News Hub | News Direct

Digital Cities Index 2022: European Cities outperformed with open data projects and tightly defined sustainability schemes

Economist Impact

Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Beijing, London & Seoul are the top 5 digital cities in the index European cities ran highly successful traffic management systems, while Beijing applied digital technologies to tackle air pollution and optimise utilities and sharing economy Involving citizens in design of smart city schemes underpins meaningful inclusion – a key aspect of successful smart city projects Smart city schemes delivered major public health benefits in areas like telemedicine, covid management and remote monitoring of patients TOKYO, JAPAN - Media OutReach - 22 June 2022 - The Digital Cities Index 2022, produced by Economist Impact and supported by NEC, is an inaugural ranking of 30 global cities across four thematic pillars: connectivity, services, culture and sustainability. Of the top 10 cities of the index, four are in Europe (Copenhagen, Amsterdam, London and Paris), four are in Asia Pacific (Beijing, Seoul, Sydney, Singapore) and two are in the US (New York and Washington DC). Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Beijing, London & Seoul performed the best, with successful open data projects and major strides in smart technology-powered sustainability projects like utility management. Cities with very defined goals realised the greatest benefits: European cities ran highly impactful traffic management systems, whereas Beijing made progress using applied digital technologies - tackling air pollution, optimising its utilities and promoting its sharing economy. The Atlantic nation cities led in open data innovation with a boom in travel and mobility apps. Sustainability was the biggest impact area highlighted by the White Paper, with leading smart cities realising major gains in air quality through smart utility management. Sustainability brought the highest overall scores, with Copenhagen, Seoul and Toronto scoring highest for their use of digital technology to support urban sustainability. Copenhagen and Singapore were the most connected cities, followed by Zurich, Beijing and Sydney. Singapore’s strategy for developing digital connectivity is built on the premise that AI, 5G and cyber security will drive the country’s growth and innovation post-covid. Smart cities are anticipated to drive economic growth: 5G alone will enable an estimated US$660 billion global mobility and transportation market by 2035. Unaffordable, unreliable or inaccessible internet services impact other city level goals. Half-a-million households reportedly lack a reliable internet connection in New York City, for instance, disadvantaging low-income children for remote learning. By contrast, Washington DC has offered low-cost or free services and devices to families unable to afford a broadband subscription and Paris has the most affordable mobile data of all the cities analysed. Ritu Bhandari, manager, policy and insights at Economist Impact, noted: “Smart cities will be safer, cleaner and more inclusive urban landscapes, where citizens enjoy better public health and services, more efficient transport and major economic improvements to be shared as public goods. The index highlights how outlier cities are leveraging technology to improve quality of life for millions of citizens around the world. While we see strong leadership from cities in Western Europe, the table is led by major cities from a wide geographical spread. The most significant improvements were delivered against tightly defined goals – a critical success factor for urban digital transformation.” Since the pandemic, digital technologies have enabled real progress in public health. In Asia, apps were central to managing covid-19, while telemedicine and real time remote monitoring of chronic patients has marked digitisation everywhere. In New York, for instance, a diabetes-prevention initiative for adults has reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals by 58%. Singapore, São Paulo and New Delhi ranked the highest for their delivery of digital municipal services. New Delhi ranks high in part because of the success of Aadhar, India’s ground-breaking national digital identity scheme. In Korea, Metaverse Seoul, announced in November 2021 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, will provide citizens with access to government services via the metaverse. The report’s authors note that involving citizens in the design of smart city schemes underpins meaningful inclusion, a critical success factor for smart city projects, along with delivery against tightly defined goals. Download the full index results, report and infographic on: economistimpact.com/digitalcities Digital Cities Index 2022 results: About Digital Cities Index 2022 The Digital Cities Index (DCI) 2022 is an inaugural ranking of 30 global cities across four thematic pillars: connectivity, services, culture and sustainability. Combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, and including a survey of 3,000 residents spread across all cities in the DCI, the results show how cities are performing in terms of both quantitative metrics like internet speed and qualitative factors such as the presence of strategies, policies and plans for technologies like 5G and AI. About Economist Impact Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage a globally influential audience. We believe that evidence-based insights can open debate, broaden perspectives and catalyse progress. The services offered by Economist Impact previously existed within The Economist Group as separate entities, including EIU Thought Leadership, EIU Public Policy, Economist Events and SignalNoise. Our track record spans 75 years across 205 countries. Along with creative storytelling, events expertise, design-thinking solutions and market-leading media products, we produce framework design, benchmarking, economic and social impact analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling, making Economist Impact's offering unique in the marketplace. Visit www.economistimpact.com for more information. About NEC NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com Contact Details Head of marketing, content solutions, Economist Impact Alice Tong alicetong@economist.com

June 22, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Bacula Systems Appoints Territory Manager To Increase Availability of Cyber-Resilient Data Protection Solution in Latin America and the Caribbean

Bacula Systems

Accelerating its leadership in highly secure backup and recovery for large enterprises and government agencies, Bacula Systems today announced that Carlos Rodriguez has become its Territory Manager for LatAm and the Carribeans. Rodriguez is based in Mexico and will be responsible for growing Bacula's already significant presence and business in LatAm. “Carlos’ presence will complement the impressive results already achieved by Bacula Systems in the region. Bacula Enterprise is attractive to businesses in LatAm because of its unique low cost licensing model, combined with its proven scalability and robustness in complex IT environments that are coming under increased threat and danger” said Aristide Caraccio, VP of Sales and Marketing at Bacula Systems. Bacula is already well established in LatAm. Its open source software enjoys a wide community following in the region as well as its commercially available version Bacula Enterprise. It is especially popular in the region’s Biotech, Healthcare, MSP, Government, Telecommunications, Retail, Education and Logistics verticals. Bacula Systems CEO Frank Barker commented, “We are pleased to welcome Carlos to our Sales Organization. Carlos is the right person to develop Bacula’s LatAm strategy as we move to a new phase of growth. Latin American organizations are deploying Bacula to take advantage of its especially highly secure data backup and recovery, and Carlos will work with both end-users and partners to bring these organizations the heightened level of protection they need today and into the future”. Bacula has enjoyed an active year with an increasing number of new customers and competitive wins, new software releases and technology announcements around ease of use, cyber security, hypervisor and container backup and restore technology. "I am thrilled to be joining Bacula Systems, a company with a long heritage of innovation and security that is stable and profitable” said Rodriguez. “I look forward to further developing this exciting market and delivering a solution that provides unified, highly secure, scalable backup and recovery, with ransomware detection for physical, virtual, container and hybrid cloud environments. I am proud to be helping LatAm and Carribean organizations in their move towards advanced ICT”. Bacula Systems customers include PRODAP, Ministério Público Da Paraíba, Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil, Região Tribunal Regional Do Trabalho, Rádio e Televisão Bandeirantes, Ministerio Público De La Defensa, Superintendencia de Pensiones, and many more. About Bacula Systems: Bacula Enterprise Edition is a highly scalable backup and recovery software for large organizations, data centers and MSPs. www.baculasystems.com Contact Details Rob Morrison rob.morrison@baculasystems.com +41 21 641 60 80 rob.morrison@baculasystems.com Company Website https://www.baculasystems.com/

June 22, 2022 07:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time

GetCash Makes Borrowing Fast and Easy

GetCash

Americans are no strangers to borrowing money. According to a recent report, 51.3% of Americans have taken out a personal loan. Moreover, they don't just take personal loans for medical bills and debt consolidation; the demand for mortgages and auto loans is also increasing. According to a survey from January 2021, the top reason why Americans took a personal loan was to consolidate their debt. Next, Americans also took loans to start a business or cover large medical expenses. In 2019, the average FICO score in the United States was 706, increasing from 686 in 2009. This statistic shows an awareness of good lending habits and America's love for loans. So, it's no surprise that the lending market is booming. There are more lenders than ever, including banks, online lending platforms, direct lenders, and peer-to-peer lenders. The increase in lending also brought about the birth of online lending platforms like GetCash.com. These platforms provide security and convenience that physical lending companies can't offer. For example, with GetCash, you can reach numerous lenders with just one form and get cash quickly, so you won't have to deal with numerous rejections, especially if you have a low credit score. GetCash.com started in 2020 with a mission to help borrowers and lenders connect quickly. GetCash is not a lender, but it's there to help you find vetted lenders who work with people with varying credit scores. With a single loan request form, you can access a network of lenders committed to helping borrowers get the cash they need. Everything is also done online — the approval process, review of loan terms, and signing documents. Why Choose GetCash? Apart from ease of use, GetCash has some major advantages when it comes to service quality. Speed The benefit we want to highlight with using GetCash is how fast you can get the cash you need. First, you can find lenders instantly after filling out the form. Upon approval of the loan, you can also get your money as soon as the next business day. However, that greatly depends on each lender’s terms and conditions. Convenience GetCash.com has changed the way we process loans. Gone are the days of having to personally go to banks or other lending companies and fill out numerous forms. Now, with GetCash.com, you simply fill out an online form, and the site will be in charge of forwarding your request to its lending partners. Security There are many threats present in today's cyberspace. Anyone would naturally be worried about their information's security when conducting online transactions. However, the team at GetCash.com takes privacy and safety seriously. That's why it uses 256-bit encryption to maintain your information's safety. Who Is Eligible for a Loan? The process of getting a loan via GetCash.com is relatively easy. You need the following requirements to qualify: Be at least 18 years old Have a social security number Have one valid and government-issued ID Have a bank account information in your name Have a legitimate income source (employment, allowance, social benefits, disability benefits, or other types of regular income) Some lenders may ask you to present residence ownership or proof of residence if you're self-employed. It's worth noting that you don't have to be a US resident to get a loan. What the Process of Getting a Loan Is Like GetCash.com streamlined the process of acquiring a loan to make it easier for borrowers to get the money they need. Moreover, you can get a loan for as little as $100 and as much as $5,000. Of course, it still depends on what lender program you qualify for and what your credit score is. The simple process of getting a loan includes: 1. Fill out the online loan request form with about 30 personal questions. 2. Get routed to a lender's page, where you can review the terms and conditions of the offer. 3. Click "Accept” if the loan terms are agreeable to you. If they’re not, you may start from step 1 again. We should note that GetCash is free for borrowers. With consumer satisfaction in mind, GetCash never obliges you to accept a lender's loan offer if you're not fully satisfied with the terms and conditions. Loan Repayment You may repay your loan manually or use ACH transfers that automatically debit the payments from your bank account. The latter option is preferred because it lessens the likelihood of late fees when you forget to repay the loan. Loan Consolidation Loan consolidation allows borrowers to consolidate small loans with high interest into bigger loans with lower interest. This is especially useful if you need another loan while repaying a current one and have your credit history improved. Due to loan consolidation, you can obtain easier control of your regular payments and reduce costs. Loan Extensions This offer's availability depends on state laws, so make sure to ask about the policies around this before you accept a loan offer. Types of Loans Provided by GetCash At GetCash.com, there is a loan available for almost any financial need: medical emergency loans, wedding loans, and emergency eviction loans, among others. Now, look at the types of loans you can get via GetCash.com. GetCash.com offers different types of loans to create flexible solutions Collateral Loans A collateral loan is a type of loan in which the borrower agrees to use an asset as collateral for the loan. This loan type is helpful for borrowers who may not qualify for a traditional loan. The downside is that the lender can take hold of the collateral and sell it to recoup their losses if you can't make the payments. GetCash provides collateral loans, too — auto or car title loans are there for you to avail of. Non-Collateral or Unsecured Loans Also called "personal loans," this type doesn't require collateral. Funds are usually accessed faster, and borrowers with a high credit score can typically get better rates and greater sums. On the contrary, those with bad credit scores may have low borrowing limits. Unsecured or personal loans are divided into three types: Payday Loans This unsecured loan is short-term, typically paid in two weeks. Approval may be fast, and even those with bad credit scores are accepted. With this loan, you may borrow anything from $100 to $1,000. Installment Loans Getting an installment loan won't be that hard as well. With this loan type, you can borrow anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, and the interest rates aren't as high as those with payday loans, so it's perfect for people with good credit scores. Conclusion If you're like a lot of people, you probably have a few things in your life that you could use some extra cash for. Whether it's an emergency, a big-ticket item you've been wanting, or just some extra spending money, GetCash can help you get the cash you need fast. Even if you have bad credit, GetCash can help you quickly and easily get the cash you need. The best part is finding a lender in just minutes and getting the money you need as soon as the next business day! So, why wait? Get started today at GetCash.com! Author's bio: John is a financial analyst but also a man of different interests. He enjoys writing about money and giving financial tips, but he can also dive into relationships, sports, gaming, and other topics. Lives in New York with his wife and a cat. Contact Details John Brown manager@getcash.com Company Website https://getcash.com/

June 21, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

ENEOS Oil returns to 100th Pikes Peak Race with Tesla Model 3

ENEOS

The 100th running of the 2022 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 26 will mark the fourth year ENEOS has supported the race efforts of Evasive Motorsports and driver Daijiro Yoshihara. ENEOS is Japan’s largest oil company and supplier of motor oil and transmission fluids to the majority of Asian vehicle manufacturers. Through its relationship with the car makers, it introduced an EV Fluid Series last year, which is designed to optimize the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles. And while it might appear unusual for an oil company established in 1888 to compete in the “Race to the Clouds” with a Tesla, it reflects the transition the company is making as transportation evolves. TESLA MODEL 3 In 2019 and 2020, Evasive Motorsports entered an ENEOS-supported 900-horsepower turbocharged Toyota 86 in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), which won the Unlimited Class at the second time of asking. However, the team made a radical shift in 2021, abandoning its proven race winner for a Tesla Model 3 Performance. Mike Chang at Evasive Motorsports in Cerritos, CA could see the market changing and knew it was time to embrace the future. But for a racing team and vehicle preparation specialist like Evasive, the Tesla Model 3 presented a number of challenges. In the past, a modified Toyota 2JZ turbo engine allowed them to compensate for the reduced air pressure on the climb to the 14,115ft finish line at the Pikes Peak hill climb. Unable to modify the electric motors in the Turn 14 Distribution / Yokohama Tire / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak race car, the team needed to make other changes to prepare for the 12.42-mile sprint, which climbs 4724 feet. With the “Race to the Clouds” incorporating 156 turns, emphasis was placed on the chassis to maintain speed through the corners. New for 2022 are Yokohama slick racing tires. Fitted to prototype 18” Titan wheels, they have EVS discs on the rear to aid cooling for the Brembo Pista brakes. The suspension utilizes advanced KW coilover dampers that allow significant adjustment in compression, rebound and ride height to ensure the tires remain in contact with the road. Sourcing parts for the car was a challenge as very few people have attempted to race the Model 3, yet Evasive was able to find or fabricate new suspension arms, spherical links and joints as well as a new front sway bar. Full details are in the specifications below. Another important aspect was air management, both in terms of aerodynamic downforce and battery cooling. Among the most notable additions are the wider, carbon fiber Artisan Spirits fenders, which accommodate the slick tires and allow a wider track for stability. The Voltex rear wing on the tailgate is also tough to miss; increasing downforce over the rear wheels and working in harmony with the Evasive carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser. To improve cooling, airflow and mass, Evasive created a carbon fiber front bumper and vented hood under its EVS Tuning brand to help ensure the motors and batteries don’t overheat. EVS carbon fiber doors, roof, tailgate and rear window were added to further reduce weight, giving the batteries less to haul up the hill. In addition to the vented hood and large duct in the front bumper, cooling has been addressed with rear inlet ducts, a CSF radiator and oil cooler, a NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) sprayer that’s triggered when a preset temperature is reached. For 2022, an EVS Tuning Dual Chiller has been added to keep everything running at the optimum level. The original Tesla electric motors remain in place and Evasive added a Quaife ATB rear differential to help power distribution when Yoshihara exits the 156 turns. “Our first attempt at Pikes Peak with the Tesla in 2021 ended prematurely with a technical problem we were unable to trigger in testing,” Mike Chang from Evasive Motorsports explained. “It’s very difficult to replicate the conditions and load on the vehicle during testing, especially with a new car that presented us with a steep learning curve. However, we’ve worked continuously to address all the areas we can improve and have got a much better understanding of the Tesla Model 3’s strengths and weaknesses. We’re confident the car will be a genuine contender in this year’s Exhibition Class.” In the absence of a dedicated competition class for electric vehicles at PPIHC, the Tesla and other EVs currently compete together in the Exhibition Class. ENEOS EV TECHNOLOGY For its part, the engineers and chemists at ENEOS see the 2022 PPIHC as an opportunity to prove and promote its new EV Fluid Series. The line of dedicated EV fluids has been developed by the same experts who work alongside the majority of leading car makers in Japan and Asia. Currently, ENEOS personnel are working directly with the vehicle manufacturers to create the latest lubricants, continuously improving vehicle efficiency through reduced friction, lower emissions, improved fuel consumption and greater durability. And as the future of automotive development looks towards electric vehicles, ENEOS tasked its development teams to look at alternative fuel vehicle concepts, particularly in terms of lubrication and cooling. The new ENEOS EV Fluid Series is designed specifically to help the world’s EV manufacturers improve vehicle efficiency. It will also be offered in the future to help improve efficiency during routine maintenance, offering a superior alternative to current lubrication and cooling products. The Turn 14 Distribution / Yokohama Tire / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak race car is a partner in the development of the new ENEOS EV Fluid Series. Its performance during testing and at the race itself will be closely monitored. Driven under the harshest conditions, the race car will allow the engineers to measure the improvements in terms of lower friction and improved cooling, leading to greater performance and durability on the arduous PPIHC. “We’re excited to return to Pikes Peak with the Tesla Model 3,” said Keisuke Yokochi Yokochi, Chief Marketing Officer for ENEOS USA. “We’re confident Evasive Motorsports has built an incredible race car and know Dai is among the top drivers in the world. Lubricated and cooled by our advanced EV Fluid Series, we’re sure the team has its best chance of winning its class and setting a new record for electric vehicles this year!” DAI YOSHIHARA Having a well prepared, competitive car with the best lubricants and cooling fluids is essential for success, but perhaps the most important element in the ENEOS assault on the 2022 PPIHC is the driver. And for the fourth year in succession, the man behind the wheel is Daijiro Yoshihara; one of the most skilled and adaptable pilots in the world. Although he retired from the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship last year, the 2011 FD Champion was universally recognized as one of the most talented drivers in the series. He’s also a 2020 PPIHC class winner, Time Attack Champion, accomplished GT racer, driver instructor and much more. After Dai has succeeded in every discipline he’s encountered, the Japanese driver will be venturing onto dirt to discover whether he can adapt to truck racing over the next 12 months. And ENEOS will be on his race suit and at his side as we continue to support him for a sixth year of competition. The relationship between ENEOS and Dai goes back a long way. In fact, the Japanese teenager worked at an ENEOS gas station as he started to explore his automotive passion. So, it was only natural we’d come together to continue the journey. The partnership between ENEOS and Dai will look very different in 2022. Rather than focusing on Formula DRIFT, the year’s activities are headlined by the “Race to the Clouds” at the wheel of the Turn 14 Distribution / Yokohama Tire / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak. But that’s just the start. ENEOS will also support Dai and Turn 14 Distribution in its Drift Ride Along program, which will allow fans to sit beside Dai as he demonstrates the savage art of drift in his 1000hp Subaru BRZ, which has been refreshed and rebuilt after its punishing competition career. Dai and the BRZ will be appearing at a number of major events throughout the year, and fans who follow ENEOS social media can enter to win a “Ride with Dai.” Additionally, Dai will be making personal appearances in the ENEOS booth at various enthusiast events around the country. The program has already begun and fans should follow ENEOS social media for updates. If you can’t attend in person, don’t worry because Dai is working on a number of exclusive ENEOS videos, which will show fans behind the scenes and keep up with his latest activities. If that’s not enough, ENEOS and Dai are also working together on a SEMA project car, which will be a big departure from some of the incredible machines he’s built to date. “I’m extremely grateful to have the continued support of ENEOS,” Dai told us. “Having worked from the company in Japan, they definitely feel like family at this point. And I’m especially grateful that they wanted to embark on this adventure as I explore new horizons beyond Formula DRIFT. It’s definitely going to be an exciting year and I can’t wait to share it with everybody!” TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Turn 14 Distribution / Yokohama Tire / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak Motor / Battery Cooling: CSF Radiators radiator / oil cooler, NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) sprayer, custom hood vent and rear inlet ducts, EVS Tuning Dual Chiller Suspension / Chassis: KW Competition 3 Way coilover suspension, SPL Suspension spherical links, Evasive Motorsports spherical joints and custom front sway bar, MPP front upper A-arms and rear lower arms, Quaife ATB rear differential in modified frame, air jack lift system Wheels / Tires / Brakes: Prototype 18x11” Titan 7 T-P5 forged wheels with Evasive Motorsports rear aero covers, 280/680-18 Yokohama slicks, Brembo Pista racing front brake kit, custom Brembo GTS rear brakes, CSG brake pads, Evasive Motorsports electronic E-brake system Exterior: Artisan Spirits widebody fenders plus carbon fiber aero kit, Evasive Motorsports custom honeycomb carbon splitter and rear diffuser, EVS Tuning front bumper, carbon fiber vented hood and headlight covers, Voltex dry carbon Type 13 1800mm GT rear wing, Evasive Motorsports carbon fiber doors, roof, rear windshield, trunk lid and front air duct, Lexan windows Interior / Safety: Evasive Motorsports FIA-spec rollcage, Evasive Motorsports carbon fiber dashboard, Motec C127 Datalogger/dash display, Sparco carbon/Kevlar QRT-K racing bucket seat, six-point harnesses and steering wheel EDITOR’S NOTE Additional images of the Turn 14 Distribution / Yokohama Tire / ENEOS / Evasive Motorsports Tesla Model 3 Pikes Peak for editorial use are available here: dropbox.com/sh/o8oulhpjwu4q1mn/AADoqpaWNM0xk0ff0hGH6Dgfa?dl=0 You can view or share the Dai Yoshihara: Generations video here: youtu.be/NCJSdk36Bgc ABOUT EVASIVE MOTORSPORTS Established in 2002 and based in Southern California, Evasive Motorsports has been dedicated to the best quality performance parts at very competitive prices. With years of experience in the aftermarket automotive industry, our staff is knowledgeable about the products we sell. We also aim to provide the best customer service possible. Evasive focuses on vehicle balance, not solely on horsepower, as reflected by the wide variety of brands and specific areas of functionality offered on the website. Evasive Motorsports also offers race preparation, wheel alignment, corner balancing, suspension installation and tuning, and general maintenance. The company has track-tested an extensive range of parts, so don’t hesitate to call if you’re looking for recommendations. For more information visit evasivemotorsports.com ABOUT ENEOS Established in 1888 and headquartered in Tokyo, ENEOS is Japan’s largest oil company, with manufacturing and sales facilities throughout the world. With a unique position in its home market, ENEOS has worked with Asia’s automakers and leading race teams for decades, creating advanced lubricants with their vehicle engineers to provide optimum fuel economy with maximum power and long-term protection. ENEOS also recently announced a new line of products for future electric vehicle applications, helping to ensure the newest EV technology is operating as efficiently as possible. For more information, please visit eneos.us Contact Details Satomi Yamashita media@eneos.us Greg Emmerson greg@theidagency.com Company Website https://www.eneos.us

June 21, 2022 06:15 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Image

DistroTV Adds 120 New Channels, Citing Impressive Channel Growth of 87% YoY, and Launches New Regional Channel Bundles to Continue Global Content Expansion as FAST Market Heats Up

DistroTV

DistroTV, the nation’s largest, independent, free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platform, today announced it has added 120 new channels to expand its core content categories, across news, media & entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. This in addition to growing its multicultural content line-up, to include new channel offerings to cater to English, Southeast Asian / Indian, and Spanish-speaking audiences, as well as a new bundle of channel content targeting the African community. This brings the DistroTV total channel library to more than 270, with DistroTV now available in more than 60 markets through its apps on streaming devices and smart TVs, as well as worldwide through distro.tv on the web. The company continues its rapid global expansion, empowering media companies to break down content barriers and bring diverse and independent content to our global viewers, wherever they may be watching, amidst an evolving free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) market. Through DistroTV’s easy-to-use interface, viewers can instantly watch their favorite channels and shows, with no registration, sign-up, or fees required. “The FAST market is on an incredible and steep upward growth trajectory, with even paid streaming platforms now understanding that if they do not embrace and ride this wave, they’ll get left behind,” said Navdeep Saini, co-founder and CEO of DistroScale, parent company of DistroTV. “At DistroTV, we’ve long been on a mission to break down barriers to entry and provide free TV for global audiences who want and deserve access to free, engaging programming across a range of cultures and languages. If our growth figures are any indication, we’re well on our way to accomplishing our goals, and we have no plans of slowing down.” Key highlights include: An impressive wave of new channels available to stream for free that appeal to DistroTV’s core US, UK, and Canadian audiences which includes a total of: 45 sports channels, doubling the initial channel count to include the most diverse collection of live & linear mainstream sports, combat sports, niche sports and outdoors channels, like beIN SPORTS Xtra, Swerve Sports, IMPACT Wrestling Channel, FightNetwork, ACL Cornhole, MotoAmerica TV and FuelTV. 13 documentary channels, with notable new additions including Goalcast, Beautiful Planet, and True History. Notable new additions to the entertainment & lifestyle category, including AXS TV Now, Heritage+, Planet Eat, and the return of Canadian foodie favorite, GustoTV. A total of 21 Spanish-language channels available in North America, such as Casa Comedy and Spanglish to the existing bundle of entertainment, documentaries, news and sports channels launched earlier this year, for a total of 25 Spanish-speaking channels globally. DistroTV Español is aimed at speakers in the U.S., as well as in Latin America and included the platform’s premiere of its first original movie, Escándalo Secreto: En Plena Cuarentena, which has seen impressive adoption across all LatAm audiences, both in the US and Latin American markets. The expansion of free-to-stream Indian channel content through DistroTV Desi; the bundle doubled since launch from 15 channels to 36 live streaming channels, featuring new additions such as ABP, Bollywood Prime, Epic, FOODFOOD by renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Desi TV, and more. The addition of these channel bundles will bring even more viewing access and content options to a multicultural Spanish speaking and South East Asian audience; The release of a new African channel bundle, DistroTV Africa, featuring 11 entertainment and music-oriented channels available to stream for free globally and available in countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania, and in those countries’ native languages; Since its launch in 2019, DistroTV has taken note and delivered on the demand for growth concerning its breadth of content and global audience. The streaming platform continues to focus on building a robust global network that delivers news, entertainment, music, sports, and lifestyle programming to international audiences. To become a part of this international audience, visit https://www.distro.tv or install DistroTV on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS or Android. About DistroTV DistroTV is the largest, independent, free, ad-supported streaming television service on the market. Launched in 2019 by parent company DistroScale, the platform caters to a multicultural, rapidly expanding, globally-minded audience of passionate viewers. Satisfying the growing demand for premium video content in multiple languages, DistroTV delivers premium video content from producers globally across North America, the UK, Bollywood, Latin America, China, Southeast Asia, and growing. With more than 200 channels plus thousands of Video on Demand (VOD) shows, DistroTV cultivates content that covers a broad spectrum of topics to connect with people’s passion points around Entertainment, Lifestyle, Sports, News, Documentaries and International Content in live, linear and video-on-demand formats. DistroTV is available to stream for free on the web, as well as through Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and iOS and Android devices. About DistroScale DistroTV is the first direct-to-consumer offering from DistroScale, a technology company founded in 2013 and known for providing a global clientele of thousands of media properties with the industry’s most comprehensive video platform for web, apps, and streaming. DistroScale is an all-in-one solution providing infrastructure, content delivery, curation, analytics and a full suite of monetization options. Video enabled by DistroScale reaches more than 250 million visitors per month. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. To become a DistroTV viewer, visit www.distro.tv. More information on DistroScale & DistroTV is available at www.distroscale.com. Contact Details Mackenzie Gavel +1 631-739-5716 mackenzie@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.distro.tv

June 21, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

ChainUp inks strategic partnership with asset and wealth management firm Bedrock

ChainUp

ChainUp Group, a blockchain technology solutions provider, today announced a strategic partnership with Singapore-based asset and wealth management firm Bedrock Trust Pte Ltd (“Bedrock”). This marks a significant first step in the collaboration between both firms to strengthen their core competencies and provide clients with comprehensive digital asset management solutions. Through the partnership, both firms have developed a number of digital asset management strategies including the IPFS Infrastructure Fund, Stable Returns Fund, Enhanced Beta and Venture Capital Fund. Headquartered in Singapore, ChainUp offers a complete suite of blockchain solutions for businesses in both traditional and blockchain-related industries. Its range of products and services includes infrastructure development and the provision of essential resources and technical capabilities to facilitate blockchain adoption and integration into business operations. As a Licenced Fund Management Company (LFMC) regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Bedrock provides clients with investment solutions tailored to their long-term requirements. The company holds a Capital Market Services (CMS) licence for the regulated activity of Fund Management under the Securities and Futures Act (SFA) as well as the status of Exempt Financial Advisor under the Financial Advisers Act (FAA). Mr. Jeff Mei, Chief Marketing Officer of ChainUp Group said, “The applications of blockchain are wide-ranging. Our partnership with Bedrock signifies a step in the right direction towards our goal of making blockchain technology more accessible to businesses in different industries. With Bedrock’s expertise in traditional finance, we look forward to bringing clients better digital asset management solutions through our collaboration.” Ms. Choo Shu Hui, Founder & CEO of Bedrock said, “Bedrock’s heritage lies in managing high net-worth clients’ wealth and assets within a multi-family office platform. As we continue to innovate and provide clients with portfolio resilience and diversity, we are pleased to leverage ChainUp’s expertise in blockchain technology through this partnership to bridge the world of digital asset management and traditional finance.” ---End--- About ChainUp Group Founded in 2017, ChainUp is a leading end-to-end blockchain technology solutions provider covering infrastructure development and ecosystem support. Built on the mission to empower businesses through blockchain technology, ChainUp’s innovative and all-around compliant solutions include digital asset exchange systems, NFT trading systems, wallet solutions, liquidity solutions, and digital assets custody and management. Headquartered in Singapore and with offices around the world, the company has served more than 1,000 clients in 30 countries, reaching over 60 million end-users. For more information, please visit: www.chainup.com. Contact Details ChainUp Group Xue Zhen Yeo xuezhen.yeo@chainup.com

June 21, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The Connected Devices Making a Splash this Summer

News Media Group, Inc.

Contact Details News Media Group, Inc. Karl Wayne +1 334-440-6397 karl@newsmg.com Company Website https://newsmg.com/

June 21, 2022 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Terrasmart Supplies Solar Carport for Chicago’s Largest Rooftop Solar System

Gibraltar Industries

Terrasmart, the renewable energy arm of Gibraltar Industries (Nasdaq: ROCK), has supplied its racking system for Chicago’s largest commercial solar installation. The rooftop and carport solar installations combined yield 213-kilowatt dc of solar generating capacity for the Chicago Urban League, one of the country’s oldest urban advocacy organizations for the advancement of African Americans. The system represents the League’s commitment to bring clean, renewable energy to Chicago’s South Side community. Terrasmart supplied the fixed-tilt racking system for the two surface-lot canopies that make up the 162-KW solar carport. Fully customizable with several structural and geometric design options, the Terrasmart carport produces solar energy while providing shade for Chicago Urban League visitors. Renewable Energy Evolution LLC developed, designed and installed the system. “We are excited about what this means for environmental justice across our communities in Chicago,” says project lead Andrew Wells, vice president of the Workforce Development Center at the Chicago Urban League. “Our project is bringing greater awareness, inclusion, and access to the clean energy economy for the people of the South Side.” The solar system highlights the Chicago Urban League’s commitment to advancing the community’s access to renewable energy. In 2017, the League launched two training programs in solar installation and PV sales through its Workforce Development Center program with solar incentives from Illinois For All. Its annual cohort of 75 trainees has access to renewable energy job fairs, held in partnership with organizations such as the Illinois Solar Energy Association, the Solar Energy Industries Association, and the Coalition for Community Solar Access. “We are honored to have played a part in such a monumental project,” says Terrasmart President Ed McKiernan. “Not only is this the largest PV commercial installation in the city of Chicago, but it's an important milestone in providing more equitable access to the solar economy. Terrasmart is proud to have partnered with the Chicago Urban League and Renewable Energy Evolution.” “Terrasmart went above and beyond on this milestone project,” says Brian Maillet, founder and CEO of Renewable Energy Evolution. “Their help in engineering, design, permitting and implementation of the city’s largest solar carport system was critical to the success of the project.” Wells and his team are adding two electric vehicle charging stations to the current system. He is also planning a new community solar farm to serve renters who want to lower their electricity bills. For more information on how to support the Chicago Urban League’s solar training program or to hire its NABCEP-certified talent, contact Andrew Wells at AWells@chiul.org. About TerrasmartTerrasmart, the renewable energy portfolio of Gibraltar Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROCK), is a leading provider of solar racking technologies, electrical balance-of-system products, installation services, and project optimization software. Serving the commercial and utility sectors across North America, Terrasmart integrates products and solutions across the PV lifecycle to minimize risks and maximize returns. With over 19 GWs of solar deployed across 4600 PV systems, Terrasmart creates unique value for more profitable solar anywhere. For more please visit terrasmart.com. About Gibraltar Gibraltar is a leading manufacturer and provider of products and services for the renewable energy, residential, agtech, and infrastructure markets. Our purpose to make life better for people and the planet is fueled by advancing the disciplines of engineering, science, and technology. Gibraltar is innovating to shape critical markets in comfortable living, sustainable power, and productive growing throughout North America. For more please visit gibraltar1.com. Contact Details Terrasmart Ashleigh Kent akent@terrasmart.com Company Website https://www.terrasmart.com

June 21, 2022 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Volatus Aerospace Introduces AERIEPORT, an Autonomous Remote Drone Nesting Station

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (OTCQB: VLTTF) ("Volatus" or "the Company") proudly introduces its autonomous remote drone nesting solution AERIEPORT at the Annual Energy Drone & Robotics Summit in Houston, Texas. The AERIEPORT is an all-weather solution designed to operate remotely in extreme temperatures ranging from -67°F to +131°F. It features an onboard weather station, a 4 SIM, 5G, highspeed LTE connection with Satcom option, an integrated ground-based detect and avoid system, a mission planner and remote operations system. “The AERIEPORT is designed to facilitate remote missions from anywhere in the world at any time,” says Pedram Nowroozi, Chief Technology Officer of Volatus Aerospace. “It is a versatile, all-weather, remote system able to operate in any climate and completely off-grid if needed.” Rob Walker, Chief Operating Officer commented: “We’re super excited about the potential of the AERIEPORT for customers in agriculture, security, renewable energy, oil and gas, mining, and construction to name a few.” The AERIEPORT is designed to be drone agnostic. Volatus is currently seeking special approval from regulators to operate the AERIEPORT without the need for a visual observer. While there is no guarantee of such approval, the company has a high level of confidence. 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. Forward-Looking Statement 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 Contact Details Rob Walker +1 514-447-7986 rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

June 20, 2022 05:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video