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TELUS ANNOUNCES THREE-TRANCHE NOTE OFFERING

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4.80% Notes, Series CAO due December 15, 2028

4.95% Notes, Series CAP due February 18, 2031

5.10% Sustainability-Linked Notes, Series CAN due February 15, 2034

VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 12, 2024 /CNW/ – TELUS announced today it has priced $1.8 billion of senior unsecured notes in three series, the first with a 4-year and 10-month maturity, the second with a 7-year maturity and the third with a 10-year maturity. The notes are offered through a syndicate of agents led by CIBC World Markets Inc, RBC Dominion Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital Inc. Closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about February 15, 2024.

The 4.80% notes, Series CAO, were priced at $99.895 per $100 principal amount for an effective yield of 4.826% per annum until maturity, and will mature on December 15, 2028.

The 4.95% notes, Series CAP, were priced at $99.707 per $100 principal amount for an effective yield of 5.000% per annum until maturity, and will mature on February 18, 2031.

The 5.10% Sustainability-Linked notes, Series CAN (the “Series CAN Notes”), were priced at $99.644 per $100 principal amount for an effective yield of 5.146% per annum until maturity, subject to a possible interest rate step-up, and will mature on February 15, 2034.

The net proceeds of this offering will be used for the repayment of outstanding indebtedness, including all or a portion of the repayment upon maturity of TELUS’ 3.35% Series CK Notes due April 2024, as well as the repayment of a portion of commercial paper (incurred for general working capital purposes) and/or the repayment of a portion of TELUS’ $1.1 billion unsecured Credit Facility with a term expiring July 2024, and for other general corporate purposes.

The Series CAN notes are “Sustainability-Linked Bonds” issued pursuant to TELUS’ Sustainability-Linked Bond Framework announced on June 14, 2021, as it may be amended, restated and/or replaced from time to time (the “Framework”) and will be TELUS’ sixth bond offering under the Framework. As part of the Framework, TELUS has committed to reducing its absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions by 46% from 2019 levels by 2030. Should TELUS fail to achieve this target (the “Sustainability Performance Target”) by December 31, 2030, the interest payable on the Series CAN Notes will increase by 0.50% per annum, as will be further detailed in the prospectus supplement that TELUS will be filing to its short form base shelf prospectus dated August 8, 2022 with securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces of Canada. The interest payable on the Series CAN Notes may also increase in certain circumstances if TELUS fails to meet additional sustainability and/or environmental, social or governance (“ESG”) targets as provided for in a future “Sustainability-Linked Bond” (a “Future SLB”) issued by TELUS pursuant to the Framework. The interest rate on the Series CAN Notes, however, can in no event exceed the initial rate of 5.10% by more than 1.00% per annum in the aggregate, whether as a result of the failure to achieve the Sustainability Performance Target and/or any targets under one or more Future SLBs.

The Series CAN Note offering supports TELUS’ commitment to environmental sustainability by linking financing to the achievement of ambitious ESG targets. The target set out in the Framework was approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (“SBTi”), further demonstrating TELUS’ global sustainability leadership and support of the world’s fight against climate change. The Sustainability Performance Target is consistent with reductions required to limit warming to below 1.5°C, which at the time of publication of the Framework, was considered the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process.

TELUS will report annually on its performance against the Sustainability Performance Target and will also obtain an annual independent and external verification of its performance against the Sustainability Performance Target in the form of a limited assurance report. TELUS’ performance as well as the limited assurance report will be included in its annual Sustainability and ESG Report, or other similar report(s) as the case may be, and will be available on TELUS’ website.

Sustainalytics, a leading independent ESG research, ratings and analytics firm, issued a Second Party Opinion in June 2021 (as subsequently extended) confirming that the Framework aligns with the International Capital Market Association’s Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles, 2020.

This media release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any Canadian securities regulatory authority, nor has any authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the short form base shelf prospectus or the prospectus supplement. The notes have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no notes of any series are being offered in the United States or to or for the account or benefit of any U.S. person.

The notes of each series are being offered pursuant to a prospectus supplement to the short form base shelf prospectus of TELUS dated August 8, 2022. The short form base shelf prospectus and prospectus supplement contain important detailed information about each series of notes. Copies of the short form base shelf prospectus and the prospectus supplement relating to the offering of each series of notes when filed with securities regulatory authorities in Canada may be obtained from the Chief Legal and Governance Officer of TELUS at 510 W. Georgia St., 23rd Floor, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 0M3 (telephone 604-695-6420). Copies of these documents are, or will be, available electronically on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval of the Canadian Securities Administrators+ (“SEDAR+”), at www.sedarplus.ca. Investors should read the short form base shelf prospectus and prospectus supplement before making an investment decision.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements about future events pertaining to the offering, including the anticipated closing date of the offering, the intended use of the net proceeds of the offering, the Framework, including TELUS’ commitment to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46% from 2019 levels by 2030, the increase in the interest rate per annum of the Series CAN Notes if TELUS fails to reach the Sustainability Performance Target by the required date, the increase in the interest rate per annum of the Series CAN Notes if TELUS fails to reach additional ESG targets as provided for in a Future SLB(s), and TELUS’ commitments to report annually on its performance against its Sustainability Performance Target, to obtain an annual independent and external verification of its performance against the Sustainability Performance Target in the form of a limited assurance report and to include such performance and such limited assurance report in TELUS’ annual Sustainability and ESG Report or other similar reports and make them available on TELUS’ website. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and predictions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties including: risks associated with capital and debt markets; TELUS’ ability to identify, procure and implement solutions to reduce energy consumption and adopt cleaner sources of energy; TELUS’ ability to identify and make suitable investments in renewable energy, including in the form of virtual power purchase agreements; TELUS’ ability to continue to realize significant absolute reductions in energy use and the resulting GHG emissions in its operations (in part as a result of programs and initiatives focused on our buildings and network); and other risks associated with achieving TELUS’ goals to reduce its GHG emission targets by 2030. There is significant risk that the forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate. The timing and closing of the above-mentioned offering are subject to customary closing conditions and other risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a number of factors could cause actual future performance and events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, this news release is subject to the disclaimer and the qualifications and risk factors as set out in our 2023 annual management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A), and in other TELUS public disclosure documents and filings with securities commissions in Canada (on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca) and in the United States (on EDGAR at sec.gov). The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as required by law, TELUS disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $20 billion in annual revenue and over 19 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS’ global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.

Operating in 32 countries around the world, TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, and others.

TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive healthcare and wellbeing solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS’ strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering nearly 70 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.7 billion, including 2.2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us at @TELUSNews on X and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram

Investor Relations
Ian McMillan
(604) 317-8768
ir@telus.com

Media Relations
Steve Beisswanger
(514) 865-2787
Steve.Beisswanger@telus.com

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SOURCE TELUS Corporation

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HONOR Redefines Mobile AI Solutions with PC powered by Snapdragon, on-device AI Agent and AI Deepfake Detection at IFA 2024

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HONOR, Qualcomm, and Microsoft Redefine Innovations in Mobile AI

BERLIN, Sept. 7, 2024 /CNW/ — Today at IFA 2024, HONOR unveiled three groundbreaking mobile AI Solutions: AI PC powered by Snapdragon® X Elite platforms, AI Agent and AI Deepfake Detection. The launch was accompanied by a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring HONOR CEO George Zhao; Alex Katouzian, Group GM of MCX at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.; and Mark Linton, VP of Device Partner Sales at Microsoft. Together, they explored the convergence of AI and Snapdragon technology, discussing how these innovations are shaping the future of mobile AI.

“When it comes to mobile computing, AI is not just a buzzword, it’s a revolution,” commented George Zhao, CEO of HONOR Device Co., Ltd. “At HONOR, we’re committed to working with our partners to deliver powerful AI capabilities and seamless connectivity, while protecting our users’ privacy. Through open collaboration with industry leaders, we’re creating devices that empower individuals and redefine what’s possible.”

“At Qualcomm Technologies, we believe the NPU is the key to unlocking the true potential of AI in PCs,” added Alex Katouzian, Group GM of MCX, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “The Snapdragon X Elite with its industry-leading NPU performance empowers AI PCs like the HONOR MagicBook Art 14 to deliver next-generation AI experiences. Not only will users see a significant boost in capabilities, but the NPU’s efficiency also translates to longer battery life, allowing users to stay productive for extended periods.”

HONOR MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon: Redefining PC in the Mobile AI Era
The PC landscape is undergoing a radical transformation, driven by advancements in AI and the rise of Snapdragon platforms. Fueled by HONOR’s platform-level AI capabilities and developed in collaboration with top industry leaders, HONOR MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon heralds a new era of computing.

Featuring a sleek and compact design, the HONOR MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon is a marvel of lightweight engineering. It incorporates cutting-edge platform-level AI features alongside robust hardware and software solutions, ensuring unmatched productivity and user experience. It translates the lightweight and slim characteristics of smartphones to laptops, delivering the lightest and slimmest AI PC on the market, weighing approximately 1kg with a slimness of 1cm. Delivering an immersive visual journey, the HONOR MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon features a captivating 14.6-inch HONOR FullView Touch Display boasting a crystal-clear 3.1K resolution. It also includes an outstanding 97% screen-to-body ratio, the largest among 14-inch laptops. The HONOR MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, elevating the computing experience to new heights in terms of power, efficiency, and security.

The HONOR MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon also enables a smooth transition of Windows applications on X86 to the Windows on Snapdragon architecture. Based on years of research on the ecosystem, HONOR created a Hotspot Library that uses platform-level AI to identify frequently used scenarios and trigger translation optimization efficiently. HONOR has improved 16% of the average boot-up time1 with translation optimization across a diverse array of Windows applications. Currently, HONOR has optimized a total of the Top 14 applications across six major categories, including browsers, online meetings, media, office, social software and tools.

The HONOR MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon will be soon available in German, France and Italy.  For preorder, please visit HONOR online store now at www.honor.com.

Seamless AI Experiences Elevated by the Power of MagicRing
In the mobile AI era, seamless cross-OS connectivity will truly empower users to unlock AI everywhere. Unlike the manual point-to-point connections in traditional solutions, the HONOR MagicRing allows multiple devices of the same account to automatically connect with low power consumption.

The MagicRing not only connects devices but also connects services across the devices. The solution also enables users to use the same set of keyboard and mouse for multiple devices, receive calls and notifications on a device other than their smartphones, and control the smartphone’s camera on the PC. With the secure and smooth flow of services and information across devices, MagicRing makes multi-device AI experience easier. For example, as one of the typical scenarios of Windows on Snapdragon experience, Cocreator allows users to produce fantastic artwork with simple draws. Powered by MagicRing, users can seamlessly access Cocreator on their HONOR MagicPad 2, drawing AI masterpieces with their Magic-Pencil. In the Meanwhile, they can also use AI Eraser from HONOR Magic V3 on the HONOR MagicBook Art 14 Snapdragon to experience unparalleled levels of convenient mobile AI.

HONOR AI Agent: The First On-device AI Agent for the Open Ecosystem
The HONOR AI Agent is a revolutionary always-on personal assistant designed to enhance and simplify users’ daily lives. By intuitively understanding users’ requests and intentions through language analysis and UI awareness technology, the AI Agent that learns from their habits and device environment can intelligently make decisions across various apps and services. This capability allows it to automate complex tasks. HONOR demonstrated how to find and cancel unwanted app subscriptions across different apps with just a few simple voice commands on their smartphones.

As we look to the future, the HONOR AI Agent is poised to become the cornerstone of mobile AI, and it is anticipated to arrive with the HONOR Magic7 Series later this year in China. This innovation not only signifies a leap in technology but also heralds a new era where AI seamlessly integrates into our daily routines, enhancing everyday productivity and efficiency.

The World’s First On-device AI Deepfake Detection Technology
As the technology behind deepfakes becomes more sophisticated, the potential for misuse, including identity theft and the spread of disinformation, grows significantly. HONOR’s on-device AI Deepfake Detection represents a groundbreaking solution designed to protect users from the increasingly prevalent threat of deepfakes. This innovative detection system employs advanced algorithms to meticulously analyze various elements, including pixel-level synthetic imperfections, border compositing artifacts, inter-frame continuity, consistency in face-to-ear hairstyle, and the positioning of synthetic traces. By examining these characteristics, the technology can accurately identify manipulated content, distinguishing between genuine media and deceptive alterations.

About HONOR 
HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.

For more information, please visit HONOR online at www.honor.com or email newsroom@honor.com 

https://community.honor.com/  
https://www.facebook.com/honorglobal/  
https://twitter.com/Honorglobal  
https://www.instagram.com/honorglobal/  
https://www.youtube.com/c/HonorOfficial  

1Data comes from HONOR labs.

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SDAIA to Unveil Key AI Strategies and International Collaborations at Global AI Summit Press Conference

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 7, 2024 /CNW/ — The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA) will hold a press conference on Sunday, September 8, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center. The press conference will highlight key aspects of the upcoming third edition of the Global AI Summit, taking place under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of SDAIA’s Board of Directors. The summit is scheduled for September 10-12, 2024, and will feature over 300 speakers, attracting global thought leaders, policymakers, and AI experts from more than 100 countries.

The press conference will feature remarks from prominent figures, including H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of SDAIA, H.E. Dr. Esam bin Abdullah Alwagait, Director of the National Information Center (NIC), and H.E. Dr. Yaser bin Mohammed Al-Onaizan, CEO of the National Center for AI (NCAI) in SDAIA.

Key topics to be covered during the press conference will include the significance of the Crown Prince’s patronage, the summit’s focus areas, and its anticipated impact on the good of humanity, particularly amid the rapid development of AI technologies. It will also showcase how AI is driving economic growth, creating new sectors and industries, and addressing global challenges. Furthermore, the press conference will spotlight Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting responsible AI use and ethics on the international stage, while addressing both the opportunities and challenges AI presents.

For more information about the GAIN Summit, please visit:  https://globalaisummit.org/en/default.aspx   

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More Than a Device: Timekettle Unveils W4 Pro AI Interpreter Earbuds at IFA 2024

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BERLIN, Sept. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Timekettle, the expert in AI translator earbuds, has unveiled its latest innovation, the W4 Pro AI Interpreter Earbuds, at the International Funkausstellung (IFA) 2024. More than a device, the W4 Pro functions like a personal assistant, catering to the cross-language communication needs when hosting foreign guests, conducting multi-language online meetings, or traveling abroad for business or leisure.

“Interpreter earbuds like the W4 Pro are essential even when phones can be used for translation, because they cater to a more refined and immersive user experience,” said Leal Tian, the CEO of Timekettle. “In cross-language communication, there’s a growing need for meaningful conversations and deeper connections beyond basic translations, especially for business pros, immigrants, and travelers. The W4 Pro meets these needs by allowing natural, hands-free conversations with eye contact, making interactions smoother.”

The W4 Pro caters to diverse communication needs in three distinct modes. The first mode focuses on one-on-one simultaneous interpreting. It features advanced technology that allows for instant translation in a two-way conversational setting. Its dual interpretation system redefines successful communication by allowing two voices to merge into a singular flow. The earbuds also incorporate a triple microphone array that enhances voice recognition and translation accuracy.

For professionals navigating multilingual meetings, the W4 Pro’s Listen & Play mode is an ideal choice. It allows seamless switching between listening and speaking with simultaneous interpretation. Timekettle’s AI Semantic Segmentation ensures rapid sentence parsing, enhancing communication and productivity, while AI Memo provides intelligent post-meeting summaries.

The third mode caters to online interactions such as video calls or streaming foreign media content, ensuring users understand every word with real-time translated subtitles and audio summaries post-meeting or event. In addition, unexpected phone calls in a foreign language are no longer a concern, as the W4 Pro offers one-way assisted translation and real-time transcription subtitles, enabling quick information grasp and efficient conversations.

Understanding the importance of user comfort and efficiency, Timekettle has equipped the W4 Pro with an open-ear design, ensuring prolonged comfort without compromising privacy or hygiene. Additionally, its high-end sound quality enriches every interaction, making it comparable to professional audio systems.

Significant Milestone to “Babel Fish”

Timekettle was inspired by the “Babel Fish,” a magical creature from the sci-fi movie “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” “Babel Fish” allows people to understand alien languages. Since its inception, Timekettle has been striving to create a real-life “Babel Fish,” enabling everyone to communicate freely across different languages.

Over the past eight years, Timekettle has revolutionized cross-language cultural communication through a series of innovative products. Initially, Timekettle introduced a handheld translator, which, despite requiring users to press a button and wait, significantly aided in understanding across languages. The evolution continued with the M3 Translator Earbuds, allowing users to listen and respond, though still necessitating manual switching of audio channels.

The breakthrough came with the Timekettle WT2 Edge Simultaneous Translator Earbuds, featuring HybridComm™ technology that enabled two-way, real-time communication. Users could speak and listen simultaneously, making conversations more natural and efficient.

Early this year, Timekettle further advanced its technology to process multiple people’s audio in five different languages simultaneously, pushing the boundaries of cross-language communication.

Each of Timekettle’s technological advancements aims to make cross-language communication as seamless as same-language interactions. And now, the Timekettle W4 Pro AI Interpreter Earbuds enable smooth, effective communication in global business negotiations across languages. Looking forward, Timekettle remains committed to achieving universal communication freedom, continuously enhancing its products to facilitate natural and efficient cross-language interactions.

About Timekettle

Established in 2016, Timekettle is dedicated to advancing cross-language communication through innovative products and solutions. Recognized with numerous international accolades, including the CES Innovation Award, iF Design Award, and Japan Good Design Award, Timekettle’s products have proudly served the needs of cross-language communication in a variety of user scenarios, including abroad-living, traveling, multi-language meetings and classrooms, as well as in manufacturing and logistics, and beyond. Having solidified a user database of more than 400,000, Timekettle continues its journey as the Global No.1 AI Translator Device.

For more information, please visit https://www.timekettle.co/

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