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BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — Getting in your car and flying to your holiday destination could be a reality within years.
That’s according to AirCar whose prototype has been given an airworthiness certificate by the Slovak Transport Authority, in line with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.
Overcoming the safety hurdle means the car, which doubles as a plane has now moved a step closer to reaching the market.
In the sky above the Slovakian capital Bratislava the AirCar stretches it’s wings. It’s wings are fully retractable and it currently has a 160HP BMW engine with fixed-propeller and a ballistic parachute.
The dual-mode car-aircraft has already ticked off a list of achievements: its done more than 70 hours of test flights, 200 take offs and landings and it’s completing steep 45 degree turns.
Now, Klein Vision the company which makes it says it has been given an airworthiness certificate by the Slovak Transport Authority, in line with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.
Anton Zajac, co-founder and advisor of Klein Vision says “Well, the certificate which has been achieved after 70 plus five hours and 200 takeoffs and landings. We have confirmed that the technology is built in compliance with all the safety regulations imposed by EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency).
Zajac says he and his business partner were inspired to create the AirCar because they longed for the open roads of yesteryear.
“You know, the cars used to be symbols, used to be a symbol of freedom. And if you have a driver’s license it to drive your car. You certainly know you lost that freedom because you are often stuck in traffic. Our goal is to return the freedom to back to those who have the pilot’s license and can drive a car and at the same time, they can take off and cover a distance of 1000 kilometres,” he says.
The current prototype has a range of 500 kilometres and it requires 28 litres of fuel.
A car-plane might still sound a bit futuristic, but Zajac is confident there is a ready market for the vehicle which is expected to cost around 6-700,000 dollars (US).
Zajac says there are many thousands of light aircraft who may be ready to take a leap with a flying car.
“There is an infrastructure for planes. You have twenty five thousand airports in the United States alone, there’s a dense network of small airports in Europe. There is one 10 kilometres from my house, and I’m flying across Europe often and you know, it’s I wish I had the flying car because I could land and not wait for a taxi, or go through congested terminals or wait for a limo or whatever.”
The company is already working on its next prototype which will have a range of 1000 kilometres (621 miles) and fly 300 kilometres per hour.
The new prototype will have to go through new air worthiness tests, but Zajac says it was still important the first prototype was given a clean bill of health.
He says the new car will have the same geometry as this one flying here, so passing the first test was necessary.
“It makes sense to save money and time, you know, what, if we had not received this product, this certificate, we would have to go back to the drawing board and create, you know, improvements. Now we know we have something that is accepted officially by the authorities.”
With the increased use of drones and scheduled airlines it’s argued by some that our skies will become crowded, but Zajac says the AirCar is more efficient.
“Imagine 300 helicopters flying over London, or New York that’d be a mess, you know? So although I believe vertical takeoff and landing vehicles will be part of the transportation systems and infrastructure, the flying cars are more energy efficient. So per mile of transportation, you need less energy than vertical takeoff and landing vehicles.”
Other companies are trying to increase the range of electric aircraft and a growing number of manufacturers are now producing electric cars, but Zajac believes it’ll be a long time before aviation can become electric.
He says: “If somebody comes up with a battery, which is a high enough density of energy per kilogram, we are happy to implement such an engine in our flying car. So it’s it’s a I’m sure somebody will come up with some improvements of the battery technology, but at this moment, unfortunately, the range would be too small.”


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The worldwide media tablet market recorded lower shipments for the fourth straight quarter, with 48.7 million units shipped in 3Q15, according to the latest market study by International Data Corporation (IDC). Despite early signs of a slight improvement, shipments were actually down -12.6 percent year-over-year.
IDC estimated the global installed base of tablets to stand at 581.9 million at the end of 2014, which was up 36 percent from 2013. With mature markets like North America, Western Europe, and Asia-Pacific well past 100 million active tablets per region, the opportunities for new growth are fewer.
"We continue to get feedback that tablet users are holding onto devices upwards of four years," said Ryan Reith, program director at IDC.
IDC believes the traditional media tablet still has a place in personal computing. However, as the smartphone installed base continues to grow and as phablets become more capable, the need for smaller form-factor slate tablets is less clear.
With shipment volumes consistently shrinking, the market now appears to be in the process of a significant transition. In response to these market development challenges, the consumer electronics industry is focused on new form factors with 'detachable' tablets.
To date, detachable tablets gained a single-digit percentage of the overall tablet market, but IDC expects this share to increase over the next 18 months. That being said, the shift toward detachables presents some really big challenges.
In particular, the mix of traditional PC OEMs that are selling detachable tablets will face pressure from the traditional smartphone and phablet OEMs -- many of which deliver extremely low-cost, high-value products.
The first generation of detachable tablets failed, as they represented a series of compromises in terms of both operating system software and hardware. The devices shipping now are more capable, and IDC's expectation is that some tablet buyers may begin to embrace this form factor.
Meanwhile, Apple still holds the top position in the worldwide media tablet market, although the iPad lead may have come to an end -- as the market for premium (high-cost) products has reached full saturation.
Competition from PC vendors with detachable tablets have contributed to a decline in iPad shipments. In the absence of a meaningful Apple innovation, the outlook for growth is limited.

domain: news


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Keek.com and Luxury Retreats, from Toronto and Montreal respectively, each raised millions of dollars to continue, promote and grow their businesses. If your business was backed by $5 million dollars, what would you do with the money?
In many ways two sizable funding rounds for Canadian startups announced this week could be a study in contrasts.
Montreal-based Luxury Retreats, which offers personalized high-end vacations through its online portal, picked up $5-million in backing in a round led by iNovia Capital and announced Monday.
Chief executive Joe Poulin founded the company in 1999 when he was 17 — with about $100 from his bedroom, he said — and has built it into a business with about 120 employees and a projected $100-million in revenue this year.
Read More on business.financialpost.com


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Alimony: deductible for those who pay; taxable for those who receive. But the IRS sees discrepancies in what’s reported. Learn what we mean in this week’s Tax Tip.
Indices closed mixed on Monday. The Dow and S&P 500 retreated. Energy brands such as Exxon Mobil and Chevron led Dow decliners. The Nasdaq added gains, led up by the likes of Yahoo!, Microsoft, and Google. Meanwhile, Apple shed some points today on the eve of its iWatch release.
Indices closed out mixed in Wednesday’s session. The Dow tacked on marginal gains while the S&P 500 landed just below the flat line and the Nasdaq shed some points. Stocks moved amid favorable factory orders data and respectable monthly auto sales figures. Orders for manufactured goods jumped 10.5 percent in July, which was well beyond a 1.5 percent uptick in June. Meanwhile, sales of Ford and Chrysler vehicles ramped up in August.


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MAY LCT: The Operator of the Year Class of 2019 proves how luxury transportation operations can succeed in this market.
SAN FRANCISCO — Limousine operations that serve the San Francisco Bay Area deal with a double-edged challenge of handling some of the most tech savvy clients in the U.S. while choosing and keeping up with the best technology for their fleet businesses.
The area stretching from the Silicon Valley north to Santa Rosa encompasses a vast region that, over the last four decades, is home to the garage where Steve Jobs built his first Apple computer, where the first silicon chip was created and applied, and where multiple generations of computer software, telephony, Internet, dot.com, and social media companies have taken root.
The nine-county urban region, one of the most scenic in the world, is sprawled across the Santa Clara “Silicon” Valley to the south, the San Francisco Peninsula to the west, the East Bay stretching to the Central Valley, and the North Bay, including the Marin Peninsula and wine regions of Sonoma and Napa. About 7.5 million residents live in and around three major cities, each with its own airport: San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose.
Five major bridges spanning the Bay — Golden Gate, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay, San Mateo and Dumbarton — add to the challenges of chauffeured transportation companies serving technology companies and clients spread up out of Silicon Valley and around the Bay like sparkling fairy dust.
And of course this birthplace of 24/7 wireless content and connectivity naturally is the home of Uber and Limos.com, which each in its own way is reshaping the chauffeured transportation industry. Uber in particular is posing regulatory and competitive challenges not foreseen just a few years ago.
A varied mix of operators visited by LCT in August may specialize in various niches and be located in distinct local areas, but they all must constantly revaluate what works best in this competitive environment as they try new ideas and approaches.
Rapid airport service
At Angel Worldwide Transportation in Castro Valley, operator Goldie Bhullar positions the company to be flexible and competitive in a 24/7 tech world. His company is situated in a yellow colonial-style two-story house near the intersection of the 238, 580 and 880 freeways. In light traffic, chauffeurs can be at the Oakland International Airport in seven minutes. Angel advertises its service on lighted placard ads at baggage carousels and maintains a direct phone line in the baggage terminal. The service draws additional airport runs.
Bhullar sees signs of Uber trying to compete with limousine service as one to two car operators sit near airports and wait for rides. “Uber has taken over all of San Francisco. Younger workers are more oriented to Uber on smartphones. But if something goes wrong, people get away from them.”
Uber won’t provide the best service nor incur much customer loyalty, since users seldom look for an individual driver. “Limousines still have the safety and service edge,” he says.
iPhone and Android apps are particularly useful for companies that handle reservations, since clients can opt to communicate via texts and e-mails, Bhullar says. Angel Worldwide also uses on-board cameras, GPS navigation, fleet tracking, and Limo Anywhere software.
Apps not apt?
At Pure Luxury Limousine of Petaluma, about 30 minutes north of San Francisco, 60% of its business is related to the Sonoma Valley wine country nearby. That gives the company a 60% corporate and 40% retail mix for its 100 chauffeured vehicles and buses.
Operator Gary Buffo recently switched the company to Motorola Admiral smartphones, which provide the most accurate GPS service the company has ever used.
“The car-mounted GPS has not worked well and it’s never been accurate for us,” Buffo says. “When we switched to the [Sprint] smartphone, it was completely accurate. The mapping software is phenomenal.”
Pure Luxury runs hands-free technology in all of its vehicles, with chauffeurs able to communicate via BlueTooth when no clients are in the vehicles, and dispatchers able to track all fleet moves via GPS fleet tracking, Buffo says.
Buffo remains skeptical of current apps on the market because the ones he has tried failed. “We’ve used two [programs] and did tests with a customer app, and it did not work, period.” Buffo says. “There were so many flaws, so many issues.”
Apps work properly if backed by the proper investments and top-rate technology. Chauffeured transportation operators need apps that work perfectly all the time, Buffo says. “Until someone can invest the millions that’s needed, you’re not going to get a perfect solution for customers. We just don’t have the money to invest as an industry [for an app] that the customer or chauffeur can use on a daily basis.”
Buffo has installed an app blocker on Pure Luxury’s company smartphones, with only supervisors able to add apps to the smartphones to prevent chauffeurs from using non-company related apps.
Trekking with tech
Toward the southern end of the Bay Area, Mosaic Global Transportation, which has seen 40% growth since December 2011, runs 23 company-owned vehicles with a network of smaller regional affiliates. Located in Redwood City, off U.S. 101 between San Francisco and San Jose, the company is ideally situated to serve the two global tech hubs.
Apple, Google, Facebook, Zinga, Yahoo, Synopsis, AT&T, Marriott, Toyota, the 49ers and major league baseball are among Mosaic’s top clients.
The company recently transitioned to the elite Livery Coach software, which can automate communications between clients and the company, including confirmations and receipts, while chauffeurs can update clients and dispatchers alike with statuses.
“People expect so much information quickly,” says Rhonda Brewster, COO of Mosaic, who co-owns and runs the company with her husband, Maurice, the President and CEO. “They want information quickly, efficiently and with a high level of service.”
The system eliminates most phone calls, with even affiliates able to communicate directly on smartphones, tablets and laptops, Maurice Brewster says. The company also has a web-link that functions like an app for clients. Mosaic requires a minimum four hours for a reservation.
So far, Uber has not eaten much into limousine service requests, since it competes more on the taxi level, Rhonda Brewster says. Maurice adds that Uber cannot meet the full demand in San Francisco, as there are not enough vehicles available in certain time frames when customers need to leave hotels and get to airports. That makes a reservation-based, pre-arranged chauffeured ride still the best solution given the uncertainty of whether a taxicab or Uber sedan actually shows up when you need it during morning/evening rush hours, he says.
Priority on tech
Technology must be a major priority for chauffeured transportation companies since it’s a major criteria component of RFPs from corporate clients, Brewster says. One client he deals with gives it a 20% weight, or 20 out of 100 points, when scoring a chauffeured vehicle service for potential business. “Every RFP now has some kind of a technology segment,” he says.
To enhance its tech image, Mosaic this year has bought two 2013 Lincoln MKT Town Cars with at least two more on the way. The new Lincoln MKT offers a big technology “wow factor,” with its plug-ins and Wi-Fi potential, Maurice Brewster says. Silicon Valley clients tend to be low key, preferring a practical, understated approach that is not image oriented, Rhonda adds.
Visual vehicles & talking shuttles
At Gateway Limousines Worldwide in Burlingame, close to San Francisco International Airport, operators Sam Amato, Rich Azzolino and Joel Amato put a priority on onboard cameras, for safety and as a useful chauffeur training tool. The trio runs one of the largest chauffeured operations in the Bay Area, which was started in 1979.
Chauffeurs comprise teams that compete with each other each quarter for points based on driving performance and service excellence, says James Lilley, director of chauffeur development at Gateway. Another innovation Gateway is testing is chauffeur iPads, which can be used to communicate as well as for client greeting signs at airports.
Gateway also is implementing the scripted “talking bus” that automatically updates shuttle riders on stop points, points of interest, and helpful instructions, Lilley says. About 25% to 30% of the company’s revenues come from various bus-related services.
As for Uber, Sam and Joel Amato believe it is more suited for short distance runs, and not for longer trips and A/Ds, the staples of traditional chauffeured service. An Uber system for the limousine industry would only work if all companies had the same livery system, or compatible systems, and all operations and chauffeurs were interconnected via smartphones and tablets, Sam Amato says.
It is impractical for chauffeured service providers to set aside a certain number of fleet vehicles as “floaters,” hoping to get an Uber prompt, he adds.
Gateway coordinates all of its runs around the Bay in an advanced dispatch center with a network of digital flat screen displays tied into GPS fleet tracking, flight tracking, area traffic information, and live status updates on runs, all of which can be accessed remotely.
The company is planning on offering an app that connects with its software and runs as an extension of e-mail for clients who want details and chauffeur information in real time. Gateway sees about a 50/50 split between online and phone reservations, with the website fully accommodating e-mails.
“Technology will definitely cut labor costs and make things more efficient,” Sam Amato says.
MAY LCT: The Operator of the Year Class of 2019 proves how luxury transportation operations can succeed in this market.
LCT and the luxury ground transportation industry anticipate new sources for revenue and networking.
They would inform a system to slow vehicles and safely park them on the side of the road if they detected driver incapacitation.
MARCH LCT: Depending on the kinds of clients you deal with, being able to access the Internet on their mobile devices could be vital — and increase your revenue.
Participating operators can share and receive pricing info any time in real time.
The integration allows users to book services in more than 1,000 cities worldwide alongside other transportation choices.
Presenters Ken Carter, Derek Maxwell, and Rick Versace Jr. will explain how technology can streamline operations.
An integration between GRiDD Technologies' GNet and Limo Anywhere's DANet expands the reach and pool of luxury fleet vehicles.
FEB. LCT: Attendees are guaranteed to find all the latest vehicles, products, industry services, and related good deals all on one vibrant, pulsing show floor.
Arizona citizens are fighting back against autonomous vehicles by pelting them with rocks and slashing tires.
JAN. LCT Editor's Edge: As with customers, you have to meet people where they are at and figure out what really works.
Millennials and their use of social media spur the rise in transparent user-generated platforms.
With many operators calling for a “super-network” of real-time reservations, the founder of GNet updates the progress.
NOV. LCT: Product review - two leading systems provide a constant stream of information that can help operators wring out efficiencies.
The event is dedicated to providing strategies and new mobility solutions to fleets.
The world's No. 1 online marketplace and trader for professional chauffeured and chartered vehicles, including all types of motorcoaches, buses, vans, stretch limousines, sedans, SUVs, exotics, and classics. New and used vehicles are available from sellers across the nation.
The best online networker to find quality affiliates worldwide and market your company.
Click on any state to see the latest industry news and events in that region.


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LaunchLab based Sxuirrel secures R2.4 million in Funding
Sxuirrel, a Stellenbosch based peer-to-peer storage and space finding solution, has secured seed funding of R2.4 million from a strategic partner investment holding company with interests in the storage, logistics and transport industry, in return for a minority shareholding.
Sxuirrel, South Africa’s first peer-to-peer storage solution is revolutionising the idea of decentralised space. By disrupting an existing industry to provide self-storage opportunities through consumer-based sharing solutions, Sxuirrel is creating an entirely new storage marketplace, focused on the growing millennial generation.
Think of Sxuirrel as the Airbnb for storage and space solutions – connecting people with available space, to those in need of space.
Co-founder, CEO and Stellenbosch student, Michael-John Dippenaar, recognised the increasing demand for more affordable, accessible and flexible storage solutions, whilst studying at the University. “Newly built apartments and residence rooms are getting smaller every year. With consumerism on the rise and the traditional storage solutions to our disposal outdated, we saw an opportunity ripe for disruption”.
“Traditional storage options are unaffordable, inaccessible and quite frankly not a viable short-term solution for most millennials,” says Dippenaar. Alongside his two co-founders, Henri Bam and Michael Louis, also students at the University, they set out to solve the problem they experienced firsthand. After participation with, and winning support from the Stellenbosch University based business incubator Launchlab, the Scurry (as they refer to their team) managed to craft their idea into a value proposition and business concept.
Sxuirrel connects a community of people who need space, “Storees”, with those who can provide it, “Listees”. This enables users to store their belongings at a listing of their choosing, access their belongings when desired and only pay for the space they actually use. Users who have under-utilised space can make listings of their own and turn their space into profit with no effort at all. Listees and Storees have profiles that allow a peer-to-peer ra7ng and review system to build trust between the parties and to inform other community members of the level of service provided by their peers. To further ensure trust and security between the parties, Sxuirrel also ensures a rigorous verification process and the storage of illegal goods are prohibited. Backed by the peer-to-peer ra7ng system, Storees can decide with which Listee they feel secure to store their belongings, and Listees can accept requests of their choosing.
Taking a step back and looking into the storage industry in South Africa, the double-digit growth industry is extremely segmented, with the two biggest players, Stor-Age and Xtraspace accounting for roughly 15%-18% of the market. Within said segmented market, inefficiencies were clear to the millennial start-up founders; the storage solutions to their disposal were too expensive, not flexible enough in their offering and inaccessibly located in the outskirts of towns, mostly in industrial areas. On top of that, intermediary community driven solutions such as Gumtree or local community forums are extracting significant amounts of value through the use of social technologies.
“The funding agreement is indicative of digital transformation within the $34 billion storage industry,” says Dippenaar. In his opinion, the advent of the sharing economy is rendering businesses obsolete. The shift in purchasing power to millennials has transformed how business will be conducted in the future, evident by the growing market-place economies across the globe.
“This is not only important for us, but for South Africa as national conglomerates and big-role players start to see the value of start-ups within local industries, and help them scale to become part of their global competitive strategy”, according to Dippenaar. He said too often success for South African start-ups mean international capital injections, or selling off assets to international competitors.
“We aim to amalgamate the community industry under a single storage-associated brand, Sxuirrel.” The funding will assist in the product and platform development, as well as marketing and staffing costs and according to Dippenaar most importantly, building the Sxuirrel brand. Their current main focus area is providing customer centric, flexible service to the student market. With their highly scalable platform, the Scurry is looking to expand their services aggressively across the country, providing the go-to storage platform nationally.
Sxuirrel is already expanding its offering to flexible parking space and according to Dippenaar has its sights set on further expansion of their service in the near future, becoming synonymous with finding space. “Our service is based on agility; be agile in your offering. Be specific in the solution you’re trying to solve and be focused on your customer”.
“Our company culture of trying new ideas, being innovative in all processes and a transparent communication flow, helps us deliver the best business model to our users. We’re meticulous in having each user, or Scurry member, feel part of the family and ensure a seamless and hassle free storage service. We even include supplementary services such as packing or help with pick-up and delivery”.
Sxuirrel is available on iOS or alternatively, visit their website www.sxuirrel.com to gain access to their interactive system and become part of the Scurry family! For the anticipated Android users, hold tight as the App is on its way. Sign up on the website and gain exclusive no7fica7ons upon release. #watchthisspace


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In its latest report, Futuresource Consulting has revealed the contradictory sales data coming from the worldwide projector market. Despite the overall market being in a state of slight decline over the last two years, B2B 1080p projector sales have increased significantly during the same period. This has been attributed primarily to businesses becoming more familiar with the resolution rather than as a direct result of lower prices.
According to the latest report from Futuresource Consulting on the state of the global interactive display market, there has been a significant sales increase with 42% YoY growth, due to the 300,000 displays being shipped in Q1 this year.
As happened with HD and 3D, the development of 4K technology is being led by the consumer sector, according to a new report from Futuresource Consulting.


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Record sales tax revenue possible
Published 1:45 pm, Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Montgomery County retailers could see one of the strongest-ever holiday shopping seasons if sales continue to follow a trend of monthly year-over-year increases in sales tax revenue.
State Comptroller Susan Combs' office reported Montgomery County cities have seen an increase of at least 7 percent for year-over-year sales tax revenue each of the last five months. Several times this year, sales tax revenue was at or near an all-time high.
Collectively, cities received $4.63 million, the highest for a November reporting period. The comptroller's November report is based off of sales taxes retailers generated in September of the third quarter. Historically, the November report has contained the second highest sales tax revenue only to the February report, which reflects fourth quarter and December sales.
With record high sales tax revenue in November, officials are anticipating sales this month could be the highest amount ever. Last year, December sales help to generate $4.84 million in sales tax revenue for the comptroller's February report, the second highest ever next to the $5 million generated in December and fourth quarter of 2009, according to comptroller statistics.
The $1.8 million The Woodlands Township received in November is not figured in with the other Montgomery County cities because it is not a city. Still, the township followed the rest of the county in November and received some of its highest sales tax revenue numbers, with a 12.35 percent increase over the previous year.
"I expect an increase in the sales tax to a historically high level due to the increased growth experienced in The Woodlands. Not only will the numbers be higher, our sale tax base has increased with the addition of new restaurants, retail stores, new business, new construction and increased home sales," said Bruce Tough, chairman of The Woodlands Township board of directors.
"Therefore, all forecasts project a record year in The Woodlands. As long as we continue with exemplary services, enhanced amenities and attractions, The Woodlands will continue to post record sales numbers."
Tough points to the population growth of the county as one of the main contributing factors.
The attractiveness of The Woodlands and surrounding communities has allowed the township to see continuous growth in sales tax revenue.
As more large-scale project make their way to the area such as the Anadarko expansion and Exxon Mobil Corp. relocation, sales should hit historical figures, he said.
The most The Woodlands received from the comptroller in sales tax revenue was $2.5 in February.
With a stronger economy and bigger sales base, Tough expects next February's report will push the record even higher.
"We make sure this is a great place to work and live," Tough said.
"We attract more people into The Woodlands than are going out because we provide exemplary service and wonderful amenities."
Shenandoah has benefited from increases in sales tax revenue. The city saw a 14 percent increase in sales tax revenue, receiving $457,000 in November. To date, Shenandoah has received $4.3 million which is up 7 percent from last year.
Shenandoah City Secretary Kathie Reyer said that sales tax revenue account for about 60 percent of the city's budget.
That is why the city places a high value on its shopping centers, she said.
Reyer also pointed out that the steady increase in sales tax revenue has helped to offset the amount residents have to put toward the budget, meaning lower property taxes.
"Sales tax revenue is very important to any city. It provides a means to pay for maintenance and operations, paying off debt, to providing extra amenities to the residents themselves," Shenandoah City Councilman Darrell Frazier said.
Frazier and Reyer say that having I-45 run through the city is an immense benefit to the city with travelers stopping in to shop, gas and dine.
"Our neighbors, Oak Ridge, The Woodlands and Conroe, all have shared in the growth that has come to south Montgomery County," Frazier said.
"I believe that people wanting to live near amenities such as hospitals, shopping, entertainment and restaurants, has been a big factor in why sales tax revenues are growing. Businesses are attracted to the area, because they know they will be utilized."
City officials predict an uptick in sales this holiday season and beyond based on the demand for retail space in the city.
Reyer says there are a slew of businesses, restaurants and hotels looking to build in the city.


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HAPPYLIFE selected biggest KF94 mask exporter
페이지 정보작성자 해피라이프 댓글 0 조회 1,275 작성일 21-12-07 10:41
HAPPYLIFE received export award at the 58th Trade Day in 2021 at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, with 300 people attending, including heads of government and the president of Korea.
The award is for Korean exporters who contributed to export expansion and overseas market development. HAPPYLIFE exported about 20 million masks (worth 10 million dollars) from 2020 to 2021 and have become the biggest KF94 face mask manufacturer in Korea.


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Brighter times for Wilson Connolly
HOUSEBUILDER Wilson Connolly has offered hope that its troubles may be over after it reported an encouraging start to the financial year.
The Northampton-based group told shareholders that early benefits were being delivered from a strategic review.
Wilson Connolly has overhauled its business in recent months after seeing profits almost halve to £35.1m last year.
The review found 'widespread confusion and demotivation' among the 2,200 strong workforce and a lack of a clear strategy.
Speaking at Wilson Connolly's annual general meeting, chairman Allan Leighton said the performance of the business in the first quarter of the current financial year had been encouraging and 'ahead of plan'.
'Our average selling price has continued to rise reflecting the changing sales mix of the business and the buoyant new homes market. Early benefits are being delivered from the outcome of the strategic review.'
Leighton said progress would show through in improved operating margins, with the group on track to meet targets of 15% by 2004. Operating margins were 8.6% in Wilson Connolly's annual results announcement.
The review has been led by Graeme McCallum, the former managing director of Alfred McAlpine who took over as chief executive from John Tutte in October. Three regional chairman have also been appointed.
However, the update failed to inspire investors today as shares, which have rallied in recent weeks, were down 2 1/2 p at 173 1/2 p by mid-afternoon.
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It wasn’t so much Labour’s decision last week to dub Tesco an ‘almighty conglomerate‘ whose powers needed curbing that was the surprise, but that it had taken so long for a political party to do so.
The dominance of supermarkets and chain stores has long been a pernicious feature of UK life: travel writer Bill Bryson rued the loss of Britain’s once-diverse high streets in his Notes from a Small Island almost two decades ago; the New Economics Foundation (NEF) coined the term ‘clone town’ in a 2005 report to describe those overrun by large, generic retailers.
Now concern for the beleaguered local shop has finally reached national government. In May, David Cameron appointed retail expert Mary Portas the government’s 'shops tsar' to identify solutions to the clone town conundrum. Could the submission of her report this autumn mark a turning point for independents?
They certainly need all the help they can get. NEF’s 2010 Reimagining the High Street survey found that 41 per cent of towns were already clones (Cambridge the worst of them), 23 per cent were on-the-cusp ‘border towns’ and only 36 per cent were thriving ‘home towns’. Whitstable boasts the UK’s most vibrant, independent high street.
Up until now successive governments have been unwilling or unable to put a stop to the expansion of chain stores and supermarkets. With the time, money and resources to navigate complicated planning procedures and area plans, tenancies have been granted and new buildings greenlighted almost as a matter of course.
As a result the onus has increasingly been on individuals, communities and campaign groups to act to prevent the creeping homogenisation of their high streets. The problem is that clone towns are self perpetuating: gutted town centres degrade communities and community spirit – precisely what is most effective at combating them. The stranglehold they exert means local economies become fragile and social interaction decreases, possible factors in the riots that swept England earlier in the month.
Observers including environmental campaigner and blogger Duncan Clark have commented on the fact that our high streets are increasingly representative of a faceless, commodified system that no one has a vested interest in protecting. Currys and Foot Locker were looted in Brixton (designated a London clone town in 2010) while the Turkish and Kurdish owners of convenience stores in Stoke Newington (the capital’s second highest-scoring ‘home town’) grouped together to defend their businesses and the area.
Rita Exner of the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) highlights the role farmers’ market have to play in drawing shoppers and shops back to towns apple-cored by superstores. Operating since 1999, Stroud farmers’ market has expanded to 50-60 stalls that radiate into side streets off the main market square. Local businesses are now opening on the weekends to capitalise on the influx of people.
Given the choice, people want to see their communities remain viable and vibrant, says Exner, but if the success of Stroud is to be repeated in towns and urban centres across the UK then changes must be made to planning and signage laws.
‘Most farmers’ markets are monthly but if they are to become people’s first port of call for food shopping then we would like to see them happen more regularly. Weekly markets are often deemed to fall outside the “temporary events” concession, however, and so become subject to planning laws. Restrictions on road signs also mean there can be issues advertising them. More support from local authorities would be most welcome.’
Launched in 2005, the Tescopoly Alliance aims to challenge, among other things, the market-distorting impact of Tesco on small businesses and the community. There have been victories in fighting the corporate takeover of the British high street, says its spokesperson and Friends of the Earth food campaigner Helen Rimmer: councillors recently refused permission for a Sainsbury’s store in Todmorden, Yorkshire, for example, because of the impact it would have on the town centre.
‘The number of objection letters to a new supermarket some councils receive – often running into thousands – would indicate widespread unhappiness about the supermarket takeover. But often consumers have little choice in where to shop and big retailers use their purchasing power to drive down prices, hurting farmers here and overseas and diverting trade from the local economy.’
Rimmer says councils often recognise the negative impact of chain stores, but fear the cost of the appeals process – Tesco in particular routinely appeals any decision against it. Many also find it difficult to turn down applications because of the lack of a strong enough national planning policy to protect town centres and local shops, weakened further by the national planning policy framework.
As a result, residents still have to fight their own fights, especially in relatively untapped areas where chains have identified rich pickings. Having fought off a Starbucks and a Tesco, residents of Stoke Newington (which already has eight of the Big Four supermarkets within a mile’s radius) are taking on Sainsbury’s, which has plans for a major new store at the junction of Church Street and High Street.
‘People live here because of its character, because it hasn’t been turned into yet another desiccated main street, with a Boots, Holland & Barrett, Starbucks and countless phone shops,’ says Andrew Harrison, a volunteer with campaign group Stokey Local. ‘It’s fantastically varied, an absolute paradise of independent stores, from corner shops to boutiques – it’s the model of what national and local authorities ought to be encouraging.’
Sainsbury’s has yet to apply for planning permission, but when the time comes the campaign will be forced to focus on concerns about traffic congestion – the reason? Under present legislation it is apparently not possible for objections to supermarkets or other stores to be lodged on the grounds of the damage done to an area’s character or small businesses.
But that may be about to change. An unlikely new hope on the horizon is the coalition government’s Localism Bill, introduced to parliament in December and expected to be enacted at the end of this year. Widely criticised for appearing to open up the greenbelt for development, it will also contain provision allowing councils and individuals to contest proposed developments on the grounds of their effect on the character of their areas, including local referendums and neighbourhood planning.
It would be an irony if the Bill that opponents of wind farms have been praying for turns out to be the one that blocks the power of the big chains to dominate local high streets and create a Clone Britain. Not in my back yard indeed.
|HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
How to stop a supermarket opening in your area
Battling superstore monopolies needn’t be a lone crusade. Kate Eshelby looks at some of the resources available
|HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
CASE STUDY: creating Transition Towns
From theory to practice, how one man in Totnes is helping a community respond to the threat of peak oil – from its own currency to relearning lost arts. Ed Hamer reports
|HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Forget eco-towns - real green house-building is already happening
Cambridge University's expansion plans could change the face of sustainable building in the UK. In 2012, construction begins on the greenest development of its size and scope in the UK
Churches turned into pubs. Brooding Victorian warehouses replaced with sparkly identikit apartments. Family shops and independent cafes bankrupted by Starbucks, Tesco’s et al. When will we wake up to this grim, placeless reality?
|HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Persuading your local station to plant fruit trees
Armed with just a good idea and big dose of enthusiasm you can transform a bleak area into a mini orchard. Plus, the best way to approach a station manager...


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Volkswagen's prototype superchargers made the Polo G40 record cars the most daring hatchbacks of their era. Two years later, VW put them into production.
How innovation has modernized the venerable rite of passage.
A composite aluminum announced in a new study this week borrows its structure from the Asian pomelo.
There's a lot going on with the wheel of Porsche's Le Mans race car.
This Honda patent could lead to a four-cylinder engine with a different displacement for each cylinder.
Johns Hopkins scientists invent a UV-reflecting paint that keeps surfaces cool and resists corrosion for a century.
VTEC sparked an internal-combustion revolution that spread to nearly every brand.
They're the stiffest, strongest material known to man, and they could revolutionize car design forever.


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Our £12 million turnover company designs and manufactures bespoke and standard food service counters and display units. Initially serving the UK hotel industry Counterline was soon asked to design, manufacture and fit out the food service areas of corporate headquarters, prestigious sports venues and leisure complexes.
The recent consumer trend for “grab & go” food has enabled Counterline to further show off their design capabilities inwell-known supermarkets and coffee franchises, whilst also investing in ever-more environmentally friendly materials, technologies and manufacturing processes.
Counterline’s reputation and pride in their “Made in the UK” credentials now have them exporting to countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Far East, Central Asia and Australasia. Export sales have more than trebled over the last 6 years and now represent 25% of total turnover.
Managing Director, Tim Flood, states, “It is unusual for a UK company in our line of business to export at such high levels, let alone report continuous year-on-year growth for export sales over 6 years”.
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s highest accolade for business success.
Our award for outstanding continuous growth in international trade rightfully acknowledges the dedication of all our staff and partners across the globe who continue to build Counterline’s reputation as the “go to” company for quality products and design solutions within the food service counter and display market.
View the announcement video here: Counterline – Queen’s Awards For Enterprise
Download the PDF of our official press release: Queen’s Award for Enterprise – Press Announcement


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After 18 years in business, lefty Winnipeg café and alternative bookstore MondragÃ³n will close on Jan. 26.
Currently run by a collective of five members, the shop was named after a Basque town in northern Spain known for its worker-owned co-operatives.
MondragÃ³n customer Paul Graham told CBC that the loss of the store will be difficult. “It’s a place where over the almost 20 years, people have come together for book launches, meetings and socials ““ one of those places that really doesn’t have a counterpart in Winnipeg.”
In an interview with the Winnipeg Free Press, MondragÃ³n representative Cora Wiens said, “We’ve had a rough year, a rough couple of years, financially. I think a lot of people are really sad about it and are now realizing what this place has meant.”


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Netflix has always been the place for the hottest new shows around so when Marvel decided to cancel their own collection of titles on the streaming platform, it looked like an admission of superhero attention spans beginning to wane.
Jessica Jones, The Punisher, Daredevil, Iron Fist and Luke Cage were all given the boot after a seemingly poor performance on the platform and the parent studio’s move to Disney. However, now, Marvel boss Kevin Feige has suggested that those shows could well be revived in the future.
Feige was speaking with Deadline ahead of WandaVision release on Disney +, when he suggested that the Marvel shows could once again see the light of day again but we’re unsure whether that will be on Netflix.
The shows were all axed because of Marvel’s move to Disney + following their parent studio Fox being bought out by Mickey Mouse and co. Now, with Netflix’s copyright running out last year, fans have queried Feige with whether he will pursue the titles once more.
“Well, certainly you’ve seen what we announced at Comic-Con a year and half ago and on Disney Investor Day a few weeks ago, so that’s our focus,” the Marvel Studios boss said. “But I’ve been at Marvel long enough to never say never about anything.”
Now Feige once again has the rights to those characters in his hands, we’re sure we’ll see Daredevil and The Punisher et al sooner rather than later. Whether that’ll be on Netflix once more, well, we’ll have to wait and see.


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Online reviews and endorsements can be key to consumers’ decision-making. In fact, surveys show that over 70% of American consumers turn to online sources before making a purchase. Advertisers already should know about FTC principles for making sure that online reviews and endorsements are honest and not misleading.
If you’d like details about how the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act was amended to recalculate penalties using a formula based on the percentage by which the Department of Labor’s October 2015 Consumer Price Index exceeds the Index for October in the year in which the penalty was enacted or last adjusted by law, the FTC has issued a Federal Register Notice explaining it.
The FTC just announced a partial settlement with Volkswagen Group of America that will return as much as $10 billion to owners and lessees of VW and Audi 2.0 liter diesel cars. As the largest false advertising case in FTC history, it’s a record-breaking win for consumers – and it’s in keeping with the law-breaking nature of the deception the FTC alleged in its lawsuit against VW.
The FTC told companies last fall about impending prohibitions under the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) on certain payment methods that legitimate telemarketing businesses don’t use, but con artists have been known to exploit: remotely-created checks, remotely-created payment orders, cash-to-cash transfers, and cash reload mechanisms.
It turns out the real estate people have been right all along. A settlement with InMobi, one of world’s largest mobile ad networks, suggests that for consumers, it really is about location, location, location – or at least honoring consumers’ location privacy preferences and not tracking them without permission. The case is the FTC’s first action against the operator of a mobile ad network.
Spoiler alert: If the villains in a thriller appear to be vanquished with 20 minutes left in the movie, you can bet they’ll make a dramatic reappearance. A case filed by the FTC targets a B2B tactic that small businesses started seeing years ago, but – to quote Poltergeist II – “They’re ba-ack.” And the defendants in the sequel have added what the FTC says is a bogus imposter angle.
Short of jumping into the Tardis to consult with intergalactic medical experts, how can consumers separate the hope from the hype when evaluating claims for health products? That’s where SmartClick Media’s “Doctor Trusted” website certification program claimed to help. But an FTC lawsuit alleges that the “Doctor Trusted” seal and the “Doctor Trusted.org Consumer Protection Certificate” weren’t to be trusted.
For swimmers struggling to stay afloat, imagine this good news/bad news scenario. The good news: Someone throws a life preserver in your direction. The bad news: It’s made of concrete. According to an FTC lawsuit, that’s a rough analogy to the services that Damian Kutzner, Brookstone Law, Advantis Law, attorney Vito Torchia, Jr., and others offered to consumers caught in the undertow of foreclosure.
Hog butcher for the world,
Tool maker, stacker of wheat,
Leader in mobile and a national tech hub.
Appearing as Inspector Harry Callahan, Clint Eastwood added a famous phrase to the lexicon. As a suspect pondered his next move, Callahan invited him to consider the consequences of his actions: “You’ve got to ask yourself this question: Do I feel lucky?
FinTech is the latest word in emerging financial technology and the FTC’s FinTech Forum will offer the latest word on the latest word. The topic for today’s half-day conference is marketplace lending – nonbank financial platforms that use technology to reach potential borrowers, evaluate creditworthiness, and facilitate loans. Can’t participate in person? Watch the webcast from the FinTech event page.
Combine two of the most talked-about consumer protection topics – health privacy and consumer-generated online content – and what do you get? A proposed FTC settlement with Practice Fusion, the largest cloud-based electronic health records company in the country, and six compliance tips for others in the industry.
We loved Scooby-Doo as much as the next person, but each episode seemed to end the same way. Just when Shaggy, Fred, Velma, and Daphne nabbed the culprit, he took off a mask to disclose his identity – or so we thought until he removed yet another mask to reveal who he really was.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. The Italian Job. The Lords of the Rings. The quest for gold is a common theme in action films. But for many consumers who sent money to Encino, California-based Discount Gold Brokers, a lawsuit filed by the FTC alleges that the adventure has turned into a horror movie.
The FCC asked – and we answered. Underway at the Federal Communications Commission is a proposed privacy rulemaking for broadband internet access service providers. The FCC sought public comment on the proposal and the staff of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection has offered its perspectives.


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'Babysitters' Makes Debut on DigitalPlayground.com
VAN NUYS, Calif. — Digital Playground for the first time has released the original "Babysitters" on its member’s only pay site, DigitalPlayground.com.
“Babysitters," one of the top titles of 2007, features an ensemble cast led by Digital Playground exclusive Jesse Jane and former contract girls Sophia Santi, Shay Jordan and Teagan Presley, with additional appearances by Nikki Benz and Sasha Grey, among others.
The online release comes on the heels of the recent release of “Babysitters 2," which was released earlier this summer and has steadily climbed industry sales charts.
Digital Playground's membership site also provides access to hundreds of other movies, as well as live chats with DP girls such as Riley Steele, Kayden Kross and BiBi Jones.


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A day after the rumors began to surface in Australia, Thursday Chevrolet officially announced the return of a V-8 powered, rear-wheel-drive performance sedan to the U.S. lineup, the Chevrolet SS. The manufacturer also confirmed that the SS will also be Chevrolet’s next NASCAR Sprint Cup racecar and will debut in its race configuration at the 2013 Daytona 500.
The model is based on the VF Commodore which is manufactured in Australia by the GM Holden LTD division. A left hand drive model of the Commodore had been spotted driving on public roads in Victoria near where the company is headquartered.
For Chevy the NASCAR deal is part of a larger program that will have Holden once again exporting cars to the American market. The Commodore was sold as the Pontiac G8 until GM was forced into bankruptcy.
“I am thrilled that Chevrolet will deliver a true rear-wheel-drive NASCAR racecar in the SS that is very closely linked to the performance sedan that will be available for sale,” said Mark Reuss, president of GM North America (and former director of Holden) in a prepared statement. “The Chevrolet SS is a great example of how GM is able to leverage its global product portfolio to deliver a unique performance experience that extends beyond the track. I am personally looking forward to driving it.” MORE>>>
- Matt DiBenedetto’s excellent run comes to abrupt, violent end - February 17, 2019
- Clint Bowyer’s last-ditch effort ends in nine-car wreck - February 17, 2019
- Jimmie Johnson scores miraculous top 10 at Daytona - February 17, 2019


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Chinese censors have accused condom brand Durex of using soft pornography to promote its products on social media.
In China, talking about sex is considered taboo, yet Durex has made a name for itself amongst the younger Chinese demographic thanks to its humorous ads.
However, a recent social media campaign with Chinese bubble tea brand Heytea has caused a stir with its overly suggestive images and crude taglines.
Durex is the latest brand to come under fire as the Chinese government cracks down on inappropriate content online.
The ads include a picture of a white, creamy drop of bubble tea coming out of a cup, with the caption: “Tonight, not a drop left”, followed by the question: “Do you remember our second date? I said to you, ‘Your first bite is the most precious’.”
Heytea responded to the post on social media saying: “I remember the date. We agreed from that day on, my cheese will always be on your lips.”
Heytea popular in China for its tea that has a cream cheese topping.
The provocative ads prompted a consumer backlash, with Heytea editing the original pictures and issuing an apology.
The National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications said the Durex ads could “ruin the Chinese” and said crude ads were “more frightening than pornography”, according to South China Morning Post.
In a statement on Weibo, it said: “The office has added such content to its ongoing crackdown on vulgar content online. We urge and guide all internet platforms to enhance discipline, establish standards and maintain a bottom line.”
A new player has arrived on the Brisbane scene – and it’s growing fast. Colony is a strategic communications advisory that started in Port Moresby in 2015, working with major Asia-Pacific clients like the Brian Bell Group, Digicel and Puma Energy. To build a greater capacity to support the Port Moresby office and serve these […]
AnalogFolk Group Launches Behavioural Transformation Consultancy, MindWorks Consulting. Focused on delivering improved business outcomes, the consultancy applies behavioural economics to both marketing strategy and organisational design. In a rapidly changing world, companies need to be nimbler than ever before, reading and reacting at pace to changing market conditions, competitor landscapes and customer needs. New technologies […]
Beloved radio personality, Byron Cooke is back on Melbourne breakfast radio, announcing he will host KIIS 101.1 breakfast this morning and will back behind the mic until February when the Jase & Lauren in the Morning show returns. The announcement follows news regular breakfast co-host, Jase Hawkins, is expecting his third baby any day now. “I’ve been mates […]


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Set up by Alan Lester and now headed up by son Jeremy, specialist distributor Switchtec is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The company was initially a distributor of relays, but its range has expanded rapidly over the years and it now operates as a UK franchisee for world-wide manufacturers of quality components embracing electromechanical, electrical and electronics components.
A measure of Switchtec’s growth was the much-needed expansion of its Stone based distribution centre. Indeed, the company has exhibited growth year on year and now boasts an annual turnover in excess of £3.5m.
CEO Jeremy Lester comments: “Moving with the times and embracing new technology is the norm at Switchtec. We source components globally and can choose products that technically and commercially satisfy the needs of our customers. The coming year is no different and we have many new products coming through including solutions from leading global innovator in industrial internet technology Kyland. Industrial Ethernet was not even heard of when my father Alan started the company.”
To find out more about Switchtec click here


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Record month for car exportsPublished: Wednesday 22nd February 2017
The appeal to Britain’s booming car industry of exporting worldwide via Bristol Port has fuelled a record boost in figures.
A total of 18,500 cars exported last month represents a 32% rise year-on-year. It is the Port’s highest figure on record for January. As the automotive trade teams gear up for the registration plate change on March 1, volumes of vehicles have increased 10% year-on-year.
Tony Dent, Director of Automotive Trade, said the success could be attributed to the Port’s growing success in attracting car business, and confidence in the wider economy.
Approximately 700,000 cars, vans and high and heavy plant have been handled in the past year. The Port prides itself on being responsive to the needs of its automotive customers, with major selling points including 500 acres available for car storage, the motor-rail terminal, and its position as the only deep sea port in the UK with direct motorway and rail connections to all points of the compass.


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Mexican Customers Will Benefit from Broader Range of Domestic and International Shipping Solutions
FedEx Corp.(NYSE: FDX) announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire MultiPack, a Mexican domestic express package delivery company. This transaction will allow its FedEx Express business unit to enhance its capabilities in the Mexican domestic market with a broader portfolio of transportation and logistics options under the trusted FedEx brand. The transaction is expected to close in the second calendar quarter of 2011, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
MultiPack offers a comprehensive range of package delivery, transportation, warehousing and logistics services with an established pick-up and delivery network across all 31 Mexican states and the Distrito Federal. Founded in 1939, MultiPack currently operates with a solid infrastructure including 48 distribution centers, 13 warehouses and more than 500 retail outlets across the country.
“The addition of MultiPack will significantly expand our domestic service portfolio in Mexico and underscores our commitment to expand the FedEx business in this dynamic growth market,” said Michael L. Ducker, chief operating officer, FedEx Express. “This strategic investment will deliver additional value to our customers, employees and shareowners.”
Mexican businesses increasingly demand a range of domestic and international transportation solutions with speed, reliability and national and global coverage. Through this acquisition, FedEx will be able to meet those needs with services backed by the renowned FedEx brand.
“As the Mexican market continues to evolve and expand, customers increasingly seek a single provider of solutions for their domestic and international transportation and logistics needs to more efficiently manage their supply chains,” said Juan N. Cento, president, Latin America and Caribbean, FedEx Express. “This acquisition will give our customers access to broader business and transportation services, leveraging MultiPack’s national expertise and infrastructure, and the FedEx global network connecting 220 countries and territories.”
After closing, integration of the two companies will be achieved in phases. “The acquisition of MultiPack by FedEx, a world-class company known for its premium service and dedication to its people, will present new opportunities for both customers and employees,” said Roby G. Brown, vice president of FedEx Express, Mexico, Central America and Andean. “Our two companies represent a strategic fit with a common commitment to enhance the service we can offer Mexican businesses, invest in our people, and positively impact our communities as good corporate citizens.”
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. is acting as financial advisor to FedEx.
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC is acting as exclusive financial advisor to MultiPack.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $37 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 285,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.


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Goldman Sachs is using one of its founders as a figurehead to bring high street customers into the Wall Street bank.
The New York firm's new consumer lending arm will be simply named "Marcus by Goldman Sachs", in honour of Marcus Goldman, the 19th century German emigrant who helped to launch the organisation.
Joseph Sachs, his co-founder, will for now have to be content with only being a namesake for one of the world’s biggest investment banks.
Goldman Sachs, whose business was built on catering to wealthy individuals and well-heeled corporate clients, has decided to push into more mainstream financial services in the past year as some of its traditional activities lose steam.
The bank launched an online savings account under the brand GS Bank this year, after acquiring about 160,000 customers and $16bn in deposits from GE Capital.
Goldman applied to trademark the Marcus name across Europe in June. It is expected to start offering unsecured personal loans this autumn.
Its latest efforts to attract ordinary savers is led by Harit Talwar, who formerly worked for the US credit card brand Discover before joining the bank last year.
While the US firm weathered the 2008 financial crisis relatively well, returns on equity have slipped to less than 10pc as the traditional drivers of investment banking profits – corporate takeovers, proprietary trading, share sales – have lost their buoyancy.


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A number of other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Barclays PLC reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a GBX 560 ($7.31) target price on shares of A.G. Barr plc in a research note on Wednesday, September 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a GBX 600 ($7.83) target price on shares of A.G. Barr plc in a research note on Tuesday, July 5th. Societe Generale cut A.G. Barr plc to a sell rating and cut their target price for the company from GBX 523 ($6.83) to GBX 479 ($6.25) in a research note on Thursday, September 29th. Berenberg Bank cut A.G. Barr plc to a sell rating and cut their target price for the company from GBX 530 ($6.92) to GBX 470 ($6.13) in a research note on Friday, August 12th. Finally, N+1 Singer reaffirmed a sell rating and set a GBX 475 ($6.20) target price on shares of A.G. Barr plc in a research note on Tuesday, September 27th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company’s stock. The company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 555 ($7.24).
A.G. Barr plc (LON:BAG) opened at 502.00 on Monday. The firm’s 50-day moving average price is GBX 509.90 and its 200-day moving average price is GBX 524.06. The stock’s market cap is GBX 581.34 million. A.G. Barr plc has a 52 week low of GBX 455.30 and a 52 week high of GBX 614.50.
The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 21st. Investors of record on Thursday, October 6th will be paid a GBX 3.53 ($0.05) dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 6th. This represents a yield of 0.68%.
A.G. Barr plc Company Profile
A.G. BARR p.l.c. is a United Kingdom-based branded soft drinks business. The Company is engaged in making, marketing and selling soft drinks brands in the United Kingdom. The Company operates through three segments: Carbonates, Still drinks and water, and Other, including ice-cream. The Carbonates segment includes the Company’s carbonate products, such as the Barr range of flavored carbonates.
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A globally respected trade negotiator, tasked with sealing deals with the UK’s key trading partners, has been appointed today by the Prime Minister and the International Trade Secretary.
Internationally recognised expert Crawford Falconer will act as head of profession for trade negotiators and will bolster the Civil Service’s trade negotiation skills, bringing over 25 years of public service in trade and foreign affairs.
As the Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser and Second Permanent Secretary at the Department for International Trade (DIT) he will be responsible to the Secretary of State for International Trade, The Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP for negotiating with ministers the best global trade deals that will benefit the whole of the UK.
The new expert Second Permanent Secretary post was created to support the establishment of a world-class trade negotiation function and lead this new profession within the Civil Service, reporting to the DIT Permanent Secretary.
Together with his team Crawford will:
- develop and negotiate free trade agreements and market access deals with non-EU countries
- negotiate plurilateral trade deals on specific sectors or products
- make the department a ‘centre of excellence’ for negotiation and British trade
- support the UK’s membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Since its formation in July 2016, the headcount at DIT has increased to a global workforce of over 3,000 people. The Trade Policy Group that includes policy and country specialists, as well as expert economic analysts and lawyers, has itself quadrupled in size.
International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox said:
Britain is a great global trading nation and, as we leave the EU, we will embrace the world and seek to build an outward-looking Britain that is confident on the world stage.
We’re attracting the very best global talent to DIT as an international economic department. Crawford brings extensive experience of trade negotiation and foreign affairs and will play a key leadership role, with ministers and the first Permanent Secretary as we further build our trade capability
Welcoming the appointment Sir Jeremy Heywood said:
As the UK’s first Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser, Crawford Falconer will play a crucial role in building the Department for International Trade’s trade negotiation capability, enabling the new department to take forward its vital mission of promoting free trade and supporting UK business on the global stage. I am delighted that we have been able to secure someone for this role with a long and distinguished track record in international trade negotiations.
Crawford Falconer is an excellent addition to DIT’s senior team and I look forward to working with him.
Antonia Romeo, Permanent Secretary at DIT, said:
Crawford Falconer brings a wealth of global trade expertise to the Department for International Trade from over 25 years of working on trade policy in the New Zealand government, the OECD and academia.
International trade drives the prosperity of the UK and the world. As we build our relationships to create a more global Britain, Crawford will be central to our work to secure the best trade deals that deliver for businesses and consumers.
Crawford Falconer said:
As the UK prepares to leave the EU, it will be top of the government’s agenda to turn the enormous new opportunities opening up for the UK into win-win agreements with our trading partners around the globe.
That will bring tangible new gains to us at home, and it will bring gains to those trading partners that join us. As the world’s fifth largest economic power, the UK will bring much needed leadership to the international trade agenda. I am absolutely delighted to join this hugely exciting new journey.
DIT has already established a series of 9 ‘working groups’ with 15 countries including India, China and Australia and high-level dialogues to explore the best ways of progressing our trade and investment relationships.
The announcement comes as Dr Fox prepares to visit his US counterparts in Washington (Monday 19 June 2017) to explore ways of deepening trade and economic links on what will be his first international visit since being reappointed International Trade Secretary.
Notes to editors
A New Zealand/UK dual-national, Crawford Falconer is currently Professor of Global Value Chains and Trade at Lincoln University. This follows a long career at the heart of NZ’s Foreign Office, specialising in trade. He was latterly the NZ Deputy Secretary and Vice Minister for International Trade and Foreign Affairs. He is a former NZ Ambassador to the WTO, and the holder of a variety of trade-related posts within the ministry.
Contact the DIT Media and Digital Team on 020 7215 2000.
Follow us: @tradegovuk, gov.uk/dit


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So here is another example of no friends only interests
Companies in the US and Europe complained about these cheap imports, and anti-dumping proceedings were initiated. In Europe, it started last summer. And last week, reports surfaced that the European Commission was ready to act. On June 5th, if no solution materialized, the Commission would slap Chinese-made solar panels, cells, and wafers with punitive import duties of on average 47%.
Last week, the Commission fired another shot, launching an investigation into anti-competitive behavior by Chinese telecom equipment makers Huawei and ZTE, China’s high-tech crown jewels. But the 47% punitive duties on solar panels were the harshest measure yet in the trade war, hitting €21 billion worth of Chinese imports.
On Sunday, it was German Economy Minister Philipp Rösler, who warned of a trade war with China and lambasted the European Commission for its decision to start an anti-dumping procedure against Chinese telecom equipment makers. A “grave mistake,” he called it.
That’s the European dilemma. With many countries mired in recession, and some sinking into depression-like conditions, the Commission wants to protect certain industries. While it can’t protect Spanish companies from German competition, it can protect them from Chinese competition. Given how much German solar-panel makers have suffered under Chinese pressure, and how many billions in subsidies and investments have gone up in smoke, the Commission might have counted on German support.
But for Germany Inc., China is one of the two big economic engines that are still pulling. Exports to the Eurozone, particularly to top trade partner France, have stalled, and the industry is looking to China for growth. Chinese money is also flowing into Germany as Chinese companies are on a shopping spree, paying top euros for 98 firms in 2012, including Putzmeister, a world brand for concrete pumps [article on the aftermath]. Germany Inc. sees in China an escape route from the economic mayhem of the Eurozone; it sees a booming market with over twice the population of the EU. For Germany Inc., China is the future – and Europe a drag. One more treacherous rift across Europe.


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If you were lucky enough to receive roses this Valentine’s Day, they could well have come from Kenya. Within 24 hours of being cut, millions of roses, like these grown on the banks of the Tana River watershed were whisked off to lovers this week, mostly in Europe. With record exports to Australia, demand is growing elsewhere, as Kenya continues to flex its muscle as the world’s fourth-biggest supplier of cut flowers after the Netherlands, Ecuador and Colombia. The altitude and climate are a match made in heaven for flowers.
Yet water is a resource in dwindling supply. Dams like this one – Ndakaini Dam, which supplies 80 percent of Nairobi’s water – have been hit by drought. Here, water from the dam is being let out, to remove silt sediments from the bottom and make room for more water. Protecting water supplies is more important than ever. But water management is becoming more complicated, with different consumers competing for less water. From flower farms and smallholder farmers, to the largest electricity supplier in the country and the average Nairobi user, each drop is in demand. Costs could spiral if action isn’t taken.


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All is not well at Tesco HQ… Amid tales of the supermarket’s accounting scandal, a colossal 4 billion pounds has been wiped from its stock market value. The trouble stemmed from an overstatement of its first-half profit – a full 250 million. Not a small drop in the ocean by anyone’s standards.
“The Financial Conduct Authority has notified Tesco that it has commenced a full investigation following the overstatement of expected profit for the half year which was described in our announcement of 22 September 2014 and which is currently the subject of an independent review by Deloitte. Tesco will continue to cooperate fully with the FCA and other relevant authorities considering this matter.”
It’s not simply a tale of accountants getting their sums wrong… the wounds of deceit bleed deep, and it’s the suppliers on the other end that will hurt the most.
According to this story on The Grocer, a supplier with close ties to Tesco has revealed that buyers are “desperate” and are artificially bringing forward huge payments in order to fill the “huge gaps” left.
Tesco scandal has suppliers divided
Luckily the suppliers have the ears of the government-appointed watchdog – namely Christine Tacon, an Adjudicator of the Groceries Code. The Adjudicator’s motivations focus on whether the supermarket has breached code that adversely affects suppliers. Such breaches can include payment delays or changes to supply agreements.
David Sables, CEO at Sentinel Management Consultants told The Grocer that he believed this was merely “an extension of what was always going on.”
Graham Ruddick, Retail Correspondent for The Telegraph, writes: “There is currently no code, regulator or set of rules controlling the relationship between suppliers and retailers in the UK. In addition, there is nowhere to turn for a supplier if it feels it is being bullied by a retailer. Many suppliers are too scared to speak out against a larger retailer for fear of being delisted or replaced by a rival, so they suffer in silence and agree to the unreasonable demands being placed on them.”
He further states that the Tesco scandal could spark a long overdue shake-up of the retailer-suppler relationship – noting that: “Last year this lack of regulation resulted in the horse meat crisis.”
If one good thing is to come out of this sorry debacle, maybe it should be this?


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2022 Volkswagen Taos Receives Promising EPA-Estimated Range
will hit the roads in June wearing an initial price tag of $22,995.
Volkswagen recently introduced a new entry-level crossover Taos, and now they have revealed the EPA-estimated fuel efficiency figures. The FWD model will deliver 28 miles per gallon in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined. The all-wheel-drive will obviously be a little slower with 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasts just one mill, i.e. a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generating 158 horsepower (118 kilowatts) and 184 pound-feet (250 Newton-meters) of torque. The FWD variants mate to an eight-speed automatic, while the all-wheel-drive versions pair with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Taos comes equipped with an 8.0-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display and a 6.5-inch infotainment system. The mid-level SE gets an 8.0 inches infotainment display, while the top-of-the-line SEL comes standard with a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro display.
The forward collision warning with autonomous braking, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are standard on the SEL, as well as automatic high beams and road sign recognition. However, all these features are optional for the entry-level S and mid-level SE.
The Taos is built on VW’s MQB platform. It is 175.8 inches long with a 105.9-in wheelbase. Owners get 28.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats and 99.5 cubic feet of passenger volume.
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos will hit the roads in June wearing an initial price tag of $22,995 (excluding destination) or $25,040 for an all-wheel-drive model. The mid-level SE starts at $27,245 with front-drive and $28,695 with all-wheel drive. The fully-loaded SEL will set customers back $31,490 for front-wheel drive and $33,045 for all-wheel drive.
Source and Images: Motor1


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On Saturday, July 4, Mercedes-Benz will hold a special online event to celebrate the launch of latest Actros truck for the Australian and New Zealand markets. The two-hour stream will invite viewers from all across the region to a virtual ride-along in the truck on a drive from Melbourne to Daylesford.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks Director Andrew Assimo will be seated in the passenger seat during what the company is calling “the Actros Live Drive event.” He will be accompanied by a professional driver and Shura Taft, who will help the group field questions from viewers. You can view the stream on the dedicated Actros Live Drive website (www.actroslivedrive.com.au). There is also a video featuring the Actros driving in New South Wales available on the Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus YouTube channel.
Seeing The Actros In Action
“Normally, we would have held a traditional launch event with a huge amount of our customers, but that is just not possible given COVID-19. Rather than just cancel an event or do something like a simple walk-around of the truck, we decided to head out onto the road and tell our story driving,” says Assimo. “We have found the key features of this new truck really shine when it is out on the road. Talking about it on a stage is great, but being able to show the audience the truck as it works is even better.”
Mercedes-Benz Actros Details
The livestream will provide an opportunity for viewers to see the most recent updates coming to the Actros range, including the MirrorCam system that replaces side mirrors with cameras and displays, a first for Australia and New Zealand. Other highlighted features will include predictive powertrain control designed to improve fuel efficiency using GPS and topographic information, multimedia cockpit displays, updates to the interior, Active Brake Assist 5 safety enhancements, and Mercedes-Benz’s SoloStar “restful cabin concept.”


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Voylla unveils exclusive store in Bhawanipore, Kolkata
By Nabamita Chatterjee | April 29, 2018
With a robust online presence and an expansive retail presence of 250 stores, Voylla is looking at making a massive retail network across the country. In Kolkata, the brand has retail kiosks in popular shopping malls like Acropolis, Lake Mall and such.
Voylla, the fashion jewellery brand recently launched its first exclusive store in the heart of South Kolkata at Bhawanipore. The brand not only launched its store but along with the existing collection, showcased their latest jewelry line, Kantha, which is inspired by traditional embroidery art of West Bengal.
Vishwas Shringi, Founder and CEO, Voylla said, “We have opened our exclusive store in Kolkata considering the fact that Kolkata’s beautiful art and craft culture has cast a magical spell on everyone. With an exclusive store here, we will spread across the country in this financial year. As a leader in the fashion jewelry segment we aim to cater to the aspiring audience in tier I, tier-II and III cities.”
Voylla retails online through Voylla.com, app and via marketplaces like Flipkart, Amazon and Myntra. The start-up had opened its first flagship store in Delhi in December 2015.


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Microsoft yesterday issued two security updates for its Windows and Office products, including a patch that fixes critical vulnerabilities in the Office collaboration suite.
The Office update fixes holes in a variety of Office products, including Microsoft Office XP, Office 2003, Works Suite and Office X for the Mac.
But the "critical" security rating only applies to the Office 2000 solution, said Microsoft, as the threat could be exploited without any user interaction.
Office 2000 users could theoretically have their computers taken over by remote attackers if they clicked on a malicious file.
But users of other Office products would not be as open to such an attack as they would have to click through an additional dialogue box before becoming compromised, said Microsoft.
Most of the bugs that affect Office relate to the Excel spreadsheet contained in the software suite. The less threatening Windows vulnerability could allow an attacker to change the privileges of services running on Windows.
This bug only affects users running Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003. Updated versions are not affected.


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Samsung May Acquire Nuance: 'The Voice Recognition Company Behind Siri'
By Naveena Joy | June 18, 2014 12:54 PM EST
BGR reported the Nuance Communications, a speech-recognition company responsible for the technology that powers Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, might be thinking of getting along with Samsung Electronics for a possible acquisition.
Samsung and Apple
The Wall Street Journal cited Nuance has been in talks with potential buyers as the company is on sale. According to reliable sources, Samsung is one among the several private equity firms that have been participating in the discussions.
Nuance is known for its speech and dictation recognition software, including Dragon NaturallySpeaking. It works with several companies such as Amazon and released an API for developers. The technology is also being used in Samsung's phones, tablets, TVs and even its wearable devices.
The company is best known as a partner with Apple, as its voice recognition technology is the backbone of Siri, Apple's digital assistant.
The Mac Rumors reported it was unclear as to how will the Nuance acquisition will impact Apple's relationship with the company. It was reported in 2013 Apple might be working to move Siri development in-house, which is shifting from long-time partner Nuance. Apple may be forced to find another solution for Siri's voice recognition abilities as it has a dedicated team in Boston that may be working on a solution.
It is also essential to note that many of Siri's functionalities beyond voice recognition come from integration with other companies like Yelp, OpenTable and Wolfram Alpha.
After the news on the Wall Street Journal, there was an increase in the market capitalization of Nuance, which was around $5.5 billion earlier.
The discussion between Nuance and Samsung is at an early stage and there is no clear picture of the results yet. But BGR pointed out Nuance's largest shareholder is Carl Icahn, with 19 percent ownership of the company.
Icahn is one the most infamous activist investors in the industry. But the Journal said the presence of Icahn might influence the discussion with a final decision.
It was also cited that other than the mobile industry, Nuance has a major market of customers, which includes Daimler, Nintendo and Panasonic. The company was quoted to have $1.86 billion revenues in the previous fiscal year.
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Samsung Names New Executives
Samsung today made sweeping changes to its leadership. The news comes several weeks after Kwon Oh-hyun, CEO and Vice President of Samsung Electronics Corp., announced plans to step down from his leadership role with the company. Samsung said Presidents Kinam Kim, Hyunsuk Kim, and Dongjin Koh will succeed Kwon and Presidents Boo-Keun Yoon and Jong-Kyun Shin, respectively, as heads of the display, consumer electronics, and integrated circuit divisions. Samsung said it will maintain a structure with three co-CEOs. Additionally, President Sang-Hoon Lee will leave his position as CFO. The leadership changes are effective immediately. The move helps fill the leadership vacuum left by Kwon and Samsung scion Jay Y. Lee, who was arrested on bribery charges earlier this year.
Samsung Electronics' CEO Resigns Unexpectedly
Kwon Oh-hyun, CEO and Vice President of Samsung Electronics Corp., today announced plans to step down from his leadership role with the company. "As we are confronted with unprecedented crisis inside out, I believe that time has now come for the company start anew, with a new spirit and young leadership to better respond to challenges arising from the rapidly changing IT industry," said Kwon in an email sent to employees.
Samsung Executive to Be Charged with Bribery
The special prosecutor's office in South Korea today said it will charge Samsung Executive Jay Y. Lee in a bribery case that has shaken the country.
Samsung Mobile CEO to Cede Daily Management Duties
Samsung today said J.K. Shin, the long-time leader of the company's mobile phone business, will cede control as part of the firm's annual personnel assessment.
Samsung Heir Arrested On Bribery Charges
Jay Y. Lee, a top executive at Samsung, has been arrested after a judge agreed that the special prosecutor's allegations of corruption warranted legal action.


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The holiday season may be over but this doesn’t mean the deals have gone away.
Personal finance expert Barry Choi recently joined The Morning Show with some timely tips on what you should and shouldn’t buy in January.
Read more: The best fashion deals for January
For the tech lovers, he recommends attending the Computer Electronic Show online that wraps up on Thursday.
He says electronics go on sale when new products are announced and this way stores tend to clear out stock.
“Keep an eye out, if you’re looking to buy a big-ticket item which is electronics related,” he added.
For those struggling to buy fitness equipment, Choi had a simple solution.
He recommends checking out Costcoeast.ca — a ‘community sources website’ where people alert the best deals at Costco.
Another hack is to sign up for alerts with Nowinstock.net. This site tracks when major retailers have the most-wanted items back in stock.
“You sign up for newsletters or email alerts and when a retailer has (the product) in stock, you can pick it up right away.”
The finance expert’s personal favourite tip is to have a list of items within a group of friends.
“So, if you happen to be shopping online and my buddy finds Bowflex weights, I’m like, ‘Buy it!’ No questions asked and then send it over to me later.”
For linens, Chio recommends going for ‘white sales’ that offer up to 75 per cent off bed and bath items.
Some hotels, he adds, are also selling new bed linens for discounted prices.
According to Canada’s Food Price Report 2021, the average Canadian family will pay up to an extra $695 for groceries this year.
Food waste can also end up costing an additional $1,100 each year, he said. A simple hack is to order meal delivery kits online for a single portion.
“It’s an easy way to make sure you’re not wasting food and encourages you to start cooking,” he added.
To learn more about the latest deals, watch the full video above.


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When it launched on Kickstarter earlier this week, the Tor-enabled router project known as Anonabox successfully tapped into thousands of Internet users' desire for simpler privacy tech. Unfortunately, it wasn't ready for the scrutiny that success brought with it.
In its first three days online, Anonabox's campaign raised more than $600,000---more than 80 times its modest Kickstarter goal of $7,500---by promising a portable, $45 router that would direct all a user's traffic over the anonymizing network known as Tor. But as of Thursday morning, the backlash against that project had become so severe that its total funding was actually ticking down rather than up, as disillusioned backers pulled their pledges faster than others could make them. The comments section on the Kickstarter page had filled with users accusing the project's creators of fraud, many asking Kickstarter to cancel the fundraiser.
Update 10/17/2014 4:12pm: Kickstarter has now suspended the Anonabox campaign.
Anonabox's creator, August Germar, says that he's been both dismayed at the vitriol and overwhelmed by the demand for the device. He traces the controversy to his own marketing around the project, in which he claimed to be offering a ready-made consumer device. Instead, he insists his Kickstarter was actually aimed at developers and beta testers who he hoped would try out the Anonabox and work together to help him iron out its issues. "I had thought this would be like push-starting a car," Germar says. "Instead, it's been like being handcuffed to a rocket."
Criticism of Anonabox, which first exploded on Reddit, initially centered around its creator's claims (which WIRED published and then corrected in our first story on Anonabox) that they built a "custom" board and case for their miniature router over four years of development. Critics quickly found that they had instead bought an off-the-shelf case from a Chinese supplier and merely increased the flash memory of a preexisting board to accommodate Tor's resource demands. "I think I should cancel my pledge," wrote one Kickstarter backer on the site. "It troubles me that August was not forthcoming that they sourced the entire hardware package from that off-the-shelf Chinese router."
"The story about 4 years of development and 4 generations of products to end up on an existing Chinese mini-router already on the market for $20...I don't like it," wrote another user.
As criticism snowballed, some backers were even angrier. "I am so pleased to see the money finally going backwards," wrote one on Wednesday night. "I hope this project crashes and burns."
But other Kickstarter customers defended the project, arguing that they didn't mind using stock hardware if it anonymized users' online traffic as promised. "Says it was configured and refined, does NOT say the creator invented plastic!" wrote one. "I want it! I want one that I can take to the coffee shop with me too!"
But as the security community has taken notice of Anonabox over the last week, its analysts and penetration testers have found that the router's software also has serious problems, ones that could punch holes in its Tor protections or even allow a user to be more easily tracked than if they were connecting to the unprotected Internet. "I'm seeing these really strange smells and poor practices in their pilot beta code," says Justin Steven, a computer security analyst based in Brisbane, Australia. "It scares me if anyone is relying on this for their security."
>"I had thought this would be like push-starting a car. Instead, it's been like being handcuffed to a rocket."
In its Kickstarter campaign and on its website, the Anonabox project promised to open-source its code. But it uses Tor and the independent router software Open-WRT as the basis for its firmware, and the only code it's made available for download on its own site has been a set of configuration files. And those configuration files were quickly found to include a root password common to all Anonaboxes by default. Though that root password was cryptographically hashed, one user was able to quickly crack that hardcoded password and found it to be "developer!".
In its default state, the Anonabox doesn't password-protect its wireless network. That means that anyone who sets up an Anonabox without changing its settings can have their device completely compromised by a nearby hacker who has the easily identifiable root password. That wireless attacker could disable Tor or even infect the router with spyware that tracks the user's location wherever they take it. "Within a reasonable range you can just start pulling stuff out and attacking the person," says Steve Lord, a British penetration tester and founder of the security conference 44Con. "The reality doesn't stack up to their claims on the software side."


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TkTechnews, who recently leaked a video which they claimed was from the unannounced Nokia Lumia 830, has now added some further information, saying they now expect the device to be widely available on a number of US carriers.
Their sources revealed that besides the earlier leaked Verizon version, they have also been informed of a T-Mobile and AT&T version. The devices will be similar, but with different cameras and screens (one 4.7 inch), and one will lack wireless charging (probably the AT&T device).
This will mirror the Nokia Lumia 822, 820 and 810 strategy from 2013.
The Verizon device is said to have:
- 4.5 inch 720p display
- 20.1 MP PureView Camera
- microSD card support
- Windows Phone 8.1
What do our readers think of this strategy? Let us know below.