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VHS tapes storing home movies, TV recordings, and family events can degrade, fade, or break over time, prompting many households to convert aging cassettes into digital files that are easier to preserve, share, and watch on today’s devices.

VHS-to-digital converters typically connect a VCR to a computer or television, capturing analog footage and saving it as a digital video file. Some products store files directly on a computer through capture software, while others record to a USB drive or SD card without requiring a computer. The best option often depends on how many tapes a user plans to convert, how much control they want over settings, and how simple they want the process to be.

When shopping, consumers should consider video quality, connection types, and software support, including compatibility with their operating system. Clear instructions, stable performance during long recordings, and reliable input options can reduce errors and improve results. After researching and testing widely available devices and services by Consumer Champion, five options stood out for balancing quality, ease of use, and overall value.

Top VHS-to-Digital Conversion Options

For consumers looking to convert VHS tapes to digital files quickly, several conversion options stand out for balancing convenience, video quality, and overall value. After hands-on testing and review, five VHS-to-digital solutions emerged as the strongest performers, led by iMemories for its ease of use and consistent results.

• iMemories (Most Convenient Choice)
• Portta VHS to Digital Converter
• ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0
• Portta VHS to Digital Converter
• Generic VHS to Digital Converter 2.0

Each option on the list was tested for performance, ease of operation, and value. The results reflect how well each solution handled real-world VHS conversions, including long recordings, aging tapes, and common playback issues. Together, these five products represent the most effective ways to preserve VHS content in digital form for modern viewing and long-term storage.

1. iMemories SafeShip Kit: Most Convenient Choice

The iMemories SafeShip Kit is designed for consumers who want a hands-off approach to converting tapes without purchasing hardware.

Pros:

• Sturdy shipping kit that helps protect tapes in transit
• App-based playback makes it easy to watch and share videos
• Minimal technical skill required

Cons:

• Costs can rise quickly for large collections
• Turnaround can take weeks, rather than same-day conversion
• Quality and processing decisions are handled by the service, not the user

In testing, the kit arrived ready to use, and packing tapes took only a few minutes. Digital files were accessible through the company’s app, streaming smoothly to a TV, and sharing clips was straightforward. Colors appeared cleaner than on the original tapes, though results varied by source material.

2. Portta VHS to Digital Converter: Computer-Free Recording

The Portta VHS to Digital Converter is aimed at users who want to save tapes to digital files without using a computer.

Pros:

• Records directly to a USB drive with minimal setup
• Built-in screen allows quick checks of audio and video
• Works with multiple legacy playback devices

Cons:

• Menus can take time to learn
• Storage drive is not included
• Controls feel basic

Testing showed users could begin recording within minutes after connecting a VCR and pressing record. Video quality aligned with what is typical for older tapes, and audio remained in sync. Once familiar with the menu layout, the device offered a straightforward workflow for converting multiple tapes.

3. ClearClick Video2Digital Converter 2.0: One-Button Simplicity

ClearClick’s Video2Digital Converter 2.0 targets users seeking a simple workflow without capture software.

Pros:

• One-button recording without a computer
• Built-in preview screen helps confirm audio and video
• Files saved in formats that are widely compatible

Cons:

• Requires a working VCR or camcorder
• Video quality reflects the original tape, and will not appear sharper
• Storage is required, and is not included

In use, setup was direct: connect the playback device, add storage, and press record. The preview screen helped prevent bad captures, and the auto-stop timer reduced wasted storage. Audio stayed in sync during long recordings, including on older tapes with uneven sound.

4. DigitPro VHS to Digital Converter 2.0: Straightforward Transfers 

DigitPro’s VHS to Digital Converter 2.0 is another computer-free option designed for users who want quick, stable recording.

Pros:

• One-button recording with minimal setup
• Built-in screen supports quick quality checks
• Compatible with several older playback devices

Cons:

• Screen can feel cramped for extended viewing
• Controls require a short learning curve
• Remote operation requires batteries

During testing, the unit captured a box of tapes without freezing or crashing. The built-in screen helped identify tracking problems early, and the device could also be routed to a TV for a larger preview. Audio remained synchronized across recordings.

5. ClearClick Video2Digital 3.0: Updated Version

The ClearClick Video2Digital 3.0 offers a similar computer-free approach, while adding support for additional audio sources.

Pros:

• One-button recording, with no software required
• Built-in screen enables real-time monitoring
• Supports video and some audio sources

Cons:

• Requires a separate VCR or camcorder for tapes
• Output remains standard definition, rather than HD
• Storage is not included

Testing showed the on-device preview made it easier to spot and correct tracking issues before recording too much footage. For users prioritizing speed and simplicity, recording directly to removable storage reduced clutter and eliminated driver-related complications.

Buying Guide: What to Look For

Consumers should start by deciding whether they want direct-to-storage recording or computer-based capture. Computer-free devices can reduce setup time, while computer-based capture often offers more control over settings and editing.

Key factors to consider include:

• Video quality: Support for common VHS signals, stable output, and, when available, features such as basic color correction or noise reduction
• Ease of use: Clear buttons, minimal setup steps, and plain, readable menus
• Connections: Inputs that match existing VCR cables, and outputs compatible with a computer or TV
• Recording method: Direct to a PC or direct to removable storage
• Software and compatibility: Drivers, updates, and reliable support for the user’s operating system
• Build quality: Durability during long recording sessions

Price should be weighed against actual needs. More expensive options do not always produce better results, and unnecessary features can add cost without improving transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated VHS-to-digital converters on the market?

Frequently recommended models include Diamond VC500, ClearClick Video to Digital Converter, and Roxio Easy VHS to DVD. Elgato Video Capture is also commonly cited for simple, guided setups on modern computers.

Which VHS-to-USB converter offers the best video quality during transfer?

Devices that support S-Video and stable drivers, such as the Diamond VC500, can yield stronger results when paired with a compatible VCR. Capturing at a higher bitrate, and avoiding heavy compression during the initial capture, can preserve more detail from the tape.

How can I convert VHS tapes to digital without a VCR?

Options include using a VHS-to-DVD combo deck that plays tapes and outputs to disc or a capture device, or using a local conversion service, particularly for damaged tapes or rare formats.

Are there any VHS converters compatible with Windows 11 that are recommended?

The Diamond VC500 is frequently recommended for systems that require modern driver support. Users who want to avoid driver issues altogether often choose converters that record directly to removable storage, rather than through a computer.

What solutions are suggested on Reddit for converting VHS tapes to digital format?

Common advice includes using a reliable VCR, cleaning heads, using quality cables, capturing once at high quality, and editing after the fact to avoid repeated playback wear on aging tapes.

Can you recommend a high-quality VHS-to-digital converter that is also user-friendly?

Users seeking simplicity often prefer ClearClick’s Video to Digital Converter models for computer-free recording. Those who want a guided computer workflow, with minimal configuration, often consider Elgato Video Capture.

About Consumer-Champion.org

Consumer Champion is a Los Angeles–based consumer education platform that reviews products, provides comparisons, and delivers recommendations to help people make informed choices. Our mission is to provide insight that helps users understand the value and usefulness of products, and our team tests, ranks, and analyzes to empower shoppers with clear, trustworthy guidance. For more information, visit consumer-champion.org.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. Conversion quality, turnaround times, and results may vary depending on the condition of your tapes and equipment used. We are not responsible for data loss, tape degradation, or damage that may occur during the conversion process. Always follow manufacturer instructions and consider professional services for fragile or irreplaceable media.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our research and editorial work. We only recommend products and services we believe offer real value to consumers.

Media Contact

Amy Sanchez
shopgenrep@gmail.com

Magic Hour today announced the launch of its AI UGC Ad Generator, a new product designed to help marketers and creators produce realistic UGC-style video ads up to 60 seconds with directable creative control. Unlike prompt-only generators, Magic Hour lets users choose the first image to anchor the ad (including the actor and product) — or pick from over 200 AI actors — then refine output by specifying the script, scene description, tone, and the actor’s emotions.

Key Facts

• Output length: Up to 60 seconds
• Starting point: User-selected first image (actor + product)
• AI actors: Choose from over 200 AI actors (or use your own first image)
• Creative control: Script + scene + tone + emotions
• Use cases: Paid social ads, creative testing, product launches, landing page videos
• Availability: Available now for paid users at magichour.ai/create/ai-ugc-ad-generator

“UGC ads work because they feel human, but producing them at scale is slow and expensive,” said Runbo Li, co-founder and CEO of Magic Hour. “We built the AI UGC Ad Generator for teams that need speed without giving up direction. You can lock the first frame, keep your product present, and iterate on script, scene, tone, and emotion until the ad matches your brand.”

Built for Performance Marketers Who Test Fast

Creative teams often need many variants across hooks, scripts, tones, and emotional deliveries. Magic Hour’s AI UGC Ad Generator is built to support this workflow by starting from an anchored first image and letting users direct the performance, not just the visuals.

What You Can Control

• First image control: Choose the first frame to set the actor and product placement
• Script control: Provide the exact words you want spoken
• Scene direction: Describe the setting and what happens on screen
• Tone and emotion: Specify the vibe and delivery (for example: confident, warm, urgent, playful, skeptical, excited)
• Iteration: Rapidly generate variations by changing the script, scene, or emotional direction

How It Works

• Upload or select your first image (actor + product)
• Enter your script and describe the scene, tone, and emotion
• Generate a realistic UGC-style ad and iterate with variants until it is ready to run

FAQ / Common Questions

What is an AI UGC ad generator?

An AI UGC ad generator is a tool that creates user-generated-content style video ads designed to look and feel like real creator content, commonly used for TikTok, Reels, Shorts, and other paid social placements.

How is Magic Hour different from other AI video ad tools?

Magic Hour starts from a user-chosen first image to anchor the actor and product, and it supports direct control over script, scene direction, tone, and emotion, so teams can iterate intentionally instead of relying on generic generations.

What is the maximum video length?

Magic Hour supports up to 60 seconds for AI UGC ads.

Do I have to use a pre-written script?

No. You can write your own script, test multiple hooks, or iterate line-by-line until the delivery matches your brand.

Can I keep my product visible throughout the ad?

The generator is designed to keep the ad grounded in your chosen starting image (actor + product). Results vary by creative direction, but anchoring the first frame helps maintain consistency.

Who is this for?

• Performance marketing teams running rapid creative tests
• E-commerce brands launching new products
• Agencies producing high-volume paid social creatives
• Creators and founders who need ads without a full production pipeline

Is it available now?

Yes. The AI UGC Ad Generator is available now for paid users.

Where can I try it?

Visit magichour.ai/create/ai-ugc-ad-generator to give it a try.

About Magic Hour

Magic Hour is an AI video and image creation platform that helps creators and teams produce high-quality content faster, from ad creatives to stylized video transformations. The platform offers a growing set of tools designed for real-world workflows, enabling fast iteration, creative control, and production-ready outputs. Learn more at magichour.ai.

Media Contact

Runbo Li
Co-founder and CEO, Magic Hour AI
press@magichour.ai

feel free CLASSIC contains 1.75 g of natural kratom leaf per 1 fl oz serving, delivering 20 mg of mitragynine — at the lower end of doses examined across 19 clinical trials that have established a substantial body of scientific evidence supporting the safety of natural kratom leaf.

A comprehensive peer-reviewed study published in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring marks the latest addition to this research, examining natural botanical material identical to what is used in feel free CLASSIC.

All clinical studies to date have focused exclusively on natural kratom leaf and powder. No comparable clinical research exists for kratom extracts, concentrates, or synthetic mitragynine compounds.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 116 healthy volunteers over 47 days, making it the largest controlled kratom administration study conducted to date. Researchers administered both single doses and 15 consecutive daily doses of natural kratom leaf powder at levels ranging from 6.65 mg to 53.2 mg of mitragynine.

Study Findings

The study reported no serious adverse events or deaths across any dose levels tested. Treatment-emergent adverse events were generally mild and increased with dose. Researchers found no evidence of meaningful abuse potential or withdrawal, and no clinically significant abnormal findings in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, or blood oxygen levels.

These results align with findings across clinical studies of natural kratom leaf. A Johns Hopkins survey of 2,798 kratom users found that only 0.6% sought medical treatment for adverse effects, noting that “serious adverse effects were uncommon.”

Previous controlled clinical trials have reported similar safety profiles. A study by Tanna et al. involving 12 participants who consumed kratom tea containing 39mg of mitragynine reported no serious adverse events. Earlier research involving chronic kratom users who received doses ranging from 6.25 mg to 23 mg of mitragynine in kratom tea reported no adverse events.

Distinguishing Natural from Synthetic

The pharmacology of natural kratom leaf differs substantially from synthetic opioids. The study notes that mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are partial agonists of the μ-opioid receptor. Unlike full agonists such as morphine and fentanyl, mitragynine poorly activates the β-arrestin-2 pathway, which is implicated in adverse effects including respiratory depression and constipation.

The research confirmed that 7-hydroxymitragynine is not present in detectable levels in fresh kratom leaves, but forms as a metabolite when the body processes mitragynine through the CYP3A4 enzyme pathway. Mitragynine also demonstrates activity at multiple receptor systems including adrenergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, and adenosinergic receptors, distinguishing its pharmacology from traditional opioids.

Regulatory Context

The World Health Organization’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence reviewed kratom and mitragynine in 2021 and determined they did not meet criteria for inclusion as a banned substance.

The research was conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Advarra Institutional Review Board and Health Canada.

The full study is available at: https://doi.org/10.1097/FTD.0000000000001427

About Botanic Tonics

Botanic Tonics is a plant-based, herbal supplement company headquartered in Broken Arrow, OK. Established in 2020, we produce kava-centric tonics under our feel free brand. Our signature product, feel free CLASSIC, is crafted with ancient functional plants to provide mood lift, chilled energy, and enhanced focus. Botanic Tonics’ products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility, and we actively support consumer safety regulations through transparent labeling and educational resources. For more information, visit botanictonics.com.

Disclaimer

Warning: This product contains natural kratom leaf which, like caffeine and alcohol, may be habit-forming and harmful if consumed irresponsibly. Avoid if you have a history of substance abuse. When consumed as recommended, feel free CLASSIC has not been shown to cause any serious physical or social harm.

Caution: Not for consumption by or sale to persons under the age of 21. May interact with certain medications — consult a licensed, qualified healthcare professional before use. Do not consume with excessive alcohol. This product is not intended for those who are sensitive to the active ingredients or women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant.

To learn more, visit our Consumer Education page.

Media Contact

Botanic Tonics
media@botanictonics.com

Bento, the AI-powered email marketing and automation platform serving over 4,000 small businesses, today announces Tanuki AI — an AI marketing agent that transforms plain-English descriptions into complete, production-ready email automations and campaigns.

Instead of dragging and dropping nodes or learning complex interfaces, users simply describe what they need: "create a welcome series for new subscribers" or "build an abandoned cart recovery flow." Tanuki generates the complete workflow — triggers, delays, conditions, and email content — in seconds.

Tanuki AI includes two operating modes: Ask mode, which confirms actions before execution, and YOLO mode for users who want fully autonomous building. Every AI action can be reversed with one-click undo. The assistant works across all of Bento's email editors — visual, plain text, and raw HTML — adapting to each user's preferred workflow.

For developers, Bento's MCP Server integration brings Tanuki's capabilities directly into tools like Cursor and Claude Code, enabling teams to iterate on email copy and automation logic without leaving their development environment.

"We've built Cursor for email," said Jesse Hanley, founder of Bento. "Small business owners shouldn't need to hire consultants or spend weeks learning software to send effective marketing emails. With Tanuki, you just describe what you want and it happens."

The launch reflects Bento's broader mission to make enterprise-grade marketing tools accessible to small businesses. The platform consolidates email marketing, automation, transactional email, and AI-powered customer support into a single system with simple pricing: $0.01 per contact, no per-seat fees, and no feature tiers.

Bento achieved SOC 2 Type II compliance in 2025 with zero audit exceptions and maintains HIPAA compliance, delivering enterprise-level security without enterprise complexity.

About Bento

Bento is an AI-powered email marketing, automation, and CRM platform built for small businesses. Founded in 2019, the company serves more than 4,000 businesses worldwide with an AI-native approach that lets users create production-ready marketing automations using plain English. Bento replaces multiple point solutions with a single, unified platform and offers simple, transparent pricing. The company is SOC 2 Type II compliant, privately held, and independently operated, with a 4.9/5 rating on G2 and a 5/5 rating on Capterra. For more information, visit bentonow.com.

Media Contact

Jesse Hanley
Founder, Bento
jesse@bentonow.com

VHS tapes storing home movies, TV recordings, and family events can degrade, fade, or break over time, prompting many households to convert aging cassettes into digital files that are easier to preserve, share, and watch on today’s devices.

VHS-to-digital converters typically connect a VCR to a computer or television, capturing analog footage and saving it as a digital video file. Some products store files directly on a computer through capture software, while others record to a USB drive or SD card without requiring a computer. The best option often depends on how many tapes a user plans to convert, how much control they want over settings, and how simple they want the process to be.

When shopping, consumers should consider video quality, connection types, and software support, including compatibility with their operating system. Clear instructions, stable performance during long recordings, and reliable input options can reduce errors and improve results. After researching and testing widely available devices and services by Consumer Champion, five options stood out for balancing quality, ease of use, and overall value.

Top VHS-to-Digital Conversion Options

For consumers looking to convert VHS tapes to digital files quickly, several conversion options stand out for balancing convenience, video quality, and overall value. After hands-on testing and review, five VHS-to-digital solutions emerged as the strongest performers, led by iMemories for its ease of use and consistent results.

• iMemories (Most Convenient Choice)
• Portta VHS to Digital Converter
• ClearClick Video to Digital Converter 2.0
• Portta VHS to Digital Converter
• Generic VHS to Digital Converter 2.0

Each option on the list was tested for performance, ease of operation, and value. The results reflect how well each solution handled real-world VHS conversions, including long recordings, aging tapes, and common playback issues. Together, these five products represent the most effective ways to preserve VHS content in digital form for modern viewing and long-term storage.

1. iMemories SafeShip Kit: Most Convenient Choice

The iMemories SafeShip Kit is designed for consumers who want a hands-off approach to converting tapes without purchasing hardware.

Pros:

• Sturdy shipping kit that helps protect tapes in transit
• App-based playback makes it easy to watch and share videos
• Minimal technical skill required

Cons:

• Costs can rise quickly for large collections
• Turnaround can take weeks, rather than same-day conversion
• Quality and processing decisions are handled by the service, not the user

In testing, the kit arrived ready to use, and packing tapes took only a few minutes. Digital files were accessible through the company’s app, streaming smoothly to a TV, and sharing clips was straightforward. Colors appeared cleaner than on the original tapes, though results varied by source material.

2. Portta VHS to Digital Converter: Computer-Free Recording

The Portta VHS to Digital Converter is aimed at users who want to save tapes to digital files without using a computer.

Pros:

• Records directly to a USB drive with minimal setup
• Built-in screen allows quick checks of audio and video
• Works with multiple legacy playback devices

Cons:

• Menus can take time to learn
• Storage drive is not included
• Controls feel basic

Testing showed users could begin recording within minutes after connecting a VCR and pressing record. Video quality aligned with what is typical for older tapes, and audio remained in sync. Once familiar with the menu layout, the device offered a straightforward workflow for converting multiple tapes.

3. ClearClick Video2Digital Converter 2.0: One-Button Simplicity

ClearClick’s Video2Digital Converter 2.0 targets users seeking a simple workflow without capture software.

Pros:

• One-button recording without a computer
• Built-in preview screen helps confirm audio and video
• Files saved in formats that are widely compatible

Cons:

• Requires a working VCR or camcorder
• Video quality reflects the original tape, and will not appear sharper
• Storage is required, and is not included

In use, setup was direct: connect the playback device, add storage, and press record. The preview screen helped prevent bad captures, and the auto-stop timer reduced wasted storage. Audio stayed in sync during long recordings, including on older tapes with uneven sound.

4. DigitPro VHS to Digital Converter 2.0: Straightforward Transfers 

DigitPro’s VHS to Digital Converter 2.0 is another computer-free option designed for users who want quick, stable recording.

Pros:

• One-button recording with minimal setup
• Built-in screen supports quick quality checks
• Compatible with several older playback devices

Cons:

• Screen can feel cramped for extended viewing
• Controls require a short learning curve
• Remote operation requires batteries

During testing, the unit captured a box of tapes without freezing or crashing. The built-in screen helped identify tracking problems early, and the device could also be routed to a TV for a larger preview. Audio remained synchronized across recordings.

5. ClearClick Video2Digital 3.0: Updated Version

The ClearClick Video2Digital 3.0 offers a similar computer-free approach, while adding support for additional audio sources.

Pros:

• One-button recording, with no software required
• Built-in screen enables real-time monitoring
• Supports video and some audio sources

Cons:

• Requires a separate VCR or camcorder for tapes
• Output remains standard definition, rather than HD
• Storage is not included

Testing showed the on-device preview made it easier to spot and correct tracking issues before recording too much footage. For users prioritizing speed and simplicity, recording directly to removable storage reduced clutter and eliminated driver-related complications.

Buying Guide: What to Look For

Consumers should start by deciding whether they want direct-to-storage recording or computer-based capture. Computer-free devices can reduce setup time, while computer-based capture often offers more control over settings and editing.

Key factors to consider include:

• Video quality: Support for common VHS signals, stable output, and, when available, features such as basic color correction or noise reduction
• Ease of use: Clear buttons, minimal setup steps, and plain, readable menus
• Connections: Inputs that match existing VCR cables, and outputs compatible with a computer or TV
• Recording method: Direct to a PC or direct to removable storage
• Software and compatibility: Drivers, updates, and reliable support for the user’s operating system
• Build quality: Durability during long recording sessions

Price should be weighed against actual needs. More expensive options do not always produce better results, and unnecessary features can add cost without improving transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated VHS-to-digital converters on the market?

Frequently recommended models include Diamond VC500, ClearClick Video to Digital Converter, and Roxio Easy VHS to DVD. Elgato Video Capture is also commonly cited for simple, guided setups on modern computers.

Which VHS-to-USB converter offers the best video quality during transfer?

Devices that support S-Video and stable drivers, such as the Diamond VC500, can yield stronger results when paired with a compatible VCR. Capturing at a higher bitrate, and avoiding heavy compression during the initial capture, can preserve more detail from the tape.

How can I convert VHS tapes to digital without a VCR?

Options include using a VHS-to-DVD combo deck that plays tapes and outputs to disc or a capture device, or using a local conversion service, particularly for damaged tapes or rare formats.

Are there any VHS converters compatible with Windows 11 that are recommended?

The Diamond VC500 is frequently recommended for systems that require modern driver support. Users who want to avoid driver issues altogether often choose converters that record directly to removable storage, rather than through a computer.

What solutions are suggested on Reddit for converting VHS tapes to digital format?

Common advice includes using a reliable VCR, cleaning heads, using quality cables, capturing once at high quality, and editing after the fact to avoid repeated playback wear on aging tapes.

Can you recommend a high-quality VHS-to-digital converter that is also user-friendly?

Users seeking simplicity often prefer ClearClick’s Video to Digital Converter models for computer-free recording. Those who want a guided computer workflow, with minimal configuration, often consider Elgato Video Capture.

About Consumer-Champion.org

Consumer Champion is a Los Angeles–based consumer education platform that reviews products, provides comparisons, and delivers recommendations to help people make informed choices. Our mission is to provide insight that helps users understand the value and usefulness of products, and our team tests, ranks, and analyzes to empower shoppers with clear, trustworthy guidance. For more information, visit consumer-champion.org.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. Conversion quality, turnaround times, and results may vary depending on the condition of your tapes and equipment used. We are not responsible for data loss, tape degradation, or damage that may occur during the conversion process. Always follow manufacturer instructions and consider professional services for fragile or irreplaceable media.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our research and editorial work. We only recommend products and services we believe offer real value to consumers.

Media Contact

Amy Sanchez
shopgenrep@gmail.com
+1 909-588-6063

Unlisted, a groundbreaking digital real estate community focused on the 98% of homes that aren’t for sale — yet, announced today that Dan Gutfreund of Signature Sotheby’s International Realty has joined the platform as the exclusive Local Expert for ZIP code 48009 in Birmingham, Michigan.

Unlisted’s technology creates new opportunities across the real estate landscape. Buyers gain access to homes that align with their lifestyle and long-term goals, not only those currently listed on the MLS. Homeowners gain insight into how their property fits within local demand and the option to connect with interested buyers on their own terms. Real estate professionals benefit from tools that elevate their expertise, strengthen community presence, and support more informed, earlier conversations with clients and neighbors.

The platform leverages publicly available data to generate a digital property profile for every home in the United States. These profiles can be searched and organized into personalized collections of homes that meet a buyer’s criteria, even when those homes are not actively for sale. For homeowners, the profiles offer visibility into interest and provide a clearer understanding of potential opportunities.

Each vetted real estate professional on Unlisted receives an agent profile that connects to every home profile within their assigned ZIP code. Only one agent is selected per ZIP code, reinforcing Unlisted’s commitment to trusted local representation, deep market knowledge, and credibility. As the network continues to grow, Unlisted remains focused on transparency, connection, and opportunity throughout the home journey.

Dan Gutfreund brings a data-driven, client-focused approach to his role as a Local Expert. Founder of DG Realty Group and one of Michigan’s top-performing agents, Dan has built a nationally recognized brand in just over a decade. He leads a team of expert advisors and has overseen hundreds of successful transactions, consistently achieving more than $100 million in annual sales.

Ranked the number one agent in Michigan for individual sales volume in 2023 by The Wall Street Journal and RealTrends, Dan has also been named among Sotheby’s International Realty’s Top 100 Realtors Globally in 2024 and 2025. His background in urban development, city planning, residential brokerage, and commercial lending allows him to offer clients a comprehensive and strategic perspective, whether they are buying, selling, or evaluating long-term opportunities.

Dan shared his thoughts on the partnership, saying, “Birmingham is a market where timing, insight, and local knowledge matter. Unlisted creates a smarter way for buyers and homeowners to understand opportunities before a listing ever hits the market, and I’m excited to bring that advantage to my clients.”

Founder and CEO Katie Hill also commented on the announcement, noting, “Dan’s leadership, market intelligence, and consistent performance set him apart. He represents the level of expertise and trust we seek in every Local Expert who joins the Unlisted network.”

To learn more about Unlisted, visit UnlistedHomes.com. For Unlisted for Agents, visit UnlistedHomes.com/Agents.

To learn more about Dan Gutfreund, visit his Unlisted Profile or his website.

About Unlisted

Unlisted unlocks the potential in homes that aren’t for sale — yet. The company empowers home buyers to join the Waitlist for homes they love that aren’t for sale — in other words, unlisted. At the same time, homeowners collect a Waitlist of interested buyers for whenever the time comes to sell, giving everyone a head start. Unlisted also allows homeowners to control how their home is presented online; they can create a stunning up-to-date property profile that shows off the home’s best features and attracts more interest. With more time and more connection, Unlisted is a more human way to explore real estate that drives better outcomes for all. Selected for TechCrunch’s 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 as one of the top tech startups globally, and backed by HearstLab, Hearst Newspapers, VC414, StageNext Fund, and prominent angel investors, Unlisted gives buyers a competitive edge in today’s challenging housing market. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Maura Racz
maura@unlistedinc.com

As demand for trustworthy SEO education continues to grow, Certified SEO is addressing a common question prospective students ask: Is the Certified SEO course considered legitimate? The program was created to provide clear, practical instruction for marketers, business owners, and consultants who want to understand search optimization without hype, shortcuts, or unrealistic guarantees.

Certified SEO was developed by Damon Burton after years of seeing businesses struggle with vague strategies, conflicting advice, and agencies that overpromised results. The course focuses on fundamentals that remain relevant regardless of algorithm updates, including technical SEO foundations, search intent alignment, content structure, internal linking, and performance measurement. Its goal is to equip learners with decision-making skills, not just tactics.

Certified SEO course reviews consistently highlight the program’s clarity, depth, and emphasis on ethical, long-term optimization. Students often note that the course explains why strategies work, not just what to do, helping them avoid common mistakes that waste time and budget. These reviews have become a key resource for those researching legitimate reviews of Damon Burton’s SEO course before enrolling.

The program is fully self-paced and designed for a wide range of experience levels. Beginners can learn how SEO actually works and how to acquire their first clients, while more advanced practitioners use the material to refine processes, improve reporting, and scale responsibly. This broad applicability has helped address online speculation that often appears under searches like "Certified SEO course scam" or "Is Certified SEO's course a scam?"

In contrast to misleading offers found elsewhere in the industry, Certified SEO avoids guarantees, ranking promises, or claims of instant success. That transparency has shaped many Damon Burton SEO course reviews, where students emphasize the program’s realistic expectations and practical application. Burton’s teaching philosophy centers on building durable skills that align with search engine guidelines and evolving AI-driven discovery systems.

Those researching reviews of Damon Burton's courses can find course information, public feedback, and curriculum details directly through certifiedseo.com. The company encourages prospective students to evaluate the program carefully, compare it to alternatives, and decide whether a structured, fundamentals-first approach fits their goals.

Certified SEO continues to expand its educational resources with a focus on clarity, accountability, and relevance. By addressing legitimacy questions openly and grounding its instruction in real-world practice, the program aims to set a higher standard for SEO education in an industry often clouded by misinformation.

Connect with Damon Burton on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, or X / Twitter. For more information about Certified SEO and to review the course structure, visit www.certifiedseo.com.

Media Contact

Certified SEO
press@certifiedseo.com

The team at Slotozilla has just unveiled their latest immersive blog post, “AI’s Impact on the World & Who You Can Become.” In this all-new interactive blog post, readers are taken on an exciting journey to the future with artificial intelligence at the center. Through the lens of AI, readers get a glimpse at how careers are changing and how they can be a part of the AI revolution.

The blog post features discovery tabs for healthcare, education, ecology, technology, and transportation. For example, readers learn how AI is being used to more efficiently find accurate diagnoses as well as how it’s used for hospital automation and patient screening. AI healthcare is projected to be a market worth nearly $150 billion by 2029, and new professions such as nutri-gutome consultants, health shaper, and virtual surgeon are slated to come from the AI revolution.

In the world of education, AI has already been used to cut costs while benefiting special education and language learning. AI in education has also been applied in smart classrooms and learning analytics. Statistics show that over 60% of learning institutions are planning to integrate AI in their operations over the next two years and that roles such as AI educator, learning advisor, and early teacher are already being influenced by the rise of AI. 

Slotozilla also delves into the world of technology, where AI is improving the industry through areas such as intuitive prosthetic control, AI-generated 3D printing paths, and more. Roles including robot mechanic, additive manufacturing engineer, and bioprinting engineer are being developed as part of the AI revolution. Furthermore, the transportation industry is being massively impacted by artificial intelligence. According to “AI’s Impact on the World & Who You Can Become,” autonomous vehicles, AI and synthetic data, and road safe technologies are just a few novel innovations coming from AI. From advances in pedestrian detection to air taxis, AI is defining the future of how people travel.

Turning to ecology, the team at Slotozilla says that professions such as de-extinction geneticists, flood control engineers, and weather control engineers will someday use AI to make their mark. AI will be used to clean the world’s oceans while predicting the next major disasters, all things that can help save humanity.

AI is already influencing all of these sectors, as well as others. Through this new article, Slotozilla hopes to educate people everywhere on the future of AI while also giving them ideas on their unique roles in the world of AI. This technology harnesses the future, but people can get a foothold in artificial technology now by considering what they will do during the AI revolution. Consumers and producers alike stand to gain, and Slotozilla is excited to help pave the way for the future of AI with this thought-provoking immersive new blog post.

Learn more about the shift towards AI.

About Slotozilla

Slotozilla is an international platform connecting people to trusted online casinos. For more information, visit www.slotozilla.com or follow us on Facebook and X.

Media Contact

Tim Cline
info@slotozilla.com
+1 267-800-0083

The Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) has outlined a proposal to reduce the country’s standard workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours, a reform expected to benefit approximately 13.4 millionworkers if approved. The initiative, which would require amendments to the Federal Labor Law, is currently under discussion and has not yet entered into force.

According to details outlined in the proposal, the reduction in working hours would be implemented gradually over several years. The draft establishes a phased approach, reducing the standard workweek to

• 46 hours in 2027
• 44 hours in 2028
• 42 hours in 2029
• and reaching 40 hours by 2030

The proposal also updates overtime rules by establishing the possibility of working between 9 and 12 hours of voluntary overtime per week, prohibiting overtime for minors, and introducing a cap of four triple-paid overtime hours per day, a limit that did not previously exist.

The proposal also contemplates the introduction of an electronic working hours registry as a new employer obligation, intended to support compliance with the proposed 40-hour workweek. The Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) would be responsible for issuing the secondary regulations governing this registry.

The proposal forms part of a broader effort by labor authorities to modernize working conditions and align Mexico’s labor framework with international standards on working time and work-life balance. According to STPS, the reform would be implemented gradually through consultations with employer organizations, labor unions, and industry stakeholders, reinforcing Mexico’s positioning within evolving global labor practices.

From an employer's perspective, the phased structure outlined in the proposal provides greater visibility for long-term workforce planning. Gradual adjustments to statutory working hours allow companies to evaluate staffing models, productivity expectations, and cost structures over time, rather than responding to a sudden regulatory shift.

For employers operating in Mexico, the proposed reduction introduces questions that extend beyond headline figures. Weekly scheduling, overtime thresholds, shift coverage, and payroll calculations are all directly tied to statutory working hours and would need to be reviewed if the reform advances.

Human Resources Mexico (HRM), an Employer of Record operating exclusively in Mexico, has been monitoring the proposal closely due to its potential impact on day-to-day employment administration. In EOR-managed structures, working hours are a core compliance element that affects employment contracts, overtime eligibility, and payroll execution.

“Changes to the legal work week don’t only affect how many hours employees work,” said Franklin Delano Frith II, general manager, principal of Human Resources Mexico. “They also influence how overtime is calculated, how schedules are structured, and how employers ensure compliance across different roles and industries. Even at the proposal stage, this is the type of reform companies should understand early.”

Based on HRM’s experience managing employment relationships in Mexico, any modification to maximum working hours would require coordinated updates across multiple areas, including employment agreements, internal work policies, and payroll systems. This is particularly relevant for foreign companies that rely on EOR models to manage local compliance while operating teams remotely or across multiple time zones.

The STPS has emphasized that the proposal remains subject to legislative debate and further refinement. The government has announced an expected timeline under which the reform would enter into force on May 1, 2026, with the first two-hour reduction to the standard workweek taking effect on January 1, 2027, subject to approval by the Mexican Congress.

Employers are not yet required to make operational changes. However, the formal presentation of the reform outlines a defined policy roadmap that companies may need to consider in long-term workforce planning.

As discussions continue, employers and industry participants are expected to follow developments closely. The proposal underscores how Mexico’s labor framework continues to evolve, reinforcing the importance of understanding not only current legal requirements but also upcoming changes that may shape employment practices in the coming years.

About Human Resources Mexico (HRM)

HRM offers employer of record services (EOR) for foreign companies that want to hire professional employees in Mexico. HRM is the most trusted EOR in Mexico for over 16 years with a physical office and Mexican expert team in Mexico. HRM offers EOR services exclusively in Mexico providing expert, public facing, red carpet service to both the client companies and client employees. For more information, visit www.payrollmexico.com.

Media Contact

Franklin Delano Frith II
franklin.frith@expandmexico.com
+52 664 748 0313

Global payments infrastructure provider Mercuryo has recently announced a partnership with Coinme to expand its fiat-to-crypto on-ramp services in the United States. This partnership utilizes Coinme’s stablecoin and crypto infrastructure to support fast and compliant conversions between fiat and digital assets.

The collaboration integrates Coinme’s stablecoin and crypto payments platform, which provides partners with U.S.-market rails for liquidity, settlement, custody, and on-ramp transaction fulfillment — infrastructure that can be as critical for international fintechs and Web3 companies entering the U.S. market.

“The U.S. represents one of the most dynamic markets for digital assets, and with Coinme’s trusted infrastructure, we can localize our global expertise and deliver solutions that truly fit the needs of American customers,” said Dilshan Dowlah, head of U.S. at Mercuryo.

Coinme said its platform combines regulated access with enterprise-grade infrastructure, including instant liquidity, automated transaction fulfillment, stablecoin support, and compliance coverage across 48 U.S. states.

“Our collaboration with Mercuryo enables people to seamlessly move from fiat into crypto, reducing friction for mass-market adoption of digital assets and Web3 use cases,” said Neil Bergquist, CEO and co-founder of Coinme. “For many global companies, it’s the infrastructure — the rails and fulfillment layer — that makes or breaks a U.S. launch. That’s exactly what we built Coinme’s CaaS platform to solve.”

By leveraging Coinme’s infrastructure, Mercuryo said it expects to scale more rapidly in the U.S., support a broader range of digital assets, and focus on user experience while Coinme manages underlying processing and compliance.

The partnership reflects continued investment in expanding reliable, scalable, and compliant access to digital assets across the United States, as demand for crypto and stablecoin services grows among consumers and enterprises alike.

About Coinme

Founded in 2014, Coinme is a leading licensed and regulated provider of an enterprise stablecoin and crypto payments platform. Coinme's global money movement platform enables a fully native and seamless crypto and stablecoin payment experience within our partners' applications. By integrating with Coinme's simple API suite, partners can quickly deploy crypto and stablecoin products and services natively on their front-end while leveraging Coinme's robust exchange and compliance infrastructure. For more information, please visit coinme.com.

About Mercuryo

Mercuryo is a payments infrastructure company focused on digital assets, providing on-ramp and off-ramp solutions and on-chain integration for Web3 applications. Mercuryo partners include Ledger, MetaMask, Trust Wallet and Revolut. For more information, visit mercuryo.io.

Media Contact

Delia Mendoza
pr@coinme.com

In the wake of the Compass-Anywhere merger, Unlisted, the real estate technology company empowering buyers and homeowners to unlock the 98% of homes that aren’t for sale — yet, forecasts what this moment reveals about future-proofing residential real estate.

“The real estate industry is at a defining inflection point, one that demands more than incremental change. The Compass-Anywhere merger prompts our industry to pressure test decades-old assumptions and reimagine existing models to truly reflect how consumers and real estate professionals operate today,” said Katie Hill, founder and CEO of Unlisted. “This moment creates necessary space for new thinking and reinforces that innovation, flexibility, and consumer relevance are no longer optional, but essential to the future of our industry.”

As consolidation accelerates across the real estate industry, a convergence of technological advances, shifting consumer expectations, and evolving legal and regulatory frameworks are reshaping how homes are bought and sold and driving change at a pace not seen in decades.

Hill added, “The merger demonstrates that long-standing foregone conclusions about how real estate works are being revisited, and true innovation is moving from the margins to the center.”

Designed to serve everyone with a stake in the housing market, Unlisted uniquely makes every home in the United States discoverable and searchable. Powered by sophisticated AI search, Unlisted opens the aperture to all homes within a specific zip code, school district, or set of criteria, not just homes listed for sale. Seeing beyond the 2% of homes that are currently listed for sale offers buyers, homeowners, and agents both transparency and choice. The national technology platform is brokerage-agnostic and promotes vetted real estate agents to both buyers and homeowners who seek local expertise when proactively exploring their options on Unlisted.

Backed by HearstLab, Hearst Newspapers, VC414, StageNext Fund, and prominent angel investors, Unlisted offers buyers, homeowners, and their real estate agents a competitive edge by providing earlier access to a bigger market.

About Unlisted

Unlisted unlocks the potential in homes that aren’t for sale — yet. The company empowers home buyers to join the Waitlist for homes they love that aren’t for sale — in other words, unlisted. At the same time, homeowners collect a Waitlist of interested buyers for whenever the time comes to sell, giving everyone a head start. Unlisted also allows homeowners to control how their home is presented online; they can create a stunning up-to-date property profile that shows off the home’s best features and attracts more interest. With more time and more connection, Unlisted is a more human way to explore real estate that drives better outcomes for all. Selected for TechCrunch’s 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 as one of the top tech startups globally, and backed by HearstLab, Hearst Newspapers, VC414, StageNext Fund, and prominent angel investors, Unlisted gives buyers a competitive edge in today’s challenging housing market. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Maura Racz
maura@unlistedinc.com

The most valuable startup roles are rarely filled in public. By the time a job appears on a job board or LinkedIn, the founding team is already in place, early equity has been allocated, and the people shaping the company have joined through private introductions. This hidden hiring layer has long benefited insiders while leaving ambitious operators on the outside.

Today, Andrew Yeung and Ivor Stratford announced the launch of The Shortlist, a new monthly event series and newsletter designed to surface breakout founders and early startup roles in New York City before they go public.

The Shortlist connects exceptional engineers, designers, and GTM operators with early-stage founders at the exact moment when teams are still forming. Each month, the series hosts a highly curated, application-only showcase featuring six founders and 50 vetted engineers, and GTM professionals in a room. Founders present what they are building, why it matters, and the specific roles they are hiring for.

Alongside the events, The Shortlist publishes a bi-weekly newsletter highlighting under-the-radar startup roles and founder spotlights. The focus is on Seed through Series B companies, many led by second and third-time founders building quietly before wider attention arrives.

“Hiring at the earliest stages has always been relationship-driven,” said Andrew Yeung, co-founder of The Shortlist. “What’s changed is how many high-caliber operators want access to that moment. We built The Shortlist to create a front door to an otherwise invisible market.”

A Founder-Operator Partnership

The Shortlist was created through a partnership between Andrew Yeung and Ivor Stratford, bringing together deep community building and hands-on operator experience. Ivor has spent his career working closely with early-stage founders on hiring, storytelling, and go-to-market strategy, with a focus on helping small teams attract top talent before they reach scale. Together, the pair designed The Shortlist to mirror how startup hiring actually works at the earliest stages: personal, high-trust, and driven by real connection rather than volume.

They have brought on Sangavi Suresh to lead marketing and operations for the business. Sangavi brings experience working across early-stage teams, helping founders turn informal community momentum into clear positioning, structured operations, and repeatable growth.

Design and Creative Direction

The Shortlist’s brand and creative direction were led by brand consultant Jamie Dong, who shaped the visual identity from first principles. Her work translates the core idea of early access into a clean, editorial system designed to feel credible, modern, and intentionally restrained. The result is a brand that looks less like a typical startup and more like a trusted publication you want to be early to.

Incubated within Fibe and Powered by Morpheus

The Shortlist is the fifth incubation to emerge from Fibe, a holding company founded by Andrew Yeung, focused on building B2B experiences and communities. Fibe has hosted hundreds of curated gatherings for founders, operators, and investors, and serves as a launchpad for new formats that start offline, prioritize real relationships, and scale through quality rather than volume.

The team at Morpheus will be supporting the growth of The Shortlist. Over the last five years, Morpheus has been supporting early and growth-stage start-ups to win the war for talent.  

The launch comes as New York’s startup ecosystem continues to evolve. While San Francisco remains dominant in AI research and infrastructure, New York is seeing rapid growth in applied AI and industry-specific startups. Engineers and operators leaving big tech are increasingly choosing to build or join early-stage teams in New York rather than relocate west, creating new demand for better ways to discover emerging companies before they scale.

The Shortlistwill make its debut with its first New York showcase on January 27, with monthly events planned throughout 2025. Attendance is free, application-only, and intentionally limited to maintain high signal and real connection. The team’s primary metric is simple: hires made from presenting founders following each event.

For more information, applications, and upcoming events, visit The Shortlist’s website or follow its newsletter and social channels:

• Website: www.shortlistnyc.com
• LinkedIn: The Shortlist NY
• X: @TheShortlistNYC
• Instagram: @theshortlistny

About Fibe

Fibe is an events and media company based in New York City. Our mission is to create extraordinary experiences to gather, educate, and inspire founders, investors, and tech professionals. Key team members include CEO Andrew Yeung and Head of Partnerships Jacob Solano. For more information, visit www.meetfibe.com.

Media Contact

Andrew Yeung
andrew@meetfibe.com

John J. Malm & Associates announced today that the firm has secured a $300,000 out-of-court settlement on behalf of an Illinois woman who was seriously injured during an unprovoked pit bull attack at a public dog park. The incident occurred after the defendant, who was watching and exercising the pit bull for his mother-in-law, allowed the animal off leash despite clear signs of aggression. The attack left the plaintiff with hand injuries requiring surgical intervention, permanent scarring, and ongoing limitations affecting her dominant hand.

According to witness accounts, the plaintiff had been playing fetch with her own dog at the Montrose Beach dog park, located on the lakefront in Chicago, when the defendant arrived with the pit bull he was supervising. Almost immediately, the pit bull began lunging and snapping at other dogs. Concerned about the escalating behavior, the plaintiff attempted to move away. As she was doing so, the defendant released the pit bull from its leash. Once unleashed, the dog charged directly toward the plaintiff and her dog and initiated an attack. After the plaintiff separated the animals, the pit bull lunged again and bit her on the hand.

The plaintiff sought emergency treatment for the injury. Before she left the scene, the defendant provided his phone number, only to later deny responsibility when contacted by authorities, claiming he was merely a “good Samaritan” who happened to be present. It was not until a lawsuit was filed and evidence was presented that he finally acknowledged that he was, in fact, the person in control of the pit bull during the attack.

“Dog owners and anyone temporarily responsible for a dog must take responsibility, not only for controlling the animal but for being truthful when someone has been harmed,” said Chicago dog bite attorney, Jason Schneider, of John J. Malm & Associates. “Our client did nothing wrong. She was supervising her pet in a designated dog park when an aggressive, unleashed pit bull was allowed to run freely. We are pleased to have reached a result that holds the responsible party accountable for the harm caused.”

Case Overview and Investigation

The firm conducted a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the attack and the defendant’s initial denial of responsibility. A witness statement confirmed the pit bull’s aggressive behavior even before being released from the leash. Medical records documented the nature of the bite injury, the emergency treatment, and the nerve repair surgery performed on the plaintiff’s dominant hand.

Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates obtained photographs of the injuries, park conditions, and communications between the plaintiff and the defendant. This evidence established that the defendant was the individual exercising custody and control over the pit bull, making him responsible under the Illinois Animal Control Act.

Injury, Treatment, and Long-Term Impact

The plaintiff suffered lacerations to her right hand and pinky finger, including a nerve injury requiring surgical repair. Before surgery, the exposed nerve caused extreme pain upon contact, and her physicians advised there remains a risk she may never regain full sensation in the finger.

She now has permanent scarring on her dominant hand and continues to experience fatigue and discomfort when gripping or carrying objects for extended periods. These long-term limitations and the trauma of the attack were central to the settlement negotiations.

Liability and Legal Issues

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, liability applies not only to dog owners but also to any person who has custody or control of a dog at the time it causes injury. Here, the defendant brought the pit bull to the park, handled the leash, and made the decision to release the animal despite its aggressive behavior.

His initial refusal to acknowledge his role added complexity to the case and required additional investigative efforts. Ultimately, witness accounts, medical documentation, and communications tying him to the pit bull established his responsibility.

The firm evaluated both economic losses, emergency medical care, surgery, rehabilitation, and non-economic losses including permanent scarring, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of normal life.

Why Some Defendants Deny Responsibility After a Dog Attack

An incident like this one highlights a pattern sometimes seen in serious dog bite cases. When confronted with an unexpected and violent attack, the individual responsible for the dog’s behavior may experience fear, embarrassment, or panic, emotions that can lead them to deny involvement or minimize what occurred. Psychologists note that denial is a common defense mechanism triggered when a person feels overwhelmed by guilt or anticipates legal or financial consequences. Some dog owners or handlers fear repercussions ranging from civil liability to the possibility that the dog may be removed from the home or even euthanized, which can further motivate denial. In dog bite cases, especially those involving powerful breeds like pit bulls, this may lead to attempts to shift blame, deny control of the dog, or claim that the incident never happened.

“In this case, the defendant even misled the responding animal control investigator, claiming that he did not own a dog and did not have a dog at the park that day. When we see these behaviors, we know exactly how to respond. Our litigation team knows how to confront these situations with facts and to ensure that the truth is brought forward and accountability is established,” said Illinois pit bull injury attorney, John J. Malm.

Damages Recovered Through Settlement

The $300,000 settlement reflects the seriousness of the plaintiff’s injuries, the permanence of her scarring and nerve damage, and the defendant’s clear responsibility under Illinois law. Settlement negotiations included medical records, surgical reports, witness accounts, photographs, and documentation of the plaintiff’s ongoing functional limitations.

“Our goal is always to ensure that victims of dog attacks are fully compensated for both the visible injuries and the long-term consequences they must live with,” said Illinois dog bite lawyer, John J. Malm. “This case shows how quickly an uncontrolled pit bull can cause life-altering harm. We are proud to have secured a result that will assist our client with medical costs, future care needs, and the permanent effects of this preventable attack.”

Safety and Prevention and Dog Parks

John J. Malm & Associates emphasizes that safe and responsible handling of dogs, whether owned, borrowed, or temporarily supervised, is essential in shared community spaces. Dog parks require heightened attention to behavior, leash policies, and truthful reporting.

“When an individual chooses to take a dog into a public space, the responsibility to control that animal is absolute,” said Malm. “Honesty, accountability, and compliance with safety rules are essential to preventing serious injuries.”

About John J. Malm & Associates Personal Injury Lawyers

John J. Malm & Associates is an Illinois personal injury firm that serves clients throughout the Chicagoland area and its western suburbs with offices in Naperville and St. Charles. Our top-rated personal injury lawyers represent injured victims of automobile accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, work injuries, nursing home abuse and neglect, dog attacks, slip-and-fall and premises liability, wrongful death, and other accident and injury claims. For more information, visit www.malmlegal.com.

Media Contact

John Malm
John J. Malm & Associates
marketing@malmlegal.com
+1 630-527-4177

Magic Hour, an AI video and image creation platform, today announced updates to its text-to-video and image-to-video products, enabling creators to produce up to 60-second videos using Sora 2 and Veo 3.1 through a longer-form workflow designed for publish-ready outputs.

Many generative video models are optimized for short clips. Magic Hour’s approach generates a longer video by sequencing multiple short generations into a single timeline and applying continuity controls designed to improve visual consistency across segments so the final output reads as one piece of content rather than a collection of disconnected clips.

“Creators don’t want eight or ten seconds. They want a complete idea,” said Runbo Li, co-founder and CEO of Magic Hour. “Short clips are useful, but they break down when you’re trying to tell an actual story. We built this so longer videos can feel coherent from start to finish.”

How It Works (High Level)

• Text-to-video: Users start with a prompt. Magic Hour generates an ordered shot plan, produces the segments, then assembles them into a single video output.
• Image-to-video: Users start with a reference image to anchor key visual elements. Magic Hour generates the segments and assembles the final video while carrying forward selected visual cues across the output.

Why This Matters

Short-form generations are effective for rapid concepts, but longer formats support use cases that require pacing and structure, including product demos, short narrative sequences, marketing creatives, and social content where context matters.

Additional Product Launches Included in This Update

• Z-Image Turbo: Faster image generation for high-throughput iteration
• Qwen Edit: Image editing using the latest Qwen model integration
• Talking Photo: Animate a still image into a speaking video format
• Kling 2.5 Turbo: A fast mode for short-form generation and rapid iteration

Availability

The 60-second workflow is available now in Magic Hour’s text-to-video and image-to-video products. Availability and performance may vary based on model capacity, queueing, and workload complexity.

About Magic Hour

Magic Hour is an AI video creation platform that helps creators and teams generate and edit videos using text and images, with workflows designed for practical outputs and repeatable creative control. Learn more at magichour.ai.

Disclaimer

Sora, Veo, Qwen, and Kling are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Magic Hour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by these entities.

Media Contact

Runbo Li
Co-founder and CEO, Magic Hour
press@magichour.ai

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today endorsed the findings of a new clinical study published in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, which showed that natural kratom leaf powder was safe and well tolerated at the serving sizes tested, with no evidence of meaningful abuse potential or withdrawal.

In this large, controlled natural kratom-administration study — the 18th kratom leaf human clinical trial to date — researchers evaluated the safety and tolerability of four escalating single and 15 daily dried kratom leaf powder servings in human volunteers over 47 days, reporting no serious adverse events, no withdrawal, and no meaningful abuse potential. 

“The study’s findings underscore natural kratom leaf’s established safety profile, reinforced by centuries of safe use in communities from Southeast Asia to here in the United States,” said Matthew Lowe, GKC’s executive director. “With scant evidence of abuse liability and a low acute overdose risk, the science shows that natural kratom leaf remains safe and well tolerated when consumed responsibly.”

The new study follows several previous clinical trials and statements by public health officials affirming the safety and tolerability of natural kratom leaf — and clarifying that reported natural kratom leaf fatalities are rare and overwhelmingly involve polysubstance use, not natural kratom leaf alone.

As an example, the recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) single-ascending-dose study of natural kratom leaf — testing amounts up to 12 grams, four times greater than the amount used by typical consumers — found no concerning adverse effects and strong tolerability.  

To learn more about the Global Kratom Coalition and its mission, navigate to globalkratomcoalition.org.

About Global Kratom Coalition

The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of natural kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to natural leaf kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information, visit globalkratomcoalition.org.

Media Contact

Media Contact
info@globalkratomcoalition.org

ForensisGroup, the nation's top expert witness services firm, is celebrating 35 years of providing top-tier, fully vetted expert witnesses through High Touch High Tech™, personalized service to law firms and businesses nationwide. Since its founding in 1991, ForensisGroup has set the industry standard for expert witness consulting, supporting over 30,000 high-stakes cases across a wide range of industries, effectively becoming the most trusted partner for complex litigation where reputations and significant outcomes are at stake. The firm's impact, however, is intentionally designed to reach far beyond the courtroom. This milestone represents not just three and a half decades of professional excellence, but a journey rooted in a profound commitment to the human side of justice.

A Legacy of Excellence and Unmatched Expertise

From its inception, ForensisGroup charted a different course. The firm is a pioneer in expert witness services, being the first to offer a unique, high-touch approach that distinguishes it from massive, unvetted expert directories. This approach reflects the belief that meaningful expert engagement requires individualized consideration of both the case and the people involved. In an era of AI-driven databases, ForensisGroup's personalized, hands-on methodology ensures that high-risk litigators receive not just any expert, but the right expert. The firm's rigorous vetting process, grounded in a commitment to Nothing But The Truth®, ensures that every expert is not only a leader in their field but also an effective communicator capable of delivering objective, science-based testimony. As The Experts of Experts®, ForensisGroup has become the top choice for attorneys handling high-stakes litigation.

"We founded this industry with a simple mission: to connect our clients with the absolute best expert for their case,” said Mercy T. Steenwyk, president and CEO of ForensisGroup. "That mission is as personal to us today as it was 35 years ago. In today’s AI revolution, our personalized approach is more critical than ever; when everything is on the line, the human touch is irreplaceable. We act as an extension of our clients’ legal teams, providing the experience, personal attention, and resources necessary to find the right expert witness to bring the truth to each case. Because at the end of the day, every case requires clarity, accuracy, and Nothing But The Truth, supported by objective analysis across scientific, technical, and environmental disciplines. Our 35-year track record is a testament to our unwavering commitment to that mission."

A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Complex Litigation

This commitment to clarity is brought to life through the firm's remarkable breadth of expertise. ForensisGroup has expert witnesses in their network that cover a broad range of legal expertise, including niche technical disciplines. The firm's extensive network of experts sit across four distinct categories: business, engineering and construction, environmental, and science.

• Business: As a top source for expert witnesses in intellectual property, finance, economics, accounting, business valuation, commercial damages, insurance, investments and securities, and employment and human resources, ForensisGroup provides comprehensive support for complex commercial litigation.
• Engineering and construction: Recognized as a leading provider of expert witnesses across structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, construction, transportation, and industrial engineering, supporting a wide range of complex technical and infrastructure-related litigation.
• Environmental: Serving as the top expert witness provider for environmental litigation, including specialists in environmental contamination and remediation, water, air, and soil quality, hazardous waste, oil spills, toxicology, and regulatory compliance.
• Science: Established as the best expert witness firm for medical malpractice, surgical specialties including neurosurgery, orthopedics, cardiology, and emergency medicine, as well as pharmacology, chemistry, infectious disease, and food safety. The firm also supports complex technical cases with experts in data science, computer forensics, artificial intelligence, software analysis, and cybersecurity.

This multi-disciplinary approach allows ForensisGroup to provide comprehensive support for even the most complex cases, from copyright and trademark disputes to large-scale environmental litigation. The firm is the top source for business expert witnesses, including intellectual property, finance, and accounting specialists, and the founding leader in engineering and construction expert witnesses across all technical disciplines.

Commitment to Social Responsibility

The firm's impact, however, is intentionally designed to reach far beyond the courtroom. As a woman and minority-owned small business, the company is deeply committed to corporate social responsibility and serving as a Force For Good™. For 35 years, the firm has been actively involved in charitable work and philanthropy, donating $25 for every contract signed to one of three non-profits. These initiatives include providing nutrition-based vitamins and educational scholarships in the Philippines, as well as planting over 8,500 trees, reflecting a deep-seated belief in nurturing a better world.

Looking Forward

As ForensisGroup celebrates its 35th year, it remains steadfast in its dedication to its founding principles of justice, Nothing But The Truth, human connection, purpose-driven service of being a force for good in changing human experience for the better. The firm will continue to be the best partner for finding expert witnesses quickly and efficiently, leveraging its 35 years of experience to help clients achieve success in their most high-stakes cases.

“For 35 years, we’ve stood for truth, professionalism, and purpose,” Steenwyk reflected. “Looking ahead, we will continue to innovate, educate, and advocate; ensuring that our pursuit of justice continues to make a positive difference for generations to come.”

About ForensisGroup

Founded in 1991 by Mercy T. Steenwyk, ForensisGroup is a leading expert witness services firm in the United States, specializing in providing expert witnesses for complex litigation across business, engineering and construction, environmental, and science disciplines. With more than 30,000 cases managed and a 35-year track record of excellence, ForensisGroup operates under the principles of Nothing But The Truth® and The Expert of Experts® for attorneys nationwide. As a Force For Good™, the company is committed to community impact in addition to its legal excellence. For more information, visit www.forensisgroup.com.

SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ: SKYX) (d/b/a SKYX Technologies) (the “Company” or “SKYX”), a highly disruptive smart home platform technology company with over 100 pending and issued patents globally and over 60 lighting and home décor websites, with a mission to make homes and buildings become safe and smart as the new standard, today announced it has joined the NVIDIA Connect Program, gaining access to NVIDIA’s cloud and AI ecosystem to support the development of SKYX’s all-in-one smart home platform and hub, as well as its broader portfolio of advanced smart home products. 

SKYX’s all-in-one smart home platform and hub comprises numerous safety, security, and smart home features including Wi-Fi and repeaters, AI ecosystem, voice, and app controls, 911 emergency calling feature, smoke and CO detectors, thermostat, speakers, room-to-room intercom, emergency light, safety night light, color changing light, among others.

 The NVDIA Connect Program, cloud, and AI ecosystem accelerates and offers significant advantages for SKYX’s all-in-one smart home platform and hub including the following:

• Access to NVIDIA's world-class GPU-accelerated AI development ecosystem, including advanced frameworks for speech recognition, anomaly detection, real-time analytics, and scalable cloud inference.
• Advances the Company's vision of transforming the ceiling into the AI-powered brain of the home, enabling the all-in-one SKYX platform to deliver intelligence across six distinct domains, such as voice, audio, safety, environmental, behavioral, and predictive.
• Powers a secure, privacy-first cloud infrastructure leveraging NVIDIA's GPU and DPU technologies to process anonymized device data, enabling fleet-wide learning while ensuring enterprise-grade security and data protection.
• Supports the Company's long-term roadmap, including next-generation safety intelligence, computer vision, healthcare applications such as elderly monitoring and fall detection, and whole-home connectivity through Wi-Fi mesh extension, Matter protocol and capabilities.

Joining a global ecosystem of AI innovators leveraging NVIDIA technology, reinforcing SKYX's commitment to delivering the most intelligent and comprehensive smart home platform available.

SKYX Patented All-In-One Smart Home Platform and Hub

Khadija Mustafa, SKYX’s senior AI advisor and former global business and AI leader at Microsoft and G42, said; “This is a significant development that positions SKYX to lead the smart, safe home and AI solutions category. Since joining SKYX as Lead AI Advisor, our focus has been on expanding the company’s AI opportunities and capabilities. Aligning with NVIDIA and its programs was a top priority from the outset. NVIDIA’s Connect Program and broader AI ecosystem provide SKYX with meaningful advantages to accelerate innovation, strengthen differentiation, and lead the advanced smart and safe home segment. Combined with SKYX’s progress in home safety standardization, this collaboration has the potential to be truly game-changing for homes and buildings.”

Rani Kohen, founder and executive chairman of SKYX, said; “This is a significant and very exciting development for SKYX. The NVIDIA Program gives us a tremendous advantage toward our safe and smart home goal. Utilizing NVIDIA’s programs and the benefits of its Connect and AI ecosystem can be game changing for our Company and Shareholders.”   

For SKYX All-In-One Smart Platform and Hub Video Demo, click here.

About SKYX Platforms Corp.

As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced-safe-smart platform technologies, with over 97 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Additionally, the Company owns over 60 lighting and home decor websites for both retail and commercial segments. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally.

SKYX’s technologies provide opportunities for recurring revenues through interchangeability, upgrades, AI services monitoring, and subscriptions. Company is focused on the “Razor & Blades” model and its product range includes its advanced ceiling electrical outlet (Razor) and its advance and smart home plug and play products (Blades) including its advance and smart home plug and play platform products, lighting, recessed lights, down lights, EXIT signs, emergency lights, ceiling fans, chandeliers/pendants, holiday/kids/themes lights, indoor/outdoor wall lights among other. Company’s plug and play technology enables an installation of lighting, fans, and smart home products in high-rise buildings and hotels within days rather than months.

Company’s total addressable market (TAM) in the U.S. is roughly $500 billion with over 4.2 billion ceiling applications in the U.S. alone. Expected revenue streams from retail and professional segments include product sales, royalties, licensing, subscription, monitoring, and sale of global country rights. For more information, visit www.skyplug.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target” “view,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Company’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include statements relating to the Company’s ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with First-party platforms or technologies; the Company’s efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Company’s ability to capture market share; the Company’s estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Company’s products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Company’s current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Company’s actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions, including recent measures adopted by the federal government, on the Company’s business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management considers earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, as adjusted, an important indicator in evaluating the Company’s business on a consistent basis across various periods. Due to the significance of non-recurring items, EBITDA, as adjusted, enables management to monitor and evaluate the business on a consistent basis. The Company uses EBITDA, as adjusted, as a primary measure, among others, to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future operating investments and potential acquisitions. The Company believes that EBITDA, as adjusted, eliminates items that are not part of the Company’s core operations, such as interest expense and amortization expense associated with intangible assets, or items that do not involve a cash outlay, such as share-based payments and non-recurring items, such as transaction costs. EBITDA, as adjusted, should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, pre-tax income (loss), net income (loss) and cash flows used in operating activities. This non-GAAP financial measure excludes significant expenses that are required by GAAP to be recorded in the Company’s financial statements and is subject to inherent limitations. Investors should review the reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the comparable GAAP financial measure. Investors should not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate the Company’s business.

Media Contact

Jeff Ramson
PCG Advisory
jramson@pcgadvisory.com

At CES 2026, Chinese innovator J-Style (Jointcorp / Youhong) drew global attention with its latest smart rings, AI smart bands, smart health watches, and biosensors integrated with a remote health management platform, designed for remote health management, corporate wellness, chronic condition monitoring, sports recovery, and insurance health scenarios.

Industry observers note that J-Style’s device, data, and platform model is shifting health management from traditional passive monitoring to active intervention and neuro care support, showing strong scalability in chronic remote management and corporate wellness applications.

Multi-Form Factor Smart Wearables: Continuous Health Data Empower Better AI Health

CES media coverage highlights Youhong’s wearable portfolio:

1. JCRing® Smart Health Ring Series

• Continuous monitoring of sleep, heart rate, HRV, SpO₂, temperature trends, and ECG
• Provides non-invasive metabolic and glucose-risk analysis, sleep apnea risk evaluation
• High comfort and long-term adherence for “wear longer, use deeper”

2. JCVital® AI Smart Band Series (Status Support)

• Display-free design for comfort and continuous data capture
• AI-driven insights on activity, recovery, stress, emotional load, and women’s health
• Designed for enterprise wellness and private-label deployment

3. Smart Health Watch Series

• Medical-grade sensor fusion architecture for home health, chronic care, and recovery monitoring
• Supports longitudinal health trend tracking and recovery optimization

4. Medical and Quasi-Medical Biosensors

• Enable multi-scenario physiological data acquisition to feed the AI health platform

Reports emphasize J-Style devices are continuous, unobtrusive, and long-term wearables, generating reliable health data for remote health monitoring and chronic condition management.

AI Remote Health Management Platform: Turning Data into Actionable Insights

Experts say J-Style’s AI remote health management platform integrates multi-device data to provide:

• Long-term health trend analysis and risk alerts
• User segmentation, follow-up, and management tools
• Enterprise wellness and healthcare institution support

The platform allows flexible deployment and deep customization, integrating with existing health systems or third-party health ecosystems, improving remote health management efficiency and user engagement.

Neuro Status Support Exploration: Non-Invasive Health Applications

In neuro-care technology, J-Style explores non-invasive neuro status support, analyzing physiological and behavioral data and combining digital interventions to assist users in sleep, focus, relaxation, and recovery.

Media reports highlight that the technology focuses on health management and experience enhancement, not medical diagnosis or treatment, compliant with regulatory standards, suitable for remote health management and lifestyle optimization.

Platform Capabilities: Enabling Industry Collaboration and Long-Term Value

Observers note J-Style’s device, data, and platform model provides scalable support to:

• Healthcare institutions and wellness providers
• Digital health and remote healthcare service providers
• Corporate wellness programs
• Global brands and channel partners

With ongoing data accumulation and platform analytics, J-Style is building a smart, scalable, long-term remote health management infrastructure, driving services toward intelligent, proactive, and large-scale solutions.

About J-Style

With ongoing data accumulation and platform analytics, J-Style is building a smart, scalable, long-term remote health management infrastructure, driving services toward intelligent, proactive, and large-scale solutions. For more information, visit www.jointcorp.com.

Media Contact

Kathy Zhao
info@jointcorp.com

In 2025, premium EV brand, smart, expanded its global presence – entering new international markets, refining its product lineup, and strengthening its worldwide operations. The brand is stepping into its “Year of Opening New Frontiers” in 2026 with new market launches, enhanced smartcare customer services, and two strategic new models.

Key Points

• smart now operates in 39 markets worldwide, having launched cars in 10 new markets in 2025.
• All smart models have earned Red Dot Design Awards and 5-Star Euro NCAP Safety Ratings.
• smart’s product family will grow from three to five models with arrivals of #2 and #6 EHD in 2026.

"In the complex and highly competitive automotive landscape, sustainable growth is built on strong foundations and a clear strategy," said Mr. Tong Xiangbei, global CEO of smart. "In 2025, we leveraged our agile operations and distinct brand and products to establish our presence in important new markets. This year, we accelerate on all fronts: combining bold new products with operational and technological excellence to expand our customer base and power our next phase of growth."

Global Operations: Pairing Scale with Premium Services

smart forged ahead with its global strategy in 2025, launching cars in 10 new international markets. The brand now operates in 39 countries and regions across five continents, with its models enthusiastically embraced by customers worldwide. The brand’s combination of mindful technology and contemporary premium design has resonated deeply, an appeal validated by awards in new markets. The smart #5 was recently named Car of the Year 2026 in Norway (awarded by Norwegian media outlets Dagbladet, DinSide, and Elbil24), while the smart #3 BRABUS won 2025 Performance Electric SUV of the Year in Singapore (awarded by car platform sgCarMart) and a place among Australia’s Hot 25 Cars of the Year (awarded by media outlet The Australian).

Over the past year, smart expanded its global retail network by 25% to 688 outlets worldwide — a growth story marked by a 130% surge to 72 outlets across new markets in Southeast Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Latin America, alongside a 43% increase to 294 outlets in China. This scaling is underpinned by a commitment to pairing growth with substance, embodied in the brand’s smartcare customer services. Anchored in the “at ease with smart” principle, smartcare ensures a consistent, premium customer experience worldwide and has been boosted by technology such as AI tools, which enhanced customer inquiry response times by 40% in 2025.

Backed by shareholders Mercedes-Benz and Geely and bolstered by financing milestones achieved ahead of schedule, smart will accelerate its global ambitions in 2026. The brand will soon enter its 40th market and continue opening new frontiers throughout the year with further market launches and enhanced smartcare services for customers.

Product Roadmap: From Award-Winners to New Frontiers

In 2025, smart’s products earned recognition from customers and global institutions alike. smart is the only automotive brand whose entire model lineup has won a Red Dot Design Award. This universal design acclaim is matched by comprehensive safety, with every model achieving a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, reflecting the successful fusion of Mercedes-Benz’s design vision and the innovation of smart’s global R&D team.

Across the portfolio, smart continued to sharpen its edge through BRABUS performance editions and exclusive models such as the smart #3 Keith Haring Edition and the smart #1 Crema Edition. With the launch of the #5 EHD in China, smart introduced its sophisticated plug-in hybrid technology to meet diverse customer needs.

smart’s 2026 product roadmap marks a new chapter of strategic ambition. The arrival of the #2 and #6 will open new frontiers for the brand, as it broadens its portfolio and steps into new product segments.

The highly anticipated smart #2 will have its global premiere in Europe in late 2026. The all-new city two-seater will be built on smart’s self-developed ECA architecture, marking a major leap in the brand’s engineering capabilities. The brand will also launch its first premium fastback sedan, the smart #6 EHD, by the middle of the year. Exclusively for the China market, it offers executive-level spaciousness and sleek Mercedes-Benz design with extended electric range and top-tier intelligence.

Brand and Culture: More Than Mobility

Guided by its “open your mind” philosophy, smart continues to grow as a contemporary premium brand rooted in creativity and collaboration. The brand amplified its global presence in 2025 through its “power of firsts” initiatives and diverse partnerships — including with Disney, Trek, Peet’s Coffee, St. Pauli Football Club, and the Keith Haring Foundation. By uniting with pioneers across lifestyle, sports, and art, smart positions itself at the intersection of premium mobility, technology, and culture, acting as a global catalyst for meaningful connection.

"smart is built on openness — of ideas, cultures, and collaboration," said Ms. Mandy Zhang, global CMO of smart. "As we move into the ‘Year of Opening New Frontiers,’ we will continue co-creating with partners, customers and fans worldwide, shaping a mobility culture that is expressive, inclusive, and distinctly smart.”

With robust global foundations, internationally recognized products, and growing in-house engineering prowess, smart enters 2026 with clear momentum. The “Year of Opening New Frontiers” embodies this decisive shift — from market expansion to product offensive. It is a commitment to wider reach, deeper customer relationships, and a sustained contribution to shaping the future of premium electric mobility.

About smart

Since the birth of the brand in the 1990s, smart has always maintained the vision of exploring the best solutions for future urban mobility. In late 2019, Mercedes-Benz AG and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group officially established smart global joint venture. From 2019 to 2024, after the comprehensive renewal of its brand, products, and business model, smart successfully achieved the strategic objectives set for its initial five-year phase. Adhering steadfastly to the "China-Europe, Dual Home" global development strategy, smart has transformed into a leading premium electric automotive brand. It now boasts an expanding product matrix and a global footprint spanning around 40 countries and regions. In 2025, smart aims to boost its global business operations. For more information, visit media.smart.com.

Media Contact

Jack Bailey
jack.bailey@smart.com

Geely Auto Group attended the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to leading the next era of intelligent mobility. As CES continues to evolve into an AI-driven cross-industry innovation platform, Geely took center stage to unveil two major breakthroughs that will redefine the technical foundation of next-generation smart vehicles: Full-Domain AI 2.0, Geely’s upgraded vehicle intelligence architecture, and G-ASD (Geely Afari Smart Driving), Geely’s newly launched intelligent driving system designed to accelerate the transition to high-level autonomous driving.

Key Points:

• Geely returned to CES 2026 for the third time, unveiling Full-Domain AI 2.0 and G-ASD to redefine next-gen smart vehicle tech.
• Geely advanced from "Full-Domain AI 1.0" to 2.0, while officially launching the G-ASD intelligent driving system to accelerate the transition to high-level autonomous driving.

Full-Domain AI 2.0 marks a significant evolution from Geely’s previous Full-Domain AI 1.0, shifting from fragmented, module-based intelligence toward a unified vehicle-wide AI architecture. Geely has achieved deep integration of vehicle-level computing power, data, and models to establish a powerful central intelligent engine, effectively empowering all vehicle functions with a “super AI brain” capable of unified scheduling and efficient collaboration across domains. This approach enables intelligent systems across the cockpit, chassis, safety, and driving domains to achieve mutual access and real-time interaction.

G-ASD marks a major step forward toward high-level autonomous driving. Developed as Geely’s next-generation intelligent driving system, G-ASD combines advanced AI, large-scale real-world driving data, and high-performance sensing and computing hardware to enhance safety and driving confidence in complex traffic scenarios.

Jerry Gan, CEO of Geely Auto Group: “AI is reshaping the automotive industry in many ways, from powertrains and components to a systematic reconstruction of mobility ecosystems and lifestyles. Geely is committed to creating safe, sustainable, and intelligent mobility for the world.”

Li Chuanhai, CTO of Geely Auto Group: “By 2030, cars will evolve into ‘Super Intelligence’ with emotional awareness, proactive service, and continuous evolution. G-ASD and Full-Domain AI 2.0 are not distant concepts — they are tangible innovations that integrate with cockpits and chassis to deliver highly humanlike, super intelligent, and extremely user-friendly experiences.”

About Geely Auto Group

Geely Auto Group is a leading automobile manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China and was founded in 1997 as a subsidiary unit of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH). The Group manages several leading brands, including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr. Geely Auto Group is also the global strategic partner of Malaysian national automaker PROTON. For more information, visit global.geely.com.

Media Contact

Janet Chen
media@geely.com