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URC Launches an AI-Powered Virtual Assistant for Consumers

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Building on proprietary AI platform, URC launches next phase of Consumer Engagement. The first launch of it’s kind in the Custom Electronics Installation industry.

HARRISON, N.Y., July 10, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — URC, a leader in global smart residential and commercial automation, announces the launch of its new Virtual Assistant powered by AI (Artificial Intelligence) and available on URC’s public website www.urc-automation.com. This tool complements URC’s Virtual Assistant on its Dealer Portal. This new virtual tool permits 24/7 communication surrounding URC’s Total Control® and Complete Control® product lines and enables consumers to find a certified URC dealer.

With this latest phase, Ron Pence, URC’s Marketing Lead, stated that “Creating engagement tools to drive consumer preference helps drive business to our dealer community while accelerating advanced intelligence innovation across URC’s business model.”

At CEDIA 2022, URC announced efforts to integrate AI into its products and services. “As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve and grow in applications, we are carefully considering how this trend and computer learning can help URC deliver elevated, affordable smart living experiences. As we plan for the future, our focus continues to be squarely on aiding our dealers in growing and evolving their businesses in the changing marketplace,” stated Chang K. Park, Founder and CEO of URC.

URC researched extensively prior to the launch. Some of the findings that infused the development strategy include:

1.4 billion people actively use messaging apps. In fact, chatbots experienced a remarkable 92% increase in usage since 2019.87.2% of consumers rate their interactions with bots as either neutral or positive. 62% of respondents prefer engaging with customer service digital assistants rather than waiting for human agents.In 2022, 88% of users engaged in at least one conversation with a chatbot.Only 9% of consumers oppose companies using bots.40% of millennials engage with digital assistants daily.73% of buyers expect websites to feature digital assistants for convenient interactions.Bots contribute to 39% of all chats between businesses and consumers.

Read more at: https://masterofcode.com/blog/chatbot-statistics

In February, URC launched a Virtual Assistant to aid dealers with answers to a vast range of technical questions by quickly sourcing information from URC’s extensive technical library, proprietary user guides, partner manuals, videos and product documents. This AI technology continued to learn and update with the latest answers. This expanded industry-leading products and technical support tools to URC’s domestic and international dealer and distributor communities…around the clock and around the globe.

Based on today’s launch announcement, URC is releasing a similar tool to aid consumers in addressing questions about residential and commercial automation solutions. And the timing couldn’t be better. While the Virtual Assistant will continuously evolve and improve, the current solution is a game-changer for consumers in need of 24/7 answers to question. This tool is part of a broader plan to enhance consumer understanding of automation, enhance the user experience, and drive awareness and preference for URC products.

“Integrating advanced technology, like AI, is a strategic imperative which URC has been developing over the past few years including launching a Virtual Smart Home experience in 2022 (https://www.urc-automation.com/urc-launches-virtual-smart-home-experience/) leveraging ultra-realistic, Virtual Reality,” stated Ron Pence, URC’s Marketing Lead. With this latest phase, Pence shared that “Creating engagement tools to drive consumer preference helps drive business to our dealer community while accelerating advanced intelligence innovation across URC’s business model.”

For more information, learn more at www.urc-automation.com.

ABOUT URC

Headquartered in Harrison NY USA, URC is a global leader in smart home automation and control solutions. URC technology is respected for unsurpassed performance and reliability with over 100 million remote controls sold in the past 10 years alone. URC control systems include Total ControlÒ and Complete ControlÒ. Innovative URC user interfaces include tabletop controllers, in-wall touch screens, handheld remotes, keypads, and mobile apps – plus voice control integration with Amazon Alexa, Apple TV, and Comcast Xfinity. URC systems are custom designed, installed and maintained by a network of URC trained systems integration professionals. Its award-winning technical support and training URC the best choice for home automation. For more information visit www.urc-automation.com. Think beyond everyday with URC.

Corporate Contact
Ron Pence, Marketing Lead, rpence@urc-automation.com

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SOURCE URC Automation

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Booking.com’s Latest Travel and Sustainability Research Reveals Australian Generational Paradox

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SYDNEY, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today Booking.com released its 11th annual research report into consumer attitudes and understanding of the social and environmental impact of travel. With insights from 32,500 travellers across 35 markets globally, including 1,000 from Australia, this year’s research highlights a generational paradox.

While 83% of Australian travellers say that more sustainable travel is important to them, older generations demonstrate greater commitment through concrete actions, despite younger generations often expressing stronger sustainability intentions.

Older generations demonstrate greater commitment through concrete sustainable actions, with almost two–thirds of Boomers across Asia Pacific (63%) saying they will shop more at local, independent stores on their trips, three–quarters (75%) planning to reduce general waste, and 63% intending to reduce energy consumption, higher than Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z.However, younger travellers are leading in cultural and conservation management; more than a quarter of Gen Z (27%) and Millennials (26%) participated in a tour or activity that contributed to the health or conservation of the local ecosystem or wildlife.Extreme weather is actively reshaping travel choices. Nearly three-quarters of Australian travellers said they consider extreme weather risk when choosing both destination (72%), and timing (75%), and 27% reported having cancelled or changed trip plans in the past twelve months due to extreme weather or natural disaster.Australian travellers are shifting when and where they travel, seeking reliable climates and comfort. 43% say they plan to avoid overcrowded tourist destinations, 42% plan to travel outside of peak season, and 26% will seek out destinations with cooler temperatures.In 2025, travellers booked more than 100 million room nights on Booking.com at accommodation partners with a third-party sustainability certification, including at 363 third-party certified Australian properties.

To find Booking.com’s full 2026 research, visit here.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/bookingcoms-latest-travel-and-sustainability-research-reveals-australian-generational-paradox-302760310.html

SOURCE Booking.com

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Florida Physician Specialists Data Breach: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation into Exposure of Personal Information

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National class action firm offering free case evaluations to individuals impacted by the Florida Physician Specialists cybersecurity incident

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the Florida Physician Specialists data breach. Florida Physician Specialists learned of the cybersecurity incident between November 27 and 29, 2025.

What Happened

Florida Physician Specialists discovered that its network was hacked between November 27 and 29, 2025. An investigation launched in late November 2025 confirmed that an unauthorized third party accessed its network. The review of the exposed data was completed on April 6, 2026.

Information Exposed

Affected personal data includes full names and one or more of the following: Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers or state identification numbers, other government identification numbers, financial account information, credit or debit card information, medical information, and/or health insurance policy information.

Who May Be Impacted

Individuals who received a data breach notification from Florida Physician Specialists may face an increased risk of identity theft and fraud.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies on behalf of individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised in the Florida Physician Specialists breach. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Review account statements and credit reports regularly and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Confirm whether your information was involved in the Florida Physician Specialists incident and preserve any letters or emails you received about the breach. Consider placing fraud alerts and credit monitoring.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; Web: www.edelson-law.com. Or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Florida Physician Specialists

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Florida Physician Specialists is a multi-specialty private physician practice serving patients in Northeast Florida.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above to connect with our team regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/florida-physician-specialists-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-launches-investigation-into-exposure-of-personal-information-302760742.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Sandhills Medical Foundation, Inc., d/b/a Sandhills Medical Data Breach: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation into Exposure of Personal Information

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National class action firm offering free case evaluations to individuals impacted by the Sandhills Medical cybersecurity incident

MCBEE, S.C., May 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the Sandhills Medical data breach. Sandhills Medical learned of the cybersecurity incident between November 27 and 29, 2025.

What Happened

On May 8, 2025, Sandhills Medical discovered it had been the victim of a ransomware attack. Sandhills Medical began an investigation with the help of cybersecurity experts and a forensic firm. That investigation determined an unauthorized third party accessed Sandhills Medical’s server directly and obtained personal information for select patients.

Information Exposed

Affected personal data includes names, personal health information, and birth dates. This data breach has affected an estimated 169,017 people.

Who May Be Impacted

Individuals who received a data breach notification from Sandhills Medical may face an increased risk of identity theft and fraud.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies on behalf of individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised in the Sandhills Medical breach. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Review account statements and credit reports regularly and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Confirm whether your information was involved in the Sandhills Medical incident and preserve any letters or emails you received about the breach. Consider placing fraud alerts and credit monitoring.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; Web: www.edelson-law.com. Or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About Sandhills Medical

Based in McBee, South Carolina, Sandhills Medical operates as a Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQHC) that provides community-based primary health care services.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above to connect with our team regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sandhills-medical-foundation-inc-dba-sandhills-medical-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-launches-investigation-into-exposure-of-personal-information-302760743.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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