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Just before India declared a lockdown in the wake of the
Coronavirus pandemic, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), Daimler’s
commercial vehicle subsidiary in India completed a major order with the
delivery of 120 BharatBenz trucks. The blue BharatBenz 4023T tractors were
handed over to CJ Darcl Logistics Ltd. in Jamshedpur, in the north Indian state
CJ Darcl Logistics Ltd. is a joint venture between Korean
group CJ and Indian logistics company Darcl. It is one of India’s leading
end-to-end transport and logistics companies. The customer already owns 112 BharatBenz
The BharatBenz 4023T tractors are specifically built for
the customer’s requirements, most obvious of which is the striking blue livery.
Furthermore, all trucks are equipped with DICV’s connectivity feature
Truckonnect, allowing fleet-managers to track and analyse their vehicles in
real time. For additional driver safety the trucks are fitted with the
innovative Driver State Monitoring System (DSMS), helping drivers to stay
attentive with the use of AI and vision technology.
DICV produces and sells BharatBenz trucks and buses above
9 to 55 tons and has produced more than 100,000 BharatBenz vehicles since the
market launch in 2012.
Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM), a part of the Anglian Omega Group has announced a joint venture with iM3NY, a prominent battery technology player in the US, to bring battery cell technology in the Indian ...
Continental is promoting the development and use of open source software. The technology company has adopted a manifesto that emphasises its commitment to collaborative work with Free and Open Source ...
Nearly 50 DHL Express vans will begin running on the Michelin UPTIS airless tyre to make last-mile deliveries in Singapore by the end of 2023. The pilot programme begins with the first vehicles making...


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Google is weighing an anti-tracking feature for Android, following Apple’s lead
Google is considering developing an Android alternative to Apple’s upcoming App Tracking Transparency, a new planned opt-in requirement the iPhone maker will impose on developers that demands they ask for permission to track iOS users across apps and websites. The news, first reported on Thursday by Bloomberg, underscores the increasing pressure on large tech companies, many spurred on by Apple, to take more proactive measures to better protect user privacy.
Google won’t say whether it is indeed working on an anti-tracking privacy measure for Android. But in a statement, a Google spokesperson tells The Verge, “We’re always looking for ways to work with developers to raise the bar on privacy while enabling a healthy, ad-supported app…

domain: news


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Lime prices spike
Prices have doubled, says El Pinto marketing director
The rising cost of limes could put a sour taste in residents’ mouths as well as a crimp in the profits of local businesses.
El Pinto’s director of marketing said it’s a huge cost and that limes are now twice the cost they were a few months ago.
A crate from Mexico, which exports most of the limes sold in the U.S., now costs more than $100.
VIDEO: Cost of limes on the rise
Bacteria killed off most of the country’s crop. Cartel activity and warfare are being blamed.
El Pinto’s director of marketing said for now, the restaurant is swallowing the cost. It already spends more than $100,000 a year on limes alone. The marketing director also said the restaurant is hearing the lime shortage will end in a month.
KOAT found the range in Albuquerque’s lime prices to be 50 cents to 89 cents.


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A special Snowdonia edition / Rhifyn Eryri of Monopoly has been released this month, featuring iconic sites and businesses from across North Wales. The board includes tourist favourites including Aber Falls Distillery – the first whisky distillery in North Wales for more than 100 years – and picturesque natural hotspots such as the Cader Idris mountain.
This edition is the first ever fully bilingual Welsh and English Monopoly, with both languages featured on all aspects of the game, including the chance and community chest cards.
Aber Falls Distillery, which offers a premium portfolio of the finest handcrafted whiskies, gins, and liqueurs, is selling the game directly from its gift shop located in Abergwyngregyn and kiosk on Llandudno Pier. Prices start at £34.99 and will be available while stocks last.
To celebrate the launch, Aber Falls is also offering the chance for one fan to win a free Monopoly board – simply make sure you’re signed up to the Aber Falls newsletter. The lucky winner will be randomly selected on 12th April 2024 and announced via Instagram @aberdistillery. For a chance to win at, sign up to the Aber Falls newsletter via www.aberfallsdistillery.com.


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PERRYVILLE — With several breweries, wineries and other vendors represented at Saturday’s Tap Into The Tavern event, community members had the chance to sample and learn more about the local businesses gathered at the historic Rodgers Tavern.
Donna Corcoran and her husband, Carl Compton, came to the event after only hearing about it the day before.
“We talked to the mayor and he said ‘Come on over’ … so we just came out to support the county and the town of Perryville,” Corcoran said.
Compton was the designated driver, leaving Corcoran in charge of trying some of the drinks offered that afternoon.
“I get to have all the fun and he drives,” she said.
But the event had plenty to do even for those who were not partaking in the adult beverages, including visiting food vendors, playing corn hole and dancing to music.
Baltimore-based band What’s Next ensured that people had a toe-tapping good time with covers of songs ranging from Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” to Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel.”
Matt Miller welcomed attendees to sample an assortment of cheeses from his family’s dairy farm, Chesapeake Gold Farms.
According to Miller, cheeses naturally pair well with various wines, beers and other drinks. For example, he advised pairing his farm’s garlic cheeses with white wines, peppery cheeses with Pilsners, smoky cheeses with ales, and creamy cheeses — like their Colby cheese — with IPAs.
“It’s super creamy and super soft, and it kind of takes on whatever flavor you’re eating,” Miller said of the Colby cheese. “So a super hoppy beer with that Colby cheese is going to kind of mellow out the hop and bring the flavor out.”
The family has even collaborated with local breweries and wineries to formally create some of those pairings.
“We’ve put our smoked cheddar with Bayheads Brewing Company’s strawberry blonde ale,” he said. “That hint of the fruit in it with that little smokiness, that’s a crowd favorite.”
But if people want to mix, match and experiment with different combinations, Miller said they can’t go wrong with any of them.
“It really just kind of depends on your mood,” he said. “There’s no bad choice.”
For Miller, his favorites are the buffalo wing cheese and the horseradish cheese, whereas the crabby cheddar has won a spot in the heart of Miller family friend Terry Burkhardt.
Burkhardt, who grew up milking cows and helping out on the Millers’ farm, said the Old Bay-filled crabby cheddar will please any Marylander’s tastebuds and is a good addition to macaroni and cheese or even just on some wheat thin crackers with a glass of beer on the side.
“Anything that you can bake cheese on top of or cook cheese in, the crabby cheddar is delicious,” he said.
For lovers of spice, Burkhardt recommended cooking with the horseradish cheese to bring out the heat.
“The smoked horseradish is a little more mild in flavor when you eat it. In terms of horseradish, it’s not super hot,” he said. “But when you cook that, the smoke in the horseradish brings a lot of that heat out and it’s got a really good solid flavor.”
Those looking to buy some cheese from Chesapeake Gold Farms can visit the farm, located at 41 Grove Miller Lane in North East, where they can see the whole cheese-making process from the udder beginning to the utterly delicious end.
“You can go over to the farm at any time, try the cheese, take a tour of the farm,” Burkhardt said. “You can see all the cows and the crops that have been growing … You’re going to meet the family and see what they do every day.”
Folks can also stop by various retail stories across Cecil County and the surrounding area that stock their cheeses, according to Miller.
But Miller said people won’t find his family’s cheeses in any large, chain stores — their farm only deals with fellow local, smaller businesses.
“We’re not trying to get in any big, giant stores,” he said. “We’re staying in local ‘mom and pops.’ We love giving back to the community and being a part of it.”
Miller added that Chesapeake Gold Farms’ cheeses are all-natural with no oils, emulsifiers or preservatives. For the Miller family, that means a less-than-two-day turnaround for making their cheeses.
“We like to say ‘Cow to cracker in about 36 hours,’” Miller said. “From the time we milk the cow, it’s in a block of cheese in 36 hours. It’s not getting any fresher than this.”
Meanwhile, Greg Newswanger spoke to attendees about Granite Run Brewers, a homebrew beer club based out of Port Deposit.
When he started brewing his own beer three years ago, Newswanger said he wanted to interact with fellow homebrewers but found a lack of homebrewing clubs the area. So, he decided to start his own.
The club meets the first and third Thursdays of every month, gathering at local breweries to socialize and to learn more about the homebrewing craft. Those interested in the club can visit their website at https://graniterunbrewers.com/ or follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GraniteRunBrewers/ to stay up to date on where the next meeting will take place and other information about the club.
Newswanger and members of his club gave homebrewing demonstrations at Tap Into The Tavern, brewing a pale ale and an IPA over the course of the event.
Newswanger said he prefers pale ales over other beers because their milder alcohol content allows him to savor the beer-drinking experience longer.
“I like beers that are a little lower in alcohol because I like to have a couple beers and I don’t want to get hammered or anything … Pale ales are a little bit lighter in alcohol. You get the flavors of the grains and you also get the flavors of the hops. It’s a good combination of everything,” he said.
Amanda Hickman, one of the event’s organizers, said after hot June temperatures last year, the “wonderful weather” on Saturday delivered a “fantastic turnout” for the second annual Tap Into The Tavern.
“It was very hot [last year]. We were melting,” she said. “September is, I think, what we’re going to stick with.”
Having almost maxed out this year’s ticket sales, Hickman said she’s already gearing up for the next event.
“It’s just been an enjoyable, very relaxed atmosphere, and I’m looking forward to next year,” she said.


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|By Business Wire||
|March 19, 2014 11:00 AM EDT||
Cisneros Interactive, a corporate division that encompasses all of Cisneros’ digital initiatives, announced an exclusive advertising representation deal with PERFORM, the world’s leading digital sports content group. Under the terms of the agreement, Cisneros Interactive’s mobile and online ad networks for the Americas, Adsmovil and RedMas, respectively, will commercialize PERFORM’s vast advertising inventory and products in certain Latin American markets.
“PERFORM has always been a pioneer and leader in the digital sports category. Its exclusive and proprietary partnerships with a collection of today’s most popular sports and soccer assets offers one of the best point of entries to connecting with a great number of avid sports fans in Latin America,” emphasized Victor Kong, President of Cisneros Interactive. “This partnership gives Adsmovil and RedMas advertisers access to premium sports inventory and the opportunity for brands to engage with consumers across the web and their mobile devices with video pre-rolls, rich media, and traditional advertising. It enhances their already strong coverage in major Latin American markets.”
PERFORM offers brands and ad agencies two major opportunities in Latin America: first, to advertise on Goal, which attracts over 44 million unique global users per month and is Latin America’s largest soccer site; and second, the ability to reach passionate soccer and sports fans when they are watching game highlights across a variety of premium publisher sites. PERFORM, which reaches 180 million sports fans around the globe every month, syndicates video highlights across multiple major media sites such as Mediotiempo in Mexico and Gazeta Esportiva in Brazil. With rights for Copa Libertadores, Copa Suramericana, Ligue 1 Francesa, Serie A Italiana, Liga Argentina, Liga Mexicana, ATP, UFC and NBA, PERFORM truly has a unique product.
“Partnering with RedMas and Adsmovil, the leading networks in online and mobile advertising in Latin America, will bring tremendous value to sports fans, leagues and advertisers in the region. By combining their extensive geographic coverage across Latin America with our premium digital sports content and reach, we will enable brands to execute cohesive, content-driven campaigns using a variety of digital advertising solutions,” stated Federico Polak, GM, PERFORM Latin America.
This deal allows Adsmovil and RedMas to sell mobile and online display media and video at a pan-regional level out of its Miami headquarters, and in territories such as Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Peru – markets where PERFORM does not have a direct sales force. This partnership will offer brands in these countries their first opportunity to advertise on one of the largest digital sports platforms today, effectively targeting the fanatical communities that access PERFORM’s assets.
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WebRTC defines no default signaling protocol, causing fragmentation between WebRTC silos. SIP and XMPP provide possibilities, but come with considerable complexity and are not designed for use in a web environment. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Matthew Hodgson, technical co-founder of the Matrix.org, discussed how Matrix is a new non-profit Open Source Project that defines both a new HTTP-based standard for VoIP & IM signaling and provides reference implementations.
May. 30, 2015 10:30 AM EDT Reads: 5,225
There will be 150 billion connected devices by 2020. New digital businesses have already disrupted value chains across every industry. APIs are at the center of the digital business. You need to understand what assets you have that can be exposed digitally, what their digital value chain is, and how to create an effective business model around that value chain to compete in this economy. No enterprise can be complacent and not engage in the digital economy. Learn how to be the disruptor and not ...
May. 30, 2015 10:15 AM EDT Reads: 741
2015 predictions circa 1970: houses anticipate our needs and adapt, city infrastructure is citizen and situation aware, office buildings identify and preprocess you. Today smart buildings have no such collective conscience, no shared set of fundamental services to identify, predict and synchronize around us. LiveSpace and M2Mi are changing that. LiveSpace Smart Environment devices deliver over the M2Mi IoT Platform real time presence, awareness and intent analytics as a service to local connecte...
May. 30, 2015 10:00 AM EDT Reads: 662
The 5th International DevOps Summit, co-located with 17th International Cloud Expo – being held November 3-5, 2015, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA – announces that its Call for Papers is open. Born out of proven success in agile development, cloud computing, and process automation, DevOps is a macro trend you cannot afford to miss. From showcase success stories from early adopters and web-scale businesses, DevOps is expanding to organizations of all sizes, including the...
May. 30, 2015 10:00 AM EDT Reads: 4,113
Thanks to widespread Internet adoption and more than 10 billion connected devices around the world, companies became more excited than ever about the Internet of Things in 2014. Add in the hype around Google Glass and the Nest Thermostat, and nearly every business, including those from traditionally low-tech industries, wanted in. But despite the buzz, some very real business questions emerged – mainly, not if a device can be connected, or even when, but why? Why does connecting to the cloud cre...
May. 30, 2015 09:45 AM EDT Reads: 737


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Consumers should be wary of add-on credit card services like identity protection and debt monitoring, especially when they’re marketed as part of free trial offers.
That’s the message from a top consumer advocate in the wake of news that the federal government ordered Citibank to pay back $700 million to about 7 million customers for what it called illegal and deceptive practices around such add-ons.
“Consumers should understand that credit monitoring, privacy guard-like products are all useless,” said Ed Mierzwinski, director of consumer programs at the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, or USPIRG, in Washington. “If they were worthwhile, they would fly off the shelves. Instead, banks take advantage of the fear of identity theft and mistakes lowering credit scores to dupe people into buying them.”
Citibank card holders were hit with deceptive marketing, billing and administration practices related to services like fraud protection and credit monitoring from at least 2003 to 2012, according to the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
In some cases, Citibank marketers promoted 30-day free trials, without telling customers that they’d then be charged for the services each month unless they canceled, the bureau said in a statement. Also, some marketing materials were unclear that customers who successfully applied for a card also signed up for the services, which cost from $1 to $12.95 a month.
“Not one of them will give a straight answer or a refund, and I can not imagine how many other people are being scammed out of money because they never opted into or consented to these options,” says a Wisconsin consumer who complained to the agency about a debt protection service fee discovered on a Best Buy charge card issued by Citibank.
The unwanted debt-protection fee had cost more than $1,400, according to the consumer. Multiple calls to the retailer, bank and debt-protection company provided no answers, the consumer says. “Each company pushes the issue to another company to get the answer.”
The claim appears in the CFPB’s database of consumer complaints, which displays hundreds against Citibank. Some reflect the details laid out in the consent order. The entries that are publicly listed leave out names and other information.
In another complaint, a consumer from Texas recounts discovering a debt-protection fee that hadn’t been approved and says that during a call to dispute the charge, a bank representative couldn’t say why or how that service was added to the customer’s account.
“She tried to explain the benefit of the service, but I was clueless as I have never, nor will I ever, even consider such an option to begin with,” the complaint says.
In both cases, the accounts were closed and “monetary relief” was provided after the agency sent them to Citibank, according to the database entries.
A Citibank subsidiary also charged a $14.95 fee to about 1.8 million customers who were making late card payments by phone. That fee was for making a same-day payment, but was described as a processing fee, the bureau said, adding that it was never made clear that there were other, free options for making payments.
Citibank said it has “fully cooperated” with the government and has been paying back customers for the marketing practices at issue since 2013.
“Citi previously discontinued sales of the products included in the agreements, which include credit monitoring and debt protection products and wallet protection services, and no longer charges expedited pay-by-phone fees,” the bank said in a statement.
Check or credit
Affected customers will automatically receive a statement credit or check, and eligible customers who are no longer with Citi will be mailed a check, according to the statement.
Citibank is just the latest financial services provider to be taken to task by the federal agency. Richard Cordray, the bureau’s director, indicated that other banks also have been improperly charging customers.
“We continue to uncover illegal credit card add-on practices that are costing unknowing consumers millions of dollars,” Cordray said. “In our four years, this is the tenth action we’ve taken against companies in this space for deceiving consumers. We will remain on the lookout for similar conduct and will address it as we find it.”
$70 million in fines
In addition to the $700 million it agreed to refund consumers, Citibank will pay a $35 million civil penalty to the bureau and another $35 million to the federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, a bank regulator within the Treasury Department. In agreeing to the government consent order, Citibank was not required to face any criminal charges.
Citibank already has reimbursed customers for unfair billing related to credit-monitoring products, according to the bureau. Consumers who haven’t yet received refunds will be contacted by Citibank soon and don’t need to do anything to get their money back, the bureau said.
Mierzwinski, of USPIRG, advises consumers to never agree to a “free trial” offer during a telemarketing or other phone call with a bank or card issuer.
If you see what appears to be an unwarranted fee on your credit card, bank or other bills, contact the consumer agency immediately and report it, he said.
Image via iStock.


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Search Result For
Result(s) found: 91
Cotton exports grows 26% in April-Sept 2018
India's cotton textile exports grew by 26 per cent at $6,235 million in the first six months ended September 2018 and the on-going trade war between US and China will open up new export opportunities, the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil) said.
COTTON USA innovates at Première Vision
One year after its launch of WHAT’S NEW IN COTTON at Première Vision in Paris, Cotton Council International (CCI), will once again showcase an array of the US cotton-rich apparel created with innovative technology at its booth in Hall 6, 6D62 at Première Vision from 19-21 September.
US cotton farmers to receive support
With unsettled trade dispute between China and the United States, the US government announced support schemes. United States’ agricultural commodity producers will receive support to offset price imbalances due to the retaliatory tariffs imposed by China.
Egypt to modernise textile units
Egypt has chalked out a plan to spend 23-24 billion Egyptian pounds (LE) on modernising the state-owned textile sector, according to the head of the Cotton and Textile Industries Holding Company (CTIHC) Ahmed Mostafa.
Sneaker from cotton & corn
The Cotton + Corn programme in the US aims to produce footwear with “things that grow” in order to create sustainable products.
Advertise Here [300 W x 250 H pixels]


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Now that Hulu isn't getting sold and its broadcast-net parents are pledging to invest $750 million in the video site, the talk is that Hulu will focus on its subscription business and competing with buzzy Netflix as well as programming newbie Amazon. And that means investing in shows—original shows that will make paying for Hulu Plus compelling (especially if Hulu loses some of the exclusive TV rights it has enjoyed).
The challenge is that, to date, Hulu's never had a signature hit, or anything close to generating the Emmy chatter of a House of Cards or Netflix's newest buzz vehicle Orange Is the New Black. (To be fair, who does?) It's just not known for its own content.
Hulu's always seemed to treat originals as a side project. To many, Hulu has always been the place to watch SNL clips (which it's partially losing to Yahoo) and catching up on the last few Family Guys. The closest Hulu has come to a breakout has been culty imports like The Misfits or The Booth at the End, which reached a second season. Hulu never makes its viewership numbers public, but it's hard to recall last year's campaign-themed Battleground becoming the talk of the 2012 election.
So this year's—and more likely, next year's—slate of Hulu originals are critical. So far, the Web chatter there has been centered on the sale that never happened. Per social analytics firm NetBase, since June, Hulu has yielded 115,078 mentions in social media, 64 percent of which were positive. In fact, the firm found that the positive mentions were focused on users favoring Hulu over Netflix.
As for originals, the Eva Longoria animated project Mother Up, which debuts this fall, has generated 4,815 total mentions, per NetBase. The British series Moone Bay, which received a rave review in The New York Times, spurred 1,380 total mentions. Meanwhile, The Awesomes, which Hulu is promoting at Comic-Con, has hardly registered, according to NetBase's data.


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- On Tuesday, Apple debuted its 2020 lineup of new smartphones: the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Mini, the iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- The big new feature for 2020 is 5G connectivity, which is a new cellular standard built into each of the new iPhones.
- "5G will bring a new level of performance for downloads and uploads, higher quality video streaming, more responsive gaming, real time interactivity, and so much more," Apple CEO Tim Cook said during a streamed video presentation from Apple headquarters.
- But with Apple's recent ban of the online multiplayer blockbuster "Fortnite," and its ongoing ban on game streaming services like Xbox Game Pass and Google Stadia, the key feature of the latest iPhones will go largely unused.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Apple debuted four new iPhone models on Tuesday afternoon as part of the iPhone 12 lineup: the iPhone 12 Mini, the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
If you prefer a smaller smartphone, there's the Mini. If you're a power user, interested in potentially shooting some extremely high quality video on a smartphone, there's the iPhone 12 Pro Max. And if you're somewhere in the middle, there's the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro.
Regardless of which new iPhone you get, there's one standard that's brand new across all four: 5G cellular connectivity.
As Apple CEO Tim Cook described it during a video presentation on Tuesday afternoon, 5G on iPhone, "will bring a new level of performance for downloads and uploads, higher quality video streaming, more responsive gaming, real time interactivity, and so much more." It's this year's Big New iPhone Feature.
So, what does 5G actually do?
It improves download and upload speeds for anyone with the latest iPhones, so long as you're in a place with 5G wireless signals. In practice, it means movies and TV shows will load a little faster, directions can be found a bit quicker, and, generally speaking, anything that depends on your phone's cell data will be a bit more speedy than it was in the past.
More than anything else, there's one aspect of iPhone use that could be dramatically improved with 5G connectivity: gaming.
Not only does 5G enable faster game downloads, it also enables smoother, lower latency online multiplayer gaming — a staple of modern smartphone gaming, largely due to games like "Minecraft," "Roblox," and "Fortnite."
But "Fortnite" is banned from the iPhone due to an ongoing legal spat between "Fortnite" maker Epic Games and Apple, so anyone buying the latest iPhones won't be able to take advantage of what 5G connectivity can do for their game.
As Verizon Communications CEO Hans Vestberg said on stage during Apple's iPhone 12 event, 5G connectivity on the new iPhones, "provides you with super low latency, so experiences like multiplayer gaming feel like they're happening in near real-time" — a feature that would be especially meaningful in a game like "Fortnite," with dozens of players interacting in real time in a shared online space.
Unfortunately, as Epic's legal issues with Apple are ongoing, it's unlikely that "Fortnite" will return to the iPhone App Store anytime soon.
Similarly, emerging video game streaming services like the wildly popular Xbox Game Pass won't benefit from 5G connectivity on the new iPhones.
Though Xbox Game Pass users would benefit greatly from faster internet speeds with lower latency, Apple refuses to allow Netflix-style game streaming services on the iPhone and iPad App Store.
The reason, an Apple spokesperson said in August, is because Apple isn't able to review each game that's available through Game Pass.
"The App Store was created to be a safe and trusted place for customers to discover and download apps, and a great business opportunity for all developers," an Apple spokesperson told Business Insider. "Before they go on our store, all apps are reviewed against the same set of guidelines that are intended to protect customers and provide a fair and level playing field to developers."
Because Microsoft isn't submitting each game on its streaming service to Apple's review process, the app that enables access to those games is being blocked from publishing.
Microsoft's service operates like Netflix or Spotify, with subscribers getting access to a built-in library. As such, submitting each game in that library to Apple's review process is prohibitively time consuming, Microsoft argues. It would also require each of those games to enable in-app purchases through Apple's payment systems, and each game to be ranked on the App Store charts, among other features. Each developer would need a paid Apple developer account.
Since Apple allows services like Netflix and Spotify without reviewing every piece of content, why not allow a similar service for gaming? The difference boils down to the medium, according to Apple: Games are interactive, unlike music and film, and there are consumer expectations baked into the App Store related to gaming.
Without the ability to make in-app payments through Apple, for instance, and without App Store ratings, games in the Xbox Game Pass service are bucking consumer expectations for App Store gaming, Apple argues.
Microsoft could circumvent these regulations, Xbox leader Phil Spencer told employees recently, through a browser-based solution on iOS. "We absolutely will end up on iOS with Game Pass," he said. The company has also pushed back publicly on Apple's game streaming blockade.
"Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass," a Microsoft representative said in a statement in August. "It consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content."
A similar video game streaming service offered by Google, named Google Stadia, has also run into roadblocks with Apple's App Store guidelines. It's available on Android phones and tablets, but not Apple devices.
Despite the new iPhone's focus on faster-than-ever cellular data speeds, the very apps that would most take advantage of that speed aren't allowed on the App Store. Without a change of heart — and policy — Apple's latest line of iPhones are missing a critical step toward the future of gaming.
Got a tip? Contact Business Insider senior correspondent Ben Gilbert via email (firstname.lastname@example.org), or Twitter DM (@realbengilbert). We can keep sources anonymous. Use a non-work device to reach out. PR pitches by email only, please.


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Presentation IDs winter birds
Quad-City naturalist Bob Motz will give a free presentation on winter birds at 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Singing Bird Center of Black Hawk Historic Site, Rock Island.
He will identify birds common to winter feeders and show the types of foods that attract a variety of winter birds. Binoculars will be provided.
To reach Singing Bird, turn north from Blackhawk Road/Illinois 5 onto 15th Street. For more information, call 309-788-9536 or email email@example.com
Muscatine Art Center hosts ornament party
An opening reception for the "heartfelt and handmade" ornament competition sponsored by the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center will be from 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the center, 1314 Mulberry Ave.
The event will include piano and violin duets, appetizers, a silent auction and the opportunity to purchase or bid on ornaments. Ornaments will be on display through Dec. 14.
Admission is $15 at the door or $10 in advance.
For more information, go to muscatineartcenter.org
Discovery Shop sells holiday items
A sale of holiday-related items, including clothing, jewelry, art work, Department 56 village pieces, ornaments, trees, wreaths, holiday dishes, collectibles and gift items will begin at noon Sunday, Nov. 19, at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, 2397 Cumberland Square Dive, Bettendorf.
The annual holiday open house will continue until 4 p.m.
For a sneak peak of items, go to the store's Facebook page at facebook.com/QCdiscoveryshop.
The Discovery Shop is an upscale resale shop with all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research, patient services, education and advocacy.
The shop will be closed Saturday, Nov. 18, to prepare for this event.
If you have items that you would like to donate for this event, donations are accepted anytime the shop is open and a tax receipt is always available. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
For questions, call 563-355-0824.
Gardener training begins in January
University of Illinois Extension for Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Stark counties will begin Jan. 22, either in-person or online.
In-person classes will be held at the Rock Island County office at 321 W. 2nd Ave., Milan, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 19-April 20.Topics include botany, landscaping, soils, fertilizer and composting, trees, shrubs and woody vines, insects, diseases, lawns, small fruits and tree fruits, vegetables and nuts, organic gardening, living with wildlife, annuals, perennials and integrated pest management.
Once training is complete, you'll work with a Master Gardener mentor and other volunteers on a variety of community horticulture education projects.
The cost is $225, including a comprehensive horticulture textbook. You will receive a $50 refund once your internship is completed.
Online training will begin Jan. 22, too, with modules available until June 15. Training is self-paced and trainees can take classes (modules) in any order once they have completed the introduction. Each module includes an online quiz and there will be a final exam.The online training cost is $300 if you volunteer. There is a non-volunteer option with the online training which costs $600.
Register for either of the trainings by going to extension.illinios.edu/hmrs. Call Tracy Jo Mulliken at 309-756-9978 for any questions.
Museum hosts White House Christmas display
You can see how four different presidents celebrated Christmas with a new exhibit opening Nov. 17 at Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.
The exhibit running through Jan. 7 features photos and original artifacts from Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Items include Lincoln-themed decorations, family photos, gifts received by the presidents and official Christmas cards.


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OCEAN SPRINGS, MS (WLOX) - Dining out in Ocean Springs just got a little bit easier for tech-savvy customers. The chamber of commerce just launched a website, www.oceanspringseats.com. It features more than 100 of the city's restaurants and bars.
"Obviously with 104 restaurants and more coming, this has become a very integral part of the income, tax base for Ocean Springs," said Margaret Miller, Director of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce. "So, we, particularly in these tough economic times, thought it was time for us to pitch in."
On the site you'll find general descriptions, pricing, coupons and specials at your fingertips.
"We will develop it," Miller said. "We're planning all sorts of specials and coupons, like the more you get on, the more information you get, that sort of thing. So we're keeping incredible records of the number of pages that are being seen, and the number of visits that are being made. We're very happy with the results we've had in the last week."
Miller said the website has received more than 1,000 visits since it launched one week ago. Although the Chamber of Commerce still uses tradition forms of promotion like billboards and pamphlets, Miller said she's thrilled to introduce this new venue for residents and visitors of Ocean Springs.
"Our young professionals and many others beyond that demographic use their computer, their phone for quick access to things, and we found it was necessary really to get on and to have our own website," Miller said. "I think it's the first here on the coast and perhaps one of a few in the state of Mississippi."
Miller said the Chamber of Commerce hopes to promote the website around town and inside restaurants, as well.
Click here to visit the website.


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Team Up on New Beer to Benefit Elephants
“Oh Mai” beer pays homage to Cincinnati Zoo’s oldest elephant, Mai Thai
CINCINNATI, OH (October 3, 2022) – Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and MadTree Brewing have teamed up to create a special beer that tastes somewhat like a Mai Tai cocktail and pays tribute to Mai Thai, the oldest elephant at the Zoo. The new brew is called “Oh Mai”! Proceeds from sales of the ”Oh Mai”beer at MadTree on October 4th will benefit elephant conservation.
“Oh Mai has some really nice citrus notes with that subtle spice character in the background,” said MadTree head brewer, Ryan Blevins. “It’s super refreshing, and I think it’s going to be a hit.”
Many Reds fans remember Mai Thai the elephant throwing out the first pitch, with her trunk, decades ago. Over the last 40+ years, she has served as an ambassador animal for the Cincinnati Zoo, representing all of her Asian elephant counterparts in the wild.
“Trunks and Trees – what a natural collaboration,” said Cincinnati Zoo vice president of marketing & visitor experience, Chad Yelton. “We invited brewers from MadTree to the Zoo to meet Mai Thai and draw inspiration from her and the elephant care team. That’s all it took and the concept for the beer was born. We are extremely excited for everyone to try the new brew for the Zoo!”
Oh Mai is on tap at the Cincinnati Zoo’s craft beer garden, Hops, as well as the MadTree Taproom in Oakley while supplies last. There will be a special “give-back” day in the MadTree Oakley location on October 4th benefiting elephant conservation and the Cincinnati Zoo’s More Home to Roam campaign, which includes a new, world-class home for Mai Thai and the rest of the Zoo’s elephant herd.


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LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Even as Thanksgiving shopping has earned its share of critics, more people planned to shop on Thursday than had in 2014, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation’s Thanksgiving Weekend Expectations.
The survey found that, of the 58.7 percent of adults surveyed who said they would, or might, shop during Thanksgiving weekend, 22.3 percent said they planned to shop on the holiday itself.READ MORE: Associate Pastor Shot To Death At Compton Intersection
That’s higher than the 18.3 percent who said they planned to shop on Thanksgiving in 2014.
Thanksgiving shopping continues to prove more popular with younger adults than older adults, according to the survey of 7,172 adults conducted from Nov. 3 to Nov. 10 by Proper Insights & Analytics.
25.4 percent of 18-24 year olds said they planned to shop Thanksgiving, while 32.7 percent of the 25-34 year olds, and 28.9 percent of the 35-44 year olds agreed.READ MORE: Vigil Held To Honor Life Of Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins Killed In Movie Set Shooting
Meanwhile, only 20.2 percent of 45-54 year olds said they planned to shop on Thanksgiving, and even fewer 55-64 year olds agreed, at 17.8 percent. Only 10.1 percent of participants aged 65 or older planned to shop on the holiday.
“Millennials love shopping in stores and online over Thanksgiving weekend for several reasons, including the opportunities afforded to them that allow them to splurge on ‘non-gifts’ for themselves, and even the potential to sleep in on Black Friday after having spent the night before bouncing from store to store,” Prosper’s principal analyst Pam Goodfellow said.
“For these adults, it’s less about making room for pumpkin pie and more about going out with friends, checking out the deals through their mobile phones and experiencing retailers’ night owl hours and perhaps making a dent in their shopping lists.”MORE NEWS: 'Supercharge' Storm Expected To Bring Heavy Rainfall To Southland
Retailers have drawn plenty of criticism for opening on Thanksgiving, because of the disruption it causes in the lives of their employees and for dividing families on a holiday known from bringing them together.


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If you suspect everything you buy these days is made in China, you just might be right.
The country reported a whopping 34.9% increase in exports compared with the year before, and the trade balance now sits at a surplus of $22.9-billion.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Yanick Desnoyers, assistant chief economist with National Bank Financial, warned Chinese policymakers must normalize credit conditions in order to avoid too much inflationary pressure.
“The Chinese economy is in overdrive,” he said in a note.
While China has already decided to increase its bank reserve requirements ratio for the sixth time this year, by another 50 basis points to 18.5% effective Dec. 20th, this is not enough.
“A desired downshifting in growth will need more than just cosmetic bank reserves adjustments. The Chinese economy undoubtedly needs a mix of higher real interest rates and, especially in light of the latest trade data, a stronger currency,” he said.
Mr. Desnoyers reiterates a call for 10% yuan appreciation over the next year.


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Two Cases of Adverse Events. Eye Drops Under Recall in WA.
Two brands of eye drops the Food and Drug Administration is warning people about.The FDA says consumers need to stop using the eye drops because they may contain bacteria and or fungus.
THE DROPS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE HARMFUL TO YOUR EYES
The two eye products are distributed by Dr. Berne's Whole Health Products and LightEyez Limited. Federal officials say the eye drops were marketed illegally. The names of the drops, DR. BERNE'S MSM DROPS 5% solution and LightEyez MSM Eye Drops - Eye Repair."
THE FDA TESTED THE EYE DROPS AND FOUND PROBLEMS
The Federal Drug Administration found big problems with the eye drops finding they were not sterile and also contaminated with microbes. FDA officials say check your medicine cabinet and if found throw them away.
THE RECALL WAS ISSUED ON SATURDAY
The voluntary recall was first issued on Saturday.
No details about a report of "adverse events" of two cases in people using the eye drops. No other health related issues have been reported.
Federal officials say they haven't been able to contact the company to talk about safety concerns. If you used the eye drops and now have eye or other health problems FDA officials urge you to contact a doctor.
Got a news tip? Email us here.


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At this year’s edition of the Barcelona Motor Show, SEAT emerges once again as a prominent exhibitor at their homegrown car showcase event, where today they presented two world firsts – the new Ibiza 2015 and the new Alhambra 2015. SEAT President Jürgen Stackmann was at the company stand to unveil these two important models on the first press day of the event.
Stackmann emphasised that “the new Ibiza has been improved in every aspect. It retains all its alluring exterior design while masterfully incorporating state-of-the-art technology and greater quality workmanship. It also features a new lineup of more powerful and more efficient EU6 engines as well as the most advanced technology in its segment in terms of infotainment and connectivity. All of these novelties contribute to improving comfort and ensure driving pleasure”. He added that “SEAT is Technology to enjoy. The new Ibiza forges ahead with the character and design inspired by the city of Barcelona, complemented today by the most modern, innovative technology”.
Another star attraction at the SEAT stand this year is the SEAT 20V20 showcar, which the Spanish public can admire for the first time since its world premiere at the recent Geneva Motor Show. Yet another model that will be on display for the first time to the Spanish public is the SEAT Leon ST CUPRA, a vehicle that combines the versatility of the Leon estate body style with the performance of its mighty 280 PS 2.0 TSI engine.
SEAT will also be present in different areas of the Barcelona Motor Show exhibition space, such as the “Urban Mobility” area, with a compressed natural gas-powered Leon TGI, and the “Sketch Car Design” space, which will give visitors insights into the creation process of a vehicle.
New SEAT Ibiza 2015: Efficiency, technology and connectivity
The arrival of the new Ibiza 2015 is a qualitative leap for the star Spanish model. It retains all its alluring exterior design while masterfully incorporating state-of-the-art technology and high quality workmanship. In this regard, the new Ibiza 2015 includes infotainment and connectivity systems that are unique to its segment, such as the new dashboard-integrated touchscreen that can reach up to 6.5 inches in size, featuring USB connector, Bluetooth, audio streaming, navigator and the option of having “full link”, a system that guarantees maximum connectivity and compatibility with all kinds of smartphones that run on either Android or IOS operating systems. In addition, it also includes the “MirrorLink” system, which displays the user interface of the smartphone applications on the car’s in-vehicle infotainment screen.
In the first stage of development, SEAT created a specific App called “SEAT Drive App”, which enables the driver to safely use a mobile phone. It has a lot of features, with applications that foster efficient driving by storing journeys and comparing them, others that concern the status of the vehicle, where it is located – the phone can lead us to where it is parked, and a very useful one that involves reading social media posts and tweets, instant messages and email text out loud.
This is the first step in the developments that SEAT is making in connectivity and the integration of smartphone use while driving. Very soon new, more advanced developments will be available thanks to a strategic agreement struck with Samsung.
The passenger compartment of the Ibiza 2015 also features a newly designed instrument panel and fully customisable interiors. In addition, this SEAT model features a new range of lower displacement but more powerful and efficient Euro 6 engines with lower fuel consumption and emissions, as well as new suspension ratings and a new steering system, which elevate it to a higher class of driving pleasure.


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EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning people to stop using recalled hammers that were sold at Walmart.
The recall covers about 211,000 Stanley hammers that were sold exclusively at Walmart from July 2018 through August 2019.
The CPSC said the molded grip on the recalled hammers can come loose and injure users. To date, no injuries have been reported.
The recalled hammers can be identified by the following:
- Model number: STHT51454
- UPC Code: 076174514544
Consumers who return the recalled hammers to Walmart will receive a gift card for the purchase price, which is about $6.
Stanley can be reached via email or at 866-215-1132 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.


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Cadbury unveils a new Oreo bar containing WHOLE biscuits (and there's a bite-sized version too)
- Cadbury launches its Dairy Milk Oreo Sandwich bar in February for £1.49
- It's the first time the company has launched a product containing whole biscuits
- It's also launching a sharing bag of Oreo Bites containing a creamy filling
Chocolate lovers are set to go wild for Cadbury's new chocolate bar, which contains whole Oreo biscuits for the first time.
The new sandwich-style bar has whole Oreo halves on the top and bottom of each square of Dairy Milk chocolate, with a circle of the famous white stuf included too.
There's also a bite-sized version, which offers shoppers Dairy Milk nibbles filled with a creamy Oreo filling.
The new sandwich-style bar will sell for £1.49 and will be on sale in February
The new 92g Cadbury Dairy Milk Oreo Sandwich bar is £1.49, while the 110g Oreo Bites sharing bags cost £1.99.
The bar marks the first time Cadbury has included whole Oreo biscuits in a chocolate bar.
The Oreo bites are bite-sizied pieces of Dairy Milk with a creamy Oreo filling inside
Its normal Oreo bar has the same creamy Oreo filling as the Bites, which also contain the crumbled up pieces of biscuit inside.
You won't be able to get your hands on the new items until next month, however.
Cadbury began to partner with Oreo when it was bought by Mondelēz International, as the US multinational also owns Oreo.
Since then a range of Cadbury and Oreo items have been launched, including a Dairy Milk Oreo bar, Dairy Milk Oreo mini eggs, and a Big Taste Oreo Crunch Chocolate Bar.
Lyndsey Homer, junior brand manager at Mondelēz International, said: 'We are really excited to be able to add these two delicious new variations to the Cadbury and Oreo range, giving chocolate lovers even more ways to enjoy their favourite treat.'
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The latest news on healthcare
How'd that work out?
The Mediterranean diet, medical clinics in drugstores and supermarkets, and HIV in black men and women
Most people who use retail medical clinics don't have a doctor of their own, and many lack insurance.
Slightly fewer people are going without health insurance, but the tide hasn't turned.
This time, the famous couple think reform is a good thing.


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The Bordeaux authorities have announced they are slashing the amount of wine the region can sell in an effort to stem the deepening crisis in French wine.
In an unprecedented move the Bordeaux trade body the CIVB will limit sales to 50 hectolitres per hectare. This will reduce the amount of the 2004 vintage sold by up to a third.
Any wine remaining will be stored pending its sale as bulk wine, or until the CIVB decides conditions have improved.
France is in the middle of its greatest crisis since the 1970s – some say since the phylloxera disaster of the 1860s. The price of wine has collapsed in the last three years to almost half what it was. In the mid-1990s barrels of standard AC Bordeaux red were fetching around €1500. A 900-litre barrel now fetches around €760.
In the past 12 months exports have fallen by 9%. Thousands of the region’s producers are in financial difficulty, with threatened bankruptcies reported on a regular basis. The picture is repeated to a lesser extent across the great wine regions of France.
‘The collapse in price of some Bordeaux AOCs has reached an unacceptable level that threatens the viability of our vineyards and the unity of the industry,’ CIVB president Jean-Louis Trocard said. ‘The situation cannot continue. Everyone has to act accordingly.’
The CIVB also proposes the uprooting of hundreds of hectares of vineyards that are disused or the subject of inheritance squabbles.
The reasons for the crisis are well-documented: falling domestic consumption, France’s paralysis in the face of cheap, reliable, easy-drinking, well-marketed, understandably-labelled Australian wine. Generic Bordeaux is also dogged by accusations of falling quality.
Although they have agreed to be bound by the sales ceiling, the crisis does not affect classed-growth Bordeaux chateaux, which seldom have difficulty selling their wine. This year the five first growths have priced their 2003 vintage at double that of the 2002.
Producers affected are the main rump of generic Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur. With the price of wine plummeting below the level at which it is economic even to pick the grapes, many are resigned.
One producer in Entre-Deux-Mers said, ‘I’m not making a centime. If things carry on like this I’ll just stop. I can’t even repay my loans.’
Written by Adam Lechmere


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The streaming-music service may move into Africa with a deal offering free data, according to a report, after already pervading Europe and launching in the Americas.
Solar-powered phone chargers for the developing world, 3D-printed satellites and bespoke shoes for the masses have won the backing of Sir Richard Branson.
The company's Project Link aims to deliver reliable broadband connections to areas where the Internet infrastructure is inadequate.
The application will be integrated into the Samsung Messaging Hub, following a partnership announced between the firms earlier this year.
BlackBerry Messenger for Android is coming to Samsung Galaxy phones first -- if you're in Africa.
In an interview with CNET, Seeing Machines CEO Ken Kroeger says data collected by his company's eye- and head-tracking tech, which is reportedly being put in GM cars, is only for the driver (currently).
Given the choice between the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance, most Star Wars: Commander gamers align themselves with Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and the Dark Side of the Force.
JBL's Clip, Flip 2 and Charge 2 light up your barbecue or house party -- literally, in the case of the Pulse.
The bracelet, with a sapphire display and semiprecious gems, was made for the high-end women's accessory market and will be sold at luxury retailer Barneys New York.
The Web giant is reportedly creating airborne wireless networks to bring Internet access to some of the world's hard-to-reach regions.


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CNN – More than 1,700 people have signed a petition urging Trader Joe’s to change the labeling of some of its international food products, calling the grocery chain’s branding “racist.” [Since CNN published this report, the number of online signatures has surpassed 2,200.]
“The grocery chain labels some of its ethnic foods with modifications of “Joe” that belies a narrative of exoticism that perpetuates harmful stereotypes,” the petition, which a California high school senior launched two weeks ago, reads.
- “Trader Ming’s,” the grocery chain’s label for its Chinese products,
- “Arabian Joe,” for its Middle Eastern products,
- “Trader José,” for its Mexican products,
- and a handful of others as examples.
“The Trader Joe’s branding is racist because it exoticizes other cultures – it presents ‘Joe’ as the default “normal” and the other characters falling outside of it,” the petition says.
The grocery store chain, which first opened in Pasadena, California, in 1967, said it has already “been in the process of updating order labels, and replacing any variations with the name Trader Joe’s.”
Taco shells sold at Trader Joe’s branded with “Trader Jose’s … ” Read more.
Trader Joe’s: Remove Racist Packaging From Your Products
Change.org – 2,218 have signed


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Hot Topics hosted two panels debating whether European entrepreneurs need to cross the Atlantic and the battle for the ‘home’ entertainment market.
Topic: Do European entrepreneurs need to cross the Atlantic?
With the European economy flat-lining and the region's IPO market in the doldrums, it can be tough to scale a European TMT start-up. Do ambitious entrepreneurs need to head to the U.S. to secure a large injection of cash or secure an attractive trade sale? Is it possible to achieve a lucrative exit without leaving Europe?
Topic: The battle for the 'home' entertainment market
As one of the few digital consumer markets where the ‘Gang of Four’ are not yet dominant, 2014 promises to be a pivotal year in the battle for the ‘home’ entertainment market as the lines between traditional television and video-on-demand become increasingly blurred. How much disruption will we see? Where are the investments going? Who’s under pressure?
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Prohibition is launching ‘Shade Aid’, a new charity initiative fighting preventable blindness through recycling and re-gifting unwanted sunglasses.
“Now you have an opportunity to help people in the world’s sunniest – but poorest – countries…”
The popular Mary Street bar is calling on the people of Manchester to dig out their old sunglasses to donate!
The best pairs will be distributed by Vision Aid Overseas and Build Africa to people in Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zambia and Malawi. Sunglasses cost as much as a year’s salary in developing countries, so they are simply unobtainable for the average person.
Any sub-standard specs will be recycled to raise money for the two beneficiary charities’ preventable blindness projects.
So – whether you’re a Prada ‘Butterfly’ loving fashionista, a devotee of retro cat’s eyes or a loyal fan of the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer, your unwanted sunglasses could become more than just last season’s cast-offs.
Andrew Fenlon from Prohibition says, “Shade Aid is a brilliant way for people to put their unwanted sunglasses to good use and it’s so easy to get involved. We hope everyone gets behind our campaign.”
Lucy Jenkins, Communications Manager for Vision Aid Overseas says “Ocular sun damage is a serious health issue in Africa. In fact, by the time the average child is 18, they will have absorbed 80 per cent of their lifetime exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Extended UV exposure has been linked to cataracts and macular degeneration as well as other serious eye disorders which can cause loss of vision.
“But here in the UK we regularly change our sunglasses without really thinking about how important they are. People in excessively sunny places like Africa need proper eye protection but sadly, often do not have the access to eye care services and some will go their entire life without seeing an eye health professional.”
First to donate is The Only Way Is Essex star Cara Kilbey (pictured). She says, “Your sunglasses might be replaceable, but your eyes aren’t. Now you have an opportunity to help people in the world’s sunniest – but poorest – countries protect their eyes.”
Every year 53% people in Manchester ditch their shades for a more up-to-date style, so why not donate them to Shade Aid so that someone who really needs them will benefit?
For people in developing countries, sunglasses are much less about looking as fashion forward as possible, and much more about shielding their eyes from sun damage.
The sun may be a reluctant visitor in Manchester, but in Africa there is a scorching 2,500 hours of sun a year. When a pair of sunglasses can cost as much as a year’s salary, this vital safeguard is simply unattainable.
It’s so easy to donate your sunglasses. Either drop them off at Prohibition, or pop them in the post any time before August 1st.
Prohibition is located at 2 Mary Street, Denton, Manchester M3 2LB.


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Dubai, UAE: Leading international manufacturers that are shaping the future of the Middle East construction sector will gather in Dubai next month when a new Expert Zone makes its debut at the region’s dedicated trade show for hardware, tools, materials, and machinery.
The Expert Zone is a specialised section at Hardware+Tools Middle East 2015 – taking place from 2-4 June at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre – where the latest innovations in tools and hardware will be showcased to regional trade visitors, buyers, and key decision makers looking for an equipment upgrade.
“The Expert Zone has been created to promote meaningful interaction between world-leading manufacturers and regional buyers and trade professionals,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Hardware+Tools Middle East.
“The new section will also serve as a bellwether for all types of industries, from construction and oil & gas, to outdoor landscaping and DIY solutions, with many key innovations and materials being showcased for the first time in the region.”
Leading the way with a series of demonstrations at the Expert Zone are German industry heavyweights Bosch Power Tools, Knipex, and Rothenberger.
Knipex is debuting at the three-day event with its wide range of professional pliers and will be looking to create a big regional impact. On show will be a huge pliers range including end cutters, diagonal cutters, combination pliers, waterpump pliers, cable cutting, stripping and crimping pliers and much more. Knipex will also offer a broad selection of high-voltage insulated tools.
“There are 130 years’ of experience behind each pair of Knipex pliers as well as the know-how of many specialists,” said Ralf Putsch, owner of Knipex. “We are the world-leading manufacturer of pliers for professional use, and we set the pace for innovations in our product segments by constantly creating and materializing new ideas. Our focus is on offering high quality products with the greatest features, advantages, and benefits at a competitive price,” he added.
Bosch Power Tools, represented in the Middle East and Africa by Central Motors & Equipment, is making a return and will be lining up their latest range of power tools and measuring equipment at the Expert Zone this year.
“We have been exhibiting at Hardware+Tools Middle East for four years and the main theme of our exhibit is innovation,” said Sumit Chordia, Business Head of Power Tools at Central Motors & Equipment. “A lot of the products we are showcasing now, people just don’t know about. That’s the main reason to showcase these at the Expert Zone, where buyers can get an up close look at our new range. We are not just showing power tools, we are also showing other instruments such as measuring technology.”
Another German brand at the Expert Zone is Rhodius, whose wares are being presented by licensed representative and long-time Hardware+Tools Middle East exhibitor Arwani Trading. Rhodius produces high-end grinding, cleaning, and cutting power tools. Arwani Trading will also launch Bulgarian brand Sparky.
Meanwhile, UK manufacturer Milwaukee is making its regional debut at the Expert Zone, where professionals will enthusiastically welcome the heavy duty specialist manufacturer's range of heavy duty power tools, hand tools, measuring equipment and accessories.
Now in its 16th edition, Hardware+Tools Middle East 2015 returns with country pavilions from China, Taiwan, and Thailand, and will feature more than 230 exhibitors and 350 brands.
Show website: www.hardwaretoolsme.com.


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Apple's latest hearing technology is now available on AirPods Pro, and it's easy to use — but oddly fiddly to set up.Conversation Boost helps you hear people talking to youThis could be simpler. Apple is brilliant with accessibility features, but often setting them up requires a lot of steps, and Conversation Boost certainly does. Read more
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There’s now a wide choice of EVs that make great family transport – and save you money
Like shopping for any used car, you’ll want to check an electric vehicle’s crash and repair history, along with the odometer. But the most important thing to know before buying an EV: the state of its battery.
Scientists at Estonia’s Tartu University say they have found a way to use peat in sodium-ion batteries, which reduces the overall cost, although the technology is still in its infancy.
Shares of American Electric Power Co. Inc. rose 0.6% in morning trading Tuesday, after the Ohio-based electricity transmission company said it raised its cash dividend by 5.4%. The new quarterly dividend of 78 cents a share, up from 74 cents, will be payable Dec. 10 to shareholders of record on Nov. 10. At current stock price, the new annual dividend rate implies a dividend yield of 3.74%, which compares with the SPDR Utilities Select Sector ETF's yield of 3.01% and the implied yield for the...
The fourth annual Colorado Free Application Day campaign is changing to a multi-day event called Colorado Free Application Days.
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Only 6.2% of Nobel Prizes have been awarded to women since 1901
Netflix Inc.’s hit series “Squid Game” is giving a boost to footwear and apparel maker VF Corp. as fans clamor for the white Vans sneakers featured in the dystopian drama. “We saw a nice spike,” Chief Executive Officer Steve Rendle said Friday on a conference call to discuss quarterly earnings, before clarifying that the bump
Justice minister says move is aimed at curbing illegal black market for cannabis products


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Ahold Delhaize USA's Retail Media team is growing.
The in-house digital media agency, which is part of the Peapod Digital Labs company at the grocery operator, has promoted Bobby Watts to SVP of retail media.
In the newly created position, Watts will be responsible for overall growth, revenue and partnerships.
Watts brings over 30 years of grocery retail experience to the new role, which includes retail operations, category management, merchandising planning and retail media.
The announcement of Watts’ appointment also credits his role during the Ahold USA and Delhaize America merger in 2016, development of an omnichannel commercial planning process and, most recently, the in-house build and strategy development of the company’s AD Retail Media function.
Ahold Delhaize USA's Retail Media also announced that Bernadette “Bernie” Van Osdal has joined the team as the new VP of sales.
Prior to this new position, Van Osdal worked at New Stream Media. In her new role, Van Osdal will work closely with Watts to drive retail partnerships, the announcement said.
AD Retail Media, which aims to connect consumer packaged goods partners with the grocer’s East Coast omnichannel customer base, is part of the rapidly growing segment of retail media in the grocery space.


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The Growing Importance of Reverse Logistics
Reverse logistics, a supply chain strategy that moves goods from the customer back to the vendor or manufacturer, has been gaining significant attention in recent years. As e-commerce grows exponentially, so does the need for effective and efficient reverse logistics. As a result, this sector has grown into a behemoth, estimated at a whopping $731 billion market.
In simple terms, reverse logistics involves managing the return of products, with the goal often being to resell, recycle, or dispose of returned items in an environmentally friendly manner. It poses a myriad of challenges, from managing transportation and warehousing of returned items to determining the fate of these products.
This increasingly vital component of business operations is not merely a reactive function but an opportunity to enhance customer service, reduce costs, and promote sustainability. One such company capitalizing on this opportunity is Eureciclo, a Brazilian startup focused on the intersection of reverse logistics and sustainability.
Eureciclo: A Pioneer in Sustainable Reverse Logistics
Eureciclo is revolutionizing reverse logistics with its unique approach centered on sustainability. The company has developed a platform that meticulously tracks the post-consumer packaging recycling chain. It ensures the volume of packaging introduced to the market is equivalent to the volume of packaging sent for recycling.
“Eureciclo’s mission is to engage businesses in the recycling process in a way that is transparent to the consumer”, says Eureciclo.
Companies that partner with Eureciclo receive a Eureciclo seal to imprint on their packaging. This signals to consumers that the company is dedicated to responsible recycling, fostering consumer trust and encouraging sustainable practices.
The Innovative Model of Recycling Credits
Eureciclo’s innovative approach to reverse logistics extends to its collaboration with landfills, private recycling companies, and waste collectors. It has pioneered a model based on recycling credits, effectively turning recycling invoices into bonds.
Packaging manufacturers can purchase these bonds, thereby ensuring they comply with Brazil’s National Solid Waste Policy. This model incentivizes recycling and ensures a level of accountability among manufacturers regarding their packaging waste.
Investment in Sustainability: Eureciclo’s Latest Funding Round
Recognizing the potential of Eureciclo’s innovative business model, Ória Capital led a series B funding round that injected R$100 million (around €18.7 million) into the company. This funding will fuel the expansion of Eureciclo’s network of operators in the recycling chain.
Moreover, it will enable the growth of Brazil’s recycling chain capacity by structuring cooperatives and mechanizing sorting centers. This investment underscores the recognition of the role of reverse logistics in driving sustainability.
Implications and Innovations in Reverse Logistics
The work of companies like Eureciclo paints a promising picture for the future of reverse logistics. By intertwining sustainability with efficient return management, these companies are not only contributing to environmental protection but also enhancing their customer service and building stronger, more responsible brands.
In a broader context, logistics is instrumental in the race to reach net-zero emissions. This is evident in the multitude of innovations surfacing in the field. From smart packaging systems that reduce waste to companies helping brands eliminate single-use packaging from their supply chains, the logistics sector is becoming increasingly intertwined with sustainability efforts.
In conclusion, by formalizing the recycling market in Brazil, Eureciclo is contributing to the improvement


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Shortly after Samsung took the stage, Sprint confirmed both the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge for release. Like its rivals, the carrier confirmed some release details but failed to confirm them all. In the hours since that confirmation, we’ve seen some new details emerge and today we want to take an in-depth look at what we know currently about the upcoming Sprint Galaxy S6 release.
In the weeks leading up to the Samsung’s Galaxy S6 launch date, we heard that Sprint was among the U.S. carriers planning Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge releases. Several Galaxy S6 rumors hinted at a widespread arrival in the United States and as expected Sprint and its rivals were quick to announce plans to release both models.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge are both official and they will be heading to all five major U.S. carriers which includes AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon. The regular version of the Samsung Galaxy S6 will also be heading to Cricket Wireless, Boost Mobile, and MetroPCS, three smaller U.S. carriers.
Shortly after Samsung’s announcements, we took an in-depth look at the Galaxy S6 release situation for the U.S. and for regions around the world. Samsung and its partners made a ton of details available immediately but there are still some Samsung Galaxy S6 release details missing for buyers here in the United States.
Over the past couple of days, we have seen new details emerge including new release information for the Sprint Galaxy S6. With those details in mind, we want to detail everything we currently know about the Sprint Galaxy S6 release and release date. This will help prospective Sprint Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge buyers prepare for the device’s arrival.
Sprint Galaxy S6 Release Date MIA
Sprint’s confirmed both the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge for arrival but the carrier still isn’t talking about a release date. Prior to their arrival, Sprint’s website teased a release that’s “coming soon” and those words still exist in the tags for the carrier’s sign up page. “Coming Soon” in carrier speak could mean anything though.
While we’re still at square one, we’re not clueless. The Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge release dates are both confirmed for April 10th. Samsung says that 20 countries will get the devices on April 10th though it’s not clear which countries will be included. We have our suspicions but nothing is confirmed yet.
What we do have are bits and pieces of information, none of which comes from Sprint itself. U.S. Cellular, the nation’s fifth largest carrier, says that it will be releasing both devices in April. If the nation’s fifth largest carrier is releasing the devices in April then we’d expect Sprint to release its new devices in April as well. This is a company that’s in desperate need of customers. No room for lagging.
Verizon, another top Sprint rival, says that it will release the device in early Q2. Q2 spans from April to June. That could mean April. At the very least, we’d expect Sprint’s release to fall in that same window. Verizon almost never beats its rivals to major Android smartphone releases. It’s typically the other way around.
Best Buy already has placeholders for the Galaxy S6 in its stores and the company is promoting AT&T, Sprint and Verizon phones on its latest mailer about the Samsung Galaxy S6. Best Buy always stocks Sprint phones so this, at least to us, is a sign that the AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Galaxy S6 release dates could be on the fast track.
All signs are pointing to a Sprint Galaxy S6 release in April.
Sprint Galaxy S6 Release Inches Closer
A specific release date is out of reach but we know that Sprint’s Galaxy S6 release date is making progress behind the scenes.
Earlier this week the Sprint Galaxy S6, also known as the SM-G920P, cleared the FCC. FCC approval is necessary before a device can be released to the public and this is a massive step toward an announcement and a release date.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Sprint Galaxy S6 recently got its stamp of approval over at Bluetooth. This is another necessary certification and it’s a clear sign that Samsung and Sprint are moving forward with their release.
Sprint Galaxy S6 Edge Release Also Moves Closer
Sprint’s Galaxy S6 Edge release is also inching closer. Like its counterpart, the Sprint Galaxy S6 Edge has received clearance at both Bluetooth and the FCC, a sign that a release date announcement is getting closer. The fact that both of these devices have gained approval is a sign that we probably won’t see any kind of delay for the curved model in the U.S.
Galaxy S6 Deal
It’s also worth noting that Amazon, a retailer that always stocks Sprint smartphones, is currently offering a deal ahead of the Galaxy S6 release. Amazon says that those who sign up for more information about its Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge release will receive a promo code for 10% off a “single item from select Samsung Galaxy S6 companion accessory items sold and shipped by Amazon.com.”
Amazon says that the deal will last until March 31st and that promo codes will be sent out on or by May 1st. It’s worth keeping in mind if you’re already planning to buy one or the other on Sprint’s network.
Sprint Galaxy S6 Price, Colors & Storage
Sprint, like its rivals, remains quiet about the Galaxy S6 price, the colors that it will carry and the amount of storage it will offer. If you’re unfamiliar with Sprint’s past, here is a quick history lesson.
- The Now Network often tries to charge $50 more than its rivals on-contract. For example, the Sprint Galaxy Note 4 started at $350 before dropping down in price to $299.99.
- Sprint’s also been hesitant to offer every single storage option. Its Galaxy S4 arrived with just 16GB of internal storage (plus microSD) while its rivals AT&T and Verizon offered both 16GB and 32GB.
- We’ve also seen U.S. carriers, and retailers, get exclusive Galaxy smartphone colors in the past. Now that you’re caught up, here’s what we know right now.
A T-Mobile Galaxy S6 contest reveals the device’s ARV or its Approximate Retail Value. According to T-Mobile, the Galaxy S6’s ARV is $699. That doesn’t mean that carriers will charge $699 off-contract for the Galaxy S6 but it does give us a possible range for off-contract pricing at carriers like Sprint.
The Galaxy S5 arrived with an ARV of $700. Sprint, like AT&T, charges $650 off-contract for it. So with that in mind, we’re expecting a Galaxy S6 price that’s in the range of $600-700. On-contract, we’re not sure but we wouldn’t be surprised if Sprint tried to pull a fast one on customers. Either with a steeper price or some kind of rebate.
Thanks to pricing in Europe, we know that the Galaxy S6 Edge is probably going to be a lot more than the regular model. So if you’re leaning towards the Sprint Galaxy S6 Edge, you’re probably looking at a very expensive phone. While nothing is confirmed, this makes sense.
The Galaxy Note Edge, a curved Galaxy Note 4 variant, is $429.99 on-contact or $130 more expensive than the regular Galaxy Note 4. (See what we mean about Sprint charging more? The Galaxy Note Edge is $399.99 at other U.S. carriers.) We’ll almost certainly see a steeper price tag on the Galaxy S6 Edge, problem is, we still don’t know how the regular model will be priced.
As for storage, we know that Samsung’s going to offer three models for both. A 32GB base model, a 64GB model and a 128GB model. These will need to be considered because the Galaxy S6 doesn’t come with a microSD card slot. Sprint hasn’t confirmed anything and we’re already seeing confusing details emerge.
At Samsung UK, the Samsung Galaxy S6 is listed with 32GB, 64GB and 128GB storage options while the Galaxy S6 Edge is listed with 64GB and 128GB storage options. The 32GB model is nowhere to be found. At Samsung Netherlands, all three storage options are up for pre-order. A recent T-Mobile Galaxy S6 Edge teaser also touts the three storage options.
Again, we remind you that storage has been uneven in the past. While some carriers have opted to carry multiple options, others have opted to go with a more limited approach.
It will be interesting to see what Sprint and its fellow U.S. carriers do with the storage options. We’ve pointed this all out because you shouldn’t just assume that Sprint is going to carry all three variants.
The Galaxy S6 color situation is a mess too. Samsung UK lists all four colors for both the Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy S6. Samsung Netherlands has three color options up for pre-order (white, black, gold) and Samsung Canada only lists black and white options on its page.
We bring this up so that you temper your expectations as we get closer to the release. There’s a real good chance that Sprint will have a limited selection on release day so don’t settle on a color just yet.
So what are the key takeaways here? Let’s take a look:
- Sprint Galaxy S6 release dates MIA but April is looking good.
- Both models are moving closer to their public release.
- There’s an Amazon deal we think you should know about.
- And don’t settle on storage, colors or a certain price point just yet. There are some clues but it’s still very, very confusing. Not just in the United States but everywhere.
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After updating the 4th gen Apple TV to support the iOS Remote app on Tuesday, Apple says it plans to improve on the app itself in early 2016.
Apple VP Eddy Cue told Buzzfeed a new version of the Remote app will include the Siri functionality currently reserved for the dedicated remote.
“We’re working on a new Apple TV remote app that will give you the full functionality of the Siri Remote on your iPhone,” Cue said. “We’re hoping to ship that in the first half of next year.”
See also: Best Apple TV games
Once the new version of the app is rolled out to customers, they’ll have complete command of the Apple TV without using the bundled in Siri Remote.
Elsewhere in the interview, Cue talked up gaming on the new Apple TV claiming the category has been “pretty hot,” since the device went on sale at the end of October.
Related: iOS 10 release date
Cue said Apple wasn’t going after hardcore gamers, but hardcore games will be available on the Apple TV.
“I think the vast majority of people around the world probably aren’t looking to buy an Xbox or PlayStation. But that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy playing games. I think Apple TV expands the gaming market to those people.”


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A small group of young farmers started an initiative of collecting and sharing low tech on farm solutions, which then evolved into an digital open platform for disseminating innovations.
Projects & Practice
LEADER support helped establish a web school for local businesses providing them with the tools to better organise their work and market their services and products.
RDP funding helped improve a meat supply chain in Aude, France, boosting breeders’ income.
An inter-territorial cooperation project in Catalonia promoted the use of endogenous renewable energy and management plans contributing to climate change mitigation and adaption.
A Czech farm used EAFRD funds to improve its processing equipment, allowing to improve the quality and expand the range of sausages produced.
EU funding conrtibuted to create and promote a new cultural and culinary brand for the attractive Vistula valley in Poland, helping the region to entice tourists.
In Sweden, local non-profit associations, encouraged and supported by the public sector, are carrying out the building of broadband infrastructure in the countryside.
An ecovillage was developed on Sweden’s Gotland island using EAFRD funding, providing a model for environmentally-friendly accommodation, waste water treatment, food and energy production. The site is also a template for non-consumerist approaches.
A Polish NGO used EAFRD funding to promote local traditional foods from the Mazovia region through a culinary trail, a food contest and a series of educational courses.
A local producer of syrups and vinegars in Estonia used EAFRD funding to scale up production to create a business that sells to restaurants, shops and big suppliers.


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As American Airlines seeks a new competitive edge, business travelers could be among those to pay a price.
American’s bankruptcy will likely push ticket prices up for travelers over the long term, according to those who watch ticket prices closely, although the airline says it has not changed its pricing strategy.
Airline consolidation and capacity cuts, as well as high fuel prices, have led to ticket price jumps for the past couple of years. The average domestic fare increased nearly 17 percent in two years to $362 in the third quarter of 2011, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
“In order for American to achieve what they want to achieve, they’re going to have to cut costs and increase revenue,” said Rick Seaney, CEO of Dallas-based FareCompare, a ticket shopping website. “If they’re cutting costs and they’re changing out planes, increased revenue means they’re going to have to try to push through some increases. So the bottom line is prices are going to go up.”
Fort Worth-based American recently announced proposals to cut about 15 percent of its workforce, trim employee benefits and outsource some maintenance work to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Airline executives also said they plan to expand American’s network by 20 percent by increasing departures at its five hubs — Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles and New York — and increasing international flying.
Tim Smith, spokesman for American Airlines, said bankruptcy has not affected the airline’s approach to pricing its tickets. Fares are driven by supply, demand and competition in the market, he said.
“We’re competing and doing revenue management and yield management the same we have always done and the same way we will do in the future,” he said.
Steve McSwain, owner and executive vice president of ARTA Travel in Plano, said the added inventory at American’s hubs could drive down ticket prices in those cities.
McSwain said American has not eliminated any corporate benefits for customers since it declared bankruptcy in November. Corporate travel management makes up 60 percent of ARTA’s business.
“If (American) had a discount program with a corporation, they haven’t pulled that,” McSwain said.
He pointed out that American this month re-introduced free beer and wine for coach travelers on some international flights after eliminating the perk several years ago.
“I would say American is cognizant of the potential negative press and is doing everything they can to entice business travelers,” McSwain said.
Connie Meyers, senior account manager at Arlington-based etc group, said it’s not yet clear how the American Airlines bankruptcy will affect fares for North Texas business travelers. The company manages travel for locally based businesses including D.R. Horton, Energy Education, Pier 1, Cash America and Dean Foods.
“Everyone’s kind of waiting anxiously to see what will transpire over the course of the year if and when American comes out of bankruptcy,” Meyers said. “I don’t think they’ve changed their purchasing as a result yet.”
In general, Meyers said, business travelers have benefited from lower fares on routes where American faces competition from new arrivals to the market such as JetBlue, Virgin America and Spirit Airlines. North Texas companies have generally stayed with American because of their more expansive network, she said.
Meyers said she expects the lifting of the Wright Amendment in 2014 — which will allow Southwest Airlines to fly nonstop to any destination from Dallas Love Field — will also benefit the cost of tickets for business travelers.
Meyers said she expects ticket prices in the Dallas market to increase 5 percent to 10 percent in 2012 because of factors like volatile fuel prices and capacity cuts.
American has been weakened in the business travel market by the growth of its competitors. It fell from the largest U.S. airline to third — behind Delta and United Continental — as its competitors merged with one another.
Tom Horton, the president and CEO of American, has said in recent weeks that the airline intends to exit bankruptcy independently but could try to buy another carrier after leaving Chapter 11.
“The problem with American today is they’re so small as to be effectively meaningless,” said Robert Mann, an airline industry analyst who runs R.W. Mann & Co. in New York. “They’re the No. 3 network in a corporate environment that likes to buy from a single store.”
Analysts say airline mergers have resulted in higher fares as the consolidated airline eliminates duplicate routes.
George Hobica, president of Airfarewatchdog, a website that compares ticket prices, said American’s recent capacity cuts have contributed to the rise in ticket prices. However, if American’s bankruptcy plans are successful, it could help offset higher prices.
“They could afford to charge less eventually, because their cost of doing business will be less, so that may be a mitigating factor, if they succeed in renegotiating their union contracts and flying more fuel-efficient jets, which is their plan,” he said.