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ITRI Partners With PTS to Create AI Sign Language Weather Broadcaster

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HSINCHU, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ITRI and Public Television Service (PTS) have announced a joint project on developing an AI sign language weather broadcaster. Through this collaboration, the AI sign language weather broadcaster is projected to go live as early as the second half of 2025. This partnership aims to increase the accessibility of weather information and enable deaf individuals to receive the latest warnings for natural disasters and other emergency incidents.

“Technology arises from human needs, and AI can play a key role in helping those in need,” said ITRI Chairman Tsung-Tsong Wu. “The collaboration between ITRI and PTS is a demonstration of inclusive technology that offers everyone equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits of AI. The AI sign language weather broadcaster is expected to compensate for the shortage of sign language interpreters and provide the deaf equitable access to information via mass media.”

Taiwan Broadcasting System and Taiwan Public Television Service (PTS) Foundation Chairperson Yuan-Hui Hu remarked that the PTS has been dedicated to producing sign language TV programs for the Deaf community and is actively leveraging technology to make the media environment more accessible to them. “Information equality is a fundamental value in modern society,” stated Hu. He hopes to help deaf individuals stay up to date during typhoons, earthquakes, and other emergencies through advanced communication technology.

ITRI Vice President and General Director of Information and Communications Research Laboratories Pang-An Ting remarked that ITRI began developing the AI sign language interpreter and building Taiwan’s sign language corpus in 2023. “Sign language is a visual language that conveys meaning through a combination of facial expressions and hand gestures. An AI sign language broadcaster requires high-precision skeleton estimation technology and deep learning gesture generation models to accurately present hand movements. This is much more complicated than current AI audio and video broadcasting, which deals with speech generation and lip-syncing technologies,” he explained.

Dr. Ting further pointed out that sign language evolves with variations in local dialects, emphasizing the need to build a sign language corpus in Taiwan. “We need both professional sign language interpreters and members from the Deaf community to work together to build the corpus. We hope that this collaborative project will promote information equality and also preserve Taiwan’s sign language as an important cultural asset,” he said.

Media Contact

Annie Wu
Office of Marketing Communications, ITRI
+886-3-591-8406
aiyunwu@itri.org.tw 

About ITRI

Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is one of the world’s leading technology R&D institutions aiming to innovate a better future for society. Founded in 1973, ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwan’s industries from labor-intensive into innovation-driven. To address market needs and global trends, it has launched its 2035 Technology Strategy and Roadmap that focuses on innovation development in Smart Living, Quality Health, Sustainable Environment, and Resilient Society.

Over the years, ITRI has been dedicated to incubating startups and spinoffs, including well-known names such as UMC and TSMC. In addition to its headquarters in Taiwan, ITRI has branch offices in the U.S., Germany, Japan, and Thailand in an effort to extend its R&D scope and promote international cooperation across the globe. For more information, please visit https://www.itri.org/eng.

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SOURCE Industrial Technology Research Institute

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USRA Mourns the Loss of Dr. Berrien Moore III, a Distinguished Member of the Board of Trustees

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — It is with deep sadness that Universities Space Research Association (USRA) announces the passing of Dr. Berrien Moore III, an internationally recognized leader in Earth Science and an invaluable member of the USRA Board of Trustees. Dr. Moore passed away on December 17, 2024, in Norman, Oklahoma. He was the Dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and Director of the National Weather Center at the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Moore was elected to the USRA Board of Trustees in 2019 and re-elected for a second term in 2022. He served in multiple leadership capacities on the Board, including Chair of the Compensation Committee, inaugural Chair of the University Engagement Committee, and, since 2021, Vice Chair of the Board.

Gen Lester Lyles, Chair of the USRA Board of Trustees said, “We are profoundly grieved by the loss of Berrien Moore, a treasured member of our Board. Berrien was a strong leader and a dedicated advocate for Earth Science. With his wit and charm, Berrien was more than just a colleague, he was a true friend to everyone. On behalf of the entire Board, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Berrien’s family and loved ones during this challenging time.”

Dr. Jeffrey Isaacson, President and CEO of USRA commented, “At USRA, we are deeply saddened by this news. This is a terrific loss for our Association, but we are grateful to have had the privilege of working with Berrien and are indebted by his many contributions. All of us at USRA extend our heartfelt condolences, prayers, and support to his family.”

Dr. Moore served in several capacities with NASA including as Principal Investigator of NASA’s Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory (GeoCarb) mission that placed University of Oklahoma at the forefront of climate research. He also served as chair of NASA’s Space and Earth Science Advisory Council, as a member of the NASA Advisory Council, and was on several other committees. As a Coordinating Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, he contributed to the body of work that garnered the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. His honors include NASA’s highest civilian honor, the Distinguished Public Service Medal for outstanding service, the NOAA Administrator’s Recognition Award, and the 2007 Dryden Lectureship in Research medal by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. 

Dr. Moore is survived by his wife Lucia and his daughter Leila.

About USRA

Founded in 1969, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences at the request of the U.S. Government, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is a nonprofit corporation chartered to advance space-related science, technology, and engineering. USRA operates scientific institutes and facilities and conducts other major research and educational programs. It is an association with 121 university members. It engages the broader university community, employs in-house scientific talent, and offers innovative research, development, and project management expertise. More information about USRA is available at www.usra.edu.

PR Contact:
Suraiya Farukhi
sfarukhi@usra.edu
443-812-6945

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SOURCE Universities Space Research Association

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Varo Bank Introduces Zero Fee Cash Deposits at Participating CVS Locations

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New Collaboration with Green Dot Enables Cash Deposits at Over 7,500 CVS Pharmacy Locations

AUSTIN, Texas and SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Varo Bank, the first all-digital nationally chartered bank in the U.S., today announced a collaboration with Green Dot Corporation (NYSE: GDOT) and CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) to enable deposits for no fee for millions of Varo Bank customers at over 7,500 participating CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide.1 Utilizing Green Dot’s embedded finance platform (Arc) and expansive money movement network, the “Green Dot Network,” Varo customers can now deposit cash at participating CVS Pharmacy locations2 with zero fees. For customers who deposit cash regularly, this means saving $120 or more per year.

Traditional banks often charge fees unless customers maintain specified minimum balances in their accounts or meet monthly direct deposit requirements. In addition, unlike fintech companies that must work through partner banks to set their fee policies, Varo’s charter enables the bank to offer preferential fees and products to its customers.

“As an all-digital bank, Varo is creating low-cost financial solutions designed specifically for the needs of everyday Americans,” said Colin Walsh, Chief Executive Officer at Varo Bank. “This Green Dot collaboration at participating CVS Pharmacy locations eliminates cash deposit fees, making basic banking more convenient and affordable.”

Varo customers have access to a suite of primary banking products that support their financial stability and wellness, including:

Zero bank fees: No monthly, minimum balance, transfer, or overdraft feesFree and fast access to cash:Free cash deposits at 7,500+ CVS Pharmacy locationsFree withdrawals at 40,000+ Allpoint® ATMs nationwide2-day early payday with direct depositsAutomatic cash back rewards on purchasesAbility to qualify for Varo Advance and Varo Line of Credit over time

“We are thrilled to work with Varo and CVS Pharmacy to make banking accessible to millions of American consumers,” said Crystal Bryant-Minter, SVP, Money Movement at Green Dot. “With more than 20 years’ experience delivering seamless banking and payment solutions to consumers and businesses, Arc by Green Dot powers some of the world’s most trusted brands and thousands of other businesses at all stages of growth with seamless, secure and useful financial tools and experiences.”

About Varo Bank
Varo Bank is a new kind of bank – the first nationally chartered consumer tech bank in the U.S., built from the ground up with a focus on the needs of Americans striving to get ahead. From credit building to savings to faster payments, Varo has a complete solution to help everyday Americans make progress in their financial lives. Varo combines the capabilities and nimbleness of a technology company with the security and oversight of a regulated financial institution, enabling agile product design that provides technology-first solutions such as Varo Believe, a secured card to help build credit; Varo Advance, to help stretch hard-earned dollars between paychecks; and a high-yield savings account, offering one of the nation’s highest APYs. Varo has been named as one of the Inc. 5000 2023 fastest growth companies in the U.S., CNBC’s 2023 list of the World’s Top Fintech Companies, one of Forbes’ World’s Best Banks, and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies. For more information on Varo Advance, Varo Believe, and other offerings such as Perks, visit www.varomoney.com, like Varo Bank on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @varobank. ©2024 Varo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

About Arc by Green Dot
Arc is the embedded finance platform of services featuring all of Green Dot’s secure banking and money processing capabilities designed to fuel value, loyalty and growth for consumers and businesses. Arc by Green Dot powers some of the world’s most trusted brands and thousands of other businesses with seamless, secure and useful financial tools and experiences.

Integrated with Green Dot Bank3Arc provides partners with leading FDIC-insured banking products and tools, plus regulatory and compliance expertise, oversight and support. The Arc platform is cloud-based, modular and scalable by design – configurable to meet a wide range of business needs and goals, and flexible to adapt as our partners grow. Arc’s end-to-end banking services are powered by enterprise-grade APIs and offer partners access to comprehensive customer support, fraud protection, the largest retail deposit and ATM network in the U.S., and much more. For more information, visit greendot.com/arc.

Media Contact   

Audrey Jacobson, for Varo Bank: varobank@consortpartners.com 

1 Fees for optional service may apply
2 Cash deposit is available at all stand-alone CVS locations (through Green Dot Network®) with a cashier in the U.S. except those located within hospitals, on military bases, or in Target. You can deposit between $20$500 per transaction. A fee may apply for depositing cash at other Green Dot Network® locations.
3 Green Dot Bank also operates under the following registered trade names: GO2bank, GoBank and Bonneville Bank. All of these registered trade names are used by, and refer to, a single FDIC-insured bank, Green Dot Bank. Deposits under any of these trade names are deposits with Green Dot Bank and are aggregated for deposit insurance coverage up to the allowable limits. Green Dot Corporation NMLS #914924; Green Dot Bank NMLS #908739.

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SOURCE Varo Bank

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Connected Living for Everyone in the Family

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Smart devices for your home, office and while on the go

MISSION, Kan., Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — (Family Features) Technology is constantly evolving, so it’s not always easy to keep up with the latest gadgets and gizmos. From PCs and smart wearables to earbuds, smartphones, mixed reality devices and beyond, updated devices provide solutions for practical purposes and entertainment alike.

This season’s latest and greatest devices bring new opportunities to explore and engage for everyone – students, parents and everyone in between. With cutting-edge technology and top-tier performance, these innovative devices transform entertainment, empower more connections and help you work together with ease.

Learn more about what’s powering your favorite tech devices at qualcomm.com/snapdragon.

A Classic Comeback
Its launch 20 years ago was groundbreaking, but the Motorola Razr+ expands the boundaries of smartphone technology even further. This stylish, pocket-sized smartphone brings the power of AI to more users’ hands and offers a 50-megapixel, high-res camera system and a host of AI-powered camera features. It’s also one of the world’s first flip phones to feature the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform, allowing users to explore AI through accelerated performance, unparalleled connectivity, fast-paced gameplay and better content capture.

See Things Your Way
From music festivals and birthday parties to first steps, graduations and beyond, Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses free you from the constraints of a handheld camera. Instead of keeping the world at arm’s length (or missing out on the action completely as you struggle with your smartphone’s lock screen), these smart glasses, powered by the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 Platform, let you snap a photo or video clip from your unique point of view, allowing you to relive the moment and truly live in it, too.

Time and Place for Everything
Kids love to move, bounce, run and play, but they love video games, too. Bring these ideas together with Fitbit Ace LTE, powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 wearable platform, with fully immersive, interactive 3D games on their wrists. Each game is built specifically for the device using haptics, sounds, the accelerometer and more to deliver fun and engaging gameplay. The watch recognizes and rewards all sorts of physical activity, whether playing hide and seek, jumping on the bed or having a dance-off, by unlocking more game time the more they move.

It’s All in Your Head
From watching your favorite TV shows on a cinema-sized screen to your own personal trainer you can take anywhere you go, the Meta Quest 3S mixed reality device offers something for everyone. The headset, which also features multitasking capabilities, gaming and more, is powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 Platform and is an ideal choice for someone new to mixed reality and immersive experiences or who might have been waiting for a more affordable upgrade.

Your Partner in Time
If you’re looking for a smartwatch that simultaneously supports your daily activity while motivating you, too, the OnePlus Watch 2 is packed with flagship features, including exceptional battery and charging performance for unrivaled reliability and longevity. It features Dual-Engine Architecture powered by two different flagship chipsets, the Snapdragon W5 performance chipset and the BES 2700 MCU Efficiency chipset, so it’s well-equipped to handle background activity and simple tasks simultaneously with more demanding tasks, like running favorite apps.

Listen and Learn
If you’re looking for a better balance between connecting and disconnecting, Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature an innovative cuff-shaped design that provides top-level comfort for all-day wear without making you choose between immersive audio and awareness. In addition, because they attach to the side of your ear, you can wear them with glasses, a hat or jewelry and they won’t interfere, and thanks to their integrated Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite, you can count on seamless, robust connectivity.

Michael French
mfrench@familyfeatures.com
1-888-824-3337
editors.familyfeatures.com

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate
A leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home and garden content, Family Features provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at Culinary.net and eLivingToday.com.

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SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate

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