The news: The Australian sharemarket closed lower, tracking losses on Wall Street after a proposed tax-cut and spending bill stoked concerns the US deficit will balloon by trillions.

The benchmark ASX 200 fell 0.45% to 8,348.7, with 10 of the 11 sectors finishing in the red, coming off Wednesday’s three-month high.

Concerns about the US deficit and the weakening US dollar also helped Bitcoin hit a new record high. The cryptocurrency soared past $111,000 for the first time and was priced at US$110,741.90 at 4:39pm AEST.

Biggest movers:

• Tech sector (-1.67%) — Was the worst performing sector as Australia’s five biggest tech companies all dropped, with NEXTDC (-2.48%) suffering the biggest fall, followed by TechnologyOne (-2.41%), Wisetech Global (-2.33%), Life360 (-1.05%) and Xero (-1%).
• Energy sector (-1.34%) — Oil and gas heavyweights Woodside (-1.33%), Santos (-0.93%), Ampol (-3.37%), and Viva Energy (-2.58%) all declined. However, large coal companies Yancoal (+0.98%) and Whitehaven (+0.19%) made it into the green.
• Materials (+0.65) – The only sector that finished in the green, even as iron ore majors BHP (-0.052%), Rio Tinto (-0.57%), and Fortescue (-1.49%) took hits.
• Gold miners — Demand for the safe-haven metal rose in light of US deficit fears, lifting the shares of ASX-listed gold miners, which made up eight of the top 10 performers. They were led by Genesis Minerals (+5.78%), Northern Star Resources (+5.36%), and Spartan Resources (+5.29%).
• Lynas Rare Earths (+6.97%) — The rare earths producer was the biggest gainer on the ASX 200 today.
• Nufarm (-6.41%) — Shares in the agricultural chemicals supplier continued to slide after reporting a 39.5% fall in statutory profit over the six months to 31 March on Wednesday.

The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) governing body has renewed its long-term partnership with Ford New Zealand, the regional subsidiary of the US carmaker, for another three years.

The renewal extends a partnership that began in 2009 and will see Ford NZ continue as the governing body’s official vehicle provider, with the carmaker’s logo remaining a prominent fixture on the men’s and women’s national team kits.

As part of the partnership, the domestic over-50s men’s competition will continue to be named the Ford Trophy.

Other commercial partners of NZC include UK sportswear brand Castore, financial services firm ANZ, beverages giant Asahi, pharmacy chain Chemist Warehouse, Indian sports technology company Dream11, fast food chain KFC, shaving brand Gillette, sports drink brand Powerade, and paint brand Dulux.

The European League of Football (ELF) pan-European American football competition has expanded its distribution across Africa after signing a rights deal with SportyTV, the African sports broadcaster owned by Sporty Group.

The deal will see SportTV air a live ELF game every Sunday and five playoff games, as well as a wide range of additional content available on demand, including full game highlights and weekly magazine shows.

The regions that will gain access to ELF coverage include South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.

The addition of ELF adds to SportyTV’s growing portfolio of rights, including soccer’s English Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Spanish Super Cup, EFL Championship, DFB Pokal, Saudi Pro League, and Copa Libertadores. 

Beyond soccer, SportyTV also covers the EuroLeague in basketball and the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

Al Ittihad, of Saudi Arabia’s top-tier Saudi Pro League (SPL), has added Korean manufacturer Hankook Tires as its title sponsor for the next three years.

The sponsorship will see Hankook’s logo prominently featured on in-stadium LED signage, media interview backdrops, and the club’s official team apparel.

Hankook Tire also plans to run engagement-driven marketing campaigns, such as integrated online and offline ticket giveaway events, to boost brand awareness and drive sales in the Middle Eastern market, including Saudi Arabia.

The deal adds to Hankook’s other sports sponsorships, which include European soccer’s UEFA Europa League and Europa Conference League, German club Borussia Dortmund, and the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards.

Silverstone, the motorsports venue and organizer of motor racing’s Formula 1 (F1) British Grand Prix, has strengthened its commercial portfolio after securing a new deal with brewing giant Heineken.

The deal will see Heineken become Silverstone’s exclusive provider of beer and cider, providing its brands Heineken, Cruzcampo, Inch’s Cider, Old Mout Cider, and Heineken 0.00% during events.

The deal comes days after the venue announced Austrian spirits brand NEFT Vodka as its first vodka sponsor ahead of motorcycling’s flagship MotoGP British Grand Prix this weekend (May 23 to 25).

Silverstone secured a 10-year contract renewal with F1 in 2024, guaranteeing it will host the British GP until 2034.

Liga Portugal, the organizing body of the top domestic soccer league, has announced a new partnership with global sportswear branding and labeling firm Avery Dennison.

The company becomes the league’s exclusive supplier of official sleeve badges, names, and numbers to be worn by all players across Liga Portugal competition matches. The partnership extends to retail, with these embellishments featured on official replica kits. 

The multi-season strategic partnership commences from July 2025.

Avery Dennison has a similar partnership with the English Premier League, which was renewed earlier this month through 2029-30.

The firm also provides this service for the Spanish national and LaLiga giants Real Madrid.

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Pre-order Details: The new Comply Foam TrueGrip MAX ear tips will be available for pre-order starting on May 21, 2025, for Apple AirPods Pro Gen 1 & 2, with shipments beginning the week of June 2nd. Then Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro will be available for pre-order starting on July 6, 2025. Be among the first to experience this innovative foam technology by placing your pre-order at www.ComplyFoam.com.

Comply Foam’s Commitment: At Comply Foam, we are committed to protecting your hearing while changing the way you listen. This new patented foam technology reflects our dedication to providing customers with the best possible listening experience. By continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible, we remain at the forefront of this industry, delivering products that set the standard for comfort, performance, and longevity.

For more information about the new foam ear tips or to place an order, visit www.complyfoam.com and contact Dana Rodriguez, Director of Sales and Marketing.

Hearing Components, Inc
Comply®
Dana Rodriguez
Director of Sales and Marketing
marketing@complyfoam.com

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SOURCE Comply Foam, Inc.

Revolutionary AI-Powered Thermo-Regulating Wearables Join the Legacy of Edison & Bell

US Utility Patents:

– Patent Number: US 11,800,941

– Patent Number: US 11,910,863

– PCT Registration: PCT# US24/18754 (Approved in 157 Countries in the World)

THE FUTURE OF PERSONAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL IS HERE

CARMEL BY THE SEA, Calif., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CoolU WarmU, LLC proudly unveils the World’s Only US Utility Patented AI-powered Cooling and Warming Wearable Technology, transforming how individuals and professionals manage their body temperature. This Groundbreaking Technology allows users to set their preferred temperature in hours, minutes, and seconds-ensuring all-day comfort, Energy Efficiency, and personalized control in a variety of lifestyle and occupational scenarios.

$220 Trillion Global Economic Impact Over 10 Years

• Reduces the US National Debt by more than $24 trillion through domestic manufacturing, energy savings, job creation, and export revenue.
• Saves $64 trillion in energy costs for Data Centers globally by reducing the need for HVAC systems through personal wearable temperature control.
• Reduces strain on power grids and lowers household utility bills for consumers using the technology.
• Total Market opportunity based on adoption by 30-40% of the 8.2 billion global population.

Wearable Technology for All-Weather Environments

US Manufacturing of CoolU WarmU’s Innovative Technology supports American innovation and Energy Efficiency.

• Clothing and Footwear: Temperature-controlled dresses, suits, everyday wear, athletic wear, and sleep garments; athletic shoes, boots, casual and dress shoes.
• Face Masks: Equipped with 99.9% virus protection and AI-controlled air and temperature regulation.
• Bedding and Sleep Accessories: Cooling and warming pillows, mattress covers, blankets, comforters, and sheets-portable and designed for consistent comfort.
• Medical & Occupational Wear: Used by doctors, nurses, military, athletes, first responders, construction workers, and firefighters.
• Domestic Mammals (Pet Industry): Covers and bedding for dogs, horses, and other animals, ensuring comfort across climates.
• Everyday Wearables: Comfortable in most physical lifestyles.

Enhanced Comfort with Wireless Design

CoolU WarmU’s Innovative Technology ensures there are no wires touching the skin, creating a safer and more comfortable experience. Its fully wireless engineering eliminates irritation and enhances wearability across all body types and occupations.

Power Outage Resilience & Portability

All products are rechargeable via AV adapters in vehicles, allowing for full usability even during power outages or in off-grid settings.

Energy Efficiency Aligned with Global Innovation

• Uses pre-heated or pre-cooled water recirculated by an AI-controlled system.
• Maintains temperature using a thermos, AI thermostat, water pump, and battery kit.
• Proudly made in America and distributed worldwide.

Market Breakdown Supporting $220 Trillion Projection

• Military and Defense: 74 million users
• Medical and First Responders: 120 million
• Athletes & Active Lifestyle Consumers: 1.4 billion
• Construction and Outdoor Workers: 400 million
• Everyday Consumers: 2.5 billion
• Pet Industry: Hundreds of millions of animals

These projections are based on mass licensing agreements across sectors and a conservative 30-40% global adoption rate.

Only Non-Exclusive Licensing Agreements Available

CoolU WarmU’s Innovative Technology is ready for seamless integration into existing production systems:

• AI Functionality Kits available for investor licensing (disclosed post-NDA).

A New Legacy of Innovation

Following in the footsteps of Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, Brenda Simmons’ innovation is designed to help lifestyles in America and people all around the world-supporting health, comfort, and Energy Efficiency. It provides a revolutionary energy-saving solution throughout the globe.

Non-Exclusive Licensing Open

• Licensing window: May 21 to June 23, 2025
• US Utility Patent protection through 2040
• Companies that do not sign by the deadline must wait until 2035
• Licensing categories will be limited after initial sign-ups out of respect for early partners

JOIN THE FUTURE. HELP MILLIONS. DRIVE GLOBAL CHANGE.

CALL TO ACTION:

Manufacturers across the United States and around the globe are urged to act now. CoolU WarmU’s Innovative Technology is fully developed, protected, and ready for seamless integration into your product lines.

By signing a Non-Exclusive Licensing Agreement, manufacturers can:

• Lead the charge in wearable AI innovation
• Offer their customers advanced comfort and Energy Efficiency
• Contribute to America’s Manufacturing growth and Economic leadership
• Be among the first to bring this Revolutionary Technology to Market

The Future of 2025-And It Wears AI.

AI-powered wearables are seamlessly embedded in fashion by major clothing manufacturers, offering real-time, personalized cooling and warming apparel that not only looks great but actively enhances comfort throughout the day-whether outdoors, at work, or at home.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c8a27e0a-350e-44b2-8501-d1137bf09da9

• Coros has launched a new repair program for its fitness trackers
• You can send off your device and get a replacement within a week
• You won’t receive your original device, but a refurbished product instead

Coros wearables are popular with fitness fans, but when you’re mountain-biking or trail-running there’s always a chance you’ll end up damaging even the best running watch or fitness tracker – and Coros has just announced a new repair program to get your wearable fixed, fast.

The Coros Repair Service will offer repairs with the aim of getting you back in action as quickly as possible. To that end, Coros says “users can send in a damaged device, pay a nominal repair fee, and receive a refurbished replacement within a week.”

You may soon hear a lot more about Zhejiang, a coastal province in eastern China known for being the home of tech giants like Alibaba and DeepSeek. The local government has just launched an ambitious plan to turn the region into a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI).

The new policy, published on the provincial government’s website and drafted in April, sets high expectations. By 2027, major companies in the AI supply chain – including those working on large language models, cloud computing, and semiconductors – are expected to reach more than 1 trillion yuan (US$138.6 billion) in combined revenue. This figure is almost double the value of China’s entire AI industry last year, which stood at 570 billion yuan.

The goal is clear: make Zhejiang a “global AI innovation development highland.” To achieve this, the government is combining financial support, talent recruitment, and industry development, all in line with Beijing’s wider push for tech self-reliance.

Support for start-ups, research and everyday users

The plan includes a variety of financial incentives. More than 10 billion yuan will be raised through venture capital to support AI development, particularly for early-stage research and long-term projects focused on advanced technologies.

You could qualify for funding if you’re a start-up spending over 3% of your revenue on research and development. Projects working on basic AI models or industry-specific applications may receive up to 30 million yuan in government support.

Consumers are also part of the plan. If you want intelligent devices such as household robots or smart glasses, you’ll be eligible for a 15% discount, capped at 2,000 yuan per order. This step aims to increase the use of innovative technologies in everyday life.

A focus on talent and key cities

To stay ahead in AI, Zhejiang knows it must attract top minds. The plan aims to bring in more than 10 leading AI professionals annually. But what makes someone a “top AI talent”? The province is working on new standards beyond academic degrees and job titles. Instead, they’ll look at income, contributions to open-source software, code citations, and hands-on experience with major AI systems.

Two cities are the programme’s core hubs: Hangzhou and Ningbo. Hangzhou is already home to major firms such as Alibaba and NetEase, and promising start-ups like DeepSeek and robot-maker Unitree. On the other hand, Ningbo is known for its massive port and tech firms like Rong Semiconductor, a growing name in chip manufacturing.

The policy officially takes effect on May 31 and will run until the end of 2027.

A growing national trend

Zhejiang isn’t the only region making moves in AI. Just last month, Guangdong province, home to major players like Tencent and Huawei, launched its own support programme. Like Zhejiang, it hopes to create a “global innovation highland” for AI and robotics.

These efforts show that China is fully committed to boosting its AI sector, especially when tech independence is a top national priority. If you’re in the AI field, or looking to invest, Zhejiang may be the next place to watch.