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U-tec Heads to IFA and Bolsters Samsung’s SmartThings Partner Wall With Smart Home Suite of Locks, Switches, Plugs and Bulbs

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Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint Matter Smart Lock on SmartThings Wall to Ship in November

U-tec Announces Three New Smart Locks Using UWB, Palm Vein, and AI Technology

UNION CITY, Calif., Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — U-tec, the leader in smart home solutions, is heading to IFA Berlin to showcase its suite of smart locks, switches, plugs, and light bulbs in Samsung’s SmartThings partner wall located in Home & Entertainment area CCG-101 or CCB-03 at Messe Berlin.

On display at Samsung’s SmartThings partner wall will be the new Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint Matter, the world’s first smart fingerprint deadbolt lock that supports Matter-Over-Thread technology, ensuring seamless integration with various smart home devices for a future-proof experience. Offering a six-in-one unlocking experience including fingerprint recognition, passcodes, mobile app access, backup keys, and multi-layered security, the Bolt Fingerprint Matter creates a unified smart home ecosystem by seamlessly integrating with Samsung SmartThings, Google Home, Apple Home, or Amazon Alexa.

Ultraloq Bolt Fingerprint Matter features include:

Easy Integration & Connection – integrate and connect to your existing smart home system without switching apps or configurations, enabling easy control sharing.Advanced Fingerprint Recognition – no more keys; utilize our 360 Live Fingerprint ID powered by AI self-learning fingerprint algorithm. 99.8% accuracy, 0.3 seconds unlock speed. *Currently, fingerprint unlock capability is enabled via the U-tec Home app, but will be added to other leading platforms, including Google and Apple, over the next few months.Guest Access – allows access to Airbnb guests, babysitters, cleaners, contractors, service people, etc., as well as temporary codes or Ekeys for scheduled access (controlled by U-tec’s U home app).Voice Control – unlock or lock the door with just a word using SmartThings, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, enhancing user convenience. Auto Unlock – automatically unlocks as you approach the door and securely locks once the door is closed. Settings can be customized with U-tec’s U home app.Battery – eight AA batteries and offers extended battery life up to one year.

U-tec also announced three new smart locks (not on display at IFA) using UWB, Palm Vein, and AI technology including:

Ultraloq Bolt Mission – powered by state-of-the-art UWB technology, allows a simple, hands-free entry and exit to unlock the door automatically. Available in 2025Ultraloq Bolt Palm – using Palm Vein technology, users can unlock the door with a simple wave using non-contact unlocking recognition in both directions. The Bolt Palm eliminates passwords or damaged fingerprints and is user-friendly to all ages. Available in Q4 2024Ultraloq Bolt Pro AI Security – creates a visual door lock, offering real-time viewing of your door area. The Bolt Pro AI Security uses AI technology to recognize faces and human figures and can send alert notifications. Available in 2025

“We are delighted to welcome U-tec and their suite of smart home products to IFA,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings at Samsung Electronics.

“U-tec’s smart locks, bulbs, switches, and plugs work seamlessly with SmartThings to support the evolution of smart home technology that makes homes smarter, safer, and more energy-efficient.”

“We’re excited to showcase our latest smart home products, fully compatible with Samsung SmartThings,” said David Huang, Strategic Partnership Director at U-tec. “Our devices are designed to seamlessly integrate into existing smart home ecosystem, providing enhanced convenience, security, and energy efficiency. Whether you want to automate your lighting, secure your home, or control your environment, our products make creating a truly connected home easier than ever.”

U-tec’s smart home products on display at Samsung’s SmartThings Partner Wall are currently available on Amazon and U-tec’s website and include:

ULTRALOQ Bolt Fingerprint – smart lock offering a six-in-one unlocking experience and multi-layered security. Compatible with Samsung SmartThings, Apple Home Kit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. It provides mobile control, secure access management, and multiple unlocking methods, including fingerprint recognition, passcodes, mobile app access, and backup keys, and ensures unparalleled security and flexibility.

ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro – smart lock lets you share access with guests, offers keyless entry including fingerprint, auto unlock, password, and a key for backup, and uses a smart auto lock to ensure the door is closed and locked. It works with SmartThings, Amazon Alex, Hey Google, IFTTT, and Z-Wave.

Bright A19 Smart Bulb – Wi-Fi mesh connectivity and seamless control for every light in the home – without the need for an extra hub. Offers vivid brilliance with 1100 lumens choice of 16 million colors. Energy-efficient and long-lasting, Bright allows for customization through its own mobile app.

U-tec Smart Plug controls lamps, fans, and household appliances. It can be controlled via mobile devices or voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

U-tec Smart Switch – WiFi mesh technology allows for remote control for any location and the ability to adjust the brightness of connected lights. Work with light controlled by a single switch or two switches in different places.

About U-tec

tec is the pioneering force in smart home technology and security, dedicated to redefining how people safeguard their homes with innovative, user-friendly solutions. Founded in 2015, the company has quickly established itself as a leader, leveraging cutting-edge technology to create intuitive and reliable smart home solutions. For more information, visit www.u-tec.com.

Join the U-tec community for the latest news about products and events: https://shorturl.at/02bel

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SOURCE U-tec

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Colleen Reilly as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

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PORT ST. JOE, Fla., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Colleen Reilly is honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Transforming Catering and Event Services in Northwest Florida.

Since 2015, Colleen Reilly has served as founder and CEO of Catering Connections, a company that has redefined catering in Northwest Florida’s beach communities through innovation, collaboration, and community focus. Guided by her motto “Just one call feeds them all,” Ms. Reilly established a unique model by partnering with local restaurants to showcase their specialties, fostering unity among businesses while providing clients with one-of-a-kind event experiences.

With over 15 years of industry expertise, Ms. Reilly specializes in coordinating weddings, family reunions, and corporate events, managing every detail from client consultation to menu planning and flawless execution. Her dedication to service has earned Catering Connections multiple recognitions, including the Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire from 2021 to 2025, the Best of Florida Award from 2022 to 2024, and the Lux Life Hospitality and Catering Award in 2023 and 2024.

Ms. Reilly’s career foundation includes an associate degree in paralegal studies, magna cum laude, from Volunteer State College, a reflection of her meticulous approach to detail and commitment to excellence. Beyond her business, she serves her community as a board member of the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership and as president of Friends of the Governor Stone Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving maritime heritage in Panama City. Her previous civic contributions include serving five years as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children within the legal system, and volunteering as a school chaperone for international student trips.

A leader who blends innovation with service, Ms. Reilly continues to grow Catering Connections while deepening her commitment to the local community. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding her company’s impact, bringing people together, and creating meaningful experiences through food and fellowship.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-inner-circle-acknowledges-colleen-reilly-as-a-pinnacle-professional-member-inner-circle-of-excellence-302753052.html

SOURCE The Inner Circle

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Media Contributor Kianga Moore to Host Executive Media Roundtable On AI’s Transformational Impact in Retail

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Leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint, and New Nexus Group to Explore Real-Time Decision-Making, Resilience, and Growth in a Volatile Market

NEW YORK, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As retailers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rapidly shifting consumer expectations, the upcoming convening of a high-level roundtable discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape in real time.

Moderated by Media Contributor Kianga Moore, to be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 11h00am (EST), the roundtable will bring together senior leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint and New Nexus Group to discuss how modern enterprise platforms are leveraging AI to drive agility, efficiency, and long-term resilience across the retail ecosystem.

The discussion will additionally focus on how AI is enabling retailers to respond dynamically to changing demand signals, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen interoperability across increasingly complex vendor and marketplace networks.

“Retailers today are operating in a constant state of disruption”, stated Kianga Moore. “This roundtable will explore how AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a strategic asset for anticipating change and building more resilient, adaptive American enterprise.”

Key discussion topics will include remarks on how, for example, enterprise AI platforms are helping retailers respond instantly to fluctuations in consumer demand, pricing pressures, and external supply chain disruptions and the role of AI in enhancing interoperability across vendors, partners, and marketplaces to create more agile and resilient retail infrastructures in 2026.

Rob Gonda, Chief Technical Officer at Vendormint, stated that, “Interoperability is the backbone of modern retail. AI enables seamless communication between platforms, vendors, and marketplaces—turning fragmented systems into cohesive, responsive ecosystems that can adapt under pressure.”

Discussion topics will also include machine learning’s ability to optimize ad spend, improving personalization, and delivering measurable ROI while maintaining brand trust and regulatory compliance.

Eric Howerton, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AdFury.ai, added that,”AI is fundamentally changing how brands approach customer acquisition. By leveraging machine learning through fine-tuned, retail-specific agentic flows, we can not only optimize ad spend in real time, but we can also ensure messaging is personalized, compliant, and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.”

And indeed the roundtable will include discussions on how AI-powered predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate economic, technological, and geopolitical disruptions ahead—and plan accordingly.

Cheryl Yarbrough, Vice President of Partnerships at New Nexus Group added that, “Resilience in retail is no longer built in quarterly planning cycles-it’s built in real time. AI gives organizations the ability to identify disruptions before they cascade, pivot strategies before momentum is lost, and maintain continuity when the market moves faster than any human team can react alone.”

The roundtable will be held via Zoom TeleConference, with questions from the press and key stakeholders to follow opening remarks and a 30-minute Q&A between the moderator and the panelists.

For all media inquiries and to register to attend, please contact: Sam Amsterdam, Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc. – Sam@AmsterdamGroup.net / +1 (202) 910-8349

Vendormint (https://vendormint.com)New Nexus Group (https://www.newnexusgroup.com)AdFury.ai (https://www.adfury.ai)

Samuel Amsterdam
Communications Counsel
Vendormint
samuelamsterdam@gmail.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/media-contributor-kianga-moore-to-host-executive-media-roundtable-on-ais-transformational-impact-in-retail-302753148.html

SOURCE Vendormint

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Fairway Home Mortgage Earns Prestigious USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award For 6th Consecutive Year

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Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson Named #1 Leadership Award Winner of Companies With 2500+ Employees

MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Home Mortgage announced that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. This is the sixth year in a row Fairway achieved this honor.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Watch the video of the event here.

“Being recognized with this award reflects Fairway’s commitment to bringing our people together face-to-face,” said Fairway’s CEO and Founder Steve Jacobson. “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other and they learn from each other, and we’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Jacobson demonstrated that in-person collaboration when he traveled to Knoxville this week with Fairway Senior Vice President Dan Richards to spend time with one of Fairway’s branches and their local real estate partners. “We engaged in real conversations about the market, discussed what people are seeing on the ground, and talked about how Fairway keeps showing up for clients,” said Richards. “It’s a reflection of the same hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.”

“To be named a Top Workplace for six consecutive years speaks to Fairway’s leadership, our mindset, and the empowerment of our staff,” said Fairway’s Chief People and Engagement Officer Julie Fry. “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the daily commitment to people—prioritizing connection, valuing contributions, and creating an environment where employees feel energized to serve because they feel valued first.”

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market”

About Fairway Home Mortgage
Madison, WI- and Carrollton, TX-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) is a full-service mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. Fairway is the #2 overall retail lender in the U.S.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fairway-home-mortgage-earns-prestigious-usa-today-top-workplaces-award-for-6th-consecutive-year-302753183.html

SOURCE Fairway Home Mortgage

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