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Walgreens adds another beloved store to planned closure list after confirming 1,200 will shut & it is in buyout talksPRAGUE, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen Chinese universities showcased their diverse programs and policies at the "Study in China" education exhibition held in Prague on Monday, underscoring the deepening educational and cultural ties between China and the Czech Republic. Speaking at the event's opening, Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Feng Biao highlighted the role of education as a bridge for cultural understanding and a vital element of bilateral relations. Feng expressed hope that Czech students would explore the high-quality educational opportunities offered by Chinese universities, fostering deeper understanding and collaboration between academic institutions of both nations. He also encouraged Czech universities to collaborate with their Chinese counterparts, aiming to bring innovation and vitality to bilateral educational partnerships. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Czech Republic. Feng described the expo as a platform to strengthen academic exchanges, providing Czech students with new avenues to pursue studies in China. Xia Jianhui, deputy director general of the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, noted that this is the first time the "Study in China" exhibition has been held in the Czech Republic. He expressed optimism that the event would enhance mutual student exchange and open doors for academic collaboration. Bohuslava Senkyrova, Rector of the University of Finance and Administration in Prague, praised the exhibition as a valuable opportunity for Czech students to learn about studying in China. She noted its importance in building understanding between Chinese and Czech academic institutions. Featuring universities specializing in disciplines such as education, medicine, business, economics, technology, and fine arts, the exhibition drew significant interest. Anna Roubalova, a student from Hradec Kralove, expressed her interest in studying clinical medicine at Zhejiang University. "They have a good program, and I can study in either English or Chinese," she said, adding that she was impressed by the university's campus.
After catastrophic flash floods ravaged in late October, a team of Moroccan workers has stepped in to provide critical assistance. Their task? Unclogging drainage systems, a vital service amid the aftermath of torrential rain that claimed over 200 lives. With a fleet of 36 tanker trucks, the Moroccan contingent has become an unexpected but essential presence on the streets of Alfafar, a town just south of Valencia. A Heroic effort from Morocco The 100-strong team, led by Drief Elkramar, a seasoned tanker driver, travelled 500 miles from Tangier to join the cleanup efforts. Despite language barriers, Elkramar and his crew, with their black tanker trucks proudly flying the Moroccan flag, have become a symbol of solidarity and efficiency in the wake of disaster. Elkramar’s crew works tirelessly, with no time for breaks, to clear out clogged sewage pipes that pose serious health risks in the affected neighborhoods. : The team is using high-pressure hoses to blast debris out of the pipes, while wide suction hoses are employed to extract mud and waste. Their efforts have been crucial in restoring functionality to local drainage systems. Most Read on Euro Weekly News A Global response to local tragedy This Moroccan operation is just one part of a wider international response. French and Portuguese volunteers, equipped with heavy machinery, have also joined the fray, bringing excavators, backhoes, and cargo trucks to aid in the cleanup. Local Spanish teams, including 94 trucks dedicated to sewer dredging, are working alongside them. Cross-border Support: Virginia Barcones, ‘s Director of Civil Protection, noted that the Moroccan team offered help “from the very first day after the floods,” though political red tape delayed the formal acceptance of their aid. The Challenge: Mud, Feces, and Unyielding Determination In Alfafar, the cleanup is particularly challenging. The neighborhood’s drainage system is completely overwhelmed, with pipes clogged by a mixture of mud, waste, and debris. Juan Sebastiá, the local cleanup coordinator, shared that the situation was made worse when they discovered a toilet in the sewers, illustrating the scale of the mess. : The cleanup workers have to contend not only with debris but also with the serious public health risks posed by sewage-filled streets. Fecal contamination has created hazardous conditions, requiring careful handling and disposal of the affected materials. Volunteers and Residents: A Community United While the Moroccan team’s arrival was a pleasant surprise for many, residents like Juan Madrigal and Laura Hernández are quick to praise the volunteers, who have been working around the clock. Despite the challenges, including mud mixed with fecal waste and respiratory hazards, local residents are finding hope in the persistence of the crews. Resilience Amid the Ruins: Madrigal reflects on the progress made, noting that while much of the furniture and vehicles were removed in the first few weeks, it’s the continued volunteer work that’s bringing the situation back to normal. “The first week we had cars in the streets, now we have muddy water we cannot drain,” he shared. The cleanup continues, with every passing day bringing the town closer to recovery. A Long road to recovery The scale of the disaster means that this cleanup effort is far from over. Jesús Sonera, a manager at the Desatranques Jaén sewer company, estimates that there are nearly 500 miles of blocked pipes across the affected towns. At the current rate, with each truck clearing 1,300 feet per week, it could take up to five months to restore all the systems. : Elkramar’s team, along with their international counterparts, will likely remain in the area for weeks to come, as the enormity of the task requires sustained effort.Broadcom shares fell nearly 3% on Wednesday following reports that Apple plans to replace some Broadcom components with its in-house chips, just hours before Broadcom’s fourth-quarter earnings announcement. Apple plans to create in-house components for its devices, which includes switching to a homegrown chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections starting next year – a move that will replace some parts currently provided by Broadcom, Bloomberg reported citing sources. The chip, code-named Proxima, has been in development for several years and will reportedly go into the company’s first products in 2025. Like Apple's other in-house chips, Proxima will be produced by partner TSMC (TSM), according to Bloomberg. The report adds that the transition is separate from Apple's shift from Qualcomm (QCOM) cellular modems, but the two parts will eventually work together. However, this development comes a day after The Information reported that Apple is collaborating with the chipmaker to design its first artificial intelligence (AI) chip, codenamed Baltra, leading the stock to close with 6% gains on Wednesday. The news of Apple shifting away from Broadcom for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity has failed to dampen retail sentiment, which remains in the ‘bullish’ zone, albeit a little lower. However, retail chatter has spiked to a year-high of 90 at ‘extremely high’ levels as retail investors on Stocktwits debate Apple’s relationship with Broadcom. The earnings call after the bell will be key to putting some of these rumors to rest. Wall Street is expecting earnings of $1.39 per share on revenue of $14.07 billion. Meanwhile, the majority of the retail investors are expecting Broadcom to beat expectations and issue a bullish guidance, according to a ongoing poll on Stocktwits. Broadcom’s shares have gained 65% so far this year. For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.<
Cops solve grisly murder after 38 yearsCOLUMBIA — It’s just another game. Only, it’s not just another game — it’s THE game. But don’t tell that to South Carolina redshirt freshman quarterback LaNorris Sellers . This weekend’s matchup between South Carolina and Clemson could have College Football Playoff implications for the winner, and it is the first time in more than a decade that the two Palmetto State programs have been ranked headed into the rivalry game. That just gets a shrug from the former South Florence High School standout. LaNorris Sellers has rushed for 489 yards and five TDs this season. “I’m going into this game like any other game,” Sellers said on Tuesday at the Gamecocks’ weekly media gathering. “It’s a rivalry game, so it’s going to be a high-energy game. But, to me, it’s just another football game.” It’s not that Sellers doesn’t understand the significance of playing in a rivalry game or the implications that could come with a victory. Sellers isn’t dismissing it because of some hidden bravado. It’s just that nothing rattles Sellers. Takeaways from the Gamecocks' whipping of Wofford “I think God made a special human being in LaNorris Sellers,” said South Carolina coach Shane Beamer. “He comes from a very grounded and awesome family, so he gets that calmness from his family. I always say this — nothing rattles him, and I love saying that because I think back to last season (with former South Carolina quarterback) and Spencer Rattler. He just doesn’t get rattled.” Even his teammates have noticed Sellers’ demeanor, his quiet confidence as he goes about his business at the Gamecocks' football facility. “There’s this confidence about him,” said defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway. “Each week he’s getting better and better, so that confidence is only building.” One reason for Sellers’ stoic approach to this week might be because he’s already played on some of the biggest stages in college football and in some hostile environments. The Gamecocks are 3-1 on the SEC road with wins over Kentucky, Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. Sellers played in front of more than 100,000 rabid Crimson Tide fans in October and threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns in a game South Carolina nearly had. Blastoff! Rocket Sanders torches No. 10 Texas A&M as Gamecocks roll to upset “Playing on the road in the SEC, those crowds are always into it, no matter where you play,” Sellers said. “If you’re playing anywhere on the road in the SEC, it’s hard because of the crowd. Clemson fans are very passionate, but it’s just another game.” Sellers’ optimism could also come from his recent play. Since the Alabama game, Sellers has completed 70 percent of his passes for 1,317 yards with 13 TDs and two interceptions. “LaNorris is a gamer and he’s excited about getting this opportunity,” Beamer said. Beamer admitted that the atmosphere at Memorial Stadium come Saturday afternoon might be different than what Sellers and the Gamecocks have experienced so far this season. Report Card: Grading Gamecock football at the break “This will be different,” he said. “We went to Kentucky, and we played well and took the crowd out of the game early. (At Alabama), I don’t think the Crimson Tide fans were ripping and roaring for the Gamecocks when we rolled in there. It was also an 11 a.m. kick, local time. “It was loud, but it wasn’t to the point where we couldn’t hear ourselves. When we went to Oklahoma, we were up 21-0 early and took the crowd out of it, and Vandy was like a home game.” Beamer knows the Tiger fans will be there in full force this weekend. Gamecocks' Sellers looks to cure fumbling woes “It will be the loudest crowd we’ve played in front of, and it’s Game 12,” Beamer said. “It’s going to be incredible and exciting. We want to play well so the crowd doesn’t become a factor.” The Gamecocks might steal a play or two from The Citadel’s game plan. The Citadel rushed for a season-high 288 yards against the Tigers using mainly the triple option. “The Citadel did a really nice job running the football,” Beamer said. “We may not be under center and look like we’re running the old wishbone, but we do have triple-option elements in our offense. We try to find things that fit our offense and there are elements to the option game that we’ll look at.”Brad Keselowski Set For Huge 2025 NASCAR Reunion
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The Buffalo Bills will enter their Week 12 bye week right in the middle of the playoff race in the AFC. The Bills even got some help in their pursuit of the top seed in the conference after "Thursday Night Football." The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 24-19, in a surprising upset on Thursday. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images Before the game, despite the Bills having the same amount of losses as Pittsburgh, the Steelers controlled their own destiny for the AFC's top seed, since they face the Kansas City Chiefs later on in the season, and would be able to finish the season with a better conference record than Buffalo. However, with the loss, the Steelers are now a full game behind the Bills, and no longer control their destiny over Buffalo. The Bills are still 0.5 games behind the Chiefs for the first-round bye, but they now have some breathing room with Pittsburgh behind them. Related: Shocking Bills vs. Chiefs Viewership Numbers Revealed If the Chiefs lose this weekend to the Carolina Panthers, the Bills would have sole possession of the No. 1 seed in the AFC. It would be the first time since 1993 that the Bills have been in that position if they could hold on until the playoffs. Buffalo does still have plenty of formidable opponents coming up, with games against the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions approaching in the coming weeks. Regardless, the Bills can rest through their bye week and look to come out of it even healthier than before as they enter the final stretch of the season. Related: Bills Coach Outlines 'Scary' Bye Week Plan
Military Divorce Attorney from McConnell Family Law Group Publishes Insightful Article on Military Divorce 12-02-2024 11:10 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Military divorce attorney [ https://www.mcconnellfamilylaw.com/military-divorce/ ] from McConnell Family Law Group has released an insightful article shedding light on the challenges of military divorces in Connecticut. The article focuses on the unique difficulties faced by service members and their spouses during divorce proceedings, including jurisdiction, division of military pensions, and compliance with state and federal laws. "Military divorces are often more complicated than civilian divorces due to the interplay of state and federal laws," said the military divorce attorney. "From determining jurisdiction to addressing the division of retirement benefits under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA), it's essential to approach these cases with a thorough understanding of how military service impacts the divorce process." The military divorce attorney emphasized that Connecticut offers specific accommodations for military members, particularly through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). These accommodations include modified residency requirements and the ability to delay legal proceedings while on active duty. "These protections ensure that service members can focus on their duties without being unfairly disadvantaged in legal matters," the attorney noted. One of the key issues addressed in the article is jurisdiction-where a divorce can be legally filed. For civilians, this is typically determined by their place of residence. However, for military members, jurisdiction can depend on their legal residence or "home of record," even if they are stationed elsewhere. Connecticut's residency rules for military divorce cases are designed to accommodate the unique circumstances of military service. Either spouse must be a resident of the state for at least 12 months before filing, but the SCRA allows exceptions. If a military member's home of record is Connecticut, they can file for divorce in the state, even if they are currently stationed out of state. "Jurisdictional challenges are common in military divorces," the military divorce attorney explained. "The state where the service member is stationed, their legal residence, and the spouse's place of residence all factor into where the divorce can be filed. Understanding these nuances is crucial for ensuring the case is handled properly." The SCRA also offers legal timing protections to active-duty service members, allowing them to delay divorce proceedings while deployed and for up to 90 days after their return. This safeguard acknowledges the demands of military service and provides additional time to address legal matters without compromising the service member's duties. The article highlights the complexities of dividing military retirement benefits during a divorce, which are governed by the USFSPA. State courts can treat military retirement pay as community property, subject to division between spouses. However, Connecticut's property division laws apply, and the specific circumstances of the marriage determine how benefits are divided. The article also outlines the "20/20/20 rule," which provides full military benefits to a former spouse if three conditions are met: the marriage lasted at least 20 years, the service member served in the military for at least 20 years, and at least 20 years of the marriage overlapped with the service member's military service. According to the military divorce attorney, "The division of military pensions is one of the most significant aspects of a military divorce. Even when a marriage doesn't meet the 20/20/20 rule, former spouses may still be entitled to a portion of the retirement benefits based on the duration of the marriage and its overlap with military service." For marriages that do not meet the "10-year rule" (10 years of marriage overlapping with 10 years of military service), the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) does not pay the former spouse directly. Instead, payments must come from the service member. These nuances make it critical for divorcing couples to work with attorneys familiar with military divorce laws. For active-duty military members, the SCRA provides additional safeguards, particularly in cases where deployment prevents participation in legal proceedings. Divorce proceedings can be delayed to protect the service member's rights and ensure they have adequate time to respond to filings. Military families in Connecticut considering divorce are encouraged to seek legal counsel to better understand their rights and the legal procedures involved. Working with attorneys knowledgeable in military divorce law allows service members and their spouses to address challenging issues with confidence and clarity. About McConnell Family Law Group: McConnell Family Law Group is a Connecticut-based law firm committed to helping families through challenging legal situations. The firm provides compassionate guidance and effective advocacy in divorce, child custody, and other family law matters. With a particular focus on military divorces, McConnell Family Law Group is dedicated to supporting service members and their families as they address the unique challenges of military life and family law. Embeds: Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBLxpceilKw GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=12897267267448699287 Email and website Email: intake@mcconnellfamilylaw.com Website: https://www.mcconnellfamilylaw.com/greenwich-family-law-attorney/ Media Contact Company Name: McConnell Family Law Group Contact Person: Paul McConnell Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=military-divorce-attorney-from-mcconnell-family-law-group-publishes-insightful-article-on-military-divorce ] Phone: (203) 541-5520 Address:500 West Putnam Avenue City: Greenwich State: Connecticut 06830 Country: United States Website: https://www.mcconnellfamilylaw.com/greenwich-family-law-attorney/ This release was published on openPR.
BOSTON (AP) — UConn coach Jim Mora pulled a move that would make Bill Belichick proud while preparing the Huskies to play the notoriously churlish former New England Patriot's next team in his old backyard. Mora and his players were more than 45 minutes late for what was scheduled as a 30-minute media availability a day before Saturday's Fenway Bowl against North Carolina. Mora then gave a non-apology straight out of Belichick’s playbook. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Google is ramping up its push into smart glasses and augmented reality headgear, taking on rivals Apple and Meta with help from its sophisticated Gemini artificial intelligence. The internet titan on Thursday unveiled an Android XR operating system created in a collaboration with Samsung, which will use it in a device being built in what is called internally "Project Moohan," according to Google. The software is designed to power augmented and virtual reality experiences enhanced with artificial intelligence, XR vice president Shahram Izadi said in a blog post. "With headsets, you can effortlessly switch between being fully immersed in a virtual environment and staying present in the real world," Izadi said. "You can fill the space around you with apps and content, and with Gemini, our AI assistant, you can even have conversations about what you're seeing or control your device." Google this week announced the launch of Gemini 2.0, its most advanced artificial intelligence model to date, as the world's tech giants race to take the lead in the fast-developing technology. CEO Sundar Pichai said the new model would mark what the company calls "a new agentic era" in AI development, with AI models designed to understand and make decisions about the world around you. Android XR infused with Gemini promises to put digital assistants into eyewear, tapping into what users are seeing and hearing. An AI "agent," the latest Silicon Valley trend, is a digital helper that is supposed to sense surroundings, make decisions, and take actions to achieve specific goals. "Gemini can understand your intent, helping you plan, research topics and guide you through tasks," Izadi said. "Android XR will first launch on headsets that transform how you watch, work and explore." The Android XR release was a preview for developers so they can start building games and other apps for headgear, ideally fun or useful enough to get people to buy the hardware. This is not Google's first foray into smart eyewear. Its first offering, Google Glass, debuted in 2013 only to be treated as an unflattering tech status symbol and met with privacy concerns due to camera capabilities. The market has evolved since then, with Meta investing heavily in a Quest virtual reality headgear line priced for mainstream adoption and Apple hitting the market with pricey Vision Pro "spacial reality" gear. Google plans to soon begin testing prototype Android XR-powered glasses with a small group of users. Google will also adapt popular apps such as YouTube, Photos, Maps, and Google TV for immersive experiences using Android XR, according to Izadi. Gemini AI in glasses will enable tasks like directions and language translations, he added. "It's all within your line of sight, or directly in your ear," Izadi said. gc/dw
NEW YORK , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape -The global extended reality (XR) market size is estimated to grow by USD 1.04 trillion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 56.45% during the forecast period. Rapid improvements in sensor technology is driving market growth, with a trend towards advent of 5G. However, infrastructural and integration issues poses a challenge. Key market players include 3D Systems Corp., ABB Ltd., Accenture Plc, Alphabet Inc., Canon Inc., HTC Corp., Intel Corp., Lenovo Group Ltd., Magic Leap Inc., Meta Platforms Inc., Microsoft Corp., NVIDIA Corp., PTC Inc., Qualcomm Inc., Roper Technologies Inc., Seiko Epson Corp., SoftServe Inc., Sony Group Corp., Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd., and VertexPlus Technologies Ltd.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Application (VR, AR, and MR), Component (Hardware and Software and services), and Geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled 3D Systems Corp., ABB Ltd., Accenture Plc, Alphabet Inc., Canon Inc., HTC Corp., Intel Corp., Lenovo Group Ltd., Magic Leap Inc., Meta Platforms Inc., Microsoft Corp., NVIDIA Corp., PTC Inc., Qualcomm Inc., Roper Technologies Inc., Seiko Epson Corp., SoftServe Inc., Sony Group Corp., Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd., and VertexPlus Technologies Ltd. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The integration of 5G technology into extended reality (XR) applications brings significant advantages. With high bandwidth and low latency, 5G enables the use of AR in live, outdoor environments and facilitates cloud-based gaming. A reliable 5G subscription is necessary for effective cloud gaming. The lower latency of 5G networks compared to previous generations is crucial for XR applications, ensuring real-time responsiveness for seamless experiences. Vendors like Qualcomm and Samsung collaborate with telecom providers offering 5G technology. By 2025, global 5G deployment is predicted. XR applications, such as remote collaboration and training, benefit from 5G's capabilities, accelerating the growth of the XR market. XR technology, which includes Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), is revolutionizing various industries. The market for XR devices and content is growing rapidly, with VR headsets and AR glasses leading the way. The gaming industry is a major driver, with XR games and simulations becoming increasingly popular. The healthcare sector is also adopting XR for training programs, simulations, and virtual meetings, addressing health concerns such as myopia and enabling remote surgeries. In the hospitality industry, XR is enhancing customer experience through virtual tours and interactive menus. The software segment, including 5G technology, is crucial for delivering high-quality XR content to users. Mixed reality is expected to gain traction in retail stores, while 5G users will benefit from improved internet connectivity and processing capability distribution. Doctors and contemporary healthcare institutions are exploring XR for medical training and virtual realities to treat target organs. The entertainment industry and online gaming are also embracing XR technology, making it an exciting time for this innovative technology. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges ai_dominating_segment_factor_new The Extended Reality (XR) market is experiencing rapid growth with applications in various sectors like virtual meetings, online gaming, and contemporary healthcare institutions. However, challenges persist. Internet connectivity and gaming equipment accessibility remain key issues for virtual meetings and online gaming, particularly in developing regions. In the medical sector, doctors and surgeons require target organs identification in real-time during virtual realities, which demands high processing capability distribution. 5G technology is a game-changer, enabling real-time, experiences for 5G users in 5G operations. Mobile XR and solo headsets dominate the consumer market, while tethered VR headsets cater to professional services and industrial training. E-commerce, entertainment, construction, retail and e-commerce, transportation, and industrial and manufacturing sectors also leverage XR. Augmented reality technologies, such as live broadcast, virtual projects, and cast, are transforming industries like education, festivals, television presentations, and corporate events. Cloud VR-based technology and program developers are essential for the growth of XR studios. NFTs and advanced human-machine interfaces are the future of XR, with gaming companies leading the charge in the multi-dimensional Web 3.0. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This extended reality (xr) market report extensively covers market segmentation by Application 1.1 VR 1.2 AR 1.3 MR Component 2.1 Hardware 2.2 Software and services Geography 3.1 North America 3.2 APAC 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 VR- The Extended Reality (XR) market refers to the technology that blends real and virtual worlds. It includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). Companies like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook are investing heavily in this space. XR applications span across industries such as gaming, education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The market is expected to grow significantly due to increasing demand for interactive and experiences. Businesses can leverage XR to enhance customer engagement, improve training programs, and streamline operations. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The Extended Reality (XR) market is experiencing exponential growth, transforming various sectors with its technologies. Virtual meetings are revolutionizing the way we connect, enabling remote collaborations in real-time. Online gaming is reaching new heights with XR devices, offering more interactive and engaging experiences. Internet connectivity and gaming equipment are essential prerequisites for XR technology, ensuring seamless and uninterrupted access to XR content. In the healthcare sector, doctors and contemporary healthcare institutions are leveraging XR for training and surgeries, allowing for more precise targeting of organs and minimally invasive procedures. Virtual realities and augmented reality are revolutionizing education, providing students with learning experiences and simulations. 5G technology and XR technology are synergistic, with the former providing the necessary speed and bandwidth for the latter. XR devices and XR content are driving demand, with games and training programs being the most popular applications. The entertainment industry and gaming industry are leading the charge, while the education industry is quickly catching up. Market Research Overview Extended Reality (XR), encompassing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality, is revolutionizing various sectors with its experiences. Virtual meetings allow remote collaboration in contemporary healthcare institutions, enabling doctors and surgeons to plan target organ surgeries in virtual realities. Students in the medical sector can learn through interactive simulations and training programs. In the entertainment industry, XR is transforming online gaming with advanced human-machine interfaces and ultra-high-resolution VR glasses. 5G technology and processing capability distribution empower 5G users to enjoy XR operations in mobile and solo headsets. E-commerce and retail are leveraging XR for virtual projects, live broadcasts, and shopping experiences. Construction, transportation, industrial and manufacturing, festivals, television presentations, corporate events, professional services, and XR studios are also embracing XR technologies. Augmented reality technologies, such as NFT and AR in retail stores, are redefining consumer experiences. The software segment, including program developers and cloud VR-based technology, is fueling the growth of XR content in education, industrial training, and healthcare. The future of XR is multi-dimensional, merging the physical and digital worlds for a Web 3.0 experience. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application VR AR MR Component Hardware Software And Services Geography North America APAC Europe South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/extended-reality-xr-market-to-grow-by-usd-1-04-trillion-2024-2028-driven-by-advances-in-sensor-technology-with-ai-impacting-market-trends---technavio-302318976.html SOURCE Technavio © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
It was a gift from the heart. Adrian Pfenning, 10, is a fifth-grader at Reese Elementary School and his essay about police officers being good for the community won an $800 prize from Radiant Life Church of Lodi. The church awarded money to Reese students as part of the A Community Transformed Project. Each school submits the essays, and two winners are chosen from each school. Adrian knew police officers like to drink coffee, so he gave the money to the Lodi Chaplaincy Foundation, which purchased 80 $10 Starbuck coffee cards—one for each LPD officer, according to chaplaincy chief Chet Somera. HOME SWEET HOME: The process starts early in the morning when Cyndi Katzakian’s husband Reggie takes the large pans of English toffee from the refrigerator in their home kitchen and breaks the solid slabs into bite-sized chunks. He then weighs them and puts them into quarter-pound bags (or larger) and affixes each bag with the BAM Treats label. The toffee recipe came from Cyndi’s great-great-grandma Dorothy. The 100-year-old secret recipe has been passed down for generations, she says. Each batch is handmade and requires exactness and strict adherence to her grandmother’s instructions to ensure the property taste, texture, and smell, she says. BAM Treats are named after their children Bo, Ashley and Megan and are available at the bamtreats.com website and at Klinker Brick Winery, Macchia Winery, Rinaldi’s Market in Linden, and the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, among other locations. CRIME BEAT: This happens so often it’s almost not news anymore. Poor ole Dick’s Sporting Goods reportedly got robbed again, this time by a large group of juveniles wearing ski masks who swooped in and grabbed armloads of merchandise. They ran out the door and got into a waiting black SUV. Perhaps these thieves haven’t heard that their actions are now considered felonies and they might spend more than an hour in the clink when they’re caught. Social media contributors had lots to say about it. Nicholas Mello reminded people, “Prop 36 passed, starting in January these little s@&%! will be working on prison time.” Lia McVicker asked, “Mums and dads, do you know where your kids are?” Rick Kludt suggested locking ‘em up and throwing away the key. And Brian Joachim wonders, “Wow, why do I work when I can steal?” LIFE’S A GAS: We heard from reader Mike Hartung about the ongoing controversy over the disparity in local gas prices. As most travelers know, prices in Lodi are higher than elsewhere. “Of course we know (station) owners can sell it for what they want but (one guy) owns at least seven stations around Lodi and has the prices high and other owners are following suit,” he says. “I drove to Long Beach last week and waited to buy gas along I-5 and paid $3.99 with less competition.” He adds, “Costco Lodi is $3.99, Stockton is $3.75. It costs each Costco the same off the truck! So one owner is setting the market higher than other cities. Never buy gas in Lodi, especially the Chevrons as (they are) price-gouging us.” STOP THE PRESSES: Welp, the ceremonial opening of the time capsule inlaid at the Lodi Transit Station that we’ve written about has been indefinitely postponed, according to city officials. The historical container was cemented into a wall at the train depot in 2000 and was scheduled to be reopened 25 years later, on Jan. 1, 2025. The contents were collected from various local contributors and include such things as posters, a Y2K t-shirt, and some locally-written essays. Jan. 1, 2025, was selected, in part, so that kindergarteners who contributed drawings would be able to see them when they grow up, according to Cynthia Haynes, Lodi’s community promotions director at the time. No reason has thus far been given for the postponement. GONE: Over the past year several park structures have disappeared, victims of the bulldozer. They include the restroom at Lawrence Park, a Grape Bowl parking lot modular building, and the Softball Complex concession stand and restroom building. All of the structures were decades old and no longer used, according to city officials. The demo cost totaled $133,261. With those buildings gone the city says it will save money on maintenance and reduced liability associated with non-ADA-compliant structures. LIGHTS UP: A new traffic signal will be going up at the intersection of Victor Road and Guild Avenue, east of Highway 99. “Steady growth in the industrial area east of SR 99 has resulted in additional traffic impacts,” says Public Works Director Charlie Swimley. He adds that a recent traffic signal evaluation determined the intersection meets the state criteria for signal installation. The project will cost $900,000 - $1 million. The money will come from the city’s street impact fees. FLASHBACK: The Boy Scouts of Lodi staged their annual Christmas Tree Pickup service the first week of January 1945, culminating in a huge bonfire that night. The effort was supervised by members of the Lodi Fire Department to ensure things were done safely. The trees were dumped in a big pile in the parking lot at Salen School, which is now home to Smart & Final on East Lodi Avenue. All those who took part received a ticket of participation and were invited to the Lodi fire house for a weenie and cake feed after the bonfire. Discarded Christmas trees are no longer burned. Last year residents were invited to drop their trees off at the Grape Bowl north parking lot. Instead of a bonfire the trees will be disposed of by Waste Management in cooperation with the city of Lodi. LAST LAUGH: Someone posted, “I never thought I’d be the kind of person who’d wake up early in the morning to exercise. And I was right.” Steve is a former newspaper publisher and lifelong Lodian whose column appears most Tuesdays and Fridays in the News-Sentinel and at stevemann.substack.com . Write to Steve at aboutlodi@gmail.comIt’s almost a new year, and that means it’s almost time for a bevy of new state laws to go into effect. For the 2023-24 legislative session that just wrapped up (each session spans two years) Gov. Gavin Newsom signed 1,017 bills into law, according to Chris Micheli, a veteran Sacramento lobbyist. That’s a tick more than one-fifth of t he 4,821 bills introduced over that two-year span . Most of the new laws are slated to kick in on Jan. 1. From new parking rules to health care coverage and more, here is a quick look at just 10 of those new laws: Cannabis cafes Local jurisdictions could give the green light to permit certain cannabis retailers to prepare and sell drinks and food that do not contain cannabis. The law, signed by the governor in late September , also allows the retailers to host ticketed live events on the premises. The idea is to pave the way for a version of Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes, where people can use cannabis with others while also consuming coffee, sandwiches and live music, for example. The new law “will allow cannabis retailers to diversify their business and move away from the struggling and limited dispensary model,” Assemblymember Matt Haney, a San Francisco Democrat who championed the effort in the legislature, said in a news release . Newsom vetoed similar legislation last year over concerns from public health advocates. This bill included additional provisions meant to reduce health risk, including letting employees wear employer-provided masks and allowing local governments to require filtration and ventilation systems to prevent smoke from permeating nearby buildings. Child content creators Minors who make money by producing online content should get some extra financial protection as a result of two bills the governor signed this year. One expands the Coogan Act , a longtime California law that requires parents to open a trust and set aside at least 15% of their child actor’s gross earnings. The new rules have been expanded to include “kidfluencers” — or, as the bill describes them, “child influences in paid online content or internet websites, social networks and social media” — as part of the creative or artistic services that would trigger a Coogan trust account. Another extends those financial protections to children who appear in vlogs, or video blogs. Sen. Steve Padilla, D-San Diego, noted the Coogan Act covers children under contract — not necessarily children who appear in their parents’ online content. This new law requires content creators to set aside a percentage of total gross earnings in a trust for the child (to be accessed when they become an adult) if the minor is in at least 30% of their content within a month. Education Several education bills were signed into law this year, ranging from rules to protect young people from being outed against their will to rules that require elementary schools to offer free menstruation products . Other new laws cover what is taught in the classroom, including a bipartisan measure that ensures students are being taught accurately how Native Americans in California were treated during the Gold Rush era and the Spanish colonization of California. “Classroom instruction about the Mission and Gold Rush periods fails to include the loss of life, enslavement, starvation, illness and violence inflicted upon California Native American people during those times,” said Assemblymember James Ramos, D-San Bernardino. “These historical omissions from the curriculum are misleading.” California public schools also will be required to teach Mendez v. Westminster , a landmark court case involving an Orange County family and local school districts that helped bring about the end of segregation laws in local schools around the country. E-bikes Selling a device, often called a “tuning kit,” that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle so that it is no longer defined as an e-bike will be prohibited . California law already has speed guidelines for e-bikes. For example, a Class 1 bike has a motor that kicks in when a rider is pedaling and tops out at 20 mph; a Class 3 motor is meant to stop at 28 mph, and those bikes include speedometers. Modifying the speed of e-bikes is already illegal and unsafe, Assemblymember Diane Dixon, R-Newport Beach, said in an analysis of her bill. The new law specifically bans the sale of products that can make the alterations. Eviction notices Tenants soon will have more time to respond to an eviction notice. California law originally dictated that a landlord could not file an eviction lawsuit until after serving their tenant with a three-day notice — which excludes Saturdays, Sundays and judicial holidays — to pay. Tenants then had five days after they were served to file their defense in court. If they failed to do so, a judge could award a default judgment to the landlord. The new law doubles those five day-windows to 10 days. Responding to eviction lawsuits is not necessarily a simple feat, supporters of the new law have argued , particularly for people struggling to pay their rent. Tenants need to obtain hard-to-find legal aid or an expensive attorney to complete their defense filing accurately, and then they have to find the means to travel to the courthouse. Fertility treatment Certain insurers must cover fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization, in 2025. This law, which won’t take effect until July 2025 , will require large group health care service plans to cover up to three oocyte (egg) retrievals. It also prohibits health care service plans from imposing different conditions or coverage limitations on fertility medications or services. Sen. Caroline Manjivar, D-San Fernando Valley, said her bill being signed into law is “a triumph for the many Californians who have been denied a path toward family-building because of the financial barriers that come with fertility treatment, their relationship status or are blatantly discriminated against as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.” Medical debt Medical debt will no longer be shared with credit reporting agencies , meaning that debt will not show up on credit reports. That said, medical debts still must be paid. In her analysis of the bill Sen. Monique Limón, D-Santa Barbara, noted that the new rules doesn’t forgive medical debt or restrict the collection of it. Instead, she said, the new rules are meant to help “lift the credit scores of people who have been inaccurately and unfairly saddled with medical debts on their credit reports, opening opportunities for access to healthier financial products, better housing and more employment opportunities.” Online subscriptions A new law may make it easier to opt out of pesky automatic subscription renewals. Companies will now have to obtain the “express affirmative consent” to automatically renew subscriptions entered into after July 1, 2025. Consumers also will need to be sent annual reminders about automatic renewals, what the charges are, and information about how to cancel the service. Parking near crosswalks Think you’ve finally found an open parking spot? If it’s within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, then you may want to find a new spot. Starting in 2025, motorists could be ticketed for parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk — even if there is no sign posted. The no-parking zone decreases to 15 feet if there is a curb extension present, the law says. Newsom OK’d this law in 2023 — the bill is part of the two-year legislative session that ended in 2024 — and technically it already is in effect. However, the law only allowed jurisdictions to begin ticketing offenders starting Jan. 1, 2025. Youth in residential facilities Residential treatment facilities (also called short-term residential therapeutic programs) that provide services for minors, must report certain information to the child, their parent or guardian, and California’s Department of Social Services when seclusion or restraints are used. These facilities are allowed to use seclusion or restraints when staff believe the patient may be a danger to themselves or others, said Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, who championed this law. The new law mandates that children must be informed of their rights — including the right to contact state social service workers and the California Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson — within one day of seclusion or restraints being used. Those minors also must be given an oral and written description of the incident, including who approved the disciplinary actions and the rationale behind them. That written information must be given to Dept. of Social Services within seven days, leaving it up to the state to review and determine if any laws were potentially violated by using seclusion and restraints, therefore warranting an investigation. Beginning in 2026, the department will need to publicly post information about these incidents, so parents and guardians can be better informed about where they send their children. The effort to bring more transparency to what punishments are used in youth residential facilities was championed by actress and activist Paris Hilton, who has detailed the “continuous torture” she faced while attending a boarding school as a teenager. Hilton has championed similar laws in other states related to what’s been dubbed the troubled teen industry as well as at the federal level . “For too long, these facilities have operated without adequate oversight, leaving vulnerable youth at risk,” said Hilton. “After being abused in a California facility in my teens, it is validating to see California taking a stand to protect our youth, and I hope our state is the standard for transparency and accountability in these facilities moving forward.”
Army-Navy game has added buzz
“Player 456, welcome back to the game.” Netflix dropped a new trailer for Season 2 of “ Squid Game ,” which unveils terrifying new challenges in the colorful death match. In the second installment of the hit Korean thriller series, premiering Dec. 26, the winning Player 456 (played by Lee Jung-jae) returns to the sadistic competition to put an end to Squid Game and save lives. Back inside, he tries to coach the other 455 participants through a fatal round of Red Light, Green Light — but his pleas are ignored as bullets go flying. The trailer for Season 2 sees 456 and co. fighting against the guards and trying to survive new, deadly challenges. Lee stars in Season 2 of “Squid Game” alongside returning cast member Wi Ha-jun as Hwang Jun-ho, and Lee Byung-hun as the mysterious Front Man. Hwang Dong-hyuk is the creator of the series and serves as directed and executive producer, with Kim Ji-yeon also serving as an EP. It was previously announced that “Squid Game” would return for a third season, which will also be the show’s last . “Squid Game” originally premiered in 2021 and quickly became the most-watched show in Netflix history. It currently has more than 2.2 billion hours viewed, which equates to approximately 265 million views according to Netflix’s all-time top TV chart . Season 1 was also nominated for 17 Emmys, with the show winning six, including one for best actor in a drama for Lee and another for best guest actress in a drama for Lee You-mi. Watch the new trailer for Season 2 below.Panaya and Tritusa Join Forces to Enhance SAP Testing in AustraliaFianna Fail and Fine Gael eye independent TDs as option to secure Dail majorityNo more daylight saving time? Musk, Ramaswamy muse on ending clock changes.