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Vodafone and Google Deepen Strategic Partnership with Ten Year, Billion+ Dollar Deal including Cloud, Cybersecurity and Devices Across Europe and Africa

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Partnership aims to bring new generative AI (gen AI) powered devices through Google’s Gemini models to millions of Vodafone’s customers across Europe and Africa

Vodafone will expand access to Google’s AI-powered Pixel devices with its fast 5G network in Europe, and continue promoting the Android ecosystem.Vodafone TV aims to become even more personalised and engaging, with improved content search and recommendations using Google Cloud’s gen AI across its set top boxes, with a view to rolling out advertising using Google Ad Manager in the future.Companies intend to enable Vodafone to offer Google One AI Premium subscription plans, which include Gemini Advanced, in select territories by 2025.Vodafone to expand its partnership with Google Cloud, building on its existing private data repository, and will use Google Cloud’s Vertex AI enterprise-ready AI platform to quickly bring new services and innovation to Vodafone’s customers.Vodafone will develop a new cloud-native security service for its business customers leveraging Google Cloud’s Security Operations platform.

LONDON, Oct. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Vodafone and Google today announced a ten year strategic expansion of their existing partnership to bring new services, devices, and TV experiences to millions of Vodafone’s customers across Europe and Africa, supported by Google Cloud and Google’s Gemini models.

The agreement will bring storage, security, and AI assistance to Vodafone’s customers in 15 countries, as well as its partners in an additional 45 markets worldwide, while Google will use Vodafone’s fixed and mobile connectivity services to improve workforce productivity.

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group chief executive, said: “Together, Vodafone and Google will put new AI-powered content and devices into the hands of millions of more consumers. Using these services, our customers can discover new ways to learn, create and communicate, as well as consume TV, on a scale we haven’t seen before.”

“Our expanded partnership with Vodafone will help bring our most advanced AI products and services, including our Gemini models, to more people across Europe and Africa,” said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. “I’m excited to see how Vodafone’s consumers, small businesses and governments, will use generative AI and Google Cloud to transform the way they work and access information.”

Leading the Way in Enhanced Consumer Experiences

A key focus of the Vodafone and Google partnership is to help consumers take advantage of the latest hardware and digital technologies, including AI and cloud-based applications. Vodafone and Google will work together to improve and expand the range of products and services available in stores and online, supported with a refreshed customer experience rooted in the benefits of AI. Google and Vodafone are working towards enabling Vodafone to offer YouTube subscription-based products and Google One subscription plans, such as storage plans and AI Premium plans to consumers, in addition to offering a range of Pixel and other Android devices.

Vodafone and Google will work towards enhancing Vodafone TV (which is powered by Android TV), using Google Cloud’s advanced gen AI capabilities to provide additional content discovery features, rewards, and offers, as well as content monetization with Google Ad Manager to deliver a better ads experience. The teams are also exploring a more deeply-integrated YouTube experience across Vodafone TV devices.

Digital Transformation & Security: Powered by Google Cloud’s gen AI

Vodafone and Google Cloud already have a strong track record of collaboration. The companies have worked together to create a data repository (data lake) that houses Vodafone’s data and its existing AI and data analytics services on Google Cloud to ensure maximum security and adherence to legal requirements. With the expanded partnership, Vodafone will use Vertex AI, Google Cloud’s enterprise-ready  AI platform, to build, deploy, and scale machine learning models and AI applications powered by Google’s Gemini models. This will help increase the speed and ease with which Vodafone’s operating companies in multiple countries can innovate and launch new products.

Through this partnership, Vodafone aims to offer its business customers enhanced cyber protection with its own soon-to-be-developed cloud-native cybersecurity solution, utilising Google Cloud’s Security Operations platform. It will provide security incident and event management, as well as the latest software-based protection tools. Vodafone will also use Google Cloud’s Security Operations platform when developing certain products and services to further ensure that they are secure by design to help keep customers safe online.

Both companies intend to jointly promote the use of universal industry standards in areas such as online safety, responsible AI development, network performance, and interoperability to drive economies of scale in industrial efficiency, boost innovation, and improve public services at scale. Through this partnership, Vodafone will put AI-powered cloud, content, and connectivity into the hands of more people.

Note to Editors
The key benefits of the Vodafone and Google partnership include:

Leading the Way in Enhanced Consumer Experiences

Empowering consumers with AI: Vodafone intends to make it easier for consumers to experience the power of AI through a wider range of AI-powered Google Pixel devices and other Android phones coupled with its fast 5G pan-European network. Vodafone will also help customers learn about AI features with improved online guides, dedicated in-store experiences, and freshly trained staff.Offering a best-in-class TV platform: Vodafone and Google will work towards Vodafone TV customers enjoying AI-generated search and recommendations for personalised TV content, applications, and rewards. This expands on the news in 2023 that Vodafone’s adoption of Android TV became the preferred platform for Vodafone TV, now live in seven countries. This collaboration also empowers Vodafone to optimise its infrastructure using Google Cloud’s gen AI capabilities, and unlock new opportunities in advertising and market expansion. Google Ad Manager is intended to act as the main platform for the monetization of Vodafone’s addressable TV inventories, providing a better ads experience for users.Extending the reach of cloud and AI to consumers: Google and Vodafone aim to offer Vodafone’s consumers a range of services built using advanced cloud-based AI. This may include storage for photos, video and files using Google One, and Google One AI Premium with Gemini Advanced for those who want the extra power of Google’s most capable AI models. The parties are also working to expand the availability of subscription-based YouTube services to Vodafone customers. All such services will be supported by Vodafone’s extensive fixed and mobile networks in the relevant territory.

Digital Transformation & Security: Powered by Google Cloud’s generative AI

Expanding business services powered by Google Cloud: Google and Vodafone will enhance their existing cloud partnership. Google is already the public cloud provider for all Vodafone’s analytics, including anonymised and aggregated big data, business intelligence, marketing, and network analytics. Vodafone will use Vertex AI, Google Cloud’s enterprise-ready AI platform, to build, deploy, and scale machine learning models and AI applications powered by Google’s Gemini models, 1.5 Pro and Flash. Vodafone will bolster its commitment to distributing and building upon Google Cloud-based services, including cybersecurity, data analytics and AI.Enhancing security and threat detection: Vodafone will build a new cloud-native cybersecurity offering for its business customers utilising Google Cloud’s Security Operations platform so they can better protect themselves and respond in real time to cybersecurity threats. In addition, Vodafone will draw on the strengths of its own in-house team of 900 cybersecurity experts, along with Google Cloud’s Security Operations platform, to further secure Vodafone’s operations at scale from external threats.Transforming the back office with gen AI: Google and Vodafone experts will build products and scale priority use-cases for digital, IT, and network teams to help automate fault detection, streamline back-office operations and more. Google will also create a gen AI training programme for Vodafone employees to help them enhance their own digital credentials and operational efficiencies by using scaled AI applications internally, and with partners.

About Vodafone

Vodafone is a leading European and African telecoms company. We provide mobile and fixed services to over 330 million customers in 15 countries (excludes Italy which is held as a discontinued operation under Vodafone Group), partner with mobile networks in 45 more and have one of the world’s largest IoT platforms. In Africa, our financial technology businesses serve almost 79 million customers across seven countries – managing more transactions than any other provider. Our purpose is to connect for a better future by using technology to improve lives, businesses and help progress inclusive sustainable societies. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact to reach net zero emissions by 2040.

For more information, please visit www.vodafone.com, follow us on X at @VodafoneGroup or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/vodafone.

About Google

Google’s mission is to organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Google Cloud, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.

 

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SOURCE Google Cloud

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Delixi Electric at the 140th Canton Fair Expanding Solutions Strengthening Global Partnerships

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GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 140th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, opened in Guangzhou on October 15, 2026, marking the event’s 70th anniversary. Delixi Electric returned with an expanded portfolio spanning power distribution, industrial control, home electrical products and tools, while inviting distributors and business partners worldwide to explore new opportunities for cooperation.

Under the brand philosophy “Making it happen,” the company presented products for industrial, commercial and residential applications. The display was designed to give international customers more choice and help channel partners broaden their offerings.

A key highlight was the official Canton Fair debut of Delixi Electric’s tool portfolio. Presented under the theme “The right tool for every task,” the range covers hand tools, power tools and measuring tools. A dedicated trial area allowed visitors to experience the products firsthand.

Among Delixi Electric’s industrial offerings, the H500 Series high-performance vector drive and CDC8 Series AC contactor were key highlights. Winner of the 2025 iF Design Award and a CIIF industrial automation award, the H500 targets mid- to high-end drive applications, while the CDC8 supports reliable control in demanding equipment-manufacturing environments. The wider display also featured wall switches, multi-standard sockets and adapters, and power distribution products.

Qi Wenjie, General Manager of Delixi Electric’s Overseas Business Division, said:

“For many years, the Canton Fair has been an important platform for us to understand how market needs are evolving and to engage closely with customers and partners from around the world. As the Fair marks its 70th anniversary, we are pleased to meet global customers and partners here once again.”

“For Delixi Electric, participating in the Canton Fair is about more than presenting individual products. It is also an opportunity to better understand local needs, demonstrate our broader capabilities in power distribution, and explore long-term value together with our customers and partners.”

Since its Canton Fair debut in 2023, Delixi Electric has participated for four consecutive years. Its business network now covers more than 80 countries and regions.

Looking ahead, the company will continue investing in product development, quality management, international certification, supply chain capabilities and local service. By expanding its portfolio and working closely with local partners, Delixi Electric aims to support market development and create sustainable growth opportunities for distributors, customers and industry partners worldwide.

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SSI SCHAEFER’s Four-Way Pallet Roaming Shuttle Is Expanding Warehouse Design Possibilities

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SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For warehouse operators in South Korea, warehouse design is increasingly shaped by competing demands: making better use of available space, managing labor constraints and maintaining reliable operations without committing to automation that exceeds business needs.

The challenge is not simply to store more pallets, but to determine how storage capacity can be configured around the inventory characteristics and the movement the operation actually requires.

Rethinking the use of warehouse space

Warehouse capacity is often assessed by the number of pallet positions available. However, the same building footprint can support different storage configurations, each with its own implications for accessibility, material flow and operating requirements.

Four-way pallet roaming shuttles, such as the SSI Pallet Roaming Shuttle, use onboard multi-sensor navigation to determine their position, monitor their surroundings in real time, and accurately detect obstacles. This enables flexible pallet handling across multiple storage levels, opening up greater possibilities for high-density, single- or multi-deep pallet storage configurations.

For facilities where building expansion is restricted, the ability to use available space more effectively can be an important design consideration. With system heights of 24 metres and options for 40 metres subject to configuration, solutions like the shuttle allow warehouse planners to evaluate storage designs that make greater use of the space.

Matching movement capability to operational needs

The significance of four-way movement lies in the flexibility it introduces into storage design. This can be particularly relevant to manufacturing operations storing raw materials or finished goods, food and beverage distribution, and temperature-controlled warehouses where storage conditions and space utilisation are crucial design considerations.

The shuttle supports payloads of up to 3000 kg and uses RFID and photoelectric positioning, with a specified positioning accuracy of ±5 mm. Operating at a maximum aislewise speed of 1.5 m/s when loaded and 1.6 m/s when unloaded, it provides a technical basis for evaluating its suitability against a warehouse’s storage and movement requirement.

Automation solving the right challenges, at the right time

For South Korean warehouse operators facing a rapidly aging population and labor constraints, the question is whether automating pallet storage and movement will address a meaningful operational need. Suited to medium-to-low SKU ranges and lower-throughput applications, the SSI Pallet Roaming Shuttle is worth considering where frequent retrievals and reduced reliance on repetitive manual handling are priorities, rather than high-volume pallet retrieval.

“The value of warehouse automation lies in how well a system fits the operation it is designed to serve. More automation does not automatically mean a better warehouse.

The real measure of an effective solution is how well its storage density, retrieval capability and throughput match the operation’s needs. Investing in capacity or performance that the business cannot fully utilise—or sacrificing retrieval flexibility for density—misses the point of warehouse automation,” said Jeon Jae Beom, Head of Sales, SSI Schaefer Korea.

For South Korean businesses balancing space, labor and investment pressures, the key is to select systems according to its intended role in the wider operation, not on the assumption that greater automation will resolve every capacity or productivity challenge.

For more information, visit www.ssi-schaefer.com/ko-kr.

About SSI SCHAEFER

The SSI SCHAEFER Group is a leading global solution provider for all areas of intralogistics. With innovative technologies and software, the company empowers small to medium-sized enterprises as well as large companies to increase the efficiency and sustainability of their storage, picking, and transport processes. SSI SCHAEFER offers complete solutions ranging from fully automated warehouses with tailored service and maintenance packages to robotics and automated guided vehicles, as well as manual and semi-automated systems such as workstations, racks and containers.

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SOURCE SSI Schaefer Korea

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Heybike Launches V1 Pro, a 72V Power Beast with 8,000W Peak Power and Bigger Attitude

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ONTARIO, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Heybike today announced the launch of the V1 Pro, a 72V electric dirt bike designed for riders who want bigger tires, bigger attitude, and ultimate off-road performance. With 8,000W peak power, 17-inch front and 14-inch rear tires, and Wheelie Boost Assist, the V1 Pro delivers powerful off-road performance while featuring hydraulic disc brakes and a magnetic emergency kill switch. Available now on Heybike’s official website, the V1 Pro is offered at an Early Bird price of $1,999, compared with its $2,199 MSRP.

The 72V Power Beast, Ready for Every Trail

With its oversized Big Foot tires, bold styling, and powerful 72V drive system, the Heybike V1 Pro is built to stand out. Delivering 8,000W peak power and 250 N•m of wheel torque, it reaches speeds of up to 50 MPH and tackles inclines of up to 45°, bringing serious power to demanding off-road adventures.

Its staggered 17-inch front and 14-inch rear Big Foot tires provide a larger rear contact patch for traction, while 285 mm of ground clearance helps the bike clear rocks, roots, and ruts. A 150 mm-travel front fork and rear hydraulic shock help absorb bumps on uneven terrain.

Powered by a 72V 27Ah battery with 1,944 Wh of capacity, the Heybike V1 Pro offers a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge, with charging taking approximately 5.5–6 hours using the included 84V 5A charger.

Smart Control. Your Ride, Your Way.

The Heybike app lets riders adjust speed limits and throttle response, choose from ECO, LINEAR, and SPORT riding modes, and configure regenerative braking to suit their riding preferences and terrain.

For added personalization, an optional Bluetooth speaker and horn accessory supports music playback and multiple simulated motorcycle engine sounds.

Enhanced Protection for Every Adventure

The Heybike V1 Pro combines performance with multiple safety-focused features. Its 220 mm front and 190 mm rear hydraulic disc brakes provide stopping power, while regenerative braking adds another layer of deceleration control.

A magnetic emergency kill switch is designed to cut power if the rider falls or steps away from the bike. A throttle-reset safety mechanism prevents power delivery until the throttle has returned to its reset position.

The Heybike V1 Pro features a UL 2849-certified battery system and an IPX6 waterproof rating, offering added protection for outdoor riding in changing weather conditions.

Together, these features complement the V1 Pro’s performance-focused design with added control and protection for off-road riding.

Wheelie Boost Assist: Unleash Your Wild Side

Experience wheelies like never before. With just a single mode control, Wheelie Boost™ lifts the front wheel to a fixed angle, safely turning a complex trick into an exciting riding experience. Less effort, more wild — unleash your bigger attitude and take your V1 Pro ride to the next level.

Bring the Family Together. Conquer Every Terrain.

More than an off-road ride, the Heybike V1 Pro opens the door to shared outdoor adventures and memorable family moments. Designed to bring riders together, it makes weekend trail rides and outdoor exploration opportunities for parents and teens to connect, build confidence, and discover new terrain side by side.

From family outings to challenging off-road adventures, the V1 Pro brings power, excitement, and the freedom to explore together.

A Step Up From the Original Heybike V1

Launched in the first half of 2026, the Heybike V1 quickly gained popularity among teens across the United States. Building on that success, the V1 Pro takes off-road performance to the next level with nearly 100% more peak power, 43.8% greater battery capacity, 11% higher top speed, 20% more range, and a 50% higher maximum climbing angle.

Beyond raw power, the V1 Pro delivers 31.5% more wheel torque and 14.5% greater ground clearance, along with stronger front and rear suspension system for a smoother ride. Its larger 17-inch front and 14-inch rear Big Foot tires further enhance off-road control and rear traction, while the full-size frame is designed to accommodate a broader range of riders.

Make Their Next Ride Unforgettable

The Heybike V1 Pro is available now for $1,999 (MSRP $2,199). Customers can also receive a limited-quantity launch gift box with their purchase, while supplies last. 

More riding challenges, giveaways, and community activities are on the way. Stay tuned for more ways to ride, connect, and share the adventure.

Shop the Heybike V1 Pro on its official website.

About Heybike

Heybike is a leading global e-bike brand making joy easy to reach for every age and every terrain, from city commutes to off-road adventures, blending accessible innovation, safety-first engineering, and design that connects. Every ride connects you to a worldwide community — to your family, to your city, and to the simple joy of moving. Learn more on Heybike’s official website.

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SOURCE Heybike

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