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Mina Protocol Completes Major Upgrade Bringing Enhanced ZK Programmability to Mainnet

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The upgrade establishes Mina as the first zero knowledge (ZK) blockchain with native ZK programmability, enabling developers to build with a powerful framework for leveraging ZK features for scalability, privacy, and verification in their applications

GENEVA, June 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Mina Protocol, the zero knowledge (ZK) blockchain for proving anything, has completed a major network upgrade process bringing enhanced ZK programmability to its mainnet. The upgrade enables zkApps to be built and deployed on the Mina mainnet, setting the stage for the development of new zero knowledge-powered use cases and equipping builders with a powerful and easy-to-use ZK developer toolkit.

In development since 2021, the long-anticipated upgrade moves smart contract execution off-chain, and leaves verification on-chain, solving many of the most common blockchain infrastructure challenges, such as data constraints, scalability issues, and high gas costs. This paradigm shift makes it easier for developers to build with zero knowledge and create zkApps, granting new levels of control and ownership for users over their data.

zkApps can enable and scale new use cases for voting, healthcare, digital identity, gaming, and much more. Examples of projects already building in the Mina ecosystem include PunkPoll, a censorship-resistant survey and voting platform, bioSNARKs, a stack for biotech data, Hakata, a solution offering “compliant privacy” for Web2 and Web3 companies, and Paima Studios, an engine for on-chain gaming. Unlike many other dApp platforms that use new programming languages, zkApps use o1js, a TypeScript-based library already understood by a wide pool of TypeScript developers who are now empowered to build with ZK.

Kurt Hemecker, CEO of Mina Foundation, an organization serving the Mina Protocol and its ecosystem, said, “This upgrade not only marks a major milestone for the Mina community but is a significant breakthrough for the industry as a whole. The killer use cases for blockchain – DeFi, on-chain gaming, digital identity, blockchain interoperability, voting, secure supply chains, and compliance – all require zero knowledge proofs as a foundation to innovate and scale. Unlocking ZK programmability will give developers the building blocks to plug and play with ZK. By enabling the creation of more powerful applications built on top of Mina’s optimized proof layer, this upgrade pushes us closer to a truly verifiable, trustless internet.”

Designed to be the most succinct blockchain that gets more decentralized as it scales, Mina’s entire state history is represented by a recursive zero knowledge proof (ZKP), making it accessible and verifiable by anyone from any device. This single ‘proof of everything’ acts as an open database of true statements, where developers have access to all previous computation to extend or reuse, setting a strong foundation for tomorrow’s innovators to build the ‘Internet of (True) Things.’

Brandon Kase, CEO of o1Labs, the software development company that incubated Mina Protocol, elaborated, “The real magic happens when you look beyond just privacy or scalability. Attesting to individual statements of facts is useful within specific applications, but the true potential of Mina will be realized by those who harness the power of massive collaborative computation. Mina is on the precipice of opening up a vast new design space, and today, we take another step forward together with the community. This upgrade would not have been possible without the active participation of 400+ node operators, who played a key role in ensuring the smooth transition of the network, and hundreds of developers in the community who have been experimenting and sharing valuable feedback with early versions of o1js and other Mina platform tooling.” 

For developers seeking more information about this upgrade, please visit https://minaprotocol.com/.

About Mina Protocol

Mina Protocol is a next-gen zero knowledge (ZK) blockchain for proving anything. Rather than apply brute computing force, Mina uses advanced cryptography and recursive zk-SNARKs to design an entire blockchain that is fixed at 22KB, the size of a couple tweets. Lightweight and accessible, Mina enables efficient implementation and easy programmability of zero knowledge applications (zkApps). With Mina’s enhanced privacy features and off-chain execution model, developers can build novel applications that bridge the real world and crypto— bringing us closer to the secure, democratic future we all deserve.

About Mina Foundation

Mina Foundation aims to advance the goal of creating a secure web3 with zero knowledge proofs powered by Mina Protocol — ushering in a new era of private and scalable applications — by issuing grants, fostering community growth, and championing Mina Protocol in the wider world. Mina Foundation is domiciled in Geneva, Switzerland.

About o1Labs

o1Labs is a blockchain technology company building tooling and software that leverages zero knowledge cryptography. Their global team of engineers successfully incubated the Mina Protocol, the first succinct ZK blockchain, as well as o1js, the simple yet powerful framework for zk-based applications. Learn more: o1labs.org.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mina-protocol-completes-major-upgrade-bringing-enhanced-zk-programmability-to-mainnet-302166963.html

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AKEEYO to Showcase 711Air, 750S and H2 Ride Cameras at EICMA 2026

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AKEEYO, a brand dedicated to dash cams and ride cameras, will exhibit at EICMA 2026, November 3–8 at Fiera Milano Rho, Italy. At Hall 24, Booth B67, the brand will showcase the 710Lite, 730Pro, 750Lite, 750S, 711Air and H2, spanning lightweight recording, 4K image quality and helmet-view capture.

711Air Makes Everyday Recording Simple

Weighing just 80g, the new 711Air adds minimal weight to a helmet, while its 1800mAh battery supports 8–10 hours of recording. One-touch quick recording, with vibration feedback confirming power on/off and recording start/stop, means riders never need to look at the camera. It also offers up to 36 hours of Always On Video (AOV) monitoring, plus 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, app connectivity and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.

750S Captures the Road in True 4K HDR

The 750S combines true 4K HDR recording with electronic image stabilization (EIS) for detailed, steadier riding footage. Dual-band Wi-Fi supports stable connections and efficient video transfers, while app access and OTA firmware updates simplify video management and keep the camera up to date. It is designed for touring riders, cyclists and anyone seeking high-quality recordings.

H2 Records from the Rider’s Perspective

Designed for helmet-view recording, the H2 features dual 1080p cameras that capture two perspectives at once, along with 8–10 hours of runtime and a 3-second quick-release mount. Its lightweight, easy-to-use design suits daily rides and longer motorcycle journeys.

Also on display are the AKY-730Pro 4K touchscreen camera, the ultra-compact AKY-710Lite and the endurance-focused 750Lite.

Visit AKEEYO at EICMA 2026

Dates: November 3–8, 2026
Booth: Hall 24 • Booth B67
Venue: Fiera Milano Rho
Address: Strada Statale del Sempione 28, 20017 Rho (MI), Italy

For AKEEYO, EICMA 2026 is the right stage to introduce the 711Air to riders, media and the global two-wheeler industry. Visitors can handle the 80g body and try one-touch recording in person, and dealers and distributors interested in partnering with AKEEYO are welcome to fill out the inquiry form.

About AKEEYO

AKEEYO designs dash cams and ride cameras for cars, motorcycles and bicycles, helping users record the road and relive their journeys.

Website: www.akeeyo.com 

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For A Bright Future Foundation Launches NextGen Finance Lab Across Manhattan High School District, New York

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District-wide rollout brings project-based financial literacy and professional mentorship to Manhattan’s 50 public high schools, building on a successful pilot at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Louis Hernandez Jr.’s Foundation For A Bright Future (“For A Bright Future,” “FABF”), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunity for underserved youth, today announced the district-wide expansion of its NextGen Finance Lab program into the Manhattan High School District. In partnership with the Manhattan High School District Team, under the supervision of Superintendent Gary Beidleman, FABF will launch the program’s first cohort of 8 high schools this fall, with plans to bring the NextGen Finance Lab to additional Manhattan high schools in the semesters that follow as part of a phased, district-wide rollout.

“At Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, we saw firsthand what this program can do. Our students left Pitch Like A Dragon more confident, more articulate, and more prepared to manage their own financial futures than I’ve seen from any other initiative we’ve run. I’m proud that the model our students and teachers helped build is now reaching classrooms across Manhattan,” said Manuel A. Ureña, Principal, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School.

The NextGen Finance Lab is a project-based financial literacy program that integrates the Dave Ramsey Financial Literacy curriculum with FABF’s FinTech mentorship ecosystem. Throughout the program, students build core skills in budgeting, saving, debt elimination, investing, and entrepreneurship, while working directly with FinTech industry professionals who share real-world perspective on banking, digital wallets, investing, and career pathways in financial technology. The program culminates in “Pitch Like A Dragon,” a school-level and district-level competition in which student teams pitch original business and FinTech concepts to a panel of industry leaders, venture capitalists, and New York City business professionals, with scholarship awards presented to top teams.

“This expansion is proof of what’s possible when a nonprofit, a school district, and industry partners commit to the same goal. Everything we’re scaling today started as a pilot at Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School, where educators and students helped shape the curriculum and the ‘Pitch Like A Dragon’ event structure now being adopted by seven more schools this fall. That’s how one school’s success becomes a lasting pathway for thousands of students across Manhattan,” said Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs, For A Bright Future Foundation.”This expansion demonstrates the collective impact achievable through aligned partnerships. The model shaped at  Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO) High School now serves as a lasting foundation for advancing financial literacy for thousands of students across Manhattan,” said Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs, FABF. The success at JKO High School, now fueling district‑wide deployment, was strengthened by the guidance of FABF’s Consultant in Academic Affairs and former Senior Deputy Chancellor of the NYC Department of Education, whose deep expertise helped shape a program adaptable to each school’s unique vision and academic priorities.

FABF and the Manhattan High School District Team have confirmed the following schools for the initial launch cohort:

Leadership and Public Service High SchoolJacqueline Kennedy Onassis High SchoolHigh School for Law and Public ServiceMurry Bergtraum High School for Business CareersHigh School of Fashion IndustriesHudson High School of Learning TechnologiesMott Hall High School: Finance Lab ProgramFood and Finance High School

FABF’s long-term goal is to bring the NextGen Finance Lab to all 50 high schools in the Manhattan District, expanding in phased cohorts over the coming semesters.

“As someone who spent a career in financial services, I know how much of a difference it makes when young people are exposed to these concepts early. This program doesn’t just teach students about money; it gives them the confidence to pitch real ideas, take feedback, and think like entrepreneurs,” said Benson Porter, Program Chairman, NextGen Finance Lab, FABF.

About For A Bright Future Foundation

Louis Hernandez Jr’s Foundation For A Bright Future is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that empowers underserved youth with equitable access to education, technology, financial capability, and wellness. We help students develop future‑ready skills that unlock lifelong opportunity and support thriving global communities. Learn more at www.fabff.org. 

FABF operates programs nationwide, including the NextGen Finance Lab, the NextGen Media Creators Lab, the merit- and need-based scholarships, and youth leadership development, working directly with schools, districts, and industry leaders to bridge opportunity gaps for the next generation.

Media Contact
Gina Rogoto, SVP, Operations and Programs
For A Bright Future Foundation
gmr@forabrightfuturefoundation.org

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SOURCE Louis Hernandez Jr.’s Foundation For A Bright Future

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VOICEBUDS, A QUIETER WAY TO WORK WITH VOICE, NOW AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY SHIPPING

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Voicebuds reinvent earbuds for personal voice computing, even below a whisper

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Subtle announced today that Voicebuds, its award-winning private voice computing device, is available to ship in time for the 2026 holiday season, with customers ordering by December 10th receiving their devices by December 24th.

Since Voicebuds were unveiled in January, AI voice dictation has surged in popularity, but the fundamental problems with voice input remain unsolved. Dictating aloud is awkward in open offices, offers little privacy in public spaces, and remains unreliable when others are speaking nearby.

With Voicebuds, Subtle has reinvented the earbud as a private voice interface that works even at a whisper. The device combines Subtle’s breakthrough voice isolation technology with an AI voice computing app for iPhone and Mac, enabling discreet, reliable voice computing in the places where people actually live and work. Voicebuds serve as both premium everyday earbuds for music and calls, and a personal computing device for voice dictation and AI. They are designed for voice productivity in crowded commutes, quiet libraries, noisy cafes, and shared spaces where traditional voice tools have always failed.

“It’s been inspiring to hear from our beta testers using Voicebuds to prompt AI in shared offices without booking a quiet booth, dictate on planes without bothering their seatmates, and take calls amid the noise and bustle of their daily lives,” said Tyler Chen, cofounder and CEO of Subtle. “We’re incredibly excited to put Voicebuds in the hands of all of our customers just in time for the holidays and hear what new use cases they come up with.”

In Subtle’s internal testing across real-world noise environments, Voicebuds delivered up to 5X fewer transcription errors than AirPods Pro 3 combined with leading AI dictation software.

Voicebuds offer:

Subtle voice dictation: Write with voice in any app on iPhone and Mac, without being overheard.Voice notes: Capture thoughts and ideas instantly, and access them across multiple devices.Contextual AI chat: Brainstorm with an AI assistant, without being overheard.Music and calls: Everyday listening, noise cancellation, multipair connectivity and clear calls.

For holiday shoppers, Voicebuds replace multiple devices and apps as a single product for listening, communication, and voice computing that finally works in the real world.

Voicebuds are available starting today for $249 in either Parchment White or Ink Black. Voicebuds ship with a 1-year membership to the Subtle app for iPhone and Mac, providing a complete voice productivity experience across dictation, contextual AI chat, and cross-device voice notes. After year one, users can continue the full Subtle Pro membership for $17 per month, or switch to the free tier anytime with full earbud functionality and limited AI usage.

Customers can order now at subtle.co.

About Subtle

Subtle is pioneering personal voice computing technology, designed to make voice the most effective, trusted interface anywhere. Its machine learning technology powers consumer hardware for whispered, private, and noise-resilient voice AI that works in real-world environments. Founded by Stanford engineers and based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Subtle is supported by funding from Entrada Ventures, Amplify Partners, Abstract Ventures, and founders of Twitter, Pinterest, and Perplexity. Learn more at subtle.co.

Media Contact

press@subtle.co

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SOURCE Subtle Computing

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