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Welcome to the SecureWorld Live Blog about the SolarWinds cyber attack.
This is where our media team is posting an ongoing list of significant updates related to the attack. Cybersecurity experts around the world are looking at this attack from all angles and that means a steady stream of new information.
If you already know the basics of this attack, skip past the next couple of paragraphs and get right to the updates.
In 60 seconds: what happened in the SolarWinds cyber attack?
You're probably familiar with notices telling you to update to the latest version of something on your phone, your tablet or your laptop. Corporations and governments must do similar updates, on a massive scale, with the help of automation.
For 18,000 companies and governments around the world, some of these updates arrive from an IT management company called SolarWinds. And specifically, from its Orion product.
Nation-state backed hackers (think of them as digital soldiers) somehow got inside SolarWinds update process and secretly placed malware into a few months of updates. They also managed to digitally 'sign' the updates, which made them look legitimate.
The end result is that when Solar Winds sent out the software updates receiving networks saw the legitimate information but not the hidden malware. And organizations unknowingly accepted both. This is a supply-chain attack which acts like a Trojan-horse.
The malware in these updates gave the nation-state backed attackers a foothold in computer networks around the globe, including within a number of U.S. Government agencies. Read our original story, here, for more details on how the attack worked or continue reading below for updates.
December 23 update: investigation notes from SolarWinds
SolarWinds continues to update its event FAQs and it says its latest research boosts confidence on the window of infection here."SolarWinds currently believes that:
- Orion products downloaded, implemented, or updated during the relevant period [March - June 2020] contained the inserted vulnerability (SUNBURST);
- Orion products downloaded and implemented before the relevant period and not updated during the relevant period did not contain the vulnerability;
- Orion products downloaded and implemented after the relevant period did not contain the vulnerability; and
- Previously affected version of the Orion products that were updated with a build released after the relevant period no longer contained the vulnerability; however, the server on which the affected Orion products ran may be compromised during the period in which the vulnerability existed."
December 20 update: new statements about the cyber attack
Over the weekend, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made his first detailed statement on the attack, attributing it to the Kremlin:
“This was a very significant effort, and I think it’s the case that now we can say pretty clearly that it was the Russians that engaged in this activity.”
Meanwhile, Kevin Mandia of FireEye was on CBS News over the weekend and asked if he agreed with the assessment from many that Russia is behind the supply chain attack. He said we will absolutely be able to attribute the attack with certainty, but not quite yet:
"As we continue the investigation, as it gets broader, as more people learn the TTPs of this attack, we're going to bring it back and we're going to get attribution. Not '92% right', not 'consistent with' but 100%. Let's just get it right so we can appropriately respond, period."
Attack victim update: The Wall Street Journal says it has identified 24 organizations that unknowingly downloaded the compromised software. Do you recognize any of these names?
- Cisco Systems
- Belkin International (which sells routers under Belkin and LinkSys brands)
- California Department of State Hospitals
- Kent State University
Cisco, for its part, revealed it does not even use the particular product that nation-state attackers were able to compromise. That's an interesting development.
“At this time, there is no known impact to Cisco offers or products,” Cisco said in a statement. “We continue to investigate all aspects of this evolving situation with the highest priority.”
Cisco added that although it doesn’t use SolarWinds Orion for its enterprise network management or monitoring, “we have identified and mitigated affected software in a small number of lab environments and a limited number of employee endpoints. We continue to investigate all aspects of this evolving situation with the highest priority.”
December 19 update on supply chain security attack
SolarWinds continues to answer more questions about the attack in an FAQ section on its website. Here is a key question the company addressed about the decision to move forward and install new and reportedly secure updates from the company
Question: If your environment was compromised, why is it safe for us to install these updates/trust your code? OR What are you doing to prevent future incidents moving forward?
"Our investigations are early and ongoing, but since the SUNBURST vulnerability was discovered, we have reviewed our environment, giving an initial focus on ensuring the security of our build environment, including our source code repositories. We have reviewed the architecture of the build environment, the privileged and non-privileged users that have access to the build environment, and the network surrounding the build environment.
We have retained third-party cybersecurity experts to assist in an investigation of these matters, including whether the SUNBURST vulnerability was exploited as a point of any infiltration of any customer systems, and in the development of appropriate mitigation and remediation plans to help ensure future releases are protected from SUNBURST or other vulnerabilities.
We are also cooperating and sharing information with our partners, vendors, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. intelligence community, and other government agencies to assist in investigations related to this incident and to avoid vulnerabilities in future releases. Our investigation is ongoing, and we will continue to focus on ensuring that our environments are secure and protected."
And on the question of how widespread the SUNBURST malware infections are, Microsoft created a map based on detections from its Defender Antivirus software:
If you click and expand the map, you can see why Microsoft says the following:
"This identifies customers who use Defender and who installed versions of SolarWinds’ Orion software containing the attackers’ malware. As this makes clear, this aspect of the attack created a supply chain vulnerability of nearly global importance, reaching many major national capitals outside Russia. This also illustrates the heightened level of vulnerability in the United States."
December 18 update: SolarWinds not the only attack method
Can news of a major supply chain data breach become even more unsettling? It sure can and it just did.
A new US-CERT alert reveals what some sources had been saying all along:
"The SolarWinds Orion supply chain compromise is not the only initial infection vector this APT actor leveraged."
What does the U.S. Government mean, specifically? CISA believes it is linked to the Outlook Web App and a stolen key:
"CISA is investigating incidents that exhibit adversary TTPs consistent with this activity, including some where victims either do not leverage SolarWinds Orion or where SolarWinds Orion was present but where there was no SolarWinds exploitation activity observed.
Volexity has also reported publicly that they observed the APT using a secret key that the APT previously stole in order to generate a cookie to bypass the Duo multi-factor authentication protecting access to Outlook Web App (OWA).
Volexity attributes this intrusion to the same activity as the SolarWinds Orion supply chain compromise, and the TTPs are consistent between the two. This observation indicates that there are other initial access vectors beyond SolarWinds Orion, and there may still be others that are not yet known."
Here is the US-CERT issued update.
Also, the U.S. Department of Energy revealed it was breached during the cyberattack:
"At this point, the investigation has found that the malware has been isolated to business networks only, and has not impacted the mission essential national security functions of the Department, including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
When DOE identified vulnerable software, immediate action was taken to mitigate the risk, and all software identified as being vulnerable to this attack was disconnected from the DOE network.” said DOE SpokeswomanShaylyn Hynes.
Also new: was the SolarWinds supply chain breach in the works for more than a year? Security firm ReversingLabs analyzed things:
"...there was a previous version that was tampered with by the attackers: version 2019.4.5200.8890, from October 2019, and this version had only been slightly modified. While it doesn’t contain the malicious backdoor code, it does contain the .NET class that will host it in the future.
This first code modification was clearly just a proof of concept. Their three step action plan: Compromise the build system, inject their own code, and verify that their signed packages are going to appear on the client side as expected. Once these objectives were met, and the attackers proved to themselves that the supply chain could be compromised, they started planning the real attack payload."
December 17 update: Intel, Cisco among possible victims of attack
The U.S. Government announced the creation of a Cyber Unified Coordination Group (UCG) to coordinate a whole-of-government response to this significant cyber incident.
- The FBI is taking the lead on attribution and pursuit of the threat actors.
- The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is "helping to marshal all of the Intelligence Community’s relevant resources to support this effort and share information across the United States Government."
- And CISA is leading the private sector/public sector collaboration and issuing any directives.
Next, how about major tech players as potential victims of the SolarWinds supply chain attack? That's what some researchers are saying now:
"...Chinese cybersecurity firm RedDrip Team on Wednesday released on GitHub a decoder tool that can be used to crack a list of obscured hostnames—in other words, a partial list of victims—with which the C2 communicated.
The more than 1,700 hostnames listed include endpoints—sometimes more than one—inside such U.S. technology firms as Belkin, Cisco, Intel and Nvidia; government agencies and universities; as well as organizations such as the Hewlett Foundation," reported InfoRisk Today.
December 16 update
As you can imagine, lots of analysis and threat hunting is underway right now. Here is what Symantec found among its customer base:
"Symantec has identified more than 2,000 computers at over 100 customers that received Trojanized software updates. We have found a small number of organizations where a second stage payload (Backdoor.Teardrop) was used."
And December 16 is when Microsoft made some changes relating to "Solarigate" as it calls the incident:
"Customers should consider any device with the binary as compromised and should already be investigating devices with this alert. Starting on Wednesday, December 16 at 8:00 AM PST, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will begin blocking the known malicious SolarWinds binaries. This will quarantine the binary even if the process is running. We also realize this is a server product running in customer environments, so it may not be simple to remove the product from service."
Now to previous updates, below.
CISA emergency directive to unplug SolarWinds Orion products
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) moved quickly to cut off government servers from SolarWinds updates.
At this point, all government agencies should have stopped receiving updates from the SolarWinds Orion product, and for those federal agencies without the expertise to stop these updates, CISA is ordering them to unplug:
"Affected agencies shall immediately disconnect or power down SolarWinds Orion products, versions 2019.4 through 2020.2.1 HF1, from their network. Until such time as CISA directs affected entities to rebuild the Windows operating system and reinstall the SolarWinds software package, agencies are prohibited from (re)joining the Windows host OS to the enterprise domain.
Affected entities should expect further communications from CISA and await guidance before rebuilding from trusted sources utilizing the latest version of the product available. Additionally:
a. Block all traffic to and from hosts, external to the enterprise, where any version of SolarWinds Orion software has been installed.
b. Identify and remove all threat actor-controlled accounts and identified persistence mechanisms."
CISA spells out 'grave impact' to U.S. government
CISA has determined that this exploitation of SolarWinds products poses an unacceptable risk to Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies and requires emergency action. This determination is based on:
Current exploitation of affected products and their widespread use to monitor traffic on major federal network systems;
High potential for a compromise of agency information systems;
Grave impact of a successful compromise.
Department of Homeland Security says 'multiple agencies' impacted
And we now have more acknowledgement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about the serious nature of this attack. It sounds like the first two agencies we know were breached were just the beginning.
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Alexei Woltornist commented briefly:
"The Department of Homeland Security is aware of cyber breaches across the federal government and working closely with our partners in the public and private sector on the federal response. As the federal lead for cyber breaches of civilian federal agencies, the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has already issued Emergency Directive 21-01 to the federal government to address compromises related to SolarWinds."
SolarWinds updates on supply chain attack
SolarWinds is updating things from its side, too.
"Known affected products: Orion Platform versions 2019.4 HF 5 and 2020.2 with no hotfix or with 2020.2 HF 1, including:
Application Centric Monitor (ACM)
Database Performance Analyzer Integration Module (DPAIM)
Enterprise Operations Console (EOC)
High Availability (HA)
IP Address Manager (IPAM)
Log Analyzer (LA)
Network Automation Manager (NAM)
Network Configuration Manager (NCM)
Network Operations Manager (NOM)
Network Performance Monitor (NPM)
NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (NTA)
Server & Application Monitor (SAM)
Server Configuration Monitor (SCM)
Storage Resource Monitor (SRM)
User Device Tracker (UDT)
Virtualization Manager (VMAN)
VoIP & Network Quality Manager (VNQM)
Web Performance Monitor (WPM)
And the company completed more investigative work as of December 15:
"We have scanned the code of all our software products for markers similar to those used in the attack on our Orion Platform products identified above, and we have found no evidence that other versions of our Orion Platform products or our other products contain those markers. As such, we are not aware that other versions of Orion Platform products have been impacted by this security vulnerability. Other non-Orion Platform products are also not known by us to be impacted by this security vulnerability."
This story will be updated.


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I.L.V.X. Drops Major Brands for Independent Designers
ILVX (stylized as I.L.V.X.), an internet-based department store, dropped major brands and shifted focus towards independent designers. The retailer got its start by working with upscale luxury brands to sell their overstocked inventory and quickly became a popular destination for price-savvy shoppers. Soliel Styles is the most recent of major luxury brands dropped from I.L.V.X.'s "sale-driven" web store, ILVX.com.
Christie Day, the company's Catalog Director, says the move was made after several months of consideration. Within a few years of their launch, ILVX had become well-known for their unusual sales which - instead of ending after a particular duration - last until all of the sale products sell out. After the last holiday season of selling the same products from the same brands as all the other department stores, however, Christie and the ILVX team started feeling a lack of identity in the shopping industry. The only thing setting them apart from their counterparts were their low prices but that wasn't enough.
"We started featuring products from small independent designers and got an incredible response!" says Christie Day. Within a few months, there were as many products from independent designers and boutiques as from major brands. After months of struggling to offer both shopping concepts, the company recently decided to commit entirely to the very unique and very bold in modern shopping, boutiques.
The goal is simple: to completely remove the gap between independent design and the shoppers who love it. "Every city has its hidden gems, small but passionate and talented designers that dress the boldest and hottest of shoppers. We want to make those designs available to the world."
I.L.V.X. plans to feature over 70 independent designers and boutiques by this November while offering discounts of up to 80% on products from their "Designer Spotlight". To stay up to date on the latest and hottest deals from I.L.V.X., sign up for their exclusive email newsletter at ILVX.com.
Shop online at ILVX.com or call toll-free at (800) 503 0821.

domain: news


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Here at BLLAWG we discuss patents and patent trolls quite often. It is much rarer to see bright spots for a potential overhaul of our current patent system that allows those who abuse it to profit and proliferate. On Wednesday, the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), a group that includes several tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Facebook, launched a new website called patent progress. The site features plain English explanations for problems with the patent system and terms like ‘patent troll’ and ‘prior art,’ with several leading antitrust experts contributing content. The CCIA hopes to build a narrative to take advantage of growing buzz surrounding patent reform in Congress and the justice system.
A website by itself obviously can’t turn the tide against the multi-billion dollar patent trolling industry, but it is indicative of an increasingly public campaign to change the way patents are awarded and how they operate to better reflect modern technology and its realities. A successful public awareness campaign could pay huge dividends to the tech companies who must currently fight off or pay out settlements on the exploding number of patent lawsuits both in America and abroad. If consumers realize that those billions of dollars they hear about Google paying out in the news are costs that some way or another are passed onto them, that could create enough impetus in Washington for a much needed change to the patent system.
For more information about the state of patents in the US as well as specific patent lawsuits take a look at the following articles:


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The Indian stock market is expected to open in the green as trends on SGX Nifty indicate a positive opening for the index in India with a 111 points gain.
In the pre-opening session, Sensex is up 549.11 points or 1.17 percent at 47423.47, and the Nifty jumped 129.10 points or 0.93 percent at 13946.60.
In an interview to CNBC-TV18, top market experts recommend which stocks to bet on for good returns:
Mitessh Thakkar of mitesshthakkar.com
Buy ACC with a stop loss of Rs 1,619, target at Rs 1,665
Buy DLF with a stop loss of Rs 256, target at Rs 272
Sell Maruti Suzuki with a stop loss of Rs 7,810, target at Rs 7,500
Sell Hindustan Unilever with a stop loss of Rs 2,320, target at Rs 2,230
Rajat Bose of rajatkbose.com
Buy Adani Ports with a stop loss below Rs 511.80, targets at Rs 527 and 533
Buy Godrej Consumer with a stop loss below Rs 768, targets at Rs 788, and 797
Buy Titan Company with a stop loss below Rs 1,439, targets at Rs 1,461 and Rs 1,469Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.


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Passengers have been sharing their stories of what happened on board the Oriana cruise ship during a Norovirus outbreak on board. The liner docked in Southampton today, returning from a 10-day Baltic cruise. We caught up with some of the travellers as they left the cruise terminal.
P & O Cruises have confirmed that 300 of the 1,843 passengers on board caught the contagious Norovirus vomiting sickness.
More top news
More than 30 huts have been burgled along Herne Bay pier, in what seems to be a systematic attack
More than 1,000 cars have been left unattended in a muddy field by companies promising to provide 'off-site' parking for Gatwick Airport.
More than 1,000 cars have been left unattended in a muddy field by five companies promising off-site parking for Gatwick Airport.


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SAIC Motor Corp.'s MG6 compact car and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co.'s Emgrand EC7 mid-sized car each received a four-star overall rating in crash tests by Euro NCAP, an agency assessing the safety of vehicles sold in Europe.
It is the highest safety rating ever achieved overseas by vehicles produced by Chinese automakers.
The crash test evaluated the vehicles' adult protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist. Both models were relatively poor at pedestrian protection, but scored well otherwise.
"These results mark a milestone for the Chinese automotive industry," Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP's Secretary General, said in a statement. "It is a clear sign that Chinese carmakers are building on recent experiences and rapidly investing in better vehicle safety."
He predicted Chinese automakers soon will achieve five-star ratings.
In the past four years, vehicles made by Chinese automakers did poorly in the European crash tests.
In 2006, Jiangling Motor Holding's Landwind X6 SUV received a zero rating, while Brilliance China Automotive Holding Co.'s Zunchi mid-sized car was assigned a one-star rating in 2007.
In 2009, Brilliance China's Splendor compact sedan received a zero rating, and Jiangling's Landwind CV9 SUV earned two stars last year.


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It’s been a struggle for Genesis, since the luxury brand was spun off by Hyundai a few years back – but not due to problems with its products, the G70, in particular, landing the coveted trophy as North American Car of the Year in January 2018.
The problem is that Genesis has focused exclusively on sedans since it was split off from the more mainstream consumer parent in late 2016. That’s not a good thing in a market where sport and crossover-utility vehicles account for nearly two-thirds of U.S. sales, sedans sliding to barely a quarter of the market in recent months.
But that’s about to change. Not the market, of course, but the fact that Hyundai is finally getting ready to crash into the utility vehicle market, the latest luxury brand to get there, with the new GV80 model set to roll into U.S. showrooms in the coming months.
“As we launch GV80, our first luxury flagship SUV, we simultaneously open a new chapter for Genesis,” said William Lee, Executive Vice President and Global Head of the Genesis Brand, adding that the new model “represents the essence of the innovative spirit of Genesis.”
Innovative, perhaps, but Genesis clearly took its time getting the crossover-based model to market considering we got a first look at the concept version of the GV80 almost three years ago, at the 2017 New York International Auto Show.
Then again, perhaps the timing will work out for the better. The Korean luxury brand faced a series of legal and logistic challenges after splitting off from Hyundai, issues that slowed the roll-out of its new dealer network. Only in recent months has Genesis finally gotten things in place across all 50 states.
Now that showrooms are opening in places like Texas, one of the states where the retail network was delayed, Genesis officials are hoping they’ll win buyers looking for the same sort of formula first seen on the Genesis G90, G80 and G70 sedan models. In short, a mix of great design, solid powertrain technology and performance, good handling and a level of features and technology that one would pay substantially more for in products from better-established European, American and Japanese luxury brands.
At first glance, anyone recalling the original GV80 concept vehicle will get a sense of déjà vu. The result of a joint effort pairing Genesis designers in South Korea, the U.S. and Europe, the production model has a solid, though not necessarily brutish presence. It shares the latest version of the Genesis brand’s signature Crest grille first seen on the redesigned G90 model last year.
It’s surrounded by new, split Quad Lamps which Luc Donckerwolke, the brand’s design chief, said “will become the most recognizable, unique signature of Genesis design, as the simplest of lines communicate a distinct identity.”
The overall proportions of the GV80 emphasize power and provide a sense of luxury, with a long nose and subtle flairs to the wheel arches. If there’s anything generic to the design, it’s the subtly coupe-like curve to the roofline. Adding a bit more style is the character line that flows off the front bumper, wrapping all the way around to the rear.
Inside, the GV80 retains the high-line detailing seen on its premium sedans, such as the G90 andG80, including diamond-quilted leather seating. The SUV opts for a virtual gauge cluster and, picking up on the latest trend, it gets a laptop-sized 14.5-inch touchscreen atop the center stack. While German marques such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi are abandoning rotary controllers for touch pads, the Genesis uses both which, along with the touchscreen and voice controls gives motorists plenty of ways to operate functions and enter destinations.
The emphasis on technology extends to the GV80’s “active motion seat,” a system of seven air cells that respond to vehicle motions to reduce, driver fatigue on longer trips. It also claims to use an advanced active noise control technology to minimize road noise.
On the safety front, there are plenty of advanced driver assistance systems such as smart cruise control, highway driving assistance to keep you centered in your lane and even change lanes when you tap the turn signal, as well as blind-spot and cross-traffic alerts. On top of that, there are a total of 10 airbags.
From a more traditional, mechanical perspective, the GV80 will offer several different powertrain options, though it doesn’t appear the diesel shown this week will make it to the States. Genesis isn’t ready to say what’s coming to the U.S. beyond hinting there will be “two turbocharged gasoline engines.” A safe bet would include the twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 currently used by the brand on its three sedans, that package pumping out 365 horsepower. Since the Genesis V-8 seems unlikely to be a third option, the other powertrain may be a new 290-hp turbo-four.
The Genesis GV80 rides on an all-new chassis and, surprisingly for the Hyundai Motor Corp., opts for extensive use of lightweight aluminum to hold down mass. The platform is, fundamentally, rear-drive, though an all-wheel-drive version is likely to be the preferred option in the States, as is the case with most luxury SUVs.
The sedan uses a camera-based road preview system to program its electronic suspension, the system able to anticipate bumps and potholes to automatically adjust ride dynamics at each corner. Meanwhile, AWD models coming to the U.S. will get an electronic Limited Slip Differential.
The 2021 GV80 might be the first SUV from the Korean luxury brand, but it won’t be the last. Expect to see one, and possibly two, more to follow, a senior Genesis source recently told TheDetroitBureau.com. Meanwhile, the automaker is expected to bring its first all-electric model out around 2022, with still more products in the pipeline.
With more product and an expanding, nationwide distribution network, Genesis officials are hoping they can finally start their climb into the mainstream of the luxury market.


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Renesas Electronics Corporation and HELLA Aglaia have announced their open and scalable front camera solution for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving. The new front camera solution combines the R-Car V3M, Renesas' high-performance, low-power image recognition system-on-chip (SoC) for New Car Assessment Program, and HELLA Aglaia´s field-proven camera software designed to meet level 2 (partial automation) and level 3 (conditional automation) of the SAE International’s new J3016 standard. Designed for scalability, the solution enables system designers to build a wide range of front cameras from cameras supporting NCAP to cameras supporting requirements for up to level 3 applications.
This collaboration opens up the market for front cameras as sensor vision is projected to become a major requirement for NCAP over the next several years. “The front camera market is expected to exceed 200 million pieces over the next five years” said Ian Riches, Director Autonomous Vehicles Service at Strategy Analytics. This is driven by the rapid adoption of NCAP safety features such as automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. OEMs & Tier 1s are seeking open-but-proven solutions with the right performance and cost efficiency balance to provide them the freedom to implement a front camera with their own differentiators.
“The market opportunity for front camera applications has grown rapidly, and customers are desperately seeking an open and proven solution. To realise a superior strategic alignment, we decided to combine the field-proven camera software from HELLA Aglaia with the Renesas autonomy Platform,” said Jean-Francois Chouteau, Vice President, Global ADAS Centre, Renesas Electronics Corporation. “The new solution enables customers to realise their own unique selling points (USPs) for their applications with reduced risk and faster time-to-market.”
The Renesas R-Car V3M is available now. The application software delivered by HELLA Aglaia is scheduled to be available in Q1 2018.


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Posted at 8:00 am
Alimentation Couche-Tard is now almost unanimously on Wall Street and Bay Street.
Convenience store chain Laval received two new buy recommendations in the middle of the week after presenting its results at the start of the year.
National Bank Financial and Stifel GMP are now proposing to buy the stock. They are now offering 16 out of 17 for sale.
Both companies point this out Couche tard recently halted share buybacks, suggesting a takeover could happen soon.
Analyst Martin Landry of Stifel points out that despite a limited contribution from acquisitions, Couche-Tard continues to impress with its uninterrupted earnings growth. He considers the current assessment to be “reasonable”.
The American investment fund Long Path Partners has just increased its stake in MDF trade. The third-largest shareholder in e-commerce platform operator Longueuil bought half a million dollars worth of shares between Aug. 22 and 29.
bomber was the best performing Quebec stock in August on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Shares of the Montreal business jet maker surged 53% for the month. MDF trade (+41%) and puff Health (+34%) also had a very good month. Among the losers of the month guru fell 28% in August. Lion (-22%), Tecsys (-17%), enjoy your meal (-16%) and VAT (-15%) also had a difficult month.
The Chairman of the Board of stingray bought $1 million worth of stock in the Montreal-based music services company this week. Mark Pathy bought a total of 183,700 shares during the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions.
The founder and CEO of Lion bought a quarter million dollars’ worth of shares in the Saint-Jérôme-based electric vehicle maker this week. Marc Bédard bought a block of 50,000 shares at $5 each on Tuesday.
Analysts expect this from management Dollarama raised its forecasts Friday by releasing its quarterly results. If so, one must see how high they are raised.
The Quebec titles ofUniSelect and from Bellu’s health From Monday, September 19th, the stock of the pharmaceutical company Laval will be included in the main index of the Toronto Stock Exchange bulk health are excluded from the S&P/TSX 60 Index on the same day.
Being forced out of or included in an index can have an impact as it can cause investors to take action and adjust their positions. Large amounts are invested through index funds, which track indices by holding the securities that make them up.
RBC on Thursday presented an update to its Canadian focus list for the fall, adding a Quebec title des National Bank. This list of about thirty titles still includes the names of Couche tard and from Dollarama. Securities selected for this list are rated as “high quality” and have a track record of creating shareholder value.
However, National Bank is the only stock on this list that does not have a buy rating from RBC. The analyst responsible for RBC’s title recommends “Market Performance”, which is the technical equivalent of “Hold”.
The Toronto Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ will remain closed Monday for Labor Day.
The Quebec titles of cogeco, nuvei, Laurentian bench, CAE, Lion, Velan, market enjoy your meal, VAT, Heroux Devtek and guru all hit 52-week lows on the Toronto Stock Exchange this week.


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The UK has revealed the design for their Expo 2020 pavilion
Inspired by Stephen Hawking, the conch-shaped pavilion will beam out an ever-changing poem…
As Expo 2020 is just over two years away, more and more designs are being revealed for the awe-inspiring pavilions. And the latest comes from the UK, who have just revealed the plans for their pavilion.
Entitled ‘The Poem Pavilion’, the space has been designed by British artist and designer ‘Es Devlin’, and aims to ‘highlight the UK’s expertise in artificial intelligence and the space sector’.
The United Kingdom reveals the design of its pavilion at @expo2020dubai – highlighting the UK’s expertise in artificial intelligence and the space sector. Award-winning British artist Es Devlin OBE is set to design the UK Pavilion. #Dubai pic.twitter.com/SRIKNCQXu9
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 27, 2018
The dramatic design of the pavilion will be in the shape of a conch shell, and will also have a 20-metre high glowing LED façade that will beam out an AI– generated global message, which Expo 2020 goers will be able to contribute to.
“The idea draws directly on one of Stephen Hawking’s final projects, ‘Breakthrough Message’, a global competition that Hawking and his colleagues conceived in 2015 inviting people worldwide to consider what message we would communicate to express ourselves as a planet, should we one day encounter other advanced civilisations in Space”, explained Es Devlin in a statement released on the UK Government official page.
Details of the UK Pavilion follow the reveal of what one of the three main thematic pavilion’s, Opportunity Pavilion, will look like. The 4,500 square metre pavilion will be built from 2,500 tonnes of stone, and will have a spiral shaped canopy roof made from around 111 kilometres of woven rope.
Images: Courtesy of the UK’s Department for International Trade © Es Devlin


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Reuters has an interesting article regarding Canon's drop in operating profit, which they say is a combination of camera phones decimating compact cameras and MILC eating into DSLR.
The consumer shift to smartphones for casual photo taking has pummelled demand for compact cameras, while the growing popularity of lighter mirrorless cameras has taken away market share from higher margin single-lens reflex cameras.I immediately thought of that 2014 article in DPReview when Samsung's Byungdeok Nam quoted a market report:
...since 2008 when mirrorless systems were announced, mirrorless didn’t grow very rapidly. In the last year, however, market reports are predicting that in 2018/19 mirrorless cameras will outsell DSLRs.That article got a lot of slack from readers, not because it was a quoted market report but because it was said by someone from Samsung and we all know that we can't have someone from a company that isn't Canon, Nikon, Sony or Panasonic commenting on cameras right?
If you want to look at why Samsung is pulling out of various markets, start with dinosaur detractors like that (and that includes staff in retailers). I reckon I have a pretty unique take on this because a. I worked for Samsung NX as a Rep for years and b. I worked in major (flagship stores) in London so I got to observe countless interactions / conversations. I'll be writing about this in another post, hopefully to be published tomorrow (if it doesn't turn into a 10,000 word essay).


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[INFOGRAPHIC] GDPR Quick Facts: What changes are in store
September 25th, 2017
The official start of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is now just nine months away. This new regulation has been four years in the making and will standardise and strengthen data protection across the EU. It will also provide individuals with a greater say in how companies can use their data.
Although Britain has begun the process of leaving the EU, UK businesses will still need to prepare for GDPR. This is because this regulation applies to anyone who processes personal data belonging to EU citizen – regardless of whether the business itself has a base in UK.
The implementation of GDPR will result in marked changes to data protection law, including how companies process data, how they obtain consent and how they secure and store that personal data. Below we have outlined 8 key changes GDPR will bring in which businesses should be aware of.
The cyber-war era: the rapid growth of the threat landscape
In this blog we explain what you should be looking out for in the cyber-war era, and how you can best protect the cyber-security of your organisation. The threat landscape is accelerating faster as global tensions grow over the Russia Ukraine conflict. The Cyber-war is well underway, with Ukraine rallying troops for the […]
The rise of fileless malware
The improvements in file security scanners mean hackers are now deviating from traditional malware installations and looking for new methods of access. Previously, the malware had to rely on dropping copies of themselves onto specific locations and using persistence tactics. However, security scanners could easily detect and block these, so hackers have now turned their […]
Can remote working make firms more productive?
Both hailed as the future of working and criticised as the destroyer of efficiency, is remote working for every firm? Remote working has existed since communications have been available to the roaming and remote worker. It has been pushed and pulled by enterprises of all sizes, and it has been claimed as the future of working […]


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Thinning the Herd
What’s wrong with retail?
With just about every economic figure working to its advantage—from lower unemployment rates to less expensive oil prices that are freeing up disposable income for consumers—one would think that retail would be experiencing its best times since the boom days of the mid to late 1990s.
Well, it’s not. In fact, merchants, from giants like Walmart, Macy’s and Bed, Bath & Beyond to small players like the independent vitamin store and pet store in my neighborhood that went out of business over the last four months, are suffering. Consumers are staying away in droves and that is forcing many merchants to rethink their merchandising strategies as well as invest more money into marketing.
Why? There are a number of reasons. The first, of course, is the growth of the Internet and its dramatic impact on traditional retailers’ sales, not to mention their overall business model. Amazon.com, all by itself, has forced many traditional retailers to revamp their pricing strategies to compete with the digital giant, which simply does not seem to care whether it makes money now or not.
Another is the fact that consumers are making fewer shopping trips. With more hectic and demanding lifestyles, many shoppers have cut down on the number of shopping trips they take. While they may get more done when they do go shopping, there is no doubt that fewer trips means less money spent in-store.
But the biggest reason for the stagnant retail community is the retailers themselves. The seeds planted by many retailers during the halcyon days of the late 1990s and the early years of this century have resulted in a dramatic over-population of stores through much of the country. The bottom line is that there are simply too many stores selling the same products, and that is hurting most retailers these days.
The pet category is right there at the top. A rush to build that only recently abated has caused an over-saturated environment for pet products. The retrenchment that is now taking place will make those survivors stronger, with better prospects for the long term.
Whatever the reason, it is important that retailers do all they can to separate their business model from the guy down the street. The survivors in this battle will be the merchants who make a difference in consumers’ minds.


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News & Event
Anker Innovations Wins Six Red Dot Awards for Outstanding Product Design
Soundcore Integrates LÜM Player Into Mobile App and Other Locations
Soundcore, Anker Innovations’ premium audio brand, shared yesterday that Soundcore will integrate the LÜM music player into its app, giving Soundcore customers an endless library of artists at their fingertips. This move is the latest in Soundcore’s partnership with LÜM, a music streaming service home to more than 100,000 independent artists that puts a focus on supporting and elevating grassroots artists.
Powering Teams Anywhere at Steelcase Press Release Work
Sleek, portable and powerful, each Mobile Power unit can charge up to three laptops or personal devices for a full day.
Anker Launches First Power IQ 3.0 Mobile Charger
These new chips make the USB-C ports on Anker’s chargers and portable batteries compatible with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0.
Anker’s minuscule 27W USB-C brick looks like the charging future we’ve been promised
Anker has been a leader when it comes to cheap and reliable USB-C cables and power bricks for years, but at its press event in New York, the company may have just changed the game with the newly announced PowerPort Atom PD 1 power brick.
Best Known For Portable Chargers, Shenzhen's Anker Has Ambitious Expansion Plans
On the box of every Anker charging product is the slogan, "America's leading USB charging brand."
Next Year's Phones will charge 50% in 10 Minutes
Your next phone probably won't have a bigger battery, but at least you won't need to plug in for as long, says Steven Yang, an ex-Googler who started device-charging empire Anker.
Anker Innovations to unveil new mobile devices at CES 2018
Anker Innovations, a global leader in charging technology and smart, connected consumer devices, announced its product lineup for CES 2018. Led by its five key brands - ANKER, EUFY, NEBULA, ROAV and ZOLO - Anker Innovations will showcase a host of exciting new consumer electronic products including premium, designer speakers; total wireless earphones; Android powered smart projectors; power delivery solutions and the Alexa-enabled in-car kit.
Anker Innovations’ Eric Villines fills us in on the restructured company
If you’re familiar with the Anker name, chances are fairly good that you know the company for its accessories for computers and mobile devices, especially chargers. Over the years, the company has been steadily growing, and to reflect that change it recently announced a restructuring that sees it breaking out into five sub-brands under the umbrella of a new name, Anker Innovations.


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The phablet craze sweeping the mobile market is hitting Cupertino. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple is planning to release a pair of new iPhones later this year with bigger displays. People familiar with Apple’s plans said one device is expected to come equipped with a 4.5-inch screen, while an even larger model with a display of over 5-inches is also planned. We’ve heard multiple reports of Apple going bigger, so this is just another instance of those claims. Both larger iPhones will allegedly sport aluminum frames, similar to Apple’s current iPhone 5s, with the iPhone 5c expected to be scrapped entirely.
Sources close to Apple’s plans warned the company’s plans haven’t been finalized, though we’ve been hearing rumors for months about a larger iPhone. Unlike previous rumors, however, WSJ said the device won’t hit until the second half of 2014, likely sticking to Apple’s current release cycle of Sept./Oct. The smaller model is said to be further along in development—mass production could start fairly soon—while the final design of the larger iPhone is still being worked out. It’s unclear how the devices will differ internally, if at all.
Many competing manufacturers have moved well beyond the 4-inch size, onto 4.7-inch and larger. Not just a short-lived trend, rivals such as Samsung have made a killing with devices with displays over 5-inches, including its flagship Galaxy S4 and even bigger Galaxy Note 3. Phablets are apparently hugely popular over in China, which has been a key target for Apple’s growth. And even though China Mobile recently began selling the iPhone for the first time, the largest model only sports a 4-inch display. Imagine a larger iPhone in the now famous gold color.
These are obviously just rumors, but the noise surrounding Apple’s supposed larger iPhone sure is loud—almost deafening. There could be logistical battles should Apple release devices with bigger screens, such as how screen resolution will affect app development. In any case, multiple reputable outlets have claimed Apple is definitely going to release a bigger iPhone, or even two. How large Apple is willing to go remains to be seen.


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VAT Hike Hits Mobile Phone Sales
Handset sales fell 75% in Maharashtra during the first ten days of July as compared to the same period in June. This follows the increase in value-added tax (VAT) from 4% to 12.5%, effective July 1.
Following the hike in VAT, the Indian Cellular Association (ICA) has now revised its estimates for VAT collections in the state from the earlier Rs 168 crore for the year to around Rs 33.5 crore.
According to Pankaj Mohindroo, president of ICA, this huge fall in collections takes into account smuggling and the grey market business, which procure their supplies from zero-duty places like Dubai. "With the increase in VAT, customers will now turn to the grey market," he said
Apart from the VAT, Maharashtra levies octroi at 5.5% and customs duty of 5% on imported handsets. According to an ICA report, VAT collections in the state fell 25%, while octroi fell by 75% during the first 10 days of July.
Interestingly, the hike in VAT has come at a time when the state is planning to penetrate into rural Maharashtra. "The price hike will be the biggest dampener to the state s rural telecom plans," said Mohindroo.
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Pablo Escobar’s Tulum Spread Gets New Life as $100 Million Hotel
(Bloomberg) -- Tulum, the fashionable beach destination on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is getting a new luxury hotel with a colorful distinction: It once belonged to the cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar.
Thor Equities Group bought Casa Magna, part of a beachfront compound once owned by Escobar, for $17.5 million, according to a representative for the firm. It plans to spend as much as $100 million to develop 40 luxury hotel rooms, a spa and high-end shops.
Casa Magna, previously the site of a small hotel, is currently unoccupied. It sits just down the beach from another hotel with ties to the Colombian drug trafficker, who died in 1993. That one, Casa Malca, now features a collection of contemporary works procured by its art-dealer owner.
Not all travelers will see a link to a brutal gangster as a selling point, but the Escobar connection may be fitting in Tulum, an often-Instagrammed favorite among the New York party crowd. The area gained favor with travelers looking for a smaller-scale alternative to Cancun, enjoying enough popularity to provoke a backlash in certain quarters.
Thor, long known as a retail landlord, has been branching into other types of commercial real estate, including warehouses and life sciences space. The firm owns a portfolio of luxury hotels in Mexico, including the Montage Los Cabos, the Thompson Playa del Carmen and the Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City, which is slated to open next year.
The new property puts the firm in an important market for the region, Thor Chairman Joe Sitt said in a statement.
“Tulum is the most stylish and now destination in all of Latin America,” he said.
©2019 Bloomberg L.P.


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They are the worst toys for 2015.
The claws can cause eye and facial injuries, and the trampoline can lead to injuries, according to the Massachusetts-based World Against Toys Causing Harm.
The advocacy group releases a top 10 list of the most hazardous toys for Christmas each year. WATCH says the toys singled out this year represent common problems and aren't the only potentially dangerous products on the market.
A Play-Doh-like substance that looks like poop also made this year's cut. WATCH says the "Poo-Dough" contains wheat and could cause allergy-related injuries such as hives, headaches and difficulty breathing.
Other items on the list include a foam dart gun, Splat X Smack Shot slingshot, Kick Flipper wheel-less skateboard, a Ninja Turtles plastic sword, Kid Connection doctor play set, and other pull-along toys.
Many of the toys on this year's list can be found at major retailers such as Toys R Us, Wal-Mart and Kmart.
They also can be bought from online sites such as Amazon.com and eBay.
WATCH urged parents to be cautious when buying toys online, where nearly 50 percent of purchases are expected to be made this season.
See the full list here.
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QR, United Group sign AUD70m loco deal
National transport and logistics company QR has signed an order for 12 new locomotives for its fleet from United Group Ltd for more than AUD70 million.
The acquisition by QR’s intermodal (containerised) business comes only weeks after it
announced a $45 million, five-year leasing deal with Downer EDI for nine new locomotives.
QR executive general manager freight Ken Lewsey said the first of the C44 Aci locomotives
was expected to be delivered in July, with final delivery planned for all 12 by December.
“These deals demonstrate our determination to build a strong position in the national general
freight market, which is worth more than $1 billion per year,” Mr Lewsey said.
“The market is forecast to double between 2000 and 2020 as product is shifted from road to
rail and with our new fleet we aim to leverage off that growth and expand our market share.
“The benefits of new rolling stock include improved reliability, availability and increased haulage capacity, which is good news for customers. It also allows for reduced fuel and maintenance costs, which enhances the competitiveness of our service offering.”
Mr Lewsey said the state-of-the-art AC traction systems installed in the new 6000-class
locomotives delivered greater haulage capability and efficiencies.
He said the new 134 tonne models had 3,250 kilowatts (kW) available for traction, meaning
two of them could deliver the power of three of the older locomotives.
”This is a big advantage in the difficult terrain on some parts of the network,” he said.
Mr Lewsey said the locomotives’ ECP braking system improved safety and reduced stopping
distances by up to 30-40% compared with the current fleet.
“There is good news for the environment too with reduced carbon emissions produced through lower fuel consumption,” he said.
Mr Lewsey said QR planned more investments to meet growing demand for its freight
services, including the purchase of new wagons to complement the delivery of the new
Each week QR Intermodal offers four services on the eastern seaboard between Cairns and
Melbourne, six services from Melbourne to Adelaide and two services from Melbourne to


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Think those fancy gadgets around your wrists are doing what they're supposed to be doing? Think again, says a new study.
A new study is making a very bold claim: those fitness trackers that have become so popular in recent years may be completely useless — at least when it comes to losing weight.
The study found that for young adults who were on a reasonably healthy diet and exercise program over the long term didn’t benefit at all from a wearable device in terms of weight loss, according to a statement from the University of Pittsburgh School of Education.
Researchers tracked people who wore the devices for 24 months, and found that they lost 2.4 kilograms less than a group on a similar program but using a website to track their progress instead. Scientists examined 471 adults between the ages of 18 and 35 who were overweight to moderately obese.
All participants self-reported their calorie intake, and were prescribed 100 to 300 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous exercise. The study found that after two years, people with a wearable device lost an average of 3.5 kilograms compared to 5.9 kilograms for those who used web-tracking.
“While usage of wearable devices is currently a popular method to track physical activity—steps taken per day or calories burned during a workout—our findings show that adding them to behavioral counseling for weight loss that includes physical activity and reduced calorie intake does not improve weight loss or physical activity engagement. Therefore, within this context, these devices should not be relied upon as tools for weight management in place of effective behavioral counseling for physical activity and diet,” said John Jakicic, the study’s lead researcher and chair of Pitt’s Department of Health and Physical Activity.


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Microsoft has launched a program that gives Web development professionals the chance to get free software and technical support to help them get new businesses off the ground.
Web development companies with less than 10 employees can apply for the new WebsiteSpark program, which was unveiled at the PICNIC conference in Amsterdam Thursday.
The program is similar to Microsoft’s BizSpark program launched last year, which provides software and other resources to startups, and the DreamSpark program, which does the same for students.
Eddie Amos, general manager for Microsoft’s developer platform and tools group, said the company added WebsiteSpark because it realized there was a “hole” in the enablement programs where Web professionals are concerned.
The programs also provide a way for Microsoft to get young companies and developers using its software in their businesses. In the Web development and Web design space many companies already use products from Adobe and other Microsoft competitors.
Through WebsiteSpark — which companies can apply for online — Microsoft will provide three licenses for Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition, two licenses for Expression Web 3 and one license for Expression Studio 3. Qualifying companies also receive four processor licenses for production use of both Windows Web Server 2008 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Web Edition.
The program also includes two technical-support incidents per company, access to community support through connections with other Microsoft partners and unlimited access to technical managed newsgroups on the Microsoft Developer Network.
Cyrus Massoumi, whose company ZocDoc has been a part of Microsoft’s BizSpark program, said getting free software and support has been a great benefit. ZocDoc provides a Web site through which people can book doctors’ appointments.
“The program enables us to work with Microsoft’s latest technologies without worrying about cost, and the savings for our data center are significant,” said Massoumi, ZocDoc’s CEO and founder.
In addition to unveiling WebsiteSpark, Microsoft Thursday also updated its Web Platform Installer software, which simplifies the installation of Microsoft Web development software to make it easier to build Web applications. The 2.0 version is available online for download.


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The proposal comes after China retaliated to that by threatening tariffs on 106 key US products. The tit-for-tat moves have unsettled global markets in recent weeks.
Analysts have said a full blown trade war between the US and China would not be good for the global economy or markets – and that ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations between the two giants were crucial.
But market reaction in Asia trade on Friday suggested investors were not too troubled by the latest twist, and that trade war fears were somewhat exaggerated. In China, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was in positive territory, up 1.3 per cent. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 was also trading higher in the afternoon session.
Earlier this year, the US announced it would impose import taxes of 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium. The tariffs would be wide ranging and would include China.
China responded this month with retaliatory tariffs worth $3bn of its own against the US on a range of goods, including pork and wine. Beijing said the move was intended to safeguard its interests and balance losses caused by the new tariffs.
Meanwhile, there had been rumblings the US was preparing to slap between $50bn and $60bn worth of tariffs on Chinese-made goods in response to unfair Chinese intellectual property practices, such as those that pressure US companies to share technology with Chinese firms.
The draft details of those import taxes were released last week when Washington set out about 1,300 Chinese products it intended to hit with tariffs set at 25 per cent worth some $50bn.
China responded swiftly by proposing retaliatory tariffs, also worth some $50bn, on 106 key US products, including soybeans, aircraft parts and orange juice. This set of tariffs was narrowly aimed at politically important sectors in the US, such as agriculture.
In Mr Trump’s Thursday statement he branded that retaliation by Beijing as “unfair”. “Rather than remedy its misconduct, China has chosen to harm our farmers and manufacturers,” he said. “In light of China’s unfair retaliation, I have instructed the USTR (United States Trade Representative) to consider whether $100bn of additional tariffs would be appropriate… and, if so, to identify the products upon which to impose such tariffs.”
He said he had also instructed agricultural officials to implement a plan to protect US farmers and agricultural interests. The threats sound strident but the actual impact is far from clear or straightforward – and will vary dramatically from product to product. To get a sense of how things might play out, let’s take soybeans as an example.
China, which is a big producer of soybeans itself, also buys about 60 per cent of all soybeans exported by the US. It uses the product to feed farmed animals, including pigs and chickens, as well as fish. Those animals are in turn used to help feed China’s enormous population.
China’s demand for soybeans and soybean products has buoyed the price of US soybeans for some time. But Beijing’s tariffs against US soybeans will mostly likely see sales to China fall off, which will in turn hurt American farmers. Many of US farmers could then be forced to switch to other crops – very few of which are as lucrative. Soybean producing areas in the US are filled with famers who voted for Mr Trump, and so some of them are now less than happy with their president.
Meanwhile, China will need to set about sourcing the extra soybeans it needs from other countries. India is one of the world’s biggest soybean producers, and analysts there have already pointed to a potential trade war between the US and China as an opportunity for its economy.
Other big soybean producers are Argentina and Brazil, and some studies suggest that is where China will turn to should the current set of proposed tariffs come into force. But it could end up paying more than it currently does, ultimately forcing up the price of those animals which eat soybean products. So that would mean pork, for example, China’s most popular meat, could get more expensive. And food price inflation is something that will worry Beijing.


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// Waterstones posts full year results at Companies House
// Profit rose 39 per cent in the full year to April 27
// Lack of a bestseller cited for reason behind marginal sales gains
Waterstones this week posted a 39 per cent rise in pretax profits for its full year after being sold to US hedge fund Elliott Advisors in April 2018.
Accounts filed at Companies House on Wednesday show pretax profits came in at £27.7 million for the full year to April 27 2019, up per cent from the £19.9 million achieved year before.
Sales rose less than two per cent from £385.7 million to £392.77 million, a figure Waterstones noted could have been higher if there had been more bestselling titles during the full year.
The bookseller opened four new shops during the year, with a further Cafe W also added to the estate in the full year to April 2019.
Five shops were closed, bringing Waterstones store total to 227 for the period under review.
The news comes one day after Waterstones chief executive James Daunt reported back on a “nerve-wracking” Christmas trading period.
Speaking to Retail Week, Daunt said Waterstones had to work harder as there was not a “blockbuster” book to be sold during the crucial Christmas trading period.


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COLOGNE — The UK’s TV networks have spent the last few years building up their distinct cross-platform catch-up services against which to sell pre-roll ads. Now they are showing interest in letting some of those ads be bought by programmatic, real-time bidding algorithms.
Speaking to Beet.TV, Danny Hopwood, the EMEA platform head for ad group Publicis’ VivaKi digital group, says: “Talking from a UK perspective, there has been some really strong conversations with some of the big broadcasters, and also some of the even bigger premium publishers that we start to use their inventory on a real-time, bidded basis.”
Hopwood oversees VivaKi’s Audience On Demand (AOD) trading desk. Programmatic ad sales techniques have been gathering pace in the static web display segment and may now disrupt video advertising. UK broadcasters’ interest in noteworthy because they have long been keen to sell their own inventory. But their interest doesn’t necessarily yet translate in to action.
“Most of the time, the conversations we have to have are helping them understand the technology and helping them tell that message to their seniors and internal colleagues,” Hopwood adds in this interview at DMEXCO.
Learn more about AOD’s programmatic video business in the full video.


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SAP is acquiring Khimetrics to provide its retail business applications customers with better pricing and product-demand analysis.
The Arizona, US-based Khimetrics, which has most of its customers in the US, has seen rapid growth, and marks the latest acquisition by SAP in its strategy to buy specialist companies operating in vertical markets.
The deal follows SAP’s acquisition of Triversity, a small software company that makes point-of-sale software. The value of the acquisition has not been revealed.
SAP’s strategy to buy niche players is in contrast to big rival Oracle, which has this year chosen to spend billions of dollars on acquiring PeopleSoft and Siebel – plus lesser amounts on retail players like Retek.
Retek, which has most of its customers in the US, was originally an SAP target before Oracle stepped in.
SAP cannot be sure that Oracle won’t step in to buy Khimetrics too, as Oracle chief executive officer Larry Ellison is on record as saying that Oracle will do everything to protect its share of the US retail market, which it claims to lead.
The SAP deal is set to be completed in January and if it goes through, Khimetrics’ Java-based software will be integrated into the SAP for Retail software portfolio.


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Japan's Lawson Inc. plans to open 35 Hawaii stores in five years
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- Staff Pacific Business News
The CEO of Lawson Inc., Japan's second-largest convenience store chain, says the Tokyo-based retailer plans to spend $30 million to open up to 35 stores in Hawaii.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports Takeshi Niinami, Lawson's president and CEO, said the company, which opened its first two Hawaii stores at the Sheraton Waikiki and the Moana Surfrider last year, would open the new stores in Waikiki and surrounding areas on Oahu over the next five years. The newspaper reports the new stores would create an estimated 700 jobs.
The newspaper reports Niinami spoke on Monday in Honolulu at a lecture sponsored by the University of Hawaii Shidler College of Business.
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Motorola has been promising an Ice Cream Sandwich update for the RAZR since the day it was announced. In fact, it was announced only hours before the Galaxy Nexus, so its upgrade to ICS has been a very long time coming.
Now the company is readying the Verizon version of the upgrade, and has posted a flashy video to show off some of the new features. Many of them are the same as stock Android — Face Unlock, a new browser, data usage limits — but the team has updated SmartActions and WebTop, two features that differentiate Motorola from the rest of the pack.
Now, the question is when the Rogers Motorola RAZR will receive the update. We heard it would be here before the end of Q2, so time is running out. Considering the update is rolling out to Verizon users starting today, we’d venture to say the Rogers version isn’t too far behind.
Check after the break for the full 2-minute demo.


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Dubai, a city that excels in pushing boundaries and redefining luxury, is about to add another architectural marvel to its already breathtaking skyline. The Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower, a collaboration between the renowned Swiss watchmaker Franck Muller and premium UAE developer London Gate, promises to be more than just a place to live. It’s a statement piece, an emblem of innovation and opulent living, and the world’s tallest residential clock tower.
Mark Your Calendars: The Unveiling is Almost Here
Get ready to witness history in the making. One Broker Group, the exclusive sales partner for this groundbreaking project, has unveiled the official launch date: January 9, 2024. This is your chance to be among the first to glimpse the grandeur of the Aeternitas Tower, named after the most complex watch ever created by Franck Muller.
Invest in Elegance: Towering Above the Ordinary
Imagine standing at a staggering 450 meters; the Aeternitas Tower will not only redefine the Dubai skyline but also offer unparalleled views of the city’s vibrant tapestry. Construction is already underway, and the initial structure hints at the magnificence to come. This won’t be just another residential building. It will be a testament to human ingenuity and a beacon of luxury living.
More Than Just a Home: A Lifestyle Experience
The Aeternitas Tower isn’t just about breathtaking views and a prestigious address. It’s about indulging in a lifestyle that surpasses expectations. Residents can choose from high-end 1, 2, 3, or 4-bedroom units, including luxurious Sky Villas, all crafted for utmost comfort and convenience.
But that’s not all. The tower boasts a plethora of amenities that cater to every whim, from a state-of-the-art gym and a relaxing spa to a cinema, a kid’s play area, a cigar lounge, and even padel tennis.
Seize the Opportunity: Price Starts at AED 1.7 Million
Imagine waking up in a meticulously designed unit, surrounded by the breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline, starting at just AED 1.7 million. With attractive prices that signify both elegance and accessibility, the Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower promises a lifestyle that transcends expectations. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of Dubai’s architectural legacy – where every detail is designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Unveiling Exclusivity: Be Among the First to Know
As the exclusive sales partner, One Broker Group offers potential buyers and investors a unique opportunity to get ahead of the curve. Before the doors open to the public, you can unlock exclusive details and insights about the Aeternitas Tower. Simply call 0523333019 or book an in-person meeting to gain a VIP perspective on this architectural marvel.
Expressions of Interest Open: Don’t Miss Your Chance
For those eager to secure a place in this iconic residence, One Broker Group is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) on a first-come-first-served basis. With competitive pricing, fully-equipped appliances, a convenient 40/60 payment plan, and a handover scheduled for 2027, the Aeternitas Tower presents an investment opportunity you won’t want to miss.
The Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower isn’t just a residential project; it’s a symbol of Dubai’s unwavering quest for excellence and serves as a testament to the power of human ambition. Be a part of this legacy. Contact OBG today and step into a world of unparalleled luxury.
P.S. Don’t forget to follow One Broker Group on social media for the latest updates on the Aeternitas Tower launch and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses.


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Ferrari is working on an all-new hybrid V6 powertrain and, according to a new report, it could pump out as much as 723 HP (733 PS).
News of a hybrid V6 from Ferrari is nothing new, as the late Sergio Marchionne had already confirmed last year that the carmaker was indeed developing such a powertrain. However, details about what vehicles it will be fitted to remain murky.
According to Car Magazine, a new-age Dino supercar is one possible candidate. Rumors about such a model have been swirling for years but so far, Ferrari has yet to even hint at building such a model.
If it gets greenlit, it will allegedly be offered in two guises. The entry-level model could use the new 2.9-liter V6 twin-turbo without any form of electrification, for an output of 610 HP and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque, while the hybrid would churn out 723 HP and up to 800 lb-ft (1084 Nm).
However, those figures may be a little ambitious, as the supposed entry-level supercar would be more more powerful than the recently unveiled, mid-range F8 Tributo.
On the other hand, Ferrari is developing a new model to sit above the F8 Tributo, but this will allegedly be powered by a twin-turbo V8 hybrid and not a V6. One other possibility is that the hybrid V6 powertrain will premiere in the upcoming Purosangue SUV that’s expected early in the next decade.
Whatever the case may be, it is clear that Ferrari is taking electrification very seriously and is planning a number of exceptionally fast hybrids. With the rest of its ICE engines having adopted forced induction, though, we are happy they will at least keep their venerable naturally aspirated V12 as well even if it’s electrified like in the LaFerrari hypercar.


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Rising interest rates and economic uncertainty are weighing on industry leaders at midyear, the latest Quarterly Sentiment Survey finds.
Industry leaders weigh in on key challenges in the first Sentiment Survey of 2022.
Industry leaders size up prospects and challenges in the latest CPE 100 Sentiment Survey.
Our quarterly survey also sheds light on what the next six months hold for the industry and the economy.
Our latest survey also offers an outlook of the industry’s prospects for the second half.
Industry leaders share insights on the capital markets outlook and other key issues in the year’s first Sentiment Survey.
Industry leaders sound an optimistic note about the prospects for next year in the latest Sentiment Survey.
In CPE’s latest sentiment survey, executives look ahead to the prospects for the industry.


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Ultimaker’s initiative to drive the global adoption of 3D printing through Talking Additive – a 3D printing podcast series is successfully reaching worldwide masses. Ultimaker chats with a string of experts from all sectors to understand the various aspects of adoption. The recent episode of the 3D printing podcast is quite an interesting one as it talks about the applications of 3D printing in the food and beverage industry.
3D Printing Podcast: 3D Printing in the Food and Beverage Industry
In its latest 3D printing podcast – Episode 8, Matt Griffin, Director of Community Development at Ultimaker, chats to several experts working in (or alongside) the food and beverage industry. They reveal how additive manufacturing has already transformed this sector, and discuss the impact it will have in the future.
The industry was already experiencing seismic change before the COVID-19 pandemic, with increasing numbers of companies incorporating 3D printing into their workflow. Now, various innovators working in the food and beverage sector share their current experiences, plus some insight into their strategic AM plans for the coming years.
The first guest is Ultimaker’s, Jeremy Evers. As part of his role as Application Engineer, Jeremy travels around the world, supporting businesses with their 3D printing applications. Over the years, he’s worked with numerous companies in the food and beverage sector. He explains how these multinational businesses are using AM to streamline processes, boost output, and increase in-house capabilities.
The second guest is Steve Cox, an industrial 3D design and additive manufacturing adoption consultant, who works closely with traditional manufacturers seeking to test the waters of 3D printing within their businesses for the first time.
And the 3D printing podcast episode concludes with a conversation with writer and consultant Joris Peels (3DPrint.com). He gives a journalist’s perspective on the industry’s developments, and how much potential 3D printing has to offer companies operating in this sector.
This 82-minute 3D printing podcast gives a sneak peek into the interesting insights from the food and beverage industry. This is the 8th episode and users can listen to earlier episodes on the Talking Additive Website.
Implications in India
It is observed that the podcast is very well received in India. It is a fact that Ultimaker has already found home in India for quite a few years with leading industries putting their faith in the Ultimaker machines.
One of the reasons for this wide acceptance of the Ultimaker 3D printers is Novabeans, a versatile 3D printing company offering the most advanced 3d printing products and services in India. They are the exclusive partners of Ultimaker in India and offer all the latest Ultimaker products with quality after-sales services to its customers across the country. For more information on Ultimaker 3D printers, please contact the team at email@example.com
Ultimaker, one of the world’s leading desktop FDM 3D printer manufacturers, offers a comprehensive solution supporting its machines with multiple software suites including CURA and Digital Factory that enhances and maximizes 3D printing efficiency to deliver a superior 3D printing experience to its users.
About Manufactur3D: Manufactur3D is an online magazine on 3D Printing. Visit our Indian Scenario page for more updates on 3D Printing News from India. To stay up-to-date about the latest happenings in the 3D printing world, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn.


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ReviewIt might look like Nokia's high-powered, business-centric E72, but the C3 offers a stripped-down spec with a price to match and the emphasis on social networking with a full, hard-key Qwerty keyboard.
Alien spymobile menaces Street View
Google had better watch its back, because El Reg has obtained evidence that a powerful rival is about to poke Street View in its all-seeing eye.
iPhone 4 satisfaction high, but lower than iPhone 3GS
Results from a small-scale survey rating satisfaction among iPhone 4 owners were released Wednesday. The verdict? Mixed.
Ofcom enlists 4-year-olds to boost dodgy DAB stats
Ofcom has an interesting new definition of what constitutes a "radio listener". It now includes four-year-old children. And at a stroke, DAB radio's prospects suddenly look a lot healthier.
HK 'Dog Man' jailed for voodoo ritual sex
A Hong Kong self-proclaimed voodoo master dubbed the "Dog Man", who engaged in ritual sex with a gullible 20-year-old student, has failed to work his magic on a judge and will spend the next 21 months behind bars.
Monitoring for security effectiveness
WorkshopIn the last of this mini-poll series, we wanted to find out whether the security monitoring mechanisms you have in place are seen as effective. To kick off, we should introduce a couple of factors we thought might make a difference, namely whether you want to monitor, and whether you have to monitor against security breaches.
Report questions millions spent on NHS.crap
An internal report into the state of NHS websites found thousands of sites that were all but impossible for the public to find, badly designed when they did find them and irrelevant to their needs.
Naomi Campbell admits handling 'blood diamonds'
Naomi Campbell has admitted that she was given diamonds in the form of "dirty stones" by henchmen of former Liberian president Charles Taylor.
Swedes decline to FCKU2MF
A Stockholm chap will not be inviting fellow motorists to FCKU2MF, after the Swedish Transport Agency, aka Transportstyrelsen, told him to take his vanity numberplate application and eff right off.
Facebook gets mobile privacy
Social networkers stricken by a sudden attack of paranoia can relax - you can now adjust your Facebook privacy settings from the palm of your hand.
Treasury considers Coins replacement
HM Treasury is looking at the possible replacement of the Combined Online Information System.
NetApp slims for Storage Foundation
NetApp is supporting Symantec's thin reclamation API, almost two years after it was announced.
Virus writer charged with destroying property
Japanese police have arrested a suspected virus writer over allegations he created and distributed an old-school virus that targeted freetards and destroyed data.
Australia imposes parental lock for digital TVs
The Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA) has searched for several months for a "technical standard to make parental lock a required feature of digital television receivers" sold in Australia.
UK ICT classes killing kids' interest in tech
The Royal Society is to investigate why British schools are failing to interest children in information technology - and why numbers taking classes are falling so fast.
Lonely Planet augments muggers' earnings
Lonely Planet's latest Compass Guides offer Android handset-packing city visitors an augmented version of reality, if they aren't busy finding the perfect geek destination at FourEyesUp.
Murdoch predicts iPads all round
Rupert Murdoch is betting big on the iPad, claiming it heralds sales of "hundreds and hundreds of millions" for tablet computers, and a revitalised newspaper industry.
Google boss turns Wave demise into success of sorts
Google boss Eric Schmidt has labelled Wave, which the company just ditched, “a very clever product”.
Caretaker faces jail for putting abuse images on boss's laptop
A school caretaker has been warned he faces a likely jail sentence for putting child sex abuse images on another caretaker's laptop.
Human hive-mind game whups computer boffinry ass
Most Reg readers are familiar with the idea of ordinary laypersons contributing computer time to academic research, in distributed computing projects such as SETI@Home. But it turns out that in some kinds of science, human brainpower - not that of trained boffins, but everyday people - can be a much more valuable resource, and can be contributed simply by playing online games.
Leicester Council's iPad can chair meetings
UpdatedA rattled Leicester City Council has reassured its staff that no extra cash has been splurged on iPads for its councillors because the four currently in use were paid for out of existing annual support packages.
Aussie opposition will scrap firewall
Joe Hockey, shadow treasurer, has told Australian radio that the Liberal Party will oppose the Australian government's planned compulsory net filter.
Verizon, Google agree to bury net neutrality - reports
Howls of outrage have greeted a report that Verizon and Google are discussing a framework for internet regulation. Politicians and regulators hope that a widely-accepted industry agreement will kill the net neutrality issue stone dead. Campaigners fear the same outcome. For where would that leave them?
Brian Blessed lends his tongue to TomTom
Brian Blessed will become the new sound of satnav this October after a Facebook group of 25,000 showed support.
Ofcom sets out recompense for luvvies
Ofcom has published a rate card for professionals wanting to know how much they'll get in exchange for shifting frequencies, averaging out at just over half the cost of replacement kit.
Want to use WD diagnostics? Buy Windows
A Windows host must be used to run Western Digital disk drive diagnostic software, forcing Linux, Unix and other O/S users to buy a Windows system if they want to use it.
Conficker's 6m strong botnet confounds security probes
AnalysisThe unknown crooks behind the infamous Conficker worm may be quietly selling off parts of the huge botnet established by the malware, but virus fighters have no way of knowing because the cryptographic defences of its command and control network have proved uncrackable.
Feds admit storing pervscanner pics
US Marshals have built a collection of more than 35,000 "virtual strip search" body scans at one Florida courthouse in just six months, despite wider assurances the technology cannot store images, it's been revealed.
Carphone's music service to seek and destroy freetards?
Carphone Warehouse's music streaming and locker service has plenty going for it - not least the price. The £29 a year subscription offers much more than Spotify, but at a quarter of the price. But one small item in the terms and conditions has caused a fuss.
Philips pumps out 7605 LCD TV series into the UK
Philips has begun flogging its latest collection of LCD TVs, the 7605 range, in the UK.
Navy SEALs to deploy armoured dogs in A'stan
Latest from the Wars On Stuff: The Register has learned that top-secret, super-elite US Navy SEAL special forces are to deploy heavily armoured bulletproof dogs equipped with infrared nightsight cameras and an "intruder communication system" able to penetrate concrete walls.
eBay car vendor flashes wedding tackle
The vendor of a green 1996 MG MGF is likely to attract a fair bit of attention to his eBay auction after partially flashing his dangly bits on the world's favourite tat bazaar:
Orange jumps on BlackBerry Torch bandwagon
Yesterday, we wrote that Vodafone was to sell RIM's BlackBerry Torch 9800 in the UK.
Clearwire puzzles over LTE migration
Clearwire will start working out how to migrate to LTE, the world’s 4G standard, and whether it will cause problems with the firm's existing WiMAX network.
Microsoft dry-cleans browser trousers ready for IE 9 beta
Microsoft completed its round of pre-beta tests of the company’s upcoming Internet Explorer 9 by releasing the fourth and final platform preview of the software yesterday.
Amazon opens UK Kindle store doors to teeming hordes
Amazon today opened its UK Kindle store for business and is offering popular e-books at massive discounts.
Indonesia joins BlackBerry wiretapping pile-on
Indonesia has joined Middle Eastern states to put pressure on RIM to provide authorities with BlackBerry interception capabilities.
Comedy Central HD hits the UK
An HD version of Comedy Central arrives in the UK this month, with Sky Digital first to broadcast, shortly followed by Virgin Media.
Cracking software retrieves iPhone 4 passwords
A Russian password-cracking company has released software it says can recover passwords stored on Apple's latest iPhone without modifying the device or any of the data stored on it.
Teradata records historic second quarter
Data warehousing pioneer Teradata has posted yet another strong quarter, begging the question (once again) what NCR was thinking when it let go of the company.
Adobe plans emergency patch for critical Reader bug
Adobe plans to release an emergency update patching a critical vulnerability in its ubiquitous Reader application that was disclosed at last week's Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas.
Why the mobile App Store bubble will burst
The rush to pour resources into mobile App Stores is doomed to fail, reckons one analyst, in a scathing overview of both the scene, and Nokia's prospects.
IE9's Acid, speed and HTML5 trip to land lost surfers
ReviewThe browser wars have taken a fresh twist with Microsoft's release of the fourth - and final - preview of Internet Explorer 9 before the beta in September.
Ballmer's 'lost generation' note finds resonance
At least one seasoned analyst agrees with Steve Ballmer's admission Microsoft has "lost a generation" of users — but from this number-cruncher's point of view, the situation is worse than Microsoft's CEO concedes.
Microsoft to set record with next Patch Tuesday
Microsoft's security patch release scheduled for next week will include a record number of bulletins that fix dozens of vulnerabilities in several of its products, the company said on Thursday.
Oracle chops Sun HPC jobs
The word coming out of the Sun portion of software giant and seemingly enthusiastic hardware supplier Oracle is that the axe has fallen on the company's HPC group.


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Tractors once were built to till the land. These days, they can automatically shift gears, steer, plot out a field, measure crop conditions and apply just the right amount of fertilizer and pesticides. Equipped with global positioning systems and other sensors, the machines practically do the work themselves.
More bells and whistles mean more money for Sauer
The result has been higher productivity in farming and more money for Sauer-Danfoss Inc., which makes parts and designs software for heavy equipment.
"A farmer is willing to pay more for a tractor like that," CEO David Anderson says.
The company, which had $1.97 billion in revenue last year, also designs and makes components for construction cranes and road pavers and tools for oil and gas exploration for customers like Caterpillar Inc. and Deere & Co. As the parts become more computerized, Sauer-Danfoss on average gets a larger chunk of a machine's retail price: 10% today vs. 0.5% seven years ago.
Lincolnshire-based Sauer-Danfoss started in 1989 as a spinoff of Sundstrand Corp., a parts maker for the aerospace and industrial markets. It went public in 1998, then merged with Danfoss Fluid Power of Denmark two years later to capture more of the global market. Europe now accounts for 48% of its business; 9% comes from Asia.
Sales have doubled since the merger. Last year, revenue jumped 13% from 2006, although net income dropped 13%, to $47.2 million, partly on costs for plant restructuring and the implementation of a $70-million, companywide computer system.
In recent years, the company has closed three U.S. manufacturing plants, including one in Downstate LaSalle, leaving it with 21, in the United States, Brazil, Europe and Asia.
The short-term outlook for companies like Sauer-Danfoss is mixed, says Frank Manfredi, president of Manfredi Associates, a Mundelein market research firm that specializes in machinery industries.
Sales of agricultural equipment will continue growing as farmers benefit from high commodity prices. But demand for construction equipment may slow as the housing slump deepens and cash-strapped governments delay road projects.
Still, the potential for growth is high. Stricter regulations on gas emissions will require companies to replace older equipment. And when the economy gets better, so will appetites for shopping.
"Once business recovers for them, they'll buy the new stuff," Mr. Manfredi says. "They'll want the latest and greatest."
Out of 16 large U.S. cities, only one ranked lower than Chicago in a new Gallup poll.
The death of the scion of one of Chicago’s richest families on his 70th birthday last month stunned the city's business, civic and philanthropic communities.
Inflation has driven up prices of alcohol and other beverages, while some food items cost less and lower gas prices make leaving town cheaper than last year.


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Ahead of the England v Italy Euro final today, EA has dropped its official reveal trailer for FIFA 22. The cover star this year will be PSG player Kylian Mbappé and the game launches on 1st October this year.
While there’s no mention of a Nintendo Switch release in the main trailer, an official press release has confirmed FIFA 22 on this particular system will be another Legacy Edition.
While no further details have been revealed at this stage, the Legacy Edition of the game means it’s running on the existing engine (designed for Switch), rather than the next-generation one and there’ll likely be no new modes or gameplay innovations.
It’s essentially just the latest kits and squads added to the game. On the plus side, it likely won’t cost as much. More details soon…


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Marketing companies are now offering a new service: social media coverage in the form of front-page placements on websites like Digg and sponsored tweets from Twitter “power accounts” yielding hundreds of thousands of followers. The cost of this service is cheap and the promised exposure is enticing – but is it all ethical? That is the question asked by Forbes’ Elizabeth Woyke in a recent article, “$240 To Place Story On Digg Front Page: One Marketing Firm’s Pitch,” and it’s not an easy one to answer.
Some have argued against the pay-for-play model that is slowly becoming prevalent across social media networks, but on the other hand, social networks need a way to make money and if companies are transparent in their dealings, is there anything really wrong with this model? As much as social media has been discussed over the past few years, it is still a burgeoning phenomenon. Social media is evolving, and because there is no formal regulation – yet – us marketers are learning and making up the model as we go.
A Mutually Beneficial Relationship
The survival of social media networks is entirely dependent on its users – if there are no users, there is no network. Sites like Digg and Reddit are completely dependent on user-generated content. Meanwhile, companies seeking increased visibility may opt to use PR companies to generate and distribute content on their behalf, or set up a corporate social account in order to share content. Social networks need content and companies want exposure– marketing companies that offer to connect the two are, in a sense, facilitating a mutually beneficial relationship (while charging a fee, of course). Is this not a win-win scenario?
While marketer’s ethical conduct in regards to social media is a topic that is still somewhat new, the issue of pay-for-play in media sponsorships has long been the subject of debate and industry scrutiny. Five years ago, advertisers were faced with considerable pressure as product placements were being written into television and movie scripts. Last year, it was the “Mommy Bloggers” who were called to task failing to be transparent in their product reviews and their “sponsors.”
Relevancy and Transparency
In these dealings, what’s critical is transparency – and relevant, meaningful content. Provided that companies fully disclose that they have sponsored the content, and that the content is useful and interesting, users won’t really care where it is from. The second that consumers believe that they are trying to be swindled by false or inauthentic content, the company’s brand reputation will be shot. Consumers will read sponsored content if it is relevant and engaging – but what they won’t stand for, and shouldn’t stand for, is having their intelligence insulted, free content or not.
What is your view? Do you care if someone has paid to take top-billing on a blog or a social media site if what they are delivering is of use, value or meaning to you?


text: NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Research in Motion Ltd. rimm said Friday it would fall short of its adjusted 2012 profit target of $5.25 to $6 a share, because of lower unit shipments in the fourth quarter. Wall Street analysts expect the BlackBerry maker to earn $4.59 a share in 2012, according to a survey by FactSet Research. The Waterloo, Ontario-based technology firm cited lower-than-expected sell-through in the third quarter and its current view of fourth quarter demand. For the third quarter, the company said it shipped 14.1 million BlackBerry smartphones in the third quarter, in line with its target range. The company expects third-quarter revenue to slightly lower than its forecast of $5.3 billion to $5.6 billion. It'll also take a third-quarter, non-cash charge of $485 million related to its inventory valuation of BlackBerry PlayBook tablets. The company reported $1.5 billion in cash at the end of the third quarter, up $80 million.


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Vivo Y3s (2021) launched in India with 5,000 mAh battery, MediaTek G35 SoC, Android 11 (Go Edition): All you need to know
The Vivo Y3s (2021) is priced at Rs 9,490 in India for the sole 2GB/32GB model.
October 19, 2021 / 01:56 PM IST
Vivo recently dropped the Y3s 2021 in India. The Vivo Y3s (2021) is a budget handset that runs on Google’s Android 11 (Go Edition). The phone also features a large battery and a MediaTek chipset.
Vivo Y3s (2021) Price in India
The Vivo Y3s (2021) is priced at Rs 9,490 in India for the sole 2GB/32GB model. The device arrives in Pearl White, Mint Green, and Starry Blue colour options. The phone is already available on Vivo India’s E-store, Flipkart, Amazon, and other retailers.
Vivo Y3s (2021) Specs
The Vivo Y3s (2021) is powered by a MediaTek Helio G35 SoC paired with 2GB of RAM. The phone also comes with 32GB of internal storage that is expandable via a microSD card. The Y3s (2021) sports a 6.51-inch HD+ LCD panel with a waterdrop notch.
For optics, the Y3s gets a single 13 MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture on the back. The module also houses an LED flash. On the front, the notch features a 5 MP selfie camera with an f/1.8 aperture.
The Vivo Y3s (2021) packs a 5,000 mAh battery that is claimed to deliver up to 8 hours of gaming and up to 19 hours of HD streaming. The Vivo Y3s runs on Android 11 Go Edition based on Funtouch OS. Connectivity options on the device include 4G, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, a microUSB port, and more. The phone also supports Face Unlock.