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WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Among the stocks that could see active trade in Friday’s session are Texas Instruments Inc., Starbucks Corp. and Boston Scientific Corp.
The earnings calendar runs lighter as this week’s parade of results from retailers winds down. Ann Inc.
, Citi Trends Inc.
, Hibbett Sports Inc.
, LIM Aerospace Inc.
and BioScrip Inc.
are the standouts Friday.
In its mid-quarter update, Texas Instruments
cut back on its revenue and earnings projections for the first three months of 2012, pointing out weaker demand for the company’s wireless components. As revised, Dallas-based TI said it expects to report first-quarter earnings of 15 cents to 19 cents a share, down from a prior range of 16 cents to 24 cents a share, and to generate revenue of $2.99 billion to $3.11 billion, as opposed to $3.02 billion to $3.28 billion previously. Read more on Texas Instruments.
Also late Thursday, investors annointed Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc.
the loser after Starbucks Corp.
said it will start selling Verismo, its own single-serve coffee brewer, in time for the 2012 holiday season. But at the same time, Seattle-based Starbucks said it will continue its relationship with Green Mountain, marketer of the popular K-Cups that are brewed using its Keurig machines. “We want to support K-Cups. The relationship with Green Mountain is as solid today as it was when it began,” said Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz on a conference call. The Verismo brewer will be able to make espresso, latte and americano drinks as well as coffee. In mid-February, Waterbury, Vt.-based Green Mountain announced plans to roll out the Keurig Vue, a premium device to brew stronger and bigger beverages. Read more on Starbucks and launch plans for the Verismo.
said it exercised an option to acquire privately held Cameron Health Inc., developer of the S-ICD subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator. It sits just below the skin and leaves the heart and blood vessels untouched, representing a departure from conventional ICDs. Natick, Mass.-based Boston Scientific said it expects to deal to augment its product line for arrhythmia management and anticipates that the Food and Drug Administration will grant approval for the S-ICD system in the first half of 2013. Terms of the acquisition call for an upfront payment of $150 million to San Clemente, Calif.-based Cameron Health upon closing, an additional $150 million payment upon FDA approval, and up to $1.05 billion of potential payments if revenue-based milestones are achieved over a six-year period following FDA approval. It’s expected that the deal will be completed during the second or third quarter of 2012.
agreed to acquire fellow rare-earth company Neo Material Technologies Inc. (NEM) for $1.31 billion in cash and stock, the companies said. The deal will give rise to a vertically integrated rare-earth company with greater exposure to China, the world’s top consumer of such materials. Terms call for Neo Materials stockholders to receive consideration equal to C$11.30 — C$8.05 in cash and 0.122 of a share of Molycorp — for each of their shares. The buyout price works out to a premium of about 42% over the Thursday closing price for Neo Materials’ Toronto-listed shares. Pending regulatory approvals, the acquisition is expected to contribute to Molycorp’s earnings and cash flow this year, the Greenwood Village, Colo.-based company said.
Along with reporting fourth-quarter and 2011 financial results, Heckmann Corp.
said it agreed to acquire waste recycler and environmental-services company Thermo Fluids Inc. for $245 million in cash and common stock. The acquisition, expected to close early in the second quarter, would be “immediately accretive” to 2012 earnings, Pittsburgh-based Heckmann said. Among other things, Thermo Fluids is a major seller of commercial fuel oil from recovered used motor oil and has operations throughout the West with facilities and customers in 18 states. Assuming the deal’s completed on schedule, Heckmann said Thermo Fluids is projected to generate revenue of between $105 million and $115 million for the ensuing nine-month period.
priced $1 billion in debt for sale to institutional investors, in connection with the San Francisco-based company’s pending acquisition of Canada’s Flint Energy Services Ltd. (FES) announced last month. Up for sale are $400 million of 3.85% senior notes due 2017, priced at 99.862% of par, and $600 million of 5% senior notes due 2022, priced at 99.903%. The offering’s on track to be completed March 15, URS said. Beyond financing the transaction itself, URS will use proceeds to repay some of Flint Energy’s outstanding debt.
Simon Property Group Inc.
said it’s increased the size of a secondary public equity offering to 8.5 million common shares, up from the 7 million previously contemplated. The shares priced at $137 each with the offering expected to close March 14, the Indianapolis-based company said. Underwriters have a 30-day option to buy nearly 1.28 million additional common shares if investor demand warrants. Separately, majority-owned Simon Property Group LP agreed to sell $600 million of 2.15% senior unsecured notes due 2017 as well as $600 million of 3.375% notes due 2022 and $550 million of 4.75% notes due 2042 via an offering expected to close March 13. Net proceeds of the offerings will primarily be used to finance a pair of recently announced transactions — the purchase of a 28.7% stake in French real estate investment trust Klepierre and the purchase of additional interests in 26 properties from Farallon Capital Management LLC.
The board of Camden Property Trust
approved an increase of 14% in its quarterly dividend on common shares of beneficial interest. The new dividend of 56 cents a share will be paid April 17 to holders of record as of March 30, the Houston-based real estate company said.


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Would the Chinese buy MIPS?
- Kneron raises $40m for next-gen Edge AI chip
- Former Google and Tesla Engineer Chris Lattner to Lead SiFive Platform
- WiLAN Awarded $85.23M in Apple Re-Trial
- North American Semiconductor Equipment Industry Posts December 2019 Billings
- Lattice Diamond FPGA Development Tool Receives Key Industrial and Automotive Functional Safety Certifications

domain: news


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McDonald’s (MCD, NYSE, 52 week range 72.89 – 102.22) shares dropped over 3 percent to close at $96.96 per share on March 8, resulting from poor February same-store sales in Europe. Even though the Dow Jones Industrial Average continued to come back from March 6th’s 200-point drop, investors took the opportunity to take some money off the table from the Dow company. MCD has seen a great move upwards from the recession lows of $50 per share and is up about 11 percent since last October’s market lows.
MCD reported same-store sales globally for February up 7.5 percent, but analysts were looking for 7.7 percent. The weakness mostly came from its largest sales market, Europe, up 4 percent when the street estimate was for at least 6 percent. The company responded that “persistent economic uncertainty and austerity measures in Europe” were to blame. Not selling enough French fries in France?
Starbucks recently reported in its most recent quarter that global same-store sales growth was 9 percent, but in Europe it was just 2 percent.
Seeking Alpha is seeing this as a buying opportunity. It says, “People that have been in the market for a long time know and agree with the notion that temporary bad news for a good firm is good in the long run for investors.” But is it is temporary bad news for Europe? Some think it is only the beginning of a long, weak consumer market across the pond.
Alpha also mentions that the pullback has now made the company’s annual dividend of $2.80 per share close to a 3 percent annual yield. It is expecting a dividend increase in November 2012.
Things to note; MCD’s share price has broken its 50-day moving average of 99.82 and is close to doing the same to its 200-day moving average of 94.61, which could hurt the share price on a technical basis. Currently, analysts followed by Thomson/First Call are still bullish. Out of 28 analysts, six have a “strong buy,” 13 “buy,” nine “hold” and zero at “under-perform” or “sell.”
As of Dec. 31, 2011, there were 33,510 McDonald’s restaurants in 119 countries with about 27,000 franchised and about 6,500 owned. Over the last 12 months, the company generated over $27 billion in sales and have approximately $2.35 billion on its balance sheet.


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News Flash Home
The original item was published from 8/28/2012 4:04:12 PM to 8/28/2012 4:04:48 PM.
Riley County Home Page
Posted on: August 28, 2012
[ARCHIVED] Riley County Surplus Auction
The auction will take place on the 29th day of September, 2012, at 9:00 a.m.


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| Jan 8, 2013
| 11:35 AM
One of my 2013 resolutions is to visit several restaurants that I’ve never eaten at before. So many cities and counties now are offering “restaurant week” promotions that dining at new places will be easier on my wallet.
| Jan 15, 2013
| 12:19 PM
Three food and wine benefits take place in the coming weeks.
Sister Cities benefit
Sister Cities Yorktown is hosting a winter wine dinner to benefit its activities with its sister city, Port-Vendres in France. The event will take place at 7 p.m....
| Dec 11, 2012
| 10:59 AM
Chef David Everett has revamped his winter menu at The Trellis restaurant in Williamsburg.
New items include Roasted Quail, Salisbury Duck, Baked Jumbo Lump Crab Dip and Wagyu Beef Burger.
If you’re plannng to dine there, you might also enjoy...
| Dec 12, 2012
Tasty discovery: Lunch special: Babyback ribs
Destination: Ma & Pops Diner. 5242 Olde Towne Road, Williamsburg. 757-565-0366.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays-Thursdays (closed Fridays).
A lot of restaurants tout their home...
| Nov 29, 2012
| 12:02 PM
Tucanos Brazilian Grill brings South American flavors to Newport News. The chain’s first East Coast location is set to open Dec. 21 in City Center.
The restaurant expects to hire 225 people and is taking applications for all positions at 704...
| Dec 4, 2012
| 8:52 AM
Riverwalk Restaurant in Yorktown has changed hands.
Mario Buffa, who has operated Joe and Mimma’s restaurant in Grafton with his family for more than 40 years, is the new owner, according to a release from the York County Economic Development...
| May 16, 2013
| 8:08 AM
The wines of Churchill and Claiborne will be featured at a tasting coming up at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at River Stone Chophouse in Suffolk.
Located in Edna Valley outside of San Luis Obispo, California, Churchill and Claiborne Winery uses “...
| Apr 29, 2013
| 12:41 PM
A new steak house has opened on the Peninsula.
LongHorn Steakhouse is now serving in the midtown section of Hampton across from Peninsula Town Center. The chain specializes in a wide variety of grilled steaks, including its signature 18-ounce bone-in...
| Apr 26, 2013
| 9:29 AM
The Norfolk Tides has added a “pork challenge” entree and contest to this season’s menu at Harbor Park in Norfolk.
The “Salute To Pork Challenge” contains a five-pound portion of four different pork items. The menu consists...
| Apr 15, 2013
| 6:34 AM
Happy tax day! (Well, for those of you getting a refund). To ease tax day pain, and promote themselves, some restaurant and retail chains are offering tax day freebies.
Here's the list.
California Tortilla: Free chips and queso with purchase when...
| Apr 16, 2013
| 7:24 AM
A record dozen Peninsula restaurants are participating in Dining Out For Life, the annual fundraising evening to benefit ACCESS AIDS Care. This year’s event will take place April 25 at more than 70 Hampton Roads locations.
Here’s how it...


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Endorphina, the trendy online slots provider, has just recently partnered with Dotworkers, a leading iGaming company with roots in Latin America.
With this new partnership, Endorphina can look forward to greatly expanding in Latin America. At the same time, Dotworkers will be able to further establish their portfolio and provide their players with a handful of new, proven, and thrilling slots.
As the new partnership blossoms, the CEO of Dotworkers, Patricio Broerse, shares: “Endorphina’s portfolio is becoming a must-have supplier across several markets and we at Dotworkers always aim to provide the best entertainment to our players. We are very excited for this new partnership and we have no doubt their high-quality portfolio of games and will bring added value to our operations.”
Zdenek Llosa, Sales Manager at Endorphina, also comments on the exciting partnership: “We are very happy at Endorphina to have achieved another strategic partnership in LatAm with the platform provider Dotworkers. We aim to expand our reach in the region and look forward to having our full portfolio of games including our newest releases likeJoker Stoker, 2021 Hit Slot, and Hell Hot 100 available to their clients.”


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The Institute for Politics and Society is holding a meeting with the European Commissioner Věra Jourová. This event will be held in Czech and it is by invitation only.
In the first part of the event the European Commissioner Věra Jourová will present her portfolio to the business leaders – justice, consumer policy and gender equality, which are very important for businesses, investments and trade not only in the individual member states, but throughout the whole European Union.
The European Commission is often blamed for creating too many unnecessary regulations which hamper and needlessly complicate business. However it might be perceived, the main objective of the European Commission is to help the businesses and the economy. Mrs. Věra Jourová, as the European Commissioner, can answer your questions about how the European Commission functions and its impact on development of economy and business.
The meeting will also address the current issues such as Brexit and subsequent organization of the EU’s relations with Great Britain, an area in which the European Commission plays a key role.
Come to discuss your opinions with the European Commissioner Věra Jourová, share your ideas and ask about things which matter to you.
The meeting will be held on September 2 and moderated by Jan Macháček, the Chairman of the board of the Institute for Politics and Society.


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Google made a very unrealistic move that might affect millions of Android users across the world. The Android developers are removing a key feature from the upcoming Android 11 operating system due to privacy concerns. According to sources, the next version of the Android Operating system will prevent apps from using third-party camera software to take pictures. The apps can only use the default built-in camera app installed on the smartphone.
In the current version of Android, the apps display a pop-up camera picker from which the user can select their preferred camera app when they have to click a picture. However, this option has been removed in Android 11 OS. Meaning, whoever has installed filtered camera apps like Beauty Cam, Adobe Lightroom, A Better Camera, VSCO, etc., might have to revert to using the built-in camera app. Although users can still use any camera app they desire by launching it directly. Only the camera picker option is removed.
Right now, the developer preview is only available on Google Pixel smartphones, and only the developers who are developing Android apps can use it. Android 11 will get officially released in the 4th quarter of this year.
The new restriction will prevent the apps from accessing your Geolocation without permission. Even if you deny the app from accessing your location data, there are still chances that apps might gain access when using third-party camera apps.
It is because camera apps usually embed location data within the image files, and there’s no way to prevent this data from being returned to the calling app along with the photo. But with new restrictions, there’ll be more tight privacy policies put in place.
We need to understand Google’s reasoning here, although some users probably think that the current solution is an unnecessary inconvenience that might not completely solve the problem. Well, it’s true that disabling the camera picker will not prevent images, complete with embedded location data, from being uploaded from the gallery instead.
We just have to wait and see how this new move will turn out. There are high chances that Android users will be surprised and frustrated when they see that a convenient feature got removed in the new update. Seeing public response, Google might look for a more elegant solution later on.


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Burger King’s Impossible Whopper Is “Just the Beginning” of Their Plant-Based Options
Burger King was one of the first major fast-food chains to launch a meat-free patty in 2019, with the Impossible Whopper sparking buzz and curiosity across the country. While the sandwich is only vegan if you made sure to have the restaurant hold the cheese, mayonnaise, and microwave the patty rather than cooking it on the grill (to avoid cross-contact with real meat patties), the hype was real, with customers rushing to see if it mimicked the real thing.
After releasing fourth-quarter earnings this week, Burger King CEO Jose Cil told Yahoo Finance, “I think [the Impossible Whopper is] just the beginning. [Plant-based is] a brand new category, it’s a category we are leading not just in the U.S. but globally, and we think there is a lot of work to do still in terms of raising awareness, what are the benefits of it and then being able to offer some different products as well as occasions so that the consumer could expand their knowledge of the product. We are all in.”
Making Plant-Based Meat 'More Accessible'
The company even added the burger to their 2 for $6 sandwich deal, essentially slashing the price of the item in half. Cil explained, “We felt introducing it in the two for $6 gave us the opportunity to make it accessible to a broader group of consumers. That overtime will help us build on plant-based as a core element of our business long-term.”
Although the feedback from the Impossible Whopper has been overwhelmingly positive, there was some controversy surrounding the accuracy of calling these burgers plant-based or lumping them in the same category as vegan items (One customer sued BK for not disclosing the grill's cross-contact hazards). While it is true that these faux-meat patties need to be modified to be vegan, they're a great way to get a conversation surrounding plant-based products started with a more mainstream audience.
Impossible Pork Croissan'wich
Along with the burger, BK has also introduced an Impossible Croissan'wich to a select number of stores across the country. This breakfast sandwich features Impossible Foods' plant-based "pork" sausage, egg, and cheese on a croissant. While the bread contains milk, and the egg and cheese are not suitable for vegans, we still appreciate that the brand has taken steps to help people cut down on their meat intake.
We can't wait to see what else Burger King will introduce this coming year, and have our fingers crossed for more items that are appealing to non-vegans as well as suitable for vegans.


text: Nacha applauds the Federal Reserve Board of Governors for issuing its proposal to extend its settlement services to support Same Day ACH enhancements with later settlement hours. The industry has spoken loudly in support of the expansion of Same Day ACH, and the public benefits it will provide for all businesses and consumers that use the ACH Network. Risks due to the extension of settlement hours can be mitigated with changes that Nacha believes the industry can gradually adopt over the next year and 10 months. These changes will better position financial institutions for ongoing improvements to the payments system. We are glad to see the Fed take this next step to deliver on the expansion of Same Day ACH.


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Apex Legends Season 15 introduces new cosmetic Stickers
A brand-new cosmetic type is arriving in Apex Legends Season 15, as players will be able to customize healable items like Shield Cells and Syringes with Stickers.
Apex Legends Season 15 is set to be an exciting new update for players, introducing a brand-new Legend in Catalyst, who NICKMERCS thinks could be a “problem,” as well as a fresh BR map in Broken Moon.
While players will have to wait until Season 15 launches on November 1 to get their hands on the new content, we do have details about a new cosmetic item hitting Respawn’s battle royale once Season 15 launches.
There are many cosmetic items available in Apex Legends, with skins, including Prime Gaming bundles, Weapons Charms, Banner Frames, and even Emotes.
With that said, the devs have decided to introduce something new, as Stickers will be coming to Apex Legends in Season 15 and will allow players to customize their healing items for added personalization.
This is precisely the reason the animations for healable items such as Shield Cells and Medkits were changed a few weeks back, as the devs wanted the animation to show off the Stickers that players will be able to place on them in Season 15.
This gives players even more personalization and customization in the game, and it seems these items will be giftable just like any other cosmetic in Apex Legends that can be bought with Apex Coins.
There will be many Stickers available to players in Apex Legends Season 15, and you can choose different Stickers for each individual healing item.
In the Apex Legends Season 15 press meeting, the devs revealed that the Sticker designs are all from Respawn‘s artists and designers, however, it’s possible that we could see some more freedom with Sticker designs in the future.
For more on Apex Legends Season 15, check out how Broken Moon’s design is similar to World’s Edge.
Image Credits: Respawn Entertainment


text: Credit Suisse recommends stocks with the characteristics preferred by Warren Buffett for investors who are exposed to increasing risk in the stock markets. The firm expects that companies with “economic moats” could help investors protect their portfolios from growing economic uncertainty. It’s a term popularized by the legendary investor that refers to a company’s ability to maintain competitive advantages against its peers, such as a superior business model or scale. “The most important thing [is] they’re trying to find a business with a wide, long-lasting moat around it … protecting a wonderful economic castle with an honorable master in charge of the castle,” Buffett said at a 1995 meeting, according to the CNBC Warren Buffett archive. Credit Suisse has identified a bottom of opportunity in companies that have high barriers to entry as well as rising macro risks. Corporate strategists pointed to aggressive anti-inflation measures by central banks around the world, as well as rising risks to earnings estimates for 2023, and advised investors to underweight the stock. “Our economists are not ruling out a recession and expect US GDP growth to be 0.9% in 2023, compared to -0.2% in the euro area,” analyst Richard Kersley wrote in a note Thursday. Still, there are opportunities in moat businesses that have “excellent ability to innovate” with strong pricing power. Here are the names. Shares of Air Products & Chemicals could rise more than 20% from here as the company is “among the most resilient business models” because difficult to transport gases long distance according to Credit Suisse. The company has a $295 price target and shares closed at $241.46 on Wednesday. Hershey approved because it is “poised for 2022 growth above the algorithm (5%)” due to its the candy market share leader, according to the note. Credit Suisse has a $250 target price for the company, which represents an 11.9% upside from Wednesday’s closing price of $223.41 per share. “Market share gains are likely to continue through 2022 and likely even later as retailers have allocated more shelf space to the company,” the note said. McDonald’s is “well positioned” to perform regardless of macro, according to Credit Suisse background thanks to its leading value proposition. The fast-food company is also recovering in overseas markets, read the note. Other companies with moats in America include Microsoft, Nextera and Autodesk. —CNBC’s Michael Bloom contributed to this report.


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The central theme of Open Media’s rebrand, which embodies its commitment to innovation and excellence in out-of-home advertising across the UK, is the new strapline, "There's no place like out of home."
As the first B-Corp certified outdoor media owner in the UK, the fresh new look supports Open Media’s evolution as a forward-thinking business, with a wide network of out of home sites covering the entirety of the UK.
The launch of the new brand identity, delivered by brand and communications agency, Agent, is showcased through Open Media's revamped website.
The new website, which is set to propel the digital out of home advertising industry forward, places a strong focus on user satisfaction, offering a seamless interface and comprehensive information about various sites and formats.
Mike Smith, CEO at Open Media, said: "The rebrand and new website represent a significant milestone in our journey, driven by our commitment to representing clients in engaging, sustainable, and responsible ways.
“The new visual identity reflects our unwavering dedication to upholding these standards. We look forward to making 2024 our best year yet with the support and feedback of our valued clients and partners."
Michael Cottage, creative lead at Agent, said: “From the early stages of brand conceptualisation, it became clear that a stand-alone mark representing a sign-off of care from the Open Media team would be a powerful visual to spearhead the new brand.
“A fluid device, whose primary form feels ever-changing and morphing in perspective, serves as an almost 3D visual portal with out-of-home advertising at the centre. As a brand device, this shape is fluid, extending, shrinking, and moving as a representation of Open Media’s unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of brands, clients, their people, our planet, and our places.”
Open Media looks ahead with optimism and invites clients, partners, and the community to join them on this exciting journey. The company's social media channels will provide behind-the-scenes insights, stories, and the spirit behind the rebrand.
For more information about Open Media and its rebrand, please visit the new website at https://openmedia.uk.com/.


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HOUSTON – The Harris County Commissioners Court approved toll operations resuming on Harris County toll roads starting Wednesday at 6 a.m.
Tolls for HCTRA were initially waived last month in order to assist those who needed to travel during the “stay home, work safe” order that was issued March 24.
In order to ensure the safety of customers and staff, HCTRA will remain a “hands-free” toll collection. Cash customers are advised to drive through and pay online for tolls only, with no fees. If customers are unable to access online services, a bill will be mailed to the owner of the registered vehicle.
Tolls can be paid at www.hctra.org/MissedAToll.


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Car shopping online can save you thousands
Choosing your new car over the Internet could save you as much as £5,925 off the list price, research from insuresupermarket.com has found.
Insuresupermarket.com added that these savings could add up to as much as the cost of a second new car.
Richard Mason, director of insuresupermarket.com, said: “In fact, with the money saved on the list price of a car such as the Subaru Impreza WRZ, you would have enough money left to buy a second car such as a Fiat Punto, a Smart ForFour or a Chevrolet Matiz, all ideal as second cars for a family or as a first car for a young driver.
He adds: “Consumers are getting savvier about shopping around for many things, such as financial products, groceries and holidays, but when it comes to buying a new car, many people are still paying way over the odds as they default to their local dealer. And while we’re used to haggling over the price of a second-hand vehicle, it seems we’re not quite as clued-up on how to save money when purchasing a brand new car.”


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We’d all love for electric vehicles to be affordable. The facts are, that the battery supply chain is very limited, inflation is running at modern highs, and the hangover shortage from COVID lockdowns coupled with union strikes are dragging out the shortages the industry has struggled with for years. So why in the world would any respectable news outlet report that a new compact EV crossover would “start at $30K?” The reason is that General Motors, a public company that we all assume cannot provide false data due to SEC and other laws, told them it would. For some reason, self-respecting media members believed what seemed like a crazy promise. Or they did not belive it, and they reported it anyway.
Just because an automaker pretends its products are more affordable than they are doesn’t mean that every media outlet has to immediately rush to post up questionable statements, right? Well, apparently, we must. I held off. Despite being a huge fan of the Bolt line of battery electric vehicles, my engineering background and my decade of reporting on electric vehicles gave me pause. How and why would GM sell a Bolt replacement for “around $30K?” How could GM drop its cost so low? If GM did find a way, why leave money on the table? EVs of this type start around $40K right now. Remember, this is a newer, larger EV than the Bolt. Why would GM sell it for so little? And why “Start” at such a low price point? Why not “Start" with a high-level trim costing far more, since wealthy early adopter EVangelists snatch them up and have for a long time been paying markups over MSRP? None of what GM posted in its press release made sense to me, even though I wished it to be true.
Reports today re-posted by GM management say that General Motors had a conference call with some automotive media outlets. Let us guess - it was the ones who breathlessly reported the imaginary $30K Equinox “starting price.” And told them that the starting price was not going to be $30K, but rather $48,995. Oops. Oh, but GM is planning to sell a $34,995 version "later." Maybe. We promise. Check is in the mail. All that jazz. For the record, $34,995 is not “Around $30K” either. It’s “Around $35K.”
I wasn’t on the conference call. And GM has not updated its website with this information yet. If the whole thing is incorrect or poorly reported by the media who help automakers pretend EVs are more affordable than they are, it would not surprise me.
So, which media outlets reported that GM would sell a compact crossover battery electric vehicle in 2023 that would cost “Around $30K?” Here is a quick partial list with links.
Edmunds was one of the media outlets that reported that the Equinox would “Start at $30K.” Today, the company posted an update saying, “We're not thrilled that plans for a roughly $30,000 Equinox EV have been axed, but range of 300 miles-plus is a pretty strong selling point.” Now, for the record, Edmunds didn’t just report that the Equinox would “start at around $30K,” the company listed the Equinox as one of its “Best Electric Cars Under $30K Available in 2023.” So, not only is the Equinox EV Not "Under $30K," GM clarified today that it is not going on sale until early 2024.
I’m really hoping this story doesn’t age well, that inflation reverses course, and that GM changes its mind and actually sells a compact crossover BEV for $30K as it promised to. But I have no evidence to think that will be the case. I also have no evidence to suggest that the mainstream automotive media wants to report the truth about EVs.
Update. 2:30 PM Day of Publication
General Motors' Kellie Van Maele, Senior Manager, Chevrolet Communications, reached out directly to Torque News to make clarifications after this story was posted. We exchanged some Q&As for clarity. Here is part of that communication. The questions and answers are unedited.
TN Question to GM: When the new Equinox first goes on sale, when orders initially open, what trim or trims will be available on that first day, and what will the prices be? Please make clear if destination and delivery charges are included or not included.
GM: As we have done with recent EV launches, we will launch with two Equinox EV well-contented launch models – a 2RS FWD ($48,995) and a 2RS AWD ($52,395). They will be available early next year. Destination Freight Charge (DFC) is included, but federal tax credits are excluded in these prices listed.
TN: Is GM presently offering (today, at this time) the entry-level model with a price of $34,995 that you mentioned above? If so, how can a consumer buy one today? If it is not possible to purchase one today, when can a consumer expect the entry-level model to be delivered?
GM: Equinox EV goes on sale early next year, starting with the 2RS launch models.
TN: What Equinox trim from GM is expected to be the first new Equinox built/delivered, and what will its price be, including destination and delivery charges?
Based on our understanding, the Equinox EV will start off as a very expensive trim and be on sale for a period of time. Therefore, the starting price point this story makes is correct. Later, GM says that it plans to add a lower trim level. The plan is for that follow-on, lower trim level to be priced at $34,995. We hope that our readers clearly understand this. When the Equinox EV begins to be delivered in 2024, we will update our readers with more facts.
John Goreham is an experienced New England Motor Press Association member and expert vehicle tester. John completed an engineering program with a focus on electric vehicles, followed by two decades of work in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive supply chain before becoming a news contributor. In addition to his eleven years of work at Torque News, John has published thousands of articles and reviews at American news outlets. He is known for offering unfiltered opinions on vehicle topics. You can follow John on Twitter, and connect with him at Linkedin.
Image courtesy of General Motors media page


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Larry Ellison has opened a new front in his battle with Cisco Systems and EMC, launching new Oracle hardware on Wednesday that he claims will be the cheapest on the market.
Oracle has given the first peek at its upcoming Sparc M7 processor, promising big performance gains for customers who use the in-memory compute features of its 12C database.
Hewlett-Packard is eyeing 2015 for the release of its first Nonstop systems based on x86 server hardware, a company official said this week.
A rugged server from NCS Technologies introduced on Friday can withstand drops, will work in extreme temperatures and can be deployed via parachute into crisis areas or war zones if needed.
Hewlett-Packard on Monday announced new servers that come pre-configured with Microsoft software to help companies deploy virtualized workloads more quickly.
It can't be easy working for Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. Just ask John Fowler, the head of Oracle's systems business, who's spent the past two weeks trying to convince customers that Ellison didn't really mean it when he said Oracle is "phasing out" it...
IBM has updated its Power systems lineup with higher-density blades and faster processors for its mid-range Power 750 server, looking to keep its momentum in Unix sales as the market inches back to life.
Calxeda on Friday revealed initial details about its first ARM-based server chip, designed to let companies build low-power servers with up to 480 cores.
SeaMicro on Monday announced a low-power server that includes 256 of Intel's latest Atom N570 dual-core processors.
Dell on Monday introduced a server that can accommodate up to 96 CPU cores -- a big boost in the computational power provided by its hardware.
Dell has released two servers for the U.S. market that have been customized to run Ubuntu-based cloud services, the company announced Wednesday.
Hewlett-Packard has released new software to help customers move off of their aging HP 9000 servers and onto its newer Integrity systems.
Oracle has announced new servers based on the Sparc T3 processor, a chip that began life at Sun Microsystems and which some said might never see the light of day.
The Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC) has added a power efficiency metric, TPC-Energy, to its ongoing roundups of speedy transactional processing systems. Hewlett-Packard is the first participant to use the new TPC-Energy specification...
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In 2013 and 2014, the European Banking Authority and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), a United States self-regulatory organization, warned that investing in bitcoins carries significant risks. Forbes named bitcoin the best investment of 2013. In 2014, Bloomberg named bitcoin one of its worst investments of the year. In 2015, bitcoin topped Bloomberg's currency tables.
The domain name "bitcoin.org" was registered on 18 August 2008. In November 2008, a link to a paper authored by Satoshi Nakamoto titled Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System was posted to a cryptography mailing list. Nakamoto implemented the bitcoin software as open source code and released it in January 2009. Nakamoto's identity remains unknown.


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The Galaxy S5 and earlier Galaxy smartphones had replaceable batteries and storage expansion slots. But the new GS6 says goodbye to that flexibility in favor of a sleeker design.
Black Hat 2014
They sound alike, but the two mobile payment solutions each offer their own unique advantages.
On March 9, Apple is widely expected to let us know exactly when its much-anticipated Watch line will ship and how much all the new models will cost. But what other new products might Apple unveil?
The Kickstarter record-breaking smartwatch adds a new model for preorders, and BlackBerry returns to phone designs of the past. Also, check out what's next in smartphone security.
The divisive dress that smothered social media is enshrined on a man's leg as a permanent monument to the frock's fleeting Internet fame.
Rolls-Royce has created Serenity, a one-of-a-kind Phantom with a made-to-order interior, hand-crafted to be the "ultimate luxury."
The 5-inch BlackBerry Leap sports a touchscreen rather than BlackBerry's signature physical keyboard.
Come Friday, the new metal-framed smartphone is up for grabs exclusively on AT&T's website and at its retail stores.
We have seen the future and it includes an iris-scanning smartphone and luggage that can weigh itself. Check out the rest of the impressive tech from day two of Mobile World Congress 2015.
Big Red schedules Motorola's flagship smartphone for an almost immediate availability.


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Dow falls 150 in open, DuPont plunges 6%
U.S. stocks opened sharply lower Friday as oil continued to decline and investors digested data and corporate news.
In oil markets, Brent crude traded below $39 a barrel on Friday morning, down 1.2 percent, while U.S. crude was near $36.33 a barrel, down about 1 percent.
DuPont , Dow Chemical — the two U.S. chemical giants officially agreed to merge in an all-stock deal to form a combined company valued at $130 billion. The new firm, to be called DowDuPont, is expected to eventually separate into three entities.
Also in focus was news that New York-based Third Avenue Management is blocking investors from withdrawing their money from a near $1 billion junk bond fund as it tries to liquidate the fund in the biggest failure in the U.S. mutual fund industry since the Primary Reserve Fund “broke the buck” during the 2008 financial crisis.
Dow futures were off more than 200 points ahead of the open.
November retail sales rose 0.2 percent. Ex-autos, retail sales rose 0.4 percent. Taking out autos, gasoline, building materials and food services, retail sales increased 0.6 percent after an unrevised 0.2 percent gain in October.
“Bottom line, it’s good to finally see an upside surprise to retail sales but the pace is still pretty mediocre outside of autos,” Peter Boockvar, chief market analyst at The Lindsey Group, said in a note
U.S. producer prices unexpectedly rose in November as the cost of services increased, but the underlying trend continued to point to weak inflation pressures, Reuters said. The Labor Department said on Friday its producer price index advanced 0.3 percent after falling 0.4 percent in October.
Treasury yields held lower, with the 2-year yield near 0.92 percent and the 10-year yield below 2.20 percent.
The U.S. dollar traded flat against major world currencies, with the euro around $1.094. The yen was at 121.60 yen against the greenback as of 8:34 a.m., ET.
Business inventories and consumer sentiment are also scheduled for release at 10:00 a.m.
On tap this week:
10 a.m.: Consumer sentiment; business inventories
1 p.m.: Rig count
*Planner subject to change.


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Continued economic malaise and the threat of a double-dip recession notwithstanding, it remains a pretty good time to be in the business of information technology, according to new data from TechServe...
Check out which articles grabbed the most attention this week
Pure Storage moves to two-tier program, reveals it cut dozens of North American partners last year
Daily tech news and analysis channel partners need to know now, including channel's sales challenge, tablets and PCs' stabilization, U.S. sites' GDPR problem and more
What's been happening this week on Channelnomics?


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By Anne-Sophie Brändlin
October 16 marks World Food Day this year, a day celebrated every year by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
World Food Day is a call to make healthy and sustainable diets affordable and accessible for everyone, while nurturing the planet at the same time.
It has long been a public health truism that limiting meat consumption is better for your body. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Cancer Research Fund both say red or processed meat can cause cancer, as Reuters noted. But a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine Tuesday argued that this might not be the case.
EcoWatch Daily Newsletter
By Dan Gray
Processed foods, in their many delicious forms, are an American favorite.
But new research shows that despite increasing evidence on just how unhealthy processed foods are, Americans have continued to eat the products at the same rate.
Tyson Foods is recalling nearly 12 million pounds of frozen chicken strips after three people reported they were injured by metal fragments in the strips, CNN reported Saturday.
By Dan Nosowitz
That video showed the extrusion of a bubblegum-pink substance oozing into a coiled pile, something between Play-Doh, sausage and soft-serve strawberry ice cream. Branded "pink slime"—the name came from an email sent by a USDA microbiologist in 2002—this stuff was actually beef, destined for supermarkets and fast-food burgers.


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On Tuesday afternoon, the Jenny Packham fashion show was nearly ready to start: the lights went dim, the crowded pit of photographers took their places, and PR girls with clipboards made sure Christina Hendricks found her seat. But before the crew could lift the protective cellophane from the runway, the K-9 unit would have to complete its sweep.
Over the past few days, a K-9 unit dog and its accompanying police officer have been spotted all over Lincoln Center, the headquarters of New York Fashion Week where many of the runway shows take place. The dogs have been backstage, on runways before shows, and around the main lobby area.
On Thursday, the first day of Fashion Week, a K-9 unit dog even posed for a photo in the "Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge."
Show attendees didn't recall seeing the canine police in past seasons, and wondered what the dog, which wears a large "Do Not Pet" sign, has been sniffing for — Drugs? Bombs? A representative from IMG, which produces Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, wrote in an email: "For obvious reasons we do not comment on our security protocols."
Here are some photos of the dog:


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Another day, another survey report. This time by Nielsen reporting on the results of its survey called App Playbook. Quite surprisingly according to Nielsen, while the myth that application stores tied to specific mobile devices such as the iPhones and BlackBerries are reaping success, applications tied up with mobile carriers are also taking a piece of the total market share for mobile applications. These and other interesting findings are highlighted below.
If you will look at the pie chart above, you’d see that both Verizon Wireless Application Store and AT&T Application Store took significant market share at 15% and 12% respectively. And as expected the Apple Apps Store took the biggest share of the pie with 25%. BlackBerry App World ranks in second with 16%.
How did the Android Marketplace fare up? Pretty good, if I may say so despite the fact that its share was still far behind Apple and BlackBerry at only 4%. This is understandable since there were only eight Android devices released in 2009. The Motorola Droid, one of the most popular and widely used Android phone was released only late last year.
And as January 2010 comes in more Android phone were introduced. So, expect Android’s figures to shoot up in the next survey perhaps, especially since Nielsen’s study showed that the Android Marketplace received the second highest satisfaction rating from users. Obviously, Apple’s Apps Store got the highest rating. BlackBerry App World was rated third in satisfaction level among mobile phone users.


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Dak Lak is the country’s largest coffee growing area, with 210,000 ha. This year’s output is estimated at 500,000 tonnes of green coffee. Farmers are now entering the peak harvest season.
Dak Lak has asked organisations and individuals not to harvest unripe coffee beans, to ensure coffee quality. It has also suggested that farmers prepare dryers in case of prolonged rain./.


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On Monday, Apple hosted its first in-person event since the pandemic and it was great to be back at Apple’s headquarters.
The WWDC 22 event opening keynote covered updates including its upcoming:
What’s new with CarPlay?
If this overhaul and expansion to CarPlay is the new Apple Car we’ve been hearing about for the past 8 years, it may disappoint those holding out that Apple is still a bold innovator instead of a services companies with Macs, iPhones, iPads and Watches.
Expected in several vehicle instrument clusters is the all-new Apple CarPlay coming in late 2023 to some vehicles. Notably missing from the list so far are giant brands like BMW, GM, and Chrysler. For those on the list who are integrating manufacturer’s hardware systems with Apple, it’s a big leap forward for CarPlay.
Apple CarPlay makes the Google display already look outdated and pitiful
As I am writing this, a tv commercial for a new Volvo came on touting all the advancements including built-in Google. The design of the 2022 Volvo Google display already looks dated and pitiful next to what Apple just announced with CarPlay.
Car dashboards become giant displays in near future
Newer cars are expected to have a spread of driver displays many times stretching across to the front passenger side of the dash. The new CarPlay will allow you to control iPhone-like functions and your car’s controls like air temperature, fuel readings and completely customize the dash in a way that works best for your life.
Can CarPlay drive me home yet?
There was no mention of automated driving or autonomous functionality to catch up with Tesla’s ambitious goal put into practice well ahead of the Cupertino developers at Apple.
Apple’s secretive car project code named “Titan” continues to see turnover in management behind the scenes. Though not discussed publicly, a sizable research and development team at Apple has been efforting forward movement of an electric car to disrupt the global auto market since at least 2015. Aside from rumors of prototypes in conjunction with other vehicle makers, Apple has nothing to show yet.
Elon Musk is betting on Apple
Whether an Apple Car looks more like autonomous software for existing automakers or an Apple Car of its own making, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated that he thinks Apple will probably make a compelling electric car. They may even ultimately beat Tesla in perfecting a reliable autonomous driving system. It still eludes Musk after promising complete Full Self-Driving by 2018 and failing to deliver four years later and counting.
When will the next CarPlay be available?
CarPlay will be available in late 2023 to some vehicles.
- Best dash cams for your car
- Best Car Accessories Gift Guide
- Apple AirTag trackers being used by car thieves
What do you think of Apple’s updated Carplay? Comment below.


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Here’s a real life look at the upcoming BMW X4 SAV versus the current X3. Both cars share the same platform.
We’ve just spied the X3 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse, AKA “facelift) prototype for the first time. As seen on the mule, the X3 LCI will receive an update front and rear bumper, side mirrors, and headlights, as has been the pattern for recent BMW LCI models.
The headlight shape does not appear to be changing, but we may see updated lighting elements within the headlights, as we did with the recent 7 Series LCI. We do not anticipate that the headlights will be connected with the … CONTINUED
It’s often difficult to perceive the size and scale of a new BMW vehicle in spy photos/videos without any other model by its side. To tell the size of the upcoming next generation BMW X5 (F15), we’ve now spied it next to both the current X5 (E70) and the current X3.
Compared to the current X5, the F15 X5 doesn’t appear to be much larger, and any increase in size (at least with respect to height and width) doesn’t seem to be very perceptible at this distance. … CONTINUED
Here is the 2011 X3 M-sport package finally seen in real life, showing the sportier aero parts and wheels. The package also includes M-bits on the interior.
The new F25 BMW X3 has just hit the streets and the reviews have been generally positive claiming the new X3 has far surpassed the predecesor. So this new M Sport variant should be a real piece of work. Taking an already dynamic SUV to the next level will be the order of the day. We will of course bring more details on this car when they become available.
A few shots of the new interior for the F25. It looks like the X3 will recieve a similar tach to the 7 series and 5 series, which is really awesome news. The new interior style is of course one of the best traits of new BMWs and theres no signs that BMW has cheaped out at all on the X3. I can’t wait to not only see this new X3 but feel the quality as well.
Its coming soon. I swear
Following spy pics of the next generation BMW X3 is getting tiring now that we know basicly what the car looks like. We are all ready to see the real deal, even more so that we believe this car will be a segment leader with the new upgrades. These photos by PalBay bring some closeup and some interesting angles…they just might be the last spy pics prior to the reveal.Hopefully it wont be long before I can post up some "Full Monty" real … CONTINUED
Ive heard a few folks on the X3 forums who want to see the 2nd Gen in a " real life " size comparison vs the current X5.All of the size comparisons so far for the 2nd Gen X3 have been against the current X3. Could not deliver the X5 but a few pics with an X6 and a couple of Fords.Enjoy and Thanks. PalBay
If youve been reading some of the early reviews of the new BMW X3 that have been posted up by various news outlets so far1,2, you may have noticed some commonality in their photos. Well thats because they are photos released straight from BMW showing off the still masked off car. For your convenience ive posted all the photos together here in this thread or you can follow the source link below:
Member palbay shares with us some of the best photos yet of the preproduction X3 test car. With each photo set we see, the new BMW X3 is shaping up to be a great looking vehicle, and an improvement over the current generation.
BMW is said to be imminently releasing the critical information and photos surrounding the all new X3. And it cant come a moment to soon, although sales of the current X3 have seen an end of life uptick (likely due to the economy) many of us have been anxiously awaiting a new model.
From the spyphotos weve seen of this car so far, the new X3 will not be a drastic departure from the current car but will offer a … CONTINUED
I run across prototype X series vehicles being tested in the mountains all the time and came across this X3 a few week ago. I outpaced my M5 through 3rd gear numerous times and it was hell to keep up with in the twisties that I know fairly well. Im no slouch with much track time and the M5 has H&R/Koni SAs. I dont know what engine they had in it but it was a bullet.
There will be a new generation of BMW X3 that will be revealed in early 2011. Somehow, this model will be a direct competition with Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and probably the forthcoming Land Rover LRX.
BMW X3 has struggled to match the sales of BMW X5, though BMW has still sold more than 600,000 units globally since the model was initially launched in 2003.
The engines that will be use by BMW X3 include four and six cylinder turbo diesels and a 3.0-litre turbocharged six cylinder gasoline … CONTINUED
We bring you the first ever video of the upcoming 2011 BMW X3 (Chassis: F25) in prototype form, testing on the streets of Germany. The video gives us some nice size and shape perspective against other cars on the road and we can clearly see the front bumper design, grills, and headlamp shape, as well as the profile shape, and side windows.
Production of the new X3 is to be moved to South Carolina in the newly expanded plant alongside … CONTINUED
We bring you the best photos yet of the X3 test car. While it’s the same white X3 as we previously posted, this set of photos represent new angles and clearer images than ever. We think that the new X3 is shaping up to be a vast improvement in looks (and hopefully everything else) over the outgoing X3.
In a seeming reply from BMW about all the complaints over the flat black unpainted front bumper element seen on all the previously spied X3 prototypes so far, this new set of photos shows off the car with a painted lower front bumper element and a silver middle intake trim piece. This is likely the format that the US spec X3 would come with. Black tape still covers two slat areas above the brake duct intakes and is reminscent of the chrome … CONTINUED


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According to Sony, "the online Media & Events Space can be re-dressed and re-branded just like a real-life venue." It was apparently tested last week with a recreation of the PlayStation Day that took place on May 6, complete with streaming video speeches.
Citing the test's success, SCE noted that "Home will now start scheduling more elaborate and exciting productions for the Space, which will be available for use by both first and third parties." nope
SCE London's oft-delayed social networking software will be a free download for PlayStation 3 owners when it goes into open beta this fall.


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Wibmo Inc, a global provider of payer authentication services and card payment security solutions, today announced the launch of Wibmo Video-KYC, its video-based KYC solution to enable banks to digitally onboard their customers.
Wibmo believes that with Indian regulators opening up digital channels for KYC compliance, banks are looking at faster and more cost-effective ways to onboard customers, especially during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
The California-based company further mentioned that this solution will not only help banks and financial service providers bring on new customers but also opens up more ways for reaching their customers online.
Wibmo Video-KYC serves as a one-on-one digital interaction platform between banks and their customers.
Speaking on the launch, Govind Setlur, CEO of Wibmo said in the official announcement: “Wibmo’s Video-KYC platform has been designed keeping in mind the emerging need of financial service providers and their customers worldwide to establish a trust relationship in a digital world.
He added: Video-KYC is built to ensure secure methods of identity verification, it is another essential addition to ACCOSA-IVS, the company’s comprehensive enterprise-class suite of digital identity verification services launched last year. Built with end-to-end data encryption, and AI-based user verification technologies, it complies with RBI guidelines in India and the requirements of banks in all countries that we serve today.”


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VW US Chief: "We Have Totally Screwed Up"
Michael Horn, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, didn’t mince words last night during Volkswagen’s launch of the 2016 Passat midsize sedan, according to Automotive News.
At the vehicle launch in Brooklyn on Monday night, the executive said, “Our company was dishonest with the EPA, and the California Air Resources Board and with all of you. And in my German words: We have totally screwed up. We must fix the cars to prevent this from ever happening again and we have to make this right. This kind of behavior is totally inconsistent with our qualities.”
Volkswagen has opened themselves up to $18 billion in fines in the United States alone. Additional fines could be levied if the group’s 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine is also found not to comply with EPA emissions regulations.
I'm with John...this wasn't a mistake, it was a massive fraud. I think they're going to end up having to reimburse owners on this, in addition to whatever other legal penalties they'll have to pay. The customers who bought these paid thousands of dollars extra for the diesel version, and they all got completely ripped off. What a disaster.
This is going to be like Watergate. Remember Richard "I am not a crook" Nixon?
I know that European and US market cars differ, but am I understanding this right in that it's just US market cars in which this software is installed? Do European market cars spew 40 TIMES more NOx???
The Diesel automobile in the U.S. is now dead. I actually thought about buying one years ago, but the added complexity of Diesel engines in general effectively talked me out of a potential mistake.


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VG Suzuki outlet
KATHMANDU: Nabaraj Chapagain, president of Morang Chamber of Commerce and Adhir Kumar Shrestha, general manager of VG Automobiles, jointly inaugurated a new showroom of VG Suzuki Motorcycles operated by Dhimal Brothers & Auto Trade, in Biratnagar. Customers visiting the showroom can check out Suzuki two-wheelers with prices ranging from Rs 164,900 to Rs 279,900, as per a statement issued on Thursday. Those who purchased the two-wheelers on the inaugural day were able to get Nepali New Year scheme and gift hampers. VG Automobiles also organised a business partnership programme during the event, which was attended by local banks, finance companies, among others.


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If the latest reports are true, it has been said that Apple is removing apps created by developers and startups that are based in Iran from the App Store. The company hasn't made their official stand on the matter and hasn't also issued any statements regarding these reports as well.
Apple has previously opened up the App Store to Iranians in September 2016, though in a limited manner.
Apple Removes Iranian Apps
Ubergizmo points out that the Digikala app was recently removed from the App Store, which was a few days ago. Digikala is one of Iran's leading e-commerce services and its iOS app is constantly being downloaded and used by millions of users.
Apple would have to have a legitimately good reason for doing this move when you considered that the company has been gradually lifting limitations imposed on apps from startups and developers in Iran right after giving them access in September 2016. Right now, Apple isn't offering any official version of the App Store for Iran but many companies based in the country have already registered their apps outside of Iran in order to tap into the limitless potential of the App Store.
Apple To Issue A Statement
A report from 9to5Mac also mentioned that Apple will be sending the following statement to Iranian startups that are attempting to upload any apps to the App Store:
"Unfortunately, there is no App Store available for the territory of Iran. Additionally, apps facilitating transactions for businesses that are based in Iran may not comply the requirements with the Iranian Transactions Sanctions Regulations (31CFR Part 560) when hosted on the App Store. For these reasons, we are unable to accept your application at this time. We encourage you to resubmit your application once international trade laws are revised to allow this functionality."
As previously mentioned, Apple is yet to issue an official statement on the situation.


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On not paying retail…
Lots of people will go to great lengths to get a deal at Barneys, the upscale clothing store that the late playright Wendy Wasserstein noted in this New York magazine piece made spending $4,000 on a raincoat worthwhile.
But directors and top executives of Jones New York (JNY), which acquired Barneys in 2004, don’t have to wait on long lines in order to get a discount: it’s one of the perks that comes with the job. Yet, a quick skim of the proxy that Jones New York filed yesterday shows that only some of the execs and directors are taking full advantage. At the top of the best-dressed list is former JC Penney’s (JCP) executive Allen Questrom, whose discount was just over $35,000 last year. That’s not only a significant increase from the $5,000 discount he received in 2005 (though in fairness, he only joined the board in December 2005), but about $10,000 more than the discount that Chairman Sidney Kimmel received.
At the bottom of the list was Lynne Cote’, CEO of the company’s wholesale sportswear, suits and dresses division. Last year, Ms. Cote’s Barney’s discount only amounted to a measly $350.


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ABBOTT PARK, Ill., July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) will announce its second-quarter 2015 financial results on Wednesday, July 22, 2015, before the market opens.
The announcement will be followed by a live webcast of the earnings conference call at 8 a.m. Central time (9 a.m. Eastern), and will be accessible through Abbott's Investor Relations website at www.abbottinvestor.com. An archived edition of the call will be available after 11 a.m. Central time.
At Abbott, we're committed to helping you live your best possible life through the power of health. For more than 125 years, we've brought new products and technologies to the world – in nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices and branded generic pharmaceuticals – that create more possibilities for more people at all stages of life. Today, 73,000 of us are working to help people live not just longer, but better, in the more than 150 countries we serve.
Please be aware that the website you have requested is intended for the residents of a particular country or countries, as noted on that site. As a result, the site may contain information on pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other products or uses of those products that are not approved in other countries or regions.
The website you have requested also may not be optimized for your specific screen size.
Links which take you out of Abbott worldwide websites are not under the control of Abbott, and Abbott is not responsible for the contents of any such site or any further links from such site. Abbott is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement of the linked site by Abbott.
The website that you have requested also may not be optimized for your screen size.


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In a major move towards consolidation, Flipkart-owned Myntra came from behind to beat Snapdeal in acquiring fashion and lifestyle rival Jabong for $70 million, in an all-cash deal.
The acquisition is a significant gain for Flipkart in consolidating its lead in the ‘fashion & lifestyle’ segment that is likely to touch $40 billion by 2020, according to Myntra CEO Ananth Narayan.
Bengaluru-based Myntra, which was itself acquired by Flipkart in 2014 for $330 million, has been trying to ward off competition from Jabong and with this acquisition, it will see its Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) rise significantly.
This is how Flipkart bagged Jabong
Intense competition in the online retail business has led to most companies offering massive discounts to gain market share. This has resulted in the overall online business expanding at the cost of profits.
In fact, many companies have actually folded up since 2012, while the remaining ones have witnessed increasing losses. Founded by Germany-based Rocket Internet in 2012, Gurugram-based Jabong has been able to raise $250 million since commencing operations.
Its strength has been its portfolio of international brands and a healthy active client base. Kinnevik and Rocket Internet which hold 35% and 20%, respectively in Jabong, have been negotiating the sale of Jabong with several investors including Amazon.
Amazon – which has long term plans to emerge as a dominating player in the online space in India, was keen to acquire Jabong but talks fell through in 2014 on account of the steep price of $1.2 billion being demanded by Jabong’s promoters.
Amazon would be patting itself in the back for not taking the plunge in 2014 as Jabong was finally acquired for just $70 million by Flipkart-owned Myntra. Once Amazon dropped out of the race for Jabong, Snapdeal took up the case to acquire Jabong and has been in active negotiations with Kinnevik. Aditya Birla-promoted Abof.com too had expressed interest in Jabong, but it seemed Snapdeal was on its way to grab Jabong.
But this month negotiations ran into a roadblock as Snapdeal raised questions on how the deal was to be structured and raised questions regarding FDI rules that could be a problem going forward. Kinnevik on their part were keen to close the deal early as they had been losing money on Jabong. Adjusted ebitda loss for Jabong in FY16 was $ 61.7 million against a revenue of $138.7 million.
Snapdeal was expected to close the deal by 21 July, so when it began to hesitate on the terms, Myntra saw an opportunity and moved in quickly to offer an all-cash deal within three days of agreement being reached. Kinnevik, not wanting to take any chance, closed the deal with Myntra and Snapdeal was left out in the cold.
Why is Jabong so important to Flipkart and Myntra?
Flipkart is facing stiff competition from cash-rich Amazon and Snapdeal for retaining market leadership. Like all online firms, Flipkart too has had to face a downward revision in valuations and has been growing on the back of exclusive mobile deals it had signed with various telecom majors like Motorola.
However, with several brands abandoning Flipkart in favour of Amazon, it was keen to build on the ‘fashion and lifestyle’ segment, an area where Myntra had strength. Flipkart is presently shipping 1.6 lakh merchandise every month, with Myntra shipping around 1.3 lakh. With Jabong’s monthly shipments of 50,000, Flipkart will gain major GMV and market share in the profitable segment of fashion and lifestyle. Furthermore, it plans to build upon the fast growing and profitable ‘home’ segment.
So between Flipkart, Myntra and Jabong, Flipkart has a lead over Amazon which is still to crack the fashion and lifestyle segment in India. This also gives Flipkart an edge over rival Snapdeal, which is itself trying to build its fashion and lifestyle business.
Valuations and profitability threaten the industry
As India continues to develop and grow the e-supply chain, online retailers have been witnessing tremendous growth. The problem is that once again investors have been going overboard in company valuations and this has led to a bubble, similar to what was seen during the internet Bubble 1.0 in 1998-1999.
Jabong was commanding $1.2 billion valuation in 2014 at GMVs far lower than what it does today. Between 2014 and 2016, its valuation fell from $1.2 billion to just $70 million!
Caratlane, a gems and jewelry company, recently acquired by Tata-owned Titan, witnessed valuations of $ 117 million in 2014. In 2016, it was acquired for $90 mn. Same is true for Commonfloor. Just a year ago, it was valued at $155 mn, but was acquired by Quikr in 2016 for $100 mn in a share-swap deal.
This is the big worry! The online industry has been witnessing valuations that are not justified by numbers and this can only harm the industry going forward. With valuations of most ecommerce companies being revised downwards, consolidation seems to be the only way out for those with deep pockets.
The problem is compounded by increased competition that has led to massive discounting as a way to gain market share, which often comes at the cost of profitability. Ultimately, only those companies will survive that are fully integrated in the entire supply chain resulting in a superior customer experience.
Amazon understands this and has the deep pockets necessary to make the requisite investments and patiently grow its clients based on superior customer experience.
Amazon has rightly identified 1-2 day delivery as a differentiator and an important factor in customer retention and customer experience. It has recently launched Amazon Prime, a subscription based service that offers 1-2 day guaranteed delivery across 100 cities covering 1.4 million products.
That’s a significant attraction for buyers who want instant fulfilment. The model is already a proven success in the US and other markets where over 50% of Amazon’s 100 million clients are subscribers to the service.
The deal is made more attractive by offering subscribers a 30-minute ‘first purchase’ window along with several other free offerings that it will throw in.
Flipkart had launched a similar service in 2014 called Flipkart First but had to withdraw the scheme. Now, in reaction to Amazon’s move, Flipkart is contemplating bringing back a similar service under a new name F-Assured. One will have to wait and see how that fares against Amazon’s Prime.
Meanwhile, the online space will continue to witness M&A deals, as other newer entrants try and grab a slice of the growing opportunity.


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It has been a hot favorite among the semi-urban and rural areas of India. Bolero has been the mass seller in Mahindra’s lineup and has been India’s largest selling SUV for a long time now.
Now the good news is that, AutoCar has scooped that Mahindra is developing a new generation of the Bolero (Code: U301) along with a new chassis. The new Bolero is expected to be better in many parameters than the existing one, but the true Bolero DNA will be retained.
A fresh design with a newly developed chassis. This new chassis is expected to be lighter and stronger than the existing tubular frame ladder chassis. The new chassis is touted to be a hydroformed ladder chassis and is expected to find place in all body-on-frame SUVs in future.
As for the powertrain, the new Bolero might use an engine derived fro the mHawk engine. To keep the price tag low, M&M will make the Bolero share a good number of parts with its other SUVs. Since Bolero majorly sells because it is an entry-level rugged SUV, Mahindra would keep running cost and fuel efficiency of the new Bolero low. This new generation Bolero is expected to hit the showrooms by 2015.
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Source: AutoCar India


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Shotoku supplies virtual studio camera support to TV Azteca
February 1, 2010
TV Azteca's main production facility in México City, which generates more than 10,000 hours of content for viewers throughout the Spanish-speaking world, has installed camera studio camera pedestals, and a tripod for portable field use from
Shotoku Broadcast Systems. Both camera support systems have been equipped with virtual studio-enabled Shotoku TU-03AVR pan/tilt heads as well.
The network chose the Shotoku TP-64 VR Pedestal for studio production, which includes precision encoders that will provide TV Azteca's graphics generation computers, using Vizrt software, with fast and accurate camera positioning data. In fact, compatibility with TV Azteca's virtual studio technology was the main reason the broadcaster chose the Shotoku equipment.
Shotoku Broadcast Systems markets a full range of camera support products, such as manual and remote controlled pedestals and pan/tilt heads. The company — with its headquarters in Japan and offices in Staines, UK and Torrance, CA — also provides camera control systems capable of interfacing with third-party remote camera equipment.
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Now Some Good Coronavirus News: 33% Of Cryptocurrency Scammer Revenue ‘Wiped Out’ By COVID-19
From lower fumes to more time spent with family, there are some glimmers of light in the darkness of the COVID-19 era. And, despite the rise of coronavirus-themed scams, cybercriminals hoping to make bundles of cryptocurrency during global lockdowns are earning less than ever, according to a report released Friday.
The report, shown ahead of publication by cryptocurrency crime tracking startup Chainalysis, shows a 33% dip in revenue made from bitcoin, in terms of the dollar value of virtual coins. Since the week ending March 8, the weekly average amount being earned by cryptocurrency investment scams and Ponzi schemes (far and away the two most popular forms of cryptocurrency crime) fell from $4.2 million to just under $2.9 million in bitcoin.
Scammers are continuing to earn a similar number of coins, showing that their attempts at taking advantage of COVID-19 fears haven’t been particularly successful. And the huge dip in bitcoin’s value in U.S. currency has meant they’re not making as much money, should they choose to cash out now. “We find that the loss of value is caused almost entirely by cryptocurrency price drops. Nearly all of these scams have received the same or more value per day in their native coins since the crisis intensified in early March,” Chainlysis said in its report.
“In short, while Covid-19 is providing some scammers with new fraudulent stories to entice victims, the cryptocurrency price drops spurred by the pandemic have drastically reduced the revenue potential of the biggest scams.”
Amongst the various cryptocurrency coronavirus-themed scams are phishing emails promising treatments for the virus and some blackmail attempts where crooks are claiming to have COVID-19 and threaten to spread it to the recipient’s family unless they pay.
Microsoft: No uptick in attacks
Meanwhile, Microsoft also had some (relatively) good news to share on the COVID-19 cybercrime climate. Its researchers found that roughly 60,000 of the millions of phishing emails it sees every day include COVID-19 related malicious attachments or links. That’s still less than 2% of the daily threats Microsoft tracks.
Microsoft also found that there hasn’t been an overall jump in cyberattacks during this unprecedented period. “Our data shows that these COVID-19 themed threats are retreads of existing attacks that have been slightly altered to tie to this pandemic. This means we’re seeing a changing of lures, not a surge in attacks,” it wrote in a post on Wednesday.
Not that coronavirus-themed threats aren’t a concern. Microsoft found that China, Russia and the U.S. have been hit the hardest, and created a map showing where COVID-19 phishing emails were landing.
Earlier this week, the U.S. and U.K. governments released a joint report in which they revealed a list of 2,500 malicious websites and email addresses that were being used by cybercriminals trying to exploit fears around the pandemic.


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Contact: Chloe Villano
Cannabis Business Association
Colorado Businesses Celebrate Federal Guidance on State Cannabis Laws
Cannabis Businesses Gather to Discuss New Regulations in the Face of Landmark Decision from Federal Government Today
August 29, 2013 – Denver Colorado
Tonight several of Colorado’s cannabis business leaders and community activists will gather at Cassleman’s in Denver for the Cannabis Business Symposium, hosted by The Cannabis Business Association and Clover Leaf Consulting, to discuss the final release of cannabis regulations by the Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Enforcement Division as well as the latest announcement by the Department of Justice that the Federal Government will not interfere with the implantation of Colorado’s historic Amendment 64. Tonight’s panel will feature known cannabis experts and advocates such as Rob Corry Jr. Esq., Warren Edson Esq., Jessica LaRoux, Travis Simpson Esq., Craig Small Esq, Teri Robnett, Mike Elliott, and Clover Leaf President Chloe Villano.
“I’m very excited to moderate tonight’s panel in light of the recent announcement that came from the federal government.” says Executive Director of Cannabis Business Association, Chloe Villano, referring to the memo released today from the Department of Justice. The announcement from Eric Holder’s office that the federal government will not sue over Colorado and Washington’s legalization of marijuana comes as welcome news to an already anxious industry. “Hopefully, this will mark the beginning of a change in our nation’s laws to catch up to where the people of this state and this great country already are on this important issue,” says Villano, “and I really encourage the Feds to fix the banking laws in this country so we as an industry can truly operate in good faith and compliance.”
Cannabis Business Association is a professional cannabis business trade association striving for the implementation and sensible regulations for Colorado’s cannabis businesses.
For more information on the Cannabis Business Association or to schedule an interview, please call Cannabis Business Assocaition at (720) 515-1281, or email at firstname.lastname@example.org.
FB Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1408475039371259/
CannabisBusinessSymposium Amendment 64 Legislative Series:
read Eric Holder’s press release
download the press release


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Miami-based La Comunidad collected prizes for diverse and often wickedly irreverent work for Citibank, VH1, Subway Restaurants, Virgin Mobile, Nordstrom and Perry Ellis, including Best of Show (Broadcast) for VH1. For the first time, a second Best of Show was created for nonbroadcast media to highlight the arrestingly creative use of nontraditional outlets ranging from dusty cars to sidewalks, and an Advertiser of the Year award recognized the Toyota brand's inspiringly creative work from three different Hispanic shops.
Twenty-six agencies won awards this year, chosen from a record 715 entries, up by more than 30% from 545 last year. Magazines were big gainers, with entries growing by 60% to 109 from 68 last year, and three Gold awards compared with just one in 2004. As the number of Hispanic magazines grows, major marketers are developing more and better Hispanic-targeted creative work.
The Hispanic Creative Advertising Awards contest is held in cooperation with the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies. This year's winners were honored at an awards show Sept. 30 at New York's Metropolitan Pavilion, organized by New York-based Hispanic ad agency Ole.
The president of the 2005 jury was one of the U.S. Hispanic market's leading creatives, Luis Miguel Messianu, chief creative officer of Del Rivero Messianu DDB, Coral Gables, Fla. Three other top creative directors were on the jury: Laurence Klinger, senior VP-executive creative director, Lapiz, Chicago; Elias Weinstock, VP-senior creative director, Casanova Pendrill, Costa Mesa, Calif.; and Catarino Lopez, chief creative officer, Bromley Communications, San Antonio.
From marketers, Mario Davila, president of Toyota Puerto Rico, was a judge. Other senior marketers on the jury included Mauricio Troncoso, Procter & Gamble Co.'s former marketing director-U.S. Hispanic markets/Puerto Rico, who's just moved from San Juan to Cincinnati headquarters in a new general-market role; Manny Gonzalez, brand director-deluxe scotch, Diageo North America; and Liz Perez Angeles, associate director-Hispanic marketing, Kraft Foods. Other judges were Chiqui Cartagena, a former Ad Age staffer who's now managing director-multicultural communications, Mere-dith Integrated Marketing, and Laurel Wentz, Ad Age's international and multicultural editor.
The Interactive category was judged separately by P.J. Pereira, executive creative director of online agency AKQA, San Francisco, and president of this year's Cyber Lions jury at the Cannes International Advertising Festival.


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Center for Reproductive Rights calls for equal access to more affordable, generic options
(PRESS RELEASE) The Obama Administration has submitted a plan today in response to a federal court order to lift longstanding restrictions that impede and delay women’s access to emergency contraception by making Plan B One-Step available over the counter without age or point of sale restrictions.
In his April 5 decision, Judge Korman ordered the FDA to make levonorgestrel-based emergency contraception available over-the-counter without age or point of sale restriction-citing the actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius as “politically motivated, scientifically unjustified, and contrary to agency precedent.”
Said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights:
“Now that the appeals court has forced the federal government’s hand, the FDA is finally taking a significant step forward by making Plan B One-Step available over the counter for women of all ages.
“But the Obama Administration continues to unjustifiably deny the same wide availability for generic, more affordable brands of emergency contraception.
“We are pleased that women should soon be able to buy Plan B One-Step without the arbitrary restrictions that kept it locked behind the pharmacy counter when they needed it most urgently. But we will continue to fight for fair treatment for women who want and need more affordable options.”
The Obama Administration appealed Korman’s decision on May 1, one day after the FDA approved an application from Plan B One-Step to be sold over-the-counter to women ages 15 and up—but only in stores that have an on-site pharmacy and if the woman can prove her age.
Last week, the U.S. 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the FDA to immediately comply with Judge Korman’s court order as it applied to two-pill versions of levonorgestrel-based emergency. However, the appellate court’s decision stayed Judge Korman’s order as it applies to one-pill products, such as Plan B One-Step, pending the outcome of the government’s appeal.
The Center reopened Tummino v. Hamburg in February 2012 along with Andrea Costello of the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund and Kirsten Clanton of Southern Legal Counsel on behalf of grassroots feminist activists with National Women’s Liberation and 15-year-old Anaya Kelly. The Center also represents the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP), National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, and parents who seek over-the-counter access for their daughters in the case.


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Feb 19, 2013
Godot Media – best known for its content marketing, social media marketing and SEO solutions has just launched its English translation services.
Feb 14, 2013
Popular online seller of all things fashionable and cool, The Kewl Shop is happy to offer urban street wear from popular brand HYS DENIM. The store will feature the latest clothing and accessories from HYS DENIM targeted at young, hip consumers.
Feb 07, 2013
Leading online marketing solutions provider – Godot Media, has just launched its web design services specifically geared towards small businesses. The company will design simple, minimalistic and intuitive websites for small business clients.
Jan 28, 2013
Leading content writing and SEO solutions firm - Godot Media, is now offering specially designed content creation packages for e-commerce companies to help them create effective e-commerce websites.
Jan 18, 2013
For those who want to look hot this winter, The Kewl Shop has unveiled its latest collection of winter coats and jackets. The online store, known for its amazing collection of apparel for fashionists features a wide variety of jackets made of leather
Jan 11, 2013
New figures released by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), an Australian Government entity, indicate that the pay gap between male and female graduates in Australia has doubled over the last year. i3 Group says this trend is disturbing.
Dec 31, 2012
Godot Media is a leading professional content writing firm, providing end to end content marketing solutions to businesses. Assessing latest trends and updates, the content and social media marketing solutions provided by the company.
Dec 24, 2012
For the 2012 festive month, leading content and SEO services provider – Godot Media is offering attractive and competitive discounts on all its writing services, SEO packages and custom packages.
Dec 24, 2012
The latest addition to the airsoft arsenal being offered at Cheapbbguns.co.uk is the powerful yet compact M11 gas-powered Airsoft Sub-machine gun.
Dec 21, 2012
Constantly on the lookout for fun and fashionable clothing, The Kewl Shop now unveils its latest collection of colored denims for the upcoming winter. The popular online fashion seller offers a great pair of jeans to suit different styles and moods.


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Technology Archives - Page 4 of 6 - Inside Retail Thailand
Characters from the Line chat app feature at Line Village Store, which has launched at Bangkok’s Siam Square One.
FamilyMart Thailand customers can now use their Rabbit Card transit ticket to pay for purchases.
Healthy-food delivery startup IndieDish has won the Top 100 Fight Club Thailand at Echelon Thailand.
Acquisition is seen as key to Com7’s growth plans.
New data from Juniper Research forecasts the global value of contactless payments will reach US$1.3 trillion by 2019.
Society should prepare for decades of pain as the internet disrupts the economy, warns Alibaba boss Jack Ma.
Melon Fashion Group has created a virtual fitting room linking designers in Russia with manufacturers’ staff in China.
The deadline for applications for the LVMH Innovation Award has been extended until April 17.
Three Thai street-food apps have been launched offering tourists details of the nation’s top roadside eateries.
Retail IoT connections will rise 350 per cent by 2021 according to new data from Juniper Research.
New research examines the key milestones in the evolution of customer experience to chart the store of tomorrow.
Samsung Pay Thailand is being rolled out, with 1 million users targeted this year.


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London-based Hiro Capital is an entrepreneur-led Venture Capital fund focused on sectors such as video games, the metaverse, esports, and digital fitness. The fund has, today, announced that it has invested $15M (approx €12.34M) into three creative games studios – Snowprint in Stockholm/Berlin, Double Loop Games in San Francisco and Happy Volcano in Belgium
About Hiro Capital
Hiro Capital is a technology venture capital fund that invests in the UK, US, and European innovators in games, metaverse technology, esports, and digital fitness. It usually invests at the post-seed Series A and B stages.
“We invest both in front-end content creators in games, esports and digital sports, and in deep tech metaverse applications of cloud, mobile, streaming, big data, AI, wearables, AR, and VR technologies. We back experienced entrepreneurial teams, building innovative technologies and content with a strongly differentiated proposition and with the scaling opportunity to become very large,” the company mentions in a statement.
The VC funds believe that games, esports, and digital sports will be a central pillar of entertainment, economic, and social life in the mid 21st century.
“The addition of these three exciting Games studios brings our total investments to 11, with more deals to be announced soon,” says Cherry Freeman, co-founding Partner at Hiro Capital.
The portfolio of Hiro Capital also includes Flavourworks, Polyarc, Lightfox, LIV.tv, Edgegap, Fix XR, and Nurvv.
How will the firms use the funds?
All three video game studios will use Hiro’s investment to expand their development pipelines and accelerate global growth.
Ian Livingstone, a co-founding partner at Hiro Capital says, “Each studio has demonstrated innovation and expertise in developing fun-to-play games which resonate with today’s audiences. I’m especially pleased that one of the studios came through our first Dark Star™ event for emerging indies looking to scale their businesses. If only venture capital had been interested in the games sector back in the 1970s, I might not have had to sleep in a van during the early days of Games Workshop!”
The Stockholm-based company was founded in 2015 and is led by industry veterans Alexander Ekvall and Patrik Lindegren, each formerly of King; John Hargelid, formerly of Paradox Interactive; and Wilhelm Osterberg, formerly of Wooga.
Snowprint Studios operates their debut mobile title Legend of Solgard and is now also working on three new mobile projects, including Rivengard, a turn-based tactics game that launched globally on 21st January 2021, as well as an undisclosed AAA mobile IP coming soon out of its Berlin studio.
Alexander Ekvall says, “The team has a deep understanding of building successful games companies and this is reflected in the support they provide. The backing from Hiro means we are better equipped than ever to execute on our mission to deliver genre-defining experiences.”
Double Loop Games
San Francisco-based Double Loop Games, founded in 2019, is a social mobile studio dedicated to making delightful, relaxing experiences for the biggest audience in games. The team’s leaders are industry veterans Emily Greer, co-founder of Kongregate; and Shelby Moledina, formerly of Warner Bros., Interactive Entertainment, and DeNA.
The company is working on its debut game, and will soon launch its social mobile title, made for players who don’t think of themselves as gamers.
Belgium-based Happy Volcano was founded in 2015 by David Prinsmel, Jeroen Janssen, and Peter Maasen. The company has released the critically acclaimed narrative exploration game The Almost Gone and is currently working on a new soon-to-launch cross-platform game You Suck at Parking.
Hiro Capital’s future plan
Luke Alvarez, founding partner of Hiro Capital said, “Hiro was founded to invest in the super-sector of games, sports, and metaverse technologies. On every dimension, in every market, 2020/21 has been a story of strong growth – in users, sales, devices, stream views, and innovations. People fell in love, got married and graduated in games, and are coming out of lockdown stronger thanks to gamified wearables and VR fitness tech. As a VC, it is exciting to see our sector focus so emphatically confirmed. Finally, Hiro is a diverse team and so are these new studios, including our first female Games founders, Emily and Shelby (Double Loop Games).”
The venture capital is looking for more ambitious games entrepreneurs and will be launching the next Dark Star event for Games Studios in March 2021.
Dark Star 2.0 will give game studios looking for investment the chance to hear from Hiro Capital’s partners and portfolio entrepreneurs about how and why to position themselves for venture funding.


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Sling TV is raising the price of cheapest package, Sling Orange
While YouTube, AT&T, and Hulu have all since entered the streaming TV market, Sling TV was among the first to offer consumers a new way to pay for live TV. While it hasn't been able to offer all of the same perks as its competitors, it's managed to keep its prices down to remain competitive. But price hikes were inevitable, and today, Sling announced that it would be raising its Orange package from $20 to $25 -- the first price increase for the package.
The inflated price for Sling Orange -- which includes ESPN, CNN, TBS, Cartoon Network, and HGTV -- takes effect immediately for new subscribers, while existing customers will see the price change reflected in their bill starting next month. Sling Blue (the other package) will remain at its $25 price point, and both can be had for $40.
BGR Top Deals:
- You know the AirPods rivals everyone loves? They’re somehow only $18.79 right now
- Save $200 on Sony’s Glass Sound Speaker, which is basically a work of art
Trending Right Now:
- Someone just published a hands-on Galaxy Note 9 review a month before it’s even announced
- This iPhone X rumor is actually great news for the Pixel 3
- Watch former Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure trash his own company for 5 sad minutes
Sling TV is raising the price of cheapest package, Sling Orange originally appeared on BGR.com on Thu, 28 Jun 2018 at 18:19:16 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.


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Choise.com, a cryptocurrency firm and earn marketplace, is happy to announce the completion of the first stage of its NFT Token Offering (NTO). The company is now moving into Stage Two, which is intended to run until January 18.
🌎《Now you can collect, own and trade exclusive TNNS digital collectibles!》📈
🔥To purchase your first-edition collectibles today, click "Buy Pack" from the link above.
On January 3rd, Choise.com successfully concluded the first “Green” stage of its NTO, selling out 100% of Choby NFTs reserved for this stage and raising $750,000 in the process. This success demonstrates that the new type of NFT offering introduced by Choise.com has the interest of the crypto community and the potential to be successful in this market.
In addition to being a new type of token distribution, NTO introduces a new asset class concept - overcollateralized NFTs. All NFTs offered via the Choise.com NTO are backed by the company’s native CHO tokens which are traded on exchanges. Hence, each NFT carries actual market value, which is a major step-up compared to the previously vague and, therefore, risky NFT investment models.
There are six stages planned in the NTO launch, with the number of NFTs offered increasing with each stage. Choise.com has now moved to conducting the second, "Yellow" stage of the offering. With the price now standing at $200, Choby tokens represent a very attractive opportunity for those who want to purchase CHO tokens at a price below the market one, which currently stands at $900 per 1,000 CHO tokens.
Each Choby NFT contains a 1,000 CHO tokens and every 5th Choby gives way for various perks and bonuses, such as cashback of up to 99%. In addition, if the second stage is successful, concluding with a 100% sellout, holders of at least 5 Chobies with one minted during the current stage stand a chance at winning the grand prize - a Tesla electric car.
The long-term goal of Choise.com is to introduce new standards of NFT and token distribution. The Chobies NTO collection marks the company's first step in this direction. NFTs represent a great tool for tokenizing various financial and creative assets, and they are in great focus in the current crypto market.
Choise.com's newest NFT offering model represents a new way for companies to raise necessary funds for the development of their products while catering to the market's needs. That will allow everyone to benefit and revolutionise the NFT market in the long-term.
If you have a desire to participate in the next big trend, visit the Choise.com website to learn more about NTO.
Choise.com is a crypto firm and leading earn marketplace that has been around since 2017. It offers a unified ecosystem where people can easily find and make use of various financial solutions to earn on their digital assets. This allows Choise.com clients the chance to select the most promising products and enjoy high returns from their investments without having to delve too deep into technical details.
>>> 🌎《#TNNS is now live for trading on Bitmart Exchange! BUY NOW!》📈<<<
Disclaimer: This is a paid release that was not written by Crypto Online News. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily represent those of Crypto Online News. Crypto Online News does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of information available in such content. Do your research and invest at your own risk.


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When it was ready to tell the world about its all-new light business jet under development for more than a decade, Honda turned to AOPA Pilot, the world's largest and most influential aviation magazine. As a result, AOPA members will be the first to learn the in-depth details of the much talked-about but never seen HondaJet. The unusual airplane is the cover story of the August issue of AOPA Pilot, which is in the mail this week to AOPA members worldwide. While jet ownership isn't in the future for most AOPA members, this radical airplane design carries aerodynamic tricks that will be of interest to any pilot. As part of its coverage AOPA Pilot was given an exclusive interview with the jet's designer, Michimasa Fujino. During the interview, Fujino described the airplane's unique laminar-flow nose, the radical over-the-wing engine mounting system that most others said couldn't be done, and the Honda-developed and patented natural laminar flow wing design. The airplane is powered by a pair of Honda HF-118 engines, which are being certificated under an agreement with General Electric. Honda has not yet made a decision to manufacture the HondaJet but may do so within a few months. The airplane will make its debut during a three-hour visit to EAA AirVenture next Thursday, July 28. AOPA members can read all the details now online.
July 20, 2005