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Test Drive: Cadillac Escalade's Impressive Features and Performance A massive sports utility vehicle (SUV) measuring 2 meters in height and weighing 4 tons glides smoothly on the road. When the accelerator is pressed, the hefty body accelerates without hesitation, and on highways, it maintains its lane and follows the car ahead even when the driver takes their hands off the wheel. This is the Cadillac Escalade, the flagship SUV of the American luxury brand.On October 20, I alternated test drives between the Cadillac Escalade and the electric Escalade IQ over a round trip of approximately 120 kilometers from Yongsan in Seoul to Yeongjongdo in Incheon. The first impression was undoubtedly its overwhelming size. The Escalade IQ, the first full-size electric SUV in South Korea, measures 5,715 mm in length and has a wheelbase of 3,460 mm. From the drivers seat, the elevated view and the wide hood made the vehicles size apparent.However, once on the road, the driving experience differed from the initial impression. Despite its large and heavy frame, acceleration and deceleration were smooth. The Escalade IQ has a curb weight of 4,265 kg, but its maximum power of 750 horsepower propelled it forward with a heavy yet stable force. Magnetic Ride Control and air suspension absorbed road shocks, providing a smooth ride even for such a large vehicle.Yet, the most impressive feature during this test drive was not its grand presence or overwhelming performance, but rather the hands-free driver assistance system known as Super Cruise. When activated on the Gangbyeonbuk-ro, the Jayuro, and the Incheon International Airport Expressway, the vehicle continued to drive autonomously even with the drivers hands off the wheel. It maintained a consistent distance from the car ahead while navigating the roads curves. When the turn signal was activated, it assessed the surrounding conditions to change lanes and even recognized upcoming construction zones to switch lanes autonomously.However, its important to note that while Super Cruise allows for hands-free driving, it does not eliminate the drivers responsibility to monitor the road. As it corresponds to Level 2 autonomous driving, the driver is still required to keep an eye on the road.Monitoring cameras installed around the steering wheel immediately detect if the driver is not paying attention, such as closing their eyes or looking away, and emit a warning sound. If the driver does not respond to the warning lights and seat vibrations, the Super Cruise function must be manually reactivated. Utilizing infrared cameras, it can monitor the drivers attention even at night or when wearing sunglasses. General Motors is working on introducing Level 3 driving technology, which would ease the requirement for the driver to pay attention, by 2028.Compared to Teslas Full Self-Driving (FSD), there are differences in how the technology is implemented. While Teslas FSD relies on camera-based artificial intelligence (AI) to adapt to various road environments, Super Cruise combines pre-mapped detailed road information with cameras, radar, and GPS to support hands-free driving on designated roads. Unlike Teslas FSD, which requires the driver to keep their hands on the wheel, Super Cruise allows for complete hands-off driving in supported areas.However, the price poses a barrier to entry. The domestic selling price of the gas-powered Escalade starts at 168.07 million won, while the Escalade IQ reaches 277.57 million won. The massive size can also be a challenge in narrow urban roads or parking spaces.Nonetheless, the Escalade has clearly established a solid fan base. While its overwhelming size and performance have always been its appeal, Super Cruise adds a new dimension of value. The experience of driving steadily on the road without hands on the wheel is enough to redefine the conventional concept of driving. October 26, 2026 10 -
Coway's Airmega Mighty2 Named One of Time's Best Inventions of 2026 Coways North American strategic air purifier, the Airmega Mighty2, has been named one of Time magazines Best Inventions of 2026.Coway announced on October 26 that the Airmega Mighty2 was recognized in the home appliance category. Time praised its air purification capabilities and real-time air quality monitoring features.The Airmega Mighty2 is a successor to the long-selling Airmega Mighty in the North American market. It incorporates HEPA and carbon filters and utilizes a Mega Scan laser sensor to provide real-time monitoring of indoor air quality, including ultrafine particles.Compared to its predecessor, it reduces energy consumption by 20% and operates at a low noise level of just 19 dB. The product is noted for improving not only air purification performance but also energy efficiency and noise levels for long-term use.This year, the Airmega Mighty2 was also selected as a recommended air purifier by Wirecutter, a product review outlet affiliated with The New York Times, continuing its positive reception in the North American market.The design of the Airmega Mighty2 has also been recognized, winning major global design awards including Red Dot and iF·IDEA.Coway plans to leverage this recognition to expand its brand presence in the North American air care market.A Coway representative stated, This recognition reflects our air care technology and quality competitiveness accumulated over more than a decade in the North American market. We will enhance our competitiveness in the global market based on differentiated technology.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 10
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China's Calculations Ahead of U.S. Midterm Elections: Trade Gains, Taiwan Concerns If the Republican Party loses seats in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, China may find itself in a favorable position regarding U.S.-China trade negotiations, but could face increased pressure over Taiwan. Should the Democratic Party gain control of Congress, oversight of President Donald Trumps tariff policies and diplomatic actions could intensify. However, bipartisan support for advanced technology controls and security measures targeting China is likely to continue.In the midterm elections scheduled for November 3, if the Democrats secure a majority in either the House or Senate, it could impose constraints on Trumps policy initiatives.One area where China might see potential benefits is in trade negotiations. Following a summit in September, the U.S. and China agreed to extend a trade truce and work towards reducing tariffs on non-sensitive goods worth $30 billion from each country. Negotiations are ongoing regarding rare earths, critical minerals, agricultural products, and artificial intelligence-related issues. The deadline for the trade truce has been extended to January of next year as both sides seek further agreements.However, if the Democrats take control of Congress, they could enhance scrutiny over Trumps tariff impositions and negotiation processes. This would likely limit Trumps ability to use tariffs as a negotiating tool.There is also a possibility that Trumps diplomatic focus may shift towards domestic politics. Increased congressional investigations, budget negotiations, and conflicts over administration appointments and policies could reduce the political resources the White House can allocate to foreign issues. China may attempt to leverage this situation to secure its interests in trade negotiations.Nonetheless, it is unlikely that China can expect a significant reduction in U.S. pressure. The Democratic Party has consistently shown a commitment to countering Chinas advancements in technology and military power, suggesting that sanctions against China are not expected to ease.In fact, the Taiwan issue could become a greater burden for China. Following a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May, Trump withheld approval for an additional $14 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, a move interpreted as a consideration of U.S.-China relations and trade negotiations. If the Democrats gain influence in Congress, pressure to resume defense support and arms sales to Taiwan could increase. The U.S. Congress has already prepared legislation and budgets to support Taiwans defense capabilities. If the Democrats maintain a tough stance on China while emphasizing support for Taiwan, it may become difficult for the Trump administration to further delay arms sales in an effort to improve relations with China.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 10
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LS Eco Energy Establishes Ultra Capacitor Production Base in Vietnam for AI Data Centers LS Eco Energy is expanding its high-value business by producing ultra capacitors (UC) for artificial intelligence data centers (AIDC).On October 26, LS Eco Energy announced that its Vietnamese subsidiary, LSCV, will invest approximately 65 billion won to establish UC production facilities locally.This investment aims to respond to increased orders for UCs from its affiliate, LS Materials. On October 13, LS Materials signed a supply contract worth about $51.5 million (approximately 69 billion won) with a U.S. hydrogen fuel cell company and is negotiating additional contracts for later this year.LS Eco Energy plans to manufacture UCs through contract manufacturing (OEM) based on LS Materials technology. LSCV is set to begin mass production and supply in April 2027, with a goal of achieving annual sales of about 150 billion won by 2030.Through this initiative, LS Materials aims to diversify its production bases in South Korea and Vietnam to meet growing global demand, while LS Eco Energy seeks to secure a new revenue stream through high-value businesses. Future investments will be considered based on additional orders.LSCV is evaluated as a cost-competitive production base due to its ability to utilize idle space in existing factories and relatively low labor and utility costs. The UC business is expected to be more profitable than the existing general wire business, contributing to improved profit margins for LS Eco Energy.UCs are energy storage devices that quickly store and supply electricity to compensate for instantaneous power shortages in hydrogen fuel cell power generation systems. With the increasing power demand for AIDC, investments in hydrogen fuel cell generation facilities are expected to drive up UC demand.Lee Sang-ho, CEO of LS Eco Energy, stated, We will cultivate UCs as a new growth engine and expand our business into high-value products for AIDC, such as bus ducts.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 10
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Daebo Construction Wins 210.7 Billion Won Contract for Daejeon Reconstruction Project Daebo Construction has secured a contract worth approximately 210.7 billion won for the Gao-dong 1 district reconstruction project in Daejeon.On October 26, Daebo Construction announced that it was selected as the contractor during the general assembly of the Gao-dong 1 district reconstruction project association held on October 24.The project involves redeveloping the existing 460 housing units into a total of 700 units across eight buildings, with two basement levels and a maximum height of 35 stories, along with community facilities. The total construction cost is estimated at around 210.7 billion won.Daebo Construction has recently won contracts for the Gyeonggi-do Highway and the Asan Tangjeong 2 urban development project, surpassing a cumulative contract amount of 1 trillion won this year. The company is also expanding its business scope into urban maintenance projects by increasing its workforce and organizational capacity.Having primarily grown through public works, Daebo Construction launched its apartment brand hausD in 2014 and has a track record of constructing over 70,000 units of both private and public apartments.A Daebo Construction official stated, Based on our accumulated construction experience and technology, we will develop Gao-dong 1 district into a high-quality residential complex and plan to focus our capabilities on urban maintenance projects in the future.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 10
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Major Job Fair in Busan Features Over 200 Companies for Youth Employment More than 200 companies, including youth-friendly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and outstanding firms from the Busan region, are participating in a large-scale job fair in Busan.The Ministry of Employment and Labor, in collaboration with the city of Busan and KB Kookmin Bank, is hosting the 2026 KB Good Job Busan Job Festival on October 26 at the Busan BEXCO Exhibition Center. The event features over 200 SMEs, including those recognized as youth-friendly companies by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.The job fair will operate seven recruitment halls, including those for youth-friendly SMEs, outstanding Busan companies, future growth companies, women-friendly distribution and logistics firms, and major corporate partners.Youth-friendly SMEs are selected based on criteria such as youth employment performance, work-life balance, wage levels, revenue growth rates, and operating profit margins. Companies that have been publicly listed for wage arrears, industrial accidents, tax delinquencies, or confirmed unfair dismissals are excluded from the selection process.This year, 224 companies have been designated as youth-friendly SMEs, with the designation valid from 2026 to 2028. Selected companies will receive benefits such as recruitment information through Job24, preferential selection for support projects from the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of SMEs, and interest rate discounts from KB Kookmin Bank.The fair also includes support for job seekers and hiring companies. KB Kookmin Bank will provide a 10,000 won interview support fund to the first 500 job seekers participating in interviews at the event. Companies hiring full-time employees will receive a recruitment subsidy of 1 million won per hire, with a maximum limit of 10 million won per company.Programs aimed at enhancing the employment capabilities of young job seekers will also be offered. A seminar will introduce the latest hiring trends and job search strategies based on data, while a talk concert will address pre-registered employment and career concerns. Corporate recruitment presentations will feature companies like SK Hynix and Taejo Engineering, providing information on their hiring processes.The Ministry of Employment and Labor will operate a promotional booth for youth employment policies, providing information on youth-friendly SMEs, youth employment incentive programs, youth experience initiatives, and the K-New Deal Academy. Customized employment consulting and AI interview experiences will also be available as interactive programs.Korea Polytechnic University, a co-organizer of the fair, will operate 12 vocational experience booths where participants can directly engage with semiconductor production, industrial safety, humanoid robots, and autonomous vehicle control. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about physical AI technology using functioning humanoid robots and experience industrial safety through virtual reality (VR).The Ministry anticipates that this job fair will provide valuable hiring information from capable SMEs to young job seekers and expand practical hiring opportunities between companies and job seekers. Interested job seekers can check detailed recruitment information, including job openings and working conditions, on the official job fair website.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 10
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LG Electronics Launches AI-Enhanced Drawer Refrigerator LG Electronics has launched the new LG Dios AI Objet Collection STEM Ice Water Refrigerator model on October 26, enhancing convenience with artificial intelligence (AI) technology and a drawer-style freezer. According to LG Electronics, the new product has revamped the traditional side-opening lower freezer into a mid and lower drawer structure. This design reduces strain on the waist and knees, allowing users to easily check the condition of ingredients from above when opening the drawers. Functionality has also been significantly expanded. The mid drawer (convertible drawer) features a function that allows users to select from 14 customized storage modes for wine, kimchi, meat, and more via the LG ThinQ app. The lower drawer is equipped with freezing capabilities and an automatic ice maker. The Fresh Custom Zone, which supports tailored temperatures for different ingredients, has been expanded from one to two compartments. New AI features have also been added. The AI Fresh Care learns user patterns to perform rapid cooling before meal preparation. During less frequent usage times, it switches to AI Saving Mode to maximize energy efficiency. The AI Voice Recognition provides voice guidance for storage locations and suitable modes, and it supports control of other appliances linked to the ThinQ app. Spatial and visual elements have been improved as well. Through Fit & Max and Zero Clearance Hinge technologies, the gap between the refrigerator and the wall has been minimized to 4mm on each side and at least 9mm on top, achieving a sleek built-in style. The product features a 6.8-inch display and internal light gallery lighting. With a subscription service, users receive product inspections and filter replacements every three months, along with care for the water supply line, outlet, and door packing. Additionally, cleaning care for dust and foreign substances in the rear mechanical compartment is conducted every 36 months. Kim Jae-il, head of LG Electronics Kitchen Solutions Division, stated, Through the convertible drawer model, we aim to provide a differentiated customer experience in the domestic refrigerator market and continue to introduce appliances optimized for customer lifestyles.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 10
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Lunit Partners with Summit Therapeutics for Next-Gen Cancer Drug Development Lunit, a medical artificial intelligence (AI) company, saw its stock surge after announcing a research agreement with U.S. biotech firm Summit Therapeutics to develop a next-generation immuno-oncology drug. Analysts suggest that the potential for a reevaluation of the companys value next year also influenced investor sentiment.According to the Korea Exchange, as of 9:44 a.m. on October 26, Lunits shares rose by 3,390 won (30.00%) to 14,690 won, hitting the upper limit.Lunit stated that it has signed a research agreement with Nasdaq-listed Summit Therapeutics to develop the immuno-oncology drug ivonescimab using AI biomarker research.In this collaboration, Summit plans to utilize Lunits AI pathology analysis platform, Lunit Scope IO, to analyze the distribution of cancer cells and immune cells, aiming to identify patient groups likely to benefit from the treatment. Biomarkers are biological indicators that predict a patients response to specific drugs.Recently, multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca announced a strategic equity investment of $2 billion (approximately 27 trillion won) in Summit. Additionally, it revealed plans to pursue a global development project combining its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with ivonescimab. The involvement of Lunits AI technology in the ivonescimab research has drawn significant attention.Analysts have also raised the possibility of reevaluating Lunits corporate value. Han Seung-yeon, a researcher at NH Investment & Securities, noted, Previously, Lunit was classified as an AI diagnostic company focused on cancer screening, but it is now expanding its business scope into the AI drug value chain. It is the AI company to watch in the domestic healthcare sector next year.He added, Given that the existing core business of cancer screening can explain most of the current market capitalization, it is now time to reflect the hidden value of the AI biomarker business, estimated at 500 billion won.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 09
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Yanggu County Seeks Basic Income Pilot Program with Monthly Payments of $150 Yanggu County in Gangwon Province is pursuing a pilot program for a rural basic income that would provide residents with monthly payments equivalent to 150,000 won (approximately $150) in local gift certificates. A key challenge will be how effectively the county can outline its plans for securing local funding and expanding consumer options in rural areas.According to Yanggu County, a meeting of the administrative council for the rural basic income initiative was held on the 26th in the county halls conference room. The council discussed the project application to be submitted to Gangwon Province on the 29th, along with inter-departmental cooperation.This application process targets 52 counties nationwide that are experiencing population decline, excluding existing participant regions. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs plans to select around 18 new counties. Applications will be accepted until November 3, and Yanggus submission will undergo evaluation by the central government before final selections are made.Yanggus preparation aligns with the governments evaluation criteria. The Ministry has emphasized the importance of resident participation and local government efforts to ensure the projects early establishment. The countys discussions on a dedicated implementation system and resident engagement strategies are seen as responses to these requirements. However, merely forming a council does not guarantee a competitive edge in the selection process.Concrete financial planning is also essential. The government has proposed increasing the national funding rate from 40% to 50% in next years budget. While this aims to reduce the financial burden on local governments, the scale and specifics of the project may vary depending on the National Assemblys budget review outcomes. Prior to the application, discussions on local and provincial funding responsibilities must take place.If the proposed funding structure of 50% national funding and 25% each from provincial and county sources is applied, the annual payment for every 10,000 recipients would total 18 billion won (approximately $18 million), with the countys share amounting to 4.5 billion won (approximately $4.5 million). This calculation is based solely on payment amounts, and the actual costs will depend on the estimated number of recipients and final funding ratios. This is why the county must present plans for securing its share of funding alongside estimating the number of recipients.Expanding consumer options in rural areas is another critical factor for feasibility. If residents receive gift certificates but cannot purchase essential goods and services nearby, it could lead to inconvenience. Plans must be in place to assess the distribution of participating merchants and types of businesses in each township to ensure that the payment amounts translate into increased sales for local businesses.The administrative council is chaired by Deputy County Mayor Jeong Yeong-mi, with Kwon Eun-kyung, head of the Agricultural Technology Center, serving as vice-chair. Ten department heads from relevant offices, including the Planning and Budget Office, the Autonomous Administration Division, and the Social Welfare Division, along with five township mayors, are participating as members.During the meeting, the council will share interim reports from research on project planning, including policy environment analysis, recipient estimates, and preliminary proposals. Discussions will also cover securing funding, establishing dedicated organizations, expanding consumer options in rural areas, and strategies for resident participation. The county plans to incorporate feedback into its proposal, with selection results expected to be announced next month.Chairperson Jeong Yeong-mi stated, The rural basic income initiative is a significant and complex task that requires collaboration across the entire county administration. We will develop a project plan with high feasibility through close cooperation among relevant departments.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 09
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China Integrates Southern Power Markets, Reducing Token Prices The integration of power markets across five regions in southern China has opened new avenues for reducing electricity costs, a key expense for the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. With power trading now governed by a unified set of market rules, AI data centers can purchase relatively cheaper electricity from other regions and concentrate their computational tasks during off-peak hours to save costs.According to the Global Times, a state-run English-language newspaper, the southern power market, which includes Guangdong, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hainan, and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, officially began full operations. More than 290,000 market participants, including power generation companies, electricity retailers, large power users, energy storage operators, and virtual power plants, have registered.Previously, inter-provincial power trading was possible, but it faced restrictions in contract and trading methods. The recent unification of trading rules is expected to enhance inter-provincial power transactions. These five regions fall under the jurisdiction of China Southern Power Grid, a state-owned power company, while other regions are managed by the State Grid Corporation of China. China Southern Power Grid initiated a pilot program for unified settlement of the five regional power markets in July 2022, which has now been fully integrated.The integration is anticipated to lower electricity costs for AI data centers. These centers can adjust their power consumption based on prices rather than relying on fixed power sources. In May, nine data centers in Guangdong purchased a total of 17.45 million kWh of green power from Guangxi and Yunnan at a trading price of approximately 0.40 yuan per kWh, about 0.13 yuan cheaper than similar transactions within the province.Additionally, data centers can increase computational tasks during periods of low electricity prices and reduce non-urgent tasks during high-price hours, effectively managing their power consumption. This year, the average regional electricity price for the computing sector in Guangdong has dropped by 32.2% compared to the same period last year.As electricity costs decrease, token prices are also expected to fall. According to the China Center for Information Industry Development (CCID), the share of electricity costs in data center operating expenses has risen from about 40% in the past to 50-60% recently. The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology reported that the average daily token usage in June 2026 reached approximately 500 trillion, quadrupling from December 2025.Meanwhile, a report by JPMorgan Chase released in May indicated that the average electricity price in China for the fourth quarter of 2025 is projected to be $0.08 per kWh, compared to $0.18 in the United States. This suggests that electricity costs in China are about 56% lower than in the U.S. The Wall Street Journal also reported in December that some data centers in China pay less than half the electricity rates of their U.S. counterparts.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 09
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Inspire Arena to be Renamed NAVER Arena Under Three-Year Naming Rights Deal The Inspire Arena at the Inspire Entertainment Resort on Yeongjongdo Island will be renamed NAVER Arena starting at the end of December. NAVER has secured naming rights for three years, which is expected to bring changes to the venues branding and digital viewing services.Inspire Entertainment Resort announced on October 26 that it has signed a naming rights and strategic partnership agreement with NAVER.As a result, the official name of Inspire Arena will change to NAVER ARENA at INSPIRE, with the abbreviated name being NAVER Arena. The naming rights agreement will take effect in December and will last for three years, although the specific financial terms have not been disclosed.This agreement goes beyond merely attaching a corporate name to the venue; it aims to combine the business capabilities of both companies.Inspire will continue to manage the operation of the venue and attract various entertainment content, including performances and sports. NAVER will leverage the naming rights for brand marketing while exploring ways to integrate its technology and services into the arena.Key areas of collaboration include a facial recognition-based entry system and smart mapping and navigation services, aimed at reducing inconveniences for attendees as they enter the venue and move around inside.Plans are also in place for events that utilize benefits for NAVER Plus membership users and NAVER Pays facial recognition payment service, Facesign. However, the specific timing and operational details for these services have yet to be finalized.Lee Han-na, Chief Marketing Officer of Inspire, stated, Through our collaboration with NAVER, we aim to enhance the overall customer experience for performances and create differentiated value.Lee Jae-hoo, head of NAVERs Entertainment Services division, said, We plan to utilize NAVER Arena as a space to showcase Team NAVERs branding, technology, and services, and to present various global events leveraging NAVER Plus membership benefits and Facesign.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 09
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Samsung SDI expands US energy storage push with Texas deal SEOUL, October 26 (AJP) - Samsung SDI has won a 1-gigawatt-hour (GWh) order to supply energy storage systems (ESS) to U.S. power producer Alpha Omega Power (AOP), the South Korean battery maker said Monday. The follow-on deal, signed through its U.S. subsidiary Samsung SDI America, lifts the total volume contracted with AOP to 1.5 GWh after an initial order late last year. AOP will deploy the systems, due for delivery by year-end, at a large-scale Texas power project set to break ground next year. The order covers the Samsung Battery Box 1.7, an all-in-one unit built with high-nickel NCA cells at StarPlus Energy, Samsung SDI's Indiana joint venture with Stellantis. It packs 17 percent more energy density than its predecessor into the same 20-foot container and holds NFPA 855 and UL 9540 safety certifications. All three Korean battery makers are retooling U.S. electric vehicle lines for energy storage as EV demand cools, and Samsung SDI's turn has gathered pace this year. It landed a 1.5 trillion won ($1.13 billion) U.S. ESS order in March and agreed in August to buy General Motors' stake in their Indiana joint venture, with storage batteries the near-term priority. Samsung SDI says it is the only non-Chinese maker of prismatic ESS batteries in North America, a format it says outlasts pouch cells in durability and fire safety. The company is in talks with several other U.S. customers and expects further orders soon. "Alpha Omega Power is one of the fastest growing independent power producers in the country, and the kind of sophisticated operator we want to partner with to tackle grid reliability challenges," said Fabrice Hudry, executive vice president and head of the ESS team at Samsung SDI America. He said the company would widen its footing in North America through "differentiated technology and local production capabilities." AJP Takeaways - Samsung SDI said on Oct. 26, 2026 that its U.S. unit had signed a 1 GWh energy storage supply deal with Alpha Omega Power, bringing their total contracts to 1.5 GWh. - The SBB 1.7 units will be made at StarPlus Energy in Indiana, Samsung SDI's joint venture with Stellantis, for a Texas power project due to break ground in 2027. - The order follows Samsung SDI's 1.5 trillion won U.S. ESS deal in March 2026 and its August 2026 agreement to buy General Motors' stake in their Indiana battery joint venture. October 26, 2026 09 -
Samsung SDI to Supply Billions in Battery Solutions to U.S. Energy Firm Samsung SDI is expanding its presence in the U.S. market by securing contracts for energy storage system (ESS) batteries.On October 26, Samsung SDI America (SDIA) announced it has signed a supply contract with U.S. energy company Alpha Omega Power (AOP) for a 1GWh ESS solution. The contract is reportedly worth billions of won.Including the initial volume contracted at the end of last year, the total supply will reach 1.5GWh, with AOP planning to use the ESS solutions from Samsung SDI in a large-scale power project set to begin construction in Texas next year.The products to be supplied under this contract are the integrated ESS solution SBB (Samsung Battery Box) 1.7, which features nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) batteries. Production will take place at the Star Plus Energy (SPE) plant in Indiana, with deliveries expected by the end of the year.The SBB 1.7, utilizing high-capacity high-nickel NCA materials, has the same dimensions as the previous model, SBB 1.5, at 20 feet, but boasts a 17% higher energy density. It also incorporates AI-based pre-anomaly diagnosis and lifespan prediction algorithms, showcasing Samsung SDIs expertise in ESS design.Notably, the product has received safety certifications, including the National Fire Protection Associations NFPA 855 fire safety installation standard and UL 9540 for ESS safety. It also employs Samsung SDIs proprietary EDI (Embedded Direct Injection) technology, which enhances fire safety.Samsung SDI is in ongoing discussions with multiple local clients for additional supply contracts and anticipates securing more orders soon.As the only non-Chinese supplier of prismatic ESS batteries in North America, Samsung SDI has satisfied demanding local energy companies with its durable and fire-safe prismatic technology compared to pouch-type batteries.Fabrice Hudry, Vice President of the ESS team at Samsung SDIA, stated, AOP is one of the fastest-growing independent power producers in the U.S. We will continue to expand our business foundation and strengthen our position in the North American ESS market through differentiated technology and local production.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 08
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Naver Secures Naming Rights for Inspire Arena, Renamed 'Naver Arena' Naver has partnered with Inspire Resort to secure naming rights for the venue, promoting its brand and technology in an offline space. The name change aims to enhance user engagement by combining membership benefits, convenient payment options, and digital technology.On October 26, Naver announced it had signed a naming rights agreement and strategic partnership with Inspire Resort. Starting in December, the official name of the arena within Inspire Resort will be changed to Naver Arena at Inspire for a period of three years. This new name will also be applied to all internal and external communications related to the arena.The two companies plan to collaborate beyond the naming rights agreement, focusing on the overall operation of the venue and services for attendees. Events will be held at Naver Arena and Discovery Park, utilizing Navers face recognition entry and authentication service, FaceSign, along with an on-site entry service based on Naver Pays non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The partnership will also include augmented reality (AR) navigation using Naver Labs digital twin technology.The collaboration aims to provide a differentiated viewing experience by combining Navers online services and technological capabilities with Inspires performance facilities and operational expertise. Naver will offer brand marketing and benefits for Naver Plus membership users, while Inspire will focus on attracting global performance, sports, and entertainment content and managing the arena. This initiative seeks to connect Navers services and technology with real user experiences in an offline venue.Lee Jae-hoo, head of Navers entertainment service division, stated, “Through close cooperation with Inspire, we will utilize Naver Arena as a landmark to showcase Team Navers branding, technology, and services while providing a unique cultural experience. We will continue to target users with various benefits for Naver Plus members and innovative global events utilizing technologies like Naver Pays FaceSign.”The first event at Naver Arena will be Naver x Hyundai Card The Six, taking place from December 25 to 27. This tournament will feature six top female tennis players and is expected to be the first instance of the partnership translating into actual sports content and audience experiences.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 08
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Samsung Electronics Launches Galaxy Buds On, Its First Clip-On Wireless Earbuds Samsung Electronics announced on October 26 that it will launch the Galaxy Buds On, the first clip-on wireless earbuds in the Galaxy Buds series, on the 27th in South Korea.The Galaxy Buds On will be available in a single black color and priced at 299,000 won. Customers can purchase them through Samsung.com, online marketplaces, and Samsung stores nationwide.From October 27 to November 30, customers who buy the Galaxy Buds On will receive two 30% discount coupons for Galaxy Buds accessories, redeemable on Samsung.com.The Galaxy Buds On are compatible with accessories from the Galaxy Buds4 series, allowing users to customize their charging cases to their liking.According to Samsungs internal survey, respondents identified key features they expect from clip-on wireless earbuds as comfortable fit, rich sound, and clear call quality.The Galaxy Buds On feature a clip-on design that minimizes discomfort during extended wear and allows users to naturally perceive surrounding sounds.Additionally, they are made with shape-memory alloy material, which flexibly conforms to the ear shape for a secure fit, providing stability and comfort during daily activities and vigorous exercise.The earbuds also include a Twin Boost Speaker for rich bass, Noise Reduction technology to minimize sound leakage—making it the first in the Galaxy Buds series—and Intelligent Clear Call technology for clear phone conversations.Furthermore, when paired with a Galaxy AI-supported smartphone or tablet, the Galaxy Buds On offer various hands-free features, such as AI assistant voice activation, head gestures, and quick voice memos, making them convenient for situations where users need their hands free.Jung Ho-jin, Vice President of Samsung Electronics Korea, stated, The Galaxy Buds On will provide a new option for consumers who want to enjoy music while being aware of their surroundings. We hope customers will experience the comfortable fit and rich sound in our offline stores across the country.* This article has been translated by AI. October 26, 2026 08