Latest news with #SmartBits
The Verge
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Verge
Vestaboard's Note is a smaller, cheaper version of its hypnotic split-flap display
The original Vestaboard revived and modernized the split-flap mechanical displays that were once a mainstay of airports and train stations around the world, but at $3,499 it put a steep price on nostalgia. Its creators are back with a new version called the Vestaboard Note that's much smaller and more affordable. It's available for preorder now, starting at $899 – discounted from $1,299 – with deliveries expected to begin in December 2025. The company had spent over a year developing a new version of the Vestaboard called the Smart Bits that was 'a completely new way to experience Vestaboard's patented character units' that also 'pushed the limits of design, engineering, and manufacturing,' according to the company's founder and CEO, Dorrian Porter. But, when faced with economic uncertainty as a result of President Trump's tariffs on Chinese-made goods, the company pivoted and instead created the Note. Functionally, the Note is nearly identical to the original Vestaboard. But instead of using 132 split-flap mechanisms, which the company calls Bits, the Note only features 45. Each can display 64 alphanumeric characters plus other symbols like punctuation, solid colors, and a newly added red heart. The display measures 24.5 inches wide, or 28.4 inches with an optional bezel frame that adds $169 to the full retail pricing. Messages, patterns, and images can be created using a web interface or a free accompanying mobile app for iOS and Android. They're sent to the Note over Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. In addition to a library of existing designs and inspirational quotes, the app allows messages to be scheduled, sent to other Vestaboard users you're friends with, or even silenced during certain hours of the day. As hypnotic as the sound of over 2,800 spinning flaps may be, you probably don't want the Vestaboard Note waking you up in the middle of the night.
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
XponentL Data Announces the Strategic Acquisition of SmartBits, Switzerland
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 15, 2025-- XponentL Data Inc., a leading provider of Data & AI services, today announced the acquisition of SmartBits, a leading Digital, Data & AI consultancy in Switzerland. This strategic move expands XponentL's service offerings, strengthens its position in the growing Data & AI market and expands its European footprint. The acquisition complements XponentL's existing capabilities in data strategy and platform/software engineering. XponentL aims to enable its clients with AI-ready data, complementing its software partners with assets that drive value across Life Sciences, Healthcare, Retail, Hospitality, Energy, Manufacturing, and Financial Services—forming a foundation for growth. Bekim Kasumi, SmartBits CEO, had this to say about the acquisition, 'I founded SmartBits in Switzerland 24 years ago to advance digital transformation. The acquisition by XponentL Data is an exciting opportunity to scale our expertise and expand our impact in Switzerland and across Europe. With XponentL's strong capabilities in AI and data, SmartBits is well-positioned to drive innovation and deliver greater value to our clients in this rapidly evolving space.' XponentL's CEO, Tom Johnstone, expressed similar thoughts on the synergies, 'The acquisition of SmartBits will allow us to increase our reach in Europe and bolster our platform engineering capabilities.' The initial focus of the acquisition will be launching XponentL's Innovation Lab, which will focus on helping clients quickly prove hypotheses. 'XponentL's Innovation Lab will be where we combine leading technology to solve our clients' most critical business opportunities. The team will take learnings from large technology companies where we'll utilize a golden path approach to drive innovation execution,' said Matt Arellano, President of XponentL. The organizations will introduce industry-focused assets to the market over the next twelve months. About XponentL Data Inc: We specialize in delivering innovative Data & AI driven solutions that empower organizations to harness their full potential. With unmatched expertise, a collaborative approach, and a focus on value-driven results, we simplify complex challenges to unlock strategic opportunities, making us the ideal partner for businesses seeking transformation and competitive advantages. About SmartBits: SmartBits is a management, consulting, and software development company specializing in innovative digital solutions for education and professional development. Established in 2003, SmartBits SH.P.K operates as the Kosovan branch of SmartBits GmbH, headquartered in Zug, Switzerland. View source version on CONTACT: Media: Dave Taub | Chief Marketing Officer [email protected] Additional Information: Matthew Arellano | President & Chief Data Officer [email protected] KEYWORD: EUROPE SWITZERLAND UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA PENNSYLVANIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DATA MANAGEMENT DATA ANALYTICS TECHNOLOGY SOFTWARE CONSULTING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: XponentL Data Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 04/15/2025 09:44 AM/DISC: 04/15/2025 09:44 AM
