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Montreal startup Makerbloks has been named to Techstars Retail’s inaugural cohort.
The accelerator, launched in partnership with Target, will see startups spend 12 weeks at Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis beginning June 20. In Minnesota, they’ll receive mentorship from Target’s leadership as well as through the Techstars network.
Makerbloks created a toy that teaches 6 to 10 year-olds how to build tech hardware using lego-like blocks. The startup raised nearly $50,000 on Kickstarter in March, 2015.
Now founder Francois Poirier is ready to take his team through what is, in effect, Target’s first longterm entrepreneurship investment.
“We didn’t apply to this because we think Markerbloks will be on their shelves. That’s not the main goal of this,” Poirier told MTLinTECH. “It’s learning how to scale up our operations to be a global brand and learn more about the marketing and operations side of things. Target is really good at talking to parents and families, and that’s the sweet spot that we want to learn.”
100x better. @MakerBloks is an interactive story w/ challenges to solve. When you connect the pieces correctly, the story continues
— Danger Casey (@CaseySoftware) June 15, 2016
Poirier created Makerbloks for his nieces, aged six and nine at the time. He couldn’t find much in the way of useful children’s learning toys that really helped his nieces learn how to build hardware. Poirier bought toy platforms like Snap Circuits, littleBits and more, but “they were all incredibly boring for me and for my nieces,” he said. He felt users needed to have at least some knowledge of electronics beforehand, or else learning would be more difficult.
After the successful Kickstarter, Makerbloks raised an angel round of funding worth $350,000. The team has 2,000 units in production that will be available at the end of the summer.
“We’re planning the next steps for Makerbloks and that’s why Techstars really hit the spot, especially in partnership with target,” said Poirier.
Target received applications from more than 500 companies in 32 states and 45 countries. Techstars staff held in-person meetings with more than 200 startups and a review panel picked 16 companies to pitch Target live, accelerator leader Ryan Broshar told the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
Still, the decision wasn’t easy for Poirier and his team. While Techstars and Target undoubtedly offer a huge world of contacts, not to mention $20,000 in cash right off the bat, Makerbloks will be giving up six per cent of its company.
“We really thought about it for a while about what exactly we were going to get out of it,” said Poirier. “The thought behind it was always that ‘when I give a percentage of my company in exchange for something, is it the best thing I can do with that percentage?’ Because of the network that Techstars and target brought, we felt we wanted to go for it.”
Poirier and his team travel to Minneapolis next week to spend three months working at the Target headquarters. They’ll have access to 50 executives along with 100 more mentors from the Techstars network.
“We know our own talent, leadership, strengths and capabilities and where we have years of experience,” Casey Carl, Target’s chief strategy and innovation officer, told FastCompany. “This is how we can serve these entrepreneurs. But also this program gives us the opportunity to learn from some of the best startups in the world who are innovating in the retail space.”
According to FastCompany, Techstars intentionally defined the concept of “retail” loosely. It considered startups that developed products that could be sold on shelves, ideas that could enhance supply chain and sourcing capabilities, data and analytics platforms, and marketing and customer communications.
For Poirier, who recently celebrated the birth of his first-born child just last Friday, the summer should be a fast-paced one. His team is expected to grow from four to seven, and they’ll soon make their first trip to China to source production and research and development opportunities.
Really though, it goes back to providing a better, more stimulating learning experience for kids.
“These kids are going to be the most tech-savvy generation ever, so I think toys should reflect that and not just give them the same thing over and over again,” said Poirier.
As per the Business Journal, the full list of companies selected are as follows:
– AddStructure, a developer of voice-based search technology that lets users (for instance) go on a retailer’s site and say “shirts” and then “men’s” to get to a selection of men’s shirts. The company has offices in Chicago and New York.
– Blueprint Registry, a Seattle-based company that lets people people create a virtual blueprint of their home and register for wedding gifts by room. Wedding guests can then buy those products directly from retailers.
– Branch Messenger, a Los Angeles-based company that makes software to manage the schedules of hourly workers.
– Inspectorio, a Hong Kong-based company that makes mobile applications for supply-chain inspectors. The technology walks staff through the inspection process and changes inspection requirements in response to quality problems.
– Itsbyu, a maker of kits consumers use to create flower arrangements for weddings. The company has offices in Philadelphia and New York.
– MakerBloks, A developer of electronic blocks and interactive games that teach kids about science, technology, engineering and math.
– MakersKit, a Los Angeles-based company that sells kits for do-it-yourself projects like creating a terrarium.
– Nexosis, a Westerville, Ohio-based company that uses machine learning and data such as weather forecasts and to help companies make supply-chain decisions.
– Revolar, a Denver-based startup that makes a wearable device designed to prevent sexual assault.
– Spruce, a Denver-based company that provides style-consulting and barber services to men.


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Youth Entrepreneurship Club is in the pleasant position to announce you the new release of the paneuropean entrepreneurship conference – Startup Europe Week Crete.
After the big success of Startup Europe Week Crete 2018 with more than 1000 participants at the 4 regions of Crete, Youth Entrepreneurship Club invites you at Startup Europe Week Crete 2019, the only event for entrepreneurship in Crete, which takes place for 4th year in a row.
Lasithi: Friday, 8th of March 2019 – Book your place for free here
Heraklion: Saturday, 9th of March 2019 – Book your place for free here
Rethymnon: Friday, 15th of March 2019 – Book your place for free here
Chania: Saturday, 16th of March 2019 – Book your place for free here
*The places this year will be limited, so hurry up and book your place today for FREE here.
This year between the speakers and the members of the conference will be distinguished entrepreneurs, cretan entrepreneurs who have succeed in abroad, ministers, members of the greek and the european parliament.
The conference the last years is being supported by:
The French Embassy in Greece-Mazinnov, Τhe embassy of Israel in Greece, Greek-American Chamber, StartUp Greece
Holy Archbishop of Crete, EC Representation office in Greece
Europe Direct Crete, Orthodox Academy of Crete, University of Crete
Municipality of Chania, Municipality Rethymnon, Municipality of Heraklion, Municipality of Agios Nikolaos
Chamber of Commerce of Chania, Chamber of Commerce of Rethymnon, Chamber of Commerce of Heraklion, Chamber of Commerce of Lassithi
Technical University of Crete, Technological Educational Institute of Crete, Praxis Network, ITE, Maich
InvestinGreece, StartupGreece.gov.gr, EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF CRETE, Chania Hotels Associati
ByRaki flavor, Greek Alcoholic Beverage
See what happened at Startup Europe Week 2018:
Indicatively is addressed to: entrepreneurs, professors, hoteliers, students, young scientists, organisation or business representatives, unemployed, social businesses, producers, academic institutions, social cooperative companies, business consultant, economists and startuppers.
For more information you can call at 694 52 06 777.
ByRaki flavor team

domain: news


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Motorola RAZR foldable phone to launch in December for $1,500
Thanks to reports, patents, and teasers, we know Motorola is working to launch its iconic RAZR phone in a foldable avatar. So far, plenty of leaks have given away key details about the design, specifications, and software of the new device. Now, LetsGoDigital has leaked the launch and pricing details of RAZR, claiming that it would arrive in December for $1,500 (Rs. 1.08 lakh).
Motorola RAZR: At a glance
As per renders and leaks, the upcoming Motorola RAZR will feature a flip phone-like design with a flexible main display on the inside. The external shell will house a secondary screen and a single camera while the internal display will have a small notch, presumably to house a selfie snapper. On the rear, a fingerprint sensor will be concealed within the bat-wing Moto logo.
Motorola RAZR to come with some nifty features
Further, according to XDA-Developers, the external "closed-display" on the RAZR won't have full access to all Android features. Instead, it will support some pre-installed apps like Moto Display, Moto Action, and Moto Camera. Moreover, upto six Quick Setting tiles will be displayed on the external display. But it's unclear if users will be allowed to access other settings or apps, from there.
Motorola RAZR: Specifications
As far as specifications are concerned, RAZR will feature a 6.2-inch flexible OLED display with a resolution of 876*2142 pixels. The external screen is likely to be an LCD panel. Reportedly, it will be powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 chipset as against the flagship Snapdragon 855 processor. Lastly, it could come with 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and a 2,730mAh battery.
Coming this year?
According to LetsGoDigital, the Motorola RAZR "will be launched in America within a few months" at $1,500 (Rs. 1.08 lakh). The foldable phone will also be available in Europe at an expected price of € 1,500 in December 2019 or January 2020, claims the publication.


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For many students, going to college equates to cutting back on calcium, but some Ohio State investigators want to change the pattern.
An OSU campaign to get students to consume more dairy products ended in September after “positively impacting calcium intake in students,” according to principal investigator Carolyn Gunther.
The campaign, “Calcium Keeps You Moo-ving,” aimed to inform students of the health benefits that come with consuming dairy products and lasted from the beginning of school year to early September. The campaign reached about 5,000 people a day, totalling approximately 80,000 people, according to project manager Jamie Seger.
Some OSU students were involved with the campaign as well.
“It was kind of cool. This campaign was different in the sense that it was a social media campaign,” said Brittney Batcho, a fourth-year in human development and family science, who assisted with the campaign.
The campaign recruited the help of some OSU athletes, including basketball player Aaron Craft, who was quoted in one promotional poster saying, “Chocolate milk is my favorite drink. I drink it for its recovery benefits after a workout and because it tastes phenomenal!”
The American Dairy Association contributed $50,000 for funding for research and collaborated on promotional materials, Gunther said.
Batcho, who is pursuing a minor in nutrition, said the campaign was primarily geared toward freshmen because when students come to campus, they don’t always have dairy products immediately at their disposal.
“When kids leave home, you see a precipitous drop in diet quality,” said Gunther, an assistant professor of human sciences.
The problem is access, said Gunther, who worked on a milk vending machine study for the past several years.
“They lose easy accessibility to milk and dairy products,” Gunther said.
For her study, milk vending machines were placed in buildings across campus such as Baker Hall, Drackett Tower and Taylor Tower. According to Gunther, the study showed students with easier access to milk and dairy products were more likely to consume them and thus consume more calcium.
“As far as I know, no other university across the country is doing this,” she said of the study.
Julie Kennel, the co-principal investigator for the campaign, said there are other problems with getting enough calcium in addition to accessibility.
“Eating and drinking can become more sporadic,” she said. “There are more potential options.”
Seger said people who don’t like milk or can’t drink it can still get their calcium from other foods. She suggested dark green vegetables such as broccoli, kale and collard greens, or foods like beans and almonds that provide calcium as well.
Gunther said those who worked on the campaign plan to send out an electronic survey to all OSU Columbus campus undergraduates to gauge awareness of the campaign and “potential perceived impact on awareness of calcium needs and impact on diet behavior.”


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The stunning, Urvashi Rautela has been ruling the hearts of millions with her drop dead gorgeous looks and fashion forward style! The actress... ...http://www.santabanta.com/bollywood/125280/watch-out-for-indias-new-gigi-hadid-urvashi-rautela/
"Game of Thrones" actress Nathalie Emmanuel has been announced as a new brand ambassador of fitness brand Reebok thereby joining the likes of Gigi... ...http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/game-of-thrones-actress-joins-reebok-as-brand-ambassador-118051400665_1.html
Gigi Hadid and Vogue Italia have separately apologised for the May cover of Vogue Italia, which shows the model with a darker skin tone and hair... ...https://www.hindustantimes.com/fashion-and-trends/model-gigi-hadid-apologises-for-vogue-cover-after-blackface-controversy/story-IpXsJRT6jkRdDyGrGvh54O.html
We love how the tinsel town celebrities fashionably document their style shenanigans on the new age digital journal, Instagram. Style has many... ...http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/weekly-best-dressed-celebrities-priyanka-chopra-sonakshi-sinha-alia-bhatt-shilpa-shetty-janhvi-kapoor-keep-chic/
Priyanka Chopra has always believed in pushing the envelope when it comes to her sartorial choices on red carpet, television appearances and... ...http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/priyanka-chopra-trolled-edgy-blue-blazer-twitter-goes-crazy-making-memes/
Supermodel lingerie two piece Gigi...


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The eCommerce industry will be gathering in less than a month in Cluj-Napoca, for the Second Edition of the Meet Magento Conference
There are only a couple of weeks until the second edition of Meet Magento Romania. The event, through its organizational strategy and content, aims at developing the regional ecosystem created around the eCommerce industry and the most popular eCommerce platform, Magento.
Meet Magento 2015 will take place on 2nd-3rd of October, at Grand Hotel Italia, in Cluj-Napoca. Over 500 participants are expected to attend, eager to learn new things, to thrive in the online market in Romania.
In 2015, Meet Magento events has become a benchmark for the global e-Commerce industry and will take place in 30 countries around the world, including US, Russia, Brasil, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Poland.
„In 2014 we succeded at creating a favourable setting for sharing knowledge, openly exchanging ideas and freely innovate, in order to ensure future collaborations between participants, which we plan on replicating during this year’s edition.” Sandu Băbășan, Event Manager for Meet Magento România
Meet Magento awaits its participants the first day of the event with a bold panel of speakers that are distributed between two specialized tracks – a business track, dedicated to the owners of online stores and marketing people, and a second one devoted entirely to developers.
Eliza Rogalski, co-founder of Public Relations Rogalski Damaskin, one of the leading PR agencies in Romania, will take the forefront of the Business Track, along with Bas Nawjin, head of EMEA for Magento Inc., Stefano Lena, VP and Marketing Manager of ContactLab, Rodica Mihalache of Starcom Romania and Bogdan Colceriu Marketing Consultant with over 10 years of experience.
The main protagonists for the Developers’ section are Ben Marks, Marius Watchman and Constantin Bejenaru, internationally recognized professionals for their experience in the IT industry.
The second day of the event is devoted to workshops, with a marketing track, a business one and two tracks which focus on programming, all taking place in parallel.
Until the 1st of October, participants can purchase tickets in advance at the price of 85 euros. A ticket provides access to the conference, the workshops taking place on the second day, but also the afterparty Party 404, which will be held in Club Midi.
Meet Magento 2015 is supported by Evozon and organized in Romania by the web agency MindMagnet.
PR Contact: Andrei Temneanu, email@example.com


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Since the EU referendum result, the pound has fallen and the FTSE 100 has risen. This may seem counter-intuitive since the FTSE 100 is the UK’s largest share index and the pound is obviously the UK’s currency. However, there are clear reasons why their performance has diverged and why the situation could continue over the medium term.
The pound is currently trading at £1 = $1.275. This is its lowest level in over a decade and there are two main reasons for it. The first is uncertainty regarding the outlook for the UK economy. With Brexit looming, the Bank of England has slashed its growth forecasts. It now expects the UK economy to grow only slightly in 2017 and unemployment to rise by 0.5% over the medium term.
Uncertainty could increase significantly when the UK government invokes Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty next year, with a two-year negotiation period to follow. Then, once that is completed, the UK will finally go it alone as an independent state which is no longer in the EU. This could prove to be the most uncertain period of the lot and the pound could come under further pressure.
The second reason for the pound’s weakness is interest rates. Since the EU referendum the Bank of England has halved the base rate to 0.25%. This fall in the interest rate has the effect of weakening a country’s currency. The Bank of England has also indicated that further falls will be put in place should the economic circumstances make it necessary.
In contrast, the US Federal Reserve is set to increase interest rates over the next year, as the US economy has a much more certain outlook than the UK economy. This will have the effect of strengthening dollar, which means that it will strengthen further versus the pound.
A weaker pound is both a bad and a good thing.
It’s bad because it could cause higher inflation, as the cost of imports rises. Shopping bills may rise and eat into disposable incomes, thereby causing consumer spending to come under pressure. However, a weaker pound also means that companies that report their earnings in sterling but which operate mainly abroad gain from a positive currency impact. In other words, exporters become more competitive and their sales recorded in foreign currencies gain a boost when translated into sterling.
The FTSE 100 is full of international stocks, many of which have next to no exposure to the UK economy. In this sense the FTSE 100 is detached from the UK economy. As such, the outlook for the UK economy has less impact on the FTSE 100’s performance than on the pound, since many of the FTSE 100’s constituents are more directly impacted by the performance of the US and Chinese economies than they are by the UK economy.
This combination of a positive currency translation from a weaker pound and a lack of exposure to the UK economy means that the FTSE 100 has risen in recent months. With the outlook for the UK economy being uncertain, it would be of little surprise for there to be a continued fall in the pound and a further rise in the FTSE 100 in the future.


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Fuel types of new cars: diesel -15.5%, petrol +19.8%, electric +43.8% in second quarter of 2018
Brussels, 6 September 2018 – In the second quarter of 2018, almost 57% of all new passenger cars in the EU ran on petrol, while diesel cars accounted for 36.3% of the market. All alternatively-powered vehicles (APV) combined accounted for 6.9% of the market. However only one out of every 60 cars sold across the EU during the second quarter of 2018 was electrically-chargeable.
Petrol and diesel cars
Diesel’s market share fell from 45.2% to 36.3% of total passenger car registrations compared to the same quarter one year ago. This drop was largely offset by an increase in demand for petrol cars (+19.8%), which now account for almost 57% of all new passenger cars sold in the EU – 7 percentage points more than in Q2 2017.
Alternatively-powered vehicles (APV)
In the second quarter of 2018, demand for alternatively-powered vehicles in the European Union grew significantly (+44.3%), mostly driven by hybrid (+49.2%) and battery electric (+45.5%) car sales. Overall, 72,168 electrically-chargeable cars were registered in the EU from April to June 2018, or 43.8% more than in the same period one year ago. Demand for LPG and NGV vehicles also increased strongly – up 35.2% in the second quarter of the year – mainly thanks to a notable uplift of natural gas-fuelled car registrations (+139.8%).
Among the five key EU markets, APV registrations saw the highest increases in Spain (+79.4%) and Germany (+72.1%). Demand for alternatively-powered vehicles also continued to post strong growth in France (+43.4%), the UK (+42.3%) and Italy (+20.7%).
- The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) represents the 14 major Europe-based car, van, truck and bus makers: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck, Ferrari, Ford of Europe, Honda Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Iveco Group, JLR, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, and Volvo Group.
- Visit www.acea.auto for more information about ACEA, and follow us on www.twitter.com/ACEA_auto or www.linkedin.com/company/ACEA/.
- Contact: Francesca Piazza, Senior Statistics Manager, firstname.lastname@example.org.
Interested in ACEA press releases?
Receive them directly in your inbox!
About the EU automobile industry
- 13.0 million Europeans work in the automotive sector
- 11.5% of all manufacturing jobs in the EU
- €374.6 billion in tax revenue for European governments
- €101.9 billion trade surplus for the European Union
- Over 7% of EU GDP generated by the auto industry
- €59.1 billion in R&D spending annually, 31% of EU total


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With shares of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) touching below $500 on Monday for the first time since February, is the world’s largest publicly traded company an OUTPERFORM, a WAIT AND SEE, or a STAY AWAY?
Let’s analyze the stock with the relevant sections of our CHEAT SHEET investing framework:
C = Catalyst for the Stock’s Movement?
Although Apple conducted a massive product refresh for the holiday shopping season, the stock price has been unable to gain momentum to the upside. Shares officially entered bear-market territory in November and downgrades are now entering headlines.
Citigroup (NYSE:C) and its team of three analysts assigned to Apple cut the company to Neutral from Buy on December 16, and lowered its price target to $575 from $675. The downgrade comes less than a month after the firm initiated a Buy rating on Apple. Citigroup explains, “Near-term supply chain order cuts, while inconclusive in nature, bring into question the strength of iPhone 5 and refocus investors onto risks in the Apple story.”
Catalysts are critical to discovering winning stocks. Check out our newest CHEAT SHEET stock picks now.
Last week, analysts at UBS (NYSE:UBS) and Jefferies also cut their price targets on Apple, but still maintained Buy ratings. Additionally, a picture circulating the Internet showing only two consumers waiting in line for the iPhone 5 in China may have weighed on shares. However, analysts are often late to the party and Apple announced on Monday it sold 2 million units in China, making the iPhone 5 the best iPhone launch in China to date. Investors should also note that a new reserve system was in place in Hong Kong for the iPhone 5, limiting the amount of crowds waiting outside of Apple outlets. By the end of December, the iPhone 5 will be available in over 100 countries.
The fundamentals on the balance sheet have not changed…


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Lamborghini to launch its first all-electric car by 2030
Italian sports car brand Lamborghini has announced that its first all-electric car will debut by the second half of this decade i.e. between 2025-2030. The company has also stated that it is working toward electrifying its current range of cars and the existing line-up will be hybridized by the end of 2024. Here are more details.
"We have a clear vision of a whole new model, a fourth model, all electric Lamborghini, planned for the second half of this decade," said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO, Lamborghini. "Our history has shown that at Lamborghini, we don't back down from any challenge. The plans I am communicating today are built on thorough analysis, business plans, and technical simulations."
"We build the dreams of our customers. They expect super sports cars that are better than the predecessor. Always innovating with cutting-edge technology! This is an ambitious challenge in itself which we have always successfully taken on," said Winkelmann. For Lamborghini, it is a balancing act between performance and meeting the emission norms. However, the company says its "absolute focus will remain on performance."
Lamborghini has also announced that it is aiming to lower its carbon emissions by half by the beginning of 2025. To achieve this, the automaker will hybridize all the three models - Aventador, Huracan, and the Urus SUV - in the next three years. The company's first series production hybrid super car will arrive in 2023, after the limited-run Sián.
Over the course of four years, Lamborghini is planning to invest more than €1.5 billion - its largest in history - for hybridizing and electrifying its product portfolio. A chunk of the funds will also be utilized for the development of carbon fiber technology to counterbalance the gain in weight that will be caused by the extra hybrid-related hardware.


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Executives have been burned by their previous dealings with big tech companies. But Apple’s promise of a billion devices worldwide was too good to pass up. Even for Rupert Murdoch.
Read more: https://nyti.ms/2WKTBdZ
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Competition is about to get even stiffer in the U.S. wine and spirits market’s wholesale tier. Shanken News Daily has learned that the current Nos. 2 and 3 alcohol wholesalers—Republic National Distributing Co. (RNDC) and Breakthru Beverage Group, respectively—have announced plans to merge. The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, is scheduled to be completed late in the second quarter of next year. It comes just a year after a merger created the $17.5 billion distribution giant Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
Together, the combined RNDC-Breakthru will have sales approaching $14 billion, with operations in 30 markets and a market share of about 25 percent. With that kind of clout, the new company will present Southern Glazer’s with a formidable new competitor with a scale and scope to rival its own.
The new company will represent a who’s who of top suppliers across the wine, spirits and beer categories. Major spirits partners include Beam Suntory, Brown-Forman, Diageo, Edrington, Moët Hennessy, Pernod Ricard, Proximo, Rémy Cointreau, Sazerac, Tito’s and William Grant & Sons. In wine, leading suppliers include Banfi, Constellation, Gallo, Jackson Family Wines, Kobrand, Ste. Michelle, Trinchero and The Wine Group. The beer portfolio will include Heineken, MillerCoors and a slate of craft brews.
For more details on this mega-merger, visit Wine Spectator's sister publication, Shanken News Daily.


text: In the Ford works in Saarlouis, the series production of the new C-Max has been launched. According to the Ford group, roughly 60 million euros were invested in the adjustment of the production. Now, about 450 C-Max cars per day shall be built. Since the beginning of the year, the output in Saarlouis has been significantly increased. Presently, about 1700 vehicles are produced whereas end of 2014, the daily output had been 250 cars less. The increase in production is due to the restart of production of the C-Max in Saarlouis and the high demand for the Ford Fokus.


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Gabe Newell the co-founder and managing director of video game development at Valve Corporation has announced plans for a new pc-like device called the “Steambox”. This device looks like a console; however acts exactly like a PC in a sense that there are USB ports meant for a mouse and keyboard, as well as various video output ports as well that can either be connected to a monitor or T.V. What makes the concept of the Steambox stand out is the fact that it is meant to be a bridge between PC and Console gamers. This is done by the fact that the Steambox is gaming-ready, meaning that each device is preloaded with Windows 8 and hardware that is capable of running games such as Crysis at medium definition.
There are however, several variations of the Steambox; in fact Gabe Newell has ordered a handful of companies to produce their own take of the Steambox, each with different technical specs as well as software. Gabe Newell has already announced that Valve’s own version of the Steambox will be running on Linux to encourage open sourced gaming allowing for developers to be limited by the parameters of fixed platform gaming. With all of this being said, there are a few things that need to be evaluated in order to truly tell if Valve’s concept of the Steambox can take down consoles or even compete with them in the near future.
The first thing we have to think about is what can the Steambox offer console gamers that both consoles and PC’s cant? In comparison to PC’s providing they are gaming desktops is that the Steambox has the potential to provide the same or even more powerful computing power in a far more portable manner. Meanwhile, comparing the Steambox to a console like the Xbox 360 is much harder considering the fact that the concept of the Steambox is almost identical to that of a console; however Gabe Newell has explicitly stated that the Steambox is by no means a console. That being said the advantage that the Steambox has over the Console is that it is an all in one device from gaming, web browsing, and even word processing. Furthermore since the operating system of the Steambox can vary between Windows 8 and Linux gamers are exposed to a wider variety of games, coming from major game developers to indie developers.
One big factor that separates many Console gamers from PC gamers is the pricing and maintenance of their devices. From a PC gamer point of view, they often find themselves having to make upgrades every year or two in order for their computers to run the most recently released games, meaning that PC games would have to shell out a few hundred dollars once in a while just to be able to stay current with today’s vastly growing video game industry. Meanwhile console gamers only have to pay for their console and their games which do not require installations and have an operating system dedicated to gaming, as well as immunity to viruses. This is where the Steambox is supposed to come in and provide a middle ground for both PC and Console gamers. In terms of price several sources say that the Steambox variations will range from $500 to $1000. These prices are almost thirty percent more than both the PS3 and Xbox 360, though is significantly cheaper than buying a high-spec PC desktop or Laptop.
Overall the Steambox shows promise to emerge into the video game market as a device that can potentially replace gaming PC’s, however Consoles seem to have a cult following in that many players can play on one console, and more importantly exclusive game titles, as well as a solid online gaming interface. The Steambox can and will become a true gaming innovation for years to come with the potential of abolishing PC gaming as a whole, however console gaming will still remain a major gaming contender for years to come.


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Executives at several tier one suppliers told Crain's that they have instituted furloughs and temporary pay cuts among white collar employees. Many have laid off factory workers, including Ford Bronco seating supplier LM Manufacturing, Magna, Flex-N-Gate, Detroit Manufacturing Systems, Detroit Chassis LLC, Sodecia Automotive, Eagle Industries, Faith Plastics and CIE Newcorp.
Dana Williams, chief strategy officer for Detroit at Work, said the agency has helped about 800 people who have been laid off over the past month. She said they generally haven't had trouble filling manufacturers' labor needs, but in some cases, impacted employees are ready to move on from the city's signature industry.
"I anticipate that there will be some folks who kind of naturally see this as a career transition, who might say, 'I always really wanted to be a nurse, I'm out, I'm going to nursing school,'" Williams said.
LM Manufacturing brought some laid-off employees back to work recently, Williams said, though it is unclear how many or what work is being done at the plant. Magna, a joint owner of the company, declined to provide details.
"We have focused considerable attention on contingency planning to proactively address any temporary business disruptions to our operations," Magna spokesman Dave Niemiec said in an email. "We've been prepared in terms of temporarily scaling back production on affected programs as efficiently as possible, and just as importantly we are equally prepared to ramp-up quickly when ready."
Uetz said some of her clients have tasked skilled labor employees with general maintenance work just to keep them on the clock while production is down. Many companies are anticipating employee demands for higher wages. "There will definitely be negotiations between the supplier and the customers for cost recovery on labor after this strike," she said.
Carrel said his labor costs depend on what his customers are willing to absorb. Automakers were generally willing to share some of the pain of the supply base these past couple of years, but that was a time of record profits for OEMs. They will emerge from the strike with dramatically higher labor costs and rising pressure to decrease costs elsewhere — such as parts purchasing — before foisting higher prices on the consumer.
"We were able to get some price concessions with our customers, but it was really tough to get some of that through. I'm not sure we could do it in another six months," Carrel said. "Obviously, you can't give what you don't have, from a profit standpoint. You gotta be careful that way."


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Monday, January 18, 2010
Businesses consider installing Faraday cages to cut down on computer microwave or wireless attacks; would home users be next?
Steve Lohr has a Business Day article in the New York Times today, Jan. 18, “Companies fight endless war against computer attacks,” web URL link here. The print version has a humorous intro: “The Lock that Says ‘Pick Me’” – with a bump key.
Some of the newest malware turns on and off cell phone cameras or webcams, for spying. The article discusses the idea of businesses building Faraday cages to stop drive-by wireless or cell phone spying. Now, Faraday cages have been developed for the military, government and large businesses, to protect infrastructure from possible EMP (electromagnetic pulse) or microwave attacks (optical data is not affected, just magnetic). From the article, it sounds feasible that computer manufacturers like Dell could consider designing and manufacturing smaller cage like devices to protect home or small business users.
Popular Science had written about Faraday Cages back in September 2001, just before 9/11.
Picture: Jupiter, at least, is well protected by its electromagnetic fields.
Update: Jan 19
I've noticed that whenever I turn on my repaired XP computer, Kaspersky checks for updates and updates (through Internet) immediately. In my experience, neither mcAfee nor Webroot Spysweeper are as consistent in doing this so promptly.


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Last November, we reported that Amazon online service had begun creating a high-budget television series based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien about Middle-earth. As it became known to the publication Deadline, the streaming giant is preparing to please the audience with the adaptation of yet another legendary book cycle. Amazon bosses have decided to take the TV adaptation of Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" under their wing.|
The first attempts to film the saga of the adventures of Roland Descene were made in the middle of the last decade. At first, J.J. Abrams planned to deal with the film adaptation of the book series, and then the project in transit through Ron Howard passed to Nicholas Arcel. The Dane and Sony Pictures had plans to create a trilogy and a television prequel about Strelk's youth.
The studio's grandiose plan went down the drain when The Dark Tower received devastating press coverage and earned only $ 113 million from a production budget of $ 60 million.
On the day the film was released, Sony's management announced that the showrunner of the series will be Glen Mazzara, who at one time very successfully directed the group of authors of the popular zombie drama The Walking Dead. However, it soon became obvious that the starting film of the film series would not be able to get to the level of self-sufficiency. Since then, not a single news has come from the Sony camp about the further fate of the ambitious project, which is why fans of the King of Horrors have suspicions that the studio has abandoned the idea of further developing the franchise.
It should be noted that Amazon officials have not yet confirmed the news of the acquisition of the rights to the series based on "The Dark Tower". However, such a reputable publication as Deadline would hardly give unverified information. The details of the deal are still kept secret. It is possible that Amazon will partner with Sony to help the Hollywood studio finally launch Arcel's TV prequel. Earlier it was reported that the series could give viewers a new meeting with the heroes of Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey.
At the same time, it cannot be ruled out that the online service has bought the entire package of rights for the film adaptation of the book cycle and will prefer to arrange a complete reboot of the franchise. In this case, the streaming giant will start looking for a new showrunner in the very near future and will replace the performers of all key roles.
The Topic of Article: Amazon will go in search of the Dark Tower.


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GST Rate Finder App Available on iOS
The ‘GST Rates Finder’ mobile app, which allows people to find tax rates on various services and goods under the goods and services tax regime, will now be available on iOS. The app is already available for Android users. “To install GST Rate Finder, a user of Android mobile has to first open Google Play Store and in the search option has to type GST Rate Finder. There may be many more apps available with similar names. The user has to download the app with the logo of Central Board of Excise and Customs,” said an official statement.
The Economic Times, New Delhi, 14th May 2018


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On the backdrop of a bilateral trade deal with Mexico, the U.S. Department of Agriculture rolled out details of its July-announced trade aid to U.S. farmers on Monday afternoon. The $12 billion promise will be bifurcated, and the first round of approximately $4.7 billion will come in the form of direct payments to producers of commodities hit most by the actions under the Section 232 and Section 301 retaliatory tariffs.
Bill Northey, undersecretary for farm production and conservation, said the Market Facilitation payments will be based on 50% of the actual production or inventory for 2018.
For crops, payment rates include 14 cents/bu. for wheat, 86 cents/bu. for sorghum, $1.65/bu. for soybeans, 1 cent/bu. for corn and 6 cents/lb. for cotton.
Pork producers will receive payments based on 50% of the total number of pigs they have on hand as of Aug. 1 at a payment rate of $8 per pig.
Dairy production will be offered 12 cents/cwt. based on historical production, which was established under the Margin Protection Program. Northey said producers can have that production number calculated if it isn’t available.
Of the total $4.7 billion in aid, $3.6 billion will be for soybean farmers, $277 million for cotton, $290 million for pork, $127 million for dairy, $156 million for sorghum, $119 million for wheat and $96 million for corn.
Signups will run from Sept. 4 to the middle of January 2019. For crops already harvested or the dairy and pork support, Northey said payments could come as soon as a week after production or inventory was verified at local Farm Service Agency offices.
USDA chief economist Dr. Rob Johannson said USDA will evaluate whether another round of payments is warranted closer to December. This will depend on whether there’s been a recovery in prices from other trade deal announcements, such as the one with Mexico, or if tariffs are resolved.
“We have announced an initial payment rate and initial purchase agreement. We will continue to evaluate the market in the next several months, and then the secretary will determine with consultation of the White House on the second round of payments,” Johannson said.
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will administer a Food Purchase & Distribution Program to purchase up to $1.2 billion in commodities unfairly targeted by unjustified retaliation. USDA’s Food & Nutrition Service will distribute these commodities through nutrition assistance programs such as The Emergency Food Assistance Program and child nutrition programs.
Greg Ibach, USDA undersecretary for regulatory affairs, said pork and dairy are both sectors identified as incurring great harm from the illegal tariffs. He said up to $84 million worth of dairy products will be distributed domestically and $585 million worth of pork products. Apples are another commodity greatly affected, so USDA will purchase an estimated $943 million worth of apples.
Through the Foreign Agricultural Service’s Agricultural Trade Promotion Program, $200 million will be made available to develop foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products. The program will help U.S. agricultural exporters identify and access new markets and help mitigate the adverse effects of other countries’ restrictions.


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Patriot Windows and Cleaning Services reminds homes and businesses that rain does not thoroughly clean solar panels. With the risks of DIY cleaning, it may be best to leave the job to professionals.
[Prescott, 7/25/2018] – Dirty solar panels can be inefficient for homes and businesses. Failing to clean them can thwart their purpose of providing affordable energy. Relying on rain to wash solar panels, however, is not enough, according to Patriot Windows and Cleaning Services. As such, it offers professional solar panel cleaning services that ensure the system performs efficiently.
Cleaning Solar Panels is Necessary
Many things contribute to the accumulation of dirt on solar panels. Some of these include bird droppings, mold, and even dust, Patriot Windows and Cleaning Services says.
The buildup of dirt prohibits sunlight from reaching the solar cells of panels. As a result, the system fails to perform efficiently, leaving a loss of financial return for the investor and owner of solar energy.
Rain may wash out some of the dirt, but the dirt that built up still exists on the solar panels. The company further notes, “Additionally, airborne dust particles can attach to the solar panel surface immediately after the evaporation of rainwater. Rain, therefore, is not an effective way to keep your solar panel free from the build-up of dirt.”
The Risks of DIY Solar Panel Cleaning
It may be unwise to clean solar panels without professional help, according to Patriot Windows and Cleaning Services. Users may expose themselves to the following:
• Fall while walking around to clean the solar panels without safety gear
• Breaking a solar panel component during the cleaning process
• Voiding warranty from the manufacturer due to damage during DIY cleaning
Asking the help of qualified and experienced professionals frees homeowners and businesses from these risks. It suggests reconsidering the decision to clean solar panels with expert help.
“Washing the solar panels could take forever, especially if you don’t use the proper methods and equipment,” the company shares.
About Patriot Windows and Cleaning Services
Patriot Windows and Cleaning Services stays up-to-date with the trends in the industry to ensure a level of service above the rest. It provides cleaning services for awnings, roofs and gutters, and solar panels. The company also offers power washing and satellite removal among its list of services. Leon Moise, a Marine veteran, owns and runs the company.
For more information about its services, go to https://wearepatriotwindows.com/ today.


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In 2019, India attracted 10.5 million foreign visitors; 5 million NRIs travelled back home to be with family and friends; 1.8 billion Indians travelled within the country for holidays, pleasure and leisure; 26 million Indians travelled overseas for tourism…. India has an estimated 53,000 travel agents, 115,000 tour operators, 15,000 adventure companies, 911,000 tourist transporters, 53,000 hospitality companies and five lakh restaurants … the industry employs an estimated 3.8 crore people. And these statistics do not include numbers for aviation and starred hotels which are not in the medium & small enterprises count.
Let us look at 25 possible trends in the near future, each important in its own way:
The 5 key factors, however, in the overall travel scenario that will drive all of the above trends will be:
The business may take anything between 9 to 24 months to start climbing back to previous peaks. Till then the headwinds will be strong and severe. Some will succeed, some will struggle, some will perish.
Indian agriculture provides employment opportunities to more than half of our population. It includes more than 12 crore smallholder and marginal farmers, most of them face annual risks related to low rainfall, price volatility, inflation, weak infrastructure, debts and so on. Covid-19 pandemic is an added challenge for this sector and its stakeholders, effecting majority of population due to its large outreach. On one hand rural sector is one of the neglected sectors and on the other hand, global tensions left us to concentrate more on local consumption and production, leaving no other option to look upon producers, local enterprises and rural economy.
We have heard “Necessity is Mother of Invention” since our childhood, and this pandemic proved it right for Indian agriculture sector too. We have seen various steps taken by government during this pandemic time, many of those were required since decades. Covid-19 surprised us all and provided stakeholders an opportunity to experiment, test, learn and implement innovative ideas. Pandemic struck when farmers were about to harvest their Rabi (winter) crop and prepare for Kharif, everyone thought of worst to happen, reasons were many; including global pandemic, subsequent lockdowns, global tensions, trust deficit and lack of experience in handling similar issues in past. In particular, lockdown brought challenges to Indian agriculture system; these are mainly related to shortage of labour, equipments, supply chains and fragmented demand.
Initially, people started storing extra grains and cereals in panic, then bumper production of cereals and oilseeds faced issues related to expensive labour and late arrival in markets, and then commodity loaded trucks never reached their destined locations. If we see in terms of supply chain challenges, shorter supply chains faced lesser challenges than long supply chains. Longer supply chains were mostly linked with medium and large enterprises, and hence affected agriculture related medium and large enterprises.
Pandemic left no choice for large enterprises (based on agriculture) than to innovate or optimally utilize available resources and infrastructure; like ITC used ‘E-Chaupal’ platform to procure agri-commodities, Government launched ‘Kisan Rath’ app to support farmers and transporters in locating each other, some agri start-ups delivered fresh vegetables and fruits, future group optimally utilized its already existing supply chain during this tough times. Reports show that farmers have received Rs. 75,000 crore by selling wheat, giving hope to boost local economy in rural areas.
Government took proactive and calculated decisions to handle the situation it never faced and minimised losses. On one hand it announced agriculture commodity as ‘Essential Commodity’ to maintain uninterrupted urban supply chain for milk, vegetables and fruits while on the other hand brought some changes in regulations ensuring smooth agribusiness operations throughout the country. Some of the steps taken are:
1. Allowing farmers to sell their produce to any trader throughout the country, helping them get best price for their produce.
2. Allowing farmers and other stakeholders to get into futures agreement for their far, produce.
3. Removed stock limits for farmers and traders on cereals, pulses, oilseeds, onions and potatoes to encourage infrastructure-related investments in agriculture.
We all know that Covid-19 crisis is temporary and problems in Indian agriculture ecosystem are not new, but this pandemic has reinstated the need of focussed policy on rural development with agriculture and rural population at its core. In long term, this pandemic will definitely going to be seen as turning point for positive changes in Indian agriculture space, including strong supply chains and establishment of agri-enterprises in rural and semi-urban areas.
In my view, the government should focus on following points to make agriculture more resilient and shockproof.
a) Establishing more agri-entrepreneurs and support local value addition
b) Investments in agri-infrastructure including storage, logistics, transport, etc.
c) Utilize Information Technology in agriculture to reach unreached and get hold of real time data.
d) Shortening supply chains to make it useful for farmers as well as medium and large enterprises.
e) Strengthening community based enterprises like producer groups, farmer producer companies, federation etc. to utilise larger base.
f) Create space for innovation in agriculture sector, whether it is farm practice or IT based or something related to logistics.
Let me sum up by saying that Covid-19 gave all of us an opportunity to innovate and test our ideas in a real-life social lab, where we can pilot, test and incubate big ideas to expand and become scalable model. Business environment need to see this time of redesigning and restructuring. Ideas may fail, but we should learn from these failures, something or the other will work and that will help sector to grow.
– by Dr. Agyeya Tripathi
While discussing the revival strategies that can be adopted by the hoteliers, Sumeet Mehta (hotel valuations and finance specialist and the CEO of Paradigm Advisors) said that “Hospitality and Leisure Sector have faced the brunt of COVID-19 Lockdown with Summer Holiday Season totally washed out due to nationwide lockdown. Recovery in the sector is now visible as people have started stepping out and travelling. Hoteliers will have to focus on innovative marketing communications to created confidence in potential travellers that their properties are safe. Increased focus is required on cleanliness and sanitisation of properties to create confidence and evince interest. Premium properties that focused largely on MICE and corporate bookings will have to shift focus on individual travellers. Hoteliers will have to come up with attractive schemes and offers to pull guests and increase occupancy levels. Increased usage of technology and reduction in human interface to ensure safety along with a unique experience will ensure domestic travellers will be enticed to travel, thereby reviving hospitality and leisure sector.”
Rajkumar Sarrof, who owns the Pristine Travels private limited (a mid-sized Kolkata based IATA approved travel agency) gives insight into the problems being faced by the travel operators. As per Sarrof, the tour operators are a deeply divided lot, not just in size and scale, but also in terms of type of business, viz, groups, MICE, FIT, special interest, adventure tours, etc. Different segments have different ailments. The best general support can be to bring in a nodal agency, which can frame rules and announce them. Currently, rules are announced by different authorities, changes rapidly, and is very difficult to keep track of. Rules are in a complicated language and often interpretive, rather than made easy to understand. Support can be in the form of minimal interference, and by bringing in logical rules. Flight restrictions on certain days, keeping a resort open but most of its facilities closed, simply does not make sense….
Nitin Singh, the co-owner and Director of Royal Heritage Camps & Safaris, feels that while considering the revival of the tourism industry “the government should focus more on reforming policies for taxes, permissions, NOC, sanctions, and licenses; constructing more roads for better access especially for niche tourism destinations, and help in creating experiences and not merely sightseeing spots.”
While the revival of this industry must be made into a prime concern for the GOI, it is also essential that post COVID-19 the Indian tourism industry makes a move towards adopting a more sustainable, hygienic, and responsible form of tourism; the mantras being: hygiene, safety, health, quality, and value for money
There has been an increased interest in country’s ancient medical and wellness therapies including yoga, Ayurveda or various practices that come under the AYUSH ministry, Prahlad Singh Patel said. India witnessed a footfall of 6.97 lakh foreign patients on a medical visa in 2019. India, known for its Ayurveda and wellness practices, could benefit immensely from medical tourism as the world gradually recovers from covid-19 pandemic, said Prahlad Singh Patel, minister of state, ministry of tourism and culture on Thursday. He was addressing a session on ‘Reviving the stressed sectors to support the post-covid recovery for India’ at ASSOCHAM’s virtual conference.
“There has been an increased interest in country’s ancient medical and wellness therapies including yoga, Ayurveda or various practices that come under the AYUSH ministry. I feel that India will gain immensely from our ancient knowledge of medicine in a post covid world. Our ancient system of medicine, herbal cures and wellness methods are what people will look for in the coming months as they will deal with the challenges posed by coronavirus infection. After covid, medical tourism in India is expected to rise and we must be prepared for this opportunity,” he noted.
To be sure, India witnessed a footfall of 6.97 lakh foreign patients on a medical visa in 2019. This accounts for 6.9% of total foreign tourist arrivals, as per the estimates put out by ministry of tourism. This leaves a huge headroom for growth. Patel also said that the way Prime Minister NarendraModi led government handled the coronavirus crisis has improved the perception of India at the global level.
“A number of foreign tourists who were stuck in the country due to the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown chose to stay back in India as they felt safe here than their home country. Corona is almost over now and whatever damage that it had to do has already been done. My focus is on ways to address the impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry,” he added.
Patel said that he has accepted the loan restructuring proposals from the hospitality industry and forwarded it to the finance ministry for further approval. He also highlighted that the domestic tourism has started showing early signs of revival and the ministry will continue to promote various sectors such as wildlife and heritage.
“We are witnessing a shift where a majority of travellers are preferring to stay at small and unexplored properties than big hotels. It could be in various tiger reserve projects or other serene places where we have to focus now. Though I feel big hotels will continue to be relevant as international travel and events resume,” he added.
Quite similar to what was shown in the 2011 Hollywood movie Contagion, the Coronavirus has not only caused more than a million deaths, but it has also created abrupt changes in the daily lives of people within a very short time, while adversely affecting global economy and causing widespread panic….
In such a dismal scenario it is imperative that the Government of India takes notice and plays a crucial role in helping the tourism sector to revive itself. Perhaps it can start by bringing in some immediate measures that would reduce the rate of Goods and Services Tax (GST), such as, consider the lowering of GST rates on room tariffs between INR 1000 to INR 7500 for a specific period of time, and lowering the GST 18% on commission earned by tour operators and travel agents for providing certain services. Besides these, the TCS or Tax collection at Source, which is made while making payments to various hotels and airlines, can also be considered for exemption under tax relief measures.
Extending the time for availing Input Tax credit (ITC) for the FY 2019-2020 to March 31st 2021 will help to reduce pressure on cash outflow. Along with this, especially because tourism industry is facing severe losses, reversal of ITC can also be suspended until March 31st 2021. Extending due dates for filing GST returns, providing immunity from tax payment under reverse charge mechanism, and allowing GST on cash or receipt basis until March 31st 2021 can also be considered to help the tourism industry tide over this crisis period.
Courtesy: Monidipa Dey
All Rights Reserved By Trinity World
Designed By Mirackle Solutions


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Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is the biggest gainer in Forbes' 2016 billionaires list of the world's richest people, moving up 10 spots from last year to claim the ranking as the world's sixth richest person, the business magazine said Tuesday.
The tech executive and social media leader achieved the feat with total net worth that Forbes estimated at $44.6 billion, up from $33.4 billion in the 2015 ranking.
21:46 IRS Announces Changes to 2017 Income Tax Deductions, Credits, and Other Tax Benefits12
21:06 Apple's Q4 2016 results: Better than expected with 45.5 million iPhones sold, but revenue continues to slide19
16:36 AT&T, Time Warner poised to lobby lawmakers, regulators on proposed $85-billion merger25
12:23 Lockheed Martin's quarterly profit handily beats estimates28


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Bob Lutz: People Will No Longer Drive Cars in 20 Years
Former GM exec predicts end of automotive era
Automakers aren't ready to introduce fully autonomous cars yet, but it's only a matter of time before they appear. Not one to shy away from bold predictions, industry veteran Bob Lutz is saying that the automotive era will be over in 20 years at the latest. Around this time, shared autonomous modules will rule the road, and lawmakers will have put an end to humans driving on public highways.
Lutz has worked at BMW, Chrysler, and Ford, and most recently was the vice chairman for General Motors until 2010. During his 47 years in the global auto industry, he has seen plenty of changes, and was an early proponent of electric cars. Now, if Lutz proves correct, even bigger changes are approaching not only for the general public but also for traditional automakers.
Lutz sees a future of autonomous modules that don't offer the option of human control. We'll simply order a ride, input an address, and travel idly along in the module at higher speeds than we're used to driving, perhaps up to 150 mph. "As you approach your exit, your module will enter deceleration lanes, exit and go to your final destination. You will be billed for the transportation. You will enter your credit card number or your thumbprint or whatever it will be then," Lutz wrote in an article for Automotive News. Some modules will ride inside high-speed trains and drop off passengers at given locations, and some will accommodate individual transportation.
He gets even more specific, saying people will eventually have a "transition period" of five years to get their cars off the road. More fortunate individuals will still have vehicles, but they'll be relegated to the track or other special locations.
Performance metrics won't matter, either, because cars won't need to pass each other on the highway. Lutz calls this the "death knell for companies such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi." The transportation modules will not wear the badge of an automaker, but instead they will be branded with the name of the operating company such as Lyft or Uber. These types of services will own and purchase the modules in the future, not individual customers.
Lutz isn't the only one to make less-than-optimistic predictions about the future of driving. A few years ago, Musk said driving may be outlawed in the distant future because it's simply too dangerous.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)


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After a gruelling 24 hours of racing at the Green Hell, the number-9 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 from German team Black Falcon took the overall victory at the Nurburgring endurance classic.
The F Sport variant for the Lexus IS is the Japanese automaker’s way of making the luxury sedan even sportier. So what happens when Toyota Racing Development (TRD) gets its hands on the already amped up car?
Peugeot is all set to compete in this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, revealing its race livery for the 208 T16 race car.
Nitto Tire has released its new NT421Q CUV and SUV tire line, bringing a new all-season ultra high-performance tire to the market.
With 47 corners across almost 6.5 miles, the Crown Range in New Zealand is the country’s highest paved roadway at an elevation of 3,530 feet.
These days, it’s getting harder and harder to set your custom car apart from the crowd. Tuners and builders are always searching for a new way to be different and this Volkswagen Golf takes it to new heights.
There’s good news today if you attended this year’s Detroit Auto Show, own a Mustang and caught a case of pony envy after seeing the 2013 Shelby GT500 Super Snake.
The name Cooper might not bring up mental pictures of high-speed racing like Formula One or NASCAR, but the company certainly knows what it’s doing when it comes to a high-performance street tire.
The crazy smart forjeremy, which may have drank one too many Red Bulls, is heading to production – wings included.
“The car just comes alive with a nice set of tires.” Those are the words of Toyota VP Bob Carter, which were ringing in my ear after a chat I had with him at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
Peugeot will be attending this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a specially engineered and very wild looking race car from.
While the Porsche 911 RSR certainly looks good in its 2013 race livery, it looks even better stripped down to its carbon fiber glory.
While Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz compete to become the top German luxury automaker in sales, the DTM race season is what allows all three to put their machines to the real test.
Last year, Cody Loveland and LoveFab unveiled an Acura NSX that competed in the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb proving that you can teach an old car new tricks.
A five minute test drive isn’t going to tell you much about a car. Likewise, a quick spin through a snow-covered slalom course isn’t going to reveal all the advantages (or disadvantages) of a winter tire.
Michelin came out on top in three of four categories in J.D. Power’s 2013 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Porsche, the German automaker has unveiled its latest 911 RSR race car which will be campaigned this race season by the Porsche AG Team Manthey works squad.
The seventh of eight Kia customized Justice League-themed vehicles has been unveiled at the 2013 New York Auto Show: The Wonder Woman Kia Sportage.
Sometimes there’ s just no replacement for displacement, and Shelby proves that mantra with its new 1000 S/C that features 1,200 hp and will be heading for its debut this week at the 2013 New York Auto Show.
Last year, the Hennessey Performance Ford GT set a standing mile record at 257 mph, shattering the former record of 223 mph set by a 2006 Ford GT. This year, the same car broke its own record hitting 267.6 mph in a standing mile in Texas.
Nissan and Gibson have teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind NV200, converting the compact cargo van to a mobile repair and restoration van for guitars.
The Lamborghini Super Trofeo one-make series is heading to America this year for the first time in the series’ four-year history.
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has yet to reach dealerships but customizers are already envisioning the possibilities.
Maserati has updated its GranTurismo MC Trofeo race car for the 2013 race season, enhancing the vehicle’s aerodynamics while widening the body and reducing weight slightly.


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Last year Emily Haines of the indie rock group Metric made a bold statement to Spin about the current model of record labels being antiquated and exploitative. As a result of that belief the “Youth Without Youth” singers released 2009’s Fantasies and this year’s Synthetica independently. Emily’s thoughts on the topic haven’t changed much, which is why she’s more than grateful for the way online distribution has changed the way music is disseminated.
“We feel very fortunate to be living in a time when we’ve seen the world of online distribution really changed things,” Emily said. “People have been really empowered to find the music they like, and bands don’t have to depend on big record labels to make things happen for them.” So, they didn’t wait. The band served as their own label reducing their albums through Metric Music International. “We’ve always wanted to work with great people, we just were never willing to sign up on the terms that the old model the record system label is based on.” Emily also wants labels to know: “The musician sometimes knows best.” Check out our coverage of their live show at Austin City Limits.


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A weekly list of new hires, fires and promotions, as well as business openings and closings:
Openings and Closings
Pine Street Market has announced its final tenant. The Country Cat had intended to open a Food + Juice establishment, but Kure Juice Bar will instead fill that juice roll. Co-owner Nate Higgins says the menu will be a “refined” version of what Kure typically offers.
Two Coburg residents opened a second restaurant in the 1,000-person town last month. Their latest venture, The Coburg Inn Restaurant, is in the historic William Van Duyn House, and right across the street from Chiefs Brew House — Rachelle and Matt Hogan’s first restaurant.
In-N-Out’s hold on Oregon will continue to spread as the California burger chain intends to open a second location in grants Pass. In-N-Out opened its first Oregon location on Medford, much to the state’s delight. Burger lovers will have to wait, however, as the Grants Pass location won’t break ground until early 2017.
EdgeLink, a tech-focused employment agency, has moved just outside the downtown Portland circle. Now located at 2525 S.W. First Ave., the agency has almost doubled its space. EdgeLink cofounder Mike Miadich described the new location as the “perfect home.”
Craig Collins has been selected to fill the senior vice president of sales and operation role at Frontier Communications’ West Region. Collins has spent the last 24 years in senior leadership within the communication and technology industry. In his new role, Collins will lead expansion in Oregon, Washington and California.
Umpqua Bank named its new CEO Monday. Cort O’Haver will replace current CEO Ray Davis Jan. 1. Davis will be shifted to the banks board of directors, serving as executive chair. O’Haver was named president in April.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, April 9, 2004
Michael Hansen – 917-774-3801 (cell) or 914-378-2452
Elisa Odabashian – 415-305-7409 (cell) or 415-431-6747
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) today rejected a request to grant emergency approval for a controversial planting of rice genetically engineered to produce pharmaceutical drugs. Ventria Bioscience had sought fast track approval for the crop after winning initial approval from the California Rice Commission in late March. If the rice crop had been grown, it would have been the first time that a genetically engineered food crop was planted for commercial pharmaceutical production.
“We are pleased that the Agriculture Department denied this application,” said Michael Hansen, PhD, Senior Research Associate with Consumers Union’s Consumer Policy Institute. “There was simply no justification to approve this controversial proposal on a 10-day fast track basis without any opportunity for public discussion or input. This pharmaceutical rice crop raises a raft of serious public health, environmental, and economic concerns.”
Consumers Union had joined with Environment California, Friends of the Earth, Organic Consumers Association, and Sierra Club California in urging the CDFA to reject the fast track request and hold public hearings on the application. In a letter to the Department sent on April 1, the groups noted that if the crop is grown in the open air, public exposure to the drugs in the rice is likely. The health impacts of pharmaceutical rice on people who might be inadvertently exposed to it have not been properly evaluated, but could be serious. The letter also noted that the bacteria-killing properties of the pharmaceutical rice could have negative impacts on beneficial microbes in the environment and wildlife.
In addition, the planting of Ventria’s pharmaceutical rice could have serious negative impacts on California’s rice industry. Any contamination of food rice would lead to a decline or end to rice exports to countries such as Japan and South Korea. And contamination of pure food rice with genes for lactoferrin and lysozyme would result in rice recalls since this would violate U.S. Food and Drug Administration rules. The National Food Processors Association has stated that the “risk of contamination of the food or feed supply is just too great.”
Because of these and many other health, environmental and economic risks, Consumers Union believes that genetic engineering of plants to produce pharmaceuticals and chemicals should be restricted to plants that are not used for food, and should be stringently contained in enclosed facilities like greenhouses. The Union of Concerned Scientists and Center for Food Safety have also sent letters to CDFA urging the agency to reject Ventria’s application.


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Wal-Mart Stores Acquires Minority Stake in Chinese E-Commerce Company
Wal-Mart Stores is acquiring an undisclosed stake in the holding company of Yihaodian, a three-year-old e-commerce company in China. Wal-Mart did not say how much it was investing, but that it was a minority stake. Yihaodian specializes in online grocery sales, as well as in categories such as baby, consumer electronics and apparel. Other hot retailers in China are Dangdang, which recently went public, 360buy and Alibaba.com, which is in a heated dispute with its partial owner Yahoo.


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IBM has joined forces with online multi media company RealNetworks to create a standard for delivering music over the Internet.
IBM and RealNetworks will integrate RealNetworks client technology and encoding tools into IBM's Electronic Music Management System (EMMS), developed specifically for the preparation and distribution of all forms of digital content, including music.
Financial details on the agreement have not been disclosed.
The IBM EMMS is being used by the Secure Digital Music Initiative set up by the leading music companies BMG, EMI, Sony Music, Universal Music and Warner Music.
The Initiative plans to conduct the first-ever market trial of a system that combines security features with convenient and fast distribution of full-length, CD-quality albums to consumers. The pilot is scheduled to run in San Diego in June.
Microsoft is expected to join the online music battle this week with the latest version of its own music downloading format, MS Audio 4.0.
Meanwhile, MP3 is already carving itself a niche - despite being severely criticised by record company heavyweights who believe the format?s lack of security could threaten the profits of its massive $40 billion-a-year industry.
"The Internet has precipitated a revolution in the way people are accessing music for their personal use," Rob Glaser, chief executive officer of RealNetworks, said in a statement.
"We view this collaboration with IBM as a significant step forward in insuring that artists and content distributors have confidence that their songs are protected when delivered over IP-based networks?.
Industry watchers have supported the pairing. "For digital distribution of music to evolve into a mass market, it is critical that two key challenges be addressed. One is to protect the intellectual property rights of artists and music companies and the other is to provide consumers with a flexible and compelling music experience. This agreement does that," said Allen Weiner, Vice President of Services, Netratings.
RealNetworks is already seen as a leading force in enabling consumers to tap into video and audio online, with an estimated 55 million people using its RealPlayer software.
To comment on this story, email [email protected]
Nanocrystals embedded in glass or a polymer could be the next step for nano-crystal storage method
Space Telescope to be used as part of the organisation's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite
Second quarter PC sales up by 2.7 per cent, suggests IDC
Apple updates MacBook Pro with Coffee Lake CPUs, 32GB memory and up to 4TB storage - at a price, of course
A maxxed out MacBook Pro will cost a mere £6,209


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Economics lesson sparks idea for SA fashion brands online store
NOWNOW eyes expansion into other fashion hubs, as it charts its journey to becoming the biggest African online marketplace for fashion designers and brands.
Ndabeni-Abrahams apologises for ‘breaching’ lockdown rules
The minister issues a public apology via social media, conveying her “deepest regret” for violating lockdown regulations.
Ndabeni-Abrahams placed on special leave, ordered to deliver public apology
President Cyril Ramaphosa decides to suspend communications minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams for two months, after she violates the country’s lockdown regulations.
Comms minister in hot water for ‘breaking’ lockdown rules
Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams will face president Cyril Ramaphosa after a social media post purports her to be breaking lockdown rules.
Facebook, YouTube up fight against 5G, COVID-19 falsehoods
Amid the surge of social media rumours linking coronavirus to 5G technologies, some platforms have stepped up the fight against the baseless claims.
Government establishes COVID-19 tracing database, quells spying fears
Although it will track and trace, via cellphones, those people who may have been exposed to coronavirus, government says their rights will be safeguarded.
SA makes headway with COVID-19 track and trace system
Telkom partners with the CSIR and Institute of Communicable Diseases to develop a coronavirus track and trace system.
Govt puts mobile tech at centre of COVID-19 mass screening, testing
The South African government leans on mobile technology as it enters a new phase in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.


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Last year’s Volkswagen Super Bowl ad, starring a pint-sized Darth Vader, was an unexpected hit for the brand, generating buzz far beyond the game itself.
The ad was so popular that VW extended the campaign to dealer showroom advertising, and it even spawned a series of parody videos.
There’s a rule in show business that says never act alongside children or animals, as they tend to steal the show. Since using a child in a Darth Vader costume worked so well for Volkswagen last year, the brand is back with a second Star Wars themed ad for this year’s Super Bowl.
Dubbed “The Bark Side,” the ad features a series of dogs barking the Imperial Theme music. One particularly shaggy dog is dressed as a Wookie, while another is in an Ewok costume. Adorable though those dogs may be, the greyhound dressed as an AT-AT Walker steals the show.
We’re not sure that the same theme will work for Volkswagen two years in a row. There’s only so much saccharine cuteness that viewers will tolerate, and the whole dogs-barking-in-song meme was played out years ago.
We’ll wait until the big game to make our picks for winners and losers, but based on history and the teasers released so far, our money’s on Audi for the win.


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Two new 3D printing facilities were opened today.
Henkel, a chemical and consumer goods company based in Germany, has announced today the opening of its new Research and Development 3D printing center in Tallaght, Ireland.
The Innovation and Interaction Centre for Additive Manufacturing will now facilitate training, testing, demonstrations, and presentations for a variety of 3D printing solutions.
“The cluster of leading med-tech, aerospace and other industries using 3D printing, made Ireland a natural choice to create a regional hub for Europe,” said Dr. Matthew Holloway, Henkel Technology Centre Director.
Henkel Ireland invites additive manufacturing
Supported by the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) Ireland, an agency specializing in foreign direct investments, this center is based on a four-year investment plan with a budget of €18 million to grow Henkel’s R&D capabilities, application, and product development.
Henkel, who is responsible for producing adhesive brands such as Sellotape, Locktite, and Super Glue, will further step into the space of additive manufacturing as the Innovation and Interaction Centre will support engineers and scientists as they develop new advanced materials for use in industrial manufacturing.
The new 700 square meter facility currently comprises of laboratories, customer service offices, meeting rooms, as well as 3D printing equipment.
Marky Buckley, Executive Director of IDA Ireland stated that this investment “presents a fantastic opportunity for Ireland to enhance our global reputation in R&D and novel technologies.”
Henkel plans to expand the Innovation and Interaction Centre for Additive Manufacturing over the next two years to 2000 square meters by including an additional five laboratories, workstations, and meeting spaces.
3D printing beginnings
Henkel formerly announced plans to open the Innovation and Interaction Centre for Additive Manufacturing late last year with the intentions of developing innovative and accelerated manufacturing methods for its range of adhesive products.
Prior to this, Henkel became the first global reseller of HP’s Multi Jet Fusion systems and broadened its works within SLA and DLP 3D printing by developing customized bio-based print materials.
Now, Henkel has three sites in Ireland including its Tallaght facility. The two established sites are manufacturing facilities based in Ballyfermot, Dublin, and at Little Island, Cork City.
Dr. Michael Todd, global head of innovation at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, said: “The opening of the innovation and interaction center strengthens Henkel’s operations in Ireland and will bring customers and strategic partners to what is now an extremely important European regional hub for the business.
“Additive manufacturing has the potential to change value chains and businesses across many industries. As such, Henkel is convinced that this is the market to get involved with next.
LPW Technology opens AM metal powder manufacturing facility in Cheshire
Similarly, to advance the production of 3D printed parts for applications such as aerospace, automotive and biomedical industries, LPW Technology, a UK based metal powder manufacturer, has recently opened a metal powder production facility in Halton, Cheshire.
The £20 million facility covers an estimated 9700 square meters and is said to be the first metal powder production facility dedicated to additive manufacturing, according to LPW Technology.
The factory includes a range of powder testing equipment and 3D printers to advance the innovations in materials for AM. The portfolio includes atomizers, which melt metal feedstock, a variety of metal powders, and industry 4.0 process software, such as LPW Technology’s PowderSolve.
“As LPW moves confidently into this next stage of our growth plan, we place immense value on our exceptional employees who are making this possible,” said Dr. Phil Carroll, founder, and CEO of LPW Technology.
“I’m extremely grateful for the support received from Halton Borough Council and the UK Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI). To be part of a UK-based manufacturer helping to realize the potential of 3D printing in applications across the world makes me incredibly proud.”
This production facility will accompany the R&D facility located in the internationally recognized Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire, which was opened in 2016.
Keep up with the latest in additive manufacturing by subscribing to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter. Also, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
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Featured image shows LPW Technology’s new metal powder production facility in Halton, Cheshire.


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Posted by The Marketing Team,
Mar 04, 2014
Do you remember the early scenes of the classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film?
Charlie is peering through the window of the local sweet shop, shaking his head in sad disdain at all the smiling, spoilt children inside having sweets thrown all over them. They’re in and he isn’t and he can only catch a glimpse of what’s inside, knowing he’s unlikely to ever afford the privilege of going into the shop with the other children.
So why am I talking about Charlie?
As part of a new £600m commitment to the Sky Owned portfolio, Sky First Episodes was born on February 1st; a platform which allows users to watch first episodes from Sky on YouTube. Naomi Gibney, Sky director of entertainment, marketing and digital, said: “The combination of Sky First Episodes and a TV campaign featuring entire clips from our biggest and best series means that now everyone has the chance to sample Sky shows.”
Just a taste…
Sky are attempting to utilise the ever-growing VOD space and have extended their content to a new video platform in the hope they will generate more subscribers, just as the sweet shop owner enticed children with his shiny shelves of sweets. It is growing increasingly important in such a media-saturated world that brands are now confident in their platform choices for the mutual benefit of both the company and customers. A brand must now ask: ‘How appropriate is this medium for our business objectives and what will it actually do for us and our customers?’ In other words, how can Sky build long-term relationships between its customers and their content?
Sky’s new service provides first episodes and scene teasers plus behind the scenes footage to non-Sky subscribers via YouTube. What’s the catch? In order to view more episodes, viewers must subscribe to Sky. This brings me back to Charlie, who did indeed desire what the other children had inside the sweet shop. However, no matter how enticing the shop was, it just reminded him of what he didn’t have and couldn’t afford. In other words, if Charlie had been able to afford to go into the sweet shop, it is likely he would have. And we all remember how disappointed Charlie was when he eventually got a chocolate bar but it didn’t hold the golden ticket. His hopes were raised, his anticipation built but then he was let down by not being able to continue his chocolate journey without having to purchase further.
Outside of providing first episodes and behind the scenes footage, Sky’s new service seems to be lacking a real reason for customers to continue their journey. Ultimately, the key to Sky’s advantage over competitor platforms is the ownership of experience opportunities for consumers. This is something which is growing increasingly important in a world bored of materialism, hence the popularity of Twitter and Facebook where consumers can share their experiences and discuss their excitement. OTT platforms such as Netflix have also hit the nail on the head by providing exclusive, exciting content available only to subscribers and which gets people talking. At the end of January this year, they passed the 44 million user mark, and have stated: “It's been a good year for Netflix. People around the world want what we offer: consumer-in-control internet television.”
Instead of simply providing an outlet to view programming, Sky need to create noise and excitement around their content; get customers talking and sharing; start creating and joining conversations; tap into the ‘content experience’ and begin adding an extra value dimension to their offerings, perhaps creating media events around their programmes. So take note Sky, it’s time to open those sweet shop doors and offer more than a penny sweet sample and a window view.
Written by Jessica Venner from Total Media
Jess works as part of the TV team and loves strategy, customer/client relationship-building and a half-hourly snack or two.


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Pistol Panties has introduced a new swimwear collection designed in collaboration with aristocratic model Lady Mary Charteris to UK buyers.
Designer Deborah Fleming is showing the new line at London’s The Lingerie Edit, which is taking place today at the Savoy Hotel.
The news comes days after Lady Charteris teased the launch on social media, with a picture of herself and Lilly Allen wearing the 80’s-inspired collection (above).
The model said on Twitter on Wednesday: "#MaryContrary X @PistolPanties collaboration coming any day now".
Select pieces from the Mary Contrary for Pistols collection will be launched online at pistolpanties.com this week and the full range will be delivered to retail stores from November.
The range takes inspiration from the 1980s’ glam rock era and each garment will be named after one of Lady Charteris’ friends.
Stand-out pieces include a coral swimsuit made in bubble jersey fabric and a skimpy bikini designed with an abstract disco ball print.


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From the original article by Lisa Buyer on Search Engine Watch: "Contrary to popular belief, Google says the Penguin intent is to help the overall search experience versus put legitimate businesses in jeopardy of losing precious web traffic and bottom line sales.
Unfortunately, innocent bystanders report they are taking a hit with little defense against Google, the largest search engine boasting 66.4 percent of the search market share and not to be ignored.
How can a business protect itself from the potential crush of Penguin or the next Google algorithm change? There is something to be said for not putting all your SEO eggs in Google's basket.
Deep SEO Inhale... Long Social Media Exhale
There is life beyond Google for gaining online visibility. The opportunities are greater than ever to take part in some healthy SEO living from other organic marketing sources in places like social media networks.
Read on advice from veteran online marketers."
Good alternatives when Google hits and you are about to give up.


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Whataburger Celebrates their 68th Birthday Today
The best damn burger joint in the world opened on this day in 1950.
Maybe it was the sea air, but on this day, August 8th, 1950, Whataburger made its debut in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Harmon Dobson & Paul Burton started serving the larger than average size burgers at a perfect point. That being right across the street from a college. The price of a Whataburger burger was 0.25 cents. They made $50 the first day. They raised the price to 0.35 and the money started rolling in, allegedly.
Their partnership folded a year later with Dobson taking over, while Burton taking franchise rights to San Antonio.
Today there are more than 800 locations, and it's the thing Texans miss the most when they move away.


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Digital Consumer Trends Survey: Smartphones are more popular than ever before28. December 2022 Published by Raphael Doerr
Are consumers ready for sustainable consumer hardware like smartphones? What potential does advertising-based video streaming offer? Is interest in 5G growing? Who’s playing which games, and who’s even paying for them? And what’ about the willingness to spend on hardware, media subscriptions and telecommunications services? The new Deloitte study provides answers to these and other questions. In this year’s “Digital Consumer Trends Survey”, Deloitte surveyed 2,000 consumers in Germany and around 38,000 consumers worldwide.
The winner takes it all
It comes as no great surprise that the smartphone managed to defend its top spot in the hardware field among the most popular devices. 92 percent of the respondents own one, which is is roughly the same as in the previous year. With quite a gap, laptops (76 percent) and tablets (58 percent) then follow in second and third place.
Practical beats sustainable
92 percent of the respondents aged 18 and above own a smartphone. Almost all of them use it daily. The smartphone, therefore, is and remains the most important device for digital consumers in Germany. However, sustainability aspects still barely play a role when buying a new smartphone. The majority of consumers tend to be driven by practical criteria when buying a smartphone. The basic prerequisite for unspoiled fun in front of the display is strong staying power. That’s why the battery runtime is the most important criterion for four to ten respondents when it comes to buying a new smartphones – well ahead of ease of use (27 percent) and camera quality (26 percent). Sustainability, on the other hand, is not a priority when buying a smartphone: Only 12 percent are interested in the expected lifespan of a device. The carbon footprint and ease of repair are the deciding factors in the purchasing decision for just five percent and three percent respectively. Just two percent are bothered about the use of recycled materials. And the expected lifespan of a smartphone is only an important selection criterion for 12 percent of the respondents.
Long battery life and replaceable battery
It’s also worth taking a look at the battery for the brand new Gigaset GX6: With average use it lasts at least two days, and even a lot longer than that in standby mode. The new 5,000 mAh replaceable battery has real stamina, for listening to up to 55 hours of music or watching up to 15 hours worth of videos. And if the powerful battery does finally reach its limit, it can be replaced on the go. Additional batteries are available in the Gigaset online shop. The battery also shows its strength when recharging: The GX6 supports fast wireless charging with up to 15 W and super fast charging up to 30 W. And the Gigaset battery life and technology increase the battery runtime by up to 50%, with a preset charging limit of 90%. That’s both sustainable and ensures a longer service life.
Consumer 5G with room for improvement
24 percent of the respondents use a 5G smartphone with matching tariff. Just under half of them, however, say that they barely have 5G network coverage.
At the same time, more than a third of 5G users notice no improvement in performance compared to 4G networks.
Just under three years after the release of the high-speed mobile network, 5G still hasn’t really caught on with consumers: Although just under a quarter of the respondents have a 5G-capable smartphone complete with matching tariff, just under 50 percent of the 5G users report a lack of network coverage for their smartphones, and more than a third can’t tell any difference in performance compared to 4G either. In total, just under half of all the survey respondents are so far indifferent or feel insufficiently informed about the latest mobile generation. “Even when there is currently still reluctance on the consumer side, the migration to smartphones with the 5G standard has picked up speed and will continue at a rapid pace,” says Tim Bottke in closing. “It’s up to manufacturers and network operators to make up for the current high lack of information and demonstrate the capability of 5G infrastructures with appropriate use cases.”
The conclusion of the Deloitte experts: Despite uncertain times and rising prices, consumers in Germany say they would increase rather than reduce how much they spend on devices, media and telecommunications services. Hardware, in particular, remains in demand, with 36 percent planning to spend more on it. According to the feedback, no drop in sales is expected in the other market segments either.


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When customers aren't buying a company's product, business leaders face a choice: pivot or perish. That leaves open some important questions: What exactly does it mean to pivot? Where should the company pivot to? What makes the difference between pivots that deliver growth and those that peter out?
Pivoting means to change your business strategy -- specifically, invent or acquire a new product to sell to your current customers or sell your current product to new customer groups. A company should pivot to a strategy that results in rapid growth -- which will only happen if the new strategy provides what customers see as an excellent solution to their painful problem. If not, the pivot could fail.
These questions come into focus when considering how two Boston-based food tech startups have responded to the current pandemic. One of them, restaurant point of sale (POS) app provider, Toast, is poised for a reported $20 billion IPO. The other, business food delivery service, ezCater, faces a more uncertain future.
Toast's pivots pave the way to an IPO.
Founded in 2011 by Aman Narang, Jon Grimm and Steve Fredette, Toast has pivoted at least twice -- each time boosting the company's growth by offering new services that restaurants eagerly bought.
Toast's first product failed to catch on so it pivoted to a new one that did. As I wrote in August, Toast's initial product -- a restaurant paycheck app -- struggled. However, its pivot to a POS app was so popular that Toast could not keep up with the demand.
A second pivot took place after the pandemic shuttered restaurants in March 2020 -- a month after it had raised $400 million in capital at a valuation of $4.9 billion.
In April 2020, Toast cut costs -- including layoffs of 50 percent of its staff -- after its revenues plunged by 80 percent.
But by definition, cutting costs is not a pivot. Toast's second pivot was to support the strategy changes that restaurants made to survive the pandemic. Specifically, Toast modified its software so restaurants could shift rapidly from in-restaurant dining -- which the pandemic curtailed -- enabling consumers to pick up meals to-go at the restaurant and selling gift cards.
By November 2020, Toast's business had came roaring back -- boosting its valuation to $8 billion and setting the stage for its upcoming IPO.
EzCater's failure to pivot leaves an uncertain future.
Founded in 2007, ezCater delivers meals to people in their workplaces. According to Boston Business Journal (BBJ), its strength is "delivering meals exactly when they're needed -- and not, say, a half-hour into a lunch presentation. [It also delivers meals] where workers never worked from home such as hospitals, retail, and construction sites..."
Before the pandemic, its strategy was working so well that in April 2019, ezCater raised $150 million -- valuing the company at $1.25 billion, according to Pitchbook.
When the pandemic hit, ezCater cut costs and stuck to its original strategy. According to the Boston Globe, "the pandemic emptied out many of its clients' workplaces" to which ezCater responded by cutting over 400 people -- about half its workforce.
EzCater -- which had launched a TV ad campaign touting free food as a better benefit for workers than a water slide -- did not pivot in response to the pandemic. The company stuck with its strengths of delivering food to workers at the office -- rather than at home where it would have faced competition from GrubHub, Uber Eats and Doordash, noted BBJ.
In effect, ezCater decided to wait out the pandemic -- which looked to the company like a good idea in July when vaccinations seemed to be slowing the spread of Covid-19. Back then it looked like companies would encourage employees to return to the office by the end of the summer which would likely revive demand for its services.
In July, ezCater planned to increase its headcount by 50 percent to 600 to meet an anticipated burst in demand as workers returned to the office. Sadly, the Delta variant boosted Covid-19 cases 6.4-fold between Memorial Day and Labor Day to 160,000 a day, noted the Boston Globe.
Return to the office en masse is in limbo. For example, in May, 62 percent of Manhattan office workers expected to return to the office by September -- far above the actual 23 percent reported by the Wall Street Journal.
This raises difficult questions for ezCater: When will most people to return to work in the office? Will ezCater remain independent or, as Pitchbook wrote, is it "likely" to be acquired?
This tale of two food tech startups offers two lessons for leaders: it's really hard to pivot to a new group of customers and maintaining your pre-pandemic strategy may not outlast your cash reserves.


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…during the recent economic slump, more Americans have started businesses than at any time in the past 15 years, according to the Kauffman Foundation. The Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity, an indicator of new business creation in the U.S.,shows that .34 percent of American adults created a business per month (or 565,000 new businesses) in 2010. That’s not entirely surprising given the state of the economy: Entrepreneurship is often a choice for people who were laid off and can’t find work.
We are seeing more one-person shops starting kit businesses as well lately.Related
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