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Dublin, Jan. 04, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The “China NFT Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook – 50+ KPIs on NFT Investments by Key Assets, Currency, Sales Channels – Q2 2022” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.
NFT industry in China is expected to grow by 69.5% on an annual basis to reach US$4882.5 million in 2022.
The NFT industry is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 49.6% during 2022-2028. The NFT Spend Value in the country will increase from US$4882.5 million in 2022 to reach US$48332.2 million by 2028.
In 2021, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) were the most popular word, and the popularity is expected to continue in 2022. The NFT industry is also growing with new projects and players in China. This shows the significant growth potential of the Chinese NFT industry, suggesting that many opportunities are untouched or unexplored.
As the popularity of the NFT continues to grow in China, many of the largest internet companies have launched their own NFT trading platforms, which either function as an exchange or marketplace where Chinese consumers can buy and sell different types of digital assets. With the rising number of investors looking to get involved in the Chinese NFT market, there are more opportunities.
Instead of using the term NFT, China uses the term “digital collectibles” to describe non-fungible tokens because of the government’s opposition to cryptocurrencies. Despite the Chinese government’s concerns surrounding cryptocurrencies, the government is not planning to hinder the growing NFT market as long as it does not lead crypto traders away from conventional finance methods.
At present, most of the NFT transactions in the country are decoupled from cryptocurrencies. In China, NFT purchases are taking place directly through RMB, using traditional non-crypto means, such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, and bank cards for payment processing. The creators of NFTs in the country have not yet opened a secondary market for trading such tokens because of a series of regulations from the Chinese government. However, a pilot digital art trading market is expected to be launched by the government in 2022.
Among the factors that have driven the popularity of NFTs among the general public include the tech-savvy nature of consumers and the country’s high smartphone and internet penetration rate. Moreover, the ban on cryptocurrencies from the Chinese government has also supported the popularity of NFTs among consumers over the last 12 months.
The publisher expects the trend to continue over the next four to eight quarters as more and more players, including the government, are entering the NFT sector. This will subsequently drive the popularity of NFTs among the general public, thereby supporting the overall market growth from the short to medium-term perspective.
Leading players in the Chinese NFT market
Over the last 12 months, several major Chinese companies have jumped on the NFT bandwagon. These include internet tech giants, blockchain startups, retail brands, and art auction houses.
- In June 2021, Alipay announced the launch of 8,000 limited-edition NFTs in the country, based on two pieces of ancient artwork from the Dunhuang Caves.
- In August 2021, Tencent, one of the leading social media firms in the country, announced the launch of its NFT purchase and collection platform, Huanhe.
Apart from these big tech players, NFTCN is another leading player in the Chinese NFT industry.
Chinese media firms are launching NFT platforms and collections
As the popularity of the NFT continues to grow among the general public in China, firms across industry verticals are seeking to develop and launch innovative NFT projects in the country.
- In April 2022, People’s Daily, the official publication of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), is planning to develop and launch an NFT collection featuring traditional and modern Chinese paintings.
- In March 2022, Mango TV, the state-owned media firm, announced that it is planning to launch an NFT platform. Notably, the digital collectibles are expected to be based on the firm’s current IP holdings. However, if the platform grows, Mango TV is expected to seek new IP partners for developing and launching a range of digital collectibles over the next four to eight quarters.
- In December 2021, Xinhua News Agency, the state-run media firm, also announced that it plans to launch digital collectibles in the form of NFT. The publisher expects more such media-focused firms to launch their NFT platforms and collections over the next four to eight quarters, as the interest in NFTs continues to grow among the general public in China.
Reasons to buy
- Based on data and analysis, develop country-level strategies.
- Identify investment opportunities in growth segments.
- Exceed competition by incorporating forecast data as well as market trends.
- Use the relationships between major data sets with valuable insights to improve strategy.
- Appropriate for providing accurate, high-quality data and analysis to support internal and external presentations.
Key Topics Covered:
1 About this Report
1.3 NFT Definitions
2 China NFT Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators
2.1 China NFT – Total Sales Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
2.2 China NFT – Total Sales Spend Volume Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
2.3 China NFT – Average Value Per Transaction Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
3 China NFT Key Market Insight and Innovation
3.1 Consumer Behavior
3.2 Competitive Landscape and Growth Strategies
3.3 Regulation Trends
4 China NFT Market Size and Forecast by Key Assets
4.1 China NFT Market Share by Key Assets (%), 2021 Vs. 2028
4.2 China NFT Collectibles and Art Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
4.3 China NFT Real Estate Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
4.4 China NFT Sports Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
4.5 China NFT Gaming Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
4.6 China NFT Utility Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
4.7 China NFT Fashion and Luxury Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
4.8 China NFT Other Assets Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
5 China NFT Collectibles and Art Market Size and Forecast by Key Assets
5.1 China NFT Collectibles and Art Market Share by Key Assets (%), 2021 Vs. 2028
5.2 China NFT Collectibles and Art – Digital Art Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
5.3 China NFT Collectibles and Art – Music & Sound Clip Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
5.4 China NFT Collectibles and Art – Videos Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
5.5 China NFT Collectibles and Art – Memes & GIF Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
5.6 China NFT Collectibles and Art – Other Assets Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
6 China NFT Market Size and Forecast by Currency
6.1 China NFT Market Share by Currency (%), 2021 Vs. 2028
6.2 China NFT Currency Ethereum – Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
6.3 China NFT Currency Solana – Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
6.4 China NFT Currency Avalanche – Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
6.5 China NFT Currency Polygon – Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
6.6 China NFT Currency BSC – Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
6.7 China NFT Currency Flow – Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
6.8 China NFT Currency WAX – Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
6.9 China NFT Currency Ronin – Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
6.10 China NFT Other Currencies – Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
7 China NFT Market Size and Forecast by Key Sales Channels
7.1 China NFT Market Share by Key Sales Channels (%), 2021 Vs. 2028
7.2 China NFT Primary Market – Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
7.3 China NFT Secondary Market – Spend Value Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
8 China User Statistics of Internet and Population, 2019 – 2028
8.1 China Internet Users Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
8.2 China Internet Penetration Rate, 2019 – 2028
8.3 China Adult Population Trend Analysis, 2019 – 2028
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/je3kc5
ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world’s leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900


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Danish accessories and shoe brand Pieces recently opened a pop-up store on the popular shopping street Vimmelskaftet in Copenhagen.
Posts Tagged ‘copenhagen’
The shop fit which was done by the in house design team has taken inspiration from the industrial lofts of New York and combined it with on trend materials like copper and metro tiles. To give the department a Scandinavian feel light driftwood has been used on main surfaces. To create smaller environments industrial glass walls with integrated shelves was used.
True to form, GamFratesi has decked out The Standard – a large restaurant in Copenhagen – in modern, understated Nordic fashion. Located in a historical building – a customs house from 1937 – the project features the Danish duo’s own designs such as the Beetle Chair, which was launched by Gubi earlier this year at the Salone del Mobile.

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The Village Improvement Association of Rehoboth Beach will present its Fourth Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon Saturday, April 5, at the Rehoboth Beach Country Club. A silent auction, ticket auction and baskets of cheer will add to the fun of the show. The event is now sold out.
Getting ready for the big event are (l-r) Delaware Sen. Ernie Lopez, R-Lewes; VIA models Debbie Iammateo and Melissa Thoroughgood; and Rep. and Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach. Lopez and Schwartzkopf will serve as escorts for the models in the show.


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Haute Couture Spring 2017 in Paris, January 22-26
Right after Paris Men’s Fashion Week Fall 2017 it comes one of the most awaited moment of the year within the fashion industry: Haute Couture. Spring 2017 fashion shows are going to be hosted in Paris from 22 to 26 January. On the runways we will see collections by the members of the Chambre Syndical de la Haute Couture Parisienne and some foreign and guest members that every year present their creations to press and buyers.
Among the official members of the Chambre de la Haute Couture this year we see two new entries: Maison Schiaparelli and Julien Fournié. Atelier Versace instead decided not to show the new haute couture collection because of the high number of collections presented every year by the Italian maison.


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WILMINGTON, Delaware (Reuters) - Bankrupt electronics retailer RadioShack Corp got court approval on Monday to borrow $10 million to support its operations until it opens the bidding this month for its best-performing stores.
RadioShack, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week, has an initial deal to sell as many as 2,400 of its 4,100 stores to an affiliate of hedge fund Standard General, one of the lenders and its largest shareholder. But that agreement is subject to higher bids.
Lawyers for RadioShack and creditors worked on Monday to modify the terms of the interim bankruptcy loan, which was originally proposed at $14 million. Some creditors had objected to the terms, saying they would lock RadioShack into a rushed sale to Standard General, which is also providing a portion of the bankruptcy loan.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Brendan Shannon in Wilmington, Delaware approved the interim financing and set a Feb. 20 hearing to consider RadioShack’s request for approval to borrow up to $285 million.
At the same hearing later this month the company will ask Shannon to approve procedures for bidding on RadioShack’s assets. The company is in the process of closing around 1,100 stores that it was unable to shut outside bankruptcy due to disagreements with lenders.
RadioShack posted 11 straight quarterly losses after failing to transform itself into a destination for mobile phone buyers.
Standard General has said it is working with Sprint Corp to open mobile phone sales centers in at least 1,750 of the RadioShack stores it plans to acquire. The sale agreement with Standard General will be subject to higher bids, and RadioShack’s lawyers have said the company will even consider proposals from liquidators.
The case is In Re RadioShack Corp, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware, No. 15-10197.
Reporting by Tom Hals; Editing by Richard Chang


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Flexibility leads to loyalty according to PATA CEO
Mario Hardy says the industry has to nurture relationships and make allowances that people will remember
Fee-waiving initiatives are becoming an increasingly prevalent practice at the moment, with hotels and airlines alike taking part. Travel restrictions and bans put into question the holiday plans of people around the globe, with countries enforcing stricter policies each day. Companies in the hospitality and travel sector have to accept the fact that cancellations will be made and offer greater flexibility to guests.
According to Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) CEO Mario Hardy, this is exactly the right approach if a company wants to come out the other side 2020. In an interview with Hotelier Middle East, Hardy said companies must “either provide refunds, to give people the ability to rebook at a later stage or to give credits or points to exchange for future bookings.” Hardy added: “It’s a wise approach for hotels, airlines, tour operators and travel agencies to provide some flexibility. Everyone is having this challenge at the moment so if you give a little more flexibility and you’re generous to your guests, you’ll earn their loyalty over time. People will remember that.”
Hardy also touched on nurturing relationships. He suggested: “You can still send some messages of passion and support to China to show that you care. This will lead to a strong bond with your suppliers in China. If you offer flexibility to those suppliers, they’ll remember that once the industry recovers.”
PATA is monitoring the current situation closely and recently opted to cancel its annual summit this year.


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Phone Calls Demanding Payment of Traffic Fines Are a Scam
The Maine Secretary of State's office is warning Mainers of yet another phone scam. The person on the phone identifies themselves as being from the Department of Motor Vehicles and demands immediate payment of fines.
Secretary of State Matt Dunlap says this is yet another way scam artists are trying to get money and personal financial information from Mainers. The caller tells the potential victim that they have unpaid fines with the Department of Motor Vehicles and, if the fines are not paid immediately, their driver's license will be suspended. Obviously, this is a frightening threat for most people who rely on that license to work, get to the grocery store, and transport their children.
The caller then tells them they can pay the fines immediately, over the phone. Dunlap says the DMV will NEVER contact you this way. It's a scam and the best thing you can do is to hang up the phone immediately. Don't even get into a conversation with the caller. Just hang up.
Another scary aspect to this scam is that your caller ID will show 'Maine DMV.' That's a new practice scammers are using called 'spoofing.' They have computer programs that can hack into what your called ID says. So, if you get one of these calls, don't trust the caller ID. And don't use that number to try and call back to see if it's a legitimate call.
It bears repeating that you should never give any personal information over the phone on a call that you did not initiate. If you call the electric company, for instance, to pay your bill, at a number you took off the bill, then that's one thing. But if someone calls you and asks for your credit card number, social security number, or even your mother's maiden name, hang up.


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- 1 min read
Twitter inks over 35 premium video content deals in APAC
Twitter has joined hands with entities like International Cricket Council (ICC), Filmfare Awards, NDTV and Network18
Microblogging platform Twitter today said it has signed more than 35 partnerships in the Asia Pacific region for premium video content.
These partnerships will help bring hundreds of hours of new exclusive videos and live original programming, live games and events on to the platform, Twitter said in a statement.
The announcement also includes extensions of existing global live deals, it added.
"Live is at the core of Twitter. In Q2, we streamed over 1,200 hours of live premium content globally from leading brands across sports, esports, news, and entertainment...Asia Pacific is the growth engine of Twitter," Twitter Global VP of Revenue and Operations Matthew Derella said.
Maya Hari, Managing Director of Asia Pacific at Twitter, said digital video consumption is growing rapidly in Asia Pacific and estimated to grow to over a billion by 2020.
Twitter had about 328 million monthly active users in the June 2017 quarter.
"Introducing over 35 live and in-stream video sponsorship deals today to APAC advertisers will strengthen the success of our only-on-Twitter experience in the region," she added.Some of the other partnerships from India include Breakfast with Champions/Gaurav Kapur, Cricbuzz, Premier Futsal India, Anupama Chopra and Film Companion, Red Chillies Entertainment, Yash Raj Films, and Rolling Stone India. SR MR


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Last year, Nintendo released the Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System, known better as the mini NES. Upon release, it was a huge success, selling out within minutes to consumers and scalpers alike. Unfortunately, thanks to Nintendo’s notorious supply issues, getting your mitts on one after launch was an impossibility unless you wanted to pay over double the retail price. Still, it was a critical success, barring a few cord length issues.
This year Nintendo will repeat the trick with the Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System, which is even more of a mouthful than it’s big brother!
Unsurprisingly, Pre-orders for this nifty little machine have once again sold out, though Nintendo maintains it will not suffer from the same supply issues that plagued the mini NES and the Switch. (we will hold our judgement until after launch to see if they are correct.)
If the success of the mini NES and SNES have told us anything, it is that retro sells. And it sells big.
The world is going through a retro phase at the moment. Former movie series’ are being rebooted to varying degrees of success. Planet of the Apes. Yes. The Mummy. No. High-street brands, long dead, are returning to their, ahem, former glory and music is seeing the return of the LP as a viable listening experience, if a little hipster. We prefer the good ol’ CD and Walkman pairing ourselves.
Recently, Sony has attempted to capitalise on this trend. The creators of the PlayStation have remade or remastered many of their games in recent years. Crash Bandicoot, Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts have all got the treatment. Crash and the not yet released Final Fantasy VII are full remakes, and Kingdom Hearts was remastered. Again.
But, could Sony join their Japanese competitor and release a scaled down mini version of their very first console, the PSOne?
The short answer is yes. Sony could very easily manufacture a PSOne Mini and fill it with all manner of games from the past. Spyro, Gran Turismo, Tomb Raider and Metal Gear, could all make their way onto the console. These are games unlikely to get the remake treatment that Crash Bandicoot has been given, yet Sony could still get in on that sweet retro cash without the investment in rebuilding them from the ground up.
The biggest stumbling block to a mini PSOne would be licensing issues. The mini NES was filled mainly with Nintendo published games. They own the IP, so they don’t have to accrue licensing rights. Capcom, Konami and Namco were the only publishers Nintendo had to do business with for the mini NES.
The PSOne Mini would not have that luxury. The cost of paying publishers could outweigh the benefits of the system, something Sony would be aware of if they planned such a console. What would Square Enix charge for Tomb Raider, a PlayStation icon, for example? Depending on the answer, it simply might not be worth it for Sony. Plus, would Square or Konami, even allow such huge and still running franchises to be used on a system like a potential PSOne mini. If you removed games like Crash and Final Fantasy 7 (already or being remade) and Tomb Raider and Metal Gear (currently running series/publishers unlikely to allow it) then would the system even sell that well? Seems unlikely.
Sony doesn’t have a console on the horizon for this year, a PSOne Mini could be the ideal answer, especially if Sony has a weak first party game line up for this fall. It looks unlikely that Sony will release a PSOne mini ever, let alone this year, but if they do, and with certain games, it would almost certainly rival any Nintendo mini system for popularity. And we would be first in the queue to get our claws on one.


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Media Release: Tuesday, August 24, 2021, 06:30 CAT | Source: Luno
As more people become familiar with cryptocurrencies, you may be wondering what it’s all about and whether now is the right time to buy Bitcoin. Are you too late to get involved in the world of crypto?
Luno, South Africa’s leading cryptocurrency exchange, says you are still an early adopter if you are buying crypto for the first time even now. “The world has just started to recognize the potential of cryptocurrencies, so there is definitely more time to get involved,” says Marius Reitz, Luno’s GM for Africa, “Over the past few months, we’ve seen adoption mature, and the desire to understand and get involved in crypto continues to grow.”
The first step is to understand what the fuss is about. As an emerging technology, it is often compared to the internet in the 1990s – within the first decade, the internet’s multiple uses gradually became apparent. Bitcoin and the technology behind it is considered by many to be the payment system of the future – the main reason most Bitcoin holders have taken a long-term view.
“The problem Bitcoin is solving is much more important than whether it is too early or too late to buy crypto. Bitcoin is a new way of looking at our financial system; one that’s more transparent, open, and fair. It makes money more useful and helps it keep its value, providing a hedge against rising inflation and currency devaluation,” says Reitz.
Bitcoin crosses many lines: it can be used for payment, like a currency; it can be used as a store of value since it has controlled supply, like gold or other commodities; and it derives more value and utility from developers who improve the code and ways it can be used. Reitz cautions that it is still early days and that while Bitcoin has soared into a trillion-dollar industry, Bitcoin’s market cap is only about 10% of the gold in circulation.
“Luno believes that Bitcoin will play a key role in how we think about and use money in the future and for this reason, we don’t predict price,” says Reitz. A longer-term view shows crypto to be on an upward trajectory, even with massive price drops. The extreme volatility is expected to continue through more fits and starts.
Bitcoin has broken through all-time price highs in 2021. Since the start of May, the Bitcoin price first dropped by 30% but has now rebounded, rising from R571,954 on 4 August to trade at around R690,000 today. Many believe that the price of the world’s largest cryptocurrency will continue to rise.
BTC price since 2013
Global financial institutions are increasingly getting involved in crypto. Payment giant PayPal, for instance, is launching the ability to buy and sell crypto and Mastercard plans to give merchants the option to receive payments in cryptocurrency this year.
There are also several high-profile companies choosing to place millions of dollars of their treasury reserves into crypto, including Tesla, Grayscale, and Squared. Wall Street giants like JP Morgan, who were initially very skeptical about crypto, are now launching services to ensure their clients can include their crypto investments in their portfolios.
Says Reitz, “We haven’t yet seen the same level of corporate adoption in Africa, but there is greater adoption in countries with volatile currencies and where it is difficult to transfer money. When crypto payments become mainstream and people are more familiar with it, Bitcoin’s value will become much more apparent.”
Bitcoin’s design ensures that there will only ever be 21 million Bitcoin in circulation. Since the start of the global crisis caused by Covid-19, Bitcoin is seen by many as a hedge against inflation.
Traditional currencies are losing value as governments worldwide print money which reduces the value of fiat currency. When you see Bitcoin as a kind of insurance policy against the deterioration of your money, you realize that it’s a smart way to protect your wealth.
If you’re ready to buy crypto, here are some tips to get you started:
- Do your homework – every smart investment begins with educating yourself. What is Bitcoin, how does it work and what problems does it solve? Ensure you get your information from credible sources. Luno has a free learning portal and blog.
- Don’t invest more than you can afford to lose – you could easily get caught up in the excitement, but it is important to stay level-headed.
- Use a credible platform like Luno with a good reputation – buy through a platform with proven safety and security measures to keep your money safe. Watch out for scammers who offer to invest your crypto on your behalf. Rather invest yourself. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
- Set realistic goals – consider investing smaller amounts on a regular basis (the rand cost averaging technique) to grow your Bitcoin slowly and steadily. Sometimes you will invest when the price is higher and sometimes lower.
- You don’t need to buy a whole Bitcoin – one Bitcoin currently goes for over R500,000, but you can buy a fraction of a Bitcoin for as little as R10 on Luno
You can download Luno’s simple-to-use app to get started.
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This article is a Media Release received from Luno. Global Crypto did not receive any form of compensation for its publication, and as this material is deemed newsworthy for the Southern African blockchain industry, it was thus published accordingly.


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Where it all started…
During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread lockdowns, so-called live shopping gained extraordinary popularity, especially on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Despite their wide reach, the portals on which the “lives” were conducted lacked the proper infrastructure for “live” trading. Despite the fact that this method of sales is rather associated with innovation, the main fiddle in the administrative part was not played by advanced interfaces, but by paper and pen, on which successive orders placed by viewers were written down. This often resulted in chaos, which on the one hand led to many amusing situations, but on the other hand, posed a serious challenge for small businesses, especially in the apparel industry, where unpaid and unclaimed orders often began to threaten the financial stability of companies.
SOLD! – A modern solution to the challenges of live shopping
In response to these challenges, an idea for an app that will streamline the live shopping process was developed. The founders of the SOLD! app promise to automate sales during live commerce sessions, allowing sellers to focus on what matters most – selling effectively and providing valuable content for buyers.
SOLD! will be distinguished by advanced features that are expected to be an integral part of live shopping. The app will offer a variety of instant payment options: from card payment, to various mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay, and Google Pay. This functionality will affect the buying process, making it smooth and seamless, thus enabling buyers to make immediate purchases during the live sales event. This is also a major plus for sellers – as the problem associated with buyers “reserving” goods and ghosting will be solved.
In addition, SOLD! will offer even more functionality familiar from e-commerce, but previously unavailable on the social media platforms used for live events, such as the ability to track orders in real time, and a rating and review system for both items and sellers.
Global trends and market outlook for SOLD!
SOLD! is part of the global trend of live shopping, which is growing particularly rapidly in Asian markets. The application has ambitions to replicate this success in European markets, offering a unique combination of live interactivity and advanced features typical of standard eCommerce. The founders of SOLD! believe that in doing so they will respond to growing consumer expectations for a more engaged and immersive shopping experience.
Polish live commerce app SOLD! available soon!
The founders of SOLD! plan to release apps for iOS and Android mobile platforms later this year. SOLD! promises to be accessible to small local businesses, large online stores and even individual retailers alike. The app’s development, supported by co-financing from European Funds, underscores its innovative potential in the retail sector.
SOLD! a new player in the live commerce world
SOLD! faces the opportunity to revolutionize the live shopping landscape in Europe, and the world, addressing the shortcomings of traditional sales methods and introducing user-friendly features. With the automation of the live shopping process, a variety of payment options, reviews, and the ability to track order shipments, the SOLD! has the chance to redefine online retailing in Poland and the European market, opening a new era in the digital shopping experience.
Read more: www.soldlive.eu


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The folks at Paws, Inc and PixFusion.com are launching a new service that allows individuals to insert their face into an animated Garfield comic strip – much like JibJab animations. Jim Davis, who created the cat decades ago, said he embraced the opportunity to put readers in his strips, noting that his cat has long […]
Peanuts Worldwide, the newly formed joint venture between Iconix Brand Group (Nasdaq: ICON) and Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates today announced that it has signed a new five year deal with ABC Network for the popular PEANUTS animated holiday specials. The beloved Emmy Award winning specials, including the iconic “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “A Charlie […]
The Press Democrat has an excellent report on Craig Schulz, Charles Schulz’ son and his work as president and CEO of Creative Associates – the company that manages licensing for the Peanuts characters. Earlier this year, Craig Schulz found himself in the national news again, when the Schulz family made a $175 million deal with […]
The comic strip may be ending this Sunday, but Little Orphan Annie is heading back to Broadway. According to the Associated Press, Producer Arielle Madover has acquired the production rights to the comic strip and the return is scheduled for the fall of 2012.
Just noticed the early organization of a new movement inside the Tea Party movement called Replace This Face March. Looks like some capitalist activity taking advantage of the Tea rage, but anyway… the goal is to get two or three million Americans (party affiliation agnostic) all wearing the same t-shirt on October 16 for “the […]
Iconix Brand Group Inc. and the Charles M. Schulz family has bought the rights to the Peanuts comic strip and other assets from United Features Syndicate and E.W. Scripps Co for $175 Million. The family will have a 20% share of the rights. According the a Reuters story, Iconix projects a $75 million annual royalty […]
A collectors item I’m sure. The Government of the British Virgin Islands is delighted to announce a new coin release celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Peanuts, the famous cartoon strip featuring Charlie Brown and his dog, Snoopy. British Virgin Islands Commemorative 60th Anniversary of Peanuts Silver Proof Coin Featuring Snoopy. Also Minted are Proof Gold […]
United Media and LTL PRINTS are now launching a series of artwork and giant character cut-outs from Scott Adam’s Dilbert comic. Sizes vary up from one foot tall to seven. Peanuts characters are also in the works.
Pet Sitters International has announced it will begin using characters from the Garfield comic strip to help its member programs market their services. From the press release: “PSI is all about educating our members and our members are all about pampering their clients’ pets,” said Terry Chance, PSI marketing director. “Garfield is definitely an intellectual […]
Today kicks of the two day Success in Comics seminar in Las Vegas organized by Tundra creator Chad Carpenter and marketing guru Bill Kellogg. The two were also the first speakers each telling how they grew Tundra to produce a living outside of syndication. Chad talked about the first dozen years were he started the […]
The Walt Disney Co. said Monday it is acquiring Marvel Entertainment Inc. for $4 billion in cash and stock. Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of 5,000 Marvel characters.
Dagwood’s Sandwich Shoppes, co-founded by Blondie cartoonist Dean Young who started the franchise back in 2006 to capitalize on the Dagwood sandwich made infamous in the Blondie comic, is struggling – at least in Clearwater Fl where the shop has laid off all by four employees – a skeleton crew. The company, which has national […]
» New York Daily News cartoonist and writer Bill Gallo was the honored guest speaker at the fifth annual Honor the Free Press Day where he talked about his World War II experience and how it made him a better journalist. » The San Diego Union-Tribune found a buyer. I don’t know how that will […]
At the first of this year, the Popeye character entered into the public domain in Europe. In the US, the copyright is still in play until 2024 because US law protects works for 95 years after the death of the creator instead of the 70 years that Europe observes. That said, King Features still owns […]
According to an article on Mint, comic strip characters have the recognition of celebrities at a fraction of the cost when it comes to businesses using them to build brand recognition and advertising campaigns. Due to an economic downturn worldwide, using comic strip characters is a growing trend because in addition to the cost, the […]


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Earlier this year, a startup called Olive launched its new shopping site and app with the goal of making e-commerce more efficient, convenient and sustainable by offering a way for consumers to aggregate their orders from all retailers in one-time shipments that arrive in reusable packaging, not cardboard. If the items must be returned, those same packages are reused. Otherwise, Olive will come back to pick them up. Since its debut in February 2021, the company has grown to include more than 100 retailers, predominantly in the fashion space. Today, it is expanding again by adding support for another 25 beauty retailers.
Launch partners in the new effort include brands such as Supergoop!, Kora Organics, Pai Skincare, Erno Laszlo, Jecca Blac, Sahajan, Clark’s Botanicals, NuFace, Purlisse, Cover FX, LYS Beauty, SiO Beauty, Peace Out Skincare, Koh Gen Do, Julep Beauty, In Common Beauty, Indie Lee, Glow Recipe, Ursa Major, RMS Beauty, Ceremony, Sweet Chef, Follain and BalmLabs.
They join Olive’s numerous clothing and accessories retailers such as Adidas, Superga, Rag & Bone, Birdies, Vince, Goop, Khaite, and Veronica Beard, among others.
To support the expansion, Olive also developed a new set of reusable packaging that has protective elements for the most damaging items. Whereas before the company had offered a variety of packages such as soft-sided garment bags and various sizes of stiffer containers (see below), it is now introducing its own alternative to the air bubble strips that you will find in most. out of Amazon boxes these days. . The Olive version is integrated into its reusable packaging and can be easily deflated by the customer when it comes time to return the package at pick-up time.
Olive’s idea is timely. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, e-commerce adoption has exploded. But so has the fault of consumers. Multiple packages arrive at the doors each week, with cardboard and plastic for recycling, if available in your area. Delivery trucks (Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and others) are now a daily sight on every city street. Meanwhile, market leaders like Amazon and Walmart seem very keen on increasing speed of delivery, not necessarily efficiency and sustainability. (Amazon allows buyers choose an Amazon Day delivery, for consolidated shipments, but it is optional).
Olive founder Nate Faust says he was inspired to build the company after realizing how little interest there was from the big e-commerce players in tackling some of the market’s downsides and inefficiencies. Faust had previously served as Vice President of Quidsi (which ran Diapers.com and Soap.com and sold to Amazon), later co-founder and COO of Jet, which was acquired by Walmart for $ 3.3 billion. Before Olive, he was a senior vice president at Walmart.
After some soul searching, he realized he wanted to build something in the e-commerce space that would focus more on social and environmental impact, not just driving growth and consumption.
“I had an epiphany one night taking out the trash and recycling,” explains Faust. “It’s crazy that we’re so far into e-commerce and this is the status quo delivery experience – all this waste, which is both an environmental issue and a nuisance to consumers,” he says. “And the bigger problem than packaging is actually the fact that most of those packages are delivered one at a time, and those last-mile emissions are actually the largest contributor of carbon emissions in the supply chain of post-purchase e-commerce. “
Consumers may not think of all problems, because many of them are hidden, but they struggle in ways other than dealing with waste. Returns are still a hassle, so much so that Amazon now allows customers go to Kohl’s where it partners in in-store return kiosks that also help the brick and mortar retailer increase their own foot traffic.
Also, consumers shopping on different sites have to set up online accounts over and over again, entering addresses and payment information many times, which is a hassle. Olive offers the convenience of an Amazon-like one-stop-shop experience on that front.
Meanwhile, Olive addresses the issue of return by allowing consumers to simply place their unwanted items in Olive’s packaging and then drop them off at their doorstep or with the building doorman for return. It works with both the USPS and a network of local carriers to serve customers in its current footprint of about 100 million US consumers on both coasts.
While customers don’t have to deal with packaging, it hasn’t been completely removed from the equation at this point. Olive today partners with retailers who ship packages to their own West and East Coast warehouses, where they repackage them into reusable containers for delivery to customers. Right now, that means Olive is responsible for the recycling issues. But it is working with its brand partners to pack orders directly into reusable packaging from scratch, before shipping them to Olive’s consolidation warehouses for delivery. Today, he has a few retailers on board with this effort, but he hopes it will eventually expand to include all partners.
The company generates revenue with an affiliate commission model, which works for now. But over time, that business model may need to evolve over time, as your customer base and partnerships grow. Today, around 10,000 consumers have used Olive, ahead of any large-scale customer acquisition and marketing efforts by the startup.
For now, New York-based Olive is growing her business through a fundraising from around $ 15 million from investors, including Invus, Primary Venture Partners, and SignalFire.


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Let’s check out the Yahoo Finance charts of the day.
Tesla (TSLA): Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the electric-car maker would remain public. In a blog post, Musk said he was confident the deal would have been funded, but said Tesla shareholders expressed that they wanted the company to remain public
Twitter (TWTR): On September 5, 2018, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey will testify before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Chairman Greg Walden said the committee wants more information on how Twitter monitors and polices content.
United Continental (UAL): United Airlines is abandoning its stock listing on the New York Stock Exchange and transferring its stock listing to the Nasdaq exchange, effective Sept. 7, 2018. The move was partly due to an ongoing effort to control costs.
For more on today’s big stock movers check out the Final Round, live at 3:30 p.m. ET, right here on Yahoo Finance.


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Stone Enterprises News
Find all the latest updates about Stone Enterprises including company news, industry news, new custom machinery production, and more.
Stone Enterprises is pleased to introduce ULMA Inoxtruck ergonomic, portable material handling equipment as the latest addition to our product...Read More
New Hire Announcement
Stone Enterprises is pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Joseph (Joe) Montalbano to our growing team of Regional Sales Representatives. Joe...Read More


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Linfox is investing in new site infrastructure and fleet for its busy Auckland, New Zealand DC, as part of the company’s commitment to safe, secure and efficient operations.
Part of a broader site transformation, the investment includes new safety barriers, walkways, security assets, building and technical upgrades. A wider fleet investment also sees new forklifts, auto-wrappers and counter-balancers further streamline customer operations in a safe and compliant way.
The busy Māngere, Auckland site houses the Linfox New Zealand head office, and a warehouse servicing some 20 Linfox customers across the retail, consumer goods, resources, industrial and intermodal sectors.
“We are creating a better, safer facility for everyone onsite – team members, customers, suppliers and visitors alike – and our people were able to influence the upgrades early on,” explained Linfox President Resources, Industrial and New Zealand, Scott Nicholls.
Improvements were heavily guided by insights from on-the-ground team members, with several workshops and discussions informing how to best optimise the site.
Upgrades improved the tunnel linking the two warehouses onsite. An easier and safer passage is now available through this main thoroughfare, used by vehicles and equipment to move between both buildings, and as a key area for loading and unloading.
Open plan office improvements give Linfox NZ teams the chance to engage and collaborate. From problem solving and ad-hoc discussions to creative idea sessions, the upgrades support a culture of innovation and openness.
Clean fleet is a Linfox hallmark: A new truck wash forms part of the site investment.
New barriers enhance safety for teams and visitors throughout both warehouses and inward goods.
Fleet upgrades include new forklifts and counterbalancing equipment for safe, efficient and agile warehouse operations.
Growing stronger with The Arnott’s Group
Linfox Auckland has managed a seamless move from a direct-to-store to a central DC supply chain model for The Arnott’s Group customers, Foodstuffs PAK’nSAVE and New World.
“Linfox now transports full pallets directly to these customer DCs, significantly reducing daily load volumes for a more efficient logistics task,” said Linfox New Zealand National Warehouse Manager, Ashley Green.
This saw the Linfox team manage an extra 60 full truck loads over a two week period, in addition to the usual stock required to satisfy customer demand.
“We seamlessly managed this change to preserve day to day operations and minimise impact to The Arnott’s Group and their customers.”
The transition was the biggest change to The Arnott’s Group’s distribution and logistics channel since 2014.
“The Arnott’s Group is the largest Foodstuffs North Island vendor to date to adopt the central warehouse model, which has been embraced by the teams on all sides,” said The Arnott’s Group National Supply Chain Manager NZ, Chris Vernel.
“The project took months of planning and was made possible by the engagement and expertise of the Linfox Auckland team,” he said.


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We are excited to announce that will be be hosting our 6th
International LPU Summit on August 17 in Camden, NJ*. Previous LPU Summit's have taken place in London, Sydney, Chicago, Hamburg and Tokyo and included activities such as meet & greets with Linkin Park, backstage tours, walking across the stage, a jam band using LP's gear, watching soundchecks, acoustic sets by Linkin Park, Q&A's and more.
Passes for the Summit will be available to LPU members…
Pre-sale tickets for the Honda Civic Tour go on sale exclusively for LP Underground members starting today, April 23 at 10AM (local). To take advantage of this first access to pre-sale tickets, as well as early entry into the venue and opportunities for meet & greets, join the LP Underground now. You can get $5 off your LPU membership if you buy it with the new album,…Continue
We've launched a brand new feature on LPUnderground.com. Now, members can earn points for being active on the site, and redeem those points for some rare and exclusive merch in the points store. The more active you are on the site, the more points you earn.
If you're not already a member, you can take advantage of our new $25 Annual Membership tier which gives you access to the website, opportunities…Continue
Rob Bourdon will be taking a break from the studio to video chat with LPU members on Monday, January 30 at around 3:30pm PST. This time is subject to change, and might be earlier or later. Please arrive a little early just in case.
If you're not a member, now is a great time to join. We just launched a brand new, $25 LPU Annual Membership tier. With this new membership tier, you receive an LPU11 laminate and lanyard which gives you early entry to Linkin Park shows, opportunities for…Continue
We will be launching a new LPU auction this Friday, January 20 at 10:30 AM PST. LPU Auctions is a brand new benefit we launched during LPUX, and we’re excited to offer this benefit during LPU11. Head over to LPUauctions.com now to check out the items and register on the site. You must register with the auction site in order to bid on items. Only LPU members will be able to register.


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First look at iPad edition of Microsoft's Office suite
Microsoft has started offering an iPad edition of its Office software suite.
The software - versions of Word, Excel and Powerpoint designed for a touch-based screen - was unveiled at the firm's first launch event hosted by its new chief executive Satya Nadella.
Office is the US company's biggest money making product and the firm had been criticised for not releasing a version designed for Apple's machine, which is currently the bestselling tablet on the market.
The BBC's North America Technology Correspondent Richard Taylor was one of the first people outside the firm to be given a demonstration of the software.
27 Mar 2014


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- Peloton is slashing roughly 2,800 jobs amid falling demand for connected fitness.
- The cuts are part of cost-cutting measures expected to save the company $800 million a year.
- Recruiters have already started courting laid-off employees on LinkedIn.
Peloton announced Tuesday it is letting go of one-fifth of its corporate workforce. The company said it is cutting 2,800 jobs as one of several cost-cutting measures aimed at delivering the company $800 million in savings per year amid plummeting demand for connected fitness.
Within hours, recruiters from companies like Amazon and Spotify offered up their condolences — as well as advice, job referrals, and letters of recommendation. Some people even drafted spreadsheets to log the newly laid off as well as companies currently hiring.
Here's a look at some of the messages, as posted on LinkedIn:
A Spotify recruiter said "my heart is broken today for you guys" and asked Peloton employees to send over their resumes and reach out for letters of recommendation, referrals, or "simply to vent."
A technical program manager at Meta said for Peloton employees to be in touch if they wanted referrals.
An executive recruiting coordinator at Amazon offered to be "here for a referral, advice, or to vent."
A consultant offered to give recommendations and put in a good word at Deloitte Consulting for affected Peloton staff.
Peloton's social media director said of the laid-off staff, "I know every single one of them have many more masterworks in them, and you should get to be a part of what they do next." She made a spreadsheet where the company's newly laid off staff can say if they're open to work, and companies currently hiring can post relevant job openings. Open roles on this spreadsheet are from companies like Google, Snap, Adobe, and Spotify.
A former Peloton employee started a similar spreadsheet, which currently includes open roles from companies like Uber, Warby Parker, and Peloton rival Mirror.
Besides the layoffs, Peloton announced several other cost-cutting measures Tuesday, including scaling back its warehouses and delivery centers in favor of third parties and ditching plans to build its own $400 million factory in Ohio.
The company also said CEO John Foley is stepping down to become executive chair and will be replaced by Barry McCarthy, former CFO of Spotify and Netflix. Foley's exit as CEO adds to a growing pile of evidence suggesting the company is looking to sell. Companies like Amazon and Nike are reportedly interested in a deal with Peloton.
Are you a customer or employee of Peloton? Get in touch with these reporters via email or via Signal at 1-347-829-5826 using a non-work device.


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When Cyclone Harold tore through Vanuatu in April 2020, it left communities reeling from the destruction. Just two weeks earlier, the borders had shut due to the pandemic, and after the devastation caused by the Category 5 tropical cyclone, many people in Vanuatu saw their homes destroyed, food sources cut off and a lack of international aid due to the border closures. It was in the wake of this natural disaster that the idea for The Woven Club was born.
In 2021, with borders still shut and no international tourists to boost the local economy, many Ni-Vanuatu were still struggling to bounce back from the impact of the cyclone.
“This community project was born to help the mamas of the villages make enough money to send their children back to school, to feed their families and to help put a roof over their heads,” says Montana Gray, whose family owns and operates the Aore Island Resort in Espiritu Santo, in Sanma province. “Art and craft in Vanuatu is a rich part of the native culture and contrasts from island to island. Having refined their skills over generations, our beautiful weaving mamas are practised at weaving bags, baskets and mats from coconut and pandanus leaves.”
Every Tuesday and Thursday the women of the small island of Malo gather together to weave, laughing and singing as they craft everything from baskets and hats, to lampshades and floor mats. Starting with 30 local mothers, The Woven Club sold over 300 products in its first collection to the Australian market, which enabled them to expand the weaving team to 60.
“One of our new weavers is a retired teacher, and in our last meeting she pulled me aside and started bawling her eyes out. I said, ‘What’s wrong?!’ She said she saw her product on our social media and she couldn’t believe all the nice comments she was receiving, and she was so touched. She said her life is now changed forever,” says Gray.
An integral part of the project has been the opportunity to develop the women’s business skills. “We all know that South Pacific ladies have beautifully weaving talents passed down to them through generations, but to see their products being sold on an international level at fair trade prices has been incredible,” says Gray.
“The money that the community has made is also life changing. The women are now able to feed their families, most of them have done work on their houses and just being able to be financially independent as a woman in Vanuatu is absolutely game changing!
“It’s also amazing to see the mamas’ bond strengthen out of mutual respect for their craft and the realisation of pro table empowerment. The mamas have started dispersing the message throughout their villages that locally made handicrafts hold significance and can be equally sustainable and pro table.”
Their vision for the future is to build their own craft and community centre on Malo, where they can continue their crafting work and, once international borders are open, welcome tourists to weaving classes where they can learn the tradition of drying pandanus, hear first-hand the history of weaving and make their own woven handicrafts.
Visitors staying at the Aore Island Resort will also be able to purchase The Woven Club’s products at the resort.
The Woven Club is one of many enriching experiences to discover in Vanuatu.
To plan your holiday, visit vanuatu.travel


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Home » Posts tagged 'ceo'
Tag Archives: ceo
International Business Times: At his first CES keynote as Intel CEO, Brian Krzanich made a big play for wearable technology in 2014. He spoke eloquently about moving from “a world of screens and devices to a world of immersive experiences.”
The problem is that the world has already moved, and just like missing the boat on mobile, Intel is now playing catch-up in the new revolution in computing – known as the Internet of Things.
That is according to the Antoino Viana, executive vice president of commercial and blogal development at ARM, the UK-based company which creates and licences chip designs for everything from smartphones and tablets to washing machines and fridges. (more…)
Woojer Is A Wearable Audio Device That May Forever Change How You Experience Music, Film And Video Games!
A new personal audio device called Woojer launched on Kickstarter this morning, promising users a new level of immersion by actually allowing them to “feel the sound,” especially after reporting on ViviTouch’s haptic-based headphone technologyearlier this year.
On a basic level, Woojer is a silent, wearable device that reproduces bass frequencies. The same ones you feel hitting your chest when attending a live concert. It’s a tactile and borderline-emotional experience for music lovers, and no headphones in existence — nope, not Beats or Pulse — have been able to replicate it (yet).
Put simply, the box translates low frequency sounds into silent tactile sensations.
Combining technology and health monitoring is by no means a new concept. It started with basic pedometers several decades ago, which were more recently integrated into personal electronic devices like iPods and smartphones. Today, countlessmobile applications tracking everything from calories and weight loss to workouts and sleep cycles are available to the health-conscious, and they show no signs of decreasing in popularity.
With so many health tracking apps and devices out there, it might seem crazy for a new tech startup founded by three engineering graduates to try to break into the market. But Abhi Jayakumar, CEO of Ontario, Canada-based AIRO Health, realized that the product he and his co-founders had spent more than a year creating had the potential to revolutionize wearable health technology. While mostapps track just one aspect of health, the AIRO wristband monitors nutrition, stress, exercise and sleep patterns all at once, the company said.
HTC is having its fair share of trouble in the smartphone market, but the company sees new opportunities in wearable technology and tablets, its two top executives said in an interview.
Speaking to Financial Times in an interview published on Monday, HTC CEO Peter Chou said the wearable technology market is “a critical segment for us,” but he’s not so sure now is the time to jump into the space.
“It’s still too early,” Chou said of the wearable technology space. “It has to meet a need, otherwise it’s just a gimmick or concept, it’s not for people’s day-to-day lives.”
Chou’s comments come as interest in wearable technology continues to grow. Samsung, one of HTC’s biggest competitors, jumped into the wearable market in September with its Galaxy Gearsmartwatch. Products like the Pebble Watch, Sony SmartWatch 2, and FitBit Force are already trying to claim a spot in the wearable-tech space, and both Google and Apple are rumored to be working on smartwatches. Where HTC plans to fit into that lineup is unknown.
Until Chou decides it’s time to jump into wearable technology, his company will be focusing heavily on tablets, he told Financial Times. HTC has been practically silent on the tablet front, but chairwoman Cher Wang said in the interview that HTC is planning something big for the space and will launch the slate when the time is right.
Julia Bort reports that Evernote CEO Phil Libin is positive that Google Glass, and other computerized glasses, are “going to be huge,” he told Charlie Rose in an interview this week.
“I’m embarrassed that it’s 2013 and I’m wearing glasses not projecting anything into my eyeballs. That’s almost barbaric,” he quipped.
Such tech will not only be a tool to help us work and play, it will create a kind of psychological “hyperawarness” so potent that “once everyone gets used to it, you will feel stupid when you take it off,” he says.
Matthew Belvedere reports that wearable technology will have a “huge impact” on our lives in the next five to 10 years, and Apple will have an advantage in this arena, former Apple CEO John Sculley told CNBC on Monday.
“I think we’re at the beginning of o sensor revolution,” he said in a “Squawk Box” interview. “Wearables are about the passive ability of sensors to be able to monitor lots of different kinds of things.”
Sculley, co-founder of Misfit Wearables, was CEO of Apple from 1983 to 1993.


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The sequel to Blue Reflection will be coming west just a month after its Japanese launch. A physical Limited Edition is available to pre-order now.
After a quieter period, Chucklefish and Pixpil have provided lots of gameplay footage for Eastward. The adventure RPG is planned to launch later this year on PC, Mac, and Switch.
CrossCode’s expansion is heading to consoles next week. A New Home features a new story chapter following the events of the game and shows what happens to Lea and her allies.
During its Online Summer Festival livestream, Idea Factory International made multiple announcements. The Neptunia and Senran Kagura spin-off and Death end re;Quest 2’s Switch version are heading west, while Mary Skelter FInale gets a release date.
PQube released a new trailer for action RPG and farming sim hybrid Kitaria Fables. The video comes with news of a slightly adjusted release date.
The sequel to The World Ends with You is now available on PS4 and Switch. Players can now join Rindo and company in a brand new Reaper’s Game.
CyberConnect2 provided some final pre-release images and information for Fuga: Melodies of Steel. RPGamers can begin their fight against the Berman Army on Thursday.
Serenity Forge and White Rabbit released a new trailer for Death’s Gambit: Afterlife. The expansion will launch later this year, also bringing the game to Switch with its launch.
Astria Ascending will include its own tribute to Triple Triad and Tetra Master. Players will be able to participate in the J-Ster strategic mini-game when it launches later this year.
Story-driven adventure RPG Black Book has been given an August release date. The game is based on Slavic mythology and follows Vasilisa, a young woman who sets out to find the legendary artifact.
Hindsight 20/20: Wrath of the Raakshasa is a choice-focused action RPG. Developer Triple-I Games announced that it will launch on PC and consoles this September.
A new trailer for King’s bounty II shows its second playable character. Katharine is a noble human mage seeking to reclaim her usurped position.
Dangen Entertainment and Lunic Games’ Evertried will put players in the afterlife to conquer a mysterious tower. The rogue-lite RPG is set to release later this year, with a demo currently available via Steam.
RPGamer hits the links with the release of Mario Golf: Super Rush. Tight golf mechanics are frustrated by a tacked-on adventure mode.
Koei Tecmo and Gust offered some more details and media for Blue Reflection: Second Light. The update introduces an area known as Kokorotope, as well as the characters Shiho Kasuga and RefleNavi.
Fort Triumph has received a console release date. The tactical RPG will arrive on PS4, Xbox One, and Switch next month.
Kitaria Fables is an upcoming action RPG with an emphasis on providing optional farming and crafting gameplay. RPGamer had a chance to pick the brain of PQube’s Harrison Lewis, and take the game out for a spin.
Atlus posted its first news update video for Shin Megami Tensei V. The video introduces five more characters appearing in the game, as well as the Magatsuhi Skills system.
Humble Games and Pocket Trap’s Dodgeball Academia has a release date. The game will launch on PC and consoles in early August.
Fuga: Melodies of Steel received a new gameplay trailer ahead of its launch next week. In addition to fighting with their giant tank, the children will be able to explore ruins.


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At its Unpacked event in San Francisco, Samsung unfolded its first foldable smartphone Galaxy Fold and launched the new Galaxy S10 series smartphones. The company also launched three new smartwatches and the new edition of its truly wireless earbuds. What seemed missing from the massive event was the company’s rival to Apple’s HomePod, the Galaxy Home smart speaker. Launched back in August last year, Samsung’s Galaxy Home is now expected to launch in April this year.
Samsung’s head of mobile business, DJ Koh, told CNET that the much-awaited Galaxy Home smart speaker will launch by April this year. The Bixby-powered speaker was revealed alongside the Galaxy Note 9 last year.
Samsung had shown off the Galaxy Home again at a developer conference in November last year but didn’t reveal the launch timeline until now.
The Galaxy Home smart speaker aims to take on Apple HomePod with a focus towards better sound quality. Samsung says it worked with Harman, its subsidiary, to help create a speaker that offers good sound quality.
Samsung’s smart speaker is powered by the company’s virtual assistant Bixby. The initial demo wasn’t much of a success with Samsung executives facing issues trying to get Bixby to work properly during a live demo at the launch event last year. Users will be able to control the smart speaker using voice commands. Galaxy Home will act as a hub for the company’s SmartThings platform.
Galaxy Home features eight microphones that allow the speaker to listen to anyone no matter where they’re located in a room. Samsung claims its smart speaker can also ‘steer’ the sound towards the direction of the person.
Late last year, there were speculations that Samsung could be possibly working on a smaller variant of the Galaxy Home. If that turns out to be true, Samsung could launch the Galaxy Home in two variants by April this year, at two different price points.
It’ll be interesting to see how Samsung takes on the crowded smart speaker market. Amazon and Google are currently market leaders (in terms of shipments) in the smart speaker market with their Echo and Home speakers respectively. Apple is expected to launch a new variant of its HomePod speaker this year.


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LAHORE: The road to normalisation of relations between India and Pakistan can only be accessed through trade and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) can play a critical role in this regard, says the Indian envoy.
Talking to LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder and other businessmen at the chamber on Wednesday, Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale stressed that there was no better way of improving bilateral relations than mutually beneficial economic ties.
Long-term strategy for Pakistan-India relations
He revealed that the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry intended to organise a trade show in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) at the Expo Centre Lahore. The Lahore Chamber should be an active part of this mega event, he suggested.
The high commissioner said the Indian government had recently introduced multiple visas for three years exclusively for businessmen. These include visits to 15 Indian cities with exemption from police reporting. Moreover, the businessmen can travel to India by road and return via air.
LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder said traders of both countries were facing various obstacles that were hampering trade and economic activities between the two sides. He expressed the hope that bilateral trade would get a considerable boost in coming years.
Hyder suggested that regular exchange of delegations would greatly impact normalisation of trade and economic relations between the two countries.
“In fact, we are in favour of regional trade and gearing up for fair competition with India. The potential gains from increased economic integration are large whereas trade between the two countries is unnaturally small.”
Key Pakistani-Afghan trade deals stall on India, souring ties
Hyder was of the view that opening of trade with India would present countless opportunities to both the countries as currently non-tariff barriers being faced by Pakistani exporters were creating enormous problems.
He asked both countries to find ways to cut down the number of non-tariff hurdles because one or two bad experiences were pushing the exporters to change their mind.
He proposed that Pakistan and India should open consulate offices in Amritsar and Lahore for speeding up the process of visa endorsement. This way, the business community belonging to these cities will not have to travel to their respective capital cities for visa which is a loss of time and effort.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 18th, 2016.


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Apr. 8, 2019
Management / Financial Result
Culture / Sports
THE FUTURE OF BEAUTY BEGINS WITH A SPARK. Shiseido’s New Corporate Ad Campaign Launched April 8, 2019
Shiseido Company, Limited (“Shiseido”) launched its new corporate advertising campaign in Japanese national newspapers on Monday, April 8, 2019 upon reaching the company's 147th anniversary. The campaign, which marks the inauguration of its new research and development center, Shiseido Global Innovation Center (dubbed “S/PARK”), is a declaration of steadfast contribution to the creation of a better world through beauty under the new corporate mission, “BEAUTY INNOVATIONS FOR A BETTER WORLD”, which was renewed this year.
Against the sun-bathed S/PARK at dawn, a symbol of beauty innovation lighting up the future, the two researchers represent the Shiseido employees’ strong desire to create a beautiful, prosperous world.
*The content of the release is correct as of the time of release, but please note that it may in some cases differ from the latest information.


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While study was done before the current boardroom battle began, the findings indicate Tata is no longer viewed as aspirational brand by working professionals.
Once among the top five most attractive brands in India, the venerable house of Tatas has fallen off that perch this year, according to a study of the country’s most attractive brands released on Thursday.
The annual study, which comes out every October-November, has ranked Tata at seventh position, a drop of three spots from last year when it was ranked fourth. The fieldwork for this study was done in August-September this year, before the boardroom battle erupted between ousted Tata group chairman Cyrus Mistry and interim chairman Ratan Tata began.
N Chandramouli, chief executive, TRA, the agency that has released the study, says the findings indicate the mindset of working professionals, males and females in the age-group of 21-50 in the country’s top 16 cities, who are considered key influencers for most brands. TRA has spoken to 2,500 such individuals in these cities to arrive at the final results.
“The Tata brand was among the top five in 2013 and 2015, the last two times we released the (attractive brands) report. The drop now indicates that key influencers no longer consider the Tata brand to be aspirational. This has partly to do with the issues that the Tata group has been grappling with for a few years now, which is showing up in how key influencers perceive the brand,” he says.
TRA assigns values to brands based on their attractiveness quotient. Tata’s attractiveness quotient has seen a 20 per cent drop this year over last year, Chandramouli says.
Besides legacy issues that have dogged the Tatas, the brand appears to have not done enough in terms of its external communication to mould appeal among influencers.
“In order to influence and inspire their consumers, brands have to mould their outgoing communication to constantly and proactively accentuate their brand appeal. That has not been adequate enough in the case of the Tatas,” Chandramouli says.
The Tata brand is not the only one to see a drop in ranking this year. Samsung mobiles, which topped the list last year, has dropped to third spot, making way for durables major and rival LG to emerge the number one. Sony, also a durables major and rival to Samsung, has come in at number two this year. Both LG and Sony, have moved up a notch this year in terms of rankings, Chandramouli says.
While the Note 7 fiasco was not covered in the fieldwork for the study conducted this year, the drop in Samsung’s ranking reflects a sense of fatigue that key influencers feel about mobiles as a category.
“The mobile phone space has become cluttered in the last few years and the fall in ranking of Samsung this year is a reflection of that,” Chandramouli adds.
Apart from durables and mobile phones, the top ten list of attractive brands this year is dominated by automobiles (Honda, Maruti Suzuki), telecom (Airtel) and conglomerates (Bajaj and Tata).
Image: Ratan Tata. Photograph: Reuters.
No plans to eject Mistry from Indian Hotels
Senior independent directors on the board of Indian Hotels are planning to discuss the acquisitions made by the previous management led by former chairman and current Interim Chairman Ratan Tata in the crucial Indian Hotels board meeting in Mumbai on Friday. The removal of Cyrus Mistry as chairman of Indian Hotels is not on the agenda, and the board meeting is to consider the July-September 2016 quarter results.
In a scathing letter last week, former Tata Sons Chairman Mistry had said the group had made several bad acquisitions across group companies including Indian Hotels that could result in potential write-downs of $18 billion for the group.
A director on the board of Indian Hotels said senior directors, led by HDFC Chairman Deepak Parekh and former Hindustan Unilever chairman Keki Dadiseth, are likely to discuss the issues raised by Mistry. Both directors have an impeccable track record and command respect from both the Tata and Mistry camps.
“We will certainly raise the issue and frankly, this is something I have seen for the first time in my life,” a director on the board of Indian Hotels said, asking not to be quoted. “Cyrus has a good track record in solving the legacy issues at Tatas and has done a good job,” said he.
Shapoor Mistry, elder brother of Cyrus and director on the Indian Hotels board, will also attend the meeting. “Shapoor is not happy with the way the entire matter was handled by Tata. He is supporting his brother to the hilt,” said a source close to the development.
Mistry will not resign from any group companies where he is the chairman and is ready for legal battle with Tatas -- if need be, a family source said. Mistry is currently chairman of all top-listed firms. Tata Sons’ stake in these companies is low while the institutional/small shareholders own the rest. The Shapoorji Pallonji family owns 18.5 per cent in the Tata group holding company, Tata Sons. Tata Sons, in turn, holds 39 per cent stake in Indian Hotels.
Soon after his exit from Tata Sons, Mistry had said Indian Hotels or IHCL had acquired the SeaRock property in Mumbai at a highly inflated price and housed it in an off-balance sheet structure.
“In the process of unravelling this legacy, IHCL has had to write down nearly its entire net worth over the past three years. This impairs its ability to pay dividends,” Mistry had written in a letter to Tata Sons’ directors and trustees a day after he was removed. “Many foreign properties of IHCL and holdings in Orient Hotels have been sold at a loss. The onerous terms of the lease for Pierre in New York are such that it would make it a challenge to exit,” Mistry said.
In his letter to employees, Ratan Tata said the removal of Mistry from Tata Sons was absolutely necessary for the future success of the Tata group.
In its response to the stock exchanges on Mistry’s charges, Indian Hotels said all its reports and financial statements present a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the company has disclosed all material facts as required under applicable law.
Indian Hotels shares, meanwhile, have lost 16 per cent of their value, or Rs 2,000 crore, since October 24 when Mistry was ousted from Tata Sons. The stock closed at Rs 109 on Thursday as jittery investors sold its shares.
Ronen Sen lashes out at Mistry for leaking information
An independent director of Tata Sons, for the first time since the ouster of Cyrus Mistry as chairman of the group’s holding company, broke his silence over the controversy. Ronen Sen lashed out at Mistry for leaking selective information to media.
“I have not and will not comment on the veracity or otherwise of confidential and internal documents being leaked in a selective and motivated manner by ‘sources close to the former chairman’, contrary to norms governing privileged information. I leave it to you to arrive at your own conclusions on whether these orchestrated leaks, unless denounced by him, will enhance or further diminish the confidence of his fellow directors on the board of Tata Sons,” said Sen.
Sen said this in response to media reports pointing out that the nomination and remuneration committee of the Tata Sons Board lauded the erstwhile chairman for his performance and also recommended a substantial salary increase, four months before asking him to step down. Sen was chairman of the said committee along with Vijay Singh, the nominee director representing Tata Trusts, and Farida Khambata, an independent director.
“I will also not stoop to the level of the unidentified ‘person close to the former chairman’ who has implicitly questioned my integrity and explicitly alleged that I, and another respected colleague on the board, of ‘clearly having failed to apply their mind independently and discharge their fiduciary duty’ by dignifying the charge with a response,” said Sen.
He, however, indicated that there could have been developments between June 28, the day nomination and remuneration committee met after reviewing Mistry’s performance, and October 24, when Mistry was sacked as the chairman of Tata Sons.
“The implied assumption that there were no developments between the meeting of the nomination and remuneration committee and the board meeting on 24 October is also naive to put it mildly,” said Sen.
Sen is a former civil servant, who has been India’s ambassador to the United States (2004 to 2009), Germany (1998-2002), Russia (1992-98) and Mexico (1991-92).
Defending himself, Sen said he has enjoyed confidence of eight successive prime ministers because of his independence of assessments affecting national interests.
“Insinuations that I acted differently in the board room of an iconic company with a great legacy appears to reflect a mindset that measures others by their own self-centred priorities and perceptions.”
Sen also clarified that his comments were solely in his personal capacity and that he was not speaking on behalf of Tata Sons or fellow board members.
Ratan Tata forms his ‘A Team’
Veterans Prasad Menon, S Padmanabhan inducted; Harish Bhat, Mukund Rajan, Katragadda, Srinath also brought in.
Within a week of removing Cyrus Mistry as chairman of Tata Sons, Interim Chairman Ratan Tata has started work on putting together his ‘A team’ by inducting former Tata Power managing director Prasad Menon as member, chairman's office, and Tata Quality Management Services managing director S Padmanabhan as group human resources head.
Till January 2016, Menon was chairman of Air Vistara, a pet project of Tata. Menon joined the Tata group in 2000 and headed Tata Chemicals before becoming the managing director of Tata Power.
Padmanabhan has worked in the Tata group for 32 years, having started his career in Tata Consultancy Services, and has worked in various roles across group companies.
Tata has also reshuffled the portfolio of Mukund Rajan, former Tata brand custodian, to oversee Tata Sons’ overseas operations and he will continue as chief ethics officer.
Rajan was also a member of Mistry's group executive council (GEC), which was disbanded with Mistry’s ouster. Rajan was recruited in the Tata Administrative Service (TAS), which he joined in 1995, and has worked in several group companies and was also assigned to Ratan Tata’s office.
Harish Bhat, another GEC member, has been appointed as Tata brand custodian and head of business development. Bhat was hired in TAS in 1987. He has headed Tata Global Beverages as managing director and was chief operating officer at Titan Industries earlier. After becoming a GEC member, he has served as director on several group company boards.
Gopichand Katragadda, the first chief technology officer of the Tata group, has retained his job. Mistry had hired Katragadda from GE India Technology Centre, where he was chairman and managing director. He drives technology and innovation at the group.
N Srinath, managing director of loss-making Tata Teleservices and an old Tata favourite, is also in the core team. Srinath, another TAS recruit, headed Tata Communications earlier and has been working in the group since 1986.
Ratan Tata has said he will remain as interim chairman only till the next chairman is appointed by a selection panel that includes Lord Kumar Bhattacharya. Since the ouster, Tata has inducted TCS managing director and CEO N Chandrasekharan and Jaguar Land Rover chief Ralf Speth on board.
Apart from Mistry, three GEC members -- NS Rajan, Madhu Kannan and Nirmalya Kumar -- have quit the group.


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Harvard University’s Belfer Center has released a study arguing that Americans will eventually buy electric cars, but for now the green vehicles remain more expensive than conventional gas-powered automobiles, even when gasoline is taken into account.
Due to the high cost of electric car batteries, the study authors, Henry Lee and Grant Lovellette, allowed that electric vehicles currently cost between $4819-$5377 more than conventional vehicles over the life of the car. Gas prices must rise to between $4.50-$5.50, the study authors suggest, for electric vehicles to become less expensive to own than gas-powered vehicles.
The limited range of most electric vehicles also impedes consumer demand for the eco-friendly cars, say Lee and Lovellette. The authors seem to think “range anxiety” is a poor but common reason to dislike electric cars, “since urban drivers, on average, drive less than 20 miles per day, but no one has ever asserted that consumers base their car purchases solely on rational calculations.”
Lee and Lovellette reveal to some degree the importance of government in making electric vehicles a viable commercial product. Government subsidies for battery technology research “and a willingness by Congress to place a cost on oil imports and conventional and unconventional air pollutants would accelerate [the] process,” they write.
Of course, this omits the other method of making electric cars competitive — enact fuel efficiency standards that make gas-powered vehicles illegal to make or impossibly expensive. Given President Obama’s announcement today that fuel economy standards are set to rise to 54.5 mpg between 2017 and 2025, it seems that the electric vehicle industry is getting the government props necessary to make consumers buy the cars.


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Mass Effect 3 headed to ‘Next Gen’ console – could it be the Wii U?
The above listing has popped up on EA’s press site for Mass Effect 3 on a ‘Next Gen’ platform, in addition to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC versions. It seems only logical that this mystery platform is the Wii U, seeing as there aren’t any other next-generation consoles we know about coming next year. What’s more, Frank Gibeau said earlier this year that Mass Effect and the Wii U are a “nice fit” for each other.
At this point, the game’s coming to the Wii U is still a rumour, but it’s a well-supported one that seems quite realistic. Let’s hope it’s true.
We can deliver all the latest Wii U news straight to your inbox every morning. Want in?


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Xbox has announced the lineup of games that will be available for Xbox Live Gold members for a limited time. Developed by 5 Lives Studios, indie RPG Windbound will be accessible through October, while the critically-acclaimed strategic simulation Bomber Crew will be free-to-play on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S starting October 16.
For those unaware, Xbox Game Pass ultimate members have access to all free games that will be given for Xbox Live Gold members. They get all the benefits of Gold Plus access to more than 100 games they can play on console, PC, and devices from the cloud. Xbox assured in the announcement that new games will be added to the service in the future.
As for the latest additions to Xbox Live Gold membership, Bomber Crew will be available with the deluxe edition, including all five DLCs that came out after the game's initial launch in 2017. It is a strategic survival sim that has players preparing their crew for dangerous expeditions. As you might expect from a simulation game, the gameplay mainly focuses on management and strategic building rather than deep action or storytelling. Players will be tasked with managing everything from fuel to ammo and hydraulics. Moreover, they can customize their liveries to reflect the crew's unique style. Bomber Crew will remain free-to-play for Xbox Gold Live members until November 15.
Windbound, on the other hand, is an indie RPG in which players take on the role of Kara, the protagonist who tries to save herself from an uncharted island. Players will explore islands, navigate their way in the perilous seas, and ask for mercy from the turbulent waters to stay alive. Additionally, crafting will play a crucial role in defending yourself against a natural environment filled with fantastical creatures. However, Windbound is not all about staying alive against challenging circumstances, with players discovering the history of the Forbidden Islands, each having its own hidden mysteries. Windbound will be available for Xbox Live Gold members between October 1 and October 31.
In other Xbox news, Xbox has already revealed that the PS5-exclusive Deathloop will be added to the Game Pass library this month. The next batch of games that will be coming to the service also includes Valheim and Slime Rancher 2.
Related Forum: Xbox Forum


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Norwegian aluminium producer Norsk Hydro ASA announced yesterday the planned upgrade of equipment at Hydro Husnes that will allow it to offer advanced aluminium products to automotive manufacturing customers.
Hydro says the NOK150 million (US$17.6 million) investment will consist largely of the installation of Low Pressure Casting (LPC) equipment that will produce improved aluminium material for extrusion purposes.
Ola Sæter, Head of Hydro’s fully owned primary aluminium plants, says that forge stock demand is at a premium at present, and Hydro is prepared to capture a share of that market.
“Forge stock for products like suspension arms and knuckles is an attractive market for aluminium within the automotive industry, which needs ever more aluminium to fill its need to lightweight cars and reduce emissions.”
Hydro says its LPC technology enables it to produce cast forge stock at a lower cost than ever before, as well as producing a superior product that is well suited for forging.
“The key for us is the flexibility to be able to cast both extrusion ingots and forging materials according to customer demand in a flexible and efficient way,” explained Husnes plant manager Johan Berg.
“This investment is timed well with the ongoing upgrade of Hydro Husnes’ second electrolysis line that is due to start operations in 2020, with an annual planned output of 210,000 mt of aluminium semi-products. Making use also of this new technology will significantly strengthen our position as a preferred partner delivering of aluminium to the automotive industry.”
Hydro says it expects first production from the new equipment to occur in 2020.
Norsk Hydro, which was founded in 1905, financed by the Swedish Wallenberg family and French banks, began its life named Norsk hydro-elektrisk Kvælstofaktieselskab (literally, “Norwegian hydro-electric nitrogen limited”) by Sam Eyde. The Norwegian government owns approximately 40% of the company at the present time. Norsk Hydro is one of the largest aluminium companies in the world, with plants in Rjukan, Raufoss, Vennesla, Karmøy, Høyanger, Årdal, Sunndalsøra, and Holmestrand. Norsk also has several plants abroad, including in Germany and Brazil.


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Following the success of Blockchain 1.0 (BTC) and Blockchain 2.0 (ETH), CSE SG PTE LTD, a Blockchain company from Singapore has launched the revolutionary Blockchain Platform 3.0 (CSE30) and Smart contract 2.0.
After more than four years of research and development, Blockchain 3.0 (CSE) overcomes the weakness of prior Blockchain technologies and delivers even more.
Blockchain 1.0 under Bitcoin and Blockchain 2.0 Ethereum have inherent weaknesses that limit their ability for effective scaling up due to factors such as: slow processing speed, energy costs, high transaction fees and others. Blockchain 3.0 will have super speed, a lower fee, the ability to off chain and a smart contract 2.0.
The Blockchain 3.0 completed a CSE transaction in under six seconds, compared to about ten minutes for BTC and seven minutes for ETH.
CSE has launched a technology that allows Off chain, encrypted transactions without internet environment at speeds up to 0.003s (3 million seconds). However, the limiting point of this technology is its limited number and the receiver is not anonymous to prevent fraud.
Ethereum invented Smartcontract 1.0 and has leveraged its strength in dealing with various types of financial contracts. CSE Smart Contract 2.0 has a more intelligent feature with multi-contractual conditions and multi-industry applications create your crypto, access source, blockchain library, blockchain authentication for education, blockchain authentication for real estate, etc.
Investors in technology field are paying special attention to this new platform awaiting further information on this.


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Why are creative crowds turning to crowdfunding?
In the past businesses have looked to banks and investors to fund their new projects. However, as both have buckled under the pressure of the recession more creative companies are turning to crowdfunding.
This option has emerged as a strong contender for gaining finance over recent years, quietly gaining popularity, and during the last few weeks alone several companies from Belfast have achieved notable success.
Brewbot, a smart technology appliance, has just raised 114% of the funding they needed, while See Sense, an intelligent bike light, surpassed their target by raising 281% of their required figure. Local musician Ben Glover has also secured funding for the recording of his new album.
Through the collective efforts and donations of individuals from around the world, crowdfunding has helped support activities including disaster relief funds, motion picture companies, scientific research and political campaigns.
Belfast based Little Thunder Co is the latest creative company to turn to crowdfunding site Kickstarter as an alternative means to raise funds for a project close to their hearts. This company is seeking help in making their children’s book series about an inquisitive cat that has come to life. The series of books follows the adventures of young Chalky, a stray cat discovered by one of the creators behind the story.
With the deadline of 21st December 2013 fast approaching, company directors Gaby Muldoon and Tim Potter feel that crowdfunding was the best option for their project.
Gaby Muldoon, director, Little Thunder Co said: “We have been given 30 days to raise £10,000 and we really are reaching out to all of our networks in order to ask for help. Crowdfunding has allowed us to see how popular our project is. We have put forward a compelling story and we have had really great feedback so far. Traditional financial means wouldn’t have been an option for a project of this nature and we felt that it would offer our readers the chance to engage with our series from the very beginning. You don’t get this level of audience participation with any other funding stream.”
For a creative company such as Little Thunder Co, crowdfunding is an invaluable option to have. Small businesses have had a well-documented struggle with access to finance from banks during the economic downturn and the attentions of investors are often focused on high return enterprises in the STEM sectors. Crowdfunding offers an opportunity to good ideas that don’t fit the conventional mould for finance.
Mr Muldoon continued: “We have had to think outside the box to come up with strategies that would encourage people to come forwards and donate. We are offering everyone who supports us a treat for every pound they give, from eBooks, to hard back copies of Chalky and prints from the book.”
Chalky and the New Sports Car is currently on Kickstarter and needs £10,000 by 7am on 21st December 2013. To support Little Thunder Co visit http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/littlethunder/chalky-and-the-new-sports-car-childrens-pictureboo?ref=city


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Jaunt Hires Jean-Paul Colaco as Chief Revenue Officer
Jaunt, the startup that specializes in cinematic virtual reality cameras and systems, said it has hired Jean-Paul Colaco as chief revenue officer.
RELATED: Jaunt VR App Hits PlayStation VR
Colaco, who reports to Jaunt president and CEO George Kliavkoff, previously was SVP of advertising at Hulu, and was SVP of advertising and business development at Vessel, the OTT service that sold its technology and software to Verizon last fall. Colaco is also late of spent more than a decade The Walt Disney Company in roles that includes SVP of business development.
“In looking for Jaunt’s first chief revenue officer, it was clear that JP was the best person for the job,” said Kliavkoff, in a statement. “With broad experience and a proven track record for generating revenue within the digital video space, he is the perfect complement to our management team. Personally, I am excited to work with JP again and believe Jaunt’s momentum will only accelerate with his help.”
RELATED: Verizon Deals for Vessel’s Tech
The hiring of Colaco follows the recent appointment of Jaunt CFO Fabrice Cantou.
Jaunt’s VR app supports platforms such as iOS, Android, Samsung Gear VR, Google Daydream, PlayStation VR, the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Web browsers.
Jaunt has raised more than $100 million. Its backers include The Walt Disney Company, Evolution Media Partners, China Media Capital, Highland Capital Partners, Google Ventures, Redpoint Ventures, Axel Springer, ProSiebenSat. 1 SE, The Madison Square Garden Company, Peter Gotcher, the late Blake Krikorian, and Sky.
The smarter way to stay on top of the multichannel video marketplace. Sign up below.


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What you see the the advertisement above might make you wait for this Nokia’s new smartphone. But wait… IT’s FAKE
To compete against Apple iPhone 4S video features, Nokia came up with it’s new smartphone which they said had the next innovation, “PureView” which is an image stabilization feature for videos. But you can hardly trust Advertisement these days.
Yes, that feature on Nokia’s advertisement has turned out to be FAKE and not shot on their new smartphone.
So, people be aware.
iPhone 4s still rocks. 😛


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...it [Flicked Off at the Movies] is free for family, friends and anybody who like their Facebook fan page.
New York, NY (PRWEB) November 20, 2012
Amazon is now a mobile application contender. Earlier this month, it launched its first ever mobile game. But it's not just the online company that recently entered the mobile apps realm. Dream Bot Studios also joined in earlier this month with it's Flicked Off at the Movies game.
Based on a report from cnet.com, Amazon's first mobile game is called Air Patriots. Basically, it is an air strike game where in the gamer will have to command a squad of planes. To play it, one will need to move his or her finger around the screen to draw paths for the planes. The paths must be strategically made to defend the territory and defeat the enemies.
The game has 28 levels and 7 different maps. It allows the player to have 13 different types of planes at the start of the game. Victories enable the gamer to gain gears and unlock more battlefields and planes. Points could give a player medal of honor either as a rookie, pro or veteran.
Meanwhile, Dream Bot Studios' “Flicked Off at the Movies” is set at a movie theater. The goal of it is to piss off the people at the front of the screen enough for them to call the “bosses.” Players could annoy their targets by throwing at them weapons of candies, popcorn, soda, toilet paper, gum and even a mobile phone with corresponding points.
The people and the boss must be beaten by the player within the time allotted to go to the next level. Each character to annoy is made with hilarious sound effects and silly animation for an appealing and funny game environment.
The ”Flicked Off at the Movie” is set to be released at $0.99. However, Dream Bot Studios CEO, Markus Skupeika said that it is free for family, friends and anybody who like their Facebook fan page. And so those who want a cool and fun game, the company encouraged to like its fan page and start enjoying the game.
Amazon's “Air Patriots” and Dream Bot Studios' “Flicked Off at the Movies” run on both Android and iOS devices.


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SHINING 3D has announced the official opening of its new office for the Americas and the launch of a new dental 3D scanner, the AutoScan-DS-EX Pro. The launch took taking place during the opening ceremony.
In addition to the headquarters in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, and the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) office in Stuttgart, Germany, which opened last year, this new third office located in San Francisco is expected to serve as the base of operations for SHINING 3D’s markets in North, Central, and South America.
The newly launched scanner features a compact size, light weight, versatile functions, efficient scan speed, and integrated blue light and white light options. SHINING 3D highly recommends it for data capturing in restorations, orthodontics, and implant cases. The AutoScan-DS-EX Pro is open to pre-order now, and it will deliver in May. From now to May 1st, a special discount will be offered. The AutoScan-DS-EX Pro will be displayed in SHINING 3D’s booths at exhibitions, roadshows, and seminars in Singapore, Russia, Germany, and other countries. The new product introduction, as unveiled at the Grand Opening ceremony, can be viewed at the SHINING 3D dental Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/shining3d.dental.


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Layton VS Ace Attorney Goes Playable Next Month
Capcom also teases plans for Ace Attorney anniversary event.
Professor Layton VS Ace Attorney isn't due out until 2012. But the chance to play it isn't so far off. At a Tokyo Game Show stage event yesterday, Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino announced that the game will be playable at next month's Level-5 World 2011 event.
Level-5 World 2011 is a Level-5 specific event. The free event is set to be held on October 15 and October 16 at Tokyo Big Site. The event's first day will have this year's Level-5 Vision press conference where Level-5 is expected to make a number of new announcements (last year's Level-5 Vision brought the announcement of Layton VS Ace Attorney).
With two full days of public access, we can probably expect a large lineup of playable games at the event, and now we know that one of them will be the Layton and Ace Attorney crossover.
The Layton vs Ace Attorney stage was attended by Hino, Capcom producer Hironobu Takeshita, and designer Shu Takumi. Most of the details they shared about the game's story and gameplay system were announced earlier in the week (see this story). They also announced the game's cast (see this story).
Regarding just the Ace Attorney side of the series, the stage event also brought notice of some sort of 10 year anniversary event for the series. Details will be announced on 10/12 at the series' official site.
Visit Famitsu.com for pics from the event.


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When the path to success shifts, make sure you adjust as well.
Adequate preparation can save your business.
A look at new technologies that improve wash system performance.
In this week’s Wash Wisdom, we cover tips for faster business growth and managing your online reputation.
Five facts about employee engagement and how it can impact your business.
NEW YORK — A federal judge stated that the law promoted unionization.
Eleven tips to help you reimagine your business and keep it up-to-date.
In this edition of Wash Wisdom, we cover typical management mistakes and tips for networking at events.
FLUSHING, N.Y. — Carwash workers demand to negotiate new pay contracts.
In this edition of Wash Wisdom, we cover how to handle summer employment and how to make company decisions.