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NXCLOUD Announces Strategic Partnership with Zalo to Redefine Global Communication at Mobile World Congress 2024


BARCELONA, Spain, March 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NXCLOUD, a leading innovator of cloud-based communication solutions, announced a groundbreaking partnership with Zalo Cloud, a platform developed by the premier messaging platform popular in Vietnam, Zalo, at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 in Barcelona. The announcement at the world’s most influential exhibition for the connectivity industry highlights the significance of the partnership which is aimed to revolutionise customer engagement and facilitate global expansion.

This strategic partnership propels NXCLOUD’s global customer engagement solutions to new heights by leveraging Zalo’s vast Vietnamese user base. This synergistic partnership positions NXCLOUD as the gateway for global enterprises looking to expand into Vietnam, facilitating their access to this market by providing enhanced reach, reliability, and user experience while offering unparalleled service and efficiency.

Throughout the MWC, NXCLOUD will be showcasing its cutting-edge solutions that simplify customer engagement, unify communication channels, and enable companies to tap into new markets to achieve revenue growth. This partnership will see NXCLOUD working closely with Zalo Cloud, the messaging platform’s technological solutions wing in the integration of Zalo Notification Service (ZNS) into its offerings. NXCLOUD will be responsible for deployment, consultancy, and providing direct support to businesses aiming to reach Zalo users, particularly global enterprises that plan to penetrate or expand their operations in the Vietnamese market.

With the ZNS integration, NXCLOUD’s offerings enable businesses to interact with their customers through the messaging platform with ease. This encompasses communications throughout the entire customer journey from the onboarding phase via ZNS Verification Codes and brand awareness messaging, to transaction management via ZNS Transaction, customer care via ZNS Customer Care, and campaign promotions via ZNS Promotion – all in full compliance with local regulations. Further, NXCLOUD’s technical experts offer support to ensure seamless implementation and effective use of omnichannel strategies aimed at expanding brand presence in Vietnam.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Zalo Cloud at Mobile World Congress 2024. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our mission to empower businesses with transformative communication solutions. By combining NXCLOUD’s expertise with Zalo’s messaging platform, we are poised to redefine the global standard for seamless and convenient communication,” said Hunk Huang, Founder of NXCLOUD.

The benefits of NXCLOUD’s integration with ZNS go beyond cost-effective messaging as it offers custom branding and templates for every occasion, and robust ISO/IEC 27001-certified security standards with failover mechanisms that guarantee messages reach their intended recipients.

As a key player in the digital transformation landscape, NXCLOUD is dedicated to empowering businesses worldwide with solutions that connect businesses with their global customers, driving business growth and brand engagement.

For more information, please visit NXCLOUD’s official website: https://www.nxcloud.com
Partnership Email: partner@nxcloud.com

About  NXCLOUD
Singapore-headquartered NXCLOUD offers communication solutions and services that simplify global customer engagement for businesses of all sizes. Our robust APIs, zero-code services and unified customer engagement platform streamline communications from messaging to voice calls, eliminating siloed channels, complex integration and limited reach. Serving over 10,000 clients across 185 countries, we have been instrumental in expanding our clients’ business presence globally, quickly and flexibly thus creating new opportunities and revenue growth. To learn more, please visit: https://www.nxcloud.com .

About  Zalo
Zalo is a leading chatting platform with over 75 million active users and more than 2 billion messages sent per day. It is the most popular chatting application OTT in Vietnam – making it the perfect messaging channel for businesses to interact with their customers.

Definition of Zalo Notification Service (ZNS): ZNS is a feature provided by Zalo Cloud, which is a platform developed by Zalo. ZNS enables businesses to send notifications and messages to their customers via the Zalo messaging app from Zalo Official Account of enterprise. It allows businesses to engage with their customers, deliver updates, promotions, and other relevant information in real-time through the Zalo platform. This service helps businesses enhance their communication with customers and improve customer engagement and satisfaction.

PaperCut: How to assess the performance of your hybrid workforce


PORTLAND, Ore., March 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Laura White, PaperCut Head of Talent, provides industry insights: 

Laura White, PaperCut Software's Head of Talent
Laura White, PaperCut Software’s Head of Talent

The Covid-19 pandemic pushed hybrid working into the mainstream, and it looks like the trend is here to stay. While employees are slowly starting to return to office, many prefer to continue working from home for at least part of the week.

I felt deeply during Covid that we were going to swing back to office work very quickly. But people have built their life on being at home five days a week for about two years. They’ve moved away, there are cost of living rises and family care for children to consider, so employers must manage the expectations of how feasible that is.

But with traditional talent evaluation based on visibility and performance, how can organizations assess their employees’ commitment and leadership in a hybrid working environment?

Understanding the challenges

According to my colleague Caz Butcher, Global Head of People and Culture at PaperCut, one of the key challenges in a hybrid working environment is employee engagement. For a global organization like PaperCut, it’s important not only to connect people with their direct team but across functions as well.

“The engagement element is about how you share knowledge and bring people together – getting people aligned outside of individual teams is a big thing,” Caz says. “If your business is growing, you need to build those foundational elements of communication and connection when people are new. That’s much harder in a global and hybrid business, so things take longer, and your expectations might need to change.”

Particularly when organizations have employees around the world and across time zones, effective communication is critical to ensuring everyone is on the same page. “From the business perspective, it’s how you communicate your strategy, your purpose, and your values so that it lands, even though people are all working at different times,” Caz says.

From performance reviews to feedback loops

While the move towards remote work has accelerated since the pandemic, a broader shift was already taking place in how companies review and assess talent. There was a school of thought that was evolving prior to hybrid: some people are throwing out the annual review process altogether and instead having more regular feedback though consistent check-ins.

Because hybrid working has limited face-to-face time between managers and direct reports, this has impacted on the ability to provide immediate feedback and to ensure people are prioritizing the right work. Says Caz: “Feedback is always difficult but it’s even harder over a virtual meeting. In a global hybrid business, giving feedback is something you really have to work at.”

In a hybrid environment, managers may also be at home for much of the week – forcing a change to their approach to assessing performance. They rely on a lot of virtual connection with the team, measuring output through deliverables and milestones, and really optimizing their time when they do come into the office.

For many organizations, this has actually led to a more structured approach to feedback. PaperCut is working on putting systems in place such as 360-degree feedback surveys to determine a more holistic performance rating. With hybrid working, businesses need to be more intentional in creating feedback because they can’t just grab someone at any time of the day in the office and have a chat.

Nurturing talent in a hybrid environment

Although hybrid working has become commonplace, not all workers are impacted equally. There’s a combination of lifestyle and economic factors that make it easier for senior leaders to come into the office more often. They’re more likely to live closer to the city because they can afford it; they may be older and have children already at school, so care isn’t as big of an issue.

In fact, people seeking remote-only roles will find themselves competing among the highest level of job applications – putting them at an immediate disadvantage for career opportunities. But even employees who are in the office only part of the week run the risk of being less visible than their peers, which is a more significant issue for those who are in junior positions or new to the business.

Work is still very much a relationship-driven environment. The more junior you are in your career and the newer you are in your organization, the more time you realistically need to spend in the office, to build up those capabilities and contacts.

But employers can take steps to nurture hybrid talent through coaching and mentorship programs that connect workers with more senior team members. If you have relationships at all levels, then you have multiple people looking out for you. That must be more prevalent in this environment because we don’t learn by osmosis from having people around us every day like we used to.

The next generation of hybrid workers

So where is hybrid work headed?  A generational shift is also underway as Millennials start taking on senior management roles and Gen Z move up in the workforce. The greater role played by younger talent is driving a change in attitudes towards both work and technology.

 Young people understand that you can stay highly connected without being face-to-face. At the same time, they’re requesting more flexibility than any previous generation. They’re forcing us to adapt to their needs because we already have a talent shortage, and we don’t want to lose out on great talent.

As the baton for executive leadership is handed between generations over the coming years, we’re likely to see a greater push for new models of talent evaluation. I think we have an opportunity to evolve how we assess the quality of someone’s output.

We’ll get better at understanding that just because you can’t see someone physically, doesn’t mean they aren’t a huge asset to the organisation – and therefore would be great for promotion or leadership position or investment in their development.

Huawei Calls for Joint Efforts to Drive Industry Development and Bring Net5.5G into Reality

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Broadband Development Conference (BDC), held during MWC Barcelona 2024 and organized by the World Broadband Association (WBBA), has successfully concluded. Themed “Network Evolution and Telco to Techco Transformation,” this year’s conference drew over 200 attendees from carriers, device vendors, industry organizations, standards organizations, and media outlets worldwide, to discuss topics including the evolution direction of next-generation networks, network technology innovation, and successful business practices.

Wang Lei from Huawei's data communications product line delivered a keynote speech titled "Bringing Net5.5G into Reality and Inspiring New Growth"
Wang Lei from Huawei’s data communications product line delivered a keynote speech titled “Bringing Net5.5G into Reality and Inspiring New Growth”

Leon Wang, President of Huawei’s Data Communication Product Line, delivered a keynote speech titled “Bringing Net5.5G into Reality and Stimulating New Growth.” Leon Wang said, “In response to the sweeping wave of digitalization and intelligence, Huawei worked closely with industry partners and proposed the Net5.5G as next-generation network. With the joint efforts of the industry, Net5.5G has reached a consensus on industry standards, key technological innovations and application scenarios. It comprehensively supports ubiquitous 10 Gbps connections, elastic ultra-broadband transport, hyper-converged data centers, and autonomous network self-optimization, empowering carriers to upgrade and evolve their networks while driving new business growth.”

Net5.5G is an Industry Consensus, Accelerating Network Evolution

Industry consensus is formed: In September 2022, OMDIA released the Next-Generation Network Evolution White Paper, which aligns with the industry objectives in terms of technology evolution, application scenarios, and industry ecosystem, and aligns with the industry pace. The WBBA also set up a network technology working group in 2023 to focus on network technology innovation and will release a network evolution white paper in 2024.

Service scenarios are clear: Net5.5G focuses on individual, home, and enterprise services. Based on Wi-Fi 7 high-quality 10GE campus, 400GE ultra-broadband converged transport, and 800GE hyper-converged data center, Net5.5G implements end-to-end network upgrade and meets the experience upgrade requirements of emerging services in different scenarios.

Standard pace is confirmed: IETF, IEEE, and other standards organizations have carried out comprehensive standardization work related to next-generation network technologies such as SRv6, Wi-Fi 7, and 800GE.

Accelerated commercial deploymentCurrently, more than 30 operators and enterprises have started to deploy the Net5.5G next-generation network evolution and upgrade.

Leon Wang called on industry partners to work together to focus on Net5.5G network technology innovation, accelerate the commercial deployment of Net5.5G networks, and flourish the industry ecosystem.

-End-

The WBBA is a global non-governmental and non-profit organization led by industry stakeholders. WBBA endeavors to bridge the digital divide by fostering extensive cloud-network broadband connections, thereby maximizing societal, environmental, and economic benefits. The association is dedicated to uniting the global industry chain, promoting communication and collaboration within the industry, strengthening technical cooperation and innovation, and advancing the construction of global cloud-network broadband infrastructures.

MWC Barcelona 2024 will be held from February 26 to February 29 in Barcelona, Spain. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions at stand 1H50 in Fira Gran Via Hall 1.

With the 2024 commercial launch of 5.5G, Huawei is collaborating with operators and partners around the world to pursue exciting new innovation in networks, cloud, and intelligence. Together, we will drive 5G business and foster a thriving industry ecosystem, creating a new era for intelligent digital transformation. For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwc2024.

Askey and ASUS Enhance Smart Manufacturing with Microsoft Azure Private 5G Core Integration

TAIPEI, Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a new collaboration, Askey and ASUS proudly announce a robust stride in smart manufacturing, driven by the seamless integration of Microsoft Azure Private 5G Core. This achievement represents a leap into Industry 4.0, where efficiency, secure connectivity, and intelligence converge reshape the landscape of manufacturing processes.

“Askey brings forth a new era of 5G enterprise private network solution and services – efficient, stable, and cost-effective. Tailored to connect a myriad of IoT devices, our networks facilitate the collection of big data for analysis, driving the creation of intelligent applications. This empowerment enables enterprises to supercharge their operational efficiency, slash TCO costs, and inject fresh vigor into digital transformation initiatives. Microsoft and Askey’s collaboration makes ASUS’s digitalization process faster and better,” said Robert Lin, CEO of Askey.

Winson Lu, Director of Integrated Solution Product Division at ASUS AIoT Business Group, emphasizes the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in the Industry 4.0 era. He points out that no single company can independently develop all the necessary technologies and professional knowledge. Using the Shulin factory as an exemplar, Lu delineates how smart manufacturing systems encompass operational technology (OT), communications technology (CT), and information technology (IT). Askey leads the 5G communication products on the CT layer, Microsoft provides cloud-based solutions for the core network, and ASUS integrates these technologies with manufacturing systems, connecting smart devices and applications through Azure.

“We are working with Askey to help customers get improvements in first-pass yield, pass rates, and cost reduction in quality inspection with the Askey 5G Private Network Solution and the ASUS Smart Manufacturing Applications”, said Shawn Hakl, Vice President, Product Management, Microsoft Azure for Operators.

Azure Private 5G Core, offering simplicity, scalability, and secure deployment, enables private 5G core networks on an Azure Arc–managed edge platform within Azure private multi-access edge compute (MEC). This facilitates rapid deployment and connection for diverse indoor and outdoor use cases, allowing centralized management of private 5G networks across multiple sites.

Askey, a Taiwan-based manufacturer with a global footprint in the United States, EMEA, and Asia, has developed an end-to-end 5G Private Network Wireless Solution. This includes an innovative full-stack private 5G radio solution leveraging 5G indoor/outdoor small cells and CPEs. The Askey 5G Private Network Solution ensures secure IoT connections and conscious factory operation technologies, driving heightened productivity and efficiency.

(Photo provided by Askey)
(Photo provided by Askey)

About Askey
Established in 1989, Askey Computer Corp. specializes in crafting solutions and ecosystems for those aspiring to thrive in Smart Connected environments. Askey has consistently been the preferred carrier-grade solution partner for communications providers, major telecom operators, and consumer product providers worldwide. To explore further, please visit: https://www.askey.com/.

10T Tech Introduces My10T Smart Orchestration: Revolutionizing eSIM Management to elevate the digital subscriber experience for Mobile Carriers

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 10T Tech, a pioneering provider of consumer eSIM and eSIM orchestration platforms, proudly announces the launch of its latest innovation, My10T Smart Orchestration.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, mobile carriers face a myriad of challenges in harnessing the full potential of eSIM technology. With eSIM poised to become ubiquitous in mature markets in the coming years, mobile carriers must adapt or fall behind the competition in their digital transformation.

Many carriers still struggle with feature differentiation and cumbersome onboarding processes, relying on outdated methods such as paper QR codes and expensive bespoke CRM solutions.

The emergence of new IoT eSIM standards also presents a pivotal opportunity for cellular IoT to realize its full potential, supported by 5G, cloud computing, security enhancements and low power consumption devices.

My10T Smart Orchestration offers the complete solution.

Full interoperability to complement and enhance your existing eSIM infrastructure

My10T Smart Orchestration offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline and centralise eSIM management in a single control panel.

My10T Smart Orchestration is RSP agnostic, connecting to any GSMA-certified eSIM platform to enable an upgrade of eSIM management, digital subscriber journeys and customer support without replacing existing RSP infrastructure.

My10T Smart Orchestration also connects via standardized telecom APIs to CRM, BSS and VAS platforms to create a fully integrated, next generation eSIM management ecosystem.

“We are thrilled to unveil My10T Smart Orchestration, a game-changer in eSIM management for mobile carriers,” said Fredric Liljestroem, CEO of 10T Tech. “With its innovative features and capabilities, My10T Smart Orchestration empowers mobile carriers to navigate the complexities of eSIM technology with ease, driving operational efficiency and enhancing the customer experience.”

About 10T Tech:

10T Tech is a global leader of consumer eSIM and eSIM orchestration platforms, dedicated to empowering mobile carriers and enterprises to unlock the full potential of eSIM technology. With a focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions, 10T Tech is reshaping the future of connectivity and IoT device management. Since 2017 10T Tech has delivered eSIM solutions to over 70 mobile carriers globally and continues to be a leading innovator in eSIM ecosystem solutions.

Wondershare Edraw Introducing Wondershare Office Bundle: Unlocking the Power of Office Productivity


VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Wondershare Edraw proudly announces the launch of its revolutionary five-in-one bundled membership – Wondershare Office Bundle. This comprehensive suite of intelligent graphic services is meticulously crafted to elevate productivity and propel professional endeavors for Wondershare software users.

Wondershare Office Bundle
Wondershare Office Bundle

With the Wondershare Edraw Bundled membership, users gain perpetual access to the top five Wondershare productivity software solutions: EdrawMax, EdrawMind, EdrawProj, PDFelement, and BoardMix.

EdrawMax, the cornerstone of this membership, offers unparalleled diagramming capabilities, enabling users to create intricate flowcharts, mind maps, and organizational charts with ease. EdrawMind provides a powerful mind mapping tool, empowering users to visualize their thoughts and streamline their ideation process.

For project management enthusiasts, EdrawProj emerges as the ultimate companion. With its comprehensive set of tools, users can efficiently plan, track, and collaborate on projects, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. Meanwhile, PDFelement serves as the go-to solution for PDF editing needs. With its intuitive interface, users can seamlessly edit, convert, e-sign, and protect the PDF documents, saving valuable time and effort.

Wondershare BoardMix rounds out the suite, offering collaborative advantages through real-time whiteboarding and brainstorming sessions.

Iris Liu, Brand Director of Wondershare, underscores the significance of this launch: “Cost-effectiveness is crucial, which is why Wondershare Office Bundle offers exceptional value for money. By combining these five essential tools into one package, we’re empowering users to unlock their full potential.”

For a trial experience, please visit our official website or follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about Wondershare Edraw. 

About Wondershare:

Wondershare is a globally recognized software company committed to delivering innovative solutions for personal and professional use. With a focus on creativity and productivity, we have received prestigious awards from organizations such as The Shorty Awards, G2, and GetApp. Our mission is to empower individuals to pursue their passions and build a more creative world. With over 100 million users across 150 countries, we offer a wide range of software solutions for video editing, PDF editing, data recovery, diagram and graphics, and more. Together, we strive to provide high-quality, user-friendly software that enables individuals and businesses to bring their creative ideas to life.

Huawei Unveils Expansion of its Talent Development Program in Rome this Summer

Announcement Made at End of Week-Long European Event in China

BEIJING, Feb. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A week-long “Seeds for the future European Grand Finale,” bringing together a select cohort of “Seeds for the Future” alumni hailing from 18 European countries, ended on January 23. Throughout the week, participants engaged in illuminating sessions with tech experts, delved into the realms of connectivity and innovation, and contributed to insightful panel discussions on crucial topics such as diversity, green skills, and sustainability.

The pinnacle of the event, the Closing Ceremony, reverberated with the theme of international cooperation as a cornerstone for crafting a sustainable future for European talent. As we bid farewell to this enriching week of collaboration, Huawei proudly acknowledged the collective strides taken towards fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and a shared commitment to a sustainable future.


Prof. Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, said during the closing event: “We are delighted to see UNESCO and Huawei’s visions align with each other on eradicating digital illiteracy in young people. On February 2023, Huawei become an associate member of the UNESCO Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL). As the first private company to be an associate member of GAL, Huawei is committed to enhance educators’ use of technology in developing countries.”

Also at the closing ceremony, the Senior Vice President of Huawei Europe, Radoslaw Kedzia, announced a planned expansion of Seeds for the Future in Europe: “Huawei is proud to unveil a new chapter in the “Seeds for the future” program – an immersive, fully offline edition set to take place in Rome, Italy, in July 2024. This initiative, driven by the spirit of international collaboration and dialogue, will bring together students from diverse corners of Europe to converge in one city, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for learning and collaborative development of Tech4Good startup ideas.”

Earlier on, Huawei had unveiled the launch of a Seeds for the Future Scholarship program designed to support talented ICT students in the Netherlands, Bulgaria and Cyprus. This initiative underscores the company’s steadfast commitment to cultivating and nurturing exceptional talent.

Underlining the importance of such opportunities for students, the Ambassador of Cyprus, Martha Mavrommatis, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Dr Athena Michaelidou, congratulated Huawei for the successful event and the students for all their efforts towards a sustainable and ecofriendly development. She said: “Companies like Huawei are making investments themselves, in parallel with institutional initiatives, like those of European Union and the member states. Huawei Seeds for the Future program, as the name suggests, is deeply engaged in identifying localized talent and in enhancing knowledge-sharing among professionals and youth.”

Also present, Annette Nijs, Former State Secretary for Education in the Netherlands, noted: “The commitment of Huawei to encourage students who embrace technology is as admirable as it is important. After all, technology will continue to create a fundamental shift in the way we work and live. ICT students of today will use technology in their careers to give wings to the changes of our societies.”

The Ambassador of Moldova, Dumitru Braghis, added: “Seeds for the Future, as Huawei’s flagship CSR program, not only exemplifies corporate responsibility but also showcases a commitment to guiding young talent globally. The program, designed to shape the next generation of leaders in the digital age, goes beyond technical skills. It promotes a sense of global citizenship, encourages cultural exchange, and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit.”

Source: HUAWEI TECHOLOGIES CO., LTD.

WeBank Recognized as a World Leading Digital Bank driven by Innovation

SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Leading IT market research and advisory firm International Data Corporation (IDC) published its latest case study report, How Does WeBank Lead the Way Among Digital Banks Worldwide? (Doc # CHE50976724,January 2024) The report recognizes WeBank as the benchmark in the development of digital bank worldwide.

The report provides an in-depth analysis of the successful practices of WeBank as a world-leading digital bank in terms of its innovation in technology, digital inclusive finance business model, digital risk management and user experience.

(Executive snapshot from How Does WeBank Lead the Way Among Digital Banks Worldwide? (CHE50976724) published on 31 January 2024)
(Executive snapshot from How Does WeBank Lead the Way Among Digital Banks Worldwide? (CHE50976724) published on 31 January 2024)

“WeBank’s innovative ideas and methods in digital bank development are not only applicable to itself but also highly valuable for all digital banks, traditional banks, and other financial institutions,” Alice Wen, research manager at Financial Insights, IDC China, says, “it is recommended that financial institutions fully leverage emerging technologies to actively adopt a blue ocean strategy in developing financial inclusion business, while maintaining a sense of crisis and continuous innovation to gain the initiative and advantage in the future competition.”

WeBank Takes Fintech and Innovations to Drive the Development of Businesses

Amid the rise of digital banks across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, WeBank takes a prominent position by leveraging financial technology to introduce innovative products in China’s financial sector.

The report fully analyzes the resources WeBank has committed to the research and development of core and key technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, and Big Data (ABCD) to construct as well as support its business. Notably, WeBank’s Openhive-based distributed core banking system has ensured a secure, efficient, and superior digital customer experience catering to its growing consumer base.

Simultaneously, WeBank advocates for FinTech open source on two fronts: internally via its open-source governance system, and externally through open-source projects centering around ABCD technologies. By June 2023, WeBank had successfully launched 35 open-source projects.

WeBank as an Example of Digital Banking in Financial Inclusion 

Entering its tenth year, China’s inclusive finance development, featuring digital finance variables, is key in the government’s agenda to boost the nation’s financial strength.

WeBank’s strides in this field have filled market gaps and demonstrated the great potential of sustainable inclusive finance within commercial businesses. It brings lasting changes in perceptions within financial institutions from the aspects of FinTech capability, digital product innovation, risk management and customer experience. By now, WeBank has delved into two segments, namely consumer finance and MSME (small and medium-sized enterprises) finance, providing high-quality services to over 370 individual customers and 4.1 million micro, small and medium-sized entities in China. Its successful innovation in inclusive finance has led to ripple effects in industry development, making it a desirable model even for global digital banks.

In November 2023, WeBank was awarded the honor of “Special Award for Digital Native Business” by IDC Future Enterprise Awards in Asia-Pacific region, acknowledging its forward-thinking and exceptional innovation.

Full report:
https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=CHE50976724&pageType=PRINTFRIENDLY 

About WeBank

Launched in 2014, WeBank Co., Ltd. (“WeBank”) is the first digital bank in China. WeBank provides more convenient financial services to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and the public, and continuously improves the quality of services in response to customers’ specific needs. As one of the top 100 banks in China, WeBank now ranks 284 in the Top 1000 World Banks by The Banker.

WeBank focuses on innovation and technology. As the first commercial bank to obtain the national high-tech enterprise certification in China, WeBank has maintained its proportion of technical personnel above 50% since its establishment, while its research and development expenses of accounted for around 10% of its revenue. WeBank is now at the top of the industry in core technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing and big data.

Sennheiser Launched HD 490 PRO Reference Studio Headphones


Built to handle the complexities of today’s music production

 The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO reference studio headphones are the perfect mix of clarity, comfort and reliability

SINGAPORE, Jan. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sennheiser today launched its brand-new open-back HD 490 PRO reference studio headphones, purpose-built for producing, mixing and mastering. The circumaural, dynamic headphones feature highly precise sound reproduction and a very wide and realistic sound stage. This superior accuracy and range give producers, mixing and mastering engineers, as well as musicians, the transparency they need for critical mixing decisions and for confidently resolving any panning placement issues. The HD 490 PRO and HD 490 PRO Plus (includes additional accessories) will be available in the next two months.


“If you compare today’s music productions with that of ten, 20 years ago, you will notice how the massively increased computing power and complex parameter automation have changed the way in which music is made,” shares Jimmy Landry, Category Market Manager for MI at Sennheiser. “In every genre, engineers and music creators are continuously pushing boundaries, creating extremely complex mixes that can be prone to so-called ‘audio blind spots’. Mixes can be crowded and muddy, with too many instruments sitting at the same position and their frequencies competing. For the engineer or musician, it becomes difficult to hear each individual instrument or voice distinctly. This goes to show the importance of a good pair of studio headphones.”

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is Sennheiser’s top-of-the range professional model for mixing, mastering and producing
The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is Sennheiser’s top-of-the range professional model for mixing, mastering and producing

Full-spectrum audio accuracy

To tackle this complexity, the Sennheiser engineers have given the HD 490 PRO an extremely wide, dimensional sound stage for precisely localising the components of a mix. Ultralight voice coils ensure a fast and authentic sound reproduction. The frequency response is uncoloured and honest across the entire audio spectrum, with the low end being full, accurate, and clearly defined thanks to a special low-frequency cylinder. The open-mesh ear cup covers reveal Sennheiser’s Open-frame Architecture, which minimises resonances and distortion. For an optimal listening experience, the transducers sit at a slight angle, thereby emulating a typical monitor loudspeaker set-up.

The HD 490 PRO studio headphones deliver a wide, spatial sound stage with excellent localisation, enabling producers to create refined masters
The HD 490 PRO studio headphones deliver a wide, spatial sound stage with excellent localisation, enabling producers to create refined masters

“All these features combine to enable music professionals to identify and resolve any panning placement issues and troublesome low-end frequencies – ensuring clear mixes and superbly refined masters,” explains Gunnar Dirks, Sennheiser Product Manager. “The HD 490 PRO studio headphones put you in full control of every detail.”

A pleasure to wear

An excellent pair of studio headphones would only be half as good if it were uncomfortable. Therefore, the Sennheiser engineers have put decades of experience from professional headset design into the HD 490 PRO. Their lightweight, ergonomic design eliminates any pressure points, as the headband does not press on the sensitive parts of the head. Also, the circumaural ear pads feature a Sennheiser-patented soft comfort zone for the temples of glasses while maintaining good sealing.

A patent has also been applied for regarding the special axes geometry of the HD 490 PRO. This design makes sure that the headphones optimally adapt to the head when they are put on, and maintain an equal contact pressure no matter what the shape of the user’s head.

“When you’re creating music, the last thing you want is to be focusing on the fit of your headphones. The HD 490 PRO let you feel the music and forget about the headphones,” says Landry. 

Two types of ear pads to perfectly adapt to the task at hand

“The development of the HD 490 PRO was preceded by the biggest professional headphone survey we ever did, where users voted neutral and flat reference audio as the most important feature,” explains Dirks. “However, when we took a look at market figures, we discovered that a slightly warmer sound was preferred over a 100% neutral response. Therefore, we decided to give our customers two headphones in one – by providing two different sets of ear pads that were carefully designed to shape the sound differently.”


The producing ear pads (velour) of the HD 490 PRO have a slightly warmer response to create perspective and help users make a holistic judgement of the sound. The mixing ear pads (fabric), on the other hand, allow for a very flat, neutral sound that helps dive into detail when a sound reference is needed in finishing off a mix. Both ear pads are washable – a solution that is both hygienic and sustainable.

The type of ear pad has a massive impact on sound reproduction – with the HD 490 PRO, users get two headphones in one. With the producing ear pads reproduction is slightly warmer, while the mixing ear pads help to drill down on the individual frequencies
The type of ear pad has a massive impact on sound reproduction – with the HD 490 PRO, users get two headphones in one. With the producing ear pads reproduction is slightly warmer, while the mixing ear pads help to drill down on the individual frequencies

A licence to dearVR MIX-SE

The HD 490 PRO includes a free licence for the innovative dearVR MIX-SE plugin from Dear Reality. The plugin turns a DAW into an ultimate virtual mixing environment, simulating the carefully designed acoustics of ideal mixing studios. Not only is the engineer or musician placed in the sweet spot, dear VR MIX-SE also helps them ensure a balanced and consistent translation of their mixes on different systems. 

Attention to detail

The meticulous design of this top-of-the-range studio model does not stop with the accessories. For example, the headphone cable can be plugged into the right or left ear piece of the HD 490 PRO to cater to different studio set-ups and preferences. A patented cable coil structure ensures that the headphone cable does not transmit any noise when it hits the desk or rubs against the clothing. The left/right designation is clearly visible on the inside dust covers of the transducers, while for the visually impaired, the headband fork carries braille information. 

Each HD 490 PRO is delivered complete with two different sets of ear pads (mixing and producing) plus a 1.8 m headphone cable and a dearVR MIX-SE licence. It retails at EUR 399 (MSRP) or USD 399 (MAP). The HD 490 PRO Plus, priced at EUR 479 (MSRP) or USD 479 (MAP), additionally includes a 3 m cable, a transport case, and an extra fabric headband pad in addition to the standard velour headband. All Plus extras are also available as individual accessories. A balanced headphone cable (EUR 39 MSRP, USD 39 MAP) is available as an optional accessory.

“If you are looking for studio headphones that give you the transparency and excellent localisation needed for crafting outstanding mixes, the HD 490 PRO are your choice,” says Jimmy Landry.

Appendix: 
About the Sennheiser Brand
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2221327/About_the_Sennheiser_brand.pdf

PETLIBRO Introduces the One RFID Pet Feeder for Personalized Pet Meals

Harnessing innovative RFID pet recognition technology, PETLIBRO’s latest smart feeder relieves mealtime stress in multi-pet households.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jan. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PETLIBRO, a leading US smart pet supply brand, has unveiled the latest addition to its innovative product line – the One RFID Pet Feeder. The state-of-the-art pet feeder, equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) pet recognition technology, sets a new standard for managing individual needs in multi-pet households.

PETLIBRO’s latest feeder uses RFID pet recognition technology to accurately identify a designated pet before feeding
PETLIBRO’s latest feeder uses RFID pet recognition technology to accurately identify a designated pet before feeding

“We aim to give the most personal feeding experience to each pet,” said York Wu, Founder and CEO of PETLIBRO. “We know the dinner rush in a multi-pet home can be a stressful experience when there are specific diets, unique personalities, and eating habits to consider. We want to help make these daily moments easier for pets and their people.”

Pet Identification with RFID Technology

The One RFID Pet Feeder confirms a pet’s identity through an RFID tag that’s placed on their collar, before opening the food bowl lid for food to be served. This ensures individual pets receive the right nutrition at the right time, and addresses prevalent challenges common in multi-pet households, including food theft, food aggression, weight management, and the need to separate prescription food.

Monitor Eating Habits for Peace of Mind

With a lifetime log that records the time and frequency of meals, pet parents have full visibility of how much food their pets consume. In the dedicated PETLIBRO app, this mealtime data can be filtered by days, weeks, or months, and generate useful insights for a better understanding of a pet’s eating habits. This may also raise awareness towards abnormal pet eating patterns for earlier intervention.

Customizable Portions and Convenient Scheduling

With the ability to schedule up to 10 meals per day, pet owners can easily adjust feeding schedules according to their pets’ needs. Each meal can be adjusted according to the number of portions pet owners choose (1/8 cup per meal), ensuring precise and tailored feeding for each pet. 

Enhancing Personality and Safety

With the PETLIBRO app, pet parents can sync their pet’s name to the One RFID Pet Feeder’s LED display, illuminating the room with their pet’s presence. In addition, the dedicated collar also features a QR code with the pet’s information and owner’s contact information, making it easier for pets to reunite with their owners if they get lost.

Priced at $149.99 with the inclusion of one collar tag, the One RFID Feeder is available at PETLIBRO’s official website and Amazon.

About PETLIBRO

Since 2019, PETLIBRO has helped over a million families enrich the lives of their cherished companions with premium pet tech products, growing into one of the best-selling smart pet supply brands globally. These innovative products are designed with a clear focus on simplifying pet care and enhancing the bond between pet owners and their beloved companions. By prioritizing the needs of pets and their people, they offer ideal solutions that are advanced and easy to use. Please visit www.petlibro.com for more information.