YOFC and China Mobile Debut World’s First 800G Hollow-Core Fibre Transmission Network

WUHAN, China, June 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On June 6, Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company (YOFC), in collaboration with China Mobile, unveiled the world’s first 800G hollow-core fibre transmission test network in ShenzhenDongguan, Guangdong. The development is a significant milestone in the evolution of telecommunications infrastructure, pushing the boundaries of traditional fibre optic technology.

YOFC’s participation in the test network featured a comprehensive suite of solutions specifically designed for hollow-core fibre optics, encompassing the provision of cables, essential splicing services, and adapters for integration with single-mode fibres. The project successfully navigated several technical challenges common in complex installations. The challenges involved mitigating environmental risks and ensuring robust infrastructure during fibre laying and splicing operations—addressing pipe flooding, managing excessive humidity, and conducting precise splicing in outdoor environments. These efforts were crucial in enabling a detailed evaluation of the fibre’s performance under real operational conditions.

Key performance metrics achieved on a 20km test link—such as splice losses between hollow-core fibres, connections from hollow-core to solid-core fibres, and attenuation post-installation—were benchmarked against leading global standards. Moreover, the deployment featured an 800Gbps single-wavelength optical transmission setup, achieving a bidirectional long-distance transmission test with a throughput of 128Tb/s over hollow-core fibres. This not only demonstrated the practical application of such fibres in intricate and demanding network environments but also served as a critical proof-of-concept for the scalability and industrial applicability of hollow-core fibre technologies.

New technological heights are being achieved across the sector, driven by the ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence. Hollow-core fibre, utilizing an innovative air-guiding mechanism, surpasses the performance constraints associated with traditional solid-core fibres in both capacity and latency. The technology offers marked improvements in data transport infrastructures such as internet backbones and data centers, and is expected to continue meeting the growing demands for data transmission for the next 20 years and beyond.

YOFC plans to advance the development and manufacturing of next-generation hollow-core fibre technologies. Working with industry allies, YOFC seeks to foster innovation, fast-track the commercialization of new fibres, and boost optical network performance, establishing a solid foundation for the fibre infrastructure essential for a smarter world.

Kingdom Hearts Soars onto Steam: Relive the Magical Adventures!

The time has finally come! Square Enix‘s beloved Kingdom Hearts series has finally landed on Steam, bringing ten enchanting experiences to your PC. Now’s your chance to join Sora, Donald Duck, and Goofy on unforgettable journeys alongside iconic Disney characters across fantastical worlds.

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The entire “Dark Seeker Saga” is now available on Steam, encompassing everything from the very first Kingdom Hearts game to the critically acclaimed Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind (DLC). This epic saga unfolds across three distinct collections:

  • Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX: Relive the early chapters of the saga, with some titles featuring enhanced visuals to make these classic experiences even more immersive.
  • Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue: Bridge the gap between past and present stories, setting the stage for the series’ grand finale.
  • Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind (DLC): Experience the series’ thrilling conclusion and explore additional story content that delves deeper into the lore.

The best part? All these Kingdom Hearts collections are fully playable on both your PC and Steam Deck, perfect for gamers on the go. To celebrate this momentous launch, Square Enix is offering a special discount on all Kingdom Hearts collections for a limited time until July 11th. Don’t miss this chance to snag these adventures at a fantastic price! In Malaysia, the INTEGRUM Collection which contains all the games is retailing for RM319.87 on Steam during the sale period. Individually the games are priced from RM130 to RM160. After the sale, the games will be priced from RM200.

KH on Steam EN 1920x1080

Adding to the nostalgia, Square Enix has even re-recorded the iconic theme song “Simple and Clean” by Hikaru Utada. This new version captures the spirit of the original while offering a fresh perspective, reflecting on the series’ enduring legacy and the countless memories it has created for fans worldwide.

To celebrate Kingdom Hearts’ arrival on Steam, Square Enix is hosting a special sweepstakes until June 24th. Enter the contest for a chance to win incredible prizes! Visit the official sweepstakes website for more details and a chance to be a part of this exciting giveaway.

The wait is truly over! Head over to Steam today and unlock a world of magic with Kingdom Hearts. Whether you’re revisiting cherished memories or embarking on this epic saga for the first time, ten unforgettable adventures await. Join Sora and his friends, and let your journey through the fantastical worlds of Kingdom Hearts begin!

KAO Launches A New Way to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

It’s not every day that a tech site covers health or cosmetics. However, this one had to be covered. KAO, the company behind some of Japan’s best cosmetic products has released a new way to help keep Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases at bay. This new product is launching hot off the heels of the announcement of QDenga, a novel vaccine for dengue, in Malaysia.

Biore GUARD Mos Block Serum 1
Source: KAO

It may seem quite absurd to suddenly be going all out to keep diseases like Dengue and Chikungunya in check. However, Malaysia and many other tropical countries have long been plagued by these diseases. In 2023 alone, Malaysia saw an exponential increase in Dengue cases totalling about 123,133 cases – a whopping 86.3% compared to 2022. This coincided with a 78.6% increase in Dengue-related deaths. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, there have been 41,565 reported cases and 28 deaths. This again is a rise compared to last year. With an increasing disease burden, KAO is hoping that its new “Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum” will be a valuable addition to reducing the disease burden in Malaysia and the rest of the world.

Using a Commonly Used Emulsifier to Keep Mosquitoes Away

KAO’s Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum uses something that we’ve been using for ages in cosmetic products as its active ingredient – Silicone oil. Through research, the team at KAO realised that Silicone oil which is commonly used as an emulsifier in cosmetics has an unpredicted effect on mosquito behaviour.

Biore GUARD Mos Block Serum 2
(Source: KAO) The KAO Research Team showing the efficacy of the Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum Live at the launch.

Their research showed that somehow, mosquitoes would not land on surfaces lined with Silicone oil. Through further observation, researchers realised that mosquitoes would also work to remove the residues after contact. Through further research, the team realised that Silicone oil also exerts a downward force that is equal to about 80% of the weight of the mosquito itself. Due to this, mosquitoes tend to be “repelled” from skin and surfaces lined with Silicone oil.

Thanks to these observations, KAO is using Silicone oil as its active ingredient in the Biore Mos Block Serum. This also means that the serum is inert and safe to use even on sensitive skin. When queried, the team affirms that the serum has been dermatologically tested and is safe even for infants and toddlers. Another plus point is the omission of harmful substances like diethyltoluamide (DEET) or Picardin or even harsh essential oils. These substances are known to cause adverse reactions in individuals with dermatological sensitivities.

Pricing & Availability

The Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum is now available in most pharmacies for RM24.90 for 100g. It is available in two variants: Fresh Lavender and Sweet Blossom. KAO says that availability in other retail outlets will follow after the initial rollout in pharmacies.

Vidnoz AI 3.0 Empowers Businesses & Creators with Next-Gen Avatar Video Creation

SAN FRANCISCO, June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Vidnoz, a transformative AI tools platform, today announces the release of Vidnoz AI 3.0, introducing its brand new features – Scene-based Sitting Avatars and Team Collaboration. These innovative updates significantly streamline the video production workflow, delivering a comprehensive and smoother video creation experience for its users. Vidnoz AI commits to delving into the realm of spokesperson videos and transforming video communication with a diverse cast of lifelike avatars.

Vidnoz AI 3.0 Empowers Businesses & Creators with Next-Gen Avatar Video Creation
Vidnoz AI 3.0 Empowers Businesses & Creators with Next-Gen Avatar Video Creation

Video content consumption is skyrocketing in the digital age, with year-over-year growth of 80%. Businesses, educators, and individuals alike rely on videos to convey messages, share knowledge, and engage audiences. As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, effective team collaboration tools are essential. Vidnoz AI’s new features address this growing need by providing powerful solutions that enhance team communication and make video creation more accessible.

Groundbreaking Collaboration: Redefining Teamwork

Vidnoz AI 3.0 allows team members to work closely on video projects seamlessly, fostering collaboration and enhancing productivity.

  • Unlimited Team Size: Vidnoz AI supports teams of nearly any size, accommodating up to 1000 members, making it suitable for both small teams and large organizations.
  • Easy to share and organize: Users can swiftly create folders, streamlining the management of various projects and resources, in addition to sharing project files, templates, and feature permissions for seamless communication and coordination.
  • Real-time Collaboration: Team members can share ideas and provide feedback on video projects in real time, ensuring a cohesive and efficient workflow.

Unmatched Authenticity: Scene-based Sitting Avatars

The introduction of Sitting Avatars adds a new dimension of realism and engagement to video creation. These avatars are ideal for scenarios that require a seated, professional appearance, enhancing the overall quality and relatability of the content. Suitable scenarios for Sitting Avatars include:

  • Meeting Videos: Improve the professionalism of online meetings with avatars that mimic a natural sitting posture, creating a more engaging and lifelike interaction.
  • Educational Videos: Make educational content more relatable and engaging with avatars that can sit and interact with virtual environments, enhancing the learning experience.
  • Sales Video: Scale and personalize sales videos to improve efficiency in every sales touch-point: From outreach, and follow-ups, to successful closure.

Unwavering Commitment to “Free for All”

Despite elevating video quality to the next level, Vidnoz AI continues to provide daily free usage for all users. Users can freely explore 900+ Avatars, 450+ voices, 1000+ templates, numerous images, and video assets on Vidnoz AI. Anyone, from creators to companies, can create top-notch spokesperson videos effortlessly.

Sam Brown, the chief product manager of Vidnoz AI, expressed his excitement about the release, saying, “It’s a world where video reigns supreme, even in our line of work. The demand for high-quality video content is growing, and we are committed to making video creation simple and accessible to everyone. Our team will constantly add new templates and avatars to the collection, diversify avatar roles, and include more high-end speech options for various scenarios.”

To explore Vidnoz AI 3.0 and experience the next-generation video creation, please visit www.vidnoz.com.

About Vidnoz

Vidnoz is an innovative AI tools platform that aims to enable everyone to complete voice, graphics, and video generation effortlessly. Vidnoz started with the mission to revolutionize the world with AI tools. Vidnoz introduced a series of innovations to the market, including an AI video Generator, Text to Video, AI Video Enhancer, and AI Voice Changer,  serving users from 26+ industries including education, manufacturing, and real estate.

Media Contact
Hayley Walker
press@vidnoz.com

Source: Vidnoz Inc.

Huawei Opens Pre-Orders for New Productivity Devices Ahead of Malaysian Launch

Tech enthusiasts in Malaysia can now pre-order Huawei’s latest productivity devices, the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5″S PaperMatte Edition and the HUAWEI MateBook 14. Both devices are scheduled to launch officially on June 18, 2024, alongside other exciting announcements from Huawei.

HUAWEI MatePad 11.5″S PaperMatte Edition: A Soothing Display for Enhanced Creativity

The MatePad 11.5″S PaperMatte Edition is designed to redefine the tablet experience, particularly for creative professionals. Its key feature is the revolutionary New PaperMatte Display. This display utilizes magnetically-controlled nano-optical layer technology to reduce light reflection and enhance clarity. An anti-glare etching further improves comfort during extended viewing sessions. Additionally, a true-to-life colour mode simulates the look of reading from physical books and magazines.

huawei matepad 11.5 S Preorder

This focus on visual comfort extends to the display’s 3:2 aspect ratio, offering a near-golden ratio ideal for productivity tasks. For artists and note-takers, the 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, while the new GoPaint app and the latest HUAWEI M-Pencil (supported by NearLink technology) provide a natural and realistic writing and drawing experience.

HUAWEI MateBook 14: Power and Style for Professionals

The MateBook 14 is a powerhouse laptop targeted at professionals who value both performance and aesthetics. The 2.8K OLED touchscreen display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for vibrant colours and smooth interactions, perfect for various tasks. Certified by TÜV Rheinland for eye comfort, this display minimizes eye strain during prolonged use.

Huawei matebook 14 preorder

Weighing just 1.31kg and measuring a mere 14.5mm thin, the MateBook 14 is designed for ultimate portability. Powering this sleek device is the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, delivering up to 40W TDP for exceptional performance.

The HUAWEI MateBook 14 integrates cutting-edge AI features like AI Camera and AI Sound. These functionalities enhance video conferencing experiences by automatically preventing accidental camera activation and optimizing audio quality through artificial intelligence.

Pricing & Availability

Blind pre-orders are now open for both devices. Customers who pre-order the HUAWEI MateBook 14 between June 12 and 17, 2024 will receive complimentary gifts worth up to RM1,614.

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Customers who pre-order the MatePad 11.5″S PaperMatte Edition between June 12 and 17, 2024 will receive a complimentary gift package worth up to RM2,046. This includes the HUAWEI M-Pencil, HUAWEI Smart Magnetic Keyboard (both NearLink enabled), and an additional RM200 voucher rebate.

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It’s worth noting that these pre-orders require a deposit of RM60 to be made. These offers are valid for pre-orders placed through the Huawei Official Website, the Huawei Official Store on Shopee, or the Huawei Flagship Store on Lazada.

While pre-orders are now open, Huawei has not yet revealed the official pricing for either device.

Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2: Feature-Packed True Wireless Earbuds with Innovative LE Audio Smart Case

Jabra is no stranger to audio products; in fact, the company may have the most impressive track record and catalogue of audio devices in the market. That said, the company has unveiled the next generation of its popular Elite series – the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2. These earbuds boast innovative features designed to elevate the user experience, including the world’s first LE Audio smart case, enhanced sound quality, and improved noise cancellation.

The LE Audio Smart Case: A Game Changer for Connectivity

The most striking innovation lies in the accompanying charging cases. These cases integrate LE Audio, a next-generation Bluetooth standard promising significant improvements in audio quality, power efficiency, and connection stability. While the earbuds themselves utilize standard Bluetooth 5.2, the LE Audio smart case acts as a wireless transmitter for connected devices.

jabra elite 10 g2 bluetooth LE
Source: Jabra

The new LE Audio smart case will allow travellers to use their Jabra Elite earbuds by simply plugging them in. Traditionally, you’d need a separate adapter to connect your earbuds to the aeroplane’s entertainment system. The case then wirelessly transmits the audio stream to your earbuds in LE Audio format, potentially offering improved sound quality and lower latency compared to traditional Bluetooth connections. This functionality extends beyond aeroplanes, allowing the case to act as an LE Audio transmitter for any device with a 3.5mm headphone jack or USB-C port.

Enhanced Audio & More Personality

Jabra has also equipped both the Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 with improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. This enhanced ANC promises to effectively block out unwanted background noise, creating a more immersive listening experience. Additionally, Jabra has partnered with Dolby to deliver Dolby Audio support. This collaboration aims to provide a richer and more nuanced soundscape, potentially elevating the audio quality for music, movies, and calls.

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(Source: Jabra) The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2

While the overall design language remains largely unchanged, Jabra has introduced new colour options for both models, allowing users to express their personal style. The Elite 10 Gen 2 retains its sleek, bud-style design, while the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 maintains its secure, in-ear fit ideal for active lifestyles.

Better Durability, Longer Battery

Jabra prioritizes user experience with extended battery life. The earbuds themselves last up to 7 hours on a single charge, with the case providing an additional 25 hours of playback time. Additionally, the earbuds support fast charging for quick power top-ups when needed.

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(Source: Jabra) The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2

The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 retains its IP57 water resistance rating, making it ideal for workouts or running in the rain. Both models offer intuitive touch controls for music playback, call management, and voice assistant activation.

Jabra has also improved call performance in the Elite 8 Active Gen 2. This upgrade includes six microphones, wind-protecting mesh, and a noise-cancellation algorithm specifically designed to enhance call clarity in various environments.

Pricing & Availability

The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 and Elite 8 Active Gen 2 are expected to be available globally from mid-June 2024. Pricing information varies by region, but here’s a general breakdown:

  • Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2: USD$280 (approximately RM1,318.11)
  • Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2: USD$230 (approximately RM1,082.73)

“Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team” 7th Anniversary Campaign: Season 1 Kicks Off with Limited Edition Superstars to Make a First Appearance in the Ultimate Anniversary Superstar Transfer

TOKYO, June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — KLab Inc., a leader in online mobile games, announced that its head-to-head football simulation game Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team has celebrated its 7th anniversary since its release on June 13, 2024. To celebrate the 7th anniversary, events will be held as part of the 7th Anniversary Campaign: Season 1. See the original press release (https://www.klab.com/en/press/) for more information.

KLab Inc., a leader in online mobile games, announced that its head-to-head football simulation game Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team has celebrated its 7th anniversary since its release on June 13, 2024.
KLab Inc., a leader in online mobile games, announced that its head-to-head football simulation game Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team has celebrated its 7th anniversary since its release on June 13, 2024.

7th Anniversary: Big Thanks Present

Event Period: Thursday, June 13 16:00 until Saturday, August 31 15:59 (JST/UTC+9)

Login to the game during the event period to receive a new SSR Natureza wearing the latest Brazil National Team’s official uniform, 100 Dreamballs, three 7th Anniversary: Selectable SSR Transfer Tickets (1 SSR selectable from 10 random players), and more.

*Please note that the event period is subject to change.

Up to 100 Transfers! – 7th Anniversary Big Thanks: 1 SSR European Player Guaranteed ~FREE 10-Player Transfer~

Event Period: Thursday, June 13 16:00 until Saturday, July 13 15:59 (JST/UTC+9)

This 10-Player Transfer can be done for free once a day during the event period for up to a total of 100 Transfers.

One SSR European player is guaranteed for each 10-Player Transfer.

7th Anniversary Big Thanks: Freely Selectable SSR European Player Guaranteed Free Transfer

Event Period: Thursday, June 13 16:00 until Saturday, July 13 15:59 (JST/UTC+9)

In this Transfer, users can select one European player to receive for free during the event period.

*This Transfer can only be used once during the event period.

7th Anniversary: Ultimate Anniversary Superstar Transfer

Event Period: Thursday, June 13 16:00 until Monday, July 1 15:59 (JST/UTC+9)

Karl Heinz Schneider and Hermann Kaltz debut as new players wearing the latest German National Team’s kit.

Karl Heinz Schneider possesses the new Special Shot Skill, the Straight-Through Power Fire, and Hermann Kaltz possesses the new Special Pass Skill, the Hedgehog Ball-Keeping Pass.

One SSR player is guaranteed for each 10-Player Transfer.

*SP exchange enabled with a limit.

Overview of Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team

Supported OSes:                Android™ 6.0+, iOS 12.0+, HarmonyOS 2.0+
Genre:                                  Head-to-head football simulation game
Price:                                    Free-to-play (In-app purchases available)
Supported Regions:           Global (Excludes Japan and Mainland China)
Official Website:                  https://www.tsubasa-dreamteam.com/en
Official X Account:              @tsubasaDT_en
Official Facebook Page:      https://www.facebook.com/tsubasaDTen
Official YouTube Channel:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgOPO7kIQ35YzB7SBIQoWQ/ 
Official Discord Channel:    https://discord.gg/6tyEs48 
Copyright:                             ©Yoichi Takahashi/SHUEISHA
                                               ©Yoichi Takahashi/SHUEISHA/TV TOKYO/ENOKIFILM
                                               ©KLabGames

Download here:

App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1293738123
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.klab.captain283.global
AppGallery: https://appgallery.huawei.com/#/app/C105375049

Source: KLab Inc.

SEMIFIVE Collaborates with OPENEDGES on Chiplet Development


Developing HPC Chiplet Platform to Feature LPDDR6 Memory Interface

SEOUL, South Korea, June 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SEMIFIVE, a leading design solution provider and pioneer of platform-based custom silicon solutions, announced its agreement of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with OPENEDGES Technology (OPENEDGES). This strategic partnership is dedicated to developing an advanced chiplet platform that incorporates OPENEDGES LPDDR6 memory subsystem, which includes DDR memory controller and DDR PHY IPs optimized for the 4nm process node. Leveraging SEMIFIVE’s extensive expertise in SoC design and package development, this collaboration aims to create a high-performance computing (HPC) SoC chiplet platform, setting new standards in the semiconductor industry.

SEMIFIVE’s chiplet platform offers a new paradigm for semiconductor design and manufacturing, promising a significant impact on the market through cost reduction, performance optimization, and development flexibility. This technology will accelerate innovation in the semiconductor industry, meet the needs of diverse customers, and create opportunities for new business models and collaboration across the ecosystem.

OPENEDGES’ silicon-proven LPDDR controller and PHY IPs have played an essential role in enhancing performance, efficiency, and DRAM utilization. These key IPs have been instrumental in achieving successive milestones within SEMIFIVE’s innovative SoC design platforms. Moreover, SEMIFIVE’s optimized SoC design platform is pre-designed and validated on advanced nodes, thereby reducing IP support and SoC design engineering costs while improving overall development efficiency.

Beginning of their partnerships in 2019, OPENEDGES and SEMIFIVE have jointly collaborated to deliver multiple distinct SoC platforms applied across diverse applications, such as AI inference, IoT SoC, and HPC.

“We at OPENEDGES are immensely proud to join forces with SEMIFIVE in pioneering an advanced chiplet platform,” said Sean Lee, CEO of OPENEDGES Technology. “Our IPs are reliable and have consistently demonstrated their capacity to empower our clients, enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness while reducing development risks. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering innovation and delivering continued success to our customers.”

“Chiplets with essential features will mark a significant turning point in scalable SoC design,” said Brandon Cho, CEO and co-founder of SEMIFIVE. “OPENEDGES’ LPDDR6 technology will perfectly balance power, bandwidth, and storage for AI HPC memory architecture. SEMIFIVE’s SoC platform, which is already showing over twice the efficiency in cost and development time, will synergize with this technology to greatly impact the custom semiconductor market.”

About SEMIFIVE

SEMIFIVE is the pioneer of platform based SoC design, working with customers to implement innovative ideas into custom silicon in the most efficient way. Our SoC platforms offer a powerful springboard for new chip designs and leverage configurable domain-specific architectures and pre-validated key IP pools. We offer comprehensive spec-to-system capabilities with end-to-end solutions so that custom SoCs can be realized faster, with reduced cost and risks for key applications such as data center or AI-enabled IoT. With a strong partnership with Samsung Foundry as a leading SAFE DSP partner, as well as the larger ecosystem, SEMIFIVE provides a one-stop shop solution for any SoC design needs. For more information, please visit www.semifive.com.

About OPENEDGES Technology, Inc.

OPENEDGES Technology, Inc. is a premier provider of memory subsystem IPs for the semiconductor industry. They offer a wide range of state-of-the-art solutions, including DDR memory controllers, DDR PHY, NoC interconnect, and NPU IPs that are widely adopted by customers worldwide. Their IPs comply with JEDEC standards, including LPDDR5X/5/4X/4/3, DDR5/4/3, GDDR6, and HBM3, ensuring their compatibility with the latest DDR technology trends. In 2019, they acquired The Six Semiconductor, Inc. (TSS), specializing in high-speed memory PHYs across multiple technologies. As a publicly listed company on the Korean Stock Exchange Market (394280. KQ), OPENEDGES is well-positioned to continue its growth and maintain its leadership in the memory subsystem IPs market.

Kantar BrandZ 2024 Rankings: Haier Leads for the Sixth Consecutive Year as Premier IoT Ecosystem Brand

QINGDAO, China, June 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Haier, the number one brand in the household appliances sector, has once again distinguished itself as the only Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem brand on the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands 2024 list, marking the sixth consecutive year it has achieved this accolade. This achievement underscores Haier’s enduring global leadership and innovation in integrating technology with user-centric solutions.

The announcement from Kantar highlights a significant trend toward deeper integration of technology with branding, an accelerated globalization of brands, along with a greater emphasis on evaluating sustainability. The total value of the top 100 global brands has surged by 20% year-on-year to $8.3 trillion, nearing the peak value recorded in 2022. Since its inception in 2006, the total brand value of these leading global entities has grown by an impressive 474%, with entry thresholds escalating from $4 billion to $19 billion, a 354% increase.

Haier Leads for the Sixth Consecutive Year as Premier IoT Ecosystem Brand
Haier Leads for the Sixth Consecutive Year as Premier IoT Ecosystem Brand

Sustained Growth and Innovation Drive Haier’s Success

Haier’s consistent rise through the ranks, from its debut at 89th place in 2019 to 58th this year, reflects the substantial growth in brand value facilitated by pioneering IoT-driven ecosystems. In the fiscal year 2023, Haier reported robust financial results with global revenues reaching RMB371.8 billion ($52.3 billion) and profits totaling RMB26.7 billion ($3.76 billion). Zhou Yunjie, Chairman and CEO of Haier Group attributes this performance to their ecosystem brand strategy which acts as a stabilizer, driver, and accelerator for high-quality corporate development.

“Haier has originated and is at the forefront of the ecosystem brand-new paradigm, dedicated to breaking new ground in original technology. By leveraging technological innovation to spur industry innovation, it guides the direction of global industry growth,” said Doreen Wang, Kantar China CEO and Global Head of BrandZ, “Haier was the first to introduce an intelligent interaction engine in the industry, enabling unlimited possibilities for enhancing life with users and for industry development with ecological partners, which has led to ongoing enhancements in brand value and rankings.”

Prioritizing Two Pillars Tracks to Boost High-quality Development in the Sector

Haier leads the way in ecosystem branding on a global scale, aiming to build lifelong customers by constantly interacting, refining experiences, with users. 

  • The company’s premium brand Casarte exemplifies how it leads through high-end innovative offerings that have seen a thirteen-fold increase over seven years, topping industry averages across price points and market share growth metrics.
  • Through the creation of COSMOPlat, an industrial internet platform created by Haier Group, representing the initiative of “big enterprises co-creating, smaller enterprises sharing”, it has developed ecosystems in 15 fields, such as chemicals, mold production, and the automotive industry. It has now engaged with more than 900,000 firms, assisted over 160,000 businesses, and has formulated a holistic digital empowerment approach that spans from businesses to industrial parks, to sectors, and ultimately to urban areas.
  • In the health sector, anchored in scientific creativity and digital intelligence, strategically focuses on life sciences, clinical medicine, and biotechnology. It provides avant-garde solutions in these sectors while partnering with more than 60 international organizations to serve multiple countries abroad, contributing to the development of an international public health ecosystem.

By securing the position as the only global IoT ecosystem brand on the Kantar BrandZ Most Valuable Global Brands 2024 list for the sixth time in a row, Haier has shown not just its ability to lead in the ecosystem brand paradigm; but also proven its resilience and consistent growth, during its 40-year long journey starting from 1984.

About Haier Group

Founded in 1984, Haier Group is a leading global provider of better life and digital transformation solutions. Based on the purpose of “More Creation, More Possibilities”, we’ve always been user centered, adhered to original technology, and built a landscape of two pillars, Smart Living and Industrial Internet. We have built 10 R&D centers and 143 manufacturing centers around the world. We are the world’s only IoT ecosystem brand that has been ranked in the Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands for six consecutive years, and we have held the No.1 position in Euromonitor’s Global Major Appliances Brand for 15 consecutive years.

Concord: Unpacking the Details Ahead of August Launch

Following the exciting reveal of Concord last week, the developers at Firewalk Studios are eager to share more details about the upcoming 5v5 hero shooter. This article dives into the game’s core features, upcoming beta access, pricing options, and pre-order perks.

Concorde Game PS5

From the outset, Firewalk Studios envisioned Concord as a multiplayer-focused experience brimming with engaging gameplay, rewarding progression systems, and a diverse roster of characters, maps, and game modes available at launch. This foundation provides a solid launchpad for the developers to expand the game world and introduce new content over time.

Standard Edition: The Core Concord Experience

Launching in August, Concord will offer a standard edition (available physically and digitally) that delivers the full game experience. This includes access to all 16 playable Freegunners, 12 unique maps set across various worlds, and six distinct team-based game modes. Firewalk Studios has committed to regular post-launch updates for all players at no additional cost, ensuring the game continues to evolve after launch. The standard edition is priced at USD$39.99 / £34.99 / €39.99 / ¥4,480 / SGD 55 / RM 169 / IDR 579,000 / THB 1,290.

Digital Deluxe Edition: Early Access and Bonus Cosmetics

For players eager to jump into the action early, the Digital Deluxe Edition offers 72 hours of early access to Concord before the global launch on August 24th (Asia time zone). Additionally, this edition includes the Northstar Freegunner’s cosmetics pack, granting 16 unique outfits – one for each of the 16 playable characters available at launch – allowing players to personalize their crew. The Digital Deluxe Edition is priced at USD$59.99 / £49.99 / €59.99 / ¥6,480 / SGD 80 / RM 249 / IDR 879,000 / THB 1,990.

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Monarch Pack: Pre-Order Bonus and Early Beta Access

Pre-ordering any edition of Concord unlocks the Monarch Pack cosmetic set, featuring the Monarch Frontliner outfit for the adept sniper Vale and Dead Reckoner weapon skins for her sniper rifle and sidearm.

Concord Beta: Get Your Hands on the Game Early

Firewalk Studios is offering a pre-launch beta to give players a taste of the action before the official release. The beta will be available simultaneously on PS5 and PC with full cross-play support. Pre-ordering any edition of Concord grants five beta access codes, allowing players to team up with friends across both platforms and take on rival crews across the galaxy. More details on the beta dates, including the Early Access and Open Beta periods, will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Pricing & Availability

Pre-orders for the PS5 version are now live on the PlayStation Store. Pre-purchases for the PC version can be made on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Physical pre-orders for Concord begin on June 7th, 2024. They will be priced as follows:

  • Standard Edition (Physical & Digital): USD$39.99 / £34.99 / €39.99 / ¥4,480 /SGD 55 / RM 169 / IDR 579,000 / THB 1,290 MSRP
  • Digital Deluxe Edition: USD$59.99 / £49.99 / €59.99 / ¥6,480 / SGD 80 / RM 249 / IDR 879,000 / THB 1,990 MSRP
  • Pre-order any edition to receive the Monarch Pack and Beta Early Access codes (more details on Beta dates coming soon).