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In the Know: McCormick & Schmick's restaurant out at Mercato
New concept already lined up to replace it
Easter Sunday was the last day of business for McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant and bar in Mercato.
When it opened in early December 2008, the seafood and steaks venue was one of the first restaurants in the new mixed-use, upscale lifestyle center in North Naples. McCormick & Schmick’s, especially known for its daily happy hour deals, closed near the end of its 10th season.
“Due to a natural lease expiration, McCormick and Schmick’s located at 9114 Strada Place closed its doors on Monday, April 2,” said Howard Cole, senior vice president/COO of Landry's Restaurant Group, in a prepared statement. “We are grateful for the support of the local community and loyal patrons. We value our employees, their dedication to our company and are working to relocate them.”
When it opened with a ceremonial fish toss nearly a decade ago, the Naples location was the independently owned franchise's 92nd restaurant. Only half of that number – 46 locations in 20 states – are still operating. In 2012, McCormick & Schmick’s became a part of Landry’s Inc., which owns and operates more than 600 properties and 60 other brands such as Landry's Seafood, Joe’s Crab Shack, Rainforest Cafe and Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co.
On Monday, the Naples location’s presence on the corporate website was gone. It was McCormick & Schmick's only location left in Florida.
That 8,400-square-foot space won’t stay vacant for long next door to the popular Blue Martini lounge in a building they share on the south side of Mercato. A posh, nautical-themed seafood restaurant concept is targeted to open there this summer, Mercato announced Monday.
The Hampton Social, serving seasonally inspired coastal cuisine in a classy-chic East Coast “Hamptons-like” atmosphere, will be the first location outside of the Chicago area.
“Mercato is honored to have been chosen as The Hampton Social’s first East Coast location,” Mercato marketing director Valerie Cope said in a news release. “The restaurant’s sophisticated, fashionable atmosphere is a perfect match for Mercato’s visitors and a welcome addition to our tenant mix.”
Decorated with off-white Adirondack chairs, sofas and hammocks and warmly lit by sparkling chandeliers and rustic lanterns, The Hampton Social’s décor is accented by white wood floors and nautical touches. Staff uniforms model the relaxed ambiance with rolled-up chinos, white jeans, polo shirts and boat shoes.
The Hampton Social has diverse menus for brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks. In addition to seafood and raw bar offerings, expect eclectic favorites such as Chicken & Doughnuts, Manhattan-style and Maine-style lobster rolls, and brick-oven pizzas. An extensive wine selection is complemented by The Hampton Social’s own brand of specialty cocktails, such as the Nor’Easter with bourbon and maple, the Gatsby G&T with gin and lemon tonic, and Frosé All Day with vodka, rosé and peach puree.
“The Hampton Social’s refined nautical décor combined with our carefully crafted food and drink selections offer our diners an authentic Hamptons experience no matter where they live,” a news release quotes Brad Parker, founder and CEO of Parker Restaurant Group, a privately-held company in Chicago that owns and operates The Hampton Social brand. “With the pristine beaches and trendy atmosphere in Naples, Mercato offers us the perfect location for our first-ever actual East Coast location.”
The restaurant offers a private dining room and semi-private spaces to accommodate both intimate and corporate gatherings. The venue has curated music throughout the week and live acoustic performers during weekend brunch.
The concept launched in August 2015 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood known for art galleries and vibrant nightlife. Two locations of The Hampton Social are operating in the historic second city and two more are planned to open there within the next few months.
Elsewhere in Mercato, interior demolition of the former Masa Mexican restaurant recently took place to prepare for the opening this year of Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar. The 5,400-square-foot space vacated last May will be the first location in Southwest Florida for the popular Florida-based concept.
Rocco’s casual restaurants are known for a taste of Mexico with guacamole made tableside, hundreds of types of tequila and a vibrant nightlife. The first Gulf Coast location opened in Tampa in early February, but Rocco's has five other locations in Florida and one in Brooklyn, N.Y.
The Mercato space remains vacant where Stage Deli restaurant had more than a seven-year run until it closed last July. A replacement for it has not been announced and a building permit for a new tenant has yet to be filed in Collier County.
For the latest in local restaurants coming and going, see Tim Aten’s “In the Know” columns archived at naplesnews.com/intheknow, and on Facebook at facebook.com/timaten.intheknow.


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12 Ways to Protect Your Mobile Device From Hackers
Posted on April 10, 2017
WASHINGTON — As more and more consumers rely on their mobile devices to bank, browse and shop on the internet, it is extremely important that they exercise certain measures to protect their devices from online threats. In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the American Bankers Association is recommending 12 tips to help consumers safeguard their data and protect their mobile devices from fraudsters.
“Mobile usage has grown tremendously in recent years and consumers are using their phones to access and transmit very sensitive information,” said Doug Johnson, ABA’s senior vice president of payments and cybersecurity policy. “It’s extremely important that consumers avoid doing their banking and shopping on unsecure networks to limit their exposure to online threats.”
ABA recommends that consumers take extra precaution to protect the data on their mobile device by doing the following:
- Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen.
- Log out completely when you finish a mobile banking session.
- Protect your phone from viruses and malicious software, or malware, just like you do for your computer by installing mobile security software.
- Download the updates for your phone and mobile apps.
- Use caution when downloading apps. Apps can contain malicious software, worms, and viruses. Beware of apps that ask for unnecessary “permissions.”
- Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or a social security number on your mobile device.
- Tell your financial institution immediately if you change your phone number or lose your mobile device.
- Be aware of shoulder surfers. The most basic form of information theft is observation. Be aware of your surroundings especially when you’re punching in sensitive information.
- Wipe your mobile device before you donate, sell or trade it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen.
- Beware of mobile phishing. Avoid opening links and attachments in emails and texts, especially from senders you don’t know. And be wary of ads (not from your security provider) claiming that your device is infected.
- Watch out for public Wi-Fi. Public connections aren’t very secure, so don’t perform banking transactions on a public network. If you need to access your account, try disabling the Wi-Fi and switching to your mobile network.
- Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.

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Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, material prices continue to rise as roofing and exterior pros struggle to get the products they need to meet demand. But four major industry expansions are in the works that promise a better future.
April 22, 2022
A slow supply chain and material shortages are still hampering roofers as a new job season kicks into gear. Construction material prices rose 2.6% in February—a 24.4% jump year-over-year, according to www.abc.org. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine is causing still more headaches.
"The war in Ukraine and the West's response are likely to have multiple effects on construction materials costs and availability," said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America. "The outlook for other materials is mixed."
In the midst of these downbeat reports, roofers may have missed some upbeat news that may finally help address the supply chain challenges they’ve undergone since the pandemic.
Here are four industry efforts to expand capacity that promise to alleviate future supply chain challenges:
1. Saint-Gobain (CertainTeed). Through its building products subsidiary CertainTeed, the company announced it will invest more than $400 Million to expand its production capacity at four key manufacturing locations in the United States. Combined together, the four capacity expansions represent the company’s largest organic growth investment in several years.
“This is an investment in our company’s future, and also in our future ability to ensure security of supply for our customers,” said Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America and CertainTeed. “We will continue to look for opportunities to strategically grow and expand our business, all while striving to become the world’s leader in light and sustainable construction.”
Specifically, the company will invest approximately $100 Million to double its production capacity at one of its roofing shingle plants in the Southeastern United States. The new production capacity is expected to be fully online in early 2024.
At the company’s insulation plant in Chowchilla, California, Saint-Gobain will invest $32 Million in a new oven and new furnace, which will allow the plant to expand its production by 13% at that location. The additional capacity will begin coming online in 2022.
At the company’s plant in Athens, Georgia, Saint-Gobain will invest $30 Million to start up an additional production line that will increase the plant’s capacity of loose-fill insulation. This expanded production is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023 and will lead to the creation of up to 20 new permanent full-time jobs.
Additionally, the company will expand its production capacity of gypsum in the Southeastern United States by 900 million square feet per year. This expansion project, which will use natural gypsum as its raw material, will cost approximately $250 Million. The new capacity is
2. Owens Corning. The company’s plans for 2022-23 include a multimillion-dollar investment that will increase capacity across its shingle plant network, adding the equivalent of a full shingle line to its shingle production capability. In addition, the company will make significant investments in increased inventory levels and warehousing to meet demand surges during peak seasons.
“Given the industry’s fiberglass mat constraints, we are also excited to share that we have announced an expansion to our fiberglass mat facility in Arkansas that will significantly expand our mat capacity starting in 2023,” said Gunner Smith, president of roofing for Owens Corning. “These investments will increase our production capacity in our roofing accessory products...”
3. Eagle Roofing Products. The company is expanding capacity while offering a refreshed color palette for the Arizona, California and Nevada markets and surrounding regions, which also includes Western Canada. Eagle’s 2022 – 2023 Western offering will be comprised of approximately 100 flat concrete roof tile choices, as well as over 80 high and medium profile selections, and includes 35 new products.
“Our best customers have expressed great confidence that they expect continued growth in the U.S. residential housing market in 2022 and beyond,” stated Dave Skierkowski, Southwest Regional Director for Eagle Roofing Products. “We assessed our business in Q4, made some difficult decisions and executed a forward-looking approach that will enable us to significantly increase our manufacturing capacity in an effort to take care of the builders who have committed to grow with us.”
4. Kraton Corporation. The producer of specialty polymers used in modified bituminous roofing materials announced a significant investment in its Alpha Methyl Styrene (AMS) Resins facility in Niort, France. Kraton expects the investment will result in a 15% production increase at the Niort manufacturing facility by 2023. Kraton is exploring additional manufacturing expansion opportunities at the Niort plant beyond the 2023 horizon.
Read more about:material shortages
Gary Thill is an independent writer and editor with an extensive background in the residential and commercial construction sectors. He served as editor of the Replacement Contractor newsletter for five years and has contributed regularly to Remodeling and other construction-focused publications for several decades. He lives and works in Portland, Oregon.
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Would you even want your phone back if this happened to it? Sanitation workers cleaning out a vault toilet in the Flathead National Forest in Montana say they found a “poop-soaked phone” at the bottom of the toilet tank and were shocked to find it still works. The men spotted the iPhone 11 Pro while cleaning a toilet near Holland Lake. They say they sanitized it, plugged it in, and then couldn’t believe it worked. They also said they weren’t able to get any information from the phone until they popped out the SIM card and then put it into another phone. They left a voicemail for the phone’s owner, who they say was also shocked the phone still worked well enough to get her information off of it. The sanitation workers noted in a Facebook post that the “poop-soaked phone is on its way home.
Photo: Getty images


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Huawei tipped to handle a Nexus 2016 smartphone
Usually, we don’t have a clue who will handle the Nexus lineup from year to year until a few months before the official launch. Well, if a new report pans out, Huawei will be in charge of at least one Nexus 2016, which doesn’t really come as a surprise at all.
Huawei’s first attempt at a Nexus smartphone went over quite well, and it’s a handset you can find plenty of people sporting around the globe. While names like LG and HTC have been rumored to be in the running for one of the new Nexus 2016 handsets this year, a new report suggests otherwise. Normally this is where we would tell you to get your salt shaker handy, but you may not need it this time around.
Huawei recently unleashed the Huawei P9 for consumers in South Africa, and during the event Charlene Munilall, general manager of Huawei had an interesting bit of news. Munilall was asked why the Nexus 6P wasn’t available in the region to which she replied, “We’re doing the Nexus again this year, by the way”. It doesn’t get more clear-cut than that folks, so it appears we’ll see a Huawei Nexus 2016 edition unless it was a very misstep from the company’s general manager.
While news of a new Nexus from Huawei is great, we may already have an idea of what to expect from the handset. A Nexus 6P variant briefly appeared in April with a Snapdragon 820, and while we didn’t know what to make of it at the time, it could have been our first glimpse of the unannounced device.
Are you excited to see Huawei handling Nexus duties once again this year?


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Our 2015 report on the state of mobile app usage in APAC was so popular, we’re back at it again with updated data, fresh insights, and new countries added to the data set. Asia (in particular Southeast Asia) is one of the most mobile-driven regions in the world, so this year we also included Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, as well as mainland China.
To ensure consistency with the 2015 study, we kept methodology the same, partnering with TNS Australia to survey 10,000 smartphone users ages 18–64 in ten different countries. Last year’s trends held up, and we found that Asia continues to dominate the app world. Smartphone penetration is higher than desktop penetration in many Asian countries, and in several countries, people spend more time in app usage than on the mobile web. So it follows that Asia is the world’s number-one region for app revenue—and that revenue is only expected to increase in the next five years.1
Mobile App Forecast, Annual Gross Revenue
Apps drive massive revenue potential and they’re great way to connect with loyal customers, so traditional and digital brands need to act on this shift now.
In this piece, we’ll discuss the overall app landscape and what’s changed since last year before moving into a detailed look at mature markets and then at the developing markets. We’ll highlight and explain key factors of the app landscape in each country, including app usage and popular app categories.
Overview: What’s changed from last year
One of the main things we looked at was smartphone penetration and the average number of mobile apps installed by country. Here’s a look at how 2016 compares to 2015.
Smartphone Penetration & Number of Apps Installed by Country
Some things haven’t changed since last year: Korea is still on top of the app world, with Singapore coming in second. India and Indonesia continue to have the lowest apps installed and the lowest smartphone penetration, possibly due to the prevalence of low-spec devices with limited memory and relatively low supply-side pressure.
Japan saw a decent increase in average number of apps installed: from 32 in 2015 to 36 in 2016. Historically a feature-phone-centric market, Japan’s smartphone penetration has lagged behind other Asian markets. Now that its smartphone penetration has reached 59%, it’s mobile usage behaviors are maturing, leading to more app downloads.
The new countries in the study generated some interesting findings. Thailand and Vietnam, for example, have high smartphone penetration but low average installs. We’ve seen that in early app markets such as these, users tend to spend longer periods in each app, and they focus on a few social and messaging apps. It’s also likely fewer apps are available for download in new markets like Thailand and Vietnam. The Philippines, on the other hand, is also considered a new market but averages much higher installs, possibly due to the larger number of local apps available in the country.
China was another country we added to this year’s study. Smartphone penetration is lower than other countries, but because of its population, the number of smartphones purchased in the country is massive. China’s huge user base and large number of local Chinese app stores (powered by local giants like Baidu, Tencent, and Xiaomi) make it unique among all the countries in the study.
A closer look at the mature markets
Smartphone penetration and number of apps installed
Korea still reigns supreme as the top app market in the region. Although Korea’s user base may have plateaued (it’s likely close to its ceiling for smartphone penetration, and its number of apps installed fell from 57 on average last year to 53 this year), there’s still plenty of room for time spent and frequency of app usage to grow in Korea.
Koreans in particular love messaging apps. On their own, Korean users spend almost half the amount of time on social and messaging apps as the total usage from all the Southeast Asian countries combined.
Meanwhile, Singapore is a much smaller market, but it continues to have high customer usage numbers and sophisticated attitudes towards apps.
Japan ranks second in the world when it comes to iOS app store revenue, and the land of the rising sun has significant headroom for growth in smartphone penetration and number of apps installed. Smartphone penetration in Japan will continue to grow past current levels, which means it’s also likely to increase its number of total app users.
iOS App Store Revenue
When it comes to app usage, most countries in APAC use apps most often for social networking and messaging. In Japan and Korea, however, people more commonly use apps to find relevant information through Search and News apps.
Top Three App Categories Used Daily
In Japan in particular, we’ve seen rapid growth in the app developer ecosystem, with usage increasing accordingly. Japanese consumers have used Search and News apps since the early days of smartphones, and they’ve always been amongst the biggest spenders on Gaming. Now, messaging apps are starting to gain traction in Japan.
YoY Change in Daily Usage Rate by App Category
The daily usage rate has increased in all app categories over the past year. The largest increases in Japan were in the Messaging category, largely driven by LINE’s increasingly strong market acceptance and popularity. In Korea, the big increase in Lifestyle and Finance apps indicates how immersed apps are to people’s social lives.
An eye on less mature but high-potential markets
Smartphone penetration and number of apps installed
While smartphone penetration in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand is growing, the number of apps installed in these countries is still relatively small. This is presumably due to low-spec devices with limited memory and functionality.
India and Indonesia are rising mobile-first markets. They have lower smartphone penetration and lower number of apps installed than other APAC countries. However, their large populations represent massive potential, and they should be considered when putting together any marketing plan.
Social and Messaging apps are used more often than any other category across the less mature markets. In these countries, smartphones are people’s primary—and often, only—device to access the internet, and these communication apps are deeply ingrained in their everyday lives. This is especially true in China, India, and Indonesia, where respondents told us that their smartphones are highly important for social engagement.
Time Spent on Social and Messaging Apps
In the new countries we surveyed, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, people use Social and Messaging apps on a daily basis and spend much longer time on them than people in Japan and Korea do. This behavior appears to be tied to countries that are predominantly mobile-only.
Interestingly, Social and Messaging apps in Southeast Asia are often used for “peer-to-peer” buying and selling. Many small- and medium-business owners do business exclusively on these communication apps. They use them to promote goods, take orders, and make payment arrangements.
What the new app economy means for marketers
With people in APAC spending more and more time on their smartphones immersed in apps, brands have countless opportunities to engage and connect. Apps are a unique way for brands to build deeper relationships with always-on and more loyal customer bases.
Think about the core benefit your brand offers and how that might lend itself to a mobile app or enhanced mobile site. When you understand when and why customers look to interact with your brand, you can create an app that builds brand love and gives customers what they really need.
Google partnered with TNS Australia on custom research to uncover insights about mobile app user behavior, including attitudes toward apps and app usage. In April 2016, an online survey was conducted of 10,000 smartphone users across ten countries, ages 18–64. All respondents were screened to ensure that they had used smartphone apps in the past seven days prior to the survey as well as apps from various categories in the previous 30 days.


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NEW YORK, Sept. 10 - Genops Bioinformatics signed an exclusive sales and marketing arrangement with Samsung Corp. for the Asia/Oceania market, the company announced Monday.
Under the partnership, Samsung Corp. will spearhead sales, marketing, and customer relations for Genops’ Ngene bioinformatics platform in the region. Samsung will also provide high-performance hardware and consulting services under the collaboration. Genops, based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, said the companies would share responsibility for ongoing product trials and administration.
Han Yu, president of Genops, said a revenue-sharing model is in place “that serves both companies well.” Further financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Samsung’s prominent position in the Asia information technology market “will serve as a springboard for future product development and growth strategies in the area,” Yu said in a statement.
Last week, Genops announced a partnership with bioinformatics infrastructure provider Zerosum of Seven Valleys, Penn., to support the access, infrastructure, and delivery of Ngene.


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There's no better way to raise awareness for something than putting it right in a person's face!
And the creative geniuses over at Nestlé FITNESS have done just that with a bra cam.
To honor breast cancer awareness month (and breast cancer awareness in general), the brand gave one woman a bra fitted with a hidden camera. During a normal day out, she exposed the garment to see how many people looked down at her breasts. The camera marked each time someone took a peek. But her mission isn't probably what you think. The goal is to remind women to get their own breasts checked to prevent cancer.
What they've done is simply the breast. Ladies, remember to #CheckYourSelfie. Check it out below:
Your life just got exponentially better and more stylish now you've signed up for our newsletter. Fabulousness awaits!


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Some 40,000 New York State recipients of welfare, food stamp and unemployment benefits may have had their personal information exposed between July and September of 2013. According to the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), account information of cardholders was exposed on a bank website through some as-yet-undetermined glitch.
The bank, J.P. Morgan Chase, said only a small portion of all cardholders were affected, according to an announcement on the OTDA website, and those customers will be notified by e-mail beginning Monday Jan. 6. A hotline will also be open on Monday to answer customer questions. In the interim, Chase directed customers to call the phone number listed on their cards for any additional information.
News reports said that even though the breach was not reported for nearly three months, no misuse of personal information or theft of benefits has been reported, nor were Social Security numbers thought to be revealed. The breach could, however, affect some 465,000 individuals in several states.
According to the Albany Times Union, other states, including Connecticut and Louisiana, are reported to use the same system for welfare payments and income tax refunds. Law enforcement is investigating the cause of the glitch, and the bank will offer two years of free credit monitoring to those affected.
NEW ON THE PODCAST


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The People’s Bank of China and Bank Indonesia announced Monday the launch of a bilateral local currency clearing mechanism based on a local currency settlement framework.
Meanwhile, the Bank of China’s Jakarta branch and the Bank of China were designated as appointed cross currency dealers by the central banks of China and Indonesia to complete the first forex transactions between the Chinese renminbi and the Indonesian rupiah based on direct quotes.
Local currency settlement provides a framework based on the memorandum of understanding signed by the People’s Bank of China and Bank Indonesia last September, which allows dealers to use direct exchange rate quotes that facilitate easier forex transactions between the Indonesian rupiah and the Chinese renminbi
LCS provides a framework based on the memorandum of understanding signed by the People’s Bank of China and Bank Indonesia last September, which allows dealers to use direct exchange rate quotes that facilitate easier forex transactions between the Indonesian rupiah and the Chinese renminbi.
ALSO READ: ASEAN leaders urge cooperation to rebuild economies
Bank of China’s Jakarta branch, and the bank’s head office, opened the special purpose non-resident accounts reciprocally, and the channel for transaction settlement and capital settlement based on the LCS guidelines.
In 2020, 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific including China and Indonesia signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which aims to promote economic and trade cooperation within the trading bloc. The move marks a milestone in deepening monetary and financial cooperation between the two central banks and will promote trade and investment facilitation, according to the official website of the People’s Bank of China.
READ MORE: China, Indonesia hold inaugural meeting of high-level talks
To further support the operations of LCS, several banks have been commissioned to serve as ACCDs. Those banks in China that have been appointed as ACCDs include the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of Ningbo, Bank Mandiri’s Shanghai branch, Maybank’s Shanghai branch, and United Overseas Bank (China) Ltd.
“Local currency settlement has a broad prospect,” said Zhang Chaoyang, president of BOC’s Jakarta branch. “We will continuously support enterprises to use local currencies in cross-border trade and investment, and further contribute to the economic and trade development of China and Indonesia, as well as the internationalization of (the) Chinese renminbi.”


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Realme has finally revealed when the next smartphone is coming after teasing it during its Realme 2 announcement. But instead of one date, the company just gave out two dates in its press invites - September 26 and 27.
Surely, one of the dates is reserved for the official announcement while the other remains a mystery for now. It was confirmed by a Realme representative that the 27th will be the announcement date and even though the press invite doesn't explicitly say it's about the Realme 2 Pro, the highlighted letter clearly indicate it's the Pro we are waiting for.
Realme pro2 will rock if its full hd
But the A7x is also a rebranded phone and would launch for around 15k.


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All through this weekend China’s fiscal conglomerate Shanghai has launched a 3 million USD giveaway as a component of a digital forex trial, as it has been described in Chinese most recent information on lottery.
Earlier this 12 months very similar initiatives have been carried out in big Chinese cities of Suzhou, Beijing, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Changsha.
350 000 crimson envelopes to be given
Prior to the function, players had to signal up on-line and established up a digital wallet in the People’s Lender of China. The winnings will be distributed in a type of 350 000 “red envelopes”, that contains 55 CNY worthy of each.
Area authorities have declared that fortunate winners can shell out the redeemed winnings in just one of the numerous merchants that take digital CHY. Far more than 3000 retailers, supermarkets, and hotels across the region are at present managing the e-CNY trials.
Electronic yuan throughout the borders
People’s Republic of China is a pioneer of the electronic forex start, obtaining previously implemented it in more than 3 provinces.
As of April 2012, Chinese authorities have declared the implementation of digital currency for cross-border payments. China’s exclusive areas Hong Kong and Macau were being picked for the trial operates.
The Macau Gaming Analysis Association stated that this initiative could gain the regions’ on line casino small business in the very long-expression viewpoint. On the other hand, it could set an finish to the junket operators’ employment, as the mainland gamers won’t require to convert the currencies.
Study extra: How to begin a lottery on the web
Go through additional: Handy recommendations on proclaiming a lottery anonymously


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Apple takes a hit after production downgrade
Consistently one of the most traded on the IG platform, Apple is down today, all sessions, as the company indicates a slowdown to its component suppliers.
We already knew this year was going to be tough, but 2022 was meant to be a recovery year. The iPhone maker says that is no longer the base case and has extended its warning.
IGTV’s Jeremy Naylor looks at the chart.
Live prices on most popular markets
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.


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Given the unprecedented economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on all facets of business and everyday life, a tremendous amount has been written on what the sports industry recovery may look like. And many prognosticators have opined that post-vaccine, crowds will return en masse, picking up where they left off. And, voila, everything will return to “normal.” Well, not exactly……
Having one leg in the traditional sports finance business (i.e. mergers and acquisitions, and stadium advisory) and the other in the start-up digital media space, working for US-based platform Overtime, I have a slightly different view than many of my contemporaries.
While I believe that overall franchise and league economics will return with a vengeance, my strong sense is that the individual business components of a team’s P&L will deviate from pre-Covid-19 days. And three distinct trends, which are simply an acceleration of what is already taking place in the business world, will emerge to help drive this recovery, and, in fact, provide teams with the opportunity to improve economics and asset value.
Monetizing Digital IP
Teams are generally quite adept at selling tickets, media (linear TV), sponsorships, food and beverage, etc. and they have gotten quite creative recently as they deal with market dislocations (subscription plans to deal with unsold ticket inventory, replacing an overabundance of suites with small seating groups, to name two). But they have not yet cracked the code on monetizing digital content, or at least maximizing digital content. Observing how Overtime has cracked the code, developing community, content and distribution, has made me realize what an untapped resource digital IP has become.
That belief has been amplified through a whole host of “proof of concept” mechanisms – from Fortnite social lobbies to player livestreaming, from Netflix watch parties to Barstool Sports on Twitch, from bite-size Quibi content to online Travis Scott virtual concerts. Gen-Z wouldn’t have it (and won’t have it) any other way than two-way communication. But will monetizing digital intellectual property happen overnight? Of course not. But it does not have to, as this tremendous asset can be leveraged through creative financial engineering (see below).
Amazon is forever building one and everyone else wants one for themselves. What is it? A Moat, of course. And teams and leagues have the biggest, baddest Moat of them all….control of their respective markets. While franchise values have increased dramatically over the past decade, one can cogently argue that values should be higher still based on this Moat. I’m glad to see the leagues addressing this issue by considering of a variety of changes in debt rules and limited partnership ownership structures, balancing the need for liquidity with prudent leverage requirements.
I typically advise my clients on brand extension strategies, leveraging the community created by the franchise to partner, license or acquire additional assets – additional sports franchises, real estate surrounding the team’s venue or practice facility, or related media and tech businesses. By stitching together these businesses and then connecting them under a central theme allows sports franchises to start to achieve their full potential and leverage their Moat.
While monetizing digital IP and brand leveraging will lead the way in improving operations, the third leg of this three-legged stool is financial engineering. This is not a new concept outside of the sports world, and creative teams are figuring out new ways to monetize their brand and assets.
Fortunately, tremendous equity value has built up over the past decade, if not longer, enabling various financial engineering solutions to emerge. These solutions enable team owners to utilize future economics and value capture to smartly remedy current cashflow and operating constraints.
I am currently advising several teams on these types of financial solutions, and, having witnessed more than 120 different stadium financing solutions for the most recent generation of new venues, I will be the first to attest to the “there is no one size fits all” solution. But the good news is that there are myriad solutions.
Bottom Line: Creative and innovative teams are poised to take these concepts to the next level, and, as a result, will use Covid-19 as an opportunity, not a crutch.
Mitchell Ziets is the chief executive of Tipping Point Sports LLC, a boutique sports advisory firm.


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August 24, 2012 at 420 × 280 in Prince Harry’s brush with radical transparency: you can’t stop the web
If Ezra Klein’s Vox can be the Wirecutter of news, it’ll be a must-read for me
I am embarrassingly uninformed on certain current events. I'm hoping Vox can help fix that.
VHX goes big with public launch of distribution service
VHX has become a go-to resource for independent filmmakers looking to bring their work to audiences digitally....
Google exec: We’ve sold millions of Chromecast adapters
Google SVP Sundar Pichai told the crowd at SXSW that Chromecast has been selling really well, and...


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Crypto crash: market volatility is testing investor will but crypto-enthusiasts still see a future for the asset class
Blockchain Tech Investment Company Coinsilium Starts Trading on ISDX In London
Coinsilium, the London-based blockchain technology development and investment company, today commences share trading on the ICAP Securities and Derivatives Exchange (ISDX) Growth Market in London, under the ticker COIN, IBTimes reported. This makes it the world's first blockchain technology company to be admitted to trading on an exchange regulated market.
"We believe that the increased profile of having Coinsilium's shares admitted to trading will help generate further investment and revenue opportunities, accelerate growth plans and maintain the company's position as a market leader in this technological space”, said Cameron Parry, Coinsilium's executive chairman.
The company has issued 10,000,000 new ordinary shares at 10p per share, which raised £1m in gross proceeds, the company said in a statement. Upon Admission, Coinsilium has 69,793,500 Ordinary Shares on issue that represents a market capitalisation of £6.98 million.
Coinsilium is driving innovation in fintech and blockchain technologies by giving companies the means to bring their products and services to life. Its current investments include: Magnr, Fuzo, Factom, SatoshiPay, Rivetz, CoinSimple and Neuroware.
In addition to providing investors exposure to a range disruptive technologies, the company also offers corporate advisory, technical consulting and CPD accredited training and educational services regarding blockchain technology.
It is set to launch its accelerator program for blockchain tech start-ups "Block Chain Space" in Europe in February 2016.


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Sony Confirms Days Gone Is On Its Way Sooner Than You Think
Here is some good news for PlayStation 4 owners (and motorcycle enthusiast). One of Sony’s biggest exclusive titles in development at the moment, Days Gone is set to release next year in 2018. This comes from Sony’s President, Shuhei Yoshida, who was talking extensively about the game at the latest Playstation Experience. The game was initially announced in 2016 at E3, meaning the game has been in development for at least two years now.
Although there is no release month at the moment, Yoshida has stated the game is currently playable from start to finish in its current state, and all that is left is the fine tuning and polishing the overall quality of the game. This may catch some off guard as many were speculating that the game wouldn’t see release until 2019. We know now that isn’t the case, and it is good to see that development is progressing rather smoothly, and will likely come out sooner rather than later.
Days Gone is a third person, open-world sandbox survival horror game, set in a post-apocalyptic world. The game promotes its diverse array of enemies, including human militia, wild animals, and feral ‘zombie-esq’ creatures. Given the nature of the game you can also expect an equally varied methods of approaching each situation. The mixture of open world gameplay and survival horror has been done before, such as in the recent The Evil Within 2. Although there is a time and a place of open world experiences, versus traditional linear ones, I think there is potential in open world experiences within the horror genre, and hopefully Days Gone will demonstrate that if the organic dynamic events the game promises deliver.
I am uncertain about the game myself, but there are elements I am taking a liking to. I do like the amount of ‘freaks’ Bend Studio was able to cramp into a scene once back in the 2016 gameplay footage, and I appreciate the care that it looks like is being given to the story. It will be interesting to see where the rest of the game goes upon completion.
You can view the most recent trailer below. Let us know if you are excited to get your hands on this game! And be sure to check into RelyOnHorror for future coverage on Days Gone.


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U.S. health regulators have warned drugmaker Bayer over quality control issues at a plant that makes the key ingredient in Yaz and other popular birth control drugs.
In a warning letter posted online Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration said its inspectors uncovered testing problems at the company’s plant in Berghamen, Germany, during a March visit.
FDA inspectors said the company measured the quality of its drug ingredients based on an average of several samples, instead of reporting individual tests results.
Bayer shipped eight drug batches to the U.S. that were tested using the method, which the FDA does not accept.
The drug ingredients included drospirenone, which is used in the popular birth control pills Yaz and Yasmin. Those products were the company’s top-selling pharmaceuticals last year, with global sales of $1.8 billion.
After reviewing all drug batches shipped to the U.S. between 2007 and 2009, Bayer responded to the FDA in an April 7 letter that concluded ”the quality of these batches was not affected.”
But the FDA responded in its own letter last month, disagreeing with Bayer’s ”rationale and conclusion.”
The agency has not advised patients to stop using the drugs and a Bayer spokeswoman on Tuesday said there have been no quality issues uncovered by a company assessment.
”We have identified no safety and efficacy impact on our products in relation to the … issues as cited by the FDA,” Rose Talrico said in a company statement.
The FDA has asked Bayer to provide a full list of all shipments to the U.S. that may have used the averaging method and provide a plan to prevent the problem from recurring.
The FDA said it will consider delaying imports from the factory until Bayer addresses the warning letter.
The FDA regularly issues warning letters to companies that do not follow regulations for manufacturing and marketing. The letters are not legally binding, but the agency can take companies to court if they are ignored.
If you or a family member has been personally injured because of the fault of someone else: by the use of dangerous and defective drugs, bad products, or toxic injury etc then please contact the Fort Worth Texas Defective Drugs Product Liability Attorney Dr. Shezad Malik. For a no obligation, free case analysis, please call 817-255-4001 or Contact Me Online.
The Dr. Shezad Malik Law is currently evaluating and accepting YAZ, YASMIN and Ocella Side Effect cases.
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Alicia Robinson strode down an open aisle at the West End Kmart on Saturday morning, her hands clutching several overstuffed plastic shopping bags.
They were filled with winter gear and clothes for her sons, 6-year-old Xavier and 5-year-old Zeke, who followed behind, tugging excitedly at the bags. Volunteers spent about 30 minutes with the boys and about 130 other children, picking out items they needed for the Salvation Army's Dress a Child program.
"I had tears in my eyes when they called and said we could do this," said Robinson. "This time of year is really hard. It was truly a blessing."
The program has been going in Billings for more than 30 years. Each year, the Salvation Army matches volunteers — made up of folks from businesses and organizations as well as residents — with children from families who might not otherwise be able to afford the clothing.
This year, the program will serve about 300 area children. Each child gets about $100 worth of clothing. Last weekend, the same event was held at the Heights Walmart and is scheduled again for the West End Walmart on Dec. 18.
"It's helping to supply some warm winter clothing for children that are in need," said Darlene Johnson, who organized the event and is the Salvation Army's receptionist and intake counselor.
Each volunteer was matched up with a child — whose parents waited elsewhere — and they scoured the store for items based on need determined by the parents but picked out by the kids.
Fifty members of the Breakfast Exchange Club helped kids find new clothes Saturday. The local service organization, which is devoted to supporting needy and at-risk children, has been involved in Dress a Child for more than a decade.
"This is one of the events that we hold near to our hearts because these are kids," said Dave Staton, the club's president-elect and publicity chairman. "There's members in our club that belong to our service organization because of Dress a Child. The kids are grinning from ear to ear. I mean, they are. They're happy."
Much of the club's money comes from beer sales at MetraPark, which was devastated by a tornado earlier this year. Staton said that, while it was a blow, it hasn't stopped the club's efforts. They cut a check for $5,000 to Kmart on Saturday for the event, the same amount they have done for years.
Jenna Fiscus is a 17-year-old senior at West High. She participated in Dress a Child the previous two years through school clubs, but decided to do it on her own this year.
"It's just really fun, and the kids are so cute," she said while helping a little boy pick out a new pair of shoes adorned with his favorite professional wrestlers. "It always seems like they're really thankful that people are willing to help them out."
For Robinson and her two boys, it means they won't have to worry about finding the extra cash to help keep them warm this winter.
"It's just such a good time of year to do this," she said "I'm excited to take it home and see what they've got."


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Tennis legend Roger Federer has been asked by Wimbledon officials not to put on the orange-soled shoes he wore earlier in the tournament.
According to Wimbledon officials, it contravenes against the tournament’s all-white dress code.
Roger Federer had gotten the custom shoes for the Grand Slam, but will not be wearing them again.
The orange soles are a special version of its Zoom Vapor shoes made for Federer, who has won seven of his last 10 men’s singles titles at the All England Club.
The neon orange color on the shoe bottoms match the color of the swoosh on his shirt and his headband.


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PMA: It’s All About Women
“The fundamental problem in the industry today is that people are shooting, valuing and storing images, over 315 million a day, but they are keeping them on their computer,” said Brad Kruchten, Kodak’s general manager of retail printing solution. “We need to give them an exciting way to memorialize their lives, beyond 4x6 prints.” Kodak’s research showed that the profit margin on one photobook, typically a bound collection of glossy 8x10’s, is equivalent to 400 4x6 prints, Kruchten said.
While retailers used to focus on getting “Jennifer” to make prints, now the strategy is to get her to become a storyteller. Kodak was offering “story mugs” as an example of this idea. Instead of marketing one mug plastered with a family vacation still, they were showing a set of mugs that represented the story of the whole vacation. One showed the day on the canoe, another a candid by the fire, and individual family members could all have their own mug with their favorite memory.
Creating all these high-margin specialty products means retailers have to make some adjustments in the lab. HP, Kodak, Lucidium, Mitsubishi and others, including a new partnership between Fuji and Xerox, offered new printing solutions. Stand-alone turnkey kiosks were prevalent, enabling a retailer to set up a branded satellite store in a mall or hotel lobby. Relatively new companies like Cameo Style have popped up with kiosk hardware/software solutions to coexist with a retailer’s printing assets, allowing customers to quickly create photo greeting cards or calendars or giant “collage prints” on a showfloor touch-screen. The store staff can then swiftly turn those digital orders into products that walk out the door that day, preferably bundled with profitable accessories like frames and mats.


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- Digital health venture funding for the first six months of this year hit $2.3 billion across 143 companies, exceeding the total amount raised in 2013, according to a new report.
- The report, which came from healthcare venture capital firm Rock Health, noted that payer administration saw the largest growth in funding, up 354% from $47 million in 2013 to $211 million during the first six months of 2014 alone.
- Rock Health also noted that the average deal size expanded from $10 million per deal in 2013 to $15.6 million per deal during the first half of this year.
Though other types of digital health technology are getting lots of attention, particularly mobile health, it's notable that the firms snagging the biggest investments deal in traditional IT. The top three digital health deals funded during the first half of 2014 included $135 million for NantHealth's interoperability and health IT platform; a $130 million series B round for data analytics and software firm Flatiron; and $125 million for Alignment Healthcare, a population health venture.
On the other hand, it's also notable that digital medical device companies raised $206 million during the first half of 2014, and healthcare consumer engagement firms raised $193 million. Look up in a year or two, and it's likely that these categories, and possibly mobile health technology—if it can be integrated with EMRs, particularly—will muscle their way to the top of the digital health investment chart.


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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Tallahassee Police Department held a shopping with a cop event called Heroes and Helpers.
It's an event to help children from Leon County buy holiday gifts for their families.
TPD has been putting the event on for about a decade.
Eighty children were paired with a police officer Wednesday to help them select a gift for someone in their family.
Sgt. Anitra Highland noticed some of the children buying not toys but household items to help their family's everyday needs.
Target employees wrapped the gifts.
MOBILE USERS: Download our WTXL news app on your Apple and Android devices for the latest from South Georgia and North Florida. Also, download our WTXL Weather Now app for Apple and Android devices to get the latest local weather wherever you go.
Copyright 2017 WTXL via Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.


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When it comes to camping, we Americans like to get away from it all by taking as much of it as we can with us. To that end, inventors created recreational vehicles.
As reported by the Dallas News, RVs have been around since Henry Ford’s first Model Ts hit the road, and through the years they have included everything from tents on trailers to marble-countered motor homes. The evolution of the RV reflects America’s lust for cars and travel.
“It’s about the freedom of the open road and what that’s meant to America,” said former Amarillo Mayor Trent Sisemore.
Sisemore is co-owner of Jack Sisemore Traveland, a mega RV dealership in Amarillo. In addition to selling new and used recreational vehicles, the Sisemores have collected dozens of historic trailers and motorhomes. The collection sits in a free museum at their dealership.
“We began to trade for some unusual stuff we’d restore in our offseason,” he said. “After we had five or six units, we opened it up for people to come out and enjoy.”
Their collection includes a 1941 Westcraft trailer, originally owned by a World War II defense worker. A photograph of the USS Sigourney battleship signed by 17 U.S. presidents hangs inside.
There’s a 1946 “teardrop” kit trailer built with war surplus aluminum, a 1937 Kozy Kamp, one of the first tent trailers ever built, and a 1976 FMC motorhome once owned by cosmetics tycoon Max Factor Jr.
Similar FMC motorhomes, which sold for about the price of an average home back then, were owned by luminaries such as Mario Andretti, Clint Eastwood, Carol Burnett, Pat Boone and CBS On the Road reporter Charles Kuralt.
For the full story click here.


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A national print and digital campaign will launch next week (30 April) and the service will be advertised in store.
The broadband package replaces the previous internet services offered under the Waitrose and Greenbee sister brands.
The retailer has already begun communicating the changes to existing Waitrose and Greenbee customers.
It follows the launch of John Lewis Insurance in 2010, which also replaced a former Greenbee branded service. The retailer claims that it has seen a 45% increase in uptake since the rebrand.
The retailer could roll out a number of similar branded service propositions in sectors that traditionally suffer a lack of consumer trust, to take advantage of the trust consumers place in the John Lewis brand, but says it has no specific plans at present.
Craig Inglis, John Lewis marketing director, says: “Trust is the word that our customers use most when describing why they value the John Lewis brand – because they believe that we consistently deliver great service and value for money.
“Our customers want the same honest and trustworthy experience from their internet provision as they would expect from any product they buy from us.”
John Lewis says the service complements the range of wifi enabled consumer electronics it sells.
The Greenbee brand, which launched in 2006 as a travel and insurance company in partnership with AXA and Expedia, has now been axed. It was part of John Lewis’s strategy to grow its online business.


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Do you love the gender binary? Well, 2016 is shaping up to be a great year for your aesthetic choices.
Pantone have made their annual Colour of the Year announcement and, for the first time, the colour authority have selected two different hues to act as the tonal zeitgeists for the year.
Their choices? Baby pink and blue.
The two colours, which are technically called "Rose Quartz" and "Serenity", look like the paint colours purchased when decorating a baby's nursery in the 1950s, lest a green nursery suggest you were preparing for the arrival of an alien life form.
In fact, if these colours are really setting the tonal zeitgeist for fashion and lifestyle for the next 12 months, we should all be wearing Bonds Wondersuits by the end of the month.
Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, said the decision to select two distinct colours was indicative of "gender equality".
"In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted colour trends throughout all other areas of design," she said in a statement.
"This more unilateral approach to colour is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer's increased comfort with using colour as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged, and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to colour usage."
Of course, this claim to blur gender boundaries in design only has weight if it's supported by designers which, based on initial reactions to the announcement, seems unlikely.
In an an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Ray Kelvin, founder of British fashion retailer Ted Baker, said he would be using Serenity for menswear and Rose Quartz for womenswear, adding that Rose Quartz was "a bit sugary for men".
Since 2000, Pantone have conducted an annual poll of homeware and fashion designers to determine the Colour of the Year.
It is often a controversial announcement.
Last year's choice, the reddish-brown Marsala, was widely criticised, with Nylon describing the colour as "dried period blood".
Despite the initial backlash, Pantone's prediction of the tonal zeitgeist held and Marsala's detractors were probably wearing an oversized Zara blazer in the hue by mid-May.
The moral of the story? If 2016 is set to be all about baby pink and blue, it's time to start snapping up those Wondersuits.


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As digital technology advances, the industry appears to be entering the transitional phase of platform adolescence.
Industrial software, once merely a tool, is becoming a significant force.
It is undergoing a transformation like never before.
This transformation started over a decade ago and is now starting to take shape with the help of technological advancements such as the industrial Internet and 5G.
It will take another ten to twenty years for the full impact of this change to be felt in the industry.
By then, the instrumental aspect of industrial software may no longer exist, and instead it will shape the direction of the industry in a more profound and covert manner.
1. Integration of design and simulation
In the past, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) were two separate domains. However, with the integration of design and simulation, a few industrial software solutions now bridge both areas. The integration of design and simulation is becoming increasingly apparent through buzzwords such as CPS (Cyber-Physical Systems), digital twin, and digital object fusion. This trend can be seen in the recent developments of companies such as Siemens, Dassault Systèmes, and Autodesk.
Dassault Systèmes has recently focused on strengthening its presence in the simulation field, which has further boosted the simulation brand of the company. In the last five years, half of their mergers and acquisitions have been for simulation software companies. Similarly, Siemens has also acquired several simulation companies, including CD-adapco, a global provider of engineering multidisciplinary simulation software, for nearly $1 billion in 2016. Autodesk is also entering the simulation market through acquisitions and the launch of its own simulation products.
This close integration of CAD and CAE means that design-as-simulation will become the norm in the industrial sector. The traditional divide between CAD and CAE is being broken down by CAD vendors, and the importance of geometry engines will be reduced as physical numerical simulation precedes physical implementation. This puts pressure on manufacturers who only offer CAD and CAE solutions, including PTC’s CAD division and simulation giant ANSYS. To respond to this trend, ANSYS and PTC have formed an alliance to jointly develop “simulation-driven design” solutions, providing users with a unified modeling and simulation environment and eliminating the boundary between design and simulation.
The Apex platform, launched by MSC (now owned by Hexagon) in 2014, was created to address the challenge of integrating CAD and CAE. The convergence of these two technologies means that the manufacturing process is shifted to the front-end, allowing the design to perform more functions that were previously handled by prototyping and testing. This has made the implementation of DFX series, such as “design for manufacturing” (DFM) and safety-oriented (DFS), more feasible and widespread.
2. Machine self-expression: generative design
Generative design is a software that automatically performs stress analysis and topology optimization based on the component’s load boundary conditions, providing the most appropriate solution for various structural optimizations. With the current excitement surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), some may see generative design as a new chapter in AI by CAD manufacturers. However, it is not necessarily so. Allowing computers to generate more topological structures by applying constraints is not a new concept. What is new is how these structurally and materially challenging designs will be brought to life.
Additive manufacturing provides an answer to these intricate structural shapes, as 3D printing can easily produce the designs generated by computers. Autodesk has been working in this area for years, developing its Within software based on the technology of Within Labs, a London-based software company acquired by Autodesk in 2014. Other derivative design projects, such as ProjectDreamcatcher, are also in development. The seats designed for Airbus have added to the reputation of generative design, with their intricate structures being particularly impressive.
Figure 1 / Generative design of the NASA Saturn lander
In the field of additive manufacturing, there is a growing presence of CAD and CAE technologies. Autodesk offers Netfabb for lattice optimization and metal additive manufacturing simulation. PTC’s Creo 4.0 has also simplified the process between 3D CAD and 3D printing to facilitate the creation of uniform lattices. All these companies are recognizing the importance of this new direction.
In May 2017, Solid Edge ST10 was released, offering generative design capabilities with improvements in design, simulation, and collaboration. PTC, a company active in the IoT world, has realized the value of this trend and acquired Frustum, a new company founded in 2012, for about $70 million in November 2018. This acquisition allows PTC to integrate Frustum’s AI-driven generative design tools into its core CAD software portfolio.
Autodesk has made significant efforts to showcase the impact of generative design. The company’s executives have even quipped that “CAD is a lie,” and that “generative design is making it truly worthy of its name.” However, more examples are needed to demonstrate that this is a significant step forward in manufacturing at scale.
3. “Fullscreen” data delivery
Paper is considered to be the ultimate solution in manufacturing. For a long time, the two-dimensional blueprint was the symbol of the chief engineer’s authority in design and on the shop floor. Instructions, also known as “paper orders,” were a conventional method of communicating decisions, much like an army post. The more complex the manufacturing process, the more complex the data transfer, leading to a higher likelihood of errors in information transmission through paper, signage, and other media.
In the 1990s, Boeing introduced paperless technology. Although the concept of paperless is simple and straightforward, its implementation in design and manufacturing, as well as throughout the entire factory, can be challenging. One of the first airplanes to be designed digitally was the Boeing 777, which has been in development since 1990, and Boeing continues to work on this problem.
Paperless is seen as the solution to this issue. Paper and forms are viewed as symbols of siloed data, causing a “data intestinal blockage” in the factory. This is a common problem in traditional factories. However, it’s expected that a complete solution will be found.
Augmented reality (AR) could redefine data transmission as a new medium. Design development engineers are already exploring the possibility of dragging and dropping objects in the air, as seen in the movie Iron Man, with companies like Lockheed Martin leading the way. AR devices, supported by rich software, have also come to the aid of factory operators. The PTC ThingWorx Operator Advisor uses a new 3D design and work instructions that can be delivered to frontline operators via AR. Vestas, the world’s largest wind turbine equipment manufacturer based in Denmark, has taken the first step into this 3D era. The company aims to solve the problem of “breakpoint data” by simplifying the collection, synthesis, and delivery of critical operational data.
This change in the way information is communicated to shop floor employees will be significant, marking the end of the era of “text” and “paper orders.” Three-dimensional data and instructions are not just a matter of sending data, but transmitting knowledge through a feeling, not just a textual description. The instructions needed now are not on a piece of paper, but on a screen and in a feeling.
Paperless is becoming more concrete with the rise of “screenification.” At the Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona, PTC’s augmented reality Vuforia solution was already integrated into Microsoft’s HoloLens 2, with new gestures, voice augmentation, and tracking features that eliminate the need for complicated programming work. Companies like Howden, an air engineering company, have already started using the technology to enhance the customer experience.
AR frees people’s hands, allowing them to interact with data in a new way, whether in the design studio or in the factory. People can now wave their hands like conductors, driving data in a whole new way. The subtext behind this technology is much more significant. Companies like Caterpillar, the world’s largest construction machinery manufacturer, no longer provide drawings to their customers. Non-authorized service engineers cannot repair an oil circuit without guessing. Users may have all the details, but they cannot see the data.
What does the next generation of workers look like? They are interconnected workers with a “second blood vessel” where all sorts of data travel through. With the help of AR technology, these workers can see it all. The question arises, will “full screen” become the standard for lean, challenging the benchmarking practices and lighthouse culture that a plant has developed over the years?
4. Model-based systems engineering
The human capacity to tackle complex issues is limited. Systems engineering adopts a top-level, holistic approach and utilizes models as a way to express complexity at a higher level of abstraction. This enhances humans’ ability to deal with complexity.
Atego, now part of PTC, is a modular-based systems and software engineering company that emphasizes a collaborative approach to building complex systems and addresses the development of mechanical, electrical, and software components.
The United States has the highest defense spending in the world, crucial for national competitiveness. The U.S. Department of Defense procurement involves 150,000 people, encompassing research and development, manufacturing, and maintenance, with nearly 30% being systems engineers.
Future design requires systemic thinking, and model-based systems engineering is essential for the production of large weaponry. However, this remains a challenge. The aerospace industry was the first to adopt this approach, but the complexity of products makes it a slow process.
A comprehensive systems engineering or model-based design approach involves multiple engineering disciplines, including machine, electromagnetic, and heat engineering. The increasing demand for smart and connected products, such as cars, home appliances, consumer goods, and mobile devices, adds to this complexity.
The Model-Based Definition (MBD), promoted by Boeing, is gaining widespread acceptance. Many CAD companies now support relevant PMI standards for product manufacturing information related to MBD, and CAD software programs express support for the MBD standard.
In 2013, Solidworks introduced the MBD module, but currently, enterprise users still face multiple MBD standards that cannot be unified due to limitations of 3D software. A complete end-to-end MBSE technology foundation is necessary to support the full lifecycle.
Boeing has adopted a new “rhombic” description to enhance the traditional “V” shape of the systems engineering path. The rhombic description highlights the need for constant interaction between the virtual model and the physical world to form an interconnected environment, moving away from document-driven situations.
The digital twin offers exciting possibilities, but its implementation requires a product defined based on a model. It remains a lotus floating on its foundation, the continuous lotus root.
Figure 2/Senior Technical Don Farr, Boeing R&D Technology 2018
For Chinese manufacturers, new concerns have arisen regarding the constant push for Model-Based Definition (MBD). This push will hinder the efforts of Chinese CAD and CAE software vendors as the standards set by these models will make it difficult for users to migrate data in the future. The barriers imposed by foreign software will be even greater for users.
Storing 3D models and data separately may be a viable approach, but Chinese enterprises lack the willingness to form common standards and systems, making it challenging to create synergies. Additionally, users are unable to break away from existing data structures and usage habits, making the future outlook uncertain.
Furthermore, many domestic industrial software have been drawn into the industrial Internet, while the international 10303 standard system has nearly 200 standards, constituting a deep MBD barrier. Domestic enterprises have seen limited research and progress in this area.
The complexity of large enterprises, such as the aerospace industry, has increased, leading to a greater reliance on large mainstream software. This has resulted in the software becoming more closed and monopolized, leaving little opportunity or development space for other upstream and downstream software.
Many companies’ technical exchanges are based on large-scale overall solutions like MBSE and do not mention any product names or brands. Once an enterprise adopts an overall solution, it becomes challenging for other products to access it.
5. From one-time buyouts to ongoing subscriptions
The way software tools are being sold is undergoing a change, shifting from a one-time license to a subscription model. This model doesn’t necessarily have to be cloud-based, as it can still be installed on-premise, but is accessed through a regularly licensed password as part of a subscription.
This model is beneficial for both the user enterprise and the software company. The user enterprise can easily adjust the number of users to meet their needs, and have instant access to the latest software version. For the software company, it ensures a continuous cash flow from users.
While the revenue from a single user company may decrease temporarily, the revenue from subscription services is expected to surpass the revenue from fixed usage rights over a few years. Additionally, the large amount of data generated by application software can be easily linked to software tools with this model.
In terms of software development, software vendors prefer the subscription model as it provides a stable source of revenue. This model also makes long-term updates more reasonable. The success of this model has been demonstrated in international markets, with 70-80% of Dassault’s annual revenue in Europe, America, and Japan coming from annual rental income and only 20-30% from a one-time purchase of a perpetual license cost.
Software companies in Europe and the United States are comfortable with this model as it secures most of their income in advance and allows engineers to focus on research and development. Autodesk’s transition to the subscription model has not been smooth, with big layoffs in 2017 related to the promotion of this model.
Previously, with low Internet penetration, it was challenging for vendors or authors to use the web for ongoing maintenance and upgrades, and much software was a one-time deal. However, with the widespread availability of the internet, conditions for updating software anytime are almost perfect, with no barriers to online implementation and perfect customer support and iterative upgrades for the product.
The popularity of the subscription-based system for industrial software is on the rise, driven by the growth of cloud computing. The Chinese market is still resisting this change due to its unique market characteristics, with one-time purchases being the preferred approach. This is due to the budget for software upgrades being separate from the budget for purchasing software services, and the value of software services not being widely recognized in China.
The subscription system may pose a threat to the data monopoly of Chinese users, but it also presents a huge opportunity for domestic software vendors to improve their research and development.
6. Tools evolve to platforms
The era of viewing industrial software as just a tool may be coming to an end. In February 2019, Dassault Systèmes announced that after 21 years, the name of the SolidWorks World conference would no longer exist, but would become the 3D Experience World. This change in name sends a clear message that the brand of a single software tool is no longer as significant, and the platform will encompass everything.
Dassault Systèmes is promoting its 3D EXPERIENCE platform as a top-level strategy and industrial software, with its strong association with being a tool, is being redefined to encompass its standalone existence. This shift in thinking is comparable to being asked if you want an axe or a piece of wood for your campfire.
The change in name and approach also signals a renewal in the business model. Industrial software providers are seeking to extract more value from the entire design-manufacturing process, with a focus on manufacturing as a service. This is why Dassault Systèmes is committed to connecting the front-end of design with the back-end of manufacturing. The company’s 2014 acquisition of RTT, a high-end 3D visualization software for marketing and display, aligns with this philosophy.
The recent market trends in computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) can be understood in the context of this shift. CAM software, once independent, has now become integrated into software platform services. For example, Solidworks launched a CAM-oriented version in 2017, while Hexagon acquired French CAM company SPRING in 2018.
The key factor behind the growth of these platform services is the community and collaboration. The concept of a software community has existed for some time, with Autodesk supporting a partnership ecosystem in the early 1990s, leading to the emergence of many secondary development industrial software companies. However, after Autodesk acquired companies such as Demeco, these secondary developers struggled to compete and eventually transformed and dispersed.
As tools transition to platforms, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may become just a small part of the larger picture. The relationship between partners and the platform is similar to that of iron and grass; partners are just one component. The existence of such platforms will be tempting for SMEs, but it also means that platform-based businesses must be ready to play the role of “utility player.”
Industrial software companies are also preparing to shift their platforms to serve SMEs. A recent example is Dassault’s entry into the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. In 2018, Dassault Systèmes acquired manufacturing ERP software company IQMS for $425 million and renamed it DELMIAWORKS.
The biggest step that product lifecycle management (PLM) software vendors can take to expand their reach is by combining design-side data with business data. This year, Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS launched 3DEXPERIENCE.WORKS, which provides SMB users with a single digital environment for combining social collaboration with design, simulation, manufacturing, and ERP functionality.
The era of tools is ending, and this is not good news for China’s struggling PLM vendors. While they may still be determined to compete, the competition has already moved ahead. The difference between the two generations is not just a matter of years, but of eras.
7. Nature clouds
The concept of Software as a Service (SaaS) continues to evolve in the industrial sector, with cloud-based subscription models for industrial software becoming an increasingly popular option for companies. These cloud and online industrial software can be accessed directly through a local browser or web and mobile applications. Unlike traditional software that is installed on a local computer, SaaS is updated remotely and accessed through a subscription, often on an annual or monthly basis.
A decade ago, the concept of cloud CAD was widely discussed, but it was considered highly complex at the time. Michael Riddle, one of the founders of Autodesk and a well-known CAD architect, noted that cloud CAD was more than ten times as complex as desktop CAD. This was due to not only the large number of lines of code, but also the difficulty of modeling and the complexity that could be equivalent to chess. Rebuilding the architecture system was necessary, which was a daunting task for mature software vendors.
In 1994, Autodesk released AutoCAD Version 13, but it received largely negative feedback. The software had completely rebuilt the architecture and rewritten the code, resulting in a costly disaster for Autodesk. In 2012, the founders of Solidworks founded Onshape to provide online CAD services, which was met with a strong reaction. Autodesk’s Fusion360 quickly followed, and Chinese software companies, such as Horton and Lich, have also entered the market.
In the domain of CAE, new small businesses have the option of using online services. Many domestic CAE software companies, such as Beijing Cloud Road, Shanghai Digital Qiao, and Lanwei, are moving towards cloud-based offerings as a way to avoid competition with larger rivals and find a niche in the market.
Onshape received a total of $170 million in April 2016 after four rounds of financing, but has not received any additional funding since. Although Onshape was an early entrant in the market, it has not had the impact that was originally expected. The success of cloud CAD products depends on the quality of the basic modeling, and many traditional CAD vendors have been spurred into action by Onshape’s success. In 2018, CATIA launched xDesign, which has a similar interface to CATIA, in response to the growing impact of online design software like Onshape. The real charm of online design is the huge synergistic effect it brings, enabling “crowd-sourcing, crowd-creation, and collective collaboration”.
As the industrial cloud continues to spread, there will be a growing number of intermediate software vendors offering data conversion services. For example, companies like CIDEON will connect engineering data from cloud CAD with cloud platforms like SAP in a seamless and concise manner.
Figure 3 / Heterogeneous data linkage
For its strategic direction as a cloud platform provider, Dassault considered the hardware resources of a cloud computing facility carefully. In 2011, Dassault Systèmes made a strategic investment in Outscale, a newly founded cloud computing company. By June 2017, Dassault Systèmes increased its investment to acquire a majority stake in the company.
The 3D Experience platform offered by Dassault Systèmes is delivered through Outscale’s cloud services in over a dozen data centers globally. This platform takes full advantage of hardware and software integration and can be used by enterprises of all sizes.
This infrastructure-agnostic, cloud-based platform delivers Windows applications and workflows from the cloud, breaking away from traditional virtual desktop solutions such as Citrix or VMware, which are designed for single-tenant, inelastic data center infrastructure.
It is worth noting that the architecture of Intel’s X86 on the PC and ARM on mobile terminals are vastly different.
Figure 4 / Cloud facilities for industrial cloud software
A lightweight cloud architecture that is designed to be flexible and meet users’ elastic access needs is ideal for the industrial cloud, making industrial software popular in this environment. The migration of industrial software to cloud platforms is poised to compete in the broader small and medium-sized business (SMB) market.
“Cloud PLM” provides small and medium-sized PLM users with more options to tailor solutions to their unique business and engineering requirements. This shift is changing the way PLM businesses and deployments are managed.
The rapid development of the industrial Internet provides a favorable environment for “cloud-born” software to thrive.
8. Embracing the IoT and renewing the PLM mission
The PLM (Product Life Cycle Management) concept encompasses the “one word for life” mentality. It originated from “Product Data Management” (PDM) and was initially a feature of CAD software companies. However, it never fully materialized.
In 2005, PLM became a field that was no longer exclusive to CAD tool companies, attracting many new players with impressive credentials. In 2007, Oracle acquired PLM software company Agile, and in 2009, SAP launched its own PLM for the Asia-Pacific region.
The relationship between IoT (Internet of Things) and PLM is a topic of debate, with some seeing it as IoT equals PLM, while others view it as IoT plus PLM. For PTC, the CEO stated firmly that “IoT is PLM” two years ago.
Despite the emphasis on the life cycle in PLM, many products still fail to undergo full life cycle management. For example, a refrigerator or a car may be forgotten after leaving the factory and become a “product orphan” for manufacturers. This has led to many PLM software systems being reduced to PDM and engineering change management.
In the IoT era, this could lead to a narrow-minded approach. Products are now providing companies with increased visibility and insight, making PLM more of a business idea than a product in and of itself. In this sense, IoT has become a catalyst for the activation of this concept.
Siemens’ move towards IoT is driven by the roar of on-site machines, not PLM considerations. As an automation company, IoT strategy is an inevitable choice, so it is not surprising that it is moving towards integration with PLM. However, Dassault’s approach is slower. The company is gradually increasing the connection between its machines and business processes through its acquired production scheduling management software Apriso, but this is more of a tactical solution than a strategic plan.
Figure 5/ Relationship between PLM and IoT
So, is IoT a parallel twin or the firstborn of PLM? To answer this relationship, two boundaries need to be identified. The first boundary is the attitude towards the equipment within the factory, which is consistently answered by all software companies. The second boundary is whether PLM should extend beyond the factory gates and connect the relationship between people and products. This is the most critical separatrix for the strategic partition of industrial software companies.
PTC is the most aggressive in making choices, aligning with IT companies like SAP and Oracle. Siemens has made a choice regarding crucial equipment, while Dassault and Autodesk have found the courage to answer this question. The most likely breakthrough in simulation and automated driving will provide additional insight.
Figure 6 / The domino effect of IoT activating automotive PLM (Source: infosys)
So, how do we recognize the boundaries of PLM in the era of IoT? Should we allow it to continue to expand and incorporate unfulfilled ideas from the past, or should we let it fade away and allow IoT to reinvigorate the value of the data center and further solidify the data-driven approach? The answer depends on people’s habits and preferences.
9. Software Becomes Infinitely More Expensive: EDA from Design to Design Services
There’s no denying that the semiconductor industry is expensive.
The primary reason for this is the electronic design automation (EDA) software used for chip design.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the gap between EDA and mechanical CAD (MCAD) software was not significant, as many CAD manufacturers offered both. However, MCAD software soon surpassed EDA in popularity.
But as the semiconductor industry grew, EDA took a more professional approach, diverging from electric apparatus CAD. It became closely tied to intellectual property.
Today, major players in the field, such as Synopsys, Cadence, and Siemens Mentor, dominate the chip design market.
However, electric apparatus CAD/CAE vendors are eager to break down the division between the two.
In 2008, simulation software giant ANSYS entered the EDA field with its acquisition of Ansoft Corporation for approximately $800 million.
ANSYS later acquired analog software provider Apache Design Solutions for $310 million in cash, further strengthening its position in integrated circuit simulation.
In November 2016, Siemens acquired MentorGraphics, one of the world’s top three EDA software providers, for $4.5 billion.
The cost of advanced design has skyrocketed, with expenses rising from $28 million at 65nm to a staggering $540 million at the current 5nm, a 20-fold increase. This highlights the incredibly costly nature of chip design.
Figure 7/Advanced Design Cost Evolution (source: IBS data)
With each new generation of technology from 65nm to 40nm and then to 28nm, about 50% of the code in the software needs to be rewritten.
As technology advances to the nanoscale, there are many physical phenomena that are encountered for the first time, leading to a significant increase in the complexity of operations.
In many cases, software limitations are the key factor holding back physical breakthroughs.
The industry’s reliance on software is now immense.
In this sense, EDA software vendors are crucial to the industry, but they must learn to balance their own interests with the needs of their customers.
The same is true in the Chinese CAD market. These platform-tool industrial software vendors must control their impulses and not prioritize their own profits over the needs of their agents and users.
For example, in 2018, a large CAD manufacturer increased its operating income by 10-15% without even informing its agents. Many agents and users feel like they are at the mercy of these software vendors and their aggressive business practices.
It is important to maintain a balance and not take advantage of the situation.
10. Biggest speculation: industrial software goes intangible.
The highest level of industrial software may lead to its own elimination.
When the user wants to dig a hole in the ground, tools such as chisels and drills become redundant.
It is becoming increasingly common to see the combination of software and hardware in the industrial world.
Industrial software and automation hardware are converging.
Siemens automation and PLM are closely integrated, creating a digital enterprise.
In 2017, Schneider acquired a 60% stake in AVIVA for nearly RMB 5 billion, an example of the “engineering embraces industrial software” trend.
Rockwell invested US$1 billion, accounting for 8.4% of PTC’s shares, marking the start of a strategic collaboration.
The early simulation software MSC was acquired by Swedish metrology equipment company Hexagon.
The era of profits from software and hardware is a thing of the past.
The injection of software is making traditional hardware profits, which were once thin, as thick as a server.
The boundaries between systems are disappearing, leading to the merging of traditional mechanical design and simulation CAD/CAM/CAE software, electronic design automation software EDA, and other software such as manufacturing execution system MES and human-machine interface HMI, among others.
Software ubiquity is the key to this transformation.
Behind the Industrial Internet, software is the star.
Only software can unlock the value of machines and data.
It is no longer just a suite of tools, but a game-changer for the industry.
Ubiquitous yet invisible, this may be the future of industrial software.
But it is only on this intangible foundation that the rise of smart manufacturing and the industrial internet can be built.
What is intangible?
Air is intangible, yet it dominates the existence of life.
11. Final thoughts
The memory of industrial software as a tool is gradually fading.
It’s becoming difficult to categorize a PLM vendor as solely CAD or CAE.
Although it is a small market, it acts as a pivotal lever in the industry.
Small and seemingly insignificant, this invisible industrial software is driving the direction of the future industry and serves as a new fundamental power for the emerging industry.


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DESIGNING DAUGHTER: Guess Inc. has welcomed another Marciano into the family business. Ella Marciano, the 16-year-old daughter of chief executive officer and vice chairman Paul Marciano, has designed a T-shirt to benefit the charity Sojourn Services for Battered Women and Their Children. While interning in Guess’ p.r. department last summer, Ella toured Sojourn’s shelters with her mom, Kymberly Marciano-Strauss, and designed a white tank top printed with a purple heart formed by the words hope, love, courage, strength, community and empower.
“I started thinking about words that were powerful, that could send a message,” the high school junior explained. “All the words are shaped like a heart, which is the symbol of love, which I think is great. At the same time, the design had to appeal to the Guess girl…Even if someone doesn’t know this cause, they’d buy this shirt because it’s an attractive shirt.”
If Ella sounds like a designing and marketing pro, it’s because she first created philanthropic Ts for Guess when she was seven to benefit victims of the 9/11 terror attacks. The $24 top for Sojourn will be available next month on Guess.com and stores in California and Las Vegas. And this probably won’t be Ella’s last philanthropic endeavor. “I would love to make charitable items for Guess,” she said. “It’s something I want to do in the future.”


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By GREGORY ZELLER //
The ultimate success of a crowdfunding campaign depends largely – but not exclusively – on the product or service at hand.
That’s the main thrust of “Reward-Based Crowdfunding Success: Decomposition of the Project, Product Category, Entrepreneur and Location Effects,” a research paper published in June by Venture Capital, an international journal of entrepreneurial finance.
The paper – completed by a quartet of researchers, including lead author Richard Chan, an assistant professor in Stony Brook University’s College of Business – is among the first published studies showing that factors beyond the product or service being funded significantly influence the results of crowdfunding efforts.
“Specifically, we found that agency predictors related to entrepreneurs and projects could better predict funding success than situational predictors related to product category and location,” Chan said in a statement.
But “structural factors,” such as the product category and “location effects,” also significantly effect outcomes, according to the paper, which details how the researchers – including Chan and partners at the University of Texas at Dallas, Villanova University and the Lee Kong Chian School of Business at Singapore Management University – applied “variance decomposition analysis” to a sample of 98,336 crowdfunding projects launched between May 2009 and May 2014 on the popular Kickstarter platform.
Their primary findings: “Agency factors,” such as the project and the entrepreneur, generate the highest relative variance regarding pledge amounts, number of pledges and overall funding success.
These findings are “of practical relevance to aspiring entrepreneurs seeking funding through reward-based crowdfunding platforms,” according to the paper’s abstract.
They also dovetail nicely with the findings of another Chan-led paper, “Crowdfunding Innovative Ideas: How Incremental and Radical Innovativeness Influence Funding Outcomes.”
That treatise, published in 2017 by the peer-reviewed journal Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, explores how more-successful crowdfunding impresarios tend to favor small steps over giant leaps when it comes to innovation.
The 2017 paper’s primary conclusion: Crowdfunded campaigns featuring radical innovation are “riskier to develop (and) harder for crowd-funders to understand,” resulting in less-favorable funding outcomes than those featuring “incremental innovativeness,” which are generally “more comprehensible and generate more user value” for the crowdfunding audience – and therefore, better funding-campaign results, according to the paper’s abstract.
The exploration of crowdfunding platforms and other entrepreneurship angles is nothing new to Chan, whose research on the seed-funding success of startups with unique names and related business-formation topics has been cited by Business Insider and a host of other top-shelf business publications.
Chan also is the director of SBU’s new Center of Entrepreneurial Finance, which is designed to advance and share research into how entrepreneurs acquire and manage their financial resources.


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The technology company previewed a new AI “Copilot” for Microsoft 365, its product suite that includes Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations and Outlook emails. First open to some 20 enterprises for testing, AI will offer a draft in these applications, speeding up content creation and freeing up workers’ time, Microsoft said.
The Redmond, Washington-based company, outpacing peers through investments in ChatGPT’s creator OpenAI, also showcased a new “business chat” experience that can pull data and perform tasks across applications on a user’s written command.
“We believe this next generation of AI will unlock a new wave of productivity growth,” Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chief executive, said in an online presentation.
Microsoft’s share price rose about 4% on the news.
This week’s drumbeat of developments including new funding for AI startup Adept reflects how companies large and small are locked in fierce competition to deploy software that could reshape how people work.
At the center are Microsoft and Google-owner Alphabet Inc, which on Tuesday touted AI features for Gmail and a “magic wand” to draft prose in its own word processor. The capabilities that Microsoft and Google showcased are similar.
The frenzy to invest in and build new products began with last year’s launch of ChatGPT, the chatbot sensation that showed the public the potential of so-called large language models.
Such technology learns from past data how to create content anew. It has evolved rapidly. Just this week, OpenAI began the release of a more-powerful version known as GPT-4. This partly underpins Microsoft’s Copilot features, along with an older GPT-3.5 model, business and application data, Microsoft said.
The new capabilities – offered through Microsoft’s cloud – are poised to attract business and turn around slowing revenue growth, RBC analyst Rishi Jaluria said.
The Copilot will “drive more usage of Microsoft Office and increase the separation versus competitors,” Jaluria said.
According to reuters.com. Source of photos: internet


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When Epic added a battle royale mode to Fortnite in September last year, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds publisher Bluehole was pretty upset.
“We are concerned that Fortnite may be replicating the experience for which PUBG is known,” said Chang Han Kim, then its executive producer and now CEO of PUBG Corporation, which today runs the breakout shooter. The press release listed concerns over similarities in user interface, gameplay and ‘structural replication’ between the two games, and made a vague threat about potential legal action, which hasn’t apparently gone anywhere.
Fortnite now has 45 million players, which is probably greater than the number which plays PUBG, and Battle Royale mode is what they play. That has to hurt. But it’s not to say PUBG has much of a leg to stand on. “Look, I don’t claim ownership,” Brendan ‘PlayerUnknown’ Greene told Rock Paper Shotgun last summer. “So, it’s a last-man standing deathmatch. That’s been around since people could pick up clubs and hit each other. I would never claim ownership over that … I love to see what the genre has created. It’s various versions on something that I guess I popularised, you know? The idea itself is not mine.”
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Jeff Leech, the organiser of the Batemans Bay Caravan and Camping Show that was is scheduled for 28th, 30th, 31st January 2021 at Hanging Rock sporting complex told The Beagle that "Unfortunately, due to Covid and the continued uncertainties around current and potential border closures the scheduled January show has had to be postponed until June." "Prior to the cancellation we were fully booked out with 300 caravans committed for display and a wonderful, enthusiastic commitment from a record number of displays and suppliers. "Plans are already underway to successfully move the event to June and we are just awaiting Council to confirm a date." "The Beagle will keep you up to date on the June show once we have confirmation of the venue and date." "With such a huge interest in the booming caravan industry the June show of 2021 will be massive."
Accounting for 44% of all holiday nights across Australia, the latest insights from Tourism Research Australia for the September 2020 quarter again shows that caravan and camping is the most popular holiday accommodation type for Australians, as they come to terms with a COVID travel environment.
The insights revealed that over 1.9 million caravan and camping holidays were undertaken by Australians nationally, creating 8.4 million nights for the September Quarter 2020 alone.