Latest news with #Otus
Associated Press
14-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Otus Launches AI Advisory Board to Bring Voices of K-12 Leaders to the Forefront of Innovation
CHICAGO, IL, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Otus, the leading K-12 assessment, data, and insights solution, today announced the formation of the Otus AI Advisory Board, a dynamic group of education leaders dedicated to guiding the future of AI within Otus and across the K-12 education sector. Since its inception in January 2025, the advisory board has grown to include district administrators, school principals, teachers, and instructional technology specialists, collectively representing more than 20 districts across 11 states. The diverse makeup of the board includes representation from urban, suburban, and rural communities with varying socioeconomic statuses, reflecting Otus' ongoing commitment to the diverse needs of all school districts. 'AI holds incredible potential for K-12 education, but it's essential we get it right,' said Chris Hull, Co-Founder and President of Otus. 'Educators should have a seat at the table when it comes to shaping how AI is used in schools. By establishing our AI Advisory Board, we are creating a space to listen to and learn from educators—ensuring our innovations align with the real needs of those we serve.' The Otus AI Advisory Board meets monthly, providing valuable insights and feedback on AI-related initiatives and tools. A recent session illustrates the board's hands-on approach, where members submitted real-world AI challenges from their districts for peers to collaboratively problem-solve using a structured protocol. During this meeting, the board tackled the challenge of integrating AI tools in classrooms where teachers were initially resistant due to concerns about cheating. Suggestions from members included showcasing the relevance of AI to real-world careers, introducing AI tools with teacher-approved safeguards, and strategically using AI tools that emphasize creativity and student engagement. Otus team members coordinate the board's activities, bringing expertise in education technology, product development, and classroom instruction to facilitate meaningful discussions and actionable outcomes. Additionally, board members have exclusive opportunities to engage in resource-sharing and test new AI features, like Otus Insights, which is designed to support educators with everyday tasks and data analysis. 'Being part of the AI Advisory Board has really opened my eyes to how AI can support both teachers and students in meaningful ways,' said Caitlin Wlezien, Instructional Technology Coordinator for Wood Dale School District 7 in Illinois. ' It's been great connecting with other educators, sharing ideas, and finding new, creative ways to bring technology into the classroom.' Several board members also recently participated in Otus' webinar, ' Shaping the Future of AI in Education,' underscoring their collective commitment to furthering responsible AI use. About Otus Otus, an award-winning edtech company, empowers educators to maximize student performance with a comprehensive K-12 assessment, data, and insights solution. Committed to student achievement and educational equity, Otus combines student data with powerful tools that provide educators, administrators, and families with the insights they need to make a difference. Built by teachers for teachers, Otus creates efficiencies in data management, assessment, and progress monitoring to help educators focus on what matters most—student success. Today, Otus partners with school districts nationwide to create informed, data-driven learning environments. Learn more at Attachment Mike Peterson Otus 6513079251 [email protected]
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Otus Wins Gold Stevie® Award for Customer Service Department of the Year
CHICAGO, IL, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Otus, a leading provider of K-12 student data and assessment solutions, has been awarded a prestigious Gold Stevie® Award in the category of Customer Service Department of the Year at the 2025 American Business Awards®. This recognition celebrates the company's unwavering commitment to supporting educators, students, and families through exceptional service and innovation. In addition to the Gold award, Otus also earned two Silver Stevie® Awards: one for Company of the Year – Computer Software – Medium Size, and another honoring Co-founder and President Chris Hull as Technology Executive of the Year. 'It is an incredible honor to be recognized, but the real win is knowing our work is making a difference for educators and students,' said Hull. 'As a former teacher, I know how difficult it can be to juggle everything that is asked of you. At Otus, we focus on building tools that save time, surface meaningful insights, and make student data easier to use—so teachers can focus on what matters most: helping kids grow.' The American Business Awards®, now in their 23rd year, are the premier business awards program in the United States, honoring outstanding performances in the workplace across a wide range of industries. The competition receives more than 12,000 nominations every year. Judges selected Otus for its outstanding 98.7% customer satisfaction with chat interactions, and exceptional 89% gross retention in 2024. They also praised the company's unique blend of technology and human touch, noting its strong focus on educator-led support, onboarding, data-driven product evolution, and professional development. 'We believe great support starts with understanding the realities educators face every day. Our Client Success team is largely made up of former teachers and school leaders, so we speak the same language. Whether it's during onboarding, training, or day-to-day communication, we're here to help districts feel confident and supported. This recognition is a reflection of how seriously we take that responsibility and energizes us to keep raising the bar,' said Phil Collins, Ed.D., Chief Customer Officer at Otus. Otus continues to make significant strides in simplifying teaching and learning by offering a unified platform that integrates assessment, data, and instruction—all in one place. Otus has supported over 1 million students nationwide by helping educators make data-informed decisions, monitor progress, and personalize learning. These honors reflect the company's growth, innovation, and steadfast commitment to helping school communities succeed. About Otus Otus, an award-winning edtech company, empowers educators to maximize student performance with a comprehensive K-12 assessment, data, and insights solution. Committed to student achievement and educational equity, Otus combines student data with powerful tools that provide educators, administrators, and families with the insights they need to make a difference. Built by teachers for teachers, Otus creates efficiencies in data management, assessment, and progress monitoring to help educators focus on what matters most—student success. Today, Otus partners with school districts nationwide to create informed, data-driven learning environments. Learn more at Stay connected with Otus on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Attachments Sarah Williamson SWPR 503-349-3548 [email protected]
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Zeiss's comeback is made for mirrorless cameras, but the new Otus 50mm & 85mm f/1.4 lenses have another key change
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. High-end German optics company Zeiss is back in the photo game. On Tuesday, February 25, Zeiss unveiled the new Otus ML lens family, a move that brings the company's earlier f/1.4 primes to mirrorless mounts. The new Zeiss Otus ML 1.4/50 and Zeiss Otus ML 1.4/85 lenses are slated for a 2025 arrival in Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z mounts. While the new lenses continue the manual focus and wide f/1.4 features of the original Otus line, there's another key change besides the new mounts: a lower price point. The Zeiss Otus ML 1.4/50 is what the company is calling 'a versatile all-rounder' while the 85mm is targeted towards portrait photography. But while the features like the all metal design fall under what many predicted from the companies earlier teasers, the ML series is posed to sit at a significantly lower price point than Zeiss' older DSLR Otus optics. The 50mm carries a list price of $2,499 / £2,100 with the 85mm at $2,799 / £2,350. That price is higher than many first-party primes with autofocus, but it's a significant cut from the brand's DSLR lenses, like the Otus F-Mount 85mm which is still available for $4,490 / £3,800. Zeiss' announcement says the line includes the 50mm and 85mm 'for the start,' implying additional focal lengths could potentially be added to the Otus ML family down the road. The Otus ML line-up will carry a few commonalities among lenses in the DSLR series. Zeiss says the optics are designed to create 'the characteristic Zeiss 3D pop,' thanks to a design tailored to true colors, sharpness and micro contrast. Aspherical, or curved, lens elements help keep that sharpness even on the edges of the image while an apochromatic design helps maintain color accuracy and reduce chromatic aberrations. Both newly announced lenses will also have a metal construction. Weather seals help the lenses withstand splashes, including a blue-colored sealing ring at the mount. While the company says the lenses are crafted for photographers, the aperture ring can be de-clicked, a design feature favored by videographers. The De-click feature isn't a switch or button but an included tool used to loosen an adjustment screw on the lens mount. Like the DSLR lenses, the Otus ML line is manual focus only. Zeiss highlights those manual adjustments, however, saying that manual focusing is 'an experience itself.' The metal focus ring controls a helicoid drive. 'Manual focusing is more than a method – it's a way for photographers to connect deeply with their creative power and craftsman-ship, enabling both unparalleled control and artistic freedom,' said Zeiss Photography Category manager Petra Visuri. At launch, the lenses listed on the Cosina website only shared specifications for the Otus ML f1.4/50, which is built with 14 elements in 11 groups as well as 10 aperture blades. The size and weight of the lens varies slightly based on the mount, but ranges from 92.9mm to 96.9mm and 677g to 718g. The 50mm will also have electronic communication with the camera body despite being manual focus, which will include supporting EXIF information and in-body stabilization for cameras with the feature. The Z-Mount and RF-mount lenses list support for focus peaking and magnification in those specs, but the E-mount lens only lists magnification. Both the E-Mount and RF mount list support for lens correction, a detail missing from the Z-mount communication specifications. Zeiss says the 50mm lens is slated for a May 2025 release date, with the 85mm to follow later in the year. The lenses are already available for pre-order through multiple retailers including B&H in the US (85mm and 50mm) and Wex Photo in the UK (85mm and 50mm). Don't want to wait for the new Zeiss Otus lenses? Browse the best Sony E-Mount lenses, the best Canon RF mount lenses, or the best Nikon Z-mount lenses.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Yahoo
FINALLY! A new Zeiss Otus lens is on the way!
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. After more than five years without releasing a new photography lens, Zeiss has finally broken its silence. The legendary optics manufacturer has taken to social media to tease a brand-new lens – and I couldn't be more excited! Over the past four days, Zeiss has been drip-feeding cryptic teasers on Instagram, sparking speculation among photographers. While the company has remained tight-lipped on specific details, one thing is certain: it will be a new addition to its Otus lineup. The Zeiss Otus series is regarded by many as the gold standard for image quality, featuring incredibly fast f/1.4 apertures with virtually no aberrations. Until now, Otus lenses were designed exclusively for DSLR cameras, using the Nikon F-mount, therefore the upcoming release is expected to mark the beginning of a mirrorless Otus range – an exciting development for modern photographers. Zeiss' teaser campaign has included behind-the-scenes glimpses and sample images, fueling anticipation. Commenters have been speculating wildly; will it be a wide-angle or telephoto lens? Sony E-mount or Nikon Z-mount? Zeiss has responded to many of these guesses with nothing more than a wry "👀" emoji, keeping the mystery alive. From the limited clues available, my instinct leans toward an 85mm f/1.4 or 100mm prime. Examining the teaser footage, the size of the lens and the length of its hood suggest a longer focal length rather than a wide-angle option. The Otus lineup features distinct lens hoods for each focal length, and this one appears longer than those on existing wide-angle models. Adding to the intrigue, B&H Photo has teased, "Something big is coming!". This could simply refer to Zeiss' long-awaited return, or it might hint at a longer focal length prime, supporting my theory. One wild idea circulating in the comments is that Zeiss might release multiple lenses at once; after five years of silence, this wouldn't be entirely out of the question. In fact, looking at the variety of sample images in the teasers, it's not as far-fetched as it first seems. The official announcement is set for February 25 2025. Until then, we'll have to wait and speculate on what Zeiss has in store. Check out our guides to the best portrait lenses and the best lenses for landscapes.
