Home Blog Page 683

Pro Bowlers Association’s “PBA USA vs. The World” to air live on CBS and Paramount+ Saturday, April 4 at 2p ET

By
Advertorial Desk
-

Global Team Showdown Brings Bowling’s Biggest Stars to National Broadcast

RICHMOND, Va., April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This Saturday, April 4, the premier Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) international team competition, PBA USA vs. The World, will be nationally televised live from Columbus Square Bowling Palace in Columbus, Ohio on CBS and available to stream on Paramount+ at 2:00 PM, ET.

Pro Bowlers Association’s "PBA USA vs. The World" to air live on CBS and Paramount+ Saturday, April 4 at 2p ET
Pro Bowlers Association’s “PBA USA vs. The World” to air live on CBS and Paramount+ Saturday, April 4 at 2p ET

“PBA USA vs. The World is a powerful showcase of the sport’s global growth and competitive depth,” said Peter Murray, CEO of PBA. “We look forward to this event being broadcast on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ to the widest possible audience, highlighting the energy, talent, and international pride that define today’s PBA.”

This fast-paced, team-based competition culminates in the awarding of the Hall of Fame Cup, the ultimate prize. The competition pits top American players against elite international stars. The format is a blend of singles, doubles, and team play, highlighted by the much-anticipated captain’s matchup between Team USA’s EJ Tackett and Team World’s Jason Belmonte of Australia. The international roster also features standout competitors representing Sweden, England, and Canada.

Much like golf’s Ryder Cup, which pits the USA against Europe, PBA USA vs. The World focuses on team and national competition. Players compete in singles, doubles, and team matches, with each contest contributing to the overall battle for international supremacy.

Fans can tune in live on CBS or stream on Paramount+ on April 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET, with additional content including highlights, behind-the-scenes access, and player storytelling available across the PBA’s digital and social platforms.

For more information and updates about the PBA Tour powered by GoBowling, visit PBA.com and follow the PBA on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, and YouTube.

About the Professional Bowlers Association
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) is the world’s premier organization dedicated to the sport of bowling and its professional competition. The PBA has thousands of members from over 30 countries, competing in events including the PBA Tour, PBA Regional Tour, and PBA50 Tour. The PBA also serves casual and league bowlers through its membership programs, offering access to statistics, awards, and certified tournaments. With millions of fans worldwide, the PBA continues to grow the sport of bowling and inspire the next generation of bowlers.

For PBA/Lucky Strike Entertainment:
Lucky Strike Entertainment: luckystrike@thedooronline.com 

Photo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/pba_usavstheworld_cbs.jpg 
Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/pba_tour_logo.jpg 

 

The Only One Selected: SUS ENVIRONMENT’s Qingdao West Coast Project Named BCRC “Zero-Waste City” Typical Case

By
Advertorial Desk
-

SHANGHAI, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On March 31, 2026, the 2026 International Day of Zero-Waste event was successfully held, during which SUS ENVIRONMENT’s Qingdao West Coast Project was selected as a typical Zero-Waste City construction case by the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (BCRC-AP).

Co-hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat, BCRC-AP and the Department of Ecology and Environment of Hainan Province, this flagship online event brought together environmental representatives from the UN and countries worldwide. The UN Secretary-General and leaders of UNEP and UN-Habitat delivered opening remarks, while global environmental delegates shared international practices in building Zero-Waste Cities.

Notably, among the 109 cases from 40 cities released this time, the Qingdao West Coast Project is the only case honored for the “eco-industrial park multi-source solid waste synergistic model”. Adopting the “one park, one operator” model, the project integrates waste-to-energy incineration, waste heat district heating, biogas upgrading to biomethane, and fly ash landfilling, achieving synergistic treatment and cascaded energy utilization.

Covering 489,000 square meters, the project serves 2.61 million people and treats about 820,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste annually. It has formed a high-efficiency energy system of “high-parameter waste-to-energy, waste heat heating, biogas to natural gas”, with annual power generation of 410 GWh, carbon emission reduction of 324,700 tonnes, and heat supply of 720,000 gigajoules for 1.5 million square meters of residential areas. It turns high-carbon waste disposal into a low-carbon urban energy node, contributing SUS’s wisdom to global waste management.

SUS ENVIRONMENT was invited to deliver a keynote speech. The “City-Beneficial” solid waste management model drew wide attention: when waste heat flows into community pipelines, when green electricity lights up homes, and when eco-industrial parks drive low-carbon transition of surrounding industrial estates — waste is no longer a burden on the city, but becomes a “new engine” for urban development.

“Zero waste” is not the end point, nor should WtE be limited to end-of-pipe disposal. It is a converter of energy and resources, a key link in the urban circular economy and ecological transition. SUS ENVIRONMENT stands ready to work with global partners to turn the concept of zero waste into reality and build a sustainable future together.

See the story: https://youtu.be/mDtrats2FZg?si=xWZHsF4e-21qsz78

BSV Association Announces Chronicle: A Mandatory Network Upgrade That Completes the Bitcoin Protocol

By
Advertorial Desk
-

ZUG, Switzerland, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BSV Association has confirmed the Chronicle upgrade (SV Node v1.2), a mandatory network upgrade to BSV blockchain scheduled to activate at block height 943,816. Chronicle represents a historic milestone: the final step in restoring the BSV protocol to its original Bitcoin design by removing artificial technical constraints that have long limited what developers and enterprises can build on chain.

The upgrade is available now. All node operators and exchanges running BSV infrastructure must upgrade before the activation block to remain in network consensus.

Connor Murray, BSV Association Head of Stewardship and Standards, said: “Chronicle is not about adding complexity to BSV, it is about eliminating it. By removing the artificial limits that were never part of Bitcoin’s original design, we are handing developers and enterprises a protocol they can build on with real confidence. A stable, unconstrained foundation is what enables serious long-term adoption.”

What Chronicle Enables
Chronicle removes longstanding artificial technical limitations from the BSV protocol, unlocking:

  • More flexible Bitcoin Script usage
  • More advanced transaction logic
  • Greater freedom in application design

For developers, this means building without unnecessary workarounds. For businesses, it means more capable and efficient blockchain-based solutions built on a foundation that will not shift beneath them.

Why Chronicle Matters
Chronicle is not about ongoing protocol change. It is about completing the protocol as originally intended and locking in the stability that long-term value depends on. The result is a leaner development environment with:

  • A more stable foundation for long-term development
  • Reduced reliance on external dependencies or workarounds
  • Lower development overhead
  • Greater scalability for enterprise applications

What Operators Must Do Now
All operators of BSV node infrastructure and exchange systems supporting BSV must upgrade to SV Node v1.2 before the activation block height, expected to be reached on April 7th, 2026. The upgrade is available now and follows the standard node deployment process with no disruption to live systems.

  • Nodes that do not upgrade before activation risk:
    • Falling out of network consensus
    • Failing to validate blocks
    • Chain synchronisation issues
    • Disruption to deposits, withdrawals or network connectivity for exchanges running the node software

Wallets, existing applications and standard user transactions are unaffected. Developers are not required to update existing applications. The new functionality Chronicle unlocks is entirely optional and opt-in.

ALL BSV NODE OPERATORS MUST UPDATE BEFORE THE BLOCK HEIGHT IS REACHED. MORE INFO HERE 

 

About BSV Association:
BSV Association is a Switzerland based non-profit organisation that serves as the global advocate for BSV blockchain. Its mission is to advance adoption and unlock the full potential of BSV as a scalable, secure and energy-efficient public blockchain built for data integrity, enterprise solutions and government applications. The Association supports developers, enterprises and public sector institutions by fostering innovation, encouraging regulatory compliance and promoting real-world use cases that demonstrate blockchain’s value on a global scale. Through education, developer engagement, strategic partnerships, public policy initiatives and technological advancement, BSV Association is committed to driving sustainable growth and long-term utility of blockchain technology.

Founders Metals Makes First Discovery at Antino North; Drills 17.22 g/t Au over 3.6 m within 24.6 m of 2.81 g/t Au

By
Advertorial Desk
-
Vancouver, British Columbia – Newsfile Corp. – April 2, 2026 – Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) (OTCQX: FDMIF) (FSE: 9DL0) (“Founders” or the “Company”) announces a new high-grade gold discovery at its Antino Gold Project (“Antino” or “Project”) in southeastern Suriname. The Company reports high-grade gold mineralization from surface, returning 17.22 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) over 3.6 metres (m) within a broader 24.6 m interval grading 2.81 g/t Au, in the first-ever drillhole in the Antino North area (Figure 1).

Highlights
First ever Antino North drilling delivers exceptional results from surface in the first drillhole (AN001)

  • 24.6 m of 2.81 g/t Au including 3.60 m of 17.22 g/t Au from 1.5 m down hole
  • 13.5 m of 0.44 g/t Au from 54.6 m
  • First drillhole testing one of twelve gold-bearing structures identified to date at Antino North
  • Surface work continues:
    • Over 4,500 auger samples to date in 2026
    • Total combined strike length of mapped shear zones on surface is 5.3 km
    • Second Antino North drill now turning on previously undrilled kilometre-scale gold auger anomaly (Figure 2)

Colin Padget, President & CEO, commented, “The Antino North area covers nearly 10,000 hectares of highly prospective geology that has never seen a drillhole – so we are thrilled to see such high-grade results from our first diamond hole into the area. Our team on the ground has so far mapped twelve parallel shear zones across and along strike of the intercepted structure, and we plan to test many of them over the current ~3,500 metre phase-one drill program. This Antino North discovery reinforces our belief that the larger Antino Project is host to a major district-scale gold system, and there remains significant exploration upside and opportunity for further discoveries with this year’s exploration program.”

Antino North Drilling

The new discovery is hosted within a series of approximately 5- to 25-metre-wide shear zones, with geological characteristics consistent with high-grade gold mineralization documented elsewhere on the Antino Gold Project, including at Upper Antino. The reported drillhole tested the first of twelve northwest-trending parallel shears recently mapped over multiple kilometres across the Antino North area, highlighting the significant scale of the mineralizing system. The mapped shear zones are spatially coincident with a large regional-scale fold – a structural setting commonly associated with orogenic gold deposits across the Guiana Shield.

Mineralization is similar in character to the shear- and vein-hosted gold mineralization at Upper Antino, comprising sheared subvertical quartz veins with late brittle deformation overprinting and a sericite-ankerite-tourmaline alteration assemblage.

The Antino North concession has no record of historical diamond drilling. This discovery represents the first drill-tested gold zone within the recently acquired exploration concession, located approximately 20 kilometres southwest of the Upper Antino area – confirming the potential for new mineralized centres across the district-scale Antino land package.

Table 1: Drill Hole Assay Results

Drillhole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t)
AN001 1.50 26.10 24.60 2.81
incl 1.50 5.10 3.60 17.22
and 54.60 68.10 13.50 0.44

*Intervals are down-hole depths. True widths of mineralization are unknown at this time based on currently available results and observations. All are diamond drill holes. Interval average grades are calculated with un-capped gold assays, as insufficient drilling has been completed to determine capping levels for higher-grade gold intercepts. Widths are calculated using a 0.10 g/t gold cut-off grade with <5.0 m of internal dilution of zero grade, and a minimum composite length of 2.0 m. Table 2: Drill Hole Locations

Hole ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth (°) Dip (°) Depth (m)
AN001 813830.00 420168.00 149.52 110.00 -70.00 260.00

About Founders Metals Inc.
Founders Metals Inc. is a Canadian gold exploration company building a district-scale gold camp in southeastern Suriname. The Company controls a 102,360-hectare contiguous land package in the Guiana Shield – the largest uninterrupted package of highly prospective greenstone belt geology in the region. Founders is backed by strategic partnerships with Gold Fields and B2Gold and is executing one of the most active exploration programs in the global junior gold sector. The Company is committed to responsible exploration, strong community engagement, and disciplined capital allocation as it advances Suriname’s next major gold camp.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Per: “Colin Padget”
Colin Padget
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

Contact Information
Katie MacKenzie, Vice President, Corporate Development
Tel: +1 306 537 8903 | katiem@fdrmetals.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding long term value creation and the Company’s prospects. Forward-looking information can generally be identified by words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, or variations indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and reasonable assumptions but are subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including: general business and economic uncertainties; exploration results; mining industry risks; and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual management discussion and analysis. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.

Quality Assurance and Control

Diamond drill core is HQ diameter through oxide intervals and predominantly NQ diameter in deeper drilling. All samples are half core, split using a diamond saw. Samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 µm. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 5.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Lima, Peru (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.

Qualified Persons

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo., an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Figure 1: Antino Gold Project Property Map
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/290987_7d7ccbdbc42bbaaf_001full.jpg

Figure 2: Antino North Target Plan Map
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/290987_7d7ccbdbc42bbaaf_002full.jpg

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

ECARX Announces Audited 2025 Full-Year Financial Results

By
Advertorial Desk
-
  • Over 11 million vehicles serviced by ECARX solutions to date
  • ECARX working with 28 brands across 18 OEMs
  • 2025 showed cased double-digit revenue growth
  • Profitability improved by 50% year over year
  • Global expansion strategy showing clarity and direction

LONDON, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ECARX Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: ECX) (“ECARX” or the “Company”), a global leader in automotive intelligent technology, announced its audited financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 with the filing of its 20-F on March 30, 2026 to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

The 2025 full year results validate ECARX’s strong growth trajectory, improved profitability, and strategic progress in scaling its global mobility technology platforms.

2025 Audited Financial & Operational Highlights

  • Total Revenue: $847.9 million representing 10% year‑over‑year (YoY) growth, driven by record shipments of the flagship Antora® compute platform, market leadership in China’s sub-200,000CNY cockpit domain controller segment, and growing revenue from global OEM partnerships.
  • Gross Profit & Margin: Gross profit reached $161.3 million, with a stable 19% gross margin, underscoring optimized supply chain management, and cost-control efficiency amid industry headwinds.
  • Q4 2025 Milestone: Record quarterly revenue of $304.7 million (+13% YoY); achieved two consecutive quarters of profitability (Q3 and Q4 2025), with Q4 delivering net income of $2.8 million and adjusted EBITDA of $21.6 million – a historic first for the Company as a NASDAQ-listed entity.
  • Cost Optimization: R&D expenses decreased 39% YoY in Q4 2025 by increased use of AI tools; full‑year selling, general and administrative expenses fell 14% YoY, driving operational efficiency and margin expansion.
  • Global Traction: Overseas Revenue from global markets accounted for 28% of total 2025 revenue; total order backlog exceeded $2.5 billion, supported by deepened collaborations with leading global automotive brands.
  • Net Loss Improvement: Net loss narrowed to $68.9 million, a 50% reduction from the $137.8 million net loss in 2024, driven by strong disciplined operational expense optimization and economies of scale in mass production.
  • In 2025 Antora® platform DHU shipments reached 647K units, year on year increase of +150%.
  • In 2025, Venado module shipments reached 13.8m units, representing a 52% year-over-year increase; cumulative shipments exceeded 3.5 million units.

ECARX’s revenue structure continued to be optimized over the course of 2025. The share of sales revenue from automotive computing platforms increased significantly, becoming the largest source of revenue—among which the share of this business in the second half of 2025 was nearly 10 percentage points higher than that in the first half. The growth in sales of high-value-added products such as the Antora®, Venado and Pikes® series directly drove the expansion of the overall revenue scale.

Ziyu Shen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ECARX said:

“2025 was a transformative year for ECARX, as we delivered audited results that reflect our commitment to continued innovation, lean operations and sustainable growth. We have achieved a proven track record of double‑digit revenue growth and secured consecutive profitable quarters; milestones that validate the strength of our business model and the market demand for our intelligent mobility solutions.

Over the course of 2025, we strengthened our technology leadership with the Antorra® platform, expanded our global OEM partnerships into Europe, South America and Southeast Asia, we have also optimized our cost structure to enhance profitability. Looking ahead, we will continue to scale our core platforms, accelerate software innovation in AI cockpits and cross-domain fusion, and capitalize on the global shift toward software-defined vehicles. We are confident in our ability to drive further growth and deliver long‑term value to our shareholders, partners, and customers.”

ECARX remains steadfast in its mission to empower the intelligent transformation of global automakers with full‑stack technology. ECARX will collaborate hand‑in‑hand with global partners to collectively accelerate the intelligent revolution of the global automotive industry

Access to the 2025 Annual Report on Form 20-F

The Company’s 2025 Annual Report including the full audited financial statements and accompanying disclosures are available free of charge on ECARX’s investor relations website at ir.ecarxgroup.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

About ECARX Holdings Inc.

ECARX Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ECX) is a global mobility technology company powering software-defined vehicles for the world’s top automakers. With 13 global R&D and commercial hubs across China, the U.S., the UK, Germany, Sweden, Singapore and other key markets, ECARX delivers full-stack intelligent mobility solutions including the Antorra® compute platform, Cloudpeak® cross-domain software architecture, and self-developed SiEngine Longying No.1 7nm automotive chip. The Company’s solutions are pre-installed on over 11 million vehicles worldwide, with strategic partnerships with global OEMs including Volkswagen Group, Polestar, Volvo Cars, Geely Group, and Mercedes. ECARX’s mission is to make cars more intelligent through innovation, efficiency and global collaboration, and to build a sustainable, connected global mobility ecosystem for the AI-driven era. For more information, please visit www.ecarxgroup.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding ECARX’s expected growth, profitability, global OEM partnership expansion, technological innovation, and shareholder value creation. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Key risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, global automotive industry cyclicality, supply chain disruptions, intensifying competition in the intelligent mobility technology sector, regulatory changes across global markets, and the Company’s ability to scale production and meet customer demand. For more information on these risks and uncertainties, please refer to ECARX’s periodic reports filed with the SEC from time to time. ECARX assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

NYSE Content Update: Artemis II Lifts Off, Takes Crew Toward Moon for First Time since 1972

By
Advertorial Desk
-

NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.

NEW YORK, April 2, 2026 /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. 

 

Olympian Mikaela Shiffrin to join Taking Stock

Ashley Mastronardi delivers the pre-market update on April 2nd

  • Stocks are lower Thursday morning after President Trump said in a speech Wednesday night that the U.S. will hit Iran “extremely hard” over the next two to three weeks.
  • The Artemis II mission launched from the Kennedy Space Center Wednesday evening, with NYSE-listed firms such as Redwire (NYSE: RDW), whose shares rose 6.8%, participating in the mission.
  • Greif (NYSE: GEF) CEO Ole Rosgaard will join NYSE Live to explain how his company’s history of navigating global disruptions will allow it to keep delivering for customers.
  • Three-time Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin will join Taking Stock after ringing the Closing Bell this afternoon.

Opening Bell
SmartStop Self Storage (NYSE: SMA) celebrates its one-year IPO anniversary

Closing Bell
Mikaela Shiffrin celebrates her historic 2026 season, and her third Olympic gold medal

For market insights, IPO activity, and today’s opening bell, download the NYSE TV App: TV.NYSE.com

Blue Water Acquisition IV celebrated IPO April 1
Blue Water Acquisition IV celebrated IPO April 1

 

Video – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2949043/NYSE_Market_Update_April_2.mp4 

 

ZEISS advances connected cataract and refractive workflows with new digital, AI and surgical innovations at ASCRS

By
Advertorial Desk
-

ZEISS Medical Technology will discuss and showcase latest workflow technologies at ASCRS 2026:

  • Enhanced Cataract Workflow Efficiency and Patient Outcomes: MicroSurgical Technology irrigation/aspiration handpieces, tips and sleeves, now available for the DORC EVA NEXUS to offer increased surgical sustainability and incision options; ZEISS IOLMaster 700 and ZEISS VERACITY Surgery Planner offer formula updates to support toric IOL calculations in complex cases and enable post-LVC management of cataract patients.
  • Commercial Availability of Human-Verified AI-powered Patient Engagement for the Ophthalmology Practice Workflow: The ZEISS VisioGen™ captures patient demand, answers inquiries with clinical oversight, and supports conversion into scheduled evaluations – 24 hours a day, without replacing staff or relying on autonomous AI.
  • Connected Digital Care Creates a Cloud-Based Workflow: The ZEISS Collaborative Care browser-based software application expands ZEISS’s cloud-based ecosystem with secure data sharing and streamlined referrals across ophthalmology; ZEISS CLINIC 360 browser-based platform aggregates clinical data and supports advanced analytics across ophthalmic workflows (product pending 510(k) clearance; not available for sale or use in the U.S.).

JENA, Germany and DUBLIN, Calif., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

ZEISS Collaborative Care browser-based software application
ZEISS Collaborative Care browser-based software application

ZEISS Medical Technology, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, will discuss and showcase new digital and surgical solutions to advance clinical workflows for refractive, cataract and retinal surgical experiences at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) conference from April 10 – 12, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

“Across our broad portfolio for cataract, retina and refractive surgical workflows, we’re unveiling a wave of new innovations at ASCRS for our customers, from digital and AI-powered tools to advanced visualization solutions and collaborative care enhancements,” says Magnus Reibenspiess, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Strategic Business Unit Ophthalmology at ZEISS Medical Technology.

New ergonomic tools and advanced IOL formulas designed to increase comfort, efficiency, and cataract patient outcomes in the OR

To help increase cataract workflow efficiency and improve patient outcomes, ZEISS is expanding its DORC cataract portfolio in the U.S. with the availability of new irrigation/aspiration handpieces, tips and sleeves manufactured by MicroSurgical Technology (MST) and compatible with the DORC EVA NEXUS surgical system. These tools offer more single-use and reusable options for improved sustainability and support a broader range of incision sizes.

Additionally, ZEISS will showcase the enhanced ZEISS IOLMaster 700, featuring expanded calculation capabilities through the new Kane Suite, an upgraded Barrett Suite with two additional formulas, and security updates1. New formulas have also been added to ZEISS VERACITY Surgery Planner, including the Barrett RX formula and ZEISS AI IOL Calculator for post-LVC patients. The updated formulas support surgeons with toric IOL calculations in complex cases and enable post-LVC management of cataract patients.

Commercial availability of governed, 24/7 patient engagement platform for ophthalmology practices

ZEISS announced the commercial launch of ZEISS VisioGen, a human-verified AI-powered patient engagement platform built specifically for ophthalmology practices. Available in the U.S., the platform integrates directly with clinic websites to capture patient demand at all hours – including inquiries outside of business hours – while maintaining clinical oversight and communication quality.

ZEISS VisioGen supports practices in engaging patients, answering common questions, and guiding interest toward scheduled evaluations across cataract, refractive, and premium procedure pathways. It enables clinics to extend availability without extending staffing, while maintaining control over patient communication. Unlike fully automated AI tools or manual-only workflows, ZEISS VisioGen follows a governed model in which AI-assisted responses are reviewed prior to delivery by ZEISS-trained optometrists. This approach is designed to reduce variability in communication, support compliance considerations, and improve visibility into patient demand.

“Unlike fully automated chatbots, VisioGen requires human review before any patient-facing response is delivered. This provides the speed of AI with the oversight needed for clinical safety, appropriate tone, and regulatory compliance. This level of oversight is essential to protecting our brand and maintaining patient trust,” says Dr. Dan Haddad, Medical Director, Laser Eye Institute, Troy, Michigan (USA).

Improved care coordination and clinical insights with cloud-based workflow solutions

At ASCRS, ZEISS will showcase the recently released ZEISS Collaborative Care, a browser-based software application enabling eye care professionals to seamlessly work together securely sharing data, referring patients, and strengthening their professional networks. Powered by the ZEISS Health Data Platform, ZEISS Collaborative Care offers a flexible way to collaborate – as a standalone cloud application and integrated with ZEISS’s existing data management solutions, including ZEISS FORUM. By reducing fragmentation across care settings, ZEISS Collaborative Care helps improve coordination throughout the patient journey. As patients move across providers, their care moves with them, enhancing clinical efficiency and the patient experience.

The company will also preview its ZEISS CLINIC 360, the all-in-one browser-based software solution that aggregates clinical data at scale and powers advanced analytics for streamlined ophthalmic workflows (product pending 510(k) clearance; not available for sale or use in the U.S.).

ZEISS marks 100 years in the U.S.

ZEISS is also celebrating 100 years of operation in the U.S. this year, with more than 70 years of medical innovations beginning with introduction of the first surgical microscope in 1953 to enable precision surgery. With widespread adoption in operating rooms across the U.S. and globally, these surgical microscopes have continued to improve over the decades to offer industry-leading capabilities today, now incorporating robotics and ergonomics for better patient outcomes and a better experience for surgeons.

ZEISS has continued to apply its strong legacy in R&D and innovative technology development to patient care in new ways, finding new alternatives to standard surgical procedures, including the introduction of ZEISS SMILE to the U.S. in 2016, the first minimally invasive form of laser vision correction. Today, the company continues to introduce innovative solutions that empower doctors to improve the standard of ophthalmic care in the U.S.

ZEISS will showcase its latest offerings and new innovations at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) conference from April 10-12, 2026, in Washington, D.C., at booth #607.

For more information, visit www.zeiss.com/med.

1

Features mentioned for ZEISS IOLMaster 700 are part of software version 1.92 which is not yet available for commercial distribution.

Not all products, services or offers are approved or offered in every market and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another. For country-specific product information, see the appropriate country website. Product specifications are subject to change in design and scope of delivery as a result of ongoing technical development. The statements of the healthcare professionals reflect only their personal opinions and experiences and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any institution that they are affiliated with. The healthcare professionals alone are responsible for the content of their experience reported and any potential resulting infringements. Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and its affiliates to not have clinical evidence supporting the opinions and statements of the health care professionals nor accept any responsibility or liability of the healthcare professionals’ content. The healthcare professionals have a contractual or other financial relationship with Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and its affiliates and have received financial support.

Contact for investors:
Sebastian Frericks
Director Investor Relations
Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
Phone: +49 3641 220 116
Mail: investors.med@zeiss.com

Contact for the press:
Frank Smith
Head of Global Communications
Ophthalmology, Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc.
Phone: +49 3641 220 331
Mail: press.med@zeiss.com

Company Profile

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (ISIN: DE0005313704), which is listed on the TecDAX and SDAx of the German stock exchange, is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies. The Company supplies innovative technologies and application-oriented solutions designed to help doctors improve the quality of life of their patients. The Company offers complete solutions, including implants and consumables, to diagnose and treat eye diseases. The Company creates innovative visualization solutions in the field of microsurgery. With 5,784 employees worldwide, the Group generated revenue of €2,228m in fiscal year 2024/25 (to 30 September).

The Group’s head office is located in Jena, Germany, and it has subsidiaries in Germany and abroad; more than 50 percent of its employees are based in the USA, Japan, Spain and France. The Center for Application and Research (CARIn) in Bangalore, India and the Carl Zeiss Innovations Center for Research and Development in Shanghai, China, strengthen the Company’s presence in these rapidly developing economies. Around 39 percent of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG’s shares are in free float. Approx. 59 percent are held by Carl Zeiss AG, one of the world’s leading groups in the optical and optoelectronic industries.

For further information visit: www.zeiss.com/med

ZEISS IOLMaster 700
ZEISS IOLMaster 700

 

ZEISS VERACITY Surgery Planner
ZEISS VERACITY Surgery Planner

 

MicroSurgical Technology irrigation/aspiration handpieces, tips and sleeves for the DORC EVA NEXUS
MicroSurgical Technology irrigation/aspiration handpieces, tips and sleeves for the DORC EVA NEXUS

 

 

Orka O1 Pro Makes Global Debut at AWE 2026: The World’s First Hearing Aid with Powered by Bose QuietControl ANC Technology

By
Advertorial Desk
-

SHANGHAI, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Orka, a pioneer in hearing health technology, officially launched the Orka O1 Pro at the 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE). The Orka O1 Pro is the world’s first Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aid to feature Powered by Bose QuietControl Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology.

The Orka O1 Pro — the world's first RIC hearing aid powered by Bose QuietControl ANC technology. 3.5g per earpiece. 35+ hours battery life.
The Orka O1 Pro — the world’s first RIC hearing aid powered by Bose QuietControl ANC technology. 3.5g per earpiece. 35+ hours battery life.

The launch took place at the Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone during AWE 2026’s inaugural international showcase. As a new gateway designed to support global exchange and cross-border collaboration, the Eastern Hub provided a fitting stage for Orka’s global debut. Orka was the only hearing health company featured alongside leading technology brands including Sony, LG, and Lenovo, a placement that reflects the international ambition of the Orka × Bose partnership and Orka’s broader mission to bring hearing health into the mainstream of global consumer technology innovation.

Orka's exhibition at AWE 2026 Eastern Hub, Shanghai — the only hearing health brand at the venue, presented alongside Sony, LG, and Lenovo.
Orka’s exhibition at AWE 2026 Eastern Hub, Shanghai — the only hearing health brand at the venue, presented alongside Sony, LG, and Lenovo.

Bringing Premium Audio Innovations to Hearing Health

As recently noted by Hearing Tracker, while Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is familiar to millions of consumers from premium headphones, the Orka O1 Pro answers the highly anticipated question of its future in hearing aids.

The device achieves this through the seamless integration of two powerhouse features, heavily supported by Bose’s decade of research. First, Bose QuietControl ANC technology acts as the foundation, effectively neutralizing steady-state environmental noises before they reach the ear. Working in perfect tandem, Bose SpeechClarity Voice technology precisely isolates and enhances human speech, ensuring that once the background noise is silenced, essential conversations remain crystal clear.

This collaboration brings powerful, premium audio experiences to users without the battery and processing tradeoffs typically associated with such features, helping make the O1 Pro a true all-day wearable device.

A Milestone in Hearing Health

Orka CEO announces the Orka × Bose partnership at the AWE 2026 main stage, Shanghai, March 12, 2026.
Orka CEO announces the Orka × Bose partnership at the AWE 2026 main stage, Shanghai, March 12, 2026.

“For years, we’ve been focused on the real-world challenges of hearing loss, especially how background noise can make conversations more difficult,” said Nicholas Smith, President of the Audio Technology Business and Chief Strategy Officer at Bose. “We saw the potential for our noise cancellation technology to improve this experience, and we knew we needed a partner capable of bringing this kind of breakthrough to the hearing industry. That’s why we partnered with Orka.”

Smith further emphasized the impact: “Orka integrated our core technology into a complete hearing aid experience engineered for reliable performance in real-world environments. The result is clearer conversations and less effort required to hear — so people can stay in the conversation and stay connected.”

Restoring Control and Energy

The Orka O1 Pro hardware is designed for maximum comfort and durability. Weighing just 3.5g per earpiece, it features Bluetooth 5.3 dual-mode connectivity, IP68 durability, and provides over 35 hours of continuous battery life.

In Icelandic, “Orka” translates to “energy.” The core philosophy behind the Orka O1 Pro is to significantly reduce the cognitive load and energy drain required to focus in noisy environments. By lowering the effort required to hear, the device returns a sense of control and confidence to the user.

About Orka

Founded in Silicon Valley in 2018, Orka is a premium audiology technology company developing AI-driven products for the future of hearing and wearable listening. Backed by top-tier investors including Tencent, HongShan (formerly Sequoia Capital China), Primavera Capital, and Atypical Ventures, Orka integrates advanced acoustic hardware with proprietary on-device AI to create beautifully designed, all-day wearables. Recognized globally by the CES Innovation and Red Dot Design Awards, the company’s mission is rooted in its Icelandic name, meaning “energy”: to significantly reduce the cognitive load required to hear in noise, returning a sense of control and confidence to every user.

For more information about Orka and the O1 Pro, please email contact@hiorka.com.

1...682683684...6,536Page 683 of 6,536