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PR Newswire

Breaking Boundaries: Haivivi Innovates with BubblePal, Redefining Interactive Toys

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SINGAPORE, Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The AI toy startup Haivivi has launched BubblePal, a groundbreaking interactive toy powered by AIGC technology—the first of its kind worldwide. This innovative product harnesses advanced AI large language model(LLM) technology to enrich children’s development and provide emotional support. BubblePal excels in multi-character interactions and multilingual communication, setting a new standard in interactive storytelling. 

Founded with a vision to create exceptional experiences for children, Haivivi traces its roots to a pivotal moment in 2017 when insights from a smart speaker revealed a child’s poignant question: “Does my mom love me?” This revelation underscored the need for technological solutions that cater to the innocent and vibrant world of children, which inspired Haivivi to pioneer delightful toys using cutting-edge AI technology. BubblePal, with its mushroom-shaped silicone design and versatile strap, adapts to various plush toys, featuring TYPE-C charging and up to 4 hours of usage time.

Empowered by advanced AI capabilities, BubblePal acts as a comprehensive “super encyclopedia,” responding to children’s inquiries and nurturing curiosity and imagination. With its LLM technology and emotion recognition algorithms, BubblePal intuitively senses children’s emotions, offering empathetic companionship through educational challenges and daily adventures.

Psychologist Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory emphasizes the pivotal role of social interaction in cognitive development, particularly through meaningful communication with adults and peers. In today’s fast-paced world, BubblePal bridges this gap for working parents, ensuring consistent high-quality interaction with their children.

An outstanding feature of BubblePal is its interactive storytelling mode, where children collaborate in crafting unique narratives. Unlike conventional story players, BubblePal stimulates creativity and cultivates thinking skills, fostering positive habits and personality development.

Haivivi’s competitive edge lies in its deep understanding of children’s needs and innovative application of AI LLM technology. Led by CEO Li Yong and COO Gao Feng, veterans in internet and hardware industries, Haivivi integrates LLM technology into plush toys, ushering in a new era of intelligent educational and emotional support toys. These toys evolve with each interaction, truly embodying the ethos of “the more you engage, the more it understands.”

In less than two years in the AI toy sector, Haivivi has garnered investments from prestigious venture capital firms and industry leaders, including funds associated with luminaries like professors Gao Bingqiang and Li Zexiang.

With pioneers like Haivivi shaping the AI toy landscape, the traditional toy industry stands poised for transformative change. The future holds boundless opportunities!

Priced at $89, BubblePal is now available on Haivivi’s official website (www.haivivi.com).

Media Contact: Grace Rossi, xiaoman@haivivi.com

PR Newswire

Mecpow Revolutionizes Your Craft Projects with X4 Series Desktop Laser Engravers and Various Tool Options

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BERLIN, Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Mecpow, a pioneer in innovative crafting solutions, introduces the X4 series laser engraving machines, compliant with European IEC Class 1 and US FDA Class 1 safety standards, along with the MP-30 mug press, the MP-3881 heat press, and the MIG-120 and MMA-120 welding machines, designed to revolutionize possibilities for home creators and DIY enthusiasts.

Mecpow X4/X4 Pro Engraving Machines

  • Safe and Enclosed Design

The X4 Pro features a fully enclosed, transparent cover that ensures superior laser filtration and user safety while providing excellent visibility. It complies with European IEC Class 1 and US FDA Class 1 standards.

  • Powerful Laser Module

The X4 series includes a 22W laser module capable of engraving and cutting materials such as wood, acrylic, and metal. It is compatible with LightBurn, LaserGRBL, and the MKSLaser app for iPhone and Android devices, allowing users to upload photos directly from their mobile devices.

  • User-Friendly Design

The X4 series incorporates a built-in multifunction control panel for standalone operation, simplifying engraving for users of all skill levels.

  • Enhanced Safety Features

The X4 series has integrated flame, tilt, and safety door sensors, along with an emergency stop switch. The X4 Pro also adds LED lighting and a camera module for improved visibility and precise object positioning.

MP-3881 Heat Press: An 8-in-1 versatile machine for applying graphics to metal pots, t-shirts, hats, mugs, and plates. Its advanced dual-tube heating technology ensures even heat distribution for professional-grade embossing.

MP-30 Mug Press: A versatile DIY tool designed for a variety of mugs and tumblers. It boasts an LCD control panel and a large 30 ounce capacity, making it ideal for personalizing your favorite drinkware.

MIG-120/MMA-120 Welding Machines: Dual-voltage welding machines feature a safety protection system, support for both MIG and MMA welding modes, adjustable welding current, and a portable handle, making them suitable for welding applications in various countries.

Pricing & Availability

The X4 series will be available starting August 10, while the other products will be available starting July 30. All will be on Mecpow.com, Geekbuying, Geekmaxi, and Amazon in the EU and US.

About Mecpow

Mecpow is a brand dedicated to empowering creators with reliable and innovative tools. With a focus on safety, quality, and user experience, Mecpow continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of home crafting.

For more information, visit mecpow.com.

PR Newswire

ADP Expands ADP SecurTime to the Philippines

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MANILA, Philippines, Aug. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ADP, a global leader in payroll and human capital management solutions, announces the rollout of ADP SecurTime, its cloud-based time and attendance solution, in the Philippines. This rollout aims to streamline payroll and workforce management process capabilities for businesses across the Philippines.

ADP SecurTime, acquired by ADP in 2023, offers robust cloud-based time tracking, attendance management, and workforce management software. It provides businesses with a range of intuitive and insightful features, including:

  • Capture real-time attendance: Utilises biometrics, tablet or mobile phone for real-time tracking
  • Time fraud prevention: Features geo-tagging, geo-fencing, live tracking and alerts
  • Integrated payroll and time: Reduces potential pay inaccuracies and administrative time
  • Centralized dashboard: Offers reports and analytics to identify patterns and discrepancies

“We are proud to introduce ADP SecurTime to the Philippines, empowering businesses with a state-of-the-art time and attendance solution tailored to meet the unique challenges of managing a diverse workforce,” said Jessica Zhang, Senior Vice President of APAC at ADP.

“By integrating our robust payroll solutions with ADP SecurTime, businesses in the Philippines can enhance efficiency and accuracy in workforce management. This powerful combination reduces administrative burdens and saves costs, enabling companies to focus more on strategic growth and employee satisfaction.”

“The rollout also underscores our commitment to supporting businesses with innovative solutions that drive productivity and compliance,” added Zhang.  

ADP provides services to a wide range of businesses and industries, helping organizations manage their payroll, HR, time, tax, and benefits needs. Serving more than one million clients in 140 countries, ADP has the experience and scale to support businesses of all sizes – from small business to global enterprise – across all industries.  

About ADP (NASDAQ – ADP)
Designing better ways to work through cutting-edge products, premium services and exceptional experiences that enable people to reach their full potential.  HR, Talent, Time Management, Benefits and Payroll.  Informed by data and designed for people.  Learn more at ADP.com

ADP, the ADP logo, and Always Designing for People are trademarks of ADP, Inc.

Copyright © 2024 ADP, Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: ADP, Inc.

PR Newswire

Silicon Motion Launches the Best Performance/Watt PCIe Gen5 SSD Controller at FMS 2024

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The Company Also Showcases SSD Solutions for Enterprise, PC, and Automotive AI Applications

TAIPEI and MILPITAS, Calif., Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Silicon Motion Technology Corporation (NasdaqGS: SIMO) (“Silicon Motion”), a global leader in designing and marketing NAND flash controllers for solid-state storage devices, today announced SM2508, the best power efficiency PCIe Gen5 NVMe 2.0 client SSD controller for AI PCs and gaming consoles. It’s the world’s first PCIe Gen5 client SSD controller using TSMC’s 6nm EUV process, offering a 50% reduction in power consumption compared to competitive offerings in the 12nm process. With less than 7W power consumption for the entire SSD, it delivers 1.7x better power efficiency than PCIe Gen4 SSDs and up to 70% better than current competitive PCIe Gen5 offerings on the market. Silicon Motion will be showcasing its SM2508 based SSD design and other innovations during the Future of Memory and Storage event from Aug. 6 to 8 at booth :

Silicon Motion’s SM2508 is a superior-performance, low-power PCIe Gen5 x4 NVMe 2.0 SSD controller designed for AI-capable PC notebooks. It supports eight NAND channels with up to 3,600 MT/s per channel, delivering sequential performance speeds of up to 14.5 GB/s and 13.6 GB/s and random performance speeds of up to 2.5M IOPS, providing up to 2x higher performance than PCIe Gen4 products. The SM2508 maximizes PCIe Gen5 performance with an impressive power consumption of approximately 3W. It features Silicon Motion’s proprietary 8th-generation NANDXtend® technology, which includes an on-disk training algorithm designed to reduce ECC timing. This enhancement boosts performance and maximizes power efficiency while ensuring compatibility with the latest 3D TLC/QLC NAND technologies, enabling higher data density and meeting the evolving demands of next-generation AI PCs.

“SSD storage solutions are continuously evolving to meet the new challenges posed by future AI applications, which demand data efficiency and high-performance models,” said Nelson Duann, Silicon Motion’s Senior VP of Client & Automotive Storage Business. “Our PCIe Gen5 SSD controller, with its best-in-class power efficiency, is designed to satisfy the unique demands of today’s AI-capable PCs, delivering high performance and power efficiency to meet the evolving AI PC standards of tomorrow.”

The SM2508 specifications include:

  • PCIe Gen5 x4, NVMe2.0
  • 8 NAND flash channels, up to 3600MT/s
  • TSMC’s 6nm process    
  • Powerful quad-core Arm® Cortex®-R8 CPU supporting four PCIe lanes of 32Gb/s data transfer speed
  • Up to 14.5GB/s and 13.6GB/s sequential performance and up to 2.5M IOPS random performance
  • Support the latest 3D TLC/QLC NAND

The SM2508 is being designed by multiple major SSD vendors including major NAND vendors.  Production ramp of SM2508 is targeted for Q4 of this year.

Besides the SM2508, the Silicon Motion exhibit will also include:

MonTitan™ PCIe Gen5 Enterprise SSD Development Platform for AI Storage Workloads

  • SM8366 : 14 GB/s sequential and 3.5 M IOPS random SSD performance, supporting capacities beyond 128TB with 16 channels providing up to 2400MT/s of TLC and QLC NAND.
  • MonTitan™ : Multi-Dimensional QLC-based PCIe Gen5 SSDs: Enabled by FDP and PerformaShape™ technologies to maximize AI Training Pipeline performance.

UFS 4.0 and USB Storage Solutions for AI PCs and AI Smartphones

  • SM2756 UFS4.0 controller: 65% more power-efficient than previous-generation UFS 3.1.
  • SM2322 USB SSD controller: Double up the capacity of the previous-generation for portable SSDs

Advanced Storage Solutions for AI in Automotive / IoT Edge Applications

Silicon Motion representatives will also be presenting at FMS forums. For further information, please visit: https://www.siliconmotion.com/events/2024FMS/

About Silicon Motion:

We are the global leader in supplying NAND flash controllers for solid state storage devices. We supply more SSD controllers than any other company in the world for servers, PCs and other client devices and are the leading merchant supplier of eMMC and UFS embedded storage controllers used in smartphones, IoT devices and other applications. We also supply customized high-performance hyperscale data center and specialized industrial and automotive SSD solutions. Our customers include most of the NAND flash vendors, storage device module makers and leading OEMs. For further information on Silicon Motion, visit us at www.siliconmotion.com.

PR Newswire

EMTECH ANNOUNCES BEYOND COMPLIANCE PRODUCT FOR FINTECHS TO PROACTIVELY MANAGE RISK

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NEW YORK and ACCRA, Ghana and LAGOS, Nigeria, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Award-winning software provider, EMTECH has announced a new software product called Beyond Compliance, to help Financial Service Providers (FSPs) automate and manage regulatory compliance in one place. Regulatory Compliance is an imperative for FSPs as the fines for non-compliance can run into the billions of dollars. Beyond Compliance helps users stay ahead of regulatory issues before they result in fines, loss of a license, bankruptcy or closures.

EMTECH's Beyond Compliance software introduces a new way for fintechs to manage compliance and meet regulatory requirements.
EMTECH’s Beyond Compliance software introduces a new way for fintechs to manage compliance and meet regulatory requirements.

The ground-breaking Beyond Compliance product provides users with regulatory checklists and workflows to enable and guide them through compliance processes. By simply selecting their regulator or jurisdiction and providing a few details, users can standardize and automate compliance activities. EMTECH designed the compliance product to increase business efficiency and reduce labor costs while reducing fragmentation and manual processes.

As the incidences of fraud, digital identity theft and money laundering increase, a recent McKinsey & Company report, “The future of the payments industry: How managing risk can drive growth“ notes that service providers should “modify their risk management programs to protect their revenue and improve regulatory compliance. This may include enhancements to issue management, due diligence processes, risk appetite setting, or risk identification processes.”

“If fintech is to grow more resilient and effective at protecting consumers today and in the future, we have to rethink how compliance will be managed compared to how it’s done today. With highly fragmented regulatory requirements, risk monitoring and reporting methods, a more integrated compliance management platform is an essential tool for survival and growth” notes Carmelle Cadet, CEO and Founder of EMTECH.

The Beyond Compliance product provides “a great user experience, it is a customizable solution. The product is detailed and very effective in ensuring compliance to regulatory directives”, says beta user Kwasi Ofei, Head of Compliance at Juni Payments.

“Regulatory compliance can be a complex task for FSPs. EMTECH’s Beyond Compliance is designed to help fintechs manage their compliance requirements, in one or more markets, monitor their compliance status and provide a level of regulatory visibility that is required by Central Bankers and regulators,” says Steven Dickens, Chief Technology Advisor at The Futurum Group.

About EMTECH
EMTECH provides software, data and services that connect central banks to other regulators and financial services providers. EMTECH’s platforms power regulatory data exchange, compliance, supervision, currency issuance and currency movement in financial markets. The company is founded and led by a former IBM Blockchain Executive, Carmelle Cadet.

For more information visit the EMTECH website.

Media Contacts:

Linda Arroz, Makeover Media
Phone: 818.635.8753
email:linda.arroz@makeovermedia.com 

Mary Hall, Chief Marketing Officer, EMTECH
Email: Mary@EMTECH.com

PR Newswire

Litheli Launches Car Fridge Featuring Backpack Design & Detachable Battery for Ultimate Portable Chill

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NEW YORK, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Litheli, a brand specializing in the design and manufacturing of battery-powered products, today announced the launch of FrozenPack, an all-around backpack car fridge that can be powered by a car cigarette port and detachable batteries.

FrozenPack offers rapid cooling in just 15 minutes from 77°F to 32°F (25°C to 0°C), with the lowest down to -4°F (-20°C), ensuring that your food and drinks stay chilled for any adventures. It boasts 77% larger capacity than traditional bulky car fridges, making it the ideal chill partner for all kinds of outings: place it in your car, secure it on your e-bike or as a backpack for the wildest adventures.

Litheli FrozenPack Car Fridge launches on Indiegogo
Litheli FrozenPack Car Fridge launches on Indiegogo

“FrozenPack overcomes limitations and brings you to destinations where wheels cannot reach. As the inventor of INFINITY POWER SHARE (IPS), Litheli aims to extend the value of detachable batteries and free them from garage or tool shed to the great outdoors,” said Ivy Ying, Litheli’s General Manager and Co-Founder.

FrozenPack can be powered in two ways: by a car cigarette port or the U20 IPS SUPER BATTERY, which is also the universal power source for all Litheli U20 products — from garden tools to power tools. The U20 Battery functions as a power bank to charge electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones, and it can also be recharged via the USB-C port.

Litheli’s IPS Model of Battery-Powered Tools And Devices
Litheli’s IPS Model of Battery-Powered Tools And Devices

Pricing & Availability

Litheli FrozenPack is now available on Indiegogo at a Super Early Bird Price of 219 USD, a remarkable 31% discount from 319 USD, with add-ons like the L-shaped rack for e-bikes and motorbikes, eWagon W2 Pro for easy cruising, Electric SUP Air Pump for adventure gears, and Flint 288 power station for extended power charging.

FrozenPack is already in mass production and will soon be available in late September on Amazon US, litheli.com, and other online websites.

About Litheli

Founded in 2017, Litheli is the innovator of new energy power and tools, making power flexible and tools easier to use. As the creator of DC2.0 battery platform and Infinity Power Share (IPS), Litheli offers an independent and convenient energy experience with solar panels, power stations, and battery-powered products for users to enjoy in indoor, garden, car, and outdoor scenarios.

PR Newswire

Seadronix Disrupts Maritime Technology with Groundbreaking AI Model

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SEOUL, South Korea, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Seadronix, a leader in AI-enabled autonomous ship navigation solutions, has announced the release of a groundbreaking white paper on artificial intelligence (AI) for marine object recognition. This innovative research introduces the VaDA (Vertical and Detail Attention) model, an advanced AI technology designed to recognize objects in challenging marine conditions, such as light reflections, interference, and adverse weather.

Example of benchmark dataset introduced in the white paper. Using the VaDA AI model, detailed segmentation of objects allows for accurate recognition of ships, terrain, and the sea surface.
Example of benchmark dataset introduced in the white paper. Using the VaDA AI model, detailed segmentation of objects allows for accurate recognition of ships, terrain, and the sea surface.

The VaDA model represents a significant technological breakthrough for Seadronix, the result of years of diligent work by researchers collecting and analyzing real operational data from the maritime industry, where data acquisition is notoriously difficult. VaDA’s development involved an unprecedented amount of real-maritime data, achieving state-of-the-art performance in terms of both accuracy and cost-effectiveness.

In a landmark move for the marine AI industry, Seadronix has also introduced the OASIs (Ocean AI Segmentation Initiatives) dataset, the first benchmark dataset of its kind. This initiative is set to transform the industry by providing a new standard for comparing AI technologies in object recognition, addressing a critical gap in maritime AI development.

Seadronix plans to showcase its key technologies, including the VaDA model and sensor fusion, at two prestigious international conferences: the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) and the International Conference on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships. By presenting at these events, Seadronix aims to cement its position as a global leader in maritime AI.

“The release of the OASIs benchmark dataset marks a significant milestone in the advancement of AI technology,” said Hankeun Kim, Chief Technology Officer of Seadronix. “We are committed to continuously driving innovation and development in the maritime AI sector.”

The introduction of object recognition AI technology is crucial for enhancing navigation assistance, safety, and ship automation. This technology is essential for autonomous navigation research, as it can detect and classify all objects at sea, from small buoys to large vessels and geographical features. Seadronix’s AI capabilities set a high standard in the industry.

Seadronix’s specialization in developing AI technology for marine environments, previously deemed impossible, positions the company as a leader in the digital transformation of the global shipping and port sectors. This innovation is poised to revolutionize autonomous navigation and serve as a game-changer in the industry.

PR Newswire

Toss Securities Expands Global Footprint with Establishment of US Office

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  • Toss Securities establishes its first global office in the U.S., aiming to expand its global presence
  • Kyungsoo (Peter) Kim, the current Head of Finance, will be appointed as the CEO for U.S. entity
  • Seungyeon Kim, CEO of Toss Securities says “The U.S. office will significantly accelerate the company’s business base in the market”

SEOUL, South Korea, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a strategic bid to extend its global footprint, Toss Securities, a securities firm with the largest data-driven investment platform in South Korea, is set to establish a new corporate office in the United States.

Toss Securities is a subsidiary of the South Korean fintech giant, Viva Republica, which operates the financial super app Toss. Its integrated account service allows customers to conveniently trade multiple financial instruments from one account without installing a separate app.

At a recent board meeting, the company unanimously voted to approve establishing a U.S. office under the name Toss Securities Americas (TSA), which is expected to be established during the second half of this year.

Kyungsoo (Peter) Kim, the current Head of Finance of Toss Securities, will be appointed as the CEO of its new wholly owned subsidiary, TSA. This will allow Toss Securities to bolster relationships with U.S. brokers and partners.

Toss Securities is also actively pursuing various non-financial business opportunities. One of its recent collaborations includes a marketing and partnership agreement with GraniteShares, one of the leading global ETF operators in the U.S. This partnership is part of the company’s efforts to identify and explore potential opportunities for business expansion.

“As a market leader in Korea for U.S. securities trading, it is a clear progression for Toss Securities to expand into the U.S. market,” said Seungyeon Kim, CEO of Toss Securities. “We are already working closely with our partners in the U.S., and this establishment will significantly accelerate our business base in the market.”

Toss Securities, which launched its mobile trading platform in March 2021, has been a trailblazer in the Korean investment industry as the first securities company of the mobile era. As of July 2024, the company has more than 6.1 million customers and over 3.2 million Monthly Active Users (MAU).

About Toss Securities

Toss Securities, a subsidiary company of Viva Republica, which operates the financial super app Toss, launched its customer service in March 2021. As a newly licensed securities company after 13 years, it provides user-centered services with UX/UI optimized for the mobile environment. In particular, it is the first in the industry to introduce an integrated account service that allows customers to conveniently trade multiple financial instruments from one account without installing a separate app, and as of July 2024, more than 6.1 million customers have used Toss Securities. Monthly Active Users (MAU) reach over 3.2 million to date. In addition to real-time overseas decimal stock trading, the company offers a variety of services such as community and customized content and is evolving into a data-driven investment platform.

PR Newswire

CSafe launches reusable Silverpod pallet shipper to help pharma companies save on disposal costs and hit sustainability targets

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New pallet improves cost and operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact; includes real-time visibility with cloud connectivity

Key features include:

  • Made of fully reusable components and recyclable PCM (phase change material) refrigerants
  • New integrated real-time tracking device tracks GPS location, temperature, shock and tilt
  • Rental model reduces disposal costs and inconvenience, supported by CSafe’s recycle-reuse program
  • Available to pharmaceutical businesses and freight forwarders worldwide

MONROE, Ohio, July 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — CSafe, the provider of active and passive temperature-controlled shipping solutions for the pharmaceutical industry, has announced the launch of a new reusable pallet shipper – the Silverpod MAX RE – with a host of updated features. The new and improved product will help pharmaceutical customers around the world save on disposal costs, meet their sustainability targets and improve logistical transparency during the shipping journey.

Silverpod MAX RE
Silverpod MAX RE

CSafe has taken its globally recognized, single-use Silverpod MAX passive pallet shipper and enhanced it for reuse to create Silverpod MAX RE – a highly durable PCM pallet shipper made entirely of reusable components. This product directly assists the industry in hitting newly-imposed and increasingly stringent sustainability targets, contributing to a more sustainable shipping industry.

New features also include a built-in TracSafe RLT data logger for tracking the location of the shipment, which integrates with CSafe Connect (CSafe’s integrated digital supply chain ecosystem). This enables customers to get real-time visibility of their shipments throughout the entire journey. It also monitors payload temperature, external ambient temperature, shock, tilt and GPS location.

The new shipper, which offers 120+ hours of qualified thermal protection, is made from durable exterior panels with extended edge and corner cap protection that can be used time and time again. It’s supplied via a rental model where CSafe fully manages the life cycle and return of the product, eliminating disposal costs and inconvenience for the customer. The product is supplied flat-packed for the most cost-effective delivery, storage and assembly.

Patrick Schafer, CSafe CEO, said: “Reusability and quality are a major focus for pharmaceutical businesses needing to meet their sustainability targets, and we want to make it as easy as possible for them. With the Silverpod MAX RE, we’ve turned one of our best-loved flagship shippers into a fully sustainable product, while maintaining the high quality and best-in-class technology that CSafe is known for.”

For more information, visit https://csafeglobal.com/bulk-air-cargo/silverpod-max-re/#tech-specs

About CSafe
CSafe offers the pharmaceutical cold chain a broad suite of thermal shipping solutions worldwide. With a “patient-first” focus, deep expertise and commitment to innovation, CSafe matches your requirements to the best solution for your needs. Offering nearly any size, duration and temperature – CSafe is at the heart of your cold chain. csafeglobal.com

Press contact
Dominic Alston, Ballou PR
dominic.alston@balloupr.com
csafe@balloupr.com

CSafe
CSafe
PR Newswire

Tencent Launches Immersive Digital Experience of Newest World Heritage Site with Gametech

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The Beijing Central Axis is now ready for digital visitors from around the world

SHENZHEN, China, July 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent (0700.HK) today launched the largest virtual urban historical landscape created to date called Microcosm, an immersive experience that brings Beijing’s Central Axis to life online. The project launch coincides with the addition of the Central Axis to the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Microcosm, which can be accessed via the Digital Central Axis Weixin Mini Program (云上中轴), offers users an immersive guided tour of the landmark that they can enjoy at their own pace. Guided by avatars, anyone with a smartphone can explore the 3D virtual replica of the heritage site in the Chinese capital in breathtaking detail. Users can explore the Digital Central Axis throughout its history, even areas and scenes that may have been damaged or are no longer visible in real life.

The Mini Program also provides a platform for the Digital Watchman project, an innovative crowdsourced conservation initiative launched in December 2023. By simply scanning QR codes, taking photos and uploading inspection reports through the Mini Program, locals and visitors can become citizen stewards, logging signs of deterioration or damage. Citizen conservation reports make it easier to maintain a large heritage site like the Central Axis.

“Through our digital capabilities and gametech, and with our partners, we are exploring a creative path to bring cultural heritage to life in the digital era. The Digital Central Axis Project exemplifies how digital innovation can be used not only to conserve, but also to revitalize these important cultural monuments,” said Zhan Shu, Head of Digital Culture Lab, Tencent’s Sustainable Social Value Organization.

The Axis is well known inside China but may be less familiar in other parts of the world. It stretches approximately 7.8 kilometers from north to south in the capital city, reflecting Chinese imperial design and urban planning that began in the 13th century. The site includes 15 heritage landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Bell and Drum Towers, Jingshan Hill, and the Temple of Heaven. Its symmetry and layout reflect a traditional system of order and harmony between humans and nature that has prevailed from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties all the way through to the China of today.

Microcosm took three years to create, using high-definition scanning, modeling, PCG auto-generation, and other game technologies. A sophisticated five-level map mode covers 200km x 200km and includes 300,000 plants and 2.2 million buildings, as well as hills and water features. In all, the virtual space contains over 15 terabytes of 3D data and a total of 10.4 billion facets.

As part of the Digital Central Axis Project, Tencent has also woven the elements of the cultural wonders into many scenarios — including music, videos, animations and even mobile games — for conservation and research purposes. For example, millions of young people have found creative and innovative ways to take part in games licensed with the Beijing Central Axis intellectual property, which in turn has created favorable public sentiment for cultural preservation.

To date, the Digital Central Axis Weixin Mini Program has logged more than 4.5 million visits, 800,000 registered users, and 17,000 Digital Watchman volunteers contributing more than 70,000 inspection photos leading to proactive conservation.

The Digital Central Axis project shows the power of big data, cloud computing, gametech, AI, and knowledge maps in conservation and heritage projects. The technologies can create meaningful experiences, help engage the public, and protect more of the world’s cultural treasures in the digital era.

For media inquiries, please contact us at gc@tencent.com

About Tencent

Tencent is a world-leading internet and technology company that develops innovative products and services to improve the quality of life of people around the world.

Founded in 1998 with its headquarters in Shenzhen, China, Tencent’s guiding principle is to use technology for good. Our communication and social services connect more than one billion people around the world, helping them to keep in touch with friends and family, access transportation, pay for daily necessities, and even have fun.

Tencent publishes some of the world’s most popular video games and other high-quality digital content, enriching interactive entertainment experiences for people around the globe.

Tencent also offers a range of services such as cloud computing, advertising, FinTech, and other enterprise services to support our clients’ digital transformation and business growth.

Tencent has been listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since 2004.