Phia is a browser extension co-founded by Phoebe Gates that has been accused of cookie stuffing, a practice confirmed by independent researchers and Bloomberg. The company blamed a recent release and said the issue is resolved.
Investigations by Ben Edelman and Capital One Shopping found that the Phia browser extension used cookie stuffing to fraudulently claim affiliate commissions for sales it did not generate. Bloomberg tested and confirmed the practice. The allegations, backed by independent research and Bloomberg testing, show Phia violated affiliate marketing policies by claiming credit for sales it did not drive.
Phia blamed a recent release for the issue and said the problem is now resolved. The company did not provide further details about the release or the steps taken to fix the issue. The app, co-founded by Phoebe Gates, remains available.
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Oct 14
Claysoft, an emerging local developer, brought a playable demo of the rhythm adventure "Sophia" to SAGA Barcelona Game Fest 2026, held in Barcelona from October 9 to 11. The game pairs picture-book 2D art with classical music, following a young cellist named Sophia who uses her cello against enemies embodying the heart. The demo covered the first of 12 planned boss battles. No release date is announced, and the demo is not yet public on Steam.
Oct 7
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics went to Francis Halzen, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor originally from Belgium and sole winner, for contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctic ice. Hololive newcomer Sorashina Sopia, a unit member of Asobi★Mawari-tai! who bills herself as a virtual science idol, hosted a watch-along of Miraikan's Niconico and YouTube stream of the announcement. Her prediction came close to naming Halzen.
Sep 18
Cover announced the members of Asobi★Mawari-tai!, a new Hololive VTuber unit of four: Hyakuto Kyoko, Achichi Mela, Suzuna Tsuzuri, and Sorashina Sopia. Their YouTube channels and X accounts opened on September 18. Debut streams run in relay on September 24 and 25, starting at 19:00 each night, with a first collab stream on the unit's official channel at 21:00 on September 25.
Aug 14
The stage musical adaptation of Moyoco Anno's Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen manga will premiere off Broadway in New York City on October 15 at The Night Egg theater, with previews starting September 25. Sophia Anne Caruso will star as Colette. The run continues until January 3, 2027.
Jul 13
Investigations by Ben Edelman and Capital One Shopping found that the Phia browser extension used cookie stuffing to fraudulently claim affiliate commissions for sales it did not generate. Bloomberg tested and confirmed the practice. Phia blamed a recent release and said the issue is resolved.
Jun 2
Imagineer announced it will release syn Sophia's life simulation game Magical Craft: My Enchanted Dress Shop in the West for Nintendo Switch on October 2. The game, which debuted in Japan in November, lets players create dresses, gather materials, and chat with villagers in a village called Fleune.