Samsung Electronics Ranks as Top Five

Samsung achieved $91.4 billion in brand value and is highly recognized for promoting a consistent customer experience strategy and leading future technologies such as 6G and AI

Samsung Electronics today was recognized by Interbrand, a global brand consultancy, as a “Global Top 5” brand for the fourth year in a row. Interbrand releases its list of “Best Global Brands” each year, and on this year’s list, it was revealed that Samsung’s brand value reached $91.4 billion and grew by 4% year-on-year.

Samsung’s brand value increased across all business areas in 2023 despite sluggish demand in the global IT industry. According to Interbrand, Samsung Electronics’ evaluation was positively influenced by the following:

1. Consistent company-wide improvement of the customer experience based on the “One Samsung” strategy.
2. The increased level of connectivity and enhanced gaming experiences through the company’s wide-ranging product portfolio and SmartThings.
3. The company’s role as a leader in future innovative technologies such as 6G, artificial intelligence (AI), automotive, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
4. Consistent actions to strengthen ESG leadership through eco-conscious activities across all product lines.

“Thanks to the support of our customers around the world, Samsung Electronics’ brand value has continued to grow steadily, despite an overall challenging business environment,” said YH Lee, President of the Global Marketing Office at Samsung Electronics. “We will always strive to be a brand that is loved by our customers through leading in technology innovation, enabling meaningful experiences and continuing our sustainability efforts.”

Late last year, Samsung Electronics established the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Center under the Global Marketing Office to provide an integrated online and offline experience. The company also has the CX-MDE Center — which is responsible for strengthening the multi-device experience — to increase synergy between products and improve the overall customer experience.

Partnerships were also a major factor that drove Samsung’s brand value over the past year. Based on SmartThings, which provides a unified connectivity experience, Samsung is further strengthening its open partnerships to connect not only its own products but also various third-party devices. In addition, the partnerships with various companies across mobile, tablet, TV, PC and monitor products provide customers with an optimized gaming experience.

Samsung continues to invest in leading future technologies such as 5G/6G, AI and automotive that will enable and empower the consumers of tomorrow. In the semiconductor sector, the company was recognized for its industry-first innovations such as 12nm-class DDR5 DRAM and for actively addressing the promising industries from AI to automotive and advanced mobile devices.

ESG has been a major focal point, as the company’s eco-conscious activities are making an impact. Samsung’s efforts include increasing the usage of recycled materials, such as plastics from discarded fishing nets, glass and aluminum in Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Z Flip5ㆍFold5 series, open licensing of solar cell remote technology used in TVs, working together with Patagonia on the Less Microfiber™ Filter for washing machines and introducing AI energy mode in SmartThings Energy.

Interbrand’s Best Global Brands are listed according to the evaluation of each brand value, which is a result of comprehensive analysis of the financial performance of the company, the influence of the brand on customer purchases and brand competitiveness. It is a brand value evaluation with one of the longest histories in the world and is widely recognized for its credibility.

AO

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The Orb and Pink Floyd's David Gilmour release Metallic Spheres In Colour

NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2023 — The Orb and David Gilmour, the guitar and voice of Pink Floyd, recently released ‘Metallic Spheres In Colour,’ a visionary re-interpretation of their 2010 ambient classic ‘Metallic Spheres.’ Now in a new use of artificial intelligence led by major recording artists, they are stretching the creative possibilities of the remix project even further by inviting fans around the world to reimagine music from the new album, as well as its cover art, with AI-powered tools.

Starting today, fans can visit metallicspheres.io to create their own personalized AI track and artwork remixed from portions of ‘Metallic Spheres In Colour.’ Visitors to the site will follow a series of prompts indicating the emotion they want the album’s artwork to convey, plus mood and tempo preferences for the available audio. The site, using artificial intelligence capabilities, then generates a new version for playback. Fans can share links to their creations via social media along with their reimagined album covers, and there will be an opportunity to purchase full length remixes as a download in the coming weeks.

In addition, select fan remixes of the ‘Metallic Spheres In Colour’ album cover image, based on the original image by artist Simon Ghahary, may be included in an upcoming music video supporting the album.

Sony Music Entertainment and Legacy Recordings are collaborating with The Orb and David Gilmour to develop the ‘Metallic Spheres In Colour’ AI project in partnership with Vermillio, the first generative AI platform that empowers creators and protects their work using Authenticated AI. With Vermillio’s generative AI platform, creators can style, own and track AI-powered digital creations using text-to-image and image-to-image styling tools, while creating audio remixes and variations benefitting artists.

A unique artist-led application of AI

An all-new use of artificial intelligence technology by globally renowned recording artists, the ‘Metallic Spheres In Colour’ AI Remix is powered by machine learning and a custom generative AI model developed for the project.

Remixes of the album art are generated from users listening to selections from ‘Metallic Spheres In Colour’s musical movements in a live group setting and typing in text that describes how the audio they are hearing makes them feel. The AI model then creates new images in the style of Ghahary’s original based on the emotions it detects in the language inputs.

Next, fans can reimagine the audio by using sliders to indicate the desired mood (chill -> high energy) and tempo (slower -> faster) they want the music to convey. The user’s choices are then combined with the emotional input from the album art they personalized to create a new remix of the movement selection.

AO

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Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 Announced Today

Samsung Electronics today announced the Galaxy SmartTag2, launching globally on October 11. Galaxy SmartTag2 brings enhancements to the Galaxy SmartTag line that enable new and better ways to keep track of valuables. Upgrades to the design and usability create even more use cases for the device than ever before.

“We are constantly looking at ways to make people’s lives more convenient through Samsung Galaxy’s industry-leading innovations,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Device Platform Center at Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy SmartTag2, we set out to make sure Samsung Galaxy users can find their belongings in an easy and intuitive way. With an enhanced finding experience and a longer battery life, Galaxy SmartTag2 will provide users with greater peace of mind for longer and in more situations.”

Intuitive Features Make Finding Lost Items Easier Than Ever

Galaxy SmartTag2’s brand-new Lost Mode allows users to input their contact information via a message. Then, anyone who discovers an item with a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached can use their smartphone to scan the tag and see the owners’ message and contact information. This means a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached to a pet’s collar is now a convenient way to ensure the pet owner’s phone number is always there, in most places where the pet might wander. Lost Mode works with any mobile device with NFC reader and web browser.

Galaxy SmartTag2 now provides an improved Compass View feature, enhancing the user experience by providing arrows to show the direction and distance of the Galaxy SmartTag2 in relation to the user. This mode is available on any UWB-supported Galaxy smartphone, such as the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

The SmartThings Find app has also been upgraded, with newly registered Galaxy SmartTags that now installs a shortcut to the app on the user’s smartphone, allowing users to launch SmartThings Find more quickly. Additionally, the app now features a full screen map view and an intuitive interface, making the user experience even more seamless.

Finally, when switching Galaxy smartphones, SmartTag2 now automatically re-syncs you’re your now Galaxy smartphone using your Samsung account.

New Modes Mean Longer-Lasting Battery

Users can now enjoy Galaxy SmartTag2 for longer with the brand-new Power Saving Mode, available alongside an improved Normal mode. For users who rely on SmartTag to continually track items, Power Saving Mode is the perfect option to maintain battery life while ensuring you can keep an eye on your things. With Power Saving Mode, Galaxy SmartTag2’s battery now lasts up to 700 days, more than twice as long as previous Galaxy SmartTag models. Even in Normal Mode, battery life is now extended to 500 days, a 50% increase on previous models. With the flexibility to switch between two modes, users can track their valuables — from car keys to bikes — for longer.

Sleek Design Adapts to Even More Conditions and Brings More Use Cases

Galaxy SmartTag2’s new compact size and ring-shaped design was created with ease of use in mind. The large metal loop enhances product durability by using metal on the inside of the ring for greater resilience that can support accessories such as clips and keyrings. These accessories can also attach to bags and luggage.

Galaxy SmartTag2’s durability has also been upgraded with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. This enables users to track their items in even more challenging environments, such as when travelling outdoors. For pet owners, there’s no need to worry about everyday wear and tear on the device from pet’s water bowls or running around outside.

Galaxy SmartTag2 also supports a new pet walking mode, making it easy for users to log walks with their furry friends.

Peace of Mind, Repackaged

Galaxy SmartTag2 retains many of the popular features from Galaxy SmartTag and Galaxy SmartTag+. It takes advantage of both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and UWB capabilities, leveraging Augmented Reality (AR) Find technology to visually guide users toward their item using their Samsung Galaxy smartphone camera. In addition, Galaxy SmartTag2 works within maximum Bluetooth range of 120 meters and can control smart home appliances through the SmartThings app.

Samsung remains committed to securing the privacy of Samsung Galaxy users, with the device’s location only to be made available with the user’s permission. SmartThings Find also encrypts user data and is supported by Samsung Knox for an extra layer of security. Furthermore, disabling Lost Mode immediately hides the owners’ contact information and wipes the message left by the owner from the device.

For Samsung Galaxy users, SmartThings Find can also provide security through its “Unknown tag alerts” feature. This feature alerts users of any unauthorized tracking by sending them a notification if SmartThings Find detects an unknown SmartTag following them. This helps protect users and prevent against the abuse of location tracking services.

Galaxy SmartTag2 also works seamlessly with SmartThings Station, which is integrated with SmartThings Find — serving as an always-at-home device scanner — helping users keep track of valuables that have a SmartTag attached. SmartThings Station will notify users of the location of their tagged item — from personal items like TV remotes, wallets, keys and registered devices like smartphones, tablets, watches and earbuds. Pet owners will also receive an alert when a tagged collar moves too far from the SmartThings Station, helping them keep furry friends close to home.

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Amazon Web Services Launch Women's Demo Week

October 4, 2023—Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced its first-ever AWS Women’s Demo Week, a week-long global event focused on helping women-led startups connect with investors. AWS Women's Demo Week will host pitching events for women-led startups in 18 cities across the globe from November 6 to 10, 2023, with the support of startups organizations, including Ajim Capital, Founderland, GrindstoneXL, and Mogul Millennial. Women founders will be invited to pitch their startups in front of a live audience of potential investors, partners, and customers, as well as other key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem.

“With a tighter capital market, women-led startups have faced a significant decline in venture funding. We want to ignite a movement to showcase the grit and ingenuity of these founders and help them get in front of investors during AWS Women’s Demo Week,” said Kathryn Van Nuys, Global Head of Specialized Startup Segments at AWS. “With the help of our network, we want to leverage our investor connections and resources to demonstrate that women-led startups are good businesses and should be taken seriously by all funders, not only those focused on supporting underrepresented groups".

In 2020, only 2.3% of global VC funding went to women-only founded startups, with Black and Latino women receiving less than 1% each. In the past couple of years, the funding gap has worsened, with latest data from Pitchbook showing that in the U.S. alone, VC funding for all-women founding teams represented just 2.1% in 2022. These statistics spotlight the sizable and growing funding discrepancies facing women entrepreneurs worldwide, especially women of color. AWS Women’s Demo Week aims to increase the visibility of women-led startups, facilitate valuable business connections, and ultimately create a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative tech industry.

“Having a leading organization such as AWS advocate for us as woman founders is an invaluable business resource and also a significant confidence boost,” said Sharon Obuobi, CEO and Founder of Alt/Finance, a real-time market performance data platform used by wealth managers and insurance providers to price luxury real assets, such as art, jewelry, NFTs, watches, wine, whisky, and more. “We participated in one of the women founders showcases promoted by AWS in New York last year and were introduced to a VC that committed a $1 million investment in Alt/Finance—these are the types of doors that AWS is opening for us.”

"AWS Women's Demo Week is incredibly timely, as we are seeing the funding gap for women entrepreneurs widen in Africa", said Eunice Ajim, Founding Partner at Ajim Capital, a venture firm supporting African founders. "We are excited to highlight groundbreaking women founders from Africa in the global stage and support them in unlocking access to capital and connection with international investors". 

"While women-led startups in general have less and less venture funding, Black women founders have been disproportionally affected by the economic downturn," said Brittani Hunter, CEO and Founder of Mogul Millennial, a content and connections platform on a mission to empower Black women to excel as entrepreneurs. "That is why we are honored to support AWS Women's Demo Week and make it a watershed moment to help talented women founders get the visibility they deserve. By showcasing the excellence and innovation Black women bring to the table, we can help shatter biases and forge a more equitable path forward."

Through November 6 to 10, some of the best women-led startups will be selected by AWS and partners to pitch their ideas to investors, and connect with potential customers and partners at in-person networking events in 18 cities across five continents, including:

North America:

New York

San Francisco

Washington DC

Austin

Los Angeles

Latin America:

Bogota

Buenos Aires

São Paulo

Santiago

Mexico City

Europe, Middle East, and Africa:

London

Berlin

Lagos

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Tel Aviv

Amsterdam

Madrid

In addition to gaining valuable venture introductions, participant startups will also receive $10,000 in AWS Activate credits, be connected to AWS technical experts, and have access to the URF startup community.

Details on each event and information on how to apply to join the live audience can be found here: www.awsstartupswomensdemoweek.splashthat.com

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Samsung Announces FE Series

October 4, 2023 - Samsung Electronics is announcing the latest FE series addition to the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem — the new Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+, and Galaxy Buds FE. Known for their iconic and durable designs, advanced performance, cutting-edge camera and audio capabilities, and so much more — these are the most epic FE devices yet. For those who want to experience Galaxy flagship devices for the first time, the new FE devices are the perfect entry point.

“At Samsung, we are committed to bringing world-class innovation to everyone through epic mobile experiences that fit their lifestyle,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our new FE devices are packed with crowd-pleasing premium capabilities that, on their own or as part of a connected ecosystem, let Galaxy users maximize their creativity and productivity.”

 

Galaxy S23 FE: The Galaxy S Series’ Iconic Design, Pro-Grade Camera and Smooth Gaming Performance Are Designed To Elevate Your Everyday

Galaxy S23 FE stays true to the iconic S series design with its new floating camera and premium finish protected with IP68 water and dust resistance for an even sleeker display. Plus, it features recycled materials and packaging, packing a punch with durability, functionality, and sustainability. Offered in new, vibrant colors, Galaxy S23 FE allows users to select the device color that best fits their style.

 

Everyday moments come to life on Galaxy S23 FE with pro-grade camera features to help you capture amazing photos and videos. See sharp details in every scene with a 50MP high-resolution lens, and 3X optical zoom. After dark, Nightography on Galaxy S23 FE lets you take clear selfies and portraits in lifelike colors. With advanced digital image stabilization (VDIS), take steady shots on the go using the rear camera with optical image stabilizer (OIS) angle.

 

When it comes to creating perfectly sharable content, Galaxy S23 FE is an editing studio on the go. In Pro Mode, controls for shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and more can be manually adjusted to your preferences. Capture customized shots with the Camera Assistant app and choose which automated features to use for a fully customized shooting experience. With the freedom to create and customize, Galaxy S23 FE camera has the AI-powered editing tools to help elevate your creations.

 

For gaming and streaming, Galaxy S23 FE’s powerful processor makes every action rapid and fluid with a vapor chamber that helps to control heat and sustain performance. The long-lasting 4,500mAh battery intuitively adjusts to conserve energy, charging up to 50 percent in just 30 minutes with a 25W Adapter. All this power comes to life on a bright, super-smooth 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Based on your surroundings, Vision Booster technology on Galaxy S23 FE automatically detects bright lighting conditions, keeping the screen vivid just like flagship models.

 

The Galaxy S23 FE series is available from $599 in modern, bold colors, including Mint, Cream, Graphite, and Purple Indigo and Tangerine are also available exclusively at Samsung.com.

 

 

Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+: Large Screen Viewing, IP68 Durability, and S Pen Boost Possibilities for Creativity and Productivity

Whenever inspiration strikes, Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+ deliver essential entertainment, expressive creativity, and seamless productivity. With two portable and powerful devices to choose from, even more users can experience the versatility of the Galaxy Tab S series. Digital creators, entrepreneurs, busy students, artists, gamers, and more will explore their passions and get work done with improved device speed and even better performance compared to the previous FE Series.

 

Responsive and immersive viewing and creating can happen at home, at work, on campus, or even at the park on Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s 10.9-inch and Tab S9 FE+’s 12.4-inch displays — featuring an automatic refresh rate that adapts up to 90Hz. Sunlight is no match for Vision Booster, which enhances visibility in outdoor environments by optimizing color and contrast especially in dark area of screen. Just like the newest Galaxy Tab S9 series, both Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ received an IP68 rating, offering enhanced durability for peace of mind on the go. Plus, Tab S9 FE+’s long-lasting battery with up to 20 hours of video playback on a single charge means work and play won’t keep you tethered to a cord.

 

Ideas and notes are easy to capture with Galaxy’s signature in-box, IP68-rated S Pen. Like the Galaxy Tab S9 series, the Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+ include a wide variety of creative tools and apps, including fan-favorites like Goodnotes, LumaFusion, Clip Studio Paint, and more. Easily keep class notes, sketches, videos, and more with up to double the storage, plus the option to upgrade to 1TB with a microSD card.

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE series is available from $449 in four fashionable colors: Mint, Silver, Gray and Lavender.

 

 

Galaxy Buds FE: Superior Sound, Powerful ANC and Ergonomic Design Expand the Excellent Audio Experience to More Users

Galaxy Buds FE bring Samsung’s industry-leading sound experience to more users. Its powerful bass offers deep and rich sound that allows you to enjoy music the way the artist intended, while powerful Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound enable you to hear more of what you love and less of what you don’t. Also, automatic personalized beamforming of the advanced three microphone system, along with AI-powered Deep Neutral Network (DNN), separates your voice from unwanted background noise for clearer calls.

 

Boasting the longest battery life in the Buds series, Galaxy Buds FE provide up to 8.5 hours of playback with earbuds, and total up to 30 hours including the charging case. Even when using ANC, users can get up to 6 hours of playback with earbuds, and total up to 21 hours including the case. Inspired by the iconic and ergonomic design of the series, Galaxy Buds FE are engineered to be comfortable enough to wear for a long time, and enable a more customized fit with three different sizes of ear tips and two different sizes for wingtips.

 

Galaxy Buds FE are available for $99 in two distinct, modern colors: Graphite and White.

 

 

One Seamlessly Connected Galaxy Ecosystem

With new FE devices, it’s easier than ever to experience the full power of the connected Galaxy ecosystem. Productivity is intuitive with Multi Control, which enables users to drag and drop content easily between multiple Galaxy devices. Copy and paste or drag and drop between smartphone and tablet. When creativity strikes, simply transfer videos or images from smartphone to tablet with Quick Share, for easier editing.

 

When it is time for immersive entertainment, Galaxy Buds FE are the perfect companions. Auto Switch intelligently switches sound between your smartphone, tablet, and even watch and TV – based on your usage with no manual adjustments required. Also, SmartThings Find helps you track down misplaced Buds and also sound an alarm should they be left behind.

 

All these devices and connectivity capabilities uphold Samsung’s commitment to providing secure and private experiences. Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE series are backed by Samsung Knox protection, meaning personal information is kept that way, by default.

 

 

Mindfully Crafted for the Planet

With the latest FE devices, Samsung advances its commitment to the environment by scaling its latest purposeful innovations throughout the ecosystem.

 

Galaxy S23 FE features a wide variety of recycled materials found in both internal and external device components, including pre-consumer recycled aluminum and glass, and post-consumer recycled plastic sourced from discarded fishing nets, water barrels, and PET bottles.

 

Galaxy Tab S9 FE series are also comprised of recycled materials. Select internal and external components use pre-consumer recycled aluminum and post-consumer recycled plastics.

 

The new Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE series are designed to last with four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. To enhance longevity, users can also leverage programs such as Samsung Care+, a support service for accidental damages, repairs, and more.

 

Supporting more positive impact for the planet does not stop at smartphones and tablets. Galaxy Buds FE incorporate post-consumer recycled plastics sourced from discarded fishing nets and water barrels in its product design.

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Four New Games Added to Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade brings fun new games and updates to subscribers monthly, including new releases, award winners, and beloved favourites from the App Store. This October, players can continue to build their NBA legacy as the world’s greatest NBA stars return for another exhilarating season in NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition, featuring NBA legend Allen Iverson as the cover athlete; swipe their way through an all-new adventure with adorable monsters in the hit mobile franchise Cut the Rope 3; challenge the world in the ultimate game of smarts in Jeopardy! World Tour+; and embark on a relaxing word journey with Crossword Jam+.
“Celebrating 25 years of NBA 2K, NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition pays tribute to where it all began. Allen Iverson, NBA 2K’s very first cover athlete when the franchise launched in 1999, is back to lead us into a new era of basketball gaming,” said Greg Thomas, Visual Concepts’s president. “This year’s installment offers more ways for fans to play with all-new modes like the Endorsement, new ways to express themselves with MyPLAYER and MyCOURT customizations, legendary showdowns with the greatest fantasy team challenge, and so much more.”
In addition to new titles, fan-favourite games such as Cooking Mama: Cuisine!, Fruit Ninja Classic+, and Cityscapes: Sim Builder will get exciting updates throughout the month. Players will be able to whip up new Halloween-themed treats with Mama, slice up fruit with the new Halloween Blade in the Abandoned Dojo, put on a citywide festival to celebrate the Day of the Dead, and so much more. All games on Arcade can be enjoyed free from ads or in-app purchases, and with strong user privacy protections, the service offers a fun and safe gaming experience for players of all ages.
New games available this month include (by order of release):

• Jeopardy! World Tour+ (Uken Games): October 6 - At home or on the go, Jeopardy! World Tour+ is a fresh way to play America’s Favourite Quiz Show. With the true Jeopardy! experience in the palm of their hands, players will have fun competing with other players around world in thousands of categories and earning bragging rights as they climb the leaderboards to become Jeopardy! World Tour champion.

• Cut the Rope 3 (Paladin Studios): October 13 - The newest chapter in the hit mobile franchise that has more than 1.6 billion downloads, Cut the Rope 3 is an exciting adventure that starts with a mysterious map and a promise of great discoveries. Players will set out to explore uncharted territories with the game’s protagonist, Om Nom, and cute little Nibble Nom. Their journey with these adorable monsters will take them to breathtaking locations and unique levels full of creative and challenging puzzles. By solving them all, they’ll find new species of Nommies and become the ultimate explorer. The game features beloved characters and signature gameplay mechanics, along with new challenges and physics-based elements that will excite fans of the series.

• Crossword Jam+ (PlaySimple Games): October 20 - Crossword Jam+ takes crossword-style word games to the next level, featuring fresh daily challenges that players can use to wind down for the day and relax to a mellow crossword. Players can simply swipe and connect letters to find words and boost their vocabulary. The game features breathtaking natural sceneries that are sure to put the player’s mind at ease, and Arcade subscribers will be able to access the full game with no ads or in-app purchases. They’ll solve puzzles that slowly get harder to match their growing word skills, all while visiting the most beautiful countries across the world.

• NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition (2K Games): October 24 - NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition delivers new ways for fans to play at home and on the go. In MyCAREER, players can step into the shoes of their very own NBA superstar, gain fans, and unlock endorsements with iconic brands such as Nike, Jordan, or Adidas. They can also customize their fit with new shoes, accessories, outfits, and tattoos. In addition to current NBA stars, players can tap NBA legends to join their streetball squad as they take on AI opponents. With the return of the Greatest mode, players can challenge new GOATs and unlock a whole new lineup of NBA superstars and legends. They’ll build the team of their wildest dreams as they take on other squads in the ultimate showdown with The Greatest Fantasy Team Challenge. Or they can sit courtside with Spectator mode and play games matching the NBA season with NBA Today. And here’s the kicker — players can now customize their indoor MyCOURT, hone their skills, and then invite their friends via Game Center to witness their greatness.

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Lucha Libre Recieves Honor from IMPACT Wrestling

October 2, 2023 - IMPACT Wrestling confirmed today that the Bound For Glory Fallout Show on Sunday night, October 22, will be a Lucha Libre Celebration, honoring the tradition and legacy of the high-flying style of professional wrestling that originated in Mexico.

The Lucha Libre Celebration will be held at Cicero Stadium in the Chicago suburb of Cicero, starting at 7 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to dress like their favorite luchador, past or present.

The Lucha Libre Celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. with IMPACT’s first-ever “Lucha Fiesta” where a very limited number of fans will get exclusive access inside Cicero Stadium to a Q&A with all luchadores at the show, commemorative, numbered collectibles, autograph opportunities, photo-ops and a traditional fiesta feast with home-made tacos, rice, beans and more. The “Lucha Fiesta” is $100 and tickets are on-sale now at shopimpact.com.

One of the biggest names in lucha libre history is returning to IMPACT Wrestling for the Lucha Libre Celebration: Konnan.

Konnan has spent more than 30 years in pro wrestling, competing around the world for World Championship Wrestling (WCW), TNA/IMPACT Wrestling, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), and other promotions. He has been a champion on multiple occasions, in numerous promotions. He also has been a manager, color commentator and creative consultant during his legendary pro wrestling career.

Konnan has helped develop and advance the careers of countless luchadores and he was the presenter at the 2023 WWE Hall of Fame when Rey Mysterio, Jr. was inducted.

Born in Cuba of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, Konnan was raised in South Florida. He was in the U.S. Navy, where he won the California state (amateur) Middleweight Boxing Championship. He ultimately received an honorable discharge from the Navy and pursued pro wrestling.

The Lucha Libre Celebration also will feature the in-ring return of Juventud Guerrera, a second-generation Mexican wrestling legend who last competed in TNA/IMPACT wrestling in 2005. Juvi, as he is commonly called, is the son of Mexican wrestler Fuerza Guerrera, and he was a 5-time Cruiserweight Champion (WCW and WWE), best known for his nonstop, high-energy offense.

Juventud Guerrera is Spanish for “Youth Warrior.”

Other luchadores confirmed for in-ring action at the Lucha Libra Celebration:

Samuray Del Sol

Born in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, Samuray Del Sol is a second-generation Mexican-American who long idolized lucha libre legends Tinieblas and Octagón. Samuray Del Sol attended Chicago’s Curie Metropolitan High School, which is a 5-mile drive from Cicero Stadium. Growing up in Chicago, Samuray Del Sol participated in numerous sports, including gymnastics, taekwondo, jujutsu, amateur wrestling, and football.

Laredo Kid

Now in his 20th year as a pro wrestler, he has competed around the world, including IMPACT Wrestling and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. Laredo Kid has been a champion in singles and tag team action.

Black Taurus

A masked wrestler for IMPACT Wrestling and AAA, Black Taurus has been a singles and tag champion on multiple occasions. He has been aligned of late with IMPACT’s Crazzy Steve, but that team has since parted ways.

The Lucha Libre Celebration is part of IMPACT Wrestling’s Bound For Glory Fallout Show. Matches for the Fallout show will be announced in the coming weeks, but bitter rivalries will be settled and championships will be on the line.

Doors open at Cicero Stadium on Sunday, October 22, at 6 p.m., with preliminary matches set for 6:30 p.m. The Lucha Libre Celebration kicks off at 7 p.m.

Bound For Glory, the showcase event of the year for IMPACT Wrestling, is Saturday night, October 21, at Cicero Stadium, starting at 7 p.m. BFG will be a star-studded, electricity-filled night with two of the most anticipated matches already confirmed:

• Alex Shelley defends the IMPACT World Championship against 2-time former World Champion Josh Alexander.
• Will Ospreay makes his long-awaited return at BFG, facing offensive juggernaut “Speedball” Mike Bailey.

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Scholastic Announce Kid Reporters

Today, Scholastic officially welcomed 28 student journalists from around the world to the award-winning Scholastic Kids Press program for the 2023-2024 academic year. Fifteen new and thirteen returning Kid Reporters, ages 10-14, will interview newsmakers and cover the topics that interest them and their peers most. Each year, these budding journalists receive invaluable real-world experience as they develop critical thinking, researching, and reporting skills.

The student journalists represent 17 U.S. states and 8 other countries: Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea. Their stories will spotlight local and international events on a range of topics, including government, entertainment, sports, and the environment. Bylines will appear in the Kid Reporters’ Notebook found on the Kids Press website and in select issues of Scholastic Magazines+, which reach more than 13 million students in U.S. classrooms.

"Scholastic Kids Press has opened doors for me to meet and interview remarkable people who are shaping our world, and it's an incredible opportunity to learn from them," said 11-year-old Kid Reporter Xander Dorsey, who joined Kids Press in 2022. "The experience has taught me the importance of curiosity, critical thinking, and the power of storytelling to inform and engage others."

“Over the past 23 years, the Kids Press program has helped students better understand their world by sharing stories about events that matter to them and their peers,” said Suzanne McCabe, editor of Scholastic Kids Press. “Now more than ever, it’s important for young people to cultivate media literacy skills, which will help them analyze information and stay informed.”

According to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™, the majority of parents (93%) say it's important that their child learns how to think critically to understand what they see, read, or hear online. Through the program, Kid Reporters will not only cover the ever-changing media landscape, but also deepen their knowledge and literacy skills.

During the 2022-2023 program year, Scholastic Kid Reporters covered the G7 summit in Japan, San Diego Comic-Con, National History Day, and hotly-contested runoff elections in the U.S., among many other topics. Throughout the program’s history, Kid Reporters have interviewed several influential figures, including Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousafzai; CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper; Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda; conservationist Jane Goodall; former First Lady and President of the United States, Michelle and Barack Obama; Captain Underpants and Dog Man creator Dav Pilkey; and more.

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Yahoo and Good-Loop Partner to Help Address Sustainability

Today, purpose-led ad platform Good-Loop and Yahoo announced a global partnership offering carbon neutral private marketplace (PMP) media opportunities to advertisers, in order to help them become more sustainable. As a whole, the digital advertising industry requires a massive amount of computing power to support the trillions of ad transactions that take place every day, making it a major driver of global carbon emissions—an issue both parties are seeking to address.

In an effort to help brands and agencies better grasp the environmental impact of their ad campaigns while also offering ways they can minimize their carbon footprint, Good-Loop’s carbon scoring ranks domains in supply-side platforms (SSPs) based on their carbon score. Through this partnership, advertisers and agencies buying through the Yahoo DSP will now have access to the PMPs that rank in the top 25 percent, helping them ensure their ad campaigns are in line with their larger sustainability efforts.

“Becoming carbon neutral is an industry-wide challenge, and Yahoo is making sustainability a priority by offering advertisers access to more green media through our partnership with Good-Loop,” said Elizabeth Herbst-Brady, Chief Revenue Officer at Yahoo. “Good-Loop’s carbon scoring provides advertisers with information about each publisher’s carbon footprint, allowing them to make more informed choices when it comes to the environmental impact of their ad campaigns. This improves the advertiser’s decision process, while also acting as an incentive for publishers to reduce carbon emissions, whether through supply path optimization or improving infrastructure.”

Advertisers can now easily find and buy low carbon emission supply, joining brands who are prioritizing climate-friendly media with Good-Loop already, including General Mills, PepsiCo, Nestle, Unilever, and Toyota.

“Yahoo’s robust DSP boasts both global reach as well as an expansive suite of tools helping advertisers make the most efficient buying decisions,” said Amy Williams, CEO and founder, Good-Loop. “Now, Yahoo is also driving the industry toward more sustainable advertising habits by expanding advertiser awareness of low emission PMPs—just one of several reasons we’re thrilled to partner with Yahoo. Together, we’re bringing the industry one step closer to its sustainability goals, giving advertisers around the globe the power to minimize their carbon footprint by evaluating the carbon cost of their campaign when media planning.”

Furthering its sustainability commitment, Yahoo recently introduced its direct-to-publisher platform, "Yahoo Backstage," which has been recognized by Jounce Media, a leading source for definitions of inventory quality standards, as the "largest MFA-free supply source on the open Web.” "Made for Advertising" (MFA) sites consume 21% of all programmatic ad impressions, leading to significant waste and carbon emissions. By delivering premium, MFA-free content, Yahoo is leading the charge on reducing media waste and its environmental impact.

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Mitsubishi Electric Selects BlackBerry

Mitsubishi Electric (TOKYO: 6503) and BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) today announced that Mitsubishi Electric's new automotive in-cabin system, Mitsubishi Electric FLEXConnect™, will be powered by BlackBerry IVY®, an edge-to-cloud vehicle data platform. The collaboration will help advance road safety by leveraging an array of sensor data to anticipate safety risks, reduce driver distractions, highlight potential driving hazards, and enable new consumer experiences.

"The collaboration between Mitsubishi Electric and BlackBerry to advance our in-cabin system takes the driving experience to the next level by truly going the extra mile," said Mark Rakoski, VP Advanced Engineering at Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, inc. "With its advanced safety features, intuitive interface, and enhanced sensory feedback, Mitsubishi Electric FLEXConnect™ establishes a new cabin experience standard, revolutionizing the way we interact with vehicles. With BlackBerry IVY, we're able to bring innovations like this to market faster, and in full confidence that the security and privacy of user data is protected."

"We are delighted that Mitsubishi Electric has selected BlackBerry to power its new in-vehicle system," said Vito Giallorenzo, SVP General Manager of IVY and Head of Corporate Development at Blackberry. "By leveraging BlackBerry IVY as a key component of its FLEXConnect™ platform, Mitsubishi Electric raises the bar for in-cabin experiences and helps improve road safety. BlackBerry IVY is unique in how it enables automotive OEMs to leverage a multitude of vehicle signal data in real-time and cost effectively into valuable insights."

The Mitsubishi Electric FLEXConnect™ platform core is its driver monitoring system (DMS) and occupant monitoring system (OMS). BlackBerry IVY allows the platform to extract and analyze data from internal and external sensors and leverages machine learning to process all data collected at the vehicle edge compute node.

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Developmental Contract For Winners IMPACT Gut Check

IMPACT Wrestling is looking for the next pro wrestling stars as two Gut Check tryout events are confirmed in conjunction with the upcoming UK Invasion Tour.

IMPACT Wrestling Gut Check, launched in 2012, gives pro wrestlers around the world a chance to showcase their skill and ability in front of a distinguished panel of judges. The winners will receive a Developmental Contract and bursary with IMPACT Wrestling in Canada, training at the Can-Am Dojo and the possibility to earn a contract to join the IMPACT Wrestling roster.

IMPACT Wrestling Gut Check will be held on Wednesday, October 25th in Glasgow, Scotland, and then again on Sunday, October 29th in Coventry, England.

The judges for the UK Gut Check events will be IMPACT Wrestling President Scott D’Amore, former seven-time Knockouts World Champion and Hall of Famer Gail Kim and Scottish wrestling star and former IMPACT Wrestling Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry.

The Gut Check winners will receive a Developmental Contract with IMPACT Wrestling in Canada, including up to six months training at the famed Can-Am Dojo in Windsor, Ontario, and a bursary toward living expenses.

Coaches at the Can-Am Dojo include former IMPACT Wrestling World Champion Josh Alexander, reigning IMPACT Wrestling World Champion Alex Shelley, reigning X Division Champion Chris Sabin and Scott D’Amore, among other longtime pro wrestling stars.

The details for the UK Gut Check events are:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25

Location: Park Villa Community Sports Hub

Address: 337 Langlands Road in Glasgow, Scotland G51 4AW

Registration: 6-7 p.m.

Gut Check: 7-10 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

Location: HMV Empire

Address: 22 Hertford Street in Coventry, England CV1 1LF

Registration: 12-1 p.m.

Gut Check: 1-4 p.m.

GUT CHECK REGISTRATION:

www.impactwrestling.com/2023-impact-wrestling-uk-gut-check-registration

Thursday, October 26 at O2 Academy in Glasgow, Scotland

Friday, October 27 at Walker Activity Dome in Newcastle, England

Saturday, October 28 at HMV Empire in Coventry, England

Sunday, October 29 at HMV Empire in Coventry, England

The UK Invasion Tour will feature IMPACT Wrestling stars including World Champion Alex Shelley, Josh Alexander, X Division Champion Chris Sabin, Deonna Purrazzo, Jordynne Grace, Gail Kim, Eric Young, Eddie Edwards, Rhino and many more.

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David Berson to Succeed Sean McManus as President and CEO, CBS Sports

Sean McManus, chairman of CBS Sports, will retire in April 2024 after a legendary 27-year run leading the division. David Berson, who has been president of CBS Sports for over 10 years, will succeed McManus as president and chief executive officer. The announcement of the leadership transition was made today by George Cheeks, president and chief executive officer of CBS, and chief content officer of news and sports at Paramount+.

McManus joined CBS Sports as president in 1996 and was instrumental in restoring the division’s prominence with the reacquisition of the National Football League rights in 1998. He has maintained the Network’s industry-leading status by spearheading subsequent landmark deals with the NFL as well as groundbreaking agreements with the NCAA, Big Ten, PGA TOUR, UEFA, PGA of America and SEC, along with the Masters. McManus served concurrently as president of CBS News and Sports for more than five years prior to being named chairman in 2011 and is only the second person to hold both division titles simultaneously at a network.

“Sean is a first-ballot, hall of fame executive who has masterfully managed all aspects of CBS Sports for 27 years and helped guide us through a transformative era in sports television,” said Cheeks. “His achievements here and the culture of excellence he established for CBS Sports – on screen and off – will benefit CBS and Paramount Global long into the future.”

Berson joined CBS Sports in 2011 and was named president in June 2013. While overseeing CBS Sports’ broadcast, cable, digital and streaming assets, he has been integral in establishing the strategic direction of the division and managing its daily operations, along with spearheading numerous marquee rights and talent acquisitions, managing relationships with partners and developing and leading a best-in-class team.

“David is a brilliant, innovative and passionate leader with deep knowledge and relationships in all areas of our business. He is highly respected across the industry by his peers, our partners and within CBS Sports and Paramount Global,” said Cheeks. “Sean and David’s excellent partnership the past decade has positioned CBS Sports for this smooth transition. David is the ideal executive to lead the next chapter of this proud and storied division.”

“Leading CBS Sports has been an honor and I have been so fortunate to work with the most talented team in sports media, along with our incredible partners, for nearly three decades. It has been a fantastic run and the thrill of a lifetime,” said McManus. “I am pleased to leave CBS Sports in an even stronger place than when I arrived, knowing that all of our marquee properties are locked up through this decade and beyond. The future at CBS Sports is in the extremely capable hands of David Berson, who will seamlessly succeed me, as we planned. He is an outstanding leader and strategist, with knowledge and experience across all facets of the business, and has established excellent relationships with our partners and across our team.”

“It has been the privilege of my career to have a front-row seat and work alongside Sean for the past 13 years,” said Berson. “He is the ultimate leader, mentor and friend. I look forward to carrying on the high standards he established, which help define CBS Sports. It is a genuine honor to lead our incomparable CBS Sports team and continue working closely with our world-class partners.”

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