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Jiffy Lube Franchisee Looks To Settle Text Message Spamming Suits
Heartland Automotive Services, the largest Jiffy Lube franchisee in the United States, is prepared to pay out millions in services and/or cash to settle class action suits brought against the company for what plaintiffs argue was an illegal wireless spam campaign Heartland initiated in April 2011. A hearing has been set later this month to get court approval of the proposed settlement.
According to a court filing dated Aug. 1 by plaintiffs in support of the proposed resolution, more than 2.3 million customers received on April 21, 2011 a commercial text message promoting 45 percent off a “signature service oil change” by enrolling in an “EClub.” The message was sent by a third party, TextMarks Inc., on behalf of Heartland.
According to the plaintiffs, Heartland and TextMarks uploaded a list of more than 2.3 million former Jiffy Lube customers and transmitted text messages en masse to them without the customers’ express consent to receive such text messages. The plaintiffs — who represent the recipients of these text messages — argue that Heartland and TextMarks violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
The defendants disagree, arguing (among other things) that Heartland cannot be held liable for the alleged conduct of TextMarks, or vice versa; that the text messages were not sent using an automatic telephone dialing system (a key point under the TCPA); and that the former Jiffy Lube customers had provided their prior express consent to receive text messages.
Class action suits in multiple jurisdictions were filed against the defendants. The cases were eventually consolidated into a single proceeding before the U.S. District Court of California – San Diego division. Heartland sought to compel arbitration and to dismiss the consolidated suit. The court denied both of Heartland’s motions. Mediation of the case began in April 2012. In time, a deal was struck.
Heartland has agreed to provide each member of the class a certificate that can be redeemed in one of two ways:
• The certificate can be exchanged for a number of Jiffy Lube services, such as an antifreeze top-off service, or approximately $17.29 off any service Jiffy Lube offers; or
• After the period for use of Jiffy Lube services expires, class members can redeem the certificate for as much as $12.97 in cash.
The services and cash value of the certificates being made available to the class is roughly $46.84 million and $35.13 million, respectively. Additionally, the settlement provides for an injunction requiring Heartland and TextMarks to ensure that informed written consent be obtained by affirmative action on the part of the customer through a clear written statement regarding the receipt of text message advertisements. And, the defendants would be required to retain proof of all consumer consent to receive text message ads.
If the proposed settlement is not approved by the court, the defendants are prepared to litigate the case through summary judgment and trial, and Heartland would pursue an appeal on its motion to compel arbitration.
A representative of Heartland did not respond to our request for comment on the proposed settlement.
AMRA, MAP Name Director Of Administration
he Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA) and the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) have named Joe Henmueller as the association’s director of administration. His duties involve overseeing the MAP technical committee, including establishing meeting sites and topics, as well as handling AMRA’s technical services and office administration.
Henmueller is a 30-year aftermarket veteran. He most recently was manager of operations and compliance for Midas International. Henmueller also previously served on the AMRA board of directors and was co-chairman of the MAP technical committee.
Hennessy Industries Drops Infringement Suit Against Perfect Equipment
Hennessy Industries (Bowling Green, KY) has dismissed its own patent infringement lawsuit against Murfreesboro, TN-based Perfect Equipment. A specific reason for the dismissal is unknown.
Court documents don’t explain why Hennessy dropped the suit, and the company did not respond to our attempt to get an explanation. A representative from Perfect Equipment told Service Executive: “There was a dispute between Hennessy and Perfect, and that dispute has been resolved.” No further information was provided.
Back in May, Hennessey filed a complaint in U.S. district court saying that Perfect Equipment has made, used, sold, offered for sale and/or imported steel clip-on wheel weights that allegedly violate a patent owned by Hennessy. The complaint calls out the following series as being in violation: The PST-Series, AWST-Series, MCST-Series, LHST-Series, IAWST-Series, ENST-Series, FNST-Series and TST-Series.
Hennessy asked the court to determine that Perfect Equipment had infringed on the patent, to permanently stop Perfect Equipment and all others acting in concert with the company from further infringing on the patent, and to award damages to Hennessy to compensate for the alleged infringement.
Hennessy dismissed its suit in August before Perfect Equipment had filed an answer to Hennessy’s complaint.
R.O. Writer Goes Under The Microscope
Progressive Automotive Systems (Itasca, IL) says it has engaged the I.T. consulting firm Cognizant to conduct an assessment of its R.O. Writer shop management system. Cognizant will evaluate the current functionality and future competitive positioning of R.O. Writer, and will develop a growth strategy for the software. This comes as Progressive intends to invest in functional, technical and user interface enhancements to R.O. Writer.
Progressive plans to discuss the progress of its Cognizant partnership at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas this fall.
Patent Infringement Ruling In Favor Of Midtronics Upheld On Appeal
The U.S. appellate court has upheld a lower court’s ruling from 2011 that Argus Analyzers and BP Power sold products containing electronic battery testing technology infringing on patents held by Midtronics. The original complaint was filed six years ago. It was argued that BP Power, a Taiwanese company, developed the infringing products, and Argus imported and sold them in the United States.
In August 2011, U.S. Judge Milton Shadur of the Northern Illinois District ruled in Midtronics’ favor, ordering the defendants to stop making, importing, using and selling a number of their products, including AA350, AA400, AA500, AA500P and AA550P battery testers. Shadur also ordered the defendants to pay attorney fees and expenses.
Argus and BP Power appealed Shadur’s ruling in 2011. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in August 2012 unanimously affirmed Shadur’s ruling, and none of the relief sought in the appeal was granted. No opinion accompanied the judgment.
“The court’s decision definitively validates one of our foundational patents and the strength of our intellectual property portfolio,” Steve McShane, president and CEO of Midtronics, said in a statement. “Midtronics will vigorously defend our innovative technologies as we continue to invest in and advance battery management.”
As of press time, we had not received a formal statement from Argus in response to the appellate court’s decision.
Bridgestone Americas Launches New Firestone Ad Campaign
Bridgestone Americas has launched a new Firestone brand campaign that depicts the tiremaker and service center network operator as a car company. It emphasizes that Firestone has more than 112 years of tire experience and 86 years of service experience, and has serviced 11,000 makes/models and more than 500 million vehicles over the last 86 years.
“People are keeping their cars — be it Chevys, Toyotas or BMWs – now longer than ever (on average 10.8 years) and are in need of a trusted partner to keep them running stronger for the long haul,” explained Philip Dobbs, chief marketing officer of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO). “Firestone, with its extensive line of durable and dependable tires and more than 1,600 Firestone Complete Auto Care automotive service centers and its broader Family Dealer network nationwide, is that trusted partner. We created this brand campaign to celebrate the many stages of our lives, and how Firestone helps you reach your destination – time after time after time.”
The commercials used scene set-ups typical of a new car commercial, yet casted more seasoned makes and models as the stars of the ads. The campaign, titled “Drive a Firestone,” is the creative work of Chicago-based Leo Burnett, BATO’s recently selected agency for the multi-faceted Firestone brand.
Rival Lift Manufacturers Sue Each Other For Patent Infringement
Competing lift manufacturers Stertil-Koni USA and Rotary Lift/the Vehicle Service Group (VSG) have filed patent infringement and misleading advertising suits against each other.
Stertil-Koni was first with a complaint — filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland – Baltimore division — filed July 30 accusing VSG of infringing upon a patent Stertil-Koni owns (the 865 patent) that it says was issued in June 2012. Stertil-Koni says the 865 patent covers the company’s Ecolift scissor lift products, which it has sold since March 2005.
According to its complaint, after Stertil-Koni adopted the allegedly unique trade dress of its Ecolift product, VSG made, advertised and sold a model EFX scissor lift that Stertil-Koni says has the same distinctive features as the allegedly unique Ecolift trade dress. Stertil-Koni further accuses VSG of copying Stertil-Koni’s copyrighted Ecolift brochures, as well as making false and misleading claims in performance comparison advertising.
Stertil-Koni wants the court to rule that VSG has infringed upon the 865 patent and be barred from further infringement. Stertil-Koni asks the court to award the company damages for the alleged infringement and the disgorgement by VSG of all profits it has derived from its allegedly unlawful acts.
Addressing Stertil-Koni’s suit, a representative from Rotary Lift/VSG said: “We are confident the EFX product does not infringe upon Stertil-Koni’s U.S. Patent #8,191,865 and plan to fully support all current customers’ products, fulfill all pending orders, and continue making the product commercially available for sale.”
Meanwhile, VSG filed a complaint of its own on Sept. 5 accusing Stertil-Koni of selling lifts — specifically model numbers ST 1075, ST 1082, ST 1100 and ST 1175 — that VSG claims incorporate technology covered by a patent (the 196 patent) that VSG owns. The patent in question was issued in January 2006, according to VSG.
Additionally, VSG accuses Stertil-Koni of competing unfairly in the marketplace by advertising that many of its lifts are “Made in the USA” when, according to VSG, they are not.
VSG wants the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana – New Albany division to find Stertil-Koni to have infringed upon the 196 patent, to stop Stertil-Koni from allegedly infringing upon the patent and to be barred from making “Made in the USA” claims about its lift products. VSG also wants to be awarded damages to compensate the company for Stertil-Koni’s alleged infringement and unfair competition.
“Our recent lawsuit against Stertil-Koni is unrelated to theirs and coincidental in its timing. It is an outcome of a commercial licensing agreement with another manufacturer requiring VSG to establish license agreements for the use of our ‘196 patent or take legal action against those who have not licensed the technology and are infringing on the patent (U.S. Patent 6,983,196),” a spokesperson for VSG/Rotary Lift said in a prepared statement. “This commercial agreement preceded Stertil Koni’s actions against VSG and was in place long before their lawsuit was filed. In addition, VSG’s lawsuit takes exception to Stertil-Koni’s ‘Made in the U.S.A.’ marketing practices which we believe to be false, misleading and overstated.”
CustomerLink Allies With Management Feedback Systems
CustomerLink Systems has partnered with Management Feedback Systems (MFS) to provide automated marketing services to auto repair shops that use the MFS automotive shop management software EasyRO. The pact is meant to encourage EasyRO users to adopt high-level auto repair marketing practices to help them become more profitable — additional tools such as customer review gathering, email and postcard service reminder programs, Facebook and Twitter automation, and a consumer demographics-driven system for finding new customers.
Alldata Expands Ties With AutoVitals
Elk Grove, CA-based Alldata LLC has expanded its strategic agreement with AutoVitals. With the new release, Alldata Market allows shops to optimize websites for mobile viewing and gives service advisors tools to stay in communication with customers through email, text messaging and calendaring.
Instead of waiting for customers to call, advisors can proactively reach out to their customers to schedule upcoming maintenance, send appointment reminders and notify them when cars are ready for pickup. And, in the event of an unexpected repair, advisors can send images of worn or damaged parts to customers, along with an article explaining the repair and why it’s necessary.
TBC Hires Pep Boys Marketing Exec
Scott Stoughton has left Pep Boys to become a senior vice president and chief marketing officer for TBC Corp. Stoughton spent the last four years with Pep Boys — two as director of marketing and advertising followed by two as assistant vice president of marketing. TBC bills itself as the nation’s largest vertically integrated marketer of tires for the automotive replacement market.
Agenda Set For ASRW Industry Forum
Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) organizers have announced the agenda for this year’s Industry Forum, which will be held on the morning of Oct. 12. ASRW — which encompasses the CARS and NACE shows — will take place Oct. 10-13 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
From 8:30 am to 9:15 am, there are two sessions …
• Manufacturer members of AASA will discuss the intangibles and value-added services that go into quality parts in a panel discussion titled “What Else Is in the Box? More Than Just the Part!” AASA vice president Jack Cameron will moderate. Panelists will include Bobby Bassett of Gates Corp., Scott Howat of the Affinia Group and Jack Vollbrecht of Remy International.
• A panel discussion on where the insurance industry is headed will be moderated by Dan Stander of Fix Auto Highlands Ranch. The panelists — who will address market consolidation, cloud computing and retaining policyholders — include George Avery of State Farm Insurance, Randy Hanson of Allstate, Robert Knott of Nationwide and James Spears of USAA.
From 9:30 am to 10:15 am, there are two sessions …
• Dave Kusa of Autotrend Diagnostics will moderate a mechanical market panel titled “Paving the Road to Success – The Next Generation.” He will be joined by panelists Taylor Hill of Larson’s Service, Josh Ingram of Colchin Automotive & Diesel and Chip Wright of Pete’s Garage.
• A collision parts supplier forum will focus on how suppliers distinguish themselves through distributor certification and customer service, and how suppliers interact with information providers in bringing their parts to market. Denise Caspersen of ASA will moderate. Panelists will include Mike Dolabi of National Autobody Parts Warehouse, Terry Fortner of Keystone/LKQ and Dan Morrisey of PartsChannel.
Tickets for the forum are included in the purchase of a Super Pass or may be purchased individually during online registration or on-site for $50. Attendees may select the forum sessions of their choice.
ASRW Private Meeting Room Space Reservations Being Taken
Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) organizers, in partnership with CCC Information Services, has announce the return of private meeting rooms during NACE and CARS. These complimentary spaces are available to any registered ASRW 2012 participant (attendee or exhibitor) who requests one.
The meeting rooms will be located on Level 2 of the Morial Convention Center, near the show floor in an area called “The NACE Network.” The space will consist of small and larger private rooms, each equipped with comfortable furnishings, wireless Internet, and a flatscreen or screen projector equipped with a laptop connection.
The NACE Network space will be available Oct 10-13 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm each day. In advance of the show, reservations can be made on a first-come, first-served basis by completing a form on the NACE or CARS websites. On-site reservations also can be accommodated at The NACE Network reception area on a first-come, first-served basis. Each room can be reserved for as much as 90 minutes.
ASRW Announces New Event Exclusively For Collision Repairers
A new event, strictly to qualified collision repairers, will be launched at Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) next month. The Auto Body Repairers Assembly, which will take place from 4:45 pm to 6:45 pm on Oct. 10, is designed to provide collision repairers with a forum to openly discuss their issues among their peers. Admission is complimentary for repair professionals, and registration is available online.
Repairers and repair organizations are encouraged to bring their issues to the assembly and share their opinions. The format has been designed to funnel the issues and opinions of the assembly into resolutions, action items and directed feedback, depending on the issue. Event organizers say steps will be taken to ensure the assembly is in compliance with all anti-trust guidelines.
Applications Now Open Now For 2013 GAAS Scholarships
Applications are now being accepted at AutomotiveScholarships.com for the 2013 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarship awards competition.
The scholarships are available to students in two-year technical college programs and vocational schools, as well as four-year college programs. To receive a GAAS scholarship, applicants must be enrolled full-time in a college-level program or an ASE/NATEF certified automotive technical program. Graduate programs and part-time undergraduate programs do not qualify.
Technician recipients can receive two financial grants: one while in school to assist with tuition, and an equivalent grant awarded to scholarship recipients who graduate from their program and show proof of post-graduation employment as a technician in the automotive aftermarket for at least six months.
By completing a single online application at AutomotiveScholarships.com, students will be considered for GAAS scholarships, as well as scholarships from a number of industry partners.
The deadline to apply is March 31, 2013.
AAPEX Adds Extra Day To Learning Forum Schedule
AAPEX Learning Forum sessions are being extended to four days this year — starting on Monday, Oct. 29, instead of Tuesday, and continuing throughout the event. The new schedule will include more than 30 sessions that are all free and open to everyone. Specific sessions are recommended for general aftermarket audiences, WDs, manufacturers, retailers, repair shops and parts stores. Click here for a complete list of Learning Forum sessions.
ETI Seeks Speakers For ToolTech 2013
The Equipment & Tool Institute (ETI) is looking for 30-minute presentations, 60-minute presentations, as well as moderators for roundtable discussions and workshops for ToolTech 2013, which will be held April 23-25 in San Diego. ETI’s main selection criteria is that sessions fit into the event’s theme: “Driving the Innovation that Drives the Aftermarket,” provide attendees with key information and takeaways that can be incorporated as soon as they return to the office, benefit at least one vertical segment of ETI membership, not be too controversial, and no company or product pitches.
Click here to submit proposals to be a speaker at ToolTech 2013. The deadline for proposals is Sept. 28.
Registration Now Open For MACS 2013 Training Event, Trade Show
Registration is now open for the 33rd annual MACS Worldwide Training Event & Trade Show, which will be held Feb. 7-9 at the Caribe Royale Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, FL. To view a program schedule or to register, visit the MACS website or call the MACS office at (215) 631-7020 ext. 0.
Transtar Touts Driveline Assessment Info
Transtar Industries (Cleveland) has added driveline assessment information to its 2012 torque converter catalog. Drawn from OE and aftermarket information, the new Driveline Needs Assessment (DNA) feature takes common symptoms like overheating, shudder and slippage, and produces all known solutions tired directly to specific transmissions and torque converters.
Snap-On CEO Recognized By SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA has selected Nick Pinchuk, chairman and CEO of Snap-on Inc., as its 2012 Champion of the Year. The award recognizes the leadership of a corporate executive in supporting and influencing the growth of a skilled work force throughout America. It also recognizes executives and their corporations for involvement in promoting career and technical education and for support of SkillsUSA, a nonprofit that strives to provide a quality work force in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.
Glass Doctor Names New VP Of Operations
Brad Voreis has been named vice president of operations at Glass Doctor, following the resignation of Doug Dotson. Dotson left in order to commit full-time to the family business, a Glass Doctor franchise located in Waco, TX. He has been a part of the Glass Doctor team for 11 years.
Voreis has spent the last year as a franchise consultant at Glass Doctor, working with more than 30 franchisees across the United States. Prior to working with the corporate office, Voreis was CFO and operations manager for the Glass Doctor of North Texas franchise.
Glass Doctor offers glass repair, replacement and services to the automotive, residential and commercial markets at more than 270 locations in the United States and Canada. Glass Doctor began franchising in 1977 and, in 1998, joined The Dwyer Group, an international franchisor of service industry companies. There are more than 180 Glass Doctor franchise owners across the United States and Canada.
New Mitsubishi App Designed To Accelerate Roadside Assistance
Mitsubishi Motors North America has introduced a new roadside assistance application. The free app is available for iPhone-compatible devices and included among the free benefits Mitusbishi dealers provide to new vehicle owners. It puts drivers in touch with a roadside assistance agent who can dispatch assistance to the caller’s location. The service includes towing (to the nearest Mitsubishi retailer); lockout assistance; battery jump-starting; flat tire change; and emergency gasoline delivery.
The app also includes an estimated time of arrival for the dispatched tow service or service provider, as well as updates on the progress of the responding tow truck or service vehicle. The app can be downloaded from the App Store on iTunes. It was developed by Agero, Mitsubishi’s roadside assistance provider.
Nissan Announces U.S. Online Appointment-Scheduling Partner
Nissan North America has selected Xtime’s ServiceCRM platform to power its One to One online service-scheduling program for the U.S. market. ServiceCRM offers fully priced, VIN-specific, bookable service menus with “factory,” “premium” and “dealer recommended” service levels, confirmation of appointments sent to customers via email or text, and online notification of maintenance service or repair progress.
The automaker is subsidizing the subscription cost of ServiceCRM for all of its U.S. dealers.
News Briefs 9/12/12
• The Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA) and the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) will celebrate their 20th anniversary at the Fall Membership Meeting to be held at the Monte Carlo Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas during Industry Week.
• Mitchell 1 has launched a news and product updates blog for its ProDemand repair information software. The blog can be found on the ProDemand homepage.
• Integrated Services Inc. (ISI), a point-of-sale software provider to the fast-lube industry, has added Carfax QuickVIN to its LubeSoft software. This allows users to retrieve the year, make, model and VIN information of their customers’ cars by entering only the license plate information.
• Mac Tools now offers a free smartphone application, called TaskMobile Lite, that defines “Check Engine Light” diagnostic trouble codes. The app is available for iPhones, iPads and Android devices.
• For the fifth consecutive year, the SEMA Show will include a program designed for franchise and independent automotive dealers. The goal is to help dealers be successful at selling accessories. The program includes discussions on accounting, fixed operations, finance and insurance, new and used sales, and accessory sales, as well as an insider’s tour of the show.
• Alldata’s first product designed specifically for the European market (Alldata Repair) is being introduced to the public this week at Automechanika in Frankfurt. The company currently is an official licensee of information for 12 brands: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ford, Opel, VW, Mini, Skoda, Smart, Citroen, Fiat, Renault and Peugeot.
• The Equipment & Tool Institute (ETI) is offering an introductory membership program: Join ETI as a member of the mechanical systems group, collision repair group or service information group before Dec. 31, 2012 and agree to attend two of ETI’s three major events in 2013, and ETI will waive a company’s dues for your first year of membership.


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The payment services of Active Network were used by organizations, including the YMCA, to register consumers for events, like 5K runs, that sought to raise money for camps, cancer research, animal rescues and special needs children, among other causes, the CFPB said in the release. In the process of signing up for those events, Active Network used deception and unlawful marketing to funnel consumers into membership with its “discount club” Active Advantage, the CFPB said.
Atlanta-based Global Payments referred a request for comment to Active Network. A spokesperson for that company provided this comment by email: The “lawsuit by the CFPB against Active Network regarding a single product is frivolous and without merit.” Active Advantage “has been reviewed by multiple federal and state regulators, including the Federal Trade Commission,” and it has “nothing to do with the provision of consumer financial services, making the CFPB’s action outside the scope of the agency’s authority.”
That automatic trial membership, with an annual fee of $89.95, gave consumers 30 days to cancel the membership, leading to enrollment for many, according to the CFPB release. Ultimately, the membership didn’t provide the value that Active Network suggested, and the company increased the fee without notifying consumers, the CFPB said.
Those tactics in use over the past decade, since July 2011, generated the $300 million for Active Network, but only provided a fraction of that in benefits for consumers, the agency said.

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UBQ Materials, climate tech developer of advanced materials made from waste, today announced that Keter, the world’s largest resin-based consumer goods company, is expanding its use of bio-based, sustainable plastic substitute UBQ™ across multiple new product lines. The expansion will enable Keter to include Scope 3 emission reduction as part of its sustainability strategy and continue making progress towards its ESG goals.
In addition to incorporating 55 percent recycled content in total production, Keter will incorporate a 5-10 percent load of UBQ™ in a new line of eco-branded ‘Made With UBQ™ products, achieving a new level of sustainability. The “Made with UBQ” line will solidify Keter as a sustainability innovation market leader.
“We are committed to transforming our industry for the better. We have been working with UBQ Materials for several years and are committed to go beyond our recycled content goals. UBQ™ provides a much bigger impact,” said Iftach Sachar, Co-Head of Israel & Chief Sustainability Officer at Keter
“Combining our scale with UBQ’s climate-positive material, allows us to deliver tangible products that achieve a measurable impact on the environment. This will be highlighted at COP28, where we are uniting and acting together on climate change delivering a true proposition.”
UBQ’s new Netherlands-based plant, which will become operational by the end of the year, will expedite the new product line production process. With an annual capacity of 80,000 tons of UBQ™, Keter will accelerate the integration of UBQ™ into its European manufacturing facilities. Crucially, receiving UBQ material from the Bergen op Zoom facility will localize the circular economy, converting regional waste to fuel regional production.
“This partnership demonstrates the real-world climate impact of customer collaboration to achieve the removal and avoidance of carbon emissions,” said Albert Douer, Co-CEO and Chairman of UBQ Materials
. “Keter is a pioneer in combining virgin and recycled plastics within material innovation, setting the standard for the industry to follow. Building on the last several years of collaboration, we are setting the new benchmark in sustainable innovation for the industry to meet, that puts carbon emission removal and avoidance at its core.”
In Keter’s Sustainability Report for 2022
, the company demonstrated its progress towards set climate objectives as well as the environmental impact of its sustainability strategy, supported by UBQ. Through the expanded use of UBQ™, Keter will continue to reach and surpass these targets.
During COP28, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of UBQ Materials Jack ‘Tato’ Bigio joined in conversation with Edward Johnson, Keter’s Managing Direction UK, Ireland and Nordics, speaking at the UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub
Pavilion on the Climate Partnerships: Corporate – Startup Collaboration for Net Zero Targets panel. The session, organized by Start-Up Nation Central
aligned with the COP28 theme on Energy, Industry and Just Transition, focusing on successful corporate and startup collaborations aimed at achieving net-zero targets. The two executives discussed how incorporating UBQ™ is enabling Keter to achieve is sustainability targets and what the future holds for the long-term partners.About UBQ Materials Ltd.
UBQ Materials Ltd. closes the loop between the ecosystems of waste and materials. Through its advanced conversion technology, UBQ Materials Ltd. has created a pioneering bio-based thermoplastic, UBQ™, made entirely from residual waste, including all organics and hard-to-recycle materials. A sustainable plastic substitute, UBQ™ preserves finite resources, diverts waste from landfills and incinerators and prevents emissions. A certified B Corp, UBQ Materials is expanding globally to provide the world’s largest businesses, municipalities and consumers with a climate positive solution for a circular economy. About Keter
Keter is the world’s largest resin-based consumer goods company, which are sold in 100 countries and found in more than 25,000 retail outlets worldwide.
With a focus on innovation driven by consumer insights, Keter provides a wide range of Outdoor sheds, deck boxes and garden furniture, storage and organization solutions. Keter’s ongoing commitment to simplify and enhance the daily lives of consumers has been key to their global success.


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Greek premier set to visit Turkiye on Sunday, with countries’ trade volume reaching $5.3B last year
Turkish businesses are expecting an upcoming meeting on Sunday between Turkiye’s president and Greece’s prime minister have a positive impact on economic relations.
Greek premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to visit Turkiye on Sunday and hold a face-to-face meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with bilateral ties, current geopolitical developments, and the reflections of Russia’s war on Ukraine at the top of the agenda.
Steps towards developing Turkiye-Greece economic relations, especially in the field of energy, will also be evaluated at the meeting.
With its new economic strategy, Turkiye has recently opened the door to foreign trade cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Armenia, marking a new era expected to have a positive impact on bilateral trade with these countries.
Levent Sadik Ahmet, the head of the Foreign Economic Relations Board’s (DEIK) Turkiye-Greece Business Council said the meeting between Erdogan and Mitsotakis would be “very valuable” at this “critical time.”
“Diplomatic relations between the two (countries) will increase both the courage and motivation of the business world,” he added.
Ahmet also said they wanted the trade volume of the two countries, currently around $5 billion dollars, to quickly rise to $6-7 billion.
Pointing out that the products imported from Greece were mainly concentrated in petrochemicals and agriculture, Ahmet said that on the exports’side, there were products in many sectors from automotive to ready-made clothing, jewelry, machinery, cereals, and pulses.
According to data from the International Trade Center, the trade volume between two countries has fluctuated over the past decade.
Turkiye has had a trade surplus with Greece since 2019.
Their trade volume, which approached $5 billion in 2012, exceeded $6 billion in 2014 and registered at $5.3 billion in 2021.
Last year, Turkiye’s exports to Greece amounted to $3.1 billion, while its imports reached $2.2 billion.
Among the sectors with the highest exports to Greece, chemicals and chemical products, steel, electric and electronics, automotive, and textiles stand out.
Approximately $7 billion of international direct investment was made by Greece in Turkiye in 2002-2021.
This corresponds to 3.9% of the total international direct investments made in the country during that period.


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Steve Jobs may have released some great products today, but he also gave a keynote that is way different than usual. Here’s why.
Archive for January 9th, 2007
If you’re a total Apple geek like me, today’s the holiest day of the year — Steve Jobs’ Macworld keynote. And, if you’re like me and couldn’t attend in person, UneasySilence has provided a list of live Internet text feeds to track what “one more thing” Steve Jobs will be releasing this time. So keep your eyes peeled at your computer screen for 9 AM to 11 AM PDT for the biggest Apple event of the year.


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Hyundai launches new TUCSON through ‘The Next Dimension’: Hyundai Motor India Limited, country’s first smart mobility solutions provider and the largest exporter since inception, on Tuesday showcased 3 legendary and bestselling brands , All New CRETA- The Ultimate SUV, Spirited New VERNA and the new TUCSON in the ‘The Next Dimension’ through the ‘virtual world of Hyundai’.
Speaking at the industry first, most advanced virtual-reality experience, SS Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited said, “We are glad to introduce you to the ‘virtual world of Hyundai’ in an exceptional digital experience – ‘The Next Dimension’.
He said further that with its technological prowess, Hyundai has created a new paradigm bringing new experience alive. ‘The Next Dimension’ is an immersive expression of different cultures through Human Centric Design.
Meanwhile with over 6.5 million customers worldwide, TUCSON is one of the best-selling SUV’s across the world. The new TUCSON unveiled recently at the Auto Expo 2020 is a testimony of Hyundai commitment to bring the best of global products and technology for customers in India and to set a new benchmark in Industry.


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Amazon invites AOC to visit as she alleges 'dehumanising conditions'
Offer came as tech giant pulled out of plan to open major operation in New York
Harpoon impales and captures space junk floating in orbit
RemovalDEBRIS test follows years of collaboration between Airbus, the University of Surrey and the Surrey Satellite Technology firm
Apex Legends app download site tricks players with dodgy version
Cyber security researchers discovered the first malicious app for the record-breaking video game, which is yet to be released on Android or iOS devices
Elon Musk's SpaceX to have launches reviewed by Pentagon
US military launches are a central part of the private rocket company's plans
New iPhone to keep same plug but also slow charger, report claims
Apple's latest handset expected to be unveiled later this year
Cryptocurrency market suddenly gains billions
The latest price rise comes after months of stagnation for crypto markets
New battle royale game growing faster than Fortnite
'This has been a truly incredible journey'


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OnePlus has opened new gates for the open beta program for the flagship OnePlus 5.
OnePlus has pushed OxygenOS 5.0.2 update for the OnePlus 5T, which is the first stable.
OnePlus has finally given a special new year gift for its customers. If you work.
OnePlus recently released the much-anticipated OnePlus 5T with a large bezel-less display. The smartphone was.
OnePlus 5T is the new smartphone released by the company globally on November 16. The.
OnePlus has started to push OxygenOS 4.5.14 update for the flagship OnePlus 5. The update.
OnePlus recently released the much-awaited OnePlus 5 with plenty of new features such as an.


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Omni Shipping Services, Inc. has proudly announced that it has recently released a new version of their cloud-based mail management platform. The updated software will help the leading online shopping and shipping intermediary to provide better services to its users. Based in Florida, Omni Shipping Services operates nationwide across the United States with its growing network of shipping agents and it is taking the concept of worldwide shipping to the next level. Worldwide shipping is on the rise and since the dawn of e-commerce age, new startups are born each day across the globe.
“With this new and updated version of our cloud-based mail management software, our aim is to offer improved services to our growing number of users from around the world, who can now keep a track of each shipment online.” Said Anette Brown, while talking about the updated cloud-based shipping platform. “Our experience covers the e-commerce, retail, and shipping sectors and we have a highly skilled in-house team that is dedicated to serving our valued clients from around the world,” Anette added. The new software has updated features and a dashboard that is easy to operate by ordinary users and this user-friendly interface is getting a welcoming response by the growing network of users.
In addition, Omni Shipping Services ships and handles transactions for all types of products ranging from clothes and electronic devices to sporting goods and much more. The company is enabling people from around the world to buy American products and get them shipped anywhere in the world. Founded by Joaquin Galarreta Bolia, the company is all about serving its customers from around the world with quality services and its state-of-the-art cloud-based mail management platform enables its users to know exactly where their shipment is and what is its current status.
Another major advantage of this remarkable service is that it enables online shopping community from around the world to shop American products online directly from the United States on cheaper and discounted rates. Moreover, the shopping and shipping platform is also accommodating emerging e-commerce startups worldwide because the e-commerce sector is one of the fastest growing industries around the world. Furthermore, the platform also enables its users to save time, money and effort while ordering online, particularly in larger quantities. Each shipping agent of Omni Shipping is well trained and since the network of these agents is spread nationwide, the platform makes it possible for its users to shop from anywhere in the United States.
For more information, please visit the website at: www.omnishippingus.com
Company Name: Omni Shipping Services, Inc.
Contact Person: Annette Brown
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (813) 226-5402
Address:1703 N Tampa St, SUITE 11
State: FL 33602
Country: United States


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One of these lies in the way the world manages the creation and ownership of inventions and concepts. A protectionist approach to intellectual property was created to protect and prolong the lifecycle of existing technologies, and permit innovators to capture the profits from their creations. In a paper published with colleagues from universities in Germany and India, we examined how this also causes it to be tougher for new and more sustainable technologies to be developed and adopted. That explains why now there are other approaches being utilized to move key sectors to more sustainable systems and end this status quo.
Electric car manufacturer Tesla, has become doing that. Tesla CEO Elon Musk “shocked” the world in 2014 as he announced that his company was joining the open source movement and giving out its patents free of charge. It is essential to be aware of the rationale here. Why would a company that had worked so desperately to develop and protect its technology looking at the global car manufacturer competitors suddenly give its technology away for free?
Tesla initially developed How To Patent An Invention its technology. However, Tesla’s concern that it will be overwhelmed once established car makers ramped up their production of electric cars never arrived at pass. Instead, it saw the electric car market stagnate at lower than 1% of total vehicle sales. So Tesla changed its strategy from attempting to prevent others from building electric cars to attempting to encourage them into the market.
Portion of the reasoning here is when more electric cars are built, then more battery recharging stations will likely be built too. This would make electric cars be a little more visible, and a more conventional choice. Tesla believes an open intellectual property strategy can strengthen instead of diminish its position by building how big the electrical car market, and for that reason, build its very own share of the total automotive market.
This kind of careful management of intellectual property at company level, backed up by policy-level awareness, can be a powerful way to keep the same forms of transitions to more sustainable technologies in other industries too.
Energy supply faces an array of difficulties: the depletion of natural resources; air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions; nuclear risks; and security of supply. The Inventors Helpline is restricted by water scarcity, pollutants, extreme environmental events such as flooding and expenses related to supplying water to communities in poor countries and remote communities. The agri-food sector, meanwhile, is under pressure to sustainably produce more food and also to address malnutrition in poor countries.
For these industries to navigate a path around these problems, new knowledge and the innovations that follow is going to be essential. And in knowledge economies, intellectual property either can be an enabler or perhaps an inhibitor.
If the ownership of intellectual property is fragmented inside an industry, it may slow down technology innovation and uptake, including in the electronics industry where multiple players own complementary patents. However, firms can instead open up their innovation processes and depart from jealously guarded, internal cultures, where intellectual property is used to guard and prolong lifecycles. This change may see knowledge sharing which leads to accelerated innovation cycles and a wksgqs rapid uptake of sustainable alternatives throughout a sector: precisely what Tesla was hoping for in electric vehicles.
This method to intellectual property, so-called “open IP”, is well advanced and mature within the software industry and healthcare. It has given usage of life-saving medicines to thousands of people, especially in Inventhelp Locations through patent pools, like the Medicine Patent Pool. This type of project relies upon multinational pharmaceutical companies sharing their intellectual property, but small companies could also play a strategic roles in creating these new, more sustainable systems, and it’s its not all about open IP.


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Image Quarterly Gain Can't Offset Annual Loss28 Jun, 2004 By: Erik Gruenwedel
Despite a near 21 percent gain in year-and-year revenue for the fourth quarter ended March 31, Image Entertainment posted a fiscal year 2004 net loss of $9.5 million, or 52 cents per diluted share, on revenue of $84.8 million, compared to a net loss of $4.2 million, or 25 cents per diluted share, on revenue of $86.9 million during the same period last year.
Chatsworth, Calif.-based Image attributed the loss in part to a 31.5 percent drop in foreign distribution, broadcast programming and revenue accounting procedures, and more than a $2.4 million loss from discontinued operations and September sale of online retailer DVD Planet.
That said, buoyed by a 5.4 percent rise in sales of exclusive DVD and CD titles, and increased music sublicense fees through German-based label BMG, Image recorded quarterly net income of 973,000, or 5 cents per diluted share, on revenue of $26.5 million, compared to a net loss of $187,000, or 2 cents per share, on revenue of $21.9 million during the same period last year.
Sources said Image is poised to generate almost $20 million in audio sales in the next fiscal year — despite an ongoing slump in global music sales.
“All-in-all, it was a very good quarter,” said Martin Greenwald, Image president and CEO. “Audio is certainly turning out to be a nice add-on business.”
Greenwald remained optimistic for the future, including the first quarter ended Wednesday, following last week's announced partnership with Dark Horse Entertainment, owner of the “Hellboy” franchise, among other comic book properties.
“[The deal] enables us as a participant in the low-budget feature film market,” Greenwald said. “We put both companies together to create compelling programming.”
He said that with 90 percent of Image's product offering driven by exclusive titles, the result is added interest from big-box retailers.
“We have become more important in the product flow to companies like Wal-Mart,” Greenwald said.


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Chinese language sportswear firm Anta Sports activities Merchandise introduced yesterday that it has signed China’s first naturalised skier, Eileen Gu, as a model ambassador.
The 15-year-old, additionally identified by her Chinese language title Gu Ailing, modified her nationwide affiliation from American to Chinese language in June 2019, and is representing China on the Youth Olympic Video games presently going down in Lausanne, Switzerland, in addition to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. She can be participating within the freestyle, freestyle ski leaping, and slope impediment occasions in Lausanne.
Since becoming a member of the Chinese language workforce, Gu has received two gold medals on the Australian New Zealand Cup in August 2019. A hashtag about her wins was considered over 160m instances on Chinese language microblogging web site Weibo.
Born to an American father and a Chinese language mom, Gu speaks fluent Chinese language with a Beijing accent. She began snowboarding on the age of three and received the junior’s group of the USASA Nationwide Championships on the age of 9.
Along with Anta, Gu has additionally signed ambassador offers with Chinese language dairy model Mengniu and Austrian power drink model Purple Bull.


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The Perfect Man can change a tyre
Europcar, the leader in car hire services in Europe, has conducted a piece of light-hearted research to find out about the driving traits of the perfect man – at least as far as women are concerned! 2,000 women were polled and more than 1 in 5 said they see their perfect man driving a convertible. Audi was the top brand for all types of car. And when it comes to the perfect motoring getaway, 35 per cent voted for a trip along the Italian Amalfi coast in an open top sports car.
A luxury saloon as the car driven by their perfect man was the choice for 21 per cent of women; as was a 4×4. Only 3 per cent picture their ideal man pulling up in an estate. But regionally there were some interesting differences. East Midlands women were most in favour of convertibles at 30 per cent, compared to just 14 per cent of Scottish women making this choice. Perhaps the weather has something to do with it?
A man driving a 4×4 was most favoured by women living in Northern Ireland, at 29 per cent; this mode of transport for their perfect man was least popular for women in the East Midlands at 12 per cent.
Audi was the top brand (18 per cent), followed by BMW with 12 per cent of the vote. Safe and reliable Volvo scored just 2 per cent, but surprisingly, Ferrari and Porsche both ranked low at 2 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.
The majority (66 per cent) want their perfect guy to be able to change a tyre and 43 per cent want a man who will fill up their car with fuel. Over half (54 per cent) of women want a man who brings them tea in bed and 53 per cent would like him to laugh at their jokes. But move over James Dean and Humphrey Bogart because 57 per cent want a non-smoker and nearly 50 per cent want a man who can iron his own shirts!
Over half (53 per cent) of women who responded to the Europcar believe their perfect man is someone who travels. And the second most popular car journey with their dream man, after the Amalfi Coast, is a drive through the Scottish Highlands in a luxurious saloon.
“We thought it would be fun to find out what women are looking for in the perfect man”, explained Ken McCall, Managing Director, Europcar UK Group. “And it appears that today’s women want the perfect balance between James Bond’s jet-set style and sophistication, combined with practicality and sensitivity. But whether he plays sport or plays an instrument, most women agree he should be in a convertible – a car that’s says luxury without being flashy.”


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Cadie is the senior transportation editor at Business Insider. Previously, she was the emerging tech editor at Tech Insider.
Before joining Tech Insider, she was a reporter at CNBC covering technology and consumer news.
5 innovations in radiology that could impact everything from the Zika virus to dermatology
More "Digital Industry Insider" »
A new technology is being developed using just 1% of the finite resource needed for traditional MRIs
Available on iOS or Android


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Earlier this year, the first signs of a major visual overhaul for Chrome began appearing online. It looked like Google might finally be bringing Material Design to its web browser, but there was no indication of when the update might actually be available for the average Chrome user on Windows or Mac.
By most accounts, the transition to Material Design has been a successful one for Android. It’s more responsive, it’s easier on the eyes and it’s even made its way over to iOS to some degree. So it only makes sense that Google would take what it’s learned from Android and implement the best elements in the Chrome browser.
Material Design is one of the cornerstones of Google’s Android when it comes to overall design and user interface elements, and the company hasn’t been shy about wanting to use the same design principles for mobile and web apps. Google has slowly updated its mobile apps to Material Design surrounding Lollipop’s launch last year, and the company is moving forward with similar plans for the web. The overhauled design has now finally reached one of Google’s most prized possessions, the web version of Google Maps, which now mirrors the Android and iOS interface. More →
Material Design has brought a fresh and exciting new look to Android and it’s one that developers so far have shown enthusiasm for as it will help them make beautiful new applications. The app design experts at Five — who make mobile apps for third-party clients such as Microsoft, T-Mobile and MTV — have posted some experimental Material Design animations they’ve been working on that show just how much potential Google’s new design language really has. More →
Over the past few weeks, Google has been updating its apps with the highly anticipated Material Design interface that Android fans have been waiting for. Interestingly, iOS users are receiving the updates as well, which is the case again this week after the latest update for the official Google app on iPhone and iPad. More →
Over the next few months, Android 5.0 Lollipop will begin rolling out to all of the latest flagship devices, including the LG G3, HTC One (M8), Xperia Z3 and all of the most recent Galaxy phones and phablets.
Unless you own a Nexus device or a Moto X, you probably haven’t had a chance to try Lollipop yourself, so how have Android users been responding to the most substantial visual overhaul in the history of the mobile operating system? More →
Now this is the key Google app that we’ve been waiting to get a Material Design upgrade. Google on Wednesday took the wraps off its latest update to Google Maps that will prominently feature Material Design, the gorgeous new design language used in Android 5.0 Lollipop. The new update, which Google says will be rolling out over the next few days, doesn’t just look pretty — it also adds several key features that will make Google Maps more useful than ever. More →
While Google’s Android 5.0 Lollipop is finally official, that doesn’t mean it’s available for Nexus devices yet. The company has recently released an updated preview version of Lollipop for the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 7, with the final version set to hit all Nexus devices at some point in the following month. Meanwhile, Android fans looking forward to seeing Lollipop on their devices, but who aren’t familiar with the major and minor changes Android 5.0 brings, should check Marques Brownlee’s features review video. More →
It’s an exciting time to be an Android user, but the latest update isn’t available for your phone quite yet. In fact, most smartphones won’t be receiving Android 5.0 for at least another few months, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start to experience some of what Material Design has to offer. SwiftKey revealed on Thursday two new Material Design themes for its keyboard app, both of which are available right now. More →
One of the main features of Google’s upcoming Android L operating system update is its design – called Material Design – a new set of design rules that’s supposed to govern the future of Android, but also Google’s web services across platforms, and future apps. In fact, Google is pushing Material Design, encouraging app developers to use this new design “language” in their creations, hoping that its latest design endeavor will further improve the overall users experience when using such services or apps. More →
Android L’s Material Design is not reserved only to the Android operating system or Google’s mobile apps, as the company wants to use the same design principles it formally unveiled at its I/O developers conference this year across the web. Furthermore, the company wants app developers to include the same Material Design elements in their own apps, and Google has so far showed what Material Design apps are supposed to look like. To further showcase Material Design, this time on a functional web page rather than by providing just concept images, Google has updated its Google Drive home pages (for Docs, Sheets and Slides) to Material Design. More →
Android L’s main feature so far is the new Material Design that Google will also use across platforms and on the web, and whose new rules developers are also encouraged to abide by. But why did Google decide to go for a complete makeover of Android, apps and the web?
Google designer Jon Wiley, who works on Google Search design, hosted a Reddit Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) session during which he explained why Google needs Material Design. Unsurprisingly, Material Design is supposed to further enhance Google’s Search performance and offer a better user experience across all devices. More →
After a report a few days ago revealed that Google was working on updating its Play Store (desktop and Android app versions) to include its new Material Design, Google on Tuesday teased the new redesign coming to the Play Store Android app. More →


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Action with racist slogans creates a stir
The action with racist slogans on Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge at the turn of the year was claimed by members of the Telegram group 'White Lives Matter', active in the Netherlands and Germany.
Also projected on the bridge was the English-language phrase 'We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children', made famous by an American movement of white supremacists.
In the broadcast of current affairs Dutch programme EenVandaag (AVROTROS, NPO 1), Jan-Willem van Prooijen (LAW) explained how damaging such terms actually are.
In the weekend supplement LS of the Dutch daily newspaper De Limburger, Joep Leerssen (FASoS) elaborated on the current development of growing nationalism and ditto right-wing extremism.
Climate, war and resurgent nationalism: global cooperation is rattling on all sides. Yet Professor Mathieu Segers still advocates European leadership: 'When death and destruction are spreading, and there seems to be no more light, often the most brilliant plans emerge.'
Under the name "Terra," Albert Heijn has introduced a 100 percent plant-based product line, with some two hundred different food items ranging from beverages to spreads and meat substitutes. How sustainable and healthy are these products?
If you start working less, it will also affect pension accrual. You will have less to spend after you retire. Employees do not give this enough thought.


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TriMega Purchasing Association is a not-for-profit member owned co-operative focused on the success of our independent dealer members. Dedicated to the business of office products, computer supplies, and office furniture TriMega's approximately 590 member companies each range in annual sales from $1M to over $100 million.
The hallmark of TriMega's success has been providing an environment in which dealers can experience significant growth as a result of competitive pricing, high quality/low cost catalogs, special marketing programs, FULL return of all vendor rebates on a quarterly basis, and the lowest participation costs of any industry buying group. At TriMega Purchasing Association "Membership doesn't cost, it pays!" Discover the TriMega Advantage today!
TriMega Hosts Successful Purchasing Clinics
TriMega announced that last week it held it’s first-ever “TriMega Purchasing Clinics” and hailed them a huge success. The group hosted nearly 60 dealer principals and purchasing agents representing 40 member dealerships in two separate day and-a-half sessions in a public training room at TriMega’s Rosemont, Illinois Offices. The objective of TriMega’s Purchasing Clinic is to help its members master the fundamentals of purchasing strategies and techniques to lower costs of goods, improve margins, increase turns, improve cash flow and ultimately to grow their business.
TriMega Announces Board of Director Changes
Following the organization’s recent annual Board elections and the Board of Directors meeting that took place last week in Rosemont, TriMega announced election results and changes to its Board of Directors.
TriMega reflects on a Successful INTEC Show, Ignite 2016, held in conjunction with ITEX 2016
For the second year in a row, TriMega partnered with the ITEX Conference and Expo (www.itexshow.com) for its 2016 INTEC Show. The event, entitled Ignite 2016 (www.ignite-2016.com), took place earlier this month at the Hilton Marina in Fort Lauderdale, FL and was hailed as a success for member and supplier participants.
EPIC 2015 Post Event Press Release
Record Event Turnout at Last Week's Las Vegas Event.
TriMega Honors Top Dealers at EPIC 2015
TriMega honored several dealer members earlier this month who achieved significant growth and provided particularly outstanding support to the organization over the past year. The awards were presented at last week’s EPIC 2015 event at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada.
TriMega’s Point Nationwide and Independent Stationers National Accounts Join Forces to Create New Entity
TriMega’s Point Nationwide and Independent Stationers National Accounts (ISNA) announced today
the formation of a Joint Venture, called EPIC Business Essentials. This new venture is an important strategic initiative for the two U.S. dealer groups, who have been collaborating on a select basis with national accounts since August 2013.
TriMega’s Annual One-on-One Meeting NeXus 2015 a Resounding Success
ROSEMONT, IL—(April 23, 2015): Executives from the nation’s leading office product dealers and key industry suppliers met last week, April 12 - 15 at the Westin Cape Coral Resort in Cape Coral, Florida for TriMega’s Annual One-on-One Meeting entitled “NeXus 2015” and the event was heralded a huge success. Read on....
TriMega Announces Changes to Board of Directors
Rosemont, IL – (April 21, 2015) - TriMega recently announced changes to its Board of Directors. Following the organization’s recent annual Board elections and the Board of Directors meeting that took place earlier this month at the group’s Annual One-on-One Meeting in Florida, the association confirmed the following developments to board positions...
TriMega Joins National Independent Business Coalition
Advocates for Independent Business (AIB) is a coalition that will help members better promote the Buy Local First message. Read on...
TriMega Announces Alliance with ISSA
Rosemont, IL – (August 4, 2014) – TriMega Purchasing Association announced today an alliance with ISSA - The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. As the world’s most recognized cleaning association, ISSA is a global community of more than 6,400 distributor, manufacturer, building service contractor, in-house service provider, and manufacturer representative companies.
TriMega & AOPD Announce Plans to Partner for 2016 Event
TriMega Purchasing Association and American Office Products Distributors (AOPD) announced today that....
TriMega Purchasing Association
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The Pizza Hut restaurant in Waterloo, at Chaussée de Bruxelles 291, reopened on Monday 5 July. The restaurant is housed in a completely new and ecological building with 76 solar panels and a green roof.
The new restaurant opens its doors in a fresh setting, with 158 seats spread over 2 floors and a cosy family table for large groups. But this restaurant also has environmentally friendly advantages. “A great deal of effort has gone into giving this restaurant a strong ecological and sustainable aspect. For example, 76 solar panels with a capacity of 20 kVA were installed, enabling the restaurant to generate 15% of its energy needs”, says Stef Vincke, Operations Director of Pizza Hut Belgium. “On top of that, we have provided a green roof to stimulate biodiversity and act as an ecological CO2 filter. We aim to ensure a sustainable future with Pizza Hut and will focus more and more on this.”
The restaurant in Waterloo will also have all the classic Pizza Hut elements, such as the all-you-can-eat Pizza Buffet every afternoon between 12 noon and 2 pm, plus salad bar and self-service drinks stand. The new restaurant will be open 7 days a week between 11.30 am and 10 pm.


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Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
- Bose has announced the second generation of QuietComfort earbuds.
- The Quiet Comfort Earbuds II will introduce a number of improvements and new features, such as CustomTune.
- The earbuds are available for pre-order today and will launch on September 15 for $299.
It’s been two years since Bose released its QuietComfort Earbuds. While they offer a decent listening experience, it’s time for Bose to come up with an upgrade that can compete with today’s earbuds. Enter the QuietComfort Earbuds II.
Today Bose officially announced the next generation of its true wireless noise canceling earbuds. The new earbuds offer a number of improvements over the previous generation, such as the size. According to Bose, these earbuds are one-third the size of the original and weigh less than a quarter of an ounce.
The earbuds also include a Fit Kit that comes with interchangeable stability bands and two-piece eartips. There are three individually sized earbuds and three individually sized stability bands to mix and match for nine different combinations.
As for features, noise cancellation returns and is reportedly further enhanced by a new feature called CustomTune. Bose describes CustomTune as sound calibration technology that tunes both audio and noise canceling performance for the wearer by measuring the user’s ear canal for its acoustic response. This sounds similar to the technology Sony uses to improve audio and noise cancellation in its headphones.
Another new feature is Aware Mode, a feature that lets you hear your surroundings as if you weren’t wearing earbuds at all. Aware Mode works in tandem with a feature called ActiveSense which Bose explains: “When loud disturbances happen in close proximity, ActiveSense responds with just the right level of noise cancellation — tailored specifically to your ear — to reduce noise as it happens, and only for as long as it takes.”
Other improvements include a switch from Bluetooth 5.1 to Bluetooth 5.3 and six hours of battery life.
Bose says the QuietComfort Earbuds II will launch on September 15 for $299, but pre-orders are available today. However, you can only order the triple black color for now. The other shade Bose calls Soapstone will be available later this year.
The QuietComfort Earbuds II seem to make many of the adjustments Bose needed to better position itself to compete with Sony’s WF-1000XM4 and Apple’s recently announced AirPods Pro (2nd generation). However, will Bose’s efforts pay off? We’ll just have to wait.


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TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan’s Panasonic Corp forecast on Monday its full-year operating profit would drop 11 percent to 270 billion yen ($3.4 billion) in the year to March 2012, after the earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan hit production and sales.
Like many of its rivals, Panasonic delayed its profit forecast due to lack of clarity about the effects of the quake.
Market consensus was for a profit of 262.6 billion yen, based on the average of 21 estimates by analysts polled by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
The maker of Viera televisions and Lumix cameras posted a 305 billion yen profit last year, and said in April it would have raised that to 310 billion yen in the current year, if it were not for the effects of the March disaster, which damaged factories and crimped domestic demand.
Profit is set to slump to 10 billion yen for the first half of the current financial year and rebound strongly in the second half, the company said.
Demand for televisions, car-related products and mobile phones has fallen since the quake, Panasonic said in a statement, while sales of low-energy consumption LED lighting, batteries, solar cells and housing-related products are expected to be healthy as reconstruction gets under way.
Panasonic is the world’s fourth-largest maker of flat-screen televisions by revenue after Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Sony, according to research firm DisplaySearch.
But domestic television sales are set to slump this year after a government incentive scheme and the switch to digital terrestrial broadcasting frontloaded demand last year, and Panasonic’s TV business is set to languish in the red.
“Like rivals Sony and Sharp, they have structural disadvantages,” said Makoto Kikuchi, CEO of Myojo Asset management. “The low end is now all about price competition, and Chinese and South Korean makers have an advantage there. In the high end, for example 3D televisions, there were expectations, but things haven’t progressed as hoped,” he added.
Panasonic also said in April it planned to shed another 17,000 jobs and might close up to 70 factories around the world over the next two years, as it seeks to pare costs and rid itself of overlapping businesses following its buyouts of Sanyo Electric and Panasonic Electric Works.
The takeovers were aimed at refocusing the business from consumer electronics to environmentally friendly energy products like rechargeable batteries and solar panels, in which Sanyo has technological advantages.
“There is potential, but at this point it is nothing more than potential,” said Kikuchi of the new direction. “We can’t yet see how, when and how much it is going to contribute to profits.”
Panasonic’s chief financial officer agreed that the company’s change of direction was one factor behind the poor performance of its shares. Panasonic’s share price has fallen about 14 percent since March 10, the day before the quake.
“I think one reason is that the company is in the process of transforming itself from a consumer electronics maker to an environmental business,” Makoto Uenoyama told reporters and analysts. “Although people are getting the concept...it is not yet making up much of our earnings. Another is the problematic television business. We have not been able to show everyone a solution.” ($1 = 80.055 Japanese Yen)
Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Chris Gallagher


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Joe Evea, commercial director at Digital Cinema Media, considers whether the big screen and second screen can co-exist peacefully and profitably.
My most recent memory of Amsterdam is hazy, almost dreamlike and involves me being dressed in a fisherman’s hat, an apron and a pair of clogs, riding a ‘beer bike’ around town with 11 other, similarly attired men.
So, it was with a degree of trepidation that I boarded the early flight to Schipol, en-route to speak at the IBC conference in Amsterdam. I took part in a panel on ‘Big Screen and Second Screen – can they co-exist peacefully and profitably’, looking at the role of mobile in the cinema experience. It is a topic which understandably comes with some strong opinions.
Julian Pinn was the panel host; a 20 year veteran at Dolby, he is an expert in all things sound and vision who has recently started his own consultancy firm. The other panel members were: Mike Hope Milne, Enterprise Director at Pearl and Dean; Jane Weedon, VP business Development at Shazam; and Keith Scarratt, Partnership Director at Yummi Media, our partners on the mobile cinema app Cinime.
The crux of the session centred around the role of mobile in cinema which, given that people have been shot and killed over its use in the auditorium, had the potential to be a lively debate. In reality though, it was agreed fairly early on that mobile use in and around the cinema is becoming increasingly unavoidable. With smartphone penetration now as high as 60% of the average 3.3 million weekly cinemagoers (source: Rentrak), it’s less about banning mobile phones and more about controlling the use of them.
Shazam started the presentation and there are certainly some impressive stats around the music recognition service. With over 500m users worldwide and 13-14m joining each month, there is no doubt that Shazam has scale. It also has impressive revenue projections, as much as 7% of all ‘Shazammed’ tracks are subsequently purchased by the user – nice work if you can get it.
It makes sense that Shazam are using their tech’ to enter new markets especially as brands such as SoundHound are elbowing in on their core USP. They are clearly having some such success linking sound recognition to television shows across the US and are making significant in-roads at various shopping outlets and live events. Cinema then is a natural market for Shazam to investigate and we saw a good campaign for Jaguar which they have tested with Pearl and Dean. The tech’ requires a wifi connection and enables advertisers to extend their campaign from the big screen to the small screen, giving cinemagoers something tangible to take away with them.
Like Shazam, our own app Cinime can be used to extend an advertiser’s message beyond the big screen. Our presentation focused on Cinime’s role in enhancing the cinema visit for all cinemagoers. We touched on the importance of having a white label solution, made for the cinema industry by the cinema industry. An example of how cinema industry insight has helped is that Cinime requires no internet connection, which helps when most auditoriums have less connectivity than the Devon countryside.
We then looked at the role mobile can play for three mutually-beneficial partners. The first are the exhibitors, who can use mobile to establish a consistent piece of interactive entertainment within the pre-show, that can ultimately be used to get customers to the cinema early, drive customer loyalty, promote ticket sales and up-sell concessions.
The second are brands, who again can use it to create bespoke, interactive content, like our campaign with BMW. Brands can establish a conversation with their audience across multiple touch points and add a layer of accountability to their cinema campaigns. Finally, there are the distributors, who can use mobile to drive ticket sales, promote exclusive film content and extend already lucrative brand partnerships.
We showcased an example of a campaign we recently created for Transformers in partnership with Paramount Pictures. It included a specially commissioned ad featuring actor Mark Wahlberg and footage from the film that was only available through the app. People who had downloaded Cinime could also enter a competition to win a holiday to Texas.
We concluded by agreeing that mobile certainly has a role to play in the cinema experience. To keep quality high, it needs to be controlled and each execution must put the customer at its heart. It is clearly early days for both Cinime and Shazam, but focussing on the cinema industry certainly has a great deal of potential to create a series of new revenue streams, while at the same time helping to evolve and improve the existing foyer and pre-show experience for cinemagoers.
After the event we had a couple of cold beers over a fish and chip supper by one of Amsterdam’s many canals. It wasn’t quite clogs and a beer bike, but it seemed to work all the same….
Joe Evea is commercial director at Digital Cinema Media


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The Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp. is pleased to announce that Skylar Storey, a seventh-grade student at St. Dominic Savio Middle School, and Sarina Singh, a first-grade student at Lewiston-Porter, were the winners of a holiday art contest sponsored by the NTCC in partnership with the Niagara Holiday Market, the Giacomo Hotel, the Sheraton at the Falls and the Aquarium of Niagara.
Honorable mention winners, who will receive four tickets to the Aquarium of Niagara, two tickets to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and a package of Niagara Falls school supplies, are as follows: Serenity Zadul, Gaskill Preparatory School; Allison Hubert, Gaskill Preparatory School; and Mary Cameron, St. Dominic Savio Middle School.
The contest, which was aimed at engaging local students and their families in the landmarks and winter happenings taking place across Niagara USA, garnered approximately 70 entries from schools across Niagara and Erie counties and even as far away as Ohio.
"It was not an easy contest to judge, as each of these students certainly devoted much time and interest into their pieces of art," said John Percy, president and CEO of the NTCC. "I could not have been more proud of these students and am pleased to announce that all of the artwork will be placed on display in the Niagara USA Official Visitor Center through the new year."
The NTCC has teamed up with a host of local partners to provide Storey, Singh and their families with an overnight stay at a premier downtown Niagara Falls Hotel, along with the following:
While the two students may have beaten out approximately 70 other local school students, Holiday Market Organizer Mark Rivers, of Brix & Co., has decided to spread a bit of holiday cheer and will provide each of the participants in the contest with two tickets to the BPO concert.
"The holidays are about families and special memories together, and the Niagara Holiday Market is a great place to celebrate. From ice skating to unique shopping and eats, please come down and share in the spirit of community," Rivers said. "Each of these children are deserving of a reward for their art work and I saw it only fitting to provide them with tickets to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra concert and hopefully take in the family fun that is available at the Holiday Market."
Winning submissions depicting everything from Santa tight-roping over the Niagara Gorge and a rainbow Niagara Falls to a three-dimensional model of Old Fort Niagara and Santa going over the falls in a barrel were submitted.
To see all of the pieces of artwork, visit the Official Niagara USA Visitor Center at 10 Rainbow Blvd. Niagara Falls.


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SHAREHOLDERS in copper miner Antofagasta have had a mixed year, with the current rally hitting a solid rock around the £13.50 mark. Although production updates point to continued progress, doubts still persist whether the company can meet its full-year target. A slowing Chinese economy continues to cast a long shadow over the share price. IG quotes a price of £12.48-£12.52 for Antofagasta.
Energy company SSE may have taken the lead in slashing its complex tariffs, but it was the first to hike prices last month. Traders will be keen on seeing how tariff simplification has affected its bottom line when the company reports interim results tomorrow. GFT Markets quotes a price of 1,393.6p-1,397.4p for SSE.
Vodafone is expected to announce a decline in its half-year revenues when it reports on Friday. The mobile phone giant is playing catch with EE after the latter’s 4G launch in the UK. However, there has been buying action near six-month lows around 166p, as traders believe that the stock will claw its way back upwards. Spreadex quotes a price of 166.2p-166.7p for Vodafone.
Traders are expecting a respectable set of numbers from Carphone Warehouse Group when it reports its interim results tomorrow. The company has increased its marketing spend and management seem to be focused on its European business. Sales of the new iPhone5 are likely to have given the company a boost. The product pipeline has also improved, particularly for prepay phones. But traders will want clarification about its relationship with American retailer Best Buy. ETX Capital quotes a price of 175.54p-177.71p for Carphone Warehouse Group.


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President Donald Trump recently joined the video streaming platform Twitch and on Thursday night aired live footage of his Minneapolis rally.
Perhaps Twitter censoring material sent out by the president, such as a recent meme featuring a Nickelback song that mocked Joe Biden, caused POTUS to test out a different platform.
It is slightly ironic that Twitch is owned by Amazon, whose CEO Jeff Bezos is frequently criticized by Trump.
POTUS will broadcast his upcoming rallies in Louisiana on Friday and next week in Dallas on the streaming platform.
By the way, our Everything Must Go Emergency Sale is now live! Get 70% off Survival Shield X-3 and an additional 50% off other products with free shipping and double Patriot Points!
The Reopen America Back to School Special is now live! Earn double Patriot Points on our hottest items!


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A good news people who love technology – after Siri now co – founders Dag Kittlaus and Adam Cheyer, who are the essential assistant now built into all of Apple's...read more
In the past couple of years Smartphones have modified the meaning of consumerism as today the Smartphones are the foremost most liked tools for shopping, managing, booking, paying bills and...read more
In today’s time competition is at its peak in the current market and many businesses, businesses fail to offer many support activities mainly Software Development. The leading trend is that...read more
As there are number to things going on in the technological world, the biggest giant of technology, Google – has come up with new app "Who's Down" that will function...read more
Yes! Now another name is going to add up to the of self-driving car providers. Mobile games giant #DeNA has joined hands with Google & Uber in their robot taxi...read more
Microsoft, Google, and Apple are the 3 main giants of the latest technology world. As we look two decades back, Microsoft was much stronger than rest of two, but now...read more
Google Nexus 6 is the new BIG launch of the Android smartphone that is out with super high-end features accompanied with size. Motorola it is, for the new Nexus 6...read more
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No Firefox browser for iPhone says Mozilla
"Difficult, if not impossible," to build full Firefox browser for iPhone.
Mozilla has confirmed that it is not planning on bringing a full-on version of Firefox to the iPhone, instead keeping the focus on its Firefox Home app, which lets you sync bookmarks, tabs and history to your Apple mobile.
In an official blog post, Mozilla said, “People have asked about adding more browser-like features to Firefox Home, but there are technical and logistical restrictions that make it difficult, if not impossible, to build the full Firefox browser for the iPhone.”
Instead, the post says, the focus will fall on making Firefox Home a “rich, cloud-based application”, with BlackBerry and Symbian editions both being primed. Updates to the iPhone app are set to include Facebook and Twitter info, password syncing and tighter integration with native apps like Safari and YouTube.
The move is bound to disappoint hardcore Firefox fans, who’ll need to look elsewhere now for their mobile Mozilla fix.


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Historian metal titans Sabaton have released a music video for a brand new single titled “Steel Commanders”, which also features an appearance from cellist Tina Guo. The group collaborated with video game, World of Tank on the video. Singer Joakim Brodén comments:
“Together, we made epic music for ‘Steel Commanders’, and it’s the perfect way to kick off our massive collaboration. We’re proud to be part of this brand new, in-game event that features the first-ever Tier IX Premium tank as the ultimate prize, as well as us as crew members.”
The single will hit all streaming platforms on September 17th. You can pre-save it now at this location.
In just under two weeks, the group will head out as direct support for the legendary Judas Priest on their North American tour. Next year, the group will embark on a European headlining tour of their own, dubbed The Tour To End All Tours.


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A month after Future Group announced plans to shut down its B2C online retail venture Big Bazaar Direct, founder Kishore Biyani stated that most startups miss the bigger picture and work with a ‘smaller canvas’. Biyani also took a potshot at the huge number of startups doing aggregation, specifically those in the taxi aggregation space.
Important Developments Of The Week
AskMe Employee Threatens Suicide, Vendors Meet Commerce Minister
AskMe, which recently pulled its shutters down, has been threatened by an unnamed employee with suicide if it fails to pay salaries within the next five days. In a note written to the senior management it has been mentioned that nonpayment of salaries have left the employees and their families in a state of complete destruction and with no other choice.
In another development, Representatives of All India Online Vendors Association (AIOVA) met Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman regarding the issue of pending payment from Askmebazaar.com. Since the issue raised by AIOVA pertained to the Ministry of Corporate affairs, Sitharaman then spoke to Corporate Affairs Secretary. Following the meeting, the Ministry assured Sitharaman of taking up the pending payment issue of AskMe on a priority basis.
After Reliance Jio, BSNL Announces 1GB data/INR 1
State-run telecom provider BSNL announced a low-cost promotional plan for hooking existing and new subscribers. The new plan will provide 1GB data/INR 1 for unlimited broadband data (upto 300 GB) and is called “Experience Unlimited BB 249.” It will be launched on September 9, 2016.
Regulatory Framework For Cab Aggregators To Be Announced
Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, assured taxi aggregators that the government is working towards simplifying their problems. He also added that cab aggregators should find a way to integrate traditional black-and-yellow cabs within the purview of their operations.
Google To Launch Financial Planning Platform ‘Bharat Saves’
Google is planning to develop a website, Bharat Saves, to offer information on financial planning. The target consumers for this platform will be homemakers, small business owners, the newly employed, retired persons and farmers. The tech giant is aiming to align the website to the government’s financial inclusion Jan Dhan Yojana initiative.
Flipkart, Snapdeal Get Ahead In Ecommerce Race
Flipkart emerged as India’s most preferred ecommerce brand in a recent E-tailing Leadership Index (ELI) conducted by research firm RedSeer Consulting. Another study revealed that Snapdeal had the fastest delivery time for five out of the seven months of 2016.
Government Appoints A Team to Resolve Consumer Grievances
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs appointed a team to resolve consumer grievances related to ecommerce companies and others. The Indian Government has also warned ecommerce firms of stringent action for not responding to its queries on customer grievances. Nearly 46 companies, including Flipkart, Xiaomi, Olx, and Bookmyoffer.com, have not been responding to emails sent to them with regard to redressal of consumer grievances.
Other Developments Of The Week
IKEA Plans To Set Up Online Trade
Swedish furniture retail giant IKEA is planning to add online commerce to its mode of business. IKEA has plans to open 25 stores in India by 2025, which will offer a range of home furnishing products. The company will first set up its store in Hyderabad, followed by Mumbai, Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.
Amazon India’s Cloudtail Stops Sale Of Mobiles
Amazon India’s biggest merchant Cloudtail stopped the sale of mobile phones via the online ecommerce platform. The decision was taken following India’s foreign investment policies that prevent a single seller from accounting for more than 25% of a marketplace’s total sales.
Birla Scion Launches Curo Carte
Ananya Birla, third-generation scion of the Birla family, announced the launch of her second venture Curo Carte. It is a global ecommerce platform that provides handmade and high-end luxury products, curated from nine countries.
InMobi Launches Advance Video Formats Suite
InMobi has launched a suite of advanced video formats such as vertical, interactive, 360-degree, opt-in, and in-stream. The aim is to help advertisers deliver highly engaging mobile marketing campaigns with a TV-like experience.
Federal Bank Launches Digital Personal Loans
Federal Bank has launched Digital Personal Loans which will allow customers to avail personal loans immediately without going through the hassles of paperwork. Customers can log on to its website and avail personal loans in a minute. Upon acceptance of the offer by the customer, the loan money will be credited to his account immediately.
HeyBob Halts Operations
Bengaluru-based bike taxi firm, Hey Bob suspended operations due to a shortage of funds. The working model of the company was similar to that of Ola and Uber wherein users could book their rides through the app.
Myntra Partners With Loginext
Myntra signed up with logistics technology platform LogiNext for real-time tracking of shipments and is piloting the platform’s location mapping product for improved intracity logistics. With these capabilities, Myntra hopes to improve customer experience and make its captive logistics arm, Myntra Logistics, more efficient.
ICICI Bank Deploys Software Robotics
ICICI Bank introduced robotic process automation for 200 business processes across various functions of the bank. These processes will automate, regulate and perform tasks of high-density and volume that need to be carried out over multiple applications while increasing productivity.
OYO Rooms Opens New Training Campus
OYO Rooms opened a new training campus in Gurugram, Haryana. It plans to train 1 Lakh people in order to create a pipeline of skilled workforce for the hospitality industry. OYO is also likely to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Haryana Government for the same.
TruPay Launches Mobile Payment App
TruPay has launched a mobile payment app, based on Unified Payment Interface (UPI). It claims to be India’s first private sector company in India to do so. The UPI follows the IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) structure of payments. IMPS transactions allow real-time 24×7 transfer of money between parties with the use of IFSC codes and MMID.
Zigy Plans To Halt Operations
Phaneesh Murthy’s online pharmacy venture Zigy plans to halt operations in the next three months. Last month, the company had scaled down operations in four cities, restricting its business to its home base, Bengaluru, citing regulatory hurdles. In the past few weeks, it has been in talks with other online pharmacy chains for a possible merger.
IndustryBuying Partners With Capital Float
IndustryBuying joined hands with Capital Float to offer a unique credit solution called ‘Pay Later’ to businesses across India. This will enable SMEs to procure industrial products using a pre-defined credit line that gets reset upon repayment.
Capital Float partners With OfBusiness
Capital Float also partnered with OfBusiness to help small-scale Indian manufacturers and traders avail easy funding for expanding their business. Through this partnership, buyers on the OfBusiness platform can leverage Capital Float’s ‘Pay Later’ product to avail instant funds for procuring industrial materials.
BizPluss Launches iOS And Android App
Eservice platform Bizpluss.in launches its mobile app for iOS and Android. It will will allow retailers to easily browse and do bulk buying for various categories of products.
JustLikeNew Partners With Delhivery
Premier smartphone repair service JustLikeNew has partnered with Delhivery. It will allow for free pickup of the device to be repaired from the user’s home or office. After the device is shipped to the nearest JustLikeNew.in workshop, it will be repaired and delivered back to the desired location, eliminating any effort on the part of customers. The partnership will ensure availability of repair services across 6,400 pin codes in various states and Union Territories of the country.
Flock2.0 Is Here
Communication and collaboration app Flock released its update Flock 2.0 which introduced the feature, ‘Teams on Flock’. With this, any user can create and join multiple teams on Flock using company or free domain email. Teams can be created for the entire organisation, an external community or even a project. Every team gets its personalised Team URL, which makes it easy for users to invite, discover and join the particular team.
Burrp! Partners With WowTables
Mumbai-based food discovery portal Burrp! has partnered with WowTables, a culinary platform offering curated experience to diners. Through this association Burrp! users will now be able to reserve a unique dining experience at 300 restaurants across Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune. The facility will be available for restaurants common between both the platforms and is available on both Android & iOS. The integration is available on both the Burrp! app and website.
DigitalOcean Introduces Hatch
Hatch offers startups cloud infrastructure credits for a year and provides free technical training, mentorship, priority support, and a community to connect with other startups, accelerators, and investors.
HeyBiz offers Digital Platform For SMB’s
Delhi-based technology platform HeyBiz has launched technology support services for SMBs through customised offerings. SMBs can get their website, mobile app, business pages, payment gateway, and online store designed and developed by HeyBiz Experts. Once on the HeyBiz platform, businesses can avail its customised services to further grow their digital presence.
Mahindra Joins Hands With Ola
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., part of the US$ 17.8 Bn Mahindra Group, signed an MOU to enter into a strategic alliance with cab aggregator Ola to empower 40,000 driver partners across India by 2018. Ola’s driver partners can now avail of an integrated ‘Mahindra-Ola’ package which will include Mahindra cars at special prices, attractive financing with zero down payment, and the best NBFC interest rates, subsidised insurance premiums, comprehensive maintenance packages, as well as exclusive benefits on the Ola platform.
AasaanJobs to launch in Bengaluru
Online recruitment firm AasaanJobs will soon launch its services in Bengaluru, after gaining prominence among young job aspirants in both Mumbai and Pune. This will facilitate first time job aspirants with an organised platform to find any kind of employment opportunities they seek, and help them connect with relevant employers in multiple industries.
Uber Launches New Features On The Driver App
Uber, announced a series of new safety features on the driver’s app, aimed at predicting, preventing and reducing the number of crashes on the road. By providing drivers with more choices, Uber aims to help them make better decisions and improve safety for everyone on the road. These features will be rolled out for drivers in Bengaluru over the next few weeks, with more cities coming soon.


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Tag: Extended Warranty
Two weekends ago, Diet Coke was accidentally spilled onto my MacBook Pro Keyboard. The machine, a Core Duo 15" that was among the first of the Intel Macs rolled out, suddenly didn't work the way it used to. Luckily, damage was restricted only to the keyboard: caps lock, shift, b, h, and num lock ...
Hey kids, this is a story about a man, his laptop, and his extended warranty. Maybe it's true. Maybe it ain't. But it's sure got heart. And a sledgehammer. Seems that Apple refused to honor a warranty repair, said the Mac had spill damage. The owner said "No way". And rather than fork over about ...
A few weeks ago, Apple stuck a message up on their Higher Education store (EU only) stating that due to a new national agreement for Higher Education individual purchases, any Macs purchased from the store would receive three years of parts and labor coverage at no extra cost. When I later ...
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Software Updatesmore updates
- IFTTT adds a location channel to its iOS App
- Plants vs. Zombies 2 gets upgraded map, more 'cool' stuff
- Remote Desktop update brings OS X Mavericks support and improved multi-display support
- Valve revamps Steam Mobile for iOS
- Google Drive iOS app finally lets you sort items and find and replace in documents
- Viber announces Viber Out calls for iOS, goes head to head with Skype


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STACK Seaburn to welcome new cocktail bar
STACK Seaburn will welcome a new arrival this Friday as a new cocktail bar opens up.
and live on Freeview channel 276
The popular venue will unveil new Captain Morgan’s bar this Friday and to celebrate its arrival, the first 200 people who visit the venue from 3pm on Friday will get a celebratory Tiki Sunrise cocktail to try.
The Captain Morgan’s bar – named after the famous rum brand – will take over the space previously occupied by the Hop House on the upper plaza.
The offer – which is open to over 18s only – will showcase the rum available at the new bar, which will serve a range of cocktails and will stock Captain Morgan’s rums, including their Tiki and Gold versions.
Captain Morgan is the UK’s most popular dark rum and Tania Woodhouse, Operations Director at STACK, believes it will be a great addition.
She said: “We’re delighted to be working with Diageo – who own Captain Morgan – to create a very special cocktail bar at STACK,” said Tania.
“We know how many of our visitors love a cocktail and we believe they’ll be very excited by the fantastic new menu that the bar will be offering.
“And of course if they come along early enough on Friday, they’ll be able to try one for free.”
Charlotte Holland, Account Executive for Diageo in the North East is equally excited about the new venture.
She added: "We are delighted to be supporting the launch of the new Captain Morgan bar at STACK Seaburn.
“A lot of time has been committed to branding the new bar and it is a brilliant display of all things Captain Morgan.
“We at Captain Morgan have donated stock and designed the delicious drinks in the Cocktail giveaway, we hope everyone loves them as much as we do.”
Visitors this Friday can also enjoy a night of entertainment, with musician Lewis Curry performing from 4.15pm, followed by a performance by five piece band, Sneaky Blinders at 7pm.
The night will end with DJ Aaron Robson on the decks from 9pm until 12.30am. Full details of all entertainment at STACK Seaburn are available at www.stackseaburn.com
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(Pocket-lint) - The smartwatch musician Will.i.am has been touting around, his own i.am Puls, is now available in limited numbers in the US and those interested can apply to get one. It's the watch that he wore on UK show The Voice and publicly unveiled in October, and we've also heard that a second generation device or two will be more widely launched early next year.
Wearable technology website Wareable spoke to a "source involved in the project" who claimed that the original plan was to release the Puls on Black Friday - Black Eyed Peas Friday, if you like. However, the limited batch of devices made so far will only be available to a select few initially.
There will be two new Puls devices claims Wareable, one that is similar to the existing model but 40 per cent smaller and one that's more like a Nike+ FuelBand.
And while there is no official word on the price and release date of either watch, it was suggested by the sources that AT&T and O2 will be looking to a February or March launch for the new devices.
On its original launch, Will.i.am called the Puls a smartcuff rather than a watch, but by shrinking its size, it'll be more like a smart bracelet it seems.