logo
CarrierX and Phound Bring Magnum AI and vCons to Life

CarrierX and Phound Bring Magnum AI and vCons to Life

Yahooa day ago

HD Direct Unlocks the Next Era of Smart, Trusted Conversations
LONG BEACH, Calif., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CarrierX, the pioneer in programmable voice infrastructure and HD audio innovation, announces its support of Phound to deliver a new standard in conversation intelligence, where trust, clarity, and memory come built in. Phound is the first consumer and business phone service to leverage CarrierX's HD Direct Zero-Hop voice network and vCon platform, enabling every conversation to become a secure, structured, and smart digital record.
Phound's Magnum AI feature, powered by CarrierX vCons, is available to Premium users, transforming everyday conversations into actionable, trusted takeaways. Whether it's business negotiations, client follow-ups, or family calls, combining CarrierX's HD Direct infrastructure and Phound's intuitive user experience means clarity is no longer optional; it's the default.
Carrier-Grade HD Audio – Phound calls ride on AMR-WB-powered HD Direct paths, bypassing intermediate hops and ensuring zero degradation, lower latency, and full STIR/SHAKEN compliance.vCons: Virtualized Conversations – A new communication format that structures calls into trustworthy, searchable records. From voice to verified memory, vCons make every conversation count.
Magnum AI – Phound's built-in assistant turns talk into tasks: capturing key points, decisions, and next steps, without disrupting the flow that works as the interface to the vCon-based conversational memory."We built HD Direct to eliminate the noise, literally and metaphorically," said Dave Erickson, CEO of CarrierX and co-founder of Phound. "By removing intermediaries, reducing latency, and ensuring full signal fidelity, we give platforms like Phound the backbone they need to deliver AI-driven communication that's human in voice but digital in memory."
The integration of CarrierX's programmable CPaaS stack allows Phound to deploy intelligent features like Magnum AI, Verified Identity, and Persona Management across voice, messaging, and conferencing, without reinventing infrastructure. Through Zero-Hop Direct, users enjoy faster connection setup, lower cost per call, and the most natural HD audio quality available today, all while maintaining regulatory compliance.
"CarrierX made it possible for us to take a radical vision of conversation memory and make it real," added Erickson. "With vCons and HD Direct, we're not just improving the quality of the conversation. We're restoring trust in communication itself."
Why It Matters:
For Developers and Partners: CarrierX's open APIs and programmable infrastructure give apps like Phound the flexibility to build, deploy, and scale faster.
For Consumers and Teams: Trusted conversations are now possible without IT departments or complex onboarding.
For the Future: This is what a trusted telecom infrastructure looks like—compliant, contextual, and clear by design.
To explore how CarrierX is redefining the conversation layer of the internet, visit www.carrierx.com. To experience Phound and Magnum AI in action, visit www.phound.app.
About CarrierXCarrierX is a full-stack voice and messaging platform powering billions of minutes monthly across enterprise-grade networks. With innovations like HD Direct, Zero-Hop Routing, and vCons, CarrierX provides the infrastructure for modern, trusted communication at scale. As a nationwide CLEC with deep roots in telecom and an eye toward the programmable future, CarrierX is enabling the next generation of AI-integrated, privacy-first applications.
About Phound
Phound is a trusted communication service that combines advanced contact management, government-backed identity verification, and AI-powered spam-blocking to transform how people connect. Designed to meet the demands of today's hybrid world, Phound empowers users with tools to manage their digital personas, protect their privacy, and build authentic relationships. By prioritizing trust and security, Phound is redefining communication for individuals and businesses alike.
Visit phound.app to learn more.
Contact: Phound Media RelationsAndy AbramsonEmail: 396392@email4pr.comPhone: 1-213-322-1200
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carrierx-and-phound-bring-magnum-ai-and-vcons-to-life-302476422.html
SOURCE CarrierX

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Rockefeller Foundation Announces First Class of Big Bets Fellows Focused on Asia-Pacific
Rockefeller Foundation Announces First Class of Big Bets Fellows Focused on Asia-Pacific

Yahoo

time39 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Rockefeller Foundation Announces First Class of Big Bets Fellows Focused on Asia-Pacific

12 changemakers driving bold, community-led solutions across 26 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Aitutaki, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Viet Nam. BANGKOK, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rockefeller Foundation announced a new class of Big Bets Fellows – the first focused on the Asia-Pacific region – bringing together 12 visionary leaders who are pioneering scalable, locally rooted solutions to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from water scarcity to sustainable agriculture, marine conservation, disaster risk reduction, digital innovation and more. Over the four-month fellowship, these Asia-Pacific Big Bets Fellows will participate in intensive programming, peer learning, and global networking designed to amplify their potential impact and help translate their bold ideas into lasting systems change. Their immediate efforts encompass 26 countries in the region, including India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Pacific Islands, Thailand, and Viet Nam. "Our 12 Asia-Pacific Big Bets Fellows are working toward bold, transformative change in a region that will shape all of our futures," said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation. "These ambitious, creative young leaders are precisely the types of changemakers The Rockefeller Foundation has always proudly supported. We're thrilled to be working with them as they advance economic opportunity in their communities, build sustainable ecosystems, and so much more." This Asia-Pacific cohort follows the successful launches of previous Big Bets Fellowships in Latin America and the Caribbean (2024) and the United States (2025), and reflects The Rockefeller Foundation's commitment to supporting locally-led innovation to tackle global challenges. "Our Asia-Pacific Big Bets Fellows are lighting the path to the future with bold ideas rooted in deep commitment to their communities," said Deepali Khanna, Head of Asia at The Rockefeller Foundation. "Whether on remote islands or in rapidly growing cities, these leaders are blending their experience and expertise with modern innovation to create a more resilient and hopeful future. We are proud to walk alongside them as they take on the region's toughest challenges with determination and heart." The 2025 Asia-Pacific Fellows are implementing a wide range of ambitious initiatives: Aafreen Siddiqui, Our Common Air: Catalyze collective action through stronger commitments, smarter investments, and streamlined accountability to combat air pollution across Asia-Pacific for better public health and economic growth. Alexia Hilbertidou, GirlBoss New Zealand: Empower a growing community of more than 17,000 young women across the Pacific to solve local problems at scale, teaching them practical skills in science, technology, and sustainability. Anusha Meher Bhargava, Tech4Good Community: Safeguard natural habitats and support biodiversity by harnessing the latest open-source technology and creating a new digital platform for conservationists, researchers, and policymakers to share data, monitor ecosystems, and improve environmental outcomes. Bobuchi Ken-Opurum, Barefoot Story x Re-HOUSED: Equip low-income individuals who build their own homes in India with the tools, data, and know-how to improve safety, comfort, and resilience to heat stress. Eshrat Waris, British Asian Trust: Support smallholder farmers as they transition to sustainable agriculture practices, which de-risks this traditionally high-cost period, enables greater credit flow in these communities, and supports smallholder networks in communities. Gaurav Godhwani, CivicDataLab: Unlock data collaborations and AI innovations to protect the most vulnerable regions in the Asia-Pacific. Mustika Wijaya, Solar Chapter: Expand the use of innovative solar-powered water pumping systems to reduce food insecurity, address water scarcity, and improve livelihoods in Indonesia. Ristika Putri Istanti, Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari: Boost economic opportunity while conserving natural landscapes and resources in regional areas in Indonesia. Supatchaya Techachoochert, Mae Fah Luang Foundation: Generate economic opportunities and strengthen communities in Thailand by disincentivizing the deforestation that accompanies the production of monoculture crops. Uttam Pudasaini, NAXA: Leverage the latest technology, including artificial intelligence and geospatial analytics, to enhance anticipatory action by focusing on household-level risk assessments, delivering targeted and inclusive early warnings for climate-induced hazards, ultimately protecting lives and livelihoods, starting in Bangladesh and Nepal, and expanding to climate-vulnerable countries in the Asia-Pacific. Yasser Naqvi, CSEP: Foreground evidence and build capacity to raise awareness among policy stakeholders on environmental issues in India. Yumi Son, BOBLME II: Restore marine habitats and coastal ecosystems, reduce overfishing and illegal fishing, strengthen governance, ensure broad community participation, and support sustainable, long-term livelihoods in the Asia-Pacific. These leaders were selected from a diverse pool of changemakers nominated through the Big Bets community and external networks. Their work spans technology, finance, governance, and environmental initiatives, which will directly impact millions of underserved communities across the Asia-Pacific. Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President of Programs at The Rockefeller Foundation, who formally announced the Fellows during the Big Bets Live 2025 event in New York, said, "I am thrilled to congratulate this class of Fellows and can't wait to see what more they'll accomplish. We're proud to support their big bets that will define humanity's future." The occasion marked the Foundation's 112th anniversary, celebrating the power of bold, collaborative action and honoring the changemakers and partners turning ambitious ideas into breakthrough solutions. Since its founding in 1913, The Rockefeller Foundation has supported transformative initiatives in public health, food security, and equitable economic opportunity around the world. The Big Bets Fellowship is a cornerstone of this legacy, investing in leaders who bet big on a better future, and back it up with bold, data-driven action. About The Rockefeller FoundationThe Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation. View original content: SOURCE The Rockefeller Foundation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

New IBO Survey Reveals Major Cuts to Lab Budgets Amid NIH Grant Terminations
New IBO Survey Reveals Major Cuts to Lab Budgets Amid NIH Grant Terminations

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

New IBO Survey Reveals Major Cuts to Lab Budgets Amid NIH Grant Terminations

ARLINGTON, Va., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey conducted by Instrument Business Outlook (IBO) has uncovered significant reductions in laboratory budgets across the U.S. academic and government research landscape, with lab product spending sharply impacted by recent NIH grant terminations. The findings, based on an exclusive IBO survey, shed light on the growing financial uncertainty facing scientific research labs in 2025. The results follow widespread disruptions in NIH funding, with more than 1,500 grants totaling $7.5 billion terminated as of May 20, according to data from Grant Watch. While the exact numbers remain fluid due to inconsistent reporting by federal agencies, the toll is undeniable: R01 research grants—a cornerstone of basic research—have been particularly hard-hit, with 322 grants worth nearly $790 million terminated. "The fallout from NIH funding changes is cascading through the research ecosystem," said Tanya Samazan, Editor-In-Chief. "Our survey shows just how deeply this uncertainty is affecting labs—from basic research to clinical trial infrastructure." Survey Highlights: Budget Cuts Across the Board Conducted by the Science Advisory Board (SAB) between mid- and late May, the survey collected 117 responses from U.S.-based labs, with 88 indicating their labs were impacted by NIH-related funding disruptions. Key findings include: 59% of labs report direct impacts from NIH-related grant or contract terminations, delays, or reductions. 47% report indirect impacts. Among affected labs, nearly 60% have reduced 2025 operating budgets by more than 10%. 51% report capital budget reductions exceeding 10%. When excluding labs that were uncertain or unaffected, the scale becomes even more dramatic: 71% of labs report operating budget cuts of over 10%. 71% report similar reductions in capital budgets. Lab Tools and Consumables Hit Hardest Every category of lab spending has been affected, according to survey data: 80% of labs have reduced their 2025 consumables budgets, making it the most impacted category. 63% have cut software/informatics budgets. 70% have reduced spending on devices under $50,000. Even high-end instrumentation (>$150,000) hasn't been spared, with 62% of labs trimming these budgets. Institutes Most Affected The survey findings align with NIH grant termination data indicating the hardest-hit institutions include: National Institute of Mental Health, with over $400 million in losses. National Institute of General Medical Sciences, which lost the highest number of grants (134). Institutes heavily reliant on lab instruments, including the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and the National Human Genome Research Institute. Medical schools and hospitals have borne a significant share of the burden, accounting for 50% of terminated grants and 55% of total terminated NIH dollars. A Shifting Landscape with No Clear Path Forward The rapidly evolving nature of NIH decisions—including ongoing terminations and reinstatements—has created a volatile funding environment. Labs are being forced to make difficult decisions with limited visibility into future funding. About Instrument Business Outlook (IBO)IBO is a leading newsletter providing market intelligence for the analytical instrument industry. Published by Strategic Directions International (SDi), a division of Science and Medicine Group, IBO offers in-depth coverage of technology, business, and market trends affecting the life sciences and lab tools sectors. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Instrument Business Outlook Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Shutterstock Receives Stockholder Approval for Proposed Merger with Getty Images
Shutterstock Receives Stockholder Approval for Proposed Merger with Getty Images

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Shutterstock Receives Stockholder Approval for Proposed Merger with Getty Images

NEW YORK, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shutterstock, Inc. (NYSE: SSTK) ("Shutterstock"), a leading global creative platform offering high-quality creative content for transformative brands, digital media and marketing companies, today announced that Shutterstock's stockholders approved the adoption of the merger agreement between Shutterstock and Getty Images Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GETY) ("Getty Images"), with approximately 82% of the issued and outstanding shares of Shutterstock common stock voting in favor, at today's special meeting of Shutterstock stockholders. Stockholder approval marks an important milestone in the process of combining Shutterstock and Getty Images to create a premier visual content company. The combined company will be well-positioned to meet the ever-changing needs of customers through combined investment in content creation, event coverage, and product and technology innovation. "We are very pleased that our stockholders recognize the compelling rationale of this transaction and look forward to the successful completion of our merger with Getty Images," said Paul Hennessy, Shutterstock's Chief Executive Officer. "Our complementary strengths will allow us to better serve customers while also delivering exceptional value to our partners, contributors and stockholders in a fast evolving and competitive environment." Both parties continue to expect the transaction to close in the second half of 2025, subject to required regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. The final voting results will be reported on a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ABOUT SHUTTERSTOCKShutterstock, Inc. (NYSE: SSTK) is a leading global creative platform offering high-quality creative content for transformative brands, digital media and marketing companies. Fueled by millions of creators around the world, a growing data engine and a dedication to product innovation, Shutterstock is the leading global platform for licensing from the most extensive and diverse collection of high-quality 3D models, videos, music, photographs, vectors and illustrations. From the world's largest content marketplace, to breaking news and A-list entertainment editorial access, to all-in-one content editing platform and studio production services—all using the latest in innovative technology—Shutterstock offers the most comprehensive selection of resources to bring storytelling to life. Learn more at and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook and YouTube. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThe statements in this press release, and any related oral statements, include forward-looking statements concerning Getty Images, Shutterstock, the proposed transaction described herein and other matters. All statements, other than historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, financings or otherwise, based on current beliefs and involve numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made or as of the dates indicated in the statements and should not be relied upon as predictions of future events, as there can be no assurance that the events or circumstances reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur or the timing thereof. Forward-looking statements can often, but not always, be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology including "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "could," "might," "seeks," "intends," "plans," "pro forma," "estimates," "anticipates," "designed," or the negative of these words and phrases, other variations of these words and phrases or comparable terminology, but not all forward-looking statements include such identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary. The forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things, obtaining applicable regulatory approvals for the proposed transaction on a timely basis or otherwise, satisfying other closing conditions to the proposed transaction, on a timely basis or otherwise, the expected tax treatment of the proposed transaction, the expected timing of the proposed transaction, and the integration of the businesses and the expected benefits, cost savings, accretion, synergies and growth to result therefrom. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, among other things: failure to obtain applicable regulatory approvals in a timely manner or otherwise; interloper risk; failure to satisfy other closing conditions to the transaction or to complete the transaction on anticipated terms and timing (or at all); negative effects of the announcement of the transaction on the ability of Shutterstock or Getty Images to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and others who Shutterstock or Getty Images does business, or on Shutterstock or Getty Images' operating results and business generally; risks that the businesses will not be integrated successfully or that the combined company will not realize expected benefits, cost savings, accretion, synergies and/or growth, as expected (or at all), or that such benefits may take longer to realize or may be more costly to achieve than expected; the risk that disruptions from the transaction will harm business plans and operations; risks relating to unanticipated costs of integration; significant transaction and/or integration costs, or difficulties in connection with the transaction and/or unknown or inestimable liabilities; restrictions during the pendency of the transaction that may impact the ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; potential litigation associated with the transaction; the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the transaction on Getty Images', Shutterstock's or the combined company's relationships with suppliers, customers, employers and regulators; demand for the combined company's products; potential changes in the Getty Images stock price that could negatively impact the value of the consideration offered to the Shutterstock stockholders; the occurrence of any event that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; and Getty Images' ability to complete any refinancing of its debt or new debt financing on a timely basis, on favorable terms or at all. A more fulsome discussion of the risks related to the proposed transaction is included in the information statement and proxy statement/prospectus filed with the SEC by Shutterstock and Getty Images in connection with the proposed transaction. For a discussion of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking statements, see the section captioned "Risk Factors" in each of Getty Images' and Shutterstock's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward looking statements. While the list of factors presented here is, and the list of factors presented in the information statement and proxy statement/prospectus filed with the SEC by Shutterstock and Getty Images in connection with the proposed transaction is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward looking statements. Neither Getty Images nor Shutterstock assumes, and each hereby disclaims, any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Shutterstock, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store