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MillerKnoll Announces New Global Hubs in New York and London

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Bringing together the best brands in modern design 

ZEELAND, Mich., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — MillerKnoll (NASDAQ:MLKN), a global leader in design, is opening two new flagship locations in London and New York this month. Including contract showrooms and stores from across the company’s collective of brands, these spaces build upon the MillerKnoll strategy of creating world-class design destinations globally. This approach provides our employees with inspiring workplaces and offers customers and the design community a convenient way to experience the latest in design for office, home and beyond.

“This is truly an exciting milestone for our collective. We’re thrilled to showcase the full breadth of our design portfolio in such creative and innovative locations in London and New York,” said Andi Owen, CEO of MillerKnoll. “We’re taking the approach of locating brands next to each other based on feedback from design partners, dealers and customers. We look forward to the collaboration these spaces will facilitate as we continue to redefine modern design.”

MillerKnoll London in the Heart of the UK Design Community. 
Situated in the London design neighborhood of Clerkenwell, MillerKnoll London is the first major MillerKnoll destination outside of the United States. The location includes three floors spanning 1,700 square meters of contract showrooms and retail stores from brands including Knoll, Herman Miller, and Maharam. A dedicated MillerKnoll Studio serves as a working showroom, bringing together the collective of brands, to showcase a unified approach for the modern workplace.

“We believe there is substantial opportunity to grow internationally,” said Ben Groom, President, International Contract at MillerKnoll. “The opening of MillerKnoll London is just one step we’re taking to offer an enhanced experience to our customers across the United Kingdom and Europe.”

Located in The Sans at 20 St John’s Square, the retail stores and contract showrooms are now open. MillerKnoll London is also conveniently located a short walk from the Muuto, NaughtOne, and HAY showrooms.

MillerKnoll New York at the Center of Gramercy.
Now occupying 11 floors and more than 77,000 square feet, MillerKnoll New York is the first flagship location in the United States to combine contract showrooms and retail stores from across the portfolio. The space includes Knoll, Herman Miller, Geiger/DatesWeiser, Muuto and Maharam, corporate office space, and a MillerKnoll Studio that will highlight additional brands like HAY and NaughtOne.

“MillerKnoll New York offers our customers, A+D partners, and dealers a convenient and unparalleled experience to engage with the best of our collective under one roof,” said Ben Watson, Chief Creative and Product Officer at MillerKnoll. “We’re immensely proud of this new design hub and can’t wait to use it as a forum to share insights, innovations, and ideas that meet our customers’ most pressing needs and inspire the future through design.”

The expanded footprint at 251 Park Avenue South is set in a historic 1910 Renaissance-revival building that has been home to various MillerKnoll brands and designers over the past century. The Herman Miller and Knoll retail stores are now open. The contract showrooms will open for scheduled customer tours beginning in late-September.

World-class design experiences.
New York & London
Knoll unveils its first international retail store in London and moves its New York retail store to an elegant space in Gramercy. These new locations reflect the brand’s core design principles and demonstrate a bold new design direction for Knoll environments—a continuation of its recently refreshed showrooms in Chicago and Dallas. Brought to life with locally inspired architectural elements, colors, materials, and finishes, the London and New York presentations feature a retail space planned as a residence and a workplace floor planned as an office. Within these inspiring spaces, Knoll shows how both renowned historic and newly launched designs enhance modern residential and contract settings. 

Herman Miller’s new London and refreshed New York retail stores and showrooms invite all consumers of design to experience the brand’s unique point of view on a modern way of living. Herman Miller retail spaces are programmed as a holistic environment with offerings for living, work, and play, while contract showrooms exemplify the breadth of the brand’s commercial portfolio and its ability to address a wide range of architectural and occupational needs. Curated design elements and exhibitions in each location reflect Herman Miller’s newly refreshed brand identity, rich heritage, and pioneering approach to modern design.

New York
Geiger and DatesWeiser will have a key presence in New York, featuring top-tier executive private office and conference designs. Showcasing the brands’ abilities to customize nearly anything, the space will feature solutions specifically designed for the location, such as a DatesWeiser reception desk that also serves as a display wall and a custom-size stone-top Highline 50 Meeting Table. Geiger’s best-selling, highly configurable Geiger One private office casegoods line will also be displayed, including recently launched enhancements. Across the floorplate, clients will be able to discover Geiger and DatesWeiser’s recently updated veneer palette. 

Muuto has a unique showroom expression in New York, showcasing its commitment to delivering new perspectives on Scandinavian design. Here, the brand’s philosophy of combining lasting aesthetics, functionality, and craftsmanship with innovative materials and bold creativity comes to life. Muuto continues to prioritize the importance of creating intentional atmospheres through a thoughtful selection of furniture, lighting, and accessories. These concepts materialize into unique showroom “scenes” tailored to creating the perfect ambiance—whether it’s for dining, socializing, focused work, or relaxation.

About MillerKnoll
MillerKnoll is a collective of dynamic brands that comes together to design the world we live in. The MillerKnoll brand portfolio includes Herman Miller, Knoll, Colebrook Bosson Saunders, DatesWeiser, Design Within Reach, Edelman, Geiger, HAY, HOLLY HUNT, Knoll Textiles, Maharam, Muuto, NaughtOne, and Spinneybeck|FilzFelt. MillerKnoll is an unparalleled platform that redefines modern for the 21st century by building a more sustainable, equitable and beautiful future for all.

Resources:
MillerKnoll London at The Sans – Photos
MillerKnoll New York at 251 Park Avenue South – Photos

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SOURCE MillerKnoll

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Most Users Are NOT Using AI Companion as Their AI Girlfriend – Insights from Muah AI User Survey

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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Muah AI/

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly intertwined with daily life, the idea of having an AI companion or even an AI “girlfriend” has gained significant attention. While this concept has sparked curiosity, excitement, and even controversy, a recent survey by Muah AI has shed light on the reality of how users are actually engaging with these AI companions. According to the survey results, fewer than 2% of users consider themselves to be in a serious romantic relationship with their AI companion, with the overwhelming majority regarding it as a source of entertainment and roleplaying.

This revelation presents an interesting twist to the popular narrative surrounding AI and human relationships. Many assumed that, with the rise of sophisticated AI that can mimic human emotions and responses, people would begin forming deep emotional bonds with these digital entities. However, the survey data from Muah AI shows that, at least for now, the vast majority of users are not taking these AI relationships as seriously as some might have thought.

The Emergence of AI Companions

AI companions, or “AI girlfriends” as some platforms market them, have become a hot topic over the past few years. Platforms like Replika, Anima, and Muah AI offer users the chance to interact with a personalized AI, which can carry on conversations, offer emotional support, and even engage in roleplaying scenarios that resemble a relationship. The premise is simple: using advanced machine learning algorithms and natural language processing, these AI companions can learn from their users, creating the illusion of intimacy and personalization.

The potential appeal is obvious. For those who are lonely, socially anxious, or seeking comfort, the idea of having an AI that is always available, non-judgmental, and designed to cater to their emotional needs can be incredibly attractive. In fact, there are numerous reports and anecdotes from individuals who claim to have developed genuine emotional connections with their AI companions. But as the Muah AI survey shows, these instances may be far rarer than media headlines suggest.

Survey Results: Entertainment Over Emotional Investment

Muah AI‘s survey provides a comprehensive look at how its users interact with their AI companions, and the results challenge the notion that most users are looking for a serious relationship with AI. According to the data:

Less than 2% of users consider themselves to be “seriously dating” their AI companion.A significant majority view their interactions with the AI as a form of entertainment or roleplaying rather than a meaningful romantic or emotional connection.Many users engage with AI companions out of curiosity or as a way to pass the time, often treating the interactions as light-hearted and fun rather than a substitute for a real-life relationship.A notable portion of users also expressed that they enjoy using AI companions for creative roleplaying scenarios, where they can explore fictional or fantasy-based interactions without any real-world implications.

This data suggests that while the idea of an “AI girlfriend” may be intriguing, most users are not approaching it with the intention of forming a serious romantic bond. Instead, they are treating it more like a game or simulation, where they can experiment with different types of interactions and relationships in a low-stakes environment.

Why Are Users Hesitant to Commit to AI Companions?

There are several reasons why users may be hesitant to view their AI companion as a genuine romantic partner. First and foremost is the awareness of the artificial nature of the interaction. While AI can simulate human conversation and emotions, most users are well aware that these responses are pre-programmed and algorithmically generated. The knowledge that their “partner” is ultimately a machine can create a barrier to forming a deep emotional connection.

Moreover, many users view AI companions as a tool for escapism or fantasy rather than a replacement for real-life relationships. In the same way that people may enjoy playing video games or engaging in fictional roleplaying, interacting with an AI companion can offer a similar outlet for creativity and entertainment. These users are not seeking emotional fulfillment from the AI but rather a way to explore different scenarios and personalities without the complexities of real-world dynamics.

Additionally, there are ethical and philosophical concerns that may prevent users from seriously considering a relationship with AI. The idea of forming a romantic connection with a machine raises questions about authenticity, consent, and the nature of love. Many users may feel uncomfortable with the idea of developing feelings for an entity that lacks true emotions or consciousness, no matter how convincing the simulation may be.

The Future of AI Companions: Entertainment or Emotional Support?

While the Muah AI survey indicates that most users are not taking their AI companions seriously as romantic partners, that does not mean that AI companions are without value. For many, these AI entities serve as a valuable source of emotional support and companionship. Users who are isolated, dealing with mental health challenges, or simply looking for someone to talk to may find comfort in the consistent and non-judgmental nature of an AI companion.

Furthermore, the role of AI in human relationships may evolve as the technology continues to improve. As AI becomes more advanced, it is possible that future iterations of AI companions could offer even more realistic and emotionally engaging interactions. This could blur the line between entertainment and emotional connection even further, leading to more users considering AI as a legitimate relationship option.

However, the survey data suggests that for now, AI companions are primarily being used for fun and fantasy rather than serious emotional investment. Whether this changes in the future will depend not only on advancements in AI technology but also on shifting societal attitudes towards AI-human relationships.

Conclusion

The concept of an “AI girlfriend” may have captured the imagination of many, but Muah AI‘s survey reveals that most users are not taking their AI companions seriously as romantic partners. With fewer than 2% of users considering themselves to be in a serious relationship with their AI, it’s clear that the majority view these interactions as a form of entertainment or roleplaying rather than a meaningful emotional connection.

As AI technology continues to develop, it will be fascinating to see how users’ relationships with AI companions evolve. For now, however, it seems that the allure of AI companionship lies more in its ability to entertain and provide creative outlets than in offering a substitute for real-life romantic relationships.

Ultimately, the future of AI-human relationships is still in its early stages, and as AI becomes more capable, the way people engage with these digital companions may change. But as of now, it’s clear that most users are enjoying the novelty of AI companionship without taking it too seriously—at least not yet.

Media/Business Contact Information:
Muah AI 

PR Director:
Ashley

Contact Number:
+1 626-677-6013

Company Website:
https://muah.ai 

Company email:
love@muah.ai

Feel free to reach out if you are interested in writing a dedicated piece about Muah AI!

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SOURCE Muah AI

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Internet Society Report Highlights Challenges and Recommendations for Internet Connectivity in the Middle East

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Internet Society (ISOC), a global charitable organization advocating for an open, globally connected, and secure Internet, released a comprehensive report on the state of Internet connectivity across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The report underscores Internet connectivity as a catalyst for economic growth and social development and how an increase in fixed broadband access has a direct impact on growing gross domestic product (GDP).

Key Findings:

Growth in Mobile and Fixed Broadband: Both mobile and fixed broadband connections have grown substantially from 2015 to 2021, particularly in Gulf States with advanced fiber-optic and 5G networks. However, deployment has been slower in other parts of the region, primarily due to infrastructure challenges and affordability issues.

Mobile Internet users increased from 130M to over 180M between 2016 and 2021, with Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco showing the highest growth rates. Fixed broadband users rose from 17M to 29M in the same period, with Egypt leading the way. The Arab region lags behind other regions in fiber optic deployment, with stagnation in investment since 2018.

High-Income Countries: Significant progress in broadband infrastructure, especially in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries due to 5G rollout. High-income countries improved their Internet availability from 77.34 to 79.37, surpassing global averages.Low-Middle-Income Countries: Broadband has improved modestly, but challenges persist. Despite overall progress, a significant digital divide remains between high-income and low-middle-income countries, partly due to political and economic instability in some regions, such as Tunisia and Syria.

Infrastructure Challenges: There is a heavy reliance on European Internet Exchange Points for international Internet traffic, which results in slower speeds due to additional data hops.

Emerging Technologies: The report emphasizes the role of emerging technologies such as High-Throughput Satellites (HTS) and Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites in bridging the connectivity gap. These technologies are crucial for expanding access to underserved rural areas.

Impact of COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected network performance and digital transformation plans, causing delays and disruptions in connectivity improvements.

Recommendations:

Policy and Regulation: The Internet Society advocates revising regulatory frameworks to accelerate infrastructure deployment. Key recommendations include enhancing spectrum policies, removing regulatory barriers, and fostering public-private partnerships to drive investment, competition, and support for small and medium enterprises.

Spectrum Availability: North African countries have limited spectrum compared to global averages, impacting network capacity and costs.Regulatory Frameworks: Enhance regulatory frameworks to foster investment, encourage spectrum and infrastructure sharing, and support new technologies like HTS and LEO satellites.

Collaboration and Investment: Promote public-private partnerships and update national broadband plans to improve infrastructure and connectivity.

Digital Skills and Literacy: Addressing digital skills and literacy is crucial for maximizing the benefits of Internet connectivity. The report calls for more affordable, relevant, and inclusive education and training programs to build a digital workforce.

Local Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): The report stresses the importance of establishing and upgrading IXPs to enhance local Internet traffic, reduce costs, and improve service quality. Governments are encouraged to support IXPs by providing resources and facilitating network interconnections.

“The Internet has become indispensable for many people, and its role in connecting people, fostering economic opportunities, and driving innovation is undeniable. The Arab region has made big leaps in the availability and adoption of the Internet in recent years; however, adoption rates are still low. We hope that governments will use our report to learn about the improvements that can be made in infrastructure deployment, affordability of service, market structure, and regulatory frameworks,” explains Nermine El Saadany, Regional Vice President for the Middle East for the Internet Society.

About the Internet Society
Founded by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society (ISOC) is a global charitable organization dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution, and use of the Internet. Through a global community of chapters and members, the Internet Society collaborates with a wide range of groups to promote the technologies that keep the Internet safe and secure and advocates for policies that enable universal access. The Internet Society is also the organizational home of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1656167/Internet_Society.jpg 

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Representatives from 57 countries, regions and 6 international organizations, are gathering in Suzhou.

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What important topics are they discussing about? Let’s find out!

BEIJING, Sept. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — I’m Xiao Lin from National Immigration Administration. On September 9th, the first Sub-Forum on Migration Management Cooperation was successfully held. Representatives from all parties expressed their insights and appeals around the development and innovation of migration governance.

It was truly a content-rich event!

Why does the international community focus on the topic of “Migration Governance” so much?

At present, changes unseen in a century is unfolding at a faster pace. The situation in the wider world remains complex and fluid. However, peace, development, cooperation and win-win results are still an unstoppable historical trend. Migration governance is critical to economic development of individual countries, global security governance and international cultural and people-to-people exchanges. It has increasingly become a key issue in global governance.

Here are the key points:
At the forum, NIA made three commitments: implementing more open policies for the cross-border flow of people, more effective actions in the governance of transnational crimes and more extensive global cooperation in migration governance, injecting new impetus to opening up and development; At the same time, three initiatives have been put forward, [Original scene of the initiative] contributing China’s wisdom and solutions to global migration governance and further showcasing its image as an open, confident, secure, and thriving major power.

Representatives also made keynote speeches, sharing their migration governance policies, measures and experience, and providing their perspectives on regional and international migration governance.

Pooling wisdom for win-win results.

In a changing era, National Immigration Administration of China stands ready to work with all parties to promote global migration governance to a higher level and contribute more wisdom to world peace, development, prosperity and stability!

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SOURCE National Immigration Administration

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