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The US economy contracted unexpectedly in the second quarter, with consumer spending growing at its slowest pace in two years and business spending falling, which could fuel financial markets’ fears that the economy is already in recession.
The second quarterly contraction in gross domestic product, reported by the Commerce Department on Thursday, largely reflected a more moderate pace of inventory building by companies amid ongoing shortages of motor vehicles.
The slowdown in consumer spending has also left retailers with little appetite to stockpile more inventory. The repeated contraction in GDP amid aggressive monetary tightening by the Federal Reserve could force the US Federal Reserve to reverse its massive rate hikes.
“The economy is very vulnerable to slipping into recession,” said Sal Guatieri, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets in Toronto. “That could prevent the Fed from pushing through another big rate hike in September.”
Gross domestic product fell an annualized 0.9 percent in the most recent quarter, the government said in its forecast of GDP. The economy shrank by 1.6 percent in the first quarter.
The second consecutive quarterly contraction in GDP fits the standard definition of a recession.
But the National Bureau of Economic Research, the official arbiter of recessions in the United States, defines a recession as “a significant decline in economic activity, spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, and usually in manufacturing, employment , real income, and other indicators”.
Job growth averaged 456,700 per month in the first half of the year, leading to strong wage increases. Nevertheless, the risks of a downturn have increased. Housing construction and home sales have weakened, while business and consumer sentiment have weakened in recent months.
The White House is cracking down on recession chatter to reassure voters ahead of the Nov. 8 midterm elections that will decide whether President Joe Biden’s Democratic Party retains control of the US Congress.
Jobless claims remain below the 270k-350k range, which economists say would signal a rise in the jobless rate. Given the struggling economy, the Fed could slow its pace of rate hikes, although much would depend on the path of inflation, which is well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
The trade deficit narrowed sharply last quarter thanks to record exports, contributing 1.43 percentage points to GDP growth. This ended seven consecutive quarters in which trade held back growth.
While companies continued to build inventories, the pace slowed significantly from the fourth quarter of 2021 and the first three months of this year. Inventories cut 2.01 percentage points of GDP.
Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of US economic activity, grew 1.0 percent. That was the slowest since the second quarter of 2020 and down from the moderate pace of 1.8 percent in the first quarter.
Business spending fell, dragged down by weak investment in equipment and non-residential construction. Government spending was also weak, reflecting a sharp decline in non-defense spending.
A measure of domestic demand – excluding trade, inventories and government spending – remained unchanged, underscoring the clear loss of momentum in the economy. Final sales to private domestic buyers account for about 85 percent of total spending and increased 3.0 percent in the first quarter.
Home investment shrank the most since the COVID-19 recession two years ago, as higher mortgage rates weighed on both home construction and home sales, lowering brokerage commissions.
https://www.independent.ie/business/world/us-enters-technical-recession-as-gdp-falls-for-second-quarter-41874716.html The US enters a technical recession as GDP falls in the second quarter


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War Pushes India Towards Lab Growns – All choices shared: In India and China, consumers are passionate about lab-grown meat. in America? Not so much.
Would you rather eat a hamburger grown from animal cells than a whole cow? How about a veggie burger, once researchers have perfected the texture and taste of a meat burger?
War Pushes India Towards Lab Growns
This question, believe it or not, is perhaps one of the most important questions of our time. Modern meat production includes appallingly inhumane conditions, the widespread use of antibiotics with worrisome public health impacts, and high environmental costs. And demand for meat is expected to increase by 73 percent by 2050, expanding the scale of factory farming and putting more pressure on our food system.
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With all this in mind, researchers are working hard for better meat alternatives. Some have developed plant-based products – such as the Impossible Burger, The Beyond Burger, Just Mayo and Just Egg – that closely mimic animal products. Some are working to invent cell products – “clean meat” – which, at the molecular level, will be like meat, but without slaughter.
A new study aims to discover the attitudes of consumers towards clean meat and vegetables. The most surprising thing about this survey is that it asked consumers in India and China, the two largest markets in the world and two sources of growing demand for meat.
Result? Consumers in China and India are more aware of clean meat than consumers in the United States – and even in the United States, many meat consumers are motivated.
Wearing A Lab Grown Diamond Grown From Your Loved One’s Cremated Ashes| LonitÉ™
Researchers from the University of Bath, the Good Food Institute (a non-profit that promotes meat substitutes) and the Hong Kong Center for Long-Term Priorities surveyed nearly 3,030 consumers – about 1,000 in each country. what they eat today; for the purpose of testing their “food neophobia” or for the purpose of their willingness to try new foods; Questions about what to eat in a world where clean meat, vegetable meat and traditional meat are available.
They found that consumers in India and China (a disproportionately urban, educated and affluent sample) were more interested in buying clean, plant-based meat than Americans. However, it is clear that there is a large market for clean meat and vegetables in all three countries:
The United States has the largest share of consumers who said they are unlikely to buy clean meat at all: 23.6 percent. (In China, it was just 6.7 percent, and in India, 10.7 percent.) The United States also had the smallest share of consumers who said they were “very or very” likely to buy clean meat . In the United States, 29.8 percent were very likely or extremely likely. It was 59.3 percent in China and 48.7 percent in India.
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The plant meat numbers have seen the clean meat numbers, which is interesting. In general, teams pursuing clean meat do so because they don’t expect plant-based alternatives to be enough to win over consumers. However, this survey suggests that both may appeal to similar groups of people. Fortunately, this is almost everyone – especially in India and China.
In the United States, eating a lot of meat has been predicted to lead to less interest in alternatives. In China, however, those who ate the most meat expected to benefit most from clean meat and plant-based options. This suggests that while many people in the United States agree with their meat eating and are actively looking for alternatives, the trend is not global.
It’s a wonderful thing. China and India together comprise more than 2 billion people — and research suggests they’re far more enthusiastic about meat substitutes than Americans. India and China are lower in meat consumption per capita today than the richest countries, but they are nevertheless important because they are so big and have become richer.
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Most of the work on plant-based and clean meat that goes on today is done in America. But if companies only sell their products in the United States, they will not enter the largest markets in the world, where meat substitutes can be important. Factory farming is important in America – billions of animals are raised and eaten for food every year. But activists and entrepreneurs should be aware of opportunities abroad.
The results of the survey are certainly encouraging, but there are certainly reasons to take it with a grain of salt.
When answering the survey, many people try to answer exactly what they think the farmers want to hear – and, as the study notes, research shows that this effect is more pronounced in China than in the United States. For example, Faunalytics (2018) noted that survey respondents in China were more likely to know statements and were more likely to answer in the middle of the scales than respondents in the United States. different in the attitudes of the survey respondents.
History Of Lab Grown Diamonds
And consumers are especially likely to give idealized answers that don’t reflect their actual buying habits on factory farming surveys. For example, past polls have found that nearly half of Americans say they want to ban slaughterhouses. This is a remarkable result, and it is hard to imagine that a real vote on banning slaughterhouses would come close to this (although there are too many votes in favor of measures to animal welfare).
Even if people want to give an honest answer, it can be difficult to predict your own behavior in the future. It’s easy to think in theory, but would you buy a burger made with clean meat? This may be a decision you make in the grocery store now, it is difficult to predict years from now when clean meat is not yet commercially available.
And, as the report notes, there is always the risk that people don’t really understand the problem. When describing complex new ideas like Clean Meat, even with a very competent translation team, it can be difficult to convey the idea. “Although we have taken care to develop and translate clear descriptions of the products,” notes the document, “we cannot also exclude the possibility that some participants did not fully understand.”
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So there is still a lot of uncertainty around this survey and the attitude towards clean and plant-based meat in general. But as reported, the results are undoubtedly encouraging. In all three countries, and especially in China and India, many people want more humane meat substitutes. This bodes well for researchers hoping to end factory farming by inventing something better.
Twice a week, you’ll find a collection of ideas and solutions to address our biggest challenges: improving public health, reducing human and animal suffering, reducing catastrophic risks, and – simply – being better at it.
Millions of people turned to the news to understand what was happening. Our mission has never been more important than this moment: empower through understanding. Financial contributions from our readers are an important part of supporting our resource-intensive work and help keep our journalism free for all. Please consider contributing today. Aditya Birla Featured Fund Sun Pro Invest Life Mutual Fund Invest Now Featured Fund ★★★★★ DSP Midcap Direct Plan – Growth5Y Returns 12.53% Invest Now
Biological Risks In India: Perspectives And Analysis
While the situation has worsened an already poor supply chain, it has also increased freight rates that now threaten to increase their costs. An auto industry insider said freight rates are currently two to five times higher than pre-Covid levels. With most countries lifting pandemic restrictions, it was expected that rates would decrease, but the war changed the situation. Air traffic has increased by 8-10 percent in the last 28 days alone.
Fuel prices have soared since the start of the conflict in February. In India, state oil refiners last week raised jet fuel prices by 18%, the largest increase on record.
Amid the closure of airspace and sea routes due to the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 lockdown, congestion at Chinese ports is creating a double whammy for automakers and assemblers of electronics of India.
Adm Partners With Lab Grown Meat Start Up Eat Just
While the situation has worsened an already poor supply chain, it has also increased freight rates that now threaten to increase their costs.
An auto industry insider said freight rates are currently two to five times higher than pre-Covid levels. With most countries lifting pandemic restrictions, it was expected that rates would decrease, but the war changed the situation. Air traffic has increased by 8-10 percent in the last 28 days alone.
A senior executive in the automotive industry said: “Logistics routes are at risk due to airspace closures and rerouting. This has resulted in delays in shipments, increased transportation costs, he said.
How To Buy Lab Grown Meat? Fda Weighs Approval Of Sales In 2022
Industry experts say local manufacturers may raise prices if costs remain high. Meanwhile, the Indian government has sought information from industry bodies to assess the situation, people familiar with the development said.
Towards a world war iii scenario, war commander defense lab, world war z lab zombie, world war z scene in lab, secret lab god of war, world war z lab, war lab, war memorial hospital lab, are we heading towards world war 3

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Fed overstates impact of dollar, oil on inflation, Goldman says
[NEW YORK] US inflation, which the Federal Reserve has tied to its decision of when to raise interest rates, is being restrained more by labor market slack than the transitory influences of a stronger dollar and lower oil prices, Goldman Sachs Group Inc economists said.
A Fed computer simulation of the US economy, used by officials to gauge fallout from the dollar and energy prices, significantly overstated the drag they exert on core inflation, according to a Goldman Sachs report published Wednesday.
That runs counter to the message from Fed Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer, who said in a Saturday speech in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, that "the rise in the dollar since last summer, of about 17 per cent in nominal terms, with its associated declines in non-oil import prices, could plausibly be holding down core inflation quite noticeably this year."
Policy makers' assessment of the outlook for inflation is vital to the timing of rate liftoff. That judgment may hinge on how much importance they place on the role of transitory influences in keeping price pressures too low, versus the more stubborn drag of labor market slack. Officials next meet Sept 16-17.
The Fed's preferred measure of inflation, the price index of personal consumption expenditures, rose 0.3 per cent from a year earlier in July and has been below the Fed's 2 per cent target for three years. The core measure, which strips out prices of food and energy and is commonly described by officials as the best predictor of where headline inflation is going, showed a 1.2 per cent annual inflation rate in July.
The computer model Fischer cited in his speech may be overestimating the effects of transitory influences of the dollar and oil on inflation by as much as eight times, Goldman economists Zach Pandl and Sven Jari Stehn wrote in their note to clients. Core goods prices fell 0.8 per cent in the year through July, and their weight in the index implies only 0.1 or 0.2 per centage point of drag from the dollar, they said.
Minutes of the Fed's July 28-29 policy meeting showed growing uncertainty over whether inflation would rise back to the 2 per cent target in a timely manner.
"Transitory factors such as the strong dollar and falling commodities have probably depressed domestic consumer prices to a degree, but we doubt they explain most of the shortfall of core PCE inflation relative to the Fed's target," Pandl and Stehn wrote. "Instead, we see room for other factors - such as continued slack in the labor market - which may have more lasting effects."
Investors saw a 30 per cent probability the Fed will raise rates next month, according to trading in federal funds futures at 11:55 am in New York on Thursday, and a 41 per cent chance of a move by October. The chances for a rate increase by December were 56 per cent.


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Euro RSCG Magnet has formed PopWorx,a New York division, to oversee marketing in “nontraditional realms like blogs, video games, product placement, events and branded entertainment,” reports the NY Times.
This on the heels of other established agencies, such as Carat, forming practices to deal with channels such as blog and RSS marketing. An interesting aspect of PopWorx is the division will work will smaller outside independent agencies on campaigns.
UPDATE: And later today, Ogilvy PR announced the launch of “360 Degree Digital Influence” to help get clients a handle on personal media – blogs, wikis, podcasting and search.
It’s officially a bandwagon now.
Despite the fact that it faces growing competition from Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, Google-owned YouTube is still one of the most popular ... read more
Amazon prides itself on being the most “customer-centric” company in the world, but according to investigative journalism non-profit ProPublica, Amazon’s algorithms are often anything but ... read more


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There’s something that’s been bugging me lately that I’ve had trouble putting my finger on. I’ve been thinking about it especially over the last few weeks as I’ve been travelling and watching yet more news of data breaches unfold, particularly with the likes of the 32 million “Twitter” accounts that were alleged hacked (except almost certainly weren’t).
It all boils down to how data breaches are monetised and I have a few issues with the whole thing, especially with the “wholesale” of entire data breaches. We’ve seen breaches sold for many years now but the recent spate of LinkedIn, My Space, tumblr, fling.com and others is what really bothers me. Here we’re talking about tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of records put on dark market websites and sold to whoever is willing to pay just a few Bitcoins.
I’ve heard data breach sellers defend their trade with the justification that “there’s nothing illegal about selling the data” and mount arguments along the lines of “it’s not stolen as the original site still has it”. Yet at the same time we see these very same sellers go to great lengths to keep their identities obfuscated, inevitably because they’re worried about the likely consequences of being caught selling this class of commodity. I don’t know which legal construct would be invoked should they be identified and indeed it would differ based on their jurisdiction, but I do know that legal sentences pay a great deal of attention to the damage done to victims and in the case of selling data breaches, it’s not pretty.
Data breaches are sold because they offer value to the purchaser; they gain something – a return on investment, if you like – by parting with Bitcoins in exchange for user records. Frequently, the upside for the purchaser involves exploitation of the victims in the data breach. Reused credentials across other services are leveraged to gain access to the victim’s account. Sometimes the accounts themselves hold resources of value, other times they serve as a channel for spam distribution, sometimes it’s the victim’s connections which provide fodder for phishing attacks. The value in the data almost always involves exploiting those who innocently trusted their personal information with the hacked site.
And that brings me to the ethics of the whole thing and how I hope those profiting from data breaches are dealt with. Actions which by their very nature lead to the intentional harm of bystanders are malicious in their intent. Whether that be the wholesale of data breaches or the sale of unbridled access to large troves of sensitive data with zero verification of whose data the purchaser is accessing, profiteering in this fashion is not going to be looked on kindly if (and quite likely “when”) authorities track down the perpetrators.
If there was any doubt as to the company this class of data keeps, just look at the image at the top of this post – there’s the LinkedIn data breach sitting alongside marijuana and cocaine. It’s no wonder these individuals value anonymity so highly; they’re overtly conscious of how the law will view these activities and they’re doing their best to hide their identities whilst not giving a damn about selling their victims’ sensitive personal information to whoever will pay for it.


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Regal Marine Industries' founder Paul Kuck and Bertram Yacht Company founder Richard Bertram received the National Marine Manufacturers Association's (NMMA) highest honor this morning when both were posthumously inducted into the NMMA Hall of Fame. Kuck and Bertram's career-long achievements were recognized during the 18th International BoatBuilders' Exposition & Conference (IBEX) Industry Breakfast, held October 8 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
The NMMA Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals who have, or continue to generate, substantial and lasting contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. It honors individuals whose names and deeds are synonymous with the pursuit of quality, innovation and perfection within their respective spheres of expertise.
"Both Paul and Richard have left indelible marks on the recreational marine industry-for the successful companies they built and the commitment, leadership and ingenuity they've demonstrated throughout the years," says NMMA president Thom Dammrich. "Both are incredibly deserving of NMMA's most prestigious honor, and I'm privileged to be announcing their induction into the NMMA Hall of Fame."
Regal Marine's story begins in Orlando, Fla., in 1969, where Paul Kuck-with a $40,000 life savings he matched with contributions from two business associates-launched the company along with his wife, Carol. Today, Regal is one of the world's largest privately-held boat manufacturers, posting an average of $160 million in annual sales, employing nearly 700 people, and supporting more than 150 dealers and distributors in 40 countries. The company has a manufacturing plan in Orlando and Valdosta, Ga., and builds boats from 19 to 53 feet in length under the direction of Kuck's three children, Duane, Tim and Pam.
Known for its exceptional customer service, Regal has sold boats to more than 50,000 customers worldwide and has received multiple customer service excellence awards, including five from J.D. Power and Associates and a total of 19 NMMA Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Awards.
Kuck was instrumental in fostering growth of the marine industry at large. While at Regal's helm, he served as chairman of the NMMA Board of Directors and was actively involved in the formation of the American Boatbuilders Association (ABA). Kuck is also founder of the "Leading with Vision and Values" seminar, which has become a staple feature of the Miami International Boat Show. The annual event combines his desire to help lead and grow the recreational marine industry with the equally important role the Christian faith has played in his life and the life of his family.
Just five years before Regal began firmly planting its roots in the marine industry, in 1962, Richard Bertram took his passion for boating and sport fishing and opened up a 25-acre plant on the Tamiami Canal in Miami. This would become the permanent home of Bertram Yacht Company, which introduced a new breed of sportfishing vessels into the marketplace and set the industry standard in yacht design for years to come.
As an adolescent, Bertram's enthusiasm for boating was evident. He raced sailboats as a youngster, eventually reaching the collegiate level and sailing on the America's Cup yachts. It was during one of the America's Cup qualifying races that he met legendary naval architect C. Raymond Hunt and was impressed with his deep-V hull design. The meeting helped launch Bertram's boatbuilding career, and the deep-V hull is known today as a signature Bertram Yacht feature.
Even before founding Bertram Yacht in 1962, Bertram, a consummate entrepreneur, had already built one of the world's largest yacht brokerages. His first boat was a 31-foot powerboat named Moppie, which was constructed entirely out of fiberglass. After racing it multiple times and setting a new world record for speed, a modified version of Moppie was launched at the 1961 New York Boat Show and thus Bertram Yacht-a new breed of fast, glamorous sportfishing yacht-was officially born.
Bertram eventually left the company to pursue other interests, and Bertram Yacht was acquired by the Ferretti Group in 1998. Today, the company builds eight different models and maintains a presence in 95 different countries. It employs more than 2,800 individuals worldwide, including more than 100 specialized engineers.
To learn more about past NMMA Hall of Fame inductees, visit the NMMA 'Awards Gallery' online at http://www.nmma.org/awards


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For the quarter ended June 30, Crocs reported a net income of $19.5 million, or 19 cents per share, on revenue of $376.92 million. In the same three months in 2013, Crocs reported income of $35.36 million, or 40 cents per share, on revenue of $363.83 million. Excluding certain items, adjusted earnings were 36 cents a share which actually beat analysts’ estimate for 31 cents a share.
‘Innovative Casual Footwear’
Net revenue rose 4% to $376.9 million from $363.8 million, ahead of analysts’ projection for $372.9 million in sales.
While facing what seems an uphill battle to keep the Crocs brand relevant, the company set out a new strategic plan.
Crocs President Andrew Rees said the latest sales results “demonstrate the underlying potential of our global brand and business.”
The four key initiatives in the company’s revamp involve a streamlining of its product and marketing portfolio; a stronger focus on key international markets, accompanied by reduced investment in smaller ones; the creation of a more efficient structure; and the closure or conversion of 75 to 100 Crocs stores globally.
A total of 183 global job cuts, most of them enacted immediately as part of the third strand of the strategy, should save Crocs $4 million in 2014 and $10 million in 2015, the company said.
It is also planning to open a new Global Commercial Center to house key merchandising, marketing and retail functions in the Boston area in late 2014.
Under the plan, Crocs will focus on its core molded footwear product range alongside “innovative casual footwear platforms,” increasing working marketing spend by 50%.
Some 18 stores had already been closed or converted by the end of the second quarter, with the total store closures cutting revenue by $35 million to 50 million and saving $17 million to 25 million in selling, general and administrative expenses, Crocs said.
“This is an exciting time of transition for Crocs,” Rees said. “Our near-term focus is controlling costs and re-organizing for better operating margins, which will prepare us for future revenue growth from our core products and markets. The actions that we are announcing today are expected to result in the return to industry leading operating margins of more than 12% over time. We expect that 2015 revenue will be impacted by store closures before revenue growth resumes in 2016 and beyond.”
Crocs Chairman Thomas Smach said the search for a new CEO “continues to progress.”
Gross profit increased 0.8% to $202.6 million, or 53.7% as a percentage of sales, compared with $200.9 million, or 55.2% as a percentage of sales in the prior year period, primarily due to “increased shipping costs globally offset by a decrease in promotional and clearance activity.”
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $160.7 million compared with $150.4 million a year ago. This increase is primarily attributable to restructuring costs, retail store impairments and the company’s enterprise resource planning project.


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Global visitors to the London 2012 Olympics have been left less than impressed by the range of catering.
The Guardian has reported that many outlets ran out of food supplies midway through Wednesday lunchtime, meaning that they had to turn away customers.
The only place that seemed to be booming was the famously large McDonalds. Despite its capacity of 1,500, guards were forced to hold people back at the doors, as customers clamoured to get into the fast-food restaurant.
It seems a far cry from what we were promised before the Games. A document by the organising committee said: “It is crucial [the spectators'] expectations for their 'once in a lifetime' experience are exceeded, both through great sporting action and also the highest quality food available at affordable prices.”
Jan Matthews, head of catering at the London Organising Committee (Locog) had said that they were trying to make the culinary Olympics experience feel like a food market, but perhaps they aimed too high. One diner, interviewed by The Guardian, said of his dish of belly pork, chilli and ginger glaze, garlic prawns, sweet potato and pak choi: "It was gravy and prawns.
"Perhaps it was a classic example of British eccentricity of the kind we saw in the opening ceremony."


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USA – Naked Juice, subsidiary of PepsiCo has rolled out a new 100% recycled plastic bottles for its smoothies’ range to include Naked Machines, Naked Lean and its most recently launched Naked Zing in the UK.
The new bottles are accompanied by a new modernized label with an emphasis on Naked’s 100% recycled plastic message.
Through this the brand invites drinkers to help reduce plastic waste and ensure the bottle is placed in a recycling bin after drinking, reports Foodbev.
With the packaging shift, Naked claims it is the only juice/smoothie brand in grocery retail that currently offers a bottle made from in 100% recycled plastic.
“We believe we’re the first juice and smoothie brand that can confirm it uses 100% recycled plastic across its range,” said Steven Hind, marketing director for brand owner PepsicCo, adding Naked was “trying to be a leader when it comes to sustainability in the category.”
The release of the new bottles aligns with PepsiCo’s sustainability strategy and the company’s aim to reduce 35% of virgin plastic content across its beverage portfolio by 2025.
Charlotte Ashburner, senior marketing manager at PepsiCo, said, “We know consumers are looking for ways to make a positive difference by supporting brands that address causes they care about and that they remain mindful of the impact of plastic usage on the environment.
“Our new bottles mean that smoothie drinkers can act in a more sustainable manner, whilst also enjoying delicious smoothies with a fruit boost throughout the day.”
The new 100% recycled bottles are currently available across all stockists of Naked smoothies, including Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Morrisons and Ocado.
To further its efforts in reducing virgin plastic waste, PepsiCo has joined the consortium of global consumer goods companies, including Unilever, to further develop and scale the world’s first recyclable paper bottle, initially developed by Diageo and Pilot Lite.
This new bottle is made from sustainably sourced pulp to meet food-safe standards and is being designed to be fully recyclable in standard waste streams.
The goal of the consortium is to ensure that the technology is developed so it can be used across industries. PepsiCo expects to test our own branded paper bottles, based on Pulpex Limited’s design and technology in 2021.
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While Nigeria and Kenya are leading the adoption of cryptocurrency in Africa, Ghana might just be the next country on the continent to watch in the space.
According to a report released by on-chain analytics firm Chainalysis, Ghana is expected to see the same sort of adoption levels that Nigeria and Kenya have seen over the last few years. According to data conducted by Chainalysis and commentary by Ray Youssef, the CEO of Paxful, Ghana’s adoption has increased by almost 400% in the last 24 months. As per Youssef:
“Lots of Nigerians consider Ghana their summer home and spend lots of time there, and they’re educating the locals on Bitcoin.”
According to Paxful’s trade volume in Ghana, there has been an increase by almost 100% over the past year, which indicates that the Sub-Saharan region has seen substantial cryptocurrency growth in the past few years. Currently, Kenya and Nigeria are ranked 11th and 19th respectively according to Chainalysis’ Global Crypto Adoption Index. The platform, with Paxful’s insights, show that the direction of Ghana’s increasing trade volume could lead the country to become the leader in crypto adoption in Africa.
Peer-to-peer crypto trading in Africa
According to Youssef, the Sub-Saharan Africa region has been seeing massive cryptocurrency adoption with remittance users taking advantage of Bitcoin’s cross-border transactions. Nigeria has seen 55% year-on-year increase in remittance user volumes, and Kenya has seen a massive 140% increase at a yearly basis. Paxful, as a peer-to-peer platform, offers users a way to send payments to one another across countries without the need for banking delays or transfer fees.
Currently, Nigerian regulation has limited how users can use Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. The country’s national bank banned the use of the Naira to buy cryptocurrency in 2021 as a result of concerns related to scams and tax evasion. Because of these restrictions, users have been looking to peer-to-peer trading to conduct Bitcoin transactions.


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Last-minute shoppers hit the stores on Christmas Eve
- Author: Darren Santiago Dec 25, 2018,
Dec 25, 2018, 2:14
Whether you're hosting family and friends for Christmas or you're bringing food as a guest to another family member's celebration, or you simply haven't purchased your Christmas gifts yet, no one's immune from forgetting something important.
There are virtually no times throughout the year that you can't count on Walmart to be open.
Sam's Club will not be open on Christmas Day but will be open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Paddy Murphy's is open for lunch only on Christmas Eve, and will open at 7 p.m. on Christmas Day with full bar service and a limited menu.
Fast food restaurants like Popeyes, KFC, and Bojangles' will also remain open on Christmas Eve. Subway, Jersey Mike's, Quiznos, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Blimpie and Jimmy John's will be open on for all of your sandwich needs on Christmas Eve.
Kohl's is open until 6 p.m on Christmas Eve and shoppers can take advantage of free in-store pick-up on items until 3 p.m. Many shoppers are wanting to know if Costco is open on Christmas Eve 2018.
In rare on-camera clash, Trump, top Democrats argue about border wall
Before the meeting, Trump threatened to have the United States military build the wall if Congressional votes can not be found. He noted that the GOP controls the House, Senate and the White House; Democrats will take power in the House in January.
If you're craving a burger the day before Christmas, Burger King, McDonald's, Wendy's, Whataburger, White Castle, Smashburger, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, In-N-Out Burger and Shake Shack will all be open.
Panda Garden is open for dinner on Christmas Day.
Target. Locations will stay open until 10 p.m. Christmas Eve and will be closed Christmas Day.
Costco: Christmas Eve: Open 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. Some locations will have reduced hours of 8 a.m.to 6 p.m. It will be closed on Christmas Day.
Royal Ontario Museum Christmas Eve - 10 a.m.to 5:30 p.m. Christmas Day - closed Boxing Day - 10 a.m.to 7 p.m.
Libraries will be open until 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve but will close for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, December 30 and New Year's Day.


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September 11, 2004
Linux in Government: Neglecting the Community
OSDir writes "Today, the shining star of Linux success sits atop the government sector, including the DoD; state and Federal agencies; related industries and the vendor community. Logic dictates that Linux vendors would chose a $200 billion market sector with over 10,000 competing vendors and higher profit margins. Few would argue that taking on the consumer sector with half the revenue potential, fewer competitors, fewer opportunities and tiny profit margins makes sense. After all, it's not personal, it's just business."


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Ford Motor Company is issuing two safety recalls, two safety compliance recalls and expands a recall in North America. Ford is issuing a safety recall in North America for approximately 202,274 2016 Ford F-150 and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with front power seats that may experience looseness of the front seat adjuster assembly. In
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) revealed that it’s in talks with South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co. about a partnership to develop hydrogen engines, according to Business Mirror. The alliance, which would also cover transmissions, could become “a strong one,” Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said last Saturday at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese, near Milan.
MyCarfax Now Integrated With Shop Boss Pro CSB Technologies, the owner of Shop Boss Pro automotive business management software, has expanded its relationship with Carfax. Shop Boss Pro users who participate in the myCarfax Service Shop program can now register customers with myCarfax.com using a dedicated button built into the shop software. Autologic Diagnostics
The EPA-Authorized Section 609 program that’s required if you service mobile A/C systems. Technicians who service motor vehicle air conditioners must be trained and tested through a U.S. EPA-authorized organization, such as ASE. Training programs must cover the use of recycling equipment in compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, refrigerant containment, and the effects on
Believes effort will weaken vehicle safety rules The Center for Auto Safety submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on its notice of regulatory review of several motor vehicle safety standards. The Center urged the DOT not to weaken or repeal regulations that protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, and create more benefits than
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office announced that 19 Santa Clara County, Calif. residents have been charged with operating a fraud ring which faked numerous car accidents. Three additional suspects from Butte and San Benito Counties have also been charged. The fictional accidents – which were often reported as caused by a distracted driver
Mitchell: Windshield-mounted ADAS (Advance Drivers Assist Systems) – When R/I or R/R of windshield is selected, ADAS Systems (i.e., cameras and sensors mounted to the glass) are not included in glass labor time unless otherwise noted in the Procedure Explanation section. Cameras and Sensor option may be added using the “Add to” section in the parts
CCC Launches Connected Data Exchange Announces 14 new companies are lined up to join its network to share connected vehicle and telematics data. CCC Information Services Inc. announced today the availability of CCC X, a data exchange that helps convert connected data into actionable insights and makes it available for use across the CCC network.
CCC: Reported Labor Times – From CCC/MOTOR GTE GUIDE: “Times do not apply to vehicles with equipment other than that supplied by the vehicle manufacturer as standard or regular production options. If other equipment is used, the time may be adjusted to compensate for the variables. Removal and replacement of exchanged or used parts is not
Lawsuit by Leif’s Auto Collision alleges GEICO and ARX shops engaged in conspiracy to suppress repair costs, refuse to reimburse for diagnostic scans. GEICO had sued collision repair facility in January alleging abusive and intimidating conduct against its adjusters. Portland, Oregon-based Leif’s Auto Collision, filed a lawsuit Tuesday in the U.S. District Court in


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If you fancy yourself a home mechanic, or just to slide underneath your car and change the oil, then you might want to know that there’s a new spot in Kihei to take all that used, dirty petroleum.
“The ‘Do-It-Yourself Home Mechanics’ of South Maui can now take their used motor oil to the Kihei NAPA / United Auto Parts location during regular business hours,” stated a Sept. 13 press release from Malama Maui Nui (aka Community Work Day Program). “This free service is available to home mechanics only, no commercially generated used motor oil will be accepted. NAPA/United Auto Parts is located at 185 Haleku‘ai Street and open Monday-Saturday 8am-5:30pm.”
Malama Maui Nui recently took over the island’s Used Motor Oil Recovery Program, and says that state health officials have estimated that home mechanics in Hawaii produce slightly more than a million gallons of used motor oil every year.
For more information, call 808-877-2524 or email email@example.com.


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CHICAGO: Flights and airports across the United States are having one of their busiest days since before the pandemic on Wednesday as millions of people fly to visit their families for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Anticipating higher demand, U.S. carriers are operating at their highest capacity on Wednesday since the holiday travel period began, data from Cirium shows.
U.S. consumers also enter the holiday season flush with spending power, thanks to a still-hefty pile of leftover savings from multiple rounds of government pandemic relief and now double-digit year-over-year wage increases as businesses compete for scarce workers.
Data out Wednesday showed consumer spending overall grew by a greater-than-expected 1.3% in October. Spending on big-ticket items like automobiles lifted the headline figure, but the data also showed broad-based increases in spending on services like travel and eating out that had been sharply curtailed during much of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Americans shelled out record amounts on recreation, eating out, staying away from home and foreign travel last month.
RAMPING UP STAFFING
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen about 20 million air passengers during the Thanksgiving travel period, the most since 2019 when nearly 26 million Americans were on the move at that time. On Tuesday, the TSA screened about 2.21 million U.S. air passengers, the sixth consecutive day with checkpoint volume topping 2 million.
Lorie Dankers, a TSA spokeswoman, said the agency has hired 6,000 new officers this year and has enough staff to deal with the increase in passenger volumes.
"So staffing, while we are hiring, will not slow people down this holiday season," Dankers said.
The holiday weekend is also a test for carriers after a spate of flight cancellations marred travel over the summer. One in five Americans are concerned about delays and cancellations, an American Pecans/YouGov survey found.
Carriers have ramped up staffing and offered bonuses and other incentives to employees.
"We're staffed and ready to get our customers to where they need to go safely, reliably and enjoyably," a Delta Air Lines spokesperson said.
Calm weather expected for Thanksgiving should also help to prevent disruption. There were 244 flight delays and just 12 cancellations on Wednesday, according to tracking service FlightAware.
Some passengers at the Los Angeles airport said the airport was not as busy as they expected.
"So far, so good," said Lani Emanuel, who is traveling to Seattle to see her daughter. "It was a little tricky finding parking, but it doesn't seem too crazy busy just yet."
U.S. passenger railroad Amtrak is also expecting a jump in passenger volumes. A company spokesperson said some trains are already close to full capacity.
Travel group AAA estimates, in all, 53.4 million people will travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, up 13% from 2020, with air travel recovering to about 91% of pre-pandemic levels.
The biggest concern this holiday season is high fuel prices, the YouGov survey found.
(Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh; additional reporting by Dan Burns, David Shepardson, Alan Devall and Omar Younis; Editing by Stephen Coates, Barbara Lewis, Mark Porter and Aurora Ellis)


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Xbox Live revenue was up 17% in the quarter from a year ago. Bing now holds almost 19% of the US search market, and Microsoft reported that its overall search revenue was up 38%.
Microsoft added more than 1 million Office 365 Home users during the quarter, bringing total subscribers to more than 4.4 million. With the recent launch of the low-priced Office 365 Personal subscription option and Office iPad apps, this momentum could continue.
6. Nokia is still a question mark.
Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia's device business is scheduled to close on Friday. It will add 30,000 employees to the company's workforce. Microsoft's upbeat third-quarter results suggest its ongoing companywide reorg is progressing reasonably well. Integrating so many new workers could be a distraction.
Both Nadella and Hood acknowledged that investors are eager for more specifics about the Nokia deal, but neither detailed any concrete plans. Microsoft's Windows Phone 8.1 announcement earlier this month drew a lot of attention, but the company faces an uphill climb in the smartphone sector. IDC's 2014 projections give Windows Phone only about one-fourth Apple's market share and only one-twentieth Android's.
7. Analysts gave Nadella an early vote of approval.
Nadella didn't reveal a master plan for Nokia, but analysts and investors appear willing to give the new CEO some leeway. He inherited Microsoft's problem children, but he didn't conceive them, after all.
During prepared remarks, Nadella leaned on buzzwords from his earlier appearances, describing a world of "ubiquitous computing," in which current form factors join new wearable and Internet of Things siblings, and in which data is perpetually harvested for insights. Nadella's not the only CEO forwarding this vision of the future. But with Microsoft's cloud and datacenter products advancing, his plan is starting to look sharper.
During the Q&A, nearly every analyst ostentatiously thanked Nadella for joining the call -- something his predecessors in the job rarely did. Nadella repeatedly said he wants Microsoft to be accountable to investors, customers, and partners. "We want to build products people love to use," he stated, adding that he will focus on usage metrics as a key measure of success.
Emerging standards for hybrid clouds and converged datacenters promise to break vendors' proprietary hold. Also in the Lose The Lock-In issue of InformationWeek: The future datacenter will come in a neat package (free registration required).


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Tech firms join Apple and Amazon in Sydney leasing flood
Tech firms are following industry giants like Apple, Amazon, LinkedIn and Dropbox to Sydney’s CBD in increasing numbers, research shows, with companies flooding into the city at a rate of more than three a month.
A report from Cushman and Wakefield says tech firms have signed around 40 new leases for spaces in Sydney’s CBD over the last 12 months, ranging from tiny 100sqm offices to multiple floors totalling more than 17,000sqm.
According to the report, the tech industry will usurp the finance and insurance sectors as the main driver of space take-up in the CBD over the next five years, with new tech demand expected to be more than three times that of the other industries combined.
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Around 64,000sqm of tech company leases have been inked in the heart of the city in the last year.
Cushman and Wakefield national director of research John Sears says that while Macquarie Park has, until now, owned the mantle as the city’s key tech hub, the CBD has bounced back amid a battle for the hearts and minds of potential employees.
“For many years, Sydney’s tech hub was Macquarie Park. This was driven by a range of factors such as a desire to create a Silicon Valley/Stamford University-type research and innovation relationship with Macquarie University, campus-style office accommodation and access to warehousing space for inventory,” Sears says.
“However, software applications are now usually supplied over the web rather than on disks and with people the major asset of tech firms, management are keen to establish a work environment to attract and retain the best talent.”
The largest overall lease in Sydney’s CBD over the last 12 months was for the Sydney Startup Hub at Wynyard Green, which while not specifically a tech lease, is expected to house a significant number of tech startups and companies.
Sears says growth in the tech sector will see about 12,000 new jobs created in Sydney over the next five years, which “at eight square metres per person (means) a requirement for about 96,000sqm of Tech Service space”.


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Automotive emissions data in China is apparently far more corrupt than the rest of the world, as one Chinese expert has admitted that about 80% of such data in the country is false.
The admission came shortly after Volkswagen confessed that 11 million of its diesel cars worldwide were equipped with a cheating device that enabled the vehicles to detect when emission testing was taking place. When a test was occurring, the vehicles would run their emission controls at their maximum settings. But when the cars were on the road, they would produce up to forty times the allowable amount of pollution.
In China, such a scandal would probably fly under the radar.
Chinese automotive researcher and engineer Li Wei said, “If that happened here, it would be difficult for us to detect it.”
All cars made in China are required to receive an inspection before they are approved for use. According to Wei, China’s emission standards and procedures for inspection mostly follow that of the European Union.
According to the president of an engineering company, Xiu Chunlin, “Only an estimated 20% of China’s vehicle emissions data is accurate.”
This extremely large amount of false data is said to be the result of a lack of supervision and enforcement by state regulators.
State regulators do conduct random checks on emission controls in vehicles. However, they only mandate that improvements be made within a specified time period. They do not impose fines, and they almost never take vehicles off the road. Car manufactures are given very little motivation to improve what could be a very dirty automobile.
However, Wei expects the situation to get better over time.
China recently revised its prevention of air pollution law, and the country has clarified the role of its government in the matter. The country is also making an effort to strengthen its supervision over the emission testing process, and is working on increasing the severity of punishment for non-compliance.
Still, China has a long way to go in terms of regulating the emission controls of their vehicles.
Most Chinese cars run on gasoline, unlike in Europe, where diesel is extremely popular. The country mostly avoids diesel cars because of pollution concerns and the higher cost involved. China has spent a large amount of resources in recent years to promote electric vehicles.


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The hearing about Apple’s proposed 850 million euro ($960 million) data centre in Athenry, Ireland has started, with local independent statutory body An Bord Pleanála beginning to hear submissions about the proposal.
The hearing — which will continue for the next few days — will see Cupertino representatives argue in favor of the environmentally-friendly 500-acre data center, which will help power Apple Music, the App Store, iMessages, Maps and Siri.
Locally-voiced objections have included worries about the potential impact it will have on local wildlife (particularly bats and badgers), the amount of traffic it will create, possible drainage issues, and concerns over the amount of power it will require.
Apple had originally planned to start building on the site by the end of last year, although this has been delayed. A second application by Apple to allow for a 220 kV electrical substation and a number of towers is also being considered at the planning board hearing in Galway. On top of this, Apple is seeking permission to build more data centers over the next 15 years.
In his opening statement, “Apple Distribution Ltd.” representative Rory Mulcahy said that Apple is glad to address the issues which have been raised.


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Health tracker manufacturer reportedly bought by Intel
Intel has picked up health tracker producer Basis Science, beating off competition from Apple and Google, according to a report. The acquisition, yet to be confirmed by either company, is said by multiple sources to be worth $100 million or $150 million, and extends Intel's wearables portfolio from the SD card-sized Edison computer and the combined headset and smartphone combination known as Jarvis.
Intel's new SSD 730 Series available for pre-order
Intel has made its new Solid-State Drive 730 Series available for pre-order. A powerful hard drive intended for gaming and heavy work use, the SSD 730 Series offers low latency and a high throughput, allowing for quick response times. Able to complete up to 70GB of writes per day as opposed to the industry typical 20GB, the drive is capable of delivering consistent performance across data types. Interested buyers can now pre-order the SSD 730, with its official release being March 18.
Hints at future wearable tech, may help provide Apple with ARM chips
During a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session, new Intel CEO Brian Krzanich revealed that the chipmaker's relationship with Apple continued to be "very close," despite Apple using its own ARM-based chip designs in its most popular products, the iPhone and iPad. Intel continues to supply Apple with chips and graphics systems for most of its Mac line, however, and Krzanich said the two companies continue to "grow closer," suggesting potential future partnerships.
Intel NUC offers users the ability to customize their own HTPC
The Intel NUC Kit (Next Unit of Computing) (D54250WYK) is a "bare-bones" Mini PC that ships with the core components of a computing system, but requires users to add their own RAM, SSD, wireless card and operating system to make fully functional. Designed for PC enthusiasts and those wanting to dip their toes into do-it-yourself PC building, the Intel NUC is the smallest form factor that you can pack a fourth-generation Intel Core i5 "Haswell" processor into. Now in its second generation, the Intel NUC has the makings of an ideal home theater PC, or general purpose PC for use at home or in the office. Take a look at our full review of the Intel NUC to find out what it's like to put together and bring to life.
Revision revealed at annual microprocessor industry event
Intel is readying a new revision of the Haswell series of Intel Core processors. The newest models are built on the latest 22nm tri-gate SoC process technology. As one result of the improved fabrication technology, the graphics core incorporates several new features that allow it to improve energy efficiency by 40 percent -- essentially giving still longer battery life for the same performance as the present chips.
Companies want easier time recouping legal fees
A collection of companies -- including Apple, Google, Yahoo, Intel, Cisco, and Facebook -- are asking the US Supreme Court for measures to help deter frivolous patent lawsuits, Bloomberg reports. In particular, the companies are seeking to change the language used to determine when a defendant can claim coverage of legal fees from a plaintiff. The current standard allows coverage only if a suit is ruled "objectively baseless" and filed in bad faith.
Microsoft, Lenovo also noted; Google falls behind contemporaries
A new list published by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has illustrated how much power some of America's top technology and telecom firms use, and how much of it comes from renewable "green" resources such as wind, solar, biogas and other options. The list, oddly ranked strictly by the amount of total power used rather than the "net" amount of power used from non-renewable sources, shows Intel at the top, with Apple in fourth place.
Intel aims for PC and HTPC enthusiasts with the Intel NUC Kit
Simply put, the Intel NUC Kit is a "bare-bones" Mini PC desktop. It is aimed at do-it-yourself PC enthusiasts as well as users interested developing a customized home theater PC solution. The Next Unit of Computing (NUC) model that we have been provided with by Intel is the second-generation model and features a number of marked improvements over the original unit that debuted in 2012. It is an intriguing product for Intel and we were keen to take a first look at it ahead of a full review.
On-processor voice recognition offered by Intel to smartphone manufacturers
Intel's wearable computing efforts will attempt to trump other voice recognition systems from Apple and Google by using offline processing, it has revealed. Rather than taking advantage of the cloud infrastructure, Intel plans to include voice recognition software from a third-party company on the Intel mobile processor itself, in order to quickly understand a verbal request without connecting to the Internet.
Specs remain the same, housings further ruggedized
Intel has introduced minor updates to its Education Tablet and Classmate PC reference designs for use in classroom environments. The tablet offers Intel's newer dual-core 1.2GHz Clover Trail SoC, though it still runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean rather than one of the latest builds. The company has also added more rubber around the edge of the housing to help avoid damage from accidental drops or bumps, while the battery life has been extended to a claimed 12 hours.
Rumor points to continued Asus partnership
Google may be refocusing its Nexus tablet efforts on the eight-inch market and considering a possible switch to Intel's Bay Trail platform, according to rumors posted on DigiTimes. Unnamed sources in the supply chain suggest Google is experiencing weaker demand in the seven-inch Android segment, as several viable competitors have entered the field with price tags below $175.
OnCue Cloud TV platform could be rolled into Verizon FiOS
Verizon has agreed to buy Intel's Internet television business, the two companies have confirmed. Intel Media, which is working on Intel's OnCue Cloud TV platform, will remain in Santa Clara and continue to use its existing management team, with Verizon hoping to retain the 350 employees in the unit once the acquisition is completed sometime in the first quarter of this year.
Unclear what amount of the expected losses will come from attrition
Following Intel's no-growth financial result posting yesterday, Intel is planning on cutting about five percent of its worldwide workforce in an effort to prioritize growth sectors and reduce costs. On its quarterly investor conference call, Chief Financial Officer Stacy Rasgon hinted at an employee reduction this year and said that Intel would increase focus in areas such as mobile chips and tablets.
Company claims tablet revenue starting to add to the company's finances
Intel Corporation today reported full-year revenue of $52.7 billion, operating income of $12.3 billion, net income of $9.6 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.89. The company generated approximately $20.9 billion in cash from operations, paid dividends of $4.5 billion, and used $2.1 billion to repurchase 94 million shares of stock. For the fourth quarter of 2013, Intel posted revenue of $13.8 billion, operating income of $3.5 billion, net income of $2.6 billion, and EPS of 51 cents.
Funds earmarked for new plant will be used to modernize older facilities
Intel has postponed indefinitely the official opening of a near-completed chip factory in Arizona as a result of slowing computer sales. The Fab 42 facility in Chandler, AZ will not open, with Intel shunting money earmarked for the facility to upgrade other factories at the same location. The new factory was an Obama re-election campaign stop in 2012, where he touted the facility as a prime way to reclaim manufacturing lost to China and other Asian countries.
Cromax tests US waters with Android/Win
India-based Micromax, known only for its A116 Canvas HD smartphone from last year, is now getting into the convertible tablet game with the Canvas Laptab. It functions with both Windows 8.0 and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS choices, and is powered by a 1.46GHz Intel Celeron CPU.
RealSense will use embedded 3D cameras to allow for NII interface
Intel's CES press conference on Tuesday focused on the interaction between man and machine, thanks to an embedded 3D camera the company has developed in conjunction with a number of hardware partners. The devices Intel will integrate the technology into include 2-in-1 tablets, ultrabooks, touch-enabled all-in-one PCs, and other mobile devices.
New initiative driven by 'make it wearable' contest, SD-card sized computer
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich today outlined a range of products, initiatives and strategic relationships aimed at accelerating innovation across a range of mobile and wearable devices, as well as individual inventors' own connected creations. To champion this effort, Krzanich spoke of alliances with clothiers, a new SD card-sized computer called "Intel Edison," and a "Make it Wearable" contest, offering the winner $500,000 for future development of a proposed project.
New computer features 4GB RAM, up to Haswell i7 processor
Asus today announced the Transformer Book Duet TD300, the world's first quad-mode, dual-OS laptop and tablet convertible that allows users to switch between Windows and Android, in either laptop or tablet modes, with a push of the Instant Switch button or a virtual key on the tablet. With a Intel Core i7 processor at its heart, the Transformer Book Duet runs up to twice as fast as existing tablets based on ARM processors, according to Asus.
ToughPad, 4K sports cam, Life+Screen HDTVs to headline Panasonic CES booth
At its CES press conference on Monday, Panasonic made a number of brief product introductions, including the FZ-M1 Toughpad tablet and a number of other interesting consumer electronics. The company also promised to bring out a wearable action sports camcorder based on its current HX-A100. The future model will capture video in 4K resolution.
MIcrosoft has offered no real rationale for unannounced boost in speed
Just two months after launch, and with no fanfare, Microsoft is shipping its recently-refreshed Surface Pro 2 tablet with a faster processor. The full Windows 8 tablet now includes the Intel i5-4300u processor running at 1.9GHz, versus the i5 4200u that the tablet was revised with two months ago, running at 1.6Ghz.
Smartphone from Samsung believed to appear at Tizen event
The first consumer Tizen devices could be shown off the day before Mobile World Congress, at an invitation-only event on February 23rd. Invitations have reportedly been sent to members of the media for the event, which hopes to show attendees what progress Samsung, Intel, and other backers have made on making the operating system suitable for use by the public.
Verizon may announce Intel TV buy next week
Verizon Communications could announce a deal to buy Intel's unreleased Internet television startup as early as next week. This according to Bloomberg, which cites sources close to negotiations between the two tech giants as saying that Verizon is quite close to closing a deal for Intel's OnCue service. The communications giant's thinking is that it has the clout to succeed where the chipmaker has so far failed.
New CEO prioritizing things differently than exiting chair
Intel's move towards IP-based television service has seemingly run into serious delays, making the company question its commitment to the new service, according to reports. Sources claim that Intel is readying the division, called OnCue, for sale -- with the most likely buyer being Verizon.
Intel pop-up stores launching first in New York
Intel is opening its own retail stores in the US, in an effort to market devices using its processors. The pop-up "Intel Experience" stores will follow the lead of other producers, such as Microsoft and Samsung, in creating the promotional retail locations, with the first to be opened in NoLita in New York on November 23rd.
Hands-on with Dell's low-end enterprise slates
The mobile computing revolution has largely left Dell – along with most other traditional PC giants – in the lurch. Even as it goes private, Dell is still striking out into the mobile device market, releasing new Android and Windows tablets aimed at providing enterprise clients an option for low-cost touchscreen devices. We just received a review copy of the Venue 7 Android slate, and we've got a few first impressions to share on Dell's latest touchscreen device.
AMD gains market share on back of PS4, Xbox One product ramps
AMD has seen its market share of the x86 chip market rise at the expense Intel largely thanks to the product ramps of the forthcoming Sony PS4 and the Xbox One. Highlighting that its strategy of shifting into non-PC x86 is reaping dividends, AMDs market share in Q3 rose from 16.1 percent to 19.3 percent. By comparison, Intel's x86 market share slipped from 83.3 percent in the same quarter last year to 80.2 percent, while the overall x86 market also declined.
Intel OnCue said to be on life support
Intel's as-yet-unrevealed streaming media service may never see the light of day under the chipmaker's brand, as a new report from AllThingsD has Intel considering handing over the project to Verizon. Intel is reportedly close to sealing a deal with the telecommunications giant, though it is uncertain whether Intel would retain any control or interest in Intel Media should it choose to sell off the unit. If the deal does go through, it would mark the end of a nearly three-year saga in which Intel's service was perpetually just around the corner but never materialized.
Boosts MacBook graphics 40 to 65 percent faster than previous generation
Benchmarking tests on the latest Apple MacBook Pro models have revealed that the new Iris integrated graphics systems from Intel is considerably faster than the previous generation -- up to 65 percent faster, in fact. Two different test suites (Cinebench r15's OpenGL and Unigen's Heaven) showed improvements between 40 and 65 percent on the graphics performance compared to a similarly-specced early 2013 MacBook Pro.
Chip executive hints at holiday pricing
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich has reportedly hinted that the company's OEM partners are preparing to embrace aggressive pricing strategies ahead of the holiday shopping season. Speaking during a conference related to the company's quarterly earnings disclosure, the executive is said to have referenced Intel-powered tablets for as little as $99, Haswell notebooks starting at $299, and convertible hybrid tablets with prices as low as $349.
New 14nm process chipset to deliver performance increase over Haswell
Today's Intel earnings conference call also revealed that the next generation of Intel microprocessor after Haswell, the "Broadwell" line will be delayed by three months. Production of the new 14nm process chip will now beginp in the first quarter of 2014, rather than in November of this year as originally envisioned. Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said that current yields of prototype processors are suffering from a "defect density issue" keeping productive yields down.
As expected PC Client losses, but solid performance for Intel
US chipmaker Intel today reported third-quarter revenue of $13.5 billion, operating income of $3.5 billion, net income of $3 billion and earnings per share of $0.58. The company generated approximately $5.7 billion in cash from operations, paid dividends of $1.1 billion, and used $536 million to repurchase 24 million shares of stock.
Changes push HP to consider Chrome OS
HP CEO Meg Whitman has blasted Intel and Microsoft, accusing the companies of essentially transitioning from partners into direct competitors. Speaking to Wall Street analysts yesterday, the executive stressed that HP has consequently adopted a multi-platform strategy that will put more emphasis on alternative operating systems such as Android and Chrome OS.
Galileo compatible with Arduino shields
Intel has announced a partnership with Arduino to build new open-source hardware for the do-it-yourself development platform. As part of the collaboration agreement, the chip maker has introduced a new board, Galileo, that is powered by the company's new Quark SoC and compatible with Arduino shield modules.
Android offerings sold alongside Windows 8.1 devices
Dell has made a surprise return to the Android platform with its latest tablet introductions, the Venue 7 and Venue 8. Not to be confused with the Venue "Pro" variants, which run Windows 8.1, the basic Venue tablets are powered by Intel's latest Atom processors and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.
Control Zone trackpad geared for Windows 8
HP has introduced several new consumer devices, including the Spectre 13 x2 convertible, a new Envy 17 notebook and five tablets under the Slate and Omni brands. The new Spectre notebook is powered by Intel's Haswell processors, integrated behind the display for fanless operation in standard notebook mode or as a tablet when the keyboard base is detached.
Startup purchased for $26 million
Intel has reportedly moved to acquire Indisys, a Spanish startup that specializes in natural language recognition, according to a TechCrunch report. The company offers a variety of products based on its intelligent dialogue technology, including a Siri-like "virtual assistant" and a semantic search engine.
Tizen to be used for appliances
Samsung is reportedly preparing to launch televisions that run Tizen, a Linux-based operating system that the company is co-developing with Intel. Speaking to German outlet Die Welt, Samsung's consumer electronics head, Boo-Keun Yoon, noted that Tizen will be used for upcoming smartphones, TVs and home appliances.
Lengths of up to 100 meters tested, 10x longer than copper
Making good on promises from January to release an optical Thunderbolt cable, Corning has announced at the IFA tradeshow that Intel has certified its all-fiber optic Thunderbolt cable for release. The technology uses Corning's ClearCurve technology to allow for high data speeds with significantly less data loss than copper cables, allowing for longer cabling.
New 8-inch device will be detailed October 2
Dell's axed Venue cellphone brand is being resurrected in tablet form later this year. At today's IDF keynote, Vice President Neil Hand briefly showed an eight-inch Venue-branded device with the Intel Bay Trail processor, saying that it would share more details about the new 1080p device with the world on October 2.
New hardware much more powerful than Atom, ARM models
At Intel's IDF 2013 keynote in San Francisco, Google and Intel have introduced four new Chrome-based computers, all running the Intel Core "Haswell" family of processors. Acer, HP, and Toshiba have demonstrated Chromebooks, with Asus rolling out a Chromebox, a desktop-oriented implementation of Google's Chrome OS.
Windows 8, Android-compatible chips could be used fanless in tablets
Intel has revealed a trio of system-on-chip(SoC) processor families, aimed for use in tablets, smartphones, and notebook computers. The new SoCs, based on the 22nm Bay Trail Atom designs and the Silvermont architecture, all of which offer improved performance while also preserving battery life, something that should make it more attractive for manufacturers of mobile devices.
Chips focus on small size, efficiency
Following on the heels of smartwatch introductions by Qualcomm and Samsung, Intel has announced a new processor family for wearable devices and other small gadgets. Known as Quark, the chip lineup is designed to continue shrinking component size and lowering power consumption compared to the components used in smartphones and tablets.
New 1500-series drives available in M.2, 2.5-inch form factors
Intel today announced the Intel Solid-State Drive (SSD) Professional Family, including the Intel Solid-State Drive Pro 1500 Series. The new business-class SSDs are engineered specifically for easy IT deployment and secure manageability, and offer a lower total cost of ownership with enhanced performance over previous Intel SSD models.
Panel will help display manufacturers offer WiDi with minimal requirements
LG Display is working with Intel to develop its first LCD panel for monitors that will have Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) integrated into it. The new panel, measuring 23.8 inches, will allow users to stream content from notebooks and desktops to the display, without requiring a cable to be connected between the two devices.
Intel pursuing wearable devices technologies
Intel has quietly been bolstering the company's New Devices Group with at least two employees who have worked on high-profile wearable computing devices, reports Intel Free Press. Steve Holmes, a former Nike FuelBand design engineer has been hired as the vice president of the New Devices Group, while Hans Moritz who previously led the development of the Oakley Airwave heads-up goggle display has only been hired recently.
Intel opens offices in Los Angeles, New York
Intel is preparing a big push into televised media, and the chipmaker is apparently opening offices in the major media centers in the United States, Los Angeles and New York. Reuters reported on the new office openings on Friday, saying that they are indeed related to Intel's forthcoming Internet-connected set-top box. Industry observers expect that Intel's device will see release some time later this year.
Intel mobile chips start to pose serious challenge to ARM dominance
Intel is set to take the fight to ARM-based chipmakers with much more competitive mobile chip offerings beginning this September, reports Digitimes. It's next-generation 22nm Bay Trail Atom chips are set to be officially unveiled at its Intel Developer Forum next month, while its Bay Trail-T processors aimed at the tablet market will follow soon after. The new Bay Trail-T designs, based on the Silvermont architecture, will more than double performance, while offering significant power savings.
Minnowboard first x86 enthusiast device to ship
Intel and CircuitCo Electronics have commenced shipping the pair's combined effort in the open-source mini-PC market. The Minnowboard, a 4.2-inch square caseless Atom-based board, is available now at limited outlets. Wider distribution is expected before the end of the year. The MinnowBoard mounts an Atom E640 system-on-a-chip, with integrated GMA 600 graphics, 1 GB of DDR2 RAM, and 4MB of flash memory for firmware.
Position has some political support
The BSA -- a group representing technology companies like Oracle, Intel, and Microsoft -- has taken a position against banning products based on infringements of standards-essential patents, a Wall Street Journal article notes. The move appears to have been spurred by a possible ITC ban of some older AT&T-model iPhones and iPads. Samsung scored the ruling in a complaint against Apple.


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In the news this week, Aite Group research concludes 70 percent of U.S. credit cards will be EMV-enabled by the end of 2015. Articles also show the impact technology advancements are having on retail loss prevention and security and list the NRF’s standards for retail technology.
Prediction: 70% Of U.S. Credit Cards EMV-Enabled By End Of 2015
A research report from the Aite Group, EMV: Lessons Learned and the U.S. Outlook, concludes 70 percent of U.S. credit cards and 41 percent of U.S. debit cards will be EMV-enabled by the end of 2015. The group cites increasing counterfeit card fraud as a driver, noting credit card fraud accounted for 10 cents out of every $100 transacted from 2007 to 2014. Other factors are “increasing difficulty that U.S. cardholders have in using their magnetic stripe cards overseas, the desire to accelerate the U.S. terminal infrastructure upgrade to facilitate NFC-based mobile payments technology, and the decreasing cost of chips and terminals.”
Technology’s Advancements Are Impacting Retail Loss Prevention, Security
Security Info Watch features an article by Steve Sell is Director of Marketing, Retail, for Tyco Integrated Security. He explains how cloud, Big Data, omni-channel retailing, and mobility are making impacts on traditional LP (loss prevention) and security technology in retail.
NRF Lists Retail Technology Standards
The National Retail Federation (NRF) lists retail technology standards: unified POS, data models, XML Schemas, business process models, and standard RFPs. Information on each topic is available for download.
Retail IT Talking Points
Technobuffalo.com reports at Starbucks first company-operated store at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, FL, features a 70-inch digital display panels that use built-in cameras to create chalk sketches of guests and their surroundings — the cameras automatically render whatever is in front of them into a live illustration.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Retail IT Tech Center.


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Home Decor Sales And COVID-19
Published on 8/3/2020
Why is there a sudden boom in home decor?
It has a lot to do with remote work. As mentioned, telecommuting has become the norm. Some businesses are even discussing keeping employees at home regardless of COVID-19. Productivity seems to be up and overhead costs on office space will inevitably drop. With this new workplace, people are forced to look at their homes and are deciding now is a good time to redecorate. It makes sense. For those who have not had their workflow disrupted by the pandemic, money is still coming in. And as it turns out, people don’t like to work in unclean, unkept, undecorated surroundings. They need new equipment and furniture.
Interestingly, office furniture is set to help bring the economy back on track with $22.67 billion in growth between 2020-2024. That’s quite the market. The connection between COVID-19 and office furniture sales isn’t explicitly stated, but there is a logical correlation between those who are staying at home for prolonged periods of time and the uptick in sales that are being predicted.
Art has become a hot commodity also. While there are some states beginning to open back up, most businesses are still not considered essential. Art galleries are among them. As a result, most art sales are being held online, making this a particularly lucrative business.
While COVID-19 did punch the economy in the gut, there are silver linings. Online sales are up for home decor, and society doesn’t appear to be on the verge of economic collapse. The remote workspace seems to be helping the economy remain alive during these hard times.


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The Toyota Prius will be celebrating its 10th anniversary later this year. The iconic hybrid car is going stronger than ever—with nearly 750,000 units on roads throughout the world and the pace of sales continuing to rise. Looking back to the birth of the Prius, the engineers behind the vehicle were apprehensive about being able to achieve their goals.
In 1994, Akihiro Wada, then executive vice president of Toyota, set a challenge before the project’s engineers: to double the fuel efficiency compared with a conventional vehicle. That was difficult enough. On top of that, Toyota’s president at the time, Hiroshi Okuda, told the group to complete its work years ahead of schedule, in order to introduce the vehicle in 1997, the year the Kyoto Protocol was adopted at the U.N. conference on climate change.
The response from Takeshi Uchiyamada, chief engineer of the first-generation Prius, was, “That’s impossible.” But the executives stuck to the 1997 deadline. According to the legend, Uchiyamada was given the option of completing the assignment or quitting his job. He sought inspiration by reading stories about people who had accomplished impossible goals. The team made hybrid history by releasing the Prius as the world’s first gas-electric car in December 1997.
An Entire Line of Impossible Cars
Ten years later, the Prius is considered a smash hit—the right car for a world under the spell of a sustained energy and environmental crisis. With the Prius due for a redesign in 2008 (as a 2009 model), Toyota is now considering where to take its hybrid vision. We saw hints of Toyota’s plans for the next-generation Prius at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, in the form of the Toyota Hybrid X concept design. Now, new rumors (and images) of design concepts are circulating the Internet.
Toyota may go even further by establishing “Prius” as a separate brand. Last year, Jim Lentz, executive vice president of Toyota U.S. sales, dropped hints of a smaller “city car” based on the Prius, as well as a potential small SUV version. “People also want to see more utility on the vehicle, so you could imagine something that’s a little more utility or crossover-based,” said Lentz, who was speaking at Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show in Las Vegas in Nov. 2006.
Now, according to Automobile.com, planning for a three-vehicle Prius lineup is apparently underway. The article states:
The Prius brand name would feature a three car lineup with vehicles called A, B and C. Prius A would be launched in 2009 (coinciding with the estimated launch date of the new Prius), Prius B in 2010, and finally Prius C in 2011. Once the launch of the Prius brand occurs, it is rumored that Toyota will cease to sell hybrid vehicles under its own product name.
These are just rumors, but they reveal the challenges Toyota faces in duplicating the Prius halo, and setting it upon an entire lineup of vehicles. That might prove to be an impossible goal—even less achievable than the original creation of the Prius 10 years ago.


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Finsbury shop loses licence after stabbing
- Credit: Google Street View
A convenience store has had its alcohol licence revoked - after selling knives to a violent teenager.
City Supermarket, in Goswell Road, Finsbury, was punished by Islington Council’s Licensing Sub Committee on Monday.
Though selling knives is not a licensable activity, police had applied for a licence review after the shopkeeper, Salman Capti, told two knives to a 17-year-old male in June last year.
Ten minutes later, he and two others used the knives to stab another male in nearby Cyrus Street. The victim survived, but suffered serious injuries.
In October last year, the teenager was sentenced to five years’ detention after admitting wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Mr Capti, meanwhile, was convicted in June for selling knives to an underage person and fined £600.
Police, concerned at a history of “poor management” at the premises, urged the committee to revoke its licence at Monday’s town hall meeting. The shop had already faced three reviews, including for selling alcohol to a child in 2013 and counterfeit goods in 2011.
The committee followed suit, and Cllr Paul Convery, Islington’s executive member for community safety, told the Gazette afterwards: “We haven’t withdrawn the licence simply because they sold the knives. There’s a whole host of factors. The fact they sold the knife in such circumstances is what rang alarm bells.
- 1 Met Office: Thunderstorm warning issued for London
- 2 Community bus serving Islington and Hackney cancelled after surging fuel prices
- 3 West Hampstead man fatally stabbed in Ealing
- 4 Teenager arrested in Deshuan Tuitt murder investigation
- 5 Teenage Highbury Fields fatal stabbing victim named by police
- 6 Inside the esports gaming arena coming to Islington's Upper Street
- 7 Landlord who did not provide kitchen for tenant fined £40,000
- 8 Product sold at Tesco recalled due to risk of disease-causing bacteria
- 9 Finsbury Park man due in court charged with pub murder
- 10 Murder investigation after teenager stabbed in Islington park
“I have sympathy for the family involved: I have seen video footage of people in the shop and they face gravely intimidating behaviour.
“But at the end of the day, as store owners they have not been responsible in a series of incidents, including the knife.”
PC Nick Pamboris told the meeting that he visited the shop in July, and found two “challenge 25” signs to be small and hidden from view. A staff refusal log book was also unsigned. He said these were minor issues that could “lead to something far greater”.
Duncan Craig QC, representing Mr Capti, said: “On numerous occasions the authorities visited the premises for underage sales and each occasion it passed.
“Even if revoked, how could it have a positive impact? They can still sell knives. It’s an imprecise way of tackling this issue. Revocation is grossly excessive.”
City Supermarket was given 21 days to appeal the decision.


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Will Apple ever ship a MacBook laptop with a touchscreen? Most likely not. But next week, Apple will begin shipping a device that closely resembles a MacBook with a touchscreen.
To be clear, Apple didn’t show off a MacBook during Tuesday’s virtual product launch event. But it did show off a tablet that feels a lot like a computer. (“What’s a computer?” you ask. We'll get to that.) Apple's new device is the 2022 iPad Air, the fifth generation of this product line. A few of its features have been updated to keep with the times: 5G connectivity, an ultrawide camera, an upgraded USB-C port.
But the upgraded silicon at its heart is what makes it more Mac-like. The most significant upgrade to the iPad Air is its M1 chip, the same Apple-made processor that’s in the 2020 MacBook Air, the 2020 MacBook Pro, the 2021 iMac, and the 2021 iPad Pro. The M1 might already be aging by Apple’s speedy standards, seeing how the company is already putting M1 Max and M1 Ultra chips into its high-end hardware. But the inclusion of the M1 in the iPad Air, a tweener of a device that was always more expensive than the most basic iPad and less powerful than the most souped-up iPad, means yet another Apple tab has been elevated to “PC” status.
For years now, tech pundits and consumers alike have wondered whether Apple’s iOS devices and its MacBooks would somehow merge. That hasn’t quite happened yet. From a hardware perspective, a clamshell laptop with a real keyboard still provides a utility that a tablet does not, even if that tablet has an accessory keyboard. And Apple has consistently rejected the idea that it would ever put a touchscreen into one of its laptops. The company’s software chief, Craig Federighi, told WIRED in a 2018 interview that “lifting your arm up to poke a screen is a pretty fatiguing thing to do.” Message received: Touchscreen laptops are bad (despite the millions of Windows touchscreen laptops that have sold).
According to CCS Insight chief analyst Ben Wood, the chasm between the MacBook and the iPad is still wide, but the two could grow closer together as both products continue to evolve.
“The glaring gap is still the lack of touchscreen capability and cellular support” in the MacBook, Wood says. “I'm interested to know when and how that changes. It could be that the next disruption comes when Apple can add 5G into the MacBook range."
A look at Apple's software strategy shows the company sees its mobile and desktop platforms as not too dissimilar. A few years ago, Apple launched a project called Mac Catalyst as an effort to get developers to start thinking about building apps for the entire Apple ecosystem rather than just for the iPhone or the Mac. Catalyst allowed developers to build one version of their apps that could be easily ported to iOS, iPadOS, and MacOS, essentially nudging mobile and desktop toward holy matrimony.


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ZAMBIA – Proflight Zambia has expanded its cargo capacity by designating some of its fleet to operate dedicated freight flights between Lusaka and Johannesburg.
The flights which commenced last week will operate every Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout September and will be operated by the Jetstream 41 aircraft and later upgrade to the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) if demand increases.
The aircraft operating the cargo flights have all seats removed beforehand and replaced with cargo nets so cargo is carried meeting industry best practices.
Airline director for flight operations Captain Josias Walubita who will be in the cockpit for some of the flights is confident that the development will help keep Proflight afloat as fewer people are travelling on domestic routes and internationally owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Proflight Zambia has invested in having cargo nets made and effective tie-downs procured to ensure that cargo is safely secured in the cabin”, Captain Walubita said.
Seats on the aircrafts have been removed allowing us to carry all types of cargo including live animals and perishables.
Proflight Zambia’s addition of cargo makes it the only Zambian local airline operating cargo flight services.
The 30 year old airline is Zambia’s leading scheduled airline.
From its base in Lusaka, its domestic routes include Livingstone, Mfuwe, Lower Zambezi, Ndola, Solwezi and regional routes to Durban and Johannesburg in South Africa.
In 2019, Proflight made its maiden flight into the business capital of Africa’s most industrialised nation, South Africa.
This was the airline’s second conduit into South Africa after its Durban route.
That flight departs from Ndola, the capital town of the Copper belt region straight into the business hub of Africa’s City of Gold, Johannesburg.
Proflight’s decision to service the Ndola-Johannesburg route comes in the wake of the rising demand for air travel given the corresponding rise in business pulse and trade between Zambia and South Africa in the last decade.
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On today's Business Beat, Jeff discusses the expected resurgence in the travel sector in Michigan post-pandemic economy. Revenues from travel in the state are expected to increase 19% this year to over $2 billion, according to a forecast from the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Tune in to the Business Beat, below, to learn more...
July 8, 2021
On today's Business Beat, Jeff discusses this year's boom in fireworks sales, including a 200% to 300% jump, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association via CNBC. Tune in to the Business Beat, below, to hear more about this big win for the fireworks sales industry: Tune in to News/Talk 760 AM WJR weekday mornings at...
July 2, 2021


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US: Buyers delay truck purchases
Much to the detriment of Detroit's Big Three, potential buyers are delaying truck purchases, cutting into profits and forcing Ford, General Motors and Chrysler Group to idle some assembly lines.
Pickup sales overall are off 15.7% in the first seven months of the year from the same time last year, according to The Associated Press (AP).
Sales of Ford's F-series pickups, the highest-selling vehicles in the nation, are down 12.3%, the No. 2 Chevrolet Silverado is off 20.1% as the company changes over to a new model and Dodge's Ram line is down 11.7%, the report said.
Ford last week announced that it would cut production by 168,000 vehicles, or 21%, in the fourth quarter to bring supply back in line with growing inventories. GM already has cut vehicle production by 7% to 8% in the third quarter, and Chrysler on Wednesday said it would cut production in the fourth quarter by an unspecified amount. The company already announced a 10% cut in third-quarter production, mostly in trucks and sport utility vehicles, AP noted.
Industry analysts told the news agency people delaying truck purchases fall into two categories: those who use pickups primarily for work and those who use them as personal vehicles.
AP noted that most sales are for personal use, and analysts reportedly say that with $US3 per gallon petrol, many of those customers are leaving the market for more fuel-efficient vehicles.
"The customers who don't have a need for the product have opted for something else," Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis for JD Power and Associates, told The Associated Press.
The analysts say the Detroit Big Three, which rely more on trucks for profits than foreign competitors, are likely to face more hard times as truck demand softens even further in the second half of the year.
Citing Autodata, AP said almost 32% of Ford's sales came from pickup trucks to the end of July this year, the highest percentage in the industry. GM's was 25%, while Toyota's was at 11.5%.
Kip Penniman, an analyst with KDP Investment Advisors in Montpelier, Vermont, reportedly predicted that Ford would be particularly hard-hit later in the year as GM and Toyota come out with brand-new pickups that could cut into the F-series' market share.
Ford this week announced a new diesel engine for its Super Duty line, which is aimed more at the work than leisure market, though the smaller F-250 versions can be beautifully specified for private leisure buyers with items such as a double cab with four individual leather seats.
"If they don't do something with the pickup trucks, which is their bread and butter, these guys are just gonna see some very sharp distress over the next several years until they finally turn around," Penniman told The Associated Press.
Ford's own take isn't as dire, the report noted. Ben Poore, marketing manager of Ford's truck group, said the market already is starting to stabilise, even though it has lost some buyers who don't need pickups for work.
"As people get used to and re-calibrate to the gas price, they tend to come back into the pickup market," he told AP. Poore added that, while home building and the general economy may be down in some regions, it's booming in others, so the demand for pickups should remain strong.
He reportedly disagreed that new products will cut into the F-Series' sales, saying that Ford actually gained share when Nissan Motor entered the full-size pickup market [with its Titan].
Some analysts told AP they expect the pickup market to stabilise later this year, and they don't see a day where cars supplant trucks as the top-selling models in America.
"Large pickups certainly haven't boomed this year," GM chairman and chief executive Rick Wagoner reportedly said in a recent interview. "From our experience, they've held in there pretty well," he said, adding that GM is in the final months of selling relatively old models. "That segment seems to be a little more robust to the fuel economy prices than maybe the large SUVs are."
Some analysts are nonetheless predicting more turbulence for the Big Three as the market continues to shift to smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, AP said.
If gasoline stays high, manufacturers who rely on pickups and SUVs will continue to suffer, Ken Bernhardt, professor of marketing at Georgia State University in Atlanta, told The Associated Press, adding: "Let's say I'd rather be Honda and Toyota than Ford and GM if gas prices stay at $3 or higher."


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While the vast majority of Irish businesses have updated their cybersecurity strategies due to Covid-19, a lot more can be done.
An overwhelming 96pc of the Irish respondents to a survey by PwC said that they have shifted their cybersecurity strategy due to Covid-19. However, they are doing less than their counterparts to secure their businesses adequately.
Nearly half (47pc) said that they are now more likely to consider cybersecurity in every business decision; a similar proportion (43pc) confirmed that Covid-19 will result in better quantification of cyber risks.
“Given the unprecedented impacts of Covid-19, many organisations have had to re-think and re-frame their cybersecurity strategies”
However, while great strides have been made, Irish firms can do better to stop the cyber attackers compared to global peers. For example, better allocation of budgets to the right risks, accelerating digitisation, strengthening cybersecurity defences and responding more quickly to cyber incidents.
Less than half of Irish survey respondents plan to increase resilience testing to prevent the most disruptive cyber attack.
PwC’s research 2021 Global Digital Trust Insights: Cybersecurity comes of age is based on research amongst over 3,200 business and technology executives from around the world including in Ireland and reveals insights into what’s changing and what’s next in cybersecurity.
To achieve digital aspirations, Irish respondents are less focused on doing things faster and more efficiently (20pc) and speeding up automation to cut costs (30pc) compared to global peers (Global: 29pc and 35pc respectively).
Just 27pc say they have significantly improved customer experiences (Global: 45pc) as part of their cybersecurity progress. In addition, just three out of ten (30pc) stated that there is likely to be more frequent interactions between their chief information security officer and CEO or Board (Global: 51pc).
“Given the unprecedented impacts of Covid-19, many organisations have had to re-think and re-frame their cybersecurity strategies,” said Pat Moran, PwC Ireland’s Cyber Practice Leader.
“While great strides are being made, the survey also suggests that more can be done by Irish firms compared to their global peers, particularly, to speed up automation and achieve efficiencies. It is also important that the head of information security is in regular communication with the CEO and board to balance the technology and business requirements of any cyber strategy.”
There is a talent war in security
With a significant number of cyber security jobs to be filled in Ireland in 2021 – a key challenge plaguing the cybersecurity industry is a lack of skilled people. At the same time, just under a third (30pc) of Irish respondents plan to add full-time cybersecurity personnel over the next year compared to 51pc globally.
The top cybersecurity roles Irish executives are looking to fill include: cloud solution architects (50pc), collaboration (50pc), digital design (47pc), security intelligence (43pc) and data analysis (40pc).
More than half (55pc) of respondents state that their cyber budget will increase in 2021. While a larger budget for cybersecurity is good news, the industry should expect changes in the way these budgets are being managed. 60pc of executives lack confidence that their cyber spending is allocated towards the most significant risks of their organisation (Global: 55pc). Nearly four out of ten (37pc) say that they’re thinking about changing their budgeting process (Global: 44pc).
At the same time, less than a third (30pc) strongly agree that quantification of cyber risks can significantly improve the way they manage spending against risks (Global:37pc). Just over one in ten (13pc) strongly agree that their organisation can strengthen its cybersecurity defenses while containing costs (Global: 34pc).
By John Kennedy (email@example.com)
Published: 8 April 2021