Multiple Iridium data services integrated into the powerful Snapdragon platform for U.S. government and allied users

MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice, data, and PNT satellite services, and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (QTI) today announced that they have successfully integrated Iridium^® data services into the Snapdragon^® Mission Tactical Radio (MTR) and intend to make these services available for adoption and use by U.S. government customers and approved allied partners.

Iridium Satellite Network

By integrating Iridium data services, Snapdragon MTR-equipped devices, ranging from handheld and mounted radios to autonomous vehicles, stand to benefit from flexible, highly reliable, and secure L-band satellite communications in environments where terrestrial networks are congested, compromised, or unavailable.

To meet diverse mission needs, the Snapdragon MTR can integrate multiple Iridium services into a single chipset: Short Burst Data^® (SBD^®), for proven low-latency messaging and telemetry, and Iridium Burst^®, for receipt of simultaneous broadcasts to an unlimited number of enabled devices. The Iridium waveform, coupled with QTI’s leadership in commercial wireless capabilities such as cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GNSS, will enable powerful global connectivity in devices with strict size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) requirements.

Iridium Executive Vice President of Government Programs Scott Scheimreif said, “The Snapdragon MTR positions Iridium and QTI at the forefront of next-generation communications architectures while equipping warfighters and coalition partners with scalable solutions.”

QTI-powered devices with integrated Iridium data services, which will be eligible for activation through the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) program, are expected to be available following finalization of commercial arrangements among QTI, Iridium and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Iridium EMSS connectivity provides trusted and protected access to satellite communications for an unlimited number of approved government users. This latest innovation marks another advancement in Iridium’s commitment to the EMSS program, a longstanding partnership that delivers truly global standard and secure voice, broadcast, push-to-talk (PTT), and other services to approved government subscribers anywhere on Earth.

Iridium and QTI are working to make Iridium data services available via the Snapdragon^® X75 5G Modem-RF System in the form of an M.2 modem module for government partners who wish to create unique satellite connectivity solutions.

Iridium and QTI are highlighting Snapdragon MTR capabilities at the Association of the U.S. Army’s (AUSA) annual convention October 13-15, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with demonstrations planned alongside industry partners.

For more information about the Iridium EMSS program, visit www.iridium.com/enhanced-mobile-satellite-services.

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium^® is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations, and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2024, Iridium acquired Satelles and its positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services, and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.

Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

LONDON, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 50 Best has announced its first-ever extended list of hotels ranked from No.51 to No.100. The list recognises even more properties than ever before, as voted for by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy. The list spans 24 different territories, 40 cities and includes 13 independent hotels.

These hotels represent best-in-class hospitality and lay the foundation ahead of the unveiling of the full ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 on 30 October. This expanded list reflects 50 Best’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and depth, offering a richer, more comprehensive guide to hotels.

The full list can be viewed here.

Europe tops the list with 17 hotels ranked, including nine properties in Italy such as: Hotel Cipriani (No.72), Casa Maria Luigia (No.82) and Portrait Milano (No.99). Sweden’s Ett Hem (No.89) and Türkiye’s Maçakızı (No.96) represent their respective destination’s first ranked hotels since the awards’ launch in 2023. 

Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok tops the extended list at No.51 with 16 properties in Asia ranked. Hong Kong and Kyoto each feature two hotels including The Peninsula Hong Kong (No.54) and Aman Kyoto (No.74). The list also features three properties in India including The Johri (No.93) and Amanbagh (No.100).

The 51-100 list sees its first New Zealand hotel welcomed into the 50 Best community: Huka Lodge at No.88.

New York dominates North America’s rankings, with four hotels including: The Fifth Avenue Hotel (No.75) and The Greenwich Hotel (No.77). Elsewhere on the continent, The Beverly Hills Hotel (No.65) and San Ysidro Ranch (No.68) feature on the inaugural extended list. Three properties in Mexico feature including Four Seasons Tamarindo (No.55) and Montage Los Cabos (No.67).

South America is home to two properties: Hotel das Cataratas in Iguassu Falls (No.76) and Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco (No.87), both Belmond hotels.

Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, comments: “As we enter our third year, we are delighted to honour even more of the world’s most outstanding hotels with the extended 51-100 list. From this year and beyond, we will be able to showcase an even larger pool of hotels and territories.”

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 will be livestreamed on the 50 Best YouTube channel here at 20:00 UK time on 30 October.

Website: https://www.theworlds50best.com/hotels/

Media Centre: https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/

PDF – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2794912/50_Best.pdf

Strong global investor demand underscores confidence in Integrum’s differentiated strategy and partnership-driven approach 

NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Integrum Holdings LP (“Integrum”) announced the final close of Integrum Capital Partners II LP (“Fund II”) with $2.5 billion in capital commitments, surpassing both its original target and hard cap. The fund was significantly oversubscribed, reflecting continued strong support from existing limited partners and meaningful participation from a global group of new investors. Fund II’s investment capacity is further expanded by $500 million in additional commitments from the General Partner, friends and family, and affiliated co-investment vehicles.

With approximately $5 billion in assets under management, Integrum has invested in six companies to date, with equity commitments ranging from $100 million to $1.2 billion per investment.

Partnering with Management Teams to Accelerate Growth

Led by its Investment Committee – Tagar Olson, Ursula Burns, Richard Kunzer, Jeff Livingston and Kathy Reiland – Integrum pursues a focused, high conviction strategy to back businesses that operate in the services layer of the U.S. economy. The firm works closely with its management teams to accelerate organic growth and expand market presence.

“We have designed Integrum to be the best possible partner for outstanding services companies looking to invest behind talent and innovation,” said Tagar Olson, Co-Founder of Integrum. “The performance of our Fund I portfolio has validated that strategy, with companies delivering strong organic growth and enhanced strategic value. Our approach has enabled us to source attractive investment opportunities and develop deep relationships with management teams, which has reinforced investor confidence in our ability to drive long-term and repeatable value creation.”

Bringing together deep and complementary experience across investing, operations, capital formation, and organizational leadership, Integrum’s team is purpose-built to execute its strategy and capitalize on compelling investment opportunities.

“Since our founding, we’ve done exactly what we set out to do – assemble an experienced, high-integrity group of professionals from all aspects of business who work hand in hand with management to create lasting value,” said Ursula Burns, Co-Founder of Integrum. “We’ve been fortunate to attract exceptional talent—from recent graduates to deeply experienced investors and operators—who share our values and ambition.”

Global Investor Support for Integrum’s Approach

Fund II attracted a broad and global base of institutional investors, including public and private pension plans, insurance companies, family offices, foundations, investment consultants, sovereign wealth funds, and funds of funds.

“We are grateful for the continued support of our investors, substantially all of whom re-upped with us and in many cases at a multiple of their Fund I commitment size,” said Richard Kunzer, Co-Founder of Integrum. “In a competitive market, the speed and scale of this close speaks volumes about the trust and confidence our investors place in our team and strategy.”

About Integrum

Integrum is an investment firm focused on investing in services businesses and partnering with management teams to accelerate growth. Founded by a diverse group of proven leaders, the firm is built on deep domain expertise, shared values, and an aligned, high-conviction investment approach. Integrum looks to drive and accelerate sustainable, organic growth by investing in technology, innovation and talent, and forging lasting partnerships.

For more, visit www.integrum.us.

About the Integrum Charitable Foundation

The founders of Integrum have pledged 10% of their carried interest in Fund I and Fund II to the Integrum Charitable Foundation, which is managed by non-Investment Committee members of the firm. Through the Foundation, Integrum has committed to giving back—both financially and through active volunteerism—to causes that matter deeply to the team.

For more, visit www.integrum.us/foundation.

Media Contacts

Prosek Partners
pro-Integrum@prosek.com

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/logo_3_logo.jpg

DUBLIN and STAMFORD, Conn. and SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AIP Capital (“AIP”), an alternative investment manager focused on opportunities in asset-based finance, and Breeze Airways (“Breeze”), the premium leisure carrier offering affordable, direct flights from underserved markets, announced the closing of a $47.5 million secured debt financing through AIP’s Private Credit strategy. The financing is secured by a diversified collateral package comprising the airline’s spare parts inventory, a spare engine, and a flight simulator.

The financing will support Breeze’s growth strategy as it continues to achieve key strategic milestones. With the introduction of new domestic and international routes and the expansion of ancillary products, Breeze has been delivering on its mission to provide travelers with an enhanced travel experience across its growing network.

“We are proud to deepen our relationship with Breeze Airways by providing a bespoke financing solution to support Breeze’s strategic growth,” said Colm Daly, Director at AIP Capital. “This transaction underscores AIP’s ability and expertise in structuring innovative, scalable capital solutions for our airline partners globally”.

“We are pleased to have closed this strategic transaction with AIP Capital,” said Trent Porter, Chief Financial Officer. “We’re excited to have partnerships like AIP looking to explore innovative ways to support Breeze’s growth and mission to provide an elevated premium leisure experience to our current and future Guests in unserved and underserved communities.”

AIP Capital’s Private Credit business, through its global origination capabilities and long-term investor relationships, provides tailored financing solutions secured by aircraft and non-aircraft collateral to airline customers around the world.

About Breeze Airways

Breeze Airways operates more than 300 year-round and seasonal routes to 81 cities in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze took flight in May 2021 bringing premium, affordable, and nonstop air service to secondary markets on its flagship fleet of Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Breeze has been named a top 4 “Best Domestic Airline” by Travel + Leisure for four consecutive years and was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for 2025. Breeze was the first U.S. domestic airline to be certified by Autism Double Checked and is the official airline of Make-a-Wish Utah. With seamless booking, friendly policies, and customized booking options, Breeze makes it easy to buy and Seriously Nice™ to fly.

Media Contact:
McKinnley Matson
corporatecommunications@flybreeze.com

About AIP Capital

AIP Capital (AIP) is a global alternative investment manager focused on opportunities in asset-based finance including aviation and equipment finance. AIP, together with its affiliates, manages approximately $4 billion of assets on behalf of a diversified global investor base. The AIP team is comprised of more than 40 experienced professionals across AIP’s offices in Stamford, New York City, Dublin, and Singapore.

For more information about AIP Capital or to speak with company executives, please contact investor.relations@aipcapital.com.

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Timekettle, a global leader in AI-powered translation, makes its debut at GITEX, one of the most influential tech events in the Middle East, occupying Stand 55 in Hall 2 at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 13 to 17. This appearance highlights the brand’s latest technological strides, underscoring its efforts to both visibility and strategic partnerships as it expands into the region.

GITEX has long served as a global nexus for innovation in information technology, telecom, and smart solutions. For companies seeking to enter Middle Eastern and broader global markets, this expo offers unmatched exposure to industry leaders, channel partners, and forward-looking consumers.

W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds for Seamless, Real-time Multilingual Communication

At the expo, Timekettle showcases a lineup of its latest products, highlighting the W4 AI Interpreter Earbuds. Since its launch at IFA 2025, the W4 has added support for Bengali, expanding Timekettle’s translation coverage to 43 languages and 96 accents.

The W4 represents a leap forward in real-time communication. It is the first device to integrate bone-voiceprint sensor voice capture with AI-powered translation based on large language models. By isolating speech from surrounding noise, it delivers translations with 98% accuracy and an ultra-low 0.2-second response time.

Building on the success of the W4 Pro over-ear model for professionals, the new in-ear version combines high performance with portability. Its ergonomic design and precisely aligned microphone ensure clear voice pickup, while its Navy Blue and Sandy Gold finishes blend style with function.

Bone conduction technology captures speech vibrations directly through the skull, eliminating background noise and preventing sound leakage. This enables clear, private conversations even in crowded or noisy environments. Smart features such as auto-switching between listening and speaking modes, and a flip-share case for two-way translation make the device effortless to use.

The W4 offers up to four hours of translation or eight hours of music playback, extendable to 10 and 18 hours respectively with the charging case.

Powered by Timekettle’s latest AI translation system, Babel OS 2.0, the W4 combines real-time prediction, contextual understanding, and adaptive lexicons to deliver near-human fluency. AI voice-cloning feature, slated for 2026, will further personalize the translation experience.

Expanding Presence in the Middle East

Timekettle has already established a presence in the Middle East, with its products available at Sharaf DG and Virgin Megastore, two of the region’s leading retail chains. Its debut at GITEX marks a significant step toward deeper market engagement and the strengthening of partnerships with premium distribution channels.

To learn more about how Timekettle fuses AI, translation, and hardware to transform cross-language communication across regions and the brand’s latest products, please visit: https://www.timekettle.co/.

About Timekettle

Since its inception in 2016, Timekettle has been at the forefront of cross-language communication innovation. With award-winning products and a global user base of over one million, Timekettle continues to set new standards in AI translation technology, striving to achieve universal communication freedom.

Five days of community engagement unites over 2,200 volunteers and community members

NBA stars join forces to spread compassion through basketball

MACAO, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The final showdown of The NBA China Games 2025 took the court Sunday at The Venetian Arena. Alongside the games, the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week” wrapped up a fun and meaningful week of community outreach events. Running Oct. 8-12, the five-day initiative built on the excitement of the major international sports event to bring together diverse local communities in Macao. More than 2,200 volunteers and community members participated, including the Sands Cares Ambassadors.

Jointly organised by NBA Cares and Sands Cares, the community impact week fostered compassion and interaction through a series of inclusive and engaging activities. These included a basketball exchange at a local school, distributing boxed lunches in the community, a community basketball carnival, and the “Her Time to Play” clinic. NBA Legends such as Mitch Richmond, Tim Hardaway, Yao Ming, Shawn Marion, and Deron Williams, alongside current players from the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets, used basketball as a bridge to extend NBA Cares’ community spirit to Macao, creating a positive impact across the city.

Patrick Dumont, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp., said: “As far back as the opening of Sands Macao in 2004, our company has placed service to the Macao community among our top priorities. Over the course of two decades now, our dedicated team member volunteers have given their time and energy to make a meaningful difference in this community.

“NBA Cares and Sands Cares have been outstanding partners for this five-day community impact initiative during The NBA China Games 2025. We are excited to see the positive effect in the community, especially on local youth, children, and those in need. We appreciate all who participated and gave their support.”

Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with NBA Cares to bring the community impact week to life. Not only did we invite NBA Legends and players to engage directly with the Macao community, sharing skills with local students and with rural coaches and students from Guizhou and Inner Mongolia, but we also distributed boxed lunches to the underprivileged and connected closely with members of social service organisations. These activities and more fully demonstrated the powerful impact that sports-driven philanthropy can have on our community.

“We extend heartfelt thanks to NBA Cares for their strong support, the passionate participation of NBA Legends and players, the enthusiastic cooperation of local service organisations and schools, and the wholehearted involvement of students and teachers from Macao and those who travelled from the Chinese Mainland. We also express deep gratitude to our Sands Cares Ambassadors and other volunteers for their selfless contributions. The collective efforts of all who were involved made this week more impactful and meaningful. Looking ahead, Sands China will continue to make use of its resources to give back to the Macao community, taking concrete actions to care for society and help more people feel the warmth of community support.”

Events of the “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week”

The community impact week kicked off Oct. 8 with a youth basketball exchange, where NBA Legend Mitch Richmond and NBA coaches provided basketball training and mentorship to 200 students from Lou Hau High School, together with 12 coaches and students from NBA Cares’ “Her Time to Play” initiative who travelled to Macao from rural Guizhou and Inner Mongolia. Richmond and Dr. Wong donated basketballs and training equipment to the school on behalf of NBA and Sands China, supporting the continued development of its basketball programme. The event concluded with an exciting five-on-five skills challenge.

An official tip-off event on Oct. 9 at The Venetian Arena was attended by Adam Silver, NBA commissioner; Yao Ming, Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer and chairman of the Yao Foundation; Patrick Dumont, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Dr. Wong; Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd.; and Dave Sun, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sands China Ltd. and managing director of Venetian Macau Limited. Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets players led a basketball clinic for over 60 participants, including students from Lou Hau High School, Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School (Macau), and Yuet Wah College Macau, and the “Her Time to Play” coaches and students. Together with Sands Cares Ambassadors, they packed goodie bags and health kits to distribute in the local community.

The third event – a boxed lunch distribution initiative – on Oct. 10 featured NBA Legend Tim Hardaway, Grant Chum, the “Her Time to Play” coaches, volunteers from the Yao Foundation, and Sands Cares Ambassadors. They visited the Fuhong Society of Macau’s Pou Choi Centre, where they distributed boxed lunches and health kits to 200 local residents in need – sending warmth and compassion to the community.

The community basketball carnival took place Oct. 11 in the NBA House at The Venetian^® Macao, welcoming 120 family members of local social service organisations to enjoy interactive sports-themed games and exciting performances. NBA Legend Shawn Marion shared some basketball fun with participants and Sands Global Ambassador David Beckham came to support the event. Other attending guests included: Patrick Dumont; Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs of Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Zachary Hudson, executive vice president and global general counsel of Las Vegas Sands Corp.; Dr. Wong; and Dave Sun.

The finale event on Oct. 12 was the “Her Time to Play” basketball clinic at the NBA House, featuring NBA Legend Deron Williams and current WNBA player Myisha Hines-Allen. They shared their training tips and experience with girls’ basketball team members from Pui Ching Middle School Macau and Keng Peng School, and with the “Her Time to Play” students and coaches, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. The event culminated in an exciting five-on-five friendly skills challenge, marking a perfect conclusion to the community impact week.

Joining the aforementioned guests, other guests throughout community impact week included: Mark Tatum, deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of the NBA; Kathy Behrens, president of social responsibility and player programs for the NBA; Andre Iguodala, NBA Legend and executive director of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA); Micheal Ma, CEO of NBA Asia Pacific; and Wayne Chang, managing director of NBA Asia.

More than 300 volunteers, including Sands Cares Ambassadors, served the attendees of community impact week. In recognition of their selfless dedication, Sands China will present each volunteer with a certificate of appreciation.

Sands China established the Sands Cares Ambassador Programme in 2009, providing an organised platform for team members to continue serving the community. During the programme’s 15th anniversary last year, Sands China called on all sectors of society to answer the call to “#BeMyVolunteer” and join the company’s effort to encourage more people to volunteer with Macao’s social service organisations.

Sands China carries out its community initiatives, like the impact week and the Sands Cares Ambassador Programme, under the Sands Cares global corporate citizenship programme. With Sands China being an important stakeholder in the local community, the Sands Cares is an influential tool to carry out the company’s unwavering commitment to contribute to society, serving as an important connection between Sands China and local residents.

About Sands China Ltd.

Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian^® Macao, The Plaza^® Macao, The Parisian^® Macao and The Londoner Macao^®. The Company also owns and operates Sands^® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao’s transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).

For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.

About Sands Cares

A firm believer in the importance of corporate social responsibility, Sands China Ltd. engages with the local Macao community as a part of Sands Cares – the charitable giving programme of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sands Cares integrates the company’s philanthropic work worldwide in four key areas: financial giving, community problem solving and collaboration, in-kind donations, and team member volunteerism.

Key areas of Sands Cares in Macao include the Sands Cares Ambassador programme for volunteering in the local community; charitable contributions to NGOs and community organisations; and sponsorship of community events.

For more information, please visit www.sands.com/sands-cares/ 

About NBA Social Impact & Inclusion and NBA Cares

NBA Social Impact & Inclusion drives change on issues facing fans and communities by advancing needed resources and proven partners while creating data-driven strategies and programming to impact the NBA ecosystem and empower colleagues to bring their best self to work to drive global success. NBA Cares works with NBA players and teams to highlight important issues through the NBA’s digital, social and broadcast channels, live events and partnerships.

Media contacts:
Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo 

Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: jesse.chiang@sands.com.mo