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The development team behind the featureful and open-source GNOME Builder IDE (Integrated Development Environment) designed for developers who want to build apps for the GNOME desktop environment has released version 3.16.3.
GNOME Builder 3.16.3 is full of new features and performance improvements. Among the most important ones, we can mention an all-new source code minimap that…
The Fedora Project has just published details about the inclusion of the recently released Mozilla Firefox 38.0 web browser in the main software repositories of the Fedora 21 operating system.
The new Mozilla Firefox 38.0 web browser is also available in the software repositories of the upcoming Fedora 22 Linux operating syst…
While not a Linux distribution, PC-BSD is a noteworthy open-source computer operating system that offers a modern and unique desktop environment based on FreeBSD.
On May 18, Ken Moore from the PC-BSD team had the great pleasure of announcing the immediate availability for download of the second point release of PC-BSD 10.1, the current stable branch of the software. “The PC-BSD team is pleased to announce the availability of the next PC-BSD / TrueOS quarterly release, 10.1…
A new version of the popular and cross-platform Plex Media Server has arrived today with several new features, as well as bug fixes that improve the overall stability and performance of the application.
Among the new features implemented in Plex Media Server 0.9.12.1, we can mention support for the CentOS 7 Linux operating system, support for decade-based filtering for albums and…
Oracle has just announced the immediate availability for download and testing of the fourth Beta release of the upcoming VirtualBox 5.0 virtualization software for GNU/Linux, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows operating systems.
VirtualBox 5.0 Beta 4 brings some XSAVE fixes in the Virtual Machine Manager (VMM), addresses some problems with cloning of virtual machine in the new encryption backend, and repairs several drag and drop issues for Linux guests and hosts.
DreadOut, a third person supernatural horror game developed and published by Digital Happiness on Steam, also received a Linux version.
DreadOut went through the Steam Greenlight program and, interestingly enough, it’s one of the few games of its kind on the Linux platform. We don’t have enough horror games, especially titles that can be played from a third person view.
“DreadOut is a third person supernatural horror game where you play as Linda, a high school student tr…
FFmpeg, a complete solution to record, convert, and stream audio and video, has been upgraded to version 2.6.3 and is now available for download and testing.
The new 2.6.x branch of FFmpeg has been around for a while now, and this is just a maintenance release. All of the packages in the FFmpeg have been upgraded and numerous fixes have been implemented. As it stands right now, this is the most advanced version available, and it should arrive soon in the repositories.
In the first of a series of launches, Meizu has announced that the Ubuntu MX4, which will be sold across Europe soon, is immediately available to developers in China. The move kicks off Meizu’s push towards strengthening the Ubuntu ecosystem in China, ahead of launching the Chinese Edition to its user base later this year. […]
The upgrade path is now open. LMDE 1 “Debian” users can upgrade to LMDE 2 “Betsy” by following this tutorial:
As always, make sure to read everything and don’t hesitate to connect to the IRC while performing the upgrade.
One important note among the warnings: Make sure to disable Romeo prior to upgrading. Cinnamon 2.6 and MATE 1.10 will hit it very soon, they’re not fully stable yet. If you want to test them, it’s better to enable Romeo post-upgrade so they don’t interfere with the upgrade.
OpenStack, the world’s most popular cloud management platform, makes cloud computing accessible to everyone. Although OpenStack is well supported with compatible cloud services, there is a significant challenge to overcome before users can launch their own OpenStack cloud. That is to recruit— and retain—OpenStack experts in a highly competitive jobs market. Resourcing a six-strong team […]
Host of new Snappy Ubuntu Core-enabled devices demonstrate revenue opportunities in IoT First commercially-designed IoT devices with GE’s FirstBuild, Acer, Microsoft & DataArt London and San Francisco, May, 11 2015 – Canonical is collaborating with some of the world’s smartest technology brands, including GE’s FirstBuild, Acer, Microsoft and DataArt, to reveal a slew of new […]
San Francisco, CA – May 11, 2015 – FirstBuild, GE Appliances’ new global co-creation community is set to showcase ChillHub, its community-generated smart refrigerator in the Ubuntu booth (Stand 545) at the second annual Internet of Things World conference at the Moscone Center on May 12 – 13, 2015. ChillHub is a refrigerator with two […]
This is a guest post from Victor Mayoral from Erle Robotics. Erle-Copter: the first drone with apps powered by Ubuntu Core Over the last months and with the support of Canonical, Erle Robotics engineers have been working hard to bring the first drone with apps to the market. Last week Erle Robotics introduced Erle-Copter Ubuntu […]
CrossOver Linux, an application based on Wine that allows users to install popular Windows applications and PC games on a Linux computer, is now at version 14.1.1 and it’s ready for download.
CrossOver is an application built by a company called CodeWeavers that is also employing people who work on Wine. Linux users know that Wine is very helpful if you want to run Windows apps and games. CrossOver acts pretty much like a GUI over Wine, but it also provides specific support…
Arne Exton, the creator of numerous Linux distros, had the pleasure of informing Softpedia about the immediate availability of a new build of his custom Android-x86 project, based on Android KitKat 4.4.4 and designed to allow users to run Android on their computers.
According to Arne Exton, Android-x86 KitKat 4.4.4 Build 5 is a total rebuild and replaces all of his previous Android-x86 4.4.4 KitKat builds. The GAPPS package has been added in this release, which means that …
So, you’ve just installed the recently released Ubuntu 15.04 (Vivid Vervet) operating system, and you’re interested in changing the default look (wallpaper and icons) with some awesome ones.
Well, look no further, as we today we are happy to introduce you guys to the latest release of the Nitrux icon theme, one of the most acclaimed Linux iconset on the market.
After announcing the release of Linux kernel 4.0.2 and Linux kernel 3.19.7, Greg Kroah-Hartman was happy to
Now that Ubuntu Online Summit (UOS) event for Ubuntu 15.10 (Wily Werewolf) came to an end, Canonical’s developers have just published the first snapshots, or daily builds as they call them, for the upcoming operating system.
Thanks to the Ubuntu Online Summit event, we were able to report this week a significant amount of …
We reported earlier this week that a vulnerability discovered recently in the Linux kernel packages of Ubuntu 15.04 (Vivid Vervet), Ubuntu 14.10 (Utopic Unicorn), Ubuntu 14.04 LTS (Trusty Tahr), and Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (Precise Pangolin) has been addresse…


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Google has faced three EU probes and 6.7 billion euros in fines so far. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
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European Union Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager coolly hit Google with a 4.3 billion euro ($5 billion) fine last week, the biggest penalty in the history of antitrust enforcement.A year earlier, when the company – already reeling from a 2.4 billion euro fine in another EU case – made quiet attempts to settle the probe into deals it has with Android phone-makers, the response was equally chilly.Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., has been one of the EU's biggest antitrust targets, with three probes, countless headlines and a steady drumbeat of smaller rivals and customers demanding action.Google declined to comment on the settlement attempts. In the weeks after the June 2017 fine in the shopping case, Google lawyers began to make overtures to their EU counterparts to express a willingness to settle the probe into Android, one of their flagship products. Google gives Android software for free to phone-makers but coerces them to preinstall Google's apps if they want the Play app store, which offers over a million programs.
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Among many reactions to the economic clouds brought by the coronavirus pandemic is a growing appetite for better value for money.
Numerous households are keeping a closer eye on budgets amid crimped salaries or the prospect of income shrinkage due to the Covid-19 fall-out.
Donna Sweeney-Simmons is among a growing contingent of UAE residents who admits to appreciating a bargain more than she did.
The mother of four teenage daughters was made redundant during 2020 after a 32-year career in the travel industry.
“I used to buy a lot of things on my travels to the UK or Europe,” says Ms Sweeney-Simmons, 42.
“What with having a large-ish family, my shopping habits had to change and my purse strings tightened.”
This included switching the weekly grocery shop from Spinneys or Waitrose to Carrefour, not least for the latter’s special offers and cash-back reward scheme, and occasionally Lulu.
“I have a household budget in my head and really try and stick to it,” says Ms Sweeney-Simmons, who lives in Abu Dhabi, where she’s in the process of launching a business called AbuDhabiLicious, producing personalised chocolate bars.
The Briton is also among many residents who have been discovering Brands For Less, a UAE chain selling famous names for less than original marked prices.
“There are some absolutely fantastic designer bargains to be had if you have time to rummage, but it does take patience,” she says.
This demand for better value spells good news for retailers operating in the mid-market space, including savvy physical shop chains such as Centrepoint.
Discount fashion, beauty, toys and homeware trader Brands For Less and cut-price supermarket VIVA have both been steadily opening new stores to satisfy a drive towards wiser spending.
Brands For Less recently unveiled new branches in Dubai, including a first on tourist hotspot Jumeirah Beach Residence, and expanded an existing one.
Chief executive Toufic Kreidieh says their concept “believes in the value of good products for everyone … especially in these difficult times in which people are more cautious how they spend their money”.
And it appears to have worked – 2020 was the company’s most successful year in its two-decade history.
The first “off-price” retailer in the Middle East has added 15 stores over the past two years, bringing its total to 67 around the region, with more to follow elsewhere in the GCC as well as expansion plans for Eastern Europe.
When the pandemic forced the temporary closure of physical branches, Brands For Less experienced a 230 per cent increase in online sales.
“Our in-store traffic is now back to normal and we expect to see a surge as conditions improve for people making up for lost time,” says Mr Kreidieh, who highlights the importance of creating a trusted brand and loyal consumer base.
Dubai mum Debbie Steedman is a keen advocate. As co-founder and administrator of Facebook community page Shop Well For Less, she curates numerous daily price-conscious posts.
Ms Steedman believes people generally shop around more now than two years ago and will wait for sales for larger purchases – a trait she says has accelerated during the pandemic.
“People who haven’t lost their jobs or have had wage cuts are still wanting the best deals they can find,” she says. “No one knows what’s round the corner in these uncertain times.”
Deals and recommendations in the SWFL community include shopping advice as well as money-saving posts from 26,800 members all seeking to make their dirhams work harder.
Sometimes advice concerns basic necessities. “When it comes to grocery shopping, you need to be aware of weekly promotions,” she says. “Shop what’s on offer, not what you want; for example, if Carrefour has lamb on promo, that’s your roast for this week.”
Ms Steedman says people from all walks of life are keeping an eye on expenditure.
“This is something I have seen change in the last few years,” she says, suggesting the “one-stop supermarket shopper” is becoming rare as people lessen loyalty to support stores offering better prices on certain items.
SWFL members also tout the benefits of lesser-known pocket-friendly online merchants such as Big Saver Hub, Golden Beans and Food For Less.
However, a recent talking point among wallet-conscious residents was the opening of VIVA in Palm Jumeirah, along with a thrift store, something Ms Steedman says indicates that “everyone has been affected by the current economic climate”.
With many lines that undercut rivals’ prices, the Soho Residence branch is thriving about three years after Landmark Group – Mena’s largest non-food retail group – launched the UAE’s first food discounter.
VIVA now has 40 branches operating under the promise of “fresher, cheaper, better”, selling many private label exclusive products.
“By sourcing directly and operating efficiently, we can pass on the savings and offer highest quality at cheapest prices … to meet the needs of the local community we operate in,” says chief executive Georg Fischer.
And that has proved to be welcome news for many during a pandemic. As more families monitor their spending, without wishing to compromise on lifestyle, it is a fertile time for such chains.
“VIVA worked even harder at the peak of pandemic times in keeping our stores open and ensuring a safe shopping environment for shoppers … we constantly adapted our way of working to the increased demands,” says Mr Fischer.
“We are constantly following our consumer behaviour and adapting business strategies to meet the needs of consumers so as to remain competitive and relevant.
“The demand gives us confidence and ambition to continue our growth journey to all remaining emirates in which we do not have a presence yet.”
Certainly, VIVA and Brands For Less are highly visible among the retailers luring value seekers, and swimming against the e-commerce tide as some struggling names close physical branches.
Justina Eitzinger is chief operating officer of Images Group Middle East, which hosts the Middle East Retail Forum.
She has seen a broader demographic of consumers seeking more value, but says price sensitivity was always present in every market.
“Value retailers have thrived for years, but they did not limit the appetite of aspirational buyers for designer labels and luxury brands,” says Ms Eitzinger.
“Given the uncertainty and the unexpected financial constraints, it was natural for consumers to consider value-for-money brands/goods.”
She notes that e-commerce has aided price comparisons and was accelerated with the pandemic.
“In the process, retailers offering a better price point got more business. We have seen retailers bundle up, offer more discounts,” she continues.
“The pandemic may have given a push for e-commerce for several reasons, including safety in the initial days of the outbreak, but it is in no way going to write off brick and mortar retailing.
“Physical stores offer an experience, a stage, a platform for both the brand to be experienced and expressed.”
Al-Futtaim Malls has also been listening and analysing. It recently announced the launch of its Premium Outlet at Dubai Festival City, opening in 2022. A key goal of the new venue is to provide value to shoppers who will be able to purchase premium brands at discounts of more than 40 per cent.
A recent survey commissioned by Al-Futtaim Malls revealed that 47 per cent of UAE residents are seeking value for money more than before the pandemic and 48 per cent are looking for more offers and deals than before.
Timothy Earnest, group director at Al-Futtaim Malls, says it is responding to the “changing demands of our customers … a direct response to what our customers have told us they want”.
Whatever the future brings post the pandemic, there certainly seems to be more offers out there than there used to be and the era of flash sales could be set to continue.
“People are prepared to wait for deals, especially on high-end items like electricals,” adds Ms Steedman. “They know that there will be a super sale … so they just wait.”
And Ms Sweeney-Simmons, among others, remains emboldened by her newfound shopping frugality, even if she hasn’t worked out exact numbers.
“I am definitely saving and more conscious of what I am buying and ask myself if it’s really necessary, whereas before I just put it in the trolley,” she adds.
“This Covid-19 business has taught me that it’s important to be ahead of the game and not necessarily penny pinch, but to be more aware that you don’t have to compromise on quality so save money.
“I would definitely consider sticking with my newfound shopping habits rather than going back to old [ways].”


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GA Telesis Continues its Leadership Position in the USM Market with the Disassembly of Two Boeing 767-300
March 14, 2023 – Fort Lauderdale, Florida – GA Telesis, LLC (“GAT”) announces a significant expansion to their inventory of Used Serviceable Material (USM) with the disassembly of two Boeing 767-300 aircraft. GAT’s Component Solutions team will manage the distribution of the USM from these aircraft, building on their reputation as the world’s leading independent aftermarket used serviceable material supplier.
GAT will distribute the materials to airline and MRO customers globally from its US and UK-based distribution centers. With e-commerce growing, the 767 airliner has become an excellent solution for delivering packages worldwide. This strategic acquisition will assist in expanding the group’s cargo jet airframe product lines supporting those specific operators.
“Our Component Solutions team continues to incorporate new product lines to support operators of all aviation sectors,” said Alex Tuttle, COO of Flight Solutions Group. “We continue to be the leader in global disassembly activity and plan to double our airframe USM availability in the next 18 months.”
“Our group continues to drive more product line expansion with an innovative, real-time data science approach to ensure our customers’ needs are satisfied,” said Jason Reed, President of Flight Solutions Group. “By providing airlines and MRO’s creative sale and lease choices to improve dispatch reliability while lowering their costs in the process provides a win-win solution to our customers’ post-COVID ramp-up globally.”
About GA Telesis
GA Telesis is the leading provider of integrated services in the commercial aviation industry. Through the GA Telesis Ecosystem™, the Company is distinctly positioned, across six continents, to leverage its resources to create innovative solutions for its customers. Consisting of global operations encompassing component solutions and MRO Services business units for landing gear, component/composite, and turbine engine repair, as well as digital solutions, the GA Telesis Ecosystem™ provides an unparalleled resource to airlines. The Company’s core business is its mission to ensure “Customer Success,” built from a reputation for unsurpassed excellence and integrity.
For further information, please contact Cathy Moabery at firstname.lastname@example.org.


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LG V30S ThinQ appears in promotional image (UPDATE)10
The LG V30S ThinQ is expected to have a price that also isn't subtle, with talk of a million won price tag in Korea. Based on current exchange rates, that works out to be the equivalent of $920 USD. However, currency exchange calculations tend to greatly overstate the actual U.S. price. We should find out things like pricing and availability for the V30S when LG makes its presentation at MWC. We do know that the phone will go on sale March 9th.
UPDATE: Wenow have the specs of the LG V30S ThinQ to pass along. The device carries a 6-inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 2880 (QHD+). This works out to an aspect ratio of 18:9 with LG's FullVision display. Under the hood is the Snapdragon 835 chipset featuring an octa-core CPU and the Adreno 540 GPU. 6GB of RAM is inside along with the aforementioned 256GB of native storage. The dual cameras in back weigh in at 16MP (f/1.6 aperture) and 13MP (wide angle, f/1.9 aperture). A front facing wide angle 5MP camera (f/2.2) handles selfies and video chat. Keeping the lights on is a 3300mAh battery, and Android 8.0 is pre-installed.
The ThinQ addition to the name indicates that this phone is part of LG's AI initiative, which is made up of Vision AI and Voice AI. The latter works with the camera and can suggest what settings to use when taking pictures in one of eight categories: portrait, food, pet, landscape, city, flower, sunrise, and sunset. It also uses image recognition to scan QR codes, recognize landmarks and to retrieve shopping information. Algorithms help brighten photos by a factor of two for better quality shots taken in light-light.
Voice AI has a feature called QVoice that adds 50 commands to Google Assistant. 32 of the commands are exclusive to LG. Many of these commands help users control their handsets. LG says that it will add some of these these features to the LG G6 and LG V30 via OTA updates.
The PhoneArena team has already landed in Barcelona for what is the largest trade show of the year for the mobile industry. Keep checking in often for the latest news, videos, new product introductions and more, coming directly from MWC 2018. And don't forget that tomorrow, Samsung will be introducing its shiny new flagship models. We are referring, of course, to the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Samsung Galaxy S9+. Keep it right here!
source: @evleaks, VentureBeat


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Year after year, Twitter has gone down on the day of Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). Well, at least for the past two years that the site has been around during the Apple conference. It happens to be one of the most buzzed about events in the industry. Considering the buzz surrounding the expected iPhone announcement this afternoon, we can expect Twitter to go into overload as usual.
As such, the company has posted that they are prepared for the event, taking the proper precautions including an increase in their memcache usage and the addition of more read-slave servers. I’m not sure if accessing Twitter was the problem or if updates were the biggest issue but the company believes that they are now prepared for an onslaught of site requests.
Twitter consistently has downtime and as such many users have begun switching to competing services. I for one have found myself using Plurk with increasing frequency. The real question is if their preparations are going to stop people from moving to other services at this point. Can Twitter have days of downtime and be up for one day and expect the users to suddenly be satisfied?


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We are very proud to announce that British Corner Shop has won a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade!
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2016
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is awarded to UK businesses that have performed to a high degree. Not only is the International Trade award given to businesses for export achievements, but it also takes into account impact of the business operations on society, the environment, and also relations with employees and customers.
Our export activity over the past few years has seen such a large volume of growth that we have been recognised by the Queen’s Award, who are now in their 50th year. To say that we are chuffed is an understatement!
Peter Howarth, the Technical Director for British Corner Shop, says: “We are delighted that British Corner Shop has received the Queens Award for Enterprise. To receive such a prestigious award is a real testament to the hard work that the whole team have put in over the last decade, delivering a fantastic and unique service that British expats around the world have come to rely upon. ”
With a combination of hard-work, experienced team members, fully integrated e-commerce infrastructures, efficient supply chains and leading edge technology, we have increased our turnover whilst retaining top customer service and quality of service.
We deliver to 138 countries worldwide and have seen large growth in the overseas markets. Europe has always been a strong customer base for us, but in recent years the US and China have really come leaps and bounds! It sure is exciting times for us.
Based on current estimates that there are in excess of 5 million British expats, we estimate we have achieved approx. 3% – 4% market penetration as we currently have over 150,000 customers. With the platforms in place and the tremendous growth resulting thus far, we are focused on doubling our market share within the next two years.
2016 is really off to an exciting start for us and we are keen to see what the future holds for us. We’d like to say a big thank you to all our customers who have helped us get to where we are today – we will continue to serve you and help export British happiness to wherever you may be in the world!
From, the team at British Corner Shop


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EnergySage‘s 18th semi-annual Solar & Storage Marketplace Report finds that for the first time since mid-2021, solar prices decreased on the EnergySage Marketplace, dropping by 3.5% to $2.80 per watt.
Quoted storage prices also fell by 6.4% on EnergySage in the second half of the year, decreasing for the first time since the company began tracking prices in 2020.
“The home electrification industry faced a challenging year in 2023 amidst a changing net metering landscape and persistent inflation,” says EnergySage COO Charlie Hadlow.
“However, EnergySage Marketplace data shows a turning point could be just around the corner, with consumer demand holding strong and diversifying, while solar and storage prices have decreased. The latest EnergySage report provides a unique perspective for this dynamic but resilient moment in the industry, both from the installer and homeowner perspectives.”
The report analyzes homeowner shopping transactions on EnergySage.com during 2023 for solar panels, inverters and batteries from solar companies in 41 states and Washington, D.C.


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Oct. 18, 2006 -- The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday it was moving closer to approving meat and milk from cloned animals, and some consumer groups are outraged.
Although it sounds like science fiction, in the very near future, milk and meat from cloned animals could be as close as the corner store.
Since Dolly the sheep, the first mammal to be successfully cloned from an adult cell, sheep, cows and pigs have been cloned for research and breeding.
"We are not convinced that this is safe food," said Jaydee Hanson, program director for the Center for Food Safety. "We haven't seen the facts that would convince us."
A recent poll conducted by the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology shows that 60 percent of Americans are uncomfortable with the idea. Most cited religious and ethical concerns, followed by safety.
While the FDA asks food producers to voluntarily keep copied animals out of the food supply, Dr. Stephen Sundlof, chief of FDA veterinary medicine, said in a statement this type of food was safe.
"Meat and milk from cattle clones and their offspring are as safe as that from conventionally bred animals," he said.
But many people told ABC News that they would eat food from cloned animals only if it were clearly marked.
But cloned food may not be labeled. Experts said it would be too difficult to separate meat in processing plants derived from clones.
"It's very possible that these products will end up on grocery-store shelves without any specific labels identifying them as having come from cloned animals," said Michael Fernandez, executive director of the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology.
It is estimated that there are only between 600 and 2,000 cloned animals in the United States.
The FDA could approve this as early as next year when its final safety report is expected. The food could be on grocery-store shelves shortly thereafter.


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Earlier this year Ford officially revealed the highly-anticipated Ranger Raptor. Now, we get to see it being built from the ground up as production for this performance pickup truck commences in the Blue Oval brand’s factory in Thailand.
With the help of both man and machine, the time lapse video below shows the production line of the Ford Ranger Raptor all in 90 seconds. We’ll even see how it takes a rolling dive into a pool of primer in preparation for painting.
Interestingly, we noticed that the video clip featured both right- and left-hand-drive variants of the Ranger Raptor considering that Thailand is a right-hand-drive country. Throw in the fact that Ford Philippines has confirmed its arrival in the country this year, could we be witnessing the creation of the Ranger Raptor that will be shipped locally?
The American carmaker first teased the arrival of the Ranger Raptor in the Asia Pacific region last year with nothing but a photograph. We then spotted a teaser video of the “meanest and most badass” pickup truck tearing up the sand dunes in an Australian desert in Baja mode, using all of its 210 hp and 500 Nm of torque. And when it was launched, we were there to see it in action and in the metal (at least Caco was).
This monster truck will be equipped with a 2.0L bi-turbo diesel engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It will come with an updated terrain management system with six modes to conquer various road conditions.
Are you excited for the impending arrival of the Ford Ranger Raptor in the Philippines?


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Welcome to our European Regulatory Roundup, our weekly overview of the top EU regulatory news.
UK Panel Calls for Rethink of Antibiotic Regulation
A globally focused, United Kingdom-led review of antimicrobial resistance has called for regulators to rethink their approach to the field. The panel sees regulators playing a role in ensuring the sensible use of existing antibiotics and encouraging the development of new products.
Detailed recommendations for regulators will follow in future reports, but this week’s publication — the second to be released by the committee — outlines the areas in which it thinks regulators can help. One of the five key themes of the review is the need for coherent international action by regulators and other players to control the use of antibiotics in people, animals and the environment.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are already taking steps in this direction, notably through the collaborative research program that published its first report this week. The collaborators found significant variations in the use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals.
This week’s U.K.-led review calls for the globalization of such projects to ensure authorities have the clearest possible picture of antimicrobial resistance. Current surveillance is fragmented, leading to public health officials having an incomplete picture of the global situation. Equally, many systems rely on old data, an issue the panel thinks can be resolved as healthcare digitizes.
The major, unresolved question is how to encourage the development of products to counter the superbugs once they have been identified. The report sees a role for regulators in incentivizing development and also questions whether unclear or burdensome approval pathways have hindered progress to date.
AMR Report I Regulatory Focus
MHRA Posts Guidance for Production of Unlicensed ‘Specials’
The United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has released guidance for “Manufacturing Specials” (MS), the term it uses for production of certain unlicensed medicines. MHRA allows the production of MS-licensed drugs when a patient needs a specific formulation of a product that differs from commercially available treatments.
Such situations typically involve small batches of a defined range of products that lack marketing authorization and are treated somewhat differently in terms of good manufacturing practices (GMPs). Companies operating under these conditions are not required to prepare a Product Quality Review (PQR), a difference that MHRA explains in its guidance Q&A document.
The Q&A supplements the existing requirements laid out in Guidance Note 14 by attempting to answer many of the common uncertainties faced by companies that manufacture MS-licensed, aseptically prepared products using closed systems. Open system production is covered by European guidance.
In the 41-page Q&A, MHRA explains its expectations with regard to the labeling of MS products, how to handle recalls and the legality of marketing such drugs. Several sections — such as computerized systems — are currently blank, but MHRA expects the document to grow and evolve over time. The decision to use a Q&A format was motivated by the desire to create an easily updatable document.
MHRA’s Online Medical Device Platform Nears go Live Date
MHRA’s online medical device registration platform is due to go live. MHRA is introducing the Devices Online Registration System (DORS) as part of its move away from paper documents.
DORS is scheduled to come online on 11 February, after which it will run in parallel to the existing paper system for three months. MHRA will close the paper-based device registration system on 11 May. DORS will cover class I medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and other low-risk products.
Relatively little is changing in the handover. Companies already registered only need to set up a DORS account when they want to change details or add a new device, at which time MHRA will ask for some information and then activate the user. The fee for new registrations is still £70 ($106).
Indian Generics Firms Downplay Impact of EMA ban
Indian generic manufacturers affected by EMA’s action against GVK Bio have downplayed its impact. The proposed suspension of 700 products tested by GVK includes drugs sold by seven Indian companies, most of which expect the ban to have little impact on their business.
Sarabjit Kour Nangra, an analyst at Angel Broking, backed up the manufacturers’ confident outlooks. “As Europe is a small market for many of these Indian companies such as Dr Reddy's and Lupin, the suspension of drugs from the markets of individual European countries will not have any significant impact on the revenues,” Nangra told Business Standard.
Drugs sold by Dr Reddy’s — including the anti-epileptic levetiracetam and diabetes drug pioglitazone — are on the EMA list, but the company does not expect the suspension to affect its finances.
MHRA Seizes 10,000 Vials of GcMAF in Raid of Unlicensed Plant
MHRA has seized more than 10,000 vials of an unlicensed medicine during an inspection of a facility in Cambridgeshire. The vials were marketed as Globulin component Macrophage Activating Factor (GcMAF), a blood drug that was touted as a miracle cancer cure on the back of some questionable trials in the 2000s.
Much of the research on GcMAF has since been discredited — leading to the retraction of a paper last year — but an unlicensed market for the product has developed. MHRA discovered a plant in Cambridgeshire was supplying some of this demand and warned consumers about a dozen websites that sell GcMAF.
The production plant does not comply with good manufacturing practices, but — as Derek Lowe at In the Pipeline notes — its managers had gone to the trouble of sourcing blood plasma starting material. The plasma was not approved for use in humans or drugs, however.
MHRA Notice I In the Pipeline
Vendor: 75% of Large Pharma Firms are Behind Schedule on Serialization
The European Falsified Medicines Directive is still three years away from coming into force, but a vendor thinks 75% of top pharma companies are already behind schedule on their preparations.
Brian Daleiden, vice president of marketing at TraceLink, told Outsourcing-Pharma the estimate is underpinned by experience of preparing for track-and-trace requirements in other markets. Adopting serialization software and hardware across a large production network with multiple packaging lines while maintaining output can be challenging.
Companies that work extensively with contract packagers face a different set of issues. With multiple clients all pushing to have their products serialized within a set period of time, contract packagers may be forced to prioritize some customers over others.
European authorities have awarded CE Marks to Advanced Bionics and OrthAlign. Advanced Bionics received the status for two versions of its HiRes 90K cochlear implants, both of which can now undergo 1.5T MRI scans without removing the internal magnet. The OrthAlign CE Mark covers its positioning devices for knee and hip surgeries. Press Release I More
EMA has released the clutch of documents that were discussed at its recent veterinary meeting. The documents include the updated reflection paper on the risk of antimicrobial resistance transfer from companion animals and guidelines on what to do when a vaccine is suspected to be contaminated with bovine viral diarrhea virus. Reflection Paper I EMA Guidelines
MHRA has warned healthcare professionals about faulty endobronchial tubes. The Cobb connectors of the affected lots can detach, potentially resulting in the system failing to ventilate the patient. MHRA Report I Field Safety Notice


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Yay, the latest figures are in and thanks to Japan’s Golden Week hardware sales increased quite a bit in the week ending 4th of May.
It shouldn’t come as a shocker that the PSP dominated the charts, it’s been doing that for some time now after all. It managed to move a staggering 100,870 units this time, which is 8500 more than last week.
The Nintendo Wii managed to sneak in at #2, moving an impressive 71,518 consoles. Additionally, the DS saw an increase of 10,000, selling 52,542 units. More after the jump.
- PlayStation Portable – 100,870
- Nintendo Wii – 71,518
- Nintendo DS – 52,542
- PlayStation 3 – 10,177
- PlayStation 2 – 8,802
- Xbox 360 – 1,725


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In a raging trend, countries everywhere are seeing the animal agriculture industry fight to ban certain terms in the labelling of plant-based products.
In the US, Miyoko’s Kitchen won a landmark case in August for the right to call its vegan butter ‘butter’.
In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) proposed a ban in October to ban the use of dairy terms for plant-based alternatives.
And most recently, in Australia, the plant-based industry is calling out the government for “unbalanced representation” in discussions surrounding product labelling.
It’s happening everywhere. The meteoric rise of veganism — accelerated further by a pandemic — is shaking up food industries across continents. In an effort to reverse the effects and save their industry, eat and dairy farmers are, quite frankly, throwing everything at the wall in the hope that something sticks. In a last-ditch attempt, the battle around the ban of plant-based product labelling terms is heating up around the world.
The argument? You can’t call vegan cheese ‘cheese’ or plant-based meat ‘meat’ because it’s not from an animal. Customers are so dense, the animal agriculture industry implores, they’ll be misled by the terms when buying products. It’s so silly, I can barely write that without shaking my head and laughing.
The Australian agriculture minister held a roundtable earlier this year to discuss labelling for plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy products. Alt-protein think tank Food Frontier is now criticising the government for the underrepresentation of the plant-based industry. It says the roundtable had heavy representation from the traditional dairy, egg and meat sectors, but that Food Frontier was the only mouthpiece of the alternative protein industry.
So meat and dairy producers are the louder voices to discuss the fate of an industry that is challenging them. Seems about fair.
The Indian case is one of technical vocabulary. The FSSAI defines milk as the “normal mammary secretion derived from complete milking of healthy milch animals”. Nothing else can be called milk. Note the word “healthy”. Who are the regulators kidding with that? Are we really to believe that the Indian cattle farming industry is so great that none of the animals are factory farmed or treated out of the usual?
Research by the Good Food Institute and IPSOS has shown that over 70% of Indians can successfully identify the source of cow’s and plant-based milk, regardless of where they were from or what their diet was. 84% believe ‘plant-based milk’ is the appropriate term for dairy alternatives.
The EU bit is even more baffling. The animal agriculture industry wanted companies to call veggie burgers ‘discs’ and sausages — wait for it — ‘tubes’. Nothing like a fry-up with three tubes.
The EU, sensibly, rejected that proposal. However, it upheld the same ban on dairy alternatives, just like in India. Plant-based butter isn’t a thing, and vegan yoghurt products can’t even be called ‘yoghurt-style’. Oat milk is an ‘oat beverage’ and almond milk is an ‘almond drink’.
But how is canned coconut milk okay?
On the other side of the Atlantic, things were a little more positive. In some parts. The US’s complicated legislative system means different states have different rules. California, a progressive state and home to one of the world’s most vegan-friendly cities, Los Angeles, was told it couldn’t prevent vegan dairy company Miyoko’s Kitchen from using the term ‘butter’ on its, well, butter.
Miyoko’s, a leading advocate against the plant-based labelling ban, sued the California Department of Agriculture earlier this year. The body told the plant-based company that it couldn’t use regular terms because the butter was not a dairy product and customers could be misled. While the case isn’t over yet, a judge has ruled in favour of Miyoko’s.
In October, plant-based meat company Tofurky (whose founder was the first investor in Miyoko’s) filed a lawsuit citing the First Amendment’s right to free speech after Louisiana passed a law that would fine plant-based brands up to $500 a day for using regular labelling terms on alt-meat.
These efforts aren’t just an asinine distraction tactic, they’re actually presenting financial challenges to plant-based producers. Aside from dealing with marketing costs and reworking packaging, sales may take a hit too. One would probably be less enthused about buying discs than vegan burgers.
In a similar fashion, plant-based ‘drink’ or ‘beverage’ is way more inaccurate and off-putting for the consumer than ‘milk’. Let’s just please chill out.


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The legendary Death Row Records is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the launch of its first ever online store.
Music fans are aware that bootleg Death Row merch has always been a hot seller across the world, be it hoodies, T shirts, chains or other collectibles. But now, fans can finally purchase official items from the store starting today, March 30th.
— Death Row Records (@deathrowmusic) March 30, 2021
The new store, which you can visit on this link, houses items such as vinyls, CDs & cassettes of iconic albums like Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Tupac’s All Eyez On Me, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle and more. It also has plenty of merch like hoodies, T shirts, hats, tote bags, beanies and bandanas.
Death Row was founded by Dr. Dre and Suge Knight in 1991, pushing gangsta rap into mainstream and changing the course of the music industry. Following the release of historic albums like Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Tupac’s All Eyez On Me and Snoop’s Doggystyle among others, it was embroiled in controversies involving violence and lawsuits.
Death Row Records filed for bankruptcy in 2006 and was auctioned to WIDEawake Entertainment for $18 million in 2009. The owner of WIDEawake then bankrupted in 2012 and the label was sold to Entertainment One. In 2019, toy company Hasbro acquired eOne for $4 billion and now manages the Death Row catalog.


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DETROIT – GM officially began production of its 2013 Cadillac ATS compact luxury sedan at its Lansing Grand River assembly plant in Michigan. The all-new vehicle will arrive in U.S. dealerships in August, moving the Cadillac brand into the “highest volume category in the luxury automotive industry,” GM stated.
The ATS features three engine choices, including two four-cylinder engines and a V-6 for North America. GM is offering the Cadillac ATS with manual and automatic six-speed transmission options and rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations. According to the EPA and Fueleconomy.gov, the ATS' fuel economy figures are combined MPG of 26, 22 mpg city, and 33 mpg highway.
“This is a car with a big mission, and it’s been comprehensively prepared for that mission,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac Marketing. “The new-from-the-ground-up ATS creates a new entryway into the Cadillac brand for luxury car drivers, and a compelling new challenger to the status quo among the top luxury sport sedans.”
GM said the all-new ATS features a new lightweight vehicle architecture that utilizes advanced materials and techniques to ensure precise driving dynamics. The automaker said the ATS features Magnetic Ride Control, the Safety Alert Seat, and the Cadillac CUE infotainment system.


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Around 700 micro-businesses could boost their productivity through a new scheme launched by the government.LAST UPDATED:
The spookiest thing this Halloween is that Britain hasn’t left the EU and this ghostly Prime Minister, has risen from his ditch and is leading an election.LAST UPDATED:
The report, titled Taking Time off as a Freelancer, found that on average freelancers take four days less off a year than what employees are entitled to.
Freelancing can be exciting but it’s not without its challenges. When you are a business of one, your mental health is more important than ever.
After a recent viral tweet which asked: “Why are so many female journalists going freelance?”, I decided to find out for myself.LAST UPDATED:
Free for anyone to use, not just Santander customers, this space, which opened in July, is the perfect balance of café and co-working space.
Introducing the wireless Logitech Craft – a very sleek and sophisticated keyboard aimed not exclusively, but primarily at the creative user.
Paul Uppal, small business commissioner, has stepped down from his post. The office will continue to work as usual while a replacement is found.LAST UPDATED:
Working for yourself might increase your chances of success in your career. But could it be having a negative impact on your love life?LAST UPDATED:
There has been a post-financial crisis boom in the number of people becoming self-employed in UK cities, new research by Centre for Cities reveals.LAST UPDATED:


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HubSpot has released a research report, conducted by YouGov, on the efficacy of WhatsApp as a direct channel to reach customers in Singapore.
When compared to pre-pandemic days, 57% of Singaporeans reported they have increased their purchases via mobile phones for both personal and business use. When making these purchases, 61% of Singaporeans say they prefer to use WhatsApp when inquiring about a product or service from a business over other conversational messaging platforms.
The study also found that 67% of Singaporeans prefer using WhatsApp to communicate with businesses as they find it convenient and already use it in their day-to-day life respectively. Over half of these Singaporeans (53%) said it saves them time to start and continue a conversation via WhatsApp compared to other channels.
“Today, consumers expect brand experiences to be highly personalised, delivered via the channels they prefer, and to receive real-time answers. In Singapore, WhatsApp has clearly emerged as the platform of choice for consumers, and this presents an enormous opportunity for businesses to be more immediate with how they engage with prospects and customers, adapt to their preferences, and stand out from the competition.” said Kat Warboys, Marketing Director, APAC at HubSpot.
“In another study, we found that almost all marketing leaders in Singapore unanimously agree that they are facing challenges to business growth and are seeking new avenues of growth at a time when marketing budgets are being streamlined. WhatsApp presents new opportunities to reach digital-first consumers in personalised and cost-effective ways amid uncertain times,” said Warboys.
As per the current study, over eight in ten (83%) of Singaporeans said that they are likely to enquire for information over WhatsApp for personal product use, while three quarters (76%) of Singaporeans said they would enquire about company products. When trying to directly reach a brand, 57% of Singaporeans felt that they prefer to use WhatsApp when seeking customer support.
“The WhatsApp integration is the latest development in HubSpot’s commitment to building a CRM platform that helps businesses create more connected, seamless customer experiences,” the company said in a release.


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Court denies Apple's request to ban the Galaxy Nexus again
Since the LG Nexus 4 has already taken over as the latest flagship Android smartphone from Google, the Galaxy Nexus has pretty much been end-of-life’d. But evidently, that’s not enough to stop Apple from including it in its latest court appeals.
For now, you’re going to be able to buy the Samsung Galaxy Nexus wherever it is still available in the U.S. Some people will likely view that as a very good thing, what with its successor being particularly difficult to purchase at the moment. A report on Reuters notes that Apple could try its luck with the Galaxy Nexus sales ban revival by appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court itself, but it probably still won’t succeed.
If you’re an owner of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, this doesn’t really affect you in the slightest. But it might make for some light-hearted entertainment while you get busy with your handset, playing with all those over-the-air updates and such. And don’t forget to grab some popcorn while you’re at it. This will take a while.


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Virtual Reality Arcade Opens in East Austin
It's like a karaoke room for immersive play
By Tucker Whatley,
1:00PM, Thu. Jun. 1, 2017
Austin has been a hotspot in the burgeoning virtual reality industry ever since early prototype headsets made their way into local software developers’ hands. Despite this, access to VR has been limited. One company is hoping to break outside the niche and expose a wider swath of Austinites to this gotta-see-it-to-believe-it technology.
Beginning on June 1, Originator Studios in East Austin will allow the general public to rent its studio space for use as a virtual reality arcade where groups can try out VR games and applications as well as spectate on their friends’ experiences in a BYOB, party-friendly environment.
“Imagine renting out a karaoke room for the hour. This is sort of that, but in the future,” said Originator Studios co-owner Willie Rockefeller.
The studio is equipped with powerful computer systems attached to two HTC Vives, one of the higher-end headsets on the market, allowing two players to compete in multiplayer games or to have separate experiences. Projectors display live video feeds from the players’ points of view on the walls of the studio, giving spectators a glimpse at what their friends are reacting to. The projectors and all of the necessary sensors to detect player position and movement are suspended from the ceiling, freeing up the floor for players to walk (or flail) around.
Originator Studios normally rents out their 800-square-foot space for the likes of photo shoots, video shoots, and art installations. Rockefeller and fellow co-owner Derek Gildersleeve first outfitted the space with virtual reality equipment to test out the software and 360-degree videos they were commissioned to create as a part of Originator’s sister company, Hybrid VR. They soon found themselves using their elaborate testing environment to entertain guests with the latest VR games and apps.
“Every time we would bring friends over, they’d say ‘This feels like a waste that you’re not doing something with this completely integrated VR setup,’” Gildersleeve said.
The computers at the studio come equipped with a wide range of games available for players to try, from simple, arcade action games like Fruit Ninja VR and Knockout Kings to more esoteric offerings such as virtual music studio SoundStage and acrophobia-triggering Richie’s Plank Experience, with more titles frequently being added to the catalog.
The cost for a session at the arcade varies depending on the size of the group and number of headsets used, ranging from $60 for up to six people sharing one Vive for one hour to $380 for groups of up to 12 sharing two Vives for four hours. All sessions at the studio are attended by a studio representative who guides the group through their experience, helps with set-up, makes sure sessions go smoothly and safely, and offers suggestions for experiences groups might be interested in.
Until now, high-end virtual reality has been a mostly solitary affair with a high barrier of entry. The headsets, sensors, and controllers cost hundreds of dollars on their own and require a powerful PC to run smoothly. Room-scale virtual reality experiences – in which the player's body movements are mirrored in virtual space – require a large space not available in many homes. By offloading these hefty requirements from the user, Originator Studios could potentially expose VR to an audience who would never have a chance to try it otherwise.
“A lot of people haven’t put on the headset and had the full experience,” Gildersleeve said. “Every time someone does that, they become like a child for twenty minutes. We’re excited about the possibility of getting a bunch of people who haven’t done it into a space that’s perfectly fit for it.”


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Amidst the chaos of a global financial meltdown, it can be easy to overlook certain aspects of banking that are less urgent. VC funding seems to have flown under the radar as of late, however, it makes a big difference for entrepreneurs who are looking for funding to jumpstart their new businesses. Sadly, it’s now at its lowest point in 10 years. Even with 2010’s first quarter $4.71 billion wagered on venture opportunities, the outlook isn’t rosy.
Enter Crowd Funding. Crowd Funding or “crowd financing” basically uses the power of the Internet to fund startup organizations. An entrepreneur who is searching for funding could seek pledges of small amounts to support the growth of her venture. Whereas traditional venture financing is generally limited to wealthy or “accredited” investors (think Caddyshack country club members making deals on the golf course), crowdfunding allows the average person to partake in the potential growth of a startup and at the same time benefit a small business.
Though bootstrapping sounds like a groovy dance move, it can be one of the more difficult means of generating money for a venture. But recently, certain companies are making entrepreneurs’ lives easier. The brilliant Jessica Jackley, cofounder of Kiva.org, is in the midst of starting Profounder.com, an online platform for entrepreneurs created to raise equity and debt financing via the internet. A recent venturebeat posting says that Jessica has the likes of Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn chairman, and Chris Larsen, CEO of Prosper, as advisors on this project so her team is not short of expertise in Web 2.0 and financing realm.
Other companies involved in crowdfunding have sprung up recently as well. One that seems to be setting the standard is kickstarter.com. On its website you will see an array of projects and the amount of funding it has raised to date. For example, you can finance a one acre rooftop farm in Brooklyn supplying fresh produce to local communities of New York City. How ’bout supporting an all-cartoon web based channel called Kaboing? Or supporting an organic snow cone business that already has 108 backers throwing in $2900?
With confidence in the markets slowly returning, the clean tech sector is seeing vast improvements in funding. In fact, the number of deals in cleantech were up 29% from last quarter and almost 85% from a year ago. Allowing small investors to partake in what otherwise have been limited to the ultra-wealthy would create a more fair playing ground in an otherwise unfair investment world


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Motorola Edge+ 5G first exposed 5170mh battery rendering stunning!
By Alie Iwasaki 2020-03-06 619 14
Motorola's Edge+5G was originally scheduled to debut at MWC 2020 last week. However, due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, the company was forced to cancel the press conference. The new release date has not yet been announced, but an introduction seems likely later this month or sometime in April. Verizon is expected to become its exclusive operator in the United States. At present, the information that the machine can know is as follows.
In configuration, the Motorola Edge+5G will be equipped with a Snapdragon865, with a 6.67-inch full screen, support for screen fingerprinting and 90Hz refresh rates, and run Android 10. The rear triple camera, includes a telephoto and ultra-wide-angle lens with dual LED flash. It is worth noting that the machine is also equipped with a large battery of 5170mAh, which can provide excellent mobile phone service life.
In appearance, from the current exposure of the pictures, the machine is also very amazing. The machine is equipped with a large waterfall display with very obvious curves on both sides, as well as an impressive thin frame and small chin.
Although some details of the phone have not yet been disclosed, it fully demonstrates Motorola's great determination to re-enter the high-end flagship smartphone market.
According to foreign media, Motorola withdrew from the flagship smartphone field two years ago because of the huge failure of Z2 Force. But with the advent of the 5G era, smartphones are about to face a new reshuffle, and the company acquired by Lenovo has found opportunities to re-enter the market. However, it is still a suspense whether the former global mobile giant can make a comeback in the 5G era.
● Over 300,000 products
● 20 different categories
● 15 local warehosues
● Multiple top brands
● Global payment options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
● PayPal, Western Union and bank transfer are accepted
● Boleto Bancario via Ebanx (for Brazil)
● Unregistered air mail
● Registered air mail
● Priority line
● Expedited shipping
● 45 day money back guarantee
● 365 day free repair warranty
● 7 day Dead on Arrival guarantee (DOA)
2020-02-20By Joe Horner
2019-11-21By Joe Horner
2019-12-27By Alie Iwasaki
2019-12-19By Joe Horner
2019-08-30By Fields Corrielus
2019-08-27By Fields Corrielus


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Canadian manufacturer of remotely operated vehicles Deep Trekker has officially launched the DTG3 ROV and introduced the BRIDGE technology.
BRIDGE technology is comprised of custom hardware, software and integration, developed in response to a growing market demand. U
tilizing the latest in technology, this platform will become the base for future products, new and advanced features and third-party integrations by Deep Trekker.
“BRIDGE allows the user to experience wireless control and viewing, multi-vehicle operation over the internet, and software upgrades from anywhere in the world,” says Chad Plesa-Naden, Embedded Systems Engineer Lead, Deep Trekker.
Reaching depths of 305 meters (1000 ft), the DTG3 is designed to last longer with hybrid power boasting 12-hour battery life. An enhanced viewing and recording experience provide smarter inspections with its live, 4K video and waterproof handheld controller.
“BRIDGE makes operating, viewing and recording better than ever seen before on Deep Trekker ROVs,” says Cody Warner, Sales Manager, Deep Trekker.
“With the launch of BRIDGE and our newest DTG3 ROV, we are ushering a new era of advanced functions and underwater technology,” says Sam Macdonald, President, Deep Trekker.


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Netflix plans to keep revving up its movie slate in the coming year, although the volume of new releases will grow at a steadier pace following the ramp-up of the past 18 months, Netflix executives told investors Tuesday in discussing the company’s Q4 2019 earnings.
Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, and Netflix chief Reed Hastings told investors during the company’s quarterly earnings interview with Michael Morris of Guggenheim Securities, that being a contender in awards season is very much part of the business model. Netflix led all studios in Oscar nominations this year with a total of 24 bids, paced by Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman” (10) and Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” (six).
“It’s exciting that we ended up being the most-nominated studio at the Oscars with those films. The most exciting thing is those films are all incredibly popular with our members as well,” Sarandos said.
Hastings emphasized that Netflix sees awards as important to drawing top talent, a vital asset at a time when competition for shows and talent deals is fierce as Netflix faces a surge of subscription and ad-supported streaming competition in the coming year.
“The business benefit is that we will win deals that wouldn’t have otherwise for incredibly strong content,” Hastings said.
Sarandos pointed to the growth of the company’s internal production capabilities on the film side. And he cited feature animation as a big area of focus for the company. “Klaus,” the first Netflix original animated pic, was a “real crowd pleaser” and it nabbed an Oscar nom, allowing Netflix in the same circle as industry stalwarts like Disney and DreamWorks in yet another content genre.
Sarandos said animated films also tend to draw a wide audience across the global platform. “They do travel much more predictably than series do,” he said. He highlighted two titles set for release later this year –“The Willoughbys” and “Over the Moon,” from “Little Mermaid” toonsmith Glen Keane — as being “big-scale feature films competitive with anything you’d see at the box office.”
The interview included a lengthy discussion of Netflix’s strategy of delivering a huge volume of content in markets around the world in order to provide something for everyone. Netflix brass put a positive spin on the loss of “Friends” streaming rights as of Jan. 1, a sign of the heightened streaming-wars battle to come this year as WarnerMedia snatched the Netflix workhorse back as a pillar of the HBO Max service scheduled to bow in May.
The loss of “Friends” is an opportunity to encourage Netflix members to search the vault for more exclusive shows. Sarandos and Hastings noted that Netflix has weathered the loss of sticky content in the past such as when it parted ways with Starz and dropped a raft of movies including Disney titles, and when Nickelodeon abruptly yanked some of its biggest titles back after cashing licensing checks for a few years.
“Typically what happens is our members are able to find their next favorite show. That will happen with ‘Friends’ fans,” Sarandos said. “Some will find it elsewhere and some will find their next favorite show.”
(Pictured: “Marriage Story” and “The Irishman”)


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As we previously posted, Mercedes-Benz is doing a fine job in wiping out "entry level" from the 2012 C-Class' lexicon.
Read This Article
Carlos Lago takes the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series out for a spin.
Mercedes-Benz recently announced details of a new sedan during the opening of its latest manufacturing plant located in Kecskemet, Hungary.
Johnny Lieberman pits G-Wagen against G-Wagen in this new episode of Head 2 Head.


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Nearly three weeks have passed since Apple first released iOS 8. Since then, fewer have updated to the new iOS version compared to past releases, according to analytics firm Fiksu.
Through the first 19 days of release, the iOS 8 adoption rate stands at 37.45 percent. Over the same period of time, adoption rates for iOS 7 and iOS 6 stood at 57.98 percent and 57.37 percent, respectively. At the same time, 52.8 percent of users still remain on iOS 7, compared to the 37.4 percent who are using iOS 8.
The reason for the slow iOS 8 adoption rate is unknown, although one can guess. Apple’s iOS 8.0.1 became a public relations disaster when it was launched on Sept. 24. Though the problems were quickly resolved with the release of iOS 8.0.2, many might be waiting until further issues are worked out before upgrading.
That could happen in the coming weeks as Apple is set to launch iOS 8.1 alongside new iPads.
See also: Bad Apple: Some iOS device owners can’t download and install apps with iOS 8, Bug found in iOS 8 causes all iWork and iCloud Drive data to get erased, and Apple is already testing iOS 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 updates for 2015 and beyond.


text: Volkswagen is showing off the flexibility of its three-row crossover with the Basecamp concept. Models like the iconic Bug and Microbus established VW as the go-to car for getaway road tripping, and this decked-out SUV continues that tradition. The Atlas Basecamp has VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive and a 1.5-inch suspension lift for getting off the road, LED lighting, and a roof rack capable of carrying two bicycles. The centerpiece of the package is the compact HIVE EX. Featuring a queen-size bed, the off-road trailer also has a kitchenette with stove, refrigerator, sink, pull-out canopy, and matching wheels and tires. With the Atlas Basecamp, the road is calling — and Volkswagen is answering.


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American Seating is pleased to announce Kurt Hillary as its new vice president of operations and Allen Fox as vice president of engineering and product development.
Hillary is responsible for all manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, supply chain, and quality functions. He comes to American Seating from X-Rite where he was director of operations. He additionally held positions in operations and plant management at Donnelly Corporation, Plastech, and Yamaha Musical Products.
Fox is responsible for all engineering and product development at American Seating. He comes to the company from Knape & Vogt where he served as director of operations. He additionally held positions in manufacturing, distribution, and product development at SoundOff Signal, Benteler Automotive and Gill Industries.


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Budget 2020: Auto industry expectations range from GST cuts to another EV boost
- Auto leaders are looking for GST cuts in the upcoming
budget, especially as they transition to BSVI.
- Experts think that
Electric Vehicleswill continue to be a point of focus for subsidies in the auto industry.
- The auto sector which has been caught in a slowdown is looking forward to reliefs in the upcoming budget.
As BSVI comes in, GST cuts a need of the hour
On the top of the many requests of the sector is a GST cut.
According to a PTI report, industry leaders have asked for GST cuts from April onwards as newer vehicle emission norms of BSVI come into play. “As a win-win situation, we are requesting the government to consider reducing GST on BS-VI vehicles to 18% from the current 28% from April onwards," said the report.
The transition to BSVI vehicles is one of the reasons for its lacklustre sales, as consumers wait for newer models. Meanwhile, for auto manufacturers newer norms would mean high priced inventory transition as well.
“The Industry has already been very vocal in seeking concession in GST. Industry leaders have also been advocating for auto to be excluded from categories (like alcohol and tobacco) which qualify for sin tax and therefore increase the overall tax burden in the sector,” said Vinay Raghunath, Partner at E&Y.
Raghunath says that the auto sector in India is a key contributor to industrialization and GDP growth, reforms are necessary. “It will be important for the government to allay the fears of OEMs when it comes to sudden changes in the regulatory and tax regimes (eg: registration, insurance etc.) which may further impact the already weak consumer sentiment,” said Raghunath.
We are champions not sinners, say auto company heads
Industry leaders haven’t been shying away from seeking relief. In December 2019, Bajaj group head Rahul Bajaj questioned the government.
“There is no demand and no private investment, so where will growth come from? It doesn’t fall from the heavens. The auto industry is going through a very difficult period. Cars, commercial vehicles and two-wheelers are going through a rough patch,” Bajaj said.
Others too have been speaking out. Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra group who is vocal on Twitter too spoke about the need for reforms in the upcoming budget.
So with a forecast rate of growth of 5% for our GDP in ‘19-‘20 we’ll fall behind them again? This should get our co… https://t.co/2k0HPPRCOy— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) 1578893166000
"Since 7 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), 16 percent of the goods and services tax (GST) collection and 50 percent of the manufacturing comes from auto industry – the government should treat this as a champion industry rather than a sin industry and support it in terms of lowering the cost of acquisition and also through some financial means then it would be great,” Shashank Srivastava, senior executive director at Maruti Suzuki told CNBC Tv18.
What the government has done so far
In August 2019, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman brought in some much needed changes for the auto industry. “BS-IV vehicles purchased until March 30, 2020 will be allowed to run on the roads for the duration of the registration," she said.
Any vehicle that is bought until March 2020 will be eligible for 30% depreciation, twice that of the then rate of 15%, she said.
AdvertisementDuring the Union Budget presented in July 2019, Sitharaman had kept the GST at 28% but brought in other relief. She gave a 2% grant to auto component manufacturers, while customs duty was raised from 25% to 30%.
In focus: Electric Vehicles
In the last Budget, the government provided subsidies to boost electric vehicles.
“To make electric vehicles affordable to consumers, our government will provide additional income tax deduction of ₹1.5 lakh on the interest paid on loans taken to purchase electric vehicles. This amounts to a benefit of around ₹2.5 lakh over the loan period to the taxpayers who take loans to purchase electric vehicles,” Sitharaman had said during the budget in July.
Indian auto manufacturers like Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra have a slew of EV launches in 2020, who are all hoping to reap them. However, in the last budget, the government gave relief to consumers who want to buy EVs. Experts hope that the upcoming budget will bring in measures which will boost EV infrastructure in the country.
Advertisement“The Government may not be willing to look at additional subsidies on EV-passenger vehicles but can help by further allocations to charging infrastructure (beyond current allocations) to look at decreasing the total cost of deploying EV charging stations and speed up adoption across the country,” said Raghunath.
The rise in budget allocation for education is just not enough
Health Budget 2020: After 963 children died in one hospital in the last year, Indians will be watching the Centre’s allocation to upgrade public healthcare
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Equipment finance and leasing firm Quadrent has launched Australia’s first ever equipment ‘Green Lease’ product to help businesses reduce the amount of e-waste they are producing.
How will Green Lease help businesses reduce e-waste?
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ latest Waste Account, Australia disposes of 539,000 tonnes of e-waste in a year. The new financial product aims to reduce these figures, and make it easier for businesses to make a measurable and tangible difference. Quadrent’s Green Lease enables large corporate and government organisations to fund their technology purchases such as laptops, mobile phones, screens, and other office items, via a lease.
At the end of the lease term, they are passed back to Quadrent who responsibly recycle and repurpose the technology, as well as donate a portion of high-spec and high-quality technology devices to the young Australians in our communities that need them most.
Australia generates almost 22 kilograms of e-waste per person each year, well above the global average of about 7 kilograms, and the volume is forecast to increase 40% by 2030. Yet while many Australians take having access to use a laptop, a mobile phone and the internet for granted, 800,000 Australian kids are at risk of being digitally excluded.
How critical has Quadrent been for Aussie businesses?
“We’re helping large businesses disrupt the traditional supply chain, procurement and ownership models associated with tech, and simultaneously solve two of Australia’s most pressing problems: e-waste and digital inequality,” says Martyn Masterson, CEO at Quadrent.
“In the last few years, we have reshaped our core leasing services, which extend the life of assets and reduce the level of waste by up to 10 times. The launch of our Quadrent Green Lease is not only another step in our commitment to sustainability, but will help our clients measure their environmental impact and improve their social contribution,” said Martyn.
“We are giving large organisations a way to be at the forefront of innovation and digitisation while reducing e-waste and emissions, and helping vulnerable communities around Australia get online and take part in the digital economy,” Martyn further commented.
Green finance has become popular in the world of business, with some touting it as a way to incentivise lower carbon emissions. Improving sustainability is also a priority for companies wanting to lower their own cost of capital by meeting ESG goals, or in an effort to appeal to employees and consumers who are becoming increasingly socially conscious.


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LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Stock market futures were pointing to a flat start on Tuesday, with wholesale inflation and retail sales data not providing enough of an impetus to quell fears over rising interest rates and slowing economic growth.
S&P 500 futures weakened 2.8 points at 1,244.30 while Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.5 of a point at 1,541.75. Futures were off lows of the day.
U.S. producer prices increased 0.2% in May as energy prices moderated, but core prices inched higher amid signs that inflationary pressures are growing. The Labor Department said Tuesday prices for finished goods rose 0.2%, while the core PPI - which excludes food and energy prices - rose 0.3%.
Most economists had expected a tame 0.2% for the core PPI number, but for the full number, consensus expectations were for a bigger gain, of 0.5%.
U.S. retail sales rose a modest 0.1% in May, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. The gain was in line with the forecasts of economists surveyed by MarketWatch. Excluding auto-sales, retail sales rose 0.5%.
Higher gasoline prices have taken away consumers' appetites for buying cars, analysts say.
Higher gasoline prices didn't look to have taken a toll on the electronic retailer Best Buy BBY, -0.45% which said first-quarter earnings rose 38% to $234 million, or 47 cents a share, with revenue up 14% to $6.96 billion. Both earnings and revenue came in ahead of consensus analyst forecast. Still, it held to its fiscal year earnings forecast despite the results topping forecasts. Best Buy shares rose 3% in pre-open trade. Rival Circuit City Stores CC, -4.78% is due to report results later in the week.
Goldman Sachs GS, -2.70% nearly tripled its net income to $2.29 billion and more than doubled its revenue to $18 billion in the second quarter, with earnings excluding stock options coming in a $4.97 a share, well ahead of forecast. Investment banking revenue climbed 87%, it said. Goldman Sachs shares rose more than 1% in pre-open trade.
Elsewhere, oil futures continued to weaken in electronic trade, as Tropical Storm Alberto looks set to miss key oil production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. See story.
Gold futures also dropped, losing $19.80 to $591.50 an ounce. See story.
Circuit board maker Jabil Circuit JBL, -2.18% tumbled 15% in pre-open trade after cutting its earnings guidance for the third quarter, blaming operational issues.
On the brokerage front, J.P. Morgan upgraded technology-products distributor Tech Data Corp TECD, -5.72% from underweight to neutral, citing valuation. The broker told clients that the company has struggled over the past several years in Europe and that this had been the primary reason for the underweight rating.
Overseas, Bayer BAY, +0.00% scrambled to win three-quarters control of German drugmaker Schering SHR, -0.11% ahead of a Wednesday deadline, saying it's willing to pay more than the $21 billion that's already on the table. Bayer is struggling to reach that milestone as rival German drugmaker Merck KGaA, which isn't affiliated with the American drugmaker of the same name, has built up a stake in Schering over the last week. See full story.


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Competition has now gotten stiffer with TPG Telecom launching its postpaid plans on 31 March. Subscribers can get 50GB of data for S$10 (US$6.99) a month, pushing the notion of cheap data and a price war even further.
In all this, the Circles-M1 tie-up, stuck at no. 3, is doing little to change the Singapore telco landscape. In fact, M1 has taken on another MVNO, Geenet Mobile, on its network after holding off for four years.
Going round in Circles
Singapore wasn’t the only market Circles wanted to capture though. And in that ambition, Circles went further than it could afford to.
Circles raised an undisclosed Series C funding round in February 2019, led by venture capital firm Sequoia India. Armed with these funds, the company was ready to make big investments. More than $50 million for each new market launch, as well as $25 million into Circles-X, its proprietary software platform. It went to Taiwan and Australia, with the promise of three more markets in the future. It is currently preparing to launch services in Indonesia.
The MVNO also put S$25 million down for the Bengaluru centre.
Taiwan and Australia are local moves. The combined market—with 29.3 million and 28.3 million mobile phone subscribers, respectively, as of 2018—dwarfs Singapore’s 8.6 million, whilst retaining similar consumer dynamics.
“Circles.life has carefully chosen these markets where individuals are more comfortable transacting online and rely on digital means more than the physical means,” said IDC’s Batra. “It falls in line with [its] strategy to have a lean footprint and operational costs by not having stores, etc.”
Taiwan looked like a smart choice—Circles claimed in a press release that over 84% of Taiwanese are online shoppers and 64% of them prefer to shop on their mobile devices. Over 80% of Circles’ users signed up via the MVNO’s website at launch and, publicly, it looked like a success.
However, behind the scenes, Circles was hamstrung by its partner in the region, Chunghwa Telecom, and had little leeway with regulations, according to the previously mentioned person. “It couldn’t do promos, or price changes, basically couldn’t do anything. For Taiwan, it underestimated the customer’s behaviour and the partner,” the person added.
Circles offered the same old promos and features in Taiwan as it had in Singapore—cheaper data, no lock-ins—but it was no first-mover in the region. Line Mobile and Ibon Mobile were already established players in Taiwan.
Eventually, the axe fell on its near-50-strong Taiwan team. While reports of layoffs only came out in February 2020, the same person quoted above revealed they’d started in September 2019. First, the operations and customer service people were let go, a second batch was fired just a month later, and a third batch was laid off in February. Even the general manager of Circles’ Taiwan operations wasn’t spared, with a replacement hired soon after.
In Australia, it was a problem of plenty—this is a market with 22 other MVNOs. And when the promos stopped, customers left as well, said the person. “They didn’t have anything unique to offer.”


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IDC's updated IT Cloud Services Forecast predicts that public cloud computing will make up $17.4 billion worth of IT purchases and be a $44 billion market by 2013.
The IDC predictions presumably did not account for the estimated $19 billion, out of the U.S. government's $70 billion IT budget, that Federal CIO Vivek Kundra has vowed to spend on cloud computing. It also does not count spending on private cloud. IDC did not respond to requests for comment about its methods.
"It's increasingly apparent to everybody that this is a real phenomenon and not entirely marketing hype," said Jeff Kaplan, principal analyst at Boston-based consulting firm THINKstrategies. He said the numbers are an important indicator of the potential for cloud services.
Kaplan said that IDC had correctly forecast the economic downturn as a factor in the growth of cloud computing, but noted that there was a flip side as well. Even if buyers are attracted to the cloud pricing and consumption model, they're strapped for cash. The forecast states that actual spending is about six months behind 2008 predictions. "[IT buyers] still don't have money to spend on anything," even if there's a cheap cloud option. Another problem is persistent confusion about what constitutes cloud computing.
"There is a land grab on right now -- the truth is the market hasn't grown as fast as it could have," said Kaplan, because of the hype and overblown claims by vendors trying to cash in on the cloud label. That has left important enterprise buyers suspicious and confused, despite the growth of Amazon and Rackspace's cloud businesses.
Rackspace's last quarterly report roughly matches the IDC breakdown. Rackspace claimed at the end of August that it has 51,000 cloud customers, up from 16,000 last year. Revenue, however, was only $13 million, less than 10% of its net revenue for the year. Amazon does not disclose or differentiate cloud computing figures in its reports, but estimates range as high as $400 million per year in cloud revenue, a small part of the $20 billion retail giant.
The five-year forecast shows cloud computing, defined by IDC as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS), taking up 5% of the total IT market. It is projected to rise to 10% by 2013, with the market growing by 26% each year.
The IDC forecast also predicts that SaaS spending will remain the greatest part of cloud spending. It currently makes up 50% of all cloud spending, but by 2013, it will only be 39% of the projected $44 billion. Servers, storage and application/PaaS will be gaining strongly, while infrastructure will remain 20% of overall spending on cloud.
IDC projects cloud will be 27% of all new spending -- new technologies, new companies, and new products instead of maintenance or lifecycle spending -- and that means, as vendors try to position themselves, cloud computing will spend the next five years as the hottest new IT market in town.
"Now, it's up to the industry to get out of its own way and let it happen." Kaplan said.
Carl Brooks is the Technology Writer at SearchCloudComputing.com. Contact him at email@example.com.


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July 21, 2011
Mystery tablet hovers across FCC?
We heard of an IdeaPad arrival sometime last week. Now we hear more. There’s a report that a tablet from Lenovo recently tried to sneak its way through FCC. The model numbers on its being have been sniffed out by keen hawks there who say that they read as IdeaPad A1-07 and LePad A1-07. Engadget raise a valid point in stating that the ’07’ could signify that these are 7-inch wonders. The only specification that seeps through was that the tablet sports Bluetooth.
There’s no telling what to expect. There was a spill about the coming of a LePad this September, but no solid proof to hold it by.


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On the last week, Pinterest announced on its official blog that they’re rolling out a new update to the platform which makes saving Pins from the desktop web as easy as one click.
Pinterest is adding one-click saving, which enables the users to collect ideas on the platform, in addition to gathering images and reference points quickly.
According to one-click saving feature, the users now don’t need to click the Save button and pick a board, it becomes so easy, they just need now one click to save.
“Instead of having to click the Save button and pick a board, now you only have to click once to save. One-click saving works on Pins you see in search results, your home feed or following tab.”
Pinterest also added a drop-down menu on the user’s boards, which will appear on any Pin that users hover over, to enable them to make a quick arrangement of the pins.
“We’ll even predict which board you want to save a Pin to.” Pinterest said.
The new update may seem not a great feature, but one-click saving would be very important, useful, and helpful when it comes to looking through various products and trying to track the different options.
COPYRIGHTS DIGITAL MARKETING COMMUNITY 2019


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Pepsi Lands New Deal With Beyonce for $50 Million
Pepsi gets Beyonce Knowles as its face once more for estimated $50 million. The soda brand has struck a new deal with the singer for her to appear on its advertisement and new commercial in addition to investment in her independent artistic ventures.
Her new TV ad for the soft drink company will be debuted after her Super Bowl XLVII halftime performance on February 3. PepsiCo is a sponsor of the big sport event. Beyonce's face will also be found on limited edition cans that start going on market in March. The deal also includes a sponsorship of her tour next year to promote her new album as well as other projects like live events, videos or "a cool photo shoot".
"Pepsi embraces creativity and understands that artists evolve," Beyonce said in a statement via The New York Times. "As a businesswoman, this allows me to work with a lifestyle brand with no compromise and without sacrificing my creativity."
Lee Anne Callahan-Longo, general manager of Beyonce's Parkwood Entertainment, said that they have already been in early stages of these projects' development.
Beyonce and Pepsi have been in partnership since 2001. The company recruited Nicki Minaj earlier this year to appear on its first global campaign, using her song "Moment 4 Life".
More Beyonce Knowles News
- 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' Toys Reveal First Look at Kurt Russell's Ego
- Will Kanye West Perform at Pal Donald Trump's Inauguration?
- Fergie Who? Nicole Scherzinger to Replace the Singer in Black Eyed Peas
- Tupac Shakur Biopic 'All Eyez on Me' Is Set to Be Released in Summer
- Kendall Jenner and A$AP Rocky Reignite Dating Rumors After Seen Shopping Together
- Ariana Grande Criticized for Claiming She's the 'Hardest Working 23-Year-Old' on Earth
- Lady GaGa Teases Super Bowl Performance in New Behind-the-Scenes Video
- 'Game of Thrones' Latest Tidbit Reveals This Character's Unlikely Return in Season 7


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This week in the week in review!
Amazon acquires MGM (i.e. James Bond): https://twitter.com/IGN/status/1397536439542460418
Mr. Smash Bros, Masahiro Sakurai, considering retirement: https://www.siliconera.com/smash-director-masahrio-sakurai-is-considering-early-retirement/
Demon Slayer game news (Nezuko so pretty): https://www.siliconera.com/demon-slayer-hinokami-kepputan-english-release-planned-for-2021/
More data proving that video games are for everyone: https://twitter.com/stephentotilo/status/1397693211280351234
– Matt S.
Find me on Twitter: @mattsainsb


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- BVI Closed it boarders to all people.
October 3rd, 2020
Announcement made that the BVI will open to guests on December 1st:
- Beef Island Airport will open on December 1st.
- Restriction on guests arriving will include testing and quarantine. Details forthcoming.
- Seaports will remain closed
October 26th, 2020, 8:00pm
November 10th, 2020
November 11th, 2020
The BVI Beacon article 11/12/2020 – Reopening Protocols tweaked
January 5th, 2021
BVI Government extends Road Town Ferry Terminal opening from January 21st – March 1st.


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US small business confidence at two-year low
from Reuters via CNBC
U.S. small business confidence fell in January to its lowest level in nearly two years amid worries about the near-term outlook for business conditions and sales growth, consistent with a recent slowdown in economic growth. The National Federation of Independent Business said its Small Business Optimism Index fell 1.3 points to 93.9 last month, the weakest reading since February 2014. Still, small businesses remained fairly upbeat about the labor market.
7701 Las Colinas Blvd., Ste. 800, Irving, TX 75063


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With interest rates still near historic lows, investors looking for income are finding fewer choices. And while stocks will almost always carry more short-term risk of losing some value, long-term investors looking for income who are willing to ride out any short-term downturns in stocks can do very well -- if they invest in the best companies.
If you're looking for high-yield stocks to invest in, here are some companies that three of our top contributors think are worth buying this month.
A risk-reward opportunity on a beaten-down retailer
Tim Green: After its merger with Office Depot fell apart, shares of office supply company Staples (SPLS) tumbled. At a price of about $8.50 per share, the stock yields about 5.6%. Staples faces some major challenges, including falling sales at its retail stores, Amazon's push into the business-to-business market, and consistently unprofitable international operations. However, I think the market is underestimating the company.
The commercial business is performing well, despite the looming threat of Amazon. During the first quarter, sales rose slightly and the operating margin jumped 63 basis points year over year. Staples has greatly expanded its product assortment in recent years, and categories beyond office supplies have been consistently growing even as sales of core office supplies shrink. In 2015, nearly half of Staples $21 billion in revenue came from categories beyond office supplies.
The threat from Amazon is real, but the business-to-business market is very different from Amazon's bread and butter. Staples operates a distribution network of 61 fulfillment centers in North America specifically for its commercial and online business, separate from its retail distribution network, allowing for fast delivery. Winning supply contracts with large organizations is not one of Amazon's core competencies, and its distribution network is set up to deliver small orders to consumers.
Staples expects to generate about $600 million of free cash flow this year, putting the payout ratio based on that number at just about 50%. That's low enough that Staples could still suffer further earnings declines and still maintain its dividend. A dividend cut at some point in the future isn't out of the question, but with the stock depressed following the collapse of the merger, June may be a good time to scoop up some Staples shares.
Steady income growth from vital global infrastructure
Jason Hall: One of the best sources of income growth in my portfolio is Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (BIP 0.71%). Brookfield Infrastructure owns utility, energy, transportation, and communications infrastructure assets on nearly every continent, giving it an incredibly diverse source of revenue supporting its current distribution, worth a 5.3% yield at recent prices.
Why is Brookfield Infrastructure worth buying in June? This is a particularly good question considering that Brookfield's unit price is up more than 30% from mid-January's lows. The answer, in short, is that it would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater to expect to see Brookfield's price fall that low again in the near term, and it would be ignoring a great business that's selling at a reasonable price right now.
Much of the sell-off earlier this year was due to fears of a weak global economy, which would have some affect on Brookfield. However, one of the things that makes Brookfield such a great income investment is that its assets are largely recession-resistant, and they continue to generate steady cash flows even in downturns.
Lastly, Brookfield Infrastructure's target is to grow payouts 5%-9% annually, while retaining 30%-40% of funds from operations for growth. This balance of rewarding income investors while also retaining cash to strengthen the business, along with operations in steady income-producing assets, should make for a fantastic long-term high-yield investment. Now's a great time to invest in Brookfield Infrastructure.
A great company in an out-of-favor industry
Matt DiLallo: With a dividend yield that's currently north of 10%, Seaspan (ATCO 3.00%) certainly qualifies as a high-yield stock. While a yield that high is typically a sign that the market is concerned the payout will be cut, that doesn't appear to be in the cards for the company. Not only has its management team said it plans to hold its payout steady this year, but the company's underlying fundamentals back up its ability to continue to pay its generous dividend.
For starters, the company generates ample cash flow to maintain its payout. Last quarter, for example, Seaspan produced $100.5 million in cash available for distribution, which was up 7.1% over the prior year. However, the company only paid $48.7 million in dividends, which means it covered its payout twice over. Meanwhile, the company's overall cash flow generating capability is backed by long-term contracts with Seaspan boasting $5.7 billion in future contracted revenue. Further, the company has an average remaining charter length of five years, with only 2% to 3% of its revenue this year facing any recharter risk.
In addition to its financial strength, the company has undertaken a number of financing initiatives this year to bolster its balance sheet to ensure it has the liquidity to fund its newbuild program. So far, it has raised $740 million via multiple financings, giving it plenty of cash to both refinance higher-cost funding and pay for vessels being delivered.
Bottom line: At more than 10%, Seaspan pays a pretty enticing dividend that's hard to ignore. So, if you're in search of a high-yield stock this month, Seaspan is a top choice.


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From the Cheapskate: Amazon's ludicrously affordable tablet is now even more ludicrously affordable. Plus: an extra 2GB of Google Drive storage, free!
The beleaguered CEO of the struggling Internet pioneer delivers a "bold" strategic plan. She is cutting jobs, selling patents and real estate, and inviting would-be acquirers to speak up.
Vaio has slashed the cost of its Z Canvas tablet by more than half.
The latest Surface tablet is on sale for $100 off the regular price, while Microsoft's second-generation Band fitness tracker is now $50 less.
Scion, Toyota's so-called "youth brand" is being shuttered, but many of its models will live to sell another day, albeit with Toyota badging. Here's why that's probably great for sales.
Bose has always taken great pride in its technical innovations and the quality of its products. But new CEO Bob Maresca is betting on a new approach to get Bose to the next level: telling people what this secretive company is all about.
The electronics manufacturer announced that it sold 50 million phones in 2015, which makes it the world's 8th largest maker of mobile phones.
Commentary: My gadgets' voice assistants are cool and convenient, but speaking to a soulless machine has made me sound like one, too.
Growth in shipments will be anemic, says researcher Gartner. What'll really hurt is the first-ever slip in spending.
Judge issues permanent injunction against handful of devices found to infringe on a trio of Apple patents.


text: Apple announced that company will buy Beats, the music streaming and audio company, for about $3 billion. They believe that the collaboration will help them catch up in fast-growing music , especially in music streaming, and that it will bring them the advantage on market. As expected, Beats co-founders Iovine and rapper Dr. Dre will join Apple as part of the , which could also help them in bargaining with record labels. CEO of Apple said in an interview that the present between Apple and music producers could be compared to Berlin Wall. Iovine, who is a music producer, has consistently been the music business and produced stars such as Lady Gaga and U2. Thanks to his experience, he could ease the difficult negotiations licensing for a future streaming service. $3 billion, the price for acquiring Beats, makes it the most expensive and significant deal for Apple for it appears that they have been mainly in acquisitions worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The deal is seen as Apple´s effort to improve its position on the market, for iTunes sales have declined while others have raced . Apple created the digital download business, but the industry is going in the streaming service direction and the company seems to have problems with . With less people downloading music on iTunes, record labels have also put pressure on Apple and hope that Apple can turn Beats Music into a strong to Spotify and other streaming services.Though industry executives say the company was impressed with Beats´ music service, they are also gaining a line of popular headphones.