Latest news with #Zumba


Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Nex Playground Announces Summer of Fun Game Lineup Featuring New Games With Zumba and Sesame Workshop
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nex, the leading motion technology and entertainment company, today announced its Summer 2025 game lineup for Nex Playground, the active play system that gets families moving together. Headlining the slate are two standout partnerships: a delicious and playful puzzle adventure starring Sesame Street's Cookie Monster and a high-energy fitness experience created in collaboration with Zumba®. Together with four additional titles spanning sports, fantasy, and trivia, the lineup builds on Nex Playground's growing catalog of motion games that promote healthy, joyful, and communal active play for everyone in the family. We're committed to building games that resonate with our community, and will continue to build our platform to focus on entertainment that is accessible to the whole family. Share With school out and warmer weather coming, kids and families will enjoy having a variety of indoor activities they can play all summer long. Nex Playground is keeping kids moving this summer with a fresh lineup of games: Sesame Street's Cookie Monster's Cookie Factory – Join Cookie Monster in a fun-filled puzzle adventure. Players take on cookie-themed challenges focused on sorting, pattern recognition, and hand-eye coordination. Team up and work together to solve sweet puzzles and help Cookie Monster keep the nummie, nummie treats under control! Zumba – A first-of-its-kind Zumba® experience that combines immersive motion tracking with gamified scoring and progression. Unlock new songs, styles, and dance moves while progressing through increasingly challenging routines. Developed in collaboration with Zumba's globally renowned brand, this innovative title brings the energy and excitement of the studio straight to your living room. Brainy Inc. – Step into the fast-paced world of a factory floor, where you play as a robot in the final stages of assembly. Before earning your place outside the factory, you'll face a series of challenging tests packed with brain teasers and tricky questions. Outsmart the competition, rack up points, and prove your brilliance to claim the title of the smartest robot at Brainy Inc! Mingle – A vibrant matching game from Cookiecrayon, the creators of Nex Playground's Aeon Guard. Featuring quirky characters and a relaxing pace, the game brings a laid-back charm to the summer lineup. Homerun Heroes: Starstrikers – A third-person baseball batting game. Players swing to strike home runs, smash targets, and unlock a variety of costumes and bats to win the ultimate title of Starstrikers. This game features both 1v1 and 2v2 player modes, so no one's sitting on the bench. Sword Slash Adventure – A storybook-inspired action game where players dive into a whimsical, magical world, battling a variety of monsters to unlock new worlds and engage in boss battles. An evolution of Nex Labs' original Sword Slash title, this expanded adventure includes new boss battles and equipment upgrades. 'We're looking forward to expanding Nex Playground's game library with this summer's diverse and creative lineup,' said David Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Nex. 'From educational puzzles and trivia challenges to sports titles and our first-ever Zumba experience, Nex Playground has the ideal lineup to help keep kids and families stay active throughout the summer. We're committed to building games that resonate with our community, and will continue to build our platform to focus on entertainment that is accessible to the whole family.' Nex Playground is a controller-free console designed for families with young kids, making active, communal play more accessible and engaging than ever. Fully motion-powered gameplay means body movements are used rather than controllers, getting players to get off the couch and making physical activity fun for all ages. Additionally, Nex Playground is kidSAFE+ COPPA certified, with no internet connectivity, online interactions, ads, and in-game purchases, making it a standout family gaming option. All data stays local to the device, and the system comes with a built-in camera cover, highlighting Nex's commitment to privacy and safety. After a strong first year at retail in 2024 selling over 200,000 units to date, Nex Playground is gaining serious traction as a top choice for family gaming. Families interested in purchasing Nex Playground can find the console on Amazon as well as in Best Buy®, Target® and Walmart® online and select retail stores nationwide. Store availability can be found at The new summer games will be progressively released on Nex Playground starting this July and will be included in the Play Pass content subscription bundle for families, which is sold separately and can easily be added anytime. To learn more about Nex Playground, visit About Nex Nex is helping families reconnect with the joy of movement through fun, social, and interactive content that's accessible to all ages. Its award-winning Nex Playground active play system launched in December 2023, is designed in California, manufactured by Skyworth, a leader in home entertainment, and is powered by an Amlogic premium AI chip. With Nex Playground, cutting-edge AI and computer vision technologies are used to merge digital and physical worlds, immersing players in the experience using their natural body movement. Games range from original sports and fitness titles, to educational games and titles in collaboration with Hasbro, Sesame Workshop, Fruit Ninja and more. Since its founding, Nex has been recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, TIME's Best Inventions, Parents' Best Entertainment System for Families, and has received RedDot, IDEA, and Core77 international design awards. Nex Playground is also kidSAFE+ COPPA certified, highlighting the company's firm stance on privacy and safety for kids and families. To learn more, visit or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook.


Business Wire
3 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Nex and Zumba Announce Partnership to Bring Fitness Fun from the Studio to the Living Room
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nex, the leading motion technology and entertainment company, today announced a partnership with Zumba ®, the global dance-fitness phenomenon, that will make physical fitness enjoyable, accessible and engaging for people of all ages and abilities. This partnership will allow us to expand the Zumba experience beyond the studio, making it more accessible and engaging for families. Share Launching this August on Nex Playground, the active play system that gets families moving, Nex and Zumba will be introducing a first-of-its-kind fitness experience that combines immersive motion tracking with gamified scoring and progression. Developed with Zumba's globally recognized brand and content, this title will bring the studio experience to living rooms everywhere as a part of the ongoing partnership between the brands. This partnership highlights that Nex's breakout product, Nex Playground, goes beyond kids' games to become a true lifestyle choice, weaving active play into families' daily routine. 'Our partnership with Zumba is all about bringing their world-class dance-fitness experience into living rooms everywhere,' said David Lee, co-founder and CEO of Nex. 'This collaboration is about more than just exercise–it's about creating joyful, shared moments that get the whole family moving together. At Nex, we're always developing new experiences with our full community in mind–because healthy screentime isn't just for kids, it's for everyone.' 'This partnership will allow us to expand the Zumba experience beyond the studio, making it more accessible and engaging for families,' said Carolina Moraes, Chief Marketing Officer of Zumba. 'At Zumba, we want to make exercise feel less like a chore and more like a fun, social activity. By combining our infectious rhythms and easy-to-follow choreography with Nex's innovative motion technology, we're transforming how people of all ages experience fitness and fun at home!' The new fitness experience, available exclusively on Nex Playground, will let users unlock new songs, styles, and dance moves while progressing through increasingly challenging routines. By combining Zumba's engaging content with Nex Playground's advanced AI motion tracking technology, this partnership will offer the best at-home Zumba ® experience yet. With Nex's focus on simple setup, reliable tracking, and real-time gamified feedback and scoring, Zumba ® on Nex Playground will turn users' workouts into a high-energy dance party, all the while giving them credit for every step and every move. Nex Playground is a controller-free console designed for families with young kids, making active, communal play more accessible and engaging than ever. Fully motion-powered gameplay means body movements are used rather than controllers, getting players to get off the couch and making physical activity fun for all ages. Additionally, Nex Playground is kidSAFE+ COPPA certified, with no internet connectivity, online interactions, ads, and in-game purchases, making it a standout family gaming option. All data stays local to the device, and the system comes with a built-in camera cover, highlighting Nex's commitment to privacy and safety. The company just met a major milestone of selling over 200,000 units, and Nex Playground is gaining serious traction as a top choice for family gaming. Families interested in purchasing Nex Playground can find the console on Amazon as well as in Best Buy ®, Target ® and Walmart ® online and select retail stores nationwide. Store availability can be found at About Nex Nex is helping families reconnect with the joy of movement through fun, social, and interactive content that's accessible to all ages. Its award-winning Nex Playground active play system launched in December 2023, is designed in California, manufactured by Skyworth, a leader in home entertainment, and is powered by an Amlogic premium AI chip. With Nex Playground, cutting-edge AI and computer vision technologies are used to merge digital and physical worlds, immersing players in the experience using their natural body movement. Games range from original sports and fitness titles to educational games and titles in collaboration with Hasbro, Sesame Workshop, Fruit Ninja, and more. Since its founding, Nex has been recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, TIME's Best Inventions, Parents' Best Entertainment System for Families, and has received RedDot, IDEA, and Core77 international design awards. Nex Playground is also kidSAFE+ COPPA certified, highlighting the company's firm stance on privacy and safety for kids and families. To learn more, visit or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook. About Zumba Fitness, LLC Founded in 2001, Zumba is the largest branded dance fitness company in the world – reporting more than 15 million weekly participants, in 200,000 locations, across 185 countries. Zumba ® blends world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography for an effective workout that empowers participants to become their best selves – mind, body and soul. In addition to its original Zumba program, the company offers 10 Zumba specialty classes – from aquatic-based to those specifically designed for active older adults and children. In 2016, Zumba launched its first non-dance, HIIT workout STRONG Nation ®, where music acts as the main motivator. In 2023, Zumba launched CIRCL Mobility ®, a revolutionary new program designed to unlock the body's full potential through flexibility, breathwork, and mobility exercises. The Zumba ® lifestyle is rounded out by the company's many consumer product offerings, including video games, VR +MR experiences, original music, activewear and footwear, and interactive Fitness-Concert™ events. For more information about Zumba's programs and products, or to find a live class, visit Follow us on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nex Playground Announces Summer of Fun Game Lineup Featuring New Games With Zumba and Sesame Workshop
Six new motion games continue Nex's mission to provide healthy, affordable, and accessible play solutions for kids to move more and bond with friends and family SAN FRANCISCO, June 04, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nex, the leading motion technology and entertainment company, today announced its Summer 2025 game lineup for Nex Playground, the active play system that gets families moving together. Headlining the slate are two standout partnerships: a delicious and playful puzzle adventure starring Sesame Street's Cookie Monster and a high-energy fitness experience created in collaboration with Zumba®. Together with four additional titles spanning sports, fantasy, and trivia, the lineup builds on Nex Playground's growing catalog of motion games that promote healthy, joyful, and communal active play for everyone in the family. With school out and warmer weather coming, kids and families will enjoy having a variety of indoor activities they can play all summer long. Nex Playground is keeping kids moving this summer with a fresh lineup of games: Sesame Street's Cookie Monster's Cookie Factory – Join Cookie Monster in a fun-filled puzzle adventure. Players take on cookie-themed challenges focused on sorting, pattern recognition, and hand-eye coordination. Team up and work together to solve sweet puzzles and help Cookie Monster keep the nummie, nummie treats under control! Zumba – A first-of-its-kind Zumba® experience that combines immersive motion tracking with gamified scoring and progression. Unlock new songs, styles, and dance moves while progressing through increasingly challenging routines. Developed in collaboration with Zumba's globally renowned brand, this innovative title brings the energy and excitement of the studio straight to your living room. Brainy Inc. – Step into the fast-paced world of a factory floor, where you play as a robot in the final stages of assembly. Before earning your place outside the factory, you'll face a series of challenging tests packed with brain teasers and tricky questions. Outsmart the competition, rack up points, and prove your brilliance to claim the title of the smartest robot at Brainy Inc! Mingle – A vibrant matching game from Cookiecrayon, the creators of Nex Playground's Aeon Guard. Featuring quirky characters and a relaxing pace, the game brings a laid-back charm to the summer lineup. Homerun Heroes: Starstrikers – A third-person baseball batting game. Players swing to strike home runs, smash targets, and unlock a variety of costumes and bats to win the ultimate title of Starstrikers. This game features both 1v1 and 2v2 player modes, so no one's sitting on the bench. Sword Slash Adventure – A storybook-inspired action game where players dive into a whimsical, magical world, battling a variety of monsters to unlock new worlds and engage in boss battles. An evolution of Nex Labs' original Sword Slash title, this expanded adventure includes new boss battles and equipment upgrades. "We're looking forward to expanding Nex Playground's game library with this summer's diverse and creative lineup," said David Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Nex. "From educational puzzles and trivia challenges to sports titles and our first-ever Zumba experience, Nex Playground has the ideal lineup to help keep kids and families stay active throughout the summer. We're committed to building games that resonate with our community, and will continue to build our platform to focus on entertainment that is accessible to the whole family." Nex Playground is a controller-free console designed for families with young kids, making active, communal play more accessible and engaging than ever. Fully motion-powered gameplay means body movements are used rather than controllers, getting players to get off the couch and making physical activity fun for all ages. Additionally, Nex Playground is kidSAFE+ COPPA certified, with no internet connectivity, online interactions, ads, and in-game purchases, making it a standout family gaming option. All data stays local to the device, and the system comes with a built-in camera cover, highlighting Nex's commitment to privacy and safety. After a strong first year at retail in 2024 selling over 200,000 units to date, Nex Playground is gaining serious traction as a top choice for family gaming. Families interested in purchasing Nex Playground can find the console on Amazon as well as in Best Buy®, Target® and Walmart® online and select retail stores nationwide. Store availability can be found at The new summer games will be progressively released on Nex Playground starting this July and will be included in the Play Pass content subscription bundle for families, which is sold separately and can easily be added anytime. To learn more about Nex Playground, visit About NexNex is helping families reconnect with the joy of movement through fun, social, and interactive content that's accessible to all ages. Its award-winning Nex Playground active play system launched in December 2023, is designed in California, manufactured by Skyworth, a leader in home entertainment, and is powered by an Amlogic premium AI chip. With Nex Playground, cutting-edge AI and computer vision technologies are used to merge digital and physical worlds, immersing players in the experience using their natural body movement. Games range from original sports and fitness titles, to educational games and titles in collaboration with Hasbro, Sesame Workshop, Fruit Ninja and more. Since its founding, Nex has been recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, TIME's Best Inventions, Parents' Best Entertainment System for Families, and has received RedDot, IDEA, and Core77 international design awards. Nex Playground is also kidSAFE+ COPPA certified, highlighting the company's firm stance on privacy and safety for kids and families. To learn more, visit or follow the company on Instagram and Facebook. View source version on Contacts BerlinRosen for Nexnex@

The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Celebrations mark reopening of schools in Kannur, Kasaragod
Vibrant celebrations marked the beginning of the new academic year in schools across Kannur and Kasaragod on Monday (June 2, 2025). The Praveshanolsavam (school opening day celebration) unfolded as a grand cultural event, full of colour, music, and community spirit. At Government Higher Secondary School, Azhikode, the district-level inauguration was led by K.V. Sumesh, MLA, who lit the ceremonial lamp. District panchayat president K.K. Ratnakumar, District Collector Arun K. Vijayan, and other dignitaries were also present. The Corporation-level ceremony took place at the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School for girls, Payyambalam, Kannur. Mayor Muslih Madathil inaugurated the event, which was presided over by Deputy Mayor P. Indira. Councillors and other dignitaries also attended the celebration. Meanwhile, students of Buds Special School at Kannapuram also began their academic year with Praveshanolsavam. M. Vijayan, MLA, inaugurated the event, emphasising the important role Buds institutions play in nurturing the talents of children with special needs. The District Collector distributed study materials and Kannapuram grama panchayat president K. Rathi chaired the function. At present, 32 Buds institutions—including 24 schools and eight rehabilitation centres—operate in the district, providing education and job training support to 1,084 trainees. The institutions, jointly managed by Kudumbashree and local bodies, aim to empower children with special needs. In Kasaragod In Kasaragod, Government Vocational Higher Secondary School, Madikkai, hosted the district-level school reopening festival. Rajmohan Unnithan, MP, encouraged students to embrace the new beginning. The programme included a Zumba dance performance by the Hosdurg team and a robot-led kite display, all organised following green protocols. Payasam was distributed to participants, and for the next two weeks, every academic day will include an hour-long awareness session for students. Former MP P.P. Karunakaran handed out school bags to new students, while E. Chandrasekharan, MLA, was the chief guest at a meeting chaired by district panchayat president P. Baby Balakrishnan.


Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
FFHQ marks 12 years of promoting community wellness
Darlene Regis Filipino Fitness and Health in Qatar (FFHQ) celebrated its 12th anniversary with a dynamic and festive gathering at Arab International School, Building 2. The event, held from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, brought together community members for an evening of entertainment, fitness, and free health services. Kicking off the festivities was a spirited opening dance by FFHQ officers and instructors, followed by a thrilling Zumba battle challenge that energized the crowd. Attendees also benefited from free medical check-ups provided by Aster Medical Center, vision screenings courtesy of Al Jaber Opticians, and BMI assessments by I Fitness Gym. The celebration was made even more special through the generous support of community and commercial partners, including United Express Cargo, I Am Worldwide, C Wallet, Superlife Training, Megaworld International, and Sago Pearl Shakes & Milk Teas. Raffle prizes ranged from salon and food vouchers to spa packages and home appliances, culminating in a grand prize: a 55-inch television awarded to one lucky winner. As FFHQ steps into its 13th year, it remains committed to fostering health, fitness, and unity among Filipinos and the wider Qatar community.