Where last week saw WhatsApp releasing a new Beta version that tells of things to come, this week sees WhatsApp releasing a new feature into their app to offer even more communication avenue and flexibility for its users. They call the new feature Channels, and it allows users to create a one-to-many communication channel. That allows corporate users or even celebrities and influencers to create a single messaging platform for brand-specific messages to all their subscribers, fans, and customers.
To be fair, the feature is not technically brand-new. The feature has been tested and piloted successfully in Colombia and Singapore. Following the success, WhatsApp thinks it is ready for primetime in 150 countries.
While it is designed for brands, organizations, and even celebrities to directly reach out to other their fans, customers, and communities without the clout of input from participants in the channel, WhatsApp is working to making the feature available and accessible to all WhatsApp users which might mean that you can try creating a channel on your own in the future. Participants in channels can also react with emoji rather than having access to the message board, which also means that user interaction within the channel is not completely culled.
Source: WhatsApp
There are concerns that it might be confusing for users to distinguish between a channel communication and regular chat since they will look similar through the interface. WhatsApp will be adding a new section just for Channels though, allowing you to quickly separate Channels communication and regular chats with your friends. That does not mean that you cannot use any messaging from Channels in your daily regular chats though. You still can forward messages from Channels to your friends or groups if you feel like you want to share some news. It might also encourage the larger adoption of Channels this way.
The WhatsApp Channels update should be coming to most users by the end of today (19th September 2023), at least according to the WhatsApp team from Meta. If you have not received the update or have not seen the update, you might want to check if your WhatsApp has been updated to the latest version or not via your Google Play Store or Apple App Store. For more information WhatsApp’s latest feature, you can head out to their blog.
Company breaks new ground through innovative virtual event and platform
HANOVER, N.H., Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Hypertherm Associates, leading manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software, announces SHOP TALK LIVEa global industry virtual event scheduled for October 10 and 11, 2023.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage virtually with industry peers and experts to discuss industry trends that affect day-to-day operations. The event will include virtual hands-on workshops, cutting demonstrations to learn new techniques, live discussions and tips and tricks to streamline operations.
“The trade show industry is continuing to evolve and adapt to changing trends and technologies in order to provide a valuable experience for attendees and exhibitors. With SHOP TALK LIVE, we are not only embracing these changes but also leading the way in setting new standards for accessibility, personalization, technology integration, and sustainability in trade shows.” said Hypertherm Associates Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Hidde van Hoeven.
“We are looking forward to meeting with others in our industry to experience together, a journey of knowledge sharing, inspiration, and connection.”
The event will be broadcast from the company’s new virtual platform environment SHOP TALK, making this anything but a standard webinar. Through the new virtual SHOP TALK studio, the company will be breaking new ground, creating opportunities to exchange ideas that will deliver an exceptional and immersive experience.
Visit the event page to access the full event program and list of speakers. Join SHOP TALK LIVE and register here.
Over the course of the event, there will be the opportunity to hear from a remarkable lineup of speakers, thought leaders, and experts in various fields. The sessions will encourage active engagement by attendees.
Attendees will also have access to SHOP TALK, the new 3D platform, 24/7. Check it out here.The recorded sessions and other valuable content featuring Hypertherm Associates’ multiple technology solutions will be available to help customers and partners run their business anytime they need it.
About Hypertherm Associates
Hypertherm Associates is a U.S. based manufacturer of industrial cutting products and software. Its products, including Hypertherm plasma and OMAX waterjet systems, are used by companies around the world to build ships, airplanes, and railcars; construct steel buildings, fabricate heavy equipment, erect wind turbines, and more. In addition to cutting systems, the company creates CNCs, and software trusted for performance and reliability that results in increased productivity and profitability for hundreds of thousands of businesses. Founded in 1968, Hypertherm Associates is a 100 percent Associate-owned company, employing approximately 2,000 Associates, with operations and partner representation worldwide. Learn more at www.HyperthermAssociates.com.
HERNDON, Va., Sept. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Deltek, the leading global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses, announced that it has been recognized as one of the top three tech companies for culture and values by Glassdoor, the global leader for insights about jobs and companies. This prestigious distinction, based directly on anonymous Glassdoor feedback from current and former employees, reflects Deltek’s dedication to fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace where employees will thrive.
Companies included on the list were highlighted by employees for building exemplary workplace cultures and company values, the most important factors in employee satisfaction, according to Glassdoor.
“We decided to compile this list after running a poll to the Glassdoor community that revealed that 85% of professionals have experienced a toxic workplace culture. This list is intended to help job seekers and employees find companies that align with their values and are doing company culture right,” Daniel Zhao, Glassdoor lead economist, noted in a statement to TechRepublic. In a company blog post, Zhao elaborated that inclusive, flexible work environments, opportunities for growth, and mentorship are all key indicators of companies prioritizing culture in way that makes employees take notice.
The 10 Highest-Rated Tech Companies for Culture and Values list was based on more than 5,000 anonymous survey responses, making it a true testament of employee experiences and sentiments. Deltek’s consistent recognition as a top workplace reflects the company’s continuous efforts to prioritize employee satisfaction and create an environment where respect, innovation, and collaboration are always top of mind.
“It’s important to us that all employees feel included, appreciated, and are given opportunities to pursue professional interests and build their careers at Deltek,” said Ed Hutner, Deltek’s SVP of Human Resources. “We are incredibly proud to be recognized by Glassdoor and committed to building upon this achievement, which is a result of the dedication and commitment of our entire team. We know that our employees are the backbone of Deltek’s exceptional workplace culture, and that they’re the reason we’re able to achieve long-term success and deliver exceptional solutions to our customers.”
The full rankings and methodology can be found on Glassdoor.
Better software means better projects. Deltek is the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for project-based businesses. More than 30,000 organizations and millions of users in over 80 countries around the world rely on Deltek for superior levels of project intelligence, management and collaboration. Our industry-focused expertise powers project success by helping firms achieve performance that maximizes productivity and revenue. www.deltek.com
Motorola is adding to their mid-range lineups with the release of two new devices, the Moto G54 and its unique variants in three different regions as well as the G84.
China and India first to unique variations of the G54
Motorola initially announced the Moto G54 to be available in both China and India. However, both regions will be getting the same device with slightly different specifications. Both market variants do share the same key components. They are powered by a Snapdragon 695 processor with 8 GB of RAM with 128 GB of storage. They also have a 6.5-inch 120Hz display, 50MP rear camera and 16MP front camera.
For the China market, the Moto G54 comes with a 5000 mAh battery with 15W wired charging, is thinner at 8.04mm thickness and weighs 179.7 grams. The secondary camera module on the rear is a 2MP depth sensor. A unique feature is the finish on the back. The device comes with a vegan leather back available in 3 colors; blue, green and magenta. The Moto G54 is available in China today on Lenovo CN website for 1099 Yuan (~RM707).
The Moto G54 available to India has a slight edge in hardware. It comes with a larger 6000 mAh battery with faster 33W wired charging, charger bundled together too. There is an option for a larger memory variant of 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Perhaps the biggest difference lies in the processor, where it debuts the Mediatek Dimensity 7020 chipset in the Indian market. Additionally, the secondary rear camera module is also improved, with an 8MP ultrawide sensor.
With all this extra power, the Indian market variant of the Moto G54 is both thicker at 8.89mm, and heavier at 192 grams than its Chinese counterpart. While it may not have the vegan leather back, the rear plate is plastic with a glass-like finish, available in three colors; Mint Green, Pearl Blue, and Midnight Blue. The device is available today on the official Motorola India website, with prices starting at ₹15,999 (~RM900) for the 8GB RAM/128GB variant.
Moto G54 releases in Europe alongside the G84
Europe sees the debut of two devices from Motorola, with the Moto G54 and G84. The G54 variant in Europe is rather similar to the Chinese market variant. Powering the device is the Dimensity 7020 chipset with 8 GB of RAM with 256 GB of storage. It retains the 6.5-inch 120Hz display, 5000 mAh battery with 15W wired charging, 50 MP main camera and 2 MP macro shooter. It is available for €179 in four colors; Mint Green, Midnight Blue, Indigo Blue, and Glacier Blue.
The Moto G84 comes in slightly ahead of the G54 in the mid-range bracket for Motorola. It sports a more vibrant 6.5-inch pOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the Snapdragon 695nm chipset supplemented with more RAM, 12GB specifically with 256GB storage. While it retains the 5000 mAh battery, it does have faster 30W wired charging. Cameras remain a 50MP main module and an 8MP ultrawide module on the rear.
And yes, the Moto G84 does come with the vegan leather back, this time with three color options; Midnight Blue, Marshmallow Blue and PANTONE™ Colour of the Year 2023 – Viva Magenta. The Moto G84 is available in Europe for a slightly higher price of €199 then the G54. Both the G54 and G84 are also now available in the UK for £179.99 and £249.99 respectively.
The landscape of work is evolving rapidly, and technology is at the forefront of this transformation. To navigate the complexities of hybrid work, VMware has unveiled a series of innovative AI integrations within its Anywhere Workspace platform, an integral part of the VMware Cross-Cloud services portfolio. These integrations leverage the power of data, intelligence, and automation to enhance employee experience, bolster vulnerability management, and streamline application lifecycle management. In essence, VMware Anywhere Workspace is designed to provide a seamless and secure workspace accessible from any device or location.
A Holistic Approach to Enhancing Employee Experience
VMware is a pioneer in harnessing data and automation to elevate the employee and IT experience. The latest enhancements include Insights and Playbooks that utilize expanded data sources and advanced machine learning algorithms to enhance the Digital Employee Experience (DEX). This broader access to data strengthens VMware Insights and enables more effective issue remediation.
One noteworthy addition is app performance scores, supplementing the existing experience scores for mobile devices, desktops, and virtual environments. This means that if a SaaS app experiences downtime, IT is immediately alerted, and employees are automatically informed, eliminating the need for cumbersome support tickets.
But it’s not just about providing more data to IT; it’s about empowering them to work smarter. VMware’s AI-driven Insights now incorporate anomaly detection, identifying potential experience issues for frontline devices and VDI environments, in addition to mobile and desktop setups. This latest announcement introduces Playbooks, enabling IT to create step-by-step remediation workflows for efficient incident resolution. Success rate analytics automate the resolution process over time.
George March, Manager of Digital Workspace and Development at USA Health, praised Workspace ONE intelligence for streamlining lifecycle management and enhancing security. Their roadmap includes implementing the ITSM connector, and with the addition of remediation playbooks, they anticipate further streamlining their help desk support teams’ workflows.
Partnering for Security and Manageability
End-to-end manageability and security for distributed workforces are paramount. VMware recognizes the importance of collaboration with best-of-breed partners to achieve these goals. To this end, VMware has expanded its partnership with Intel to create a cloud-native integration of Workspace ONE with Intel vPro®. This integration enables secure and remote device management directly from the cloud, eliminating the need for additional on-premises infrastructure and management software.
With this integration, IT teams gain below-the-OS vulnerability insights for vPro-powered devices, enhancing security. It also provides centralized visibility into these devices, accelerating patch remediation cycles for devices beyond office perimeters, even when they are powered off. This results in improved security and compliance, with higher patch saturation and minimal disruption to employee productivity.
Simplifying Virtual Environments with Modern App Management
Managing and delivering applications across various virtual environments has grown increasingly complex. Silos of legacy tools have compounded inefficiencies. VMware has introduced Apps on Demand, powered by VMware App Volumes, to address this challenge. It unifies app management and intelligently deploys apps to published app hosts or non-persistent desktop environments based on real-time app usage.
Moreover, VMware is expanding App Volumes support to deliver apps on demand to persistent virtual desktops. This automation of app delivery streamlines processes with remarkable compatibility and cost savings. VMware App Volumes is the only solution capable of delivering and managing apps across multiple virtual desktop and app deployments.
Boeing’s Remarkable Hybrid Work Transformation
Boeing, a global leader in aerospace, leverages VMware Workspace ONE to support its extensive global workforce. Comprising 140,000 employees across the globe, Boeing’s workforce plays a crucial role in developing, manufacturing, and servicing aerospace and defence products.
Recognized as a ‘Hybrid Workforce Innovator,’ Boeing has utilized VMware Anywhere Workspace to enable its employees to work from anywhere globally. This transformation has not only improved the user experience but has also fortified security for devices and applications.
Kristina Ross, Boeing Workplace Solutions Director for Research & Technology, emphasized that Workspace ONE has streamlined their transition to modern management, enhanced scalability, and shifted their focus from infrastructure to business-facing solutions.
Pudgy Penguins is the latest hit in the NFT world. It’s closing the gap between digital collection and real-world business. It’s blending the tangible and intangible, making it more accessible and easier to monetize. They’ve created opportunities for NFT holders to get a tangible slice of physical merchandise sales bridging Web3 communities and technologies with the real world.
Pudgy Penguin & NFTs
NFT or Non-Fungible Tokens are digital assets that prove ownership through a publicly viewable ledger called a Blockchain.
So how does this relate to the Pudgy Penguins? These Pudgy Penguins are 8,888 unique collectable Penguins that are linked to the Ethereum Blockchain. Each Penguin design comes with a unique identifier that is publicly listed in the Ethereum Blockchain and can be traced to the original artist. Using this, the company creates physical merchandise with the designs that are on the blockchain and the artists are paid royalties on their designs.
Backed by MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation) and Asia Huddle PLT, these waddling birds are officially making their Malaysian debut. You will start seeing Pudgy Penguins soft toys and collectables in retail stores such as FamilyMart, myNews, Bila Bila Mart, emart24 and CU Malaysia across the country. In conjunction with the launch, there will be a special three-day event called “Pudgy Boleh” which will showcase their journey from digital animations to toys and collectables.
Tangible Economic Opportunities from the Blockchain
Pudgy Penguins looks to unlock more economic opportunities through its Web3 ecosystem. This comes on the heels of a successful foray into the United States which proves that blockchain innovation can be blended into tangible business opportunities.
With their launch in Malaysia, the company coordinated a special three-day event called “Pudgy Boleh” to showcase their works from digital photos to live cuddly toys.
Cheryl Law, the Pudgy Penguins Business Development Lead of Asia, sees a great future for the company to grow and have a positive impact on Malaysian Businesses and companies. The sentiment is shared by CEO, Luca Netz. Luca believes that everyone should be able to have a bridge between real life and their digital presence. Using these commodities, everyone can contribute to Malaysians’ economic landscape through inclusivity and art.
BEIJING, Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — NaaS Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: NAAS) (“NaaS” or the “Company”), the first U.S. listed EV charging service company in China, today announced its inclusion in the NASDAQ Golden Dragon China Index, making it one of nine new energy companies and the only EV charging service company to be part of this index.
The NASDAQ Golden Dragon China Index is widely recognized as a critical gauge for evaluating the performance of Chinese enterprises in the U.S. stock market. The index is designed to provide investors with insight and access to the unique opportunities taking place in China while still providing the transparency offered by U.S. listings. It covers a diverse range of sectors, encompassing digital, technology, new forms of consumption, and clean energy, featuring renowned companies in the internet space and the new energy sector, among others. NaaS’ inclusion enriches the NASDAQ Golden Dragon China Index and brings fresh vigor to the new energy sector with its charging services.
About NaaS Technology Inc.
NaaS Technology Inc. is the first U.S. listed EV charging service company in China. The Company is a subsidiary of Newlinks Technology Limited, a leading energy digitalization group in China. The Company provides one-stop EV charging solutions to charging stations comprising online EV charging, offline EV charging and innovative and other solutions, supporting every stage of the station lifecycle. As of June 30, 2023, NaaS had connected over 652,000 chargers covering 62,000 charging stations, representing 41.5% and 49.2% of China’s public charging market share respectively. On June 13, 2022, the American depositary shares of the Company started trading on Nasdaq under the stock code NAAS.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Investor Relations NaaS Technology Inc. E-mail: ir@enaas.com
ASUS has taken the wraps off its latest gem, the ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 OLED (UX6404). This sleek and compact 14.5-inch laptop marks the zenith of the creator-friendly Zenbook Pro series, catering to the needs of users who demand sophistication, portability, and robust performance for their creative endeavours and productivity tasks.
The ZenBook Pro 14 OLED comes with a 16:10 3K 120Hz OLED NanoEdge display, complete with Dolby Vision and HDR technology, which delivers an unparalleled visual experience. It’s PANTONE® Validated for colour accuracy and encompasses a cinematic 100% DCI-P3 gamut.
Under the hood, the Zenbook Pro 14 OLED is powered by the latest 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i9 H-series processor, coupled with studio-grade NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 graphics, a hefty 32 GB of high-speed DDR5 RAM, and a copious 1TB SSD.
The ASUS DialPad which was once only available with the ProArt Line makes its ZenBook debut on the ZenBook 14 Pro OLED allowing more intuitive control within creative apps. The laptop boasts a full set of I/O ports, including Thunderbolt 4™ USB-C®, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C®, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI® 2.1, and an audio combo jack. Moreover, the laptop provides a top-tier audio experience, thanks to the Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos® speaker system and ASUS AI noise-cancelling audio technology, ensuring crystal-clear conference calls.
Furthermore, the laptop supports the optional ASUS Pen 2.0, an MPP 2.0 stylus with 4096 pressure levels and interchangeable tips, offering an unparalleled drawing and writing experience.
To keep these powerful components cool, ASUS has implemented the highly efficient ASUS IceCool Pro cooling system, featuring a dual-fan design and four external exhaust vents. Additionally, the laptop features WiFi 6E enhanced with ASUS WiFi Master Premium technology, ensuring rock-solid WiFi connections.
The ASUS ErgoSense keyboard, boasting a full-size 19.05 mm key pitch, 1.4 mm key travel, and 0.1 mm keycap relief, ensures a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, an anti-fingerprint and hydrophobic coating makes the ASUS ErgoSense touchpad easy to clean.
Pricing & Availability
The ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 OLED (UX6404V) is set to make its debut in Malaysia, starting on September 19, 2023, with a price tag of RM10,999.
It will be available through all authorized ASUS dealers and the official ASUS e-store.
BEIJING, Sept. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — China and Zambia announced their decision on Friday to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, with both sides hailing their “profound” traditional friendship.
The move came during Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema’s seven-day state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Business is high on the agenda, as the African leader covered five companies in his first two days, including the Yantian International Container Terminal, BYD, Huawei, Tencent and ZTE. He arrived in Beijing on Thursday.
During the two leaders’ talk on Friday, Xi said that China stands ready to work with Zambia to transform the profound traditional friendship into a strong driving force for win-win cooperation in the new era and push bilateral relations to a new level.
Win-win cooperation
Across the vast savanna between Tanzania and Zambia, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway is a symbol of true friendship and sincere assistance of the Chinese people toward the people of Africa.
Back in the 1960s, a time when many countries and international organizations all declined to help, China provided an interest-free loan of 988 million yuan to the project with no conditions attached. In addition, China sent a large amount of equipment and materials, as well as experts for the construction, management and maintenance of the railway and the training of local technicians.
To this day, the two sides have expanded their investment and trade ties in many sectors, with trade volume between the two countries reaching a record high of $6.73 billion in 2022, official data shows.
China hopes to jointly build the Belt and Road with Zambia and expand cooperation in infrastructure construction, agriculture, mining and clean energy to achieve common development and revitalization, Xi said during his meeting with Hichilema.
Xi added that China encourages more quality Zambian products to enter the Chinese market and supports more Chinese enterprises in investing in Zambia.
The voice of the Global South
China’s development has led to the progress of countries in the Global South, increased their representation and voice in international affairs, and promoted the development of international order in a more just and rational direction, Hichilema said on Friday, thanking China for supporting the African Union’s entry into the G20.
Zambia cherishes the friendship forged by the older generations of leaders of the two countries, the president said.
China–Zambia friendship dates back to the era when China actively supported the national liberation movement of southern Africa. On October 25, 1964, the second day of Zambia’s independence, the two countries established diplomatic relations.
During their talk, Xi stressed that the traditional friendship forged by the two countries’ older generations of leaders has stood the test of the changing international landscape.
The Chinese president also urged the two countries to continue practicing genuine multilateralism, firmly upholding international fairness and justice, striving to increase the voice of developing countries, and safeguarding the common interests of the two countries and other developing countries.
Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH stole the show during Sony’s recent PlayStation’s State of Play. The new trailer opens with all our beloved characters, Tifa, Cloud, Sephiroth and more continuing their adventures after the events of Final Fantasy VII remake.
The heart-pounding trailer gives us a glimpse of the open world that awaits us in the game with iconic characters like Cloud, Aerith, Barret, and Tifa. These unlikely heroes unite with new playable companions, including Yuffie, a nimble ninja from Wutai, Red XIII, a fiery-tailed beast offering sage advice, and Cait Sith, a witty feline-shaped robot perched atop a giant Moogle.
Source: Square
We continue the pursuit of Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII REBIRTH. We’re going to get to explore Midgar like never before while we track down the fallen SOLDIER before he creates more havoc. In Rebirth, we’ll guide these characters in thrilling battles, utilizing powerful synergy abilities that strengthen their bonds. As we traverse a vast, vibrant world brimming with opportunities for exploration, classic locales reimagined in stunning detail await. From what Square has teased in its press release, we can expect hours of side content, engaging mini-games, and captivating side stories that delve into the rich tapestry of this world’s inhabitants.
Producer Yoshinori Kitase emphasized, “FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH can be enjoyed on its own as a standalone adventure.” This means players new to the series can dive right in without feeling lost. For those eager to deepen their understanding of the narrative, a recap of the previous game will be available to provide context and backstory.
From what we can gather, it looks like the second instalment will take players all the way to the middle of the original’s plot. Naoki Hamaguchi, the director, enthusiastically shares, “Cloud and his friends, who have fled Midgar, will be setting out on an adventure across an expansive world of untold adventure in pursuit of Sephiroth, the legendary SOLDIER.” He underlines the game’s emphasis on “free exploration” with compelling stories, delightful mini-games, formidable monsters, and much more across the world map, promising nearly 100 hours of captivating adventure.
Pricing & Availability
Pre-orders for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth are now open on the PlayStation Store. The game will be available in a number of editions both physical and digital. The game will officially be released on February 29, 2023 on PlayStation 5.
Physical Editions
These come on two game discs and include a reversible cover along with the digital Midgar Bangle Mk. II armour as a pre-order bonus at select retailers. The standard edition will set you back USD$69.99. The Deluxe edition will be retailing for USD$99.99 and come with a mini-soundtrack CD, an artbook and a steel book case.
The Collector’s Edition will come with a large, highly detailed statue of Sephiroth, in-game items: the Reclaimant Choker accessory, the Orchid Bracelet and Summoning Materia which allows you to summon the Moogle Trio and the Magic Pot. This comes in addition to all the freebies from the Deluxe Edition. It will retail for USD$349.99.
Digital Editions
Digital Editions of the game come with the Moogle Trio summoning Materia. The standard edition will set you back USD$69.99.
The digital deluxe edition comes with the digital Mini-soundtrack, digital artbook, and DLC items like the Magic Pot Summoning Materia, Reclaimant Choker accessory, and Orchid Bracelet armour. This content can be purchased separately for USD$20.00 to upgrade your standard edition.
Twin Packs
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will also be available in a physical twin pack with Final Fantasy VII REMAKE INTERGRADE for USD$99.99. The full game of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will be available for download upon preorder.
The Digital Deluxe Twin Pack will include both games and all the content for the Digital Deluxe Edition. This will retail for USD$119.99.
