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Comcast Expanding Network in Minnesota

Comcast Twin Cities

Comcast announces expansions of its smart, fast, reliable fiber-rich network to seven new cities in Minnesota by the end of 2024. The cities of Corcoran, Cologne, Nowthen, and parts of Grant, Hugo, Rogers and Stillwater Township will see 5x-10x faster upload speeds and smoother connections with the Xfinity Network. The 2024 planned expansion is part of the company’s nationwide rollout of multi-gig Internet speeds and adds to Comcast’s ongoing $473 million investment across Minnesota over the last three years. The new planned expansions fulfill a need for fast, reliable, secure broadband service across the state. In June 2023, Comcast completed an expansion to more than 2,300 homes and businesses in the City of Wayzata. Area businesses enjoy broadband speeds of up to 100 Gbps and speeds faster than 1 gigabit per second for residents over standard connections in the home. By the end of 2024 Comcast will also expand into Cologne and extend its network into Nowthen, Corcoran, and throughout parts of Rogers, Grant, Hugo and Stillwater Township with funding support from the State of Minnesota’s Border-to-Border Broadband program. “Access to reliable, high-speed broadband is a powerful driver of economic growth and development in our community,” said Corcoran Mayor Tom McKee. “Internet access is at the center of our modern lives and the quality of those lives will be greatly enhanced thanks to the partnership with Comcast, Hennepin County and the Minnesota Office of Broadband. Together we will be bringing broadband to nearly 500 unserved homes and businesses in Corcoran.” These locations will have the foundational next-generation network in place to begin deploying DOCSIS 4.0, setting the stage for the introduction of new symmetrical multi-gigabit Internet options that will enhance performance across Comcast’s existing networks. “The Internet has increasingly become the epicenter of our existence, influencing many aspects of our lives, and people and businesses are consuming more data,” said Kalyn Hove, Senior Vice President, Comcast Midwest Region. “We are building a future of unlimited possibilities in the Twin Cities and across the Midwest. These expansions, plus planned networks enhancements, will service nearly 14,000 additional homes.” Powered by Xfinity Comcast’s network and Internet experience are powering homes and businesses today and into the future: Ultimate Capacity: Xfinity customers connect more than 1 billion devices across the company’s network annually. With the next-generation Xfinity gateways we deliver the most advanced WiFi technology carrying three times more bandwidth to power streaming, gaming, videoconferencing, and more, simultaneously. Fastest Internet: More than a third of Xfinity Internet customers subscribe to gigabit speed products. Recently, Comcast connected the first customers in the world to a DOCSIS 4.0 connection, delivering symmetrical gig speeds over existing connections in customers’ homes with plans to continue to rollout these speeds across the country, including the Twin Cities, over the coming years. Unprecedented Coverage: The latest Xfinity Gateway provides a more reliable connection throughout the home. Customers can get wall-to-wall WiFi coverage with a powerful WiFi Boost Pod that extends coverage to hard-to-reach areas of the home. Most Reliable Connection: Comcast is scaling the nation’s largest and most reliable network that passes 62 million homes and business and counting. The company launched Storm-Ready WiFi, a new device that comes powered with cellular and battery backup to help keep customers connected even when the power goes out. Ultra-Low Latency: The Xfinity Network and the latest Xfinity Gateway are a powerful combination that deliver ultra-low latency for those moments when response times matter most like video games, a fast-growing category with Xfinity households averaging more than one gaming console per home. The Xfinity Network is also self-monitoring and uses AI to detect potential problems before they arise, delivering a reliable connection that is up and running in customers’ homes 99% of the time. Visit Xfinity to learn more and sign up for these exciting new products. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Company Website https://midwest.comcast.com/

February 05, 2024 07:00 AM Central Standard Time

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22nd Century Group CEO Larry Firestone: Transforming Tobacco Industry with FDA-Approved VLN Brand

22nd Century Group Inc

22nd Century Group new CEO Larry Firestone joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss his role and the company's strategic direction. 22nd Century Group is an agricultural biotech firm specializing in tobacco harm reduction and developing low-nicotine content plants for cigarettes. Notably, the company received FDA authorization for modified risk tobacco products in December 2021, with its flagship brand, VLN (Very Low Nicotine), aimed at addressing smoking-related health issues. Firestone emphasized the strategic shift the company is undergoing, which includes streamlining operations, divesting non-core assets such as the hemp cannabis business, and refocusing solely on the tobacco sector. The company's primary goal for 2024 is achieving financial self-sustainability, with a focus on cost optimization, gross margin improvement, and streamlining the overhead structure. 22nd Century Group is also committed to expanding its presence in established markets, particularly in the United States, and delivering its core products. Firestone's leadership will play a crucial role in guiding the company through these transformative changes and positioning it for growth and success in the coming years. This strategic shift and renewed focus on tobacco harm reduction reflect 22nd Century Group's commitment to addressing health-related issues associated with smoking and its determination to make a positive impact in the tobacco industry. Contact Details Proactive United States Proactive United States +1 347-449-0879 action@proactiveinvestors.com

February 05, 2024 07:29 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Latest Survey from Sotera Digital Reveals Shocking State of Mobile Phone Security in the Workplace.

PlatoData

New York, February 5, 2024 - ( PlatoData via 500NewsWire) -- Sotera Digital Security, a leading US based provider of secure communications solutions, has today released its findings from a survey it conducted among over 1,000 senior personnel of large businesses and multinational corporations across the globe. Sectors covered by the survey participants focused on those that require the need for ultra-secure and private communications - both regionally and worldwide - with clients, colleagues and suppliers; namely legal, pharmaceutical, media and corporate affairs, government, and blockchain / AI tech specialists. The survey results provide key insights into current mobile phone security practices within the workplace, and reveal a startling lack of awareness among both professionals and their companies of the significant privacy threats with standard smartphones and popular ‘ secure ’ messaging apps, despite a reportedly growing reliance on such for work-related communications. Key Findings 70% of the professionals surveyed were unaware that popular messaging apps are vulnerable to privacy attacks. Yet, 96% reported that their company allows the use of Signal and/or WhatsApp from their personal mobile phones for work communications, with over half (57%) reporting an increased usage of such apps compared to the previous year; 90% of the professionals surveyed place more importance on safeguarding the security and privacy on their laptops than their mobile phones, despite 26% having had their mobile phone hacked in the past; 24% reported that their company doesn ’ t have an official mobile phone policy, while a closer look at those that do reveals that approximately 1 in 4 such policies don ’ t provide adequate guidance, such as the requirement of having a password to unlock the device; 87% of companies don ’ t provide Mobile Device Management or Mobile Application Management to their employees - on both company and privately-owned devices that are used for work communications; Less than half of respondents update their device (48%) within 24 hours of a new software release, meaning over 50% are neglecting Android and IOS vulnerabilities which those updates attempt to patch. Despite the prevalence of vulnerabilities, there is a significant lack of awareness among professionals regarding the susceptibility of popular smartphones and apps to privacy attacks. Findings signal an urgent call to organizations to reevaluate their mobile phone security protocols. "Our survey demonstrates a clear gap in understanding and addressing phone security in the workplace. I am proud Sotera continues to raise critical awareness on standard smartphones and popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, often perceived as secure, that are in fact nowhere near one-hundred percent secure, with vulnerabilities that leave users and their organizations exposed to data breaches and privacy infringements”, comments David Kay, CEO of Sotera Digital. “ The Sotera SecurePhone is the first and only out-of-the-box solution, purpose-built for ultimate professional privacy, which can and does claim one-hundred percent protection,” David concludes. The Sotera SecurePhone addresses the applications, operating system, and hardware - offering government-trusted, enterprise-dependable end-to-end mobile security and safeguarding sensitive data at every point. The multi-layered lockdown approach protects all three pillars of security, addressing vulnerabilities where standard smartphones cannot. For example, according to a recent report, over 75% of mobile security breaches occur through apps, and standard IOS and Android security features are ‘ added-on ’, leaving vulnerabilities at each integral layer. The Sotera SecurePhone, trusted by government agencies and enterprises, delivers comprehensive end-to-end security for voice and text communications. Crafted specifically for professionals in mission critical industries, this state-of-the-art mobile device is fortified with the same operating system employed to safeguard the US Nuclear Arsenal - Integrity 178B. Sotera ’ s unparalleled level of security positions the SecurePhone as the premier choice for professions handling highly confidential data, uniquely able to promise peace of mind. In these sectors, any risk to phone security is non-negotiable. The survey included 1,004 respondents (38% female, 56% male, 6% prefer not to say), between the ages of 20 and 55+ (24% 20-35, 46% 36-45, 21% 46-55, 9% 55+). Largest proportion of the sample were located in Europe (46%), but respondents were also located in the USA (27%), the UAE (17%) and SE Asia (12%). Respondents were CEO ’ s (8%), COO ’ s (14%), CTO/CDO ’ s (32%), Partners (22%, law firms) and middle management (24%), spanning Blockchain / AI Tech entrepreneurs (38%), the legal sector (24%), Pharmaceutical / Meditech (11%), and Media / PR / Corporate affairs (11%). About Sotera https://soteradigital.com / Sotera Digital Security offers clients across the globe with end-to-end security for both voice communications and text messages. Led by a team of recognized mobility experts, Sotera is focused on delivering innovative, data privacy solutions that offer clients a competitive edge. The company ’ s current offering, the Sotera Secure Communications service represents the successful engineering of multi-layered defense and security combining Integrity 178, the only operating system in the world to achieve NSA ’ s highest certification level (EAL6+); propriety partitioned communication apps; and data transmission encryption. For more information, for press interviews, and to receive the entire survey, please contact pr@soteradigital.com. Contact Details Sotera Digital Security pr@soteradigital.com

February 05, 2024 07:07 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Nibiru Chain Secures $12 Million to Fuel Developer-Focused L1 Blockchain

Nibiru

Nibiru Chain, a general-purpose layer 1 blockchain, has successfully closed its latest round of funding, securing $12 million to set the stage for an ambitious phase of growth. Venture investments included contributions from Kraken Ventures, ArkStream, NGC Ventures, Master Ventures, Tribe Capital, and Banter Capital. “Nibiru has taken all of the best in class technology and research developed over the past few cycles and packed them into the best new chain we have ever analyzed. They optimize for developers with a built-in dev toolkit, easy-to-use APIs, language SDKs, and a native oracle. MV Capital could not be more excited to be a partner with Nibiru as we move into the new level of adoption for crypto.” - Tom Dunleavy, CIO and Partner at Master Ventures Capital Nibiru’s Community Sale on CoinList sold out its initial allocation of $3M in 9 minutes. An additional $3M extension sold out as well within 11 minutes. By the end, this sale had 842% in pre-funded excess interest, attracting 42,713 registrants and over 5,000 purchasers of the network’s staking and utility token, NIBI. Onboarding Next Generation Blockchain Applications Nibiru Chain stands out with its innovative tech and emphasis on developer and user-centricity. Key partners expressed their enthusiasm: “We look forward to supporting the distinctive Layer 1 model Nibiru has designed, where the core primitives are built alongside the core foundation for maximum interoperability — all while incentivizing developers and users through its smart contract royalty mechanism.” - Brandon Gath, Managing Partner at Kraken Ventures It’s the platform of choice for developers who prioritize security and performance. Boasting 40K transactions per second (TPS), 1.4s block times, and robust security, Nibiru Chain’s versatility spans multiple sectors including real-world assets (RWAs), gaming, DeFi, and more. Developers build on Nibiru Chain with confidence, leveraging CosmWasm smart contracts for enhanced security or the familiarity of the EVM. Additionally, developers can leverage Nibiru’s “dev gas” royalty mechanism to ensure a sustainable model for long-term growth. At its core, Nibiru Chain is driven to create the optimal environment for developers and users. "Nibiru's integrated super applications, native oracle, and data-indexing significantly reduce the technical selection difficulties for Web3 projects while simultaneously lowering the likelihood of security incidents. This will heighten user and developer confidence and the consequent growth and prosperity of the Nibiru ecosystem. - Allen Su, General Partner at ArkStream Capital Looking Ahead - Nibiru Chain’s 2024 Roadmap In 2024, Nibiru Chain sets its sights on expanding the ecosystem. Key developments include several initiatives such as a gamified engagement airdrop, integration with major liquidity centers, listing on several top-tier centralized exchanges, implementing parallel optimistic execution, and achieving full EVM-compatibility. This year is marked by the anticipated launch of Nibiru Chain’s flagship dApps such as Nibi-Perps, Nibi-Swap, and NUSD. These releases will mark major milestones in Nibiru Chain’s journey towards a user and developer-centric platform. About Nibiru Chain Nibiru Chain is a breakthrough L1 blockchain and smart contract ecosystem sporting superior throughput and unparalleled security. Nibiru aims to be the most developer-friendly and user-friendly smart contract ecosystem, leading the charge toward mainstream Web3 adoption by innovating at each layer of the stack: dApp development, infra, consensus, a comprehensive dev toolkit, value accrual. For more information visit: Nibiru.fi Follow Nibiru Chain on Socials Discord Twitter Telegram YouTube GitHub Contact Details Nibiru Chain Nibiru Team Media@nibiru.org

February 05, 2024 07:07 AM Eastern Standard Time

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New Year's Resolutions Across the UK in 2024

Intelligiants Ltd

In the second month of 2024, many are still looking ahead, making plans for the remainder of the year, and working towards health, financial and career plans and goals. New Year's resolutions, with roots tracing back to historical and religious origins, have evolved into a universal catalyst for positive change. In a nod to historical customs, modern-day resolutions have evolved, focusing on self-improvement and prioritising a more balanced lifestyle. An analysis of these resolutions across generations and regions has been summarised by online bingo site, Heart Bingo, which has been looking at results from surveys on New Year’s resolutions in the UK for 2024 from reputable sources. Are there generational trends in making resolutions? Examining New Year's resolutions across generations reveals a notable pattern: the likelihood of making resolutions decreases with age. In 2023, 23% of Generation Z expressed their intent to set resolutions, while the figures gradually declined among older generations, reaching only six percent for those over 50. England has a clear focus on health-related resolutions “Doing more exercise or improving my fitness” was the top pick for poll takers in England, with 56% of respondents opting for this resolution. “Losing weight” came in second at 49% and third place “Eating healthier” (43%) summarises the results with a clear health focus for 2024 in England. Below is a comparison between England, Wales and Scotland: Doing more exercise or improving fitness: England 56%, Wales 71%, Scotland 52% Improving diet: England 43%, Wales 33%, Scotland 41% Cutting down on drinking: England 12%, Wales 23%, Scotland 8% Giving up smoking: England 6%, Wales 14%, Scotland 5% Regional Contrasts: Scotland Another popular focus area has historically been to “save more money” for the new year, which was the highest priority in Scotland, with as many as 61% picking this as their top resolution. There is no surprise that “Doing more exercise or improving fitness” is the second pick, although this is a bit lower when compared to the rest of the UK, but “Improving my diet” comes in at a third place, on par with the other nations. Wales: A Standout Commitment to Health in 2024 Wales emerges as a health-conscious nation, setting a record-high with 71% pledging to focus on fitness routines and workouts for 2024. When it comes to alcohol consumption and smoking habits, the Welsh population appears more committed to positive changes, with twice as many respondents planning to cut down on drinking or quit smoking compared to England and Scotland. Generations and Regions Behind Diverse Outcome for 2024 In summary, as the UK embraces 2024, New Year's resolutions reflect a blend of generational and regional priorities, showcasing a diverse tapestry of hopes and aspirations across the UK. This diversity underscores the dynamic nature of the UK, where individuals, influenced by their generational outlooks and regional contexts, contribute to a collective vision for self-improvement and positive change. END. Contact Details Intelligiants Ltd. F Kvarnebrink +27 71 221 8445 fred@intelligiants.net

February 05, 2024 06:57 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Bitget Wallet Welcomes Alvin Kan, Former Senior Executive at BNB Chain, as New COO

Bitget

Bitget Wallet, a global leading Web3 trading wallet, has officially announced the appointment of Alvin Kan as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the company's global growth strategy and coordinate brand development, operations, and growth initiatives. Alvin Kan brings a wealth of expertise with over 15 years of professional experience, having held prominent roles at BNB Chain and Sei Labs. Notably, he spearheaded ecosystem growth at BNB Chain and served as the Head of Asia for Sei Labs. Before this, Alvin spent almost a decade at LinkedIn, where he led the Asia-Pacific data team and played a crucial role in the company's strategic development across Asia. With a strong background in market growth and data analysis in the Web2 domain, coupled with his insightful understanding of building Web3 ecosystems, Alvin is well-equipped to introduce innovative ideas and steer global growth strategies at Bitget Wallet. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping the company's direction and planning for the upcoming year, elevating the brand's global presence. In outlining the company's 2024 development plan, Alvin emphasizes a strategic focus on acquiring new users, expanding the roster of supported assets, and exploring novel opportunities. Global Expansion and Growth In 2024, Alvin is charting a course for global expansion, outlining a comprehensive globalization strategy that involves deploying localized teams in strategic regions worldwide. This initiative aims to establish operational capabilities tailored to specific regions, facilitating accelerated growth and market penetration on a global scale and catering to the diverse needs of a global userbase. Initial endeavors in Turkey, Vietnam, and Pakistan have demonstrated promising outcomes, laying the groundwork for broader success. Amidst a bullish market outlook, the cryptocurrency sector is poised to attract a diverse influx of new users and key opinion leaders (KOLs) spanning various industries. Alvin's unwavering commitment involves fostering a symbiotic relationship between product development and market operations within the company. This approach ensures a seamless integration for new users, hailing from diverse backgrounds, into the dynamic realm of Web3. Moreover, strategic collaborations with well-established Web2 brands are on the horizon to amplify synergy and elevate Bitget Wallet's global brand recognition. Capturing New Narratives and Assets As the COO of Bitget Wallet, Alvin will be spearheading the establishment of a more adaptive team structure, geared towards swift responses to market dynamics and keen recognition of emerging narratives and assets. This initiative aims to facilitate the rapid implementation of technology and product strategies. "New assets will always be at the core of wealth generation within this industry," Alvin says. "Our goal is to be the first to uncover the next big opportunity for our users." Equipped with core features like Swap, smart quotes, Launchpad for new offerings, and inscription tools, Bitget Wallet is strategically crafted to empower users in capitalizing on valuable assets early, thereby maximizing returns. Alvin underscores a dual-strategy approach, advocating for the robust execution of long-term initiatives alongside flexible engagement with short-term trends. This balanced strategy ensures a nimble response to market shifts while concurrently focusing on meticulous infrastructure development. The overarching aim here is to fortify Bitget Wallet's product suite and establish a robust infrastructure to fully harness the benefits of sustained growth. Exploring New Opportunities in Wallets Web3 wallets as an industy have witnessed significant growth from basic functionalities such as address creation, fund transfers, and receipts to more advanced features such as the integration of multi-chain DEXs, NFT marketplaces, and diverse protocols. This evolution has broadened the scope and redefined what it means to serve a Web3 wallet in today's context, elevating them to comprehensive Web3 gateways that encompass asset management, Swap transactions, inscriptions, NFT minting, and interactions across entire blockchain ecosystems. Notably, innovations like MPC and AA wallets have contributed to enhancing user experiences, introducing greater convenience. Throughout this transformative journey, Bitget Wallet has consistently positioned itself at the forefront, actively exploring and anticipating future trends in the realm of Web3 wallets. Under Alvin's leadership, Bitget Wallet is actively working towards establishing systematic capabilities, consistently expanding core product features, and fostering innovation based on emerging narratives. The goal is to carve out a distinctive competitive edge for Bitget Wallet in the dynamic market. Alvin places a strong emphasis on simplifying the product experience, aiming for Bitget Wallet to serve as a seamless Web3 bridge. "In our recent App version, the team has thoroughly reconsidered and redesigned the UI, with a dedicated focus on enhancing user-friendliness and ease of experience," Alvin highlights. "Bitget Wallet has always been on what we believe is the right path to chart the future of Web3 Wallets," he concludes. "Continuous progress is key in ensuring that we continually place ourselves and our users at the forefront of Web3 innovation." About Bitget Wallet (Web3 Trading Wallet) Bitget Wallet stands as Asia's largest and global frontrunner among all-in-one Web3 multi-chain wallets. We offer a comprehensive range of on-chain products and DeFi services to our users, including wallet functionality, Swap feature, NFT trading, DApp browsing, and more. With a 5-year legacy, Bitget Wallet has garnered acclaim from over 15 million users worldwide and has secured partnerships with prominent industry leaders including Bitcoin, Ethereum, TRON, BNB Chain, Solana, Base, and others. This success stems from our commitment to consistently delivering secure and convenient products and services. For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | Discord Contact Details Bitget Rachel Cheung media@bitget.com Company Website https://www.bitget.com/

February 05, 2024 05:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Bitget Protection Fund Valuation Peaks Over $442M in January

Bitget

Bitget, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, released its Protection Fund Valuation Report for January 2024. The report shows the fund achieved its highest-ever average monthly value of over $415 million and reached an all-time-high value of over $ 442 million on January 9, underscoring Bitget's commitment to user protection. Bitget's Protection Fund stands out as a sizable user protection mechanism within the crypto space. Maintaining one of the largest self-insured funds in the industry builds confidence for users by supplying an added layer of security. The fund helps shield crypto assets from threats like hacks, frauds and outsized market movements. Bitget's Protection Fund operates independently with a self-funded model, providing agile protection capabilities without external constraints. As the fund is autonomous, it can rapidly deploy resources as needed to cover user assets in the event of security incidents, market volatility, or other coverage events. This independent approach ensures Bitget users have strong protective support that is not dependent on external regulations, policies, or approvals which could introduce inefficiencies or delays in critical situations. The self-funded nature of the Protection Fund represents a considerable strength and security advantage for Bitget's user community. To further increase its stability and liquidity against external factors, the fund encompasses a diversified portfolio of high-liquidity cryptocurrencies such as BTC, USDT, and USDC. For the month of January, Bitget's Protection Fund maintained stable growth as per market movements and BTC price surge, reaching an all-time-high value of over $ 442 million on January 9. Bitget Protection Fund Valuation Status in January 2024: Highest value: $442 million (Jan 9) Lowest value: $393 million (Jan 23) Average value: $415 million “Bitget is focused on better serving users and protecting their interests through a robust ecosystem of products and expertise. While security remains a top priority for us, what truly sets us apart is our absolute commitment to user protection. We aim to assure people with their crypto by safeguarding their assets and championing their well-being through every market condition,” said Gracy Chen, Managing Director at Bitget. Bitget's commitment to transparency goes beyond the Protection Fund Valuation report. The exchange has consistently offered verifiable Proof of Reserves data, providing users with additional confidence in the security of their assets. Bitget continues to grant users unrestricted access to comprehensive fund information, including publicly available wallet addresses. For more detailed information, users can visit here. About Bitget Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 20 million users in 100+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more. Bitget inspires individuals to embrace crypto through collaborations with credible partners, including legendary Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi and official eSports events organizer PGL. For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet Contact Details Bitget Rachel Cheung media@bitget.com Company Website https://www.bitget.com/

February 05, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Merlin Chain Secures Funding to Empower “Bitcoin-native” Innovations

Merlin Chain

Merlin Chain, the native Bitcoin Layer2, announced a round of funding from 24 investors including OKX Ventures, ABCDE, Foresight Ventures and Arkstream Capital. Merlin Chain offers a native scaling solution that integrates ZK-Rollup network, decentralized oracle network, and on-chain BTC fraud-proof modules. It is committed to empowering Bitcoin's native assets, protocols, and products on Layer1, to Make Bitcoin Fun Again. Merlin Chain is built by Bitmap Tech, a premier OG team boasting an overall market cap exceeding $500 million. The BRC-420 " Blue Box '' collection under Bitmap Tech has become one of the hottest Ordinals assets, going from an inscription cost of $0.15 to an ATH floor price of $34,000, reaching the 3rd largest market cap following BAYC and CryptoPunks. As a strong believer in Bitcoin for many years, Bitmap Tech, the team behind Merlin Chain, is extremely committed to the development of the Bitcoin ecosystem, and seeks to bring more users and assets to Bitcoin through their work, rather than serving other ecosystems in the name of Bitcoin. This raise enables the team to continue enriching the ecosystem, and boosting the overall liquidity. So far, Merlin Chain has built a powerful DApp ecosystem, and is planning for further expansion. Merlin Chain is set to launch its mainnet this week. Following the launch, Merlin Chain plans to host a bunch of staking events and distribute its governance token through a “fair launch”, aiming to reward real users and builders. About Merlin Chain Merlin Chain is a Bitcoin Layer2 that integrates ZK-Rollup network, decentralized oracle network, and on-chain BTC fraud proof modules. Merlin Chain is committed to empowering Bitcoin’s native assets, protocols, and products on Layer1 through its Layer2 network, to Make Bitcoin Fun Again. Merlin Chainis is a subsidiary product line of Bitmap Tech, a premier OG team boasting an overall market cap exceeding $500 million. The BRC-420 “Blue Box” collection under Bitmap Tech has become one of the hottest assets on Ordinals. Users can start following Merlin Chain’s Twitter for more updates. Contact Details Merlin Chain Jeff bitmap@bitmap.tech

February 05, 2024 03:54 AM Eastern Standard Time

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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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