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Manhattan start-up Immersive Labs is introducing artificial intelligence software created to analyze viewers of digital billboards in order to customize “smarter” messages with targeted ads. The system takes into account age, gender and facial features of passers-by as well as environmental conditions and online data (on a cold day, for example, imagine targeting ads for a hot cup of coffee at a nearby Starbucks). The company has already tested the ads in New York’s Sony Style Store, and has plans for a Hudson News Kiosk in John F. Kennedy Airport.
Facial recognition is not new, nor is the ability to detect the composition of a crowd, but Immersive uses the information to deliver targeted advertising based on these characteristics teamed with online information (such as whether a nearby sporting event has recently concluded). Additionally, the software considers other local data including weather conditions and social media updates from sites like Twitter. It also measures how long someone looks at the billboard. According to Immersive Labs, by collecting data the software actually “learns” and improves over time.
For those worried about the “creepiness” factor, Immersive CEO Jason Sosa explains that mapping facial recognition is strictly anonymous. “We take privacy very seriously,” he says. “The information we’re collecting is purely numerical. It’s nothing that’s going to be identified to any one individual person.”
Immersive Labs emerged from TechStars, a mentorship-driven seed stage investment program.
Related CNN Money 2-minute video report: “These ads know exactly who you are” (4/13/11)
Related Huffington Post 2-minute video report: “At Immersive Labs, Ads Watch Who Looks At Them” (4/26/11)
Related Network Advertising Initiative study: “Study Finds Behaviorally-Targeted Ads More Than Twice as Valuable, Twice as Effective as Non-Targeted Online Ads” (3/24/10)
Redbox announced that it will begin offering video games for the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 21,000 of its 31,800 self-service kiosk locations around the country starting June 17.
According to the company’s press release, Redbox has been testing video game rentals alongside movie offerings at 5,000 locations since August 2009. “Redbox has rented more than one million video games in less than two years at these locations, underscoring the popularity of video game play in America,” said Mitch Lowe, president of Redbox.
Redbox parent company Coinstar Inc. believes the select market testing suggests that the company can potentially “increase revenue by replacing 10% to 15% of the DVD slots in its kiosks with games.” (Each machine holds between 70 and 200 titles.)
Games – ranging from Call of Duty: Black Ops and Mortal Kombat to Super Mario Galaxy and Star Wars III – will cost $2 per night (compared to the $1 rental fee for DVDs and $1.50 for Blu-ray discs). For a complete list of initial game offerings, visit the Redbox Games page.
Related Home Media Magazine article (with interesting financial stats): “Redbox to Increase Video Game Presence” (4/28/11)
At this week’s Wired Business Conference in New York, Netflix co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings discussed his company’s growing success and its reliance on the evolution of bandwidth-related technologies. Netflix recently announced its first quarter earnings (up 88 percent with revenues at $719 million). The subscription-based rental service added 3.6 million new customers during the quarter, double the growth from one year ago.
Hastings indicated that streaming was always the goal of Netflix, but the technology was not ready when they launched the subscription service in 1999. Based on number of hours viewed, the Netflix streaming option surpassed its DVDs for the first time in Q4 2010. This is due to a larger selection of streaming content and improved bandwidth to subscribers.
Hastings has been waiting for this moment. “We took out our spreadsheets and we figured we’d get 14 megabits/second to the home by 2012, which turns out is about what we will get,” he explained. When asked about the next ten years he added, “If you drag it out to 2021, we will all have a gigabit to the home.”
Hastings was also careful to point out that he does not see Netflix streaming as a competitor to cable, which is why his service focuses on older movies as opposed to new releases, sports, or news (although Netflix is experimenting with original programming). “It would start an Armageddon battle, and we would not emerge alive from that battle. So we are concentrating on our niche,” he said.
Related Wall Street Journal article: “Netflix CEO Reed Hastings Swears He’s Not Going to Kill HBO: ‘We Compete Like Football and Baseball'” (5/6/11)
Related Engadget article: “DirecTV asks its customers what they like so much about Netflix, could launch competitor” (4/26/11)
Related ReadWriteWeb article: “Netflix Letter to Shareholders Shows It Couldn’t Care Less About DVDs” (4/25/11)
Related TechCrunch article: “Netflix Earnings Up 88 Percent, Adds 3.6 Million Subscribers” (4/25/11)
Related Home Media Magazine article: “Marvel Superheroes Stream on Netflix” (4/29/11)
Facebook Inc. is expected to have its initial public offering as early as next spring, while projected earnings and evolving online advertising models continue to raise speculation about the company’s overall value. The social network’s business is growing faster than its forecast of several months ago when Goldman Sachs Group and Digital Sky Technologies invested $1.5 billion. The Wall Street Journal reports the Internet company may earn as much as $2 billion in 2011.
Facebook was launched in February 2004 and claims more than 600 million active users today. According to WSJ: “Goldman’s and Digital Sky Technologies’ investment reported early this year was at a share price that implied a $50 billion valuation for Facebook. The people familiar with the company’s recent finances said they thought its profit was growing at a fast-enough clip to justify a valuation of $100 billion or more when it goes public.”
Additionally, eMarketer estimates that Facebook will earn ad revenue this year of $4.05 billion, more than doubling last year’s $1.86 billion. According to comScore, 31 percent of all online display ads in the U.S. for the first quarter of 2011 appeared on Facebook.
Wedbush Securities analyst Lou Kerner estimates the company’s value in the public market at $112.9 billion. “Part of our bullishness for Facebook is our belief that it is still in the embryonic stages of advertising,” he said.
Related San Francisco Chronicle article: “Why Google Should Buy LinkedIn, Now Before It’s Too Late” (5/3/11)
Related Mashable article: “One Year Later: What Marketers Have Learned About Facebook’s Open Graph” (4/26/11)
Related CNBC article: “Facebook Launches Deals Program, Rivals Groupon” (4/26/11)
Last week Microsoft announced its Xbox 360 will include subscription movie and TV service Hulu Plus, starting April 29. The subscription cost will be $7.99 per month (with limited advertising). Additionally, Xbox LIVE users will receive a one-week free trial sponsored by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky.
Hulu Plus will also add Kinect support, enabling users to control programs with their voice or via physical gestures. According to the Hulu blog: “With Kinect for Xbox 360, you can simply say ‘Xbox, pause’ or use gestures to rewind, pause and fast forward your way through your favorite shows.”
In related news, Gamasutra reports that a record number of Xbox 360 console sales contributed to Microsoft’s 13 percent year-on-year revenue increase for the first three months of 2011. A new quarterly record for the gaming console was set, as 2.7 million Xbox 360 units were sold (up from 1.5 million for the same period last year).
For complete details, visit the Hulu Plus on Xbox LIVE page.
Watch the video demo on Engadget: “Hulu Plus on Xbox 360 launches tomorrow, all members get a free week thanks to beef jerky” (4/28/11)
Related PC World article: “Making Sense of Streaming Media Options” (4/30/11)
Related Home Media Magazine article: “Six Questions with Microsoft’s Senior Spokesman, Jose Pinero” (4/29/11) Featuring everything from Netflix to ESPN, Microsoft wants Xbox to be the media hub in the living room. Jose Pinero, senior spokesman for Microsoft’s interactive entertainment business, chatted with Home Media Magazine about where live TV fits into the Xbox 360’s future, how the addition of Kinect might be a game-changer in the console wars and whether a Blu-ray Disc drive will ever be included in the Xbox.
Wes McDermott (“the 3D Ninja”) has released version 1.0.2 of his app for creating handheld camera animations in Autodesk Maya 3D software. CameraMan for Maya is an interesting new utility app for the iPhone 4, iPod touch and iPad 2 (currently available for $1.99 on iTunes).
The app uses the Apple devices’ gyroscope hardware as a motion capture device to control X, Y and Z rotations of the camera. It enables users to adjust the focal length with a slider, record animation, and provides Maya timeline playback controls. The 3D Ninja Blog features a helpful 29-minute video tutorial.
Requirements (according to the CameraMan for Maya iTunes page): Compatible with iPhone 4, iPod touch (4th generation), iPad 2 Wi-Fi, and iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G. Requires iOS 4.1 or later.
By Rob Scott
April 29, 2011
The new G-Slate tablet from LG (sold by T-Mobile) was launched last week as the first tablet in the U.S. using Google’s Honeycomb software (Android 3.0 for tablets) to offer 4G speed and 3D video. With an 8.9-inch screen, the G-Slate offers less viewing area than Apple’s iPad 2 and the Motorola Xoom, but more than the Samsung Galaxy Tab and RIM’s BlackBerry PlayBook.
The greatest challenges for the new device may be how to compete with the highly successful iPad — and how to differentiate itself from the other Android-based devices currently on the market. In his WSJ “All Things Digital” column, Walt Mossberg suggests that the G-Slate aims to be different in three major ways: by offering 4G cellular data speeds, enabling 3D video creation and viewing, and featuring an “in-between” screen size as compared to current offerings.
In his review, Mossberg found the performance to be on par with the Honeycomb Xoom, but overall not as good a choice as the iPad 2 (especially in terms of price, size and weight). And regarding the 3D functionality, he writes, “The 3D feature, which requires the use of 1950s-style colored glasses, seems like a parlor trick to me.”
Mossberg reports that the biggest selling point of the G-Slate is the 4G speed, but adds that the current problem with all Honeycomb devices involves a lack of “tablet-optimized third-party apps.” It’s tough to compete with Apple in this regard, considering it already claims 65,000 tablet apps.
Mossberg’s bottom line: “The G-Slate isn’t as good a tablet as the iPad 2. I’d only recommend it for people who want the higher cellular speeds, or who prefer Android.”
By Rob Scott
April 29, 2011
Former Apple engineers Kimon Tsinteris and Mike Matas have created a digital creation tool that might have a dramatic impact on the “frictionless” self-publishing of electronic books. Book apps created with the platform will leverage the sensors, touchscreen gestures, microphone and graphics chip of the iPad and iPhone to create a more interactive experience for electronic reading. The duo’s Push Pop Press is getting an interesting start, with some help from former vice president Al Gore.
According to the Wired Gadget Lab: “Push Pop Press will be a publishing platform for authors, publishers and artists to turn their books into interactive iPad or iPhone apps — no programming skills required.” The app enables users to augment their stories with photos, videos and a compelling variety of interactive features, which could go beyond books to the publishing of magazines and newspapers.
Push Pop Press could become an affordable alternative to the tools featured in Adobe’s Creative Suite, commonly used for creating today’s tablet periodicals. For example, Tsinteris and Matas claim that interactive diagrams, geotagged photos and video content can easily be embedded in a book produced with the tool.
For those who may be interested in seeing the possibilities of Push Pop Press, the app version of Al Gore’s book, Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis, is available for $4.99 via the iTunes store.
You can also check out Gore’s guided tour of the app on the Wired post or the Push Pop Press site. It’s worth the two minutes to see this in action.
By Rob Scott
April 28, 2011
At the 2011 NAB show in Las Vegas, filmmaker James Cameron and 3D production expert and cinematographer Vince Pace discussed their newly-formed company, the Cameron-Pace Group (CPG), aimed at promoting 3D production and streamlining its processes with the FUSION 3D camera and workflow packages.
According to the company’s website: “CPG’s expansion will include proven solutions for 3D productions worldwide including industry-wide 3D advocacy, driving innovations in technology, and delivering products, services and creative tools for filmmakers and broadcasters in ways never addressed or witnessed before.”
Headquartered in Burbank, the company already has 53 employees. “Our goal,” Cameron said at NAB, “is to banish all the perceived and actual barriers to entry that are currently holding back producers, studios and networks from embracing the 3D future.”
Broadcast Engineering reports that upcoming CPG projects include the ESPN X Games 17, the NBA Finals, and feature films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon, The Three Musketeers and Martin Scorsese’s The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
For more information, the Cameron-Pace Group company overview is available in PDF format.
By Rob Scott
April 28, 2011
Amazon announced that its new ad-supported Kindle will launch April 27, nearly a week earlier than originally expected. The e-reader — dubbed Kindle with Special Offers — will ship for $114 through Amazon, Target and Best Buy (that’s $25 less than the Wi-Fi only version).
According to Amazon, the cost reduction is a result of the device being subsidized by advertising. Early sponsors include General Motors, Proctor & Gamble and Visa. “Special offers” will be made available directly to the new Kindle related to Amazon.com gift cards, audible books and products from the various Amazon stores.
The latest Kindle is 21 percent smaller and 17 percent lighter than its predecessor, but features the same 6-inch reading area. The company claims the device features the “most advanced E Ink Pearl display technology” and touts 50 percent improved screen contrast with crisper, darker fonts.
It’s worth noting that the ad-supported model is getting more press than the Kindle’s new specs. We’ve seen similar approaches with other devices and services in the past, with mixed results. It will be interesting to see how consumers respond.
By Rob Scott
April 27, 2011
Most of our readers have probably been following the recent news regarding consumer fears that iPhones and other smartphones are tracking users’ location information. It was recently discovered that phones operating on iOS and Google’s Android platform transmit the devices’ locations back to the respective companies.
Apple has defended the need for location data to provide optimum service and provided clarification by explaining an individual cannot be located using the data. The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple defends its process, but nonetheless announced a planned software update that will reduce the size of the database cached on the phone and hopefully alleviate user concern.
According to WSJ: “Apple said it maintains a database of Wi-Fi hot spots and cell towers around users’ locations, a process that helps the phone calculate its location. The information is used to quickly find global-positioning-system satellites, a process that otherwise could take several minutes, the company said.”
Related CNNMoney article: “LocationGate was a ‘bug,’ says Apple” (4/27/11)
Related Wall Street Journal article: “Q&A: Jobs and Apple Execs on Tracking Down the Facts About iPhones and Location” (4/27/11)
Related Macworld article: “How the iPhone knows where you are” (4/28/11)
By Rob Scott
April 26, 2011
At a Tokyo press event, Sony announced a pair of Android 3.0 tablets — the S1, featuring a 9.4-inch touchscreen display, and the smaller S2, with dual-screen 5.5-inch displays that can can fold like a book. The tablets will connect to Sony’s cloud-computing library of movies and music in addition to Sony PlayStation Android-based games and digital books from Sony’s Reader store.
The S1 media tablet features front- and rear-facing cameras and what Engadget describes as “a curved wrap design that resembles a folded magazine.” The S1 also features a Tegra 2 SoC, touch panel UI, and integrated infrared for use as a remote control for Sony devices. The second tablet, the dual-screen S2 clamshell, features two 1024 x 480 pixel displays, Tegra 2 SoC, and camera. Engadget reports: “Sony takes advantage of the two screens with a custom book-style UI layout for its e-reader app, split keyboard and messaging displays for email, and split display and game controllers for PS One gaming.”
In a video report, IDG reports the S1 and S2 are PlayStation certified, WiFi and 3G/4G compatible, and will support DLNA (enabling users to buy a movie from the online Qriocity store, for example, and stream the content to a TV from the tablet via WiFi).
Sony said the devices will go on sale worldwide by September. The company has yet to announce prices, but according to Engadget: “…sources told us back in February that Sony was considering a $599 MSRP on the S1 while the S2 would likely come in at $699. Still no word on the Windows 7 slider but with the other two leaks official, it’s now only a matter of time.”
Related Huffington Post article: “Sony Shows Off S1, S2 Honeycomb Tablets With PlayStation Integration” (4/26/11)
By Rob Scott
April 25, 2011
Artefact asks “What’s next in digital camera design?” with an interesting new prototype called the WVIL (Wireless Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens). According to the Artefact site: “The patent-pending WVIL system takes the connectivity and application platform capabilities of today’s smart phones and wirelessly connects them with interchangeable full SLR-quality optics. It is the inevitable solution for photographers who expect the power of modern mobile devices but who also demand uncompromised quality.”
In an article that features two compelling videos, Fast Company’s Co. Design suggests the WVIL provides a possible glimpse at the future of photography if digital cameras and cellphone cameras continue to merge, “leaving just a lens with a chip and a screen on the back of it.”
Artefact explains that many possibilities stem from this idea. According to Markus Wierzoch, WVIL’s lead industrial designer: “With the first digital cameras, the industry was quick to replace the medium, film, with a sensor, but the rest stayed the same. But modern connectivity opens up a lot of different options, like being able to detach the lens from the viewfinder. What if you could go to a party, mount three or four lenses all over the room, and control them all wirelessly with one ‘camera’?”
The Artefact team has cleverly redesigned the digital camera as “a camera operating system,” one that can be controlled from a touchscreen-based viewfinder and could quite possibly appeal to prosumer photographers who have outgrown their traditional DSLRs and no longer want a bag full of expensive gear. Artefact believes the WVIL could become a reality within three years.
By Rob Scott
April 25, 2011
As part of the next step toward streamlining the film and television production workflow, Sample Digital and Technicolor have introduced apps that enable executives to view “dailies” on their iPads. According to the Los Angeles Times, the apps provide production execs around-the-clock mobile access to daily footage, scripts, visual-effects shots and trailers.
“Until a few years ago, dailies from shoots were typically stored on DVDs and then shipped to various locations, a process that became more costly as production increasingly moved out of Hollywood and projects took on multiple financing partners. More recently, dailies are delivered online and accessible on PCs and laptops, which aren’t as easy to lug around as a tablet.”
The dax|Mobile app from Sample Digital costs $249.99 on the iTunes store, while the subscription-based digital workflow system runs $1,250 to $2,000 per TV episode and up to $15,000 per movie. Encryption for the streaming video to prevent illegal copying is available for an additional fee.
Additionally, Technicolor has teamed with PureBlend Software Design Group to offer the Technicolor MovieSlate on-location production app that works for both Android and iOS systems to provide access to dailies and other content.


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HTC’s long-awaited Sensation smartphone has finally begun shipping from SA’s mobile operators. The 4,3-inch touch screen device, which HTC has dubbed a “multimedia superphone”, has generated enormous interest since the fast-rising
Samsung’s successor to the well-received Galaxy S is one of the first dual-core phones to make it to market, and it’s certainly set the bar high for the likes of the HTC Sensation, LG Optimus 2X and iPhone 5, all of which are expected later this year. The most striking
The ergonomics of the Samsung’s new Wave smartphone are great. The Korean company’s first Bada-based phone is about all clean, brushed-bronze lines, with a weight that feels like it means business, but doesn’t drag in your pocket. The buttons are sleekly integrated with the casing, and the screen is simply exquisite.

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High prescription eyeglass costs vex consumers
Provincial standards differ, competition restricted and regulation is restraining, reveals investigation
Many Canadians are overpaying for prescription glasses due to weak competition in the market and strict eye-test regulations that make it hard for consumers to shop around, a Marketplace investigation reveals.
A pair of glasses can cost upwards of $1,000, with the most expensive part being the lenses. But an industry insider said quality generic lenses that will serve most people are mass-produced and can cost as little as $2 to $10 to make.
Even lenses that need more work will cost between $20 and $50 to produce, said Bruce Bergez, a former optician from Hamilton, Ont., who used to own the retail chain Great Glasses.
The CBC's Marketplace discovers how cheap a pair of glasses really is, compares prices among stores, examines the giant that dominates the industry, and looks at whether the eyecare establishment is protecting its own interests.
Framed airs at Feb. 24 at 8 pm/8:30 pm NT on CBC-TV and will be available to view online starting Feb. 25 at 11 a.m.
"In a pair of glasses you have one, two, three, four, screws. [A] pair of lenses made out of plastic, OK? Either metal frames or plastic frames," he told CBC's Marketplace. "It seems to me incredibly odd that has to sell for four, five, six hundred dollars."
Bergez said it's the established players — both retailers and those regulating the optometry industry — that are keeping the cost of glasses high.
Competition in the market may be an optical illusion, as LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical and Sunglass Hut are all owned by multinational firm Luxottica.
The company also designs and manufactures almost all of the designer brand frames sold inside their stores, from Ray-Ban and Oakley, to Prada, Versace and Chanel, according to their website.
Prices related to 'fashion': LensCrafters
When asked why glasses can be so expensive, the vice-president of operations for LensCrafters, Dominic Guglielmi, said, "We can correlate it to the fashion in clothing."
"These are designer brands. These brands have cachet … I mean Chanel has a pricing position in the market. And they have that same pricing position whether it's eyeglasses, purses, shoes, etc."
One option for consumers who want more bang for their buck is to shop online, such as at ClearlyContacts.ca. Frames start as low as $38, according to their TV commercial, and the web portal offers most of the same designer brands.
However, a would-be buyer needs a prescription and a key detail not usually disclosed to glass wearers — their pupillary distance, or PD. This refers to the distance between a person's pupils and ensures that the eyes and lenses are properly aligned.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult for a consumer to measure PD themselves, and most written prescriptions or stores do not offer this information.
When asked by a Marketplace producer for her PD, a Pearle Vision clerk responded that they were not allowed to divulge that information.
Only doctors can prescribe glasses in Ontario
Bergez's chain, Great Glasses, was offering free, simple sight tests and cheap eyeglasses, prompting the College of Optometrists of Ontario to take him to court.
Should opticians be allowed to prescribe glasses? Take our survey.
The college's rules and provincial laws dictate that only doctors can prescribe glasses.
Bergez was ordered to stop but continued to defy the rules and was fined millions of dollars.
The battle went all the way up to the Supreme Court of Canada, but the top court refused to hear his appeal.
Bergez was eventually sentenced to a year in jail.
In the end, the former optician lost his house and his business, and still owes more than $17 million — the biggest contempt fine in Canadian history.
Bergez said most often, his customers just wanted to improve the strength of their eyeglasses or change for fashion purposes.
"The machine, I never felt was prescribing," he said.
Industry protecting own interests, former optician says
Bergez is viewed by some as a folk hero, challenging the eyeglass industry, while others say he was flouting the rules to make a buck.
He said the rules serve to protect the industry's profits.
"They say they're protecting the public, but really at the end of the day, they're protecting their self interests."
In B.C., however, the rules around how eyewear is dispensed are changing.
In both brick-and-mortar and online stores, opticians are allowed to sell glasses after doing a simple sight test — the same kind of tests that got Bergez in trouble in Ontario. As well, customers in B.C. also get their pupillary distance information included in every prescription.
But the registrar of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, Paula Garshowitz, said a simple test for new glasses can't replace a full eye exam.
"Through the course of the exam, the optometrist may arrive at information that actually there is undetected eye disease that made the patients vision blurry, not a change in their prescription," said Garshowitz.
When asked why Ontario prescriptions do not include a person's PD, Garshowitz said, "It is not part of the required clinical information for the provision of a prescription."
Until the rules change, Bergez said he plans to move to B.C. and open up a new store there.
"We'd like to stay in Ontario but circumstances dictate the political climate is better in British Columbia. … We're all Canadians, it should be one playing field across the country — and it's not," Bergez said.


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3Com Corporation (Nasdaq: COMS) and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced they will jointly deliver cdma2000 high-speed wireless networks to service providers worldwide. The two companies have agreed to integrate their solutions for the delivery of high-speed wireless data and voice networks capable of reliably delivering Internet, intranet and multimedia services to mobile subscribers. Initial networks will enable mobile data services at speeds of up to 144kbps, and is scheduled for deployment in commercial service before the end of this year. Future planned releases will increase mobile data rates to more than 384kbps.
The 3Com/Samsung joint delivery will focus initially on the recently standardized cdma2000 networks, which will serve as the next evolution of cdmaOneO digital cellular and PCS networks. cdmaOne networks today provide coverage in more than 40 countries and boast nearly 42 million subscribers around the globe. (Source: CDMA Development Group)
Industry analysts are predicting a surge in the number of wireless data subscribers and service revenue generated over the next several years. In a recent report, Ovum projected that approximately 25 percent of worldwide wireless subscribers will be data subscribers by the year 2003. That would represent growth of 268 percent over current levels, when only 11 percent of the worldwide wireless subscribers are projected to be data subscribers in 2000. Ovum also projected that service revenue from data subscribers will grow to $124 billion worldwide by 2003, compared to an estimated $39 billion worldwide in 2000.
New Networks Will Be Standards-based
Products jointly delivered by 3Com and Samsung will fully adhere to the IS-2000 series of standards developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The initial series of IS-2000 standards was finalized last year. Adherence to these standards in the 3Com/Samsung solution is a significant difference from other wireless relationships announced in past months. Adherence to an open, standards-based architecture maximizes the options for operators to expand and migrate their networks to future capabilities.
"Samsung and 3Com are committed to delivering the first fully standards-compliant cdma2000 solution for the global marketplace," said Dr. Young Ky Kim, vice president, research and development, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. "Our equipment will interoperate with other standards-based products. At the same time, the Samsung/3Com cdma2000 solution will be versatile enough that it can be feature-customized for customers, giving service providers maximum flexibility to design and develop their individual networks."
"When 3Com announced its 3G wireless strategy at Telecom '99 last October, we said we would collaborate with strategic partners to develop higher-speed, broader-reaching packet 3G networks," said Irfan Ali, senior vice president and general manager, 3Com Carrier Systems. "Today's announcement delivers on that strategy. We are combining Samsung's world-class expertise in CDMA radio technology with 3Com's leadership in Internet access technology in the mobile network to lead the migration to 3G solutions."
In the new cdma2000 networks, Base Station Controller (BSC) will connect directly - via a new R-P interface - to a Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN), which will perform the traffic aggregation function which is similar to that handled by circuit switches today. The PDSN uses Authentication, Accounting, and Administration (AAA) servers for user authentication and traffic management, and then forwards traffic to a Gateway Router/Home Agent (GRHA) at the designated IP network.
Under the agreement announced today, Samsung, as a system integrator, will provide the Radio Access Network equipment, including Base Transceiver Systems and Base Station Controllers. 3Com will provide the Packet Data Serving Nodes, Packet Data Gateway Nodes, and authentication/billing servers.
Equipment from the two companies will inter-connect using fully standards-compliant interfaces, as defined by the IOS Version 4 interface under the TIA's IS-2000 series of standards. The equipment also will support the IS-2000, Release 0 (1XRTT) standard, increasing mobile packet data and voice access speeds up to 144Kbps. With its greater efficiency and capacity, this solution will be able to host more than 256,000 concurrent calls in the space of a standard central office rack.
Under additional terms of the agreement, Samsung has the right to resell 3Com PDSN, Home Agent and AAA servers to IMT-2000 wireless operators around the world.


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There's no question that Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) is in the middle of a huge growth phase. But with investments in new businesses like online video and cloud services set to continue eating up company profits, earnings don't tell the whole story for the e-tailer. Here are three metrics that investors should be watching for clues into Amazon's success instead.
1. Operating margin
Amazon's operating profit has taken a dive, thanks to the company's jacked-up spending levels. As just one example, it needs to spend upwards of $1 billion a year for content rights in its competition against Netflix for leadership over the online streaming market. Heavy investments in that and other businesses sent Amazon's operating margin down to 1% last year, setting a decade low. By comparison, Wal-Mart books 6% of sales in profits. And even Costco, which charges a razor-thin mark up on products, has Amazon beat at a 3% profit margin.
Bulls will point out that the company's gross margin, meanwhile, has expanded. And that's certainly true, as the chart below shows.
But that's no excuse to ignore Amazon's vast -- and growing -- cost structure. The company's spending for tech and content, fulfillment, and marketing all grew faster than revenue last year. Investors should watch for that trend to slow in the years ahead, or else the company risks a sustained period of booking operating losses. Expenses were 98.9% of sales last year, making that a real possibility.
2. Services growth
Amazon's sales from third-party vendors are a major source of revenue and profit growth. And because they carry such a high profit margin, those sales were a key reason for the company's surprise jump in gross profits over the last few quarters. Amazon counts 2 million active sellers who happily take advantage of its marketplace, which is about the same total as it reported the year before . If Amazon wants to keep its profitable seller sales hopping, it will need to aggressively grow that base of accounts.
3. Active customers
While Amazon doesn't share its Prime membership numbers with investors, a good proxy for that figure is the number of active customer accounts. There were 200 million of these shoppers at the end of 2012. The company's big investments in warehouses and fulfillment centers should translate into a continued march higher for this number. But it absolutely needs to keep growing quickly for Amazon's torrid sales growth to continue.
More on Amazon from The Motley Fool


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Nepal: Udayapur Cement has started work on an upgrade to its 0.3Mt/yr integrated plant aimed at bringing its capacity to 0.4Mt/yr with an investment of US$92,000 from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. Republica has reported that the company’s Sindhali mine has resources to supply 200 years’ production. “The company is self-sufficient in all raw materials except coal,” said Nawal Kishor Shah, Udayapur Cement general manager.
Udayapur Cement begins capacity expansion
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Bashkiria grain growers harvested almost 250 thousand tons of grain
UFA, 25 July 2016. /Bashinform News Agency, Galina Bakhshieva/.
Grain growers of Bashkortostan harvested nearly 250 thousand tons of grain. The average grain yield is currently 21.7 centners per hectare, the press service of the Ministry of Agriculture RB reports.
Thus farmers of Chekmagush region harvest more than 30 centners of grain per hectare, farmers of Davlekanovo, Iglino, Kaltasy, Karmaskaly, Meleuz and Chishmy regions — more than 25 centners per hectare.
Farmers of Sterlitamak region collected the largest amount of grain- about 20 thousand tons. Meleuz growers are slightly behind them with more than 17 thousand tons of grain.
Total in the republic grain crops and legumes are mowed now on almost 152 thousand hectares, or on eight percent of areas. 115 thousand hectares of them are threshed (six percent).


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On July 5 the monetary policy committee of the Bank of Thailand (BOT) announced it was revising its forecast for GDP growth from 3.4% to 3.5% for this year, and to 3.7% in 2018, up from its earlier projections of 3.6%.
Thailand’s economic outlook improved in the second quarter, the bank said in a statement. It noted there were prospects for even better trade figures in the second half of 2017, citing expansion in merchandise exports across many product categories and destinations, as well as a recovery in tourism.
While the BOT said increases in domestic demand were still soft and not yet broad-based, it forecast the gradual improvement seen in the first half of the year would continue.
Private consumption, boosted by improvements in farm income, is projected to grow by a steady 3.1% through this year, maintaining the same rate in 2018.
However, the BOT acknowledged that future growth could face external risks. These included the questionable sustainability of growth among its key trading partners, uncertainties over US economic and foreign trade policy, monetary policies of major advanced economies, and the direction and impact of China’s economic structural reforms.
Investment increases, inflation nears target range
Exports were also a significant factor in higher levels of private investment, according to the BOT, which reported that private investment grew by 1.7% in the year to June, up on 0.4% for the whole of 2016, driven largely by investments in export-oriented manufacturing segments.
Public investment, meanwhile, is forecast to grow by 7.7% this year, before rising by 9.2% in 2018, with government spending set to remain a driving force in the economy, despite some ongoing bottlenecks in project delivery.
Headline inflation could see an uptick in the second half of the year, supported by supply-side factors and continued recovery in domestic demand. Following a negative inflation rate in both May and June, the BOT expects the consumer price index to rise by 0.8% this year, climbing to 1.6% in 2018 – within its medium-term target of 2.5% with a band of 1.5% on either side.
While continuing to monitor factors such as appreciation of the Thai baht and short-term capital inflows, the central bank said it intends to maintain an accommodative monetary policy, and kept its key policy rate at 1.5%.
Economists forecast stronger growth, steady interest rates
In early July Kasikorn Research Centre also revised its forecast for the Thai economy, raising its projections for GDP expansion from 3.3% to 3.4%.
With growth in the first half of 2017 higher than expected, thanks to solid exports and private consumption, the economic research group said this momentum should be carried through to the end of the year.
The centre also forecast that the BOT would keep its key policy rate at 1.5% for the rest of this year, with little in the way of inflationary pressure to necessitate any increase.
The forecasts of both the BOT and Kasikorn align with projections from the Asian Development Bank, which expects the Thai economy to grow by 3.5% this year.
BOT implements new controls on consumer credit
Sustainable long-term growth could be supported by new controls on credit. At the end of July the central bank announced regulatory reforms to increase controls over unsecured consumer credit as a means of curbing rising household debt. Household debt levels in Thailand remain among the highest in Asia, at close to 80% of GDP, according to BOT figures.
Effective from the start of September, the measures involve a reduction in the credit card limit available to individuals with a monthly salary of less BT30,000 ($904), from five to 1.5 times their monthly income.
New credit card applicants earning between BT30,000 ($904) and BT50,000 ($1507) per month will be permitted a limit that is three times that salary, while the maximum disbursal for those earning more than BT50,000 ($1507) will be five times their monthly income.
The maximum interest rate on credit cards will also be reduced from 20% to 18%.
Similarly, the credit line for new unsecured personal loan applicants will be limited to 1.5 times the monthly income of those earning below BT30,000 ($904), with a maximum of three accounts per customer.
In moving to slow growth in unsecured consumer credit, the central bank’s aim is to encourage more sustainable spending, with the ratio of non-performing loans standing at 2.95% in the second quarter, up slightly on the 2.94% registered in the first.
Though the reforms might take some time to have an impact, lower debt levels could help increase confidence and reinvigorate household consumption.
Note: This article was written by Oxford Business Group, the highly acclaimed global publishing, research and consultancy firm. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily state or reflect the views of Thailand Business News
Thai fruit exports to FTA markets up 107 percent
China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia and Chile are top importers of Thai fruits, especially fresh durian, mangosteen, longan and mango. Thai exporters are able to benefit from FTA privileges.
BANGKOK (NNT) – Thailand’s fruit exports continue to increase, despite the sluggish global economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with key trade partners being countries that have free trade agreements (FTAs) with the kingdom.
The Future of Asia: greener but with a public and private debt hangover
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a perfect storm, destroying jobs, worsening poverty and inequality, and creating a public and private debt problem—especially for countries and firms already in fragile financial health beforehand
50:50 campaign may not get immediate extension
BANGKOK (NNT) – The government’s 50:50 co-pay campaign expiring on 31st March may not be getting an immediate campaign extension. The Minister of Finance says campaign evaluation is needed to improve future campaigns.
The Minister of Finance Arkhom Termpittayapaisith today announced the government may not be able to reach a conclusion on the extension of the 50:50 co-pay campaign in time for the current 31st March campaign end date, as evaluations are needed to better improve the campaign.
Originally introduced last year, the 50:50 campaign is a financial aid campaign for people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, in which the government subsidizes up to half the price of purchases at participating stores, with a daily cap on the subsidy amount of 150 baht, and a 3,500 baht per person subsidy limit over the entire campaign.
The campaign has already been extended once, with the current end date set for 31st March.
The Finance Minister said that payout campaigns for the general public are still valid in this period, allowing time for the 50:50 campaign to be assessed, and to address reports of fraud at some participating stores.
The Fiscal Police Office Director General and the Ministry of Finance Spokesperson Kulaya Tantitemit, said today that a bigger quota could be offered in Phase 3 of the 50:50 campaign beyond the 15 million people enrolled in the first two phases, while existing participants will need to confirm their identity if they want to participate in Phase 3, without the need to fill out the registration form.
Mrs Kulaya said the campaign will still be funded by emergency loan credit allocated for pandemic compensation, which still has about 200 billion baht available as of today.
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Thai fruit exports to FTA markets up 107 percent
China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia and Chile are top importers of Thai fruits, especially fresh durian,...
Digital Revolution and Repression in Myanmar and Thailand
Activists have also proactively published social media content in multiple languages using the hashtags #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar and #WhatsHappeningInThailand to boost coverage...
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Probably one of the most important factors for the rise of the Baht is the continued weakness of the US...
Will Thailand’s plan for quarantine-free tourism set a global trend?
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the quarantine-exemption measures implemented in Phuket will be extended to five other key...
Thailand Approves Latest Economic Relief Package for Businesses
Some 250 billion baht (US$8 billion) was allocated for soft loans while the remaining 100 billion baht (US$3.2 billion) will...
Southeast Asia remains a hot spot for plastic pollution
The use of plastics is deeply embedded in our daily lives, in everything from grocery bags and cutlery to water...


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Windows Phone: The Market Share by 2015
There is some interesting news coming out, regarding the predicted marked share in 2015. It is indicated that the partnership between Nokia and Windows will push Windows Phone into second place, behind Android, with iPhone being dropped to third and RIM’s BlackBerry in a lonely fourth.
The reason for the rise in Windows Phone’s market share is believed to stem from Nokia’s ability to distribute the Windows Phones globally and to keep their prices down, giving more people the chance of being able to purchase a Windows Phone device. Also, with the expected release of 40 new Nokia devices in 2011 (12 of which are believed to be smartphones); it would appear that Nokia are trying to make a big statement in the market and to their competitors.
Now this latest market share prediction is no surprise to us, as this was previous reported by my colleague James’ on 30 March 2011, see article here.
This report conducted by Gartner (a research firm), comes to us by way of Pocketnow and was sourced from PCWorld, predicts Windows Phone having 20% of the market in 2015, with Android having 48%, iPhone at 17.2% and BlackBerry holding up the rear with only 11%.
However, a lot of how this partnership will do in the smartphone market share, will also come down to the ability of Microsoft to keep up with the regular release of operating systems by others. Microsoft already appear to be having issues with the introduction of the Windows Phone 7 update ‘NoDo’, which is already delayed, This does not bode well for the partnership and will obviously bring about concerns regarding when the release of ‘Mango’, a considerably larger update will be.
So what do you think about the predicted Market share for Windows Phone in 2015, will they really be in second place? Let us know your views below.


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Amazon has been sued for failing to provide mandatory 30-minute meal lunch breaks for employees. The lawsuit claims that the fulfilment centres of the e-commerce giant in California failed to provide enough lunch breaks to employees. The lawsuit has been filed by a former employee. Lovenia Scott alleged that the company did not schedule a 30-minute lunch break for each five-hour work period. Lovenia used to work at a warehouse in Vacaville, California. Even when the workers get their breaks, they were supposed to carry their walkie-talkies with them. “Workers were supposed to monitor it even during the meal breaks to manage any situation on the floor. Listening and responding over walkie-talkies would shorten the meal breaks,” the lawsuit claims.
Moreover, the lawsuit alleged that employees were instructed to take meal breaks ‘if and when they could get it.’ Scott alleged that there was so much work assigned to employees because of serious staffing issues. Because of the work pressure, it was very unlikely that workers would be able to complete the assigned work on time and take a lunch break. Scott also said that several workers saw their breaks shortened to 10-minute. The lawsuit also claimed that the company did not compensate works for using their cell phone for completing official tasks. Scott, who worked at the Vacaville warehouse for over two years, said that the company even failed to pay her final wages on time.
The e-commerce giant has been various lawsuits related to employees and wages. Earlier in March, Amazon and its independent contractor were fined USD 6.4 million for wage theft. The California Labour Commission’s Office had fined the company after it was found the Amazon’s subcontractor underpaid drivers. Green Messengers, an independent contractor of Amazon, scheduled drivers to 10-hour work a day. Because of the workload, drivers were forced to skip their meals. Amazon drivers in the past alleged that they had to urinate in bottles and some even struggled to change their menstrual pads.


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BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – Some families didn’t spend their Thanksgiving evening around a table. Instead, they waited in lines to score the best Black Friday deals.
Best Buy opened its doors at 5 p.m. Thursday. At 3 p.m., there were around 10 people waiting in line — some with blankets and chairs.
One family said this was the first time they have been Black Friday shopping. They got in line at 1 p.m. and said they were waiting for a television.
“Everyone is home eating their turkey dinner. We’re here. We went to Steak ‘n Shake,” said Sissy Ruppersberger, of Enon Valley.
Ruppersberger said the deals would be worth it for the kids.
Best Buy wasn’t the only store opening early, though.
JCPenney opened even earlier, at 3 p.m.
The first person in line was a mother and daughter from East Palestine.
“We have been waiting out here for an hour and a half, but we’ve been sitting in our car for four hours,” said Kimberly Mingle.
It was not only a long day for shoppers but also employees.
They showed up around 2:30 p.m. at JCPenney and stayed for their shift that ends around midnight.
“I will be here ’til about midnight. We’ll be here overnight, then I’ll be back in early morning. It’s a very long weekend for us and the associates when Monday comes around,” said JCPenney General Manager Kim Carillon.
And for some, even though they took time out of their Thanksgiving to come shopping, they wish holiday deals started at a different time.
“I think it’s too soon,” said Fran Young, of Columbiana.
“I think it’d be better if they pushed it, then people could be home today,” said Sissy Ruppersberger.
At the Eastwood Mall in Niles, Black Friday deals began late Thursday afternoon and continue through Friday morning.
The first 500 people in line at the Food Court door got a free Eastwood Mall tote bag, containing gift cards, coupons and more. A DJ was also on hand to get people in the holiday spirit.
At 8 a.m. Friday, there will be a balloon drop near Dillard’s.
With Black Friday shopping will come Black Friday traffic around the malls.
Ohio State Highway Patrol will be out Friday to make sure things stay moving.
Highway Patrol Sgt. Eric Brown said one of the mistakes that can cause gridlock is trying to make a left turn out of a shopping plaza and getting blocked in.
“Do not block intersections. If you’re sitting at a green light and you know you can’t make it safely across that intersection, don’t do it,”
Instead, Brown encourages drivers leaving shopping plazas to make a right turn and turning around where it’s safe.


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NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- During the past 12 months Nexelus has introduced major enhancements to its cloud based operational platform. This includes Media Optimization and enhancements to its AP Workflow Automation product, apworks.ai.
Nexelus Unveils apworks.ai Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to Simplify Accounts Payable Process
Agencies Increase Efficiency and Transparency with Nexelus’ Cloud Based Digital Media Planning, Buying, Billing and Payment Platform
Nexelus has unveiled unique cloud based technology that boosts media spend transparency and accountability through 100% automation of the media plan-to-order-to-bill/pay cycle. Nexelus Media, built “ground up” on the latest technology, fully automates media planning, RFP, buying, billing and payment for display, search and social media campaigns...
NEXELUS, the leading provider of cloud based operational software for global advertising agencies, is pleased to announce the launch of its mobile app..
NEXELUS, the leading provider of cloud based operations management software for global ad agencies, is pleased to announce the first cloud based integrated operations and financial management platform for global advertising agencies...


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The tablet went on sale on Apple’s online store early Tuesday morning. While customers can order the tablet online, they cannot walk into a store and pick one up. Customers must reserve the tablet online if they want to pick it up in an Apple retail store wherever it is available.
The quiet release of the second-generation iPad Mini stands in stark contrast to past releases of iPads and iPhones. Usually Apple loans new products to media outlets ahead of their release, and the reviews go live a few days before the release. The iPads and iPhones usually go on sale on a Friday so that early adopters have a full weekend to line up and buy the new gadgets.
But that is not the story for the new version of the iPad Mini. Apple issued a news release hours after media outlets discovered it had gone on sale online.
“The response to iPad Air has been incredible, and we’re excited for customers to experience the new iPad mini with Retina display,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, in the news release.
It has been evident that Apple was struggling to make enough iPad Mini tablets for the coming holiday season. Timothy D. Cook, Apple’s chief executive, said on the company’s recent earnings call that it was “unclear if we will have enough” of the devices this quarter. And some research firms that track components earlier predicted that the supply of the Mini would be constrained because of limited production of its Retina display.
What this means in terms of Apple’s balance sheet this quarter is that sales of iPad Minis will largely depend on how many Apple can make, not just how many of the devices customers want to buy.


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The last week a bug affected the Quality Score, Larry Kim said he will try to reverse engineer Facebook’s Relevance Score, Messenger will be available for brands on Facebook and a new app was launched:Facebook Analytics for apps.
1. A bug affecting quality score reporting – if you noticed a dramatic drop in quality score and then a miraculous comeback, you should know that it was nothing but a bug that Google was aware of on March 27, as they announced in a post on G+. The bug has been fixed on March 29 and it only affected the quality score reporting, not the auction results or anything else.
2. Introducing Quality Score for Facebook: FB’s Ad Relevance Score Determines Ad Cost & Placement – Larry Kim warns us not to underestimate the importance of Facebook’s Relevance Score and reminds us what Facebook revealed about how it works: it will be updated in real-time, when people hide or report your ad your Relevance Score will be lowered and having your objectives achieved -depending on your campaign type- will increase it. We need more data and more testing, but Larry Kim promised he would try to reverse engineer it. I can’t wait for his findings!
3. Businesses on Messenger – real-time conversations with your customers are coming soon and you can already sign up for it. After checking out on your website, your clients will have the option to send you a private message if they want to ask you something using Messenger and they can also get the order details in the same place. You can also use Messenger to send notifications and updates like, for example, when the product they wanted is back in stock.
4. Introducing Facebook Analytics for Apps – the free tool news was released on March 25 Apps and is only available for logging App Events for now. Facebook Analytics for apps is cross-device, it allows you to see segments, cohorts, funnels, measure the lifetime value of your Facebook ads and spot the opportunities for remarketing and re-engagement.
Have a productive week ahead!


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Mainstream 64-Mbit PC100 SDRAM spot market prices dropped today below $11, nearly in range with OEM contract pricing.
The slide ends a month-long roller coaster ride that sent 64-Mbit PC100 tags to a high of more than $21 before crashing back to earth. The sudden spot market plunge could affect some OEM contract pricing, which was climbing gradually, lifted by the rise in commodity spot tags, according to analysts.
Avo Kanadjian, senior vice president for DRAM marketing at Samsung Semiconductor Inc., San Jose, said he hoped that the memory market was becoming more stable after the wild spot pricing swings of the last month. Kanadjian believed DRAM prices would remain firm because PC demand has been unusually strong in the fourth quarter.


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Eastwood Guitars announces the opening of Eastwood Guitars U.K. Based in Liverpool, the facility will provide complete warehousing, distribution and set up of all Eastwood and Airline guitars for the UK market.
"The new UK based operation and website makes our products easier and less expensive for our UK fans," said Mike Robinson, President and founder of Eastwood Guitars. "Eliminating expensive North America shipping makes them more affordable and gets the guitars to our customers faster, without any unexpected import costs."
The company’s U.K. facility is managed by Carl Cook, whose prior long standing association with Eastwood guarantees that the expert knowledge and enthusiasm that Eastwood Guitars have become renown for is brought to the U.K. shores. This new U.K. operation is part of the overall international expansion plan of Eastwood Guitars and it will also support the many new distributors of Eastwood and Airline products across Europe.
For more, go to eastwoodguitars.co.uk.


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News tagged ‘imac’
Wednesday, 24 Oct 2012
Alongside the new 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display and the new Mac Mini, Apple also unveiled its next-generation iMac. Available in 21.5- and 27-inch screen sizes, the new iMac boasts faster processors, a re-engineered display, and an edge that measures just 5mm thin. Prices start from S$1,788.
Friday, 10 Feb 2012
The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office has published a patent application from Apple, prompting speculations that future iOS and iMac devices might come with a 3D eye-tracking-based interface, reports PatentlyApple.
Tuesday, 27 Dec 2011
Apple recently applied for patents that point to hydrogen fuel-cell powered devices that could potentially last for "days or even weeks of usage without refueling".
Monday, 24 Oct 2011
The "Apple Tax" long imposed on fans of their products have begun to reveal just what they were for, and the winners may just turn out to be consumers.
Monday, 25 Jul 2011
A problem has been identified in a small number of Seagate 1TB hard drives used in the 21.5-inch and 27-inch iMacs and shipped between May and July 2011. Apple will replace these affected drives free of charge.
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Apple today updated its signature all-in-one iMac with next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, groundbreaking high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime HD camera.


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Doug Kass has long been bearish on the market—and that has long been the exact wrong call. But now, Kass says the market's moment of truth is finally upon us.
"I've certainly been wrong," Kass admitted. "But being wrong doesn't keep me from warning investors."
And warn investors he did, for Kass sees this as a particularly treacherous time. "I think when the searchlights of the investor are the dimmest, when the economic and market threats are the greatest, and when market participants are the most comfortable in their inattentiveness and ignorance, the risks are surging—and that's precisely where we are now."
So what exactly is making Kass so concerned about the market right now? The president of Seabreeze Partners Management laid out his reasons on Tuesday's "Futures Now."
1. Stagnating GDP will weigh on revenue
Kass noted that "projections for second-quarter GDP—real GDP—are now under 1 percent." Indeed, Barclays cut its Q2 GDP growth forecast to 0.5 percent on Monday, and Goldman Sachs reduced its estimate from 1.3 percent to 1 percent.
Kass believes this stagnant rate of growth will be a major constraint on corporate revenue. "You've got to see a sharp acceleration in the second half for companies to have any top-line growth whatsoever," Kass said.
2. UPS lowers expectations
On Friday, UPS gave Kass one reason why this "sharp acceleration" is unlikely to come to pass. "I can't see it," Kass said, "with UPS cautioning about domestic economic growth."
UPS shares dropped by 6 percent on Friday after the company reduced earnings guidance. And one of the reasons the global shipping company gave for cutting guidance was "a slowing U.S. industrial economy." This is in line with Kass' thinking about what the rest of the year will bring.
(Read more: Cramer: Has UPS called recovery into question?)
3. Coca-Cola's weak shipments
On Tuesday, Coca-Cola gave Kass another reason to be bearish. In an earnings report that CEO Muhtar Kent said he is "not happy" with, Coca-Cola reported that soda volume in North America fell 4 percent.
That said, Kent pointed to factors that were more meteorological than economic: "We experience an extremely wet and cold second quarter," he said on Tuesday's earnings call, and "this weather clearly impacted our industry's volume growth."
(Read more: Coca-Cola's earnings meet, but CEO's 'not happy')
4. Citigroup's North American worries
Kass also noted a third company sending off warning flares: Citigroup. Kass noted that on their earnings call, the company said that the "North American consumer looks especially weak in the second half."
Indeed, as Citigroup CFO John Gerspach discussed the company's second quarter results on Monday, he warned: "In North America consumer, the environment remains challenging, with a combination of spread compression, consumer deleveraging, and slowdown in mortgage refinancing activity expected to put pressure on revenues for the remainder of the year."
(Read more: Citigroup earnings, revenue top expectations)
5. Refinancing slowdown
Another of Kass's concerns is one he shares with Citigroup. Due to a rise in interest rates that is expected to continue as the Federal Reserve rolls down its easing program, Kass also predicts a slowdown in mortgage refinancing.
"You have refinancings collapsing," Kass said. "That's an important source of household cash flow." The rise in rates, then, could end up further weakening the U.S. consumer for that reason.
6. The coming taper
On top of all of these concerns, Kass brings up what might be the market's biggest focus: "The Fed is on the doorstep of tapering, and interest rates are climbing."
(Read more: Bernanke: Fed to begin tapering later this year)
Why is that so dangerous? "The global economic recovery lies on the foundation of easy monetary policy," Kass said. With no Fed easing undergirding the economy and the market, interest rates are expected to rise, making money more expensive to borrow and making stocks look worse in comparison to bonds.
7. The stronger dollar
Kass's final concern is tied to tapering. "The U.S. dollar's getting stronger, laying the groundwork for weakening exports," he said. As the Fed looks to exit the bond market, the dollar looks more attractive, because inflation is expected to slow as the Fed "prints" more dollars. This will be especially likely if other countries continue to embark on easing policies to stimulate their economies.
Kass notes that a stronger dollar hurts the export market. Indeed, when each dollar is worth more when compared to, say, the euro, it takes more euros to buy American products. This makes American products relatively more expensive for Europeans to buy, and thus puts pressure on exports.
So with all these risks, what's the market's next move? "I'm flat-out saying that the market is making a top here," Kass said.
The only question now is whether this time, he'll be right.


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Automotive retail suppliers are being given the chance to raise their profile by taking up one of the final sponsorship opportunities open for the AM Awards 2019.
The “Oscars of motor retail” will take place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Thursday, February 7, 2019, when over 1,000 industry guests will learn who has earned top accolades for their performance in the previous 12 months in business.
Now a call has been issued to suppliers who wish to embrace the opportunity of gaining maximum exposure at the event by sponsoring one of five awards still available on the night.
The benefits of supporting the event are clear. An awards spokeswoman said: “The AM Awards and is now firmly established as the industry's leading award ceremony.
“As a result the awards command widespread attention locally, regionally and nationally via media coverage, web streaming, promotional collateral and highly distinguished supporters and guests.”
The five AM Awards 2019 awards categories which are still available for sponsorship are:
- Best website
- Best fleet or local business dealer
- Community hero award
- Most Improved Dealership
- Dealer Principal/ General Manager of the Year
Please contact commercial manager, Sheryl Graham, for more details of these opportunities and how sponsorship of the automotive retail sector’s “Oscars” can benefit your business.
Contact Sheryl via email to firstname.lastname@example.org or call 01733 366467.
For more details of the AM Awards event, visit https://awards.am-online.com


text: Starbucks and Nestlé have announced a new “premium coffee experience” for Chinese consumers, with the introduction of Starbucks At Home and We Proudly Serve Starbucks Coffee integrated business solutions in foodservice channels. This is the alliance’s first step into China since the two companies formally joined forces in August 2018. The nationwide rollout consists of a new range of 21 products, including whole bean and roast and ground packaged coffees, as well as the first-ever Starbucks capsules jointly developed since the two companies formed the Global Coffee Alliance in 2018. “For 20 years, we’ve pioneered the Starbucks Experience for customers in China, and today through our alliance with Nestlé, we’re unlocking new premium coffee experiences to better suit our customers’ daily lives outside of our Starbucks retail stores,” says Belinda Wong Chairman and CEO of Starbucks China. “This is only the beginning — the addressable market for coffee in China is rapidly growing and we’ll continue to expand our reach and innovate to deliver signature Starbucks coffees on Nestlé’s proprietary systems and platforms to expand our customer reach for new occasions.” The alliance is part Starbucks and Nestlé’s strategic partnership to expand the global reach of Starbucks brands in consumer packaged goods (CPG) and foodservice segments. Building on Nestlé’s single serve capsule systems, including Nespresso and Nescafé Dolce Gusto, Starbucks At Home introduces Starbucks espresso capsules in flavours such as Caramel Macchiato and Cappuccino. The full range of Starbucks at Home products will be widely available across e-commerce flagship stores on Tmall, JD.com and Suning.com. Starbucks will also start rolling out We Proudly Serve Starbucks Coffee, an integrated business solution in foodservice channels, across office and hospitality locations in tier-one Chinese cities, with the aim to gradually expand to more cities over the next five years. Follow Global Coffee Report on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for up-to-date news and analysis of the global coffee industry.


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Huobi partners with Blockwiz, Global Crypto Marketing Solutions Provider, for expansion in key markets
Huobi has recently announced its alliance with Blockwiz to expand their presence in key strategic markets, Blockwiz, with its unique suite of crypto marketing solutions, is signed on to up Huobi’s brand and online presence.
“Our partnership with Blockwiz helps us increase our online community, build relations with opinion leaders and spearhead the growth of cryptocurrency adoption in key markets.”Stella, Marketing Manager at Huobi.
Blockwiz is a global marketing solutions provider trusted by the crypto world’s crème de la crème, including Bybit, OKEx, Delta Exchange, etc . Unlike an agency, the team works as an extension of the in-house marketing team with data-driven solutions that are customized for each client.
A spokesperson for Blockwiz, said, “We are disrupting how marketing is done in the crypto industry and manage portfolios of not just global market leaders, but also exciting small scale startups. We don’t just connect you to influencers. We run data-driven, full stack marketing campaigns. The team is excited to partner with Huobi and has already observed recent success in our initial campaigns.”
Huobi’s partnership with Blockwiz is inline with their plans for aggressive market expansion this year. With competitors breathing down their neck, Huobi Global with an incremental turnover of $3 trillion, seems to be ramping up its arsenal for market dominance.
The Blockwiz Marketing suite includes a mix of Influencer Campaigns, Content Marketing, Press Releases, Social Media Management, SEO, Community Growth, and Paid Online Advertising.
The team has already worked with Huobi on several projects, including the launch of its Daily Settlement, Take-Profit and Stop-Loss functions.
Since its inception in 2013, Seychelles-based Huobi now has its offices US, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and headquarters in Beijing, China. In 2018, it became a publicly listed Hong Kong company. You can buy assets via Credit Cards, manage them and sell digital assets or safely store them!
The Huobi Global app enables you to deposit, withdraw, and trade 24/7 on your Android and iOS mobiles. In case you’re looking to perfect the A B C’s of CryptoCurrency, there’s nothing better than their engaging, detailed guide.
Huobi Futures, the digital properties derivatives trading platform from Huobi Group, declared openly two modern sensational features to benefit traders in better hedging risk and earn rewards of a trade even before its delivery: daily settlement and take-profit and stop-loss functions.
So far, Huobi Global exchange’s incremental turnover has surpassed the US $3 trillion. Huobi is a proven and reliable crypto trading platform that gives a reliable, secure, expert, and convenient cryptocurrency trading system and asset management assistance to millions of users in 170+ countries.
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Tallahassee's Ruby Tuesday won't be closing amid the chain's bankruptcy filing
The Ruby Tuesday in Tallahassee is not slated to close as the chain looks to shut down a significant number of restaurants following a bankruptcy filing this week.
A manager at the local restaurant confirmed the restaurant, located at 2491 Care Drive off Capital Circle Northeast, is not part of the permanent closures for 185 restaurants nationwide.
That leaves 236 company-owned and operated locations, as well as an undisclosed number of locations run by 10 franchisee groups.
Ruby Tuesday hopes to use the debt-cutting process to improve its finances and stay in business, saying in a statement that it had "reached an understanding with its secured lenders to support its restructuring."
"We do not anticipate any additional restaurant closures at this time," Ruby Tuesday chief marketing officer Jenifer Boyd Harmon said in an emailed statement. "We remain committed to providing our guests with safe, quality experiences at all our current locations."
USA TODAY contributed to this report. Contact TaMaryn Waters at email@example.com or follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter.
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While Southeast Asia’s startup environments are still young compared to those in China or India, it has developed over the last five years. Unicorns like Grab, Gojek and Garena are continuing to grow, and more competitive startups are emerging in sectors like fintech, e-commerce and logistics. That leads to the question: Will combination start to pick up?
The agreement by financiers spoken with by Extra Crunch is: Yes, but slowly at. In the meantime, there are still obstructions to acquisitions and mergers, including few purchasers and the size of markets like Indonesia, which indicates start-ups there have a lot of space to grow on their own, even alongside rivals. But lots of Southeast Asian startup ecosystems are quickly progressing, and consolidations might accelerate in the next couple of years.
Throughout a Disrupt session, East Ventures partner Melisa Irene discussed combination as a technique, specifically when larger companies, like Grab, choose to broaden into brand-new services by getting smaller gamers. In an interview with Bonus Crunch, Irene elaborated on the concept.
“Companies that wish to get more value out of their clients by broadening into other services can do it internally by developing it, or do it externally by buying existing business that have been running in the surrounding or very same sectors,” she stated.
For several years, business chose not to do that due to the fact that of the expense, she included, however that frame of mind started to shift a couple of years back.
In 2018, Grab obtained Uber’s Southeast Asia operations, still one of the highest-profile examples of debt consolidation in the area. The “superapp” likewise built out its financial services service by acquiring fintech startups Kudo, iKaaz, Bento and OVO.
Get rival Gojek has actually been an even busier purchaser, obtaining 13 startups so far according to Crunchbase, consisting of Vietnamese payments start-up WePay and Indonesian point-of-sale platform Moka previously this year.
Traveloka got three contending online travel firms in 2018, while e-commerce platform Tokopedia purchased Bridestory, its very first publicly recognized acquisition, in 2015 to expand into the Indonesian bridal industry.
Still in its early phases
Golden Gate Ventures partner Justin Hall said he has seen attitudes toward consolidation in Southeast Asia slowly shift because the financial investment company was established in 2011.
“I would say over the next two to three years, we’re certainly going to begin seeing a lot more M&A taking place than versus the last eight to 10 years. It’s the confluence of different elements. One, I think business VC is starting to pour a little bit more money into the space. You have a great deal of worldwide tech business, e.g., from China, or regional unicorns that are being far more acquisitive in their technique,” Hall said.
He added that a frequently ignored aspect is that a lot of regional early-stage and institutional funds released about a years back, constructing a foundation for Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystems. A lot of these funds started with a 10-year required and as a result, basic partners might start examining how they can orchestrate sales, for instance by speaking to business acquirers, financiers or other sources of capital for an exit.
“A great deal of activity that you’re beginning to see today is under the table. We have funds coming up on that 10-year mark, stating, ‘Let’s see where we can derive worth within our portfolio, within specific business that we can sell.’ That is going to start happening en masse over the next two years when we hit that 10-year mark for a lot of these funds.”
Article curated by RJ Shara from Source. RJ Shara is a Bay Area Radio Host (Radio Jockey) who talks about the startup ecosystem – entrepreneurs, investments, policies and more on her show The Silicon Dreams. The show streams on Radio Zindagi 1170AM on Mondays from 3.30 PM to 4 PM.


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VegfestUK London 2014 is on September 27th 28th at The West Halls Kensington Olympia
48-page B5 full colour event programme for Brighton now available for download for free online
Featuring all vegan festivals happening in the UK in 2014
Boney M, Rose Royce, Abba Gold, Ruts DC, Peter Hook, Goldblade, Black Roots & Zion Train headline Bristol in May
Massive crowd for our first London bash
- RT @Perkierfoods: @GFVFoodPervert Looking through our pics of the amazing @VegfestUK Brighton show! Soo much fun! #pottyforpeanuts !! httpsâ€¦
- Going live for bookings next week Thursday March 30th - the UK's first dedicated vegan Trade and Media show... t.co/Apn4NtDvMV
- Around 170 stalls booked in for the 15th annual VegfestUK Bristol 2017 event may 20th 21st - around 20 stalls... t.co/jk2bJJxgKi
News //Brighton programme available for download
Wednesday 14th February 2018
The event programme for VegfestUK Brighton is now available for download at
Please share widely, thanks!
Printed copies of the programme are also available before the show at various outlets in the Brighton and Hove area.
Printed programmes will be on sale at the show at £1 each.Back to Latest News


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As part of London Design Festival we are hosting an exhibition at The Gallery at Foyles, featuring work from the new edition of 'A Smile in the Mind: Witty thinking in graphic design'. First published by Phaidon in 1996, 'A Smile in the Mind' by Beryl McAlhone and David Stuart became a seminal text for a generation of designers. 20 years later, the book has been extensively revised and updated for the next generation by new co-authors Greg Quinton and Nick Asbury. The book shows how witty thinking powers some of the world’s biggest brands and most memorable creative work, while the exhibition will allow you to experience this wit first hand.
The exhibition kicks off 17 September as part of the London Design Festival and will run for 6 weeks. The Gallery at Foyles, 107 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DT, free admission.


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PUBG and Fortnite are now Banned in Iraq
Troubles for the famous battle royale game PUBG is increasing day by day. Many peoples from different parts of the worlds want the game to be banned. And as a result of that, many countries have started to ban PUBG. Recently, Nepal banned the battle royale game. Now, it looks like the government of Iraq has also decided to ban the game.
What are PUBG and Fortnite?
In case you don’t know PUBG or PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is a game based on battle royale gameplay. In the game, you will be dropped into an island with 99 other people. There you’ll have to search for weapons and other necessary items like medicines, car or bike, etc. You’ll have to fight and survive until no one else is alive to win the game.
The other game which is voted to be banned in Iraq is Fortnite. The game also features a very similar battle royale gameplay just like PUBG. Here as well you’ll be dropped into an island with other peoples. However, in Fortnite you get a lot of special abilities and powers which can win you the game whereas PUBG is more realistic.
Why are these games being banned?
As per the government, these games “threaten the social and moral peace” in Iraq. In November last year, a teenager accidentally killed his friend with a shotgun in Erbil province of Iraq while doing a ‘roleplay’ of PUBG. Ms. Ghulab, an MP said,
The Committee on Culture, Information, Tourism and Archaeology views with great concern the spread of the phenomenon of electronic games that is causing violence among children, and young boys and girls.
As per her, the games are “affecting the social, psychological and educational level of everyone” who plays the games. Thus she would be backing the proposal to ban the games.
Reaction from the People of Iraq
The people of Iraq are widely negative about the ban of PUBG and Fortnite. They are more angry about the government’s wrong priorities rather than the reason that won’t be able to play these games.
Iraq’s decision to ban PUBG comes soon after the ban in Nepal. The game was also banned for some time in the Indian cities of Rajkot and Ahmedabad by the police. What are your thoughts about the ban? Let us know in the comments.


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In April, Procter and Gamble released a heart warming, Olympics inspired commercial. It reminded us that these strong, iconic, god-like Olympians are still someone’s sons and daughters. The advertisement — which is chock full of proud, beaming, sobbing moms — ended in with the words:
The hardest job in the world,
is the best job in the world.
Thank you, mom.
The genius of this campaign did not end there.
The company released another Olympics commercial this week and it’s just as mom-inspired. In this ad, the big, strong, hulking athletes are replaced with itty-bitty, extra adorable, look-a-likes. Proudly donning flags and apparel of the countries they hailed from (probably less than a decade ago!), the tiny athletes represent the kids our favorite Olympians used to be.
The tag line:
To their moms,
they’ll always be kids.
Already, the Twittersphere is booming with chatter about this latest Olympics campaign. Behind a hashtag, the phrase “Raising an Olympian” is trending. The comment trend seems to be that just about everyone needs a tissue after watching the commercial on Youtube.
Successful campaign? We think so, do you? And did you cry? (We won’t tell.)


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The Global Bitcoin Technology Market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of +7% over the period 2019 – 2026. Bitcoin is a digital currency which uses decentralized technology for storing money and secure payments…
Home Tag: Bitcoin Technology Market Application
Tagged By Bitcoin Technology Market Application
- Scotland must make ‘genuine changes’ on the off chance that it will arrive at its 2045 net-zero objective.
- Adnoc has declared Abu Dhabi’s square permitting technique for the benefit of the Supreme Petroleum Council.
- Statistical surveying Future distributed an examination report on ‘Portable Printer Statistical surveying Report-Worldwide Figure 2023


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NEW YORK — Chico’s new division for 25-to-35-year-olds, to be called Pazo, will launch with eight stores in the first quarter of fiscal 2003.
"Our plans are for Pazo to be a cutting-edge store for the contemporary, fashion-conscious woman," said Chico’s vice president Barry Shapiro, who is heading up the launch of Pazo, in a statement. "Merchandise will be presented in a boutique atmosphere that is unique and fun, with the newest European and American fashion at impulse prices. We will provide a service level that complements this shopping experience."
Scott Edmonds, president and chief operating officer, added: "The strength of our executive management team, combined with our strong balance sheet, has given us the ability to test this new concept. Interestingly enough, we have found that landlords [have responded well to] the new concept. We do, however, want to assure the Chico’s customer and our stockholders that the Chico’s design and product development team, as well as the field management team, will remain completely focused on the Chico’s brand."
He told WWD that Chico’s will introduce new categories of merchandise within "the four walls" of the Chico’s stores, but declined to specify.
He also said he doesn’t expect Pazo units, which will have 2,500 to 3,000 square feet of selling space, to be as productive as Chico’s units, which post $835 in sales per square foot. "Pazo speaks to a different customer and will employ entirely separate design, product development and field management teams." Pazo means country manor in Spanish, Edmonds noted.
The Fort Myers, Fla.-based Chico’s, with 338 stores in 40 states and Washington, sells private label women’s casual clothing and related accessories. Its volume last year was $378million, and it continues to grow rapidly.
At a conference in Boston earlier this year, Charles Klemen, chief financial officer, said the first units of the new division would probably be in Atlanta, San Diego, Washington and Charlotte, as well as Florida and Texas. He also said the division will target household incomes of $40,000 to $60,000, a younger and less affluent customer than the Chico’s chain, and feature outfits about half the price of those at its sister division. The company declined to specify the sites, pending finalization of leases.As reported, merchandise for the new division has been tested since the start of fiscal 2001 at Chico’s stores.
@chanel and @pharrell dropped what’s being dubbed as the world’s most exclusive sneakers yesterday. The Adidas Originals NMD Hu, which Williams designed in collaboration with Chanel and @adidasoriginals, has a waiting list of over 120K people who pre-registered online at chanelatcolette.fr –– and only 500 pairs are on sale. The singer predicted the resale value of the shoes could reach $40K. Read the full interview on WWD.com. Link in bio. #wwdfashion (📷: Dominique Maître)
@imanshumpert is diving deeper into his creative endeavors and relaunching his clothing line, Post 90s, and is helping to raise money for the hurricane victims in St. Maarten with a jersey he’s designed with his brother. The Cleveland Cavaliers player talked to WWD about kneeling during the national anthem, working with fashion brands and how he wants to be more than an @nba player. Read the interview on WWD.com #wwdfashion (📷: George Chinese)
Not only does #TheProfit return to CNBC tonight, but @marcuslemonis has launched @shopmarcus, a new shopping and lifestyle retail experience in Aspen and Chicago, with more locations to come. The retail stores offer in-store stylists and a variety of contemporary womenswear selections.
“It’s life, I’m going to face it,” @mingxi11 sighed. “I fell, but you know, I think the most important thing is that I get back up. I had the love, the help from my sister — the girl next to me Gizele [Oliveira] — she’s so nice. When I went backstage everybody was trying to comfort me like ‘Oh Ming, it’s OK.’ I’m really, really touched. I think it’s them who gave me the courage to go back on stage for the finale,” Xi told WWD of her fall at the @victoriassecret fashion show. (📷: David Fisher) #wwdfashion #vsfashionshow #victoriassecret
@louisvuitton tapped @therealpeterlindbergh for its latest city-centric photo book, which is part of a series called Fashion Eye. The primarily black and white book captures the spirit of Berlin in 57 images shot between 1989 and 2019. “Berlin is an inspiration for me, more than a city. I mean @millajovovich is simply Berlin!” said Lindbergh. #wwdfashion
“You know, I think audiences expect a certain performance so I have to deliver to them what they’re expecting to a certain degree. But I’m also a different actor and a different person, I have my own spin on the character,” says @noahegalvin of his takeover of the leading role in “Dear Evan Hansen” following the departure of @bensplatt, who originated the role. Read WWD’s interview with the 23-year-old actor on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @jilliansollazzo)
For pre-fall 2018, @etro created richly-colored wonderland, using tapestries, textiles and wallpapers from the Eastern world at large. The line featured floral and graphic prints and jacquard motifs, like this two-piece look featured here. #wwdfashion (📷: Giovanna Pavesi)
@kith is moving into children’s. The men’s and women’s streetwear brand has launched Kidset, a Kith kids line located in New York at 64 Bleecker Street. The line includes mini versions of staple Kith pieces like the Astor bomber jacket and the Kith box logo sweatshirts, along with a wall that can display up to 120 pairs of shoes from @adidas, @newbalance, @timberland and more. #wwdfashion
“I just wanted to create this fully rounded character, but I do think what excited me most was just the opportunity to give a group of people representation that I feel needs it. I like to do characters in projects that stand for something and Karolina definitely does, so that was really exciting to me,” @ginnygardner says of her new role in @hulu’s “The Runaways.” Gardner plays Karolina Dean, a queer superhero, which is a rarity for @marvel. Read more about Gardner’s character on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @dandoperalski)


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So, another year, another iPhone. The latest version of Apple's iconic touchscreen smartphone is now available and it brings with it a whole host of new and innovative features.
t's also received a number of system software updates since this review was first written, and is now running iOS 5.1. This means it has most of the features of the iPhone 4S except the Siri voice-recognition system.
Every year Apple hits us with a new, shiny iPhone. This year, we are finally getting features that we've wanted for a while now, such as a new design, front facing camera, a better quality camera with flash, and of course a much improved screen.
with features like a super-fast A4 CPU, a new front-facing camera and five megapixel shooter on the back, a completely new industrial design, and that outrageous Retina Display, no one would argue that Apple has been asleep at the wheel. So the question turns to whether or not the iPhone 4 can live up to the intense hype. Can it deliver on the promises Steve Jobs made at WWDC, and can it cement Apple's position in the marketplace in the face of mounting competition from the likes of Google and Microsoft? We have the answers to those questions
Very high-resolution display
FaceTime video conferencing
720p video recording
Storage capacity not expandable
Wireless connection issues


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We all know downloadable-content is coming for 2012’s biggest-seller Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, and a leaked promotional image seems to have revealed the details.
Titled ‘Revolution’, the game’s first DLC (not including pre-order bonuses) includes four maps titled ‘Hydro’, ‘Grind’, ‘Downhill’ and ‘Mirage’ as well as a zombie-map named ‘Die Rise’. There’s also a bonus weapon on offer in the ‘Peacekeeper SMG’.
First to report these images were MP1ST, who also reveled via the same leaked poster that the expansion will be coming to Xbox LIVE on January 29. Microsoft tend to have a month exclusivity on Call of Duty DLC, so presuming this source is legitimate you can expect a release on PC and the PlayStation Network on the same day next month.
For the minute this all still unconfirmed (although you can bet your life savings on some kind of Black Ops 2 DLC being released next year), but we’ll update this article if Treyarch make any comments.
Update: HMV’s official Facebook page has confirmed the leaked DLC is legitimate. The pack will cost 1,200 MS points when it’s released on the Xbox 360. It has also been confirmed the PS3 version will be released a month later.


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IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WJMN) – BOSS Snowplow expanded its line of products in June by purchasing assets from company Voight Smith Innovations (VSI). VSI, based about an hour south of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, specializes in liquid deicing products that have become attractive in recent years to snow and ice contractors that BOSS supplies.
Rather than using salt alone like the spreaders BOSS has supplied in the past, the liquid deicing product is a brine that combines water and salt mixed at a certain salinity, or the dissolved salt content within a body of water. That brine is then sprayed down on sidewalks and roads before and after snow and ice collect on the pavement.
“If you did a cross-section of pavement, you looked at it closely, you would see that it’s porous. So as that liquid gets down into the pavement and it freezes, it makes it a very slippery surface,” said Mark Klossner, Vice President of Marketing for Boss Snowplow. “Makes it very difficult for snow and ice contractors to get a parking lot or a sidewalk clear completely. So you still have slippery spots, right? So this brine does a good job of breaking up that bond so it never happens.”
Klossner says a big part of what made VSI attractive to BOSS is the ability to be a one-stop shop for contractors by providing the in-demand brine in addition to the snowplows, spreaders, and other products they’ve manufactured for years. The brine is more environmentally friendly than salt, as well as more cost-effective, allowing a surface like a parking lot to be covered using about 1/3 the amount of salt compared to salt alone.
“As liquids melt, rain, whatever the case may be, all of that salt that was put down on the pavement, that salinity ends up down in the groundwater, lakes, things like that,” Klossner said. “And over the course of time that can build up and can have harmful effects. So brine really mitigates a lot of that problem which is a really great thing. Plus for a snow and ice contractor, it reduces the cost because the material costs are less to run your business, so it’s kind of a win-win.”
Seven employees from VSI were taken to begin working with BOSS as part of the purchase. VSI’s production will remain in Minnesota for the time being, but will begin transitioning to Iron Mountain in about a year and half, bringing additional jobs to the area.
“It just shows again Toro’s commitment to the community investing in the Iron Mountain area,” Klossner said. “As you can see as you drove up, we’ve had three expansions here in the last two years, one of which is being finished right now in terms of a new office building. So that just shows you that there’s more and more investment going on and that Toro intends to be here for a long time. So does BOSS.”
For more information on BOSS Snowplow and the company’s products, you can visit their website.


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Bloomberg News report
TOKYO (March 26, 2014) — Nissan Motor Co. said it will recall 989,701 vehicles including its latest Altima sedans in North America to fix a software problem that could deactivate the airbags.
The software may incorrectly classify the passenger seat as empty, when it is occupied by an adult, according to a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by Nissan. This may lead to a failure of the airbag to deploy during a crash and could increase the risk of injury to the passenger, according to the document.
Nissan has received no report of accidents related to the problem, a company spokeswoman said. The recall will only affect vehicles sold in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, she said.
The recall will include the 2014 Infiniti Q50 sedan and QX60 crossover, the 2013-14 Pathfinder SUV, Leaf electric car and Sentra compact, according to the company’s statement.
Nissan said on Sept. 26 it would recall 910,000 vehicles globally—including the Serena minivan and X-Trail SUV—over an accelerator fault. That recall was part of the reason the company cut its profit forecast by 15 percent in the year ending March 31, it said.
This report appeared on the website of Automotive News, a Detroit-based sister publication of Tire Business.
How stiff is the competition from car dealers selling tires in your area of operation?
|Not stiff at all, it's negligible||
21% (20 votes)
|Pretty intense but I'm holding my own and haven’t lost many sales||
26% (24 votes)
|It's moderately competitive but I’ll always beat their deals||
22% (21 votes)
|I've adjusted how I approach tire sales and it seems to be working to my benefit||
15% (14 votes)
|I'm ready to give up and look for another line of work||
16% (15 votes)
|Total votes: 94|


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Financial results that were below expectations in the U.S. contributed to a sales drop for ultrasound technology developer SuperSonic Imagine in the first half of 2015.
For the period (end-June 30), SuperSonic had sales of 8.25 million euros ($9 million U.S.), up 2% on a nominal basis but down 6% on a currency-comparable basis from the 8.12 million euros ($8.9 million) reported in the first half of 2014. In positive developments, the company said there was strong growth momentum in Asia, including 124% growth in China and solid performance in Japan. In response to weaker contributions of indirect sales in the U.S., SuperSonic said it is investing more in its U.S. direct sales force.
In Europe, SuperSonic pointed to a good first-half performance in Germany, thanks to its direct sales network. A market shift in France, however, had a negative effect on first-quarter sales volume, according to the vendor. Corrective actions are showing early positive results, the company said.
Broken down by quarter, SuperSonic had first-quarter sales of 3.2 million euros ($3.5 million), up 11% on a currency-comparable basis from the 2.9 million euros ($3.2 million) posted in the first quarter of 2014. Sales reached 5 million euros ($5.5 million) in the second quarter, down 11% on a currency-comparable basis from 5.2 million euros ($5.7 million) in the same period a year ago.