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The Implications of China’s Rapid Technological Advancements
China’s rapid technological advancements have far-reaching implications for both domestic and foreign businesses. As the world’s largest manufacturing economy, China has heavily invested in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and biotechnology. These advancements have not only transformed traditional industries like manufacturing, but also created new opportunities in sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, and smart cities. With its vast consumer market and government support, China has become a global leader in technological innovation, attracting the attention of businesses worldwide.
One of the main implications of China’s rapid technological advancements is the changing competitive landscape. As Chinese companies continue to innovate and develop cutting-edge technologies, they are increasingly challenging established global players in various industries. This has led to heightened competition and the need for foreign businesses to adapt and keep pace with the rapidly evolving market. Companies that fail to embrace and integrate these advancements risk losing market share and being left behind in a highly competitive environment. However, for those willing to navigate the complexities and seize opportunities that arise from China’s technological advancements, there are immense growth prospects and the potential for long-term success.
Key Industries Driving Technological Growth in China
China’s rapid technological advancements have been largely driven by key industries that have embraced innovation and pushed the boundaries of technological development. One such industry is manufacturing, where China has emerged as a global leader in advanced manufacturing techniques such as robotics, 3D printing, and automation. The adoption of these technologies has not only improved productivity and efficiency but has also enabled Chinese companies to produce high-quality products at competitive prices.
Another key industry driving technological growth in China is information technology. With a large population of digital-savvy consumers and an increasing demand for e-commerce and mobile services, China has witnessed a boom in the IT sector. Home to tech giants like Tencent, Alibaba, and Baidu, China is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and big data analytics. These advancements have not only transformed various sectors of the economy but have also created new business opportunities for both domestic and foreign companies in China.
Opportunities and Challenges for Foreign Businesses
Foreign businesses looking to expand into China’s rapidly growing tech industry are presented with both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. On one hand, China’s immense market size and growing middle class offer a vast customer base for companies to tap into. The country’s rapid technological advancements across various sectors, such as e-commerce and mobile technology, provide a fertile ground for innovation and business growth. Moreover, China’s supportive policies and investment incentives attract foreign businesses, facilitating their entry into the market.
However, navigating China’s unique regulatory environment can prove to be a complex task for foreign businesses. The country’s strict censorship and regulations pertaining to data privacy and cybersecurity may require companies to adapt their strategies. Furthermore, the intense competition in China’s tech market, dominated by domestic giants like Alibaba and Tencent, poses a challenge for foreign players seeking to establish their presence. It becomes crucial for businesses to carefully analyze the market landscape and devise strategies that differentiate them from their competitors, while also complying with local regulations.
Navigating China’s Regulatory Environment
China’s regulatory environment presents a unique set of challenges for foreign businesses seeking to navigate the market. With a complex and ever-evolving system of laws, regulations, and bureaucratic procedures, it is crucial for companies to have a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape in order to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure compliance.
One key aspect of navigating China’s regulatory environment is the need to establish strong relationships with local authorities and government bodies. This requires developing a network of contacts who can provide valuable insights and guide businesses through the regulatory process. Additionally, it is essential to stay up-to-date with changes in regulations and policy updates, as these can have a significant impact on market entry and operations.
Developing a Technological Strategy for Success in China
In order to achieve success in China’s rapidly evolving technology market, foreign businesses must develop a solid technological strategy. One key aspect of this strategy is understanding the local market and adapting to Chinese consumers’ preferences. This may involve conducting extensive market research and analysis to identify the specific needs and desires of the target audience. By tailoring their products and services to meet these demands, foreign companies can gain a competitive edge and capture a significant share of the Chinese market.
Another important factor in developing a technological strategy for success in China is building strong partnerships with local companies. This allows foreign businesses to leverage the knowledge and expertise of Chinese firms, who have a deep understanding of the local market dynamics. By collaborating with local partners, foreign companies gain insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and regulatory requirements. These partnerships also provide access to local distribution networks, which can greatly enhance the reach and visibility of foreign products and services. Ultimately, building strong partnerships is crucial for navigating the intricacies of the Chinese business environment and achieving long-term success in the technology sector.
Building Strong Partnerships with Local Companies
In order to thrive in China’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, foreign businesses must prioritize building strong partnerships with local companies. These partnerships provide invaluable insights into the local market, consumer preferences, and regulatory environment. Collaborating with established Chinese companies allows foreign businesses to tap into their extensive networks, access local distribution channels, and gain credibility among consumers.
Furthermore, partnering with local companies allows foreign businesses to navigate China’s unique business culture and customs. Chinese companies possess a deep understanding of the local market dynamics and have established relationships with government entities, which can significantly facilitate the regulatory processes for foreign businesses. By leveraging the expertise and connections of local partners, foreign companies can accelerate their market entry, overcome language and cultural barriers, and reduce risks associated with entering a new market.
Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in China
Attracting and retaining top talent in China is essential for foreign businesses looking to thrive in the country’s competitive technological landscape. To successfully attract top talent, companies should focus on offering competitive compensation packages and benefits, as well as opportunities for career growth and development. In a country where skilled professionals are highly sought after, it is crucial for companies to differentiate themselves from competitors by creating a work environment that promotes innovation, collaboration, and a strong company culture. Additionally, fostering strong relationships with local universities and educational institutions can provide a pool of talented graduates who are eager to join the workforce and contribute to technological advancements. By investing in the professional development and well-being of employees, foreign businesses can not only attract top talent but also retain them for the long term.
However, the challenges of attracting and retaining top talent in China should not be underestimated. With a rapidly growing economy and a strong focus on technological advancements, competition for talent is fierce. Foreign businesses often must navigate cultural differences, language barriers, and local talent expectations. It is crucial to understand and adapt to the Chinese work culture, values, and preferences in order to effectively attract and retain the most qualified individuals. Additionally, building a strong employer brand and reputation can play a significant role in attracting top talent, as word-of-mouth recommendations and positive reviews can have a significant impact on an organization’s ability to attract and retain skilled professionals in China’s competitive talent market.
Adopting Chinese Tech Trends for Foreign Businesses
As China continues to lead the way in technological advancements, foreign businesses must adapt and embrace Chinese tech trends in order to stay competitive in the market. One significant trend is the rise of mobile payment platforms such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. These digital payment systems have become deeply ingrained in Chinese society, with consumers relying on them for everything from grocery shopping to paying utility bills. As such, foreign businesses targeting the Chinese market should prioritize integrating these mobile payment options into their platforms or checkout processes to cater to the preferences and habits of local consumers.
Another important tech trend in China is the widespread adoption of live-streaming platforms. Live-streaming has become a popular form of entertainment and communication, with millions of users tuning in to watch their favorite influencers or participate in virtual shopping experiences. Foreign businesses can tap into this trend by leveraging live streaming to showcase their products or services, engage with potential customers, and build brand awareness. By collaborating with influential Chinese live streamers or creating their own streaming channels, foreign businesses can effectively reach a large and engaged audience while taking advantage of the interactive and immersive nature of live-streaming platforms.
Leveraging E-commerce Platforms in China
E-commerce has emerged as a vital sector in China’s rapidly growing technological landscape. With a well-established online market and a massive consumer base, leveraging e-commerce platforms is essential for foreign businesses looking to tap into the immense potential of the Chinese market. The popularity of platforms like Taobao and JD.com has paved the way for seamless online transactions, making it easier than ever for businesses to reach and engage with Chinese consumers.
One of the key advantages of leveraging e-commerce platforms in China is the ability to target specific consumer segments. With advanced data analytics and user profiling, businesses can gain valuable insights into consumer preferences and behavior, allowing them to tailor their marketing strategies accordingly. This level of precision targeting not only maximizes the effectiveness of promotional campaigns but also enhances customer satisfaction, resulting in increased sales and brand loyalty. Additionally, e-commerce platforms provide opportunities for businesses to showcase their products through visually appealing and interactive content, thereby enhancing the overall shopping experience for Chinese consumers.
Harnessing the Power of Mobile Technology in China
With over 1.4 billion mobile phone users, China boasts one of the largest and most active mobile markets in the world. Mobile technology has become an integral part of almost every aspect of Chinese society, from communication and entertainment to shopping and banking. Chinese consumers rely heavily on mobile devices for their daily activities, presenting a multitude of opportunities for foreign businesses to tap into this vast market.
Harnessing the power of mobile technology in China requires a deep understanding of consumer behavior and preferences. Mobile apps have become a popular way for businesses to reach and engage with Chinese consumers. From e-commerce platforms like Alibaba’s Taobao and JD.com to ride-hailing services like Didi Chuxing, mobile apps have revolutionized the way Chinese consumers interact with businesses. Therefore, for foreign companies looking to enter the Chinese market, developing a user-friendly and localized mobile app can be key to success. Additionally, leveraging popular social media platforms like WeChat and Weibo can enable businesses to connect with their target audience and build brand awareness in China’s mobile-dominated landscape. By harnessing the power of mobile technology, foreign businesses can establish a strong presence in China and capitalize on the country’s tech-savvy consumer base.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in China’s Technological Development
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key driver of China’s technological development, revolutionizing various industries and transforming the country’s economy. China recognizes the potential of AI and has made it a strategic priority in its national development plans. The government’s commitment to promoting AI research and development has created a favorable environment for innovation and investment in this field. As a result, China has witnessed significant advancements in AI technologies, with applications ranging from autonomous vehicles and facial recognition systems to voice assistants and intelligent robots. The integration of AI into various sectors is not only enhancing efficiency and productivity but also enabling China to gain a competitive edge in the global technology landscape.
China’s rapid progress in AI can be attributed to several factors. First, the government’s support and funding have fueled the growth of AI research institutes and startups across the country. This support has resulted in a vibrant ecosystem, with collaborations between academia, industry, and government bodies fostering innovation and knowledge sharing. Second, China’s vast population and extensive data resources provide a significant advantage in training AI algorithms. The availability of massive datasets allows Chinese companies and researchers to refine their AI models, improving accuracy and performance. Furthermore, the Chinese government’s data policies, which prioritize the collection and utilization of data, have facilitated the development of AI applications in various sectors, such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. With these factors in play, China is well-positioned to become a global leader in AI innovation and adoption.
Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers in Technological Integration
In today’s globalized world, language and cultural barriers can pose significant challenges when it comes to technological integration. When foreign businesses enter the Chinese market, they must be prepared to navigate these obstacles in order to successfully integrate their technologies. One key aspect is language proficiency. Many foreign businesses find it beneficial to invest in language training programs for their employees, providing them with the necessary language skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with their Chinese counterparts. By breaking down the language barrier, businesses can enhance their ability to understand and adapt to the local market, thus improving the chances of successful technological integration.
Cultural understanding is equally essential for overcoming barriers in technological integration. China is known for its unique cultural values and business practices, which can significantly impact how technology is adopted and utilized. By investing time and effort into understanding Chinese cultural nuances, foreign businesses can tailor their technological solutions to better meet the needs and preferences of the local market. This may involve adapting user interfaces, incorporating localized features, or aligning with cultural norms to ensure seamless integration. By respecting and embracing the local culture, foreign businesses can build trust and credibility, fostering stronger relationships with Chinese partners and customers in the ever-evolving landscape of technological integration.
Case Studies: Successful Adaptation to China’s Technological Advancements
Case Study 1: Company A, a multinational technology firm, successfully adapted to China’s technological advancements by forming strategic partnerships with local companies. Recognizing the importance of establishing a strong local presence, Company A collaborated with a leading Chinese tech company to gain insights into the local market, leverage their distribution channels, and tap into their extensive network of industry contacts. By partnering with a local firm, Company A not only gained valuable knowledge of the Chinese consumer preferences but also benefited from the partner’s understanding of the regulatory landscape and cultural nuances. This enabled Company A to tailor its products and services to meet the specific needs of the Chinese market, resulting in a substantial increase in market share and revenue.
Case Study 2: Company B, a global e-commerce giant, successfully adapted to China’s technological advancements by harnessing the power of mobile technology. Recognizing the immense popularity of smartphones in China, Company B developed a user-friendly mobile app that offered innovative features and seamless shopping experiences. By heavily investing in mobile technology, optimizing their platforms for the Chinese market, and partnering with local payment providers, Company B was able to capture a significant portion of the Chinese online retail market. Their mobile-first approach not only allowed them to reach a vast number of Chinese consumers but also enabled them to tap into the potential of rural markets through mobile internet penetration. As a result, Company B experienced exponential growth and cemented its position as a leader in China’s e-commerce industry.
Best Practices for Foreign Businesses in China’s Tech Industry
As foreign businesses navigate China’s tech industry, there are several best practices that can help them achieve success in this rapidly evolving market. Firstly, it is crucial to develop a deep understanding of the local market and unique consumer preferences. China’s tech landscape is distinct and is shaped by its own set of social, cultural, and economic factors. By conducting thorough market research and analyzing consumer behavior, foreign businesses can tailor their products and services to meet the specific needs and preferences of Chinese consumers. This localized approach can set them apart from competitors and position them for long-term success.
Additionally, building strong partnerships with local companies is essential when operating in China’s tech industry. Collaborating with established Chinese firms not only provides access to local expertise and networks, but also helps to build trust among consumers. Chinese consumers often place great value on brands that have established relationships with well-known local companies. By partnering with reputable and trusted Chinese firms, foreign businesses can enhance their reputation and credibility in the market, gaining a competitive edge. These partnerships can also provide valuable insights into the local business environment, regulatory landscape, and consumer trends, facilitating smoother operations and faster market penetration.
The Future of China’s Technological Advancements and Its Implications for Foreign Businesses
China’s technological advancements have been progressing at an extraordinary pace, with no signs of slowing down. As the country continues to invest heavily in research and development, it is expected that China will emerge as a global technological leader in the near future. These advancements have significant implications for foreign businesses, both in terms of opportunities and challenges.
One of the key implications of China’s technological advancements is the immense potential for foreign businesses to tap into a rapidly growing market. With a population of over 1.4 billion people, China offers a vast consumer base that is increasingly embracing technology. This presents an exciting opportunity for foreign businesses to enter the Chinese market and leverage the latest technological trends to reach a large customer base. However, with increased competition from domestic companies and a complex regulatory environment, foreign businesses will need to navigate these challenges in order to succeed in China’s fast-paced tech industry.
What are the key industries driving technological growth in China?
The key industries driving technological growth in China include artificial intelligence, e-commerce, mobile technology, and biotechnology.
What are the opportunities and challenges for foreign businesses in China’s tech industry?
The opportunities for foreign businesses in China’s tech industry are vast, including access to a large and tech-savvy consumer base. However, foreign businesses may face challenges such as navigating China’s regulatory environment and overcoming language and cultural barriers.
How can foreign businesses navigate China’s regulatory environment?
Foreign businesses can navigate China’s regulatory environment by seeking local legal counsel, staying informed about regulations and changes, and building strong relationships with local partners who understand the regulatory landscape.
How can foreign businesses develop a technological strategy for success in China?
Foreign businesses can develop a technological strategy for success in China by conducting market research, understanding local consumer preferences, and adapting their products or services to meet the specific needs of the Chinese market.
How can foreign businesses attract and retain top talent in China?
Foreign businesses can attract and retain top talent in China by offering competitive salaries and benefits, providing opportunities for career advancement, and creating a positive and inclusive work culture.
How can foreign businesses leverage e-commerce platforms in China?
Foreign businesses can leverage e-commerce platforms in China by partnering with popular platforms such as Alibaba’s Tmall or JD.com, optimizing their online presence, and utilizing digital marketing strategies to reach Chinese consumers.
How can foreign businesses harness the power of mobile technology in China?
Foreign businesses can harness the power of mobile technology in China by developing mobile-friendly websites and apps, incorporating mobile payment options, and utilizing mobile marketing tactics to connect with Chinese consumers.
What is the role of artificial intelligence in China’s technological development?
Artificial intelligence plays a significant role in China’s technological development, driving advancements in various industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. It offers opportunities for automation, data analysis, and innovation.
How can foreign businesses overcome language and cultural barriers in technological integration?
Foreign businesses can overcome language and cultural barriers in technological integration by hiring local talent who understand the local language and culture, investing in language and cultural training for employees, and partnering with local companies for guidance.
Are there any case studies of successful adaptation to China’s technological advancements?
Yes, there are several case studies of successful adaptation to China’s technological advancements, showcasing how foreign businesses have entered the Chinese market and leveraged technology to achieve success.
What are the best practices for foreign businesses in China’s tech industry?
Some best practices for foreign businesses in China’s tech industry include conducting thorough market research, building strong partnerships with local companies, adapting products or services to meet local needs, and staying informed about regulatory changes.
What does the future hold for China’s technological advancements and its implications for foreign businesses?
The future of China’s technological advancements is expected to be promising, with continued growth in industries such as artificial intelligence and e-commerce. For foreign businesses, this means both opportunities and challenges as they navigate the evolving tech landscape in China.


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When Facebook announced that it was acquiring photo-based social network Instagram for $1bn in April, the upstart had around 30m registered users and less than 1m daily active users.
Today, Instagram boasts more than 100m registered users and more than 11m daily active users.
Not surprisingly, that has given brands seeking to expand beyond social networking stalwarts like Facebook and Twitter to give Instagram a look. And they’re not just looking: according to new research published by social analytics firm Simply Measured, brand adoption of Instagram has jumped by 35% since August and more than half of the Interbrand 100 are now active on the service.
Instagram’s 35% growth in brand adoption in the past several months bests another hot social network, Pinterest, which posted a 24% gain in brand adoption. And it’s significantly higher than that of Google+, which saw a 5% growth rate, just 1% more than a far more mature player, Twitter.
A good chunk of Instagram’s growth is likely attributable to tighter integration between the world’s largest social network and its shiny new toy.
As Simply Measured points out, Instagram users can now automatically add likes on Instagram to their Facebook timelines, and as the firm observed, “more than 90% of Instagram photos posted by brands were also posted to Facebook.” This, Simply Measured says, has driven Facebook engagements per Instagram photo up to 210.
The rich get richer
Not all brands jumping on the Instagram bandwagon are getting the same piece of the pie. Despite the staggering growth in Instagram’s user base, just 8% of the brands on the service have more than 100,000 followers — the same percentage as in August.
This isn’t necessarily surprising, of course. Currently, 49% of the Interbrand 100 have an active Instagram account (Simply Measured defines this as an account with at least one photo posted), up from 37% in August, but this is obviously still not cutting it and brands hoping to build a following on the social network will need to more than just show up.
The good news: there are a growing number of examples of brands making great use of Instagram, giving newcomers that want to boost their Instagram prospects a helpful starting point.

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In November, we featured a story on the rapid growth of 88 octane gasoline in the state of Minnesota. This progress continues and the state now has 250+ stations selling 88 octane. Much of the growth in 2017 was due to Kwik Trip’s adoption of the fuel. Kwik Trip is a Wisconsin-based business that operates in three states, with more than 150 fuel stations in Minnesota. In the course of one year, Kwik Trip added 88 octane (also known as Unleaded 88 or E15) to more than half of their stores in their 3-state market. Kwik Trip has 330 stores offering 88 octane, with nearly 140 of those in Minnesota. That means that almost every Kwik Trip station in Minnesota now has unleaded 88!
Like any industry, fuel stations and convenience stores must often change to keep up with technology and consumer demand. By creating more demand for the lower-priced, higher octane fuel in Minnesota, other retailers are beginning to follow Kwik Trip’s lead and are adding 88 octane to their pumps.
It’s important to note that 88 octane gasoline is approved by the U.S. EPA for vehicles model year 2001 or newer, which means a vast majority of cars and trucks on the road today can use the fuel. Consider this stat taken from an article published by Agrinews, “over 60 million gallons of E15 was sold at Kwik Trip during the first year of the rollout and now averages sales of 25,000 gallons per store each month. That volume equates to 1.38 billion miles driven with Kwik Trip’s E15.”
That’s quite a good track record! In that same article, Kwik Trip manager of fuel procurement and marketing is quoted saying they haven’t had any claims from consumers using 88 octane. “We guarantee our fuel so our customers know that if they have a problem they’re going to reach out to us, and we have had nobody reach out to us on our unleaded 88 product. We’re very excited about those results.”
The market will continue to change, with more and more retailers adding the 88 octane. Perhaps we’re on track to see another year of exponential growth for this cleaner-burning fuel.


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Cambodia is looking to work with Alibaba Group to bring local products to markets in China and countries in Asia, Europe and Africa through the Lazada app, and increase exports by domestic small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME).
A video conference was held to this end on January 28 between Yim Chhay Ly, chairman of the National Committee for the Promotion of the One Village One Product (OVOP) Movement, and Alibaba representatives.
Song Juntao, chief of Alibaba’s Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) project, shared that nearly 1,000 Malaysian and Thai businesses are members of the Alibaba digital ecosystem, which he said helps SMEs export to more than 200 countries.
Alibaba’s Southeast Asia arm Lazada serves 650 million customers in six countries – Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia, he said.
The eWTP project was established and launched in 2016, and has garnered the support of Group of 20 (G20) leaders, he said, adding that the platforms are recognised by the heads of state and government of the countries that work with Alibaba.
Song noted that eWTPs are multilateral public-private partnerships that aim to enhance online commerce.
He added that eWTPs work with local and international partners to build digital infrastructure networks – including global operations, transportation, finance, payments and public service platforms – to spur business, sustainable development and integration of green development.
“Currently, eWTPs have been implemented in six countries in Asia, Europe and Africa. In particular in Asia, there are Malaysia and Thailand. The eWTP vision is to help partner countries expand exports through cross-border e-commerce, with a focus on economic development and environmental conservation,” Song said.
Federation of Associations for Small and Medium Enterprise of Cambodia (FASMEC) president Te Taingpor told The Post on January 30 that he welcomed teamwork with Alibaba.
He said the collaboration would boost exports by Cambodian SMEs through online channels and greatly contribute to achieving the goals of Industrial Development Policy 2015-2025, especially by promoting food processing.
He added that the policy puts a heavy stress on increasing production of processed products to generate more earnings and curb migration, as well as feed and otherwise help people across the country.
“We are happy to promote our SMEs’ products across the country through online sales channels,” Taingpor said.
He also suggested that it is high-time for China and South Korea to sign a memorandum of understanding on e-commerce-based exports, arguing that the number of Cambodian businesses selling online is significant.
However, even with the host of digital systems used in the Cambodian business ecosystem such as a much-acclaimed online registration portal, many SMEs lack a clear understanding of how they work or how they could be harnessed for success, he conceded.
Still, many SMEs are working to modernise, and FASMEC has trained a fair share of these smaller businesses, in the capital and all 24 provinces, on adopting and using the pertinent digital systems.


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After the Honeymoon of Selling Web-to-Print Program
Published on April 20, 2017
When you sell a web-to-print program, you have a brief honeymoon period that needs to be optimized. Stay focused on the business goals - get orders flowing through the system. Nobody wants to hear from a customer saying, its been six months and we've seen no value!
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Colter and Peterson Announces New Saber Cutting Line
Published: October 16, 2018
Finishing products manufacturer Colter and Peterson has been in the industry for 100 years and continues to innovate the paper finishing business. President Bruce Peterson, grandson of the company's founder, talks with Kelley Holmes about C&P's new line of Saber cutters.
SGIA Acquires Graphics of the Americas
Published: October 15, 2018
Ford Bowers, President and CEO of SGIA, talks with Cary Sherburne about SGIA's recent acquisition of the Graphics of the Americas show.
New Horizons for Standard Finishing Systems
Published: October 11, 2018
Paul Steinke, National Sales Manager for Standard Finishing Systems, talks about two new Horizon finishing units on display at PRINT 18: the StitchLiner Mark III and BQ-480 perfect binder, both of which include new automation features.


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With the number of electric cars now available and with the changing mindsets of consumers, it was bound to happen sooner rather than later. Sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have finally exceeded those of diesels in Western Europe, according to a report by the Financial Times.
BEVs accounted for 21 per cent of the market share in Western Europe at the end of December. Diesel vehicles, including diesel hybrids, made up 19 per cent. While electrified vehicles also beat diesels in sales in September, that number also included hybrids and PHEVs; this is the first time fully electric BEVs have topped oil burners.
Around 176,000 BEVs were sold in Western Europe that month – a European sales record – compared with around 160,000 diesel cars, the report says.
For decades, diesels were the most popular powertrain in Western Europe, helped along with fuel subsidies under the misconceptions that they had fewer emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles. But the decline of diesel in Europe began with the VW emissions scandal of 2015-2016; at that time, diesel sales made up half of the market, but they’ve now dropped to around one-fifth by the end of last year.
EV sales have since been steadily climbing, with strong financial incentives and stricter rules on automakers’ fleet emissions.


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More than seven years ago, scientists at Texas A&M University made headlines by cloning the first bull. Is it true that steaks from cloned cattle will now be sold in supermarkets? Officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are mooving in that direction. In late December 2006, after years of extensive study, they issued a preliminary report that concluded that meat and dairy products from cloned cows, goats, and pigs are as safe to eat as food from conventional animals. The FDA then initiated a ninety-day public-comment period on the decision, which would have ended in April. However, because the issue has generated so much controversy among consumer groups, the deadline was extended until May 3.
What’s all the fuss? In February, in the middle of the public-comment period, Dallas-
based Dean Foods announced that it would not accept milk from cloned cows regardless of the FDA’s final ruling. As the country’s largest producer and distributor of milk and other dairy products—it is responsible for brands ranging from Land O’Lakes to Hershey’s—Dean could dramatically affect the ability of cloned products to make their way into stores. The company says that it is only responding to its customers, who are worried about the safety of cloned food products. Critics of cloning argue that because the technology is so new, it’s not clear what the long-term problems might be for cloned animals or for people who eat them. They also point to the process’s high failure rate, which leaves many animals born with fatal deformities. And finally, there’s the ethical debate, which leads directly to the subject of human cloning. President George W. Bush went so far as to condemn that in his 2006 State of the Union speech, calling it one of the “most egregious abuses of medical research.”
As a refresher, what is cloning exactly? Let me first acknowledge that I majored in English, but here goes: Cloning exists in a number of forms—oh, the nuances of recombinant DNA technology—but generally is the process by which an animal is created using the genetic material of an existing animal. Remember Dolly the sheep, who became the first mammal ever cloned from adult DNA, in 1996? She was born as a result of reproductive cloning, in which DNA from a donor is transferred to an unfertilized egg whose nucleus has been removed (thus, the genetic material has been erased). The new cell is then stimulated, either through chemical or electrical means, to promote cell division. After a period of time in the lab, the embryo is placed inside a female for normal gestation. Then Mother Nature goes about her business, and with a little (or a lot of ) luck, a healthy animal is produced.
So are cloned animals exact copies of their donor? No, just like human twins aren’t exact copies of each other. As one industry Web site puts it, think of cloned animals as “an identical twin separated in time.”
How did Texas become so important to cloning? Texas produces more beef than any other state in the country, and Texas A&M quickly established itself as the leader in cloning research. In addition to the first bull, scientists there cloned the first-ever cat and horse, and A&M is the first university in the world to have cloned six different species. (Such successes led to appropriate names for the animals. The calf, cloned from a Brahman named Chance, was called Second Chance; the kitten was dubbed Copy Cat.)
What about private industry? Advances in College Station were key to the creation of an Austin-based company called ViaGen, which was formed in 2002. With about fifty employees, ViaGen has become one of the most prominent businesses of its kind in the world (so prominent, in fact, that in March it was featured on the Daily Show, in which a “correspondent” dropped a strand of his hair in a test tube and cloned himself). It specializes in cloning and gene banking, whereby an animal’s DNA is preserved in liquid nitrogen for future use. ViaGen has cloned a number of famous animals, including champion bulls and cutting horses, for ranchers across the country. As you might imagine, the technology is pricey, starting at $4,000 for a pig and $15,000 for a cow (you have to call about the fee for a horse). But, really, who can put a price tag on being reunited with that prize-winning steer?
Getting back to the FDA and cloned food, what happens after May 3? If the FDA’s conclusion stands, then the United States would be the first country in the world to allow the sale and consumption of cloned food products (sheep would still be banned because of ongoing research; score one for Dolly). And though a final decision has not been made, officials have suggested that if such products are legalized, special package labeling—cloned or uncloned—would not be necessary. Just one more thing to consider when you get ready to fire up that grill.


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On top of that, there will be new fighters within the roster.
According to the PlayStation description of the promo, the new games give users "unprecedented control to customise characters".
Boasting a new graphics engine, MK11 promises to showcase "every skull-shattering, eye-popping moment" and bring you "so close to the fight you can feel it". The gaming franchise that also turned into a series of films has been going for 25 years and the new promo is nothing short of anniversary release.
We also learn that the PC version is co-developed by Shiver.
Images show T-Mobile’s new eSIM app for iPhone XS and XR
Last December, Apple was caught in a storm after it confessed that it was slowing down the performance of older iPhone models. Nonetheless, the discovery of the icon suggests that the product might see daylight soon.
Mortal Kombat 11 is due to hit Steam on April 23rd, priced at £50/€60/$60. It will be livestreamed globally on NetherRealm's Twitch channel and will feature a keynote presentation. If you haven't heard of it, that's because it's an original, as announced on the official Mortal Kombat Twitter account.
Of course, we also get a comment by Mr. The inclusion of Shao Khan as DLC shouldn't surprise any Mortal Kombat fans, as Goro was previously relegated to add-on character back in Mortal Kombat X.
Although platforms were not confirmed, it would come as a great surprise to not see Mortal Kombat 11 on the Xbox One, with the developer's recent releases all being multi-platform.
A lot of announcements were made recently at The Game Awards, and one of the most influential fighting game franchises in history chose to become a part of it.


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Our opening hours over the Easter bank holiday period. We close at 5pm on Thursday 18th April and reopen at 9am on Tuesday 23rd April. Please note – last orders for pre-Easter delivery to UK mainland is Wednesday 17th April. … Continue Reading →
Ceildoor Products is reassuring customers that the UK’s department from the European Union will not impact our ability to manufacture access panels
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Ceildoor Products invest in new delivery vans to cope with demand for our range of Access Panels. The new delivery vans sport new livery.
Here at Ceildoor we are honoured to have supplied our access hatches to Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club (WWFC), widely referred to as Wolves – the pride of Wolverhampton and its local people.
For the second year running our office manager Zoe baked some delicious treats, for our team here at Ceildoor.
Ceildoor Products have recently manufactured a bespoke green access hatch for “Energy for life tropical reptile house” in Winchester
It’s our slimmest access panel yet!
On Thursday 15th June 2017 across the UK Alzheimer’s Society held a Cupcake Day – we took part this year, see how we got on…
Our own Essential access panel range is our cost-effective solution, with no compromise on quality. A simple, effective and competitively priced solution to your access panel needs.
See how our acoustic access panels are the best solution for a sound insulated environment…


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The initial public offering of MatrixOne, a software company that develops Internet business collaboration solutions, is expected to get off to an extremely strong start today. The company priced five million shares at $25 per share, above the IPO’s revised price range of $20 to $22 and more than double the low end of the original range of $12 to $14.
In a week full of hot IPOs, MatrixOne could well be one of the hottest. MatrixOne, which has Compaq as a shareholder, should benefit from a strong underwriting team led by Goldman Sachs. MatrixOne’s eMatrix software facilitates collaboration among different departments and geographic locations of global businesses. The company’s customers include 3Com and Honda.


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Intellect trends analysis finds widespread use and acceptance of outsourcing that is unlikely to be adversely affected by current financial instability.
A new cybercrime report shows that the rise in e-crime shows no signs of abating.
If you’ve ever been worried that hackers could be intercepting your online transactions, IBM could soon have the answer.
CERN is relying to SOA-based monitoring software to provide key alerts on the technical infrastructure underlying the world’s largest physics experiment.
The latest market research predicts a strong pipeline of outsourcing deals, but warns that buyers are slowing or deferring projects in response to the gloomy economic outlook.
The cost to large enterprises in recovering from an attack rises, according to an annual report on the impact of internet applications on business.
Monitor manufacturer keeps prodding fingers and germs at bay with strengthened protective screen.
The T-Mobile G1 featuring Google’s open source Android system went on sale in the UK today.
Move over Oyster, the mobile phone wallet could soon be here.
Merger could be on the way between Yahoo and AOL, further sticking the boot into Microsoft after its rejected bid for the search company.
Project aims to make it easier to work with and integrate microformats into applications.
Analysis: What will the future hold for Microsoft’s cloud computing platform and what does it means for developers.
Small businesses envy the tech that larger firms can afford, a survey has suggested.
Suppliers have welcomed the government’s mandate to roll out smart meter technology by 2020, but questions remain over who will pick up the bill.
NEC delivers a blade server solution to SMBs and shows that this technology doesn’t need an enterprise price tag.
Data loss can be one of the quickest ways to bring a business to its knees. So why aren’t more people concerned about keeping their files safe and secure?
Conservative and Liberal Democrat shadow ministers call for urgent review of the £12 billion NHS IT programme.
A report to investigate what countries are doing to strengthen the resilience of public communication networks finds a light touch approach in the UK.
Bored of traditional information technology? Maybe it’s time to join the dark side – become an online fraudster…
Two new machines arrive to bolster HP's netbook range, including one with integrated mobile broadband connectivity.
The infrastructure giant has teamed up with industry players to launch an initiative aimed at making the way companies use and store email much more efficient.
New devices help spur use of SMS and other messaging, according to the Mobile Data Association.
Taiwanese based manufacturer hopes it can have the same impact in growing smartphone market as it has had in netbooks.
Green computing company will take your old servers and give you its Janus II, charging just the monthly difference in energy bills.
In the year since the HMRC breach, some 277 incidents have been reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
A security vendor survey has revealed widespread access to inappropriate web content at school, highlighting a need to do more to protect pupils online.
Following on from the announcement of Windows 7, IT PRO brings you first-hand screenshots of the pre-beta release showing the new capabilities and new look.
The British grocery giant shows off its future view of how PC-savvy shoppers will be able to shop online for groceries and manage the household.
Auntie reveals plans for Live Mesh-based upgrade to the popular video and audio on-demand service.
Microsoft reveals the timeline and next version of its desktop Windows operating system, effectively marking the beginning of the end for its troubled Vista release.
Credit card data dealing on underground forums laid bare – service level agreements and efficient cash conversion that even the stock market could take lessons from.
Reducing costs and simplifying operations are the name of the game with new Optiplex systems, while Dell services are also enhanced.
As the T-Mobile G1 is set to launch in the UK this week, security researchers discover a vulnerability.
Microsoft is this week announcing details of its cloud computing platform, Windows 7 and more at its Professional Developers Conference in LA - and IT PRO is there to bring you all the news.
Microsoft and Fujitsu security leaders both announce the big threat of the economic downturn turning future IT graduates into criminals.
A poll has found organisations encrypting more data, but backup and key management still remain as challenges.
The Public Accounts Committee says the procurement of the national motorway communications upgrade contract cost £12 million more than it should have.
Canonical has announced the version 8.10 of its desktop and server Linux operating systems will be available for download on 30 October.
While five per cent of IT freelancers were out of work last quarter, it's not time to panic yet.
Security researchers report that more and more teenagers are turning to making trouble online, although many aren’t very good at it.


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Verizon reported that Q2 ’15 FiOS video subscriber additions declined to just 26K in Q2 ’15, down from 100K additions in Q2 ’14 and 140K additions in Q2 ’13. In the earnings call, Verizon CFO Fran Shammo pinned the blame for the declines on “triple play offer changes at a time of increased competitive intensity” before saying that its new Custom TV packages are now accounting for a third of all new video subscribers.
Verizon is the first big pay-TV operator to share its results and a key question is whether its weak quarter is an early indicator of an accelerating industry slowdown. Last week, in discussing Netflix’s breakout Q2 ’15 results in the U.S. (in which it added 900K subscribers vs. a range of 530K-630K additions in each of the prior second quarters), I asserted that Netflix’s gain could finally be coming at pay-TV’s expense, particularly among younger cord-nevers.
Controversy and confusion - two words that describe native video advertising. It may be one of the industry’s latest emerging ad formats, but brands, advertisers, media executives and even the Federal Trade Commission have been in advertising purgatory over it - questioning whether native video is a real form of advertising or a publisher trick to make consumers believe an ad is actually editorial content. Couple this with the debate over the high price tag, and the looming question remains: “Is native video advertising worth investing in?”
The answer is yes, and this article will explore why.
Viewability threaded its way through many of our sessions at last month’s Video Ad Summit, underscoring how important a topic it remains in the online video advertising industry.
Once again, the conference featured a dedicated session on viewability, which was presented by IAB and included Jonah Goodhart (CEO and Co-Founder, Moat), Rick Mandler (VP, Strategy and New Media Sales, ABC Television Networks), Mark Yackanich (CEO, Genesis Media), Julian Zilberbrand (EVP, Activation Standards, Insights and Technology, Zenith Optimedia), with Matt Prohaska (Principal, Prohaska Consulting) moderating.
The participants discussed the evolution of viewability standards, the challenges of consistently measuring viewability across devices, the complications resulting from Facebook and YouTube not allowing third-party viewability measurement, where viewability is heading over the next 12-18 months and much more.
Google highlighted YouTube’s audience and revenue growth in last week’s Q2 ’15 earnings call, with viewing time up 60%, the number of advertisers up 40% and the average spending of the top 100 advertisers up over 60%, all vs. a year ago. While Google has never broken out detailed YouTube performance, these selected data point to strong momentum at the video site.
At the 2015 Video Ad Summit, our session, “How to Capitalize on YouTube’s Vast Landscape With Winning Video Ad Campaigns” helped explain why YouTube is succeeding. The session included Michelle Bandler (Director of Brand Activation, Google), Al Cadena (Senior Account Director, Beeby Clark+Meyler), Hermann Hassenstein (Global Head of Marketing Planning, PUMA) and Art Zeidman (EVP, Chief Revenue Officer, Pixability), with Mike Shields (Senior Editor, The Wall Street Journal) moderating.
The session explored, among other things, how ad buyers think about YouTube and the key challenges the site faces in persuading traditional TV ad buyers to pursue YouTube. These include measurement, sales lift, business processes, incomplete experimentation, etc.
The group also discussed how advertisers work with YouTube influencers on branded entertainment, the rising importance of mobile, the impact of Facebook, how ads are optimized for YouTube and social media, plus much more.
I'm pleased to present the 282nd edition of the VideoNuze podcast with my weekly partner Colin Dixon of nScreenMedia.
This week we dig into Netflix’s Q2 ’15 results. As I wrote yesterday, the big number for me was the 900K subscriber additions in the U.S., breaking out of the narrow 530K-630K range over the past 3 years. If pay-TV video subscriber additions are soft for Q2 when reported over the next few weeks, then it will suggest accelerated cord-cutting and cord-nevering.
Colin also explores Netflix’s big international gains, its emerging movie strategy and its endorsement of the Charter-Time Warner Cable deal. While Netflix may well be negatively impacting the video side of the pay-TV business, we also discuss what impact it is having on the broadband side.
Listen in to learn more!
Click here to listen to the podcast (22 minutes, 25 seconds)
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The VideoNuze podcast is also available in iTunes...subscribe today!
Netflix released its Q2 ’15 earnings late yesterday, adding 3.28 million subscribers globally, almost twice as many as the 1.69 million it added in Q2 ’14. Everyone knows that Netflix has been expanding fast internationally, but what was most intriguing about the Q2 report was that Netflix added 900K subscribers in the U.S. vs. its forecast of 600K. The 900K compares with 570K U.S. adds in Q2 ’14, 630K in Q2 ’13 and 530K in Q2 ’12.
In other words, in Q2 ’15 Netflix significantly broke out of a relatively narrow growth range it had been in over the past 3 years in the seasonally-weak second quarter. The 900K add is even more noteworthy because Netflix has almost twice as many U.S. subscribers (42.3 million) now than it did 3 years ago (23.9 million). The law of large numbers suggests the bigger a company gets, the harder it is to achieve even comparable unit growth, much less greater growth.
At the 2015 Video Ad Summit, we reprised a session from 2014, focused on NewFronts, Upfronts and the Ongoing Battle for Video Ad Budgets, including Jackie Kulesza, EVP, Group Director, Digital Acceleration, Starcom and Adam Shlachter, Chief Investment Officer, Digitas Lbi, with Tim Hanlon from The Verrtere Group moderating.
The session included a deep dive into why the Upfronts are still important to advertisers even as online video advertising spending has soared. Still, Jackie and Adam agreed that advertisers are seeking more flexibility than ever to buy in real-time and optimize their campaigns, which has put huge pressure on the Upfront process.
The session also touched on the important role of data, why price is still a critical issue, how measurement challenges are still holding back true cross-platform audience buying, how advertisers are adapting and much more.
Mobile ad platform Opera Mediaworks has launched Opera House, a creative studio, to help brands and agencies create compelling mobile video ads based on best practices and data. Opera House includes 60+ professionals around the world who will work with brands and agencies to help optimize mobile video campaigns for mobile’s unique features such as the camera, gyroscope, vibration and GPS.
Beyond creative and technical development assistance, Opera will also test the campaigns at increasing scale and across multiple devices to ensure successful launch. Specific ad unit executions could include native video, short-form video and selfie ads.


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Last week, Samsung started rolling out the Android 7.0 Nougat update to users of the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge and now the company is setting its sights on the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. The company has started working on the Android Nougat update for the 2015 flagship devices.
According to SamMobile, the initial build number is “XXS5DPK7” but this won’t be the final number once the build has been completed. Also, since the development of the update for the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge has just started, it’s extremely unlikely that we’ll see the update begin rolling out before the end of 2016.
It’s also unknown whether Samsung will remove any of the added features from its new Grace UX which is found with the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. Hopefully, there is hope that Samsung will bring Grace UX to the 2015 flagships for the sake of consistency across the “Galaxy” brand.


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MediaTek has started teasing the industry’s first 4nm chipset, likely the Dimensity 2000, and reports indicate that the upcoming flagship chip might also break the one-million mark on Antutu Benchmark.
(Update, November 19: The world’s first 4nm TSMC chipset is here! Check out the MediaTek Dimensity 9000’s features now.)
Recently, an unverified Antutu score of a Vivo device with model number V2184 sporting a MediaTek MT6983 (aka Dimensity 2000 chip) inside has made rounds on the internet. The Vivo unit in question achieved an overall result of 1,002,220 points and scored 250,385 in CPU tests.
The Dimensity 2000 is said to feature one ARM Cortex-X2 prime core operating at 3GHz alongside three Cortex-A710 cores and four Cortex-A510 cores. This is the same setup as the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 898 and Samsung Exynos 2200 flagship chips. Additionally, the Dimensity 2000 is rumored to use a 10-core Mali-G710 GPU, which is 20% faster than the Mali-G78.
For context, the current Antutu performance global leaderboards lists the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Plus-based RedMagic 6 Pro as the top-performing Android smartphone with a score of 858,734. The Snapdragon 888 Plus, on the other hand, has never recorded 900,000 points on any verified device.
Both M1-powered Apple iPad Pro models have breached the 1,000,000 barrier in the past, though. The latest iPhone 13 series phones failed to reach similar results, with the top-end iPhone 13 Pro Max posting an average score of 843,813 points.
The news comes at about the same time as Taiwanese company’s CEO announced that MediaTek is now the largest smartphone SoC maker globally, with mobile chips accounting for 56% of its revenue in the third quarter of 2021. But clearly the company is not resting on its laurels, investing mightily in the high-end chip business, which could lead to the first Android phone on the market with a historic Antutu score.
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Twitter announced the acquisition of Scroll, a subscription service that removes ads, pop-ups, and other unwanted content from webpages so that readers can focus on the content.
This service is part of Twitter’s plans to invest in subscriptions, and it will be one of the features offered to Premium subscribers. These users will then be able to use Scroll to read news media articles more easily.
The service now works on hundreds of websites, such as Atlantic OceanAnd the USA Today or The Daily Beast. Scroll tells media publishers that the cleaner content it offers can earn them more money than ads.
Scroll will temporarily suspend new customer registrations to focus on integrating its product into its Twitter subscription offering. However, the company will continue to incorporate new publishers who wish to participate in the network at a later time.
“Twitter is there to serve the public debate,” said Tony Haley, President and CEO of Scroll, in a statement released by the company. The mission assigned to us is simple: Take the Scroll template and platform and develop them so that everyone who uses Twitter can experience the Internet without friction or frustration, which is a great gathering of people who love news and pay. To support them in the long term. “
Twitter detailed subscription development plans earlier this year to diversify beyond ad revenue. The company revealed what it calls “Super Follow,” a creator-focused subscription that will give fee-paying subscribers access to a wide range of benefits, such as exclusive content, member-only newsletters, offers, badges, paid media, etc. that.
The company aims to use this new product to help it achieve its goal of doubling revenues, from $ 3.7 billion in 2020 to $ 7.5 billion or more in 2023.
“Hardcore beer fanatic. Falls down a lot. Professional coffee fan. Music ninja.”


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Jay-Z Sued Over Alleged Memoir Plagiarism
Jay-Z is being sued for plagiarism, with author Patrick White claiming the 42-year-old rapper stole portions of White’s writing and used them in his own memoir, Decoded.
In a case filed on June 13 in Los Angeles, White accused the 42-year-old of plagiarism. The New York Daily News quoted White as claiming in the handwritten lawsuit:
“In 2009, my personal computer was compromised, resulting in my personal work to be used in Jay-Z’s book ‘Decoded’ which was released in 2010. The book contains various expressions/colors/phrases which correlates to my work. After contacting or attempting to contact the co-author, I got no reply.”
According to Allhiphop.com, co-author Dream Hampton and publisher Random House are also included in the lawsuit. White is seeking unspecified damages for copyright infringement and invasion of property.
White’s lawsuit is not the first faced by the musician this year – in March, Jay-Z and Kanye West settled a copyright infringement lawsuit that alleged the men stole a sample of music for their song ‘The Joy.’
Decoded was released by the rapper in November 2010, and is a collection of lyrics and the story behind what they mean. The book attracted significant attention after Jay-Z teamed up with search engine Bing to create a scavenger hunt that “hid” all 305 pages in 200 locations that have been pivotal in his life. The grand prize for the first fan to ‘decode’ the pages online was a lifetime two-person pass to every single Jay-Z show for the rest of their lives.


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Music Business Worldwide is launching a new monthly interview series, trailblazerpowered by Believe.
trailblazer will shine the spotlight on exciting music entrepreneurs who are making waves in their local market and who could very soon have a global impact.
This series will be proud to feature fast-rising business people (and very bright thinkers) in multiple regions around the world – from North America to Latin America, Europe to Asia Pacific, Africa and beyond.
Each interviewee will share their experiences of building an independent music business and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Watch out for our first interview in the series with Luis Sanchez – the CEO and founder of Mexican record label AfinArte – in brief.
AfinArte has multi-million stream artists on its list, with a particularly strong presence in regional Mexican music.
Discussing his company’s support for the trailblazer Series, Founder and CEO of Believe, Denis loading galleonsaid: “We believe the future of music lies in a new generation of local superstars – it will all be about regional powerhouses taking over.
“With local experts in 50 countries, Believe’s goal is to continuously find and develop the kind of local talent you’ll soon be hearing about in MBWs trailblazer Series.
“I look forward to giving the floor to some of the most inspiring and forward-thinking entrepreneurs in many diverse and unique global markets, with whom we share a common vision to shape the music industry of tomorrow.”
MBW founder, Tim Inhamsaid: “Just as tomorrow’s global streaming hits can come from anywhere in the world, so can the most exciting entrepreneurs in the music industry of the future.
“I am particularly looking forward to MBWs trailblazer, powered by Believe, because there are literally no limits to this series. Whether an indie entrepreneur starts making noise in the United States or Uruguay, Nigeria or Nepal, we want to show their story.
“Thanks to you trailblazer Don’t be surprised if the world’s next game-changing music entrepreneur hits the pages of MBW – before you hear about it anywhere else.”
Believe advises artists and labels, and distributes and promotes their music through a portfolio of brands including TuneCore, Nuclear Blast, Naïve, Groove Attack and AllPoints.
Headquartered in Paris, the company operates in more than 50 countries and employs 1,430 people worldwide who, according to their own statements, “wish to support independent artists and labels with unique digital expertise, respect, fairness and transparency”.music business worldwide
https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/mbw-is-launching-a-new-interview-series-trailblazers-supported-by-believe/ MBW is launching a new interview series, Trailblazers, powered by Believe


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A recent update to the HBO Max app on tvOS has reportedly introduced a number of bugs and broken compatibility with key Apple TV platform features like Siri integration.
HBO exited Apple TV Channels after HBO Max launched last year, but the company continued to use Apple's tvOS API as a software backbone. That changed on Wednesday when HBO switched to homegrown player software as part of an app update.
The new HBO Max app is apparently bug-ridden and makes for what Screentimes calls a "horrifically bad" experience.
For example, users are no longer able to access certain Siri prompts like "What did he/she say?," an automatic rewind feature that plays back a portion of a movie with closed captioning. According to the report, nearly all Siri commands are non-functional.
Siri Remote support was also broken with yesterday's update. Users can no longer skip forward or backward with a quick tap of the remote's directional pad — or trackpad, for older devices — and touching the same interface no longer displays a show's timeline. Pausing and scrubbing through a content timeline causes the timestamp marker to move only to the start or end of a show.
Display quality is also affected, as SDR content is "forced" into what appears to be a poorly interpolated HDR mode that blows out brightness and renders colors incorrectly.
HBO has not commented on the release or its decision to move away from Apple's API.
Follow all of WWDC 2021 with comprehensive AppleInsider coverage of the week-long event from June 7 through June 11, including details on new launches and updates.


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German coffee roasting equipment giant Probat has developed new burner technology for heating coffee roasters using hydrogen.
It represents the first broad-scale introduction of hydrogen power systems in the coffee roaster manufacturing industry, which has primarily upon natural gas, resulting in higher greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to the hydrogen introduction, Probat recently completed a roughly roughly €40 million (US$39.8 million, as of this writing) expansion to the manufacturing plant at its Emmerich, Germany, headquarters for increased roaster production.
Probat CTO Thomas Koziorowski told Daily Coffee News that Probat’s research and development of hydrogen-powered roasting started roughly two years ago, while major developments over the past six months have propelled the hydrogen-powered Probat P05 shop roaster into a production-ready reality.
The company showed off its inaugural hydrogen machine, a Probat P05, at its invite-only Connecting Markets symposium in September.
“This is not just a proof-of-concept experiment; P05 is available for quotations and delivery next year,” Koziorowski told Daily Coffee News. “We will bring a hydrogen-powered shop roaster in other sizes to the market fairly soon. Adjustments of the burner technology for implementation in industrial roasters are currently in progress.”
The hydrogen-power rollout comes at the end of a year in which Probat also dove headfirst into the field of electric roasters. Earlier this year, the company expanded sales of its electric P05 E roaster to the United States. Approximately three months later, it launched the electric 1-kilo-capacity P01, replacing the gas-powered Probatino sample roaster model.
Hydrogen burner retrofits will soon be made available for existing P05-model roasters, and the target for offering retrofit components for larger industrial production roasters is the beginning of next year.
Regarding the application of hydrogen power, Koziorowski said roasting companies could could turn to the existing infrastructures of other industries for safely acquiring the odorless, invisible and highly combustible gas.
While not as convenient or environmentally friendly as electricity, hydrogen generated from low-carbon or renewable energy sources — a.k.a. “green hydrogen” — is widely considered to be a more sustainable option when compared to natural gas or propane.
“‘Green’ electricity is still considered the best option for powering a roaster, followed by ‘green’ hydrogen where direct electrification is not possible,” said Koziorowski. “Hydrogen has been used in different industries over decades, so safety standards exist. In some countries a refill system for hydrogen bottles exists, which could be used for a shop roaster. Also for the industry sizes there are different options available to get and store hydrogen.”
Hydrogen, electric and traditional roasters are all currently in production in Emmerich. New construction at the manufacturing plant includes some 21,650 square meters (233,038 square feet).
“While the new production hall was being built, work in the existing workshop adjacent to the new site never stopped,” Koziorowski said. “Now, production is in full swing in both halls.”
In addition to continuing development of hydrogen-powered burner systems for larger roasters, Probat remains focused on extending its PILOT 2020 software platform to its entire product portfolio. The company is also following a “climate action plan” announced in September, with the goal of reducing its carbon dioxide emissions to net zero by 2030.
Does your coffee business have news to share? Let DCN’s editors know here.


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- Government has warned of probe to find if any e-commerce violations
- Questionnaire sent to Amazon, Flipkart asking details about sellers
- E-tailers typically announce discounts to spur sales in festival season
E-commerce majors Amazon India and Flipkart have been asked to reveal the top sellers on their platforms. A detailed questionnaire has been sent to Amazon and Flipkart by the government, sources told NDTV. The development comes days after Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal suggested an investigation on e-commerce players to check any violation of norms, saying: "E-commerce firms have no right to discount products and use predatory pricing to dominate retail sales." E-tailers typically announce discounts in their separate limited-period sales to spur sales during the festival season.
"Amazon has a high bar for compliance and we continue to comply with all applicable laws of the land. Amazon.in is a third party marketplace where sellers offer their products to customers for sale," an Amazon India spokesperson said.
"Sellers on amazon.in have the absolute discretion to decide what products to sell and at their prices. Amazon cannot and does not participate in seller's decision related to their products and its prices,” the spokesperson added.
Queries sent to Flipkart remained unanswered. Last week, Flipkart had said it was compliant with all applicable laws after the Commerce Minister's comments hinted at a probe into alleged predatory pricing in the e-commerce space.
Amazon.in and Flipkart announced record transactions on their respective platforms earlier this month.
In just five days of the first edition of its "Great Indian Festival" sale, Amazon said it received orders from 99.4 per cent of pincodes in the country.
Similarly, Flipkart said that during its six-day "Big Billion Days" sale, it registered an almost 50 per cent increase in the number of new customers compared with the previous year.
According to market research firm Forrester, online retailers in India are expected to generate about $4.8 billion in sales from September 25 to October 29.
The availability of affordable internet and smartphones makes India an attractive market for companies such as Flipkart and Amazon, according to analysts.
(With inputs from agencies)
Get Breaking news, live coverage, and Latest News from India and around the world on NDTV.com. Catch all the Live TV action on NDTV 24x7 and NDTV India. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram for latest news and live news updates.


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Currently, the AMOLED panel market, are used in smart phones, the company dominates Samsung Display. However, this market has attracted many manufacturers, especially Chinese, so that sooner or later the South Korean giant will begin to feel their presence.
According to Digitimes Research analyst, it will happen in 2019. By this time, the production volumes will grow enough and the Chinese smartphone makers will more readily use the panels of this type in their products.
Already AMOLED panel of Chinese companies manufacture EverDisplay Optronics, Tianma Microelectronics and Govisionox Optoelectronics used smartphones Coolpad, Xiaomi Technology and ZTE. Total Chinese manufacturers this year will release 2.4 million AMOLED panels. According to the forecast of analysts, will increase to 2.6 million units in the future, the amount of the issue, in 2018 – to 3.5 million units, and in 2019 – to 4.8 million units. In comparison, only its main customer Samsung Electronics Company Samsung Display this year will ship about 240 million panels.
Source: by Digitimes


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From funky-fresh indie studio Funktronic Labs‘ comes sci-fi adventure/puzzler Nova-111. Bringing together a mix of turn-based movement and attacks with both turn-based and real-time threats, Nova-111 manages to evoke memories of the classic Chip’s Challenge.
Players control the Nova, a scientific vessel that has been flung into a strange dimension of mixed time, and are charged with guiding the ship and 111
collectible rescuable scientists back to safety. Along the way, upgrades can be found for the Nova that give the player more ways to move about the environment and manipulate time. Puzzles present themselves not only in navigating the terrain, but in the crafty and effective dispatchment of enemies. Combine this with the vibrant art and groovy music from Funktronic Labs, and progressing through Nova-111 can quickly approach a dance-like experience of timing and positioning. With global leaderboards for both “least turns” and “least time,” it surely won’t be long before some amazing speedruns appear.
The puzzle platformer Closure was released on PSN this week. The puzzles are designed around the idea that darkness is treated as empty space. Manipulating light and darkness to exit each level is the primary goal of the game.
Closure got its start as a small Flash release before being remade and expanded upon for the PS3. You can still play the original version here, on Newgrounds.
TIGdb: Entry for Closure
The puzzle-platformer Closure is coming to PSN in 2012, according to creators Tyler Glaiel and Jon Schubbe. The game, which began as a Flash project on Newgrounds, treats darkness as empty space, and all of its puzzles revolve around that concept.
The team is planning on released PC and Mac ports of Closure some time after the PSN release.
TIGdb: Entry for Limbo
In a new series of videos, artist Alex Ahad and programmer Mike “Mike Z” Zaimont describe a previously unrevealed character from Skullgirls, their upcoming 2d fighting game:
Four years after the release of Everyday Shooter, Jonathan Mak has announced his latest game, Sound Shapes, a “musical platformer” that lets you play, create, and share levels built using a music sequencer-like editor. EDIT: The game is a collaboration between Jonathan and musician Shaw-Han Liem (aka I am Robot and Proud).
(Source: Esquar, via TIGForums)
As everyone knows, the holidays are a very sexy time of year. And in the spirit of such an occasion, I bring you five very sexy indie game videos to watch while you drink hot marshmallows and launch missile toes at your loved ones. Enjoy!
To begin: here’s some new footage of thatgamecompany’s latest project, Journey. It looks beautiful, natch. But also so very ronery…
Looking to tap into heretofore undiscovered human emotions, Flow/Flower developer thatgamecompany announced just moments ago that it would be creating a new PS3 game based on the songs and story of the popular American rock band Journey. According to TGC President Kellee Santiago, the game takes only partial inspiration from the 1983 arcade game.
Well, actually, no, but it’s an idea that sounds pretty intriguing, nonetheless! According to the game’s press release, “the player walks, glides, and flies through a vast and awe-inspiring landscape, while discovering the history of an ancient, mysterious civilization along the way”. The game is being promoted as a unique online experience to be shared with strangers that you can meet and explore the world with. See here for the full announcement, including some more lovely screenshots. (Source: Esquar, via TIGForums)
Wow, there are some really, really nice-looking indie games coming out soon. First off, it was recently announced that Dean Dodrill’s Dust: An Elysian Tail is heading to XBLA in 2011. The music is being done by Hyperduck Studios.
Here’s an E3 trailer for Klei Entertainment’s violent, side-scrolling platformer/beat ’em up Shank. EA Partners is publishing the game and helping to bring it to XBLA, PSN, and the PC. Klei has also been working with God of War writer Marianne Krawczyk to craft Shank’s storyline (which hopefully involves a lot of stabbing). According to Jamie Cheng, the two met at GDC in 2008 and discussed collaborating on an indie game together.
Finally, animator/illustrator Michel Gagné’s Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet is also coming out on XBLA.
Wow. Do you guys remember Grand Theftendo (web archive), Brian Provinciano’s homebrew NES demake of Grand Theft Auto? The game first came to my attention around 2004, but dropped out of sight after a year or so, only to resurface in 2009 as an entrant in that year’s IGF! It seemed like a pretty sweet project.
Anyway, after IGF the game went back into hiding, so it comes as quite a surprise that just a few hours ago Brian’s company, Vblank Entertainment, announced Retro City Rampage for WiiWare. According to the game’s website, RCR is slated for a Fall release. More details will be released in the upcoming issue of Nintendo Power.
It just goes to show you – never give up! Who knows? Maybe someday They Came From Hollywood will even see the sunshine! (Okay, so there’s probably not enough hope in 50 million Obamas for that outcome. But we can dream.)
(Source: Tiny Cartridge)
2010 IGF Grand Prize nominee Joe Danger is arriving on PSN much sooner. Specifically, it’s coming out on June 8th (North America) and June 9th (rest of the world). Developer Hello Games had originally announced that they were looking at XBLA, PC, and PSN, but earlier this year it was revealed that the game would be a PSN exclusive.
Speaking of IGF nominees and PSN, Eufloria is also heading to the PlayStation Network in early 2011. According to Alex May, “this reboot, much of which will come as a free update to current and future owners of the game, will feature some of the things we wanted to get in the first time around but couldn’t because of pesky things like day jobs and deadlines and other such nonsense”. Sounds great! And dude quit his job to work on the game full time! Congratulations!
Oh yes, and then there’s this:


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Washington DC [USA]: Substantial targeted policies are needed to support the global economy through coronavirus epidemic as the health crisis will have a significant economic fallout, reflecting shocks to supply and demand different from past crises, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.
The goal is to prevent a temporary crisis from permanently harming people and firms through job losses and bankruptcies, said Gita Gopinath, Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department at IMF.
"Substantial targeted policies are needed to support the economy through the epidemic, keeping intact the web of economic and financial relationships between workers and businesses, lenders and borrowers, and suppliers and end-users for an activity to recover once the outbreak fades," she wrote in a blog post on Monday (local time).
The first priority is clearly to keep people as healthy and as safe as possible. Countries can help by spending more to boost their health systems, including on personal protective equipment, screening, diagnostic tests, and additional hospital beds.
Without a vaccine to stop the virus, countries have taken measures to limit its spread, like travel restrictions, temporary school closures, and quarantines. Such measures also buy valuable time to avoid overwhelming health systems.
The economic impact is already visible in the countries most affected by the outbreak. For example, in China, manufacturing and service sector activity declined dramatically in February.
While the drop in manufacturing is comparable to the start of 2008 global financial crisis, the decline in services appears larger this time -- reflecting the large impact of social distancing.
Gopinath said the coronavirus epidemic involves both supply and demand shocks. Business disruptions have lowered production, creating shocks to supply. And consumers' and businesses' reluctance to spend has lowered demand.
When these shocks are synchronised across many countries, the effects can be further amplified through international trade and financial linkages, dampening global activity and pushing commodity prices down.
Oil prices have fallen dramatically in recent weeks and are about 30 per cent below their levels at the start of the year.
Countries reliant on external financing could find themselves at risk of sudden stops and disorderly market conditions, possibly requiring foreign exchange intervention or temporary capital flow measures, wrote Gopinath.
"Considering that the economic fallout reflects particularly acute shocks in specific sectors, policymakers will need to implement substantial targeted fiscal, monetary, and financial market measures to help affected households and businesses," she said.
Central banks should be ready to provide ample liquidity to banks and nonbank finance companies, particularly to those lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises, which may be less prepared to withstand a sharp disruption.
Governments could offer temporary and targeted credit guarantees for the near-term liquidity needs of these firms, said Gopinath adding that financial market regulators and supervisors could also encourage, on a temporary and time-bound basis, extensions of loan maturities.


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Johnny Rockets takes its malt shop brand abroad
The Americana appeal of Johnny Rockets, with its malt-shop feel and menu largely made up of burgers and shakes, is finding a growing audience outside the United States, where more than half of its 352 restaurants now operate. The West Coast-born chain aims to continue capitalizing on that appeal as it intensifies growth efforts abroad, opting for smaller-scale operators and markets where economic growth is on the upswing.
From his post in Istanbul, Turkey, where he originally landed in the mid-‘90s as a franchisee of TGI Fridays, Johnny Rockets’ SVP of International Business Stephen O’Connor said the burger segment is “solid, especially the better burger market,” and consumer demand for American brands remains high, even in the face of geopolitical tensions.
“People like Americans, they like American culture, American things—even if they may not like our politics,” said O’Connor, who in addition to TGI Fridays worked on the overseas expansion of Ruby Tuesday and Sbarro, and was VP of casual dining for Kuwait-based mega-franchisee M.H. Alshaya Co. “They can separate those two things. Ninety percent of the time people like American things.”
Johnny Rockets franchisee Giangiacomo Groppetti, above, opened his fifth location in Italy last fall. The restaurant in Rome, top photo, is inside the Euroma2 shopping center.
Johnny Rockets opened more than 20 international units in 2019, including restaurants in Brazil, South Korea, Italy, Nigeria and Mexico. But the company isn’t simply looking to accelerate entry into multiple markets “and just plant flags,” said O’Connor. “We look at markets with a strong economy, strong currency. Places where we can command good average unit volumes” and where “they’re not so restrictive on outside international investment.”
When he was with TGI Fridays, one of the first casual dining brands to expand internationally decades ago, O’Connor said he learned it’s a matter of “really knowing what not to do,” particularly when selecting franchise partners. “Make sure you go into places that have competent management,” he noted, and find those who share the same value system because “people’s behaviors don’t change.”
Franchisees in overseas markets must also have solid financials, real estate connections and “the correct political affiliations,” said O’Connor.
“What I mean by this is, that at times in some regions where being in favor with the ruling party or administration can be a benefit by opening doors and opportunities, so can being out of favor,” O’Connor explained. “For example, if there is a change in administration and the franchisee ends up on the wrong side of the power change, it can negatively affect the business stability. This may affect access to licensing, real estate and even permitting.”
Johnny Rockets has also opted to identify local franchisees who can develop handfuls of restaurants instead of giant players such as the aforementioned Alshaya group, which has more than 30 American brands in its portfolio.
“Master franchising sounds good, but it’s a low control environment,” said O’Connor. “Plus you give up some of the royalties as well.”
More Italians dining out
In Italy, which O’Connor called “a wasteland of U.S. concepts that have tried to go in there,” franchisee Giangiacomo Groppetti opened his fifth Johnny Rockets last fall and the brand’s first in Rome. His real estate background, including selling and renting restaurant locations, has proven essential to development, especially as his group seeks space in malls and shopping centers.
“These venues have growing importance in Italy and are undergoing development projects,” he said. “The large number of daily visits” translates “into many potential customers.”
The Rome restaurant, inside the Euroma2 shopping center, joins Groppetti’s other stores in the Brescia and Verona provinces outside Milan. Johnny Rockets, he said, was an opportunity to diversify his group’s investments, and he loved the “timeless experience” along with the “quality of the menu and the fun and familiar atmosphere.”
Italians, he noted, have always been attracted to “what’s American,” and consumers there are increasingly spending more of their food budget on dining out.
“In the last 15 years, more then 3.5 million people have changed their eating habits, choosing to have lunch in a restaurant,” he pointed out. “If we combine this data with the appeal of American brands on Italian consumers, we can see how Johnny Rockets can be—and has been—a successful investment.”
Other burger brands such as Five Guys have stepped up their development in Italy, and Groppetti noted local Italian food chains such as American Graffiti and Old Wild West are creating Italian versions of the classic American casual diner.
Johnny Rockets’ food quality, though, sets it apart, he said, and while “at the beginning we offered a 100 percent corporate menu, which has been appreciated and is keeping up with expectations,” over the past four years since signing the first franchise agreement the group has introduced LTO menus “that could meet the Italian taste.” Recent items include a Honey BBQ Crunch Burger and Loaded Bacon Crunch Chips.
Groppetti’s sixth Johnny Rockets is set to open soon in Bergamo, northeast of Milan.
Brazilian franchisee Antonio Augusto Ribeiro de Souza, second from left.
Since opening the first Johnny Rockets in the Sao Paulo suburb of Guarulhos in 2014, Antonio Augusto Ribeiro de Souza has added 22 more in Brazilian cities such as Goiania and Rio de Janeiro. It’s “full speed ahead,” said the former McDonald’s franchisee, with seven more stores set to open in the next six months.
“We have been in Brazil for six years now, and Brazilians identify with international brands and the product, hamburger, itself,” said Souza. “Also, Johnny Rockets is a fun brand, something that the Brazilian population also relates to.”
Souza, who owned an import/export brokerage firm in the 1980s, became a McDonald’s franchisee in the early ‘90s, has operated other local franchises and created several brands. He was drawn to Johnny Rockets for its brand identity, product quality and “the difference in customer experience, which is essential in our market,” he said.
“ … We have a differential when it comes to hospitality and service,” Souza continued, and are “always seeking to renew and offer what customers are looking for.”
Case in point: the Johnny Rockets restaurant design. “The ‘50s style is no longer differentiating in Brazil, so we are updating the design concept of the restaurants to be more contemporary while still maintaining our brand identity,” said Souza. “We are adapting the new global Fusion design of the brand, which combines heritage elements with contemporary touches, and it is getting a great response.”
Souza’s restaurants maintain Johnny Rockets’ core menu, but to meet “cultural nuances,” he’s made some adaptations.
“For instance, Brazilians have different lunch habits and like to eat platters versus burgers, which are seen more like a snack,” he explained. “To meet this need, we are the first country to offer a ‘special menu’ of full meal plates such as ribs, steaks, pasta, etc., and it has been very successful for us.”
That willingness to adapt is what helps set Johnny Rockets apart from local burger competitors such as Madero, The Fifties and Bullguer, noted Souza. “We are always looking to innovate and keep track of new trends.”


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On June 5, 2019, beauty giant Sephora is going to close more than 400 stores in the morning for company wide inclusion workshops for its employees, according to a statement posted to the company’s website.
The closure of 400+ stores will include some 16,000 employees and the training courses and inclusion workshops are designed to help educate and train employees about Sephora’s brand values.
The closures are not just for retail stores with the company-wide training also including Sephora’s distribution centers and corporate offices.
Sephora said in a statement that it "believes in championing all beauty," and "building a community where diversity is expected.”
The values-training comes at a time where consumers are hyper-sensitive to discrimination that happens while shopping, dining out, and even using ride-sharing apps.


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Apr 26: Wendt India Ltd (BSE: 505412, NSE: WENDT) has soared 6.55% to 3370 in morning trade on Thursday on better Q4FY 18 results. Net profit rose 52% to Rs 5.72 crore while sales turnover was flat at Rs 35.21 cr. The improved profitability is due to product mix and higher income during the current year, the company said.
The scrip is trading at a Price Earnings Ratio (PE) of 54 indicating higher valuation by market. Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 66 indicates bullishness and MACD line that witnessed a bullish crossover has again witnessed another crossover singaling a change in direction prices. ADX of 40 indicates uptrend.
On a Consolidated basis, the Company achieved sales of Rs 38.90 cr during the current quarter and profit after tax of Rs 4.90 crs, higher by 88% over the previous year. Accordingly, on a standalone basis, the Company achieved a sale of Rs. 126.85 cr during the year ended 31st March’2018 which is at the last year level. The domestic sales have been at Rs. 88.28 cr, which is 10% lower than the previous year.
Export sales were at Rs. 38.57 cr, higher by 28% over the previous year. The profit after tax has been at Rs. 12.30 cr, higher by 5% over the previous year. Accordingly, on a consolidated basis, the Company’s sales during the current year, was at Rs. 144.32 cr, which is at the previous year level. The profit after tax for the current year has been at Rs. 13.12 cr which is 9% higher than the previous year. The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary in Thailand, Wendt Grinding Technologies Ltd, presented yet another year of sustainable performance despite the turbulent economic situation and subdued industrial activities.
During the year, the subsidiary achieved sales of Rs 18.44 cr, higher by 12% over the previous year. The Profit after tax was Rs 2.83 cr, higher by 32% over the previous year. The company’s other wholly owned subsidiary in Sharjah, Wendt Middle East, clocked sales of Rs. 4.12 cr during the year in-spite of tough market situation in the Middle East and sustained its operations at last year’s level. Accordingly, the profit after tax has been lower at Rs. 7 lakhs. A dividend of Rs 15 per share was approved by the Board of Directors.
Wendt India belongs to the Chennai based Rs 300 bn Murugappa Group and is a leading manufacturer of super abrasive grinding wheels (Diamond and Cubic Boron Nitride) special purpose grinding machines and tools.


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Ghana farmers get SMS info service
VALUE ADDED SERVICES| Dec. 20, 2011, 7:09 a.m.
MTN Ghana has launched the MTN/Esoko M-Agric Service, aimed at providing agricultural information in the form of SMS alerts to its customers.
The service will provide information on farming and agric produce through the short code 1900 at a cost of 8p per text. Customers can request for information such as produce price alerts, bids and offers, and news and advisories, using the short code. Other services available on the platform include, inventory counts and transport information.
MTN is sponsoring the training of 500 farmers on the use and benefits of the Esoko Information Product. These farmers will also enjoy free SMS subscription to Esoko’s market information for one year.
This initiative provides a platform for famers and agricultural enterprises to interact with their customers through the mobile phone.
Launching the service, the Corporate Services Executive of MTN, Mrs. Cynthia Lumor, expressed the telecom giant’s excitement at being part of a project which demonstrates MTN’s commitment to innovation and the provision of world class telecom services to Ghanaians.
“We at MTN are very excited to partner Esoko on this project to make available to our valued customers relevant and up to date information related to farming. This is aimed at enriching the lives of our customers by providing them unlimited access to agricultural information,” she said.
She expressed the hope that the project would further boost the growth of the agricultural industry, described as the backbone of economic development of Ghana.
Esoko is an agricultural market information platform created to respond to the ever increasing cellular services in Africa which is managed on the web and delivered via mobile. Individuals, agri-business, government and projects can use Esoko to collect and send out market data using simple text messaging. The platform provides automatic and personalized price alerts, buy and sell offers, bulk SMS messaging, stock counts and SMS polling.
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