Latest news with #Torch
Android Authority
2 days ago
- Android Authority
BlackBerry Classic is being revived with Android, and it can be yours for $400
Zinwa Technologies TL;DR A Chinese company is reviving old BlackBerry Classic phones with Android. The main board has been replaced, and so are the cameras, battery, and USB port. The revived BlackBerry is up for pre-ordering, and the company plans to start mass production by September. BlackBerry was more than a phone brand. It was a long-running phenomenon that would instantly shape your impression of the person using it as someone important. And so, it isn't surprising to see so many people longing for its revival. While I never owned a high-end BlackBerry (though I always wanted the Torch with a slide-out QWERTY), there is a tiny chance I might be able to do that soon. That's because a Chinese company is on a mission to revive old BlackBerry devices, with a twist. A brand named Zinwa Technologies is working on resurrecting a limited number of decade-old BlackBerry Classic Q20 devices and installing Android on them. The reborn phone will be sold as Zinwa Q25 Pro. Zinwa Technologies To make sure the hardware is compatible with Android, Zinwa is retrofitting the BlackBerry Classic with a new main board, equipped with a more recent MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, 12GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of onboard storage. The Classic's touchscreen also helps avoid any friction with the Android interface. Don't want to miss the best from Android Authority? Set us as a preferred source in Google Search to support us and make sure you never miss our latest exclusive reports, expert analysis, and much more. Among other changes, Zinwa has upgraded the Q20's original battery by almost 15% and added new cameras, including a 50MP on the back and an 8MP for the front. Meanwhile, the newer chipset brings support for 4G LTE, although the current model does not feature 5G support. The team has also replaced the micro USB port with a newer USB Type-C for faster charging and data transfer speeds. Based on demos shared by the team, BlackBerry's signature capacitive trackpad runs seamlessly on the revived device. The Zinwa Q25 Pro currently runs on a bare-bones version of Android 13, and there are no concrete plans from the company to update to newer versions, unless there is enough interest to foster development. So, if you're inclined to buy it, ensure you purchase this without expecting long-term support from the company. However, if all goes well, Zinwa might explore retrofitting other BlackBerry models, including the Passport and KeyOne, the latter of which was among the limited BlackBerry phones that came pre-installed with Android. The Zinwa Q25 Pro is priced at $400, but the company is also selling a DIY kit to transform your old BlackBerry Classic for $320. Both of these are available on an online store, while the company also sells the camera modules and battery separately. Zinwa plans to start shipping the Q25 Pro by the end of August to the first 100 backers and aims to go into mass production by mid-September. If you're interested in the project, you can join its Discord channel for more updates on shipping and other models under consideration for refurbishment. Who knows, with Android 16's improved support for physical keyboards, it might be a success. Follow
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AI leadership development platform Praxis Labs sells to Torch
Praxis Labs, a learning development platform, announced its acquisition on Thursday for an undisclosed amount by the leadership and coaching enterprise Torch. 'As a small company with fewer than 20 people serving companies as large as Amazon, we knew we needed to build powerful partnerships, across product and go-to-market, to reach more companies,' co-founder and CEO of Praxis Labs, Elise Smith, told TechCrunch about the reason for the sale. She and her co-founder, Heather Shen, met Torch CEO Heather Conklin as they were both already working in the leadership development space. 'We were immediately struck, not just by our shared values and mission, but also by how we aligned on what was needed to really future-proof the next general workforce,' Smith continued. 'There was a clear connection and opportunity to connect Torch's contextual coaching and organizational insights with Praxis' AI coaching, practice, and skill assessments.' Praxis Labs launched in 2019 and worked with companies such as eBay, Zoom, Amazon, Google, and Target to build out more equitable and inclusive workplaces through leadership training and skill assessments. It notably secured a $15 million Series A back in 2021, making Smith one of the few Black women at the time to raise more than $1 million in venture capital funding. Investors in that round included Emerson Collective, Steph Curry's fund Penny Jar Capital, Precursor Ventures, and Ulu Ventures. Smith and Shen will join Torch as head of AI Growth and Head of AI Product, respectively. The Praxis team will also be joining Torch. 'Right now, every company and executive team is facing this pivotal question: how will they prepare and manage this next generation of work with humans and AI, while maintaining the human connection that's essential for real workforce and company transformation?' she said. 'We're confident that joining Torch gives us the best possible opportunity to help companies solve this question in this crucial moment.' 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
TechCrunch
11-07-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
AI leadership development platform Praxis Labs sells to Torch
Praxis Labs, a learning development platform, announced its acquisition on Thursday for an undisclosed amount by the leadership and coaching enterprise Torch. 'As a small company with fewer than 20 people serving companies as large as Amazon, we knew we needed to build powerful partnerships, across product and go-to-market, to reach more companies,' co-founder and CEO of Praxis Labs, Elise Smith, told TechCrunch about the reason for the sale. She and her co-founder, Heather Shen, met Torch CEO Heather Conklin as they were both already working in the leadership development space. 'We were immediately struck, not just by our shared values and mission, but also by how we aligned on what was needed to really future-proof the next general workforce,' Smith continued. 'There was a clear connection and opportunity to connect Torch's contextual coaching and organizational insights with Praxis' AI coaching, practice, and skill assessments.' Heather Conklin, the CEO of Torch Image Credits:Heather Conklin Praxis Labs launched in 2019 and worked with companies such as eBay, Zoom, Amazon, Google, and Target to build out more equitable and inclusive workplaces through leadership training and skill assessments. It notably secured a $15 million Series A back in 2021, making Smith one of the few Black women at the time to raise more than $1 million in venture capital funding. Investors in that round included Emerson Collective, Steph Curry's fund Penny Jar Capital, Precursor Ventures, and Ulu Ventures. Smith and Shen will join Torch as head of AI Growth and Head of AI Product, respectively. The Praxis team will also be joining Torch. 'Right now, every company and executive team is facing this pivotal question: how will they prepare and manage this next generation of work with humans and AI, while maintaining the human connection that's essential for real workforce and company transformation?' she said. Techcrunch event Save up to $475 on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $450 on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW 'We're confident that joining Torch gives us the best possible opportunity to help companies solve this question in this crucial moment.'
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Affordable Ceretone OTC Hearing Aids Now Available at Target Stores Nationwide
LOS ANGELES, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ceretone, a pioneering force in affordable hearing technology, today announces the nationwide launch of its over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids at Target stores and The company has established itself as a leading OTC hearing aid brand in major retail channels, demonstrating strong consumer demand for accessible hearing aids. This collaboration brings five innovative Ceretone hearing aid models to Target customers nationwide: Torch, Style, Solid, Core One, and Beacon. The lineup addresses diverse hearing requirements and budget considerations across different consumer segments. Target stores will carry three models in-store, with two additional options available through A Hearing Aid for Everyone Torch: Features tinnitus masking and superior audio quality powered by advanced chips commonly used in prescription hearing aids, combined with simple operation and comfortable wear for users seeking professional-grade performance, all at a fraction of the price. Price: $249.99 Style: Delivers excellent sound quality with a fashionable design that appeals to consumers who prioritize both aesthetics and functionality, representing the most affordable option in the lineup. Price: $99.99 Solid: Offers unique charging-while-drying functionality, large physical buttons designed for senior-friendly operation, and represents excellent value for budget-conscious consumers. Price: $199.99 Core One: The world's smallest and 99% invisible hearing aid with exceptional comfort and app control. The upgraded Core One Pro will be launched in July, with exciting new features to be revealed soon. Price: $329.99 Beacon: Ceretone's flagship behind-the-ear model with advanced self-fitting and streaming functions, delivering superior sound quality and seamless connectivity to your digital devices. Price: $599.99 Accessibility to Better Hearing The company's proven track record in the retail hearing aid market has demonstrated strong consumer acceptance and paved the way for this exciting partnership with Target. 'Our R&D team brings years of experience from the prescription hearing aid world, which gives us a real advantage in the OTC market,' said Lincoln Lee, Ceretone's Product Director. 'We're focused on delivering better performance and quality at lower costs - that's how we make sure our customers get more for less, so more Americans can access quality hearing solutions.' About Ceretone: Founded by an engineer whose father experienced hearing loss due to the prohibitive cost and poor performance of available hearing aids, Ceretone was created to address these challenges for others. The company is driven to develop high-performance, affordable hearing aids that everyone can access. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Ceretone
Pembrokeshire Herald
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Peppa Pig heads to the Torch for a cinema adventure full of family fun
PEPPA PIG is back on the big screen this half term with a brand new adventure – and this time, there's a new baby in the family! The Peppa Meets the Baby Cinema Experience is coming to the Torch Theatre, promising an oinktastic outing for children and their families. Join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig as they prepare for the arrival of a new sibling, with plenty of laughs, mischief, and touching moments along the way. This special cinema experience features 10 brand new episodes, six catchy new songs, and music videos that are perfect for singing and dancing along with your favourite piggy pals. Expect house renovations, car shopping, and plenty of heartfelt family fun. 'This is the perfect first cinema trip for little ones,' said Anwen Francis of the Torch Theatre marketing team. 'We just adore Peppa Pig here at the Torch – she always brings smiles to faces young and old. We're so excited to welcome families to enjoy her latest adventure.' Screenings of Peppa Meets the Baby will take place at 12:30pm on Friday, 30 May; Saturday, 31 May; and Sunday, 1 June. Ticket prices are: Family (4 people) – £24, Adults – £7.50, Concessions – £7, and Under 16s – £6. For more information or to book, visit or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.
