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Estonian fish processing company M.V.Wool said that according to the results of three accredited laboratories, the 105 surface samples taken from the company’s Harku plant after in-depth cleansing were clean and the company wishes to relaunch the plant and has submitted a relevant application to the Veterinary and Food Board.
“From Nov. 26 to Dec. 19, 2019, M.V.Wool AS carried out in-depth cleansing at its Harku fish plant, logistics center and Mati fish store. All 105 samples taken from work surfaces, equipment, floors, sewer drains and elsewhere in the framework of state supervision were free from Listeria bacteria, which shows that the cleaning was effective,” Meelis Vetevool, chairman of the supervisory board of M.V.Wool, said in a press release.
“Thus, M.V.Wool is prepared to relaunch the Harku fish plant from Jan. 8, 2020, as the condition stipulated in the injunction made by the Veterinary and Food Board has been fulfilled,” Vetevool said. The company has submitted an application to the authority seeking the relaunch of the plant.
The company said that the lay-off of some 45 additional people would not take place if the Harku plant were to be relaunched, in addition to the 30 people who returned to work at the company’s Vihterpalu plant. Upon increase of production capacities, the company will be able to rehire even more employees.
M.V.Wool relaunched production at its Vihterpalu plant on Jan. 2 and the first product batches have already reached the stores. The range of products prepared at the company's plant in Vihterpalu, which has undergone an in-depth cleansing, includes salted herring, cold and hot smoked products from herring and other saltwater fish as well as herring in various sauces and pickled products. Products from salmon or trout are produced at the Harku plant.
M.V.Wool in cooperation with professional cleaning companies carried out a thorough cleansing of the plants during which they disinfected and sterilized production surfaces and equipment in all rooms. During the in-depth cleansing, equipment and premises were first cleaned and disinfected, followed by the disassembling of equipment and the cleaning of the surfaces of them with chemical cleaning and disinfecting products as well as the sterilization of the equipment parts.
In addition to the equipment, all tools were sterilized at a high temperature. The in-depth cleansing was an additional measure in addition to the regular cleaning taking place in the company on a permanent basis.


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Dennis Webster has penned a piece in the Daily Maverick discussing why SERI's recently published Informal Trade in Johannesburg: Your Rights will be important for street traders in the city, and around the country. He suggests that the current climate in which street traders make a living does not support the development of a haelthy informal sector in which traders can meet the demand for their products and services:
"The informal economy and the people who work in it are crucial to the South African economy: 27% of people working in South Africa work informally, contributing 8% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) every year. In a broader context of rampant unemployment, these jobs, which are predominantly taken up by women, support thousands of families. Informal businesses also provide poor and working class families with cheap and readily available goods and services.
However those making a living in the informal sector do not receive the same protection from local governments as formal businesses do."

domain: news


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Diamonds and Dogs
Raxspace (RAX) racking up the gains. The cloud computing and hosted server solutions company jumped 12% thanks to better than expected earnings. Rackspace is carving out a niche in the evolving cloud computing world, where the company provides high-quality support and management services for cloud platforms sold by other companies. The company is very excited about the new products and partnerships that we've launched in recent months, with Amazon Web Services, Intel and Microsoft. With the healthcare sector losing its leadership role, it looks like tech is ready to take the baton.
Hercules Offshore (HERO) is no hero today. The offshore oil driller dropped 33% today after reporting a third quarter loss of $95.4 million while total revenues of $73.8 million failed to beat Zacks estimates of $102 million. Besides earnings, the company announced today that they have completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11, and funding of the company's new $450 million senior secured credit facility. But if the company keeps losing $95 million a quarter how long before the Hercules is back in trouble?


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by Anton Shilov
06/17/2009 | 07:09 AM
The chief executive officer of Nvidia Corp., Jen-Hsun Huang, said in an interview that his company was discussing possibilities to manufacture its graphics processing units and logic chips at Globalfoundries, a joint-venture between Advanced Micro Devices and Advanced Technology Investment Company.
“Globalfoundries is a leading silicon foundry with advanced and outstanding processing technology. We are seriously evaluating and discussing about the possibilities of working with them. As to TSMC, we do regard it as a world-class silicon OEM with flexible strategies. We are working very closely together,” said Jen-Hsun Huang in an interview with Expreview web-site.
Nvidia is the first company to openly admit discussions with Globalfoundries, which is partly owned by AMD that controls Nvidia’s arch-rival – ATI, and evaluation of its capabilities. Still, the head of the fabless semiconductor developer has not provided any details of the negotiations as well as potential plans.
At present Nvidia manufactures 90% of its chips at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and 10% of products at United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC), according to Mr. Huang. Howevever, Nvidia’s annual report also claims that Nvidia utilizes capacities of Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) and Austria Micro Systems (AMS).
It is not a secret that TSMC, the world’s largest contract maker of semiconductors, is expanding leading-edge production capacities rather slowly, which impacts Nvidia’s abilities to compete against rivals like ATI or, in the mid-term future, Intel Corp., which is set to release its discrete graphics chips in early 2010. Considering that the main advantage that Intel traditionally has are advanced manufacturing processes, it is crucial for Nvidia to ensure it has relationships with Globalfoundries, the company that has a lot of experience in high-volume production using the latest fabrication technologies.
Globalfoundries plans to start taking orders on manufacturing using 32nm bulk process technology with high-k metal gate dielectrics in the late 2009 and to ramp up production in the first half of 2010. Later next year the company will also be able to offer its customers bulk 28nm HKMG fabrication process.


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In May this year, the government spent as much as Sh6 billion subsidising maize price to cool the rising cost of unga.
Poor rainfall during March-April-May long rains season pushed the price of a two-kilogramme packet of maize flour to Sh150, up from Sh90 last November – helping to raise inflation to 11.48 per cent in April, the highest rate since May 2012.
And because the government had to keep a tight lid on prices to avoid political upheaval, it bust a fast move; 750,000 bags were released to millers at 33.3 per cent discount to the market price of Sh4,500 per kilogramme.
But this got me wondering; what if the government hadn’t subsidised? Would millers have secured lower prices for the country?
The straight answer is yes. But how? Through futures markets. And here’s how the trade would have played out.
But first let’s get some basics. A white maize futures contract on the JSE (Johannesburg Stock Exchange) consists of 100 metric tonnes with an initial margin requirement of 20 per cent—the amount of money that is required to open a buy or sell position on a futures contract.
Hedging/expiry months are set in March, May, July, September and December.
Now, by the start of January, white maize futures in South Africa had already plunged by 12.3 per cent from their December 2016 highs (Sh32,925 per tonne), after much-needed rain suggested good conditions. From the trade set up, going short (selling a position to buy it back later) would have been an obvious trade.
Assuming the Kenyan miller entered the same trade, “selling” 750,000 bags of maize (an equivalent of 67,500 tonnes or 675 futures contracts) for the March 2017 delivery at the prevailing price of Sh27,561 per tonne in January, they would have profited immensely.
This is because maize spot prices dropped by about 50 per cent to Sh13,334 per tonne yielding the contract a handsome profit of Sh960 million.
Remember, without the subsidy programme, the same number of bags would have cost the millers Sh3.3 billion (Sh4,500 x 750,000), instead of Sh2.3 billion (Sh3,000 x 750,000).
However, with the tidy profit, the average cost would be 28.5 per cent lower or Sh2.4 billion when the futures profit is subtracted from the unsubsidised cost. Notice something; the end price falls as if the government had subsidised it – recall the 33.3 per cent government discount.
What’s more, at 20 per cent initial margin, the price of initialising the trade is only at 15 per cent of the notional value.
In other words, instead of laying out the whole of Sh1.86 billion, only Sh372 million would be required.
Even with a 50 per cent initial margin, only Sh558 million or 39 per cent of the notional value will be needed to make the wager. That’s the power of leverage.
In the end, with the help of the futures market, price per packet of maize flour would have fallen at least to Sh107.5, a step closer to the desired price of Sh100. My point; to guard against exposure to exogenous factors, millers can take the futures route.


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Even small businesses that work with big companies will be forced to comply with these onerous regulations.
According to a description from Harvard Law School, the SEC wants publicly traded companies to list in their annual reports, “Climate-Related Disclosure,” including “climate-related governance, risk, business impacts, targets and goals.”
Businesses would be also required to have their greenhouse gas emissions and other potential environmental impacts verified by an “independent GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions expert.”
Under these absurd new rules, companies that burn fuel in boilers, use furnaces and air conditioning, produce or distribute products, generate or use electricity, or use company vehicles, would be required to report their environmental impact.
This structure will create an interlocking emissions reporting scheme that is inescapable, with the possible exception of the smallest businesses that neither buy from nor sell to any large company.
These reporting requirements would likely require businesses to hire climate consultants and climate accountants, which will add billions to the cost of everything we buy or use and could bankrupt a significant number of small businesses operating on thin margins.
In addition, the information in these climate reports, which require sign-off by upper company management, will become a target-rich environment for lawsuits, which would also add billions in new costs to everything American consumers use.
Instead of having businesses focused on providing quality goods and services to customers and increasing shareholder value through profits, Joe Biden’s SEC wants businesses to concentrate on complying with unpredictable GHG reporting standards and constricting energy use.
Their bottom lines will suffer and so will your 401k.
Truth in Energy and Climate staunchly opposes these new reporting rules for several reasons. First, the SEC lacks the legal authority to enact these onerous climate reporting rules and these regulations will almost certainly add to record inflation rates. The regulations will disproportionately harm small businesses in an economically uncertain time.
Further, government estimates of climate change risks, both physical and political, are often wildly exaggerated. So how are American businesses going to comply with ever-fluctuating emissions standards?
Biden’s priorities are clear, and his energy policies will stifle any hope of economic recovery or growth by mobilizing the entire federal government in a crusade against carbon emissions.
Constricting companies that use or produce energy is a major contributor to inflation. Eighty percent of our energy comes with greenhouse gas emissions. Even making wind towers, solar panels, electric vehicles and batteries, and our electric grids releases significant GHGs.
In addition, we are not installing wind towers, solar panels, and batteries fast enough to provide nearly enough replacement energy. We would need to increase our annual installation of wind turbines and solar panels by a factor of 10 or 20. If we do not, we will suffer significant energy shortages, blackouts will become a regularity, and consumers will be forced to pay even higher prices for gas and electricity.
Can America go from the annual installation of 3,000 wind turbines nationally to 30,000 or 60,000? Can America increase solar panel installation to hundreds of square miles annually? Simply stated, no.
There is not enough mining and processing capacity of the rare earth metals needed for these energy sources or the required manufacturing facilities to make such an energy transition anytime soon.
And keep in mind, most of the metals and manufacturing facilities required for alternative fuel production are produced and controlled by our increasingly belligerent rival, Communist China.
Judging by Mr. Biden’s actions to punish or vilify oil and natural companies and the inevitable electricity shortages this summer — caused by closing coal plants — it is very likely that Biden’s SEC will adopt these rules.
Hopefully, the courts will halt these efforts by ruling the SEC has no authority to engage in energy policy this way. At a time when inflation and consumer prices are at record highs, this is not the time to push energy policies that further strain and punish American businesses and consumers.
Joe Biden’s energy policies will not help fuel American business or spur national economic growth. They will only fuel more inflation.
Frank Lasee is president of Truth in Energy and Climate and a former state senator of Wisconsin.


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After 2 1/2 decades with the same look Microsoft unveils a new logo for the company. The logo will consist of 2 components; their symbol consisting of the 4 colour squares signifying its diverse portfolio of products and a logotype in the Segoe font, the same one used in their marketing communications.
According to today’s post on the Official Microsoft Blog, by Jeff Hansen, general manager, brand strategy, Microsoft, they feel that it’s an ideal time for the change, as the company is preparing to release new versions of most of their products.
“From Windows 8 to Windows Phone 8 to Xbox services to the next version of Office you will see a common look and feel across these products providing a familiar and seamless experience on PCs, phones, tablets and TVs,” posts Hansen.
Hansen goes on to add is that the new branding goes beyond reimagining the products he says it also represents a new era for Microsoft.
While I have not officially seen a press release to this effect, Hansen’s blog post indicates that the new logo will be used prominently beginning today.
Of course the full implementation across every channel will take a little time.
photos courtesy: Microsoft Corporation
Greg Gazin is the Real Canadian Gadget Guy.


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This year’s Prime Day is going to be another record-breaker. However, in its sixth year, it stands out the most by how little Amazon is trying. As e-commerce expands to exclusives, personalization, social networks, live streams, and video media, Amazon sticks with doing none of it.
Nearly $10 billion worth of goods will be sold on Amazon worldwide during the two days of Prime Day, running October 13th to 14th. Digital Commerce 360 estimates sales to reach $9.7 billion, and eMarketer puts the figure at $9.91 billion. Those estimates put this year’s Prime Day up roughly forty percent year-over-year.
Prime Day, which dates back to 2015 and typically runs in mid-July, uses the same proven format. Deals are laid out as a grid of thousands of choices, with filters for price, discount level, and category. However, most shoppers likely discover deals as one of the search results while doing their regular shopping.
A growing sector of e-commerce pioneered in China, known as interactive commerce, combines recommendations, entertainment, and community. There is also the video-first movement that largely relies on live streaming to surface products to shoppers. In the west, startups are trying to introduce their versions of that, and big players YouTube and Instagram are incorporating it in their apps. Despite Amazon having a live streaming component in its Prime Day, it doesn’t play a significant role.
Thus it is telling to see Prime Day continue to grow despite not innovating on the user experience - it is important to notice the things Amazon chooses not to do. At $10 billion, it is one of the world’s largest digital events, yet the one with the least spectacle. Prime Day draws comparisons to Alibaba’s Singles Day in China, but those events share little in how they are presented. Amazon has spent most of its resources ensuring fulfillment capacity instead.
Prime Day is not indicative of any future trends in e-commerce. To many, it is the opposite of what they believe the future will look like. Prime Day is an event by the largest online retailer that attracts shoppers because it is the largest online retailer. In turn, Amazon reaches record sales, many third-party marketplace sellers double their daily sales volume, and some shoppers find great deals. It’s a win for everyone, except for other retailers that lose out on traffic.
The best Prime Day deal is the one Amazon gets by having many of its Prime members coming to Amazon to check if there is a deal they like. If they don’t, there is a high chance they will buy something on Amazon anyway. That is why many more products get a sales lift than just those offering deals. Prime Day’s goal is to remind people to open the Amazon app.


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Welcome to our latest blog post where we dive deep into the world of cryptocurrencies, particularly Ripple and its native currency XRP, and the recent trouble it’s facing with regards to Cardano. As you may already know, Ripple’s market cap has exceeded $229 billion, making it one of the largest cryptocurrencies in the market. In this post, we’ll be sharing an update on the recent Stablecoin Bill that could impact Ripple and XRP, analyzing the breaking structure of XRP, and discussing the possibility of XRP reaching a value of $3.3 to $10 and beyond. So, join us as we explore the latest developments in the world of Ripple and XRP.
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Welcome to Digital Perspectives, your one-stop-shop for the latest news, insights, and updates on the world of digital currency. In this article, we’ll be taking a detailed look at the Ripple/XRP-Cardano trouble, Ripple’s rapidly rising valuation, and what it all means for the future of the digital currency space.
At Digital Perspectives, we’re always on the lookout for breaking news and updates in the digital currency space. Recently, there has been some troubling news regarding Ripple/XRP and Cardano. There are reports that Cardano’s founder, Charles Hoskinson, has publicly criticized Ripple/XRP’s business model and has even gone so far as to call it “a scam”. This has caused quite a stir in the digital currency world, and there is a lot of speculation about what this could mean for the future of Ripple/XRP.
Despite the recent controversy and negative headlines, Ripple/XRP has continued to grow and thrive in the digital currency space. According to recent reports, Ripple’s market valuation has reached a staggering $229 billion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world. This is a testament to Ripple’s innovative technology and its ability to solve real-world problems in the financial industry.
Update: Stablecoin Bill:
In other news, there has been a lot of talk recently about a new Stablecoin bill that is making its way through the US Congress. This bill would provide a legal framework for the development of stablecoins, which are digital currencies that are pegged to traditional assets such as the US dollar. If this bill passes, it could have a significant impact on the digital currency space, making it easier for companies like Ripple/XRP to develop and innovate.
XRP Breaking Structure:
Another major development in the world of Ripple/XRP is the breaking of its traditional market structure. There are now reports that XRP is breaking out of its usual trading range and is poised to reach new heights. This is great news for investors and supporters of Ripple/XRP, as it suggests that the digital currency is gaining traction and momentum in the wider market.
Given the recent break in XRP’s market structure, there is a lot of speculation about how high the digital currency could go. Some analysts are predicting that XRP could reach as high as $3.3 in the near future, while others are more bullish, with predictions ranging up to $10 or more. While these predictions are not guarantees, they are an indication of the growing optimism and enthusiasm that surrounds Ripple/XRP in the digital currency community.
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At Digital Perspectives, we’re committed to providing our readers with the most up-to-date information and insights on the digital currency world. We invite you to join our community today and take advantage of our many benefits, including:
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In conclusion, the recent news and developments surrounding Ripple/XRP have been both exciting and concerning. While the controversy with Cardano is certainly a cause for concern, the continued growth and valuation of Ripple/XRP indicate that it is a company with a bright future. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started in the digital currency world, Digital Perspectives is here to help you navigate this exciting and ever-changing landscape.


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Chinese technology group Tencent posted solid sales growth during the fourth quarter of 2019, saying that it expects revenues from its games business to help it weather the coronavirus epidemic, which has paralysed the world’s second-biggest economy in the early months of this year.
The company’s well-diversified and gaming-heavy business is expected to hold up better than that of its chief rival Alibaba, which last month said that revenues at its key Tmall and Taobao businesses would shrink in the first quarter as its merchants and courier companies struggled with a lack of manpower.
Tencent’s management said on Wednesday that the millions of people in China self-isolating at home had spent an increasing portion of their time on its online games, video, music and online reading services.
Analysts expect the company to continue to expand in the first quarter. “Coronavirus will benefit the games business — same with long-form video,” said Benjamin Wu of Pacific Epoch.
In the fourth quarter, before the virus outbreak, the tech group brought in Rmb21.6bn ($3.1bn) in profit on revenue of Rmb105.8bn, which increased 25 per cent year on year. The top-line growth was helped by the inclusion of Finnish game maker Supercell, which is behind hit titles like Clash of Clans.
For the year, the company earned Rmb9.8 per share and announced that it would raise its annual dividend by 20 per cent to HK$1.20 per share.
But executives warned that the virus pandemic would still hinder its business as advertisers pull back and shoppers stay inside, reducing revenue at its mobile payments business.
James Mitchell, chief strategy officer, said that payments through its app had only gradually rebounded in March after sharply dropping during the Chinese new year and February.
“We generate over a billion payment transactions per day. That’s a gigantic number — it’s more than Visa and Mastercard put together,” Mr Mitchell said.
The majority of those transactions are offline and merchants were closed, said Mr Mitchell, noting that Tencent had cut marketing expenses so they would not dent its profit. The fintech business, which holds the WeChat Pay unit, along with cloud services, contributed about 28 per cent of sales in the fourth quarter.
The business has also been hit by rising short-video platform ByteDance, which grabbed a greater portion of China’s advertising spending last year. Tencent is working to catch up, with short-video products of its own, and president Martin Lau said it was working on building a recommendation engine — the tech that powers Bytedance’s TikTok app.
Tencent’s business of placing adverts in online videos also faces challenges. Management said that spending from automobile and luxury goods companies in its media ads business had fallen further, after the unit reported that sales had shrunk 24 per cent in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, a lingering controversy over a tweet from Daryl Morey, the general manager of the Houston Rockets NBA team, in support of the Hong Kong protesters cut advertising sales for basketball games, although Tencent’s media ads business only contributed about 4 per cent of its revenue during the quarter.
“Revenue will go up overall, games and social advertising are doing well which should offset the temporary slowdown in the payments business,” said John Choi of Daiwa Capital Markets.
A new online meeting platform Tencent rolled out in December also quickly attracted 10m daily average users, as workers stuck at home flocked to the new product.


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A new alliance between two payment giants aims to accelerate the use of branded debit cards at merchants across the country. On May 22, HSBC Retail Services and electronic payment network operator Debitman Card joined forces to accelerate growth in Debitman's debit card platform, The Retailer's Network, by leveraging HSBC Retail Services' experience issuing private label credit cards, including card program fulfillment and support services.
"The alliance with HSBC will accelerate Debitman's market penetration," says Michael Grossman, CEO of San Mateo, Calif.-based Debitman. "We anticipate rapid growth in both card-issuing and card-accepting merchants participating in The Retailer's Network."
"Through The Retailer's Network, HSBC will offer a unique and cost-effective solution to help retailers better address customer trends and reward loyal shoppers," adds Joseph Hoff, CEO, HSBC Retail Services, a unit of Wilmington, Del.-based HSBC Bank ($159 billion in assets).
According to Grossman, any merchant that participates in Debitman's PIN-based payment network enjoys lower fees for card transactions compared with other card networks. In addition, merchants that issue cards through The Retailer's Network share a portion of the interchange revenue whenever their branded cards are used at a participating merchant.
Further, the network's patent-pending debit card system supports a variety of card programs and can accommodate merchant-specific loyalty programs, Grossman says. "Because Debitman provides retailers the opportunity to save money, [retailers] can pass that savings on to the consumer in the form of incentives and discounts through loyalty programs," he explains.
Offering incentives to customers that use debit cards can mean an added boon to merchants' bottom lines. According to the 2005 Consumer Payments Usage Study by Denver-based STAR, consumers who use debit cards tend to spend more at the point of sale. Debit card purchases are 32 percent higher compared to cash purchases and 24 percent higher compared to purchases paid for by checks, reports the study, which includes data from nearly 13,000 respondents.
According to Grossman, customers who hold cards for network merchants can use the one branded payment card, linked to their checking accounts, to pay for purchases and earn retailer loyalty rewards wherever The Retailer's Network is accepted. He points out that merchant integration into The Retailer's Network requires neither point-of-sale modifications nor investment in card acceptance equipment. Retailers can accept the cards, even if they do not issue them, Grossman adds.
The Retailer's Network comprises more than 200,000 locations nationwide, including Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, CVS, Duane Reade and Walgreens stores.


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|By PR Newswire||
|December 11, 2012 06:00 AM EST||
Despite Positive Black Friday Reports, Consumers Show Signs They're Spending Less Than A Year Ago
YONKERS, N.Y., Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Consumer Reports Index, an overall measure of Americans' personal financial health, reports that sentiment levels among more affluent Americans earning $100,000 or more have dropped sharply in the past 30 days.
This is the first time the Consumer Reports Index has seen the historically positive sentiment levels of affluent households fall in line with middle- and lower-income households. All income groups are hovering around the 50 mark—indicating that half of Americans feel their financial condition is better, and half worse compared to a year ago.
"It's understandable that sentiment among wealthier Americans has begun to waiver given the pending fiscal cliff talk and the government's budget impasse. It is yet to be seen if this will impact their holiday spending," said Ed Farrell, director of consumer insight at the Consumer Reports National Research Center.
The Consumer Reports Index's Trouble Tracker measure, which looks at the financial difficulties Americans face, rose this month to 45.5, up from its record low last month of 38.7. Mounting financial difficulties were not broad-based, but instead were centered among those more affluent households earning $100,000 or more. The level of financial difficulties among the most affluent is still far lower than those in households earning less than $50,000, but this gap has narrowed. The level of financial troubles reported by middle and lower income groups was stable compared to last month.
There may be some challenges for retailers this holiday season, despite reports of a strong Black Friday retail performance. The Consumer Reports Index's past 30-day retail measure was up this month to 11.1 from 9.6 last month, reflecting the expected holiday jump, but it lagged last year's performance of 13.9. Anticipated spending over the next 30 days was also down versus last year. The Index's next 30-day retail measure, reflecting planned spending through December, stands at 10.1, down from 12.7 for this period last year.
The Consumer Reports Index's employment measure dropped below 50 and was down this month to 49.7 from its high last month of 51.5, indicating that more Americans are losing rather than starting jobs. Job starts in the past 30 days fell to 5.4 percent from 5.7 percent a month earlier, while job losses jumped to 5.9 percent from 2.7 percent. The decline in employment affected those in households earning less than $50,000 most severely, where the index dropped to 47.8 from 51.8 last month.
"Poor employment levels for the lower-income households and fears of fiscal uncertainty for more affluent households were the perfect storm to sink the significant gains seen last month. It will be interesting to see if these trends continue into the New Year," Farrell added.
The level of stress that consumers feel was up slightly from last month, 59.1 versus 57.8, respectively. The most stressed Americans in the past 30 days were those in households earning between $50,000 and $99,999 (63.6) and those aged 35-64 (61.1).
The Consumer Reports Index report, available at www.ConsumerReports.org, comprises responses directly from consumers on five key measures: the Sentiment Index, the Trouble Tracker Index, the Stress Index, the Retail Index and the Employment Index.
The Consumer Reports Index, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, is a monthly telephone and cell phone poll of a nationally representative probability sample of American adults. A total of 1,007 interviews were completed (657 telephone and 350 cell phone) among adults aged 18+. Interviewing took place between November 29 and December 2. The margin of error is +/- 3.2 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. The complete index report, methodology and tabular information are available. Contact: C. Matt Fields, 914-378-2454, [email protected]
The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports®, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent commercial use of its materials, its name, or the name of Consumer Reports®.
SOURCE Consumer Reports
What are the successful IoT innovations from emerging markets? What are the unique challenges and opportunities from these markets? How did the constraints in connectivity among others lead to groundbreaking insights? In her session at @ThingsExpo, Carmen Feliciano, a Principal at AMDG, will answer all these questions and share how you can apply IoT best practices and frameworks from the emerging markets to your own business.
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The best way to leverage your Cloud Expo presence as a sponsor and exhibitor is to plan your news announcements around our events. The press covering Cloud Expo and @ThingsExpo will have access to these releases and will amplify your news announcements. More than two dozen Cloud companies either set deals at our shows or have announced their mergers and acquisitions at Cloud Expo. Product announcements during our show provide your company with the most reach through our targeted audiences.
Oct. 25, 2016 07:45 AM EDT Reads: 4,905
Amazon has gradually rolled out parts of its IoT offerings, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to optimizing their backend AWS offerings, Amazon is laying the ground work to be a major force in IoT - especially in the connected home and office. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Chris Kocher, founder and managing director of Grey Heron, explained how Amazon is extending its reach to become a major force in IoT by building on its dominant cloud IoT platform, its Dash Button strat...
Oct. 25, 2016 06:45 AM EDT Reads: 4,822
@ThingsExpo has been named the Top 5 Most Influential M2M Brand by Onalytica in the ‘Machine to Machine: Top 100 Influencers and Brands.' Onalytica analyzed the online debate on M2M by looking at over 85,000 tweets to provide the most influential individuals and brands that drive the discussion. According to Onalytica the "analysis showed a very engaged community with a lot of interactive tweets. The M2M discussion seems to be more fragmented and driven by some of the major brands present in the...
Oct. 25, 2016 06:15 AM EDT Reads: 11,433
We are reaching the end of the beginning with WebRTC, and real systems using this technology have begun to appear. One challenge that faces every WebRTC deployment (in some form or another) is identity management. For example, if you have an existing service – possibly built on a variety of different PaaS/SaaS offerings – and you want to add real-time communications you are faced with a challenge relating to user management, authentication, authorization, and validation. Service providers will w...
Oct. 25, 2016 05:30 AM EDT Reads: 3,375
DevOps is being widely accepted (if not fully adopted) as essential in enterprise IT. But as Enterprise DevOps gains maturity, expands scope, and increases velocity, the need for data-driven decisions across teams becomes more acute. DevOps teams in any modern business must wrangle the ‘digital exhaust’ from the delivery toolchain, "pervasive" and "cognitive" computing, APIs and services, mobile devices and applications, the Internet of Things, and now even blockchain. In this power panel at @...
Oct. 25, 2016 05:15 AM EDT Reads: 1,997
SYS-CON Media announced today that @WebRTCSummit Blog, the largest WebRTC resource in the world, has been launched. @WebRTCSummit Blog offers top articles, news stories, and blog posts from the world's well-known experts and guarantees better exposure for its authors than any other publication. @WebRTCSummit Blog can be bookmarked ▸ Here @WebRTCSummit conference site can be bookmarked ▸ Here
Oct. 25, 2016 04:30 AM EDT Reads: 9,706
One of biggest questions about Big Data is “How do we harness all that information for business use quickly and effectively?” Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or spatial technology is about more than making maps, but adding critical context and meaning to data of all types, coming from all different channels – even sensors. In his session at @ThingsExpo, William (Bill) Meehan, director of utility solutions for Esri, will take a closer look at the current state of spatial technology and ar...
Oct. 25, 2016 04:15 AM EDT Reads: 1,740
SYS-CON Events announced today that Streamlyzer will exhibit at the 19th International Cloud Expo, which will take place on November 1–3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA. Streamlyzer is a powerful analytics for video streaming service that enables video streaming providers to monitor and analyze QoE (Quality-of-Experience) from end-user devices in real time.
Oct. 25, 2016 04:15 AM EDT Reads: 1,012
You have great SaaS business app ideas. You want to turn your idea quickly into a functional and engaging proof of concept. You need to be able to modify it to meet customers' needs, and you need to deliver a complete and secure SaaS application. How could you achieve all the above and yet avoid unforeseen IT requirements that add unnecessary cost and complexity? You also want your app to be responsive in any device at any time. In his session at 19th Cloud Expo, Mark Allen, General Manager of...
Oct. 25, 2016 04:15 AM EDT Reads: 955
SYS-CON Events announced today that SoftNet Solutions will exhibit at the 19th International Cloud Expo, which will take place on November 1–3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA. SoftNet Solutions specializes in Enterprise Solutions for Hadoop and Big Data. It offers customers the most open, robust, and value-conscious portfolio of solutions, services, and tools for the shortest route to success with Big Data. The unique differentiator is the ability to architect and ...
Oct. 25, 2016 04:00 AM EDT Reads: 968
The IoT industry is now at a crossroads, between the fast-paced innovation of technologies and the pending mass adoption by global enterprises. The complexity of combining rapidly evolving technologies and the need to establish practices for market acceleration pose a strong challenge to global enterprises as well as IoT vendors. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Clark Smith, senior product manager for Numerex, will discuss how Numerex, as an experienced, established IoT provider, has embraced a ...
Oct. 25, 2016 03:45 AM EDT Reads: 1,130
Cloud based infrastructure deployment is becoming more and more appealing to customers, from Fortune 500 companies to SMEs due to its pay-as-you-go model. Enterprise storage vendors are able to reach out to these customers by integrating in cloud based deployments; this needs adaptability and interoperability of the products confirming to cloud standards such as OpenStack, CloudStack, or Azure. As compared to off the shelf commodity storage, enterprise storages by its reliability, high-availabil...
Oct. 25, 2016 03:15 AM EDT Reads: 1,166
Donna Yasay, President of HomeGrid Forum, today discussed with a panel of technology peers how certification programs are at the forefront of interoperability, and the answer for vendors looking to keep up with today's growing industry for smart home innovation. "To ensure multi-vendor interoperability, accredited industry certification programs should be used for every product to provide credibility and quality assurance for retail and carrier based customers looking to add ever increasing num...
Oct. 25, 2016 02:00 AM EDT Reads: 628
SYS-CON Events announced today that Super Micro Computer, Inc., a global leader in Embedded and IoT solutions, will exhibit at SYS-CON's 20th International Cloud Expo®, which will take place on June 7-9, 2017, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY. Supermicro (NASDAQ: SMCI), the leading innovator in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology, is a premier provider of advanced server Building Block Solutions® for Data Center, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, Hadoop/Big Data, HPC and ...
Oct. 25, 2016 01:15 AM EDT Reads: 3,620
In the next forty months – just over three years – businesses will undergo extraordinary changes. The exponential growth of digitization and machine learning will see a step function change in how businesses create value, satisfy customers, and outperform their competition. In the next forty months companies will take the actions that will see them get to the next level of the game called Capitalism. Or they won’t – game over. The winners of today and tomorrow think differently, follow different...
Oct. 25, 2016 01:15 AM EDT Reads: 1,030


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More than 150,000 Starbucks consumers are urging CEO Howard Schultz to make the switch to organic milk. (Photo: flickr/PG.NETO)
More than 150,000 consumers have already signed a petition urging coffee giant Starbucks to stop sourcing its milk from GMO-fed cows, and switch to organic milk, announced a press release from GMO Inside.
“Starbucks made the right move in removing growth hormones from its milk,” said Green America president and co-chair of GMO Inside Alisa Gravitz.
“However, Starbucks has sent confusing messages to its customers by stopping short of addressing long-term environmental as well as human and animal health concerns.
In contrast, Pret A Manger, a growing and thriving quick service chain, already serves only organic dairy and soy at comparable prices.”
Starbucks is urged to begin selling organic milk exclusively, in order to prevent the sourcing of milk from cows that have been fed GMOs.
On October 5, GMO Inside and its partners have planned a day of social media activism, urging supporters of the switch to organic-only milk to voice their concerns on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the hashtag #OrganicMilkNext.
“When 150,000 Starbucks consumers send a message to the CEO¹s office, you would expect a company of Starbucks’ caliber and reputation to sit up and pay attention,” said Green America’s GMO Inside campaign director.
“We are hoping that the combination of the overwhelming message from our petition and upcoming social media day will get Starbucks off the dime in dumping milk from cows fed GMOs.”
For the latest food and drink updates, visit our Food News page.
Karen Lo is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @appleplexy.


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Specifically, the complaint alleges that Mercedes continued to promote vehicles equipped with the Tele Aid ERS system, which was provided by AT&T for a subscription fee. However, Tele Aid was an analog system and was scheduled to be replaced with digital technology in 2008, when a change in Federal Communications Commission regulations would allow AT&T to discontinue its analog cellular service.
Mercedes reportedly knew of this technology change as early as 2002, but continued to promote Tele Aid to consumers right up to 2007. The suit claims that Mercedes Benz knew the technology change would effectively render Tele Aid inoperative. Therefore, the plaintiffs allege that these actions were cause for unjust enrichment.
The class action, certified by a federal judge in New Jersey, consolidates 10 suits filed in 6 states with an estimated 100,000 possible plaintiffs.


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Sarirasa Group, a prominent hospitality company in Indonesia, has recently announced its commitment to focusing on healthy and vegetarian menu options. This decision marks a significant shift in the company’s approach to food and reflects a growing trend towards healthier eating habits among consumers.
The Sarirasa Group, which operates a number of popular restaurants and cafes across the country, has long been known for its delicious and diverse menu offerings. However, in response to changing consumer preferences and a greater awareness of the importance of healthy eating, the company has decided to place a greater emphasis on providing nutritious and plant-based options for its customers.
This move towards offering more healthy and vegetarian menu items is part of Sarirasa Group’s broader efforts to promote sustainability and wellness. By incorporating more plant-based dishes into their menus, the company hopes to not only cater to the growing number of health-conscious consumers but also to reduce their environmental footprint and support sustainable food practices.
In addition to offering a wider range of vegetarian options, Sarirasa Group has also made efforts to ensure that their healthy menu items are made with high-quality, fresh ingredients. By sourcing locally and organically whenever possible, the company aims to provide customers with meals that are not only good for their bodies but also good for the planet.
The response to Sarirasa Group’s new focus on healthy and vegetarian menu options has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers have praised the company for its commitment to providing nutritious and delicious meals, and many have expressed gratitude for the greater variety of plant-based dishes now available.
As consumer interest in healthy and vegetarian eating continues to grow, it is likely that more companies will follow in the footsteps of Sarirasa Group and prioritize sustainability and wellness in their menu offerings. By embracing this trend and adapting their menus to meet the changing demands of their customers, businesses can not only attract new clientele but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable food system for all.


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An employee uses a sewing machine in a clothing company in Tongxin county, the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. (Photo: Xinhua)
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies should strengthen cooperation to push forward with transformation and upgrade of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are playing an increasingly important role in driving regional economic growth, officials said on Wednesday.
SMEs are the driving force of economic development in the Asia Pacific region; it is a group of enterprises with the largest number, the most active vitality in innovation and the strongest employment-promoting capability, Wang Jiangping, vice-minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said.
SMEs have become an important force of cooperation in the region, he said at the opening of APEC SME Business Forum 2019, held in Shenzhen on Wednesday. The event, which serves as a platform for SMEs in the Asia Pacific region to exchange ideas and seek business opportunities, attracted about 800 attendees from 17 APEC members.
Wang said China has been working to carry out reforms to build an open economy and create a stable, fair business environment, which has achieved good results and gained recognition from the rest of the world.
Mohd Hatta Bin Md Ramli, deputy minister of the Ministry of Entrepreneurial Development of Malaysia, said it is important for APEC member economies to increase exchanges and cooperation to speed up transformation and upgrade of SMEs in the digital era, so that they can take better advantage of the opportunities brought by the internet to achieve further growth.
As the host of next year's APEC meeting, Malaysia will grasp the opportunity to promote innovative development of SMEs in the region and work to enhance their global competitiveness, he said.
Thailand's ambassador to China Arthayudh Srisamoot echoed his view, saying the internet and new technologies are bringing a new growth engine to its economy and SMEs are major players in it. The country has formulated a strategy to drive it towards a digital-driven economy in the next 20 years.
"An SME is one of the primary mechanisms for promoting and strengthening the growth of the Thai economy by creating incomes and employment," he said.


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The Textile Ministry is working toward resuscitating sick mills including the National Textile Corporation (NTC). The government wants to bring to profit a total of eleven mills of NTC in next three months. NTC had acquired 119 mills, out of which 78 are closed under the Industrial Disputes Act, Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar informed Rajya Sabha.
He was replying to a debate on the Textile Undertakings (Nationalisation) Laws (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2014, which replaces an ordinance promulgated some time back.
The bill, already passed by Lok Sabha, was approved in the Upper House.
Gangwar said that the government was not in favour of Ordinance but had to bring it to prevent NTC land slipping out of its hand and there is no intention to sell mills as Prime Minister too has pronounced the importance of the textile sector.
The legislation aims at ensuring proper and effective implementation of the revival scheme for sick textile units. As the textile sector has immense employment potential and India had many "Manchesters" but neglect during past years resulted in closure of many units.
He said that 23 NTC mills were running and five were in profit while 11 in dispute are put to arbitration and two have been handed over to Puducherry, while NTC is out of BIFR.
Allaying fears that the proceeds from sale of land will be misused Gangwar said that they had received Rs 6,547 crore from sale out of which Rs 1,618 crore was spent on modernisation while Rs 2,379 crore was spent on VRS and Rs 2,388 crore on wages. They have with them balance Rs 1,480 crore.
As far as modernisation of NTC is concerned, 50 per cent of it has been achieved. Government had committed to increase employment and at present there were 8,000 permanent and 3,000 daily wage workers with NTC.
Further to promote the sector, a skill centre is being set up Varanasi besides cloth manufacturing and other centres across the country to promote handicraft.
They have also requested the Finance Minister for eight textile centres in addition to 13 textile parks announced a month back. Fifteen more parks will be announced in a month and they will ensure one park in each northeastern state besides reserving 25 percent of parks for states that do not have such facility.
He admitted that despite production of 400 million bales of cotton, exports were not picking up as China was not buying it. In this regard, the exporters have been asked them to explore newer markets.
Admitting market rates were not good for cotton crop this year, he said steps were being taken in this regard.
Earlier, introducing the bill, Gangwar said that the measure seeks to free the ailing National Textile Corporation (NTC), which has property worth Rs 25 lakh crore, from rent control laws.
The amendments are made to protect assets of sick textile undertakings and ensure lease-hold right of such units remains with the central government.
However after expiry of the lease-hold tenure, owners of the sick units went to courts taking advantage of the rent control laws like the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999 that exempts land leased by the central government, he said.
The Minister said that amendment bill seeks to clarify the vesting of lease-hold land with the central government, in order to prevent the vacating of this land by NTC, at the expiry of the lease.
These rights will be exercised by the NTC on behalf of the central government. Besides, no court may order the divestment of the property vested with NTC by the central government.
NTC, a central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Textiles, manages affairs of sick undertakings, in the private sector, taken over by the government. NTC is managing 119 units at present.
Initiating the debate, Ananda Bhaskar Rofolu (Cong) said that he supports the bill because it is part of the protective measures taken by the UPA government towards reviving sick textile units in the country.
The bill would stop real estate and property builders from taking over huge acres of land of NTC in cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Kanpur and Warangal.
However, Rofolu said that the government should also come up with solutions to the current problems faced by cotton growers and handloom weavers.
Favouring amendments to the bill, V P Singh Badnore (BJP) said that only 28 out of 119 sick textile units owned and regulated by NTC are surviving. The bill is in the right direction and should compete with private players.
While, Chaudhary Munaveer Saleem (SP) said that liberalisation is proving harmful to the sector but the bill is good and its intention is good.
M P Achutan (CPI) was of the view that proceeds from sale of mill land should be used for modernisation alone.
According to Madhusudan Mistry (Cong), closure of mills has brought workers on the brink of starvation and hence steps should be taken to clear their dues.
Chunibhai Kanjibhai Gohel (BJP) said that textile industry was the most important after agriculture employing 35 million people but sadly India was lagging much behind China.
Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said that land should not be allowed to pass on to private hands and demanded that area should be developed in lines of 'Delhi Haat' for the benefit of artisans and other traditional craftsmen.
T Rathinaveli (AIADMK) demanded modernisation of NTC mills in Tamil Nadu and consideration of a proposal to set up a textile apparel park in the State.
A V Singh Deo (BJD) sought to know if government was preparing a blueprint for the revival of NTC and steps to reinstate the jobless workers.
A weekly report covering market and price information on the entire chain of polyester along with online access to daily polyester chain prices.
One-time reports that are issued annually cover the demand and supply trends in individual products including polyester, nylon, acrylic, viscose, and cotton.
One-time reports that are issued annually cover the demand and supply trends in the individual country's natural and manmade fiber/filament industries.
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Trials Rising Is Adding Its Longest Track Ever, And It's Free DLC
The motorcycle racing game Trials Rising is adding some big free DLC very soon. As part of the Ubisoft Forward event, the developer announced that “the Gigatrack” is coming to the game on JUly 16. The Gigatrack is the longest track in the Trials franchise, and it’s meant to test your endurance.
The Gigatrack spans five different environments, and you can get a glimpse at it in the video below. It looks really extreme. Check out the trailer:
Ubisoft Forward is going on right now, and it’s expected to bring news about the publisher’s biggest games, including Watch Dogs Legion, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Far Cry 6, and more.
For everything announced at Ubisoft Forward, check out GameSpot’s news roundup.
GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.
Source: Read Full Article


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Designed as an easy/long run shoe which is all about comfort.
It's a good door-to-trail option with a Jack of all trades vibe.
There's a full length carbon fibre plate.
World Athletics said between April 2018 and May 2019 Kipsang missed four 'whereabouts appointments'.
We tested it for two weeks and think it’s the best fitness tracker you can get
Want to support an independent brand? Here's where to shop
Metaracer is a marathon day carbon-plated racing shoe and the Metasprint is a spikeless track shoe.
It's a perfect all-rounder for new or lower mileage runners.
American shoe company joins the fight against Coronavirus
The premium priced trail shoe has a huge wodge of heel cushioning.
"It’s light, it’s fast and it’s soft as a slipper."
It’s a support model aimed at mild-moderate overpronators.
Ethiopian athlete Birhanu Legese won the men's race in 2:04:15.
It's a lightweight running shoe that will retail for £100. Sounds promising.
‘A moderate stability shoe designed to be a one-stop shop for all distances.’
Here's what happened when we put it to the test.
More than 185,000 runners applied through the lottery
Here's why it won our highly commended award
It’s a stripped-down racing shoe for fast distance running.
Looking at elite athletes, the study found sprinters and distance runners suffered different issues
This running icon has a new goal: getting more kids into the sport we love.
Here's what to know before signing up.
We run the rule over two new shoes that feature carbon plates for extra bounce.
With its focus on strength and stability, Pilates is ideal for runners.
We've been running in the Japanese brand’s newest shoe. Here are our thoughts.


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bp has agreed to purchase Houston-based EDF Energy Services (EDF ES) in a move to expand its presence in the U.S. commercial and industrial (C&I) retail power and gas business.
EDF ES is a supplier of power, natural gas and related services to C&I customers across the United States. Its customers are primarily large corporations and public entities, including retailers, universities, manufacturers and producers, municipalities, and power generators.
EDF ES’s wide geographical reach and significant set of diverse C&I customers, will help expand bp's capability to deliver energy solutions and additional services directly to large end-user customers in new and existing markets.
bp said the acquisition also brings new opportunities for enhanced lower carbon-integrated energy solutions for C&I customers, integrating with other bp businesses and capabilities that can support decarbonization goals.
“EDF ES is a leading retail power supplier i


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Stocks dive amid economy worries
Worst day since July 5 as retailers, automakers hit
U.S. stocks took their biggest loss in almost a month on Tuesday as investors worried about the health of the U.S. economy and sold shares in retailers and car companies. Machinery companies also fell and the price of oil continued to decline.
Travel companies fell after cruise line operator Royal Caribbean cut its projections for the year, and automakers and suppliers fell after car companies reported lower U.S. sales for the month of July. Banks finished lower as investors worried about the health of banks in Europe. While stocks set all-time records as recently as July 22, they've been trading in a very narrow range for the last few weeks. Since stocks aren't making big gains, investors are sensitive to signs of trouble for the U.S. economy, like weaker sales of autos or last week's disappointing GDP report.
The Dow Jones industrial average fell 90.74 points, or 0.5 percent, to 18,313.77. The Standard & Poor's 500 index lost 13.81 points, or 0.6 percent, to 2,157.03. The Nasdaq composite slid 46.46 points, or 0.9 percent, to 5,137.73. The Dow has fallen for seven days in a row, and Tuesday was the worst day for U.S. stocks since July 5.
Auto companies reported lower U.S. sales in July as a heat wave kept buyers at home. General Motors said its sales fell 2 percent and Ford said sales fell 3 percent. After six straight years of growth, auto sales have reached record levels and are starting to plateau. GM stock shed $1.37, or 4.4 percent, to $29.93 and Ford lost 54 cents, or 4.3 percent, to $11.94.


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“Paybacks,” goes the old adage, “are a bitch.” Not always. Subaru’s “Share the Love” campaign seems to be paying off for everyone involved.
In December, the automaker unveiled a one-month program aimed at contributing $250 for every car the company sold to one of five major non-profit organizations. On Thursday, at the Chicago Auto Show, Subaru marketing chief Tim Mahoney announced that the program had generated a hefty $4.7 million for the charities.
“We know how difficult the economic times are, and non-profits are having a particularly hard time,” said Mahoney, explaining the logic behind the unusual program, which allowed buyers to direct which of the target organizations got their $250. “When you’re struggling, it’s hard to think about others.”
Whether “Share the Love” gets credit, or not, something clearly clicked for Subaru, which was the only automaker to post a sales gain, in December. Not bad, said Mahoney, noting that in the current environment, “Flat is the new up.” Subaru was the only maker to post a gain of all of 2008, as well, and its momentum continued into January, with an eight percent increase in sales.
The five charities to share in the payout are the ASPCA, the National Wildlife Federation, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Meals on Wheels.
Subaru officials say there are no specific plans to repeat the “Share the Love” program, but acknowledge that the positive response has them considering a second effort.


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Apple’s preparations for its entry into the video streaming service market are being ramped up with the commitment of an initial $6 billion budget for the creation of exclusive new shows and movies. The tech giant’s new TV+ service is expected to launch within two months and will take on Netflix, Amazon Prime and other new entrants to the subscription-based streaming format Disney and HBO.
Apple has been seriously readying itself for the launch of TV+ since 2017, when Sony Pictures Television execs Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg were hired to head up the new unit and prepare it for a competitive market entry. Since then, the original $1 billion budget set aside for commissioning exclusive content for the service has grown to over $6 billion that has already been committed. That burgeoning war chest appears to recognise the hugely competitive market Apple is about to enter. Netflix is expected to spend $15-$19 billion on original content over the course of 2019.
Despite the still yawning gap between Apple’s content budget and that of its biggest competitor, the former’s will initially be concentrated on English-language productions, while Netflix is ploughing significant sums into localising content for big international markets such as India and Brazil. Apple is also offering its content creation partners more attractive terms than Netflix, which tends to negotiate the spread of payments over several years with Apple paying more upfront. That is reportedly helping its cause when it comes to winning deals with Hollywood’s big hitters.
Apple’s strategy is based on star appeal and it has put money and effort into signing up big names such as Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg to produce shows. Its biggest original show at launch will be a series named The Morning Show, which stars Jennifer Aniston, Reece Witherspoon and Steve Carrel and will reportedly cost more to make on a per-show basis than the $15 million-an-episode budget of the last season of Game of Thrones.
Apple, in line with its now customary secretive, or tension-building, approach, has still to release key details around TV+, such as an official launch date and pricing. However, the company has confirmed it plans to launch in over 100 countries. Even the production companies and studios behind the shows and films that will be part of the initial release are said to be in the dark. It is reported that TV+ will launch with a core library and new proprietary shows will then have staggered releases as they are added each month.
TV+ is part of Apple’s broad strategy to ease its reliance on iPhone sales over the coming years as the smartphone market matures and to diversify revenues more towards services. However, the new ‘ecosystem’ will still heavily rely on the established audience of iPhone and other Apple gadget owners. As Oprah Winfrey sagely commented at the March event that announced the new streaming service “they are in a billion pockets, y’all — a billion pockets”.


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OnePlus Nord N100’s successor, the Nord N200, seems to be the most anticipated smartphone for the near future. The company’s CEO, Peter Lau, has also revealed that it would be OnePlus’ most affordable 5G smartphone to date. There has been no other official communications in aspects of the launch dates and pricing. But, by the looks of things, the phone is headed in the right direction as it will get three years of maintenance updates moving forward.
Peter Lau recently also announced that the company will also be merging with Oppo to bring out better products in the future and serve the customers better. He said that they will be working on faster and more stable software updates. Presumably, the Nord 200 will also get the Android 12 update. The smartphone will also receive an extra year of security patches over the course of three years but there is no word on the time intervals between which these will be rolled out.
In terms of the specifications, the OnePlus Nord N200 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 processor and launches with a 4GB RAM. Based on Android 11, it boasts 64GB of internal storage which is expandable upto 256GB via the MicroSD card. It measures 163.10×74.90×8.3 mm and weighs around 189 grams. It provides a screen resolution of 1080×2400 pixels at 45ppi density. It has a 6.49 inch touchscreen display with an aspect ratio of 20:9.
It also provides fast charging with a 5000mAh battery and supports face unlock and a fingerprint sensor. It features a 90Hz refresh rate as well. The connectivity options of the phone include WiFi 802.11, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, USB-Type C with a Proximity, Fingerprint, Ambient Light sensors and a gyroscope.
As for the camera, it has a triple camera set-up (With autofocus) on the rear with a 13 MP primary camera with an f/2.2 aperture, a 2MP camera with f/2.4 aperture and another 2MP camera with f/2.4 aperture. The front camera is a 16MP camera with an f/2.05 aperture.
At the moment, it has been released in selected regions in one colour: Blue Quantum, priced at around Rs. 18,000 in the US or $240.


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What will T-Mobile do if the merger with AT&T does not work out? On the outside, both AT&T and T-Mobile are pushing as hard as they can to get the deal done. However, behind the scenes, T-Mobile is working even harder on the path it will take in the event the deal does not get done. And it may have hit on something.
My Pick of the Week is how both Google and Microsoft are battling over the remains of Yahoo. Which will win — and what will happen next?
Over the last several years, AT&T and Verizon have been growing much faster than the others. Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile are losing postpaid customers to them. This can be good or bad, depending on which side you are on. AT&T and Verizon workers and investors are obviously happy, but at Sprint and T-Mobile — not so much.
Sprint has been trying to reinvent itself by focusing on more than just postpaid. It’s been focusing on prepaid, wholesale and other not-so-typical offerings, and that path looks successful so far.
T-Mobile has been struggling. That’s why this deal with AT&T looked like such a good deal for it — just not for the industry. It all started several years back with the industry-wide move to smartphones and wireless data. AT&T led that charge. Now everyone realizes that is the path to be on.
T-Mobile snoozed its way through the industry shift from 2G to 3G. It had focused on a more basic service and attracted a more basic customer who used voice and text.
It was doing well, gaining customers; however, the shift to wireless data was just too much for it. The company started losing business.
T-Mobile finally realized this change was happening, so it jumped in as fast as it could, but it was behind the eight ball. When it shifted its focus to the wireless data area, it started winning customers again. Things looked brighter for the company.
It realized it could not catch up to the reality of 3G and the lead of its larger competitors. So what did T-Mobile do? It changed the rules of the game. It was the first to claim 4G. What? How? It was behind the rest of the pack on 3G. How could it be ahead?
T-Mobile came up with a brilliant marketing, advertising and public relations strategy, and it worked early on. It was winning again. It upgraded selected portions of its network. The problem was that most of its network was not ahead of the competition.
When the marketplace caught on, it started to lose business again. The ups and downs were like a roller coaster ride at an amusement park. That was T-Mobile’s world.
That’s why AT&T’s merger lifeline made so much sense for the company — just not for the industry.
In blocking the merger, the U.S. government said T-Mobile was too important a competitor to lose. It said the marketplace had seen many mergers in the last decade, but this one crossed the line and was not good for the industry. At some point, mergers become anticompetitive.
That brings us to today. If this acquisition does not occur, what is the next step for T-Mobile? What is its strategy?
It looks like T-Mobile is now starting to enter the same space as Sprint Nextel. Its leaders figure if they have lemons, make lemonade. This strategy seems to be working for Sprint, so it could work for T-Mobile as well.
The cheaper, no-contract and prepaid side of the wireless market looks juicy. It’s a lower-cost area for subscribers, but it is the fastest-growing segment of the industry. As prepaid carriers offer better phones and more robust wireless data experience at a lower cost, they are attracting lots of new users.
“This is a really strong, very, very, high-growth business for us in all key areas, both on customer growth and on revenue,” Mike Katz, VP of marketing for T-Mobile and head of the company’s prepaid group, told The Wall Street Journal.
This is the same space occupied by MetroPCS, Leap Wireless, Cricket, Tracfone and other prepaid services. This is a segment the wireless industry never really paid much attention to; however, even though it is just a tiny slice of the marketplace, it is growing rapidly.
T-Mobile just introduced a lower-cost plan, available at Walmart, that undercuts the competition in this segment. This is a great start. The plan allows plenty of time for Web surfing, along with unlimited texting, but only 100 minutes of prepaid talk.
It offers T-Mobile’s fast wireless data service, which many smaller competitors do not yet have. This first step into this new market segment seems to make a lot of sense for the company.
This suggests another shift for T-Mobile, but this one may be right on target. This could finally be the start of something good at T-Mobile. We’ll have to keep our eyes on it and see what happens next. This kind of move proves the government right. T-Mobile is an important part of the competitive mix.
This is not a shift the company wanted to make. It was a consequence of losing traditional customers to larger competitors. However, as the gulf expands between the two or three largest providers and everyone else, there is real opportunity.
As an analyst and consultant, I have worked with AT&T, Verizon and Sprint off and on over the years, and I’ve have seen many good and bad ideas. I can honestly say that this move by T-Mobile is a great idea — if it can make it happen, that is.
The choice is simple. T-Mobile can continue to compete in Tier 1 against Verizon, AT&T and Sprint and continue to lose. Or it can shift and start to compete in Tier 2 against all the rest. If it does, it can be No. 1 in that segment. on wireless, but what about the huge Web search opportunity? The place where Google is such a big winner?
Microsoft had its eyes on Yahoo several years ago. It wanted to acquire the company back then and was willing to pay a pretty penny. Yahoo said no. Microsoft backed away.
Since then, things have gotten better and worse. The bad part is Yahoo has lost customers, and its market value has dropped. The good part is it will be even less expensive to acquire.
So what will be the difference between an acquisition by Microsoft or Google?
In short, Microsoft wants to punch and Google wants to block.
Microsoft wants to use Yahoo to better compete with Google. As a self-defense move, Google wants to take away Microsoft’s ability to do that.
So if Microsoft wins, it will try to build up Yahoo and partner with its own brand to successfully compete in the search space. If Google wins, I think we will see Yahoo disappear.
Google is so successful right now it cannot be interested in Yahoo for any reason other than to try to block Microsoft from using it to more effectively compete.
It will be interesting to watch this unfold over the next several months.
It’s long been entertaining how Tracfone’s new additions alone, have boosted the reseller columns of especially AT&T. The trend of switching to prepaid isn’t a new thing, the extent of influence has merely been hidden in the new additions the big carriers ascribe to being wholesale. In the case of an MVNO that doesn’t have it’s own network infrastructure, these prepaid sales will go beneath the radar for as long as carriers sell more profitable post paying contracts.


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It’s difficult for a bakery to promote its organic breads when it can’t rely on its flour actually being organic.
Yet after nearly 90 years in the bread business, and a decade of working towards making its products fit the organic format, Napa Valley’s The Model Bakery can now claim to be 100 percent pure.
According to Model co-owner Sarah Mitchell, she and her mother /co-proprietor Karen Mitchell had “issues with sourcing reliable ingredients” for their stores on Main Street in St. Helena and in downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market. Good stuff all along, just not good enough.
And apparently, baking good bread requires a lot of bread.
“The problem was, the cost to use organic flour was very high for a small bakery such as ours,” she said. “However, over the last couple of years we have seen our volume quadruple with the new Oxbow location, which has given us more negotiating power to get the right pricing.”
She was able to strike a deal with Central Milling of Utah, which distributes out of a warehouse in Petaluma. Along with the artisan breads – a rotation of more than 17 varieties daily – most of Model’s morning pastries are being made with the new flours.
Besides organic products usually being more expensive already, flour in general is an increasingly costly commodity, Sarah explained. “Many non-organic wheat farmers are switching to corn, because they can make more money selling it for ethanol.”
Model Bakery: 1357 Main Street, St. Helena; (707) 963-8192. Also 644 1st Street, Napa; (707) 259-1128 or themodelbakery.com.


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SINGAPORE (AP) _ Flex Ltd. (FLEX) on Tuesday reported a loss of $64.4 million in its fiscal fourth quarter.
On a per-share basis, the Singapore-based company said it had a loss of 12 cents. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs and stock option expense, were 27 cents per share.
The results matched Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was also for earnings of 27 cents per share.
The electronics designer and manufacturer posted revenue of $6.23 billion in the period.
For the year, the company reported profit of $93.4 million, or 18 cents per share. Revenue was reported as $26.31 billion.
For the current quarter ending in July, Flex expects its per-share earnings to range from 25 cents to 29 cents.
The company said it expects revenue in the range of $6.1 billion to $6.5 billion for the fiscal first quarter.
Flex shares have climbed 45% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Tuesday, shares hit $11.05, a fall of 15% in the last 12 months.
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on FLEX at https://www.zacks.com/ap/FLEX


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Formerly known as Lagos Fashion and Design Week (LFDW), in partnership with Heineken Nigeria, FETS Wallet, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Garment Care and Style House Files (SHF). Now Lagos Fashion Week will host a 3-Day Series of Fashion Presentations at The Wings – Oando, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos From the 23rd to the 25th March 2018. Lagos Fashion Week (LFWNG) will also launch Fashion Focus Fund x Fets Wallet to support emerging designers.
The A/W presentations, which was introduced last year, speaks to African designers who are already creating collections for both traditional fashion seasons of Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter and are seeking a global audience and customer base. It also speaks to Lagos Fashion Week’s commitment to catalysing the African Fashion industry ecosystem and providing greater avenues for commercial success for designers based on the continent.
This year’s presentation will take an intimate salon-style format, the collection showcase will be followed by a client-designer reception adopting the ‘see now, buy now’ model that allows clients shop or order straight from presentations.
The Presentation series is entitled Seasons – an ode to the metamorphosis of the African fashion industry, the emerging talents, key industry purveyors, the systems and structures, required to lead it to its promise land – a robust industry gravely impacting lives and the African economic landscape.
Showcasing designers for the A/W presentations are Bridget Awosika, Emmy Kasbit, Gozel Green, GREY, IAMISIGO, Kenneth Ize, Maxivive, Mo Agusto, Onalaja, Orange Culture, Re, Sisiano, Style Temple, Sunny Rose and Tsemaye Binitie. Collectively, they capture an authentic narrative of indigenous style and fashion expressions.
Presentations are Open to All. However, Registration is required via http://bit.ly/2Dyg9nZ
Don’t forget to follow us on:
YouTube: Glam Africa Mag


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Govt to infuse Rs 2455 cr in Bank of India
Bank of India has announced that the Government of India ( GOI) in its letter dated August 19, 2015 has informed the bank about its decision to infuse capital funds to the tune of Rs2455 crore in the Bank by way of preferential allotment of equity shares. In this regard, the Board of Directors have decided to convene an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the shareholders of the Bank on September 28, 2015. In the meeting the bank will seek to get the shareholders' approval for the proposed preferential Issue of equity shares to Government of India, by way of Special Resolution.
Hindalco seeks shareholders nod to raise up to Rs 6,000 cr
Aluminium maker Hindalco Industries said that it will seek shareholders' approval to raise up to Rs6,000 crore through issuance of non convertible debentures (NCDs) on private placement basis.
Consent is sought to offer or invite subscription to non convertible debentures up to an amount not exceeding Rs6,000 crore on private placement basis from time to time until September 15, 2016,' Hindalco said.Hindalco said its Board will consider raising funds in one or more series/ tranches. The company's AGM will be held on September 16.
Bharti plans to sell Bangladesh and Srilankan operations
Bharti Airtel is looking to exit operations of the Bangladesh and Srilanka market. It is further learnt that it would separately sell the tower business and the services business.
This move is aimed at focusing operations and consolidating the balance sheet and hence serves positive for the company.
Vodafone India to launch 4G services
Vodafone India Ltd, India’s second largest telco, will launch 4G services by the end of the year, the company announced on Friday. 'Important data markets including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Kochi will be part of the first wave of the roll-out,” the company said in a statement. 'In addition, Vodafone India will also roll out its own 3G networks in seven circles—Assam, North East, UP West, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala and Odisha—to expand its overall 3G footprint to 16 circles across the country.'
Lupin gets FDA Approval for Generic Prilosec® Capsules
Lupin received USFDA approval for Omeprazole delayed release capsules which is generic version of Astrazeneca Pharma Prilosec. It is used for short term treatement of Duoden Ulcer, Gastric Ulcer, treatment of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease etc. Total annual US sales of the drug is around Rs1200 crore ($185 million) as per IMS MAT June 2015.


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Just a few days ago, we reported that GameStop would be receiving new shipments of Nintendo Switch units sometime this week. We’ve now received confirmation from the company that the systems will be in stock as early as Wednesday, March 22nd, at some stores. Keep in mind that arrival days and times may vary depending on location– so if you’re one of those people who’ve been trying to hunt down a system, we recommend calling your local store(s) to check on the status of deliveries.
There’s no word yet on how this restock will affect online availability for Nintendo’s new system, but we’ll make sure to keep you posted as new information becomes available.
The Switch retails at $299.99. With the resale prices hiked up high due to the low supply and large demand, definitely take advantage of this opportunity if you happen to come across a restocked store!
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Entries in 'visceral' (9)
American actor and writer Todd Stashwick has joined Amy Hennig at Visceral Games as the co-writer on EA's new Star Wars game.
It has been confirmed that the new Star Wars games coming from EA studios DICE and Visceral won’t be available on Wii U.
Lower than expected sales of Dead Space 3 have forced EA to cancel the sequel and effectively axe the IP, a report claims.
The PC version of Dead Space 3 will offer little in the form of graphical plusses over the console releases.
Dead Space 3 will hit shelves in February 2013.
The recent shutting down of EA's Visceral Studios in Melbourne has led to coverage of the industry which makes the situation look overly bleak, and may not represent a realistic ...
The news is not surprising, but EA has for the first time officially confirmed what we all suspected – Dead Space 2 is in development for Xbox 360, PS3 and ...
Two high-profile EA executives have departed from San Francisco dev Visceral Games to join a brand new Activision studio located nearby, according to reports.


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- Tram Ho
Tower Semiconductor from Israel – or later renamed TowerJazz has recently suggested that Nikon has used its image sensors for the APS-C Z50 and D7500 cameras. This is a strange thing because Nikon has always relied on Sony to produce its own sensors.
This information was taken from a text meeting between TowerJazz and investors, in the introduction about the company is gradually getting deeper into the professional camera sensor market so we can clearly see the image of duo Nikon Z50 and D7500. Another proof of TowerJazz’s development of this type of sensor is that it has a resolution of 20.9MP, while Sony usually produces sensors with a resolution of 24 or 26MP.
On another site, TowerJazz even suggested that they had made sensors for ARRI – a very high-end camcorder company that is used in most Hollywood movies today.
Today Sony is still the largest manufacturer of image sensors in the world, not only making products for its cameras, but also for competitors. Samsung only makes small sensors for smartphones, Panasonic has sold the entire array of sensors and Canon is self-sufficient, so Sony is almost ‘dominant’ in this technology segment.
TowerJazz is a rising name recently, promising to be a direct confrontation with Sony, and Nikon’s choice of them to produce sensors for two new cameras is a clear example.
Source : Genk


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Google‘s iOS apps have resumed regular updates after an unusually long pause, and the company’s popular Gmail app is among them. Officially, there isn’t much changing with this latest update in terms of the actual app. However, it seems that at long last, Google is playing ball with Apple and getting on board with the iPhone-maker’s Privacy Labels.
Google has categorically denied that its updates were put on pause as a result of Apple’s introduction of Privacy Labels on December 8, 2020. A feature that forces developers to disclose user data that they potentially track. That being said, Google reportedly endured an update-less period from December 7, 2020 to January 27, 2021. Google isn’t necessarily required to consistently update its apps, but this does seem like a sizable gap for a developer that’s in charge of so many different applications. While the timing could have been coincidental, it certainly raised a few eyebrows, considering Google’s updates stopped a day before Apple implemented the new privacy-focused change.
Whatever the reason, Google is updating its iOS apps once again. Gmail’s March 1 update – its first since Dec. 1 – officially includes “bug fixes and performance improvements,” but the App Store listing does provide that coveted new privacy label. According to which, Gmail could be collecting data linked to user purchases, location, contact info, contacts, user content, search history, identifiers, usage data, and diagnostics, as well as “other data.”
Google won’t admit that Apple’s privacy labels were the obstacle in the way of the company’s iOS updates. Even if they were, it’s hard to blame the tech giant. The vast amount of data that Gmail can apparently collect from its users is notable, and may give users – both new existing – pause about using the service moving forward. After all, is a great email application really worth trading away that much data? While it is a lot, it shouldn’t be surprising. The sad truth of the internet is that it’s really a pay-to-play environment, with user data acting as currency and without most individuals ever knowing about it. Yahoo Mail’s iOS privacy label, for instance, includes data used to track users (contact info, identifiers, and usage data) as well as data linked to users (purchases, locations, contact info, contacts, user content, identifiers, and usage data). It may be unsettling to know that this much data is being tracked and utilized, but it’s an all-too common part of using the web in the modern area.
Most loyal Gmail users probably won’t let these new privacy labels stop them from continuing with the service. After all, the average person places real value on the ability to effectively communicate via email. Apple, though, deserves recognition for forcing developers to make these disclosures. Even if it doesn’t affect all of their decisions, it’s still important for Apple’s users to know what data might be collected and used for.


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Collaborations are a rage especially when it is designed to bridge the gap between two diverse territories. High-end, luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton has teamed up with streetwear brand Supreme for men’s fall runway collection, inspired by New York.Unveiled at the Paris Fashion Week, the collaborative range has been the brainwork of Kim Jones, men’s artistic director at Vuitton. Well, the association of both the brands isn’t new. It all started seventeen years back when Supreme, the New York based skateboarding brand produced skate decks using Louis Vuitton’s famous monogram without their permission. This was followed by a strong warning from Louis Vuitton’s lawyers and a recall of all the products.
Seventeen years later, Supreme and Louis Vuitton have put the past behind them and officially collaborated to unveil co-branded items ranging from apparel, footwear, bags, jerseys, sneakers, keychains, scarves, gloves, wallets, bandanas, hats,an iPhone case and other accessories.
WWD also reports that there are six styles of handbags in the collection, including a backpack, holdall, messenger bag and fanny pack. These come dressed in three variations of Epi leather, black Epi leather and a camouflage fabric woven through with the Supreme logo and the Vuitton monogram.
Since Jones believes that “You can’t have the conversation of New York men’s wear without Supreme right now, because it’s such a massive global phenomenon,” the collection includes Supreme’s red-and-white box logo showing up prominently on the red version alongside smaller white LV initials. The two are printed in black on the dark versions of the bags.
The camouflage version puts on display the Supreme logo on a tan leather patch and LV touch is seen on the strap with yellow stitching and red edges. The house has even produced a red-and-white monogram skateboard with a bespoke trunk and matching tool kit.
Jones also assertes that it was Michael Burke, the chairman and chief executive officer of the house, who came up with the idea of the merging of two divergent brand.
The historical setting of Palais Royal made a magnificent backdrop for the presentation of the new collection by Kim Jones, Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Artistic
Louis Vuitton X Supreme collection is expected to go on sale at select Vuitton stores on July 17 and also be available in temporary locations.
NYC fashion writer blogging about all things lux. Attending New York University, future Fashionista.


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2020 saw the beginning of a new era in the chapter of Aptar Beauty +Home in India as Aptar opened the doors of a new manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, India. As a leading, global packaging solutions provider, Aptar began its journey towards operational excellence in January 2019, when the company decided to expand its footprint in Hyderabad to support the ever-growing need of India packaging market. “Developing and opening this facility in 11 months’ time was due to the tremendous support from our customer and supplier base,” highlighted Mr. Kanwal Tikoo – President India & Southeast Asia, Aptar.
Located within the landscape of Hyderabad, the new state-of-the-art facility is focused on operational excellence and quality assurance.
Sri B Rajagopala Rao, Director of Factories, Hyderabad and Mr. Darshan Patel, Chairman, Vini Cosmetics, inaugurated the new facility. The event was presided over by Stephan Tanda, Aptar President and CEO and Shiela Vinczeller, Chief Human Resources Officer. The Aptar family was elated with the presence of over 100 of Aptar customer and suppliers.
While Mr. Rao emphasized importance of safety and to a cheering crowd, Mr. Darshan Patel shared his decade long experience with Aptar highlighting the Aptar spirit of adaptability and commitment to respond to dynamic market needs.
“We are committed to Asia and will continue investing in geographies like India,” said Stephan Tanda. He further elaborated, “India is a key example of our focus on ‘Think Local, Leverage Global’ philosophy.”
Kanwal Tikoo echoed the sentiments of Stephan in his closing remarks. He further specified the importance of a strengthened operational backbone to support the agility and optimization need of the market.
The event was also an opportunity for customers and partners to witness Aptar’s operations first-hand. “Aptar is truly global,” was an overwhelming statement as the Aptar team was recognized for its agility by its customers, suppliers and partners in business.
The event concluded with a demonstration of Aptar’s commitment towards its purpose of improving the everyday life of people as they planted over 100 trees to serve the environment and society at large.


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Video Shows Apple’s Look Around is Much Smoother than Google Maps Street View
vendredi 14 juin 2019, 13:45 , par TheMacObserver
Apple revealed that there would be a new Look Around feature in Apple Maps at iOS 13. It is similar to Street View in Google Maps. However, a new video posted on Twitter by WordPress developer Reüel van der Steege shows that Apple may have beaten its rival. Look Around seems to be much smoother.
Made a quick side-by-side comparison video driving the same road in Hawaii with ‘Look Around’ in Apple Maps on #iOS13 vs Google Street View. It really is “smoothly move down the street”! Impressive
60 sources (16 en français)
mar. 12 nov. - 09:44 CET


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Macquarie Upgrades Johnson Controls (JCI) to Outperform
- Wall Street surges to new highs; transports set record
- lululemon athletica (LULU) Tops Q3 EPS by 4c; Adj.-Comps Outpaced Views
- Abbott (ABT) Files Complaint to Terminate Alere (ALR) Acquisition
- Costco Wholesale (COST) Tops Q1 EPS by 5c; Comps Up 1%, 2% Ex-Gas
- After-Hours Stock Movers 12/07: (VYGR) (LULU) (HRB( Higher; (OHRP) (VRNT) (CMTL) Lower (more...)
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Macquarie upgraded Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) from Neutral to Outperform with a price target of $55.00.
Shares of Johnson Controls closed at $47.22 yesterday.
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On the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2020, the Commission highlighted, on 11 February, the need to raise awareness and act on online safety issues.
Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager, Vice-President Věra Jourová for Values and Transparency, Vice-President for Democracy and Demography Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, and Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, stated: “Today we are celebrating Safer Internet Day. This is an important occasion to reflect upon the challenges to ensure that the internet is safe for everyone to use. Strengthening cyber security and combatting harmful content such as illegal hate speech, terrorist propaganda, child abuse content online and disinformation are key priorities for the European Union. “
Safer Internet Day is an international event taking place in February every year, which promotes a safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones by children and young people across the world. Starting as an initiative of the European Union in 2004, this initiative has grown and is now celebrated in around 150 countries worldwide, uniting millions of people in events and activities. This year marks the 17th annual celebration of safer internet use.


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On September 18th “Amazing Race” winner Alex Boylan will set out to travel the world without a penny in his pocket, relying on an interactive internet-based fan community and his own ingenuity in an effort to break down global barriers, strip away boundaries and illuminate the cultural fabric of peoples and nations around the world.
Alex’s adventure kicks off from New York City on CBS’s “The Early Show,” where in a live broadcast, Alex will shed his wallet and credit cards and attempt to travel around the world for free. Around the World For Free, a new interactive web-based extreme travel reality series, teams a trio of reality TV alums including Alex and “Survivor” finalist and entrepreneur Burton Roberts, along with former “The Apprentice” competitor Danny Kastner, now CEO of multimedia technology company FanRocket. For the following four months, accomplished traveler Alex will extreme-navigate the world asking for audience participation to help him find interesting people to meet, new places to see and stay and even creative places to work for room and board. Target destinations include South America, Africa, India and Asia, and ultimately, back to the U.S.
Alex’s excursions will be broadcast at Around The World For Free
daily in 1-2 minute podcasts and weekly via 8-12 minute polished-narrative webisodes.