Enhanced Hole Insights offers more detailed analysis around historic, in-Tournament and projected play for every hole on course AI Narration in English and Spanish returns, along with revamped Masters Tournament app on Apple Vision Pro

ARMONK, N.Y., April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the Masters Tournament today announced a series of digital fan features returning to the award-winning Masters app and Masters.com ahead of this year’s Tournament. The watsonx AI-powered capabilities – the latest in a 30-year collaboration between IBM and the Masters – aim to deliver a more personalized and engaging experience for millions of new and existing golf fans around the world following all the action at the Masters Tournament.

More strategic shot analysis with Hole Insights 2.0
IBM Hole Insights is returning for its second year as part of the Track Shots experience on Masters.com and the Masters app. The AI driven Insights 2.0 leverages watsonx technologies including the Granite LLM to offer data-driven insights around every shot taken on every hole at Augusta National. This includes:

Data-driven recaps of how each hole has played daily and throughout the 2025 Tournament (e.g., “No. 14 has played difficult today, with 25% of scores resulting in bogies.”).Projections of how each hole might play, based on past and current performance data (e.g., “No. 9 is projected to be the third most difficult hole today.”).Historical insights into how each hole has played, based on nine years of Tournament data – including more than 180,000 shots – and ball position on course (e.g., “Shots historically hit in this location have an 82% chance of resulting in a birdie.”).

This year, the solution has been built to provide enhanced, more powerful insights. To enhance the quality of the insights, IBM Consulting fine-tuned Granite and other LLMs on a wealth of sources including historic shot locations, insights from golf experts including past Masters Tournament caddies, and Tournament data spanning nine years and more than 180,000 shots. 

Revamped Masters app on Apple Vision Pro
IBM and the Masters are once again giving fans an immersive view of the action with the Masters app on Apple Vision Pro. This year’s updated app offers fans clearer 3D visuals of Augusta National and new features such as Video on Demand. Fans will also experience returning features such as Hole Insights 2.0 and AI Narration.

With the Masters app on Apple Vision Pro, fans can look through different 3D views of each hole, explore the dramatic elevation changes throughout the course, and even watch multiple Tournament live streams simultaneously.

“For more than 30 years, IBM and Augusta National have worked side-by-side to co-create unique digital experiences that bring the beauty, tradition, and excitement of the Masters to millions of golf fans worldwide,” said Jonathan Adashek, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “This powerful combination of people and technology, including watsonx AI models and agents, is a live case study for businesses across all industries on how they too can unlock the  potential of their data to deliver actionable business insights and exceptional customer experiences.”

The Masters and IBM have partnered for nearly 30 years to transform Masters data into world-class digital experiences for golf fans. This includes launching Masters.com in 1996, AI Highlights, Round in Three Minutes, My Group, Player Insights, AI Narration, Hole Insights, and the Masters app on Apple Vision Pro.

IBM’s partnerships with the Masters and other iconic sporting organizations, including Scuderia Ferrari HP, Wimbledon, the US Open, ESPN Fantasy Football, and UFC, are powered by the same AI and hybrid cloud solutions used by IBM clients across industries to make more informed, data-driven business decisions.

The 89th Masters Tournament will be held from April 10-13 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, GA. Check out all the IBM watsonx technologies in action by visiting Masters.com or the Masters app available on mobile devices, the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain a competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

IBM Media Contact:

Sarah Benchaita
IBM
sarah.benchaita@ibm.com

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SOURCE IBM

This collaboration will leverage Nola’s Creative Writing Platform to enhance webtoon development and drive innovation in IP creation.

TOKYO, April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — indent, Inc., the developer of Nola, a creative Writing platform[*1] that connects over 500,000 writers with more than 30 publishing labels, has entered into a strategic partnership with Red Seven Inc., led by CEO Lee Hyun-seok, a group company of Red Ice Studio, known for producing “Tomb Raider King”.tom

On March 1, 2025, both companies agreed to strengthen the corporate “IP Development Total Package,” leveraging Nola’s extensive database of over 2 million Japanese “gensaku” – original IP-works –  by Providing comprehensive support for businesses, from sourcing and discovering original IP-works to developing them into full-fledged multimedia content, including webtoons, comics, and novels.

Purpose of the Partnership

This alliance aims to contribute to the growth and revitalization of the global webtoon market, with a particular focus on Japan and South Korea. It does so by leveraging Red Seven’s production expertise, which has resulted in numerous high-quality global hit webtoons such as “The Great Mage Who Returned After 4000 Years” and “Tomb Raider King”, along with Nola – Creative Writing Platform, indent’s creative platform that connects writers and companies. 

Background and Vision of the Partnership

With the widespread adoption of digital devices, the webtoon market has firmly established itself in South Korea as a platform optimized for multimedia storytelling. This market is experiencing rapid global expansion, including in Japan, and is projected to reach 3.85 trillion yen by 2028[*2]. However, as the industry grows at an unprecedented pace, ensuring a sustainable production system and maintaining quality remain pressing challenges.

Until now, indent has supported businesses seeking to develop media-mixable IPs originating from novels, manga, and webtoons through its IP Development Total Package, leveraging a database of over 2 million Japanese “gensaku” (original IP-works) created by 500,000 writers. With this new partnership, Red Seven will take the lead in overseeing and providing comprehensive support for the webtoon sector within this package.

By utilizing Red Seven’s specialized expertise in establishing and expanding production systems, this collaboration will drive business growth for participating companies while also helping to build a sustainable ecosystem for the long-term success and innovation of the webtoon industry.

Statements from Company Representatives

Red Seven Inc, CEO,  Lee Hyun-seok

“As of 2024, Japan’s manga industry has reached a historic high, surpassing 700 billion yen. In light of this industry milestone, Red Seven and indent have formed a business alliance to foster meaningful collaboration in the webtoon market.

Amid this period of growth driven by digital innovation, both our companies recognize the critical importance of developing high-quality IP and productions and are committed to ensuring the sustainable development of the webtoon industry.

Our partnership aims to discover talented creators and nurture original works that captivate both Japanese and global audiences. Both companies will work to create an environment where creators can fully realize their potential.

By combining indent’s expertise in operating Nola – Creative Writing Platform with Red Seven’s extensive experience in webtoon production, this collaboration will enable a mutually complementary partnership. Through these efforts, both our companies seek to contribute to the healthy growth of the webtoon industry and deliver valuable content to readers worldwide.”

indent, Inc., CEO Yuki Kamagata

“This alliance is a major step toward creating new value in the rapidly expanding webtoon market by maximizing the strengths of both companies.

With demand for Japanese original works increasing around the world, our company envisions to contribute to the development of the industry as a whole by establishing a consistent support system for the creation of media-mixable IP starting from webtoons through this alliance.

indent, Inc. will combine the expertise and resources of both companies to explore new possibilities for webtoon. The goal is to create an environment where writers using the Nola – Creative Writing Platform can focus more on their craft, while also fostering a dynamic ecosystem where businesses and emerging talent connect, leading to the creation of inspiring content.“

What is  “IP Development Total Package”?

Target Audience: Companies aiming to create media-mixable IP, starting from webtoons, novels, and manga.
Package Contents: Comprehensive support is provided, covering everything from identifying and acquiring original works to full-scale production.

Recruitment of Japanese “gensaku” (original IP works)

Example: Utilizing the “Editorial Board” Feature

A corporate-exclusive feature within Nola – Creative Writing Platform Novel, a novel submission site where works written on Nola – Creative Writing Platform can be posted directly. This function allows companies to list the types of works they seek and specify key criteria, enabling them to identify and acquire submissions from writers tailored to their needs.

Example: Japanese “gensaku” (original IP works) identify and acquire Contest

Taking advantage of the fact that more than 60,000 new works are created each month on Nola – Creative Writing Platform, the contest facilitates connections between companies and emerging authors. Companies receive support in designing contest requirements to align with the type of works they seek.

Comprehensive assistance is provided for all aspects of contest operations, including contest page design and development, management, and expanding awareness among writers.

Discovery of Japanese “gensaku” (original IP works)

Red Seven, which has produced multiple global hit webtoons, and Yui Tsutsumi, the outside director of indent, recognized for discovering and editing numerous successful works in the isekai (otherworldly) genre, lead IP discovery efforts. A specialized discovery team with expertise in content selection, along with proprietary systems, is used to identify promising original works.

Co-production of works

In the webtoon sector, support is provided for the adaptation of promising Japanese “gensaku” (original works) into webtoons. This process maximizes Indent’s editorial resources while leveraging Red Seven’s expertise and production know-how.

Please feel free to contact us at the following link.
For inquiries, please contact: https://indent.co.jp/en/contact

(*1) What is “Nola – Creative Writing Platform”?

Nola – Creative Writing Platform is a creative platform operated by indent, Inc., that connects authors and companies, with over 500,000 registered authors. In addition to supporting data synchronization across both PC and mobile devices, the platform offers various tools to facilitate structured storytelling, including plot creation, character management, and setting material organization. Features such as manuscript writing, setting management, and plotting functions have been developed to support authors in their creative endeavors.

Nola – Creative Writing Platform Service HP:
https://nola-novel.com/ 

App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/id1468307521

Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nola.app&hl=ja&gl=US 

(*2) QYResearch <2023> “Global Webtoon Market Report 2023-2029”.

Red Seven Co.

Company name: Red Seven Co.
Location: Victoria Center 7F, 4-6-10 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
CEO: Lee Hyun-seok
Establishment: January 11, 2019 (Established on September 14, 2020 by reorganizing L7, a limited liability company)
Business: Production, import, export and distribution of comics, etc., and production, import, export and distribution of animation and movies, etc.
Company URL: https://redseven.jp/  

indent, inc. Company Profile

Company name: indent, Inc.
Location: 4F Kanda Misaki-cho Building, 3-6-12 Kanda Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
CEO Yuki Kamagata
Establishment: October 8, 2019
Business: Planning, development, and operation of Internet services
Company URL: https://indent.co.jp/en   

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SOURCE indent, Inc.

SYDNEY, April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Roborock, the global leader in ultra-intelligent home robotics engineered to simplify daily life, is proud to announce the firmware update that enhances the implementation of the Matter protocol across several of its premium robot vacuum models. This highly anticipated firmware arrives after Roborock’s earlier announcement that pledged pioneering inclusion of the Matter protocol, marking a significant milestone in smart home integration, and allowing users to seamlessly control their Roborock devices within Matter-supported ecosystems for a more unified, safe, and efficient smart home experience.

The Power of Matter: A Game-Changer for Robot Vacuums

The Matter protocol is a universal smart home standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), designed to unify devices across different brands and platforms. As an early adopter of Matter, Roborock remains committed to platform interoperability and ensures its robot vacuums can effortlessly, and safely, communicate with other smart home devices – such as voice assistants—regardless of manufacturer. This interoperability has been eagerly awaited in the robot vacuum industry, as it eliminates compatibility barriers, enhances user experience, adds on data security, and simplifies smart home management through a single, cohesive system.

Matter Compatible Devices from Roborock & firmware Update Details

The following Roborock models will receive a firmware update between April 1-10, 2025 (USA time). The upgrade will be a major expansion of the Matter protocol support on Roborock devices that will further enhance the user experience. Users are recommended to wait patiently for the update to arrive, as exact timing will depend on different timezones. The devices receiving Matter functionality in early April are as follows:

Owners of these Matter-compatible devices, including the latest Saros series by Roborock, will enjoy enhanced connectivity with platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and more, ensuring a smoother and more responsive smart home experience.

Starting today, users can easily control compatible Roborock robot vacuum cleaners with the Home app on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, or Mac running the latest firmware.

Please note that specific Matter-related functionality may vary not only by Roborock device, but also by ecosystem. As usual, Roborock will keep upgrading its Matter-related firmware on a continuous basis to further enhance user experience as it works with all major platforms that integrate Matter.

For more ecosystem-specific information on how they implement the different versions of the Matter protocol and what options are available to ecosystem users, please refer to the ecosystem’s developer websites or firmware update notes.

Expanding Matter Support to More Roborock Devices

Roborock remains committed to broadening Matter compatibility across its product lineup. The company plans to extend support to the Roborock S8 Max Ultra and Qrevo Slim in the upcoming weeks and months, with more models coming soon, further solidifying its position as a leader in smart home innovation.

Works With Apple Home

Starting today, users can easily control compatible Roborock robot vacuum cleaners with the Home app on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, or Mac running the latest firmware. After installing the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, a Works With Apple Home certified Roborock product, users can control it on the  Home app, and add it to custom automations, like cleaning the living room every day at 2 p.m. Or, ask Siri to “clean the kitchen” hands-free.

The Works with Apple Home badge is a trademark of Apple Inc. Requires an iPhone running iOS 18.4 or later or an iPad running iPadOS 18.4 or later for pairing and local control, or a home hub such as HomePod or Apple TV running compatible firmware for automations, notifications, and remote access.

ENDS

About Roborock   

Roborock is a leading smart cleaning brand renowned for its intelligent cleaning solutions. With a steadfast dedication to becoming a global leading smart appliance player, Roborock enriches lives with its innovative line of robotic, cordless, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, and washer-dryers. Rooted in a user-centric approach, our R&D-driven solutions cater to diverse cleaning needs in over 15 million homes across 170+ countries. Headquartered in Beijing and with strategic subsidiaries in key markets, including the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and South Korea, Roborock is dedicated to elevating its market presence worldwide. For more information, visit https://au.roborock.com/.   

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SOURCE Roborock