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eMLS CUP 2025: WHERE GAMING, SOCCER, AND CULTURE COLLIDE

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Major League Soccer and EA SPORTS Join Forces for One Night Only to Celebrate the Intersection of Sports Fandom and Culture at the Whitney Museum in New York City

NEW YORK  , Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From March 12 – 14, 2025, Major League Soccer (MLS) and EA SPORTS FC PRO are presenting eMLS Cup Week 2025, which consists of a three-day event that will lead up to the eMLS Cup Final on Friday, March 14 at the Whitney Museum of American Art. This culminating event – coinciding with Whitney’s Free Friday Nights – will merge gaming, sports, music, and art.

**Media assets can be found here**

The eMLS Cup Final and the Whitney’s Free Friday Nights event are both free and open to the public. Free tickets are required and can be reserved via RSVP. eMLS fans worldwide can tune in via live coverage on Twitch or YouTube.

Featuring elite EA SPORTS FC 25 competition with participation from some of the world’s best, eMLS Cup 2025 will also feature a panel discussion with emerging and established athletes, high-energy music performances, and immersive art experiences. The blending of these engaging elements will showcase the future of sports, gaming, and digital fandom.

“eMLS Cup bridges the excitement of matchday with the world of competitive EA SPORTS FC gaming, broadening the growing reach of Major League Soccer and building relationships with new fans.” said Camilo Durana, MLS EVP. “We’re excited to showcase eMLS in New York City and to fans around the world.”

 Four Core Programs Define 2025 eMLS Cup Week:

2025 eMLS Cup Final – March 14 at the Whitney Museum
TIME: 11am – 3pm ET
(99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014)
North America’s top EA SPORTS FC competitors will battle for a $50,000 prize pool and two spots in the EA SPORTS FC Pro World Championship. The event will be co-streamed with EA SPORTS FC, serving as a platform for young audiences to explore career pathways in sports and gaming.GAME ON: Next-Gen Fandom Panel – March 14 at the Whitney Museum
TIME: 5 – 6:30pm ET
(99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014)
Featuring thought leaders, industry disruptors, and Gen Z voices, including former NFL star and avid EA SPORTS FC gamer Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, this panel will explore the evolution of sports consumption, the influences of gaming, hip-hop, digital art and sneaker culture, along with how authenticity in the digital age is essential for audience engagement.Live performances by Cash Cobain & DJ Silvasoundz – March 14 at the Whitney Museum
TIME: 7:30pm ET
(99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014)
Bronx-based rapper and record producer Cash Cobain will perform a set from his debut studio album Play Cash Cobain. This culminating performance at the 2025 eMLS Cup Final will also feature a DJ set by Silvasoundz.Whitney Free Friday Nights – March 14 at the Whitney Museum
TIME: 5 – 10pm ET
(99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014)
Attendees can explore an immersive cultural experience at the Whitney Museum and enjoy all that the museum has to offer, including its leading collection of digital art. During this special edition of the Whitney’s weekly Free Friday Nights program, visitors will enjoy:Interactive gaming activations, presented by the eMLS, showcasing cutting-edge esports technology.Live music, dancing, food and beverage specials, gallery tours, and access to the entire museum, including critically acclaimed exhibitions, and the Whitney’s leading collection of digital art, including augmented reality (AR) works on the 8th  floor terrace and in the lobby.

“It’s fantastic to see MLS bringing together the worlds of gaming, music, art, and more during eMLS Cup week” Said Sam Turkbas, Senior Director of Sports Esports at EA, “The combination of interactive opportunities and panels, headlined by incredible eMLS competition, is a can’t miss opportunity for fans, in-person and online, to interact in new and exciting ways and cheer on America’s best FC Pro players.”

How to Experience eMLS Cup Week 2025

In-Person: The eMLS Cup Finals and Whitney Free Friday Nights are free and open to the public. Free tickets are required and can be reserved in advance at https://whitney.org/events/emls-ffn-25. Capacity is limited.Streaming: Fans can watch live coverage on Twitch or YouTube.

Follow the conversation: #eMLSCup #GamePositive #NextGenFandom. For more, visit mlssoccer.com/emls.

PRESS CONTACT
Bryan Pierce
MLS@1964agency.com | 917-817-1780

About eMLS eMLS is the gaming and esports property of Major League Soccer. Built around the EA SPORTS™ FC franchise, its goal is to utilize gaming to reach global audiences, raise the profile of MLS, and grow its next generation of fans. eMLS aims to authentically tap into culture, rooted in gaming but spreading across music, fashion, art, and more. For more information, visit www.mlssoccer.com/eMLS

About Major League Soccer (MLS) Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer — celebrating its 30th season in 2025 — features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada. All MLS, Leagues Cup, and select MLS NEXT Pro and MLS NEXT matches can be watched through MLS Season Pass, available on the Apple TV app on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, and game consoles, and the web at  tv.apple.com. MLS Season Pass features the most expansive and accessible lineup of programming ever for MLS fans. For more information about MLS, visit mlssoccer.com. For more information about the Apple TV app, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.

About Electronic Arts 

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers.

In fiscal year 2024, EA posted GAAP net revenue of approximately $7.6 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality brands such as EA SPORTS FC™, Battlefield™, Apex Legends™, The Sims™, EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL, Need for Speed™, Titanfall™, Plants vs. Zombies™ and EA SPORTS F1®. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS FC, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Apex Legends, The Sims, Titanfall, and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. John Madden, NFL, FIFA and F1 are the property of their respective owners and used with permission.

About The Whitney Museum
The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney (1875–1942), houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Mrs. Whitney, an early and ardent supporter of modern American art, nurtured groundbreaking artists when audiences were still largely preoccupied with the Old Masters. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for ninety years. The core of the Whitney’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today.

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Link Infinite: Hollyland Pyro Ultra Simplifies Multi-User Monitoring with 4K60 Wireless

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SHENZHEN, China, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hollyland, a global provider of professional wireless audio and video solutions, today announced the launch of Pyro Ultra, the new flagship in its Pyro series, featuring next-gen wireless video transmission technology that enables streamlined setup and uncompromised real-time performance. Engineered for professional creators and high-end production environments, Pyro Ultra balances high-performance transmission with practical on-set usability.

Building on Hollyland’s self-developed TWiFi technology, Pyro Ultra delivers one-to-many transmission, native 4K60 support, and a dedicated ultra-low-latency mode for focus pulling. Fully integrated into the Pyro ecosystem and equipped with DFS-ready operation, it is built to meet the demands of modern digital cinema workflows.

The New Standard for One-to-Many On-Set Transmission

In today’s production landscape, the video village is no longer confined to a single monitor. Directors, assistants, clients, and multiple departments require simultaneous, high-fidelity access to the live image across different positions on set.

While existing systems often force a choice between costly, over-engineered solutions and entry-level gear that struggles in demanding environments, Pyro Ultra offers a third approach. As one-to-many transmission becomes increasingly common across productions, it can introduce practical limits on device count and system stability in larger setups. Pyro Ultra’s Broadcast Mode addresses the issue by enabling a single transmitter to connect with an unlimited number of receivers, creating a fluid workflow. Every department, from lighting to hair and makeup, can monitor independently, which helps eliminate bottlenecks and accelerate decision-making.

Cinematic 4K60 Clarity Without Compromise

Image integrity is central to Pyro Ultra. With support for 4K60 transmission, the system delivers the detail and color accuracy required for high-end videography work. It also supports fractional frame rates, including 23.98 and 59.94 fps, commonly used in broadcast and professional pipelines. Its native compatibility enables direct connection to switchers and monitors without external converters, simplifying the signal path and reducing potential points of failure.

20ms Latency for Precise Focus Pulling

For first assistant camera operators and focus pullers, every millisecond counts. Pyro Ultra’s dedicated Focus Mode cuts latency to just 20ms, ensuring the real-time responsiveness needed for razor-sharp adjustments at any distance. The technical edge provides the freedom to navigate tight spaces or complex choreography with absolute confidence.

Powered by TWiFi Technology

At the core of Pyro Ultra is Hollyland’s TWiFi (dual-band wireless) technology. It leverages intelligent frequency management across the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to enable automatic hopping, ensuring a stable, high-bitrate connection even in congested RF environments. Pyro Ultra’s robust link supports a 1.5 km (4,900 ft) range and is fully DFS-ready, providing professional crews with reliable, globally compliant operation

Engineered for Modern Workflows & Seamless Integration

Pyro Ultra is built for today’s hybrid production workflows. With UVC (USB Video Class) support, it can connect directly to a computer for instant webcam functionality, removing the need for a capture card. Its RTMP support enables direct streaming to web platforms, simplifying remote collaboration. As part of the Pyro ecosystem, Ultra integrates seamlessly with existing Pyro devices. The modular design allows production teams to scale their setups based on project requirements, ensuring consistent performance across different production scenarios.

Pricing and Availability

Launched on April 18, 2026, Hollyland’s Pyro Ultra is now available through local distributors, the official Hollyland online store, and the Hollyland Amazon store.

The 1TX/1RX kit is priced at $1,199, and the 1TX/2RX kit at $1,699. Individual units can also be purchased separately, with transmitters starting at $699 and receivers at $579.

For more information, visit https://www.hollyland.com/product/pyro-ultra

About Hollyland

Hollyland is a leading provider of wireless products, specializing in wireless intercom systems, video transmission systems, monitors, wireless microphones, and live streaming cameras. Since 2013, Hollyland has been serving millions of users around the world in various sectors, including filmmaking, telecasting, video production, live events, exhibitions, theaters, houses of worship, and individual content creators. It has built a sales network covering approximately 150 countries and regions with support from dozens of localized operation offices worldwide. For more information, please visit https://www.hollyland.com/, Hollyland Facebook, and Hollyland Instagram.

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Three Papers Published Consecutively in Nature Energy: JinkoSolar’s Breakthroughs in TOPCon/Perovskite Tandem Technology Receive Authoritative Recognition

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SHANGHAI, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — JinkoSolar, the global leading PV and ESS supplier, recently published three research papers in succession within a single month in Nature Energy, one of the premier journals in the field of energy research. This series of papers showcases JinkoSolar’s multiple major breakthroughs in TOPCon and perovskite tandem cell technologies.

26.66%! Setting a New Record for Industrial-Scale TOPCon Cell Conversion Efficiency

JinkoSolar, in collaboration with the research team from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, successfully developed a dual-sided electrical synergy optimization strategy. This approach achieved a certified efficiency of up to 26.66% on M10-sized silicon wafers, setting a new efficiency record for industrial-scale TOPCon cells and significantly narrowing the gap between industrial-scale TOPCon cells and the theoretical efficiency of 29.4%.

Additionally, the research reduced carrier transport losses through a high-resistance boron emitter on the front side and an optimized fine-line grid design, while the back side employs an innovative double-layer tunneling silicon oxide/polysilicon structure on the rear side to effectively suppress performance degradation caused by silver paste puncture. Furthermore, by utilizing localized polysilicon thinning technology, the research achieved outstanding performance metrics, including an open-circuit voltage of 744.6 mV, a fill factor of 85.57%, and a bifaciality of 88.3%. This achievement provides a feasible and comprehensive solution for narrowing the efficiency gap between TOPCon cells and the theoretical limit, significantly enhancing the core competitiveness of TOPCon technology in the future photovoltaic market.

Reference link: Dual-side electrical refinement enables efficient industrial tunnel oxide passivating contact silicon solar cells:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-026-01982-2

Certified Efficiency of 32.73%! Paving the Way for Scalable Compatibility of Perovskite/TOPCon Tandem Cells

JinkoSolar, in collaboration with the research team from Soochow University, has successfully developed a full-size bifacial TOPCon crystalline silicon solar cell with a certified photoconversion efficiency of 26.34%. This research abandons the traditional TOPCon cell design featuring a boron-diffused emitter on the front surface. Instead, it innovatively introduces patterned n-type TOPCon finger contacts on the front surface while retaining the full-area p-type TOPCon contact on the back. By localizing the polycrystalline silicon contact area, this structure significantly reduces parasitic absorption and recombination losses on the front surface, achieving a certified efficiency of 26.34% and significantly improving the open-circuit voltage.

Furthermore, to address the issues of poor contact performance and susceptibility to metal paste corrosion in P-type TOPCon, a “polysilicon/silicon dioxide/polysilicon” double-layer composite structure was designed. Combined with optimized rear-side polishing and a specially formulated silver paste, this structure not only achieves extremely low contact resistance and recombination current but, more importantly, the ultra-thin oxide layer in the middle effectively prevents silver crystal spikes from penetrating the silicon substrate, significantly enhancing the device’s reliability and high-temperature resistance. In the future, by improving the precision of laser patterning to further narrow the finger width and introducing localized contacts on the back side to reduce the polycrystalline silicon layer thickness, parasitic absorption can be reduced, and mass production efficiency is expected to approach 27%.

Using a high-efficiency bifacial TOPCon cell with a textured front surface as the bottom cell, the research team fabricated a monolithic perovskite/TOPCon tandem cell, achieving a certified efficiency of 32.73% and a high open-circuit voltage of 1.961 V. These results not only set a new performance record for this class of tandem cells but also demonstrated excellent long-term operational stability (maintaining 80% of the initial efficiency after 2,000 hours), proving the immense potential of this TOPCon technology route in tandem applications. They also provide a scalable and industrially compatible technical pathway for the development of higher-efficiency TOPCon and perovskite/TOPCon tandem photovoltaic modules.

Reference link: Bifacial tunnel oxide passivating contacts for silicon and perovskitesilicon tandem solar cells with improved efficiency: 
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-026-02007-8

32.76%! Breaking Through the Efficiency Barrier for Industrial TOPCon Silicon-Based Perovskite Tandem Cells

To address the critical challenge of rapid perovskite crystallization and film quality degradation caused by the high thermal conductivity of industrial thin silicon substrates, JinkoSolar, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore and other research institutions, innovatively proposed a strategy to regulate the major organic cation (FA⁺) using a dual-mode-coupled ligand (MBT), successfully achieving effective control over crystallization kinetics. A perovskite/TOPCon tandem solar cell fabricated using this strategy was certified by the National Photovoltaic Industry Metrology and Testing Center (NPVM) with a conversion efficiency of 32.76%, approaching the current efficiency record for tandem photovoltaic cells. Additionally, the cell maintained 91% of its initial efficiency after 1,700 hours of continuous operation, demonstrating excellent long-term operational reliability.

This research is of significant importance as it achieves high efficiency (certified at 32.76%) in TOPCon silicon-back-contact cells, which hold the greatest potential for market dominance. Not only does it elevate the efficiency of perovskite/TOPCon tandem cells to new heights, but more importantly, it provides critical scientific insights and a practical pathway for integrating high-performance perovskite materials from the laboratory with market-dominant TOPCon silicon technology, marking a solid step toward the mainstream industrialization of perovskite/ crystalline silicon tandem technology toward mainstream industrialization. In the future, this strategy is expected to be combined with solution-based production processes — which offer the potential for large-scale fabrication and low costs — to drive the industrial application of these research findings.

Reference link: Additive-assisted perovskite crystallization on industrial TOPCon silicon for tandem solar cells with improved efficiency: 
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-026-02010-z

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JinkoSolar Officially Launches “Light Diamond” Lightweight, High-Strength Module

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SHANGHAI, April 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — JinkoSolar, the global leading PV and ESS supplier, has officially launched a lightweight module solution specifically designed for low-load-bearing roofs—the Jinko “Light Diamond” lightweight, high-strength module, based on its Tiger Neo 3.0 technology platform.

Module weight: 16.2 kg
Module dimensions: 1980 × 1134 × 30 mm
Weight density: 7 kg/m²— 40% weight reduction compared with conventional double-glass modules (12.2 kg/m²);
Maximum power: 560 W;
Maximum module efficiency: 24.94%
Applications: Suitable for older factory buildings, temporary structures, light-gauge steel roofs, power plant coal sheds, and buildings with load restrictions.

Five Key Advantages:

Advantage 1: Ultra-Lightweight with Guaranteed Strength

JinkoSolar’s “Light Diamond” lightweight, high-strength modules weigh only 7 kg per square meter, representing a weight reduction of over 40% compared to conventional double-glass modules. The total module weight for a 1 MW project is only 28.6 tons, a reduction of approximately 20 tons compared to BC double-glass modules. This means that a large number of roofs that previously required reinforcement or were unsuitable for installation can now be directly fitted with solar panels without any structural modifications.

Advantage 2: 24.94% High Efficiency—Lightweight and High-Performance

A common flaw among most lightweight modules on the market is that they prioritize weight reduction at the expense of power generation efficiency. JinkoSolar’s “Light Diamond” lightweight, high-strength modules break this trade-off.

JinkoSolar’s “Light Diamond” lightweight, high-strength modules deliver a maximum power output of 560 watts and an ultra-high efficiency of 24.94%, whereas flexible modules or BC composite modules only reach 450 to 460 watts—a single-module power increase of over 100 watts. This means a higher-capacity solar power plant can be installed on the same roof area. More importantly, the higher power output directly leads to optimized system costs: fewer modules are required, reducing Balance of System (BOS) costs for mounting structures, cables, combiner boxes, and other components; installation time is shortened, lowering labor costs; and overall BOS costs are further reduced by 3% to 5% compared to conventional lightweight solutions.

This is not a lightweight module born of compromise, but a high-efficiency module that takes performance to the next level.

 Advantage 3: Reduced Weight Without Compromising Quality—Backed by a 30-Year Power Warranty

The key concern with lightweight modules is whether their reduced weight compromises reliability. JinkoSolar’s “Light Diamond” lightweight, high-strength modules address this concern with technology and data.

In terms of structural reinforcement, the modules utilize 1.6mm lightweight glass to reduce weight while maintaining light transmittance; the frame features reinforced channel design with increased thickness, enhancing overall mechanical strength; and the encapsulation process uses reinforced adhesive film, significantly improving sealing performance, resistance to humidity and heat, and resistance to micro-cracks.

In terms of load certification, the maximum front-side load capacity is 3,600 Pa—equivalent to withstanding 3.6 meters of snow accumulation—and the module can withstand impacts from 25mm hailstones without damage. The maximum back-side load capacity is 2,400 Pa, equivalent to withstanding Category 12 winds. In the face of extreme weather, it provides a robust safety barrier.

In terms of long-term reliability metrics, the temperature coefficient is -0.26%/°C, resulting in lower power generation losses at high temperatures; the power output warranty spans 30 years, which is 12–15 years longer than that of flexible or composite modules; first-year degradation does not exceed 1%, with annual degradation of 0.35%, both of which outperform industry averages.

Advantage 4: Save Money, Time, and Effort

The lightweight design of JinkoSolar’s “Light Diamond” lightweight, high-strength modules not only reduces physical weight but also systematically optimizes total lifecycle costs.

Compared to conventional module reinforcement solutions, JinkoSolar’s “Light Diamond” lightweight, high-strength modules save approximately 0.5 yuan per watt in reinforcement costs, equivalent to a savings of about 500,000 yuan per MW. The construction period is reduced from over 40 days to 8–10 days—a 75% reduction. There is no need to halt production, thereby avoiding operational losses, and the approval process is simplified, eliminating the need for structural modification approvals.

Taking a 1 MW project as an example, the savings on reinforcement costs amount to approximately 500,000 yuan, the construction period is shortened by more than 30 days, and the avoided production downtime losses—which can reach hundreds of thousands of yuan depending on the company’s scale—significantly boost the project’s internal rate of return (IRR) and markedly shorten the payback period. For retrofit projects involving older factory buildings, the greatest advantage of Jinko’s “Light Diamond” lightweight, high-strength modules is that installation can proceed without halting production; companies can maintain normal operations while the solar power plant is installed on the roof simultaneously, ensuring both objectives are met.

Advantage 5: Strong Demand, a Blue Ocean Market

According to industry statistics, China has over 6 billion square meters of existing commercial and industrial rooftop space, with load-restricted roofs accounting for more than 30% of this total—representing a potential market of nearly 2 billion square meters. Based on an installation density of 100 watts per square meter and a system cost of 1.5 yuan per watt, the theoretical installation capacity exceeds 200 GW, with a market size surpassing 300 billion yuan.

The renovation of old factory buildings, the upgrading of cultural and creative parks, and distributed solar systems on light-gauge steel roofs—these scenarios that were previously unsuitable for installation are now becoming a new blue ocean for PV growth. Whoever can be the first to deliver truly reliable products will be able to capture this market.

Application Scenarios

1) Renovation of Old Industrial Buildings: This is the primary application scenario. Industrial buildings constructed in the last century, as well as power plant coal sheds, carports, and simple rural supermarkets, often have limited roof load-bearing capacity and structurally deteriorated roofs that cannot safely support additional weight. Jinko’s “Light Diamond” lightweight, high-strength modules can be installed without structural reinforcement and do not disrupt production during renovation, making them the preferred solution for the green retrofitting of old industrial buildings.

2) Cultural and Creative Parks and Commercial Complexes: With insufficient roof load-bearing capacity, the need to maintain operations, and aesthetic requirements, Jinko’s “Light Diamond” lightweight, high-strength modules—which are lightweight, efficient, and reliable—are a perfect fit for these scenarios.

3) Light-Gauge Steel Roofs and Color-Coated Steel Sheet Roofs: Light-gauge steel roofs, commonly used in modern industrial facilities, inherently lack sufficient load-bearing capacity. Jinko’s “Light Diamond” lightweight, high-strength modules, weighing just 7 kg per square meter, enable the installation of solar panels on these roofs.

4) Special buildings with load restrictions: Such as space frame structures, arched roofs, and agricultural greenhouses, Jinko’s “Light Diamond” lightweight, high-strength modules can easily adapt to these structures.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jinkosolar-officially-launches-light-diamond-lightweight-high-strength-module-302746484.html

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