Latest news with #Gen-2
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BlackSky Signs Gen-3 Early Access Agreement With Current Gen-2 Customer in Support of Ukraine
Renewal contract demonstrates valuable tip-and-cue utility of combined Gen-3 very high-resolution imagery and Gen-2 low-latency, high-cadence monitoring capabilities HERNDON, Va., July 08, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) signed a Gen-3 early access agreement with a current international Gen-2 customer in support of Ukraine. The renewal contract adds Gen-3 very high-resolution imagery to the customer's active Gen-2 low-latency, high-cadence monitoring services. "This important contract demonstrates the powerful, comprehensive tip-and-cue utility between our Gen-3 and Gen-2 systems. The two generations of satellites work synergistically as analysts seamlessly combine reliable high-cadence, time-diverse Gen-2 data with the enhanced very high-resolution capabilities of Gen-3," said Brian O'Toole, BlackSky CEO. Customers can incorporate Gen-3 and Gen-2 data seamlessly into their current workflow through BlackSky's Spectra® tasking and analytics platform, enabling sustained monitoring operations over multiple locations using Gen-2 high-cadence imagery and analytics. Analysts have the option to collect low-latency very high-resolution Gen-3 imagery in response to localized, rapidly emerging situations. "Accelerated international interest in Gen-3 is indicative of our customers' growing confidence and trust in BlackSky's commercial services as an integral part of their daily military and intelligence operations," said O'Toole. "As we integrate more and more Gen-3 satellites into the fleet our early access customers will experience unparalleled reliability and quality of imagery at industry-leading speeds in support of the full range of strategic to tactical ISR operations." The proven on-orbit operational and technical heritage of Gen-2 has been leveraged into the design and operations of Gen-3. Gen-3 satellites generate rapid-revisit, time diverse 35-centimeter imagery that enables automated identification and classification of a wider library of vehicles, aircraft, vessels and other objects of military interest, enhancing the value of BlackSky's current Gen-2 dawn-to-dusk dynamic monitoring services. With two Gen-3 satellites on orbit, BlackSky is on track for a six-satellite Gen-3 constellation this year. About BlackSky BlackSky is a real-time, space-based intelligence company that delivers on-demand, high frequency imagery, analytics, and high-frequency monitoring of the most critical and strategic locations, economic assets, and events in the world. BlackSky owns and operates one of the industry's most advanced, purpose-built commercial, real-time intelligence systems that combines the power of the BlackSky Spectra® tasking and analytics software platform and our proprietary low earth orbit satellite constellation. With BlackSky, customers can see, understand and anticipate changes for a decisive strategic advantage at the tactical edge, and act not just fast, but first. BlackSky is trusted by some of the most demanding U.S. and international government agencies, commercial businesses, and organizations around the world. BlackSky is headquartered in Herndon, VA, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange as BKSY. To learn more, visit and follow us on X. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to BlackSky. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document. If any of these risks materialize or underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause their assessments to change. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Additional risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in BlackSky's disclosure materials filed from time to time with the SEC which are available at the SEC's website at or on BlackSky's Investor Relations website at View source version on Contacts Investor Contact Aly BonillaVP, Investor Relationsabonilla@ Media Contact Pauly CabellonSr. Director, External Communicationsbksypr@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
BlackSky Signs Gen-3 Early Access Agreement With Current Gen-2 Customer in Support of Ukraine
HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) signed a Gen-3 early access agreement with a current international Gen-2 customer in support of Ukraine. The renewal contract adds Gen-3 very high-resolution imagery to the customer's active Gen-2 low-latency, high-cadence monitoring services. This important contract demonstrates the powerful, comprehensive tip-and-cue utility between our Gen-3 and Gen-2 systems. 'This important contract demonstrates the powerful, comprehensive tip-and-cue utility between our Gen-3 and Gen-2 systems. The two generations of satellites work synergistically as analysts seamlessly combine reliable high-cadence, time-diverse Gen-2 data with the enhanced very high-resolution capabilities of Gen-3,' said Brian O'Toole, BlackSky CEO. Customers can incorporate Gen-3 and Gen-2 data seamlessly into their current workflow through BlackSky's Spectra ® tasking and analytics platform, enabling sustained monitoring operations over multiple locations using Gen-2 high-cadence imagery and analytics. Analysts have the option to collect low-latency very high-resolution Gen-3 imagery in response to localized, rapidly emerging situations. 'Accelerated international interest in Gen-3 is indicative of our customers' growing confidence and trust in BlackSky's commercial services as an integral part of their daily military and intelligence operations,' said O'Toole. 'As we integrate more and more Gen-3 satellites into the fleet our early access customers will experience unparalleled reliability and quality of imagery at industry-leading speeds in support of the full range of strategic to tactical ISR operations.' The proven on-orbit operational and technical heritage of Gen-2 has been leveraged into the design and operations of Gen-3. Gen-3 satellites generate rapid-revisit, time diverse 35-centimeter imagery that enables automated identification and classification of a wider library of vehicles, aircraft, vessels and other objects of military interest, enhancing the value of BlackSky's current Gen-2 dawn-to-dusk dynamic monitoring services. With two Gen-3 satellites on orbit, BlackSky is on track for a six-satellite Gen-3 constellation this year. About BlackSky BlackSky is a real-time, space-based intelligence company that delivers on-demand, high frequency imagery, analytics, and high-frequency monitoring of the most critical and strategic locations, economic assets, and events in the world. BlackSky owns and operates one of the industry's most advanced, purpose-built commercial, real-time intelligence systems that combines the power of the BlackSky Spectra ® tasking and analytics software platform and our proprietary low earth orbit satellite constellation. With BlackSky, customers can see, understand and anticipate changes for a decisive strategic advantage at the tactical edge, and act not just fast, but first. BlackSky is trusted by some of the most demanding U.S. and international government agencies, commercial businesses, and organizations around the world. BlackSky is headquartered in Herndon, VA, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange as BKSY. To learn more, visit and follow us on X. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to BlackSky. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words 'believe,' 'project,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'intend,' 'strategy,' 'future,' 'opportunity,' 'plan,' 'may,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' 'will be,' 'will continue,' 'will likely result,' and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document. If any of these risks materialize or underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause their assessments to change. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Additional risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in BlackSky's disclosure materials filed from time to time with the SEC which are available at the SEC's website at or on BlackSky's Investor Relations website at
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Google Just Kicked In Hollywood's Trailer Door
What a difference a year makes… Not long ago, AI's best attempt at video generation resulted in that cursed clip of Will Smith shoveling spaghetti into his mouth with his four-fingered hands. But now the world has Google's Veo 3 at its fingertips – the tech titan's latest AI video generation tool. And the results we're seeing are nothing short of astonishing. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips This shiny new model can generate ultra-realistic, 1080p, synchronized audio-visual content based on a simple text prompt… 'A woman, classical violinist with intense focus, plays a complex, rapid passage from a Vivaldi concerto in an ornate, sunlit baroque hall during a rehearsal. Her bow dances across the strings with virtuosic speed and precision. Audio: Bright, virtuosic violin playing, resonant acoustics of the hall, distant footsteps of crew, conductor's occasional soft count-in (muffled), rustling sheet music.' And within seconds, there she is, in video so realistic, you can even see individual hairs on her head highlighted by the sun. She's almost tangible. The music is swelling. And no human lifted a single camera. What we're witnessing with the launch of Google DeepMind's Veo 3 isn't some gimmicky tech demo or mere novelty for nerds on X. This seems more like the starting pistol for the next great creative-industrial upheaval – and if you're in the business of making or investing in content, it's time to get serious. Yes, Veo 3 may be limited to eight seconds today. But that's not a wall; it's a runway. And if you've been paying any attention to the exponential trajectory of AI development, you know where this might go next. Longer clips, then full scenes, entire episodes… and eventually, complete seasons. Perhaps one day, personalized stories crafted in real-time based on what you like to watch. It's coming – . This could be the beginning of the end of Hollywood as we know it… And the start of a new era of AI stock dominance in the content world. Obviously, this isn't the industry's first attempt at AI-generated video. Runway's Gen-2 was a cool prototype. OpenAI's Sora looked great in a lab. But Veo 3 is different. It's the first model with: 4K visual quality fully integrated audio cinematic camera movement deep prompt adherence and, crucially, a launch partner with billions of users and a roadmap to global rollout In our view, Google has aimed a shotgun full of GPU clusters directly at Hollywood's business model. And Veo 3 is just the tip of the spear. Behind it are entire pipelines – Gemini-powered plot generators, scriptwriting agents, motion planners, and real-time editors. Google is compressing the entire TV and film production supply chain into a single generative stack. Do you know what happens when you take a years-long, $100-million content pipeline and squeeze it down into a GPU-powered prompt that costs pennies? You break the game… If you work in video production – or the hundreds of satellite roles orbiting it – AI just kicked in your trailer door with Veo 3. Think about it. With this quantum leap in AI's video generation capabilities, actors could soon be replaced by photorealistic avatars and voice clones. No need for makeup artists; glam will be digitally rendered in post. Goodbye, set designers; hello, infinite virtual stages. Cinematographers? AI models now handle camera movement with humanlike precision. Now, writers, you're still needed… but you'd better learn to prompt. This might feel like sci-fi, but it's more so basic economics. Studios are always hunting for ways to reduce cost and time. And AI doesn't sleep, unionize, forget lines, or demand a four-figure payday. That's why we expect that over the next five to 10 years, AI will eat the technical backend of filmmaking the way Amazon ate retail – and with the same ruthless cost-efficiency. The same kinds of players always win when the tech curve steepens: Those who ride the exponential wave instead of trying to fight it. Take Netflix (NFLX) – Blockbuster killer; once DVD-dealer, now data king in entertainment. It knows what you watch, when you watch it, what you love, and what you hate. Imagine what an AI script engine could do with all that data. You're a fan of fictional period romance stories? Netflix's AI could create 10 different versions of the next Bridgerton, testing which hooks you harder – then instantly generate the winner in full. Or how about Alphabet (GOOGL)? It runs YouTube and Veo 3 – the delivery pipelines and creative infrastructure. Combine Veo with Gemini and YouTube Studio, and you've got a vertically integrated AI content machine with billions of monetizable eyeballs. And then there's Meta (META). It's got LLaMA, Emu, and a raging addiction to immersive content. Just picture Veo-level video generation tailored to your social graph, optimized for infinite scroll, and seamlessly injected into Instagram, Threads, and the Metaverse. Engagement meets hallucination. And the rest of Hollywood? Well… Legacy studios, crew-heavy productions, anyone betting their future on union-only sets and hundred-million-dollar shoots… it seems you are on notice. The economics just changed – permanently. When it comes to AI-native studios that can churn out hyper-targeted content at 1/100th the cost and 100x the speed, there's no competition. And it's not likely that audiences will resist. Pundits said the same thing about CGI, YouTube, reality TV, TikTok. People don't care how it's made. They care how it feels. And if AI gives them a hit of dopamine, they'll hit 'Next Episode' without a second thought. This latest AI breakthrough feels a lot like the early 2000s, when Amazon used the internet to undercut brick-and-mortar retail. Lower costs, faster delivery, wider selection. Incumbents laughed… until they went bankrupt. Remember Sears, JCPenney, K-Mart? Same script, different industry. AI is the internet. Veo 3 is Netflix is Jeff Bezos, sitting atop its throne with a popcorn bucket in hand. And once one company starts passing cost savings to consumers with cheaper subscriptions, faster content cycles, and more personalization, others have to follow. That's how you get a full-blown economic reset. Currently, Veo 3 is available to select creators via waitlist — but given Google's track record with rapid deployment, widespread rollout to YouTube creators and enterprise partners could come quickly. Here's what we think could be next: Custom AI-generated series and movies tailored to individual users Interactive stories where the plot evolves based on viewer engagement Fan-generated shows that rival studio hits Ad-supported, AI-produced content that costs nothing to stream Veo 3's launch proved that the AI Content Economy is just around the corner. We are years – not decades – away from this becoming a widespread reality. So, if you're an investor, go long AI. This breakthrough tech is eating the whole global economy. Hollywood is just one entree in a seven-course meal. Buy the platforms, AI chipmakers, infrastructure enablers, and appliers – Alphabet, Meta, Nvidia (NVDA) – and yes, Netflix. These are the architects of the new media world. Learn to prompt like a boss; curate, direct, and remix. AI is the orchestra, but someone still has to conduct. And if you're in denial, you might want to check the mirror – and ask Blockbuster how things shook out after ignoring the curve. AI's industrialization of content creation isn't a theory anymore: it's a living, accelerating disruption. Veo 3 marks the moment when generating Hollywood-quality video no longer requires Hollywood-scale budgets. And we're just at the starting gate. Just as streaming upended cable and smartphones reshaped the internet, generative video is about to redefine content itself – who created it, how fast it's made, and who profits. The big studios? Maybe. But more likely, it'll be the AI-native platforms, the chipmakers, and the investors who saw it coming. And yet, Veo 3 is just one front in a much broader AI revolution. While the world watches digital actors take center stage… Another trillion-dollar transformation is forming in the wings. Humanoid robots – what we're calling '' According to Morgan Stanley (MS), this market could be worth as much as $30 trillion in the coming decades. That's bigger than today's global e-commerce and cloud computing markets combined. Why? Because humanoid robots won't just generate videos or write code. They'll do the jobs. Real, physical tasks in factories, on farms; in homes, hospitals, and warehouses. Every job the global economy depends on could be automated, accelerated, and made profitable at scale. And it's all happening faster than most expect. . The post Google Just Kicked In Hollywoodâs Trailer Door appeared first on InvestorPlace.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
AI video generator startup Hedra raises $32 million in Andreessen Horowitz-led round
A message reading "AI artificial intelligence", a keyboard, and robot hands are seen in this illustration taken January 27, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration (Reuters) -Hedra, an AI startup that helps businesses generate lifelike videos, said it has raised $32 million in a funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz's Infrastructure fund to expand operations and deepen its reach among marketers. The Series A fundraise valued the company at $200 million, according to a source involved in the deal. The round brings its total raised funds to $43 million, Hedra said on Thursday. The AI video space has boomed in the past year, with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI's Sora and Runway's Gen-2 among the models racing to dominate the nascent industry. However, doubts remain over their scalability due to high computing costs and their ability to avoid the "uncanny valley", where near-realistic digital characters trigger discomfort in some viewers. Founded in 2021, Hedra is hoping to stand out with its Character-3 foundation model that blends text, image and audio to create lifelike digital characters. Businesses can use the technology to create animated mascots or professional spokespersons for their brands. "Getting over the uncanny valley of compelling performance is the hardest frontier in video, and with our Character-3 foundation model, we're devoted to crossing it," said founder and CEO Michael Lingelbach, a former stage actor. Hedra currently employs 20 people and plans to triple its workforce to support its growing operations. The round also saw participation from existing investors, including a16z speedrun, Abstract and Index Ventures. (Reporting by Kritika Lamba in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AI video generator startup Hedra raises $32 million in Andreessen Horowitz-led round
(Reuters) -Hedra, an AI startup that helps businesses generate lifelike videos, said it has raised $32 million in a funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz's Infrastructure fund to expand operations and deepen its reach among marketers. The Series A fundraise valued the company at $200 million, according to a source involved in the deal. The round brings its total raised funds to $43 million, Hedra said on Thursday. The AI video space has boomed in the past year, with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI's Sora and Runway's Gen-2 among the models racing to dominate the nascent industry. However, doubts remain over their scalability due to high computing costs and their ability to avoid the "uncanny valley", where near-realistic digital characters trigger discomfort in some viewers. Founded in 2021, Hedra is hoping to stand out with its Character-3 foundation model that blends text, image and audio to create lifelike digital characters. Businesses can use the technology to create animated mascots or professional spokespersons for their brands. "Getting over the uncanny valley of compelling performance is the hardest frontier in video, and with our Character-3 foundation model, we're devoted to crossing it," said founder and CEO Michael Lingelbach, a former stage actor. Hedra currently employs 20 people and plans to triple its workforce to support its growing operations. The round also saw participation from existing investors, including a16z speedrun, Abstract and Index Ventures. Sign in to access your portfolio
