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Supermicro and VAST Data Launch a New Enterprise AI Data Platform Solution with NVIDIA to Accelerate AI Factory Deployment

By
Advertorial Desk
-
  • Platform brings high-performance compute, scalable data infrastructure, and intelligent software together as one ready-to-run solution.
  • Fully integrated AI infrastructure stack includes Supermicro compute and storage servers, VAST AI OS, and NVIDIA accelerated computing models and software.

SAN JOSE, Calif. and SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — VAST Forward — Supermicro, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI), a Total IT Solution Provider for AI, Cloud, Storage, and 5G/Edge, is launching, with VAST Data, the CNode-X Solution, a highly integrated, rapidly deployable AI Data Platform. The VAST AI Operating System, including the VAST InsightEngine and VAST DataBase, together with NVIDIA open models, microservices and libraries, along with Supermicro GPU and storage servers, form a fully integrated AI infrastructure stack, enabling enterprises to rapidly deploy a complete AI solution.

Supermicro VAST Data
Supermicro VAST Data

“Building on our successful collaboration with VAST Data, this solution brings together Supermicro’s high-performance AI systems, VAST’s software, and NVIDIA’s technology into a truly integrated enterprise AI platform,” said Charles Liang, president and CEO of Supermicro. “Together, we enable organizations to accelerate AI factory deployment, whether scaling large AI initiatives or deploying enterprise applications like generative AI and video analytics.”

For more information about the new Supermicro and VAST solution, please visit:  https://www.supermicro.com/en/solutions/vast

“CNode-X brings together Supermicro’s integrated infrastructure expertise with the VAST AI Operating System and NVIDIA-accelerated compute to deliver a turnkey foundation for enterprise AI factories,” said John Mao, Vice President, Global Technology Alliances at VAST Data. “Together, we’re making it dramatically easier for organizations to deploy an end-to-end AI data platform – keeping GPUs fed with data, helping teams move faster from deployment to first token, and scaling AI workloads with confidence.”

Supermicro’s existing EBox solution with VAST, which was launched in 2024 and widely adopted by large storage customers based on its space, power, and cost efficiency, combines two different server nodes into a single server. The second-generation EBox solution has been updated to the latest AMD EPYC™ 9005 CPUs.

The CNode-X solution follows the NVIDIA AI Data Platform reference architecture, which incorporates GPU acceleration into the platform to accelerate data vectorization, vector database searching, and inference workloads. The benefits of this solution include:

  • Validated Hardware Platforms: Using the proven Supermicro CloudDC AS-1116CS-TN from the EBox Solution, this solution adds Supermicro’s SYS-212GB-FNR 2U multi-GPU compute server which supports two NVIDIA RTX PRO™ 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs in a compact 2U form-factor.
  • Integrated Software Stack: The VAST AI OS, supported by NVIDIA’s software libraries, and integrated with Supermicro’s hardware platforms, delivers pre-configured, ready-to-run AI workflows for real-time agents using VAST AgentEngine, and enterprise Generative AI using InsightEngine.
  • AI Factory Foundation: CNode-X can be the storage layer for this larger enterprise AI solution, when combined with Supermicro’s large-scale AI servers, including our 8-way GPU servers using NVIDIA’s HGX B300 servers, and Supermicro’s end-to-end liquid cooling solutions.
  • Rack Integration, Testing, and Installation: Complex AI Factory installations can be quickly deployed using Supermicro’s Rack Integration services for system architecture planning, factory integration, testing and software installation, on-site deployment, network cable installation, and acceptance testing.
  • End-to-End Management: The Supermicro SuperCloud Suite of management tools provides single pane-of-glass management of all Supermicro systems and cooling subsystems, as well as third-party switches and servers.

Supermicro and VAST presented the new AI Data Platform solution at the VAST Forward conference in Salt Lake City February 24-26.

About Super Micro Computer, Inc.

Supermicro (NASDAQ: SMCI) is a global leader in Application-Optimized Total IT Solutions. Founded and operating in San Jose, California, Supermicro is committed to delivering first-to-market innovation for Enterprise, Cloud, AI, and 5G Telco/Edge IT Infrastructure. We are a Total IT Solutions provider with server, AI, storage, IoT, switch systems, software, and support services. Supermicro’s motherboard, power, and chassis design expertise further enables our development and production, enabling next-generation innovation from cloud to edge for our global customers. Our products are designed and manufactured in-house (in the US, Asia, and the Netherlands), leveraging global operations for scale and efficiency and optimized to improve TCO and reduce environmental impact (Green Computing). The award-winning portfolio of Server Building Block Solutions® allows customers to optimize for their exact workload and application by selecting from a broad family of systems built from our flexible and reusable building blocks that support a comprehensive set of form factors, processors, memory, GPUs, storage, networking, power, and cooling solutions (air-conditioned, free air cooling or liquid cooling).

Supermicro, Server Building Block Solutions, and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc.

All other brands, names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series: The Most Intuitive Galaxy AI Phone Yet

By
Advertorial Desk
-

With powerful hardware working together with an industry-leading camera system and intuitive AI experiences, everyday tasks have never been easier and faster

SYDNEY, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the Galaxy S26 series, powered by the most intuitive, proactive and adaptive Galaxy AI  experiences yet, and designed to simplify the tasks people do on their phones every day. From managing plans and finding information to capturing and refining content, Galaxy S26 reduces the effort and number of steps required to get things done. As Samsung’s third-generation AI phones, Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra handle complex tasks in the background, allowing users to focus on results rather than how the technology works.

The Galaxy S26 series was engineered with Samsung’s most advanced capabilities working together as one: incredible performance, an industry-leading camera system and Galaxy AI. This provides a strong foundation that gives Galaxy S26 users the confidence to depend on their phone throughout the day.

Building on Samsung’s decades of innovation in display technology, Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces the Galaxy’s first built-in Privacy Display for mobile phones to unlock a new class of display experiences and reinforce Samsung’s commitment to privacy at a pixel level. Galaxy S26 Ultra also delivers a customised chipset and upgraded thermal management that enable faster and more powerful AI – all wrapped up in the slimmest Ultra yet. Together, these choices allow the Galaxy S26 series to deliver the most powerful Galaxy experience yet.

“We believe AI should be something people can depend on every day, designed to work consistently for everyone and without the need for expertise,” said TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy S26 series, we focused on making AI feel effortless, working quietly in the background so people can focus on what matters.”

Powerful Performance Designed Around Everyday Use

Engineered for all-day performance, the Galaxy S26 series is built on the most powerful hardware ever on a Galaxy S series. Across the line-up, the Galaxy S26 series is engineered for AI performance, power efficiency and thermal management, ensuring demanding tasks run smoothly and consistently, so users can rely on their device when it matters.

On Galaxy S26 Ultra, a customised mobile processor – Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy[1] – delivers the best performance ever in its class with significant gains across CPU, GPU, and NPU to support faster, smoother experiences that keep up throughout the day.

A CPU performance increase[2] means Galaxy S26 Ultra responds more quickly and handle complex workloads intelligently, even when multiple tasks are running at once. An improvement in NPU performance powers always-on Galaxy AI features that run seamlessly, allowing users to move between tasks without lag or interruption. A boost in GPU performance delivers richer visuals and more fluid gameplay.

To sustain this level of performance, Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces a redesigned Vapour Chamber with thermal interface material positioned along the sides of the processor, allowing heat to spread more efficiently across a larger surface area. This improves[3] heat dissipation to keep the device cool and consistent, even during demanding activities such as gaming, multitasking and video capture. To support all-day use[4], Galaxy S26 Ultra also brings Super-Fast Charging 3.0, allowing for a faster charge.[5]

Embedded into the processor, Samsung’s proprietary technologies enhance visual performance. ProScaler[6] improves image scaling so photos and videos appear richer and clearer at a glance by sharpening text and fine detail while smoothing textures. Additionally, Samsung’s mobile Digital Natural Image engine (mDNIe) delivers more subtle and lifelike colours thanks to image processing.Taken together, these advancements deliver dependable all-day performance, making every action feel effortless.

Galaxy’s Industry-Leading Camera System

The Galaxy S26 series brings the same focus on intuitive interaction to creativity and productivity, delivered through the best Galaxy camera system. With an approach that integrates capturing stunning photos and videos, editing and sharing into a single, seamless experience, creativity feels more natural and accessible even without professional tools or technical knowledge.

On Galaxy S26 Ultra, wider camera apertures[7] allow more light to reach the sensor, delivering clearer photos with richer details in low-light conditions, even when zoomed in. Enhanced Nightography Video[8] keeps footage clearer and more vibrant even in dim scenes, whether capturing concerts indoors or recording moments around a campfire after sunset. Video capture is further enhanced with upgraded Super Steady[9] capabilities, which add a horizontal lock option for greater stability and to make consistent framing easier to achieve, even with bumpy trails or fast-paced activities. Galaxy S26 Ultra is the first Galaxy device to support APV, a new professional-grade video codec designed to deliver efficient compression for high-quality production workflows. Developed with advanced creators in mind, it can help maintain high video quality even through repeated edits.[10] Improvements to the AI ISP[11] now extend to the selfie camera, capturing more natural skin tones and finer detail in mixed lighting.

Editing photos and videos is just as easy and straightforward, with AI-powered tools built into familiar workflows so users can make changes quickly and unlock their creativity without design expertise. With the upgraded Photo Assist[12] suite, users can simply describe what they want to change in their own words. Changing the scene from day to night is just a matter of asking. It can also add to images and restore missing parts of objects like a bite taken out of a cake. Personal details, such as a spill on clothing, can also be cleaned up with Galaxy AI’s new ability to change outfits in photos. Edits can now be made continuously, reviewed step by step, and easily adjusted or undone along the way, helping to make the process feel fluid rather than final.

Creative Studio[13] builds on this simplicity by bringing creation and customisation into one integrated space, making it easier to act on ideas when inspiration strikes. Starting from a sketch, photo or prompt, users can quickly turn ideas into polished visuals – from stickers and invitations to personalised wallpapers – and refine or share them without switching tools or interrupting creative flow.

The Galaxy S26 series also simplifies frequent visual tasks with AI-powered tools like the Document Scan, which removes distortions and distractions such as creases or fingers to deliver clean scans instantly. Multiple images can be organised automatically into a single PDF, making it easy to digitise receipts, forms or notes.

An Intuitive Galaxy AI Experience

The Galaxy S26 series is designed to make frequently used experiences feel straightforward and user-friendly, with Galaxy AI reducing the steps between intent and action. It works more proactively and seamlessly on the user’s behalf based on context, surfacing the right support at the right moment and automating tasks with minimal manual input. As the technology fades and handles tasks in the background, users can focus on the results.

With Now Nudge[14], timely and relevant suggestions help users stay in the flow without being distracted. If a friend asks for photos from a recent trip, Galaxy S26 automatically suggests photos from the Gallery, removing the need to search through albums or switch between apps. When receiving a message about a meeting, Galaxy S26 can recognise context from a conversation, integrating the Calendar and Gallery apps to provide relevant recommendations.

On the Galaxy S26 series, Now Brief[15] has become more proactive and personalised[16]. It surfaces timely reminders for important events – from reservations to travel, based on personal context, helping users stay organised throughout the day.

Searching for information is also easier than ever. Circle to Search with Google[17] on the Galaxy S26 series has been upgraded with enhanced multi-object recognition, so users can now explore more deeply on multiple parts of an image at once. If users spot a look they love, the feature also identifies everything from the jacket to the shoes, all in one search.

Galaxy S26 series features an upgraded Bixby[18] as a conversational device agent, making it more intuitive and easier than ever to interact with Galaxy devices. Users can navigate their devices and adjust settings using natural language, without the need for exact terminology or commands. Alongside Bixby, Galaxy S26 series integrates a choice of agents, including Gemini and Perplexity. Once set up, tasks can be completed with a single button press or voice prompt. Galaxy S26 can also handle multi-step tasks in the background, streamlining the process on the user’s behalf. For example, with Gemini, booking a taxi[19] can be as simple as asking, reviewing the details and tapping confirm. These agents support tasks such as searching, and carrying out complex tasks seamlessly across apps through natural interaction.

Together, these proactive, personalised and adaptive experiences lay the foundation for more agentic AI experiences — setting the stage for Galaxy devices to become trusted companions that understand and anticipate user needs.

Layers of Protection in the Age of AI

As mobile experiences become more personalised thanks to AI, protecting user privacy becomes even more critical. Samsung builds added protection into the Galaxy S26, keeping personal data safe while giving users a clear sense of how their information is used.

Galaxy S26 Ultra introduces privacy at the pixel level with the Galaxy’s first built-in Privacy Display[20], a breakthrough in display technology that fundamentally changes how privacy can be protected on a phone. Designed for everyday situations like transit, cafés and shared environments, Privacy Display goes beyond anything previously available on Galaxy devices – hardware and software working as one to protect privacy without compromising the viewing experience.

By controlling how pixels disperse light, the display keeps content clear, bright and comfortable for the user in everyday use, while limiting what others can see. Unlike traditional stick-on privacy films, Galaxy’s integrated Privacy Display preserves full viewing quality from all directions when off, and limits visibility for others from side viewing angles when activated, even when switching between portrait and landscape orientation.

Users can customise when it turns on – such as when entering PINs, patterns and passwords or opening selected apps – and adjust privacy levels depending on the situation. Partial Screen Privacy intelligently limits visibility for notification pop-ups, while Maximum Privacy Protection further obscures side views for added discretion, all with minimal impact on power or usability.

The Galaxy S26 series also brings smarter software safeguards that work quietly in the background. AI-powered Call Screening[21] identifies unknown callers and summarises intent, making it easier to safely manage calls. Privacy Alerts use machine learning to proactively notify users in real time when apps with device admin privileges unnecessarily attempt to access sensitive data, such as precise location, call logs or contacts. These alerts help users quickly understand when apps are seeking deeper access, so they can manage permissions with greater clarity and control.

Private Album, built into Gallery, lets users easily hide selected photos and videos without creating a separate folder or signing into a Samsung Account. To stay ahead of emerging threats, Galaxy S26 also extends Samsung’s innovation in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to critical system processes, including software verification and firmware protection, strengthening device integrity for the future.

New updates to Knox Matrix strengthens protection across connected Galaxy devices, adding PQC-enabled end-to-end encryption for direct transfers like eSIM migrations and clearer visibility into firmware update status across the ecosystem through Security Status of Your Devices.

These experiences are supported by Samsung Knox, the security platform that helps protect Galaxy devices. For on-device Galaxy AI, Personal Data Engine (PDE) enables context-aware, personalised AI experiences. To keep this process safe, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) encrypts each app’s data, while Knox Vault[22] adds a physical layer of protection that isolates sensitive data inside its own hardware. Together, with settings that let users choose how AI features operate, Galaxy S26 combines hardware and software to deliver a comprehensive, system-wide approach designed to help keep personal data protected.

These updates build on Galaxy’s existing security and privacy portfolio which includes Auto Blocker, Theft Protection, Private Sharing, Secure Wi-Fi and more. These layers of protection are designed to give users greater transparency, choice and control through Samsung’s continued mobile security innovation in the age of AI. And with seven years of security updates, Galaxy S26 helps keep these layers resilient over time – supporting longer, more confident use well into the years ahead.

Galaxy S26’s ease of use continues even when the phone is out of reach. The new Galaxy Buds4 series is a natural companion to Galaxy S26, extending everyday experiences beyond the phone while delivering rich and immersive hi-fi sound. When Galaxy S26 is paired with Galaxy Buds4, interactions can continue naturally in moments when using hands isn’t practical. Users can activate AI agents[23] with their voices, manage calls through simple Head Gestures[24] on Buds4 Pro, and stay connected without breaking their flow.

Availability

Pre-order for Galaxy S26 Ultra, S26+ and S26 will be available starting from February 26 and general availability will be available March 11 in Australia. The Galaxy S26 series features a unified design language across all models, with shared colour options including Cobalt Violet, White, Black and Sky Blue[25] alongside the Samsung.com/au exclusive[26] Pink Gold and Silver Shadow.

For added peace of mind, Samsung Care+[27] offers a device and mobile refresh program.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

Galaxy S26 Series Specifications

Galaxy S26 Ultra

Display    

6.9-inch* QHD+  

Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display   

120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)    

Vision booster  

*Measured diagonally, Galaxy S26 Ultra‘s screen size is 6.9-inch in the full rectangle and 6.7-inch with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.   

Dimensions & Weight    

78.1 X 163.6 X 7.9mm, 214g

* Weight may vary by country or region.

Camera    

50MP Ultra-Wide Camera

  • F1.9

    

200 MP Wide Camera

  • 2x Optical Quality Zoom, OIS F1.4

    

50MP Telephoto Camera

  • 10x Optical Quality Zoom, 5x Optical Zoom, F2.9

   

10MP Telephoto Camera  

  • 3x Optical Zoom, F2.4

   

12MP Front Camera

  • F2.2

 

* Optical quality zoom is enabled by the Adaptive Pixel sensor. 3x and 5x distances are optical zoom. 2x and 10x distances are optical quality zoom.

AP

Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy

Memory & Storage   

16GB + 1TB

12 + 512GB   

12 + 256GB   

*Storage options and availability may vary by carrier, country or region. Actual Available storage capacity is subject to preloaded software.   

*Memory option may vary by market.   

Battery    

5,000 mAh    

*Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,855mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.   

** Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, the number of times charged, and many other factors.

Charging*    

Wired charging*: Super -Fast Charging 3.0 **   

Super Fast Wireless Charging ***   

Wireless PowerShare****   

*Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFCPD.   

**Power Adapter sold separately. Use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables.   

***Wireless charging compatible with WPC.   

****Limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with Qi wireless charging, such as Galaxy Z TriFold, S25 FE, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, S25 series, S24 FE, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, S24 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, S23 series, Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S22 series, Z Fold3 5G, Z Flip3 5G, S21 FE 5G, S21 series, Z Fold2, Note20 series, S20 series, Z Flip, Note10, Note10+, S10e, S10, S10+, Fold, S9, S9+, S8, S8+, S8 Active, S7, S7 edge, S7 Active, S6, S6 edge, S6 Active, S6 edge+, Note9, Note8, Note FE and Note5. Only available with certain Samsung Galaxy wearables such as Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Buds3, Buds2 Pro, Buds2, Buds Pro, Buds Live, Watch8 Classic, Watch8, Watch Ultra, Watch7, Watch6, Watch6 Classic, Watch5, Watch 5 Pro, Watch4, Watch4 Classic, Watch3, Watch Active2, Watch Active, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds. If battery power is lower than 30% Wireless PowerShare may not function. May not work with certain accessories, covers, other brand devices or some Samsung wearables. During PowerShare, it may affect call reception or data services, depending on your network environment.   

OS    

Android 16 

One UI 8.5 

Network and Connectivity    

 5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 7***, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth® v 6.0 

*Requires optimal 5G network connection, available in select markets. Check with your carrier for availability and details. Download and streaming speeds may vary based on content provider, server connection and other factors.   

**Availability of LTE model varies by market and carrier. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment.   

***Wi-Fi 7 network availability may vary by market, network provider and user environment. Requires optimal connection. Will require a Wi-Fi 7 router.

Water Resistance    

IP68    

*Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust-tight). Water and dust resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.

 

Galaxy S26

Galaxy S26+

Display   

6.3-inch FHD+*  

6.7-inch QHD+ *  

Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display    

120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)    

Vision booster  

*Measured diagonally, Galaxy S26’s screen size is 6.3-inch in the full rectangle and 6.1-inch with accounting for the rounded corners, Galaxy S26+‘s screen size is 6.7-inch in the full rectangle and 6.5-inch with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and camera hole.   

Dimensions & Weight    

71.7 x 149.6 x 7.2mm, 167g (Sub6)  

75.8 x 158.4 x 7.3mm, 190g  (mmWave/Sub6) 

* Weight may vary by country or region.

AP

Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, Exynos 2600

* Type of AP may vary by device and market.

Camera    

12MP Ultra-Wide Camera

  • F2.2

    

50 MP Wide Camera

  • 2x Optical Quality Zoom, F1.8

    

10MP Telephoto Camera

  • 3x Optical Zoom, F2.4

    

12MP Front Camera

  • F2.2

 

* Optical quality zoom is enabled by the Adaptive Pixel sensor. 3x distance is optical zoom. 2x distance is optical quality zoom.

Memory & Storage    

12 + 512GB   

12 + 256GB   

12 + 512GB   

12 + 256GB   

*Storage options and availability may vary by carrier, country or region. Actual Available storage capacity is subject to preloaded software.   

*Memory option may vary by market.   

Battery    

4,300 mAh    

4,900 mAh    

*Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,175mAh for Galaxy S26 and 4,755mAh for 26+. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.   

Charging    

Fast Wired Charging*

Fast Wireless Charging 2.0**   

Wireless PowerShare***   

Fast Wired charging*

Super Fast Wireless Charging*   

Wireless PowerShare***

*Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFCPD.   Power Adapter and data cable sold separately. Using the original Samsung 45W Power Adapter and data cable is recommended for Galaxy S25+ and the original Samsung 25W Power Adapter and data cable recommended for Galaxy S25.   

**Wireless charging compatible with WPC.   

***Limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with Qi wireless charging, such as Galaxy Z TriFold, S25 FE, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, S25 series, S24 FE, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, S24 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, S23 series, Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S22 series, Z Fold3 5G, Z Flip3 5G, S21 FE 5G, S21 series, Z Fold2, Note20 series, S20 series, Z Flip, Note10, Note10+, S10e, S10, S10+, Fold, S9, S9+, S8, S8+, S8 Active, S7, S7 edge, S7 Active, S6, S6 edge, S6 Active, S6 edge+, Note9, Note8, Note FE and Note5. Only available with certain Samsung Galaxy wearables such as Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Buds3, Buds2 Pro, Buds2, Buds Pro, Buds Live, Watch8 Classic, Watch8, Watch Ultra, Watch7, Watch6, Watch6 Classic, Watch5, Watch 5 Pro, Watch4, Watch4 Classic, Watch3, Watch Active2, Watch Active, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds. If battery power is lower than 30% Wireless PowerShare may not function. May not work with certain accessories, covers, other brand devices or some Samsung wearables. During PowerShare, it may affect call reception or data services, depending on your network environment.   

OS    

Android 16 

One UI 8.5  

Network and Connectivity    

5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 7***, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth® v 5.4  

5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 7***, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth® v 6.0 

*5G services are only supported in 5G network enabled locations. Requires optimal 5G connection. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment.   

**Availability of LTE model varies by market and carrier.   

*** Wi-Fi 7 network availability may vary by market, network provider and user environment. Requires optimal connection. Will require a Wi-Fi 7 router.

Water Resistance    

IP68    

*Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact (dust-tight). Water and dust resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.

*Specifications may vary by market.

*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.

 

[1] Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

[2] AP performance improvements shown compared to Galaxy S25 Ultra. Actual performance will depend on user environment, conditions and pre-installed software and applications.

[3] Vapor Chamber performance improvements shown compared to Galaxy S25 Ultra. Actual performance will depend on user environment, conditions and pre-installed software and applications.

[4] Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, the number of times charged and many other factors.

[5] Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 4,855 mAh for Galaxy S26 Ultra.

[6] ProScaler feature is supported on Galaxy S26+ and S26 Ultra models. Image quality can be enhanced up to QHD+, depending on the screen resolution setting of the device.

[7] 47% more light on 200MP Wide camera and 37% on 50MP Telephoto (5x Optical Zoom) camera on Galaxy S26 Ultra. Brightness improvements shown are compared to Galaxy S25 Ultra.

[8] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

[9] Super Steady results may vary depending on editing method and/or shooting conditions.

[10] Playback, editing and export performance may vary depending on shooting conditions, device settings, and compatible software. Actual results may vary.

[11] Availability may vary by country, region, language device model, OS/One UI version. Actual results may vary.

[12] Photo Assist may require a network connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. Photo Assist may result in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.

[13] Creative Studio feature requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed. Sticker sets only compatible with Samsung Keyboard and can only be shared via Quick Share feature with other Galaxy devices that have One UI 5.0 or later installed and Quick Share app version 13.8.50.x or later.

[14] Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region and language. Text message prompts available with certain third party messaging apps including Samsung Messages, Google Messages, Google Chat, WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business, KakaoTalk, LINE, Signal, Instagram (DM), Tango, NTT Docomo Messages, KDDI Messages. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analysing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[15] Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model, apps. Some features may require a network connection. The description of photos provided by moments may not align with the user’s intent. Notifications must be switched on to be used as the recalled data. Recalled data available from supported app notifications, Messages, Gmail and Samsung Wallet and data collected from Gmail is only applicable if the user consents to Personal Data Intelligent’s Gmail read permission. Recalled data for reservation details only available from reservation confirmation messages.

[16] Compared to previous models.

[17] Circle to Search is a trademark of Google LLC. Results for illustrative purposes only. Available on select devices and internet connection required. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Result may vary depending on visual matches. Check responses for accuracy.

[18] Bixby service availability requires Samsung Account login and data connection. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, and language. Bixby only recognises certain accents and dialects of English (UK), English (US), English (India), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Japanese (Japan), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain), and Spanish (Latin America). Other supported languages may be added in the future. Not all accents, dialects, and expressions may be recognised, and actual performance may vary depending on pronunciation, voice level, and the surrounding environment. Use of Bixby may be limited in certain situations such as when recording media (Video/Game/Voice), during calls, Maximum Power Saving mode, Emergency mode and Samsung Kids. Service availability may vary by country/service provider/language/device model/OS version. Bixby controls selected apps, other apps to be supported. To control SmartThings enabled devices with Bixby, first connect the devices to the SmartThings app. For more information, visit the SmartThings website (www.samsung.com/smartthings).

[19] Availability may vary by country, region, language device model, OS/One UI version.

[20] Privacy Display feature controls the screen’s viewing angle to limit peripheral vision. Some changes in image quality may occur outside the viewing angle. When activated, some information may still be visible to others depending on the viewing environment, such as angle or brightness. Caution is advised when exposing sensitive information. Available for specific apps once they are manually enabled in Settings. Use of screen protectors may impact the performance of the feature and may not be suitable for users with vision or accessibility requirements.

[21] Call Screening feature for Call Assist may vary by country, region and language. Feature may need to be manually activated in select regions.

[22] Samsung Knox Vault availability may vary by model including but not limited to Galaxy S Series, Galaxy A Series, Galaxy Tab S Series and more.

[23] AI features require compatible Samsung Galaxy phone.

[24] Default is set as off. User can turn on Head Gestures through the Galaxy Wearable app.

[25] Colour availability may vary depending on country or carrier.

[26] Exclusively available on Samsung.com.au/

[27] Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefit, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/samsung-care-plus/. 

 

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Buds4 Series: Ultimate Hi-Fi Sound with Enhanced Comfort and Fit

By
Advertorial Desk
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Users gain access to the new era of Samsung audio innovation, delivering refined hi-fi sound and intelligent adaptive controls for every environment

SYDNEY, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today introduced its latest Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy Buds4, redefining what premium earbuds can deliver in both superior hi-fi audio and everyday wearability. Built to sound as good as they feel, the Galaxy Buds4 series pairs incredible sound quality with a more refined, computationally designed fit, bringing Samsung’s most advanced audio and wearability innovations together in one seamless experience. For the first time, Buds4 Pro features a wider woofer, combined with enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)[1] and a state-of-the-art enhanced Adaptive Equaliser (EQ), to help supply full-spectrum sound as true to the original recording — while intelligently adapting to real-world conditions. Thoughtful design updates, intuitive hands-free controls, and deeper AI integration further underscore Samsung’s commitment to earbuds designed for how people listen, move, and live throughout the day.

“Samsung understands that a truly premium audio experience combines technical sound quality with how that sound feels throughout a user’s day,” said Ikhyun Cho, Corporate VP of Mobile Enhancement R&D Team, Mobile eXperience. “With the Galaxy Buds4 series, our design philosophy was uncompromising, providing all-day comfort without sacrificing audio performance, because these are what consumers value most. We engineered our most powerful hi-fi audio and our most secure, ergonomic fit to enhance one another, delivering the best and most satisfying listening experience we’ve ever created.”

Computational Design Optimised for Enhanced Stability and All-Day Comfort

With the Buds4 series, Samsung has established a computational design based on more than hundreds of millions of global ear data points and over 10,000 simulations[2]. The Buds4 series features an ultra-sleek, ergonomic fit with smaller[3], better-fitting earbud heads to deliver a more secure, comfortable experience during all-day wear. The new stabilised blade includes a premium metal finish and an engraved pinch control[4] area designed to help users easily locate and adjust settings. The new, transparent, clamshell-type cradle makes storage and charging more intuitive and convenient – while also highlighting the refined blade design to deliver a stylish, high-quality listening experience on the go.

Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Buds4 offer distinct design architectures to meet different needs. Galaxy Buds4 Pro features a canal fit design that combines ultimate sound with maximum functionality. The open-fit design of Galaxy Buds4 delivers a comfortable, user-friendly audio experience. Customers also have the option to choose from several distinct colourways. Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Buds4 are available in White and Black with a refined matte finish, as well as an online-exclusive Pink Gold for Buds4 Pro, only available on Samsung.com/au.

Superior Hi-Fi Sound With Innovative Hardware Updates

Larger speakers offer better sound quality, and Buds4 Pro introduces a new wider woofer, featuring a new design that helps to make efficient use of space. By maximising the vibration area and minimising the speaker’s edge, the wider woofer increases the effective speaker area by almost 20%[5]. Combined with the tweeter, these features deliver natural, immersive audio with clean bass and rich treble that supports 24-bit/96kHz audio[6] – ultimately delivering high-fidelity sound as true to the original recording. These enhancements capture everything from the high, resonant sounds of violins to the deep, throaty pulses of double basses – details that were difficult to reproduce in earlier generations. Also, the outer microphone is strategically placed on the upper side of the metal finish to maximise Active Noise Cancellation functionality while minimising feedback from wind and other external factors.

Maximised Audio Experiences With Enhanced Adaptive EQ and ANC

Galaxy Buds4 series offers software updates that build on powerful adaptive sound capabilities users have come to love in previous Buds generations. Enhanced ANC is designed to tune out noise from heavy transit sounds to everyday background noise, helping to ensure an immersive audio experience that adapts to changing environments. For example, when commuting on a bus, train or airplane, Buds4’s enhanced Active Noise Cancelling reduces low-frequency engine and road noise while maintaining rich, balanced sound – allowing users to focus on music, podcasts or calls without distraction.

Enhanced Adaptive ANC/EQ[7] allows for full media immersion, minimising noise leakage by analysing the wearing conditions and unique ear shape of each user. Alongside dynamic frequency adjustments, this feature applies optimal ANC algorithms in real-time for peak noise-cancelling performance so users can enjoy fine-tuned sound experiences tailored to their individual needs.

When it’s time to make a phone call, Super Clear Call[8] utilises super wideband call technology to provide ultra-clear call quality and double the bandwidth of conventional Bluetooth calls. Whether users are cheering at a baseball game, dining in a bustling restaurant, or spending time with their children at the playground, their voice remains crisp and clear, ensuring they sound as if they were speaking face-to-face. 

An Enriched Galaxy Ecosystem Experience

For Galaxy users, the Buds4 series introduces integrations that enhance the Galaxy ecosystem experience. Users can initiate AI agents[9] – including Bixby[10], Gemini[11] and Perplexity[12] – with hands-free and voice controls, helping users stay engaged with their surroundings while maintaining control over their audio experience. Buds4 Pro allows users to access AI features without reaching for their phones, making it easier than ever to integrate AI into their everyday routines.

Galaxy ecosystem users can enjoy simple Buds setup.[13] Just by opening the cradle – without having to install the Galaxy Wearable app – Galaxy users can easily connect their Buds to their phone or tablet. Through the Buds shortcut menu or in the Quick Panel, users can control and customise the volume or EQ for the optimal sound experience.

Buds4 Pro also includes Head Gesture[14] controls to manage calls and engage with Bixby, allowing users to perform subsequent actions hands-free. Along with voice commands, hands-free controls such as these allow users to navigate their day without distraction, ensuring their daily activities remain seamless and uninterrupted.

Availability

The Galaxy Buds4 series is available for pre-order in Australia starting today, with general availability starting March 11.

To learn more about the Galaxy Buds4 series, please visit: www.samsung.com/galaxy-buds4-series/.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

Galaxy Buds4 Series Specifications 

                                   Galaxy Buds4

Galaxy Buds4 Pro

Colour

Black, White

*Available colours may vary by market, carrier or retailer.

Black, White, Pink Gold (Online only)

*Available colours may vary by market, carrier or retailer.

Dimensions

Earbud: 18.3 x 19.3 x 30.5 mm

Charging Case: 51 x 51 x 28.3 mm

Earbud: 18.1 x 19.6 x 30.9 mm

Charging Case: 51 x 51 x 28.3 mm

Weight

Earbud: 4.6g

Charging Case: 45.1g

Earbud: 5.1g

Charging Case: 44.3g

*with M size eartip

Speaker

Φ11 3.8t (1way)

11 3.5t (WF) / 5.5×3.5×0.9T (TW)

Microphone

Digital (x3)

HSNR Digital (x2)

Digital (x1)

Sound Quality

UHQ*

24bit Hi-Fi**

360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel***

* Ultra high quality audio up to 24bit/96kHz is available on Galaxy S26 series, S25 series, S24 series, S23 series, Z TriFold, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series with One UI 6.1.1 or above. Additional devices may be supported in the future.

** 24-bit Hi-Fi sound requires Samsung Galaxy devices running OneUI 4.0 or higher and Galaxy Buds4. 24-bit Hi-Fi sound support may vary depending on the application.

*** Direct Multi-channel is supported with Android One UI version 4.1.1 or later, 360 Audio Supports One UI 3.1 or later.

UHQ*

24bit Hi-Fi**

360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel***

* Ultra high quality audio up to 24bit/96kHz is available on Galaxy S26 series, S25 series, S24 series, S23 series, Z TriFold, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series with One UI 6.1.1 or above. Additional devices may be supported in the future.

** 24-bit Hi-Fi sound requires Samsung Galaxy devices running OneUI 4.0 or higher and Galaxy Buds4 Pro. 24-bit Hi-Fi sound support may vary depending on the application.

*** Direct Multi-channel is supported with Android One UI version 4.1.1 or later, 360 Audio Supports One UI 3.1 or later.

ANC & Ambient Sound

ANC

Ambient sound

Adaptive EQ

Adaptive ANC

ANC

Ambient sound

Voice*/Siren** Detect

Adaptive EQ

Adaptive ANC

* The earbuds automatically recognize the user’s voice, boosting the ambient sound to enhance conversation clarity when it begins and increasing Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to block out background noise when the conversation ends.

** This feature raises the ambient sound volume to ensure users can hear crucial alerts such as alarms, emergency vehicles, or police sirens.

Battery Capacity[15]

Earbuds: 45mAh (typical)

Charging Case: 515mAh (typical)*

 

* The typical capacity has been tested under third-party laboratory conditions. The typical capacity is the estimated average capacity considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under the IEC 61960-3 standard. The rated capacity is 42 mAh (earbuds), 500mAh (charging case). Actual battery life may vary depending on the network environment, usage patterns, and other factors.

Earbuds: 61mAh (typical)

Charging Case: 530mAh (typical)*

 

* The typical capacity has been tested under third-party laboratory conditions. The typical capacity is the estimated average capacity considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under the IEC 61960-3 standard. The rated capacity is 57mAh (earbuds), 515 mAh (charging case). Actual battery life may vary depending on the network environment, usage patterns, and other factors.

Music Time

Up to 5 hours / Total up to 24 hours (ANC on)

Up to 6 hours / Total up to 30 hours (ANC off)*

 

* Earbuds provide up to 5hrs play time with ANC on (up to 6 hours with ANC off), while the case provides up to 24 hours of battery life (up to 30 hours with ANC off) when the case and earbuds are charged to 100%. Based on internal testing. Audio playback time tested by pairing a pre-production Galaxy Buds4 to a recently released Galaxy smartphone with default settings including ANC off. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions, settings, number of times charged, Bluetooth signal strength, and other factors. Default setting refers to the original setting for the Galaxy Buds4 when it was first released, simply with the power turned on.

Up to 6 hours / Total up to 26 hours (ANC on)

Up to 7 hours / Total up to 30 hours (ANC off)*

 

* Earbuds provide up to 6hrs play time with ANC on (up to 7 hours with ANC off), while the case provides up to 26 hours of battery life (up to 30 hours with ANC off) when the case and earbuds are charged to 100%. Based on internal testing. Audio playback time tested by pairing a pre-production Galaxy Buds4 Pro to a recently released Galaxy smartphone with default settings including ANC on. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions, settings, number of times charged, Bluetooth signal strength, and other factors. Default setting refers to the original setting for the Galaxy Buds4 Pro when it was first released, simply with the power turned on.

Talk Time

Up to 3.5 hours / Total up to 18h (ANC on)

Up to 4 hours / Total up to 20h

(ANC off)

 

* Earbuds provide up to 3.5hrs voice call time with ANC on (up to 4 hours with ANC off), while the case provides up to 18 hours of battery life (up to 20 hours with ANC off) when the case and earbuds are charged to 100%. Based on internal testing. Voice call time tested by pairing pre-production Galaxy Buds4 to a recently released Galaxy smartphone with default settings including ANC off. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions, settings, number of times charged, Bluetooth signal strength, and other factors.

Up to 4.5 hours / Total up to 20h (ANC on)

Up to 5 hours / Total up to 22h

(ANC off)

 

* Earbuds provide up to 4.5hrs voice call time with ANC on (up to 5 hours with ANC off), while the case provides up to 20 hours of battery life (up to 22 hours with ANC off) when the case and earbuds are charged to 100%. Based on internal testing. Voice call time tested by pairing pre-production Galaxy Buds4 Pro to a recently released Galaxy smartphone with default settings including ANC on. Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions, settings, number of times charged, Bluetooth signal strength, and other factors.

Connectivity

Bluetooth® 6.1, Auto Switch

Codec: SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec) HiFi, SSC UHQ (Samsung Proprietary), AAC, SBC, LC3[16]

Auracast

Bluetooth® 6.1, Auto Switch

Codec: SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec) HiFi, SSC UHQ (Samsung Proprietary), AAC, SBC, LC3[17]

Auracast

Sensor

Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), Force & Touch (Swipe), IR, Accelerometer, Gyro, Hall sensor

Voice Pickup Unit (VPU), Force & Touch (Swipe), SWIR, Accelerometer, Gyro, Hall sensor

Compatibility

Android 12 or higher with more than 1.5GB of Memory

 

* Some features may not be available on non-Samsung devices. Availability may vary by market, operator or connected device.

Android 12 or higher with more than 1.5GB of Memory

 

* Some features may not be available on non-Samsung devices. Availability may vary by market, operator or connected device.

Water Resistance[18]

IP54*

* earbuds only

IP57*

* earbuds only

 

[1] ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) is off by default, and the Pinch and Hold gesture for ANC can be configured directly in the phone settings for devices running One UI 8.0 and later. For devices running on earlier versions of One UI, configurations can be found in the Galaxy Wearable app.

[2] Based on global ear data research conducted by Samsung Design Innovation Centre.

[3] Galaxy Buds4 only.

[4] Galaxy Buds are available to connect as Bluetooth Audio regardless of OS but to configure advanced settings on the Galaxy Wearable app, Galaxy Buds must be paired with a smartphone with Android 10.0 or above and minimum 1.5GB Memory. Advanced settings on the Galaxy Wearable app include Noise Control, Adaptive EQ, Pinch Control and software update. Some features are only available on compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Android is a trademark of Google LLC.

[5] The exact number is 19.8% compared to Buds3 Series.

[6] Users can enable Ultra High Quality (UHQ) audio in the Buds4 Pro Settings, navigating to Sound Quality in the main menu and Advanced Quality Options in Effects.

[7] Available on Buds4 Pro.

[8] Super Clear Call (Super Wideband call) is available on Galaxy devices with One UI 6.1.1 or above. Additional devices may be supported in the future. Super Wideband (SWB) is available regardless of the Call App. SWB may not be supported depending on the mobile network between devices.

[9] AI features require compatible Samsung Galaxy phone.

[10] Supports 9 languages: Korean, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified) and Japanese.

[11] Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Compatible with certain features and certain accounts. Available on select devices and select countries, languages, and to users 18+.

[12] The Perplexity app comes pre-installed on S26 Series devices and can be removed at any time. To enable Perplexity to work with compatible Samsung apps and select third party apps, users must grant the necessary permissions in device settings. Functionality may vary depending on app compatibility, user permissions, and available features. Multi step task support may differ by app and use case.

[13] Requires a compatible Samsung Galaxy device, Internet connection and Samsung account.

[14] Default is off. Users can turn on Head Gestures through the Galaxy Wearable app.

[15] Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions such as function settings, playback file type, and Bluetooth signal strength. Play time may vary based on settings.

[16] May vary depending on the availability of the pairing device.

[17] May vary depending on the availability of the pairing device.

[18] IP rated for submersion in up to 3 feet of fresh water for up to 30 minutes (charging case is not water resistant). Not advised for beach or pool use. If the earbuds or user’s hands are wet, they must be dried thoroughly prior to handling. Damaged earbuds are not guaranteed to be water resistant.

AI Skills Emerge as APME’s Hardest-to-Find Competencies: ManpowerGroup’s 2026 Global Talent Shortage Survey

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Talent scarcity continues to intensify across Asia Pacific and the Middle East (APME), underscoring a critical inflection point for employers and economies alike. According to ManpowerGroup’s 2026 Global Talent Shortage Survey, 71% of employers in APME report difficulty filling open roles — nearly on par with the global average of 72%.

ManpowerGroup 2026 Global Talent Shortage APME Findings
ManpowerGroup 2026 Global Talent Shortage APME Findings

The study, surveying more than 39,000 employers across 41 countries, including 12,193 across 10 APME markets, shows hiring challenges vary by market. In APME, Japan (84%) and India (82%) experience the most severe constraints, while the U.A.E. stands at 76%, and China (48%) is the least affected regionally and globally. At the global level, Slovakia (87%), Greece (84%) and Japan report the highest shortage, while Finland (60%) and Poland (57%) face the lowest shortage, alongside China.

Even as the degree of shortage differs by market, AI skills consistently rank among the hardest to find in APME, led by AI Model & Application Development (27%) and AI Literacy (26%), while traditional IT & Data skills place sixth (18%).

“The rise of AI has fundamentally reshaped both the skills landscape and the hiring process in APME. Today, AI skills are no longer niche capabilities—they are foundational to workforce competitiveness across the region. As organizations accelerate adoption, leaders must operate across multiple horizons simultaneously. They need to support workers through rapid transformation in the now, ensuring they can adapt confidently to AI-driven change. While also preparing for the next by building deeper, future-ready AI capabilities that their organizations will rely on in the years ahead. At the same time, the hiring process is changing at an accelerated pace and they now need to build, buy or borrow the skills to recruit ‘AI enhanced candidates’,” says François Lançon, Regional President, Asia Pacific & Middle East, ManpowerGroup.

View the full results: www.manpowergroup.com.sg/apme-talent-shortage-2026.

About ManpowerGroup

ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN), the leading global workforce solutions company, helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing, and managing the talent that enables them to win. Our expert family of brands – Manpower, Experis, and Talent Solutions – creates substantially more value for candidates and clients across more than 70 countries and territories and has done so for more than 75 years.

 

Project Update on Minesto Dragons and Infrastructure in Vestmanna, Faroe Islands

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Advertorial Desk
-

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Minesto’s Dragon testing in Vestmanna continues. The Dragon 12 powerplant has been installed (grid-connected) for 9 months since May 2025 and has provided valuable production and operational data. The Dragon 12 has proved robustness and stability beyond commercial service intervals. Dragon 12 is now operating in park-mode as a precaution given that preventive maintenance intervals have been exceeded. Minesto’s local marine contractor in the Faroe Islands is undertaking unforeseen service over winter on the vessel. Given the stable condition of the installed Dragon 12 and the significant costs associated with mobilization of an alternative vessel from abroad, the service recovery of Dragon 12 will be executed when the local vessel returns to operation.

A core competitive advantage with the Minesto technology relies on utilization of cost-effective local resources such as technicians, work vessels and harbours. The local marine service partner has been forced to conduct extensive unforeseen service over winter, limiting Minesto’s recovery options for preventive maintenance of the Dragon 12 powerplant. As precaution, the Dragon 12 is now operating in park-mode as service intervals have been exceeded.

“Our cost-competitive, small-scale marine operations for installation and recovery makes it possible to utilise local work boats instead of large vessels. With satisfactory electricity production and testing during 2025 already at hand, the additional costs associated with bringing in foreign vessels for service recovery cannot be motivated,” says Dr Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto.

In parallel to the Dragon 12 testing, preparations for Dragon 4 activities have progressed. The Dragon 4 that was first launched three years ago has been serviced and upgraded for installation and production. The most significant improvement is a PTO (Power take-off system) upgrade which increases the power rating from 100kW to 185kW.

“To put it simply, the Dragon 4 has historically been more powerful than its ability to capture electric energy with its 100kW generator, so with this upgrade to 185kW, we get a more balanced system that can harvest up to twice as much energy at the given test site in Vestmanna. This is achieved without any noticeable impact on hardware costs,” says Dr Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto.

Infrastructure upgrades

With the return of the local service vessel, the Dragon 4 production sites will be prepared for the more powerful Dragon 4 units. Work is also underway and will continue throughout the spring to accommodate the commercial microgrid set-up with a BES (battery energy storage system) – the world’s first tidal energy microgrid with integrated energy storage.

The preparations include upgrades and service of existing offshore infrastructure as well as additions to the onshore electric infrastructure, including installation of the BES.

The primary purpose of the Vestmanna test site in the short term will be to commission and demonstrate a microgrid powered by base-load tidal electricity. The ongoing 56 MSEK Microgrid demonstration project is jointly funded by Minesto, Capture Energy, IVL and the Swedish Energy Agency.

“We are preparing the Vestmanna site for demonstration of a complete commercial microgrid system that is offered in ongoing customer discussions at several identified locations around the world, including locally in the Faroe Islands,” says Martin Edlund.

CONTACT:

Contact

Cecilia Sernhage, Chief Communications Officer
+46 735 23 71 58
ir@minesto.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/minesto-ab/r/project-update-on-minesto-dragons-and-infrastructure-in-vestmanna–faroe-islands,c4313004

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/14621/4313004/3952609.pdf

PR 260225 Project Update on Minesto Dragons and Infrastructure in Vestmanna, Faroe Islands

https://news.cision.com/minesto-ab/i/minesto-tidal-energy-kites-dragon-12-and-dragon-4,c3513871

Minesto tidal energy kites Dragon 12 and Dragon 4

/C O R R E C T I O N — World Gym/

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Advertorial Desk
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In the news release, World Gym Corporation Will Participate in Fireside Chat with IPO Edge on February 27, 2026, issued 25-Feb-2026 by World Gym over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the release should include the register link. The complete, corrected release follows:

World Gym Corporation Will Participate in Fireside Chat with IPO Edge on February 27, 2026

TAIPEI, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World Gym Corporation (2762.TW) (“World Gym” or the “Company”), the owner of the iconic World Gym brand with over 280 locations worldwide, today announced that its President, John Caraccio, and Executive Committee Member, Mark Harms, will participate in a Fireside Chat with IPO Edge and The Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association on February 27 at 8:00 am Eastern Time.

During the event, Messrs. Caraccio and Harms will discuss the company’s recent Q4 and full year 2025 financial performance as well as outlook for 2026. The Company is experiencing rapid acceleration of revenue and earnings growth due to its disciplined growth strategy, combined with stringent cost controls and has plans to add many new locations as well as offer innovative services. The live event will be moderated by IPO Edge Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone and Editor-at-Large Jarrett Banks in a video session lasting approximately 60 minutes including a Q&A with the audience.

“I look forward to participating in this event and offering more color about our financial results as well as diving into some of the exciting things we have on the horizon, such as our focus on AI and longevity and more,” said John Caraccio, President of World Gym Corporation.

We cordially invite you to participate in this live event, please register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5PEh8sjhRMK1MUv3l96xaw#/registration 

About World Gym Corporation

World Gym Corporation is Taiwan’s largest fitness chain, operating 139 locations. In 2024, it acquired World Gym International, securing the iconic World Gym brand and global operating rights, establishing itself as a global fitness leader. With a franchise network spanning 10 countries and 284 locations, it serves 900,000 members. The company continues to empower individuals worldwide to achieve their fitness goals and live healthier lives through state-of-the-art facilities, innovative programs, and technology-driven solutions.

Blockchain for Good Alliance Names Token Tails Top 2025 Incubation Project for Scalable Stray Cat Rescue Infrastructure

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DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA), the global non-profit initiative founded by Bybit dedicated to leveraging blockchain for societal impact, has named Token Tails the top incubation project of 2025, recognising the project for demonstrating a scalable, blockchain-powered infrastructure capable of continuously funding real-world stray animal rescue at a measurable scale.

Token Tails was selected during BGAwards 2025 in Copenhagen, at the Blockchain Impact Forum, as part of the BGA Incubation Showcase. The project was formally recognised through the Alliance’s incubation programme, reflecting the organisation’s strategic focus on supporting initiatives that move beyond one-off charitable campaigns to build systems designed for sustained, verifiable impact.

While many animal welfare initiatives rely on episodic fundraising and donations, Token Tails embeds real-world funding directly into user participation. Every interaction within the platform is designed to generate automatic, continuous support for verified shelters, creating an always-on funding mechanism rather than intermittent appeals.

For shelters, Token Tails is developing a unified system covering intake, medical history, sponsorships, and adoption, transparently linked to funding flows. As the infrastructure matures, the project aims to position itself not merely as a charitable initiative, but as a global entertainment brand designed to generate animal welfare impact by default.

As BGA’s top incubation project for 2025, Token Tails is receiving tailored incubation resources through the Alliance’s Ascend Incubation track. This includes grant funding, access to BGA’s ecosystem partners, and customised advisory support across areas such as fundraising, go-to-market strategy, compliance, and partnerships based on the project’s evolving needs. In addition, the project benefits from marketing exposure and on-the-ground event support through BGA-led initiatives.

Technical support has been provided through ecosystem partner Mantle, which has also committed 5,000 MNT in funding for the project, alongside tailored resources and advisory support from BGA aligned with Token Tails’ evolving needs.

The designation follows BGA’s approach of selecting one leading project each year for deeper, bespoke incubation. In 2024, the Alliance recognised EthicHub as its top incubation project. Token Tails is expected to complete the incubation cycle and graduate at the BGAwards in November 2026, after which the next leading project will be selected.

“Token Tails was founded to fix a broken problem,” said Žygimantas Bagdzevičius, founder of Token Tails. “Millions of cats need help, but impact is often invisible and trust is fragile. Blockchain allows us to make saving cats transparent, trackable, and scalable.”

The model has already delivered measurable outcomes, which BGA views as early validation of the underlying system rather than a standalone achievement. To date, Token Tails reports it has saved more than 800 cats, funding food, medical treatment, and urgent care across multiple shelters — demonstrating how continuous, infrastructure-led funding can operate in real-world conditions.

“Blockchain’s true potential for good is realised when incentives are aligned with impact,” said Glenn Tan, Director of Global Affairs at Blockchain for Good Alliance. “BGA selected Token Tails not simply for what it has achieved to date, but for the way its model converts everyday digital participation into a continuous funding engine for shelters globally. It is a strong example of how blockchain can move beyond speculation and into systems designed for scalable, measurable public benefit.”

This systems-led approach, combined with early performance, contributed to BGA and Bybit’s decision to support Token Tails through deeper incubation.

During Paris Blockchain Week 2026, Token Tails is scheduled to co-host a side event with Bybit and BGA, featuring supported rescue cats. The event will allow attendees to participate in hands-on rescue activities and interact with rescued animals, reinforcing BGA’s emphasis on tangible, real-world outcomes tied to its incubation programmes.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BGA

Blockchain for Good Alliance Names Token Tails Top 2025 Incubation Project for Scalable Stray Cat Rescue Infrastructure
Blockchain for Good Alliance Names Token Tails Top 2025 Incubation Project for Scalable Stray Cat Rescue Infrastructure

Blockchain for Good Alliance Names Token Tails Top 2025 Incubation Project for Scalable Stray Cat Rescue Infrastructure
Blockchain for Good Alliance Names Token Tails Top 2025 Incubation Project for Scalable Stray Cat Rescue Infrastructure

About Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA)

The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) is a global nonprofit initiative founded by Bybit, dedicated to advancing blockchain as a tool to address real-world problems. By convening leaders, innovators, and organisations from across the blockchain industry, BGA seeks to drive innovation, collaboration and action toward a more sustainable and equitable world.

For more information:
Email: hello@chainforgood.org
Website: www.chainforgood.org
Twitter: www.x.com/chainforgood
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockchainforgoodalliance/

Mantle and Aave Surpass $575 Million in Total Market Size Within Two Weeks of Launch, Marking a New Benchmark for Institutional DeFi

By
Advertorial Desk
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The Mantle-Aave-Bybit integration delivers record-breaking on-chain liquidity, driven by coordinated incentive programs and deep CeDeFi infrastructure.

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following the successful mainnet integration between Mantle and Aave, announced in collaboration with Bybit, Mantle and Aave today announced that their joint deployment has surpassed $575 million in total market size, encompassing both supply and borrows within just two weeks of going live.

Mantle and Aave Surpass $575 Million in Total Market Size Within Two Weeks of Launch, Marking a New Benchmark for Institutional DeFi
Mantle and Aave Surpass $575 Million in Total Market Size Within Two Weeks of Launch, Marking a New Benchmark for Institutional DeFi

The milestone reflects the growing demand for institutional-grade DeFi infrastructure and marks one of the fastest liquidity ramp-ups in Aave’s deployment history across any network.

The integration, which brought together Mantle’s high-performance distribution layer, Aave’s leading decentralized liquidity markets, and Bybit’s global exchange infrastructure, has established a unified framework for on-chain finance that bridges centralized and decentralized ecosystems at scale. What began as a protocol deployment has rapidly evolved into a live proof point for the CeDeFi thesis, where institutional capital, retail participation, and real-world financial instruments converge in a single, composable environment.

Record-Breaking Early Momentum for Aave v3 on Mantle

Since launching on Mantle, Aave v3 has onboarded a broad and strategically curated set of assets which includes wETH, USDC, GHO, FBTC, USDe, and wrsETH with additional assets planned for future onboarding subject to governance review. The asset lineup reflects a deliberate focus on both capital efficiency and ecosystem diversity, spanning native stablecoins, liquid staking derivatives, Bitcoin-backed instruments, and yield-bearing tokens.

Each market has been configured with a full suite of per-asset risk parameters, including isolation mode flags, conservative supply and borrow caps, and tailored interest-rate curves, all subject to ongoing review by Aave’s risk service providers. This governance-first approach ensures that Mantle’s rapid liquidity growth is matched with the institutional-grade safety and transparency that large allocators require.

Key Milestones Since Launch

  • $575M+ Total Market Size in Two Weeks: Combined supply and borrow activity across Aave v3 on Mantle has exceeded $575 million indicating a milestone that underscores both the depth of existing demand and the effectiveness of the coordinated incentive framework.
  • wrsETH Supply Cap Maxed Twice in One Week: The wrsETH pool by KelpDAO reached its supply cap twice within a single week, with deposits doubling to approximately $50 million within three days — a clear signal of concentrated, high-conviction demand for liquid restaking exposure on Mantle.
  • Institutional Capital Participation: The deployment’s focus on RWA-compatible infrastructure and institutional-grade risk controls has attracted significant allocations from professional participants seeking capital-efficient, transparent on-chain yield.
  • GHO Expansion on Mantle: The deployment of Aave’s native stablecoin GHO has established a new liquidity hub on Mantle, supported by active distribution from the Aave Liquidity Committee.

Active Incentive Programs

To reward early adopters and sustain long-term liquidity depth, two coordinated incentive programs are currently live:

  1. Mantle (MNT) Rewards: A total of 8 million $MNT has been allocated to incentivize suppliers and borrowers across prioritized markets, including ETH, USDC, and USDT.
  2. Aave DAO Contribution: The Aave Liquidity Committee is distributing 1.5 million $GHO to drive stablecoin adoption and ensure deep liquidity for GHO-based pairs across the Mantle market.

Building the Foundation for CeDeFi at Scale

The Mantle & Aave integration represents more than a protocol deployment. It is a foundational layer for the CeDeFi future. Through its structural alignment with Bybit, Mantle provides a direct bridge for more than 70 million global users to access decentralized markets, with the trust, compliance, and UX expectations of a world-class centralized exchange.

Upcoming phases of the collaboration are designed to deepen this bridge further:

  • Integrated Earn Products: Direct integration of Aave’s yield-bearing assets into Bybit’s Earn suite, enabling seamless access to on-chain yield for Bybit’s global user base.
  • Advanced Collateral Options: Support for Mantle-native assets and RWA-backed tokens within Aave’s isolated pools, unlocking greater capital efficiency for institutional participants.

“Surpassing $575 million in total market size within two weeks is not just a number but a validation that the market has been waiting for infrastructure that connects institutional capital, real-world assets, and decentralized finance without compromise. Mantle was built to be the distribution layer where this convergence happens, and what we’re seeing today is exactly that thesis playing out in real time.” said Emily Bao, Key Advisor at Mantle.

Start Earning on Mantle

Users can access the Mantle market via the official Aave interface to supply assets, borrow against collateral, and begin earning boosted rewards.

About Mantle

Mantle positions itself as the premier distribution layer and gateway for institutions and TradFi to connect with on-chain liquidity and access real-world assets, powering how real-world finance flows.

With over $4B+ in community-owned assets, Mantle combines credibility, liquidity and scalability with institutional-grade infrastructure to support large-scale adoption. The ecosystem is anchored by $MNT within Bybit, and built out through core ecosystem projects like mETH, fBTC, MI4 and more. This is complemented by Mantle Network’s partnerships with leading issuers and protocols such as Ethena USDe, Ondo USDY, and OP-Succinct.

For more information about Mantle, please visit: mantle.xyz
For more social updates, please follow: Mantle Official X & Mantle Community Channel  
For media enquiries, please contact: contact@mantle.xyz

About Aave Protocol

Aave is a decentralized, non-custodial liquidity protocol where users can participate as suppliers or borrowers. Suppliers provide liquidity to the market while earning interest, and borrowers can access liquidity by providing collateral that exceeds the borrowed amount. Aave also supports GHO, its decentralized overcollateralized stablecoin, designed to provide transparent, on-chain stable liquidity. With a 60% market share of DeFi lending, Aave is the largest and most trusted on-chain lending network, with over $52B in net deposits.

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