text:
UK car dealers take advantage of open banking to cut costs
Payment processing fees are an unavoidable problem for many businesses large and small, but for automotive merchants the impact on their bottom line can be particularly severe.
“These companies generate hundreds of millions of pounds of revenue a year, but they make very small margins, so if you accept this payment by card, even if you have very good rates, with your acquirer, you could pay more than 5% – and 5% of £100m is actually a lot,” Cocoon Product Manager Sam Meekins told PYMNTS in a recent interview.
The London-based company operates a software platform that facilitates payments for merchants in the automotive market, gaining broad visibility into the significant payment processing fees faced by car dealerships.
Read more: Cocoon partners with EML’s Nuapay to drive digital payments for car dealerships
To alleviate this major issue for its merchant customers, the company recently announced a partnership with open banking payments company EML Nuapay that will allow merchants to make fast and secure payments on automotive purchases directly from their online bank accounts. using open banking, bypassing an expensive card system. costs.
Read the interview of the CEO of EML Nuapay: UK merchants cut costs by adopting open banking payments
“Our proposal with [EML] Nuapay, as the underlying infrastructure provider, is to provide our business customers with a cheaper, faster and more secure way to accept payments. [on Cocoon’s platform] which is delivered through an open banking system,” Meekins said.
Meekins pointed out that the average order value for a dealer is around £1,000 (about $1,340) and that often these payments are made remotely, including over the phone, they are more risky and subject to at higher acquisition costs of around 0.5% to 1%.
Cocoon can help reduce that cost significantly, Meekins said. “That on a payout basis is £5-£10 and we can usually do it for 75% less than that,” he noted.
Gradual transition to Open Banking
Open banking has transformed the financial services market, allowing consumers to share their banking information and allowing companies like EML Nuapay to use this data to create services better suited to consumers’ financial needs.
But according to Meekins, not all of their automotive customers have fully embraced the technology as some of their customers may not have mobile banking apps or may simply prefer to spread payments over multiple installments using a credit card. , instead of having the money immediately deducted from their current account. account when paying.
On top of that, he said that just a few years ago some car dealerships stopped accepting cash and checks as a form of payment, a transition that didn’t sit well with some of their customers and made the adoption of an open banking system a risky endeavor. for them.
“What they have [dealerships] says we have 25% of [our] customers who we think will be very difficult to move to open banking, so we don’t want to use your solution,” Meekins explained.
So, in order to serve all their customers on one platform, including those who cannot use open banking or who are not yet ready to abandon their legacy technology, Cocoon also offers a card-based solution alongside the open banking technology.
As Meekins said, even though the pandemic has accelerated the shift to digital payments, it would take time for all merchants to get on board.
“It will certainly be a gradual change, but the pandemic has massively accelerated the use of digital technology. Two years ago QR codes weren’t popular, and now we’re talking to merchants [who use them] so I think it was sped up, but [digital payments is still] a challenge.”
Fight against fraud
The partnership with EML Nuapay also helps combat fraudulent activity by giving merchants the tools to easily detect suspicious transactions they may have previously missed.
Referring to one of their car customers who, prior to using Cocoon, was defrauded, Meekins said a dealership salesman approved a transaction for a car reservation, only to find out later. that the card details provided by the customer over the phone were linked to a stolen card.
“The security of this process is very poor because anyone could have picked up this card on the street,” explained Meekins, who said that the trader unknowingly delivered the car during the pandemic once he believed to have secured the deposit.
After the owner of the stolen card finally disputed the transaction, the company ended up liable for £30,000 ($40,230), a huge loss that was completely avoidable, he said.
Now, with open banking, Cocoon can rely on its strong customer authentication and use of biometrics on users’ phones to authenticate its payments with bank-grade security. “It greatly reduces the possibility of fraud and is a perfect example of how it is [open banking] help,” he said.
Register here for daily updates on all of PYMNTS’ Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) coverage.


text:
By Kingsley Jeremiah
Stakeholders have spoken of the need for mechanized farming in Nigeria, emphasizing that the development would improve agricultural productivity and address challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
This came in the wake of international development organization, Heifer International, announcing an additional $3.5 million in funding for its tractor financing initiative in Africa to speed up the pace of agricultural development on the continent.
The announcement followed an investment with Hello Tractor’s innovative Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) Tractor financing for agro-entrepreneurs in Nigeria which stands at about $1 million.
Pushing the firm’s funding for tractor financing in Africa to $4.5 million, President and CEO of Heifer International, Pierre Ferrari noted at the event that increased mechanization – and tractors in particular – is vital as smallholder farmers scale up their production and build profitable and sustainable farming businesses.
“We are particularly impressed by Hello Tractor’s Pay-As-You-Go tractor financing model – an innovation that emerged from the AYuTe Africa Challenge, an agro-tech competition for young entrepreneurs run by Heifer International,” he said.
The organization noted that the investment would increase mechanization of smallholder farmers, promoting increased food security and entrepreneurship across Africa. The additional $3.5 million investment under the Tractors 4 Africa (T4A) project is expected to finance an additional 75 tractors across Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda.
The company noted that the investment would provide affordable access to tractor services to 872,250 smallholder farmers at an affordable rate, boosting farm productivity, employment, and food security and farmer livelihoods over the next ten years. The investment will create 6,979 new jobs as booking agents, tractor operators, technicians and tractor owners over 10 years.
“Africa has the lowest number of tractors per farmer globally and as a result, yields per hectare are low. Smallholder farmers do not have access to tractors and that’s something we aim to change. We encourage our partners and the donor community to join Heifer International on this journey,” Ferrari said.
The Tractors 4 Africa project aims to deploy 50,000 tractors servicing more than 90 million smallholder farmers across Africa, improving their incomes, while creating more than 500,000 jobs.

domain: news


text:
Finance provider Greensill develops technology to help Britain's struggling pharmacies cut costs
Finance provider Greensill has developed a technology to help Britain's struggling pharmacies cut costs.
It is using data analytics to forecast which prescriptions are likely to be ordered, so pharmacies can buy in exactly what is needed.
Greensill will also extend a low-interest loan to cover the cost of the medications, which will be repaid when the drugs are sold.
Helping hand: Greensill is using data analytics to forecast which prescriptions are likely to be ordered, so pharmacies can buy in exactly what is needed
The company will make the first of these payments to the 1,000 pharmacies it works with this week.
Pharmacies must purchase medications from their suppliers to obtain stock ahead of time, and only recoup the money when a patient later buys the drugs.
Many pharmacies rely on costly short-term loans to buy drugs. Ordering too much of one medication – and failing to sell it all – heavily impacts finances.
Bill Crothers, vice chairman of Greensill, said: 'Paying pharmacists in advance at ultra-low rates will help.'
Most watched Money videos
- German car giant BMW launches its first ever M3 Touring model
- German start-up Sono Motors unveils solar powered electric car
- McMurtry fan car sets new Goodwood Hill record as fastest car
- BMW selling features of its car as separate subscriptions
- Could the falling pound be a good thing?
- Czech Police seize Ferrari 458 from criminals and keep it
- Ford unveils 2,000bhp electric Supervan its fastest transit yet
- New £400k electric Rolls-Royce Spectre snapped testing in France
- Mini Aceman: All-electric crossover due to go on sale in 2024
- Take a look at the all-new Vauxhall Astra in action
- Michael Schumacher's undefeated 1998 Ferrari is to be auctioned
- Lamborghini vid shows off-road Huracan Sterrato being tested


text:
CoinFlip May 2020 Updates
May 2020 has been a wild ride — with the world seemingly diminishing into chaos, the CoinFlip team has continued our expansion efforts with the goal to make CoinFlip the most inclusive cryptocurrency onramp. We achieved several big milestones this month, including a new wallet partnership, the deployment of over 60 ATMs, and the launch of our over-the-counter (OTC) service called CoinFlip Preferred. As we get close to our 750,000th transaction, check out the recap that we have for May and stay tuned for June, where we will have more partnerships, listings, and ATMs!
Monarch Wallet Monarch Wallet and CoinFlip released details of our partnership on May 5th, 2020. The partnership entails special discount codes for Monarch Wallet users and allows users to find their closest CoinFlip Bitcoin ATMs! Our CEO Daniel Polotsky had the following to say about the Monarch Wallet partnership.
Wallets and ATMs are naturally synergistic since every user needs to download a wallet before they purchase crypto from us, we want users to engage with our machines, buy crypto, and then continue to engage with the crypto world through Monarch Wallet’s many services aiming to educate users about cryptocurrency.
Sixty More CoinFlip Bitcoin ATMs, Millions to Go! CoinFlip deployed over 60 CoinFlip Bitcoin ATMs in May, with some to new areas such as Benton in Arizona, Union City in Georgia, and many more! We are on track to meet our goal of 1,000 ATMs by the end of 2020 and making bitcoin accessible to the cash economy through our ATMs. CoinFlip ATMs are the easiest and fastest way for someone to buy bitcoin with cash.
Some of these new ATMs come with anti-microbial coatings, which kills microorganisms and cleanses our ATMs to ensure the safety of our customers.
In addition, customers should be expecting to see our new model ATMs in stores close to them very soon — the BATM4! The new model is visually striking with a 23" touch screen, neon bezel, and sleek form factor.
The Launch of CoinFlip Preferred CoinFlip launched our over-the-counter (OTC) service called CoinFlip Preferred, which aims to bridge the gap between retail customers and traditional over-the-counter services that require a minimum of $100,000 to invest. CoinFlip Preferred’s minimum is only $5,000.
We believe that anyone should be able to take advantage of low fees and deserves great customer support — which is why CoinFlip Preferred will also feature special concierges that clients can talk to and walk them through the necessary steps and procedures. Daniel Polotsky had the following to say:
Our mission has always been to help regular people build their wealth by demystifying cryptocurrencies and giving them easier access to these burgeoning markets. With CoinFlip Preferred we can provide more Americans with the kind of high-touch investment service many companies reserve for their wealthiest clients.
Sponsorships Our team is proud to support and sponsor the Crypto Entrepreneurs Podcast by CryptoCharles. The Crypto Entrepreneurs Podcast is a biweekly podcast focused on entrepreneurs in the bitcoin space and inspiring the crypto community to get involved in their own entrepreneur journey. This is the third podcast in which we sponsored, the first two being The Crypto Campfire Podcast and Kenneth Bosak Podcast.
Updates on the CoinFlip Team The CoinFlip team is proud to say that we have increased our hiring efforts even in the current condition of the economy — whereas other companies are downsizing. We have hired nearly 20 employees in the last two months and will continue to hire even more in the upcoming months. More employees will help us maintain a higher standard of quality that our customers expect and allow us to bring new services and onramps to the CoinFlip ecosystem.
Looking for a new exciting career? CoinFlip is always looking for tech-savvy and customer-oriented talent! Send us your resume at firstname.lastname@example.org!
Community Outreach & What to Expect for June CoinFlip’s mission is to bring about more economic freedom, innovation, and equality of opportunity through the adoption of cryptocurrency. These values come from the communities we serve. In particular, many of our customers come from the approximately 25% of Americans who are underbanked. We’ve seen firsthand that these communities bear the full cost of financial exclusion, yet they have few alternatives.
Crypto-based financial services have the potential to cut-out middlemen, lower fees, and disrupt the status quo in many more ways. Starting in June, CoinFlip will be dedicating even more of our resources towards supporting the underbanked in Chicago. By providing financial assistance, working with policymakers, and improving financial literacy, CoinFlip can help lay the groundwork for building stronger communities.
Thank you, #FlipGang The team at CoinFlip would like to express its heartfelt appreciation to each and every member of the community. The past few months have been turbulent to say the least. We know that many of our customers have had their lives upturned by the economic consequences of the pandemic. Yet, through it all, CoinFlip has continued to receive love, support, and laughs from the FlipGang.
Here are a couple of our favorite memories:
@c3ntrx on Twitter supporting us wearing personal protective gear
@cybotcam on Twitter disinfecting and cleaning one of our ATMs
We don’t take this support for granted. Your trust is our most valuable commodity. That’s why CoinFlip has always strived to provide our services honestly and transparently. We’re proud to offer low fees with the best customer service, but we’re not stopping there. The FlipGang has inspired us to redouble our efforts towards improving the lives of the communities we serve!
Be sure to stay tuned for updates in June! Follow us on social media today! https://twitter.com/CoinFlipATM https://www.instagram.com/coinflipatm/ https://www.facebook.com/coinflipatm/ https://www.coinflip.tech/
Sign up to get the latest in CoinFlip news, discounts, and more.
What is Bitcoin?
From hobbyists to advanced users, our informational guides make Bitcoin easy to understand for everyone.
New crypto ATM locations are popping up every day. Stay informed on new CoinFlip ATM locations near you.
Stay up to date on the latest CoinFlip news, discounts, industry trends, and more


text:
Posted by Dale Buss on August 24, 2011 08:47 AM
BHP confident in future of mining as profit jumps.
BYD troubles threaten expansion of Chinese automaker -- and Warren Buffett's investment.
Bank of America gets new battering by financial markets.
Groupon stumbles in China.
Heineken shares plunge on stagnant profit.
Heinz makes low-end push.
Hertz to begin renting electric cars in China.
Kraft cuts coffee prices 6 percent.
Maserati set to unveil Chrysler-built SUV at Frankfurt show.
Moody's Investors Service cuts Japan's credit rating.
Rio Tinto sponsors Mongolian national team at 2012 Olympics.
S&P welcomes new chief who knows crisis and change.
Saab seems destined to fail, Automotive News says.
Volkswagen comes on, American-style.


text:
Sometimes, you cannot really judge how acquisitions will perform and work for you. While there may be opportunities, it is very difficult to try and get them to succeed. Maybe it is the lack of focus and vision on a particular business niche that may lead to downfall. The same case may be in many people’s minds after hearing that Google is selling its Motorola Mobility business to Lenovo.
Official news reports say that Google has sold its Motorola Mobility unit to Chinese computer maker Lenovo. Reports say that the deal is worth around $2.91 billion. Google will get $660 million in cash and $750 million in Lenovo shares. The remaining $1.5 billion will be paid in the form of a promissory note to pay the remainder of the amount in a period of three years.
The selling amount is way below the amount that Google paid for acquiring Motorola in 2012. The online search giant coughed up $12.5 billion for the said deal. The initial objective of the deal was said to target the treasure trove of patents that come with acquiring Motorola. During that time, Google was at risk of being a target for lawsuits against rival companies out to take hole of the smartphone market.
Google believed that the company and its partners will acquire some level of protection from lawsuits when it acquired Motorola. But the collection of patents were not that effective in warding off the lawsuits. And the relevance of the patents may no longer be that important, now that Google and Samsung have also inked a cross-licensing deal recently.
When it comes to handsets, this is where Motorola may have become a burden for Google. While the mobile phone market may be very popular, there is cutthroat competition among the different manufacturers to make a dent in the eyes of consumers. Many big companies have tried to gain entrance and yet have failed miserably. One such company may be Google. The online search giant is trying to gain a foothold in the mobile phone market after it has introduced a very popular mobile phone operating system in Android. But despite their progress, they still have not positioned themselves as a known smartphone market player.
One reason for this is because of Google’s open source Android OS for mobile phones. The popularity of the Android platform has led to Google collaborating up with other smartphone manufacturers to come up with Android handsets for the consumer market. The fact that Google intended to create their own mobile phone may not have sit well with its other partners. This put Google in a very sensitive situation and may have delayed the progress of its planned handset business with Motorola.
Over the course of two fiscal years, losses as a result of the Motorola acquisition have been a problem for Google’s financial bottom line. The increased losses in the recent quarter may have made Google decide to let go of the acquisition. In addition, coming into the hands of Lenovo may be seen as an opportunity for the Chinese company to make some headway in the global mobile phone market.
With the acquisition of Motorola Mobility, Lenovo is getting a globally known brand that will help them improve their opportunities in entering many international markets. While Lenovo smartphones may have been quite popular in the Chinese market, the brand has not’ really taken off globally. Having Motorola in its fold along with its current lineup of consumer products may help Lenovo gain some foothold into a tricky and highly competitive international market. Consider it a gain for Lenovo and a loss for Google.


text:
DUBLIN, Dec 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Warehouse and Storage Market in China 2016-2020" report to their offering.
The report forecasts the warehouse and storage market in China to grow at a CAGR of 7.77% during the period 2016-2020.
The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.
One of latest trends in the market is increase in number of self-operated warehouses. Another trend is that big e-commerce players are setting up self-operated warehouse and logistics networks. While this bodes well for the overall warehousing and storage market in China, it could also turn into a challenge for vendors that are solely into warehouse and storage operations, such as Juno Logistics, Kerry Logistics, China Chengtong Group, and China Merchants Group.
According to the report, one of the primary drivers in the market is increase in demand due to growth of e-commerce. The e-commerce market in China saw substantial growth of nearly 50% from 2013 to 2014 to reach $449 billion and is expected to reach revenue values as high as $1 trillion by 2019. Of 14-15 billion parcels delivered in the country in 2014, more than 60% belonged to the e-commerce industry. China comes out as a top leader in the warehousing and storage market for the next five years due to the growing demand for online shopping. Approximately 172-527 million square feet are required per annum for China's warehouse and storage industry due to demand from the online market. This bodes well for market growth over the forecast period.
Further, the report states that one major challenge in the market is increase in rent for warehouse and storage space. The rush for warehouse space due to growing demand for e-commerce is pushing up rents for storage units in the world's fastest-growing economy.
- Agility Logistics
- CEVA Holdings
- DB Schenker
- Americold Logistics
- John Swire & Sons
- Deutsche Post DHL
- Preferred Freezer Services
Key Topics Covered:
Part 01: Executive summary
Part 02: Scope of the report
Part 03: Market research methodology
Part 04: Introduction
Part 05: Market landscape
Part 06: Market segmentation by application
Part 07: Market growth drivers
Part 08: Impact of drivers
Part 09: Market challenges
Part 10: Impact of drivers and challenges
Part 11: Market trends
Part 12: Vendor landscape
Part 13: Appendix
For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/35d7p4/warehouse_and
Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470
For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630
For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
SOURCE Research and Markets


text:
General Motors said Tuesday it will invest about $2 billion in its Spring Hill, Tennessee, assembly plant to produce the new Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV.
The announcement comes on the same day that the automaker will officially unveil another new long-range battery-electric vehicle, the GMC Hummer. GM plans to have “20 or more” battery-electric vehicles, or BEVs, in production by 2023.
“We are committed to investing in the U.S., our employees and our communities,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “These investments underscore the success of our vehicles today, and our vision of an all-electric future.”
The Spring Hill plant was originally intended to push the boundaries of manufacturing as the home of GM’s Saturn brand. However, Saturn was abandoned when GM emerged from bankruptcy a decade ago. It currently produces a mix of crossover-utility vehicles that include the Cadillac XT5 and XT6, as well as models for the GMC and Australian Holden brand.
The Tennessee complex, which covers 7.9 million square feet and currently employs about 3,400 hourly employees, will become the third assembly plant GM is dedicating to BEV production. The others include a factory in Orion Township, Michigan, now assembling the automaker’s first long-range model, the Chevrolet Bolt. The third was recently renamed Plant Zero and squats on the border of Detroit and the enclave of Hamtramck.
While the Spring Hill plant will continue producing gas-powered products like the Cadillac crossovers, the other factories will be dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles. Though specific plans for Plant Zero have not yet been announced, it is widely expected to handle production of the new Hummer, which will be offered in both SUV and pickup form, as well as an all-electric Chevrolet pickup — and possibly the Nikola Badger pickup.
GM was one of the first automakers to bring an all-electric vehicle to market, the original EV1, but it is only now taking serious aim at the segment — and at market leader, Tesla. By 2023, it expects to have a broad range of offerings for all four North American brands, as well as other brands offered abroad, especially in China where its new Wuling Micro battery-car is currently outselling Tesla.
The automaker has confirmed it will offer U.S. buyers both the existing Chevy Bolt as well as a stretched version to be called the Bolt EUV in the coming months. Next year will see it launch the two versions of the Hummer, with the Lyriq to follow in early 2022.
“The irony is not lost on anyone that this former gas-guzzler (the Hummer) is coming back as an electric vehicle,” said Ivan Drury, senior manager of Insights for Edmunds. “With that said, by demonstrating that ‘big’ doesn’t necessarily mean inefficient, the Hummer EV also represents a monumental paradigm shift that not only benefits GM, but also will help push consumer acceptance of EVs into a new realm.”
Critically, GM expects its new Ultium batteries to cost about $100 per kilowatt-hour, down from $145 per kWh with the current Chevrolet Bolt. For a vehicle like the Hummer, which is expected to have a pack of at least 100 kilowatt-hours, the savings would be substantial. And GM officials have told NBC their longer-term goal is to push down as low as $70 per kWh. According to the Boston Consulting Group, that would essentially put BEVs on parity with comparable gas-powered products.
With so many new BEVs in the works, industry analysts question whether the three electric vehicle plants GM has confirmed will be enough. Some, like the Wuling Micro, will be produced and sold only overseas.
The automaker’s Tuesday announcement also included another $153 million to be invested in five Michigan plants for future products.


text:
Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day is Back: the Biggest Annual Shopping Event in Southeast Asia and Taiwan
Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, kicks off its biggest annual regional shopping event, Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day. After last year’s successful 9.9 event which saw a three-fold uplift in orders and a five-time increase in site traffic, Shopee is upping the ante this year with a 14-day mega shopping event from 27 August to 9 September.
With over 10,000 sellers, 120 brands, and 40 corporate partners on board, users can enjoy a diverse range of unbeatable deals across all product categories on Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day. Leading up to 9 September, Shopee will be featuring a lineup of special themed days, each with exciting promotions including flash sales and up to 99% off various products in line with the focus of the day.
“Shopee has grown tremendously in the past year, and we are quickly becoming the online shopping destination of choice for both shoppers and sellers not just in Malaysia, but across the region. This is the third year that we are running the annual 9.9 shopping event in Malaysia, and it’s set to be our biggest ever. Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day was launched to thank all our users; in line with this, we have continued to strengthen our ties with leading brands to provide more exclusive offers, and launched new initiatives to elevate the overall shopping experience,” said Ian Ho, Shopee’s Regional Managing Director during the launch ceremony.
Revel in super themed days, including the Super Shocking Sale
Starting 27 August, users can immerse themselves in a non-stop 14-day shopping marathon featuring back-to-back themed days every 24 hours. On each day, users can shop countless promotions in line with daily themes, starting with Super Brands Festival on 27 August. During Super Brands Festival, Malaysians can score amazing deals of up to 99% off on the hottest products from a wide variety of all-time favourite brands including Nestle, L’Oreal, Russell Taylors, honor, Mead Johnson, Elianware, Her Jewellery, Thunder Match, Watsons and PETPET. Additionally, Shopee has teamed up with corporate partners such as Citibank, VISA, Hong Leong Bank and BHP to provide further value to customers after they have gone offline.
Users can also check out awesome deals on the hottest celebrity products at Shopee Celebrity Squad. Since its launch in May, Shopee Celebrity Squad has been well-received by ardent fans of iconic local stars including Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, Nora Danish, Emma Maembong.
Be sure to mark the 9 September as Shopee will be featuring 9 thrilling rounds of Shocking Sale promising up to 99% off the most popular products. In addition, users can also earn exclusive vouchers offering huge discounts on various product categories including Fast-moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Fashion, Electronics, and Lifestyle.
Shopee Shake with 99 million Shopee coins pool
Since its debut last year, Shopee Shake Shake has seen over 70 million plays by tens of thousands of users. To fuel the Shopee Shake craze on Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day, Shopee is supersizing the coins pool to a huge 99 million coins throughout the campaign. That’s not all, Shopee will go ‘kaw kaw’ by opening 9 time slots on 9 September, with 2 plays per user per slot; so players can shake and win up to 18 times in 24 hours.
Not only are deals bigger and better, Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day will also see the convergence of some of the largest retailers and industry players in the country. As part of the 9.9 Super Shopping Day launch, Shopee hosted a panel discussion titled Building a Thriving E-commerce Ecosystem through Strategic Partnerships, where leaders from renowned brands such as PayNet, RHB, KLFW, Digi and XES shared their ideas on nurturing the e-commerce ecosystem in Malaysia.
“E-commerce in Malaysia is constantly evolving, and because of robust partnerships within the industry, consumers are enjoying improved payments and logistics, greater product variety, increased convenience and better deals on their favourite products. We have packed Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day with a comprehensive suite of deals and promotions tailored to our users and we are confident shoppers will enjoy an unmatched online shopping experience at our largest annual regional shopping event,” Ho concluded.
Visit shopee.com.my/99 to find out more information. Download the Shopee App for FREE via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Gadgets, Photography, Automobile, Lifestyle


text:
London, UK and San Mateo, CA (PRWEB) September 10, 2015
AdsWizz, a leading global technology provider of advertising solutions for the digital radio and audio industries, today announced the hiring of Pierre Naggar as its VP Programmatic Demand, to lead the company’s relationships with DSP’s and agency trading desks for their digital audio publishers across Europe.
Pierre joins from Turn, where he was Managing Director for their European business for the last four years, growing their operation from the ground up and establishing Turn as one of the major players in the European programmatic ecosystem. Prior to this, Pierre led commercial and business development roles at Yahoo! Europe and 24/7 Realmedia.
Pierre will report to AdsWizz President of Europe Gary Goodman. Commenting on this appointment, Gary said, “Pierre brings enormous experience and insight to the AdsWizz team, having established programmatic demand at scale over the last few years. Digital audio is a natural evolution of this programmatic marketplace and I am delighted that Pierre can bring this knowledge and experience to both AdsWizz and the digital audio industry as a whole."
"I am thrilled to be joining AdsWizz at such a key time in their growth,” said Pierre. “They have now built the technology to connect the world’s most premium audio publishers with new sources of programmatic demand. I am convinced by the fantastic opportunity Digital Audio presents for advertisers to reach new audiences at scale around content they love and look forward to enabling programmatic demand to help the market accelerate and reach its full potential.”
About AdsWizz, Inc.
AdsWizz is a leading global technology provider of advertising solutions for the digital radio and audio industries. Its server-side solutions and global audio ad exchange offer advertisers unique targeting capabilities and provide audio publishers powerful new ways to monetize their listenership. This has led AdsWizz to quickly become a go-to resource for many of the world’s most prominent ad networks, agencies, and digital audio publishers.


text:
Now on its second year in New York, the 23rd International Franchise Expo (IFE), sponsored by the International Franchise Association, will allow exhibitors to generate better leads from the city's high traffic potential and multibillion-dollar media landscape when it opens its doors at the Jacob Javits convention Center on June 19.
The Jacob Javits Convention Center is a stone throw's away from major establishments and buildings in New York City, particularly those housing the offices of global media empires and enterprise savvy citizens. The city is also home to over eight million residents, data from the New York City Planning Department showed.
Media outlets exhibiting at the event include The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Entreneur Media, Inc., among many. These companies will also be covering the event allowing participating businesses an opportunity for media coverage.
Organizers of the expo are expecting this year's attendees to exceed last year's head count of 19,000, according to a Globe Newswire news release.
IFE was traditionally held in Washington, D.C. for the past 20 years prior to moving to New York. According to a 2012 report on Blue Mau Mau, a website catering news to franchise owners, the expo's organizers moved the event from the nation's capital to New York City after seeing a decline in franchise prospects and attendees.
"We've had a difficult time," expo president Tom Portesy told Blue Mau Mau. He also added that the 2009 financial crunch only complicated things further. "A lot of franchisors pulled back a great deal on purchasing lead generation and expansion because of the difficulty of access to capital."
Portesy and his team at MFV Expositions, IFE's producer, eyed New York to remedy the situation. "Every year the International Franchise Expo is responsible for the opening of hundreds of small businesses and creating thousands of jobs - and there's no better place for that to take center stage than New York," Portesy said in the same article. "Small business growth will be a significant factor in our economic recovery and we know New York City is the place to lead the charge."
NYC lived up to its name. IFE noted in a press release that last year that over 30 percent of attendees intended to invest between $100,000 and $499,999. "Whether a single unit, area developer, or multi-unit buyer, expo visitors were well educated, engaged and serious about taking the next step," IFE added.
One company that is extremely excited to be part of the NY expo is Soupman, Inc. (OTCQB: SOUP), parent company of The Original Soupman brand of soups. "The past year has been an exciting time for our brand, with new initiatives and partners coming on board to enhance our franchise experience," said Lloyd Sugarman, CEO of The Original Soupman, of the opportunity.
"We look forward to showcasing our brand's flexible footprint, superior menu and experienced support team to IFE attendees." The Original Soupman is participating in the event to offer its SoupMobile and Al's Famous New York Delicatessen franchise models to entrepreneurs attending the event.
The expo will run from June 19 to June 21, 2014. Globe Newswire reported that the U.S. Department of Commerce endorses and promotes it globally under its International Buyers Program initiative. Over 150 U.S. Embassies through their foreign channels are actively drawing investors worldwide to the expo including official escorted delegations.


text:
As the app economy continues to grow, overall app profits consistently increase. Apple recently announced record App Store revenue from 2019’s holiday season, clearly indicating a growth in app profits for the company. Developers wanting to make the most of the growing app economy will need App Store Optimization to compete for the largest cuts of the profit.
App Profit Growth
Apple recently announced that customers spent a record $1.42 billion on the App Store between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. This is an increase of 16% from 2018’s $1.22 billion.
Apple also announced that customers spent $386 million on New Year’s Day alone, 20% more than last year. That sets a new single-day record for App Store revenue.
This brings the total app profit earned by developers to $155 billion. Most notable is that a quarter of those earnings ($38.75 billion) were from 2019 alone.
In addition to 2019’s app profits, Apple included a list of the top ten apps and mobile games. YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat continue to dominate the top free iPhone apps, while TikTok has claimed the #4 spot. Top free games include Mario Kart Tour, Color Bump 3D and Aquapark.io.
For the top paid apps and games, Facetune ranks #1 for paid apps, followed by HotSchedules and Dark Sky Weather. Minecraft remains the top paid iPhone game, with Heads Up! And Plague Inc. as #2 and 3.
Why ASO Matters
With app profits growing significantly year by year, app developers will continue to compete for a greater portion of those profits. To gain the most users and purchases, they’ll want to appear in the top spots of search results.
App Store Optimization is the key to growth and success in the App Store. With proper ASO, an app’s keyword rankings, CTR and conversions can improve. With more money being spent on apps, app profits are likely to keep improving in 2020. Developers need to use any edge they can to help keep their apps competitive, and App Store Optimization is a great edge to have.
There are many ways that apps earn profits, whether through installation costs, advertisements or in-app purchases. 2019’s app profit growth continues the trend of increasing consumer spending, so developers wanting to enjoy those profits should optimize their apps.
Want more information regarding App Store Optimization? Contact Gummicube and we’ll help get your strategy started.


text:
On John Browett.
Yesterday Apple announced that John Browett, CEO of UK retailer Dixons, is to become their new Senior Vice President of Retail. If you follow me on twitter, you may have seen my immediate reaction to the news. It wasn’t terribly positive. And that’s because as someone who knows a little about consumer tech, i don’t hold Dixons/Currys/PC World in very high regard. They sell some piss-poor kit (yes, Advent computers, i’m looking at you), they overprice basics like cables, they push extended warranties and the advice their shop assistants give amounts to nothing more than reading the back of the same box you just did.
Take a look at these opinions gathered by Technologizer for more of the same.
Not great. But I’m beginning to think that i may have overreacted a little bit. Suffered a kneejerk reaction. See, i haven’t actually shopped in a Dixons-owned store for a long time. Past experiences put me right off and cast my opinion in stone. I expect a lot of the other Brits who are alarmed at the news of Tim Cook’s choice of retail boss have similar prejudices. So, who knows, maybe Browett – who has only been in the top job at Dixons since 2007 – has made some improvements. Certainly, the Register reports that Dixon’s share price dropped 10% on news of Browett’s departure and this piece at gigaom paints Apple’s new SVP in a positive light.
I guess time will tell. Let’s not start worrying until Apple ditches the smart shops for massive soulless superstores.
Update: Someone has had the gaul to email Tim Cook to voice concerns over the appointment of Browett. Somewhat surprisingly, he received a response:
I talked to many people and John was the best by far. I think you will be as pleased as I am. His role isn’t to bring Dixons to Apple, its to bring Apple to an even higher level of customer service and satisfaction.


text:
Koei confirms three for Europe
Koei confirms that three of its recent PlayStation 2 titles will be released in Europe early next year.
P.T.O. IV announced
Koei announces that the next installment in its series of naval strategy games will be released exclusively for the PS2 next year. First screens inside.
No forum topics for P.T.O. IV: Pacific Theater of Operations yet. Want to start us off? Create a new topic.


text:
July 6, 2007 |
Fast-food chain operator Triarc Cos. said billionaire investor Nelson Peltz resigned as chairman and chief executive and would be succeeded as CEO by Roland Smith, chief executive of Arby's Restaurant Group Inc. The changes had been expected as part of a restructuring plan and were outlined in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing May 1. Triarc is repositioning itself as a pure-play restaurant operator from a more diversified investment manager.
January 20, 2005 |
Triarc Cos. is in talks to merge its Arby's chain with its largest franchisee, RTM Restaurant Group, which would be followed by an initial public offering of stock for the combined unit. New York-based Triarc franchises the chain and operates about 235 Arby's restaurants in the United States. RTM operates and franchises more than 700 restaurants. Triarc said it planned to be the majority owner of the combined entity. Some of the IPO proceeds would be used to pay the owners of RTM.
September 19, 2000 |
Cadbury Schweppes, the British company known for its bubbly tonic water, agreed Monday to buy the Snapple line of tea and juice drinks from Triarc Cos. The beverage and candy maker would also add Royal Crown, Diet Rite and Nehi to its roster of carbonated soft drinks led by 7-Up and Dr Pepper under the deal announced Monday with Triarc, based in New York. That would boost Cadbury's share of the $58-billion U.S. market for carbonated beverages by about 1.
October 13, 1998 |
Triarc Cos., owner of Snapple drinks and Arby's restaurants, said Chairman Nelson Peltz and President Peter May on Monday offered to take the company private at $18 a share, or about $440 million. Triarc said its directors formed a special committee to evaluate the buyout offer, which is for an unspecified mix of cash and securities. Investors said they're not surprised by the offer from Peltz and May, two proteges of junk-bond trader Michael Milken with a history of buying assets on the cheap.
March 28, 1997 |
Closing one of the worst flops in corporate-merger history, Quaker Oats Co. agreed Thursday to sell Snapple Beverage Corp. to Triarc Cos. for $300 million, only 27 months after Quaker spent $1.7 billion to buy the maker of trendy drinks. The Quaker-Snapple fiasco joins such ill-fated business marriages as AT&T Corp. and computer maker NCR and General Electric Co. and defunct brokerage house Kidder, Peabody & Co.
October 30, 1996 |
The owner of Royal Crown and Mistic soft drinks and Arby's restaurants said it plans to spin off its beverage and fast-food businesses, leaving itself with energy and textile operations. Triarc Cos. said the move will make it easier for the new food and drink operation to raise money for expansion. The new company, which has yet to be named, represents products that account for about 65% of the $1 billion in revenue that Triarc expects to generate this year.


text:
ATLANTA – Arby's Restaurant Group announced Tuesday its eateries will no longer serve french fries with trans fat and cut the artery-clogging oil from its other foods.
The Atlanta-based chain, which has more than 3,500 restaurants worldwide, has joined the fast-food race to cut the cooking oil from its products.
Earlier this month, Taco Bell announced it was cutting trans fat from its offerings. KFC has made the same kind of promise about its fried chicken and other products, and Wendy's made the switch to trans fat-free oil in August.
By May 1, 75 percent of Arby's menu items will contain less than half a gram of trans fat, said CEO Roland Smith.
"Clearly our customers have told us that the elimination of trans fat is something they would like us to consider," he said.
He said Arby's restaurants will no longer use the hydrogenated oils that contain trans fat and the chain's food suppliers will stop precooking its fries in oil with trans fat.
Several cities have also begun to consider banning the fats, which have been linked to heart disease.
New York City's health commission has proposed outlawing trans fat in the city's restaurants and Chicago's city council is considering a similar ban.
Nutritionist Samantha Heller at New York University's Medical Center said restaurants — particularly fast food eateries — use hydrogenated oils because they don't sour as quickly and increase the shelf life of foods. Trans fats are man-made and have only been used widely in food preparation since the 1950s, she said.
"It has taken several decades to see what their effect is on the human body," Heller said.
Trans fat lowers "good" cholesterol and raises "bad" cholesterol, and eating 5 grams a day can raise the risk of heart disease by 25 percent, research shows.


text:
Writes Page, “Since becoming CEO again, I’ve pushed hard to increase our velocity, improve our execution, and focus on the big bets that will make a difference in the world.”
“Google is a large company now, but we will achieve more, and do it faster, if we approach life with the passion and soul of a start-up.”
Page notes the company has “closed or combined over 30 products” in the last year and given many products a facelift to make them more clean and consistent.
Among the fun factoids mentioned, Google+ has over 100 million active users, he writes. Over 850,000 Android-based devices are activated on a daily basis, he notes.YouTube has over 800 million monthly users uploading an hour of video every second.
We are excited about the opportunities to build great devices capitalizing on the tremendous success and growth of Android and Motorola’s long history of technological innovation. But it’s important to reiterate that openness and investment by many hardware partners have contributed to Android’s success.
On the question of how does Google make money on the newer stuff, he writes,
Our emerging high-usage products will likely generate significant new revenue streams for Google as well as for our partners, just as search does today. For example, we’re seeing a hugely positive revenue impact from mobile advertising, which grew to a run rate of over $2.5 billion by the third quarter of 2011—two and a half times more than at the same point in 2010.
Google shares today closed down $2.83, or half a percent, at $632.32.
Previously: Google’s Page Sees Company’s ‘Soul’ Intact, Says Bloomberg Biz Week, April 4th, 2012.


text:
According to International Data Corporation (IDC), Windows Phone is now in the top three of smartphone operating system market. The Microsoft’s mobile OS replaces BlackBerry’s position in last year.
IDC records that Windows Phone market share in Q1 2013 increased to 3.2% from 2.0% in the same period of previous year. In Q1 2013, there were about 7 million Windows Phone handset shipped, more than double compared to Q1 2012, with only 3.0 million shipments. BlackBerry shipments down from 9.7 million to 6.3 million, so the market share is also decreased from 6.4% to 2.9%. Windows Phone managed to record a growth of 133% in the past year, while BlackBerry has decreased by 35.1%.
Android is still on the top and even increase its market share from 59.1% to 75.0% with 162.1 million smartphones shipped in Q1 2013. It’s far ahead of Apple on the second place, which lost its market share from 23.0% to 17.3% though the number of shipped smartphones increased.


text:
The forthcoming PlayStation 4 games console will include voice-recognition capabilities through the new PlayStation Camera, leading to speculation that Kinect may compete with Xbox One’s Kinect sensor on a number of fronts beyond physical-motion detection.
In a statement to EuroGamer.net, Sony said: “We can confirm that PS Camera does allow voice recognition. We will share more details on this shortly.”
It is expected that the new features that will come with PlayStation Camera will include navigational voice commands, as well as facial recognition.
PlayStation Camera is to be sold separately to the PlayStation 4 console for around €65.
The PlayStation 4 hits the US first on 15 November followed by Europe on 29 November. More than 1m pre-orders have already been received for the €399 console, which costs €100 less than its chief rival, the Xbox One, also arriving in November.
The Xbox One will be released to 21 markets in November this year at a price of €499, but it will come with the Kinect, as well as a headset.
Voice recognition and navigation were some of the major features being trumpeted by Microsoft for the Xbox One and it appears that by holding back some ammunition Sony intends to steal some of Microsoft’s thunder.


text:
Bioware’s latest title, Mass Effect Andromeda, will be released next week. While the upcoming action RPG has been making headlines, the developer admits this sequel wasn’t in the original plans.
Mass Effect is a sci-fi, third-person shooter video game that follows Commander Shepard. The Mass Effect plot follows the solder’s mission to save the galaxy from Reapers, a race of mechanical beings. Since 2007, three interconnected titles have been released. First was Mass Effect released in 2007; Mass Effect 2 followed in 2010 and the third installment hit the shelves in 2012. Mass Effect Andromeda will be the fourth game in the franchise but according to BioWare, it isn’t part of the original trilogy.
Mass Effect Andromeda – A Stand Alone Game
According to Gaming Bolt, Andromeda may be the fourth title but it won’t be Mass Effect 4. Rather, it’s a brand new story that follows a separate plot. Unlike the previous titles, gamers won’t see familiar characters and locations – the game will deliver an entirely new story.
According to Mass Effect: Andromeda creative director, Mac Walters, there is no Mass Effect 4 because the series is only a trilogy with a conclusion. Furthermore, another installment would have been difficult to deliver as Mass Effect 3 had three different endings. Thus, Bioware opted to develop a separate game.
Mass Effect: Andromeda Trilogy In The Works?
Following the success of the Mass Effect trilogy, will Andromeda have its own three-part video game? In a published interview with Game Informer, Walters clarified that the upcoming title is not the start of a new Bioware trilogy.
Andromeda has a new main character, Ryder, who starts off as an untested soldier. Andromeda won’t have a traditional hero’s plot which the earlier three games had.
Speaking about the Andromeda story, “At the end of this, we want it to feel like a story has completed.” He continued, “Yes, for the universe, there’s much more you could explore, and we want to tease that, but it feels like its own story. It’s like, ‘Great. I had my Ryder sibling becoming-a-hero story. What’s next? Is it going to be Ryder? Is it going to be something else? Who knows?'”
In addition, producer Michael Gamble described the gameplay as a “different type of story” and won’t be anything similar to the earlier three games. Lastly, it’s possible that BioWare will develop more Mass Effect games within the Andromeda galaxy.
Mass Effect: Andromeda will be released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows on March 21. What are your thoughts on the separation of Andromeda from the earlier Mass Effect titles?


text:
Interested in learning what's next for the gaming industry? Join gaming executives to discuss emerging parts of the industry this October at GamesBeat Summit Next. Register today.
Electronic Arts is reminding everyone that it has one of the biggest gaming franchises in the world with its FIFA soccer sims. The publisher has seen the market lose some faith in the value of its stock price due to its recent delay of Battlefield V, its revised financial outlook, and ongoing concerns about competitor Fortnite. In response, the company is now pointing out that it has plenty of reliable games that should continue to generate revenue, like EA Sports FIFA 19, which debuts for PC and consoles September 28.
To hype up FIFA, EA revealed some sales data for the series. Last year’s FIFA 18 has rushed past 24 million copies sold worldwide since its debut. That premium-priced product is just the latest entry in a franchise that has surpassed 260 million copies sold in total. But FIFA is also free-to-play on mobile, and fans have downloaded and installed FIFA Mobile more than 193 million times. The company also noted that its Asia-focused FIFA Online 3 and FIFA Online 4 continue to perform well with more than 115 million registered players between the two versions.
“For millions of players around the world the FIFA franchise has become more than just a game — it’s as big a part of their football DNA as the teams they love,” EA Sports FIFA executive producer Aaron McHardy said. “Football is a sport that can unite the world through play, and whether it be through console, mobile, competitive gaming, or regional experiences like FIFA Online 4 in Asia, we are excited to find more and more ways to connect players to the world’s game.”
EA has just finished showing off FIFA 19 to fans at the Gamescom gathering in Germany, which attracts more than 350,000 gaming enthusiasts. This game will, of course, bring back the FIFA Ultimate Team mode that generates huge piles of cash for EA through the sale of in-game card packs that players can use to complete their teams. But FIFA 19 will also continue the narrative of up-and-coming player Alex Hunter who starred in The Journey mode from FIFA 18.
With the overall gaming market continuing to grow worldwide, FIFA is one of the best opportunities that EA has to address audiences wherever they want to play. And it is doing that whether it’s with a $60 release for traditional platforms, regular updates for the mobile version, or FIFA Online for PCs in emerging Asian markets. So the soccer game should keep printing money for EA, and that should insulate it a bit if Battlefield V or the upcoming sci-fi shooter adventure Anthem underperform.
GamesBeat's creed when covering the game industry is "where passion meets business." What does this mean? We want to tell you how the news matters to you -- not just as a decision-maker at a game studio, but also as a fan of games. Whether you read our articles, listen to our podcasts, or watch our videos, GamesBeat will help you learn about the industry and enjoy engaging with it. Discover our Briefings.


text:
Earlier this year, when Ssangyong was allowed to continue as a going concern, the company had to let go of around 900 workers. Those workers (above) then effectively said "all your factory are belong to us," and staged a sit-in at the South Korean production facility that subsequently turned violent. Ssangyong hired its own security to try and clear the plant, but that didn't work. Now, months later, the South Korean police are reportedly set to move in.
Ssangyong production ceased entirely when the factory occupation began two months ago, and the company has no way of getting itself out of dire straits when it can't make any products and engage in commerce. The workers want to negotiate with the government, but the government hasn't announced any intention to do so. It's up to the police now, who said "We'll advance our force into the factory to assist the court's order."
The workers inside the factory appear totally committed to not giving up. Other former workers outside the factory have taken to staging rallies to support those inside, holding aloft banners that read "Layoffs are tantamount to murder." Something will need to give, but before it does, it sounds like more violence is on the way.
[Source: Bloomberg | Image: Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty]


text:
Altigreen partners Jubilant Motorworks for EV retail experience center in Mumbai
Altigreen on Tuesday opened what is its first-ever retail experience center in the city of Mumbai -in Thane - by joining hands with Jubilant Motorworks. Acclaimed fashion designer Anita Dongre was the guest of honour on the occasion. While Altigreen is a key player in the electric three-wheeler space and targets solutions for last-mile transportation solutions, it is looking at benefiting from Jubilant Motorworks extensive presence across the country as the largest dealer partners for brands like Audi and MG Motor.
The EV or electric vehicle revolution in India is gaining momentum with battery-powered two and three-wheelers leading the charge. And in the electric three-wheeler space, Altigreen aims to have a sizeable say. Established in 2013, the company underlines its commitment to 100 per cent localization and for this, says it has been making extensive investments into R&D. It now has six retail dealerships across the country with each aimed at providing customers with a comprehensive buying experience. “With our EV range, we aim to provide best in class products for both goods and people movement with zero carbon emissions," said Amitabh Saran, Founder of and CEO at Altigreen. “It is important for players like us to provide the city with efficient and sustainable modes of transport solution."
The company also highlights that its products like Altigreen neEV are tailormade for Indian conditions and the potential customers benefit not just from a capable performance on the move but from its wide service network as well as low cost of spares. With a three-figure range, the need for frequent charge is also brought down.
Also check these Vehicles
But while EVs may make sense for a plethora of reasons, visibility and awareness are also key in taking such products to the masses. This is where Jubilant Motorworks has the potential to add wind to the sails. “It’s a momentous occasion for us to partner with Altigreen in chiseling the future mobility for the country," said Amit Jain, CEO at Jubilant Motorworks Pvt Ltd. “We are in alignment to the recent e mobility trends and already see a massive potential driven by Nation’s agenda of electrification. We are extremely happy to be able to introduce eco-friendly mobility and sustainable future into our business fabric. introduce eco-friendly mobility and sustainable future into our business fabric."


text:
Widely-read Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster is revising his prior estimate for the quarter ending a week from Tuesday, and his outlook is even rosier than before. Instead of 4.1 million iPhone 3Gs, Munster expects Apple will sell 5 million of the handsets. Likewise, he's revising his estimates f...
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster is speculating that Apple will hold a special event in early September to announce new iPods and MacBooks, according to a research note he released. Munster is bullish on seeing Apple enter the sub-$1,000 market for its MacBook line, and has been saying so since la...
Contrary to other analysts' rosy comments about Apple's supply chain, Gene Munster from Piper Jaffray is estimating that shortages in the supply of iPhone 3G handsets will last until mid-August. Munster said that he'd wager "we'll see problems for another two to four weeks," adding, "early demand h...
Software Updatesmore updates
- Dropbox adds file/folder renaming and Office document editing to iOS app
- Vizzywig 8xHD price tag now a very affordable $49.99
- Automatic targets teen drivers with License+ service
- Dropbox adds support for TouchID
- YouTube for iOS gets updated with full support for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
- iOS 8.0.1 update now available (Updated -- Don't update!)


text:
Hyundai introduces solar roof charging
Hyundai has revealed a new solar roof system that is said to be capable of returning 60 per cent charge to a car’s battery.
It will make its debut on the global market Sonata Hybrid — a car not available in the UK — though it will shortly be rolled out across a number of electrified cars from the South Korean firm.
Based on a structure of silicon solar panels that are mounted on top of a car’s roof, the system is said to be capable of charging the car in all states — be that parked or driving. It’s said drivers will be capable of an extra 808 miles annually of electric-only travel in a car with this technology.
Heui Won Yang, Hyundai Motor Group senior vice president and head of Body Tech Unit, said: “Solar roof technology is a good example of how Hyundai Motor is moving towards becoming a clean mobility provider. The technology allows our customers to actively tackle emissions issue. We are striving to further expand the application of the technology beyond eco-friendly vehicle line up to vehicles with internal combustion engine.”
Though a first for Hyundai, solar roof charging is no new feature to the industry. Toyota currently offers the technology on its Prius plug-in hybrid, while the low-volume Fisker Karma deployed a similar system back in 2011.


text:
EAST LANSING, MICH. – Spartan Hospitality Group at MSU announces the debut of their custom-label Spartan wines. They produced the red and white wines in collaboration with Michigan winery Black Star Farms, an agricultural destination in Suttons Bay, and 45 North Vineyard and Winery, located in Lake Leelanau. The new, locally made Spartan product is available in the State Room at Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center or any Spartan Signature Catering licensed venue.
Offering a Spartan wine has been a longtime goal of Spartan Hospitality Group Director Joel Heberlein. Partnering with Black Star Farms and 45 North Vineyard and Winery was a natural fit. Not only do both establishments have the production capacity and produce award-winning wines, but both also have strong ties to MSU.
“It makes sense to promote Michigan-made products,” says Heberlein. “We want Spartan wine that MSU can embrace.”
Heberlein commissioned a local artist and writer to create bottle labels and respective copy. Award-winning local artist Barb Hranilovich created the original designs and followed MSU Licensing guidelines to promote the MSU brand properly. Part of the proceeds benefit university students through funding scholarships and special programming.
Two wines were chosen for this first-time collaboration: Leonidas Vintner’s Select 2012, a red table wine, and Cynisca 45 White 2014. They aptly named the wines after prominent individuals from the ancient Greek city of Sparta: warrior king, Leonidas, and princess of Sparta, Cynisca.
Scott Westerman, executive director of the MSU Alumni Association, was involved in the selection of the wines for this project. He says MSU alumni are strong supporters of Michigan-made products, specifically quality products associated with the university. He sees these wines becoming a favorite gift item that Spartan alumni worldwide will purchase for personal and business gift-giving.
“The demand is there for the product,” says Westerman. “This is going to generate a very positive conversation about Michigan State.”
Westerman also says the product’s design choices and personas strongly tie into the value of being a Spartan. Leonidas and Cynisca “are totally in sync with what we look for in the best of Spartans.”
The Cynisca is a blend of 100 percent Michigan-grown grapes that create a crisp, aromatic white wine, explains 45 North winemaker Jay Briggs.
Briggs, an MSU graduate, studied viticulture and enology: the science of wine and winemaking. As a student, he gained food and beverage experience working at the State Room Restaurant. Briggs has remained in touch with Heberlein since his days on campus, and the two often discussed the idea of the development of future Spartan wines. He is excited to see the plan come to fruition.
“It’s a pretty big deal,” says Briggs. “Now that it’s packaged and kind of the official white wine of MSU ... it’s really humbling.”
Leonidas red wine is a product of Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay, Michigan. Black Star managing partner Don Coe says they have enjoyed a long-term working relationship with MSU and the Kellogg Center, working with the latter through numerous wine dinners and events.
“The Kellogg Center has been very good at supporting Michigan wines,” he says. “It would have been very difficult to start our business creating an agricultural destination without the support of Michigan State University.”
Black Star Farms employs numerous MSU graduates, including their head winemaker, Lee Lutes. Lutes explains that they made Leonidas red with Michigan-grown grapes found in the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas and that it has a flavor profile similar to that of a Bordeaux blend.
“It’s a true representative wine of northwest Michigan,” he says. “It’s something that we’re very proud of.”
A Michigan native as well as a Spartan alumnus, Lutes also guest lectures for the MSU Department of Horticulture, specifically Dr. Ronald Perry’s wine appreciation class. He says it is an honor to have one of his wines sold through MSU, and that it is a great way to showcase one component of Michigan agriculture and its impact on the state.
In a way, Michigan State is “putting a stamp of approval” on locally produced wines, which will help spread the word of their quality, he says.
Spartan Hospitality Group is part of the Division of Residential and Hospitality Services at Michigan State University. Visit rhs.msu.edu for more information.


text:
Printing giant Quad/Graphics is to show off print solutions that utilise NFC at next week’s DMA tradeshow in Boston. “Adding chip technology to print is a fast-growing opportunity as NFC-enabled devices are launched, and as marketers and publishers discover the features and benefits,” says the company, which employs 24,000 workers at 60 production sites around the world.
- Festival uses BLE to gain insights into attendee activity
- Target launches image recognition app
- Amazon releases mobile wallet app for Android
- Westpac trials HCE mobile payments in New Zealand
- Consult Hyperion demos EMV mobile payments over BLE on an iPhone


text:
Instagram will remove the “swipe up” functionality on Stories in order to access external links,
replacing that capability starting Aug. 30
with a new link “sticker”.
The swipe-up feature had only been available previously to verified profiles of users with at least 10,000 followers.
Instagram began testing stickers in June for its users and fully customisable, stickers for features including donations, music, and polls are already part of the Instagram Stories platform. However, the link sticker being rolled out Aug. 30 will only be available to those who previously qualified as verified profiles.
Instagram head of product Vishal Shah told Ashley Carman of The Verge that stickers were a better fit for the way people use Stories.
With link stickers, unlike the swipe-up capability, viewers can actually engage with Stories in new ways, such as by reacting and replying to posts.
Instagram will roll out the new feature to those eligible from 30th of August 2021


text:
A flat year in like-for-like seed sales has been helped by gains such as the Tillington Group and late-season mail-order sales as the weather picked up. Rival Suttons is moving into more direct marketing, while Thompson & Morgan is believed to be returning to profitability but is up for sale again.
Fothergill said the Suffolk company is "lucky to have a long-standing good relationship with Bunnings in Australia" among its 20-25 per cent of export business. Bunnings' owner Wesfarmers bought Homebase for £340m in January 2016.
"We work hard to support them," he added. "They expect a lot from their suppliers but they are fair. There's clearly an opportunity for them in the UK." Fothergill said Bunnings is "dominant" in Australasia but Homebase "moving away from private label is good and moving away from seasonal sales and promotions to everyday low pricing, their brand message in Australia, makes sense".
New owner Wesfarmers is "bringing a greater sense of confidence to Homebase", he said, while Brexit means a possible "impact on consumer confidence and export opportunities" and "uncertainty that no one likes", especially with trading relations with European seed suppliers, the single market, tariffs and phytosanitary regulations.
Industry questions include moves from full stock credit to stock swap. Mr Fothergill's said its Jekka McVicar herb ranges have been successful, while products such as salad Pot Toppers and Microgreens have appealed to those with small urban gardens.
- Scotts Miracle-Gro also has a strong relationship with Bunnings in Australia and has high hopes for more business in the UK. Scotts is launching a Levington Essentials range to match rivals in the competitively priced market at Glee.
A value 20 per cent cheaper Levington Essentials range, along with a premium Black Magic range of hydroponics-inspired compost and fertilisers for the urban gardener, are new for 2017. Extended are the Gro-ables seed pods, which sold out 500,000 units in 2016. New are Gro-ables salads Patch Magic-style 250g products. PotShots six-month plant food cones are also aimed at the urban gardener.


text:
A year after the New York Times delved into Twitter’s rampant fake-follower problem, New York attorney general Letitia James announced a settlement over the selling of fake likes and followers. It is, according to a release from James’s office, the first settlement in the country declaring the “selling fake social media engagement and using stolen identities to engage in online activity is illegal.” The settlement involves multiple platforms, including YouTube and Twitter.
“Bots and other fake accounts have been running rampant on social media platforms, often stealing real people’s identities to carry out fraud,” James said. “As people and companies like Devumi continue to make a quick buck by lying to honest Americans, my office will continue to find and stop anyone who sells online deception. With this settlement, we are sending a clear message that anyone profiting off of deception and impersonation is breaking the law and will be held accountable.”
Devumi, in case you’re not familiar with the world of bogus social-media engagement for purchase, is an artificial-engagement company featured prominently in the Times investigation. (The company “ceased operation” in 2018 after James opened her investigation.) It’s reach at its peak, however, was significant, with users in all 50 states. The Chicago Sun-Times suspended film critic Richard Roeper after it was discovered some 25,000 of his 200,000 Twitter followers had been purchased from Devumi. Following initial reports, Twitter purged over a million fake accounts from the platform.


text:
December 29, 2013
Why is Target pushing their customers to sign up for Target cards in the wake of the massive credit card security breach?
More broadly, why does the country rely on a cashless society complete with RFID cards?
This will only lead to tracking and record keeping more intrusive than what we live under now.
Without cash, underground markets necessary for survival under tyranny will collapse.
Take advantage of one of nature’s most hardworking nutrients with Vasobeet now at 60% off!


text:
Investment Week interviewed a number of senior industry figures and investment influencers for our recent research report: The Fund Marketers' Playbook.
In exploring their investment processes as well as stand-out groups and funds, five key themes emerged from buyers in terms of what they would like to see more of from fund houses in 2018 and beyond, in...
Risk to retail investors
Latest news and analysis
Taking up non-exec role
Following 2016 thematic review


text:
As Sears’ quarterly profit dropped by more than half yesterday, Chairman Eddie Lampert searched for a silver lining.
The prickly hedge-fund king noted that – while sales at Sears and Kmart chains plunged 12 percent – his stingy attitude toward remodeling stores appears to be catching on at other retailers, who have slashed capital budgets as the economy implodes.
“Perhaps they too are recognizing that unbridled expansion and investment rarely yield the types of returns forecasted by analysts and industry experts,” Lampert wrote in a letter to shareholders, despite criticism that the company’s increasingly dilapidated stores are scaring away customers.
Lampert’s cheeky commentary came despite news Sears will close an additional 24 stores by June – or 52 in the past 18 months. What’s more, business at the chains has shrunk by more than 20 percent since Lampert merged them in late 2004.
The Kmart kingpin, whose failed efforts to turnaround the company have dented his reputation as a savvy businessman, pontificated in a lengthy letter on a slew of pet gripes: the handling of the banking crisis, short sellers, pension regulations and “mark-to-market” accounting rules.
He even recommended a couple of books for students of the economic meltdown, warning against “the damaging impact of socialist policies” and “the heavy intervention in markets and society at large.”
As for Sears, Lampert groused it has “received very little credit” from ratings agencies for its efforts to reduce debt, and bemoaned “negative, damaging and often unsubstantiated rumors about our company.”
Lampert said Sears is “preparing to rebound strongly when the economy stabilizes and turns back up.”
But analysts warned that the company’s relentless cost cuts may not be enough to weather the economic storm, forcing more store closings.
Credit Suisse analyst Gary Balter countered that Kmart is “poorly positioned” versus rivals like Wal-Mart and Target, while Sears is “vulnerable” to rivals like Home Depot, Best Buy and Kohl’s.
For the quarter ended Jan. 31, Sears had net income of $190 million, or $1.55 a share, down 55 percent from $426 million, or $3.17 a share, a year earlier.
Sears shares rose 73 cents, or 2.1 percent, to $36.27 in after-hours trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market.


text:
Journalist Artem Russakovskii of Android Police noticed something was off with the $49 device he took home from the “Made by Google” launch event in San Francisco. Every time he tried to watch TV, his nearby Home Mini would wake up “several times a minute” and try to respond.
Reports of TV shows or commercials activating smart speakers aren’t uncommon. All smart speakers jump to life when they hear a certain hotword. For Amazon, it’s “Alexa,” for the Home Mini it’s “Hey, Google.” But Russakovskii knew his speaker shouldn’t be turning on so frequently, so he decided to investigate.
In the “Assistant” section of his Google “My Activity” portal were thousands of audio files. This could only mean one thing: the Home Mini was turning on by itself, recording everything it heard in Russakovskii’s home, and transmitting it to Google’s servers.
Stunned by the discovery, Russakovskii wanted to figure out if there was any warning this was happening. So he turned the TV on again, set his speaker nearby, and started recording. Here’s what he witnessed:
As you can see, the Home Mini randomly wakes up, flashes its four lights as it records, and then turns off without making a sound.
Russakovskii’s next move was to contact Google directly. He notes the search giant replied immediately saying it would look into the issue and asked that he exchange his unit for a newer version. A day later, he received an explanation for why his unit was spying on him.
“We have learned of an issue impacting a small number of Google Home Minis that could cause the touch mechanism to behave incorrectly,” Google claimed. “We are rolling out a software update today that should address the issue.”
What does that mean? Google added a way to activate its new speaker using a touch panel so users don’t always have to talk to their gadgets. Unfortunately, the touch panels on some units, specifically those handed out to journalists at Made by Google, acted like someone was constantly pressing them, triggering the device to turn on and start recording. The malfunction is thought to have affected around 4,000 units.
To its credit, Google fixed the issue in just four days by disabling the touch panel altogether. Now users can only activate Google Assistant using hotwords.
Google released a dedicated support page on the issue with additional details.


text:
On average, the price placed on love – that is, the amount intended to be spent on Valentine’s Day this year– is $113.00 ($145 spent by men, and $81 spent by women), according to the Brand Keys bi-annual Customer Loyalty Engagement Index.*
More and more gifts are being exchanged between friends and family in the name of St. Valentine, and that’s turned Valentine’s Day into a major retail holiday.
The giving of Gift Cards has more than doubled over the past decade, as they’ve lost the stigma of being an “unacceptable” gift.
What impact did social media have on Valentine’s Day spending this year? Were shoppers seeking heavy discounts on candy, flowers and jewelry? Were they looking for dining discounts through Groupon? Did social media have any influence in your Valentine’s Day spending? Share your story.
* The findings are part of the Brand Keys bi-annual Customer Loyalty Engagement Index. Brand Keys asked 1,200 men and 1,200 women (18-65 years of age) drawn from nine US Census regions.


text:
In a bid to drive sustainable growth of businesses, the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) in partnership with Mastercard Foundation is conducting a training of more than 200 business development services (BDS) providers across the country.
Titled; GrowthPartners Program, BDS participants were drawn from a pool of at least 1,000 applications that underwent a competitive evaluation process based on their placement and ability to impact enterprise development in their respective communities.
Speaking at the opening of the training at Emin Pasha Hotel in Nakasero Tuesday, PSFU chief programmes and projects officer, Damali Ssali, said the participants would be equipped with information on Uganda’s newly formulated business development support standards, tools, mentorship, and resources needed to drive the growth of enterprises.
The African Management Institute is leading the training with tips on accessing finance for their businesses, strategic business planning, streamlining operations, and managing people, among others.
“PSFU has been running various projects to support businesses but the impact has been minimal in some enterprises. We discovered that the BDS ecosystem was characterized by various constraints that limit its potential to generate business growth,” Ssali said.
She added: “Therefore, PSFU through the Lead Firm Project in partnership with Mastercard Foundation decided to contribute to the process of streamlining BDS service delivery by supporting the development of quality standards.”
The BDS standards, now awaiting certification by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), were developed by a technical working group which, among others, comprised officials from the ministry of Trade and PSFU. At least two standards have been finalized but the plan is to set up 10 BDS standards.
“We felt the need to train the private sector about these standards. Normally, standards are developed on paper but there is no training on how to comply with them. When people are well versed with the standards, it will make our companies more competitive both locally and internationally. This is when we shall be able to export more goods to the region and beyond,” she said.
According to Ssali, PSFU has so far identified two limitations to business growth; lack of skills to manage businesses and insufficient funds to run the business. She believes that after the training, the BDS providers will be best placed to sensitize business owners who hardly notice gaps in their operations and the standards expected of them in the market.
BETTER SERVICE DELIVERY
The small medium enterprises (SMEs) are also expected to have a diverse range of BDS providers across the country that are equipped with practical strategies to navigate business challenges and seize opportunities. According to the investment specialist in charge of partnerships and engagements at PSFU, Cecilia Kengoro Mutabanura, there will be improved service delivery among the BDS providers after the two-day training.
“We have been seeing inadequate services offered to enterprises by BDS providers out there. After all these years of PSFU giving support to the enterprises, they were not giving the impact that we are looking for. For the outstanding BDS providers, their services are expensive,” Kengoro said.
She added: “We thought that if we can be able to raise the competencies of a good number of BDS providers, more enterprises would have access to good quality services at affordable prices.”
The BDS services, mainly non-financial such as technical advice, incubations, marketing, consultancy, and management support, are intended to bring out growth or transformation of the businesses. Kengoro said similar BDS trainings have also been held in Mbale, Gulu, Mbarara, and Fort portal in the past three weeks and trainees will continuously receive support to catalyze business growth wherever they are placed.
Dona Sava – Programmes and Projects Lead at Hive Colab
The training is all about ensuring that BDS providers are regulated and operating in a manner that is appealing to our clients. There are many service providers out there but the standards are not only going to regulate us but also expand our networks.
We shall graduate and eventually become certified BDS service providers on the PSFU portal. We hope to use the standards from the training to serve our entrepreneurs better. This will also help them to grow their businesses.
Hassan Sekajoolo – Youth Livelihood Development
This organization works to develop micro-enterprises for youths in the country by taking incomes to the poorest youth. The training is crucial for us because we are working towards eradicating youth unemployment. However, we are getting skills on how to provide this business development support to these young people in the simplest terms to grow from micro-enterprises to big cooperations.
Joan Kyokutamba – executive director of Shungura Foundation
There are several unemployed youths who don’t know how to seek employment. They have been pushed to create their jobs but their parents didn’t nurture them into this space. BDS providers think this particular space is a professional one that no one should tap into.
However, I have realized that there’s a need to improve our service provision market so that we tap into larger markets and get bigger clientele through such training.


text:
Magnets could help clean up brake dust. Honda and Nissan ally for EVs. Nio and CATL go in on battery swapping together. And which is the greenest Volvo EX30? This and more, here at Green Car Reports.
In a lifetime carbon analysis released Thursday, Volvo reported that the LFP version not offered in the U.S. is the greener pick of the EX30 lineup. Looking at the pack alone, the battery in the NMC version offered to America has nearly double the carbon impact while offering 35% more capacity.
China’s Nio and CATL have allied for longer-life EV batteries, as well as the used of Nio’s battery-swapping tech. It stems partly from concern from Nio that batteries last as long as vehicles—although it reports that packs used in its battery-swapping are lasting a dozen years or more.
Honda and Nissan are studying a partnership that could apply to EVs, hybrids, and software. While the language remains tentative, such a solution might help both automakers with EV affordability.
And an electric charge—and magnets—could help curb brake-dust emissions in heavier vehicles including trucks and EVs where the emissions have become a concern.
Green Car Reports Newsletter
Sign up to get the latest green car and environmental news, delivered to your inbox daily!


text:
There's a dozen reasons for sports fans to visit Kirkwood Brewhouse.
Michael Eagan, Executive Chef, said, "12 TVs, which gives you more than enough television to watch for any game."
TVs are everywhere at Kirkwood Brewhouse; the bar, the dining room, above the windows. But beer is also everywhere, and not just on tap. Beer has spilled over from the drink list to the food menu.
He said, "We have a lot of beer themed items. Our chicken wings are beer brined in some of our local beers."
The candied bacon burger, using locally raised grass fed beef, is topped with housemade beer cheese.
Kirkwood Brewhouse smokes meat in house.
"Our turkeys are brined in maple cider beer. Pork is also brined in maple cider beer," he said.
It seems beer, which is used in half the menu items, makes everything better at Kirkwood Brewhouse.
There are 26 beers on tap.
Mike Watry, General Manager, said, "23 of which are from Missouri."
And coming in the Spring, a patio and outdoor bar. "We're gonna call it our beer garden. Nice new aspect to the Brewhouse," said Watry.
Kirkwood Brewhouse is located at 10312 Manchester Rd in Kirkwood. The number is (314) 394-1365.


text:
South African rapper, Nadia Nakai, took to social media to showcase the outfit she wore for a recent photoshoot with global fashion brand, Reebok.
In multiple Instagram posts on Thursday, 20 February 2020, Nadia Nakai modelled athleisure wear from Reebok. Nadia wore a black, cropped top, paired with black, high-waisted tights. She completed the look with the new Reebok Zig Kinetica, which bore a black upper and orange soles.
See the visuals of Nadia Nakai’s outfit below.
- Beauty24 hours ago
Nandi Madida matches purple hair and makeup with ensemble
- Beauty23 hours ago
Benefit Cosmetics’ multi-purpose brow pencils ideal for Halloween makeup look
- Fashion23 hours ago
Sportscene shares customers’ favourite purchases from its collection
- Beauty21 hours ago
Thembi Seete shares how Darling SA wigs make her feel confident


text:
Lenovo unveils projector smartphone that turns any surface into touchscreen
Concept device introduced at Tech World conference in Beijing
Chinese hardware vendor Lenovo has dreamt up a smartphone concept that may create the kind of industry disruption that pundits have been baying for: a mobile handset equipped with a projector that can turn any surface into a touch screen.
Lenovo unveiled the idea at its Tech World conference in Beijing. The Smart Cast phone, which will be equipped with a focus-free laser projector, is nowhere near being market-ready, but the technology is not new. The only question that remains is how the company plans to miniaturise existing tech to place it in a 5- or 6-inch smartphone.
Lenovo released a promotional video of the proposed projector phone. The 1m 20s film showed a teardown and some footage of the device in action, projecting home movies on living-room walls and turning bare table tops into keyboards. Being focus-free allows the laser projector to render sharp images at any angle.
At the time of writing there are no details on how far Lenovo is from bringing the concept to market. It is also unclear how the company proposes to get the touchscreen aspect to work. The human hands featured in the promotional video are not adorned with any gloves, rings bracelets or other items that could serve as peripheral hardware.


text:
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc., a distributor of anti-aging personal care products and nutritional supplements, has announced that the company expects revenue for the fourth quarter of 2012 of approximately $588 million, representing growth of 19% over the prior year. Earnings per share are estimated to be from $0.94 to $0.96.
The company's estimated revenue of $2.17 billion for the year represents growth of more than 24% in 2012. Earnings growth is anticipated to be approximately 30% in 2012.
"Our business continues to perform very well," said Truman Hunt, president and CEO. "When we forecasted results for 2012, we knew that we faced a difficult fourth-quarter comparison as a result of recognizing approximately $90 million of revenue from our product launch in the fourth quarter of 2011. However, as a result of the dedicated efforts of our sales leaders and corporate personnel around the world, revenue growth will be 19% in the fourth quarter, surpassing prior revenue guidance by $58 million."
"We continue to believe that 2013 will be yet another record year. As forecasts become clearer for our ageLOC weight management launch in the back half of 2013, we look forward to updating the market on our full-year guidance. We see great enthusiasm building for this launch, reinforcing our forecast for strong results," concluded Hunt.


text:
DHL in security partnership at Bangalore airport
DHL announced that its freight forwarding division DHL Global Forwarding has signed a security partnership with Air India-SATS, Bengaluru, the cargo terminal operator at the Bangalore international airport. According to the agreement DHL Global Forwarding will work together with Air India-SATS on standard operating procedures (SOP) for high-value and high-risk air cargo, to share best […]
December 1, 2009
By PLA Editor
Ã¢â‚¬Å“To ensure fool-proof security in the supply chain, it is imperative for all concerned to promote collaboration, open communication and best practices,Ã¢â‚¬Â DHL Lemuir Logistics chief executive Christoph Remund said in the statement.
Air India-SATS is a joint venture company between National Aviation Company of India (NACIL) which is branded Air India now and Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS).


text:
Big discounts as small firms get into a huddle
Discount deal sites such as Groupon have proved a big hit with shoppers, but now group buying is being offered to small companies with the promise of substantial savings on goods and services.
Saurav Chopra and Chieu Cao set up the huddlebuy.co.uk website in April last year.
Firms that sign up can buy a range of goods such as office products and services such as printing typically at ‘between a 50 per cent and 90 per cent discount’.
Top offers: Saurav Chopra and Chieu Cao, centre, with five of their staff
Unlike Groupon there is no requirement for a minimum number of buyers to get the low price. As long as a deal is advertised, it can be bought.
So far 50,000 small businesses have registered on the site and 250 deals have been offered since its launch, including some from brands such as Apple, TalkTalk, Nokia and Streetcar.
Marketing deals have proved very popular, as have business services such as a virtual receptionist.
Training courses also prove big sellers. Saurav, 34, and Chieu, 35, say they ‘extensively vet’ smaller suppliers and will often ask to do a trial run themselves of a product before they put it on the site.
They have showcased deals from just ten per cent of the companies that have approached them.
Saurav tells companies offering deals how many sales can be expected then negotiates a price and charges a fee based on the popularity of the offer.
The friends, who met when they worked for Yahoo! in Silicon Valley, are especially focused on helping the smallest firms, who typically have less purchasing power than larger companies.
Saurav says: ‘Firms with zero to 25 employees are our core market. In effect we are acting as an outsourced buyer of goods and services for these firms.’
Huddlebuy runs a regular ‘freebie Friday’, during which small businesses can benefit from trialling free goods or services.
The deal, says Saurav, has to be free of any lock-in or contractual obligation so that it is ‘genuinely a way of trying before you buy’.
Huddlebuy, which is based in Soho, central London, and employs six staff, has attracted investment angels including Alex Chesterman, the founder of love film.com, and it is looking for more funding to expand.
It has teamed up with energy comparison website makeitcheaper.com to launch a Great Business Power Cut campaign, which aims to help small businesses reduce their energy bills by between 30 per cent and 70 per cent.
Figures suggest that small businesses are overpaying for energy to the tune of £2.5billion a year as a result of being rolled over on to expensive renewal deals after the initial cheaper contract has ended.
The campaign is calling on small firms to register their support and join at huddlebuy.co.uk/greatbusinesspowercut.
Experts at Huddlebuy and Make It Cheaper will then use the collective buying power of thousands of businesses to negotiate better deals for them with suppliers.
Most watched Money videos
- Bugatti Chiron hypercar breaks new record at 304.77mph in Top Gear
- How to profit from investing in green energy
- Jaguar Land Rover opens UK's biggest state-of-the-art design centre
- Porsche unveils its first all-electric sports car
- Lego and Land Rover teamed up for new Defender made of 2,573 bricks
- Introducing the new 'unstoppable' £40,000 Land Rover Defender
- $70 million to $17 million: Auction of Porsche Type 64 goes wrong
- Aston Martin reveals the engine roar of its first SUV
- Top interior designer reveals tips to give your home a designer look
- How to invest in the new era of falling interest rates
- Man carries disabled daughter down stairs in Tui holiday 'disaster'
- Audi releases a trailer showing off the brand new A4


text:
Midwich has teamed up with distributor True Colours Distribution to organise a new audiovisual (AV) event named Hi-Technology.
The event consists of three consecutive roadshows on 4, 5 and 6 April 2006, starting at the City of Manchester Stadium, before moving on to Villa Park, Birmingham and then RAF Hendon.
Iain Campbell, sales and marketing director at True Colours, said: “The idea of distributors joining forces to promote AV products is a new strategy. It sits comfortably with True Colours and Midwich because our key vendors are non-competitive.”
Darren Lewitt, divisional director at Midwich, told CRN: “Many VARs don’t get a chance to go to the big trade shows abroad so Hi-Technology will give them the chance to see a wide range of new technologies. Some products won’t have been seen before in the UK.”
Vendor's announcements include AI-powered Microsoft Office, a move away from password verification and an alliance with Adobe and SAP
Vendor claims hackers are hijacking machines to mine for cryptocurrency
Nearly half of SMBs are planning to invest in digital workflows to reduce their paper-based processes by 2025, according to Quocirca
The charter has pulled together the biggest names in tech in an unprecedented attempt to address the tech industry's lack of diversity. Tom Wright asks how it plans to do it


text:
About US magazine Consumer Reports ranking Mazda 2nd place in overall auto brand listing, Mazda president Masamichi Kogai said on February 27, “This is the voice of our customers and we are extremely happy to hear it.”
The same day, he answered questions at a press conference for the CX-3. Mazda’s ranking made a huge leap from 6th place in 2014, putting it right behind Toyota’s Lexus brand, which has held the top position for three straight years.
Mr. Kogai says it shows that the Mazda brand is known for the quality of its brand and its service. However, he indicated that there’s stiff competition for Mazda in the United States over incentives. He says the company hopes to take up the challenge by attaching importance to brand and controlling fleet sales, which are connected with excessive price reductions and price collapse due to future used car sales.
(Translated by Greg Scott)