Technology

David Hasselhoff makes Green Tuesday Moves with PlanetPlay to help fight climate change with video games

Published

6 months ago

July 2, 2024

Hollywood icon David ‘The Hoff’ Hasselhoff joins PlanetPlay’s global alliance of amazing video games, influencers and environmental causes for an unprecedented climate change collaboration

LONDON, July 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Legendary actor and singer David Hasselhoff – AKA ‘The Hoff’ – has joined the world’s leading video game studios in supporting not-for-profit PlanetPlay’s ever-growing Make Green Tuesday Moves (MGTM) initiative – which enables players to make a real-world impact in the fight against climate change.

Starting today, Tuesday July 2nd 2024, each participating game is launching specially created green items featuring The Hoff, which will be exclusive to the MGTM movement and remain live until the next monthly activation begins.

Proceeds from the sale of The Hoff’s content – which can comprise new and/or upcycled DLC goods such as characters, skins and items – will be invested into fully certified sustainability projects by PlanetPlay’s eco-donate platform.

Watch these exclusive video messages from The Hoff, explaining how MGTM works and why he’s backing the initiative: Video #1 | Video #2 | Video #3

The Hoff, star of global smash hit TV series’ Knight Rider and Baywatch, is proud to be MGTM’s first ‘Star of the Month’ from the world of entertainment, supported by a huge social media campaign, helping to inspire gamers all around the world to ‘Make Green Tuesday Moves’.

Among the games featuring The Hoff’s green DLC as part of July’s MGTM are Avakin Life (Lockwood Publishing), Bowling Club (Boombit), Car Driving School (Boombit), Cook & Merge (Supersolid), Crazy Defence Heroes (Animoca Brands), Darts Club (Boombit), Dawn Of Ages (Boombit), Fishing Clash (Ten Square Games), Hunt Royale (Boombit), Nitro Nation (CM Games), Peridot (Niantic), Piper Pets Cafe (Tripledot), Solitaire (Tripledot), Subway Surfers (SYBO), The Great Ocean (Actrio), Tile Dynasty (Tripledot), Top Drives (Hutch), Train Station 2 (Pixel Federation), Triple Title (Tripledot) and Wooduku (Tripledot).

For a full list of MGTM games & partners click here.

Google is also supporting the innovative MGTM movement with a dedicated page on the GooglePlay app store, featuring an overview of the mission, a showcase of The Hoff’s videos, and all participating games from July 2-15 across all English-speaking territories.

These games collectively have over 36 million daily players1, with games that have been played over 4 billion times2.

All gamers need to do to get involved in MGTM is harness their #PassiveActivism, by continuing to play the games they love to contribute to amazing sustainability causes – all supported by The Hoff!

These sustainability causes include the Hongera Project, which helps families in Kenya improve their living conditions by manufacturing and distributing clean cookstoves, and the WAI Wanaka water conservation project in New Zealand.

For more information about PlanetPlay and Make Green Tuesday Moves, click here.

To download The Hoff’s Make Green Tuesday Moves media assets, click here.

David Hasselhoff said: “As someone who has spent years entertaining audiences around the world, I know the power of influence. Climate change isn’t just a distant threat; it’s here and now. By joining the Make Green Tuesday Moves initiative, we can turn our everyday gaming into a force for good. Let’s make every play for our planet. Together, we can create a legacy of sustainability for future generations. Stay cool, stay green, and make a difference!”

Jessica Jung, Product Manager for Peridot at Niantic, said: “We’re excited to partner with PlanetPlay for initiatives like Make Green Tuesday Moves. At the core of Niantic’s mission, we believe that we can leverage the power of gaming to help people get outdoors, healthier, and meet new people. It’s amazing when this mission can also work in tandem to make for a greener planet.”

Tamzin Taylor, Head of Google Play Partnerships, Western Europe, said: “PlanetPlay’s Make Green Tuesday Moves initiative is a fantastic example of how the games industry can leverage its massive reach to make a positive impact. We’re proud to support MGTM by featuring it on the Google Play store, making it easier for millions of gamers to get involved and play for the planet.”

Rhea Loucas, CEO at PlanetPlay, said: “The Make Green Tuesday Moves initiative embodies the incredible potential of the games community to drive meaningful change. With David Hasselhoff as our first ‘Star of the Month,’ we want to inspire millions of players to join our mission to help keep global warming below the 1.5 degree threshold. I also want to welcome all our new studio partners, who are integrating sustainability into their game experiences to empower players to contribute to real-world environmental solutions. We are thrilled to have The Hoff on board and can’t wait to see the impact this collaboration will achieve.”

1 Business of Apps – https://www.businessofapps.com/data/subway-surfers-statistics/
2 PocketGamer.biz – https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81112/subway-surfers-hits-4bn-downloads/

About PlanetPlay

PlanetPlay, the first climate conscious games marketplace, is a not-for-profit digital platform that allows everyone around the world to contribute to climate action through in-game purchases and gameplay with affiliated game studios. PlanetPlay is a unique platform through which to inspire, educate and mobilize players in support of the planet. The games industry has enormous potential to support positive climate action globally. Having driven over $2.2 million in climate project funding in its first year, PlanetPlay is partnering with the world’s forward thinking games studios to fight the climate crisis and are constantly developing new initiatives to launch. For more information, visit www.planetplay.com

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SOURCE PlanetPlay

Technology

First Resonance Secures Major Investment to Drive Digital Manufacturing with ION Factory OS

Published

22 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

Company Launches ION Marketplace for Application Developers and Integration Partners

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — First Resonance, a leader in digital manufacturing solutions, announced the successful close of its latest funding round, led by Third Prime, with support from Craft Ventures, Blue Bear Capital, and E12. This investment, which brings total funding raised to $32M, marks a critical step in advancing First Resonance’s ION Factory OS platform, introducing new levels of efficiency, responsiveness, and sustainability to manufacturing. The funding will fuel product development, expand customer support, and launch the ION Marketplace — a dynamic ecosystem for application developers and integration partners to build digital solutions on ION Factory OS.

Customer Success and Industry Traction

First Resonance’s ION Factory OS platform has seen rapid adoption across diverse industries as manufacturers turn to the platform to meet modern production demands with precision and agility. The platform is a critical enabler for leading companies building advanced aircraft, advancing towards FAA certification of electric aircraft; Saronic, innovating autonomous modular boats to support America’s evolving maritime needs; and Radiant Nuclear, designing and certifying micro-nuclear reactors to address defense and civilian energy requirements. First Resonance has also partnered with established firms like Blue Canyon Technologies (RTX Corporation) and several other Fortune 500 companies seeking to elevate their manufacturing capabilities through digital solutions.

“We are proud to partner with pioneering manufacturers to help drive the future of digital manufacturing,” said Karan Talati, CEO of First Resonance. “ION Factory OS is enabling our partners to tackle complex challenges with agility and digital intelligence. Our platform isn’t just technology; it’s a tool for industry resilience, leadership, and transformation to address today’s most critical societal challenges.”

Market Tailwinds and the Imperative for Digital Transformation

The industrial landscape is at a pivotal juncture, with rising labor costs, increasing global competition, and the need for resilience underscoring the importance of digitization. As initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and U.S. defense procurement priorities prompt a shift towards more agile, adaptable manufacturing, First Resonance is poised to meet these demands with solutions that accelerate automation and increase productivity.

Mr. Talati continued, “When we founded First Resonance in 2019, we anticipated the demand for more responsive, tech-enabled manufacturing. This vision is now a reality, validated by market trends and increasing customer demand across sectors.”

New Investment to Accelerate Digital Manufacturing

This recent funding round, led by Third Prime, reflects growing investor confidence in the future of manufacturing technology and the ION Factory OS platform. With participation from existing investors Craft Ventures and Blue Bear Capital, along with new investors Fortitude, Emerson Ventures, and E12, the investment underscores the venture community’s commitment to innovation in manufacturing and its potential for transformative impact.

“First Resonance’s track record of rapid customer adoption and their forward-thinking approach in launching the ION Marketplace position them as a leader at the forefront of the digital manufacturing revolution. We believe in their vision to bridge traditional manufacturing with cutting-edge technology and their unique market approach in helping companies tackle national security and the energy transition,” said Third Prime General Partner Mike Kim.

The Horizon: Introducing ION Marketplace and AI-Driven Manufacturing Workflows

First Resonance is further expanding its network of integration partners to bring digital solutions to a broader set of manufacturers, connecting the industrial base with the transformative capabilities of ION Factory OS.

With the ION Marketplace, First Resonance is establishing a hub for developers, systems integrators, and software partners to create tailored applications that enhance manufacturing operations. The marketplace will empower manufacturers to customize their digital capabilities, aligning them with specific industry needs and operational goals. Launch partners such as Silkline, Hadrian, and Duro already offer innovative solutions on the ION Factory platform, and the ION Marketplace ecosystem is open to additional developers. Application developers and integration partners are invited to sign up to list their solutions on the ION Marketplace starting today.

“Our initial launch partners and the success our customers are experiencing with their solutions validate our approach in opening up the ION Marketplace to more integration partners, as well as developers who want to build solutions for manufacturers using the data on the ION platform, providing a streamlined UX for the end-customer,” said First Resonance’s Head of Product, Manav Sanghvi.

Additionally, First Resonance is accelerating its development of AI-driven manufacturing workflows, providing customers with proactive, integrated AI capabilities that streamline operations and reduce redundant tasks. Unlike standalone AI models, First Resonance’s approach embeds intelligent automation into day-to-day workflows, enhancing productivity and responsiveness.

“AI for manufacturing goes beyond isolated models—it’s about embedding intelligence into workflows that advance operations seamlessly,” Mr. Talati noted. “With secure, proactive AI workflows, First Resonance is leading the transformation of the manufacturing industry.”

This funding will enable First Resonance to deepen customer support and enhance platform reliability while fueling continued product innovation.

About First Resonance

Founded in 2019, First Resonance is redefining manufacturing for the 21st century with ION Factory OS, a platform that enables global manufacturers to operate with agility, efficiency, and digital intelligence. Supporting over 50 manufacturers globally, the ION Factory OS empowers manufacturers across aviation, defense, energy, and more. With support from its investors and integration partners, First Resonance is committed to shaping the future of manufacturing technology and driving a safer, more sustainable industrial landscape.

For more information and to explore the ION Marketplace, please visit https://www.firstresonance.io/.

For press inquiries please contact: press@firstresonance.io

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SOURCE First Resonance

Technology

Cineverse Launches Verse Karaoke

Published

22 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

First Available on Smart TVs, New Experiential and Interactive Music Service Brings A Fresh Approach to Karaoke at Home

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Cineverse (NASDAQ: CNVS), a next-gen entertainment studio, today announces the launch of an innovative, new connected TV app powered by the Company’s industry-leading Matchpoint™ technology – Verse Karaoke. The app caters to fans of all genres of music and is launching first as a free ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) app on Smart TVs. The service will also be available on the web at www.versekaraoke.com and additional distribution will be announced in the coming months.

Verse Karaoke is designed to be an interactive, musical experience that brings the fun karaoke experience into living rooms. Verse Karaoke combines the power of a professional Karaoke machine with Matchpoint, Cineverse’s proprietary streaming technology. Verse enhances the traditional karaoke experience by integrating Smart TV functionality and leverages Matchpoint’s robust personalization capabilities for a more engaging and user-friendly experience. While one participant sings, others can seamlessly browse and search the extensive karaoke catalog by scanning a QR code with a smartphone. Additionally, Verse provides access to full song lyrics for all tracks, allowing participants to review and rehearse songs beforehand. The app also features improved song lyric video playback to offer a much more engaging full-screen video experience.

In partnership with Digitrax Entertainment, Inc., a leading producer of music for karaoke, the Verse Karaoke app includes access to decades of fully licensed hit songs in nearly every genre with new songs added weekly.

“Although karaoke apps have been available for decades, nobody has truly optimized the karaoke experience to suit the capabilities of today’s Smart TVs. Music is a popular form of family entertainment, so it was important for to us to improve the home karaoke experience by utilizing the advanced technology available to us,” said Tony Huidor, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Technology Officer of Cineverse. “We have expanded the capabilities of our Matchpoint Blueprint platform to bring an improved karaoke experience to market as we look to redefine how music fans interact with karaoke music in their homes and autos.”

“Having been immersed in the karaoke industry since 1987 and with over 30 years of experience recording karaoke tracks, I can confidently say that Verse Karaoke is the most innovative and exciting development I’ve ever witnessed in the industry,” stated Joe Vangieri CEO of DigiTrax Entertainment.

ABOUT CINEVERSE

On a mission to uplift storytellers and entertain fans with the power of technology, Cineverse (NASDAQ: CNVS) distributes over 71,000 premium films, series, and podcasts. Engaging over 150 million unique monthly users, Cineverse delivers more than one billion minutes of curated content each month – connecting fans with stories that resonate.

With properties like the box office sensation, Terrifier 3, iconic horror destination, Bloody Disgusting, the Bob Ross Channel, women’s entertainment channel Dove, and a leading podcast network, Cineverse is the first stop for audiences seeking authentic and experiential content. From a vibrant lineup of titles and fandom channels, to next-gen advertising offerings and streaming solutions, Cineverse is setting the stage for a new era of entertainment.

For more information, visit home.cineverse.com.

ABOUT DIGITRAX ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

DigiTrax Entertainment is a leading music production company with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Dedicated to delivering high-quality entertainment solutions, the company utilizes advanced technology to enhance singing experiences for audiences worldwide.

Press Contacts:

Cineverse

For Media
The Lippin Group, cineverse@lippingroup.com

For Investors
Julie Milstead, investorrelations@cineverse.com

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SOURCE Cineverse Corp.

Technology

LINDA YACCARINO, CEO OF X CORP, TO KEYNOTE CES 2025

Published

22 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® welcomes Linda Yaccarino, CEO, X Corp, the world’s largest online news and social networking site, as a keynote speaker at CES® 2025. Yaccarino will join Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist Catherine Herridge in a keynote conversation on Tuesday, January 7, at 1:30 PM in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian.

A transformative leader and visionary, Yaccarino is making waves as CEO of X Corp, where she is at the forefront of defining the future of digital communication. Under her leadership, X evolved into a dynamic platform fostering global conversations and innovative solutions for brands, creators, and communities alike.

“X is the global newsroom in your pocket. It’s the only real place for free dialogue between everyone–the public and the powerful,” said Yaccarino. “CES is the perfect place to share how we’re completely reshaping the entire ecosystem.”

“Linda’s career exemplifies the spirit of CES—innovation, resilience, and vision,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO, CTA. “Her leadership and contributions to the media and tech world makes her uniquely suited to inspire and challenge our audience to think boldly about the future.”

“Linda is a trailblazer and her keynote at CES 2025 will undoubtedly spark meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of content creation, social platforms, and how technology empowers creators and communities to thrive,” said Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA.

Catherine Herridge will interview Yaccarino. Herridge, formerly with CBS News, is an independent journalist with a growing audience of more than 850,000 on X. She is a strong advocate for the First Amendment and a free press.

The keynote will be streamed on Live.CES.Tech, X, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

X Corp joins Panasonic Holdings, NVIDIA, Accenture, Volvo Group, Delta, and Waymo on the CES 2025 Keynote lineup. Register now for CES 2025. Details and programming available at CES.tech.

About CES®:
CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world’s biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2025 takes place Jan. 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.

About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®:
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.

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