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Google and Sphere Announce Technology Partnership and Reveal New Details on the AI Technology Behind Upcoming The Wizard of Oz at Sphere

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Google named the official AI partner of The Wizard of Oz at Sphere and official AI partner of Sphere

Collaboration between Google and Sphere combines immersive entertainment and cutting-edge technology, similar to how the film’s use of Technicolor revolutionized movies nearly 90 years ago

SUNNYVALE, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Google and Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) today announced a new AI technology partnership to help bring the groundbreaking The Wizard of Oz at Sphere to life using generative AI (gen AI). The project, which involves first-of-its-kind engineering work and thousands of creators, coders, VFX artists, and more, will mark a pivotal moment in entertainment technology – and a leap forward for the future of visual storytelling akin to The Wizard of Oz’s use of Technicolor nearly 90 years ago.

To present The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, which opens in Las Vegas on August 28, 2025, Google Cloud and Google DeepMind are working together to deploy fine-tuned Gemini models, Veo 2, and Imagen 3 to intelligently enhance the film’s resolution, extend backgrounds, and digitally recreate existing characters who would otherwise not appear on the same screen. Sphere is also using Google Cloud’s highly scalable and AI-optimized infrastructure to support the massive data and computational demands in building its immersive experiences, with The Wizard of Oz at Sphere processing 1.2 petabytes of data over the course of the project to date.

“The power of generative AI, combined with Google’s infrastructure and expertise, is helping us to achieve something extraordinary,” said Jim Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO, Sphere Entertainment. “We needed a partner who could push boundaries alongside our teams at Sphere Studios and Magnopus, and Google was the only company equipped to meet the challenge on the world’s highest resolution LED screen.”

“Our partnership with Sphere on The Wizard of Oz at Sphere is a great example of pushing the boundaries of generative AI to deliver exciting new experiences for audiences – and new opportunities for studios and filmmakers,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud. “We are honored to play a role in such an ambitious project to bring a classic piece of Americana to an entirely new generation of audiences.”

Using Google AI to bring The Wizard of Oz at Sphere to Life
Originally released in 1939, The Wizard of Oz was filmed using a revolutionary, three-strip Technicolor 35mm motion picture camera and was only the third Hollywood production to bring this amazing color process to cinema audiences. Nearly 90 years later, Sphere will bring an immersive version of The Wizard of Oz to its 160,000-square-foot interior display plane, using Google AI alongside traditional VFX and film techniques to faithfully expand scenes and enhance characters to deliver a never-before-seen experience that is only possible at Sphere.

Google Cloud and DeepMind are pushing the boundaries of gen AI, employing Gemini, Veo and Imagen models, as well as Google Cloud infrastructure such as the company’s custom AI accelerators, Tensor Processor Units (TPUs), Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), and more. Key techniques being used for the film include:

Super Resolution: Veo is being used to intelligently enhance the film’s resolution, filling in missing pixels and creating an ultra-crisp 16k image, essential for Sphere’s 16k x 16k resolution interior display plane. This process requires sophisticated algorithms capable of understanding and reconstructing intricate details, including landscapes, scenery, and even characters from the original film.Outpainting: To expand the film’s visual scope for Sphere’s immersive environment, Veo are being used to seamlessly extend the backgrounds and characters, creating the feeling that audiences are there with the characters. This involves generating coherent and consistent foreground and midground elements that were true to the original film.Performance Generation: Using Veo for generation – combined with Gemini for instructions – the team developed innovative storytelling techniques that allow multiple characters to remain on screen for extended periods, even when traditional editing would have dictated cuts. This enhances the audience’s immersion, making them feel like they were part of the epic journey.Context Window: Gemini and Veo’s extra-long context window capabilities are crucial for maintaining coherence across extended sequences. This allows for the processing of massive datasets, ensuring that the enhanced visuals remain consistent throughout the film.

About Google Cloud
Google Cloud accelerates every organization’s ability to digitally transform its business. We deliver enterprise-grade solutions that leverage Google’s cutting-edge technology – all on the cleanest cloud in the industry. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems.

About Sphere 
Sphere is a next-generation entertainment medium that is redefining the future of live entertainment. A venue where the foremost artists, creators, and technologists create extraordinary experiences that take storytelling to a new level and transport audiences to places both real and imagined. The venue hosts original Sphere Experiences from leading Hollywood directors; concerts and residencies from the world’s biggest artists; and premier marquee events. The first Sphere venue opened in Las Vegas in September 2023, and is a new Las Vegas landmark, powered by cutting-edge technologies that ignite the senses and enable audiences to share experiences at a never-before-seen scale. More information is available at thesphere.com.

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SOURCE Google Cloud

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AKEEYO to Showcase 711Air, 750S and H2 Ride Cameras at EICMA 2026

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October 26, 2026

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AKEEYO, a brand dedicated to dash cams and ride cameras, will exhibit at EICMA 2026, November 3–8 at Fiera Milano Rho, Italy. At Hall 24, Booth B67, the brand will showcase the 710Lite, 730Pro, 750Lite, 750S, 711Air and H2, spanning lightweight recording, 4K image quality and helmet-view capture.

711Air Makes Everyday Recording Simple

Weighing just 80g, the new 711Air adds minimal weight to a helmet, while its 1800mAh battery supports 8–10 hours of recording. One-touch quick recording, with vibration feedback confirming power on/off and recording start/stop, means riders never need to look at the camera. It also offers up to 36 hours of Always On Video (AOV) monitoring, plus 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, app connectivity and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.

750S Captures the Road in True 4K HDR

The 750S combines true 4K HDR recording with electronic image stabilization (EIS) for detailed, steadier riding footage. Dual-band Wi-Fi supports stable connections and efficient video transfers, while app access and OTA firmware updates simplify video management and keep the camera up to date. It is designed for touring riders, cyclists and anyone seeking high-quality recordings.

H2 Records from the Rider’s Perspective

Designed for helmet-view recording, the H2 features dual 1080p cameras that capture two perspectives at once, along with 8–10 hours of runtime and a 3-second quick-release mount. Its lightweight, easy-to-use design suits daily rides and longer motorcycle journeys.

Also on display are the AKY-730Pro 4K touchscreen camera, the ultra-compact AKY-710Lite and the endurance-focused 750Lite.

Visit AKEEYO at EICMA 2026

Dates: November 3–8, 2026
Booth: Hall 24 • Booth B67
Venue: Fiera Milano Rho
Address: Strada Statale del Sempione 28, 20017 Rho (MI), Italy

For AKEEYO, EICMA 2026 is the right stage to introduce the 711Air to riders, media and the global two-wheeler industry. Visitors can handle the 80g body and try one-touch recording in person, and dealers and distributors interested in partnering with AKEEYO are welcome to fill out the inquiry form.

About AKEEYO

AKEEYO designs dash cams and ride cameras for cars, motorcycles and bicycles, helping users record the road and relive their journeys.

Website: www.akeeyo.com 

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For A Bright Future Foundation Launches NextGen Finance Lab Across Manhattan High School District, New York

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October 26, 2026

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District-wide rollout brings project-based financial literacy and professional mentorship to Manhattan’s 50 public high schools, building on a successful pilot at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Louis Hernandez Jr.’s Foundation For A Bright Future (“For A Bright Future,” “FABF”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunity for underserved youth, today announced the district-wide expansion of its NextGen Finance Lab program into the Manhattan High School District. In partnership with the Manhattan High School District Team, under the supervision of Superintendent Gary Beidleman, FABF will launch the program’s first cohort of 8 high schools this fall, with plans to bring the NextGen Finance Lab to additional Manhattan high schools in the semesters that follow as part of a phased, district-wide rollout.

“At Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, we saw firsthand what this program can do. Our students left Pitch Like A Dragon more confident, more articulate, and more prepared to manage their own financial futures than I’ve seen from any other initiative we’ve run. I’m proud that the model our students and teachers helped build is now reaching classrooms across Manhattan,” said Manuel A. Ureña, Principal, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School.

The NextGen Finance Lab is a project-based financial literacy program that integrates the Dave Ramsey Financial Literacy curriculum with FABF’s FinTech mentorship ecosystem. Throughout the program, students build core skills in budgeting, saving, debt elimination, investing, and entrepreneurship, while working directly with FinTech industry professionals who share real-world perspective on banking, digital wallets, investing, and career pathways in financial technology. The program culminates in “Pitch Like A Dragon,” a school-level and district-level competition in which student teams pitch original business and FinTech concepts to a panel of industry leaders, venture capitalists, and New York City business professionals, with scholarship awards presented to top teams.

“This expansion is proof of what’s possible when a nonprofit, a school district, and industry partners commit to the same goal. Everything we’re scaling today started as a pilot at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, where educators and students helped shape the curriculum and the ‘Pitch Like A Dragon’ event structure now being adopted by seven more schools this fall. That’s how one school’s success becomes a lasting pathway for thousands of students across Manhattan,” said Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs, For A Bright Future Foundation.”This expansion demonstrates the collective impact achievable through aligned partnerships. The model shaped at  Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO) High School now serves as a lasting foundation for advancing financial literacy for thousands of students across Manhattan,” said Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs, FABF. The success at JKO High School, now fueling district‑wide deployment, was strengthened by the guidance of FABF’s Consultant in Academic Affairs and former Senior Deputy Chancellor of the NYC Department of Education, whose deep expertise helped shape a program adaptable to each school’s unique vision and academic priorities.

FABF and the Manhattan High School District Team have confirmed the following schools for the initial launch cohort:

Leadership and Public Service High SchoolJacqueline Kennedy Onassis High SchoolHigh School for Law and Public ServiceMurry Bergtraum High School for Business CareersHigh School of Fashion IndustriesHudson High School of Learning TechnologiesMott Hall High School: Finance Lab ProgramFood and Finance High School

FABF’s long-term goal is to bring the NextGen Finance Lab to all 50 high schools in the Manhattan District, expanding in phased cohorts over the coming semesters.

“As someone who spent a career in financial services, I know how much of a difference it makes when young people are exposed to these concepts early. This program doesn’t just teach students about money; it gives them the confidence to pitch real ideas, take feedback, and think like entrepreneurs,” said Benson Porter, Program Chairman, NextGen Finance Lab, FABF.

About For A Bright Future Foundation

Louis Hernandez Jr’s Foundation For A Bright Future is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that empowers underserved youth with equitable access to education, technology, financial capability, and wellness. We help students develop future‑ready skills that unlock lifelong opportunity and support thriving global communities. Learn more at www.fabff.org. 

FABF operates programs nationwide, including the NextGen Finance Lab, the NextGen Media Creators Lab, the merit- and need-based scholarships, and youth leadership development, working directly with schools, districts, and industry leaders to bridge opportunity gaps for the next generation.

Media Contact
Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs
For A Bright Future Foundation
gmr@forabrightfuturefoundation.org

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SOURCE Louis Hernandez Jr.’s Foundation For A Bright Future

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VOICEBUDS, A QUIETER WAY TO WORK WITH VOICE, NOW AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY SHIPPING

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25 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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Voicebuds reinvent earbuds for personal voice computing, even below a whisper

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Subtle announced today that Voicebuds, its award-winning private voice computing device, is available to ship in time for the 2026 holiday season, with customers ordering by December 10th receiving their devices by December 24th.

Since Voicebuds were unveiled in January, AI voice dictation has surged in popularity, but the fundamental problems with voice input remain unsolved. Dictating aloud is awkward in open offices, offers little privacy in public spaces, and remains unreliable when others are speaking nearby.

With Voicebuds, Subtle has reinvented the earbud as a private voice interface that works even at a whisper. The device combines Subtle’s breakthrough voice isolation technology with an AI voice computing app for iPhone and Mac, enabling discreet, reliable voice computing in the places where people actually live and work. Voicebuds serve as both premium everyday earbuds for music and calls, and a personal computing device for voice dictation and AI. They are designed for voice productivity in crowded commutes, quiet libraries, noisy cafes, and shared spaces where traditional voice tools have always failed.

“It’s been inspiring to hear from our beta testers using Voicebuds to prompt AI in shared offices without booking a quiet booth, dictate on planes without bothering their seatmates, and take calls amid the noise and bustle of their daily lives,” said Tyler Chen, cofounder and CEO of Subtle. “We’re incredibly excited to put Voicebuds in the hands of all of our customers just in time for the holidays and hear what new use cases they come up with.”

In Subtle’s internal testing across real-world noise environments, Voicebuds delivered up to 5X fewer transcription errors than AirPods Pro 3 combined with leading AI dictation software.

Voicebuds offer:

Subtle voice dictation: Write with voice in any app on iPhone and Mac, without being overheard.Voice notes: Capture thoughts and ideas instantly, and access them across multiple devices.Contextual AI chat: Brainstorm with an AI assistant, without being overheard.Music and calls: Everyday listening, noise cancellation, multipair connectivity and clear calls.

For holiday shoppers, Voicebuds replace multiple devices and apps as a single product for listening, communication, and voice computing that finally works in the real world.

Voicebuds are available starting today for $249 in either Parchment White or Ink Black. Voicebuds ship with a 1-year membership to the Subtle app for iPhone and Mac, providing a complete voice productivity experience across dictation, contextual AI chat, and cross-device voice notes. After year one, users can continue the full Subtle Pro membership for $17 per month, or switch to the free tier anytime with full earbud functionality and limited AI usage.

Customers can order now at subtle.co.

About Subtle

Subtle is pioneering personal voice computing technology, designed to make voice the most effective, trusted interface anywhere. Its machine learning technology powers consumer hardware for whispered, private, and noise-resilient voice AI that works in real-world environments. Founded by Stanford engineers and based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Subtle is supported by funding from Entrada Ventures, Amplify Partners, Abstract Ventures, and founders of Twitter, Pinterest, and Perplexity. Learn more at subtle.co.

Media Contact

press@subtle.co

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SOURCE Subtle Computing

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