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Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Harmonic Amplifies Video Streaming and Broadcast Monetization with VOS360 Ad Enhancements
New Capabilities Offer AI-Powered Contextual Ad Triggering and Advanced Programmatic Advertising Through Seamless Integration with Google Ad Manager and Magnite SpringServe SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced enhanced capabilities for its award-winning VOS®360 Ad SaaS solution that empower streamers, content providers and broadcasters to boost advertising revenue while elevating the viewer experience. The latest enhancements introduce AI-powered contextual ad triggering for advanced in-stream ad formats, new monetization workflows that enable programmatic advertising for traditional linear broadcasters and SDKs for widely used video players. These innovations streamline the advertising workflow, unlock new revenue opportunities and bring broadcasters closer to the efficiencies of digital advertising. "The new enhancements to VOS360 Ad SaaS mark a turning point in how video content is monetized," said Gil Rudge, senior vice president, solutions and Americas sales, video business at Harmonic. "From smarter, real-time ad placement to unified programmatic campaigns across CTV and broadcast, we're providing our customers with the innovations they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving ad landscape." Unlocking Revenue Streams with AI-Powered Contextual Ad TriggeringVOS360 Ad opens up new frontiers in premium ad inventory for live sports content, delivering seamless in-stream (in-game) advertising that preserves the viewer experience. Leveraging AI-driven real-time video analysis, the platform extracts scene-level metadata to identify high-value monetization moments as they happen. This enables broadcasters to dynamically insert contextually relevant ads such as overlays, L-shapes and double boxes during peak engagement, maximizing impact without disrupting the action. This powerful capability offered by VOS360 Ad enables sports publishers to deliver innovative, high-performing ad inventory to brands and agencies — transforming how live sporting events are monetized in real time. Modernizing Linear TV with Programmatic AdvertisingProgrammatic advertising is transforming TV ad sales, allowing broadcasters and publishers to harness the efficiency and scale of the digital ad ecosystem. By leveraging the advanced programmatic capabilities of VOS360 Ad, broadcasters can unlock new demand, boost ad revenues and maximize yield through automated data-driven transactions and measurements. VOS360 Ad seamlessly integrates with leading demand-side platforms, supply-side platforms and measurement platforms, including Google Ad Manager and Magnite SpringServe, to enable unified, efficient programmatic ad delivery. Designed to simplify operations and elevate viewer satisfaction, the solution empowers broadcasters to monetize new channels and services without the cost and complexity of traditional broadcast infrastructure. Harmonic will demonstrate the latest VOS360 Ad SaaS innovations at IBC2025, Sept. 12-15 in booth 1.B20. To schedule a meeting with Harmonic, visit More information about Harmonic and the company's solutions is available at About HarmonicHarmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in virtualized broadband and video delivery solutions, enables media companies and service providers to deliver ultra-high-quality video streaming and broadcast services to consumers globally. The company revolutionized broadband networking via the industry's first virtualized broadband solution, enabling operators to more flexibly deploy gigabit internet services to consumers' homes and mobile devices. Whether simplifying OTT video delivery via innovative cloud and software platforms, or powering the delivery of gigabit internet services, Harmonic is changing the way media companies and service providers monetize live and on-demand content on every screen. More information is available at Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements concerning Harmonic's business and the anticipated capabilities, advantages, reliability, efficiency, market acceptance, market growth, specifications and benefits of Harmonic products, services and technology are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties more fully described in Harmonic's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and its Current Reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Harmonic as of the date hereof, and Harmonic disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Harmonic, the Harmonic logo and other Harmonic marks are owned by Harmonic Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Harmonic 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
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Which cars qualify for the electric vehicle grants of £1,500 and £3,750? The full list
No car currently on sale reportedly qualifies for the full electric car grant, with just 22 qualifying for a lower band discount. No car currently on sale reportedly qualifies for the full electric car grant, despite it being rolled out over a month ago. The £650 million grants were introduced on 16 July and offer a two-tier discount for electric vehicles under £37,000 – with band 1 cars getting the full £3,750 relief and band 2 models receiving a reduced £1,500 rate, based on sustainability criteria. However, only 22 cars are available for grants, and none of them are in higher discounted rate in band 1. Only the new Nissan Leaf and Citroen's e-C5 Aircross will be eligible for the full £3,750 grant – but neither one is yet on sale. Car dealers say this is stalling sales of EVs in showrooms as customers hold off purchases to see if their model will be offered a discount. Motoring expert Quentin Wilson told Yahoo News UK that the government's handling of the electric car grant has been 'dire' and accused the government of launching the grant 'without expert advice'. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said new car sales in July were down 5% and blamed 'external factors'. In July, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that drivers would be able to save £1,500 with the purchase of new Citroen e-C3, e-C4, e-C5 and e-Berlingo cars. The discount is automatically applied at the point of sale, and is part of the government's vow to make it cheaper to buy an electric car as part of its goal of banning the sale of new fully petrol or diesel cars and vans from 2030. Under the government's zero emission vehicle (Zev) mandate, at least 28% of new cars sold by each manufacturer in the UK this year must be zero emission, which generally means pure electric. Across all manufacturers, the figure during the first half of the year was 21.6%. What do we know about the new subsidies for EV drivers? The grants will be funded through a new £650m scheme announced on 14 July, which will be restricted to vehicles priced up to £37,000. The Department for Transport (DfT) said at the time that 23 new models were available for less than £30,000. Amounts given will be based on a car's 'sustainability criteria', the DfT said, with the greenest vehicles placed in band one, meaning a grant of up to £3,750. Band two vehicles will receive up to £1,500. Edmund King, AA president, said: 'This discount of £1,500 for some more affordable EVs will help a number of those with tighter budgets. We look forward to seeing the full list of discounts up to £3,750 on more models to really push the market forward.' Ian Plummer, commercial director of online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader, previously said 'any incentives' to help people buy an electric car are welcome as many drivers are 'put off by the high upfront cost'. Prior to the government's announcement, The Telegraph reported that the grants would provide a huge boost for Nissan, which has a plant in Sunderland, but would be unlikely to help Tesla, whose cars are generally beyond the scheme's price range. Which cars qualify? Band 1 cars The maximum discount available for cars assessed as Band 1 is £3,750. There are no cars eligible for a Band 1 discount currently. Band 2 cars The maximum discount available for cars assessed as Band 2 is £1,500. The eligible vehicles are: Citroën ë-C3 and Citroën ë-C3 Aircross Citroën ë-C4 and Citroën ë-C4 X Citroën ë-C5 Aircross Citroën ë-Berlingo Cupra Born Nissan Ariya Nissan Micra Peugeot E-208 Peugeot E-2008 Peugeot E-Rifter Renault 4 Renault 5 Renault Alpine A290 Renault Megane Renault Scenic Vauxhall Astra Electric Vauxhall Combo Life Electric Vauxhall Corsa Electric Vauxhall Frontera Electric Vauxhall Grandland Electric Vauxhall Mokka Electric Volkswagen ID.3 How has the industry reacted? With no vehicles currently fitting into the higher discounted rate band, motoring experts have blasted the rollout. Motoring expert Quentin Wilson told Yahoo News UK: 'The government's handling of the £650m electric car grant has been dire. Instead of stimulating EV sales, it's had the opposite effect of making potential buyers hold off, waiting for the £3,750 grant - which no EV currently qualifies for. 'Dealers, industry bodies, journalists and consumers all agree the ECG is confusing, complicated and badly crafted. 'The government did not consult with the car industry lobby group, the SMMT, or independent EV industry experts like myself, but launched the grant without expert advice. There's a real risk that this clumsy, ill-informed and badly executed initiative will harm EV adoption and disappoint potential EV buyers.' Wilson questioned why there was no support for used EVs or reducing the VAT on public charging, adding: 'There was so much else that could have been done to boost EV take up.' SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes called for 'consumer certainty' around the grant, while Neil McCue, director of the large south coast-based franchised car dealer group Snows, branded the grant 'ill thought out'. He said: 'We have seen customers holding off buying electric cars in July and we're seeing it again in August. They're all asking for their £3,750 discount and we can't give it to them.' Peter Smyth, director of car dealer group Swansway, called the scheme 'shambolic' and said it was causing 'too much confusion' in showrooms. He added: 'There should have been a simple VAT cut on all electric cars under £37,000 which would have been simple to implement and importantly available from the day of launch.' How many people are buying EVs? In the first half of this year, electric car sales in the UK increased by a third, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMTT) lobby group. Sales of battery electric cars rose by 34.6% to 224,838 vehicles between the start of January and the end of June. Of the 191,200 cars sold in the UK in June, a quarter (almost 47,400) were electric vehicles. The government wants to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 onwards, although hybrids can be sold until 2035. It says all new cars and vans will have to be 100% zero emission by 2035. How much more expensive are electric cars to buy? The average cost to buy an electric car in the UK is currently about £46,000, according to financial researchers NimbleFins, although it says that prices range from £14,995 (for a Dacia Spring Electric) to as much as £330,000 for a Rolls-Royce Spectre. Among luxury electric brands such as Tesla, Porsche, Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes, the average cost is about £69,000, while a non-luxury EV is about £33,000 on average. NimbleFins said the cost of an average small car is about £22,000, rising to £27,000 for a medium-sized car and £35,000 for an SUV, inclusive of petrol and electric models. The Electric Car Scheme says the average petrol car costs £21,964, compared to about £49,000 for an EV. How much do electric vehicles cost to run? The average cost of running a car in the UK is £3,357, according to NimbleFins. This includes fuel, car insurance, repairs, road tax and the purchase or depreciation per year. It said that despite electricity prices currently being high, fuel costs much less with an EV than a petrol or diesel engine. The average cost for a mile of driving is about 7p on a standard electricity tariff or as low as 2p per mile on a time of use EV tariff, charging the vehicle at off-peak times, such as during the night. For a petrol or diesel car, NimbleFins says the cost of fuel per mile can be anything between 13p and 17p. The Electric Car Scheme says drivers of EVs can save up to £1,500 per year over 10,000 miles in fuel costs than with a petrol or diesel. Read more Major problem with plan to let EV drivers charge outside their homes (BristolLive) China's electric car revolution hammers demand for oil (The Telegraph) Volkswagen reports electric vehicles sales surge in 2025 (DW)
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Options Expands Private AI Infrastructure with Iceland Data Center Deployment
NEW YORK & LONDON & REYKJAVIK, Iceland, August 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Options Technology (Options), the leading provider of capital markets infrastructure, today announced a strategic private cloud expansion into Iceland with a new AI-optimized datacenter deployment. This move marks a significant step forward in supporting clients' security and high-performance computing needs while dramatically reducing operational costs and advancing environmental sustainability goals. As one of the earliest private cloud providers in capital markets, Options continues to lead through innovation, with today's announcement reinforcing its commitment to performance, resilience, and secure service delivery. This deployment is in direct response to increasing demand from Options' clients, including hedge funds, investment banks, and proprietary trading firms, seeking to scale secure AI workloads without compromising on privacy, compliance, or ESG commitments. Danny Moore, President and CEO, commented, "Our investment in Iceland is about more than just infrastructure; it's about future-proofing the next generation of financial services. As the industry accelerates its adoption of private AI and large-scale compute, we are ensuring our clients have access to secure, scalable, and sustainable environments that align with their performance and ESG goals." The Iceland facility is designed for high-density private AI workloads, offering a 72% reduction in per kVA costs compared to traditional U.S. sites. Powered entirely by renewable energy, it delivers exceptional compute performance while allowing clients to report zero carbon emissions. Additional benefits include liquid cooling infrastructure, closed-loop water systems, and sub-100ms connectivity to both Europe and North America via redundant submarine cables. This facility marks the first phase in a broader infrastructure modernization program, with further high-density, private AI-ready environments planned across key financial hubs in 2025 and beyond. This expansion also reflects broader industry trends with the global generative AI market in financial services projected to reach $15.7 billion by 2034, with financial institutions increasingly requiring secure, compliant environments to deploy AI at scale. Today's announcement builds on a series of recent milestones for Options, including its recognition in the Broadcom/VMware Global Partner Program, the expansion of its Cambridge operations to support growing demand for market data services, and the extension of its Microsoft Cloud Solution Partner capabilities into Dubai. Together, these developments reinforce Options' commitment to delivering secure, scalable, and sustainable infrastructure at the heart of the world's financial markets. Options Technology: Options Technology (Options) is a financial technology company at the forefront of banking and trading infrastructure. We serve clients globally with offices in New York, London, Paris, Belfast, Cambridge, Chicago, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Dubai, Sydney and Auckland. At Options, our services are woven into the hottest trends in global technology, including high-performance Networking, Cloud, Security, and AI (Artificial Intelligence). View source version on Contacts For media inquiries, please contact Niall McAleer,