HSINCHU, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Realtek Semiconductor Corp. (Taiwan Stock Exchange: 2379.TW), one of the world’s leading network and multimedia IC providers, launched the world’s first multi-port USB4 hub controller (RTS5490), integrating USB Type-C/PD functionality and passing USB-IF full certification (TID: 11930).

Realtek’s RTS5490 boasts a revolutionary speed upgrade, increasing the bandwidth from USB 3.2’s 20Gbps to USB4’s 40Gbps. It integrates protocols such as USB 3.2, USB-C, USB PD, PCIe, and DisplayPort while remaining backward compatible with existing USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 devices. With the RTS5490 USB4 hub controller, users can effortlessly expand their computer’s ports with just a USB-C cable, offering ultra-fast data transfer, multi-display capabilities, and 240W rapid charging.

Realtek’s RTS5490 highly integrated USB4 solution provides customers with unmatched design flexibility and compatibility with existing Thunderbolt 3 devices and includes:

• One upstream USB4 port, two downstream USB4 ports
• Two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 downstream ports
• DisplayPort 2.1 with one input port and one output port

Benefiting from the downstream port’s support for USB4, the RTS5490 enables emerging applications such as AI acceleration using USB4/Thunderbolt external graphics cards and high-speed data sharing between computers using inter-domain transfer technology. This highly integrated SoC solution features a high-performance 32-bit processor, a USB 2.0/3.2 hub, a DisplayPort controller, a PCIe switch, and a USB 3.2 host controller. The RTS5490 is currently one of the most competitive USB4 hub controller solutions on the market.

“Our RTS5490 is the only fully USB-IF Certified USB4 hub product on the market to integrate USB Type-C and USB PD 3.2 controllers. This significantly simplifies the complexity of design in products like PCs, docks, and displays, greatly shortening the product development cycle,” said Yee-Wei Huang, Realtek’s Vice President and Spokesman. “We will continue to innovate and drive continuous progress and development of data transfer technologies.”

About Realtek
Realtek Semiconductor Corporation is a world-leading IC provider that designs and develops a wide range of IC products for connected media, communications networks, computer peripherals, multimedia, and smart interconnect applications. Products include 10/100/1000M/2.5G/5G/10G Ethernet Controllers/PHYs, 10/100/1000M/2.5G/10G/25G/100G Ethernet Switch Controllers/Media Converter Controllers/Gateway Controllers, Wireless LAN Controllers & AP/Router SoCs, xDSL, VoIP Solutions, Bluetooth, xPON, IoT Solutions, Automotive Ethernet Solutions, High Fidelity Audio Solutions for Consumer and PC Applications, Card Reader Controllers, USB 3.2/USB4 Hub Controllers, Type-C PD/Redriver Controllers, PC Embedded Controllers, Fingerprint Recognition with Hardware Encryption Controllers, Web/IP Camera Controllers, LCD Monitor Controllers, Display Hub/Retimers/Translators, Smart TV SoCs, and Digital Home Center Controllers. With advanced design expertise in RF, analog, and mixed-signal circuits, and with superb system knowledge, Realtek offers full-featured, high-performance, low-power, and competitive total solutions. More information on Realtek can be found on the website: www.realtek.com.

Editorial Contact
press-room@realtek.com 

Realtek is a trademark of Realtek Semiconductor Corporation. Other trademarks or registered trademarks mentioned in this release are the intellectual property of their respective owners.

NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From January 11-14, 2025, Shoplazza participated in NRF 2025—Retail’s Big Show—at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Recognized as one of the world’s premier retail industry events, NRF 2025 brought together professionals and innovators to explore cutting-edge technologies and strategies shaping the future of retail.

Introducing Shoplazza RetaSmart: A Unified Commerce Solution

At this influential gathering, Shoplazza unveiled Shoplazza RetaSmart, its groundbreaking Smart Retail Solution designed to bridge the gap between online and offline retail. This unified commerce platform combines “Online + Shoplazza Center + POS” into an all-in-one solution for retail growth, attracting forward-thinking merchants and partners eager to embrace the evolution of omnichannel strategy.

A cornerstone of RetaSmart is Shoplazza POS, which simplifies in-store operations by managing inventory, processing payments, and tracking customer data. For online operations, Shoplazza Online empowers merchants to create user-friendly websites and manage e-commerce seamlessly. Connecting the two is Shoplazza Center, a centralized hub that integrates and manages inventory, orders, and customer interactions, ensuring smooth coordination across all channels.

“Shoplazza offers Vitamin World an all-in-one POS system and online store solution, enabling us to focus on what we want to improve,” said a representative from Vitamin World, a 47-year-old health and nutrition brand. “Their dedicated support engineers are always there to answer our questions and concerns during the migration.”

Seamless Integration Backed by Real-Time Data Insights

Shoplazza RetaSmart addresses the increasing demand for unified retail experiences by consolidating data from multiple channels into a single platform. This integration allows merchants to create highly detailed and actionable customer profiles, enabling personalized shopping experiences tailored to different consumer needs. These personalized experiences help enhance brand loyalty and ultimately drive business growth.

The solution’s real-time capabilities set it apart. Merchants can access live dashboards to retrieve critical information instantly, make informed decisions, and capitalize on every opportunity as it arises—ensuring no business is left behind.

Shoplazza’s robust online SaaS foundation supports these advanced features, ensuring merchants receive seamless and reliable service across all operations.

White-Label Opportunities and Ecosystem Collaboration

Shoplazza also emphasized its white-label opportunities, which enable businesses to customize the platform to enhance brand identity, foster customer loyalty, and differentiate themselves in the market. By leveraging a comprehensive retail Online Merge Offline ecosystem, Shoplazza collaborates with leading companies to offer advanced transaction options, powerful plugins, and seamless payment processing—ensuring high conversion rates and customer retention.

Within this ecosystem, merchants can focus on brand building and product innovation. Partners, supported by Shoplazza’s resources and technology, can maximize their strengths. Acting as the central hub, Shoplazza integrates resources, drives technological advancements, and ensures dynamic growth and balance within the ecosystem.

“The days in which retailers use one platform for online sales and a separate platform for in-store sales are coming to an end,” said Jeff Li, Shoplazza CEO. “Today’s retailers want a single unified platform that allows for streamlined management of both online and offline commerce. Shoplazza is proud to offer this solution.”

About Shoplazza

Founded in 2017, Shoplazza strives to simplify how retailers and online sellers connect with consumers. Today, Shoplazza leads the industry with its robust AI-driven unified commerce platform, empowering retailers to reach customers wherever they shop—whether in-store, online, or through social commerce. To learn more about Shoplazza, visit shoplazza.com.

• Lesser-known Japanese cities bloom as sakura spotters seek out less crowds
• China and Korea are gaining interest as alternative cherry blossom destinations
• Tranquil ryokans emerge as favoured accommodation for a quieter sakura experience

SINGAPORE, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As cherry blossoms begin to bloom as March approaches, travellers seeking a less-crowded sakura spotting experience are flocking to lesser-known cities in Japan to get their flower fix. While the Japanese cherry blossom season remains a top draw, this year, bookings for off-the-beaten-path and alternative locations beyond Japan are seeing significant growth, reflecting the rising demand for more peaceful and unique experiences in the heart of spring.

Japan’s Lesser-Known Sakura Spots Are Seeing a Surge in Demand

The “big three” cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto continue to be favourites, with Trip.com Group revealing triple-digit booking growth year-on-year during the sakura season. Of popular cities, Sendai, Kanazawa and Aomori also reflected the most year-on-year growth during the season.

Here’s a list of when cherry blossoms will bloom in chronological order, according to the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s forecast:

Interestingly, more travellers are seeking out lesser-known destinations for a quieter cherry blossom experience.

Toyohashi has seen a staggering 2300% YoY growth, drawing visitors to attractions like Mukaiyama Greenery Park’s Plum Tree Orchard and Yoshida Castle in Toyohashi Park. Coastal Itoshima (1500% YoY) is emerging as a hidden gem, home to scenic sakura spots such as Kafuri Park, which boasts 500 cherry trees and panoramic views of Funakoshi Bay and Mt. Kaya. Meanwhile, Yakushima (900% YoY) offers a truly special experience—cherry blossom viewing within a UNESCO-listed ancient forest.

Top Cities Searched for Sakura Season & Key Visitor Trends

Search patterns highlight the diverse range of traveller preferences for Japan’s iconic “hanami” (flower viewing parties). Major urban hubs like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Yokohama dominate searches for “cherry blossom” and “sakura” related searches, indicating travellers are still keen on popular city itineraries with cherry blossom spotting as one of the highlights. Meanwhile, lesser-known locations such as Ureshino, Kagoshima, and Yuzawa have also made it to the top ten list.

Searches in different languages indicate varied traveller origins; for example, English and Mandarin speakers drive Tokyo’s demand, while Korean interest is strong for Nago.

Overall, travel flows to Japan during sakura season (besides domestic flows) hail from the Asia Pacific region, with Hong Kong SAR, Korea, Taiwan region, Thailand and Singapore being the top source markets in terms of booking volume. Outside of Asia, travellers from the US (138.70% YoY growth), UK (137.11%) and Australia (156.54%) are also fast growing. Millennials comprise the bulk of travellers, comprising almost half of the booking volume.

Emerging International Cherry Blossom Destinations

While Japan remains a cherry blossom travel hub, more international travellers are seeking alternative locations to experience the floral spectacle. Across Southeast Asia and China, hidden gems are emerging with breathtaking displays that rival Japan’s parks. Cherry blossoms in Korea are also fast gaining attention.

Some top alternative Cherry Blossom destinations for 2025 include:

• Alishan, Taiwan region – A stunning mountain landscape where cherry blossoms bloom in the early spring.
• Wuhan & Beijing, Mainland China – Famous cherry blossom parks like East Lake (Wuhan) and Yuyuantan Park (Beijing) are emerging as must-visit locations.
• Jinhae, South Korea – The site of the famous Cherry Blossom Festival, where blossoms blanket the entire city.

Among the most-searched destinations outside Japan are Wuxi and Wuhan in Mainland China, Seoul and Gyeongju in South Korea, as well as Nantou and Chiayi in Taiwan region. In South Korea, Gyeongju has seen a remarkable 211.48% surge in bookings this season, while Taiwan region‘s Alishan Scenic Area in Chiayi County has experienced a 171.01% year-on-year increase, drawing visitors to its mountain blooms from mid-March to mid-April.

Similarly, bookings to Wuhan, China, have risen by 155.87%, with travellers flocking to East Lake and Wuhan University for their stunning cherry blossoms. Notably, ‘Wuhan cherry blossoms’ ranks among the top five search queries from international visitors, highlighting its growing appeal with more than 100 spots for cherry blossom viewing.

The Wellness and Alternative Accommodation Trend During Sakura Season

As the demand for off-the-beaten-path experiences grows, so does the rise in alternative accommodations and wellness tourism. Bookings for onsen ryokan and boutique hotels in lesser-known cherry blossom locations have surged, as visitors opt for serene, culturally immersive stays that offer breathtaking views away from the crowds.

In particular, scenic regions such as Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go are seeing this rise in demand.

Luxury and boutique accommodations with private onsens, seasonal kaiseki cuisine, and mountainous scenery are particularly popular this year. Traditional stays like Mt. Fuji View Onsen Ooike Hotel, hot spring hotel Setsugetsuka in Hakone near the blossom-filled Hakone Gora Park, and traditional inn Onyado Yuinosho in Shirakawa-go are attracting visitors looking for an authentic Japanese experience paired with springtime beauty.

As for popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, accommodation preferences lean close to parks and rivers. According to Trip.Best* data, one of the most booked hotels is the luxurious The Tokyo Edition, Ginza, close to Hibiya Park, a peaceful cherry blossom spot. Similarly, Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo is close to Chidori-ga-fuchi, a picturesque 700-meter promenade along the Imperial Palace moat, famous for cherry blossoms.

In Kyoto, Trip.Best’s top-ranked Kamo Residences by Reflections is located near the Kamogawa River, offering stunning riverside views. Another top option is Dusit Thani Kyoto located near both Maruyama Park and the Philosopher’s Path—two of Kyoto’s prettiest sakura spots.

*Trip.Best is an AI-curated travel list on Trip.com that helps global travellers find the best experiences, including flights, hotels, attractions, restaurants, nightlife, and shows. It highlights the top 1% of products based on an algorithm that analyses user reviews and other data.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.

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VIENTIANE, Laos, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from china-asean-media.com.

The first China-ASEAN AI Cooperation and Innovation Platform—the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center—was officially signed in Vientiane.

On February 23, the signing ceremony for the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center was held in Vientiane. Jointly established by China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Laos, the center marks the first AI cooperation platform between China and ASEAN. Through the joint development of this center, both sides aim to systematically enhance Laos’ foundational capabilities in the AI era, empowering the growth of various industries. The ceremony was witnessed by Chen Gang, Party Secretary of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Boviengkham Vongdara, Minister of Technology and Communications of Laos. Chen Gang is currently leading a delegation on a visit to Laos.

The China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center project was progressed swiftly from negotiation to signing under the promotion of both Chinese and Lao sides, reflecting the strong consensus and efficient execution of both countries in advancing AI cooperation. This achievement not only underscores the pragmatic approach taken by China and Laos in seizing AI development but also serves as a model of both sides’ commitment to the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Facilitating Cooperation in Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Ecosystem, setting a new benchmark for regional AI technology inclusivity and governance cooperation. The Lao government and various sectors have highly praised this project and expressed gratitude to China for supporting Laos’ AI development strategy, turning its AI industry blueprint into tangible results.

Under the AI inclusive plan proposed by the Chinese government, Guangxi will continue to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN countries, starting with the China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center. This initiative aims to ensure AI benefits humanity, contributing to social welfare and bringing greater well-being to all people.

TOKYO, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PHONO, a brand under SUMEC Group Corporation, showcased its distinctive range of customized products at the PV EXPO in Tokyo, Japan, aligning with unique market needs and policy directions to set new trends in the renewable energy sector. The event marked a milestone in PHONO’s global growth and commitment to advancing sustainable energy and improving quality of life.

Advancing Green Energy Development for an Improved Quality of Life

PHONO showcased its high-transmittance solar modules with customizable light transmittance rates (5%-45%), addressing Japan’s land scarcity by integrating solar power with agriculture. This innovation enhances crop growth, boosts income, and improves greenhouse efficiency through intelligent management systems.

The vertical installation solution for high-transmittance solar modules maximizes space efficiency, significantly reducing land use and offering an innovative approach to address land resource scarcity. In sunroom applications, high-transmittance modules expertly balance lighting and energy needs, creating an aesthetically pleasing and practical green space for users.

The company also showcased an integrated solution for solar energy storage and charging sheds, which not only provide essential sunshade and rain protection functions but also incorporate the Draco series all-black modules. The module features 210R rectangular silicon wafer technology, delivering high efficiency and cost-effective transportation. PHONO’s integrated solar storage and charging shed solution meets the economic and practical needs of industrial and commercial users, setting a benchmark for efficient urban space utilization with its eco-friendly and sustainable design.

Differentiated Customized Solutions for Unique Needs

In the residential photovoltaic sector, PHONO has received widespread praise for its customized service featuring unique-shaped small modules. These small modules, available in non-standard sizes, are tailored to match users’ roof structures, energy requirements, and aesthetic preferences with precision. Seamlessly blending into a variety of roof designs, they cater to users’ desires for personalization, efficiency, and visual appeal.

With Tokyo’s upcoming policy mandating photovoltaic systems in new homes by April 2025, PHONO’s innovative solutions hold critical significance. Showcasing advanced, high-end energy services tailored to Japan’s residential market, the company drives the transition to sustainable housing. Standing out with unique, customer-centric products aligned with Japan’s needs and policies, PHONO reinforces its commitment to delivering distinctive energy solutions globally, advancing the energy transition and sustainable development.

For more information please visit: SUMEC/PHONO

DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, proudly announces a $1 million impact investment in EthicHub, facilitated through the Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA).

Since pioneering the Blockchain for Good Alliance in April 2024, Bybit has championed the use of blockchain innovations to solve real-world challenges. EthicHub, a key project supported by the BGA Incubation Programme and the Grand Social Impact Award winner at the BGA Web3 Oscar, exemplifies this vision by leveraging blockchain to drive financial inclusion and empower smallholder farmers. This investment aligns with Bybit’s commitment to leveraging blockchain technology for tangible social impact, driving financial inclusion for smallholder coffee farmers in emerging markets.

Empowering Sustainable Coffee Farming Through Ethical Finance

EthicHub is revolutionizing agricultural finance by integrating productive lending, blended finance, and market access. With this $1 million investment, Bybit will establish the “Bybit Pool”, a dedicated fund within the EthicHub ecosystem designed to provide ethical credit lines to small and medium-sized coffee farmers.

This initiative will empower farmers to break free from exploitative lending practices, improve productivity, and secure fair prices for their coffee. Additionally, it aligns with Bybit’s broader mission of bridging the gap between blockchain solutions and real-world economic transformation.

Key Highlights of the Investment Agreement:

• Exclusive Fund: Bybit’s investment will be managed exclusively within the EthicHub ecosystem, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Sustainable Social Impact: The fund provides direct financial access to coffee farmers, fostering economic resilience in rural communities.
• Fair Financial Returns: Bybit will receive an 8% annual return over a 15-month term, demonstrating the viability of impact investing.
• Transparency & Reporting: LendingDev, EthicHub’s operator, will provide quarterly performance updates and comprehensive end-of-term reporting.

A New Era of Blockchain-Powered Social Good

Bybit’s investment exemplifies how blockchain-powered finance can drive sustainable change. Through BGA’s role in fostering strategic collaborations, this initiative paves the way for blockchain adoption in real-world economic empowerment.

“Blockchain has the power to unlock new financial opportunities for those historically excluded from traditional banking systems. Our $1 million investment in EthicHub reinforces Bybit’s dedication to using innovation for real-world impact, proving that blockchain can be both profitable and transformative,” said Helen Liu, Chief Operating Officer at Bybit.

Gabriela Chang, CSO & Co-founder of EthicHub added: “Bybit’s commitment is a game-changer for our mission. This investment will directly support smallholder coffee farmers, enabling them to increase productivity, access fair financing, and secure better market opportunities. It is an example of how blockchain can create real-world solutions for pressing global challenges.”

Case Study: EthicHub’s Impact – How Neri Ortiz Transformed His Future

For generations, smallholder coffee farmers like Neri Ortiz in Motozintla, Mexico, faced relentless challenges: unstable coffee prices, predatory lenders, and limited market access. With no financial safety net, many were forced to abandon farming altogether.

The introduction of EthicHub changed everything. By offering fair, blockchain-powered financing, EthicHub provided Neri and his cooperative with the resources to improve production, invest in sustainable farming techniques, and eliminate exploitative middlemen. For the first time, they could sell directly to specialty coffee buyers at fair market prices.

This access to ethical lending transformed not just Neri’s farm but his entire outlook. He began experimenting with quality-enhancing techniques like controlled fermentation, which boosted the value of his coffee. With newfound financial stability, he reinvested in his farm, secured better futures for his family, and began mentoring other farmers to do the same.

Bybit’s investment in EthicHub ensures that more farmers like Neri can break free from financial hardship, build resilient livelihoods, and sustain the agricultural traditions that feed global coffee markets. This is the power of blockchain-driven impact investing—real solutions for real people, transforming entire communities.

Join the Movement

Bybit invites fellow blockchain innovators and socially responsible investors to explore the possibilities of blockchain-powered impact investments. By working together, the industry can drive sustainable economic solutions that benefit both investors and underserved communities.

For more details on EthicHub’s initiatives, visit EthicHub Website.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk  /#BGA

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
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