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A bill introduced in California seeks to ban red dye No. 3 (also known as E127), a common food coloring used in a variety of products. The bill, which was proposed by Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi, cites concerns over the potential health risks associated with the ingestion of the dye.
Red dye No. 3 is a synthetic dye that is commonly used in products like candy, baked goods, and cereals. It is also used in cosmetics and drugs. While the dye has been approved for use by the FDA, some studies have suggested that it may be linked to certain health problems.
Supporters of the bill argue that the health risks associated with the dye are too great to ignore. Studies have linked red dye No. 3 to cancer, hyperactivity in children, and other health problems. While the FDA has deemed the dye safe for consumption, some experts believe that the agency has not done enough research to fully understand the potential health risks.
Opponents of the bill argue that the science behind the potential health risks of red dye No. 3 is inconclusive. They claim that the bill is unnecessary and could harm the food industry in California, which is a major contributor to the state’s economy.
Despite the controversy surrounding the bill, it has received support from a number of advocacy groups and health organizations. These groups argue that banning the dye would help to protect the health of consumers, particularly children who are more vulnerable to the effects of the dye.
If the bill is passed, California would become the first state to ban the use of red dye No. 3 in food products. It is unclear whether other states would follow California’s lead or whether the FDA would take action to ban the dye nationwide.
The debate over the potential health risks associated with red dye No. 3 is not a new one. The dye has been the subject of extensive research and debate for decades. Despite this, the FDA has continued to allow the use of the dye in food products.
This has led to frustration among some consumer advocates, who argue that the FDA is not doing enough to protect the health of the American public. They say that the agency has been too slow to investigate the safety of food additives like red dye No. 3, and that it should be doing more to address the concerns of consumers.
The controversy over the safety of food additives is not limited to red dye No. 3. There are a number of other additives that have been linked to health problems, including high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives like BHA and BHT.
The debate over the safety of food additives is likely to continue for some time, as consumers become more concerned about the potential health risks associated with the foods they eat. While the FDA has taken steps to address these concerns, more needs to be done to ensure the safety of the American food supply.
In conclusion, the proposed California bill seeking to ban red dye No. 3 has ignited a major debate about the safety of food additives. Supporters of the bill argue that the health risks associated with the dye are too great to ignore, while opponents claim that the science behind the risks is inconclusive. Regardless of the outcome of the bill, it is clear that the debate over the safety of food additives will continue as consumers become more conscious of what they are eating.


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Is Internet privacy dead? No, just more complicated: researchers
The numbers tell one story: With 10 billion Tweets sent and 400 million Facebook users signed, people clearly want to be heard and seen and able to hear and see others on social networks.
But Internet users also care about privacy, according to experts. Particularly when they feel like they’ve lost control of their personal information. That is when trust is broken.
“Fundamentally, privacy is about having control over how information flows,” said Danah Boyd, a social media research at Microsoft Research New England, during her opening keynote speech last Saturday at the South by Southwest tech and music conference in Austin. “When they feel as though control has been taken away from them or when they lack the control they need to do the right thing, they scream privacy foul.”
Such is the delicate balance of privacy and publicity in the social networking age, according to researchers.
Boyd was mostly referring to Google’s launch of its social networking application, Google Buzz, last month. Where the company went wrong, was that it took what is considered a private application – email – and turned it into a public platform. Even though a user could opt out of it application, “This created unnecessary panic amongst users, resulting in bad PR for Google that was technologically inaccurate.”
At the same conference, Google's Todd Jackson, product manager of Gmail and Buzz, told reporters that Boyd's criticism were fair and that he invited her to speak to employees at the company after the keynote, according to GigaOm.
Mary Madden, a senior researcher at the Pew Center’s Internet & American Life Project, said with social networking becoming mainstream, there are bound to be missteps by Web sites that will challenge users’ views of privacy online.
In a study to be released by Pew in weeks, the center found that most people said they cared greatly about online privacy but they didn’t do much about it. When asked if a user plugged in their own name into a search engine to see what public information is available on them, the numbers dramatically dropped.
The study will be the first update on user sentiment toward online privacy in three years. But was conducted before Facebook’s high-profile change of privacy settings last December and the launch of Google Buzz last month. And it won’t capture questions about location-based services, as Facebook, Twitter and Google are reported set to announce features that would allow users to track where a person is based on global positioning systems and other location technologies.
Facebook said that after its new privacy settings were introduced, 50 percent of users tweaked their profile settings to either make their information more broadly available or more private. The company said it didn’t lose any users, but have only seen a steady increase in members.
The FTC is looking more closely into online privacy concerns, and has been pressed more aggressively by privacy advocates to address consumer complaints about Google and Facebook’s alleged violation of user privacy.
“Part of what you are seeing is that we’ve reached a point where social networking use is mainstream and there is so much more awareness of the idea of centering your life around a profile and that being a representation of yourself,” Madden said in a recent interview.
“With respect to things that have happened recently, there is going to be more outrage or stronger reaction simply as more people get engaged with social media and they have more invested in it. There is more to lose,” she said.
March 15, 2010; 8:00 AM ET
Categories: FTC , Facebook , Google , Privacy
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Penelope Raises $2.1M to Accelerate Small-Business Adoption of 401(k) Plans
Penelope facilitates retirement savings plans for SMBs and entrepreneurs across all demographics to attain financial security
New York, NY – March 16th, 2022 - Transforming how small businesses build bright financial futures through 401(k)s, Penelope has successfully raised $2.1 million in pre-seed fundraising led by Slauson & Co. Additional investors include Amplify LA, Black Jays and executives from Wells Fargo, Citigroup and US Bank. The funding will be used to create a self-service retirement platform for small and micro businesses, expand Penelope’s team and accelerate customer onboarding.
Since Penelope’s launch in January, the New York-based company has seen tremendous customer growth and has quickly established itself as a powerhouse platform built for securing stable financial futures for individuals who have been often overlooked, such as minorities, family-owned businesses and solo-preneurs. By shaping its products to be inclusive and accessible, Penelope empowers small and micro businesses to structure manageable retirement programs that best serve their employees.
“Saving for retirement is an essential tool for building wealth and financial equality. For many small business owners, the jargon, paperwork and time required makes retirement plans out of reach,” said Austin Clements, Managing Partner at Slauson & Co. “Penelope fundamentally changes the way small business owners and employees invest in themselves, their families and their communities.”
Through a low-cost subscription model, Penelope’s technology platform automates employee investing, streamlines cost and paperwork, provides practical savings tools for employees, and offers the choice of Pooled Employer Plans (PEP), traditional 401(k)s and Solo 401(k)s. Built specifically for micro and small businesses, Penelope eliminates the hidden fees and complexities to help employers easily set up the right plan, reducing fiduciary liability and administrative burden. With Penelope, small businesses can more easily adhere to state regulations requiring companies with more than five employees to offer qualified retirement plans.
“Our mission is to make the American dream of generational wealth building available to small businesses and startups by creating access to affordable 401(k) models and enabling financial inclusion across all socioeconomic levels,” said Jean Smart, CEO and Founder of Penelope. “Historically, their inability to provide a channel for long term financial security for employees through a 401(k) plan has made smaller businesses vulnerable to losing talent. With Penelope, this legacy obstacle is no longer a concern.”
Penelope is the retirement savings platform for small businesses and the 60 million Americans who work for them. A low-cost 401(k) subscription model, Penelope provides affordable and streamlined savings vehicles for small business owners and their employees without hidden charges, hassle or unnecessary jargon. Penelope’s intuitive technology platform automates employee investing, streamlines costs and paperwork, and provides learning tools for employees. For more information, visit www.Penelope.co.


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Swiss’ all-new premium economy class will take to the skies from late 2021 aboard a fleet of upgraded Boeing 777-300ER jets bound for Asia, the USA, Canada and South America.
As is the norm for this ‘better than economy’ class, Swiss’ premium economy will offer more comfort and privacy, a wider range of inflight cuisine and a more generous baggage allowance.
Swiss is the last airline in the Lufthansa Group to slot premium economy between business class and economy class, although this same seat will be adopted by Lufthansa alongside its new business class seat on forthcoming Boeing 777X and Airbus A350 jets.
Swiss’ premium economy seat
There are no real surprises in Swiss’ premium economy seat: if you’ve flown premium economy on any other major airline, you’ll know what to expect here.
Each Swiss premium economy seat measures between 46-48cm (~18-19”) wide – by comparison, the Boeing 777’s economy seats are 43.4cm (~17”) wide.
Swiss’ premium economy seats have a pitch or spacing of 99cm (~39”), compared to 78.7cm (~31”) of pitch in economy, with a fold-out leg rest for added comfort.
Other features include a 15.6” screen – a substantial upsizing from the 11” screens in economy, and in fact only slightly smaller than the 16” screens in business class – a personal reading lamp and a USB power outlet.
Swiss hasn’t mentioned the premium economy seats as including even a shared AC power outlet, which we certainly hope is a simple omission.
The armrest between the seats contains a recessed pocket for storing a tablet or magazine, a water bottle holder and a shared cocktail table for drinks and snacks.
The company behind Swiss’ premium economy seat is German seat manufacturer Zim – and specifically, this is Zim’s PC02 or ‘ZIMmagic+’ seat. Zim’s first-generation PC01 seat was chosen for Lufthansa’s original premium economy offering.
Swiss’ premium economy legroom
While all premium economy seats boast more legroom than economy, a unique touch in Swiss’ premium economy is that your legroom is ‘protected’ against the passenger in front reclining their seat.
That’s because the Swiss premium economy seat is housed in its own fixed ‘shell’, and it reclines within that housing rather than leaning back to encroach on the space available to the passenger behind.
This cradle-style recline can play havoc with your lower back if there’s insufficient lumbar support, although stuffing a pillow behind you is a quick but short-term fix – it remains to be seen how well Zim’s designers and engineers have done their job to ensure passenger comfort on those long international flights, which for Swiss typically lasts around 12 hours and includes an overnight leg.
The Swiss’ premium economy seats with the most legroom will be found at row 20, the first row of the premium economy cabin, which shares its space with the Boeing 777’s main doors so you can really stretch out.
Just avoid seats 20A and 20K, which are close to a large bump in the door which contains the emergency slides.
Swiss’ premium economy cabin
The premium economy seats are arranged in three rows with a 2-4-2 layout, compared to the 3-4-3 of economy class.
Here’s how that looks on SWISS’ Boeing 777-300ER seating chart:
While there’s a small gap between the last row of premium economy and the first row of economy, neither the airline’s photos or seat map show any formal divider between the cabins – not even a thick curtain.
There are also no dedicated toilets for premium economy passengers, which means they’ll be sharing the four washrooms at the rear of the first economy cabin.
Swiss’ premium economy meals
Another popular premium economy strategy for airlines is to improve the meals and snacks served during the flight.
In the case of Swiss, the airline says premium economy passengers will be served an elderberry welcome drink and “be able to choose from three hot meals, all served on china tableware.”
It’s not made clear if that choice includes the same two hot meals as offered in economy class, one of which is a vegetarian dish supplied by Zurich’s famed Hiltl restaurant, which is the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant.
There’ll also be a third option inspired by the airline’s Taste of Switzerland program of meals based on seasonal and regional ingredients.
Swiss’ premium economy services and amenities
Beyond the seat itself, Swiss’ premium economy passengers will enjoy several ‘creature comforts’ intended to make their experience, well, just a little more premium and enjoyable.
You can check in two bags of up to 23kg each – twice the allowance for Swiss’ economy class – and also jump the queue with priority boarding.
At your seat will be an amenity kit, manufactured from sustainable materials, and a pair of noise-reducing headphones.
Swiss also says that premium economy travellers will be offered reduced-rate access to its business class lounges at Zurich and Geneva, along with Zurich’s arrivals lounge.
(This is currently offered to economy passengers at a ’reduced rate’ of 29 Swiss Francs “due to no availability of food and beverage” at the lounges.)
Swiss’ premium economy pricing
So how much extra should you expect to pay for Swiss’ Boeing 777-300ER premium economy experience?
The airline says that “in line with general market pricing,” premium economy will sit around 250-350 Swiss Francs higher than economy.
In common with the airline’s economy fares, Swiss premium economy will be available in Saver, Standard and Flex categories.
As a baseline, Executive Traveller checked pricing for Swiss’ Boeing 777 flights between Zurich and Singapore during mid-April 2022.
The difference between equivalent economy and premium economy fares varied from 320-400 Swiss Francs, which represented an increase of between 42% and 80% (the smallest gap was for flexible fares, with the largest for mid-range standard fares).
Swiss’ premium economy rollout and availability
Swiss will install premium economy only on its Boeing 777-300ER jets, and not the older Airbus A340 fleet.
The airline says the process of adding the new premium economy seats to the Boeing 777s (where they’ll replace the first four rows of economy seating) will begin in the fourth quarter of 2021, with all 12 of the Boeing 777s upgraded by April 2022.
While Swiss expects premium economy to be offered “from April 2022 on the entire Boeing 777-300ER route network”, it says that premium economy “may also be established sooner as a standard product on some of these routes” depending on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.


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In an interview with Design News, Walid Abu-Hadba, chief product officer at Ansys, and Todd McDevitt, marketing director, said Ansys 17.0 far exceeded that goal, which CEO Jim Cashman publicized in a company announcement. In particular, they stressed an important trend that is driving the development of simulation software: the ability to truly allow a product under development to be tested virtually.
Fluid flow simulation of a combustor case in Ansys 17.0
Abu-Hadba said the platform is predicated on about 60 applications that allow product development teams to integrate different types of physics into one environment. For example, an engineer can prototype and test a system virtually, incorporating not just a physical model but also embedded systems and software.
Ever-faster processor power has enabled the performance in Ansys 17.0, and customers are able to simulate a great variety of complex systems, and to do so quickly and virtually. With ever-more-powerful simulation capabilities, Abu-Hadba said.
“We're living in an era of huge opportunity for innovation and growth,” McDevitt said, but to take advantage of that opportunity, companies have to get products to market more quickly. “They have to get the design right the first time, which is where simulation comes to bear. Companies now are using simulation much earlier in the product development process.”
[Visit Ansys at Booth 3409 at Pacific Design & Manufacturing, Feb. 9-11, at the Anaheim Convention Center.]
Virtual testing can result in mammoth savings in development costs and can radically speed up time-to-market for new products, as long as the software can create true-to-life simulations.
Ansys’ simulation tools for structural analysis, fluid dynamics, electronics, semiconductors, embedded software, multiphysics, and system modeling are tied together by the Workbench platform that provides a workflow framework and integrated process. Ansys sells its products into a broad range of industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, machinery and equipment, energy, high-tech, materials, chemicals, construction, healthcare, and consumer goods.
Enhancements in Ansys 17.0 allow high-fidelity simulations that can provide advanced insight into the real-world performance. In the design of printed circuit boards, for example, the new release allows an engineer to more quickly import ECAD geometry and perform complex analyses to predict stress, deformation, and fatigue.
The company said it has continued to improve the suite's ability to leverage high-performance computing (HPC) technologies on the customer end. New high-performance processors can greatly speed up the simulation of complex products, but the simulation software has to be architected to take advantage of the processors' capacities.
Company materials cite the example of electric machine and motor design as an important use case. Demand is high for power-efficient machines, but simulation requires immense computing resources. According to Ansys, a conventional electromagnetic field analysis can take two weeks or longer. Briam Cavalca Bork, project engineer at motor manufacturer WEG Industries, said Ansys's updated electromagnetics suite improved simulation time by a factor of 20, allowing designers “to do more complex analyses on a greater variety of scenarios.”
Ansys focused particularly on improving efficiencies and integration in workflow, it said of the new release. Tighter integration of the suite's semiconductor and electronics simulators now allow for “a comprehensive chip-package-system design workflow,” according to company materials. Products in the IoT (Internet of Things) space, especially smaller devices with a higher power-density, require integrated workflow. New capabilities in thermal analysis and integrated structural analysis give engineers simulations that are much more “chip-aware and system-aware,” according to the company.
The new Ansys release also includes improvements in pre-processing, the setting up of geometry for new simulations. The company sought to improve users' productivity by speeding up the saving and loading of complex models. Said the company’s announcement: “The performance for common geometry editing functions has increased by up to 100 times.”
Al Bredenberg is a writer, analyst, consultant, and communicator. He writes about technology, design, innovation, management, and sustainable business, and specializes in investigating and explaining complex topics. He holds a master's degree in organization and management from Antioch University New England. He has served as an editor for print and online content and currently serves as senior analyst at the Institute for Innovation in Large Organizations.


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In a bid to provide easy access and affordable energy to rural and urban-rural communities, TOTAL Liberia has introduced a new range of solar-powered lamps called AWANGO to the local market.
Launching the program on Friday, February 19 at the Monrovia City Hall, Peter K. Adegunele, Managing Director of TOTAL Liberia, said the introduction of the product will bring relief to low income households.
“My company is embarking on this journey because we want to provide reliable and affordable lighting to make life easier for low income, off-grid households,” he said.
According to him, TOTAL has now committed itself to bring innovative solar lamps “that require a minimum initial investment without any added costs throughout its lifespan.”
“Our main objective is to provide access to solar solutions for lighting and communications to low income people through innovative, profitable and sustainable business models,” he indicated.
In 2011, AWANGO products were initially tested in three pilot countries: Kenya, Cameroon and Indonesia; and by the end of 2015, Mr. Adegunle said, TOTAL Group has so far sold over one million lamps, impacting many people worldwide. He hopes to impact 25 million people through the sale of five million AWANGO solar lamps by the year 2020.
Mr. Adegunele said AWANGO lamps are also for people who have limited income to spend on power source, as against lanterns, candles and kerosene.
“With demands for electricity on the increase the AWANGO products are set to serve the needs of many. Through multiple applications, these portable solar lamps and chargers offer an affordable and more efficient source than the commonly used kerosene lamps, candles and batteries,” said MD Adegunle.
He further said that the products have a developmental impact in three distinct ways by seeking to contribute to: a positive economy, social and environmental development.
The TOTAL boss stated that AWANGO products are top quality, that the after sales service is unique, and has a two year warranty.
Profit wise, he said the business model is created with a realistic goal that guarantees profit, where success is based on innovation that grants sustainable and affordable energy for low income citizens.
For her part, Madam Clara Doe Mvogo, City Mayor of Monrovia, expressed gratitude to the management of TOTAL for the innovation. She said the launch of the solar lamps will not only create lights but create jobs and also help people to save time from walking from one village to another to charge their mobile phones.
Madam Mvogo said that the issue of solar power is not new to the world, but when it comes to Liberia it is relatively new, “so we will like for TOTAL to create more awareness on the product.” She then urged citizens to make use of the opportunity provided by TOTAL and stop polluting the air.
AWANGO comes in four different designs, some of which can be used for charging mobile phones. The lamps, which are up to 7 times brighter than kerosene lanterns, are weather-resistant with a life-span of at least 5 years. At the launching event, a member of the TOTAL staff violently threw one of the lamps to the ground and it seemed impressive to most that the lamp was still lit and there were no broken parts.
The products are available at all Total Petroleum Service stations across Liberia as well as in shops of authorized distributors.


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Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta has assured of all support will be extended to Assam state to develop its sericulture sector to make it a dominant rural industry, emphasizing the socio-economic importance of sericulture in sustaining the livelihood of rural population. Sericulture is an age-old tradition of Assam.
The Minister revealed that more than Rs 200 crore has been released for the State and that additional aid will be provided for developing infrastructure. Also, there is a need to explore the immense potential of the State in sericulture.
The Minister, who visited various clusters here to assess the status of sericulture farms and activities of farmers, said that the farmers have been facing certain problems due to lack of proper fencing of gardens and shortage of water. He promised to look into all the issues of the farmers and asserted that modern technology would be made accessible to the farmers.
On the other hand, speaking on the potential of the North East, Tamta said that Assam and the other states of the region enjoy the unique distinction of producing all four varieties of commercially exploited natural silks â€“ eri, muga, mulberry and oak tasar.
Production of raw silk has shown an increasing trend in the North East during the last few years due to concerted efforts made by the Government of India in a systematic way, mentioned Tamta, adding that to enhance raw silk productivity at the farmer level, a total area of 88,476 hectares has been brought under silkworm food plant in the region.
Tamta further said that the Union Ministry of Textiles has sanctioned 22 projects under the North Eastern Region Textiles Promotion Scheme with the Govt of Indiaâ€™s share of Rs 646.35 crore for development of mulberry, eri and muga sectors in the region. Under these projects it is estimated that additional 1472.44 metric tonnes of raw silk will be produced.
A weekly report covering market and price information on the entire chain of polyester along with online access to daily polyester chain prices.
One-time reports that are issued annually cover the demand and supply trends in individual products including polyester, nylon, acrylic, viscose, and cotton.
One-time reports that are issued annually cover the demand and supply trends in the individual country's natural and manmade fiber/filament industries.
Countries Served Worldwide


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Though Apple hasn't sent out invitations out yet, we expect the next iPhone launch to be held on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Nothing official is known about the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11R and 11 Max (or whatever they'll be called) but rumors are circulating about the devices. Read on to see the most compelling speculations being floated so far.
Since last year, we've been hearing that Apple would give at least one of the 2019 models three rear-facing lenses (source: Bloomberg). The new array will give the iPhone 11 a greater capacity for wide-angle shots and at this point, we've seen enough renders to increase our confidence that this squarish, triple-camera array -- similar to the configuration on Google's forthcoming Pixel 4 -- is likely.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo continues to toll the bell for 3D Touch, and the Wall Street Journal reported on the demise of Apple's pressure-sensitive interface back in January. After visiting with Apple suppliers in Asia, Barclay analysts (as cited by MacRumors) appear confident that Apple will say goodbye to the feature with the 2019 iPhone lineup.
Apple officially killed its AirPower wireless charging mat, but the next-generation iPhone may support bilateral charging according to Ming-Chi Kuo (as reported by 9to5Mac). That means you'll be able to use your iPhone's battery to share some juice with other iPhones or the new AirPods with the wireless charging case.
If true, Apple will again be playing catchup to Samsung, whose Galaxy S10 phones, released back in March, can charge other devices.
Among the three phones Apple released in 2018, only the iPhone XR has an LCD display. The two higher-end models, the iPhone XS and XS Max, both have the high-resolution OLED panels. Based on what we know so far, Apple is likely to follow this formula again with the next batch of iPhones.
Like so many promising next-generation features, Apple is said to be waiting for 2020 to bring the more expensive OLED panels to its entire lineup, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The A12 Bionic chip that powers the 2018 iPhones is incredibly powerful. Apple doesn't appear to be resting on its laurels, however. A Bloomberg article from May reported that Apple was then on the cusp of mass producing the next-generation processors expected to power the next series of phones. This could be a variant of the A12X processor that's currently used in the newest iPad Pros -- or a new chip, ostensibly called the A13.
Ming-chi Kuo predicts that Apple will unveil three 5G phones in 2020. Why it won't release one this year is a bit complicated -- Apple stopped working with the leading 5G modem provider, Qualcomm, because of a dispute over Qualcomm's licensing fees. The two companies settled their litigation in April, and then agreed to a multiyear 5G chip deal. This led to Apple's previous partner of 5G modems, Intel, to ultimately exit the 5G phone modem business and Apple later acquired Intel's smartphone modem business for $1 billion. Apple is still working with Qualcomm, but it got started too late to launch a 5G phone this year.
We expect Apple, Samsung and others to continue raising prices for their premium phones and there are many reasons for this. The ongoing trade war between the US and China, and the recent implementation of additional tariffs, could drive prices higher. Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple had planned for the tariffs, according to MacRumors, and will be able to defer any price increases due to them.
Citi Research, an affiliate of the bank, has floated the possibility that the 2019 iPhone will support the Apple Pencil, according to Business Insider.
Apple has now replaced its proprietary Lightning connector with USB-C on the newest iPad Pros, MacBook Air and MacBook Pros, and Bloomberg reports that Apple is "testing" USB-C on some prototype iPhones.
Depending on what rumor you read, some are predicting that Apple will make an iPhone with an in-screen fingerprint scanner either this year, 2020 or 2021. This means that instead of using facial recognition and Face ID, you can scan your fingerprint directly on the screen to unlock your phone and, in some cases, authorize payments.
In February, Apple once again updated its patent application for a clamshell phone with a foldable display and body. The filings have been ongoing since Apple's first one eight years ago, in 2011. Since then, rumors of a flexible iPhone reignite with every new updated document, which have been filed in 2014, 2016 and 2017.
According to the filings, the phone "may have a flexible portion that allows the device to be folded." But keeping with its usual style, Apple has remained mum on details. So far, nothing has come to fruition with any of these patents in the public eye, and there hasn't been any info on what this device might be (and if it will even be a phone at all) or a timeline to expect such products.


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Downtown women’s boutique Finnleys has undergone a bit of a facelift after the store flooded on January 17th. Luckily, merchandise was spared but the store was closed February 6th and 7th for renovations. It’s reopened now with regular hours of 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and Sunday noon – 5 pm.
To show appreciation to customers, Finnleys invites the community to attend an open house, appropriately named “Love Rains Down”, on Saturday, February 11th 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Frothy Monkey coffee and an assortment of sweet Valentine treats will be available for guests to enjoy while shopping for their latest good find. The event will offer giveaways and discounts, including a free Finnleys tote bag, a chance to win a $50 Finnleys gift card and an additional 20% off on sale items. Guests may also enter for a chance to win a Ronaldo “Pulse” bracelet by liking the Finnleys Facebook page and tagging two friends. Winners of the gift card and bracelet will be selected on February 14, 2017 and notified by email.
“We’re so grateful to our customers for supporting us through this transition,” says Finnleys owner Dawn Craig. “What better way to show our appreciation than give our customers a little love? Ironically, our Valentine’s Day theme ‘Love Rains Down’ was selected before the flooding incident so we decided to roll with it.”
The open house will also feature a fun photo-op for customers – – you can pose with umbrellas in front of the store’s “Love Rains Down”. If you post the photo to social media and tag @finnleysboutique, you can receive an extra 10% off.
For more information, visit www.finnleysonline.com, follow them on Facebook or call 615-628-8495.


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PTT Philippines is setting aside P500 million next year to further strengthen its presence in the country.
The amount will be spent to put up 30 new gasoline stations and 12 company-owned coffee chain Café Anazon in Luzon.
PTT now has 120 stations in the Philippines, 15 of which are in Metro Manila and the rest in other regions in Luzon. In the Visayas, PTT has 15 stations. By end of the year, the oil firm would have put up six Café Amazon stores.
“We remain confident on the business climate in the Philippines,” PTT Philippines President and CEO Sukanya Seriyothin said. “That’s why from the 20 stations that we targeted this 2017, which we actually exceeded, we are targeting more than 30 stations next year.”
The budget for next year’s expansion is part of PTT Philippines’s P5-billion capital-expenditure plan for five years.
Following its diversification into the coffee business, PTT started investing in the Philippines to complement its more than 1,850 stores in Thailand and in other parts of Asia, including one in Japan.
PTT opened its first Café Amazon in the Philippines in the last quarter of 2016 at PTT’s largest service station, the 2-hectare PTT SCTEx.
Marketing Director Thitiroj Rergsumran said that by end of this year the company will have a total of six stores that are fully operational.
“After SCTEX, we opened this year our stores at PTT Dasmarinas, Cavite and at SM North Edsa,” Rergsumran said adding the company is opening this month one store each at Edsa Veterans in Quezon City, Pulilan, Bulacan and Lubao, Pampanga.
Its SM North EDSA branch is Café Amazon’s first store in the Philippines outside its gasoline station and its first inside the mall in the country.
While PTT offers a partnership deal through dealership for its gasoline station, it opened its Café Amazon to franchising with an initial investment of P4 million to 6 million.
The oil firm is also expecting to end the year with up to P22 billion in revenue. For next year, PTT may report P28 billion revenues.


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Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood Benchmark Trailer
The Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood Benchmark tool is now available, and shows off new gameplay, skills and more.
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Horse-carriage rides, Santa and more at Verona's Fair in the Square
A collection of items for sale sits on display at last year's Fair in the Square.
The 16th annual Fair in the Square will take place at the Verona Civic Center Square, located at 600 Bloomfield Ave., on Saturday, Dec. 1 from noon to 5 p.m.
This year, the event will include a free horse drawn wagon ride along Gould Street. Riders can board the wagon behind Town Hall between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.
There will be limited vehicular access to Gould Street during the festivities.
The celebration will kick off with a performance by Verona High School's Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Photos with Santa will run from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and the holiday tree lighting will begin at 4:30 p.m.
Vendors will be on hand to sell food, beverages, jewelry, children's toys, specialty knits, t-shirts and more.
"The Verona-Cedar Grove Times is again honored to be media sponsor of Verona's Fair in the Square this year," stated Kathleen Hivish, publisher of the Times. "We're hoping the weather gods bless us so thousands of townsfolk can enjoy this outstanding community event."
For more information, visit the Verona Fair in the Square Facebook page.
Crafters, businesses and organizations interested in having a table at the event should contact Diana Vitrano at 973-857-1467, ext.15.


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Samsung topped Apple, Lenovo in China's smartphone market for 2012
Chief Apple rival Samsung tripled its Chinese smartphone sales in 2012, taking the top spot ahead of Lenovo and Apple in the increasingly important Chinese market.
Yonhap News reported (via The Next Web) Sunday on a new analysis out from Strategy Analytics. That report had Samsung selling 30.06 million smartphones in China, nearly three times the 10.90 million units it sold in 2011. That total gave Samsung control of 17.7 percent of the Chinese market, solidly ahead of its competitors.
Chinese tech firm Lenovo took second place, with 13.2 percent of the market, while Apple came in third place with 11 percent. Chinese manufacturers Huawei and Coolpad trailed with 9.9 and 9.7 percent, respectively. Nokia dropped from 29.9 percent and a number one ranking in the country in 2011 to 3.7 percent and a seventh-place spot in 2012.
The newest report marks the first time that Samsung has taken the top spot in the Chinese market. Industry observers cite both Samsung's efforts at working with Chinese carriers and the company's growing brand recognition as drivers of its improved position.
China has quickly emerged as one of the most important markets for consumer electronics in general and smartphones in particular. In February, research firm Flurry estimated that China surpassed the United States in terms of total smartphone activations.
Apple has been looking to address the Chinese market, but the company has taken a cautious approach to doing so in order to maintain the quality users expect from its products, as well as its usual profit margins.
While the typical Chinese worker is probably unable to afford Apple products, the company has introduced installment plans on some devices. Investors and analysts, though, still clamor for Apple to release a low-cost iPhone in order to better capture the market.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has also visited China multiple times in the past year, most recently meeting with China Mobile in order to discuss ways to bring the iPhone to the world's largest carrier.


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Brits would rather sit beside a banker or politician on a flight than an overweight person, a new survey has revealed.
In a recent poll carried out by Essential Travel, 41 per cent of people said they would not like to sit beside a large person, while 17 per cent said that a crying baby is their worst travel nightmare.
A further 11 per cent said they would be unhappy if seated beside a work colleague, with eight per cent afraid to sit next to chatterboxes.
Commenting on the findings, Philip Jordan, marketing director at the company, said: "At a time when everyone is worrying about the economy, we were surprised that British travellers seem to loathe fat people even more than bankers and politicians.
Holidaymakers keen to improve their golf skills may wish to consider a stay at La Manga Club in Spain.
Situated on the Costa Calida, the resort boasts an exceptional range of facilities and basks in sunshine for over 300 days a year.
The La Manga Club Academy of Golf offers tuition and courses for players of all abilities, with a large team of professional instructors on hand.
Facilities at the academy include two indoor teaching studios and the latest video analysis technology is available to help players improve their game.
Holidays in Spain can still offer good value for British travellers, it has been claimed.
According to the Association of Independent Tour Operators, people can always find ways to make their holidays cheaper, such as opting for a self-catering stay.
"You can offset your cost so if you want to go to France or Spain, you can book a villa and buy your own produce, that's a big attraction too," a spokesperson for the organisation commented.
Holidaymakers may be worried about the current exchange rate between the euro and pound, but they should compare the relative cost of items between countries, he added.
Brits rely on holidays to Spain and other sunny destinations to help them recover from the stresses and strains of everyday life, it has been revealed.
In a recent survey carried out by Saga, 17 per cent of respondents said they felt the need to book a holiday following the loss of a loved one, while nine per cent said being diagnosed with an illness made them want to jet abroad.
The study also revealed that the effects of a holiday often last for months after returning home.
Of those polled, 28 per cent said they felt relaxed for weeks after they returned from their last break overseas.
Brits hoping to arrange flights to Spain for later this year may be interested to learn that budget airline Flybe has put a selection of its winter flights on sale.
Those looking to travel after October 25th can now book flights from the UK to popular destinations such as Alicante and Malaga, with services available to both destinations from Exeter and Southampton.
Flights start from £39.99 one-way, including taxes and charges.
British consumers are still booking holidays to Spain and other destinations, it has been claimed.
However, a new poll has revealed that holidaymakers are planning to spend almost £300 less this year.
Research carried out by Holiday-Rentals revealed that the average family is planning to spend £2,092 on a break abroad this year.
The poll suggested that the biggest cutbacks will be on transport, with families expected to spend £82 less on getting to their destination than they did in 2007.
Those heading on tennis holidays at La Manga Club in the coming months will be able to get even more value for money, thanks to the resort's Free Nights offer.
Guests at the five-star La Manga Club Principe Filipe hotel and the four-star Las Lomas Village can take advantage of the deal, which runs through medium and high season and applies to rooms only.
At the hotel, holidaymakers can enjoy one night in every four for free during medium season and one in seven in summer.
For those booking Spanish holiday villas at Las Lomas Village, two nights in every seven will be complimentary during both seasons, while one in every four will be free during medium season.
Passengers on flights to La Manga could soon be able to get married while in the air, if easyJet gets its way.
The budget airline, which flies to Almeria, Murcia and Alicante on the Costa Blanca, has enquired with authorities as to whether its captains will be able to officiate weddings.
If its proposals are accepted, couples will be able to depart the UK as engaged and arrive for their holidays in Spain as husband and wife, eTravel reports.
"If our request is replied positively, then so called 'floating on cloud nine' would get a new meaning for people in love - and we can offer another special service to our passengers," commented Paul Simmons, UK regional general manager for easyJet.
For those who enjoy tranquil beaches, either this month or next could be a great time to holiday in La Manga Club.
Low-cost airline bmibaby flies to Alicante Airport, which serves La Manga, and believes May and June are the perfect months for those who want to avoid the school holiday rush.
The carrier recommends a host of beaches for early summer - which La Manga guests might like to hire a car in Murcia and visit. For example, the 900-metre Playa del Postiguet is one of the cleanest beaches one can visit, having consistently been awarded the Blue Flag.
Could your young football fan be the next Kaka? La Manga Club can help put them on the right track with a Milan Junior Camp.
Organised by the world-famous AC Milan football club, Milan Junior Camps take place all over the world and run for seven days, teaching boys and girls all about 'the beautiful game'.
For 850 euros, each participant can enjoy a full programme of training and entertainment, learning from experienced Milan coaches. They will also get full kit and a diploma at the end of the course.


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Waterstones is arguably the biggest book retailer in the UK. Monopolising city centres, when a new release finally hits the shelves, it is the first point of call for many bibliophiles. For those who want that new release as soon as it comes out, Waterstones allows for preorders delivered to your door on the publication date, and this is a feature many people make use of. However, a switch in the system has left many readers disappointed as they are having to wait weeks for their orders. With Waterstones being such a household house, the exponential damage of these issues is an ordeal that demands to be explored.
Personally, September was a big month for me regarding new books. With the release of Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus and Lord of the Fly Fest by Goldy Moldavsky, two auto-buy authors, I made the decision to preorder from Waterstones for the first time. Preordering is an extremely important aspect of the book industry. Firstly, all preorders will officially be processed on the first week of release which increases an author’s chance of being on the bestsellers list. This can then consequently boost sales as people tend to gravitate towards what is popular. Secondly, if a bookseller sees a book is getting a lot of traction before release, they are more likely to stock more copies and promote it within stores on release, which can then also help an author to sell more copies of their book.
So, for more popular authors, preorders push their books even more, however even without preorder numbers, it is likely their books will still sell well. It is smaller independent authors that truly suffer from people not receiving their preorders. This initial traction is vital to the success of their books, as they sell through word-of-mouth. It is going to majorly impact the book industry if preorders continue to not come in on time and if stock is not in Waterstones stores in time for release.
With delays ongoing for nearly two months now the truth is that this is a damaging state of affairs for Waterstones
The crux of this problem has come from the implementation of a new system to organise stock at Waterstones. The aim of this shift was to allow an expansion of stock, moving to an upgraded warehouse management system. However, this upgrade has actually resulted in delays, creating a backlog of stock orders that the company is still working through over a month after the original issue.
It seems this issue has not only affected preorders as well, and in fact, has had a ripple effect on all stock. Noticeably, I ordered a copy of The Trees by Percival Everett and over a month later I still don’t have it, despite seeing it in my local Waterstones. Since I first ordered it, it has been both longlisted and sequentially shortlisted for the Booker prize. I fear the winner may be announced before I get a chance to dive into some of the nominations. These delays in readers being able to peruse the titles they order puts the whole book industry on the back foot, especially considering Waterstones’ dominant position as a bookseller.
Reportedly working through the issue, there is hope that this is simply a teething issue of a new system but with delays ongoing for nearly two months now the truth is that this is a damaging state of affairs for Waterstones. The worry is readers shift to the reliability of Amazon for preorders which could signal the beginning of the end for high street bookshops. Hopefully, a resolution is just beyond the horizon, and the potential death of the bookstore is more a warning than an inevitability.


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Fish oils, and particularly cod liver oil, are proving to be the
mainstay of the UK's dietary supplements market, providing growth
in a market where profits are continually eroded by price
The standard fish oils and omega-3 fish oil concentrates produced
by Ocean Nutrition Canada (ONC) have become the first ingredients
to be certified under the United States Pharmacopeia's (USP) new
ingredient verification program.
Operating income fell by more than half for leading omega 3 fatty
acid supplier Omega Protein in 2003 as reduced fish stocks and oil
yields impact the bottom line through higher per unit cost
inventories and a decline in product availability.
Fish oil capsules are much lower in contaminants than farmed fish,
reports Canadian paper The Globe and Mail and CTV News
today, following results of research commissioned by the news
services last month.
Taking fish oil supplements appears to significantly reduce the
severity in elite athletes of a condition which reduces lung
function after exercise and narrows the airways, report researchers
from universities in the US and Cardiff,...
Omega-3 fish oil and specialty fish meal products producer Omega
Protein Corporation, last week reported net income for the first
quarter of 2003 of $2.6 million compared with a net income of $2.7
million for the first quarter of...
A researcher from the Institute for Nutrition Research at the
University of Oslo in Norway claims that fatty fish could have the
power to destroy cancer cells. The fatty acids from fish oils and
fatty fish can destroy the power station...
The UK Food Standards Agency has published the results of a survey
of dioxin and dioxin-like PCBs in 33 branded fish oil supplements
bought from UK retailers, and has withdrawn two batches from sale
after they were found to contain...
Omega Protein Corporation, the leading producer of omega-3 fish oil
and specialty fish meal products in the US, has reported net income
of $2.7 million (€2.98m) for the first quarter of 2002, a return to
profitability after net losses...


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Apple released iOS 10.1.1 this morning. It seems to be relatively minor, but you’ll probably want to install it just to be on the safe side.
According to Apple, iOS 10.1.1 “fixes bugs including an issue where Health data could not be viewed for some users.” That could be a big deal, depending on how much you use Health.
iOS 10.1.1 fixes Health
If you’re like me, for example, and open it once every few months just to see how far you walked on a given day, then it’s not a big deal. If you have it linked up with devices that are actually helping you manage your health and trying to keep you alive, well, you need to see that data.
The update can be applied over the air now.


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Reno Public Market Food Hall Grand Opening January 20th
A weekend of food and fun for Reno residents and West Coast foodies
Reno, Nevada. – Reno General Market, home to one of the largest food halls on the West Coast, opens its doors January 20, with grand opening activities planned throughout the weekend. Grand opening weekend activities at the Reno Public Market include performances from local musicians, family-friendly activities, and dining from 17 vendors in the food halls.
Reno Public Market, formerly Shopper’s Square retail shopping center, has been owned and operated by the Casazza family for over 50 years. Casazzas partnered with developer Foothill Partners and property manager Loja Real Estate in 2016 to begin efforts to revitalize Midtown Reno’s shopping space.
said Rick Casaza, Partner, Reno Public Market LLC and Senior Vice President, Reno Public Market LLC Colliers International. “I feel like it was only yesterday when my family and I were getting started on Shopper’s Square. Now my family can enjoy this amazing community gathering space along with the rest of the Reno Tahoe.”
During the holiday season, Reno Public Market hosted a pop-up for the holidays to give locals a peek at what’s to come at its location on the corner of Plumb Lane and South Virginia Street.
“The Reno Public Market provides a true sense of what the local food scene in Reno has to offer for everyone under one roof.” said Steve Schroeder, general manager of Fireten Hospitality, which operates the food court at the Reno General Market. “We have a very diverse food offering here. All of our vendors are local operators. We also prioritized convenience. You will be able to order any food or dessert item through our app, sit down with your family and friends and receive a text when your order is ready. No more lines.” This food court is good for our society, our economy and our tourists.”
Reno Public Market has activities planned all weekend for the grand opening attendance. Face painting and live art are available all week long opening weekend from 12-4pm, and Reno Public Market tenants Far Out, Wyld Market, and Makers Paradise Art Collective also add to the festivities. Far Out hosts a family-friendly scavenger hunt every day of its grand opening weekend. Wyld Market is hosting an exhibition opening for Golden Black, an artist who has appeared at previous Burning Man celebrations. Makers Paradise Art Collective hosts children’s artwork on the RPM Stage [email protected]Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm
“It’s been a long time coming, but we’re excited to open our doors to the community,” said Doug Weil, President and Co-Founder of Foothill Partners. “The food served by our vendors is just the beginning of the fun our community can have this weekend.”
Along with the many food options, music from local artists will be playing all weekend at the [email protected]‘s. Shows are from 2-6pm and 7-10pm all weekend. Featured artists include DJ Ryon, Marty O-Reilly, Old Soul Orchestra, Buffalo Moses, Ex-Wives, DJ Duo Mark Sexton & Chuck Tyler, Killer Whale and El Raj.
“Our theater is designed for the community,” said Nitti Oliverio, Director of Arts and Culture for the Reno Public Market. “We ensure our titles reflect this mission.”
The Reno Public Market will be open from 11am-10pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11am-11pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 11am-8pm Sundays. It will be closed on Tuesday. For more information visit https://renopublicmarket.com.


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FREMONT (AP) - Republicans investigating the government's investment in a bankrupt solar panel manufacturer have concluded that the Obama administration ignored numerous red flags about the company's financial viability, leaving taxpayers on the hook for more than $500 million.
ATLANTA (AP) - Chick-fil-A has set a one-day sales record amid an ongoing controversy over a company executive's public stance against same-sex marriage.
NEW YORK (AP) - Shoppers showed some spending muscle in July, once summer clearance sales and the hottest July in 50 years got them in the mood.
NEW YORK (AP) - AT&T Inc. has gone on a shopping spree for wireless spectrum, striking three separate deals that should let it increase its capacity for wireless broadband.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Clothing retailer Gap Inc. said Thursday that July sales at stores open at least a year jumped 10 percent, easily surpassing analysts' expectations, and said second-quarter earnings would rise from last year's results.
Gas pipe ruptures near site of deadly blast
SAN JOSE (AP) - Computer maker Hewlett-Packard Co. said it won a "tremendous" victory in its court battle to force Oracle Corp. to continue making software for one of its server lines.
NEW YORK (AP) - Ask five strangers to taste five new diet sodas and you might get one opinion: Try again.
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) - A new law in Chile aims to take some of the fun out of fast-food by forcing McDonald's, Burger King, KFC and other restaurants to stop including toys and other goodies with children's meals.
NEW YORK (AP) - Television viewers are so excited about the Olympics that NBC's corporate owners said Wednesday they now expect to break even on the London games after once predicting they'd take a $200 million loss.
NEW YORK (AP) - A technical glitch on the stock market caused sharp swings in dozens of stocks early Wednesday, causing confusion and disarray in the first hour of trading.
DETROIT (AP) - Just when Detroit seemed to be luring them away, Americans are embracing Japanese cars again.
WASHINGTON (AP) - With Republicans badly split over farm subsidies and cutting food stamps, House GOP leaders Tuesday decided to drop plans to extend the current farm program for one year and instead will press for immediate help for drought-stricken livestock producers.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans accused President Barack Obama of trying to keep middle-class Americans in the dark about whether they'll lose their jobs from impending defense cuts as a Labor Department memo cautioning contractors about layoff notices set off political recriminations.
ONTARIO, Ore. (AP) - Eastern Oregon and western Idaho already produce many of the nation's decorative pumpkins. Now an economic development official is exploring whether the area could support production of pumpkin seeds for healthy snack foods.
WASHINGTON (AP) - A Wall Street banker nominated by President Barack Obama to be the third-ranking official at the Treasury Department has pulled out of contention for the post in the face of Democratic opposition, a blow to the White House and a victory for the party's liberal wing.
WASHINGTON (AP) - People who owe old debts to the Social Security Administration are getting a reprieve this tax season: The federal government won't be seizing their tax refunds.
WASHINGTON (AP) - If you're among the millions of consumers who got financial help for health insurance last year under President Barack Obama's law, better keep an eye on your mailbox.
NEW YORK (AP) - New York's turf war on wheels reached fever pitch Monday as City Council members grilled representatives of the app-based Uber service - a fierce competitor of the city's 13,000 yellow cabs hailed with a flailing hand.
LAS VEGAS (AP) - One of the biggest changes in television this year will be more channels being available online with no separate cable or satellite subscription. But for would-be cord-cutters, watching live sports online has been elusive - until now. Dish Network Corp. on Monday unveiled an Internet-only subscription offering that includes ESPN.
DALLAS (AP) - If you've been putting off a trip abroad because it's too expensive, start packing your bags.
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Imagine a world in which your garage door opens automatically as you pull into the driveway. The living room lights and heater turn on - perhaps the oven starts warming up, too. In the so-called "smart home," cars, appliances and other devices all have sensors and Internet connectivity to think and act for themselves, and make your life easier.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Petco said Monday it has removed all remaining Chinese-made dog and cat treats from its website and stores nationwide because of concerns they have sickened thousands of pets and killed 1,000 dogs in the U.S. since 2007.


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Lindsay Lohan will be headed to court this Thursday to address the issue of whether or not she stole a $2500 necklace from a Venice jewelry store, unless there is a plea bargain beforehand. However, over the weekend, never before seen video of Lindsay in the jewelry store has been sold, and it could hurt the prosecution’s case that the store was the victim.
The jewelry store jumped the gun and has sold the surveillance footage in a money-hungry move that could give Lohan a lucky break. Entertainment Tonight has exclusively obtained the footage that prosecutors will be using to support their case and is reportedly airing the video tonight.
See our controversy ratings of Lindsay’s courtroom fashion:
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O que você está procurando?
Keysight, IPG Automotive and Nordsys Collaborate to Accelerate Validation of Advanced Driver Systems
Will jointly deliver new modular test platform - Autonomous Drive Emulation (ADE) Platform
SANTA ROSA, Calif.; KARLSRUHE, Baden-Württemberg; BRAUNSCHWEIG, Lower Saxony, July 27, 2020
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS), a leading technology company that helps enterprises, service providers and governments accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world, IPG Automotive , a global leader in virtual test driving technology and Nordsys, one of the leading companies for the development of software system architectures for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, are collaborating to design and develop a modular test platform that will accelerate the validation of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and functions for autonomous driving.
The automotive industry is facing tremendous change and multiple technology disruptions. The number of sensors and quantity of data that needs to be processed by the decision-making units in ADAS-enabled cars is driving increased complexity in development, simulation and testing. In addition to the complexity associated with the technical limitations of various sensor emulation implementations, is the integration into a complete and comprehensive environment due to the lack of standard interfaces.
Keysight, IPG Automotive and Nordsys have established a multi-year collaboration to create a solution – the Autonomous Drive Emulation (ADE) platform - which will emulate synchronized connections to all relevant sensors in a car such as the global navigation satellite system (GNSS), vehicle to everything (V2X) camera and radar, in a single system.
ADE enables automotive OEMs, and their partners, to focus on the development and testing of ADAS systems and algorithms, including sensor fusion and decision-making algorithms. It is an open platform that simplifies integration with commercial 3D modeling, HIL systems and existing test and simulation environments.
"Combining the experience and expertise of Keysight, IPG and Nordsys will deliver a solution that enables customers to simulate and emulate their components, software and systems including sensor fusion and decision-making algorithms," noted vice president and general manager of Keysight's automotive industry segment, Tom Goetzl.
"Our innovative software solutions allow for transfer of real test scenarios including the entire environment into the virtual world with a high level of detail. We are delighted to bring this powerful and real-time capable software modeling technology to ADE and participate with Keysight in this partnership," commented Steffen Schmidt, managing director of IPG Automotive.
"Nordsys creates software-controlled applications focused on the automotive industry, as well as hardware and software solutions for V2X communications. We look forward to bringing this expertise to ADE and the collaboration with Keysight," said Manfred Miller, CEO of Nordsys.
NORDSYS GmbH, based in Braunschweig – Germany, has over 15 years of experience in communication technology for the automotive industry and is one of the leading companies for the development of software system architectures for V2X communication. With the brand waveBEE® Nordsys offers a complete eco system for development, simulation and testing of V2X environments. As partner of prestigious vehicle manufacturers, tier-1 suppliers and technology providers the company has its key competences in driver assistant systems, infotainment, future mobility solutions and complex simulation environments.
About IPG Automotive
As a global leader in virtual test-driving technology, IPG Automotive develops innovative simulation solutions for vehicle development. The company's software and hardware products for the application areas of ADAS & automated driving, powertrain and vehicle dynamics are designed for seamless use throughout the entire development process.
About Keysight Technologies
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) is a leading technology company that helps enterprises, service providers and governments accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Keysight's solutions optimize networks and bring electronic products to market faster and at a lower cost with offerings from design simulation, to prototype validation, to manufacturing test, to optimization in networks and cloud environments. Customers span the worldwide communications ecosystem, aerospace and defense, automotive, energy, semiconductor and general electronics end markets. Keysight generated revenues of $4.3B in fiscal year 2019. More information is available at www.keysight.com.
# # #
Nordsys Media Contact:
Maik Schlote, PR Manager
+49 531 296988-50
IPG Automotive Contact:
+49 (721) 98520-209
Geri Lynne LaCombe, Americas/Europe
+1 303 662–4748
Fusako Dohi, Asia
+81 42 660–2162


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The 2021 Cadillac Escalade has been teased ahead of its upcoming debut in Hollywood on February 4th, with GM releasing an image showing a section of the full-size luxury SUV’s front end.
The sole teaser image (above) shows off the next-generation Escalade’s large new front grille and slim, horizontally mounted headlights. The photo gives us our first idea of what the SUV’s huge, vertical lower light signatures look like fully illuminated. While we saw most of the Escalade’s front end in a previous leak (below), the lower LED lights were not turned on in the photo. This model in the teaser also appears to be a Premium Luxury trim, while the leaked model is a Sport trim – as per Cadillac’s Y-trim level strategy.
GM may have given us another official look at the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, but it is still staying light on the details. The press release accompanying this teaser photo only really addresses the curved OLED display, as far as vehicle information is concerned, which it already outlined in a previous release. The 38-inch diagonal display will serve as both the central infotainment screen and the driver’s display and will have twice the pixel density of 4K television.
The previous leak also revealed the side of the luxury SUV, showing a silhouette similar to the 2021 GMC Yukon, but with an abundance of chrome trim. That leak showed the Escalade’s cabin, as well, which will follow in the footsteps of new Cadillac products like the XT6 with a similar dashboard design and center console layout. The presence of the 38-inch display sets the Escalade’s cabin apart, however.
As we reported in our post detailing our predictions and expectations for the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, the next-generation SUV will ride on GM’s T1 platform and will feature independent rear suspension. It will be powered by GM’s familiar naturally-aspirated 6.2L L87 V8 gasoline engine, which will be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. A powerful gas performance model is expected to arrive sometime in the vehicle’s lifecycle, along with a battery-electric version offering up to 400 miles of peak range.
Cadillac’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving technology, first offered on the Cadillac CT6 and arriving soon on the CT5 and CT4, will also be available on the Escalade, becoming the first of its crossover/SUV offerings to feature the SAE Level 2 semi-autonomous system.
GM Authority will have all the details on the 2021 Cadillac Escalade following its debut on early next month, so be sure to subscribe for more Cadillac Escalade news, Cadillac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.


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Skincare and Makeup Industry Joins the CBD Buzz
The cannabis-derived chemical compound, CBD is growing in popularity every day, as a result of its supposedly medical benefits. It has been linked to the treatments of various ailments like pain, stress, anxiety, etc. However, the beauty industry has now caught on to the ‘craze’ with CBD becoming a major ingredient in makeup and skincare products.
According to Dr. Jenelle Kim, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine; CBD has astounding potent properties. This discovery led Kim and her husband, Craig Nandoo to establish JBK Wellness Labs, a company dedicated in part to help clients manufacture good skincare products.
The information on the company’s website has it that the products produced from the company are available in hotels, grocery chains, and resorts under different product labels. The recent CBD Expo held in Seattle had a lot of CBD creams and skincare products such as lotions, soaps, compact makeups, lip balms, etc. Kim says that this is a good sign that CBD has a lot of benefits for the skin.
Kim explained that: "…it has incredible anti-inflammatory properties, calming properties for the body, for the skin in particular, and it's an incredible antioxidant. And we hear this word all of the time, but in short, it helps protect against free radicals, which means everything around you that's trying to do the opposite. Trying to make you age faster. Trying to break things down."
A quick check with the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NBCI) confirms that CBD actually has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties – and all these are good for the skin.
However, skincare specialists advise that, although CBD skincare products can be good for the skin, just adding any amount of CBD to a product is risky. The method of extraction, the quantity and general formulation of CBD products is of utmost importance. Don’t forget that just like everything else that contains CBD, skincare products have to follow certain preparation methods, and storage conditions to be deemed safe for the skin.
According to Nandoo, "CBD is a huge, booming industry, but just because a product has CBD in it, doesn't mean it's going to be good for you."
Kim and Nando say that you’ve to be careful and ask relevant questions such as other ingredients in the CBD product and quality of the product in general before using it on the skin.Moreover, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has it that over-the-counter CBD products are illegal and same applies to CBD skincare products. So, you should be careful where you get your CBD-infused products.


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U.S. retailers strive to adapt to coronavirus closures
While government decision-makers across the United States separately made the decision to close public schools and ban large gatherings, retailers have jumped on the bandwagon to temporarily shut down brick-and-mortar stores completely or limit their opening hours. As a result, the strength of e-commerce has never been greater than it is today, as the United States and the global community face a public health crisis.
These retailers have already seen huge drops in their stock prices since COVID-19 hit U.S. shores. Will store closings hurt their revenue generation efforts even more than these businesses already expected, or can they rely on e-commerce to make up some of the difference?
Which companies have closed stores?
Here is a partial list of publicly traded companies that announced store closures this week:
“The well-being of our teammates and consumers is our top priority,” Nike said in a press release, leading it to close stores in most, but not all, markets around the world. For now, these closures take effect from March 16 to 27.
This is the attitude that emerges from press releases, as companies scramble to figure out how to navigate the coronavirus situation and ensure the health of workers and customers.
Some companies, like Under Armor, Lululemon, and Urban Outfitters, have made it clear that they will continue to pay employees throughout this period.
Take extra precautions
In addition to store closings, the companies have separately announced that they will also take steps to keep employees safe. Those who can work from home have been urged to do so, and workers who cannot work remotely will take turns at company offices and maintain social distancing rules. Work areas will be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Other general measures that many companies have taken include offering paid time off to sick families and medical services such as therapy. Lululemon connects with customers through online yoga and meditation classes.
Make changes if necessary
Other companies that are changing their hours include Walmart (NYSE: WMT) and Difference (NYSE: GPS). Walmart is reducing hours to allow for optimized storage and disinfection. Gap said it will closely monitor guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and may close some stores as the situation evolves.
All of these businesses are emphasizing their e-commerce operations or, more appropriately, relying on their businesses and customers during this time. So far, the postal system is doing well and there is no evidence that the coronavirus can be transferred by post.
It remains to be seen to what extent this will affect the turnover of these companies. While digital growth has been in the double digits for many of these companies, they still do the majority of their sales in-store. This may become the litmus test of whether the economy can perform well despite a spike in e-commerce.
Retailers who work exclusively online, such as Point correction and Etsy, may find it a boon to their sales, although Amazon perhaps the biggest winner of all.
Open for business
Target CEO Brian Cornell first said that stores will remain open as usual so that customers can get what they need on demand. However, the company places limits on certain key items so that the products are available to everyone.
The company informed its customers that it will close at 9 p.m. daily and devote the first hour of shopping to the elderly and vulnerable.
Retail stocks have weathered the market collapse, and these companies are mobilizing by prioritizing the health needs of the public.
This article represents the opinion of the author, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a premium Motley Fool consulting service. We are motley! Challenging an investment thesis – even one of our own – helps us all to think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer.


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Next month the w00t is back and this year there will be a new way to enjoy it.
Stone Brewing Co. will be releasing Stone Farking Wheaton w00tstout 2019, an 11.5 percent ABV imperial stout brewed with rye and wheat malts and pecans before being partially aged in bourbon barrels. In addition, while previous incarnations of the stout have been available in both 22-ounce bottles and 12-ounce bottles, this year will mark the debut of the beer in 12-ounce cans.
The beer is a collaboration between actor Wil Wheaton, Drew Curtis, creator of Fark.com; and Greg Koch, Stone’s ceo, the stout is named after Wheaton’s annual festival celebrating cross-genre geekdom w00tstock.
This will be the sixth time the imperial stout will be available after it debuted in 2013 and the artwork on the newest incarnation has been drawn by artist Alan Davis, who is best known for his work on Uncanny X-Men and Justice League of America comic books. According to the bottle label, the logo depicts a hero who “channels our iconic gargoyle’s guardian powers to battle against the evils of the world of beer.”
According to a post on Stone’s Facebook page, Stone Farking Wheaton w00tstout 2019 will be packaged in both 22-ounce bottles as well as 12-ounce cans that are scheduled to be released at retailers nationwide in July.


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Chevrolet is beginning to announce the changes it will make to the eighth-generation Corvette for the 2021 model year. It published an enigmatic preview video on its official Facebook page that seemingly announces buyers will have several new racing stripes options to choose from, including some drawn from the model's heritage.
"We're adding to the legacy," the company explained in the 14-second video (embedded below) after instructing viewers not to blink. Although that's the only morsel of information included with the clip, the footage largely speaks for itself. It all but confirms the 2021 model's color palette will include four new combinations: black with red stripes, black with yellow stripes, blue with orange stripes, and white with blue stripes.
We've seen some of these liveries before. Several factory- and privateer-raced Corvette variants were painted in white with light blue stripes during the 1950s and the 1960s. Dozens of cars (including, most recently, Ford's GT and Mustang) have tried on Gulf's famous light blue and orange look. We'll need to wait until Chevrolet releases more information to learn the story behind the red-on-black and yellow-on-black options, though the latter reminds us of a straight, freshly-paved stretch of tarmac unfolding towards the horizon deep in the Utah desert.
The preview video adds another piece to the 2021 Corvette puzzle. We already know Silver Flare Metallic will replace Blade Silver, and Red Mist Tint Coat Metallic will substitute for Long Beach Red. Moving beneath the body, the magnetic suspension will become a standalone option, meaning buyers will be able to order it without selecting the Z51 performance package. And, perhaps more important, the coupe's base price will remain set at $59,995 including a mandatory $1,095 destination charge. Pricing for the convertible will start at $67,495.
Chevrolet might have other changes in store for the 2021 Corvette, and we won't have to wait long to discover them because the firm will begin taking orders for the model in July 2020. Its Bowling Green, Kentucky, factory is rushing to build as many 2020 models as it can, though a spokesperson confirmed not every order will be filled, and the 2021 Corvette will enter production on November 2. Considering that some enthusiasts who ordered a 2020 will end up with a 2021, it's reasonable to assume the next model year won't bring massive changes.
There's another way to add a Corvette with racing stripes to your collection. Costco will soon begin selling a 2020 model finished in Sebring Orange with contrasting black stripes. It should be easier to find than the version sold through Chevrolet dealers, and it will be considerably cheaper, but the catch is that it's about 10 inches long.


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Bengaluru-based Zetwerk Raises $120M in Series D Funding
Zetwerk, a Bengaluru-based B2B manufacturing platform, has recently secured $120 million in a Series D funding round led by Greenoaks Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners . This funding round also saw participation from other notable investors such as Sequoia Capital and Kae Capital. With this latest infusion of capital, Zetwerk’s valuation has soared to approximately $600 million . The company intends to utilize the funds to expand its operations both in India and globally, as well as invest in technology and talent .
Driving Growth in the B2B Manufacturing Space
Zetwerk, founded just 18 months ago, has made significant strides in the Indian B2B marketplace for manufacturing products. The company’s success can be attributed to its unique approach of connecting businesses with reliable suppliers and manufacturers, streamlining the procurement process, and ensuring quality control . Zetwerk’s platform offers a wide range of manufacturing services, including metal fabrication, machining, casting, and forging . By leveraging technology and data analytics, Zetwerk enables businesses to find the right manufacturing partners efficiently and cost-effectively.
Series D Funding: A Testament to Zetwerk’s Potential
The recent Series D funding round led by Greenoaks Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners is a testament to Zetwerk’s potential in the B2B manufacturing space . This round of funding will enable the company to further enhance its platform and expand its reach. Zetwerk plans to invest in cutting-edge technology solutions to improve the efficiency of its marketplace and provide an even better experience for its customers .
Expanding Operations and Global Presence
With the infusion of $120 million in funding, Zetwerk aims to expand its operations in India and globally . The company has already established a strong presence in the Indian market, and now it plans to leverage its success to enter new markets. Zetwerk’s expansion strategy includes building a robust network of suppliers and manufacturers across different regions, ensuring that businesses worldwide can benefit from its platform.
Investing in Technology and Talent
Zetwerk recognizes the importance of technology in driving innovation and efficiency in the manufacturing industry. As part of its growth plans, the company intends to invest heavily in technology, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to enhance its platform’s capabilities . By leveraging advanced algorithms and data analytics, Zetwerk aims to provide businesses with valuable insights and recommendations, facilitating smarter decision-making in the procurement process.
In addition to technology, Zetwerk also plans to invest in talent acquisition and development. The company believes that a skilled and diverse workforce is crucial for driving innovation and delivering exceptional customer service. By attracting top talent from various fields, Zetwerk aims to strengthen its team and continue providing high-quality services to its customers.
Zetwerk’s recent Series D funding round led by Greenoaks Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners has positioned the company for further growth and success in the B2B manufacturing space. With a valuation of approximately $600 million, Zetwerk is well-equipped to expand its operations both in India and globally. By investing in technology, talent, and global expansion, Zetwerk aims to solidify its position as a leading B2B manufacturing platform, connecting businesses with reliable suppliers and manufacturers efficiently and effectively.


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Broadcasters, brands, program makers, social networks, smart TV manufacturers, web giants like Google, Microsoft and Yahoo (which owns social TV company IntoNow), mobile phone operators (such as Orange with its TVCheck app), and the new generation of second screen app developers like Zeebox, Miso, GetGlue and Viggle, are just some of the parties staking a claim in this market, but which ones will consumers turn to first for their second screen experience?
Broadcasters are taking a big interest in second screen for both opportunistic and defensive reasons. Second screen presents broadcasters with new ways of engaging with audiences, promoting channel loyalty and extending the advertising market. In the US, ConnectTV an alliance of ten broadcast groups that represent more than 250 channels and cover more than 76 million households, is a social network for TV viewers, who can share comments and access additional content.
In the UK, commercial broadcasters ITV and Channel 4 are developing second screen apps. Other broadcasters have taken a stake in second screen app developers, such as Sky, which has a 10% stake in Zeebox, and Fox, which has bought into ACTV8.me. “For Sky, second screen is a fantastic way of getting people to engage with their content and develop targeted advertising,” says Charlotte Miller, Research Analyst at Juniper Research. “Wouldn’t you want to know who is watching your show; what they think of it and what their friends are saying about it?”
Broadcasters want to keep eyeballs fixed to their channels and advertisements, and the danger is that second screen means that viewers are doing something else rather than watching the big screen. “TV networks need to strike a balance,” says David Berkowitz, Vice President at digital marketing agency 360i. “Network executives should accept that people are using their digital devices the entire time programs are airing, including during the commercials. Second, the networks are looking for ways to ensure more people watch the ads. Creating second screen experiences are a way of keeping people engaged the entire time.”
Berkowitz adds that ultimately, second screen should end up making TV advertising more accountable and even more valuable. “If TV ad viewers can receive entertaining content, useful information and discounts through a second screen device, it makes the TV ads more valuable for the advertiser, consumer, and network,” he says.
Programs such as The X-Factor, Celebrity Apprentice and The Oscars have developed specific apps that allow viewers to exchange views on Facebook or Twitter, and access extra content. But second screen app developers say that consumers won’t want the hassle of having to download different apps for different programs, and that a generic ‘one size fits all’ second screen app offers a much better user experience.
Some app developers, like Zeebox, have created tools that enable program makers to develop second screen content for a specific app or second screen platform. Charlotte Miller thinks it’s unlikely that individual programs will become the second screen gateway for most viewers. “People tend to associate TV programs or TV series with a channel or platform. A lot of power resides with the broadcasters, and with film rental services like Netflix and LoveFilm.”
Adrian Drury, Principal for media tech, broadcast & telecoms at research and consultancy company Ovum, believes that the TV screen will drive traffic to the second screen, pointing viewers in the direction of offerings such as brand web channels or web video ads, and he concurs with Shiv Singh, PepsiCo Global Head of Digital, who says that, “The TV spot has become the trailer for something bigger, broader and more interactive... they will be trailers into deeper branded digital experiences.”
Smart TV manufacturers like Sony, Philips, Toshiba, Panasonic and Samsung have launched app stores for their products. Almost all Smart TV manufacturers offer closed gardens, with users limited to the apps offered by the manufacturer. But critics of Smart TVs say that TV watching is communal, while second screening is personal. Who wants to be watching a program with friends or family and have their viewing disrupted by someone posting comments on Facebook?
But Andy Eardley, co-founder and Director of The App Agency, which develops Smart TV apps for brands, says there is a place for second screen-like experiences on the main set, “It’s about whether the information is personal or shared. For personal information – like our Facebook page – we’ll use a smartphone or tablet, but for shared information, it’s better if people can gather around a big screen.” The TV App Agency has developed apps for a range of brands and businesses, including Rightmove for property finding and Seychelles Connect for holidays.
Smart TV manufacturers say that second screen does not pose a threat to them. “The concept behind the second screen is to add to the experience of watching TV on a main set rather than replace it,” says Amit Rullay, Trade Marketing Manager – Television, for Philips UK. “So we don’t believe it will threaten TV manufacturers. In fact, as part of our Smart TV functionality, Philips has already made apps available for Apple and Android phones and tablets to operate our sets.”
Social network giants like Facebook and Twitter are generating massive amounts of second screen traffic but, at present, visitors are going to these sites via their TV screen or a second screen app. But it’s hard to imagine that Facebook at least, will not try to become a gateway for the second screen experience. However, the problem facing all players in the second screen market is how to generate revenues.
“In the UK, people are so accustomed to getting their content for free from sites such as BBC iPlayer that it’s going to be difficult to charge for additional second screen content,” says Miller. “One way of monetizing second screen could be to sell it as part of a TV package, and [the online TV subscription service] Hulu Plus shows that a degree of upselling is possible.”
Adrian Drury says that advertising and data collection offer commercial opportunities in the second screen world. “Are you going to get people to pay to use your app and get more information about a show? The answer is ‘No’ because people can get that for free from Google, so no one is going down that route. This is about selling incremental advertising inventory on top of the TV experience.”
All the new players in this market – such as Zeebox, GetGlue and Miso – have adopted a business model that is about building a critical mass of users by offering a free app. Zeebox, for example, relies on the fact that users log into their system (and thus provide their ID) and give information about what they are watching. Zeebox uses these parameters to provide extra contextual information, and some of this information includes sponsored keywords. If this motivates the second screen user to make a purchase, Zeebox takes a cut of the transaction.
The second screen company Viggle – owned by Function(x) – encourages people to watch advertisements and check into TV shows by paying them virtual money (in the form of redeemable points), which can be exchanged for gift cards, tickets and other goods at vendors such as Amazon, Best Buy and the iTunes Store. Chris Stephenson, President of Function(x) describes Viggle as a: “Loyalty program for TV,” and since its launch in early 2012, Viggle has attracted more than 250,000 registered users, recorded more than 7 million check-ins, and users have redeemed over 123,000 reward points.
Some industry observers think that the second screen providers face a big challenge when it comes to engaging consumers. “We conducted research using a sample of 9,000 people across nine different markets and found that many viewers are using a second screen device when watching a television – some of them quite regularly,” notes Drury. “However, they are using the second screen in a variety of ways. One type of activity is becoming known in the industry as ‘stacking’ – layering a new media experience on top of television viewing, but which has nothing to do with the TV program.”
Ovum found the most common forms of stacking behaviour involved browsing the web; accessing specialist sites; social networking, where the commentary is not about what’s on the TV screen, and browsing retail sites like Amazon. When it comes to second screen behaviour related to the TV screen, the most common form of activity is finding out more information about a TV show and, in particular, news and sports programs.
Some viewers are using social networks to comment about the program they’re watching, and the third most popular activity is Googling more information about a TV advertisement. Drury thinks that companion app makers, “Have to drive engagement, whether it’s by providing more content that’s related to what’s on the screen; providing relevant contextual information, offering some form of social engagement, or even offering a reward in exchange for logging in and using the application.”
A potential benefit for second screen providers is that they can acquire data related to individuals rather than households or large demographic groups, as is the case with conventional TV ratings systems, such as the People Meters used by Nielsen in the US and Barb (British Audience Research Bureau) in the UK. Barb, for example uses a sample of around 5000 households to cover the UK’s 26 million households. “If just one percent of people watching the X-Factor are Tweeting, that sample is going to be considerably higher than Barb’s and provide a huge amount of information – their demographic, what they are watching, what they’re saying, and their attitude to the show,” says Drury. “It’s down to the individual level and the data is captured instantly.” In the US, Nielsen has joined forces with Facebook to launch Online Campaign Ratings, a system for tracking and measuring online ads.
David Berkowitz says, “There’s a lot of money to be made from second screening. First, networks can use this as a way to add value or increase revenues for media buys. Meanwhile, advertisers can work with a range of second screen technologies to find ways to make their TV spots work harder for them and bring in more revenue.” Companies such as Shazam and Second ScreenNetworks are chasing the second screen ads market and offering technologies that enable brands and advertisers to take advantage of the new medium. The online world has taken away a lot of advertising revenue from the print world, so could second screen have the same impact on the first screen?
Berkowitz thinks not. “Print publishers got hit hard because online was a replacement for print; most of the time, online consumption happens at the expense of print publications. With TV, it’s symbiotic. Great TV gets people chatting, and it’s growing almost beyond comprehension. Just look at the Grammy Awards – Blue Fin Labs reported social media comments rose nearly 2,300% over last year’s telecast. In light of that, second screen experiences should make TV ads even more valuable, and it will probably lead to increased spending on TV.”
Drury agrees: “You have to remember that the killer application for television is television. We like to get home, kick off our shoes and watch the screen. TV is mainly a passive experience. The reason why companion screen devices have been so successful is because they are personal, whereas television is communal. This is what makes TV great for brand engagement.”
So who will make money from second screen?
In Drury’s words, “It’s all up for grabs. You have to remember that when you’re watching a TV program, you’re effectively looking at three brands – the program, the channel and the TV platform. So who do you aim your app at? At present, almost no one is selling second screen rights, except in kids’ TV. It’s the Wild West; no one knows the outcome to this.” For this reason, Drury says second screen app developers should create apps that are flexible enough to cater for multiple sales channels, and multiple commercial models.
“There will be a lot of winners out there,” says Berkowitz, “TV networks will get better at monetizing this. Brands will find ways to engage with consumers in ways they only dreamed about 10 or 20 years ago. Content creators will probably use it more to drive loyalty and engagement with their programs rather than as a pure money maker.” And other players could win too, he adds.
“A number of app developers will probably get acquired for a decent price. TV and set-top box manufacturers will take a while to figure out what interactive content works best on the first screen, but in a few years they’ll get there. The major social networks like Facebook and Twitter are in an interesting position, as so much activity on their sites happens in direct relation to what’s airing on television, so it will be very interesting to see what they build or buy to fully tap into second screening.”