HTC VIVE Proud to Join VirtualLink Consortium to Define Future of VR Connectivity

Today, we are excited to announce that HTC VIVE has officially joined the VirtualLink™ Consortium and is contributing to the development of VirtualLink, a new open industry standard that enables next-generation VR headsets to connect more simply to PCs and other devices. This new specification uses a single, high-bandwidth USB Type-C™ connector cable developed to make connecting to current and future VR headsets more seamless.Most major tethered headsets require at least two or three cables to work; VirtualLink aims to reduce that to one. VirtualLink is a USB-C “Alternate Mode” connector that will help condense the various types of VR headset plugs used across multiple companies into a single, lightweight cord. This not only makes for an easy setup for your VIVE, but other headsets as well—next-generation headsets included—setting you up with all the power, display, and data you’ll need. The VirtualLink connector includes support for four lanes of HBR3 DisplayPort® for high-resolution displays, USB 3.1 Gen2 (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) for headset cameras, and sensors and up to 27W of power delivery.“At HTC, we strive to make the best VR experience with crisp resolution, audio, and ergonomics for our customers,” said Daniel O’Brien, HTC VIVE GM for the Americas. “Through our work with VirtualLink, we are working to define not only a connection standard for future VR products but are also undertaking important work to help to define the future of what VR can be.”

Spotlight

Models International

Models International is a premier boutique modeling agency. Our bookers and agents have over 60 years of combined industry experience in fashion, commercials, celebrity endorsement, film and television. We have a selective board of over 250 male and female models internationally. Divisions include Women, Men, New Faces, Kids, Talent and Celebrity representation. Our offices are located in Beverly Hills, CA and New York, NY and we intend to expand soon into the Miami, London, Dubai and Hong Kong markets.

OTHER ARTICLES
Virtualization

The rise of the introverted salesperson

Article | June 21, 2021

The shift to virtual selling has upended the status quo for many sales teams across the country and around the world. I firmly believe, as I’ve said before, thatnearly everything can be sold over video— and in many ways the virtual sales process makes it easier for sales reps to connect with customers and build trust.Still, there has been a great deal of resistance, and some organizations have just tried to wait it out, hoping that once COVID passed, they could go back to normal.

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Technologies, Virtualization

Branded Entertainment in B2B: Why is it Important?

Article | August 2, 2022

Global B2B companies churn out content pieces such as infographics, case studies, assessments, and other forms of thought leadership content to create brand awareness. But is this content enough to engage the customers and the market? Not really. Marketers like you need to look into branded entertainment to get more customer engagement and brand loyalty. What is Branded Entertainment? Adweek loosely describes “branded entertainment” as any content that starts a positive conversation around a product, service, or set of values. This content builds a story around your product or services, showing it in a positive light and getting the audience to engage in your content as much as a film or a TV show. As opposed to other marketing endeavors, branded entertainment doesn’t focus on your products and their features but on entertaining the audience. Incorporating Branded Entertainment into Your Marketing Strategy Here are some ways to get it done without much hassle: Web Series Original programming, such as web series published on the brand’s social media channels, can help you raise awareness through stories that share your brand’s values instead of directly marketing your product or services. PR Stunts Create social media brand content that is entertaining and exciting enough for the audience to make it viral. Such PR brings positive media attention to your brand and creates mass awareness for your brand or product. Videos Volvo's entertaining video of Van Damme's split stunt on YouTube has 114.5 million views. The video didn't need a call-to-action because it wasn’t to convert leads. Instead, it was meant to showcase a piece of business-use truck technology and get engagement. Podcasting GE used podcasting for advertising twice, once with its show ‘The Message’ and again with its new series ‘LifeAfter.’ Neither show discusses GE's products. Instead, they were "GE-presented" and were received well. Summing It Up People are less likely to comment on or share brand posts directly, but they are more likely to tweet or share them on their Instagram stories. This way you can measure the impact of branded entertainment. B2B marketers should consider branded entertainment as a way to build trust and start conversations between their brands and their audience to get a long-term ROI.

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Solutions, Business

Netflix versus Amazon Prime Video – depth versus breadth

Article | July 7, 2022

The first half of 2021 has been a year of continued change and disruption for subscription video. The global incumbent subscription video on demand (SVOD) leaders, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, have been busy signalling to the financial markets how they intend to entrench their market dominance in light of the ongoing market acquisition pushes unleashed by the D2C disruptors following the D2C ‘big bang’ moment of Q4 2019 – Q2 2021. Netflix announced in January that it was no longer going to borrow on the financial markets to fund its day-to-day operations – specifically for its content acquisition budget, which is now driven predominately by commissioning original content for its service. This leaves the SVOD leader with $14.9 billion of outstanding long-term debt to service as it seeks to live within its means by commissioning future content from its ongoing cashflow. In Q1 2021 alone Netflix spent $500 million on servicing this debt pile versus $1.7 billion in net income generated over the same period.

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Media and Broadcasting

Music and podcasts are competing for the same time

Article | May 28, 2021

The pandemic changed media consumption.Consumers acquired an extra 12% of entertainment timeand though everything was up, some categories grew much faster than others. One of the biggest gainers was spoken word audio, with podcasts and audiobooks seeing dramatic rises and while music hours grew too, the increase was below 12%, which means that music lost share. In the current entertainment environment of plenty this may be an academic concern, but when life returns to some form of normality (commutes, going out, gyms etc.) some or all of that extra 12% of entertainment time will go, which means that growing by less than the market average could translate into decline.

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Spotlight

Models International

Models International is a premier boutique modeling agency. Our bookers and agents have over 60 years of combined industry experience in fashion, commercials, celebrity endorsement, film and television. We have a selective board of over 250 male and female models internationally. Divisions include Women, Men, New Faces, Kids, Talent and Celebrity representation. Our offices are located in Beverly Hills, CA and New York, NY and we intend to expand soon into the Miami, London, Dubai and Hong Kong markets.

Related News

Media and Broadcasting

Cresset Merges with TRUE Capital Management, Establishes Presence in Sports and Entertainment Industry

PRnewswire | May 10, 2023

Cresset Asset Management (Cresset) and TRUE Capital Management (TRUE) announced today that they have merged, creating a multi-family office with nearly $33 billion in assets under management (as of 5/02/2023) and with offices in 19 locations around the nation. The strategic combination expands Cresset's presence in the sports and entertainment industry. TRUE is a multi-family office that specializes in guiding a diverse roster of clients across sports, entertainment, and entrepreneurism to financial security and generational wealth. TRUE manages $1.7 billion (as of 2/22/2023) of assets on behalf of more than 350 clients, including Deandre Ayton, Robert Griffin III, Marshawn Lynch, Nneka Ogwumike, Kelsey Plum, Albert Pujols, Logan Ryan, Richard Sherman, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi. Together with Cresset, TRUE clients will enjoy access to Cresset's scale and national footprint, including its extensive family office services, goals-based financial planning, institutional-quality private investments, and lifestyle services. "We are thrilled to be joining forces with Cresset. Since we started TRUE in 2007, our priority has been to build relationships with our clients based on transparency and trust as they navigate the rare opportunities and unique challenges that come with wealth. That commitment will only be strengthened and enhanced with Cresset," said Doug Raetz, CEO of TRUE. "As we've worked closely with Cresset, it has become clear that the entire Cresset team shares our goals and values. It's an excellent cultural fit, and we are excited to explore new ways to create and deliver success stories for our clients," added TRUE COO Heather Goodman. "When we first met the TRUE team several years ago, we found kindred spirits in terms of how we believe clients should be treated and the positive impact wealth can have," said Avy Stein, Cresset Co-Founder and Co-Chairman. "Our mutual dedication to providing access to a full suite of sophisticated family office services and private investment opportunities makes this an ideal partnership." About TRUE Capital Management Founded in 2007, TRUE Capital Management is a wealth management firm that specializes in guiding its diverse roster of clients to financial security and generational wealth. The firm has built a reputation for serving high-profile clients across all major sports worldwide, the global entertainment industry, and entrepreneurs innovating in our ever-evolving business world. About Cresset Cresset is an independent, award-winning multi-family office and private investment firm with nearly $33 billion in assets under management (as of 5/02/2023). Cresset serves the unique needs of entrepreneurs, CEO founders, wealth creators, executives, and partners, as well as high-net-worth and multi-generational families. Our goal is to deliver a new paradigm for wealth management, allowing clients to pursue what matters most to them.

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Business

Entravision adds Entravision Plus for Local Hispanic Reach Optimization

Entravision | February 21, 2023

Entravision, an advertising, media, and technology solutions provider, has recently launched its new solution Entravision Plus, enhancing the local Hispanic reach of companies through connected TV, CTV, and over-the-top OTT, streaming. It leverages performance-based data insights from Spanish-language publishers to optimize digital advertising outcomes. It has added Entravision Plus to its full suite of digital solutions for OTT, CTV, digital audio ads, display ads, SEM, digital out-of-home, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Ads, Branded Content and Email Marketing, along with its television and radio services. It was found that about 90% of Hispanic consumers stream video on smart devices. This data is approximately 10% more than the video streaming behavior of non-Hispanic consumers. Additionally, on average, the Hispanic consumer spends about 26 hours per month on online video-watch. This states that they spend approximately seven hours more watching videos online than U.S. consumers on average. These statistics show that the rising Latino local household consumers can be targeted and reached through television advertising and Entravision Plus online video products. General Manager of Entravision US Digital, Jessica Martinez, said, “Advertisers need to reach their consumers. We can now offer our clients the ability to reach consumers not only through our television and radio assets, but also through an array of digital products.” She added, “Entravision Plus – our newest offering – provides advertisers with unique targeting, competitive ad separation and insightful analytics to reach all segments of the Latino consumers. We are excited to provide this premium solution, along with television and radio, to meet the needs of an evolving market. By leveraging Entravision Plus, we anticipate that our customers’ businesses will stand out and grow faster than ever before.” (Source – Business Wire) About Entravision Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Entravision, an advertising company, provides solutions for digital marketing, social commerce, CTV, application performance, audio programmatic services, Latam, VAS, user acquisition, growth, marketing automation, local marketing, content marketing, data services, mobile advertising and marketing, and media networking. It has been connecting advertising brands with consumers through media, ad tech, commerce and advertising solutions on different platforms and publishers. It partners with companies like TelevisaUnivision, LinkedIn, Spotify, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Grab for sales operations and financial and commercial services.

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Technologies, Solutions

Deezer Announces Long-term Partnership with Sonos

Deezer | February 20, 2023

Deezer, an independent music streaming platform, has recently announced its long-term partnership with Sonos, empowering the brand's radio streaming service, Sonos Radio, and subscription service, Sonos Radio, with a large music catalog designed according to the choices of Sonos' customers. In addition, it focuses on partnership-led expansion for business growth in the U.S. and global markets. Deezer will deliver key services like about 90 million music tracks catalog, business intelligence and data, reporting and royalty management, licensing, metadata and strategic collaboration for monetization and growth for Sonos Radio and Sonos Radio H.D. In addition, as a key innovation partner to Sonos, it is launching a high-definition streaming offering and a new application interface with Sonos Voice Control. It features an A.I.-based engine recommendation, Flow, on the Sonos interface, enabling listeners to play music based on their moods. Both companies would serve Germany, France, the U.K., and the U.S. with other countries worldwide. Additionally, it will support continuous innovation to enhance the Sonos music experience, discovering new ways to search for music and soundtrack that customers would love to listen to. CEO of Deezer, Jeronimo Folgueira, said, "This is the start of a very exciting journey for Deezer and Sonos. Through this partnership Deezer can reach new listeners in major markets around the world, including the U.S." He added, "Sonos has revolutionized the way we enjoy music and audio in our homes, with exceptional multi-room speakers, fantastic sound quality and thoughtfully curated Sonos Radio services. We can't wait to play a key role in expanding this great customer offering." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) CEO of Sonos, Patrick Spence, said, "Delivering a best in class branded content experience for our customers is an essential part of our long-term growth strategy and Deezer continues to be an excellent partner for supporting our ambitious goals to help the world listen better." He added, "As a pioneer in music streaming, Deezer has a proven track record in developing and growing a music service globally and I look forward to working together to improve the overall listening experience for our customers." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About Deezer Headquartered in Paris, Deezer, a music platform, has been connecting technology, music, and innovation since 2007. It supports more than 80 hardware integrations and 45 partners worldwide with its partnership-based market expansion strategy. It strives for a competitive product, innovation, and expertise for the editorial and music industry. It offers services for content curation, artist relations, streaming technology, lossless HiFi audio, live streaming, recommendation technology, music for home space, mobile, music streaming, social music, and the internet. Providing about 90 million tracks in 180 countries, it defines standards in the music industry.

Read More

Media and Broadcasting

Cresset Merges with TRUE Capital Management, Establishes Presence in Sports and Entertainment Industry

PRnewswire | May 10, 2023

Cresset Asset Management (Cresset) and TRUE Capital Management (TRUE) announced today that they have merged, creating a multi-family office with nearly $33 billion in assets under management (as of 5/02/2023) and with offices in 19 locations around the nation. The strategic combination expands Cresset's presence in the sports and entertainment industry. TRUE is a multi-family office that specializes in guiding a diverse roster of clients across sports, entertainment, and entrepreneurism to financial security and generational wealth. TRUE manages $1.7 billion (as of 2/22/2023) of assets on behalf of more than 350 clients, including Deandre Ayton, Robert Griffin III, Marshawn Lynch, Nneka Ogwumike, Kelsey Plum, Albert Pujols, Logan Ryan, Richard Sherman, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi. Together with Cresset, TRUE clients will enjoy access to Cresset's scale and national footprint, including its extensive family office services, goals-based financial planning, institutional-quality private investments, and lifestyle services. "We are thrilled to be joining forces with Cresset. Since we started TRUE in 2007, our priority has been to build relationships with our clients based on transparency and trust as they navigate the rare opportunities and unique challenges that come with wealth. That commitment will only be strengthened and enhanced with Cresset," said Doug Raetz, CEO of TRUE. "As we've worked closely with Cresset, it has become clear that the entire Cresset team shares our goals and values. It's an excellent cultural fit, and we are excited to explore new ways to create and deliver success stories for our clients," added TRUE COO Heather Goodman. "When we first met the TRUE team several years ago, we found kindred spirits in terms of how we believe clients should be treated and the positive impact wealth can have," said Avy Stein, Cresset Co-Founder and Co-Chairman. "Our mutual dedication to providing access to a full suite of sophisticated family office services and private investment opportunities makes this an ideal partnership." About TRUE Capital Management Founded in 2007, TRUE Capital Management is a wealth management firm that specializes in guiding its diverse roster of clients to financial security and generational wealth. The firm has built a reputation for serving high-profile clients across all major sports worldwide, the global entertainment industry, and entrepreneurs innovating in our ever-evolving business world. About Cresset Cresset is an independent, award-winning multi-family office and private investment firm with nearly $33 billion in assets under management (as of 5/02/2023). Cresset serves the unique needs of entrepreneurs, CEO founders, wealth creators, executives, and partners, as well as high-net-worth and multi-generational families. Our goal is to deliver a new paradigm for wealth management, allowing clients to pursue what matters most to them.

Read More

Business

Entravision adds Entravision Plus for Local Hispanic Reach Optimization

Entravision | February 21, 2023

Entravision, an advertising, media, and technology solutions provider, has recently launched its new solution Entravision Plus, enhancing the local Hispanic reach of companies through connected TV, CTV, and over-the-top OTT, streaming. It leverages performance-based data insights from Spanish-language publishers to optimize digital advertising outcomes. It has added Entravision Plus to its full suite of digital solutions for OTT, CTV, digital audio ads, display ads, SEM, digital out-of-home, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Ads, Branded Content and Email Marketing, along with its television and radio services. It was found that about 90% of Hispanic consumers stream video on smart devices. This data is approximately 10% more than the video streaming behavior of non-Hispanic consumers. Additionally, on average, the Hispanic consumer spends about 26 hours per month on online video-watch. This states that they spend approximately seven hours more watching videos online than U.S. consumers on average. These statistics show that the rising Latino local household consumers can be targeted and reached through television advertising and Entravision Plus online video products. General Manager of Entravision US Digital, Jessica Martinez, said, “Advertisers need to reach their consumers. We can now offer our clients the ability to reach consumers not only through our television and radio assets, but also through an array of digital products.” She added, “Entravision Plus – our newest offering – provides advertisers with unique targeting, competitive ad separation and insightful analytics to reach all segments of the Latino consumers. We are excited to provide this premium solution, along with television and radio, to meet the needs of an evolving market. By leveraging Entravision Plus, we anticipate that our customers’ businesses will stand out and grow faster than ever before.” (Source – Business Wire) About Entravision Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Entravision, an advertising company, provides solutions for digital marketing, social commerce, CTV, application performance, audio programmatic services, Latam, VAS, user acquisition, growth, marketing automation, local marketing, content marketing, data services, mobile advertising and marketing, and media networking. It has been connecting advertising brands with consumers through media, ad tech, commerce and advertising solutions on different platforms and publishers. It partners with companies like TelevisaUnivision, LinkedIn, Spotify, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Grab for sales operations and financial and commercial services.

Read More

Technologies, Solutions

Deezer Announces Long-term Partnership with Sonos

Deezer | February 20, 2023

Deezer, an independent music streaming platform, has recently announced its long-term partnership with Sonos, empowering the brand's radio streaming service, Sonos Radio, and subscription service, Sonos Radio, with a large music catalog designed according to the choices of Sonos' customers. In addition, it focuses on partnership-led expansion for business growth in the U.S. and global markets. Deezer will deliver key services like about 90 million music tracks catalog, business intelligence and data, reporting and royalty management, licensing, metadata and strategic collaboration for monetization and growth for Sonos Radio and Sonos Radio H.D. In addition, as a key innovation partner to Sonos, it is launching a high-definition streaming offering and a new application interface with Sonos Voice Control. It features an A.I.-based engine recommendation, Flow, on the Sonos interface, enabling listeners to play music based on their moods. Both companies would serve Germany, France, the U.K., and the U.S. with other countries worldwide. Additionally, it will support continuous innovation to enhance the Sonos music experience, discovering new ways to search for music and soundtrack that customers would love to listen to. CEO of Deezer, Jeronimo Folgueira, said, "This is the start of a very exciting journey for Deezer and Sonos. Through this partnership Deezer can reach new listeners in major markets around the world, including the U.S." He added, "Sonos has revolutionized the way we enjoy music and audio in our homes, with exceptional multi-room speakers, fantastic sound quality and thoughtfully curated Sonos Radio services. We can't wait to play a key role in expanding this great customer offering." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) CEO of Sonos, Patrick Spence, said, "Delivering a best in class branded content experience for our customers is an essential part of our long-term growth strategy and Deezer continues to be an excellent partner for supporting our ambitious goals to help the world listen better." He added, "As a pioneer in music streaming, Deezer has a proven track record in developing and growing a music service globally and I look forward to working together to improve the overall listening experience for our customers." (Source – Cision PR Newswire) About Deezer Headquartered in Paris, Deezer, a music platform, has been connecting technology, music, and innovation since 2007. It supports more than 80 hardware integrations and 45 partners worldwide with its partnership-based market expansion strategy. It strives for a competitive product, innovation, and expertise for the editorial and music industry. It offers services for content curation, artist relations, streaming technology, lossless HiFi audio, live streaming, recommendation technology, music for home space, mobile, music streaming, social music, and the internet. Providing about 90 million tracks in 180 countries, it defines standards in the music industry.

Read More

Events