémon. This returns a beloved feature from earlier generations like *Ruby* and *Sapphire*, absent from recent mainline titles. Fans have praised the apparent graphical leap, with real-time water reflections, dynamic foliage, improved lighting, and smoother animations signaling a significant upgrade over *Scarlet* and *Violet*’s performance issues.

The games promise an emphasis on harmony with nature, where trainers “team up with all kinds of Pokémon to overcome both the difficult road ahead and even the forces of nature.” The trailer highlights diverse biomes and ecosystems, suggesting deeper integration of environmental elements into gameplay, including wind and wave-themed challenges.

Central to the reveal are the three new starter Pokémon, each with classic typing and abilities:

– **Browt**, the Grass-type Bean Chick Pokémon: Described as lively but clumsy, this bird-like starter stands at 1 foot tall and weighs 7.7 pounds, with Overgrow as its hidden ability.
– **Pombon**, the Fire-type Puppy Pokémon: A guileless and friendly fire lion cub at 1 foot 4 inches and 14.8 pounds, featuring Blaze.
– **Gecqua**, the Water-type Water Gecko Pokémon: An intelligent lizard at 1 foot tall and 9.5 pounds, with Torrent.

The trailer concludes with dramatic shots of crashing waves and howling winds, building anticipation for legendary Pokémon and story elements likely tied to these natural forces.

Social media erupted following the debut, with the official Pokémon accounts’ posts garnering massive engagement. Commenters noted the extended development time—marking the longest gap between generations at five years—allowing for better optimization on the Switch 2’s hardware. Many expressed excitement over the visual improvements and underwater return, with some calling it a “very good sign” for the series’ future.

The exclusivity to Nintendo Switch 2, which launched in 2025, aligns with Nintendo’s push for next-gen experiences. No backward compatibility with the original Switch was indicated, positioning these as flagship launch-window titles for the console’s lifecycle.

The Pokémon Presents also included other announcements: *Pokémon Champions* slated for April 2026 with Pokémon HOME features, the cozy multiplayer game *Pokémon Pokopia* on March 5, rereleases of classic titles like *FireRed*, *LeafGreen*, and *XD: Gale of Darkness*, plus events including the 2026 World Championships in San Francisco. Brazilian Portuguese support debuts with *Winds* and *Waves*, expanding accessibility.

With lifetime sales exceeding 480 million units and recent entries like *Scarlet* and *Violet* surpassing 25 million, the franchise remains a juggernaut. The 2027 launch follows a year of 30th anniversary celebrations across games, trading card games, anime, and merchandise.

Fans now await further details on the region’s name, legendaries, gym leaders, new mechanics, and evolutions. Official sources direct enthusiasts to Pokemon.com and the dedicated Winds and Waves site for updates.

As the trailer circulates widely on YouTube and social platforms, the reveal solidifies excitement for Pokémon’s next chapter, promising a refreshed, nature-focused adventure on enhanced hardware.

Courteney Cox is back in her signature role as the sharp-tongued reporter Gale Weathers in *Scream 7*, the latest installment of the long-running horror franchise that hit theaters nationwide on February 27, 2026. Directed by Kevin Williamson — the writer of the original 1996 film and several sequels — the movie reunites legacy stars including Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, marking a return to the series’ roots amid mixed early reviews.

The film, distributed by Paramount Pictures, opened in IMAX and standard formats following a star-studded premiere at the Paramount lot on February 25. Cox, who has appeared in every *Scream* entry since the beginning, reprises Gale as a resilient survivor now mentoring younger characters and covering yet another Ghostface killing spree. In promotional interviews, Cox channeled her character’s bold personality, famously stealing an Entertainment Tonight microphone during a red carpet chat while staying in character.

The plot centers on Sidney Prescott (Campbell), who has built a quiet new life only to face renewed terror when a new Ghostface targets her daughter (played by Isabel May). Gale arrives to report on the murders, teaming up with familiar faces including Chad and Mindy Meeks-Martin (Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown), now positioned as her “hot interns.” The story incorporates meta elements, nods to past films, and a mother-daughter dynamic that reviewers have called a tearjerker.

Williamson, making his directorial return to the franchise after decades, helmed the project following a turbulent development period. Filming took place from January to March 2025 after Neve Campbell resolved a pay dispute that kept her out of *Scream VI*. Campbell reportedly secured a significant salary increase — said to be $5 million more than Cox’s — and the script underwent a $500,000 rewrite to accommodate the changes. Cox confirmed her involvement in late 2024, expressing excitement about Williamson’s direction and the emotional core of the story.

The cast expands with newcomers and returning surprises: Matthew Lillard reprises Stu Macher in a surreal cameo, while additions include Anna Camp, Mckenna Grace, Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, Sam Rechner, Mark Consuelos, Tim Simons, Joel McHale, and others. Roger L. Jackson returns as the voice of Ghostface.

Early reviews are polarized. Some praise the nostalgic reunion and bloody set pieces, with one calling it a “bloody good throwback” and highlighting Cox’s “ferocious” performance as Gale. Others criticize it as uninspired or the franchise’s “worst in 30 years,” citing a lack of fresh ideas despite the star power. The Hollywood Reporter described it as “dead creatively,” while Deadline noted strong elements in the mother-daughter focus. Social media buzzed with fan excitement over the legacy cast, with many calling Gale the “glue” of the series.

At the premiere, Cox reflected on her longevity, noting she’s the only actor (besides the voice of Ghostface) to appear in all seven films. She joked about past wardrobe choices like the infamous *Scream 3* bangs, calling them a “big mistake” but one that endures in fan memory. Campbell and Cox emphasized their long friendship, with Cox saying it felt natural slipping back into Gale opposite Sidney.

The release comes as the *Scream* franchise approaches its 30th anniversary, having grossed hundreds of millions worldwide since Wes Craven’s original meta-slasher redefined horror in 1996. After Craven’s death in 2015, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett rebooted the series with *Scream* (2022) and *Scream VI* (2023), introducing new leads like Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera. Those films succeeded commercially but faced controversy, including Barrera’s firing over social media comments.

*Scream 7* shifts focus back to originals, with Williamson reclaiming creative control. It avoids some prior pitfalls by emphasizing character returns and familiar dynamics, though some critics argue it borrows too heavily from past entries without innovation. Box office projections remain strong given the built-in fanbase and holiday-adjacent timing.

Fans have flocked to theaters, with tickets available via Fandango, AMC, Cinemark, and others. The official site and trailers highlight the terror in Sidney’s new town, complete with dramatic lines like “I’m gonna burn it all down.”

As audiences dissect the killers’ identity and Easter eggs, *Scream 7* delivers the expected thrills — stabbings, chases, and witty banter — while testing whether the franchise can sustain itself without constant reinvention. Cox’s Gale remains a highlight, fierce and unapologetic, proving why she’s endured through every Ghostface rampage.

For showtimes and more, visit screammovie.com or local listings. The film is rated R for strong bloody violence, language, and some gore.

Betting and Britain go together like muddy pitches and Tuesday night fixtures. For centuries, the British public has had a love affair with a wager, whether that’s a coin toss on a street corner or a carefully considered accumulator placed from a smartphone. Football, though, has taken that tradition and transformed it into something altogether bigger.

From Victorian racecourses to the Premier League era, the story of British betting is rich, colourful, and still unfolding. Keep on reading to find out how the nation’s passion for football and gambling became one and the same thing.

A Nation Born to Bet

Horse Racing Laid the Groundwork

Long before anyone was predicting first goalscorers or half-time results, horse racing was the beating heart of British gambling culture. Known for centuries as the “Sport of Kings,” racing gave birth to the professional bookmaker as we know it today.

By the early 19th century, bookmakers were a permanent fixture on racecourses across Britain. They chalked odds on boards, took bets in cash, and built a whole ecosystem around the sport. Figures like William Hill and Fred Done would eventually take that tradition and turn it into household names.

The Betting Shop Era

It wasn’t until 1961, when the Betting and Gaming Act was passed, that off-course betting shops became legal in Britain. Before that, placing a bet outside of a racecourse was technically illegal, though widespread informal betting was rife.

The legalisation changed everything. Betting shops appeared on high streets almost overnight, giving ordinary working people a place to study the form, place a bet, and watch the results come in. Horse racing remained the dominant sport, but football was quietly growing in popularity with punters.

Football Takes Centre Stage

From the Pools to the Premier League

British punters had been engaging with football through the football pools since the 1920s. Companies like Littlewoods and Vernons offered weekly competitions where participants predicted drawn matches, and for many households, it was the only form of legal gambling available to them.

When the Premier League launched/rebranded in 1992, everything accelerated. Sky’s television deal brought football into living rooms in a way it never had been before, and bookmakers quickly recognised that football’s mass appeal translated directly into betting interest. Odds on match results, top scorers, and league winners became as common as racing fixtures in every betting shop window.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Football now dominates the British betting market by a considerable margin. According to the Gambling Commission, football accounts for the largest share of all sports betting activity in Great Britain, with billions of pounds staked on the sport each year. And it’s easier than ever to get into it. Today, beginner punters can find trusted free bets on Sporting Life from regulated, established bookmakers with just a click.

The variety of available markets has played a massive role in football’s rise. Today’s punter can bet on:

• Match result and both teams to score
• First goalscorer and anytime goalscorer
• Correct score and half-time/full-time
• Corners, cards, and player-specific statistics
• Accumulators spanning multiple leagues and continents

How Technology Transformed the Game

From the High Street to the Smartphone

Walking into a betting shop, filling out a slip, and queuing at the counter was once the only way to place a football bet. The internet changed that dramatically in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with online bookmakers allowing punters to bet from home for the first time.

The smartphone revolution took it further still. Betting apps made it possible to place a wager at kick-off, cash out at half-time, and follow live odds that shift with every pass and tackle. In-play betting, in particular, has become one of the fastest-growing sectors of the entire gambling market.

Live Odds and the Modern Bettor

It’s hard to overstate how different the experience is today compared to twenty years ago. A punter in 1995 would place their bet before a match and wait for the result. A punter in 2026 can watch the game unfold, analyse momentum shifts, and adjust their positions in real time.

Promotions, free bet offers, and sign-up bonuses have also made it easier than ever for new bettors to explore football wagering with reduced risk. Trusted comparison platforms now do much of the legwork, gathering the best offers from licensed bookmakers in one place.

The Cultural Bond Between Football and Betting

Football betting has become deeply embedded in British sporting culture. The Saturday accumulator, colloquially known as the “acca,” is practically a national institution. Millions of people pick four, five, or six results each weekend, chasing the thrill of a long-odds return on a small stake.

Major tournaments, the Premier League title race, and relegation battles all generate enormous betting interest. Even mundane midweek fixtures attract significant wagering activity, a testament to how thoroughly football and betting have merged in the British consciousness.

Responsibility in a Digital Age

With greater access comes greater responsibility. The Gambling Commission and the industry’s own safer gambling initiatives have introduced a range of tools, including deposit limits, self-exclusion schemes, and reality checks, to help bettors manage their activity.

Reputable platforms and bookmakers are required to promote these tools prominently, and awareness around problem gambling has grown considerably in recent years. Betting on football can be an enjoyable part of following the game, provided it’s approached thoughtfully.

Final Whistle: A Gamble That Paid Off

Football’s rise to become Britain’s most-bet-on sport didn’t happen by accident. It was the product of the game’s extraordinary cultural reach, the evolution of the bookmaking industry, and, ultimately, the technology that made betting accessible to everyone with a mobile phone and an opinion about Sunday’s fixtures.

What began on Victorian racecourses, migrated through high-street betting shops, and has now settled comfortably in the digital age. The beautiful game and the beautiful gamble have, it turns out, always been heading in the same direction.

Please gamble responsibly.

The Pokémon Company lit up Pokémon Day on Feb. 27, 2026, with the surprise reveal of Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, the 10th generation of its iconic mainline RPG series. Unveiled during a livestreamed Pokémon Presents celebrating the franchise’s 30th anniversary, the dual titles promise an expansive open-world adventure exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, launching globally in 2027. As fans dissect the announcement trailer — which has racked up millions of views — here are 10 essential things every trainer must know about the games that could redefine Pokémon exploration.

1. A Long-Awaited Generation 10 Launch The reveal confirms Winds and Waves as the first mainline Pokémon games of Generation 10, developed by longtime studio Game Freak. Coming nearly five years after Scarlet and Violet, the titles mark the longest gap between core entries, allowing extra polish on the Switch 2’s upgraded hardware. Expect refined open-world gameplay building on Paldea’s successes while addressing past performance gripes.

2. Nintendo Switch 2 Exclusive in 2027 No original Switch support — these are pure next-gen experiences. The global simultaneous release in 2027 positions them as key drivers for Switch 2 adoption, following the console’s 2025 debut. Nintendo’s hybrid powerhouse, with enhanced processing and visuals, will showcase dynamic weather, water effects, and dense biomes without compromise.

3. Adorable New Starters Steal the Show Choose your first partner from three classics:

• Browt, the Grass-type Bean Chick Pokémon — lively yet clumsy, 1 foot tall, 7.7 pounds, with Overgrow ability.
• Pombon, the Fire-type Puppy Pokémon — guileless and friendly fire pup, 1 foot 4 inches, 14.8 pounds, Blaze ability. Early fan favorite for its fluffy, energetic design.
• Gecqua, the Water-type Water Gecko Pokémon — intelligent lizard, 1 foot tall, 9.5 pounds, Torrent ability.Pombon’s popularity exploded on social media, with fans dubbing it “best boy.”

Pokemon Winds and Waves reveals starters Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua

4. Tropical Archipelago Inspired by Indonesia The unnamed region spans windswept islands and a glittering ocean, drawing from Indonesia and Southeast Asia’s diverse ecosystems — think palm beaches, dense jungles, mangrove swamps, volcanic caves, and coral reefs. Leaks predicting this setting proved spot-on, thrilling fans with its real-world authenticity.

5. Open-World Harmony with Nature Trainers “team up with all kinds of Pokémon to overcome both the difficult road ahead and even the forces of nature.” Lush environments foster unique Pokémon ecosystems, hinting at environmental puzzles, dynamic weather (howling winds, crashing waves), and co-op wild encounters. The trailer teases seamless traversal across land and sea.

6. Underwater Exploration Returns Submerged reefs and diving mechanics evoke Ruby and Sapphire, long absent from mainlines. Glimpses of underwater worlds promise a fresh layer to the ocean-focused region, with real-time reflections elevating visuals.

7. Vacation Pikachu Guides the Adventure Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu — beach-ready Pikachu in tourist gear — appear as enigmatic allies. Their tagline: “Just how could these Pikachu be involved?” sparks theories of tutorial roles or plot ties.

8. Protagonists with Version-Exclusive Outfits Main characters sport distinct looks per version (Winds vs. Waves), emphasizing player choice in this dual-release tradition. The trailer flips through a nostalgic region book before diving into the action.

9. Brazilian Portuguese Support Debuts A franchise first: Brazilian Portuguese as a selectable language, broadening access for South America’s massive fanbase. “Now, even more fans around the world will be able to play this new adventure in their native language,” the company stated.

10. Part of Epic 30th Anniversary Lineup The Presents packed more: Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen rereleases, cozy multiplayer Pokémon Pokopia, Pokémon Champions in 2026 with HOME integration, and 2026 World Championships in San Francisco. All fuel the “What’s Your Favorite?” campaign across games, TCG, and merch.

Social media erupted post-reveal, with the official starter post amassing over 56,000 likes and fans rallying “Team Pombon” or praising Browt’s “Rowlet vibes.” Leaks from 2024-2025 — including the subtitle and archipelago — validated insiders, building hype. Analysts predict blockbuster sales, topping Scarlet/Violet‘s 25 million, as Pokémon nears 500 million units lifetime.

More details loom on Pokemon.com, but Winds and Waves signal a breezy, wave-riding evolution. Trainers, pick your starter and brace for 2027.