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Holiday Shoppers Face Greater Financial Pressure, Making Payment Choice More Important

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Seventh annual ETA-TSG study finds 44% of consumers feel more financially stressed, while 57% report negative consequences when merchants don’t accept their preferred payment method

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Holiday shoppers are entering the 2026 season under greater financial pressure, and payment flexibility has become one of the clearest ways merchants can win and keep their business, according to a study released today by the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) and TSG (The Strawhecker Group).

The seventh annual Consumer Holiday Spending Study found that 44% of consumers feel more financially stressed than last year, up from 27% in 2025. Thirty percent report more debt than two years ago, up from 17%, and 33% say they usually take on holiday debt or likely will this year, up from 19%. Concern rose across all eight shopping issues measured by the study, led by inflation (82%). Concern about the affordability of gifts (64%) and managing a budget (57%) each rose 17 percentage points.

Consumers are responding by planning their spending more carefully. Seventy-two percent plan to set a holiday budget this year, and only 23% will shop without one, down from 40% in 2025. Seventy-three percent plan to spend less than $1,000 on holiday purchases. Spending plans are more polarized than last year: 22% expect to spend more, up from 18%, while 32% expect to spend less. This points to a competitive season in which consumers continue to spend but are selective about where those dollars go.

“Consumers are being careful with every dollar this year, and they are paying close attention to how they pay,” said Jodie Kelley, CEO of the Electronic Transactions Association. “Merchants that offer the payment options their customers rely on, with clear terms and strong security, are in the best position to win the sale and keep the customer. The payments industry is helping businesses of every size do exactly that.”

The study of 1,099 U.S. consumers, conducted September 8–13, 2026, found that payment acceptance directly affects where consumers shop. When a merchant does not accept a shopper’s preferred payment method, 24% of consumers would look for the same product at another merchant, and 7% would abandon or postpone the purchase. Another 26% would complete the transaction using a different method but would be less likely to return. In total, 57% report a negative consequence for the merchant.

Newer payment methods are becoming routine. Eighty-one percent of consumers use tap-to-pay regularly, and 89% of those who try it continue using it. Digital wallets and peer-to-peer (P2P) apps also see strong repeat usage, at 61% and 60%, respectively.

“Rising stress and debt make payment flexibility more appealing, and they make transparency and responsible financing more important,” said Mike Strawhecker, President of TSG. “Consumers are telling merchants that value and checkout flexibility matter more than speed. The merchants that deliver both will be best positioned this season.”

The study also found:

Online shopping: Free shipping (74%) and the ability to pay how they want (72%) are shoppers’ top priorities for online purchases.

Gift cards: 71% plan to buy at least one gift card, led by retailer-specific cards.

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL): Opinion is split, with 37% viewing BNPL favorably and 36% unfavorably. Twenty percent expect to use it more this season than last.

AI-assisted shopping: 46% plan to use AI tools to compare prices, but only 23% would let AI complete a purchase on their behalf.

The complete study is available here.

About the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA): The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) is the world’s leading advocacy and trade association for the payments industry. ETA’s members include the world’s leading payments and financial technology companies—including payment processors, networks, banks, fintechs, software providers, independent software vendors, and payment technology innovators—collectively processing approximately $56.75 trillion annually in purchases and peer-to-peer payments worldwide. Learn more about ETA at www.electran.org.

Media Contact: Scott Talbott, stalbott@electran.org

About TSG: TSG (The Strawhecker Group) is a globally recognized analytics and consulting firm that supports the entire payments ecosystem, serving over 1,000 clients from Fortune 500 leaders to more than a dozen of the world’s most valuable brands. Trusted by industry leaders, TSG’s strategic services, market intelligence, and analytics merge to empower clients with actionable and accessible information. Please visit www.tsgpayments.com.

Media Contact: Andy Nuss, anuss@tsgpayments.com

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SOURCE Electronic Transactions Association (ETA)

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USI Unveils Wi-Fi 8 SiP Module for Enhanced AI Device Connectivity

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November 2, 2026

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SHANGHAI, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — USI today announced its Wi-Fi 8 (IEEE 802.11bn) roadmap, with product launch planned for the first quarter of 2027. Building on its Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 with System-in-Package (SiP) technology, USI is positioning itself to help customers capture the next wave of wireless innovation.

Wi-Fi 8 shifts focus from peak data rates to Ultra-High Reliability (UHR), efficiency, and consistent user experience. This matters as devices shrink, from smartphones and AI laptops to smart glasses, smart rings, and TWS earbuds, and must maintain stable connections despite limited antenna space, constrained battery capacity, and complex RF environments.

Key Wi-Fi 8 technologies include:

Multi-AP Coordination: Coordinated Beamforming (Co-BF) and Coordinated Spatial Reuse (Co-SR)Dynamic Spectrum Optimization: Dynamic Sub-channel Operation (DSO)PHY enhancements: Distributed Resource Unit (DRU), Enhanced Long Range (ELR), and Unequal Modulation (UEQM)

Together, these advances enable smarter, more coordinated wireless networks and extend advanced connectivity to wearables and next-generation robotics.

Shrinking form factors bring tighter space, battery, thermal, and power demands. USI draws on deep expertise in SiP design, RF engineering, wireless module integration, advanced packaging, and high-volume manufacturing to help customers reduce product size, optimize power consumption, and simplify system design. Its Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 SiP miniaturization, combined with advanced RF and shielding technologies, provides a strong base for the Wi-Fi 8 transition.

Wi-Fi 8 is also expected to drive deeper system-level integration across wireless ICs, RF front-end components, antennas, power management, and advanced packaging, so that wireless performance and miniaturization evolve together in wearable, mobile, and IoT products.

“Wi-Fi 8 is about more than faster speeds. It is about enabling devices to maintain reliable, consistent, and predictable connections in complex wireless environments. USI will combine its capabilities in wireless connectivity, RF design, SiP integration, and advanced process technology to help customers overcome the challenges of product miniaturization and rising system complexity, accelerating the time to market for next-generation smart devices.” said Jessica Yu, Associate Vice President of Wireless & Wearable Miniaturization Solutions at USI.

Wi-Fi 6 and 6E improved network efficiency and expanded available spectrum, and Wi-Fi 7 significantly raised throughput, bandwidth, and responsiveness. Wi-Fi 8 goes further, delivering greater reliability, predictability, and efficiency in increasingly complex wireless environments.

About USI (601231.SH)

USI, Universal Scientific Industrial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., is a global leader in electronic design and manufacturing as well as a leader in the field of SiP (System-in-Package) technology. Our production and service locations span four continents: Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa, offering customer diversified electronic products with D(MS)2 services: Design, Manufacturing, Miniaturization, Industrial software, and hardware Solutions, as well as material procurement, logistics and maintenance Services. USI is a subsidiary of ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. (TWSE: 3711, NYSE: ASX). To learn more, please visit www.usiglobal.com and engage with us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/usi-unveils-wi-fi-8-sip-module-for-enhanced-ai-device-connectivity-302924735.html

SOURCE USI

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Camect and 3Si: Strategic Partnership to Bring AI-Powered Video Intelligence Directly to Public Safety

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12 minutes ago

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November 2, 2026

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New integration connects Camect’s intelligent video detection and 3Si’s DirectToDispatch™ platform, delivering actionable incident intelligence to public safety when every second counts.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Camect, an innovator in AI-powered video intelligence and intelligent security camera technology, today announced a strategic technology partnership with 3Si Security Systems, a trusted provider of security intelligence solutions for public safety and private-sector organizations.

Camect and 3Si connect AI video detection with DirectToDispatch™ to deliver actionable public safety intelligence.

The partnership connects Camect’s advanced AI-powered video intelligence with 3Si’s award-winning DirectToDispatch™ platform, creating a more direct pathway between intelligent security detection and public safety response.

By combining Camect’s ability to identify relevant activity across existing security camera systems and 3Si’s established public safety intelligence network, the companies are working together to transform how critical incident information reaches the people responsible for protecting communities. Request a demo today to see Camect’s powerful capabilties first hand!

Connecting Video Intelligence to Public Safety Response

Across businesses, commercial properties, and communities, security cameras capture enormous amounts of video every day. However, identifying meaningful activity and turning that information into actionable intelligence remains a challenge.

Camect’s AI-powered video analysis addresses this challenge by detecting relevant activity, minimizing unnecessary alerts, and providing meaningful visual context. Through the partnership with 3Si, Camect intelligence can extend beyond traditional security monitoring into public safety workflows.

3Si’s DirectToDispatch™ platform creates a connection between private-sector security intelligence and public safety agencies, supporting the delivery of actionable incident information when it matters most.

Together, Camect and 3Si aim to help bridge the gap between detecting an incident and enabling a more informed response.

“This integration with 3Si empowers our dealers and the communities they serve to maintain control of their video data while securely sharing relevant information with the people who need it most: our first responders,” said Ron Grubbs, VP of Sales Business Development at Camect. “3Si has been a trusted partner in public safety for decades, and we are incredibly proud to work alongside them to help strengthen community safety and support those on the front lines.”

From intelligent detection to actionable dispatch intelligence, Camect and 3Si share a vision of a future where security technology doesn’t simply capture what happens, it helps the right people understand and respond to it.

About Camect

Camect is a Silicon Valley-based technology company specializing in AI-powered video intelligence and advanced security camera solutions. Designed to make existing camera systems smarter, Camect transforms ordinary security cameras into intelligent tools capable of identifying meaningful activity with over 40 advanced detections and features, reducing false alerts, and delivering actionable video insights in real time.

With a camera-agnostic approach, privacy-focused architecture, and support for professional monitoring, Real-Time Crime Centers (RTCCs), and Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs), Camect helps businesses, security professionals, and public safety organizations gain greater value from their existing video infrastructure with over 30 integrations and growing.

Headquartered in Mountain View, California, Camect is committed to making intelligent video security more accessible, connected, and effective.

Request a demo today of Camect’s advanced detections and features, visit Camect.com

Learn more about this integration visit www.camect.com.

About 3Si Security Systems

3Si is a leading provider of innovative security solutions, dedicated to creating a safer, more secure world. The company combines technology with real-world experience to deliver an intelligent platform that protects people, assets, and law enforcement while enabling informed, real-time decision-making.

With relationships spanning more than 10,400 law enforcement agencies, 3Si delivers actionable crime intelligence directly to police dispatch for crime prioritization and response. Its integrated technology portfolio includes covert GPS tracking, camera and video solutions, video management technology, and its award-winning DirectToDispatch™ platform.

From detection to dispatch, every second counts.

Learn more at www.3sisecurity.com

CONTACT:
David Leon | David@Camect.com

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SOURCE Camect

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TERAGO to Hold Investor Conference Call to Discuss Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results

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1 hour ago

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November 2, 2026

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TORONTO, Nov. 2, 2026 /CNW/ — TERAGO Inc. (“TERAGO” or the “Company”) (TSX: TGO) (www.terago.ca), Canada’s 91% mmWave spectrum holder and a leading provider of Managed Fixed Wireless Internet, 5G Private Wireless Networks and SD-WAN secure solutions today announced that it will be hosting a conference call on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss its financial results for the third quarter of 2026. The complete financial results are expected to be released after market close on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

The Company’s results along with a presentation in connection with the conference call will be made available on the Company’s website at https://terago.ca/company/investor-relations/.

To access the conference call, please dial 888-506-0062 or 973-528-0011 and use conference ID 716685 if applicable. Please call the conference telephone number 15 minutes prior to the start time so that you are in the queue for an operator to assist in registering and patching you through.

A replay of the conference call will be available through Friday, November 27, 2026 and can be accessed by dialing 877-481-4010 or 919-882-2331 and using passcode 54732.

About TERAGO

TERAGO provides managed network and security services to businesses across Canada ensuring highly secure, reliable and redundant connectivity including private 5G wireless networks, fixed wireless access, fiber and cable wireline network connectivity. As Canada’s biggest mmWave spectrum holders, the Company possesses exclusive spectrum licenses in the 24 GHz and 38 GHz spectrum bands, which it utilizes to provide secure, dedicated SLA guaranteed enterprise grade performance that is technology diverse from buried cables ensuring high availability connectivity services. TERAGO serves Canadian and Global businesses operating in major markets across Canada, including Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Ottawa and Winnipeg, and has been providing wireless services since 1999. For more information about TERAGO and its suite of wireless internet and SDWAN solutions, please visit www.terago.ca.

SOURCE TeraGo Inc.

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