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The past two years were a litmus test of sorts for all standard operating procedures and technical systems in the financial sector. It showed both inefficiencies and deficiencies — broken digital account opening processes, subpar back-office procedures, and a lack of online customer engagement mechanisms.
We’ve all learned our lessons and know who’s a winner. But let’s be real: this was just another crisis. More will come and go. Yet banking will remain an in-demand service.
The question many are now asking is who will own the banking experience? Traditional financial service providers, digital-first players, or tech companies? Because all of them are trying to dominate.
The changing shape of financial ecosystems
As consumers, banks, and governments alike progressively recover from the economic slump, the financial sector is getting more bullish about growth prospects.
Consumers’ balance sheet is in excellent, outstanding shape — coiled, ready to go and they’re starting to spend money. Consumers have $2 trillion in more cash in their checking accounts than they had before Covid primarily due to reduced personal spending.
Investment in FinTech has also resumed. In the second quarter of 2021, US FinTech companies attracted nearly $7.5 billion in venture capital, up by 70% from a year before. Banks are gearing up for aggressive growth too. According to Forrester, most plan to increase already lavish spending on tech by double-digit percentages in 2022.
The line between FinTechs and traditional banks are getting blurrier by the minute. Technologically, the leaders in both categories are on similar levels — both have completed a major chunk of frontend and backend transformations in response to operational and customer cues.
From the market perspective, incumbents still have larger customer bases and hold more capital. Successful FinTechs have managed to attract and retain only certain market segments — Millennial consumers or the underbanked — and have eroded incumbents’ profitable service lines such as cross-border money transfers, personal investment, and lending to some extent.
Since the mid-2010s, the financial sector has been talking about the great “unbundling” of banks. But we believe that somewhat different market dynamics will emerge over the next decade.
Consumers are not ditching their primary banks. They just no longer recognize one institution as primary because they’ve amassed a portfolio of financial products from banks, FinTech companies, and TechFins.
The percentage of U.S. consumers using technology to manage their finances has increased from 58% to 88% (86% in the UK). More people use financial apps than social media (72%) or video streaming services (78%).
What’s more, the growth has been tremendous among all demographics including Baby Boomers, with whom adoption of digital banking surged from 39% to 79% over the past year.
Thanks to technology, FinTech companies have commoditized access to what was once seen as complex or exorbitantly expensive services — personal financial management, fast loan pre-qualification and approvals, portfolio management, and so on.
However, because of unbundling, no financial player now has a complete view into consumers’ financial lives — not even a consumer’s primary banking institution. And that’s the challenge the industry will have to tackle next.
Embrace digitalization in banking and benefit from a full spectrum of digital banking development services by Intellias
Financial trends for 2022: A shift to ecosystems
Banks and FinTechs now occupy equal space on consumers’ phones (and in their minds). But the problem is that everyone has limited mental bandwidth.
When financial products become too numerous, one of them must go. Or bundle back up with others, but on better terms.
Banks and FinTechs are aware that they cannot capture the market without each other’s help. The bar for the connected customer experience is set high. Few can reach it fast enough on their own.
For banks, legacy technology and lack of expertise often stand in the way of agile finances. FinTechs, on the contrary, can’t make the regulatory machine move faster than it goes. Similarly, aggressive customer acquisition and market expansion also require time and/or major cash injections.
Finally, growth and innovation are hard to pull off on your own. Every side has its strengths and weaknesses:
But together, banks and FinTechs can complement and reinforce each other.
Today, it’s no longer bank vs FinTech or bank vs neobank. There are leaders at each end as well as laggards struggling to catch up. In the middle stands a confused consumer who was first enticed by the accessibility and variety of financial offers but now wants clarity and convenience above all else.
The financial market has enough room for everyone, especially if all players join forces and start working on an equitable ecosystem, where value trickles from one player to another through joint offers, tech and operational partnerships, and transparent data exchanges.
In the next decade, ecosystems will be an industry mega-trend that serves as a springboard for other shifts.
In 2022, we’re already seeing some moves in that direction.
1. Embedded finance and financial services from tech companies
Over 90% of multinational companies have mentioned planning to expand their activities in business ecosystems. Many of them (not just GAFA) are looking to move to the financial turf.
Open Banking has reduced the barrier to accessing financial services, and tech-led companies are profiting from this. What’s more, they already have an edge over traditional banks thanks to a convenient online experience (or the ability to create one).
That’s a major advantage because 81% of adults say the quality of the online experience determines who they bank with. All generations favor a stellar digital banking experience.
46% of those in the 55+ age group stated that online banking experience was “very important” compared to only 26% of 18-24-year-olds.
But the bigger question is who will deliver it and how?
In the next decade, innovation won’t just come from existing financial service providers. Companies adding financial services for the very first time will partner with existing market players to launch embedded financial services or joint products.
We are already seeing this in the works:
- Apple and Goldman Sachs plan to launch a buy now, pay later option to compete with other players in this profitable vertical.
- Square has presented basic business bank accounts together with Sutton Bank and will likely further expand the service portfolio.
- Uber’s alliance with BBVA Mexico has proven to be a success. More markets will follow.
- The German subsidiary of Telefonica launched an o2 Banking service with Solaris Bank — a current/checking account with add-ons such as a debit or credit card.
The advantage all these companies have is the ability to collect large swaths of data on consumer preferences and then use it to launch the right type of offering. Then they can extend big data analytics to new financial data to further refine their offerings and target consumers with great precision.
Surely, this foray into the financial sector isn’t all smooth. Big Tech companies are under heavy regulatory scrutiny. In fact, Google has abandoned its earlier plans to launch a digital banking service. But it’s certainly not the end of their ambitions.
Big Tech firms will remain partners to the financial sector. After all, most already provide critical cloud infrastructure and data analytics services to banks for running their operations. Plus, with Open Banking, we’ll probably see more embedded finance scenarios where non-tech players use partners’ services in their products.
Challenges and opportunities for 2022–2030
- Every company now has the chance to become a financial company thanks to banking as a service (BaaS) and Open Banking.
- Traditional banks and FinTechs can become partners to new tech entrants and profit from this low-margin, high-volume revenue stream.
- For that to happen, however, better relationship governance is required, both operational and technological.
2. Digital currencies land in banks
Decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) were two hot subjects in 2021. But are these the remains of earlier blockchain hype or major new trends in the financial sector? We believe the second.
For years, global banks have been looking for ways to soften the impact of markets (and governments) on their operations.
Technology has finally caught up with that demand and now allows banks to create private business ledgers and issue central digital bank currency (CBDC).
A central digital bank currency is bank-supplied electronic cash customers can use to make online payments and transfers.
Source: Bank of England — Central Bank Digital Currency: opportunities, challenges, and design
The only difference between traditional currency and central digital bank currency is that the latter won’t be overseen by any public authority. Instead, central banks will retain full control over the money supply and exercise greater control over monetary policy. Likewise, as we carry less physical cash, CBDC can ensure that populations always have access to central bank money.
Nearly every central bank in the world did some work on digital currencies. Some 60% are working on “proof of concept” testing, though just 14% have actually launched a pilot program or are in development.
Consumers are on board too: 73% say they trust their financial institutions more than the government when it comes to banking and personal finance, while 51% feel the opposite way.
So who plans to mint digital currencies?
- Banque de France and SEBA Bank conducted a successful joint experiment. The FIs used a central bank digital currency to simulate a settlement of listed securities. Banque de France simulated CBDC issuance on a public blockchain but added an extra security and confidentiality layer using smart contracts.
- The US Federal Reserve is working with MIT to research and experiment with different designs for a digital dollar currency.
- The European Central Bank is assessing different scenarios for launching a digital euro within the next several years.
- China is ahead of the curve and has already tested an e-CNY during a recent shopping event. Unlike Western counterparts, the local coin isn’t blockchain-based.
Challenges and opportunities for 2022–2030
- Central digital bank currencies can improve the speed, efficiency, and security of payments as well as lower the cost of global payment systems.
- Bank-issued stablecoins can also accelerate the digital economy and help launch new products like more affordable cross-border transfers and Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) services.
- However, the financial sector will have to agree on the terms of coexistence for CBDC and standard cash as well as design operational infrastructure for such coins jointly with the private sector.
3. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) and POS lending
Buy now, pay later isn’t a new concept. Consumer lending is a long-standing banking service. So why are companies like Klarna and Affirm seeing double-digit growth?
Source: C+R Research — Buy Now Pay Later Statistics and User Habits
Because they’ve leveraged technology to create a faster and simpler online lending experience. Customers don’t need to call up an agent or log in to an app to request a higher credit limit. Instead, they’re offered to pay in installments in one click. Customers are hooked, and banks are following suit.
What’s curious, however, is that many players choose to team up with BNLP companies instead of undercutting them:
- Klarna partnered with German CommerceBank. The bank gained access to Klarna’s BNPL feature, while Klarna got an opportunity to extend bank accounts to its users.
- Affirm launched high yield savings accounts with Cross River Bank to complement existing services. What’s more interesting is Affirm’s recent partnership with Amazon, as it excludes banks from the equation.
- Zopa, Revolut, and Monzo have also announced plans to launch no-fee BNPL-like credit products in 2022.
- NatWest and HSBC now allow cardholders to create installment plans for individual purchases with fees lower than standard credit card rates.
Clearly, BNPL is a hot service, eroding some of the lending profits. But it won’t kill off credit cards completely. BNPL can be an affordable alternative form of credit for people with thin credit files and limited credit history.
But because of that, BNPLs will soon have to get more diligent with customer vetting. Currently, most players don’t do much KYC or many credit checks. They also don’t report their loans to credit reference agencies.
And that creates a problem: other FIs can’t get the full picture of a customer’s obligations. This makes it easier for a reckless borrower to amass a lot of loans. So once again, joint action and improved data exchange could drive more cumulative value for everyone in this niche.
Challenges and opportunities for 2022–2030
- Buy now, pay later isn’t a novel concept, but digitization has made it more convenient and accessible to customers.
- Banks can beef up their profits by styling their lending as BNPL. Doing so will require some technical changes but has the potential to yield high returns.
- Partnerships with BNPLs can help other FIs gain visibility into customers’ lives and provide better personal financial management tips.
- BNPL companies, on the other hand, will soon need to address the emerging lending risks. Many will require better credit scoring capabilities.
4. Sustainability and inclusivity as new CX pillars
Banks don’t have as powerful of brands as tech companies. Fewer people truly like their bank or even trust it to do the right thing. But trust is a core factor that makes consumers stay with a traditional bank over a FinTech.
Trustworthiness and personal relationships, two areas of strength for incumbents, are the most important factors driving trust in PFRs, outweighing product impacts.
But since we still need to park our money somewhere, we stay with at least one bank. However, consumers gladly switch to alternative options from chummier and more transparent tech and FinTech companies.
Banks, on the other hand, are still rebuilding the trust lost during the previous financial crisis and the latest hiccups due to the pandemic. To date, incumbents have tried a lot of things:
- Using folksy, friendly names like Marcus for new products, de-jargonizing marketing, and making the fine print bigger
- Embracing open banking standards to give users much-demanded transparency
- Transforming the internal culture to gain better capabilities and processes in order to keep the promises made to customers
Yet a bigger battle is still ahead — extending greater care to vulnerable customers and building an inclusive customer experience.
According to the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), there are four areas of vulnerability that banks must consider in decision-making:
- Customer’s resilience
- Customer’s capabilities
- Financial and health well-being
- Any special life events
How can banks do better on the above? By investing in better customer analytics and alternative financial data as proof of financial standing to make lending more accessible to underbanked consumers and people with thin credit profiles.
- Establish proper environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) that goes beyond paying lip service to regulators’ demands.
Speaking of the latter, both investors and consumers now expect financial institutions to take a more proactive stance on “green” matters. Europe, in particular, is leading the way with an array of sustainable finance regulations and taxonomies, pending final approvals.
Products such as green loans and mortgages, impact investment, and even checking accounts with carbon-tracking features are in demand among consumers.
How can banks go green?
- New product launches. Players in the wealth and asset management space can provide investors with tools to invest in green initiatives. That’s what Barclays and Deutsche Bank are doing. Or they can look into alternative types of sustainable financial products such as carbon tracking features, credit cards promoting sustainability rewards, green deposit accounts, or impact-oriented business banking products.
- De-carbonization. To date, around 50% of major financial services firms have set net-zero targets for 2050. How will they meet them? No one knows for certain, but CSR data and analytics will be crucial to first measure the current baselines and then work on progressive decarbonization plans.
Challenges and opportunities for 2022–2030
- Incumbent banks are still viewed as the most trustworthy entities. But few have done a proper job engaging vulnerable and underbanked consumers.
- New generations, however, have a lower affinity towards traditional FIs. They want to see more relevant, innovative, and competitive offers from their primary institution.
- Winning over new generations is crucial to future profits, since younger consumers are now deciding where they will keep most of their current (and future) wealth.
- Younger generations also want to feel empowered and educated by their financial service providers. Plus, they want to be equipped with the tools to support the causes they care about.
Discover the most promising technological trends that will dominate the market in the next decade
5. Scalable artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
AI in banking remains a hot subject. According to a UBS Evidence Lab report, 75% of banks with over $100 billion in assets have some AI pilots underway. 46% of smaller banks are in this race too.
The high interest makes perfect sense, as the potential of AI in banking is lavish.
AI technologies could potentially deliver up to $1 trillion of additional value each year for the financial sector.
Some of the much-discussed AI use cases in finance include:
- Algorithmic credit scoring and loan underwriting
- Automated KYC and digital account opening
- Fraud detection and security analysis
- Robo-investing and asset management
- Personal financial management
- Risk and operational management
But are banks today truly AI-powered? Not to the extent many might think.
Despite running a cohort of successful trials for new AI/ML-driven products and services, most financial services companies struggle to scale their AI towards a wider range of operations. Why?
Because most standard financial processes are not suited for AI automation. They were never designed to be performed algorithmically. Thus, when banks attempt to apply intelligent automation in existing settings, havoc ensues. A rigid legacy banking core, a lack of effective data governance, siloed access to data, and outmoded operating models stand in the way of AI adoption.
It’s time to admit that we can’t prod AI to fit outdated processes. The financial sector needs to create fit-for-AI processes first. Then model different use case scenarios.
AI is a disruptive technology in the sense that its implementation often requires fundamental operational and technological changes across an array of systems. But many financial leaders lack a clear vision of how these transformations should be staged to achieve value.
At the most basic levels, banks will need to get four things in place to set the stage for scaled AI adoption:
- Modernize core banking systems to improve their capacity and flexibility for supporting fast data processing.
- Establish an API strategy to govern integrations between different internal and external services to gain access to more data.
- Create a data governance platform for collecting, analyzing, and distributing raw intelligence among connected services.
- Adopt DevOps processes for building, testing, and deploying AI models, as well as other tech products, in a standardized way.
Only once you’ve done all of these things does it make sense to start thinking about scaled AI implementation.
Challenges and opportunities for 2022–2030
- Intelligent automation isn’t a silver bullet for outdated, inefficient, and subpar processes.
- AI pilots can easily turn into a costly expense rather than a winning investment in banks with low technical and operational maturity.
- To scale AI and realize the most value from it, banks will have to transform their capabilities across several layers — infrastructure, data management, back-office processes, and customer engagement processes.
The race to build an end-to-end ecosystem is on
Finance is no longer the exclusive turf of financial institutions. With the entry barrier down (and being lowered further by technology and regulations), more players will enter the space. Should you be worried about the competition?
Probably, if you have no intention to switch to systemic thinking. Ecosystems provide all participants with the power to generate more revenue with little extra capital injection. Instead of building a new product, you can integrate an existing offer from a partner or rent out your services for a fee.
By doing this, you can not only tap into extra revenue streams but also improve your customer experience. By offering a wide array of embedded, interconnected services, you can fulfill a wider spectrum of customers’ needs at different life stages.
And those who manage to assume this position of a unifier in cross-industry relationships will be best positioned for growth over the next decade!
Contact Intellias to discuss how we can help you technologically prepare for transitioning your business to an ecosystem level.


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Update: Amazon, Facebook, Apple and More Lower Streaming Quality In Europe, Following Netflix Example
YouTube joins Netflix in helping to reduce traffic stress.
THR reports that all these companies are following in the footsetps of Netflix and YouTube, who both announced last week that they would comply with European government requests to help tackle the pressure on internet bandwidth as streaming rates soar while many are forced to stay indoors.
UPDATE 2: YouTube has joined Netflix in committing to defaulting streaming quality to standard definition across Europe.
A YouTube spokesperson wrote: “People are coming to YouTube to find authoritative news, learning content and make connections during these uncertain times. While we have seen only a few usage peaks, we have measures in place to automatically adjust our system to use less network capacity.
"We are in ongoing conversations with the regulators (including Ofcom), governments and network operators all over Europe, and are making a commitment to temporarily default all traffic in the UK and the EU to standard definition. We will continue our work to minimise stress on the system, while also delivering a good user experience.”
From the statement's wording, it appears that users will still be able to choose to up their quality to HD, but that videos will initially display in a lower quality.
UPDATE: Netflix has agreed to reduce bandwidth in Europe over the next 30 days, according to Variety. It's not clear at this time how this will affect the quality of streams.
“Following the discussions between Commissioner Thierry Breton and Reed Hastings — and given the extraordinary challenges raised by the coronavirus — Netflix has decided to begin reducing bit rates across all our streams in Europe for 30 days,” a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement to Variety. “We estimate that this will reduce Netflix traffic on European networks by around 25% while also ensuring a good quality service for our members.”
The company has yet to announce if they plan to do the same for any other markets. Variety reports that about 30% of Netflix's users come from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
ORIGINAL STORY: The European Union has urged Netflix and other streaming services to restrict users from streaming in high definition to help to ease bandwidth strain amid concerns of surges in online traffic during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic despite there being no reports of outages or adverse affects at this time.
As reported by CNN, European Commissioner Thierry Breton has asked streamers to switch the quality of its movies and TV shows from high definition to standard definition in order to manage the increased demand from users who are at home due to forced lockdowns.
In a tweet on Wednesday, Breton confirmed that he had spoken to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings about the issue, as he encouraged people and companies to "switch to standard definition when HD is not necessary" to avoid putting infrastructures "in strain" and ensure that everyone has "secure internet access."
Teleworking & streaming help a lot but infrastructures might be in strain.
To secure Internet access for all, let’s #SwitchToStandard definition when HD is not necessary.
— Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) March 18, 2020
In a secondary statement on Thursday, Breton stressed the importance of streaming platforms, telecom operators, and users taking the necessary action to reduce congestion and to safeguard the "smooth functioning of the internet during the battle against the virus propagation."
A Netflix spokesperson told CNN, "Commissioner Breton is right to highlight the importance of ensuring that the internet continues to run smoothly during this critical time. We've been focused on network efficiency for many years, including providing our open connect service for free to telecommunications companies."
The streaming giant also confirmed that it already takes measures to reduce the consumption of bandwidth by adjusting stream quality based on available network capacity and using a special network to deliver its library of content. Further, there have been no reports of outages or adverse affects as a result of the increased usage so far.
At the moment of writing, cities in the USA have been following the lead of many in Europe with mandatory lockdowns. San Francisco and Los Angeles, California both announced lockdowns that include mandatory work-from-home policies, and shutting down bars and other high-risk gathering spaces. The most recent World Health Organization confirmed over 200 thousand cases globally, though that number increases every day.
Consequently, people have been looking for ways to connect with their friends without having to leave the comfort of their sofas, with many turning to Netflix Party, a Google Chrome extension that allows multiple users to stream a Netflix show or movie together at the same time. This in itself shows a shift in behaviour as more and more people move towards indoor activities and creative connectivity at this unprecedented time.
For a list of recommendations on how best to help, and stay safe, during the Coronavirus pandemic, please read our resource guide.
Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

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Editor’s note: With our coronavirus coverage, our goal is not to alarm you but to equip you with the information you need. We will try to keep things in context and focus on helping you make decisions. See a list of resources and frequently asked questions here.
CINCINNATI -- Friday marked the first time small businesses could apply for a new loan from the federal government. The nearly $350 billion being distributed nationwide is designed to save stores from closing for good and put money in the hands of employees.
The loans are being distributed in a first come, first served system for entrepreneurs and, in turn, their employees. The money can be used for payroll, rent and utilities, but the loans are expected to go quickly.
“Hopefully, this will give these small businesses a chance to reopen again, hopefully as soon as possible,” said Congressman Steve Chabot, who represents Ohio's first district.
It’s the multi-billion-dollar boost many have been waiting for. Ranking member of the House Committee on Small Business Chabot said for those who apply early, the money should arrive soon.
“We’re hoping that it’s quick,” Chabot said. “A week, two weeks. Something like that, but there’s no way to know for sure.”
Instead of calling the Small Business Administration, Chabot said the best way to apply is to call your local bank.
“That’s who’s going to make the loans,” Chabot said.
The application process may require some patience as everyone rushes to apply and banks are forced to adapt.
“The issue is that these rules are changing,” financial planner Crystal Faulkner said. “Everything’s fluid and the SBA literally is changing some of the rules almost daily.”
Faulkner’s firm is fielding calls non-stop about which businesses qualify and how long the money will be there.
“What so many employers are concerned about is the money running out, even though it’s almost a $350 billion stimulus package; it’s available to people that are really not much in terms of criteria,” Faulkner said.
Under the loan's payroll protection plan, 75% of the loan is supposed to help pay employees, with 25% going to things like rent and utilities -- but that comes with a major catch.
“The restaurant down the street or the one right here behind me that’s closed, they don’t have any employees to pay,” Faulkner said. “The only way they’re going to take advantage of the new 7A payroll protection loan is if they call those employees back and put them back on the payroll.”
Business owners can also apply for a disaster recovery loan, which can be paid back at a low interest rate over several decades. There are options for those without employees as well.
“Those individuals who operate as the sole proprietor or even a 1099 contractor can still apply for these loans,” Faulkner said. “The issue is the guidelines for the smaller, one-man businesses aren’t even out yet. It’s just not clear.”
Chabot said businesses who miss out on this initial opportunity will likely have another chance to apply at another point in time.
“As a fiscal conservative, I obviously think, ‘Can we afford to spend this money?' but also, 'Can we afford not to?'” Chabot said.
More information can be found on the Small Business Administration’s website.


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VAT Impact on UAE Economy
International Monetary Fund official said, The United Arab Emirates economy is expected to recover gradually next year without suffering a significant blow to growth from the introduction of a 5% value-added tax in January 2018, main concern is that how will it affect the economy of UAE.
UAE is expecting that new year will bring excitement as they are introducing new VAT laws which will change entire functioning of the economy. VAT will have varying impacts on different businesses. It is also expected that the introduction of VAT next month will be a big change for consumers and companies, which have long been accustomed to minimal taxation in the Gulf.
Natalia Tamirisa, IMF mission chief stated that, “We see a gradual recovery for the UAE over the next few years on the back of firming oil prices, a pick-up in global trade, investment for Expo 2020 and easing fiscal consolidation,” she also added that “Non-oil sector growth is projected to rise from 1.9 percent this year to 2.8 percent next year, and to continue climbing to between 3.3 and 3.5 percent in 2020.”
All the SMEs and large corporations are yet to figure out how to inculcate the new tax system in their different business verticals and how it impacts their existing business operations ranging from the financial system to supply chain arrangements to end consumer pricing But Tamirisa said the effect was not likely to be large enough to hurt the economic recovery, and that the government looked set to manage the launch of the tax without disrupting business.
IMF expects the following:
- UAE’s consolidated fiscal deficit, including the federal government and all seven emirates, to shrink to 1.3 percent of gross domestic product next year and gradually disappear in subsequent years, from 2.2 percent this year and 2.5 percent in 2016.
- Oil will average over $62 a barrel next year, based on futures prices, compared to an average of about $54 this year.
- The efficient and sustained implementation of VAT can potentially generate enough revenue in the tunes of 1.5% of the existing national GDP.
- Inflation is estimated to rise to 3% in 2018 from 2.2% in 2017, before falling to 2.5% in 2019.
But with great reforms come great implementation hassle. The businesses especially the SME sector is more bewildered with the announcement than the big corporations. Majority of them are yet to research and decide the most optimal way to implement it. There lies the Elephant in the room in the form of cash flow crisis that has not been addressed by either party. Traditionally small businesses rely heavily on Cash Flow, and being penalized for some unfortunate business practice could break the entrepreneurship sentiment of the country, hence it's very important to generate awareness among the business community before rolling out such an economic reform at a mammoth scale.
The ministry has openly demonstrated the seriousness of the new reform by implying heavy penalty at different staged for tax evasion but only in the coming days post the implementation, when the real numbers and data will pour in, the implication and effect could be assessed and debated in length, till then both the consumers and businesses are on the virtue of clarity and implementation of the new tax system.


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Online accounting software provider Xero announced an expanded U.S. executive team and board of directors Wednesday, appointing Peter Karpas as chief executive officer in North America, Chris Liddell as chairman of the board and Bill Veghte as director of the board.
These appointments bring in leadership from companies including Hewlett Packard, PayPal, Microsoft, General Motors and Intuit.
Peter Karpas, CEO, North America, joins Xero from PayPal, where he served as vice president and general manager, North America, for small and medium business. Prior to that, he held senior roles at Intuit, including chief marketing and chief product management officer and senior vice president.
"The small business market is a massive opportunity and one that I am tremendously passionate about,” stated Karpas. “Hard working business owners across the U.S. contribute to more than half of our nation’s GDP, and Xero is driven to help these businesses prosper. I’m beyond thrilled to work with U.S. President Jamie Sutherland and the team, as I’ve been a huge fan of Xero’s cloud platform for several years and am impressed with its progress and customer centric approach. I believe we can be the No. 1 solution for small businesses in America and we’re building the best team to make that happen.”
Karpas’ appointment will be effective Feb. 24.
Most recently holding the roles of vice chairman and CFO during his tenure at General Motors, Liddell led the company’s global finance operations and $23 billion IPO in November 2010.
Previously, Liddell served as senior vice president and CFO at Microsoft and prior to that, CFO at International Paper. He had joined from Carter Holt Harvey, where he became CEO in 1999.
Based in San Francisco, new director of Xero’s board Bill Veghte currently runs HP’s enterprise group as executive vice president and general manager.


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- Enhances Revenue, Prevents Leakages
A former Ministry Secretary’s suggestion to have a low, one slab import duty regime across the board to enhance Government revenue, which will at the same time prevent leakages, was supported by a former Director General of Customs.
Former Enterprise Development Ministry Secretary Ranjith Fernando speaking at a tax seminar on Tuesday (September 21) said that during the two year period he was Ministry Secretary, a study revealed that despite the fact that there was an import tax regime as high as 50-60% on certain items at that time, revenue collected amounted to only 4% of the total items imported.
He attributed this leakage to corruption.
Fernando, a former CEO/director of NDB Bank (NDB) and currently Chairman United Motors Lanka PLC, the sole agent in the island for brand new Mitsubishi vehicles was Enterprise Development Ministry Secretary from December 2001 to April 2004, the brief period when the UNP/UNF Government was in power.
He said that places such as Dubai and Singapore charge a flat duty rate of 5% across the board and advocated that Sri Lanka too should follow those examples.
Fernando further said that even protectionist India was dismantling its high duty structures, with the highest duty now applicable being 20%. In Sri Lanka’s case the highest duty slab applicable was 28%. The island has some five duty slabs.
Former Director General Customs Sarath Jayathilake, another speaker at this event, lending support to Fernando’s argument for the need of having a low import duty structure said that the ports and airport levy (PAL), which cuts across all import sectors, and which is of a standard rate, is one of the highest import tax earners in the country.
PAL which was previously 2.5% was increased to 5%, he said. Jayathilake said that there are some 10 different types of taxes applicable at the point of import, whereas in 1994 this figure was only four. Meanwhile Central Bank statistics showed that while earnings from import duties last year were Rs. 79.8 billion, earnings from PAL were Rs. 36.3 billion.
Jayathilake however disputed Fernando’s ratio of imports versus import taxes collected, saying that 50% of the imported items that enter the country come in on a duty free basis by virtue of the fact those were imports made by BoI companies and hence not being liable to pay any duties.
He further said that additionally certain essential commodities were also allowed duty free entry into the country. Therefore Fernando’s argument, that despite the existence of a high import tax regime, that import taxes collected, from all imports made, being equivalent to 4% was not correct, when the BoI regime and the duty free imports of certain essential commodities are also factored into the equation.
Assistant Customs Superintendent Peter M. Goonewardena lending his voice of dissent to Fernando’s suggestion of having a low duty regime across the board said that poverty in the country was such that there were sections of the population who would not be able to survive even in the event that a 4% low duty free regime was imposed across the board, covering both essential commodities as well as luxury vehicles, the latter consumer of whom were only the rich.
Goonewardena also contended that India could afford to lower their duty structure because their export sector was strong, unlike that of Sri Lanka’s. No amount of trade agreements have had helped to uplift Sri Lanka’s export sector, he said.
Goonewardena voiced the danger, that in the event Sri Lanka has a low duty regime, its foreign exchange would be frittered away due to the liberal import of luxury items.
Fernando however agreed to Goonewardena’s contention that luxury vehicles should not be subjected to a low 4% duty.
He however disagreed with Goonewardena’s view that a 4% duty on certain essential items, which are now allowed duty free, would hit the poor, as the margins alone kept on such items were more than 4%.
Fernando was also of the view that the reason why India’s export sector was performing was because they opened up their economy, thereby getting foreign investments and the latest technologies down and were thus in a position to imbibe the latest in such developments and apply such learnings to their export sector, thereby improving the same.
He contended the reason why India’s software/BPO export sector was strong was because they opened up their economy.
The seminar was organized by Colombo University’s Law Faculty Alumni Association.


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Fitness check on the car sector in Europe – Vehicles testing and emission scandal
The 28th of September 2016, CITA will take part at the conference ‘Fitness check on the car sector in Europe- Vehicles testing and emission scandal’, hosted by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC).
Besides CITA, confirmed speakers include representatives from the European Parliament, the DG Grow, the International Council on Clean Transportation, the Association for Emissions Control by Catalyst, the Transport & Environment, and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association – ACEA.
The aim of this conference is take stock of the ongoing developments in the car sector to address consumers’ concerns related: the use of accurate fuel consumption figures, compensation demands and high NOx emission outputs.
The event will allow for a specific focus on what is required at both the European and national level to restore consumer trust in the car sector. In addition, the debate will focus on appropriate EU and national measures with regard to vehicle testing, type approval, market surveillance and liability issues.
It will be an occasion to discuss future mobility challenges in the car sector such as decarbonisation and new mobility solutions, and try to answer the question what will have to change to arrive at a cleaner car mobility future.


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The brainchild of comic book creator Mark Millar, Millarworld has been responsible for characters and storylines like Kick-Ass, Kingsman, and Old Man Logan, all of which have been made into major studio films in recent years. Netflix knows this fact first-hand from its various, exclusive Marvel shows, but now the streaming video giant has gone a step further, actually popping off to the shop and picking up a comic book company to call its own. He developed the comic books and story arcs that inspired the first "Avengers" movie, "Captain America: Civil War", and "Logan". Kingsman, Kick-Ass and Wanted have already been turned into feature films (the second Kingsman movie releases on September 22), so it's unclear how the deal will treat these existing properties.
For Netflix, buying Millarworld seems logical given the SVOD's deep ties to Marvel, where Millar spent eight years.
Terms of the deal between Netflix and the comics world guru weren't announced.
According to a statement released by the two companies, Netflix will bring Millarworld's characters into its quickly growing content library through films, television series and even kids' shows.
Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds Expansion Now Has A Release Date
E3 2017 feels like it happened a million years ago, but some of the promises made at the show are coming home to roost. The developer plans on sharing more information about the upcoming expansion as we get closer to the actual launch.
Millar said in the statement: "I'm so in love with what Netflix is doing and excited by their plans". "It instantly felt like home, and the team around that table felt like people who would help us take Millarworld's characters and turn them into global powerhouses".
"We can't wait to harness the creative power of Millarworld to Netflix and start a new era in global storytelling".
Sarandos said new super-hero, anti-hero, sci-fi, fantasy and horror stories will be created.


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There’s nothing more frustrating at the start of a cruise than having to queue to check in and go through the necessary security procedures. Especially if you’ve had to queue even to get into the terminal before the process can begin.
Royal Caribbean International is promising to leave its competitors standing when it comes to UK cruise departures from Southampton and announced its seven-year-deal on board the biggest cruise ship in the world.
As part of a £5.5 million investment in City Cruise Terminal, RCI promises that passengers will be at the ships’ gangway within 10 minutes of stepping from the car, taxi or coach delivering them to the terminal.
During a ceremony to mark Harmony of the Seas’ maiden call to the city, RCI managing director Stuart Leven announced a package of improvements.
Paperless check-in – by which passengers complete most of the procedures online in advance – is just one of the advancements.
Other upgrades include improvement to layout and security screening areas, free wifi throughout the terminal, step-free-access to ships up to Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, as well as the addition of digital signage and ‘wow walls’ to build excitement as guests check-in. New air-conditioning has been installed throughout the building.
Leven said: “Each year, more than 1.5 million holidaymakers either start or end their cruise holidays in Southampton, making the port Europe’s largest cruise ship hub. [It] deserves best-in-class facilities and at Royal Caribbean we are constantly looking for ways to improve the passenger experience. I want our passengers’ extraordinary adventure to begin the moment they arrive at the port, before they even step on board the ship.
“The investment Royal Caribbean has made into the Port is good news for our passengers and good news for Southampton’s economy.”
Alastair Welch, Southampton director of Associated British Ports, added: “We are delighted to confirm that the port of Southampton will be the official UK home of Royal Caribbean until 2023. It is great news for the UK economy, and the landmark deal can only increase the significant contribution cruise makes to the 15,000 jobs and £1bn economic contribution of the port.”


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See how the new Range Rover Evoque breaks into crash testsApril 10, 2019
The crossover received five stars for protecting passengers
The European organization Euro NCAP conducted a crash test of the new generation Range Rover Evoque. The car received the maximum rating of five stars, earning 36 points for protecting passengers during a frontal impact. This is the highest result among all existing models of Jaguar and Land Rover.
Euro NCAP experts almost didn’t have any complaints about Evoque. The driver’s and rear passengers’ chest protection during the frontal impact on the deformable barrier and across the entire width of the body was rated as “sufficient”, while the car also provides adequate side impact safety. The only note to the crossover is the “low” protection of rear passengers from whiplash injuries when the car is hit from behind.
Earlier, Euro NCAP tested Range Rover Velar, which earned 35.5 points (or 93 percent of the maximum possible result). The final grade is five out of five stars.
The maximum scores among crossovers now belong to Volvo XC60 – 37.2 points (98 percent of the maximum result), Seat Tarraco – 37.1 points (97 percent), Alfa Romeo Stelvio – 37 points (97 percent) and VW Arteon – 36.8 points (96 percent).
- Hyundai has published a teaser for a new platform for electric cars
- BMW launches first BMW X5 M Competition and X6 M Competition
- Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid debuted
- The iconic SUV Chevrolet Blazer K5 put up for auction
- Ford Bronco Sport wins Rebelle Off-Road Rally


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These are busy days on the Korean peninsula. Security concerns are still focused on North Korea. In South Korea, a presidential election is less than three weeks away. The country is also starting an ambitious experiment this week—having to do with loose change. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.
South Korea’s central bank wants to cut down on coins.
The Bank of Korea has calculated that it spends about 50 million dollars a year to produce coins, and officials have launched a pilot program to see if they can be phased out.
The grand experiment starts with convenience stores across the country…more than 23,000 of them.
Starting today, if you make a purchase with cash, you can convert your change to rewards points, or you can put it on a transit card. Those transit cards have soared in popularity across Asia — from the “U-Pass” in Seoul to Tokyo’s “Passmo” and “Suica” systems and Hong Kong’s “Octopus card.”
The head of the Bank of Korea’s payment and settlement systems department says another option under consideration is arranging a direct payment to a customer’s bank account. The use of cash is already on the decline in South Korea.
Last year was a bit of a landmark, the central bank reports credit card transactions made up about 40 percent of all purchases—outpacing cash transactions for the first time.
The remainder was made up using debit cards.
This pilot program on coin replacement is scheduled to last through 2019.
Then the central bank will decide whether to expand it to drug stores and South Korea’s traditional open-air markets.


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The BBC, The Guardian and The Sunday Times are among national consumer media that are highlighting the inequalities of England’s second lockdown for independent housewares stockists.
Featured on BBC News Online (November 12), Martin Coles-Evans, owner of 150 year old housewares stockist Hargreaves & Sons in Buxton, Derbyshire states: “Shops like ourselves, we’re following the rules and we’re making people stay safe so we’re closed, and yet these bigger companies are trying on loopholes left, right and centre to stay open, when really they shouldn’t be.” He is also quoted saying: “It does seem to be they’re mopping up all the Christmas trade while we’re just limping along, struggling trying to get by with some government support.”
Earlier this week, a tweet by Hargreaves & Sons pointed out that its nearby garden centre ‘has queues of shoppers happily buying gifts and home decor (non essential) and that the enclosed franchise cook shop @ProCookUk still open’.
Martin has written to his MP on behalf of Hargreaves & Sons and other independents, pointing out that Christmas accounts for 40% of the shop’s annual turnover and asking: ‘How can the government justify the opening of garden centres when gifts and homewares stores like are asked to remain closed? We either all close or we are all open.”
General merchandise chain and housewares stockists The Range has come under fire for encouraging consumers to ‘Shop Christmas in-store and online.’ Quoted in The Guardian newspaper (November 7), Andrew Goodacre, ceo of Bira describes an “un-level playing field,” with some large homewares stores and other non-food businesses remaining open during lockdown.
Meanwhile The Sunday Times (November 8) ran an article on how lockdown is damaging local shops in favour of supermarkets and internet giants, featuring an interview with Liz Lawson, md of Lawons, with three home stores in Devon. While Lawsons remains open, stocking hardware (but only taking about 20% of normal trade), Liz acknowledges that retailers should not be encouraging customers to come in to stores during lockdown.
“It’s completely unfair that supermarkets and garden centres are allowed to clean up,” Liz comments in The Sunday Times. “It was obviously a bit ridiculous in Wales to have supermarket aisles selling non-essential goods covered up, but that’s right, people should be going in there, buying food and going home.”
Top: Hargreaves & Sons, Buxton has gained a lot of local support for speaking out on behalf of local shops and is described by a supporter commenting on Facebook as ‘a gem in our town.’


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February 11-20, 2016
Statewide, AZ – Arizona Beer Week
“The weeklong celebration has grown to nine days of pure craft beer celebration with the Annual Arizona Strong Beer Festival, the “Best Beer Festival” award-winner according Phoenix New Times, held at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix being the premier event. Although strong beers (those with high alcohol content) have been the focus at the festival, a huge variety of craft beers — as well as specialty styles and unique, just-for-this-event brew.s — will be abdunant to festival-goers.“
Visit the Arizona Beer Week‘s website for the event schedule and all the details.
February 16-20, 2016
Saratoga Springs, NY –Saratoga Beer Week
“Week Highlights: Thursday Night- Hey Jude The Tribute – an unforgettable evening with the boys from Liverpool courtesy of the nation’s leading Beatles tribute act. Friday Night- “Beer Me, I’m Irish”- an evening celebrating Irish music and beverages with a special guest band to be announced. Saturday- 3rd Annual Saratoga Beer Summit: 100 breweries, 200+ beers and YOU!!“
For all the details on this exciting event, visit Saratoga Beer Week’s webpage.
February 19-28, 2016
Omaha, NE – Omaha Beer Week
“As the craft beer scene in Omaha continues to grow, the idea was born to create Omaha Beer Week to bring bars, restaurants, retailers, and breweries across the Omaha area together to celebrate craft beer. 10 beer-packed days with many specials and new, exciting beery events all over town.
The first Omaha Beer Week was held in 2012, and has proved to be a success for craft beer fans from Omaha and beyond every year since.“
Visit Omaha Beer Week‘s webpage for complete event schedule and more information.
February 19-28, 2016
New York City, NY – New York City Beer Week
“An annual ten day celebration of craft beer throughout New York City held every fall. The Week’s events include festivals, tastings, menu pairings, beer dinners, and much more.“
More information on the New York City Brewers Guild and events, visit New York City Beer Week’s event page.


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San Francisco– Apple has purchased autonomous vehicle startup Drive.ai for undisclosed amount, according to reports.
The start-up had raised $77m in venture capital, with its latest round in 2017 valuing it at $200m.
Drive.ai was founded in 2015 by machine learning researchers from Stanford University and had been running a ride-hailing service with its autonomous shuttles in Texas, The Verge reported late on Tuesday.
The Cupertino-based company has hired dozens of Drive.ai engineers and Drive.ai has ceased all operations over the course of the last few weeks. The deal and hires confirm that the iPhone maker hasn’t given up its autonomous driving project.
Earlier this year, Apple cut over 200 employees from its Project Titan team due to what it called “restructuring.”
In July last year, Drive.ai partnered up with the City of Frisco, Texas to launch its first autonomous pilot programme. (IANS)


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16 Jun. 16, BENGALURU: Online Marketplace for Fashion – Voonik, raised $20 million (Rs 133 crore approx.) form its investors – SeedFund and Sequoia Capital with Sequoia Capital as lead investor.
The funding rounds also saw participation from Japanese e-commerce operator- Beenos, Singapore-based VC fund Beenext, Tancom Investments and Times Internet. The company however denied to give financial transaction details of the investors.
According to sources and reports by ET, Chief Executive of Voonik – Sujayath Ali said, “Proceeds from the Series B round will be used towards strengthening all three product categories on its platform, which includes premium products category Vilara, menswear offering Mr. Voonik, and its core women-focused vertical.”
Voonik was reported earlier this month about having acquisition of firms like Zohraa, a platform for designers and boutiques, in its bid to build Vilara; Styl, a salon and spa industry; Picksilk, an e-commerce store.
Founded in 2013 by Sujayath Ali and Navaneetha Krishnan, Voonik provides a personal shopping platform, offering apparel, accessories and footwear as well as beauty products according to the preferences of the customers.


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The Chinese electronics entity, TCL has unveiled a new brand campaign starring players of the 2016 champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The campaign’s goal is to raise TCL’s profile among cricket enthusiasts.
The campaign began with the release of a digital video featuring members of the SRH team, such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Washington Sundar, and Umran Malik. The goal of the brand film is to generate an atmosphere of relatability and a strong connection with the viewers. TCL used social media channels to bring cricket lovers to the table and improve brand visibility with creatives, AR filters, digital movies, and quiz challenges.
A ‘Meet and Greet’ featuring SRH players Aiden Markram, Abhishek Sharma, Mayank Agarwal and Glenn Phillips was also organised, as part of the campaign. The event’s goal was to provide a forum for audiences to meet players while also being acquainted with TCL.
Commenting on the campaign, Philip Xia, CEO, TC India, said, “The cricket league started a month ago and the time frame of the campaign was perfect to meet our campaign’s objective. We believe the pioneering products of TCL in tandem with a trophy-winning cricket team of SRH were recognized as a potentially powerful combination to bring high-end technology to cricketing fans nationwide.”
TCL Electronics, which is based in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, manufactures, creates, and produces television sets, mobile phones, air conditioners, washing machines, and small electronic goods.


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Since launching 15 years ago today, Mike's Hard Lemonade has survived through booms and busts in the flavored-malt-beverage category, fending off competition from the likes of Diageo and Anheuser-Busch. But as the category enters another boom phase, Mike's might be in for its biggest challenge yet.
So-called FMBs are growing again at impressive rates thanks to demand from flavor-seeking millennial drinkers. That means Mike's must fight harder to keep -- and grow -- its share as big brewers again flood the market with fruity and tangy brands, including A-B InBev's rapidly expanding Bud Light Lime margarita-inspired franchise.
As it responds, Mike's is making significant changes, including moving off TV to an all-digital approach. That is a notable change for a marketer that in 2012 and 2013 spent a combined $18.9 million on TV ads, according to Kantar Media. Digital offers an ability to "reach consumers more frequently through more targeted messaging and at different moments of truth for them," said Sanjiv Gajiwala, Mike's director of marketing activation.


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Worldwide Business Research (WBR), the folks behind Future Branches events and other quality industry content, completed their 2022 consumer survey and report on how consumers currently are, and would like to be, banking in the digital world.
Would a stat like 63% of consumers say they'd use virtual consultations if their bank offered them surprise you?
Customers are demanding a more human banking experience.
How about these insights from the report:
- 71% would like their banks to provide proactive advice that could help them improve their financial situation
- Only 28% say their banks let them work with a dedicated, personal banker
- 67% are at least somewhat interested in using a virtual bank
Click below to access the full report now for free.


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The creator of Pokémon Prism, a fan made hack for Pokémon Crystal that was due to release on Christmas, says he’s received a cease-and-desist from Nintendo and will have to shut down the project for good.
On Twitter early this morning, Pokémon Prism creator Koolboyman broke the news and shared a copy of the letter he says received from Nintendo asking him to stop production of the project.
“I’m sorry everyone, but Pokémon Prism is cancelled,” Koolboyman said. “Thank you for your support.”
Pokémon Prism added a whole new region to explore, over 200 Pokémon, and the ability to play as the creatures themselves. Koolboyman and a team of developers worked nearly eight years on the game. Large communities had built around the game including a Facebook group with over 8,000 eager fans.
The letter states that because Koolboyman’s website identifies as the “official website for Pokémon Brown, Prism and Rijon Adventures” it infringes on Nintendo’s exclusive intellectual property rights. Pokémon Brown was a ROM hack for Pokémon Red that added new content. Rijon Adventures was a similar hack for Pokémon FireRed. You can read the letter in full here.
Koolboyman says Nintendo gave him two stipulations. First, he has to cease all further work on Pokémon Prism and refrain from releasing any files from the game. Second, by January 7 he has to remove all downloadable links for Prism as well as his other works, Pokémon Brown and Pokémon Rijon Adventures. Koolboyman and his team have shut down the website for Prism in the wake of this message, leaving only a message of thanks and support for fans.
Nintendo has a long history of taking actions against fan games. Earlier this year, Nintendo filed a DMCA takedown notice against the Metroid 2 remake AM2R. Nintendo also shut down the popular fan game Pokemon Uranium.This cease and desist is another of Nintendo’s strong measures against fan games, which has included large scale takedowns of fan games and specific action against popular creations and hacks.
Nintendo did not respond immediately to a request for comment.


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Rwandan born singer Kode aka Faysal Ngeruka based in Belgium has opene a fashion house agency called Red Models Agency which will help out local models by exposing them to big fashion houses across Europe.
The former RTV host and reality show star Kode introduced fashion agency days after launching his own music recording label dubbed Red Magic.
Speaking to KT Press, Kode revealed that both the modeling agency and record label aims at supporting young talented artists and models.
“Rwanda is blessed by young talented models but they lack exposure which I am going to do through Red Models Agency. We will also support young artists by recording their songs at giveaway price,” he said.
“We shall help artists to market their songs across Europe using our expertise we have in the industry,” says Kode.
The Empenta hit maker added that young models will also get a chance to work and meet professional models through Red Models Agency for career guidance.
The Agency so far signed Nicolas Buba from the Democratic Republic of Congo who was crowned champion of bodybuilding in 2016, according to Kode.
He also signed the Senegalese model Kara Traore.
Kode also vowed to do whatever it takes to market Rwandan music, models across Europe as well as securing concerts for Rwandan artists to perform abroad through his connections.
The singer boasts songs like Dance Ma Beat, Impeta, Like Her, and his latest hit single dubbed Hot Choco. He is soon releasing Simbeshya.


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The old-fashioned image of mechanics as rip-off merchants sucking through their teeth before charging you a small fortune for unnecessary repairs has been consigned to the dustbin of history, according to a new study.
The driving public are overwhelmingly happy with the service British mechanics provide, the new report from automotive industry standards body Motor Codes found.
Trust in mechanics has risen to 98% of service users, with the same number confident they were being charged fairly even after receiving a call to tell them extra work would be needed on top of a routine service, the survey showed.
It is vital that drivers remember to book their annual MOT before it expires, since driving without it is an offence and could affect anycar insurance claims.
Founded in 2008, the Motor Codes Report gauges customer satisfaction levels by speaking to customers at car dealers and service centres across the UK.
The 2012 report analysed the results of 25,000 surveys, including 20,500 from car servicing customers using a Motor Codes affiliated garage and 4,500 new car buyers.
Copyright Press Association 2012


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Czech company Skoda has sold all stocks of electric cars model Citigo-e IV.
Specified by the Czech company took less than two months to sell 400 copies of the specified vehicles for the British car market. The Assembly considered of the machine was carried out at the plant located in Bratislava.
The company said that the production of electric cars will be resumed after the completion of the pandemic coronavirus. In addition, employees of the brand say that the level of demand for the vehicle was higher than expected.
Model Citigo-e iV is a kind of relative of the Volkswagen e-Up and SEAT Mii Electric. The cost of the car in the British car market started from 16,95 thousand pounds ($21 200). A reserve vehicle is 260 kilometers. Up to 80% battery of the electric vehicle can be charged in about 60 minutes.


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Can the digital economy help Malaysian freelancers rebound in a pandemic? And how can individuals future-proof themselves and reach the clients they need during a lockdown?
The answers to these and more questions can be found in the Me.reka Digital Entrepreneur programme, a four-week digital upskilling and entrepreneurship course launched this year during Malaysia's lockdown period. Unsurprisingly, the implementation of the full lockdown has taken a huge toll particularly on local businesses that have little-to-no online presence.
Presented by The Biji-biji Initiative's education arm Me.reka in partnership with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Microsoft Malaysia, Hong Leong Foundation, MaGIC, the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (SCEIC) and Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), this flagship programme was started to equip entrepreneurs and businesses in the 'Covid-19 generation' to succeed in Malaysia's emerging digital economy.
The ultimate goal is to upskill 10,000 individuals in Malaysia not only to weather the business challenges of a pandemic but to prepare themselves for the ever-evolving digital job market.
"We’ve curated this programme to be intensive and transformative, where participants will learn technical and soft skills that are vital in the 21st-century job market," shares Ambika Sangaran, Me.reka's programme director. "Entrepreneurs in Malaysia's B40 communities in particular may have many questions about operating a business online, anything from how to price your services, how to build customer relationships and even how to manage your time as a freelancer. With this programme, they'll have access to mentors and career guidance that they wouldn't have otherwise had."


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Apple will certainly include new notification configurations, an upgraded home display screen for iPads along with a handful of other changes in the new iOS and iPadOS operating systems rolling out there later this year, in accordance to a new review from Bloomberg. The report didn’t give further information on exactly what those updates is going to be, but it stated that iOS 15 will certainly also deliver additional safety protections as well.
Apple usually reveals details regarding new versions of iOS at its Worldwide Developers Conference. This year, WWDC is beginning June 7. The working system will likely start in September, as brand new versions almost always perform.
‘s Apple Report publication delivers news, reviews plus suggestions about iPhones, iPads, Macs and software.
For a lot more info on iOS fifteen, check out our rumor roundup.
Apple didn’t instantly respond to a request opinion.
See also: Big iOS 14.5 news this particular week from Apple: Here’s everything we know therefore far
Now playing: Watch this particular: Hands-on with the crimson iPhone twelve


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A new training webinar for entrepreneurs has been launched, showing the effectiveness of the Commission Hero system and program. It’s run by Robby Blanchard, the number one-ranked ClickBank affiliate in the world, who helps students to master Facebook Ads.
More information can be found at: http://www.mediaadsexpert.com/public/pages/363a1014-39ce-4c11-a5fb-fda111dad8cf.html
The newly launched training program shows aspiring affiliate marketers and entrepreneurs of all experience levels how to generate $1,000 per day or more. This can be achieved through ClickBank with a simple three-step system.
Robby describes his proven system as the easiest way for anyone to make money online this year and beyond. Using the methods provided, it’s possible to earn six figures using the internet.
This makes the new training program ideally suited to anyone looking for additional side income, a new job to escape the rat race, and those looking for more control of their time.
Since the pandemic hit, more families have been spending time at home and it has led to increasing numbers seeking ways to earn residual income through the internet. This is where Commission Hero can help thanks to its results-backed solutions.
By signing up to the webinar, interested parties will learn how to find the best and highest paying offers to make the most money online. They will also learn how to use their existing Facebook account to run ads on other people’s products.
Finally, the program will also cover how to utilize psychology to encourage more leads to click through and buy. This results in more quality in Facebook marketing approaches and helps members to elevate their business.
Facebook Ads are one of the most beneficial forms of marketing online because they are highly targeted, but they also tap into the world’s largest network of prospects. Facebook is the most popular social media site online, with over two billion users.
By signing up for the webinar, entrepreneurs can learn how to maximize their Facebook advertising efforts to reach a wider audience and make more sales.
Full details of the new training program can be found on the URL above.
Release ID: 88974938


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On September 30, 2020, California Governor Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 973, which requires California private employers with 100 or more employees to submit an annual pay data report to the state’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing beginning on March 31, 2021. See our previous alert for additional details. We recommend that employers with 100 or more employees in California work with legal counsel as soon as possible to conduct privileged pay audits prior to collecting pay data and submitting the report to California.
With the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) announcement that it would abandon current efforts to collect the controversial Component 2 pay data, California has taken the first step in filling the void left behind by seeking to enact a state law requirement to collect employee compensation.
On August 3, 2020, the Southern District of New York’s August 3, 2020, ruling in New York v. U.S. Department of Labor, et al., No. 1:20-cv-03020 vacated portions of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) regulations implementing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The following Q&A details the many ways in which the ruling will impact employers, including which DOL regulations were struck down by the order, the conditions under which employees can take FFCRA leave and the emergence of FFCRA-related lawsuits.
For the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.
On June 1, 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced that the state is on track and expected to enter Stage/Phase 2 of the Restart and Recovery Plan on June 15, 2020, which will permit nonessential retail businesses to reopen to the public and permit in-person outdoor dining, so long as required social distancing and other mitigation protocols are followed. Personal care service providers, such as hair salons, nail salons and barber shops are scheduled to reopen on June 22, 2020.
On June 9, 2020, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 153, lifting the stay-at-home order that had been in place since March 21, 2020. Executive Order No. 153 states, among other things, “Paragraph 2 of Executive Order No. 107 (2020), which requires New Jersey residents to remain home or at their place of residence with limited exceptions, is hereby rescinded.”
In the latest update to our Q&A guide to returning to work in the time of COVID-19, we lay out considerations and action items for retailers — including bars and restaurants, personal health and beauty service providers, and clothing and big box stores — as they prepare to safely reopen their doors to customers.
For the full guide, visit the Faegre Drinker website.
As government authorities look to implement business reopening measures, employers are now planning to move employees back into the workplace as state and local stay-at-home orders expire and other COVID-19 business restrictions expire or are modified. What are the various considerations employers must keep in mind when reopening their physical work locations?
This Question and Answer Guide describes a number of COVID-19 employment and return-to-work considerations. Because the COVID-19 pandemic is a fluid situation and highly dependent on jurisdiction- and sector-specific considerations, we anticipate that additional guidance will be coming from the federal, state and local governments as plans to allow businesses to open are developed in the coming days and weeks.


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While in the midst of celebrating tourism month, South Africa received the news that, after watching SA content, international Netflix viewers were 3.1 times more likely to make SA their number one travel destination.
International viewers find SA characters “more relatable”
The Cultural Affinity survey was conducted by Netflix among subscribers from Canada, Germany, the US, the UK, Brazil and France. According to these viewers, SA’s landmarks and monuments stood out in the documentary My Octopus Teacher and the drama Blood & Water. SA’s creative scene also drew attention in the comedy show Seriously Single.
The survey also showed that viewers actually identified more closely with SA’s culture. So much so, that they were 5.6 times more likely to want to learn Afrikaans.
“They saw themselves reflected in those stories. One US viewer said they felt people in South Africa have the same aspirations and life experiences as those in their country,” says Netflix Director of Public Policy for sub-Saharan Africa, Shola Sanni.
The survey could bring hope to the SA tourism scene
The Netflix survey was released at Africa’s Travel & Tourism Summit last week and showed that SA could still be an attractive destination for tourists. This is important especially after international travel took such a hard knock due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This also comes as good news ahead of the December holidays. Major travel markets like the US are starting to relax travel restrictions to and from the US to SA.


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Isaish Trecinski, of West
Bend works on kicking as his father, Chad, holds him
during the learn to swim program June 25, 2015, at the
West Bend high schools’ pool in West Bend.
A sign flashes in the front window of A-1
Pools in West Bend: “Open.”
Swimming outdoors this time of the year isn’t
recommended. That doesn’t mean swimming pool business
owners like Dale Miller, owner of A-1 Pools in West
Bend, take it easy.
“We’re starting to order our supplies in,” Miller said.
“We do a lot of work in the busy months in the year.”
the slow months — typically once fall hits — swimming
pool stores begin to focus on next year. Business does
slow down, but doesn’t stop.
the swimming pool business, the season starts to pick up
right around tax refund season — late March or early
April. Then it’s full-go in May, June and July.
“May is like our December,” Miller said. “That’s our
What keeps businesses such as Miller’s afloat in the
offseason is that’s usually a time when people will buy
items for a pool or a hot tub, including accessories and
toys. They’ll also service hot tubs and indoor pools.
tub sales, Miller said, are typically consistent
throughout the year. It is not unusual for customers to
buy the pools in the winter or at least make down
payments on them.
“People will start planning ahead for spring,” Miller
said. “Some people give a gift of a hot tub for
Thursday afternoon, soft music played and only one
customer came in during an approximately 30-minute
stretch — to pick up something that was ordered.
Miller said it doesn’t get lonely in the store: “There’s
always something to do” He opened A-1 Pools in 1979. Its
present- day location, 1168 N. Main St., opened in 1988.
There’s also a New Berlin location on West National
Outside of maybe one year since 1979, sales have been
consistent, even as more municipalities look at
different water entertainment options such as splash
pads or interactive pools.
“Even when the economy went bad, we were still able to
maintain our business well,” Miller said. He added that
what hurts his business is when there is more
development for apartment complexes rather than houses.
just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean it’s the
wrong time to install a pool, a hot tub or both.
“They’ve got to check with the local village or city to
see what the ordinances are,” Miller said when asked
what are some tips potential customers should start
considering if they want to put in a pool in the spring.
“Some lots have plenty of room for a pool. Some lots you
can’t put a pool on. They’ve got to watch for overhead
utilities, underground utilities.”
all those things are fine, there’s not too much stopping
you from getting a pool,” Miller said.
Well, there could be one thing: money. On average, an
above-ground pool can cost anywhere between $5,000 to
an in-ground pool is desired, the prices there vary
greatly. Miller said, typically, the minimum to expect
to spend on such an investment is about $30,000.
why does someone get into a swimming pool business,
especially in a region of the U.S. that enjoys maybe
five or six months of good “swimming” weather?
Miller started in construction out of high school,
worked at a fencing business and later managed a
“After managing a restaurant and being inside a building
all the time, I knew I liked outside work,” Miller said.
“I enjoyed being outdoors.”
eventually got into a fencing business for himself. At
the same time, he got into selling hot tubs “because
it’d be some income in the winter months and that work
kind of led me into the pool business.
don’t think it’s a tough business,” he added. “The tough
part is everything comes at one time. But I think all
businesses have a season, whether its lawn mowers or


text: MEDIUM - Jan 24 - Momo, one of China's largest live streaming platforms, has published the 2018 Live Streaming Profession Report. According to the report, 73.4% of respondents believe that live streaming is a profession, and ~30% of users said that one of their friends or family members is a live streamer. Women in their 20s dominate the profession. 21% of full-time broadcasters and 9.6% of part-time broadcasters earn over 10,000 RMB ($1,478) per month from streaming. The average salary in Beijing is 8,467 RMB.


text:
Dana Antropova has been won the title “Vice Miss 2011” at the Grand finale of Miss Latvija 2012 beauty contest at the Kipsala International Exhibition Centre in Riga on Saturday night 15th April, 2012.
Dana will represent Latvija in Miss International 2012 beauty contest which is the 52nd edition of the Miss International beauty pageant which will be held at Okinawa, Japan on 21st October, 2012.
Dana Antropova’s Profile & Photo Gallery :
||Vice Miss 2011
||Miss International Latvija 2012
|NEXT MAJOR CONTEST
||Miss INternational 2012
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text:
BUA Foods has published its unaudited report for 9 months ended 30th September 2021. According to the report, total turnover rose 6.8 per cent year on year to ₦79.7 billion in the period on the back of a 152.6 per cent surge in sales of Non-fortified sugar with a 72.2 per cent turnover. Nonetheless, gross margin logged at 28.4 per cent in the 9 months of 2021 from 28.6 per cent in the same period of 2020, due to the faster pace of growth in cost of sales (+7.2% to ₦57.1bn) than revenue. Further down, EBIT stood at ₦22.4 billion (+18.1% y/y) with expansion in margin to 28.1 per cent from 25.4 per cent. Also, BUA Foods reported a 69.6 per cent growth in finance cost (₦5.8bn) while profit after tax grew 6.7 per cent year on year to ₦16.6 billion.
Meanwhile the stock market recouped losses at the start of the week as the NGX ASI gained 0.6% to close at 44,655.89 points, buoyed by gains in BUACEMENT (+2.0%), GTCO (+1.4%), and ACCESS (+2.1%). As a result, YTD return improved to 4.5% while market capitalisation increased ₦138.1bn to ₦24.1tn. Volume traded rose 9.8% to 235.2m units while value traded fell 28.7% to ₦1.9bn. TRANSCORP (38.1m units), GTCO (18.7m units), and JAIZBANK (15.0m units) led by volume while GTCO (₦476.5m), FBNH (₦161.1m), and NIGERIAN BREWERIES (₦146.2m) led by value.
Across sectors within our coverage, performance was uneven as 3 indices advanced, 2 lost while the AFR-ICT index closed flat. The Banking index led the gainers, up 1.0%, due to upswing in prices of GTCO (+1.4%) and ACCESS (+2.1%). Trailing, the Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas indices rose 0.7% and 0.3% respectively on account of gains in BUAFOODS (+4.2%), DANGSUGAR (+7.4%), ETERNA (+5.8%) and CONOIL (+3.1%). Conversely, the Insurance and Industrial Goods indices dipped 1.6% and 2bps respectively on price decline in NEM (-8.3%), WAPIC (-3.9%) and WAPCO (-0.4%).
Investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth (advance/decline ratio), strengthened to 2.0x from 0.7x as 26 stocks gained against 13 laggards. COURTVILLE (+8.6%), FTNCOCOA (+8.3%), and DANGSUGAR (+7.4%) led gainers while NEM (-8.3%), SUNUASSURE (-5.9%), and REGALINS (-4.3%) led decliners. We anticipate the mild buying pressure to persist in tomorrow’s trading session.
Market Statistics for Tuesday, 18th January 2022
|Market Cap (N’bn)||24,059.8|
|Market Cap (US$’bn)||58.5|
|NGX All-Share Index||44,655.89|
|Daily Performance %||0.6|
|WTD Performance %||0.5|
|MTD Performance %||4.5|
|QTD Performance %||4.5|
|YTD Performance %||4.5|
|Daily Volume (Million)||235.2|
|Daily Value (N’bn)||1.9|
|Daily Value (US$’m)||4.7|


text:
BlackBerry Storm 9550 owners have sort of been left out in the crowd when it comes to OS' releases. But, here's an official release from TbayTel for you all to check out. Even though it's official, make sure ya back up your data first. Enjoy folks and be sure to leave some comments in the forums and here on the post as to how it's working out for you all. PS: 9520 owners, you can also find the same OS for your device in the forums. Thanks to hydroz_23 for posting it.
A new 5G BlackBerry Android smartphone with a keyboard will arrive in 2021
A new joint announcement from BlackBerry, OnwardMobility, and FIH Mobile lays out the plans for a new 5G BlackBerry Android smartphone with a physical keyboard to be brought to market in North America, and Europe within the first half of 2021.


text:
TripAdvisor is failing to stop a “flood” of fake and suspicious five-star reviews from artificially boosting the ratings of some of its highest-ranked hotels, a Which? Travel investigation has revealed.
TripAdvisor has welcomed the result of a legal ruling in Italy which saw a persistent online review fraudster sentenced to jail. In one of the first legal cases of its kind, the criminal court of Lecce ruled that writing fake reviews using a false identity is criminal conduct.
Babbel and TripAdvisor have joined forces to inspire travellers, and get them ready for their next city trip. For this joint campaign, the companies have combined their expertise and built an interactive city-trip themed campaign website.


text:
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auto sales News
Auto sector: September sales numbers show revival for auto majors?
Tue, Oct 01, 2019
Auto sector: September sales numbers show revival for auto majors? Watch video to know more.
From used, rentals, electric cars to NBFC loans, here are the Auto spoilers!
Tue, Jul 23, 2019
A series of factors have played major spoilsport for automakers which has resulted in weak to subdued sales and hence impacted earnings.
BS-VI, CAFE norms: What are they? How will they impact automakers?
Sun, Jul 14, 2019
BS-VI and CAFE norms are almost similar to each other, aimed at bringing massive fuel changes in vehicles.
Maruti Suzuki to Motherson Sumi, here are stocks that are top picks of experts in auto sector
Thu, Jul 04, 2019
With every auto company announcing their sales numbers for June 2019, the S&P BSE Auto ended at 18,139.86 on Wednesday slightly down by 15.92 points or 0.09%.
Is a revival in auto sales in the offing? Smart recovery seen by these analysts
Tue, Jun 04, 2019
Overall, the auto sector continues to register muted sales in volume terms and the same happened even in May, 2019.
Auto sales continues to fall down, Passenger vehicle sales majorly fall
Tue, May 14, 2019
Auto sales continues to fall down, Passenger vehicle sales majorly fall. Watch this video to know more.
Slow auto sales decline in the number of motor insurance
Mon, Apr 22, 2019
In this segment of Zee Business, watch why Slow auto sales led decline in the number of motor insurance?
Passenger car sales weak for 7 months in a row - Should you buy auto stocks?
Mon, Feb 04, 2019
Every first and second of a month, the auto companies like Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Hero Motocorp, Eicher Motors, Exide Industries, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto, TVS Motors and Eicher Motors announce their sales details.
Did you buy Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra? Hefty money lost! Buy now? Find out
Wed, Jan 02, 2019
To investors horror, Nifty Auto has plunged by nearly 3% trading at 8,910.20. On the other hand, S&P BSE Auto nosedived by 627.40 points or 3.03% trading at 20,098.93. Almost every stock in this sector was on hotbed.
Bloodbath! Did you invest your money in this segment? Major loss in offing
Wed, Oct 03, 2018
Investors are scrambling to save their money after this bloodbath wreaked havoc.
Car sales rise 20 pct to 3,01,238 units in May; Motorcycle sales up 15.16 pct to 12,21,559 units
Mon, Jun 11, 2018
Domestic car sales were up 19.64 per cent to 1,99,479 units as against 1,66,732 units in May 2017, data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) showed.
Passenger vehicle sales rise 14.29% to 2,75,417 units in Nov
Mon, Dec 11, 2017
Within the Passenger Vehicles, Passenger Cars, Utility Vehicle and Vans grew by 4.69 percent, 19.95 percent and 4.69 percent respectively in April-November 2017 over the same period last year, said the SIAM report.
Major auto companies offer heavy discounts on New year sale
Tue, Dec 05, 2017
These offers came after when the government has decided to push BS-VI fuel which has left plenty of stock with auto dealers with a surplus stock.
Auto makers post healthy double-digit sales growth in November
Fri, Dec 01, 2017
Utility vehicle sales, including Gypsy, Grand Vitara, Ertiga, S-Cross and compact SUV Vitara Brezza, increased by 34 per cent to 23,072 units in November from 17,215 in the same month of 2016, MSI added.
Sensex, Nifty touch new peaks; IndiGo at 19-month high on Q1
Tue, Aug 01, 2017
IndiGo shares touched 19-month high after the company reported robust Q1FY18 results. The shares of the company were trading at Rs 1303.95 per piece, up 1.02% or Rs 13.20 on BSE.
GST effect: Maruti, Audi, JLR reduce prices of various models
Sat, Jul 01, 2017
Several automobile companies have reduced their vehicle prices after the roll-out of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Automobile majors like Maruti Suzuki, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Audi India announced that they have reduced prices on various models.
Macro data, last leg of quarterly numbers to dictate market this week: Experts
Sun, May 28, 2017
Trading sentiment in the stock market this week would be determined by announcement of macroeconomic data, progress of good monsoon and last leg of quarterly numbers from blue chips like Coal India, L&T and NTPC, say experts.
Maruti Suzuki Q4Y17: Performance of Baleno, Brezza to take limelight
Thu, Apr 27, 2017
During January – March 2017, analysts expect Maruti's both top-line (revenue) and bottom-line (net profit) to be healthy on the back strong performance from Baleno and Brezza. A little push would also be from newly commenced Gujarat plant.
Auto shares drop as Supreme Court bans sale of BS-III vehicles; Hero falls 4%
Wed, Mar 29, 2017
This comes as a major blow to many automobile manufacturers who have a large unsold inventory of BS III vehicles.
Compact UVs drive PV sales as demand drops for cars: Ind-Ra
Sun, Feb 05, 2017
"The key contributors to higher demand for utility vehicles (UVs) are shifting preferences among buyers to aspirational products such as UVs and more options available in the segment," the report said.


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- Cricket is a billion dollar game played in over 50 countries
- Sports betting market continues to grow
- Cricket predictive analytics app increases enjoyment and engagement
Ever since Michael Lewis’ bestseller, “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game”, demonstrated how Billy Beane picked his winning baseball teams, statistics have become as much a part of the game as the lingo of bases and pitches. That analytical approach to selecting players can now be found in basketball, cricket, football, soccer and almost every other sport, a modus operandi made easier by the transition of data to digital forms. Now, sports analysis is undergoing further development as large data sets of sporting statistics are scoured for trends and insights. Consorteum Holdings (OTC: CSRH) is a pioneer in this field. The software development and mobile solutions company has announced plans to release its first sports-oriented global predictive analytics mobile product for all Android and iOS devices (http://nnw.fm/wKC4M).
People will play games, which is why the North American sports market is expected to reach $73.5 billion by 2019, according to Forbes (http://nnw.fm/a4Qr7), and many sports lovers can’t help betting on the outcome of this or that game. Having some skin in the game, undoubtedly, adds to one’s involvement, enjoyment and, sometimes, detriment. For starters, Consorteum intends to focus on cricket, which bears some resemblance to baseball, the game that initiated the use of data analysis in sports.
If its cricket, then what better place to start than the Commonwealth, an association of nations, most of which are former British colonies. Spanning six continents, the Commonwealth comprises 53 nation-states and 2.5 billion people, many of whom are cricket fans. In India, they’re especially fond of the sport. In 2016, the Indian Premier League (IPL) was valued at over $4 billion. With introduction into this potential market, Consorteum’s app is likely to resonate well with cricket fans and score many runs.
The app is Consorteum’s first global predictive analytics mobile offering. It was developed under a joint business agreement between DevLex Ltd and Consorteum Holdings subsidiary 359 Mobile. This global offering will be the first product released under an exclusive distribution contract between 359 Mobile and DevLex Ltd, which creates an exclusive alliance for the distribution of the DevLex Predictive Analytics Platform (“DV-PA”) with 359’s Universal Mobile Interface™ (“UMI”). The Cricket DV-PA will be offered in the app stores for all Android and iOS devices. Built by a dedicated team, the Cricket DV-PA encompasses a massive historical data set that is continuously updated on all relevant statistics on cricket teams and players. Consorteum expects to have the Cricket DV-PA available by the end of June 2018.
359 Mobile Inc. is one of Consorteum’s wholly owned subsidiaries, responsible for developing end-to-end fintech solutions for various vertical markets. Its key product is the flagship Universal Mobile Interface™ (UMI), which is a state-of-the-art platform for integrating any stream of data onto a mobile platform. The technology has the capacity to provide solutions in fintech, data analytics, secure payment processing, compliance lead transaction management and various digital social event sectors.
The UMI platform also allows cross operating system development to support all mobile devices while addressing the complex and highly regulated needs of the mobile fintech industry. 359 Mobile Inc. is using this advanced data analytics and automated management system to inch toward a more personalized mobile experience for millions of users. Its collaboration with DevLex is the first step in that direction.
For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Consorteum.com
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text:
GTA 5: New Screens And Information Blowout On 8 November
GTA 5 will be re-revealed in an article more than 18 pages in size set for Game Informer on Thursday 8 November, the magazine has announced.
“In the morning of November 8, we will reveal the cover art and give you a break down of the issue (hint: the story is huge – over 18 pages in print – and full of details and screens we can’t wait to share),” wrote the mag.
GI usually reveals covers at 5pm UK time, so look out for it then.
The magazine will be available digitally later that day, “in the afternoon (US Central time)” according to GI.
Expect brand new, first look gamplay screens, details on gameplay mechanics, and much more on the characters and story – it’s going to be huge.
Oh, and maybe they’ll even mention a release date too, if we’re lucky.


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Google announced Tuesday a new version of its Android software tailored for Internet-connected watches and other devices that can be worn instead of held.
Android Wear is expected to power an array of so-called smartwatches expected to be released later this year.
Google Inc. says Android watches are already being developed by some of the same device makers that sell popular smartphones running on similar software. The group includes Asus, HTC, LG Electronics, Google-owned Motorola and Samsung Electronics, which already sells a smartwatch running on another operating system.
The Android smartwatches may be competing against a widely anticipated smartwatch from iPhone maker Apple Inc. that is said to be introduced this year. Apple so far hasn't confirmed any plans for a smartwatch.
The tech giant made a developer preview available for programmers who want to design a wearable version of current Android apps. A software development kit (SDK) will be released later this year.


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T-Mobile announced two new prepaid calling plans Monday--Unlimited Text and Unlimited Talk & Text. Unlimited Text is $15 a month for unlimited text, while voice calls will remain 10 cents a minute. Unlimited Talk & Text will cost $50 a month, but will have unlimited voice and messaging (SMS/MMS/IM and e-mail). The plans do not include data, however.
(Via Phone Scoop)


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Europe's largest brewer, whose Heineken brand is the continent’s number-one selling beer, said the main causes were a double-digit percentage decline in Portugal, which entered its deepest recession since the 1970s this year, and the withdrawal of a product from Finland.
While most other regions saw an increase in volumes and revenues, western Europe, which provided just under half of the Dutch brewer's revenue last year, continues to suffer declining demand. Group sales there fell 2.1 per cent in the third quarter.
Revenue rose four per cent to €4.97bn (£4bn). The company said its operating profit before one-offs was up by a mid single-digit percentage and its net profit was €577m from €525m a year earlier.
Overall, beer volumes rose 2.2 per cent on a like-for-like basis.
Shares have steadily risen since it won a fight to buy Tiger beer maker Asia Pacific Breweries month.


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Dogtopia, a dog day care, boarding and grooming center, is opening a new location in Frisco at 7227 Preston Road, Frisco. Dogtopia offers dog day care, spa services and boarding. Location owner Shawn Patel said he hopes to open in May. www.dogtopia.com
Dogtopia to open new Frisco location
Dogtopia, a national dog day care franchise, will open a new Frisco location in May. (Courtesy Dogtopia)
The fast-casual restaurant is featuring a new taco of the month and gift card deals for its anniversary.
The Indian and vegetarian restaurant serves specialty sandwiches, pizzas and dishes that incorporate various vegetables, curry and rice.
The director of Denton County Public Health discussed an uptick in COVID-19 cases and concerns with the omicron variant.
CI TEXAS ROUNDUP: 5 businesses coming to McKinney; Crust Pizza Co. to open two locations in Montgomery, Willis and more top news
Take a look at the top five trending stories across Community Impact Newspaper’s coverage areas in Texas as of Nov. 30.
A concierge team is available to discuss founding membership opportunities ahead of the center’s anticipated February opening.
Frisco City Council Member Dan Stricklin said he will run for a seat on the Denton County Commissioners Court.
The financial institution provides banking, loans and car buying assistance.
CI TEXAS ROUNDUP: Home sales, costs in Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto remain hotter than Greater Austin; Halal Guys opens in Pearland and more top news
Take a look at the top five trending stories across Community Impact Newspaper’s coverage areas in Texas as of Nov. 29.
The former maker space offered both adults and children a space to create with Lego bricks.
The facility offers consumer and commercial banking services.
The brand sells various CBD products, including creams, oils, capsules, edibles and "breathables."
The shareable kitchen will be available to rent by the hour for chefs and caterers.