Daily Tech Headlines – Major League Baseball Adds Robot-Umpires for 2026

Episode Date: September 24, 2025
Hosts: Sarah Lane, Robb Dunewood, Tom Merritt
Main Host for this Episode: Jen Kutter (filling in)
Episode Theme:
A concise breakdown of today’s essential tech news, with a focus on Major League Baseball’s announcement that robot umpires will debut in 2026. Additional stories cover major social media regulation, privacy news, tech updates, and subscription changes.

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the latest global tech news, highlighting Major League Baseball’s announcement to implement robot umpires for ball and strike calls starting in the 2026 season. The episode also features updates on social media age bans in Australia, WhatsApp’s new translation feature, new AI tools from Google, Disney+'s price increases, and more.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. MLB Introduces Robot-Umpires (05:35)

• News: Major League Baseball will use automated ball-strike systems, or “robot umpires,” at home plate starting in 2026.
• How It Works:
  • Only used when a player challenges a human umpire's call.
  • Two challenges per game, eligible to the pitcher, catcher, or batter.
• Background:
  • Previously tested in the minor leagues, spring training, and at the 2025 All-Star Game.
• Purpose: To create a “more impartial and accurate way to call balls and strikes.”
• Notable Quote:
  • Jen Kutter: “The automated ball strike system is viewed as an impartial and more accurate way to call balls and strikes.” (05:40)

2. Australia Expands Under-16 Social Media Ban (02:08)

• Australian Esafety Commission: Expands the list of platforms potentially affected by their upcoming social media ban for users under 16, coming into effect December 10, 2025.
• Platforms Contacted Include: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, X, Pinterest, Discord, Reddit, Twitch, Kick, Steam, Roblox, LEGO Play, GitHub, and Match.com.

3. WhatsApp In-App Translation Feature (02:38)

• New Feature: WhatsApp launches an in-app translation tool:
  • Android: Supports six languages (English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic).
  • iPhone: Over 19 languages.
• Rollout: Gradual expansion with more languages expected.

4. TikTok Privacy Investigation in Canada (02:59)

• Findings:
  • TikTok needs to do more to keep under-13s off the platform and provide clarity on data collection.
• Canadian Federal Privacy Commissioner’s Statement:
  • “For the moment we find it’s conditionally resolved, and we are going to be monitoring the situation.” (03:35)
• Context: A 2024 dissolution order of TikTok's Canadian business followed a national security review—did not block app access.

5. Amazon to Close All UK Fresh Grocery Stores (04:06)

• Action:
  • 19 Amazon Fresh stores in the UK to close.
  • Five to convert to Whole Foods.
• Features:
  • Many stores used “Just Walk Out” cashierless tech.
• Future Plans:
  • Amazon will offer same-day grocery delivery, including perishables, in the UK by 2026.

6. Google AI Editing and Mood Board Tools (04:51)

• Google Photos Update:
  • “Help Me Edit” option allows editing via text or voice using Gemini AI (Android, US only, 18+).
• Google Mixboard Beta:
  • AI-powered mood board tool for designers, similar to Figma and Adobe Firefly Boards, available in public beta in the US.

7. Disney+ (and Bundle) Price Increases (05:22)

• Effective October 21 in US:
  • Disney+ and Hulu with ads: +$2 ($13/month).
  • Disney+, Hulu, ESPN with ads: +$3 ($20/month).
  • Ad-free versions: up to $30/month.
  • Ad-free Disney plans have tripled in price since 2019.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jen Kutter: “Engadget notes that ad free Disney plans have tripled in price since launching in 2019.” (05:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On MLB Robot Umpires:

  • “Robo umps were previously tested in the minor leagues, spring training and the 2025 All Star Game.” (05:45)

• On Social Media Ban Enforcement:

  • “The ban comes into effect December 10.” (02:18)

• On TikTok Privacy Review:

  • “We are going to be monitoring the situation.” (03:38)

Important Timestamps

• 02:08 – Australian social media ban expansion
• 02:38 – WhatsApp translation rollout details
• 02:59 – TikTok privacy investigation outcomes
• 04:06 – Amazon Fresh UK store closures and future delivery plans
• 04:51 – Google AI-based editing and Mixboard launch
• 05:22 – Disney+ price increases
• 05:35 – MLB’s robot umpires announcement and explanation

Summary Takeaway

This edition of Daily Tech Headlines captures a significant milestone in both sports and tech, as MLB formalizes the inclusion of robot umpires to enhance fairness in officiating. Elsewhere, tech regulation tightens for youth in Australia, privacy light shines on TikTok, and major players like Amazon, Google, and Disney continue to evolve their product offerings and pricing — all highlighting the constant state of change and innovation in the tech world.