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FDA Clears Novalung For Treatment Of Acute Respiratory And Cardiopulmonary Failure

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Fresenius Medical Care North America Announces First Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) System Cleared For Long-Term Use

Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Novalung®, a heart and lung support system for the treatment of acute respiratory or cardiopulmonary failure. Novalung is the first extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system to be cleared for more than six hours of use as extracorporeal life support.

“Novalung is a critical leap forward in providing heart and lung support therapy for a longer duration than ever available before,” said Mark Costanzo, President of Renal Therapies Group, the technologies and pharmaceuticals division of FMCNA. “We’ve applied our leadership and technical expertise in renal medical devices to elevate standards for acute respiratory and cardiopulmonary failure treatments and technologies. We’re proud to broaden our care offerings to provide new therapies for patients with acute cardiopulmonary conditions.”

Patients in acute respiratory or cardiopulmonary failure often struggle to get oxygen into their bloodstream or expel carbon dioxide out of their bodies, resulting in dangerously low levels of oxygen. This acute low oxygen state can result from a wide range of conditions. Recent research has shown a significant increase in the use of ECMO with evidence of improved survival rates and no increase in hospitalization costs.1

The Novalung ECMO system pumps and oxygenates a patient’s blood, reducing the stress on damaged heart and lungs. Additionally, Novalung offers an alternative to the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, which can cause additional lung injury as a result of the air pressure required. Novalung offers a portable therapy solution designed to improve clinical outcomes and accommodate various clinical care settings such as intensive care units, operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, and emergency departments.  

“A long-term, effective ECMO solution gives critically-ill patients the time and support needed to heal,” said Dr. Robert Bartlett, Professor Emeritus, Section of General Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine. “The system’s pressure sensor technology ensures continuous monitoring and accurate flow control of each patient’s blood, allowing the care team the flexibility needed to treat the underlying health issues.”

The use of Novalung as an ECMO device for critical care has several benefits, including minimizing the need for invasive ventilation, the ability to provide support after multi-organ injuries, and better survival outcomes for patients in cardiac arrest. This integrated heart and lung therapy platform provides the lifesaving support needed for patients in critical conditions.

FMCNA expects Novalung to be available within the U.S. mid-year 2020. To learn more, please visit fmcna.com/novalung.

INDICATIONS FOR USE

The Novalung System is indicated for long-term (>6 hours) respiratory/cardiopulmonary support that provides assisted extracorporeal circulation and physiologic gas exchange (oxygenation and CO2 removal) of the patient’s blood in adults with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent. These may include:

  • Failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass following cardiac surgery in adult patients
  • ECMO-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults

Caution: Federal (US) law restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician.

Note: Read the Instructions for Use for safe and proper use of these devices. For a complete description of hazards, contraindications, side effects, and precautions, see full package labeling at www.fmcna.com.  

 

About Fresenius Medical Care North America

Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA) is the premier healthcare company focused on providing the highest quality care to people with renal and other chronic conditions. Through its industry-leading network of dialysis facilities, outpatient cardiac and vascular labs and urgent care centers, Fresenius Medical Care North America provides coordinated healthcare services at pivotal care points for hundreds of thousands of chronically ill customers throughout the continent. As the world’s largest fully integrated renal company, it offers specialty pharmacy and laboratory services, and manufactures and distributes the most comprehensive line of dialysis equipment, disposable products and renal pharmaceuticals. For more information, visit the FMCNA website at https://fmcna.com.

 

Disclaimer
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

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Technology

Duke University And Leica Microsystems Establish Center Of Excellence In Microscopy

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Duke University and Leica Microsystems, Inc. have combined efforts to establish the Leica Microsystems Center of Excellence at Duke University Light Microscopy Core Facility. The new Center will support a mission to drive new discoveries and insights from scientific research performed using the imaging systems.

A signing ceremony will take place Wednesday afternoon, February 19, 2020, at 147 Nanaline Duke Building between Dr. Lawrence Carin, Duke’s Vice President for Research, and Greg Eppink, Leica Microsystems Americas General Manager of Microscopy. The Center of Excellence hosts several imaging systems, including cutting-edge stimulated emission depletion (STED) super-resolution and nanoscopy, and Deep in vivo Explorer (DIVE) multiphoton imaging, allowing researchers to capture images and video of the cellular and molecular processes of life.

“A scientist’s insight is only as good as their tools,” Carin said. “We’re very pleased to have this microscopy center on campus to help our investigators see ever deeper into the mysteries of life.”

“It’s very exciting to be able to advance into the future of scientific research in collaboration with a top-tier institution like Duke,” said Eppink. “With this agreement, we’re enabling researchers to push beyond boundaries of what can be visualized and quantified and fulfilling Leica Microsystems’ mission to provide unrivaled insight for our customers. We look forward to continuing this alliance for years to come.”

“Leica Microsystems actively seeks to collaborate with leading research institutions. Scientists at Duke are prominent leaders in the global scientific community and their dedication to advancing human knowledge of the life sciences is an inspiration,” said Douglas Spotts, Vice President and General Manager, Leica Microsystems Americas. “We are proud that they have chosen to collaborate with us on this road to discovery.”

The Center of Excellence will also provide valuable feedback necessary to drive innovation in software, systems and workflow solutions while informing the applications and advanced imaging and analysis techniques of tomorrow. This supports the Leica Microsystems leitmotif of “with the user, for the user,” established by Ernst Leitz I, the entrepreneur who led the business to world renown. For 170 years, Leica Microsystems has helped shape the future and continues to do so today with its latest digital innovations enabling new insights for research, medical, and industrial applications.

The opening ceremony for the Center of Excellence will begin at 3 p.m. in the auditorium at 147 Nanaline Duke, and then continue with a brief reception outside the Light Microscopy Core Facility, 337 Nanaline Duke, which will be the home of the Center for Excellence. Hands-on previews of the imaging systems will be available to researchers during the reception.

About Leica Microsystems

Leica Microsystems develops and manufactures microscopes and scientific instruments for the analysis of microstructures and nanostructures. Widely recognized for optical precision and innovative technology, the company is one of the market leaders in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy, confocal laser scanning and super-resolution microscopy with related imaging systems, electron microscopy sample preparation, and surgical microscopy.

Leica Microsystems has six major plants and product development sites located in Wetzlar and Mannheim (Germany), Vienna (Austria), Heerbrugg (Switzerland), Morrisville (USA), and Singapore. The company is represented in over 100 countries, has sales and service organizations in 20 countries, and an international network of distribution partners. Its headquarters are located in Wetzlar, Germany. Leica Microsystems is part of Danaher.

SOURCE Leica Microsystems

Education/ Technology

BusPatrol Technology To Be Used To Protect Chesapeake Children On Their Journey To And From School

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Chesapeake, Virginia School Buses To Be Outfitted With Safety Technology

BusPatrol is proud to announce a new partnership with Chesapeake Public Schools in Virginia that will make the journey to and from school safer for children that take the school bus. The contract for school bus safety technology was awarded to BusPatrol on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, and will include the use of Zonar smart fleet technology on more than the 500 school buses used every day in the Chesapeake area.

“We are thrilled to be implementing our SafetyTech solutions in Chesapeake,” says Jean Souliere, CEO of BusPatrol. “This will be the first community to benefit from our new exclusive partnership with Zonar that will allow parents and caretakers to be brought closer to kids as they travel to and from school. Zonar and BusPatrol integrate world-class fleet management with leading stop-arm enforcement to create the safest, most technologically enhanced school bus on the road.”

Over the next few months, every school bus in the Chesapeake fleet will be outfitted with the latest school bus safety technology. BusPatrol’s exclusive partnership with Zonar ensures that every Chesapeake Public School student riding the bus will be protected by a cutting edge suite of technology. In addition to stop-arm cameras, BusPatrol will install and implement sideload, interior and rearview cameras, as well as DVR, GPS, Telemetry and Cellular Connectivity technology. Ticket processing and program management will be handled by BusPatrol, all at no cost to the community.

“Ensuring that children are safely transported to and from school is a joint goal of Zonar and BusPatrol, said H. Kevin Mest, senior vice president and general manager of passenger services at Zonar. “Together, our goal is to mitigate the over 95,000 vehicles passing school buses illegally nationwide each day and are excited to see that schools like Chesapeake Public Schools are taking the matter as seriously as we do.”  

BusPatrol will be actively working with officials from Chesapeake Public Schools and local law enforcement to determine Route Planning, Redistricting, Fleet Maintenance, Real-time Analysis, and Financial Analytics to offer the safest and most cost-efficient method to transport students. BusPatrol will work with the community and use data to proactively mitigate safety risks that children face every day on busy Virginia roadways.

BusPatrol’s technology helps to correct motorist behavior by educating through enforcement. Through the use of SafetyTech, awareness can be increased and police can simultaneously be provided with additional resources to effectively apply the law.

For more information on BusPatrol, Zonar and the new partnership with Chesapeake Public Schools, please visit buspatrol.com

Introducing Series E

Featured/ Front Page/ Technology

Esports Arena To Launch A Semi-Professional Gaming Series; Expands Gaming Arenas In Supercenters To Eighteen Locations

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This New Esports Ecosystem, Called Esports Arena Series E, Debuts In May 2020 With Qualifiers Beginning February 6, 2020

Esports Arena is launching a first of its kind semi-professional gaming ecosystem, providing gaming contracts and sponsorships to forty individual competitors. This ecosystem, coined Esports Arena Series E, debuts May 2020 with qualifiers running February 6, 2020 through March 27, 2020. Additionally, Esports Arena will expand its footprint of competitive video gaming facilities in select supercenters, opening eleven new in-store arenas by April 2020 with the support of Xbox. This will bring the total to eighteen in-store arenas and two standalone facilities, all of which will be host locations for Esports Arena Series E.

The inaugural season of Esports Arena Series E will feature game titles Fortnite and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. All locations will have their own professional player in both game titles who will compete live across all twenty Esports Arenas throughout a 20-week series. Players contracted by Esports Arena will represent a premier brand, including: Cheez-It, G Fuel, Intel, MTN DEW® AMP® GAME FUEL®, Nerf, Pop Tarts, Pringles and Rice Krispies Treats.

“The announcement of Esports Arena Series E is the next step in providing opportunities for gamers to realize their potential and become a contracted professional within the Esports Arena ecosystem,” said Tyler Endres, CEO of Esports Arena. “Our national expansion provides accessibility to gamers throughout the United States who may otherwise not have competitive gaming opportunities.”

Weekly Series E matches will be streamed out of Esports Arena’s production facility and hosted on walmart.com/esportsarena. Arenas inside supercenters will provide high end gaming PC’s and consoles for use, and a specialty retail sales experience with the Esports Arena Pro Shop, which will carry top of the line gaming equipment and accessories as well as snacks and beverages.

For more information on the Esports Arena Series E, sponsorship opportunities and the list of Esports Arena locations visit esportsarena.com.

About Esports Arena, LLC
Esports Arena is the first dedicated esports facility in North America, opening in Orange County, California in 2015. Esports Arena is the world’s premier esports venue, community hub and production company hosting daily video game competitions, producing unique digital content while building and sustaining audiences over an extended period of time.

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Technology

NON-LETHAL PERSONAL PROTECTION IS GROWING BASED ON NEW TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTS LIKE HERO™ 2020

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HERO DEFENSE SYSTEMS LLC PRESENTS THE HERO™ 2020: THE NEW PROTECTION DEVICE YOU CAN CONCEAL AND CARRY.

Fifty years ago, Carl Hoernecke invented aerosol-based pepper spray, an innovation that has persisted as the go-to solution for non-lethal personal protection. Now the market is growing as innovative companies invest in advanced technologies and delivery systems to meet the demands of a widening audience.

The space is made up of an increasingly diverse audience. Historically consumers have supported pepper-spray related aerosol, making up the largest percentage of sales in the industry. Market research  estimates the value of these products reaching $67 million with a CAGR of 14.7% by 2025.

Professional groups use a wide selection of products on their uniforms including projectiles and sprays. Recent research indicates non-lethal purchases by law enforcement in the U.S. will exceed $10.2 Billion by 2025.

Non-lethal has become the choice for millions around the globe, driven by size, cost, and availability. HERO™ Defense Systems LLC is a new breed of manufacturer, producing high-tech personal self-defense weapons with advanced features and lifestyle considerations.

HERO™ 2020 Launches at Shot Show, the Largest Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Event in the U.S.

HERO® has successfully launched its first non-lethal product: HERO™ 2020. With patent pending, HERO™ 2020 is a compact, feature rich protection device. The dual shot device boasts two finger trigger, double-sided safety, 600 lumen LED stun light, laser assist, and innovative interchangeable cartridges. Cartridge options allow users to choose the best delivery format for every environment and includes non-active training options. This new approach to self-defense uses a powerful nitrogen power plant to deliver high-grade, lab tested active ingredients. HERO™ 2020 allows product customization and feature choices for international distributors.

“What started out as a simple idea has turned into a passion for people around the globe. We worked relentlessly on our designs, ergonomics, and new technologies to get people motivated and rethink protection for their families. Professionals like security guards, city police, first responders, and governmental agencies agreed they need better non-lethal options and HERO™ 2020 would be on their immediate product testing schedules.”
–  David Clemons, Co-Founder and CEO

HERO™ 2020 was met with enthusiasm at Shot Show, with industry leaders and consumers alike expressing excitement for the new product. Individuals and agencies from over 30 countries expressed an immediate need and interest to distribute.

HERO™ 2020 Wins Self Defense Product of the Year

This week American Outdoors awarded HERO™ 2020 the Shot Show Self Defense Product of the Year. “We were very impressed with the HERO™ 2020 and have named it our Shot Show Self Defense Product of the Year for 2020,” said Rogers. “We congratulate the team at HERO® for developing a safe and easy-to-use self-defense product. This will help protect citizens as they go about their daily lives.” 

HERO® Co-Founder and Partner David Clemons was proud to receive the award, reaffirming the company’s long-term vision for safety. HERO® allows people everywhere the option to carry a powerful non-lethal self-defense solution that fits their lifestyle. With a mission to train over a million people, HERO® aims to rebuild personal confidence and keep people safe by creating small, super-hero-like products designed to be effective and easy to use.

To learn more about HERO™ 2020 visit www.hero2020.com

 

Technology

Community College Innovation Challenge Invites Community College Students To Create Stem Solutions To Real-World Challenges

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Now in its fifth year, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF), has relaunched its national platform to advance student innovation and impact in STEM through the Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC). 

The CCIC is a prestigious competition where community college students, working with a faculty or administrator team mentor, use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to innovate solutions to real-world problems. Teams of two to four students will spend up to six months growing their proposal from a unique, game-changing idea into a Shark Tank-style business pitch for STEM industry leaders and feature their projects at a poster session for members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

“AACC is proud of our partnership with NSF,” said Walter G. Bumphus, president and CEO of AACC. “Our nation’s community colleges are leaders and innovators in STEM curriculum and education. They deliver technical education and training programs that provide opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship to meet growing workforce needs nationwide. This program showcases amazing students whose ideas illustrate the high level of innovation that happens at community colleges across the country.”

The competition fosters the development of students’ innovation, research and entrepreneurial skills. It also enables students to discover and demonstrate their capacity to use STEM to make a difference in the world and translate that knowledge into action. 

“The Community College Innovation Challenge is a national competition designed specifically to offer community college students a seat at the STEM innovation table,” added Ellen Hause, program director of Academic & Student Affairs at AACC. “We encourage students to submit their novel research and innovative ideas and look forward to working with the finalist teams to provide them the tools to make their ideas a reality.”

Given the rapid pace of technological advancement and the requirement of new skills sets to prepare for the future of work, students of today must be prepared to compete in an increasingly competitive and global market.

CCIC finalist teams will compete for cash awards and earn travel support to attend an Innovation Boot Camp in the Washington, D.C., metro area, where students interact with entrepreneurs and experts in business planning, stakeholder engagement, communication and marketplace dynamics.

AACC’s mission to build a nation of learners by advancing America’s community colleges aligns with the goals of the NSF’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program to prepare students for  meaningful employment in the high-technology fields that drive our nation’s economy. In 2015, the NSF funded the initial launch of CCIC alongside AACC. 

“NSF is committed to nurturing student talent across the U.S. in STEM and supporting the advancement of STEM careers,” said Karen Marrongelle, NSF assistant director for Education and Human Resources (EHR). “Community colleges are at the forefront of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education improvement in the U.S. and serve a broad diversity of learners. CCIC provides the opportunity for students to not only learn and showcase their innovative ideas, but to foster their entrepreneurial skills.”

All team submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on March 31, 2020. To learn more and apply, visit www.aaccinnovationchallenge.com.

About AACC
As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), delivers educational and economic opportunity for 12 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s nearly 1,000 member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all. https://www.aacc.nche.edu/

About NSF
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2020, its budget is $8.3 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 50,000 competitive proposals for funding and makes about 12,000 new funding awards. https://www.nsf.gov/

 

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Breaking News/ Technology/ Texas

Lockheed Martin Honors Three Wounded Veterans through Scholarship Program

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For the fourth consecutive year, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) honors brave men and women who keep our nation safe by sponsoring the Fighting Spirit Scholarship – a scholarship program that provides wounded veterans opportunities to experience flying, sailing and competitive exercise through three nonprofit organizations: Able Flight, Adaptive Training Foundation and Warrior Sailing.

The award recipients for the 2019 Fighting Spirit Scholarship are: retired Army Sgt. Steven Curry, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. James “Shrap” Crosby and retired Army Sgt. Richard Hursh.

“Steven, James and Richard exemplify that anything is possible if you are courageous and determined,” said Frank A. St. John, executive vice president for Rotary and Mission Systems. “We never forget those who have protected our freedom, and we’re grateful to these veterans for their sacrifices.”  

Able Flight selected Sgt. Curry, from Nokesville, Virginia. He was injured in Irag in 2006 by a roadside bomb during his second deployment. After completing his flight training, Curry will receive his Able Flight wings during a presentation at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh airshow in July 2020.

“I have always been fascinated with aviation,” said Curry. “I was planning to pursue an aviation career in the military before I was injured. The Fighting Spirit Scholarship is exactly what I need to see my current flight training through to the finish line and work toward a pilot position within the government agency I am currently working for.”

Adaptive Training Foundation selected Lance Cpl. Crosby, from Allen, Texas. He was paralyzed when he was hit by shrapnel from three 122mm rockets in 2004, while in Iraq. Crosby will graduate from the ReDefine program after participating in a nine-week intensive athletic training program, followed by participation in an adaptive skiing and snowboarding trip to Lake Tahoe, California.

“The experience one gets from being a member of the Adaptive Training Foundation tribe is unparalleled; The amount of time spent on each individual athlete is comprehensive and sincere,” said Crosby. “The Fighting Spirit Scholarship will allow other veterans like myself the opportunity to better themselves both mentally and physically.”

Warrior Sailing selected retired Sgt. Hursh, from Alexandria, Virginia. He suffered a right thumb amputation on his dominant hand, right scapula fracture, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder in 2005 in Iraq. Hursh will earn a nationally recognized Basic Keelboat Sailing Certification after successful completion of the Warrior Sailing Program’s Basic and Advanced Training programs.

“The Fighting Spirit Award and Warrior Sailing gives me and other wounded warriors an opportunity to learn to sail and enjoy the water, while connecting with other wounded warriors and the civilian maritime community,” said Hursh.

In addition to attending the training programs at no cost, each scholarship recipient and a guest receives roundtrip flights to Fort Worth for a tour of the Lockheed Martin F-35 production facility, VIP tickets to the 2019 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl game and access to other exclusive bowl-related activities.

Able Flight, Adaptive Training Foundation and Warrior Sailing selected one candidate for the Fighting Spirit Scholarship from the pool of applicants who applied through their respective websites.

Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s support for active servicemembers and veterans online: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/communities/military-veteran-support.html

About Warrior Sailing
Warrior Sailing trains wounded, ill and injured military service members and veterans in the sport of sailing and sailboat racing. Training is facilitated by world class coaches using techniques and equipment adapted to meet the different needs of the wounded, ill and injured veterans they serve. These are hands-on training courses, not boat rides, and include opportunities ranging from introductory courses to participation in international competitions. www.warriorsailing.org

About Able Flight
Founded as a nonprofit organization in 2006, Able Flight provides flight training and aviation career training scholarships for people with a variety of physical disabilities, including wounded and disabled veterans. http://ableflight.org/

About Adaptive Training Foundation
Adaptive Training Foundation (ATF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that focuses not on limitations, but possibilities. Founded by Former NFL linebacker David Vobora and supported through staff and volunteers, the ATF tribe uses physical and motivational techniques to empower people with physical impairments to maximize their capabilities and redefine their futures. http://adaptivetrainingfoundation.org/ 

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. This year the company received three Edison Awards for ground-breaking innovations in autonomy, satellite technology and directed energy. https://www.lockheedmartin.com  

 

Fossil

Blog/ Breaking News/ Featured/ Technology/ Texas

Fossil Group Debuts Hybrid HR Smartwatch Technology

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New Category of Hybrid Smartwatches Features Always-on Read Out Display and Two-Week Battery Life

Fossil Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FOSL) today announced the latest addition to the hybrid smartwatch category: Hybrid HR.

Engineered by Fossil Group’s 200-person research and development team, Hybrid HR is Fossil Group’s most advanced hybrid smartwatch technology ever, featuring the most important information at a glance – text messages, alerts, caller ID, heart rate and activity tracking – all with a two-week battery life. Hybrid HR technology will be available first from the Fossil brand this 2019 holiday retail season.

“Fossil Group’s commitment to fostering continuous, cutting-edge innovation has made this enhancement of hybrid technology possible,” said Fossil Group Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Greg McKelvey. “With each evolution of our products, we aim to integrate the features our customers need with the style they love – and Hybrid HR does exactly that.” 

Combining the best of digital and analog smartwatches, Hybrid HR smartwatches are encased in the classic styling of a traditional watch and feature key elements found in touchscreen smartwatches, including:

  • Always-on Display: Combines mechanical hands with a dynamic, full round read-out display to view incoming text messages, caller ID and app alerts as well as dynamic, contextual information such as weather updates, second time zone and more
  • Customization: Allows users to choose between a variety of backgrounds, dial elements and button assignments to designate which notifications you receive or functions to perform – from texts to app alerts or reminders to get up and move
  • Long Lasting Battery Life: With all features activated, Hybrid HR lasts more than two weeks on a single charge
  • In-Depth Wellness Tracking: Displays wellness stats including heart rate, steps, calories and active minutes, and allows users to log workouts, track sleep and measure progress over time

“With Hybrid HR, we continue to broaden Fossil Group’s diverse portfolio, offering the most – and most innovative – hybrid and touchscreen smartwatch options of any company in the world,” said McKelvey. 

This is the latest technology by Fossil Group to hit the market this year. For example, in August, Fossil Group announced and brought to retail new, proprietary nextgen touchscreen smartwatch technology. Features on the touchscreen smartwatches include the proprietary Phone app, which is the first and only app that makes tethered calls for iPhone users possible on the Wear OS by Google platform, and the Qualcomm® Snapdragon Wear™ 3100 processor platform. Additional elements include a microphone and swimproof speaker, increased storage, extended battery life for multi-day usage and new app-based experiences. 

The launch of these new smartwatch technologies furthers Fossil Group’s recent success. Fossil Group, with over $400 million in wearable device sales in 2018, will launch more than 100 new smartwatch styles across 10 brands this 2019 fall/holiday retail season. 

For more information, visit www.fossilgroup.com.

About Fossil Group, Inc.

Fossil Group, Inc. is a global design, marketing, distribution and innovation company specializing in lifestyle accessories. Under a diverse portfolio of owned and licensed brands, our offerings include fashion watches, jewelry, handbags, small leather goods and wearables. We are committed to delivering the best in design and innovation across our owned brands, Fossil, Michele, Misfit, Relic, Skagen and Zodiac, and licensed brands, Armani Exchange, BMW, Chaps, Diesel, DKNY, Emporio Armani, kate spade new york, Michael Kors, Puma and Tory Burch. We bring each brand story to life through an extensive distribution network across numerous geographies, categories and channels. Certain press release and SEC filing information concerning the Company is also available at www.fossilgroup.com.

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Blog/ Breaking News/ Featured/ Front Page/ Technology/ Texas

FirstNet Momentum: Platform Passes 750,000 Connections, Performs Faster Than Any Commercial Network for Second Consecutive Quarter

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Public safety personnel across the country continue to turn to FirstNet to advance their routine and emergency responses. Nearly 9,000 public safety agencies and organizations have subscribed to FirstNet, accounting for over 750,000 connections in service. And the numbers are growing daily.

Why? Because the FirstNet communications platform – built with AT&T* and the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – offers first responders and those critical to their response a purpose-built experience they can’t get anywhere else.

“FirstNet is designed to be different because that’s what public safety specifically asked for. This is the only platform that has been built from the ground up just for this community, and we believe FirstNet is the most important network in the country because it serves public safety across the country,” said Chris Sambar, senior vice president, FirstNet Program at AT&T. “As we grow and evolve FirstNet, we’re proud to connect more members of the public safety community and further empower the men and women we rely on to keep us safe with the advanced communications capabilities needed to help strengthen their mission delivery.”

For the second consecutive quarter, FirstNet brings its subscribers the fastest overall network experience. According to the results of tests taken with Speedtest as analyzed by AT&T, FirstNet once again performed faster than any commercial network.1

These results come as the number of markets with the FirstNet Band 14 spectrum nears 650.2 We’re moving quickly with about 65% of our nationwide coverage targets completed well ahead of schedule. The more we roll out Band 14 across the country, the more we’re able to provide first responders with truly dedicated coverage and capacity when they need it. This helps them reliably connect to critical information, communicate and coordinate.   

And in the coming months, FirstNet subscribers will be getting another boost in their connectivity. AT&T and Assured Wireless Corporation are working together to develop safe and effective solutions that bring first responders the true benefits of high-power user equipment (HPUE). Following 3GPP standards, HPUE solutions can transmit at stronger signals. This signal increase can only be done using the FirstNet Band 14 spectrum.

That’s huge for public safety. For rural and remote responders, HPUE could significantly increase their coverage area. For urban and suburban responders, this will help solve the common challenge of indoor coverage. The stronger signal will better assist those connecting from hard-to-reach places like basements, elevators, stairwells and parking garages, helping first responders communicate inside and out.   

“Our collaboration with AT&T is a perfect example of technology’s power to do great things for public safety,” said Tom Bilotta, CEO of Assured Wireless Corporation. “The standards-based HPUE solutions that we plan to bring forward will build on the unique capabilities of FirstNet to further strengthen first responders’ ability to communicate no matter where their mission takes them.”

Increased Reliability, Redundancy and Resiliency Through Disasters
Since establishing the FirstNet Response Operations Program a year ago, public safety has turned to FirstNet to help support them during both planned and emergency events. This year alone, we have helped first responders stay connected during nearly 75 emergency events. From wildfires and floods, to a tropical storm turned hurricane and tornadoes, to search and rescue missions in remote locations and more, FirstNet has been there.

“The support we received from FirstNet during the record rainfall and flooding earlier this year was second to none,” said Keenan Campbell, Situation Unit Leader – Illinois Incident Management Team. “Having a FirstNet SatCOLT rapidly deployed and onsite to keep our command post connected to our broader team was an invaluable asset to our mission, and it gives me peace of mind knowing that I have a network that will be there when and where I need it.”

Plus, we’ve supported agencies at more than 100 planned events this year, including coast-to-coast 4th of July celebrations. First responders have also relied on FirstNet during music festivals, sporting events and speaker rallies for public officials. 

When emergencies strike, it’s also critical that 911 call centers have the tools they need to maintain operations. To help 911 communicators stay connected during potential service-impacting situations, 911 call centers can now use FirstNet as a wireless backup solution to AT&T ESInet™ – a smarter, modernized 911 call-routing service.

This backup capability is enabled by AT&T Private Mobile Connection, which connects AT&T ESInet to FirstNet for added redundancy. If AT&T ESInet detects a failure in the primary connection to the PSAP, emergency calls will be automatically routed over FirstNet. Keeping PSAPs connected during critical times helps improve emergency response and enables 911 communicators to provide seamless service to the community until the primary connection is restored.

Enhanced Situational Awareness and Security
The FirstNet communications platform goes beyond delivering reliable and redundant connectivity to public safety. It builds on that connectivity with innovative apps that can cost-effectively transform capabilities, drive efficiencies, enhance situational awareness and increase security. New apps launched in and coming to the FirstNet App Catalog – created specifically for public safety – include:

  • FirstNet Assist – Now FirstNet Certified™ and included in the FirstNet App Catalog, this solution allows public safety support personnel in the field to see active events and incidents within a 50-mile radius and request device uplift. This app also provides all users with direct access to dedicated FirstNet Care specialists specially trained to help first responders and performs device diagnostics.
  • Response for FirstNet – This low-cost, simple-to-use situational awareness platform now provides new features to FirstNet subscribers, like live location, media sharing and team mobilization, to support day-to-day and emergency operations.
  • FirstNet Cybersecurity Awareness – When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s no secret that people are considered the first line of defense. This holds true for public safety. So, this app, coming soon to the FirstNet App Catalog, will provide public safety agencies with easy-to-use educational materials that help keep cybersecurity top of mind. The app will also include training videos that simply break down cybersecurity concerns like social engineering, phishing and spoofing, so first responders have the tools they need to stay cyber-aware and cyber-safe.

“As we planned for FirstNet, we worked hand-in-hand with public safety across the nation to help us design a network to meet their critical communications needs,” said Jeff Bratcher, Chief Technology and Operations Officer, FirstNet Authority. “We are pleased with the progress AT&T continues to make to fulfill the promise of FirstNet – delivering the tools public safety asked for to help with their lifesaving mission. This is public safety’s network, and we will continue to engage with them to advance their network, FirstNet, for years to come.”

FirstNet is public safety’s dedicated, nationwide communications platform. It’s bringing public safety communications into the 21st century with new, innovative capabilities to strengthen first responders’ incident response. And it’s helping them connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency.

Attending the APCO 2019 Conference & Expo in Baltimore? Stop by booth #623 to learn more about FirstNet or check out FirstNet Assist in the New Product Zone. More on FirstNet can also be found here.

1Based on AT&T analysis of Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data average download speeds for Q2 2019. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.
2Markets defined by FCC CMAs.

*About AT&T Communications
We help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we innovate to improve lives. We have the nation’s fastest wireless network.** And according to America’s biggest test, we have the nation’s best wireless network.*** We’re building FirstNet just for first responders and creating next-generation mobile 5G. With DIRECTV, DIRECTV NOW and WatchTV, we deliver entertainment people love to talk about. Our smart, highly secure solutions serve nearly 3 million global businesses – nearly all of the Fortune 1000. And worldwide, our spirit of service drives employees to give back to their communities.

AT&T Communications is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). Learn more at att.com/CommunicationsNews.

AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. Additional information about AT&T products and services is available at about.att.com. Follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at facebook.com/att and on YouTube at youtube.com/att.

© 2019 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

**Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data average download speeds for Q2 2019.
***GWS OneScore, September 2018.

FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks of the First Responder Network Authority.

Education/ Featured/ Front Page/ Technology/ Texas

FASTSIGNS® International, Inc. Educates the Next Generation by Endorsing Sign Manufacturing Day 2019

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FASTSIGNS International, Inc., a leading sign and visual communications franchisor, is an official endorser of Sign Manufacturing Day 2019, which takes place on October 4th. With more than 700 sign and visual graphics centers in nine countries, FASTSIGNS® joins organizations across the United States to celebrate the diversity of manufacturing and teach future generations about the variety of careers in this industry.

In honor of Sign Manufacturing Day 2019, FASTSIGNS inspires the next generation of skilled workers digitally through the launch of their new careers site. FASTSIGNS actively creates job opportunities through their centers, and through the careers site, they are making it easier to learn about those positions. With engaging video content, FASTSIGNS highlights the various roles at a FASTSIGNS center including Outside Sales, Graphic Design, Production and Installation.

Five main disciplines that students are learning today in school are the building blocks that will shape their career futures: science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). These building blocks are represented throughout every role on a FASTSIGNS center team. FASTSIGNS centers employ a variety of people including outside sales professionals, customer service representatives, graphic designers, sign producers and installers.

FASTSIGNS recognizes the countless opportunities manufacturing provides; FASTSIGNS centers are light manufacturers as well as service providers to manufacturers across communities nationwide. Manufacturers have long depended on FASTSIGNS centers to help design, produce and install a wide variety of signs and graphics to achieve effective communications resulting in improved workflow, easier navigation, compliance with accessibility and safety standards, and impactful marketing strategies.

“Manufacturing is absolutely necessary to our economy, stimulating job growth and strengthening communities,” explained Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “By endorsing Sign Manufacturing Day 2019, we have the opportunity to show our support for the wide array of careers in manufacturing.”

With modern manufacturing on the rise today, FASTSIGNS provides a unique career path for today’s students to one day incorporate their skill set when it comes to sign manufacturing. For more information, visit https://www.fastsigns.com/about/careers.

About FASTSIGNS®

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 700 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in nine countries including the United States, Canada, Chile, England, Grand Cayman, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®). Locations are slated to open in two additional countries – Malta and Spain – in 2019.

FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive signage and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, promote their products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points. 

FASTSIGNS centers provide architectural and interior decor graphics, fleet vehicle graphics, digital signs and digital signage content, event graphics, displays, banners, posters, ADA signage, safety and identification signs and much more, as well as handle everything from design to project management to installation.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is a recipient of many awards, including being ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 for the past three years, and Best-in-Category in the business services sector on Franchise Business Review’s list of the top 200 franchises for multiple years.

Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com.

Follow the brand on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/fastsigns, Twitter @FASTSIGNS or Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS. For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or call 214.346.5679).

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