27, Mar 2024
Wonderfilled Announces Death of Co-Creator James M. Ward

Lake Geneva, WI, March 27, 2024 –Wonderfilled Inc, today issued the following statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce that James M. Ward, co-creator of our GiantLands died last week in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, due to unexpected circumstances with his health. The entire Wonderfilled family mourns this tremendous loss. On behalf of our team, we extend our deepest sympathies to James’ family and the community. James was a larger-than-life figure who brought his remarkable passion, experience and energy in roleplaying game design to our GiantLands. He more than any was looking forward to one day going with us to the GiantLands Game Park.”

Stephen E. Dinehart IV, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, issued the following statement on behalf of the team: “With the passing of my boyhood idol, now friend, mentor, and collaborator, Jim. My GiantLands and Wonderfilled have suffered a major loss, and indeed the entire gaming industry and community has lost another champion. Notwithstanding that loss, I’m confident we can keep James’ legacy alive well into the future. His latest project with us ‘The Broken Road’, an adventure module for our GiantLands will be a homage to all things James M. Ward, the man that made me, and everything from Dungeons & Dragons to Dragon Ball Z. I’ll always be grateful for the doors he helped open and the dreams he helped us achieve with our GiantLands.”

27, Mar 2024
MPAI Releases Reference Software Leveraging AI Framework

Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2024 –MPAI – Moving Picture, Audio and Data Coding by Artificial Intelligence – the international, non-profit, and unaffiliated organisation developing AI-based data coding standards has concluded its 42nd General Assembly (MPAI-42) approving the release of Reference Software using Neural Network Watermarking for Generative AI applications.

The new Neural Network Watermarking (https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-nnw/ MPAI-NNW) Reference Software includes an implementation of the AIF Framework and of an AI Workflow that enables a user to make queries that include a text and an image and obtain a vocal response. The response (inference) is watermarked, to enable the issuer of the query to ascertain that the response they receive is from the intended source. The Software will be presented online on the 16 of April at 15 UTC. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0udeutqT0vHdBh1DLiUxoRr59cUs7iQzzN

MPAI has presented its recently released standards. Links to presentations and recordings are available at https://mpai.community/community/presentations

MPAI is continuing its work plan that involving the following activities:
1. AI Framework (MPAI-AIF https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-aif/): reference software, conformance testing, and application are-as.
2. AI for Health (MPAI-AIH https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-aih/): reference model and technologies for a system enabling clients to improve models processing health data and federated learning to share the training.
3. Context-based Audio Enhancement (CAE-DC https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-cae/): new projects.
4. Connected Autonomous Vehicle (MPAI-CAV https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-cav/): Functional Requirements of CAV architecture.
5. Compression and Understanding of Industrial Data (MPAI-CUI https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-cui/): preparation for extension of existing standard.
6. Human and Machine Communication (MPAI-HMC https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-hmc/): model and technologies enabling a human or a machine to communicate with a machine or a human in a different cultural environment.
7. Multimodal Conversation (MPAI-MMC https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-mmc/): reference software, drafting conformance testing, and new areas.
8. MPAI Metaverse Model (MPAI-MMM https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-mmm/): reference software and metaverse technologies requiring standards.
9. Neural Network Watermarking (MPAI-NNW https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-nnw/): reference software for enhanced applications.
10. Portable Avatar Format (MPAI-PAF https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-ara/): reference software, conformance testing and new areas.
11. End-to-End Video Coding (MPAI-EEV https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-eev/): video coding using AI-based End-to-End Video coding.
12. AI-Enhanced Video Coding (MPAI-EVC https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-evc/). video coding with AI tools added to existing tools.
13. Server-based Predictive Multiplayer Gaming (MPAI-SPG https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-spg/): technical report on mitigation of data loss and cheating.
14. XR Venues (MPAI-XRV https://mpai.community/standards/mpai-xrv/): preparation for the development of the standard.

27, Mar 2024
Zenius Corporation List of Fastest-Growing Companies – Again

Leesburg, VA, March 27, 2024 –Inc. magazine has revealed that Zenius Corporation is No. 66 on its fourth annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Mid-Atlantic list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Mid-Atlantic private companies, based in the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the Mid-Atlantic economy’s most dynamic segment– its independent small businesses.

“We are thrilled to have secured the #66 spot on Inc. Magazine’s List of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated team members, the unwavering support from our clients, and the strong partnerships we’ve built. Thank you all for being an integral part of our journey and helping us reach this remarkable milestone,” says CEO of Zenius Corporation Prasanna Amitabh.

The companies on this list show a remarkable rate of growth across all industries in the Mid-Atlantic region. Between 2019 and 2021, these 135 private companies had an average growth rate of 154.26 percent; by 2023, they’d added 14,110 jobs and $5.2 billion to the Mid-Atlantic region’s economy.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: Mid-Atlantic, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria, can be found at inc.com/mid-Atlantic.

“The honorees in our Inc. 5000 network are the Who’s Who of private companies. They’re energizing regional economies as they engineer the future of their industries. Learn who they are and what they do — they’ll be impacting things for a while,” said Eric Hagerman, Special Projects Editor at Inc. Media.

27, Mar 2024
Avoid Counterfeit Solar Eclipse Glasses

Tucson, AZ, March 27, 2024 –– Millions of counterfeit glasses flood the US. Without a manufacturer’s address printed on the glasses, they cannot meet all ISO requirements for eclipse viewers.

Lunt Solar Systems, the world’s leading solar astronomy company and a trusted supplier of solar telescopes to researchers, universities and observatories is issuing an urgent call to action for anyone planning to view the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. With millions of counterfeit eclipse glasses entering the market, Lunt Solar Systems stresses the importance of verifying the authenticity of eclipse glasses to ensure they meet the stringent International Organization for Standardization (ISO) requirements.

The path of totality for the upcoming solar eclipse will cross several major cities across North America, including Mazatlán, Mexico; Dallas, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cleveland, Ohio; and Buffalo, New York, providing residents and visitors with a unique opportunity to witness this celestial event.

The Dangers of Counterfeit Eclipse Glasses

Lunt Solar Systems has observed a worrying trend of counterfeit eclipse glasses being sold through various platforms, including retail and online marketplaces. These counterfeit products often have fake or partially obscured ISO testing documents, failing to meet the critical safety standards necessary for safe eclipse viewing.

“We’re seeing counterfeit glasses on every platform, and at retailers and online marketplaces. The ISO documents featured on these listings or at POS are usually either faked or partially obscured to block the elements of the standard that the glasses failed. One of those elements is that there has to be a manufacturer’s physical address printed on the glasses. If your glasses do not have an address, then the glasses did not pass 100% of the ISO certification requirements regardless of what they advertise,” said Andrew Lunt, CEO of Lunt Solar Systems.

How to Ensure Your Eclipse Glasses Are Safe

Lunt Solar Systems advises eclipse viewers to look for the manufacturer’s name and address printed on their eclipse glasses, a key indicator of adherence to ISO 12312-2 international safety standards. Glasses lacking this information should be considered as potentially unsafe and returned immediately.

“People have been told to look for the ISO logo on the glasses, but a lot of these fake glasses use an ISO logo without being fully ISO compliant. We’re advising people to look for both an ISO logo as well as both the name and physical address of the manufacturer printed on the product, because without the address, the product cannot pass all ISO requirements,” said Lunt.

General Eye Safety for Solar Eclipses

Viewing a solar eclipse requires proper eye protection. Eclipse glasses must meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for safe solar viewing. It’s essential to inspect glasses for any damage before the eclipse and to supervise children using eclipse glasses.

27, Mar 2024
Importance Of Customer Experience In Today’s Business Landscape

Importance Of Customer

Interactions between brands and customers have become more dynamic and personalized, allowing deeper engagements and real-time feedback

Customer experience (CX) has been in focus since the early 20th century. It has now acquired even more importance for businesses in the age of social media. Earlier, CX was largely a one-way street, as businesses utilized marketing tools and competitive pricing to woo customers. In the 21st century, things have changed dramatically.

Importance of CX

With the power of social media, customers now have a greater say in influencing a brand’s reputation. Even a single viral image or video can make a significant impact.The opposite is also true, as brands can utilize social channels to shape perceptions.

Customer experience is a key part of this strategy. The idea is to track customer touchpoints and respond promptly and positively to develop a strong emotional connection. With a dedicated framework to ensure the best possible customerexperiences, businesses can gain an edge over their competitors.

A lot many goals can also be achieved such as customer loyalty and retention, enhanced brand reputation and reduced litigation. Revenue can be increased by implementing dedicated customer-centric programs. With regular feedback and suggestions from customers, businesses can improve their existing products/services and/or launch entirely new ones.

Role of tech in CX

With thousands of engagements every day, tech has emerged as a savior for businesses keen on improving their customer experience. A wide variety of tools are available such as AI-powered chatbots and advanced machine learning algorithms. Voice-based systems with inbuilt AI are another great way to resolve customer issues.

Tech tools can work in a 24/7 environment and significantly reduce the cost associated with customer experience initiatives. Tech has also allowed businesses to access deep insights into customer behavior. It has been playing a key role in helping improve product/service offerings.

Game Changer Series – CX-EX Show 3rd Edition

For folks wanting to get more detailed insights into customer and employee experiences, the CX-EX Show 3rd Edition proved to be the perfect platform. The CX-EX Show 3rd Edition was held on March 14, 2024, at the Radisson Blu, Delhi Airport. The event provided a great opportunity to learn from industry leaders, understand the challenges facing CX-EX fulfillment, discover innovative CX and EX solutions being developed, connect with like-minded professionals and get to know the latest tech tools being used to improve CX-EX.

A large group of prominent industry leaders attended the CX-EX Show 3rd Edition to share their views and experiences. It included top-management executives from leading businesses such as Tata 1MG, PVR Cinemas, Adidas, Bajaj Capital, SBI Card, SAP, Magicbricks, Bata, Cleartrip, Hindware, Ecom Express, Tata Power, Lenovo and Tech Mahindra. The event was sponsored by Uniphore, CS Infocomm, Cleartouch, REZO and SAP. Supporting the event were media partners Silicon India and Newspatrolling.com.

27, Mar 2024
United We Play comes to Ranchi; trials to be held on 30 th March

United We Play

Leading tyre maker Apollo Tyres today announced that it is going to bring its flagship grassroots football programme, United We Play (UWP)to the city of Ranchi. The trials at the city will be held on 30th March at ODM Sapphire School.

The United We Play programme is a grassroots training and talent development initiative going across 16 cities and key countries in Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa (APMEA), supported by Manchester United to encourage young football talent from across the country by giving them a platform to showcase their skills with the objective of motivating aspiring footballers to continue playing and introducing them to global training methodologies.

The fourth edition, which was kickstarted in the presence of former Manchester United and French footballer Louis Saha in Kolkata earlier, promises to be much bigger and better with a year-round programme, reaching out to 16cities pan-India and over 25,000 young footballers across the country.

Over the last couple of months, the programme has already connected over 600 coaches across the country with Manchester United Soccer Schools, where they have received exclusive training and access to the Manchester United curriculum and certificates. MUSS is also in the midst of conducting 4 digital masterclasses with over 2000+ players already engaged through this.

The initial phase of the fourth edition of United We Play will be run by domestic coaches before young footballers get a chance to impress coaches from the Manchester United Soccer School (MUSS). The best performers from across locations will participate in the grand finale of the competition, and winners will get a trip to Manchester, with several experiential activities at Old Trafford and Carrington at Manchester United including a matchday experience, training with the academy team, interaction with the legends and much more.

Louis Saha, while officially kickstarting the activities for the fourth season of United We Play programme, had earlier said during the launch at Kolkata, “I am honoured to have been invited by Apollo Tyres to help launch the fourth season of United We Play. This is a huge opportunity for any up-and-coming footballer, and I would like to thank Apollo Tyres for creating this fantastic opportunity to inspire and develop the next generation of youth footballers. Participants will not only learn to play the Manchester United way but also pick up valuable life skills, such as teamwork, discipline and determination, which will go on to help them in the future.”

The first three seasons were a massive success and received an overwhelming response with over 16,000 players from the country participating in the programme comprising on-ground trials, masterclasses and workshops. The last season saw 7 young footballers, including 4 from India, who got a lifetime opportunity to visit Old Trafford to participate in exciting activities like a match-day experience, training session with Manchester United Soccer School coaches, and a chance to interact with the Club’s Legends.

27, Mar 2024
Leverage.biz hires former Aakash CMO as Marketing Chief

 Aakash CMO as Marketing Chief

Leverage.biz, which runs flagship brands LeverageEdu, Fly Finance, and Fly Homes, has appointed former Aakash Educational Services Ltd (AESL) CMO Sushant Kumar as its Chief Marketing Officer. Sushant has also had previous stints at Snapdeal & Lendingkart leading their marketing efforts.

“Thrilled to have Sushant onboard. I have enjoyed the richness of his granularity, which is very much ‘the Leverage DNA’, & that’s why everyone in the leadership is excited to team up with him! Over the last few years, Sushant has proved his mettle while building in the most-watched spaces. He is a rockstar, and I look forward to building Leverage together with him in its next phase!” said Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder & CEO of Leverage.Biz.

This is Leverage’s 2nd announcement of addition to the C-suite after Ex-Amex & Apple Arjun Mehta’s appointment as CFO in January this year.

“I am excited to join the Leverage rocketship. I have been a big fan of Leverage as a business and a brand, having seen it as an outsider. I am excited to join Akshay & team as we go along on this journey to cement Leverage’s position in the industry as a student-first brand loved by millions across the globe.”, said newly appointed Sushant.

27, Mar 2024
CrowdStrike and HCLTech Announce Global Strategic Partnership

BENGALURU, India, 27th March 2024 – CrowdStrike (Nasdaq: CRWD) and HCLTech (NSE: HCLTECH), a leading global technology company, today announced a new strategic partnership to power HCLTech’s managed detection and response (MDR) solutions with the AI-native CrowdStrike Falcon® XDR platform. The partnership will empower HCLTech to deliver the breadth of the Falcon platform, assisting organizations in cybersecurity transformation across devices, identity, cloud, data, next-gen SIEM, and beyond, led and managed by HCLTech.

According to the CrowdStrike 2024 Global Threat Report, cyberattacks are escalating and continue to grow faster, stealthier, and more sophisticated. Generative AI has the potential to amplify adversary activity, arming attackers of all sophistication levels with advanced tradecraft. At the same time, the growing cybersecurity skills gap and lack of resources impact security operations at many organizations, increasing the risk of a data breach. To protect against modern threats, customers need AI-native technology as well as the benefits of a managed security solution to reduce complexity and serve as a force multiplier for security and IT teams. The combination of HCLTech’s world-class MDR experts with the industry-leading Falcon platform delivers the security customers need to stop breaches.

“Delivering a Dynamic Cybersecurity Posture is core to our solutions and engagements, and the partnership with CrowdStrike will further strengthen our commitment to accelerate this journey for our customers,” said Amit Jain, executive vice president and global head of cybersecurity at HCLTech. “The proven CrowdStrike Falcon XDR platform will fuel our existing managed services solutions as we join forces to unleash a powerful defense against cyber threats. This partnership amplifies HCLTech’s leadership in Cybersecurity Services, reinforcing our dedication to delivering a resilient Digital Foundation for our global customers.”

“Organizations across the globe select the AI-native Falcon platform to transform and consolidate their cybersecurity,” said Daniel Bernard, chief business officer at CrowdStrike. “Our partnership with HCLTech extends the reach of the Falcon platform to new customers and markets, expediting spend consolidation and improving operational efficiencies. We’re proud of the success that we’re experiencing with HCLTech and are excited about the opportunity ahead – jointly on a mission to secure the world’s largest enterprises on cybersecurity’s winning platform.”

27, Mar 2024
CREAM CENTRE Takes Home Top Honors at Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2024

Mumbai – 27th March 2024: Cream Centre, the iconic vegetarian restaurant, has emerged victorious at the prestigious Swiggy Restaurant Awards 2024. Known for its delectable array of Multi-cuisine vegetarian delights, Cream Centre clinched the coveted title in the Pure Veg, Best Continental Category, showcasing its commitment to culinary excellence and innovation.

Adding to its accolades, Cream Centre also secured the esteemed position ( 4th place ) in the highly competitive North Indian category, further solidifying its status as a culinary powerhouse in the vibrant restaurant scene.

The Swiggy Restaurant Awards recognize and celebrate the finest eateries across various categories, spotlighting exceptional culinary craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Cream Centre’s outstanding performance underscores its unwavering dedication to providing patrons with unparalleled dining experiences and flavors that tantalize their taste buds.

“We are thrilled and honored to receive such prestigious recognition from the Swiggy Restaurant Awards,” said Rishi Chona, CEO, Cream Centre. “This accolade is a testament to our team’s hard work, creativity, and passion for crafting exceptional vegetarian cuisine. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal patrons and dedicated team members who are all a part of the Cream Centre family and have made this achievement possible.”

Established in 1958, Cream Centre has been a beloved destination for vegetarians and food enthusiasts alike, offering a diverse menu that blends traditional flavors with contemporary twists. From mouthwatering Continental delights to soul-satisfying North Indian dishes, Cream Centre continues to redefine the vegetarian dining experience with its innovative culinary creations. Cream Center ensures there’s something for everyone to indulge in, catering to all generations – from kids to teenagers, adults, and even grandparents. Whether it’s their famous Chole Bhature, sizzling sizzlers, or tempting desserts, Cream Center offers a diverse range of delicious dishes to satisfy every palate. There are 9 outlets in Mumbai alone right from Chowpatty, Phoenix Palladium, Phoenix Marketcity Kurla, R City Mall Ghatkopar, Shoppers Stop Andheri West, Juhu, Fun Republic Andheri, Thane, and Inorbit Mall Malad. CC caters to 7 States, 1O Cities, and 21 Locations in totality

27, Mar 2024
Expanding Horizons: ASORT Introduces Lifestyle Solutions Beyond Clothing

Expanding Horizons

Asort, a leading name in the fashion industry, is proud to announce its expansion into lifestyle solutions, transcending beyond clothing to cater to a myriad of lifestyle needs. With a commitment to enhancing every facet of life, Asort Lifestyle now offers a diverse range of accessories, beauty products, and home essentials.

In a world where personal style extends far beyond just clothing choices, Asort recognizes the importance of curating a comprehensive array of products to elevate various aspects of modern living. Whether it’s adding a dash of flair to home decor or refining personal grooming routines, Asort Lifestyle presents a one-stop destination for individuals seeking to enhance their lifestyle in a multitude of ways.

“Asort has always been dedicated to enhancing the lives of our customers through fashion. With our expansion into lifestyle solutions, we are excited to offer a broader spectrum of products and services that cater to the diverse needs of our audience,” said Roshan Singh Bisht, Co-Founder & CEO, of ASORT.com

Asort’s foray into lifestyle solutions will encompass a wide range of offerings, including wellness products, home decor, beauty essentials, and personalized services. By curating an eclectic mix of high-quality products and collaborating with renowned brands, Asort Lifestyle aims to redefine the concept of lifestyle shopping. “Our expansion into lifestyle solutions underscores our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. We believe that by offering a comprehensive range of lifestyle products and services, we can empower individuals to lead fulfilling and balanced lives,” added Roshan Singh Bisht, Co-Founder & CEO, of ASORT.com