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This $50 fitness band made ditching my smartwatch easier than I expected

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is available now for $55 on Amazon. It’s a solid fitness tracker with great battery life that covers the basics in a slim form factor. It might not fit everyone, and the entry-level tracking data lacks the deep, personalized insights you’ll find on more expensive devices. If […]

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is available now for $55 on Amazon.
  • It’s a solid fitness tracker with great battery life that covers the basics in a slim form factor.
  • It might not fit everyone, and the entry-level tracking data lacks the deep, personalized insights you’ll find on more expensive devices.

If you want all the features of a smartwatch but can’t commit to a big, bulky watch face, you might be interested in a smart band. Xiaomi’s ninth-generation popular fitness band has so many new features that it’s basically on par with any full-fledged smartwatch, just in a smaller, lighter form factor.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 features a compact design with a slim watch face and a bright, 1.62-inch AMOLED display that’s packed with almost all the health-tracking features you’d find on any other smartwatch, with fantastic battery life to boot.

Also: The best Android smartwatches you can buy: Expert tested

In fact, Xiaomi advertises this device as having up to 21 days of battery life on a single charge, although this number goes down based on how many metrics you monitor at once. That said, the battery life is still pretty fantastic, and even with everything turned on, I was able to get a little over a week of constant monitoring without having to charge it.

So how does the Smart Band 9 differ from a smartwatch? Well, the lines are a little blurred. Basically, it can do all the basic things any smartwatch can do but without the quality-of-life features found on higher-end smartwatches and without deeper, more personalized data insights. Xiaomi does have a line of smartwatches, after all, and naturally, there is some delineation between the feature sets.

The Smart Band 9 has the basics covered, though. It’s accurate at tracking most physical activities and comes with over 150+ sports modes, heart rate and blood oxygen tracking, stress tracking, and, of course, sleep tracking. Additionally, it pairs with your phone to support the most useful connectivity features, such as notifications for emails, texts, calls, etc. It does not have GPS, however, nor does it feature a mic or a speaker. 

Xiaomi Smart Band 9

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

The device also requires some manual tuning that other, more premium devices would probably recognize automatically. By default, many of the continuous monitoring features are switched off, and to get the most out of the device, you’ll need to manually turn on the features you want. 

The band coordinates with the Mi Fitness app for Android or iOS for the complete experience. The app is straightforward enough to cover the basics but isn’t overly comprehensive. All the previously mentioned tracking metrics are accessible in the app, which is clean and easy to navigate.

Also: This Galaxy smartwatch is the perfect entry point into fitness tech – and it’s on sale

The Smart Band 9 uses the Mi Fitness three-band rainbow design as its core daily tracking system. It shows your calories burned, steps taken, and daily movement. As you do all three of those things, the bands fill, marking your progress. This concept is used by all manner of wearables, but this one features one of the cleaner designs I’ve seen.

In fact, Mi Fitness is one of the more accessible apps for folks who aren’t well-versed in fitness tracking lingo or are new to the game. It does a good job of spacing out the data so as not to bombard you with numbers and metrics. For that reason, this would also make a great tracker for kids or teens.

Xiaomi says that the Smart Band 9 features a tracking sensor that is 16% more accurate than the previous version. Still, its accuracy sometimes strayed for me, particularly with the more complex metrics. For example, it doesn’t seem to catch when I wake up at night, even if I get out of bed.

Nevertheless, the sleep tracking is about on par with other smartwatches, providing a breakdown of how long you were in each sleep stage, as well as your average heart rate, blood oxygen level, and breathing rate (as long as you turn those features on). Its lightweight and thin form factor also makes it very easy to sleep with, so if wearing a chunky watch to bed feels weird to you, this might be a good option.

Also: How to buy Casio’s tiny digital watch for your finger in the US

The Smart Band 9 doesn’t have some of the deeper insights that more comprehensive sleep trackers like the Oura ring have, but it will interpret the basics for you and add the data to your overall Vitality Score. This number is the Mi Fitness’ holistic health assessment metric that looks at the last seven days’ worth of data to provide an overarching score based on your age, weight, and activity level.

Xiaomi makes some wearable accessories that connect with its smartwatches and smart bands to provide more accurate data. For example, the Running Clip for the Smart Band 9 is only $12 and clips to your shoe for deeper, more accurate tracking. You just switch the band into running mode to access run cadence, stride length, landing time, landing mode, and more.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 running clip

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Let’s break down some of the things I don’t love about the Smart Band 9. First, the fit is not exactly perfect. Because the device is so small, it tends to lose its optimal position on the wrist. There were multiple instances where I looked down, only to see the sensor light flashing on the bottom of the device, indicating it doesn’t have skin contact.

If you’re a lean person or have smaller wrists, the Smart Band 9 might have a little more trouble positioning itself and lose contact from time to time, especially if you’re moving around. The way around that is to just wear it very tight to your wrist, which may or may not work for you.

Also: This Android smartwatch undercuts what Samsung and Google offer – and it’s better in ways

Also, the screen is small. Navigating the menus is functional, but if you have big hands or trouble seeing the tiny 1.62-inch display, the Smart Band 9 might be a little too compact.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

When I tested it out during a HIIT workout, the transition from moving around to the little display took some getting used to. Similarly, if you’re mid-run, it’s very difficult to navigate. This is a device you set up before running around.

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is a great entry-level device that can do almost anything a smartwatch can do, just in a more basic form. If you’re looking for accurate, actionable insights across specific metrics, you’ll want to invest in a premium smartwatch. Still, the Smart Band 9 and the accompanying Mi Fitness app are well-designed and accessible, great for kids, teens, and folks just starting their fitness journeys. 

The device itself is small and thin, and because of that, might not fit well on certain people, and the display, while very bright, is about half the size of a smartwatch. Its small size makes it very easy to wear to bed for sleep tracking, and it provides the basic roundup of sleep tracking metrics.

If you’re looking for a wearable that can do most of the same things but has a proper watch face, check out the Amazfit Bip 5, which is currently on sale for $60.



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Marsha Blackburn Report: Securing a Brighter Future for our Children – Clarksville Online

Washington, D.C. – Big Tech companies repeatedly choose profit over principle by selling America’s children as the product on their platforms. These companies have knowingly pushed children to harmful material promoting suicide, eating disorders, lethal drugs, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and on and on. This week, I reintroduced the Kids Online Safety Act to provide young […]

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U.S. SenateWashington, D.C. – Big Tech companies repeatedly choose profit over principle by selling America’s children as the product on their platforms. These companies have knowingly pushed children to harmful material promoting suicide, eating disorders, lethal drugs, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and on and on.

This week, I reintroduced the Kids Online Safety Act to provide young people and parents with the tools, safeguards, and transparency they need to protect against online harms. I also spoke on the Senate floor about how Big Tech must be held accountable. KOSA is just common sense.

Parents know that there are just as many dangers lurking online as in the real world, which is why 86 percent of Americans support KOSA. We have a generational opportunity to secure a brighter and safer future for children across the country whose lives depend on our ability to act. The time to pass KOSA is now.

Read more here. 



Weekly Rundown

On Tuesday night, I held a tele-town hall where I heard from hardworking Tennesseans who are so excited about President Trump’s work to usher in the Golden Age of America. Among many victories for the American people, the Trump administration has allowed Immigration and Customs Enforcement to do its job again, and, alongside the Tennessee Highway Patrol, they arrested nearly 200 illegal aliens in Nashville, including gang members and rapists. President Donald J. Trump is making our communities safer, and I’m fighting in the Senate to get a Big Beautiful Bill across the finish line to implement the America First agenda. 

This week, I wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, raising concerns about the Biden administration’s IRS pass-through compliance unit, which was motivated by ideology over principles of sound tax administration and targets main street businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they often lack the resources to navigate these audits brought by the Biden-era pass-through compliance unit. Read more here.

As global competition accelerates when it comes to quantum information science and technology, the United States cannot afford to fall behind to adversaries like Communist China. I introduced the Quantum Leadership in Emerging Applications and Policy (LEAP) Act to ensure the United States remains the world leader in quantum by establishing a legislative commission to tackle the issues facing American ingenuity. We can’t let the Chinese Communist Party take the lead. Read more here.



The Chinese Communist Party has operated secret surveillance centers across the United States, setting up shop to threaten our communities and our national security. This week, I introduced the Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act, which would ensure that we know the full extent of the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to counter threats to U.S. national security. Read more here.

Marsha’s Roundup

 



 

 



ICYMI

Passengers shouldn’t have to sacrifice their right to privacy the moment they step into a rideshare vehicle, and they deserve to know if they are being recorded. Last week, I introduced the Safe and Private Rides Act, which would require transportation network companies to notify passengers when their driver has a video recording device in the car and give passengers the opportunity to opt out of riding with a driver with a dashcam, preventing rideshare drivers from violating passengers’ privacy. Read more here.

When it comes to health care, one of the biggest issues Tennesseans face is access to affordable care. The rising costs of prescription drugs are unsustainable. This is why President Trump took executive action last month directing his administration to evaluate how pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, increase costs and limit choices for patients. Read more in my weekly column here. 





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The Best Deals on Fitness Equipment During Amazon’s Memorial Day Sale

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Credit: Images courtesy of Amazon. If you’re looking to upgrade your home gym or fitness gear without breaking the bank, look toward Amazon’s Fitness Memorial Day sale. I know Memorial Day isn’t for another […]

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Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

Credit: Images courtesy of Amazon.


If you’re looking to upgrade your home gym or fitness gear without breaking the bank, look toward Amazon’s Fitness Memorial Day sale. I know Memorial Day isn’t for another week, but naturally, the retail giant is kicking off the festivities early.

Especially with summer right around the corner, now is the time to buy all the equipment you need to keep you motivated through the dog days. I know I’ve personally got my eye on massage guns and foam rollers to help me survive my upcoming marathon training. So, with Amazon’s Memorial Day Sale is in full swing, I’ve done all the leg work for you using price-checking tools to bring you the best fitness deals you can find right now.

Cardio equipment

At-home cardio equipment feels like a major investment—not just in terms of space and money, but your lifestyle. I usually hate the treadmill, but when I’m training in peak summer heat, it’s necessary. And if you’re going to buy a treadmill, it’s worth spending the money to get one that feels sturdy and safe. Right now the NordicTrack Commercial Treadmill is 20% off, bringing a true gym-quality machine (with interactive training features) into a far more affordable range.

For apartment dwellers like me, the classic Original Peloton Bike also marked down 20%, offering studio-quality cycling without sacrificing space. Pelotons are the most popular indoor exercise bike, but they’re notoriously expensive and don’t go on sale often. While they’re still expensive, the discounts are historically good, down to $1,145 (originally $1,445).

Strength training essentials

I’m a huge advocate for adjustable dumbbells; a good set eliminates the need for 30-some individual dumbbell pairs. Right now the adjustable Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells are seeing one of their deepest discounts of the year. After testing the Nüobells and REP adjustable dumbbells, the Bowflex are next on my list; their reputation is pretty much the gold standard in the adjustable dumbbell world.

The TRX All-in-One Suspension Training System is 25% off, perfect for bodyweight exercises that engage your entire core. Or if you’re just looking for one addition to your home gym at just $20, this Vinsguir ab roller wheel is 40% off.

Massage guns and foam rollers

Don’t neglect recovery in your fitness journey. The Bob and Brad D5 Pro Massage Gun is marked down by 30%, bringing you professional-grade percussion therapy at home. I’m personally a fan of this brand, if you’re looking for alternatives to the (understandably) popular Theragun or Hypervolt at half the price.

The highly-rated Lifepro vibrating foam roller is 15% off, helping you roll out those post-workout kinks with added vibration technology for deeper muscle relief.


What do you think so far?

Fitness trackers

If you’ve been holding out on a new watch, now is a great time to finally snag some discounted wearable tech. Your classic Fitbit Charge 6 is available at 25% off.

And anytime you’re looking for a good smartwatch, Garmin’s name is bound to come up. Right now the Garmin Instinct 2 is discounted by 33%, and the Solar version is down 44%. What’s extra cool about the solar version is its potentially unlimited battery life, and it comes with Garmin Pay and plenty of customizable watch faces.

Headphones and speakers

Finally, it’s worth mentioning there are solid deals on earphones and speakers, which are always a must-have in some way when you’re working out. The Beats Studio Pro are a whopping 50% off, down to $169.95. For anyone who wants spatial audio, Apple-first integrations, and a good-looking pair of over-ears that feel comfortable over long sessions, this is a good deal.

Also noteworthy: You can snag the AirPods Pro 2 at 24% off, and the JBL Go 4 portable (and waterproof!) speaker at 20% off.

Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to fill gaps in your existing setup, now is a great time to take advantage of significant markdowns through the holiday weekend.





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Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth

Tennis Ball Machine Market Tennis Ball Machine Market size stood at USD 45 Million in 2024 and is forecast to achieve USD 80 Million by 2033, registering a 7.2% CAGR from 2026 to 2033. Tennis Ball Machine Market Outlook and Investment Analysis What is the current outlook of the Tennis Ball Machine market? The Tennis […]

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Tennis Ball Machine Market

Tennis Ball Machine Market

Tennis Ball Machine Market size stood at USD 45 Million in 2024 and is forecast to achieve USD 80 Million by 2033, registering a 7.2% CAGR from 2026 to 2033.

Tennis Ball Machine Market Outlook and Investment Analysis

What is the current outlook of the Tennis Ball Machine market?

The Tennis Ball Machine market has seen significant growth in recent years, primarily driven by the rising interest in tennis and the increasing need for consistent practice equipment. With advancements in technology, these machines now offer a variety of features, such as adjustable ball speed, spin control, and remote operation, making them more attractive to both amateur and professional players. Additionally, innovations in battery life and portability are driving further demand, as players seek flexibility in training. The growing trend of home-based fitness, especially post-pandemic, has also contributed to the market’s expansion, allowing consumers to invest in personal training tools. As the market continues to grow, it is expected that new entrants and investments in R&D will further enhance the technological capabilities of tennis ball machines.

Get the full PDF sample copy of the report: (Includes full table of contents, list of tables and figures, and graphs) @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/download-sample/?rid=731216&utm_source=OpenPR&utm_medium=277

What factors are influencing investment in the Tennis Ball Machine market?

Investment in the Tennis Ball Machine market is being influenced by several key factors. First, the increasing adoption of smart fitness equipment has attracted both venture capital and private equity funding, seeking to capitalize on emerging trends in sports technology. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce platforms allows manufacturers to directly reach consumers, creating opportunities for growth. Another factor is the demand for high-performance machines from tennis academies, clubs, and fitness centers, which drive bulk purchases. Investors are particularly keen on companies that offer innovative, affordable, and high-quality machines catering to different skill levels, as this segment presents a wide consumer base. Additionally, partnerships between manufacturers and sports organizations are expected to stimulate investment and open new market avenues.

What is the expected growth and potential for future investments in this market?

The Tennis Ball Machine market is expected to experience a steady growth rate in the coming years. Market analysts forecast a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 5% over the next five years, driven by increasing global interest in tennis and fitness. As technology continues to improve, especially in terms of machine customization and AI-driven features, the market will likely witness further investments, particularly in automation and machine learning for better training simulations. There is also potential for growth in emerging markets where tennis is gaining popularity. Future investments could be concentrated on expanding distribution networks and collaborating with fitness tech companies to create integrated sports training ecosystems, presenting lucrative opportunities for stakeholders.

Top companies

Lobster Sports, Spinshot Player, Match Mate Tennis, Wilson, Sports Tutor, Playmate

Tennis Ball Machine Market Trends & Investment Analysis

Growing Demand for Tennis Training: Increased interest in sports and fitness has led to a rise in demand for tennis ball machines, particularly for individual and professional training.

Technological Advancements: The integration of AI and smart features in machines for automated training is gaining popularity, creating investment opportunities in tech-driven products.

Emerging Markets: Expanding sports culture in regions like Asia and the Middle East is driving market growth, opening doors for new investments and partnerships.

Competitive Landscape: Key players like Lobster Sports and Spinshot Sports are expanding their product lines, which boosts investment prospects for stakeholders in the tennis equipment industry.

Key Segments Are Covered in Report

Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025 By Type

Clubs, Schools, Personal, Other

Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025 By Application

Portable Type, Heavy Type

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Regional Analysis

North America (USA and Canada)

Europe (UK, Germany, France and rest of Europe)

Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, and Rest of Asia Pacific)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America)

Middle East and Africa (GCC and Rest of the Middle East and Africa)

The report offers analysis on the following aspects:

(1) Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on the product portfolios of the top players in the Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025.

(2) Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on the upcoming technologies, R&D activities, and product launches in the Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025.

(3) Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of the market strategies, geographic and business segments of the leading players in the market.

(4) Market Development: Comprehensive information about emerging markets. This report analyzes the market for various segments across geographies.

(5) Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025.

For More Information or Query, Visit @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/tennis-ball-machine-market/

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the present scale and future growth prospects of the Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025?

Answer: Tennis Ball Machine Market size stood at USD 45 Million in 2024 and is forecast to achieve USD 80 Million by 2033, registering a 7.2% CAGR from 2026 to 2033.

2. What is the current state of the Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025?

Answer: According to the latest data, the intelligent farming market is experiencing growth, stability, and challenges.

3. Who are the key players in the Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025?

Answer: Lobster Sports, Spinshot Player, Match Mate Tennis, Wilson, Sports Tutor, Playmate are the Prominent players in the Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025, known for their notable characteristics and strengths.

4. What factors are driving the growth of the Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025?

Answer: The growth of the Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025 can be attributed to factors such as key drivers technological advancements, increasing demand, and regulatory support.

5. Are there any challenges affecting the Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025?

Answer: The Tennis Ball Machine Market | Exploring Current Trends and Growth Status for 2025’s challenges include competition, regulatory hurdles, and economic factors.

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Wearable technologies power study on differences between treadmill, outdoor running on injury risk

Inertial measurement unit attachment on the distal tibia. Credit: JOSPT Open (2024). DOI: 10.2519/josptopen.2024.0055 When researchers study runners, up until very recently, they have had to conduct these studies in the lab using a treadmill. But running on a treadmill and running outside—as most runners do—is not the same. This has meant that scientific studies […]

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Wearable technologies power study on differences between treadmill, outdoor running on injury risk
Inertial measurement unit attachment on the distal tibia. Credit: JOSPT Open (2024). DOI: 10.2519/josptopen.2024.0055

When researchers study runners, up until very recently, they have had to conduct these studies in the lab using a treadmill.

But running on a treadmill and running outside—as most runners do—is not the same. This has meant that scientific studies looking to inform our understanding of how running-related injuries occur and how to prevent them are not always transferable to the real world.

With the advent of reliable wearable technologies, researchers are now able to capture data from runners outside the lab.

A new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy (JOST Open) looked at how two key measures related to running-related injuries differ on a treadmill versus running outside on a flat sidewalk.

“In our lab, we’re really about trying to bring things out of the lab and into the world,” Laurie Devaney, associate professor-in-residence and head of the Department of Kinesiology, says. “So, this was an attempt to look at real-world forces and see how they stack up against running on a treadmill.”

Michelle Bruneau ’23 (CAHNR), a former Ph.D. candidate, was the first author on this paper. She is now a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

The study used 28 healthy, male and female adult runners. Participants ran 8 kilometers on the treadmill and the road while wearing ankle and chest sensors to track their step rate and tibial acceleration.

Step rate is a measure of how many steps the runner takes over a certain distance. Tibial acceleration is a proxy for the impact load during a run.

“When we look at running-related injuries, we know that things like step rate and tibial acceleration can be associated with those injuries, especially bone-stress-related injuries [like tibial stress fractures and shin pain],” Devaney says.

The researchers found that while step rates were similar in both settings, when the runners were outdoors, there was a trend toward an increasing step rate as the run went on. This is good as an increased step rate reduces the force of each step, better protecting the runner from injury.

Another significant difference is that peak tibial acceleration was greater outdoors than on the treadmill.

“If we’re thinking about this notion of forces and accumulated forces, it’s probably greater in an outdoor run than it is on the treadmill,” Devaney says.

Using additional data collected during this study, the researchers have another publication forthcoming focused on motion capture data. These data provide information on how the runners were moving and what that can tell the researchers about injury risk.

This research also has applications for cadets in ROTC programs and military members who frequently suffer from the same kinds of injuries as runners.

“If we have ways to measure them out in the field, we are going to be better able to identify some of the culprits that are leading to these injuries and modify them,” Devaney says.

As wearable technologies become better and more diverse, there will only be more opportunities to study people in real-world settings rather than only in the lab.

“These increased forces are important for running-related injuries and our measurements on the treadmill are not necessarily synonymous with what we see in real-world application,” Devaney says. “[We’re] really encouraging researchers and clinicians to consider those differences and move toward the ability to measure people outdoors.”

More information:
Michelle M. Bruneau et al, Comparison of Step Rate and Tibial Acceleration During Treadmill and Real-world Running, JOSPT Open (2024). DOI: 10.2519/josptopen.2024.0055

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Citation:
Wearable technologies power study on differences between treadmill, outdoor running on injury risk (2025, May 19)
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Frisco Unveils New Innovation Hub to Support Growing Innovation and Venture Capital Sectors |

Plug and Play to serve as operator for new innovation hub FRISCO, Texas, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The City of Frisco, Texas, announced the opening of Origin, a new innovation focused facility designed to bring industry specific accelerator programming, sports-tech innovation in human potential and international startup support to the region. Origin is a public-private […]

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Plug and Play to serve as operator for new innovation hub

FRISCO, Texas, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The City of Frisco, Texas, announced the opening of Origin, a new innovation focused facility designed to bring industry specific accelerator programming, sports-tech innovation in human potential and international startup support to the region. Origin is a public-private partnership conceptualized by the Frisco Economic Development Corporation (Frisco EDC) and brought to fruition by Plug and Play at Baylor Scott & White Health Sports Therapy & Research.

Origin has been under development since 2020 and stemmed from the city leadership’s vision to create an open collaboration space for residents to scale their businesses, as well as a networking space for venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, fintech, sportstech, AI, cybersecurity and other startups. After a competitive request for proposal process, Plug and Play was selected in 2023 as the facility’s operator due to their proven ability to connect startups with large corporations, investors and industry leaders.

“This new facility is proof of what’s possible when a city drives with vision, determination and collaborative partnerships,” said Jeff Cheney, Mayor of Frisco. “This hub is a starting point for new technologies, businesses and careers in Frisco. I’m excited to see the groundbreaking innovation that will take shape here.”

Located on the 10th floor of the Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research facility in Frisco, Origin and Plug and Play’s innovation hub will anchor a joint 6,000-square-foot space designed to bring together startups, investors and corporate partners at the center of Frisco’s innovation movement. The flexibly designed space includes private offices, meeting rooms and co-working areas designed to accommodate the thriving startup ecosystem.

Frisco is home to more than 500 tech companies and many top tier leading brands,” said Jason Ford, President of the Frisco EDC. “Origin was a strategic investment in Frisco’s future and marks a major step forward in Frisco’s continued rise as a national innovation leader. With the help of Baylor Scott & White and Plug and Play, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind space where new ideas, industries and startups can flourish here in Frisco, all working side by side.”

For Plug and Play, a Silicon Valley-based innovation acceleration company with an international presence, this new facility will be the largest space under their operation outside of their California headquarters. Plug and Play will operate the hub under a membership-based model, and will host networking events, hackathons, workshops and special presentations open to the greater community.

“This innovation hub is more than just a physical space, it’s a signal to the world that Frisco is serious about shaping the future,” said Saeed Amidi, CEO and Founder of Plug and Play. “Frisco is already a national model for how sports, business, and innovation can coexist. We’re honored to bring our global network and proven accelerator model to this remarkable community with values perfectly aligned to our own.”

In addition to hosting carefully designed startup cohorts, the space will also be open to Frisco-based entrepreneurs, service providers and partner institutions, including the University of North TexasFrisco, which will sponsor a dedicated sports innovation space within the facility.

About Frisco Economic Development Corporation

The Frisco EDC operates as a Texas non-profit corporation and is governed by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the Frisco, Texas City Council. Job number one is facilitating the creation of jobs, as the Frisco EDC’s mission is to improve the economic opportunities and quality of life for all Frisco residents. The Frisco EDC has facilitated major economic development projects, resulting in hundreds of projects and thousands of jobs in the City of Frisco. For more information, visit FriscoEDC.com.

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Plug and Play is present in 60-plus locations across five continents. It offers corporate innovation programs and helps corporate partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. Plug and Play also organizes startup acceleration programs and has built an in-house VC to drive innovation across multiple industries where it has invested in hundreds of successful companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal and Rappi. For more information, visit www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/frisco-unveils-new-innovation-hub-to-support-growing-innovation-and-venture-capital-sectors-302458505.html

SOURCE Frisco Economic Development Corporation



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Zepbound Trumps Wegovy in Weight Loss Showdown, Study Finds

Zepbound users shed 50 pounds on average, outpacing Wegovy in a new clinical trial In a head-to-head clinical trial, people taking Eli Lilly’s Zepbound lost significantly more weight than those on Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, according to a new 72-week study published in The New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the 32nd European Congress […]

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Zepbound users shed 50 pounds on average, outpacing Wegovy in a new clinical trial

In a head-to-head clinical trial, people taking Eli Lilly’s Zepbound lost significantly more weight than those on Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, according to a new 72-week study published in The New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the 32nd European Congress on Obesity (ECO).

On average, participants on Zepbound lost 20.2% of their body weight—about 50 pounds—while those on Wegovy lost 13.7%, or roughly 33 pounds. Nearly 65% of people taking Zepbound lost 15% or more of their body weight, compared to 40% of those on Wegovy. In terms of waist size, Zepbound users saw an average reduction of seven inches, while Wegovy users lost about five inches.

Both Zepbound and Wegovy are part of a growing class of blockbuster weight-loss drugs, but they’re built on different active ingredients. Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, is approved in the U.S. for adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health issues and marketed as Mounjaro in other countries. It’s also sold as Mounjaro for treating type 2 diabetes in both the U.S. and abroad. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, is used for similar weight-related conditions and marketed as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes. A key difference: Zepbound targets two hormone receptors involved in hunger and metabolism, while Wegovy targets only one.

“Thanks to the latest advancements in obesity management medications, more physicians and patients are witnessing significant weight reduction beyond what they have seen before,” said Dr. Louis J. Aronne, an internist specializing in diabetes and obesity at NewYork Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and principal investigator of the study. “The SURMOUNT-5 head-to-head results demonstrated tirzepatide led to greater weight reduction compared to semaglutide, providing further evidence to support tirzepatide as an effective option for obesity management.”

Although the study was not designed to directly compare the safety and tolerability of the two drugs, most side effects reported during the trial were gastrointestinal and generally mild to moderate. About 6.1% of Zepbound users stopped treatment due to side effects, compared to 8.0% of those on Wegovy.

Effective Obesity Drugs, Limited Coverage

While clinical trials highlight the effectiveness of weight loss medications, access remains a major hurdle for many Americans. Despite rising demand, insurance coverage for such drugs is still limited, prompting platforms like Found to step in. The telehealth platform recently announced it will offer Wegovy and Zepbound through newly available direct-to-consumer pharmacy programs from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, with pricing starting at $499 per month for Wegovy and $349-$699 per vial for Zepbound.

WeightWatchers is also taking steps to improve access—even as it navigates financial headwinds. The storied brand, which recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection (while assuring members it’s not going anywhere), announced a new pharmacy integration with Eli Lilly and provider Gifthealth. The move streamlines fulfillment of FDA-approved Zepbound for WeightWatchers Clinic members with on-label prescriptions. Notably, 33% of Clinic members currently use Zepbound. The partnership also improves access for self-pay patients without insurance.

Found and WeightWatchers’ efforts highlight a growing trend among companies trying to fill the access gap but they also underscore a larger issue: America’s broader healthcare crisis, noted David A. Kessler, MD, former FDA commissioner under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

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In a recent op-ed published in The Guardian, Kessler shared that he carries three health insurance plans, none of which would cover weight loss medications.

“Faced with this reality, and my increasing percentage of body fat, I decided to pay out of pocket – over $1,000 a month – for a GLP-1 to treat my prediabetes,” he wrote. “For most people, that is not an option…
Obesity is killing millions of people. At this point, excess fat may be more damaging to our health than cigarettes. In the face of exorbitantly high drug prices, patients struggling with excess weight are caught in a system of bewildering complexity and even potential danger. People whose insurance will not cover these drugs are left with three options: endure financial hardship, use less effective therapeutic options, or resort to compounded medications whose quality or safety has not been assured.”

Meanwhile, the fitness industry is rapidly adapting to the weight-loss drug boom, with some operators and equipment companies integrating access to the medications as part of their offerings, such as Recess Rx from Dallas-based Recess Fitness, Life Time’s Miora and Echelon’s ActiveMD.





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