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IBM Study: Sports Fans Want Streamlined Digital Experiences as Platform Choices Expand

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AI use among surveyed sports fans increased in 2026, with accuracy driving fan trustNearly half of respondents would download a single, consolidated sports app — but only about 3 in 10 would pay for oneManaging multiple subscriptions has become a source of frustration for surveyed sports fans

ARMONK, N.Y., Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New research commissioned by IBM (NYSE: IBM) reveals the digital expectations of surveyed sports fans are rising as they navigate more platforms, subscriptions and technology.

According to the latest IBM Sports Intelligence Report*, based on responses from more than 20,000 sports fans across 12 countries, 46% of those surveyed say their expectations for digital sports experiences are higher than they were one to two years ago. That shift is already visible in their viewing habits. Thirty percent (30%) of surveyed fans say they are most likely to use a subscription streaming service to watch live sports, nearly even with the 29% who select linear broadcast. Respondents who watch sports through digital platforms – such as streaming services — cite convenience (43%) and access to exclusive content (27%) as the top reasons for choosing digital viewing over linear.

AI usage gains momentum, as accuracy shapes the AI-powered sports experience
AI use among all respondents increased from 52% to 69% year over year, while 59% say they trust AI-generated sports content — down from 63% last year. As AI becomes more widely utilized, the data suggest that familiarity may be a factor in driving trust: surveyed fans who already use AI trust AI-generated sports content nearly three times more than those who do not (74% vs. 27%). According to the research, accuracy matters more to fans than speed: 44% of respondents prioritize highly accurate sports information compared with 23% who prioritize speed, while accuracy is the top driver of trust in AI-powered insights, cited by 45%.

Sports apps emerge as a central hub for fandom
Nearly three-quarters (72%) of surveyed fans report using sports apps. A similar share (74%) say they trust sports apps and digital platforms to provide accurate and reliable information, second only to traditional broadcasters at 79%. Many are also seeking a more consolidated experience. While 47% of respondents say they would be likely to download and use a centralized sports app, only 29% are willing to subscribe and pay for one. Premium live viewing and having all content in one place are top potential drivers of paid sports app subscriptions at 61% each, followed closely by exclusive content and an ad-free experience, both at 58%. 

Among surveyed sports app users, 40% cite having information in one place as the leading motivator for using sports apps, while 35% use them for real-time updates when unable to watch or listen to an event. In addition, 30% of these respondents say they use live statistics and analytics more than they did one to two years ago, making it the fastest-growing app feature measured. Apps also extend beyond information and engagement to transactions. In the past year, 33% of surveyed users bought tickets, 30% ordered food or beverages at a live event, and 29% purchased merchandise through a sports app.

“Sports fans want reliable, connected digital experiences that bring everything together in one place so they don’t need to toggle back and forth between multiple apps,” said Kameryn Stanhouse, Vice President, Sports and Entertainment Partnerships, IBM. “As fans’ digital expectations keep growing, the organizations that earn their trust will be the ones that combine accuracy with streamlined experiences that put the power in fans’ hands.”

Other key findings:

More platform choices add complexity for fans: 39% of surveyed fans report frustration with managing multiple subscriptions to watch sporting events they care about, rising to 46% among Gen Z respondents.Fans expect their viewing habits to evolve: 75% of respondents believe their sports viewing habits will change in the next two to three years, including 89% of Gen Z and 84% of Millennial fans. More than one-third (36%) of all surveyed fans expect to watch more live broadcast or streaming events.Sports creators influence fans well beyond the game: Nearly half (49%) of surveyed fans follow sports creators, increasing to about 6 in 10 among Gen Z and Millennial fans. Their reach extends past sports, with 70% of surveyed followers confirming creators shape their opinions or awareness in areas such as fashion, music or technology, including 22% who say creators influence multiple aspects of their lifestyle.

To view the full study, visit: https://newsroom.ibm.com/image/IBM+Sports+Intelligence+Report+August+2026.pdf 

*Study Methodology
This survey was commissioned by IBM and conducted by Morning Consult in June 2026 among a total sample of 20,589 sports fans ages 18 and older in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Brazil. The interviews for each country were conducted online, and the data is unweighted, with ~2,000 responses per market in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and India and ~1,000 responses per market in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Brazil.

To qualify for this survey, respondents must be at least an average sports fan and follow one or more of the following sports: soccer, cricket, tennis, basketball, baseball, rugby, golf, American football, F1 racing, track and field, swimming, and the Olympics.

About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media contact:

Marisa Conway
IBM Corporate Communications
conwaym@us.ibm.com

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AGEDB Technology Announces Debt Settlement

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VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 13, 2026 /CNW/ — AGEDB Technology Ltd. (“AGEDB” or the “Company”) (TSXV: AGET) announces that it has entered into a debt settlement agreement to settle an aggregate of C$100,000 of outstanding indebtedness owing to one creditor (the “Creditor”), in exchange for the issuance of an aggregate of 1,538,461 units at a deemed price of $0.065 per unit (each a “Unit”) of the Company to the Creditor (the “Debt Settlement”). Completion of the Debt Settlement is subject to the Company receiving all regulatory approvals, including acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Each Unit consists of one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant (each a “Warrant”). Each Warrant will entitle its holder to purchase one common share in the capital of the Company (a “Warrant Share”) at a price of C$0.18 for 24 months from the closing date of the Debt Settlement.

Any shares issued to the Creditor or in connection with the Debt Settlement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day.

www.agedb.io

AGEDB Technology Ltd.

On behalf of the board of directors,

“Jungsoo Kim”
CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “potential” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur.

SOURCE AGEDB Technology Ltd.

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RYAN KAVANAUGH TO RECEIVE OUTSTANDING VIRTUAL PRODUCTION AWARD AT INFINITY FESTIVAL’S 2026 MONOLITH AWARDS FOR ACME STUDIOS WORK

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Two-Day Showcase Expands Lineup with ACME’s Ryan Kavanaugh alongside George R.R. Martin, Brad Bird, Seth Rogen, Mel Brooks, Pola Maneli and Leading Animation Studios

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Infinity Festival announced today that Ryan Kavanaugh’s studio, ACME Media, is being honored for pioneering the Grey Box™, an AI-driven production methodology that integrates live-action performance, virtual environments and generative visual effects. ACME AI is taking virtual production beyond the stage and into the whole of filmmaking. 

They were selected for this honor as the company to make the biggest paradigm shift utilizing technology in film and entertainment today. Specifically, they were able to create a totally photoreal movie, preserve all actor performance and pioneer the use of the Grey Box™ methodology for actor capture, while utilizing their tech to create over 213 locations in 21 total days. 

The Grey Box™ is a stage and actor performance capture system built around the filmmaker. A Grey Box™ production makes films the way films have always been made – it shoots with the same cameras, the same crew and the same process as any other film, just with extra technology and a precise design to allow for a more cohesive and cost effective process. Department heads are employed and on set, the actor’s performance is not touched, and the director still owns the frame. 

ACME’s own systems, engines and artists (150 across multiple locations) then build the world around that performance, delivering fully photoreal 16-bit 4K output for theatrical release. 

The Grey Box’s™ proprietary performance capture methodology leads to a 50-75 percent reduction in production time and cost. This gives each film and filmmaker more flexibility, tools and coverage than was financially feasible previously. 

” Virtual production has never been about technology alone. It’s about expanding what filmmakers can imagine and achieve. ACME AI & FX is challenging the boundaries of traditional production by rethinking how live-action performances, digital environments, and emerging technologies come together,” said Jeroen Hallaert, Executive Producer, Infinity Festival Hollywood.

“Their approach represents exactly the kind of bold experimentation and convergence we celebrate at Infinity Festival. We’re proud to recognize ACME AI & FX with the Monolith Award for Outstanding Virtual Production.

ACME has spent in excess of 70 million dollars building its tech, which has led to its own process and program which runs off of over 500 tools and 175 film attributes with thousands of its own lawyers on its its internal program now running across its own network. “This was a two-year, multimillion-dollar, all-hands effort and we couldn’t be more proud of the team for what it built,” said Garrett Grant, ACME co-founder and partner. ACME is the only production company and/or studio to deliver an A list feature film utilizing AI which holds up against films shot traditionally for much larger budgets. 

Yves Bergquist, who is one of the most relied upon voices by studios and entertainment companies around technology and AI in relation to entertainment (he is the head of the AI Media lab at USC’s Entertainment Technology Center and a member of the generative AI working group at the Academy of Motion Pictures), said: “I am in the fortunate position where I see what I believe is all the most recent advancements in AI filmmaking. That includes from the biggest tech companies to the studios to highly respected filmmakers. More or less anyone doing AI production, I have seen their work. To date, I haven’t seen anyone that is even at 10 percent of the quality or output of where ACME is. What they have done is not just extraordinary; it’s a shift to the industry no one else has even begun to figure out. Their product is bar none, on par with the biggest, best productions to come out of Hollywood. There is a reason they are making movies for many of the studios and have so many films in their pipeline and that ACME has become the go to for studios and production companies alike and the reason they have become the go to not just for AI production but more and more for production overall.” 

Other features that they have built and incorporated include another 246 unique virtual production features 

A director’s dashboard that allows a director to seamlessly work between the real grey stage shooting with their traditional camera setups and team and the virtual portion with easeLens and Lighting Library: virtually every lens and lighting package filmmakers rely on, built and mapped so the finished world matches what the camera photographed, including anamorphic.Being able to adjust the camera, lighting, camera movement, lenses in postBeing able to adjust any part of a scene that isn’t the actor’s performance in post Full DI and finishing system Theatrical Finishing: photoreal 16-bit 4K output, mastered through to DCP and EXR delivery.Protected IP: a portfolio of 22 patent applications covering the core systems.

Kavanaugh said, “The ability to respect the integrity of the acting while being so tech-forward was a big part of our consideration. Obviously the tech itself and the artistic process that is required to make the tech work is another. They are literally bringing back the mid-budget film genre by making those stories financially feasible to make. The art of filmmaking is at the heart of everything we do. We built the Grey Box™ and our own engines so that every tool a director could want is available, even on a small-budget movie. Original films that sat for years because of cost are now getting made, at the same scale and with the same vision. We are grateful to Infinity Festival for recognizing that,” said Ryan Kavanaugh, founder of ACME and consider this a tremendous honor.”

The Monolith Awards honor Story Advanced by Technology. This award honors ACME for pioneering an AI-driven production methodology that integrates live-action performance, virtual environments and generative visual effects. With Bitcoin, ACME has taken virtual production beyond the stage and into the whole of filmmaking, bringing some 200 story locations to life around real performances captured over 20 days. We are delighted to celebrate it alongside this year’s honorees, including Brad Bird and George R.R. Martin, both receiving Lifetime Achievement.

Additional featured talent includes Sony Pictures Animation director Tyree Dillihay and President Kristine Belson; Netflix’s Steps directors Alyce Tzue and John Ripa; Disney/Pixar Hoppers director Daniel Chong; Toy Story 5 co-director/writer Kenna Harris; Hexed directors Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand; DreamWorks Forgotten Island filmmakers Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado; LAIKA’s Wildwood writer Chris Butler and cinematographer Caleb Deschanel; Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender director Lauren Montgomery; The Simpsons director David Silverman; Cartoon Saloon director Louise Bagnall; Tangles director Leah Nelson, Cat in the Hat directors Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni, X-Men ’97, The Violinist directors Raul Garcia and Ervin Han and The Proud Family creator Bruce W. Smith and more.

 ABOUT ACME

ACME Media is a film and television studio and the parent company of ACME AI, the most prolific studio working in AI today. ACME’s principals have produced, financed or distributed more than 250 films with more than $17 billion in global box office. They created slate co-financing, built the structure that allowed Marvel to make its own films, co-created the subscription streaming window with Netflix and built the largest mini-major studio of its era. Their films have received over 60 Academy Award® nominations, Based in Los Angeles and London with AI artists worldwide, ACME pioneered the Grey Box studio and completed the first performance capture AI film BITCOIN, currently in post-production. The film is directed by Doug Liman and stars Casey Affleck, Gal Gadot, Pete Davidson and Isla Fisher. ACME has more than twelve films in various stages of production.

 ACME AI pioneered the Grey Box, a stage and actor performance capture system that delivers photoreal 16-bit 4K theatrical output while cutting below-the-line costs and has over a dozen feature films in various stages of production, as well as endeavors in music videos, and advertising.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ryan-kavanaugh-to-receive-outstanding-virtual-production-award-at-infinity-festivals-2026-monolith-awards-for-acme-studios-work-302939407.html

SOURCE Infinity Festival

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The NYSE Welcomes vVARDIS as a Publicly Listed Company

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NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — vVARDIS (NYSE: VVVV) co-founders Dr. Haley Abivardi and Dr. Goly Abivardi aim to reshape the future of dental care with a drill-free treatment for the world’s #1 non-communicable disease: cavities.

vVARDIS Solves a Problem that Millions FaceTooth decay affects billions of people worldwide, and dental anxiety keeps millions from getting the care they need.vVARDIS is a Swiss dental technology company focused on changing the way early tooth decay is treated.vVARDIS has introduced a new approach that aims to treat decay earlier and more comfortably for patients.Its flagship product, Curodont® Repair Fluoride Plus, uses proprietary peptide technology to help repair early-stage tooth decay by supporting the natural remineralization of enamel — simply put No drill, No needle, or No filling.Tooth Decay is One of the Most Common Health Issues in the World2.5 billion people globally live with untreated tooth decay.Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have experienced tooth decay.Nearly 73% of U.S. adults report dental fear.21% avoid the dentist because of anxiety.The Story that Helped Shape vVARDISFor decades, treating early tooth decay often meant waiting until it worsened or getting a filling. The founders spent 25 years developing Curodont® Repair Fluoride Plus, a treatment that helps repair early tooth decay before it becomes a cavity.Curodont® gives dentists a way to treat early decay while making the experience easier and less intimidating for patients.The technology has already treated more than 2.5 million teethAvailable in more than 20% of U.S. dental practices

Click Here to Learn More about vVARDIS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1p9hUR5Glk

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SOURCE New York Stock Exchange

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