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BCE implements changes in connection with its Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment Plan; Termination of discounted treasury issuances

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12 months ago

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This news release contains forward-looking statements. For a description of the related risk factors and assumptions, please see the section entitled “Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” later in this news release.

MONTRÉAL, May 8, 2025 /CNW/ – BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) announced today that the board of directors of BCE has approved certain modifications to BCE’s Shareholder Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the “DRP”) whereby common shares distributed under the DRP will no longer be issued from treasury at a 2% discount to the average market price and will instead be purchased by BCE’s agent, TSX Trust Company (the “Agent”), on the secondary market with cash provided by BCE. The modifications will be effective commencing with the dividend payable on July 15, 2025 to eligible holders of common shares as of the June 16, 2025 record date, and subsequently until further notice.

The DRP continues to offer a convenient means for eligible holders of BCE common shares to acquire additional common shares without charge for any commission or brokerage fees by reinvesting the cash dividends on their respective holdings of common shares or by making optional cash payments in the form of cash or dividends on BCE preferred shares.

Existing participants in the DRP will continue to be enrolled into the DRP for the dividend payable to holders of common shares on July 15, 2025 unless they terminate their participation under the DRP. In order to terminate their participation in the DRP or withdraw common shares, requests for termination or withdrawal of shares from registered holders of common shares must be received by the Agent before 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on June 9, 2025. Beneficial owners of BCE common shares (shareholders who hold their shares through a financial institution, broker or other intermediary) should consult with the intermediary well in advance of that date to determine how to participate in the DRP or withdraw shares or terminate their participation under the DRP.

Participation in the DRP is optional. Eligible shareholders who have not elected to participate in the DRP will continue to receive their regular cash dividends in the usual manner. A copy of the DRP is available on the Investor page on BCE’s website at www.bce.ca, on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and on the website of the Agent at www.tsxtrust.com/bce/drip.

Notice to United States Investors

A copy of the prospectus relating to the DRP is available on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov, and on the Investor page on BCE’s website at www.bce.ca, as well as on the Agent’s website at https://www.tsxtrust.com/bce/drip.

The common shares of BCE offered under the DRP outside the United States will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933.

About BCE

BCE is Canada’s largest communications company,1 providing advanced Bell broadband Internet, wireless, TV, media and business communications services. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities. This includes the Bell Let’s Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let’s Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

_______________________

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Richard Bengian
richard.bengian@bell.ca

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the method of distribution of common shares under the DRP, the benefits of participating in the DRP, the termination of the discount for treasury issuances under the DRP, and other statements that are not historical facts. All such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the “safe harbour” provisions of applicable Canadian securities laws and of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties and are based on several assumptions which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events, and we caution you against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe our expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. BCE may determine at any time, in accordance with the terms of the DRP, to cease to deliver common shares to participants under the DRP in reinvestment of cash dividends through the purchase of shares on the secondary market and to deliver common shares through treasury issuances instead. The method of purchase under the DRP (on the secondary market or through treasury issuances), the application of any discount, and the percentage thereof in the case of issuance of common shares from treasury under the DRP, as well as the amount, and declaration, of dividends, are subject to the discretion of BCE’s board of directors. Consequently, there can be no assurance that dividends will be declared. The level of BCE’s common share dividend and the declaration of dividends by the BCE board are ultimately dependent on BCE’s operations and financial results, which are in turn subject to various assumptions and risks, including those described in BCE’s public disclosure documents. For additional information on assumptions and risks underlying certain of our forward-looking statements made in this news release, please consult BCE’s 2024 Annual MD&A dated March 6, 2025, BCE’s 2025 First Quarter MD&A dated May 7, 2025 and BCE’s news release dated May 8, 2025 announcing its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, filed by BCE with the Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities (available at sedarplus.ca) and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (available at SEC.gov). These documents are also available at BCE.ca.

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SOURCE Bell Canada (MTL)

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Trimble Links SketchUp with Anthropic’s Claude, Bringing New Conversational AI-powered Capabilities to 3D Modeling

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50 minutes ago

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April 29, 2026

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Trusted, intuitive AI enhances design workflows, making it easier to move from creative concepts to 3D models

WESTMINSTER, Colo., April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) today announced a specialized integration with Claude, the large language model and AI assistant from Anthropic, that makes it easier for Trimble® SketchUp® software users to create 3D models directly from conversational text or speech prompts.

The powerful new capabilities are enabled by a SketchUp Connector model context protocol (MCP) service that allows Claude to interact directly with SketchUp (.skp) files. The connectivity enhances existing design workflows and expands access to 3D modeling for people at any skill level.

Trimble SketchUp is a professional-grade 3D modeling software used widely in architecture, design, construction and other fields. This is the first Connector created by Trimble that connects the SketchUp design environment with other tools via the MCP framework.

Conversational 3D modeling
The SketchUp Connector integration with Claude lets users create 3D geometry, such as building massing models, landscapes or furniture by simply describing what they want. Plain-language inputs alongside reference images, sketches, photos, floor plans and dimensions that users upload can give Claude the context needed to understand the design goal. Claude builds the geometry in a cloud SketchUp session, verifying dimensions iteratively.

“The learning curve and time it takes for professionals to transfer a vision to a digital model has traditionally been the biggest barrier to 3D modeling,” said Chris Cronin, vice president and general manager of architecture and design solutions at Trimble. “Natural language prompts and the power of AI make it easy for anyone to get started and excel, including inexperienced and non-traditional 3D design users, bringing us closer to our ‘3D for everyone’ goal.”

The specialized Claude integration for SketchUp is consistent with Trimble-wide initiatives to democratize advanced technology and make them available and accessible to a wider range of users, according to Cronin.

Additional 3D modeling advantages
In addition to allowing natural language prompts, the SketchUp Claude Connector tracks version history within a single chat, enabling users to rapidly navigate, troubleshoot and refine their 3D models. If a design is not quite accurate, users can describe necessary changes or paste screenshots from SketchUp directly into the chat to point out specific angles, proportions or elements that need adjustment.

When a model is completed, the Connector creates a 2D preview thumbnail and provides a direct download link to the .skp file. Users can instantly download, open and edit the file in any SketchUp modeler.

Users can also design and train Claude on core skills and unique workflows to complete repetitive tasks more quickly and efficiently.

Availability
Users can get started today by enabling Trimble SketchUp in Claude’s MCP directory connector settings. Accessing the Connector requires a Claude account and a Trimble ID for authentication. Users receive a free SketchUp entitlement that allows them to save up to 30 SketchUp models; after that, a paid entitlement is required. Resulting files can be opened in SketchUp for Web, Desktop, iPad or iPhone.

About Trimble
Trimble is a global technology company that connects the physical and digital worlds, transforming the ways work gets done. With relentless innovation in precise positioning, modeling and data analytics, Trimble enables essential industries including construction, geospatial and transportation. Whether it’s helping customers build and maintain infrastructure, design and construct buildings, optimize global supply chains or map the world, Trimble is at the forefront, driving productivity and progress. For more information about Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB), visit: www.trimble.com.

FTRMB

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SOURCE Trimble

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Topaz Labs announces its largest single release of AI models in company history with “Next-Gen” launch

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2 hours ago

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April 28, 2026

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DALLAS, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Topaz Labs, the AI image and video enhancement company, has announced four new image enhancement models and two video enhancement models across five applications. The collection of “Next-Gen” models offer powerful sharpening, denoising, and upscaling results to visual content. Image models included are Wonder 3, Denoise Max, Super Focus 3, and High Fidelity 3. For video, Starlight Precise 2.5 and Astra 2 were announced.

The collection of models offers powerful sharpening, denoising, and upscaling results to visual content.

“This is both the largest and most technically advanced set of models we’ve released in the company’s history,” says Eric Yang, CEO, Topaz Labs. “We launched Topaz NeuroStream earlier this year with the goal of enabling local rendering of complex models for more users. Without such technology, the complex, heavyweight AI models in today’s release would have been limited to cloud-only rendering, forcing users to pay per use and be reliant on internet connection. We believe local use is crucial to the future of AI in both professional and consumer use cases, and today’s release is a huge step.” 

Topaz NeuroStream is proprietary technology that reduces VRAM usage by up to 95% and allows exponentially more users on consumer-grade hardware to use AI models locally. A total of six Topaz models are now powered by NeuroStream.

Next-Gen Release Image Models 

Wonder 3: A magical, one-click sharpen, upscale, and denoise model for images.
Denoise Max: New standard for removing noise and grain in images.
Super Focus 3: Next-level sharpening model that brings subjects back from the blur.
High Fidelity 3: The newest model for upscaling high-res inputs like smartphone photos and RAW images.

All image models in this release are available in Topaz Photo desktop application and via API. Wonder 3 and Denoise Max are also available in Express, a web-based tool.

Next-Gen Release Video Models

Starlight Precise 2.5 (Local): Groundbreaking video model that brings out natural visual details with stunning results, with local availability in Topaz Video

Astra 2: The next generation of creative video upscaling that enhances clarity, richness, and visual complexity of videos by adding new detail.

Both highlighted video models are available via cloud rendering in Astra and API. Starlight Precise 2.5 (Local) can be found in the Topaz Video desktop application.

About Topaz Labs
Founded in 2005, Topaz Labs is a leader in AI-powered image and video enhancement. Its technology is used by 1.5 million customers, including 20 of the world’s top 50 companies. Known for industry-leading products like Topaz Photo, Topaz Video, Topaz Gigapixel, Astra and Bloom, the company continues to invest heavily in research and development, advancing the frontiers of imaging technology in collaboration with academic and industry partners.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/topaz-labs-announces-its-largest-single-release-of-ai-models-in-company-history-with-next-gen-launch-302756375.html

SOURCE Topaz Labs

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Technology

Dreame Technology Launches the L60 Series, Led by the Flagship L60 Pro Ultra

Published

2 hours ago

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April 28, 2026

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New lineup brings industry-leading intelligence and full-home automation to a new generation of robot vacuums

SAN FRANCISCO, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Dreame Technology, a leader in smart home innovation, today announced the L60 Series, a new lineup of four robot vacuums engineered for the full range of modern home environments. Built on a shared foundation of premium cleaning performance, intelligent navigation, and hands-free automation, the L60 Series is designed to meet the needs of every kind of household, from compact apartments to multi-story homes, and from single-surface layouts to complex mixed-flooring environments.

“The L60 Series represents exactly what Dreame stands for: powerful, intelligent cleaning that adapts to how people actually live,” said Ana Wang, CEO of Dreame Technology North America. “Whether you have a multi-story home, pets, mixed flooring, or low furniture, there’s an L60 built for your needs. Every model in the lineup delivers the core cleaning experience our customers expect from Dreame.”

Meet the L60 Series

The L60 Series is built around four distinct models, each tailored to a different home profile and cleaning priority:

L60 Pro Ultra — The Ultimate All-in-One. The flagship vacuum is purpose-built for large floor plans, multi-surface transitions, and complex terrain. Features the 3.46-inch ProLeap™ System, 35,000Pa Vormax™ Suction, Dual Omni-Scrub Mopping with Hot Water, and an industry-leading 6,400mAh PowerCore™ Battery.L60 Ultra — Precision Whole-Home Coverage. A balanced high-performer built around Dreame’s latest 2026 sensor technology and a 3.23in (82mm) ultra-thin design for precise navigation in low-light spaces and flawless cleaning under low-profile furniture. Includes AI-Enhanced 3D ToF Vision, 35,000Pa Vormax™ Suction, HyperStream™ Detangling DuoBrush 2.0, SmartDirt™ Detection, Pet-Friendly Care 5.0, and Matter, Apple Watch, and Home Screen Shortcut support.L60 Ultra PE (Performance Edition) — The Intelligent Step-Up. An upgraded everyday performer for homes that need an extra boost on hair pickup, with 30,000Pa Vormax™ Suction, the HyperStream™ Detangling DuoBrush, 3DAdapt™ Obstacle Avoidance, and Smart Pathfinder Technology with 220 object type recognition.L60 Ultra FE (Fine Edition) — The Essential Automated Choice. An entry-level powerhouse delivering the core promise of maintenance-free floor care, with 30,000Pa Vormax™ Suction, TriCut Brush 3.0, Dual Flex Arm Technology, and the full PowerDock™ automation experience.

A Shared Foundation of Premium Performance

Every model in the L60 Series shares a core set of capabilities that set a new baseline for modern robot vacuums, including:

212°F (100°C) ThermoHub™ Mop Self-Cleaning for hygienically clean mop pads after every cycle30,000–35,000Pa Vormax™ Suction across the lineup for powerful pickup on every surfaceDual Flex Arm Technology for adaptive side-brush and mop coverage in corners and along edgesMop Lifting for seamless transitions between hard floors and carpetAutomatic Solution Dispensing for consistent cleaning chemistry without manual refillsThe 8-in-1 PowerDock™ base station, which handles auto-empty, mop washing, hot-air drying, and solution management for truly hands-free operation

L60 Pro Ultra: The Flagship Experience, Redefined for Complex Homes

Leading the lineup is the L60 Pro Ultra, featuring select top-tier specifications optimized for large-scale layouts and complex terrains. It pairs the series’ most capable hardware with Dreame’s most advanced intelligence to deliver a seamless, one-stop cleaning experience that effortlessly tackles stubborn stains across expansive and complex home layouts.

At the heart of the Pro Ultra’s navigation advantage is the 3.46-inch ProLeap™ System, the lineup’s most capable obstacle-crossing system, paired with VersaLift Navigation for cleaning under low-clearance furniture. It is equipped with dual-laser 3D structured light, an AI RGB camera, and LED illumination, enabling it to recognize over 280 types of obstacles — for precise, real-time avoidance in any lighting condition.

The Pro Ultra delivers 35,000Pa Vormax™ Suction alongside the HyperStream™ Detangling DuoBrush, together extracting embedded debris, pet hair, and fine particles from every floor type without tangles or jams. Its Dual Omni-Scrub Mopping with Hot Water system pairs rotating mop pads with a Thermal Mop Pad and ThermoHub™ 212°F (100°C) Mop Self-Cleaning, while the AceClean™ DryBoard minimizes residue — eliminating grease, bacteria, and moisture that cold-water systems simply can’t address. An industry-leading 6,400mAh PowerCore™ Battery provides whole-home coverage on a single charge.

The Pro Ultra’s OmniDirt™ Detection Technology identifies high-soil areas and automatically triggers Mop Rewashing and Floor Remopping for a truly thorough result. Pet-Friendly Care 4.0 adds pet-aware detection and navigation, while Upgraded Intelligent Carpet Cleaning optimizes suction and mop behavior for mixed-flooring homes. Direct Voice Control and app control round out the experience for effortless day-to-day use.

Pricing and Availability

The Dreame L60 Series is available now through the Dreame website and Amazon (L60 Pro Ultra, L60 Ultra, L60 Ultra PE, L60 Ultra FE), with launch-offer pricing through the official website. Customers who purchase on dreametech.com receive a free accessory kit with their order.

L60 Pro Ultra — MSRP $1,399.99 | Launch Offer $1,259.99L60 Ultra — MSRP $1,299.99 | Launch Offer $1,169.99L60 Ultra PE — MSRP $1,099.99 | Launch Offer $879.99L60 Ultra FE — MSRP $999.99 | Launch Offer $749.99

For more information about the L60 Series, visit dreametech.com/pages/l60-series-robot-vacuum.

About Dreame Technology

Established in 2017, Dreame Technology is an innovative consumer product company focused on smart home cleaning appliances with the vision to empower lives through technology. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. For more information, please visit https://www.dreametech.com/.

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SOURCE Dreame Technology

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