HFS Research vs Omdia

HFS Research Reinvents the Provider Evaluation with SaS Stars–the First Ratings Scored Entirely by Enterprise Clients

HFS Research has launched SaS Stars, a new provider evaluation ratings system scored entirely by enterprise clients, announced on September 30, 2026.

Suplari Launches Data Assistant for Procurement Data

Suplari announced Data Assistant, an AI agent that automates the full lifecycle of procurement data ingestion and transformation. The agent accepts multiple file formats (Excel, CSV, Word, PDF, zip), identifies content and destination, corrects data faults without human escalation, monitors connectors for data drift, and repairs connectors when source systems change. Suplari positions the product to address persistent pipeline fragility that blocks procurement AI programs, citing research that poor data quality is a major barrier to scaling procurement AI. The company emphasizes traceability by recording every run, transformation and automatic fix.

• Suplari announced the launch of Suplari Data Assistant, an AI agent for procurement data ingestion and transformation.
• Data Assistant accepts Excel, CSV, Word, PDF and zip archives and can ingest data via direct upload, API, or Suplari connectors.
• The agent automatically corrects many data faults without escalating to a person and remediates connector breaks by monitoring for data drift and structural changes.

Channel 4 Announces First Branded Microdrama Series

Channel 4 has announced its first branded microdrama series, 'The Guest List', as part of its digital-first strategy. The five-part vertical short-form series will be available on Channel 4's Meta, TikTok, and YouTube channels from October 24. The series is produced by curly media, a social-first creative agency, in partnership with skincare and fragrance brand Sol de Janeiro, with the deal brokered by Zenith UK. The drama follows four women in their twenties, with each character inspired by Sol de Janeiro's Intense Mist fragrance range. This move marks Channel 4's entry into the microdrama market, which Omdia forecasts to reach $14 billion in global revenues by end of 2026, primarily driven by women aged 25-45. Channel 4 continues to expand its digital programming strategy, having previously launched digital-first brand Channel 4.0 and content on various social platforms.

• Channel 4 announces its first branded microdrama series 'The Guest List', a five-part vertical short-form series.
• The series will be available on Channel 4's Meta, TikTok, and YouTube channels from 24th October.
• The series is produced by curly media in partnership with Sol de Janeiro, with the deal brokered by Zenith UK.

Milestone Systems Tops EMEA Video Management Software Market

Milestone Systems is the largest provider of video management software (VMS) and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) in EMEA, according to Omdia's 2025 market share data. Milestone holds 19.1% of the USD 573 million EMEA market, a position maintained since 2021. The overall market grew 10% in 2025. The company's open platform, including XProtect, BriefCam, and Arcules, supports on-premises, cloud, and hybrid deployments, with AI analytics enhancing video value beyond security. Milestone continues to expand in key markets like the UK and Ireland, emphasizing customer choice and future-proofing.

• Milestone Systems holds 19.1% of the EMEA VMS and VSaaS market in 2025.
• Omdia reports the EMEA VMS and VSaaS market grew 10% to USD 573 million in 2025.
• Milestone has been the market leader in EMEA since 2021.

Hisense Unveils True-to-Life Color, Eye Comfort at IFA 2026

Hisense, a global leader in consumer electronics, presented its latest innovations in displays, laser technology, and audio at IFA 2026, under the theme 'Innovations for a Better Life'. The company focused on delivering vivid picture quality, viewing comfort, and immersive sound. Notable products included the first European debut of the 116UXS miniLED TV, which features RGB MiniLED backlighting with a four-color light source, achieving 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut. Many of Hisense's new products, including the 116UXS and the XR10 laser projector, received certifications from TÜV Rheinland for eye comfort. Hisense also showcased the world's first Field Sequential Display (FSD) technology, an LCD architecture that eliminates color filters, and introduced new audio products like the UX1 soundbar and the wireless HiClips earbuds. The company highlighted its ongoing partnership with TÜV Rheinland and its position as a leader in the large-screen TV market.

• Hisense introduced the 116UXS miniLED TV in Europe, featuring RGB MiniLED backlighting and 110% BT.2020 color gamut.
• The 116UXS received Pantone Validated RGB MiniLED and Pantone Color certifications.
• TÜV Rheinland certified the 116UXS with Low Blue Light and the entire 2026 RGB MiniLED lineup with Eye Comfort.