MEDIA INSIGHTS REPORT

June 1, 2021 | 76 views

Live audio sits at the intersection of social media, digital audio, virtual events
and conversations. This new format has seen rapid growth over the past year
and could change the way individuals interact with brands and with each other.
Some even predict that audio and voice technology have the potential to replace
keyboards for future generations.

Spotlight

Stellar Entertainment

Established in 1974, Stellar Entertainment is a leading provider of entertainment content, technical services, audio & video production. Our head office is located in Moore Park's The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney and specialises in inflight entertainment, including programming and management of Hollywood and international films, TV, music, games, digital books and magazines. We also offer encoding, metadata management, video and audio duplication and consultancy services.

OTHER ARTICLES
MEDIA AND BROADCASTING

Microsoft’s xCloud game streaming arrives on iOS with some Apple restrictions

Article | May 21, 2021

Microsoft is expanding its Project xCloud service to the iPhone today. The software giant is launching a beta of xCloud through Apple’s TestFlight service, allowing xCloud testers to try the service on an iPhone or iPad. It’s the first time we’ve seen a cloud game streaming service appear on iOS since the days of OnLive — and OnLive’s iOS app wound up in limbo when Apple didn’t approve it. Google’s Stadia and Nvidia’s GeForce Now are still not available on Apple’s devices, either, and neither company has been able to tell us when that might change.

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MEDIA AND BROADCASTING

Apple's AR & VR headset may not need external input for orientation & motion detection

Article | June 17, 2021

Apple is continuing to investigate headsets like its "AR Glasses," as part of its exploration of Augmented and Virtual Reality systems. One such headset in future may utilize sensors that can detect angular rotation, such as that experienced when the device is placed on a user's head or removed. "[It] may be beneficial for the VR headset to be able to detect when a head-worn device (e.g., headset, eyeglasses, headphones, etc.) is being removed from the user's head, is being placed on the user's head, or both," says Apple in US Patent No. 10,557,724, "Angle detection of a rotating system using a single magnet and multiple hall sensors."

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MEDIA AND BROADCASTING

Game On: These Entertainment Stocks Hit New Levels

Article | May 21, 2021

Some Chinese entertainment stocks listed in the U.S. got a boost last week after the People Bank of China (PBOC) said it would pump $173 billion into the economy. Since news of the report from Beijing hit the street, one of the biggest gainers was Chinese gaming giant NetEase Inc. (Nasdaq: NTES) NetEase, a partner of California-based Blizzard Entertainment in China, traded as low as $317.48 per American depositary share within the last couple of weeks, and soared as high as $347.95 apiece last week. NetEase rolled out its international presence in recent years in Japan and North America, lowering its China dependency.

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The Future of Tech: Gaming Consoles, the Xbox and PlayStation of Tomorrow

Article | February 10, 2020

Consoles have come a very long way since the arrival of first-generation machines from Atari and Coleco in the seventies. Even the original PlayStation (1994) and Xbox (2001) look dated compared to the 4K/HDR-capable machines of today, and that divide will grow even larger once the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X arrive at the end of 2020. But what about the future? More than once console makers have tried to break new ground, by focusing on functionality beyond gaming, but for the most part those attempts have failed. Nintendo has found the most success with specialized hardware that still focuses on games first, while Sony and Microsoft have seemingly understood that building powerful general purpose machines that are akin to PCs is their best and safest bet.

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Spotlight

Stellar Entertainment

Established in 1974, Stellar Entertainment is a leading provider of entertainment content, technical services, audio & video production. Our head office is located in Moore Park's The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney and specialises in inflight entertainment, including programming and management of Hollywood and international films, TV, music, games, digital books and magazines. We also offer encoding, metadata management, video and audio duplication and consultancy services.

Related News

MEDIA AND BROADCASTING

LiveOne Partners with OTT Studio as Multi-Year Exclusive Music Streaming Provider

LiveOne, Inc. | May 16, 2023

LiveOne an award-winning, creator-first, music, entertainment and technology platform, announced today an exclusive content distribution deal with OTT Studio, a leading streaming technology platform and CTV app publisher. LiveOne will be OTT Studio’s exclusive music streaming provider, delivering LiveOne’s 600 expertly curated radio stations via OTT’s new Music Plus application. The deal will expand the distribution of LiveOne’s premium audio and entertainment content to an additional 47 million CTVs in North America via LG’s webOS and Vizio’s SmartCast platforms. Patrick Markel, LiveOne’s Senior Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, said, “We’re excited to execute this multi-year agreement with OTT Studio to make LiveOne even more accessible to music lovers by leaning into OTT Studio’s unique ability to reach millions of customers on the most popular streaming TV devices.” James Patrick, OTT Studio Co-founder, commented, ”The CTV ecosystem is ripe with opportunities for innovative audio-first destinations offered to consumers at no cost. Our advanced CTV technology and audience growth engine combined with LiveOne’s world-class offering will allow us to bring users an unparalleled free live streaming and on-demand music experience on devices that are often the best speaker system in the house.” The Music Plus app is slated to launch in Q3 2023 on Roku and FireTV, and on LG's webOS, Vizio's SmartCast and other platforms later in the year. About LiveOne, Inc. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, LiveOne, Inc. is an award-winning, creator-first, music, entertainment and technology platform focused on delivering premium experiences and content worldwide through memberships and live and virtual events. The Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries include Slacker Radio, a membership music streaming service, and PodcastOne, which generates more than 2.3 billion downloads per year, 350+ hours distributed weekly, and 14M+ monthly unique listeners. Nearly all new Tesla EVs sold in the U.S. come with a paid membership to LiveOne’s Slacker Radio which is paid by Tesla. As of April 11, 2023, the Company has accrued a paid and free ad-supported membership base of approximately 2.9 million*. The Company was awarded Best Live Moment by Digiday for its “Social Gloves” PPV Event, and has been a finalist for 8 more awards, including Best Live Event, Best Virtual Event, Best Overall Social Media Excellence, and Best Original Programming from Cynopsis and Digiday. As of February 9, 2023, the Company has streamed over 2,900 artists, has a library of 30 million songs, 600 curated radio stations, over 300 podcasts/vodcasts, hundreds of pay-per-views, personalized merchandise, released music-related NFTs, and created a valuable connection between fans, brands, and bands. The Company's other wholly-owned subsidiaries include PPVOne, Gramophone Media, Palm Beach Records, Custom Personalization Solutions, and LiveXLive, and the Company’s other majority-owned subsidiaries are Drumify and Splitmind.

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SOLUTIONS

Pavilion Payments Introduces a Comprehensive iGaming Software Development Kit

businesswire | June 05, 2023

Pavilion Payments, the leading omnichannel payments provider exclusively serving the gaming industry, has announced its innovative iGaming Software Development Kit (SDK). This toolkit aims to offer operators a seamless and efficient solution to simplify the integration of Pavilion Payments' VIP Preferred program. The iGaming SDK builds upon the functionality of the industry leading iGaming XML standard format for storing data, delivering a superior experience for both operators and players. With this powerful toolkit, operators no longer need to invest time and resources in designing and coding the front end or back end of their platforms. This new development is scheduled to be rolled out in multiple states including Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia, Arizona and New Jersey, in late summer of 2023 with one operator and another in 16 markets as a fast follower. In addition to these core functionalities, the iGaming SDK equips players with the tools to manage their funding sources effectively. With Pavilion Payments’ ACH/Bank feature, the iGaming SDK ensures a streamlined experience for players. The iGaming SDK offers a range of customization options, such as the use of online bank credentials for enhanced security and efficiency while also providing control over their deposit limits. SDK offers a platform that allows operators to quickly enable new features, including SameDay ACH, Credit/Debit acceptance, Real Time Payments (RTP) and risk enhancements without additional development by the operator. The American Gaming Association’s (AGA) State of the States Report shows iGaming grossed $1.48 billion in Q1 2023, marking a 22.7 percent year-over-year revenue increase. iGaming is an important sector of the gaming industry and as it evolves, technology and solutions need to adapt to the needs of patrons. “The launch of the iGaming SDK reinforces Pavilion Payments' commitment to providing innovative and user-centric solutions for the iGaming industry,” said Christopher Justice, CEO of Pavilion Payments. “Our goal is to empower operators by offering a toolkit that simplifies the implementation of our VIP Preferred payment option, ultimately enhancing player satisfaction and streamlining transactions. With its seamless integration capabilities and user-friendly interface, the iGaming SDK is set to redefine the online gaming experience for both operators and players alike.” About Pavilion Payments Pavilion Payments enables the world’s gaming entertainment leaders to create amazing consumer experiences and maximize spend across all their physical and digital properties. Pavilion Payments is the gaming industry's leading omnichannel payment solutions provider, providing integrated omnichannel and software solutions that enable flexible funding, play, and cash out.

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TECHNOLOGIES

Materialise and Vuzix Announce Collaboration to Bring Smart Eyewear to Customers

prnewswire | May 31, 2023

Vuzix Corporation a leading supplier of Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) technology and products, and Materialise NV (NASDAQ: MTLS), ("Materialise"), a 3D printing pioneer, have announced a collaborative effort to accelerate the design and production of smart eyewear using 3D printing technology. By integrating 3D printing into the manufacturing process, Vuzix and Materialise aim to accelerate the development of new innovations for enterprise applications, from warehouses to operating rooms. Moreover, the collaboration will enable third party technology, sports, and entertainment brands to rapidly introduce functional, fashionable and affordable smart eyewear to consumers using Vuzix' OEM components and designs, reducing the average manufacturing cycle from 18 months to just 3. Vuzix, an optical technology company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and sale of optical components and smart glasses, utilizes augmented reality (AR) to deliver a perfect balance of engagement between the digital and the real world. By collaborating with Materialise, a 3D printing pioneer with over three decades of experience, Vuzix gains access to the full potential of 3D printing to support companies in offering an exciting new series of smart eyewear. Augmented reality enhances user effectiveness in various industries by connecting them to key information in digital world while staying hands-free and completely aware of the physical environment. Medical professionals rely on AR eyewear to access remote expertise during lengthy surgeries, while manufacturing and logistics companies utilize AR features to drive efficiency and reduce operational errors. Leveraging the flexibility of 3D printing in smart glasses production can significantly reduce design cycles, enabling a more agile response to the fast-paced introduction of technological advancements. While smart eyewear has transformed the workplace, consumer adoption has been limited due to the lack of compelling consumer applications and the lack of fashionable and affordable designs. Vuzix and Materialise aim to address these challenges by creating exciting and innovative designs that cater to companies seeking to introduce fashionable and affordable smart eyewear to consumers. Exciting consumer applications of smart eyewear using Vuzix OEM components include on-screen displays of speed and heart rate for athletes, push notifications and navigation, speech-to-text translation, and augmented reality gaming. Many companies in the technology, fashion, entertainment, and sports sectors today often lack the manufacturing expertise to bring these innovative applications to life and on a timely basis. The collaboration between Vuzix and Materialise can provide these third-party OEM companies with a flexible platform for producing smart eyewear with creative designs, rapid prototyping services, and fast and flexible production of small series. Materialise runs one of the largest 3D printing factories in the world and is the largest manufacturer of 3D printed eyewear. 3D printing holds multiple advantages for eyewear production with manufacturers increasingly turning to 3D printing for its unique design capabilities and its fast and flexible production process. It offers virtually unlimited freedom of design, allowing designers to create innovative shapes that are cost-prohibitive or impossible with traditional manufacturing technologies. Additionally, 3D printing drastically reduces time-to-market, enabling the transition from initial design to finished product in less than 3 months, compared to the eyewear industry's typical 18-month design-to-shipment cycle. "With its speed, flexibility and digital DNA, 3D printing offers eyewear brands a competitive edge by allowing them to drastically reduce their time-to-market while meeting customers' aesthetic requirements," says Fried Vancraen, CEO of Materialise. "We believe that collaboration with Vuzix will bring new innovations to industrial smart eyewear and accelerate the customer adoption of smart eyewear in the enterprise and broader consumer markets." "As our OEM solutions ramp up in support of defense, consumer, and other markets, our manufacturing capabilities need to match pace for scalability, production speed and above all quality," said Paul Travers, President and CEO of Vuzix. "Materialise offers several key advantages that align with our strategic outlook. We look forward to seeing what's possible together." About Vuzix Corporation Headquartered in West Henrietta, New York, Vuzix, a supplier of smart glasses, AR technology and products for industrial, defense and enterprise markets, has provided solutions for wearable computing devices and personal display, mobility, and virtual and augmented reality since 1997. Its suite of OEM optical components with waveguides and display engine technology offers a high-quality viewing experience to the customers. It has acquired about 200 patents and patents pending, wireless technology innovation awards and IP licenses in the Video Eyewear field. It has also won Consumer Electronics Show (CES) awards for innovation from 2005 to 2022.

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MEDIA AND BROADCASTING

LiveOne Partners with OTT Studio as Multi-Year Exclusive Music Streaming Provider

LiveOne, Inc. | May 16, 2023

LiveOne an award-winning, creator-first, music, entertainment and technology platform, announced today an exclusive content distribution deal with OTT Studio, a leading streaming technology platform and CTV app publisher. LiveOne will be OTT Studio’s exclusive music streaming provider, delivering LiveOne’s 600 expertly curated radio stations via OTT’s new Music Plus application. The deal will expand the distribution of LiveOne’s premium audio and entertainment content to an additional 47 million CTVs in North America via LG’s webOS and Vizio’s SmartCast platforms. Patrick Markel, LiveOne’s Senior Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, said, “We’re excited to execute this multi-year agreement with OTT Studio to make LiveOne even more accessible to music lovers by leaning into OTT Studio’s unique ability to reach millions of customers on the most popular streaming TV devices.” James Patrick, OTT Studio Co-founder, commented, ”The CTV ecosystem is ripe with opportunities for innovative audio-first destinations offered to consumers at no cost. Our advanced CTV technology and audience growth engine combined with LiveOne’s world-class offering will allow us to bring users an unparalleled free live streaming and on-demand music experience on devices that are often the best speaker system in the house.” The Music Plus app is slated to launch in Q3 2023 on Roku and FireTV, and on LG's webOS, Vizio's SmartCast and other platforms later in the year. About LiveOne, Inc. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, LiveOne, Inc. is an award-winning, creator-first, music, entertainment and technology platform focused on delivering premium experiences and content worldwide through memberships and live and virtual events. The Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries include Slacker Radio, a membership music streaming service, and PodcastOne, which generates more than 2.3 billion downloads per year, 350+ hours distributed weekly, and 14M+ monthly unique listeners. Nearly all new Tesla EVs sold in the U.S. come with a paid membership to LiveOne’s Slacker Radio which is paid by Tesla. As of April 11, 2023, the Company has accrued a paid and free ad-supported membership base of approximately 2.9 million*. The Company was awarded Best Live Moment by Digiday for its “Social Gloves” PPV Event, and has been a finalist for 8 more awards, including Best Live Event, Best Virtual Event, Best Overall Social Media Excellence, and Best Original Programming from Cynopsis and Digiday. As of February 9, 2023, the Company has streamed over 2,900 artists, has a library of 30 million songs, 600 curated radio stations, over 300 podcasts/vodcasts, hundreds of pay-per-views, personalized merchandise, released music-related NFTs, and created a valuable connection between fans, brands, and bands. The Company's other wholly-owned subsidiaries include PPVOne, Gramophone Media, Palm Beach Records, Custom Personalization Solutions, and LiveXLive, and the Company’s other majority-owned subsidiaries are Drumify and Splitmind.

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SOLUTIONS

Pavilion Payments Introduces a Comprehensive iGaming Software Development Kit

businesswire | June 05, 2023

Pavilion Payments, the leading omnichannel payments provider exclusively serving the gaming industry, has announced its innovative iGaming Software Development Kit (SDK). This toolkit aims to offer operators a seamless and efficient solution to simplify the integration of Pavilion Payments' VIP Preferred program. The iGaming SDK builds upon the functionality of the industry leading iGaming XML standard format for storing data, delivering a superior experience for both operators and players. With this powerful toolkit, operators no longer need to invest time and resources in designing and coding the front end or back end of their platforms. This new development is scheduled to be rolled out in multiple states including Pennsylvania, Indiana, Virginia, Arizona and New Jersey, in late summer of 2023 with one operator and another in 16 markets as a fast follower. In addition to these core functionalities, the iGaming SDK equips players with the tools to manage their funding sources effectively. With Pavilion Payments’ ACH/Bank feature, the iGaming SDK ensures a streamlined experience for players. The iGaming SDK offers a range of customization options, such as the use of online bank credentials for enhanced security and efficiency while also providing control over their deposit limits. SDK offers a platform that allows operators to quickly enable new features, including SameDay ACH, Credit/Debit acceptance, Real Time Payments (RTP) and risk enhancements without additional development by the operator. The American Gaming Association’s (AGA) State of the States Report shows iGaming grossed $1.48 billion in Q1 2023, marking a 22.7 percent year-over-year revenue increase. iGaming is an important sector of the gaming industry and as it evolves, technology and solutions need to adapt to the needs of patrons. “The launch of the iGaming SDK reinforces Pavilion Payments' commitment to providing innovative and user-centric solutions for the iGaming industry,” said Christopher Justice, CEO of Pavilion Payments. “Our goal is to empower operators by offering a toolkit that simplifies the implementation of our VIP Preferred payment option, ultimately enhancing player satisfaction and streamlining transactions. With its seamless integration capabilities and user-friendly interface, the iGaming SDK is set to redefine the online gaming experience for both operators and players alike.” About Pavilion Payments Pavilion Payments enables the world’s gaming entertainment leaders to create amazing consumer experiences and maximize spend across all their physical and digital properties. Pavilion Payments is the gaming industry's leading omnichannel payment solutions provider, providing integrated omnichannel and software solutions that enable flexible funding, play, and cash out.

Read More

TECHNOLOGIES

Materialise and Vuzix Announce Collaboration to Bring Smart Eyewear to Customers

prnewswire | May 31, 2023

Vuzix Corporation a leading supplier of Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) technology and products, and Materialise NV (NASDAQ: MTLS), ("Materialise"), a 3D printing pioneer, have announced a collaborative effort to accelerate the design and production of smart eyewear using 3D printing technology. By integrating 3D printing into the manufacturing process, Vuzix and Materialise aim to accelerate the development of new innovations for enterprise applications, from warehouses to operating rooms. Moreover, the collaboration will enable third party technology, sports, and entertainment brands to rapidly introduce functional, fashionable and affordable smart eyewear to consumers using Vuzix' OEM components and designs, reducing the average manufacturing cycle from 18 months to just 3. Vuzix, an optical technology company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and sale of optical components and smart glasses, utilizes augmented reality (AR) to deliver a perfect balance of engagement between the digital and the real world. By collaborating with Materialise, a 3D printing pioneer with over three decades of experience, Vuzix gains access to the full potential of 3D printing to support companies in offering an exciting new series of smart eyewear. Augmented reality enhances user effectiveness in various industries by connecting them to key information in digital world while staying hands-free and completely aware of the physical environment. Medical professionals rely on AR eyewear to access remote expertise during lengthy surgeries, while manufacturing and logistics companies utilize AR features to drive efficiency and reduce operational errors. Leveraging the flexibility of 3D printing in smart glasses production can significantly reduce design cycles, enabling a more agile response to the fast-paced introduction of technological advancements. While smart eyewear has transformed the workplace, consumer adoption has been limited due to the lack of compelling consumer applications and the lack of fashionable and affordable designs. Vuzix and Materialise aim to address these challenges by creating exciting and innovative designs that cater to companies seeking to introduce fashionable and affordable smart eyewear to consumers. Exciting consumer applications of smart eyewear using Vuzix OEM components include on-screen displays of speed and heart rate for athletes, push notifications and navigation, speech-to-text translation, and augmented reality gaming. Many companies in the technology, fashion, entertainment, and sports sectors today often lack the manufacturing expertise to bring these innovative applications to life and on a timely basis. The collaboration between Vuzix and Materialise can provide these third-party OEM companies with a flexible platform for producing smart eyewear with creative designs, rapid prototyping services, and fast and flexible production of small series. Materialise runs one of the largest 3D printing factories in the world and is the largest manufacturer of 3D printed eyewear. 3D printing holds multiple advantages for eyewear production with manufacturers increasingly turning to 3D printing for its unique design capabilities and its fast and flexible production process. It offers virtually unlimited freedom of design, allowing designers to create innovative shapes that are cost-prohibitive or impossible with traditional manufacturing technologies. Additionally, 3D printing drastically reduces time-to-market, enabling the transition from initial design to finished product in less than 3 months, compared to the eyewear industry's typical 18-month design-to-shipment cycle. "With its speed, flexibility and digital DNA, 3D printing offers eyewear brands a competitive edge by allowing them to drastically reduce their time-to-market while meeting customers' aesthetic requirements," says Fried Vancraen, CEO of Materialise. "We believe that collaboration with Vuzix will bring new innovations to industrial smart eyewear and accelerate the customer adoption of smart eyewear in the enterprise and broader consumer markets." "As our OEM solutions ramp up in support of defense, consumer, and other markets, our manufacturing capabilities need to match pace for scalability, production speed and above all quality," said Paul Travers, President and CEO of Vuzix. "Materialise offers several key advantages that align with our strategic outlook. We look forward to seeing what's possible together." About Vuzix Corporation Headquartered in West Henrietta, New York, Vuzix, a supplier of smart glasses, AR technology and products for industrial, defense and enterprise markets, has provided solutions for wearable computing devices and personal display, mobility, and virtual and augmented reality since 1997. Its suite of OEM optical components with waveguides and display engine technology offers a high-quality viewing experience to the customers. It has acquired about 200 patents and patents pending, wireless technology innovation awards and IP licenses in the Video Eyewear field. It has also won Consumer Electronics Show (CES) awards for innovation from 2005 to 2022.

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Events