News Hub | News Direct

HTX Futures Championship Is Live! Refer Friends and Compete for a Share of the 1.2M USDT Prize Pool and a Grand Prize of 1 BTC

HTX

In the blink of an eye, 2023 has drawn to a close, and the eagerly anticipated new round of the HTX Futures Championship has arrived. With numerous strong competitors in the futures market, who will emerge victorious and ascend to reign supreme? Why not seize the opportunity to showcase your skills and take part in the HTX Futures Championship? According to an official announcement from HTX, the new round of the HTX Futures Championship officially commenced on November 14 at 8:00 (UTC). Participants are now encouraged to bring their friends into the event and collectively vie for a prize pool of 1.2 million USDT, along with a grand prize of 1 BTC. This month-long event will last from November 14th, 8:00 (UTC) to December 14th, 8:00 (UTC), offering participants the opportunity to partake in a variety of compelling competitions, including the Referral Competition, Individual Challenge, Team Challenge, and Lucky Draw. As of 6:00 (UTC) on November 15, a total of 2,386 participants have registered for the event. The larger the number of participants, the greater the prize pool. Take immediate action by clicking the Register Now button on the event page to enroll and take part in the championship. Event 1: Referral Competition: Invite friends to trade futures and grab up to 240,000 USDT Referral Prize Pool: Participants invite friends to sign up on HTX and encourage them to trade futures during the event period. Your invitees will be considered as your valid referrals, if they achieve a cumulative trading volume of ≥ 1,000 USDT. Participants must have ≥ 5 valid referrals to qualify for the referral ranking and become eligible to share 50% of the Referral Prize Pool & New Trader Prize Pool (The Referral Prize Pool and the New Trader Prize Pool each account for 50% of the total funds in the Referral Prize Pool & New Trader Prize Pool). New Trader Prize Pool: During the event period, participants who trade futures for the first time and reach a cumulative trading volume of ≥ 10,000 USDT will qualify to share 50% of the Referral Prize Pool & New Trader Prize Pool. However, a single participant can receive a maximum reward of 10 USDT. Event 2: Join the Individual Challenge and compete for up to 360,000 USDT During the event, participants who engage in futures trading and achieve a cumulative trading volume of ≥ 500,000 USDT will be entitled to compete in the trading volume leaderboard. A prize pool of up to 360,000 USDT in Futures Trial Bonuses will be shared among the top 100 participants. However, please pay attention to the following points: Individual futures trading volume = Total opening + closing amounts during the event period. In the event of multiple participants having the same trading volume, rankings will be determined based on their PnL ratios. Event 3: Team up for shared success and vie for up to 600,000 USDT In the team-up period, participants can opt to either create their own teams or become part of established ones. A team will be deemed successfully formed when it encompasses at least 5 members. During the challenge period, team members can bolster their team's PnL by trading futures. The top 20 teams with the highest cumulative PnL will qualify to share a Team Challenge Prize Pool of up to 600,000 USDT. Team Challenge Prize Pool Here are the rules for how rewards are distributed among team members: The team leader can receive 10% of the team rewards, and the remaining rewards will be distributed based on the individual PnL rankings of team members (including the team leader). The 1st place is eligible for 30% of the team rewards, the 2nd place is eligible for 20% of the team rewards, and the 3rd place is eligible for 10% of the team rewards. Other qualifying team members can evenly split 30% of the team rewards (Each individual's share cannot exceed 10%; if it does, it will be calculated at 10%). Throughout the team-up period, team changes after joining are not permitted. For a team to be considered successfully formed, it must consist of ≥5 members. At the end of the team-up period, teams with <5 members will be dissolved, and their members will be randomly reassigned to other teams. The calculation of the team's PnL will incorporate only the PnL of team members who have reached a cumulative trading volume of ≥ 200,000 USDT. Only the realized PnL from closed positions during the event period will be included. If multiple teams or participants within a team have the same PnL, rankings will be determined based on their cumulative futures trading volume. Event 4: Lucky Draw: Complete trading tasks for a shot at winning 1 BTC During the event period, participants will receive 1 entry into the lucky draw every time they achieve a futures trading volume of 5,000 USDT in a day. Each participant has the chance to gather up to 10 entries for the lucky draw per day. Participants' trading volumes will be reset to zero when a new day starts. The lucky draw boasts generous rewards, offering a chance to win up to 1 BTC. Participants' trading volume and lucky draw entries will be reset to zero every day, and any unused entries will be nullified. Fair Play on Global Stage: Trade with Confidence at HTX, A Top 3 Crypto Exchange for All Your Needs HTX, a top 3 crypto exchange worldwide, has maintained a flawless security record for the past decade. With a robust risk management system in place, HTX ensures the safety of users' assets. With top priority given to asset transparency, HTX regularly discloses its Proof of Reserves (PoR) audit reports to the public. Currently, HTX has upgraded to a dual PoR audit mechanism, utilizing Merkel Tree-based solutions and Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP), ensuring complete transparency of assets that can be verified at any time. At present, HTX has released the PoR audit reports for the 13th time, with data audited as of 00:00:00, November 1, 2023. Moreover, HTX consistently maintains a reserve ratio exceeding 100%. Furthermore, HTX boasts exceptional asset liquidity, guaranteeing the prompt fulfillment of users' trading needs. By choosing HTX, you are opting for a trusted crypto exchange that offers secure and efficient services for investors worldwide. In its vision for the upcoming decade, HTX aspires to evolve into an all-encompassing platform that spans spot trading, derivatives trading, and wealth and asset management. It aims to become a trusted metaverse free port for global users in the Web3 era. About HTX Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a crypto exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, wallets, research, investment, incubation and other areas. HTX serves millions of users worldwide, with a business presence covering over 160 countries and regions across five continents. Its three development strategies - "global development, technology drives development, and technology for good" underpin its commitment to providing comprehensive services and values to global cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Contact Details Michael Wang glo-media@htx-inc.com Company Website https://www.htx.com/

November 16, 2023 12:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

Image

TUSD Attends Binance Blockchain Week as a Diamond Sponsor

TUSD

Binance Blockchain Week 2023 took place in Istanbul, Turkey from November 7-8. Themed on empowering the next billion with the future of Web3, this year's gathering focuses on how blockchain and cryptocurrencies can financially empower a billion more users around the globe. The event brought together a diverse group of top blockchain experts worldwide to discuss market dynamics in trending areas such as Web3, DeFi, and stablecoins, providing a wealth of expertise and investment insights. TUSD was invited to the conference as a top-tier Diamond Sponsor. The prospects and challenges currently faced by stablecoins came to be one of the spotlights at the conference. At the Main Stage discussion titled "Unlocking Value and Stablecoin Adoption in Asia", the guest speakers analyzed the current state and future prospects of stablecoin trading in the Asia Pacific region, while acknowledging the immense potential of stablecoins to transform the future of crypto finance. The global community has come to recognize the significance of the Web3 industry, with the Asia-Pacific region particularly stressing it as a key sector for future development. Countries and regions such as Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore are enacting laws and providing official guidance to support the growth of their local crypto economies, and stablecoins have garnered substantial attention. Being a burgeoning epicenter for crypto development, Turkey wholeheartedly embraces crypto payments dominated by stablecoins. Now, the fluctuating exchange rate of Turkish lira has troubled the Turkish people. But stablecoins not only provide stability in value but also utilize blockchain technology for settlements, thereby reducing costs. Thus, some people believe that stablecoins can effectively alleviate this predicament and make people's lives easier. In recent years, TUSD has focused on developing multi-chain versions to inject stable and high-quality liquidity into various DeFi ecosystems, while also embracing market trends by enhancing blockchain technology adoption in real-world payments. This provides various projects with reliable crypto options and propels crypto payments. Various projects have accepted TUSD as a major payment option, including Web3 shopping platform UQUID, the crypto-friendly travel-booking platform Travala.com, and CryptoWallet.com, a one-stop shop for crypto transactions. As of now, TUSD is available on over 100 digital asset exchanges and an assortment of DeFi platforms across the globe. It has a total supply of 3,334,570,520 and 409,172 holder addresses, ranking fourth among all stablecoins in the market. A TUSD spokesperson noted, “As the world’s first dollar-pegged stablecoin that is attested live on-chain by an independent third party, TUSD strives to become the go-to choice for global crypto payment and transfers services by lowering payment costs and offering more use cases.” About TUSD TrueUSD (TUSD) is the first digital asset attested live on-chain by an independent third-party institution and pegged at 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. It has been listed on 100+ trading platforms such as Binance and HTX, and is live on 10+ mainstream public chains including Ethereum, TRON, Avalanche, BNB Chain, Fantom, and Polygon.TUSD is attested in real-time by The Network Firm LLP, an independent and industry-specialized certified public accountant (CPA) firm, and integrated with Chainlink's industry-leading Proof of Reserve to secure minting and further ensure transparency and reliability. TUSD was granted by the government of Commonwealth of Dominica statutory status as authorized digital currency and medium of exchange on October 7, 2022. Contact Us Website | Twitter | Medium | Discord | Telegram | YouTube | Instagram Contact Details Cristian Ng pr@trueusd.com

November 16, 2023 12:14 PM Eastern Standard Time

ARway.ai secures four new deals as company sees strong growth to close out 2023

ARway

ARway.ai CEO Even Gappelberg joined Steve Darling from Proactive regarding the company's recent developments and new SaaS subscription deals. ARway.ai has announced four new developer SaaS subscription deals that include monthly recurring revenue. Gappelberg explained that the company expects approximately 50% of these new subscribers to transition to ARway's partner program, which comes at a cost of $10,000. From there, subscribers may move on to a $100,000+ program based on their usage and the square footage of the space they are utilizing. These deals represent a significant milestone for ARway.ai, as they demonstrate the growing demand for the company's advanced augmented reality (AR) solutions. The new subscribers are spread across various countries, including the United States, Belgium, Italy, and India, underscoring the global appeal of ARway's technology. In 2023, ARway.ai has already achieved notable accomplishments, including over 3,500 user accounts signed up for its platform, a total of over 4,000 maps created, and more than 45 pilots and trials underway. These achievements position the company for significant revenue growth potential as it continues to expand its presence and deliver innovative AR solutions to a diverse range of industries and markets. Contact Details Proactive Investors Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

November 16, 2023 11:46 AM Eastern Standard Time

Video

PathAI Announces AISight Support of DICOM Standards and Commits to Being a Leader in Integrated Enterprise Image Architecture and Strategy

PathAI

PathAI, a leading technology company which combines AI-powered pathology solutions with end-to-end central pathology and histology services, today announced that AISight™ [1] supports rendering DICOM® Visible Light (VL) Whole Slide Microscopy Image files. AISight is a state-of-the-art, interoperable, intelligent case and image management system to assist pathologists in the review of digitized whole slide images (WSIs) with a comprehensive menu of fully embedded AI solutions. The incorporation of modern digital pathology into the DICOM standard was finalized in 2010, allowing organizations to integrate digital pathology into their existing IT systems, providing vendor flexibility, and enabling integrated storage with other imaging modalities (e.g., radiology) in vendor neutral archives (VNAs). DICOM support is a major advancement towards enabling PathAI’s vision of interoperable pathology systems that fit seamlessly into providers current or future enterprise image architecture and strategy. “We’ve been collaborating with many large academic medical centers and health systems over the last year to provide consultative support on digitalization of pathology workflows. In these discussions, one thing is clear. Chief information officers (CIOs) and enterprise imaging architects are pushing for vendors to adopt DICOM to drive imaging interoperability,” said Don O’Neill, SVP of Engineering and IT at PathAI. “PathAI is committed to doing just that and being able to render DICOM image files is the first step in that direction.” As part of its investment into DICOM, PathAI is making a commitment to interoperability and providing solutions that integrate with organizations’ enterprise image management and archive strategy, including through VNAs. PathAI will also launch its DICOMweb API in its next release, which will enable AISight to receive DICOM images from external applications, push images back to VNAs leveraging customer’s DICOMweb API, utilize the DICOM file to supplement or validate image/case data, and enable prefetch to pull historical cases/studies directly from image archives. “By investing into interoperability with enterprise image archives, we’re demonstrating to our customers that we are strategically positioned to provide long term value. No matter where a customer is in the imaging journey, we can help them,” said Andy Beck, MD, PhD, co-founder and chief executive officer of PathAI. To learn more about this integration, visit www.PathAI.com or meet with our team at upcoming conferences including Digital Pathology & AI Congress Europe, London (Booth #30, December 7-8). 1- AISight is for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. About PathAI PathAI is the only AI-focused technology company to provide comprehensive precision pathology solutions from wet lab services to algorithm deployment for clinical trials and diagnostic use. Rigorously trained and validated with data from more than 15 million annotations, its AI-powered models can be leveraged to optimize the analysis of tissue samples to improve efficiency and accuracy of pathology interpretation, as well as to better gauge therapeutic efficacy and accelerate drug development for complex diseases. PathAI, which is headquartered in Boston, MA, and operates a CAP/CLIA-certified laboratory in Memphis, TN, is proud to be a rapidly expanding organization of innovative thinkers from around the globe. For more information, please visit www.pathai.com. Contact Details SVM Public Relations and Marketing Communications Maggie Naples +1 401-490-9700 pathai@svmpr.com Company Website https://www.pathai.com/

November 16, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Beyond Recycling: Aqua Metals Leads The Charge In Building Circular Domestic Supply Chain of Critical Minerals for Lithium Batteries

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga As the world ushers in a new era of sustainability and electrification, the ability to recycle the critical minerals that will power our devices, our vehicles and our economy is fundamental to achieving the most ambitious global clean energy goals. In this fast-approaching future, developing truly sustainable recycling stands out as a crucial component of building a circular economy for the critical minerals necessary for manufacturing solar panels, wind turbines, and especially lithium-ion batteries. Companies like Aqua Metals Inc. (NASDAQ: AQMS) are at the forefront of this transition, redefining the recycling landscape with innovative technologies that are delivering a clear path to net-zero battery recycling. Understanding Clean Recycling Sustainable recycling is the process of converting end-of-life products and materials into new resources that can be fed right back into the supply chain, without creating a new environmental hazard due to harmful emissions or significant waste. Today, most lithium battery recycling uses fossil fuel-powered furnaces and/or intensive chemical processes that produce significant carbon emissions and generate untenable waste streams that end up in landfills (or worse, dumped in the ocean). Just because something is labeled as recycling doesn’t mean that it is inherently clean or sustainable – how we recycle matters. With the mounting dependency on battery technology and the need to recycle millions of tons of lithium-ion batteries in the coming years, adopting environmentally sound recycling methods is essential to support the deployment of clean energy technologies and combat climate change. Aqua Metals' Mission And Technology Aqua Metals is pioneering the path toward environmentally responsible recycling with its commitment to clean recycling practices. Utilizing its proprietary AquaRefining™ technology, the company leverages the power of electricity to extract valuable metals from spent lithium and EV batteries. This innovative and patented process, which circumvents the need for thermal processing or trainloads of consumable chemicals, drastically cuts down on both waste and emissions. The crux of their mission is to turn the tide on traditional, environmentally burdensome recycling methods by offering a solution that is not only cleaner but also cost-effective and able to produce battery-grade recycled materials from spent batteries. With this approach, Aqua Metals is hoping to set a new benchmark for sustainability within the clean metals recycling industry – and build a circular domestic supply chain for critical battery minerals. The AquaRefining Process At the core of Aqua Metals' innovation is the AquaRefining process, a sophisticated system that transforms lithium battery ‘ black mass ’ – the industry term for the composite of shredded battery metals and manufacturing scraps ready to be recycled – into high-purity, reclaimed materials ready to be delivered back into the supply chain. Initiating by dissolving this black mass in a specialized solution of water and diluted acid, the process is meticulously automated to yield uniform and predictable outcomes across varying batches of black mass from various sources. The dissolved material then flows through a number of finely tuned stages, from various filters to remove impurities to a number of specific unit operations to capture individual metals found in lithium batteries (including lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese). The main differentiator – and what enables the patented recycling process to boast such an environmental and economic advantage – is replacing the polluting furnaces and intensive chemical processes used today with clean electricity. Instead of using heat or chemical reactions to extract the valuable materials, Aqua Metals uses an innovative application of electroplating – quite literally pulling the dissolved metals out of the solution atom-by-atom and attaching them to an electrode for recovery of high-purity materials. The other hallmark of this groundbreaking process is its regenerative approach, where electricity is also employed to replenish the proprietary solution the company uses to dissolve the materials – thereby enhancing economic viability and lowering chemical usage on site by more than 95% compared to competing recycling technologies. These distinctive advantages underscore Aqua Metals' commitment to a sustainable and economically sound recycling methodology that enables a truly circular supply chain – without all the chemical waste and climate pollution of today’s leading recycling processes. Economic And Environmental Impact The economic benefits of Aqua Metals' approach are clear. Aqua Metals' AquaRefining technology delivers advantages through the production of high-purity metals from spent batteries using clean electricity. Replacing furnaces and significant chemical and waste storage facilities in traditional recycling could lower necessary capital costs by as much as half for a new recycling facility. And managing on-site storage for trainloads of chemicals each week, producing and disposing of equal amounts of chemical byproducts, and powering energy-intensive furnaces create much higher and less predictable operating costs. Environmentally, Aqua Metals reports that AquaRefining reduces carbon emissions by more than 83% compared to hydrometallurgy competitors. While traditional methods emit tons of CO2 and generate more sodium sulfate waste than valuable materials recovered, AquaRefining’s emissions are as clean as the electricity the company is able to source, with exceptionally high recovery rates and no waste byproducts sent to a landfill. This approach not only minimizes the environmental footprint but also bolsters the United States' efforts to establish a sustainable loop for lithium and other critical battery minerals. Strategic Partnerships For A Circular Economy Through strategic partnerships with companies like 6K Energy, Aqua Metals is poised to create the first sustainable circular domestic supply chain for critical minerals, creating a continuous loop of recycled materials feeding back into the lithium battery manufacturing supply chain. This venture will see the co-location of recycling and cathode manufacturing facilities, leading to the first production of low-carbon cathode active materials from recycled battery elements in the industry. Advancements In Battery Manufacturing Aqua Metals has also collaborated with Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp (NASDAQ: DLFI) to supply the manufacture of lithium-based battery cells using high-purity lithium hydroxide recovered through their recycling process. This marks a stride toward a more sustainable lithium battery manufacturing industry, potentially setting the stage for a closed lithium loop within the state of Nevada. Critical Minerals And National Interests In the wake of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Aqua Metals is emerging as a key player in realizing the U.S.'s ambition for a clean, electrified economy. The company's AquaRefining™ technology revolutionizes the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, offering a net-zero emissions pathway that aligns with the IRA's emphasis on sustainable practices and building domestic capacities to produce critical minerals. Critical mineral security is not just an economic opportunity for the country but also a national security necessity as these refined metals become more central to our economy. The company’s innovative approach tackles the challenges of critical mineral scarcity and environmental degradation, ensuring a more sustainable and circular approach to battery recycling, which is crucial for the burgeoning EV sector. Aqua Metals is pushing to become a leader in sustainable lithium battery recycling, offering innovative solutions to the waste and emissions challenges inherent in current recycling. With its advanced technology and strategic initiatives, Aqua Metals is not just recycling materials but possibly reshaping the very fabric of the industry for a sustainable future. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 16, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Q3 2023 Proportionate Royalty Revenue Jumps To $1.9M For Altius Renewable Royalties And ARR Secures A $247M Credit Facility

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Altius Minerals (OTCQX: ATUSF) (TSX: ALS) has strategically positioned itself within the mining sector by developing an environmentally friendly royalty portfolio, showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices. While the mining industry has faced criticism for its detrimental environmental impact, Altius aims to address these concerns by focusing on minerals that are vital to modern infrastructure while minimizing exposure to environmentally harmful commodities. In addition to its core holdings, Altius owns 58% of Altius Renewable Royalties (OTCQX: ATRWF) (TSX: ARR) which provides royalty financing to the U.S. renewable energy sector. ARR last week announced its Q3 2023 proportionate royalty revenue of $1.9 million, excluding interest income. This revenue represented an increase from $1.6 million recorded in Q3 2022 and $1.0 million last quarter, indicating ARR's growth trajectory. The Q3 2023 royalty revenue reflects ARR's 50% ownership interest in Great Bay Renewables (GBR), which the company reports is rapidly building a customer base with U.S. renewable energy counterparties. The revenue generated by ARR through its ownership stake in GBR highlights the performance of the partnership. ARR also just recently announced that GBR has secured senior secured credit financing agreements totaling $247 million. The financing consists of an initial term facility (ITF) worth $123.5 million, a delayed draw term facility (Delayed Draw Facility) worth $100 million, and a letter of credit facility (L/C) worth $23 million. Both term facilities meet the requirements for green loan eligibility. Great Bay is managed jointly by ARR and funds managed by Apollo Global Management, Inc. Commenting on the quarter and the credit facility, Frank Getman, CEO of GBR, shared, “With the recent closing of our new debt facility, we have demonstrated the underlying strength of our current asset portfolio in the eyes of sophisticated global lenders and have positioned ourselves to continue to seize upon our strong pipeline of growth opportunities. In a few short years, we have scaled up a portfolio of renewable royalties on over 2.3 GW of operating projects and a pipeline of development stage royalties of over 15 GW, providing an embedded stream of future cash-flowing royalties that ensures strong revenue growth for GBR through the remainder of the decade." This financial milestone seems to reinforce ARR's position as a key player in the industry, demonstrating an ability to continue to deploy capital in new, accretive investments without having to return to the equity market. With a track record of revenue growth, ARR seems to prove its commitment to driving innovation and contributing to the sustainable development of the renewable energy sector. As the global shift towards clean and sustainable energy continues, ARR's strategic positioning within the industry could help it capitalize on this growing market opportunity. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

November 16, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Panasonic Enhances TOUGHBOOK® 55 Laptop: Faster, More Versatile, and Ready for Any Challenge

Panasonic Mobility

Panasonic Connect North America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, today announced enhancements to the TOUGHBOOK® 55 laptop, its award-winning semi-rugged laptop. Based on direct feedback from valued customers, the latest TOUGHBOOK 55 offers faster performance, more versatility, and comprehensive support and service offerings anywhere the job takes them. The third generation of the TOUGHBOOK 55, the Mk3, harnesses the power of the 13 th Gen Intel® Core TM i5 and i7 Processor with Intel vPro ® Technology and up to 14 cores. It also features a secondary NVMe OPAL SSD, delivering high bandwidth and low latency, which is especially useful for contractors handling complex blueprints or automotive technicians performing intricate vehicle diagnostics and maintenance. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 further enhance connection speeds and options so workers can retrieve, analyze, and transmit data in real time. This can be especially useful for utility professionals conducting on-site inspections, managing infrastructure, or responding to emergencies. The latest version boasts 92dB speakers that include dual array microphones for those operating in loud environments, and now harnesses artificial intelligence to reduce background noise pickup. For police officers, the superior audio capabilities help improve speech recognition accuracy during critical interactions in a squad car or on the scene of a crime. A new interface to the programmable keys provides a more intuitive experience for assigning shortcuts to applications and common actions. The customizable color-selectable keyboard offers four preset options and the ability to create custom colors, further tailoring the experience to the mobile worker’s preferences. “Continuing to enhance our end-to-end solution offerings exemplifies Panasonic’s unwavering commitment to empowering mobile workers who operate in the most challenging conditions,” says Dominick Passanante, Vice President, Mobility Business, Panasonic Connect North America. “Designed with direct input and insights from our customers, the TOUGHBOOK 55 doesn’t just meet expectations. It redefines what mission-critical tools should be and elevates the customer experience now and into the future.” Mission critical workers now have access to an expanded array of user-upgradeable expansion areas (xPAKs) with a new USB-C and USB-A xPAK available this February, which brings the total number of USB ports on the TOUGHBOOK 55 Mk3 to five. This convenient addition empowers mobile workers to connect multiple accessories, such as external keyboards, without cumbersome adapters. The enhanced contactless smartcard reader xPAK adds support of more contactless cards in order to meet professionals’ ever-evolving security and identification needs, particularly in law enforcement, simplifying authentication procedures. Updated TOUGHBOOK 55 mk3 Key Features and Highlights: Available 14’’ FHD 1,000 nit touchscreen Seven modular user-replaceable areas 13th Gen Intel Core i5 & i7 processors with up to 14 cores 512GB-2TB NVMe main storage (quick-release and user-upgradeable) 16-64GB DDR4 RAM (user-upgradeable) Available Intel ® Iris ® Xe Graphics USB-A and USB-C ports including Thunderbolt™ 4 port supporting 40Gbps data transfer speeds, power delivery, and daisy chaining Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 Infrared webcam with privacy cover Dual-array microphones with AI noise reduction 92dB loud speakers with MaxxAudio 10 hours of battery life or 20 hours with optional second battery (MobileMark25) Rugged certifications include 3’ drop rating, MIL-STD-810H, and IP53* Securing and deploying new technology can be challenging for organizations due to limited IT resources, tight budgets, and a shortage of staff to manage hardware and software. Now, with TOUGHBOOK as a Service (TaaS) Program, Panasonic offers a subscription model to customers and provides a budget-friendly OPEX solution to help organizations stay current with the latest technology. To help customers easily set up and maintain solutions, Panasonic offers staff augmentation and last-mile deployment services that alleviate burdens by providing on-site deployment assistance, TOUGHBOOK product engineering expertise, and customized solutions to meet specific customer needs. These services are entirely customizable and flexible, catering to organizations at various stages of their technology journey. The TOUGHBOOK 55 Mk3 i7 is available for purchase now, and the i5 will be available for purchase in February 2024. For complete product details and to learn more about the lineup of accessories, please visit our website. * Tested by an independent third party lab Follow the TOUGHBOOK Brand The Panasonic TOUGHBOOK family of laptops, 2-in-1's, tablets, and handhelds can be followed on various social media channels including LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, and our blog, Rugged Mobility for Business. About Panasonic Connect North America Established on April 1, 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system, Panasonic Connect North America is a B2B company offering device hardware, software and professional services to provide value to customers across the public sector, federal government, education, immersive entertainment, food services and manufacturing industries. With the mission to “Change Work, Advance Society, Connect to Tomorrow,” Panasonic Connect North America works closely with its community of partners, innovators and integrators to provide the right technologies to address customers’ ever-evolving needs in today’s connected enterprise. Contact Details Kathryn McTyre panasonicmobility@racepointglobal.com Company Website https://na.panasonic.com/us/panasonic-connect

November 16, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

SIGMA Announces Release of 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports Lens

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the official release of the highly-anticipated SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports lens. A reliable and lightweight large-aperture telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for full-frame mirrorless cameras, the 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports is available for Sony E-mount and Leica L-Mount. Combining high-speed AF, remarkably effective OS, exceptional mechanical reliability, and superior optical performance, this high-performance lens is purpose-built to meet the rigorous demands of professionals, and is suitable for a wide range of styles and genres including nature, wildlife, photojournalism, action sports, wedding and portraits. The lens will retail for $1,499 USD and will be available through authorized retailers on December 7, 2023. Dust and splash-proof construction, high-performance optical stabilizer (OS), and an inner zoom mechanism that does not affect barrel length, are all features designed for the most demanding photographic conditions. It is also the first SIGMA DN zoom lens to be equipped with an aperture ring (click/declick type). Streamlined optical design and a multi-material structure featuring magnesium and TSC have resulted in a lightweight lens body. A new compact tripod collar and foot also help minimize weight, as does a CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic) lens hood. Compared to the 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports for DSLR cameras (1,805g for SA mount), the 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports is significantly lighter (1,345g for L-Mount). Featuring Dual HLA-driven floating focus for fast, accurate AF, the focus lens is driven using a high-thrust HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) as the focus actuator, and a floating focus is used to achieve high-speed AF drive. The floating configuration of this lens, in which the two focus groups are driven in opposite directions, reduces the amount of movement of each focus group to about half that of a single group focus system, achieving extremely fast AF that is highly responsive. The latest OS2 stabilization algorithm achieves image stabilization performance of 7.5 stops at the Wide end and 5.5 stops at the Tele end. The SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports has very minimal focus breathing on both the wide and tele ends, making it a powerful lens for video applications. The minimal change in center of gravity enables stable shooting in all situations, including handheld, on a tripod, and with a gimbal. During zooming, five groups are moved to suppress aberration fluctuation, achieving high optical performance throughout the zoom range. Learn more about the SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports lens: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/70-200mm-f2-8-dg-dn-os-s Exclusively for mirrorless cameras | Compatible with full-frame cameras S | Sports SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS Performance, reliability, and mobility at its highest level. High-speed AF and optical stabilizer function that maximize superior optical performance Top-level build quality condensed into a highly mobile lens A wealth of functions to assist professionals Supplied accessories: Case, LENS HOOD LH860-01, TRIPOD SOCKET TS-151, FRONT CAP LCF-77mm III, REAR CAP LCR II Available mounts: L-Mount, Sony E-mount Launch date: December 7, 2023 * The appearance and specifications of the products are subject to change. * Sony E-mount lenses are developed, manufactured and sold in accordance with the E-mount specifications licensed under a license agreement with Sony Corporation. * L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. #SIGMA #SIGMA70200mmSports #SIGMASports #SIGMADGDN Packed with all the technology SIGMA has to offer. The large F2.8 aperture provides stable and high descriptive performance at all zoom and focus ranges. The high-speed AF with a dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) based on a floating focus structure, and the Optical Stabilizer function with the OS2 algorithm with up to 7.5 stops of correction effect*, ensure that users can take the right shot when there is no room for error. The highly mobile lens with high durability, rigidity, and texture is equipped with a wealth of functions to assist comfortable shooting, including an inner zoom mechanism for easy handling, as well as an aperture ring and switches with various customization functions. The flagship SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports, combined with the best of SIGMA's latest technologies to meet the high-level demands of professionals, has finally arrived. * Based on CIPA guidelines (Measured at 70mm and 200mm with a 35mm full-frame image sensor) [Key Features] 1. High-speed AF and optical stabilizer function that maximize superior optical performance The SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports, developed with professional use in mind, offers not only high optical performance, but also high-speed AF with a dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) and an optical stabilizer function with up to 7.5 stops. The Sports line lenses offer high optical performance, and all functions are based on state-of-the-art technology. High descriptive performance at all zoom and focus ranges The latest optical design, which employs luxurious glass materials including 6 FLD and 2 SLD elements of special low-dispersion glass, delivers high resolving power throughout the entire zoom range. Three aspherical lenses are used, as they are now indispensable for superior optical performance and streamlined lens construction. The exceptionally high precision of the aspherical lenses, which take advantage of the technical capabilities of SIGMA's only production facility, the Aizu factory, further improves optical performance. The incorporated floating focus is advantageous in improving short-range performance, ensuring a stable, high-level image quality throughout the entire range from the minimum focusing distance to infinity. High-speed AF with a dual HLA The SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports with floating focus has a structure in which the two focus groups move in opposite directions, thereby reducing the amount of focus lens movement by about half. In addition, the use of an HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor in each of the two focus groups enables high-speed autofocusing. In addition to being fast and accurate, the lens also employs a control program that is designed to be quiet, so users can shoot movies comfortably without worrying about noise. OS2 algorithm in optical stabilizer function The latest OS2 optical stabilization algorithm provides an extremely high image stabilization effect of 7.5 stops at the wide end and 5.5 stops at the telephoto end*. The lens is equipped with two OS modes: Mode 1 is suitable for general shooting, and Mode 2 is ideal for panning shots of motorsports and other sports. In Mode 2, SIGMA's Intelligent OS, an algorithm specially designed for panning shots, enables effective image stabilization even when the camera is moved vertically or diagonally, irrespective of the horizontal and vertical orientation. This ensures that the subject's movement can be captured without losing the panning shot effect. * Based on CIPA guidelines (Measured at 70mm and 200mm with a 35mm full-frame image sensor) Designed to minimize focus breathing The lens has been designed to suppress focus breathing. The change in angle of view due to focus shift is minimized, creating a natural-looking focus shift when recording video. Designed to minimize flare and ghosting Flare and ghosting, which reduce image quality, are addressed under all conditions of incident light based on the most advanced simulation technology. High backlight resistance enables clear and sharp images under any lighting conditions. 2. Top-level build quality condensed into a highly mobile lens SIGMA is committed to excellent build quality in all its lenses. Among them, the SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports, which is part of the Sports line, offers not only high weather resistance performance for shooting in harsh environments, but also improved quality and durability through the use of cutting-edge materials in appropriate places based on a streamlined optical and mechanical design. At the same time, a high level of mobility is also realized, resulting in a professional equipment that can be used with confidence over the long term. High quality and durability despite its small size and light weight The latest optical and mechanical design streamlines the lens configuration and internal structure, resulting in a significantly smaller and lighter body than the previous SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports model. The body, including the hood, features a "multi-material structure" that optimally arranges materials such as magnesium, CFRP*1, and TSC*2. Even with enhanced mobility, the lens features SIGMA's renowned excellent build quality, including high durability, reliable rigidity, and various control rings and switches that have been carefully designed to feel good. * 1 CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), a light but strong material used in the interior and exterior fittings of aircraft, among many other applications. * 2 TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) is a type of polycarbonate with a thermal expansion rate similar to that of aluminum. It has high affinity to metal parts which contributes to high quality product manufacturing. Adoption of inner zoom mechanism The zoom mechanism employs an inner zoom. Since the total length of the lens does not change with zoom operation, it is easy to handle when shooting hand-held, highly stable when installed on a gimbal, and resistant to dust and water droplets. Weatherability of Sports line specifications The mount connection, manual focus ring, zoom ring, switches, switch panel and exterior connection are all dust and splash resistant* to prevent dust and dirt from entering the lens. Further, the front element of the lens features a water and oil repellent coating to facilitate maintenance when water droplets or dust adhere to the lens. * The structure is designed to be dust and splash resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable. 3. A wealth of functions to assist professional photographers In addition to an aperture ring, a magnesium tripod mount, and various switches, the highly mobile lens has a wealth of functions available, enabling a more comfortable and versatile shooting experience for users. Equipped with an aperture ring This is the first SIGMA zoom lens for still photography to be equipped with an aperture ring. It is also equipped with an aperture ring click switch and an aperture ring lock switch, allowing for aperture operation suited to the shooting application. Newly developed tripod socket The lens body incorporates an Arca-Swiss compatible magnesium alloy tripod socket. The detachable leg is newly designed for the SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sports in order to achieve a compact and lightweight design. Customizable functions Equipped with a Focus Limiter switch, the lens enables users to limit the focus driving range during AF when necessary, allowing quick and precise focusing. Further, the lens features three AFL buttons* ready to be assigned to preferred functions using the camera. The AFL buttons are easy to operate regardless of how the camera is oriented or which settings are used. For the L-Mount version, the SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 can be used to set OS operation or focus limiter range for the Custom Mode switch. * Only on compatible cameras. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used. Tele Converter for L-Mount (1.4x / 2.0x) The L-Mount version of the lens is compatible with the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 (1.4x) and TC-2011 (2.0x). Using a tele converter, the focal length can be multiplied by 1.4x and even 2x, for AF-enabled shooting at ultra-telephoto focal lengths of up to 400mm. Cover-type lens hood included A lightweight, high-strength, exclusive cover-type lens hood made of CFRP* is included. In addition to its slim design that does not impair the mobility of the lens, the tip of the hood is rubberized to protect the lens from abrasion and scratches caused by placing the lens upside down. * CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), a light but strong material used in the interior and exterior fittings of aircraft, among many other applications. [ Additional Features ] Lens construction: 20 elements in 15 groups (6 FLD, 2 SLD, 3 aspherical elements) OS (Optical Stabilizer) function with the latest "OS2" algorithm Inner zoom Inner focus system Compatible with high-speed autofocus HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction * Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model. * On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with 'ON' or 'OFF' in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to 'ON' (AUTO). Supports DMF and AF+MF Compatible with AF assist (Sony E-mount only) Nano Porous Coating Super Multi-Layer Coating Water and Oil Repellent Coating (front element) Aperture ring Aperture ring click switch Aperture ring lock switch AFL button (3 buttons) * Only on compatible cameras. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used. Focus Limiter switch Focus Mode switch Support for switching between linear focus / non-linear focus ring settings (for L-Mount only) Function available on supported cameras only. OS switch Custom Mode switch Dust and Splash Resistant Structure LENS HOOD LH860-01 TRIPOD SOCKET TS-151 (detachable lens foot type) Compatible with SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 / TC-2011 (sold separately / for L-Mount only) Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only) Designed to minimize flare and ghosting Every single lens undergoes SIGMA's proprietary MTF measuring system 11-blade rounded diaphragm High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount Mount Conversion Service available "Made in Aizu, Japan" craftsmanship Learn more about SIGMA's craftsmanship here: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/craftsmanship/ [ Key Specifications ] The following specifications are for L-Mount. Lens Construction: 20 elements in 15 groups (6 FLD, 2 SLD, 3 aspherical elements) Angle of view: 34.3° - 12.3° Number of diaphragm blades: 1 (rounded diaphragm) Minimum aperture: F22 Minimum focusing distance: 65 (W) - 100 (T) cm / 25.6 (W) - 39.4 (T) in. Maximum magnification ratio: 1:5.2 (at focal length 200mm) Filter size: 77mm Dimensions (Max. Diam. x Length): 3.6 x 8.1 in. / 90.6 x 205mm Weight: 7.4 oz. / 1,345g (includes tripod foot) [ Product Barcode ] Product Name Barcode L-Mount: 0085126 591694 Sony E-mount: 0085126 591656 [ Accessories: Supplied ] LENS HOOD LH860-01: 0085126 941116 FRONT CAP LCF-77mm III: 0085126 930011 TRIPOD SOCKET TS-151: 0085126 941109 REAR CAP LCR II (for L-Mount): 0085126 937256 REAR CAP LCR II (for Sony E-mount): 0085126 929879 [ Accessories: Optional ] SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 for L-Mount: 0085126 878696 SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1411 for L-Mount: 0085126 825690 SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-2011 for L-Mount: 0085126 826697 SIGMA WR CERAMIC PROTECTOR 77mm: 0085126 931827 SIGMA WR PROTECTOR 77mm: 0085126 930967 SIGMA PROTECTOR 77mm: 0085126 931094 SIGMA WR UV FILTER 77mm: 0085126 930707 SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER 77mm: 0085126 930837 [ Contact ] For further information, please contact your local authorized SIGMA Service Station listed here: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/world-network/ [ Information ] SIGMA Corporation: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/ Product information: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/s023_70_200_28/ [ About SIGMA Corporation ] Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Fujifilm, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA Cine lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA Cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production. Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with over 30 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA's continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA's renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease. For more information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog. Follow SIGMA America (Photo): Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Follow SIGMA Ameica (Cine): Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Contact Details SIGMA Jack Howard +1 631-201-7381 SIGMA.PR@Sigmaphoto.com SDDPR Stacey Doss stacey@sddpr.com Company Website https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

November 16, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image

Half of European fintech unlikely to reach profitability with $550m of VC money at risk, finds credit fund WinYield

WinYield

European fintech lending startups have racked up over €11B in debt facilities in 2023 to help them lend to consumers and businesses. However, cracks in their credit models and approach are starting to appear. Based on findings from 95 in-depth interviews and due diligence of 27 fintechs, credit fund WinYield has today exposed some serious challenges on the horizon for the industry. WinYield found that fintech lenders lack the necessary credit experience: less than 10% of the fintechs interviewed had staff with previous relevant credit experience. Common underwriting models were composed of a black box using basic regression analysis with no human overlay to assess the actual viability of loans. WinYield found in many cases that delayed payments were running up to 10% of the entire fintech lenders portfolio, this is four times higher than in bank SME portfolios. While the $12B in debt facilities is largely composed of senior debt, it's the €514m ($550m) venture capital that is at risk of disappearing which has first-loss exposure. Having analysed the various operating models, the report finds many fintech lenders are running an uneconomical business. It was clear that most will never become profitable. This was largely because marketing and operational costs were significantly underestimated while the market opportunity was dramatically overhyped. Fabricio Mercier, founder of WinYield, commented: “Ecommerce, for example, was a €596bn sales market according to Statista in 2022. It sounds like a huge number. But because there’s a 30-day sales cycle, fintech lenders in ecommerce have to lend 12 times a year to keep the same amount of lending on their books. In addition to this, the vast majority of ecommerce companies are either operating abroad, or have very limited trading history. Factoring this in, the opportunity plummets to somewhere between €1.5 to €2.5bn. That’s more than 200x smaller!” Many European fintech lenders are opting for the multi-product approach and aggressive marketing budgets favoured in the US. But this does not work in a fragmented European market where the break-even portfolio size is much too high. “The US market is a single market with its own regulation. Europe, on the other hand, has 27 different markets with 27 different combinations of rules, laws and languages. It is therefore incredibly difficult for a single fintech to compete across all 27 jurisdictions of the European market. Europeans also find very limited synergies when adding a second product because doing so would require an entirely new client journey, operations, and funding facilities. Another way to think of this is to look at the number of full-time employees per million of assets under management. Single product, uni jurisdiction fintech can go as low as 2 FTEs per million even in the case of a small portfolio vs 12 for a multi-product/multi jurisdiction.” added Fabricio Mercier. Reaching profitability will be a challenge for most European fintech lenders. Those that do become profitable will likely need to pivot several times and ultimately partner with a bank. Indeed, European banks are getting more competitive, using partners like Thought Machine and others to plug their APIs to fintechs directly. Based on the numbers WinYield gathered, with a single product and one jurisdiction, the asset under management (“AUM”) level for which a lending fintech would break even can be as high as €150m for a SaaS lender, €35m for an embedded lender and €160m for a credit card lender. Reaching these levels may be challenging in many European countries. Fabricio Mercier, CEO of WinYield commented: "The VC funding drought has actually helped clean a lot of the malpractice in fintech lending, bringing European fintechs to their senses with a degree of discipline and rationality returning to their decision making. Now we are entering into the phase of Fintech 3.0, with more experienced founders doing more with less. Although there's still a lot of learning to be done, the fintech sector is reshaping for a better future. By getting serious and institutionalised, fintech will grow again, partnering with credit funds and banks." Off the back of the report, WinYield offers the following considerations that fintech founders could act on to achieve sustainable growth: Start with a small team of no more than 5 people, build a product that works well, and then start looking at scaling the business Find a funding partner who understands the intricacies of your operations and the fintech lending ecosystem and seek the highest LTV possible Find a niche market where high cost of money solves a problem that is not related to high credit risk. For investors, WinYield recommends: Don’t trust black box underwriting – you are the credit expert. Favour fintechs that are growing steadily by focusing more on their product and risk proposition as opposed to following a VC agenda. Partner with small funds or high quality advisors to reduce your workload as transactions tend to be smaller than expected. Despite the challenges faced by fintech today, the outlook is not all doom and gloom. Fabricio Mercier, CEO of WinYield noted, "Our latest industry report reflects that the ample liquidity provided by VCs fostered bad habits among fintech lenders. It’s become clear that the bull market of 2020 was creating an irrational bubble in fintech lending. While there are still many bad apples, we believe that the shortage of venture capital may bring European fintechs to their senses with a degree of discipline and rationality returning to their decision making. However, a lot of education is needed to have a healthy market.” About WinYield WinYield is a specialised fintech credit fund founded in 2022 with a focus on providing first-loss financing for fintech and investment solutions for early-stage fintech companies. WinYield is tackling the challenge of venture capital funding scarcity for lending fintechs, particularly in segments such as early-stage fintechs. WinYield leverages expertise in identifying risk earlier with real-time, big data analysis and by partnering with the originator in the underwriting. For more information please visit: https://www.winyield.co/ Contact Details WinYield Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://www.winyield.co/

November 16, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Image