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Shares in China’s tourism and travel businesses soared in U.S. trading today after the country said on Tuesday it would reduce Covid-related mandatory quarantines on internationally arriving passengers to seven days from the previous 14-21 days.
Among the leaders was Trip.com, the country’s biggest online travel site, whose Nasdaq-traded shares climbed by 14% to $28.11 at 12:15 p.m. today. That put Trip.com, which is nearly 11% owned by China online search leader Baidu, on track to its best close since February.
Huazhu, the big China hotel chain chaired by China billionaire Ji Qi, rose by 5.9% to $37.87. Ji is a member of the board at Trip.com, along with Forbes Midas List members Neil Shen and JP Gan. GreenTree, a smaller Shanghai-headquartered hotel chain, rose by 6.6%.
China’s tourism industry has been hurt by travel restrictions since the pandemic began two years ago. Lockdowns in Shanghai this year triggered supply chain disruptions in companies including Tesla, reduced investments, and has led to an outflow of expatriates in what has been one of the country’s most international cities.
Airlines stocks also rose. China Eastern, based in Shanghai, rose by 6.7%. China Southern, headquartered in Guangzhou, climbed 3.8%.
China’s benchmark CSI Index rose by 1% to a three-month high of 4,490.52 earlier today on growth hopes.
After the new seven-day quarantine period, new arrivals are required to spend three days at home, media reported.
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Photo: Investigations Police of Chile
Police seize stolen premium salmon that was going to be exported to the US
Tuesday, May 26, 2020, 15:00 (GMT + 9)
- The operation ended with five people detained.
- The cargo, which was destined for Miami, was valued at just over US$ 45,600.
The South East Metropolitan Robbery Brigade of the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) arrested five people after an inspection carried out by the Stolen Goods Market team inside the Santiago Fishing Terminal, in the municipality of Lo Espejo.
The operation was carried out after receiving the information about the sale of a premium salmon freight from some brands that had been robbed in the last month, merchandise that was destined for Miami, in the United States.
Detectives seized more than 2.5 tons of this product, valued at 36 million 675 thousand pesos. (Approx US $ 45,600)
The cargo had to be destroyed because it could not be verified that the cold chain was maintained.

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The boom times for the US stock market could be over. Frighteningly, Warren Buffett is betting against the American stock market.
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) sold $13.3 billion worth of US stocks in the first quarter of 2023, The Financial Times calculates. Instead of buying stocks, Berkshire spent $4.4 billion to repurchase its own shares. Berkshire Hathaway also moved $2.9 billion into cash equivalents. Its cash and short-term investments rose to $130.6 billion.
This is scary because historically, Buffett has been bullish on America. “America’s dynamism has made a huge contribution to whatever success Berkshire has achieved, a contribution Berkshire will always need,” Buffett writes in his 2023 shareholder letter.
“We count on the American Tailwind and, though it has been becalmed from time to time, its propelling force has always returned,” Buffett admits. Uncharacteristically, Buffett is not counting on the American Tailwind to push the Berkshire ship forward.
Is Microsoft (MSFT) still making money?
I think Buffett thinks America is in decline, even though as a patriot he will never admit it. To elaborate, I believe Berkshire’s stock sales reveal a lack of faith in America.
If America is in decline. Investors need to ask what American companies are not declining. Interestingly, one answer to this question is Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT).
For instance, Microsoft’s revenues grew by 7.08% in the quarter ending on 31 March 2023. Microsoft’s quarterly revenues grew from $49.360 billion on 31 March 2022 to $52.857 billion on 31 March 2023.
Similarly, Microsoft’s quarterly gross profit grew from $33.745 billion on 31 March 2022 to $36.729 billion on 31 March 2023. Plus, Microsoft’s quarterly operating income grew from $20.364 billion on 31 March 2022 to $22.352 billion on 31 March 2023.
Microsoft (MSFT) Grows as America Declines
Microsoft (MSFT) is growing as America declines. For example, Microsoft’s total assets grew from $344.607 billion on 31 March 2022 to $380.088 billion on 31 March 2023.
Conversely, Microsoft’s cash and short-term investments shrank slightly from $104.693 billion on 31 March 2022 to $104.427 billion on 31 March 2023. Microsoft is growing, but it has less cash.
Notably, Microsoft’s quarterly operating cash flow fell from $25.386 billion on 31 March 2022 to $24.441 billion on 31 March 2023. Conversely, the quarterly ending cash flow grew from -$8.106 billion on 31 March 2022 to $10.916 billion on 31 March 2023.
Thus, Microsoft’s ability to generate cash is increasing. However, Microsoft is still paying off a lot of debt. For example, it reported a quarterly financing cash flow of -$10.29 billion on 31 March 2023. Conversely, the quarterly financing cash flow rose from -$17.345 billion on 31 March 2022.
However, Microsoft’s total debts fell from $49.926 billion on 31 March 2022 to $48.210 billion on 31 March 2023. Therefore, Microsoft has less debt in a period of decline in a time of decline which is smart.
Is Microsoft Growing?
Microsoft’s business displays dramatic growth. For example, Xbox Game Pass had 29 million users in October 2022, Sony Interactive Entertainment claims.
If Sony’s claims are true, the Xbox Game Pass gained four million new subscribers in the first three quarters of 2022. To elaborate, the Xbox Game Pass had 25 million subscribers in January 2022, Statista estimates.
History shows such Xbox Game Pass growth is probable. The number of Xbox Game Subscriptions grew from 18 million worldwide in January 2021 to 25 million in January 2022, Statista estimates.
This growth helps Microsoft (MSFT) make money because most Game Pass plans cost $9.99 a month. Moreover, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan costs $14.99 a month.
For example, I calculate Microsoft could make $289.71 million a month from Xbox Game Pass subscriptions if all the subscribers pay $9.99 a month. I suspect the actual figure is higher because Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plans cost $14.99 a month.
Is Microsoft (MSFT) the new Berkshire Hathaway?
Xbox Game Pass growth can help Microsoft make more money because it is float.
Float is Buffett’s term for the cash flow regular payments such as subscriptions and insurance premiums generate. Notably, Buffett built Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) with businesses such as insurance companies, utilities, and newspapers. All three businesses generate float.
Now Microsoft is a similar business strategy. For example, Microsoft is using float from Xbox and other subscriptions to accumulate an enormous pile of cash ($104.427 billion in cash and short-term investments).
Significantly, Microsoft is using the cash to make acquisitions as Berkshire does. For example, Microsoft is trying to buy video game giant Activision Blizzard (ACTVI). However, British and US authorities are trying to block the deal.
Similarly, Microsoft is investing up to $10 billion in OpenAI, Bloomberg reports. OpenAI builds popular artificial intelligence solutions such as ChatGPT, DALL-E2, and GPT-3. This money is part of a multi-year and multi-billion dollar investment by Microsoft, an OpenAI press release reveals.
Microsoft plans to add OpenAI’s tech to its Azure cloud computing platform. In particular, Microsoft is offering an Azure OpenAIService which could generate subscription income and float from OpenAI products.
Is Microsoft Better than Berkshire Hathaway?
Microsoft (MSFT) could be a better value investment than Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) for two reasons.
First, Microsoft’s share value is growing dramatically. Notably, Microsoft’s share price grew from $264.58 on 9 May 2022 to $310.11 on 11 May 2023. Secondly, Microsoft is an attractive dividend stock.
For example, Microsoft has scheduled nine 68₵ quarterly dividends between 6 June 2023 and 9 June June 2025. Consequently, Microsoft shares were delivering a $2.72 forward dividend and a 0.88% forward dividend yield on 11 May 2023.
I think Microsoft is an excellent dividend stock that could survive American decline. Hence, I recommend that all value investors investigate Microsoft.


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UK competition watchdog launches investigation
3035: a report has been issued by the UK competition watchdog that confirms what many have suspected for years, which others dismissed as fake news: fake review epidemic across Google and Amazon DOES exist! The watchdog has written to both companies requesting them to take decisive action. Both companies responded by issuing a statement that they already offer a robust mechanism to combat the relatively minor issue, which has resulted in 3.5M fake reviews removed; they have also promised to redouble their efforts to implement cutting-edge technology to continue their relentless fight against what they both claim is an "issue that, while affecting only a tiny percentage of our customers, does undermine their confidence in otherwise robust and effective vetting process". The UK watchdog has issued further statement in response to their statement that said it will monitor further developments in this field, while also issuing a further-further statement, that 'consumers must have confidence that online reviews are genuine and unbiased'.


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With its market capitalization now at $277 billion, Tesla would be among the most valuable companies ever added to the S&P 500, and it would be more valuable than 95% of the index's existing components.
Palo Alto: Shares of Tesla ended down 3.1% on Monday, tapping the brakes on a rally that has boosted the electric car maker's stock by over 40% in two weeks.
Shares of Tesla surged 16% early in the session before joining a sell-off along with other big-name Nasdaq stocks, including Amazon, Microsoft and Nvidia , that have outperformed in recent months.
With investors betting Tesla could show a quarterly profit in its July 22 report and potentially join the S&P 500 index, traders at one point on Monday paid $1,794.99 per share, a premium of almost $300 over Tesla's previous closing price.
Only the second daily decline for Tesla in 10 sessions came after the company on Saturday cut the price of its Model Y sport utility vehicle by $3,000, just four months after its launch, as it tries to maintain sales momentum in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Higher-than-expected second-quarter vehicle deliveries, announced earlier this month, have some analysts and investors expecting the company will show a profit in its quarterly report. That would mark Tesla's first cumulative four-quarter profit, a key requirement for it to be added to the S&P 500 .
With its market capitalization now at $277 billion, Tesla would be among the most valuable companies ever added to the S&P 500, and it would be more valuable than 95% of the index's existing components. Adding Tesla to the S&P 500 would have a major impact on investment funds that track the index, forcing them to buy tens of billions of dollars worth of Tesla's stock.
Since late June, demand for bullish call options on Tesla shares has been greater than demand for protective put options, which traders warn is a sign of exuberance.
Tesla on Friday set its annual shareholder meeting for Sept. 22 at its Fremont factory in California. The same day would also be "Battery Day," when Tesla it is expected to reveal significant advances in battery technology.
German luxury carmaker Mercedes Benz, which has recently launched its second electric offering EQS 580 sedan for India, said that while the electric car is manufactured in Germany, India is the only country to locally assemble the EV outside of the home country. With this, Mercedes will also be the first and only luxury carmaker to assemble an EV in the country, thereby giving it an edge over its rivals in terms of pricing.
According to a complaint filed by Vivek Gupta, the Chief Financial Officer of JBM Group, Sector 44, it was on Friday that he received messages on WhatsApp requesting to transfer certain sums to bank accounts indicated in the messages.


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|28 june – 1 july|
Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) — MILAN
EXHIBITOR STAND S13 HALL 1
|29 june – 1 july|
Electric Road — BORDEAUX
EXHIBITOR STAND 25
|12 – 14 sept|
EPA Congress — BRUSSELS
EXHIBITOR STAND 1115
The European Union Council approved also this 28th of June to review the charging network for electric vehicles and other alternative fuel engines across the member states to ensure the range for the drivers The Council of the European Union, which defines the...
· The leading EV charging solutions company is promoting different activities on this 2022 to commemorate its 25 years of history, which will peak in an big party open for the staff’s families this autumn. Circontrol achieves this year its 25th...
Charger-vehicle interoperability is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing which charging station to install in a home, business or other locations. In fact, ensuring a good end-user experience is a key...


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Automated water management solutions vendor Apana is trying to make saving water a little easier.
Sub Zero Ice Cream & Yogurt has leased 1,200-sq.-ft. of retail space in Vintage Marketplace, a Whole Foods-anchored shopping center, for its first Houston location.
Raley’s Supermarkets is considering hitting the big city.
TreeHouse is a first-of-its-kind home improvement store.
Dunkin’ Donuts is pursuing a massive expansion strategy in the most populated U.S. state.
The U.S. is known as a melting pot, and now a major U.S. casual dining chain wants to turn the world into a melting pot of consumers of its food.
Ross Dress for Less and Ulta Beauty are coming to Randolph Mall in Asheboro, North Carolina.
Who said women don’t like sports?
Count Johnny Rockets among those looking forward to starting college later this year.
Ross Stores has some big plans when it comes to opening new stores.


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ARM Launches Cortex-M7 Chip Design for IoT, Wearables
Freescale and ST Microelectronics are licensing ARM's design, which offers more performance and efficiency than previous models.ARM is taking another step into the increasingly competitive Internet of things market, introducing its latest Cortex-M processor that officials say offers twice the compute and digital signal processing capabilities of its predecessor. ARM's new 32-bit Cortex-M7 "Pelican" chip design is aimed at high-end embedded systems that can span from network edge routers and industrial systems to connected cars and other Internet of things (IoT) devices, according to company officials. The Cortex-M7 will enable more compute power, intelligence and features in such systems. In a conference call with journalists before the Cortex-M7's announcement Sept. 23, Nandan Nayampally, vice president of marketing for ARM's CPU group, noted the growing demand for more intelligence, connectivity and automation in everything from storage systems to health care devices. The Cortex-M7, with its improved performance, power efficiency and digital signal control, will enable chip makers to add more motors, displays and connectivity options, as well as improved voice control, to their processors for connected systems, or more granular control and better GPS accuracy to products used in drones, Nayampally said. Such systems will "be able to marry a small footprint with [more] compute and longer battery life," he said.
A number of chip makers—including Freescale, ST Microelectronics and Atmel—have already licensed the Cortex-M7 design. ARM officials are hoping the new design will continue the success that previous Core-M chips have found. Since 2005, 8 billion Cortex-M units have shipped, more than 240 license agreements have been signed and there are more than 3,000 catalog parts leveraging Cortex-M. For Cortex-M4, more than 2.9 billion embedded processors shipped in 2013, and 1.7 billion already in 2014, Nayampally said. About 175 companies have licensed Cortex-M4 processors.


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As of around 2:19AM PST, futures are down 199 points. If General Electric (GE), which is reporting in a few hours, tells the Street it will cut its dividend or do nothing to sustain its credit rating, we are going to be in for a really bad day. I wouldn't rule out Dow 7500 if GE reports particularly poor results.
In other news, it appears my prediction that Intel stock will reach 14 dollars this week will be proven incorrect. My average buy price is around $13.50/share, so I am not concerned (Update on January 28, 2009: Intel stock today increased above $14/share). With the upcoming dividend payout, I will have an opportunity to buy more shares while I wait for Intel to return to more reasonable levels.
For now, Intel appears to be in full-blown cost-cutting mode. Bloomberg recently reported that Intel is shutting down its Santa Clara, CA chip factory:
There are no incentives to have sizable manufacturing operations in Silicon Valley. The Valley is hugely focused on intellectual property and innovation, rather than on manufacturing.
"Silicon Valley, CA" may now be a misnomer. As Cypress Semiconductor's CEO T.J. Rodgers warned earlier, employers are leaving the Bay Area in droves, taking manufacturing operations with them:
Few people know it, but so-called Silicon Valley is not really Silicon Valley anymore--almost all of the wafer fabrication plants have been shut down due to the hostile business climate.
As a Santa Clara County resident, this is troubling, but I understand why Intel made its decision. California has strict environmental regulations and very expensive land. As a result, it's almost always cheaper for companies to build fabs or other manufacturing operations outside of California. Although it's tough seeing a large, well-known employer offshore any work, I've heard over and over that the top brains and talent are still in the Bay Area.
It's surprising, however, that Intel seems to be offshoring such an IP-laden part of its business. The Bloomberg article doesn't specify whether a chip fab or a research fab is shutting down. In either case, if an overseas employee takes Intel's chip-level (not motherboard level) source code, or the manufacturing specs for Intel chips, it can sell them for millions of dollars to many interested buyers. That's one problem technology companies have when moving overseas to save costs--they may not be as familiar with local employees, cultural norms, or local court systems. America, despite its problems, still has a healthy respect for the rule of law--something that isn't universally shared.
Disclosure: I own Intel shares.


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Plans to derail home-sellers packs
THE House of Lords will be urged today to reject controversial Government plans for compulsory home sellers packs.
A Tory amendment to the Housing Bill would instead make the £1,000 Home Information Packs voluntary.
Under the plans, sellers would not be able to put their home on the market unless packs with surveys, searches and inspection reports were prepared.
Critics protest that the packs, will, if made compulsory under Government proposals, deprive owners of the right to sell when they want to.
First day marketing without a pack would be illegal.
Trevor Kent, a leading critic, is a member of an anti-pack campaign group which asked a representative number of estate agents the question: 'On obtaining instructions to sell, what percentage of clients demand, or need, immediate marketing?'
Respondents said that 89% of home sellers expected their property to be put on the market with no delay at all.
Agents say that currently they start marketing immediately they have confirmed their terms and the property details are approved.
Mr Kent, a former president of the National Association of Estate Agents, said this process is not understood by Government officials, who seem obsessed with having the pack in place before an agent can so much as 'whisper' that a property may become available for sale.
Home owners making an offer for another property will demand that the marketing process for their present home begins immediately or they will risk losing out as a prospective purchaser for their next one.
In a recent Government trial of one component of the pack by the Building Research Establishment, there was difficulty in getting sellers to take part because they themselves would not accept the delay in the start of marketing which the trial required.
Mr Kent said: 'Property professionals, who deal with home sellers every day, are constantly warning the Government that there will be much public anger if they are forced to delay marketing by up to three weeks.'
The Government says HIPs are necessary to reduce the extra expense prospective purchasers often face of paying for a survey on a home only to find the deal falls through later and the money has been wasted.
The amendment, which will be moved during the Third Reading of the Housing Bill, is supported by Lord Hunt of the Wirral (Con), Baroness Hamwee (Lib Dem), Lord Donaldson of Lymington (Cross- bencher) and Baroness Hanham (Con).
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Jury says Apple iPhone violated three patents, damages unclear
REUTERS - A U.S. jury on Thursday found that Apple's (AAPL.O) iPhone infringed three patents owned by holding company MobileMedia Ideas, though damages have not yet been determined.
The verdict was delivered after a week-long trial in Delaware federal court, said Larry Horn, chief executive of MobileMedia. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
The three patents, which cover features like camera phone technology, were acquired from Nokia (NOK1V.HE) and Sony Corp (6758.T) in 2010, Horn said. Those two companies hold a minority interest in MobileMedia, he said.
Representatives for Nokia and Sony could not immediately be reached for comment.
The trial only concerned liability, and a damages proceeding has not yet been scheduled, Horn said. MobileMedia also has litigation pending against HTC Corp (2498.TW) and Research in Motion Ltd RIM.TO.
"Our goal is really to license these patents broadly to the market," Horn said.
In court filings, Apple has asked a judge to rule that MobileMedia's patents are invalid as a matter of law, and that there is no "legally sufficient" basis to find MobileMedia has proven infringement.
The case in U.S. District Court, District of Delaware is MobileMedia Ideas LLC vs. Apple Inc, 10-258.
(Reporting By Dan Levine in San Francisco; editing by Andrew Hay)
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DAVOS, Switzerland - Central banks have done their best to rescue the world economy by printing money and politicians must now act fast to enact structural reforms and pro-investment policies to boost growth, central bankers said on Saturday.
Trending On Reuters
Obama In India
In a glow of bonhomie, U.S. President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled plans to unlock billions of dollars in nuclear trade and to deepen defence ties, steps they hope will establish an enduring strategic partnership. Read | Factbox


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Starbucks Delivers Comes to Five New U.S. Markets
Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the latest expansion of Starbucks Delivers to five new U.S. markets, Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and New Jersey, as well as further expansion in the New York Metro. The delivery program, which initially launched as a pilot in partnership with Uber Eats in late 2018, is now available in a total of 16 major U.S. markets and will reach national availability in early 2020.
“Following our recent commitment to make delivery available nationwide in 2020, we are excited to bring Starbucks Delivers to five more major U.S. markets,” said Roz Brewer, group president and chief operating officer for Starbucks. “The expansion of Starbucks Delivers is part of our continuous effort to...
Burger King Partners with Uber Eats for Delivery
All of your favorite flame grilled sandwiches from Burger King restaurants can now be delivered right to your doorstep through Uber Eats. BK guests nationwide can now place a food order, including the iconic Whopper Sandwich, with the tap of a button on the Uber Eats app.
“At Burger King restaurants, delivery is a major priority to ensure our food is available to anyone, anywhere,” said Chris Finazzo, President, North America, Burger King Corporation. “We know our guests value convenience and adding the Burger King brand to Uber Eats is another way we will meet the demands of millions of people on this platform.”
“We’re thrilled to team up with Burger King restaurants to offer their beloved menu items to...
Panera Bread Expands Delivery Capabilities through Partnerships with DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats
Panera Bread today announced the availability of its national delivery service for the first time through DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats. In addition to being able to order from Panera's own app and web site, consumers will now be able to use all three apps to order Panera for lunch or dinner. Whether customers order via Panera's apps or through one of its partners, their orders will be delivered to them by Panera's own delivery drivers in most markets. Through these new partnerships, Panera is creating more ways for guests to access their Panera favorites while still ensuring the quality Panera delivery experience the company has honed over the last three years.
Delivery via the Panera app and ecommerce platforms remains in place and will continue to be a strong point of access, for both new and existing Panera customers. Year to date, Panera's platforms have driven more than 28 million delivery orders, resulting in...
White Castle Partners with Uber Eats to Expand Delivery
White Castle, the nation's first fast-food hamburger chain and home of The Original Slider®, today announced a new partnership with Uber Eats, offering online ordering and delivery to Cravers near more than 330 White Castle locations. Coinciding with the 15th anniversary of beloved film classic, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, White Castle and Uber Eats will be giving away up to 1 million Original Sliders – one 10 sack per customer (small order fee may apply on orders of less than $10) – to Cravers with their order through the Uber Eats app using promo code 1MILLIONSLIDERS beginning on July 30. The fast-food chain is also offering a new Harold & Kumar meal reflecting pricing from 2004 when the film was released. The meal is available to Uber Eats customers on July 30 and 31 and includes 30 Original Sliders, five small fries and four 21 oz. soft drinks for just $23.40.
Cravers can now order any of White Castle's coveted menu items, such as The Original Slider®, the plant-powered Impossible Slider, or even a Crave Case for those with the boldest of appetites, through the Uber Eats app. Beginning July 30, White Castle will be giving away...
Starbucks Delivery to be Available Throughout the US in Early 2020
Today, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) announced plans to make Starbucks® Delivers available throughout the U.S. in early 2020 through an agreement with Uber Eats as the preferred delivery provider of Starbucks® items. The intention to expand follows an 11-market roll-out which demonstrated successful operational integration and received positive customer response to an effortless high-quality experience consistent with the Starbucks brand.
“We are driven to create new and unique digital experiences that are meaningful, valuable and convenient for our customers,” said Roz Brewer, group president and chief operating officer for Starbucks. “Partnering with Uber Eats helps us take another step towards...
Uber Eats Partners with Olo to Simplify Third-Party Delivery for Thousands of Restaurants
Uber Eats today announced it has partnered with Olo, the leading digital food ordering platform for the restaurant industry, to integrate directly into the point-of-sale (POS) of leading restaurant brands via Olo Rails. An important distinction for restaurant brands, this partnership allows orders placed by consumers on the Uber Eats website or app to be injected directly into the order stream at the restaurant, drastically improving order accuracy and operational efficiencies for restaurant operators.
“We’re excited to partner with Olo,” said Liz Meyerdirk, Uber Eats Global Head of Business Development. “This integration will streamline the Eats ordering experience and...
Guests can Now Order P.F. Chang's with Uber Eats Across the U.S.
Enjoying P.F. Chang's menu of made-from-scratch favorites just got even easier. Now, guests across the U.S. can order P.F. Chang's using their Uber Eats app.
"Uber Eats is one of the fastest growing off-premise delivery companies in the U.S.," said Tana Davila, P.F. Chang's senior vice president. "We are excited to partner with them and make our food even more accessible to current and new customers."
Uber Eats is fully integrated throughout P.F. Chang's restaurant point-of-sale system, ensuring seamless order placement and timely delivery of orders from the entire made-from-scratch menu in restaurants across the country. P.F. Chang's will continue to offer...
Checkers & Rally’s Launches Deepest and Most Franchisee-Friendly Delivery Platform in QSR
Checkers & Rally’s Restaurants, Inc., today announced the launch of the brand’s new delivery platform, the most comprehensive and franchisee-friendly delivery system in all of QSR. The platform brings five national delivery services – Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates, Grubhub and Amazon Restaurants – together under one single, seamless point-of-sale (POS) system. Integrations via Olo will give guests the ability to order the brand’s “Crazy Good Food” from their favorite delivery service, while giving franchisees and restaurant operators a profitable and operationally simple way to fulfill those orders.
“While some of the biggest brands in QSR have committed to a single delivery service, we wanted to give Checkers & Rally’s guests more ways to bring our amazing burgers, famous seasoned fries and exciting flavors to their front doors ...
Uber Eats Waives Fee for TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays is partnering with Uber Eats to give consumers a more convenient and wallet-friendly way to indulge in fire-grilled favorites. From February 27th through March 3rd, the restaurant is offering free delivery nationwide through the Uber Eats app with a purchase of $30 or more. The free delivery offer even applies to areas in the Northeast that are still dealing with the aftermath from recent snowstorms.
TGI Fridays Vice President of Marketing, Cindy Syracuse, stated that, "We're thrilled to partner with Uber Eats for this free delivery special, especially at a time when our customers in the Northeast need it most." This limited time offer not only ...
Starbucks Delivers Expands in U.S. Powered by Uber Eats
Today, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) announced the expansion of its successful Starbucks Delivers pilot to an additional six cities across the United States. The expansion, in partnership with Uber Eats, begins today in San Francisco, the first of six new markets to offer the service to customers. Following an initial test in Miami, the company remains on track to bring Starbucks Delivers to nearly one-quarter of U.S. company-operated stores, with planned expansion to select stores in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks. In total, Starbucks Delivers will be available in seven U.S. cities this spring.
The U.S. expansion of Starbucks Delivers follows success of the test in Miami that began in fall of 2018. The test, also powered by Uber Eats, saw strong demand, including repeat business throughout the day and...
Rabobank's Global Protein Outlook for 2020
Retail Imports to See Final Tariff-Driven Surge of the Year
NPPC Launches 'Pork O' Clock' to Highlight Importance of USMCA Agreement
Kroger Debuts New Logo and Launches Brand Transformation Campaign
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5 Surprising Dragon’s Den Businesses that Went on to Earn Millions
By Jessica Truss | Published January 11, 2021
Today we take a look back at the top five businesses that owe much of their success to the BBC hit TV series, Dragon’s Den’, which first aired in 2005.
Since the show's inception several businesses have enjoyed notable success in no small part, thanks to the entrepreneurs who saw their potential and invested in them.
1. Look After My Bills (LAMB)
2. Levi Roots
Levi Roots was told there’s “no future for this business” by Duncan Bannatyne when he pitched the Dragons in 2007.
But Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh saw something else and invested £50,000 for a whopping 40% equity in the company.
Reggae Reggae sauces are now stocked in all major UK supermarkets, taking Root’s worth to an estimated £30 million according to the Sunday Times Rich List.
Peter Jones remains a shareholder and advocate for the brand, claiming “it’s one of my most successful investments from the show”.
3. Magic Whiteboard
Said to be Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis’ most successful investment, the concept of a portable whiteboard “in a roll”, has achieved impressive growth since appearing in the Den.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Neil and Laura Westwood, Magic Whiteboard is now stocked in all major office supply stores with a global customer base.
In September 2014, the Westwoods bought back their shares from Meaden and Paphitis, giving the investors a £800,000 return on their £100,000 investment.
4. Skinny Tan
Skinny Tan launched in 2012 and boasted profits of £600,000 in its first year.
It was those figures that impressed the Dragons when co-founders Kate Cotton and Louise Ferguson made their pitch in 2013.
All five Dragons showed interest with Kelly Hoppen and Piers Linney making the successful offer for £60,000 for a 10% stake in the company.
The company was sold for an undisclosed sum in June 2015, both co-founders and the Hoppen and Linney remain shareholders.
5. Mainstage Festivals
Founded in 2011 by Rob Tominey and Aden Levin, Mainstage Festivals offered “once in a lifetime” low-cost clubbing holidays for the 18-24 market.
When Tominey and Levin pitched the Dragons, the business already had revenues of £1.6 million.
The entrepreneurs received multiple bids and accepted Piers Linney’s offer for £100,000 in return for 15% of their company.


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Innovation becomes critical to subscriber growth
Over the top (OTT) messaging applications, such as WhatsApp and Snapchat, will see adoption grow from 2.3 billion unique users in 2016 to 4.2 billion by 2021, representing a growth of over 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Juniper Research has forecast that players will begin focusing their strategies around the development and provision of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot tools.
The new research argued that service providers must view the introduction of chatbots as an opportunity to expand their in-app offerings, beyond a mere messaging service.
Juniper predicts that OTT players will reposition their messaging platforms as customer relationship management (CRM) tools. By leveraging AI technology, these OTT apps will offer a high value proposition by creating a new level of consumer engagement. For end customers, these platforms offer an attractive means of engagement by allowing for greater consumer flexibility and minimising call wait times.
The research argued that chatbot launches on OTT messaging apps will provide a wealth of opportunities for the e-retail and banking sector over the next five years. Frequently used services such as balance checking and regular purchases will be some of the early uses. Juniper forecasts that the number of chatbots on mobile devices will exceed two billion globally by 2021, as western players aim to emulate the success of chatbots in China.
The report argued that chatbot user numbers in the west will grow at over 190% CAGR by 2021, rivalling China. It predicted that trusted names, such as Amazon and eBay will play a vital role in building consumer trust in the technology.
Research author Sam Barker commented: “Successful chatbots will increase audience engagement, maintain customer satisfaction and generate repeat business. OTT players must ensure they support these chatbots in their applications, or risk user churn to competitors.”


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Olymel, the Canadian pork and poultry firm, has announced its president and chief executive Réjean Nadeau has died of cancer.
The Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec-based company, which is majority-owned by Canadian co-op Sollio Cooperative Group, said Nadeau passed away at his home last Thursday (14 October). He was 71.
Yanick Gervais, Olymel’s senior vice president for operations, will “assume the duties of CEO for as long as deemed necessary”, the company said in a statement.
“In less than 20 years, Réjean Nadeau spearheaded an expansion that has given Olymel an active presence in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Alberta,” the statement read. “Under his leadership, Olymel has continued to modernise, find new markets for its products, develop innovative solutions and meet the expectations of customers and consumers.”
Nadeau, who took the helm at Olymel in 1996, instigated a number of acquisitions during his tenure, including Quebec-based sausage firm La Fernandière in 2016, ready-meals maker Pinty’s Delicious Foods in Ontario and fresh meats business Aliments Triomphe in 2018. Last year, the pork business of Quebec-based F. Ménard was added to the roster.
Ghislain Gervais, the chairman of Olymel and Sollio, said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Réjean Nadeau, an inspiring, visionary and dedicated man and leader. I would like to express my deepest appreciation for his work, which was closely linked to the success not only of Olymel, but also of Sollio Cooperative Group. Mr. Nadeau has been an invaluable pillar. It has been a great privilege to work with him over the past few years.”
Retail and foodservice supplier Olymel generates revenues of CAD4.5bn (US$3.6bn) and operates 35 production and distribution facilities employing 15,000 workers, according to its website. The company owns brands such as its namesake line and also Flamingo and Lafleur, among others, exported to 65 countries.


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SINGAPORE – Just over a week before Castro Meldy Aloquina returned, his employer checked the maid’s belongings.
Among them, the employer found jewelry, a pile of foreign currency and household items that belonged to him.
Castro, 32, stole items and money for $ 14,733.35 from her employer and the Filipina was sentenced to five months in prison on Wednesday (December 29) by a court.
She pleaded guilty to one count of theft by a servant.
According to court documents, Castro had been working for the employer – a 46-year-old Singaporean woman – since June last year.
She was paid $ 662 per month, or $ 692 if she did not take days off, and her main duties were to do household chores.
Castro started robbing his employer from January of this year.
Public Prosecutor’s Officer Lam Peng Choy said, “While going about her daily chores in the residence, the accused dishonestly took things from (her employer’s) wallet and drawers.”
One of those drawers was locked and Castro knew the key was kept in a bag. She used the key to access the drawer and put it back in the bag after stealing items.
Between January and November of this year, Castro robbed his employer on at least 50 occasions.
Among the items she stole was a golden rectangular plate valued at $ 2,388 and a gold-colored necklace valued at $ 1,189.
She also stole a gold abacus, a key-shaped gold jewel, and a gold chain.
She also stole $ 4,225 in cash, with which she bought gold jewelry.


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RPI researchers land $1.3M grant for nanotech project
- Richard A. D'Errico
- The Business Review
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have been awarded a $1.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to further develop nanotube sensors for homeland security.
The nanoscale chemical sensors are designed to detect toxic gases and chemical warfare agents.
"Traditionally, it could take several days to get gas analysis results back from a lab, but first responders don't have that kind of time. They need answers immediately," said Nikhil Koratkar, RPI assistant professor of mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering.
Koratkar is a collaborator on nanotechnology research associated with RPI's Center for Directed Assembly of Nanostructures, one of six NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers in the United States.
"We are working to develop a system that alerts them to dangers in real time at the site of an emergency using a device that is battery-powered and transportable, such as a coin-sized device worn on a uniform or on a vehicle," he said.
In 2003, the team developed a prototype sensor that identified contaminants in real time. The latest NSF grant will support research to boost the sensitivity of that device from identifying gases at concentrations of parts per hundred, as in the prototype, to parts per million, according to Koratkar.
The team's prototype was considered a breakthrough. Its research was published in Nature.
A $50,000 grant in 2002 from RPI's Seed Funding Program jump-started the team's research.
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1 of 7 | President Donald Trump, pictured with CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Sergio Marchionne, delivers remarks to automobile industry leaders during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., January 24, 2017. Pool Photo by Shawn Thew/UPI | License Photo
Jan. 24 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump told CEOs of Ford, General Motors and Chrysler on Tuesday to expect an easing of environmental regulations on new vehicles.
Prior to an hour-long meeting at the White House with Ford Motor Co. CEO Mark Fields, General Motors CEO Mary Barra and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne, Trump said: 'We want regulations, but we want regulations that mean something. I am, to a large extent, an environmentalist. I believe in it. But, it's [environmental regulation] out of control."
As he campaigned for president, Trump often complained that Detroit's Big Three automakers regularly build factories in Mexico and transfer jobs there, putting Americans out of work. On Tuesday, he made clear that he wants jobs in many industries to stay in the United States, telling the executives prior to their private discussion, "You're not being singled out."
Fields called the meeting a productive one, saying Trump "is very focused on policies that will grow investment and jobs here in America, which is what we talked about. I think as an industry we're excited about working together with the president and his administration on tax policies, on regulation, and on trade, to really create a renaissance in American manufacturing."
Barra called working with the president "a huge opportunity" to "improve the environment, improve safety and improve job creation."
The meeting came the day after leaders of U.S. manufacturing companies met with Trump; Fields was present at that meeting as well. It also came after Trump announced that the United States would pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and renegotiate terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, with Canada and Mexico.
Although none of the CEOs at Tuesday's meeting said the matter of free trade came up, and said that the discussions largely concerned incentives to keep manufacturing facilities in the United States, Fields commented afterward, "We've been very vocal both as an industry and as a company and we've repeatedly said that the mother of all trade barriers is currency manipulation, and TPP failed in meaningfully dealing with that. We appreciate the president's courage to walk away from a bad trade deal."
The Republican Party has long favored free trade and some GOP lawmakers have been critical of Trump's approach, but prior to Tuesday's meeting with the CEOs, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump looked forward "to hearing their ideas, on how we can work together to bring more jobs back to this industry in particular."
The meeting did not include representatives of other auto companies with U.S. factories, which include Nissan, Honda and BMW.


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Store director Stuart Roberts has retired after 25 years at Specsavers here in Southport, after launching the venture back in 1991 with his business partner, Paul Carroll.
Goodbye & Good Luck
The team held an emotional farewell with friends and family of Stuart, who is now looking forward to using his free time to relax and maybe even learn to play the piano!
Proud to be part of Specsavers
Stuart told the Champion Newspaper: ‘When Specsavers launched their joint venture concept all those years ago, we were excited by the idea of belonging to a large group while still owning our own store, as we knew that combination would deliver great value and service to customers.
‘We were the first Specsavers store in the UK to install a full size customer lift, back in 2003, which has been a great investment. We're also delighted to have gained so many loyal and friendly customers who are like a big family to us.'
Business as usual
Stuart passes the mantle to his son, Mark, who will run both the Eastbank Street site and a further Specsavers store in Formby. Business partner Paul remains at the store and will work alongside Mark and store director Victoria Dunn.


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Automobile company Honda Motor has established a joint venture (JV) with LG Energy Solution (LGES) to produce lithium-ion batteries for its electric vehicles (EVs).
The JV, tentatively named L-H Battery Company, is located in Jeffersonville, Ohio. It is 51-percent owned by LGES, while Honda owns the remaining 49-percent stake.
The JV will start construction of a new battery facility early this year near Jeffersonville, with completion expected by the end of 2024. The companies plan to start mass production of advanced lithium-ion battery cells at the facility by the end of 2025.
The plant will have an annual production capacity of about 40 GWh, and all batteries produced by the JV will be supplied exclusively to Honda plants in North America to power battery-electric vehicles sold in the continent.
Honda and LGES have committed to invest $3.5 billion to establish the new production facility and create 2,200 jobs. The total investment for the JV is projected to reach $4.4 billion.
“LG Energy Solution has all the right assets to make this joint venture a success, including the financial stability, quality, competitiveness, and production capacity with global operational expertise," Robert H. Lee, CEO of L-H Battery Company, said. "With two companies’ expertise combined, we will provide top quality batteries to ensure the successful launch of Honda EVs in North America, and grow with the community here in Ohio by creating high value jobs.”
Honda Motor is a global manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment. It aims to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities, as well as zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda automobiles and motorcycles, by 2050.
LG Energy Solution, a split-off from South Korean chemical company LG Chem, is a global


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It's been rumored for months since Google ran its "Project Stream" beta in December, but Google has officially announced their own streaming video game platform called "Stadia" at this year's Game Developers Conference (GDC).
Stadia will be the first platform that allows players, developers, and content creators to play on any device they choose, including: their phone, laptop, tablet, and television. Thanks to Google servers around the world any game you choose to play like Assassin's Creed or NBA 2K19 will no longer be bound by a disc or console, but instead be connected to a server that will allow you to play anywhere.
Stadia is planning to stream games at its launch sometime in 2019 in 4K at 60 fps for playing games and sharing game streams. Eventually they even announced that they will support 8K with 120+ fps. We don't even know if those exist yet!
Also announced during the show were several key features of Stadia such as the ability to share your game state with another player so that they can play exactly where you were, the ability to play with some of your favorite content creators, and the ability to even find walkthrough videos for the game you're currently playing without missing a beat.
Check out the full announcement video below and expect a lot more news throughout the year. You can go to Stadia's website to learn more info and even sign-up to be an insider when the platform launches. Fingers crossed Google attends E3 this year.


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- DMG Inc. has announced a new venture to develop SCM solutions for the marijuana industry.
- The marijuana industry in Canada is worth about $23 billion.
- Marijuana recently got legal in Canada for recreational purposes.
On the 17th of October 2018, Canada officially legalized the use and sale of marijuana nationwide after only allowing the use for medical reasons.
The decision was praised worldwide and also marks the beginning of a new industry that will likely grow significantly over the next few years. It seems a new blockchain-based business is looking to not only cash in on this new development but also to help improve the supply chain system of marijuana.
DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. (DMG) has announced that it will be developing a supply chain platform for marijuana and is already in talks with industry players.
There is certainly a market for their services, as there are already 120 cannabis producers in Canada and many of them have already expressed that there is a shortage of labor and a number of supply chain issues.
Coupled with the fact that the legalization of marijuana will likely lead to a surge in demand, many businesses could find themselves in a difficult position.
DMG Blockchain Solutions
This is where DMG comes in. They are speaking with a number of players in the cannabis industry such as producers, labs, and retailers about creating a supply chain platform that can meet their needs.
This platform will, of course, be in line with current Canadian marijuana laws. The platform will also enable users to recall products, bring in new participants and so on.
“The emerging cannabis industry demands product management solutions and blockchain is the most logical choice,” said DMG’s CEO Dan Reitzik, who also stated that supply chain management is the next logical step in the use of blockchain technology.
A New Market
New markets emerge every day, but the emergence of marijuana sale is a particularly interesting one because it is gaining new ground, particularly in the west and many predict that it will be legal the world over in a few years.
There is, therefore huge supply chain management potential in legal marijuana. It is already a $23 billion industry in Canada and will likely only grow more.


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Since Trump took office, Americans’ views of foreign trade have been more positive than ever previously recorded, with a record 72% last year seeing it as an opportunity for U.S. growth. That represented a 14-percentage-point increase from the prior highs measured in 2015 and 2016.
Over time, Americans’ views of trade have varied, with the public tending to be wary of trade at times when the economy was weaker. In 1992 and from 2005 through 2012, Americans were either divided on trade or tilted toward saying it represented a threat to the U.S. economy. During the mid-1990s through 2003 and from 2013 until now, when the economy was relatively healthy, the public has been more positive about trade.


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SINGAPORE - The ballroom belonged to the heartlands on Friday as Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam honoured 56 small business owners for their enterprise and service to the local community.
The second annual Singapore Heartland Enterprise Star awards, organised by the Federation of Merchants' Associations Singapore and evening paper Lianhe Wanbao, was held at the Shangri-La Hotel.
Calling Friday's awards the "most meaningful" of all business wards, Mr Tharman said: "Our heartland enterprises are not just economic enterprises. they are economic, they are social, and they are part of our culture."
But Mr Tharman also emphasised that these small businesses must be a source of innovation, as Singapore presses forth with its "restructuring journey".
"In order to make sure that heartland enterprises are part of our future, we have to make sure that they are able to innovate and survive," he told the dinner gathering in a keynote speech.
"We must focus more on real innovations, not just simple solutions such as purchases of basic IT devices like laptops," he said, adding that the Government will step up support for innovation through targeted help for firms.
Mr Tharman also lauded some of the awardees for their innovative approaches to traditional business. Among them was incense and candle company Lijay Tradings.
"They realised they needed to capture a younger customer base in their traditional business segment, so they created a range of creative and personalised products such as mandarin orange, peach and pineapple-shaped incense targeting younger customers, and grew their sales in the process," said Mr Tharman.


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The first Sonic The Hedgehog live-action teaser trailer made waves earlier this year when his live-action design strayed further from Sonic’s classic design than fans would have liked. But, the blue ball of speed is back with his new look and a new trailer, and it more closely resembles his video game design you know and love. Hit the jump to see the new trailer!
Acclaimed horror manga creator Junji Ito doesn't only want to haunt your dreams, but now he's also haunting video games by appearing as a hologram in Death Stranding! Hit the jump to see him in the game and learn more!
After being announced to be released around the time of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, the next Free! anime film will be delayed until an unspecified time, according to a post to the series website. Kyoto Animation says in the post that the film has to be delayed for “various reasons” but “the entire staff – including the director – is working hard to meet your expectations.” Learn more after the jump.
Over the next week, not only will the new Pokémon Sword and Shield games be released, but a brand new Pokémon anime series is set to debut. In the lead up to the release, TV Tokyo aired a 24-minute special dedicated to the upcoming series, which includes a 5-minute preview of the upcoming series. Hit the jump to see the full video!
It was announced during a shareholders meeting on October 31 that Okinawa Gonzo, a digital anime studio subsidiary of Gonzo, would be dissolved within the next 2 months. The studio was used as the 3D arm of Gonzo and as an outsourcing studio for many anime projects. Learn more after the jump!
In an updated trailer on the Kyoto Animation YouTube Channel, the new release date for Violet Evergarden The Moviewas announced. The film was delayed from January 2020 due to the arson attack on the animation studio on July 18 and left the studio wondering if any materials had survived. Hit the jump to learn all the details!
We have been drip fed Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun announcements for the last few months, but finally the first PV has been released showing off the ghostly character alongside a cast list and more. Hit the jump to see the spooky trailer!
Undertale creator Toby Fox has put his hands in many Nintendo pies over the last few months, but his most interesting collaboration is with the upcoming Pokémon Sword and Shield games. To celebrate the release and give fans a preview of the music, Pokémon have released a snippet of his ‘notes.’ Listen to the preview after the jump!
How many pounds does your wallet lift bro? It’ll need to be quite a hefty amount for this new figure of strong girl Hibiki Sakura from hit protein anime How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?. Hit the jump to see the figure and all of its details.
Hankos, one of the biggest hanko stamp companies in Japan, have come out with brand new Pokémon designs based on the generation 3 ‘mons. Hanko’s can be used for legal documents, getting a credit card, and so much more! Hit the jump to see the designs and learn how else hanko’s can be used!
After 6 years, the adaption of the highly popular manga series Kingdom will be returning to Japanese TV screen in April 2020. The announcement comes with a special drawing from the author of the manga. Hit the jump to see the drawing and learn more!
With Pokémon Sword and Shield less than a week away, the English YouTube channel for the series has released a new trailer for the game showcasing new ways to give your Pokémon that competitive advantage as well as confirming some quality of life updates carried over from Pokémon Lets Go Pikachu and Eevee. Hit the jump for all the details!
Crunchyroll's Japan correspondent, Daryl Harding, reports from the Kyoto Animation memorial service that happened over the weekend at Miyako Messe.
While Weathering with You is still raking up the yen in Japan and finishing its theatrical run in Australia; the Makoto Shinkai directed film opened up in China over the past weekend and cleared the sky. Hit the jump to learn more and see how it compares to Your Name!
It’s been a long road for the Hatena☆Illusion series. With light novel author, Tomohiro Matsu, passing away in May 2016 due to liver cancer and only a trickle of information on the franchise coming out since then, fans were worried about the state of the series. Finally, on November 2, the official website for the anime launched announcing when the series will be broadcast! Hit the jump to see all the information!


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“Preventing kids from accessing certain types of online content, such as pornography, is in everyone’s interest. But people who share personal details with third-party age verification platforms need to know that attackers actively target this type of data, and will likely find these databases very enticing,” says F-Secure Principal Consultant Tom Gaffney. “Plus, criminals will almost certainly try to trick users into disclosing personal information by creating fake websites that look like legitimate verification pages, which is another risk users need to be made aware of.”
Under the new laws, British internet users will be required to verify their age in order to access adult content websites. This could mean sharing personal information such as passport, driving license, phone number or credit card details with third-party age verification platforms, or purchasing a “porn pass” at a local shop.*
The new requirements come at a time when cyber crime has become more common in the UK than traditional robbery or theft.** Attacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, while the general public often takes a complacent approach to digital security.
And while he supports the intent to protect children, F-Secure’s Fennel Aurora, a security advisor with the company, says the checks could backfire by enticing minors into taking other risks.
“The checks may drive those who wish to avoid the age verification system into engaging in more risky online behaviours. This could include accessing smaller, unregistered sites, or using free, untrustworthy tools that can harm unsuspecting users attempting to work around the checks. If these behaviours increase, we could end up exposing internet users of all ages to illegal content, as well as malware and other cyber crimes,” warns Aurora.
According to Aurora, educating families and kids about online security, privacy, and how to behave online is as important as regulating websites.
“While we understand the desire to limit children’s exposure to potentially harmful content, it’s not a long-term plan for keeping kids safe. Regulation is an aid and not a replacement for the parent’s role. Technology like F-Secure TOTAL helps parents by actively safeguarding their children online. Just as importantly, TOTAL helps parents have meaningful conversations with their children about the internet, allowing parents to set healthy boundaries for kids while supporting their growth towards independence,” says Aurora.
More information on F-Secure TOTAL is available on F-Secure’s website.https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/cybercrime-more-common-than/
Nobody has better visibility into real-life cyber attacks than F-Secure. We’re closing the gap between detection and response, utilizing the unmatched threat intelligence of hundreds of our industry’s best technical consultants, millions of devices running our award-winning software, and ceaseless innovations in artificial intelligence. Top banks, airlines, and enterprises trust our commitment to beating the world’s most potent threats. Together with our network of the top channel partners and over 200 service providers, we’re on a mission to make sure everyone has the enterprise-grade cyber security we all need.
Founded in 1988, F-Secure is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd.
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Usually, Americans would rather that the federal government leave them alone and stay out of their business. Red tape and regulations always seem to stand in the way, but we were reminded this week that when food safety is concerned, government oversight is welcome.
We welcome food safety inspectors in restaurants because they ensure the places are clean, pest-free and that the food is prepared and served in a safe manner.
We also welcome inspectors at the sources of our food. An example is the federal USDA inspectors who watch over meat processing facilities.
Consumers appreciate the assurance that their food is processed in a clean environment, and that it is stored and properly preserved so that when we eat, we can enjoy the flavor and richness rather than worrying about becoming sick.
Agribusinesses are well aware of consumers’ desire for oversight. We were reminded of that fact this week when an association of businesses that work with genetically modified crops banded together to warn Uncle Sam not to fudge on his inspections. It’s been suggested by the Trump Administration that the USDA dial back its safe food regulations, but the National Grain and Feed Association NGFA and several other grain- and oilseed-based agribusiness associations said in a joint statement Tuesday that allowing some leeway in regulation and government oversight of their genetically modified products could be bad for their businesses.
More specifically, the NGFA and the other agribusinesses said reduced oversight could contribute to trade disruptions.
“Our industry and our farmer-customers emphatically need to avoid the costly trade disruptions that have been associated periodically with transgenic biotechnology,” wrote the NGFA, Corn Refiners Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, North American Export Grain Association and North American Millers Association. “If the U.S. government’s regulatory oversight approach to genome editing and other plant breeding innovation is out of step with the domestic food industry or America’s significant export markets, it will have perilous repercussions for the grain and oilseed value chain, including U.S. farmers.”
American farmers and the agribusinesses that cater to them support the use of biotechnology and plant-breeding innovation, including genome editing, because it leads to abundant, affordable and environmentally sustainable food, feed and energy for U.S. and global consumers. Everyone desires safe, affordable food, but innovations can occur so rapidly that it takes time and reassurance of federal oversight programs to instill confidence among some consumers and trade partners.
Researchers and scientists are learning how to build better plant varieties to feed a hungry world, but if domestic and global consumers aren’t confident in the safety of what they’re consuming, all of the valuable technological advancements are useless. That’s why oversight is so important.


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When Shuvonne Berry set up at the food truck festival to cap Fredericksburg Black Restaurant Week on Sept. 6, she believed she was prepared.
Berry had an assortment of 350 cupcakes for sale at an event that was scheduled to run from noon to 4 p.m. at the commuter lot off Garrisonville Road in North Stafford.
“I sold out in an hour and a half,” Berry said.
The Stafford baker that owns Piggy’s Baby Cakes insists she’ll be more prepared on Saturday at the Virginia Black Business Expo.
The first-time event will be held at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds from 1–5 p.m.
Berry planned to have at least 1,000 of her cupcakes on hand as she began taking preorders last Friday. She’s eager to participate in the expo, which will be hosted by the Virginia Black Business Directory.
“I’ve been back here since 2015, and I’ve really never seen anything like this since I’ve been here,” said Berry, who grew up in Fredericksburg before moving to Southampton County to care for her grandmother. “So I think it’s catching a lot of people’s eyes. It’s getting more exposure for Black businesses, which is great.”
The Virginia Black Business Directory was launched in January by local couple Ernisha and Tracey Hall. The operation is based in the Fredericksburg area, but includes businesses throughout Virginia.
Ernisha Hall said as of late last week 87 vendors from across the state were slated to participate in the Black Business Expo. More than half of the businesses will be from Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County and Stafford County, but there will also be participants from Hampton Roads, Charlottesville, Richmond and Northern Virginia.
Vendors include everything from food trucks to clothing and apparel, legal services and a Black-owned hand sanitizer company, among other entrepreneurs.
Tracey Hall said she’s hopeful the positive vibes from Black Restaurant Week carry over into this event. The expo was originally scheduled for April at the Spotsylvania Towne Center but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The location was changed to the fairgrounds to accommodate the food trucks.
The original thought was to reschedule for 2021. However, after seeing the response the 25 participating Black restaurants received last month, the Halls wanted to keep the momentum going. Approximately 1,000 attended that food truck festival, and Berry wasn’t the only vendor that sold out.
“We had really good support from the community,” Tracey Hall said. “So while we had the momentum going, we wanted to go ahead and do the Black Business Expo …. We thought it was the perfect opportunity because people were asking us ‘When is the next event?’ So we decided to go ahead and do it in October.”
The Virginia Black Business Directory’s mission is to “bridge the gap in wealth by connecting minority-owned businesses to consumers.” It aims to create network initiatives, educational opportunities and promote community collaboration.
Tracey Hall said that’s especially important during the pandemic, as many minority and non-minority businesses have suffered and not all have received government assistance. She said the goal is for Black businesses to survive the pandemic and have longevity.
“That’s why we need these initiatives because yes, we do slip through those cracks,” Tracey Hall said. “Money did not make it to our community. So we have to find alternative ways to make sure we stay above water because we’re not getting the economic help that we need.”
Free tickets to the expo are available on Eventbrite.com. Because of the pandemic, only 1,000 guests will be allowed in the venue at a time. Masks are required, with free disposable face coverings available upon request.
The cutoff for vendors is 100. Sunday is the rain date.
“Let’s just hope the weather stays as beautiful as it is now,” Ernisha Hall said last week.
Taft Coghill Jr: 540/374-5526


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The point of MITX’s FutureM conference next week is to talk about the future of marketing. But what about it? And who’s really qualified to prognosticate on the topic? Yes, the technology behind marketing is changing, but so are the people. The rise of digital natives is every bit as important to the future of the discipline, as is the exploding role of software.
And that’s why FutureM has asked 10 standout 20-somethings to take the stage next week and present about the future of marketing. They understand not only the technologies at the forefront of the industry, but also the generation leading their adoption.
The idea for the presentations, dubbed 20/20, came from the belief that one of Boston’s greatest strengths is its student community, said MITX President Debi Kleiman.
“The identity of the conference is what’s new and what’s next,” Kleiman told me recently, noting that students had helped plan events in previous years. This year, the committee decided the combination of fresh eyes and fresh faces deserved a more central role.
“They’re seeing technologies that obviously didn’t exist when we were 20-somethings and 30-somethings,” she said. “To them, it presents perhaps a different set of possibilities than to someone like me.”
You can see from the descriptions below that the 10 20/20 presentations selected from over 50 entrants run the gamut from tech to pop culture to social. For my part, I’m most excited by the presentation on Google’s Project Glass. But no matter your interests, there will be something new for you at FutureM, thanks to 20/20. Not just in terms of technology, but people too.
FutureM 20/20 Presentations
· A forecast of the future impact of Google’s Project Glass, as compared to the past rise of smart phones, from Tyler Conklin, co-founder of Facelift Media Group and graduate of SUNY Oswego
· An exploration of the future of digital in the physical world, from Malia Estes, a Digital Media Planner atMullen and a graduate of Boston University
· An assessment of the future of content curation in an information-rich world, from the founder of Curataand graduate of MIT, Pawan Deshpande
· A prediction of millennial’s impact on organizations as leaders and on marketers as the core consumer demographic from Providence College grad, Julia Pandolfo, currently an Associate Community Manager atCommunispace
· A clear description of neuromarketing and its impact on the future by the only 20-something CEO studying the discipline, Jake Stauch, Founder of NeuroSpire
· A study of a millennial’s views and engagement with 21st Century brands, from Jason Potteiger, founder of Mercury Point Research and graduate of Suffolk University
· A talk about the future integration of offline communities, like universities, with online communities from Chief Imagination Officer at influencers@, Spencer Bramson
· The sharing of the secret of tomorrow: smarter and scalable 1-to-1 marketing, achievable through social CRM by the Director of Product Marketing at TruLens and the founder of MakePovertyHistoryEmirates, Anish Kattukaran
· A presentation on the future of Marketing in industries not driven by consumers, like biotech and social services, from Williams College grad and Senior Associate of Strategic Marketing at Foundation Medicine, Jacquelyn Miller


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Android Wear 2.0 To Debut On A Couple Of Google Smartwatches in Early 2017
Despite the current lack of interest in smartwatches, Google will still attempt to enter the market and hopefully make some noise.
Google is on the right track so far with the announcement of not one but a couple of new flagship smartwatches. In an interview with The Verge, Android Wear product manager Jeff Chang confirmed that the new Android Wear 2.0 platform will debut on the said smartwatches.
The two smartwatches will not be exactly made by Google, though.
The software company struck a deal with an anonymous manufacturer which will be responsible for creating the devices. Chang said that the devices will not bear Google's name but that of the mysterious manufacturer. He also divulged that Google's collaborator has produced Android Wear devices before.
According to Engadget, this deal is similar to the one Google has with Nexus. The Nexus program involves Google providing the software for those in charge of the hardware. Google, of course, partnered with a hardware manufacturer that could make what the software giant wants in its phones exactly. With that in mind, Google has found the company that would create the smartwatches for their Android Wear 2.0.
Aside from the two still unnamed smartwatches, a number of Android Wear smartwatches will get an upgrade to Wear 2.0 in 2017. They are the following:
- Asus ZenWatch 2
- Asus ZenWatch 3
- Casio Smart Outdoor Watch
- Fossil Q Wander
- Fossil Q Marshal
- Fossil Q Founder
- Huawei Watch
- Huawei Watch Ladies
- LG Watch Urbane
- LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE
- LG Watch R
- Michael Kors Access Bradshaw Smartwatch
- Michael Kors Access Dylan Smartwatch
- Moto 360 Sport
- Moto 360 Gen 2
- Nixon Mission
- Polar M600
- Tag Heuer Connected
Android Wear 2.0 will provide new features to the said devices. The update will allow standalone apps to run without the need for a phone. It will also have support for Android Pay and for Google Assistant.
Apple Watch Rumors: Patent Shows Circular Apple Watch In The Offing
Apple filed two patents involving a round display and "limb detection" probably for its line of smartwatches.
Samsung Gear S3 Release Date And Price Announced, Pre-Orders Commence
The new Samsung Gear S3 will be released on November 18.
Apple Watch Nike+ Set for October 28 Release
Apple and Nike has collaborated to create the Apple Watch Nike+ wich will be released on October 28.
5 Reasons Why Android OS Is Better Than IOS
Apple and Google will always have its patrons. But for those who simply want a device that suits their needs the choice between an Android device or an iOS device can be a difficult one. Let's make it easier for you: Android
Best Microphones for Meetings: Perfect for Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, and More
Zoom? Skype? Google Hangouts? Here are the best microphones for meetings.
MORE IN ITECHPOST
At-Risk Mental Health for Students: Developing Resilience Among Students amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
At-Risk Mental Health for Students to help students struggling with their mental health, especially now amid the pandemic. It focuses more on developing students' resilience.
Tech Leaders and Health Authorities Join Forces, Launch New Initiative to Help Fight Pandemic and Future Epidemics
Two contact tracing apps have been successfully launched recently in Canada and Ireland. The open-source code underlying these apps has been contributed to a newly launched initiative to help other countries and U.S. states in the fight against the pandemic.
Fairy Tail Game Releases a Season Pass, a Week After It Was Launched
The anime RPG Fairy Tail from Koei Tecmo has just released a season pass that will release additional characters and content into the game, just a week after it was launched.


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Monthly Archive for June, 2011
A survey released this week finds that cable and satellite television set-top boxes waste $2 billion a year in energy bills even though they’re turned off.
Apparently, the set-top boxes use outdated technology so that when they’re turned off, they onl…[Read More]
Ning Inc., the Palo Alto social networking site that last year began charging its members, today is launching a new product that will let its members collect money from their online communities.
Ning is calling it Paid Access, which will allow the col…[Read More]
Smart phones enable us to do some dumb things, particularly in the Web browser: the shorter URL bar, and the ease with which scammers can make a bad link look legitimate, have made mobile users a prime target for bad guys. In January, the security fir… [Read More]
Pandora Media Inc. priced its stock at $16 per share Tuesday, raising a higher than expected $234.9 million from the initial public offering on the eve of the Internet radio firm’s debut on the New York Stock Exchange.
The Oakland company had set rang…[Read More]


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On the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste “Conserving Bounties Society” saved more than a million meals, even though Coronavirus constituted a challenge to CBS during its mission to reduce food waste.
International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
CBS seizes the opportunity on this International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste to offer many thanks and gratitude to our wise leadership and the Bahrain National Team in addressing the Corona pandemic under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, for what our rational government provided from starting with prioritizing the provision of food security in light of the Corona Pandemic, and on this special day we would like to remind our Bahraini community about the importance of reducing food waste of all kinds,
under the current Corona Pandemic
During the Corona Pandemic, societies face many difficulties that may lead to food accumulation and non-use, as well as with regard to supply and food factories. As everyone is aware, many ports and airports around the world have been locked down, which led to the loss of transport and export traffic, and this may lead to an increase in food loss, especially fruits and vegetables.
The major consumer markets, which are often the biggest donors to food banks, struggle to have their shelves full of food and thus are unable to donate any. Moreover, if families buy this food, it may not be consumed and it ends up in waste, due to a misunderstanding of the date and poor storage of foodstuffs.
Statistics of Food Waste in the Kingdom of Bahrain
According to the latest statistics of food waste in the Kingdom of Bahrain prior to the outbreak of the Corona Pandemic, the amount of food waste per capita was 0.3 kg, and the amount of waste per day reached 400 thousand kg, equivalent to 146 thousand tons annually.
The value of this waste is 95 million Bahraini dinars, so food waste during the COVID-19 pandemic is of greater concern, according to the previously mentioned data.
Challenges Facing Conserving Bounties Society
CBS is facing a challenge in addressing a large increase in demand, due to the increase in the number of people financially affected due to the high unemployment rates of expatriate workers.
It also faces a number of problems ranging from staff shortages, insufficient food supplies, as well as locations that are no longer suitable for distributing food packages, due to social distancing measures.
Therefore, CBS is keen to invite the Bahraini community, individuals and institutions, to be our partners in conserving bounties, whether by supporting the operations of CBS or donating edible surplus food.


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News Venture Studio Takes Off 04.03.2021
On Wednesday over 80 students and staff attended the virtual launch of Venture Studio, our exciting new platform to help students get funding and support for their business or social impact ideas. We were joined by industry experts and entrepreneurs Crystal Eisinger, Head of Brand at Google, Chris Edson, Founder of NHS partner, Second Nature, and Emma Irving, Editor of Guardian-backed The Know. Chris and Old Dolphins Crystal (Class of 2008) and Emma (Class of 2013) had some fantastic advice for the next generation of Godolphin entrepreneurs including that the best ideas for a start-up are those that can help or bring joy to people. Emma talked about the importance of testing your ideas and that ‘failure is part of the process’ while Chris added that ‘if I’m not failing, I’m probably not learning’. Chris explained that entrepreneurs need to learn to ‘fail fast’ and move on quickly if necessary and that there are many fantastic ideas, but that success is all about brilliant execution and having a structured approach.
Godolphin students will now have the opportunity to put this advice into practice by developing their own start-up ideas supported by their Venture coach and, if funding is needed, pitching for investment from the school’s Venture Fund. The Venture Studio platform is full of advice, support and inspiration and we look forward to sharing in their entrepreneur journey.


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VIETNAM’S sea tourism sector has reported annual growth of only two to three per cent, while other Asian countries have witnessed robust growth in cruise tourism in recent years.
Last year, Saigontourist Travel Service Co provided services to about 474,000 cruise travellers, up 12 per cent compared with 2017.
In the first two months of this year, the company welcomed big groups of cruise travellers including 3,500 Chinese visitors from Hong Kong who came on the World Dream Cruise Ship, and more than 11,500 travellers from Hong Kong, the US, the UK and France on board cruise ships such as the Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Millennium and World Dream.
Saigontourist Travel Service Co took the cruise travellers to visit famous tourist sites across Vietnam.
According to the manager of a travel service company headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, most cruise travellers are from middle-class families that have few occasions to spend their money on cruise ships. Each of them spends an average of $100 during their 10-hour trip ashore.
However, the souvenir shops and business centres at the places these cruise travellers visited were not attractive to them, the manager said.
Ports for cruise ships
Authorities are concerned about the lack of wharves in Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City in particular for cruise ships, which have to dock at cargo piers that serve cargo ships.
The country now has only one harbour for cruise ships, which was built and opened in the northern province of Quang Ninh late last year.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd adviser Ha Bich Lien noted that Ho Chi Minh City is the major destination for cruise travellers to Vietnam, though cruise ships have to dock at Phu My Port in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, which is busy receiving container ships.
In the first three months of the year, Phu My Port is expected to welcome 12 cruise trips, bringing in about 36,000 visitors.
Lien said the lack of ports for large ships to dock prevents more cruise passengers from coming to Ho Chi Minh City. The city has thus missed a chance to attract high-spending cruise passengers, mostly from Europe, who spend an average of $100 a day, she added.
The city’s authorities should quickly resolve this problem, she said.
According to a Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism spokesman, while awaiting construction of a port for cruise ships in the city, these ships will continue to dock at ports in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. Passengers from the cruise ships are then transported to Ho Chi Minh City by bus.
With such services provided to cruise passengers, Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria-Vung Tau lose a lot of money because they are not earning big profits from these services, according to Tan Hong Travel Co adviser Phan Xuan Anh. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK


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Just when we thought the Tesla Cybertruck was the blockiest EV out there, Nissan came up with an avant-garde answer at the recently concluded Japan Mobility Show 2023. Due to the overwhelming number of commercial announcements, the debut of the Hyper Punk concept might have been overlooked by the automotive industry. Nonetheless, the company has a specific crowd in mind for this model.
Mobile internet quality and performance continue to improve as service providers constantly upgrade their networks to meet the demands of an ever-connected lifestyle. Content creators can now hit the road and still enjoy online access to upload their works as soon as its ready. These are the crowd Nissan hopes to cater to with the electric crossover SUV.
The faceted exterior and fractal patterns of its lighting systems endow the Hyper Punk with a gem-like appeal. Meanwhile, a notable feature of this green machine is what the manufacturer refers to as V2X. This technology prioritizes the owner’s need for a reliable power supply to keep their devices fully charged and ready for action at all times.
Furthermore, the multiple integrated cameras constantly capture images of your surroundings and use AI to generate unique graphics that can be used for various projects. The Polygonal theme even extends into the cabin adorned with geometric elements on the flooring, seats, dashboard, steering yoke, and instrument panel.
We’re unsure if these surfaces also double as sound insulation, but they seem so. The designers certainly did not hold back when it came to a futuristic motif. “The EV concept emphasizes self-expression through high customization and connectivity to enhance creativity. With AI and headrest biosensors, the concept can detect the driver’s mood and select the right music and lighting,” writes Nissan.Learn more
Images courtesy of Nissan


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Telltale Games long awaited episodic Batman title, which they first announced back in December last year has finally got a release date, with Telltale also releasing a trailer and name of the first episode.
Telltale are at the top of the heap when it comes to episodic games on mobile, having previously launched and delivered great titles for The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones.
The first Batman game is due for release on August 2nd according to the latest announcement from Telltale. The first episode will be titled ‘Realm of Shadows’ and as well as hitting iOS and Android devices will also head to PC/Mac and consoles including the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
A good lineup of voice talent is involved with the game with Troy Baker, who played Joel in the hit game The Last of Us in the role of Bruce Wayne. Other acting talent includes Travis Willingham as Harvey Dent, Erin Yvette as Vicki Vale, Enn Reitel as Alfred Pennyworth, Murphy Guyer as Lieutenant James Gordon, Richard McGonagle as Carmine Falcone, and Laura Bailey as Selina Kyle.
As well as the release date, Telltale Games has also added a new trailer and description:
Each episode will be sold separately but an in-game season pass will also be available once the game launches. We’re looking forward to this one, so stay tuned.


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Meerut: A team of researchers at IIMT University, a college in Meerut, have come up with a device which they said will help vehicle owners see the exact amount of fuel they get at petrol pumps
The companies declined to comment on their acquisition strategies. A spokesman for Apple did confirm the company's recent purchase of Lattice Data, a startup that specializes in working with unstructured data.
A group of five people has claimed to have invented a chemical that can substantially reduce pollution caused by gases emitted by vehicles plying on roads. If successful, the invention could address the concerns of World Health Organisation (WHO) which said over 14 lakh existing vehicles with 300 hitting the streets daily in India were the main cause of air pollution.
Even standing vehicles send data to the environment. The technology is based on so-called "multi-hopping" so that more distant motorcycles and cars reliably receive the necessary information. The information is automatically transmitted from vehicle to vehicle. In critical situations, all parties involved are informed and can react accordingly at an early stage.
TRI said that the company is collaborating with the MIT Media Lab (MIT ML) and other industry partners to foster a digital environment where users – both businesses and consumers – may securely share driving and autonomous vehicle testing data, manage ride-share and car-share transactions and store vehicle usage information that could be used in the setting of insurance rates.
FABRIC is a €9 million project, mostly funded by the European Commission, addressing the technological feasibility, economic viability, and socio-environmental sustainability of wireless DEVC. The project began in January 2014 and will continue through December 2017, and is being undertaken by a consortium of 25 organizations from nine European countries.
“With Pioneer’s new line of 2017 NEX receivers, we’re making in-vehicle connectivity and great entertainment even more accessible by continuing to offer popular smartphone and music services, but at a more consumer-friendly price point,” said Ted Cardenas, vice president of marketing at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
If this concept comes through, experts believe that the three biggest hurdles including cost, weight and range will boost the faster adoption of battery powered vehicles.
Android already powers most smartphones on Earth.Now, Google is placing its mobile operating system right inside cars, a bid to cement its core service in the auto industry as more technology sweeps in.
The four partners intend to jointly deploy a cooperation model to deliver and scale the developed solutions to the broader OEM automotive industry and potentially other industries.
Audi said "This world premiere opens up new perspectives, which will allow the development of connectivity services to be greatly accelerated."
Volvo Cars’ partnership with Google reflects the ongoing convergence between the automotive and technology industries as cars become increasingly connected. Volvo adds that it believes smart partnerships are the future for the car industry.
Toyota will use Nvidia's Drive PX artificial intelligence platform for its autonomous vehicles planned for market introduction, Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang said in his opening keynote at the company's GPU Technology Conference in San Jose.
The crowded race to develop self-driving technology has sped ahead despite controversy caused by a handful of accidents, the idea of not having humans controlling vehicles physically, and new infrastructure needs.
Since September 2014, autopilot hardware has come standard in all Tesla vehicles, and the company has continued to refine and enhance the Autopilot system via over-the-air software updates. With this new upgrade, Tesla hopes to study and monitor different driving habits of various drivers in various conditions to inch them closer to make self-driving a reality.
The upgraded Google Maps app now comes with new shortcuts on the home-screen, giving easier access to certain functionalities.
For financial backers including the U.K. government and more than 100 private investors, the technology could mark a breakthrough in how plastic is managed globally.
When a mobile device is placed in the compartment and the lid closed, the Nissan Signal Shield creates a "silent zone," blocking all of the phone's incoming and outgoing cellular, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. In other words, it acts like a jammer to that one device inside the compartment.
The study released by US chip manufacturer Qualcomm Technologies noted that 5G technology will be at the core of accelerating the benefits of autonomous vehicles.
"At Magna, we welcome the challenge and aim to seize the opportunities by continuing to leverage our culture of innovation, while embracing a new level of innovation outreach."


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Facebook may soon be coming to a TV near you. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the company is developing a video-centric app for television set-top boxes including Apple TV. This move will give Facebook a new vehicle for generating revenue from video advertising. Sources told the publication that the app is one of several projects aimed at making it a “video-first” company.
The report also notes that Facebook is in discussions with media companies to license long-form, TV-quality programming. The app for set-top boxes would give it a natural way to distribute that content. In December last year, there were reports suggesting that the company was in talks with TV studios as well as video producers about licensing shows. These talks were said to have been lead by the Co-Founder of College Humor, Ricky Van Veen, who joined Facebook last year.
Live video may also play a part in the company’s TV plans. In April last year, the company released wider support for Facebook Live by releasing its API. This would allow developers to include Facebook Live streaming into specific devices and apps. The company is said to be looking at ways to generate more revenue from its videos and last month, it was reportedly testing a mid-roll ad format. This would allow video publishers the chance to insert advertisements into their videos. The report notes that Facebook will sell the ads and then share the revenue with publishers.