Technology

Calgary’s First Esports Arena Opens at Bow Valley College

Published

2 hours ago

September 25, 2024

CALGARY, AB, Sept. 25, 2024 /CNW/ – Bow Valley College unveiled its much anticipated 70-seat esports arena Wednesday as a new hub for competition, innovation, and game development.

The arena is the first in Calgary and features 40 competition ready gaming stations, two full motion-rigged racing simulators, a state-of-the-art broadcast suite, and a dedicated varsity esports training room.

“We’re proud of the facility we’ve created here, but even more proud of the contribution it will make to the future of Calgary’s esports and digital entertainment industry,” says Dr. Misheck Mwaba, President and CEO of Bow Valley College. “We exist to give students the skills they need to take their talents and dreams and apply them to careers that grow our province.”

The new 3500sq. ft (325sq. m) arena in Bow Valley College’s South Campus holds over $1 million in state-of-the-art technology, and can be used to host tournaments, test game play and as a workspace for the college’s accelerator programs.

“The facilities that come together here will allow students in our Esports Business Management Program to get hands on experience in all aspects of the business, including broadcasting,” says Eddie Sargent, Associate Dean of the Chiu School of Business.

Bow Valley College’s Digital Entertainment Nexus received $5.5 million in funding from Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund in 2023, money that was separate from the esports arena, but allows the training of 675 people and growth of 125 companies by 2028, supporting Canada’s $5.5 billion gaming industry.

“Calgary’s game development community has been building mass for years,” says Mike Lohaus, Manager of Bow Valley College’s Digital Entertainment Nexus. “It’s inevitable that before long, some team of creators will hit it big. This space means students don’t have to leave the province to succeed in esports.”

The esports arena project was funded by the college and forms a key pillar of the Alberta Esports Strategy.

“The opening of this arena is a game-changing moment, igniting a wave of growth and investment in Calgary’s digital media and entertainment arts sector,” says Luke Azevedo, Vice-President – Creative Industries, Operations and Film Commissioner with Calgary Economic Development.

OCIF’s investment will enable access to cutting-edge programs in 3D animation, game development, esports, virtual reality, podcasting and more. This strategic funding is set to drive innovation, expand career opportunities, and foster entrepreneurial ventures in the creative sector, while also serving as a catalyst for economic growth and diversification across the region.

“We’re driving disruptive growth by thinking beyond traditional industries. The opening of BVC’s esports arena is a prime example of how we’re fostering innovation and capturing investment in sectors that are reshaping the future of our economy,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development and CEO, OCIF.

About Bow Valley College

Bow Valley College is the largest college in the Calgary area, with over 15,000 students. We focus on preparing our graduates for in-demand jobs across Canada. Our graduates contribute to the economy and community through careers in business, entertainment arts, technology, health care, social services, and more. We are proud to be named one of Alberta’s Top 80 employers and one of Canada’s Top 50 research colleges. Our innovative applied research, focused on health and health technology, educational technology, and social innovation, is helping shape the future of college education. Learn more about the opportunities we create for students, employees, and our province at bowvalleycollege.ca.

Esports Arena Fact Sheet

The arena cost approximately $5 million to build and equip, including $1 million in computer, simulator and broadcast technology. Direct funding came from Bow Valley College’s capital improvement and reserve fund budgets.The esports arena is approximately 3500sq. ft (325sq. m)There are 40 individual gaming stations connected with 10,500 ft of cable – roughly 3.2kms.Holds up to 70 people for events with additional large screen spectator space in the adjacent Market areaIncludes a variety of accessibility devices to enable maximum inclusionState-of-the-art broadcast booth allows game play, commentary/analysis and live shots from the arena to be streamed or broadcast anywhere in the world in real timeSeparate, fully integrated Shoutcast boothCutting edge, highly intense immersive driving simulator offers a hyper-realistic experience that mimics real-world driving conditions with stunning precision.Dedicated training room for team play, coaching and coordinationThe arena will be used by Bow Valley College’s Accelerator program, supporting a minimum of 18 companies each year in building their products and services, and taking ideas to market. Currently there are 20 businesses enrolled in the Fall 2024 accelerator term.Accelerators can include game developers, content creators, coaching and league businesses

SOURCE Bow Valley College

Technology

Cash Industry Stakeholders to Gather in Chicago for the Secure Cash and Transport Association’s Annual Conference

Published

52 mins ago

September 25, 2024

The 2024 SCTA Conference, taking place in Chicago on October 9-11, will host cash industry professionals and feature a keynote address by 29-time Emmy Award winner and Hall of Fame keynote speaker, Bill Stainton.

PURCELLVILLE, Va., Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Secure Cash & Transport Association (SCTA), a nonprofit group representing professionals in ATM servicing, cash handling and processing, transportation, and safekeeping of cash and coin throughout North America, is set to welcome nearly 200 attendees to its annual conference in Chicago on October 9-11, 2024. The annual SCTA Conference supports the Secure Cash & Transport Association’s overarching mission to protect, strengthen, and unite the cash-in-transit and cash-servicing industries. This year’s event theme is “Adopting and Adapting to Technology: What’s Next?”

“I believe the next chapter for us all is to focus on building resilience, ensuring that our industry can keep pace with technological advancements and thrive amidst them.”

The conference brings professionals and thought leaders together to review critical trends and issues impacting the cash industry’s safety, security, and overall success. This year’s event features a keynote address by 29-time Emmy Award winner and Hall of Fame keynote speaker, Bill Stainton. Stainton’s address, “Connect the Dots: Innovation in the Cash Service Industry,” will debunk several myths about creativity and innovation and delve into what it means to be a game-changer in the cash industry.

The 2024 SCTA Conference will feature more than a dozen informative sessions delivered by leading experts in cash-in-transit, banking, retail, security, cybersecurity, insurance, and compliance. The full schedule for the event can be found at scta.securetransportassociation.org/agenda.

D. Mark Lowers, President of the Secure Cash and Transport Association, reflects on this year’s focus on innovation, “As leaders, we’ve had to navigate the rapid pace of technological change, integrating new systems and solutions to maintain business continuity and enhance safety and security. This adaptation has sharpened our skills and brought about greater efficiency. However, I believe the next chapter for us all is to focus on building resilience, ensuring that our industry can keep pace with technological advancements and thrive amidst them.”

Details about the event, registration information, and association membership details can be found on the event website at https://scta.securetransportassociation.org.

About the Secure Cash & Transport Association (SCTA)

The Secure Cash & Transport Association (SCTA) is a non-profit association established in 2013 to represent the shared interests of professionals in ATM servicing, cash handling/processing, transportation, and safekeeping of cash and coin throughout North America. Industry groups represented by the association include armored operators, insurance providers, truck builders, financial institutions, ATM cash providers, coin wrappers, security surveys and compliance providers, retailers, and loss adjusters.

Learn more at securetransportassociation.org.

Media Contact

Michael Gaul, Secure Cash & Transport Association, 1 (540) 338-7151, mgaul@securetransportassociation.org, https://www.securetransportassociation.org/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/cash-industry-stakeholders-to-gather-in-chicago-for-the-secure-cash-and-transport-associations-annual-conference-302258222.html

SOURCE Secure Cash & Transport Association

Technology

PayPal Enables Business Accounts to Buy, Hold and Sell Cryptocurrency

Published

52 mins ago

September 25, 2024

Company also provides the ability for business accounts to externally transfer cryptocurrency

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL) announced it is enabling its U.S. merchants to buy, hold and sell cryptocurrency directly from their PayPal business account. At launch, this functionality for Business Accounts will not be available in New York State. Today’s announcement is PayPal’s latest step to increase cryptocurrency‘s utility by making increased functionality available to millions of merchants in the U.S.

“Since we launched the ability for PayPal and Venmo consumers to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrency in their wallets, we have learned a lot about how they want to use their cryptocurrency,” said Jose Fernandez da Ponte, Senior Vice President of Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, and Digital Currencies, PayPal. “Business owners have increasingly expressed a desire for the same cryptocurrency capabilities available to consumers. We’re excited to meet that demand by delivering this new offering, empowering them to engage with digital currencies effortlessly.”

Additionally, PayPal is enabling U.S. merchants to externally transfer cryptocurrency on chain to third-party eligible wallets. PayPal business account holders can now send and receive supported cryptocurrency tokens to and from external blockchain addresses.

PayPal has continuously made significant steps to increase cryptocurrency‘s utilization. In 2020, PayPal announced the availability of its customers to buy, hold and sell cryptocurrency directly from their PayPal and Venmo accounts. In 2023, PayPal announced the launch of a U.S. dollar-denominated stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD). In April 2024, we enabled PYUSD as a funding instrument for our Xoom platform, allowing users to pay no transaction fees when using PYUSD to fund eligible transfers to friends and family abroad. Most recently, PYUSD was made available on the Solana blockchain, providing users with the choice of multiple blockchains allowing for increased flexibility and control.

About PYUSD

PayPal USD is issued by Paxos Trust Company, a fully chartered limited purpose trust company. Paxos and its products – including expansion to new blockchains – are licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Reserves for PayPal USD are fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, U.S. Treasuries and similar cash equivalents, and PayPal USD can be bought or sold through PayPal and Venmo at a rate of $1.00 per PayPal USD.

Issuance and custody of PayPal USD is performed by Paxos Trust Company, LLC. Learn more in PayPal’s Cryptocurrency Terms, and in the Paxos Terms that also apply to PYUSD.

About PayPal

PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. The company creates innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure. PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy. For more information, visit https://www.paypal.com, https://about.pypl.com/ and https://investor.pypl.com/.

Media Relations Contacts:
Nicole Cutler
mediarelations@paypal.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paypal-enables-business-accounts-to-buy-hold-and-sell-cryptocurrency-302259069.html

SOURCE PayPal Holdings, Inc.

Technology

KIWI design Unveils Made For Meta Products at Meta Connect 2024

Published

52 mins ago

September 25, 2024

MENLO PARK, Calif., Sept. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — KIWI Design, a leading innovator in high-quality XR accessories, has successfully added two products to the “Made For Meta” program since 2023. In 2024, KIWI design was invited to participate in the Meta Connect event, where they presented three new “Made For Meta” products. These innovations come equipped with significant upgrades designed to enhance the immersive experience for XR enthusiasts. According to their official social media announcements, more products will be released in Q4.

With the introduction of the Made For Meta line, KIWI design continues to set the standard in the XR accessory market. Each product is designed with user feedback in mind, ensuring that every detail contributes to a more enjoyable and engaging XR experience.

“Our goal is to provide XR lovers with the most immersive experience.” stated Ray, CEO of KIWI design. “We are thrilled to introduce these new products, which embody our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.”

Since its inception, KIWI design has built a reputation for crafting user-friendly and reliable XR accessories that are widely appreciated by consumers. This announcement features upgrades to their flagship products, promising a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for users.

As KIWI design moves forward, the company remains dedicated to its mission: “Pioneering Comfort and Immersion in Every XR Moment.” The unveiling of these new products at Meta Connect represents a significant step towards this goal, and the company is excited to continue innovating for the XR community.

For more information about KIWI design, please visit official website and follow KIWI design on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok.

https://www.kiwidesign.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KIWIdesignOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/kiwidesignins/

https://x.com/KIWIdesign_shop

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOzFWarIschBuBfNz01Oucw

https://www.tiktok.com/@kiwidesign_official

SOURCE KIWI design