Agora and Akool integrate real-time conversational AI with lifelike streaming avatars to elevate interactive experiences across voice, video, and chat.

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Agora, Inc. (NASDAQ: API), the leading platform for real-time engagement and conversational AI, and Akool, a pioneer in AI-driven video and avatar technology, today announced a strategic collaboration to integrate Akool’s streaming avatars into Agora’s conversational AI ecosystem. This partnership enables developers to embed expressive, real-time AI avatars into voice, video, and chat applications, unlocking new possibilities for immersive and humanized interactions.

“Agora’s mission is to enable immersive real-time experiences. By integrating Akool’s avatar technology, we’re elevating what conversational applications can be — voice plus visual presence,” said Tony Wang, Agora’s Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer.

Integration Highlights & Benefits

• Agora’s Conversational AI Engine now supports Akool as a beta avatar provider, enabling the creation of creative, lifelike avatars that are synchronized with speech, facial movements, and gestures.
• Developers using Agora’s APIs can select Akool as their avatar provider and quickly configure avatar settings in their applications.
• This integration enhances user interactions in meetings, livestreams, AI agents, and conversational interfaces, effectively bridging the gap between voice-only and fully visual experiences.
• The collaboration expands Agora’s product offering to include avatar-backed conversational experiences, complemented by Akool’s avatar generation and streaming technologies.

Use Cases & Applications

• Virtual hosts and AI agents that “see and speak” rather than just speak
• Enhanced livestreams and webinars where avatars present or narrate dynamically
• Customer support bots with expressive avatars to increase trust and engagement
• Educational platforms using avatars to deliver more humanized, interactive lessons

“At Akool, we believe that conversations become more powerful when you can both hear and see an expressive presence. Partnering with Agora connects our avatars directly into conversational AI platforms, making it easier for developers to bring these experiences to life,” said Jiajun (Jeff) Lu, CEO of Akool.

The companies will jointly promote this integration through technical demos, developer resources, and marketing campaigns. Both teams plan to iterate on the collaboration, expanding avatar features, language support, and performance optimizations.

This partnership reinforces Agora’s position as a platform that supports cutting-edge conversational experiences, while giving Akool a path to scale its avatar technology across diverse real-time applications.

About Akool
Akool is a full-stack AI video generation platform that empowers creators, educators, and enterprises to produce real-time, expressive avatars and video content. Its technology bridges voice, vision, and AI to deliver lifelike, interactive experiences.

About Agora
Agora is the global leader in real-time engagement, providing developers with simple, flexible, and powerful APIs to embed real-time conversational AI, voice, video, interactive live streaming, and chat into their applications and IoT devices. Headquartered in Santa Clara, CA, Agora is trusted by over 1,800 leading organizations across the globe to power best-in-class real-time experiences from social media and live shopping to education and telehealth. For more information about Agora (NASDAQ: API), visit: www.agora.io

• One of UK’s leading wealth managers, with offices and clients across the country, finds in new analysis that UK is ‘the most geographically unequal economy in developed world’
• Rathbones calls for decisive action in the Budget to support growth and investment in all regions and warns that high energy costs and poor transport links deter business investment and limit opportunity

LONDON, Nov. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Critical under-investment in regions outside of the South-East is a serious drag on the UK’s economic prospects and needs urgent address, according to Rathbones, one of the UK’s leading wealth management groups.

Rathbones says its plan supports investment-led growth.

Publishing its key recommendations for the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Budget, Rathbones calls on the government to reverse years of neglect in regional funding and unleash the potential of the UK economy as a whole. It warns that the UK is, by several measures, the most geographically unequal economy in the developed world.

The firm’s analysis, “Building Prosperity: Five Recommendations for Growth and Investment in the UK” Rathbones highlights how regional inequalities, for instance in infrastructure and energy costs, undermine  the UK’s economic potential. It cites  spending per person on transport, which is 80% higher in London than in the next highest region, Scotland. This means that in each of the nine largest cities outside London, only 40% of people can reach the city centre in 30 minutes by public transport, compared with 67% in comparable European cities.

The Building Prosperity report is based on extensive analysis by Rathbones’ economists and investment research team, as well as insights from clients across the country. It identifies five critical areas for policy action: pensions, business taxation, regional/public investment, wealth taxation, and property/housing market reform. The report argues that only a bold, investment-led approach can break the cycle of weak growth and rising tax pressures that have hampered the UK economy for years.

Key findings on the impact of regional imbalance include:

• Energy costs and competitiveness: UK industrial electricity prices are almost 50% higher than the median among developed economies, with prices four times higher than in the US and one-and-a-half times the European average. This is particularly damaging for energy-intensive sectors outside of London such as manufacturing and data centres, which are vital for the digital economy.
• Infrastructure delays and missed opportunities: The cancellation of the northern leg of HS2 and delays to Northern Powerhouse Rail risk hampering growth in the North. Rathbones calls for renewed commitment to major transport projects outside London and further devolution of decision-making to cities and regions.
• Planning system bottlenecks: The report highlights how the UK’s planning system creates delays and costs, with less than a quarter of major planning decisions made within the statutory 13-week timeline. Rathbones urges the government to pass the Planning and Infrastructure Bill without dilution, to speed up approval and delivery of major projects and ensure adequate funding for the planning system.

Camilla Stowell, CEO Wealth at Rathbones, said: “Our clients are at the heart of building and managing the real-world activity that drives the UK economy. But too many regions are being left behind by underinvestment in transport, energy, and public services. If the government is serious about driving growth, it must prioritise regional investment and infrastructure reform. The evidence is clear: targeted investment can unlock opportunity, create jobs, and support businesses across the country.”

Oliver Jones, Head of Asset Allocation at Rathbones and lead author of the analysis, added: “Regional investment is not just about fairness, it’s about unlocking the UK’s economic potential. Our research shows that holistic infrastructure spending and energy reform can drive growth, create jobs, and support businesses across the country. The government must act now to ensure every region can contribute to and benefit from national prosperity.”

In its analysis, Building Prosperity, Rathbones also calls on the government to:

1. Boost investment through the pension system
2. Reform business taxation
3. Resist further taxes on wealth
4. Reinvigorate the housing market

Notes to Editors

See the full report here.

Please contact press@rathbones.com 

About Rathbones rathbones.com

Rathbones Group Plc (Rathbones) is one of the UK’s leading providers of investment and wealth management services for private clients (individuals and families), charities, trustees, and professional partners. Rathbones’ purpose is to help more people invest their money well, so they can live well.

With roots dating back to 1742, the company has been trusted for generations to manage, preserve and grow its clients’ wealth. Services include discretionary investment management, fund management, tax planning, trust and company management, financial advice and banking services. Rathbones also supports financial advisers deliver positive outcomes for their clients.

Rathbones manages £113.0 billion* of client assets, including £16.3 billion through its asset management arm, Rathbones Asset Management Limited. A FTSE 250 company, Rathbones employs over 3,350 professionals, including around 750 investment professionals in over 20 offices across the UK and the Channel Islands, offering clients high-quality, personalised wealth management services.

*As of September 30, 2025

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson have approved the release of Michter’s 20 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Shipments of this rare whiskey to bars, restaurants, and stores will begin December 1st. This release comes three months after Michter’s was named The World’s Most Admired Whiskey for an unprecedented third time. In August, Drinks International published the 2025 list of the World’s Most Admired Whiskies. The rankings are determined by an international academy consisting of 100 independent global drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders and whisky experts, and it includes legendary distillers from Scotland, Japan, Ireland, and beyond.

The 2025 Relase of Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon

“By law bourbon must be aged in a brand new barrel, which imparts flavor, color and oak character more quickly than a used barrel. To age a whiskey that will taste wonderful after two decades in a first-use barrel is an extremely difficult endeavor that requires a skillful balance of art and science. I believe that people will appreciate the thoughtful and conscientious work of our production team when they taste this exceptional whiskey,” commented Michter’s President Joseph J. Magliocco.

Barrel management and precisely controlled warehouse conditions are critical to the quality of aged whiskey. Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson oversees both of these important areas for Michter’s. Wilson observed, “Details matter when it comes to aging bourbon gracefully. Michter’s 20 Year Bourbon is an exemplary representation of how oak can be used to deepen vanilla, toffee, chocolate, spice, fruit, and confectionery notes that enhance complexity in bourbon. We hope that everyone who gets the opportunity to taste this product is able to experience the beloved attributes of a beautiful, timeless bourbon crafted through intentional aging.”

The proof of this 2025 release is 114.2 (57.1% ABV), and the suggested U.S. retail price is $1,200 for a 750ml bottle.

“Our production team takes great pride in offering such a special whiskey. A lot of time and effort goes into maturing these barrels so that they are extraordinary for this release,” said Master Distiller Dan McKee.

Beyond its main distillery in the Shively section of Louisville, Michter’s operations extend to two other sites in Kentucky. In Springfield, Michter’s is farming estate grown grain on its 205-acre property, while in downtown Louisville, Michter’s has its second distillery in the historic Fort Nelson Building. Situated in a prime location on West Main Street opposite Louisville Slugger and on the same block as the Frazier Museum, Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery features the legendary pot still system from Michter’s Pennsylvania. It also has educational tours with whiskey tastings and The Bar at Fort Nelson, which features classic cocktails curated by spirits and cocktail historian David Wondrich.

Michter’s has a rich and long legacy of offering traditional American whiskeys of uncompromising quality. With each of its limited production offerings aged to its peak maturity, Michter’s highly acclaimed portfolio includes bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey. For more information about Michter’s, please visit michters.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Contact:
Joseph J. Magliocco
+1 (502) 774-2300 x580
jmagliocco@michters.com

– Strategic investment enhances service to North American customers and supports rising market demand for high-quality ingredients –

BASEL, Switzerland, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jungbunzlauer, a global leader in high-quality ingredients from natural sources, today announced the successful closing of its acquisition of the production site in Thomson, Illinois from International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (IFF). 

This milestone marks Jungbunzlauer’s first U.S. manufacturing facility, enhancing its ability to serve North American customers with greater proximity and responsiveness.

The Thomson site will be developed to support Jungbunzlauer’s portfolio of naturally derived ingredients, with preparations, equipment installation, and regulatory compliance activities commencing immediately. 

The company, well known for its high-quality citric acid, develops and manufactures a wide product portfolio including mineral salts, texturants and acidulants. Together with the recent expansion of its biogums facility in Canada, this acquisition positions Jungbunzlauer to meet growing demand and deliver high-quality solutions across North America. 

“This acquisition is a significant step in Jungbunzlauer’s growth journey. We are proud to establish our first U.S. manufacturing facility in Thomson, Illinois, and look forward to delivering sustainable, trusted solutions for our customers. We plan to invest in advanced manufacturing and deliver long-term value for the region, our customers and stakeholders,” said Bruno Tremblay, Chief Executive Officer, Jungbunzlauer. 

Jungbunzlauer is committed to being an active partner in the Thomson community. By localising production, the company aims to create jobs, support local suppliers, and contribute to regional economic growth. Its approach emphasises efficient operations and responsible sourcing, reflecting a dedication to customer needs and community support. 

“Jungbunzlauer’s reputation for responsible, quality manufacturing makes them an ideal addition to the Illinois business community. We are proud to welcome them to Thomson and look forward to supporting their growth, which will bring new, high-quality opportunities for our workforce, suppliers, and the region,” said David Schmit, Regional Director, Northwest Illinois Economic Development. 

The asset deal does not include any of IFF’s commercial business, product lines, or employees. 

“We look forward to providing further updates, including operational plans, future hiring, and community engagement initiatives as we prepare the facility for production,” concluded Mr Tremblay. 

About Jungbunzlauer

Jungbunzlauer is a leading producer of high-quality, sustainable ingredients from natural sources, serving industries from food and beverage, to nutrition, health, home and personal care, among others. Leading the way in developing naturally better ingredients that enhance everyday life, we are a trusted partner offering a diverse portfolio of texturants, acidulants, sweeteners, minerals, and tailored solutions to meet our customers’ evolving needs.

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, with state-of-the-art facilities including large-scale fermentation operations across Europe and North America, we proudly serve more than 130 countries worldwide. Founded more than 150 years ago, Jungbunzlauer has grown into a CHF 1.3 billion company, driven by nearly 1,400 dedicated colleagues committed to a healthier, more sustainable future. Learn more at www.jungbunzlauer.com.

Recognition Highlights the Company’s Breakthrough in Autonomous Vision AI for Digital Automation

SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — INFOFLA, a rising leader in autonomous AI solutions, today announced that its flagship product, Selto, the vision-based autonomous AI agent, has been named a CES 2026 Innovation Award Honoree for outstanding achievement in technology and design.

Hosted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the CES Innovation Awards recognize cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of global industries. This honor positions INFOFLA among the world’s most forward-thinking companies advancing next-generation intelligent automation.

Selto introduces a new paradigm in digital work automation.

Unlike traditional RPA tools or text-based AI agents, Selto “sees” and interacts with user interfaces visually—identifying buttons, menus, and forms just as a human would. Powered by advanced Vision-Language Models (VLMs) and adaptive learning architecture, Selto autonomously performs complex, end-to-end tasks without requiring scripts, APIs, or system integration.

This breakthrough enables organizations to automate workflows across even the most complex or restricted systems, including public service portals, legacy applications, and secure enterprise software. Selto delivers human-level perception, real-time adaptability, and enhanced scalability, making it a transformative solution for enterprise digital transformation.

INFOFLA’s innovation has already gained significant international momentum. In late October, the company showcased Selto at TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco 2025, forming strategic partnerships with technology distributors and enterprise buyers across North America. To accelerate global expansion, INFOFLA is now establishing a U.S. subsidiary and plans to increase R&D collaboration and enterprise deployments worldwide.

“Selto was designed to bridge the gap between human understanding and digital execution,” said Inmook Choi, CEO of INFOFLA. “Winning the CES 2026 Innovation Award is a meaningful milestone that validates our mission to redefine what is possible with intelligent, vision-driven automation.”

By removing traditional technical barriers and supporting secure, on-premise-compatible deployment, INFOFLA is setting a new global benchmark for intelligent automation in the AI era.

About INFOFLA

INFOFLA is a South Korea–based AI technology company specializing in vision-based autonomous AI agents that empower organizations to automate any digital task—without code, APIs, or system integration. With a focus on inclusivity, adaptability, and security, INFOFLA empowers industries to adopt AI-driven automation that mirrors human decision-making and accelerates digital transformation.

For more information, visit www.infofla.com or linkedin.com/company/infofla.

NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

Ashley Mastronardi delivers the pre-market update on November 6th

• Stocks are little changed Thursday morning after they rebounded on Wednesday, lifted by a surge in AI-related names. This included NYSE-listed Oracle, which ended the day up nearly 1%.
• Evommune will go public on the NYSE today. The biotech priced at $16 a share after raising $150 million. The company specializes in treating chronic inflammatory diseases such as Eczema and Hives.
• Grupo Aeromexico will also celebrate its IPO today. The IPO priced at $19 a share after raising $223 million. The Mexico-based airline provides service that connects Mexico with the rest of the world.
• NYSE-listed Altice USA will change its name to Optimum Communications beginning tomorrow. The company will also change its ticker symbol to OPTU beginning on Wednesday, November 19th.

Opening Bell
Evommune (NYSE: EVMN) celebrates its IPO

Closing Bell
Arrow Electronics (NYSE: ARW) marks its 90^th anniversary of founding

Click here to download the NYSE TV App

Video – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2815908/NYSE_Nov_6_Market_Update.mp4 

TOKYO, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Carrier Japan’s air-cooled modular chiller / heat pump Universal Smart X (USX) series has been included in the EXPO 2025 Special Edition of the Green Technology Book. Published by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the prestigious recognition was unveiled at EXPO 2025 Osaka, showcasing over 200 impactful energy innovations from the Asia Pacific region and highlighting technologies that contribute to a more sustainable future. Carrier Japan is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

“Being featured in WIPO’s Green Technology Book reflects the strength of the USX series, not only as a technological innovation, but as a solution that meets the evolving needs of our planet as well as our customers,” said Toru Kubo, President, Carrier Japan. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to sustainability and our mission to deliver energy-efficient solutions. We will continue to listen to our customers and innovate with purpose, ensuring our technologies contribute to the world we share.”

As part of the United Nations, WIPO plays a vital role in supporting global innovation by ensuring that intellectual property rights are protected and that transformative ideas reach the market. WIPO’s Green Technology Book focuses on energy solutions in the Asia Pacific region – the fastest growing region in the world and home to 60% of the global population.

The USX series, a leading modular chiller and heat pump series in Japan, has earned multiple accolades for innovation and energy efficiency. The USX EDGE 32, a popular solution for data centers and other commercial and industrial applications including factories, received the highest honor at the 2021 Energy Conservation Grand Prize Awards Japan. Concurrently, the USX FIT, recognized for its triplet rotary compressors, space-saving design and retrofit capability, was awarded the top prize at the 2025 Demand Side Management Awards Japan. Its recent inclusion in the Green Technology Book adds another distinguished recognition to its celebrated legacy and underscores Carrier Japan’s commitment to advancing energy-efficient solutions and supporting global efforts toward a more sustainable future.

About Carrier Japan
Carrier Japan provides sustainable solutions integrating energy efficient products for residential, light commercial and industrial customers. Carrier Japan is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, committed to creating innovations that bring comfort, safety and sustainability to life. For more information, visit Carrier HVAC Asia Pacific.

Carrier. For the World We Share.

Contact:  
Mikiko Kato
mikiko.katou1@carrier.com
Media Relations
Carrier Japan Corporation