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Connected Nation marks historic milestone in bridging the Digital Divide: Over 100,000 adults trained in essential digital skills

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BOWLING GREEN, Ky., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a world where digital connectivity is more important than ever, Connected Nation (CN) today announced a major milestone: the training of more than 100,000 adult learners in today’s essential digital skills.

Whether you’re a young person, adult, or senior citizen, our programs are designed to empower you with digital skills.

Through innovative programs and initiatives that inspire, educate, and transform lives, CN is at the forefront of the digital skills movement, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.

“This remarkable milestone is a reflection of the incredible partnerships and unwavering dedication of everyone involved in Connected Nation’s mission to close the Digital Divide,” said Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO, CN. “This achievement represents the thousands of lives we’ve had the privilege to touch in America’s inner cities, in small towns, and rural areas like Appalachia; in our Native American and refugee communities; as well as our nation’s veterans and military spouses.  Whether you’re a young person, adult, or senior citizen, our programs are designed to empower individuals and whole communities with the digital skills necessary to connect, grow, and succeed in today’s technology-driven world.”

Through public and private funding over more than 20 years, CN has partnered with over 450 organizations, including internet service providers, libraries, foundations, community and senior centers, after-school programs, workforce development entities, and federal and state agencies, to deliver its transformative digital literacy programs.

“Thanks to collaborations with organizations nationwide, Connected Nation has been able to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless adults and communities,” said Heather Gate, Executive Vice President, Digital Inclusion, CN. “It takes our collective focus and the fruits of many partnerships to accomplish the goals we have as an organization and as a country full of digital opportunity.”

Building on the success of previous initiatives, CN’s Digital Inclusion efforts are currently driven by the following impactful programs:

Digital Skills Training: Offers free technology workshops in English and Spanish to help adults navigate today’s digital landscape with confidence. To learn more or request support, go to: https://connectednation.org/programs/digital-skills-trainingTeens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T: Empowers tech-savvy teens and student digital navigators to teach essential digital skills to adults in their communities. Learn more at: https://connectednation.org/programs/teens-teach-techDigital Works: Provides remote job skills training to help individuals secure high-demand technology-based jobs. Learn more at: https://connectednation.org/programs/digital-worksDriveyourlearning.org: A self-paced portal that provides access to training content for new technology adopters and enables community organizations to manage their own training content. To access the portal, go to: https://driveyourlearning.org/

CN is dedicated to advancing digital inclusion by continuing to expand its reach and impact. With a steadfast commitment to collaboration and innovation, CN is shaping a future where everyone can thrive in the digital age.

To partner with CN and bring these programs to your community, visit connectednation.org.

About Connected Nation: The national nonprofit’s mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. Learn more at connectednation.org.

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SOURCE Connected Nation

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BLACKHAWK NETWORK (BHN) PARTNERS WITH ROBLOX TO LAUNCH DIGITAL GIFT CARDS IN INDONESIA

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JAKARTA, Indonesia , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Global branded payments provider Blackhawk Network (BHN) has partnered with Roblox, a virtual platform with millions of immersive experiences for people to enjoy together, to launch a range of digital gift cards in Indonesia, opening up opportunities for fans of Roblox to connect with family, friends and a global community.

The Roblox digital gift cards are available through gaming sites including Tokopedia, Lapakgaming, Bukalapak, PaysGift, Codashop, Blibli, GOC and UniPin in denominations of 100,000 rupiah, 200,000 rupiah or 500,000 rupiah.

Roblox Gift Cards, whether purchased on web and computer, or in-store, now include up to 25% more Robux.

BHN and Roblox are also looking to add physical gift cards by the end of the year, that will be available through a range of retailers, in store and online.

Roblox is available across a range of devices including mobile, PC, tablet and VR devices enabling players to interact with each other within an experience in real time through any compatible device.

Roblox gift cards enable users to purchase Robux, the platform’s virtual currency, which is used to acquire digital items and accessories in specific virtual experiences or in the Roblox Marketplace. Gift cards can also be redeemed for a monthly subscription service, Roblox Premium, which adds a fixed amount of Robux to a user’s account each month as well as additional benefits such as exclusive items and discounts.

BHN Regional Head, Matt Howe said: “Roblox is a leader in its category bringing together millions of people across the globe to connect, play and learn in an immersive environment. Our partnership to launch Roblox gift cards in Indonesia will make the game even more accessible to fans and open it up to new players to help build an even bigger community of interactive users.”  

With more than 88.9 million daily active users globally, Roblox is reimagining the way people come together to connect, create, and express themselves through immersive, interactive experiences. Every day, people around the world play, learn, communicate, and expand their friendships as they explore millions of user-generated digital experiences on Roblox.

About Blackhawk Network

Today, through BHN’s single global platform, businesses of all kinds can tap into the world’s largest network of branded payment solutions. BHN helps businesses grow revenue, increase loyalty, motivate and reward their teams, disburse funds and engage consumers. Branded payment solutions include the issuance and distribution of gift cards, egifts, corporate payouts and rewards, along with the technology to deliver these products in seamless, integrated ways. BHN’s network spans the globe with more than 400,000 consumer touchpoints. Learn more at BHN.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/blackhawk-network-bhn-partners-with-roblox-to-launch-digital-gift-cards-in-indonesia-302334517.html

SOURCE Blackhawk Network (BHN)

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TuSimple Announces Rebranding to “CreateAI” and Unveils Major Advances in Generative AI

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SAN DIEGO and BEIJING, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — TuSimple Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS: TSPH) (“TuSimple” or the “Company”), a global leader in artificial intelligence technology, today announced its official rebranding to CreateAI and major advancements in its new strategic initiatives. The rebranding reflects CreateAI’s renewed focus on transforming animation and video game industries through proprietary AI technologies and its integrated content development platform.  

CreateAI showed significant progress in generative AI research with the debut of its first major AI model, named “Ruyi”. The model, available open source on AI community “Hugging Face”, excels in frame consistency, motion fluency, color and composition quality. The decision to adopt an open-source model stems from CreateAI’s commitment to empower creators and foster a vibrant user ecosystem. The model, developed in under six months, leverages technological know-how building upon the Company’s autonomous driving expertise. It also lays the foundation for proprietary AI tools and infrastructure specifically created for video game and anime content development.

The Company has advanced rapidly since its entry into the digital entertainment content industry in August 2024. CreateAI announced the development of a “AAA” Open-World Role-Playing Game (RPG) based on the legendary Louis Cha intellectual property (IP) “Heroes of Jin Yong“. The game represents a significant evolution from previous adaptations of Louis Cha’s IP as it integrates characters and narratives from all of his influential literary works. This marks the unveiling of a cohesive world of heroes, moving beyond individual stories, and serving as a starting point for the creation of new original martial arts works. A preview event took place on December 14 in Guangzhou, China, garnering strong interest from fans and cementing its place as one of the most anticipated “AAA” games to be released.

“We are proud of the achievements we’ve made in the short amount of time since entering into the field,” said Cheng Lu, President and CEO of CreateAI. “We are confident that our integrated approach at the intersection of generative AI and digital entertainment creation is a differentiating factor, one that provides significant long-term growth opportunities.”

CreateAI has continued to advance its previously announced project related to the acclaimed “The Three-Body Problem”, partnering with the Japanese anime designer Shōji Kawamori, the “Father of Macross”, to ultimately bring this vast fantasy world to life through unprecedented visual and narrative depth via an animated feature film and video game.

Additionally, CreateAI has unveiled its latest business plan, showcasing the immense commercial value derived from today’s transformation and the industry’s total addressable market. The plan also outlines the historical industry challenges addressed by the company, technology milestones, commercialization pathways, and cohesive management team. It also emphasizes how the Company’s integrated strategy forms a flywheel effect in AI development, ultimately leading to long-term sustainable competitive advantage.

About CreateAI

CreateAI (formerly TuSimple) is a global artificial intelligence company with offices in US, China, and Japan. The company is pioneering the future of digital entertainment content production, seamlessly blending cutting-edge generative AI technology with the creativity of world-class talent. Our mission is to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in digital storytelling by developing immersive, captivating, and visually stunning experiences that resonate with audiences on a global scale.

CreateAI Media Contact:
Brad Burgess
ICR, LLC
Email: CreateAI.PR@icrinc.com 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tusimple-announces-rebranding-to-createai-and-unveils-major-advances-in-generative-ai-302335074.html

SOURCE CreateAI Holdings Inc

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Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Australia: Keynotes on Technology Trends and IT Excellence Announced for March Event in Brisbane

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Info-Tech Research Group’s upcoming flagship IT conference, LIVE 2025 in Australia, is set to debut in the APAC region on March 18–19 in Brisbane. The event will showcase keynote sessions by Alan Neal and Hans Eckman, who will share forward-looking strategies and expert perspectives on navigating IT excellence and emerging technology trends.

SYDNEY, Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Info-Tech Research Group has announced the second round of featured speakers for its flagship LIVE 2025 in Australia conference, taking place at the Hilton Brisbane, Australia, on March 18–19, 2025. Alan Neal, Division President, Vendor Services,  and Hans Eckman, Research Fellow, both of Info-Tech Research Group, join the list of keynote speakers bringing actionable insights to the region’s IT leaders.

The reveal of another round of speakers follows the recent announcement of speakers Aaron Shum and Gord Harrison and builds on the excitement surrounding Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Australia, which marks the event’s first debut in the APAC region. The conference aims to equip CIOs, IT professionals, and business leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to stay ahead in today’s dynamic technological landscape.

‘Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Australia is shaping up to be the go-to event for IT leaders across the APAC region,’ says George Khreish, Managing Partner at Info-Tech Research Group, APAC. ‘Alan Neal and Hans Eckman bring unique perspectives and proven expertise into systematic IT improvement and emerging technology trends, ensuring attendees will leave with actionable strategies to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of IT.’

The featured experts and sessions announced for LIVE 2025 in Australia include:

Alan Neal – Division President,  Vendor Services, Info-Tech Research Group
Alan Neal leads Info-Tech’s vendor evaluation and advisory division, SoftwareReviews, overseeing partnerships and growth strategy. Since joining Info-Tech in 2013, Neal has scaled the firm’s workshop program and enhanced delivery excellence.

Keynote Title: The CIO Playbook: 8 Secrets and 12 Steps to Systematically Achieve IT Excellence

Session Description: This keynote will unveil Info-Tech’s systematic improvement program, offering practical steps to optimise IT performance and align capabilities with organisational goals. Alan Neal will share eight key insights and a 12-step framework for transforming IT operations, driving efficiency, and achieving sustainable excellence.Hans Eckman – Research Fellow, Info-Tech Research Group
Hans Eckman specialises in connecting business strategy to operational excellence. At Info-Tech, he supports members in Agile and DevOps implementation, leadership development, and SDLC optimisation. A frequent keynote speaker, Eckman shares practical insights on transformation and simplification at events across North America.

Keynote Title: 2025 Tech Trends: What’s Coming and What to Do About It

Session Description: This keynote session will explore the emerging technology trends and external factors shaping the IT landscape in 2025. Drawing on insights from Info-Tech’s Tech Trends 2025 report and the Future of IT 2025 survey, Hans Eckman will deliver actionable insights for IT leaders to navigate upcoming challenges, seize opportunities, and drive innovation.

What to Expect at LIVE 2025 in Australia

LIVE 2025 in Australia will deliver an unmatched opportunity for regional IT leaders to network, collaborate, and engage with industry experts. Key topics will include:

Leveraging emerging tech trends and generative AI advancements.Building resilient and adaptive IT teams.Accelerating digital transformation and operational excellence.

Attendees of Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Australia can expect interactive panels and engaging keynotes tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities facing IT professionals in the APAC region.

Media professionals looking to attend can apply for complimentary media passes by contacting pr@infotech.com.

For more information about the conference, please visit Info-Tech’s LIVE 2025 in Australia events page. Further details on the event theme, keynote speakers, and registration will be announced in the coming months. Follow Info-Tech Research Group on LinkedIn and X for updates.

About Info-Tech Research Group
Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organisations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights. 

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

Media Contact
Sufyan Al-Hassan, Senior PR Manager
Info-Tech Research Group
salhassan@infotech.com | +1 (888) 670-8889 x2418

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/info-tech-live-2025-in-australia-keynotes-on-technology-trends-and-it-excellence-announced-for-march-event-in-brisbane-302335387.html

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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