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Valve has no intention of launching its own gaming subscription service at this time, Gabe Newell told PC Gamer. However, the company doesn't mind working with Microsoft to bring Game Pass to Steam.
According to Newell, the company does not consider it appropriate to create their own game subscriptions. He noted that a similar service from Microsoft has gained popularity, so Valve would be happy to work with the corporation to integrate Game Pass into Steam.
Newell explained that there have been previous discussions to add Microsoft subscriptions to the game library. However, he did not talk about any specific plans or agreements. If Microsoft customers show interest in adding a subscription service to Steam, Newell said Valve should consider how to do it.
As noted by PC Gamer, the likely addition of Game Pass could indeed be a problem, as the libraries feature different versions of the games. In addition, it is clear that the new handheld game console Steam Deck is not ready for Game Pass. Currently, Valve and AMD continue to work on driver compatibility for installing Windows on the console. Only after this is done, the owners of the console will be able to play through a subscription from Microsoft.


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Falguni Nayyar In 2021, there was a strong listing of Nykaa on the stock exchange, after that the company’s founder and CEO Falguni Nayar is being discussed everywhere from the corporate world. Falguni Nair is such a woman who has inspired many women with her success who want to become Entrepreneur. From starting her own startup to making a career in the corporate world. Falguni Nayar, the founder of beauty startup Nykaa, is the richest self-made female billionaire in the country and she has not inherited this business.
Falguni Nair has been an investment banker. Falguni started his career with AF Ferguson & Company after graduating from IIM Ahmedabad. He also worked in Kotak Mahindra Bank for about 18 years. She was the Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Investment Bank. Apart from this, she has also held the position of Director in Kotak Securities.
Nykaa debut in 2012
But in 2012, he decided to set up his own business and in this episode he started the company Nykaa. Leading a team of over 1600 people, Falguni has built Nykaa, a beauty and lifestyle retail empire, which has emerged as India’s leading beauty retailer with a portfolio of 1500+ brands including its own label in the country. Nykaa started its first physical store in the year 2014. As of 31 August 2021, FSN E-commerce has 80 physical stores in 40 cities across the country. Nykaa has a primary app for the beauty and personal care of the heroine, apart from Nykaa Fashion, where apparel, accessories, fashion related products are there. More than 4,000 beauty, personal care and fashion brands are linked to its retail stores on its apps.
Falguni created history
Within 10 years of starting Nykaa, Falguni Nair has taken the company to the level that people take decades to achieve. From starting new ventures to the business of the country, the success of Falguni Nair is no less than a case study. Falguni Nair, who has written a new story of success, herself says that one of her dreams has come true. Falguni Nair had said that I started Nayaka at the age of 50 without any experience. He had said that I hope the story of Nayaka can inspire each one of you to be the hero/heroine of your life. Falguni Nair owns 50 percent of this company Nykaa. FSN E-commerce Ventures is the parent company of Nykaa and is the first woman-led company in India to enter the stock exchange.
Great listing on the stock exchange
After the listing of Nyka in the stock market on 10 November 2021, its market cap had crossed Rs 1 lakh crore on the very first day. Nykaa has given excellent returns to the investors. At present, the stock of Nykaa was trading at Rs 1388 due to volatility in the stock market.
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SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Tom Brady may not be the only one with underinflation problems – you could too if you don’t have the Meritor Tire Inflation System (MTIS) by P.S.I. installed on your trailer tires.
That was the message given to attendees and customers at this year’s Annual Fleet Technology Event put on by Pressure Systems International (P.S.I.) and Meritor in San Antonio earlier this week.
The event focused on the popular MTIS, an automatic tire inflation system that is used to reinflate a punctured trailer tire as well as provide proper and uniform inflation for all tires to avoid underinflation while in motion. If continuous inflation is required, the system will alert the driver to check the tire, or seek out service.
It is currently the leading automatic tire inflation system in the North American market, and the company has shipped its product globally to 45 countries.
P.S.I. invented the first automatic tire inflation system 22 years ago, and partnered with Meritor back in 1999 (one year before Brady was drafted by the NFL’s New England Patriots, oddly enough).
Though automatic tire inflation systems were invented by P.S.I. more than two decades ago, that doesn’t mean the company isn’t working hard to update its technology and find better ways to inflate tires on the go.
“We’re continuously improving the product by reinventing the tire inflation system and every time we reinvent it, we reinvent it with one thought in mind – the KISS principle,” said Frank Sonzala, executive vice-president, P.S.I. “Keep It Simple, Safely. We never take it to the complicated side so you have difficulty installing it or understanding it.”
Nearly 90% of fleets using automatic tire inflation systems are using MTIS by P.S.I. in North America, he added.
Al Cohn, director of new market development and engineering support at P.S.I. explained to attendees during a presentation why maintaining tire inflation is important to fleets and drivers.
“Tires continue to be the number one maintenance cost for commercial fleets and fleets take tires very, very seriously,” he said. “Inflation pressure is an issue because it takes way too long to check 18 or more tires, you get dirty when you bend over to check the pressure. And inflation gauges are inaccurate. And trailer tires always have the worst tire pressure. In addition, the number one cause of road breakdowns is tires.”
Cohn added that it has been reported that 90% of tire problems are because of underinflation. MTIS, according to the company, solves the problem of underinflation by flowing air though the axle to the tire to constantly maintain perfect pressure to keep the tire at its intended psi.
“Underinflated tires leave a bigger footprint on the road, causing more wear and tear,” Cohn explained. Whereas a well-inflated tire has a smaller footprint, causing less wear and tear. In addition, well-inflated tires have less of a chance of catching a nail or sharp object that could puncture the tire, because it is occupying less of the road, he added.
In addition to saving fleets money, the company said the system is so simple, it can be installed by almost anyone in under four hours – not just those who know about truck maintenance. The system can also be retrofitted on any axle and parts can be replaced quickly and easily.
Brock Ackerman, president of K&B Transportation, a refrigerated carrier said MTIS is the best investment his company has made in an optional piece of equipment for a tractor or trailer with respect to return on investment. He attended a similar event in 2011 hosted by the companies, and immediately made the decision to retrofit all 1,200 of his trailers with the system.
“Every trailer we’ve purchased since then has the system on it,” said Ackerman.
“(During the 2011 presentation) I was thinking about all the times we had a flat tire on a trailer at midnight and I had a delivery 400 miles away at 8 or 9 a.m,” he said. “And now instead of waiting on a service truck to come out and charge me a lot of money and make my delivery late… the tire can just reinflate itself with MTIS.”
Ackerman added the nature of his company doesn’t allow for delays to be a regular or comfortable occurrence.
“All of the commodities we haul are perishables…so all our deliveries are time-sensitive and so late is just not acceptable and that’s where this product has really helped us,” he said, adding that K&B currently does deliveries to giants like Walmart and Costco. “
Ackerman said the system has increased his company’s uptime and productivity, as well as saved them a heap of money. He estimated that the system saved him around $58,000 per month since installation. K&B currently operates 1150 trailers, so with eight tires per trailer it has just over 9,000 trailer tires spinning everyday. He added that after installing MTIS his tire changes per month went from 562 to 375.
After the presentation, attendees that included customers, potential customers and industry journalists were invited to have a tour of the PSI plant in San Antonio, where the systems are made.
The plant is manned with 85 employees who work the assembly lines 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to put the tire systems together and get them shipped out to customers. All kits are quality controlled and checked several times to ensure the product is exact before reaching the customer.
You can learn more about MTIS here: www.psi-atis.com.
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Pokemon Go is helping to get gamers out of the house and moving
Not into Pokemon Go? Try Zomies, Run!, Geocaching or Jump, Jump Froggy
Pokemon Go may be keeping gamers glued to their phones, but it’s also helping to get them out of the house to be more physically active.
The game requires players to actually move – yes, either walk or even run – from one location to another to find fictional, animated “pocket monsters” called Pokemon.
“Many people are saying on social media that their legs are sore from walking, which means that they probably weren’t active before,” said Dr. Michael Smith, chief medical editor for WebMD and internal medicine physician at Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta.
“Anything that gets people moving in my mind is a great thing,” he added. “The downside is it’s likely to be fleeting. Gamers may go on to the next big thing, but hopefully some will realize just how better they feel physically and mentally after being more active.”
Since Pokemon Go is an active mobile phone game, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons is urging gamers to be mindful of their surroundings and not injure themselves by walking with your eyes glues to your cell phone screen. In general, nearly four out of 10 Americans have personally witnessed a distracted walking “incident,” in which people on their phones have bumped into or tripped over something, according to a recent academy study.
Elisabeth Rodgerson, a 19-year-old resident of Frederick, Maryland, who created a Twitter page devoted to Pokemon Go gaming tips, said that she sprained her ankle while playing the app.
Pokémon: Little creatures you can capturePokéball: The things you throw to catch the Pokémon. They are available at Pokéstops and more will be provided to you as your character gets more powerful.Pokéstop: Geotagged locations, i.e. a landmark or destination, where you can get Pokéballs and other treats. Pokémon gyms: Where you can battle your Pokémon with other Pokémon to earn control over different gyms, as well as other prizes. These are geotagged like Pokéstops. Eggs: Unhatched Pokémon, which you can incubate by walking. Evolve: Through some hard work, your Pokémon can become even more powerful Pokémon.Candies, stardust, potions: Extras you can earn in the game that can evolve Pokémon or be used during battles Pokémon trainer: That’s you!
“We were at a college, because colleges tend to have more Pokestops, and my friends told me to meet them down at the football field. I was like ‘OK I’ll go run to meet them,’ and fell and sprained my ankle and scraped up the other one,” Rodgerson said.
“Once I recover, I think I’ll play the game again,” she added. “I was physically active before. I used to go to the gym all the time, but I’ve definitely gone outside so much more since the game came out and so have my friends. My friends and I used to go home after work and play video games online and ever since the game came out we have been going around town together instead.”
If Pokemon Go is a no
While Pokemon Go is not structured physical exercise, some experts have noted that it might be a fun way for gamers to walk the 10,000 steps that are typically recommended.
“All-in-all, if your goal is to reach 10,000 steps and you can do that with a game – great! If you need to get a sweat session in the gym to attain your goal of losing inches, that’s great too,” said Michelle Kulovitz Alencar, assistant professor in the department of kinesiology-fitness at California State University, Long Beach.
This isn’t the first time that America has seen a new technology craze revolutionize how we get moving. Before Pokemon Go, there was the Wii. Before the Wii, there was Dance, Dance Revolution. Before Dance, Dance Revolution, there was the Nintendo Power Pad.
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“The trends that we see in technology, they kind of come and go,” said Kelly Johnson, an instructor and doctoral student in the department of health, exercise and sports sciences at the University of New Mexico. “Pokemon Go is just a way for people to be more physically active. What happens when the app goes away?”
Out of the more than 40,000 health-related mobile apps available to users, there are many games similar to Pokemon Go that use either augmented reality or geolocation to get physically active and have fun. So, if you feel more like Pokemon “no” than Pokemon Go, here are seven other games that mix fun and adventure with physical activity.
Zombies, Run! is an immersive running game app in which gamers are tasked with surviving a zombie apocalypse. As gamers jog in real life, they can listen to scary story lines and sound effects of zombies chasing them. In fact, gamers have to speed up whenever a zombie is on their heels. The farther you run, the more supplies you collect to survive.
“It’s perfect for interval training,” said Johnson, who is currently studying how wearable devices and telemedicine technology influence health outcomes and collaborating with Alencar on research.
Geocaching is an outdoor game app in which people use an app or a GPS device to discover hidden containers around the world. Yes, real containers, and some of them even contain small trinkets for trade.
“It’s like a real-life treasure hunt,” Johnson said.
SpecTrek is an augmented reality ghost-hunting game in which users must walk or run to various locations to find virtual ghosts and “catch” them on their phone’s camera.
In BallStrike, users have to punch or kick a series of balls that appear all around them in their phones’ or tablets’ rear-facing cameras. The idea is for the user to twist and turn to hit each ball, making the ball explode.
In The Walk, which was developed by the same team that created Zombies, Run!, the gamer must carry a package that could save the world to a mysterious destination.
As the player walks during the day, they get closer and get closer to the destination, while also unlocking immersive audio story clips along the way. The game takes three months to complete, which might be long enough to develop a new fitness habit.
Superhero Workout was developed by the same creators of Zombies, Run! and The Walk. In the game, the user becomes the pilot of a battlesuit tasked with defending the world against alien forces. The game requires the user to complete real-world exercises, from abdominal crunches to arm punches, to defeat the aliens. The app uses motion detection to track the user’s progress.
Jump, Jump Froggy
Jump, Jump Froggy offers a fun way to get children moving. The game app requires users to physically jump around to help a frog collect flies buzzing around its head to eat.
Such games that involve physical activity are labeled as “exergaming,” said Dr. Kay Leaming-Van Zandt, attending physician at Texas Children’s Hospital Emergency Center. She also pointed out that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children accumulate at least 60 minutes daily of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
“Replacing low to moderate activities with exergaming may be a fun, exciting and enjoyable alternative. Additional activities, such as sports, recreation, chores, work, planned exercise and school-based physical education, should also be incorporated in a child’s daily schedule,” Leaming said.
“Because sustained vigorous activity was generally not elicited during active video game play, children should not replace high-intensity activity with exergaming,” she added. “Additionally, today’s children are spending an average of seven hours a day on entertainment media, including televisions, computers, phones and other electronic devices. Although exergaming is an enjoyable and easily accessible alternative to exercise, children should not spend more than one or two hours per day on any electronic device.”


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The Next Draft: At annual conference, state’s brewing industry networks, tinkers trains
The inspiration for Boston’s beer-centric oyster bar, Row 34, was found inside a cooler packed with rare brews. At a Patriots tailgate outside Gillette Stadium hosted by several other legends in the hospitality industry, Row 34’s co-founder, Garrett Harker, gaped at the likes of the Alchemist’s Heady Topper, Maine Beer Co.’s Dinner, and Russian River Brewing Co.’s Pliny the Elder floating in the cooler. Harker had never seen such a collection of beer in person. He sought to learn more about this treasure-bearer.
“So I asked my new best friend, ‘Dude, what restaurant do you work at?’ And he laughed and said, ‘I’m an HVAC technician.’ And I felt the ground beneath my feet shift a little,” Harker said last week, speaking in a beer hall filled with most of the state’s craft beer industry. “The idea of a restaurant where the food was married to a beer program no one had ever done before started to take hold.” Row 34 would open in November 2013, rolling out with no wine or liquor, but simply beer. The small, selective beer list appeared in white letters on a marquee above the bar. The restaurant would quickly become another hit for Harker.
The Massachusetts Brewers Guild invited Harker, the restaurateur behind Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster, among others, to kick off its 5th annual Technical Brewing & Business Conference, held at Jack’s Abby last week. He spent nearly an hour sharing his intimate knowledge of both the restaurant and beer industry, along with stories of his success and failure, perseverance and pride. His most recent venture, Eastern Standard Provisions, has grown into an over $20-million business, suppling many of the state’s breweries with hand-twisted pretzels since 2019. Eastern Standard, which closed in 2021, will open at a new location around the corner from its former Kenmore Square spot in June 2023, Harker announced, drawing loud applause from the brewing community.
Harker began with tales from his partnership with renowned Boston chef Barbara Lynch, one that led to two iconic restaurants: No. 9 Park and B&G Oysters. When he struck out on his own, he didn’t flail for too long before opening Eastern Standard, the restaurant that would give him the cache and confidence to open Island Creek and later Row 34.He credited the beermakers before him in helping make Row 34 one of the most popular restaurants in New England. “Row 34 was and is a monster success story; but just between us, there was one overriding reason why it worked: Because your beer got so damn good and in an incredibly short amount of time,” he told them. “It was nuanced, confident, spirited, but it was tight, astonishingly good – staggeringly good. In 1998, I had little use for it. You couldn’t touch the old world. Fifteen years later, you’re turning out beer after beer better than anything you can get in Germany, England, Cheque, Belgium. I’m grateful to have been a small part of it.”
Most impressed by the fandom brewers draw, Harker envies the religious-like zealotry craft breweries instill in their customers. “You all were opening up so many taprooms and beer gardens, the Mass. Restaurant Association used to call me and ask if I would go on record in protest of this sort of wild west of unlimited business opportunities that you all had, when I was in an industry that was highly regulated. I had no interest in that. That’s not my style,” he said. “But I did care about the psychological hold you have over your customers. Outside of Yeti coolers or Carhartt, I couldn’t think of any other brand that could tap into that.”
After Harker, the conference continued throughout the day with speakers and workshops covering everything from brewery safety, to burnout, to malt sensory to mutable liquor laws. “We try to look at what the landscape looks like and what brewers are up against and build the content around that,” MBG executive director Katie Stinchon told me.
More than 200 members of the brewing community attended the conference, which raised over $10,000 for the guild. “I love the guild aspect to this; there’s an apprenticeship or training piece to this conference — the handcrafted component that’s so storied and ancient,” said Maureen Fabry, the co-founder and head brewer of Milford’s CraftRoots Brewing. “I think it’s cool that we get this hands-on experience, whether learning about malt or how to repair equipment at your brewhouse.”
The day also offered the change to gauge the state of the industry, which guild president Sam Hendler described as beset by challenges. “The supply chain is a huge problem. Input costs have gone through the roof; inflation is affecting every industry. All the regulatory changes in the alcohol industry – plus staffing issues,” Hendler said. “There’s a lot, and that’s all against the backdrop that there seems to have been some shift away from craft beer in the market place. The consumer is drinking a lot of hard seltzer and ready-to-drink cocktails, even spirits in general seem to be growing, and some of that is coming at the expense of craft beer. All in all, from every side, there are challenges to face.”
Going into the new year, Hendler said the guild has at least two priorities on the legislative level that it hopes to push forward for the industry. The first, he said, is finally passing a bill to allow breweries to sell their products at farmers markets. Brewers came close this year to getting the bill passed, as legislators just before their session closed tacked it onto an economic development bill. Alas, when that package moved forward, the final version left out the farmers market bill. “This is a right that wineries have enjoyed for about a decade now,” Hendler said. “Breweries for some reason have not. And we’d love for a lot of small breweries to get out there and market their products and sell their products and farmers markets.”
Next, Hendler told me the guild hopes to get the state’s pub brewery license changed to allow for self-distribution. “It’s the one license type that can make beer in Massachusetts that can’t sell their beer to other retail accounts,” he said, “and we’d love to win them that right.”


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Supermarkets across the UK have put restrictions in place for shoppers amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Customers are limited with what they can buy and are also being asked to abide by social distancing measures in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.
Some shops are also limiting the number of people from each household who can enter the stores.
However, some parents are now claiming that they've been left unable to enter stores as a result of having too many children with them.
Taking to social media, Dionne Angus wrote: "@AldiUK since when did you stop children going into your shops? My daughter tried to go shopping today with her 5 year old daughter but was told she couldn't go in with her daughter. Shes a single mother what is she supposed to do with her? I am beyond angry."
@Cocosb_ wrote: "@sainsburys so when did you decide to stop allowing children into your stores? Absolutely disgusted by the security staff and service at Charcot road nw9 store. I was refused entry with my son and security told me to leave my 7yr old outside ALONE! I am a single parent! #stress."
Sarah Jackson wrote to Tesco: "Bunch of heartless staff around my area. Told a SINGLE mother to leave her 5-year old child alone outside, because they aren't allowing children in the shop. and because she refused, wouldn't allow her in."
The supermarkets have now cleared things up, and have confirmed their *actual* rules when it comes to taking children to stores.
Aldi has said it has not restrictions on people shopping with family members, but it has asked customers to try to ensure that one person per household does the shopping alone where possible.
Tesco said it has not placed a ban on children but is trying to encourage people to shop with no more than one other person.
Sainsbury's has said the same thing.
Asda said: "You may have seen posts being shared on social media suggesting that families with children won't be allowed into our stores from tomorrow. This isn't the case.
"Everyone in the UK is being asked by the Government to shop sensibly and only when required. Where needed, we are limiting the total number of shoppers we allow into a store at any one time.
"If possible, it would help us greatly if you could bring fewer family members when visiting our stores. This will help us maintain social distancing guidelines we already have in place."


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On September 2, 2020, the JFTC published a market research report (“Report”) on transactions between the headquarters of convenience stores (i.e., franchisers) and their franchisees.  Previously, the JFTC conducted a similar market research in 2011. The Report indicates some situations that could constitute unfair trade practices, such as customer inducement by unjust benefits and/or abuse of superior bargaining position (“ASBP”). The market research was conducted from October 2019 to August 2020. It includes a web questionnaire survey and a hearing survey. The questionnaires were sent to 57,524 franchisees, based on the lists
The Japanese FTC publishes a market research report on transactions between franchisers and franchisees
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As you may know, the future of Google+ has come into question since Vic Gundotra announced he is leaving the company.
Reports have suggested that Google will start winding down the product part of Google+, and focus more on using it as a platform for other products. Google has denied this, saying that it will not change its strategy. Reports have said the company will move team members from Google+ to other products. A Googler said on Google+ that nobody is moving. The reports also implied that Google would stop forcing people to use Google+ to use other products.
Now, SearchCerts points to a new promo video for Google Partners that says you must have a Google+ company page to sign up for Google Partners, which is apparently new.
At the 0:47 mark, it says, you’ll need a Google+ page that’s linked to your agency’s website before getting started. The video was uploaded on Wednesday.
It would also be strange if Google started phasing out Google+ right after it launched a new ad format based on Google+ posts.
This week, we learned Google is testing a new sign-in button for websites, which removes the Google+ element in favor of simply signing in with your Google account. Of course these are essentially the same thing. This could get more people using Google’s login on third-party sites since Google itself is much more popular than Google+, but it hardly signals the end of Google+, even if it does move beyond the testing phase. Either way, Google+ is only gaining in social login market share as Facebook is on the decline, though Facebook’s latest announcements may change that.
Image via YouTube


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World Suzuki Hayabusa Day celebrated as the manufacturer promotes the new CKD variant of the motorcycle making it more accessible
The Hayabusa has a cult following in the country as it synonym with Bollywood movies, speed and of course the iconic looks and the performance along with the tagline that it had of the worlds fastest motorcycle. Hayabusa is named after the Peregrine Falcon, one of the fastest birds. The Suzuki Hayabusa is one of the most famous for Hayabusa Day and it is observed in Japan on 23rd August ever year. Suzuki GSX1300R owners coming together to celebrate the legendary bike that it is. The ride promotes safety along with the sub-brand that Suzuki has created with this motorcycle when it was launched.
Suzuki Motorcycles is now bullish on the Indian market as it is getting a good response for any product it launches. This promoted the Japanese manufacturer to bring this Japanese tradition to India for the first time for Hayabusa enthusiasts and owners. In 8 cities such as Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad the ride commenced. Through the ‘Hayabusa Day’ Suzuki increase brand awareness and promote riding culture in India, which is a rapidly growing spree.
Suzuki says they intend to make this an annual tradition to promote the Big Bike Culture. This ‘festival’ will help increase cult following of the Hayabusa among Indian riders. Hayabusa continues to be a name which is household as well. Suzuki India made sure it goes even ahead of that as it now brings CKD kits of the motorcycles and assembles it in the country.
All of this makes it value for money and way cheaper than its competition the Kawasaki ZX-14R by a huge margin. This is a rare moment where the brand gets famous and then gets even more accessible at the same time. Hayabusa Day should help Suzuki to promote their other big bikes they have which are even more accessible in terms of performance and affordability.


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With the development of the Internet in recent years, the mobile phone industry has experienced rapid growth in mobile communication equipment. Market competition for major mobile phone brands is fierce. Market competition drives the development of the entire mobile phone industry. Aggregated in the mobile phone industry, market sales determine the mobile phone brand. An important factor in the market position of the commercial industry.
China is a country with a large population. Regarding the penetration and penetration of mobile phones, it has become the world’s largest smartphone market. Huawei’s mobile phones account for more than 40% of the sales of Chinese mobile phone brands, followed by Vivo, Oppo, and Xiaomi, Apple and other brands.
According to IDC data, in the competition in the Chinese smartphone market, the top 3 brands in mobile phone shipments are summarized. Huawei’s shipments accounted for the first place. In 2019, Huawei’s mobile phone shipments accounted for 38% of the total domestic mobile phone shipments. By the first quarter of 2020, Huawei’s shipments accounted for 42%.
2019 is an important year when 5G begins to become popular. For the emergence of 5G mobile phones, Huawei, ZTE, Xiaomi, OPPO, Samsung and other mobile phone brands have launched 5G mobile phones. 5G mobile phones have become the focus of competition among major mobile phone brands in 2020. The price range expected by the public is 2,000 yuan for 5G mobile phones.
In order to accelerate the popularization of 5G mobile phones, Huawei’s mobile phone brand will release the Kirin 820 mobile phone with 5G chip on March 30, 2020. The lowest price of the first Honor 30S with Kirin 820 is only 2399 yuan.


text: Rome, January 15 - Inflation in recession-hit Italy reached its lowest level since January 2011 in December when it dropped to 2.3%, Istat said Tuesday after revising down its initial estimate. Earlier this month the national statistics put the December year-on-year inflation figure at 2.4%. The revised figure is down on 2.5% in November and marked the third consecutive drop in the inflation rate. Istat said the reduction was largely down to rises in energy prices slowing last month. The agency confirmed that the average inflation rate in 2012 was 3.0%, the highest since 2008. It said that so-called 'trolley' of most frequently bought goods like groceries and petrol also hit a post-2008 high, of 4.3% last year.


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Sony India Managing Director Kenichiro Hibi, a Bollywood movie buff and a black-belt in karate, believes localisation is the key to success in the Indian market. In an interview with Business Line, he says no market is as diverse and dynamic as ... Hindu Business Line, 1 week ago
Sony has been facing turbulent times globally, but India has been a stand out, thanks to huge demand for smartphones and flat panel TVs. In the year that began on April 1, Sony India expects to maintain the revenue growth pace of about 25% that it grew last ...Economic Times, 2 months ago Sony plans to become 2nd largest smartphone brand in India Telecompaper, 4 weeks ago
Amid turbulent times for Sony globally, India has been standing out, thanks to huge demand for smartphones and flat panel TVs. Amid turbulent times for Sony globally, India has been standing out, thanks to huge demand for smartphones and flat panel TVs. In ...Economic Times, 2 months ago
July 08--MUMBAI -- Consumer electronics giant Sony will spend Rs. 800 crore in India this year, up from Rs. 650 crore last year, to boost its sales and distribution network and increase investment on marketing its latest gadgets. India is Sony's ...BusinessWeek, 2 weeks ago Sony likely to spend Rs 800 crore to boost market share in India Hindustan Times, 2 weeks ago
After the resounding success of the first season of Project Resound, Sony India in collaboration with Sony Music, has given an interesting twist to bring back the Second Season of Project Resound. The new season brings together some of India's most ...EFYTimes.com, 3 weeks ago
Sony India has reshuffled the management team of its mobile phone business. The move is in line with Sony India's target of becoming the number two smartphone maker in the country, with more than 30 launches lined up this fiscal year, Economic Times ...Telecompaper, 4 weeks ago Sony eyes second position in Indian handset market, shuffles leadership team VAR India, 1 month ago Sony undergoes major revamp for smartphones ITvoir.com, 1 month ago Sony India rejigs mobile division management Times of India, 1 month ago
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Seasoned Industry Leader Joins Berroco’s Executive Team
February 10, 2022 — North Smithfield, Rhode Island (February 10, 2022) – Berroco, a leading knitting and crochet brand, created for all makers and found exclusively at Local Yarn Shops, announced that Jan Hurwitz, a seasoned and recognized leader in the yarn industry has joined the Berroco executive team as Director of Sales and Customer Experience.
Jan will lead and direct all the sales and customer engagement strategy and execution for Berroco, including working with the strong and established Berroco independent sales representatives.
Premier Needle Arts Announces Acquisition of Berroco, Inc.
October 13, 2021– North Salt Lake, Utah (October 14, 2021) –Premier Needle Arts (PNA), a Blue Point Capital Partners portfolio company announced today the acquisition of Berroco, Inc. (Berroco), a leading supplier of knitting and crochet yarns and patterns serving Local Yarn Shops (LYS) and ecommerce retailers.
During the last seven years, PNA has forged a core philosophy and strategy when adding brands to the PNA family.
Premier Needle Arts Is Committed To Inclusion and Diversity
June 1, 2020–(North Salt Lake, UT) The companies and brands of Premier Needle Arts continue to be focused on our customers and our team during the challenges we are facing as a nation, including Covid19 as well as the more horrific and terrible events over the past few weeks, beginning with the death of George Floyd.
New Software Introduces Technology That Empowers All Quilters to Create, Design, Edit, and Customize Any Quilting Motif
February 11, 2020–(North Salt Lake, UT) Handi Quilter, Inc., a division of Premier Needle Arts, has introduced a new quilting design creation tool to its line of Pro-Stitcher branded products. Pro-Stitcher Designer™ software introduces technology that empowers all quilters to create, design, edit, and customize any quilting motif. Pro-Stitcher Designer, which is included with the purchase of the Pro-Stitcher robotic quilting system, replaces a previously-used design tool and promises support and education well beyond what traditional support was able to provide in the past.
Continued Growth Opportunities Result in New Leadership Roles within Premier Needle Arts Direct-to-Consumer Division
January 21, 2020–SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Premier Needle Arts today announced the appointment of two industry leaders who will fill executive roles within the company’s direct-to-consumer division. Ursula Morgan, a recognizable, award-winning technology and business executive, accepted the position as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of the Crafts Group and will provide vision and leadership to a team that is transforming the craft industry through technology innovation across e-commerce, product design, and marketing. Additionally, Lynn Blevens was newly appointed Brand Director, where she will lead a team at Superior Threads in the progression of this beloved brand that is well-known among quilters and sewists.
February 27 2017 (Cleveland, OH)
CLEVELAND, OH (February 27, 2017) – Blue Point Capital Partners and its Blue Point III portfolio company, Premier Needle Arts (“PNA”), announced today the acquisition of Crafts Americana Group, Inc. (“CAG”), a leading supplier of knitting, crochet, quilting, sewing, and other hobbyist products…


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Honda has issued a press release today with details about the future of its main Swindon site. The press release sent to the Parish Council can be found here.
As many of you will be aware, South Marston allotments sit on land that currently belongs to Honda that is rented for a minimal fee. The Parish Council has previously requested that Honda gifts the land to the parish as part of its legacy when it leaves. From previous correspondence, and talking to a Honda representative today, we remain hopeful that this will be the case and will be seeking further clarity on the future of the allotment site over the coming months .


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In an age of increased consumer choice, marketers frequently turn to localized campaigns to connect with purchasers on a “hometown” level. One strategy is to use architectural landmarks in campaign materials. If you see the art deco spire of the Chrysler Building, you know you’re in Manhattan. The wrought-iron lattice of the Eiffel Tower indicates Paris. Companies take advantage of this and incorporate imagery of city landmarks into advertising and branding materials to create a business-next-door feeling.
Though landmark images are valuable visual assets in advertising, their use can raise serious legal concerns. They are often protectable under intellectual property laws. Unauthorized commercial use could rise to the level of infringement, the potential consequences of which include an injunction (read: forced rebranding) and monetary damages. Marketers should consider whether use of a landmark’s image is a violation of intellectual property rights and should weigh that risk in crafting a localization campaign that includes the use of a landmark’s image.
Excerpted from the Fall 2019 issue of Today’s General Counsel. To read the full article, click here.


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The gaming industry reached new heights as the ICE and iGB Affiliate 2024 events shattered previous attendance records. These two pivotal conferences have become cornerstones for professionals in the gaming sector, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, discovering cutting-edge technologies, and gaining insights into market trends. This year, the synergy between ICE and iGB Affiliate galvanized the global gaming community, setting a new benchmark for future events.
Unprecedented Attendance at ICE and iGB Affiliate 2024
The latest edition of ICE and iGB Affiliate saw a remarkable influx of attendees, exhibitors, and keynote speakers, underlining the vibrant dynamism of the gaming industry. The statistics below illuminate the scale of this year’s record-breaking events:
|Number of Attendees
|iGB Affiliate 2024
Why Did Attendance Soar?
The exponential growth in attendance at ICE and iGB Affiliate 2024 can be attributed to several key factors:
- Innovative Solutions: Both events showcased revolutionary gaming technologies, attracting industry pioneers and startups.
- Expert Panels: Sessions led by globally recognized experts offered deep dives into emerging trends and legislative landscapes.
- Networking Opportunities: The events facilitated unmatched networking platforms, catalyzing partnerships and idea exchanges.
- Global Spotlight: The international scale of ICE and iGB Affiliate attracted delegations from over 150 countries.
Highlights and Innovations
ICE and iGB Affiliate 2024 were not just about numbers; they were showcases of innovation and thought leadership. Key highlights included:
- Launch of cutting-edge gaming platforms and software.
- Insightful debates on the ethical implications of AI in gaming.
- Panels discussing the integration of blockchain technology for enhanced security and transparency.
- Workshops on leveraging social media and digital marketing to boost brand visibility.
Looking Towards the Future
As we reflect on the monumental success of ICE and iGB Affiliate 2024, it’s clear that these events are more than just conferences; they are catalysts for growth and innovation within the gaming industry. The record-breaking attendance is a testament to the vibrant community seeking to push the boundaries of what’s possible. As we look forward to next year, anticipation is already building for what these platforms will bring to the evolving landscape of global gaming.


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CA Senate Milks Harvey Bernard's memory
By a 24-14 party-line-plus-one-Republican vote [thanks, Sen. Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria)], the California Senate has again approved a bill that would honor Harvey Milk:
The bill by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, would designate each May 22—Milk's birthday—as a "day of special significance" to recognize the late San Francisco supervisor's contributions to the state.
Calif. Senate advances Harvey Milk Day honor [AP via Mercury News]
The measure now heads to the Assembly, where it passed last year, before moving on to Gov. Schwarzenegger, who vetoed the 2008 version. So what will get the governator to sign it this year? Well, easy -- we'll just get Gus Van Sant to offer him a role in the forthcoming Milk sequel:
It's the perfect post-gubernatorial film comeback! Much better than his other option: Slumming-as-governor Millionaire
A 6th grader was recently banned from doing a report on Harvey Milk: http://www.parentdish.com/2009/05/25/students-harvey-milk-report-censored-by-school/?icid=main|hp-desktop|dl3|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parentdish.com%2F2009%2F05%2F25%2Fstudents-harvey-milk-report-censored-by-school%2F
Just seemed like something your site would be interested (engraged?) about, if you haven't seen it already.
Posted by: Celestia | May 25, 2009 10:14:02 AMcomments powered by Disqus


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Michael Dell's plans to take the PC company he founded, Dell, back to being a private business can now move forward with no real opposition. Billionaire Carl Icahn, who has waged a rather public campaign to take over Dell in the past few months, has announced he is ending his efforts.
AllThingsD posted a copy of Icahn's letter to Dell's shareholders. In that note, Icahn said that Michael Dell's plan to get the company's board to change the voting date for Dell's proposal to Sept. 12, along with a raise in his offer, has caused Icahn to abandon his plans.
Icahn did not go quietly, however. He feels that Dell's board changed the shareholder voting rules in Michael Dell's favor, adding, "The Dell board, like so many boards in this country, reminds me of Clark Gable’s last words in 'Gone with the Wind,' they simply 'don’t give a damn.'" Michael Dell raised his stock price offer in exchange for a change in the rules that nullifies any shareholder who does not vote. Previously, a shareholder who did not wish to vote would be counted as "no" votes.
With Icahn out of the way, the vote will proceed on Thursday, where 43 percent of Dell's shareholders must approve of Michael Dell's plan to take the company private. If the deal goes through, Microsoft has pledged to help out with a $2 billion investment.
Source: AllThingsD | Image via Dell


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Macfarlane Packaging joins the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
Macfarlane Packaging has recently joined the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), one of the largest automotive trade associations in the UK.
The organisation represents over 800 automotive companies in the country, promoting their interests and ensuring their voice is heard by the government, policy makers, shareholders and the media, both at home and abroad.
Members benefit from access to comprehensive industry intelligence, products, services and expert technical support. They also have a great opportunity to reach out to potential customers through various networking events and exhibitions.
Macfarlane Packaging will be exhibiting at Automechanika, the UK’s leading exhibition for the automotive aftermarket and vehicle production sector, held in association with the SMMT.
The event takes place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham between 4-6th June.
If you are planning to attend, make sure you stop by our stand F140. We will be showcasing our industrial packaging solutions for the automotive industry that offer optimum transit protection, help increase productivity, reduce costs and enhance customer experience.
For more information about the show, visit: https://automechanika-birmingham.uk.messefrankfurt.com/birmingham/en.html


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Deer busts through glass door, runs around York County grocery store
A deer got into the Giant in Manchester on Monday night before customers helped it out
Unfortunately for police, a mischievous deer that got inside a Manchester grocery store was long gone before police could ask questions.
The deer busted through a glass entrance door of Giant on Monday night, and ran around inside before getting back out. There were two other deer spotted in the nearby parking lot, too.
The trio thought best and decided to skip town before police got there.
"They didn't hang around to be questioned," Northeastern Regional Police Chief Bryan Rizzo lamented.
The deer were seen running through the parking lot off of George Street, where they had their pick of nearby stores: a donut shop, a liquor store and a grocery store.
One deer slammed into a window of Smoker's Outlet, but didn't cause any damage, Rizzo said.
Another deer was seen running off through a nearby field.
But the third ended up slamming into a glass door at Giant Food Stores and briefly wreaked havoc inside, where some customers were shopping.
According to Giant, this all happened around 9:10 p.m. when the doe ran into the entrance door.
"It appeared dazed," said spokeswoman Samantha Krepps, "but continued through the store."
Three customers helped calm the deer and took it outside near a field next to the store where it ran off. No one was hurt. There was only minor damage to the store, according to Krepps.
"We were told a customer threw a sheet over it," Rizzo said.
Rizzo said his department was trying to view surveillance video of the four-footed break-in.
The store was working to fix the damage.


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February 24, 2020
The Feb. 21 decision by the U.S. to reopen fresh beef trade with Brazil has raised concern among commodity organizations.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association said while it supports "the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce science-based trade with all trade partners," it "has serious concerns about the re-entry of Brazilian beef to the U.S. market."
The Organization for Competitive Markets, said the move "threatens U.S. national and food safety, fuels the global expansion of the world's largest beef companies and flies in the face of the president's 'America First' agenda."
R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard said the move is an attempt to "destabilize the U.S. cattle industry."
Bullard said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue's economic analysis shows cattle producers would be hardest hit by raw beef imports from Brazil.
"But the secretary rationalizes this hit on America's cattle producers by assuming that the cheaper beef derived from cheaper cattle in Brazil would provide America's consumers with lower-cost beef and more choices," Bullard said. "The secretary's assumption is false as imported beef can be sold to American consumers with nothing but a USDA safety inspection sticker."
Some consumers believe the sticker means the beef is a product of USA.
“The re-entry of Brazilian beef to the U.S. market only further exacerbates concerns about the use of 'Product of USA' labels on beef sold in the United States," said Kent Bacus, National Cattlemen’s Beef Senior Director, International Trade and Market Access. "NCBA believes voluntary origin labels with verified source claims will provide transparency in labeling without violating our international trade obligations.”
The Organization for Competitive Markets said this move deals Brazil's global meatpacking giants all the cards in the U.S. cattle industry. Four corporations control 85% of the U.S. beef processing market and the two largest beef processors operating in the U.S., JBS and Marfrig, are Brazilian corporations.
The U.S. closed its border to Brazilian beef after numerous safety concerns were raised. In 2017, JBS was caught bribing meat inspectors and exporting adulterated meat.
“NCBA has frequently questioned the lack of scientific evidence that was used to justify Brazil’s initial access to the U.S. market in 2016, and unfortunately, we were not surprised when Brazil forfeited its beef access to the U.S. in 2017 due to numerous food safety violations," Bacus said. "It is evident that USDA believes that Brazil has addressed the concerns raised in the audit process, and steps will soon be taken to restore Brazil’s access to the United States."
But Bullard isn't convinced, saying "the secretary was in such a rush to allow fresh beef from Brazil that he conducted only a partial audit report that he now uses to claim Brazil is meeting U.S. safety standards."
The January 2020 safety audit reveals that Perdue did not review all aspects of Brazil's food safety inspection system, Bullard said, as Perdue reviewed fewer than 30% of the Brazilian meatpacking plants now eligible to export fresh beef to the U.S.; and, he evaluated only two of the six critical components for determining whether Brazil's food safety inspection system was equivalent to that of the United States.
Source: Organization for Competitive Markets, R-CALF USA, NCBA, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.
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Less than six months after being acquired by Oracle, NetSuite — now officially the Oracle NetSuite Business Unit — hosted its first SuiteWorld 17 under new management, April 24-27 in Las Vegas. But despite the acquisition, retail clients should expect to see minimal operational changes. Services, customer support and development will be maintained within the NetSuite business unit.
Lyn Lewis, CEO of lingerie retailer Journelle and one of many retail executives who spoke at the event, shared her company’s experiences with the NetSuite platform. Lewis noted that physical retailing is still important for the brand as shoppers try on a new product, but she understands that with only four brick-and-mortar locations, e-Commerce will remain Journelle’s primary revenue generator.
“As someone who prefers brick-and-mortar, I find e-Commerce a little flat still,” Lewis said in an interview with Retail TouchPoints. “It’s on a screen; you’re interacting on a couch on a device that’s only a few inches wide, and it’s not the same as being in an immersive store environment. But it’s this customization which is the modern retailer’s best shot — as customers continue to prefer e-Commerce shopping — to create a better experience and to be able to have a luxury product online.”
With more inventory being shipped out through online transactions, the NetSuite platform takes heat off the back end of the retailer as well. Lewis and her colleagues set ideal stock levels for every location and for every single SKU. If there is ever a deficit between the actual stock level and the ideal stock level, the platform will automatically fulfill the stock request in the company’s warehouse at night. To support a clean picking process, the platform will classify the orders based on positioning within the warehouse rows.
“It will prioritize our largest flagship store over our brand-new store so that we’re putting our inventory in the places where it’s most likely to sell,” Lewis noted. “That’s where the customization is amazing. In a lingerie business where we have thousands of SKUs and we only stock two units of a 32D XYZ-type bra in a store, it’s really important that we’re able to be so flexible.”
With NetSuite, Journelle has been able to streamline its business operations under one system of record, while using buyer behavior to allocate customers into segmented focus groups.
“You need all that customer data all in one place,” Lewis said. “Customer data is going to become a distinguishing factor for us. Although we probably haven’t used it as much as we should have already, in this new online-first world, that data and what it allows you to personalize is what is going to allow you to distinguish the best of e-Commerce players from the rest.”
NetSuite Goes Global, Unveils New Products
Journelle was one of a few retailers sending speakers to SuiteWorld, joining Bonobos, Toad & Co. and Lucky Brand Jeans.
At SuiteWorld, the business unit revealedplans to more than double the number of data centers it operates globally, from five to 11. The new data centers will be located in Chicago, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Japan and China.
Additionally, NetSuite will be expanding its field offices from 10 countries to 23, with plans to increase head count by 50% to better address rising global demand for cloud ERP services.
As part of SuiteWorld, Oracle NetSuite released its unified industry cloud solution, SuiteSuccess. The SuiteSuccess platform includes four ‘pillars’ designed to enable retailers to expedite time-to-value, increase business efficiency, flexibility and greater customer success:
Build: A complete suite to support the modern business including ERP, CRM, PSA, omnichannel commerce, HR and Business Intelligence (BI) built on the NetSuite cloud platform;
Engage: Providing leading practices for each industry and role including workflows, KPIs, reports, dashboards and metrics, with the flexibility to personalize on the NetSuite platform from the initial sales contact to ongoing support;
Consume: Enabling companies to consume capabilities based on their business needs. The re-imagined consumption model is designed to drive faster time to value, better ROI and greater user adoption. Companies can now implement the cloud within 100 days; and
Optimize: Continuous engagement, new feature releases, value added SuiteCloud partners, and movement up the stairway. Customers also are always provided the latest product release.
NetSuite also will be offering a core human resources service, SuitePeople, which the company is adding to its cloud suite. SuitePeople will offer core HR capabilities such as native organization design, job and position management, workflows and compliance management, all powered by effective-dated employee master data. The platform also will provide its clients with HR analytics, compliance, and security services.


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Toronto airline offers $1 flights as part of expansion plan
Published January 19, 2023 at 8:24 am
Porter Airlines is pulling out all the stops as it executes its aggressive expansion plan.
The Toronto-based airline introduced new routes this year, and they’re charging just $1 for February’s inaugural flights. Of course, you will have to pay airport fees and taxes, but the total cost will still be less than $100 for a roundtrip flight.
“Come celebrate with us on our inaugural flights as we fly off to our new jet destinations,” states Porter’s official website. “For just $1 for your inaugural and return flight, plus airport fees and taxes, you can be on board our special flights!”
Additionally, inaugural flights come with a $150 voucher for your next Porter flight, plus a chance to win a free round-trip.
Space on each flight is limited to 50 people, and they’re already selling out.
Flyers will have to enter the promo code listed on Porter’s website during checkout. There is also a seven-day window allowing customers to use the promo code within seven days of the inaugural flight to receive a 50 per cent discount on their return trip.insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising


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To combat the worsening current climate and pollution condition of Pakistan, an initiative has been taken to convert 30% of Pakistan’s vehicle to go electric by the year 2030.
Considering most of the major cities in Pakistan are currently polluted with tremendously toxic air due to the hazardous pollutants released by industrial and automobile emissions.
Keeping in line, the best option that is available for Pakistan is the doorway of electric cars in the Pakistani automobile industry.
Adviser to PM on climate change, Malik Amin Aslam highlights that converting 30% vehicles on electric cars save Rs 2 billion worth of oil imported into the country besides reducing the country’s air pollution.
Moreover, the Pakistani government is seeking help from the neighboring country allied to the automobile industry. Furthermore, the government is also considering other more realistic projects like ‘Green Rickshaws’ and more.


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A £200,000 investment from MGP has introduced a new way of working and given it the platform to build on an increase in turnover to £4.7m in 2018, with the plan to take it to £6m over the next twelve months.
One of the key drivers in this expansion will be a major push into China, supplying electrical accessories, such as switches and electrical sockets, into its rapidly developing luxury marketplace.
“We manufacture thousands of different products and needed a way of understanding demand for each item and how we can then use that information to better plan and control production,” commented Gary Stevens, managing director of Focus SB.
“As a busy SME it’s sometimes difficult to take yourself out of the business to gain a strategic view and that’s why we turned to experts from the Manufacturing Growth Programme. This assistance helped us sharpen our thinking and explore the finer details and this eventually led to a new way of working and a sizeable investment into a new MRP/ERP system.”
He went on to add: “It was a real learning curve, but the results will be fantastic. We now have full visibility of materials, stock, demand and any processes that may need to be improved.
“It was important that we made this change, as we have some very exciting opportunities to explore, not least maximising the fact we are the only UK and European electrical supplier to hold China Quality Certification for the manufacture of electrical accessories in the UK for export into the Chinese market.
“This means we can supply our luxury products direct and, along with our Chinese distribution partner, we have already invested in a showroom at the Jin Mau Tower to support a marketing drive to treble existing sales in China to £1.5m.”
“The business has many international opportunities and it is vital that the right manufacturing platform is in place to make the most of them. This is now the case and the management team can concentrate on increasing revenues to £6m over the next year,” he concluded.


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Xiaomi And Realme Cancel On-Ground Launch Due To Coronavirus Cases In India
Coronavirus outbreak has led to the cancellation of global events of varied scales, ranging from MWC 2020 and Game Developers Conference (GDC) to product-specific pre-MWC launch events from the likes of Sony and Honor among others. The latest names to join the list that of brands that had to cancel their highly-anticipated product launch events are Xiaomi and Realme. Xiaomi has cancelled its Redmi Note 9 series on-ground launch event on March 12 in India, while Realme has pulled the plugs on its March 5 launch event for the Realme 6 series phones. Both the companies will now instead hold an online-only launch event.
The official Xiaomi India handle shared the photo of a statement signed by Xiaomi India MD Manu Kumar Jain, which cites the emergence of coronavirus infection cases in India as the reason behind the cancellation of its March 12 on-ground event. To recall, Xiaomi announced yesterday that it will launch the Redmi Note 9 and Redmi Note 9 Pro at an event on March 12. The Xiaomi executive today mentioned that the company will not hold any launch event in the country throughout March in order to make sure that its employees, partners, and fans are not exposed to the COVID-19 virus.
Realme Mobiles CEO, Madhav Sheth has also announced that that the company’s March 5 event for the launch of Realme 6 and Realme 6 Pro has been called off. The company will now hold an online launch event that will be livestreamed via the official Realme India YouTube channel here. The launch event starts at 12:30pm (noon) on March 5 in India. As for fans who purchased tickets to the Realme 6 series launch event later this week, Realme India CMO Francis Wang has promised that their tickets will be refunded alongside a special gesture of appreciation for fans.


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Dubai: It may be a full house in Dubai this weekend. The emirate is expected to receive 1.5 million visitors from otherGCC countries during Eid, with one million tourists expected from Saudi Arabia alone, according to a government official.
Ebrahim Saleh, festival co-ordinator general at the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE), said that based on feedback from tour operators, hotels and shopping malls, he estimates Dubai could receive 1.5 million visitors from across the Gulf region during the Eid break.
Hotels in Dubai are expecting 90 to 100 per cent occupancy and rising room rates due to demand from Gulf visitors, especially Saudi nationals, in addition to Eastern European guests, they say.
Emirates Grand Hotel is already fully booked for Eid, mostly with GCC visitors, said Frank Owens, hotel general manager and area director for business development.
With the surge in demand, hotel room rates are going up.
Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa has increased its average daily rate this year compared to the Eid Al Adha period last year and expects a full house during the holiday, said hotel general manager Habib Khan. About a quarter of the guests are from the GCC, 20 per cent are local residents, 20 per cent from Europe, 10 per cent from the subcontinent, 10 per cent from Australia and 15 per cent from others countries, he said.
Ramada Downtown Dubai expects 90 per cent occupancy during Eid and is currently 85 per cent full, said Wael Al Behi, the hotel’s general manager.
“The majority of the guests booking at Ramada Downtown for Eid are from the different parts of the GCC region. More than 70 per cent of our guests will be from GCC and this is with the purpose of spending their week-long holidays in Dubai, which is more vibrant during this season,” he said adding that the trend of malls opening 24 hours has been a big draw for most guests. The cost of booking suites starts from Dh1,200, he added.
At Al Bustan Centre and Residence, about 75 to 80 per cent of guests are from GCC countries, said hotel chief executive Mousa Al Hayek.
The fifth edition of Eid in Dubai was launched on October 18 and runs until November 2.
Sulaiman Al Muhaimad from Saudi Arabia loves visiting Dubai with his family every year, he said: “The distance from Saudi Arabia to Dubai is not long and driving all the way here is even more fun.
“My kids love ‘Eid in Dubai’ and keep asking me when we will return every time we leave the UAE,” he said, referring to his 12-year old son Ali and 7-year old twins Hoor and Fajr.
Mashail Abdul Aziz, her husband Mohammad Nasser and children, Hamad, Mira and Latifa are also among the thousands of people from the GCC who have flocked to Dubai. “I usually travel a lot to Europe but have heard a lot of people talk about Dubai and its attractions. Now that I am in Dubai, it has become my favourite place. This is a great place to be, especially because you can pick up some amazing offers,” said Mashail.
Ten-year-old Abdullah Fahd and Mohammad Fahd, also from Saudi Arabia, are in Dubai with their families and plan to spend most of their holidays going to the movies. They are also looking forward to ‘Dubai Water Bash Day’, a water-based fun event that will be held on October 27 at Zabeel Park, and visits to Wild Wadi Water Park.


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In a glamorous spectacle that lit up The Beverly Hilton, Jennifer Aniston, the epitome of Hollywood charm, graced the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards with her timeless presence. The star-studded event, a celebration of excellence in the film and television industry, saw Aniston capturing hearts with her unparalleled style and sophistication. […]
In a delightful stroll down memory lane, Jennifer Aniston recently indulged in a nostalgic rendezvous with the past, revisiting a cherished era through the pages of an old magazine. The beloved Hollywood star, known for her timeless beauty and charisma, shared a glimpse into her personal archive, unlocking a treasure trove of memories. Clad in
Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie, known for her timeless beauty and impeccable style, recently graced the public eye with a refreshingly casual yet effortlessly chic ensemble, centered around a classic t-shirt. The actress and philanthropist showcased her ability to elevate even the most laid-back pieces into a statement of glamour. In a world where red carpets
International pop sensation Shakira stepped out in a bold and stylish fashion statement as she was spotted in Los Angeles donning a head-turning ensemble that perfectly embodied her signature edgy chic style. The Colombian singer, known for her eclectic fashion choices, showcased a remarkable blend of glamour and street-style flair. Shakira confidently sported a sleek
Hollywood’s festive spirit came alive as Jennifer Aniston graced the premiere of Paramount Pictures’ “Office Christmas Party” at the illustrious Regency Village Theatre. The event, a merry celebration of cinema and holiday cheer, witnessed Aniston’s radiant presence, adding a touch of A-list magic to the red carpet affair.
A night of Hollywood glamour unfolded as Jennifer Aniston graced the red carpet at the prestigious 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, hosted by Graydon Carter at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Aniston, a perennial icon of style, added a touch of A-list allure to the star-studded affair.
A night of glamour and anticipation unfolded as Jennifer Aniston graced the star-studded premiere of “The Leftovers” Season 3 at the iconic Avalon Hollywood. The Hollywood venue, steeped in history and allure, provided the perfect backdrop for the much-anticipated event. Dressed
In a dazzling display of beauty and grace, Jennifer Aniston stepped in front of the camera for a captivating photo shoot in 2003, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion and entertainment. Known for her iconic role as Rachel Green in “Friends” and her enduring influence in Hollywood, Aniston’s photo shoot showcased her
In a star-studded affair, Hollywood luminary Jennifer Aniston illuminated the red carpet as she attended the American Film Institute’s 46th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to George Clooney, held at the illustrious Dolby Theatre. The event brought together industry elites to celebrate Clooney’s remarkable contributions to the world of cinema.
Hollywood royalty collided at the American Film Institute’s 46th Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to George Clooney, and Jennifer Aniston’s arrival was nothing short of a glamorous spectacle. The iconic actress, known for her grace and style, graced the red carpet in celebration of Clooney’s remarkable contributions to the world of cinema.


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- Microsoft turns to robotic security guards to watch for trouble
- DDoS attacks swamping media and entertainment firms, Verisign reports
- Police arrest 16 people for alleged Remote Access Trojan hacking
- Why is Microsoft updating Windows PCs for a security bug on the server?
- Critical XSS flaws patched in WordPress and popular plug-in
iprimus - News, Features, and Slideshows
M2 Group can lower prices of its Commander small business plans without reducing margins when customers transition to the National Broadband Network (NBN), according to M2 Group CEO Geoff Horth.
The first fixed wireless customer in the Northern Territory has been connected to the National Broadband Network (NBN).
Exetel will offer unmetered streaming of TV and movie programs provided by Quickflix to its customers next year.
iPrimus has connected its first customer to the National Broadband Network’s fixed wireless service in Warrenheip, Victoria.
The copyright infringement scheme put forward by the Communications Alliance and major Australian ISPs has been labelled a “waste of time” by John Linton, chief executive of internet service provider Exetel.


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Less than a week after rumors surfaced that Salesforce.com is fielding buyout offers, Microsoft is reportedly considering throwing its hat in the ring.
Last week, Tesla started selling used cars. It made the move quietly, while we were all thinking about the company's new batteries for home energy storage.
Stocks tumbled Tuesday as oil prices climbed back above $60 a barrel and the U.S. trade deficit jumped to a 6-year high, sparking concern about economic growth.
WASHINGTON (May 5, 2015) The U.S. trade deficit in jumped to the highest level in more than six years in March as a small increase in exports was swamped by a flood of imports from autos to cellphones.
There has also been criticism about the policy of paying the dividend only once per year. Disney should perhaps focus on growth and reducing debt instead of paying a dividend.


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Tennis star Maria Sharapova apparently has her own candy line, in addition to legs that could snap a grown man's neck in a split second, and she celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Sugarpova brand yesterday at some store in New York City. Leading up to the big moment of her holding up a bag and sort of smiling, Maria had asked the Florida Supreme Court for permission to legally change her name to Sugarpova during the two weeks of the upcoming U.S. Open tournament.
But she ultimately decided not to make the temporary change, likely because a court official responded, "What are you, a fucking idiot?" and then set her paperwork on fire.
(Photo Credits: WENN.com)


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DACHSER Hong Kong provides tailored sea import solutions to a leading building services company
In the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong, DACHSER has been addressing logistics challenges of customers from a wide spectrum of industries. Recently, DACHSER Hong Kong has provided customized logistics solutions to a leading company serving the building services and infrastructure markets.
The new DACHSER magazine is here!
Climate change has become a part of everyday life. Politicians and the public alike discuss and disagree about what changes are unavoidable in the short term, what has to happen in the long term, and especially how all this is to be managed. At DACHSER, we’re aware of our responsibility to do what we can to protect the climate. What’s more, we want to be at the forefront of climate action in logistics.
DACHSER and Fraunhofer IML receive German Logistics Award for digital twinThe German Logistics Association (BVL) has given the 2023 German Logistics Award to DACHSER and Fraunhofer IML. The jury gave the award for the @ILO (Advanced Indoor Localization and Operations) digital twin. Developed in collaboration at the DACHSER Enterprise Lab, this technology—which has already been piloted at two branches—automatically creates and continuously updates a digital twin of all packages, assets, and workflows in a transit terminal. Employees can access all this information presented clearly on mobile devices and displays.
DACHSER and FERCAM strengthen groupage and contract logistics business in Italy
FERCAM is set to transfer its Distribution (groupage) and Logistics (contract logistics) divisions to a joint venture with DACHSER under the name “DACHSER & FERCAM Italia S.r.l.”. DACHSER’s 80 percent share in the new venture strengthens and rounds off its European network. The transfer of control is still subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities.
Growing with the opportunities in Asia Pacific
Economic growth is stagnating or even declining in many places, but in the Asia Pacific region, it is surprisingly strong. DACHSER is greatly expanding its network there for customers from all over the world.
The new DACHSER magazine is here!Experts estimate that digital connectivity will reach a data volume of 400 trillion gigabytes as early as 2030. Whether or not that happens, one thing’s for sure: data collection and processing are increasingly determining and changing the way we live and work. And one other thing is true: handling data responsibly makes life easier and offers many opportunities. Especially in logistics.
Programming the futureBy enabling transparent processes, real-time shipment tracking, short response times, and precision control of supply chains across countries and continents, digitalization is taking logistics services at DACHSER to a new level. What does that mean for the DACHSER network? And what quantifiable benefits does IT offer customers? These are the questions we put to DACHSER CEO Burkhard Eling and CDO Stefan Hohm.
Opening ceremony for DACHSER’s new high-bay warehouse in MemmingenThis state-of-the-art warehouse is fully automated and climate-friendly
DACHSER Life Science and Healthcare receives GDP certification
The logistics provider has undergone good distribution practice (GDP) audits at its sites in Frankfurt, Madrid, Barcelona, and Mumbai, as well as at the Head Office in Kempten. An independent institute certified that DACHSER complies with the specifications relating to safe and secure transport chains in the pharmaceutical sector.
First insights into the DACHSER platformDACHSER is transferring its range of logistics services to the digital world. As a company-wide digitalization project, the DACHSER platform is a central building block for fundamentally redesigning the customer experience. At the transport logistic trade fair, customers and interested parties were given their first glimpse of the platform, which will be available to all DACHSER customers from 2024.
DACHSER air network capability enhancement - regular air freight service between China and India
According to the annual Chinese customs data, the total India-China trade reached an all-time high of USD135.98 billion in 2022 for the second year in a row. The record-breaking figure has once again revealed the importance of the China-India trade lane. To better support the customers in China for their supply chain needs to India, DACHSER has been strengthening its Intra-Asia freight network and now provides a new air freight service with secured capacities and more flexibility.
DACHSER to establish a joint venture in Japan
DACHSER has signed a joint venture agreement with the Japanese logistics company Nishi-Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd. “DACHSER Japan K.K.” will open its first office in Tokyo at the end of 2023.
The best of all worldsThe electronics dealer TTI relies on flexible supply chains to ensure it can supply increasing numbers of customers around the world at any time. DACHSER’s solution: supply chain optimization.
"Our success is based on reliability and quality"
An increasingly difficult economic environment and high demands on logistics: As successful as 2022 was for DACHSER, it was also challenging. Customers particularly appreciated the resilience that DACHSER brought to their supply chains. CEO Burkhard Eling looks ahead to 2023 with confidence. Significant investments in the logistics network, digitalization, climate protection, and employees set a clear course for DACHSER.
“Pulling together to master uncertainty”
We asked DACHSER CEO Burkhard Eling about the family-owned company’s vision for logistics in 2030 and the strategies that lead there.
Route to 2030: Strategies for challenging times
In the previous issue of the DACHSER magazine, we analyzed how global supply chains are changing as a new geopolitical and economic era dawns. So how must companies position themselves to ensure sustainable success—and what path has DACHSER chosen? We present a compass for the journey toward new horizons.


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Marshawn Lynch has ‘Beast Mode’ strain of marijuana named after him
Marshawn Lynch is a fan favorite in Seattle. He’s one of the most exciting players in the NFL to watch because of his hard-nosed running style and ability to shed tacklers like it’s nothing. And you know how Lynch knows he has really made it in the league? A local marijuana dispensary named a strain of weed after him.
The Queen Anne Cannabis Club, a medical marijuana dispensary in Seattle, is currently selling a strain called “Beast Mode.” Not surprisingly, it is quite potent.
“It’s extremely strong,” store owner Nate “Diggity” Johnson told the Seattle Times over the weekend. “Marshawn has gears when he’s running and it’s kind of like that. It has a little bit of a slow start and then kicks in.”
Johnson explained that the strain was originally supposed to be called “Girl Scout Cookies,” but the growers realized that wasn’t a strong enough name once they harvested it. Most of the marijuana sold in Seattle dispensaries has a THC level of between 12 and 20, and Beast Mode is on the higher end at 17.6. It costs $13 per gram and $150 per half-ounce.
“It hit me like Beast Mode,” Johnson recalled one of the growers saying the first time he tried the new weed.
Lynch has registered trademarks on the phrase “Beast Mode,” but Johnson does not think it will be an issue since the store sells donation-based medical cannabis. The money paid for the weed is supposed to cover employee salaries and the cost of running the store, not turn a profit.
When Jeremy Lin first burst onto the NBA scene and became a household name, a dispensary named a strain of marijuana after him. His lawyers later sent the store a cease-and-desist letter. Time will tell if Lynch intends to do the same, though his new endorsement deal may inspire him to leave the dispensary alone.


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Facebook-owned Instagram has today announced that it has now reached 200 million daily active users on its “Stories” feature, surpassing its chief rival and biggest inspiration, Snapchat.
Instagram introduced Stories back in August of last year, and from the moment it dropped on iOS and Android, it was apparent that there was nothing that wasn’t already a part of what Snapchat offers to its users. It seemed like Instagram had not only derived inspiration from Snapchat, but it had blatantly copied everything Snapchat had to offer. By doing so, it posed a significant – and first – real challenge that Snapchat had to face since its launch.
Since its launch and in less than a year, Instagram Stories has done what it was intended to do: it has surpassed Snapchat in active users per day. At the time of the filing of Snap Inc.’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) earlier this year, it was announced that more than 160 million people used Snapchat every day. After the latest blog post by Instagram, that number has been smashed by Instagram Stories, and it puts into perspective the effect that it has had on Snapchat ever since it was launched.
Before Instagram Stories, Snapchat was riding high in 2016 with impressive growth. However, immediately after Stories was launched, Snapchat tanked; its growth dropped by 82 percent! Analysts and predictors saw that as a challenge that Snapchat would have to face from thereon, and after today’s revelation, it seems the mountain that Snap Inc. is having to climb is getting steeper and steeper every day.
A number of new features are also making their way to Instagram Stories today, including Selfie Sticker that allows the user to take a photo, tap on the smiley icon, and then take a mini-selfie that is cut-paste enabled to use elsewhere. Geostickers, Pinning, and a hands-free video mode have all been incorporated on Instagram Stories today.


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Hilton's flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand is adding a second property in central Paris. The company signed a management agreement with owner Compagnie de Phalsbourg to operate the 118-guestroom Hilton Paris Eiffel Tower. French designer Philippe Starck will be in charge of the property's interior design while Atelier Cos, a company that specializes in luxury and upscale hotels, will create the architectural concept for the property.
“Since marking the return of our core brand to central Paris in 2015, expanding its presence in the city has been high on our agenda,“ Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Hilton said in a statement.
Philippe Journo, president of Compagnie de Phalsbourg said that the company acquired the land in 2014, and had planned on turning the former commercial space into an upscale hotel.
Construction is due to begin shortly on adaptation of two adjacent buildings from the 1900s and 1970s.
Hilton currently has five hotels in Paris.


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Global technology company Zoho has unveiled a privacy-centered app called Ulaa that will help users secure their personal data.
Among other integrations, Ulaa is integrated with Zoho’s SSO authentication system that enables users to securely sign in to any Zoho application seamlessly without having to sign in manually every single time. Also, all of Ulaa’s browser modes are integrated with Zia — the AI-powered unified search system for Zoho apps.
The browser universally blocks tracking and website surveillance, helping users stay anonymous.
According to Norton, 85 percent of global adults want to do more to protect their online privacy, with two-thirds of global consumers feeling that tech companies have too much control over their data.
“With Ulaa, users don’t have to compromise their privacy to browse the web, which unfortunately has become a surveillance minefield. Zoho’s commitment to privacy and a privacy-centric business model allows us to offer a conflict-free, privacy-centric browser,” said Zoho Kenya Country Head Veerakumar Natarajan.
The company said, “DNS Prefetching is prohibited in Ulaa, so data cannot be cached, nor can motion sensors to track mouse movement and clicks. Ad and data tracking blockers in Ulaa prevent unauthorised push notifications, pop-ups, and time tracking.”
Ulaa also disables the API which enables the websites to connect and communicate with the devices that are connected to the computer or wifi network.
It’s also integrated with apps that boost productivity, including Zia Search for existing users, and Zoho Notebook, a dedicated note-taking space that works across all tabs.
Ulaa includes Zoho Annotator, a new, free extension that enables annotations directly to web pages and images. All Chrome browser extensions are compatible with Ulaa, and can be directly installed from the Chrome Webstore, said the company.
The newly-launched web browser’s name originates from the Tamil language and connotes the beginning of a journey into a secured browsing experience.
Ulaa was developed to protect against tracking and surveillance and is rooted in three main areas: privacy, productivity, and user mode.


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The EU has come out with a €3 billion plus commitment to fund the development of Lithium Ion batteries, coming late to the party to initiate pure R&D funding. It says this will stimulate a further €5 billion of public funds to equate to an €8 billion increase in European funding for Lithium Ion batteries – not for production, but purely for development breakthroughs.
Those players who will get funding are a combination of car makers, materials specialists, battery designers and educational institutes, headlined by names like BMW, chemicals giant BASF, Enel X, the energy storage arm of Enel, Nanocyl a maker of carbon nanotubes for containing Lithium Ion, Germany’s Varta and Spain’s Endurance from the battery manufacturers of Europe.
At first glance it seems like a tame effort that is way too late, but better late than never. All of the companies involved have failed to get themselves into the Lithium Ion business, although some, such as Varta have begun the process. Collectively this group of companies probably have the wherewithal to get the basic R&D done to create safe, high density Lithium batteries which are cheaper to produce and more effective than those on the market already. But then what? Will they be able to manufacture them in volume at a competitive price versus China? That remains to be seen.
The technology that emerges will have been funded using the Important Project of Common European interest (“IPCEI”) rules which makes it clear that production and manufacturing cannot be funded, only pure research, and that must then be shared (or licensed) with other industrial players across Europe.
The funding will come collectively from Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Sweden, supporting research and innovation and while the completion of the project is not expected prior to 2031, some outcomes will happen way before that as it is organized into sub-projects.
This table below gives an idea of what they are up against. It is our forecast for the amount of Lithium Ion battery production capacity in Europe, either already funded, mostly from companies outside the EU, or expected to be added, due to capacity requirements.
You would have to add to this the capacity expected from Tesla, once car and battery capability is brought online in its chosen Berlin European plant, recently announced. Clearly in most cases (except Northvolt which was formed in Sweden in 2017) these are manufacturing plants from companies which have similar plants already in Asia or the US, so they are making current designs, in huge volumes already – so are expert at production.
The likely jobs for all these plants would be in the region of 600,000, and yet it is mostly jobs that the European Commission highlighted as it announced this funding. Well the jobs are coming here anyway, due to the huge German concentration of car makers.
Margrethe Vestager, one of the EU commissioners and EVP “Europe fit for the Digital Age,” said, “Battery production in Europe is of strategic interest for our economy and society because of its potential in terms of clean mobility and energy, job creation, sustainability and competitiveness. Our Important Projects of Common European Interest smooth the way for public authorities and industries from several Member States to come together and design ambitious innovation projects with positive spill-over effects across industrial sectors and regions. The approved aid will ensure that this important project can go ahead without unduly distorting competition.”
This may be Europe’s first major pan-European battery ecosystem, but there are clearly going to be other groupings as the EV revolution happens, and beyond that, as Lithium Ion batteries emerge as candidates for large grid scale energy storage projects across Europe. One source last week told us that there are already 10,000 applications for this type of storage in the UK alone, so it has the potential to take off ahead of EVs.
What is most worrying is the way these particular European companies have not felt capable of funding their own efforts into Lithium Ion so far, but instead seem entirely reliant on the EU to get things kick-started? There is a worry that this is just another way for the EU to give away €3.2 billion to large established local European companies which enjoy EU tariff protections. The EU let a solar lead fall by the wayside as it engaged in protectionism, rather than R&D investment over the past decade.
The project will involve 17 direct participants, listed in the diagram below, mostly industrial actors, including small and medium-sized enterprises, some of which with activities in more than one member state. The direct participants will closely cooperate with each other and with over 70 external partners, such as public research organizations.
The deal has been struck following intensive technical discussions between the Commission and the relevant actors over just 3 months, the project was formally notified to the Commission for approval under EU State aid rules in October.
At the end of 2017 the European Commission launched the “European Battery Alliance” with interested Member States and industrials and adopted a strategic action plan for batteries by May 2018. This seems to be the outcome from that plan – to go cap in hand to the EU for an astonishing amount of money.
The idea is to develop new technologies for lithium-ion batteries (both liquid electrolyte and solid state) which last longer, have shorter charging times, are safer, are more environmentally friendly and which deliver across the battery value chain, from mining and processing the raw materials, production of advanced chemicals, design of battery cells and modules and their integration into smart systems, right up to the recycling and repurposing of used batteries.
At present almost all Lithium Ion battery recycling is carried out in China, which has a huge market lead in this.
The plan is to reduce the CO2 footprint in manufacture, and eliminate waste across different production processes.
The four key areas of this research are raw and advanced materials; cells and modules; battery systems including battery management software and repurposing, recycling and refining, which we assume means moving partly expired batteries from EVs, to grid to recycling, seamlessly.
There may well be a reaction from both the US and China over any technologies coming out of this initiative, for instance import tariffs into those regions due to these companies receiving government support – but let’s get to that stage first. Most of these countries have similar or equivalent R&D funding processes anyway.
Belgium will put in €80 million; Finland €30 million; France €960 million; Germany the most at €1.25 billion; Italy €570 million; Poland €240 million and Sweden just €50 million. And all monies could be potentially repaid, but only if the technology can be licensed successfully and make significant profits.
The technology apparently owes something to researchers at Nokia Bell Labs and Amber, the SFI Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research at Trinity College Dublin. Back in June the two jointly announced a new formula for Lithium Ion battery composition which packed 2.5 times the battery density into a battery compared to current market leaders, and which were initially developed to usher in 5G mobile batteries. This related to the use of composite electrodes with high conductivity and low charge-transfer resistance, for fast charging and capacities up at the theoretical limits.


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Xiaomi is currently the number one smartphone manufacturer in China. We’ve talked about this company many times before, and most of you probably already know that it’s one of the fastest growing smartphone OEMs both in China and the world. Xiaomi has recently announced their expansion to Brasil, and other markets will most probably follow soon as well. That being said, Xiaomi has shipped 61 million smartphones in 2014, and a report surfaced a week ago stating that they managed to sell 34.7 million units in the first half of this year. Well, Xiaomi has just officially confirmed that information and provided some additional info to share with our readers, read on.
This China-based smartphone OEM has sold 34.7 million handsets in the first half of this year, which is an increase of 33% year-on-year. “Even with the China smartphone market slowing down, we did a stellar job of posting a 33% growth on last year’s numbers. It can be said that we outperformed the market and produced an excellent report card,” said Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s founder and CEO. Xiaomi has also revealed that they’re selling 70% of their smartphones via their official Mi.com website in China. The company also added that they sold 2.12 million smartphones during the Mi Fan Festival back in April, they managed to sell that many devices in just 12 hours. Xiaomi has also been working on expanding their production capacity, supply chain management, as well as technology and design capabilities. The Mi 2, Mi 3, Redmi 1S, Redmi Note, Mi 4 and Redmi 2 have each been sold in over 10 million units.
This is all very impressive considering this company was founded in 2010, which still makes them a very young company compared to their competitors. Xiaomi has recently started selling the Redmi 2 handset in Brasil, and it is possible that they’re going to offer more devices over there in the coming months. This Chinese smartphone OEM also plans to start manufacturing smartphones in India, which will certainly boost their sales in that Asian country as well. Xiaomi means business, they intend to sell between 80 and 100 million handsets by the end of this year, and it will certainly be interesting to see if they can pull that off.


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Samsung kick starts the year 2017 with the announcement of all new QLED TV series — Q7, Q8, Q9. The announcement was made at Keep Memory Alive Event Center in Las Vegas during the company's product unveiling.
HyunSuk Kim, President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, commenting on the announcement said that, “2017 will mark a major paradigm shift in the visual display industry, ushering in the era of QLED. With he advent of QLED TV, we provide the most true-to-life picture on screen. We have been successful in solving for past inconsistencies in the viewing experience and consumer pain points while redefining the fundamental value of TV.”
Announced just ahead of CES 2017, the company says that the new QLED series TVs have “improved color performance” that are claimed to reproduce 100% color volume. What this essentially means is that these TVs can display the subtlest of color changes relating to the brightness levels (between 1500 and 2000 nits). For example, a leaf can be showcased in various colors from “yellowish green to turquoise” depending on the brightness levels.
The company claims to achieve such results with the help of new Quantum Dot material — the same technology which allows its TVs to display improved color range without compromising on details.
Samsung’s new QLED TVs to depict deep blacks and great details regardless of the scene (light or dark) or other external lighting factors (brightly lit or dark room), thanks to the Quantum Dot technology.
The launch date of these TVs is yet to be made official. But, when launched sometime this year, the QLED series TVs will be powered by the South Korean giants Smart TV hub through which offers tailor-made content including sports and music services. However, to enjoy such personalized services, one would have to share specific details with the company.