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Keys Inc. Launches AI-Powered Nationwide Key Distribution Network for Locksmiths

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Keys Inc. connects locksmiths directly with participating key distributors – helping identify the correct key, compare nearby supply, order instantly and acquire inventory faster

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Keys Inc., the AI-powered operating system and marketplace serving the U.S. locksmith and roadside service industry, today announced the continued expansion of its Keys Distribution Network, a nationwide sourcing and commerce infrastructure designed to connect locksmiths directly with automotive key distributors through Keys.App.

The system is currently being implemented and represents a major expansion of the Keys ecosystem.

Rather than simply showing locksmiths where a product may be available, Keys® is being built to support the entire procurement event.

Identify the job.
Identify the correct key, fob, lock or hardware.
Let Keys AI match the exact product.
Find the nearest available distributors.
Compare price, availability and speed.
Order directly through Keys®
Ship it or pick it up locally.
Acquire it fast. Complete the job.

Keys Inc. is also implementing local pickup functionality, giving participating distributors the ability to make eligible inventory available for pickup when proximity and availability make that the fastest option.

“The goal is not to tell the locksmith where a key might be and then send them somewhere else to figure it out,” said Loay Jamal Alyousfi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Keys Inc. “We want the locksmith to find the correct key, see who has it, choose the best source and order it directly through Keys.App -One connected transaction.”

AI Identifies the Key the Locksmith Needs

Automotive key sourcing is highly vehicle-specific.

The correct key or fob can depend on vehicle year, make, model, VIN information, FCC ID, frequency, transponder type, blade configuration, programming requirements and other compatibility factors.

Choosing the wrong product can mean wasted time, returns and – most importantly – a lost customer.

Keys Inc. is applying AI to reduce that uncertainty.

A locksmith can begin with the vehicle information, and Keys technology can help identify the appropriate key or fob before matching that product against participating distributor inventory.

The system is designed to surface both OEM and aftermarket options where applicable.

“There should not be a guessing game,” Alyousfi said. “If our technology has the vehicle information, our AI will help identify the key the locksmith needs and connect that exact demand with distributors that can fulfill it.”

From Search to Purchase in a Click

The Keys Distribution Network is being developed as an integrated shopping experience inside Keys.App.

Locksmiths will be able to shop participating distributors without leaving the platform.

Instead of opening multiple distributor websites, calling suppliers or manually searching catalogs one by one, the locksmith can move from identifying the product to ordering it through the Keys ecosystem.

The experience is designed around speed:

AI-assisted key and fob identificationVehicle-specific compatibility matchingOEM and aftermarket optionsParticipating distributor inventoryNearby distributor discoveryPrice comparisonProduct availabilityDirect ordering through Keys.AppFast fulfillment optionsLocal pickup as the feature rolls out

“We’re building toward a future where a locksmith doesn’t have to think about where the key is coming from – they simply need to know that Keys can help get them to the right product, from the right source, at the right moment,” Alyousfi said. “The opportunity is bigger than ecommerce. It is about turning a fragmented industry into connected infrastructure.”

The Nearest Available Distributor

Location is one of the most important elements of the network.

A locksmith may routinely purchase inventory from a distributor hundreds or thousands of miles away without realizing another qualified distributor has the same product nearby.

In some cases, the needed inventory could already be available within the locksmith’s own city.

Keys Inc. intends to make that supply visible.

The platform is being designed to match the requested product with participating distributors based on factors including availability, location, price and fulfillment speed.

“Locksmiths may be surprised to discover that the key they need is sitting at a distributor five or ten miles away,” Alyousfi said. “That distributor may have always been there. What was missing was the technology connecting the locksmith to that inventory.”

Pickup Could Turn Days Into Minutes

Keys Inc. is also implementing a pickup feature within the Distribution Network.

Where supported by a participating distributor, a locksmith could identify the correct key, purchase it through Keys.App and select local pickup instead of waiting for shipment.

That capability becomes particularly important in automotive locksmithing, where the end customer may already be waiting for service.

A locksmith who can acquire a key locally may be able to preserve a job that otherwise would have been delayed or lost.

“When somebody is standing beside a vehicle and needs a key, two-day shipping may not solve the problem,” Alyousfi said. “If that product is available across town, the locksmith should know that. And if they can purchase it immediately and go pick it up, that changes the entire service event.”

Price Watch Meets Availability

Keys Inc. is also incorporating price-watch and comparison capabilities into the Distribution Network.

But the company believes price cannot be considered in isolation.

The least expensive product may not be the most valuable option if shipping delays cause the locksmith to lose the service call.

The platform is therefore being designed to give professionals visibility into the combination of:

Price. Availability. Distance. Speed.

A locksmith could compare an inexpensive product shipping from another state with a slightly different option available for immediate pickup nearby.

That gives the professional the information necessary to make the decision that makes sense for that particular customer and job.

“Sometimes the best price wins. Sometimes the fastest option wins,” Alyousfi said. “Keys should give the locksmith enough intelligence to make that decision instantly.”

Built From What Keys Learned Inside the Industry

Keys Inc. has previously worked with a major automotive key manufacturer and has learned firsthand how key manufacturers and distributors manage inventory availability.

One important lesson was that even major companies sometimes rely on one another when specific keys become difficult to source.

If one organization is running low on a particular product, inventory may be sourced through another participant in the industry.

That experience reinforced Keys Inc.’s belief that automotive key distribution is already a network—it simply lacks a unified technology layer connecting that network to locksmith demand.

“Something I learned from working around major manufacturers is that even they source from each other when inventory gets tight,” Alyousfi said. “That tells you something important. The industry is already interconnected. Keys is building the infrastructure to make those connections faster, smarter and accessible to the locksmith who actually needs the product.”

Not Another Key Warehouse

Keys Inc. does not intend for the Keys Distribution Network to operate as a single centralized warehouse competing against established distributors.

Its strategy is to work with them.

Participating distributors can make their products available through Keys.App and gain another direct channel into professional locksmith demand.

“We want to partner with the best distributors in this industry,” Alyousfi said. “They already have the inventory, expertise and relationships. Keys brings the technology, the locksmith network and the ability to connect demand with the right supply.”

The model is designed to allow inventory to remain distributed while making access to that inventory more intelligent.

The product does not have to be sitting in a Keys warehouse.

It needs to be sitting somewhere the locksmith can get it.

Keys technology is designed to find where that is.

Dedicated Distributor Portal

Keys Inc. has already developed a dedicated distributor login and portal for companies participating in the network.

Participating distributors will be able to connect with the Keys ecosystem and make products available to locksmiths using Keys.App.

Keys Inc. is actively working behind the scenes with industry participants and preparing to present the expanded network to additional leading automotive key manufacturers and distributors across the country.

Distributor Portal:
https://keys.app/LogIn?role=distributor

Distributor and Manufacturer Partnership Inquiries:
admin@keys.app

Connecting the Entire Transaction

The long-term power of the Keys Distribution Network comes from its connection to the larger Keys infrastructure.

A customer requests service.

A locksmith receives the opportunity.

The vehicle is identified.

Keys AI identifies the appropriate key.

Available distributors are matched.

Prices and proximity can be compared.

The locksmith orders the product.

The product can be shipped—or, where available, prepared for local pickup.

The locksmith acquires the key.

The service is completed.

Customer → Locksmith → Vehicle → AI → Key → Distributor → Order → Fulfillment.

All within one connected ecosystem.

“This is what excites me most,” Alyousfi said. “We’re connecting demand, intelligence, inventory and fulfillment in a way this industry has never had before. When the locksmith, the product and the distributor can move through one intelligent network, you are no longer just building an app – you are building infrastructure for how the industry operates.”

Keys® Positioned at the Center of the Locksmith Ecosystem

Keys Inc. has spent years building technology around professional locksmith operations.

The Keys Distribution Network adds another critical component: supply.

Customers create demand.

Locksmiths provide the service.

Manufacturers produce the products.

Distributors make those products available.

Keys.App can connect the transaction between them.

“We have spent years putting these pieces together, and it is amazing to see the power of what is now being built,” Alyousfi said. “The locksmith, the correct key, the distributor and the customer can all become part of the same transaction. I believe Keys Inc. and Keys.App are positioned for greatness.”

Join the Keys Distribution Network

Keys Inc. is inviting established automotive key distributors and manufacturers to participate in the expanding Keys Distribution Network.

Distributor Portal:
https://keys.app/LogIn?role=distributor

Distributor & Manufacturer Inquiries:
admin@keys.app

Keys.App

About Keys Inc.

Keys Inc. is an AI-powered operating system, marketplace and technology platform serving the U.S. locksmith and roadside service industry.

Keys.App connects consumers, businesses and automotive organizations with a nationwide network of vetted locksmith professionals while providing locksmiths with technology for dispatching, service management, invoicing, payments, inventory, customer communication, procurement and business growth.

Keys Inc. supports more than 1,000 locksmith professionals across all 50 states and has received consecutive ALOA Best New Product Awards in 2022 and 2023.

Through the Keys Distribution Network, Keys Inc. is expanding its infrastructure to connect locksmith professionals directly with the distributors, products and manufacturers required to complete their work.

Learn more at Keys.App.

Media Contact

Keys Inc. Media Relations
press@keys.app
Keys.App

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SOURCE Keys Inc.

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HitPaw FotorPea V5.6.0 Launches Smarter AI Image Enhancement System with Intelligent Detection and Advanced Creative Tools

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HitPaw FotorPea V5.6.0: Smarter AI for Image Enhancement, Recomposition, and Creation

HONG KONG, Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HitPaw today announced the release of HitPaw FotorPea V5.6.0, bringing a smarter AI-powered image enhancement experience with new intelligent models and workflow improvements. The latest update introduces Low-Light Enhancement, AI Reflection Removal, AI Reframe, creative text styles, and AI Agent image analysis to help users enhance, edit, and create professional-quality images with less manual effort.

WHAT’S NEW IN HITPAW FOTORPEA V5.6.0

1. AI Enhancer: Smarter Enhancement with New AI Models

New Low-Light Enhancement Model: Enhances dark and underexposed photos by restoring shadow details, reducing low-light noise, and improving clarity for night scenes, indoor environments, and backlit portraits.New AI Reflection Removal Model: Removes unwanted reflections from glasses, glass surfaces, screens, and strong light sources while preserving natural image details.Enhanced Workflow Experience: Improved Auto mode, previews, export stability, and model management for a smoother editing workflow.

2. AI Generation: Smarter Creation with AI Agent & Reframe

AI Agent Image Analysis & Recommendations: AI Agent analyzes image quality issues and recommends the top enhancement solutions automatically, helping users achieve better results with one click.AI Reframe for Better Composition: Automatically adjusts framing, subject position, and visual balance to create more professional-looking images.AI Creation Experience Optimization: Improved prompt generation and updated material templates with latest and recently used options for faster inspiration.

3. AI Editing: More Creative Tools and Flexible Design Control

New Text Styles: Added artistic font styles for posters, social media covers, product marketing images, and creative designs with one-click professional text effects.New Layer Editing & History Support: Added layer editing and history tracking in Photo Editor, enabling easier adjustments, removals, and refinements for a more efficient editing workflow.

ABOUT HITPAW FOTORPEA

HitPaw FotorPea is an AI-powered image enhancement solution from HitPaw. Combining advanced AI technology with intuitive editing features, it enables users to enhance image quality, restore details, improve clarity, generate images from text prompts, and refine visuals through smart editing tools. From photo restoration and AI enhancement to creative image generation, HitPaw FotorPea empowers creators, professionals, and everyday users to bring their visual ideas to life.

COMPATIBILITY AND PRICING

HitPaw FotorPea is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7 (64-bit) and macOS 10.15 and above. Subscription plans start at $22.39/month for Windows and $25.59/month for Mac.

For more information, visit:

Purchase HitPaw FotorPea for Windows

Purchase HitPaw FotorPea for Mac

ABOUT HITPAW

HitPaw is a leading AI-powered multimedia software company dedicated to providing innovative tools for photo, video, and audio creation. By combining advanced artificial intelligence with intuitive, user-friendly interfaces, HitPaw enables creators to enhance their workflows, explore new creative possibilities, and produce professional-quality content with greater ease and efficiency.

CONNECT WITH US

Website: HitPaw AI Photo Enhancer – Enhance, Denoise & Upscale to 8K
X (Twitter): https://x.com/HitPawofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitpawofficial/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HitPawofficialwebsite

This release was issued through Send2Press® on behalf of the news source. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.send2press.com/.

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SOURCE HitPaw. Co., Ltd

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Island Capital Group Announces C-IV Capital Partners’ Acquisition of NAI Global from C-III Capital Partners

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NEW YORK, Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Island Capital Group today announced that C-IV Capital Partners LLC (“C-IV”) has acquired NAI Global from C-III Capital Partners LLC (“C-III”). The transaction closed on Friday, July 31.

Both C-IV and C-III are controlled affiliates of Island Capital Group. The transaction follows C-IV’s recently announced agreement to acquire Greystone’s commercial real estate loan special servicing business and represents another step in Island Capital’s long-term strategy to build leading commercial real estate investment and services platforms.

The addition of NAI Global significantly expands C-IV’s capabilities in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, capital markets, property management and advisory services, while broadening the firm’s national and international reach and strengthening relationships with investors, owners, developers and occupiers.

NAI Global includes more than 325 offices and approximately 5,800 professionals across 65 countries. Through its network of locally owned and managed firms, NAI Global provides clients with local market expertise and access to a broad international commercial real estate services platform.

“NAI Global is an invaluable component of the Island Capital diversified real estate services platform,” said Andrew Farkas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Island Capital Group and Executive Chairman of C-IV. “NAI Global has established one of the most respected and far-reaching commercial real estate networks in the industry, distinguished by its local market expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and longstanding commitment to client service. It will continue to be a critical asset for Island Capital moving forward.”

The transaction continues Island Capital’s strategy of bringing together best-in-class commercial real estate businesses under a single entrepreneurial platform, giving clients access to deeper expertise, broader market intelligence and integrated solutions.

“NAI Global is proud to remain a part of the Island Capital family of companies, benefitting from the strength, stability and strategic vision of one of the commercial real estate industry’s most experienced investment and operating platforms,” said Alex Waddey, President and CEO of NAI Global. “Being affiliated with Island Capital allows NAI Global to leverage the insight and experience of a diversified real estate platform while preserving the independence and local leadership that distinguish our network. Together, we provide clients with a powerful combination of local execution, global reach and institutional-grade real estate expertise.”

The acquisition is the latest step in Island Capital’s strategy of assembling a diversified commercial real estate platform that combines investment management, brokerage, advisory, financing, capital markets, loan servicing and asset management. “Building on the success of industry-leading companies including Insignia Financial Group and C-III, C-IV is positioned to capitalize on dislocations in real estate, real estate derivatives, real estate oriented debt instruments, real estate servicing companies, etc. in order to recreate value eroded or lost due to downturns in business cycles,” said Farkas. “Island Capital and predecessor companies have successfully owned, managed and/or restructured more than $350 billion of such investments and businesses over the course of their 40-year history. C-IV continues that legacy fueled, in part, by the doubling of commercial real estate mortgage interest rates since 2017 and by the fact that commercial real estate mortgage default rates are at a 14-year high and are expected to increase precipitously over the next several years.”

About Island Capital Group

Island Capital Group is a leading international merchant banking firm focused on commercial real estate and real estate-related assets. Founded by Andrew L. Farkas in 2003, the firm has invested across multiple market cycles and has built, acquired and grown many of the industry’s leading companies. Through its affiliated businesses, Island Capital provides investment management, brokerage, capital markets, lending, loan servicing, advisory and asset management services to institutional and private clients worldwide. For more information, please visit www.islandcapital.com.

About C-IV Capital Partners

C-IV Capital Partners is a recently formed controlled affiliate of Island Capital Group focused on building and operating commercial real estate investment and services businesses. Through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, C-IV is building a diversified commercial real estate investment and services organization.

About NAI Global

NAI Global is a leading commercial real estate services organization with more than 325 offices and approximately 5,800 professionals across 65 countries. Through its network of locally owned and managed firms, NAI Global provides brokerage, leasing, capital markets, property management and advisory services to investors, owners, occupiers and developers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.naiglobal.com.

Media Contact: Chris Vlasto, chris.vlasto@havenstrategies.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/island-capital-group-announces-c-iv-capital-partners-acquisition-of-nai-global-from-c-iii-capital-partners-302846297.html

SOURCE Island Capital Group

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Every mosquito has a type — and you may not be it

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Study debunks the “mosquito magnet” myth — and lays groundwork for next generation of repellents to fight dengue, Zika and West Nile 

MIAMI, Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — There is no such thing as a universal mosquito magnet.

In a new study published in iScience, Florida International University (FIU) researchers pitted 119 human volunteers against three of the world’s most dangerous mosquito species and found that not one person was attractive to all three. Every species had its own type. Attraction was largely driven by chemistry — an individual’s body chemistry.

This single finding could reshape how the world fights mosquito-borne disease. Because each species decodes human scent differently, the results could help scientists develop next-generation, species-specific repellents.

“Isolating the components of human odor that attract or repel mosquitoes could lead to novel strategies to combat vector-borne diseases,” said Matthew DeGennaro, a neurogeneticist who leads the research team and directs the Biomolecular Sciences Institute at FIU, Miami’s state university. 

The three species studied — Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) and Culex quinquefasciatus (southern house mosquito) — together spread yellow fever, dengue, Zika, West Nile and other diseases. The study, led by Ph.D. student Kaylee Marrero, is the first to directly compare how multiple mosquito species respond to the same people. 

“We didn’t expect the species to prefer different people when we started the study,” Marrero said. “Each species having a distinct microbial signature that they use as a cue was so surprising to me.” 

Each species had a distinct set of turn-ons and turn-offs: 

Aedes aegypti preferred people wearing no added scent whose skin lacked certain volatile compounds. These daytime feeders showed a slight preference for men over women. Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger) was drawn to elevated ketones and plant-like volatile compounds naturally secreted by skin. Like Aedes aegypti, it feeds during the day. Culex quinquefasciatus (southern house) fed after dark and keyed in on the skin microbiome — the microscopic ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and microbes naturally living on people’s skin. Some bacterial families were a green light to feed; others drove the mosquitoes away. 

Human scent is a complex space of more than 1,000 volatile organic compounds, many still uncharacterized. Rather than agreeing on who was most attractive, each species consistently favored a different subset of people — evidence that the species have evolved distinct ways of sensing humans. Alongside the preference tests, the team collected odor and microbiome samples to identify which compounds and bacteria were present, and at what levels. 

“This connected so well with the differences in skin bacteria and odors,” DeGennaro said. “It is clear to me now that our skin microbiomes define our human odor signature. Each species found its own way to decode that signature.” 

By mapping these species-specific chemical cues, the FIU team is laying the groundwork for repellents and public health strategies tailored to the mosquito that matters most in a given region.

Photos and videos for media use are available via Dropbox

Media Contact:
JoAnn Adkins
305-348-0398
jadkins@fiu.edu
news.fiu.edu
@FIU

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SOURCE Florida International University

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