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The latest research from Kaspersky Lab confirms something we may already be aware of in our wired world today: people now consider connected devices to be essential when traveling.
The study shows that 63 percent of people depend on their devices for taking photos, 55 percent rely on them for navigating unfamiliar places, and 51 percent depend on them for calling for help when they need it.
But here’s the kicker: a whopping 39 percent will not think of traveling without their devices. That’s almost 2 out of every 5 people who will not travel without them.
The research from Kaspersky Lab shows how vulnerable people become once they lose the connectivity on their devices when they travel. This is how dependent we have all become on our modern gadgets.
And apparently, losing connectivity is not uncommon at all. The same study from Kaspersky Lab shows that one out of every six travelers (17 percent) have encountered problems during travel because of lost connectivity.
The examples of such issues with gadgets are: when phones or tablets malfunction, when the battery on these devices run out, and when something goes wrong with connectivity. Anecdotal evidence abounds as well, with people sharing their stories about getting food poisoning due to the inability of finding a safe place online to eat, not getting calls about changes in fight schedules, or not finding accommodations when they travel.
The most extreme and potentially dangerous case was of one survey respondent who got stuck in a dessert when the battery of his smartphone ran out, and he had no internet connection at all.
The survey results showed that 84 percent of people felt they would experience stress if they got lost in an environment they are unfamiliar with. 39 percent of respondents reported being fearful of such an occurrence happening to them.
Kaspersky Lab’s Vice President for Product Marketing, Dmitry Aleshin, says, “This incident – and many others – could have been avoided if we all took more care with our connected devices. If we are reliant on staying connected, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, being connected helps us navigate our way around when we’re traveling, and find the best places to eat, drink and stay. But if we are reliant, let’s not jeopardize our safety by losing that connectivity when we’re out and about or in an unfamiliar place!”
One thing that will give travelers peace of mind is a security solution that can adapt to different situations—Kaspersky Security Cloud, which modifies itself to fit every single user regardless of their environment, type of device and connectivity.
Kaspersky Security Cloud includes an anti-theft feature that helps people specifically when their devices get lost or stolen, by locking and locating the missing device, setting off the alarm on the device, and even taking a photo of the thief who took it.
It also ensures a secure connection especially in unfamiliar places, through transferring data through an encrypted channel in order to keep personal data safe.
Additionally, the Kaspersky Security Cloud has a device power consumption feature which prevents the panic people feel when their devices are about to run out of power. It alert users when the battery on their device is very low and tells them how long they have left before the device runs out, thus giving users the time needed to look for charging options.
Kaspersky Lab is a veteran in the cybersecurity niche, having gathered expertise in deep threat intelligence and security issues for two decades now. 400 million users worldwide are protected by Kaspersky technologies, as well as 270,000 corporate clients.
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SERVICESRecent and archived news stories on: Accounting, Advertising, Consulting, Jobs, Food, Insurance, Law, Printing, Public Relations, Security...
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa plans to open a dance school in September 2015 with American Ballet Theatre, the center said.
Habit Restaurants Inc. has priced its initial public offering of 5 million shares tomorrow at $18 a share, the company said.
Santa Ana-based Nekter Juice Bar Inc. is set to add food items to its menu and a smart phone app to order and buy them, the company said.
More people came to Orange County in September, and they spent more money, the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau said.
Garden Grove-based Bar Code Specialties Inc. will be acquired by Quest Solution Inc., a Nevada IT integrator.
Costa Mesa-based El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. said insiders will be able to sell 6 million shares as early as Wednesday, November 19, after a “lock-up” date was waived by the lead managers of its initial public offering in July.
Pieology Pizzeria named Stephanie Lambrecht vice president of operations, the third senior executive it’s hired this summer.
Professional surfer Kelly Slater will endorse surf product for Costa Mesa-based Volcom Inc. and Electric Visuals in San Clemente.
HEALTHCARE: Could arrive at special meeting with two offers
A new bidder has brought a decidedly different tone to talks on a takeover of Irvine-based Allergan Inc.
Are the powers that be rethinking the fate of the two hangars on the former Marine base in Tustin now that Google has signed a 60-year lease worth $1.2 billion for a similar structure and several others on surrounding grounds in the Silicon Valley?
RESTAURANTS: Recent growth, timing of offering look favorable
The Habit Restaurants Inc. in Irvine appears to have a number of factors working in its favor for an initial public offering that’s expected sometime this week, including some that reflect its strong run of recent years and others that indicate the chain is well-positioned for the future.
HOSPITALITY: Show also hosts media on day before opening
The National Association of Music Merchants plans a “Retail Boot Camp” for music retailers on the day before its Jan. 22-25 show at the Anaheim Convention Center.
RESTAURANTS: Approach allows fast growth at limited cost
Small local restaurant companies plan to expand by franchise in 2015.
EDUCATION: Placements, demand for training strong
Caleb Everett said he has put $1 million into Career College of California and taken no salary since his Fortuna Education LLC bought it in 2010.
Preventable Patient Deaths ‘Makes You Choke Up’
A major supporter of the patient safety movement led by Irvine-based Masimo Corp.’s Chief Executive Joe Kiani stopped by Orange County this month.

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So PSD2 arrived in a flurry of nothing. As underwhelming as it was entirely predictable, not only was the first deadline missed by pretty much all concerned, the innovative and enticing new services PSD2 is supposed to facilitate are far from fruition. So
why is this? Banks either feel there is little in it for them, or that the average customer simply couldn’t give two figs about such services, or they are just so slow to move that it will take another year or two yet for this new ‘era’ to settle in. The reality
is that it’s all three, but, regulatory mandates aside, revenue and profit will always be the chief concerns.
The combination of PSD2 with GDPR changes in May has created a certain amount of complexity and confusion. A recent survey of global financial institutions conducted by Finextra found that 94%
of respondents perceive there to be a contradiction between PSD2, requiring banks to share more data, and incoming GDPR updates, requiring them to be ever more careful about sharing data.
A key feature of the GDPR updates is the deletion of data on request. It’s a complex undertaking but the problem for most banks won’t be the deletion of the data, it’ll be locating the data in the first place.
Said Brian Costello, chief information security officer, Envestnet, Yodlee, “Most banks don’t have internal APIs let alone external ones -they don’t have a single view of their customer.”
Is that to say they are not up to the challenge though? Banks are large, long-standing complex organisations that have been dealing with regulatory hoops and hurdles (albeit more in the last ten years than ever before) since the dawn of their time. This
is do-able. So is it just an excuse for banks to delay something that doesn’t have immediate gains for them, and in fact represents considerable losses? Well, yes.
Cross border payments represent a potentially great loss for financial organisations in this new set-up. PwC’s Guenther Dobrauz, Partner & Leader, PwC Legal Switzerland, speaking at Enterprise Ireland’s Future of Fintech event in Dublin (part of the European
Financial Forum), went so far as to call cross border payments "one of the last remaining areas of legal theft”, even. When put like that, it’s easy to understand the reticence in throwing it open to cannibalisation.
Dobrauz said the perceived contradiction between PSD2 and GDPR is being exaggerated by banks. No doubt they are both complex pieces of regulation requiring significant attention, but it is just an excuse to drag their heels because they stand to lose out
a fair bit on that lucrative legal theft revenue.
“It's a nice little earner for them which is being disrupted. And PSD2 is the first, to my knowledge, regulation penned in a way to specifically open up banking architectures for new providers, opening up the holy grail- access to client data. Yes, there
is complexity but only half-honest; it is also a defence battle.”
Bragi Fjalldal, director at Meniga throws a further aspect into the mix in saying GDPR will favour third parties, because consumers expect to accept new terms and conditions from new companies and organisations, but to accept a plethora of new opt-in permissions
from their existing financial provider, be it entirely for their benefit or not, will present a tiresome exercise.
Let’s not forget, however, that the standards were only set in November and access to accounts will only take effect November 2019.
“Only at the end of this year will there be a race for banks to get the APIs in place,” said John Broxis, managing director of PRETA/Open Banking.
Metro Bank’s chief commercial officer, Paul Riseborough said banks will likely use data aggregation to offer lending services but that these won’t really take hold for another three years. Riseborough also reckons SMEs to be the sector that represents the
biggest opportunity for banks. Services such as cash management can be revolutionised- cash collection and deposits, for example, and the digitisation thereof.
Meniga’s Fjalldal, commenting on the Finextra survey in which global bank respondents cited Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon (aka the GAFAs) as the biggest threat, said, “if that’s [the banks’] biggest fear, why aren’t they doing more? The one thing that
can prevent PSD2 or open banking from being a gradual process is if these guys do something, and it wouldn’t be that hard for them to build a much more compelling digital banking experience- they could just become a marketplace in return for access to data-
they wouldn’t even need a banking licence.”
How can banks compete then, exactly? Fjalldal said banks talk about building algorithmic AI-driven engagement and chatbots- but is that what people want?
“Monzo's popularity shows people want categorisation, simple stuff, merchant mapping, target setting. It’s not that complicated.”
Card-linked offers are an example, where banks can share with retailers a database of consumer spend in their retail sector, enabling the merchant to offer a whole new reach of customers significant discounts to bring them in, ie 20-30%, in return giving
the bank what would have been the marketing budget. Consumer card spend is easily tracked by the bank and the discount easily refunded to the customer at the end of the month.
Aggregated consumer data analytics is another potential source of new revenue for banks, according to Fjalldal. Real time market share developments, per supermarket, for example, per area; average ticket size, time per visit, etc.
“Currently, companies buy data from Nielsen and other market research companies, based on interviews, not market data. This is a subscription model, you need consent to do it but it’s only based on aggregated data, not personalised,” Fjalldal contiunued.
In the meantime, however, financial organisations need to get on top of their data storage, pronto. They'll be obliging no such deletion request if they can't find it in the first place.


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Trade Secret Claims are serious.
Just how serious? Read this article about a successful Roanoke Virginia company – who recently had a California Court order they pay over $30 million dollars for a trade secret case.
“Roanoke-based Luna Innovations Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this morning in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia.
The filing comes after a California jury ordered Luna to pay $36.3 million in a breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets dispute. That verdict was issued in April and Luna has continued to challenge the outcome in court.”


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Lenovo-claimed Motorola is relied upon to dispatch an Android One-marked cell phone Motorola One Power Specifications Leak Reveals, considering the measure of movement we have seen it in the talk process in the ongoing past. Having as of late been seen in spilled renders, trailed by a live picture, Motorola One Power is no more abnormal to spills. Presently, inside determinations of the Motorola One Power have professedly been outed. How about we view what the forthcoming Moto cell phone will offer if the hole is, in fact, a measuring stick of genuinity.
Motorola One Power Specifications Leak Reveals
A report appears to have gotten a screen capture of the Motorola One Power’s details, apparently from a Spanish posting. According to the release, the up and coming handset will run Android 8.1 Oreo and game a 6.2-inch full-HD+ (1080×2280 pixels) show with a viewpoint proportion of 19:9, because of the show indent. It is likewise anticipated that would be controlled by the most recent Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 SoC, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of inbuilt stockpiling, and a 3780mAh battery.
As far as optics, the cell phone will purportedly brandish a double camera setup at the back, with a 12-megapixel essential (f/1.8 gap) and a 5-megapixel auxiliary sensor (f/2.0 gap). On the front, the Motorola One Power is required to get an 8-megapixel selfie sensor with the f/2.2 gap.
Beforehand, official renders released online uncover a wide iPhone X-like score and base jaw on the front, while the back of the cell phone apparently sports a vertically stacked double camera module at the back. Back of the handset additionally gets Android One marking. On the base, the picture uncovers a speaker grille and a USB Type-C port.
Motorola One Power Specifications (Based on rumors !!)
GSM / HSPA / LTE
Not announced yet
-Not revealed yet
-Not revealed yet
Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)


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Amazon won an injunction on Oct 25 from the Singapore arbitrator to halt a deal between India’s Future Retail Ltd (FRL) and Reliance Industries. But FRL on Sunday, said that the Singapore arbitrator’s order is not enforceable under Indian law and is not binding on the company.
FRL decided in August that it is going to sell its retail, wholesale and some other businesses to Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries for $3.38 billion. But Amazon says that according to its own deal with a Future Retail unit, which it signed in 2019, the company cannot sell its retail assets to Reliance, as the deal contained clauses which stops it from selling them to anyone on the “restricted persons” list. This list seems to include any firms from Reliance chief Mukesh Ambani’s group, thus making the Reliance-FRL deal invalid, according to Amazon. The deal also specified that any disputes occurring would be arbitrated under Singapore International Arbitration Centre rules
FRL has called the proceedings before the “emergency arbitrator” void. “FRL is also in the process of taking appropriate legal action to protect its rights,” the company’s regulatory filing said on Sunday.
Reuters reported on Saturday, that the American e-commerce giant has complained to the Indian market regulator to look into the issue, saying that FRL is misleading the shareholders by incorrectly saying that it is complying with its contractual obligations referring to the 2019 deal. However, FRL in its regulatory filings on Sunday, still insists that the company had complied with all regulatory requirements and urged the Indian market regulator and stock exchanges to continue to review its deal with Reliance for approval.
FRL said that it is going to resist any attempts made by Amazon to stop its deal from taking place. The new developments suggest a growing tension between the e-commerce giant and India Future Retail Ltd along with Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Industries, while each party is uncompromisingly defending its side. Reliance too had said something similar last week, claiming that deal is completely enforceable under the Indian law and will be completed soon without any delay.
The resolution to the dispute depends on FRL-Amazon deal which took place in 2019, and whether FRL has failed to comply with its regulatory requirements as Amazon has claimed.


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Mail marketer Advo awarded management of its list of 116 million U.S. resident addresses to Mal Dunn Associates earlier this month so it can increase its revenue stream and bring better enhancements to mailers.
Advo, Windsor, CT, previously managed the compiled file in house, but with the needs of today's mailers changing so rapidly the company decided to outsource the file rather than develop the core competencies required to add enhancements and develop new list products.
“The closer you are to what the mailer needs the more likely you will be able to tailor a product to fit those needs,” said Dan Sherr, vice president of targeted marketing services at Advo. “With Mal Dunn, we are getting much closer to the market, a market that is changing very quickly. The speed of response is very important.”
Advo delivers shared advertising mail to 60 million households a week in 120 markets through its MailBox Values program and reaches an additional 20 million households through the Advo National Network Extension. Its proprietary resident list covers 98 percent of U.S. households but doesn't include names.
For Mal Dunn, Advo represents its first foray into compiled files. MDA senior vice president Joanne Dunn said that although this type of file is a departure for the company, it will apply the same product development strategies to Advo as it would for a large response file. The file's lack of names will force MDA to target usage to saturation mailers, such as packaged goods companies, and to list brokers that haven't used Advo.
The file's coverage and high deliverability by ZIP code — Advo receives regular address updates from the U.S. Postal Service and is its largest private customer — should appeal to companies seeking to build retail traffic in localized areas. The file is available for $12.50 per thousand addresses.
Low list rental rates haven't undermined Advo shared mail programs in the past, and Sherr expects the two mailing sources will continue to complement one another. He said some clients who wish to mail twice a week send a shared mail offer and use the Advo list to send a second solo mailing. Others use the list to delete the addresses of current customers for prospecting campaigns or to mail to areas not covered by Advo.
“The rental of our list only supplements shared mail and helps us provide better overall service,” Sherr said.


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The Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300--all distributed locally by CATS Motors, Inc.--are among today's "most overpriced cars," Forbes.com said. The list was made based on prices in the US market.
Of the three vehicles, the Chrysler 300 was the one tagged as "the most overpriced" as the difference between its manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $27,260 and its market price of $21,517 reached $5,743 or 21.1 percent.
In the Philippines, the Chrysler 300 is sold at around P2,350,000, the Jeep Commander at P3,150,000 and the Grand Cherokee at P4,200,000. Prices tend to fluctuate for imported vehicles due to adjustments based on currency exchange rates.
CATS Motors refused to comment on the Forbes.com list, saying the prices vary based on specifications of the vehicles sold in different markets.
"We believe we're pricing our vehicles fairly by giving our customers as many features as we can in our vehicles and yet pricing it within reach of our target market," said Bob Shaw, CATS Motors vice president for sales.
Other vehicles which are in the list of Forbes.com's "most expensive cars" based on their sticker price are the Chevrolet HHR ($19,030), Nissan Armada ($37,210), GMC Sierra 2500 ($27,465), GMC Sierra 1500 ($20,850), Chevrolet Silverado 2500 ($27,465), Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ($20,850), Nissan Titan ($26,320), and Ford F250 ($25,300).


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Britain’s biggest lender HSBC is closing 114 high street branches from next April as customers opt for online services.
Numbers of people using the physical HSBC stores has dipped as they flock to use the mobile banking app to manage their money.
The lender had already said it would close 59 branches in March, bringing the number to shut up to one in four.
Smart phones have enabled Brits to manage their finances without needing to go to a physical branch, making it a better option than working around bank opening times.
However, the move could be set to upset pensioners – some of whom who still rely on cash – feeling unable to do their banking.
Branches in Bethnal Green, Putney and Surrey are among those set to shut.
Jackie Uhi, managing director of UK distribution at HSBC, said: “People are changing the way they bank and footfall in many branches is at an all-time low, with no signs of it returning. Banking remotely is becoming the norm for the vast majority of us.”
“Not only can we do it anywhere at any time of day or night, many more things can be done at the customers’ convenience and don’t rely on a branch visit.”


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When talking about “plastic free” there are two things to note. The first is all plastics are made from fossil fuels.
The second is the fossil fuel industry is the primary cause of the climate crisis. By a long way. In 2018 a staggering 89% of global CO2 emissions came from fossil fuels and industry, according to The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
In the face of all the grand plastic-free promises, the UK is still generating more plastic waste per person than any other country except the USA.
That’s the conclusion of Trashed: How the UK is still dumping plastic waste on the rest of the world report, released this year.
It reveals that in 2018, the UK generated an estimated 5.2 million tonnes of plastic waste. That’s enough plastic to fill Wembley Stadium six times over. We recycle less than 10% of this. We incinerate the rest (46%), export it (19%) and send it to landfill (17%).
And there aren’t any signs of it slowing down. In fact, global plastic production is expected to almost quadruple by 2050.
PLASTIC FOOD: THE PROBLEM
So, it’s perhaps unsurprising that despite introducing the 5p plastic bag charge in October 2015, the top 10 UK supermarkets actually increased their plastic footprints by 1.2% between 2017 and 2019, from 886,000 tonnes to nearly 897,000 tonnes, according to analysis by Greenpeace and the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).
Single-use plastics are the biggest issue. Around 50% of plastics produced are single-use. Our addiction to convenience is flowing into our rivers (which lead straight to the sea), reveals the Earth Watch’s Plastic Rivers report, which calculated that 71% of litter found in UK rivers was plastic.
The biggest culprits are plastic bottles, food wrappers, cigarette butts and food takeaway containers.
But, of course, these aren’t really the biggest culprits.
Officially, the seven biggest culprits are the well-known FMCG companies Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Unilever, Mars, Inc., Mondelez International and Procter & Gamble, according to the Brand Audit Report 2020.
The very same Coca-Cola Company who is on a “journey towards a World Without Waste”; Unilever who have their “Sustainable Living Plan”; and Procter & Gamble who talk about their “Ambition 2030” – you see where we’re going with this…
So, what needs to happen?
PLASTIC FREE FOOD: THE SOLUTIONS
“The UK needs to drastically cut the amount of plastic produced in the first place. Reducing single-use plastic by 50% would not only allow the UK to end waste exports, but would also mean less plastic going into incineration and landfill. The government must mandate a 50% reduction in single-use plastic by 2025 – and supermarkets and major brands must deliver it,” concludes the Trashed report.
Also, forget compostable or biodegradable plastics. The technology just isn’t there to make this a reality yet. In the meantime it encourages us to continue with single-use items such as “compostable” coffee cups. This means we continue to harm the environment and marine life. But, we feel better about it, which is a troubling trajectory.
“Our small changes really do make a difference, together we can show big brands, business and government that we need to see action on plastics and reuse is the solution,” says Jo Morley, head of campaigns for City to Sea, an environmental charity focused on plastic pollution.
They suggest 12 changes we can all make when it comes to food. Essentially, this is the mindset we all need:
Begin with Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Refill and only then when you’ve exhausted those options opt for Recycling.
Finally, where – and only where – reusables aren’t an option, choose materials that can be recycled, like card, paper, aluminium and glass.
Oh… and send the odd-tweet/email to make it known to retailers and brands that you expect them to change. This is a demand on your time, so is perhaps the hardest action. But, it has the potential to make the biggest difference of all.
PLASTIC FASHION: THE PROBLEMS
Synthetic fibres – polyester, nylon, acrylic and elastane (which are all produced from oil and gas) – represent almost 70% of all materials used in textiles and are expected to reach nearly 75% by 2030, reveals the latest Changing Markets Foundation report.
The production of synthetic fibres already requires more oil than the annual consumption of Spain.
Despite all the fashion industry’s sustainability promises – all the 2030 pledges – not one company listed in their Synthetics Anonymous report has made a clear commitment to phase out the use of synthetic fibres.
And, sadly, ‘recycled’ polyester – made from PET bottles or Ocean Plastics – is not the silver bullet it appears to be. This is because current volumes of extraction from the ocean are minuscule. Plus, recycling plastic bottles into plastic bottles can be done multiple times, but once you recycle them into fibre they weaken and can’t be recycled again – and so end up in landfill.
At end of life, most garments end up in landfills or incinerators; fewer than 1% of items of clothing are recycled to produce new clothes. Globally, roughly one garbage truck of clothes ends up in landfill every second.Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017)
This means recycled plastic does little to stop the flow of plastics into the environment and because of false recycling (or ‘circularity’ claims) can even justify the continuous use of plastic.
Then there’s the issue of microfibres. A 2021 study by the California Ocean Science Trust reports that microfibres from textiles are among the most common microplastic materials found in the marine environment.
Yet, 85% of brands report that the principal way they plan to curb the impacts of fossil fashion and embrace more ‘sustainable’ synthetics is to switch to recycled plastics.
If we know the issues, the brands know them, and there’s little doubt that this direction of travel amounts to greenwashing.
In fact, using the UK Competition and Markets Authority’s new guidelines on green claims as a baseline, the Synthetics Anonymous report finds that 96% of H&M’s claims, 89% of ASOS’s and 88% of M&S’s flout the guidelines in some way.
H&M’s Conscious Collection actually contains a higher percentage of synthetics than its main collection (72% versus 61%, respectively).
PLASTIC FREE FASHION: THE SOLUTIONS
The report concludes that it’s clear we need legislation – brands have proved they cannot be trusted to regulate themselves.
But, each of us can also make better choices.
The global fashion industry is now a $3.3 trillion industry. Clothing sales are growing faster than the world’s population or GDP.
The report states:
“It continues to grow faster, under a business model propelled by excessive consumption and overproduction, while generating huge profits built on the exploitation of cheap labour and environmental degradation.”
As such, it makes three recommendations for consumers:
1. Refrain from compulsive shopping. Buy only what you need, shop second-hand and buy for maximum durability. Also, seek to repair, reuse and swap items where possible.
2. Buy only from brands that have made clear commitments to transparency in their supply chains, to sustainable sourcing and production of all their materials and garments, and which have strong climate commitments, including a clear plan to phase out their dependence on fossil fuel-based fibres.
3. Raise awareness of the problems with fast fashion. Use your voice – for example, through social media or signing petitions – to highlight issues such as greenwash.
Written with support from the Organic Trade Board.
Main image: Changing Markets Foundation report Synthetics Anonymous


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Facebook dynamic ads can now be tailored for app installs
Facebook has finally launched its dynamic ads feature aimed toward driving mobile application installs, and brands such as Hotels.com are already starting to see the effects.
The feature was announced several months ago but is only now coming into effect. Facebook is hoping that driving app installs will give marketers and boost this holiday season as smartphone use has spiked.
"Dynamic ads helps us connect our large product catalog to each unique shopper with relevant and timely product ads," said Rachel Kwan, online marketing manager at The Honest Company. "We're seeing strong results, including a 34% increase in click through rate and a 38% reduction in cost per purchase".
Facebook?s dynamic ads are a staple of its advertising suite, providing brands and marketers with the methods to target the right consumers who are most likely to purchase the kinds of products the brands are offering.
Now, Facebook is bringing that technology to app installs, using Faceboook?s algorithms to target the customers who are most likely to install certain apps.
Facebook cites a report that showed a ten percent increase in smartphone sales last year as a reason for marketers to turn their attention towards app installs.
While mobile is quickly coming to dominate the digital scene, marketers still need to get their message in front of consumers outside of their own apps in order to get them to install.
Facebook also found that app installs peaked around the holiday season last year, meaning that now is the best time for consumers to target customers for app installation ads.
To facilitate that, Facebook?s dynamic ads can now be used as a call-to-action for consumers to install apps.
?Snapdeal has a wide variety of products. By using dynamic ads, we have the flexibility to appeal to a diverse set of customers by showing specific products to the people who have demonstrated interest in them. By showing relevant content, we've seen an increase in repeat transactions in the app, and seen a 6-8X return on ad spend. Dynamic ads and mobile app remarketing with Facebook is an important part of our mobile app strategy,?
Some of the brands that have started using dynamic ads for app installs, such as the popular mobile game developer Zynga, have already seen a 4.5 times higher return on ad spend through its use.
As mobile becomes increasingly popular, marketers have to work harder to get their app noticed when app stores are bursting with free or cheap apps for users to play with.
Many consumers are turning to all-purpose messaging platforms that can fit a variety of other app functions into one platform (see more). This makes it even more important for brands that have their own mobile apps to do whatever they can to get the installs they need to keep that app afloat.
Facebook?s dynamic ads are yet another tool in the app marketer?s arsenal to make that happen.
"With dynamic ads, Target has been able to more easily engage consumers with highly relevant creative," said Kristi Argyilan, senior vice president of media and guest engagement at Target. "The early results have exceeded expectations. /div>
"Performance has been especially strong on mobile devices ? an important and fast-growing area for Target ? where we're seeing two times the conversion rate."


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October 10, 2007 by Rachel Cericola
Wii like to party—or at least we will fairly soon. Nintendo’s highly anticipated download service, WiiWare, finally has a few details and game titles.
The gaming manufacturer just announced its first titles that will be available for download: “Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles,” “Pokemon Bukojou,” “Star Soldier R,” “Mojipittan Wii” and “Doctor Mario.”
Even if they aren’t offering your favorites, Gaming Today says the downloads will be cheaper than retail games, so you probably wont be able to help yourself.
And since we already have your attention about Wii, Wii Fit will hit Japan by December 1 for $75—whee!
WiiWare is scheduled to launch in March 2008.
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Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.
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Managing Director of Dubai Internet City Malek Sultan Al Malek inaugurated the Kerala IT Pavilion at the Gitex (Gulf Information Technology Exhibition) Technology Week 2011 that began at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Kerala IT team is represented by a three-member delegation comprising Infopark CEO Gigo Joseph, Technopark CEO Mervin Alexander, and Gireesh Babu, Managing Director of Kerala State IT Infrastructure Limited (KSITIL). Twenty companies from Technopark, Infopark, and Cyberpark are participating in the event.
Kerala IT, the unified brand developed to promote business opportunities in the field of information technology in the State, is showcasing its IT parks, including Infopark Phase II, Infopark Cherthala, Cyberparks at Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod, Technocity, Kollam Technopark, and various other investment opportunities in the IT sector across Kerala.
“We realise that Gitex is an excellent platform to showcase the growth trends in Kerala IT. We look forward to meeting business organisations from the Middle East and explain to them in detail the opportunities in the IT sector in Kerala,” said Mr. Joseph in a release.
Mr. Alexander hailed the opportunity presented by Gitex to showcase the investment opportunities presented by the State in the IT sector. “There are over 200 companies participating in this show from across the world and we want to use this opportunity to show the unparalleled development IT sector has undergone in the State over the last few years,” he said. Azinova Technologies, Mindsoft Technologies, Artin Dynamics, Renynex Software, Speridien Technologies, Dev Web Services, Hages Business Solutions, Assure Tech Business Solutions, IIC Web Solutions, efx IT Solutions, Extolution, WebNamaste, GeoTrans Technologies, Acts Info, Palnar Transmedia, Saturn Systemwares, And Art Technologies, Menora, Art Technology and Software India Ltd., Coresys Infotech Pvt. Ltd, and iGooz Technologies Pvt. Ltd from Kerala are participating at Gitex 2011 in the Kerala IT pavilion.
Gitex is an annual consumer computer and electronics trade show which takes place in Dubai.
Gitex is the largest gathering of the region's leading ICT retailers and suppliers. This high-energy consumer show attracts a diverse audience that includes IT professionals, technology enthusiasts, students and consumers as well as regional traders.
Keywords: Gitex 2011


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A Chinese specialist in smelting and trading rare earths will become one of the few companies to float on the Alternative Investment Market so far this year when it makes its debut this month.
Rare Earths Global is expected to raise $50 million (£31.9 million) in a flotation that will value it at about $270 million.
The company, which has its operations in China, has three main subsidiaries. One owns a smelting and separation plant in Guangdong province. There is also a mining services business, which provides expertise and equipment to state-owned companies producing rare earths in China, and a company that trades the commodities.
Rare earths are a range of elements that are widely used in industry, including in hybrid cars, computers and smartphones.…


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Worried about having a 3D phone with no 3D content? Not gonna be a problem with the upcoming Sprint HTC EVO 3D. HTC's first 3D-capable phone will come preloaded with "The Green Hornet 3D" on its microSD card, Sprint said today in a news release.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. The EVO 3D will also come with the HTC Watch app, which gives you access to 2D and 3D movies, as well as on-demand television programs. You can buy or rent and download movies, and you can save as many as five on HTC's service for watching on other HTC devices with the HTC Watch app.
And don't worry, you won't be stuck with "The Green Hornet 3D" for long. "Drive Angry" with Nicolas Cage will be among the initial 3D releases for the EVO, Sprint says.
You'll also have access to Blockbuster's On Demand app. Rentals will range from $2.99 to $3.99 each, Sprint says. Purchases will start at $4.99.
Here are 103 Cyber Monday Canada deals you simply can't miss
There's no getting around it: Cyber Monday is the best time to buy the tech (and other stuff) on your wishlist.
From the Editor's Desk: My little Black Friday victories
After enjoying more than my fair share of turkey and pie, I was happy to work off my holiday stress through virtual Black Friday shopping. I was able to find most of what I wanted; were you?
The best Cyber Monday phone deals anywhere
If you're hoping to find a new phone at a discount, Cyber Monday is the perfect opportunity to shop for one. This year's sale is lasting longer than ever, and a number of early Black Friday deals are already live!
Here are the best phones you can get for Sprint/T-Mobile
Sprint has officially be laid to rest and is now part of the T-Mobile family. If you're looking for a new phone under the T-Mobile brand, here are the ones you should consider!


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In an essay published in a Maryland paper, Mike Brown, president and CEO of the National Chicken Council, stated that President Biden is wrong to portray the meat and poultry industries as the culprit behind sharply rising grocery prices. “This administration has chosen to put politics above protein,” he wrote.
Consumer prices rose by 7% between 2021 and 2022, with chicken prices rising 10.4% and meat prices rising 14.8%. In the essay in the Salisbury (Maryland) Daily Times, Brown said the increase in chicken prices “is barely outpacing inflation — even despite major inputs like corn, soybeans, gasoline, packaging, and transportation increasing by double digits. Yet chicken producers are somehow the villain?”
Administration proposals to encourage new independent processors to go into business and to give producers more leverage with processors “will likely add costs, risk, and exacerbate the current market situation,” said Brown.
The meat industry has also denied any responsibility for the rise in pork and beef prices at the grocery store.
The North American Meat Institute, which speaks for meatpackers, said meat prices are up “because of labor shortages, greater consumer demand, supply chain problems, and other factors experienced by most sectors of the economy.”
Biden pointed to consolidation in the meat industry on Tuesday as a factor in high meat prices, saying, “You’ve got the Big Four [processors] controlling it all.”
Source: Successful Farming


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Users of Twitter's official Android and Tweetdeck applications have reported problems this morning.
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Together with the launch of updated custom Android software PrivatOS, the handset maker has revealed a new store dedicated to security and privacy applications.
Microsoft has purchased email startup Acompli, which makes iOS and Android mobile e-mail applications, for an undisclosed amount.
Microsoft is rolling out its first version of a new, free video chat app for Android, iPhone and Windows Phone devices that is part of its Skype family.
Most smartwatch fans are holding out for the round Moto 360, but there is a preview video from LG that shows they have a round Android Wear device too.
HTC is starting to introduce their unique software experiences to other Android users and the first launch is Zoe. Take a look at what you can soon expect on your non-HTC device.
HTC opens up a new door to the software business with Zoe for all Android devices.
Miracast is a signature feature of Windows 8.1 and newer Android versions. In theory, it allows you to project a presentation or HD video wirelessly from your mobile device to a large screen. How well does it work in the real world?
Some Android applications will drain your smartphone or tablet of battery life, storage or bandwidth like a blood-sucking fiend. Here's what's what with the worst of the worst.
We have seen a couple Android laptops in the past, but a video leaked online from HP shows a new Android-powered touchscreen laptop may be coming soon.
BluffTitler bridges the gap between the limited special effects available in titler utilities often bundled with video NLEs and the functionality in high-end applications like Adobe After Effects.
Appixia's platform enables retailers to create native mCommerce applications for Apple iOS and Android devices.
Opera has released a stable version of its Android browser that supports web-based video chats and peer to peer communications.
Microsoft plans to release its Lync unified communications app for Android tablets this summer. It also will deliver federated video across Lync and Skype before the end of 2014.
BlackBerry is rolling out the 10.2.1 update for its devices and along with the update comes support for OTA installation of Android APKs.
Applications for the Android-based system can be customized to suit the individual needs of small retailers and restaurants.
Latest offering from small-business apps provider includes native mobile applications for Android and Apple iOS.
According to Trend Micro, there are over one million malicious applications currently up for download on the Android market.
Google has done a good job with the Chrome browser on mobile platforms. The beta version rivals the desktop experience on Android and is lightning fast, which is shown on video.
Google's Android "weblogin" feature may be simple and quick to use, but researchers say it can be used to take down an entire system of applications.
The best of ZDNet, delivered
- 1 33 ways to improve your iPhone's battery life
- 2 Perfectly legal ways you can still get Windows 7 cheap (or even free)
- 3 How much does an iPhone 6 really cost? (Hint: It's way more than $199)
- 4 Seven privacy settings you should change immediately in iOS 8
- 5 So you have an app idea and want to make a bajillion bucks


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As the scale of global trade gets bigger, many small and midsize U.S. ports, such as the Port of Portland, face the prospect of falling off the map entirely.
Barges loaded with Idaho-grown peas and lentils until this spring regularly chugged downriver to Portland’s port, the first leg in a journey that would end in supermarkets and restaurants across Asia and Europe.
But now Idaho’s farmers—along with Oregon’s grass seed growers as well as manufacturers and other exporters across the Pacific Northwest—need a new route to the global market.
The last major container shipping line ended its Portland run in March, leaving the city without regular ocean-bound container service for the first time in four decades. Exporters who relied on the port say their transportation costs soared overnight.View Article


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This year, “convergence” is set to be one of the big talking points across a wide range of sectors, but in technology in particular, says Peter Robb, practice lead for architecture at Ovations Group. Irrespective of the sector, three main themes emerge around convergence time and again: people, process and technology.
Many disruptive technologies are accelerating convergence on all three of these levels. One of the underpinning reasons is businesses’ shifting focus from product-centricity to customer-centricity, of which mobile services have been a flagship for the process, offering end users contextually sensitive engagement and other tailored content based on their needs, personal profiles or location using analytics, big data and social channels.
Additionally, technological convergence is being driven by the continuing move towards open standards for systems and software, combined with standardised integration processes. A key benefit of this developing trend is the ability for companies to proactively react to changing market events in their value chain – also providing agility in the way they work and respond rapidly to ever-changing customer needs.
Another technology that’s come of age is cloud computing. Cloud services provide convergence in different application, platform and infrastructure offerings. This has created opportunities in the market for cloud brokers to piece together different products or solutions into highly customised solutions, designed for particular clients’ specific needs in a more cost-effective manner. Gone are the days of three-year implementation programmes; speed and agility are the new entrepreneurial success factors.
Clients now have unprecedented flexibility to increase or decrease their technological footprint on demand as a result of the cloud – abstracting all deep, technical expertise from the end user. But it’s not just existing businesses that are benefitting – the agility cloud allows for means in the next three to five years some start-ups will become as competitive as big corporates.
Start-ups or other small businesses tend to be more responsive than larger companies, whether because of differences in corporate culture, a comparative lack of red tape and rigidity, or greater appetite for risk. Moreover, cloud and related services are making it possible for small companies to spin off new commercial ideas faster due to the user-friendly manner in which these services are offered.
Also, it has become cheaper to close down and restart projects if they fail, thus significantly reducing barriers to entry in markets – but also diminished market penetration that may see large acquisition sprees for those organisations with favourable cash flow. Big corporates, meanwhile, have to contend with flooding markets, and have huge investments in legacy systems and approaches that have embedded themselves in business operations.
Convergence and disruptive technologies combined with globalisation means businesses also needn’t be limited to a single geographic market. A sufficiently good idea can be repurposed for additional markets with low cost and effort.
One of the obstacles facing bigger companies when it comes to cloud is that they are slower to adopt new technologies and are more wary of them because traditionally South African companies are market followers. This means while large players are still deciding whether or not to embrace a new technology, smaller players have implemented, profited and birthed new business models from it.
The biggest problem we as a country have in terms of convergence is that services like cloud offerings have become ubiquitous elsewhere. This means South African businesses are already embroiled in a process of catching up, making innovation and “cutting-edge” offerings – let alone thought leadership – all the more challenging.
Regardless of the product or service being offered, and whether it’s global or local, everything is becoming focused on the customer. Companies that ignore this do so at their peril.
Under Porter’s Five Forces Model of Competition, clients used to have diminished negotiating power, but they are now certainly in the pound seats. It’s easier than ever before for customers to move their business elsewhere, and they’re more inclined to do so because of increased consumer rights and reduced brand loyalty. This means time-to-market and quality-of-service over time are more pressing concerns than ever before.
South Africa has seen this first hand with the recently enacted Protection of Personal Information (PoPI) Act. PoPI will enact a major strategic rethink and revenue investment for organisations. Innovation projects and spending will have to give way to run-the-business projects and spending. Organisations who favour innovation spend and are reliant on new products and services to remain competitive will have to trade these key objectives off against regulatory compliance – which, in most cases, will win and potentially stump new thinking to a degree.
In many ways, POPI can be viewed as an example of the convergence in enforced legislation, realising various consumer bodies’ goals in one, and/or supplementing it. For the next three years I expect companies will focus on remaining compliant and limit their innovation efforts to the attractive, low-hanging fruit.
All of these changes will ultimately result in the convergence of talents and insights of personnel. For example, where previously technicians, network engineers and the like were extremely specialised in their domains, it is now critical for them to complement their technical expertise with greater business insight. It’s no longer about knowing how to provide a single solution, but rather how to recommend the best solution for a particular problem at a given budget, or with other business constraints in mind that take both IT and business best-fit considerations into account.
Technical people who knew very little about business are slowly taking heed of these concerns as the new era of knowledge workers flood the market, not only because of the entrepreneurial nature of this new generation – who can add value from having grown up in the digital age – but also because technology is seen as a mechanism for business, as opposed to the old guard who position technology in the innovation quadrant. This new thinking will proliferate in coming convergence trends including smart networked homes, machine-to-machine communications, increasingly customised advertising thanks to analytics, big data and customers’ growing propensity to share information about their preferences.
When it comes to technology, everything is becoming integrated and context-aware. Whether it’s wearable technology manifested as accessories, embedded sensors or the “next big thing”, convergence will need to continually address three critical concerns to succeed: people, processes and technology.


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The company, based in Trevignano, Treviso, works with a number of leading clubs across five continents on the international stage. They remain one of the leading sports manufacturers of the last decade. “Lotto Sport” has provided clothing for stars such as Ruud Gullit, Martina Navratilova and Boris Becker. They've also been the outfitter for prestigious clubs such as Juventus and AC Milan.
“Lotto Sport are a company that, since their founding over forty years ago, have set high standards in both their boots and their clothes. They stand for professionalism, individuality and creativity. We are delighted about this partnership, one that once again demonstrates that we are breaking the mould and taking a positive approach,” said Peter Rettig, chairman of Hoffenheim's business board.
The new contract with the new supplier naturally means the end of the partnership between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and the French sports manufacturer ‘Puma', which has existed since 2008. “I'd like to verbalise my thanks once more for the reliability and trustworthy collaboration we've had with the Herzogenaurach-based company,” said Rettig.
Andrea Tomat, president of Lotto Sport, sees “this partnership as an exceptional opportunity to publically present our new products and their unique design. Hoffenheim are an ideal partner for Lotto Sport to raise their profile in the German market. The partnership between the two is perfect as both organisations share the core values of innovation, courage and authenticity.”


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The Driven Brands Charitable Foundation (DBCF) spread holiday cheer recently at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. Employees from Driven Brands were able to bring gifts to every inpatient child at the hospital thanks to the annual Driven Brands Holiday Auction that raised more than $15,000 in 2016.
Five representatives from DBCF and Driven Brands delivered the gifts to the children that included toys for all ages. The children received games, stuffed animals, Legos, headphones, books, crafts, Matchbox cars and other miscellaneous toys to help bring a smile to their faces while receiving treatment at Levine Children’s Hospital. The hospital has roughly 150 children as inpatients every day.
In addition to the gifts for the children at Levine, the DBCF also “adopted” a family in need in the Charlotte area this holiday. The DBCF was able to purchase clothes, toys, household items and holiday decorations, as well as gift cards for food and gas. One of the main initiatives of the foundation is to change the lives of children and families in need within its local communities.
The DBCF made donations to two additional children’s hospitals, SickKids Canada and the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, with funds from the auction. The annual auction was open to employees, more than 2,500 Driven Brands franchisees and customers throughout the country.


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The Direct Chemist Outlet (DCO) network came together on 13 May to celebrate at the three-day national conference in Melbourne.
DCO Partners and Support Centre Team joined together to enjoy an impressive lineup of engaging presenters, collaborative group work, and networking amongst our store owners from across Australia.
Plenty of great innovative ideas were raised that will strengthen the DCO brand moving forward into the future.
Adding to the celebrations, the DCO awards night was held to commemorate the group’s achievements, hard work and the fantastic team of people that form the DCO family.
There were 12 winners at the DCO group awards dinner.
“The Direct Chemist Outlet group have experienced an incredible year with significant growth through an unprecedented time. We are excited to announce our award winners for 2021 & 2022,” Direct Chemist Outlet Director, Ian Tauman said.
Pharmacy of the Year 2022 was won by Direct Chemist Outlet Brentford Square, Forest Hill, Victoria – Silvana and Michael Lanera.
Due to the conference being postponed, the 2021 awards were also announced, Pharmacy of the Year 2021 was won by Direct Chemist Outlet Heidelberg West, Victoria – Wilson Tan, Fedele Cerra, Silas Koh, Dillon Wu.
The pharmacy of the year is judged on operational and financial performance, community care and involvement and with the consideration of the winner’s team embracing Direct Chemist Outlet values and standards.
Other awards included:
- Emerging Pharmacy Owner
- 2021 – Gabi Caulder (Direct Chemist Outlet Gympie).
- 2022 – Freddy Kagonda (Direct Chemist Outlet Bega).
- Outstanding Contribution by a Pharmacy Owner
- 2021 – Christian Huen (Direct Chemist Outlet Caloundra).
- 2022 – Irwin Lowe (Direct Chemist Outlet Henna St).
- Best of Business Award
- 2021 – Direct Chemist Outlet Kingston.
- 2022 – Direct Chemist Outlet Delacombe.
- Excellence in Community Care & Involvement Award.
- 2021 – Direct Chemist Outlet Bayswater.
- 2022 – Direct Chemist Outlet Emerald.
- Excellence in Innovation Award
- 2021 – Direct Chemist Outlet Belvedere Park.
- 2022 – Direct Chemist Outlet Karingal.


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American company Scentsatonal Technolgies has commercialized a way to allow food grade flavours to be imbedded into plastic packaging materials. Now food manufacturers will be able to entice consumers to their shelf in the supermarket with compelling aromas. As their website says “ScentSational Technologies adds another dimension to your marketing with CompelAroma®. Nothing rivals the sense of smell for making an immediate impression about a product's flavor and freshness.”
Thoughts: This new aroma packaging technology has potential in markets other than food – Socks Allure, Keyboard sur la Plage and even Book Scents.
KEY WORDS: Food; Packaging; Marketing; Consumer


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Toward that end, the Lake Villa, Illinois, company is updating its logo and has adopted the tagline, “Performance That Delivers.”
Vonco manufactures a variety of customized flexible packaging products for the food, retail, industrial and medical markets. The company also makes promotional products, including the ThunderStix noisemaker.
The 60-year-old business was family-owned until two years ago, when it was acquired by Jacsten Holdings, a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based investment firm.
Bob Madderom, Vonco’s business development manager, told FoodProductionDaily that Jacsten brought in “a team of individuals with experience in the converting business” to run Vonco.
“One member of the family is still involved in the business but no others remain,” he added.
Since taking the helm at Vonco in January 2013, the new management team has introduced lean business practices and cultivated a company-wide lean culture, Madderom said. Those changes paved the way for Vonco to receive AIB (American Institute of Baking) Certification in May 2014.
As to why Vonco management chose to pursue AIB Certification as opposed to any other standard, Madderom said, “We are obtaining more and more food grade business and as such, we wanted a third party to inspect us.”
“While we are not at liberty to discuss the number of accounts we have in the baked goods and snacks market, [our business there] is increasing,” he added. “AIB is essentially a requirement of a lot of food producers who buy flexible packaging.”
Most recently, Vonco’s management led all Vonco personnel in a strategic business planning initiative.
“We needed a plan or roadmap in order to move forward,” said Madderom. “Our strategic plan gives all employees a plan they can follow to success.”
To complement the changes in substance, the management team also addressed the issue of style. Vonco’s logo was outdated and did not communicate the company’s new lean, strategic approach.
The new brand identity blends legacy imagery with new visual elements that reflect the changes being implemented at the company, according to a press release. The sphere was retained from the original logo, but it now sports a dark blue-to-light blue gradient to convey forward motion.
In the new logo, the Vonco name remains in the sphere, but the old casual typeface has been replaced by a more progressive and serious one. In addition, the logo is now paired with the tagline, “Performance That Delivers.”
“One of the outcomes of our business planning process was that we determined that our strengths as a company give us great opportunity in the markets of food, industrial, medical and retail packaging,” said Tim Morgan, a partner in the business and VP of sales and marketing.
“Moving forward, it’s important that people see us as being professional,” he added.


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New Delhi: Digital printing and printing company MegaPrint is set to inaugurate a mega digital production facility here on Tuesday.
The company, which has been running printing plant at Rama Nagar, will create a huge digital print run and create 3D printing capabilities of its products.
MegaPrint has been manufacturing digital products in India since 2006.
It will be the first Indian company to be able to offer a digital printout of its product, said Anuj Kumar, CEO of MegaPrint.
MegaPrint has a manufacturing facility at Rampathi and the factory is expected to produce 1.5 million copies of its digital products a month.
The factory will be used for the production of digital printouts of MegaTexts, an instant messaging app that launched in August this year.


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The shift away from smartphone subsidy plans and toward equipment installment programs, coupled with a growing market for used devices, is expected to reduce demand for new handsets.
A new report from Macquarie Research warns that these emerging buying patterns have massive and underappreciated implications across the smartphone supply chain.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Analyst Deepon Nag and his team think there are a few things about this “smartphone distribution disruption” investors need to be aware of.
For one, carriers are pushing new smartphones less aggressively, since benefits associated with lower customer churn and higher average revenue per user dissipate.
“As smartphones approach full penetration in developed markets, and wireless carrier economics become more challenging, carriers are less focused on pushing new smartphones and more focused on cash flow,” Nag told clients.
The analyst also highlighted the growing popularity of used smartphones, as third-party marketplaces often provide prices 10-to-30-per-cent lower than new sticker prices for comparable devices.
Macquarie estimates that the used smartphone market is about 83 million devices globally, and is expected to grow at an annual compound rate of 24 per cent to about 158 million units by 2018. The firm’s analysts also estimate that every 100-basis-point gain in the 2014 recycle rate results in a 72-bps decline in 2016 smartphone shipment growth.
Thirdly, new plans are expected to lengthen the replacement cycle, which could hinder overall growth. Nag noted that the global smartphone market may only grow by approximately seven per cent in 2016.
He thinks shifting handset distribution models are good news for Apple Inc., since it likely means more market share, but negative for Android-based smartphone makers (along with smartphone-exposed semiconductor companies) since there will be fewer devices built.
As for carriers, the impact looks mixed, since higher churn levels will be offset by lower subsidies and a new revenue source from used smartphone distribution.
Macquarie believes Apple, Sprint Corp. and T-Mobile US Inc. will benefit from these changing dynamics, while Qualcomm Inc., ARM Holdings PLC, SanDisk Corp., LG Electronics Inc., AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. are vulnerable.


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SECURITY CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON CRIME REDUCTION
More than 100 jewelry retailers and manufacturers, insurers and law enforcement authorities put their heads together at the recent Jewel and Gem Conference to discuss ways to reduce crime.
The three-day conference was sponsored by Zale Corp., Sterling Inc., the Jewelers’ Security Alliance and the Gemological Institute of America. “I’ve been in retail my entire career and I’m still amazed at the cooperation within our industry to fight crime,” says Robert DiNicola, chairman and chief executive officer of Zale Corp. “There’s strength in numbers, and we’re certainly stronger when our efforts are unified.”
The conference featured seminars in how to track and identify stolen jewelry, recognize real and fake gems and discern individual gem characteristics. Included were demonstrations of new technologies that link retailers with law enforcement.
How serious is the problem? JSA President John Kennedy and Vice President Robert Frank said that while the number of robberies and burglaries committed against jewelers decreased nearly 22% in 1995, the value of losses increased about 29%.
“The majority of crimes against retail jewelers are not committed by random individuals, but by roving, organized gangs that prey on jewelry stores and will not hesitate to use violence to gain their treasure,” says Rich Sylvest, supervisory special agent of the FBI’s Interstate Theft Unit. “These criminals will continually perpetrate offenses until they are stopped, which we’ve all teamed up to do.”
“We all have one mission: to identify and prosecute the criminals that victimize the jewelry industry, its employees and customers,” says George Slicho, vice president of loss prevention at Zale Corp. “Our efforts have resulted in a safer place in which the industry conducts business and customers shop.”


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Samsung smartphone with 4 cameras may Launch on October 11
Samsung is all set to launch a new Galaxy device with four cameras. The company had tweeted about the launch event to be held on October 11.
The tweeted has a 4x fun gif and a caption written on it saying- “Let’s the fun begin”. It can be assumed that company is going to launch new Smartphones with four cameras
Let the fun times begin, this October 11, 2018. pic.twitter.com/8zzWYAgiWB
— Samsung Mobile (@SamsungMobile) September 14, 2018
The event will aslo be live streamed on the official website of Samsung. It will be the first time that the company is going to launch a smartphone with four cameras.


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When you have been trying to keep track of this news in any respect during the last four weeks about, you may have actually certainly viewed a story or two concerning bitcoin. For several years this crypto foreign currency has become a favorite between wonder the getting followers and those about to meet a chemical substance habit without having the authorities taking on. With every day even though, bitcoin are exploring their way into traditional trading markets, as well as are positioned to turn out to be an authentic option to authorities offered financial loan. Enables have a look at shown below so you can far better fully grasp why you must acquire bitcoin presently. Many people that decide to get bitcoin do this to the investment worth. A little around this past year bitcoin were worth close to 40 dollars each. Recently the cash achieved a record great at regarding 206 $, as well as is currently keeping regular inside the 100 $ variety. Fortunes have in fact been made by purchasing bitcoin and giving them on the perfect time. The bitcoin mini bubble burst recently, in addition to this has basically frightened a few beginner financiers; nevertheless this really is a regular likelihood.
The essential point out acknowledge is the fact each and every time that this money recoups, it jumps with an also higher really worth. It is actually unpredictable; nonetheless incredibly gratifying. Plus, using a small quantity of bitcoin across the really worth is expected to continue climbing for that not too distant future. It isn’t just conjecture; this might surely result in bitcoin to destroy lower therefore a lot of various other crypto currencies of the past. Bitcoin endures and is constantly develop simply because finding fostering on the web. Currently, this is limited by specific electrical retailers. On the web apparel retailers, providers html coding, type, and the like, as well as other uniqueness things make up most of bitcoin adopters to date; however they can be just the 1st wave. This will certainly result in a rise of bitcoin use on-line.
However it comes with an offline existence also, with the crypto robot 365 test tam launching in the past this month. Material aggregation site experienced a message earlier this week illustrating a part retailer who had their own we accept bitcoin sticker label, one and only thing retaining them again is way far better performance. Point out the money experiencing important leaps in worthy of and implementation soon. Individuals who are currently purchased bitcoin, in addition to those that jump in the quick upcoming, will see huge results on the economic expense.


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Chinese Smartphone Xiaomi has unveiled a tablet likened to a much cheaper version of Apple’s popular iPad. Guess what the firm called it. The Mi Pad, of course.The Next Web reported Thursday Xiaomi unveiled the new product in Beijing bringing to an end plenty of rumors that popular Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi would be branching out into manufacturing tablets.
“The device has a 2GB RAM, a 16GB ROM, and will support up to 128GB via a memory expansion card. It comes with an eight-megapixel back camera and a five-megapixel front camera,” The Next Web said.
“We hope to put pressure on Apple,” Xiaomi’s Lei Jun said, adding Xiaomi spent as long as four years planning its first tablet.
Mi Pad measures 7.9 inches and is available in six colors. It has a 2048 x 1536 screen from Sharp and Youda, and sports the 2.2 Ghz Tegra K1 – the first tablet to use the Nvidia processor.
The tablet runs on a highly customizable MIUI firmware, which is based on Google’s Android.
Xiaomi will sell the tablet for 1499 yuan ($240) for a Wifi-only 16 GB version. A 64GB version sells for 1699 yuan (around $273).
According to next web, Xiaomi is yet to fix a launch date for the device, though the firm may start open testing in June, with further tweaks based on initial customer feedback


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The fine was imposed following over 1,000 complaints from consumers, including one from a doctor whose line was being clogged with automated calls, preventing emergency patient calls from getting through. Complainants reported being dialled at all hours of the day and night by Brighton-based Prodial, which provided no opt out details for those who wanted the calls to stop. The company also operated out of a residential address and masked its identity, making it even harder for consumers to take action to prevent the calls.
Prodial is also said to have used the details of consumers who had not ‘opted-in’ to receive marketing calls, a practice which is against the law. The marketing ‘leads’ generated by its calls were sold on to claims management companies.
According to Christopher Graham, the Information Commissioner, who handed down the record fine, the company’s owner closed it down on hearing that the ICO was investigating its practices.
Mr Graham said: "This is one of the worst cases of cold-calling we have ever come across.
"The volume of calls made in just a few months was staggering. This was a company that knew it was breaking the law."
"We want to send a clear message to other firms that this type of law-breaking will not pay. That is why we have handed out our highest ever fine.”


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Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Pixeltek, working with German developer Zone 2, has started production on 2D buildings for the terrific Facebook game, Greensight City! Check out the game by clicking here: GreenSightCity | Facebook
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Our partner Phoenix Online Studios has announced its first commercial title, Cognition: An Erica Reed Thriller. Made in collaboration with Jane Jenses, Romano Molenaar and Khaeon Gamestudio, this game is set to be one of the hotly anticipated Adventure titles of 2012!
- ▼ 2012 (2)
- ► 2010 (11)


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MANILA – European marketing and services firm Garant Group has signed a partnership venture with local private investment company A. Sachi Ventures—established by Philippine Retailers Association and Philippine Franchise Association founder Samie Lim—to introduce the Garant-Moebel concepts to the Philippines and connect local furniture makers to an international network.
In a news conference on Friday, Garant-Moebel Board Director Christoph Hampel said, in partnering with A. Sachi Ventures, they may support small and medium furniture retailers through their international knowledge and network.
The two companies formed the A. Sachi-Garant, the partnership venture that will offer SMEs the opportunity to convert their mom-and-pop stores into Garant outlets.
By becoming part of the Garant Group, the SMEs in the furniture retail industry will see upgrades in their stores, including design concepts, layout and inventory, Hampel said.
Filipino furniture producers will also gain access to the 21 other markets that Garant has presence in worldwide should they become part of the group, Hampel added.
Lim, considered the father of Philippine franchising, said local furniture makers can benefit from the partnership as they will get the opportunity to be listed as one of the global suppliers of Garant.
“Furniture makers in the Philippines will have ready distribution channels, both here and abroad, when they pass the quality standard of Garant,” Lim said.
Interested furniture retailers may obtain a license through retail-member agreements from Garant Philippines, the company name and brand that will be carried by joint venture. They can also become franchisees.
In Southeast Asia, the Garant Group has established presence in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Garant will initially offer two of its retail-store concepts for the Philippine market: the Garant Better Living and Gatrant Mer.
The Garant Better Living retail concept caters to the mid- to high-end market segment, while the Garant Mer is a value-for-money concept geared toward the lower-middle market segment. “Our target is to have 50 Garant-affiliated stores in the country in five years,” Lim added.
For more Businessmirror stories, go here.


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Why Granny's old chair could fetch a fortune in Shanghai: China's new rich love traditional British furniture... are willing to splash out TEN times its value
They are the sort of old-fashioned bookcases, sideboards and settees once common in many homes.
But antique furniture that would fetch a few hundred pounds in British auction rooms is suddenly being sold for thousands in Beijing – thanks to soaring demand among China’s new executive class.
The nation’s nouveau riche are increasingly keen to buy into a heritage that has slipped out of fashion in Britain – believing the elegant items will increase their social standing.
A carved English bookcase that fetched £980 at auction in London recently sold for £10,000 in Beijing. Similarly, an oak sideboard that reached £340 here was sold for £3,800 there.
Sitting pretty: Susan Sun on a reproduction Chesterfield armchair she is selling for £10,000
Auctioneer Tom Keane is astounded by the ‘astronomical’ prices the Chinese middle classes are willing to pay – reinvigorating the previously moribund market for antique furniture.
‘The Chinese are fed up with Ming vases and their houses looking the same,’ he said. ‘They are collecting anything British. Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and things hand-carved or with a story behind them. I still can’t believe that a set of Victorian nursing chairs worth £500 here sold for £2,400. The Chinese were fascinated that mothers and nurses sat on these chairs to feed babies.
‘We also sent over a Regency mahogany pole screen with tapestry panel. I explained these were used by ladies to shield their cheeks from going pink when they sat near a fire. They just love these bits of history. The screen is worth £40 in Britain, but sold for £600 there.’
Mr Keane – a familiar face on TV shows such as Cash In The Attic, Bargain Hunt and Dickinson’s Real Deal – has just shipped 60 items to China, and he is now collecting a second consignment of 20 items to send to Beijing.
Treasure trove: Tom Keane in his warehouse, surrounded by items the Chinese love
‘I’ve been really surprised by the interest,’ he said. ‘But it is good news for Britain. Demand is putting up prices at auction and I believe they will be the saviours of our antique furniture market, which has been in the doldrums for ten years.’
Susan Sun, a former London banker who now runs an upmarket interiors company in China, confirmed there is a ‘very big’ mark-up on British imports. Her elegant showroom in Beijing has a distinctive English country house feel, with items selling for up to £30,000.
She said: ‘The market is so narrow and there are no reference points, so it is hard to say what is a reasonable price. It all depends on the buyer. Many people in China have gone from being poor to rich in the space of two to three years, but good taste isn’t acquired in one day.’
She is convinced that demand will escalate in the next decade, saying that the educated Chinese like British antique furniture ‘because of its exotic and elegant style as well as the craftsmanship – and it’s not over-the-top, like some Italian or French furniture’.
Mark Dodgson of the British Antique Dealers’ Association said the traditional finish of British furniture, which allows the grain to show through, is also a factor. ‘Chinese furniture is also based on the beauty of the wood and its grain, so there’s a resonance,’ he said.
Sellers such as David Dillon, 55, a publican from Chertsey, Surrey, are thrilled with the interest from China. He sold some furniture after downsizing and said: ‘I expected some pocket money, but thanks to the Chinese I made enough to go towards a holiday.
‘A couple of desks which I thought would fetch £100 each went for £260 each.’
The boom is helping the UK antiques scene – which has been hit by the stagnant housing market and fashion for contemporary design – and follows the Chinese appetite for other luxury British items, from designer clothes to Scottish salmon.
Mark-up: Georgian bureau
It is a remarkable turnaround in the market, after decades of British families snapping up antique vases and furniture from China. The once-thriving trade in items such as tiger- legged dining tables, rattan seats and lacquered cabinets featuring hand-painted dragons has slumped in recent years, as the oriental look has fallen out of fashion.
But despite the new boom, there are some items that the Chinese will not touch.
Ivan Macquisten, editor of Antiques Trade Gazette, said: ‘It will be hard to sell old bedroom furniture because the Chinese think it will contain the ghosts of previous owners, and they don’t like the idea of these ghosts looking down on them.
‘And there won’t be much interest in silver cocktail shakers. If a Chinese buyer can afford cocktails, he’d want to be seen in the best bar drinking them, not making them at home.’
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Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries or Gaikindo is still waiting for further developments regarding the discourse on flying car trials in the Indonesian Capital City (IKN) in 2024.
“We’ll just have to wait for further developments,” said Chairman I of Gaikindo, Jongkie Sugiarto when contacted by ANTARA, Thursday.
Jongkie said that flying cars are a relatively new technology in Indonesia, so there are still many aspects and considerations that must be considered by stakeholders.
Also read: Hyundai believes flying cars are the solution for the future
According to him, there are various regulations that still need to be made before flying cars can fly in the country. For now, he said, Gaikindo is still focusing on four-wheeled vehicles on land.
“Currently Gaikindo only takes care of cars on land,” he said.
Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation of the Archipelago Capital Authority (OIKN) Prof. Mohammed Ali Berawi said flying car trials would be carried out at IKN in 2024.
He said OIKN and Hyundai Motor Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together to build an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) smart mobility ecosystem in Indonesia. This collaboration aims to develop flying cars.
This development is the first time for Indonesia, while in the world the flying car concept is also still under development.
The flying car in question resembles a drones which can contain both passengers and goods. One of its functions is to make it easier to reach areas that are difficult to reach by road and hills.
This flying car technology has not yet been mass-produced, so it still requires various developments.
He said that currently OIKN is developing technology that can be used for 2035, including flying cars. His party hopes that in the future Indonesia can become an actor for the development of flying cars in the future.
Also read: Flying car trials at IKN 2024 until HyunA and DAWN break up
Also read: IKN will test flying cars in 2024
Also read: Display of the 2016 EHang flying car that floats at IIMS 2022
Preacher: Fathur Rochman
Editor: Maria Rosari Dwi Putri
Copyright © ANTARA 2022


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“And Crown Thy Good, With Brotherhood, From Sea to Shining Sea”
To celebrate Black History Month, noted hemp and cannabis attorney Scheril Murray Powell, Esq., Executive Director for the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists of Florida, CMO of Cannabiziac, and former Director of Federal Affairs for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, offers this reflection.
By Scheril Murray Powell, Esq.
Hundreds of years ago in American history, it was a requirement that landowners plant hemp. More often than not, that hemp was grown by African American enslaved, trafficked people on plantations owned by the forefathers of our great nation and framers of our Constitution.
Then a bit less than a century ago, we entered the period of prohibition where the American People were deprived of the opportunity to benefit from the thousands of uses for hemp. As cannabis activists, we see ourselves as the good guys. We might even go as far as believing ourselves to be “true patriots” for our efforts to legalize and free the plant so that we can restore sustainable practices as well as creating earth friendly alternatives. There is no denying that the work that we are doing with regard to building hemp structures, creating cannabinoid extracts for relief, and developing paper alternatives is good work.
Hemp News Spotlight
California Prop. 65 Warning Requirement for THC Makes CBD, Hemp and Cannabis Products a Target
By Brave Cave Leighton Paisner
New Mexico Judge Invalidates Arbitrary Restrictions on Hemp
By The Daily Journal
Pampa Hemp First Private Company to Receive Approval for Medicinal Hemp Research and Production
By Apertura (in Spanish)
Add your event to Hemp Events, a free listing service for legitimate hemp industry events. Visit www.HempEvents.org.
Help Urge Support for H.R. 8179, The Hemp and Hemp-derived CBD Consumer Protection and Market Stabilization Act of 2020, U.S. Hemp Roundtable Action Alert
Hemp Supporters, there’s never been a more urgent opportunity to support CBD on Capitol Hill. If passed, H.R. 8179 would ensure that hemp-derived CBD, and other non-intoxicating hemp ingredients, could be lawfully marketed as dietary supplements.
Urge Your Members of Congress to Support Our Troops’ Access to CBD
On July 20, 2020 the U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to allow service members to use products containing hemp, including CBD. Unfortunately, the amendment was not included in the Senate’s version of the NDAA, which passed on July 23, and was not included in the final bill. However, as a new Congress meets this year, they are hoping for another hearing. Please share this U.S. Hemp Roundtable page with your friends, colleagues, customers, and social media contacts throughout the country.
Sign the 1% Hemp Petition
The 2018 Farm Bill authorized hemp production but used an outdated definition of hemp that does not work for farmers or the hemp industry. The current definition limiting hemp to 0.3% THC has proven unworkable, forcing many farmers to destroy their crops because they were slightly over the limit. We need Congress to change the definition of hemp to allow up to 1% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) so that farmers can grow hemp crops without fearing that they will later have to destroy them. Please add your name to the Vote Hemp petition urging Congress to redefine hemp as up to 1% THC and share this with your friends.
Subscribe to the Let’s Talk Hemp YouTube Channel
#LetsTalkHemp is the ultimate platform that focuses on “Changing the Cannabis Conversation”. We provide news, education, and information about Hemp and Cannabis to our viewers so that they can learn more about the industry and get tips and tricks on the latest technologies. Subscribe to our channel and learn about everything from legal updates, farming, production, and new products entering the Hemp & Cannabis space.
Let’s Talk Hemp Podcast – Season 4, Episode 2
Available on February 4, 2021
From the elation of 2018, when hemp was first legalized in the U.S. after 80 years of prohibition, to an uncertain market in 2020, compounded by the coronavirus pandemic, the hemp industry’s road to success has been rocky. However, with recent legislative and regulatory developments in Congress, USDA and FDA, along with groundbreaking rulings in the EU and the United Nations, 2021 holds promise for those who continue to dedicate themselves to all things hemp. In this episode of Volume Up, host Morris Beegle and co-host Josh Hendrix of Driftless Extracts interview Patrick Atagi of the National Industrial Hemp Council and Jonathan Miller of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable for a 2021 Hemp Regulation and Legislative Forecast to help you chart a course for the road ahead.
Available on February 4, 2021, on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartMedia and LetsTalkHemp.com.
About Let’s Talk Hemp
Let’s Talk Hemp is a publication of Colorado Hemp Company (a division of We Are For Better Alternatives) focused specifically on the subject of industrial hemp and cannabis. We present features and curate news from across the globe to share the benefits of cannabis on health, energy, manufacturing and planet (H.E.M.P.). Colorado Hemp Company also is the Producer of NoCo Hemp Expo and Southern Hemp Expo, the nation’s leading hemp conferences and expositions.
Publisher: Morris Beegle, Elizabeth Knight
Editor: Steven Hoffman
Web Developer: Debby West
Design: Ben Wright
Circulation: Evan Tompros
Contributor: Heather Collins
Financial Officer: Lori Buderus
Let’s Talk Hemp Podcast: Morris Beegle
Send Us Your Hemp News!
Send press releases and news announcements to email@example.com


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What: Shares of Logitech International SA (LOGI -0.34%) were surging higher Thursday after the computer accessories company delivered a strong first-quarter earnings report. As of 2:47 p.m. EDT, the stock was up 13.3%.
So what: The maker of keyboards, webcams, and similar products posted an adjusted earnings per share of $0.20, up a penny from a year ago, and much better than estimates at $0.13 a share. Revenue, meanwhile, was up 13% in constant currency to $480 million, well ahead of the consensus at $434.7 million.
CEO Bracken Darrell said, "Our strategy is working," noting that sales growth was the best in five years and that revenue across all major categories and regions.
Now what: As a result of the strong quarter, management raised its full-year guidance, calling for 8%-10% revenue growth in constant currency, up from a prior view of mid-single digits. It also raised its adjusted operating income guidance for the year up from $185 million-$200 million, to $195 million-$205 million.
Logitech shares reached a post-recession high on the report as the company's focus on innovation appears to be paying off. Logitech has increasingly turned to the mobile market with portable videoconferencing technology and mobile speakers. As the smartphone and tablet market expand, the company should continue to benefit.
Look for analysts to bump up guidance after such a strong quarter as we could see Logitech raise its guidance again in another three months.


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Women Entrepreneurs Further Their Businesses at Womancon
Adrienne Garland and Laura Leites have got the right idea with Womancon. Womancon is a company that assists female entrepreneurs to build and further their businesses with various tools and resources. The media and content company was founded in January 2013 and will be hosting their third annual conference. Past womancon speakers include Andrea Smith, former technology producer at ABC news, and Kay Koplovitz, founder of USA Network. Penina Rybak, CEO of Socially Speaking LLC, attended and praised the conference in an article featured on Huffington Post last year. She emphasized the importance of live events and the opportunity to network and build connections in person even in a digital age.
Womancon 2015 will be held on September 29th and will feature speakers such as Janet Hanson of 85 Boards, Geri Stengel of Ventureneer, and other leading women in their fields along with talks and panels moderated by the two founders.
"I love what Womancon is doing to encourage female entrepreneurs." says Finny Varghese, President and CEO of Nexus Staffing and sponsor at Womancon 2015. "I want my daughters to have every opportunity to become strong business owners if the choose to and events like Womancon pave a way for their future."
Laura Leites was the head of operations and business developer at a media company that educates businesses about technology. She has a background in working events and is an event planner for L2 Event Productions. She’s had experience putting together conferences such as Zoho User Conference in 2012 and award shows such as the Small Business Influencer Award Gala. She’ll be moderating the “Now What?” panel at womancon, focused on how to help the attendees move forward with their businesses.
Adrienne Garland is very involved in the marketing world and headed up marketing teams for Cablevision, PR Newswire, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. In addition to being involved in womancon, she works as the Digital Marketing Executive of KMS Group. KMS Group is dedicated to helping businesses with strategic marketing and social media. At Womancon, she will be moderating the “Marketing, Sales, and Social Media” panel which teaches attendees how to manage their marketing as they start and grow their companies.
To Register for Womancon 2015 and receive a Nexus Staff discount go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womancon-2015-womens-entrepreneurship-conference-tickets-15305433965?discount=NEXUS79


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The European General Court on Wednesday upheld virtually all of a historic €1.47 billion fine against seven manufacturers that colluded to fix prices to shield their business against fast-evolving technology in the TV industry.
The judges agreed that the European Commission had proved the companies, including Philips, LG Electronics, Samsung SDI and Panasonic, broke the law between 1996 and 2006. Their senior managers met in glamorous European and Asian destinations, spoke in code and played golf while setting prices for cathode ray tubes, a key component for TVs of that era.
This was the Commission’s largest fine against a cartel and the lion’s share was paid by Philips and LG Electronics, which shelled out a combined €1 billion.
Philips said in a statement it “disagrees with the outcome and continues to dispute the decision and will appeal today’s judgment.”
Chunghwa escaped a fine as the whistleblower which revealed the cartel’s existence to the Commission in return for immunity against fines.
The judges also shaved off almost €60 million from the total penalty, largely by erasing €28 million in fines against Toshiba and about the same amount for Panasonic.
While TV technology advanced over the past decade, the companies’ business practices did not.
Ironically, the Commission discovered the cartel around cathode ray tubes, while probing the market for the next generation LCD screens. The LCD cartel, which included many of the same companies, resulted in fines of around €600 million and several follow-on actions.
In the ruling Wednesday, the companies had challenged the EC, arguing the many sales of cathode ray tubes took place outside Europe. However, the Commission countered that the cartel then sold TVs containing those tubes within Europe.
The high-water mark for EU cartel fines was in 2012, when they totaled €1.88 billion.
The fines were so high in the cathode ray tube case in part because the companies had sought to cover up their tracks and because CRTs made up as much as 70 percent of the price of TV screens and computer monitors.


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Dia and Mercadona, the supermarket chains that have raised their prices the most. Dia & Go registers an increase of 17.1% and Mercadona 16.2% In addition, food prices register a historical rise after shooting up 15.2%, according to the annual report of the OCU (Organization of Consumers and Users.
This year’s report confirms that for the first time all supermarket chains without exception have raised their prices , being among the large chains, Dia and Mercadona, the ones that have raised their prices the most in this period.
“The national chains have raised their prices above the IPC, the most important thing is that there are many that have a very similar rise, between 11% and 15% and then others have risen more like Mercadona and those of the Dia group “, explained the price specialist technician, Miguel Ángel Pascual.
In this way, Dia establishments are the ones that have increased their prices the most, Dia & Go registering a rise of 17.1% , La Plaza de Dia, 16.2% and Dia, 15.2%, as well as Mercadona, which raised prices by 16.2%.
On the contrary, those that have increased prices the least have been Alimerka (8.4%) Carrefour Express (8.5%) and BM Urban (8.8%) . However, the consumer organization has reiterated that the rise in prices has been generalized and quite homogeneous in all the chains.
The Alcampo de Coia hypermarket in Vigo is the cheapest establishment in Spain of the supermarkets visited by the OCU, while the chains include Tifer, which is located in towns in Castilla y León; Dani, the local chain established in Jaén and Granada; and Family Cash. Alcampo and Supeco are the cheapest national chains to make the purchase.
While the establishment of Sánchez Romero on Calle Arturo Soria in Madrid takes over from La Moraleja (Madrid) and this year is the most expensive in Spain to fill the shopping basket, followed by Amazon, Novavenda and Ulabox.
According to the OCU, the cities where it is cheaper to make the purchase are Vigo, Ciudad Real, Jerez de la Frontera, Almería, Granada, Huelva, Puertollano and Palencia , while Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Girona, Madrid and Alcobendas-San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid) are the most expensive.
By autonomous communities, La Rioja, Extremadura, Galicia and Murcia are the cheapest regions , while the Balearic Islands and Catalonia are where it is more expensive to make the purchase.
The report has analyzed a total of 173,392 product prices after visiting 1,180 establishments spread over 65 Spanish cities in addition to the Internet.
General rise in prices
In this way, the price study highlights that it is a general rise in prices that affects 95% of the 239 that make up the shopping basket .
However, not all products rise the same, since the “brutal” increase in the price of sunflower oil stands out with a rise of 118% , which was not only due to the impact of the war in Ukraine, followed by cupcakes and those followed by muffins and margarine (75%) and bananas, pasta, olive oil and flour with increases of 50% or more, while price drops were detected only in 12 products such as shampoo (-5%) or in some fruits such as avocado (-10%) or kiwi (-6%)
The study highlights that the possibilities of saving vary a lot between cities, depending on where the purchase is made. Thus, the maximum saving is achieved in Madrid and reaches 3,529 euros , thanks to the great diversity of commercial offer that the Spanish capital has.
On the contrary, Cuenca (485 euros), Segovia (520 euros) and Pontevedra (526 euros) are the Spanish cities in which it is more difficult to save.
The prices of food products have registered a historical rise after shooting up 15.2% since the last supermarket study , according to the report carried out by the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) on the cost of the shopping basket, which has detected the biggest rise in food prices in 34 years .
The director of communication and institutional relations of OCU, Ileana Izverniceanu, has highlighted that this year there has been a “historic rise” in food prices. “In addition, this year the average annual savings (in the shopping basket) does not exceed 1,000 euros , it shows that a little less is saved than last year, 7.3% less,” she explained at a conference. press.
In this way, a Spanish family can save an average of 994 euros per year in the shopping basket, depending on the establishment you choose when making your food purchases.
To update the information in the study, the organization has carried out a survey in Madrid and Barcelona with a small number of products and supermarkets in the last four months that have found that these price increases are maintained and that they may continue in the coming years. months.
Thus, 64% of the products rose in price, compared to 36% that fell , rising 0.9%, which is a very significant amount for such a short period of time.
Izverniceanu has acknowledged that the trend is “pessimistic” for the coming months, after this survey, since costs continue to rise “if they are not stopped.”