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digiDirect Launches Marketplace Expanding Range of Innovation

Marketplacer

digiDirect, one of Australia’s leading retail destinations catering to the consumer electronics needs of content creators, has now launched the digiDirect Marketplace, called digiMarket. With a thriving community of over 500,000 customers and over 18 years commitment to delivering exemplary shopping experiences both online and in stores, digiDirect has been a leader in the industry, catering to a diverse consumer base, including photographers, videographers, podcasters, social media creators, gamers, filmmakers, students and businesses. The digiMarket Marketplace launch is the latest example of digiDirect leading with its technology-first focus, and dedication to sustaining a positive shopping experience, delivering greater choice in products for its online consumers. Integrating robust security features and offering diverse customer support options, the digiDirect Marketplace is powered by the Marketplacer platform, the Adobe Commerce/Marketplacer connector. This integration streamlines the incorporation of third-party seller inventory into the existing e-commerce platform, significantly reducing complexity and time-to-market for the addition of online marketplace functionality. "We are thrilled to join forces with digiDirect, embarking on a journey to elevate their business by offering an ever-expanding spectrum of products. Together, we aim to make digiDirect the go-to destination for electronic, tech, and digital shopping experiences,” commented Jason Wyatt, CEO of Marketplacer. Addressing the opportunity to enhance customer offerings, the digiDirect Marketplace adds depth across various categories, including Consumer Electronics, Home Appliances, Digital Wellness, Digital Baby and Kids Care, Pet Tech, Office Tech, and the company’s core focuses of Photo & Video, Computers & Mobile and Gaming & Streaming. With an enriched shopping experience featuring an additional 2,500 products, digiMarket seamlessly complements digiDirect's physical stores, creating a unified omnichannel experience for customers. General Manager of digiDirect, Haig Kayserian said: “The launch of our online Marketplace marks a milestone in digiDirect’s journey, enhancing depth across current categories by thousands of products while staying rooted in our consumer electronics focus.” “This expansion complements our greater online and bricks-and-mortar strategy across Australia, creating greater choices for our customers, with an experience that is carefully curated to always prioritise quality meeting convenience at every click,”Kayserian added. In anticipation of this launch, digiDirect appointed experienced retail and technology leader, Luke Goldsworthy as their digiMarket Division Manager. He and his team are in the process of onboarding dozens of sellers who have signed up to list their thousands of items on the digiDirect Marketplace. “We have been greatly encouraged by our burgeoning seller community, who recognise the opportunity of opening up their consumer-base through digiDirect’s loyal community, who purchase large average carts regularly on our website,” Goldsworthy said. “To maintain the absolute trust of our customers, we have been very selective in the sellers and products we have onboarded, to ensure our service levels are maintained and we continue to provide a range of products that fit our consumers’ broader expectations when shopping at digiDirect,” he added. The digiMarket Marketplace continues to set itself apart by offering an extensive range of categories, enabling targeted advertising, and ensuring a seamless omnichannel experience for its community. With the added AI integration into the digiDirect Marketplace, the user experience is further enhanced, providing their sellers with valuable insights. The benefits for digiDirect include, but not limited to: The ability to quickly and easily integrate third-party seller inventory into its existing e-commerce platform, Develop and showcase a curated shopping experience for its online visitors; Attract new customers and nurture existing ones with a newly expanded inventory of available products, and; Grow revenue more rapidly in a highly competitive and steadily expanding Australian market. As digiDirect solidifies its place as a pioneer, the Marketplace symbolises innovation, customer commitment, and community empowerment. Customers are invited to explore the new Marketplace, while sellers are encouraged to inquire about joining this groundbreaking platform. ABOUT digiDirect – where everything clicks. digiDirect is one of Australia's largest retailers of consumer electronics. Having started as a retailer specialising in cameras and imaging, digiDirect's seven brick-and-mortar stores across the country maintain that speciality with expert staff and the widest range of products. Their website, digidirect.com.au is one of the most popular online retail destinations in Australia, offering tens of thousands of products shipped to thousands of loyal customers from the company's state-of-the-art Sydney headquarters. Founded by Managing Director Shant Kradjian in 2005, digiDirect employs over 150 staff across multiple states and enjoys important relationships with multinational supplier partners, payment, loyalty rewards, logistics and other service providers. ABOUT Marketplacer: Marketplacer is a global technology Software as a Service (SaaS) platform equipped with all the tools and functionality needed to build successful and scalable online marketplaces, at speed. To date, Marketplacer has helped build and deploy over 100 Marketplaces connecting over 13,000 businesses worldwide. The Marketplacer platform exists to make growth simple, from implementing marketplace strategies such as shipment from drop-ship sellers, adding new categories or third-party range extension, through to consolidating markets and rolling out modern revenue models such as recurring memberships that allow businesses to grow faster and beyond the constraints of capital inventory. For more information, visit www.marketplacer..com. Note: This press release is accurate as of the date of issuance and is subject to change without notice. For media inquiries, please contact: Luke Goldsworthy Head of Marketplace digiDirect luke.g@digidirect.com.au Livia de Beaurepaire Marketing Manager Marketplacer livia.beaurepaire@marketplacer.com About Marketplacer Marketplacer is a global technology Software as a Service (SaaS) platform equipped with all the tools and functionality needed to build successful and scalable online marketplaces, at speed. To date, Marketplacer has helped build and deploy over 100 Marketplaces connecting over 13,000 businesses worldwide. The Marketplacer platform exists to make growth simple, from implementing marketplace strategies such as shipment from drop-ship sellers, adding new categories or third-party range extension, through to consolidating markets and rolling out modern revenue models such as recurring memberships that allow businesses to grow faster and beyond the constraints of capital inventory. Born and bred from the award-winning BikeExchange, the biggest online marketplace for anything and everything bike, founders Jason Wyatt and Sam Salter saw the opportunity to license the online software platform and apply it to new marketplaces. Marketplacer is responsible for the creation of online eCommerce solutions and business transformations of companies around the world. Visit www.marketplacer.com for more information. Contact Details Marketplacer Livia de Beaurepaire +61 423 948 002 livia.beaurepaire@marketplacer.com Company Website https://www.marketplacer.com/

February 04, 2024 10:43 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Luxurify Unveils Mesmerizing Valentine's Day Collection: A Symphony of Love and Elegance

Spark Metro

Luxurify, the renowned name synonymous with opulence and sophistication, is proud to announce the launch of its enchanting Valentine's Day Collection —a spellbinding symphony of love and elegance designed to captivate hearts and celebrate the spirit of romance. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality, Luxurify's Valentine's Day Collection showcases an exquisite array of jewelry pieces embodying love's timeless essence. From dazzling diamond-studded necklaces to intricately designed heart-shaped pendants, each piece reflects the brand's dedication to creating treasures that go beyond mere accessories—they are symbols of enduring affection and refined taste. Key highlights of Luxurify's Valentine's Day Collection include: Elegance Redefined: Luxurify has reimagined classic designs with a contemporary twist, infusing every piece with a touch of modern elegance while maintaining the timeless allure of traditional craftsmanship. Symbolic Heart Designs: The collection features an array of heart-shaped jewelry, symbolizing love and passion. Each heart-shaped piece is meticulously crafted to perfection, capturing the essence of romantic sentiments. Dazzling Diamonds: Luxurify's commitment to excellence is evident in the use of high-quality diamonds, carefully selected and expertly set to enhance the brilliance of each piece in the collection. Versatile Pieces for Every Style: Whether it's a romantic dinner, a casual outing, or a grand celebration, Luxurify's Valentine's Day Collection offers versatile pieces that complement various styles, ensuring there's a perfect match for every personality. "As we approach the season of love, Luxurify is thrilled to present our mesmerizing Valentine's Day Collection—a tribute to the timeless beauty of love and elegance. Each piece is crafted with passion and precision. Luxurify invites lovers of luxury and romance to explore the Valentine's Day Collection, available for a limited time at Luxurify.in and select retailers nationwide. Luxurify is a leading name in luxury jewelry, synonymous with timeless elegance, impeccable craftsmanship, and unparalleled quality. With a commitment to creating pieces that transcend trends and celebrate the artistry of jewelry-making, Luxurify continues to be the preferred choice for those who seek the epitome of sophistication. Contact Details Glamour Aura Alex Apexreviews154@gmail.com Company Website https://luxurify.in/

February 03, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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The Best AI Girl Generator Apps You Must Try 2024

Summit Ventures BV

In today's technologically driven world, AI girl generator apps have gained immense popularity for their ability to create virtual AI companions. With a plethora of options available, we've curated a list of top-notch AI girl generator tools that you should explore in 2024. These applications offer innovative AI girl generation capabilities, providing unique and engaging experiences. Table of Featured AI Girl Generators 1. Introduction to AI Generated Girls 2. Featured AI Girl Generator Tools 2.1 GPTGirlfriend.online 2.2 GlamGirls.ai 2.3 ChaiApp.pro 2.4 AI-Girlfriend.co 2.5 AI-Companion.co 3. Frequently Asked Questions 4. Conclusion Top Five AI Girl Generator Apps The world of AI girl generators has seen significant growth, offering a variety of engaging options. While each application brings its unique features to the table, GPTGirlfriend.online stands out with its exceptionally engaging interactions and a wide range of capabilities. Girlfriend GPT: Your Gateway to AI Generated Girls Girlfriend GPT is an innovative AI-powered tool that brings your favorite AI girl characters to life, offering interactive experiences. This platform provides a wide array of activities, enabling you to create a virtual space for engaging conversations with your AI girl companion. Moreover, GPTGirlfriend.online offers unrestricted content for a diverse experience. Key Features: Empowers you to create your personalized AI girl companion. Allows unrestricted interactions and conversations. Offers affordable premium and deluxe subscription plans. Resumes conversations with long-term memory. Glam Girls AI: Generate your AI Girl in Seconds Glam Girls is renowned for having the best AI generated girls in the space. This platform is designed for those interested in crafting glamorous AI characters. Whether you're looking for AI girls with a sense of style or unique personalities, GlamGirls.ai has you covered. Key Features: Multiple scenarios for AI girl generation. Customizable interface to align with your preferences. Accommodates various interests and preferences in AI girl characters. Chai App: Create AI Girls for NSFW AI Images Chai App offers an intuitive platform for generating AI girls and companions, particularly suited for NSFW AI image generation. This application excels in providing realistic AI chatbot interactions and customization options for your AI girl companions. Key Features: Intuitive navigation for an immersive experience. Realistic chatbot interactions. Allows customization of AI girl companions. Features advanced capabilities for generating AI girls. AI Girlfriend: Personalized AI Girlfriends for Engaging Conversations AI-Girlfriend.co is the perfect choice for those seeking personalized AI girlfriends. This platform allows you to tailor your AI girlfriend according to your preferences. AI-Girlfriend.co creates engaging and realistic interactions with your ideal AI girlfriend character. Key Features: Provides realistic AI companion interactions with varied emotions and backgrounds. Abundance of features available for diverse AI girlfriend interactions. Offers budget-friendly pricing for personalized AI girlfriends. AI Companion: Engage with AI waifus and husbands AI-Companion.co is known for its wide range of character options in the AI girl generator domain. This versatile platform accommodates various conversations and interactions with AI chatbots, offering personalized experiences. Key Features: Support for multiple languages, enhancing accessibility. Personalization options to tailor the chatbot according to individual preferences. Broad spectrum of interests and character types for diverse user needs. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is an AI girl generator? A: An AI girl generator is a software application that uses artificial intelligence to create virtual AI girl characters for various purposes, such as entertainment, interaction, or chatbot companionship. Q: How do AI girl generators work? A: AI girl generators work by utilizing advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to generate AI girl characters with customizable traits, personalities, and conversation capabilities. Q: Can a AI girl generator be used for NSFW content? A: Some AI generated girls are designed to cater to NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content, offering options for more mature and adult-themed interactions. However, not all AI girl generator apps support explicit content. Q: Can I customize AI girl characters generated by these tools? A: Yes, most AI girl generator apps allow users to customize AI girl characters by selecting specific traits, appearances, and personalities to create personalized virtual companions. Q: Are there age restrictions for using AI girl generators? A: Yes, to use AI girl generators, users typically need to be at least 18 years old, as these tools may generate content that is intended for adults. Conclusion In the realm of technology, AI generated girls offer a gateway to interactive virtual companionship. These tools have transformed how we connect with AI characters, providing endless entertainment and personal interactions. Whether you seek customizable AI girls, engaging AI girlfriends, or glamorous AI characters, these apps cater to diverse preferences. They bridge the virtual and real worlds, offering a glimpse into the potential of AI companions. This guide has highlighted top AI girl generator apps in 2024, each with unique features. Some may include NSFW content, so choose accordingly. AI girlfriend apps pioneer technological innovation, enabling users to create, personalize, and interact with AI characters. Explore these apps for a distinctive experience in the world of AI companionship. Unlock the potential of AI girl generators today. GPTGirlfriend.online is the most advanced AI companion subscription service with a community of more than 1,000,000 Monthly Active Users. With more than 25,000 characters, it has transformed how people interact with and experience AI. Please refer to our detailed Terms of Use and Community Guidelines for comprehensive information on usage, safety, and ethical considerations on GPTGirlfriend.online Contact Details GPTGirlfriend Business hello@enias.io Company Website https://www.gptgirlfriend.online

February 01, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Notable Live Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Emmitt Smith MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and Super Bowl Victory with Exclusive Memorabilia

Notable Live

Notable Live, a digital platform that fosters exceptional fan experiences is today announcing an exclusive auction on eBay to celebrate the 30 th Anniversary of a unique moment in Emmitt Smith‘s career when during the 1993-1994 season, Emmitt Smith won the League MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and his team, Dallas, won the Super Bowl. To celebrate this milestone, which only a few NFL players have accomplished, Notable Live will be celebrating Smith’s career accomplishments by offering one-of-a-kind items from his career as part of an exclusive retrospective auction on eBay, starting February 2. These auction items will celebrate 22 key moments from Smith’s life and career from high school to his accomplishments on Dancing with the Stars. This celebratory auction event will offer unique items, including: A football helmet he wore at Escambia High School The last jersey he wore in college at the University of Florida The uniform from his eighth and final Pro Bowl A touchdown football carried by Smith in Super Bowl XXVIII when he was awarded MVP honors A touchdown football from Super Bowl XXX Various awards earned by Smith throughout his career Fans can shop this rare and coveted inventory in the Notable Live on eBay Store ( https://www.ebay.com/str/notablelive ) to bid on and own a piece of football history. “We are excited to celebrate Emmitt’s career milestones by offering one-of-a-kind items to fans, exclusively on eBay,” said Mike Antonucci, co-founder and CEO of Notable Live. “We are thrilled to mark these moments in football history with these incredibly unique items available directly from Emmitt so fans can have a piece of authentic history to call their own.” “I am proud of my accomplishments both as a football player and in my career as a businessman,” said Smith. “I am excited to share my personal collection with my fans through this exclusive event with eBay. Each item is authenticated by PROVA so fans know these items are 100% legit and directly from my personal collection.” About Notable Live Notable Live was co-founded in 2018 by fan Mike Antonucci and NFL Hall of Fame player Emmitt Smith to create a unique platform providing fans with unparalleled access to their favorite notables via virtual interactive events, in-person experiences, and curated e-commerce offerings. Notable Live has a mobile app available on the App Store and Google Play that puts fans “in the room” with their favorite notables for memorable virtual experiences. Connect with Notable Live at www.notable.live or on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Contact Details Notable Live Alan Bloodgood +1 301-704-8584 alan.bloodgood@notable.live Company Website https://www.notable.live/

February 01, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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University of Dayton Law School Leads the Way in Contract Excellence with the Adoption of the NCMA Contract Management Standard™

National Contract Management Association

The University of Dayton School of Law (UDSL) proudly announces its commitment to advancing education in Government Contracting & Procurement through the adoption of the National Contract Management Association's (NCMA) ANSI-approved Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™) and Contract Management Book of Knowledge ® (CMBOK ® ). The Master in the Study of Law (M.S.L.) in Government Contracting & Procurement program at UDSL is dedicated to providing students with the highest quality education and ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the ever-evolving profession of contract management. By incorporating the NCMA CMS™ and CMBOK ® into its program and course curricula, UDSL reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence and aligns with contract management best practices. Kraig Conrad, CEO of the National Contract Management Association, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We commend the University of Dayton School of Law for taking this progressive step for their program. This standard is a recognized benchmark in the profession, and its incorporation into UDSL's program reflects the university's dedication to providing students with a competitive edge in their careers." The NCMA CMS™ and CMBOK ® will serve as the foundation for UDSL's M.S.L. program, guiding the development of curriculum that addresses the dynamic and complex landscape of government contracting and procurement. This strategic adoption ensures that students receive comprehensive and up-to-date education and prepares them for success in the workforce. In response to the adoption, Sabra Tomb, UDSL’s Director of Training Programs and Strategic Business Development stated, "UDSL’s Government Contracting & Procurement Program is committed to delivering excellence in education and preparing our students to excel in their professional pursuits. The integration of the NCMA Contract Management Standard™ into our program is a testament to our dedication to providing a top-notch education that meets the needs of the industry and empowers our students for success." As UDSL continues to strengthen its position as a leader in legal education, this decision underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of profession advancements and provide students with a competitive advantage in the job market. The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) – www.ncmahq.org – stands as the premier contract management organization whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. The School of Law offers a fully online master's program in government contracting and procurement designed by seasoned industry and government experts. The program is designed for contract professionals; a law degree is not required. Courses are taught in real-time to encourage active learning and provide opportunities for live feedback and interaction between faculty and students. Each class meets once a week, scheduled for working professionals. Financial aid, military, and veteran benefits; and corporate and government tuition deferment, assistance and reimbursement options are available. For more visit: https://udayton.edu/law/. Contact Details National Contract Management Association Holly DeHesa +1 281-865-3296 holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org Company Website https://www.ncmahq.org

February 01, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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American Paper Plate Coalition Petitions for Relief from Unfairly Traded Imports from China, Thailand, and Vietnam

American Paper Plate Coalition

The American Paper Plate Coalition (“APPC”), representing the majority of American paper plate production, today petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) to investigate unfairly priced and subsidized paper plate imports from China, Thailand, and Vietnam. The antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) petitions detail unfair trade practices to sell paper plates at less than fair value and allege dumping margins up to 279%, as well as numerous subsidies. The petitions detail the injury suffered by the U.S. industry and its workers, and request relief in the form of special duties on all associated imports to offset unfair pricing and unfair subsidies. “Imports from these countries have used dumped prices and subsidies to continue to grow in the U.S. market at the expense of American producers and workers,” said Bill Biggins, President and Co-owner of APPC member Aspen Products, Inc. “Over the past three years, unfairly priced and subsidized imports have harmed American producers and taken jobs away from hard-working Americans.” The cases filed today cover all types of plates produced from any type of paper, regardless of color, decoration, shape and size. “American producers can compete with anyone in the world, as long as we’re all playing by the same rules,” said Robert Epstein, President and CEO of APPC member AJM Packaging Corporation. “Fortunately, our country’s trade laws are set up to support fair trade. On behalf of our employees, customers, and colleagues, we look forward to seeing those laws enforced and those who violate our laws held accountable.” The next steps in these investigations will be the initiation of Commerce antidumping and countervailing duty investigations by February 14, 2024, and a preliminary ITC determination by March 11, 2024. About the American Paper Plate Coalition The American Paper Plate Coalition, representing the leading U.S. producers of paper plates, is comprised of AJM Packaging Corporation of Bloomfield Hills, MI; Aspen Products, Inc. of Kansas City, MO; Dart Container Corporation of Mason, MI; Hoffmaster Group, Inc. of Oshkosh, WI; Huhtamaki, Inc., of De Soto, KS; and Unique Industries, Inc. of Philadelphia, PA. For more information, visit https://www.ajmpack.com/, https://www.aspenpro.com/, https://www.dartcontainer.com/, https://www.hoffmaster.com/, https://www.huhtamaki.com/en-us/north-america/, and https://www.favors.com/ The American Paper Plate Coalition is represented by Adam H. Gordon of The Bristol Group PLLC, a Washington, DC international trade law firm committed to defending American industry, agriculture, and manufacturing jobs. Contact Details EAH Strategies Elizabeth Posthumus +1 202-445-9858 elizabeth@eahstrategiesllc.com

January 25, 2024 01:05 PM Eastern Standard Time

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The best generative AI solutions of 2024

AIport

January 25, 2024 — Ever since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in the fall of 2022, generative AI (GenAI) solutions have continued to disrupt industries with their surprising and never-before-seen features. Many of the generative AI solutions we hear about today are based on large language models (LLM), which allow them to successfully communicate with end users. Every such model has to be pre-trained on vast amounts of data and then fine-tuned using a variety of different methods. As we’re approaching the end of January, let’s look at the list of the most noteworthy of these models and explore the generative AI solutions they power. Compiled by the AIport newsletter team, this list is by no means exhaustive, but it is a review of what we believe are the LLM-based generative AI solutions and tools that are likely to make headlines this year. GPT (OpenAI and Microsoft) Expectedly, the first LLM on our list with some of the highest expectations this year is at the core of ChatGPT from OpenAI. GPT wasn’t the first LLM out there (there had been others like BERT ), but it was certainly the first one that resulted in a market-ready GenAI product. The original GPT model (Generative Pretrained Transformers) had 170 billion parameters, while the latest version, GPT-4, boasts over 1.75 trillion. The model’s applications are far and wide, being the basis not only for ChatGPT, but also Microsoft’s Bing Chat, which is now part of the Copilot infrastructure. While ChatGPT remains arguably the most impressive text-producing GenAI tool, Bing Chat (unlike ChatGPT) has internet access, making it ideal for web browsing. In addition, the same core GPT model is being utilized by other entities — from Panasonic Connect in Japan, OCBC Bank’s ChatGPT in Singapore, and KPMG’s KaiChat in Germany to the UK government’s upcoming GOV.UK chat. Notably, GPT is also a vital part of OpenAI’s DALL-E suite — a solution that generates images based on descriptions from text. PaLM and Gemini (Google) The next one on our list is Google’s PaLM (Pathways Language Model). The model, boasting 540 billion parameters, was first successfully tested in the spring of 2022. A year later, PaLM 2 was announced and subsequently integrated into Bard — Google’s GenAI chatbot — becoming available to test users around the world. Bard is considered among the finest solutions for productivity, having internet access like Bing Chat, but being less about navigating the web and more about answering burning questions. Bard was seriously bolstered at the end of last year with Google’s highly anticipated launch of the multimodal LLM, Gemini, which had been trained on images and audio/video files, not just text. The jury is still out on how far this update will take Bard, but the expectations are very high indeed. LLaMA (Meta, Microsoft, and Hugging Face) LLaMA (Large Language Model Meta AI) from Meta was released in February last year. However, the 65-billion-parameter model was leaked online as a downloadable torrent only a week later. While the model did not lead to any ChatGPT-like products at Meta, another AI company — Hugging Face — picked it up and released Hugging Chat. Offering internet access, this GenAI solution has been praised as “the first open source alternative to ChatGPT” with a snarky sense of humor. Not to be outdone, Meta partnered with Microsoft to produce LLaMA 2 in July of last year. Following that, the company announced a beta release of Meta AI at the end of September — a GenAI chatbot, currently available in the US, that can “provide real-time information and generate photorealistic images” from text prompts. This solution is expected to reach Meta users across the rest of the globe later in the year. Claude (Anthropic) Our next LLM is made by Anthropic, and it’s named Claude. Founded in 2021, the company along with its language model may be a less familiar name to most non-geeks. But this is likely to change in 2024. That’s the case not only because the latest version of the namesake GenAI chatbot released last year can now process long PDF files of up to 75,000 words, taking moments to summarize entire books. But also because this has already caught the attention of both Google and Amazon who are keen to invest $2 and $4 billion respectively. While Claude doesn’t offer internet access, its processing power, namely input character memory, outpowers every competitor by a wide margin, including ChatGPT. And the company is said to be working on yet more handy features as we speak. HyperCLOVA X (Naver) HyperCLOVA X is both the LLM and the namesake GenAI chatbot released by the South Korean search engine giant, Naver, last August. Boasting over 200 billion parameters, the LLM is being used mainly for AI-assisted web browsing, much like Bing Chat. While HyperCLOVA X doesn’t speak English, the chatbot’s proficiency in Korean is impressive, having learned 6,500 more Korean words than ChatGPT. In addition to answering user queries, HyperCLOVA X has been designed to offer AI assistance to businesses across numerous sectors — from finance to gaming. Naver is also presently working to make HyperCLOVA X multimodal, following in the footsteps of Google’s Gemini, so another big international headline is likely on the way. Pangu (Huawei) Last spring, Huawei, one of the global tech leaders, unveiled Pangu — an LLM with 1.085 trillion parameters in over 40 natural and programming languages. This LLM now powers the Chinese company’s GenAI assistant called Celia, which resides within Huawei’s HarmonyOS 4 operating system. Supposedly, Celia has already outperformed both Siri and Google Assistant as a phone-based virtual assistant in terms of prompt execution accuracy, such as finding specific photos and documents stored on a device. And as more Huawei smartphones are being churned out, Celia is expected to reach more global users this year with further refinements to the Pangu model. In addition, Pangu is available through Huawei Cloud for commercial use. According to a statement from the company’s leadership, the newest Pangu 3.0 utilizes hierarchical architecture, allowing it to be quickly fine-tuned for a wide range of downstream applications (including Huawei’s autonomous vehicle solutions ), which we’ll surely see more of in 2024. MiLM-6B (Xiaomi) Next up is another Chinese company, Xiaomi — one of the largest phone manufacturers in the world. The company made an entry into the LLM race last summer with its MiLM-6B, a lightweight model created for mobile devices. Boasting 6.4 billion parameters, MiLM-6B has reportedly outperformed rivals in its category and achieved notable scores from evaluation platforms like C-Eval and CMMLU. Xiaomi’s leadership has been vocal for some time about integrating LLMs into its smartphones. It appears that the company’s virtual assistant, Xiao AI, has now finally become a fully fledged GenAI chatbot, generating over 11 words per second. By this metric, despite operating locally on the phone, Xiao AI has matched the performance of some LLMs running on cloud computing services. It’ll be interesting to see whether Xiao AI gets assimilated into the company’s other products, as the rumors suggest, including the recently announced Xiaomi SU7, an autonomous-enabled electric sedan. YandexGPT (Yandex) The final entry on our list is an LLM named YandexGPT from the Russian search engine Yandex. The namesake GenAI solution with 100 billion parameters was beta-released in May last year. The more recent release of YandexGPT2 has demonstrated a 65% improvement in response quality, with a 1.5-fold increase in training data. Interestingly, this GenAI solution was tested and scored enough points to enter a Russian university. YandexGPT was also integrated into Yandex’s flagship virtual assistant named Alice, as well as the company’s smart speakers. Furthermore, the LLM has allowed the company’s e-shoppers to view summarized customer reviews in one place. With YandexGPT at the core, the company now also offers visual GenAI solutions, YandexART and Shedevrum, that can generate images from text, much like Open AI’s DALL-E. Currently, the LLM is also being merged with Yandex Search to offer the end user something similar to Bing Chat and HyperCLOVA X. It’s likely that we’ll see a new announcement pertaining to this development later in the year. New kids on the block Apart from the above entries on our list, several brand new LLMs along with their GenAI solutions are expected to arrive any day from other big players. Among them are Samsung from South Korea, Tencent from China, as well as Amazon and Apple. In fact, Apple already has an internal AI chatbot for employees, but its much-talked-about AppleGPT based on the company’s LLM, Ajax, is said to be around the corner. Amazon began to offer a service for building AI chatbots called Lex a while ago, but more notably, the company recently announced its upcoming GenAI solution tailored for commercial use. Japan doesn’t intend to be left behind either — at least three major LLM initiatives are currently being played out. Among them is a joint project between Fujitsu, RIKEN, Tokyo Tech, and Tohoku University who are developing a series of LLMs using one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, Fugaku. In addition, both NTT and SoftBank are reportedly in the final stages of developing their “homegrown” LLMs. While much remains unclear and covered in mist (or is it gray goo 😉), one thing is certain — 2024 is going to be the most AI-intense year we have seen yet! If you enjoyed this listicle, visit AIport for more exclusive insights into the latest tech trends, with a focus on the global ML landscape. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Contact Details NettResults PR Nick Leighton +1 949-478-5880 nick.leighton@nettresultsllc.com Company Website https://aiport.substack.com/

January 25, 2024 09:53 AM Pacific Standard Time

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IMA Financial Group and Vouch Establish Strategic Partnership To Offer Specialized Insurance to Tech Enterprises at Every Growth Stage

IMA Financial

IMA Financial Group and Vouch, leaders in insurance for technology, life sciences and web3, have today announced the formation of a strategic alliance, merging IMA's brokerage expertise with Vouch's innovative coverage. The alliance disrupts the landscape for innovative tech companies underserved by legacy insurance products. Until now, Vouch has operated exclusively as a managing general agent (MGA), distinguished by its proprietary coverages and direct-to-startup distribution model. IMA is its first retail brokerage partner. To merge its expertise with Vouch’s proprietary insurance products, IMA launched IMA Next.Gen, a new program offering specialized insurance products crafted for venture-backed startups in technology, life sciences and web3. This program fills a crucial market gap, offering unique coverage enhancements and access to 10 exclusive Vouch coverages designed to meet these sectors' rapid innovation and growth needs. Through this partnership, IMA broadens its insurance solutions, providing comprehensive, tailored coverage for the specific challenges tech enterprises face. IMA clients gain exclusive access to Vouch's specialized tech industry products, with preferred pricing and custom coverage options combining standard and specialized insurance products. Mark Ware, EVP at IMA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "Partnering with Vouch enables us to enhance our insurance offerings significantly, ensuring our clients, from startups to IPO-ready companies, have access to the best possible solutions." Sam Hodges, Co-Founder & CEO of Vouch, also remarked on the synergy: "IMA's recognized technology practice and track record with innovation economy clients make them an ideal partner. This collaboration is focused on delivering purpose-built insurance products and experiences for tech businesses." The IMA-Vouch partnership represents a holistic approach to insurance management, catering to companies across their development spectrum. It provides startups with essential insurance products at competitive rates and evolves with them to offer a more comprehensive suite of services as companies grow. The IMA Next.Gen program allows clients to leverage Vouch's proprietary insurance and benefits, including exclusive coverage enhancements developed by IMA, as well as the Vouch technology platform. This digital brokerage tool streamlines the insurance process, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience for managing coverage. As clients grow, the program supports their expanding risk management needs, ensuring continuous, tailored insurance support. "We aim to provide founders with products and services uniquely designed for their specific risks," said Hodges. "Our partnership with IMA is a testament to our commitment to serving technology businesses at every stage of their growth." About IMA Financial Group IMA Financial Group is an independent broker defining the future of insurance through comprehensive and consultative risk and wealth management services. A majority employee-owned and managed company, its 2,300-plus associates in offices across the country are empowered by a shared mission to manage risk, protect assets and make a difference. Learn more at https://www.imacorp.com. About Vouch Vouch is a US-based provider of business insurance to thousands of high-growth companies that has raised $160 million from top-tier Silicon Valley institutions and investors, including Ribbit Capital, Redpoint Ventures, Y Combinator and Index Ventures. Since its inception in 2018, the company has empowered clients to get risk management right through niche expertise, a proprietary approach to pricing and underwriting, fast, digital-first procurement and coverages that scale as the company grows. More information on Vouch can be found at https://www.vouch.us. Vouch Insurance Services, LLC (NPN # 19039391) and Vouch Specialty Insurance Services, LLC (NPN # 19926463) are licensed in the states in which they conduct business. Detailed license information is available at https://www.vouch.us/licenses. Contact Details IMA Financial Group Ruth Rohs +1 303-615-7513 ruth.rohs@imacorp.com Vouch Cassidy Clawson +1 831-247-3750 cassidy.clawson@vouch.us Center Reach Communications Alexandra Campbell alexandra@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://imacorp.com/

January 25, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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Be Ready, Stay Resilient: Welcoming 2024 with Preparedness in Mind

ReadyWise

In 2024, global conflicts, natural disasters, and domestic tensions are causing unprecedented uncertainty. The Ukraine-Russia war has entered its second year, and the Israel-Hamas conflict is intensifying. As a result, terrorist threats are increasing according to the FBI, and global shipping rates are rapidly rising. ReadyWise Emergency Food urges individuals and families to prioritize preparedness in their 2024 New Year's resolutions. ReadyWise is a reliable partner in this commitment, offering comprehensive solutions that empower individuals with the necessary tools and resources to navigate the complexities of the upcoming year. Preparedness is not just a resolution, it's a lifestyle, especially during a crucial election year like this one. As the 2024 election approaches, the intricate connections between the United States and global tensions pose additional challenges. ReadyWise recognizes the importance of adapting to these evolving circumstances by providing various reliable and nutritious emergency food options and supplies. "Investing in your family's security should be as straightforward as the peace of mind it brings. Our emergency preparedness products provide sustenance and a lifeline in times of need," says Brandon Eriksson, Vice President of Sales at ReadyWise. Consider exploring ReadyWise's cost-effective duration bundles, such as the 4-week, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year food packages. As leaders in emergency food, ReadyWise recommends maintaining a minimum 4-week supply for each family member. They also offer exclusive promotions weekly on their Deals Page. It's interesting to see that underground bunkers are becoming more popular among celebrities like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Kim Kardashian, and Rick Ross. This is because people are becoming increasingly aware of the growing unpredictability of our times. It's important to have a well-prepared plan and emergency resources in place, whether it's for natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, or unexpected disruptions. Consider making preparedness a cornerstone of your 2024 plans. With ReadyWise, being prepared is a choice and a commitment to a secure and resilient future. Amazing offers are available now, so take advantage of them and prioritize your preparedness journey. You can stay informed about current events, receive valuable survival tips, and be the first to know about new offers by subscribing to their emails. Being prepared is just plain smart in a world that keeps us on our toes. To learn more about specific ReadyWise products, visit www.readywise.com or call their friendly product specialists at 800-820-1329. About ReadyWise: ReadyWise, headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT, and the UK, is a leader in Emergency Food Supplies. ReadyWise helps their customers prepare with their manufactured freeze-dried and dehydrated meals with up to 25-year shelf life. To learn more about ReadyWise products, visit www.readywise.com. https://www.ReadyWise.com Contact Details Tim Lawlor tlawlor@readywise.com Amalie Jorgensen ajorgensen@readywise.com Company Website https://readywise.com/

January 23, 2024 03:25 PM Eastern Standard Time

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