The American software company OpenAI is now also bringing the "Advanced Voice" mode to Europe - and therefore also to Switzerland. This was announced by OpenAI known on X. At the end of July, OpenAI announced that the first users of ChatGPT Plus would be able to use the new function.

The mode offers more opportunities for interaction and makes the chatbot sound like a real person, as View reported. The tool is even said to be able to speak Swiss German, albeit with some difficulties in understanding the dialect. The voice mode also comes in a different design: in conversations with the "Advanced Voice" function, a blue, animated sphere replaces the black dots of the standard voice.

But that's not all, because ChatGPT will also receive five new voices: Arbor, Maple, Sol, Spruce and Val. They complement the existing voices Breeze, Juniper, Cove and Ember, making a total of nine voices available. A tenth voice, Sky, would also have been part of the new voice mode. However, this voice had too many similarities to that of actress Scarlett Johansson. OpenAI therefore decided to stop using Sky "out of respect" for Scarlett Johansson. (Dylan Windhaber/tme)

This article first appeared in Netzwoche.

The cross-platform tracking led to the creation of personality profiles, and Ricardo members were not adequately informed about this tracking and the subsequent use of data for the purpose of targeted advertising, according to a statement issued by the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) on Wednesday.

The resulting violations of privacy would not have been able to justify the overriding private interests asserted by Ricardo and TX Group.

At the request of Ricardo and the TX Group, to which Tamedia also belongs, the data protection officer published a redacted version of his final report. According to the press release, both dispute the conclusions contained therein and describe the Edöb's recommendations as legally unfounded overall.

They take the view that the data transmitted to the TX Group does not constitute personal data. They also consider the recommendations of the data protection officer to be irrelevant, as they relate to a situation that no longer exists and a law that is no longer in force.

Edöb opened a fact-finding investigation in September 2017 and completed it in April of this year. This investigation was carried out under the old Data Protection Act. (SDA/swi)

This year's winner impressed the Gfm jury with its secure and user-friendly solutions that enable customers to achieve their financial goals more quickly. This customer focus not only strengthened trust, but also contributed significantly to the growth in sales from CHF 317 million in 2020 to a forecast CHF 615 million in 2024.

According to Foundation Board member Marcus Schögel, the digital platform, financial products and global expansion, investment opportunities, cryptocurrency offerings, education and support as well as sustainability and ESG initiatives were decisive factors in the selection of Swissquote.

Two new board members

Furthermore, two new Gfm Board members were also welcomed by President Dominique von Matt on Tuesday evening. Patric Deflorin from Mobiliar and Professor Reto Hofstetter from the University of St. Gallen were newly elected.

In a rich and vibrant city like Zurich, there is also another, hidden reality: around 17,000 people work for the lowest wages and 190,000 people in the canton are at risk of poverty. Those affected are mostly invisible. They are on the margins of society and yet right in the middle of it, exhausted by the constant struggle to survive, with the desperate question of how they are going to get through the next day.

The current Caritas Zurich campaign shows that poverty is more than just a lack of money. Rather, existential needs that are not apparent at first glance are at risk: Poverty robs people of their chances of good health, a carefree childhood with extracurricular activities and an independent life. It is the constant fear of not having enough. Not enough to live on. Not enough to even exist.

The campaign's three key visuals show people whose livelihoods are at risk - in seemingly ordinary everyday situations such as in the waiting room of a doctor's surgery, on the bench at a junior football match or working in an open-plan office. These everyday scenes are symbolic of the invisible suffering that people affected by poverty often carry with them. Although they outwardly participate in social life, their existential worries are hidden.

The campaign aims to make visible what many people overlook: Poverty can be everywhere - even where it is least suspected. It calls on the population to take a closer look, to notice what is not being said and to donate for these people so that Caritas Zurich can continue to support them.

The campaign will be on display throughout public spaces in Zurich city center until November 4, 2024, on posters in highly frequented locations such as train stations and streetcar stops. It will also be displayed on social media, in VBZ vehicles and in a mailing created especially for the campaign in order to reach a broad audience, raise awareness of poverty that threatens people's livelihoods and appeal for donations.

Responsible at Caritas Zurich: Fiona Trachsel (Head of Communications), Sandra Rauch (former Head of Communications), Karin Faes (Project Manager Communications), Andreas Reinhart (Project Manager Communications), Patrick Kaufmann (Fundraiser), Mohamed Moussa (Social Media), Christine Gerstner (Head of Communications Caritas Network), Isabelle Lüthi (Project Manager Fundamentals and Social Policy). Responsible at TheGuys: Noemi Russenberger (Art Direction), Gaston Filippo & Johnny Grubenmann (Creative Direction), Stefanie Lüthi (Consulting) Gianni Peng (Managing Direction / Photography), Lara Roos (Set Design), Niculin Felix/Cinelight (Lighting Equipment), Constantin Popp (Lighting Technician), Stian Glatthard (Runner), Lorenz Wahl (Picture Editing).

The new corporate design combines Laufenburg's historical identity with a fresh, contemporary look. In a broad-based workshop with a project group from the entire city administration, the city's DNA was developed in order to translate the essence into the claim "More than the Rhine". Concise sub-claims reflect the cultural and economic diversity and show how the city harmonizes tradition and progress.

The bold decision to use a minimalist logo in four color combinations frees up the town of Laufenburg to communicate in a way that is both varied and consistent. "The logo gets to the heart of the town's history," explains town clerk Marco Waser. "The lower rapids 'Laufen' stand for the river and the old fishing settlement, while the castle on the Schlossberg symbolizes the historical power of the Habsburgs. Past and present are thus united in a clear, simple symbol."

Digital presence rethought

The municipal website was redesigned together with I-web in terms of content and design and remains true to its purpose as an information site. F/E has given the existing pages an appealing look and highlighted the most important elements. Targeted landing pages are now used along the entire resident journey.

In addition to the start page, there is a Leisure page with local insider tips as well as a humorous Welcome page for newcomers. The Tourism page offers visitors and residents a brief overview of the sights and leisure activities, while the Portrait brings together the city's values and is also used for employer branding.

Step by step to a comprehensive experience

The broad application of the subclaims and the landing pages play a key role in making the offering consistent across all communication channels and developing it further along the resident and employee journey. The aim is also to create an authentic experience for all stakeholders beyond the website and for the population to participate in experiencing the brand.

Inspire in the live moment

The highlight was the brand unveiling at the "Hela" autumn fair on October 11, 2024, where residents were able to experience and actively shape Laufenburg's new identity at the interactive exhibition stand. The campaign where visitors could mark their favorite places in the city with pins under the hashtag #minLieblingsplatz and thus contribute to the further attractiveness of Laufenburg was particularly popular.

Responsible at Stadt Laufenburg: Marco Waser (Town Clerk I), Ivan Brigante (Town Clerk II), Marco Schwab (Head of Regional Social Services), Luana Alfano (Head of Residents' Services). Responsible at F/E: Melina Riso (consulting), Amrit Dhillon (design), Danusha Kuchtova (text and concept), Noemi Rohner (production, trade fair appearance), Jonas Wittwer (strategy and communication), Karin Renold (concept). Photographers: Lukas Moesch Photography, Lara Kaiser Photography.

Over the past two decades, Venturelab has kept more than 90% of Swiss start-ups on track and opened up new horizons for them. These start-ups have reportedly created over 25,000 jobs and acquired more than CHF 15 billion in investments to date.

In order to offer this success story a modern platform, the agency has created a completely new website. The simultaneously refreshed corporate design is intended to show that first-class start-ups are made in Switzerland. The new design has already been used for numerous other visual measures such as advertisements, flyers and roll-ups.

"With its new look, Venturelab is showing that even after 20 years, it is still bringing a breath of fresh air into the sails of young companies," explains Max Eugster, CEO of the agency at the airport. "We ourselves know how difficult it is to launch your own company. I am therefore all the more pleased that we are able to support a brand like Venturelab, which supports young companies."

Responsible at Venturelab: Beat Schillig (Co-founder & VRP), Stefan Steiner (Co-Managing Director), Jordi Montserrat (Co-founder & Managing Partner), Federico Lorenzon (Innovation & Project Manager), Guillaume Tinsel (Senior Communication Manager). Responsible at agency at the airport: Max Eugster (overall responsibility), René Eugster (creative), Wilko Nuber (art direction), Katharina Eugster (interactive media design), Fabia Checcin (graphics), Andrin Zürcher (text).

The number of redundancies in the editorial offices in German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland amounts to 17, of which 9 are in German-speaking Switzerland and 8 in French-speaking Switzerland, as Tamedia announced on Tuesday. The publishing house had originally announced the reduction of 90 full-time positions in the editorial offices at the end of August. Internal transfers and fluctuations reduced the number to around 55 full-time positions by the start of the consultation.

The discussions and exchanges with the staff committees were characterized by trust and respect, Tamedia CEO Jessica Peppel-Schulz is quoted as saying in the press release. The employees also responded to the impetus for the extensive restructuring and the associated volatile situation "with great solidarity and always with constructive feedback".

With the job cuts and the new strategy also announced at the end of August, Tamedia wants to react to the rapid changes in media usage and changes in the advertising market. At the time, it was stated that these changes were necessary in order to maintain the efficiency and quality of journalism.

New strategy for digital transformation

Together with the job cuts, Tamedia also announced a strategic realignment at the end of August (Markt-kom.com reported). In future, the Zurich-based media company intends to focus on its four strongest brands online. Tages-Anzeiger, BZ Bernese Newspaper, Basel Newspaper and 24 Heures concentrate. The Confederation and the Tribune de Genève should retain their own online presences.

However, titles with a smaller reach are to be integrated into the four major platforms. This affects the Zurich regional newspapers, for example The Land messenger, Zürcher Unterländer and Zurichsee-Zeitung. (SDA/swi)

According to waste consultant Simon Amann from Winterthur's civil engineering office, many Winterthur residents are unaware that they are doing something illegal and making themselves liable to prosecution. The campaign is therefore primarily intended to educate people. The Winterthur agency Tollkirsch was called in to create suitable campaign themes.

As litter garbage cans at bus stops are mainly used for illegal household waste disposal, the idea was born to integrate these locations into the campaign: The subjects show in an exaggerated way what the respective locations would look like if the employees of the city of Winterthur were not constantly and actively working to keep the city clean.

The aim of the poster campaign is to provide neutral and factual information and raise awareness so that people dispose of their waste correctly again using bin bags. For this reason, the posters deliberately avoid using terms such as "ban", "illegal" or "punishable" - anything else would be counterproductive.

The poster campaign was launched in mid-October and is displayed at bus stops, in parks and on municipal billboards in Winterthur's old town.

Responsible at Entsorgung Winterthur: Simon Amann (waste disposal consultant at the City of Winterthur). Responsible at Tollkirsch: Simon Keller, Carmen Wittmann (idea/concept), Anna Facen (realization).

The Karl Wild Hotel Rating Switzerland has been carried out annually since 1997 by the journalist and author Karl Wild and published as a book by Weber Verlag. There will be a change in the authorship in 2025: Karl Wild will hand over the hotel rating to the gastronomy journalist and author Andrin Willi.

A hotel rating supplement will also be published for the first time in May 2025 in the NZZ on Sunday will be published. The content of the publisher's supplement will also be available online on the "NZZ Bellevue" lifestyle portal. NZZone creates and markets the publishing supplement and the online content, which should give the hotel rating an increased and optimized presence.

"The Karl Wild Hotel Rating Switzerland is the best-known hotel rating in the country. We are delighted to be working with the renowned NZZ on Sunday the ideal media partner," says Annette Weber, owner of Weber Verlag.

In 2019, the Zurich agency Openroom won the AOP-IGP account as part of a competitive presentation. The Swiss Association of AOP-IGP looks after a large number of different Swiss products, all of which bear the AOP or IGP quality mark.

From 2020 to 2024, Openroom anchored the quality label in the minds of the target group with various national campaigns and made the Swiss specialties "Appellation d'Origine Protégée" and "Indication Géographique Protégée" appealing to a wider population. According to the agency, both the level of awareness and the credibility of AOP-IGP were significantly increased during this time.

Openroom has now been able to put all the experience and knowledge that the team has built up around AOP-IGP over the past few years to good use in a competitive presentation. Even though brands such as Le Gruyère AOP, Tête de Moine AOP and St. Galler Bratwurst IGP are well known among the Swiss, the next few years will continue to be about raising awareness of the quality label itself and increasingly appealing to a younger target group in the future.

Openroom won the pitch with an attention-grabbing campaign idea centered around an unusual key visual that is linked to the three core values of AOP-IGP and also offers a wide range of implementation and development options.

The new campaign will start in spring 2025.

This year, the Swissfilm Association is organizing the Edi. Award, under the patronage of the Federal Department of Home Affairs. The aim of the award for outstanding Swiss productions is to raise awareness of Swiss commissioned filmmaking. From this year's submissions, over 150 experts have selected 38 films nominated in the four main categories Commercials, Corporate Communication, Branded Content and Animation.

The most important assessment criterion is the audiovisually convincing implementation of the communication brief. The script, direction, image, music, sound and editing must therefore form an artistic unit that does justice to the content conveyed and realizes the client's brief for the production.

The Edi.24 Award Night will take place on November 7, 2024 at the Schiffbau in Zurich.

The pre-Christmas period is traditionally characterized by the search for the perfect gift. At Ifolor, individual photo products can be designed quickly, personally and individually. In the current campaign, Ifolor and Jeff tell four stories about everyday experiences that have become unforgettable memories.

The focus is on a selection of four gift ideas. With a deluxe photo book, a photo mug, a wall calendar or a wall decoration, the unforgettable moments of the year can be captured and relived again and again.

The campaign was launched at the beginning of October and will run until the end of January 2025 throughout Switzerland and Finland, among other places. The stories will be played out on TV, DOOH, social media, YouTube and other digital and offline marketing channels.

Responsible at Ifolor: Maren Kunfermann (Chief Marketing Officer), Sonia Custodero-Rodriguez (Head of Marketing & Communications), Päivi Pietarinen (Teamlead Content & Campaign), Julia Fritz (Marketing & Communication Manager), Manuela Groh (Art Director), Sofia Kivistö (Art Director). Responsible at Responsible at Jeff Zurich: Caroline Etter (Senior Project Manager Digital), Nadine Rupprecht (Junior Art Director), Peter Broder (Senior Project Manager Digital).