Category Archives: PR Newswire

Casio to Open Virtual G-SHOCK STORE in the Metaverse

First to Offer Watch Customization Experiences in VRChat

TOKYO, Oct. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the launch of a metaverse-based virtual store for the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The new store will open on October 6, 2023 on the social virtual reality platform VRChat, allowing visitors to enjoy watch customization experiences and more.


In recent years, it has become more and more popular for younger users to create avatars (virtual personalities), explore virtual spaces and engage in communication with each other in the metaverse.

In response, Casio is opening a virtual G-SHOCK STORE space, called a “world” in the metaverse, to encourage a culture of outfitting avatars with timepieces, building on the strong support G-SHOCK enjoys from users for its shock resistance and unique designs. Casio has signed a partnership agreement with VRChat Inc., the operator of the world’s largest social virtual reality platform, VRChat. This marks the very first time a watch manufacturer has opened a world (virtual space) in VRChat.

The G-SHOCK STORE virtual world will provide a watch customization service that allows users to combine different components to create their own personalized G-SHOCK watches, as well as to see how their VRChat avatars look wearing the watches they created. In addition, users can purchase watch components as digital items for use in VRChat at the official Casio online shop on BOOTH, a global online marketplace for creative endeavors, to create virtual G-SHOCK watches that can be worn by their avatars in the G-SHOCK STORE and other VRChat worlds. These virtual watches are linked to the time at the user’s location, allowing users to check the time within VRChat.

Inside the G-SHOCK STORE in the metaverse
Inside the G-SHOCK STORE in the metaverse

About VRChat

VRChat is a virtual reality metaverse platform that enables users to assume the forms of avatars and enjoy interactive experiences in virtual worlds. Millions of people have formed a wide array of user communities in which they can freely enjoy activities in metaverse spaces on the platform.

CGTN: CMG’s 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala: Family bonds shine under full moon

BEIJING, Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — On September 29, with the arrival of the Mid-Autumn Festival, China Media Group (CMG) hosted a Mid-Autumn Gala that brought together Chinese people from across the world to celebrate and pay homage to the moon, fostering a sense of unity during this festive season.

The gala featured a variety of tender and heartwarming programs, infusing the atmosphere with a warm familial embrace. By presenting the perspectives of ordinary people, the event closely reflected the everyday lives of the audience.

The program “Time of Childhood” portrayed the simple and delightful experiences of childhood, highlighting the beauty in its simplicity.

Meanwhile, the program “Father” explored the universal bond of deep love that parents around the world share with their children.

This year, netizens were invited to share a photo with their fathers and tag it with the hashtag “Bring my Dad to CMG’s 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival Gala.” These photos would then get a chance to appear on the stage screen.

Since its inception, the initiative has garnered nearly 10 million views. Numerous netizens have enthusiastically shared heartwarming photos, expressing their deep emotions and love for their fathers.

Cultural elements incorporated in the gala

This year’s gala revolved around five literary elements, containing poetry, wine, the moon, water and bamboo, all of which are the most common forms of cultural imagery found in ancient Chinese poems.

In ancient Chinese history, poetry held the highest literary regard. Beyond concise language and melodic rhythms, imagery, known as yixiang, served as a crucial and artistic tool for conveying intricate emotions.

Rather than directly expressing their feelings, most ancient poets skillfully wove hidden emotions and profound meanings into tangible objects and objective scenes through artistic observation and traditional literary perspectives.

For instance, wine in Chinese culture often symbolizes gatherings, celebrations and toasts. It transcends being merely a beverage, embodying the act of forging connections and reveling with friends and family.

Meanwhile, the moon serves as a recurring motif in Chinese literature and culture, embodying notions like reunion, change, the passage of time and nostalgia.

In the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the renowned poet Zhang Jiuling penned verses like, “As the bright moon shines over the sea, from far away you share this moment with me.” These lines reflect the deep homesickness felt by the poet.

The gala presented programs highlighting the five enduring cultural symbols deeply rooted in Chinese history, offering a glimpse into the ancient civilization along the Yangtze River.

A song, “Asking the moon with a wine cup in hand,” reflected the wine culture in Chinese history. Another song, “Bright Light,” incorporated lyrics from the celebrated litterateur Su Shi of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), conveying themes centered on the resilience and unyielding spirit of the Chinese people.

Symbolic meaning of love and reunion

The gala took place in Yibin City, southwest China’s Sichuan Province. The main stage was set up in the Yangtze River Park, at the point where the Jinsha River and Minjiang River converge to form the mighty Yangtze River.

Yibin City, renowned as “The First City on the Yangtze River,” boasts a rich history of city construction spanning over 2,200 years, more than 3,000 years of tea cultivation heritage and a brewing tradition that stretches back more than 4,000 years.

“Yibin is my ancestral home. Although this is my first time in Lizhuang, I feel a strong sense of familiarity,” said Qin Hao, a performer at the gala.

“In Chinese culture, certain images hold universal significance. Symbols like the moon resonate deeply with Chinese people across generations,” he said.

The Mid-Autumn Festival holds a special place in the hearts of the Chinese people. Throughout history, this festival has been intertwined with Chinese mythology, folklore and poetry, enriching its cultural significance.

This festival is not just about celebrating the moon; it’s also a moment when people express their deepest emotions to their loved ones. It’s a time for love, gratitude and cherishing the enduring bonds of family.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-09-29/CMG-2023-Mid-Autumn-Festival-Gala-Family-bonds-shine-under-full-moon-1nuIYjtQRGM/index.html 

Frost & Sullivan Recognizes Cellcard with the 2023 Cambodian Product Leadership Award for Offering Innovative Products that Provide Affordable Access to Mobile Data

Cellcard is Cambodia’s fastest mobile network, serving over four million customers with its reliable nationwide coverage and unmatched expertise of over 20 years in the market.

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan recently researched the Cambodian mobile services industry and, based on its findings, recognizes Cellcard with the 2023 Cambodian Product Leadership Award. Cellcard is Cambodia’s longest-serving and the only fully Cambodian-owned operator with a long history of first-to-market innovations, outstanding customer service, and the fastest mobile network.

2023 Cambodian Mobile Services Product Leadership Award
2023 Cambodian Mobile Services Product Leadership Award

The company is one of the largest telecommunication companies in Cambodia, and its products directly impact the lives of the new digital generation through out-of-the-box innovations. Cellcard addresses the need for real-time and on-demand content and delivers forward-thinking business solutions to support small- and medium-sized Cambodian enterprises.

In 2022, the company launched the following four breakthrough products to upgrade the connectivity experience and the overall enjoyment of its digital services: Time To Rise, Cellcard Serey, Cellcard One, and Playgame Cloud. While these products have significantly impacted various verticals, their influence on the Cambodian gaming industry is remarkable.

Cellcard has played a key role in the development of online gaming in Cambodia, and its products have introduced greater online gaming capabilities with seamless connectivity that are perfectly suited to the unique characteristics of the Cambodian marketplace. For example, to improve the user experience, the company expanded its popular gaming data plan, Playgame Unlimited, which caters to Cambodian gamers’ needs with arcade games and Cambodia’s first cloud gaming platform, Playgame Cloud.

“With its loyalty program and market leadership in the eSports and gaming industry, the company has strong future growth potential. Additionally, Cellcard’s leadership team has an entrepreneurial mindset, which is useful in growing the company in Cambodia’s low-cost market.”, said Mei Lee Quah, Director, ICT Research at Frost & Sullivan.

Cellcard’s differentiating factors are its broad consumer base and affordable pricing within the highly competitive Cambodian market. The company is increasingly looking into the youth segment for growth and aims to become the leading digital lifestyle services provider in Cambodia.

Furthermore, Cellcard is part of the Royal Group of Companies (RGC), a well-known strategic investment holding in Cambodia; therefore, the company can leverage synergies within RGC to drive further growth. By increasing its market reach through RGC alliances and offering unique loyalty and rewards programs, Cellcard brings greater value to Cambodian users and further consolidates its leadership in the industry.

For its strong overall performance, Cellcard earns Frost & Sullivan’s 2023 Cambodian Product Leadership Award in the Cambodian mobile services industry.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed a product with innovative features and functionality that is gaining rapid market acceptance. The award recognizes the quality of the solution and the customer value enhancements it enables.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Tarini Singh
P: +91- 9953764546
E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com 

About Cellcard

Launched in 1997, Cellcard is Cambodia’s longest-serving and only 100% Cambodian-owned operator, reputed for its long history of first-to-market innovations, outstanding customer service and the fastest, most reliable mobile network. Considered as one of the biggest telco companies in Cambodia, Cellcard services over four million customers with nationwide coverage and an expansive dealer and distribution network. 

With a vision towards providing connectivity for all and enhancing the way customers live, work and play, Cellcard’s portfolio continues to expand to accommodate and build the esports and gaming community, provide digital entertainment services to address the need for real-time and on-demand content, and offer innovative and insightful enterprise solutions to support businesses. 

Cellcard stands as the most awarded operator in Cambodia with more than forty global and regional accolades.

One half-day of training using a few hundred dollars yields similar results to mainstream large models, open-source and commercial-free domain-specific LLM solution

SINGAPORE, Oct. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, Colossal-AI built a remarkable domain-specific large language model (LLM) by utilizing only a few hundred dollars training costs. It can be readily applied across various domains, facilitating the economical construction of large AI models.

The solution is accessible without any commercial restrictions, with complete transparency extended to the entire training process, code, and model weights.

Technical details, open-source code and weights are available at : https://github.com/hpcaitech/ColossalAI

Bridging from any general large models to any domain-specific large models with only a few hundred dollars.
Bridging from any general large models to any domain-specific large models with only a few hundred dollars.

Performance

Colossal-AI’s model not only enhances Chinese language capabilities but also further refines its proficiency in English. Remarkably, it exhibits performance levels that rival state-of-the-art (SOTA) models of similar scale within the open-source community.

In conjunction with this, Colossal-AI offers the comprehensive evaluation framework, ColossalEval, facilitating cost-effective reproducibility.

In addition, fine-tuning through methods like SFT and LoRA has limitations in effectively infusing knowledge and capabilities from the base model. It doesn’t satisfactorily meet the requirements for constructing high-quality domain-specific knowledge or specialized model applications.

Bridging from General Large Models to Domain-specific Large Models

More importantly, the creation of a Chinese version not only offers the advantage of reusability but also carries significant importance in real-world implementation scenarios.

It’s widely recognized that the cost of pre-training large AI models from scratch is exorbitant, often humorously referred to as a domain accessible only to those with “50 million dollars” to spare.

Many tech giants and AI startups are eager to invest heavily in building large general-purpose models. However, behind the generality of these large models often lies a lack of domain-specific knowledge. Consequently, the issue of practical applicability becomes particularly serious.

If a domain-specific large model can be rapidly and cost-effectively constructed, followed by fine-tuning for specific business needs, it would undoubtedly advance the deployment of applications, providing a competitive advantage.

Applying the above process to perform knowledge transfer in any field allows for the cost-effective construction of lightweight domain-specific foundational large models.

For constructing foundational large models from scratch, one can also draw inspiration from the aforementioned experiences and Colossal-AI’s cost-reduction and efficiency-enhancing capabilities to efficiently achieve this goal at minimal cost.

Colossal-AI System Optimization and Cloud Platform

The impressive performance and cost advantages are built upon the foundation of the low-cost AI large model development system, Colossal-AI.

Colossal-AI leverages efficient techniques to reduce the costs of large AI models training, fine-tuning, and inference. It has collaborated with numerous Fortune 500 companies and other well-known enterprises.

To further enhance the efficiency of large model development and deployment, Colossal-AI has been upgraded to the Colossal-AI cloud platform, which is now in public beta, and registration will provide you with vouchers.

Colossal-AI Cloud Platform: platform.colossalai.com

Colossal-AI Open Source Address: https://github.com/hpcaitech/ColossalAI

About HPC-AI Tech

HPC-AI Tech is a startup headquartered in Singapore. Its flagship product, Colossal-AI, is a versatile deep learning system designed for the era of large AI models. It enables efficient and rapid deployment of large AI model training and inference, resulting in significant cost reduction for large AI model applications. HPC-AI Tech raised 22 million USD in Series A Funding in July 2023.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact:

contact@hpc-ai.tech

Source: HPC-AI Technology Inc.

EcoFlow Powers Up for Amazon’s Prime Big Deals Day with Unbeatable Savings

Fall into savings with exclusive deals on best-selling products Oct. 1 to 15

SEATTLE, Oct. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — With the return of cold weather, EcoFlow, a portable power and eco-friendly energy solutions company, is offering its biggest discounts ever on its best-selling portable power stations for Amazon’s Prime Big Deals Day sales event.

Customers can save on EcoFlow’s portable power stations, solar generators, smart devices and more from Oct. 1 to 15.

Whether adventurers seek to power their fall outdoor experiences or early-bird shoppers aim to get ahead of holiday shopping, all of EcoFlow’s products are in stock for a hassle- and delay-free shopping experience.

EcoFlow will have exclusive deals on their DELTA series including:

  • DELTA Pro: Save up to $900 on DELTA Pro portable power station and up to $2,299 on the DELTA Pro and Smart Extra Battery bundle, for those looking for additional power. Designed for home backup and emergency preparedness with a total 3.6kWh capacity (expandable to 25kWh), it can power your home for days. DELTA Pro has been chosen by 150,000 customers worldwide as an indispensable addition to their homes for safe and reliable backup power.
  • DELTA 2: Save up to $250 on DELTA 2, a great solution for tailgating during the football season or preparing for unexpected winter power outages. A versatile power station with 1kWh energy storage that can power over 90% of appliances and charge seven times faster than competitors. DELTA 2 is a top seller, with over 200,000 customers recommending it for its exceptional performance and reliability.
  • DELTA 2 Max: Save up to $300 when purchasing DELTA 2 Max, the newest addition to the lineup. Its lightweight design and portability make it suitable when on the go, whether camping or RVing. Add      EcoFlow portable solar panels to create a generator free of fume, noise maintenance. This portable power station boasts a 2kWh capacity and keeps your essentials running when you need them most.

Other incredible deals include EcoFlow’s Smart Devices, including 40% off WAVE 2, a portable battery-powered AC and heating unit with add-on battery and 160W solar panel for year-round outdoor comfort. Customers can enjoy 19% off GLACIER, a portable fridge with integrated ice maker, plug-in battery, wheels, handle, and 110W solar panel, perfect for extended off-grid cooling.

On Oct. 3, 6, 9 and 15, EcoFlow will have six-hour flash sales from 12 p.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET. Customers can save up to 48% on bundles including DELTA Pro Extra Battery, DELTA 2 with DELTA 2 waterproof bag, RIVER 2 with a 60W portable solar panel, RIVER 2 Max with a 160W portable solar panel and more.

All of these deals are available through the EcoFlow website and the EcoFlow Amazon Store.

Fall into savings with EcoFlow's exclusive deals on best-selling products Oct. 1 to 15
Fall into savings with EcoFlow’s exclusive deals on best-selling products Oct. 1 to 15

About EcoFlow
EcoFlow is a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company with the vision to power a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow aims to become a reliable and trusted energy companion for individuals and families across the world, providing accessible and renewable power solutions at home, outdoors, and in mobile spaces. Today, with operational headquarters located in the USA, Germany, and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered more than 2.5 million users in over 100 markets worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.ecoflow.com/us.

Source: EcoFlow Technology Inc.

HOHEM Unveils State-of-the-Art Stabilizers and Secures Top 10 Recognition at KITAS 2023

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — HOHEM, a trailblazer in imaging and photography stabilization solutions, made waves at the Korea International Travel and Aviation Show (KITAS) held from August 17 to 19, 2023. Showcasing their latest innovations, HOHEM received an enthusiastic response from event attendees and was honored as one of KITAS’s Top 10 exhibitors. 


One of the spotlighted products at KITAS 2023 was the iSteady M6, a top-notch 3-axis smartphone stabilizer by HOHEM. Boasting cutting-edge stabilization technology, the iSteady M6 significantly enhances mobile photography and videography. Its user-friendly design ensures exceptional results for users of all experience levels.

For more information, visit HOHEM iSteady M6 Product Page

Another star of the show was the iSteady MT2, a revolutionary 4-in-1 Camera Stabilizer by HOHEM designed to meet the increasing demand for lightweight photography devices. This versatile gadget delivers unparalleled stability for cameras, smartphones, action cameras, and more, empowering creators to capture impeccably smooth and professional visuals.

For more information, visit HOHEM iSteady MT2 Product Page.

Expanding their product range, HOHEM also showcased the updated iSteady V2S and iSteady XE, foldable and user-friendly stabilizers perfect for the mobile lifestyle. Compact and easy to use, these gimbals simplify capturing steady footage with smartphones, making them a hit among attendees. 

Vivian Wei, a representative from HOHEM, expressed gratitude for the positive reception: “We are honored to have been a part of KITAS 2023 and to receive such enthusiastic feedback from attendees. Our mission is to create a more straightforward way of recording memorable moments with tech, and we’re thrilled that our products resonated with the audience. Being recognized as one of KITAS’s Top 10 exhibitors is a testament to the dedication of the entire HOHEM team.”

HOHEM is committed to advancing imaging and photography stabilization, striving to create groundbreaking products accessible to creators worldwide.

For more information on HOHEM and its groundbreaking stabilization solutions, visit HOHEM Official Website.

Dongying’s State Grid Leads the Charge in Sustainable Energy, Setting New Standards in Hekou District’s Low-Carbon Evolution

DONGYING, China, Sept. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The recent advancements of State Grid Dongying Power Supply Company in renewable energy infrastructure development have taken the spotlight in a CCTV+ video segment.

In its latest green energy push, the state-owned power supplier has set ambitious renewable energy targets for the saline-alkali regions of the Yellow River Delta. Their holistic approach spans a spectrum of initiatives, from eco-friendly industrial energy parks and innovative aquaculture systems to efficient energy chains and circular farming methodologies.

Central to their strategic roadmap is their involvement in aquaponics, the creation of zero-carbon energy stations, and a pivotal role in the Yellow River Basin Science and Technology Yard—a hub bridging knowledge and practice to foster technological innovation and exchange.

Furthermore, the firm is investing in a big data platform that seamlessly melds intelligent agricultural techniques with optimized energy consumption, all while integrating state-of-the-art charging systems for electric farm machinery.

These concerted efforts underscore the company’s unwavering commitment to driving a clean, low-carbon energy shift and fostering rural revitalization.

Tangy Solar’s 500 MW fishery-photovoltaic initiative stands out as a flagship project. Nestled in Dongying’s northernmost Hekou District, the region is a hotspot for renewable energy resources. Boasting a 214-kilometer (133-mile) coastline facing north along the Bohai Sea and covering a vast expanse of 65,000 acres of saline mudflats, Hekou is geographically blessed. With its year-round steady winds and an impressive average of 2,715 sunshine hours, it’s a prime location for such an ambitious endeavor.

Tangy Solar's 500 MW fishery-photovoltaic complementary project in Hekou District's Blue Economic Development Zone, Dongying.
Tangy Solar’s 500 MW fishery-photovoltaic complementary project in Hekou District’s Blue Economic Development Zone, Dongying.

“This project isn’t just about using resources wisely—it’s about maximizing the benefits. When you stack it up against regular sea farming, we’re looking at returns that are over 30 times higher,” remarked Chen Qi, the project’s maintenance overseer. Qi exuded confidence in the project’s future valuation.

Ding Yufeng and Hu Zhiyong, maintenance specialists from the State Grid Dongying Power Supply Company, recently conducted an on-site inspection of the power station's operations.
Ding Yufeng and Hu Zhiyong, maintenance specialists from the State Grid Dongying Power Supply Company, recently conducted an on-site inspection of the power station’s operations.

For years, the State Grid Dongying Power Supply Company has strengthened its commitment to environmental stewardship. Standing firmly behind grid-connected renewable energy and the seamless transmission of clean power, the company has invested significantly in research and development. Their focus on low-carbon technologies, from the inception of grid construction to its daily operations, sets a noteworthy standard.

This dedication has established a balance between green grid development and ecological conservation, laying the groundwork for a greener China. Indeed, the pathway to a sustainable future is lined with eco-conscious, low-carbon strategies. As of August 2023, Dongying’s renewable energy capacity has reached an impressive 5.945 gigawatts (GW), clinching the fifth spot in the Shandong province rankings.

As the city’s renewable sector continues its ascent, it plays a crucial role in advancing China’s dual-carbon objectives. Dongying’s unwavering focus on clean energy and environmental preservation remains a beacon of its commitment.


Hohem Shines at IFA and IBC Exhibitions with Innovative AI Tracking Stabilizers

SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, Hohem, a trailblazer in the gimbal market, showcased its innovation at two renowned international exhibitions – the IFA exhibition in Berlin from September 3 to September 5, and the IBC exhibition in Amsterdam from September 15 to September 18. These exhibitions are significant platforms for industry players to present their latest innovations and connect with enthusiasts.

The IFA exhibition, a global hub for consumer electronics, saw Hohem presenting a range of sought-after smartphone gimbal and camera stabilizers, such as iSteady M6 and iSteady MT2. The magnetic AI tracker is much to the delight of photography enthusiasts. With this sensor, users can enjoy a smooth AI tracking experience without the need for an app or Bluetooth connection. By simply facing the AI sensor and making gestures, iSteady MT2 and iSteady M6 swiftly and accurately tracks the subject, capturing facial and body movements even in challenging scenarios.

At IFA, Hohem shared the stage with industry giants like DJI, Zhiyun, Huawei and Apple, underlining its position amidst renowned brands in the smart imaging arena. The booth design, characterized by a blend of deep black and vibrant orange, was a visual treat, adding a touch of sophistication and modernity.


Following IFA, Hohem participated in the IBC exhibition, a prestigious event in the broadcasting industry. The booth, mirroring the design theme from IFA, presented Hohem’s innovative applications of smart imaging technology in broadcasting. This event also featured industry stalwarts like Canon, Sony and Nikon, further enriching the discourse on broadcasting technology and imaging. Furthermore, the Hohem MIC-01 Wireless Microphone has received recognition and acknowledgment from industry competitors, establishing Hohem as a key player in the gimbal market.

In the coming days, Hohem will continue to uphold its brand mission of “Create a more straightforward way of recording memorable moments with tech” and introduce more user-friendly and efficient smart imaging devices. Hohem aspires to earn the trust and admiration of consumers globally, emerging as a go-to brand in the smart imaging landscape.

Ultimate Smart Home Compatibility with the New, Next-Gen ULTRALOQ Bolt Smart Locks

The newly launched ULTRALOQ Bolt smart Wi-Fi deadbolts connect seamlessly with all major smart home systems including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT.

UNION CITY, Calif., Sept. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — U-tec, a leader and trusted brand for smart home solutions, is launching the next generation of its award-winning flagship ULTRALOQ Bolt smart Wi-Fi deadbolts series in late 2023, once again providing ULTRALOQ customers a smart lock with unparalleled connectivity, utility, security, and home integration. 

A new product launch event is scheduled to unveil new ULTRALOQ Bolt series in Santa Clara, California, October 3, 2023. The pricing and pre-sale information will be announced at the launch event.

The new ULTRALOQ Bolt series is the most versatile yet as it is compatible with all major smart home systems including Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT – catering to users’ varying preferences for smart home systems. This impressive level of connectivity comes on top of ULTRALOQ smart locks’ multiple unlocking methods and keyless entry, built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, and a battery life of up to one year. The sleek ULTRALOQ Bolt design has also been given a stylish black and metallic design update.

Bolt NFC
Bolt NFC

Designed for Apple users

Different variations of the ULTRALOQ Bolt are available to fit users’ different needs. Working with Apple to bring the best keyless smart lock experience to users, Apple users can opt for the ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint Edition, one of the world’s first Wi-Fi enabled deadbolt compatible with Apple HomeKit; or the Apple Home Key-enabled NFC Edition, which allows users to unlock with a single tap of their phone or smartwatch. Even if your iPhone runs out of battery, it can still be used to unlock the door within five hours. 

“U-tec has been a pioneer in revolutionizing the way people access their homes. Our goal is to deliver a better keyless entry experience for everyone,” said U-tec’s Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Clark Ruan.

“Apple Wallet’s Home Key is an easy, convenient and secure option for our users. We are proud to work together with Apple to launch this life-changing digital experience by utilizing their iPhone or Apple Watch as their keys. With the Apple Home app, the ULTRALOQ Bolt series can be controlled and integrated with other HomeKit compatible devices into users’ daily routines,” Ruan said. 

The ULTRALOQ Bolt Matter Edition, one of the world’s first smart Wi-Fi deadbolt compatible with Matter, the next-gen smart home standard, will follow soon after – it will be coming in early 2024. 

Upgrades to ULTRALOQ’s smart lock technology

Other exciting tech specs under the hood include a 360-degree live fingerprint ID powered by an AI self-learning algorithm which improves over time; a more durable and weather-resistant anti-peep keypad compatible even with gloves; and an auto unlock function that uses mobile geofencing technology to unlock the door when you arrive home. These features mean customers can say goodbye to needlessly taking more time to unlock their doors, whether by fishing through for their keys or while their hands are full with groceries. 

Every Bolt model also offers long-lasting battery life of up to one year, with a LED battery indicator and low battery warning to remind users of timely battery replacement and ensure users are never left locked out. 

ULTRALOQ Bolt deadbolt automatically locks when closed and sends a reminder to your phone if a door is left unlocked, offering peace of mind for customers – particularly those with young children and pets that could easily escape an open door. 

Easy DIY installation also means even the most entry-level smart home customers can easily install an ULTRALOQ Bolt deadbolt. All that’s required for installation is a screwdriver – no wiring and no drilling needed. 

As with all ULTRALOQ smart locks, the Bolt series can be controlled via the U-tec app, whether it’s to check the lock status, door open/close status, access records, or managing permanent/temporary fingerprint, passcode and key card access. With U-tec planning to branch out with even more smart home products, users will also be able to integrate with smart products including Ulticam smart security cameras, the Bright smart lighting system, as well as smart switches and plugs in the future. 

About U-tec

Located in Union City, California, U-tec invents and manufactures the ULTRALOQ Whole-Home smart lock system that delivers an exceptional access experience with ultimate flexibility, security and convenience. U-tec is setting a new standard for smart home security with its best-in-class design and advanced technologies. Every day, U-tec helps keep more than 1 million North American customers and their assets safe.

For more information, please visit: https://www.u-tec.com/ 

Bolt Fingerprint
Bolt Fingerprint

CGTN: Mid-Autumn Festival: Xi Jinping’s nostalgia

BEIJING, Sept. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Falling on Friday, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been observed by people of Chinese origin for thousands of years and is usually marked by family reunions, a full-moon viewing and the consumption of mooncakes.

This traditional festival has entrusted the Chinese people with their deepest nostalgia for home and their deepest attachment to their country since ancient times.

Reflecting his deep affection for the country and the people, Chinese President Xi Jinping has talked about nostalgia on many occasions.

From Fuping and Liangjiahe in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Zhengding in north China’s Hebei Province, to Fujian Province, Zhejiang Province, Shanghai and Beijing, Xi regards these places where he has worked as his “hometowns.”

‘Nostalgia means you will miss a place after you leave it’

During a state visit to Costa Rica in 2013, Xi visited the home of a farming family and talked about his experience in Liangjiahe.

“It is extremely rare for a president to speak so passionately and with such pride about being a farmer. Some people may downplay that aspect, but he does not. He emphasizes it,” said the Costa Rican farmer’s son.

In the late 1960s, Xi left Beijing for a village called Liangjiahe in an arid part of Shaanxi to work as a rural laborer and spent seven years in the countryside, working and living alongside farmers.

He was separated from his family, slept in cave dwellings, suffered from flea bites, and worked as hard as fellow villagers to tend crops, herd sheep, carry manure and haul coal.

Before leaving Liangjiahe, Xi expressed his appreciation to the people in Liangjiahe for their selfless acceptance and assistance. “I will never forget everything Liangjiahe has given me,” he said.

Whether it is at a small courtyard of a farmer’s house in Costa Rica, on the podium in Washington State in the U.S., or at the Global High Level Forum on Poverty Reduction and Development and the High-level Dialogue on Global Development, Xi has talked about his time in Liangjiahe.

In the spring of 1982, Xi volunteered to work at the grassroots level and moved to Zhengding, a poor county in Hebei Province.

For more than three years, Xi served first as deputy secretary and then secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Zhengding County Committee and did a lot of pioneering work with the local CPC committee, planning strategies and laying a solid foundation for Zhengding’s development.

Recalling his experience in Zhengding during an inspection tour in Hebei in 2013, Xi said he grasped a direct understanding of how villagers feel through “being with comrades every day, talking, thinking and working together.”

Wherever Xi goes, he brings this sincere and simple feelings to the people.

“Don’t cut off true feelings because of long distances, don’t forget your true feelings because of a busy life and don’t ignore your true feelings because of the hustle and bustle of life,” Xi said at a Spring Festival gathering in 2017.

‘Seeing the place where you have worked can continuously develop is when you feel the happiest’

In 1988, Xi became the Party chief of Ningde Prefecture, one of the poorest regions in southeast China’s Fujian Province at the time. During the two years of working there, Xi visited 123 of the 124 townships, including three of the four without access to paved roads. Xiadang, a township nestled deep in the mountainous area of Shouning County, was one of them.

Xi visited Xiadang three times, and personally directed poverty relief in the remote town.

It took Xi about three hours by vehicle and two hours on foot along the rugged mountain paths to reach the township during his first visit.

Xi decided it was essential to focus on accessibility for the area to take off. Work began on a highway just months after his first visit, and the road into Xiadang opened in January 1991.

The second visit came on July 26, 1989, after the county was hit by its worst floods in a century. Xi sent condolences and post-disaster reconstruction funds to the people affected by the floods. He visited the township for a third time on August 7, 1996, to investigate and direct poverty alleviation work.

Thanks to poverty alleviation efforts, tremendous changes have occurred in Ningde.

When inspecting Fujian in March 2021, Xi met several tourists from Shangrao, Jiangxi Province, who said it took them only 22 minutes to take the train to Wuyi Mountain, a famous summer resort in Fujian.

“Seeing the place where you have worked can continuously develop is when you feel the happiest,” he once said.

Hosting a banquet to welcome guests who are gathering in Hangzhou to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games, Xi warmly recommended Zhejiang to the guests.

“I once worked in Zhejiang Province for quite a few years. Committed to reform and opening-up, the province is now fast-tracked toward high-quality development,” Xi said, adding that it is building a demonstration zone for common prosperity, and has become a pioneer in Chinese modernization.

“My job is to serve the people. It is very tiring, but also very fulfilling,” Xi said, though knowing that governing such a huge country requires a strong sense of responsibility and hard work.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-09-29/Mid-Autumn-Festival-Xi-Jinping-s-nostalgia-1nuvERpxo52/index.html