Tech
The Weather Network launches its first advertising campaign using an AI-assisted Avatar
OAKVILLE, ON, June 11, 2024 /CNW/ – The Weather Network has launched a first-of-kind ad campaign using an AI-Assisted Avatar of their own Content Creator and Presenter, Rachel Schoutsen. The Weather Network partnered with Home Hardware Stores Limited to showcase storefront and local store callouts where Rachel’s AI-Assisted Avatar covers an Ontario summer forecast, plus a summer sale call to action, designed to drive traffic to Home Hardware locations across Ontario.
Watch this video to see Rachel Schoutsen’s avatar in action
By leveraging advanced AI technologies, The Weather Network is now able to deliver hyper-local forecasts on a larger scale, providing communities and local economies with opportunities to prepare for and respond to weather-related events. The Weather Network’s mission is to keep its users safe and informed with accurate and localized weather information.
“This partnership puts Home Hardware front and centre when Canadians are engaging with weather content and planning for the summer ahead,” said Simon Jennings, CRO, The Weather Network. “Canadians want to know what to expect as they plan their busiest social days and holidays and can purchase the right products for the weather forecast in their area.”
“Home Hardware is a business built on serving small communities across the country and we are proud to support The Weather Network’s innovative efforts to do the same through AI technology,” said Laura Baker, Chief Marketing Officer, Home Hardware Stores Limited. “Our more than 1,000 stores and the Dealers who operate them make it their mission to provide comprehensive support for all our customers’ home improvement needs within their communities. That means helping Canadians complete and enjoy their outdoor home improvement and yard maintenance projects while also preparing for any inclement weather events.”
With a focus on helping users and businesses make informed decisions using cutting-edge technology, The Weather Network is committed to ensuring the use of avatars in its promotional materials aligns with the highest ethical standards. All promotional materials have a clear disclaimer to ensure its viewers are well informed of AI-created content. In addition, employee avatars are used with their consent and an agreement to participate.
“We are excited about this latest innovation and the opportunities it will provide to our consumers and businesses,” said Maureen Rogers, Managing Director Editorial & Public Alerting, The Weather Network. “As with any new product we launch, we value their input and will use it to continuously improve the product to meet their needs and deliver products that exceed their expectations. We are delighted to have partnered with Home Hardware on piloting this new product with us.”
The Weather Network recently launched Your Weather Assistant, a generative AI tool to transform the way people consume weather information. The introduction of its newly developed AI-Assisted Avatar demonstrates Pelmorex Corp.’s, owner of The Weather Network, commitment to innovation as it evolves into an AI-frontiered weather and climate organization.
About Pelmorex Corp.
Pelmorex Corp., founded in 1989, is an international weather information and data management company. Pelmorex owns and operates the weather brands The Weather Network, MétéoMédia, Eltiempo.es, Clima, and Otempo.pt. It also operates Canada’s National Alert Aggregation and Dissemination System, part of Alert Ready. Through constant innovation and entrepreneurship, Pelmorex has grown to reach consumers around the globe, has become one of the largest weather information providers and has broken new ground in providing data solutions and insights to businesses. Through harnessing the value of weather, Pelmorex is driven to make the world smarter and safer for consumers and businesses.
To learn more, visit pelmorex.com and follow us on X (platform formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Home Hardware Stores Limited
Founded 60 years ago in St. Jacobs, Ontario, Home Hardware Stores Limited is proudly Canadian and the country’s largest Dealer-owned and operated home improvement retailer with more than 1,000 stores operating under the Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Furniture banners. The Home Hardware Dealer network improves life at home by providing superior home improvement retail experiences through helpful advice and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. Home Hardware Stores Limited is designated as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers. More information about the company is available at homehardware.ca.
SOURCE Pelmorex Corp.
https://stmdailynews.com/category/tech
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
🕒 [UPDATE] Solar Arrays Successfully Deployed
NASA confirms Orion’s solar arrays have deployed, providing power for the spacecraft as it prepares for its journey beyond Earth orbit.
Artemis II Successfully Launches
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has successfully launched its Artemis II mission, marking the first crewed journey toward the Moon in more than 50 years.
The powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, carrying four astronauts on a 10-day mission around the Moon and back.
On board are Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The mission is already being hailed as a major milestone in NASA’s effort to return humans to deep space.
Shortly after liftoff, the Orion spacecraft successfully reached orbit and deployed its solar arrays, beginning its journey that will eventually send the crew on a translunar trajectory toward the Moon. 
Artemis II is a lunar flyby mission, meaning astronauts will not land but will travel farther from Earth than any human mission in decades while testing critical systems needed for future landings.
The mission also marks several historic firsts, including the first woman and the first person of color—Victor Glover—to travel into lunar space.
NASA says the mission is a key step toward future lunar landings and long-term plans to establish a human presence on the Moon later this decade.
🚀 What’s Next:
A critical engine burn in the coming days will send Orion out of Earth orbit and toward the Moon, continuing humanity’s return to deep space exploration.
🔗 Related External Links & Sources
For official updates and in-depth mission details, visit the following trusted sources:
- NASA: Artemis II Mission Overview
- NASA Artemis Program (Return to the Moon)
- Orion Spacecraft – Mission Details
- Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket Overview
- Kennedy Space Center – Launch Operations
- Watch NASA Live Coverage and Replays
🧾 Sources
- NASA official launch coverage and mission updates
- NASA Artemis II press materials and briefings
- NASA Kennedy Space Center launch operations updates
Stay with STM Daily News for live updates on Artemis II.
Last Updated on April 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Published: April 1, 2026 | By: STM Daily News
Source: NASA/John Kraus
Artemis II countdown is underway
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The countdown has officially begun for Artemis II, NASA’s highly anticipated return to crewed lunar missions, marking a historic step toward sending humans back to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years.
At precisely 4:44 p.m. EDT, the countdown clock started ticking at Kennedy Space Center, targeting a 6:24 p.m. launch on Wednesday, April 1. The mission will be the first crewed flight of NASA’s powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. The Artemis II mission marks NASA’s first crewed journey toward the Moon since the Apollo era, using the powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft.
The mission is part of NASA’s broader Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence for future Mars exploration.
Launch operations are being conducted at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the historic site of previous Apollo and Space Shuttle missions.
🚀 Final Preparations Underway
Inside the Rocco Petrone Launch Control Center, engineers and launch teams are actively powering up flight systems, verifying communications, and preparing for one of the most complex fueling operations ever attempted.
The rocket will be loaded with hundreds of thousands of gallons of super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, a delicate process requiring precise timing and coordination.
Meanwhile, at Launch Complex 39B, crews are filling the sound suppression system—a massive water tank designed to release a high-volume deluge at liftoff, protecting the rocket from extreme acoustic energy generated during launch.
Source: NASA / Bill Ingalls
👨🚀 Crew in Quarantine Ahead of Launch
The four-person crew remains in quarantine at the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, undergoing final medical checks and mission briefings.
- Reid Wiseman – Commander
- Victor Glover – Pilot
- Christina Koch – Mission Specialist
- Jeremy Hansen – Mission Specialist (Canadian Space Agency)
Glover, a Southern California native and Ontario High School graduate, is set to make history as the first Black astronaut to travel to lunar space—bringing a powerful local connection to this global mission.
The crew is following a controlled sleep and nutrition schedule while receiving continuous updates on launch conditions and spacecraft readiness.
🌤️ Weather Conditions 80% Favorable
NASA and U.S. Space Force weather teams are closely monitoring conditions ahead of fueling operations. Current forecasts show an 80% chance of favorable weather, with concerns focused on potential cloud cover and high winds.
Weather will continue to be evaluated as the countdown progresses.
📺 How to Watch the Launch Live
NASA will provide live coverage throughout launch day:
- 7:45 a.m. EDT – Tanking operations coverage begins (NASA YouTube)
- 12:50 p.m. EDT – Full launch coverage begins on NASA+
Viewers can also follow along via NASA’s official social media platforms for real-time updates.
🚀 Artemis II Mission Snapshot
- Mission: Artemis II
- Agency: NASA
- Launch Vehicle: Space Launch System (SLS)
- Spacecraft: Orion
- Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center (LC-39B)
- Mission Duration: ~10 days
- Objective: Crewed lunar flyby (no landing)
- Commander: Reid Wiseman
- Pilot: Victor Glover
- Mission Specialists: Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen
🌕 A Mission Decades in the Making
Artemis II will send astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back, serving as a critical test flight for future lunar landings under NASA’s Artemis program.
The mission is designed to validate deep space navigation, life support systems, and spacecraft performance—laying the groundwork for Artemis III, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface.
As the countdown continues, all eyes are now on Florida’s Space Coast for what could become one of the most significant spaceflight milestones of the 21st century.
🧾 Sources & References
- NASA – Artemis II Mission Updates and Press Materials
- NASA Kennedy Space Center Launch Operations Briefings
- NASA Artemis Program Overview
- Official NASA Broadcast and Launch Coverage
For more details on NASA’s Artemis II mission and live launch coverage, explore the official resources below:
🔗 Related External Links & Sources
- NASA: Artemis II Mission Overview
- NASA Artemis Program Explained
- Kennedy Space Center Official Site
- Orion Spacecraft Details
- Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket Overview
- Watch Artemis II Live on NASA YouTube
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Artemis II?
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission in its Artemis program, sending astronauts on a flight around the Moon to test systems for future lunar landings.
When is the Artemis II launch?
The mission is targeting a launch on April 1, 2026, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Will Artemis II land on the Moon?
No, Artemis II is a lunar flyby mission designed to test spacecraft systems before a future landing mission.
Who is Victor Glover?
Victor Glover is a NASA astronaut and Artemis II pilot who will become the first Black astronaut to travel to lunar space.
Stay with STM Daily News for continuing coverage of Artemis II and NASA’s return to the Moon.
Stay ahead of the curve with STM Daily News’ Tech section, featuring the latest on innovation, consumer technology, digital trends, startups, AI, and the stories shaping how we live and work.
CropX Technologies has launched CropX Vision, a new AI-powered vineyard monitoring solution designed to help growers measure vine water stress using a single canopy image.
The new tool uses computer vision and agronomic modeling to estimate leaf water potential from a smartphone photo, giving growers and agronomists a faster and more scalable way to assess plant stress across entire vineyard blocks. The company says the goal is to support better irrigation decisions throughout the growing season.
CropX Vision is available globally on both iOS and Android. The platform is also integrated into the broader CropX application, allowing users to combine canopy-based stress insights with other agronomic data in one place.
According to CropX, the technology offers an in-season alternative to traditional pressure chamber measurements, which can be more time-consuming and limited in sampling range. Instead of relying on specialized equipment, growers can capture a single image in the field and receive plant-level water stress insights.
The product builds on technology originally developed by Tule Technologies, a California-based precision irrigation company acquired by CropX in 2023. Tule’s canopy sensing technology has already been used in California vineyards, and CropX is now expanding that capability to growers worldwide.
CropX says the global release reflects its continued focus on data-driven tools that help growers improve productivity while managing water more efficiently.
CropX Vision is now available for download via the app stores:
- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/cropx-vision/id6756921607?l=en-GB
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cropx.cropx_vision&pcampaignid=web_share
For more information, visit CropX Vision.
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