NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tuya Smart (NYSE: TUYA, HKEX: 2391), a global cloud platform service provider, recently announced the full integration of its smart ecosystem with Google Home APIs. This partnership marks a significant advancement in the collaboration between Tuya and Google, addressing compatibility challenges in smart devices while offering end-users an enhanced, intelligent, and seamless living experience.
Unveiled at Google I/O 2024, the Google Home APIs streamline the development and integration of smart home devices. These advanced interfaces enable developers to efficiently create products that integrate seamlessly with Google Home. As an early access partner, Tuya collaborated with Google during the pre-launch phase, testing the APIs and providing valuable insights to developers globally.
This integration reinforces Tuya’s commitment to openness and neutrality, solidifying its position as a global leader in smart home ecosystems. By enabling its global customers to effortlessly connect with mainstream platforms like Google Home, Tuya is paving the way for a more connected and innovative smart future.
The partnership ensures that Google Home is fully compatible with all Tuya-enabled hardware, allowing users to create diverse intelligent scenarios where Tuya-enabled devices work seamlessly within the Google Home ecosystem.
A standout feature of this collaboration is the seamless cloud-to-cloud integration achieved through Google Home APIs. With this integration, users can quickly share multiple devices without the need for additional network configurations. The Tuya-enabled app can manage smart devices that are also accessible via the Google Home app. For example, controlling a Tuya-enabled smart cleaning robot is now effortless. Users can turn off the robot with a simple tap on either the Tuya-enabled app or the Google Home app, ensuring a convenient and unified experience.
The partnership between Tuya and Google demonstrates the success of Tuya’s open and neutral ecosystem strategy while creating new opportunities for manufacturers worldwide. Moving forward, Tuya will continue working with global ecosystem partners like Google to develop innovative smart products and solutions that drive industry growth and deliver exceptional smart living experiences for users around the world.
BA DEN, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newsdwire – 10 February 2025 – During the recent Lunar New Year, images capturing packed crowds at the foot of Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh resembling an emotive abstract painting, have created a sensation. These photos, shared hundreds of thousands of times by Vietnamese social media platforms, have sparked widespread interest from across the world.
Ba Den Mountain, located in the centre of Tay Ninh province in Vietnam, is the highest mountain in southern Vietnam, with an altitude of 986 metres. As a unique cultural heritage, Ba Den Mountain is not only a naturally scenic spot, but also a significant spiritual centre, visited by tourists with hopes of peace and good health for the year ahead.
The Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival Held annually from the fourth day of the Lunar New Year to the 16th day of the first lunar month, is a unique cultural event and one of the largest festivals in Tay Ninh province.
During this time, massive crowds resembling a “festival camping ground” often appear at the foot of the mountain.
Many pilgrims choose not to stay in hotels or guesthouses but instead spread out mats and blankets to sleep within the Ba Den National Tourist Area, embracing the sacred energy of this revered land. This also allows them to ascend the mountain early the next morning to visit the Ba Pagoda at the summit. Over the years, spending the night at the foot of Ba Den Mountain during the Tet holiday has become a tradition, a spiritual journey, shaping an extraordinary New Year festival unlike any other.
The first month of the lunar calendar, according to Vietnamese beliefs, marks the beginning of a New Year but also a new opportunity and is considered a time to open up the spiritual realm. People believe that offering incense at Ba Den Mountain during this time will bring blessings from Linh Son Thanh Mau (Linh Son Holy Mother) Bodhisattva, a revered deity in southern Vietnamese folklore, known for her miraculous manifestations and compassion, and that they will receive good luck and protection throughout the year. The combination of traditional and spiritual elements has created a huge attraction, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, including international tourists eager to explore Vietnam’s unique cultural heritage.
Ba Den Mountain is known as the “Roof of Southern Vietnam”.
At Dien Ba and Ba Pagoda — centuries-old temples on the mountainside — thousands of devotees make their first offerings of the year, offering prayers and asking for blessings. At the summit, visitors eagerly pay homage to the towering Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue, the tallest of its kind in Asia, as well as one of the world’s largest Maitreya Bodhisattva statues. Below the statues lies a vast exhibition space where visitors can immerse themselves in Buddhist culture and seek tranquility and joy in the early days of the New Year.
Ba Den Mountain is now gaining international recognition. In 2024, photographer Tran Tuan Viet’s work, The Highest Mountain in Southern Vietnam, a sensational photograph featuring the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue amid clouds atop Ba Den Mountain, was selected from over 415,000 images, created by 74,000 photographers from 206 countries and territories worldwide, to represent Vietnam in the Sony World Photography Awards. The image captivated visitors when it went on show at an exhibition at the prestigious Somerset House, London, in April 2024.
At that time, the breath-taking beauty of Ba Den Mountain caught the attention of international media, with leading global publications such as The Times of London, the Daily Record from Scotland and Euronews broadcasting from Lyon in France, along with many others, praising the image, ranking it number one in their lists of award-winning photographs.
Ba Den Mountain’s natural beauty is stunning. From its summit, travellers can take in sweeping views of the vast Tay Ninh plains, where lush green rice fields stretch endlessly out to the horizon, the immense Dau Tieng Lake shimmers and winding roads create picturesque landscapes.
From now until the end of spring, Ba Den Mountain will remain a destination for pilgrims, with vibrant festivals. The Ba Mountain Spring Festival continues throughout the first lunar month, with events such as the joyful Maitreya Festival, the God of Wealth Festival and the Full Moon Festival.
Then on May 9, Ba Den Mountain will serve as the main venue for the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration 2025, one of the largest Buddhist events globally. The grand festival will include numerous remarkable moments, with the highlight being an extensive lantern-offering ceremony, attended by revered monks, esteemed Buddhist leaders and delegates from 80 countries, alongside tens of thousands of Buddhist followers from Vietnam and abroad. Hashtag: #SunGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
MALMÖ, Sweden, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The largest IKEA report ever, surveying over 55,000 people across 57 markets, reveals that Mainland China ranks highest in sleep quality, while Norway and the USA score the lowest. The findings also highlight a global sleep gap of 1 hour and 20 minutes, with people worldwide missing out on significant rest each night – equating to over 20 full days of lost sleep annually.
IKEA Sleep Report – Quality Score ranking across the 57 markets surveyed.
Who sleeps best – and who struggles? While Mainland China leads in sleep duration, with most averaging over 7 hours per night, Norway and the USA struggle, with Americans reporting the most disrupted sleep. 64% of Egyptians rate their sleep as good, the highest globally, while financial stress, screen time, and inconsistent routines negatively impact rest in other regions.
“Sleep is an important factor for life quality. At IKEA, we’re committed to understanding people’s sleep challenges and providing solutions – whether through smart bedroom designs, better sleep environments, or simple daily habits,” said Belén Frau, Global Communication and Positioning Manager, IKEA Retail (Ingka Group).
Why are we losing sleep? The study identifies stress, financial concerns, and technology use as the biggest obstacles to quality sleep:
40% cite stress and overthinking as their main sleep disruptors
72% use phones in bed, increasing to 86% among 18-24-year-olds
19% rely on medication, with 5% using it daily
A call for sleep equality The IKEA Sleep Score exposes stark inequalities in sleep quality, with financially insecure individuals, the LGBTQ+ community, and women with young children scoring well below the global average.
“Many people sleep in shared or multifunctional spaces, making rest even more challenging. By understanding these realities, we can design products that improve everyday life,” said Jasper Wuts, Range Insights Manager, IKEA of Sweden.
Simple tips for better sleep The report offers actionable recommendations, such as sticking to a routine, limiting screen time, creating a restful environment, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Understanding Life at Home IKEA continuously explores how people live, rest, and play, developing in-depth global studies, including the world’s largest Life at Home Report, as well as the Play Report and Climate Report. These insights help IKEA create solutions that meet the needs of the many, ensuring a better life at home.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MotoGP icon Marc Marquez has officially signed with leading action camera company Insta360 as a brand ambassador for the 2025 MotoGP season.
After dominating 125cc and Moto2, Marquez burst onto the scene with the Repsol Honda team (now Honda HRC) in the 2013 FiM MotoGP World Championship. He not only took gold in his debut season, he set the record for being the youngest-ever racer to do so—a feat he would best time and time and time again, becoming the youngest six-time MotoGP champion. But this wasn’t enough. The more he raced, the more records he broke, and now, entering his 13th season, he holds over 30 MotoGP records.
But what truly defines a legend isn’t how they excel in victory, it’s how they overcome defeat. In the opening race of the 2020 season, Marquez was launched from his bike, seriously breaking his right arm. The injury, rehab and four subsequent surgeries caused him to miss the remainder of the season, the beginning of the next, and even parts of the 2023 season. The recovery process was arduous enough that he even contemplated retirement, but instead, he made the bold decision not just to return but to make a fresh new start.
“Marc’s history-making career on the track and his determination to overcome his injury and keep competing truly embody the ‘Think Bold’ concept,” said Max Richter, Vice President of Marketing at Insta360, “we’re very excited to partner with him in this era of his career and can’t wait to see what he achieves in the 2025 MotoGP season.”
Now, racing with the Ducati Lenovo team and nicknamed “Todo al Rojo” (“All Red”), Márquez is going all in for a seventh championship—and with the leading action camera brand Insta360 as an official personal sponsor, he has a new path, a new angle and new gear. “Insta360 cameras will let the audience see my riding POV like never before,” said Márquez, “they’re small, easy to use and record with, and can capture amazing moments that a camera man cannot.”
All season long, we’ll be sharing those amazing moments with exclusive behind-the-scenes and practice footage of Marc Marquez, but if you want to get your own epic motorcycle footage, check insta360.com to find out all the gear you need.
TOKYO, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AUTOCRYPT, award-winning vehicle testing solutions provider, and Hitachi Solutions, Ltd., IT solutions provider, announced a distribution agreement, bringing AutoCrypt Security Fuzzer to the Japanese market starting January 22, 2025. This marks the first domestic availability of the globally recognized Security Fuzzer in Japan.
This adds to the two companies’ existing partnership agreement, as AUTOCRYPT currently offers its V2X security solution with the option of integrating its security library with Hitachi Solution’s Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Middleware Platform. The new agreement continues to align with Hitachi Solutions’ commitment to delivering advanced cybersecurity tools, as well as AUTOCRYPT’s expertise in developing cutting-edge, optimized testing technologies to the automotive industry.
AutoCrypt Security Fuzzer was designed specifically for in-vehicle software development and testing, and boasts automated test case generation, generating over one million test cases based on ISO 14229-1:2020, supporting all 26 Service Identifiers (SIDs) defined in the Unified Diagnostic Service (UDS) protocol). AutoCrypt Security Fuzzer also provides continuous automated execution for individual ECUs or integrated systems, optimizing the testing process. Users receive comprehensive key test results, with summaries and visualizations of major outcomes, enabling developers to quickly review and re-execute to address detected vulnerabilities.
“We are delighted to work together with Hitachi Solutions to bring our fuzzing solution to the Japanese market,” said Duksoo Kim, CEO and co-Founder of AUTOCRYPT. “As the industry embraces SDVs, there is mounting pressure for manufacturers and suppliers to meet standards and regulations, and our tool offers support so there is no interruption in the compliance process. We are confident that AutoCrypt Security Fuzzer will address the current challenges in the automotive cybersecurity landscape, and contribute to safer, more reliable automotive software.”
The official distributorship agreement in Japan through Hitachi Solutions will enable Japanese manufacturers and suppliers to adopt a comprehensive, effective approach to cybersecurity testing, streamlining compliance with international standards, including ISO/SAE 21434.
About Autocrypt Co., Ltd.
AUTOCRYPT is the leading player in automotive cybersecurity and smart mobility technologies. It specializes in the development and integration of security software and solutions for in-vehicle systems, V2X communications, Plug&Charge, and fleet management, paving the way towards a secure and reliable C-ITS ecosystem in the age of software-defined vehicles. Its comprehensive suite of automotive cybersecurity testing services and platforms includes the award-winning AutoCrypt CSTP, which supports automotive OEMs and suppliers in meeting regulatory standards ilke ISO/SAE 21434, UNECE WP.29 UN R155, as well as other emerging global standards.
About Hitachi Solutions, Ltd.
Hitachi Solutions is a core IT company of the Hitachi Group. They deliver products and services of superior value to customers worldwide through key subsidiaries in Asia, the United States and Europe. Hitachi Solutions has also been providing a variety of solutions globally using cutting-edge digital technologies based on collaborative creation with customers. Together with our partners around the world, they are accelerating Sustainability Transformation (SX) to solve the challenges facing society and business, and contribute to the realisation of a happy society where no one is left behind.
XIAMEN, China, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lichen China Limited (the “Company” or “Lichen China”) (NASDAQ: LICN), a leading financial and taxation service provider in China, today announced the completion of its acquisition of the remaining 40% equity interest in Bondly Enterprises Limited (“Bondly”), a prominent domestic consulting firm specializing in business process management and informationization. This acquisition follows Lichen China’s initial purchase of 60% equity in Bondly in 2024, and marks a significant step in Lichen China’s strategy to fully integrate Bondly’s advanced technologies and AI capabilities into its operations.
The acquisition, valued at US$5,330,000, underscores Lichen China’s commitment to strengthening its foothold in the AI and technology sectors. By acquiring the remaining 40% equity, Lichen China aims to gain full control over Bondly’s cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled team, which are critical to the Company’s future growth and innovation in AI-driven solutions.
Bondly, founded by Mr. Zisu Zhou, a seasoned expert with 18 years of experience in process management and information development, has established itself as a leader in business process management and digital transformation. The company’s proprietary AWS BPM system enables seamless integration across applications, departments, and business environments, enhancing operational efficiency, transparency, and agility for its clients. Bondly’s expertise in AI development and its strong client base across various industries make it a valuable asset for Lichen China’s expansion in the AI sector.
Mr. Ya Li, Chairman and CEO of Lichen China, commented on the acquisition, “The acquisition of the remaining 40% equity in Bondly is a strategic move that allows us to fully leverage Bondly’s technological expertise and AI capabilities. This transaction not only strengthens our control over Bondly’s operations but also positions us to accelerate the development of our AI-driven solutions, particularly our flagship product, the Lichen AI Robot. We believe that Bondly’s core technologies and talented team will play a pivotal role in our future growth and innovation.”
With the completion of this transaction, Bondly becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lichen China, enabling deeper integration of Bondly’s technologies and services into Lichen China’s existing offerings. The synergies between the two companies are expected to drive significant revenue growth and enhance Lichen China’s competitive edge in the financial, taxation, and AI sectors.
About Lichen China Limited
Lichen China Limited is a leading provider of financial and taxation solution services, education support services, and software and maintenance services under its “Lichen” brand. With over 18 years of expertise in the financial and taxation services industry, the Company has built a strong reputation for delivering professional and high-quality services in China. For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://ir.lichenzx.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company’s expectations regarding the integration of Bondly’s technologies and the potential growth in AI-driven solutions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” or similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.
Unveiled at the French AI Action Summit, ROOST equips builders with scalable solutions to promote AI safety and help protect young people in the digital age
PARIS, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the Robust Open Online Safety Tools (ROOST) initiative launched at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris. Incubated at the Institute of Global Politics at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, ROOST is a new non-profit organization that brings together the expertise, resources, and investments of major technology companies and philanthropies to build scalable, interoperable safety infrastructure suited for the AI era. ROOST’s founding partners include Eric Schmidt, Discord, OpenAI, Google, Roblox, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, AI Collaborative, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and Project Liberty Institute. ROOST also benefits from the support and expertise of a wide set of partners from the fields of AI, philanthropy, academia, open source, child safety, and countering violent extremism.
Amongst the major announcements of the French AI Action Summit, ROOST addresses an important gap in digital safety—especially online child safety—by providing free, open-source safety tools to public and private organizations of all sizes across the globe.
As innovative technologies continue to evolve, so too does the online safety landscape. Generative AI reshapes the online environment, increasing the need for reliable and accessible safety infrastructure. ROOST will offer free, open-source, and easy-to-use tools to detect, review, and report child sexual abuse material (CSAM); leverage large language models (LLMs) to power safety infrastructure; and make core safety technologies more accessible and more user friendly. With dedicated technical teams providing hands-on support, ROOST will meet organizations where they are, helping them integrate robust safety measures while continuing to innovate.
ROOST alleviates the need for organizations to reinvent the wheel by building tools that already exist, empowering them—especially smaller companies and public interest organizations—to focus on growing their platforms or services while also promoting safety for online users.
To date, ROOST has raised more than $27 million for its first four years of operations from a range of leading philanthropies and top technology companies. ROOST aims to accelerate its growth and expand its offerings to as many organizations as possible.
Eric Schmidt, Founding Partner of ROOST and Chair of the Special Competitive Studies Project, said: “Robust Open Online Safety Tools, known as ROOST, addresses a critical need to accelerate innovation in online child safety and AI by providing small companies and nonprofits access to technologies they currently lack. Starting with a platform focused on child protection, ROOST’s collaborative, open-source approach will foster innovation and make essential infrastructure more transparent, accessible, and inclusive, with the goal of creating a safer internet for everyone.”
Camille François, President of ROOST and Professor at Columbia University, said: “ROOST ushers in a new era of collaborative safety innovation. By making robust safety tools accessible to all through open source, we’re creating a more pluralistic and secure digital future in the age of AI. We thank our founding partners and supporting partners for their invaluable contributions to this mission.”
Clint Smith, Board Chair of ROOST and Discord’s Chief Legal Officer, said: “At Discord, we believe that safety is a common good. We’re committed to making the entire internet – not just Discord – a better and safer place, especially for young people. While safety is integrated into every aspect of our work at Discord, we also know that continued industry collaboration is essential. We are proud to be a founding partner of ROOST, to work together with other leaders in the industry, and to contribute our innovative safety tooling to foster a safer internet for all.”
LJUNGAVERK, Sweden, Feb. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Swedish-based Permascand, owned by Altor, has merged with Magneto Special Anodes to form a global leader in catalytic coatings and electrodes for premium segment customers. Magneto Special Anodes, formerly a brand of global water solutions company Xylem Inc. (NYSE:XYL), has production facilities in the Netherlands and in China.
Permascand and Magneto Special Anodes have technological leadership in electrochemical catalytic coatings and electrodes. Today they serve complementary customer segments. The ambition is to continue to grow within existing segments, but also to deploy the strong technology expertise into new segments. One opportunity is green hydrogen, which will play a crucial role in the green transition of industry.
David Ekberg has been appointed as CEO of the new company, joining immediately. He is an experienced leader with previous roles in Stora Enso, Climeon and Ericsson.
“This combination marks the start of a new chapter for both Permascand and Magneto, and for me an excellent opportunity to come onboard as CEO. The two leading companies have the potential to play an even more important role in addressing crucial needs for the green transition. We have received incredible support from Altor in making this next phase come true. With their continued backing, we will leverage their long heritage of helping industrial companies scale”, says David Ekberg, CEO of Permascand and Magneto Special Anodes.
“David Ekberg has an entrepreneurial mindset and extensive experience from working globally, driving growth and innovation. Under his leadership, we embark on a growth journey for the new company, aiming to serve existing and new customers with our leading products and solutions. I am very pleased to see him take on this new role,” says Annica Bresky, Chair of the Board of directors of Permascand.
The transaction has been closed. The parties have agreed not to share further details regarding the transaction. In the short term both entities will continue to operate under their existing names.