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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the legal sector gained 1,000 jobs in August. July saw 300 new jobs. The goods news is that things are looking up since May and June, when the sector lost 4,000 jobs. The bad news is that there are still 14,000 fewer jobs than at this time last year.
The Financial Post has also learned that Husky had dropped its plan to sell off its network of retail gasoline stations
Kevin Carmichael: The silver lining around the jobs numbers is that the epic decline will be met with a public rescue of historic proportions
Businesses that were in a rapid growth phase prior to the pandemic, but not yet profitable, aren't meeting BDC's criteria for financing
Short-sellers were up almost $2.61 billion, or 26.32 per cent mark-to-market, from March 1 to Tuesday morning


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Zimbabwe's largest business representative bodies, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) and Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), have endorsed President Mnangagwa's newly appointed Cabinet, and pledged private sector collaboration to propel the industrialisation agenda.
The president has appointed a leaner 20-member Cabinet blending youth, experience and technical expertise, as he seeks to institute widespread reforms that will drive sustainable economic recovery and growth.
CZI president Sifelani Jabangwe, said the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and others with direct impact on industry such as the finance and economic planning, energy and power and foreign affairs had all been placed in capable hands that should see positive effect on industrialisation and the economy. New Cabinet Ministers were sworn in yesterday after their appointment by President Mnangagwa.
Mr Mangaliso Ndlovu is now the new Minister of Industry and Commerce after taking over from Mike Bimha. Mr Jabangwe said industry anticipated the new Cabinet to address the ease and cost of doing business in order for the country to attract more foreign direct investment as well as improve local industry's competitiveness.
"We are excited about the new Cabinet. As industry we believe the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is in appropriate hands to drive industry forward," he told The Herald Business by telephone.
"As industry there are some pending issues we believe need immediate attention and these include ease and cost of doing business. We look forward to engage them and work together as we map the way forward to grow our economy," he said.
Local industry suffered low competitiveness in the past decades which resulted in companies closing while others heavily downsized operations. Among other challenges local industry has faced include the influx of imports -- priced cheaper than local products, utilities supply challenges, infrastructure deficiencies and antiquated machinery as well as lack of capital for re-tooling as low investor confidence also had a knock on effect. However, of late, Government has been working on measures aimed at improving competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment.
A raft of reforms to improve the ease and cost of doing business has been implemented under the Rapid Results Initiative.
In addition, Government has also come up with investor friendly policies such as the amendment of the indigenisation laws to allow foreigners to have more than 49 percent of company ownership, with the exception of diamond and platinum extraction sectors, which is instrumental in boosting investment across the board.
Also upbeat about the new appointments is ZNCC chief executive officer (CEO) Takunda Mugaga who said the new Cabinet was inspiring and that President Mnangagwa had addressed the diversity issue. He said there was a lot of work to be done, but expressed hope that the new Cabinet would work closely with business and listen to advice from the business community on what makes right policy measures.
"Generally, the composition of the cabinet is inspiring and we expect results. It is a break from the past, traditionally it had become predictable to know who would make it in the new Cabinet but this one is different, which is commendable.
"As business, we are willing to work with them. We want servant leadership, Ministers who also listen to advice. What makes them good is their ability to listen," Mr Mugaga said.

domain: news


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Ford officially announced that all of its 2017 models: be it a luxury car, light truck, SUV and EV is smartphone-ready.
It means that all the upcoming models of Ford are fully loaded with Sync3 entertainment system and are compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Those who have already bought any of Ford’s 2017 models must be enjoying such an incredible addition. It allows people to access music, maps and messages on their vehicle’s screen. Isn’t that amazing?
And this is what Chuck Gray, Ford’s global director of electrical and electronic systems engineering has to say about the technological implementation.
“We developed one platform –Sync3 – and have been able to quickly offer the technology across our lineup. Customers considering a new vehicle can now choose any 2017 model year Ford car, SUV, light truck or electrified vehicle with Sync3 and be able to access their favorite apps.”
Unlike other automobile companies that offer advance features to limited editions only, Ford is taking a step further and introducing Sync3 to all its 2017 models which is a commendable step towards customer satisfaction.
“Ford is not taking the traditional approach of introducing Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto on a few piecemeal models or as an expensive option on luxury vehicles only,” said Jeffery Hannah from automotive technology research firm SBD.


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Here’s the OnePlus 3’s camera assembly, courtesy of an ad posted to Weibo by a Chinese case maker. You can see more OP3 images on GizChina, but today we’re focusing specifically on the device’s camera. Bad pun, sorry…
As the hype machine spools up for the OnePlus 3’s official reveal next Tuesday, camera and image quality are big concerns for prospective buyers. The OnePlus One could—somewhat amazingly—capture 4K video, but for stills it was merely average. The optics on its successor were largely the same, leading some notable tech blogs to wonder if the OnePlus 2 even had optical image stabilization as claimed. And the OnePlus X? According to GSMArena: not bad but hardly stellar.
So yesterday OnePlus took the proactive step of posting some sample OnePlus 3 images to its Twitter account. Unfortunately Twitter strips out the EXIF data from uploaded photos, but you can at least get an idea of what the OP3 camera can do.
UPDATE: OnePlus uploaded the same photo gallery to Google+, a social media platform that does not strip EXIF data from uploaded images. But there’s no available metadata beyond file size and resolution. That’s a shame.


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It’s Official: US Government Drops Its iPhone Unlocking Case Against Apple [Updated]
The Apple vs FBI battle is over, well at least for now. U.S. government’s Department of Justice dropped its case against Apple today as the FBI no longer needed Apple’s help in unlocking the iPhone 5c belonging to one of San Bernardino shooters.
In a court filing today, prosecutors told the court that FBI found a method to break into the said iPhone 5c running iOS 8.x and hence no longer needed Apple’s assistance in unlocking. For obvious reasons, no further details were provided on how or who, if any, helped the FBI crack that iPhone.
Hours after Apple’s “Let us loop you in” event on March 21st last week, and less than 24 hours before the March 22nd court hearing began, the DOJ announced that they may have found a way into the said iPhone and hence wanted to postpone the March 22nd court hearing. A week after that today, they have apparently got that method to work in successfully extracting the required data off the iPhone and so are dropping the case against Apple.
It all began back in February after a court ordered Apple to unlock the iPhone in question by building a backdoor into the iPhone dubbed “GovtOS“. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook refused to comply with the order as the company believed it would lead to a dangerous precedent for the future. Both parties were set for a battle Royale on March 22nd when less than 24 hours before the first hearing began, FBI apparently found a way into the iPhone which as we know now has resulted in an abrupt end to the battle.
It’s unlikely that FBI will ever make this mystery method of unlocking iPhone 5c running iOS 8.x public. It is also not known whether this method works on the newer iPhone models running iOS 9.x. Apple is yet to comment on this latest development.
Update x1: DOJ has now confirmed that the method they used for unlocking only applies to the iPhone 5c. Doesn’t work on latest iOS devices.
Update x2: Apple’s spokesperson has now provided an official response from the company, saying “This case should never have been brought.” Full statement is as follows:
From the beginning, we objected to the FBI’s demand that Apple build a backdoor into the iPhone because we believed it was wrong and would set a dangerous precedent. As a result of the government’s dismissal, neither of these occurred. This case should never have been brought.
We will continue to help law enforcement with their investigations, as we have done all along, and we will continue to increase the security of our products as the threats and attacks on our data become more frequent and more sophisticated.
Apple believes deeply that people in the United States and around the world deserve data protection, security, and privacy. Sacrificing one for the other only puts people and countries at greater risk.
This case raised issues which deserve a national conversation about our civil liberties, and our collective security and privacy. Apple remains committed to participating in that discussion.
Full court order to vacate the case is embedded below.


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With January already out of the way, Samsung is sending the February security updates to most of its devices. However, a number of the company’s smartphones are still receiving the January updates with the Samsung Galaxy S7 the latest to receive this update.
The Galaxy S7 has spent around four years on the market, with its unveiling in March of 2016. However, Samsung has continued to ensure that the device is constantly updated. The January security update has already been released for Galaxy S7 users in the UK, for now it is limited to users with O2 as their carrier.
Samsung Galaxy S7
The update brings no sort of new features or improvements, rather just comes with the latest security fix. Currently, the update is out only for Galaxy S7 users but is expected to debut on the Galaxy S7 edge anytime soon. It wields firmware version G930FXXS7ETA7 and can be easily installed over the air from the phone’s Settings>> Software update menu.
You could also follow another route and get the update by downloading the firmware for the new update from Samsung’s firmware archive and then proceeding to install it with a Windows PC.
With the new update, you can effectively ensure that your Galaxy S7 maintains its level of security, and also keep your device protected.


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Renault Comes up with a Second Generation Crossover in 2019
Renault, a French car manufacturer, is planning to present the second-generation Captur Crossover at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show scheduled for next fall. It is going to follow the presentation of the new Clio at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Even though the event is quite far off, some details about the future event have started to pop up in media resources around the world. It is known that the current vehicle (Renault Clio) is represented in more than 70 countries, both European and North American.
Design and styling
Renault Captur is available in Canada and overseas. According to popular media resources, the new model will be based on a new CMF-B platform, and it is going to share it with the Nissan Juke crossover and the Renault Clio hatchback.
The new vehicle will boast a sharper shape inspired by the Symbioz Concept and a more raked roofline. The daytime lights will have a characteristic teardrop design. The headlamps’ and the taillights will change appearance as well.
The brand’s logo will be placed on a minimalistic grille, and the hood will have a sharper general appearance underscored by stylish creases. The new exterior is going to have both aesthetic and practical value, as it will improve the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency.
Although there is no data on dimensions, there is information that a few inches will be added to the body and the wheelbase.
The interior will take on a new look too. However, there is little detail on how exactly it is going to change. Definitely, legroom and cargo space will expand, and, most likely, there will be sophisticated and attractive seat design and upholstery options.
The most certain thing is that there will be an advanced infotainment and improved digitized safety systems. Captur is going to inherit the features from the new Renault Clio, which is going to precede the Captur at the 2018 Paris Motor Show on the CMF-B platform. The new equipment (the Level 2 autonomous driving system) comprises highly advanced automatic steering, collision-warning, road departure mitigation, acceleration, cruise and lane control and emergency brakes systems, to name a few.
The lineup of powertrains is in for major changes. There is information that a new 1-liter three-cylinder 100ph engine is being designed for some trims of the lineup. This new 1,000 liter three-cylinder engine is the descendant of the 1.3-liter TCe, which was jointly developed with Daimler. It is going to replace the current 1.9-liter TCe engine. The new motor will be available in some Captur trims.
Notwithstanding the diesel ban hitting some cities, Renault will come up with diesel-powered Captur vehicles featuring two modifications of the 1.5-liter dCi engine - dCi 85PS and dCi 115PS. Most interesting, there will be an electrified version as well.
Price and Release
Most likely, this second-generation vehicle will hit the market in late 2019/early 2020. The price is yet to be announced. Most experts expect a moderate increase in the price.
This is not the end of it!
There is information that the 2019 Captur is going to be followed by another modification. It is based on Renault’s recently announced intention to invest $600 million in what is supposed to be the Grand Captur. The new model is going to outsize all its predecessors, including the 2019 Captur. So far, there is no available design, styling, etc. specifications, most likely, because there are still some unresolved issues.


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Google has found the internet is key for consumers when sourcing items to buy.
Almost all of those surveyed do online research while finding out about local shops.
Just under half (40 percent) research online and 52 percent research both online and offline.
As well as this, over half (52 percent) of those surveyed said they were first made aware of a product during pre-purchase research online.
A further 42 percent were made aware of a product in store.
The research found consumers researching online drives sales both in-store and online.
It found 29 percent research online and purchase online, while 21 percent research online and purchase offline.
When consumers are searching for a locally based business, the majority (58 percent) are looking for prices of items, then availability (33 percent), locations of shops (31 percent), reviews (27 percent) and hours (28 percent).
As for the international shoppers in New Zealand, more than half (58 percent) of those surveyed make a purchase on an overseas site at least once a year.
What motivated people to buy overseas was mostly the availability of products (43 percent), better payment and service conditions (28 percent) and broader range (28 percent).
Clothing, books, cosmetics and computer hardware and software were some of the most popular products purchased from overseas sites.
Google’s insights also highlight the importance of having a mobile-friendly site, as smartphones are a huge access point for internet users.
Smartphones proved to be popular across all age categories, with under 25s leading the charge (92 percent own one).
The majority of those aged 25 to 44 also use a smartphone (84 percent).
Over a third (37 percent) said they use their smartphone to find product information just as often as they use a computer.
Google’s company director Tony Keusgen says the results show smartphones have come of age in New Zealand, with the majority of Kiwis owning one.
He says this has repercussions on how New Zealanders behave online.
“When it comes to searching online, we now use mobile phones almost as much as desktop computers,” Keusgen says.
“With our phones readily available all day, we use them to help us in hundreds of micro-moments every day. It’s fair to say that Kiwis no longer go online, we live online.”


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With over 200 million subscribers and intense competition from Disney, Amazon, HBO Max, and the likes, the biggest question of the year was, can Netflix keep growing?
Well, financially, it has never been better. According to the forecast, its cash flow would break even this year, eliminating its requirement to secure external financing for its everyday operations for the first time (1).
It is important because even though there have been no changes in its subscription price in India, it had increased its charges in the USA last year and still added a record 37 million new subscribers. However, as the coronavirus pandemic winds down and competition gets fierce, there is no clarity whether Netflix can sustain the pace.
According to JustWatch, an analytics firm (2), Netflix’s share in the US market is already declining. And the debt which financed much of its enormous content is looming.
In its most recent earnings report (3), Netflix’s balance sheet indicated about 8 billion USD due within a year and an additional 20 billion USD. Flushed with capital, however, the company has pledged to cut its debt load to a sustained level of 10 billion to 15 billion USD.
Now, the question mounted up to, how can Netflix windows the debt while simultaneously growing its revenues? The company has already expanded to more than 190 countries, which means it only has some new markets to tap. Would Netflix squeeze more subscribers from its current market? Or may it keep looking to squeeze more from its existing subscribers? (4)
And Netflix has its answer: Gaming.
Netflix Forays into Ecommerce
Earlier this month, analysts at Bank of America stated that despite the intense competition among video streaming platforms, Netflix would remain as the content king.
Notably, the streaming wars are amid an intense consolidation round. Amazon acquired MGM in late May (5), following a mega-merger of Warner Media, HBO Max, and Discovery (6). Both deals are subjected to regulatory approval.
According to analysts, Netflix is looking at franchises and other intellectual property it can spin into new movies and shows to bolster its library (7). It is an opposite approach than its competitors, as Amazon spent about 8.45 billion USD to acquire MGM Studios for the iconic Hollywood studio’s library content.
Netflix is also moving deeper into ecommerce to gain an edge over other streamers and increase its revenue streams. Last month, the company opened a new online store for selling merchandise related to its shows and brand (8). It includes streetwear and collectibles from the anime series Eden and Yasuke and other decoratives and apparel.
Netflix’s first direct foray into commerce was first available in the US and would launch to other countries in the upcoming months. The online shop products are all limited edition and have a current price range of 30 to 135 USD.
The platform has a distinctive Netflix style and indicates its merch collaborations with Jordan Bently, Kristopher Kites, and Nathalie Nguyen.
Netflix Eyeing Video Games
Moreover, in May, several reports started emerging that Netflix will offer a gaming bundle as soon as 2022. As per the reports, after the immense success of the “choose your own adventure” kind of movie, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, the streaming giant is expanding further into gaming with a new bundle for Netflix subscribers (9).
It is worth highlighting that Netflix has numerous titles based on popular video games like Resident Evil, The Witcher, Castlevania, etc., which means the company knows the value of video games. It is not offbeat to believe that the company would market its series via new gamers or make a new game that would eventually become a new Netflix show or movie in the future.
Netflix appeared on its way in 2019, when it collaborated with Telltale Games on a Stranger Things game (10). Notably, several companies are trying to create a service that is Netflix but for games. Xbox Game Pass and Apple Arcade are only two which come to mind. But Netflix’s foray into gaming indicates that Netflix is also looking to have a chunk of the 200 billion USD gaming pie.
Read Also: Gaming: A $300 Billion Business Opportunity
Why Netflix Believes that Gaming Would Work
Netflix had started by shipping DVDs to people via the mail. Then, it started streaming other people’s TV shows and movies. Later, it started making its own content. And now, it is eying video games.
Earlier this week, Netflix formally told its investors that it is in the early stages of expanding into games (11), saying that it is an extension of experiments the company has done with its programs like Bandersnatch.
Here is why Netflix believe it would work:
- Netflix would bundle the games for free into its main application, and for the time being, it will be available for smartphones and may eventually migrate to TVs.
- Netflix believes that some of its gamers will connect with Netflix-owned franchises, Stranger Things game, for instance, but it may also license existing brands and games from other developers.
- The company is describing the gaming move as the first step, ” We believe the time is right to learn about how our subscribers value games,” said Netflix in its quarterly earnings release. However, it also said that it expects to be in gaming for the long term. ” It is the core part of our subscription offering,” said Greg Peters, Netflix’s CEO, during its earnings call.
- Netflix believes that the primary value of its gamers would keep existing subscribers more engaged with Netflix and hence less likely to unsubscribe. In theory, the game could also help drive new subscribers.
Netflix’s Gaming Foray Obvious, Yet Surprising!
If you have kept tabs on Netflix over the years, you know the move was coming. Reed Hastings and other Netflix executives have mused for years about how gamers are major competition sources for Netflix users’ time and money. The Information (12) had earlier reported that the company is looking to offer a bundle of gamers to subscribers as Apple offers via its Apple Arcade. And last week, Bloomberg (13) had reported that Netflix had hired an executive to run its upcoming services.
Notably, Mike Verdu, a former Electronic Arts Inc and Facebook Inc executive will join Netflix as VP of game development to lead its gaming effort. Verdu had previously worked with Facebook as VP, working with developers to bring games and other content to its Oculus VR headsets (14).
According to Bloomberg’s sources, Netflix is looking to offer video gamers on its platform within the next year. The game would appear alongside its current fare as a new genre, similar to what the company did with stand-up specials and documentaries.
At the same time, if you have kept tabs on Netflix over the years, the move may surprise you as it is a real departure from its strategy, its insistence on concentrating on doing one thing well.
For years, Netflix officials have been asked when they will foray into live news or sports or start ads to its service. The answer is always the same: Netflix believes a single-minded focus is the best way to win and branding out of on-demand video content would be a distraction.
Now, Netflix is saying that it is willing to try something new and arguing that free games are a reasonable extension of what it has already been doing. Netflix’s subscription model means “we don’t have to think about in-game ads, purchases, or other monetization; we don’t have to worry about per title purchases,” said Peter during the earnings call.
Why Gaming May Not Work Well For Netflix
Netflix argues that yes, it doesn’t know anything about making and hosting video games, but it also didn’t know anything about making its own content when it made House of Cards in 2011, yet everything has worked out fine since then.
However, it seems like a stretch. When the company talked about its first movie into original content, it believed its subscribers would like the show because they like dark political soap operas. Moreover, even though Netflix didn’t know anything about making shows when it shared a decade ago, it didn’t have to know that. Netflix paid Kevin Spacey, David Fincher, and Media Rights Capital to make the show and then streamed it to its subscribers the same way it already streamed other movies and shows on its platform.
However, it is a very different skill set compared to making shows and moves when making games, which is why most big giants have failed whenever they tried to get into games, including companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google. They have all tried to swing but missed to different degrees. Hence, Netflix’s foray into games can flop as well.
On the other hand, as we discussed in our gaming story, today, gamers are bigger than movies and songs combined and are not going away. Even if it takes a long time to figure out, it is still better to get started sooner than later.
Read Also: Racer Trash: The Future of Cinema?
Why is it Good?
One can also say that Netflix is tired of everyone calling Microsoft Game Pass “the Netflix of Gaming,” Hence, it started to foray into it now (15).
When the streaming giant revealed about hiring Verdu, we knew that Netflix is not looking to host or stream games but wants to publish them.
For those who have not followed the gaming industry closely, developers make our games, and publishers help those titles into the stores and our hands, be it real or virtual. They are not mutually exclusive; some big players like Ubisoft and EA publish their own games. However, essentially, one can’t be successful without the other.
There is a lot of money involved in publishing video games. The market is crowded and highly competitive, though as of not lately since Microsoft and Sony have been garnering as many studios as possible to bring them under their “family of studios” and make them exclusive to their hardware.
It is not an economic or simple process, especially if Netflix chooses to develop its own games. As we noted, Google Stadia had to close its first-party studio (16). Amazon Game Studio had to lay off several employees before it could ship even a single title (17). If giants like Amazon and Google struggle to create their own titles despite their huge funds and resources, it will be interesting to see where and how Netflix inserts itself.
Netflix holds a strong position in the global streaming market, which gives it an edge and would make it the first company to provide a complete entertainment bundle, movies, TV shows, and games – for what we hope will keep being a single monthly payment, as right now, it is one of the few subscription services that unfasten everything on its roster. (I am tired of looking to watch something interesting on Disney+ Hotstar, only to realize it is not included in my VIP subscription.)
Even though we are throwing around the term “Netflix of gaming” quite a lot, it is a tad misleading because none of them, with the possible exception of Microsoft Game Pass, come anywhere close to that. Not all are built equally; some are limited to certain platforms, devices, prices, and availability. Some like PS Now and Nintendo Switch Online specialize in offering retro games that one cannot get unless you have kept your old-school consoles. Ubisoft Plus is only available on PC. Others like EA Play and Microsoft offer users their first-party new releases since day one as part of the services. However, the former restricts your playtime to the initial 10 hours. It is so hard to keep up (18).
We believe it is a big problem; it is hard to remember what the different services do and don’t provide. There are many of them; PlayStation Now, Nintendo Switch Online, Microsoft Game Pass, EA Pay, Google Stadia Pro, Apple Arcade, Ubisoft Plus.
Previously, it used to feel like a cost-cutting exercise, like how many games one could play for free as a part of a cheap monthly subscription. However, today, one can end up losing hundreds of dollars a year if one’s tastes are broad and enjoy different games on different products. Moreover, one won’t ever own a single game unless one chooses to buy them separately, which makes us question why are we paying for a subscription? After all, the minute our subscription lapses, which we have all done from time to time, we lose the games that we have kept tucked safely in our libraries.
And that’s our real worry. We are tempted by Xbox Game Pass, especially its Ultimate version, which comes with Xbox Live Gold – another cost, or Ubisoft signature formula with its huge library. While Microsoft may win today’s “console war” with its Xbox Game Pass, there are still several drawbacks to subscription services.
With that being said, we are a tad excited about Netflix opening its basket to include video games. Added pressure from a new but popular competitor can be good for us, the people who purchase and play games, and maybe even tap those casual or lapsed gamers into its fold.
Even though there are still no details about what types of games it will avail, or how they would be offered to subscribers, let’s hope Netflix bundles it into our existing plan as we don’t want to fork out another subscription that we would probably never use.
The Final Verdict
Earlier this week, the US-based streaming giant announced that it would feature video games with its regular offerings. It is a move that can result in a significant revenue surge for the company.
However, as we discussed, big tech’s attempt to foray into the gaming industry has cost them expensive failures in the past few years.
However, as per the Inverse report (19), Netflix may not repeat the same mistakes as tech giants and would enter the space with caution, having learned from the missteps of Google and Amazon.
Netflix will probably also use its new video game streaming prices. Instead, it would use it as a way to cross-promote Netflix’s original offerings and encourage its members to spend more time on the platform.
It also raises questions like Netflix is challenging Sony and Microsoft by adding a plentiful game library on its platform. According to the Inverse, it is not that plausible; Netflix is more likely offering games as a complementary experience to increase engagement and keep users on the platform longer.
In such a case, “complementary” sounds like a game on a much smaller scale than titles like Call of Duty from much bigger franchises. People are not going to play Netflix games over the next big Assassin’s Creed.
And since Netflix lacks the experience and expertise needed to work on larger-scale games as we get on consoles, it would be similar to an add-on gaming service like Apple Arcade and then rolled into the standard subscription.
The success of xCloud and Microsoft Game Pass is enough proof for us to know that the gaming market has sustainability for subscription-based content services. Depending on how successful Netflix’s initial endeavor is, we can expect Netflix to start working on bigger-scale games as we get on a console. However, we can’t expect it to happen right away. And there is no chance for companies like Microsoft to lose their sleep over Netflix anytime soon.
Read Also: New Age Startup Ideas for 2021 and Beyond
Netflix original series such as Castlevania, The Witcher, and League of Legends are all examples of cross-medium which the company can use to roll out non-gamers into the gaming space. It is an established tactic. After the release of The Witcher Netflix show in December 2019, Witches 3: The Wild Hunt, a video game, increased by 554% y-o-y during the same month (20).
Sony is also taking the same approach with its upcoming movies and shows Uncharted, The Last of Us, and Twisted Metal, using cinematic adaptations to increase the original game’s popularity. It would lead to more sales for video games while also taking advantage of a built-in audience for those video content (21).
Netflix can do well if it enters the gaming space since it already has an established audience. Imagine a board game based on Stranger Things, followed by an RPG-style title; it does make sense.
However, the company doesn’t have to issue existing IP first-party ports. Instead, Netflix can think harder and risk more to stand out. Its gaming plan doesn’t sound too dumb anymore, does it?
What are your thoughts on the same? Let us know in the comments. Stay tuned for more updates!


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BlazBlue fans will be able to fight in the guise of their favourite fighters, thanks to the latest DLC costumes for Fallen Legion: Revenants.
NIS America has released a new trailer to celebrate the DLC release, which consists of 12 Exemplar BlazBlue costumes as part of the Cosmetic Bundle. It allows players to style their Exemplars as BlazBlue characters such as Jin Kisaragi and Ranga the Bloodblade.
Also available now is a free Japanese Voice Bundle pack, which players can download to enable them to switch the in-game voices over to Japanese. This is available as a free DLC.
Fallen Legion: Revenants is available now for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.


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THE SCANDINAVIAN arm of frozen food giant Findus yesterday said it would sue one of its suppliers after one of its beef lasagnes was found to contain 100 per cent horse meat, unleashing a wave of lawsuits over the growing scandal.
Environment secretary Owen Paterson said the substitution of horse meat for beef was “either gross incompetence or an international criminal conspiracy” and warned further cases of mislabelling were likely to emerge.
But he denied that a ban on all meat imports from the continent would be necessary, saying such a move was “not allowed within the rules of the European Common Market.”.
Meanwhile the Food Standards Agency has ordered manufacturers to carry out emergency DNA tests on all processed beef products, with the first results due out on Friday. The organisation last conducted checks for horse meat in 2003.
Findus was forced to withdraw its frozen beef lasagne products from sale last week following revelations about their provenance. The meals were produced by Comigel in Luxembourg using meat from French firm Spanghero. Spanghero used a network of agents in Cyprus and the Netherlands to source the raw meat from an abattoir in Romania. All involved parties are now considering legal action.
Leading French supermarkets have withdrawn all Findus and Comigel products from sale, despite no proof that other food lines are affected.


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Less than two years after securing $230,000 through its crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, Israeli biotech and food-tech startup SuperMeat has raised $3 million through its seeds funding round and has formed a strategic partnership with PHW, one of Europe’s largest poultry producers, and an equity investor in the company.
According to SuperMeat, the recent seed round was led by US-based venture capital fund New Crop Capital and mission-oriented VC firm Stray Dog Capital. Both firms are openly committed to investing in more sustainable food systems and have previously backed big names in the alternative protein field such as Beyond Meat and SunFed. The company stated:
“SuperMeat’s clean meat is produced by growing cells that have been painlessly extracted from a chicken. The cells are then grown in conditions that allow them to thrive, forming high-quality chicken cuts. This process puts an end to the industrial need to mass produce animals for slaughter while eliminating exposure to animal waste and food-borne illnesses; the potential benefits for public health and animal welfare are therefore considerable. At the same time, clean meat is also highly beneficial for the environment, with drastically reduced carbon and ecological footprints compared to current meat production methods. According to research conducted by Oxford and Amsterdam Universities, switching to clean meat will allow a reduction of up to 98% in greenhouse gas emissions, 99% in land exploitation, and up to 96% in water usage.”
The company noted that with the recently secured funding it expects to bring its clean chicken products to market within three years, at a price point similar to the conventional chicken products currently available on store shelves. Commenting on the new partnership with SuperMeat, PHW-Gruppe’s CEO Peter Wesjohann stated:
“We at PHW have time and again left the beaten path in conducting our business. This approach not only facilitates the development of best-in-class animal welfare concepts in our core poultry business, but will also lead to the strengthening of our vegan product portfolio, confirming our leading role in the global consumer trend towards a cleaner, more protein-rich diet. The equity investment in SuperMeat is evidence of our forward-thinking strategy. SuperMeat is consistent with our pursuit to provide Europe with sustainable, clean foods– we do not see this transaction as a financial investment but rather as the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership.”
Ido Savir, co-founder and CEO of SuperMeat, added:
“We’re proud that SuperMeat is at the forefront of the rapidly-evolving clean meat industry. Our team is comprised of a diverse group of top-tier scientists, food engineers and chefs, working together with the best production experts from the pharmaceutical industry to create a new generation of meat products that are sustainable, cost-efficient, animal-friendly, and of course – delicious. We are proud to partner with a top-tier meat producer like PHW; this partnership will enable us to bring to market a revolutionary new generation of tasty, sustainable meat products throughout Europe and beyond.”
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Doctors have few clues on costs
Ever wonder how much that artificial knee or hip you got, or might get in the future, costs?
Your guess would be as good as any, and as good as an orthopedic surgeon.
Actually, it might be better.
According to an article from Kaiser Health News, a new study shows that doctors don’t know how much those implantable devices cost.
According to the study published in Health Affairs magazine, doctors were able to correctly estimate the cost of a device 21 percent of the time, the Kaiser story said.
“Their guesses,” said the Kaiser story, “ranged from 1.8 percent of the actual price to 24.6 times the actual price. Researchers could not release the actual costs, because they signed nondisclosure agreements with the hospitals.”
The Kaiser story continued that residents were worse at guessing the cost of those devices. They correctly guessed 17 percent of the time, and estimates that were within 20 percent of the actual cost were considered correct.
“Unlike pretty much every other consumer industry, health care costs are not transparent, not even for the surgeons,” said the story by Kaiser writer Jenny Gold. “Each hospital system and purchasing group negotiates deals with device manufacturers and signs a nondisclosure form, promising not to share the details of those prices with anyone else.”
The cost for the parts for a total knee replacement can range from $1,797 to $12,093, the Kaiser story said.
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A new study published in the Journal of Food Protection has used three quantitative microbial risk assessments (QMRAs) to determine that raw milk is a low risk food.
The new study flies directly in the face of previous evidence that placed raw milk in a high risk food category.
The three QMRAs along with other scholarly papers were reviewed May 16, 2013 at the Centre for Disease Control in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The studies were part of a presentation titled Unpasteurized milk: Myths and evidence.
A high risk category was assigned to raw milk in the 1930s, and that category remained in place despite mounting evidence to the contrary. In fact, today’s food-borne illness epidemics are mostly caused by green leafy vegetables and not raw milk.
Quantitative microbial risk assessment was used because it is the “gold standard” suggested by the United Nations Body Codex Alimentarius. QMRAs are also suggested by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada.
The new studies found that raw milk fits into the low risk of illness category for the following pathogens: Campylobacter, Shiga-toxin inducing E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Not only is raw unpasteurized milk in the low risk category for healthy adults, it also fits that same profile for immunologically-susceptible groups including pregnant women, children, and the elderly.
Peer reviews were conducted to test the accuracy of the QMRAs because they so strongly contradicted previous studies, specifically in cases of Listeria.
While the study contradicts the long held belief that raw milk is a high risk food, experts warn that the effects of industrial milk production practices still need to be carefully studied.
New Studies Confirm: Raw Milk A Low-Risk Food: http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130611-909875.html
Raw Milk a Low Risk Food: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:GreenTopMilk.jpg


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ANA Holdings Inc has invested in a new airline venture in Myanmar that aims to start international flights in 2018 as the Japanese carrier seeks to capture demand in Asia's fastest-growing economy.
ANA has a 49 per cent stake and a local company holds the remainder, Shinya...


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With Valentines' Day quickly approaching, engagement season is in full swing.
For all of the lovebirds swooning over the idea of proposing to their significant other — and planning to shell out big bucks to do it — Kevin O'Leary has a dose of reality for you.
"From the day you're born, there is a whole industry of people trying to figure out how to extract money from you," O'Leary tells CNBC Make It. "One of the best at doing it are the guys that make wedding rings."
So ditch that rule, says O'Leary.
"[Ring retailers] tell you ... you should go into debt, you should put it on your credit card," he says.
"How about this idea? Don't buy one!"
"Diamond rings are really expensive, and they don't produce any dividends or any interest," he explains.
According to a 2017 report from WeddingWire.com, survey respondents spent $5,000 on an engagement ring on average. And 36 percent of people said they spent two months salary.
O'Leary proposed to his wife Linda with a tiny diamond — no setting — which he got from a wholesaler. It saved him 70 percent of what a regular ring would have cost. They later had it mounted on a band. And for his 25-year wedding anniversary, he bought his wife a much bigger 5.5 carat rock.
Why? "Frankly, there are better places to put your money until you have the luxury of being able to splurge on one, so don't buy one for your wedding," O'Leary says.
"I know its controversial, but you know what? You'll feel much better about it when it's making 6 percent [in returns] in the market every year," referring to an average rate of return in the stock market.
Investing the money instead will help ensure you don't start your marriage further in the hole.
"When ... you're starting out, the worst thing you can do is put yourself in debt for your wedding," O'Leary says. "I know it sounds romantic to spend a lot of money — it's crazy to do that.
"Tell your girlfriend/fiance/soon-to-be-wife when you have the money to invest in a ring, you'll do that," he says.
"The whole idea is to remember you're building for your future. Don't get into debt, save, save save and invest," he suggests. "It's a fantastic way to protect yourself down the road."
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Disclaimer: CNBC owns the exclusive off-network cable rights to "Shark Tank."


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bp pulse, bp’s electric vehicle (EV) charging business, will acquire ultra-fast charging hardware units from Tesla for $100 million. The Tesla ultra-fast chargers, which have an output of 250 kW, will be branded, installed and operated by bp pulse.
The roll-out is planned to begin in 2024 and locations will include key sites across the bp family of brands, including TravelCenters of America, Thorntons, and Amoco, as well as at bp pulse’s large-scale Gigahub charging sites in major metropolitan areas and at third-party locations, such as Hertz locations.
The first installation sites have been identified in Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago; and Washington D.C.
Richard Bartlett, global CEO of bp pulse, says: “Strengthening the bp pulse network with Tesla’s industry-leading hardware is a major step forward in our ambitions for high speed, open access charging infrastructure in the US and advances our ambition to delivering an exceptional customer experience. Combined with our vast network of convenience and mobility sites on and off the highway, this collaboration with Tesla will bring fast and reliable charging to EV drivers when and where they need it.”
Rebecca Tinucci, Tesla’s Senior Director of Charging Infrastructure, adds: “At Tesla, we’re driven to enable great charging experiences for all EV owners. Selling our fast-charging hardware is a new step for us, and one we’re looking to expand in support of our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. We appreciate bp’s partnership in this area – it’s the right step towards a more sustainable future.”
In February 2023, bp announced plans to invest $1 billion in America’s EV charging infrastructure by 2030 with an aim of investing $500 million in the next two to three years.


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People on social media love to hate airlines, and none more than the world's largest — American Airlines and Chicago-based United Airlines.
In an analysis of tweets in 2014 and through this spring, 47 percent of posts about five large U.S. airlines were negative, while positive comments accounted for just 20 percent, according to a recent report by Crimson Hexagon, a social media analysis software firm in Boston. The rest of the posts were labeled as neutral.
"More consumers are taking to social media to discuss these airline brands, ask general and specific travel questions, and express their satisfaction — or more likely, their dissatisfaction — towards these brands," said the "Analyzing Customer Relations in the Airline Industry" report.
Since January 2012, the five U.S. airlines have seen a 209 percent increase in mentions on Twitter. The other airlines examined were Delta, Southwest and JetBlue.
United and American had the highest rate of negative posts, with 56 percent of each carrier's mentions being negative.
Of the posts about United, 26 percent were negative about customer service, while the remaining negative posts were about airline delays, luggage problems and general issues.
The report singled out American for being especially stilted with its social media presence.
"Twitter was designed to be a social platform where relatively informal conversation takes place, yet American Airlines has not adapted its customer service methods to fit this social setting," the report said. "The company's replies to customers are very formal and do not come off as personal."
However, an article in the Harvard Business Review in April found the opposite — that American Airlines was among the 50 companies that best "get" Twitter. It ranked the airline No. 4 overall for being empathetic on Twitter, saying it was an example of the best corporate tweeters that "make it feel natural."
"They have given their social media staff a clear mission and a great deal of autonomy; the account's managers chat with customers, offer up front to solve problems and empathize with frustrated travelers," the article said.
In the Crimson Hexagon report, JetBlue, which uses less formal responses that appear more personalized, got the highest rate of positive comments, with one-third being complimentary.
"One of the key takeaways of this study is that brands need to adopt a more fluid and informal language when communicating with customers over social media," the report said.
Despite the negative mentions, using Twitter can be good for airlines, the report said.
"Social media is a great tool for strengthening and maintaining customer relationships, and more specifically, for repairing a damaged consumer's loyalty," it said. "Meaningful engagement with customers on social media by listening and responding to their posts is vital for airlines that want to improve customer satisfaction and retention."
By number of social media posts alone, American Airlines led, with nearly 600,000 posts from January 2014 to March 2015. Next was United at about 400,000 posts and Delta with about 240,000. Airlines' own tweets were included in the analysis but accounted for only a small portion of posts, a spokeswoman from Crimson Hexagon said.


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Wurl, the leading network of Internet-based video distribution and monetization, today announced that it has partnered with Outside TV – the leading video provider for the adventure sports and outdoor lifestyle category – to deliver and monetize its channel, Outside TV+, to select OTT platforms. Since working with Wurl, Outside TV has reduced its operating costs, achieved 38% user growth, and secured more than 100 minutes of viewing per viewer session. Outside TV is also leveraging the Wurl Network and their ad monetization technology, AdSpring, for server-side ad insertion (SSAI).
Outside TV, whose Emmy Award-winning content consists of a wide variety of sports, including surfing, climbing, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, kayaking and more, now reaches more than 30 million Connected TV’s viewers through the Wurl Network, which helps power distribution, transcoding, and ad insertion for the channel Outside TV+.
“Outside TV is focused on ensuring our leading adventure sports and lifestyle content reaches the fast-growing over-the-top (OTT) audience,” said Dan Brown, Marketing Director, Outside TV. “Wurl has provided key insights in the distribution process, as well as aided in seamlessly connecting with our ad serving partners, positively impacting our audience growth, retention and monetization.”
The Wurl Network interconnects the world’s top video producers, video services and advertisers, enabling video producers to build global distribution for ad-supported linear channels, live events, VOD and marathons. AdSpring, developed to maximize advertising revenue, is a cloud-based, turnkey SSAI solution that allows video producers such as Outside TV to insert mid-roll ads on linear and on demand (VOD) programming for distribution to any video service or device, including Connected TVs. Additionally, the solution offers fast time-to-revenue due to its pre-integration with Connected TV platforms including Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Apple TV and many others.
“Outside TV realized the diverse OTT ecosystem is complex and evolving – like any other technology in its infancy. They recognized that our level of expertise and broad portfolio could help them distribute their content and maximize their monetization efforts,” said Sean Doherty, CEO of Wurl. “Our team and technologies address these needs by delivering the technical know-how otherwise needed internally, offering server-side ad technology to help quickly monetize content, and providing scale as future needs arise.”


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Lakeland Dairies has officially opened an EUR20m (US$27.4m) “technologically advanced” milk powder plant at its Bailieboro, County Cavan site in Ireland today (4 October).
The move will consolidate its entire milk powder manufacturing operations into the largest non-whey milk drying plant in Europe.
The facility will have an annual production capacity of 70,000 tonnes of milk powders and 25,000 tonnes of butter.
The dairy co-operative, which is Ireland’s second largest, said the new facility will mean that milk producers will benefit from reduced processing costs, new economises of scale and considerable cost savings, which will improve long-term competitiveness in global dairy markets.
According to Lakeland Dairies, the plant uses the most modern milk drying technologies including a 55 tonne evaporator, which has an advanced energy efficient heat recovery system, and the filling and packaging system is robotic and the first such system in Europe.
The plant was 40% part financed by the Irish government’s dairy grants scheme, which is administered by Enterprise Ireland under the National Development Plan.
“The opening of our new milk drying plant forms a key element of the strategic restructuring plan which we started four years ago and which has resulted in a significant realignment of all our operations to achieve greater efficiency,” said Lakeland Dairies chief executive Michael Hanley.


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NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- OfficeMax Inc. OMXS30, +0.64% said Wednesday its fourth-quarter loss narrowed to $3.2 million, or 4 cents a share, from a loss to $396 million, or $5.21 a share, in the year-ago period. On an adjusted basis, the Naperville, Ill., office retailer said it lost 3 cents a share. Sales in the fourth quarter declined to $1.8 billion from $1.9 billion. For the coming year, OfficeMax said it expects to face challenging economic conditions, such as U.S. unemployment trends. Shares of OfficeMax closed Tuesday at $14.73.
OfficeMax narrows fourth-quarter loss


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Beer sales across the State have shot up, thanks to the scorching heat. In the first two weeks of this month, beer consumption crossed one crore litres.
According to the Karnataka State Excise Department data, in March 2016, 2.75 crore litres of beer were sold as against 2.06 crore litres in March 2015 — that is, this year we consumed at least 69 lakh litres of beer more than the last.
From April 1 to 16, beer consumption has crossed one crore litres, while IML has touched 1.41 crore litres. The trend will continue till May-end. “When monsoon begins, the trend will change,” said an excise department official.
In Karnataka, there are 9,948 licence holders to sell IML and beer including 3,943 retail shops, 3,583 bar and restaurants. In the last two decades, the state government has not given fresh licences to retail shops. “Though it was announced that fresh licences would be given to new outlets, the proposal is pending before the finance department,” an official from the excise department said.
The state government, which generated a revenue of Rs 12,998 crore through IML sale in 2015-16, is expecting Rs 13,770 crore this financial year. And through the beer sale, the state government has generated Rs 1,705 crore last year and is expected to make Rs 2,030 crore in 2016-17.
Shivalingaiah, Secretary General, Karnataka Brewers And Distillers Association, said that the state stands fourth in terms of beer sale. “Beer sale commonly goes up in summer and this time it has gone up further because of the heat. Beer sale is directly proportionate to heat and it is preferred by youngsters. Also people carry beer when they travel in the summer,” he said.
Chandrappa A M, Chief General Manager (brewery division), Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL), said that every month around 90,000 cartons of beer are sold during normal months through MSIL outlets, while 1.5 lakh cartons are sold in the summer. “This year as the temperature is higher, we are expecting to sell about 1.45 to 1.5 lakh cartons this month alone,” he said.


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The Effect of Rising Fraud Levels on Consumer Trust
Earning Consumer Trust
More than £1.7m a day was lost to financial fraud across payment cards in the UK last year. This news has inevitably had a negative impact on consumers’ trust in online banking and shopping.
For online merchants to increase their revenue, consumers must trust that their personal and payment details are secure at all times. This means merchants, banks, payment service providers (PSPs), acquirers and issuers’ technology must be secure.
Fraud: Continuing to shape the payments landscape
MYPINPAD’s recent consumer trust survey discovered that security is the priority for most consumers when it comes to online purchases. 67 percent of respondents were concerned or very concerned about online shopping and banking. Only 2 percent of those surveyed said that they would rather have a fast transaction over a secure one.
Our results indicate that consumers are becoming more worried about fraud. A sign that banking institutions and PSPs need to step up their security efforts in order to maintain consumer confidence.
Respondents said they expect the security of online commerce to improve over the next five years, and merchants must rise to these expectations. The use of both PIN and biometric based authentication was identified as the most significant step online retailers and banks could take to improve consumer trust, whilst many consumers believe the use of PIN is a strong method to authenticate and secure a transaction.
When asked what online retailers and PSP’s could do to improve the trust consumers have in them, 40 percent of respondents wanted to use card PIN as a means of authenticating an online transaction (in a similar vein to that of an in-store Chip & PIN environment) and 50 percent would like the option to use a combination of card PIN and biometrics.
The ability for consumers to enter their card PIN securely in to their own mobile device to authenticate an online transaction is a significant and innovative step in the evolution of online payments. Entering a PIN into a mobile device facilitates Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) by verifying the identity of a person through something you have (the consumer’s mobile phone), something you know (their card PIN number) and with an additional layer of something you are (a biometric such as a fingerprint).
As the popularity of online shopping continues to grow so has the level of fraudulent activity. Consumer authentication now has no choice but to be multi-factor, consistent and convenient. Due to the fact PIN is a universally accepted form of authentication, it is already a habitual behaviour for consumers when making a purchase. Entering a PIN is familiar and trusted, providing a level of security consumers are comfortable with.
If compliance and implementation of scalable security systems is done correctly, PSPs, issuers, acquirers and merchants will have the opportunity to transform the online and mobile industry as we know it; improving the customer experience, enabling greater transaction volumes, and adding to the value of the merchants’ services they deliver.
Click here to find out more about how MYPINPAD’s Consumer Trust Solutions (CTS) can assist in increasing consumer trust and retention.


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For some time now the NBC app for iOS has allowed you to watch the latest shows from the peacock network, but now it's been updated to support AirPlay. Now you can watch your TV on your TV as TV is meant to be watched — except by using your iPhone or iPad via an Apple TV as a source.
Apart from that, version 2.5.1 of NBC for iOS also adds a trending clips section so users can see what's hot from The Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, and more.
- Free — Download Now
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Scribble Together gets the coolest iOS 14 App Clip we've seen so far
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TikTok is being banned in the U.S. from Sunday, September 20
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An explosion aboard a ship in the Jebel Ali Port in Dubai that produced a giant fireball originated in a shipping container that contained flammable material. The fire that spread after the Wednesday night explosion was extinguished early Thursday. The ship was preparing to dock at one of the world’s largest ports when the explosion occurred. There were no casualties and port operations are continuing, according to reports.
The explosion was heard up to 14 miles away, Reuters reported. The ship was carrying 130 containers, with three reportedly carrying flammable material. The explosion could have been caused by the summer’s high temperatures.


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Major food processing industry heavyweights from around the world praised the inaugural edition of Gulfood Manufacturing, which debuted at end 2014 as Dubai World Trade Centre’s (DWTC’s) largest ever trade show launch. A sector-specific spin-off of February’s annual Gulfood trade show, the three-day Gulfood Manufacturing hosted over 1 100 companies from 56 countries, featured 26 official country pavilions, and attracted 26 329 visitors from 156 countries.
Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, His Excellency Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair comments: ‘The fact Gulfood Manufacturing was so big and popular on its first outing highlights the demand for a specialist show in this sector. The industry is always interested in discovering the next big thing in food processing and this exhibition opens up doors for businesses to expand and learn from each other. As a business channel, Gulfood Manufacturing will drive investment in the regional food processing sector as local and regional companies invest in equipment and machinery to improve their manufacturing and packaging lines.’
The event provided a one-stop-shop for regional food processors to source the latest ingredients, processing machinery, packaging equipment and logistics, warehousing and cold chain solutions to enable faster, cheaper and cost-effective production of safer and more reliable products. Chairman of the Food & Beverage Manufacturers Business Group and managing director of Al Islami Foods, Saleh Abdullah Lootah says: ‘The growth of any economy requires industry, which requires machinery, and Gulfood Manufacturing brought that specialist equipment directly to us. Previously, local food processors had to travel to Germany or Italy and visit companies one by one to see the latest machinery. The fast-moving consumer goods industry is constantly changing and it is not easy to stay on top of technology innovations or consumer trends. As a dedicated platform, Gulfood Manufacturing eradicated these problems and raised the bar.’
Having welcomed leading machinery and equipment providers from every corner of the world, hundreds of exhibitors reported sales comfortably exceeded their expectations. In addition to Chinese firm Foshan Choctaek Machinery Mould receiving four regional orders for complete production lines at an estimated cost of US$800 000, Claranor – a French company providing packaging sterilisation solutions for the beverage and dairy industries – closed a lucrative deal with Masafi Oman to install and integrate flat cap steriliser machines to ensure safe and clean bottled products. Elsewhere, UK-based T Freemantle Ltd. reported sales of more than £200 000 over the show’s opening two days.
Richard Kitchen of T Freemantle says: ‘We sold three of our small, two-flap sealing machines, a starter model for companies looking to manufacture food products, frozen foods, desserts and bakery goods, and two of our high-speed, fully-automated systems – a high-end production machine more suitable for higher volumes – to buyers from the UAE, Saudi, Qatar and Lebanon,’ said, CSO, Ltd. ‘We were a little concerned that Gulfood Manufacturing, as a new show, might not get the same footfall as Gulfood but the spenders were at Gulfood Manufacturing and they were there to buy machinery, in some cases right off the stand.’
As one of 38 companies participating under the UK’s Processing and Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA) group, T Freemantle Limited’s sales were not the exception. One of PPMA managers, David Harrison adds: ‘The general feedback has been superb right from the opening; our exhibitors witnessed a record number of leads and enquiries, machinery selling straight off the stands, customers coming back to negotiate payment – the least happy person was our shipping agent as there was a lot less coming home. The UK’s confidence in this show was phenomenal; we doubled the size of our group’s stand at February’s Gulfood and our companies were rewarded for it.’
With GCC food imports forecast to reach US $ 53.1 billion by 2020 according to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, officials from DWTC, the show organiser, maintain Gulfood Manufacturing is perfectly positioned to leverage Dubai’s strategic position as the recognised manufacturing and logistics gateway between East and West and the primary re-export hub to emerging countries and economies across MEASA.
Trixie LohMirmand from the DWTC Events & Exhibitions Department says: ‘Gulfood Manufacturing underlined how major international suppliers across the global food processing, packaging and manufacturing sectors view the Middle East as a key growth territory. With the creation of this tailored investment platform, we have accelerated international equipment, logistics and cold chain suppliers’ access to securing operational footholds in one of the world’s fastest growing markets. Gulfood Manufacturing has the potential to be the springboard for multi-billion dollar investments in burgeoning food processing markets across the show’s catchment areas.’


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Millions of Android devices around the world will be getting a pretty huge gift soon, with Google announcing that its powerful AI-driven voice assistant, Google Assistant, will finally be made available for eligible Android Marshmallow and Android Nougat devices starting today. The robust program is currently the search giant’s most robust voice-assisted program, easily superior to Apple’s Siri and comparable to Amazon’s Alexa.
A report from The Verge stated that numerous areas would be receiving the Google Assistant, starting with Android Marshmallow and Android Nougat users in the United States, followed by those in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Canada. The exact timeline for the Assistant’s rollout remains unknown, but speculations are high that the A.I.-driven program would be released within the next few days.
What is particularly convenient for Marshmallow and Nougat users is the fact that users of the mobile OS variants would not need to download a separate app for their devices in order to receive the powerful voice-assisted program. Android M and Android N users would simply be prompted with an update in their devices’ Google Play Services.
Thus, while the list of compatible devices has not been released yet, Android M and Android N users would only need to check if their devices are receiving a Google Play Services update. If their devices get the update, they are eligible to receive the Google Assistant.
An AI-driven voice assistant is not really new to Android users. Prior to the rollout of the robust Google Assistant, Android devices have had access to Google Now, a program that is very similar to that of Apple’s Siri. Assistant, however, includes a number of capabilities that are not included in its predecessor’s features.
Among these improved features is Google Assistant’s capability to converse with its users using common language, unlike Google Now’s keyword-focused input. Apart from these, Google Assistant is capable of determining its users’ input even amidst consistent back-and-forth dialog, allowing interactions to be spontaneous and natural, according to a TechCrunch report.
With its capability to perform numerous tasks such as taking photos, initiating searches, providing directions, translating input and checking the weather, Google Assistant is far more robust than its predecessor. What is really the Google Assistant’s killer capability, however, is its “Actions,” the AI-driven voice assistant’s capability to link itself to a larger, more open ecosystem, similar to Alexa’s “Skills.” What makes the Assistant’s Actions better than its counterpart’s Skills, however, is that the program’s capabilities do not need to be pre-enabled or pre-installed.
Google Assistant debuted to much success during Google’s I/O conference last year, and it was fully featured as one of the flagship capabilities of the tech giant’s Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones that were released in October, 2016. During the flagship devices’ launch, Google made it a point to establish the Assistant as one of the smartphones’ most notable features.
With the mass rollout of Google Assistant to Android N and Android M, however, there is a pretty good chance that the AI-driven, voice-activated program would be able to become as prolific as Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa. After all, despite the Assistant being released only to devices running Android Marshmallow and Android Nougat, the number of smartphone users with devices currently running the mobile OS’s versions are very noteworthy. Android M, for one, commands almost 31 percent of the market share. Devices running Android N number far less in the market, at just 1.2 percent.
Android users who are eligible for the Google Assistant update would simply need to press and hold their devices’ Home Buttons in order to launch the powerful AI-driven voice-activated program, similar to how its predecessor, Google Now, was launched. Users could also speak the hotword phrase “Okay, Google” to launch the Assistant. With the Google Assistant, it would not be an exaggeration to state that millions of Android smartphones would get instantly most intelligent and useful.
[Featured Image by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]


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Microsoft has announced that its Xbox 360 console has sold out completely across Japan, after the release of a Namco Bandai RPG sent sales soaring.
The system outsold the PS3 in the territory for the first time ever earlier this week, and it seems the game, Tales of Verperia, is a big reason behind it.
A press release sent out by Microsoft Japan yesterday read:
"We truly thank you for all your patronage in the past.
"Currently, the Xbox 360 is sold out, and retailers are unable to restock their supply. This is a result of our own sales targets being exceeded by the actual customer sales. We deeply apologize for this inconvenience to our customers, retailers and business partners.
"Here at Microsoft, we are moving forward quickly with console production, and plan to ship the standard Xbox 360 model out this September. Furthermore, we will sequentially be shipping out the Elite and the Arcade models. We ask that you please patiently wait until the console is shipped.
"We truly thank you for your patronage hereafter."


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Thousands of miles of separation is not enough to stop the Berkeley City Council from taking a stance on a labor dispute.
On Tuesday night, the council voted to send a letter to Verizon Communications President and CEO Lowell McAdam expressing the council’s support for Verizon employees — who largely work on the east coast — as they negotiate their contracts with the company.
“We appreciate the support of the city of Berkeley,” said Jim Spellane, a spokesperson for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a union representing Verizon employees. “I think (the resolution) shows that this is an issue that goes beyond geographic area.”
Councilmember Kriss Worthington, who sponsored the resolution, said Verizon’s executives are placing a disproportionate burden of the company’s declining revenues on employees.
“Corporate executives are not taking a hit,” Worthington said. “They are raking in the highest salaries in history. We want to see a little bit of fairness.”
According to the resolution, Verizon has paid its top executives $258 million over the past four years while demanding nearly $1 billion from its workers.
In an email, Verizon spokesperson Rich Young called the $1 billion figure “pure fabrication,” and defended Verizon’s treatment of its employees.
“Verizon provides its employees with good jobs with competitive wages and benefits,” Young said in an email. “However, the company’s wireline business continues to shrink as consumers turn away from traditional landline voice telephony and dial-up internet access. That’s why we have to change our cost structure in order to compete effectively.”
According to Worthington, he decided to propose the resolution after picketing outside Verizon stores in San Francisco and Berkeley last month, where he spoke to union leaders who were soliciting support among local officials.
Verizon workers on the east coast went on strike for two weeks in early August after Verizon demanded what workers saw as unfair concessions, but reached an agreement Aug. 20 to go back to work. Union leaders and Verizon executives have not yet reached a final agreement.


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If your vendor does it inaccurately, your CBD bottle might lug an illegal dose of THC. " Marijuana" is any marijuana plant with bountiful quantities-- practically, greater than 0.3 percent-- of the mind-altering medication THC. The only approved wellness use CBD is the seizure medicine Epidiolex, in spite of having several other thought advantages. The FDA bans the sale of CBD in any unauthorized health products, dietary supplements or food-- which actually implies whatever except for this epilepsy drug. The 2018 Ranch Costs legalized the production and sale of hemp and also its essences.
Always talk to your doctor prior to trying any compound or supplement. Although CBD oil that just contains CBD will not get your high, as soon as you reach your healing dosage, taking much more will likely just make you want to rest. Studies have actually found that in some individuals CBD can cause diarrhea, modifications in hunger, as well as exhaustion. Sean Gallup/Getty Images News/Getty ImagesBecause CBD oils are not currently controlled by the FDA, picking the ideal one can be daunting, and sometimes a little questionable.
CBD oil has actually revealed assurance as a treatment for both depression and also anxiety, leading several who live with these disorders to become curious about this all-natural strategy. As an example, one research in rats discovered that CBD shots reduced pain reaction to surgical incision, while one more rat research study discovered that oral CBD therapy dramatically decreased sciatic nerve discomfort and inflammation. Here are seven health advantages of CBD oil that are backed by clinical evidence. This top quality makes CBD an attractive option for those that are trying to find relief from pain as well as various other signs without the mind-altering impacts of cannabis or certain pharmaceutical medications. The use of CBD oil might complement a clinical strategy to dealing with mental and physical illness.
People who utilize CBD-rich marijuana strains might additionally be able to stop THC-induced psychosis, a potential adverse effects of the drug. Several of these products are promoted as an all-natural way to unwind or lower stress and anxiety. Certainly, research has actually discovered CBD can lower some signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety and depression. This is still not equal to the high marijuana triggers.
- CBD oil is abundant in chemicals called cannabinoids that bind to specialized receptors in the brain.
- On July 1, 2015, HB 32 became regulation after Gov. Matt Mead neither authorized the bill neither banned it, enabling the use of hemp extract which contains a minimum of 15% Additional reading CBD as well as no http://finnjixd681.nikehyperchasesp.com/vitamin-shoppe-to-market-edible-cbd-drops-as-interest-in-cannabis-rises greater than 0.3% THC for the therapy of intractable epilepsy.
- Nor will certainly every drug in the categories had on this listing will trigger an interaction.
- In one long-term research study, scientists offered CBD to computer mice genetically inclined to Alzheimer's disease, locating that it helped prevent cognitive decrease.
- ProCon.org does not consider passing a CBD-specific regulation to be the matching of making clinical cannabis lawful since these legislations do not legalize use of the marijuana plant for medical objectives.
- Anything with more THC is classified as cannabis, is thought about a timetable 1 medication by the Medicine Enforcement Administration and also is federally unlawful.
What is CBD Oil Good For?
CBD, Liver Damage - Rebutted. Forbes recently released an article called Marijuana Study Finds CBD Can Cause Liver Damage. It focuses on a recent research article from the journal Molecules, called â€œHepatotoxicity of a Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract in the Mouse Model.â€
Off of smart cart cartridge American Witch Doctor CBD Oil.
Extra usually, cannabis acquired CBD products are not yet lawful at the federal level yet are legal under the laws of some states. Hemp derived CBD items which contain much less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but are still prohibited in specific states. Hemp-derived CBD items (with much less than 0.3 percent THC) are lawful on the federal level, but are still prohibited under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD items are unlawful on the government level, yet are lawful under some state legislations.
Can I drink alcohol while taking CBD oil?
One important note is that CBD is not psychoactive which means that it does not get someone high. Boosting energy levels in the human body is one of the many benefits of CBD oil. However, this can also mean that the body simply lacks enough energy to kick start it. In such a case, CBD oil can act as an energy booster.


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GRI has commenced its supply of original equipment tyres to the KION Group, one of the world’s leading providers of industrial trucks and supply chain solutions. KION selected GRI’s Ultimate XT premium plus tyre for its Linde Material Handling forklift trucks, produced in Germany. GRI manufactures its speciality tyres in Sri Lanka, using some of the latest technology and locally sourced natural rubber. It calls the OE deal a milestone for its product development.
GRI has held the latest in its series of events organised through its GREEN X Circle initiative. GRI’s Monaragala, Sri Lanka event brought together natural rubber and rice farmers to show their connectivity. Both farming communities are key stakeholders in the GRI value chain, the Sri Lankan speciality and agricultural tyre manufacturer states. The initiative’s purpose is to foster connectivity and collaboration between the two farming ecosystems while placing emphasis on sustainability principles.
GRI has laid the foundation stone for the second phase of its $100 million manufacturing facility in Badalgama, Sri Lanka. The plant, in the Mirigama Export Processing Zone will expand production of speciality tyres as global demand for its products grows. The company has been expanding rapidly since its $40 million-plus investment in the “world-class” manufacturing facility, inaugurated in 2018. Phase two will include a new mixing facility, expanding the original plant by the end of 2021.
Continental is launching ContiConnect Live, a digital tyre pressure monitoring solution designed to complement ContiPressureCheck and ContiConnect Yard. With ContiConnect Live, the collected data on tyre pressure and temperature are sent in real time to the cloud using a central telematics unit. In addition, the unit transmits the vehicle’s location using GPS and records the operating hours of the tyres. Fleet managers have a quicker and more comfortable overview of the condition of the vehicles regardless of their location. By evaluating the information, the fleet benefits from reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs and an extended operating time.
During the last 18 years GRI has expanded significantly. Across the material handling, agricultural and construction segments, GRI now produces a total of 100 tonnes of tyres a day. Most recently the company added new mixing capacity in a bid to expand the company’s overall production output. So how does this particular action fit into the wider strategy? Tyres & Accessories interviewed GRI managing director Prabhash Subasinghe in order to find out.
Alliance has introduced three new sizes for its 644 Forestar III tyre. The forestry tyre has earned an excellent reputation since its launch last year. The tyre has undergone extensive field tests against a premium forestry tyre competitor on a harvester in the Czech Republic and on a forwarder in Latvia. During the tests, customers were impressed with the overall performance of the Forestar 644, singling out the tyre’s traction and stability in challenging conditions. Alliance says the test results show that the tyre stands comparison with the premium competition, while offering value for money. The tyre is now available in sizes: 710/40-24.5, 710/55-28.5, and 780/50-28.5. These have been added to the previously launched sizes: 600/50-22.5, 710/40-22.5, 600/55-26.5, 710/45-26.5, 750/55-26.5, and 800/40-26.5.
Sri Lanka-based speciality tyre manufacturer GRI reports that it has acquired the Estonia-based Nortire Group. Headquartered in Estonia, with a branch in Latvia and two branches in Lithuania, Nortire is a speciality tyre distributor. According to GRI, the acquisition will further expand the GRI’s global tyre service network, while attaining a significant foothold in the North European tyre market. The news follows a non-acquisition Middle East strategic partnership with Al-Dobowi in April 2019.
Caterpillar Inc has approved the Maxam MS302 L3 tyre for use on specific Cat medium wheel loaders in size 23.5R25. The tyre is currently available as a factory fitment option on Cat 950GC, 950L, 950M, 962L, and 962M in certain regions. Additional Maxam MS302 tyre sizes have also been validated and approved for future factory fitment on additional Cat medium wheel loaders.
Tarmac’s Hillhead Quarry near Buxton in Derbyshire hosted unprecedented crowds for the 2018 edition of the show (26–28 June), with official figures showing a record-breaking 19,687 unique visitors in attendance, surpassing the show’s previous highest attendance record set in 2005. The show also included more exhibitors (527) than ever before, with the showground, pavilions and demonstration areas showcasing the latest plant and equipment for the quarrying, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, recycling and construction sectors, many of the products on show for the first time in the UK.
While Maxxis’ most recent launch indicates its increasing focus on high performance car tyres, the manufacturer continues to pride itself on its position in the specialist all-terrain market, providing solutions for a wide variety of turf, 4×4 and ATV vehicles. Maxxis states that all of its speciality range is hard wearing with high levels of grip, making it a popular choice for councils and contractors demanding value for money.
Having worked for Mai Italia SrL for over 40 years, Renato Mai is retiring as president and CEO of the company. He will assume the post of honorary president; a position created by the shareholders that carries no management duties. Renato Mai will be succeeded as managing director and CEO by Federico Fiorini, who has over 15 years’ experience in the field of speciality tyres.
Maitech Tire, the manufacturer of speciality, OTR, construction, mining and industrial tyres, has established a new, purpose-built European techno/commercial office at its headquarters in Verona, Italy. The company is holding a series of open days at its 16,000 square metre complex for selected customers, OEMs and companies from Maitech’s global network of dedicated partners.
idverde, Europe’s largest provider of green services, has adopted a joint Michelin and BFGoodrich tyre policy across its entire UK fleet as it strives to streamline operations on the road.
The French-owned grounds maintenance and landscape construction company runs contracts from the Isle of Wight in the south to Wick in northern Scotland and has a 1,200-strong fleet ranging from 3.5 tonne light commercial vehicles (LCVs) travelling short distances – including panel vans, crew cab tippers and machinery transporters – to company cars operating nationwide.
Taiwan-based tyre manufacturer Kenda has purchased Starco Europe. Announced on 2 October, the move is described by Kenda as “a good cultural, organizational and strategic fit” for which both companies see “significant long-term opportunities”. Kenda has been a Starco supplier since 1982. Over the last 12 months a series of meetings determined a clear willingness from both Kenda and Starco to take the partnership to another level. Starco does not plan any organizational changes or redundancies related to the acquisition.


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Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of marketing company Interpublic Group of Companies
So what: The advertising industry is picking up, which helped push revenue to $2.01 billion -- higher than the $1.91 billion analysts had expected. Earnings per share also topped expectations of $0.31, coming in at $0.36 per share.
Now what: The company announced a new dividend of $0.06 per share and a $300 million share repurchase program that investors are cheering today. There isn't any indication by management that growth will slow as the economy improves, and the company is making a big commitment to shareholders. I am buying today's move and think the stock has further to run as advertising conditions continue to improve.
Interested in more info on Interpublic Group of Companies? Add it to your watchlist.
Fool contributor Travis Hoium does not have a position in any company mentioned. You can follow Travis on Twitter at @FlushDrawFool, check out his personal stock holdings or follow his CAPS picks at TMFFlushDraw.
Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


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How many parents are concerned about how much time your kids spend sitting in front of a monitor playing video games?
Well, it may not be such a bad thing after all.
Millennials are redefining gaming through ESports. The Pro Circuit Las Vegas Open featured more than 1,000 players. The competitors are looking to take home a pool prize of $200,000 this weekend at Caesars Entertainment Studios.
8 News NOW Reporter Shakala Alvaranga has the story.


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The scoop on how you can get your hands on one
With more weeks of sunshine than we can ever remember, the country has gone into melt down. And with temperatures expected to rise again, it’s been revealed that Dale Farm, one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic ice cream brands, will be on the move when it kicks off a country wide summer road trip tomorrow, giving away lots of freebies.
An eye-catching newly commissioned ice cream van complete with selfie wall, providing the most ‘instagrammable’ worthy backdrop, will kick off a nationwide tour over the next eight weeks as part of the brand’s #AllKindsOfCool summer campaign.
The expedition will celebrate what’s cool about a Northern Irish summer tapping into nostalgia bringing back happy memories for its customers. The van will make surprise appearances in cities such as Belfast, Dublin, Galway and Kilkenny, delighting passers-by with free ice cream.
Visitors to the van will be spoilt for choice with oodles of free ice cream on board. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional Mr Frostie ice lolly, the indulgent Rapture range or the sumptuous Giant Cone, there’s plenty to go around.
The activation will get off to a delicious start at the Galway Races on August 2nd, 2018 and will pop-up at surprise locations, events, festivals and visitor attractions. Follow Dale Farm on Instagram to keep up to date on its whereabouts or get involved in the conversation using #AllKindsOfCool


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Will the cure of COVID or CBDC BOOST BITCOINs price this year 2020
its been stated now, that during April, if BITCOIN can remain above $7700, we are looking at $8500 as the next stop. If countries slowly eliminate COVID completely, will it help boost bitcoins price even further or serve to deter bitcoin from increasing?. This is when the governments have no more COVID to worry about and focus on rejuvenating their economy. They would start implementing their own CBDC and digital currency like China probably this year as well. Will this be the true cause of the fall of bitcoin, or will bitcoin and crypto be integrated into their banking system?