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03 Aug 2020
Kiwibank’s Privacy breach impacted 4200 of their clients
Last week Kiwibank had a privacy breach that affected 4200 of their customer base. In this breach the customers were provided with another person’s transaction history on an email or online bank statement. Kiwibank are currently investigating to see how this has happened. The impact of this is huge with the new Privacy Act coming end of this year.
The challenge around this is the information that has been sent through has the possibility of others been able to identify another person’s details. An email released by Kiwibank stated, ““Kiwibank takes its obligations to maintain customer privacy and confidentiality very seriously. We have notified the Privacy Commission and want to reassure you that we are working to ensure this doesn't happen again.” It was good to see that the breach was notified immediately to the Privacy Commissioners Office, once the breach had been identified. Currently the Privacy Act does not require this as a mandatory option. However, what is the Bank doing to ensure that this will not happen again? Who is liable? And will the new Privacy Act be enough to ensure this does not happen within these organisations? The new Privacy Act is coming in place in New Zealand on 1 December 2020. This includes a Name and Shame Registry and a maximum of $10,000 fine for any penalty breach.
Kiwibank stated that they consider the risk is low but there may be potential repercussions for people whose information is in the bank statement is visible. If I were a customer at Kiwibank I would not have been so happy. And if the bank that I was with had a breach like this I would be choosing to find a different bank to move to after 13 years. The fact that they had a software issue that caused people to receive another person’s bank account number is a very scary thought. What does a cost of a breach like this mean to Kiwibank?
Kiwibank as a trusted government-based organisation is supposed to be keeping this type of data safe. Is this the new normal? Over the last couple of years more and more New Zealand based organisations have had breaches then in the past. Fisher and Paykel, Lion Breweries, Toll, Honda, University of Auckland, Generator Kiwisaver, Asics to name a few. This means that with these breaches becoming resilient is more crucial then ever.
This year has been a difficult one for New Zealand businesses. Becoming resilient and adverse is far more important then before. If we work together on changing practices and understanding what the best practice would be will be an important starting point. The biggest question here is: how is Kiwibank going to answer to their customers? And what will they do to avoid this from happening again?


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Windows 11 bug breaks safe removal of USB devices
It may be something that we are all guilty of failing to do each and every time, but using Windows' Safely Remove Hardware option before disconnecting a USB drive is highly recommended. Sadly, this handy safety feature seems to be broken in Windows 11 2022 Update.
The point of ejecting media using this method is to ensure that Windows has stopped reading from and writing to the drive before it is unplugged. In certain circumstances, users are reporting that instead of being informed that it is safe to remove their device, they see a message that reads Problem Ejecting USB Mass Storage Device.
- Microsoft fixes bug that blocked upgrades to Windows 11 2022 Update
- Microsoft PC Manager is a new Windows optimization app currently available in beta
- Microsoft is annoyed with security firm that discovered misconfigured server exposing sensitive customer data
While far from idea, the problem should not affect too many people. As reported by Ghacks, the issues only appears to rear its ugly head when Task Manager is running.
Upon trying to eject a device when Task Manager is open, users are informed that Windows is not able to stop the device in question because a program is still using it. Although error message makes no suggestion as to which application is at fault, tests show that it is Task Manager that is to blame.
Although Microsoft is yet to acknowledge the issue it is very easy to replicate and, thankfully, very easy to fix -- or at least easy to avoid. If you need to safely eject a USB drive from your Windows 11 computer, simply ensure that Task Manager is not running and you should be fine.

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The company is embroiled in a class-action lawsuit that claims it removed rival music services’ songs from iPods without telling users.
Digione has sent a letter to Apple claiming that the iPhone 6 may infringe on its design patent in China.
Plaintiffs complain that Apple married iTunes music with iPod players, and they want $350 million in damages.
Tablet shipments will increase by just 7.2 percent this year, compared to 52.5 percent in 2013.
The final amount still depends on whether Apple loses an appeal on another ruling.
Apple's App Store will now accept UnionPay, China's only domestic banking card provider
The case, for which the plaintiff seeks class-action status, comes after years of missed iMessage problems
The company advised that people stick to trusted sources for downloading apps
Thousands of users may be infected with malware that collects data from an iOS device, Palo Alto Networks said--though the malware is only found in a third-party app store that offers free versions of premium software.


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SQ Group decided to drive a service-oriented business in the agriculture part of Bangladesh. Our main focus is to develop the agriculture sector in Bangladesh. Modern methods and smart technologies make the agriculture sector more aggressive and competitive. We are importing combines and tools from a world-class farming machinery and equipment manufacturer. We imported the world-class brands “DAEDONG” from South Korea and “FIELDKING” from India.
“The Economist” says that Bangladesh is one of the world’s top ten cereal producers. (Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, FAO 2019).
We promised our consumers that we would offer innovative, user-friendly, and environmentally sustainable farming solutions to farmers around Bangladesh.


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Indian oil consumption in 2017 grew at its slowest in four years, according to government statistics, hit by the government’s demonetisation move and a tax increase that knocked the gain in fuel use back to a modest 2.3 percent.
The low growth also coincided with another year of weak, albeit improving, new vehicle sales.
Last year’s oil demand was held back “by headwinds from demonetisation and a new goods and services tax,” U.S. bank Morgan Stanley said in a note to clients.
India imports almost all of its oil, shipping in around 4.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude in 2017, according to trade flow data in Thomson Reuters Eikon.
“Gasoline demand rose 7.4 percent, or 41,000 barrels per day, down from 12 percent growth in 2016 as demand was affected by demonetisation at the start of the year,” the bank said.
India in late 2016 pulled all 500- and 1,000-rupee notes out of circulation, crimping retail and wholesale markets.
“The demonetization exercise hit consumption, particularly in the first half of 2017. We are likely to see better growth this year,” said Sukrit Vijayakar, director at Indian energy consultancy Trifecta.
India also saw some structural demand changes that affected the use of refined oil products.
A government push for household to use more liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has India challenging China as the world’s top LPG importer.
This has come at the cost of a straight 15-month decline in jet fuel and kerosene demand in India, Morgan Stanley said.
Also, “naphtha demand … was down 8 percent for 2017 as a whole, possibly driven by more LPG use in petrochemicals,” it said.


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You know folks, we had a new batch of economic numbers today that show clearly, this economy does not need one more dollar of stimulus.
And in fact, one of the numbers shows we have way too many dollars floating around and causing inflation. So, hold on to your seat belts. Despite rising prices, consumers are buying, and buying, and buying.
Retail sales for October that came out today were up 1.7% for the month and 16% for the past 12 months.
16%. That is a big number. In fact, that is a number that suggests all these wonderful folks buying everything are already stimulated.
Second, on inflation, despite a steady king dollar, import prices jumped in October by 1.2%. Or 10.7% year over year. Think of it this way.
All the emergency relief – $4 trillion last year, $2 trillion this year, maybe another $4 trillion coming – all that cash has gone into people's pockets, and they bought out our retail store shelves and have also gone shopping in China. In fact, these emergency relief packages could have been labeled "China stimulus."
Now, we're going to talk much more later about the meeting between Biden and Xi, but import inflation is rising significantly, and let’s not forget a couple days ago, you had a CPI that was up 6.2% year over year – biggest in 31 years.
And rounding it out today, a big increase in industrial production and manufacturing. Now this is unambiguously good. This is the supply side of the economy, especially investments in new business equipment to sustain the workforce, create jobs, productivity and higher wages.
Business equipment is up 6% for the last 12 months – total production up 5%.
So let me cut in here and suggest to you that the October-December 4th quarter could be a remarkable combination of 8% growth and 8% inflation, which could be a 16% increase in total spending in the economy. Those are remarkable numbers. It would be a complete utter inflation-prone blowout reminiscent of the 1970s. That's what we're looking at.
So, anybody that tells you that these Biden spending bills are necessary to help the economy is out of his or her mind. And in fact, going back to yesterday's riff regarding Janet Yellen, she blamed a lot of the inflation on the pandemic-related shortage of goods. She said there's no problem with services, which, of course, is the bulk of the economy nowadays. So I went back and looked at the ISM services survey for October.
And it turns out not only are they booming, but their prices are roaring, service inflation up 32% over the past year – nearly identical to goods inflation, up 31%.
Again, I know it may be a little boring, but numbers tell a story – and I love storytelling. As these data points come in, it is very clear that we are overspending, over money printing, overinflating, and well, we're just over. So, I’m going to come back to my point last evening.
Janet Yellen says inflation will peter down in the second half of next year. I think she's too optimistic. But let’s leave it there.
Senator Joe Manchin, my favorite Democrat, has been saying all spending should be paused until inflation comes down.
So, when you put the two together, BBB (Build Back Better) and any other spending bill should be paused until next year's second half, which of course coincides with an election. So, I see an economic romance here.
Ms. Yellen and Senator Manchin – a lovely couple with an important message. No new spending until at least the second half of next year. An economic romance. I like that.
That means in terms of the House vote on spending later this week, save America. Kill the bill.
And that's my riff.
This article is adapted from Larry Kudlow's opening commentary on the November 16, 2021 edition of "Kudlow."


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With recent sanctions, some financial entities are no longer supporting transactions from customers in Russia and Belarus.
We have no plans to freeze accounts for all customers in Russia and Belarus. Still, you may experience failed transactions while using our platform, especially if you're banking with an entity impacted by sanctions.
Additionally, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and other major cards will stop processing transactions for Russian-issued debit and credit cards as of 9:01 pm GMT on Wednesday, March 9.
You can check the list of sanctioned firms for more information.
You can also learn more about what we're doing regarding the current situation.


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Delayed until 2012
The Xbox 360 Dashboard update hits tomorrow (6 December), but while it comes with plenty of new features and applications for content providers, including 4OD and Demand 5, the much-touted BBC iPlayer won’t be one of them. Yet.
Pocket-lint has been told, in a one-to-one briefing, that the iPlayer app is unlikely to be available on the platform this year, with a 2012 release date much more likely. This is because both parties, Microsoft and the BBC, want the functionality and look of the service to be as good as it possibly can be, and to feature complete integration with the new features offered by the refreshed Metro-style interface:
“We are working with them to deliver their application, probably in 2012,” said Pav Bhardwaj, Xbox Live UK product manager. “We are working to make sure that the app that we deliver for the BBC is the best app that we could possibly deliver. That it is seamless. That it is a great consumer experience. That’s what both the BBC and Microsoft want to deliver.”
However, at least this means that the iPlayer app for Xbox 360 will feature search through voice control, for example:
“That’s what’s most important. Rather than rushing it through, we’re going to make sure it’s a quality app,” he added.
“What’s important about the BBC is that they have such rich content. They’ve got so much content that’s it’s really important that we bring the whole Bing experience, the whole Kinect experience, and the whole search and gesture control functionality correctly to that application. And that it works seamlessly.”
Additionally, the company is working with the other major UK terrestrial broadcaster ITV to bring its ITV Player service to the platform in 2012 too:
“They are one of the partners we’re looking to work with,” Bhardwaj said.


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Dive Brief: According to two Federal Reserve survey-based reports released this week, the use of mobile and faster payment services by consumers and businesses in the United States is increasing as these services become more widely available. In the consumer survey, 67% of US householders surveyed last year said they primarily use online and mobile banking services and rarely or occasionally visit a bank branch, up from 63% in 2021 and 61% in 2020. Faster Payment usage has increased to 75% over the past year, up from 68% in 2021 and 62% in 2020. For its business research, which included a survey of 2,000 companies of all sizes, the Fed said that 83% already have some form Use faster payments and 90% We expect to use them within three years. Businesses are taking advantage of these faster payments primarily because they’re cheaper and offer flexibility, they said last year. Insight into the dive:
The research gave the Fed an opportunity to ramp up the launch of its new faster payment system, FedNow, which is expected to launch its services publicly in July. This real-time central bank payment system has been in development for years. Pilot projects involving banks and technology companies have been running in recent months.
“With the shift to a 24/7 economy and the heavy, growing use of faster payments, it’s about time the Federal Reserve’s FedNow service became available in July for financial institutions of all sizes to offer instant payment services to their customers. “Connie Theien, director of industrial relations at Federal Reserve Financial Services, said in a news release on Wednesday about the investigation.
For businesses already using faster payments, including same-day ACH services, mobile payment apps, or digital wallets, the primary use cases are payroll, paying recurring bills, processing an urgent payment, and internal money transfers.
“The combination of supply chain complexities, tight labor markets and rising costs has prompted businesses to focus on more flexibility, more options, and more speed and control in sending and receiving payments,” the Fed’s economic research study said.
Almost all companies (94%) said they still rely on manual intervention to process their payments, which the Fed said underscores the need for more automation in this study.
Of consumers, 70% expect faster payments from their financial institutions and more than half (53%) use some form of non-bank cellular service to make faster payments, the research found.
Meanwhile, some older cohorts are catching up on digital devices. Consumers between the ages of 35 and 54 are now using mobile services to check their balances and make payments more often than consumers between the ages of 21 and 34, the Fed data showed.
The most common consumer use cases among respondents generally involved using online and mobile payments to check account balances, recent transactions, and transfer funds from one account to another.
Despite the Fed’s focus on mobile and electronic payments, consumers’ most likely payment methods over the past year were still cash (75%), credit card (68%), and debit card (63%).
Both studies showed that consumers and businesses still have concerns about fraud when it comes to faster electronic payments. That’s why they look for anti-fraud and notification confirmation features in their services.


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List of Contents
What is the News?
The Ministry of Commerce has released the LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) 2021.
What is LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States)?
Source: Economic Times:
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) had launched LEAD Index in 2018 with the main objective of ranking States and UTs on the efficiency of their logistics ecosystem.
The survey parameters are based on three key pillars—infra-structure, services, and operating and regulatory environment.
The survey, has 21 indicators, including 17 perception indicators and four objective indicators.
The first version of the index (LEADS 2018) focused on export-import trade and assessed the efficiency of the logistics ecosystem in each State and UT.
The second edition of the study (LEADS 2019) covered both international and domestic trade.
The third version (LEADS 2021) has gone one-step ahead in analysing the domestic and EXIM logistics ecosystem of the state.
What are the rankings in the index?
Topped by: Gujarat has topped the index.Haryana has secured the second position followed by Punjab at third.
North Eastern States and Himalayan Region: Jammu and Kashmir is the top ranker followed by Sikkim and Meghalaya
Union Territories: Delhi stands at the top rank among other UTs.
Remarkable improvement: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand have witnessed a remarkable improvement in their ranks compared to 2019 LEADS ranking and have emerged as the top improvers.
What is the significance of this index?
The inputs given by the LEADS 2021 can lead the way to bring down logistics cost by 5% over the next 5 years.
Currently, the cost of logistics in India is at a high 12-13% of GDP.
How is India faring in the logistics sector?
India’s logistics cost is approximately 13-14% of its gross domestic product (GDP), while that of developed countries is in the range of 8-10%.
Further, The World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index ranked India at 44th position in 2018 as against 160 countries.
Source: This post is based on the following articles:
- “Gujarat retains pole position in logistics index: Commerce ministry report” published in “Business Standard” on 9th November 2021.
- “Police, RTO add to India’s logistics costs” published in TOI on 9th November 2021.


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It has just been announced that Sony will be working on its first photo sensor with 100 megapixel resolution.
This is excellent news for mid-range smartphones, as the component is being developed specifically for this market segment.
Sony will work on its first 100 megapixel sensor
Sony is developing its first 100 megapixel resolution sensor. The information is advanced by the digital leaker Chat Station who said on the Chinese social network Weibo that this same sensor will be aimed at premium mid-range smartphones.
According to the well-known leaker, the Japanese giant does not want to be left behind by Samsung and is already working on the new sensor. Recall that Sony is one of the providers of camera sensors for well-established brands in the market such as Apple and Google.
Also according to the Digital Chat Station leaker, the new Sony sensor will be part of the brand’s IMX8 series that debuted with the Honor 70 and had 54 megapixels of resolution. Now the brand will go further and wants to reach 100 megapixels of resolution.
Sony president thinks smartphone cameras can be as good as DSLRs
With this project, Sony intends to consolidate its position in the market, since Samsung will already be developing the ISOCELL HP3 sensor with 200 megapixel resolution, and Motorola should soon launch a model equipped with Samsung’s ISOCELL HP1 sensor also with 200 megapixel resolution. . .
On the other hand, Sony Chairman and CEO Terushi Shimizu recently claimed that in the next few years, smartphone cameras will be equivalent to DSLR cameras.
This statement indicates that the Japanese giant is focusing its efforts and know-how on improving the photographic sensors of the mobile terminals it develops.


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As distributors build up their inventory ahead of summertime, things are looking up for Constellation Brands.
Here's what you need to know for Tuesday, March 13.
New Luxury Tier Expands Portfolio for #1 New Zealand Wine Brand in the U.S.
Carve outs for NAFTA and signals of flexibility with other allies help allay trade war fears.
Trade wars, tariffs, Gary Cohn's resignation... yes, all shocking. But investors need to buy what's working, says Jim Cramer.
A tariff that excludes Canada and Mexico I believe would create a wave of jubilation.
From beer makers to automobile producers to mining companies, firms both domestic and abroad, including Molson Coors and ABInBev, issued statements in opposition to Trump's proposed import duties Thursday.
The cost of trucking is rising. That could translate to higher shipping rates for consumer brands.
Here's where to pounce as prices fluctuate during Fed Chairman's testimony.
The state's budding cannabis industry gets a push in the right direction via a new surety bond issuance.
With a strong beer portfolio, positive prospects and a unique cannabis investment, Constellation could soon have Wall Street thirsty.
Beer sales are struggling, but diversified portfolios are helping beverage companies grow sales.
Marijuana stocks are still in their infancy, meaning there's a whole host of weed-adjacent stock moves waiting to be made. Here are the best bets.
As quick as last week's selloff occurred, this rebound higher has been just as fast, and we would not be surprised to see the market retest at some point.
TheStreet's founder and Action Alerts PLUS Portfolio Manager Jim Cramer said Constellation Brands is a play on Modelo, Corona and Pacifico.
After a tumultuous week, it's time for a glass of wine -- and maybe a look at some wine stocks. Not only has wine been proven to lower your cholesterol, but maybe it's a great defensive play for your portfolio too.
Since last Tuesday, we effectively replaced what we sold for new buys, avoiding some of the large swoon in stocks.
Nothing has changed with fundamentals, so 'good names' have gone on sale.
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Apple today shared a new “Groceries” ad that’s designed to highlight the ease of using Apple Pay with Face ID on the iPhone X.
In the short 12 second spot, which will likely be shown on TV, YouTube, and social media networks, a woman shopping for produce at the grocery store uses an iPhone X and Apple Pay to make her purchases.
The fruit she buys is then crafted into an elaborate sea scene with a shark made from watermelon, banana dolphins, watermelon waves, pineapple palm trees, and more.
Apple in recent weeks has shared several videos focusing on Apple Pay features on the iPhone X. “Fly Market,” published in late March, for example, featured a man dancing through an open air market making purchases with just a glance, while a second spot with the same actor demonstrated Apple Pay Cash.
Update: Apple has uploaded several additional short iPhone X videos, all of which feature Apple Pay on iPhone X. “Coffee” and “Kicks” highlight a traditional in-store Apple Pay purchases, while “Grooming” features an in-app Apple Pay purchase.
Since Amazon paid an eye-watering $ 13.7 billion for Whole Foods Market last summer, we knew we’d eventually see some integration of the luxury grocery chain’s products into existing Prime services. It’s taken a while to work out the details, but Amazon has just announced that Prime Now customers in select locations can now get Whole Foods items delivered within two hours.
It’s only available to residents of Austin, Cincinnati, Dallas, and Virginia Beach to begin with, but more cities will be added over the course of 2018.
Amazon has announced the first major integration between its e-commerce operations and its acquisition of Whole Foods. The company is adding groceries from the chain to its Prime Now high-speed delivery service in four markets — Dallas, Virginia Beach, Cincinnati, and Whole Foods’ hometown of Austin. Amazon Prime members will be able to order groceries for delivery within one or two hours; two-hour delivery is free, while one-hour delivery costs $ 7.99 on orders above $ 35.
Whole Foods goods available through Prime Now include “fresh and organic produce, bakery, dairy, meat and seafood, floral, and everyday staples” along with “select alcohol,” according to a press release. Prime Now VP Stephenie Landry tells The Wall Street Journal that…
Walmart wants to make it easier for your online orders and groceries to get to your home and into your fridge. The idea cuts the consumer out of the delivery, unpacking, and storing process entirely.
The company announced on September 22 that it’s partnering with August Home, which specializes in smart locks and smart home accessories, to make this possible.
“What if Walmart could help busy families like mine ensure my fridge was always well-stocked?” asked Sloan Eddleston, Walmart’s vice president of e-commerce strategy and business operations, in a blog post. “What if we created a service that not only did my grocery shopping and brought everything to my home, but even went so far as to put it directly into my fridge?
After an order is placed, the delivery driver(s) will pick up the items and bring them to your home. If no one answers the door, using a one-time passcode to unlock the August smart lock, the driver will drop off non-perishables in the foyer and place the rest of your groceries in the refrigerator. After leaving, the door locks automatically behind them.
Consumers will be able to track the entire delivery through notifications, or watch the entire delivery take place via August’s smart cameras and the August app.
The service is only available to a small number of August Home customers in Silicon Valley who volunteered to test it out, but Walmart hopes to expand the service’s reach in the future.
In the blog post, Eddleston states the new service developed out of “an obsession in saving our customers not just money but also time.” Taken another way, it could be seen as another step the company is taking to combat Amazon, which is currently seen to be the most convenient online retailer.
While it’s certainly an interesting evolution of home delivery, it may take some time for people to get used to the idea of strangers entering in their homes when they’re not there. It’s also unclear if this will work for those living in apartments, who may require the approval of the building’s management. If the service does prove to be successful and without risk, however, it could put Walmart one step closer to stepping out of Amazon’s rather large shadow.
Amazon took a big leap into the grocery industry when it announced its intention to buy Whole Foods for $ 14 billion.
But the deal gives Jeff Bezos something else he craves: More than 400 brick-and-mortar stores that could also serve as same-day delivery hubs, especially in urban centers.
In its ongoing quest to put packages on customer steps as quickly as possible, Amazon has rolled out one-hour delivery in dozens of cities through its Prime Now service.
But there’s a very big obstacle to making the economics work for that business: Finding, and paying for, enough warehouse real estate to cover as many areas of a city as possible to increase delivery efficiency.
This deal could help long-term in this way, even if it’s just to store and supplement the fresh grocery component of Prime Now, which has a relatively small selection today.
Let’s be clear: The main reason to do this deal is because Amazon has been struggling to crack the $ 800 billion grocery market in the U.S. for going on a decade. Whether Whole Foods becomes the backbone of the AmazonFresh grocery delivery service remains to be seen.
The real estate, however, is nice icing on the cake.
Amazon has launched a new version of its Dash Wand, a handheld Alexa-powered device that lets your order groceries by scanning bar codes or using your voice. The $ 20 gizmo is available exclusively to Prime members in the US, and connects to your account to add items to your shopping cart; you’ll need to confirm your order using Amazon’s site or mobile apps. It comes with a hook and a magnetic body, so you can keep it handy in the kitchen or anywhere you can hang it around your home. That’s great for people who frequently purchase products through Amazon…


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Apr 5, 2019
Posted by Matt Joyce, Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing
In 2019, it’s likely you take advantage of a subscription service. Maybe it’s Netflix, or maybe it’s a meal delivery option like Blue Apron.
How about Porsche?
You might have heard of the prestigious German automaker’s Porsche Passport, a pilot program it launched last year aimed at luring younger, wealthier drivers to the brand with the promise of a full fleet of Porsche vehicles at their fingertips. Automotive News reported in October that after a successful stint in the Atlanta market, Porsche could be looking to expand further in the U.S.
Per Automotive News:
About 120 people have cycled through the pilot program in Atlanta, which starts at $2,000 a month and offers unlimited vehicle swaps, unrestricted mileage and on-demand access to Porsche models.
"When we started the program, we said, 'Let's find out whether somebody's out there who currently doesn't engage with Porsche because they don't want to commit to a car purchase or a leasing scheme,’" [Porsche Cars North America Chief Klaus] Zellmer said at the Porsche Rennsport Reunion event here last month.
Porsche's interest in expanding the program reflects what the industry believes is a seismic shift from vehicle ownership to transportation access. Subscription programs offer an alternative to traditional lease, finance- or cash-purchase models.
Of course, not every driver in America can afford a $2,000 monthly subscription to live life in the fast lane with Porsche. But more broadly, it’s reflective of the fundamentally changing nature of how people are choosing to get around. It’s not hard to imagine a scenario where a different automaker offers a more budget-friendly option for the average American in the not-too-distant future.
In 2019, not everyone needs—or wants—a personal automobile, and there are various reasons for this. In major urban centers, in particular, the cost of living continues to climb—and it gets even higher when you factor car ownership into the mix. Meanwhile, the ridesharing giants have made it easier than ever to hail a ride exactly when, where and how you need it. Other companies like Zipcar are rethinking the concept of individual car ownership entirely. The service enables drivers to pick up a car in one spot, take it out for an hour or two, and return it to the same spot. It’s rapidly growing in hot markets, and Zipcar recently announced new partnerships with automakers to provide additional cars.
There’s also the promise of automation, which has automakers deeply rethinking the way cars can and will operate in the future. In commercial trucking, for instance, automation has shown not just promise of greater efficiency, but also the ability to help fleets overcome a significant driver shortage throughout the industry. Daimler Trucks, one of the leading truck manufacturers, recently announced their intention to heavily invest in automated trucking—and at the Consumer Electronics Show, no less. And for consumer companies like Uber, the push toward self-driving vehicles continues.
Car subscriptions. Ride and vehicle sharing. Automated fleets. Not to mention the significant implications of electrification. Some of the biggest names in both the automotive and tech industries are working to make these things a reality, and they impact all areas of driving, from commercial trucking fleets to new possibilities in consumer mobility.
So, what comes next?
Each of these trends has revolutionary new demands for the vehicle, and it’s the responsibility of the auto industry to account for those changes.
Consider that the average driver may be operating their car for five percent of a given day. Compare that to a driverless car or heavy-duty truck, for instance, that can theoretically operate for days at a time (or longer) without shutting down, or a rideshare vehicle that may be utilized by different drivers for 70 percent of the day.
That kind of peak-time operation considerably impacts the overall operation of the drivetrain, and today’s cars aren’t necessarily built for that kind of wear and tear. Neither are today’s conventional engine lubricants and fluids. The length of a typical oil drain today is no match for 70 percent vehicle utilization. Using today’s technology, oil changes would become far more frequent, as would an entire range of additional regular maintenance needs for the vehicle. Headlights. Brakes. Just about anything.
And it means that lubrication technology must continue to evolve and provide the needed performance demanded by a changing automotive landscape.
At Lubrizol, we’re committed to meeting our end of that bargain. No matter the technological evolution, fluids used throughout the vehicle are a major part of reliable operation. Engine oil specifically must continue to provide robust engine protection under increasingly strenuous driving conditions.
Maybe it’s continuous operation. Maybe it will even be flying cars, someday. Regardless, higher-performing fluids are a necessity, and we’re working hard to make it happen.
For more information on the Automotive Industry, contact your Lubrizol representative.


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Whither 64? Dept.: Intel made it clear that the company is pushing for a 1-billion-transistor processor in the next few years, while showing off a 500- million-transistor processor at the recent Intel Developer Forum. But there's been a lot of grumbling in Silicon Valley about lackluster support for the Itanium in the market, presumably because of the chip's price and performance. Now I'm told that everyone is referring to it as the "Itanic." If that moniker sticks, then the product will sink for sure, despite claims that Intel is "on top of the world." All movie references are welcome.
Meanwhile, the 500-million-transistor chip is actually the next-generation Itanic, code-named Madison. Also look for a 3-GHz processor by the end of this year.
There Goes the Money Dept.: Speaking of Intel, the company seems to be setting up shop all over the world, with announcements of plans to build facilities in China and Russia. India claims that Intel is also throwing another $130 million its way. Building fabs in China and Russia makes a lot of sense. That way, Intel won't have to incur expensive shipping charges for those heavy microchips when shipping them to China and Russia. (Sarcasm alert.)
Microsoft Baiting Dept.: I was amused to see that Bruce Perens, the leading open-source advocate at Hewlett-Packard, was out-and-out fired for doing what he was supposed to do: promoting open-source technology. I am guessing that writing articles such as "MS 'Software Choice' Scheme a Clever Fraud" for the U.K.'s tattletale online hot sheet The Register (www.theregister.co.uk) didn't give him a lot of job security. So much for "publish or perish." Apparently it's "publish and perish" in high tech. Catch phrase: "Just shut up!" We can assume that open-source is dead at Hewlett-Packard, too.
Long in the Bluetooth Dept.: So I'm reading about how having Bluetooth in cars will be revolutionary, and I start wondering how it will work. Will the turn signals be Bluetooth? Will the air conditioning be Bluetooth? What could possibly be Bluetooth-related and make any sense, except maybe a tollbooth tag?
It turns out that this initiative is for hands-free cell-phone use. Sheesh, I can have that already with a revolutionary device called a thin wire.
On the topic of cell phones, there was a heated debate on PCmag.com's column forums (which I highly recommend, especially if you read the columns). The issue of cell-phone usage on airplanes came up. This is something all air travelers have strong feelings about. Although the exact documentation still has to be uncovered, it appears that the restrictions on cell-phone usage aboard planes have nothing to do with air safety and everything to do with engineering reality.
Traveling through the air at 500 mph while talking on a cell phone causes two problems. The first is that too many towers can be tagged at the same time, causing network congestion. And apparently, with so many towers being pinged on so many different systems at once, billing cell-phone calls from someone who is flying is a nightmare. Often the call goes for free. Of course, nobody stops people from using cell phones on private jets.
In fact, if even turning on your cell phone on a plane is so dangerous, ask yourself why planes aren't checked over with radio emission scanners before takeoff. Where is the guy walking down the aisle with some device to sense phones that are turned on and packed away in suitcases? I know that I've accidentally left my cell phone on during a flight. I'm sure a lot of phones are on. So why don't airlines scan for them if they're so dangerous? It's a sham.
And once the plane has landed, why do the flight attendants tell you that you can't use the phone until they open the door? With the plane on the ground, what difference does using a cell phone make? This nonsense is insulting.
Having said all this, can you imagine what a nightmare a flight would be if everyone were yakking on cell phones the whole time? Oy! Keep the rules, but let people call once the plane hits the runway. End of diatribe number 1,103.
Technology Sneaking Up on You Dept.: Samsung has made a deal with Nokia to get on board with the so-called Series 60 platform. This appears to be the Finnish response to NTT DoCoMo and is a kind of open-source project that has suddenly emerged among all the 3G confusion. The Nokia phones, which use the 3G backbone, are like small color television sets with built-in cameras, browsers, USB support, high-speed connectivity, and so on.
I can have most of these things already with my Handspring Treo, but I miss high-speed connectivity. I'd love to get even a 128-Kbps data stream without paying too much for it. And the Nokia phones sound cool even as standalone devices, but if you can hook up a cell phone to your laptop and get inexpensively connected at ISDN speeds (64 to 128 Kbps), then the world changes. When the cell-phone folks figure this out, they'll be back on top.


text: Even though 3-D printer is a new piece of technology, many big schools like Harvard wrote an article about how this technology will change how we manufacture products. In my previous post, I wrote about capabilities of the 3-D printer. There are some similarities between two articles. Both of the article mentions that it will change how we manufacture and lower producing cost, and elimination of shipping and huge inventories. However, there are difference between two articles. In the last article, it is mentioning that 3-D printer can produce different products, but the article from Harvard mostly talks about the economic difference. Both of the article work together by how it can change the era of how we live.


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Google Rolls Out Final Android 13 Beta Update
Google has released the fourth and final public beta of Android 13 today so that users who are interested can try out the upcoming update before it’s available to the public. But more crucially, this beta update provides an early preview of the changes coming so that developers can prepare their applications to suit the Android 13.0 system.
With this most recent update, there aren’t many significant changes (Google already achieved platform stability with the last beta), but still more fine-tuning should result in a more stable perspective. Support for the new Bluetooth LE Audio standard, more options for customizing app icons, a new photo picker to limit which images an app can access, and a new permission to cut down on unnecessary notifications are all features that have already been seen in earlier beta versions of Android 13.
Android 13 has the same tablet improvements that were added to Android 12L, which was a small update with improvements for big-screen devices. Relatively speaking, Android 13 brings fewer user-facing enhancements than the Android 12 upgrade from the previous year, although that might be a blessing for a smoother experience, including non-pixel devices.
Visit Google’s developer site to get installation instructions if you’re interested in trying out the most recent beta update.
According to the post by Maru Ahues Bouza, Director, Android Developer Relations,
We’re just a few weeks away from the official release of Android 13! As we put the finishing touches on the next version of Android, today we’re bringing you Beta 4, a final update for your testing and development. Now is the time to make sure your apps are ready!


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UK bus operator First Bus is to accept payment via Barclays Pingit nationwide following a trial launch in selected areas of the country. “Despite only recently adding Pingit as a payment option for customers, in some of First’s operating areas, the Pingit share of m-ticketing transactions is approaching 7%,” the operator explains. “More than 50% of Pingit payments so far are by bus users over the age of 25, demonstrating its popularity with customers across many age groups.”
- Meet NFC World partners at Seamless Middle East
- Goode reports on growth of biometric authentication
- 3.4bn phones will support Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay by year end
- Apple to launch P2P payments and debit card this year?
- Guide introduces how Android Pay works


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On the news that Microsoft seems to be opening a new store for Windows 10, there are also reports on its rumored Cloud PC service. According to ZDNet, Microsoft is preparing to switch to Azure-based services this summer (maybe in June or early July).
With Cloud PC, you can remotely access the Windows desktop and use software such as Microsoft Office. It might come in handy if you frequently switch between devices and want to access the same desktop from anywhere, or if the system has insufficient power and a strong internet connection. Companies can also use basic hardware to set up employees and use Cloud PC to manage their Windows 10 network.
According to reports, Microsoft will sell the service in the form of a hosted Microsoft 365 experience with a fixed price per user.
The previous report suggested that depending on the processor, memory, and storage requirements, Cloud PC’s pricing levels will be different.
See Build 2021 for more information on the Cloud PC service. This year’s Microsoft Developer Conference will take place at the end of May.
If the reported release schedule for CloudPC is accurate, the service will be available shortly before the Microsoft Inspire Partner Conference scheduled for mid-July.


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BCN Staff – May 1, 2022 – Chicago-based Numerator, a data and tech company serving the market research space, has released a new consumer study, Understanding the Influence of Heritage on Black Consumers. The report indicates that Black consumers, particularly with African and Caribbean family heritage identities, are deeply connected to home cooking, more likely to follow vegetarian / vegan diets and over-index on organic foods.
“Family heritage identity data helps brands and retailers develop and refine product innovation and marketing strategies in line with more specific consumer needs,” said Eric Belcher, CEO, Numerator. “As the population of the United States becomes increasingly diverse, brands need an in-depth understanding of every consumer group. Numerator captures hundreds of demographic, psychographic, and media consumption attributes for consumers purchasing across channels to provide brands the deepest insight into modern consumers and unlock more growth opportunities.”
Consumption Preferences Findings Include:
Heritage identity and ancestry heavily influence consumer behavior. Half of Black consumers (50%) say their family heritage or ancestry has a strong impact on the food products they buy and the holidays they celebrate, compared to 34% of all consumers. Importance of heritage is significantly higher among Black consumers with African heritage identities (68%) or Caribbean heritage identities (64%).
- Black consumers with African or Caribbean heritage identities are more likely to cook from scratch than the average US consumer. 42% of US consumers say they cook from scratch, compared to 50% of Black consumers with US heritage, 56% with African heritage and 55% with Caribbean heritage.
- Dietary preferences tie back to heritage identities. Black consumers with African heritage are twice as likely to follow a vegetarian diet and 80% more likely to be gluten-free than the average Black consumer. Black consumers of Caribbean heritage are 50% more likely to follow vegan or pescatarian diets.
- Cooking preferences and diets are reflected in top grocery departments for Black consumers (by share of spend). Black consumers over-index in share of spend for Seafood & Fish (Index 170 vs all consumers), Herbs & Spices (144), and Frozen Foods (114), and under-index in Dairy (77), In-store Bakery (78), and Pasta & Noodles (80).
- A commitment to organic eating is important to many Black consumers. Compared to the average US consumer, Black consumers have a stronger preference for organic foods (22% of Black consumers vs 17% of all consumers), which is even more pronounced with Black consumers of African heritage (22%) and Caribbean heritage (32%).
Black consumers place more importance on brand values than other consumers. One-third (33%) of Black consumers say they have a high awareness of the corporate values behind the products they buy (compared to 25% of all consumers).
- Nearly a quarter (23%) of Black consumers say they consider a brand’s values when making purchasing decisions, compared to 17% of all consumers.
- Black consumers are more than twice as likely as the average consumer to place the greatest importance on causes/issues related to diversity, equality and social justice (Index 204).
- Black consumers with US heritage are more likely to align with corporate values that focus on community, charitable causes or products made in the USA. Those with African heritage are more likely to favor causes with religious/political focus, charitable causes and renewable energy. Those with Caribbean heritage over indexed on values that tie back to animal welfare, natural or organic products and eco-friendly practices.
FMCG Spending Findings Include:
Black consumers are more likely to shop in smaller format retailers. Black consumers spend comparatively more of their FMCG dollars in retailers such as Dollar stores (Index 163 vs all consumers), Drug stores (123), and Gas & Convenience stores (105), compared to the average shopper. Much of this difference can be attributed to store availability by location, with a higher portion of Black consumers living in Urban areas.
- Both Club and Online retailers under-index with Black consumers, with both channels capturing 9% less FMCG spending from Black consumers than the average US consumer.
Nearly 2 in 5 Black consumers (38%) qualify themselves as being budget-driven, compared to 30% of all consumers. The affiliation holds true across income levels and heritage groups, with Black consumers of Caribbean heritage even more likely to identify with budget-driven tendencies (Index 118 vs all Black consumers).
Faced with inflation, budget-driven Black consumers are ready to make adjustments to continue buying their regular products. Black consumers are most likely to react to rising prices by opting for smaller product sizes (Index 143 vs all consumers), switching retailers (121), or buying in bulk (111). They are less likely to stop buying certain items (73) or switch to cheaper brands (81).
- Nearly one-third (31%) of Black consumers say their financial situation has improved since last year (Index 124 vs all consumers). 45% say their situation has not changed (Index 86) and 23% say it has gotten worse (Index 106).
Black consumers prefer popular brand name products over private label alternatives. Despite budget-driven tendencies, Black consumers are more likely than the average consumer to say that they prefer brand names (Index 136), associate brand name with quality (138) and rarely consider private label products (129).
- Brand preference is also evident in private label share data, with Grocery, Health & Beauty, Household, and Baby private label brands capturing lower share of spend among Black consumers than among all consumers.
Media Activation Findings Include:
Black consumers consider emails, social media, and online ads the most influential advertising methods. Influence varies by group, with Black consumers of African heritage preferring print advertising, Caribbean heritage preferring digital advertising and US heritage preferring in-store advertising.
Brands can connect with Black consumers through social media platforms and streaming services. Compared to all consumers, Black consumers are more likely to use Twitter (Index 133) or TikTok (131); listen to Pandora (146) or podcasts (113); and watch YouTube (142) or local news (114).
Black consumers are generally more trusting of advertisements, though this varies with heritage identity. Compared to the average consumer, Black consumers are 55% more likely to trust advertised brands and 39% more likely to find advertising entertaining. Black consumers with US heritage are the least trusting of advertising, while those of African heritage are the most trusting.
*The report analyzes consumer consumption preferences, FMCG spending patterns, and media activation for US Black consumers as a whole, as well as through the lens of heritage identity and ancestry, including African, Caribbean, and United States heritage. Numerator panelists self-identify on hundreds of demographic and psychographic attributes, including racial identity and ancestry. For the latter, consumers were asked to select any countries that were relevant to their family heritage or ancestry. The three largest segments selected by Black consumers were the United States (58.6%), African countries (15.4%), and Caribbean countries (13.6%).
Numerator is a data and tech company bringing speed and scale to market research. Numerator blends first-party data from over 1 million US households with advanced technology to provide unparalleled 360-degree consumer understanding for the market research industry that has been slow to change.


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Key Events in U.S. - Cuba Relations
The relationship between America and Cuba over the last 50 years has ranged from cautious to contentious. Here's a look at pivotal moments between the two countries—and how they altered the course of history.
IT WAS once a haven for sun-seeking Americans with its beautiful beaches, casinos and late night dancing, Cuba was just an hour’s flight away from Miami.
However the Cuban revolution led by Fidel Castro and the subsequent Cold War embargo of the Communist island nation put that to an end. The US government broke all diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1961 when Cuba was seen to side with the Soviet Union and nationalise US-owned businesses. This was followed by a trade embargo in 1962 that has remained in place ever since. The relationship between the US and Cuba has been frosty at best with the US banning all citizens from visiting the Communist country. The result of the embargo means that Cuba has been frozen in time, a relic of another era and confronted with severe shortages of oil, food and consumer goods, which has forced them to ration everything from beans to powdered milk. But US President Barack Obama made a historic move yesterday, announcing the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba and declaring an end to America’s “outdated approach” to the Communist island in a shift aimed at ending a half-century of Cold War enmity. “These 50 years have shown that isolation has not worked,” Obama said in remarks from the White House. “It’s time for a new approach.” As Obama spoke to Americans, Cuban President Raul Castro addressed his own nation from Havana, saying that while the two countries still have profound differences in areas such as human rights and foreign policy, they must learn to live together “in a civilised manner.” For now, the ban on US tourists will remain in place, however it opens the door for future tourism and the inevitability of it becoming “Americanised.” Katharine Bonner, a senior executive at Connecticut-based tour operator Tauck, which runs tours there under a cultural exchange license says Americans are really curious about this country that has been off limits for so long. It is that isolation, in part, that is so appealing. There’s no McDonalds, no Starbucks. Bonner said once travel opens, there will be a rush to see Cuba before its gets “Americanised.” “It’s almost like a country that has been frozen in time,” she told AP. Will Cuba lose its individuality? Australian tour operator Intrepid Travel has been leading trips to Cuba for almost ten years. Pete Rawley, Intrepid’s Australian Regional Director, told news.com.au that the key will be to preserve its authenticity. “This unique country is unlike any other destination to travel through — it is completely authentic with a distinct culture, friendly locals, preserved history and diverse environment. One minute you’ll be sipping rum on a quiet beach and the next you’ll be dancing with a local in a raucous Havana bar. “As further developments regarding U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations are revealed, we encourage the tourism industry to commit to sustainable tourism and to preserving the sights and culture that make Cuba such a remarkable destination. “At Intrepid, we ensure that our traveller’s experiences are as authentic as possible and this is achieved by staying at homestays and other local establishments, using public transport where possible, eating at local restaurants and using locally based guides. We’d encourage tourists to seek out these local experiences, which will make anyone’s time in Cuba a memorable one.” Why you should place Cuba on your travel list right now No Americans The Star reported that the easing of relations with Cuba would put an end to the golden age of travelling for Canadians who saw Cuba as an escape from the cold climate and Americans. “Snowbirds anxious for an escape to a tropical paradise have long been fleeing to Cuba while their American counterparts have been kept off the island’s shores by a diplomatic and travel ban dating back more than five decades.” There’s no McDonalds You won’t find a McDonalds, KFC or a Pizza Hut in Cuba, although there are some local fast food chains including El Rapido that serves fried chicken, burgers and hot dogs and Pizza Nova which has several outlets in Havana and other provincial cities. About 90 per cent of restaurants that cater to tourists are run by large state-owned corporations, the other main dining option is the paladar — private homes that have been given permission to serve foreign tourists that are small and authentic. However this is set to change should economic ties be reinstated. “Fatburger began discussing franchises with potential business partners in Cuba more than four years ago,” Andy Wiederhorn told AP, CEO of the Los Angeles-based company. Once Fatburger gets U.S. government approval, it could take six months to a year to open the first franchises. Wiederhorn’s initial goal is six to 12 stores. Prices As restrictions on American travellers ease prices are predicted to surge. While Cuba is not one of the cheapest countries to visit, it still beats a European holiday. Jury Krytiuk, head of the Cuban travel department at Toronto-area agency A. Nash Travel Inc., told The Star that an affordable holiday in a relatively pristine landscape will be harder to come by in the years to come. “Prices will surge as restrictions on American travellers ease,” he said, adding Cuba will also have to adjust its tourism infrastructure to accommodate an influx of new visitors. What Things Cost in Cuba $AUD Double room in a provincial city, moderate $60 — $120 Three-course dinner for one without wine, moderate $12 — $18 Bottle of beer $1.50 Mojito $3-$6 Bottle of water (1.5 litres) 85 cents — $1.80 Cup of coffee 30 cents — $1.20 Hotels Hotels in Cuba are either owned or run by the Cuban state or as a joint venture with foreign companies. There are no 100 per cent foreign-owned hotels in Cuba. A handful of international companies already operate in Cuba. For instance, Spanish hotel chain Melia has 26 properties on the island. But its unique set of accommodation options will change should the US government ease restrictions. U.S. companies, like Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International — the two largest chains by rooms — say they welcome any future opportunities to include Cuba in their rapidly growing global footprint. “We will take our cues from the U.S. government, but look forward to opening hotels in Cuba, as companies from others countries have done already,” Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson said via an emailed statement to AP. Shopping In the late 1990s the first modern shopping malls emerged in the capital Havana, however shopping in Cuba has more of a local feel, there are no Malls of America here. You can stumble across some antiques in their national peso shops and treasures in their pawn shops. Known as Casas comisionista, they sell vintage and antique items including furniture, cameras, pocket watches and transistor radios. The easing of US relations means that giant US department stores could soon find their way into Cuba. Mortimer Singer, CEO of Marvin Traub Associates, a retail consultancy that helped bring Bloomingdale’s to Dubai, says he will be encouraging his clients to pursue opportunities in Cuba. He notes that fast food franchises and mass stores will be the first to open in Cuba, a repeat of what happened in other emerging markets. But he believes department stores will follow. “It will start with the mass market and trickle up,” he told AP. You can switch off About 27 per cent of Cuba’s population has access to the internet according to internet Live Stats, which uses information from the International Telecommunication Union, the United Nations and the World Bank to estimate the world’s internet users. So for travellers looking for a place to disconnect, Cuba is an obvious choice. Internet access in most hotels is slow and best avoided. Dial up will cost you around $7 AUD hour and a handful of hotels have wi-fi hot spots for around $12 an hour. Bringing Cuba up to speed with the rest of the world will be inevitable should the US have more influence. Car enthusiasts The era of Cuba’s classic American cars may come to an end according to Business Insider. Since the imposition of the US trade embargo in 1961, massive fleets of pre-revolution American cars have remained on the road meaning it has an impressive collection of relics from the 1940s and 50s. With economic sanctions likely to be lifted, the Cuban people may soon be able to afford to upgrade to newer vehicles meaning car enthusiasts will no longer be in awe of its Chevy, Buick and Cadillac collections. By loosening restrictions on travel and permitting travellers to use U.S. credit and debit cards in Cuba, among other things, Obama may have started a process that can’t be reversed. “It’s like putting toothpaste back in the tube,” Kirby Jones said to AP, a consultant who has pushed for U.S.-Cuba trade ties. “People are going to get used to travel, used to doing business, used to sending remittances. You can’t stop it.” “Once people get a glimpse of Cuba, they always want to see more,” adds Bonner. “Americans are very curious about a country that is 90 miles (145km) off our coast but has been off limits for so long.”


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Twitter has announced it will introduce updates to prevent tweets from disappearing when a user’s timeline auto-refreshes. In a tweet posted on 22 September,…
Big news in the social media world rankings: Taylor Swift has his week been surpassed by Selena Gomez as Instagram’s most followed person.
On Monday, Selena Gomez’s Instagram follower numbers surpassed Swift’s and currently stands at around 69.4-million, or 200 000 more than Taylor Swift, and almost 8-million more than “internet breaking” Kim Kardashian (let’s not even mention Beyonce or Bieber here).
For the record, Instagram has well over 400-million users globally thanks in part to the popularity of imaging sharing services, the improvements made to smartphone camera technology and the proliferation of Tay-Tay’s good feels, of course. But the latter’s reign has come to an end after quite a while at the top of the social network.
Incredibly, 23-year-old Gomez’s images aren’t short of likes either, with over 3-million garnered for just one of her snaps taken two weeks ago (below).
While Instagram enjoys its own reign as one of the most popular social media networks (overthrowing Twitter back in September 2015), other services like Snapchat are gaining on the Facebook-owned company extremely quickly.
In May 2015, the company noted that it topped 100-million daily users, with a further 100-million poking their heads through the door every month.
For now, Instagram and Gomez remain at the top of the tree. But for how long?
Feature image: Lisa Bjorheim via Flickr


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Bluetooth keyboards have become an overwhelmingly popular tablet accessory these days, but most designs lack an integrated trackpad. This is part of what differentiates Fintie’s new Fire Tablet Keyboard from most of the rest. The company touts that its new keyboard can “easily convert your tablet to a mini-laptop” thanks to a “built-in touchpad [that] allows multi-gesture controls.” Made with Amazon’s kid-friendly tablets in mind, this new keyboard features a shock-absorbent design that’s paired with a detachable case for additional protection. Continue reading to learn more.
Made with ages three and older in mind, there’s no question that Fintie’s new Fire Tablet Keyboard is built to handle its fair share of accidents. Instead of behaving like a case for a Fire Tablet to slide into, this Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad combo is its own device. While this could be a dealbreaker for some, it makes a lot of sense since Amazon’s kid-friendly tablets already come with a case that can prop the device up.
Once fully charged with an included USB-C cable, this Made for Amazon Fire Tablet Keyboard can last for up to 400 hours of use. It also features a 365-day standby time. It goes to sleep after 30 minutes of inactivity and will automatically re-pair once any key has been pressed.
Fintie’s new Made For Amazon Fire Tablet Keyboard is now available for pre-order and is priced at $39.99. There are three colorways to choose from – black, blue, and purple. Folks that hope to get one or more of these ahead of Christmas will be disappointed to find out that the official launch date is slated for December 26.
That being said, just about everything in Amazon’s tablet portfolio is slated to arrive well ahead of the holidays, which could allow you to get something under the tree just ahead of the keyboard above.
With such an entry-level price point, it’s hard to pick on Fintie’s new Fire Tablet Keyboard. While marketed specifically for Amazon’s kid-friendly tablet lineup, a Bluetooth connection and standard layout leave little to no room for doubt that these will work with other tablet models in the Fire portfolio.
A built-in trackpad is a huge differentiator between this unit and most others on the market, as it paves the way for a laptop-like user experience. Considering just how affordable Amazon’s tablet lineup tends to be, it could be more cost-effective to throw business in this direction instead of an entry-level Chromebook.
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Publicis Beehive has been awarded creative duties for Chinese e-commerce fashion brand, Club Factory – tasked with playing an integral role in launching the brand in India.
Part of the creative push is a new hip-hop themed campaign spot.
“The Indian online retail market is at an interesting juncture right now with a plethora of brands vying for some share of the customer’s attention and also his wallet,” said Paritosh Srivastava, COO – Publicis Beehive. “Though a late entrant, Club Factory is already a well-known brand and our task was to make it a popular & regular online partner of its patrons and keep them coming back for more. With the inaugural launch communication already out, we are confident of achieving that.”
Club Factory also announced Bollywood’s stars Ranveer Singh and Miss World Manushi Chhillar as brand ambassadors and shot a campaign together for the brand.
“It was great fun working on the Club Factory launch campaign, as it challenges the notion of fashion being the fiefdom of expensive brands,” said Shyamashree D’Mello, ECD & Head of Creative Services, Publicis Beehive. “The bonus was getting the energy of Ranveer Singh and the elegance of Manushi Chillar, paired together for the first time ever, to do that. The light-hearted reverse snobbery they bring to the fore really hits home as it’s all about being trendy and original in style choices but paying a fair price for it. Fashion pundits be damned!”
MD & CCO: Bobby Pawar
MD: Srija Chatterjee
COO: Paritosh Srivastava
Creative Team: Shyamashree D’Mello, Avinash Parab, Savita Nair, Nikhil Warrier, Harish Iyengar, Shreyas Shetty
Account Management: Smita Das, Khushbu Hisaria
Account Planning: Binita Tripathy
Production House: Prodigious
Production Team: Vandana Watsa, Anup Das, Andalib Patel, Sajid Shaikh
Director: Karan Kapadia


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- It will be official next week in India.
- The device is available through Flipkart.
- It is powered by MediaTek Helio G85 processor.
Redmi is gearing up to launch its new member of the Note 9 series in the market of India and today the company has confirmed the launch date of the device. The Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi spin-off brand will launch the device next week in the market of India and the same will be announced through an online event.
The moment we've all been waiting for! 🤩
Packed with best in class specs and highest quality that's sure to make heads turn. 😉
— Redmi India (@RedmiIndia) July 13, 2020
The company will announce the Redmi Note 9 in the market of India on July 20 and the same will be announced through an online event, the company will start the live streaming of its event at 12 p.m. IST and that can be e live stream through the official YouTube channel.
Its powered by the new Mediatek Helio G85 and Mali-G52 GPU power it. The display is a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with FHD+ resolution.
Unlike the others, the punch-hole cut out is left centred and houses a 13-megapixel selfie camera. In the back, we have a 48-megapixel primary camera, which is the same GM1 sensor from Samsung used in the Redmi Note 9. The other three rear cameras are same across the Redmi Note 9 Series with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle and two 2-megapixel sensors for depth sensing and macro mode.
The battery capacity is the same 5,020 mAh, and the 18 Watt charger is present here too. The RAM configurations are either 3 or 4GB and the storage is fixed at 64 GB or 128 GB capacity. The phone ships with MIUI 11 on top of Android 10. The extra features include an IR blaster, NFC, a fingerprint scanner at the back and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Read interesting news, reviews as well as tips & tricks on TechnoBugg website, and stay updated with the latest happenings of the tech world on the go with Technobugg App. Also follow on Google News and join our Telegram channel for the latest updates.


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Cat rego costs $20
CAT registration comes in for the first time for Ipswich residents from today at a cost of $20 a year.
It will also be mandatory to microchip cats and dogs at the point of sale or if a pet is transferred to a new owner.
The microchipping requirement does not apply to existing pets - except regulated dogs. All regulated dogs, that is dangerous dogs, must be microchipped from July 1.
Local Government Minister Desley Boyle said the new Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act was going to be a blessing in disguise, with more than 53 per cent of Queensland households owning a cat or dog.
“We've conducted a survey to get a better understanding of pet ownership, attitudes to registration, micro-chipping and desexing,” she said.
“Most owners are already having their pets desexed and recognise the importance of registration.
“Losing a pet can be a terrible experience, but strays can also be a big nuisance and have a detrimental impact on our native wildlife.
“So the new laws, which councils will be rolling out in the coming year, are about fostering responsible pet ownership and better managing the pet population.”
The survey showed that:
• More than 52 per cent expressed concern over the effect stray animals have on neighbouring wildlife.
• Almost 15 per cent who gave up ownership of a cat or dog did so because the pet was lost or ran away.
• 78 per cent said they would be encouraged to register their cat or dog if their council offered a discounted registration.
“The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act puts the onus of responsibility fairly and squarely on the shoulders of pet owners but I think it is significant and encouraging for councils to know that many pet owners already doing the right thing,” Ms Boyle said.
“The Queensland Government is providing $650,000 in funding to rural, regional and remote councils to help them offset the costs of implementing the legislation.”


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A handful of foundational AI models are emerging that rely upon a magnitude of training data that makes them inherently powerful, but it’s not without risk of harmful biases.
Natasha and Mary Ann and Alex were all aboard this week under the guidance of Chris and Grace, along with TechCrunch’s Neesha Tambe. Neesha is one of our best and is the leading light of
The UK published its first ever national AI strategy this week. The decade-long commitment by the government to levelling up domestic artificial intelligence capabilities — by directing resource
Noops is going after the $50 billion snack foods market and plans to take on yogurt next.
Amazon is working on a number of new devices including an Echo with a 15-inch wall-mounted display, a soundbar, new Echo Auto technology and wearables, which could appear as early as next week.
Avenue is building a command center for operations teams.
China’s central bank said on Friday that all cryptocurrency-related transactions are illegal in the country and they must be banned, citing concerns around national security and “safety of
Amazon has launched Prime Video Channels in India, allowing its customers to subscribe to eight streaming services including Discovery+ and Mubi from one hub (Prime Video website or app), the latest i
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To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, for a permanent cut in Value Added Tax for the hospitality and tourism sector.
19 July 2021
In order to support the cash flow and viability of about 150,000 businesses and to protect over 2.4 million jobs, the Government has applied a temporary reduced rate of VAT (5 per cent) to goods and services supplied by the tourism and hospitality sectors, which will now end on 30 September 2021. On 1 October 2021, a new reduced rate of 12.5 per cent will be introduced for these goods and services to help affected businesses manage the transition back to the standard rate. The new rate will end on 31 March 2022.
The reduced rate of VAT has been designed as a temporary measure. As restrictions are lifted and demand for goods and services in the tourism and hospitality sectors increases, this relief will be reduced and eventually removed in order to rebuild and strengthen the public finances. This policy will cost the Exchequer over £7 billion. While the Government keeps all taxes under review, there are no plans to make the reduced rate of VAT permanent.


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About 225,000 unique monthly visitors use ABC Startsiden as their portal to the Internet, generating 7.7 million monthly impressions. Founded in June 1996, it is currently Norway’s second-largest portal and fourth largest Web site overall, 24/7 Norge said.
Under the agreement, 24/7 will provide online advertising, sponsorship, direct marketing and e-commerce solutions on ABC Startsiden to advertisers worldwide. International sales coverage will be provided by 24/7’s wholly owned operations in 12 European countries and by 24/7 Media in the U.S. and 24/7 Asia.
“ABC Startsiden offers a wealth of advertising and sponsorship opportunities across its content channels and will become a core part of the 24/7 Norge Network,” said Stein Georg Lillemoen, Nordic Sales Manager, 24/7 Europe.
Despite the fact that it faces growing competition from Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, Google-owned YouTube is still one of the most popular ... read more
Amazon prides itself on being the most “customer-centric” company in the world, but according to investigative journalism non-profit ProPublica, Amazon’s algorithms are often anything but ... read more


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This week 42 Indian startups raised funding, of which 31 raised $417 million. Mensa Manufacturers raised the best funding of about $135 million, adopted by Byju’s which raised about $67 million.
In the meantime, the funding of 11 of the whole funded startups remained undisclosed.
Mensa Manufacturers: E-commerce roll-up agency Mensa Manufacturers has raised $135 million in its Sequence B spherical led by Falcon Edge Capital’s Alpha Wave Ventures.
Byju’s: Edtech firm Byju’s has raised $67 million from Chan Zuckerberg and GenGlobal Vivid Corp.
Purplle: On-line magnificence and grooming merchandise market Purplle, which just lately introduced elevating $75 million in a brand new spherical led by Kedaara Capital, has scooped up one other $50 million from a brand new investor: Premji Make investments.
Wonderchef: Wonderchef Residence Home equipment has raised Rs 150 crore or $20 million from Sixth Sense Ventures, with participation from others resembling Godrej Household workplace, Malpani Group, and HNIs.
Wingreens Farms: Packaged meals retailer Wingreens Farms has raised Rs 124 crore ($17 million) in a spherical led by mid-market personal fairness investor Investcorp.
Disprz: Enterprise skilling startup Disprz has raised $13 million in a Sequence B spherical led by Dallas Enterprise Capital and Mars Develop Capital. Current traders Go1, Tara India Fund IV, Auctus Capital and Kae Capital additionally participated within the spherical.
Foodlink: Luxurious delicacies model Foodlink raises $8 million in a Sequence B spherical from Plutus Wealth Administration. The corporate has to this point raised $23 million together with the present spherical.
Petpooja: Restaurant POS and administration software program Petpooja has raised $4.5 million in a Sequence B spherical led by Aroa Ventures. Current investor Udaan together with GVFL, Dr Mayur Desai and different angel traders additionally participated within the spherical.
Velocity: Fintech startup Velocity has raised $20 million in a Sequence A spherical led by Peter Thiel’s Valar Ventures and different traders together with Presight Capital, iSeed, Maninder Gulati, Zac Worth and Philippe De Mota.
GoKwik: Saas startup GoKwik has raised $15 million in a Sequence A spherical led by Sequoia Capital India. Current traders Matrix Companions and RTP International additionally participated within the spherical.
GuardianLink: NFT tech-infra startup GuardianLink has raised $12 million in a Sequence A spherical led by Kalaari Capital and different personal investor teams.
GENLEAP: GenLeap, a Gurugram-based startup that mixes expertise capabilities of HR and schooling segments, has raised Rs 60 crore or $8 million in a seed spherical of funding from a gaggle of angel traders.
Mindhouse: On-line psychological health platform Mindhouse is elevating its first institutional spherical. The Gurugram-based startup is elevating round $6 million from a clutch of traders. That is the maiden funding spherical for Mindhouse in 2021.
Defy: Crypto alternate platform Defy has raised $5.5 million led by Goat VC, JAM Fund and Goodwater Capital. The spherical additionally noticed participation from Gemba Capital, Evening Ventures, GMO Enterprise Companions, Olive Tree Capital, and present investor Higher Capital.
Tickertape: Make investments-tech platform Smallcase has introduced an funding of $5 million in Tickertape.
Clinikk: Healthtech and insurtech startup Clinikk has raised $4 million in a pre-series A spherical led by MassMutual Ventures, with participation from Kunal Shah, Rohit M.A., Anjali Bansal, Stanford Angels and different distinguished people.
SalaryBox: Gurugram-based fintech startup SalaryBox on Wednesday introduced that it has raised $4 million in a brand new seed spherical from new and present traders together with Y-Combinator, Jerry Yang’s AME Cloud Ventures, Soma Capital and 2AM Ventures.
Ok&L Wellness: Healthtech startup Ok&L Wellness on Wednesday stated it raised Rs 30 crore or $4 million in a seed spherical from angel traders — Vimal Kedia and Surendra Kedia of Manjushree Ventures, and Narendra Firodia of Sohamm Group.
DGV: Dairy Business centered Neo-Banking startup DGV has raised $3.1 million Pre-Sequence A spherical from Information Edge Ventures and Omnivore.
Doola: StartPack introduced in the present day that they’ve rebranded to Doola and have raised $3 million in financing. The funding spherical was led by Nexus Enterprise Companions with participation from YCombinator, Hustle Fund, Psion Capital and others.
EyeMyEye: EyeMyEye, an internet platform for the eyewear market, raised Rs 20.5 crore or $2.7 million in funding from angel traders and excessive net-worth people (HNIs) in a pre-Sequence A spherical.
Toplyne: SaaS startup Toplyne raised $2.5 million from Sequoia Capital’s Surge, Collectively Fund and angels from Canva, Freshworks and Zoominfo.
Bombay Hemp: Ratan Tata-backed Bombay Hemp Firm (Boheco) has raised $2 million (about Rs 15 crore) from the household places of work of Achin Kochar of the Vi-John Group, Riteesh Mohan Bakshi and Raghav Mohan Bakshi.
Bert Labs: Synthetic intelligence firm Bert Labs has raised $1 million from Katkar Household Workplace, Kailash Katkar and Sanjay Katkar, founders of Fast Heal Applied sciences.
OneRare: OneRare, which claims to be the primary Metaverse for meals, gaming and NFTs platform, has raised $2 million led by key blockchain VCs together with Arkstream Capital and others.
Planys: Deep-tech startup Planys Applied sciences has raised $1.6 million in its ongoing pre-series A spherical from Keiretsu Discussion board, LetsVenture, Shell, present traders ONGC, Ranjan Pai, Kris Gopalakrishnan and different seed traders.
Boingg: D2C furnishings model Boingg has raised INR 2.2 Cr or $0.29 million in a seed spherical led by Inflection Level Ventures.
Knocksense: Hyperlocal Content material Platform Knocksense has raised a bridge spherical value $150K or $0.15 million led by Applyhigh and others together with We Founder Circle, Mumbai Angels and LetsVenture. The startup has raised $0.5 million in whole to this point.
Inzpira: Edtech platform Inzpira has raised Rs 2.3 crore or $0.3 million in a seed spherical led by Raj Nair, Gopinath Latpate and different angels. The corporate had earlier raised Rs 25 lakh as a part of its pre-seed spherical from 100X.
Valuationary: Edtech startup Valuationary has raised a pre-seed spherical of $100K or $0.1 million from strategic traders and company leaders, resembling Ashish Jain (Ex-India Head, Enfusion), Ajay Surana (Ex-Director, Moody’s Analytics – Singapore), Rachit Poddar (Marwari Catalysts), Rajesh Gupta, and Hetal Desai.
Cookd: Chennai-based digital dwelling cooking startup Cookd has raised $600K or $0.6 million in a pre-Seed funding spherical by Konglo Ventures, Kerala Angel Community.
VideoForm, IOTRL, City AI, EnrichVideo, NanoSniff Applied sciences, Bynry, GOVeva, OceanFrogs, Kloudle, OhLocal and Zenpay didn’t disclose their monetary particulars.
Acquisitions this week
Credlix has acquired NuPhi, for an undisclosed quantity.
GOAT Model labs has acquired 11 direct-to-consumer manufacturers from numerous classes, disclosing solely the title of Frangipani, a Mumbai-based children clothes model, G.O.A.T Model Labs didn’t disclose different D2C corporations it acquired.
Turtlemint has acquired IOPhysics for an undisclosed quantity.
10Club has acquired three garden and backyard manufacturers — Kraftseeds, Gate Backyard and Kriti Kalash.
E-commerce large Flipkart is ready to accumulate a majority stake in Kolkata-based SastaSundar, which presents digital healthcare and pharmacy platform.
Avail Finance has acquired neobanking platform YeLo.
Kunal Shah-led fintech platform CRED is in talks to accumulate two startups – Dineout and Wint Wealth. Shah, by means of his new entity Newtap Applied sciences Pvt. Ltd., has reportedly acquired Parfait Finance & Funding.
Mobility tech startup Chalo is in talks to accumulate scooter rental agency Vogo, in response to Entrackr’s sources.
Crypto alternate CoinSwitch Kuber is in late-stage talks to accumulate mutual fund platform Symbl.
Replace: The story and infographic has been up to date to replicate fund raised by Byju’s


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MONDI MAKING MAJOR REVAMP
Byline: Melissa Dreier
MUNICH — There’s a new Mondi Group in the works. In a move to broaden its fashion and customer base, the Munich-based firm has repositioned all six of its independent apparel lines, including the Mondi collection, for fall/winter 1995-96.
The new strategy keeps Mondi as the group’s core collection. But the more expensive and fashion-directed Elementi and Portara lines — as well as the fashion-forward Chris line, the Patrizia S. large size collection and the sporty Braun line — will now support Mondi by having some overlapping themes and price points.
In the most radical move, Portara has been relaunched as a young fashion line priced 30 percent below Mondi, and 40 percent below its former levels. “Only the name remains the same,” said chief executive Hans-Peter Barbier of the new Portara line, which features kicky little mini-suits and dresses with trumpet sleeves.
Chris, introduced last season, continues to take fashion-forward strides. With more selective distribution, it overlaps Mondi’s higher-priced end while catering to a more daring customer. Elementi, now in its seventh season, still sits at the top of the Mondi Group’s price and fashion scale, overlapping with Chris. The collection of advanced knits has been chalking up the largest sales increases — between 40 and 70 percent — of all the group’s lines.
Braun has been expanded from an expensive golf-oriented line to a moderately priced active sportswear collection. And Patrizia S. has been priced at and below Mondi’s price points, which is expected to significantly boost the collection’s export performance. And the core Mondi line itself has also been freshened up, to make it visibly younger and more sophisticated.
“There are enough traditional Mondi looks in the line to make the existing customer base happy, but lots of new looks to appeal to new customers,” observed Thomas A. Andruskevich, president and chief executive officer of Mondi of America. New to the Mondi line are daywear looks such as a short, zipper-accented charcoal gray suit paired with a cropped mohair jacket in orange, yellow and pink blanket checks. Traditional looks, such as graphic sweaters, are more refined, and the Mondi Sport separates in winter fleece and terry strike a surprisingly youthful note. “There seems to be a seven-year cycle in market behavior, and brands [can] lose face,” said Fidelius Graf Von Rehbinder, director of international sales and distribution.
“You then have to do something for the next generation. It’s dangerous when you age with the customer,” Rehbinder added. Mondi’s trade up in fashion meant an increase in some prices. In Mondi’s linen and viscose theme, jackets will retail in the U.S. for about $390; skirts and pants for $190, and a suit for $580. This compares to the more fashion-forward Chris, where a sweater in metallic cupro will retail for $350; a skirt in acetate and viscose will sell for $250, and a body-hugging knit dress in viscose and cotton will be priced at $450. Mondi’s new looks and prices are appearing a little over a year after the investment company Investcorp became the sole owner of the Mondi Group. Under new chief executive Barbier, management and company organization was restructured, with a focus on establishing distinct profiles for the group’s individual brands. The core Mondi line generates about 70 percent of group sales, which were flat in 1994 at $273.8 million (430 million marks). But the reorganized group now blankets more price points and fashion levels than under its former structure, and sales are expected to grow 15-20 percent this year.
The Mondi Group exports roughly 75 percent of total sales to the United States, Canada, the U.K., the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and Austria. The Far East accounts for only about 7 percent of the Group’s business, but Barbier says Asia will play a more dominant role in the future. To keep export sales strong and growing, the company is paying more attention to the particularities of local markets. Von Rehbinder explained that the company might offer an apparel group in lighter fabrics for warm climate markets. The company is also looking at how to do different cuts for the Far East. The U.S. market represents roughly 25 percent of total exports, a share that the company hopes will grow. “We have a very aggressive growth plan for 1995, and we expect to post double-digit sales increases,” said Andruskevich. “Our goal is to be the leading resource of ladies’ bridge apparel.” Currently, there are 48 Mondi stores, and 12 outlet stores operating in the U.S., which account for roughly 85 percent of Mondi’s American sales of about $45 million. The group also wholesales to about 175 accounts in the U.S., mainly to specialty and department stores. Wholesaling, however, “will be the fastest growing area for Mondi in the future,” Andruskevich said. While he would not disclose the stores he is currently negotiating with, he said that a store like Dillard’s, a current client, is “the best example” of the kind of account he wants to target.
On top of adjusting its fashion collections, Mondi has also set about changing the look of its freestanding stores, which number about 200 worldwide and generate 25 to 30 percent of the group’s sales. The new Mondi store concept debuted last September with a new three-level shop in the Grunwald area of Munich which showcases all of the Mondi Group lines. A flexible furniture system of stained maple is arranged in open cases on a light beechwood parquet floor. There’s a living room-like setting in the back for the friends or husbands of shoppers.
Barbier said five more stores are planned for Germany’s larger cities by the year 2000. Only large, or multilevel stores will carry all of the groups’ labels. Otherwise, they will remain strictly Mondi stores.
In the U.S., Mondi of America is embarking on its own retail strategy based on three kinds of stores: a flagship for major cities that could carry three to five of the group’s collections; mid-size stores that will sell two to three lines, and tiny stores that will likely carry only Mondi. The new look will be unveiled at the new Woodfield, Ill., and White Plains, N.Y., stores, slated to open in March.
Other stores scheduled to get the facelift include those in Short Hills, N.J.; Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and Atlanta. Andruskevich said that while these stores will sell the Mondi line, the company is studying which stores might retail other collections in the group beginning next fall. Currently some stores sell Braun and Portara alongside Mondi.
“I would like to see our segment of the industry improve,” said Andruskevich. “Designer and luxury are doing well, but bridge is tough. Fortunately, we’re outperforming the market. Sales are up, margins are up and our expenses have been controlled.”