SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 9 July 2020 – Microsoft today
announced a set of new features in Microsoft Teams that make virtual
interactions more organic and engaging, supporting the global shift into a more
hybrid model of work, learning and life.

With the new
Microsoft Teams features, users can enjoy greater connectivity, reduced meeting
fatigue and more inclusive meetings, all while saving time. These features —
including together mode, video filters, live reactions, touchless meeting
experiences and more — start rolling out in preview today and will be fully
available later this year.

“Over the last few
months, we have worked with experts across virtual reality, AI, and
productivity research to better understand the future of work. These findings,
published here, have been useful
in guiding us to design these new features. Our research has shown that many of
us feel less connected since moving to remote work, hence we want to bring a
more human element into online meetings. We also want to streamline their
experiences across apps and devices, with technology like AI to save time and
improve overall well-being, which is of highest importance during this time,”
said Rosalind Quek, General Manager, Modern
Work, Asia Solution Sales at Microsoft Asia.

Enhancing connection
between users and reducing meeting fatigue

• Together
  mode: Microsoft Teams will
  now have a new meeting experience that uses AI segmentation technology to digitally place participants
  in a shared background, making it feel like they are in the same room with
  everyone else in the meeting or class. The mode makes meetings more engaging,
  and helps users pick up on non-verbal cues that are so important to human
  interaction. Together Mode with auditorium view is rolling out now and will be
  generally available in August.
• Dynamic View: Building
  on the meetings enhancements announced
  last month, the dynamic view allows users to personalize the view to suit their
  preferences and needs. This includes the ability to show shared content and specific
  participants side-by-side. 
• Video filters:
  Before joining a meeting, users can now use filters to adjust lighting levels and soften
  the focus of the camera to customize their appearances.
• Reflect
  messaging extension: Employee well-being
  is critical in ensuring productivity — this new feature allows managers,
  leaders and teachers to easily check in on how their teams or students are
  feeling through questions in an online poll. This will be available in the
  coming weeks. 

Making meetings more
inclusive, engaging and effective for teams and students

• Live reactions: Users can now react during meetings using
  emojis, supplementing non-verbal cues that can be difficult to notice in online
  meetings. Microsoft
  is also bringing PowerPoint Live Presentations to Teams in the future,
  enabling more audience engagement.
• Chat bubbles: The Chat feature has become a lively space
  for idea sharing without interrupting meeting flow. Chat bubbles allow all
  chats sent during a Microsoft Teams meeting to appear on the screens of all meeting participants, making the chat more central to the conversation.
• Speaker
  attribution and translation: With
  speaker attribution, everyone knows who is speaking. Live transcripts and
  translations, available later this year, provide a way to follow what has been
  said in more than one language.
• Interactive
  meetings for more than 1000 participants: Microsoft Teams meetings can
  now support 1,000 participants, and up to 20,000 participants to watch a
  presentation or discussion.
• Microsoft Whiteboard updates: Whiteboard in Microsoft Teams will soon be updated with new features
  including faster load times, sticky notes, text, and drag-and-drop
  capabilities. These will enable team members without access to a touchscreen to
  participate in whiteboarding sessions.  

Helping users
streamline their work and save time 

• Tasks app: Tasks app in Microsoft Teams provides a new unified view of tasks across Microsoft To Do, Planner and
  Outlook, whether a user is on desktop, web or mobile.  
• Suggested replies: Microsoft
  Teams
  chats will now include suggested replies, using assistive AI to create short
  responses based on the context of the previous message. This feature will roll
  out this month. 
• Touchless meeting
  experiences: As some people return to physical workspaces,
  touchless meeting experiences in shared spaces are more important than ever. Microsoft Teams now allows people to join meetings and share
  content to meeting room devices from their own mobile device or PC, with the
  same capabilities available on Surface Hub later this year. The Teams mobile app
  will also include a new room remote, with additional meeting controls,
  and voice commands to join and leave a meeting or call someone from their
  address book. Another experience will allow users to wirelessly cast to
  any Teams Room, collaboration bar or Surface Hub device, enabling seamless
  ad-hoc and in-person collaboration for people in a shared space.

To get started on the preview, users may log in to their personal Microsoft account on the Microsoft Teams mobile app,
available for download on the iOS or Android app store. General availability of the new features is slated for later this year.

For more information, see here to find out more about these new
features.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital
transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its
mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to
achieve more.

VistaJet World presents private and safe journeys to keep discovering the world

LONDON, UK – EQS Newswire – July 8, 2020 – VistaJet, the first and only global business aviation company, uncovers a portfolio of private and safe journeys as Members seek to experience exclusive-use escapes and health-enhancing adventures around the world.

During a challenging time with COVID-19, planning and researching future journeys is high on the agenda, and a vast majority — 80% — of global travelers intend to explore as soon as they are able^[1]. With privacy and safety becoming paramount, health is being factored into travel choices more than ever before^[2]. The concept of safety is also changing. Historically, travelers associated safety only with what happens outside of the aircraft. Now, the journey to the aircraft, the in-cabin experience^[3] and the final destination^[4] are the driving factors.

As the number of touchpoints significantly decreases when flying private — 20 interactions as opposed to 700 when flying commercial^[5] — the travel industry expects to see an increased number of first-time private flyers looking for safer and more reliable alternatives. Research shows that 79% of UHNWIs would be more inclined to travel by private jet than before^[6], and this is reflected in VistaJet’s new incoming requests: as of June 2020, 71% are from passengers who have not regularly used business aviation solutions before.

Today, partnering with a network of world-leading travel experts and properties including Abercrombie & Kent, Velaa Private Island, Blue Marble Private, ROAR AFRICA, Entourage Travel, Dean Stott and The Eden Club, the VistaJet Private Office can exclusively facilitate safe point-to-point journeys from flight to destination for Members to enjoy a memorable holiday with the maximum peace of mind — introducing the ultimate notion of private travel.

VistaJet World Safe Havens presents seven exceptional destinations, all with privacy, health and minimized contact at their core:

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

with Abercrombie & Kent

VistaJet Members can explore the natural splendor of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands during a 14-day exclusive trip. Guests will discover spectacular scenery, enjoy epic adventures, learn about the country’s rich heritage and culture, while safely and responsibly immersing themselves in the secluded, natural habitat of aquatic and land creatures.

With the new Cotopaxi Sanctuary Lodge as an exclusive base, spectacular volcanoes and the abundant wildlife of the National Park can be explored. Guests can enjoy a hike in the Andes with world record breaking mountain athlete, Karl Egloff, sharing his own story, mountain climbing anecdotes and the best tips to handle hiking at altitude. From here, a privately chartered seven-night private yacht cruise in the Galapagos Islands awaits, including a private audience with a leading scientist from the Galapagos Science Center, San Cristobal Island.

Velaa Private Island, Maldives

Velaa Private Island has been designed and curated with privacy and comfort as its guiding principles, while allowing the Indian Ocean to take center stage. Within 35 minutes of landing, VistaJet Members can sink their toes into the island sand with their personal butler on hand to take care of check in and any individual requirements. All 47 private villas — 18 suspended over water — feature private pools. For those wanting ultimate seclusion, the Romantic Pool Residence can only be reached by boat, allowing for even more privacy. Private island buyouts can also be arranged. 

Guests can contribute to The Velaa Private Island Coral Project — one of the largest coral reef restoration projects in the Maldives — by adopting a coral plantation and following its development with the marine biology team. Private Moments, from deserted island picnics to wine tastings, are tailored to the occasion and guest preferences. There are also unlimited activities for all to enjoy in privacy, from golf at the Velaa Golf Academy designed by Ryder Cup Captain José María Olazábal, to the Maldives’ only snow room in the Velaa Spa. No activity is ever shared. 

The Town, Colorado

with Blue Marble Private

Introducing a hidden secret nestled in the mountains of Colorado. For the first time, a unique private western town located on 4,500 acres of unparalleled Colorado land, with mountains, plains, rivers and lakes is opening its doors to a select few to experience the American Western Frontier. The Town is a modern cowboy’s dream with authentic yet luxurious accommodation and an unlimited range of summer and winter activities where history, luxury, nature and adventure interlace.

Just an hour’s drive, or 20 minutes by helicopter, from Aspen, The Town is home to the most astounding historical collection to ever have been assembled in one place; a homage to the vast story of the American Western Frontier and its outlaw years in the country. For exclusive use only, guests can immerse themselves in the life and stories of the Wild West while enjoying modern day luxuries, including a full-service spa, nightly live entertainment and five-star dining. More information will be available upon signing an NDA.

South Africa and Antarctica

with ROAR AFRICA

Private air terminals, planes and exclusive use lodges; a dedicated team of pilots, chefs, rangers and guides to service guests’ every need. This journey allows for a low impact, low touch private adventure in Africa and Antarctica, offering absolute isolation in safe, luxurious, and breath-taking surroundings.

In Africa, VistaJet Members will be able to nurture their minds and feed their souls on safari in a 100,000-hectare remote private property, watching elephants as they pass by, and having dinner whilst listening to the roar of lions. Guests will then follow their deep human instinct to explore Whichaway Camp in Antarctica. They can march with the Emperor penguins; hike the Labyrinth of ice tunnels; partake in 4×4 excursions; visit the polar station; and indulge in picnics and drinks at the ice bar, all while taking in the sights and sounds of water, ice and open plains in breath-taking surroundings.

Island Outpost, Jamaica

with Entourage Travel

Explore Jamaica, straight from where Chris Blackwell founded Island Records and where Ian Fleming wrote many of the James Bond books at his estate, GoldenEye.

From their base at Strawberry Hill, VistaJet Members can discover the Blue Mountains, passing secluded waterfalls and quaint churches, and have the opportunity to enjoy private coffee tastings. The journey continues in the privacy of the Fleming Villa at GoldenEye, complete with its own private beach where a host of water sports and activities can be enjoyed, before emerging at leisure to enjoy sunset cocktails at playwright Sir Noël Coward’s nearby residence. Rafting down the tranquil Rio Grande, with a visit to the Blue Lagoon, guests will travel onwards to their own private farm, Pantrepant, to enjoy horseback rides and dips in cool, unexplored watering holes before returning for farm-to-table dining. The journey concludes with a visit to candle-lit caves, private snorkeling and boat trips, and dancing to a live Reggae band at The Caves.

Chêne Bleu, France

with Dean Stott and Joe Fattorini

Experience a truly unique vineyard tour, cycling through beautiful France, guided by Dean Stott — former special forces operator and holder of two world cycling records. Guests will be hosted in the vineyard by Dean’s friend, Joe Fattorini — one of the world’s leading wine experts and presenter of The Wine Show. This is a unique opportunity to bring together two diverse interests with two leading experts in their fields.

VistaJet Members will be based at La Verrière, a wine estate and ninth century priory specializing in sustainable luxury, restored by Nicole Sierra-Rolet and Xavier Rolet KBE. It is home to the award-winning Chêne Bleu wines, praised by critics as the world’s first Super Rhônes. For the keen cyclists, Dean will challenge guests with the nearby Mont Ventoux and for those preferring to immerse themselves in wine or simply enjoy the estate, a taster of Chêne Bleu’s signature Extreme Wine course and the pool await. Each evening, as Members enjoy farm-to-table fare, prepared by internationally trained chef Victor Guérin, and wines from one of France’s most exciting wine projects, they can listen to stories about Dean’s work in global security and Joe’s experience of wine across more than thirty countries.

Pittormie Castle, Scotland

with The Eden Club

VistaJet Members are invited to stay at the baronial Pittormie Castle, Scotland’s most illustrious private gated estate and home of The Eden Club. Upon landing, guests will be transferred directly by car to their own private residence within the Pittormie grounds, where they can relax in ultimate privacy.

Located in the home of golf, there are over 30 courses in the local area, including The Old Course and Kingsbarns, suiting all playing abilities. Members are also invited to enjoy Affinity Membership to The Eden Residence Club, receiving privileged access to a portfolio of private residences and clubs around the world. Membership includes access to world renowned events such as The Masters and Tiger Jam.

The Safe Havens collection will expand to more destinations across the globe during the Summer and Autumn months. For more private travel inspirations, follow @vistajetworld on Instagram.

To request a VistaJet World Safe Havens adventure, visit vistajet.com/privateoffice.

For information on VistaJet’s safety standards and its efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19, visit vistajet.com/safety.

About VistaJet

VistaJet is the first and only global business aviation company. On its fleet of over 70 silver and red business jets, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments and private clients to 187 countries, covering 96% of the world. Founded in 2004, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers have access to an entire fleet whilst paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJet’s signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on its fleet of mid and long-range jets, to fly them anytime, anywhere.

VistaJet is part of Vista Global Holding — the world’s first private aviation ecosystem, integrating a unique portfolio of companies offering asset-light solutions to cover all key aspects of business aviation.

More VistaJet information and news at vistajet.com

VistaJet Limited is a European air carrier that operates 9H registered aircraft under its Maltese Air Operator Certificate No. MT-17 and is incorporated in Malta under Company Number C 55231. VistaJet and its subsidiaries are not U.S. direct carriers. VistaJet-owned and U.S. registered aircraft are operated by properly licensed U.S. air carriers, including XOJET Aviation LLC.

For informational purposes only. All holiday packages shall be arranged by a third party and are subject to that provider’s terms and conditions. All travel is subject to applicable rules and regulations, including permits and permissions. VistaJet makes no representations or warrants regarding either the safety or feasibility of any offering.

SINGAPORE – Media
OutReach – 8 July 2020 – There is no need to wait for your next
flight to purchase tax and duty-absorbed alcohol from Singapore Changi Airport!
Non-travellers can now browse and buy from over 100 liquor brands, including
exclusive items, on the airport’s e-commerce platform, iShopChangi.

On top of the regular tax and duty-free savings, enjoy up to a
stunning 50% off over 600 wines, spirits, craft beers and specialty bottled
cocktails during iShopChangi’s
Wines & Spirits Extravaganza from
6 July to 2 August 2020.

Cheers to weekly bundled deals, exclusive items and free alcohol
delivery in Singapore

Stock up on your bar essentials with unbeatable iShopChangi-exclusive
deals that will be released every Wednesday, 12pm. The bundle deals and over
30% discounts across bestselling labels are the perfect buys for intimate at-home
dinner parties with family and friends.

From 6 to 12 July, look forward to a range of Stay Home Starter Packs including
the iShopChangi-exclusive Thirsty Surprise Craft Beer Box comprising seven craft
beer labels, including Thatchers, Brother, Coronado and Crabbie’s, and a free
glass mug, and other bundled sets of wines, whiskies, rums and vodkas from
brands like Wolf Blass, Jim Beam, Beaulieu Vineyard, Dewar’s, Brown Brothers, Bacardi
and 42 Below.

Prices during the campaign are as attractive as S$11 per wine bottle, S$3.50
per bottle of beer and spirits at only S$31.

More deals on popular sakes, wines and craft beers will be revealed in
the following weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for a series of four beautifully
illustrated wanderlust-themed bottled specialty cocktails by GudSht Singapore,
crafted exclusively for iShopChangi customers. Inspired by popular cities in
Asia, the cocktails includes flavours and ingredients that are unique to these
cities, yet with a Singaporean twist. Favourites from the brand includes the
Unicorn Barf, Cheng Tng Gao and Sangria Utama, which will be available on
iShopChangi completely tax-absorbed.

From 10 July till 2 August, enjoy an additional 7% discount with the use
of promo code “DOUBLE7“. Shoppers
are also entitled to  a discount of up to
20% off market prices of notable brands
such as Scotland’s Macallan single malt scotch, Australia’s Penfolds, and the
Canadian-originated Inniskillin ice wines not easily found in Singapore.

During the campaign period, the first 1,000 Changi Rewards members to
register and make a purchase via the platform will earn 7x the points.

iShopChangi has extended the convenience and access to  tax and duty-free liquor to Singapore-based
residents from the comforts of their homes, providing affordable wines and
spirits as well as free alcohol
delivery in Singapore, with a minimum spend of S$59.

About Changi Airport Group

Changi Airport Group
(Singapore) Pte Ltd (CAG) (www.changiairportgroup.com) was formed on 16 June
2009 and the corporatisation of Singapore Changi Airport (IATA: SIN, ICAO:
WSSS) followed on 1 July 2009. As the company managing Changi Airport, CAG
undertakes key functions focusing on airport operations and management, air hub
development, commercial activities and airport emergency services. CAG also
manages Seletar Airport (IATA: XSP, ICAO: WSSL) and through its subsidiary
Changi Airports International, invests in and manages foreign airports. For more information, visit their website here: https://www.changiairport.com/corporate.html

About iShopChangi

ShopChangi was launched in
2013 as an extension of Changi Airport’s promise to deliver greater comfort and
convenience to travellers in its suite of airport retail offerings. Passengers
can browse and purchase tax- and duty-free products across all terminals
between 30 days to 18 hours pre-flight on the e-store — and choose to collect
their items at Collection Centres within departure, at the baggage claim halls
upon arrival or have them delivered free in Singapore. Providing easy access to
a spectrum of over 14,000 products across 600 brands and exclusives such as
Changi First product launches, the site has since received global recognition
with its award for Best Website — Retail Customer Facing at The Moodies: the
Airport and Travel Retail Digital Media Awards 2018. In early 2020, the
e-commerce store started to retail a selection tax- and duty-absorbed products
to Singaporean-based residents without the need to fly.