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AutoGuide News Blog
The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.
Gas sippers were popular this week – even with those hunting for all-wheel drive options.
How much bird crap does it take to crush a Smart car? Thanks to one snarky blogger, the company crunched some numbers to find out.
Heading to Germany’s Smart dealerships in October is a limited edition ForTwo Iceshine model, priced at around $18,300 (€14,490).
According to Smart, the ForTwo Edition Iceshine “combines a fresh, cheeky look with chic equipment details.” The model can currently be preordered in white or exclusive azure blue boasting a retro double three-spoke wheel design finished in white. The tridion safety cell also comes in white and the special edition model can be ordered in either coupe or convertible form.
The color trend continues on the inside, with all Iceshine models coming with exclusive leather-effect seats with a white insert on the backrests and white stitching. The steering wheel also comes in a three-spoke, leather design while the ring rounds on the dash are also in white.
The Iceshine Edition ForTwo will be limited to just 1,800 units and is based on the Passion Equipment Line model.
GALLERY: Smart ForTwo Edition Iceshine
Smart knows exactly how electric cars are perceived by the general public; as small and economic vehicles that you buy to save money on gas. But opinions can be changed, and Smart staged a clever marketing event which aimed to prove that acceleration and performance are also part of its electric cars persona.
The idea is simple; take the classic game “pong” (although Smart calls it e-ball) and recreate it using cars as controllers. The acceleration is tested as the Smart cars must blast straight forwards and backwards as quickly as possible to avoid being scored on.
This may not prove that these cars are race track ready, but the brand is looking to invigorate sales by showing that small electric cars can be efficient, and fun.
Watch the video below.
The Smart fortwo can fit in some pretty small places, but can it fit in a 140-character Twitter post? It certainly can, as seen on the Smart Argentina twitter page.
An advertisement made up of 455 individual tweets shows the Smart strolling downtown in a neat looking virtual flip book. Apart from the ASCII art, the ad looks like something you’d see on TV, complete with a neat 360-degree showcase of the fortwo.
The twitter account states (in Spanish) “It fits in any space. Why not in 140 characters? Smart Fortwo…a big idea for the city.”
We wonder if other companies will pick up on this innovative style of advertising.
Check it out in the video below.
Discuss this story with other Smart fans at Smart Car of America.
Ford recently announced the EPA fuel efficiency rating for its electric Focus model. Since it doesn’t burn any gasoline, the number isn’t in miles per gallon (MPG), but was given as miles per gallon gasoline equivalent, or MPGe. A new term to the automotive lexicon, it’s worth exploring exactly what MPGe means and how an MPGe rating is determined, especially as the number of electric cars and plug-in electric hybrids on the roads continues to increase.
Earlier today, we reported that Brabus introduced an all new Bullitt C-Class coupe. Packing 800-hp from a heavily retuned V12, the Brabus Bullitt eclipses the output of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series by nearly 300-hp.
Having made its name with “big-power” creations, Brabus is known to go “tiny-tunes” with the Smart Fortwo as well. Not only has Brabus released details of an electric Brabus Fortwo EV for the Geneva Show, but the German tuner has also announced another project based on the Fortwo Cabrio, known as the Ultimate 120. The Ultimate 120 is pretty straightforward, offering only 120 units, just as its name suggest. What’s more, its name is also derived from the round output of its 3-cylinder turbo engine, 120 PS (118 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 118 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,250 to 3,750 rpm.
Other hardware upgrades include a stainless-steel sport exhaust, height-adjustable coil over suspension, a high-performance brake system with cross-drilled discs and four-piston calipers at the front, new 18-inch wheels fitted with high performance tires.
In terms of its exterior, the Ultimate 120 receives a wide-body kit that includes a front spoiler, side sills, a rear apron, and wider fenders.
Brabus chose black mastik leather with red contrast stitching for its interior. In addition, the Ultimate 120 also gets Recaro Sportster seats, a Brabus steering wheel, body colored agent trims, stainless steel pedals and aluminum shifter and hand-brake lever.
With so much to offer, the limited production Ultimate 120 isn’t cheap. Prices are set at a steep 45,900 euros, or $61,600 USD. At that pricetag, even the Aston Martin Cygnet starts to look like a bargain.
GALLERY: Brabus Ultimate 120
Smart will debut a Brabus Fortwo EV and electric bike at the Geneva Motor Show, which is just around the corner now. The special edition Fortwo EV from Brabus will sport 17-inch wheels, Brabus styling accessories, and an “electric green” interior.
Smart also announced that they will have the Brabus variant of their electric Fortwo in 12 countries by the end of the year, packing around 80-hp. Unfortunately the German automaker still hasn’t announced its range on a single charge.
The e-bike will pack an electric motor with 500 watts of power and can hit a top speed of 25-mph and will also be available at Smart dealerships by the end of the year. You can pick up a Smart e-bike for around $3,700, but no pricing has been announced yet for the Brabus Fortwo EV; we can probably expect it when the car gets closer to the dealership lots.
GALLERY: Brabus Smart Fortwo EV and e-Bike
Michael Schumacher had twinkly eyes when he got his new bike, or at least that’s what Daimler said in its press release.
Whether or not that was true, Schumacher and Nico Rosberg are the two first people to own the new Smart ebike. They received them at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona where we would like to imagine both racers riding around for a few minutes making “vroom” noises and looking silly.
Funny as it would be, there’s nothing silly about the €2849 price tag that translates to roughly $3,700 dollars. It’s hard to imagine how smart you would really feel cruising around on an almost-$4000 bicycle. Well, it does get you over 100 kilometers on one charge from the 400-Wh lithium-ion battery, so at least you are getting some bang for your buck.
The Smart ebike will be available in April with two color options: white with green “trim” as seen above or matte grey with orange.
Smart describes the bike as if it were a car in its release, try not to chuckle.
“As a pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle) the smart ebike is strictly speaking a hybrid vehicle: the electric motor switches on as soon as the rider starts pedalling. Muscle power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a lubricant-free, durable and quiet belt drive in place of a conventional bicycle chain.”
It’s a good thing the geniuses at Smart decided to make it “rear-wheel drive” because all that power would probably lead to some serious wheel hop during drag races. You’ve been put on notice, world. Stay off the sidewalks.
February treated the auto industry well this year, at least for the most part. The majority of automakers saw sales increases over the same month last year.
Chrysler was the big winner, reporting a 40 percent sales increase over February of last year. Even GM posted a tiny 1.1 percent gain over last year despite suffering from poor Cadillac and Buick sales. In fact, industry sales grew 16 percent overall compared to last year.
Cars made in North America grew the most, by 17 percent, while European manufactured vehicles saw the smallest increase — only 2 percent.
Last month’s sales numbers were nothing short of striking, but one of the most interesting developments came from the muscle car battle Chevrolet and Ford are waging against one another. The Mustang finally beat the Camaro in sales with 7,351 units to Chevrolet’s 6,923.
The next question is how long those numbers will last, given that the new 580-horsepower ZL1 Camaro is being released and is said to be the best bow tie-bearing pony car yet.
Among the other companies with impressive growth, Mercedes-Benz sub-brand Smart saw a 59 percent increase. British luxury brand Jaguar enjoyed a 48 percent boost, and while Volkswagen and MINI enjoyed 43 and 42 percent increases respectively. Even econo-box manufacturer Kia saw a 37 percent sales jump over last year.
The recent stories of the Tesla Roadster “bricking” will likely cause owners of other electric vehicles to worry. We’ve managed to track down and get a comment about the measures in place that can prevent other EVs from becoming damaged like the Tesla.
A “bricked” car is a lot like a bricked gadget. It can’t and won’t turn on, and is essentially useless (unless you want to use it as a giant and expensive paperweight).
The story is that an owner let his Roadster die and left it uncharged for two months. The car then couldn’t be turned on or started, or re-charged. When the car was taken for repairs it was found that it would cost $40,000 to fix the vehicle.
It’s stated several times in the Roadster’s owner’s manual not to leave the vehicle discharged for an extended period of time. Specifically: “Situations may arise when in which you must leave your vehicle unplugged for an extended period of time. If this is the case, it is your responsibility to ensure that the battery does not become fully depleted.” Lastly, “Over-discharge can permanently damage the battery.” While it’s clear that owner negligence caused this damage, some blame can be put on the manufacturer to have more safety measures to protect the vehicle.
Nissan states that the Leaf cannot be fully discharged “thanks to an advanced battery management system designed to protect the battery from damage. One element of the battery management system is a failsafe wall that stops the battery from reaching absolute zero state-of-charge, even after a period of unplugged storage,”Steve Yaegar, Nissan’s technology communications manager said.
Still there are some warnings in the Leaf’s manual that advises owners to take proper care of its battery. One of the more conspicuous warnings says: “Avoid leaving your vehicle for over 14 days where the Li-ion battery available charge gauge reaches a zero or near zero (state of charge)”
When pushed, Yaegar skirted the issue of what would happen to a Leaf if a user ignored that advice.
While the Chevrolet has a gas generator to help keep the battery charged, what would happen if the battery is discharged completely? Nothing really. Chevrolet spokesperson Robert Peterson told us “This isn’t an issue for the Volt. The Volt uses only 10.4 kW of its 16 kWh battery. The rest of the battery space serves as a buffer to prevent overcharging or deep discharging.”
In the i-MiEV’s warranty manual, Mitsubishi states that the standard warranty does not cover any damages to the Li-Ion battery resulting from “failure to keep the main drive lithium-ion battery charged during storage of the vehicle.”
John Arnone a representative from Mitsubishi, said that while the i-MiEV battery can be fully discharged, if left for a long period of time it will still be able to be recharged by the usual means.
It’s true that electric Smart cars aren’t really on sale (lease-only), a member of customer relations told us that the upcoming 2013 model shouldn’t encounter any issues if left discharged. She did warn us that it may take a bit longer to fully charge back up again though.
It’s clear that electric vehicles are in their infancy. Being able to drive about without paying for gas certainly is a huge benefit. However, potential electric car buyers are already concerned about cost, range anxiety and charge times. Looks like its time to add battery maintenance to that list of concerns.
Making its way to the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show will be Rinspeed’s Dock + Go creation, an innovative yet strange concept that will leave some scratching their heads.
The Swiss-based tuner is marketing the Dock + Go as a backpack on wheels but is also a detachable range-extender for electric cars. The product essentially adds a third axle to the vehicle, adding an extra pair of wheels to a compact electric car – in this case, a Smart Fortwo Electric Drive. Essentially it’s a mini-trailer that can also serve as a range-extender, but its versatility is what leaves the possibilities endless for what it can be used for.
In its demo photos, for example, Rinspeed shows off its Dock + Go aiding in a pizza delivery company, camping, golfing, skiing, and more. We could definitely see these things being a hit out at tailgating parties in the US.
Rinspeed didn’t release exact figures as to how long the extended range is with the Dock + Go.


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Local businesses with pop-ups at the NFL draft were the lucky ones, relishing the exposure and serving thousands, but those that didn’t make the cut experienced a painfully slow weekend.
By most accounts the event was considered an overall success with the three-day event drawing a crowd of more than three-hundred ten-thousand, according to FOX4. The football festival showcased top names in the KC food scene, from Chef J BBQ and Q39 to Taco Naco and Buck Tui.
Despite the crowds, local businesses not apart of the draft experienced an overall loss in sales and foot traffic. Those shops and restaurants took to social media voicing concern over the lower than expected customer turnout.
Fetch, a local lifestyle store located in the West Bottoms, made a viral Instagram reel that read “Local KC businesses are not benefiting from the Draft – go see your favorites this weekend, we need you! Shop, eat, drink local.”
“Down fifty percent from a normal business Saturday for sure. Hate to see small biz suffer. Hang in there!” Commented West Bottoms-based business Amigoni Urban Winery.
Not even the usual weekend hotspots in Westport and the Crossroads were immune to the shortage of patrons during peak hours. Mean Mule Distilling Co., a bustling spot for locals in the Crossroads, commented under the post “Honestly, it’s been so frustrating. It’s not been a good experience for us.”
Several shop owners reported they suffered even before the NFL Draft weekend due to road closures. Many also contributed the lack of business to locals staying away to avoid crowds, although they say there were none.
It seems local business owners are feeling slighted because they were encouraged by organizers to prepare for the weekend by being fully stocked and staffed. Some are already thinking about 2026 when KC will host another massive event, the soccer World Cup.
Here’s what small local businesses are calling for post draft weekend: shop local.
An Instagram post by local business Café Cà Phê questioned the cost of “putting Kansas city on the map.”
“Putting Kansas City “on the map” is important for sure, but at what cost? The literal folks who keep the city going, the restaurants, the shops, the people who LIVE and WORK here gotta be prioritized,” posted the Vietnamese coffee shop. “But how do we make sure what makes KC so damn unique stays that way? Community. Small business. The people.”

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India's central bank confirmed on Monday that cryptocurrencies and exchanges are not banned. A three-year-old circular that barred banks from crypto transactions is no longer valid, the RBI said The Indian government is closer than ever to enforce a blanket ban on cryptocurrency trading, mining, and investments in the country. This will include the much-talked Bitcoin as well as other popular cryptocurrencies. The cryptocurrency ecosystem and technology evolve quickly in many countries An inter-ministerial committee set up by the Indian government to determine the legality of cryptocurrencies submitted its report in July 2019 recommending that private cryptocurrencies be banned.. Indian central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has officially advised banks that its banking ban circular is no longer valid as it was set aside by the country's supreme court more than one.
Indian cryptocurrency holders and users can finally breathe a sigh of relief as RBI released its objection to banks using its old circular to refrain from processing crypto payments. As per the Reserve Bank of India, its aforementioned circular is no longer valid and should not be cited or quoted from. RBI noted that the [ India will propose a law banning cryptocurrencies, fining anyone trading in the country or even holding such digital assets, a senior government official told R in a potential blow to.. The ban could reduce the number of buyers for crypto in Indian rupee on any exchange, which means that existing crypto holders will have no choice but to sell their assets off through other means...
What if the trading of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has been banned in India? The first thing you should do is keep calm, take into consideration that this is not a new situation for India. Please note that trading bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is perfectly possible and safe in the face of a possible outright ban scenario India Traders Rage as Banks Hold on to Outdated Crypto Ban Indian banks are notifying customers against crypto trading following an outdated law. India introduced a law against crypto in 2018, but.
India has moved to ban cryptocurrencies as the government has listed a draft bill that proposes a complete ban on all private cryptocurrencies in the country. What Happened: 'The Cryptocurrency. The ongoing Budget session of Parliament is expected to consider a bill that prohibits all private cryptocurrencies in India and provides for an official digital currency to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India. From social media hashtags to email campaigns, India's crypto investors are doing what they can to lobby against a possible ban
. According to the Bloomberg Quint report, after winning the lawsuit against the ban on Cryptocurrency in India, the virtual trading platform gained 450% surge within two months since March India's Proposed Crypto Ban Has Investors Nervous, May Feed Anti-Bitcoin Narrative India's cryptocurrency investors were caught off-guard and left confused after news broke Friday that the..
What this might mean for crypto in India. The circular comes at a time when cryptocurrencies have seen a clear spurt in usage. Platforms such as WazirX, which are among the most recognised names in the crypto space in India, have seen far greater growth than ever before - hence signalling the need for a robust set of regulatory laws in this sector India doesn't have a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency at present. In 2018, the RBI had effectively banned crypto transactions after a string of frauds in the months following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sudden decision to ban 80% of the nation's currency Crypto ban in India no longer valid. India's Reserve Bank issued a new circular, making essential clarifications on the current regulations on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies India's plan to ban Bitcoin faces resistance as its crypto crowd fights back Premium India has done exceedingly well in mobile payments, the bureaucracy has developed a phlegmatic resistance to. The Harsh Crypto Environment in India Operating with digital assets in India is a very complex process that causes a lot of controversies. Back in March 2018, the country's central bank banned cryptocurrency trading. Two years later, though, the Supreme court of India reversed the decision
Justification for a ban on Cryptocurrency should be based on research related to conditions in India as opposed to emulating other countries that are considering bans. The Report is missing research on cryptocurrency adoption among Indians - how cryptocurrency is purchased, how many Indians have participated in ICOs and how many have suffered losses attributed to cryptocurrencies etc India is set to ban Bitcoin, Dogecoin and other crypto money with move that targets miners and traders The uncertainty around cryptocurrencies in India continues as the government is now planning to propose a new law which will not only ban digital money but will also fine anyone trading in the country or even holding such digital assets The Indian government is aiming to ban cryptocurrencies. S3studio/Getty Images. India's central bank has informally asked lenders to stop dealing with cryptocurrency exchanges and traders, R. India will propose a law banning cryptocurrencies, fining anyone trading in the country or even holding such digital assets, a senior government official told R in a potential blow to millions of investors piling into the red-hot asset class. The bill, one of the world's strictest policies against cryptocurrencies, would criminalise possession, issuance, mining, trading and transferring. India: Cryptocurrency In India - To Ban Or Not To Ban? 30 March 2021 . by Devika Gadgil and Himanshi Tailor ANB Legal Most Popular: Article India, April 2021. To print this article, all you need is to be registered or on Mondaq.com.
However, and despite the official total ban to buy cryptocurrencies in India (or trade all kinds of decentralized cryptocurrency), this is not true at all. First, we must understand that the phenomenon of decentralized finance, DeFi, is designed in such a way that it can be used without the need for the approval of any government in the world Source: Adobe/Patange_R. While the bitcoin (BTC) bloodbath continues on the markets with reports of newer investors panic-selling, glimmers of cheer have appeared in India, where joyful crypto advocates have been welcoming reports that the government may be set to scrap talk of a ban - and instead take a regulatory route.. The Indian authorities have been talking ominously about a ban for. India previously considered a crypto ban a few years ago. In April 2018, the Reserve Bank of India barred banks from dealing with crypto companies. But that ban did not last long: As reported by Decrypt, India's Supreme Court overturned that decision in March 2020. However, this month's draft may not as harsh as the one formulated last June, when a government panel proposed a 10-year prison. The threats of a crackdown haven't stopped cryptocurrencies from gaining popularity in India, where 8 million investors hold about $1.4 billion worth of the digital assets, the news agency said
If the ban becomes law, India would be the first major economy to make holding cryptocurrency illegal. China has already banned its mining and trading but does not penalize possession. According to industry estimates, some eight million investors in India now hold 100 billion rupees ($1.4 billion) in crypto-investments, despite the government's threats of a ban India's Central-Bank Owned Retail Payments Platform Refuses to Ban Crypto Transactions The agency told banks they should consult their legal and compliance departments on whether they should.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday set aside a 2018-era ban on trading in cryptocurrencies, after several investors complained that leading banks across the nation were prohibiting them from dealing on crypto exchanges.. In a circular issued on Monday evening, India's top federal bank said that its 2018 order banning the trade of digital currencies was no longer valid, noting that. Because a ban would revert India to the failed pre-liberalization FERA era, when foreign assets were suspect and trade was inhibited. Let's now go into more detail, starting with why we put the term ban in quotes. Why India can't ban crypto. India can't ban crypto for three reasons Despite the hammer of bans looming on top of investors, they still manage to make record-breaking transactions in India, with over 8 million investors holding 100 billion rupees in crypto-investments. Despite worries of a ban, user registrations at local crypto-exchange Bitbns are up 30 fold from a year ago, according to Bitbns CEO Gaurav Dahake
India Will Not Ban Crypto, Says Finance Minister India's Finance minister delivered hope to the Indian crypto sphere. Pro-crypto groups have requested the government to establish legal regulations A source told R India will propose a law banning cryptocurrency.A senior government official says trading or even holding such digital assets would be criminalized.The bill aligns with the government's agenda for 2021, which aimed to ban private virtual currencies like Bitcoin and replace them with an official digital currency.The official says the measure would give cryptocurrency.
India plans to introduce a law to ban private cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin in the country and provide a framework for the creation of an official digital currency during the current budget. India plans to introduce a law to ban private cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and put in place a framework for an official digital currency to be issued by the central bank, according to a. Crypto in India may be heading to the crypt, as it considers a ban on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Government officials are drafting a report on proposed legislation and will submit it to th India may be getting ready to ban all cryptocurrency. According to an official bulletin published by the Indian Parliament, the political institution is considering introducing legislation that would prohibit all private cryptocurrencies while creating the infrastructure for a digital rupee.. According to the Lok Sabha Bulletin, the legislation by the name of Cryptocurrency and Regulation.
Cryptocurrency A sigh of relief for crypto investors! NPCI scraps crypto ban idea, leaves it to banks. NPCI's decision has come at a time when a few banks in India have decided to pull the plug on crypto trading platforms Cryptocurrency Ban: India Plans to Introduce New Law Prohibiting All 'Private Cryptocurrencies' The new law will likely allow certain exceptions to promote the underlying technology of. Per India-based media outlet Bloomberg Quint, an unnamed senior Finance Ministry official said on condition of anonymity that a bill enforcing a ban on transacting directly via foreign exchanges was heading for parliament, and would seek to enforce a complete ban on investment in cryptocurrencies.. The proposals would allow crypto holders a transition period to exit their.
Clip from Lew Later (New Tech Lets You Charge From Across the Room...) - https://youtu.be/9-6q82edB_ RBI Pushes Crypto Ban in India. If the finance ministry is backtracking from a full ban, the independent central bank has doubled down on its hostility to crypto. The RBI tends to see crypto as a threat to its capital controls — something the Indian government has a decades-long history of enforcing, often to its detriment India plans to introduce a law to ban private cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and put in place a framework for an official digital currency to be issued by the central bank, according to a legislative agenda listed by the government. The law will create a facilitative framework for creation of the official digital currency to be issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), said the agenda. According to reports, India will impose a complete ban on cryptocurrencies, according to one estimate 7 million investors hold cryptocurrencies in India wort.. In India, despite government threats of a ban, transaction volumes are swelling and 8 million investors now hold 100 billion rupees ($1.4 billion) in crypto-investments, according to industry estimates, reports R.. In addition, according to data from Coindance, India has maintained a consistent LocalBitcoins volume, at 113,772,416 rupee (about $1.5 million) for the week starting on.
This could be devastating to cryptocurrency investors in the country, who number around 10 million, according to industry estimates. RBI had previously banned trading cryptocurrencies, in 2018. However, India's Supreme Court overturned the diktat thanks to pressure from crypto entrepreneurs and technology and internet industry association IAMAI In India, despite government threats of a ban, transaction volumes are swelling and 8 million investors now hold 100 billion rupees ($1.4 billion) in crypto-investments, according to industry.
Indian cryptocurrency players in huddle as government mulls ban. Indian cryptocurrency players in huddle as government mulls The Bill also seeks to prohibit all private cryptocurrencies in India India is considering new regulations that would ban cryptocurrency in the country, penalizing anyone who holds, buys, or mines bitcoin and other digital currency, R reported, citing unnamed. The use of cryptocurrencies in India will be banned completely in the near future, according to an anonymous source claiming to be a senior Indian Finance Ministry official. The source told Bloomberg that a new law being introduced in the parliament will ban the use of cryptocurrency in all its forms, and this will include overseas transactions Topics Covered: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. NPCI refuses to ban cryptocurrency trades in India: Context: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has refused to ban cryptocurrency transactions. Further, it has put the onus on banks whether to ban transactions of. India is set to pass a law that would criminalise possession, issuance, mining, trading and transferring crypto-assets, a senior government official told R.. This action follows a government plan to January 2021 that sought to ban private virtual currencies such as bitcoin while building a structure for official digital currency


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JBT Corporation has signed an agreement to acquire Proseal, a provider of tray sealing technology for the food industry, in a deal worth £220 million.
Headquartered in Adlington, UK, Proseal has additional production facilities in Richmond, Virginia, and Melbourne, Australia.
Proseal’s tray sealing packaging technology is used across a range of food products, including ready meals, fresh produce, sandwiches, and proteins, to enhance freshness by sealing the product with film over a preformed tray.
JBT said Proseal has been at the “leading edge of developing environmentally friendly packaging that minimises the use of plastics while reducing food waste by extending the product’s shelf life”.
Tom Giacomini, JBT CEO, said: “The acquisition of Proseal represents an important expansion of JBT’s capabilities, adding significantly to our end-of-line market position and advancing our strategy of providing full-line customer solutions. Moreover, we believe Proseal’s technology affords growth opportunities around the globe.”
Carlos Fernandez, JBT executive vice president and president, liquid foods, added: “Tray sealing is relevant to many of our food-tech customers, particularly in the rapidly expanding market for convenience foods.”
The acquisition is expected to boost JBT’s annual revenue by approximately $100 million. Closing of the deal is scheduled for the second quarter of 2019.
Last July, JBT acquired Netherlands-based food equipment and solutions provider FTNON for €32 million to expand in the fruit and vegetable market.
FTNON, which is headquartered in Almelo, serves the fresh-cut and thermal food market with a focus on peeling, steaming, de-coring, washing, slicing and blanching.
Coca-Cola is unveiling a fully plant-based PET (bPET) bottle prototype, excluding the cap and label. The beverage giant has produced a limited run of 900 bottles, confirming the prototypes are recyclable within existing recycling infrastructures, alongside PET from oil-based sources.
McDonald’s and Starbucks are committing an additional US$10 million to the NextGen Consortium, an initiative aiming to improve environmental sustainability standards in the foodservice industry. Founded by investment firm Closed Loop Partners, the Consortium is investigating methods of advancing the design, commercialization and recovery of packaging materials.
Hortifrut is purchasing Atlantic Blue for US$280 million. Atlantic Blue is a key player in the growing and marketing of berries in Europe and Northern Africa, based in Huelva, Spain. The transaction will allow Hortifrut to expand its growing area by about 20% and consolidate its position as the largest fresh blueberry platform in Europe and the UK.


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New Delhi, Apr 24 (UNI) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) today said it plans to launch BlackBerry services on its network but will wait for the government to sort out the security issues.
''We are in dialogue. Once the issue is sorted out, we will launch the services,'' BSNL CMD Kuldeep Goyal told reporters here on the sidelines of BSNL's Integrity Pact program.
The BlackBerry issue surfaced when Tata Teleservices was denied permission to start the services on grounds that it does not allow for interception of data by the government.
Currently, Reliance, Airtel and Vodafone offer BlackBerry services.
Worldwide, RIM has partnerships with 150 carriers in more than 60 countries where BlackBerry services are available on more than one network. In the Asia-Pacific region, it has partnered with 21 carriers in 11 countries.
India has about 35,000-40,000 users of BlackBerry and the number is expected to go up to more than five lakh.
BlackBerry enables mobile customers to access a premium range of applications, including e-mail, attachments, spreadsheets and organisers, with a single device.
BlackBerry, which was earlier synonymous with corporate executives, has now expanded to the mainstream consumer segment with its Pearl model. The smartphone supports MP3 player, multimedia, video and digital camera, besides e-mails.
UNI SBA SR PM1942


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Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts welcomes two new Vice Presidents.
Zurich (Switzerland), 21 May 2015 — Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is delighted to welcome two new key Vice Presidents to the company’s senior management team. Petra Götting joins the company as Vice President Sales & Marketing Europe, while Nick Bosworth takes on the role of Vice President Brand & Marketing.
Both will be building on the international success of the upscale Swiss hospitality company with a specific focus on strengthening the brand’s global profile as well as its sales and marketing reach.
UK-born Nick Bosworth has 25 years of experience in both the hotel and airline industries. Prior to joining Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts he worked for the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) for 10 years across a range of senior marketing, strategic and brand development positions. Before IHG, Nick enjoyed executive roles at Reed Travel Group and the International Air Transport Association. He speaks seven languages and in his spare time enjoys motorcycling, photography, travel, music and world cuisine. “I’m delighted to join Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts at such a key time of growth,” he says. “We are significantly strengthening many of our corporate marketing strategies as well as our brand awareness and I’m looking forward to building on these successes over the coming months.”
Petra Götting has worked in hospitality since 1987 and has over 20 years in senior sales and marketing positions. During a career that has taken her from the UK to Germany and from Switzerland to Austria, Petra’s roles have included Vice President Global Sales for Raffles International and Vice President Marketing & Sales for Swissôtel. Prior to joining Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Petra was Managing Director Sales & Marketing for Falkensteiner Hotels & Resorts in Vienna. Born in Germany, she is a keen enthusiast of golf. “I’m proud to be joining Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts and look forward to contributing to the continued success of the company,” she says. “We have a fantastic team and an exceptionally positive company culture which is why this brand is such a unique success.”
“Petra and Nick bring considerable talents to our senior management team and provide a valuable fresh perspective as well as many years of invaluable senior hospitality experience. I’m delighted to welcome them to Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts,” said Jean Gabriel Pérès President and CEO of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.


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By Sruthi Ramakrishnan
(Reuters) – Home improvement chain Lowe’s Cos Inc
Lowe’s shares were down 6.8 percent in late morning trading on Wednesday.
While Home Depot’s sales got a big boost from big-ticket items such as appliances and roofing products, Lowe’s reported average sales.
Number of transactions worth over $500 rose 2.9 percent in the second quarter ended July 29, Lowe’s said. In contrast, Home Depot reported a 9.5 percent rise in big-ticket purchases worth over $900.
Sales in northern United States were challenged by a short spring, which hindered outdoor projects, Lowe’s Chief Customer Officer Mike Jones said on a conference call.
An early spring this year also led to a number of outdoor projects being moved to the first quarter from the traditional second quarter, hurting Lowe’s comparable sales, which fell 2.8 percent in May.
Lowe’s gets a bigger chunk of its revenue from outdoor business, which benefited from a warmer-than-usual March and April, compared with Home Depot, Edward Jones analyst Robin Diedrich said.
“That has come back to haunt them here in the second quarter,” Diedrich added.
Lowe’s also lowered its full-year earnings forecast to $4.06 per share from $4.11, saying the cut reflected its acquisition of Canada’s Rona Inc that was completed in May.
Net sales rose 5.3 percent to $18.26 billion, below the $18.45 billion analysts had expected. Home Depot’s sales rose 6.6 percent.
Sales at Lowe’s stores open more than 13 months rose 2 percent, compared with the 4.1 percent growth expected by analysts polled by research firm Consensus Metrix. Home Depot’s same-store sales rose 4.7 percent.
Lowe’s net income rose to $1.17 billion, or $1.31 per share, in the quarter, from $1.13 billion, or $1.20 per share, a year earlier.
Lowe’s shares were trading at $75.89 on the New York Stock Exchange.
(Reporting by Sruthi Ramakrishnan in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D’Silva)


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M&E Journal: How D2C is Taking the Media Industry by Storm
By Richard Whittington, SVP, M&E, Industry Cloud Solutions, SAP –
Relatively new entrants into the M&E industry are fundamentally changing the very nature of the industry. The sheer volume of content in the marketplace means that to win, M&E companies need to provide their customers an exceptional brand experience by creating a seamless and personalized experience across time, place, channels and devices.
Many media companies have applied emerging technologies to provide direct- to-consumer services, driving actionable insight powered by data analytics. The following companies have made a commitment to enabling an exceptional brand experience in the media industry.
Listening to consumers
New consumer technologies that have been implemented throughout the industry have created a unique opportunity for media companies to capture consumers’ attention and drive loyalty.
Nielsen, a global measurement and data analytics company, believes sourcing the most truthful information from consumers can provide brands with the best knowledge on how to reach them. For example, by leveraging data analytics, Nielsen reported that 66 percent of customers are willing to pay more if a brand is socially responsible. For a company like Nielsen, which strives to get the customer experience right every time, adopting new technologies has positively impacted its business strategy and the brands it serves.
Delivering an exceptional experience
Another example from our customers is DC Thomson Media, which has created a single customer view across multiple domains. It chose a solution to be the identity layer at the centerpiece of its marketing technology stack. This enabled DC Thomson to address data privacy law requirements and gain a single customer view across the business. This benefits the subscriber — who is able to use a single ID across 15 properties and manage preferences such as how they access content. It also benefits DC Thomson because it has found that a “registered viewer is five times more valuable than an anonymous visitor, consuming significantly more content. Also, registered readers are twelve times more likely to buy a subscription to their titles.” Read the full business transformation on our web site (sap.com).
Using data to connect
The more media companies leverage the data they have, the easier it will be for them to put consumers’ wants and needs at the center of their business. For example, SailTracks, a sailing broadcasting service, has adopted an analytics platform to better connect with fans of sailing competitions, by turning sailing into a modern media sport.
SailTracks equips its boats and race makers with live tracking GPS sensors to monitor races in real-time. Additionally, the company has placed wind sensors around the course, which provide spectators with live data and analytics of the race, whether they are watching in-person or online. The live broadcasting technology that Sail- Tracks is bringing to consumers is drawing in more fans who know they’ll be able to connect with the sport, in real time.
Building business strategy on consumer feedback
Taking a consumer-centric approach benefits media companies in two ways: it allows them to digitally transform their business and that, in turn, provides a higher quality experience to their consumers, through personalized and seamless access. Having a digital platform is the key to long-term success in this increasingly competitive industry.
Media companies that use technology efficiently, prove they can respond quickly, and have the ability to deliver a personalized customer experience will stay relevant to today’s consumers.


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Sydney’s gourmat food retailers are finally giving Sydney-siders a taste of the best of Western Australian produce, as Julie-anne Sprague reports.
IT seems Sydney-siders are developing a keen taste for Western Australian gourmet foods.
Several gourmet stores, including one of Sydney’s largest and most notable outlets, Jones the Grocer, are boasting a number of WA products on their shelves and intend to stock more products over the next few years, according to industry insiders.
But the adoption of gourmet food from WA hasn’t come without a lot of hard work, with the key breakthrough struck through an initiative undertaken by the Department of Industry and Resources.
The department has employed independent food consultant, Sydney-based Kelvin Bartholomeusz, to push opportunities for WA producers among the four key retailers.
According to Mr Bartholomeusz the stores are keen to boost their focus on WA.
“I think WA wine has paved the way for food tourism. It’s taking off,” he says.
“Jones [the Grocer] has people come in and buy thousands of dollars worth of cheeses. WA wines have become familiar and they know it’s quality wine.
“Jones had about three products [before the State Government initiative] and now they are looking seriously at about a further 20 products.
“It’s a win-win situation because for them [the stores] it’s hard to find products like the yabbies, organic olive oil, Margaret River chocolates. You just have to say ‘Margaret River’ and people want to snap it up.
“Margaret River soft drinks are doing very well.”
Mr Bartholomeusz says Jones is the largest gourmet store in Sydney and producers bombard it with requests for shelf space.
“Everyone approaches Jones, but on the other hand they find it very hard to find quality products,” he says.
But Jones the Grocer and the other three stores – Delish, Delicato, and The Fine Food Store – are discovering that the search has become much easier, and have turned their interest to the West.
Several businesses from the West have recently received orders.
Frankland River Olive Oils has finally succeeded in getting Jones the Grocer to stock its premium range of olive oils, according to Frankland River Olive Oils marketing manager Emma Chard.
“I’ve been trying to get there for years and now we have a rep in Sydney and we are looking to get into more food stores,” Ms Chard says.
“We’re producing three times as much oil this year and we will be doing some advertising and PR to get better recognition.
“It’s been a really good initiative by the Government.”
The Good Oil Farm manager John Hallion also says his company has struck success with Jones the Grocer.
“If you can go in as a WA initiative it certainly helps,” he says.
“It’s the first time we’ve got our oils in there. But we’ve found someone there that we want to sell to. We’re pretty fussy and we don’t want to have our product in Coles, Woolies or even Myer.”
Mr Hallion says once Sydney-siders taste the quality of some of the stock from WA food producers they appreciate and understand that it is a premium product.
“It [the eastern seaboard] is saturated with mediocrity,” he says.
“Because we are isolated we can develop products for the local market without 10 other people around trying to do the same, so that you then have to compete on price.”
The Department of Industry and Resources has compiled a retail catalogue featuring pictures and information on WA products.
According to export development manager Michael Dickson, it’s proved a valuable resource to the Sydney-based retailers.
“It has a lot of information and has colour pics in it so they know what they’ll be ordering.
“It tells them whether it has bar coding and pricing information, and so on,” Mr Dickson says.
All four of the gourmet stores are planning wine and cheese nights to market a range of WA food to VIP client lists, he says.
“They can get to these decision leaders and influencers … at the end of the day the product has to stand up but if it does there is the opportunity for these people to buy it,” Mr Dickson says.
Mr Dickson says businesses that have sent products to Sydney for trials include The Margaret River Diary Company, Ogilvie and Co, The Berry Farm, Golden Boronia (its nougat), Food Symphony, and Margaret River Beverages.
© Business News 2018. You may share content using the tools provided but do not copy and redistribute.


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When Joe Rosenberg Jewelers put out banners, signs and balloons announcing big news, customers might have been surprised. After all, the store in downtown Lexington was doing something that it claims it has never done in 123 years: Having a sale.
The occasion? As owner Joe Rosenberg put it, a passing of the torch. Earlier this month, he signed majority interest of the store over to his long-time manager and watchmaker of more than 20 years, Jim Triantafillou.
But customers aren’t like to notice a big shift. Triantafillou said on Monday that beyond adding a few high-end watches to the merchandise, and freshening up the offerings a bit, he doesn’t plan to rock what’s been a successful boat for three generations.
The store will keep the name, the location at 163 East Main St., and even the Rosenberg family memorabilia on the wall.
Rosenberg said keeping the name wasn’t a condition of the sale but “I was touched” that Triantafillou wanted to.
The store was started in 1896 by the current Joe Rosenberg’s grandfather, also named Joe. He was a peddler, selling eyeglasses, who set up shop in Lexington. He eventually added musical instruments and jewelry, and operated a pawn shop in the middle of the block on Water Street before moving to the corner of Upper and Water.
When his grandson came into the business, he began investing in real estate, eventually owning most of the block. It was torn down in 2008 to make way for what is now the City Center development. And the business moved onto Main Street.
Rosenberg said he’s glad the business will be staying downtown. “We had opportunities to move out of downtown but we never wanted to,” he said. “We believe in a vibrant, strong downtown Lexington.”
But none of Rosenberg’s three children were interested in going into the business, so he offered it to Triantafillou.
“It was a good opportunity,” Triantafillou said. And he thought it was important to keep the store, one of the oldest businesses in Lexington, going.
“One hundred and twenty-three years is a long time,” he said. “I hope to keep it going much longer.”
Rosenberg plans to stay involved in the business and will keep an office there.
“We have a great base of customers that we’ve developed over the years, and I think a lot of those people will come to use and continue to shop,” Triantafillou said. “I hope we can get a younger crowd in, too.”


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2021 Holiday Shopping Predictions: These Trends May Surprise You
The holiday season is almost upon us. Ecommerce stores are gearing up for another booming year of online shopping. In this post, we’ll review the online holiday shopping trends of 2021. Check out our surprising new predictions for how to maximize your holiday marketing!
The holiday shopping season will start earlier than usual
Holiday purchasing will start long before Halloween this year, in what has been a strengthening trend in shopping behavior over the past decade. In 2020, over 40% of shoppers began buying holiday gifts ahead of schedule. Cyber Monday has stretched into the Cyber 10, and maybe beyond.
The Black Friday-Cyber Monday (BFCM) sales period continues to hold strong as part of a wider ecommerce trend. However what used to be an early bargain-seeking surge is now the final leg of the holiday buying frenzy.
There are several reasons why we expect 2021 to accelerate this ecommerce trend. The Delta Covid wave will keep some consumers from joining the in-store holiday crush. And globally, supply chain disruptions have made empty shelves, limited availability, and long shipping delays the norm in some sectors and industries.
Given these concerns, it makes sense that many consumers want to begin their holiday shopping in advance of the busy season. Expect this year’s BFCM period to be one of intense online competition.
Smart online sellers can get ahead by protecting their customers’ orders. BuySafe offers an independent shopping guarantee so consumers know they’re protected if supply or logistics disruptions affect their order.
Consumer loyalty will be critical to long-term growth
It’s been a long time coming, but cookies are finally going away. No, not the sweet treats you leave out for Santa, but the digital thumbprint that third parties use to track online activity. Apple has already blocked third-party cookies, and Google will follow suit by the end of 2023. That’s a massive blow to ecommerce retailers, who rely on consumer insights to deploy remarketing ad campaigns.
"Ecommerce stores should begin the pivot to brand loyalty immediately."
Ecommerce stores should begin the pivot to brand loyalty immediately. This is especially important for smaller retailers that can’t adjust as quickly. It’s time to forget keeping tabs on abandoned carts or returning visitors, and concentrate on earning customers’ loyalty.
Salesforce predicts retailers will launch over 1,000 new loyalty programs this holiday season. However 50% of subscribers won’t log back in beyond January. It’s not enough to sign customers up with the promise of a coupon or deal. To generate real loyalty, ecommerce stores have to demonstrate their human side.
One of the most influential drivers of shopping behavior is diversity and inclusion. Around 40% of minority consumers say they’d switch to a merchant that was more committed to social justice. And among millennials and Gen Z, a brand’s social stance is just as important as its products — as long as they believe the commitment is real.
Leaning into heartfelt messaging will also produce greater results. Last year’s holiday shopping season wasn’t the one many people envisioned at the start of the year. In 2021, expect the holidays to be more about making memories than collecting stuff. Sentimental or experiential gifts are likely to outperform the market, and retailers that deliver personalized messaging will come out on top.
SMS marketing will really take off
If the idea of getting ads by text message makes you shudder, you’re not alone. But even though consumers say they’re resistant to SMS marketing, the numbers say otherwise. In 2020, Omnisend oversaw a 378% increase in SMS marketing messages versus the previous year. And the majority of them (68%) were delivered in Q4.
Text messages aren’t just being delivered. They’re being read and they’re generating sales. The read rate is particularly high, between 90-98% (when was the last time you left a text unseen?). That’s lightyears ahead of email (20%) or PPC ads (2%). Last year, the messages Omnisend delivered generated 2.5% of Black Friday sales across all channels.
The truth is, consumers like to get information by text. It’s fast, convenient, and goes hand-in-hand with the staggering rise of new mobile commerce trends. Getting on board with SMS marketing can put ecommerce vendors ahead and really make a difference during this critical season.
Discovery commerce will put savvy retailers ahead
In 2021, social media is driving sales like never before. A Facebook poll found 66% of regular users had discovered a new-to-them ecommerce retailer through the site. Almost as many confirmed they enjoyed discovering new products, even when they weren’t looking to buy.
Targeting new customers before they even intend to buy is the result of cutting edge data analytics offered by social media giants. It can bring your products to your customers before they even know they’re looking for them.
"M-commerce sales are expected to make up 72.9% of all ecommerce sales this year."
The rise in discovery commerce has gone hand-in-hand with changes in mobile commerce trends. M-commerce sales are expected to make up 72.9% of all ecommerce sales this year.
It makes sense, when the average user spends almost 2.5 hours on social media each day, that social media would drive sales. The smartest retailers will unite discovery commerce with holiday marketing to maximize the impact of social media. Look for gift guides that inspire browsers to become buyers, and augmented reality to showcase how products would look in users’ homes.
Earning consumer trust will be everything
Everyone has a story to tell of empty shelves, delayed and canceled orders last year. Or even taking chances on unknown online sellers, only to be burned with low-quality counterfeits. 2020 was tough for ecommerce vendors and consumers alike.
One thing is clear about the online holiday shopping trends of 2021. In order to undo the damage from last year ahead of the holiday shopping season, online sellers have to regain consumer trust.
That’s why so many vendors trust BuySafe to protect their business reputation. BuySafe offers an independent guarantee for every order placed on our partners’ websites. Customers can purchase with confidence, knowing their order is secure and their information is protected. If something goes wrong, BuySafe has got them covered!


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New tax regime hikes prices of handloom yarn and other products, posing a threat to livelihoods of thousands of weavers and artisans.
The Tax Denial Satyagraha against the levying of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on handmade products began at Junjappa’s shrine in a village near Sira, Karnataka, last week. Junjappa is a revered deity of the cowherds (gollas) of south Karnataka. For the satyagrahis, he is a deity of ecological wisdom.
The struggle is as much about keeping the GST out of the handmade sector as it is about the crafting of an ethical vision for our times.
Exempt from tax since India’s independence, the venerable world of handmade goods has now been brought under the GST. The new tax regime hikes the cost of handloom yarn and cloth, pottery, mats, baskets and many other handmade products, making their fate in the market more precarious vis-à-vis the cheaply produced factory items. The livelihoods of lakhs of weavers and artisans face a new risk.
Led by Prasanna, theatre director and member of Grama Seva Sangha, and other veteran activists in the field of handmade textiles, like Uzramma, the satyagraha makes two chief demands of the government:
1. Introduce zero-tax on natural products, grown through natural farming, such as natural foods, natural cotton, etc, by treating them as handmade products.
2. Introduce punitive tax on polluting or carbon intensive products.
These demands affirm life: they sustain those who work in the handmade sector and foster an environment-friendly industry; they encourage natural farming, which keeps away fertilizers and pesticides; and they deter industrial manufacturing methods that ravage the environment.
Since the GST applies to only those weavers and artisans earning more than Rs 20 lakh annually, it is possible that the tax architects imagined them as individuals with incomes below that limit. This presumption though is myopic.
For instance, individual artisans can come together as a co-operative to better organise themselves as sellers. They would then be subject to tax. GST weakens the bargaining power of the handmade sector. Besides, the cost of raw materials sold by large retailers, like yarn, for instance, goes up due to the GST, indirectly hiking the price of the handmade goods.
The satyagrahis also ask that the economy be seen in ethical terms: How do we build a non-violent economy, a non-polluting economy, an economy that nurtures a co-operative, and not a competitive, spirit among the citizens?
Building a self-reliant economy is a political matter as well. The destruction of local production systems in favour of large industry and financial centralisation diminishes political freedom at the grassroots. In pointing out such issues, the satyagraha invokes the hundred-year-old ideals of ‘swadeshi’ (self-reliance) and ‘swaraj’ (self-rule). Is it unthinkable that political parties can commit to simple living in the present?
The satyagraha, for Prasanna, is a consumers’ struggle too: it is a means of atonement for their complicity with the harm large factories cause to the environment.
Further, in sharp contrast with futuristic utopias, the satyagraha views physical labour as an integral part of a civilised society. Everyone needs to embrace it. This ethical stance continues the great saintly tradition in the country, where saints did not separate the pursuit of a morally meaningful life from a dedication to work. Kabir was a weaver. Ravidas was a cobbler.
Prasanna notes in exasperation the policy neglect of the cultural significance of physical labour: “The word, ‘hand’ does not appear anywhere in the GST document!”
A rich repository of artisanal creativity and knowledge, the handmade sector ought to find a cherished place in the economy. It doesn’t pollute the environment or generate excess waste. It offers lessons in non-violent engagements with nature.
Nurturing the handmade sector is to enliven artisanal creativity, to disallow the standardisation of design and style across the country. Anyone who cares for India’s diversity, an achievement in which the handmade sector plays a large role — the variety of sarees, blankets, pots, mats, among others, boggles the mind – will easily see the cultural significance of this satyagraha.
Employing over one crore Indians, the handmade sector, the second largest sector in rural India after agriculture, is diverse in another sense: tribals, lower and upper caste groups, Muslims as well as Christians are found here
The handmade sector needs to be nourished, no doubt.
The Tax Denial Satyagraha obliges the government to view the economy in ethical terms, in culturally sensitive ways. It also asks Indians to rethink the fundamentals: How do we live in socially, politically and ecologically responsible ways?
The author is a Professor of Sociology at the Azim Premji University in Bengaluru


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January 8, 2015
This morning, the Seattle, WA-based machine-learning startup GraphLab announced that it has closed $18.5 million in Series B funding in a round led by Vulcan Capital. Along with this additional financing, the company has announced a rebrand, formally changing its name to “Dato“.
Other participants in this round include Opus Capital, as well as current investors New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and Madrona Venture Group. With this new financing, Dato has now raised a total of $25.3 million from investors.
“Our company was founded on a mission to create a more intelligent world,” said Dato CEO Carlos Guestrin in a statement. “The investments made in Dato will help us empower many more data scientists, software developers and engineers to revolutionize industries and enhance our lives in ways we can’t imagine. We are delivering a complete environment that makes data science and its benefits accessible to every business.”
Founded in 2013, GraphLab was initally set on commercializing its open source graph-computing technology, but a growing trend in consumer demand for predictive technology utilizing data became more important. The rebrand to “Dato” reflects the company’s shift in priorities. Through Dato, customers can be provided with a machine-learning platform that lets them create intelligent applications using any type of data they want. With the recent release of Dato’s first commercial product, GraphLab Create, the platform that will enable easy integration of machine-learning capabilities, the company has positioned itself for further scaling.
The new financing will be used towards the company’s efforts in expanding its business development, engineering, and customer support teams. In addition, Steve Hall from Vulcan Capital will join Dato’s board of directors.
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Rattled by frequent cashback fraud incidents involving its staff, e-commernce platform Paytm Mall has announced a partnership with Global professional services firm EY to build a technology-driven fraud prevention system.
The move is to undertake frequent audits to identify and prevent collusion, implement learnings from global practices as it expand operations into other geographies and strengthen the processes for merchant on-boarding and marketing, the company said in a statement on Monday.
A report in The Times of India, citing sources, claimed on Sunday that some Paytm Mall staff colluded with third-party vendors, created fake orders and received kickbacks for their assistance.
Alibaba-backed Paytm Mall, however, did not address the report directly in the statement.
“Our partnership with EY will help benchmark with global best practices as we build a ‘Technology Driven Fraud Prevention System’ to scale our operations.
“Our teams continue to work closely with EY to share our learnings and insights. We are committed to build a trusted commerce platform and will take strict action against wherever needed,” said Srinivas Mothey, Senior Vice President-Paytm Mall.
The company said it continues to de-list fraud merchants and take strict action wherever needed.
“Apart from admin, finance and other support functions, the company also has a business operations team which works closely with partnered merchants to plan and execute cashback offers and promotions leaving a scope for collusion.
“The EY partnership will also undertake audit and fraud prevention using both human and Artificial Intelligence (AI),” say Paytm Mall.
Over the past few years, Paytm has been bleeding massively in online retail business and there is no respite in sight.
The brainchild of Paytm Founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the ecommerce platfom’s losses have mounted and in the financial year 2018, the company posted a loss of nearly Rs 1,800 crore on revenue of Rs 774 crore.
In a further expansion of its digitising programme, Delhi power distribution company (discom) BSES on Friday announced that it has operationalised the facility of digital recharge of customers’ pre-paid meters.
Customers can now recharge their pre-paid meters online through e-wallets like Paytm and PhonePe and through the BSES mobile app and website, the discom said in a statement.
Pointing out that it is an easy process to apply for a pre-paid electricity connection, the statement said that besides applying for a pre-paid meter, “a BSES consumer can also re-charge his/her meter easily. For doing so, they don’t even have to visit a BSES office. They can recharge them online through e-wallets like Paytm and PhonePe and through BSES’ mobile app and website.”
A pre-paid meter can also be recharged by visiting a BSES payment counter.
Customers can connect with the discom and apply for a host of services, including applying for a new connections, registering complaints, from their homes and offices using the mobile app, website and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, the statement added. (IANS)


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Solving the Hidden Conflict Problem in Your Electronics
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
Because companies are stepping up to make peace with your phone.
By Barbara Fletcher
You may not even realize it, but many of the components that make our smartphones smart — like the microprocessors that cause them to vibrate — require small amounts of four materials that have historically caused big problems like war, genocide and other crimes against humanity. These materials, called 3TG — for tungsten, tin, tantalum and gold — are also known as “conflict minerals,” because they come from volatile regions in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo where armed groups have seized control of mines and use the profits to fund continued violence. According to the Enough Project, an advocacy group dedicated to ending genocide and crimes against humanity:
Conflict minerals sales generate as much as $183 million annually for armed groups.
In response, some manufacturers have been stepping up to ensure that their supplies are conflict-free. However, it is crucial that these companies commit to sourcing responsibly from Congo instead of just pulling out of the region. While acquiring ore from outside conflict zones might reduce militia financing, it could also negatively impact legitimate mining in the region and leave families without livelihoods.
“Many companies have made progress in recent years toward developing more transparent supply chains and responsible sourcing programs,” says Annie Callaway, advocacy and activist manager at the Enough Project. Callaway cites several “positive” developments in this area, including the involvement of major manufacturers, public-private partnerships and third-party audits of smelters — the gateway between unrefined ore and the marketplace — that hold them responsible for documenting the origin of all the ore they purchase. Intel Corporation, for example, uses an industry-standard document called the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template to identify the smelters in their supply chain, explains Andreina Rojas, conflict minerals outreach specialist at Intel Corporation. They assess the smelters instead of the mines because “they are the ‘pinch point’ in the supply chain — after the mined ore is refined, it is impossible to know where it came from.”
Another solution: the “bag and tag” program. Bar-coded tags are applied to bags of ore from certified conflict-free mines, allowing them to be audited and checked against logs along the way. This helps prevent smuggled ore from entering the supply chain and dissuades armed factions from robbing miners of their bags. Intel Corporation, in partnership with the Enough Project, is one of the largest manufacturers to use the system. After introducing the world’s first conflict-free microprocessors in January 2014, they’re now on track to validate their broader product line as conflict-free this year.
And there’s been considerable progress. More than 70 percent of the world’s smelters for 3TG minerals have passed conflict-free audits. A record amount of certified conflict-free tantalum was exported from Eastern Congo in 2015. And, the Enough Project reports, the price of noncertified ore has dropped by as much as 30 to 60 percent below that of its conflict-free counterpart. Miner incomes have risen while armed militia profits have dropped by 55 percent.
But there are other challenges too. Gold remains especially hard to certify because it’s highly valuable and easily smuggled in small quantities — think transport in pockets versus trucks. Artisanal and small-scale gold mines, “while small in yield, are vast in number,” says Leah Butler, program director of the Conflict-Free Sourcing Initiative (CFSI), which makes them “challenging to account for and to validate.” And conflict minerals can be sourced in many different places, Rojas explains. There’s no bag-and-tag system available in Peru, for example. Additionally, a January 2015 letter from the United Nations Security Council noted that although smuggling has declined, it is still generating profit for the Congolese army, and some mines remain in the control of armed factions.
Overall, though, there is reason to be hopeful about progress. Callaway cites companies like Intel as proof positive of the concept. There are challenges to developing conflict-free supply chains, but these “do not mean the task is ultimately impossible,” she says. And companies — who are also competitors — know “it’s their responsibility to work together toward our shared goal: cutting off profit lines from armed militias in the DRC,” says Rojas.
- Barbara Fletcher


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Smithsonian Folkways to release rare Louis Armstrong concert, recipes
Elvis Costello may soon have something else to recommend for his fans with the announcement that Smithsonian Folkways will be releasing a recording of one of the last live performances by Louis Armstrong, "Satchmo at the National Press Club: Red Beans and Rice-ly Yours." Available on CD and in digital form on April 24, the release comes in celebration of the 11th annual Jazz Appreciation Month.
Recorded in Washington, D.C., just five months before Armstrong's death in 1971, the recording features Armstrong favorites "Mack the Knife," "Rockin' Chair" and "Boy from New Orleans" from an impromptu concert. Rounding out Armstrong's five-track set is a tribute concert from the same venue after the bandleader's death and, as an added bonus for the gastronomically inclined, a selection of Armstrong's favorite recipes.
Included as part of the recording's original, vinyl-only limited release in 1972, the recipes include Armstrong's take on Louisiana caviar -- which, based on a quick Google search, could mean any number of things -- and the Sazerac, another New Orleans favorite that should prick up the ears of followers of the current vintage cocktail craze because, after all, who wouldn't want to follow in Satchmo's footsteps?
Armstrong's recordings enjoyed a welcome return to the public eye last year with Elvis Costello's advice that fans buy his "Ambassador of Jazz" box set rather than his own "The Return of the Spectacular Spinning Songbook," which Costello viewed as overpriced. "Frankly the music is vastly superior," he wrote.
-- Chris Barton
Photo: Louis Armstrong studies sheet music before a 1956 performance in London. Credit: Associated Press


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It’s been a WILD week at Disney World!
Not only did we get a TON of news about this year’s holiday season at Disney World, but we’ve also been at EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival eating and drinking ALL the things. But we’re not done yet…because today, we discovered something new!
It wasn’t that long ago when we started seeing paper straws replacing plastic ones across the Disney Parks. But today, we dropped by Joffrey’s at American Adventure in EPCOT and we found a NEW kind of straw — and it’s made of sugar! How sweet, right? (See what we did there?)
Okay, so technically, it’s a Sugarcane Straw, which is made from a byproduct of sugar processing — it’s made from the plant fibers left behind after sugar is processed. So don’t worry — this straw won’t get soggy like the paper ones do. It’s 100% biodegradable, compostable, AND reusable.
We checked a few Joffrey’s locations, and right now, we’ve only seen the new straws at this Joffrey’s — the other locations we checked still had paper straws. But we expect that these will roll out to other Disney World locations soon, so we’ll keep an eye out for them!
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What do you think? Have you tried sugarcane straws yet? Let us know in the comments!


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In-game advertising network IGA Worldwide has announced its brand partnerships within Electronic Arts' Burnout Paradise
, detailing the companies for which it obtained placement in the game.
IGA says it is working with brands including Burger King, Diesel, Gillette, CompUSA.com, Sling Media, Vizio, JL Audio and others to incorporate static ads, including billboards, retail stores, radio stations and vehicles into the game.
Most recently, IGA partnered with
UK publisher CyberSports to place ads in its upcoming PC title Football Superstars
, though no specific brand partnerships were revealed.
IGA CEO Justin Townsend commented, “We are extremely excited to partner with EA as the Burnout
series continues to be such a smashing success around the world. The in-game advertising market is expected to reach nearly £340m ($670m) this year, which would indicate marketers, game developers and publishers like EA are fast becoming more convinced of the many branding and financial benefits that advertising within this medium continues to deliver.”


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In April USDA released the Annual Livestock Slaughter summary. You’ve probably heard about chicken shortages popping up. We all experienced the impacts of low meat processing capacity last year at the onset of the pandemic. With all of these disruptions, how did total production pan out in 2020?
Dates and Deadlines
5/11/2021 – Carbon Farming in Texas
5/12/2021 – May WASDE
6/3-4/2021 – AFPC Fed Cattle Marketing Workshop
What I’m Reading
Chicken prices rising, supplies low – AgriLife Today
AgriLife Extension to offer three prescribed fire workshops in May – AgriLife Today
EPA administrator won’t return to Obama-era WOTUS rule – Feedstuffs
COVID-19 changed the way consumers feel about their grocery store. It was the first time many of us (for better or worse I am a Millennial) ever saw empty grocery shelves. We probably all faced challenges finding things like toilet paper, fresh fruit, and cleaning supplies. I’m sure I was more lucky than most. These COVID-19 induced challenges highlighted weaknesses in on-time delivery systems and limited-inventory supply chains. We became acutely aware of these supply chain issues as a nation when they hit a particular part of the store; the meat case.
If you’re reading this you’re probably engaged in agriculture in Texas. Knowing that, you’re probably also more in tune with how meat gets from the pasture to the plate than the average American. But I think the absence of meat in the store was a lot more shocking to our unengaged friends than we realize. I had pretty unsettling calls from friends in Austin, Dallas, and Chicago asking about the shortage and how they could manage around it. Most of them stockpiled. Some of them looked for local producers. Similar trends across the country led to increased demand for whatever protein was available. Coupled with plant shutdowns across the country, we began to see those meat cases go empty.
For an overview of the early pandemic’s impact on the cattle market take a look at this article by me and colleagues from Mississippi State and University of Tennessee. I also recommend this article detailing the impacts of packing plants on COVID-19 in rural counties.
The graph above is one we’ve all become familiar with; huge slaughter declines in April, May, and June. The graph is similar for poultry, pork, and lamb. Those plant shutdowns I mentioned led to a collapse in slaughter capacity. So, considering the challenges posed to the meat production system in 2020, how did we end the year? Meat as a derivative product of livestock is an important indicator of the price we can expect for live animals in the future.
First, demand. What are people eating? In general, the picture for red meat and poultry consumption is positive. Consumption in pounds per person was up in 2020, even though where we ate that product changed. I’ve even seen price signals that cooking at home pushed people to try new products, cuts, and even species like lamb and goat.
Estimates of domestic per capita red meat and poultry consumption show very small declines in turkey and pork consumption offset by very small increases in chicken and beef consumption. In total, meat consumption grew very slightly in 2020 over 2019, despite pandemic disruptions.
U.S. Red Meat & Poultry Consumption
It is important to remember that consumption does not equal demand. Demand is actually a function of price and quantity consumed. So, it is important for us to look at expenditures on meat as a measure of demand. Unfortunately, data on expenditures lags slightly. However, you can see from the bar chart below that the trend in domestic per capita expenditures on meat is an increasing one. We are likely to see that trend continue into the near future. As incomes rise from the economy reopening we may see deviations in what cuts people eat and where they eat them, but all-else-equal more money in the consumer’s pocket means more expenditures on meat. I do continue to hear concerns over alternative proteins, but the reality of the moment is they are niche products. Price being equal, consumers still appear to prefer farm raised meat products.
U.S. Expenditures for Meat & Poultry
Now, to production. In April of each year, USDA releases the Annual Livestock Slaughter Summary This year’s report details a system that made up the deficits caused by spring and summer disruptions. The top-line takeaway; total red meat production for the U.S. totaled 55.8 billion pounds in 2020, record high levels.
The chart below shows total meat and poultry production by type of meat. Beef production was up in 2020 over 2019 to 27.2 billion pounds. Pork production rose 2% over the previous year to 28.3 billion pounds. Lamb and mutton production fell 7% to 143 million pounds. The decline in lamb and mutton production is likely contributing to the steep increase in price in the sheep and goat complex.
U.S. suppliers achieved these production increases despite commercial cattle slaughter falling 2% from 2019 through a 29 pounds per head increase in average live weights. Some of the added weight was a function of longer periods on feed for cattle lingering in the system as a result of the previously mentioned COVID-19 disruptions. You can see these impacts in the percent of production graded prime as well.
Acute disruptions from the pandemic in spring and summer had different impacts on different species. For example, though total cattle slaughtered fell, commercial hog slaughter rose 132 million head, up 1% over 2019. The increase in slaughter coupled with heavier weights contributed to the increase in pork produced.
Commercial Meat & Poultry Production
In general, the meat processing sector appears to have recovered to levels that suggest a return to normal economic trends; for cattle this means a decreasing herd size and higher calf prices year over year. I think one note from the Annual Livestock Slaughter report is worth highlighting. Calls for more meat processing capacity, particularly in the cattle and beef sector, may be yielding results. There were 858 plants slaughtering under federal inspection on January 1, 2021 compared with 835 on January 1, 2020. Of the 835 plants operating, 683 (80%) slaughtered at least one head of cattle in 2020. However, the 13 largest plants slaughtered 54% of all beef cattle slaughtered. This means the ‘Big 4’ still hold a lot of market power, but we may have more options for custom harvest. Either way additional competition for fed/slaughter cattle, coupled with a decreasing herd size and stable meat demand, signal support for feeder/fed cattle prices in late 2021 and beyond.


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What a day it has been already!
We’ve got TONS of holiday news that we’ve been sharing with you including dates for the 2021 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, the return of the Cookie Stroll, a first look at the holiday merchandise, and SO. MUCH. MORE. One of the biggest announcements was that Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is being replaced by a brand new after hours event, and we’ve got a big update on it!


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The social networking and micro-blogging service Twitter is quite a phenomenon. Created four years ago in the U.S., the site quickly developed into one of the trendiest destinations on the Internet, now boasting a staggering 150 million users worldwide. In Japan, Twitter succeeded where the likes of Facebook, MySpace, and eBay failed: It became one of the very few foreign web brands to have been embraced by the mainstream. 10 million Japanese are currently estimated to “tweet what’s happening” in their lives in messages limited to 140 characters. Statistics show that Japan leads the world in Twitter usage. According to studies, 16.3 percent of Japanese web users tweet, as opposed to just 9.8 percent in the U.S. After English, Japanese is the second most used language on the service with 14 percent of all messages—considerably more than Portuguese (9 percent) or Spanish (4 percent), the number 3 and 5 most used languages on the Internet, compared to Japan’s number 4 ranking, according Nielson research. During a recent visit to Tokyo, Twitter CEO Evan Williams announced that Japan set the world record for most tweets per second this summer: 3,283 at the close of the Japan-Denmark game during the 2010 World Cup.
But what makes Twitter so special for the Japanese? One factor is its simplicity, which allowed a sizable number of early adopters from the local tech community try (and stick to) the service right after Twitter launched in the U.S. The first boom was fueled by Tokyo-based Internet company, Digital Garage, which localized the service into Japanese after forming a partnership with the American company in early 2008. Other languages, such as Spanish or German, followed much later. Furthermore, Japanese users have a distinct advantage over people speaking these languages: By writing in Japanese and Chinese characters, they can squeeze more text into a single tweet. A nine-letter word like “yesterday,” for example, requires just two characters in Japanese. That way, complex messages don’t have to be broken down into two or more posts. Moreover, conversations on Twitter aren’t limited to only serious topics. For example, once a famous movie actor, singer, or sports star registers and starts tweeting, tens of thousands of fans are sure to quickly follow. While this phenomenon can also be observed in other parts of the world, Japanese web users tend to be more interested in the lives of celebrities than their counterparts in the U.S. or Europe. What’s particularly interesting to observe is that many Japanese people tend to reveal their real names on Twitter (identities are usually kept anonymous elsewhere). The reason seems to be related to the nature of the service. Conversations on Twitter are asynchronous and casual, making it easier for cautious Japanese web users to choose who to get in touch with and when to post responses. Social pressure on Japan’s biggest social network, Mixi, is much higher. Conversely, the popular micro-blogging site is more spontaneous, informal, public, and open. It just takes the push of a button to connect with interesting strangers or celebrities, while Mixi is an invite-only site that is closed to non-members (Twitter also gives Japanese people the chance to follow tweets from foreigners, too).
Another factor explaining Twitter’s rise in Japan is that it’s the only country Twitter entered with the support of a partner. Digital Garage has a track record of joint-venturing with foreign technology companies, such as American web portals Excite and Infoseek. In October of last year, the company launched a special version of Twitter tailor-made for cell phones. The service was designed to be used for short bursts (which are especially easy to type while on-the-go), and Japan is the world’s leading mobile nation. Consequently, the mobile versions provided by Digital Garage and other firms can be seen as the true catalysts for the Twitter boom in Japan.
And there is no end in sight. TV channels are touting Twitter as the new “it” service, major publishers are printing a slew of “how-to” Twitter books, and even top politicians are beginning to open accounts. Major Japanese brands now use the service as a low-cost mass marketing tool (i.e. for running promotion campaigns, giving out coupons or simply getting in touch with consumers). Telecommunications powerhouse SoftBank just rolled out thirteen new cell phones that directly link to Twitter from the welcome screen. Twitter’s popularity in Japan is a great win for the American company, but local partner Digital Garage is benefitting as well. The Japanese Twitter site is the only one that displays ads with related revenue expected to more than double to $20 million this fiscal year (operating profit is projected to hit about $5 million). In the U.S. and elsewhere, Twitter has been struggling for years to find a business model that works. It seems making money may be one area where the American company can learn from its smaller Japanese counterpart.
Dr. Serkan Toto is a Tokyo-based web industry consultant and writer for American online media network TechCrunch.


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Apple this week quietly released an update for the Windows version of its iTunes music player. However, rather than adding new features, the update is focused on fixing bugs and security breaches for those who still rely on iTunes.
According to an Apple Support webpage, iTunes 12.12.4 fixes five different exploits that could be used for arbitrary code execution through the music player.
A specific exploit in the Mobile Device Service, which manages the connection between PC and iOS devices, allowed an app to delete files from the computer without permission. Other exploits fixed were related to AppleGraphicsControl, ImageIO, and WebKit.
Apple recommends that Windows users download the latest version of iTunes from the Microsoft Store. However, the app is still available as a separate download through Apple’s website (it requires Windows 8 or later). iTunes on Windows is required to access Apple Music offline and manage iPhone, iPod, and iPad devices.
Of course, since iTunes was discontinued on macOS years ago, the update is not required for Mac users.
iTunes on Windows
Even though Apple Music has its own app on iOS, macOS, and even Android, Windows users still rely on iTunes – which at this point is quite outdated and lacks some features available on other platforms.
Apple Music users on Windows PCs can download some alternative clients such as Cider. However, these apps do not replace iTunes when it comes to restoring iOS devices.
9to5Mac heard last year that Apple was testing both Music and Podcast apps for Microsoft platforms. The company was even looking for engineers with Universal Windows Platform (UWP) experience. Unfortunately, other details about Apple’s plans for launching an Apple Music app for Windows remain unclear.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


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By Mr. Kunal Sawhney, CEO, Kalkine Group
Technology and fintech can have a staggering effect on the overall economy, globally and locally. After a challenging 2022 but also some growth for the technology sector, it is important to see how it does in 2023.
S0, there will be trends in 2023 different from what we have seen this year. As foreseen by many experts, the digital transformation journey would take off for an enhanced platform in the coming year. Be it metaverse, edge computing, or technology skills development, experts are optimistic about new scaling in 2023.
Technology spending to go up
Growing concerns over an impending recession early next year have caused some pessimism to descend on the market this year. So, discretionary spending has definitely slowed toward the end of the current fiscal year.
However, despite a slower economy, there was also growing demand for leveraging technology for ease of getting things done at a low cost. Invariably, spending on technology development by companies accelerated and is likely to continue in 2023.
Operations have become highly tech-driven, leading to greater dependence on software. This will create a demand for software development platforms with soaring investment. Companies will inject more funds into scaling their technology to stay relevant.
We can also see a lot of effort into cutting corners by firms. So, many services will be outsourced in the market. The tech-skilled outsourcing market, which remained subdued for most of the last two years, might spring into action.
Technology skill gaps to become narrower
The skill gaps this year brought a little trouble in the IT industry because they remained conservative in spending much on the expansion of projects. However, that might change in 2023 as firms can look to rope in more people from across the globe. This new workforce will require a lot of training and skill-development sessions, leading to higher spending by employers. The remote work model is likely here to stay, making these skill development spendings more relevant.
It is not only the mid-level and entry-level workforce that would require filling the knowledge gap, but even the C-suite leaders of large corporations also need to be abreast of technological innovations to run the show without hiccups. They must also be part of any training and development routine to be on the same level. So, the IT training segment would be robust in 2023.
UX to be optimized
Cutting-edge technology also ensures competition among enterprises to retain clients and customers. This brings the whole discussion to a seamless user experience. So, one of the forecasts for the coming year is using technology to maximize the user experience. So, the sector can be at the forefront of growth and innovations. Many priorities will go into modernizing the bottom line of organizations which will require the assistance of advanced technology. It won’t be wrong to say that 2023 will be a year for technology.
Fintech trends: Predictions for 2023
The year 2022 saw drastic events in the fintech sector, from the crypto market crash to newer digital financial regulations. So, predictions are now pouring in from all quarters about how this sector would do in 2023. And it looks to be promising for the sector next year.
AI to revolutionize the fintech sector?
Artificial intelligence has already brought about a paradigm shift in the financial sector in the last few years. In the coming year, it will only be more intensified. AI can shake up the fintech sector in 2023. More and more companies in the domain will likely incorporate AI to do business which will open a floodgate of fresh innovations leading to a quick lighting service for the people. So, 2023 will most likely be a year of semblance where finance and technology will entwine. In short, the sector will allow technology to do all the talking.
Growth of embedded finance
The embedded payment industry is all set to boom in 2023, with a growth projection of 40.4 per cent YoY, according to a Research and Markets report. The most upcoming trend in the fintech environment is the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) option, which has leapfrogged over the last couple of years. People are already loyal fans of this option when capital availability has become scarce, and the economy is dealing with rising inflation. As per Global Data, by 2026, the BNPL sector will likely touch US$ 576 billion in transactions globally.
The year 2023 will belong to alternate finance
Alternate finance referred to as those transactions outside of traditional banking can gain traction in 2023. The sector, valued at US$ 6.62 billion, is slated to grow by 20 per cent next year. Technology has taken borrowing to the next level. Lending can have more ease of doing business in the coming year, where business loans, equity lending, and insurance will likely become more convenient.
ESG and fintech in 2023
Environmental, social, and corporate governance, also known as ESG, will hugely impact the fintech sector. Companies have a preference for ESG to have a piece of the pie, positioning themselves for rapid growth.
Some experts say that ESG assets will cross the US$ 53 trillion mark by the year 2025, so the next year will be crucial from that standpoint.
When it comes to technology and the fintech industry, 2023 can be a landmark year as humans will be on the cusp of transiting to a tech-driven world propelled by smart innovations. Be it blockchain, alternate finance, or ESG, finance, and technology can recover after a rigorous year.
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Amazon, Gamestop, and Best Buy are now selling the new and improved Nintendo Switch console model, with increased battery life.
G2A has responded to claims from Charlie Cleveland for $30,000 chargebacks that the G2A marketplace didn’t exist when these stolen keys were sold, so they can’t be held responsible.
The United States has delayed their plans to increase tariffs on video game consoles coming from China.
For the three months ending on June 30, 2019, THQ Nordic saw both strong profit and revenue for the quarter. The publishers also confirmed that a brand new Saints…
THQ Nordic has announced the special edition versions of the upcoming release, Destroy All Humans! Remake, Crypto-137 and DNA Collectors Editions.
Madden NFL 20, the latest iteration in EA’s American Football simulation, has enjoyed the most successful digital launch in the history of the franchise.
A second developer is demanding that G2A repay money they have lost due to illegally obtained copies of their game sold through the site’s marketplace.
The proposal put forward by G2A to build a key blocking tool for its marketplace platform has failed to generate interest in the developer community.
Both The Coalition, developers of the Gears of War games, and Microsoft have announced that Gears 5 has officially gone gold.
US Charts, week of August 10, 2019:
1. Madden NFL 20
2. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
3. Super Mario Maker 2