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Bat Around™ Gamifies the Batting Cage Experience for Baseball and Softball Enthusiasts and Newcomers

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2 years ago

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New batting cage software and app combine the thrill of swinging a bat with a live video game experience, bringing a new level of fun to the sport

NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Batting Challenge Holdings, Inc. officially debuts Bat Around™, a new batting cage software and app that gamifies the batting cage experience for teams, players and novices, at the American Baseball Coaches Association conference in Nashville, Tenn. Jan. 5-8, 2023. Bat Around is part baseball and part video game, inspired by some of the greatest hitters in Major League Baseball history, including David Eckstein, Fred McGriff, Matt Holliday, Luis Gonzalez and more.

 

With Bat Around, we are introducing a whole new level of excitement to baseball and softball.

The game is for all ability levels and brings fun and competition to batting cages. The beta version of Bat Around is powered by HitTrax and is available at batting cage test locations in Colorado, Florida, Georgia and New York. The Bat Around app is now available for download through the App Store and Google Play for iOS and Android phones.

“We get so consumed with teaching people a swing and chasing metrics that we forget the game is supposed to be fun,” said Clint Hurdle, Bat Around co-founder and former MLB manager and player. “With Bat Around, we are introducing a whole new level of excitement to baseball and softball, reinforcing strategy and overall hitting skills through a game that is fun to play for anyone wanting to swing a bat.”

“Bat Around is a new player in the “sporttainment” industry and is perfect for growing usage at batting cages, challenging existing players and introducing new people to the game,” said Matt Farrell, CEO of Batting Challenge Holdings. “We’re looking forward to expanding Bat Around’s availability across the U.S. to batting cages and entertainment venues.”

The game is designed to help teams make batting practice more fun and purposeful through competition, allow players to try news skills or improve existing ones, and encourage novices to grab a bat for the very first time and take a swing. It is an exciting way to connect with people and the ball to have a good time while improving skills.

Bat Around is inspired and advised by some of the greatest hitters in Major League Baseball, including:

Sean Casey—3x MLB All Star, TV personality on MLB NetworkJeff Cirillo—2x MLB All Star, 1,598 hits, 343 doubles (5x 30+)Darnell Coles—World Series Champion, Washington Nationals hitting coachDavid Eckstein—World Series MVP, 2x MLB All Star and 2x World Series ChampionLuis Gonzalez—World Series Champion, 5x MLB All Star, 2,591 hits, 596 doubles, 354 home runsTravis Hafner—250 doubles (5x 25+), 213 HR (4x 24+), 731 RBI (4x 100+)Matt Holliday—7x MLB All Star, 4x Silver Slugger, National League batting and RBI champFred McGriff—2023 Baseball Hall of Fame electee, 5x MLB All Star, 3x Silver Slugger, 2x HR Champion, World Series ChampionJuan Pierre—2,227 hits and led National League 2x in hits, World Series ChampionRyan Spilborghs—Career .272 and popular TV/radio broadcasterKevin Young—Two seasons 40+ doubles, three with 20+ HR and two 100+ RBI

This list of clutch hitters comprises the Bat Around Hitting Legends Council, who advise on the game and will be featured throughout the app, providing pro tips to players.

“Bat Around makes batting practice better because it takes the tradition of just swinging and turns it into a game and a competition that everyone loves,” said David Eckstein, two-time MLB All Star and World Series MVP. “With this game, we have the opportunity to put a bat in everyone’s hand, and they are going to enjoy hitting!”

When playing Bat Around, hitters move through six rounds of play, keeping the practice fresh and fun, while developing different hitting skills and game strategy. The initial six rounds include:

Liñas – barrel it up and hit a line drive to centerAround the World – hit two balls to left, two to center and two to rightLunchbox – go to work and move runners in various situationsGamer – the pressure is on to score runs in three minutes or three outs, whichever comes firstLaser Show – just hit it hardWalk-Off – the dream scenario of bases loaded, two outs, bottom of the ninth

Other features of the game include the Bat Around Metric, known as BAM™, measuring overall skill. Players will see their stats in the app and can track how they performed in each skill. BAM is also a handicap system allowing people with different ability levels to play each other and compare stats.

The game is accessible to all levels, and hitters can play off a tee, soft toss, front toss, pitching machine or live pitching on three skill levels.

The Bat Around app features your stats, including your BAM, and a digital player card that allows users to create their own digital baseball card that can be shared. Pro tips can be accessed through videos from the Hitting Legends Council, whose members have more than 25,000 collective professional hits. A future version of the game will feature leaderboards showing how players rank against others.

“Bat Around brings out fun and competition,” said Fred McGriff, who was recently elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame class of 2023. “When you see kids and adults step into the box, they are immediately energized, have fun and enjoy the competition.”

Bat Around is featured for the first time at the American Baseball Coaches Association conference in Nashville, Tenn. Jan. 5-8, 2023. Show attendees can see and demo the game and app at booth number 75.

To learn more about Bat Around, visit www.letsbataround.com or follow us on Instagram at @letsbataround.

About Batting Challenge Holdings

Batting Challenge Holdings, Inc. is a New York-based company specializing in sports technology mixed with innovative games. Follow Batting Challenge Holdings on LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Batting Challenge Holdings, Inc.

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Pioneering Portable Power: BLUETTI Launches the Premium 200 V2 in Australia

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21 minutes ago

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April 14, 2025

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BLUETTI Premium 200 V2 now available for delivery through Harvey Norman Online, Jaycar, and Sydney Tools.

SYDNEY, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BLUETTI (bluetti.com), a technology pioneer in clean energy, today announced the launch of its Premium 200 V2, an energy-dense portable power station with a lifespan of over 17 years, at three Australian retailers, namely Harvey Norman Online, Jaycar, and Sydney Tools. Customers can purchase the new model online at exclusive introductory prices until April 18, 2025.

The Premium 200 V2 represents BLUETTI’s latest innovation in portable power technology, combining compact design with enhanced performance capabilities. It addresses the growing demand for reliable, portable power solutions in both emergency and recreational scenarios.

Compact Design with Robust Performance

The Premium 200 V2 holds 2073.6Wh capacity in a package the size of a small toolbox, 40% more compact than the last generation. Despite its compactness, it delivers 2,700W pure sine wave power to run most devices like coffee makers, fridges, and ovens. In the Powerlifting mode, users can even power high-wattage appliances like water heaters. It’s versatile for applications ranging from home outage backup to remote work sites and outdoor activities.

Industry-Leading Battery Longevity

The use of automotive-grade prismatic LiFePO4 battery makes the generator more compact and long-lasting. These premium battery cells have successfully passed 33 rigorous CNAS automotive battery tests and are rated for over 6,000 charge cycles. This translates to more than 17 years of reliable operation before capacity reduces to 80% of original specifications.

Advanced Charging Technology

The portable power generator incorporates BLUETTI’s proprietary TurboBoost fast-charging technology, enabling rapid recharging from empty to 80% in just 45 minutes. Solar recharging requires only 2.4 hours, while multi-chip protection prevents damage from accidental connection of incompatible solar panels. When paired with a Charger 1 alternator charger, the unit fully recharges during a 4.2-hour drive, six times faster than standard vehicle charging options.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

Powered by BLUETTI’s unique AI-BMS (Battery Management System), the Premium 200 V2 provides comprehensive protection against electrical risks while delivering superior energy efficiency. Its idle power draw is just 10W, three times lower than industry standards. During low-light solar charging, the system automatically turns off to optimize battery life.

Availability and Pricing

The BLUETTI Premium 200 V2 is now available for purchase and delivery at Harvey Norman Online, Jaycar, and Sydney Tools. To celebrate this launch, we’re offering an exclusive Easter Power Deal from April 4 to April 18, 2025—don’t miss out!

BLUETTI in Australia

As a technology pioneer in clean energy, BLUETTI is committed to a sustainable future by providing green energy storage solutions for both indoor and outdoor use. In Australia, our reliable and innovative products have earned the trust of households, professionals, and off-grid adventurers. Looking ahead, BLUETTI will introduce more new products to the Australian market, including the EP2000 for home energy storage and the Apex 300. For partnership inquiries, please contact Tiger Han at tiger.han@bluetti.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/pioneering-portable-power-bluetti-launches-the-premium-200-v2-in-australia-302427136.html

SOURCE BLUETTI

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RIAD Corp. reveals AI-powered hotel group booking platform Ria at ITB Berlin 2025

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1 hour ago

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April 13, 2025

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BERLIN, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Riad Corporation, a leading AI-powered travel technology company, successfully launched its flagship product, RIA 1.0, at ITB Berlin 2025, one of the world’s largest travel trade shows. The company attracted over 300 visitors to its booth and secured 150 enterprise client sign-ups during the three-day event, marking a major milestone for its global expansion.

RIA 1.0 is an advanced AI platform that fully automates group hotel reservations, tailored for travel agencies and corporate clients handling complex requirements. Unlike traditional systems, RIA enables both direct bookings and customized group requests, processed entirely by AI without manual work. The platform simplifies large-scale, multi-hotel bookings — tasks that usually take days — completing them in minutes.

During ITB Berlin, Riad Corporation presented live demonstrations showing how RIA’s AI engine handles diverse, high-volume booking scenarios. Attendees praised its intuitive interface, seamless integration, and real-time responses to specific client needs, including corporate events, MICE bookings, and incentive groups.

Mike Lee, CEO of Riad Corporation, commented, “Meeting so many global partners at ITB Berlin was truly meaningful, and we are proud to showcase our technology to the world,” adding, “We will continue to focus on R&D to deliver stronger innovations and achieve greater success globally.”

In addition, Riad Corporation announced plans to launch AI-based group flight booking services later this year, transforming RIA into a comprehensive group travel platform covering both hotels and flights.

RIA has already gained momentum in Southeast Asia, with over 800 enterprise clients, and aims to reach 2,000 clients by the end of 2025.

Riad Corporation’s strong debut at ITB Berlin reflects rising demand for AI-driven solutions in travel. As group travel grows more complex, RIA 1.0 is positioned to lead the market with unmatched speed, accuracy, and automation.

For more information about Riad’s solution RIA, visit ‘www.ria-travel.com‘.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/riad-corp-reveals-ai-powered-hotel-group-booking-platform-ria-at-itb-berlin-2025-302424385.html

SOURCE RIAD CORPORATION INC.

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Technology

Robert Payne becomes Chief Technology Officer at Piedmont Advantage Credit Union

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6 hours ago

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April 13, 2025

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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., April 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Piedmont Advantage Credit Union (PACU) is proud to announce the promotion of Robert Payne to Chief Technology Officer (CTO), marking a significant milestone in a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in the technology field.

Payne has served as PACU’s Senior Vice President of Information Technology for over a decade, leading with a vision to ensure that technology functions and works smarter to make financial services easier, safer and more seamless for members and employees alike.

“Technology should feel effortless for the people who rely on it, our members and employees,” Payne said. “In my new role, I look forward to building on that foundation and driving strategic technology decisions that add real, measurable value.”

Payne holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Security (now called Cybersecurity) from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Ky., and is certified in ISO/IEC 20000, the international standard for IT service management. His approach to leadership blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of how technology shapes member experiences and internal operations.

As CTO, Payne will align PACU’s technology infrastructure with its long-term strategic goals. His priorities include:

Fortifying cybersecurity, recognizing that trust is the foundation of all member relationships.Enhancing digital experiences to ensure members can bank anytime, anywhere seamlessly.Investing in automation and AI to increase operational efficiency and allow staff to focus more on members’ financial well-being.Ensuring resilience and scalability to support PACU’s continued growth.

“Robert has a clear vision for how technology can enable innovation and preserve the human connections that make our credit union so unique,” said PACU’s President & CEO, Dion Williams. “His leadership has been instrumental in building a technology strategy that puts our members first and empowers our employees to serve with confidence and ease. As CTO, he will continue to guide us toward a more secure, efficient and people-focused future.”

While artificial intelligence and automation are key areas of interest, Payne emphasizes that technology at PACU will always serve people, not replace them. “No technology can replicate the relationships, trust and sense of belonging that define who we are,” he said. “That’s priceless, and it will always be our priority.”

About Piedmont Advantage Credit Union
Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., and founded in 1949 to meet the financial needs of Piedmont Aviation and Piedmont Airline employees, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union has grown to serve member-owners, who reside, work, worship, attend school or operate a business in one of the six counties it serves in North Carolina or who are employed by one of its many employer companies. These six counties are Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg and Rockingham. A not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution, Piedmont Advantage still has a strong presence in aviation with its six branches and 10 ATMs throughout the service region.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/robert-payne-becomes-chief-technology-officer-at-piedmont-advantage-credit-union-302427139.html

SOURCE Piedmont Advantage Credit Union

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