Shanling has officially unveiled the SM90, a compact network player that does more than just stream music. Priced just under $1,000, the SM90 integrates HDMI ARC, dual AKM DACs, and a modern Android-based platform into a single chassis designed to anchor both hi-fi and TV audio systems. That HDMI ARC input is the headline feature and not just for spec sheet bragging rights. It signals a shift in how companies like Shanling are positioning streamers in 2026: not as standalone music devices, but as central hubs for everything from Qobuz playlists to Netflix dialogue.

Although Shanling isn’t the first to build a capable streamer, the SM90 is among the first in its class to take HDMI ARC seriously. That single connection allows users to route TV audio directly into a two-channel system without needing an AVR or soundbar. It’s a practical move. More listeners are consolidating their systems, and the idea of separate music and TV setups feels increasingly outdated. The SM90 leans into that reality, even if purists might roll their eyes.

Familiar Hardware, More Focused Execution

Under the hood, Shanling sticks with a familiar and proven formula. Dual AKM AK4493S DACs handle conversion duties, paired with a closed Android 12 system running on a platform with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. A 4.96-inch 1080p touchscreen anchors the user experience. Nothing here reinvents the category, but that seems intentional. Shanling appears more focused on stability and refinement than chasing novelty this time around.

Streaming support covers most of what buyers expect at this level. Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, AirPlay 2, DLNA, and access to major streaming apps are all included, alongside Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC. Roon Ready status is still pending, which may give some buyers pause. In this segment, that box usually needs to be checked on day one.

Connectivity is where the SM90 starts to separate itself from a crowded field. In addition to HDMI ARC, it offers USB DAC functionality, optical and coaxial inputs and outputs, balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs, and support for internal storage via SSD. That’s a broader and more flexible I/O set than many competitors, reinforcing the idea that Shanling wants this to be the center of a system rather than just another endpoint.

The timing, however, is not exactly forgiving. The sub-$1,000 streamer category is now one of the most competitive in hi-fi, with strong options from WiiM, Eversolo, Cambridge Audio, and HiFi Rose already entrenched. Shanling’s approach leans more traditional, but with a modern twist in the form of HDMI ARC. Whether that combination is enough will come down to execution, particularly on the software side, where stability and responsiveness matter more than another feature checkbox.

The SM90 is less about breaking new ground and more about acknowledging where the category is headed. By adding HDMI ARC and expanding connectivity, it positions itself as a true system hub rather than just another streamer. What remains uncertain is how well it all works in the real world.

There are no meaningful third-party reviews yet, Roon certification is still pending, and Shanling’s software track record is not spotless. But if those pieces fall into place, the SM90 could land exactly where a lot of systems are heading—right between your speakers and your TV, whether audiophiles like it or not.

Features

• Compact dimensions at 28 x 23 x 8.5 cm
• Reduced weight at just 3.3kg
• Dual AKM AK4493s DAC Section
• OPA1612 Analog Output
• 4.96-Inch 1080p Touch Screen
• Closed Android 12 platform, Rockchip CPU
• Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready (in process)
• Built-in Streaming Apps
• (Apple, Apple Classical, Amazon, Spotify, KKBox, Presto, Radio Paradise)
• NAS, DLNA, AirPlay 2 Playback
• Internal SSD Slot & USB Drive Playback
• Bluetooth 5.2 Input support LDAC, AAC, SBC
• Digital Inputs: Coaxial / Optical / USB DAC / HDMI ARC
• Digital Outputs: Coaxial / Optical / USB
• Analog Outputs: RCA & XLR

The Bottom Line

The Shanling SM90 is less about breaking new ground and more about acknowledging where the category is headed. By adding HDMI ARC and expanding connectivity, it positions itself as a true system hub rather than just another streamer, one clearly designed to sit between your TV and a modern two channel system without forcing you into an AVR or soundbar ecosystem.

What’s still missing is clarity where it matters. U.S. pricing appears to land somewhere around $900 to $1,000, but nothing feels fully locked, and that matters in a segment where even a modest price shift can change the conversation. There’s also no real world performance data yet, Roon certification remains pending, and Shanling’s software track record, while improving, has not been flawless. Past issues with app stability and gapless playback are still fresh enough to raise concern, and those are the kinds of problems that undermine an otherwise strong product.

It is also worth noting what is not here. There is no indication of built in room correction or system optimization tools, which feels like a missed opportunity in 2026, especially for buyers pairing a streamer with active speakers and expecting a more complete and flexible setup. At the same time, the competition is well established. WiiM, Cambridge Audio, Bluesound, Eversolo, and others already offer mature platforms, stable apps, and in some cases deeper ecosystem integration.

Shanling has been on a solid run lately with its higher end CD and SACD players and a steady stream of well received portable gear, so the SM90 is not arriving from a position of weakness. But this category does not reward potential, it rewards execution. If Shanling delivers stable software and consistent performance, the SM90 could be a serious contender. If not, it risks becoming just another well specified box in a segment that already has plenty of proven alternatives.

Where to buy: $969 (available April 2026)

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Unlike traditional casino sites, where you can wager real money, social casinos operate on virtual currencies or offer games for free. That’s why these special casinos saw remarkable growth across Southeast Asia recently, and Malaysia is one of the first countries in the region to embrace this type of entertainment. 

Strict Malaysian regulations have allowed players to enjoy casino-style games purely for entertainment, as most forms of gambling remain prohibited. The Betting Act 1953 and Shariah Law apply to the Muslim-majority population of Malaysia, and social casinos have established themselves as a culturally acceptable alternative for those seeking gaming entertainment. In 2026, the social casino industry in Malaysia is thriving, driven by smartphone adoption, rapid mobile internet penetration, innovative game features, and a digitally savvy population.  

The Definition of a Social Casino 

A social casino is a gaming platform, be it a website or a mobile app, that perfectly replicates the gambling atmosphere with casino games. At an online casino, you can claim a welcome bonus, for example, after you explore the sign-up bonuses on Plainenglish.io as a first-time player, then play for real money, and cash out actual winnings. In contrast, Malaysian social casinos do not involve real-money stakes and payouts, hence the name, as their effect remains purely social. 

Players use virtual coins, chips, or tokens that can be earned through gameplay, daily rewards, or purchased through microtransactions. Sign-up bonuses and other rewards might also be available, and they often come with very simple redemption conditions. This makes social casinos accessible to a broader Malaysian audience, including players who may avoid traditional gambling for religious, cultural, and legal reasons. 

Popular Social Casino Trends in Malaysia 

If you want to know the top social casino trends in Malaysia for 2026, take a look at the list below: 

• Booming mobile gaming: due to high nationwide mobile penetration with rates exceeding 96% in 2025, mobile internet usage averages over four hours daily. This is the main reason why social casino apps are thriving, and they offer games designed primarily for mobile devices. In short, these games are instantly accessible to millions of Malaysians. 
• Reducing cultural barriers: although slightly controversial with the gambling law, social casinos remove the ethical and legal concerns associated with real-money gambling. Players can enjoy online slots, roulette, and other classic casino games without financial risk, making them acceptable across diverse cultural and religious backgrounds – something that was a real barrier only a few decades ago. 
• Social network interaction: this trend is also known as “online social connectivity”, and it is a very new phenomenon. Malaysians are highly active on social media, using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Social casinos boost this factor by offering multiplayer features, friend invitations, leaderboards, and social sharing. This trend turns solitary gameplay into a communal interaction that can be easily integrated into daily lifestyle. 
• New gameplay modes: social casinos use the free-to-play model, where the barrier to entry is literally zero. Live multiplayer tournaments are another innovative and increasingly popular model where players compete against friends or strangers. Online platforms now host daily and weekly poker and slot tournaments with leaderboard rankings and virtual prize pools. 
• Virtual gifting schemes: players can send virtual gifts, coins, or boosters to friends. This feature helps improve community bonds and encourages continued play for newcomers. Some platforms have even integrated live chat and emoji reactions during gameplay to mirror the social energy of a physical casino. 
• Personalized avatars and profiles: customization is a major trend in Malaysia. Players create detailed avatars, unlock exclusive outfits and accessories through achievements, and showcase their profiles on public leaderboards, social media, and other channels. This gamification trend transforms a social casino into something much more important than just a website to play free games. 
• Cross-platform synchronization: players expect seamless experiences across devices. Leading social casinos now synchronize progress between smartphones, tablets, and desktops. This allows virtual coins, achievements, tournament standings, and many other features to carry over regardless of how you access the social casino platform. 
• Popularization of story-driven slot games: modern social slots go beyond simple spinning reels. The top software providers now release slots with narrative-driven progression, where players unlock chapters, complete missions, and explore themed worlds. Although free to play, this storytelling approach matches particularly well the needs of Malaysian players who enjoy RPG-style mobile games. 
• Seasonal events and challenges: the best Malaysian social casino platforms regularly launch events tied to cultural celebrations, such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Malaysia Day. These events are accompanied by exclusive games, themed rewards, and time-limited challenges during festive periods. 
• Monetization: while social casinos are free to play, they generate revenue through in-app purchases. Players can buy virtual coin packages, premium boosters, or exclusive content. In Malaysia, spending on social casino microtransactions grew by an estimated 18% year-on-year in 2024. In addition, responsible spending features are becoming standard. Most reputable platforms now include purchase limits, spending trackers, and parental controls as a way to prevent excessive microtransaction spending. 

The Verdict 

Two things make social casinos important: they are modern and trend-driven, and they can be monetized. This combination is more than enough to show that there is a rise in social casinos in Malaysia. Looking into the future, their popularity is set to keep growing as technology advances and developers create increasingly immersive gaming opportunities for everyone. 

Because no real money is won or lost, social casinos fall outside the legal definition of gambling in most jurisdictions, including Malaysia. This is essential for the appeal of online gaming sites in countries where ethical and cultural barriers are still in place. 

The fighting game community is going to have their hands full this summer between the release of Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls and Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game. The studio behind the 2D fighting game based in the Avatar universe announced that a July 2 release date with a trailer that shows off new gameplay and a base price of $29.99.

The game will launch with 12 characters, encompassing both the heroes and villains from Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. The game’s developer, Gameplay Group International, said that there are more than 900 hand-drawn frames for each character, which makes the game look like it came directly out of the beloved TV series. Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game will feature both casual and ranked matches, using a rollback netcode to ensure smooth frame-by-frame action between players, along with crossplay across PS5, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.

For those more interested in the lore, there will be a single-player story mode and a gallery mode with “never before seen art.” Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game is currently available for pre-order, starting at $29.99, but there’s a $59.99 deluxe edition that includes a digital art book, music soundtrack, unique HUDs and a Year 1 Pass, which adds five additional characters that will be released in the future. Those who pre-order will also get a Samurai skin for Appa, exclusive character colors and voting privilege for the Year 1 Pass characters.

Other Phones to Consider

We test a ton of Android phones. We like the ones below, but you’ll be better off with one of the options above. If you haven’t yet done so, check out our Best Cheap Phones and Best Folding Phones guides for more.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE for $650: If Google’s Pixel 10 doesn’t appeal, you can get a really great Samsung phone for around $500 (it’s often on sale around this price!). The Galaxy S25 FE is like a “lite” version of the flagship Galaxy S25, with a bigger 6.7-inch screen, a larger battery, and a triple-camera system that includes a 3X optical zoom lens. Performance isn’t as good, but I never had any issues (you may not be able to play the most demanding games at the highest graphical settings). The screen is sharp, bright, and smooth, and this phone is even Qi2 Ready if you use a compatible magnetic case. I don’t recommend buying it at its MSRP, but when it’s frequently at $500, it’s a smart option. It’s also worth considering the standard Galaxy S25 series if you can find them on sale.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold for $1,799: I think Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 takes the cake as the best folding phone designed like a book in 2025, but if you prefer Google’s Pixel phones, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (7/10, WIRED Review) isn’t a bad option. It’s nowhere near as thin, but it does have Qi2 magnets built in, meaning you can attach it to various magnetic accessories, like car docks and phone chargers, or attach magnetic wallets or power banks to the phone. It’s also one of the only folding phones with an IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating for peace of mind. The screens look great, battery life is solid, and the camera system is reliable. It’s easy to get into split-screen mode, but I think there’s more Google can do to improve the multitasking experience.

Google Pixel 9 series

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Google Pixel 9 series for $570+: The Pixel 9 series (9/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2024 is still a great buy if you can find them on sale. The Pixel 9 is similar to the Pixel 9a but with better build quality and larger camera sensors. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL have the 5X optical camera and the vapor chamber cooling, among other perks. The key is to make sure you avoid paying MSRP. These have dipped fairly often in price during sale events, and now, as stock gets cleared, you can probably find a killer deal if you hold out.

Galaxy Z Flip7

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 for $1,056: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip7 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) got some great upgrades over its predecessor, but it wasn’t enough to dethrone the Razr Ultra 2025 as my top flip phone pick. Still, it’s worth considering if you’re shopping for a folding phone of this category, because the cameras are solid, the displays are excellent and larger than ever, and the cover screen is a little more useful (though not as versatile as on Motorola’s phone). Battery life is even worse here over the Fold7, so snag a power bank while you’re at it.

Minimal Phone

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Minimal Phone for $450: Having trouble curbing your screen time? Instead of going cold turkey with something like the Light Phone III, try the Minimal Phone (6/10, WIRED Review). This is an e-paper Android phone with a physical keyboard. The goal is to let you access the usual Android apps, but because the screen is ill-suited to videos and most social media, you’ll naturally be able to avoid those distractions. It’s successful in this task, but the constant screen ghosting and plasticky build dampen the experience.

Mobile Accessories You Might Need

Arc Pulse bumpers for Pixel 10 Pro XL

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

We have case recommendations for a few popular devices, like Samsung’s Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24, and Galaxy S23, or Google’s Pixel 10 series. It’s smart to slap a case on these glass sandwiches and even a screen protector to keep the display free of scuffs and scratches. Here are a few other noteworthy accessories, including charging adapters, which many phones don’t include anymore. Read our Best USB-C Cables guide for other recommendations.

Nomad 65W Slim Power Adapter for $55: There are lots of great options if you want a cheap, tiny charger these days, but why not spend a bit more for something versatile? This ultra-slim charger from Nomad is easy to travel with, especially thanks to its folding prongs, and it has enough power to recharge a MacBook, let alone your phone. There are two USB-C ports to boot.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Counterpart Retractable The Charger for $44: It’s not the best value, but this design-forward charger has a retractable 4-foot cable that makes it a fantastic two-in-one—no need to pack a separate charger and cable! It outputs 35 watts, which is plenty to fast-charge most phones and tablets, and the prongs fold in for travel.

Peak Design Samsung and Pixel Everyday Case for $50: If you have a Samsung or Pixel phone and you frequently mount your phone to a bike or scooter, you owe it to yourself to snag this case and Peak Design’s bike mount. The case snaps perfectly into the mount, is dead simple to release, and has yet to fall off after years of riding. Peak Design also sells several other accessories you can attach to the back of these cases, bringing Android into Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem.

Nimble Champ Portable Charger 10,000 mAh for $60: This portable battery is small enough to leave in a bag but has enough power to fully recharge your phone once or twice. There’s a USB-C and USB-A port; it delivers 18 watts of power, so it can recharge your tablet or phone, and it’s housed in 73 percent post-consumer plastic with plastic-free packaging.

Nomad ChargeKey V2 for $29: When your phone dies, it’s almost always when you forget to bring a charger or battery pack. The ChargeKey is a nifty solution—it’s like clipping a tiny USB-C charging cable to your keychain. Just plug one end into your phone and the other into any kind of power source (a friend’s phone or a charging adapter if you manage to find one), and you can top up your phone. Native Union also has a similar item that’s cuter but nearly as capable.

Choose a Wireless Charger: Our guide to the best wireless chargers includes dozens of models in varying colors, shapes, and materials, and even some designed for specific phones. Not every Android phone supports wireless charging, but it’s a luxury you’ll want to take advantage of. Take a gander at our guide for our favorites.

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We’ve just witnessed a stellar BGIS Grand Finals tournament, filled with ups and downs for many teams. Still, in the end, it came down to just two teams: Soul and Genesis. As you may have guessed from the title, it was Soul who clinched the title, but that wasn’t without a twist. Soul had a horrible last match, which meant all hopes rested on Genesis, who also messed up and ended second. OG completed the podium, but if you missed the action, here’s everything that happened on day 3 of the BGIS Grand Finals.

Match 13 & 14: Fast Starts, Wild Zones, and a Genesis Miracle

The first Rondo match started in typical fashion—absolute chaos. Teams like Soul, Genesis, RNTX, and NINZ lost most of their players early, though recalls helped them return to the game. Nebula came out swinging with over five kills right after the first zone. MYTH and GodLike also had strong starts. The first team to go was VS, who were taken out by OG in a bold play. Tamilas and RGE followed soon after. At the end, OG, VS, and Soul remained, and the big win came for OG.

The second match had its own madness. MYTH was eliminated without even getting a weapon, and RGE were also sent packing early. The zone played tricks again, leaving Genesis with just one player after the second circle. Soul went on a rampage, chasing down OG and finishing three players in minutes. GodLike gambled on a military base zone, but it shifted back to the mainland, forcing them into a risky rotation where they got ambushed. In the final circle, four teams remained, including Soul. But then came the unthinkable—Genesis’ last surviving player, hiding inside a burnt loot truck, clutched the match and stole the win.

Match 15 & 16: Tournament Wide Open

NIMZ had a shocker in the next game, getting eliminated early by Nebula. Genesis also had a rare bad game, finishing second out with zero points. GodLike’s struggles continued as K9 took them out, leaving Soul as the only consistent team among the top contenders. And Soul? They looked unstoppable. They wiped K9, rolled over OG, and even took down VS without breaking a sweat. At this point, it genuinely felt like the tournament was theirs. But just when the hype train was at full speed, Reckoning Esports stopped Soul in their tracks and took the match.

The last Erangel match started with a shocker—Soul lost two players early to WELT and were eventually eliminated by them. Suddenly, the tournament was wide open. WELT didn’t last long either, getting third-partyed by MYTH, who were then wiped by GodLike.Nebula joined the same fight and eliminated GodLike, too, meaning two of the top teams were gone before the first circle even closed. Genesis and OG had a golden opportunity to capitalize. Reckoning was taken out by NIMZ, while a messy Gatka fight saw multiple teams fall. OG couldn’t convert their chance and finished 8th. In the final moments, it came down to Genesis vs RNTX—and Genesis secured another chicken dinner, keeping the title race alive.

Match 17 & 18: Soul Clutch the Championship

The Miramar match started with a hard east zone shift, cutting the playable area in half. WF were the first team to fall, followed by Genesis’s shocking early exit. Then came another twist—WELT took down Soul, meaning both top teams were out without significant points. OG, who were sitting in third, were also eliminated early. This match turned into an opportunity for the bottom teams to step up. Nebula looked dominant with over 10 kills, but was eventually taken out by K9. The final fight came down to K9, MYTH, and LEFP, with K9 closing it out for the chicken dinner.

The final match had everything riding on it, with just a 9-point gap between the top two teams. The zone shifted hard towards La Cobreria, and Soul lost a player early, forcing them to rethink their approach. LFP was the first team eliminated, while GodLike once again made a costly mistake, continuing their rough Day 3. Soul’s Joker was knocked early, and Genesis was slowly closing the gap. But in the end, despite being eliminated early, Soul had already done enough—and Genesis couldn’t capitalize. For the full standings, click here.

One of the purported advantages of self-driving car tech is that every car can learn from one vehicle’s mistakes. Here’s how Waymo puts it on its website: “The Waymo Driver learns from the collective experiences gathered across our fleet, including previous hardware generations.”

But in Austin, Waymo’s vehicles struggled for months to learn how to stop for school buses as drivers picked up and dropped off children. An official with the Austin Independent School District (AISD) alleged that the vehicles had, in at least 19 instances, “illegally and dangerously” passed the district’s school buses while their red lights were flashing and their stop arms were extended rather than coming to complete stops, as the law requires.

In early December, Waymo even issued a federal recall related to the incidents, acknowledging at least 12 of them to federal regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which oversees road safety. According to federal filings, engineers with the self-driving vehicle company had “developed software changes to address the behavior” weeks before.

But even after the recall, the school-bus-passing incidents continued, according to school officials and a report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent federal safety watchdog that’s also investigating the situation.

Now, email and text messages between school officials and Waymo representatives, obtained by WIRED through a public records request, show the lengths that the Austin public school district and Waymo went to try to solve the problem. AISD even hosted a half-day “data collection” event in a school parking lot in mid-December, the documents show, with several employees pulling together school buses and stop-arm signals from across the fleet so the self-driving car company could collect information related to vehicles and their flashing lights.

Still, by mid-January, over a month later, the school district reported at least four more school-bus-passing incidents had taken place in Austin. “The data we collected from the beginning of the school year to the end of the semester shows that about 98 percent of people that receive one violation do not receive another,” an official with the school’s police department told the local NBC affiliate that month. “That tells us that the person is learning, but it does not appear the Waymo automated driver system is learning through its software updates, its recall, what have you, because we are still having violations.”

The situation raises questions about the self-driving technologies’ curious blind spots and the industry’s ability to compensate for them even after they’ve been spotted.

Self-driving software has long struggled with recognizing flashing emergency lights and road safety devices with long, thin arms, including gates and stop-arms, says Missy Cummings, who researches autonomous vehicles at George Mason University and served as a safety adviser to the NHTSA during the Biden administration. “If [the company] didn’t fix this a few years ago, the more they drive, the more it’s going to be a problem,” she says. “That’s exactly what’s happening here.”

Waymo did not respond to WIRED’s requests for comment. A spokesperson for the Austin Independent School District referred WIRED to the NTSB while the incidents are under investigation. A spokesperson for the NTSB declined to answer WIRED’s questions while its investigation continues.

Illegal Passing

By midwinter of 2025, AISD officials were frustrated. In one of the 19 incidents alleged by a lawyer for the district in a letter later released by federal road safety regulators, a Waymo passed a school bus letting off children “only moments after a student crossed in front of the vehicle, and while the student was still in the road.”

“Alarmingly,” the lawyer wrote, five of the alleged incidents had occurred after Waymo had assured the district that it had updated its software to fix the problem. Federal regulators with the NHTSA had already launched a probe into the behavior. “Austin ISD is evaluating all potential legal remedies at its disposal and intends to take whatever action is necessary to protect the safety of its students, if required,” the lawyer warned.

Co-founder Mark Tan had initially considered shutting down the site

Homegrown digital publication RICE Media has been acquired by Hustle Studios, the content agency arm of creative academy Hustle Singapore.

According to an announcement made on RICE Media’s website, the acquisition marks a new chapter for the publication, bringing together its editorial voice and audience community with Hustle’s expertise in creative training, facilitation, and industry programmes.

The deal formalises a long-standing partnership between the two organisations, which have previously collaborated on initiatives aimed at developing creative skills for Singapore audiences.

Under Hustle Studios, RICE is expected to expand beyond publishing into workshops, community programmes, and other experiences that engage readers in more interactive and participatory ways.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

RICE Media was founded in 2016

Founded in 2016 by former lawyer Mark Tan and Julian Wong, RICE Media billed itself as an independent publication that offered an unfiltered take on Singapore and Asia. It became known for its long-form stories and commentaries on Singapore’s news and culture.

“We started RICE because we believed Singaporeans deserved honest, thoughtful storytelling about their own lives,” said Mark Tan, outgoing founder and CEO. “I think we’ve largely accomplished that mission.”

Co-founder Wong added that the acquisition aligns with the publication’s long-term vision. “We’ve built more than just content… we’ve built a community. Hustle shares that vision, and we’re confident they’re the right partners to help RICE evolve,” he said.

Tan said he had initially considered shutting down the site but ultimately decided the publication still had a role to play. “The transaction and the money coming in would allow me to settle most of the liabilities and also pay people a severance package, so I think it’s really the most responsible thing for me to do,” he said.

The goal is not merely to maintain what RICE has been, but to “grow into what its community has been asking for.” During this transitional phase, Tan and Wong will remain involved in an advisory capacity, while RICE continues to publish content for its audience.

Further announcements about new programming and community initiatives will follow in the coming months.

Featured Image Credit: RICE Media/ High Net Worth