TAIPEI, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Advantech (TWSE: 2395), a global leader in intelligent IoT systems and embedded platforms, today announces the launch of MIPI-C (MIPI over Type-C), a new open specification that brings standardization to AI robotics and machine vision. Advantech MIPI-C solves long-standing challenges of traditional MIPI CSI cameras, including cable design limitations, interference, short transmission distance, and complex multi-camera integration. It extends the transmission range from about 20 cm to up to 2 meters, greatly improving connectivity flexibility and expanding edge AI applications. With its low-latency, low-cost, high-bandwidth, scalable, and synchronized transmission capabilities, MIPI-C provides a stronger foundation for the next generation of edge AI sensing devices. Advantech is also opening all MIPI-C patents and technical specifications to promote industry collaboration with silicon partners, IPC makers and camera module partners, shortening development cycles, and speeds deployment of AI vision in robotics, smart manufacturing, traffic monitoring, and automation.

Open Standard Delivers Universal Imaging and Longer Reach for Edge AI

Advantech is redefining edge imaging for the fast-growing AI robotics market with MIPI-C, which encapsulates native MIPI CSI-2 signals over USB Type-C connector to deliver low latency and uncompromised image quality. Using metal shielding, differential signaling, and EMI-resistant design, MIPI-C ensures industrial-grade reliability. A single Type-C cable supports video, control, and power—enabling true one-cable integration. The transmission distance extends from 20 cm to 2 meters, making it ideal for humanoid robots, AMRs, and industrial vision systems while supporting multi-camera and multi-modal AI. MIPI-C also enhances EMI resistance and supports 2K–4K imaging for low-latency robotics and VLM applications. Additional features such as auto identification, over-current protection, LED diagnostics, and foolproof mechanical design further ensure long-term industrial reliability.

Co-Creating a Cross-Platform Ecosystem Toward Global Edge AI Standardization

Advantech is launching a global initiative to promote the MIPI-C standard under the theme “Standardization × Ecosystem.”

Phase 1: Product Integration & Market Validation

Advantech has partnered with Appro.Pho and Orbbec to release multiple MIPI-C camera modules, now integrated into edge AI systems such as the AIR-055 with the Qualcomm^® Dragonwing™ IQ-9075, the AIR-075 powered by NVIDIA Jetson Thor, and the ARK-2252, powered by the latest generation of Intel^® Core™ Ultra processors. With ready-to-use drivers and reference code, developers can quickly enable compatible cameras and accelerate AI imaging deployment.

Phase 2: Cross-Platform Open Ecosystem

Advantech will collaborate with 3-5 industry partners and camera module vendors to promote MIPI-C as an open standard and work with major AI chipmakers to develop new motherboard specifications for a cross-platform visual AI ecosystem.

Through an open MIPI-C standard, Advantech drives broader cross-platform adoption and accelerates the next era of AI machine vision across industrial cameras, transportation, medical imaging, and robotics. For more information, please contact your local Advantech sales team or visit www.advantech.com. 

PARIS and NEW YORK and LONDON, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AMTD Group Inc. (“AMTD Group”), AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB), AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) and The Generation Essentials Group (“TGE”, NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE), a subsidiary of AMTD Digital Inc., announce jointly the launch of a remarkable global project featuring Jay Chou, the King of Mandarin Pop, on the covers of L’OFFICIEL HOMMES across seven countries and regions.

In September 2023, L’OFFICIEL launched its first global cover project for Jay Chou, reflecting the brand’s commitment to bridging Eastern and Western cultures while empowering creativity and innovation worldwide. Jay Chou took center stage on the covers of L’OFFICIEL, across six countries, including China, Paris, Italy, the US, Singapore, and Malaysia.

L’OFFICIEL is honored to collaborate once again with Jay Chou this December for L’OFFICIEL HOMMES, the men’s edition. He is featured on the covers of seven global editions, including the inaugural issue of L’OFFICIEL HOMMES Asia, as well as editions from Paris, Italy, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia. This collaboration coincides with the anticipation of Jay Chou’s upcoming album release and his new world tour next year, taking audiences on a journey through the heart of the king of Mandarin pop.

About AMTD Group

AMTD Group is a conglomerate with a core business portfolio spanning across media and entertainment, education and training, and premium assets and hospitality sectors.

About AMTD IDEA Group

AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) represents a diversified institution and digital solutions group connecting companies and investors with global markets. Its comprehensive one-stop business services plus digital solutions platform addresses different clients’ diverse and inter-connected business needs and digital requirements across all phases of their life cycles. AMTD IDEA Group is uniquely positioned as an active super connector between clients, business partners, investee companies, and investors, connecting the East and the West. For more information, please visit www.amtdinc.com or follow us on X (formerly known as “Twitter”) at @AMTDGroup.

About AMTD Digital Inc.

AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD) is a comprehensive digital solutions platform headquartered in France. Its one-stop digital solutions platform operates key business lines including digital media, content and marketing services, investments as well as hospitality and VIP services. For AMTD Digital’s announcements, please visit https://ir.amtdigital.net/investor-news.

About The Generation Essentials Group

The Generation Essentials Group (NYSE: TGE; LSE: TGE), jointly established by AMTD Group, AMTD IDEA Group (NYSE: AMTD; SGX: HKB) and AMTD Digital Inc. (NYSE: HKD), is headquartered in France and focuses on global strategies and developments in multi-media, entertainment, and cultural affairs worldwide as well as hospitality and VIP services. TGE comprises L’Officiel, The Art Newspaper, movie and entertainment projects. Collectively, TGE is a diversified portfolio of media and entertainment businesses, and a global portfolio of premium properties. Also, TGE is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) sponsor manager, with its first SPAC successfully raised and priced on December 18, 2025.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the beliefs, plans, and expectations of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and/or The Generation Essentials Group, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the filings of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and The Generation Essentials Group with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and none of AMTD IDEA Group, AMTD Digital and The Generation Essentials Group undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please contact:

For AMTD IDEA Group:

IR Office

AMTD IDEA Group

EMAIL: ir@amtdinc.com 

For AMTD Digital Inc.:

IR Office

AMTD Digital Inc.

EMAIL: ir@amtdigital.net 

For The Generation Essentials Group:

IR Office

The Generation Essentials Group

EMAIL: tge@amtd.world

CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommending post-vaccination antibody testing for hepatitis B, laboratories are facing new demands to assess immunity more effectively. Pictor, a leader in targeted proteomics, today highlighted its ViraScreen-Core™ multiplex antibody assay, an established test already in use by CLIA-certified laboratories, as a ready solution to support this evolving public health guidance. Built for both serum and saliva, the assay offers unmatched flexibility for labs adapting to these changes while addressing broader infectious disease screening needs.

Hepatitis B remains a major global health challenge, yet immunity testing has historically been constrained by cost, operational complexity, and single-analyte approaches. Pictor’s ViraScreen-Core™ assay enables simultaneous detection of antibodies to hepatitis B, HIV-1, HIV-2, and hepatitis C from a single sample, reducing turnaround time, conserving patient samples, and supporting evidence-based clinical decision-making.

“Antibody testing gives laboratories flexibility as public health guidance evolves,” said Dr Jamie Platt, CEO of Pictor. “By offering a multiplex assay that works with both serum and saliva, we aim to help labs move toward evidence-based immunity assessment without adding operational complexity.”

Pictor has completed paired serum and saliva studies demonstrating high concordance, supporting saliva as a reliable testing matrix. This capability may help reduce barriers to testing, particularly in pediatric, community health, and decentralized care settings where blood draws can be challenging.

“Pictor’s ViraScreen-Core™ assay represents a valuable addition to our clinical laboratory,” said Dr Andrew Brown, Chief Commercial Officer at Sirona Dx. “Compatibility with saliva samples expands the environments in which testing can be conducted while the multiplex format supports streamlined, efficient workflows for infectious disease screening.”

Pictor is actively raising capital to support continued commercialization, assay menu expansion, and U.S. deployment of its targeted proteomics platform, building on early laboratory adoption of its technology.

For more information about Pictor’s ViraScreen-Core™ assay, visit www.pictordx.com

About Pictor

Pictor is a leader in flexible, targeted proteomics, delivering next generation multiplex solutions that empower clinical labs, diagnostic manufacturers, and veterinary providers worldwide. Powered by its patented PictArray™ platform, PictImager™, and AI-powered Pictorial™ software, Pictor delivers deeper insights from a single sample, offering faster, more affordable, and scalable results.

From infectious diseases to oncology, Pictor’s innovative technology is advancing both human and animal health, enabling breakthroughs in clinical decision-making. Headquartered in San Diego, Pictor Holdings Inc. is committed to driving innovation through solutions designed for unmatched performance, cost efficiency and productivity.

Discover how Pictor is shaping the future of proteomics testing at www.pictordx.com.

About Sirona Dx

Sirona Dx is technical CRO shaping the next generation of diagnostics to accelerate therapeutic development and advance precision medicine initiatives. Built at the intersection of science and technology, Sirona Dx is driven by innovation because enhanced diagnostics lead to better outcomes. For more information, visit www.sironadx.com.

Legal Disclaimer / Forward-Looking Statements

This press release is not an offer to sell securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities and may not be relied upon in connection with the purchase or sale of any company security. This release may contain forward-looking statements regarding, amongst other things, the company’s expansion plans, product development initiatives, financing objectives, strategic partnership outcomes, and market positioning. Such statements are forward-looking statements and there can be no assurance that the results stated or implied by these forward-looking statements will actually be realized or achieved by the company. Forward-looking statements may be based on management assumptions that could prove to be incorrect. The company’s predictions may not be realized for a variety of reasons as the company’s business is subject to substantial risks and potential events beyond its control that could cause material differences between predicted and actual results.

Media Contact:
Kelly Krueger
415-235-5031
Kelly.krueger@audacityhealth.com

How a Seasonal Purchase Becomes a Year-Round Engine for Imagination, Learning, and Family Connection

NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — During this year’s Black Friday season, many families were introduced to GobiDex, a magnetic STEM playset designed to inspire hands-on creativity without screens. As Christmas approaches, those same families are discovering that GobiDex is not just a holiday novelty, but a system built for long-term engagement—one that continues to earn its place in everyday family life long after the decorations come down.

Black Friday is often about discovery—finding something new at the right moment. Christmas, however, is about intention: choosing gifts that reflect care, longevity, and shared experience. GobiDex was created for this exact transition, transforming a one-time purchase into a lasting creative habit.

Why More Families Are Choosing GobiDex for Christmas

1. Open-Ended Creation Instead of One-Time Builds

Unlike instruction-driven toys that are completed once and quickly abandoned, GobiDex has no fixed endpoint. Children return to the same magnetic tiles again and again, creating entirely new structures each time. A castle one day becomes a space station the next, then a bridge, a vehicle, or an imagined city.

This open-ended design encourages children not to follow steps, but to think, test, rebuild, and imagine—skills that continue developing as the child grows.

2. Learning That Emerges Naturally Through Play

With GobiDex, learning is not presented as a lesson. Instead, children intuitively explore:

• Balance and stability
• Geometry and symmetry
• Spatial reasoning
• Cause-and-effect relationships

These foundational STEM concepts emerge organically through hands-on experimentation, without screens, apps, or structured instruction. Parents frequently note that children begin asking “why” and “how” questions on their own—an early signal of problem-solving and analytical thinking.

3. A Gift That Brings Families Together

During the Christmas season, GobiDex often becomes more than a child’s toy—it becomes a shared activity. Parents kneel beside children to stabilize structures, siblings collaborate on designs, and grandparents join in without needing instructions or prior experience.

This low-barrier, multi-age engagement turns holiday downtime into meaningful family moments—something many parents value as much as the gift itself.

Designed for Deep Engagement, Not Short Attention Spans

At its core, GobiDex is built around one guiding belief: curiosity drives learning best when it is uninterrupted.

Many parents describe a familiar scene: a child walks past a GobiDex set, pauses—drawn in by the translucent colors and shapes—then quietly sits down to build, fully absorbed. This kind of self-directed focus is rare in modern toys and is one of the main reasons families continue using GobiDex well beyond the holidays.

Extending the Same Philosophy Beyond Magnetic Play

While magnetic building sets remain at the heart of the GobiDex brand, the same hands-on, screen-free philosophy also extends to other creative play experiences within the GobiDex family.

Through its sub-brand Tomons, GobiDex explores imaginative, role-based play—such as children’s washable makeup and beauty toy sets—designed to encourage self-expression, creativity, and confidence through safe, age-appropriate materials. These products focus less on construction and more on storytelling, pretend play, and personal expression, offering a different but complementary creative outlet for young children.

At the same time, Amosting, another brand under the GobiDex umbrella, develops a broader range of non-magnetic educational toys, including early-learning games, art and craft sets, and toddler-friendly play experiences. Amosting products are designed to support fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and independent play—especially for younger age groups just beginning their creative journey.

Together, these brands reflect a shared belief: children learn best when they are actively engaged, free to explore, and encouraged to create in their own way. Whether through building, imaginative role-play, or hands-on discovery, GobiDex and its related brands aim to support creativity across different stages of childhood.

What Families Experience Over Time

Across households, several themes consistently emerge after weeks and months of use:

• Children play longer and with greater focus
• Screen time naturally decreases during breaks and weekends
• Builds become more complex as sets are combined
• Storytelling and collaboration increase

Some families who first purchased a single set during Black Friday later expanded their collection before Christmas, noting that additional tiles unlocked entirely new levels of creativity and structural complexity.

From Black Friday Discovery to a Christmas Tradition

For many households, GobiDex begins as a Black Friday experiment—but becomes a Christmas tradition.

1. Durable enough for year-round use
2. Modular and expandable across multiple sets
3. Engaging for a wide range of ages

This transition—from promotional purchase to everyday companion—is central to the GobiDex philosophy: toys should earn repeated use, not shelf space.

Where to Buy GobiDex

GobiDex magnetic STEM playsets are available through official and authorized channels throughout the holiday season:

Official Website: https://gobidex.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/GobiDex/page/11A31F84-CB2E-4DC4-A6A6-9A42BE1917C2?lp_asin=B0D3PL4CP9&ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_ast_store_NYG0M1AMB58TEKW47QB6&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto

Holiday bundles, set availability, and shipping timelines may vary by region. Customers are encouraged to order early to ensure Christmas delivery.

Social Media & Content Platforms

GobiDex actively shares real family builds, creative inspiration, and behind-the-scenes product stories across its official channels:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gobidexcubes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gobidextoys_official
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GobiDexToys
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GobiDexToys_Official
X (Twitter): https://x.com/GobiDex
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gobidex

About GobiDex

GobiDex designs magnetic STEM playsets that support open-ended exploration, creativity, and learning through play. Built for durability and imagination, GobiDex helps children turn curiosity into creation—one build at a time.
Learn more at https://gobidex.com.

Enhancing wearables, AR/VR, drones, and IoT with superior voice clarity, intelligent sensing, and extended battery efficiency

TAIPEI, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Upbeat Technology, a pioneer in ultra-low-power compute, voice, and edge AI sensing solutions, today announced its new family of UPM01 and UPM02 high-bandwidth MEMS vibration sensors. Featuring a flat frequency response from 5 Hz to 12 kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of up to 68 dB, the new sensors are designed for next-generation acoustics, voice interfaces, and intelligent sensing.

Upbeat Tech UPM01 and UPM02 Vi

When paired with Upbeat’s UP301 dual-core RISC-V AI MCU, the MEMS portfolio delivers noise-resistant signal quality that conventional acoustic microphones and multi-microphone arrays struggle to achieve in noisy or vibration-heavy environments. Live demonstrations of the new sensing platform will be shown at CES 2026, January 6–9, in Eureka Park, Venetian Ballroom, Booth 62201.

The UPM01 and UPM02 sensor family supports a wide range of advanced applications, spanning AI wearables, humanoid robotics, drones, and autonomous systems. Setting a new benchmark in design flexibility, the UPM01 and UPM02 uniquely integrate both analog and digital interfaces, enabling seamless system integration across a wide range of architectures. In AI smart glasses, True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, and Open-Wearable Stereo (OWS) headsets, the UPM02 sensor delivers exceptional vocal isolation—accurately capturing the user’s voice while suppressing environmental noise. This enables clear voice calls and highly reliable voice command recognition for always-on, hands-free AI interfaces.

For drones and robotic platforms, the UPM01 vibration sensor detects ultra-low-level micro-vibrations associated with mechanical imbalance, fatigue, or wear. This capability enables predictive maintenance, propeller health monitoring, and automatic system diagnostics—addressing critical requirements for operational reliability and equipment longevity, which is required for low altitude economy. The UPM01 has been in high-volume production and shipping throughout 2025, demonstrating its proven performance in real-world smart glasses and true wireless stereo (TWS) applications.

 “Ultra-low power solutions solve for a key consumer demand for long-lasting battery life, which is the top metric buyers use to evaluate wearables,” said Daniel Holcolmb, Sr. Analyst, Parks Associates. “Parks Associates research shows 78% of wearables users report they want long battery life. Solutions like Upbeat Technology’s UPM01 and UPM02 highlight how vibration-based sensing can unlock new use cases in AI wearables, robotics, and drones, where conventional audio approaches often fall short.”

Together, UPM01 and UPM02 demonstrate Upbeat’s ability to deliver MEMS sensing solutions that scale from consumer audio to mission-critical autonomous systems. UPM02 provides studio-grade voice isolation for AI wearables, and UPM01 delivers a blend of the speaker’s voice and ambient surround sound when required.

“We are thrilled to integrate Upbeat Tech’s UPM01 bone-conduction MEMS sensor into our devices,” said SJ Liu, CEO at J5Create. “Its high sensitivity, superior SNR, and wide bandwidth enable crystal-clear audio capture even in the noisiest environments, delivering a noticeably better user experience.”

In consumer devices, the combined MEMS+MCU solution supports earbuds, smart glasses, AI wearables, and ultra-thin recording accessories. UPM01/UPM02 integrated into earbuds or eyewear frames enables clear communication, whisper-mode input, and reliable voice commands in environments where conventional microphones degrade. A compact, magnetically attached recording card can capture both sides of a phone conversation via vibration, enabling transcription, translation, and meeting summary applications.

In addition to the UPM01 and UPM02, Upbeat will introduce the UPM05 ultrasonic MEMS sensor, with partner availability beginning in Q3 2026. Visit https://www.upbeattechtw.com/products/upbeat-mems to view reference designs, evaluation kits, video, and product briefs for UPM01/02.

About Upbeat Technology

Upbeat Technology, headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, is an award-winning pioneer in ultra-low power compute, voice, and edge AI sensing. With numerous patents in microstructural and AI acceleration technologies, its UP201/301 family MCUs’ dual-core RISC-V processor powers IoT devices from sensors to industrial systems, while the UPM01/UPM02 Bone Conduction MEMS microphone delivers superior audio for wearables and voice applications. Optimized for always-on IoT, drones, and smart factories, Upbeat partners globally to enable intelligent, sustainable, and energy-efficient connected systems. For more information, contact us at info@Upbeattechtw.com or visit the Upbeattechtw.com website.

Media Contact: 
Linda Ferguson
1+503-869-5827
linda@upbeattechtw.com