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A group of 50MPs have said that the way broadband speeds are advertised is misleading and should be changed.
It's hard to miss internet providers' broadband adverts that showcase super fast speeds at a low costs, however only 10% of customers can obtain the fastest advertised speed. The British Infrastructure Group want greater powers to enable consumers and businesses to hold providers to account.
The Advertising Standards Authority, who deal with all advertising complains, are aware of the concerns and would consider taking further action they said in a recent statement.
The British Infrastructure Group said in a statement: "Our position on broadband speed claims in ads is based on extensive work undertaken in recent years, including a full public consultation on new guidance."
The group was set up by former Conservative Party chairman Grant Shapps, who said consumers had "very few rights and protections" they can turn to if they are poorly treated by their internet service provider.
"Consumers must be given the power to hold their internet service provider to account when they let them down or outright mislead them into signing a contract that makes promises that bear no resemblance to the later reality. Consumers also need the power to leave contracts if they are found to have been misled."
It was found that other industries are forced to compensate customers for errors, including airlines and banks, and there's no reason why internet providers should be exempt.
The group highlighted that there was no minimum level of compensation if customers received a poor service. Ofcom has asked fixed-line internet service providers to sign up to a voluntary code of practice, which requires them to provide consumers with more information and advice on maximum broadband speeds - but the key work is voluntary. It will be interesting to see if the British Infrastructure Group can turn that into a mandatory sign-up.
Are you are business own who feels that you're not getting the best broadband deal? Get in touch with 360ict to enjoy reliable, effective email and internet connectivity with secure cloud server rental available to give you 24-hour access and uptime.360ict provides managed IT services and support for SMEs in central London and the south-east, including Croydon and Bromley. For more advice on gaining competitive advantage as a mid-sized company, give us a call on 0208 663 4000 or head to our website.


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✦ From 2022 and beyond, the Hastings Farm Gate Tour will be run under a new not-for-profit Incorporated Association (Earth Logic Incorporated) based in the local area.
An annual event which began in 2013, the Hastings Farm Gate Tour is a celebration of quality locally grown produce. The tour, run over the June long weekend, allows locals and visitors to experience farm life across the Hastings, Port Macquarie and Camden Haven region via a self-drive tour.
Port Macquarie Hastings Sustainability Network (PMHSN) representative Steve Lockhart said that for the long-term viability of the event, the PMHSN made the decision that they needed to find an organisation to take on the event as working with a dependence on volunteers was not a sustainable model. The PMHSN remains a key partner in the event.
“This is an incredibly valuable event for the region’s food producers. Having a dedicated organisation in charge of the event will foster growth and education about where our food comes from, and why the way it is grown is so important,” said Steve.
Originally a Landcare initiative, The Hastings Farm Gate Tour was brought back to life in 2021 due to demand from the community and work by volunteers from Port Macquarie Hastings Sustainability Network (PMHSN).
This event ran over the three days of the June long weekend and provided 230 carloads of visitors (approximately 840 individuals) the opportunity to experience local produce and regenerative practices by touring 16 local farms and sustainable businesses. Delegates could see sustainable food production in progress and in some cases buy and consume this produce.
President of the newly formed not-for-profit, Jacqui Murray, said the team are incredibly excited about this new direction for the Hastings Farm Gate Tour.
“When you speak to people in the community, everyone who’s been a part of it loves the Hastings Farm Gate experience. It is truly a unique opportunity for urban dwellers to experience first-hand how healthy food is produced. We are hearing how important it is to our community that their food is local, nutritious and sustainable.
"We are looking to partner with local business as well as the farmers so that the event can be sustainable into the future and in doing so avoid volunteer burnout. We are excited about new initiatives that we can bring to the table to support our local farmers and to educate locals and visitors about sustainable food production.”
The new team is currently in the process of establishing the 2022 list of farm hosts. “We’re calling on all interested parties to follow our social media pages to stay in touch until ticket sales open in May. A sponsorship package has also been developed to involve local businesses in the community to be part of the ongoing journey of this popular event,” said Jacqui.
“We are thrilled at this opportunity to support local food producers who are out there every day, passionately caring for the land and animals in an effort towards a sustainable food chain for us all.”
Visit http://www.pmhsn.org.au/events_projects/hastings-farm-gate-tour/ to learn more and register your interest.
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Google Meet on iPadOS 14 missing background blur option for some users
Like Google and Android, Apple has various versions of its iOS operating system. There’s a smartphone version and a tablet version.
But unlike Google, Apple does a better job keeping the two versions apart and up to date. Google, on the other hand, basically uses the same Android OS on phones and tablets.
As a result, the Android tablet market has always played second fiddle to Apple’s despite efforts from Samsung to keep things going. No doubt Google is to blame.
And apparently, the search giant is extending this dogged tablet support to the iPad, at least according to Google Meet users on the latest iPadOS 14 operating system.
Rather than have a proper Google Meet app for iPadOS, they are stuck with a version that is essentially a stretched-out smartphone app.
“I would like to know why the iPad app is not made specifically for a bigger screen but it looks more like a blown-up version of a phone app,” one concerned Meet user questioned a while ago.
The same person also noted that on iPadOS 14, the option to blur the background was completely missing in Google Meet.
A quick look at the same thread reveals a series of complaints from similarly affected iPadOS 14 users who can’t blur their backgrounds in Google Meet, some only a few hours old.
IOS 14.4 on iPad mini 5 here and noBlur or background change options either. Seems like Google need to update their apps on the AppStore and haven’t done it yet.
Wow why isn’t it updated yet? Does Google even know we don’t have the background settings!?
With the same option now reported to be missing on iPadOS 14, it looks like Google indeed has some work to do towards offering the same Meet experience across all platforms.
In fact, some iPhone users on the latest iOS 14 also claim that they can’t see the background settings in the Google Meet app.
I’m on iPhone 12 Pro Max and I can’t see the blur options :/ It’s a pitty because this phone has a lot better camera than the 2020 MacBook Pro that I use for work and meetings right now.
Although one iPad user claims the feature was there but somehow disappeared and sadly never came back.
A few weeks ago meet on my iPad had blur and background effects. These options completely disappeared about two weeks ago and have not returned. How can i restore this functionality? Running latest version of meet on iPad Pro.
Google says that the background blur feature is supported in Google Meet for iOS 12 and above (iPhone 6s and newer), but there’s no specific mention of iPadOS or iPad models for that matter.
Of course, this should explain the inconsistent UI on the Meet app on iPad, but it says little about the missing background blur option.
As always, we will be looking out for any workarounds and official statement from Google or Apple regarding this issue. Stay tuned to PiunikaWeb.
PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.


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In case you missed it, here are some of the top stories in mobile marketing and advertising we’ve been following this week.
Insights Unlock Competition-Crushing Customer Loyalty, Says New inMarket Report
According to Forrester Research, we’ve entered “the age of the customer” — an era defined by customers and not companies driving business decisions.
SpotX Releases Support for DigiTrust to ‘Level the Playing Field’
MMW learned today that video ad serving platform SpotX has released support for DigiTrust in its Direct AdOS, used by leading broadcasters and digital media owners.
TIME Tells All: Consumers Want More Custom Marketing Content
Two in three consumers have greater trust in custom content than traditional advertising, according to a new study conducted by Time Inc. aimed to understand how audiences respond to and engage with custom content.
First Look: Radius8 Joins Salesforce Partner Program
On Tuesday, Radius8 announced that it has joined the Salesforce Partner Program in support of Salesforce Commerce Cloud, “the fastest path to unified commerce.”
CallRail Confirms International Numbers for Global Call Tracking Service
CallRail, a popular call tracking and analytics provider, has announced the launch of International Numbers, a new offering that “gives international companies and agencies with international clientele access to CallRail’s tracking capabilities.”
Want to get the latest MMW news and insight delivered straight to your inbox every morning? Click here to sign up for our free newsletter.


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India allows 250,000 rupee wedding cash withdrawals after notes ban
- Wall Street dips on Trump protectionism, Qualcomm drag
- Yahoo! (YHOO) Tops Q4 EPS by 4c; Sees Verizon Deal Closing in Q2, Not Q1
- Aetna's (AET) Humana (HUM) Takeover Blocked by Judge as Anticompetative
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- After-Hours Stock Movers 1/23: (REXX) (MRCY) (SYNC) Higher; (FSM) (OCUL) (CASC) Lower (more...)
A cashier displays the new 2000 Indian rupee banknotes inside a bank in Jammu, India November 15, 2016. REUTERS/Mukesh Gupta
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MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's central bank said on Monday that people can withdraw up to 250,000 rupees ($3,670) for wedding related expenses, provided they submit adequate proof and the wedding is on or before Dec. 30.
The cash withdrawals will be allowed out of the balance in the account as of close of business on Nov. 8, the Reserve Bank of India said in a statement. (http://bit.ly/2g9nZt1)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dropped a bombshell on Nov. 8 by abolishing 500 and 1,000 rupee notes that accounted for 86 percent of cash in circulation. The move was aimed at cracking down on the shadow economy but has brought India's cash economy to a virtual standstill.
Modi's decision to withdraw the high-value bills in the middle of the wedding and seed sowing season has drawn widespread criticism from Indians forced to queue at banks to exchange bills or without cash to pay for goods and services.
The RBI said the wedding withdrawals could be made by either of the parents or the people getting married after submitting an application.
People looking to withdraw have to also submit evidence of the wedding, including the invitation card and copies of receipts for advance payments, and a detailed list of people who will receive the cash.
The RBI also said it would allow farmers to withdraw cash up to 25,000 rupees a week from their loan or deposit accounts subject to their accounts. (http://bit.ly/2guTdiv)
Earlier on Monday, the Indian government allowed farmers to purchase seeds with old 500 rupee banknote from state-run outlets.
($1 = 68.1385 Indian rupees)
(Reporting by Abhirup Roy; Editing by Alison Williams)
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Crucial processor of Minnesota pork closes over COVID-19
The closing of the Sioux Falls plant, which slaughters a sizable number of hogs from Minnesota and supplies meat throughout the country, shows the growing tension between public health and sustaining the food supply chain.
St. Paul's unique urban farm not planting due to COVID-19
Egg prices right now perfect example of supply, demand, experts say
Prices rise and might stay higher for some time.
With restaurants closed, a bacon backup is building in Minn. and hog prices are plunging
About two-thirds of bacon sales happened in restaurants and hog farmers are suddenly losing money.
Dairy farmers begin to flush away milk due to coronavirus
Job losses in manufacturing show breadth of downturn in Minnesota
A sign-maker in Brooklyn Park permanently laid off 178 employees. An optical-glass company mothballed a factory in Faribault. Polaris shut down plants worldwide, including in…
Medtronic, other med-tech firms fear parts shortage if Trump invokes wartime production law
Trump is under pressure to force companies to make ventilators for the U.S., but it's not so simple.
Virus epidemic leads some countries to restrict food exports
For some commodities, a handful of countries, or even fewer, can make up the bulk of exportable supplies.
Minnesota ethanol producer ramping up production of industrial alcohol used in sanitizers
A biofuels downturn has been exacerbated by the coronavirus shutdown.
Minnesota offers emergency loans to help small business stay afloat
The program is designed as a stopgap until federal money starts flowing.
Trump, Walz, other leaders face fundamental choices between health and wealth
As economic toll rises, hard choices are being rethought by officials at every level.
Minneapolis Fed chief floats forgivable loans for small business
The idea would be to prevent a massive, prolonged spike in unemployment.
Farmers use water much more efficiently than 60 years ago, new study says
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Oil's epic crash reminds farmers they are also energy traders
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Economic fallout from coronavirus is also hitting farmers
Dairy prices also suffering, could get worse if schools close, lowering demand.
Moratorium on large dairies proposed at Minnesota Legislature
The proposal comes amid fear that a handful of rapidly expanding dairies are hastening the exits of small dairies across the state and country.
Huge Wisconsin operation shows promise of aquaponics in Midwest
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Australian farmers plant smallest cotton area since 1979 after driest year ever
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Digi-Key Electronics held its virtual keynote event for EMEA customers and suppliers, entitled “Enabling the World’s Ideas,” focused on innovation in EMEA beyond the pandemic on Thursday, November 19.
The virtual keynote event featured updates from president Dave Doherty as he did a walkthrough of the newly expanded product distribution center expansion (PDCe); a market business development update from Ian Wallace, director of EMEA business development; and a roundtable discussion with Hermann Reiter, senior director of global strategic program development and EMEA supplier development and Stephane Ratelet, international API champion at Digi-Key, which was moderated by Johann Wiesböck, editor-in-chief for ELEKTRONIKPRAXIS.
“With the pandemic creating a significant gap in the annual industry events we all look forward to, the Virtual Keynote Event was designed to bring together the customers and suppliers we’ve been missing,” said Doherty. “Though it was virtual, we were still able to engage in important industry discussions, like how to drive innovation in a post-pandemic world.”
The virtual keynote event was the first-of-its-kind in Europe for Digi-Key and was attended by customers and suppliers from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
During the EMEA business update portion of the keynote, Ian Wallace shared that while the market is 8 percent down in 2020 through Q3, Digi-Key is actually up 16 percent, a difference of 24 percent better than the market. “More recently there have been some more positive signs in markets such as IoT, 5G, IT infrastructure, communications, robotics, AI, factory and home automation and transportation,” said Ian Wallace, director of EMEA business development for Digi-Key. “Digi-Key is aggressively ordering ahead, increasing our inventory breadth, and depth to support our customers as we face additional waves and longer lead times.”
The roundtable portion of the keynote touched on topics from the outlook for 2021 to business model shifts due to COVID-19, Brexit, digitalization, and much more. “Customers want to be more and more connected to our offerings, and they want to get accurate and up-to-date data, and in real-time,” says Stephane Ratelet, international API champion at Digi-Key. “API is really the game-changer in this context from our point of view, that’s really the future of the market from a digital point of view.”
During the panel it was also noted that Digi-Key has more than 1,000 suppliers across all electronic component technology areas. “Our core business is to be recognized by the engineering community as having the newest and latest technology and stocking the widest breadth of product and technologies available,” said Hermann Reiter, senior director of global strategic program development and EMEA supplier development. “We’ll continue to add both to our supplier base as well as our inventory in order to create a healthy foundation to support the engineering community forward in 2021.”


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iOS 16: According to the observation of earlier years, Apple will maintain the WWDC22 convention in June this year. On this occasion, the corporate will formally unveil the iOS 16 system. However, a leakster (@LeaksApplePro) lately launched the design of the system web page that’s suspected to be iOS 16. According to the screenshots, the widgets of iOS 16 will likely be additionally upgraded with richer capabilities.
It is known that iOS 16 can have extra feature-rich interactive parts, which Apple will title InfoShack. Through this set of parts, customers can enter contact info straight on the desktop. Users also can alter the display screen brightness and even activate the flashlight straight. Therefore, with this set of small parts, we will additionally save the step of “slide control center”.
There can be information that an extra compact “InfoShack” widget can be in improvement, and it has not but been decided what form Apple will launch. However, it’s sure that iOS 16 will present richer capabilities to additional improve the person’s expertise.
Previous studies declare that iOS 16 will carry main modifications and can cancel help for some models. From this perspective, iOS 16 ought to include the largest system improvement in recent times.
Models that may help iOS 16
iPhonesoft claims that Apple’s iOS 16 plans to drop help for the iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and the unique iPhone SE. It means iPhone SE 2, iPhone 7, and above iPhone will get an iOS 16 improvement.
Of course, this isn’t official information but, Apple will announce iOS 16 at WWDC 2022 when it can announce the precise improved help checklist. In phrases of accuracy, iPhonesoft’s studies have totally different scores. In the previous, it has had some appropriate in addition to improper studies. For occasion, it appropriately reported the checklist of supported units for iOS 13 and iOS 14 prematurely. However, its studies on iPhone 6s and unique iPhone SE not upgrading to iOS 15 had been improper.
If iPhonesoft’s report is appropriate, which means that iOS 16 would require the A10 chip because of the minimal hardware spec to get the most recent options. Still, this represents an extremely long life for iPhones when it comes to upgrades and upkeep. The iPhone 6s and unique iPhone SE had been first launched in late 2015 and early 2016, respectively. This means they may obtain common software program updates for over 6 years.
Apple has additionally developed plans to proceed to help important safety patches for present and former main variations of iOS, additional extending the lifetime of older fashions.


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Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: Amazon is making an MMO based on The Lord of the Rings.
If this sounds familiar, that’s because the company actually announced this in 2019, in partnership with China-based developer Leyou Technologies. Two years later, it was announced that the project had been canceled – largely due to the purchase of Leyou by Tencent in 2020.
It wasn’t 100% clear if it was [the rights] You went to Tencent or not, ”explains Christoph Hartmann, Vice President of Amazon Games GamesIndustry.biz. “We spoke with Tencent. We know the people there, and I have a lot of respect for them, but we’d better not work together because we’re two big companies. I mean, this is a ten-year project. Who knows what’s going to happen? We’d better have stayed friends.”
He added that Tencent wasn’t very enthusiastic about the project either, in part because of licensing restrictions.
“It wasn’t like ‘do what you want, just stick to the books and the rest is just a great game,'” says Hartmann. “I don’t want to go into detail but there were certain limitations so it wasn’t obvious.”
Middle-earth Enterprises, the company that controls the rights to J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, told Amazon that the license has returned to its sponsorship. New discussions began but the two companies “couldn’t find agreement” – again, in part over “somewhat restrictive licensing”.
Last summer, Middle-Earth Enterprises was acquired by the Embracer Group, a company with which Amazon already has a strong relationship after it announced last year that the two were working together on the next Tomb Raider game.
“There are a lot of people out there [I knew]Like Randy [Pitchford] From Gearbox that I worked with [in the past]. I didn’t think it would work, but I thought I might as well call and ask them. It doesn’t hurt. And they were really interested.
“I think we’ve been a little lucky because the person now in charge of Middle-earth Enterprises is an old colleague of mine, literally from the early days of Take-Two and Rockstar in the ’90s from the UK, so that obviously helps with the confidence.”
While Embracer has 100 in-house studios, Hartman has convinced the group and Middle-earth Enterprise that Irvine-based Amazon Games Orange County has the best experience in creating large-scale MMOs, thanks to its recent success with New World. Discussions progressed, and an agreement was reached and the partnership announced yesterday.
As mentioned, Hartmann’s ambition is to make this the “biggest MMO out there” – a feat made somewhat more challenging by the fact that the Lord of the Rings-type multiplayer online game has been around for so long.
The Lord of the Rings Online, now run by Standing Stone, has been in the works since 2007 and continues to receive huge expansions, such as Before The Shadow last year. Given that the game has a beginning to be more than a decade old, does that affect the potential for Amazon Games’ Tolkien title?
“Not at all,” says Hartmann. “First of all, I have a lot of respect for them for going on for this long. They have a fanbase that’s not huge, but it’s very dedicated. But just looking at the technology, where we are now, and where we’ll be in a couple of years, it’s just worlds apart. It’s a bit of an exaggeration if I say it’s going to be like black and white films to color, but that’s the approach I want to take.It’s just a whole different world.
“I think they could actually coexist. An even more likely scenario is…people just move on, because the other game is an old game. It’s not a bad game, but the industry moves on at some point, and it’s a long time since they’re released to us.”
Hartmann talks about expanding the genre’s customer base, about making an MMO for non-player players. If Amazon can pull this off, it could give its game an edge over LOTRO, which is largely structured in a similar way to World of Warcraft.
“I suspect [our game and Lord of the Rings Online] actually can coexist
It should be noted that Amazon did not refer to its project as an MMORPG, which is undoubtedly true of both LOTRO and WoW. The concept of a massively multiplayer game has evolved dramatically since 2007, with titles like Destiny creating an MMO experience for first-person players. It’s unclear what genre Amazon’s Lord of the Rings will be built around — the team is only now prototyping ideas — but audience expectations have clearly changed, too.
“It’s all about the immediate reward, and since social media, the Internet, etc., the immediate reward is very important,” says Hartmann. “It should be faster and faster.
“If you’re just relying on people figuring out the mechanics very quickly because it’s so similar to what they had before, great, but it’s all about accessibility and getting very early on the rewards so they can feel the progression. Then letting them get better incrementally, giving them more incrementally.” Basically an option where they can start at a different pace, and not get discouraged.That’s what’s important.
“It’s also a big problem for a lot of PvP games getting new people at all. You take something cool like League of Legends, as it is, but how many new people get into it, because you just yelled?”
Fortunately, Amazon Games Orange Country can draw lessons from its first title, New World. Perhaps the most obvious of these is technical learning; New World, as many online games do, suffered from server issues at launch, but Hartmann notes that these issues have been fixed and helped the team better understand its own technology. However, the biggest lesson relates to the demand for content.
“People literally scroll through the content incredibly quickly,” he says. “We just couldn’t keep up with the development of new content. At first we said, ‘Obviously we need post-launch content,’ we looked at the time frame in our world where we have a lot of experienced people say two or three months, but someone burned what we expected. To take them two or three months in one month only.
“We just have to get ready for the next round, and I just assume there are some people who actually stop sleeping and scroll through the content at triple speed.”
“MMOs are really cool too, but they just haven’t gotten as much attention as maybe ten years ago. That’s why we went strategically there”
Amazon has confirmed that the game will center around stories and characters from both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and that in itself raises another challenge. While the books are nearing a century in print (The Hobbit was first published in 1937), gamers are likely familiar with the Peter Jackson films he’s directed in the past 20 years. How do you create a new Middle-Earth that is both representative of your creative vision and familiar to those who enjoy previous adaptations?
“I already see this controversy playing out in the studio,” says Hartmann. We have some die-hard Lord of the Rings fans, and indeed [they’re saying]”We can’t do that” or Middle-earth [Enterprises] We won’t allow that, and we won’t be able to change the story, introduce new characters, or rewrite the books.
“But for me, it’s still very important to be a game first, and then a flip of the books second. So while I need to stay honest, I always, and really remind the team, ‘I get it, but it’s not about going to everyone and pointing out what If these details are 100% perfect. Let’s say the way [Tolkien] describes the world, maybe the scene looks a little different because we either can’t move on or the art people feel like it might look a little different than what people assume in the book.
“I definitely want to put the game first to make sure it’s a great game, because like I said, we want people to play for ten years, and it wouldn’t help if someone said, ‘This is a perfect representation of a book in a game. ‘” If you are really interested in that, read the book. Read it five more times. Otherwise, if it’s a game, then the game has something to do with the play, and it has to be fun, so there has to be a few people who are able to bend the rules to make it a great game.”
He adds that this balance is also key to success for any licensed MMO. We discuss past examples, ranging from the two Star Wars MMOs, the ongoing Star Trek Online, and the aforementioned Lord of the Rings Online, to finished examples like Pirates of the Caribbean Online and The Matrix Online. The amount of source material available from Tolkien’s work at least gives Amazon an edge over the latter, which was based on just three films, says Hartmann.
Despite holding out for titles like LOTRO and WoW, Hartmann believes the MMO genre is already underserved, which is why Amazon has invested so heavily in it over recent years with New World and now this title.
“It is very important that it be first a game and then a reflection of books”
“Battle Royale, Fortnite, and PUBG have been really the talk of the town for a long time, and as usual, everyone jumped on that,” he says. “They were the hot thing. But I’m like, ‘MMOs were cool too, but they just didn’t get as much attention as they might have ten years ago.'” That’s why we strategically went there.”
This does not mean that Amazon is focused solely on this space, as the Tomb Raider signature demonstrates. Adds Hartmann, “The game industry is also opportunistic. If you have a great opportunity coming up, you take it. I’m not dogmatic and stubborn, saying, ‘I’ll just do it.'” “If something as big as Tomb Raider is coming, and you feel like the right partner for each other, you take it. How many IPs are there at that level of quality?”
There’s no word on a release date for Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings, but with the team now in prototyping mode and Hartmann determined to create an MMO that will last more than a decade, he’s in no rush to bring something to market.
“It’s done when it’s finished and when it’s ready,” he says. “That’s it. I want this thing to survive for ten years or more. We’re not going to ship something that isn’t ready. Obviously we’d all like it to come as soon as possible out of personal interest, but we’ll only get it out when it’s ready to go.” .
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U.S. Soy Sales Continue To Disappoint
The pace of U.S. soybean export sales remains very disappointing, suggesting USDA will have to further lower its projection for 2005-06 exports in December. USDA reported soybean export sales for the week ended Nov. 17 of just 8.1 million bushels, compared with trade expectations of 18.5-25.5 million bushels. That weekly total was a marketing year low and was 68.5% below the average of the previous four weeks. What may be even more troubling to the market is that the weekly report suggests Chinese buyers have been “washing out,” or selling back U.S. cargoes. USDA reported that sales of 68,400 metric tons of U.S. soybeans to Taiwan and 58,000 metric tons to Spain were all switched from China. Through Nov. 17, U.S. soybean export sales commitments for 2005-06 stood at 408.6 million bushels, 29.3% below a year earlier. The current USDA projection for 2005-06 is for exports to come in only 2.5% below a year earlier. The main reason for the slow pace of U.S. sales appears to be continued stiff competition from large South American soybean stocks.
Chinese customs data indicates that China imported 1.897 million metric tons during October, which was up 21.5% from a year earlier. However, 83% of China’s October imports came from South America, with imports from the U.S. totaling only 290,000 metric tons (10.65 million bushels). U.S. soybean sales to Europe also continue to lag badly, mostly because European Union nations continue to buy from South America. The window for U.S. export sales has been cut short as the new South American harvest should start reaching the market by late March.
Editors note: Richard Brock, The Corn and Soybean Digest's Marketing Editor, is president of Brock Associates, a farm market advisory firm, and publisher of The Brock Report.
To see more market perspectives, visit Brock's Web site at www.brockreport.com.


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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday gave its nod to Nestle India and FSSAI to destroy 550 tonnes of recalled stocks of Maggi noodles which have passed shelf life and are in the possession of the company and the food regulator.
A bench of justices Dipak Misra and U U Lalit said the stock which is stored at 39 locations of the company across India and the stock which is with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at Lucknow shall be destroyed as per the agreed procedures between both the parties.
Senior advocate Arvind Dattar, appearing for Nestle India, said the stock will be destroyed at the incinerators of the notified cement plants by FSSAI and representatives of food regulator can also be present.
Advocate Mehmood Pracha, appearing for FSSAI, said they are not opposed to destruction of stocks but there were some issues regarding disposal of the stock which are subject matter of SLP filed against the Bombay High Court order.
The bench granted liberty to the parties to approach court in case of any grievances and disposed of the pleas.
On September 21, Nestle India had moved court seeking its nod to destroy about 550 tonnes of recalled stock of Maggi noodles which have passed shelf life, saying their storage may lead to health hazard.
The company had said that pursuant to withdrawal announcement and ban order on June 5, 2015, Nestle India Ltd had recalled stocks of Maggi noodles and till September 1, 2015 destroyed around 38,000 tonnes of the noodles.
The firm said it had 490 tonnes of stock pending destruction and 60 tonnes were received from the market. Hence, 550 tonnes of stock stored in 39 location across the country needed to be destroyed.
"This entire stock of approximately 550 tonnes is well past its 'best before date' and its storage is giving rise to conditions that may lead to health hazard at the said locations," the plea said.
It said over 38,000 tonnes of Maggi noodles have been destroyed till September 1, 2015 at incinerators of the notified cement plants, keeping in view environmental requirements.
On April 5, a Mysuru-based government laboratory had given its test report on Maggi noodles in a sealed cover to the apex court.
On January 13, the apex court had asked the Mysuru lab to clarify whether test reports relating to lead and glutamic acid in Maggi noodles were within permissible parameters under the law.
The apex court had passed the order after perusing two communications received from this lab which had carried out the test on monosodium glutamate (MSG) content in the samples.
While Nestle India, makers of Maggi, had claimed the lead content was within permissible limits prescribed under the Food Safety Act, the Centre said there was a need for comprehensive findings of all other parameters.
The apex consumer commission had on December 10, 2015, sent 16 more samples of Maggi noodles for testing at Chennai to ascertain the quantity of lead and MSG in them in connection with the government's Rs 640 crore suit against the company for alleged unfair trade practices.
The Bombay High Court had on August 13 last year lifted the ban on nine variants of the fast food and asked the company to go for fresh tests.


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Prominent news publication Business Insider recently interviewed Travis Scher, a leading investor who heads Digital Currency Group’s investment branch, a group that has made investments in successful blockchain startups Coinbase, Circle, and Ledger, to talk about his predictions for the crypto industry.
Scher revealed his expectations for a number of things, most notably the rise of crypto infrastructure for institutional investors, the birth and growth of blockchain-based gaming, and nonfungible tokens (NFTs) pushing blockchain adoption.
Wall Street and Institutions Will Foray Into Crypto in 2019
2018 saw the development and expansion of a number of consumer-based crypto products and services, such as exchanges like Coinbase, Kraken, and Binance, as well as wallets like Abra, Blockchain, and Ledger. There have been many developments for the retail crypto space, but little for institutional investors on Wall Street.
According to Scher, this is going to change in 2019.
Per previous reports from IIB, one of the most anticipated Bitcoin trading platforms for institutional investors, Bakkt, is set to launch in early 2019. Bakkt is a multi-faceted digital asset platform offering institutional investors the trading of physically settled Bitcoin futures.
The platform is being launched by the NYSE parent company, the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and is supported by big-name investors and companies including Microsoft, Galaxy Digital, Pantera Capital, Alan Howard, and many more who funded Bakkt $182.5 million.
Moreover, Bakkt recently acquired certain assets and employees of Rosenthal Collins Group (RCG) to better offer risk management, compliance, and other back-end solutions to their institutional clients.
Additional Bitcoin and crypto-related trading platforms coming to market in 2019 include Fidelity Digital Assets, Nasdaq Bitcoin Futures, CoinFLEX, and other institutional services, such as regulated crypto custody by Vontobel, Binance subsidiary accounts, Coinbase custody, and so much more.
Overall, 2019 will see the launch of a wide array of crypto-related services focused on onboarding and servicing institutional investors.
Blockchain Gaming and Non-Fungible Tokens
Another prediction made by the DCG executive was the arrival of blockchain-based gaming applications and non-fungible tokens. Scher noted that he expects 2019 to have a lot of experimentation in this subsector of blockchain technology, along with some big hits in blockchain gaming.
Speaking further on the matter, Scher said that venture capitalists have largely been ignoring the blockchain gaming sector due to games nature as a short-lived hit.
However, Scher believes investors should take a real look at the business beyond single games, stating:
“Venture capitalists should be paying attention to the ones that are building platforms and developer teams, companies that are not creating just one game but are building several developed business models that can succeed.”
To expand on the topic, Kyle Samani, the managing partner of Multicoin Capital, touted that the launch of a number of high-profile blockchain products in 2019 will attract mass amounts of customers, from both the retail and institutional realm.
Samani gave an example of an open-source venture called Tari, which will be able to facilitate the issuance and management of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Such markets could tap into include entertainment tickets, loyalty points, video game items, and more.
The rise of in-game items such as skins in League of Legends and Fortnite’s V Bucks have led many pundits to believe that non-fungible tokens (NFTs) could be a viable hit in the gaming world.
What do you think of Travis Scher’s predictions? What crypto-related predictions do you have for 2019? Let us know in the comment section below.


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Photo taken on Jan. 28, 2021 show an exterior view of a service center in Kunming Area of China (Yunnan) Pilot Free Trade Zone in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)
Southwest China's Yunnan Province will build a cross-border e-commerce ecosystem targeting markets in South Asia and Southeast Asia, as part of its efforts to promote foreign trade, according to a guideline recently made public by the government of Yunnan.
The guideline on accelerating development of new formats and models of foreign trade says that Yunnan will set up a direct selling platform for the display and trading of imported consumer goods, and build an online marketplace for products pitched at South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Efforts will be made to attract cross-border e-commerce enterprises and cross-border supply chain firms to set up regional headquarters and operation centers specialized for South and Southeast Asian markets in Yunnan.
The province will also explore the establishment of cross-border e-commerce alliances, and take an active part in the negotiation on the formulation of international rules for e-commerce.
Bordering Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam and nearing other South and Southeast Asian countries, Yunnan has a unique geographical advantage in developing cross-border e-commerce.


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March 27, 2020
Mobile phones are invaluable at the moment as our need to connect with work, family, friends and the latest news increases. However, there are millions of phones stashed away in drawers not being used. It’s time to either reuse or recycle these phones so they don’t go to waste.
Mobile phones are invaluable at the moment as our need to connect with work, family, friends and the latest news increases. However, there are millions of phones stashed away in drawers not being used. MobileMuster, Australia’s government-accredited mobile phone recycling program, estimates that Australians are stockpiling 25 million mobile phones – one for every member of the population. It’s time to either reuse or recycle these phones so they don’t go to waste.
Mobile phones are full of materials that our planet has a limited resource of, such as gold, silver, copper, aluminium, nickel and lithium. Extracting and processing these materials for new phones via mining requires a significant amount of energy. To date, MobileMuster has recycled over 1,500 tonnes of mobile phones and accessories, including 14 million handsets and batteries, saving an estimated 5,152 tonnes of CO2 emissions and conserving 28,000 tonnes of mineral resources.
MobileMuster accepts old phones for recycling for free! Workplaces can register for a recycling unit to make it easy for workers to drop off their old phones. There are also 3,500 collection points around the country that accept any brand of mobile phone and all accessories. To find your closest location, visit RecyclingNearYou.
As some collection points are currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, MobileMuster also offers a free mailing label or satchel. Businesses or consumers can use our free mailing label and post back their old mobile phones and accessories at any AusPost box.
MobileMuster will dismantle the phone and process the components to maximize recovery rates. The program is accredited by the Federal Government, so you can be sure that your old mobile phone will be recycled in an environmentally responsible manner. The program recovers more than 95% of the material from old phones and accessories, which are then used in the manufacturing of new products.
Don’t let the data on your mobile stop you from recycling or rehoming your mobile phone. Check out MobileMuster’s ‘how-to’ videos that take you through the steps of how to delete the data from your Android or iPhone.
Here are three simple ways you can reuse your mobile:
1. Sell it – this is a great way to recover some of the initial cost of buying the device. Selling the device within the first two years will recoup the greatest amount of value. After four years, the value of old mobiles drops significantly.
2. Pass it onto a friend or family member – this generous act is a great way to extend the life of your old phone.
3. Trade it in – if you’re looking at upgrading your handset, you might be able to trade your old phone in with your network provider. This is a great way of making some money that you can put towards your new phone or monthly phone bill.
Rachael joined Planet Ark in 2019 after eight years working in media and publishing as a producer, editor and writer. Rachael is excited to use her skills in content creation and communication to instigate positive environmental behaviour change.


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Qualcomm Inc. reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2018. Q1 revenue was $6.1 billion, up 1% compared to $6.0 billion reported in Q1 of 2017. Qualcomm didn’t record any QTL (Qualcomm Technology Licensing) revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 or fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 for royalties due on sales of Apple’s or the other licensee’s products. The company said “Our fiscal first quarter results reflect continued strong performance in our semiconductor business, as well as continued strength in 3G/4G handset ASPs”.
Net loss in the quarter was $6.0 billion, compared to a net income of $0.7 billion reported in Q1 of 2017. Net loss in the quarter was due to $6.0 billion charge relating to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in U.S and a $1.2 billion charge for a fine imposed by the European Commission (EC). (Qualcomm fined €997 for Apple Exclusivity Deal)


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Meijer celebrates grand opening of expansion today
The Midland Meijer today celebrates the grand opening of its new expansion, 12,000 square feet of space that means wider grocery aisles and a bigger selection of deli and produce merchandise.
Employees will do their share of clowning around and showing off skills they probably dont use at work. The grand opening parade starts at noon. The Midland Highlanders will play bagpipes.
Jill Wesche, one of the stores managers, will do her best impersonation of Dolly Parton. Secretary Emily Borland and her Belly Rolls group will entertain with belly dancing and service station manager Steve Pischel will dress as a race car driver and make laps around the parking lot on the Saginaw Spirit hockey teams giant blue grocery cart powered by a lawn mower. The Meijer performers will entertain inside the store after the parade.
Work on the addition and store reorganization has just finished, said Vera Haller, guest service lines manager. The store has just received maps that show the store layout and give the contents of grocery aisles. Store signs reading "find it all" will have maps to direct customers as well.
Customers have asked for years that the pharmacy be moved up front so they wouldnt have to walk to the back of the store, Haller said. Now theyve gotten their wish.
Some customers might find it a bit more challenging to locate what they want at first, Haller said. But she believes theyll like it once they get used to it.
"Were more coordinated, I think, when you come into the store," she said. "Things are grouped together better than they were before."


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I think I beat the tourist crowds on my recent trip to Japan.
On my first night in Osaka, I captured a photo with the famous Glico sign with no one else in the background.
A few days later, Abigail Ng of CNBC saw groups of people flocking to the site to take pictures.
Courtesy of Chen Meihui
But maybe I should highlight the fact that it was a Monday night.
I wasn’t so lucky that weekend: It was nearly impossible to get a picture at the top of the forest in Kyoto. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – about an hour from Osaka – without being bombarded with photos.
And my journey to a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera, was no different — I got off a packed bus only to find myself stuck in traffic on the road leading to my destination.
Visitors gather on a terrace near Kiyomizu-dera to watch the sunset and autumn leaves in Kyoto, Japan.
Courtesy of Abigail Ng
On another day, at Comcast’s Universal Studios Japan, there were long lines waiting for special seasonal or themed food stalls throughout the park. For one large roller coaster, The Flying Dinosaur, I waited about 70 minutes in a single-rider queue — often shorter wait times than in regular queues.
My experience comes as no surprise to Wanping Aw, CEO of Tokudaw travel agency based in Tokyo.
She said the queue could be longer because of staffing issues and the crowd can be a mix of domestic and foreign tourists. The old group is taking advantage of discount from the government, reduce to encourage local tourism.
“Because of the domestic campaign, people are going to either Mt. Fuji or Hakone on weekends,” resulting in an almost doubling of travel time, she said.
“On Saturdays and Sundays… it feels like the whole of Japan, like local Japanese people, is going to Disneyland, like there’s a huge traffic jam on the highway leading into Disneyland.” She added.
Wanping Aw said it can take 3-4 hours to reach Mount Fuji from Tokyo on weekends because of traffic jams. She said the trip usually takes about two hours.
David Mareuil | Anadolu agent | beautiful pictures
As for international visitors, many have returned massively after the authorities announced the resumption of visa-free travel and independent, individual travel.
At Ichiran, a ramen chain popular with foreign visitors, I waited 40 minutes for a seat despite arriving around 11am. Some leads left after learning the estimated wait time.
Japan reopened its borders for the first time in June, but only for tourists on package tours with an accompanying person and a visa is required. Aw said in the months before those rules were lifted on October 11, traffic congestion and queuing were less.
“I think my customers, they prefer Japan,” she said.
“From June to maybe the end of October, everyone seems to be very happy,” added Aw.
In October, the month in which nearly all restrictions were lifted, Japan recorded 498,600 arrivals – more than double the 206,500 arrivals in September, according to statistics. Preliminary data from Japan National Tourism Organization.
According to Rachael Harding, the company’s CEO for East, South Asia and Pacific markets, during the upcoming winter, Club Med resorts in Hokkaido will be operating at near full capacity.
Online bookings to Japan jumped 79% within a week after authorities announced the easing of the measures, she told CNBC Travel in an email.
Tokudaw’s Aw said bookings with her company remained strong during the year-end period, at about 85% of pre-Covid levels. She observed a “sudden drop” in bookings in January, followed by an increase in April, when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.
However, HIS Travel told CNBC Travel that its customers from Singapore have booked until the end of April.
When asked if demand will drop in the new year after the school holidays in Singapore end, HIS’s Fritz Ho said: “Actually not. In fact, I would say the requirements. [are] to pick up.”
He said working adults and groups of friends or family are also traveling for the Lunar New Year in January 2023.
Fritz Ho of HIS International Travel said that Singaporeans love Japanese food and that is one of the reasons they come back to Japan.
Calvin Chan Wai Meng | Moment | beautiful pictures
Ho, who manages meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, estimates that demand has reached 75% to 80% of 2019 levels.
He quoted weakly Japanese yen is one reason for the destination’s popularity, adding that customers stay more days than before and are willing to spend more.
The dollar is about 20% stronger against the yen since the start of the year.
Club Med’s Harding said the weakness of the yen makes Japan a “much more affordable holiday destination right now”, but the country was already popular even before the currency weakened. .
“Japan has always been a hugely popular destination whether it be its pristine skiing conditions, architecture, art, traditions, cuisine or fascinating pop culture,” she said.
Both Ho and Aw also said Japan’s high standards of hospitality drew visitors.
Obviously, despite the recovery of tourism, the number of visitors coming in October is still only a fraction of the more than 2 million people per month in 2019, before the Covid pandemic hit.
Chinese tourists, who still need to be quarantined upon returning from overseas, are still the missing piece.
In October 2019, more than 730,000 visitors from China accounted for nearly 30% of arrivals to Japan, national tourism data shows. This is a far cry from the 21,500 Chinese visitors, which accounted for 4.3% of total visitors in October 2022.
Analysts largely expect China to reopen between the second and third quarters of 2023, and Club Med’s Harding said tourists from the country are “certainly important to locals”. [Japanese] tourism and economy”.
Tokudaw’s Aw said she thinks the spike in arrivals could cause the understaffed tourism industry to “collapse”.
That said, she told CNBC Travel that there are Chinese-speaking staff on every floor of an upscale Tokyo hotel she recently visited.
“Japan is really serious about Chinese money,” she said.
Disclosure: Comcast is the parent company of NBCUniversal and CNBC.


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Easily one of the most anticipated android games of the year, Battlegrounds mobile India has finally basked us with rays of hope for its release, especially for the young audience which is hopefully provisioning it as PUBG’s official comeback in the Indian gaming market. With Krafton, the game’s legal developer, teasing the public every now and then hinting on it’s release, the young anticipants are probably in luck… Or are they?
Turns out they’re in for some more unveilings, so as to speak, Krafton did introduce pretty concernful changes specially for our young players, to keep their hands clean. Here’s what happened :
Krafton recently dropped some announcements introducing a few “new policies” focusing primarily on the young audience below 18 yrs, with the super-hyped game launch drawing near. With all the ballyhoo around the desi PUBG version of ours, the policies become ever so pertaining considering almost 20 million pre-registrations already crossed on Play Store. Keep reading to find out what exactly these new changes are, how they imply, and more!
Mandatory parents’ consent:
Battlegrounds Mobile India gamers under 18 years of age will have to take consent from their parents to play the game.
Capped gaming time:
According to the advisory release by Krafton, players below 18 have a maximum playtime limit of three hours now. This is something which is hinted to fight off addiction towards the game among children.
Mobile number requirement:
Power to parents:
Krafton “claims” that with the above mentioned procedure implemented, parents can exercise a certain extent of authority over their child, specially to keep their gaming habits healthy and under check. In case their wards appear to be getting addicted to Battlegrounds Mobile India and spending lots of hours playing the game then they can also ‘directly’ contact the developer to disable the account of their children.
Krafton claims that the gaming data of all Battlegrounds Mobile India gamers will be stored on servers in India and Singapore exclusively.
Limit on in-game purchases:
Interestingly, the game developer also states that players can’t spend more than Rs. 7,000 a day for any in-game purchases in Battlegrounds Mobile India, which again is only for children below 18. In-game purchases in PUBG, specially the Royal Pass (An elite ingame subscription that player had to pay for inorder to gain access to exclusive skins and benefits), were quite popular during it’s time so, this is something which might be reassuring to parents (and their wallets).
For the time being, that’s all about the latest news dropped by Battlegrounds Mobile India, stay tuned for more updates about the same, thanks for reading!
(This article including the featured image is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, Ajanta News Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)


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Back in this post, we said you could expect an exciting Super Bowl. We were wrong. If you were one of the 100.7 million people tuning in, you were probably left wanting more. You maybe even changed the channel. In fact, this year’s Super Bowl fell to the lowest ratings since 2008 1 . Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long for thrilling sports. Along with much awaited spring weather, March Madness is right around the corner.
The Making of a College Basketball Fan
March Madness presents the rare opportunity where US television viewers can tune in over a period of three weeks to see their favorite athletes compete. Unlike the Super Bowl, the NCAA tournament fosters a strong communal feeling because there are more than two teams involved.
When it comes to March Madness, most people have a college they went to, or a coach they follow, or a regional conference, or it could be there is a college team just down the road. Everyone has a rooting interest. – Joe Lunardi, Resident Bracketologist, ESPN
Even if you’re not a fan of college basketball, you may be trying your luck with an office bracket. “Nearly 24 million people, which is approximately 10 percent of the American adult population, participated in college basketball pools in 2017, accounting for nearly $3 billion in wagering.”2. The office bracket keeps us tuned in, as unexpected losses and wins determine who will go home with the pool. Every game ultimately matters and every team has a story that fans can connect with.
NCAA Viewers Are on eBay
The passion and community fostered by March Madness can also be found on eBay. Last September, ESPN and eBay announced a partnership making eBay’s sports equipment, fashion apparel, memorabilia, and collectibles more discoverable on ESPN.com web and mobile web. With eBay reaching 53.4% of all sports enthusiasts online3, the ESPN/eBay collaboration was a no brainer.
There are few things people are more passionate about than sports, and the apparel, memorabilia and collectibles associated with our favorite athletes and teams have become an important part of sports fandom. – Suzy Deering, Chief Marketing Officer of eBay Americas
Sports enthusiasts spend an average of 33 minutes 4looking through over 1.2 billion active listings 5 during the March Madness timeframe. Many of them are searching for sports related products. Brands like Nike and Callaway garner much of the spend 6. NCAA basketball related items also do well during March Madness, purchased at a rate of every 15 seconds 7. With eBay’s expansive reach, brands attempting to connect with both the dedicated and casual sports fan, will reach them on eBay.
Ready to connect with our highly engaged sports audience? Contact our Ad Sales team.
This year many brands may be thinking about hiring more data experts. But before spending some serious cash to grow internal data teams, brands should consider how to harness the data capabilities of their media partners.
Improved Internal Data Resources
In 2018, Salesforce and Deloitte produced the Consumer Experience in the Retail Renaissance report. According to the study, more than 550 traditional retail, pure play, consumer goods, and branded manufacturing leaders plan to employ nearly 50% more data scientists over the next three years1. Anticipating increased data regulation, brands want to use experts to ensure that they are using their data wisely.
Actionable consumer data insights are no doubt powerful. They enable companies to provide highly relevant messages to shoppers, thereby lessening ad clutter. However, many organizations are underperforming when it comes to managing their data. According to the Salesforce/Deloitte report, 63% of respondents felt they could be doing a better job of responding to consumer demands and insights in an agile manner2. While expanding data teams will help, brands must also focus on how to engage their outside resources. They must be highly selective and only work with media partners who have a strong grasp of data access and actionability.
Improved Data Partners
The task of refining data points into meaningful findings can be overwhelming. By solely relying on internal teams, advertisers may find themselves stretched too thin. This lends to data oversight, where unique data points are often overlooked.
We recently spoke with Parker Burgess, eBay’s Client Insights Manager. Solutions architects at eBay are there to help brands optimize their campaigns. With added technology, eBay is improving how client data and eBay customer data can join forces.
For instance, if the client has CRM data, we have the ability to create shop-alike audiences using eBay 1st party data. Using their target audience as a base, eBay can create scoring using various data attributes generating look alike modeling for reaching additional users with high probability to behave like the clients target user group. – Parker Burgess, Client Insights Manager
Another advantage of partnering with eBay is the ability to use customer tools to build target personas. With a DMP that is real-time, signals can be collected through shopper tools like eBay Garage. Tools like eBay Garage collect powerful 1st party data like make, model, and year of a shopper’s vehicle. Automotive and insurance brands can employ this data through highly targeted campaigns. “For example, our unique data collected on eBay Garage allows insurance advertisers to target high value users with more specific messaging geared towards the specific vehicle make, model and year of their vehicles,” says Parker.
Data on eCommerce Platforms
As we enter a new era of government intervention in how personal data is managed, advertisers must align with media partners who will meet evolving government requirements. E-commerce platforms often follow a safety-first approach.
Expectations are high that retailers share conversion and sales data with brands, but retailers have found it prudent to protect their shoppers’ data and not fall into the same discussions around privacy violations that Facebook or other third-party retargeters have. – Sucharita Kodali, VP Principal Forrester Analyst 3
Data alone is worthless unless given the ability to make it actionable and solve business problems. While brands will continue building their internal resources, they must also look outward to their partners.
Want to learn more about eBay’s advanced data tools? Contact our ads sales team.
If we had to define our formula for success over the last 20 years, it would look a little something like this:
Trust + Serendipity = Engaged eBay Customer
The Trust Factor
In 1995, Pierre Omidyar created eBay on a simple premise that most people are basically good. However in order to succeed, eBay had to solve a very old, very human problem: trusting strangers. By asking buyers and sellers to rate one another, eBay “introduced trustworthiness into transactions between people who didn’t know one another.”
Since 1995, eBay has added multiple layers to how buyers trust and transact. For instance, eBay’s Money Back Guarantee ensures that buyers are refunded if the item they ordered didn’t arrive, is faulty or damaged, or if it doesn’t match the listing. eBay Authenticate™ provides customers with a high level of confidence when shopping for luxury items. Through the service, an ‘Authenticity Verified’ label is placed on thousands of watches and handbags from the most sought-after brands.
In 2019, eBay will expand seller protections in recognition of the fact that sellers face fraudulent returns and false claims from buyers.
Recognizing that it is our sellers that power the environment and have felt as though we’ve swung the pendulum too far to only focus on buyers, eBay is doing more to protect sellers.- Scott Cutler, eBay VP of the Americas
eBay continues to mitigate risks by increasing layers of seller protection, ensuring that the marketplace is one that’s trusted by all stakeholders.
In today’s reshaped ecommerce environment, advertisers need a true partner who can leverage the most impactful data and insights to build a trustworthy campaign. Advertisers can take stock in their ad performance on eBay. With 80% of users persistently logged in, ads are being seen by real humans, not bots1.
The Serendipity Factor
eBay’s proprietary data is truly infused by the customer. As a result, eBay understands what’s culturally relevant and what’s trending at any given moment. For instance, searches for Lebron James’ new jersey soared on eBay when he announced he was moving to Los Angeles from Cleveland. It quickly became a fan favorite, with over 12K jerseys purchased on eBay 2 since he signed with the Lakers last July. Launched in May, there are also new features to better tailor the shopping experience based on a user’s passions, hobbies, and style. The result is a more personalized eBay that uses technology to curate the world’s largest selection of inventory.
With more than 1.2 billion listings3, eBay is focused on making the entire internet shoppable. Enabled by AI and machine learning, eBay continues to create innovative ways to shop, allowing people to quickly find the things they love. Advanced shopping tools create an environment where consumer interests are recognized. For example, in 2018 eBay Motors’ announced a new Shop by Diagram feature. This tool assists prospective buyers by using schematics of vehicles to determine which parts they need to buy. And it’s tools like these that makes eBay a customer resource for research and discovery, providing high engagement to brands.
Customers can connect with items that spark interest but that they weren’t necessarily looking for. Shoppers can serendipitously happen upon items that are uniquely eBay. Under the ‘Everything Else’ category, customers can search for everything from ‘Weird Stuff’ to ‘Totally Bizarre Stuff.’ We dare you to see what you can discover and maybe fall in love with.
The Engaged eBay Customer
Everyday, tens of millions of people browse, discover, buy, and sell on eBay. Shoppers are leaned in and engaged, spending 34% longer on eBay than on Amazon (9.1 min vs 6.8 min)4. The more engaged the shopper, the more connected he/she feels to a marketplace community and the brands that are integrated into it.
eBay’s reach in ecommerce is unparalleled. Its internal technology combined with the high volume of data driven insights and a dedicated team, makes eBay a true partner and not a service – allowing brands to make the most out of their data and investment.
Ready to leverage eBay’s formula for success? Contact our ad sales team.
The winter shopping season doesn’t end with Christmas. Nearly half (41%) of Americans report setting New Year’s resolutions—and while most don’t last beyond February, consumers buy with the best intentions as they purchase products that help them achieve their goals. During the New Year season in late December and early January, eBay shoppers make over 2.4 billion searches, equating to over 1,000 searches per second.
Whether it’s committing to a healthier diet, more exercising or mindfulness, health and wellness-related resolutions are by far the most popular, accounting for more than 50 percent of New Year’s resolutions. This trend is mirrored on eBay, where fitness brands like Nike and Adidas are among the top-purchased brands during the New Year season. Users search 60 fitness-related products every second, and Nike items alone are searched 28 times every minute. Other health items, like weights, yoga mats and protein powder, see an uptick in search volume during this period as well.
eBay’s audience insights can provide health and wellness brands a unique opportunity to reach these optimistic shoppers well into the new year. With over 700 pre-defined audience segments, brands can identify which members of their target audience may be interested in health and wellness and reach them when they’re eager to shop.
“If brands want to create a long-term relationship with a buyer audience, understanding that audience’s behavioral patterns is of the utmost importance,” said Harris Yousuf, eBay Advertising’s Head of Client Insights & Analytics (CIA). Yousuf uses eBay’s first-party data to find and understand patterns behind the way shoppers search, view and buy items. By partnering with the CIA team, brands can optimize their efforts at key moments like the New Year season and beyond.
eBay’s advertising platform allows brands to capitalize on the consistent trend of self-improvement around the New Year. Leveraging eBay’s audience insights, brands can reach users interested in the health and wellness space, glean new behavioral insights and boost revenue to jump start the year ahead.
To utilize eBay’s scale and insight to connect with your own key audiences, contact our ad sales team.
Valentine’s Day can be a holiday some love or loathe. However, being single on V-Day is no longer a punchline. As US relationship dynamics evolve, so should brand messaging. Brands solely focusing on reaching couples are missing the mark and missing an opportunity to connect with a wider audience. Valentine’s Day shoppers are ready to share a kind gesture with someone, whether single or romantically involved.
Valentine’s Day Spend is Increasing
Valentine’s Day is the fourth largest spending time of the year after the winter holidays, back to school, and Mother’s Day, respectively. In 2018, total spending reached $19.6 billion, up from $18.2 billion in 2017.1 Additionally, individual spending also rose in 2018 with 55% of the US population spending an average of $144.2 Shoppers are moving away from novelty and are putting more thought and cash into what they give.
While we still exchange chocolates, consumers are also looking to luxury brands and gift cards on eBay to complete their holiday shopping lists.
A Rolex and a Nintendo Gift Card
In 2018, consumers celebrating Valentine’s Day spent $4.7 billion on jewelry, $1.9 billion on clothing/accessories, and $1.5 billion on gift cards/gift certificates.3 On eBay, average daily visitors for Valentine’s gift related categories increase from late January through early February. During this short shopping window, luxury brands like Gucci and Rolex are some of the most searched on the platform.4
eBay’s advertising solutions present an ideal opportunity for high-end brands to reach consumers looking to wow a loved one or treat themselves.
Above all, shoppers love to give the gift of choice. The top three items purchased on Valentine’s Day on eBay, include gifts cards to Cabela’s, Nintendo, and Overstock.com.5 While a gift card won’t replace a Rolex, the volume of which they are purchased on Valentine’s Day represents how the culture behind the holiday has changed. Gift cards can be for anyone, not just a romantic partner.
All the Single Ladies & Gentlemen & Teachers & Pets….
Single folks are adopting a friends and family forward approach to Valentine’s Day. 25% of all consumers who spend money on Valentine’s Day identify as being single6 . Some shoppers use the holiday as a way to share a loving gesture with parents, children, teachers, friends, co-workers, and even pets.
Marketing campaigns should strive to be diverse and should not overlook single shoppers, especially as US marriage demographics evolve.
With consumer confidence at an all time high as made evident by 2018’s holiday sales, marketers are in a strong position to reach the Valentine’s Day shopper. A mix of inclusive creative and reaching consumers with wallet in hand, will allow for success this Valentine’s Day and who wouldn’t love that?!
Want your brand to feel the love in 2019? Contact our ad sales team.
It’s time to shop for those you love as we celebrate the holiday of love. Everyone from the Last Minute Lover to the Romantic at Heart are shopping for that perfect gift on eBay this time of year. Learn more about who are Valentine’s Day Shoppers are and what they’re shopping for.
Ready to make each moment count in 2019? Contact our ad sales team.
Atlanta’s new Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the 53rd Super Bowl. It will be the first Super Bowl played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium since its opening in 2017. In addition to an exciting game between the Patriots and the Rams, we can expect over 45 broadcast advertisements aiming to captivate an audience of 100+ million viewers. Unsurprisingly, Mercedes-Benz is developing an ad to return to the Super Bowl broadcast and you can bet that other automotive brands will follow suit.
The True Value of a Super Bowl Spot
With an audience as large as the Super Bowl’s there’s no doubt that a $5 million spot will increase product awareness, but are they effective? Communications firm Communicus, found that the majority of Super Bowl ads do not boost purchases or even intent to purchase.
Thankfully, when it comes to reaching large populations of automotive shoppers, there exists cost-effective alternatives to the Super Bowl spot.
In 2018, approximately one third of the US population watched the Super Bowl. Want to know what else one third of the US population did? They shopped on eBay. eBay is the 2nd largest marketplace in the US by GMV. 1 The platform attracts a wide variety of automotive segments: everyone from the motorhead to the family car shopper. They come to eBay to purchase all their car essentials and search for everything from GPS devices to Dash Cams and actual vehicles.
Building Trust > Super Bowl Ads
Buying a car is a high stakes decision. Not only are shoppers looking for a vehicle to safely transport their families, they also want to make the purchase without breaking the bank. As interest rates are set to rise in 2019, so will car payments. Money-conscience car shoppers are thoroughly researching their options. According to a Cox Automotive study, approximately 60% of a consumer’s car hunt occurs entirely on the web. People are looking for trusted sources to provide them with concise, quality information. As the pioneer in digital marketplaces, eBay has built immense trust among their community of buyers and sellers allowing for the most personal of purchases to be made.
By partnering with platforms that value trust, automotive brands have the opportunity to apply the same transparency and reliability that exists for eBay customers to their own advertising budgets.
Engagement is King on eCommerce Platforms
While consumers use eBay to buy a vehicle (every 2 minutes, a car is purchased on eBay2), they also use the platform as a comparison shopping engine. With eCommerce dominating as a search and discovery platform, there are strong shopper intent signals that can be leveraged by advertisers. High engagement on a commerce platform means that brands have more opportunities to drive awareness, consideration, and purchase.
With 2019 automotive sales anticipated to decrease as compared to 2018, automotive brands can still be in the driver’s seat of their media mix without throwing all of their budget into traditional advertising.
Ready to make each moment count in 2019? Contact our ad sales team.
When it’s time for a first-time homebuyer to furnish their new living space, it’s highly unlikely they’ll model it after their former college dorm room. As shoppers grow older, many of their interests, priorities and buying habits naturally change and develop with them – yet few events disrupt old shopping routines like major life milestones. Moments like getting married, buying a new home or welcoming a new family member often prompt shoppers to explore new brands and purchase more items than when normally in-market for specific categories. The New York Times has even published research showing that major life events can reset shopping patterns and determine brand loyalty for years to come.
Reaching over 177 million active buyers who are logged in 80% of the time, eBay has access to a host of demographic and shopping-intent data that allow marketers to time activations around audiences making major brand decisions. Especially during tax season, one of the busiest shopping moments of the year on eBay, financial brands aware of these life stages can target audiences of all ages to provide robust resource centers for this time of year.
Using our audience insights, brands can be there to accompany shoppers taking the first steps into their newest life adventure.
New College Graduates Take on the “Real” World
Simply looking at purchase behavior doesn’t always tell the full story. For example, it’s easy to confuse recent college graduates with new homeowners, given that they both search for items in Home & Garden. However, telling the two apart helps brands build more precise and informed campaigns.
“Consumers who declare they’re recent grads in surveys go on to purchase small appliances, bedding and work clothes,” marketer Bill Glass explains. “They’re quite different from first-time homebuyers who also buy plenty of appliances, but already have bedding and clothes.”
The year of their graduation, purchases for young professionals spike through two weeks in March. Throughout this time and in June – another month with increased purchase activity – marketers have a unique opportunity to prepare soon-to-be and recent grads with what they’ll need to succeed off campus. Additionally, in preparation of tax season, advertisers that reach shoppers new to the workforce are more likely to find an audience interested in improving their financial literacy.
New Home, New Me
While recent graduates tend not to spend big on home items, other shoppers who are moving into new homes plan for the long term and purchase higher quality items. In fact, six of the top 10 keyword searches for movers on eBay are queries for premium and luxury brands.
To fill their new space, movers need a lot of items. Not only do they purchase a couch every 12 minutes on eBay, but they also buy vacuum cleaners every minute and kitchen appliances every nine seconds. The demand for new, quality products means buyers are searching and considering more brands than ever before. According to eBay audience data, about a third of movers are nearly 1,500% more likely than the average buyer to also belong to eBay’s “Brand Switcher” audience segment.
As movers search frequently for home products, advertisers have multiple opportunities to reach this receptive audience throughout their shopper journey – provided they plan ahead around the holiday rush. On eBay, searches for moving-related items spike during January.
New Parents Prepare on eBay
A 2017 report from the United States Department of Agriculture finds the average family spends $12,000 to $13,000 on everything from basic baby supplies to expensive toys throughout a child’s first year of life. In addition to welcoming a new family member, parents will also get to know new brands and products.
Last year, new parent shoppers on eBay viewed over 9,000 items each hour, with top sellers including toys, wipes and diapers. Parents also make more expensive, long-term purchases. In fact, nearly half of new parents are 1,816% more likely than the average eBay buyer to be in the market for a new car. Appealing to values of safety, security and quality, marketers can help buyers navigate their new parenting lifestyle and prepare them the future ahead.
Whether it’s being available to new buyers or celebrating loyal customers’ big life accomplishments, brands that pay attention to moments that matter can build long-lasting relationships.
Ready to take the next step? Contact our ad sales team.
If it’s happening in the world, it’s happening on eBay. Movie releases, video game drops and cultural moments are all felt on eBay instantly. We have engaged audiences who find more of what they’re passionate about on our platform. Learn more about how eBay is on the pulse of what’s trending.
Ready to make each moment count in 2019? Contact our ad sales team.
As you return to the office from this year’s CES excitement, allow us to indulge in some nostalgia for a moment. The first CES took place in New York City in June 1967. Since then, it has moved to Las Vegas and introduced thousands of products into the hands and hearts of consumers. Many of those products have also landed into the homes of millions of eBay shoppers.
Saw it on CES, bought it on eBay
Since 1995, eBay has served as a barometer of cutting edge innovations and gathering place to shop for all things trending.
Advertisers looking to connect with millions of passionate and engaged shoppers can count on eBay’s 700+ audiences to find the right person for the right product. Take for instance Garrett, one of eBay’s many gamer personas. Garret is an older millennial at 35, is single, and owns his home. He and gamers like him, use the platform to not only shop for his favorite old school Nintendo games, but also to learn more about other brands he may be interested in; brands that typically have a strong presence at CES.
Maximize your CES investment
Brands introducing new consumer electronics at CES will quickly see them on eBay soon after they launch. If it’s announced or demoed at CES, it’s selling on eBay. For over three decades, the global stage of CES has fueled eBay’s tech hungry audiences including everyone from die hard gamers like Garret, gadget lovers, auto aficionados and more. With the immediacy of shopper activity on the platform, advertisers can engage with early adopters looking to discover new products in a reliable and safe space.
eBay’s CES 2019 Activation
Our culture has embraced eBay and in turn, we’ve embraced the cultural moments that happen all around us. This year in our CES suite, we dove into our archives to highlight the journeys of some of the most significant consumer electronics since eBay’s launch in 1995. Want to know how many smartphones are purchased per second on eBay? Check out our latest stats here and if you weren’t at CES, take a look below at some of the milestone consumer electronics and how they moved on eBay.
1995 – FLATSCREEN
Fujitsu developed the world’s first 42-inch wide-screen color plasma display. A few months later, Pierre Omidyar wrote code for “AuctionWeb” and launched eBay as a personal project out of a spare bedroom in his Silicon Valley townhouse.
1998 – RIP DISCMAN
The world’s first MP3 player, the MPMan F10, was developed by a South Korean company SaeHan Information Systems. The F10 contained 32MB of Flash storage which was enough for a handful of songs.
2001 – XBOX
Internet Gaming was introduced by Microsoft with the Xbox and Sony with connected features on the PlayStation 2 at CES. Players embraced gaming online with 422 purchases per hour of related items on eBay.
2003 – BLU-RAY
While considered a one hit wonder of consumer technology, the Blu-ray DVD sold 2.3 million units within its first year on eBay.
2007 – iPhone
Apple introduced the iPhone, which saw 14M iPhone related products sell on eBay in the first year of its existence.
2012 – 3D PRINTER
3D Printers premiered at CES. eBay sold two per day that year.
2016 – OTT
The FCC voted to ‘unlock’ cable set-top box converters allowing OTT devices to rise to the top with 43 searches on eBay per minute. However, in early 2017 the FCC removed its set-top box proposal from circulation, meaning commissioners could no longer vote on the proposal. Nevertheless, OTT continues to trend as the population of cord cutters grows.
2018 – GOOGLE PIXEL
Google releases the Pixel 3. There are 13 purchases of the device per hour on eBay.
Ready to make each moment count in 2019? Contact our ad sales team.


text: Nigerian startup Kippa, launched to enhance small businesses’ lifecycle with its payments and finance management platform, has secured US$8.4 million in the seed round. Kippa said the money would help it develop financial products for SMEs, enabling the latter to grow their businesses. Kippa is among the multiple bookkeeping apps for sub-Saharan African SMEs, including Pastel, Bumpa, OZE, and Bamba. In November 2021, Ekezie-Joseph, CEO of Kippa, said his startup had over 130,000 active small business clients ranging from kiosks and local food vendors to specialized merchants. Kippa is backed by ventures like Goodwater Capital, Vibe Capital, TEN 13 VC, and Saison Capital.


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70. The Chairman said that Brazil, China, India and South Africa had requested that this item be added to the agenda. They had submitted a communication that briefly introduced the item, circulated in document IP/C/W/619.
71. The representatives of India, Brazil, South Africa, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the Russian Federation, the United States, Canada, the European Union, Chile, Australia, Switzerland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Plurinational State of Bolivia and Norway took the floor.
72. The representatives of the Holy See, WHO, UNCTAD, and UNAIDS took the floor.
73. The representative of the Secretariat took the floor.
74. The Council took note of the statements made and agreed to take the matter up as an ad hoc agenda item at its next meeting.


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(Updated 11:35 a.m. with more information from lawsuit and link to view document; updated 4:30 p.m. with statement on behalf of Boston Properties)
The first lawsuit regarding Boston Properties’ paid parking system at Reston Town Center has been filed.
In a press release Thursday morning, Jackson’s Mighty Fine Food and Lucky Lounge (11927 Democracy Drive) announced the suit, which includes a motion for a temporary injunction over the “cumbersome paid parking system [Boston Properties] implemented in January 2017.”
Representatives of Town Center businesses have been meeting among themselves to discuss their options since paid parking began, and the threat of potential legal action was first made public in early February.
The suit by Jackson’s (view) was filed Wednesday afternoon in the Circuit Court of Fairfax County. In addition to the injunction, the restaurant seeks “an award of damages of $500,000 or other specific amount to be established at trial.”
According to the lawsuit, Jackson’s says it negotiated lease terms preventing Boston Properties from implementing parking controls that “unduly impede” guests and requiring Boston Properties to assure that any paid parking system must allow Jackson’s to validate parking — at no expense to the restaurant — for guests and employees. The lawsuit claims the validation system imposed by BXP violates the restaurant’s lease rights and the requirements it sought.
“Our team has been inundated with complaints from guests who tell us that the process to use the validation system is cumbersome and confusing,” said Orson Williams, managing partner at Jackson’s, in the announcement. “On top of that, Boston Properties’ parking attendants often give incorrect and misleading instructions when our guests seek help in getting unlimited free parking.”
Jackson’s, operated by Great American Restaurants, opened in the Town Center in 2008.
Restaurants and other businesses within the Town Center have claimed major decreases in business since the paid parking system went into place. An organized protest that took place earlier this month saw hundreds of participants from throughout the community.
Boston Properties has said the impact of paid parking on Town Center business has been “far less” than claimed.
“We did not want to have to sue and we tried to work with Boston Properties to address our concerns and our rights under the lease to give our customers free and hassle-free parking, both before and after Boston Properties implemented this parking system. But they were uncompromising and appeared disinterested in working with us to provide our guests a better experience at Reston Town Center,” said Jon Norton, CEO of Great American Restaurants, in the announcement. “It appears to us that they are focused on maximizing revenue instead of honoring the spirit and terms of our lease, and seem unconcerned with the impact their system has had on the Town Center. It is disappointing that they have spent so much time bolstering a PR campaign rather than working with us to fulfill their lease obligations.”
Spokesperson Kathy Walsh of the Fallston Group, speaking on behalf of Boston Properties, said it “would be inappropriate to discuss pending litigation, particularly as there is a confidentiality provision that prevents either party from discussing many of the lease terms.”
A Japanese maple tree on Church Street in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey) Heat Raises Risk for Outdoor Activities — “The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a special weather statement…
Trips on the Dulles Toll Road could get costlier next year. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority‘s Board of Directors is considering a plan to raise tolls by an average of…
Fairfax County hopes to rely entirely on electric and non-carbon-emitting vehicles by 2035, but projected costs could become an obstacle. While the county government already has electric vehicle charging stations…
If you need furniture NOW and at a holiday discount, Herndon’s Furniture Max is standing by! Furniture Max in Herndon wants you to know they have a wide selection of…


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Now that school is back in session, you and your children need to shop for school supplies.
Recently the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled approximately 100,000 Jeep Liberty Strollers, manufactured by Kolcraft, due to a potential bodily injury and property damage hazard.
Accidents on the road devastate millions of families every year.
For those of you driving a Chrysler vehicle, this is for you.
You might love the look of Victoria's Secret bras on the both the models and yourself, but watch out for the long-term possible outcome.
Every year in the United States thousands of innocent consumers die and millions are injured due to various defective and dangerous products.
Thousands of innocent consumers die and millions are injured every year in the United States due to various defective and dangerous products. These products have design and/or manufacturing defects or inadequate warning labels that can cause victims to suffer short or long-term injuries.
Defective products come in all shapes and sizes from a pickup truck to baby diapers, toasters, boats, electronics and medical devices.
Did you know that there are many prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are either dangerous or defective?
Blair LLC, the popular mail-order catalog that comes to your home, has expanded a defective product recall that involves women chenille robes.


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The Software & Information Industry Association announced Tuesday that it has settled copyright infringement claims brought on behalf of Symantec.
The lawsuit, in the Central District of California, was among the first SIIA filed under its Auction Litigation Program. The program monitors online auction sites, watches for illegal software distribution through the Internet, and prosecutes sellers on behalf of SIIA members, who number more than 800.
Grace Chan of San Jose agreed to pay $205,000 for selling unauthorized software on eBay and adhere to confidential terms.
SIIA claimed in the suit, Symantec et al. v. Chan et al., that the seller infringed on copyrights and trademarks in Norton PartitionMagic, Norton AntiVirus, pcAnywhere, Norton SystemWorks, and other software by reselling original software, unbundled, counterfeit, and other unauthorized software.
In a statement released Tuesday, SIIA said the case shows how easy it is to get around eBay's fraud-prevention protocols.
"Infringers often are able to use multiple user identities, and multiple 'storefronts' to continue their activities for long periods of time," Scott Bain, SIIA's litigation counsel, said in the news release. "Through our Auction Litigation Program, we are working to identify and pursue these individuals and their sources distributing all varieties of pirated software -- whether counterfeit copies or illegal OEM, educational, and unbundled products."
SIIA warned consumers to use caution when buying software through online auctions, especially if the price seems too good to be true, and took a few jabs at eBay and other sites for failing to stop the practice themselves.
"The sale of pirated software through online auctions is a growing problem that hurts buyers, sellers and the auction sites themselves," Keith Kupferschmid, senior VP of SIIA's Software Anti-Piracy Division, said in a prepared statement. "Consumers are getting duped, legitimate businesses are losing money and the credibility of eBay and other sites is under attack. With existing auction site tools doing little to curb the problem, SIIA has stepped up its efforts to aggressively pursue software pirates."
A representative for eBay did not immediately return calls for comment.
SIAA said it plans to step up its anti-piracy activities. It offers up to $1 million to those who report piracy that is proven and settled.
Symantec has also filed several similar lawsuits.


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Novelist Sibella Giorello is celebrating the release of the latest book in her praiseworthy Raleigh Harmon series by giving away a Kindle Fire!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A brand new Kindle Fire
- The entire 5-book Raleigh Harmon series.
Hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/25/12. The winner will be announced on 8/27/12 on Sibella’s blog!


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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On Sept. 20, China Auto Parts Annual Conference was held in Guangzhou. On the conference, participants seemed to agree that China auto industry has begun its own innovative development rather than following others’ development patterns. With the development in environmental protection, energy saving technology and new energy vehicle, China local auto brands have entered innovative development phase.
Shi Jianhua, Deputy Secretary General of China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) also pointed out on the conference that China auto brands will face new challenges. Besides, in his opinion, SUV will become the most popular segment by the end of this year.
During the first eight months, the volume of China vehicle output and sales are respectively 17.68 million and 17.51 million, increasing 4.7 percent and 4.3 percent year on year. The output and sales of passenger vehicles are 15.03 million and 14.81 million, up 3.1% and 2.2% year on year. SUV managed to maintain high growth rates of its output and sales while those of the car segment fell 1.2 percent and 2.2% percent. Shi said SUV has become one of main drivers in our auto industry. According to him, SUV is likely to become the most popular segment by the end of this year.
Shi also emphasized local brands’ performance. In the same period, local brands’ sales volume reached 6.39 million units, increasing 4.8 percent year on year. That figure accounts for 43 percent of the total passenger vehicle volume while local brands’ sales only account for 38 percent in 2014. The growth rate is also 1.1 percent higher than that of the same period of last year. SUV is also a main driver for China brands. The sales of China local branded SUV during the same period is 3.56 million, increasing 24.6 percent compared with the same period of last year and accounting for nearly 60 percent of SUV’s total volume. During the same period, the sales of local branded car is 1.38 million, with just a year-on-year increase of 1.6 percent.
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