Connect with us

Technology

Samsung and Google Cloud Expand Partnership, Bring Gemini to Samsung Ballie, a Home AI Companion Robot by Samsung

Published

on

Gemini on Google Cloud will enable Ballie to bring personalized interactions and proactive home assistance to users; available in United States and Korea this Summer

SEOUL, South Korea and SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cloud Next ’25, LAS VEGAS — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd and Google Cloud today announced an expanded partnership to bring Google Cloud’s generative AI technology to Ballie, a new home AI companion robot from Samsung. Available to consumers this Summer, Ballie will be able to engage in natural, conversational interactions to help users manage home environments, including adjusting lighting, greeting people at the door, personalizing schedules, setting reminders, and more1.

“Through this partnership, Samsung and Google Cloud are redefining the role of AI in the home,” said Yongjae Kim, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “By pairing Gemini’s powerful multimodal reasoning with Samsung’s AI capabilities in Ballie, we’re leveraging the power of open collaboration to unlock a new era of personalized AI companion—one that moves with users, anticipates their needs, and interacts in more dynamic and meaningful ways than ever before.”

Ballie will use Gemini’s multimodal capabilities along with proprietary Samsung language models to process and understand a variety of inputs, including audio and voice, visual data from its camera, and sensor data from its environment. This will allow it to adapt its behaviors and responses in real-time. For instance, if you’re not sure what to wear to work in the morning, you can turn to Ballie for advice. Users could ask, “Hey Ballie, how do I look?” and Ballie can respond with styling recommendations, such as trying new accessories or adding a colorful shirt.

With enhanced reasoning enabled by Gemini, Ballie will be able to help users manage not only their home, but also their health and wellbeing. For example, a user could tell Ballie, “I feel tired today.” Ballie could then use Gemini’s grounding in Google Search to give tailored advice on how to improve their energy levels, including sharing recommendations from trusted sources on how to get more exercise, optimize their sleeping environment, or monitor their sleep patterns.

This partnership announcement builds on the successful integration last year of Gemini on Google Cloud into Samsung’s Galaxy S24 smartphone series. With Ballie, Samsung and Google Cloud are exploring how to bring their generative AI collaboration to a wider range of devices.

“With Gemini on Google Cloud, Samsung is demonstrating how to deploy generative AI at scale, integrating it directly into the heart of their popular products,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud. “This expanded partnership with Samsung underscores our commitment to delivering reliable, enterprise-grade AI that drives lasting value for our customers – and their customers.”

To learn more about Ballie Home AI Companion, visit here.

About Google Cloud

Google Cloud is the new way to the cloud, providing AI, infrastructure, developer, data, security, and collaboration tools built for today and tomorrow. Google Cloud offers a powerful, fully integrated and optimized AI stack with its own planet-scale infrastructure, custom-built chips, generative AI models and development platform, as well as AI-powered applications, to help organizations transform. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tables, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

1Final product specifications, requirements and pricing to be determined.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/samsung-and-google-cloud-expand-partnership-bring-gemini-to-samsung-ballie-a-home-ai-companion-robot-by-samsung-302424197.html

SOURCE Google Cloud

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

UK FinTech Week Opens with Major UK-US Innovation and Investment Announcements

Published

on

By

UK FinTech Week 2025 Opens with Major UK-US Innovation and Investment Announcements

LONDON and JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — UK FinTech Week 2025 launches today with major announcements reinforcing the strength of the UK’s fintech ecosystem and its growing ties with US investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.

In a significant development unveiled at the Global Fintech Forum, L Marks, a leader in corporate innovation, announced the launch of JAX Hub, a new initiative in partnership with the City of Jacksonville. Set to open later this year, JAX Hub will establish L Marks’ US operations in Jacksonville, connecting leading financial firms with top-tier global scale-ups and entrepreneurs. Built on L Marks’ proven, award-winning Innovation Lab methodology, JAX Hub will accelerate financial sector innovation, support economic growth, and strengthen Jacksonville’s reputation as a global destination for fintech.

The announcement, made by the UK’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds MP, highlights how the UK’s fintech expertise is driving tangible investment and collaboration in the United States. JAX Hub will form a key pillar of a new UK–Florida FinTech Corridor, a priority initiative stemming from the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 between the State of Florida and the UK Government.

Today’s news comes alongside another major UK-US announcement: Coinbase, one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges, has selected the UK as the home for a new multi-million-dollar Web3 accelerator. Developed alongside global technology leaders Fabric Ventures and Animoca Brands, and supported by Founders Factory, the accelerator will invest in the next generation of blockchain and AI startups—cementing the UK’s leadership in digital innovation.

The UK remains the second-largest exporter of financial services globally, Europe’s top destination for fintech investment, and a trusted partner for US companies looking to scale internationally. With a fintech market valued at $393 billion, a world-class regulatory environment, and a thriving startup ecosystem, the UK offers US investors and innovators a reliable and dynamic platform for growth.

To further strengthen transatlantic collaboration, the UK’s Department for Business and Trade is hosting a delegation of leading US fintech firms at UK FinTech Week, including PayPal, Block, Affirm, Circle, Ripple, Marqeta, FIS, Robinhood and Chainalysis—demonstrating the deep and growing ties between the two markets.

As the fintech landscape evolves, the UK remains a committed, proven, and future-facing partner for US investors and innovators.
UK FinTech Week 2025 runs from 28 April – 2 May.

About the Department for Business and Trade (DBT):
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade is an economic growth department. We ensure fair, competitive markets at home, secure access to new markets abroad and support businesses to invest, export and grow. Our priorities are the Industrial Strategy, Make Work Pay, the Trade Strategy and the Plan for Small Business.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uk-fintech-week-opens-with-major-uk-us-innovation-and-investment-announcements-302440433.html

SOURCE UK’s Department for Business and Trade

Continue Reading

Technology

TECO Group Showcases Vehicle Electrification Upgrade Solutions at ACT Expo

Published

on

By

LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The ACT Expo 2025, the world’s leading event in green transportation and charging technologies, opens on April 28 in California, USA. TECO Electric & Machinery is making its debut at the event, joining forces with its U.S. subsidiaries—TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company and NexE (charging solution sales company), as well as the newly acquired EVK Motor, a company specializing in EV hairpin motors.

The TECO Group will showcase cutting-edge products and services including electric drive axle systems for EV powertrains and high-power fast charging stations. TECO Chairman Morris Li emphasized that the company is committed to electrification solutions for vehicles, with EV powertrain systems and charging infrastructure among the group’s key strategic priorities. The products making their debut at this year’s ACT Expo integrate TECO’s technological and manufacturing strengths from both Taiwan and the U.S., showcasing the company’s capabilities in expanding into international markets.

At the end of last year, TECO acquired EVK Motor, an electric vehicle motor manufacturer. EVK’s third-generation innovative hairpin motor technology features excellent thermal design, high power density, and peak efficiency of up to 97.8%.  Making its first public appearance, the hairpin motor unit boasts key features such as a compact size and lightweight build—the complete unit, including the oil pump and radiator, weighs less than 55 kilograms. The motor covers a power range of 50 to 300 kW and a torque range of 150 to 550 Nm. According to TECO, this product is specifically designed for electric axle (E-Axle) solutions used in medium and large commercial vehicles, such as electric buses and electric trucks. It helps automakers overcome challenges related to vehicle capacity, space, and weight, while significantly enhancing the mobility performance of electrified vehicles. The company is targeting the multi-billion-dollar commercial vehicle market in Europe and North America.

At the event, TECO-Westinghouse and NexE are also showcasing their 30kW and 60kW DC fast charger and PowerCube (EV Charger Portable Power distribution system). Those DC Chargers feature high output power, smart charging capabilities, and renewable energy integration, significantly reducing charging time and improving energy efficiency. TECO stated that TECO-Westinghouse and NexE currently offer a full range of charging solutions from 30kW to 480kW. TECO-Westinghouse has already established a charger assembly line at its Texas factory to meet the needs of public institutions, including school bus fleets. Through its participation at ACT Expo, TECO aims to broaden its market exposure and business opportunities.

TECO Group continues to invest in EV powertrain systems with a global market layout that includes Taiwan, North America, India, Europe, and China. In Taiwan, TECO supplies 80% of the electric bus powertrain systems. The nation’s first domestically produced hydrogen electric bus is also powered by TECO’s 235kW SiC direct-drive system, capable of traveling 22 kilometers per kilogram of hydrogen (compared to the international average of about 20 km/kg). In India, TECO delivered prototypes to customers in Q1, with mass production of 200kW and 235kW direct-drive systems slated to begin in Q3. In North America, the company is targeting electric buses and trucks as its key customer base.

TECO website https://www.teco.com.tw/en

TECOWestinghouse website https://www.tecowestinghouse.com/products-home/green-energy-solutions/ev_chargers/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teco-group-showcases-vehicle-electrification-upgrade-solutions-at-act-expo-302440431.html

SOURCE TECO Electric & Machinery Co.

Continue Reading

Technology

Vietnam Airlines expands partnership with Adyen

Published

on

By

The airline now taps on Adyen’s extensive global acquiring network to process transactions worldwide

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Adyen, the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies, today announced an expanded partnership with Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam’s flag carrier. The airline partnered with Adyen in 2017 for its gateway solution and in 2024, expanded the partnership to leverage Adyen’s global acquiring capabilities, enabling seamless payment experiences in markets like Japan, Australia, the U.S., and Europe, among others.

The single integration with Adyen allows faster, more reliable transactions in credit cards and selected local payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Adyen’s acquiring capabilities connect businesses directly to Visa and Mastercard card schemes, helping the airline benefit from local market conditions and generate higher authorization rates and lower transaction fees. Since the expansion of partnership, Vietnam Airlines has seen up to a 5% uplift in authorization rates.

“Our strengthened partnership with Adyen represents a significant step forward in Vietnam Airlines’ digital transformation. With Adyen’s global reach and advanced payment solutions, we can offer travelers around the world a smooth, secure, and flexible payment experience—supporting major card networks and emerging payment methods alike. This collaboration enables us to elevate the passenger journey while boosting operational efficiency and fostering innovation,” said Bui Tran Cuong, Deputy Director of Finance and Accounting, Vietnam Airlines.

“We’re honored to further our longstanding collaboration with Vietnam Airlines as their trusted payments partner and our work together is testament to how the right payment solutions can empower businesses to serve a global customer base at scale,” said Warren Hayashi, President, Asia-Pacific, Adyen.

About Adyen

Adyen (AMS: ADYEN) is the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies. By providing end-to-end payments capabilities, data-driven insights, and financial products in a single global solution, Adyen helps businesses achieve their ambitions faster. With offices around the world, Adyen works with the likes of Meta, LVMH, SHEIN, Uber, L’Oréal, Cathay Pacific, Grab, Klook, and Singapore Airlines. This partnership with Vietnam Airlines as described in this merchant update underlines Adyen’s continuous growth with current and new merchants over the years.

About Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines, a member of Skyteam Alliance, is the flag carrier of Vietnam, connecting the world’s most thriving destinations with nearly 100 routes to 22 domestic and 30 international destinations in 18 countries. 

Vietnam Airlines boasts one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Asia, highlighted by their Boeing 787-9 and -10 Dreamliners, Airbus A350-900 XWBs and Airbus A320, A321neos, offering impeccable level of comfort and service throughout every journey.

The carrier is recognized as one of the region’s leading airlines thanks to its modern fleet and its commitment towards innovation, digitalization and development — earning it international acclaim as validated by numerous prestigious awards including Top 25 World’s Safest Airlines for 2025, Top 20 World’s Best Airlines for 2025, World’s Best Value Premium Economy, Top 20 World’s Best Airline by Airline Ratings (2023), Global 5 Star Airline 2023, Major 5 Star Airline 2024 by APEX; Skytrax’s 4 Star Airline for four consecutive years.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/vietnam-airlines-expands-partnership-with-adyen-302439540.html

SOURCE Adyen

Continue Reading

Trending