Technology

Cardano Developer Input | Output and Hedera Join the DeRec Alliance as Final Founding Members, Alongside Algorand Foundation, Hashgraph, Ripple, and XRPL Labs

Published

1 week ago

September 5, 2024

DLT Science Foundation, Hashpack, Oasis Protocol Foundation, and Palisade also join ecosystem-wide initiative to bolster security and trust in the web3 industry

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Research and engineering company & Cardano developer Input | Output, and Hedera, the open source, leaderless proof-of-stake network, have joined Algorand Foundation, Hashgraph (formerly Swirlds Labs), Ripple, and XRPL Labs, as the final Founding Members of the Decentralized Recovery (DeRec) Alliance, with two-year seats on the Technical Oversight Committee (TOC). DLT Science Foundation, Hashpack, Oasis Protocol Foundation, and Palisade have also joined as Alliance members, to advance the DeRec Alliance’s mission of creating an interoperability recovery standard to facilitate the widespread adoption of crypto and other assets.

Charles Hoskinson, Cardano founder and Input | Output CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be joining the DeRec Alliance to help contribute to this important new cross-platform protocol. Input Output has always been committed to open-source principles, cross-industry collaboration and blockchain interoperability. As an industry seeking to drive wider adoption, we should all be committed to the relentless pursuit of security, accessibility, and improving the user experience. We’re excited to be joining with other industry leaders to collaborate on this initiative to develop and drive common standards for our space and new utility for web3 users.”

Web3 users currently navigate complex processes to safeguard their digital assets, accounts, keys, and passwords, requiring a high level of technical expertise. Launched in January 2024 by Hedera Co-Founder Dr. Leemon Baird, along with leaders from the Hedera and Algorand ecosystems, the DeRec Alliance introduces a new open-source, industry-standard protocol for simplifying and securing digital asset recovery. DeRec provides solutions for protecting various types of data, including keys for any blockchain or ledger, passwords, photos, notes, identity credentials, and cryptographic keys. By addressing the intricate technical challenges hindering Web3 adoption, the DeRec Alliance aims to unite leading organizations in creating user-friendly, accessible experiences for everyone.

“We are happy to welcome the new members to the DeRec Alliance. Their combined expertise and insight will be a great asset to the Alliance,” said Dr. Baird. “It’s exciting to see the industry collaborating across so many ecosystems, to provide the decentralized recovery that the world so desperately needs.”

“Web3 and crypto promised to decentralize and make accessible the systems that matter most. That power comes with a significant responsibility to safeguard your private keys. Web3 has fallen short in delivering a great UX for securing and recovering key material,” said John Woods, CTO of the Algorand Foundation. “We co-founded the DeRec Alliance as part of our mission to improve the UX for the entire ecosystem, from regular users to developers, delivering a better, more accessible, and more secure experience for all. Streamlined key recovery is vital, as is further decentralization of other important infrastructures.”

Founding Members take on a leadership role in oversight and governance. Input | Output and Hedera will hold two-year terms on the Technical Oversight Committee (TOC), offering critical input on the Alliance’s governance structure and core policies. Their leadership ensures that the Alliance maintains its strategic focus and effectively addresses the needs of its growing community.

Charles Adkins, President of Hedera, commented: “From the very beginning, Hedera has been at the forefront of digital asset security. The DeRec Alliance takes this one step further by introducing an open-source protocol that simplifies asset recovery, aligning closely with our mission to enable a new era of trust and transparency. We are proud to join this alliance and make asset protection more accessible and user-friendly.”

Alliance Members play a crucial role in shaping the DeRec Alliance’s direction by providing policy input and overseeing the development of DeRec-based solutions. They nominate candidates for and vote in Technical Oversight Committee (TOC) elections. Members also engage in quarterly meetings and contribute to policy discussions for TOC voting. Additionally, they represent a diverse range of organizations that adopt DeRec Alliance standards and best practices, facilitating decentralized recovery and ensuring its accessibility to a broad user base. Alliance members joining the DeRec Alliance include:

Dr. Paolo Tasca, Founder and Chairman, DLT Science Foundation, said: “Managing digital asset secrets can be cumbersome and risky for users. DeRec revolutionizes this by utilizing a secret-sharing protocol with trusted helpers, ensuring secure and reliable recovery. We at DLT Science Foundation are proud to have co-developed this protocol, which eliminates single points of failure, providing both security and peace of mind.”

May Chan, CEO at HashPack, said: “As the leading non-custodial wallet on Hedera, HashPack is honored to be part of this innovation in key management technology. DeRec has the potential to solve many of the issues users face around managing and recovering their accounts, and we’re excited to one day be able to bring these features to our users.”

Jernej Kos, Director of Oasis Protocol Foundation, said: “Since its inception, the Oasis Protocol Foundation has aimed to enhance the sophistication and user experience of web 3 DApps. For the industry to achieve true adoption, DApps must match web 2 counterparts in flexibility, confidentiality, performance, and user experience. A major challenge has been private key management and recovery, which remains relatively unexplored. Our unified mission is to remove this long-standing friction point and make web 3 more accessible to everyone.”

Tom Kiddle, Co-founder at Palisade, said: “Joining the DeRec Alliance as the first regulated custodian is a critical step for us at Palisade, signaling to the industry that we are passionate about safeguarding assets and private keys—not just for our clients, but across the entire ecosystem. We firmly believe that the future of Web3 hinges on providing users with reliable and secure mechanisms for key recovery. By contributing our expertise in private key management and wallet infrastructure alongside other members of the DeRec alliance, we are helping to prepare Web3 for mass adoption.”

The Protocol
The Decentralized Recovery (DeRec) open-source protocol is a standard approach to secret management, based on secret sharing among a set of helpers (e.g. friends or businesses), who can assist the user in recovering their secret when needed. Each helper’s share reveals no information about the original secret, and half the helpers can give the user their shares to reconstruct the secret, even when a user has lost their phone or other two-factor recovery device. The protocol includes automatic regular confirmations that helpers still have shares of secrets, and automatic re-sharing when secrets change or helpers join or leave. The user never reveals who the helpers are, nor even how many helpers there are, and even the helpers won’t know that.

Organizations interested in joining the DeRec Alliance, or in adopting technology that leverages the DeRec Alliance protocol can visit https://derecalliance.org/.

About The DeRec Alliance
The DeRec Alliance is a group of forward-thinking companies from across the Web2 and Web3 ecosystems that are committed to making the process of securing and recovering digital assets, accounts, and other secrets as simple as existing Web2 experiences. Leveraging a new open source standard, these organizations are working together to help their users and the broader world realize the promise of Web3, without the complexity. For more information, visit https://derecalliance.org/.

Media Contact:
hedera@wachsman.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cardano-developer-input–output-and-hedera-join-the-derec-alliance-as-final-founding-members-alongside-algorand-foundation-hashgraph-ripple-and-xrpl-labs-302239640.html

SOURCE DeRec Alliance

Technology

Broadridge’s Securities-based Lending Capabilities and Wealth Lending Network Now Integrated with Morningstar Advisor Workstation

Published

1 hour ago

September 15, 2024

The collaboration enables independent advisors to deliver holistic advisory services across the full balance sheet with integrated SBL capabilities to see the borrowing power for portfolios.

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Global fintech leader Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) announces the securities-based lending (SBL) tools in its Wealth Lending Network (WLN) marketplace are now integrated in Morningstar Advisor Workstation. Extending beyond Workstation’s core research, investment planning, and portfolio analysis capabilities, independent advisors now have seamless access to lending solutions that help them support broader client financial goals.

The integration offers financial advisors the ability to determine their clients’ SBL borrowing potential and connect with WLN partner banks to support their clients’ lending needs. Advisor Workstation’s U.S. footprint of more than 150,000 advisors will now be offered the opportunity to seamlessly connect to SBL services from Broadridge through their single sign on, as well as to access Broadridge’s advanced predictive prospecting, sales and educational capabilities via the Wealth Lending Network platform.

“Today’s advisors recognize the importance of offering expanded services to add value for their clients. As highlighted in Morningstar’s 2024 Voice of the Advisor Survey, advisors who offered a broader range of services were more confident in their ability to support their client with meaningful financial plans” said Vimal Vel, chief product officer for Enterprise Solutions at Morningstar. “Our collaboration with Broadridge equips advisors with a tool for advanced lending options, enabling them to provide a more comprehensive suite of services and elevate the industry standard for the value advisors offer clients.”

“Our mission at Broadridge is to provide trusted expertise and transformative technology to help clients and the financial services industry operate, innovate, and grow,” said Mike Alexander, President of Broadridge Wealth Management. “This collaboration helps advisors respond to the growing demand for flexible, simplified, and integrated financial solutions, including borrowing against their securities portfolio, allowing them to better align with their clients’ evolving goals, and provide expanded service offerings that strengthen their client relationships.”

The WLN enables wealth managers of all sizes to offer SBL services to their clients using Broadridge’s end-to-end, fully digitized SBL technology platform. It extends current lending models, enabling financial institutions to offer SBL to clients on a turnkey basis. Serving RIAs, independent broker-dealers, non-bank affiliated broker dealers, and wealth management firms, the WLN will allow advisors using the Morningstar Advisor Workstation to retain AUM when client liquidity needs arise, reduce competitive risk from wire houses and banks, and offer holistic advice to their clients.

Clients of financial advisors using WLN and Morningstar Advisor Workstation are expected to directly benefit from having an alternative to liquidating investment portfolios. This can help them to preserve their investment strategy, avoid triggering potential capital gains taxes associated with selling investments, and enjoy the convenience of a single provider for both assets and liabilities. They also gain the flexibility of an evergreen credit facility for ongoing financial needs.

About Broadridge

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR), is a global technology leader with the trusted expertise and transformative technology to help clients and the financial services industry operate, innovate, and grow. We power investing, governance, and communications for our clients – driving operational resiliency, elevating business performance, and transforming investor experiences.

Our technology and operations platforms underpin the daily trading of more than $10 trillion of equities, fixed income and other securities globally. A certified Great Place to Work®, Broadridge is part of the S&P 500® Index, employing over 14,000 associates in 21 countries. For more information about us, please visit www.broadridge.com.

About Morningstar, Inc.

Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment insights in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The Company offers an extensive line of products and solutions that serve a wide range of market participants, including individual and institutional investors in public and private capital markets, financial advisors and wealth managers, asset managers, retirement plan providers and sponsors, and issuers of fixed-income securities. Morningstar provides data and research insights on a wide range of investment offerings, including managed investment products, publicly listed companies, private capital markets, debt securities, and real-time global market data. Morningstar also offers investment management services through its investment advisory subsidiaries, with approximately $316 billion in AUMA as of June 30, 2024. The Company operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries in 32 countries. For more information, visit www.morningstar.com/company. Follow Morningstar on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MorningstarInc.

Media Contacts:

Broadridge:
Matthew Luongo
Prosek Partners
+1 646-818-9279
mluongo@prosek.com

Morningstar:
Michael Claussen
+1 312 696-6037
newsroom@morningstar.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/broadridges-securities-based-lending-capabilities-and-wealth-lending-network-now-integrated-with-morningstar-advisor-workstation-302248260.html

SOURCE Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

Technology

Apple’s Iconic Timeline Comes to Life in Stunning Motion Graphics by WideView

Published

1 hour ago

September 15, 2024

WideView, a leading motion graphics company, proudly announces the release of its latest project, a captivating motion graphics video that chronicles Apple’s evolution from the groundbreaking Macintosh to the revolutionary iPhone. This visually stunning video takes viewers on an immersive journey through Apple’s most iconic milestones, highlighting the products, innovations, and visionary leadership that transformed the tech industry.

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — WideView, a leading motion graphics company, proudly announces the release of its latest project, a captivating motion graphics video that chronicles Apple’s evolution from the groundbreaking Macintosh to the revolutionary iPhone. This visually stunning video takes viewers on an immersive journey through Apple’s most iconic milestones, highlighting the products, innovations, and visionary leadership that transformed the tech industry.

Using a combination of real ads, vintage content, and expertly crafted motion graphics, WideView’s video offers an engaging look at Apple’s rise story. The video features key moments such as the launch of the Macintosh in 1984, the introduction of the iPod, and the “Project Purple” for the game-changing iPhone in 2007. Through creative storytelling and vibrant visuals, WideView captures the essence of Apple’s innovative spirit and showcases the design excellence that has made the company a global leader.

“More than just an historical animation, we aimed to evoke the nostalgia and excitement that Apple’s products have generated to us over the decades,” said Emmanuel, Creative Director of WideView. “Our team meticulously crafted this video to resonate with Apple fans, tech enthusiasts, and creatives alike, while paying tribute to the brand’s incredible journey.”

Key Highlights:

An immersive look at Apple’s major product launches, from the Apple II to the iPhone.Motion graphics enhanced with real ads and vintage content to bring Apple’s evolution to life.A tribute to visionary leadership, from Steve Jobs to Apple’s impact on modern technology.A nostalgic yet forward-thinking video that celebrates Apple’s commitment to innovation and design.

WideView’s motion graphics video promises to captivate viewers by blending rich storytelling with high-quality design. It’s a must-watch for anyone curious about Apple’s history or fascinated by the role of technology in shaping our world.

The video is now live and available for viewing on WideView’s YouTube channel.

Watch Now: https://youtu.be/j9AWJc2EeWA

About WideView: WideView is a motion graphics agency with extensive experience creating animations for various brands. The agency focuses on storytelling through design to connect brands with audiences.

Media Contact

Brenda Caran, Wideview, 1 646-583-3404, hello@wideview.tv, https://wideview.tv/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/apples-iconic-timeline-comes-to-life-in-stunning-motion-graphics-by-wideview-302248165.html

SOURCE Wideview

Technology

World’s 1st Flashlight Experience Store Kicks Off in Las Vegas

Published

5 hours ago

September 15, 2024

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 15, 2024 /CNW/ — Olight, a brand committed to becoming a global leader in mid-to-high-end flashlights, opened the world’s first flashlight experience store at Fashion Show Las Vegas. On the same day, it hosted a major new product launch event and a fan festival for its loyal customers.

A Retail Revolution

The store adopts an advanced digital retail model that seamlessly integrates online and offline channels. Leveraging cloud computing, big data, IoT, and other cutting-edge technologies, Olight has created a unified system for warehousing, logistics, supply chain management, and retail. This enhances operational efficiency and allows consumers to order online and pick up in-store, offering a more convenient and efficient shopping experience.

“Olight has consistently focused on the U.S. market and achieved outstanding results online. We want our first experience store to not only showcase our products but also serve as a bridge between the online and offline, connecting our brand with our customers,” said Mavis Xiao, CMO of Olight.

New Product Launches

Olight unveiled five new products at the event: Arkfeld Ultra, Baton Turbo, Perun 3, Sphere, and the Arkfeld Pro (Paw Edition). The Arkfeld Ultra uses a new aluminum material, making it one of the toughest and most scratch-resistant flashlights in the world. Olight also used this material to create a special gift for each audience member.

With the release of the Arkfeld Pro (Paw Edition), Olight announced an animal charity project in 13 countries, dedicated to supporting animal welfare for at least two years. For every Arkfeld Pro (Paw Edition) sold, Olight will donate $5 to local animal charities. This initiative aims to raise funds for animal protection and increase social awareness and action.

O-Fan Day: Celebrating the Community

O-Fan Day was a fan festival where Olight expressed its appreciation to the O-Fans, whom Olight believes are the driving force behind the brand’s growth. Olight held a fan award ceremony to recognize fans who have made outstanding contributions to supporting and promoting the brand. Over 200 O-Fans attended the festival, celebrating with Olight’s management, R&D teams, and more.

The Olight Fall Event 2024 was the brand’s most important event of the year. As a brand dedicated to establishing itself as a global leader in flashlights, Olight is bold in breaking the mold. This Fall Event demonstrated Olight’s determination to redefine the flashlight industry through innovation and to promote the development of the entire industry.

About Olight:

Olight is committed to becoming a global leader in mid-to-high-end flashlights and driving the industry forward. Its diverse product range caters to various scenarios, from everyday carry to outdoor adventures, and is available across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/worlds-1st-flashlight-experience-store-kicks-off-in-las-vegas-302248434.html

SOURCE Olight Group Co.,Ltd