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MILAN (REUTERS) - Italian brands Missoni and Fendi kicked off the first day of Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday, with designers once again forced to swap the buzzing catwalks for digital presentations due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A year after Italy registered its first positive case of the coronavirus in the north, leading to the first lockdown in Europe, designers have had to find new ways to entice fashionistas with their creations.
Known for its zig-zag Fiammato, or flamed, pattern and colourful designs, Missoni was the first fashion house to stream a video of its latest womenswear, blending clothes for autumn/winter with those for spring/summer.
Filmed at Milan's Assago Forum, a venue that has been shut for months, models re-enacted social gatherings from bowling games to catch-ups with friends.
They wore sparkling knits, loose trouser suits, long ribbed dresses and casual wear in an array of colours.
Some donned hats and scarves while others modelled swimwear in the video, which was filmed as if in one continuous shot.
There was glittering party wear as well in what Missoni described as "a celebration of the return to a normal social life".
"I mixed and matched pieces from different seasons to highlight the concept of wardrobe," creative director Angela Missoni said in a statement.
Designer Kim Jones made his ready-to-wear debut at Rome-based Fendi, presenting a neutral-toned autumn/winter line.
Following in the footsteps of late designer Karl Lagerfeld, who collaborated with the brand for 54 years, Jones opened the presentation with a fur coat, a Fendi staple.
Coats, cropped knit tops, high-waisted trousers and pinstripe silk shirt dresses followed.
Models wore utilitarian jackets, marbled silk or draped dresses and fringed scarves in pale pink, white, mink, grey and black.
Jones nodded to past creations of the Fendi family, who founded the brand in 1925, and Lagerfeld.
"I'm taking the amazing, strong women who I both know and work with, and listening to their needs," Jones said in show notes. "There's a usefulness to the collection, explored in a chic, timeless way."
It was during last February's Milan Fashion Week that the town of Codogno, about an hour's drive from Milan, was closed off as the virus took hold in the Lombardy region, which became the worst-hit in Italy.
Then, veteran Giorgio Armani held his show behind closed doors in an empty theatre.
This season's Milan Fashion Week runs until March 1, with brands such as Armani, Prada and Valentino sharing their collections videos on a digital platform.


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Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai is formally recommending that FCC commissioners approve the proposed $26.5 billion merger of Sprint and T-Mobile, saying the transaction would bring faster 5G wireless service to more Americans and close the digital divide in rural areas.
Earlier this week, Pai issued a statement saying he had circulated a draft order that would approve, subject to conditions, the merger of the U.S.’s third-largest and fourth-largest wireless carriers. In late July, the Department of Justice also approved the deal, provided the two carriers sell off wireless spectrum and prepaid businesses to Dish Network, which would step up as a new wireless competitor.
Meanwhile, 16 states have joined a lawsuit in an effort to block the deal, alleging that it would reduce competition and drive up prices for wireless customers. According to a Bloomberg report, T-Mobile and Sprint are legally free to close their deal once they have secured final FCC approval, however, it is unclear if they would so without first resolving the lawsuit, which is set to go to trial in December.

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It’s been just under four months since Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) opened the doors to Amazon Go, its futuristic brick-and-mortar store with no checkout lines and no cashiers.
That Seattle technology showcase has proven popular, and the company was expected to open six more locations in 2018. But analysts wondered about AMZN’s strategy. Would the company focus on its home town of Seattle, or attempt to make the concept more popular by going national? We appear to have the answer as two Amazon Go expansion locations have now been revealed: Chicago and San Francisco.
With Amazon Go moving out of the experimental stage into national expansion, there are implications for the retail industry — and for AMZN stock.
Amazon Go Expansion Pegged for Chicago and San Francisco
Engadget is reporting that two new locations for Amazon Go have been revealed. Although AMZN hasn’t confirmed the plans, there is a solid trail of clues pointing to Chicago and San Francisco.
The first giveaway? Amazon posted job listings for store managers in both cities. And in the second, local media outlets have discovered that Amazon has building permits for small retail locations in both cities. With ReCode’s report from February suggesting AMZN had plans to open an additional six Amazon Go locations in 2018, it looks as though the expansion has begun.
And rather than focus on making Amazon Go a showcase for technology in its home town of Seattle, it appears that AMZN is instead pushing for national exposure. That strategy is bound to cause some consternation in the convenience store industry. And the fact that the company’s futuristic store will be expanding beyond a single location has implications for competitors like Walmart Inc (NYSE:WMT), which takes on Amazon in retail as well as battling its Whole Foods division for grocery sales.
What More Amazon Go Locations Could Mean to AMZN Stock
Amazon has a long history of investing in infrastructure that eventually reaps significant rewards. A classic case in point is Amazon Web Services — or AWS. AWS was a sinkhole for investment for years, but has turned into a profit generating engine helping to drive AMZN stock.
Packed with the latest technology, including hundreds of cameras, an Amazon Go location is undoubtedly expensive to open. And AMZN will have invested significantly in developing the technology.
But there is a lot of money potentially on the table.
In the U.S., convenience stores did $233 billion worth of in-store sales in 2016. That’s money spent largely on food, and drinks — the kind of product mix Amazon Go focuses on. And it’s more than AMZN’s total revenue for 2017, which hit $177.9 billion. A successful Amazon Go expansion may require a significant investment up front, but the potential payoff for AMZN stock is there.
Implications for the Retail Industry
Amazon.com completely disrupted the traditional retail industry, changing how consumers shop. Its rise is blamed for the demise of iconic retail chains like Borders and Circuit City. Amazon has forced retail giants like Walmart to scramble for an online shopping presence. Meanwhile, the AMZN purchase of Whole Foods has the grocery industry worried.
Amazon Go as a concept has implications for the retail industry as consumers look at the potential for time-saving and convenient shopping. An Amazon Go expansion has the potential to disrupt retail the way online shopping did. If AMZN gets its stores into major cities, it can begin to take business from traditional convenience stores. And as shoppers experience the technology involved, it could expand beyond convenience stores to larger locations like Whole Foods. That would put pressure on competing retailers — like Walmart — to adopt similar systems, adding costs and putting the jobs of 3.5 million cashiers at risk.
We’ll have to wait to see if AMZN expands Amazon Go further in 2018. Recode has been pegging Los Angeles as another likely location.
It’s possible that after the initial expansion, the company might stop and use the existing network of stores as a showcase of what it’s capable of. But there’s also a possibility that AMZN will aim higher, setting its sights on that lucrative convenience store market, in which case Amazon Go may develop into a division with a material impact on revenue and AMZN stock.
The one thing that seems certain at this point is that AMZN is not content to leave Amazon Go as a one-off proof of concept in Seattle.
As of this writing, Brad Moon did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
More From InvestorPlace:
- What You Need to Know Before Jumping on the Xiaomi IPO
- 10 Apps, Websites and Companies With More of Your Data Than You Realize
- Tax Season Tips: 10 High-Tech Ways to Take the Stress Off


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This week, US data watchers are treated to a number of economic releases, while consumer sentiment data will also b… https://t.co/69TXp7rKax
UK economy slides into contraction in August, prospects darken
The S&P Global/CIPS UK Composite PMI fell below the crucial 50.0 no-change mark during August for the first time in 18 months. A severe and accelerated drop in UK manufacturing output was joined by a near-stalled service sector.
Although the survey data are currently consistent with the economy contracting at a modest quarterly rate of 0.1%, deteriorating trends in order books and future expectations suggest the risk of a recession has risen.
However, the survey data also suggest the incoming prime minister will not only be dealing with an economy that is facing a heightened risk of recession, but also a deteriorating labour market and persistent elevated price pressures linked to the soaring cost of energy.
UK business activity contracts in August
The latest PMI survey data show UK private sector business activity falling for the first time in a year-and-a-half in August as an increasingly severe downturn in manufacturing was accompanied by a near-stalling of the vast services sector. Posting 49.6, down from 52.1 in July, the S&P Global/CIPS UK Composite PMI hit its lowest since the COVID-19 lockdowns of February 2021.
Although merely consistent with GDP contracting at a quarterly rate of 0.1%, the manufacturing decline is gathering pace to a worrying degree. The severity of the manufacturing decline is such that, barring pandemic lockdown months, August's falling production was the steepest seen since the height of the global financial crisis in March 2009.
Demand for consumer-facing services such as restaurants, hotels, travel and other recreational activities is meanwhile collapsing under the weight of the cost-of-living crisis, with demand for business services also coming under pressure amid concerns over rising costs and the darkening economic outlook. Financial services firms are meanwhile reporting subdued trading amid the recent hikes in interest rates, adding to an increasingly broad-based malaise across the economy.
While the composite new orders index also slipped fractionally below the 50.0 no-change mark to signal falling demand for the first time since the early-2021 lockdowns, led by an accelerating rate of decline in new orders for goods and a marked slowing in demand for services, new export sales fared even worse. Overseas sales of goods and services declined to the greatest degree since January 2021 as companies blamed weakening global demand, high prices and Brexit related complications.
Confidence about the future has meanwhile slipped back to a level that matched June's 25-month low. Companies' concerns were focused on the cost-of-living crisis, with businesses worried about their own escalating costs and the adverse spending impact of inflation on both households and businesses. Political uncertainty, rising interest rates and Brexit were also widely cited as causes for concern.
Both the survey's new orders index and business expectations index are now at levels which have generally only been seen in the survey's history prior to periods of economic contraction, and both point to the downturn gaining momentum in September.
Cost pressures ease but remain stubbornly elevated
Input costs continued to increase sharply at the aggregate level, though the rate of increase cooled to an 11-month low. Overall output price inflation was, however, little changed compared to July, dropping only slightly to point to persistent elevated CPI readings in the months ahead.
Waning jobs market
Jobs growth is meanwhile starting to weaken, with August seeing the smallest increase in hiring since March 2021. As hiring tends to lag changes in order books, the recent slump in demand alongside surging energy prices points to a growing reticence to employ staff in coming months.
Hiking into a downturn
The latest data therefore reveal a situation whereby the Bank of England is aggressively hiking interest rates (the last meeting saw an unusually hawkish 50bp hike) at a time of contracting economic activity. It is clear that the desire to bring inflation expectations down is coming at an
increasingly high economic cost in terms of growth. Fortunately, inflationary pressures - not withstanding upcoming energy price hikes - are showing signs of moderating, which may fuel speculation that policy may not need to be tightened much further if the cooling core price trend persists.
Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist, S&P Global Market Intelligence
Tel: +44 207 260 2329
© 2022, IHS Markit Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Purchasing Managers' Index™ (PMI™) data are compiled by IHS Markit for more than 40 economies worldwide. The monthly data are derived from surveys of senior executives at private sector companies, and are available only via subscription. The PMI dataset features a headline number, which indicates the overall health of an economy, and sub-indices, which provide insights into other key economic drivers such as GDP, inflation, exports, capacity utilization, employment and inventories. The PMI data are used by financial and corporate professionals to better understand where economies and markets are headed, and to uncover opportunities.
This article was published by S&P Global Market Intelligence and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global.
- US downturn eases in September amid cooling price pressures and fewer supply delays
- Week Ahead Economic Preview: Week of 26 September 2022
- Eurozone downturn deepens in September as price pressures intensify
- UK recession risks rise as flash PMI surveys signal deepening downturn in September
- Week Ahead Economic Preview: Week of 19 September 2022
- Using SP Global PMI survey data as an indicator corporate earnings
- APAC Electronics Industry Faces Global Headwinds
- Week Ahead Economic Preview: Week of 12 September 2022


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High RWE profits reignite debate about windfall profit tax for energy companies
The high earning posted by many energy companies in the current supply crisis, including Germany’s RWE, have rekindled the debate on a windfall profit tax, according to an article in Rheinische Post (RP). “While many are struggling with rising prices, the accounts of some companies are filling up more and more,” Anja Weber, regional leader of the German Federation of Trade Unions in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) told the newspaper. “These excessive profits should be skimmed off to pay for further relief.” The regional leader of chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) in NRW said that a windfall tax would give companies and their shareholders a chance to show solidarity and take social responsibility. While the federal leadership of the Green Party has come out in favour of such a tax, chanceloor Scholz has said its implementation would be “technically very challenging,” RP wrote. The finance ministry, led by Free Democrat (FDP) minister Christian Lindner, rejected the demands, however. “I understand very well that high profits are perceived as unfair in view of rising energy prices,” said state secretary Florian Toncar from the pro-business FDP. “However, higher taxes for companies would only be a comforting measure that would not help consumers much or, in the worst case, would drive prices even further up.”
Rising fossil fuel prices have brought windfall gains to oil and gas producers around the world. However, higher electricity prices also benefit big companies with a focus on renewables, such as RWE. The company has argued that the profits it makes benefit the energy transition and announced it would spend about 5 billion euros – 30 percent more than originally planned – on expanding its green portfolio in 2022. The company also said it would not claim losses from a shortfall of Russian gas supply via a new gas levy.


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Buy American? Most public safety professionals want to buy drones that are made in the USA, but they’re not buying U.S.-made drones.
Most drones currently being used by American public safety officials were made in China by, no surprise, DJI. But if those public safety officials could buy an equivalent-quality drone from an American company, they would (or at least they say).
The Fall 2019 Public Safety UAS Survey by Droneresponders, a non-profit organization focusing on drones for public safety, presented 224 respondents with a scenario. They offered them four drones possessing nearly identical quality, capabilities, and price points. One drone was from a Chinese-headquartered company, one drone was from a French-headquartered company, one drone was from a German-headquartered company, and one drone was from a U.S.-headquartered company.
A whopping 88%, (196 of the 224 respondents) said they would purchase the drone from the U.S.-headquartered company.
Whether it’s a general ‘buy American‘ sentiment or whether it’s founded on concerns over some Chinese drone companies not securing data, people say they want their drones made in the USA.
But here’s the thing: most U.S. drone companies, particularly hardware companies, have largely failed, leaving businesses that use drones with few options. 3D Robotics was once a media darling, but burned through $100 million in funding before shutting down their manufacturing operations and pivoting to drones as a service. Another exceedingly well-funded company, Airware, started as a drone manufacturer before pivoting to software. Even that wasn’t enough, as its last legs were acquired for an undisclosed (but likely relatively small) sum of money by French company Delair.
“Even powerhouse technology company Intel attempted to compete against DJI, but could not find success in a market where DJI could flood the shelves with low-cost, good-quality drones that were relatively reliable and easy to use right out of the box,” according to a September 2019 Droneresponders white paper.
“This would have likely meant increasing their cost of sales while simultaneously lowering their prices (and thus their margins) from their existing lucrative defense contracts in an attempt to pursue and accommodate the modest budgets of most public safety agencies,” the Droneresponders report stated. “That clearly wasn’t going to happen.”
According to the 2019 Fall Public Safety UAS Survey from Droneresponders, the drones used by public enforcement agencies are overwhelmingly made in China, with most made by DJI. 73% of public safety agencies that responded said they use a DJI Mavic drone. 47% of respondents reported using a DJI Matrice series, 46% the DJI Phantom series, and 37% the DJI Inspire series (respondents could answer multiple times if their departments had multiple drones).
And alas, 55% of survey respondents said they already have plans to buy at least one more drone in 2020…from Chinese drone company DJI.


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Caterpillar says it’s staying in Peoria. The world’s largest heavy equipment maker announced plans to expand its world headquarters in downtown Peoria after a two-and-a-half-year building study. Governor Bruce Rauner says many other states and countries tried to lure Cat away from Peoria, “I personally know what they did, who they called, how often they came, what they offered, and they offered all kinds of benefits. Caterpillar said, ‘No. I’m going to be loyal to the state of Illinois where we were built and where we will build our long-term future.’”
Rauner says Caterpillar also never asked the state for any tax breaks or special incentives. The proposed 31-acre campus will span six blocks near the riverfront and include green space, three central towers for employees and retail options. There’s no price-tag for the proposed campus, and Cat’s CEO says construction won’t begin until economic conditions improve worldwide.


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Are operators in Caldera already booking their next flight?
After Microsoft’s massive US$69 billion acquisition of beleaguered video game developer Activision Blizzard, information has surfaced that the next three Call of Duty games will still have PlayStation releases, including Warzone 2.
Microsoft Gaming CEO and Xbox boss Phil Spencer briefly expounded on the situation in a recent tweet, saying that the Xbox company will honor Activision Blizzard’s existing agreements with other companies upon acquisition.
“Sony is an important part of our industry, and we value our relationship,” he said.
Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty plans under Microsoft include Warzone 2
According to Bloomberg, Activision Blizzard is set to continue releasing on the PlayStation platform for at least the next two years. The company had already committed to making the next few Call of Duty games on PlayStation before the Microsoft deal was signed, including this year’s Call of Duty game.
Heading into 2023, Activision Blizzard will release a Treyarch-developed main title and Warzone 2, the next iteration of the popular free-to-play battle royale game that was first released in 2020.
The multi-billion dollar deal is set to close around June 2023. Beyond that, Microsoft’s plans for the Call of Duty franchise and Warzone 2 are less clear, and it’ll likely make a decision then whether or not to continue releasing future games on PlayStation.
And with a few more blockbuster franchises on its hands, such as Diablo and Overwatch, only time will tell whether Microsoft will allow them to remain as cross-platform titles or make them Xbox and PC exclusives.
Follow ONE Esports on Facebook for more COD news, guides, and highlights.


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Adidas are no strangers to celebrity campaigns.
Selena Gomez had her own collection back in 2015. Karlie Kloss has been the face of Stella McCartney’s line for ages. Gareth Bale was the poster boy for Adidas Football.
But the brand has stepped up its influencer game of its latest ad.
Because they’ve got every famous person ever to launch their new ‘Calling All Creators’ campaign.
Adidas prides itself on being driven by creatives – artists, designers, musicians, and so they’ve put together an all-star cast which includes a load of them and some of the world’s best sportspeople.
Just look at the mad line-up:
James Harden, Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, Von Miller, Pharrell Williams, Kris Bryant, Carlos Correa, Candace Parker, DeAndre Hopkins, Pusha T, Damian Lillard, Karlie Kloss, David Beckham, Garbiñe Muguruza, Alexander Wang, Aaron Rodgers, PK Subban, Paige Tapp, Chiney Ogwumike, Brandon Ingram, Jeremy Lin, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick Rose, Tracy McGrady, and Lindsey Horan.
‘Creativity is everything in today’s game. It’s about making a statement. I think what we’re trying to do is leave a mark so the game will never be the same,’ they say.
‘We’re all creators, related by a mindset. That’s our job – to continue to try to enlighten while we inspire.
‘It’s not about borders, gender or race.’
Talk about bringing out the big guns.
The post Adidas has recruited all of the famous people to feature in their new campaign appeared first on News Wire Now.


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Sprint Family Locator
Sprint has launched a new service called Sprint Family Locator. The service allows parents to locate their child on a map through either an internet site or through their phone.
“Sprint Family Locator is a valuable tool that can help parents and guardians have a better sense of their children’s whereabouts when they’re apart,” said Danny Bowman, vice president of product marketing for Sprint. “This is the latest Sprint innovation that uses GPS technology to improve the way families connect, communicate and locate one another.”
Sprint Family Locator requires parents to list up to four phones they want to be able to locate. Registration requires activation on both the “parent” phones as well as the child phones. When a parent wants to find a child, the child can be located on a map along with a street address and surrounding landmarks.
One feature that I think is pretty cool about Sprint Family Locator is that the child is notified by text message whenever a parent is snooping on them. A geofence (actually the exact opposite of a geofence) can be setup to notify parents when a child arrives at a specified location. Reports can also be generated from the internet site.
Spring will charge $10 per month for the Sprint Family Locator and you can register up to four phones and dispatch 100 text messages to each child phone per month. The service to locate someone else is currently available on 17 phones while there are 30 GPS enabled phones which can be located through the Sprint Family Locator service.


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13 May 2013
Uk food group Premier Foods has added a line of seasoning shakers to its range of products under culinary brand Oxo.
23 April 2013
Premier Foods plc has identified three further ways to lower costs that the UK food group said will "reduce complexity" within its business.
18 March 2013
Kerry Foods has added to its Bisto ready meals range in the UK and is set to launch its first ever consumer advertising campaign for the brand.
29 January 2013
The surprise news the Premier Foods plc chief executive Michael Clarke has resigned sent shares in the food group down sharply yesterday (28 January). However, the company appears confident that Clarke's replacement, Gavin Darby, is the right man to lead the next phase of Premier's turnaround. Katy Askew reports.
17 January 2013
Premier Foods today (17 January) said its trading was "in line" with market expectations. This albeit subdued update will likely comfort investors, given the growing pressure UK branded food manufacturers are coming under from weak consumer sentiment.
17 January 2013
Premier Foods has indicated that its fourth-quarter sales were "in line" with expectations, despite "challenging" trading conditions in the period.
18 December 2012
Premier Foods, which owns brands including Ambrosia custard and Bisto gravy, has restructured its grocery operations and set up two business units.
4 October 2012
Premier Foods announced yesterday (4 October) that it will divide its grocery and bread businesses as it looks to drive growth of its "power brands". While the company will retain the benefits of any crossover between bread and grocery, a greater focus in each division could help Premier maintain its momentum, Katy Askew suggests.
5 September 2012
Premier Foods has poached executives from UK snack manufacturer United Biscuits and retail giant Sainsbury's to bolster the marketing team behind its "power brands".
19 July 2012
Unilever is repackaging its Knorr stock pot line in response to changing consumer trends.
11 July 2012
Premier Foods plc has launched its Bisto brand into the UK stock pot category, with a product that will take on Unilever's Knorr.
15 June 2012
Premier Foods plc has sold its vinegar and sour pickles business, including the Sarson's and Haywards brands, to Japanese food group Mizkan.
25 April 2012
UK food giant Premier Foods said it hopes to see margin improvements as it heads through the remainder of the year after booking an increase in first-quarter sales this morning (25 April)
25 April 2012
Premier Foods plc has booked an increase in first-quarter sales, boosted by the performance of its 'power brands'.
19 March 2012
The new management team at Premier Foods can certainly talk the talk. During the firm's full-year conference call with analysts this morning (19 March) we heard much that was designed to inspire confidence in the company's turnaround plans. However, as always, the devil is in the detail and some of the details of the company's current situation leave some cause for concern, Katy Askew suggests.
15 March 2012
News this week that Premier Foods plc has secured a debt refinancing deal that could secure its future has followed a year of turbulence and uncertainty over the direction of the UK food giant. However, as Michelle Russell writes, the City remains unsure about the company's future.
12 March 2012
Premier Foods plc has secured a deal to refinance its debts that could secure the future of the Hovis maker, it announced today (12 March).
30 January 2012
Major UK food manufacturer Premier Foods plc has doubled its marketing spend to more than GBP50m (US$78.3m) in a bid to drive growth.
10 October 2011
Premier Foods plc is set to divest a number of brands following its latest profit warning.
7 October 2011
The City weighed up the future for Premier Foods plc after the UK's largest food maker published another profit warning today (7 October).
27 June 2011
Premier Foods is looking to enter that hallowed space enjoyed by a number of recently revitalised British heritage brands, revealing plans to update its portfolio.
14 March 2011
UK food group Premier Foods plc has launched its Bisto and Oxo gravy and stock brands as a concentrated pastes.
18 February 2011
Premier Foods plc has confirmed that it plans to introduce automated technology at its Hovis bakery in the UK town of Avonmouth, with job losses expected.
16 February 2011
After a challenging 12 to 18 months, Premier Foods plc's management would have been heartened to have seen the UK food group's shares jump after the publication of its 2010 results but, writes Dean Best, some significant tests remain.
4 January 2011
The number of grocery products on promotion at Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Ocado fell during December as the volume of promotions throughout the year made it difficult for the UK retailers to increase the level in the run-up to Christmas.
22 December 2010
Premier Foods plc is to launch a "multi-million pound" television advertising campaign for its Quorn brand in the UK.
8 December 2010
The management merry-go-round at the UK's largest food group, Premier Foods plc, continued today (8 December) with the company announcing the creation of yet another new role.
8 December 2010
The executive shake-up at Premier Foods plc has continued, with the UK's largest food group creating a new role of group marketing director.
3 December 2010
Premier Foods plc, the UK's largest food maker, has revealed it is in "advanced" talks with two suitors interested in buying its meat-free business, which includes the Quorn brand.
27 September 2010
UK grocery retailer Waitrose will match the prices rival Tesco puts on 1,000 branded products.


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Thursday 30 July 2020
International startup accelerator Startupbootcamp has chosen the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) to open its regional, cementing a three-year partnership between the two organizations.
With the support of DIFC and others, Startupbootcamp launched FinTech Dubai in 2018, an initiative that has since graduated 20 fintech startups in the fields of payments, lending, and Islamic digital banking.
The three-month growth program provides mentorship as well as access to resources, technology, and expertise to build proofs-of-concept to validate their business models.
Three programs now take place within DIFC, supporting startups at various stages of growth. These include the original DIFC fintech accelerator program, Fintech Hive scale up, and the Startupbootcamp scheme. The first half of 2020 saw DIFC Fintech Hive triple in size with the opening of a larger space in Gate Avenue supporting startups, scaleups and entrepreneurs.
The DIFC’s ecosystem of infrastructure, expertise in multiple fields, and access to the international community of the world’s leading financial institutions offers opportunities for new and existing startup fintech firms both in the region and globally to elevate and grow their businesses.
The fintech sector has is growing rapidly in the region, with over 200 fintech companies based out of the DIFC alone.
According to the 2019 MENA Fintech Venture report, a total of USD 237 million has been invested in 181 deals since 2015 in MENA-based fintech startups, with 51 of those deals signed in 2019 alone.


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Over the past few decades, American’s increase in food marketing to children has closely tracked their increase in weight. Since 1980, the number of obese children has more than doubled to 16 percent. It soon becomes a big issue in our society because it threads American children’s health which causes them to consider fast food as their “primary meal”. Then the society starts to think who to blame. Is it the fast food companies’ false marketing or the parents’ responsibilities? According to the articles “It’s portion distortion that makes America Fat” by Shannon Browniee, a reporter said “ if marketing strategy had stopped there, we might not be the nation of fatties that we are today” (Browniee, 6). The quote above basically suggest that the fast food companies were making their citizens fat.
It is true that the fast food companies were more emphasized on their marketing strategy than our citizens’ health. The “super size” marketing strategy had trained us to think that “oceanic drinks and gargantuan portions are normal” (Browniee, 21). I do agree that fast food companies’ excessive marketing is really profitable for them and they don’t put our health in the first place. But I think it is the people who made the bad choice for their health. The point of the fast food is to save peoples’ meal time when they are in a hurry. It is convenient and cheap but also insures our daily needs of protein, calories, Cholesterols and a bunch of necessary Minerals. It’s not the best source of healthy food but it’s defiantly better than eating a chocolate bar or instant noodle when people are in a hurry.
In my opinion, I think it’s the people who made the bad choice by overeating fast food. Fast food companies are doing what they should do which they make money by introducing new marketing strategy, but they didn’t hold a gun and force people to eat their product. “Parents are ultimately responsible for what they bought for their child” (Browniee 24). Parents have the...
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Huawei has announced that it has shipped more than 10 million Huawei P8 lite smartphones, a mark that was reached just nine months after launch in Europe last spring. In total, the entire Huawei P8 series has successfully reached more than 16 million people globally – with 60 percent of coming from global markets.
The year got off to a quick start for Huawei, as the company set a new record by shipping over 12 million smartphones in January – a 93 percent increase from last year. January was also the fourth consecutive month that Huawei shipped over 10 million smartphones, with over 150000 pieces shipped in South Africa alone. With Huawei’s growing brand awareness and the continuous global growth, consumer interest in Huawei devices has continued to increase significantly.
This success builds on a strong 2015, during which Huawei shipped 108 million smartphones – a 44 percent increase from the previous year – to firmly establish its position as one of the top three global smartphone brands.
The Huawei P8 lite is the first Huawei smartphone to achieve higher sales in global markets than in China, signaling a breakthrough in Huawei’s strategy of internalization, and reaffirming the effectiveness of Huawei’s global market structure.
Adopting the stylish design of Huawei P series, the Huawei P8 lite is beautiful and perfectly crafted. It uses contrasting shades in its gold waistline design — the slim and stylish appearance delivers a sense of peace and calmness. Among Huawei’s smartphone portfolio, the P8 lite brings youthful energy at a lower cost to consumers, who continue to adopt the phone in record numbers.
I think this phone provides value for money, making it so successful among consumers of all ages and usage needs. The credit also goes to the network providers who has great monthly deals on this phone with as low as R200 or less.
For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow on:
Email - email@example.com for invites to launch events / sponsored posts and product reviews!
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Last November the California campaign to label genetically modified organisms (GMOs) was defeated by a 51 to 48 percent vote. Many large companies and the Grocery Manufacturers Association put $46 million into fighting the proposition. $9.2 million was spent in support. Some people who buy brands like Cascadian Farm, Kashi, Horizon Organic, Muir Glen, and Odwalla were outraged last fall after learning the companies’ corporate owners helped fund the effort to defeat Prop 37. However, efforts to label GMOs in food are still underway. Connecticut and Maine have passed labeling bills which will kick in when other states, including a neighboring state, pass similar laws. Whole Foods markets will require GMO labeling on any product it stocks by 2018. The U.S. Department of Agriculture for the first time approved a non-GMO label claim for meat products, Chipotle began voluntarily labeling menu items containing GMO ingredients online, and the Senate Appropriations Committee voted last week to give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration funding to label genetically modified salmon if the agency approves the fish.
GMO cotton, soybeans, canola and corn are modified to make them resistant to the herbicide glyphosate –otherwise known as Roundup, so that weeds could be killed without harming the crop. Most sugar beets are also genetically modified, although the final product is identical to the sugar from ordinary sugar beets. Unless it is labeled organic, almost all cotton, canola, soy and corn grown in the US today is GMO. The problem that has emerged is that weeds are becoming resistant to Roundup. More must be used, along with other herbicides. According to ScienceDaily, a website I respect, the annual increase in herbicides required to deal with tougher-to-control weeds on cropland planted to GE cultivars has grown from 1.5 million pounds in 1999 to about 90 million pounds in 2011. Initially, Roundup was considered a safe herbicide with short duration of action. However, a recent study from an Environmental Toxicology Program in Thailand, published in Food Chemistry Toxicology, indicates that Roundup may be an endocrine disruptor, inducing human breast cancer cells to grow by effecting estrogen receptors.
Another problem with GMO crops is the effect on adjacent farmers and organic farms. Pollen drift is a problem for farmers who plant non-GMO or organic crops. Farmers using GMO seeds are required by Monsanto and other companies to buy fresh seed every year. When GMO pollen blows into adjacent fields, and is harvested, the farmers can be sued for patent infringement. In one high-profile case (Monsanto Canada Inc. v. Schmeiser) the Monsanto Company sued Percy Schmeiser for patent infringement after he replanted canola seed that he had harvested from his field, which he discovered was contaminated with Monsanto's patented glyphosate-tolerant canola. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Schmeiser was in violation of Monsanto's patent because he knowingly replanted the resistant seed that he had harvested, but he was not required to pay Monsanto damages since he did not benefit financially from its presence. In 2008, Schmeiser and Monsanto Canada came to an out-of-court settlement whereby Monsanto would pay for the clean-up costs of the contamination, which came to a total of $660. In May of this year, the US Supreme Court ruled unanimously that an Indiana farmer had violated Monsanto’s patent laws by saving Monsanto seed and replanting it. He was fined $84,000. On the other hand, a few weeks ago a three-judge panel at the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has ruled that a group of organic and otherwise non-GMO farmer and seed company plaintiffs are not entitled to bring a lawsuit to protect themselves from Monsanto’s transgenic seed patents “because Monsanto has made binding assurances that it will not ‘take legal action against growers whose crops might inadvertently contain traces of Monsanto biotech genes (because, for example, some transgenic seed or pollen blew onto the grower’s land).
Farmers have saved seeds since the beginning of agriculture, and have thus been able to select the best plants for changing conditions, such as drought, heat, cold, etc. The conflict between traditional practices and patented GMO seed goes on in many parts of the world today – an unfinished story. More food will be needed to feed a world population growing upwards from 7 billion. Are GMO crops necessary? Stay tuned, and I will try to address this question.
Sadja Greenwood, MD back issues on this blog


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Liberty Comms, the specialist technology communications consultancy, today announced it has been appointed by Memjet, the global leader in colour printing technologies, to inform the UK press of its new distribution strategy and launch the world’s fastest office printer in this region.
Memjet is encouraging UK businesses to once again embrace colour printing. This will be made simple and without the worry of spiralling costs though Memjet’s unique all inclusive print contracts, from next week.
Following a successful media campaign for Memjet at Drupa 2012, the global print trade show, Liberty now returns to provide public relations support as the innovative print solution provider makes a play for the SMB office print space.
The company has bought revolutionary printing technologies to the commercial print, and now the office markets; with customers all over the world from global brands like Toshiba, LG and Canon Océ, right the way through to entrepreneurial printing start-ups and local OEMS.
Jeff Bean, VP Brand and Communications at Memjet commented: “Liberty work with so many companies that are at the cutting edge of their specialisms. It supported our efforts at international trade fair, Drupa to great effect, and when we began to focus on the European office media, working with Liberty was a logical choice to make.
“It’s this last sector, the specific office and SME focused press in the UK that we are looking to target over the next months, and we have every confidence that Liberty will be able to help us to do this.”
Dee Gibbs, Managing Director and Founder of Liberty, commented: “Memjet is a key catalyst in the tremendous leap forward made by the print industry. For the first time in 20 years we have seen a real print innovation enable the most remarkable colour speeds – you really have to see it in action to believe it!”
Memjet and its partners will be meeting with customers, channel players and the media at their respective events, to be held at Paramount, London on Tuesday 16th October. To discuss how these contracts will work, and to see these game-changing office printers in action please contact Memjet@libertycomms.com.
To see the printers at their best, Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton will also be present at the end of the session, to demo how quickly your photo will print on the Evojet Office 2 – in just one second!


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"The Executive Order prohibits, from its effective date, all related transactions, the provision of financing and other transactions by a person from the United States or within the United States, with any digital currency that has been issued by, for or on behalf of the government of Venezuela as of January 9, 2018", reads the order, announced by the White House.
President Donald Trump, in the recent move by the U.S.gov towards restricting the Maduro regime's access to the capital, has issued order prohibiting any involvement or transactions in the USA that are related with any: digital coin or token launched by the Gov of Venezuela.
The battle between Washington and Venezuela over the currency could have a profound impact on other nations' moves to adopt cryptocurrencies to avoid sanctions.More news: Cowboys Release CB Orlando Scandrick, Will Save $3 Million
The first government backed crypto - Petro, was launched last month attempting to support and hoist up the countries economy as it continues to struggle under crisis where inflation is estimated to 13.000 percent. On Monday, Trump signed an order blocking any USA transactions in the petro, the White House announced.
27 year old Gabriel Jimenez is the founder of The Social Us, a digital innovation startup that is helping Venezuela "overcome the financial blockade" of Donald Trump's government. While the trust in the Venezuelan government is at historic lows and the likelihood of massive investment flows from overseas into the Petro are limited, Mr Trump has today prohibited United States citizens to invest in the token sale.
But Jimenez until recently had been agitating for the very same actions to punish Venezuela's leader for jailing his opponents and destroying the oil-rich economy.More news: Pixel 2 XL on Google Store gets credit promo, free 18W charger
"Instead, it appears he is using the freedoms that the United States provided him in order to help advance the Maduro regime's attempts to consolidate power and destroy Venezuela's democratic institutions". Venezuela is said to be one of the hot topics in discussion at the meeting.
On Monday, President Trump signed an executive order prohibiting American usage of or investment in the petro. The order-of-preventing is targeting probably the popular Petro. "Doing nothing would be irresponsible".More news: Kushner Companies Filed False Documents With New York City Officials
- Jim Carrey under fire over 'White House press secretary' painting
- William Blair Keeps Its "Buy" Rating on Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) Shares Today
- Mohammed Shami match-fixing allegations: Full transcript of Pakistani model Alishba's interview
- First images released of Volkswagen's electric Pikes Peak vehicle
- Majithia wants Sidhu, wife booked for STF report leak
- Amazon reveals new GameOn API to increase competitive community engagement in games
- KCR plans to meet West Bengal CM soon
- Li Keqiang re-elected as Prime Minister of China for second term
- Google Play Instant lets users sneak a peek
- Katy Perry: I kissed a guy and he didn't like it


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In Daniel Johnston’s song “The Story of an Artist,” you hear the imperfections, lack of polish, and earnestness of what sounds like a homemade recording. One courtesy of an artist who’s long struggled with mental illness and has a beautifully sad canon filled with songs like this one, in which he asks, sounding pained and fragile: “Listen up and I’ll tell a story, about an artist growing old.”
Instructive, perhaps, that song is the one chosen as the backing track for one of four new ads from Apple showcasing how different creatives use the Mac as part of their work. In the other ads, we meet a legally blind photographer — “I want to see the things that have always felt out of reach” — an app developer and musician and current Elon Musk flame Grimes, all showing how they wrestle with the alchemy of creating something from nothing. And using the Mac, of course, to coax into existence everything from music to apps.
There’s also, of course, a double meaning implied in the theme of this “Behind the Mac” campaign. That Apple is about more than just a smartphone. A critic may also look at that title and snicker – yep, that’s pretty much the case. The Mac is falling, well, behind.
Inspired by what he saw at WWDC 2018, for example, Rogue Amoeba Software developer Quentin Carnicelli blasted the Mac on his company’s blog, as we previously noted here. He wrote that Apple’s “current failure to keep the Mac lineup fresh, even as they approach a trillion-dollar market cap, is both baffling and frightening to anyone who depends on the platform for their livelihood.”
It seems like it’s no accident the ads are dropping right now. Apple didn’t have any Mac hardware updates at WWDC, the MacBook and MacBook Pro have been dealing with keyboard issues, and now seems like as good a time as any to remind people Apple has a family of hardware it still apparently believes in beyond the phone.
The ads in the new campaign have been given their own prominent piece of real estate on Apple’s homepage, and Apple has been pushing them online as well as airing the campaign during the FIFA World Cup.
It’s worth noting the coverage so far about the campaign has put a focus on the hardware, but the people are arguably just as important. Former Apple creative director Ken Segall explained to me once how Steve Jobs had a weird thing about people in Apple ads – that it’s tricky, because depending on how you do it, viewers might get turned off by not seeing themselves in the actors and the people you’ve chosen to shoot.
This new campaign seems to strike the right balance. Showing a cross section of humanity, all finding their way to some creative truth.


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Respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has today thrown his weight behind rumors that Apple is planning to launch three new Apple Watch models in 2022.
How to Buy. The Apple Watch Series 7 became available for pre-order on October 8 2021, and launch followed on October 15. There were initially substantial delays of up to several months with some models and configurations.2 days ago
Beginning Friday, September 14, Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS) will be available to order in 26 countries and territories and Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular) will be available to order in 16 countries and territories. Both models will be available in stores beginning Friday, September 21.
Current rumors point to this upcoming Apple Watch variant launching alongside the Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch SE toward the end of 2022 - expect it either alongside the iPhone 14 in September, or perhaps at a separate launch event slightly earlier or later alongside those aforementioned models.
With the Apple Watch 8 likely to launch at the same time as the iPhone 14 range, which we're predicting will arrive September 13, we'd suggest it's worth waiting to see what the next-gen Apple Watch models have in store before getting a new Apple Watch. But if you need one now, do check out our best Apple Watch deals.
So, with all that in mind, it's a safe bet that we'll be seeing the Apple Watch Series 8 sometime in September 2022, but we'll update this section if we hear anything different. If you can't wait that long to get your hands on an Apple Watch, take a look at our best Apple Watch Series 6 deals.
Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) is available to order today from apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, September 20 in the US, Puerto Rico and 20 other countries and regions. For carrier availability, visit apple.com/watch/cellular.
Apple today announced Apple Watch Series 7, featuring the largest and most advanced Apple Watch display ever — a reengineered Always-On Retina display with significantly more screen area and thinner borders — will be available to order beginning Friday, October 8, at 5 a.m. PDT and available in stores starting Friday,
We expect the Apple Watch Series 8 to come out in September 2022. Apple's smartwatches didn't used to be as predictable as its iPhones, but the company now seems to be settling on September as the launch window for its Watches. You can see this from the last few iterations: Apple Watch Series 7: 15 October 2021.7 days ago
The Apple Watch Series 6 was announced on September 15, 2020, during an Apple Special Event and began shipping on September 18.
Apple's latest Apple Watch with larger displays and faster charging, launched on October 15, 2021.2 days ago
14 November 2020: New Apple Watch design could arrive 2021 9to5 reported that analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed a new Apple Watch design would arrive in 2021 at the earliest.
September 9, 2014Apple Watch Sport / Introduced


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ALSO READTata Motors accelerates after strong JLR sales in December Tata Motors slips after weak global wholesales in May Tata Motors gains as JLR sales rise in December Tata Motors skids after JLR reports drop in April retail sales Tata Motors nudges higher after JLR posts record retail sales in FY 2017
Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 37.04 points or 0.12% at 31,348.61.
On the BSE, 2.09 lakh shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 5.29 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 464.85 and a low of Rs 455.50 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 598.60 on 7 September 2016 and a 52-week low of Rs 417.10 on 8 May 2017.
The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 19 June 2017, advancing 2.11% compared with the Sensex's 2.78% rise. The stock had also underperformed the market over the past one quarter, declining 5.05% as against the Sensex's 5.61% rise. The scrip had also underperformed the market over the past one year, sliding 2.35% as against the Sensex's 17.6% rise.
The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 577.47 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2.
According to reports, senior executives of Tata Group have held preliminary internal discussions over listing of the British luxury automobile company Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) over an international stock exchange, which may potentially include New York Stock Exchange or London Stock Exchange.
Tata Motors had bought an ailing JLR in a surprise move in 2008 for $2.4 billion from Ford Motor Co.
On a consolidated basis, net profit of Tata Motors declined 16.79% to Rs 4336.43 crore on 2.88% decline in net sales to Rs 77217.19 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q4 March 2016.
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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


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Together, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California, account for 40 percent of goods shipped into the U.S. and 30 percent of those leaving. And you never know who's going to get hurt by work disruptions there.
"I've always designed," actress Jane Seymour told CNBC, as she sat in front of a vanity she created. It was lit up like a glamorous Hollywood makeup chair.
"Actually, the real question is why do I think I can act, and maybe there are some people who say I can't," she laughed.
For years, the actress has built a merchandising empire in clothing, bedding, home products, jewelry and furniture. In this last category, her newest line is called Platine de Royale, part of a collaboration with furniture designer and manufacturer Michael Amini of AICO Furniture.
"In the history of our company, it is in line with our best-selling groups," Amini said of Seymour's branded designs.
Right now, however, a lot of that furniture is sitting on ships stuck in West Coast ports. "Every day we are losing money," Amini said.
For months now, negotiations on a new contract between terminal operators and dockworkers in LA and Long Beach have gone nowhere. At the same time, the work of loading and unloading the big ships bringing in goods from Asia has slowed, with each side blaming the other for the logjam.
As congestion continues, some ships have been rerouted. At the LA port, for example, the latest numbers show the volume of loaded inbound containers is down nearly 3 percent this year, but loaded outbound containers are down 16 percent. So-called empties going back to Asia have surged by double digits.
Retailers are expected to show the fallout in fourth-quarter earnings reports. Lululemon Athletica already reduced its full-year revenue guidance, saying earlier this month that it has "about a million units that are stuck at the ports right now." Ann Taylor reported in November that it had been forced to pay more to ship some goods by air.
Cowen & Co. does not foresee a "full-blown strike," like the one that paralyzed ports in 2002, but the slowdown could continue through the first half of 2015.
"Fashion-driven retailers are most at risk," it reported, pointing to Lululemon in particular. On the other hand, it said off-price retailers like TJX, Ross and Burlington Stores "could have upside benefit on inventory dislocation."
Also benefiting are other ports. CIBC reports that the U.S. West Coast's loss is Canada's gain. Container traffic to Vancouver is up about 3 percent this year, and it's climbed 12 percent at the port of Prince Rupert. "The ongoing issues out of the U.S. West Coast ports provide an opportunity for the Canadian rails and ports to gain market share by highlighting an alternative route for shippers," CIBC said.
None of that helps Jane Seymour and Michael Amini. It's impractical to pay to reroute inventory that's already in port or nearly there.
"We had a furniture show that we spent $1 million a day to be there, for four days, spending $4 million," Amini said. "None of our samples made it, because they got stuck in the port, and it was a pretty big blow to our business."
He currently has 23 containers of furniture waiting to be unloaded, and he's concerned that some may not arrive in time for the large furniture show in Las Vegas next month. "We have customers complaining about the fact that we promised the furniture is going to arrive, and it has not arrived, and they don't know what to tell their customers," he said.


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Elon Musk may have taken over Twitter, but
Fordcould overtake Tesla to become the new EV leader.
The Detroit automaker has poured tons of research money into their cars, and it's starting to show. From making their
vehicles great for remote workersto having one of the first EV trucks, things sure do look great at Ford headquarters.
At least they did until very recently. The highly acclaimed Ford Mustang Mach-E has one major flaw that can't be corrected with a software update: it sold out. It turns out that keeping cars in stock is more difficult than finding
good car insurance rates.
Why can't you order a Ford Mustang Mach-E?
Despite it being early in the year, you can no longer retail order a Ford Mustang Mach-E. This stock out was caused by a variety of factors. The predictable one is increased demand.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E received high critical acclaim since it debuted in 2021. The 2022 year-end model received an Editor's Choice award from Car & Driver, a feat that isn't easily won.
There was already a lot of buzz around the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and then gas prices skyrocketed. It's no secret that one of the main reasons drivers are attracted to EVs is for lower fuel costs.
American drivers flocked for the chance to buy this highly praised EV SUV while gas costs were soaring.
But demand isn't the only issue at play. Our old friend "supply chain bottlenecks" may have been a bigger factor. Due to microchip shortages, Ford had to halt car production at eight of its North American factories, per
The combination of supply shortages paired with increased interest caused the 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E to completely sell out before June arrived.
The future of the Ford Mustang Mach-E
If you're lucky, you still may be able to snag a 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E from your local dealer. There is a chance they still have some in stock. Take note that there have been some reports of mild price gouging, much to the chagrin of Ford's top brass.
In any case, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E should be better stocked when the time comes. Only 70,000 2022 year-end models were produced, and Ford plans to triple that number for 2023.
Ford aims to build two million EVs annually before 2026, and they are committed to achieving that goal.
Other EV alternatives
If you had your heart set on buying an EV SUV this year, there are other options available.
Hyundai has quietly gotten into the EV market while keeping its reputation for building quality and affordable cars. Their Ioniq 5 is the company's foray into EV SUVs, and it has earned respectable reviews.
If you are looking for something a little more flashy, Tesla has somehow been able to dodge the chip shortage problem. There are plenty of Model Y vehicles available for purchase. But if you want a recognized luxury brand, you can't go wrong with the Jaguar I-PACE.
Cruise your way into cheaper car insurance
No matter which EV SUV is your favorite,
Jerrycan save you money on car insurance. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Give Jerry a try today and save up to $800.


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experiment with head tracking? We were so wistful then, seeing what the Wii's equipment was capable of in the proper hands.
Well, as it turns out, we don't have to be wistful anymore.
In a continued effort to make us look bad, the creators of BOOM BLOX revealed yesterday at GDC that the game would incorporate some head tracking. Before you get too excited, executive producer Lou Castle told Joystiq that this would only be an "Easter egg inclusion."
This feature won't be an integral part of the game, clearly, but it's still a big step for gaming nonetheless. We're a little worried that in order to use this feature, the player must make their own LED headset -- we think most people won't bother doing that, and thus miss out on something great. Castle said that they weren't going to promote the feature, and we're assuming that it's for this reason. Whether you take advantage of the head tracking option or not, though, it's still a laudable inclusion in our eyes.


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A US federal appeals court on Friday reinstated a $120 million award in favor of Apple in yet another twist to the fierce patent battle between Cupertino and Samsung.
Back in February, a circuit appeals court previously overturned the $120 million verdict that Apple was first awarded in May 2014. Now, it seems the tables have turned again, as the court said there was “substantial evidence” for the jury verdict related to Samsung’s infringement of Apple iPhone patents, Reuters reported.
Specifically, today’s U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit decision stated that a variety of Samsung devices, including the Admire, Galaxy Nexus, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3, and several Galaxy S II variants did actually infringe upon Apple’s patents, Engadget reported.
The court also added that the decision in February to toss out the original verdict was made mistakenly, as the three-judge panel examined evidence outside of the trial’s record.
Those patents covered “swipe-to-unlock,” auto-correct, and a “quick link” feature that would let links in one application open another app — the latter feature made up a whopping $99 million of the $120 million in damages that Apple claimed, according to Engadget.
It’s also worth noting that the bigger verdict Apple was awarded in 2012 has not been affected by today’s court decision. Another jury entirely awarded close to $1 billion in damages to Apple — though that number has been cut to $548.2 million through various appeals, and was awarded to Apple in December of last year.
Last summer, a court also denied a Samsung request for the verdict to be reconsidered. But that decision is being appealed as well, and the Supreme Court is slated to hear it on this coming Tuesday, Reuters reported.


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Google after 8 months learning to problem in phone camera Pixel 2
While there are a lot of reports about the fact that my phone Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL carrying a better camera compared to the Android devices other currently on the market, however this camera can withstand enough of their own problems.
Since more than 8 months and Google is silent on the problem related to focusing focusing in panorama mode for the camera phone pix 2, despite the presence of a large number of complaints, but Google decided to intervene finally, issue a response .
In WOT software : photo & video : is this the phones Google pixel new
A reply without a solution.
Despite the issuance of a reply, not able to tech giant only say that it is aware of the problem and that version is available solution to the problem later this year.
Given that the problem does not seem a priority for the team at Google, still you have the option to repair yourself, but will require the implementation of a process to root your phone, and follow the instructions on this link , or wait for solution from Google even comes to us after a few months .
The post Google after 8 months learning to problem in phone camera Pixel 2 appeared first on sideburns should be.


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The shift to online connections and website financial appeals might lead some to wonder about the effectiveness of direct mail for ministry support. A new study NRB member Dunham+Company commissioned shows that donors are more than three times likelier to give online in response to a direct mail appeal than they are to an e-appeal. Rick Dunham wanted to see what was driving the notable increase in online giving, and therefore contacted the research firm Campbell Rinker to conduct the study.
The overall result, says Dunham, “…was a bit of a shock.” They showed that direct mail has actually grown as a driver to online donations. Dunham+Company has made details of the report available through their website.
As ministries recover from the downturn in the economy and look to grow the opportunity to impact lives with the Gospel, it is good to have the proper tools. This research will allow us to be more effective and wise in gathering all the financial support God intends for His work.
Thanks to Rick Dunham of Dunham+Company for sharing this important research with NRB members.


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Starbucks Just Closed Its Online Store and Discontinued Several Products
For years, Starbucks has made it possible to replicate its classic coffee drinks at home with products like coffee beans, syrups, sauces, and other caffeination essentials you could feasibly use to avoid setting foot in an actual Starbucks. But the days of homemade caramel macchiatos and mochas may be over, now that the coffee giant has permanently shut down its online store.
In a move the company confirmed back in August, Starbucks officially shuttered its online retail arm on Sunday as part of a shift to focus more on its more than 25,000 brick-and-mortar stores around the world and enhancing its mobile app. Several popular products have been discontinued in the process.
“We’re continuing to invest in amplifying Starbucks as a must-visit destination,” Starbucks spokesperson Maggie Jantzen said. "Continued integration of these digital and mobile customer connections into our store experience is among the highest priorities for us and to enhance that focus we’ve looked for ways to simplify our current efforts."
The online store was intended to promote the purchase of coffee beans, flavored syrups, sauces, and tea, as well as merchandise like glasses, mugs, and espresso makers. While many of the products that were sold online are still available on Amazon, in local stores, and in the aisles of Starbucks’s many grocery partners, Starbucks sauces and syrups are the most popular products that have been discontinued, and are no longer available for retail purchase, according the company.
In response to questions from disappointed customers seeking to shop online, Starbucks explained that although some products’ availability aren’t guaranteed in all stores, coffee fans should continue to check local stores for merchandise and use the Starbucks app to purchase coffee for in-store pickup.
With ever-powerful retail giants like Amazon dominating the online market, Starbucks’ move away from online retailing toward mobile commerce is a tangible sign of the pressure retailers face. Hopefully, the ubiquitous coffee slinger will find a way to relaunch the syrups, sauces, and other products in the near future, but until then, you'll have to line up at your local outpost to get your fix.


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IMG today announced its appointment by McIlhenny Company, maker of TABASCO® Brand Pepper Sauces, as a global partner to drive and expand consumer engagement through new licensed products and experiences.
Under this new multi-year agreement, IMG will develop a robust range of TABASCO® Brand offerings that further reflect the brand’s position as a global market leader for more than 150 years. Leveraging its global footprint and best-in-class network of partners across food and lifestyle categories, IMG will drive fans around the world to further engage and connect with TABASCO® Brand in new and exciting ways.
Sold in more than 195 countries and territories, TABASCO® Brand is one of the most well-respected and widely distributed food brands in the world. TABASCO® Sauce’s instantly recognizable bottle, diamond logo and distinctive red color are synonymous with heat and adding excitement to food across generations of loyal consumers worldwide.
Ricky Yoselevitz, Senior Vice President of Licensing for IMG, said, “Food and flavor have the ability to invoke strong human emotions and make powerful connections, as seen by the universal appeal and strong loyalty of the TABASCO® Brand. We are excited to help people truly embrace the TABASCO® Brand lifestyle by weaving these well-loved flavors and iconography into authentic new products and experiences.”
“IMG will bring its signature mix of global strategy and local expertise to leverage the power of the TABASCO® Brand into untapped product and service categories to help create new and meaningful connection points with our fans,” said Lee Susen, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of McIlhenny Company. “We believe IMG will help us unlock new ways to engage with TABASCO® Sauce lovers worldwide and we are very excited to welcome them to Team TABASCO®.”
For more information on licensing opportunities with TABASCO® Brand, visit https://imglicensing.com/clients/tabasco/.


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Pharma corporations have always played an important role in our lives while remaining mostly unnoticed. COVID-19, on the other hand, has thrust the pharmaceutical business into the spotlight. Governments and societies are betting on the Industry potential to help avert the next outbreak while also finding remedies for existing illnesses and diseases. Pharma businesses are facing an increasing number of hurdles in the aftermath of the pandemic, particularly in terms of research and development (R&D). Over the previous decade, costs have risen dramatically.
According to Statista, the pharmaceutical Industry will spend almost $200 billion on research and development in 2020. The time it takes to go from preclinical research to marketing can be anywhere from 12 to 18 years, delaying any form of return on investment and raising the danger to a company’s finances, especially in terms of liquidity. Because of the precedent created by the pharmaceutical Industry COVID-19 response, important vaccinations are now expected to be developed rapidly.
Meanwhile, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed a desire to increase competition in the pharmaceutical Industry in order to lower drug prices. Drug businesses must spend in their R&D systems to speed up the discovery process in order to stay competitive. Pharma businesses must account for the various technologies that are revolutionising the R&D process as industries across the board move toward a digital-only environment.


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The next iPhone has not even been announced yet but Thailand has approved it for sale. Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has approved two new iPhones with the model numbers A1524 and A1586, which could be the new iPhone 6.
The news was confirmed by the secretary general via Twitter in which he specifically mentions the iPhone 6. The NBTC refused to reveal any other details about the devices saying it was a company secret of Apple’s.
The approval of two new models could mean a number of things. First, the numbers could refer to a 4.7-inch model and a 5.5-inch version of the yet-to-be announced iPhone 6. They could also be two different versions of the 4.7-inch model, perhaps a 6 and 6c version.
As Thailand has approved these devices for sale already it would seem that Apple is planning a major international rollout. The iPhone 5s and 5c did not make it to Thailand until late October in 2013.
Production of the iPhone 6 is said to be well underway; front panels showing a 4.7-inch screen were recently leaked. This is an early start for production, too and could signal efforts by Apple to ensure enough supply for launch day.


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Loop Capital restated their buy rating on shares of Chefs’ Warehouse (NASDAQ:CHEF) in a research report sent to investors on Friday. They currently have a $39.00 price target on the stock.
A number of other equities research analysts also recently commented on the company. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Chefs’ Warehouse from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, September 26th. BidaskClub upgraded Chefs’ Warehouse from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, September 15th. BMO Capital Markets downgraded Chefs’ Warehouse from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and upped their price objective for the company from $34.00 to $38.00 in a report on Monday, October 1st. They noted that the move was a valuation call. Zacks Investment Research upgraded Chefs’ Warehouse from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $33.00 price objective for the company in a report on Friday, August 3rd. Finally, TheStreet upgraded Chefs’ Warehouse from a c rating to a b- rating in a report on Thursday, August 2nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. The company currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $32.67.
NASDAQ CHEF opened at $34.47 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 78.34, a P/E/G ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a quick ratio of 1.77, a current ratio of 2.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94. Chefs’ Warehouse has a 12 month low of $16.15 and a 12 month high of $39.26.
Chefs’ Warehouse (NASDAQ:CHEF) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 1st. The company reported $0.19 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.19. The business had revenue of $361.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $354.26 million. Chefs’ Warehouse had a return on equity of 7.41% and a net margin of 1.49%. The firm’s revenue was up 11.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.11 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Chefs’ Warehouse will post 0.78 EPS for the current year.
In other Chefs’ Warehouse news, Director Katherine Oliver bought 1,088 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Monday, September 10th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $32.10 per share, with a total value of $34,924.80. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 14,056 shares in the company, valued at $451,197.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Vice Chairman John Pappas sold 50,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.07, for a total value of $1,903,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 2,040,921 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $77,697,862.47. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 20.60% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.
A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Rhumbline Advisers grew its stake in Chefs’ Warehouse by 10.1% in the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 20,158 shares of the company’s stock valued at $575,000 after acquiring an additional 1,855 shares during the period. Royal Bank of Canada grew its stake in Chefs’ Warehouse by 37.8% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 6,845 shares of the company’s stock valued at $158,000 after acquiring an additional 1,879 shares during the period. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd grew its stake in Chefs’ Warehouse by 194.2% in the third quarter. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd now owns 3,189 shares of the company’s stock valued at $116,000 after acquiring an additional 2,105 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE grew its stake in Chefs’ Warehouse by 2.6% in the second quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 92,352 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,632,000 after acquiring an additional 2,313 shares during the period. Finally, First Quadrant L P CA acquired a new position in Chefs’ Warehouse in the third quarter valued at about $101,000. 79.84% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
Chefs’ Warehouse Company Profile
The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes specialty food products in the United States and Canada. Its product portfolio includes approximately 48,000 stock-keeping units comprising specialty food products, such as artisan charcuterie, specialty cheeses, unique oils and vinegars, truffles, caviar, chocolate, and pastry products.
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This Friday, July 14 at 1 p.m. the 4th-6th grade campers from Léman Manhattan Preparatory School will join Chefs Will Frischeisen and Ian Charles to host a pop-up restaurant at Morris Cafe. They are designing a creative menu inspired by the week-long program, which includes lessons in the kitchen along with adventures to green markets, specialty shops and other foodie places.
Downtown Manhattan has become a popular scene for restaurants, which is why Camp Léman’s Culinary Workshop gives potential chefs-in-the-making real world culinary experiences. Their goal is to expand children’s palates as well as increase their awareness regarding nutrition and what goes into food and its preparation.
Each session, the campers develop a menu based on what has inspired them that week. For example, one year during a heat wave, they created a cold menu of poached fish, chilled gazpacho, and homemade stone fruit popsicles.
For this week’s camp, the children have been to Eataly where they bought ingredients to make pasta from scratch, the Teaching Garden on Governors Island where they learned about edible plants and tasted flowers, and Union Square Greenmarket and the Garden of Eden market to purchase ingredients for their restaurant lunch on Friday.
“Making pasta dough by hand was really cool!” said Maia.
“I love that we’re able to create a meal for our parents. It feels like we are running our restaurant. So much fun! I’ve come for three years now and every year is better than the last,” said Eden.
“I liked making pasta and different sauces!” said Lex.
“I like coming in every day and seeing my friends. I look forward to it every day! And if we behave, Chef Will buys us ice cream while we brainstorm our menu,” said Ava.
Nandini, another student, said, “I like being with old friends and also making new friends.”
And Juliet especially liked learning new things, saying, “I’m always looking to cook something new each day.”
Lastly, we talked to Chef Will Frischeisen.
“It’s always a real treat for Chef Ian and me to spend time with these great kids and watch as they develop their culinary ideas and understanding of what goes in to real restaurant style cooking,” he said about the camp.
Léman’s culinary camp brings a lot to the table for these young campers and has the potential to create a positive future for children and the culinary industry. By ending it with a pop-up restaurant, it allows the students’ families to participate and support their journey at this incredible culinary camp.
The next culinary camp is scheduled for 9-13-year-olds and will take place the week of July 24, concluding with another pop-up restaurant on July 28. We can’t wait to see what they’re cooking up — this time and the next!
Photos courtesy of Léman Manhattan Preparatory School


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LG is showing off its new 3D and HDTV sets at IFA 2010 this week. The company is showing people at the show its new Nano Full LED set along with Plasma sets and other gear like Blu-ray players and home theater systems. LG is showing new 3D TVs including the LEX8, which is one of the highest-end TVs from the company.
The LEX8 claims to be the world slimmest set at only 0.88cm thick and it has a very thin 1.25cm bezel. The set is fully LED backlit and uses Nano Lighting Technology to produce a brighter, clearer, and smoother image than ever before. LG is also showing off the LEX9 with the largest LED backlit screen offered at 72-inches.
Other items being shown by LG at IFA include the LX9500 TV claiming to be the world’s first Full LED 3D TV. That set was seen back at CES in January. The coolest thing though may be the gigantic 180-inch plasma 3D TV prototype LG is showing off. The PS950N 3D Plasma is also on display with the distinction of being the first TV to receive the 3D THX certification.


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As Bitcoin and crypto prices continue to fall profitability from mining using certain types of hardware inevitably follows suit. Japan has a number of high profile corporations heavily invested in mining operations and it looks like they are about to pull the plug.
According to reports in local media, Japan’s online retail giant GMO is pulling out of the Bitcoin mining hardware industry. As hash rates increased while prices fell, mining competition also intensified putting the pressure on profitability. In response to this GMO has decided to withdraw from sales and development of mining equipment which is now no longer profitable despite hash rate falling a little recently.


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Cultural Crossroads is gearing up for the seventh annual Farmers Market and Makers Fair at The Farm– which will be called “First Saturday” this year.
The once-a-month market will kick off on the first Saturday in May and run through August. Gates will open at 8 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. There is no admission.
Special activities for the kids will be planned.
“We want to make this a family affair. While our farmers and growers offer up their bounty, we want the kids to be able to enjoy the grounds, maybe take a dip in our horse troughs, maybe even paint something,” Sonya Armstrong, market chairman said. “We will have demonstrations by local and regional artists and musicians will be invited to jam on the lush green, shady lawn of our four-acre piece of heaven.”
Gardening demonstrations on a variety of subjects such as container gardening and lasagna gardening will be offered.
Each month, organizers will have a different theme – May will be Cinco de Mayo, June will be Soul Food, July will be BBQ and August will be Wild Wild Western.
A covered pavilion will be offered to vendors on a first-come-first-serve basis or they can set up under the pecan trees. Some tables and chairs will also be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Booth space will have a monthly fee of $10 and vendors will be allowed to set up one hour before gates open.
For those wishing to sell goods at the market, contact Armstrong at 318-678-0805 or email her at email@example.com.


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While Bluetooth®technology is well regarded as the go-to solution for audio streaming and connected devices, it shouldn’t be dismissed as solely a consumer technology. Many facilities — from museums like the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne to massive retailers like Target and Mall of America — are relying on Bluetooth enabled smart building solutions to optimize day-to-day operations and create a better visitor experience.
More Than a Consumer Technology
The recent release of Bluetooth® Mesh networking makes intelligent building automation at scale a reality, even in commercial and industrial environments where reliability and security requirements are highest. Bluetooth Mesh enables the creation of large-scale device networks and is ideally suited for control, monitoring, and automation systems where tens, hundreds, or thousands of devices need to reliably and securely communicate with one another.
Bluetooth Mesh networking was built on a 20-year foundation of Bluetooth interoperability. This is achieved through rigorous qualification and by ensuring all layers of the communication stack, including the application layer, are specified.
Companies like McWong International have already been capitalizing on this break-through innovation. “We have been exploring different network technologies for the past ten years, and we have yet to see a technology in action that is more suitable for building automation,” said Blane Goettle, VP of McWong.
McWong to Prove Bluetooth Mesh Interoperability
McWong already has plans to retrofit their offices with products from multiple vendors to demonstrate the interoperability of Bluetooth® Mesh. “We want to highlight the ease of planning and commissioning,” said Goettle. “We want to show how, through a multi-phase approach, you can implement Bluetooth Mesh in a commercial building. You don’t need to tackle the whole building at once.”
Once their offices are complete, McWong plans to upgrade their warehouses before expanding the implementation across their entire operation. McWong’s 25,000-square-foot commercial project site incorporates a large warehouse and assembly area, private offices, open plan areas, conference rooms, and training spaces, along with a daylight-filled employee lunch/social activity area.
This project will publicly demonstrate the genuine interoperability of the Bluetooth Mesh specifications and include fixtures from several different manufacturers that are Bluetooth Low Energy/Bluetooth Mesh compatible/convertible and able to perform the full range of California Title 24-2016 control requirements. In addition, the project will feature Bluetooth mesh control in the lighting industry’s newest interior fixtures, namely those that dynamically change color, kelvin temperature (CCT), and beam spread.
Watch the video above to hear from McWong’s VP, Blane Goettle, on how Bluetooth technology can be used to power a whole range of smart building solutions.


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The Samsung Galaxy S23 line is a series of top-of-the-line Android smartphones. The devices offer all kinds of modern gadgets, have a faster Snapdragon processor than its competitors and a nice camera system. But there always remains something to be desired. And no, not just for the knee-jerks among us.
In the battle between Android and iOS, you hear a lot of arguments going back and forth. Mostly it’s about normal features; options that people actually use. You hear very few people about parts that are behind the scenes. Like the Seamless updates component, also known as A/B updates.
Samsung Galaxy S23 with Seamless updates?
This Android option first appeared in 2016. The feature makes downloading and installing system updates much simpler. Without Seamless updates, everything has to be done step by step and you also have to wait for everything to be installed. You can’t use your phone then, when all this is taking place.
Twitter won’t load because you didn’t give permission.
The #GalaxyS23Ultra still doesn’t support A/B partitions. https://t.co/NTN15Bal3Y pic.twitter.com/A1i1RGWyhh
– Nicolas La Rocco (@roccetry) February 3, 2023
With that Android option on board, everything happens in the background and you can keep using your smartphone. All you have to do is restart it once, and that’s it. What does that have to do with the new Samsung Galaxy S23 series? Everything and nothing, at the same time. Because that option is not present on the system, unfortunately.
No, Android manufacturer won’t do anything with that this year either
That’s according to a test conducted by journalist Nicolas La Rocco. Why Samsung continues to choose this is not clear to us. There are few drawbacks to this update method. Yes, Android gobbles up more storage space, since it has to store updates – but that’s really a non-issue at this point.
During the press presentation of the Galaxy S23, Samsung was still so proud of the fact that its devices have such an incredible amount of storage. Granted, that’s because we collectively use more space. But even then, there should be enough space for a simple software update of a few gig.


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An increase in cryptocurrency mining increased the demand of graphics cards (GPU) in 2017. Popular favorites of cryptocurrency miners such as Nvidia's GTX 1060 and GTX 1070 graphics cards, as well as AMD's RX 570 and RX 580 GPUs, doubled or tripled in price – or were out of stock. A GTX 1070 Ti which was released at a price of $450 sold for as much as $1100. Another popular card GTX 1060's 6 GB model was released at an MSRP of $250, sold for almost $500. RX 570 and RX 580 cards from AMD were out of stock for almost a year. Miners regularly buy up the entire stock of new GPU's as soon as they are available.
Bitcoin prices were negatively affected by several hacks or thefts from cryptocurrency exchanges, including thefts from Coincheck in January 2018, Coinrail and Bithumb in June, and Bancor in July. For the first six months of 2018, $761 million worth of cryptocurrencies was reported stolen from exchanges. Bitcoin's price was affected even though other cryptocurrencies were stolen at Coinrail and Bancor as investors worried about the security of cryptocurrency exchanges.
In 2014, researchers at the University of Kentucky found "robust evidence that computer programming enthusiasts and illegal activity drive interest in bitcoin, and find limited or no support for political and investment motives". Australian researchers have estimated that 25% of all bitcoin users and 44% of all bitcoin transactions are associated with illegal activity as of April 2017. There were an estimated 24 million bitcoin users primarily using bitcoin for illegal activity. They held $8 billion worth of bitcoin, and made 36 million transactions valued at $72 billion.
In 1998, Wei Dai published a description of "b-money", characterized as an anonymous, distributed electronic cash system. Shortly thereafter, Nick Szabo described bit gold. Like bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies that would follow it, bit gold (not to be confused with the later gold-based exchange, BitGold) was described as an electronic currency system which required users to complete a proof of work function with solutions being cryptographically put together and published. A currency system based on a reusable proof of work was later created by Hal Finney who followed the work of Dai and Szabo.
The semi-anonymous nature of cryptocurrency transactions makes them well-suited for a host of nefarious activities, such as money laundering and tax evasion. However, cryptocurrency advocates often value the anonymity highly. Some cryptocurrencies are more private than others. Bitcoin, for instance, is a relatively poor choice for conducting illegal business online, and forensic analysis of bitcoin transactions has led authorities to arrest and prosecute criminals. More privacy-oriented coins do exist, such as Dash, ZCash, or Monero, which are far more difficult to trace.
While cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that are managed through advanced encryption techniques, many governments have taken a cautious approach toward them, fearing their lack of central control and the effects they could have on financial security. Regulators in several countries have warned against cryptocurrency and some have taken concrete regulatory measures to dissuade users. Additionally, many banks do not offer services for cryptocurrencies and can refuse to offer services to virtual-currency companies. Gareth Murphy, a senior central banking officer has stated "widespread use [of cryptocurrency] would also make it more difficult for statistical agencies to gather data on economic activity, which are used by governments to steer the economy". He cautioned that virtual currencies pose a new challenge to central banks' control over the important functions of monetary and exchange rate policy. While traditional financial products have strong consumer protections in place, there is no intermediary with the power to limit consumer losses if bitcoins are lost or stolen. One of the features cryptocurrency lacks in comparison to credit cards, for example, is consumer protection against fraud, such as chargebacks.
Paul Krugman, Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences winner does not like bitcoin, has repeated numerous times that it is a bubble that will not last and links it to Tulip mania. American business magnate Warren Buffett thinks that cryptocurrency will come to a bad ending. In October 2017, BlackRock CEO Laurence D. Fink called bitcoin an 'index of money laundering'. "Bitcoin just shows you how much demand for money laundering there is in the world," he said.
The overwhelming majority of bitcoin transactions take place on a cryptocurrency exchange, rather than being used in transactions with merchants. Delays processing payments through the blockchain of about ten minutes make bitcoin use very difficult in a retail setting. Prices are not usually quoted in units of bitcoin and many trades involve one, or sometimes two, conversions into conventional currencies. Merchants that do accept bitcoin payments may use payment service providers to perform the conversions.


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14th edition of PrintPack: More than 480 exhibitors
The who’s who of Indian print industry will converge in Greater Noida for PrintPack 2019 from 1 to 6 February (Friday to Wednesday) to drive their businesses forward. S Dayaker Reddy, the president of IPAMA gives the lowdown to Noel Marshall D’Cunha of PrintWeek India
31 Jan 2019 | By Noel D'Cunha
Why should the Indian print players visit PrintPack? What are the applications that are driving businesses in different segments?
PrintPack will be the largest international print-centric event in 2019, combining an extensive content programme with hundreds of international companies demonstrating the latest global technologies and applications, making it an event not to be missed. We have more than 480 exhibitors in the 14th edition of PrintPack 2019.
Quite a few Indian printers are going to attend the show, what are the different product launches that should excite them?
A host of new technologies are being launched – some from first time exhibitors – with more scheduled to be announced at the event itself, with many exhibitors keeping their news under wraps until the event opens on the 1 February (Friday).
We are in 2019, what’s your goal for the next 12 months?
My goals for the next 12 months have already been set. First, we have to deliver a successful PrintPack India 2019. It has already acquired the status of one of the most recognised exhibitions at par with many prestigious international exhibitions in UK, the USA, China, Japan and Germany. We will reach out to all other related associations, who are also supporting IPAMA in accomplishing the objectives already set out by it. In the next 12 months, we will also concentrate on the formation of a Federation for Graphic Arts Industry Associations, which we had started few months ago, many of them have already given their consent.
As I am also the president of Asia Print and vice president of Global Print, my focus will be on expanding our reach both in Asia and across the world. My hands are full and I look forward to hectic period of activities in the next 12 months, including participation in important international events, with a view to boost our exports in the world market.
How has PrintPack grown?
PrintPack is now acclaimed as international event. It has become an international platform and meeting point for all prestigious corporates, agencies, Indian and foreign manufacturers and suppliers associated with the graphic arts industry. In one word, the East and the West meet at PrintPack, every two years, to show a new direction to the printing and packaging industry through changing technology, trends, techniques, practices, products and services for the benefit of the industry, customers and the economy. The increasing demand and prestige, edition after edition are the proof of that. That is the reason why we are always on the lookout for new concepts and strategies which are useful for the industry.
Selling is not easy. What are the customers telling you about the print industry – bullish and robust or doom and gloom?
I agree. But I am a salesman at the core of my heart. I have tried my best and succeeded in selling all my products to both national and international customers relating to 14th edition of Printpack 2019 and demonstrated dedicated team spirit. We have, for the first time, sold out the entire 45,000 sqm exhibition space, two months before the commencement of the event. The demand of space is still coming every day. Our product has carved out a niche area for itself. Our customers and industry are very upbeat about their future. We are all very happy to further enhance the prestige of IPAMA in the world and bring laurels to the country. The print industry is bullish and robust with great future.


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Nearly 50 million households to subscribe to IPTV by 2010, says Gartner
A total of 48.8 million households worldwide will subscribe to Internet Protocol television (IPTV) services from telecom carriers in 2010, according to market research firm Gartner.
Buoyed by new service launches, IPTV subscribers will more than double in 2007, from an expected 6.4 million in 2006 to 13.3 million.
Despite the eight-fold increase in users between 2006 and 2010, Gartner says that carriers will struggle to turn IPTV into a mainstream pay TV distribution platform on par with established cable or satellite services.
Global IPTV revenue for the period will grow from $872 million in 2006 to $13.2 billion by 2010, which is regarded as relatively modest for the industry, according to Elroy Jopling, research director for Gartner’s Consumer Communication Services.
While not a financial panacea, IPTV will help carriers retain customers of their existing voice and broadband services, he said.
By the numbers, Gartner projects global IPTV subscribers 2004-2010 to be:
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 (CAGR)
IPTV subscribers 3.2 6.4 13.3 24.7 36.3 48.8 72.8% Growth (%) 139.4 102.5 108.1 85.5 46.7 34.5
Source: Gartner Dataquest (August 2006)
For an in-depth understanding of Gartner’s view of the IPTV market, see “IPTV a defensive play as telcos position to retain clients, says researcher” in this edition of IPTV Update.
For more information, visit: www.gartner.com.
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