Connect with us

Technology

Sonilo and fal Launch Sound Effects 1.0 for Realistic Sound Effects from Video and Text

Published

on

Exclusive API co-launch brings Video-to-Sound Effects and Text-to-Sound Effects generation to developers through fal

SAN FRANCISCO, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sonilo, a generative audio company building video-native sound and music models, and fal, the generative media platform for developers and enterprises, today announced the launch of Sonilo Sound Effects 1.0, a new model that generates highly realistic sound effects from video or text.

With video input, Sound Effects 1.0 analyzes what is happening on screen and generates one finished audio track synced to the motion, timing and scene. With text input, developers and creators can describe a specific sound effect and generate it directly.

fal will serve as the model’s exclusive API launch partner during its initial launch period, providing developers with day zero access through fal’s production-ready infrastructure.

Sound Effects 1.0 is designed to address one of the most persistent gaps in AI video production: footage can look complete while still requiring significant manual work before it sounds complete.

When given a video, the model analyzes on-screen motion, scene context, environments, and timing before generating audio that follows what is happening on screen.

Instead of returning a collection of disconnected audio assets that still need to be placed and aligned one by one, Sound Effects 1.0 can produce a synchronized audio track that is ready to review, refine and add to the edit.

“Sound effects only work when they feel like they belong in the scene,” said Trista Hong, Co-Founder of Sonilo. “Sound Effects 1.0 was built around that complete problem: understanding the footage, generating realistic audio, and synchronizing it automatically. We’re excited to launch it together with fal and bring video-native sound into real production workflows.”

A Sound Model Built Around the Video

Traditional sound-design workflows typically begin outside the footage. Editors search sound libraries, preview multiple assets, place them on a timeline, align each effect to the appropriate frame, adjust levels and repeat the process across every action in the scene.

Sound Effects 1.0 begins with the video itself.

The model uses the footage as both a source of semantic information and the timing foundation for the generated audio. It determines what is happening in the scene, what sounds are appropriate for those events and when those sounds should occur.

This video-native approach is particularly useful for scenes containing multiple actions, transitions, impacts and environmental details. Rather than requiring creators to build the sound layer one asset at a time, the model can generate audio around the structure of the footage as a whole.

Sound Effects 1.0 supports video inputs of up to three minutes, making it suitable for short-form content, advertisements, gaming footage, product videos and longer narrative scenes.

Automatic Generation When Speed Matters, Prompt Control When Direction Matters

Sound Effects 1.0 supports two complementary generation workflows.

Video-to-Sound-Effects analyzes uploaded footage and generates sound effects matched to its visible actions, environments and timing.

Text-to-Sound-Effects generates specific standalone sounds from written descriptions, giving creators and developers direct control when they need a particular audio asset.

Prompts are optional in the video workflow. Users can allow the model to interpret footage automatically or provide a prompt requesting a particular sound, emphasis or creative direction.

The prompt helps shape what the model generates, while the video continues to determine when the sound should occur.

This gives users two practical modes of working: automatic sound generation when speed and coverage are the priority, and prompt-guided generation when a scene requires more precise creative control.

Bringing Video-Native Sound Generation to Developers through fal

The co-launch gives developers access to Sound Effects 1.0 through fal’s generative media infrastructure, allowing video-conditioned sound generation to be incorporated directly into products and production workflows.

Developers can use the model to build synchronized sound generation into:

AI video editors and generation platforms;Short-form and social video tools;Advertising and branded-content workflows;Game prototypes, gameplay videos and cinematics;Film and narrative-production pipelines; andMultimodal creator products that combine video, music and sound.

“We’re entering a new era where AI applications don’t just generate assets, they produce complete experiences,” said Tina Sang, Head of Marketing at fal. “Sound is fundamental to making those experiences believable. Sonilo Sound Effects 1.0 helps developers generate context-aware, synchronized audio that matches what’s happening on screen, and we’re very excited to bring it to fal, day zero.”

The integration is designed to let teams move from initial testing to product deployment without building and operating a separate model-serving stack. Developers can access the model through fal’s API and developer tooling while keeping sound generation inside the same environment as their broader generative media workflows.

Expanding the Sonilo and fal Partnership

The launch expands an existing relationship between Sonilo and fal.

Sonilo Music v1.1 is already available through fal, giving developers access to both Video-to-Music and Text-to-Music generation. Sound Effects 1.0 extends that integration from generated music into highly realistic, video-conditioned sound effects.

Using the same source footage, creators and developers can generate sound effects around visible actions and environments, then generate music informed by the video’s pacing, scene changes, mood and timing.

This creates a broader video-first audio workflow in which a single video can serve as the timing foundation for both sound design and music. Sound effects can follow what happens on screen, while music can follow the emotional and structural movement of the edit.

By connecting both layers around the source footage, Sonilo aims to reduce manual synchronization, repetitive asset placement and unnecessary switching between separate audio tools.

Built for Real Production Workflows

For AI video creators, Sound Effects 1.0 can add action cues, environmental details, movement and transitions to generated footage that otherwise arrives without usable audio.

For high-volume creators and gaming channels, the model can reduce repetitive timeline work across content requiring dense sound design, including impacts, interface sounds, room tone and movement.

For filmmakers and narrative teams, it can generate scene-level elements such as footsteps, doors, physical interactions and ambience directly from an edit.

For brands and advertising teams, it can produce precisely timed audio around product interactions, camera transitions, packaging moments and visual reveals.

For platforms and API products, it provides a way to add video-conditioned sound generation without requiring users to leave the product and assemble audio in a separate editing workflow.

About Sonilo

Sonilo builds video-native generative audio models for creators, developers and media platforms. Its technology generates music and sound effects directly from footage or text, helping teams bring audio into the video-creation workflow and reduce manual timeline work. Sonilo is headquartered in San Francisco and backed by B Capital.

Learn more at https://sonilo.com/.

About fal

fal is a generative media platform that provides developers with access to the world’s best generative image, video, and audio models through a unified API. Trusted by over 2.5 million developers and leading companies, fal offers the fastest inference engine for diffusion models, on-demand serverless GPUs, and dedicated compute clusters for frontier research. Learn more at fal.ai.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sonilo-and-fal-launch-sound-effects-1-0-for-realistic-sound-effects-from-video-and-text-302830490.html

SOURCE Sonilo

Continue Reading

Technology

Aven Closes Oversubscribed $304 Million HELOC-Backed Securities Offering

Published

on

By

Senior notes received AAA ratings from S&P Global Ratings and AAA (sf) ratings from Morningstar DBRS

CAMPBELL, Calif., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aven Financial closed its first asset-backed securities offering, a $304.2 million transaction that was oversubscribed. The offering, AVNHT 2026-HE1 Trust, is backed by 6,786 fixed-rate, fixed-term receivables issued under the Aven Home Equity Card, the company’s flagship HELOC credit card product. The receivables are secured by first- or second-lien mortgages on residential properties.

The senior Class A-1A and Class A-1B notes, totaling approximately $234.5 million, received AAA ratings from S&P Global Ratings and AAA (sf) ratings from Morningstar DBRS. S&P Global Ratings assigned ratings ranging from AA to B to Classes B through F. Morningstar DBRS rated Class B at AA (high) (sf).

“We’ve built a business around making home equity financing work better for both homeowners and investors,” said Aven co-founder and CEO Sadi Khan. “Our first 144A issuance builds on our experience in the rated debt markets and marks our first transaction rated by S&P Global Ratings. We’re pleased to have completed an oversubscribed offering, with investors new to Aven. This response shows the market sees value in what we’re building.”

Barclays served as structuring lead manager and lead bookrunner, and Goldman Sachs served as co-lead manager and joint bookrunner. Funds affiliated with Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP contributed assets to the transaction and purchased Class G and XS notes at closing. WSFS served as participation agent, trustee, custodian and paying agent, among other roles. Mayer Brown represented Aven. Hunton Andrews Kurth represented the co-sponsor, and Morgan Lewis represented the bookrunners.

The notes were offered to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

About Aven

Aven is building financial products for homeowners that lower costs and make banking more efficient and convenient. The company has built the first machine-banking platform, using robotics and software to automate financial services and offer lower-cost products at scale. Its flagship Home Equity Visa Card combines a home equity line of credit with the convenience of a credit card and can be fully approved in minutes. Aven also offers high-yield checking accounts, home improvement loans, rewards credit cards, digital asset-backed credit cards and other financial products. Founded in 2019, Aven has helped consumers save more than $400 million in interest costs as of September 2026.

Aven is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC.

Aven Visa credit cards are issued by Coastal Community Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Aven (NMLS #2042345) accounts are held by Coastal Community Bank (NMLS #462289), Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Learn more at www.aven.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aven-closes-oversubscribed-304-million-heloc-backed-securities-offering-302924904.html

SOURCE Aven Financial, Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

Modjeski and Masters Announces Kevin W. Johns as Next President

Published

on

By

Johns will assume the role on January 1, succeeding longtime president Michael F. Britt

MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of leading engineering firm Modjeski and Masters elected Kevin W. Johns, P.E. as its next president. He will assume the role on January 1, 2027.

For more than 133 years, Modjeski and Masters has been defined by technical excellence, client service, innovation, and stewardship. Johns will build on that foundation while guiding the firm’s continued growth and preserving its culture and independence.

The board selected Johns based on his leadership, sound judgment, and vision for the firm’s future. His commitment to employees, clients, and long-term success will guide his work as president.

“I have worked closely with Kevin through the years as he has progressed in responsibility across increasingly complex leadership and project roles. He has consistently shown himself to be informed, collaborative, and willing to make tough decisions, including during major decision-making moments where his judgment helped guide project outcomes in a positive direction,” said outgoing president and CEO Michael F. Britt.

Since joining Modjeski and Masters in 1998, Johns has held numerous leadership positions, including director of the Movable Bridge Business Unit, senior vice president, board member, and chairman of the board. His experience includes growing teams, expanding capabilities, and leading through change while advancing the firm’s legacy of quality and technical excellence.

“Leading a 133-year-old firm is both an honor and a humbling responsibility. Modjeski and Masters is well positioned for the next 100 years, and I am committed to strengthening our legacy while ensuring a prosperous future for our employees and our clients,” said Johns.

As part of the transition, Johns will step down as director of the Movable Bridge Business Unit, and Lee Lentz will assume that role. The leadership handover will prioritize continuity of client service, clear communication, and support for ongoing project commitments.

The transition reflects Modjeski and Masters’ long-standing approach to leadership continuity and its commitment to the technical excellence and client relationships that have shaped the firm for generations.

About Modjeski and Masters

Modjeski and Masters is one of the world’s leading bridge engineering firms, with a reputation for technical excellence and innovation that goes beyond current standards. Established 133 years ago, the firm is responsible for the design and maintenance of some of our nation’s most recognizable structures. Services include fixed and movable bridge design, inspection and rehabilitation, and all facets of life-cycle maintenance, research and code development. For more information, including in-depth videos of Modjeski and Masters at work, please visit www.modjeski.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/modjeski-and-masters-announces-kevin-w-johns-as-next-president-302925057.html

SOURCE Modjeski and Masters

Continue Reading

Technology

Amid Widespread Pharmacy Software Consolidation, Datascan Commits to Remaining Independent

Published

on

By

After years of acquisition interest, the family-owned pharmacy technology company says it will not sell to a private-equity or corporate consolidator—preserving long-term choice, personal service and vendor freedom for independent pharmacies

BOHEMIA, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following more than a decade of acquisitions, corporate consolidation, ownership changes and discontinued software platforms across the pharmacy software industry, Datascan announced a long-term commitment to remain independently owned and dedicated exclusively to serving independent community pharmacies.

Datascan President and Owner Kevin Minassian said the company is not being positioned for sale to a private-equity group, corporate consolidator or industry roll-up. Instead, Datascan will continue investing in its technology, employees, customer support and long-term relationships with independent pharmacy owners.

The announcement comes at a time when the number of independently owned pharmacy software companies has continued to shrink.

Pharmacy owners have watched longtime software vendors get acquired, products get discontinued and support organizations change almost overnight. Some have been forced to replace software systems they believed would support their businesses for years. Others have experienced higher prices, reduced service and new requirements to use specific payment processors, claims switches or other vendors selected by the software company.

According to Minassian these changes have left many independent pharmacies with fewer meaningful choices and less control over the technology relationships that affect their businesses every day.

“Independent pharmacy owners already have enough outside pressures working against them,” Minassian said. “They should not also have to wonder whether their software company will be sold, whether their system will be discontinued, whether the people they trust will still be there or whether they are going to be forced into another vendor relationship simply because it creates more profit for the software company.”

Independent pharmacy owners can request a complimentary Datascan demonstration to explore whether Datascan Pharmacy Software is the right fit for their pharmacy’s needs.

A Decision Forged Through Acquisition Interest

Over the last several years, Datascan has received repeated acquisition interest from companies seeking to purchase the business. One opportunity progressed far enough that Minassian seriously considered selling. The financial offer was significant, but the proposed terms changed late in the process.

Datascan walked away from the transaction.  Minassian said that experience ultimately gave him greater clarity about the future of the company.

Minassian has begun discussing with his daughter(s) the possibility that they could eventually become the third generation of the family to participate in the ownership or leadership of Datascan. While they are young and focused on education, it is a consideration for a future career, he says he wants to preserve Datascan so that opportunity remains available to his children.

A Public Commitment to Remain Independent

Minassian said Datascan’s long-term plan is now clear: the company will remain independently owned and will not be sold into the private-equity and corporate consolidation cycle reshaping the pharmacy software industry.

Future succession could include continued family ownership or an internal transition involving members of the Datascan team, but the company is not being prepared for an outside sale or private-equity exit.

“I am making a clear commitment,” Minassian said. “We are not building Datascan so we can package it up and sell it to the highest bidder. We are building it to last.”

Continued Investment in Pharmacy Technology

Datascan has spent the last several years modernizing and expanding its technology ecosystem.

The company’s ongoing investments include:

Datascans core pharmacy management platformIntegrated point-of-sale system (POS System) Patient-facing mobile applicationDelivery management ApplicationWorkflow automation and customization Central store managementLong-term care and compounding capabilitiesintegrations with nearly 100 third-party pharmacy technology providers

Minassian said those investments will continue and accelerate.

“We have been working vigorously to update and improve every part of our platform,” Minassian said. “We are not slowing down. We are continuing to modernize our technology, improve workflow, expand automation, strengthen our mobile platforms and build the next generation of tools independent pharmacies will need.”

Preserving Customer Choice

Datascan’s commitment to independence also includes protecting the ability of pharmacy owners to choose the vendors and services that are best for their businesses.

The company said it will not require customers to use a particular credit card processor, insurance claims switch or other third-party vendor solely because the arrangement creates an additional revenue stream for Datascan.

Datascan feels its customers should be able to choose their credit card processor, switch, hardware and 3rd party vendors that make the most sense for them. They refuse to lock customers into relationships they did not choose.  Datascan also reaffirmed its commitment to reasonable, transparent pricing without relying on forced add-ons, surprise fees or mandatory vendor arrangements.

Support as a Long-Term Investment

20 Seconds or Less:  Average time for calls to be answered by our support team (*Data comes from phone system report last 12 months)Only 9 % of all calls went beyond 2 minutes on hold for support 11+ Years: Average tenure of a Datascan Employee 

Minassian said customer support will remain one of Datascan’s highest priorities.

While some acquired technology companies reduce staffing, outsource customer service or consolidate support operations to lower costs, Datascan intends to continue investing in experienced support personnel and programmers who understand both the software and the day-to-day realities of pharmacy operations.

The company has also committed that it will not replace anyone on the support team with an AI agent.   Customers can expect live, knowledgeable, and quick response support.  Data shows over the last 12 months, the average wait time for support calls was under 20 seconds, with only 9% of all calls waiting 2 minutes or greater for a representative.  

Datascan points out they have the highest review scores across the internet within the industry.  “Anyone can claim to offer great support. Our customers say it for us. Read our reviews. Talk to the pharmacies that use our software. Our clients know the people answering the phone, and our team knows our clients.”

The average Datascan employee has been with the company for more than 11 years, creating institutional knowledge and customer relationships that Minassian considers central to the company’s long-term value.

Ensuring Independent Pharmacies Continue to Have a Choice

Datascan serves independently owned community pharmacies rather than national retail chains or large corporate pharmacy groups.  Minassian said that focus will not change.

“We understand why independence matters because we are independent too,” Minassian said. “We know what it is like to compete against much larger companies. We know what it is like to make decisions based on what is right for customers, employees and the long-term health of the business—not what produces the best return for an outside investor this quarter.”

About Datascan

Datascan is an independently owned pharmacy software company serving independently owned community pharmacies throughout the United States and the Bahamas.

Its integrated technology ecosystem includes Datascan Pharmacy Software, Datascan Point of Sale, Mobile Scripts, Datascan Delivery, Central Store Management, customizable workflow, compounding, long-term care capabilities and integrations with nearly 100 third-party pharmacy technology providers.

Datascan’s sole purpose is to help independent community pharmacies operate more efficiently, remain profitable and provide exceptional patient care through reliable, powerful technology backed by knowledgeable, human support.

For more information, visit Datascan Pharmacy Software

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amid-widespread-pharmacy-software-consolidation-datascan-commits-to-remaining-independent-302925189.html

SOURCE Datascan Pharmacy

Continue Reading

Trending