#upcoming mobile phones february 2024

[meilleurchoix92]

Discover a preview of the most anticipated smartphones for 2024! From foldable screens to holographic displays, these upcoming phones will blow your mind. Stay ahead of the trend and watch this video for a glimpse into the future of smartphones.

[dailyreportonline]

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Tipped to Feature 200-Megapixel Telephoto Camera | Daily Reports Online

Xiaomi 14 Ultra was launched in February at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 and we can expect the successor to arrive same time next year. The Chinese tech brand is yet to reveal details about the upcoming flagship phone but rumours and supposed leaks about its specifications are already appearing on the Web. Similar to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the upcoming Xiaomi 15 Ultra is tipped to get a…

[micro-pc-tech]

Google's CallGuard - Against Telephone Scams

Google's CallGuard: Real-Time Defense Against Telephone Scams

Telephone scams can be devastating, preying on unsuspecting individuals and leading to significant financial losses. However, as technology continues to advance, so do the tools available to combat fraudsters. At Google I/O 2024, the company's annual developers conference, a groundbreaking announcement was made regarding upcoming scam-detection tools for Android phones, leveraging Google's powerful artificial intelligence tool, Gemini.

Google's innovative approach involves real-time detection of fraudulent activities while the scammer is still on the call. Once Gemini identifies suspicious wording or patterns during the conversation, an alert swiftly appears on the user's phone screen, warning them of a potential scam in progress. The example showcased at the event featured a prominent red pop-up window displaying a message like, "Likely scam: Banks will never ask you to move your money to keep it safe," accompanied by options to end or continue the call.

While the prospect of AI monitoring phone calls may raise concerns about privacy, Google reassures users that all detection processes occur locally on the device, safeguarding sensitive information. Although an official release date for the feature was not disclosed, ongoing testing indicates Google's commitment to refining and perfecting this essential tool for consumer protection.

This significant development aligns with the broader industry trend of integrating advanced fraud-detection mechanisms into telecommunications. Microsoft introduced a similar feature earlier, known as Azure Operator Call Protection, offering it as an option for mobile carriers to provide to subscribers.

Despite regulatory efforts and technological advancements, scam calls persist, plaguing phone users worldwide. Studies reveal that the average phone receives approximately 14 spam calls per month, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue. Moreover, scammers employ increasingly sophisticated tactics, including AI-generated celebrity voices, to deceive unsuspecting victims.

In response to this escalating threat, regulatory bodies such as the Federal Communications Commission have taken decisive action to combat illegal robocalls. In February, the FCC ruled that AI-generated scam calls, including those impersonating public figures like Taylor Swift or President Joe Biden, are illegal, empowering states to pursue legal action against perpetrators.

As technology evolves, so too must our strategies for combating fraud. Google's pioneering efforts in real-time scam detection represent a crucial step forward in protecting consumers from the pervasive threat of telephone scams. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we can mitigate risks and empower individuals to safeguard their financial well-being in an increasingly digital world.

NEWS REF SOURCE https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/google-announces-it-will-monitor-phone-calls-in-real-time-for-scam-alerts/

[bologoday]

PW witnesses 100% surge in online business at the onset of academic year 2024- 25

Gurgaon, 19th March 2024: Physics Wallah (PW), India’s leading edtech platform, has witnessed over 100% growth in its online business for the academic year 2024-25, highlighting the increasing demand for quality online education in the country.

This achievement underscores the belief that online education, driven by increased internet penetration, widespread adoption of mobile phones, and personalized learning approaches, has democratized access to quality education in India, transcending geographical and socio-economic barriers.

This was also evident during PW’s annual flagship event, Vishwas Diwas, on February 28, being held for the past three years. This marks the start of the upcoming academic year for major exam categories and assists the company in gauging the trajectory of the year ahead. PW witnessed a remarkable 200,000+ enrollments, resulting in more than Rs 100 crore surge in revenue within a mere 12 days from the start of Vishwa Diwas. PW has witnessed 100% year-on-year growth in online business for the upcoming academic year.

As of today, there are over 27 lakh students enrolled in paid batches on the PW app and over 4.2 crore students on its YouTube channels, spanning nearly 98% pin codes in India. PW has the biggest online classrooms in India, and the average size of mega batches ranges from 50,000 to 1 lakh. PW has conducted largest mega live classroom sessions with up to 127,000 attendees at one time, marking the largest live lecture it has ever held.

These numbers are a testament to the bright future of online education in India. Those with strong fundamentals will continue to thrive in the coming years. As per a report by Statista, the internet penetration rate in India went up to nearly 50% in 2023* while the smartphone penetration rate in India reached close to 71% in 2023**, indicating a large addressable market and the significant potential for online learning, especially in areas where traditional brick-and-mortar education cannot reach due to heavy capital expenditure and teacher shortages. Moreover, with a rising number of students taking board and competitive exams annually, there is also a clear indication of the expanding scope for PW’s addressable market.

Physics Wallah (PW) Founder and CEO Alakh Pandey said, “It is crucial to prioritize academics and continuously improve products based on student feedback, keeping them at the core of the company’s mission. A demonstration of this commitment is our launch of the AI education suite ‘AI Guru,’ which has captured the attention of over 1.5 million students in less than 2 months, highlighting the scalability and potential of online education. Furthermore, online learning has transcended geographical barriers, reaching even the most remote corners of the country, driven by tangible outcomes. The objective is to empower students across the bottom 80% of the socioeconomic pyramid. With increasing internet connectivity in rural areas, online learning is poised to become a vital source of education.”

Through its affordable courses, PW has opened avenues for students, especially in rural areas from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to prepare for 30+ competitive exams like JEE and NEET, UPSC, Gate, State exams, and many others. PW has showcased one of the best results in various exam categories. In this year’s JEE Mains results, out of 50,000 students who scored above the 95 percentile, 12,000 were PW students. In GATE & NDA , PW produced AIR 1, while SSC JE bagged AIR 3,4 and 6. PW produced outstanding results in CSIR, CLAT, MBA, and many other exam categories, underscoring the shift towards outcome-oriented online education.

Meanwhile, PW also saw a 5-fold growth in online courses in vernacular languages, signifying progress towards an all-encompassing and interlinked digital future.

For more such News Kindly Check blogoday.com

ALAKH PANDEYINDIA’S LEADING EDTECH PLATFORMONLINE BUSINESSPHYSICS WALLAH (PW)

[diginfoplus]

OnePlus Unveils OnePlus Watch 2: A Comprehensive Look Ahead of MWC 2024

OnePlus has given tech enthusiasts an exclusive look at its upcoming product, the OnePlus Watch 2, which will be officially unveiled at the much-awaited Mobile World Congress (MWC) conference in Barcelona. This marks a significant return to the smartwatch space for the Chinese tech giant after a notable three-year hiatus. Promising an impressive feature set, OnePlus boldly claimed that the OnePlus Watch 2 will offer an impressive battery life of up to 100 hours with its innovative ‘Smart Mode’. Highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, the OnePlus Watch 2 is poised to redefine the standard in smartwatch technology (diginfplus). Offering a combination of style and functionality, OnePlus announced that the device features a sleek stainless steel body, complemented by an elegant sapphire crystal dial, ensuring durability and timeless elegance. OnePlus Watch 2 is available in two attractive colors, Black Steel and Radiant Steel, to make a bold fashion statement.

Despite OnePlus’ tantalizing teases, there are some key details that have yet to be revealed. The pertinent question in the minds of technology enthusiasts is whether the OnePlus Watch 2 will run on Google’s Wear OS platform or will it be launched with its own operating system and this makes this device We are raising our expectations even further. Moreover, the OnePlus Watch 2’s pricing strategy remains a secret, so consumers are eagerly awaiting further announcements. For more tech updates and insights, visit diginfoplus regularly.

Compare the OnePlus Watch 2 to its predecessor, the original OnePlus Watch, which was launched in 2021 with a price of $159 and a battery life of 1–2 weeks. However, because they run on their own operating systems, they have blurred the line between traditional smartwatches and fitness trackers. Despite this difference, OnePlus Watch 2’s expected 100-hour battery life sets a new benchmark for the industry, surpassing industry giants like Apple, Google, and Samsung, which typically have 1–2 day battery life. Outperforms many competing smartwatches.

When it comes to battery life, the OnePlus Watch 2 emerges as the frontrunner, outperforming the competition with an impressive 100 hours (diginfplus) of battery life. Among the Wear OS watches we reviewed, the TicWatch 5 Pro has an impressive battery life of 80 hours in power-saving mode, making it a strong competitor to the OnePlus Watch 2. Brands like Garmin and Amazfit also claim comparable battery life on their respective smartwatches, despite running on proprietary operating systems with limited app support.

OnePlus enthusiasts can expect a wealth of exciting announcements and insights about his OnePlus Watch 2 as it gears up for its big reveal at Mobile World Congress. The OnePlus Watch 2 announcement is scheduled for Monday, February 26th, right after OnePlus recently launched the OnePlus 12 and 12R smartphones. Reviews from respected colleagues, including Andrew Lanxon, praised the excellent battery life of his new OnePlus phones, raising expectations for the OnePlus Watch 2.

For the latest updates and comprehensive coverage of the OnePlus Watch 2 and other cutting-edge tech innovations, visit https://www.diginfoplus.com/ frequently to stay ahead of the curve.

[govindhtech]

Latest Samsung Galaxy S24 Updates Gives Users More Options

Galaxy S24 Updates

Samsung wants to enable you to communicate without boundaries, unleash your creativity, and increase productivity with Galaxy AI. That’s exactly what early adopters of the Galaxy S24 series are going through, though individual users’ requirements differ.

Samsung intends to implement advanced hardware and software integration to enable improved options and experiences across the device display and camera in an upcoming update, based on your feedback. Continue reading to find out more about the Galaxy S24 updates and how to use them to upgrade your gadget.

Customize the Way You Watch

Users of Galaxy smartphones have different tastes in displays for their mobile devices. Samsung adjusted the Galaxy S24 series display to provide a more personalized and natural viewing experience because of this. You can now enjoy a more vibrant display by adjusting the “Vividness” option under display “Advanced settings”.

Record Every Second as It Occurs

The Galaxy S24 series further optimizes important camera functions, building on the industry-leading camera experience that the Galaxy S series has long been known for. They have improved every aspect of the camera experience, including the zoom features, Portrait Mode, Nightography, and the ability to record videos with the device’s rear camera, among other things.

Language Barrier-Free Communication

Samsung intends to keep working toward Its objective of enabling barrier-free communication for everybody.

Samsung is devoted to hearing from you, and they will keep developing Galaxy technology to further their goals and open up new avenues for the future.

The first updates will be released in February.

FAQS

Will Samsung S24 have SD card slot?

The quick response is “no.” MicroSD card slots are absent from Samsung Galaxy S24 models, which include the S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra. This is not a novel development, as Samsung did not previously incorporate an SD card slot into its flagship Galaxy S series models prior to the Galaxy S20.

Will Samsung S24 have SD card slot?

The quick response is “no.” MicroSD card slots are absent from Samsung Galaxy S24 models, which include the S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra. This is not a novel development, as Samsung did not previously incorporate an SD card slot into its flagship Galaxy S series models prior to the Galaxy S20.

How much will the Galaxy S24 cost?

The 8GB RAM/128GB storage model of the Galaxy S24 starts at $800, while the 8GB RAM/256GB storage model costs $860. There are several ways to reduce the cost. But you might also consider the recently released OnePlus 12, which is available for the same price.

Will Samsung make an S24?

With its launch on January 31, the Galaxy S24 offers a first look at Samsung’s plans for generative AI in mobile devices. However, the Galaxy S24 series is only one of the significant new mobile devices that we anticipate the Korean tech giant releasing in 2024; they will all probably incorporate AI in some capacity.

Does the S24 Ultra have AI?

The 50MP 5x high resolution magnification and up to 10x optical quality can be achieved with the S24 Ultra’s zoom by integrating new telephoto hardware with AI.

What’s the difference between S24 and S24 Ultra?

The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a 6.7-inch screen, while the standard S24 has a 6.2-inch screen. Both models are 0.1 inches larger than their S23 equivalents. With 6.8 inches, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is still the biggest. The S24 series is not only larger but also brighter, with peak brightness levels reaching 2,600 nits.

What is the Galaxy AI?

The launch of Samsung’s Galaxy AI was among the most significant announcements made at the 2024 Galaxy Unpacked event. With the help of this innovative new technology, you can carry artificial intelligence in your palm. Every phone in the Samsung Galaxy S24 series has access to it. That’s not a wholly original idea.

Which phones will get Galaxy AI?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 series, which includes the Galaxy S23 FE, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series, will get the Galaxy AI features that older phones can support. For now, that’s all there is to know about Galaxy AI.

Which is the first AI smartphone?

With the goal of transforming how people interact with the world through emerging technology, Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy S24 series, the first smartphone with artificial intelligence.

Is Galaxy AI free?

Until the end of 2025, Samsung intends to offer Galaxy AI features for free; however, there may be additional fees for AI features provided by third parties. Smartphone genAI features have the potential to significantly alter how users interact with their devices and can be monetized to bring in extra money for services.

How does Galaxy AI work?

In order to preserve privacy, Samsung Galaxy AI processes data locally on devices rather than relying on the cloud. It guarantees end-to-end hardware security, user control, and compliance with privacy laws. It is primarily available on the Galaxy S24 lineup.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[chorusfm]

Liner Notes (February 3rd, 2024)

The first newsletter of February is here. Some thoughts on music, entertainment, and other random stuff. This week’s supporter Q&A post can be found here. If you’d like this newsletter delivered to your inbox each week (it’s free and available to everyone), you can sign up here. A Few Things * Last weekend, I had some time to work on fixing embeds on the website. I rolled out a new feature for our forum where members can pick whether they want to have automatic embeds. And there’s an option to disable them on mobile devices. With the feature on, which I now highly recommend on mobile, you can still tap/click to view an embed in a post, but they don’t load automatically. With this feature on and ads disabled, the forum is extremely fast. I’ve had it on (for mobile) all week and have noticed a massive difference. I have two other, relatively minor, projects to work on next, and then the big one: moving this newsletter completely off Substack. * A few years ago I bought a bunch of these NFC tags when the iPhone introduced the feature. I never found a great use for them, but I liked playing around with the feature and how it integrated into Shortcuts. This week, I finally found a fun use for one. I put one in the bedroom closet, and now, when I wake up and go to get dressed, I can set my phone on it. The automation will wake up my scale, turn on the kitchen light for coffee making, and turn on my office and desk lights and set them to the correct brightness and temperature: minor things, but a collection of events I do every single morning. In Case You Missed It * Review: Incubus – A Crow Left Of The Murder… * Hot Hot Heat End Reunion Early * Spanish Love Songs / Oso Oso Announce Tour * LCD Soundsystem Announces New Tour * Knocked Loose Announce Tour * Jesse Rutherford Starts Hardcore Band * Liner Notes (January 27th, 2024) * States of Nature – “Papered News” (Video Premiere) * Blink-182 Reach 15 Weeks at Number One * Albums in Stores – Feb 2nd, 2024 Music Thoughts * This week had me on a fun New Found Glory kick at the gym. Their faster pop-punk albums are perfect gym music and the two podcast episodes breaking down their biggest hits inspired the discog dive. I still haven’t been able to get into their latest full-length, but the EP on the deluxe version is fantastic. I’ve also really come around on Radiosurgery and that entire album has found a resurgent life for me these past couple of years. Resurrection is still easily at the bottom for me, but Makes Me Sick and the live release are a blast to revisit. * Paramore’s cover of “Burning Down the House” is awesome. Just a perfect spin on the song with Paramore’s After Laughter flair and Hayley knocking the vocals way out of the park. It’s up there with my favorite vocal performances from her, for sure. * The Young Hearts’ new album, Somewhere Through the Night, came out in late December during the holiday music lull, so I never actually wrote about it here in the newsletter—time to rectify that. If you like bands like The Gaslight Anthem, The Menzingers, and Cold Years, but with a little more pop-punk flavor thrown on top, this is absolutely worth checking out. I can see this getting a lot of play this upcoming spring and summer. * Dave Hause re-worked a bunch of old Loved Ones songs to fit more in with his solo singer-songwriter sound, and the outcome is pretty great. They were great songs before, and they’re also great songs in this format. * I didn’t spend enough time last year with Noah Kahan’s album, Stick Season. I knew it blew up, but I couldn’t find the right mood for it to latch onto me. It turns out cold January nights work a lot better. There are a few places where I get Andy from Manchester Orchestra vibes with the vocals, and the songs pack an emotional punch in the gray doldrums of late winter. * Emily Wolfe’s The Blowback is one I flat-out missed last year but caught on someone’s end-of-the-year list and added to my listen list playlist. An… https://chorus.fm/features/articles/liner-notes-february-3rd-2024/

[hellojijoejoshi-blog]

OnePlus 12: A Sneak Peek into the Upcoming Flagship Phone

Rumors and leaks surrounding OnePlus's next-generation flagship phone, likely to be called the OnePlus 12, have been gaining significant attention. The latest leak provides insights into its camera upgrade, along with other anticipated specifications and a potential launch timeline. Let's delve into the details. https://twitter.com/heyitsyogesh/status/1661599473687052289?ref_src=twsrctfwtwcamptweetembedtwterm1661599473687052289twgre087b7318a5c1ae98b5948963222ba15c7ea2940twcons1_&ref_url=httpsbeebom.comoneplus-12-specs-launch-timeline-leaked Unveiling the OnePlus 12 Specs Noted tipster Yogesh Brar has shared some details about the successor to the OnePlus 11 in a recent tweet. While it's not a comprehensive spec sheet, it offers a glimpse into what we can expect. According to the leak, the OnePlus 12 is rumored to be powered by the yet-to-be-announced Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile platform, codenamed 'SM8650.' This aligns with the fact that the OnePlus 11 utilizes a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, indicating a plausible upgrade. The display specifications are expected to remain unchanged, featuring a 6.7-inch QHD+ OLED screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Camera Upgrades: A Boost in Photography Capabilities The OnePlus 12 is anticipated to showcase notable advancements in its camera setup. The leak suggests a 50MP primary camera sensor, accompanied by a 50MP ultra-wide lens. Additionally, an exciting addition might be a 64MP periscope lens, enhancing the phone's zooming capabilities. This puts the OnePlus 12 in direct competition with other flagship devices like the Pixel 7 Pro and the Samsung S23 Ultra. It's worth noting that earlier rumors also mentioned the possibility of a periscope lens. OnePlus's ongoing collaboration with Hasselblad indicates that further improvements might be made to the camera tuning, ensuring impressive photography experiences. Launch Timeline: A Glimpse into OnePlus 12's Arrival As for the launch timeline, the OnePlus 12 is expected to debut in China in December. A global launch could potentially follow in early 2024. To provide some context, the OnePlus 11 was released in China in January, followed by a global and Indian launch in February. Therefore, there is a possibility that the OnePlus 12 may arrive slightly earlier than its predecessor. Continuation of Key Features: Battery and Fast Charging The OnePlus 12 is rumored to retain some features from its predecessor. It might come equipped with a 5,000mAh battery and support 100W SuperVOOC fast charging, ensuring efficient power management and quick charging capabilities. However, details regarding the RAM+Storage configurations, design, and pricing are yet to be unveiled, leaving OnePlus enthusiasts eagerly awaiting further information. Read the full article

[latestmarketreport]

TFT LCD Display Modules Market 2024: Historical Development and Current Market Situation in the World

8 February 2019: TFT LCD Display Modules Market is subject to witness a substantial growth due to the growing popularity of LCD displays, declining cost of the product, and shifting consumer preferences towards compact size & weight of display devices. TFT LCD display modules offer advantages such as low power consumption, compact size, reduced weight, portability and superior performance. These factors are expected to dive market growth in the upcoming years. However, growing competition in the market, complexity involved during manufacturing processes, and introduction of other technologies such as Low Temperature Poly-Silicon (LTPS), Digital Light Processing (DLP), and Color Filter (CF) are restraining market growth to a certain extent.

The technological advancements in the electronic manufacturing sector coupled with development of novel products & techniques such as compact LCD glass substrates with reduced thickness are expected to fuel market demand of TFT LCD display modules in the upcoming years. Increasing investment by industry participants for research & development of TFT LCD display modules to gain competitive edge over their counterparts is propelling market growth further. Globally, the TFT LCD display modules market is predicted to generate massive revenue in the forecast period, providing numerous opportunities for market players to invest in development of the TFT LCD display modules market.

Ask for detailed info @ https://www.millioninsights.com/industry-reports/tft-lcd-display-modules-market/request-sample

 Thin film transistors (TFT) is commonly known as an active-matrix LCD, which is complemented with higher image-quality transistor, in which each transistor is assigned to a pixel. This illuminates the display by allowing an easy view within the bright surroundings. These transistors are manufactured using a variety of semiconductor materials. Applications of the TFT LCD display modules include various electronic devices like mobile phones, TVs, laptops, desktops, and other handheld display devices. These factors are predicted to foster the expansion of TFT LCD display modules market in the near future.

The market is divided by region as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Africa. North America has shown a major growth in recent years owing to the rise in the implementation of latest technologies in electronic manufacturing sector, shifting trend towards thin-film display devices, and existence of well-established industrial infrastructure in the region. Asia-Pacific region is predicted to hold major market share in the TFT LCD display modules market with massive growth in forecast period.

Countries such as India, China, Japan and Singapore are leading the Asia-Pacific market with rapid industrialization, vast consumer base, strong economic growth, increasing per capita income, and significant investment by leading industry players considering potential growth opportunities in the region.

The key players in the TFT LCD display modules market are AU Optronics Co., Samsung Display Solutions, Innolux Co., LG Display Co., Sintek Photronic Co., InfoVision Optoelectronics Co., Ltd., Sharp Co., Panasonic Co., CPT Co., and BOE Technology Group Co.

 For More info Visit @ https://www.millioninsights.com/industry-reports/tft-lcd-display-modules-market

[rickhorrow]

15 + 5 + 5 To Watch : 21119

15 TO WATCH/5 SPORTS TECH/POWER OF SPORTS 5: RICK HORROW’S TOP SPORTS/BIZ/TECH/PHILANTHROPY ISSUES FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 11 with Jacob Aere

As we head to Charlotte for the NBA’s annual All Star bash, the league’s just-announced $1 billion licensing deal is really about building the next generation of NBA fans. According to JohnWallStreet, Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) will pay the NBA (and the NBAPA) up to $1.1 million - more than twice the value of the expiring deal – over the next seven years, for the rights to use team logos and player likeness’ in its popular 2K game. As of November, NBA 2K19 was the best-selling sports game of 2018 and third best-selling overall. The global licensing rights extension includes NBA2K Mobile and the free-to-play games (in China only) NBA2K Online and NBA2K Online2, games with a combined 40 million users. Video game licensing rights are calculated based on a percentage of product sales, typically 10%-15%, and NBA2K posted a franchise sales record in 2018 of 10 million units sold. So TTWO’s rising costs are a product of the title’s success more than anything else. Competitor Electronic Arts Inc., which publishes NBA Live, will be stretched to move forward with a rights fees increase on their next deal, but the company won’t pay anywhere close to the same amount as TTWO because they’re not generating equal revenue. The current best way to reach a young fan base is through video games, as the NBA shows that it well knows.

Turner Sports sold out of its available ad units for NBA All-Star weekend coverage in "record time, closing out the last bit" about three weeks ago, according to AdAge. Turner Sports executive vice president of ad sales Jon Diament did not disclose the "unit costs he was able to command for the three nights of All-Star programming," but the weekend is one of Turner's "most lucrative events outside of the NBA and MLB playoffs and March Madness." AdAge noted among the "top spenders" for this year's All-Star Game, which takes place February 17 in Charlotte, are official NBA sponsors such as State Farm, Kia, McDonald's, Beats, and Gatorade. Tech companies including Apple, Microsoft, Google, and movie studios are also major backers of the game, including Warner Bros., a corporate sibling of Turner, Disney, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, and Annapurna. AdAge concluded Super Bowl LIII was "notably light on movie spots," and it is "likely that many of the upcoming films fans expected to see featured" will pop up during the NBA All-Star Game – especially since the Oscars air one week later.

Prior to its formal kickoff this past weekend, the Alliance of American Football finalized its lineup of media partners, announcing that NFL Network entered a multi-year programming deal that will include live event coverage of The Alliance’s inaugural season. NFL Network debuted their Alliance coverage with The Salt Lake Stallions at The Arizona Hotshots on February 10, and will carry two games per week in primetime on Saturday and Sunday night going forward. They join the previously announced deal with Turner’s TNT and Bleacher Report Live along with a partnership with CBS Sports that saw the broadcast network serve up the league’s debut game on February 9 as well as the championship game from Las Vegas on April 27. Meanwhile, one regular-season Alliance game will also run exclusively on CBS Sports Network each week. The next few weeks will provide a key barometer for gauging America’s seemingly endless appetite for football, and a litmus test for the XFL, kicking off in 2020.

AEG Facilities and SMG agree to a landmark merger. AEG Facilities and SMG are merging, with the new venue management combination to be called ASM Global. According to SportsBusiness Daily, the new standalone company will be based in Los Angeles, manage a combined 310 venues, and have approximately 50,000 employees, likely making it the largest building operator in the world. “It's an opportunity to really marry complementary businesses that have complementary strengths, complementary geographies,” AEG Facilities President Bob Newman said. AEG and SMG’s parent company Onex will each have a 50% stake in ASM Global. Newman said SMG is bringing approximately 240 venues it manages worldwide to the merger; AEG oversees 70 facilities. AEG's stable includes the Barclays Center and Prudential Center, while SMG manages the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, State Farm Stadium, and Soldier Field, among others. Newman will become ASM’s president and CEO. He previously worked at SMG as a regional Vice President. SMG President and CEO Wes Westly will take join the new company’s board of directors after the merger. Among the obvious Accounting 101 economies of scale, this new agreement should be a boon to current regional sponsors looking to take their messaging nationwide.

Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and ISM Connect will deploy over 350 smart displays across 25 minor league ballparks in advance of the 2019 season as part of a six-year agreement. The national technology and media firm will bring new display technology and content to each team to help modernize the fan experience. Teams will now be equipped with audience measurement capabilities, delivering fan engagement data from an audience of nearly 50 million fans in near real-time. Along with Allegiant, the network’s naming rights partner, the network will feature other national partners to share their stories and reach an engaged audience. "The Allegiant Airline Network creates a compelling opportunity for brands and sponsors to reach a geographically diverse set of passionate local baseball fans," says Kent Heyman, ISM Connect CEO. "Minor League Baseball consistently ranks as the most family friendly sport in America, and the Allegiant Airline Network will modernize the fan experience at local parks.” Leveraging ISM's content management system, teams will be able to produce, schedule, and manage targeted consumer marketing and custom branded content. ISM also plans to work directly with each team to create targeted launch events, build local programming, and sell available inventory to potential partners. This new digital platform will boost fan engagement for all MiLB clubs involved as well as create new business opportunities.  

In New York, legislators are at a standstill on whether bettors in the state should be allowed to bet using a mobile device. Current New York law states that "an operator shall accept wagers on sports events only from persons physically present in the sports wagering lounge." However, the servers where mobile bets are received are housed in the casinos, so legislators in favor of mobile betting are arguing that that’s the same thing.  New York is an important test case that could set precedent for every other state. However, the state’s relatively small footprint and the millions of commuters coming in each day from New Jersey, Connecticut, and elsewhere create a fairly unique dilemma, thanks to the Wire Act. That law was originally created to stop mob members from betting on rigged sporting events from across the country, and prevents gamblers from placing bets across state lines. Even if you establish a legitimate sports betting account with a New York casino, you will not be able to place bets on your phone from your home in New Canaan.

Speaking of Connecticut, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has revealed that a new tournament in China will replace the Connecticut Open on its 2019 calendar. According to SportsPro, operators of the Connecticut Open, which had featured on the global women’s tennis circuit for the past 21 years, have sold the tournament’s Premier WTA sanction to APG, a sports and entertainment company that will stage an event in Zhengzhou in September. The decision to scrap the Connecticut Open was taken after the tourney’s financial model became unviable without a title sponsor. The event was the third-best attended WTA competition in 2018 and generated more than $10 million annually in economic impact for the city of New Haven and the state of Connecticut. The Zhengzhou Open, one of 20 WTA events in the Asia-Pacific region this year, is scheduled to take place in the week following the U.S. Open and will offer $1 million in prize money in 2019 and $1.5 million in 2020. The move will also see the construction of a new tennis facility in Zhengzhou, which will include an 8,000-seater stadium and is expected to be ready in time for 2020. The WTA has also renewed its global partnership with Porsche, which will remain the WTA’s exclusive automotive partner and the WTA Finals in Shenzhen.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed center Auston Matthews to a five-year contract extension that will pay the 21-year-old superstar $58.7 million through 2024. According to Axios Sports, the average annual value of the contract is $11.634 million, which is second in the league behind Conor McDavid's $12.5 million. Matthews' teammate John Tavares is now third at $11 million. An insane 93% of the contract is made up of signing bonuses, effectively making it lockout-proof. The year by year breakdown looks like this: Years 1–2: $15.2 million signing bonus; $700,000 salary. Year 3: $9.7 million signing bonus; $750,000 salary. Years 4–5: $7.2 million signing bonus; $750,000 salary. According to a U.S.-Canada tax treaty, as a U.S. resident, Matthews' signing bonus ($54.5 million) is taxed at just 15%, while his salary ($3.65 million) is taxed at 54%. This contract structure could therefore also save Matthews tens of millions of dollars in taxes. 

The PGA Tour announced that three-time Grammy Award winner Darius Rucker signed on to become the organization’s first formal brand ambassador. Rucker will take on a larger role across PGA Tour-owned channels, with fans able to see Rucker appear more frequently as a commentator on PGA Tour Live, across PGA Tour digital channels, and in-person at PGA Tour events. In addition, the PGA Tour will share the stage with Rucker on his newly announced Hootie & The Blowfish Group Therapy Tour via a custom branded vintage T-shirt and hat line launching in conjunction with the partnership. The connection between the music industry and the NBA has long been documented, with dozens of NBA players recording original tunes and forging relationships with record labels. The Rucker-PGA Tour tie up is a first for golf – unless you count the likes of Vince Gill, Kenny G, and Jake Owen, long low handicap fixtures on the celebrity golf tournament circuit.

Kantar Media’s preliminary estimate for in-game spending for Super Bowl LIII is $382 million, the third-largest ever, after 2017 and 2018. Ads accounted for 23% of the CBS broadcast, with 49 minutes, 45 seconds of national commercial time from paying sponsors, the NFL, and CBS-owned networks. Anheuser Busch InBev was the top spender, ponying up $59 million. Further, Super Bowl LIII drew a Total Audience Delivery of 100.7 million viewers, across all platforms including CBS Television Network, CBS Interactive, NFL digital properties, Verizon Media mobile properties, and ESPN Deportes television and digital properties, according to Nielsen. The game was watched on CBS in all or part by 149.0 million people. Streaming coverage set viewership records, streaming across 7.5 million unique devices, up 20% from last year. Viewers consumed more than 560 million total minutes of live game coverage, up 19% from last year. While the Super Bowl is still an obvious juggernaut, last year’s game drew 103.4 million viewers on NBC alone. 

NBC Sports Group has partnered with Rory McIlroy to launch GolfPass, a direct-to-consumer subscription service that bundles together the offerings of several of the company’s other golf and travel-related subscription programs while also providing on-demand instructional videos. McIlroy is the centerpiece of four original on-demand video series, which range from docu-series content to standard instructional pieces.  McIlroy unveiled the service on "The Tonight Show" last week, but earlier yesterday told SportsBusiness Daily he thinks it will help “bring the game of golf into the 21st century.” GolfPass is priced at $9.99 per month or $99 per year. McIlroy will sport the GolfPass logo on his bag starting next week at the PGA Tour Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club in Brentwood, California. America’s second largest media market is a not too shabby stage to debut the new deal.

Acura has acquired the title sponsorship of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, replacing a longtime deal with Toyota that ended last year. Terms of the Acura deal are not being disclosed, but sources said it is in the low seven figures annually and is for multiple years. Acura confirmed it will represent its single largest marketing expenditure in motorsports. The Grand Prix on April 12-14 includes an NTT IndyCar Series race, IMSA race, other lower-level races, and an automotive expo. Acura VP and GM Jon Ikeda said that Honda's luxury brand bought the entitlement because it has been pushing into racing both with its car designs and a new IMSA program in recent years, “and this seemed like the next logical step for us.” Moreover, Honda and Acura are based in nearby Torrance, and Acura has 20 dealerships in Southern California. Ikeda said that Honda decided to have its luxury brand take the title partnership because Honda already has a strong brand association with the event thanks to its IndyCar teams winning many races there. Even if Acura doesn’t have a car in the Long Beach street race, it’s clearly a winner.

Lindsey Vonn is retiring from competitive skiing following the FIS World Championships. But she “won’t disappear from Under Armour’s roster of athletes anytime soon,” according to the Baltimore Sun. Vonn has been one of UA’s “most visible faces" and is the brand's “longest standing athlete endorser, having signed with the brand at age 16.” UA Senior Vice President of Global Communication and Entertainment Diane Pelkey said Vonn and the brand “have some special things planned” moving forward. Vonn’s many setbacks were at the "heart of the Under Armour ‘Unlike Any’ women’s campaign she anchored last year. Outside magazine’s Gordy Megroz wrote “It’s fairly safe to say that no ski racer has ever been as famous as Vonn, and her walks down the red carpet at major events like the Oscars, photo spreads in magazines like Sports Illustrated and Vogue, and high-profile relationships, helped bring more fans to an otherwise niche sport.” And the AP notes Vonn’s spotlight “only increased" with her dating the likes of Tiger Woods and Predators D P.K. Subban.” Vonn walks away from competition with a final bronze medal, a hefty business portfolio, and perhaps, a second career in Hollywood.

FIFA President Infantino running unopposed for reelection. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is "set to serve four more years as the leader of soccer's governing body," as he is the "only candidate for election," according to the Associated Press. Infantino was first elected in February, 2016. FIFA and Qatar, the hosts of the 2022 World Cup, have also announced the formation of a joint venture responsible for the planning and delivery of the tournament. According to SportsPro, the new entity, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, is 51% owned by FIFA and 49% by the local organizing committee. In a statement, FIFA claimed that the creation of the joint venture – the first time FIFA has entered into such a relationship with a local organizing committee – would help streamline the operational side of organizing its flagship international tournament. The joint venture is set to focus on the event delivery, while a Qatari government body will continue to manage the development of the new infrastructure as well as the tournament’s various legacy programs. The move gives FIFA a greater measure of control over the delivery of its own event, and potentially bolster the body’s ability to alter the tournament’s format.

A bill introduced by California state Senator Nancy Skinner would allow college athletes to "get compensated for sponsorship opportunities," according to the Sacramento Bee. Under the bill, dubbed the "Fair Pay to Play Act," college athletes from California’s 24 public colleges and universities "would be able to make money 'as a result of the student’s name, image, or likeness.'" The universities would be "prohibited from taking away scholarships from students who choose to pursue those opportunities." Skinner said that it is "not her intent to have universities directly pay the athletes beyond scholarships." Rather, she wants students to get a "larger piece of the pie by profiting off of their skills." Skinner's proposal comes less than a month after Washington state representative Drew Stokesbary introduced a bill to allow college athletes to be paid by sponsors or companies seeking their endorsements. The “Fair Pay to Play Act" proposal will attempt to force the NCAA’s hand and eventually shift the tide toward compensating collegiate athletes for their talents.

Tech Top Five

The Warriors have signed a Chase Center founding sponsorship deal with Google Cloud, marking the first pro sports team deal for the company. In addition to the founding partnership of the new $1 billion, 18,064-seat arena set to open this fall, Google Cloud also will be the official public cloud provider for the Warriors, a new category for the team. Financial terms of the deal were unknown. Under the agreement, the Warriors will collaborate with Google Cloud for analytics and machine learning on both the business and basketball sides of the franchise as well as becoming one of seven current founding partners in the new arena. The deal also covers additional traditional marketing assets including in-arena, radio, social media, and online activation. Though Chase Center will not open until September, the team has begun to work with Google Cloud on various fronts. Said Google Cloud Chief Marketing Officer Alison Wagonfeld, “We are already starting to work with them on using analytics on player performance.” Google Cloud joins Accenture, HPE, Pepsi, RingCentral, United Airlines, and naming rights partner Chase as founding partners of the new arena.

Overtime launches a platform to cover women’s basketball. The digitally-oriented sports network launched a new platform dedicated to covering the most exciting players in women’s basketball. According to SportsBusiness Journal, OvertimeWBB will cover everything from the top high school players to the best of the WNBA while building on the She Hoops Network which Overtime acquired last fall. OvertimeWBB will share players’ stories through digital short-form and mid-length series that capture the personalities and energy of the game. These stories will also be featured across Overtime’s distributed social media channels and will have former UConn assistant coach and journalist Chloe Pavlech leading the new platform’s charge. Women’s basketball is a growth sport in the U.S., and to be able to provide a single platform to capture all of women’s basketball content may give Overtime a head start in the burgeoning market.

The NBA and AT&T land a new partnership deal. The collaboration extends beyond the NBA by enhancing experiences for basketball fans in the WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League, and USA Basketball. According to wnba.com, the agreement kicks off at NBA All-Star 2019, where the tech company will sponsor AT&T’s Slam Dunk Contest. The NBA All-Star Practice and Media Day will preamble the All-Star game on the following day. The biggest part of the deal is that the basketball league and AT&T will explore ways to bring fans closer to the game through next-generation content experiences including 4K, virtual reality, mixed reality, and even 5G networks. After Verizon signed a multi-year deal with the NBA last year, the basketball league is going full blown to push its content on all delivery platforms in order to best grow its fan base and revenue around the globe. 

Intel is bringing 360-degree replay to the English Premier League. True View Technology is finding its way into use with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal in the next few weeks and, for the first time, will provide fans and broadcasters video-game style views of players and highlights. According to Fast Company, Intel places 38 5K cameras around each team’s stadium to capture volumetric data, height, width, and depth. Through this multiple capture, the technology platform renders the action in multi-perspective 3D video while advanced data processing reconstructs the action into content that can be viewed in 360 degrees. Unlike the NFL and MLB, the referees will not have access to the replay technology so the fans at home may indeed have more insight into the on-field calls than those calling the game on-field. The Premier League expansion represents Intel’s latest move in trying to revolutionize how we watch sports after the company has already been broadcasting MLB games in VR and entered into VR deals with both the NBA and Spain’s La Liga.

The Sacramento Kings jump to the forefront of sports betting. The Kings have updated their “Call The Shot” game to closer mimic gambling. According to Action Network, the new edition is found through the team’s app and allows fans to wager hypothetical coins on top scorers and rebounders, amongst other basketball statistics during single quarters and for the game. The NBA’s official gambling partner, MGM sponsors the new Kings game in addition to the eight Wizards alternative betting broadcasts on NBCSports Washington. Meanwhile, a second-screen game can be played both at home or the arena and allows those at Golden 1 Center to receive additional coins and “power up” by taking pictures of MGM logos around the venue. It will be difficult to see states like California adopt sports gambling as tribes in the state worry that it will encroach on their betting territory. However, the eventual goal is that games like “Call The Shot,” which is categorized as a raffle due to a lack of cash prizes, will be integrated with live television broadcasts.

Power of Sports Five

The NBA and the Special Olympics come together for a slam dunk. The Special Olympics has selected 12 players to compete in the 8th Annual NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Sports Game as part of NBA All-Star 2019 on February 15. The game represents a 44-year global partnership between Special Olympics and the NBA and for the last eight years during NBA All-Star, the Unified Game pairs an equal number of Special Olympics athletes with NBA and WNBA players as well as NBA legends in a 40-minute game of inclusion and acceptance. According to specialolympics.org, this year’s Unified Game will feature 12 Special Olympics athletes representing seven countries, including athletes competing in Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and four athletes from the United States. The charity game is a friendly competition that continues to highlight underrepresented voices in the basketball world.

LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo chose the teams and charities for the NBA All-Star Game. According to wsoctv.com, the teams competing in the NBA All-Star Game will be competing for two local charities with the winner’s side receiving $350,000, and the loser’s $150,000. Team Giannis will play for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina that provides a regional distribution warehouse and branches to supply food and grocery items to charitable agencies, assisting people in need. Meanwhile, team LeBron opted for Right Moves for Youth Charlotte that provides school-based youth services with a group counseling model through a life skills curriculum. Although not a captain, the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry said that his foundation will renovate the basketball court at the Naomi Drenan Recreation Center in Charlotte to show support for his hometown. All of the great charity work for the NBA All-Star game is paramount this year after Hurricane Florence tore through much of the region less than half a year ago.

After winning the Super Bowl, Tom Brady shaved his beard for charity. According to the Brownsville Herald, the six-time Super Bowl champion got his playoff stubble shaved off at Gillette headquarters in Boston the Thursday following his big victory. Gillette donated $35,000 each to the Boys and Girls Club of South Boston, Best Buddies, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Additionally, Brady signed Patriots-branded Gillette razors, which will be auctioned for charity. After having run one of the most negatively-reviewed Super Bowl commercials in YouTube history, Gillette is trying to make amends within the NFL and larger American community to regain the trust of loyal fans and customers. Their Super Bowl commercial targeted the concept of toxic masculinity and the company has recently updated their campaign to focus on social issues while their signature tagline has gotten a facelift, now reading: “The best men can be.” Meanwhile Brady is basking in the glory of a sixth ring and helping the company give back to New England.

NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award nominee Kenny Stills is giving the money to Colin Kaepernick’s charity. According to Fox Sports, Stills has continued to kneel on the sideline during the national anthem to follow Kaepernick’s lead in protest of social injustice and has selected Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp as his charity of choice. The Miami Dolphins receiver will receive up to $50,000 from the NFL Foundation as a nominee and use the full amount to support the charity, which is a free campaign for youth to raise awareness on higher education, self-empowerment, and instruction to properly interact with law enforcement in various scenarios. Although Chris Long of the Philadelphia Eagles fittingly won the award and its accompanying donation, Stills is a reminder of Kaepernick’s work even after being absent from the league over the past two years.

In the wake of Frank Robinson’s death, the MVP’s family looks toward the National Civil Rights Museum. Baseball lost a great this past week when Robinson, the first ballot Hall of Famer, two-time MVP, and first black manager in MLB history passed away. According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Robinson's family has requested, that contributions in his memory be made to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis or the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. During his 21-year playing career he became the first black manager in MLB history in 1975, when the Cleveland Indians named him player-manager. He later managed San Francisco, Baltimore, and Montreal franchises before becoming the first manager of the Washington Nationals after the franchise moved for the 2005 season — he sits in the Nationals’ Ring of Honor. Later, Robinson spent several years working as an executive for MLB contributing toward the Civil Rights Game, advocacy for more minorities throughout baseball, and the creation of the Selig Rule, which directs teams to interview at least one minority candidate before hiring a new manager. In 2005, Robinson was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George W. Bush for all of his accomplishments.