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Blockchain Blockbuster - Egyptian Government Extends Ground-Breaking Customs Project with CargoX

CargoX

CargoX, the global blockchain company leading the world on the digital transfer of trade documents, has announced a long-term extension to its disruptive agreement with the Egyptian government to accelerate the digital transformation of Egypt's trade flows with the world. The public-private partnership Misr Technology Services (MTS) - 80% owned by the Egyptian government - authorized CargoX as its blockchain document transfer gateway service provider for the country’s official NAFEZA single-window trade platform in March last year. Designed to bring trust and transparency to a digital trade environment, systemize Egyptian trade documents and information flow with companies around the world, the NAFEZA solution integrates the CargoX platform for Blockchain Document Transfer (BDT). Usage of the system became mandatory in Egyptian ports on October 1 last year. Since its implementation, the project has surpassed all expectations with CargoX’s blockchain solution already used to seamlessly and safely transfer more than 1,100,000 actual trade and finance documents for more than 75,000 customers. NAFEZA’s triumph has made CargoX the fastest-growing blockchain platform in the logistics industry. It represents one of the most compelling cases for the adoption of the blockchain as a critical tool for streamlining global trade and commerce. Underpinning CargoX’s remarkable success story is some game-changing time and cost-savings for the Egyptian government, importers, and foreign exporters doing business in Egypt. Benefits resulting for users from the adoption of blockchain technology include increased transparency, the elimination of red tape, and a reduction in the average cargo release time from 29 days to 9 days with a notable reduction in container demurrage and storage fees. Compliance costs for shippers have also been slashed from more than USD$600 to USD$165, or less as a consequence of the move onto the blockchain. As part of the extended agreement, the NAFEZA project will now be rolled out to include air cargo and encompass a total number of 30 sites including airports, seaports, dry ports, border posts, free zones, and bonded warehouses. NAFEZA has so far been adopted by more than 32,000 importers, 20,000 exporters, 2,200 brokers, 300 shipping agencies & freight forwarders, as well as more than 74,000 foreign exporters. The system currently handles 12,000 transactions a day. “The use of the platform in the public sector is a revolutionary step for global maritime shipping - and our partners will be forever inscribed in the ledger of history,” said Stefan Kukman, Founder & CEO, CargoX. “We are constantly working on providing great value, confidentiality, transparency, and immutability to our customers and our partners - and we base that value on building digital trust in global trade.” Immediate benefits for the Egyptian government include integrating 26 government bodies associated with cargo clearance, establishing a reliable national data warehouse with high-quality data used to drive the decision-making process for the ministry of finance, trade & industry, transport, and cabinet as well as the digital transformation of 6 trade documents, and the elimination of 11 other documents reducing red tape in the country dramatically. “In pursuit of Egypt’s ambitious strategy for sustainable development and integration into the global economy, MTS succeeded in implementing the national single window for trade across borders to achieve the transformation from 19th Century manual & paper-intensive customs procedures to a modern, state-of-the-art, digital ecosystem and extending it to engage the trade community abroad by partnering contractually with CargoX to leverage their leading-edge technology and advanced solutions,” said MTS CEO and chairman, Captain Ossama al Sharif. As an early adopter of the technology, Egypt has catapulted itself to the forefront of the changes taking place in the digitalization of global trade, said CargoX Chief Business Development Officer, Vjeran Ortynski. “Governments and companies with a strong digitalization agenda are showing the way for all the rest to follow, while gaining a strategic advantage in the global markets. We listen to our strategic business partners and develop features on the platform that are adapted to the needs of the global trade - with specifics that can be tailored to specific needs of our partners and always provide ease of use, value, and savings in time and cost for our global user base,” said Ortynski. About CargoX CargoX Ltd is a global company specializing in document transfer solutions, based on blockchain transactions and an ownership validation platform. The core team of founders brings together more than 100 years of experience in the logistics, banking, programming, IT and blockchain industries. Users of CargoX's BDT platform can upload or create electronic trade documents and then transact ownership of them like money through a global bank, at any time, with the following benefits: For more information: ( https://cargox.io/ ) Contact Details CHARLIE PESTI —The world’s best publicist for supply chain technologies. Charlie Pesti +1 267-439-4355 charlie@pesti.io Company Website https://cargox.io/

March 07, 2022 12:20 AM Central Standard Time

IMA Financial Group Unveils the Metaverse’s First Insurance Research & Development Facility

IMA Financial

IMA Financial Group today announced the launch of IMA Web3Labs, the metaverse’s first insurance and risk management research and development facility. It will be located in Decentraland, a virtual world based on blockchain technology. Funded by IMA’s investment arm, IMA Investments Inc., Web3Labs sets new industry expectations for exploring, testing and bringing to market risk and insurance strategies specific to the metaverse. “IMA is known as a thoughtful and strategic partner that finds innovative and effective solutions to manage risk for our clients,” said Paul Washington, Executive Vice President of IMA Financial Group and head of IMA Investments. “Web3Labs allows us to explore the risks associated with digital and meta assets from within the metaverse, so we can better prepare our clients to manage such risks. Our investment in IMA Web3Labs will also enable IMA to explore the infinite applications of blockchain technology to best understand how it might fundamentally shift the landscape of the $1 trillion commercial insurance industry.” With a long history of building risk management and insurance programs customized to clients in complex, emerging industries, IMA recognized a gap between the growth in NFTs and fundamental risk transfer and management strategies to secure them — a gap that leaves business operations in the decentralized finance market at risk, according to Washington. In 2021, $20 billion of NFTs were traded, and the market value of the asset class today exceeds $40 billion. IMA plans to mint its own NFTs and use other tools to advance its expertise in the growing digital and meta opportunities ecosystem. “We aren’t content to take the ‘wait and see’ approach that our industry often favors,” said Justin Jacobs, Senior Vice President of Marketing at IMA Financial Group and architect of IMA Web3Labs. “Society is at an inflection point, proven out by the popularity of meta-platforms. We need the ability to swiftly test, learn and adjust in a meta-native environment so we can build strategies and products that manage risks beyond the confines of the metaverse.” About IMA Financial Group Based in North America, IMA Financial Group Inc. is an integrated financial services company focused on protecting the assets of its widely varied client base through insurance and wealth management solutions. Because IMA is employee-owned, its 1,800-plus associates are empowered to provide customized solutions for their clients’ unique needs. Contact Details IMA Financial Group Ruth Rohs +1 303-615-7513 ruth.rohs@imacorp.com Center Reach Communications Tracy Henderson +1 720-989-3530 tracy@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://imacorp.com/

March 04, 2022 12:12 PM Eastern Standard Time

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New Chicago Office Space Signals VTS’ Expanded Footprint in the Midwest

VTS

VTS — the commercial real estate (CRE) industry’s leading leasing, marketing, asset management, and tenant experience platform, today announced it has signed a 35,914 square-foot lease at Tishman Speyer’s 320 N. Sangamon - a 13-story mixed-use building that was recently completed in 2021 in Chicago’s Fulton Market district. VTS was represented by Savills Vice Chairmen Robert Sevim and Jim Wenk, Associate Cullen Hurley, and Assistant Director Allison Buck. The news comes on the heels of VTS’ notable March 2021 acquisition of Chicago-based Rise Buildings, the property operations and tenant experience technology company. Since the acquisition, the Chicago market has become increasingly important as VTS has grown both its headcount, customer base, and investment in the region, driving the critical need for expansion from its previous space at 312 N May. In addition to its corporate headquarters in New York, VTS currently maintains offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, London, and Toronto; the new Chicago space symbolizes VTS’ continued investment in expanding its Midwest presence. Fueling the need for space is significant customer and team growth across every sector in which the platform operates. In addition to the brand’s acquisition of Rise, the platform has continued to expand to provide landlords and brokers with the best data possible across the entire asset lifecycle. Included in that expansion is its October 2021 acquisition of Lane, the workplace experience platform; December 2020 launch of the VTS Office Demand Index (VODI); and June 2020 launch of VTS Market; all contributed to the company’s propelled footprint expansion both domestically and internationally. “Having both a fantastic customer base here along with a deep bench of potential talent made the decision to expand our presence in Chicago an easy one. Fulton Market has emerged as one of the hottest submarkets in the country, and we chose to establish ourselves in an innovative locale that employees want to come to”, said Nick Romito, CEO of VTS. “Specifically, as we double-down on our investment in the tenant experience space and continue to meaningfully grow VTS Rise’s leading team, the area’s rich, diverse talent from surrounding top universities and leading Fortune 500 companies will serve us well. Additionally, with the vision Tishman Speyer has for the asset, we’ll be working with them in making the building a modern example of how technology can transform the entire customer journey for a tenant using the full VTS platform, something we’re very excited about.” With efficient and open concept spaces ranging from 24,800 to 28,200-square-feet, 13’ slab-to-slab floor heights and stunning shared and private terraces, 320 N. Sangamon’s 270,000-square-foot expertly crafted and pet-friendly building is designed to inspire tenants’ prime work and improve their overall well-being. Located on-site are 48 convenient indoor parking spaces, an indoor bicycle room, and numerous community Ridy scooters for a more fitness-focused commute. “320 North Sangamon was the optimal location for VTS to grow and attract the best talent and capture the firm’s vitality,” said Savills Robert Sevim. “The space will allow the firm to create a unique environment across multiple floors and the building offers a robust and attractive tenant amenity package for employees to experience. The Fulton Market district was the right choice for VTS as the dynamic neighborhood features the energy and momentum that mirrors VTS’ enterprising culture.” “We designed and developed 320 North Sangamon to appeal to the world’s most creative and talent-driven companies,” said Tishman Speyer Managing Director, Nooshin Felsenthal. “It is a validation of those efforts to have an innovator like VTS, which resides at the intersection of real estate and technology, choose this location for its Chicago expansion.” 320 N. Sangamon is conveniently situated in the heart of Fulton Market, with numerous retail and dining destinations lining the corridor. The property has nearby access to the Pink and Green CTA rapid transit lines and is serviced by several bus lines as well. Once an industrial area packed with warehouses and factories, Fulton Market has transformed into Chicago’s fastest-growing submarket, and one of the most desired commercial districts in the country - including one-of-a-kind galleries, trendy hotels, and unique shopping spots. About VTS VTS is commercial real estate’s leading leasing, marketing, asset management, and tenant experience platform where the industry comes to make deals happen and real-time data comes to life. The VTS Platform captures the largest first-party data source in the industry, which delivers real-time insights that fuel faster, more informed decision making and connections throughout the deal and asset lifecycle. VTS Data, the industry’s only forward-looking market dataset, and VTS Market and Marketplace, the industry’s first integrated online marketing solution, give landlords, brokers, and tenants unparalleled visibility into real-time market information and the direct connectivity to execute deals with greater speed and intelligence at every point in the planning, marketing, leasing, and asset management cycle. VTS Rise is the industry’s most comprehensive tenant experience solution, offering occupiers, building operators, and visitors an immersive, tech-enabled experience. More than 60 percent of Class A office space in the US and 12 billion square feet of office, retail, and industrial real estate globally is managed on the VTS platform. VTS’ user base includes over 45,000 CRE professionals including respected industry leaders like Blackstone, Brookfield Properties, LaSalle Investment Management, Hines, Boston Properties, Oxford Properties, JLL, and CBRE. To learn more about VTS, and to see our open roles, visit www.vts.com. Contact Details Marino PR Elise Szwajkowski +1 212-402-3495 eszwajkowski@marinopr.com Company Website https://www.vts.com/

March 04, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Volatus Aerospace Makes Strategic Investment in Delta Drone to Solidify Global Drone Presence

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

(TSXV:VOL) (OTCQB:VLTTF) - Volatus Aerospace announced the signing of a definitive agreement on March 3 rd, 2022, to make a strategic investment in Delta Drone SA, a company based in Lyon, France, listed on the Euronext Growth Paris stock exchange. The maximum investment value will be C$807,679 (€576,913), representing a 20% equity position in Delta Drone SA, with an option to increase the shareholding to 45% within 30 days from the Closing date with an additional investment amount not exceeding C$1,009,599 (€721,142). The total investment will not exceed C$1.85M (€1.30M), and Volatus plans to fund this through its existing cash reserves. Delta Drone is a fast-growing drone and robotics company with operations in France, Belgium, Australia, South Africa and Ghana and unaudited annual sales in 2021 of approximately C$23 million (€16 million). Founded in 2011, business activities include the design, manufacture and sale of specialized drone and robotics equipment, the dronification of industrial and event security services, training and commercial drone services with particular expertise in mining and agriculture. The agreement provides that Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, will become Executive Chairman of Delta Drone. Christian Viguié, currently President & CEO of Delta Drone, will assist Glen, and continue to play a role in the management of the alliance. Under the terms of the agreement, Volatus will support Delta Drone in executing an aggressive business development strategy to better leverage the company's key technologies and capabilities. The following initiatives have already been defined: Evolve from a technology-focused organization to a sales-focused organization Pursue a cost rationalization program to improve efficiencies Suspend all further use of the current Ornan dilutive financing program Build joint sales teams with Volatus to accelerate growth in Europe and expand Delta Drone offers in North America Pursue development in Africa and the southern hemisphere (Australia and South Africa) Create a new relationship of trust with all shareholders "The leveraging of Delta Drone's operations in Europe, Australia and Africa with Volatus Aerospace's operations in Canada, the United States and Latin America will create technical and commercial opportunities across five continents," said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace. "This investment provides joint access to technologies and expertise that broadens the product and service portfolios of both Delta Drone and Volatus Aerospace and creates a synergistic approach to serving the key interests of customers worldwide." "Delta Drone, Delta Drone International and Volatus Aerospace are highly complementary, and this investment moves us towards creating a truly global player, capable of meeting the needs of a large account clientele around the world," said Christian Viguié, President & CEO of Delta Drone. "With technological solutions and associated services ready to be deployed, we will be able to focus on deeper commercialization and accelerating our growth." The transaction will result in the issuance of 824,162,071 Delta Drone treasury shares that, once issued, will represent 20% of total outstanding shares. The shares issued will be subject to any stock adjustments carried out by Delta Drone before Closing. Consideration will be in the form of cash with the per-share subscription price determined by the Parties, based on the volume-weighted average daily price of Delta Drone’s shares over ten (10) trading days before the Closing Date less a 35% discount, or €0.0007 whichever is lower. The investment amount to acquire 20% will not exceed C$807,679 (€576,913). The Closing for the transaction is scheduled for March 31 st, 2022. In addition to the purchase of the shares noted above, Volatus will be issued optional warrants allowing Volatus to increase its equity position in Delta Drone to 45% of the outstanding shares. The subscription price for the shares if Warrants are exercised at Volatus’ sole discretion will be €0.0007 or the volume-weighted average daily price of Delta Drone’s shares over a period of ten (10) trading days prior to the Closing Date less a 35% discount, whichever is lower. The increased investment not exceeding C$1,009,599 (€721,142), can be done before April 30 th, 2022. Volatus is also being issued with anti-dilutive warrants that will be triggered and exercised when shareholding of Volatus falls below the 45% threshold. Anti-dilutive warrants are priced in a similar way as optional warrants. This transaction is expected to close on March 31 st, 2022, or such other date as may be agreed upon, subject to due diligence, mutually agreed business plan, execution of employment contracts for the leadership team of Delta Drone, any applicable waivers, and any applicable regulatory approval by the TSX-V, AMF and foreign investor approval by the French Ministry of Economy. About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout Canada, the United States, and Latin America. Operating a vast pilot network, Volatus serves commercial and defense markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, and design, manufacturing, and R&D. Through its subsidiary Volatus Aviation, Volatus carries on the business of aircraft management, charter sales, and cargo services using piloted, remotely piloted, and autonomous aircraft. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Corporation with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding (i) the business plans and expectations of the Corporation; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Corporation, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects the Corporation’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV; and anticipated and unanticipated costs and other factors referenced in this news release and the Circular, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Circular under the caption “Risk Factors”. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Source: Volatus Aerospace Corp. TSXV: VOL About Delta Drone: Delta Drone Group is a recognized international player in the civil drone industry for professional use. It develops a range of professional solutions based on drone technology as well as all associated services that form a complete value chain. Delta Drone shares are listed on the Euronext Growth Paris market - ISIN code: FR0011522168Also listed on Euronext Growth of BSA Y – ISIN code: FR 0013400991 www.deltadrone.com Contact Details Volatus Aerospace Corp. Rob Walker +1 514-447-7986 rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

March 03, 2022 05:47 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Digital staffing firm uses NFTs to raise money and awareness for Ukraine

Pixoul

Pixoul, a digital consultancy and IT staffing firm, announced today plans to partner with UNICEF amidst the growing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The company will use all proceeds from its NFT (non-fungible token) studio to donate to the emergency relief effort. The decision is a landmark shift in the growing crypto sector, as the digital assets become a vehicle for charitable donations. What is happening in Ukraine is a tragedy—we at Pixoul feel deeply for the Ukrainian people and want to lend support in any way we can,” says Devon Fata, CEO and President of Pixoul. “We knew when we started our NFT studio that we wanted to use this arm of our business to better communities near and far. I can’t think of anything more important right now than funding this fight for freedom.” Purchases of Pixoul NFTs will go entirely toward UNICEF’s emergency response efforts, as well as support to the local artists creating the NFTs. The digital art is available for purchase at: https://opensea.io/collection/pixoul-eye-candy. About Pixoul: Pixoul is a leading innovation consultancy and IT staffing firm that helps clients deliver outstanding products and scale digital teams. They were recently recognized as a 2022 Dallas Manifest Award winner as a top B2B firm, as well as a 2021 Clutch award winner for excellence in IT and business services. Connect with Pixoul at www.pixoulinc.com. Contact Details Pixoul Christiana Stankewitz +1 830-321-0359 hello@pixoulinc.com Company Website https://www.pixoulinc.com/

March 03, 2022 01:03 PM Eastern Standard Time

Avvir Announces Enhanced Product Capabilities to Improve Construction Project Management and Analysis

Avvir

Avvir, a reality analysis company providing a system of record for buildings to the construction industry, today announced the availability of enhanced product features to its Progress Quantification and Automatic Inspection offerings. In conjunction with these improvements, Avvir continues to create efficiencies for construction professionals as evidenced by the recent launch of its Onsite 3D scanning and photo capture services. Avvir Onsite provides enhanced findings that drive efficiency and reduce the risk of inaccuracies on construction sites through the free-flow of information. Through its new feature updates, Avvir’s Progress Quantification offering allows for the ability to use a project’s existing Work Breakdown Structure or Schedule of Values, providing the first-ever coherent and transparent link between finance and construction teams. Now, project managers can leverage the company’s enhanced offering to quantify construction progress or verify trades’ self-reported status on a line-by-line item basis. The company’s custom Work Breakdown Structures or Schedule of Values add to Avvir’s existing support for Uniformat and Masterformat. In addition, improvements to Avvir’s Automatic Inspection make it easier to find what installation errors require immediate action and act on them. “Avvir provides the richest breadth and depth of data, but knowing what to do with those insights is the key to preventing re-work, avoiding mistakes and protecting project schedules,” said Raffi Holzer, CEO and Co-founder of Avvir. “These improvements to Avvir’s offerings are ultimately driven by our desire to equip construction executives with the tools to extract data, and subsequently embolden them to make swift, confident decisions on where and how to act.” In January, the company introduced its Avvir Onsite service, which provides end-to-end reality capture and allows for the real-time extraction of data from the field for immediate analysis. Its capabilities are wide-reaching, from traditional stationary 3D LiDAR scanning, to 360-degree photo capture, to drone photography. By seamlessly integrating these real-time findings with a project’s building information model (BIM), Avvir can effectively identify any downstream effects from potential installation mistakes and better quantify construction progress and reporting. Beyond collecting project data, Avvir continues to bolster its contextual capabilities, which act as the bridge between the digital and physical worksites. The company has made improvements to its BIM interaction tools, allowing for larger model sizes while simultaneously offering more detailed viewing options, including minimaps and dynamic panels. When coupled holistically with Avvir’s suite of solutions, these updates provide contractors and managers the ability to toggle information and better orient themselves in the context of their own BIM in order to get an intimate and detailed view of the project at hand. Throughout 2022, Avvir will continue introducing much-needed tools to accelerate the development of new analyses and customizable features. A demonstrated focus on machine learning will increase prediction accuracy and decrease turnaround time to receive results. From an operational scope, the company is developing self-managed subcontractor permissions and a Do Not Track feature that will allow for added control of progress and cost tracking. In addition, Avvir is working to improve communications capabilities within its software in an effort to streamline remote coordination, assess imagery and data, and better collaborate on contextual analysis. For more information, please visit www.avvir.io. About Avvir Avvir aims to transform the way human beings interact with the built world. Avvirâs reality analysis platform enables construction professionals to reduce costly rework by detecting mistakes and taking immediate action, transform their BIM into an official system of record, and take project insights to the next level with automated progress vs. schedule and earned value tracking. Avvir delivers the only hardware agnostic platform that not only provides critical insights but closes the loop by updating the BIM, allowing customers to focus on solving issues, not finding them. Contact Details North 6th Agency for Avvir Shayla Ridore +1 401-464-1772 avvir@n6a.com Company Website https://www.avvir.io/

March 03, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

New STORY MODE Series Explores the Positive Benefits of Video Games

The Entertainment Software Association

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and Games for Change (G4C) today announced the launch of STORY MODE, a series of conversations with video game industry leaders who are defining the future of play and bringing immersive, interactive experiences into innovative spaces like education, fitness and mental health. “ STORY MODE shows how video games and interactive entertainment positively affect many aspects of people’s lives, especially physical and mental wellness and education,” ESA President and CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis said. “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Games for Change to produce a series that illustrates the importance and value of play.” The inaugural episode of STORY MODE released today features Microsoft’s Head of Minecraft Education Allison Matthews, who discusses how Minecraft helps students prepare for a future where coding skills are essential. Future episodes will spotlight creators and innovators including Supernatural Co-founder, CEO and CCO Chris Milk, Supernatural Head of Fitness Leanne Pedante, thatgamecompany President and Creative Director Jenova Chen, Popcannibal Fouder Ziba Scott and Akili Interactive Labs Founder and CEO Eddie Martucci. “The creators and games featured in STORY MODE give us unique perspectives on the power of play,” Games for Change President Susanna Pollack said. “Games for Change is pleased to partner with the ESA on this new series to further advance our mission to empower game creators and social innovators to drive real-world change.” Future episodes are scheduled for release through June on theESA.com and Gamesforchange.org, with additional episodes planned for later in the year. About the ESA The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) serves as the voice and advocate for the U.S. video game industry. Its members are the innovators, creators, publishers and business leaders that are reimagining entertainment and transforming how we interact, learn, connect and play. The ESA works to expand and protect the dynamic marketplace for video games through innovative and engaging initiatives that showcase the positive impact of video games on people, culture and the economy. For more information, visit the ESA’s website or follow the ESA on Twitter @theESA. About Games for Change Since 2004, Games For Change (G4C) has been empowering game creators and innovators to drive real -world change, using games and immersive media that help people to learn, improve their communities, and contribute to make the world a better place. G4C partners with technology and gaming companies as well as nonprofits, foundations and government agencies, to run world class events, public arcades, design challenges and youth programs. G4C supports a global community of game developers working to use games to tackle real world challenges, from humanitarian conflicts to climate change and education. Contact Details The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Karen Elliott +1 202-223-2400 kelliott@theESA.com Company Website https://www.theesa.com/

March 03, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Kramer launches its new high-performance, highly scalable KDS-7 AVoIP streaming solution

Kramer Electronics

Kramer Electronics Ltd. is pleased to announce the release of KDS-7, a full AVoIP streaming solution for anywhere that low-latency, high-quality 4K60 content distribution and switching is required. Delivering a superb user experience, enterprise IT-grade security and advanced, yet intuitive management, the KDS-7 line is a perfect fit for Enterprise, Education, Homeland Security, Military or Government sites of any size. Built as a complete solution, the KDS-7 product line comprises a full range of networked end points, including encoders, decoders and auto-switch encoders, as well as a dedicated manager device. It supports 1K video sources and easily scales to suit the AV needs of numerous rooms and locations, for any size business or campus. Enterprise-grade IT security, built-in to all KDS-7 devices, protects the IT network. The KDS-7 product line expands the benefits of AVoIP. With AVoIP, the AV encoders and decoders are connected to the end-points of the organization’s IP network. Leveraging the switching power of the IP network eliminates the limits on AV deployments, which would otherwise be constrained by the number of physical AV ports on hardware, and that consume a great amount of real estate and energy. This simple and reliable approach enables huge numbers of devices in a single network and makes expanding into new spaces easier and less costly. Kramer’s AVoIP offering is already widely recognized for providing optimum scalability and flexibility, with multiple solutions adopted at growing scale by Enterprise, Education, Homeland Security, Military and Government organizations. Now, with the KDS-7 line, Kramer is introducing even greater scalability and flexibility. Plug-and-play integration into any IP network speeds up deployment and significantly reduces costs. High-resolution video, support for large-scale video wall installations, and full compatibility with end-user devices, including USB-C connection for simple collaboration and simultaneous charge, ensure an outstanding experience for users. “At Kramer we’re proud to be a leader in creating AVoIP products that accelerate hybrid work, improve hybrid learning across campuses and enhance performance of command and control centers at large-scale installations,” commented Gilad Yron, CEO Kramer Electronics. “Our new KDS-7 AVoIP product line furthers our mission, providing a superior user experience with its ability to support a large number of video sources, with low latency, fast switching, intuitive manageability and advanced security capabilities.” We are dedicated to delivering better, smarter solutions that enhance physical-digital engagement and collaboration. Kramer solutions are based on our cutting-edge products and technologies for traditional AV, AV over IP, unified communication and collaboration (UCC) and wireless collaboration, and advanced management and control. Contact Details Kramer Electronics Ltd. Ornit Sade Benkin +972 52-332-7700 osade@kramerav.com Company Website https://www.kramerav.com/

March 03, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Over Ten Years of R&D in Imaging leads us to a New Era of Computational Video with the OPPO Find X5 Pro and MariSilicon X

OPPO

SHENZHEN, CHINA - Media OutReach - 3 March 2022 - The OPPO Find X5 Pro is the result of a decade of research and development in mobile camera systems. It started in the early days of computer vision algorithm experiments, breaking from the traditional model to work out how a phone camera should “think”. 2014 brought us pixel binning technology, where multiple sensor pixels are combined for better images in low light, while a demosaic technique is used to improve sharpness during the day. From 2014 to 2018 we saw the rise of OIS and computational photography that make capturing crystal clear night photos not just possible but easy. OPPO’s Find X5 Pro collates this knowledge and takes it to the next level with a particular focus on low-light video, where each frame has detail, clarity and dynamic range comparable with a still night mode photo. However, to get here OPPO had to solve a bottleneck it found around 2019, by which time OPPO phones used techniques like advanced AI noise reduction, multi-exposure night shooting and face recognition. These demand a lot of work to be done instantaneously, causing a spike in power consumption. The ultimate solution is also the key to the OPPO Find X5 Pro’s paradigm-shifting photographic power: OPPO MariSilicon X. This is a self-developed core imaging NPU designed with a laser focus on computational and AI photography workloads. It unlocks the processing power required for the OPPO FInd X5 Pro’s next-generation imaging capabilities. 4K Ultra Night Video Computational video is the new battleground for phone cameras. OPPO phones have made huge leaps in low-light photo performance in the last four years, but video introduces a fresh set of challenges. A phone can spend several seconds capturing and collating the data for a single still image. But the OPPO Find X5 Pro needs to generate 30 or 60 images per second for video, handling up to three billion pixels of information every second. The scale of the challenge is immense, necessitating the paradigm-shifting power of MariSilicon X, which is capable of up to 18 trillion operations per second. 4K Ultra Night Video is the key demonstration of this power in action. It offers low-light video with dynamic range and detail comparable with the OPPO Find X5 Pro’s night photos, bringing light to darkness and restoring subtle gradations that are so often lost. How? The OPPO Find X5 Pro’s 4K Ultra Night Video employs a combination of AINR, artificial intelligence noise reduction, and 3DNR to maximize the detail and dynamic range of your videos. 3DNR reaches beyond traditional techniques, comparing subsequent frames to best represent the motion of the real world. DOL-HDR also lets the OPPO Find X5 Pro capture two frames concurrently, for real-time HDR imaging free of ghosting. The power of OPPO’s MariSilicon X imaging NPU has made the impossible possible. Ultra Night Pro The OPPO Find X5 Pro also brings revolutionary upgrades to further improve the low-light stills photography performance established in the multi award-winning OPPO Find X3 Pro. It debuts OPPO's OPPO’s SLR-level 5-axis OIS. Both lens and sensor elements can compensate for moments in your hand, allowing for flawless image capture. In action, you see the OPPO Find X5 Pro generate pristine low-light pictures almost three times as quickly as the previous generation of OPPO flagship phones. What you don’t see is the bustling hive of activity that occurs behind the scenes. The OPPO Find X5 Pro camera creates photos out of multiple exposures, like an oil painter building up a masterwork using layer upon layer of fine glazes. Ultra HDR Photography and video Night photography and video are proving grounds for the OPPO Find X5 Pro camera. The dream of being able to capture not just stills, but also great video, in any situation has been realized. However, some of the same techniques are a crucial component in a host of other situations. Picture a bright sunset. The rich and brilliant oranges and reds of the sky sit in stark contrast to the dark foreground. A lesser phone might leave these foreground elements draped in shadow, but the MariSilicon X’s HDR fusion algorithm allows for up to 20 stops of dynamic range. It brings out every last fine detail without leaving the sky washed out, threatening to obliterate the swathes of color that come to define every great sunset image. OPPO’s Find X5 Pro is ready to capture these moments, where the sky seems alight with color, cascading off the contours of each cloud. The OPPO Find X5 Pro can achieve the same effect when shooting 4K video too thanks to DOL-HDR, constructing high dynamic range footage free of ghosting artifacts even when your subject is in motion. OPPO’s Find X5 Pro represents a generation leap for the hardware and software in phone cameras. It brings renewed creative control and a paradigm shift in low-light video. Only one question remains: what would you enjoy most about the OPPO Find X5 Pro camera? Contact Details OPPO Media Contact press@oppo.com

March 03, 2022 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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