Yearly Archives: 2022

Android, Mobile

Early Android 13 Developer Previews are Already Showing New Features  

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Not all of us got Android 12 yet but it seems like Google is eager to get more features into Android and excited about their next major development path – Android 13. Android 13 is inevitable; we know that it is going to come as well toward the end of this year 2022 at Google I/O 2022 edition. What we don’t know is what Android 13 will bring to the table. For that, we need to scour around and look at the Developer Preview for Android 13. So far there has only been two iterations of Android 13 Developer Preview, but we are already seeing some interesting things emerging. 

DP1: Universal Search, now with Google Photos 

Pixel Launcher search photos old
Source: 9to5 Google
Pixel Launcher search photos 1
Source: 9to5 Google
Pixel Launcher search photos 2
Source: 9to5 Google

For the Google Pixel, Android 12 brought a universal search bar. The universal search bar not only acts as a search button for apps. It allows users to search through pretty much everything in their smartphone via a search bar in their app drawer. There is the Google Search bar widget, yes, but Android 12 allows the app drawer search bar to act as the Google Search bar too. There is still a lot to explore with the search bar.  

In Android 13 Developer Preview, it seems like Google is integrating Google Photos with the search bar. That means that you can use the search bar to not only instantly pull things from Google Photos, but also potentially get the full search algorithm functionality from Google Photos in the search bar itself. You could be looking for a contact, for example, and Google Photo’s facial and object recognition kicks into high gear to find you the most relevant photos to your search.  

With that kind of implementation on Google Photos, we will not be surprised as well if Google decides to integrate apps like Gmail and Calendar to the list of integrations with the search bar. It would be nice if we just need to tap into the search bar to search for things in our emails or calendar without even opening the apps. But we digress, all we can do is wait for Android 13 to see light of day. 

DP2: Notifications, now an Option 

image3
Source: Google

One feature that Android lacked (but was rumoured to feature soon), and iOS has for a while now is opt in notifications. What is that? IOS allows you to choose which applications sends you notifications. It is one way to ensure that your notification bar is not loaded with notifications that you hardly care about.  

It seems that we are going to see a form of that for Android 13. Via the preview, it also seems like you can prioritise notifications. Which also means that only certain notifications go through and load up your notification screen in differing modes. It is a small tweak, but a welcome one. 

DP2: Better Media Player Visuals 

Screenshot 20220317 133726
Source: The Verge

On the visual part, Android 13 seems to feature a redesigned media player layout on the notification screen. Having media controls on the notification screen is nothing new for Android. Having nicer visuals is. If you fire up Spotify, the media player control in the notification screen shows part of the artwork. The control panel seems to be a little larger in the preview too, allowing more controls over the app itself other than the Previous, Play/Pause, and Next buttons.  

And Even More 

These are just some of the highlighted changes that we can expect in Android 13 though. The Developer Preview has shown much more changes that we can sort of expect in the next iteration of Android. To know more about Google’s planned update for Android 13 or even to experience the Developer Preview yourself, you can visit their website. 

PR Newswire

CoinPayments Appoints Dennis Pederson as the Company’s New Chief Executive Officer

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GEORGE TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS, March 18, 2022 — CoinPayments, the world’s largest provider of cryptocurrency payment services, is pleased to announce that Dennis Pederson has been appointed as the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer.

The appointment comes as CoinPayments continues to experience significant growth amidst an increase in demand worldwide for alternative payment solutions. In 2021, the Company saw global transactions totaling over $7 billion, an increase of more than 100% from the previous year.

"I am excited and honored to be given the opportunity to lead the world’s premier crypto payments gateway service provider," said Pederson. "This is a new era for us, and many positive changes will come over the next year. I look forward to seeing the Company continue to evolve and grow."

Pederson joined CoinPayments in 2016 as the Company’s General Manager. Since then, he has held multiple leadership roles, most recently as Chief Operating Officer, managing the overall operations of the business. Pederson’s contributions over the years have been instrumental in CoinPayments’ exponential growth.

"As a co-founder, I couldn’t be more elated with Dennis’ appointment as CEO. He has already demonstrated incredible acuity in leading the Company, and I am certain in his new role, he will propel CoinPayments to the next stage of its development as we continue to scale and more payments move to the blockchain," said Sina Mirzaie.

"While our global expansion continues, CoinPayments’ goal remains the same – provide merchants of all sizes with a trusted, streamlined, and scalable solution to accept cryptocurrency payments," Pederson added.

About CoinPayments  

CoinPayments is the easiest, fastest, and most secure way for merchants worldwide to receive cryptocurrencies as payment. It is the first and largest cryptocurrency payment gateway service provider, supporting more than 2,100 coins on its platform. It is the preferred crypto payment solution for merchants and eCommerce platform providers worldwide. Founded in 2013, CoinPayments is dedicated to providing clients with fast, secure, and user-friendly crypto payment APIs, shopping cart plugins, partner provider digital wallets, and a host of other solutions supporting cryptocurrency payment applications. Learn more at: https://www.coinpayments.net/  

PR Newswire

JS Global’s SharkNinja Wins Seven NPD Group Home Industry Performance Awards For Market Share Gains

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  • NPD recognized SharkNinja for recording the largest dollar share increase in the U.S. or Canada markets for seven key home industry categories
  • The recognition from NPD Group brings to eight the number of well-known industry awards that SharkNinja has received so far this year
  • Industry recognition for SharkNinja this year builds on 19 respected industry awards received in 2021

NEEDHAM, Mass., March 18, 2022 — SharkNinja, an innovation leader in the consumer floorcare and small kitchen appliance industry, and part of JS Global Lifestyle Company Limited (Hong Kong: 1691), a world-leading producer of small household appliances, recently won seven Home Industry Performance Awards from the NPD Group, in recognition of the company’s expanding market share for key product categories in North American markets.

NPD recognized SharkNinja for recording the largest dollar share increase in the U.S. or Canada markets for seven key home industry categories in 2021, compared to 2020, a testament to the continued popularity and success of the brands. The awards were announced during The Inspired Home Show, hosted by the International Housewares Association in Chicago from March 5-7.

The NPD awards further reflect Ninja’s strong performance in the U.S., where it has held the No. 1 rank in small kitchen appliance brands for the last two years[1]. In the U.S., the Ninja brand was recognized for the largest share gain in four categories of small appliances: kitchen electrics; cook and heat, or "heated"; electric food prep, or "motorized"; and coffee and beverage[2]. Ninja also received recognition for expanding its share of two U.S. housewares categories: total housewares; and bakeware and cookware.

In the Canada[3] market, Ninja was recognized by NPD for expanding its share of the kitchen electrics categories.  

"We’re excited that SharkNinja’s growth and leadership in key categories is being recognized by these Home Industry Performance Awards. This is further demonstration of SharkNinja’s ability to achieve success across our product lines, while achieving growth in existing categories, new categories, and through international expansion," said Mark Barrocas, global president of JS Global, and president of SharkNinja. "This builds on our outstanding track record in 2021, when the Shark and Ninja brands were collectively recognized with 19 respected industry awards. That pace continues in 2022, reflecting the extraordinary value we provide to our consumers," said Barrocas. 

The recognition from NPD Group brings the number of well-known industry awards that SharkNinja has received so far this year to eight. Last month, Ninja won the overall air fryer category in the "2022 Allrecipes Community Choice Awards", a product category that has quickly become a staple in many U.S. households as consumers continue shifting towards healthy cooking options and continue cooking more at home in general, a trend that is extending beyond the pandemic.

The awards haul for SharkNinja so far in 2022 builds on the strong performance in 2021, when the company was recognized both for its growing product portfolio within existing categories, as well as its expansion into new categories.

The Ninja brand portfolio of small kitchen appliances won more than 10 awards in 2021. Ninja’s air fryer category received repeated accolades throughout last year, with Popular Mechanics recognizing the Ninja Foodi 13-in-1 Dual Heat Air Fry Oven as its "Best Versatile Cooking Appliance" in the "Gear of the Year: The Best Products We Tested in 2021" list. Multiple Ninja coffee machines also received awards recognition in 2021, including the Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System, which won "Best Coffee Maker" from "The Rolling Stone Essentials 2021." Meanwhile, versions of the Ninja Foodi NeverDull Premium Knife System were recognized in the House Beautiful "Live Better Awards 2021" and the Good Housekeeping "2021 Kitchen Gear Awards."

Shark, the No.1 vacuum brand in the U.S. for the last 4 consecutive years[4], also garnered repeated industry recognition last year. Shark ended 2021 with at least seven awards in the cleaning category, including the "Good Housekeeping 2021 Cleaning Awards" for the Shark Wandvac System, which captured "Slimmest Stick Vacuum." The Shark Steam & Scrub captured "Deep-Cleaning Steam Mop." Other products to capture industry accolades include the Shark VACMOP Pro, which won "Best Vacuum-Mop Hybrid" from Better Homes & Gardens. By combining powerful suction for dry debris and spray mopping for wet stuck on messes, the VacMop has received broad support from retailers in the U.S. and has been well received by consumers as well since its launch in early 2020. Aside from award recognition, the product has become a best seller in retailers’ floor care departments and has generated record setting sell-outs during television direct sales airings.

The SharkNinja brands also received awards and recognition internationally in markets such as Europe and Japan. In Japan, SharkNinja’s expanded product portfolio has been led by growth in lightweight cordless vacuums. One notable award is for SharkNinja’s local product, the Shark EVOPOWER System Advanced (CS651J). Japan’s "Kaden Hihyo" (Home Appliance Criticism) magazine awarded it the "Best Buy High-End Stick Vacuum" award, noting the product is only competitor to have both usability and cleaning performance for high-end cordless sticks.

The strong performance of Shark and Ninja brands in 2021 and so far in 2022, across all the categories where they participate, highlights the category leadership of a wide variety of SharkNinja products. Shark, Ninja and the entire JS Global group continue to hold a leading position in the global small household appliances market thanks to an intense focus on quality, reliability, consumer satisfaction and accessible innovation to consumers. By focusing on its three-pillar growth mantra of growth in existing categories, growth in new and adjacent categories, and growth in international markets, JS Global is bringing innovative and design-driven products to audiences around the world.     

About JS Global

JS Global Lifestyle Company Limited (Hong Kong: 1691) is a world leading producer of small household appliances. It ranks fifth globally in the small household appliance industry and third among small household appliance-focused companies. It primarily operates three major brands: Shark, Ninja and Joyoung. The Company’s success is centered around its deep understanding of consumer needs, and is built on its strong product innovation and design capability powered by a global research and development platform, marketing strengths driving high brand engagement, and an omni-channel distribution coverage with high penetration.

About SharkNinja

SharkNinja is an innovation leader in the housewares industry and creator of the familiar household brands Shark® and Ninja®. SharkNinja provides the latest in easy-to-use innovative technology with a growing line of solutions that consist of Shark cleaning and home care products and Ninja kitchen appliances. Products are sold at major retailers and through distributors around the world. Ninja and Shark are registered trademarks of SharkNinja Operating LLC. SharkNinja is a subsidiary of JS Global Lifestyle Company Limited (Hong Kong: 1691) a leader in small household appliance innovation.

[1] Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, based on brand-level dollar sales, 52 weeks view for January 5, 2020-January 2, 2021; January 3, 2021-January 1, 2022

*Categories covered under claim: kitchen appliances category group

[2] Source: The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service, U.S. dollar sales, 52 weeks ending January 1, 2022 vs. prior period

[3] Source: The NPD Group / Retail Tracking Service, Canada dollar sales, 12 months ending December 2021 vs. prior period

[4] Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, based on brand-level dollar sales, 52 weeks view- January 7, 2018-January 5, 2019; January 6, 2019-January 4, 2020; January 5, 2020-January 2, 2021; January 3, 2021-January 1, 2022.

*Categories covered under claim: full-size vacuum, hand/stick vacuum, non-electric carpet sweepers, specialty cleaning categories; excluding all other specialty, deep carpet cleaner, electric carpet sweeper, hand-held specialty cleaning subcategories. 

Media
Edmond Lococo, Managing Director, ICR Inc.
JSGlobalPR@icrinc.com

Company Contacts
Adam Quigley, VP of Finance at SharkNinja
AQuigley@sharkninja.com
Alicia Guo, Director of Investor Relations at JS Global
alicia.guo@jsgl.com

Investor Relations
ir@jsgl.com

Android, Mobile, News

Samsung’s New Galaxy A Focuses On Bringing Flagship to the Mid-range

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Samsung is no stranger when it comes to smartphones. In fact, they have had one of the most successful Android flagships for years with the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series. However, their mid-range offerings have been somewhat of a sore spot as the company struggles to be relevant. That changed last year with their A52 5G; the phone has been one of the most successful mid-range smartphones for Samsung ever.

Bringing Flagship Features to the Midrange

This year, they’re looking to build on that success and capitalise on bringing flagship features to the Galaxy A lineup. The 2022 Galaxy A series will be spearheaded by the Galaxy A73 5G, Galaxy A53 5G and the Galaxy A33 5G. Yep, that’s right, the series will be equipped with 5G across the board. In addition to 5G, Samsung is also bringing some of the software features we’re used to seeing in their flagships to the Galaxy A73, Galaxy A53 and Galaxy A33.

Samsung Galaxy A series 2022 3

You will now see software features such as Bixby Routines, Buds Auto Switch, Continue App and Link to Windows as mainstays in the Galaxy A series. Continue App allows you to take apps across from your phone to your Samsung tablet while Link to Windows will allow you to seamlessly integrate apps from your phone to your Windows PC. Bixby Routines, on the other hand, will allow you to create “routines” that will be able to be executed with a simple voice command. That said, DeX will not be making an appearance on the new Galaxy A devices.

In addition to these software features, the Galaxy A series is getting IP67 water and dust resistance – yes, even the A33. Together with this, the series is also getting Gorilla Glass 5 and a large 5,000mAh battery. They will also be getting 5 years of security updates with 4 years of major software updates.

Samsung Galaxy A series 2022

Flagship cameras for the Midrange Heroes

The Galaxy A33, Galaxy A53 and Galaxy A73 will all come with top of the line cameras. The trio comes with a quadruple sensor setup with a main sensor equipped with optical image stabilization across the board. The Galaxy A73 5G comes with a 108-megapixel main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and autofocus functionality. The A53 5G comes with a smaller 64-megapixel while the A33 5G is equipped with a 48-megapixel sensor.

Samsung Galaxy A series 2022 8

Complementing this main sensor are an Ultrawide sensor, a macro sensor and a depth sensor. On the A73, these are a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor, a 5-megapixel macro sensor and a 5-megapixel depth sensor. The A53 comes with the same. The A33 comes with a smaller 8-megapixel ultrawide and 2-megapixel depth sensor, it does, however, come with the same 5-megapixel macro sensor. On the front, the A73 and A53 come with a 32-megapixel fixed focus sensor while the A33 comes with a smaller 13-megapixel one.

Samsung isn’t just focusing on the hardware when it comes to the cameras. Software features such as hybrid zooming and even Single Take are making their way to the Galaxy A series.

Same Same but Different

The overall outlook of the Galaxy A series of 2022 can simply be surmised as “same same but different”. The smartphones inherit the design language of the Galaxy A series of 2021 with small tweaks for better ergonomics and to keep up with the colour palette of 2022. Other than that, they come with the same design as the 2021 Galaxy A series. The same rectangle with a fluidly camouflaged camera hump melding into the back of the phone.

Samsung Galaxy A series 2022 2

On the front is a Super AMOLED panel. The A73 comes with the largest of the three phones at 6.7-inches while the A53 comes with a 6.5-inch display. Both these models come with a 120Hz refresh rate. The A53 comes with a smaller 6.4-inch display with a 90Hz refresh rate. All of the displays have a Full HD+ resolution with an 800 nits peak brightness.

The smartphones come with new 5nm processors. The Galaxy A73 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G while the Galaxy A53 and Galaxy A33 run on the Exynos 1280. The new Galaxy A series comes with 8GB of RAM. This can be expanded with up to 6 GB of additional RAM with Samsung’s RAM plus feature. The Galaxy A73 and A53 will be available with 256GB of storage while the A33 will be available with 128GB of storage. All three support up to 1TB additional storage via microSD card.

Samsung Galaxy A series 2022 9
Samsung Galaxy A series 2022
Samsung Galaxy A series 2022 4
Samsung Galaxy A series 2022 5

The new Galaxy A series devices will not ship with a charger in the box. It will only have a USB-C charging cable. Also absent is the 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pricing & Availability

The Galaxy A73 will be available in Awesome White, Awesome Gray and Awesome Mint. It will be retailing for MYR2,099.

The Galaxy A53 and A33 will be available in Awesom White, Awesome Black, Awesome Pink and Awesome Blue. They will retail for MYR1,849 and MYR1,499 respectively.

No availability dates have been shared just yet.

Official Specifications

ModelGalaxy A33 5GGalaxy A53 5GGalaxy A73 5G
Display 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 90Hz Infinity-U Display6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 120Hz Infinity-O Display6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED+ 120Hz Infinity-O Display
Dimensions & Weight 74.0 x 159.7 x 8.1mm, 186g74.8 x 159.6 x 8.1mm, 189g76.1 x 163.7 x 7.6mm, 181g
CameraRear (Ultra-Wide) 8 MP F2.2 (Main) 48 MP F1.8 OIS(Depth) 2 MP F2.4 (Macro) 5 MP F2.4  Front 13 MP F2.2Rear (Ultra-Wide) 12 MP F2.2 (Main) 64 MP F1.8 OIS(Depth) 5 MP F2.4 (Macro) 5 MP F2.4  Front 32 MP F2.2Rear (Ultra-Wide) 12 MP F2.2 (Main) 108MP F1.8 OIS(Depth) 5 MP F2.4(Macro) 5 MP F2.4  Front 32 MP F2.2
ProcessorOcta-Core (2.4GHz, 2GHz)Octa-Core (2.4GHz, 2GHz)Octa-Core (2.4GHz, 1.8GHz)
MemoryRAM: 8 GB
Internal Storage 128 GB microSD: up to 1TB		RAM: 8 GB
Internal Storage: 256 GB microSD: up to 1TB		RAM: 8 GB
Internal Storage: 256 GB microSD: up to 1TB
Battery 5,000mAh(typical)5,000mAh(typical)5,000mAh(typical)
Charging 25W Super Fast Charging 25W Super Fast Charging 25W Super Fast Charging 
OS Android 12
One UI 4.1		Android 12
One UI 4.1		Android 12
One UI 4.1
Security  Samsung KnoxSamsung KnoxSamsung Knox
Network and Connectivity 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4G+5GHz), Bluetooth® v 5.15G, LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4G+5GHz), Bluetooth® v 5.15G, LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4G+5GHz), Bluetooth® v 5.0
Sensors Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor, Virtual Proximity SensingAccelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor, Virtual Proximity SensingAccelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor    
Water Resistance IP67IP67IP67
PR Newswire

TDK Ventures presents DX Week 2022, a thought leadership forum on digital transformation

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  • DX Week 2022: Where the Analog World Meets the Digital World 
  • An online gathering of entrepreneurs, academia, government, scientists, venture capitalists, and visionaries at the forefront of digital transformation (DX) 
  • Five two-hour sessions with diverse expert panelists providing definitive insights into how digital technologies change the world 

SAN JOSE, Calif., March 17, 2022 — TDK Corporation (TSE: 6762) announced today that subsidiary TDK Ventures, Inc. will host DX Week from April 18 through 22, 2022. Following a similar format to TDK Ventures’ Energy Week 2021 in October which featured top leaders in the energy and battery fields, this global online gathering will bring together over 30 speakers made up of entrepreneurs, scientists, venture capitalists, and visionaries from around the world and who are at the forefront of digital transformation (DX). Interested participants can register for the event at this link: https://www.tdk-ventures.com/dx-week.

Each speaker will share her or his dreams, expectations, and challenges concerning the future of digitization and how it will influence science and technology, mobility, manufacturing, finance, computing, society, entertainment, and life as we know it.

"Our Energy Week 2021 delivered on its promise to show everyone the innovations that could power tomorrow’s world and cleanly produce and store its energy," said Nicolas Sauvage, President, TDK Ventures. "We hold even higher expectations for DX Week 2022 and its potential to offer a series of inspirational, provocative, interactive discussions that will inspire tomorrow’s inventors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and investors to follow their dreams and capitalize on their knowledge, skill, and insight."

DX Week 2022 days, times, and topics are below. All times are PDT (GMT -08:00).

  • Monday April 18, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM – Metaverse

Like many of today’s technologies, "the metaverse" remains somewhat anchored in the realm of science fiction. This discussion takes the viewpoint that its applications are not limited to gaming and entertainment, but include virtual workspaces, remote collaboration, the gamification of education, and other applications which are particularly relevant.

  • Tuesday April 19, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM – Connectivity

Connectivity has become an essential part of our everyday lives. This session will explore the development path of the tools that will usher in the next generation of communication and information dissemination, including cellular 5G/6G, Wi-Fi, fiber optics, satellites, wearables, and more, as well as the broad spectrum of applications these technologies may enable.

  • Wednesday April 20, 8:00 AM-10:00 AM – Edge Computing

The increase of IoT devices and AI/ML applications is producing a massive amount of data and requires high computing capacity at the edge. This session covers both edge devices and network edge. High-power efficiency and low latency are some of the key considerations.

  • Thursday April 21, 8:00 AM-10:00 AM – Industry 5.0

The data revolution and acceleration of DX has poised robots, intelligent machines, and the industrial internet of things to take over much of the boring, repetitive work required for much of the world’s production. The paradigm shift from a data driven world to the need for sustainability-enabled technology is already proving that innovative cleantech solutions enable cost efficient and effective operations. This panel discusses revolutions such as renewable energy generation, clean tech, data transmission, data acceleration, realistic simulations, biometrics, and much more, and highlights how and why sustainability is a core tenet of Industry 5.0.

  • Friday April 22, 8:00 AM-10:00 AM – Future of Mobility

There are two givens in life: the more people know, the more they need to explore, and humans will forever need face-to-face contact. Myriad challenges, however, remain before many of the world’s citizens will be ready to accept EVs, autonomously driven vehicles, and other transportation innovations. Car sharing, battery swapping, vehicle-to-grid integration, behind-the-grid storage, clean hydrogen, second-life, and alternative chemistries are on the table for discussion as well as the potential for personal flying cars, high-speed rail, and other futuristic transport.

Notable speakers include:

  • Metaverse: Rio Kurokawa, Director, IBM; Pearly Chen, VP, HTC VIVE
  • Connectivity: Nada Gozlmie, Ph.D., NIST Fellow & Chief of Wireless Networks Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology; Matt Grob, CTO, XCOM; Maryam Rofougaran, Founder and CEO, Movandi
  • Edge Computing: Chris Bergey, SVP/GM of Infrastructure, Arm; Pete Warden, Founding member, TensorFlow
  • Industry 5.0: Xiaolin Lu, Fellow and Director of IoT, Texas Instruments; Yasser Alsaied, VP of IoT, Amazon Web Services

Digital transformation has integrated mobile technologies, miniaturized embedded sensors and devices, integrated networking, enabled cloud computing, and delivered sophisticated data analytics. Together, through DX, we can and are bringing a better, even more sustainable, tomorrow. For information regarding online attendance to TDK Ventures’ DX Week 2022, visit https://www.tdk-ventures.com/dx-week.

About TDK Corporation

TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately "Attracting Tomorrow." It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK’s comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. In fiscal 2021, TDK posted total sales of USD 13.3 billion and employed about 129,000 people worldwide.

About TDK Ventures

TDK Ventures Inc. invests in startups to bolster innovation in materials science, energy/power and related areas typically underrepresented in venture capital portfolios. Established in 2019 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TDK Corporation, the corporate venture company’s vision is to propel the digital and energy transformations of segments such as health and wellness, next-generation transportation, robotics and industrial, mixed reality and the wider IoT/IIoT markets. TDK Ventures will co-invest and support promising portfolio companies by providing technical expertise and access to global markets where TDK operates. Interested startups or investment partners may contact TDK Ventures: www.tdk-ventures.com or contact@tdk-ventures.com.

You can download this text from https://www.tdk-ventures.com/tdk-ventures-presents-dx-week-2022 

Contacts for regional media

TDK Brand

Contact

Phone

Mail

TDK

Ms. Sarah MACKENZIE

Publitek

Portland, OR

+1 503.720.3743

TDK-US@publitek.com

TDK Ventures

Mr. Raphel FINELLI

TDK Ventures

San Jose, CA

+1 408.667.5970

raphel.finelli@tdk-ventures.com

 

 

Accessories, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

The Garmin Instinct 2 is now officially in Malaysia, Now with Solar Charging for MYR 1,630 Onward

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At this point, smartwatches are outselling regular watches. You even see some of your friends that are not big fans of wearing watches now wearing a form of smartwatch or fitness tracker. There is a very good reason to that.  

A smartwatch or fitness tracker does not just tell time. They are more functional than regular watches because they now track your steps, your heart rate, your exercises, and much more. Smartwatches, because they are connected to your smartphone most of the time, are effectively your pagers now (pagers are like little SMS machines that predates even your mobile phones, if you do not know what that is). It also changes time zones with you without your input. It redefines what a toolwatch is.  

If you ask us which smartwatch you should buy, and if budget is no object, we will always tell you to go out and get yourself a Garmin smartwatch or fitness tracker. Why? They are simply the best at this, currently. It is okay if you cannot fork out MYR 4,000 to buy a Garmin Fenix though. You can get this, the Instinct 2 at a fraction of the price and still have the best of Garmin. 

2021111 INSTINCT 2 13639
Source: Garmin

It is still a Garmin fitness tracker cum smartwatch, so it does everything that a smartwatch and a fitness tracker does. Instead of being a one-stop-shop for everything that is fitness and adventure though, the Instinct 2 is a little more focused on different purposes. Still, if you need something completely general and unassuming – there is still the regular Instinct 2 for you to work with. If you are on a tight budget, you can still opt for one without the solar charging capability. 

Yes, you did read that right, the Garmin Instinct 2 charges via solar now. Whichever Instinct 2 you pick as well, they are built to military standard 810 to ensure that the watch works in whatever condition you can throw it to, even in 100m of water depths. 45mm too big? There is The Instinct 2S too with 40mm bezels with all the bells and whistles from the larger Instinct 2.  

2021111 INSTINCT 2 13655
Source: Garmin

As mentioned, the Instinct 2 series is more function focused than ever. There are three purpose-built editions to the Instinct 2 series now. You have the Surf Edition that allows you to keep track of data that you would need in any water sports category. It keeps you updated on wind speeds, tide conditions and more. You can even track your activities on the water and review them later. 

There is also a Tactical Edition, a military type of edition made for the military person. You get Stealth Mode with this one too, we assume that is to dim down the screen so that it does not emit any lights. The screen is even usable with Night Vision Goggles for some reason. Of course, it is also a GPS tool to ensure that your location is always updated. Since it could be an essential military gear, Garmin added the Jumpmaster activity mode for when you go parachuting. This is a little overkill for a regular person though. 

For regular adventurers, maybe the Camo Editions are good enough. It is a regular Instict 2 with everything that Garmin can offer in a fitness and adventure tracker, but in camo colour options. All of the Garmin Instinct 2 editions works Garmin’s Connect IQ app with access to the store for further personalisation of your Instinct 2.  

Instinct2 HR 1001.1
Source: Garmin
Instinct2 HR 3000.1
Source: Garmin
Instinct2 Solar HR 4002.16
Source: Garmin
Instinct2 Solar HR 6001.14
Source: Garmin
Instinct2 Solar HR 5003
Source: Garmin
Instinct2S Solar HR 4004
Source: Garmin
Instinct2S Solar HR 3002.33
Source: Garmin
Instinct2S Solar HR 1000.33
Source: Garmin
Instinct2S HR 6001.52
Source: Garmin
Instinct2S HR 1000.29
Source: Garmin
Instinct2S HR 3001.19
Source: Garmin
2021111 INSTINCT 2 13648
Source: Garmin
2021111 INSTINCT 2 13639
Source: Garmin
2021111 INSTINCT 2 13655
Source: Garmin

The Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S is now available from Garmin official stores on Lazada and Shopee. You can also purchase an Instinct 2 watch from Garmin’s official distributor for Malaysia via AECO e-store and other authorised retailers. The Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S will set you back MYR 1,630 onward. For more information on the Garmin Instinct 2 series, you can head over to Garmin’s website.  

PR Newswire

TD Holdings, Inc. Reports Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Results

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SHENZHEN, China, March 17, 2022 — TD Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: GLG) (the "Company"), a commodities trading service provider in China, today announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Ms. Renmei Ouyang, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated, "We delivered exceptional business results for the year ended December 31, 2021, driven by continued execution of our strategy and our demonstrated ability to manage challenges brought by COVID-19 epidemic. For the year ended December 31, 2021, our revenue increased by 612% to $201.13 million and net loss narrowed down by 84% to $0.94 million, compared with $28.27 million and $5.95 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The results give us the confidence to reach operating break-even or even profitable soon and we are delighted to see that we are moving in that direction."

Ms. Renmei Ouyang continued, "For the year ended December 31, 2021, we accomplished several key milestones across the entire organization, building a stronger foundation for ongoing success. Looking forward, we intend to continue driving growth in our business by leveraging our market leadership and investing to capitalize on robust demand dynamics. We will keep exploring our business opportunities in the markets of global gold spot trading, digital cloud warehouse as well as lightweight new materials. We believe that our unique market position and visionary growth strategy allow us to increase return of capital to our shareholders."

Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Highlights

  • Revenue from commodities trading business was $201.13 million, consisting of $197.95 million from sales of commodities products, and $3.18 million from supply chain management services, compared with $28.27 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, representing an increase of $172.87 million or 612%.
  • Net loss from continuing operations was $0.94 million, compared with net loss from continuing operations of $2.40 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
  • Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations was $0.01, compared with basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations of $0.05 for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Results

Revenues

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company sold non-ferrous metals to twenty-four third party customers and three related party customers at fixed prices, and earned revenues when the product ownership was transferred to its customers. The Company earned revenues of $173.90 million and $24.05 million, respectively, from sales of commodity products to twenty-four third party customers and three related party customers, compared with $8.25 million and $16.24 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company earned commodity distribution commission fees of $3.18 million from third party vendors compared with commission fees of $1.63 million from seven third party customers and distribution service fees of $2.14 million from three related party customers for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Cost of revenue

Our cost of revenue primarily includes cost of revenue associated with commodity product sales and cost of revenue associated with management services of supply chain. Total cost of revenue increased by $173.49 million, or 704% to $198.13 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, from $24.64 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to an increase of $173.44 million in cost of revenue associated with commodity product sales. The cost of revenue increased in line with the increased sales.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $5.10 million, or 168%, to $8.14 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, from $3.04 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily consisted of salary and employee benefits, office rental expense, amortizations of intangible assets and convertible promissory notes, professional service fees and finance offering related fees. The increase was mainly attributable to (1) amortization of intangible assets of $3.93 million, and (2) amortization of convertible promissory notes of $0.49 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 while no such issuance for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Share-based payment for service

On March 4, 2021, the Company issued 750,000 fully-vested warrants with an exercise price of $0.01, with a five-year life, to an agent who was engaged to complete the warrant waiver and exercise agreements. The Company applied Black-Scholes model and determined the fair value of the warrants to be $1.70 million. Significant estimates and assumptions used included stock price on March 4, 2021 of $2.27 per share, risk-free interest rate of one year of 0.08%, life of 5 years, and volatility of 71.57% for the year ended December 31, 2021.

On July 16, 2021, the Company issued 140,000 shares of the Company’s common stock as compensation to a PR service provider for increasing the Company’s visibility in the financial news community, and recognized 141,400 Share-based payment for service to profit.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, no such expenses incurred.

Interest income

Interest income was primarily generated from loans made to third parties and related parties. Interest income increased by $3.84 million, or 62%, to $10.08 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, from $6.24 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to loans made to Yunfeihu for the year ended December 31, 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2021, $4.12 million was attributed to related party and $5.94 million was generated from third party vendors.

Amortization of beneficial conversion feature and relative fair value of warrants relating to issuance of convertible notes

For the year ended December 31, 2021, there was amortization of beneficial conversion feature of $1.46 million of the three convertible promissory notes issued on January 6, 2021, on March 4, 2021 and on October 4, 2021.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, there was full amortization of beneficial conversion feature of $3.40 million and amortization of relative fair value of warrants of $3.06 million relating to the convertible promissory notes which was exercised in May 2020.

Net loss from continuing operations

Net loss from continuing for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $0.94 million, compared with net loss from continuing operations of $2.40 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Net loss

Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $0.94 million, compared with net loss of $5.95 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2021 Cash Flows

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $4.31 million, compared with $2.70 million as of December 31, 2020.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $8.03 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with $29.86 million as of December 31, 2020.

Net cash used in investing activities was $71.52 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with $132.58 million as of December 31, 2020.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $64.12 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with $106.15 million as of December 31, 2020.

About TD Holdings, Inc.

TD Holdings, Inc. is a service provider currently engaging in commodity trading business and supply chain service business in China. Its commodities trading business primarily involves purchasing non-ferrous metal product from upstream metal and mineral suppliers and then selling to downstream customers. Its supply chain service business primarily has served as a one-stop commodity supply chain service and digital intelligence supply chain platform integrating upstream and downstream enterprises, warehouses, logistics, information, and futures trading. For more information, please visit http://ir.tdglg.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of TD Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary companies. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects" or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements: there is uncertainty about the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic and the impact it will have on the Company’s operations, the demand for the Company’s products and services, global supply chains and economic activity in general. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website at http://www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact:

Ascent Investor Relations LLC  
Ms. Tina Xiao
Email: tina.xiao@ascent-ir.com
Tel: +1 917 609 0333

TD HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020

December 31,

December 31,

2021

2020

ASSETS

Current Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

4,311,068

$

2,700,013

Loans receivable from third parties

115,301,319

18,432,691

Due from related parties

11,358,373

55,839,045

Other current assets

3,288,003

1,310,562

Total current assets

134,258,763

78,282,311

Non-Current Assets

Plant and equipment, net

2,872

–

Goodwill

71,028,283

69,322,325

Intangible assets, net

21,257,337

19,573,846

Right-of-use assets, net

888,978

–

Total non-current assets

93,177,470

88,896,171

Total Assets

$

227,436,233

$

167,178,482

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current Liabilities

Accounts payable

$

3,337,758

$

–

Bank borrowings

1,129,288

1,653,247

Third party loans payable

476,779

–

Advances from customers

5,221,874

9,214,369

Due to related parties

21,174

7,346,021

Income tax payable

8,441,531

5,460,631

Lease liabilities

310,665

–

Other current liabilities

4,297,793

3,197,147

Acquisition payable

–

15,384,380

Convertible promissory notes

3,562,158

–

Total current liabilities

26,799,020

42,255,795

Non-Current Liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

4,178,238

4,893,461

Lease liabilities

586,620

–

Total non-current liabilities

4,764,858

4,893,461

Total liabilities

31,563,878

47,149,256

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16)

Equity

Common stock (par value $0.001 per share, 600,000,000 shares
authorized; 138,174,150 and 79,131,207 shares issued and outstanding
at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively)

138,174

79,131

Additional paid-in capital

224,790,409

151,407,253

Statutory surplus reserve

1,477,768

913,292

Accumulated deficit

(42,200,603)

(39,255,945)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

11,666,607

6,885,495

Total TD Shareholders’ Equity

195,872,355

120,029,226

Total Equity

195,872,355

120,029,226

Total Liabilities and Equity

$

227,436,233

$

167,178,482

TD HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
(Expressed in U.S. dollars, except for the number of shares)

For the Years Ended

December 31,

2021

2020

Revenues

Sales of commodity products – third parties

$

173,904,016

$

8,252,866

Sales of commodity products – related parties

24,049,999

16,243,777

Supply chain management services – third parties

3,180,227

1,631,318

Supply chain management services – related parties

–

2,140,840

Total Revenues

201,134,242

28,268,801

Cost of revenues

Commodity product sales – third parties

(173,996,000)

(7,853,215)

Commodity product sales – related parties

(24,045,511)

(16,744,094)

Supply chain management services – third parties

(84,118)

(43,162)

Total operating costs

(198,125,629)

(24,640,471)

Gross profit

3,008,613

3,628,330

Operating expenses

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

(8,137,481)

(3,035,598)

Share-based payment for service

(1,836,442)

–

Total operating expenses

(9,973,923)

(3,035,598)

Other income (expenses), net

Interest income

10,079,776

6,239,943

Interest expenses

(313,965)

(185,106)

Amortization of beneficial conversion feature relating to issuance
of convertible promissory notes

(1,463,883)

(3,400,000)

Amortization of relative fair value of warrants relating to issuance
of convertible promissory notes

–

(3,060,000)

Impairment of investment in an equity investee

–

(410,000)

Other income (expense), net

(285,774)

–

Total other income (expenses), net

8,016,154

(815,163)

Net income(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

1,050,844

(222,431)

Income tax expenses

(1,991,201)

(2,177,924)

Net loss from continuing operations

(940,357)

(2,400,355)

Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

–

(3,551,258)

Net loss

(940,357)

(5,951,613)

Net loss attributable to TD Holdings, Inc.’s Stockholders

$

(940,357)

$

(5,951,613)

Other comprehensive income

Net loss

$

(940,357)

$

(5,951,613)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

4,781,112

7,219,776

Comprehensive income

3,840,755

1,268,163

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding-Basic

107,417,633

51,273,048

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding- Diluted

121,099,328

51,273,048

(loss) per share- basic

$

(0.01)

$

(0.12)

(loss) per share- diluted

$

(0.01)

$

(0.12)

(loss) per share continuing – basic and diluted

$

(0.01)

$

(0.05)

Income (loss) per share discontinued – basic and diluted

$

–

$

(0.07)

TD HOLDINGS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and 2020
(Expressed in U.S. dollar)

For the Years Ended

December 31,

2021

2020

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

Net loss

$

(940,357)

$

(5,951,613)

Less: Net loss from discontinued operations

–

3,551,258

Net loss from continuing operations

(940,357)

(2,400,355)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:

Depreciation of plant and equipment

622

–

Impairment of right of use assets

–

176,225

Amortization of right-of-use lease assets

45,309

–

Amortization of intangible assets

3,927,961

514,618

Amortization of beneficial conversion feature of convertible
promissory notes

489,000

–

Interest expense for convertible promissory notes

417,784

–

Stock-based compensation to senior management

–

37,899

Share-based payment for service

1,836,442

–

Standstill fee relating to convertible promissory notes

356,934

–

Amortization of beneficial conversion feature relating to issuance
of convertible promissory notes

1,463,883

3,400,000

Amortization of relative fair value of warrants relating to issuance
of convertible promissory notes

–

3,060,000

Impairment on investment securities

–

–

Impairment of equity investments

–

410,000

Deferred tax liabilities

(825,945)

(135,930)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, (net of assets and
liabilities acquired and disposed):

Other current assets

5,558,942

(776,626)

Inventories

–

403,471

Prepayments

–

13,317,930

Due from related parties

(496,242)

(4,327,269)

Advances from customers

(4,170,261)

6,692,708

Due from third parties

(2,619,091)

5,321,874

Income tax payable

2,808,268

2,313,853

Due to related parties

(5,516,085)

–

Accounts payable

3,299,002

–

Other current liabilities

1,039,735

2,148,993

Lease liabilities

886,866

(176,225)

Due to third party loans payable

471,243

–

Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations

8,034,010

29,981,166

Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations

–

(125,133)

Net cash provided by operating activities

8,034,010

29,856,033

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

Purchases of intangible assets

(5,115,803)

–

Purchases of plant and equipment

(3,469)

–

Purchases of operating lease assets

(923,964)

–

Investment in subsidiary, net of cash acquired

(15,579,946)

(82,227,328)

Payment made on loan to related parties

–

(47,114,208)

Payment made on loans to third parties

(108,800,053)

(173,673,614)

Collection of loans from third parties

13,504,542

170,432,603

Collection of loans from related parties

45,397,738

–

Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations

(71,520,955)

(132,582,547)

Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations

–

–

Net cash used in investing activities

(71,520,955)

(132,582,547)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

Repayments made on loans to third parties

(558,088)

(318,748)

Repayment made on loans to related parties

(1,901,724)

–

Proceeds from borrowings from related parties

–

1,613,696

Proceeds from issuance of common stock under ATM transaction

2,192,989

–

Proceeds from registered direct offering, net of transaction costs

–

20,000,000

Proceeds from issuance of common stock under private placement transactions

57,877,941

18,500,000

Proceeds from issuance of convertible promissory notes

6,500,000

30,000,000

Proceeds from exercise of warrants

7,500

36,353,731

Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations

64,118,618

106,148,679

Net cash provided by financing activities from discontinued operations

–

–

Net cash provided by financing activities

64,118,618

106,148,679

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

979,382

(2,499,428)

Net Increase in Cash

1,611,055

922,737

Cash, Beginning of Year

2,700,013

1,777,276

Cash, End of Year

$

4,311,068

$

2,700,013

Less: Cash from discontinued operations

–

–

Cash from continuing operations

$

4,311,068

$

2,700,013

Cash paid for interest expense

$

92,062

$

18,073

Cash paid for income taxes

$

75,416

$

–

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations

$

–

$

186,191

Issuance of common stocks in connection with private placements, net of issuance costs with proceeds collected in advance in November 2019

$

–

$

1,600,000

Issuance of common stocks in connection with conversion of convertible promissory notes

$

–

$

30,000,000

Issuance of common stocks in connection with cashless exercise of 962,022 warrants

$

–

$

1,269,869

Fair value of HC High Summit assets disposed

$

–

$

5,320,768

HC High Summit liabilities derecognized

$

–

$

(2,606,257)

Issuance of common stocks in exchange of investments in one equity investee

$

1,439,826

$

–

 

PR Newswire

Breakthrough Study Validates Artificial Intelligence as a Novel Biomarker in Predicting Immunotherapy Response – Published in Journal of Clinical Oncology

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  • Lunit’s latest study provides evidence for Lunit SCOPE IO’s ability to predict immunotherapy response
  • This is the first study that adopted AI technology to define the tumor immune phenotype and to demonstrate its ability in predicting treatment outcomes of anti-PD-L1 therapy

SEOUL, South Korea, March 16, 2022 — Lunit, a leading startup in AI-based cancer solutions, announced today the publication of its study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO). Findings from the study validate the effectiveness of Lunit’s AI biomarker, Lunit SCOPE IO, in predicting clinical outcomes of immunotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The JCO is an international, peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), with an impact factor (IF) of 44.54. This is the first time that research on AI biomarkers has been published in an international SCI-grade journal of JCO’s prestige.

"Immune phenotyping of tumor microenvironment is a logical biomarker for immunotherapy, but objective measurement of such would be extremely challenging," said Professor Tony Mok from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, co-senior author of the journal. "This is the first study that adopted AI technology to define the tumor immune phenotype, and to demonstrate its ability in predicting treatment outcomes of anti-PD-L1 therapy in two large cohorts of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer."

Lunit's AI biomarker platform, Lunit SCOPE IO
Lunit’s AI biomarker platform, Lunit SCOPE IO

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are a standard therapy method for advanced NSCLC with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression. However, outcomes vary depending on the patient’s tumor microenvironment.

Assessing the PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) can bring predictive benefit for patients with high expression (over 50%), who show superior response to ICI therapy over standard chemotherapy. However, ICIs lose their potency in patients with PD-L1 TPS between 1% and 49%, showing outcomes similar to chemotherapy. Therefore, the development of an accuracy-enhanced biomarker to predict ICI response in NSCLC patients with low PD-L1 expression is highly warranted.

While tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are promising biomarkers for predicting ICI treatment outcomes apart from PD-L1, clinical application remains challenging as TIL quantification involves a manual evaluation process bound to practical limitations of interobserver bias and intensive labor. Employing AI’s superhuman computational capabilities should open new possibilities for the objective quantification of TIL.

To validate immune phenotyping as a complementary biomarker in NSCLC, researchers divided 518 NSCLC patients into three groups based on their tumor microenvironment: inflamed, immune-excluded, and immune-desert. As a result, clinical characteristics based on each immune phenotype group showed statistically significant differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Furthermore, analysis of NSCLC patients with PD-L1 TPS between 1% and 49% based on their immune phenotype found that the inflamed group showed significantly higher results in objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS), compared to the non-inflamed groups. This shows Lunit SCOPE IO’s ability to supplement PD-L1 TPS as a biomarker by accurately predicting immunotherapy response for patients with low PD-L1 TPS.

"Lunit has demonstrated through several abstracts the credibility of Lunit SCOPE IO as a companion diagnostic tool to predict immunotherapy treatment outcomes," said Chan-Young Ock, Chief Medical Officer at Lunit. "This study is a proof-of-concept that compiles all of our past research that elucidates Lunit AI’s ability to optimize cancer treatment selection."

Last year, Lunit announced a strategic investment of USD 26 million from Guardant Health, Inc., a leading precision oncology company. Following this major collaboration intended to reshape and innovate the precision oncology landscape, Lunit continues to refine its global position by validating the effectiveness of its AI technology through various studies.

Android, Mobile, News

The Xiaomi 12 Series is Now Officially in Malaysia at MYR 2,899 Onward 

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It is not easy to follow up from a great product. Xiaomi managed to introduce the Xiaomi 11 series, their most powerful flagship with a lot of new upgrades from its predecessor. The Xiaomi 11 series packs very powerful System on a Chip (SoC) with an ultra-powerful camera array. At the same time, the 2021 flagship costs a fraction of the prices of most of the flagships out there.  

So how do you follow up from such a strong device? If you ask Xiaomi, more of the same things that they have done before.  

Enter the Xiaomi 12 series. On paper, it does not look like they have moved away from their old recipe of great prices and powerful flagship level hardware.  

Xiaomi 12 

Xiaomi 12 KV Horizontal 2
Source: xiaomi

We start with the most obvious change on paper, the SoC. You get the most powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC to date on the Xiaomi 12 series. You get a nice and powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip with 4nm technology powering Google’s latest Android 12 with MIUI 13. 

Alongside the powerful processor is an ample 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM for super-fast read speeds. Speaking of memory, you can spec your Xiaomi 12 with up to 256GB of built-in storage. There are no expansion slots for the device though, bummer.  

All these pushes MIUI 12 interface to take advantage of the AMOLED Dot Display. It is a 6.28-inch Full HD+ panel that offers 120Hz in refresh rate for the smooth feel. For vivid, immersive colours the panel offers HDR10+ support, Dolby Vision certification, TrueColor support, and is rated at A+ by DisplayMate. You can do away with screen protectors too with Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus protecting the panel. 

Watching movies with a Xiaomi 12 should be an immersive experience too with Dolby Atmos certified speakers. Moreover, it is tuned by the knowledgeable guys over in Harman Kardon. 

Xiaomi 12 KV Horizontal 1
Source: xiaomi

Where the older Xiaomi 11 offers one very powerful 108-Megapixel sensor for its main camera, the Xiaomi 12 only offers up to 50-Megapixel in resolution for its main sensor. That is not necessarily a bad thing though, considering that its supporting cameras also offer higher resolutions than before at 13-Megapixel for its ultra-wide shooter, and 5-Megapixel for its telephoto shooter. Out the front is a 32-Megapixel camera for ultra-clear and detailed self-portraits or group photos. While you do lose some resolution in photos, you can still get 8K video recordings out of the main sensor.  

Keeping everything running along for an entire day is a large 4,500mAh battery. You get up to 67W in charging speeds via the USB Type-C port. Charging it wirelessly should also be quick enough with up to 50W in charging speeds. If you have other devices that needs power quickly, the Xiaomi 12 can wirelessly share its charge at 10W.  

Xiaomi 12 Pro 

Xiaomi 12 Pro Renders Black 3
Source: xiaomi

If the regular Xiaomi 12 does not rock your boat, you might want to look at its Pro variant. True to the Pro moniker, it is bigger, more powerful, and surely more expensive. For good reason though. 

You are not getting a different SoC, it is the same powerful one since you cannot get anything more powerful than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. You are getting a much bigger 12GB RAM for it though, which also means that you have more multitasking capabilities. Pair that to a 256GB storage, your Xiaomi 12 Pro is a media powerhouse.  

The display is much bigger too at 6.73-inch with a few more curves. It is still an AMOLED Dot Display with AdaptiveSync. It is an AdaptiveSync Pro technology that allows the display to switch up between 1Hz to 120Hz for better dynamics and even better battery life. At the same time, the increase in size allows Xiaomi to fit twice more resolution than its regular counterpart making it effectively a WQHD+ display. It also protects your eyes better with SGS Eye Care Display certification.  

Xiaomi 12 Pro Renders Purple 1
Source: xiaomi
Xiaomi 12 Pro Renders Black 1
Source: xiaomi
Xiaomi 12 Pro Renders Blue 1
Source: xiaomi

Dolby Atmos and Harman Kardon tuning should be enough for the immersive feel of movies on your smartphone. Not for the Xiaomi 12 Pro though. Instead of the regular dual speaker set-up, the larger body allows Xiaomi to shoehorn four speakers, two tweeters and two subwoofers, for an even more immersive audio experience without the need to use Bluetooth speakers.  

To keep all these things working for you an entire day and more is a larger 4,600mAh battery pack. You can also charge the battery at 120W that fully charges the battery in 18 minutes. It also comes with 50W wireless charging and 10W reverse charging like the Xiaomi 12.  

Prices and Availability 

The Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro is now available for pre-order until the 23rd of March 2022. You can pre-order yours directly from Xiaomi. The new flagships will set you back MYR 2,899 (8GB + 128GB, MYR 2,999 for 8GB + 256GB) and MYR 3,899 respectively. Unfortunately, you do have to arrange to collect your device from a Xiaomi Flagship store near you once it is available though. Still, every pre-order entitles you to an array of premium free gifts worth up to MYR 2,197 like a 3.1 Channel Soundbar for example. For more information on the Xiaomi 12 series devices, you can visit their website.  

PR Newswire

Funding Societies Announces US$16M ESOP Buyback for Former and Existing Employees

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The announcement follows the Company’s recent US$294m Series C+ equity and debt funding round and will be its fourth ESOP Buyback

SINGAPORE, 16 March, 2022 — Funding Societies (also known as Modalku in Indonesia), Southeast Asia’s largest SME digital financing platform, announces its Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) buyback for existing and former employees worth US$16 million. The ESOP buyback marks the fourth time this activity has been conducted by the FinTech platform. Prior, employees and company alumni have cashed out US$3.5 million worth of ESOP shares.

Kelvin Teo, Co-founder & Group CEO, Funding Societies | Modalku
Kelvin Teo, Co-founder & Group CEO, Funding Societies | Modalku

Funding Societies’ ESOP policy was designed for inclusivity and equality. Under the buyback scheme, all eligible former and current employees would have a right to sell their shares at no discount to the Series C+ preference share price to incoming investors, as compared to the customary 20% discount in industry. Employees may also choose to keep their ESOP or convert their vested ESOP into shares, effectively becoming company shareholders.

Many Funding Societies employees are eligible for the ESOP policy, including new hires. The company offers 50% of total annual salary in ESOP allotment for eligible new hires, leading the market and setting industry standards. Funding Societies also places strong emphasis on long-serving employees in its ESOP scheme. Eligible loyal employees are entitled to ESOP on every 2-year anniversary of joining the company. More than 120 current and former employees since Funding Societies’s inception received cash rewards from this share buyback.

Kelvin Teo, Co-founder and Group CEO of Funding Societies | Modalku, said, "Cliche as it may be, people are the center of Funding Societies | Modalku. We’re grateful for their faith and dedication to realise the vision of empowering Southeast Asian MSMEs, including that of our current team members, and especially from many founding team members in each country who are still with us, along with talent who have left us after an amazing stint, and people who have returned to us. We decided to buyback at no discount rather than the usual 20% discount, equating to a few millions more in cash payout, as a tangible way to thank our team. And I’m heartened when some team members shared about their first home with me from their ESOP gains."

He added: "Even before our Series C+ round, I am also pleased to report that 2021 saw the lowest employee attrition rate and the highest employee happiness scores since Funding Societies was founded. Despite the impact of Covid-19, we have taken deliberate steps to appreciate our team across various initiatives including internal communications, learning & development and ESOP, among others. Next, we want to do more to create a suitable working environment for parents. Specifically, we are taking steps to accommodate mothers by offering better family benefits and have launched part-time positions with more flexible working hours."

The announcement came just a month after the company’s C+ US$144 million equity funding round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and other investors, including VNG Corporation, Rapyd Ventures, Asia-based global investor EDBI, Indies Capital, K3 Ventures, and Ascend Vietnam Ventures. The round also includes US$150 million in debt lines from institutional lenders across Europe, the United States, and Asia. Most of the raised funds will be utilised to propel company services for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Southeast Asia. A total of US$294 million was raised.

Funding Societies was founded in 2015 by Kelvin Teo and Reynold Wijaya out of Harvard Business School to empower MSMEs in Southeast Asia. The FinTech company solves MSMEs’ key pain points for growth, starting with the region’s US$300 billion financing gap. Funding Societies offers micro loans from US$500 up to US$1.5 million, which can be disbursed in as fast as 24 hours, answering in a timely manner to MSMEs who face the pertinent challenge of accessing business funds.

About Funding Societies

Funding Societies | Modalku is the largest SME digital financing platform in Southeast Asia. It is licensed in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and operates in Vietnam. It is backed by SoftBank Vision Fund, SoftBank Ventures Asia, Sequoia Capital India, Alpha JWC Ventures, SMBC Bank, Samsung Ventures, BRI Ventures, Endeavor, SGInnovate, Qualgro, and Golden Gate Ventures amongst others. The FinTech company provides business financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which is funded by individual and institutional investors. In 7 years, it has helped finance over 5 million business loans with almost US$3 billion in funding. It was given the MAS FinTech Award in 2016, the Global SME Excellence Award at the United Nations’ ITU Telecom World in 2017, KPMG Fintech100 in 2018, Brands for Good in 2019, and ASEAN Startup of the Year by Global Startup Awards in 2020. In 2021, it was honorably mentioned as Responsible Digital Innovator of the Year by World Bank IFC SME Finance Forum and won the MAS ASEAN Fintech award for the second time.

https://fundingsocieties.com/