Today, on the 10th anniversary of Connect, Meta CEO & Founder Mark Zuckerberg shared how the rise of AI and metaverse technologies are reshaping the way we experience our physical and digital worlds. While the physical world around us is amazing —and it’s the combination of our physical and digital worlds that defines our reality. Yet too often, we rely on screens to tap into virtual spaces and content—and that can pull us away from the moment and the people we’re physically with.

Imagine replacing your TV with a fully customizable home theater you can take with you anywhere. Or sitting around a table with friends, some of whom are in the same physical room while others are avatars of those who live miles away—and yet still feeling fully present in the same space and experience. Or a meeting where some of the avatars are embodied AIs that can help you accomplish a variety of tasks. All of that could be possible when our physical and virtual worlds come together seamlessly.

Many of the foundational technologies needed to make that vision a reality are either already here or on the way. Mixed reality lets us bring digital objects into the physical world or create fully immersive experiences to explore. Advances in AI let us create unique characters that we can interact with in different ways. And future AR glasses will eventually bring these technologies together in a stylish form factor.

Today at Connect, Zuckerberg shared our progress on all three fronts.

Mixed Reality Goes Mainstream with Meta Quest 3

Meta Quest 3 is the world’s first mainstream headset built for mixed reality—and our most powerful headset yet. With double the graphic processing power of Quest 2,* Quest 3 is also the world’s first device to feature the new Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform we helped develop in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies. And it’s completely standalone: no PC, no console, no battery packs—nothing to break the feeling of presence. It understands your physical space, so you can play with the world around you. With mixed reality, the limits of your physical space can expand, and you can be part of a much larger world—like opening a portal to the Upside Down from your living room in Stranger Things VR.

With Quest 3, you can immerse yourself in an expansive content library with games and experiences to suit every taste and mood. More than 100 new and upgraded titles are coming to Quest 3 this year, and many of them will incorporate mixed reality. Because Quest 3 is backwards-compatible, you get access to a vast library of 500+ VR and MR experiences on day one. And with Xbox Cloud Gaming coming to Quest in December, you’ll be able to play Halo Infinite, Minecraft Legends, Forza Horizon 5, and hundreds of other high-quality Xbox games—all on a massive 2D screen you can take with you anywhere.**

Starting at $499.99 USD, Quest 3 ships October 10, and pre-orders are open now. Click here for all the details.

Advances in Artificial Intelligence

While it’s been an amazing year for AI, most people today still haven’t  experienced this new technology firsthand—and we have an opportunity to change that by building state-of-the-art AI into apps that billions of people already use.

We’ve talked about the Llama ecosystem of large language models, and today we unveiled our image generation model. Emu (short for Expressive Media Universe) uses your text prompts to generate high-quality, photorealistic images in just seconds. And thanks to Emu and technology from Llama 2, you can create your own custom AI stickers in chat to liven up conversations on the fly.

We also introduced restyle and backdrop—two new features coming soon to Instagram that use the technology from Emu to let you transform your photos or even co-create AI-generated images with friends. Restyle lets you reimagine your images by applying the visual styles you describe (you might type out “watercolor” or “collage from magazines and newspapers, torn edges,” for example), while backdrop leverages learnings from our Segment Anything Model so you can change your image’s scene or background. Prompts like “put me in front of a sublime aurora borealis” or “surrounded by puppies” will keep your subject in the foreground while creating the background you’ve described. Images created with restyle and backdrop will indicate the use of AI to help reduce the odds of people mistaking them for human-generated content. We’re also experimenting with forms of visible and invisible markers to help people distinguish AI-generated content.

Unlike most others in the industry, we don’t believe there will be one single super-intelligent AI that everyone uses. Rather, we think you’ll want different AIs for different things, like finding information, communicating, being entertained, playing games, helping you get work done, and more. You might even want to create your own AI that’s aligned with your goals, whether you’re a small business, a creator, or anyone really.

That’s why we’re building AI studio—a new platform for creating AIs that can help you get things done and just have fun. People will be able to interact with these AIs across the whole Meta universe of products. They’ll have profiles on Instagram and Facebook, and you’ll be able to chat with them in WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram. Eventually, they’ll be embodied as avatars in the metaverse too.

We’ve created some AIs of our own using AI studio that we’ll start rolling out in the US in beta today.

Meta AI is a new assistant you can interact with like a person. It uses a custom model based on Llama 2 technology and has access to real-time information through a partnership with Bing search. And Emul is built into Meta AI, so you can generate high-quality photorealistic images for free in seconds.

We’ve also been creating AIs that have more personality, opinions, and interests, and are a bit more fun to interact with. There’s Victor, a motivational coach who encourages you to hit your goals. The Dungeon Master can take you on an old-school text-based adventure. And our sous chef Max can take the random assortment of ingredients in your pantry and come up with a delicious recipe on the fly.

Those are just a few of the AIs we’ve trained so far, and there are several more coming over the next few weeks across a range of interests, from gaming and philosophy to sports, fashion, and beyond.

We want to give people the chance to build AIs of their own, so AI studio will ultimately let developers build third-party AIs for our messaging services. We’re building a sandbox that will let people who don’t code create their own AIs. We’re working on a way for creators to build AIs that represent them and help them engage and grow their communities. And we’re making it so businesses can create AIs that interact with customers and help with commerce and support.

Generative AI will bring with it new challenges, so we’re putting in the time and effort to make sure we get this right. That includes training and fine-tuning models to fit our safety and responsibility guidelines, red-teaming with external experts and internal teams to help ensure our models are safer and more inclusive, programming in guardrails around inappropriate conversations, and sharing system cards publicly so people better understand how these models work.

This next generation of artificial intelligence will enable a wide range of experiences and interactions, which will transform how people, businesses, and creators use all of our products. And we’ll continue innovating to ensure everyone has a chance to participate in the upside. Click here to learn more.

Introducing the Ray-Ban | Meta Smart Glasses Collection

Built in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, our next generation of smart glasses are designed so you can stay connected and capture the moment without having to stop and take out your phone—and easily share your experiences with friends, family, or the world.

We’ve upgraded them from the first generation in basically every way, and for the first time, you’ll be able to livestream directly from your smart glasses to your friends and followers on Facebook and Instagram.

These are also the first smart glasses to ship with Meta AI built in.*** Starting in the US in beta, you’ll get our state-of-the-art AI hands-free, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, in real time. And next year we’ll roll out a free update so your smart glasses will be able to understand what you’re looking at and help you out. If you want to know what building you’re standing in front of or get a translation of a sign on the fly, your Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses will have the answer.

Smart glasses will be an important platform in the future not only because they’re a natural way to see digital holograms in the physical world, but also because soon you’ll be able to let your AI see what you see and hear what you hear—which will make your smart glasses more useful over time.

Starting at $299 USD, the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses collection will launch on October 17, and they’re available for pre-order today on meta.com and ray-ban.com. Click here for more information.

The GoTo Sustainability Fair is poised to make a profound impact in the country, with the goal of inspiring, educating, and empowering individuals to embrace sustainable living. 

Set to take place at the forecourt of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly office on Saturday, September 30, 2023, the event starts in the morning and continues all day. At its core, this fair is founded on the belief that small actions, collectively undertaken, can catalyze a substantial shift towards a more sustainable future, benefitting both the planet and local communities.

Partners, exhibitors and sponsored confirmed so far include Turntabl, Pernod Ricard, Goethe Institut, Skin Gourmet, Spex Africa, UpCycle It Ghana, Sustainability Week Accra, McKingTorch Africa, Institute for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Solutions, Sesa Recycling, Green Space Ghana, Impact Hub, Chaint Afrique, KOA Natural Gh, and Youth Alliance for Green Ghana. 

Nabeela Abubakari, the Team Lead for the GoTo Sustainability Fair, ardently champions the fair’s mission, stating, “Our mission is to inspire, educate, and empower individuals to make sustainable choices that benefit both the planet and our local communities. We believe that small actions can create a big impact, and by embracing ethical consumption, we can shape a more sustainable future for all.”

The GoTo Sustainability Fair, she explained, tackles the central issue of disposability culture and  limited awareness among Ghanaians regarding innovative and sustainable local products and services. Many Ghanaians are unaware of the availability and potential benefits of such offerings. 

The Fair’s team lead underscores this challenge, saying, “Limited consumer awareness is a significant hurdle. Many Ghanaians are unaware of the availability and benefits of innovative and sustainable local products and services. Our fair aims to change that by showcasing the value of these solutions.”

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to climate change and environmental degradation. The region is home to some of the world’s poorest countries and has a rapidly growing population, both of which put additional stress on the environment.

Currently, the region is home to over 60percent of the world’s land that is degraded by human activity with over 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa lacking access to basic sanitation, even as the region’s forests are disappearing at a rate of over 4 million hectares per year.

Locally, Ghana’s deforestation rate is one of the highest in the world, with galamsey cited as one of the prime reasons. The country is also experiencing increasing levels of air and water pollution, according to the World Bank.

The country’s forest cover has declined from 80percent in the 1900s to less than 20percent today and over 3 million Ghanaians lack access to basic sanitation, whilst air pollution is a major problem, with levels of particulate matter often exceeding World Health Organization standards, further underscoring the urgency of initiatives like the Go To Sustainability Fair.

As the country has set a target of increasing its renewable energy share to 10percent by 2030, the organisers of the fair believe it will reverse the negative trend. 

“The Go To Sustainability Fair is guided by four core values: empowerment, emphasizing that everyone can live a quality life through education and resources; innovation, as a driving force for progress in sustainability; inclusivity, ensuring accessibility to all, regardless of background or knowledge level; and a commitment to infuse fun, creativity, and engagement into sustainability efforts,” the Team Lead said.

“This fair represents a movement that encourages active participation in positive change, offering interactive exhibits, workshops, and support for local sustainable businesses. It beckons the people of Ghana to embrace a sustainable lifestyle, aiming to transform Accra into a sustainable city and inspire a global shift towards ethical consumption, addressing the urgent sustainability needs of Sub-Saharan Africa,” she added.

About GoTo Sustainability Fair

The GoTo Sustainability Fair is an immersive and transformative event in Accra, Ghana, dedicated to inspiring, educating, and empowering individuals to embrace sustainable living. Founded on the principles of empowerment, innovation, inclusivity, and fun and engagement, the fair aims to address critical challenges in sustainability and create a more sustainable future for all. It provides a platform for showcasing innovative local solutions, supporting local businesses, and fostering a global shift towards ethical consumption. Learn more at goto-fair.com 

Nabeela Abubakari, Team Lead, GoTo Sustainability Fair

In today’s fast-paced digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business to succeed. And what better way to achieve this than investing in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies? As a business owner in Phoenix, you can take your online visibility to the next level through effective SEO practices. 

By optimizing your website with the right keywords and content, you’ll attract more potential customers, increase your web traffic, and ultimately improve your bottom line. With the right SEO strategies in place, you’ll stay ahead of your competitors and establish a strong brand presence in the digital world. So why wait? Take your business to the next level with Xpand Digital Phoenix today.

SEO must be noticed for businesses aiming to grow and dominate the online space. The vibrant landscape of Phoenix demands innovative and tailored strategies. Here’s how you can take your Phoenix business to the zenith with the power of SEO.

The Significance of SEO in Phoenix

Phoenix is a bustling city with a vibrant online presence. A strong SEO strategy is crucial for businesses to stand out. Being able to optimize your website with relevant keywords and phrases ensures that search engines can understand and index your content, making it easier for potential customers to find you. 

Additionally, SEO can help boost your website’s credibility and authority, leading to a higher ranking on search engine results pages. With so many businesses vying for attention in, investing in SEO is a smart choice for those looking to grow their online presence and reach a wider audience with the help of SEO agency in Phoenix.

Phoenix’s Competitive Landscape

The City of Phoenix boasts a diverse business ecosystem. With rising startups and established enterprises, standing out becomes a challenge. Here, SEO becomes an indispensable tool.

Tapping into Local Audience

A considerable portion of search engine queries is local. People search for services “near them.” For Phoenix businesses, local SEO ensures you’re the first name in search results that locals think of.

Keyword Research – Your SEO Foundation

Keyword research is the foundation of a strong SEO strategy. It’s discovering what search terms users use to find content related to your business or industry. Knowing which keywords to target can make all the difference in driving traffic and improving your website’s search engine rankings. 

The Importance of the Right Keywords

In SEO, it all starts with keywords. They determine how your potential clients find you. Using the right keywords can position your Phoenix business at the top.

Tools for Effective Keyword Research

Several tools, such as Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush, can aid businesses in identifying high-impact keywords relevant to Phoenix SEO services.

On-page SEO Techniques for Success

Driving traffic to your business website is key to online success, but it’s not always as easy. With the help of On-page SEO techniques, however, this daunting task can become a whole lot easier. Whether optimizing your website’s content or doing keyword research, incorporating these techniques into your digital marketing game plan is crucial. 

By understanding your business goals and objectives and using proven strategies, they can help you identify and implement the best On-page SEO techniques to take your your online marketing presence to the next level. With these tools in hand and a team of experts, your business can soar to new heights in the the digital marketing realm.

Optimizing Website Content

Content remains king. Tailoring your content around keyword research ensures higher rankings and better engagement.

Meta Descriptions and Title Tags

These brief snippets can drastically impact click-through rates. A compelling meta description and title tag can be the difference between a click and a miss.

Harnessing the Power of Off-page SEO

As an essential component of digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial in driving organic traffic to your website. However, it’s about more than just optimizing the content on your website. Off-page SEO plays a vital role in optimizing your web presence as well. 

By effectively harnessing the power of off-page SEO, you can create a strong online footprint, attract high-quality backlinks and increase your domain authority. SEO company specialises in implementing off-page SEO techniques that aid in boosting your visibility in search engine results pages and, ultimately, drive more organic traffic to your website. 

Backlinks: SEO Gold

Backlinks from credible sources can significantly boost your website’s authority, increasing its chances of ranking higher.

The Role of Social Media

Social media and signals from platforms like Facebook and Instagram can indirectly boost SEO. Engaging content that gets shared on social media amplifies your reach and authority.

Local SEO – Making Your Phoenix Business Shine

As a business owner, you likely know the importance of standing out from the competition. One way to do that is through local SEO. Local SEO targets consumers in your area, making it more likely that they will come across your business when searching for services or products in the city. 

By optimizing your website and online presence for local search queries, you can increase visibility and local ranking and attract more potential customers. Let your business shine by investing in local SEO tactics to help you rise above the rest.

Google My Business Optimization

For local businesses in Phoenix, Google My Business listings can drive immense traffic. Ensure it’s optimized with accurate details and positive reviews.

Local Citations Matter

Consistency in your business’s name, address, and phone number across the web can enhance local search rankings.

The Mobile-First Approach in SEO

With the rise of mobile devices, it’s no surprise that the mobile-first approach has become a crucial aspect of SEO strategies. As more and more users browse the internet on their phones or tablets, businesses must ensure their websites are optimized for mobile viewing. 

Search engines like Google now prioritize mobile-friendly websites in their rankings, making it even more important to prioritize the mobile-first approach. By focusing on creating a seamless mobile experience, businesses can improve their website’s user experience, increase engagement, and ultimately drive more traffic and conversions. 

For businesses in Phoenix looking to improve their SEO, the mobile-first approach is a crucial, a digital strategy and a digital marketing agency, strategy, that can’t be ignored.

Why Mobile Optimization is Crucial

With a majority of searches originating from mobile devices, having a mobile-optimized site is no longer optional.

Speed and User Experience

Mobile users expect quick load times and seamless navigation. Improving these can significantly reduce bounce rates.

Technical SEO – Behind the Scenes Work

Technical SEO is the backbone of any successful website. The behind-the-scenes work ensures your website is optimized for search engines to crawl and index. Although technical SEO can sound daunting, it’s a vital part of your digital marketing strategy that should be addressed. 

Technical SEO includes a range of tasks such as website speed optimization, URL structure, mobile responsiveness, crawl errors, and many more. All of these aspects work together to make your website more accessible and user-friendly – not just for search engines but also for your visitors. 

With proper, technical knowledge of SEO, your website may be able to rank on search engines, ultimately impacting your online visibility and business growth. That’s why it’s crucial to hire the right SEO expert to handle the complexities of technical SEO, so you can focus on delivering great content and engaging with your audience.

Site Architecture and Crawling

A well web design and clean site structure helps search engine bots easily navigate and index your site.

Secure and Accessible Websites

Adopting HTTPS and ensuring your site is accessible can significantly boost your SEO rankings.

Content Marketing and SEO Synergy

Content marketing and SEO synergy is the game-changing strategy businesses are using to stay ahead of their competition in the digital market. In the fast-evolving world of search engine optimization, more is needed to attract new visitors to your website; the ultimate goal is to convert them into loyal customers. 

Content marketing creates targeted, informative, and engaging content that is designed to drive organic traffic to your website. This, in combination with an optimized SEO strategy, will boost your website’s search engine ranking, drive more traffic to your website, and convert more leads to customers. 

This is why businesses are realizing the importance of integrating content marketing and SEO strategies to stay at the top of their search engine ranking. With the right SEO company, they are turning their website into a powerful, digital marketing agency, a social media marketing company, digital marketing agency, company, digital marketing agency and tool that drives business growth and profitability.

Creating Value with Content

High-quality content tailored to business needs of your audience can drive engagement, shares, and backlinks.

The Role of Blogging

Regularly updated blogs provide fresh content for search engines and can position your business as an industry leader in Phoenix.

Monitoring and Analytics – The Pulse of SEO

When it comes to successful SEO strategies, keeping your finger on the pulse of your website’s performance is essential. Monitoring and analytics tools are the key to understanding how your site ranks in search engine results pages, which keywords drive traffic, and where you may need to make improvements. 

SEO experts use these tools to stay ahead of the competition and drive business results. The right analytics can reveal important insights that allow you to adjust your tactics in real-time and stay ahead of search algorithm updates. 

Investing in monitoring and analytics ensures that your website remains optimized and highly visible to potential customers.

Tracking SEO Metrics

Tools like Google Analytics allow businesses to track organic traffic, bounce rates, and conversion metrics.

Iterative Improvements

SEO isn’t a one-time task. Continuous monitoring helps in refining strategies and improving results.

The Future of SEO for Phoenix Businesses

As the internet continues to dominate our daily lives, the importance of a solid online presence for businesses cannot be overstated. As competition rises in, SEO has become essential for companies to reach potential customers. 

With the ever-changing algorithms of search engines like Google, the future of SEO is constantly evolving. However, one thing is for sure – businesses prioritising SEO will have a distinct advantage over those not. Industry experts predict that artificial intelligence will play an even more significant role in SEO, making it crucial for businesses to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. 

Phoenix businesses that invest in SEO will reap the benefits of an increased digital footprint, paid advertising, and improved in search engine results and rankings, resulting in greater visibility and growth. The future of SEO is bright, and businesses that embrace it will thrive.

Voice Search and SEO

With the rise of voice-activated devices, voice search optimisation is becoming crucial.

AI and SEO

Artificial Intelligence, especially with tools like Google’s BERT, is changing the SEO landscape. Phoenix businesses must stay updated.

Why Partnering with an SEO Expert Makes Sense

You’re not alone if you’re unsure what SEO is or how it can help your business. SEO, or search engine optimization, is a digital marketing strategy that involves optimizing your website and content to improve your search engine ranking. 

In other words, SEO helps your business appear at the top of search engine results when potential customers search for specific keywords or phrases. But managing your SEO strategy can be complex and time-consuming, so partnering with an SEO expert in Phoenix is smart.

With their expertise in social media marketing and knowledge of search engine algorithms, a professional SEO agency can help your business outrank the competition and attract more qualified leads. So if you want to improve your business found online visibility and keep up with today’s full digital marketing landscape, partnering with an SEO expert is a no-brainer.

Expertise and Experience

SEO is intricate. Partnering with experts ensures that your business benefits from tried and tested strategies.

Staying Updated with Algorithm Changes

SEO algorithms are ever-evolving. An expert can help your business navigate these changes effectively.

Conclusion: SEO – A Game Changer for Phoenix Businesses

In conclusion, implementing SEO tactics can truly take your business to new heights. By optimizing your website and content to rank higher in search engine results, you increase your chances of reaching potential customers who are actively searching for the products or services you offer. 

With the right strategy, SEO can help establish your business as a credible and trustworthy source more customers. It’s always possible to start focusing on improving your SEO, and investing in this crucial aspect of your online presence can lead to significant growth and success for your business.

In the whole digital marketing age, SEO is not just an added advantage but a necessity. For Phoenix businesses aiming for growth and dominance, SEO offers a roadmap. Implementing robust strategies and staying updated can ensure that your business isn’t just new website with another name, but a brand that stands out in the whole digital marketing landscape.

Usher joined Zane Lowe in-studio on Apple Music 1 live from Paris to discuss news for the first time. He tells Apple Music about why he’s excited to perform on “the most grand stage”, getting the call from Jay-Z, growing up watching the show and joining that special legacy of artists, his connection to host city Las Vegas and what he’s learned from doing his residency there, whether fans can expect special guests during his performance, and why he’s only just getting started. 

Usher on Why He’s Excited To Perform at the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show…

It’s happening. It has happened, ladies and gentlemen!! It’s been a lot like to keep secrets from my own kids at home. Yeah. A very, very close knit group of people knew and were really excited about the entire thing. Obviously a legacy. But more than anything the fact that this is the most grand stage to ever play on, man. Those 13 minutes mean everything. Been on my bucket list for a long time. I’ve been asked many a times “what are the benchmarks or what are the things that matter the most I guess to you?” It’s obviously performing, but being able to perform on stage because so many amazing performers throughout the years have have graced it and did an amazing job. So of course the obsession of that starts. But man, just the excitement in this moment like to really be able to savor this moment. You you remember the first time you ever heard your record play on the radio. You remember the first time you ever heard your voice, you know, on a on a format or radio, Right? This is like that for me. Yes, it’s one of those….I’m very, very happy…

Usher on Getting The Call From Jay-Z…

Zane: One of the big questions that everybody would want me to ask is what’s it like getting that call from Jay-Z?

Usher: Oh, man, I didn’t… Well, I mean, you know, me and the big home, we talk often. But when I got this call… he said, “it’s time, it’s magic time. You know, it’s time for you to have that moment.” I’m like, what are you talking about? He’s like “the Super Bowl.” I’m like, Oh, you ready? Absolutely. But no question. Yeah. And it was like this was destined to happen. I think that everything that led up to that moment, going to Las Vegas for my Vegas residency for the last two years. The legacy, obviously, that is the music, the celebration of entertainment in that place is the City of Lights. You know, it’s always been a place where, you know, entertainers go and find love and passion, connection to their fans. So for the Super Bowl to have made its way to Las Vegas while we were in Vegas, having such an amazing two years…

Usher on the Unmatched Legacy of the Super Bowl Halftime Show…

I mean, you think about all the people who have played it and just the idea of how Jay-Z and Roc Nation have really brought a mindfulness to our culture. You know, 30 years of a career deserves this kind of moment. But to have curators like them, like Jay-Z, like Des and like Roc Nation to come in and and manage to make certain that the entire world understands our culture, understands where we come from, understands the feeling and celebrates entertainment in the way that that they do. I mean, it’s just it just feels like it was, you know, I guess if you try to create a playbook in your mind, like 30 years after you start, you potentially play the Super Bowl. Some people wait an entire lifetime, you know what I’m saying? But I don’t feel like this is my lifetime. I feel like I’m only kind of starting to really, really get comfortable.

Usher on Growing Up Watching the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Joining That Legacy, and Why It Will Be a Moment To Remember…

Zane: You talked about, you know, the Super Bowl and and this new era that the Super Bowl is in of authenticity, of representation of excitement, of music, of energy. And I think about your first experience watching the Super Bowl Halftime show and what it was like as a kid and whether that was the beginning of a manifestation for you?

Usher: Yeah, I think being able to see performances from artists like Michael, you know, eventually Prince and then even, you know, more modern day artist and, and to be perfectly honest, to see artists that, you know, even started before, you know, started after I did get it, I was like, man, at some point I need to get a call with what’s going on now. But I’m really happy that I’m joining that short list of legacy artists from my genre who deserve this moment. And I’m really happy that Jay-Z and also to Roc Nation, you know, really put thought into making certain that they could bring to the world this kind of experience. It is definitely going to be a moment to remember.

Usher on His Connection To Super Bowl Host City Las Vegas and How His Vegas Residency Has Re-Energized Him and Allowed Him To Reconnect With His Fans…

Zane: I wanted to ask you, you know, what you have learned from from doing these residencies in particular, your latest one, My Way out of Las Vegas residency and what is what’s how you’ve grown even as a performer after so many years of performing at the highest level. But from a Vegas point of view.

Usher: Reconnecting more than anything with my my core fans. You know, there’s a whirlwind, you know, of life experiences that lead you to the songs. And that song or those songs are the soundtrack for a lot of people’s lives. So when I look out in that audience and I see my fans who made a decision to have this be their destination with their loved ones, or either their friends and have an amazing time, it just really minded me, but also to re-energized my passion for what I do. I’ve always loved the live aspect of it more than anything. I enjoy making, you know, incredible records that touch places that I probably never go, but to literally be on the stage and perform every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday during the time that I’m there for an audience that I know came to see me, it really, really feels connected. It felt like, you know, if Vegas had ever become a place where artists came to just preserve their their past legacy, I don’t look at it as that. I’ve always looked at it as an opportunity to open new doors and new opportunities and look what happened that actually became so the idea of manifestation. I went to Las Vegas to just remind myself and remind my fans that I’m here for that I am connected, that I am still, you know, running and gunning. And I’m and I got out and I got a lot more where that came from.

Usher on Why He’s Excited About the 20th Anniversary of ‘Confessions’…

Zane: That was very successful. Very successful, like 18 million albums and counting. I think so at this point. DIAMOND..,.

Usher: Well, let’s just say for, you know, the time of selling tangible copies. Obviously, we’ve now gone to a place of streaming. Yeah, You know, it’s the last Diamond album specifically in my genre for any artist.

Zane: And Diamond, by the way, for people who are watching, is…

Usher: 10 million albums sold, starting off with 1.1 million units, you know, the first week. So really excited about the 20th anniversary of Confessions.

Usher Previews His Just-Announced New Album ‘Coming Home’…

Zane: More big news today We’re Not Done is an album that’s just been announced and is up for preorder right now on Apple Music.

Usher: Yay! Yay, yay. And it’s called Coming Home. It is a powerful statement.

Zane: I feel like your albums have always said something. You know, your last project was Zeethoven just called. I said a lot about where your head was at and your heart was there. And it was a love letter for you to where you’re from. What does coming home mean to you?

Usher: So a love letter once again to the legacy of my of my career. You know, I’ve been coming home in a lot of different ways. The choice of music and reconnection to some of the people that I’ve worked with from my past. And I always wanted to work with writers that I’ve actually made hit number one records with. In a sense, I’m coming home because I’m in that comfortable space. When you’re at home, you’re comfortable. When you’re at home, you feel connected, elevate, rise and inspire. To me, L.A. working together once again. The the inspiration that I’m drawn from does come, you know, with a bit of complication, which is in the music that I’m going to speak of. There’s a lot of honesty. Yes. I mean, come on, man. I don’t know. I’m not lying to you. Of course. And while leave it to the people who have to listen. And if any indication of what we’ve done in the past, me in LA is a representation of what you should expect, then there you have it. But what you do know is that we’re coming together. I’m coming home. I’m back home with my team. You know, even when you see the artwork, you will understand it. When you see the peach. You get it. You understand where I’m from and what we’re doing. And also to what this means, the subtlety of that. But more than anything, it’s a celebration of music. Coming home in many other ways as you get more acclimated. When I put out more records and also to put more visuals, actually begin to really understand it. But I think that it is something to be celebrated.

Usher on Whether Fans Can Expect Special Guests During His Super Bowl Halftime Performance…

Zane: Everyone’s going to ask the question, so I’m going to be the first one to get it all out on the table. Is it too soon to talk about possible guests on stage? People love the idea of it. Last year, Rihanna didn’t bring any guests in. The show didn’t need it. Sometimes people bring it because they want to embellish and celebrate and collaborate and share a moment. Have you thought about it?

Usher: Well, one thing I can say is I’ve, you know, collaborated with a lot of incredible artists throughout the years. If anything, I like the socially engaged the world, you know what I’m saying? I like to hear who you think, you know, would would be a great guest, great guest to complement this.

Zane: You’re not asking me that.

Usher: You’re absolutely. I will put you on the spot. You going to put me on? I can’t put you on. So we leave that one on the takeover. So, by the way, by the way, there’ll be many more Sundays to talk about this leading up to the Grand Sunday of all. Yeah. And I’m so happy that we were able to, you know, launch it today.

Usher on the Secrets To His Youth and Longevity…

Zane: What is the secret to you for longevity? What is that? What is that secret? On the secret to it?

Usher: I don’t know. I don’t know. I think I’ve just been happy in my worst moments. And I think that I’ve been grateful, you know, to. To be fortunate enough to just stay passionate. You know, I think that’s it. I think if you stay motivated and you stay focused on the work and not the stress when there are stressful moments, don’t completely give all the way into it. Of course, you should be mindful. Of course you should be. You know, you should learn. But I guess it’s staying creative. Something about this journey has been about never arriving. Mm hmm. It’s just really been about the journey. You know, the journey is the destination, so.

VIDEO | Usher Speaks For the First Time on Performing at the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show, Getting The Call From Jay-Z, New Album, and More

Watch: https://youtu.be/S_aQ5T-bm-g?si=9tQ9ar1vil8Vt1tS

Yesterday, on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), UBA America hosted an exceptional event that tantalized the taste buds and celebrated the diverse and vibrant culinary traditions of Africa. Tony O. Elumelu, Group Chairman of UBA Group; Oliver Alawuba, Group GMD/CEO, UBA Group; Sola Yomi-Ajayi, Executive Director, UBA Group, and CEO of UBA America; Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of AFREXIM, African young leaders, partners of UBA Group, and esteemed guests were treated to an unforgettable experience at the UBA Tastes of Africa event.

Africa is a continent with a rich tapestry of culinary traditions that mirror its extraordinary history and cultural heritage. At the United Bank for Africa, we take great pride in celebrating every facet of African culture, and one way we do this is through its delectable and diverse cuisine.

Under the theme of “Giving a Taste of Africa to the World,” the UBA Tastes of Africa event showcased Africa’s exquisite flavors and brought the continent’s culinary delights to the global stage. Master Chefs from various corners of Africa graced the occasion, each contributing their unique expertise to create a culinary journey like no other.

Chef Tolu Eros, the visionary behind Ilé and Ilé Bistro from Nigeria, shared the rich and authentic flavors of Nigerian cuisine. From Cote D’Ivoire, Chef Jay, renowned as “The Meat and Seafood Specialist,” wowed guests with his expertise. Meanwhile, New York’s Maraim’s Kitchen, Tope’s Kitchen, and Eki Thrills added their own delectable touches to the feast.

The UBA Tastes of Africa event was not just about food; it was a celebration of the cultural diversity that defines Africa. It was an opportunity to highlight the continent’s contributions to the global culinary scene and an acknowledgment of the talented chefs who continue to push the boundaries of African cuisine.

As we continue to engage in the vital discussions and deliberations at UNGA, events like UBA Tastes of Africa serve as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry and the potential for collaboration and celebration that Africa represents. We look forward to more moments that celebrate the beauty, diversity, and talent of Africa on the global stage.

#UBAatUNGA #TastesOfAfrica #CulinaryCelebration #AfricanCuisine

Have you ever imagined going around your house barefoot without feeling the chill creep up your legs? This may sound like something out of a fairytale, but with underfloor heating, it is possible to make your dream a reality. Say goodbye to uncomfortable radiators and hello to comfortable warmth from beneath your feet. If you are planning to get underfloor heating, visit Underfloor heating in Wakefield.

How does underfloor heating function?

Underfloor heating is a system of pipes or electric cables put beneath the floor surface to provide ideal warmth and comfort in an area. This heating method is based on the radiant heat transfer concept, which involves the direct emission of heat from a warm surface to humans and things in a room. Underfloor heating, as opposed to standard forced-air systems that rely on convection to circulate warm air, creates an even and consistent temperature throughout the space.

One of the primary benefits of underfloor heating is that it eliminates the need for complicated radiators or wall heaters. With no obstacles in the way, you have more freedom in terms of furniture placement and space design. In addition, because radiant heat is distributed evenly across the whole floor surface, there are no hot patches or drafts as with traditional convection-based systems.

The process of heating differs depending on whether you choose a hydronic (water-based) or an electric system. Warm water is pushed through a network of pipes embedded in concrete screed or coupled to insulation panels beneath the floor in hydronic systems. Electric systems, on the other hand, use resistance cables that generate heat when an electric current travels through them. Both solutions provide accurate temperature control and are easily adaptable to a variety of flooring surfaces such as tiles, wood, carpets, and so on. Due to potential damage risks, undertile heaters can only be used with solid tiled floors rather than flexible vinyl floors.

Is underfloor heating suited for every home?

Underfloor heating is frequently promoted as a luxury option that every homeowner should think about. It is important to note, however, that this heating system may not be suitable for every home. The type of flooring in your home is an important consideration. While underfloor heating can be used with many different types of flooring, including tile, stone, and laminate, it may not be suitable for solid wood or carpet.

Another factor to consider is the layout and size of your home. Underfloor heating works best in open-plan areas where heat can be distributed uniformly. It may be more difficult to generate constant warmth throughout your home if it contains several small rooms or short hallways.

In addition, the age and construction of your home can have an impact on its viability for underfloor heating. Older homes with insufficient insulation or unreliable electrical systems may require considerable renovations before installing underfloor heating safely and effectively.

To determine whether this type of system is appropriate for your home, consult with a professional technician that specialises in underfloor heating systems. They will be knowledgeable in assessing elements such as flooring type, layout, insulation levels, and electrical capacity to decide if your home is suitable for underfloor heating. You can make an informed decision about whether underfloor heating is right for you if you take a complete approach and receive expert advice customised to your specific circumstances. 

Underfloor heating is not only useful but also a highly efficient and comfortable method of heating your home. With technological improvements and the availability of many types of underfloor heating systems, there are solutions to suit every budget and requirement. While the initial installation costs more than traditional heating techniques, the long-term benefits of energy savings and enhanced comfort make it a good investment. So, if you’re thinking about improving your heating system or building a new home, don’t rule out underfloor heating. It’s time to enjoy the comfort of warm floors and well distributed heat throughout your home.