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NEW YORK – Jan. 16, 2012 – Throughout the retail and hospitality industries one axiom reigns supreme: The customer is always right. Though dating back to the 19th century, it remains a hallmark of excellent customer service. And while the phrase is still as essential as ever, making good on it has become more of a challenge — and more of a possibility.
A collective of buyers, store planners and supply chain managers work together to anticipate next year’s hottest products, create pricing strategies that position the store well against its competitors, and keep the shelves replenished with just enough merchandise to meet demand. Meanwhile, a retinue of store managers and employees focus on serving the customer and selling that merchandise. Underpinning all these efforts is an array of applications and devices that is often outdated, disconnected and more a source of inefficiency than it is a driver of business value.
This week at the National Retail Federation Annual Conference and EXPO (NRF) in New York, Microsoft will discuss the details of its retail strategy, which focuses on transforming those one-off applications, devices and databases into an end-to-end solution. The overarching goal is to help retailers respond to changes in the market, drive greater efficiencies in their processes, and provide customers with a shopping experience that is personal, seamless and differentiates the retailer from its competitors.
A critical component of Microsoft’s retail strategy involves the use of intelligent systems that enable the flow of data across a company’s infrastructure, from specialized devices where it’s generated by employees and customers, to back-end systems and services where it’s translated into strategic insight and business decisions.
Connected Devices Lead to Customer Insight
Part of what makes intelligent systems possible is a new generation of barcode scanners, point of sale systems, kiosks and other devices that are powered by Windows Embedded. Together, they generate a richer level of data about nearly every facet of a retailer’s business. And once it’s been analyzed, this data can provide a wealth of insight ranging from more accurate sales forecasts to more effective pricing models and a better understanding of customer behavior.
For companies seeking a competitive advantage, such data is becoming the new gold standard. Microsoft estimates, based on 2011 IDC semiconductor market data, that by 2015 demand for intelligent systems within the retail industry will grow from its current level of around 15 million units to more than 28 million units.* Retailers such as Family Dollar and U.K.-based Co-operative Group have already started implementing intelligent systems, and Microsoft is seeing this same trend take hold in the healthcare and manufacturing industries as well.
To help companies get the greatest value, Windows Embedded released a white paper last fall that outlines the essential characteristics of an intelligent system: security, identity, connectivity, manageability, user experience and analytics. And over the past several months, Microsoft has released several products that help deliver on some of these aspects of an intelligent system.
Taking a Natural Approach to Intelligent Systems
The most recent example, and perhaps most noteworthy, is Kinect for Windows, which was the focus of some attention last week at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Microsoft announced the commercial availability of the Kinect for Windows SDK, and offered a conceptual example of how Kinect for Windows and Windows Embedded can work together to reinvent the retail experience. Microsoft worked with Razorfish to develop a proof-of-concept scenario much like this, which will be on display at NRF.
People have become more accustomed to a user experience that incorporates touch, voice and gesture recognition, and with its support for Windows Embedded Standard and Windows Embedded Enterprise, Kinect for Windows opens the door for a variety of new data collection and consumption scenarios that introduce these capabilities. For example, the Razorfish demo combines an NEC digital sign with Kinect for Windows to engage customers before they even enter the store. Inside, customers encounter the same combination of technologies in a virtual dressing room experience that allows them to view, navigate and see how garments look on a lifelike avatar version of themselves, without having to switch outfits or sort through sizes.
The Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface is also part of the mix in this demo, as well as another demo for NRF that Microsoft created with IdentityMine. In both cases, customers can immerse themselves in a 40-inch touch-screen environment to find more information on the products that interest them. The Samsung SUR40 also becomes a useful tool for sales associates to upsell or cross-sell by providing visual, on-the-spot comparisons between products.
Gleaning Insight From Streams of Data
The critical component in all these scenarios is being able to generate, track and harness a variety of data streams. For example, the aforementioned NEC digital signs demonstrated during NRF feature a corresponding Microsoft Tag for each featured retail item on display. Whenever a customer captures that tag with a Windows Phone 7 or other smartphone, it generates a piece of data that helps retailers track what products are attracting the most attention and monitor the preferences of customers that are enrolled in their customer loyalty program through applications such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
Windows Embedded worked with Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Extended Results, to create a third proof of concept for NRF around providing executives with better access to real-time data. The potential pitfall with any data stream is being able to glean the golden nuggets of business insight from the extraneous chaff. In March 2011, Microsoft released Windows Embedded Device Manager to help enterprises get the most out of their data.
Windows Embedded Device Manager was pre-installed on all of the Windows Embedded-based devices featured throughout the three demos, highlighting the ability for IT professionals to gain greater control over the critical devices generating, capturing and analyzing data. This control extends to a range of devices including POS systems, hand-held devices, digital signs and kiosks.
Once data is captured by a device, it can be consumed and analyzed by a variety of Microsoft applications and third-party services that live within a company’s channels, datacenters or on a public cloud:
Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for Retail, Microsoft’s end-to-end application solution for retail, will be released on Feb. 1 (as announced at NRF this morning).
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 includes StreamInsight, a new tool that helps retailers to more easily harness multiple streams of data, whether structured or unstructured, and to transform the rush of Big Data into a gold mine of business insight.
Ultimately, intelligent systems will benefit everyone along the spectrum, giving retailers the relevant and timely information they need and offering customers the service they deserve.
The Microsoft end-to-end retail demonstrations will be held in the company’s booth at NRF through Jan. 18, 2012. For more information on these demos and how intelligent systems are transforming the retail experience, visit the Microsoft in Retail & Hospitality home page.


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It's quite a leafy news day, in terms of pot-related shenanigans going down. But in this case, the drugs weren't being dealt online, but grown in a seemingly very public place -- specifically, a nail salon located inside a Meijer store near Ann Arbor, Mich. Perhaps Mary Jane Manicures were on the list of services? According to AnnArbor.com, cops seized more than 70 marijuana plants from the nail salon this morning.
Colorado’s marijuana legalization may have hit a little of snag since now Home Owners Associations have started banning pot growing even when it’s contained within a homeowner’s property. In a related report by The Inquisitr, those ... Read Post
Los Angeles seems to have a lot of trouble policing commerce-related things. Advertisers put up $100,000 illegal billboards overnight and never have to take them down, and now apparently medical marijuana stores are running rampant.... Read Post

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You’ve likely heard of Facebook, but did you realize the social media giant owns a plethora of other companies? From photo-sharing apps to virtual reality platforms and even some unexpected purchases, Facebook’s reach extends far beyond your news feed.
Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and fellow Harvard students, Facebook quickly grew from a college-only platform to a global phenomenon. Today, it’s not just about connecting friends and families; businesses use the platform for marketing, news outlets share updates on it, and many people rely on it for their daily dose of world events.
But let’s dig deeper into Facebook’s business portfolio. What else does this tech titan own? As you’re about to see, there are numerous well-known apps and services under the Facebook umbrella that you may be using every day without knowing they’re part of Mark Zuckerberg’s empire.
Brief History of Facebook’s Mergers and Acquisitions
Facebook, the social media giant you’ve come to know so well, hasn’t achieved its monumental status by chance. Its journey is marked with strategic acquisitions that have expanded and fortified its digital empire.
For starters, Instagram was acquired back in 2012 for a notable $1 billion. This photo-sharing app has since thrived under Facebook’s wings, boasting over 1 billion users today.
Next up on the list is WhatsApp – grabbed up by Facebook in February 2014 for a staggering $19 billion. It remains one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide.
Let’s not forget Oculus VR – an acquisition that set Facebook back $2 billion in March 2014. You may recognize Oculus as a leading player in virtual reality technology.
More recently, CTRL-labs joined the family in September 2019. Although it didn’t disclose an exact figure, reports suggest this deal cost somewhere between $500 million and $1 billion.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Oculus VR|$2 billion|
- LiveRail|$400-$500 million|
- Pryte|$20 million|
These acquisitions reveal how serious Facebook is about staying ahead of the curve while broadening its reach. Each company brought something unique to the table – whether it be enhanced social networking features or innovative technologies like virtual reality and brain computing tech!
So there you have it! Now you’re more clued-in on how Facebook has strategically built its portfolio over time through mergers and acquisitions. Remember though, this isn’t just history; it’s also an ongoing strategy that continues to shape our digital landscape as we know it.
The Instagram Purchase: A Picture Worth Billions
It’s no secret that Facebook owns Instagram, but do you know the story behind this big-money acquisition? Here’s a snapshot of what happened.
Back in April 2012, Facebook made headlines when it acquired Instagram for an impressive $1 billion. At that time, Instagram was a rapidly growing photo-sharing platform with only 13 employees and around 30 million users. It was only two years old and hadn’t even launched an Android app yet.
So why did Facebook pay such a hefty price tag? Quite simply, they saw the potential in Instagram’s unique appeal to younger demographics and its strong mobile presence. They realized that Instagram had something valuable – a new way of communicating through images which aligned perfectly with the shift towards visual content on social media platforms.
Here’s how Facebook has benefited from the purchase:
- User growth: Since its acquisition by Facebook, Instagram’s user base has skyrocketed to more than 1 billion monthly active users. That’s an increase of over 3000%!
- Revenue generation: In recent years, Instagram has become a significant revenue generator for Facebook. According to eMarketer projections for 2020, it was expected to bring in around $13.86 billion in net US ad revenues.
- Competitive advantage: Buying Instagram helped Facebook eliminate a potential competitor while also reinforcing its own position as the world’s dominant social network.
Overall, it seems like the billion-dollar bet paid off handsomely for Zuckerberg and his team at Facebook! It’s undeniable proof that sometimes, you need to spend money (a lot of it!) to make money.
WhatsApp: Facebook’s Multi-Billion Dollar Bet on Messaging
When you’re talking about Facebook acquisitions, there’s one that stands out from the rest – WhatsApp. Back in 2014, you might’ve been surprised to hear that Facebook shelled out a whopping $19 billion for this messaging app. It was a bold move, and it showed just how much value Facebook saw in enhancing its portfolio with strong messaging capabilities.
Let’s delve into why Facebook made such a massive investment. The primary reason behind their decision was user growth. At the time of acquisition, WhatsApp boasted an impressive 600 million active users worldwide. These numbers were too tempting for Facebook to ignore.
Here are some interesting stats:
Another factor was the potential revenue generation through new advertising avenues. By having control over WhatsApp, Facebook could explore different methods of monetization without disrupting the user experience too drastically.
But it wasn’t all about profits and user base growth. This acquisition also provided them with an excellent opportunity to expand their global footprint since WhatsApp had already established a solid presence in many markets where Facebook was relatively unknown.
Lastly, let’s not forget about data! Owning WhatsApp meant access to tons of valuable user information – which can be used to improve services or create new ones entirely.
- User growth
- Revenue generation
- Global expansion
- Data acquisition
In essence then, purchasing WhatsApp wasn’t just a multi-billion dollar bet on messaging for Facebook – it was part of a broader strategy aimed at driving growth, expanding globally and increasing revenues while also leveraging data more effectively.
Oculus VR: Stepping into the Future with Virtual Reality
Let’s take a leap forward to 2014. Facebook saw an opportunity in the rising field of virtual reality (VR) and made a bold move. They acquired Oculus VR, a leading company in this sector, for approximately $2 billion. This acquisition marked Facebook’s first major step into hardware.
With Oculus VR under its wing, Facebook aimed to revolutionize not just gaming, but also social networking experiences. Imagine having a meeting or catching up with friends from all over the globe in a virtual room – that’s exactly what Oculus VR is striving for. The product range includes innovative devices like the Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest, which are designed to provide immersive virtual reality experiences.
Here are some key highlights about Oculus VR:
- Founded in 2012 by Palmer Luckey
- Acquired by Facebook in 2014 for around $2 billion
- Known for products like Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest
The journey hasn’t been without challenges though. Breaking into the hardware market isn’t easy due to stiff competition and high consumer expectations. However, if there’s one thing you should know about Facebook, it’s their relentless determination when it comes to innovation.
To date, they’ve continued pumping money into research and development of VR technology – suggesting they believe wholeheartedly in its potential. It might be too early to say whether this gamble will pay off big time but one thing is clear: With Oculus VR, Facebook has surely placed itself on the frontier of virtual reality technology.
- Facebook owns Oculus VR, marking their entry into hardware.
- Through Oculus, they’re aiming to redefine gaming and social interactions.
- While challenges lie ahead, they remain committed to pushing boundaries in this futuristic tech field.
Beluga, FriendFeed, and Other Notable Acquisitions
Among the many acquisitions Facebook has made over the years, Beluga and FriendFeed stand out as particularly noteworthy. You might be wondering why these companies were a big deal for Facebook. Let’s dive in.
First up is Beluga. In 2011, it was snapped up by Facebook to bolster its messaging capabilities. This wasn’t just any acquisition. It marked a crucial step in Facebook’s evolution from a social network into a full-fledged communication platform. The team behind Beluga played a significant role in creating what you now know as Facebook Messenger.
Next on our list is FriendFeed. Purchased back in 2009, this was one of Facebook’s earliest acquisitions. At that time, FriendFeed was an innovative social media aggregator service. This acquisition greatly influenced the development of features like News Feed and Like button on the platform.
Facebook’s thirst for innovation didn’t stop there:
- In attempt to expand its presence on mobile devices, it bought Instagram for $1 billion in 2012.
- To strengthen its virtual reality offerings, Oculus VR came under its wing in 2014 for $2 billion.
- Recognizing growth potential of instant messaging apps, WhatsApp joined the portfolio at whopping $19 billion price tag in 2014.
Here’s how some of these notable acquisitions stack up:
These strategic moves show us how serious Facebook is about staying ahead of the curve and enhancing your user experience with new technologies and services. Bold? Definitely! But then again, that’s what has helped keep them at forefront of social media landscape.
How Social Media Giant Keeps Innovating Through Acquisitions
Diving headfirst into acquisitions, Facebook has been on a shopping spree for innovation. You’ve probably heard about some of the big-ticket buys like Instagram and WhatsApp. But did you know that there’s a longer list of companies that now fall under Facebook’s extensive umbrella?
Facebook’s strategy is pretty clear: buy to innovate. Instead of spending time on developing new features from scratch, they acquire small startups with innovative ideas and integrate these ideas into their own platform. This approach propels them ahead in the market.
Here are a few notable acquisitions:
- Instagram: Bought in 2012 for approximately $1 billion.
- WhatsApp: Acquired in 2014 for a whopping $19 billion.
- Oculus VR: The virtual reality company was nabbed by Facebook in 2014 for around $2 billion.
These three companies alone have added immense value to Facebook’s portfolio, significantly boosting its user base and diversifying its offerings.
It doesn’t stop there though! Apart from these well-known names, Facebook has also scooped up smaller players like Parse, PrivateCore, LiveRail and many more to bolster its technological prowess and enhance security measures.
For those who love data, here’s a quick look at how much each acquisition contributed to Facebook’s growth:
This aggressive approach towards acquiring promising startups shows how seriously this social media giant takes innovation. It signifies their commitment to staying relevant and maintaining their position as one of the leading tech giants globally. So next time you’re scrolling through your feed or sending an emoji on Messenger – remember that there’s likely another innovative startup working behind the scenes!
Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding Facebook’s Purchases
Despite the immense growth and success, Facebook’s acquisitions haven’t always been smooth sailing. There have been significant criticisms and controversies that have followed some of their purchases.
One major point of contention is the issue of monopolistic practices. Critics argue that Facebook’s purchasing strategy stifles competition by buying out potential rivals. This was particularly highlighted in their acquisition of Instagram, which was growing rapidly as a competitor at the time of purchase in 2012.
Data privacy concerns also continue to plague Facebook’s acquisitions. The company’s handling of user data has led to public backlash, notably after the WhatsApp acquisition when changes in data sharing policies were announced.
Anti-trust issues are another sticking point. In 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) along with 48 state attorney generals filed lawsuits against Facebook, alleging it’s running an illegal monopolistic business.
|FTC and states’ anti-trust lawsuits
Here are few key points critics often bring up:
- Monopolistic practices
- Data privacy concerns
- Anti-trust issues
It’s clear that while these purchases have helped grow Facebook into a social media giant they’ve also brought about numerous criticisms and legal challenges. As you navigate the digital landscape it’s crucial to be aware of these controversies surrounding tech giants like Facebook.
Facebook’s Strategy Behind Owning Multiple Platforms
Ever wonder about Facebook’s strategic moves in acquiring different platforms? Let’s delve into the reasons behind these acquisitions.
Facebook, the social media giant, has always been on the lookout for innovative platforms that could be potential game-changers. Their acquisition strategy isn’t simply about monopolizing the market; it’s a long-term vision to create an interconnected ecosystem of applications and services.
Firstly, diversification is key to their strategy. By owning multiple platforms, they are able to cater to a variety of audiences with different interests and needs. This includes:
- Instagram: popular among younger demographics for sharing photos and videos.
- WhatsApp: widely used globally for messaging and voice calls.
- Oculus VR: leading technology in virtual reality geared towards gaming enthusiasts.
This diverse portfolio allows them to reap benefits from various revenue streams while also minimizing risks associated with relying on one platform.
Secondly, there’s an undeniable value in data. Every interaction you have on these platforms gives invaluable insights about your preferences which can be leveraged for targeted advertising – a major source of Facebook’s revenue.
Lastly, by having control over numerous platforms, they’re able to stay ahead in terms of technological innovation. They can implement new features across all their owned platforms or use one platform as a testing ground before launching something big on another.
In short, Facebook’s strategy centers around diversifying its offering, harvesting user data for targeted advertising and staying at the forefront of tech advancements — all underpinned by smart acquisitions.
What does the Future Hold for Facebook-owned Companies?
As you ponder about the conglomerate that is Facebook, it’s interesting to contemplate what lies ahead. With an expansive portfolio of companies, from messaging apps to virtual reality tech, there’s a lot on the horizon.
The future might see Instagram delving further into online shopping. Since Facebook acquired Instagram, they’ve introduced shopping features and even launched a separate shopping app. There’s potential here for more growth.
WhatsApp, another major player in the Facebook family, could expand its services beyond messaging. The platform recently launched payments in India and Brazil, suggesting a move towards becoming a multi-service platform.
Virtual Reality (VR) is another area where you might see significant advances. Oculus VR, owned by Facebook since 2014, has been instrumental in pushing forward innovative VR technology. As we move into an era where remote work becomes more prevalent, Oculus could play a vital role in creating immersive remote experiences.
Here are some key acquisitions:
Metrics remain important when evaluating these companies’ futures:
- User engagement: Will users continue to flock to these platforms?
- Revenue generation: How will these businesses monetize their offerings?
- Innovation: Can they stay ahead of tech trends?
There’s always speculation around future acquisitions too. Could Facebook be eyeing up new additions? They’re known for buying promising start-ups – it wouldn’t be surprising if they add more companies to their roster.
Consider this – as technology evolves at lightning speed and competition heats up among tech giants like Google and Amazon, how will Facebook-owned entities keep pace? It’ll surely be fascinating to watch!
Concluding Thoughts on Facebook’s Corporate Empire
The breadth and depth of Facebook’s holdings might have surprised you. It isn’t just about social networking anymore. The company has spread its influence far and wide, acquiring numerous businesses that range from virtual reality to artificial intelligence.
To recap, here are the key companies owned by Facebook:
- Instagram: A popular photo-sharing platform.
- WhatsApp: An encrypted messaging service used worldwide.
- Oculus VR: Leading the charge in virtual reality technology.
- Giphy: Your go-to source for animated GIFs.
All these acquisitions aren’t just random purchases. They’re strategic moves that bolster Facebook’s dominance in various digital arenas.
Perhaps what’s most impressive is how each acquisition contributes to Facebook’s primary goal – connecting the world. Whether through sharing photos on Instagram or sending messages via WhatsApp, it all feeds into their mission statement.
What does this mean for you? As a user, you can enjoy seamless integration across these platforms. As an investor or competitor, it’s crucial to be aware of Facebook’s extensive reach and impact.
In terms of numbers:
Remember, however, there have been concerns over privacy issues related to these acquisitions. Issues such as data sharing between platforms and potential monopolistic practices should be kept in mind whenever using any service under the Facebook umbrella.
Indeed, the empire built by Mark Zuckerberg is vast and influential. It’ll be interesting to watch where they venture next as they continue expanding their corporate dominion over our increasingly digital lives.


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This year, Indonesia will celebrate 20 years of Reformation, which marked the end of the 1997/1998 Asian financial crisis.
After the end of the crisis, which had hit Indonesia severely, the economy is now in a stable condition and the inflation rate is under control. Last year, the inflation rate fell to as low as 3.6 percent in line with the central bank’s estimates.
The foreign exchange reserve reached US$132 billion, the highest in history. The Composite Stock Price Index (JCI) rose to a range of between 6,300 and 6,500. Although the number is increasing, the government’s debts remain at the safe level at 29.2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), far below the 60 percent threshold.
Indonesia also recorded achievements in the investment aspect. International rating institutions, such as Moody’s, the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR), Rating and Investment Information (Inc), Standard and Poors (S&P) and Fitch, gave Indonesia a worthy investment grade. The ease of doing business ranking rose from 120th to 72nd. In the latest report from a US News survey, Indonesia was ranked second of countries with investment-grade status, beating Singapore and Malaysia.
Indonesia has also entered the ranks of countries with a scale of $1 trillion (One Trillion Dollar Club). Within the next three years (2017-2019), Indonesia will be the fifth-largest contributor to world economic growth, according estimates of the World Economic Forum (WEF, 2017).
Measured by its purchasing power parity (PPP), currently Indonesia is ranked 8th in the world and it is predicted that by 2050, based on a business as usual assumption, Indonesia will be ranked in fourth place.
However, with such achievements, Indonesia is unable to accelerate its economic growth. Until now, Indonesia’s economic growth remains stagnant. During the period of the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono-Boediono administration, the economy was stagnant at 6 percent. At present, under the Jokowi-Jusuf Kalla administration, the economy grew at an average of only 5 percent. By contrast, economy growth in other members of ASEAN, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, exceeded 6 percent. With its low economic growth, it is difficult for Indonesia to become a high-income country.
Looking back to the New Order era, we need to introspect and review the achievements that could not be made by the current government, such as remarkable growth in the manufacturing sector. During that time, the manufacturing sector was the largest contributor to the national economy. Unfortunately, the performance of the manufacturing sector at present is no better than that during the New Order era. Not surprisingly, the economy cannot grow as high as those during the decades of the New Order. At that time, economic growth reached above 7 percent per annum.
Manufacturing sector slows down
The growth of the manufacturing sector during the Reformation Era is in stark contrast with those during the New Order period. Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2004, manufacturing growth, which reached its highest level at 6.38 percent (above 5.03 percent economic growth) after the crisis, fell to 4.6 percent in the following year. To date, growth in the manufacturing sector remains below economic growth.
The manufacturing sector, which grows below economic growth, has no significant impact on the national economy. In fact, its contribution to the national economy has declined. This is called deindustrialization.
The contribution of the manufacturing sector to the economy has continued to decline since 2001, during which the manufacturing sector contributed 29.05 percent to GDP, the highest level in history. Today, contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP fell to only 20.16 percent.
The speed of deindustrialization is faster than in other Southeast Asian countries, whereas the contribution of the manufacturing sector is generally smaller than in Indonesia. Data from the World Bank shows Indonesia’s average deindustrialization rate toward GDP during the 2009-2016 period reached 3.6 percent, while in Thailand, whose industrial contribution was higher than in Indonesia, the deindustrialization rate fell only by 1.4 percent. In Malaysia, whose contribution of manufacturing is below that of Indonesia, the deindustrialization rate was only 2.4 percent.
Deindustrialization takes place in a number of countries, but in Indonesia, deindustrialization can be categorized as premature as it occurs before it reaches its peak level. In other countries, deindustrialization begins after the contribution of the manufacturing sector to the economy reaches 30 percent.
There are two things that can illustrate this as a serious problem. First is the capability of manufacturing in absorbing the workforce. In other countries, the manufacturing sector can absorb more labor than other sectors. However, In Indonesia, where the contribution of agriculture in absorbing manpower continues to decline every year, manufacturing can only contribute 14.1 percent, lower than other sectors, such as trading (23.3 percent) and social services (16.9 percent), which provide most of the employment in Indonesia.
Deindustrialization results in a decline in the ability of this sector to absorb labor. In the aftermath of the crisis, the industrial sector absorbed an average of 71,190 people a year, while the trade sector absorbed 144,497 people per year and community services 122,890 people per year.
Second, the multiplier impact that can be enjoyed by people in the long run is quite small. Compared to services, the manufacturing sector has greater multiplier effects, such as the ability to meet domestic demand and exports, the creation of jobs and the increase in revenues both for the central and local governments.
Indonesia needs to get out of the comfort zone in which it still relies heavily on natural resource-based industries. We need to start thinking of switching to an industry with higher added value and how we can produce products needed by the world.
Malaysia has been dared enough to diversify its industry from raw material-based industries to technology-based industries, such as semiconductors and other electronic equipment manufacturing.
Proton, as Malaysia’s national automobile brand, was also established and developed during the post-crisis era. What Malaysia did at that time was replicated by Vietnam by introducing an import substitution policy to support its export-oriented industries, such as electronic device producers.
As a result, leading global semiconductor manufacturers have now established factories in Vietnam and sell the products in the global market. Vietnam today has been able to master the global semiconductor production chain. Reindustrialization needs to be constantly promoted. Indonesia’s industrial performance has not recorded significant achievements during 20 years of Reformation.
Reindustrialization can be started from the establishment of the long-term vision of the Indonesian industry. In the National Mid-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2015-2019, in 2019 the manufacturing industry is targeted to contribute at least 21.6 percent to the economy. It means that reindustrialization has become the main agenda of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s government.
However, again Indonesia is still targeting a less strategic industry. The development of labor-intensive industries in the midst of increasingly high labor wages and industrial automation is not an answer to the complex problems of industry.
Going forward, Indonesia needs to develop technology-based manufacturing or research-intensive industries. If it is not able to develop from scratch, industrialization with the development of import substitution industries like those promoted by Malaysia and Vietnam is worth a try. It is important in order to pursue faster manufacturing growth in the future.
This article has been published in Harian Kompas


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The Sixth Beijing International RV and Camping Exhibition will be held March 21-24 in Beijing’s Fangshan district, according to a press release.
The biannual event, initiated in 2010, is currently the country’s largest and most well-known expo focused on recreation vehicles and camping. Nearly 300 exhibitors and 300,000 visitors from home and abroad are expected to attend this year’s expo.
The expo, which opens with a trade-only day, offers consumers great opportunities to explore various RVs and accessories, as well as outdoor and camping products produced by preeminent international companies.
RVs and motorhomes on display will feature units from leading brands in China and abroad, including Great Wall Motor, CenTech Specialty Vehicles and Beijing North RV, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Jayco Inc., Knaus Tabbert, Hymer and Camp-let.
The fifth show, which was held Aug. 8-12 last year received nearly 200 exhibitors and about 30,000 visitors. More than 400 RVs were shown on site and deals inked totaled around $47.6 million.
The event is hosted by Beijing Tourism Development Commission, the People’s Government of Fangshan, Beijing and China RV & Camping Association.


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FOLSOM, Calif., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Walnut Board is committed to educating and empowering Americans to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Today its Smart Menus Campaign, which launched in 2008, is expanding. Designed to provide approachable wellness and menu planning tips along with delicious, wholesome recipes that are easy enough to be made right at home, this year the program is expanding to include physical activity and exercise options to motivate people to Go Smart©.
The Go Smart© team includes health expert, bestselling author and Chief Wellness Officer at Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Michael Roizen, along with James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame inductee Mollie Katzen and, new this year, licensed trainer and fitness expert Petra Kolber. Dr. Roizen will continue to offer applicable, scientifically-based information for eating well and keeping active, while Mollie's "how-to" tips will include mealtime guidelines, grocery shopping tips and more mouthwatering recipes that are wholesome, great tasting and easy to prepare. Petra's commitment to motivate Americans to get up and get moving is seen in her easy and fun daily exercise plans.
Go Smart© is not about deprivation or extreme changes, but is based on small steps to improve overall wellness through lifestyle choices that are not only sustainable, but also desirable. Taking steps toward a smart, balanced lifestyle is achievable for anyone. Knowledge is power and the new and improved California Walnuts website, www.walnuts.org, is designed for Americans to access smart tips appropriate for them. Tips are organized for families, seniors, foodies and athletes; the website will also provide how-to video tips and guidelines from the Go Smart© team of experts as well as a growing collection of Smart Recipes for snacking, special occasions or routine weeknight meals.
Anyone looking to Go Smart© will find regular updates from Dr. Roizen, Mollie, Petra and a registered dietitian by subscribing to the California Walnut Smart News email newsletter. Smart News readers can submit questions on wellness, recipes or exercise and some of the most popular questions will be addressed by the Go Smart© team in the following newsletter. In a new section of the newsletter readers can "Ask the RD" to gain guidance from a registered dietitian on how to make smart food choices in the grocery store and in the kitchen. Subscribe to Smart News by visiting www.walnuts.org.
California Walnuts' Go Smart© program is committed to helping empower Americans to take part in a smart lifestyle to improve their health, one approachable step at a time.
Available upon request:
The California walnut industry is made up of over 4,000 growers and 62 handlers. The growers and handlers are represented by two entities, the California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC).
California Walnut Board
The Walnut Marketing Board was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. In April 2008, the Walnut Marketing Board became the California Walnut Board to provide origin designation to the product it represents. The Board is funded by mandatory assessments of the handlers. The CWB is governed by a Federal Walnut Marketing Order. The Board promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The Board also provides funding for walnut production and post-harvest research.
California Walnut Commission
The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The Commission is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The CWC is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities.
The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) prohibit discrimination in all programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance programs. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the CWB / CWC offices at (916) 922-5888. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). WMB/CWC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
Please note that our offices have moved:
The California Walnut Board and Commission offices are located at 101 Parkshore Dr., Ste. #250, Folsom, CA 95630
SOURCE California Walnut Board
|SOURCE California Walnut Board|
Copyright©2009 PR Newswire.
All rights reserved


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By Gareth Vaughan
Z Energy would prefer to see petrol prices below the historically high levels of more than NZ$2 a litre which they've been at this year, and the company's chief executive officer doesn't believe peak oil has been reached yet.
"Consumer demand drops off. I guess the price point we see as being important is about $2 a litre and prices have gone through that twice, once in 2008 and again earlier this year and petrol demand drops off by about 5%," said Bennetts.
"That's 5% less sales that we make so it obviously affects us economically. We don't have a vested interest in prices being high because we don't produce oil, we don't have any interest further up the value chain."
"So because we don't have that interest further up the value chain and we're aware of the consequence on our customers, our preference actually is for lower prices," said Bennetts.
'Not at peak oil yet'
Asked for his views on peak oil, the concept that at a certain date the maximum level of global petroleum extraction is reached, from which the rate of production starts a terminal decline, Bennetts said peak oil was an "interesting one."
I personally don't think we're at peak oil," said Bennetts. "I think even if I was wrong, however, there are different dynamics that drive things. So for example, 20 years ago the United States predicted they would run out of (natural) gas. Right now they've got 100 years worth of gas."
"So there are things that just happen by way of technology break throughs or further exploration. I think there's also the other side of that which is shrinking demand, or moving demand, as people get more into public transport and all that stuff."
Whatever happened in the future Z was "here to stay,"striving to satisfy customers' energy needs for "decades."
And Bennetts said Z Energy was just that, an energy company. If other fuels or technologies super seeded petrol and diesel, Z was open to selling and promoting them.
"We're not called Z Hydrocarbon Fuel Distributor," Bennetts said. "We're actually in the energy business. We actually see ourselves meeting the transport needs of people on the move. At the moment that happens to be hydro carbon that comes from oil, it could equally be gas, it could equally be electrons, it could be biofuels," Bennetts added.
"So we're very much open to exploring that space and we think by being local and more nimble than our overseas competitors, we can actually jump onto things and satisfy latent and then growing consumer demands around that stuff before anybody else."
As New Zealand is Z's only market, Bennett said it should be able to innovate and do research and development in a way that's different to its main competitors.
Bought from Shell, Z competes with the global big boys
Bought as global giant Shell's New Zealand downstream, operations (or fuel retail and distribution business), for NZ$696.5 million in April last year by Infratil and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, the business is being rebranded as Z following market research on 17,000 people. As Bennetts puts it, this was the equivalent of stopping everyone in Ashburton and asking them questions about the company.
Z has also just opened its second retail bond offer, seeking to raise up to NZ$150 million to reduce bank debt. See more on the bond offer here.
Z consists of a 17.1% stake in Marsden Point oil refinery operator the New Zealand Refining Company, a 25 % stake in Loyalty New Zealand which runs Fly Buys, some 220 petrol stations, about 100 truck stops, plus pipelines, terminals and bulk storage terminal infrastructure around the country. Z is licenced to use the Shell brand until June 30, 2012 by which point all its petrol stations and truck stops will be rebranded as Z Energy.
Through its petrol stations Z is looking to shake up the retail fuel market where it has about 30% market share and its major competitors are BP, Caltex owner Chevron and Mobil.
A forecourt promise
Through what Bennetts calls its "forecourt promise", Z is pledging that a member of its staff will fill your tank up for you - in Z branded stations - between 10am and 5pm in a move that will see Z take on additional staff.
"And if we let you down on that promise we'll give you a free cup of coffee or some flybuys points to acknowledge that we let you down," Bennetts said.
Asked whether people simply bought petrol based on price and convenience of the petrol station, Bennetts agreed they were the two key factors.
"However, after that there is a chance to differentiate yourself. We're large inside New Zealand but we don't want to be caught up inside that whole big oil type approach," said Bennetts.
"We think we can do a much better job for our customers by being nimble and responsive to this market, and we felt it was important we showed that through our brand, and people actually have - believe it or not - higher expectations of a local company."
"They've actually said through the research, if anything actually goes wrong in the sector, we expect you as the local firm to sort it out. So we're happy to live up to those expectations and we felt we should brand ourselves accordingly."
Meanwhile, on the infrastructure side of the business Z has also started to levy a "capital recovery charge" on competitors who use its terminal facilities. This is a break from previous industry practice where competitors have used each others facilities through borrow and loan agreements with the access costs calculated on a per litre rate of the annual operating costs.
Z says these deals don't, however, provide any return on the original investment made in tanks and nor do they encourage investment beyond annual maintenance costs, with this having led to a decline in tank upgrades and a limited number of new tanks being built over the past decade. Z plans to invest up to NZ$50 million in new terminal facilities over the next three years.
'Focus on shareholder returns, not market share'
Bennetts said Z's net profit after tax is about 3 cents a litre with about 1 cent of that stemming from what it makes from selling the likes of food and drink at its petrol stations.
"And we see that's really where the growth is. New Zealanders are reasonably satisfied in terms of demand around their fuel needs," Bennetts said. "We think we can actually help them with their busy days and say, 'look you're coming to us anyway, you're really busy, we can actually make that interruption to your day a little bit easier and satisfy two needs in one'."
With about a 30% share of the retail fuel market, Z is roughly on par with BP as the market leader. But Bennetts said Z wasn't a growth driven company in terms of market share.
"We actually want to grow the returns to our shareholders and by doing that it creates greater certainty for our bondholders. We'd like to get some organic market share," he said. "If there were some optimistic acquisitions that came our way, we'd certainly look at that. We have the capacity for that, but I'm much more focused on returns rather than market share."
"Sometimes when you get too focused on growth, you grow your amount of sales but your actual performance or productivity with shareholder funds goes down. So I'm not into growth for the sake of growth."
This article was first published in our email for paid subscribers this morning. See here for more details and to subscribe.


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U.S. Panel Clears Way for Tariffs On Shrimp Imports
NEW ORLEANS -- The U.S. International Trade Commission on Thursday cleared the way for tariffs to be imposed on shrimp imports from six Asian and South American countries, but the body expressed concern that tariffs could burden tsunami-ravaged countries.
The commission upheld last February's preliminary finding that imports had injured, or were likely to injure, U.S. shrimp processors and fishermen. The panel reaffirmed with a 6-0 vote that frozen shrimp have hurt the U.S. industry, but the group voted 4-2 to scrap tariffs on canned imports, which make up about 0.4% of imports.
The ruling was the last major step before tariffs on imports from Brazil, China, Ecuador, India, Thailand and Vietnam become final.
"Overall, the case is done. The vast majority of the decisions, final. It is a great weight off of the shoulders of shrimpers," said Deborah Long, a spokeswoman for the Southern Shrimp Alliance, an eight-state group of shrimp processors and fishermen that organized the antidumping petition.
She said there are only a few minor questions that still need to be resolved.
While upholding its decision on frozen shrimp, the commission left open the possibility of revoking tariffs on India and Thailand. The commission will review how badly the shrimp industries there have been damaged and decide if the tariffs should be lifted.
"The shrimp industry in these countries is the economic engine, in particular for Thailand. And do you want to place tariffs on one of the most important exports of these countries after they've been hit with this economic devastation?" said Paul Nathanson, a spokesman for a group of importers who oppose the tariffs.
"It is the absolutely worst time to be placing more taxes on the shrimp industry. Together with the tsunami, there are real questions of the viability of the Thai shrimp industry," said Brian Wynn, president and chief executive of Los Angeles-based Rubicon Resources, a major importer of Thai shrimp.
Ms. Long of the Southern Shrimp Alliance disagreed. "While the tsunami has had devastating effects on human life, the shrimp infrastructure is relatively sound and we don't think it will change the legal case before the ITC."
Mr. Wynn said shrimp farms in Thailand were mostly spared but that mangroves and hatcheries where shrimp are bred were seriously damaged. "It will have an immediate price impact."
A preliminary report on the tsunami's damage by the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization reported widespread damage to shrimp hatcheries and operations and the loss of thousands of fishing vessels.
The yearlong case was brought by Southern shrimpers, who claimed that imports were being dumped on the U.S. market at unfair prices and driving U.S. shrimpers out of business.
At almost every stage, federal regulators have sided with U.S. shrimpers and found that dumping occurred and that imports had injured, or threatened to injure, the domestic industry.
Duty rates for the six countries range between 2.3% and 112.8%.
Brazil faces duties between 9.6% and 67.8%;
China between 27.8% and 112.8%;
Ecuador between 2.3% and 4.4%;
India between 5% and 13.4%;
Thailand between 5.7% and 6.8%; and
Vietnam between 4.1% and 25.7%.
Dumping occurs when a product is sold in the U.S. at a price below a producer's sales price at home or at a price lower than the cost of production.
From the beginning, shrimp importers and exporters have fought the dumping case, claiming that there was no evidence of dumping and that duties would do little to fix the underlying problems in the domestic industry.
"Ninety percent of all shrimp consumed in the U.S. is imported. Families across this country have been able to enjoy shrimp dinners in their homes and at restaurants at record levels. These duties will do nothing to make the domestic shrimpers more competitive," said Wally Stevens, president of the American Seafood Distributors Association.
"What it is going to result in is an increase in price for the American consumer," Mr. Wynn said.
The case pits American fishermen who still catch shrimp in boats and the booming overseas shrimp farms.
American fishermen have struggled with overcapitalization, rising fuel prices and overseas competition. But they argue that massive subsidies to shrimp farms and the blocking of shrimp imports by Japan and the European Union set up unfair conditions.
"When poor quality and antibiotic-laced pond-raised shrimp is rejected by other countries, it's diverted here and unloaded at whatever price they can get," said John Williams, a Tarpon Springs, Fla., shrimp fisherman with the Southern Shrimp Alliance. "The illegal practice of dumping has turned our shrimp towns into ghost towns throughout the Southeast."
Besides the trade action, U.S. shrimpers are embarking on a marketing campaign to brand their shrimp as "American wild caught" and better-tasting than farm-raised foreign shrimp.


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, Volkswagen, Mazda, Daimler, and all expected to shift more sourcing to the local market from overseas plants.
Overseas-based manufacturers will continue to shift more sourcing to North American factories, according to WardsAuto’s latest North American Light Vehicle Production Forecast.
The volume from the import replacement added to this month’s revision increases the outlook for 2014 by 123,000 units, lifting the year to 16.2 million.
That puts the year 3.9% above the 15.6 million light vehicles forecast for 2013, unchanged from a month ago.
Auto makers, particularly overseas-based manufacturers, have been increasing North American sourcing for several years. But 2014 will see a big leap, especially because many of the models being added currently are supplied solely from abroad.
In 2014, WardsAuto expectsto add production of a Lexus model at its Georgetown, KY, plant and a Toyota car at Blue Springs, MS. is seen adding a currently imported vehicle to the mix at its Puebla, Mexico, plant.
Also in the forecast for the first time is a new cross/utility vehicle to launch at’s greenfield site in Salamanca, Mexico, in 2014. However, because the CUV is an all-new product, it mostly is displacing production, not creating a big net gain.
Already in the outlook beginning in 2014 is first-time North American production of five other models imported by, , and Mazda.
WardsAuto forecasts 331,000 units in 2014 will come from these first-timers.
Further out,is expected to add one more imported model in Mexico in 2015, and its Audi division will build at least two when its recently announced new plant opens in 2016.
About two-thirds of the first-time import-replacement volume in 2014 will be in Mexico, partly why production there for the first time will reach 20% of the North American total and top 3 million units.
In 2012, with 11 months of actual data in the books, production is forecast to end at 15.32 million units, 17.1% above 2011’s 13.10 million, and highest since 15.75 million in 2005.
Thanks to some unexpectedly strong run rates in November, the 2012 projection is 35,000 units higher than WardsAuto forecast for the year a month ago.
November’s LV production of 1.319 million units was nearly 48,000 above WardsAuto’s forecast for the month, and 13.2% above the year-ago total. Overbuilds from what was forecast by manufacturers included 28,600 units from, 17,900 at and 12,900 at GM. Those increases more than offset underbuilds of 13,400 at and 9,200 at Nissan, among others.
Production in December is forecast at 968,000 units, 5.4% below year-ago’s 1.023 million. However, the shortfall from last year is misleading because most plants have two fewer workdays in December than in like-2011 and are running at daily rates well above last year.
Year-over-year comparisons in 2013 will look weak after the double-digit gains of 2012.
Production in 2012 was driven by inventory-building on top of growing market demand. Now that inventory mostly is in line with demand or even outpacing sales in some cases, production will continue trending upward through most of 2013 but appear to be softening compared with this year.
In fact, production is forecast to fall 1.0% in first-quarter 2013 from like-2012, then return to growth in the second quarter, albeit at a low single-digit rate.


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Gamevil has been active on the acquisitions front. The Korean mobile publisher followed up last week's purchase of rival Com2uS by today investing in a trio of its own development partners.
Gamevil today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Nine Wheels, developer of Grape Valley, a free-to-play iOS game that has players managing a vineyard and wine boutique. Additionally, the publisher has made equity investments in two more studios: Everple and DBROS. Everple is the outfit behind the social breed-and-battle game Monster Warlord, while DBROS is working on the city-building title Ocean Tales. Gamevil was already working as the publisher on all three aforementioned titles.
Terms of the acquisition and investments were not disclosed. Earlier this year, Gamevil detailed plans to invest $130 million in other companies and new projects, as well as local and international talent acquisitions.


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Marketing to Millennials: The Savings Generation
Are you tired of hearing about millennials yet? Well it’s time to get used to the conversation, because this group isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Financial and marketing industries are quick to analyze their habits because soon they’ll have the most spending power of any generation. And, as it turns out, we may have something to learn from them when it comes to managing money.
This group is chock full of some serious savers. In fact, according to a new study by Bankrate.com, 62 percent of millennials are saving more than 5 percent of their pay which is up from last year’s 42 percent reported. And it’s more than the half of older adults (30 and up) saving 5 percent or more.
Many millennials are unsure how much, if anything, will be left of the Social Security program when they reach retirement age, so they’re already thinking about retirement and actively saving for it. So much so, that they’re almost caught up to what Gen X should be stashing away for retirement preparedness. Millennials are saving for retirement quicker than any other generation according to Time.
This group came of age during one of the roughest financial recessions in recent history. They saw firsthand what their parents lost in investments and that has impacted where they trust their investments. Millennials’ saving and investment habits resemble that of the “Depression Baby” generation. They look for low risk investments or save cash. Another Bankrate.com report revealed that Americans 18-29 are more likely to invest cash long term over any other age group. And 39 percent said cash was their preferred way to invest money they won’t need in the next 10 years. This ultra-conservative approach could have them missing out on big opportunities for growth in their retirement funds.
Even though they may have some of the same saving habits of their grandparents or great grandparents, they are saving money in some unique ways. They’re more willing to use coupons than other generations, they will sacrifice luxury for a better price and they are willing to sacrifice in order to save up for something they want. This trade up/trade down mentality is a breath of fresh air from generations past as millennials are finding savvy ways to cut costs.
By learning more about millennials’ savings habits, financial institutions can speak more effectively to this group and what they need for money management. Having the best technology or a fancy spokesperson isn’t what will draw this group in. Instead, act as a resource of information. Aid them in decision making by providing information rather than selling a deal. Get to know their goals, like paying down debt or saving for a vacation, and then help to achieve those goals. Keep analyzing and keep communicating, because this group isn’t going anywhere and neither is what we can learn from them.


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In 2018, the recreational boating industry is facing major policy decisions that will come to a head this summer and have long-term impacts on boating in the U.S., including getting the Modern Fish Act passed, stopping the year-round sale of E15, and defending the industry from domestic and global tariffs.
Attending this year's American Boating Congress will ensure your business, your employees and your customers are protected, said Thom Dammrich, National Marine Manufacturers Association president.
“It is critical we engage with our nation’s decision makers now to shape legislative decisions in the coming months. With so many key issues coming to a head this summer, it’s imperative you attend this year’s American Boating Congress to help us address major policy decisions impacting your business,” Dammrich added. “We need as many people from our industry as possible to attend so we can demonstrate the size, impact and importance of our industry. Not only will you have a chance to speak directly with your Members of Congress, but ABC will arm you with information you need to make informed business decisions.”
This year’s ABC is packed with informative sessions and speakers through the close of the conference on Friday, May 11. From high profile members of the Trump administration to leading decision makers and influencers across Capitol Hill, the robust schedule will connect attendees with people and information that matters to the future of our industry.
Visit www.nmma.org/abc to register to attend, and contact Laura Crisler with questions about attendance and Hill visits.
I genuinely enjoy looking through on this website, it has great blog posts.
So often political leaders overlook the industry which supports recreational boating.
It's as if they think all those boats are made, delivered, advertised, sold, serviced, cleaned, stored, hauled, painted, surveyed and insured by magic.
Tell them about the (mainly) small businesses which provide goods and services to the boating community,and between them employ many, many thousands of taxpayers.


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The tech that brings 'Star Wars' droid BB-8 to life: CNET News Video
Tech Culture: The tech that brings 'Star Wars' droid BB-8 to life1:29 /
Move over, R2-D2. BB-8, a new droid in the upcoming "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" movie, has already captured the attention and imagination of the sci-fi franchise's fans. CNET's Brian Tong explains how a robotics startup called Sphero helped bring the new droid to life and create what will likely be one of the hottest toys this holiday season.


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More Clearwire Investors Balk at Sprint's Offer
A handful of Clearwire investors plan to reject Sprint's $2.97-per-share offer for the company, reports Bloomberg. Glenview Capital Management and Tazzan Asset Management, which combined own about 31 million shares of Clearwire, believe the company is worth more than what Sprint has offered, especially in the light of Dish Network's $3.30-per-share bid. Sprint, which is in the process of selling a 70% stake of itself to Japan's Softbank, already owns more than 50% of Clearwire. It offered to acquire the remaining 49% in order to smooth its transaction with Softbank, as well as to acquire the additional spectrum owned by Clearwire. Glenview and Tazzan both think Cleartwire's spectrum deserves a higher price, as does Crest Financial, which filed a compliant with the Federal Communications Commission earlier this month. Softbank set the $2.97 share price as the highest amount Sprint could bid for Clearwire. Dish asked the FCC this week to pause its review of the Softbank-Sprint deal until the Clearwire portion of the transaction is resolved. The FCC has not yet made a decision in the matter.
Motorola's Affordable Moto Z3 Play Seeks to Challenge Premium Phones
Jun 6, 2018
Motorola today announced the Moto Z3 Play, its third-generation Mod-compatible mid-range phone. The Z3 Play carries over the general size and shape of previous Z-branded phones in order to maintain backward compatibility with the Moto Mod snap-on accessories.
LG G7 ThinQ Goes On Sale Today for $749
Jun 1, 2018
Sales of the LG G7 ThinQ phone kicked off in the U.S. today.
AT&T Says It Won't Sell the LG G7 ThinQ, But It Has an LG Exclusive On Deck
May 3, 2018
AT&T does not plan to sell LG's new flagship phone, the G7 ThinQ, according to The Verge. Instead, the company plans to offer an exclusive phone from LG later this summer.
Dish Unhappy About FCC's Position On Auction Discounts
Jul 23, 2015
Dish Networks has confirmed the FCC plans to deny it $3.3 billion in discounts on spectrum licenses. Dish used three small companies — called designated entities — to place bids on its behalf during the AWS-3 auction earlier this year.
Well, two side of this.
On the other hand, there's those who invested in Clear and really got reamed without lube on this investment, and can understand how they would like to recoup as much of the loss as they can.


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Domino's Pizza finally has the title it has been hungering for: top pizza seller.
The chain wasted no time crowing about unseating Pizza Hut as the leading pizza chain both in the U.S. and worldwide. Domino's not-so-subtly inserted the phrase "the largest pizza company in the world based on global retail sales" into the very first sentence of today's fourth-quarter earnings release.
Domino's says its global retail sales exceeded $12.2 billion in 2017. Pizza Hut, owned by Yum Brands, earlier this month reported global system sales of $12.03 billion (see graphic, below).


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The company is turning into a retail technology expert
With five brands that are being sold in more than 1,700 stores, LPP is represented in over 20 countries. In 2017, the wide-area RFID project was initiated. The aim is to have prepared 500 stores and the distribution centre in Danzig for the implementation of RFID by the end of 2019. Currently, the use and integration possibilities are being tested in three stores of the “Reserved” brand. The planned rollout including POS integration is to be completed within only 13 months. The company introduced a software is being developed by their own IT department.
In an interview with RFID & Wireless IoT Global, Piotr Dopierala, Group Logistics Director at LPP, and Rafał Zaliński, General Manager EE Regional Development and Project Manager of RFID implementation at LPP, do not only talk about the status quo of the tests and decision regarding the use of RFID hard tags but also about the future steps after creation of an RFID basis. In addition to the optimisation of supply chain processes and the physical security of the products in the stores, the logistics experts of LPP already envision customer experience applications like smart mirrors in changing rooms.


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Lewis Woodward, former global communications leader at EY, comes on board at Bain & Company as an EVP with responsibility for heading up its worldwide external relations, a newly created role.
He was most recently global head of brand and communications at the real estate and investment management business JLL. He has also led marketing efforts at companies including Informa and StepStone.
Based in London, Woodward will support Bain & Company’s partners around the world in presenting and communicating the firm’s business model, capabilities, values and culture to build and strengthen its brand.
He will advise management and partners on communications strategies to support all the firm’s key practice areas.
“Lewis’s deep experience and expertise as a communications, brand and corporate affairs leader are important to further enhancing our global marketing capabilities. His role will be pivotal to ensuring Bain and its brand remain pre-eminent in global management consulting across all aspects of our reputation,” said Erika Serow, partner and chief marketing officer at Bain & Company.
No comments have been submitted for this story yet.


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U.S. Grower Leaders to Travel to Barcelona for Sustainable Trade Conference
- General News
Representatives from USSEC, the United Soybean Board and the American Soybean Association will join executives from international soy trading companies in Barcelona Oct. 23-24 to discuss sustainable soy trade.
This is the second year for the event. Last year’s conference, held in Berlin, included customers and traders representing more than 12 million metric tons of soybean meal. Presentations and panels will focus on the European Union feed and livestock sectors, the quality of the U.S. soy crop, global soy protein outlook, and sustainable production and transportation.


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Just when we thought we saw the last event invitation for the year, LG goes and pulls us back in. The company is gearing up to show something off in a few short weeks, and there’s a big event scheduled for the Big Apple.
We have some great news for many people who have been patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for the Microsoft Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL to be formally announced. We had previously heard rumors of an October event but nothing was confirmed at that stage. Now the Lumia 950 and 950 XL official unveiling […]
Tomorrow is a big day in the tech world as an Apple Event is taking place. Most of the attention is aimed at the new iPhone 2015, with both an iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus expected to be unveiled. Many people across the world will want to find out all the news, and today […]
As 2016 creeps closer, we’re seeing the last batch of smartphones begin to roll out. The Nexus and new iPhones are right around the corner, but HTC is coming to the party as well according to an invite set for September 29.
There have been leaks about the Lenovo Vibe S1 for a while now, and at last the phone has been announced at IFA Berlin. One of the tipped features was a dual front-facing camera set-up, and we’re glad to say that official specs confirm this. The Lenovo Vibe S1 is also confirmed for a November […]
The Apple Music Festival 2015 is big news today and this is likely to be a hugely popular event. Previously known as the iTunes Festival it will take place this year over ten days from September 19th to 28th. We have news on the event and how you can find out details of Apple Music […]
Sammy gave us our first teaser for Galaxy Unpacked 2015 a few weeks ago, and today we got a new one. The teaser is simple, yet mysterious as it may show a new unannounced Samsung device.
The 2015 Apple WWDC keynote takes place tomorrow, Monday June 8 from the Moscone Center, San Francisco. We have details of the keynote time worldwide, so wherever you are on the globe you’ll know exactly when to start following all the developments as they unfold. It all kicks off at 10am PT and if you […]
Apple’s 2015 WWDC starts tomorrow with CEO Tim Cook delivering the keynote address. Just a few expectations from the event include details of the new Apple Music streaming service and OS X 10.11, and at Phones Review we’re particularly interested in the introduction of iOS 9. Today we’re considering iOS 9 features and wish list […]
The 2015 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference is less than a week away and tech enthusiasts across the world will want to follow all of the news as it happens. We expect to see the official introduction of iOS 9 as well as news about OS X 10.11, Apple Music and more. You can get ready […]


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Norbord (TSE:OSB) had its target price trimmed by Raymond James from C$45.00 to C$41.00 in a research report released on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. Raymond James also issued estimates for Norbord’s Q2 2019 earnings at ($0.16) EPS, Q3 2019 earnings at $0.63 EPS, Q4 2019 earnings at $1.51 EPS, FY2019 earnings at $1.99 EPS and FY2020 earnings at $3.13 EPS.
A number of other research analysts have also weighed in on OSB. CIBC upped their price objective on Norbord from C$31.00 to C$35.00 in a report on Friday, July 5th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a GBX 485 ($6.34) target price on shares of in a research report on Tuesday, July 9th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upgraded Bank of America from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $37.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Monday, June 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. The company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$36.00.
Shares of OSB stock opened at C$30.87 on Tuesday. The business’s fifty day simple moving average is C$30.41. Norbord has a 1-year low of C$26.31 and a 1-year high of C$57.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.51 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 80.32, a current ratio of 1.80 and a quick ratio of 0.82.
The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 21st. Shareholders of record on Saturday, June 1st were given a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 30th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.18%. Norbord’s payout ratio is 145.04%.
Norbord Inc manufactures and sells wood-based panels for retail chains, contractor supply yards, and industrial manufacturers primarily in North America and Europe. The company offers oriented strand boards for use in sheathing, flooring, and roofing in home construction applications; particleboards that are used in flooring and other construction applications; and medium density fiberboards for use in cabinet doors, mouldings, and interior wall paneling applications, as well as related value-added products for use in the construction of new homes, and renovation and repair of existing structures.
See Also: Economic Bubble
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Toys 'R' Us has gone into administration, putting 3,200 jobs at risk and meaning the large Plymouth store could close within days.
But its not all bad news for shoppers - as this does mean that the prices of popular toys sold within the store have been slashed.
The giant outlet has been having a huge “clearance” sale since before Christmas - but is now saying “everything must go”.
And with an extra 20 per cent off all sale prices, there are some real bargains to be had.
Staff have not been given a date for when the closure is set to take place but confirmed that it is just a waiting game as to when stock will run out.
Some of the best bargains available now, while stocks last:
This Power Rangers Alpha 5 figurine has been reduced from its original price of £12.99 down to a mouth-watering £3.18 for all sci-fi fans out there.
And this Just Like Home cash register in both pink and blue is now an impressive £7.10 when originally customers would have to pay £14.98 for their little ones to live out their dreams of being a checkout assistant.
This Spiderman skateboard is possibly the biggest bargain of the day at just £5.99. It was originally priced at the not-so-steep price of £14.99.
Finally, the sought-after Minion toy which comes in a variety of styles is now on sale for £5.99 down from £14.98.
It is a tragic sight for shoppers as they wander around the once lively and fun-filled store as the advertising jingle plays out of the speakers, echoing in the nigh-on empty store.
But today, Wednesday, February 28, insolvency expert Moorfields has been appointed to begin “an orderly wind-down" of the UK's biggest toy retailer.
The Western Approach outlet is one of 26 being shut in 2018 by the retail chain.
The company said that all stores would remain open until further notice – though Plymouth’s is already slated for closure and the shelves are rapidly being emptied.
Joint administrator Simon Thomas said: “We will be conducting an orderly wind-down of the store portfolio over the coming weeks.
“All stores remain open until further notice and stock will be subject to clearance and special promotions.
“We’re encouraging customers to redeem their gift cards and vouchers as soon as possible.
“We will make every effort to secure a buyer for all or part of the business.”
He added: “Whilst this process is likely to affect many Toys R Us staff, whether some or all of the stores will close remains to be decided.
“We have informed employees about the process this morning and will continue to keep them updated on developments.
“We are grateful for the commitment and hard work of employees as the business continues to trade.”


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Samsung Electronics is considering a major leadership shake-up, according to people familiar with the matter, part of an attempt to revive its fortunes after a difficult year that has hurt its profitability, market share and stock price.
In one scenario under discussion, co-chief executive and mobile head J.K. Shin—who had presided over Samsung’s rapid ascent as well as its recent tumble in smartphones—could be moved out of his role overseeing the mobile division, these people said. That could mean Mr. Shin, 58 years old, loses his co-CEO role, one of these people said.
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Samsung Confirms New Virtual Assistant Bixby
Early last month, rumors swirled that Samsung was working on its own virtual assistant called Bixby. Today, Samsung confirmed these rumors with a blog post titled, “Bixby: A New Way to Interact with Your Phone.” Written by InJong Rhee, EVP and Head of R&D Software and Services, the company is calling Bixby, “a new intelligent interface” rather than a virtual, digital or voice assistant.
So, what does Bixby do?
The post didn’t offer specifics about Bixby’s actual functionality but it did say that the Galaxy S8, set to launch next week, will have a dedicated Bixby button on the side to help “remove friction” of using the new service. The post also described three properties of its new assistant, which gave hints to what Bixby will be capable of:
- Completeness: “When an application becomes Bixby-enabled, Bixby will be able to support almost every task that the application is capable of performing using the conventional interface (ie. touch commands).”
- Context Awareness: “When using a Bixby-enabled application, users will be able to call upon Bixby at any time and it will understand the current context and state of the application and will allow users to carry out the current work-in-progress continuously.”
- Cognitive Tolerance: “Bixby will be smart enough to understand commands with incomplete information and execute the commanded task to the best of its knowledge, and then will prompt users to provide more information and take the execution of the task in piecemeal.”
So essentially, Bixby will help users make the most of their smart phones and to complete tasks more quickly. Or as Dan Seifert from The Verge puts it, “Instead of being a database that you fire questions at or tell to do specific things, Bixby is meant to be a helper on your device, to make it easier to access to accomplish the litany of tasks that modern gadgets such as smartphones are capable of.” Samsung is looking to change how we use our smart phones with Bixby, by seamlessly blending touch and voice commands. “Everything you can do with a touch command, you can do with a voice command when using a Bixby-enabled application,” said Rhee.
Bixby Beyond the Phone
Samsung is looking to use Bixby beyond the smart phone as well. The blog also stated that it will be gradually rolled out to all of Samsung’s appliances. It wants Bixby to be “an interface for your life.” To achieve that goal, Bixby will have to be as good as Rhee says it is.
As Seifert, points out, “first impressions are everything when it comes to virtual assistants.” And the company needs to knock it out of the park with its Galaxy S8 after the explosive backlash (pun intended) it received for its recall of the Galaxy Note 7. Samsung’s take on a smartphone assistant is different than what we’ve seen from Siri or Cortana, and it’s promising a lot. We’ll have to wait until next week to see if it delivers.


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AutoBody-Review.com announced the acquisition of a new facility to support additional growth and expansion into new automotive markets in the upcoming months.
Marking its third move in two years, Flash of Genius Inc., DBA as UpdatePromise.com and AutoBody-Review.com, purchased a new facility in Chino Hills, CA. The new facility, which is triple the size of its preceding location, will be put into immediate use as the company continues to expand into 12 automotive related, vertical markets over the next 24 months.
2013 was the startup year for AutoBody-Review.com.
"The new facility provides an open space for the perfect combination of informal collaboration and idea exchange, with offices and meeting rooms specifically designed to allow us to focus and meet in a more traditional sense. In short, there's nothing we can't create from here. Our 2015 expansion will be bigger and better because of the new facility," said Director of Business Development Greg D'Amore.
Flash of Genius Inc. CEO Curtis Nixon said, "We are excited about our purchase of the new location. This signifies the transition from a five-year start up, to a company with a solid foundation that is rooted in our investment of technology, facility and (most importantly) our people. The new facility is state of the art, and designed to support an environment that will foster growth and inspire our creativity."


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There’s no denying the role that social media plays in our daily lives, whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. Given Destin’s beauty, it’s no surprise that locals and visitors ... READ MORE
A Hobby Lobby store is joining Target in The Shores Shopping Center.
“We feel that we can bring a very unique shopping experience to the area,” said Hobby Lobby’s Vince Parker. “We are looking ... READ MORE
Amid the runup to the midterm elections, football has begun in earnest. The National Football League is a nice respite for all who hate political ads, yet still enjoy the primal pleasure of ... READ MORE


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- 1Password's update highlights the difference between two-step and two-factor verification
- The end for 1024-bit SSL certificates is near, Mozilla kills a few more
- Carbon Black 5.0 released to help security teams respond faster
- LightCyber rolls out new features for endpoint malware detection platform
- Mozilla puts old hardware to new use, runs Tor relays
Storage News, Features, and Interviews
Storage giant EMC will soon start handing out pink slips as part of a new restructuring effort prompted by a weakened financial outlook.
Although Hadoop is perhaps best known for underpinning big data-based analytics projects, Sydney-based MediaHub is using the open source project's distributed storage capabilities to deliver resilience and scalability for a mammoth — and growing — archive of broadcast video.
Apple has released OS X Yosemite 10.10.2 that again aims to improve -- or in cases simply enable -- Wi-Fi on Macs that have suffered connectivity issues since October.
Microsoft has reported a second consecutive quarter of gross profit for its Surface tablet line, and said that revenue broke the $US1 billion mark for the first time.
Cloud sync-and-share company Dropbox, never one to shy away from an acquisition, has snapped up startup Pixelapse, which provides a GitHub-like version control service for "tens of thousands" of visual designers. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Data management specialist Quantum wants to make it easier for enterprises to combine two of the major trends in storage: virtualization and public clouds.
In my organization we manage almost all IT in-house, including the LAN, which is highly redundant. We have 35 Floor Wiring Concentrators around campus, each with around 300 active ports, and the concentrators have dual Gigabit uplinks to network cores in two data centers that are 300 meters apart. The data centers are linked by multiple 10Gb links, and each is connected to the Internet via two trunks that follow different paths.
The road to an initial public offering is rarely smooth for any company, but it's fair to say that Box's journey has been one of the bumpier ones. Though it filed plans to go public early last year, it wasn't until this week that the milestone finally come into view. In the meantime, Box's challenges have only intensified.
After Google's share of the U.S. search market slipped in December, the Mountain View, Calif. company has been trying to entice Firefox users back to the fold.
Dropbox on Tuesday added yet another young startup to its brain trust with the acquisition of Israeli mobile-productivity app maker CloudOn.
Typically, when I review a solid-state drive (SSD) it comes from one of the half dozen or so big name manufacturers, such as Toshiba, SanDisk, Intel, Micron, Samsung and Seagate.
- FCC banks nearly $45 billion in landmark AWS-3 spectrum auction
- FBI consultant: Silk Road founder carried millions worth of bitcoins on laptop
- Wi-Fi issues continue to hamper OS X users despite updates
- FCC redefines advanced broadband as 25 Mbps, Republicans blow a gasket
- Scientists say AI fears unfounded, could hinder tech advances
- Qantas tests virtual reality for in-flight entertainment
- Report: Data-driven marketing the norm as marketers aim for 1-to-1 customer connections
- Updated: Jeanswest sets sights on customer growth with new omni-channel capabilities
- Mondelez A/NZ head of marketing services takes up China role
- Why social listening platforms are failing


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microsoft 2.49t friday apple
Microsoft had a nearly $2.49T market cap at close on Friday, passing Apple’s $2.46T market cap to become the world’s most valuable public company — – Microsoft passed Apple in market cap on Friday, making it the world’s most valuable public company. — The move comes after Apple …
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Farmers will feel 'betrayed' over a no-deal Brexit, says Highland MSP
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A HIGHLANDS and Islands MSP has said that farmers will feel “betrayed” if a no-deal Brexit goes ahead.
The SNP's Maree Todd was speaking after the UK Government announced plans to remove import tariffs in the event of a no deal – a move that she says would put home-grown produce at a serious disadvantage.
More than half of all Scottish goods exports were sent to Europe in the last quarter, but leaving without a deal would mean facing the EU’s common external tariff – with tariffs of around 84 per cent on Scotch beef, 53 per cent on wheat, 48 per cent on Scotch lamb and 30 per cent on pork.
Ms Todd said: “Highlands and Islands farmers will quite rightly feel betrayed by the conscious decision of this Tory government to sell out Scottish produce.
“Almost half of our exports go to Europe, so a no-deal Brexit would be seriously damaging for Scottish businesses, jobs and the economy.
“With tariffs of up to 84 per cent on our world-renowned Scotch beef or almost 50 per cent on Scotch lamb, it’s no exaggeration to say that a no deal will devastate key sectors of our local economy.
“The SNP has consistently called for Scotland to remain in the EU so that we can maintain free trade, with no tariffs or other barriers that we currently benefit from within Europe’s single market.”
NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick said: “It is hugely disappointing that, since the damaging tariff schedule was first published in March, repeated warnings from NFUS and fellow farming unions have been ignored and the Government has opted to persist with a schedule that, in the event of a no deal, will hammer many sectors of Scottish agriculture.
“Setting a low or zero tariff rate on the importation of key agricultural products, like cereals, eggs, pork, fruit and veg and some dairy produce, will place many of our farmers at a significant disadvantage and undermine any efforts to negotiate new trade arrangements.
“Exports of Scottish produce like lamb and beef to the EU face the prospect of crippling tariffs as we are forced to operate to WTO [World Trade Organisation] rules.
"When we have the ambition to double the size of the farming, food and drink industry in Scotland to £30 billion, the tariff schedule, as proposed by the Government, would place that ambition in jeopardy.”
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Amazon announced today that its Prime Members will be able to watch that season in 2016. Additionally, the show’s creator Jill Soloway signed a deal with Amazon Studios to exclusively develop TV projects for Amazon Prime. Soloway is a veteran of TV series like Six Feet Under (HBO) and United States of Tara (Showtime).
Soloway will continue in her role as showrunner on Transparent and Andrea Sperling, who was co-executive producer on the series, has been elevated to executive producer, according to a statement by Amazon.
“I am so thrilled that I get to share more of the Pfeffermans’ story with the world,” said Soloway in the statement. “We are all so in love with watching them change and grow. I am blown away by the creative freedom Amazon gives me and I can’t wait to reveal where this journey is going to take us.”
The entire cast, including Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development), Judith Light (Dallas), Gaby Hoffmann (Girls), Amy Landecker (Louie) and Jay Duplass (Togetherness) are all set to return for Season 3, too. Tambor also won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy Series.
What makes this so unique is that Season Two hasn’t even come out yet. Amazon is expected to release that sometime this fall.
If you haven’t watched Transparent yet, there’s no time like the present. It’s an excellent series featuring the patriarch of the family (Tambor) who has decided to reintroduce herself as Maura to her family. Of course, family drama ensues. With an exceptional cast and rich, dynamic storylines, it is an incredibly rewarding half-hour of entertainment. You can watch Season One now.