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Sony Launches FavoriteSpace™, a New Service to Energize Sports Fan Communities

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“Manchester City Area” Released as First Content on App

TOKYO, Aug. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Group Corporation (Sony) today launched FavoriteSpace™, a new service designed to energize sports fan communities by offering new ways to enjoy sports. Making the most of Sony’s technology and entertainment expertise, FavoriteSpace will deliver new sports content and create a social entertainment space where fans can share their passion for their favorites.

As part of the new service, Sony today launched the FavoriteSpace smartphone app.*1 This first offering in the app is a dedicated virtual space (an “area”) where users can enjoy content from Manchester City Football Club in a variety of ways.

With FavoriteSpace, Sony will provide a venue for fans who share the same “favorites” to interact, as well as to connect with teams and players. By enriching the activities of sports fans both in physical and virtual space, Sony aims to create new experience value that will increase engagement among existing fans and also help to win new fans.

The FavoriteSpace app

With the app, users can visit virtual “areas” featuring the history and philosophy of their favorite sports teams with their avatars and enjoy team-specific content and interaction with other fans. Fans can experience the same zeal and excitement they would in the physical world in a uniquely virtual way by viewing immersive 3DCG content that leverage technologies such as the tracking system of Hawk-Eye Innovations, a Sony group company. In the development of the Manchester City Area, the first team area to launch, Sony has worked with Manchester City as the club’s official Virtual Fan Engagement Partner since 2021 to conduct a proof of concept (PoC) and incorporate feedback from fans. Going forward, Sony will expand the experience by providing more areas and content for various teams and other sports.

*1

The FavoriteSpace app is available now in a trial version limited to free functions, as a preview to the official version, which will include paid functions and will launch in October. The app is now available in three countries: Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Key Experiences in FavoriteSpace App’s Manchester City Area (”Man City Virtual Etihad Stadium”)

1. A New Way to Enjoy Sports, Beyond Space and Time
Manchester City’s home, the Etihad Stadium, has been faithfully reproduced in virtual space, and fans can visit anytime with their avatars. At the virtual stadium, fans can enjoy the kind of immersive virtual content that is only possible in virtual space, such as Immersive Highlights, which allow them to freely view highlights of past home games in 3DCG from any viewpoint.

2. Bonding Fans, Players, and the Team
Fans gathered as avatars in the virtual space can share their thoughts and passion for their team beyond nationality and language by communicating through emoticons, stamps, and interactions such as putting arms around each other’s shoulders. In addition, fans can express their support for the team in various ways, such as participating in events held in virtual space on actual match days, customizing their avatars with uniforms and goods, and creating fan banners. By responding to fans showing support in these ways, the team and the players can also interact with the fan community, thereby building even more unity among the fans and their team.

FavoriteSpace LinksFavoriteSpace website
https://favoritespace.com/s/fsen/

App download page (iOS/Android)
App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1673739171

Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sony.snspace

About Sony Group Corporation
Sony Group Corporation is a creative entertainment company with a solid foundation of technology. Across its six business segments – Game & Network Services; Music; Pictures; Entertainment, Technology & Services; Imaging & Sensing Solutions; and Financial Services – Sony’s purpose is to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology.

For more information, visit: https://www.sony.com/en/

*

“FavoriteSpace” is a registered trademark or a trademark of Sony Group Corporation or its affiliates.

 

                                                     

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SOURCE Sony Group Corporation

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DayOne Launches as an Independent Global Data Center Pioneer Following Series B Funding Closure

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SINGAPORE, Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DayOne, a leading global data center pioneer, officially launched as an independent group on January 1, 2025, ushering in a transformative new era following the successful completion of its series B funding, led by renowned global investment institutions. Formerly operating as GDS International (GDSI), DayOne, founded in 2022 and headquartered in Singapore, has built a proven track record of creating and scaling markets across Asia-Pacific and beyond, driving digital transformation and enhancing regional connectivity.

The brand name “DayOne” encapsulates the company’s entrepreneurial spirit and relentless focus on customers, innovation, and growth. It signifies a mindset of respecting each day as an opportunity to embrace new possibilities, create impactful solutions, and deliver value across the markets we operate in. Inspired by its legacy of pioneering digital infrastructure and unlocking markets, “DayOne” represents a forward-looking commitment to empowering industry leaders with next-generation infrastructure solutions. Guided by humility and a deep reverence for our work and the industries we serve, “DayOne” is dedicated to creating value for all—spanning customers, business partners, investors, employees, and the communities we support.

Over the past year, DayOne secured approximately USD $1.9 billion through its Series A and Series B equity rounds, backed by world-class investors such as SoftBank Vision Fund, Kenneth Griffin, CEO of Citadel, Coatue Management, and Baupost Group.

These investments have not only underscored confidence in DayOne’s ability to deliver reliable, scalable, and sustainable digital infrastructure solutions but have also paved the way for its transformation into an autonomous entity. DayOne’s autonomy spans corporate governance, operations, finance, and technology functions. Its governance is further strengthened by a globally experienced and diverse board, with over half comprising independent investor directors.

Adding to its strategic depth, DayOne recently welcomed three esteemed board leaders: Lim Ah Doo, Co-Chairman of the Board and Chairman of Olam Group Limited; and board advisors Ken Miyauchi, former President & CEO of SoftBank Corp., and Bob McCooey, Vice Chairman of Nasdaq. This robust governance framework ensures balanced decision-making aligned with international best practices, laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.        

“The trust from our investors speaks volumes about the strength of DayOne’s vision and our ability to deliver transformative results in a rapidly evolving industry,” said William Huang, Chairman of DayOne. “This transformation goes beyond operational independence— it solidifies our role as a leader in setting new industry benchmarks, advancing regional digital growth, and championing sustainable innovation.”

Jamie Khoo, CEO of DayOne, said: “DayOne represents more than a new name—it’s a commitment to leading with purpose, agility, and innovation. Our focus is on delivering cutting-edge digital infrastructure that propels industries and communities forward. This new chapter empowers us to create lasting impacts on economies and build a future-ready digital ecosystem.”

Gary Wojtaszek, Vice-Chairman of the Board and former President and CEO of CyrusOne, stated: “The formation of DayOne marks a pivotal moment for the industry. Backed by a forward-thinking board and an exceptional leadership team, DayOne is set to redefine digital infrastructure and establish new benchmarks in the sector.”

Operating across key markets such as Singapore, Johor (Malaysia), Batam (Indonesia), Greater Bangkok, Hong Kong SAR, and Tokyo, DayOne combines deep local expertise with a global vision to meet the growing demands of hyperscalers and enterprises. Its innovative strategies, such as the SIJORI market creation, integrate the strengths of Singapore, Johor, and Batam to deliver interconnected, scalable, low-latency, and sustainable digital infrastructure solutions.

DayOne’s competitive edge lies in its ability to anticipate market demands and deliver customer-centric solutions. With a focus on innovation, the company consistently sets industry benchmarks in speed, scalability, and execution. Its sustainability efforts include cutting-edge cooling technologies, renewable energy adoption, and green building designs aimed at reducing environmental impact and enhancing operational resilience.

Looking ahead, DayOne envisions a future where digital infrastructure fuels economic transformation and accelerates global connectivity. By integrating sustainability with advanced technology, DayOne is poised to drive innovation and empower industries worldwide.

About DayOne

DayOne is a data center pioneer that develops and operates next-gen digital infrastructure for industry leaders who demand reliable, cost-effective and quickly scalable solutions.

Our cutting-edge facilities empower hyperscalers and large enterprises to achieve rapid deployment and enhance connectivity, driving transformative engagement and innovation as we shape the future of industries. DayOne’s data centers are located across key markets, including Singapore, Johor (Malaysia), Batam (Indonesia), Greater Bangkok, Hong Kong SAR, Tokyo, and beyond.

Headquartered in Singapore, DayOne’s leadership team draws on over two decades of industry experience and a track record of building Asia’s largest data center business. With DayOne, they have created the SIJORI (Singapore, Johor, and Riau Islands) market as a global data center hub.

As demand for strategically located and customized data centers rises, DayOne’s entrepreneurial spirit, customer-first strategy, deep local partnerships, and agile executional capabilities uniquely position us to power the growth ambitions of leading hyperscalers and large enterprises around the world.

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SOURCE DayOne Data Centers

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Altice USA (Optimum) Has Dropped MSG Networks, Depriving Local Fans of Hundreds of Live, Exclusive Games of Their Favorite Teams

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Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and Devils Coverage on MSG Networks is Dark for Optimum Subscribers

For More Information, Please Visit KEEPMSG.COM

NEW YORK, Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Despite MSG Networks’ extensive efforts to reach an agreement, Altice USA has dropped MSG Networks from its Optimum channel lineup in the tri-state area, leaving passionate Knicks, Rangers, Islanders and Devils fans out in the cold this winter.   

MSG Networks issued the following statement:

“As a last-ditch effort to save their struggling business at the expense of subscribers, Altice is trying to charge their customers more and give them less. They just raised prices – nearly 50% for current Optimum subscribers and 70% for new Optimum subscribers (after expiration of a promotional offer) for the package that had included MSG Networks – and cut access to the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, Devils and more on MSG Networks.  We offered Altice a number of fair and reasonable proposals that called for Altice to pay us less than last year. Altice rejected all of them, including our offer to keep MSG Networks on the air while we continued to try to reach a deal.  We remain ready to negotiate in good faith.”

In addition:

The previous Optimum Core TV package – which included MSG Networks and includes other sports channels – increased from $95 to $140/month, nearly a 50% increase.Now, following Altice’s introduction of its new packages just a few weeks ago, the most “affordable” new package that had offered MSG Networks prior to the drop is $160/month – that is almost 70% more than what Optimum customers paid before.MSG Networks offered Altice the same fair and reasonable terms that other major providers accepted. And now Altice’s own customers are paying the price to bolster Altice’s bottom line with dramatic price hikes and unreasonable proposals to programmers.Optimum subscribers are encouraged to visit KEEPMSG.COM for more information, including on how switch providers or to find other options for watching MSG Networks’ award-winning programming.NBA and NHL telecasts appearing on MSG Networks regularly rank as some of the most-watched cable programs in the region. 

About MSG Networks

MSG Networks, a pioneer in sports media, owns and operates two award-winning regional sports and entertainment networks (MSG and MSG Sportsnet) and MSG+, a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming offering (included in the Gotham Sports App), that serve the nation’s number one media market, the New York DMA, as well as other portions of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The networks feature a wide range of compelling sports content, including exclusive live local games and other programming of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres, as well as significant coverage of the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. This content, in addition to a diverse array of other sporting events and critically acclaimed original programming, has established MSG Networks as the gold standard in regional sports. MSG Networks is part of the Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR).

Contact: Dan Schoenberg (dan.schoenberg@msg.com)

 

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SOURCE Sphere Entertainment Co.

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CES 2025: viaim Unveils Smart Office Tools RecDot and NoteKit with Exclusive Limited-Time Early Access

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The brand’s early bird event gives professionals the chance to be the first to experience an unprecedented office experience with exclusive discounts and surprises.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — viaim, an AI technology hardware company deeply rooted in the smart office sector, is ushering in a new smart office era with its mission to create AI that eliminates repetitive office tasks, enabling business professionals to focus on collaboration, innovation, and more meaningful work. The Company’s upcoming debut at CES 2025 will see the launch of its RecDot AI Work companion earbuds and NoteKit desktop AI recorder that can simplify workflows. viaim AI offers advanced features to enhance productivity and convenience. Its AI assistant analyzes meeting minutes, extracts key points, and generates summaries and to-do lists, simplifying post-meeting tasks.

Empowering business professionals around the world to work smarter and more efficiently, RecDot supports real-time transcription and translation for on-site, call, and audio-video recordings. With translation capabilities in 13 languages, it ensures seamless communication and 48dB deep noise reduction isolates background noise effectively, customizable for various scenarios. Additionally, the 36-hour charging box battery life offers up to 9 hours per use and provides one hour of use with just a 5-minute charge. viaim’s products can streamline meeting workflows and the real-time transcription, translation, and summarization features simplify tasks and improve focus, making it ideal for multinational or foreign-language meetings. 

Additionally, the sleek-like-a-pen NoteKit desktop AI recorder plugs directly into a laptop without the need to connect earbuds or additional drivers. It utilizes dual microphones for omnidirectional sound pickup to record audio independently and can clearly capture human voices within five meters and can be independently controlled through physical buttons. It supports transcription of live and audio and video conference recordings, supports recognition and translation of 13 languages, and can provide external subtitles for foreign language videos.

To celebrate the launch, viaim invites users to participate in its exclusive early bird event from January 1 to January 6, 2025. Don’t miss your chance—register now on viaim’s official website (store.viaim.ai) to secure discounts of up to $25 and enter for a chance to win a RecDot valued at $249 ,Time is limited, so act fast and elevate your workplace efficiency with viaim’s latest innovations!

Jane Doe,CMO of viaim said: “Professionals face growing challenges in efficiency and communication, especially with frequent meetings, remote collaboration across time zones, and multilingual needs. Traditional tools fall short, reducing productivity. viaim addresses these pain points, and this launch marks a key step toward smarter workplace solutions.”

Discover viaim at CES 2025 and join the immersive experience at Booth 36709, LVCC South Hall 2, from January 7 to 10. Explore live product demonstrations, engage in expert-led discussions, and enjoy exclusive offers.  Learn how RecDot and NoteKit can transform your workday and unlock new levels of productivity.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ces-2025-viaim-unveils-smart-office-tools-recdot-and-notekit-with-exclusive-limited-time-early-access-302340576.html

SOURCE VIAIM

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