HIA Technologies, Inc., a leader in innovative technology solutions, announces the launch of Qvio™️, the world's first interactive video platform that empowers viewers to interrupt videos with questions and receive instant answers directly from the video's creator. Because the platform allows creators to use their existing content, creators can capitalize on their prior investments while adding new engagement opportunities. The patented platform transforms the traditional video-watching experience and holds immense potential for reshaping the realms of education, learning, and brand marketing.

In education, learning, and development, Qvio becomes a game-changer by enabling educators to deliver content more dynamically and engagingly. Learners can now interact with the media publisher in real-time and receive answers to questions exactly as the publisher intended. This dynamic approach to learning enhances comprehension and caters to diverse learning styles and environments, promoting equity in education. Compared to question and answer models available today which provide replies at a later time or outside of the session (via the public comments section), Qvio's conversational approach keeps the viewer engaged in the moment and avoids disruption.

Qvio answers come directly from the content creator via Author-Controlled AI™️, which relies on the creator to approve the answers before publishing the video. This guardrail ensures the answers cannot go rogue, eliminating the risk of "AI hallucinations" and AI plagiarism. These validated answers are delivered instantly, accompanied by additional multimedia that reinforces the response, brand, or other calls to action.

"For too long, video content has been a one-way street, a passive viewing experience with no ability for viewers to dive deeper into the topics presented or have their questions answered. Qvio transforms videos into two-way conversations between viewers and content creators, allowing viewers to actively engage with the material for a more personalized experience and better comprehension of the topics presented," says Vacit Arat, CEO of HIA Technologies, Inc.

Beyond education, Qvio's impact extends into the brand marketing space, providing marketers with a unique tool to connect with their audience. By incorporating interactive elements into their video campaigns, brands can create a more memorable and personalized experience. Viewers can ask questions about products or services directly within the video, leading to a more informed and engaged consumer base. Marketers can conserve budgets by upcycling existing media while expanding their customer touchpoints.

Qvio introduces the concept of "insight" filters, allowing users to query videos based on specific keywords, themes, or topics of interest. This feature enhances the overall user experience, enabling viewers to jump to relevant portions of the content that align with their specific needs or preferences, saving time and ensuring that users can extract the most value from the content.

Content creators also benefit from Qvio's robust analytics, gaining valuable insights into what their audience wants to know. This data-driven approach enables creators to tailor their content to meet their viewers' needs and interests, ultimately driving audience engagement, awareness, and retention.

HIA Technologies, Inc. invites educators, content creators, and marketers to explore the limitless possibilities of Qvio and join the movement toward a more interactive and engaging digital landscape.

Following the debut of Amazon's ad-supported Prime Video service this week, new and exclusive analysis from Omdia reveals the streaming platform is set to generate more than $2bn in incremental ad revenue in 2024, its launch year. This will be in addition to revenue already generated by the sale of advertising slots during live sports broadcasts on the service.

Amazon Prime has successfully built a strong subscriber base of over 200 million due to the range of services it offers, including an extensive shopping range, free shipping, music, and cloud services. These services allow Amazon to remain competitive and continue to attract and retain customers.

The main difference between Amazon Prime's advertising strategy compared to other players such as Netflix is the subscription model. Amazon will place all current users into the ad-supported tier of its service, giving subscribers the option to pay extra to view without advertising. Netflix users all begin in the non-ad-supported tier and have the option to pay less for a service that incorporates advertising.

Commenting on Amazon Prime's entry into the ad-supported video market, Matthew Bailey, Omdia Principal Analyst said: "The forecasted global revenue of over $2bn for Amazon's ad-supported Prime Video tier in 2024 indicates considerable growth potential for the streaming platform and reflects Amazon's efforts to diversify its revenue streams beyond subscription fees.

"A significant factor contributing to Amazon's success will be their capability to provide closed-loop attribution and the inherent advantage of having all their users ad-addressable by default. Amazon has already experimented with directly shoppable ad formats, and this would enhance their ability to monetize their platform even more."

Omdia's research also considers the introduction of new services by Amazon's ad-supported Prime Video, including shoppable TV. This feature allows viewers to directly purchase products they see in shows or movies, creating a new avenue for e-commerce within the streaming platform.

Concluding, Bailey said "Omdia expects more partnerships between prominent retailers, broadcasters, and online video platform owners as they look to compete with Amazon. These will range from data-sharing partnerships to enable commerce-led video advertising measurement and targeting through to direct retailer integration with video services."

Alliance accelerates migration from Oracle to Yellowbrick Data Warehouse

Datometry, the pioneer in database virtualization, and Yellowbrick Data announced today that they have entered into a technology partnership. By supporting Yellowbrick as a destination platform, enterprises can adopt Yellowbrick considerably faster. Existing Yellowbrick customers can increase usage by consolidating workloads from Oracle or Teradata systems to Yellowbrick.

Conventional approaches to switching analytical database systems rely on extensive application rewrites. Historically, these approaches have proven time-consuming, extremely costly, and risk-laden, cementing the strong vendor lock-in of the incumbent legacy database vendors.

In contrast, the Datometry Hyper-Q platform makes existing applications work natively with Yellowbrick without changing SQL or application code. The combined technology of Datometry and Yellowbrick gives enterprises a powerful and cost-effective replacement for Oracle and Teradata systems with a highly accelerated path to adoption.

"We're excited to partner with Yellowbrick Data to offer enterprises a true alternative to overly expensive legacy systems," said Mike Waas, CEO of Datometry. "Through our technology partnership, enterprises can move their existing workloads to Yellowbrick Data at a fraction of the cost, time, and risk of conventional migrations."

"With Datometry, Yellowbrick is a complete replacement for Oracle and Teradata systems, out of the box," said Allen Holmes, VP of Business Development and Partner Alliances. "The combined technology of Datometry and Yellowbrick ensures customers move to a modern data warehouse or lakehouse architecture with confidence and at unprecedented speed."

The combined technology of Datometry and Yellowbrick ensures customers move to a modern data warehouse or lakehouse architecture with confidence and at unprecedented speed.

Redefining the Meeting Experience with AI and AV Expertise 

Highlights

• AudioCodes and Kramer are partnering to redefine the Microsoft Teams Meeting Experience.
• The partnership brings together AudioCodes' expertise in Microsoft Teams Room solutions, management tools and AI-powered meeting analytics, with Kramer's expertise in innovative audio-visual solutions.
• Combining AudioCodes AI and Kramer's AV innovation allows enterprises to improve the user experience during a meeting and drive more productive, intelligence-based meeting outcomes.
• The collaboration provides system integrators with a uniquely comprehensive solution for Microsoft Teams meeting spaces to support their customers' hybrid workplace strategies.

Details

AudioCodes, a leader in advanced communications software and AI and Kramer, a pioneer in audio-visual products and solutions have announced a new partnership to deliver complete Microsoft Teams Room (MTR) solutions. This collaboration is set to redefine the meeting experience and AV-enabled hybrid work environments, offering a comprehensive approach to modern collaboration needs.

Uniting Expertise for Enhanced Communication

This strategic partnership integrates AudioCodes' Microsoft Teams Room products with Kramer's innovative audio-visual solutions. The partnership encompasses a full range of components, from video bars and compute units to speakers, DSPs, switching, efficient cable management, plus AI recording and analytics for Teams meetings, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive meeting room experience that delivers more productive meeting outcomes.

Transforming hybrid work and meeting environments, this collaboration aims to provide end-to-end solutions from small huddle rooms to expansive, fully equipped boardrooms. The synergy between AudioCodes' expertise in MTR-certified products and AI-powered voice applications, plus Kramer's proficiency in the audio-visual field is expected to elevate user experiences in hybrid work settings.

For system integrators, this partnership offers significant value. They receive a fully tested room solution where all components are guaranteed to work in harmony, along with ready-made plans and schematics for the entire installation. This approach significantly reduces adjustment times and labor costs, resulting in considerable savings and allowing system integrators to offer more competitive solutions to their customers.

Commitment to Excellence

Both companies bring a legacy of quality and innovation to this partnership, promising a user-friendly, reliable, and cutting-edge MTR solution. This alliance is not merely a combination of products but a fusion of visions, set to revolutionize the way businesses communicate and collaborate in a hybrid world.

Leaders from Kramer and AudioCodes share their excitement about this partnership:

"As we announce our partnership with AudioCodes, an esteemed leader in voice and AI solutions for Microsoft Teams, we at Kramer are taking a significant step towards fulfilling our vision of providing the most comprehensive and complete solutions for Hybrid Workspaces. This collaboration marks a milestone in our journey to enrich and streamline the way people communicate in today's ever-evolving work environments," said Gilad Yron, Kramer's CEO.

"Partnering with Kramer, we're leveraging the unique strengths of both our companies to create a more connected, efficient, and productive work environment. This collaboration embodies AudioCodes' specialty in MTR products and AI-powered meeting analytics, with Kramer's cutting-edge AV solutions, setting a new benchmark in hybrid workplace communication," said Lior Aldema, AudioCodes Chief Business Officer.

Looking Ahead

Kramer and AudioCodes are dedicated to continual innovation and improvement of their joint solutions. With this partnership, they are poised to set new industry standards, driving the evolution of meeting spaces and collaborative environments.

Gen Z values the ad-supported internet nearly twice as much as Boomers 

Today IAB, the digital media and marketing trade association, released its first-ever, comprehensive Consumer Privacy Study titled "The Free and Open Ad-Supported Internet: Consumers, Content, and Assessing the Data Value Exchange."

The research aimed to gain insights into consumer thoughts, preferences, and concerns regarding their personal data and digital advertising overall.

The study found that 80% of consumers agree the free and open internet is a social good; 79% feel that it would be unfair to lower-income consumers if websites/apps were not "free and open."

• A significant majority (80%) of consumers agree that websites/apps are free because of advertising.
• Almost 70% agree that it's fair to receive ads in exchange for free services.
• Nearly 80% of consumers would prefer to get more ads in turn for having to pay nothing for websites/apps.
• Nearly all (91%) of consumers would react negatively, including being frustrated, disappointed, angry, confused, or sad, if they had to start paying for the websites/apps they currently use for free. When it comes to personalized ads, the study found that almost 90% of consumers prefer them and 87% are more likely to click on ads for products they're interested in or shopping for.

While about 85% feel it's important when websites/apps tell them the specific data they share, allow them to see and delete that data, and provide choices regarding the types and levels of tracking they will allow, few realize that most of those protections already exist in some form or other. The study found that 74% of consumers are unaware of data privacy laws in some of the U.S. states (California, Connecticut, Colorado, Virginia, Utah, and others) and Europe (GDPR). 

"Contrary to what some believe, this research unequivocally shows that consumers are aware of the value exchange between their data and personalized content and ad experiences," said David Cohen, CEO, IAB. "The ad-supported internet is good for consumers, it's good for society, and it democratizes access to information and entertainment."

Still, nearly half (49%) think websites/apps do not give enough information regarding how their data is used. "The ad industry must reinforce to consumers that sharing their data is both safe and beneficial to them," continued Cohen, "including the fact that by default, advertising is not selling consumers' data."

Overall, when asked what someone would have to pay them to stop using it, consumers said they value the total internet at $38,000 a year: for perspective, that's more than half of the real median U.S. household income.

But while Boomers value the internet at $29,000/year, the value to Gen Z was nearly double, at $54,000 a year.

"As an industry, we need to speak together with one voice," continued Cohen. "We need to make it clear that consumers — especially Gen Z — understand the value of the ad-supported internet and wouldn't want to live without it. We're committed to giving consumers the free and open internet experiences they want while protecting their privacy."

Intellicheck, Inc., an industry-leading identity company delivering on-demand digital and physical identification validation solutions, today announced it has successfully completed intensive third-party surveillance audits to retain certification status for another year from the International Standards Organization for ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 certification.

Intellicheck CEO Bryan Lewis said the recertifications underscore the company’s dedication to the most rigorous standards for securing both customers’ and company data. “This achievement is one more validation of the strength of our commitment to our clients, partners, and stakeholders. Intellicheck remains a world-class company at the forefront in providing market leading on-demand digital and physical validation solutions that accelerate customer onboarding and enhance trust with a secure, frictionless experience while assuring the utmost standards in data security and privacy.”

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 is an information security management system standard published in October 2013 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Achieving ISO/IEC 27001:2013 recertification validates the strength and effectiveness of Intellicheck’s information security management system (ISMS\InfoSec) and Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) and signifies the company’s commitment to securing both company and customer data.

ISO/IEC 27701:2019 is a privacy extension to the ISO/IEDC 27001:2013 Information security standard that is published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards, and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The recertification is based on the meticulous review that found Intellicheck has implemented several security measures and countermeasures that protect it from unauthorized access or compromise PII and IT personnel were found to be conscientious and knowledgeable in best practices.

Intellicheck provides both digital and physical identity verification solutions to industries where speed and certainty is crucial. These include financial services, social media, automotive, insurance, law enforcement and identity access management. Intellicheck’s services are used by many of the top 12 banks and credit card issuers, at more than 30,000 retail locations, two of the major social media companies, and more than half of the state-level law enforcement agencies in the U.S.

Today, Skai unveils Skai Decision Pro — the first solution purpose-built for media executives to oversee and orchestrate advertising programs across any channel and publisher. Whether utilized alongside Skai's activation solutions or independently, marketers can tap into the power of AI for data-backed decision-making and predictive media planning, enhancing visibility, trust and control over investment decisions.

A surge in ad formats, channels, and data sources now provides more opportunities for brands to engage with consumers. However, the resulting fragmentation poses challenges for marketing leaders who require a holistic understanding of media performance and its impact on success goals. According to a recent Skai survey, only 11% of marketing executives expressed satisfaction with how data is organized within their business, and 90% reported the need to review data from multiple systems to make decisions.

Skai Decision Pro addresses the data fragmentation challenge with AI capabilities that consolidate and organize all media data on one platform to surface insights crucial for understanding the how and why of a media program's overall performance. Media executives can now effortlessly access data to strategize actions such as allocating extra funds or accommodating a budget reduction with minimal impact, implementing budget pacing checks across channels, and pinpointing the causes of performance trends within large brand portfolios.

Skai Decision Pro capabilities include:

• Executive HQ: Overarching view that visualizes media performance and spend across all channels– not just those activated in the Skai platform.
• Spotlights: AI-powered alerts that uncover anomalies and other significant spend and performance changes to highlight potential opportunities or threats, accelerating smart decision making.
• Media Forecasting: A predictive, AI-driven analysis tool for data-backed decisions. Users can quickly visualize and understand the impact of budget changes on media performance, identify growth opportunities and risks to current plans, and view budget allocation recommendations to better allocate spend across channels for maximum impact.
• Media Plans: Powering other Skai Decision Pro capabilities, Media Plans is a tool to organize, centralize, and visualize monthly and multi-month budgets in one place. Once budgets are input, it serves as a foundation to monitor plans' budget pacing, set up and access activity alerts, simulate different budget scenarios, and forecast revenue.

"Skai Decision Pro gives me a birds-eye view of what's happening in our media program," explained Ainara Sancho, Head of Retail Media EMEA at HP. "Now, when a stakeholder throws a question my way, I can answer with confidence and speed, no more hunting through endless reports or having to speak to retailers. It's like having a decision-making assistant right there! With the addition of Media Forecasting we're expecting to uncover new opportunities and really understand the impact of our efforts in a whole new way."

"As the media landscape expands and becomes more complex, our teams are investing more time exploring and analyzing data to find valuable insights," shared Jason Omenn, VP Ecommerce and Digital Strategy at Marketing Performance Group. "Skai Decision Pro brings together spend and performance data, helping us identify priorities and discover insights that deliver great outcomes and ongoing opportunities."

"At Skai, we believe in empowering brands to realize their true potential through data they can really trust," said Yoav Izhar-Prato, Co-Founder and CEO at Skai. "Skai Decision Pro has been a vision for several years. Now, after close collaboration with select clients and partners, we are revolutionizing how marketers make decisions to achieve business goals. This involves democratizing data access, surfacing insights, and enabling the exploration of scenarios that can be activated and optimized. Having worked closely with top global brands, I can attest that this represents a significant leap forward for the industry as we continue to unlock the promise of omnichannel."

WorkRamp, the pioneer of the Learning Cloud [in the Learning Management System (LMS)] category, announces the availability of its latest innovation, the WorkRamp Content Management System (CMS) for Go-To-Market (GTM) Readiness. This addition to the Learning Cloud enhances the way organizations can deliver seamless enablement and training experiences and learning content to Revenue teams by combining the power of LMS + CMS on one platform.

Key benefits and features of WorkRamp CMS:

Save time with centralized and searchable assets. Store and manage sales-related content in a centralized repository so teams waste no time finding and utilizing relevant materials such as product information, presentations, brochures, and sales collateral.

Boost efficiency with ready-to-share content. Streamline the GTM process when teams house ready-to-share content in WorkRamp’s CMS, giving reps the path to least resistance when pitching to customers, addressing objections, and answering inquiries.

Empower reps with on-brand resources. Never worry about incorrect or outdated information being shared again. With all approved assets in one place, reps are well-equipped to deliver consistent messaging that elevates a brand’s strengths and gets deals over the line.

“At WorkRamp, we’re committed to building the best, purpose-built products to meet the needs of our customers’ different use cases. With the latest enhancement to our Learning Cloud, we’re improving the way organizations deliver enablement and training experiences to their Revenue teams by integrating the power of LMS and CMS on a single platform,” says Ted Blosser, CEO & Co-founder of WorkRamp.

“We look forward to seeing our customers adopt our new solution to help them create the best and most impactful learning experiences for their organizations.”

Why WorkRamp CMS?

WorkRamp addresses the evolving needs of organizations by offering a unified LMS and CMS experience for employee learning. The platform's CMS introduction aligns with WorkRamp's commitment to delivering solutions that help customers:

Consolidate the Learning Tech Stack: Organizations grappling with managing separate LMS and CMS platforms can now simplify their learning tech stack. WorkRamp LMS + CMS enables cost savings, reduces complexity for admins and learners alike, and accelerates faster time-to-value for learning programs.

Enhance Learner Experiences: By eliminating the need for learners to switch between platforms to access training and ready-to-go Sales Assets, WorkRamp now provides Revenue teams with a more seamless learning experience that helps boost rep productivity.

Scale Learning Across the Organization: Administrators, team managers, course creators, and content editors can collaboratively, asynchronously, and transparently operate from a shared command center. WorkRamp's integrated LMS + CMS for GTM readiness enables the entire revenue organization to align and operate cohesively.

“I was desperately on the hunt to try and find a CMS solution when I was brought into a conversation about WorkRamp building their own CMS, and it was just like magic. This is really important for the rollout within the business because trying to get reps on an LMS regardless, to complete learning modules, is really difficult. So to even try and introduce a different CMS platform would have just been a nightmare,” says Dannii Mathers, Global Revenue Enablement Manager at JobAdder.

“Whereas at the moment, they love using WorkRamp. It's really easy, really intuitive to use. It's a safe place for them to navigate now because they're so used to finding what they need in there and completing the modules. That transition over into a CMS is going to be so much more seamless. It's an enabler's dream because there isn't that worry of deploying a new tech stack and the worry of what the adoption is going to be like if there's another bit of technology somebody needs to learn. It solves so many problems in one solution.”

WorkRamp CMS represents the next major milestone in the evolution of the Learning Cloud. As WorkRamp continues to launch innovative products, organizations can transform the way employees learn and grow.