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Huawei Technologies Co will begin assembling phones in India with manufacturing partner Flextronics International Ltd, establishing a beachhead in the world's fastest-growing smartphone arena.
The Chinese company expects to have Flex put together its first gadgets starting October, Jay Chen, the chief executive for Huawei's Indian business, told reporters at a news conference.
Huawei, the world's third largest smartphone maker, joins rivals from Samsung Electronics Co and Apple Inc in targeting one of the few markets still rapidly expanding as global demand stagnates. But intense competition between market leader Samsung and Chinese names such as Xiaomi Corp and Lenovo Group Ltd has begun to depress margins. Grabbing a solid share of India, however, could further Huawei's stated ambition of displacing Apple and Samsung to become the world's top maker of phones.
India, the world's second-largest smartphone market, is on the cusp of a phone manufacturing boom spurred by the government's "Make in India" drive. Huawei joins a growing list of foreign names, from Xiaomi to Lenovo, now getting their phones put together in the country. For now, however, that mainly consists of assembling semi-knocked-down phone kits rather than the end-to-end manufacturing that China's known for.
Chinese companies in particular have been keen to set up shops in India, as growth at home slows. Before Huawei, LeEco was the most recent to get in on the act, contracting a facility to assemble 60,000 phones a month, rising eventually to 200,000.
More than two-thirds of the smartphones shipped in the first quarter of 2016 were assembled in India, said Jaipal Singh, a market analyst for client devices at researcher IDC.
Vendors who are currently assembling phones are likely to start manufacturing components like batteries, chargers and data cables with tax incentives offered by the federal and regional governments, IDC said in a report.
Huawei has emerged in past years as China's leader in high-end phones, eschewing the lower-end models that rivals like Oppo and Vivo favor. Founded in 1987 by former army engineer Ren Zhengfei, Huawei used its business of selling networking gear to bankroll its initial foray into premium phones. It's among a crop of Chinese smartphone vendors now steadily draining market share from Samsung and Apple globally.


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McDonald's Corporation News
McDonald's Make a Surprising Breakfast Menu Change
The fast-food giant rarely tweaks its morning menu, but it's making two big additions as potentially an answer to a huge Wendy's move.
McDonald's Makes Curious Menu Choices to Rival Burger King, Wendy's
The fast-food giant has three new ideas including one that gets a little freaky.
Pusha T Has a Beef With McDonald's to Sell Arby's New Sandwich
Arby's has the meats and it's trying to use the rapper to incite a social media war with McDonald's.
McDonald's May Bring Back a Beloved Blast From its Past
The creator of the Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets (not to mention the McRib) appears to be more open to bringing back its past hits these days.
McDonald's Menu Adds a Bizarre New Seasonal Burger
The creator of the Big Mac has something very different that you would never expect on one of its menus.
Beyond Meat Stock Slides As COO Suspended Following Weekend Arrest For Alleged 'Nose Biting' Incident
"Doug Ramsey, chief operating officer, has been suspended effective immediately,' Beyond Meat said in a brief statement late Tuesday.
Ford Has Some Bad News for Car Buyers and the Economy
Automaker Ford Motor joins the list of companies hurt by the inflation-ridden economy.
Illumina's Singapore Tax Holiday is About to Expire
The DNA sequencing giant generated over 10% of its diluted earnings per share in 2021 from a tax holiday.
Oil Volatility Returns, Pushing Gasoline Prices Higher
The 14-week decline in gasoline prices ended while two million people in Florida are still without power.
New Electric Vehicle Beats Tesla When it Comes to the Environment
A new EV would radically change how cars are made and that could be a threat to the market leader.
House Prices Fall as Rate Hikes Push Buyers to Sidelines
Soaring mortgage rates and elevated home prices have deterred buyers, forcing sellers to lower their expectations.

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From Chrysler to KAMP: How to turn a demolished Chrysler plant into an asset
Last summer UD4U hosted an international ideas competition for a 107 acre site in the middle of Kenosha, WI, which used to be home to one of Chrysler’s largest engine plants, until the recession. The competition was used to help raise awareness about the site and show the wide range of possibilities that the site holds. There were a large number of entries and the winners can be seen on their website www.udforu.com.
The city now owns the site and is currently undergoing the remediation process, which is expected to take a total of 5 years. UD4U also just recently released their own proposal for the site, which comprises of turning the site into an advanced manufacturing district and incubator, titled KAMP (Kenosha Advanced Manufacturing Project).
K.A.M.P. is a brand new manufacturing/business education program and incubator. It leverages the vast resources, knowledge and talent, of the currently disconnected universities in Kenosha, into one centralized location that can be enjoyed by the community as well as help it grow. Come see why, very soon, everyone will be saying a phrase they haven't said since they were kids…“I can't wait to go to KAMP!“
KAMP is the combination of education, manufacturing, community, and health. These four elements also happen to be the core of what makes up Kenosha as well. Even though manufacturing, statistically, has dropped significantly in the city, this site's history is the primary reason as to why.
UD4U hopes to be able to bring that manufacturing business back to the site and the city, except this time in an even more advanced and well thought out way, which will ensure that what is created isn't temporary and will help Kenosha grow, expand, and prosper for decades to come.
It is their hope that KAMP will become a major selling point for the city, allowing it to attract top students and professors from around the country, as well as businesses and investors who want to be a part of the exciting new ideas coming out of the site.
To explore the entire proposal, just click the link below.


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Low and no alcohol beer is becoming more acceptable with 59 percent of respondents having said that they had tried some form of low or no alcohol beer. The survey which was conducted by Carlsbery UK studied the drinking habits of 2000 adults. The poll also revealed that 52 percent of UK adults agreed that low/no alcohol beer had become more socially acceptable over the last two years. 28 percent of respondents also stated that they would consider drinking an alcohol-free beer as an alternative to alcohol while 26 percent said that they would rather drink it instead of a soft drink.
With more health-conscious consumers, a number of drinkers are reducing their alcoholic drinking habits. Millennials are pushing the trend with 70 percent having said that they would enjoy an alcohol-free beer.


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COVID-19 is proving to be a formidable foe. The pandemic it has brought about has caused many future projects and plans to be put on hold indefinitely. These things we’ve been looking forward to, such as upcoming games and movies, have been postponed indefinitely. Why then does the team at COBA still persist?
Based on what has been shown so far from COBA, the game couldn’t have picked a better time to start letting the world know of its existence. Although its release is still a ways off, what the team and game promises is a glimmer of hope for what people need most: an escape and a way to earn.
First, it’s placed the game’s foundations in cryptocurrency. It’s a currency that is not dictated by the standard oil market or cash-based economies, which have shown to not withstand pandemics such as the one we’re currently facing. Through this foundation, we can see that COBA is a product that will withstand any type of crisis.
Aside from its cryptocurrency foundation, COBA is establishing itself as a phenomenal game. The game falls under the MOBA genre, which is a genre that is in much need of competition and variation. Games, such as League of Legends and Dota 2, are more than overdue for another player to stir up the market that they’ve been monopolizing for years. The glimpses and snippets of gameplay we’ve seen from COBA prove that the two MOBA giants aren’t the only ones who can make a great game in the genre.
These first two aspects of COBA are already enough to make a product great and provide consumers the escape they need from the terrible events of COVID-19. The team, however, are going a step further and providing one more thing that many entertainment products don’t: play-to-earn.
Play-to-earn is something you don’t hear at all within gaming. Gamers are more familiar with free-to-play, which many times translates to pay-to-play and has caused people to stay clear of those types of games. COBA is different and instead flips things on its head by not taking from the player, but giving back instead. This is, in our opinion, the biggest draw and what makes the game the perfect product for what the world has become due to COVID-19.
COBA is a game that we’re excited to experience, and the team is continuously providing updates on the game’s status. From its sturdy foundation in crypto to the game’s ferocious nature in challenging the status quo, COBA is going to make a huge splash and one that will send waves throughout the industry.
For more on COBA and the team, visit the following links:
Email: [email protected]


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Big news in the world of Mortal Kombat 11: the gory fighting game is getting a story expansion – a first for a NetherRealm title – and three new playable characters, one of which is RoboCop.
Yes, RoboCop. From the movies. Complete with Peter Weller’s voice and likeness. In a preview call with Eurogamer this week, Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon called RoboCop’s addition to the game “kind of like the bookend to the Terminator with the 80s action movie stars”.
First up, the story expansion. It’s called Aftermath, and it’s due out 26th May digitally for all versions of the game, including Nintendo Switch and Stadia.


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With a surprisingly good third quarter 2019 earnings report, Duluth Holdings (DLTH -2.15%) stock rang up 24.5% gains Thursday on the result. The lifestyle brand has had a brutal year, with the pains of expansion rocking the retail company's bottom line. The third quarter marks a drastic change to that story.
With decent guidance for the year indicating shares aren't overly expensive, now might be the time to start looking at Duluth as an investment.
An improved bottom line in the third quarter
Duluth continues to scale its business and managed to improve the bottom line in the process, bucking the trends that have marred the first half of the year. Progress seemed balanced across different areas of the business, with net sales growth derived from 24.1% year-over-year growth in retail and a 2.9% bump in direct-to-consumer sales. The company noted that there was strength shown in both men's and women's product lines. Among the other results:
- Net sales had a 12.2% gain year over year to $119.8 million.
- Gross margins did take a hit, declining by 250 basis points to 54.6%, but the company shifted from an operating loss in Q3 2018 to positive operating income of $1.3 million this year.
- Duluth Holdings brought in $0.2 million in net income vs. $3.2 million in losses last year.
- The earnings were marginal at $0.01 per diluted share, but it is still a move in the right direction for the company and exceeded estimates of losses of $0.04 per share.
Things have improved a lot since Duluth endured a $7.6 million loss in the first quarter of 2019. Duluth provided full-year guidance for sales of $610 million to $620 million. Earnings per share are forecast to be in the range of $0.60 to $0.66 per diluted share. That would conservatively give the stock a forward P/E ratio of roughly 16 times full-year earnings guidance.
The stock needs some strong fourth-quarter results to help investors move past its painful start to 2019. The holiday season seems primed to do that. Founder and CEO Stephen Schlecht was quoted in the earnings release, stating, "Our entire team has been hard at work to set the stage for the all-important holiday shopping season and I believe we entered the fourth quarter better prepared to serve our customers than any time in the last two years."
Overall, there seems to be some positive sentiment this holiday season, as consumer strength remained strong through the third quarter. Big retail names like Walmart and Target reported strong comp sales, indicating consumer spending is still there. Given the rate at which Duluth is managing to drive its revenue growth, I think the company can bring in some of that consumer demand. The big question will be how it manages its expenses. That was the big problem with the first quarter. The company created strong net sales gains of 14%, but selling, general, and administrative expenses got out of hand. Based on the way Duluth Holdings has managed itself since then, I think the company has learned its lesson.
I like what Duluth did in the third quarter. The surprise might even suggest more good news in the holiday quarter. The stock lost over 60% of its value this year, which is partly the reason for the 25% rally post-earnings. Despite the big run, there's still room for stock price improvement if the fourth quarter can deliver the way the third did.


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INFOGRAPHICS: September 2019 FVREB Fraser Valley, South Surrey, Etc. Market Reports
As the weather cools down, the FVREB market is warming up! Here are this month’s market updates for the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB).
As noted in their most recent market report, FVREB has announced that property sales in Fraser Valley have recovered, bringing the market into balance.
For the third straight month, home sales in the Fraser Valley surpassed 2018 levels bringing the market back in line with long-term averages.
The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,343 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September, a 3.5% increase compared to sales in August 2019, and a 29.8% increase compared to the 1,035 sales in September of last year.
There were 7,946 active listings available in the Fraser Valley at the end of September, an increase of 3.9% compared to September of last year and a decrease of 1.2% compared to August 2019. The Board received 2,769 new listings in September, a 17.5% increase compared to August 2019’s intake of 2,357 new listings and a 6% decrease compared to September of last year.
As noted by Darin Germyn, President of the Board,
“The market’s return to balance is good news for both buyers and sellers, however it’s important to put the 30% year-over-year increase in sales into context. September’s sales went from amongst the worst in 10 years to just above our 10-year average.
“Home prices are still dropping compared to a year ago, but on a month-to-month basis, prices are moderating because supply is shrinking. Our incoming supply of new listings has dropped consistently for the last four months pushing our total inventory in the Fraser Valley to the lowest it’s been since April, which has had an impact on prices.
Financing is still a challenge for many clients, but fortunately in a balanced market like this, REALTORS® have the time to work with clients and advise them of the best strategies for them, whether they are buying or selling.”
The following data is a comparison between September 2018 and September 2019 numbers, and is current as of October 2019. For last month’s report, check out our previous infographic!
These infographics cover current trends in Fraser Valley neighbourhoods that are within the FVREB.
Click on the images for a larger view!
(Protip: Make sure to grab the printable PDF version, too! It fits best when printed on A4-sized sheets, AND we’ve added an area on the sheet where you can attach your business card! 🙂 )


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With ratings starting to improve under its revitalization plan focusing on a core group of six networks, Viacom Inc. posted sequential domestic advertising improvement during its third fiscal quarter and would have moved into positive territory for the period if it had not decided to reduce inventory loads.
CFO Wade Davis told analysts on the company’s earnings call Aug. 3 that advertising sales in the U.S. declined 2% during the third quarter of its fiscal 2017, ended June 30. That marked improvement from a 4% decline during the second quarter.
Viacom made the decision to reduce the ad load at a number of its networks as a means to improve advertiser and viewer experiences with the networks. Advertising sales, Davis said, would have grown at a 1% rate in the period without the reduction, resulting in a 3-point swing in the period. Davis said the company anticipates similar results with domestic advertising in the fourth quarter.
Viacom President and CEO Bob Bakish said the company's push to devote more resources around six flagship brands — Nickelodeon/Nick At Nite (US), Nick Jr. (US), BET (US), Comedy Central (US), MTV (US) and Paramount Network, which will be converted from Spike (US) in January — is producing ratings gains and that more new programming is on tap. He noted that the time frame for turning around TV networks, relative to adding more original fare, is typically a one-year window. Over time, he said the “ad flow will follow.”
Bakish said he was pleased with Viacom’s upfront sales, which are about 95% complete and have yielded volume gains and pricing increases in the mid-to-high single digits. He noted that advertisers reacted positively to the upcoming commitment to more high-quality original fare for Paramount, which will morph from the male-skewing Spike, to more of a general-entertainment service. He also said that advertisers favored the new direction at MTV that is in part featuring more of an emphasis on music, as evidenced by the reboot of the "Total Request Live" franchise on linear and digital platforms this fall.
On the distribution watch, Bakish said flexibility and different offerings are key. "The ship has sailed on everyone having a $100 bundle," he said, pointing out that many consumers prefer lower price options – maybe even under $40. "Low-priced entertainment packets will become a reality" and that will be beneficial to Viacom.
Meanwhile, the company continues to negotiate with Charter Communications Inc., seeking a resolution to a move by the operator that has positioned Viacom services on a higher priced tier.
Bakish doesn't believe suing a big affiliate is the way to solve problems. "A better way to solve is through engagement and exploring ways we can create value together. That's what we are focused on," he said, noting that a resolution isn't likely to come until the parties reach a new renewal pact. Davis said that while the company is very focused on finding a way to bridge the gap, Viacom reserves the right to address the matter legally.
During its third fiscal quarter that ended June 30, Viacom saw total revenues improve 8.3% to $3.36 billion from nearly $3.11 billion in the prior-year period, reflective of growth across its media networks and filmed entertainment segments.
Media networks revenues grew 2% year over year to $2.56 billion in the quarter, buoyed by affiliate revenues, which improved 4% to $1.19 billion and advertising revenues, up 2% to $1.24 billion. Domestic revenues were substantially flat at $2.04 billion, while international revenues rose 8% to $522 million. Excluding foreign exchange, which had a 5-percentage point unfavorable impact, international revenues increased 13% in the quarter, primarily driven by the acquisition of Telefe.
Domestically, affiliate revenues increased 4% to $1.01 billion, principally reflecting higher revenues from subscription video on demand deals and other over-the-top agreements, as well as rate increases, partially offset by a decline in subscribers. International affiliate revenues increased 1% to $178 million.
Domestic advertising revenues declined 2% to $955 million, reflecting pricing gains that were blunted by lower impressions. As mentioned, domestic ad revenues would have improved 1% in the period, if the company had not made the decision to reduce ad load at its networks. International advertising revenues grew 14% to $280 million in the quarter.
Operating income decreased 3% to $746 million from $769 million, with results shaped by restructuring and programming charges of $59 million, tied largely to the execution of strategic initiatives at Paramount. Adjusted operating income rose 5% to $805 million from $769 million.
Viacom reported a 58.1% year-over-year gain in fiscal third-quarter net income attributable to the company to $683.0 million, or $1.70 per share, from net income of $432.0 million, or $1.09 per share. Results benefited from a $285 million gain on the sale of the company’s 49.8% stake in premium programmer EPIX (US).
The third-quarter S&P Capital IQ consensus estimate was $1.05 on a normalized basis and $1.11 on a GAAP basis.


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The Facebook Smart Speaker was supposed to launch some time in May. The company recently delayed the launch of the device after the Cambridge Analytica data scandal which saw Facebook’ CEO Mark Zuckerberg answering questions in the US Congress.
Now it would appear that the company has delayed the device until some time in October, this news comes from the supply chain that is providing parts for the device.
Facebook has originally planned to launch their smart speaker in May, the company will now launch the device much later in the year. There are apparently two different models in the range, one with the code name Fiona and the other Aloha.
Both of these Facebook Smart Speakers are said to feature a 15 inch display, the Aloha device will apparently be the more expensive device of the two as it will feature an adjustable display.
It will be interesting to see if these devices become popular, will people really want a Facebook Speaker in their home listening to what they have to say after Facebook’s recent data scandal.
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We are thrilled and truly honored to announce that the International Spa Association (ISPA) has chosen Eminence President, Boldijarre Koronczay, for the 2015 Visionary Award. As one of the most prestigious awards in the skin care industry, this accolade is presented each year to an industry notable who has made major contributions to health and wellness over the lifetime of their career. For Boldijarre - and for everyone who works at Eminence - the award represents recognition of our mission to enhance the well-being of all our customers naturally.
Eminence Organic Skin Care was built on half a century of Hungarian herbal craftsmanship and our belief that natural and organic heals. Boldijarre’s part of the story began at age five when he was diagnosed with leukemia and given only a slim chance for survival. His mother and grandmother, both estheticians, nurtured his health by only allowing him organic foods and natural products handcrafted by their family business. His extraordinary survival marked the beginning of his passion for organic living and the drive to bring this awareness to the skin care industry.
After rigorous training in Hungary to become an esthetician, Boldijarre set his sights on spreading his message on organic living and skin care to North America. In 1998, with little means, Boldijarre and his brother Attila moved the family company to Vancouver and built it from the ground up with countless pitches and miles travelled. “I have dedicated my entire life to the spa industry and the organic movement – before organic was ‘mainstream’,” says Boldijarre. “This is the moment where I can reflect and honestly say that all of the late nights, sacrifices, uphill battles and thousands of miles spent on the road each year have been truly worth every second.”
Through decades of hard work, Boldijarre took Eminence from a locally-grown family company and expanded it into over 40 countries and reaching millions worldwide, while still maintaining quality organic ingredients and products. At this moment of reflecting on accomplishment, we feel sincerely honored by ISPA’s presentation of this year’s Visionary Award to Boldijarre.
Thank you to all our partners and customers who have supported us over the years, and we look forward to continue providing extraordinary products and extraordinary service!


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Please don't cook chicken in NyQuil, the FDA asks TikTok users
Cooking chicken in NyQuil cold medicine doesn't sound very appetizing — and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration wants you to know that it's definitely not safe, either.
The agency has issued a warningabout videos that have surfaced on TikTok challenging people to cook chicken in NyQuil, which contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan and doxylamine, or similar over-the-counter cough and cold medications, according to the FDA.
"Boiling a medication can make it much more concentrated and change its properties in other ways," the warning said. "Even if you don't eat the chicken, inhaling the medication's vapors while cooking could cause high levels of the drugs to enter your body. It could also hurt your lungs."
TikTok has already slapped a warning on the the challenge, known as #sleepychicken. When searching for related videos on TikTok, users are greeted with a message: "Some online challenges can be dangerous, disturbing, or even fabricated. Learn how to recognize harmful challenges so you can protect your health and well-being."
NyQuil chicken was supposed to be a joke
Although #sleepychicken has recently taken off on TikTok, the image of NyQuil-soaked chicken has been floating around the internet for years. In 2017, Twitter user Tristan Depew tweeted out an image of chicken in NyQuil. The tweet was a joke, and there was not an intention of eating the chicken or asking others to do the same, Depew told NPR.
"I have seen it on TikTok, which is a bit more concerning because the audience of my original tweet — which I do think started it all — is notably older," Depew said. "There is something to be said about the concern that the children over on TikTok might not treat this with as much caution."
"Personally, seeing that this was only now addressed over five years later, it's just another example of the FDA's dangerous lack of urgency and oversight when it comes to the public's health and well-being," Depew said.
When reached for a comment regarding the FDA's warning, Procter & Gamble issued the following statement.
At P&G, consumer safety is our number one priority, and we do not endorse any inappropriate use of our product. NyQuil is an over the counter medication that treats nighttime symptoms of the common cold and flu. It should only be taken as directed using the dosage cup provided (Adults and Children 12 years and over: 30mL every 6 hours), not to exceed (4) doses per 24 hours
Harmful eating challenges like #sleepychicken follow previous dangerous trends, such as 2018's Tide Pod challenge and the Cinnamon Challenge, which peaked in 2012.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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Art historian turned curator turned environmental trendsetter, Renny Ramakers has put a different kind of green conscience into design with UP, the Dutch innovator’s latest venture. Initiated by Droog, a firm she cofounded that took the design world by storm, UP is a collaborative effort among companies to cut down on waste by using surplus materials to create new goods. The movement’s many partners have created a rapidly growing line of chic “leftover” products from dead-stock items repurposed in inventive ways.
“It is one of the best kept secrets: everyday, tonnes of sellable products are recycled or simply destroyed worldwide, resulting in an unacceptable loss of material and energy. Recycling in practice is down-cycling; many recycled materials are processed into inferior products,” (Renny Ramakers, October 2011).


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Seoul Launches Special Tourist Zone Recovery Project
The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) is putting in an effort to revitalize major tourist zones in downtown Seoul, which are suffering from the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
The SMG and the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) will be pursuing the Special Tourist Zone Recovery Project to revitalize stagnant special tourist zones with discount sales of gift certificates exclusively for the special zones and social media promotion marketing.
The special tourist zones comprise Cheonggye (Jongno-gu), Myeong-dong (Jung-gu), Dongdaemun (Dongdaemun-gu), Itaewon (Yongsan-gu), Jamsil (Songpa-gu), and MICE (Gangnam-gu) areas.
First, gift certificates only for the special tourist zones will be issued to increase consumer spending and small businesses’ sales. They will be sold at half price starting at 10 AM on Mon, May 17. You can use the gift certificate at Zero Pay member stores within the five aforementioned zones.
You can purchase gift certificates of up to KRW 50,000 at 50% discount on mobile payment apps that accept Zero Pay. The gift certificates are valid until the end of November. Note, however, that gift certificate discounts will last until the budget is exhausted. For more information, visit the SMG (www.seoul.go.kr) or Zero Pay (www.zeropay.or.kr) websites.
Moreover, a KRW 10,000 payback event will be held starting in June to induce users to revisit the special tourist zones. Of those who visited one of the special tourist zones and made a purchase of more than KRW 20,000 with a gift certificate, up to 5,000 people will be eligible to receive payback benefits on a first-come, first-served basis.
Furthermore, the SMG will upload its promotional video “Play with Seoul” featuring Norazo and GHOST9 on YouTube (channels: I·SEOUL·U, VisitSeoul TV) to promote the special tourist zones, including Myeong-dong, Itaewon and Dongdaemun, and show the various attractions they have to offer, such as shopping, food and fashion, under the overarching theme of Seoul
Source: Seoul metropolitan government


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ZF, a global auto component major, announced to increase its holding in Rane TRW Steering Systems to become the majority shareholder in the company.
Rane TRW Steering Systems is a 50-50 joint-venture between ZF and Rane Group. ZF has now increased its holding to 51 per cent.
The joint venture, which will now operate under the name ZF Rane Automotive India ZF, is a leading global technology company supplying systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology.
Following the update, Rane (Madras) zoomed 19 per cent to Rs 428 on Thursday but traded at Rs 422 at 9.20 am. The scrip had settled at Rs 360.95 on Wednesday.
Rane Holdings rallied over 13 per cent to Rs 678.30 on Thursday. However it pared some gains to trade at Rs 658.20 at the same time. It ended Wednesday's session at Rs 600.05.
BSE barometer and benchmark index Sensex was trading flat, up by 8.36 points, at 57,814.85 at the time of writing this report.
Another Rane Group's listed entity, Rane Brake Lining, rallied 8 per cent to Rs 878.45 before trimming some of its gains to Rs 858.55.
Rane TRW Steering Systems was founded in 1987 by Rane and TRW to produce steering systems for commercial vehicles. In 1997, the company added occupant protection systems for passenger cars.
The two partners opened the new occupant protection systems plant in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, in 2019. ZF operations in India are through three subsidiaries, four joint venture partners and eight engineering centers.
With a strong presence that has steadily grown to 18 manufacturing locations across India, ZF also provides a wide range of spare parts for automotive products, according to a release.
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- Indices hit Fresh Highs on Strong Liquidity Flows
Indian equities surged to fresh records on Wednesday as a spurt in the last half hour of trade helped the Sensex surpass 63,000 for the first time.Vi in Talks with SBI for up to ₹16,000-Cr Loan
Cash-strapped Vodafone Idea (Vi) has dialled State Bank of India (SBI) for a ₹15,000-16,000 crore loan to meet its immediate 4G capex needs, fund gear supply contracts for its pending 5G rollout and to clear some sizeable vendor dues, three people aware of the matter said.China Stir may Infect Key Sectors in India
The widespread protests in China against the strict restrictions under its zero Covid policy and the spreading pandemic could impact India’s consumer electronics, gold, diamonds, and engineering goods sectors, industry executives said.
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DETROIT — General Motors says it expects pretax earnings and profit margins to increase this year over last, after adjusting last year for recall costs.
The company also predicts improved automotive results in all of its regions. It gave no specific numbers. GM is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter and 2014 earnings on Feb. 4.
GM also reiterated 2016 financial targets of 10 percent pretax profit margins in North America and a return to profitability in Europe. It also expects to maintain strong profit margins in China. Profit margin is the percentage of revenue that a company gets to keep.
The company expects 9 percent to 10 percent profit margins overall by early next decade. GM made the predictions at a Deutsche Bank conference for analysts in Detroit.
GM sets global sales record, but is behind Volkswagen
GM issued 84 recalls last year covering more than 30 million vehicles in North America, costing the company more than $2.8 billion. The spate of recalls began with faulty small-car ignition switches that are responsible for at least 45 deaths and 68 injuries. GM acknowledged knowing about the bad switches for more than a decade, yet it didn’t start recalling the cars until early 2014.
CEO Mary Barra told the conference that the company didn’t do everything perfectly on the recalls, but said it now has permanent systems, processes and behavior changes in place to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
GM plans to reach its goals by leading in product and technology, expanding the Chevrolet and Cadillac brands globally and continuing to grow in China.
Company President Dan Ammann told the conference the company plans numerous new products during the next couple of years, including top-selling models such as the Chevrolet Cruze compact car, Chevy Malibu midsize car and Chevrolet Equinox small crossover SUV.
The company has 27 new models coming globally this year, and 38 in each of 2016 and 2017, he said.
“All major-volume entries get all-new models the next couple of years,” Ammann said.
BY TOM KRISHER, AP Auto Writer


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The National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) has just released its 2015 Wear It! Campaign Awareness Research results, concluding that the yearlong North American Safe Boating Campaign (Wear It!) continues to increase the awareness of safe boating behavior among recreational boaters since the NSBC began conducting research in 2013. The NSBC utilizes and relies on its... Read More
Many boaters will hit the water this Labor Day weekend to enjoy the last holiday weekend of summer. Shaw Grigsby, legendary pro angler and spokesperson for the Wear It! annual boating safety campaign, reminds boaters to take a few extra minutes to make sure everyone on board is wearing a life jacket and boats responsibly.... Read More
Promote Wear It! and make a difference in your community.


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What do experts think of the government’s idea to double the MOT test interval to every two years?
According to fleet manages and industry experts, it’s an ‘irresponsible’ idea which could lead to unsafe vehicles on the road.
Last month, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps suggested reducing the need for an MOT test to every two years, rather than one, in order to cut household costs.
An MOT costs a maximum of £54.85, although many garages offer tests for less than this. Cars older than three years require annual testing, with exemptions for classic models.
Even though this potential change could help deal with the rising cost of living, experts say it isn’t a safe idea. Around 40% of cars fail their MOT test at the first attempt, and industry experts warn a two-year MOT interval could result in unsafe vehicles being driven on the road.
Peter Golding, managing director of FleetCheck, said: “The MOT test plays an essential role in ensuring that vehicles such as these remain in a roadworthy condition and, in our opinion, it is simply irresponsible to consider a switch to two years.”
He added: “In my previous life, I owned and managed commercial garage workshops and it is no exaggeration to say that I have seen hundreds of unsafe vehicles kept off the road by the annual MOT test.
“A lot of degradation of a vehicle can and does happen in a year between MOTs, and the idea that it is safe to double this time to protect motorists from rising costs is a falsehood that can only compromise road safety.”
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has also criticised the idea.
“The industry shares the widespread concern over rising prices and the squeeze on household incomes.
“Safety, however, must always come first and, whilst today’s vehicles are more reliable than ever, regular MOTs ensure safety-critical components such as brakes and tyres, which wear out as a result of normal operation, are properly inspected and maintained.
He added: “Stretching MOT intervals will undermine the safety net at a time when vehicle miles driven are increasing. To ensure the safety of our roads, drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users, inspections and maintenance must be carried out annually following their first presentation in year three.”
70% of women believe they have been overcharged by garages purely because they are female. Read more.


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Poking Fun at Local Video
There has been lots of talk about local merchant video ads this year, a trend pushed forward in the most meaningful way by Citysearch’s May integration of video ads. We’ve also seen every major U.S. IYP do the same this year, in various ways.
As we’ve mentioned many times, this brings video advertising within the grasp of many SMBs, as it’s always been of interest, but cost prohibitive on cable. Economics aside, part of the ecosystem that is developing around online video also involves a rising quality standard pushed by online video vendors such as TurnHere and EZ Show.
But no one can forget the cheesy do-it-yourself local video ads we’ve traditionally seen on late night cable, usually involving a proprietor and a shaky camcorder. These aren’t going away, but lower cost, higher quality videos from the new wave of online video vendors will soon make them something of a throwback.
A small outfit called Bloodshot Records parodies this classic form of advertising in a short video clip (at least it appears they’re not being serious). Check it out here.
This Post Has 3 Comments
I work at Fave Media, a Chicago-based local search engine that features videos for all of our small business advertisers (www.getfave.com). Even in the early stages of our company, we have seen first hand how local business is attracted to online video. We have local businesses with no websites who have produced online videos for our site. Because we have historically done all of our video production in-house, we see the cost of high quality video production as relatively low. Because we are a Chicago-only site that is far removed from Madison Avenue and Silicon Valley, I would love to know what folks think of the site.
Sounds interesting. I’ll check it out and we can take the rest of the convo offline.
Hi Mike, Jon, CEO of Fave here. What do you think of our new site? We’ve launched nationally and are setting a new standard for local business video. Give me a shout sometime, we are combining relevance of advertising and web video in a unique way.


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January is almost over, and Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. That is why Snapchat publishes “Love is on the Brain.” It is the latest insight report about snap chatters’ engagement and trends. After the launch of an AR shopping gallery and new ways to Snap last Christmas holiday, here’ are new ways to market for the upcoming love day.
Love is on the Brain shows that snap chatters can’t wait to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Around 82% of Snapchat users are planning to connect to their loved ones on that special day. Even those without a date can expect Valentine’s snap.
Love is on the Brain features what snap chatters chat about during Valentine. It also highlights opportunities for marketers to take advantage of before the infatuation phase is over.
- AR try-on lenses can drive a 7.9x return on ad spend.
- Stories post using AR lenses can increase engagement by 65%.
- Marketers can use interactive AR Lenses campaigns like cupid arrows, heartstrings, red lips, roses, and other relevant stuff to drive conversion.
Together with the encouragement of sponsored lens campaigns, Snapchat mentioned some case study examples.
Snapchat publishes “Love is on the Brain” on 20 January 2022.
Implications for Marketers:
Snapchat’s “Love is on the Brain” can provide inspiration and tips for marketers in their upcoming Valentine’s Day campaigns.


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Digital retail lessons from the US
Chip Perry, Auto Trader
Car dealers in the UK could learn from their American colleagues, according to Chip Perry, who established America’s Autotrader.com brand in 1997 and now sits as a non-executive board member of Auto Trader in the UK.
US dealers are now advertising unregistered new cars online, often showing an asking price that varies from the manufacturer’s list price.
Perry said there is at least 90 days of unregistered inventory available for consumers at US showrooms. There is more transparency around pricing – consumers can see online the average price paid for a new car – and the dealer invoice price has been available to consumers since 1996.
Despite dealers’ fears about the consumer having such information, US dealers’ profitability has not suffered, he showed delegates. There is also more transparency of part-exchange pricing online, and major US dealers are embracing digital retailing – to make their own websites transparent and convenient to consumers, and to allow online consumers to create their desired deal and print it out to take to the dealership. Behind this, the dealers’ profits are secured.
“You might say all this transparency is evil. Actually, done right it gives the consumer a sense of control and a greater sense of convenience in the process,” Perry said.
When Perry established Autotrader.com in 1998, he said 80% of consumers would make an enquiry by phone and 20% by email. Today, 69% of consumers walk into the showroom without an appointment, but knowing what car they want. Only 11% email and 20% call ahead.
Consumers use two key webpages on classified websites – they shortlist from the search results page and make a decision from the full page advertisement (FPA).
“It’s possible for a dealer who has 20 cars to have the same FPA views as someone with 100 cars – it’s about marketing your cars well; excellent photos, offering in-demand cars, competitive price and a solid description. The average car in England receives eight FPA views,” Perry said. “The more FPAs the more cars you’ll sell.”
Consumers are discovering dealers from those FPA views.
“Data shows that half of a dealer’s website traffic is generated by Google, but 40% of those visits included the dealer’s name in the search phrase – people are jumping off AutoTrader and searching for the dealer,” Perry said. “Google is the new Yellow Pages.”
Promotions and compliance - how to harness F&I in the digital world
Social Advisors’ managing director Simon Ryan
With the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) monitoring compliance in finance and insurance promotions, dealers need to record everything they do in social media, said Simon Ryan.
While the FCA does not yet stipulate this, Ryan said someone will eventually query a finance promotion dealers have put on Facebook and if a dealer cannot find a record of it, there will be concern.
The FCA’s primary concern is content, and the main mantra is about being fair, clear and not misleading – this must translate to your social media.
He said digital promotions must emphasise the risks as well as the benefits – for example, that a longer finance term may mean the consumer pays more interest.
“Don’t obscure important information statements or warnings. Consumers are more likely to trust you if you make the warnings clear.”
In the mortgage sector, no promotion can go ahead without saying the home is at risk if the consumer fails to keep up payments, he pointed out.
Content must also avoid jargon or unverifiable claims.
Ryan also spoke of his recent work with Luscombe Motors on its social media strategy to grow followers by 15% and increase engagement and reach. The two-month campaign included posting about events of interest to the local community, unique blog posts with balanced content and no sales pitches, videos, and tips such as on preparing a car for winter, Christmas shopping in Leeds and drink-driving warnings, which local pubs and bars retweeted.
Ryan calculated the activity resulted in three quarters of a million people seeing the Luscombe brand, and website visitor numbers rose by 30%, with almost 20,000 new visitors.
Joined-up digital marketing
Alex Brown, head of digital marketing and platforms, HR Owen
Luxury car dealer HR Owen is using digital marketing to get around the expensive constraints of operating from properties in London. Alex Brown said a downside to operating in London is that expanding showroom space is expensive, which means digital has to be the group’s forecourt. As such, it is heavily engaged in web optimisation, social media and electronic CRM.
HR Owen represents brands including Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini, all of which have clear appeal to car enthusiasts. However, it also needs its own brand to shine through to prospective customers, which is why it produces a free customer iPad magazine, Drive, and it publishes original content on its webpages and social channels for every make and model it sells.
Brown said HR Owen is using digital to communicate that it has more to offer than a list of stock, car specs and manufacturer-created materials.
“When we take manufacturer materials and put them online there’s relatively little value in them, because customers have seen them before and Google has seen them before and it’s not original content. Original content is better for SEO and for customers because it’s simply more interesting.”
Some of the original content is also generated by dealership events.
“If it’s worth doing an event, it’s worth the extra effort in putting it online, as it all counts for SEO signals and if it gets shared or liked, the business may get a customer out of it,” Brown said.
Lots of social media is created at dealership level with locally relevant, interesting content, such as customers picking up new cars, customised Lamborghinis, rare classic cars coming into stock, or celebrity customers with their cars. The group is up to 50,000 Facebook likes.
Brown said the aim is to dominate organic SEO results on Google’s first page for key search terms. HR Owen’s organic traffic has tripled in the past three years to become the single largest source of enquiries.
Brown said increased web traffic doesn’t equate to increased sales, as some visitors will be enthusiasts or children dreaming about supercars, but there is a correlation to calls.
“I think that audience of people just helps in terms of clicks, shares and engagement, so when it comes to trying to catch the people who are genuine customers you rank more highly and you’re more likely to catch those people and get their calls.”
Aftersales in the digital sphere
Alex Rose, marketing director, Whocanfixmycar.com
Research by Whocanfixmycar, a vehicle repair comparison website used by 5,500 UK workshops, has shown online aftersales customers can be split into two groups – one that wants a choice of garages, and a second, 40%, that simply wants to make the enquiry online and get the job booked quickly and easily.
“Speed is absolutely the most important factor in what we see. If you respond with a price within an hour, you win three to four times more business than you do if you take a day to respond,” Rose said.
The winning price is on average £11 lower than the average price for a job, so bidding garages have to be in the right area to win the job. However. the garages that often then win the most work are the ones with the best feedback, he said. So dealers must encourage all their customers to review them online.
There’s a perception that franchised dealers cannot compete on price. However, analysis of the data generated from Whocanfixmycar.com’s 65,000 users shows the price difference between franchised dealers and independents is very small for MoTs and electrical work. Franchised dealers struggle on price competitiveness with elaborate technical jobs, such as cambelt and clutch work, where they are two thirds more costly.
Overall, the price difference between franchised dealer and independent garages is 18%, which isn’t difficult for the franchised dealer to justify given the extra services they provide, said Rose. They must justify it, however, to counter the assumption that the dealer from which the customer bought the car doesn’t offer the best value for money in aftersales.
case study: Targeted TV - taking dealers onto the small screens and into living rooms
Mark Busby, new car sales and group marketing director, Hendy Group
New technology that allows highly targeted digital television advertising could produce excellent results for dealers, said Mark Busby, new car sales and group marketing director at South Coast dealer group Hendy.
The group, which represents six franchises, has become the first UK business to try Sky’s AdSmart, which allows a TV ad to be downloaded to the Sky box of a carefully targeted customer demographic and incorporated into normal, real-time viewing.
With an ad designed to promote a dealer-created Ford Fiesta special edition, a sales uplift of 50.6% was seen during the campaign. Total Fiesta sales in the same period increased by about 23%.
“There is no way we could justify the marketing spend needed to use traditional local television advertising, but AdSmart provides us with a whole different approach,” said Busby.
At a cost of 5p per impression, the 30-second Hendy ad was viewed about 300,000 times by potential customers, defined by factors such as geography, lifestyle and personal finances. The response was strong, with most viewers watching the ad all the way through.
“We cannot afford to compete with the production values of manufacturers, for example,” said Busby. “Instead, we concentrated on making something that was animated and quirky, and it worked very well.”
An important point was to ensure Hendy Group had a responsive dealer website in order to make the most of the TV ad because customers tended to reach straight for their tablet or smartphone while viewing.
“The next step for us,” Busby added, “is to produce an ad that will appeal to our existing customers.
“This is something that we definitely believe is worth using again. It is an effective, affordable and powerful marketing medium.”
Sean Meehan, social media marketing manager, Boots
Marketing to customers in 2015 is all about making a connection, said Sean Meehan, social media marketing manager at Boots.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are selling a £3 moisturiser or a £30,000 car, the connection is what matters,” he said. Meehan emphasised the importance of adopting an omni-channel, rather than multi-channel, approach to marketing.
“Using a multi-channel approach is all about you, the dealer, but an omni-channel means that you are meeting the needs of them, the customer. What you need to be doing is facilitating the customer every step of the way. A lot of people think that the customer experience is about what happens after the sale, but really, it is all about the prospect.”
Meehan said an important step in the customer journey was something called the “zero moment of truth”.
“This is the point before the customer starts looking at your goods or products directly in-store or at a dealership, but is gathering information. It is the research phase, when the homework is done.”
Meehan conducted a poll in the room that showed many dealers tended to plan their marketing three to four months in advance.
“This is not enough. There is research to show that many customers start thinking about their next car purchase 12 months in advance. You need to be working to similar timeframes.
“It is the same as making sure that the images of cars on your website are concurrent with the seasons. It is no use having summer stock shots right now. They do not connect.”
Is your sales process fit for the digital age?
Nick King, market research director, Auto Trader
Dealers need to hone their sales processes to get customers to love them. That was the advice of Nick King, market research director at Auto Trader, following research into consumer behaviour.
Online search and winning their awareness isn’t enough because there is so much vying for their attention now, so dealers must truly connect with customers, he said. King advised that if dealers delight customers and create love then they can turn them into fans or friends.
People often choose their car with emotion and justify the decision with logic, so dealers must connect with their emotions. King said there must be more focus on getting the customer into the car quicker as this is the emotive part of the experience.
Dealers also need to offer more “delighters” that build trust. One dealer he cited collected buyers from the railway station and deducted their train fare from the deal, and another called customers that evening to check they got home safely.
Negative aspects to address include failing to respond to calls, a car being sold when a customer visits, or having to deal with multiple people for one transaction.
Insights into the digital car-buyer
Stuart Bluck, head of research & insight and Rakesh Patel, digital sales director, Auto Trader
The average car buyer is not searching specifically for a new or used car, but simply their next car.
Auto Trader’s Stuart Bluck, head of research and insight, and Rakesh Patel, digital sales director, said the current availability of car choice and finance offers is such that consumers are finding it easy to tailor their choices between the two options up until the purchase point.
While much of the attention is given to Google and other third-party influencers, dealers’ websites figure significantly in consumers’ research phase and dealers need to ensure transparency in what they can offer in order to maximise opportunities.
Revealing the findings from research in December into the research habits of 1,300 used car buyers, Bluck and Patel said they were looking for the following, in order of importance, on dealers’ websites:
♦ range of stock
♦ availability of vehicle of choice
♦ opening hours
♦ contact details
♦ pictures of the showroom
♦ map of the dealership
♦ discounts available
♦ dealership history
♦ pictures of staff.
“Initially, consumers go to classified sites to work out what car they want to buy, not where they want to buy it from. Dealership websites come next as they seek to be convinced you are the business they want to deal with,” said Bluck.
He said consumers look at an average 4.5 franchised dealer websites as they decide who to buy from, so ensuring a website builds trust is essential if they are to visit your showroom.
When asked what the key triggers were for buying from a particular dealer, 88% said it was the right car at the right price; a third because they had bought from this dealer before and 76% because the staff were “friendly and courteous”.
Is your website legal?
Andrew Brennan, intellectual property and technology lawyer, SGH Martineau
“You’re responsible for your website. Even if the data is held on third-party servers,” was the message from Andrew Brennan, an intellectual property and technology lawyer at SGH Martineau. Key points included:
Only use what you know to be your content – don’t just lift content from elsewhere. When advertising social media accounts; i.e Facebook or Twitter – use their exact logos.
To ensure compliance with ecommerce regulations and data protection law, you must let people visiting your website know if you’re using cookies.
Consumer contracts regulations
Consumer contracts regulations apply when a customer has bought something online without ever meeting a seller. Pricing and delivery information must be detailed and if items are of different prices, an explanation into how you came to those different prices.
Right to cancel
You must detail on your website that customers have the right to return goods, at their cost, up to 14 days after purchase. Personalised items, such as number plates, are exempt.
If you’re collecting data from people, you must register with the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Social media and the FCA
Terms and conditions must be included on finance offers. Twitter’s 140 characters make this difficult, but you can use images and links. You must be able to report on every social media interaction.


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Streaming Company Disney Loses Subscribers Saw Their Share Drop By 4M Subscribers.
Disney loses streaming 4M subscribers
The company has lost 4 million streaming subscribers to its Disney+ service.
Its shares fell 4.5% in after-hours trading.
Earlier Hulu subscribers remained roughly flat at 48.2 million.
Disney said it planned to merge the two services into one app.
Cut 7,000 jobs as part of targeted $5.5bn (£4.36bn) cost savings across the company.
Bob Iger returned in November to take over the chief executive position from Bob Chapek.
For the last six months, Disney’s streaming business has been earning money to start.
He told that the financial condition coming from its theme parks should not waver.
Trying to protect Disney World’s theme park district from takeover by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
In April, Disney finally sued Mr. DeSantis, alleging that the company conducted a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” after he opposed critics of the “Do Not Say Gay” law.


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The Electroneum Blockchain is set to launch a new fork to update its blockchain from version 8 to version 9, to significantly reduce its blockchain reward emissions of ETN by 75%. Aside reducing the block reward of the cryptocurrency, the blockchain firm pledge to drop the inflation of the token from 4% to 2% and to possibly increase the demand for ETN.
As announced by the Electroneum blockchain, Head of Development, Chris Harrison, the double halving would be launched on the 22nd of July, 2020 at the block height of 862866. He explained that the frequency of discovery of blocks will remain unchanged from its initial two minutes.
Harrison explained further that a healthier trading environment will be established for cryptocurrency enthusiasts after reducing the amount of Electroneum minted daily, emphasizing those deflationary measures will benefit investors in the crypto space.
Speaking about the update, Andre Patta, one of the Electroneum blockchain developer, said the reduction of ETN reward by 75% signifies that miners would now receive about 400 ETN for each validated blocks, which is in variance to the 1450ETN they have being receiving initially.
Electroneum CEO Vows to Control Inflation
The founder and CEO of the award-winning blockchain network Electroneum, Richard Ells, had vowed that the Electroneum blockchain will maintain ETN’s overall token inflationary rate below 2%, which is lower compare to other cryptocurrency but similar to Bitcoin.
Ells went on to assure that the Blockchain will continue to release ETN rewards for promotional purposes at a rate parallel to containing the Electroneum blockchain’s overall token below 2%.
Electroneum Halving Schedule
Andre Patta further elucidated that the Electroneum blockchain has introduced a halving schedule, where block rewards are henceforth scheduled to experience halving every four years, up to a 50ETN limit per block.
Patta reiterated that the Electroneum blockchain will not change its emission rate in the future and that what is programmed in the new fork is unchangeable as regard emission rate.
The Halving Schedule as explained by Patta:
2024 at the height of block 1914066: a reduction from 400ETN per block to 200ETN
2028 at the height of block 2965266: a reduction from 200ETN per block to 100ETN
2032 at the height of block 4016466: a reduction from 100ETN per block to 50ETN
However, Patta said there is no plan for block reward reduction after the 2032 halving.


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US economy lodging and airline spending both saw increases during Q2 2011, according to [pdf] American Express Business Insights. Total individual consumer spending on lodging was flat in the quarter, but economy lodging spend grew close to 26% compared to Q2 2010.
Furthermore, spending on luxury accommodations jumped 6.1%, but the mid-tiers saw slight declines, revealing a “barbell effect” where the cheapest and most expensive options both saw the largest growth. American Express analysis reveals ultra-affluent consumers increased spend on economy lodging by 51.8% in Q2, as compared to average consumers, who increased spend by 19.8% on this class of lodging.
Conversely, ultra-affluent consumers increased spend in the luxury category by 2.6% and average consumers increased spend by 3.3% during Q2.
In addition, large businesses posted a significant 59.1% gain in spending on economy lodging in Q2, which American Express says demonstrates that conservative spending patterns have become normal among corporate travelers. In contrast, large business spending on moderate lodging increased 0.9%, and remained flat for upscale lodging.
Airline Passengers Pass on First Class
Airline spending in Q2 2011 was mixed, but one pattern across all consumer and business groups was a year-over-year decline in first class ticket purchases. Business class tickets were preferred slightly by small and large businesses and ultra-affluent consumers, while average consumers posted a notable 4.8% increase in economy fare spend.
Despite overall airline transaction volume decreasing 3.7%, average transaction size was up 5.1%, resulting in an overall total spending increase of 1.2% for airlines in Q2 2011. The average transaction size for first class tickets rose 14.5% in Q2, as compared to business class at 2.1%, and economy at 8.3%.
With a 4.5% increase, large businesses were the only group to increase overall spend on airfare in Q2, as compared to decreases by small businesses of 2.9%, ultra-affluent consumers of 1%, and average consumers of 0.8%.
Consumer and Small Business Car Rentals Slow
Large businesses reported a slight year-over-year increase in spend of 0.4% on car rentals (and 74.1% renting vehicles three or more times) during Q2 2011. In contrast, small businesses decreased overall spend by 0.8%, average consumers by 2.7%, and ultra-affluent consumers by 4.4% in Q2.
The volume of total car rental transactions decreased 2.2% in Q2, while the average transaction size increased 1.2%, resulting in overall total spend rising 1.2%. In addition, May was the only month in which consumers posted an overall increase in spend over the year prior, of 0.9%, compared to decreased spending in both April and June of 3.5% and 5.1%, respectively.
Cruise Activity Remains Calm
While most groups refrained from year-over-year spend increases on cruises in Q2 2011, large businesses posted a 5.3% increase in total spending for this category compared to the same period last year, led by an 11.2% jump in transaction volume.
That said, overall cruise spend and transaction volume were both down 0.3%, while overall average transaction size remained flat. Individual consumers held back on cruising, as ultra-affluent spend decreased by 2.6%, and average consumers decreased by 0.9%.
On the other hand, businesses got on board, with small businesses increasing spend by 1.2%, and large businesses increasing spend by 5.3%. June proved to be the most popular month to spend on cruises as overall spending increased by 3.4%, followed by a spending increase of 0.6% in May and a decrease of 4.4% in April.
Harris: US Vacationers Dream of Italy
When American adults were asked where they would choose, if they could spend a vacation in any country in the world outside of the US and not have to worry about cost, the country named most often for the second year in a row was Italy, according to a July 2011 Harris Poll. Italy has been a top pick for American vacationers for some time; it has ranked as either the first or second choice for the past eight years.
This year Great Britain comes in at the number two spot, followed by Australia in third. This is the lowest ranking Australia has seen since this question was first asked in 1997; last year and in 2008 Australia was second on the list and every other year until now it has been 1 st. Rounding out this year’s top five are Ireland and France.
About the Data: American Express Business Insights examined US consumer and business spending patterns at tens of thousands of travel merchants in the US. The data shown are derived from transactions on the American Express payment network projected to reflect the general population in the industry, consumer and business segments shown. The data do not represent American Express’s own performance in the industry segments shown and do not represent the spending behavior of American Express cardmembers overall or in any particular cardmember segment.
Average consumers are all consumers regardless of spend living in the US, while ultra-affluent are the highest spending US consumers.


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Hi there! Welcome to our weekly roundup of the most interesting theme park news around the Walt Disney World Resort, the Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and other theme parks.
Here Are This Week's Theme Park Highlights:
- Celebrate Soulfully has begun at Disneyland Resort, highlighting music, food and new experiences to celebrate Black heritage and culture! Kicking things off is "Celebrate Gospel," Feb. 19 and 26, featuring contemporary Gospel artists such as Jonathan McReynolds, Mali Music and Kierra Sheard, as well as community choirs. Throughout the month of February, guests can enjoy nightly live entertainment, including Saturday afternoon Gospel performances, in the Downtown Disney District. Take in live chalk-art each week, browse merchandise from Black-owned businesses, enjoy spirits, wines and beer from Black-owned businesses and even check out new Penny Proud-inspired art installations throughout the Downtown Disney District. While the celebration is kicking off during Black History Month, it will continue throughout the year, including special offerings at Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival and the return of the Tale of the Lion King this spring. For more information about the Celebrate Soulfully event, hop over to our What's Coming to Disneyland post! And over on the East Coast, Celebrate Soulfully is hoppening at Disney World — catch "The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure" at EPCOT, jazz musicians and art displays at Disney Springs and more!
- After record-breaking starvation numbers due to poor water quality, federal and state efforts have begun efforts to care for threatened Florida manatees — and SeaWorld Orlando has ramped up efforts for the beloved marine mammal, too. The marine park announced that it added five 40-foot pools to accommodate up to 20 manatees within two weeks.
- Finally, after a two-year delay, Iron Gwazi opens this weekend to passholders before its official March 11 debut at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. We lucky frogs got a special media preview of the hybrid coaster this week, and OMG, we are croak-less!!! Tad absolutely loved it and rode both of the front and back rows with Leap. Front row is fun — you get the slow creep when you reach the top and get a terrifying view of the 91-degree drop that makes it seem like the track disappears below you. But back row is a completely different beast — it whips you around and feels much faster and more intense. We all agree it was toadally worth the wait!
- Ever wondered how the epic (and toadally fun) VelociCoaster came to life? Wonder no more! Universal Orlando has released a video, "The Making of Jurassic World VelociCoaster," on YouTube, with Mario Lopez as your host.
- Ready for the big game? A mini version of SoFi Stadium, host of the Super Bowl LVI Game, will make its big debut next month at LEGOLAND California. The LEGO model will be 30 feet long, 15 feet wide and 4 feet tall.
- And speaking of the Super Bowl, ESPN will be broadcasting from Disneyland Resort this week! Fans may catch glimpses of Disneyland in segments of "Postseason NFL Countdown," "NFL Live," "SportsCenter" and more. On-site, Disneyland Resort guests may catch a glimpse of some of their favorite ESPN shows and personalities at the Paradise Bay viewing area at Disney California Adventure Park. And Downtown Disney will offer a fan experience outdoors, including games, giveaways and more.
- More details about Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival have been cooked up! A dozen festival marketplaces will serve small bites and beverages, and restaurants such as Pym Tasting Lab and Terran Treats will have special festival items. There will also be a brand-new cupcake decorating experience for junior chefs during "Alice's Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party." On top of it all, Soarin' Over California will return for a limited time during the festival, beginning March 4.
- Ahead of Peppa Pig Theme Park's Feb. 24 debut, we've learned additional tasty details about the menu at Miss Rabbit's Diner. The sit-down, quick-service restaurant will serve classic favorites, such as grilled cheese and PB&J sandwiches, pizza and mac and cheese, as well as healthy dishes including a rice and quinoa bowl. For dessert, enjoy a signature "Muddy Puddle" milkshake or a Marshmallow "Mud" Cup (which includes gummy frogs!). If you're planning a trip, you can save some green with discounted Peppa Pig Theme Park tickets bundled with LEGOLAND Florida admission through us frogs!
- Sandals Resorts International will be sponsoring the 2022 Olympic Jamaica Bobsleigh Team, competing this month in Beijing. The team manager, Nelson Christian "Chris" Stokes, has been an active member of the Jamaica Bobsleigh Team since it began in 1988, and was part of the Olympic Team who inspired "Cool Runnings." He was also a Sandals Resorts team member at Montego Bay in the 1980s. When it returns to Jamaica, the team will join forces with the Sandals Foundation to plan long-term initiatives to groom the next generation of athletes, including school visits, athletic training clinics and nutrition workshops. The team will also be doing meet and greets with Beaches and Sandals Resort guests.
- Today marks the debut of the all-new Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade at Magic Kingdom Park — take a look at what else is coming to Disney World in 2022 in the video below!
That’s it for the theme park news this week! Have a great weekend.


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Muscat: Oman Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) said that the capacity of its polypropylene plant will be raised to 340,000 tonnes of high quality polypropylene per annum from 200,000 tonnes a year now.
This is considered an achievement for the company, which started operations in 2006.
Faisal Al Hajri, Orpic's regional sales manager for Middle East, Africa and Europe, said the plant, which is the only one of its kind in the Sultanate, now produces 200,000 tonnes of polypropylene.
The plant is part of the government's vision to develop the petrochemical industry. The Sohar Refinery of Orpic is the main supplier of raw materials used in the production of polypropylene. It is also a key component in the building of an integrated local petrochemical industry. It is also part of the efforts made by the Sultanate to diversify sources of national income and benefit from gas production.
Orpic markets the product under the brand name 'Luban,' the most renowned Omani product for export in ancient times. The production, which ranges between very soft material and granules, is exported to 91 ports in more than 63 countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council states, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Middle East and North Africa countries, China, Vietnam, Peru, South Korea, Myanmar, the Philippines and South Africa.
Luban is used in the production of plastic chairs, tables, carpets, packing materials, ropes, caps, packing straps and other electrical and home appliances.
Al Hajri added that the production currently meets 90 per cent of the Sultanate's needs. Orpic seeks to develop the plastics industry in the Sultanate and double its profits by benefiting from the growing demand for plastic.
When the Liwa Plastics Industries Complex (LPIC) becomes operational by 2020, it will produce 1.5 million tonnes of polyethylene and propylene. The project includes plants for the production of 440,000 tonnes per annum of high density polyethylene, 440,000 tonnes of low density polyethylene, and 300,000 tonnes per annum of polypropylene.
Al Hajri also pointed out that in the near future, the company will focus on plastic-based modern industries, including medical equipment manufacturers, which will be a value addition. Orpic also supports small and medium enterprises that will use the raw plastic produced at the Liwa factory.
LPIC is a steam cracker project, which will process light ends produced in Orpic’s Sohar Refinery and its Aromatics plant, as well as optimise Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) extracted from currently available natural gas supplies. Its concept lies in rerouting elements of existing production in combination with additional purchased feedstock to deliver high value polymer products for the local and international marketplaces.
Its primary goal is to further increase the value-added that can be derived from Omani crude oil and natural gas.


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Toyota Motor has joined Tesla in advancing its autonomous driving segment by not using lidar sensors. These are expensive sensors, which are being used by most autonomous driving vehicles by various companies. Toyota Motor will be using low-cost cameras that can collect data and effectively train the self-driving system.
A Porsche SUV? The world was taken aback when the Cayenne made its 2003 debut, but it soon won accolades for combining genuine practicality with Porsche's legendary performance....Read more


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In an era where interconnectedness defines the trajectory of nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) stands as a beacon of effective collaboration and economic synergy. With its roots firmly planted in the fertile soil of shared prosperity, the SCO has woven together a tapestry of trade, innovation, and stability that reaches far beyond its member states. In this age of ever-evolving industrial and supply chains, the SCO emerges as a powerhouse, fostering an environment conducive to resilience and growth.
Weaving Economic Resilience: The SCO's Impact on Industrial and Supply Chains
Amidst a backdrop of shifting geopolitical landscapes, the SCO countries have harnessed their collective strength to fortify industrial and supply chains. This strategic alliance has yielded not only economic stability but also a sense of global security. As SCO member states bolster collaboration, the effects ripple outward, serving as a testament to the significance of stable and efficient industrial and supply chains. Indeed, these chains serve as the vital threads that weave the SCO regions into the very fabric of the world economy.
Embarking on Collaborative Economic Endeavors: SCO's Milestone Events
This year's SCO Industrial and Supply Chains Forum, coupled with the 2023 SCO International Investment and Trade Expo, exemplifies the union's commitment to fostering economic bonds. From the majestic pyramids of Egypt's exhibition area to the characteristic products from Kyrgyzstan, the event radiated a spirit of cross-cultural engagement. A notable spectacle was Kyrgyzstan's agricultural treasures, including honey and cherries, finding their way to eager Chinese consumers through online and brick-and-mortar stores. The SCO's dedication to economic vibrancy resonates through such initiatives.
The Triumph of Multilateral Cooperation: China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area (SCODA)
A pivotal player in this narrative is the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area (SCODA) nestled in Qingdao. This burgeoning hub serves as a testament to the SCO's commitment to multilateral cooperation. Boasting an intricate network of international freight train routes and comprehensive services, SCODA stands as a testament to the SCO's ability to translate vision into action. The remarkable surge in foreign trade volume is a testament to the area's ascendancy.
Beyond Economics: Redefining International Influence
The SCO's resonance extends beyond economics. Covering a quarter of the world's landmass and harboring a substantial portion of the global population, the SCO member states are redefining the contours of international influence. China's robust foreign trade with fellow SCO members is a testament to the organization's catalytic role. SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming's assertion of national currencies for mutual settlement highlights a step towards a more harmonious financial landscape.
Embracing an Evolving Global Ethos: The SCO's Organic Growth
As the SCO's sphere of influence expands, it is increasingly recognized that its principles resonate with the evolving global ethos. This organic growth echoes the organization's commitment to fostering peace and stability. The SCO's allure is apparent, as nations in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Myanmar, the Maldives, and Iran, express enthusiasm for joining the fold.
Amidst all of this, a crucial distinction emerges: the SCO is not a mirror image of NATO. Rather, it treads a unique path of development, one that eschews the Cold War mindset. With its unwavering dedication to regional development, the SCO emerges as a potent force. Its evolution heralds a world where collaboration trumps confrontation, and where economic and trade cooperation stands as a harbinger of shared success.


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In Australia, we tend to get the impression that America is a dangerous country in the midst of a sea of troubles, but the reality is different: this is the world’s biggest economy and it is booming. The freeways of Los Angeles are busier than ever, the restaurants and shopping malls are packed, and everywhere we went felt extremely safe.
We were surprised by the virtual invisibility of President Donald Trump. Anybody who has arrived at Los Angeles International Airport will remember the huge photo of the President of the day that usually welcomes all arrivals. Currently there is just a huge empty space where the photo normally hangs. Why? Nobody could offer an explanation.
When I tried to discuss politics with friends from both sides of politics nobody really wanted to talk much. The Republicans reckon Trump is doing a reasonable job despite being under constant attack from a hostile media, and the Democrats are taking the, “I told you so,” line. Most Americans I encountered were far more interested in football and baseball. What surprised us though was all the bumper stickers supporting Bernie Sanders for President in 2020.
Two big changes are the growing dominance of cashless transactions and Uber. Apart from needing a few dollars in cash to tip hotel staff, I got by with my 28 Degrees MasterCard, which is still giving the best exchange rates. The Americans will accept a card for any amount – none of those ridiculous minimum amounts that some businesses foist on us in Australia.
Uber cars are everywhere, and the fares are so cheap that they have become the most practical form of transport in most cities. But to use Uber you need a mobile phone connected to the internet, which can be a problem for travellers. Luckily, Telstra have come to the party in spades. Their international travel pass costs just $10 a day and includes all phone calls and text messages. Data of 100 megabytes is also included, but if you exceed that amount $10 buys you an additional 500 megabytes, which is good for 30 days. And, on days when you don’t use your phone no fees are charged. Believe me, it’s a comforting feeling to have a fully operational phone 24/7 and to know it’s only costing $10 a day.
Tips are a fact of life in America, where the basic hourly rate is less than $10, and two weeks’ annual holidays are the norm. But as the years pass, the standard tip has gone from 15% to 20%, with some places even adding another 4% for health insurance. It does make dining out expensive, but American portions are so huge that a couple can eat reasonably cheaply by ordering courses to share. The restaurants have no problem with this, and you will not go away hungry.
The US dollar strengthened as the days passed, making our spending more expensive, but I took solace in the knowledge that 30% of my superannuation is invested in international managed funds heavily exposed to the US dollar. It was the perfect hedge.


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Idols’s personal information and phone numbers are being sold for as little as 7,000 Korean Won.
A Korean news show uncovered that a number of idols are at risk of having their information sold online.
This information is being sold in large amounts on social networking sites alongside the personal information of any friends associated with the idol.
The report found it easy to find these hotspots and sell information such as phone numbers, Kakao Talk IDs, SNS passwords, and even flight information and hotel accommodation.
This information can be sold for as little as 7,000 Won and prices vary depending on popularity.
One can easily purchase the information by making a direct deposit or by purchasing an online certificate.
Since it’s usually fans who sell and buy this information, management agencies are finding it difficult to determine a rightful punishment.
Many fans are worried about the welfare of their own idols as they try to keep their phone numbers intact.
To further prevent such a situation, media has suggested that idols themselves need to insist on their own rights and take strong action if these are violated.


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The city of Irvine, California has enacted an ordinance that broadly – and boldly – takes on a number of industries that use animals – circuses, rodeos and pet stores.
Under the new law retail sales of dogs and cats is illegal. The reason stated "was twofold:
1. To eliminate any Irvine outlet for retail sale of dogs or cats purchased by the retailer from a commercial mass breeding facility; and
2. To reduce the possibility of on the spot, impulse purchases of dogs and cats."
In banning such retail sales, Irvine joins a growing list of local governments trying to eliminate a common sales outlet for puppy and cat mills – pet stores. As the city council explained, "the City does not have the means, expertise or authority to inspect" the "puppy mills" and "kitten factories" that supply pet stores.
Only one pet store in Irvine currently sells dogs and cats. Under the ordinance, the pet store could offer dogs and cats for adoption fees. The store could also allow rescue organizations space to offer dogs or cats for adoption.
Irvine has also decided to ban rodeos "and similar events". A rodeo (and similar event) is defined as a "public exhibition or competition between persons which includes two or more any of the following events: bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, or like any similar event". For more on regulation of rodeos in other jurisdictions….
Finally, the law prohibits circuses that exhibit wild and exotic animals. The existing Irvine Municipal Code defines a circus as "a commercial variety show
featuring animal acts for public entertainment." The Code also defines wild and exotic animals as "animals normally found in the wild state which are being kept for exhibition purposes or as private pets."
Other animal exhibitions and shows would continue to be permitted. For more on regulation of circuses in the U.S. and other countries…..


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John Kennedy casts a cautious eye on 2013, the year that 4G finally begins to roll out in Ireland in tandem with superfast fibre services. It will also be the year that Google could shake up mobile computing as we know it with Google Glass and the tech world’s battle for the living room will continue to rage.
Internet of things and big data
I enjoy the look on people’s faces when I tell them that 6bn of the world’s 7bn people now carry mobile devices. But they are genuinely puzzled when I say that the number of connected devices in the world is likely to multiply tenfold and that compared with today, where around 1bn people are online daily, the road ahead will consist of potentially 70bn connected devices using the internet without human intervention.
Think about it: in most homes today already the number of connected devices outnumber the people there to use them – web-connected games consoles, PCs, tablet computers, smartphones, smart TVs and more.
Clever start-ups are already creating devices that allow you to switch your lights on with a single tweet or control your home heating via your smartphone.
Companies like O2 are already forging alliances to put machine-to-machine (M2M) devices inside vehicles to allow companies to monitor fuel consumption and driver behaviour in company vehicles.
A world of sensors and automated internet usage, and indeed, an internet that grows around the user to meet his or her needs are currently the topics de jour at international events like the Dublin Web Summit and Le Web.
In 2013, subjects like cloud computing will begin to give way to more practical discussions about utilising big data – making use of the immense volumes of knowledge and insight created every second via tweets and other forms of social media, as well as the data that M2M devices will generate.
As the internet becomes more automated, firms will struggle to make sense of the data to glean economic advantage. Already the first born-on-the-web entrepreneurs are fighting it out for who can put context on this never-ending hosepipe of knowledge.
Superfast broadband and 4G
In recent weeks, a survey revealed that Ireland is trailing the rest of Europe in terms of achieving the digital heaven of 50Mbps to 100Mbps for every citizen by 2020 as stipulated by European Commission vice-president Neelie Kroes in her Digital Agenda. While there are superfast broadband services coming on stream, only 36pc of Ireland’s population can access speeds that are beginning to be taken for granted on Europe’s mainland.
Expect that to change in 2013 as Eircom, with less debt and a new but very seasoned management team, endeavours to bring the battle to UPC in built-up urban areas, starting with 50Mbps services in spring and evolving to 70Mbps speeds later in the year. The real arbiter of how the market will develop will depend on how much access Eircom gives other operators to its new €1.5bn VDSL network and already we are hearing reports of other operators meeting roadblocks in trialling their own VDSL services.
Pressure will be on ComReg to ensure the onset of VDSL in 2013 will not resemble the painfully slow onset of DSL in 2003. Pressure will also be on Eircom to demonstrate that it sees opportunities in wholesale as a route to revenue. If it does embrace this opportunity it could prove the long-term salvation of the company in an era where consumers are choosing data over older PSTN services.
The onset of the first superfast broadband services will dovetail with the arrival of the first 4G broadband services, where speeds up to 180Mbps are possible. In November, ComReg granted the first 4G licences to four operators – Eircom, Hutchison 3G, O2 and Vodafone – and the public can expect the first services to become available in the spring.
The shape and quality of these services will be revealing and will indicate the strategy of the various providers. It is likely Vodafone and O2 will endeavour to provide a reliable, consistent and affordable spread of services across the land – as Vodafone’s outgoing CEO Jeroen Hoencamp said, wherever there is voice there will be data.
In its 4G choice of spectrum it is likely that the 189Mbps speeds that Hutchison 3G highlighted when it received its licence will most likely be concentrated in urban areas.
Eircom is likely to dovetail its 4G strategy with its superfast broadband strategy and Wi-Fi rollout to introduce a quad play service that includes TV.
Either way, Ireland’s trailing position in superfast broadband could potentially be altered in a positive direction starting in 2013.
The robotic future is almost here
Revolutions in technology over the past decade have been concentrated primarily on our ability to communicate – smartphones, the internet, broadband, and more.
It is likely that from 2013 onwards much of this communication revolution will begin to be taken for granted in our day-to-day lives and more physical manifestations of the technology revolution will begin to unfold.
From 2013 onwards, robotics will become a focus of the technology industry. Early in 2012, Google chairman Eric Schmidt mentioned at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona how soon we will be sending robots to meetings in our stead and he wasn’t joking.
At the Dublin Web Summit in October, Liam Casey of PCH International brought Autom on stage, a robot that (like the internet going forward) gets to know you and helps you to get fit. Casey intends to manufacture these robots in volume and sell them into the consumer market.
Eventually, robots will be seen as communications devices, as well as health and safety devices for the elderly. People are already familiar with robotic floor-cleaning devices, but beginning in 2013 the first consumer robot devices with learning and communications capabilities will enter the market.
The year 2013 will begin with the onset of apps and markets for robotic devices, a revolution that will gain pace as the decade continues.
3D printers: ushering in the next industrial revolution?
Many who gush about 3D printers say they herald the next industrial revolution. Up until now, 3D printers – which allow you to create physical objects out of designs on a computer in a similar way to an Airfix assembly kit – were in the domain of R&D departments at industrial giants. They were expensive an unwieldy.
But that is changing and the technology is about to go mainstream, potentially allowing garage inventors to create future products at will. Potentially people will be able to invent things, experiment and go to market with products faster than at any time in our history.
The first steps of this revolution are already being taken with an Irish company at its heart. Mcor, a Louth-based company, has just struck a deal with US stationery giant Staples to allow consumers to submit 3D designs and collect their creations from Staples stores around Europe.
Scientists are using the technology to develop new materials, including an artificial cartilage.
It is early days for 3D printing but this is certainly a revolution to watch.
Tablets, smartphones, smart gear and geek chic in 2013
Google co-founder Sergey Brin demonstrating the internet giant’s new wearable computer specs at I/O last year
No doubt 2013 will kick off with more and more rumours about Apple iOS products and Android products from the manufacturers in the Google stable.
The dark horse of 2013 could, however, be smartphones based on Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system, which by the close of 2012 had surpassed 4m sales of the devices since their launch in October. While still tiny by comparison to the peaks enjoyed by Android or iOS, it is nevertheless something to work and app developers would be wise to take note.
Apple will no doubt be preparing its fifth-generation iPad to debut in and around March (the fourth generation was unveiled in October) and expect the company to build on its Retina display, Lightning connector and A6x processor improvements. One of the main failings identified in the iPad 3 was the battery life, so hopefully that will improve in the newer generations.
The weight and width advantages seen in the iPad mini will likely correspond in a 9.7-inch ultra-thin iPad 5.
Judging by the pattern with which Apple releases new iPhone devices, if a new iPhone generation is unveiled in the autumn, more than likely it will be an iPhone 5S rather than an iPhone 6. The ‘S’ will no doubt signify an even faster processor and a device optimised to perform even better on 4G networks, whose rollout will be well under way in most geographies by that stage.
One element missing on the iPhone 5 is the inclusion of an NFC chip and judging by the potential of Passbook as a financial hub on the iconic smartphone, I can’t see Apple overlooking this in 2013.
Google is proving to be quite the contender in terms of hardware and while it works well with manufacturers like LG, HTC, Samsung, et al, my gut feeling is it will build on the advantages it has gained through acquiring Motorola Mobility for US$12.5bn, as well as the initial success of devices like the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10.
The arrival of Google Glass, Google’s smartglasses, will be one of the top headlines of 2013 and it will be interesting to see if this will usher in an age of mobile computing not defined solely by flat display devices but devices that are shaped around the user’s lifestyle. We’re already seeing this with Nike’s Fuel wristbands but the power contained within Google Glass will drive this shift forward another gear.
TV’s smarter future
Expectations of an actual television set from Apple were not met in 2012 and if some commentators are to be believed, may never be realised despite Apple CEO Tim Cook’s assertion that TV has evolved little in the past 20 or 30 years.
What is frustrating Apple in its efforts is the challenge of getting big TV networks and content providers to work with it in developing content for its excellent Apple TV set top box which Cook says has evolved from a hobby to an area of intense focus for the company. Expect Apple to add new capabilities to the Apple TV during 2013 as it pushes the notion of TV channels as apps rather than linear experiences.
Expect set top boxes to be where the action is in 2013, as players like Sky and UPC evolve their on demand services. UPC is likely to debut its long-awaited Horizon set top box that doubles as a digital hub for the home in terms of wireless broadband.
In terms of the TVs themselves, well, the Consumer Electronics Show in January will no doubt reveal new innovations in terms of the performance of the displays, 3D capabilities, Kinect-style motion sensors, built-in Skype cameras and more.
Until Apple gets over its content hump with the major networks, the advent of an Apple TV may be less and less than likely in 2013.
So there you have it. In 2013, the smartphone revolution will rumble on, robotics and new form factors in computing will emerge, 4G will become more widespread and 3D printing will start to become more readily available to ordinary folk.


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VA rebrands to incorporate gift card sector??
The VA – the trade body representing players in the UK’s gift card, gift voucher and prepaid card market – has been re-branded as the UK Gift Card & Voucher Association (UKGCVA), and will now incorporate all aspects of the UK’s prepaid gift market.
The UKGCVA says it will continue to work to promote the use of vouchers and gift cards to businesses and consumers as well as provide an exclusive forum for networking, training, events, best practices, information and education for all of its members.
It also aims to represent the interests and policies of the association to the industry and to outside groups such as government bodies and other trade associations.
Commenting on the name change Andrew Johnson, the association’s director-general, said: “Membership of the association has expanded significantly over the last few years in line with the diversity of organisations that now operate and service this industry.
“The growth of contactless, digital and online payments, for example, together with the increased use of gift cards in the consumer market and the continued widespread usage of paper vouchers as corporate incentive rewards, means that our trade association now represents a far broader industry. We hope that the new branding is viewed as encompassing of the wider aspects of this expanding market.”
The association was established as a trade body in 1996 to represent players in the £3.2bn corporate gift vouchers, cards and stored value solutions market.