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Passes and University of Michigan Launch Landmark Partnership to Revolutionize Fan Engagement & NIL Monetization

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Passes, the premier direct-to-fan engagement and monetization platform, has joined forces with the University of Michigan to unlock athlete Name, Image, Likeness value across 29 varsity sports, recruit and retain top student athletes, and create an ecosystem for unprecedented fan access. This multi-year partnership through Learfield empowers Michigan student athletes to sell exclusive content, mentorships, and merchandise and empowers fans to play a role in the retention and recruitment of athletic and academic talent.

Passes and University of Michigan Launch Landmark Partnership To Revolutionize Fan Engagement & NIL Monetization

Empowering Athletes, Engaging Fans

The official partnership, which includes the use of the Michigan logo and trademark, offers fans a new opportunity to follow, support, and engage with University of Michigan teams and athletes. Passes will enhance fan engagement and connectivity, while providing student-athletes with powerful tools to develop their personal brands.

The focal point of the partnership is the Michigan Content Hub, where subscribers will be able to select from a variety of tiers to receive access to exclusive content, merchandise, and experiences.

All Michigan student athletes are uniquely positioned to benefit from Passes, which currently features several On3 top 10 athletes earning 6-7 figures on the platform. From exclusive merchandise and signed memorabilia to post and pre-game livestreams, Passes’ versatility allows for total customization to best reach the unique interests of diverse audiences.

For example, subscriptions to the main Michigan x Passes page will benefit all Michigan sports teams, including next year’s 146th football team. Proceeds from all merchandise and content on the main page will be directed towards ensuring that Michigan athletics, through recruiting, retention, and portal transfers, will remain in contention for national championships year after year. The goal of the Hail! Tier, at $5 per month, is to demonstrate that subscriptions of any size can have a meaningful impact on Michigan’s ability to be successful in today’s dynamic college landscape. Lucy Guo, CEO of Passes, emphasized her excitement for the partnership and its impact on Michigan athletics: “The University of Michigan ranks highly among the world’s great institutions of higher learning and enjoys a rich, tradition-laden history in college sports. Michigan fans like myself want to see our teams raise that National Championship trophy every year. Passes is especially proud to partner with University of Michigan and have the opportunity to work with student-athletes and the Wolverine community in Ann Arbor and around the world.”

Passes’ support of the University of Michigan does not end with its commitment to student athletes. Passes intends to offer summer internships and expects to recruit on campus for a variety of positions at Passes corporate office in Los Angeles. Passes has already hired on-campus support in Ann Arbor to produce content and ensure that student athletes have necessary resources to be successful on the platform.

The partnership is now live on www.passes.com/michigan-athletics where users can purchase merchandise without creating a Passes profile.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/passes-and-university-of-michigan-launch-landmark-partnership-to-revolutionize-fan-engagement–nil-monetization-302309617.html

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Exploring the “Next Gen” Smart Health Kitchen: Dreame Small Kitchen Appliances Shines at DREAME NEXT Launch Event in Silicon Valley

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SAN FRANCISCO, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, technology innovator Dreame Technology hosted the “DREAME NEXT” launch event at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. During the event, Jackie Chen, head of Dreame Small Kitchen Appliances, showcased a lineup of high-tech products and innovations designed to address the evolving pain points of the smart kitchen.

Chen shared a compelling observation that resonated deeply with American consumers: in an era of rising costs, the pursuit of high-quality dining is becoming increasingly difficult. According to data from Review42, expensive delivery services have become a significant financial burden for many American households. After factoring in service fees, delivery charges, and tips, total bills often reach 1.4 times the original restaurant menu price. This 40% premium, combined with the lukewarm and soggy texture often resulting from 30-to-40-minute wait times, has dampened the joy of daily dining. Meanwhile, traditional home appliances often struggle with inconsistent performance and complex operations, making it hard to replicate “restaurant-quality” results at home.

Dreame Small Kitchen Appliances is committed to changing this through the innovative application of smart algorithms, fluid dynamics, and thermal engineering. The goal is to empower users to reclaim the time, money, and taste buds “stolen” by overpriced delivery through a more efficient, low-barrier kitchen experience.

Air Fryer: Synergizing Steam and Airflow to End Dry Textures

A centerpiece of the launch was the Dreame AeroFusion™ Air Fryer AF60. Addressing the common frustration of dry, tough food produced by traditional air fryers, the AF60 introduces CrispVapor™ technology. Its integrated 800W die-cast aluminum steam generator is designed to produce 140°C superheated steam within 30 seconds, creating a moisture barrier around the ingredients. Combined with 20 smart recipes optimized through tens of thousands of tests, the machine automatically adjusts cooking modes at the precise moment required. This “Steam-Then-Roast” logic, paired with a 2500 RPM high-speed fan and a Coandă-effect air duct for 360° circulation, aims to deliver a perfect “crispy outside, juicy inside” experience.

The AF60 also showcases high-efficiency hardware architecture. It features an innovative dual-source heating system: a top stainless-steel tube with an infrared coating to boost heating efficiency, and an innovative PTC ceramic heater at the bottom. This bottom-surface heating improves energy distribution and eliminates cold spots. With the self-regulating nature of PTC materials, the AF60 enhances safety from the structural level, setting a new efficiency benchmark for modern kitchens.

Power Blender: Linking Sensors and Algorithms for Automated Blending

In North America, fitness enthusiasts and wellness seekers are increasingly focused on precise nutritional intake. Beyond the “light and healthy” meals provided by air fryers, a smooth, nutrient-rich post-workout supplement is essential. However, transforming tough nuts or frozen berries into a silky liquid requires precise power control.

The Dreame BlendLogic™ Power Blender PB70 features the iDetect™ Smart Blending System, designed to eliminate the guesswork of manual settings. Based on high-frequency closed-loop feedback logic and a high-precision Hall-effect current sensor, the PB70 captures minute electrical fluctuations as small as 1mA. This gives the device a “sense of touch,” allowing it to interpret the volume, hardness, and consistency of ingredients in real time. This sensory data, processed by a proprietary PID algorithm, completes the “sense-to-execute” cycle within 50ms. Supported by a 1400W variable-speed motor, the PB70 adapts its power output to the specific needs of different ingredients, evolving the blender from a passive tool into an active assistant that preserves nutrients by minimizing heat buildup.

Fully Automatic Espresso Machine: Precision Control for Professional Quality at Home

For coffee aficionados, Dreame introduced the Dreame Ecceluxe™ Master Fully Automatic Espresso Machine FCM60. To bring the complex café experience into the home, Dreame engineers reconstructed the extraction process with surgical precision. The FCM60 utilizes a 420-grade stainless steel burr set with a precision of approximately 0.005mm, designed to keep temperature rise within the grinding chamber under 3°C to preserve the beans’ original aroma.

During extraction, the FCM60 utilizes a 19-bar high-pressure pump for optimal penetration, paired with a dual PID temperature control system and smart pre-infusion to ensure consistent flavor profiles across every cup. Furthermore, addressing the “cleaning nightmare” of traditional machines, the FCM60 features an industry-first front-access detachable micro-brewing unit. By embedding the complex support structure within the machine body, Dreame reduced the brewing core to a compact size that can be removed and rinsed with one hand in seconds—true to the philosophy of “leaving the complexity to the machine and the simplicity to the user.”

In addition to these flagship products, the event featured the Dreame AeroFusion™ Air Fryer AF30, which is set to officially launch in the U.S. market in June. The product will be available for purchase through Amazon, Dreame’s official website, and other major online channels. The AF30 attracted significant attention during the showcase with its 7L family-sized capacity and the innovative 360° Dual-Source Cyclonic Heat™ system. The showcase also included the Dreame FlowNutri™ Tilt Slow Juicer SJ30, the Dreame FlowNutri™ Master Slow Juicer SJ60, the Dreame PortFresh™ Portable Blender PB10, and the Dreame ToastControl™ Smart Toaster TA60, etc., signaling the steady expansion of Dreame’s full-scenario kitchen ecosystem.

Jackie Chen stated that Dreame Small Kitchen Appliances’ roadmap for the North American market includes the upcoming launch of smart stand mixers, high-performance professional blenders, and smart toasting equipment. By diving deep into smart algorithms, intelligent sensing, and automated structures, Dreame aims to simplify complex kitchen tasks, evolving appliances from simple tools into “Smart Collaborative Systems” with sensing and execution capabilities.

From its debut at AWE to its official launch in Silicon Valley, Dreame Small Kitchen Appliances is accelerating its transition from a technical explorer to an industry innovator. As global demand for wellness and quality of life grows, the kitchen appliance industry has entered a new, technology-driven cycle. Dreame Small Kitchen Appliances is committed to using cross-disciplinary technology and human-centric design to help households easily achieve professional-grade results, bringing a qualitative leap to the global home cooking experience through the power of technology.

About Dreame Technology
Established in 2017, Dreame Technology is a global leader in high-end consumer electronics and intelligent manufacturing with the vision to empower lives through technology. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X. For more information, visit https://global.dreametech.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/exploring-the-next-gen-smart-health-kitchen-dreame-small-kitchen-appliances-shines-at-dreame-next-launch-event-in-silicon-valley-302757310.html

SOURCE Dreame

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Movie Merch Hits $97.4M Ahead of Summer Blockbusters; Shoppers Choose Essentials Over Toys

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New study from Omnisend finds 71% of best-selling products are everyday essentials, outperforming toys and collectibles

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Movie merchandise on Amazon tied to this year’s biggest releases generated $97.4 million in revenue and sold 4.48 million units in March 2026, a new study by Omnisend finds, just in time for the summer blockbuster season. Sales are highly concentrated, with the top five films – all family titles – bringing in 86% of all tracked revenue, or roughly $83.8 million.

Paw-Patrol: The Dino Movie leads with $23.7M in revenue and 1.1M units sold — nearly a quarter of total sales before release. A single product, a Paw Patrol toddler tumbler set, generated $1.19M on its own.

Other top performers include Spider-Man: Brand New Day ($16.6M), Moana ($15.5M), and Toy Story 5 ($14.7M). Moana stands out for efficiency, generating more than $7,200 per product – more than double the category average.

Adult-oriented titles contribute far less. Project Hail Mary generated $531K from 26K units, while The Devil Wears Prada 2 brought in just $42K from 2K units, relying mostly on apparel.

“For families, entertainment is often a more cost-effective way to spend time together compared to bigger expenses like travel, and that drives repeat engagement with the same franchises,” says Marty Bauer, Ecommerce Expert at Omnisend. “Kids don’t just watch a movie once, they build ongoing relationships with characters, which naturally extends into merchandise. In turn, repeat consumption and emotional attachment makes family titles far more likely to generate sustained, high-volume product demand before a film even hits theaters.”

As budgets tighten, shoppers favor merch they can use every day

The strongest-performing individual products are increasingly practical. For 71% of films analyzed, best-selling items fall into everyday categories such as apparel (43%), baby items (14%), and home products (14%).

Drinkware stands out. Zak Designs’ Kelso tumblers are best-sellers across Paw Patrol, Moana, and Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. Home items like kids’ bedding also perform consistently, well for titles such as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Minions & Monsters. Apparel splits by audience, from children’s nightwear for family titles to simple graphic t-shirts for adult films.

Although Toys & Games are still the top product category for 29% of films studied, they lead only in select franchises like Toy Story 5 and Masters of the Universe.

“Merch is becoming part of everyday life rather than just something people collect,” says Bauer. “In tighter economic conditions, consumers naturally gravitate toward items that deliver ongoing value. Products like drinkware, bedding, and everyday apparel perform better because they can be used repeatedly.”

Methodology

Using JungleScout, Omnisend analyzed merchandise sales on Amazon in March 2026. For the purposes of this research, Omnisend looked at the top 20 movies being released this year. The figures mentioned in this press release are estimations.

Data reflects a 30-day snapshot and may not account for long-tail sales patterns or regional variation outside primary markets. Performance is limited to products available through tracked retail channels.

More information can be found here: https://www.omnisend.com/blog/2026-analysis-of-us-blockbuster-merch/.

About Omnisend

Omnisend is an email & SMS marketing platform with a suite of features made specifically to help ecommerce stores grow their online businesses faster. One-click integration with major ecommerce platforms, pre-made automation & email templates, and award-winning 24/7/365 live customer support make it easy for brands of any size to sell more – all without the exaggerated cost.

For further information, please contact:

Darija Grobova, Public Relations Lead, darija@omnisend.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/movie-merch-hits-97-4m-ahead-of-summer-blockbusters-shoppers-choose-essentials-over-toys-302757551.html

SOURCE Omnisend

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Technology

Movie Merch Hits $97.4M Ahead of Summer Blockbusters; Shoppers Choose Essentials Over Toys

Published

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New study from Omnisend finds 71% of best-selling products are everyday essentials, outperforming toys and collectibles

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Movie merchandise on Amazon tied to this year’s biggest releases generated $97.4 million in revenue and sold 4.48 million units in March 2026, a new study by Omnisend finds, just in time for the summer blockbuster season. Sales are highly concentrated, with the top five films – all family titles – bringing in 86% of all tracked revenue, or roughly $83.8 million.

Paw-Patrol: The Dino Movie leads with $23.7M in revenue and 1.1M units sold — nearly a quarter of total sales before release. A single product, a Paw Patrol toddler tumbler set, generated $1.19M on its own.

Other top performers include Spider-Man: Brand New Day ($16.6M), Moana ($15.5M), and Toy Story 5 ($14.7M). Moana stands out for efficiency, generating more than $7,200 per product – more than double the category average.

Adult-oriented titles contribute far less. Project Hail Mary generated $531K from 26K units, while The Devil Wears Prada 2 brought in just $42K from 2K units, relying mostly on apparel.

“For families, entertainment is often a more cost-effective way to spend time together compared to bigger expenses like travel, and that drives repeat engagement with the same franchises,” says Marty Bauer, Ecommerce Expert at Omnisend. “Kids don’t just watch a movie once, they build ongoing relationships with characters, which naturally extends into merchandise. In turn, repeat consumption and emotional attachment makes family titles far more likely to generate sustained, high-volume product demand before a film even hits theaters.”

As budgets tighten, shoppers favor merch they can use every day

The strongest-performing individual products are increasingly practical. For 71% of films analyzed, best-selling items fall into everyday categories such as apparel (43%), baby items (14%), and home products (14%).

Drinkware stands out. Zak Designs’ Kelso tumblers are best-sellers across Paw Patrol, Moana, and Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. Home items like kids’ bedding also perform consistently, well for titles such as The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Minions & Monsters. Apparel splits by audience, from children’s nightwear for family titles to simple graphic t-shirts for adult films.

Although Toys & Games are still the top product category for 29% of films studied, they lead only in select franchises like Toy Story 5 and Masters of the Universe.

“Merch is becoming part of everyday life rather than just something people collect,” says Bauer. “In tighter economic conditions, consumers naturally gravitate toward items that deliver ongoing value. Products like drinkware, bedding, and everyday apparel perform better because they can be used repeatedly.”

Methodology

Using JungleScout, Omnisend analyzed merchandise sales on Amazon in March 2026. For the purposes of this research, Omnisend looked at the top 20 movies being released this year. The figures mentioned in this press release are estimations.

Data reflects a 30-day snapshot and may not account for long-tail sales patterns or regional variation outside primary markets. Performance is limited to products available through tracked retail channels.

More information can be found here: https://www.omnisend.com/blog/2026-analysis-of-us-blockbuster-merch/.

About Omnisend

Omnisend is an email & SMS marketing platform with a suite of features made specifically to help ecommerce stores grow their online businesses faster. One-click integration with major ecommerce platforms, pre-made automation & email templates, and award-winning 24/7/365 live customer support make it easy for brands of any size to sell more – all without the exaggerated cost.

For further information, please contact:

Darija Grobova, Public Relations Lead, darija@omnisend.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/movie-merch-hits-97-4m-ahead-of-summer-blockbusters-shoppers-choose-essentials-over-toys-302757551.html

SOURCE Omnisend

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