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Lensbaby’s Optic Swap System Welcomes Back an Old Friend

Lensbaby

Lensbaby, the leader in award-winning creative effect camera lenses, is excited to announce the launch of the new and improved Soft Focus II. This long-awaited successor to the sought-after original Soft Focus optic adds a 12-blade manually adjustable internal aperture to its unique and versatile drop-in magnetic aperture system. The 12-blade internal aperture controls the strength of the soft focus effect while Imagon-style multi-hole apertures maintain the ability to change the balance between the soft glow and the underlying detail. Three included multi-hole apertures plus a sunburst drop-in aperture open up creative possibilities far beyond lenses with just one aperture system. Amateur photographers to full-time professionals will love the variability of the optical effect from impressionistic and full of glow to contrasty and sharp. Founder, Craig Strong comments, "At darker apertures, this magical optic produces images with a vintage-lens feel and just a hint of glow. Then, with a turn of the aperture dial, a subtle creative effect grows into an explosion of dreamy glow around the highlights and shadows of my images. I love having the ability to quickly shift the look of my images to match my subject matter.” At the accessible price point of $179, you'll find no other lens able to render a color palette tending toward soft pastels at brighter apertures with sharp underlying detail beneath the glow; Soft Focus II makes impossible images possible. About Lensbaby Lensbaby creates tools that enable photographers and videographers to find their unique visual voice. For over 15 years, they have been manufacturing high-quality creative effects lenses, optics, and accessories out of their Portland, Oregon headquarters. Lensbaby sells its products on its website as well as through a worldwide network of retailers and distributors. For more information, visit www.lensbaby.com Product Specifications Soft Focus II Product Specifications Focal Length: 50mm Primary Effect: Soft Focus Optic Swap Compatible: Yes Aperture Range: f/2.5 - 22 internal aperture + drop-in magnetic aperture disk compatible Minimum Focus Distance: 380mm (15.0in) In Composer lens bodies Maximum Focus Distance: Infinity 46mm filter threads Format Compatibility: 35mm Full Frame; APS-C; and 4/3rds Sensors Camera Compatibility: SLR and MIL cameras Focus Type: Manual Diagonal Angle of View: Full Frame: 45; APS-C (1.5x): 31°; 4/3rds: 23.5° Angle of Tilt: Tilt is not recommended for the Soft Focus II optic Diaphragm Blades: 12 Elements/Groups: 2 elements / 1 group Coating: Broadband multi coated anti-reflective Contact Details Michael Anthony, VP Sales and Marketing, Lensbaby +1 503-547-4949 Michael@lensbaby.com Nicole Lisson, PR Specialist, M&P Digital Creative Agency nicole@mcmillanphillips.com

March 08, 2022 01:07 PM Pacific Standard Time

GET Group North America Launches GET Mobile Verify for iOS and Android Devices

GET Group North America

GET Group North America, an innovative developer of mobile ID technology with over 20 years of experience in secure government credentials, today announced the launch of GET Mobile Verify in the App Store and Google Play Store. GET Mobile Verify allows businesses to accept mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) and mobile IDs issued anywhere in the world as legal forms of age or identity verification. Using the app, merchants can contactlessly authenticate ID information to approve a purchase without relying on visual inspection. The ability to do this is becoming increasingly important as more and more states roll out plans to make mobile IDs and driver’s licenses available to citizens. GET Mobile Verify is fully compliant with the international standard (ISO 18013-5) for mobile driver licenses and was developed using best practices of security and privacy. A tap or scan of an mDL by GET Mobile Verify cryptographically proves that the ID information is real and unaltered, without the customer’s phone ever leaving their hand. Minimizing the data exchanged during transactions to only what’s relevant (such as name or age) enhances privacy and control for customers. GET Mobile Verify helps to protect the health of employees and customers by eliminating the spread of germs related to physically passing an ID. See our video to learn more. “GET Mobile Verify will allow business owners to reduce their fraud risk and increase their confidence in the validity of a patron’s identity,” said Alex Kambanis, Managing Director, GET Group North America. “It’s an incredibly trustworthy method of identity verification that can be used in a multitude of ways. From check-out at the liquor store to personalizing a diner’s experience at a restaurant with mobile check-in before they are even seated, retailers can offer a healthier and more efficient experience for both their customers and their staff.” Verifiers everywhere now have the opportunity to become part of the growing mobile ID ecosystem. In states that have mobile ID, businesses equipped with GET Mobile Verify no longer need to physically inspect an ID to attempt to authenticate it, and they never need to touch a customer’s mobile phone to check their mDL. It’s an exciting way to potentially reduce identity fraud, while enabling greater convenience for citizens and merchants alike. GET Group NA is currently offering GET Mobile Verify at no charge to verifying parties everywhere for a limited time, concurrent with their mDL pilot in Utah. GET Mobile Verify can read all mobile IDs and mobile driver’s licenses that comply with the ISO 18013-5 standard recommended by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. Users are asked to provide feedback to improve the system directly to the GET Mobile team. Contact GET Group North America with product questions or for more information. Download the app today from the App Store and Google Play Store. About GET Group North America GET Group North America and its partners develop, manufacture, and implement end-to-end solutions for secure physical and mobile credentials that enable government agencies, motor vehicle departments, municipalities law enforcement organizations, and other entities to leverage the latest in secure identity management technologies. From photo ID cards, driver’s licenses and passports, to mDLs and mIDs, GET Group NA delivers advanced issuance, verification and personalization capabilities that prevent identification fraud, accommodate diversified customer needs, and support the future of ID use cases. Contact Details Jordan Bouclin +1 401-490-9700 jordan.bouclin@svmpr.com Company Website https://getgroupna.com/

March 08, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

NEW XFINITY REWARDS PROGRAM UNLOCKS A WORLD OF UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES, EARLY ACCESS TO THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES, AND SPECIAL PERKS AND DISCOUNTS FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS

Comcast Houston

Comcast today announced the launch of Xfinity Rewards, a rewards program for all customers across the country. Xfinity Rewards was built around a simple idea: to give back to customers, just for being a customer, through unique and unforgettable experiences that only Comcast NBCUniversal can deliver. The multi-faceted program spans media and entertainment, sports, music, and technology. Members enjoy special perks like $1 Movie Rentals, access to free content, discounts at Universal Parks & Resorts, early access to the latest Comcast technologies, products, features like the new xFi Advanced Gateway with Supersonic WiFi, and Xfinity Mobile benefits and savings. Customers can also redeem rewards for unforgettable experiences like exclusive live stream events, have a chance for a meet and greet with Olympic gold-medalist Nathan Chen, a trip to the Latin American Music Awards in Las Vegas, or tickets to be part of the live audience at Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in New York, just to name a few. “The entire Xfinity Rewards experience has been shaped and inspired by our customers. They told us they wanted meaningful rewards rooted in unforgettable experiences, so we’ve brought together the best of Comcast NBCUniversal to deliver just that,” said Jason Wicht, Senior Vice President of Growth Operations. “Xfinity Rewards truly speaks to our mission to connect people to more of what they love, with the most innovative technology available anywhere, while giving back and saying thanks - just for being a customer.” How Xfinity Rewards Works Joining Xfinity Rewards is free for customers. Signing up only takes a minute through the Xfinity App or online at xfinity.com/rewards. Upon enrolling, members are placed in Silver, Gold, Platinum or Diamond tier based on how long they’ve been a customer, with access and the types of rewards based on tenure with Comcast. Rewards are available immediately upon signing up for the program so members can start exploring and enjoying them right away with new opportunities added frequently throughout the year. Launching Xfinity Rewards with Supersonic WiFi Xfinity Rewards is all about unlocking unforgettable experiences – and what better place to start than right at home. Beginning March 4, at 12:00 p.m. EST, Xfinity Rewards Diamond members who subscribe to Gigabit Internet will receive early access to Comcast’s most innovative and powerful device to date delivering reliable, supersonic WiFi. The next generation Gateway, only from Xfinity, is capable of multi-Gig speeds and can power a house full of hundreds of connected devices all at once. It won’t be available to the public until April 2022, but eligible Xfinity Rewards members can redeem this reward beginning March 4 through the Xfinity App or online at Xfinity.com/rewards while supplies last. Save Hundreds on Xfinity Mobile, Rated #1 in Customer Satisfaction Customers who sign up for Xfinity Rewards can access even more product discounts and perks as part of the program, including up to $150 towards a new Xfinity Mobile device and up to $100 towards new or existing service for Xfinity Mobile customers. Xfinity Mobile, rated number one in customer satisfaction by ASCI two years in a row, combines the best nationwide cellular 5G with more than 20 million WiFi hotspots to deliver fast speeds and a more flexible way to pay for cellular data. Customers can mix and match between Unlimited or By-the-Gig shared data and can switch back and forth on any line at any time. Xfinity Mobile offers Unlimited data for $30 a line per month when you get 4 lines with Xfinity Mobile. Discounts to Universal Parks & Resorts and Other Comcast NBCUniversal Brands Xfinity Rewards members can experience the action, thrills, and excitement of Universal Orlando’s three amazing theme parks, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Island of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park, at specially discounted prices. Enjoy a Universal Orlando Resort 3-day ticket for the price of a regular 2-day admission ticket or save on a 2 Park 1-Day VIP experience for a personally guided tour of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. There’s also a sweepstakes for a 3-night trip for four people to Universal Orlando including roundtrip airfare, accommodations at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and admission to all three theme parks. In addition, Xfinity Rewards members get instant access to exclusive discounts across many popular Comcast NBCUniversal brands – including 20% off merchandise at NBC and Bravo stores, discounts on subscriptions to premium services like GolfPass, NBC Sports Edge, and CNBC Pro, and early access to TODAY’s Steals and Deals with Jill Martin. Unforgettable Sports, Music, and Entertainment Experiences Members also have access to experiences and events made possible through Xfinity’s wide array of sports, music, and entertainment partnerships – like a VIP experience to watch all the drama unfold live at NASCAR, tickets to NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB games, exclusive virtual cooking demonstrations with award-winning celebrity chefs like Bren Herrera, host of Cleo TV’s Culture Kitchen, and Chef G. Garvin of Aspire TV's G. Garvin Live!, virtual meet and greets with Bravolebrities, tickets to top music events like the Latin American Music Awards in Las Vegas in April, and even a super VIP experience like the chance to meet Olympic gold medalist, Nathan Chen. Simple Delights like $1 Movies and Access to Free Content While there are tons of great experiences, discounts, and perks for being a member of Xfinity Rewards, sometimes the best moments are the simple everyday opportunities to connect with loved ones. In addition to offering tons of great movies for just $1, Xfinity Rewards members can also redeem rewards for movies like The Mighty Ducks, The Minions Movie, In the Heights, and It’s a Wonderful Life for free. And there are tons of games and activity kits featuring hit characters from Boss Baby, The Minions Movie, Sing 2, and more to keep the whole family entertained for hours. There’s truly something for everyone with Xfinity Rewards. For more information about Xfinity Rewards, download the Xfinity App or visit xfinity.com/rewards. About Comcast: Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Houston Foti Kallergis +1 832-986-0196 Michael_Bybee@cable.comcast.com Company Website https://houston.comcast.com/

March 08, 2022 08:13 AM Central Standard Time

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Kitchen Magic Discovers Trends, Products and Executes a Successful Social Media Campaign at KBIS 2022

Kitchen Magic

, NAZARETH, PA MARCH 8, 2022 – Kitchen Magic, a family-owned and operated kitchen remodeling company experienced a successful attendance at the 2022 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), at The Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, from February 8 through February 10. KBIS, held in affiliation with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), is the largest trade show in North America dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design. HIGHLY INFORMATIVE The show proved to be informative for Kitchen Magic attendees, Renate Sprung, a company owner, JT Norman, In House Designer/Product Development, William Childs, Creative Director, and Briana Hoffert, Marketing Communications Specialist. It was a highly motivational and interactive platform, housing the hottest industry products, trends, and technologies from hundreds of leading exhibitors. The team met and collaborated with existing and new vendors to see a treasure trove of new products they could potentially add to their existing customer offering in 2023. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS Forging their ongoing relationships with industry vendors, such as XG Hausys, Rev-a-Shelf, and Kohler, these were their first visits upon arriving. Following was a list of new vendors that the team researched to see what they have to offer. Attending all the KBIS Next Stage designer sessions was JT Norman, the firm’s In-home Designer & Product Innovation Manager, who garnered insights from all the top designer forecasts. “This is the most important show for the kitchen & bath industry. I brought back various new product and trend ideas that we can cultivate and infuse into our own offering,” Norman stated. SOCIAL MEDIA CAMAPIGN Meanwhile, the team filmed content, displays and discussions with leading vendors from the industry, posting to their social media channels in real-time. Follow Kitchen Magic across social media channels to view the remodeler’s findings and more. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin & Youtube.com Contact: Linda Fennessy, Public Relations Manager ©610.217.0964 800.237.0799x 4155 Linda.fennessy@kitchenmagic.com Kitchenmagic.com ABOUT KITCHEN MAGIC Kitchen Magic is a kitchen remodeling company with headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Nazareth, PA. Kitchen Magic has been family-owned and operated since 1979. Kitchen Magic has transformed nearly 60,000 kitchens using an exclusive cabinet refacing process. Today, Kitchen Magic serves CT, DE, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, and R.I. Kitchen Magic is recognized by Qualified Remodeler as #1 in kitchen remodeling nationwide eight times, an 11-time Angie's List Super Service Award winner, a 10-time Best of Houzz winner for service & design, and an 8-time winner of The Morning Call's Top Workplace Award. Contact Details Kitchen Magic, Inc. LInda Fennessy +1 610-217-0964 linda.fennessy@kitchenmagic.com Company Website https://www.kitchenmagic.com

March 08, 2022 09:13 AM Eastern Standard Time

SUNNY VODKA LAUNCHES NATIONALLY WITH AN ASPIRATIONAL WEST HOLLYWOOD SPIRIT

EMC|BOWERY

Brand Directors and Partners, Stas Karanikolaou and Zack Bia, Partner with Global Brand Equities To Launch A New Handcrafted Gluten-Free Corn Based Premium Vodka For The Modern Consumer (LOS ANGELES, CA - March 8, 2022) Global Brand Equities unveils Sunny Vodka, the newest addition to their successful liquid portfolio, with next generation entrepreneurs, Stas Karanikolaou and Zack Bia. The best friend duo who are undeniably recognized for disrupting and running the event scene in Los Angeles and cultural events beyond, are now venturing into the alcohol and spirits arena as Partners and Brand Directors with Sunny Vodka. Sunny Vodka is an aspirational brand conceptualized in West Hollywood, capturing the essence of its hometown. The creation of Sunny is a love story built by best friends who simply know what people want to drink and bask in all of life’s moments. The brand brings life to a casual day by the pool, a home cooked meal or a black-tie affair with one sip the world is always Sunny. Sunny Vodka is vegan, gluten-free and made from 100% U.S. grown corn and handcrafted in small batches. Prior to bottling, Sunny is distilled 6 times and is finished through an extra filtration process using California Limestone. The result is a more sophisticated approachable vodka that is cleaner, brighter and smoother with a pleasant aroma, mixable profile & a better mouthfeel. The premium spirit reaches the modern consumer with an eloquently smooth and welcoming flavor profile offering the true taste of vodka. Sunny will be retailed at the competitive price of $24.99 per 750ml bottle (80 Proof, 40% ABV). Sunny Vodka will be exclusively available in key retail chains and distributed by Shaw-Ross International Importers in partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits across the country starting with top major markets in California, Las Vegas, Florida and New York on February 1, 2022 and available for purchase at spirit merchants BevMo!, GoPuff Delivery and Wally’s. Stas Karanikolaou, Co-Brand Director of Sunny Vodka comments, “We distinctively sought out to make sure this vodka would be made with quality ingredients, better taste and artistic branding. Most importantly, we wanted to make sure that it was at a reasonable price point to help recreate some of the amazing memories my friends and I have had while drinking Sunny.” Zack Bia, Co-Brand Director of Sunny Vodka says, “ I love working with our "family" on Sunny Vodka. This is not like an endorsement where people just add their name; this is an authentic lifestyle we live and breathe. We are very proud of how far we have come with creating Sunny Vodka to be smooth, clean & a refreshing quality for everyone to aspire and enjoy responsibly.” “Sunny Vodka is not your average spirit, it's an entire lifestyle and community which revolves around an incredible liquid. Sunny is here to breathe new life into the industry's largest liquor category with this launch. The Sunny liquid is extraordinarily smooth, and it has taken our team years to refine it to this superior standard using custom methods in production and distillation. We are delighted to have our distribution led by Shaw-Ross International Importers and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in the US, giving Sunny the best visibility in On and Off-premise retailers as well as e-commerce platforms. Our co-founders are experts in building community and we are proud to partner with them on this incredible brand. ” said James Morrissey President of Global Brand Equities. To kick off the launch, Global Brand Equities have purchased select campaign billboards throughout West Hollywood with locations on Sunset Blvd. and Melrose Ave, alongside a hand-painted mural capturing the sunny landscape of Los Angeles, starting with first sign “It’s Always Sunny on Sunset” at the “bird streets” barricade off Sunset Blvd. The billboards and mural amplify the essence of the prolific trendsetting culture and aspirational lifestyle in the city. For the influential brand, the mission is to create a community that starts with the people and their networks of tastemakers and influencer relationships. Sunny Spritz 2oz Sunny Vodka 1oz Fresh Lime Juice 1oz Agave Nectar 1 oz Crafted Soda Water Garnished with cucumber peel and fresh mint sprigs Sunny Pop 2oz Sunny Vodka 2oz Craft Soda Water Garnished with lemon Sunny Martini 3oz Sunny Vodka 1/8oz Dry Vermouth Garnish with 3 Olives Sunny Screwdriver 2oz Sunny Vodka 2 dashes orange bitters 1-2 hand squeezed blood oranges Sunny Aperol Spritz 1oz Sunny Vodka 2oz Aperol 2oz Craft Soda Water Orange Wheel Garnished with fresh rosemary sprig For more information and find out where Sunny Vodka is sold, please visit: www.sunny-vodka.com to find the nearest retailer. For press/ media inquiries, please contact: Ben Russo, ben@emcbowery.com Dianne Quirante, dianne@emcbowery.com ABOUT SUNNY VODKA Sunny is a love story between best friends who simply know what people want to drink. There are only a few things in life that bring people together and make lasting memories - a great drink is the top of the list. Whether you are with family, friends, a loved one or on your own, nothing beats a smooth glass of Sunny. A casual dinner, a funny toast or a black-tie affair, you cannot deny the easy, clean taste from the world’s best vodka: Sunny. ABOUT GLOBAL BRAND EQUITIES Global Brand Equities (GBE) is the leading producer, owner, and operator of disruptive consumer brands in the spirits industry. Founded by international entrepreneur James Morrissey, the GBE portfolio consists of investments in brands that live in high-growth categories. Responsible for some of the industry’s most successful product launches globally, the company continues to innovate and evolve beyond the average industry standard, resulting in the creation of some of the best-known brand names of our generation. Creating long-term growth of brand equity is a priority for all of the GBE businesses, and its foundations are deep rooted in the liquor, manufacturing, and entertainment sectors, ensuring longevity and the ability to scale at a global level. Always focused on delivering products at the highest level of quality, the portfolio continues to receive exceptional accolades from leading experts. The company’s global perspective is seen with its Maison No 9 French rosé wine brand. In partnership with Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum recording artist Post Malone, the brand has disrupted the wine industry globally, breaking records for its sales at launch, and scaling across multiple continents in its first 18 months. The liquid currently retains a 91-point score on wine.com. Contact Details EMCBOWERY Dianne Quirante dianne@emcbowery.com

March 08, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia Launches Heart Disease Prevention Campaign

Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia (CCP)

Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia (CCP) — the region’s largest and most extensive cardiology practice — has launched a state-of-the-art heart disease prevention program — the CB4 Prevention Program. The practice has locations at more than 36 offices in five counties, making it uniquely qualified to reach and potentially save the highest number of patients possible. CCP has over 100 cardiologists on staff who are experts across all specialties. Each physician on the team offers comprehensive cardiovascular care and education based on the latest research, and uses cutting-edge, innovative technology to treat and diagnose cardiovascular diseases. Patients looking to identify their risk factors and take preventive action against heart disease will have access to advance testing as needed, as well as an individualized program based off of the initial consultation with a doctor through CB4. “Preventative care is an incredibly important first step for patients to take, as heart disease is easier to prevent than it is to treat,” said Dean Karalis, MD, FACC, FNLA, a CCP physician. “CB4 is about awareness as much as it is about heart disease prevention—success requires us to create a highly-individualized, ongoing program for each patient based on a number of factors including risk factors and family history.” As part of the prevention evaluation, the patient will have blood work drawn to screen for high cholesterol as well as other cardiovascular risk factors. The lab work will include a comprehensive metabolic panel and a Hemoglobin A1c Test (diabetes screener). The results of the bloodwork will give one of the practice’s 11 CB4 cardiologists — all of whom are preventative-trained and focused cardiologists — clear insight to develop a plan of action from a preventative angle. The CB4 Prevention Program can be scheduled through any of the CCP offices in the Philadelphia region. Appointments are available in person or virtually. About Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia CCP is affiliated with virtually every major hospital in the region and serves patients from over 36 offices in all five Southeastern Pennsylvania counties. Contact Details Lauren Stralo +1 484-747-0172 lstralo@levlane.com Company Website https://ccpdocs.com/

March 08, 2022 08:53 AM Eastern Standard Time

OPPO Find X5 Pro's ultra night video mode empowers the story of Joana Pastrana

OPPO

SHENZHEN, CHINA - Media OutReach - 8 March 2022 - OPPO celebrates International Women's Day in collaboration with Director Laura Sisteró to produce the story of Joana Pastrana, who is a world-class boxer and held the International Boxing Federation's mini-flyweight title for three years in a row. Her achievements were hard won through training and self-betterment. Joana Pastrana represents the spirit of OPPO's Save the Night initiative, which celebrates the empowerment of women who find they have to push harder and train longer in a world that can seem out of sync with their ambitions. (Shot on Find X5 Pro) A story of empowerment Joana Pastrana's story is told in a short film made in association with OPPO, directed by Laura Sisteró, and shot in part using the new OPPO Find X5 Pro. It shows what the night can be if we choose to make it so: "In the dark, I just saw an opportunity. While everyone went back home to rest, I was ready to chase my dream," says Pastrana. For her, the night was a time to work, and push harder. Competing in a male-dominated sport only made her self-empowerment more crucial. "I didn't see many women up there," says Pastrana. "I had to become my own role model. And from then on, I never stopped. I trained harder and harder. This was the only way to achieve my goals", she says. After three years of competing in the amateur circuit, Pastrana made her professional debut in 2016. At the time she was the only professional boxer in Madrid. By the middle of 2018 she was already a global champion in her weight class. Pastrana is an inspirational figure, an example of what self-motivation through empowerment can bring. Few could, or would even want to, box at a professional level. However, her words can inspire us all. She says, "the night can be the time to dream wide awake." It's a reminder that while dreams and aspirations may seem remote, they may be within reach. This is a sentiment worth celebrating. (Shot on Find X5 Pro) Behind the camera The aim of OPPO's Joana Pastrana short film was to offer a view into her world. She walks through the empty city streets at night towards her boxing gym, capturing images with the OPPO Find X5 Pro. She straps up her wrists and takes to the ring to train. As she sits at the end of the session, exhausted, Pastrana visualizes the match to come, when all her efforts will be put to the test. The film-making challenge was to capture the emotional and physical investment here in a 90-second format. Director Laura Sisteró's tools were the industry standard Arri Alexa camera and a less likely partner, the OPPO Find X5 Pro. OPPO Find X5 Pro can be the night companion. Its camera is optimized to produce stunning results, for stills or video, even in the most challenging lighting. An OPPO Find X5 Pro will record night-time memories, challenges, victories and defeats, which can form an important part of a motivational journey. The phone was put to the test in the shooting of this short film, used to film some of the more difficult scenes in the piece. The phone used by Pastrana to visually narrate her journey through the street in photo form. Shots of Pastrana training both in and outside the ring used the OPPO Find X5 Pro's Ultra Night Video mode. This marks a paradigm shift in the video quality of OPPO phones, bringing the quality associated with enhanced low-light stills to moving images. "I was quite surprised by the capabilities the phone has to take pictures at night," says director Laura Sisteró. A tapestry of software and hardware in the OPPO Find X5 Pro makes this a reality. Its wide and ultra-wide cameras use large, high-quality Sony IMX766 sensors. 5-axis OIS avoids motion blur and allows for longer shutter speeds, and OPPO's self-developed MariSilicon X NPU fine tunes the camera's advanced processing algorithms to suit each shooting situation. To create a night-time short film with the OPPO Find X5 Pro, take some of the creative choices made in the short film as inspiration. Note how Pastrana is not the only character here. The quiet atmosphere of the streets is brought into focus by the use of Pastrana's footsteps as the primary soundtrack to each exterior shot. This sits in stark contrast to the traffic noise of the first few seconds of footage, shot during the day. Director Sisteró plays with the shadows and light contrasts of the night-time city, and lets scenes bathe in the warmth of street light and the artificial lighting of neon signs. At night, each shadow can be an outlet for creative expression. This visual language is a key part of the telling of Pastrana's story ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5epW6JpoCw ). The phone is available from mid-March. Read more about the OPPO Find X5 Pro at the OPPO website. #OPPO Contact Details OPPO Media Contact press@oppo.com

March 08, 2022 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Ultimate Odds Announces Seed Funding Round

Ultimate Odds

Ultimate Odds, a next generation fantasy sports platform that combines sports betting lines and odds with fantasy players into one experience, today announced it has completed its seed funding round. Led by Philadelphia-based entrepreneurs Justin Batushansky and Jonathan Bierig, Ultimate Odds aims to launch its flagship fantasy sportsbook product in 2022. Participating in the seed round are gaming industry veterans Seth Young, the former Chief Strategy Officer at PointsBet who now holds the same title with Fifth Street Gaming; Benjie Cherniak, principal at Avenue H Capital and former Managing Director of Don Best Sports acquired by Scientific Games; and gaming industry investor and consultant Quinton Singleton, with additional support from Stephen Jurgella and 305 Ventures, a Miami-based venture capital fund managed by the co-founder of Simplebet, Joey Levy, among others. Fifth Street Gaming CEO Seth Schorr has also been named an advisor to the business. Ultimate Odds, offers an alternative to traditional wagering. It is bridging the gap between fantasy sports and sports betting by bringing the feel and process of sports betting into a fantasy sports format. The traditional fantasy starting positions like quarterback, running back and wide receiver are replaced with drafted bets, like the Chiefs moneyline, Jaguars over/under, a running back’s yardage over/under, and are played head-to-head with your opponent. The winner of each contest is determined by which player has the longest calculated parlay odds based on their successful drafting and management of their roster of “bets” on a daily or weekly basis. “We are thrilled with our seed investment team,” said Justin Batushansky and Jonathan Bierig, co-founders of Ultimate Odds. “Our investors understand there is a shortage of standout innovative and engaging games in the market. Ultimate Odds was created to bring the fantasy sports and sports betting world closer together because the players are often one in the same.” "The Ultimate Odds experience is not only highly engaging but also differentiates from the pack, presenting a true competitive gaming experience within the fantasy and sports betting space,” said Benjie Cherniak, principal at Avenue H Capital. “The offering is perfectly suited to an emerging generation of sports enthusiasts.” "I'm thrilled to be a part of the Ultimate Odds journey. The game concept is fantastic, and I love the company's fresh approach to fan engagement,” said Seth Young, Chief Strategy Officer at FSG Digital and managing partner at The Strategy Organization "It’s unique, it’s compelling, it’s fun, and it also addresses a unique angle in the burgeoning affiliate market in the USA.” About Ultimate Odds: Ultimate Odds is a next generation gaming product that combines sports betting and fantasy into one highly engaging experience. Ultimate Odds is at the forefront of the US sports gaming industry with a modern product that educates new bettors and creates a competitive space for sports fans. For more information on Ultimate Odds, please visit: https://ultodds.com/ Contact Details HPL Digital Sport Michael Adorno +1 212-931-6143 madorno@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://ultodds.com/

March 03, 2022 09:01 AM Eastern Standard Time

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

OPPO

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

March 03, 2022 06:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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