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The sales ban on the HTC One mini that was imposed in the UK last week following a patent case win by Nokia has been lifted. HTC has issued a statement that the injunction forbidding them to sell the HTC One mini in the UK due to an infringement on Nokia patented technology has been stayed. The original injunction drew a line between devices released after HTC became aware of the infringement claim and those produced before it, meaning the HTC One was safe but the One mini was not. The patent relates to technology contained within Qualcomm chips that HTC uses.
The Court of Appeals has stayed the injunction, lifting restrictions on the import and sales of the HCT One mini. HTC now plans to appeal the validity of the patent ruling even further but will also work with their chip partners Qualcomm and Broadcom to develop alternative solutions. A wise move considering litigation looks set to be Nokia's primary source of income. The Qualcomm workaround has been in development since October as an attempt to avoid another couple of Nokia patents in another case in which Nokia has already been granted a favorable preliminary ruling.
In fact there are three Nokia vs HTC cases going on in Munich in the next month, meaning that HTC will have their hands full. The stay of injunction is certainly a win, but it may just be a bandaid on top of larger problems on the horizon. One side effect of the court case was that HTC's plans for the release of the HTC One 2 (M8) had to be revealed (Q1 2014), but as yet it is unclear how any pending court cases may impact the release and sale of that device.
Are you happy to know that HTC can continue selling the HTC One in the UK? Do you think further cases will impact HTC's chances of selling the HTC One 2 in Europe and the UK?


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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The holiday shopping season started with a bang — thanks to record growth in online shopping on Black Friday.
It was the biggest online shopping day ever.
“The total came in at a whopping $3.4-billion day,” said Tamara Gaffney, with Adobe Insights, which publishes research on digital marketing.
Gaffney says when you roll in shopping from Thanksgiving, the total climbs to $5-billion spent online. That’s even before Cyber Monday comes into play.
Black Friday also became the first day in retail history to drive over one billion dollars in mobile revenue.
“Email was a big driver of those folks who came on in the evening time to go ahead and go shopping,” Gaffney said.
The best-selling toys were LEGO Creator sets and Razor scooters. The most popular products were iPads, Samsung 4K televisions and MacBook Airs.
Retail experts are looking ahead to Cyber Monday, but, so far, it appears Black Friday may have the crown for online shopping king.

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Schrader, a leading global manufacturer of sensing and valve solutions, will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 1 to celebrate the opening of its newly expanded manufacturing facility in Springfield, Tenn.
This upgraded facility is a result of a $10 million capacity investment the company has made in the Springfield area. With this investment, Schrader has created 76 new manufacturing jobs this year and will expand approximately 100 additional positions in the coming year.
The event will be attended by and/or staff of Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN), Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Rep. Diane Black (R-TN-6), Allen Borden, assistant commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, along with Hugh Charvat, president and CEO of Schrader and members of the company’s management team.
The newly installed manufacturing line is a direct result of continued Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) volume growth amongst all domestic vehicle manufacturers, Schrader says, as well as an increased service and repair demand for replacement sensors in the automotive aftermarket.
Schrader states that it is currently the only U.S.-based manufacturer of complete TPMS systems for the automotive industry, and the increased capacity in Springfield will continue to serve the fast-paced North American OEM and aftermarket segments.


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With less than 24 hours to go, security precautions for Apple’s big press event Tuesday have been taken to unprecedented levels.
Apple has wired the entire event auditorium — the Flint Center for the Performing Arts — with a brand new, state-of-the-art security system to lock down access and prevent leaks.
The auditorium is crawling with 24-hour security personnel. Anyone working at the massive show, from caterers to construction staff and technicians, is required to submit their phones to Apple’s security team. The phones’ cameras are being covered in special tamper-proof tape, which changes color if removal is attempted.
“If it changes color, we’ll be fired on the spot,” said one person who is working at the show but asked to remain anonymous.
In addition, Apple security personnel are carefully scrutinizing the phones for unauthorized pictures or messages, looking for any attempts to communicate details of the event to the outside.
“We were told that we should erase anything embarrassing from our phones because security will be going through them with a fine-tooth comb.”
“We were told that we should erase anything embarrassing from our phones because security will be going through them with a fine-tooth comb,” the person said.
Apple has a reputation for being one of the most secretive organizations in the world. Security for Apple’s events is always tight, but this time the precautions appear to be more elaborate than ever.
The Flint Center’s 2,400-seat auditorium sits on the campus of De Anza College, a leafy community college in Cupertino, California, that’s not far from Apple headquarters. The company has revealed some of its most important devices in the theater, including the original Macintosh in 1984 and the first iMac, the machine that kick-started Apple’s comeback.
This time, Apple seems to be going all-out on a big event that will likely see the introduction of two new iPhones and possibly a health/fitness device that could define a new category of wearable smartphone accessories.
For the event, Apple has built a large, special-purpose building next to the Flint Center. Its purpose remains a mystery, but it’s likely for hands-on product demonstrations after the keynote, which will be livestreamed starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
To keep the building’s purpose secret, Apple flew in a team of specialist contractors from the United Kingdom, the anonymous staffer said. The U.K. crew has been working on the building’s exterior for many days but have been kept from having any contact with anyone else working at the show.
Apple conducted rehearsals of its event over the weekend, and the trial runs continue today.
The anonymous staffer has not been allowed anywhere near the outside building, which is strictly off-limits to anyone without authorization.
“We’re not allowed to wander around,” the staffer said.
Indeed, everything is strictly quarantined. Everyone working at the show has been assigned strict roles and areas that they are allowed to access.
“There are no communications in or out,” the staffer said. “Everyone thinks Apple is tapping our phones and monitoring what we say. Everyone is super-paranoid.”


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Specsavers in Birmingham is reminding local people they can donate unwanted specs to help raise money for international charity Vision Aid Overseas (VAO).
The store is asking customers to drop off any unwanted specs into the bins (dotted around the store) provided. The frames are then collected and recycled with the money generated going to help improve access to eyecare for impoverished people in the developing world.
Members of the public can also drop off specs at the Westlyn Hotel, who are collecting glasses on behalf of Specsavers.
Store director, Roger Walker, said: ‘We urge people to drop off their unwanted and unused specs to donation bins either at the store or the Westlyn Hotel as we’re still collecting until the bins are full!
‘We often take eyecare for granted in this country but for those who don’t have it readily available; the money made really can make a difference.’
VAO is a UK-registered charity dedicated to helping people in poverty-stricken countries whose lives are blighted by bad eyesight, particularly in those cases where specs can help.
Thanks to previous fundraising efforts by Specsavers stores throughout the UK and Ireland, Vision Aid Overseas is in the process of developing a dedicated eyecare clinic and teaching facility in the Zambian capital, Lusaka. The new clinic will train students to test eyes and deliver eyecare to treat the local population, many of whom suffer from life-limiting but treatable sight conditions. Specsavers stores have collectively raised more than £300,000 towards this project so far and hope to supersede that amount this year to fund ongoing running costs of the facilities.
Since its inception, Vision Aid Overseas has helped more than one million people through the provision of affordable eye care services.


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You'd think that a company fresh out of revealing a new, color, flexible display technology for e-readers would scramble to get such an item out as soon as possible.
Plastic Logic has just finished smashing and grinding into dust that particular assumption, having announced that it will not, in fact, use that flexible display in an e-reader.
More precisely, it won't be making any new e-readers, period
If it had chosen to keep trying to carve out a slice of the segment, PL would have released a 10.7-inch business reader, called Que.
Alas, after examining all aspects of the business, the company decided to “cease its e-reader product development activities and focus on other applications for its flexible plastic displays.”
There supposedly already are several manufacturers interested in the flexible panel technology, so we'll definitely see more of it, not just on the e-reader front (assuming there are e-reader makers interested in it) but also in larger displays.
It all boils down to how many collaborators the company gathers and how many licensing deals it inks.
“[Plastic Logic will] actively develop licensing and technology partnerships to exploit its e-reader related capabilities in terms of rugged, plastic displays as well as driver and viewing optimization software,” the company reportedly said.
“Entering this market two years ago was a very logical step to take. It was growing fast. However, this market is driven by tough price competition and many companies are now relying on content sales exclusively to make an economic return and to cross-subsidize hardware. Therefore, for a company at Plastic Logic’s stage of development, the e-reader model as a sole route-to-market does not make commercial sense at the current time.”
Plastic Logic's business decision has raised job concerns at its Cambridgeshire, UK plant, where up to 40 people may find themselves unemployed in short order. The facilities in Russia and Germany might be restructured too.


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Norwalk Furniture and Los Angeles-based designer Kim Salmela will expand their partnership with the launch of a new leather seating collection inspired by Salmela’s modern, west coast vibe. Several of Norwalk’s best-selling Kim Salmela for Norwalk designs will now be available in more than 100 leather options.
Furniture designer and manufacturer BDI has announced that David Stewart is returning to the company as vice president of sales.
Casegood and upholstery manufacturer Fairfield will celebrate its 100th anniversary with new introductions during the upcoming High Point Market.
Shifman Mattresses will unveil its brand-new showroom at the upcoming High Point Market, designed and located to attract buyers for design-driven product and strong brand value.
Leading floor covering and home accents manufacturer Nourison has launched a new visual search tool on its website. The new tool will help customers easily search Nourison’s extensive collections of over 20,000 products and quickly find the perfect options.
Independent mattress manufacturer Pleasant Mattress has credited its in-house marketing and branding team for further strengthening the company’s position as a super-regional player that offers a broad variety of authentic brands.
Following the successful launch of its CBD Serenity Pillow earlier this year, bed products manufacturer Magniflex USA will expand its CBD offerings with its new CBD Serenity Mattress Topper at the upcoming Fall High Point Market.


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With Georgia's tax free holiday coming up next week, many Peach State parents will be shopping for school clothes, but school dress codes mean there are some things to keep in mind on that back-to-school shopping trip.
For parents and students it's no secret what's generally expected by a school's dress code. With that said, Thomas County Central High School officials say the first couple of weeks of school still hands them the most problems with kids breaking the dress code, so here are a couple of reminders for parents while shopping for your kids.
Girls cannot where anything that shows midriff or cleavage, and boys have to wear belts with their shirts tucked in and their pants at or above their waist.
Some parents say following a school’s dress code is harder than it seems. They say the main problem is finding clothes for their children that fit these guidelines.
Ann Lakin, shopping for school, says, "The code is the shorts have to be all the way down to your finger tips, so today we are trying to find some shorts long enough. I don't know if they make them."
Ken Harper, assistant principal at TCCHS, says, "Our dress code has not changed. It's the same they can look at their handbook from last year and see the dress code."
Harper says though there are always kids who challenge the dress code and those who hope to slip between the cracks. School officials will continue to enforce the same rules every year.
Another reminder, school starts on Monday, August 2.


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Your #1 Source in Windows Media Center & Digital Media
Nov 20, 2014 by Josh Pollard
The guys are creating movies and reviewing the Windows Phone podcatcher ecosystem. Xbox Ones are flying off the shelves, and Sony is launching a TV service.
Nov 13, 2014 by Josh Pollard
Josh geeks out on cable legislation, Richard can't find Nightfall, and a whole lot more entertainment technology news!
Nov 6, 2014 by Josh Pollard
Two new Windows Phones are coming to AT&T. Windows 10 will have native support for HEVC. One Drive may be getting a music locker service, and Microsoft has released a wearable device.
Oct 31, 2014 by Josh Pollard
Ceton has marked down their InfiniTV 6 and Echo Windows Media Center Extender to celebrate Halloween. It's one deal that won't scare you or your wallet!
Oct 30, 2014 by Josh Pollard
Xbox Music features are being cut. Windows 10 has support for MKV files and Dolby Digital. The Xbox One is getting a big discount for the holidays. Amazon launches a streaming stick, and more!
Oct 27, 2014 by Josh Pollard
Microsoft is getting an early, and extended, start to the holiday shopping season. You'll be able to score an Xbox One for some great prices over the next two months!
Oct 26, 2014 by Josh Pollard
Microsoft is cutting out the free streaming option from its wide-ranging Xbox Music service. What does that actually mean though, and how does the decision impact how you're using it?
Oct 23, 2014 by Josh Pollard
It's episode 300, and Josh and Richard have James Montemagno back to discuss the latest news plus take a look at how this space has changed over the last 6 years.
Oct 16, 2014 by Josh Pollard
Josh and Richard discuss more about Plex, why you shouldn't install Media Center on Windows 10, plus the latest Xbox releases and Windows Phone news.
Oct 9, 2014 by Josh Pollard
It turns out you can install Windows Media Center in Windows 10, but should you? Roku gets Miracast support. Plex comes to Xbox One, and Microsoft is bringing your room to life!
Oct 2, 2014 by Josh Pollard
Microsoft has announced Windows 10, and Josh and Richard are back to break down all the new features and changes to the operating system.
Sep 25, 2014 by Josh Pollard
Josh flies solo this week to discuss the demise of TotalMedia Theatre, a brief hands-on with a $119 Windows tablet, Microsoft's new Miracast dongle, and more ways of viewing your content on an Xbox One.
Home Theater PCs
Windows Media Center
Custom Build Guides
Policies and Terms
Copyright 2013 The Digital Media Zone


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Having announced a few weeks ago that it was in ‘preliminary’ talks to purchase either EE or O2, telecoms giant BT has now confirmed that EE has emerged as the favoured choice.
The buyout, which will cost an estimated £12.5 billion, is expected to bring significant shake-up to the mobile market as BT seeks to expand its interests.
According to BT, its acquisition of EE will give it the largest 4G mobile network in the country, which alongside its massive Fibre network, will give the company a definite edge against competitors.
The company also stands to benefit from the 24.5 million customers already subscribed to EE.
The move allows BT to begin offering consumers so-called quad play bundles, already a staple of telecoms provision in mainland Europe. This means that in addition to subscribers having broadband, landline and television services through BT, they will also be able to receive mobile through the same provider.
This news, obviously a blow to O2’s parent company Telefonica, has also surprised some industry analysts, who believed that a purchase of O2 was more likely.
The relative ease of buying O2, which, under the name Cellnet, had been owned by BT until being sold in 2001, was cited as a major factor in BT’s alleged preference towards its former holding.
EE, on the other hand, has a more complicated infrastructure, having been formed five years ago by the merger of T mobile and Orange UK. It seems that EE’s larger 4G network may ultimately have been a deciding factor.
The deal still faces several hurdles before completion. It is widely expected that rivals to BT such as Sky and Vodafone, themselves in early-stage talks, will push for greater regulation of BT assets such as Openreach.
Media analyst Paolo Pescatore also sees this as a likely scenario. “The deal … combines the UK market leader in fixed-line with the number one mobile operator. Ofcom … could mandate the demerger of both of BT’s Openreach and Wholesale units.”
In addition, neither BT nor EE has fared particularly well in Ofcom’s customer service ratings recently, with BT coming off as the worst Pay TV and second worst landline provider, and EE providing the least customer satisfaction among mobile operators.
BT chief executive Gavin Patterson said that addressing the customer service issue will be the ‘number one priority’ in the coming year.


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HP to 'Reinvent' Company With Return to RootsBy Dina Bass - Aug 19, 2011 3:19 PM CT
By spinning off Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ)'s personal-computer business, Chief Executive Officer Leo Apotheker is shedding a unit the founders never liked anyway.
David Packard only reluctantly agreed to focus on PCs in the early 1990s. And Walter Hewlett, a board member and son of co-founder Bill Hewlett, mounted an unsuccessful campaign to block the 2002 acquisition of Compaq Computer Corp., a deal that vaulted Hewlett-Packard to the top of the PC industry.
From Hewlett-Packard's beginnings in 1939, the company's founders set out to invent one-of-a-kind products and tools for engineers. They never intended to become the biggest provider of a commodity product, said Michael Cusumano, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan School of Management. Now that PC profits are waning amid competition from Asian rivals, Apotheker is poised to return to that philosophy.
"Their DNA never included being a commodity consumer products manufacturer, which is what the PC has become," Cusumano said. "It's certainly not where the action and innovation is in the business these days. They can reinvent themselves. They may have the capability to do it."
While the PC unit accounted for 30 percent of sales last quarter, it only generated a 5.9 percent operating margin. That's less than at any other division in the company.
IBM's DealRead More...
HP CEO Faces `Uphill Battle,' S&P's Kessler SaysGo there...


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We noticed the 2023 Land Rover Vary Rover Sport, the DeLorean EV has a expose day, and the Brabus 900 Crawler debuted. It can be the Week in Reverse, correct in this article at Motor Authority.
Our spy photographer spotted 2023 Land Rover Assortment Rover Activity, once more, ahead of its Could 10 debut. The future-technology Variety Rover Sport appears to element an evolutionary design and style. Count on in-cabin know-how to take a significant leap ahead with similar screens and interfaces as the new Variety Rover.
Mercedes-AMG and recording artist Will.i.am teamed up to build a just one-off car dubbed the Will.i.AMG, which will be auctioned off for charity. The motor vehicle begun out as an AMG 4-Door Coupe, but it is been fitted with a G-Course front close and a pair of suicide doors. It is very a issue.
DeLorean Motor Business earlier mentioned the new DeLorean EV would debut on Aug. 18 at the Awards Ramp at the 2022 Monterey Vehicle 7 days, then go on display on the Thought Garden on Aug. 21. But the reborn automaker announced this week the automobile will alternatively debut on line on May 31, ahead of its in-human being reveal in August.
Polestar introduced modifications to the 2023 Polestar 3, like increased assortment, new colours, and a placing established of new wheels. Dual-motor versions get an enhance of 68 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque, and go can 11 miles farther on a demand with a new assortment rating of 260 miles.
German tuner Brabus revealed the 900 Crawler. A G-Class that has been stripped down to be a lot more of a sand rail than a luxurious SUV, the 900 Crawler characteristics a open up steel tube chassis and four seats. The entire body is manufactured of carbon fiber, and the engine produces 888 hp and 922 lb-ft of torque.


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NEW YORK, NY – Following on the heels of Fishers Island Lemonade’s first-ever line extension, the award-winning, craft cocktail in a can recognized by Drizly as one of the fastest growing canned beverages, proudly announces exciting new market expansion developments and a leadership appointment as the brand continues to sustain its high-growth trends and rise in consumer demand. Effective starting in June, Fishers Island Lemonade will increase its availability and distribution footprint with the addition of two markets along the east coast, Maryland and Delaware, with newly appointed Breakthru Beverage Group. Effective last month, Empire Merchants Distributor took over distribution of Fishers Island Lemonade in its home state of New York.
Additionally, Fishers Island Lemonade is announcing the appointment of a key leadership hire, Marketing Executive Russell Pareti, hired in December 2020 as the company’s first-ever Chief Marketing Officer responsible for leading all strategic brand marketing and positioning to sustain the brand’s high growth in 2021 and beyond. He joins Fishers Island Lemonade with an extensive background of leading iconic brands across the spirits and consumer products industries, previously serving as SVP of Marketing at Stoli Group USA and CMO of Cincoro Tequila.
“2021 is shaping up to be a game-changing year for us, the biggest for our company since we launched in 2014,” said Bronya Shillo, founder of Fishers Island Lemonade. “We have built out the team to help lead our new family of Fishers Island Lemonade offerings, the launch of our new brand campaign, and growing our distribution footprint with two new key markets. We’re very proud of our growth over the years and are now focused on taking it to the next level. We thank everyone who has helped us get here, and look forward to an exciting future with new partners, retailers, and members of the Fishers Island Lemonade family.”
Fishers Island Lemonade Original (9% ABV), a top-selling craft cocktail in a can in New England and the Northeast, was launched by Shillo in 2014. It’s one of the only canned cocktail brands crafted with a dual-spirits base, combining premium vodka, barrel-aged whiskey, lemon, and honey. The recipe was inspired by the signature house cocktail, the “FIL”, which was served at The Pequot Inn on Fishers Island, NY, and was owned and operated by Shillo’s family.
Last month the brand announced a family of new offerings including Fishers Island Spiked Tea (7% ABV), Fishers Island Pink Flamingo (7% ABV), and Fishers Island Fizz (5% ABV), which are priced with an SRP of $15.99 for a 4-pack of cans. Additionally, the brand innovated outside the can with new Fishers Island Frozen Spirit Popsicles (7% ABV) and are available in a 10-pack with an SRP of $27.99. Each of the new releases recently took home Double Gold at the 2021 SIP Awards. The full Fishers Island Lemonade family portfolio is made with high-quality distilled spirits and is gluten-removed. In addition to Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, it’s also available on Drizly and across the United States on the direct-to-consumer e-commerce site.
About Fishers Island Lemonade
Launched on Memorial Day 2014 by Bronya Shillo, Fishers Island Lemonade was one of the first canned cocktail brands to hit shelves. A dual-spirits recipe of premium vodka, barrel-aged whiskey, lemon and honey is the base for the family of spiked lemonades, which now include Fishers Island Spiked Tea, Fishers Island Pink Flamingo, Fishers Island Fizz and Fishers Island Frozen Spirit Popsicles. The original Fishers Island Lemonade canned cocktail was inspired by the signature drink, locally referred to as the “FIL,” which was served at The Pequot Inn which Bronya’s family-owned and operated on Fishers Island, NY. It was there that Bronya had the visionary idea to package the Fishers Island Lemonade cocktail in a can, allowing fans to take the delicious and distinctly flavorful cocktail with them wherever they went. Fishers Island Lemonade has been awarded for its quality with Double Gold Medals at the 2021 SIP Awards for the new flavor lineup, in addition to Gold Medals at the 2020 Denver International Spirits Competition and 2020 SIP Awards for Fishers Island Lemonade Original. Furthermore, it has been recognized as one of fastest growing canned cocktail brands in the industry and was awarded Impact’s Hot Prospect Spirits Brands in 2020.
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Pan-African fintech startup Payday has joined Techstars Toronto Accelerator program.
Techstars is an operational investment company that assists founders and early-stage entrepreneurs scale their vision into a thriving business, beginning with the Demo Day at the end of the program where selected startups will be able to pitch to a carefully curated group of investors. The 3-month accelerator program’s goal is to provide entrepreneurs with invaluable skills, resources, and connections to a large pool of global
talent and investors.
“Joining Techstars will be a game-changer for us. This is an opportunity to work with and learn from outstanding mentors, as well as to leverage their experience, skills, and network to create a platform where all Africans, regardless of location, can enjoy financial inclusion.” Favour Ori, CEO, Payday said.
Sunil Sharma, Managing Director, Techstars Toronto said “Moreover, Payday has engineered a financial product that Africans need across the continent, and the recent traction they are seeing makes us believe that this is the start of something massive. We are thrilled to be able to co-invest with some of the best early-stage fintech and e-commerce investors in Africa.”
Payday says its inclusion in this program represents an endorsement from one of the world’s most reputable investor communities. It also emphasizes the potential of the company’s business model and its commitment to developing innovative payment solutions that will simplify how Africans move money around the world.
Techstars has 15 unicorns under its umbrella. Some of the notable ones include; SalesLoft, SendGrid, ZipLine, Chainalysis, and DataRobot, etc.
The startup was founded in 2021 by Nigeria’s Favour Ori and kicked off its beta test in June 2021 with a cold launch in July. Within three weeks of launch, Payday successfully processed over $1.4 million in transactions.
Last week, the startup raised $1m pre-seed funding to build out what they believe will be the “PayPal” for Africa.
The raise was supported by several investors including LoftyInc Capital, Microtraction, Magic Fund, Ventures Platform, Voltron Capital, CcHub Syndicate, Helicarrier Inc, Greencap Equity, Midlothian Angel Network, Emergence Capital, and Olugbenga Agboola (GB).
Other investors included; Charles Odita, Eke Eleanya, Adegoke Olubusi, Edmund Olotu (Bloc), Prosper Otemuyiwa (Eden), Dimeji Sofowora, Perseus Mlambo (Union54), Abdul Hassan (Mono), and Onyekachukwu Somtochukwu Eyisi.


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Microsoft takes hit to account for ad woes
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Microsoft is absorbing a $6.2 billion charge to reflect that one of the biggest deals in its 37-year history turned out to be a dud.
The noncash charge announced yesterday could saddle Microsoft Corp. with a loss for its fiscal fourth quarter, which ended in June. Analysts polled by FactSet had predicted Microsoft would earn about $5.3 billion for the period. The company hasn't suffered a quarterly loss during the past 20 years, according to its website.
Microsoft, which is based in Redmond, Wash., is scheduled to release its latest quarterly results on July 19.
The world's largest software maker blamed the setback on the disappointing performance of aQuantive. That's an online advertising service that Microsoft bought for $6.3 billion in 2007 to mount a more serious challenge to one of its biggest rivals, Internet search leader Google Inc.
Microsoft's $6.2 billion charge represents an acknowledgement that aQuantive didn't bring in as much online advertising revenue as envisioned, forcing management to write off most of the purchase price.


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Samsung unveils lightbulbs which last for 36 years - but cost £45 apiece
- Bulbs last for 40 times normal electric bulbs
- Paper-thin 'flat' lightbulbs in development
- Bulbs cost $20 to $70 each
Samsung's new bulbs range in price from $19 to $70 - but promise 40,000 hours of use per bulb, which works out at around 36 years
Along with taking out the rubbish, one of the traditional 'men's jobs' around the home has always been standing on a chair and unscrewing old lightbulbs and replacing them with fresh ones.
But new technology from Samsung might make the chore a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Samsung's new range of LED bulbs have a lifespan of 40,000 hours - 40 times a standard incandescent bulb.
The company calculates that with normal use, the bulbs should last for 36 years.
'Samsung is now using it's expertise in digital electronics to revolutionize the lighting industry,' says the company.
Samsung is a world leader in 'LED' TVs - actually LCD panels which are lit by a panel of LEDs behind the screen.
LED lights are becoming increasingly common, and generally offer a fairly long lifespan, but even so, 36 years is something of an eye-opener.
'A light bulb is no longer just a light bulb. It's a digital technology made up of LED chips, drivers and electronics - familiar turf for Samsung,' says Kevin Dexter, Samsung's senior VP of home appliances.
Traditional 'incandescent' bulbs only last for around 1,000 hours of use before going 'phut' - and the figure used to be far worse
'Samsung's LED lamps turn on instantly, are virtually UV and infrared free and produce an extremely uniform and crisp light making you and your home look better while saving you money and helping the environment.'
The downside is that the bulbs aren't cheap. A basic model will set you back $19 - the bulbs are US-only at present - and larger, brighter models are priced up to $70.
But even LED bulbs could soon seem old hat.
The 'incandescent' bulb creates light by heating a metal filament - but wastes energy through heat. LED bulbs lose far less energy this way - and don't have a filament to burn out
An American company, Eden Park, is researching an entirely new, 'plasma lighting' technology, which creates light from a paper thin layer of plasma between two sheets of aluminium foil.
It raises the possibility of lighting on walls as if it was wallpaper - and consumes microscopic amounts of power.
'Microplasma is a unique, proprietary, energy-efficient, ultra thin lighting technology,' says the company, 'It can be flexible, formed and produces white or colored light.'
Eden Park has set no date as to when the first 'microplasma' lights might be on the market.
Samsung's new low-power LED bulbs are on sale.
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Even after all these years and a few mild updates, the Ford Ecosport still happens the be one of the best buys in the compact SUV space. It is now available in a new automatic variant at a special price of INR 10.66 Lakh (Ex-Showroom Delhi). Earlier, the 1.5-litre petrol engine, along with the 6-speed automatic gearbox was only available in the Titanium+ trim, which continues to be available at INR 11.56 lakh.
The new Ford EcoSport Titanium AT trim offers a six-speed, torque converter automatic gearbox that is paired to Ford’s latest, Bharat Stage 6 compliant three-cylinder 1.5L petrol engine. Like the other automatic Titanium+ trim, the new Titanium variant in the 2020 lineup will also deliver 122 PS of power and 149 Nm of peak torque.
Besides the convenience of a smooth automatic gearbox, the Ecosport in this particular trim also offers segment-first paddle shifters, cruise control, push start/stop, a touchscreen infotainment system with embedded navigation, standard dual airbags, traction control system, electronic stability control and hill launch among other features. The new variant will also be the only automatic compact SUV in its price range to offer FordPass, a one-stop smartphone app meeting diverse ownership needs, at no additional cost. With a factory-fitted cloud-connected device, owners of the new Titanium trim will be able to perform several vehicle operations — like starting, stopping, locking or unlocking remotely, via the FordPass app.
The Ford EcoSport is offered with 3-year or 100,000 KM standard warranty and a longer service interval of 10,000 KM. The company claims that Ford EcoSport owners spend as low as INR 1,400 for scheduled service in the first year while the 100,000-KM or 10-year service costs INR 4,700.
Prioritizing the health and convenience of consumers during the upcoming festive season, the company is accepting bookings for new vehicles via a dedicate online portal, www.booking.india.ford.com. The online booking portal allows buyers to select, book and avail doorstep delivery of their new Ford, from the comfort of their homes. Customers booking their Ford cars online will get real-time assistance from a booking partner, available six days a week from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. The new booking portal is an extension of the company’s recently announced Dial-A-Ford initiative that enables customers to avail a host of services for their Ford cars via a toll-free number 1800-419-3000.
Ford customers can call the toll-free number to organize pick and drop for servicing or repairs of their cars, avail roadside assistance or even request for test driving a new Ford. The initiative makes safety a top-most priority by ensuring adherence to strict sanitization guidelines. All vehicles are thoroughly disinfected by trained Ford staff at the time of pick-up and before delivery to customers.


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The LG G Watch and Motorola Moto 360 have been announced as the first Android Wear devices.
Following the launch of Android Wear just yesterday, we now have information on the first devices to sport this new software platform. Meet the LG G Watch and Motorola Moto 360.
Both companies are said to be working closely with Google in developing these new wearables and demos of both products can be seen in Google’s official announcement video. The LG G Watch adopts a conventional smart watch design, similar to the likes of Sony’s SmartWatch 2.
Specs on both of these devices haven’t yet emerged, but by the looks of it, the G Watch rocks a 1.6-inch display with a touch sensitive layer on top and a silicone wrist strap. The Moto 360 meanwhile is a different beast. Although we’ve seen various design agencies pushing out concept work, the Moto 360 looks to be the first smart watch that adopts more of a conventional watch design, rather than a wrist computer reminiscent of the 80’s.
Motorola has pushed out a video showing some of the work, which went into creating the Moto 360, including the decision to adopt a circular display as opposed to a squared one. It also sports a leather wrist strap and a polish metal bezel. In short, it’s our choice out of the two, provided functionality is the same.
Android Wear devices like these aim to extent the Google Now-like experience had on many smartphones and by Google Glass. They offer glanceable information, based on context and pulling data from your Google services, suggesting that these watches need to be paired to a smartphone to function fully.
Which smart watch would you prefer? We’ll be speaking with Jim Wicks, the lead designer on the Moto 360 later today, so check back for more information on this new breed of smart watch.


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Sony put Insomniac Games in charge of "Spider-Man", Sucker Punch is developing "Ghost of Tsushima", and Naughty Dog is leading the way on "The Last Of Us Part II", but what's impressive is how all three of these games already show the level of polish fans have come to expect from a PlayStation 4 exclusive. Switch and Xbox One users could play with each other, as well as PC users, but not with PS4 players. And if there was any hope that things might change, Sony's statement closed by saying, "We have nothing further to add beyond this at this point". Sony has chose to block those players from cross-play or being able to access and sync their gamer accounts between consoles.
Fortnite is available now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, and iOS.
First Man Trailer Sends Ryan Gosling to the Moon as Neil Armstrong
The film marks the second collaboration between Chazelle and Gosling after their critically acclaimed musical La La Land (2016). Corey Stoll plays Buzz Aldrin, with Kyle Chandler as Deke Slayton, Jason Clarke as Ed White, and Pablo Schreiber as Jim Lovell.
It's fine though, because Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo are celebrating by giving devoted gamers basically every single deal they've ever wanted, plus release dates and preorders for games we've literally been waiting years for. These links leave Siliconera.
Sony hasn't claimed direct responsibility for the issue, but Xbox chief Phil Spencer has expressed a desire for cross-play between systems. "It does the opposite of what you want - it makes me think about moving to Xbox for Fortnite".
Sony has faced criticism for blocking cross-play in other titles in the past, including Minecraft and Rocket League.
Industries Reveals New Halo Infinite Details
Ultimate Edition buyers will also be able to begin playing the game four days before the official release date, October 2nd. Three years later, Xbox's backward compatibility for older games has become one of the console's defining features.
The release of Fortnite on Nintendo Switch was inevitable but still a very welcome bit of E3 news - especially with the whole "it's out now" angle.
While creating a new Fortnite account is free, using one means giving up any earned skins, sprays, and emotes on your original account, and sacrificing progress on your current Battle Pass. In a statement to BBC News, a Sony spokeswoman said the following. They are even angrier that Sony never warned them that they could be locked out of playing on the Switch. "When it comes to other platform holders, as much as you have influence on other platform holders, I don't", Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime told Polygon. "That's a decision that each of them are making, and some are supporting cross-play, and some are not".
Justify wins Belmont Stakes to become 13th Triple Crown victor
Justify achieved one of the sports' toughest feats 45 years to the day that Secretariat won the Belmont by a record 31 lengths. He did so with American Pharoah in 2015, ending a 37-year drought. "I think it was just a special case", he said. "I'm not.


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Blood Knights gets new publisher, release window
After repeated delays for various reasons, German developer Deck 13 Interactive’s Blood Knights might finally have its real release window in sight, according to a press release from the game’s new publisher, Kobalt Games. Blood Knights, which will be the first release under the newly formed Kobalt Games label, is now scheduled for a Q4 2013 release, meaning it could potentially arrive on XBLA as soon as next week.
For Deck 13’s hack-n-slash title, it’s been a long and winding road to release. Originally announced in July of 2012, the co-op vampire-hunting game was first planned for an October 31, 2012 release. Unfortunately for those looking forward to Blood Knights, Halloween 2012 came and went without a word from Deck 13 or its thenpublisher, DTP Entertainment.
The game’s developer took to its official Facebook page a couple weeks later to reveal that Blood Knights was still coming and would arrive in December 2012. “We are sorry to announce that the release date for Blood Knights has been delayed until December,” wrote a Deck 13 representative. “Keep your seats, sceptics… [sic] as this is due to legal negotiations which has [sic] taken us longer than we planned.”
It wasn’t until after Christmas that Deck 13 released a new trailer for the game that revealed it would, unsurprisingly, not be hitting its December 2012 window. However, a seemingly concrete release date of February 20, 2013 was announced at that time. And then nothing happened for a long, long time.
Actually, something did happen: Hamburg, Germany-based DTP Entertainment, which XBLA gamers likely remember best as the publisher behind Awesomenauts, went bankrupt.
No price was mentioned for Blood Knights in yesterday’s press release. The now-defunct DTP Entertainment announced the game to be a $15 release way back in August of 2012, but there’s no telling at this time whether or not that price will hold true when the game releases later this year.
Kobalt Games, which is part of the Kalypso Media Group, will focus on releasing games at “a mid-price level with a maximum price of £24.99, €29.99, $29.99,” meaning its plenty possible that Blood Knights will still be released at its original $15 price. XBLAFans has reached out to Kalypso Media in regards to Blood Knights‘ final price and will update this story should a response be issued.
Source: Kalypso Media


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But they are doing better in retention. Email remains the biggest data collection tool, CommerceNext reports.
An academic study states that the threat is remote right now, but that the danger exists.
Marketers say it's difficult to know how different martech products fit together, a study finds.
But most firms have integrated sales and marketing tools, SharpSpring and Ascend2 report.
Most consumers say they are receiving generic messages -- and they find it frustrating, Cordial reports.
On the negative side, GDPR has made big and powerful companies even bigger and more powerful.
Lack of staff is leading to low team morale and burnout and poor campaign launches, Aventi Group reports.
Most people have at least one shopping app on their phone, and half have more than four, NewStore reports.
Only 10% of CDP owners feel their CDP meets all their needs, Zeta Global and Forrester report.
Brands should focus on behavior and conversions, says Breinify CEO Diane Keng.


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Indie 3D platformer game Newt One to release next week
Indie development studio DevNAri has announced it will be releasing its 3D platformer game Newt One next week.
In Newt ...
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl gets new gameplay trailer
Microsoft Flight Simulator gets unexpected Nordics content update
Nintendo announces 2D platformer Metroid Dread with new trailer
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered releases for PlayStation 4
Indie shooter Insurgency: Sandstorm to make its way to consoles in August


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The ISM index dipped to 49.1 percent last month, the worst number in years and evidence that the U.S. manufacturing sector was now in a recession even though the broader economy was not. (Anything below 50 on the index signifies contraction.) The good news was that forecasters expected an uptick this month, with economists surveyed by MarketWatch predicting a total of 50.2 percent. That would indicate only very modest expansion, but any expansion is good.
The actual number released today: 47.8 percent. The contraction is deepening. If it were to deepen further, the entire economy could be dragged into contraction as well.
There are two competing narratives for why this happened. There’s Trump’s, which is to blame anyone and anything except the trade war he initiated. That means blaming the Fed.
The wrinkle in that theory is that the Fed did lower interest rates two weeks ago, the second time since late July that it’s ordered a rate cut. Powell is doing what he can to counteract the economic slowdown caused by the exchange of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs between Trump and China. Trump’s attitude is that no matter how much the Fed cuts, it’s not cutting enough. If your business is suffering, take it up with Powell.
The other narrative, repeated ad nauseam by analysts in the reporting today on the manufacturing downturn, is that it’s the trade war that’s driving this. Of course it’s the trade war:
Many of the comments from survey participants point to Trump’s trade war with China, noting that the retaliatory tariffs are hurting business and undermining confidence, despite comments from administration officials claiming Americans have not been impacted by the dispute…
Total new orders for manufactured goods were at their lowest since 2012. Export orders, which feed into overall orders, fell to 41 percent, their worst month since March of 2009…
Of 18 industries surveyed, three experienced growth — miscellaneous goods, food and chemical products — and even they reported growth was weak to flat.
Although this is only the second straight month in which the index has been below 50 percent, it’s the sixth straight month that it’s declined. “[T]he warning signs here are clear enough. The trade war is wreaking havoc, to the point where the incipient upturn in manufacturing in China is not transmitting, at all, to the US,” said one analyst to IBT. “We have now tariffed our way into a manufacturing recession in the U.S. and globally,” another investment advisor told CNBC. More from MarketWatch:
“Chinese tariffs going up are hurting our business. Most of the materials are not made in the U.S. and made only in China,” said an executive at a food and beverages manufacturer.
“Economy seems to be softening. The tariffs have caused much confusion in the industry,” said an executive at a company that makes electrical equipment…
“Manufacturing weakness is close to dangerous levels. Historically, readings under 46 are consistent with recession,” said senior economist Chris Low of FTN Financial. “Manufacturing is a small part of the economy, but it is a vitally important one, producing income and multiplier effects, especially in the Midwest.”
The chief economist for the Japanese bank MUFG put it this way: “It couldn’t be more ironic that the trade tariffs done to bring factories back from overseas, are actually shutting down production at existing plants here in the U.S.” The news about American manufacturing shrinking comes a day after the WTO announced that it’s cutting its forecast for global trade growth from 2.6 percent to 1.2 percent, the weakest projection since the Great Recession. They could cut it further pending further trade war escalation and the outcome of the Brexit mess in the UK.
All of this helps explain Trump’s curious congratulatory tweet to China this morning on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the PRC. Righties have been lashing him for that on Twitter today because the ChiComs are, after all, one of the world’s most loathsome regimes. But Trump has never had moral qualms about doing business with monsters, as his North Korea policy proves most vividly. He’s transactional, and he’s trying to get Kim Jong Un to agree to a particular transaction. The state of U.S. manufacturing makes it that much more urgent that he convince China to agree to a particular transaction too — the end of the trade war sometime over the next 13 months, preferably sooner rather than later so that the economy has time to regain steam before November. Some economists are already predicting that he’ll make a deal even if the differences between the old and new U.S./China trade relationship end up being cosmetic, simply in order to get past this in time for reelection.
That’s why he’s been uncharacteristically friendly-sounding to China throughout the process, up to and including something as small as this morning’s tweet. He just can’t afford to lash them like he does with most other rivals and enemies. They have too much leverage over his electoral fortunes by dint of the trade war, and the worse the economic forecasts look, the more leverage they have.


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The upcoming PS3 first-person shooter Dust 514’s team has big plans for the game that will continue long past the current console life cycle.
Dust is being developed by CCP; the same team behind EVE Online. Executive producer Jon Lander recently explained that the team has a five-year plan and ideas that can keep the title running for another 20 years. He seemed to be looking forward to celebrating ‘EVE is 20’ and ‘Dust is 10’ events ten years down the line.
The studio plans to release regular expansions to keep the community active and interested. Lander explained that the company has no intention of shipping a unit that people are no longer interested in six months later.
Dust 514 is currently in beta testing and is slated for a late 2012 release.
Game Industry: CCP: Dust will outlive PlayStation 3


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With Facebook snapping up Masquerade, Twitter pushing Periscope and Snapchat’s new ‘Chat 2.0’ update expanding video functionality and video filters on the network, it’s clear that the major names in social media are betting big on video. Here we outline 4 reasons why video is a safe bet.
1. 9 in 10 16-24s Watching Online Video
Watching video clips online is a fundamental internet activity. Among online 16-34s, for example, it’s almost 95% who are watching video, and even among the oldest group tracked by GWI (the 55-64s) it’s 8 in 10 who are engaging. What’s more, about half of internet consumers are uploading their own videos online.
So far, YouTube has been the major beneficiary of this online video boom (about 90% are visiting this site each month) but there is clearly a massive demand for platforms that can easily host user-generated video and, as such, ample room for competition in this field. Social networks and messaging apps, which are so ingrained in the daily digital behaviors of internet users, are well-placed to profit from this demand.
2. 4G is the New Normal
The last two years have seen major improvements in the connection speeds available to mobile users around the world. Whereas back in mid-2014, 3G users outnumbered 4G users by about 2 to 1, nowadays internet users are more likely to be using 4G. And with better mobile internet speeds comes better opportunities for video watching, sharing and calling. Already, 6 in 10 mobile users are watching videos on their smartphones and about 40% are making VoIP calls.
And as 4G coverage spreads even further, these figures will undoubtedly rise and, in particular, this trend opens up the true potential for live-streaming – good news for Periscope and Facebook Live.
3. Half of Facebookers already watching video on the network
Snapchat may be making noise about its video-viewing figures being not far off Facebook’s but really it’s Facebook which has the true potential to become a real challenger to YouTube in this space. Already, over half of Facebook active users are watching videos on the network. And with a truly global reach and the highest usage frequency rates among all social networks (GWI’s research shows 75% Facebookers are logging-in daily), Zuckerberg’s network is well-placed to become a natural hub for online video.
This is good news for Facebook, particularly as it campaigns to stay essential to it users, but it’s also a clear opportunity for brands. With autoplay videos now the norm on users’ newsfeed, the potential for targeted branded video on Facebook can hardly be over-stated.
4. Video-sharing now almost as popular as photo-sharing on Snapchat
Evan Spiegal’s app may have built its reputation on ephemeral photo-messaging but Snapchatters have proved enthusiastic about taking advantage of the new video-sharing functions on the platform. While these users are still more likely to be sending photos, it’s now almost as many who are sharing videos on Snapchat.
And in APAC, where Snapchat has struggled to grow in the same way it has in Europe and North America, video-sharing is almost as popular as sending photos – providing a key insight into how Spiegal’s app might hope to break into Asia.


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Previously, BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins had pointed out that BBM will be available on Android and iOS platforms. He believes that BBM will be an important solution for many smartphone users.
The initial version will only have text and group chat functions while other features such as voice and video will be rolled out in later releases. On the other hand, there are leaks of Samsung Galaxy phones running the BBM application. The article was only released in Africa and we believe that we will have more news of BBM for Android from BlackBerry Singapore soon. Stay tuned for more updates on BBM for iOS/Android.


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|Chris Fower, from Fischer Panda UK, receives the Young Business Person Award from Katina Read, editor at Boating Business (left), and Lyndsey Hall, Media Sales Manager at Boating Business, at the 2018 British Marine Trades Association Awards dinner|
|License||© All rights reserved (allow download) (?)|
|Photographer / Source||British Marine|
|Image dimensions||2000 x 1335 pixels|
Fischer Panda UK: Fischer Panda UK’s Chris Fower Recognised at 2018 British Marine Trades Association Awards Dinner
Press Releases • Jan 15, 2018 12:15 GMT
Fischer Panda UK’s Chris Fower received the Boating Business ‘Young Business Person Award’ at the 2018 British Marine Trades Association Awards dinner.


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Spotify will be holding a press event in New York on April 24, which could be the stage for a number of new announcements from the company, which just went public. There have been a number of rumours around the company’s plans for the year, including a new Spotify speaker, as well launching in new markets such as India. So here’s a look at what the company could unveil on April 24.
The latest reports about Spotify speak of a new version of its free offering. Spotify would be looking at revamping its free streaming tier to grab a bigger slice of the music streaming market, even if they are free users. It also hopes to make the experience more mobile friendly as well as easier for new users.
Currently, the ad-supported free Spotify service doesn’t allow you to select any track you want from Spotify’s library, which means you have to listen to whatever the Spotify algorithm chooses randomly. You can also only skip tracks only up to six times every hour. The revamped version will surface playlists more easily, and would allow free mobile listeners more control over what songs they hear, which is quite similar to Spotify’s premium service.
New Spotify Speakers?
Spotify has also been working on new speakers for automobiles, according to speculation and leaks this month. There’s evidence that the company is working on an in-car controller, so users can control Spotify playlists using their voice.
A number of Spotify customers have already received word about the product, which would likely be a monthly Spotify subscription of $12.99 with a 12-month commitment. Other reports say Spotify would change a monthly subscription of $14.99.
According to the screenshots, the device would be circular in shape, with buttons to control ‘Shuffle’ and ‘Loop’ in the app. The device is also seen sporting an LED light along the edges in Spotify’s signature green color.
What about India launch?
Of course, we highly doubt that Spotify would launch its India service on a stage in New York but stranger things have happened. The venue could just be a nod to the company’s recent listing on the NYSE, and Spotify is not exactly known for being conventional.
Spotify also recently started offering access to Hulu to some users for a single subscription fee. This is amazing for a service like Hulu which faces the massive task of overcoming Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV and Apple and Disney’s upcoming video streaming offerings. It’s likely the company will announce the broader plans around this strategy of combining forces with digital video.
With the event in less than two weeks, it’s likely we will hear more about the company’s plans before April 24. Stay tuned to find out just what Spotify has planned.


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On Monday, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), the creator of the iPhone, rolled out software enhancements at the much anticipated Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC). From an analyst point of view, there is likely little impact to next quarter’s earnings forecasts. The event focused on software-based improvements, which some investors felt was a disappointment for those hoping for the next hardware launch (as in a new iPhone 6).
However, it is worth noting that new devices in the past, particularly on the product side, have historically occurred in the Fall (ahead of the Back to School season).
On a technical level, Apple’s stock has risen 20% in the last 3 months, an indication that portfolio managers are beginning to understand (or believe in its value, as in David Einhorn of Greenlight Capital). By comparison, the Global Social Media ETF (SOCL), is down 20% in the last 3 months as momentum names have suffered.
This includes social media companies such as Facebook (NASDAQ:FB), Twitter (NYSE:TWTR), LinkedIn (LNKD), Yelp (NYSE:YELP), and Pandora Media (NYSE:P). All of which continue to trade at lofty Price/Earnings (P/E) ratios, which have likely spooked some investors after a banner year in 2013. The bull case scenario revolves around Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) as a stable dividend paying company with growth prospects still under-appreciated by the markets (particularly with the partnership with China Mobile – CME).
In spite of mixed reviews regarding Apple’s most recent acquisition of Beats Music & Electronics for a price tag of $3 billion; note that this is still fairly minimal considering its fortress balance sheet of a whopping $41 billion in cash and short term investments.
Moreover, with AAPL trading at less than 15x next-twelve-month P/E and a dividend yield above 2%, the risk-reward ratio remains compelling compared to social media equity peers and corresponding bonds.
Goldman Sachs, for its part, said, “in many cases dividend yields for stocks are higher than their corresponding short-term bond yields. This, along with the high free cash flow generated by many stocks, provides an opportunity for the investor to synthetically produce bond-like fixed yield with stronger risk-adjusted total returns.”
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM WORLDWIDE DEVELOPERS CONFERENCE
The new Mac OS “Yosemite” was introduced, which will be available for free this Fall. Importantly, Apple highlighted the importance placed on continuity between the Mac OS and iOS devices.
Putting this into perspective, the key for Apple is to continue to integrate iOS and Mac OS in addition to improving Siri (side bar: still a work-in-progress, and not exactly the “game-changer” analysts had hoped for).
The launch of the Touch ID provides third-party apps with the ability to ensure secure payments. Per Apple, management stressed the importance of uniformity across the installed base, easing developer requirements as well as providing a more secure experience. As it relates to the iCloud, Apple now has better pricing ($0.99/month for 20GB, $3.99/month for 200 GB), and also includes Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows support.
The newest applications for health and home were also announced; albeit with a caveat – this isn’t exactly “new news” as investors have been expecting this for quite awhile. Nike’s (NYSE;NKE) app was cited as an example of effectively measuring progress towards fitness goals. Apple has also partnered with home automation enterprises to provide better security initiatives. Mobile now has the ability to control devices outside and at the home, as in “the internet of everything.”
The company has also been rumored to be in negotiations with cable giant Time Warner (NYSE:TWC) to add live television content, although the merger with Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) may complicate things.
It is no secret that Apple has an enviable consumer following. The tech giant has sold over 800 million iOS devices (including over 500 million iPhones and over 200 million iPads). Moreover, the App Store now offers 1.2 million apps, compared to last year’s level of 900,000, with over 75 billion cumulative downloads.
There have been whispers of an Apple-branded television set for the home, separate from the “Apple TV” console. At this point, investors will continue to have to wait for more color on the iTV, iWatch, and iPhone 6 devices.


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In stark contrast to the performance of its high-spec, high-performance electric cars, Tesla’s [TSLA] share price has had a bumpy ride in 2020.
The share price accelerated to a record high in February, closing above $900 for the first time – a meteoric rise when you consider that it was trading below $300 for the majority of 2019. However, the coronavirus pandemic put the brakes on Tesla’s share price gains and the stock plummeted to $361 on 18 March. But Tesla’s share price has kicked back into high gear with investors asking just how far it can go.
Telsa’s share price soars past $1,000 level
Since those lows in March, Tesla’s share price has jumped over 250%, clawing back all of the ground it lost during the Covid-19 related sell-off. Wednesday 10 June saw Tesla's share price soar past the $1,000 mark to reach a new all-time high at $1,025, after CEO Elon Musk revealed plans to move forward with production of its Semi truck, an electric pickup vehicle dubbed ‘Cybertruck’.
Tesla’s share price slipped back below the $1,000 level the following day, but its valuation had pushed up to around $190bn, to close in on Toyota, the world’s number one vehicle manufacturer.
What’s next for Tesla’s share price?
At the end of April following its Q1 update, CMC Markets’ analyst David Madden remarked: “The Tesla share price has been driving higher for over a month now, and while it holds above the $700 mark, the bullish trend should continue.”
So, what comes next? Well, according to the billionaire investor, Ron Baron, more of the same. In fact, he believes Tesla’s share price has considerable upward scope yet. In an interview with CNBC, Baron predicted that Tesla’s share price will “be $2,000 or $3,000 in 5 years and a multiple of that over the next 5 years”.
Further positivity was in evidence last week from Wedbush Securities analyst, Dan Ives. In his bullish appraisal, he said demand for Tesla’s Model 3 car in China, plus upcoming potential battery-life improvements, meant the Tesla share price has “room to run further”.
As a result, Ives pushed his share price target up to $1,000, from $800, with an improved high-rate target of $1,500. Ives reckons the Chinese market has huge potential, and that the Shanghai Gigafactory will reach production output of 100,000 vehicles within its first year.
Musk’s so-called ‘Battery Day’ event – which has been delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak - will detail the improved technology and the breakthroughs made in the firm’s lithium-ion battery production, which should mean Tesla’s cars can run for far longer, as well as cutting costs.
Time to buy Tesla’s share price?
However, GLJ research analyst Gordon Johnson urges caution, making the point that the China car sales figure for May was only an estimate. It’s still unknown exactly how many of its Model 3 cars Tesla actually sold last month.
Johnson went on to say that Tesla’s EU sales numbers “were pretty bad”, and therefore rates Tesla a Sell. Analysts seem split on where next for Tesla’s share price. Of the 34 tracking the stock on the Financial Times, 22 rate it either a Hold or Underperform. And with an average share price target of $650, the overriding view is that Tesla’s share price will fall by 34% in the next year. Whichever way Tesla’s share price moves in the next 12 months, you should probably buckle up for the ride.
Source: This content has been produced by Opto trading intelligence for Century Financial and was originally published on cmcmarkets.com/en-gb/opto


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Hybrid vehicles are a danger to pedestrians
A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in America has found that hybrid vehicles are involved in more accidents with pedestrians and cyclists than regular petrol and diesel vehicles.
The study found that 0.9% of hybrid cars were involved in accidents with pedestrians compared to a 0.6% pedestrian accident figure for regular cars.
The NHTSA’s report may help support the need for fitting hybrid cars with noisemaking systems to alert pedestrians, cyclists and especially blind people. With no engine noise the hybrid vehicles can potentially put pedestrians and cyclists at significant risk.
In Japan, hybrid cars have become the country’s top selling vehicles. A transport ministry official said: “We have received opinions from automobile users and vision-impaired people that they feel hybrid vehicles are dangerous. Blind people depend on sounds when they walk, but there are no engine sounds from hybrid vehicles when running at low speed and on the electric motor.”
The ministry consulted with a panel of police, consumers, vision impaired groups, scholars and the automobile industry to discuss options. In the first meeting, it was decided to introduce a sound making function. The panel has not decided on what kind of sound should be used, only that it should induce a response of caution.


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How badly has demonetization of rupee hit the Indian markets?
It depends on how you look at it. The informal cash based transactions have taken a severe hit. Most of them are currently running on credit. However, the formal channels supporting electronic transactions have got a major boost. From a GDP perspective, the economy might even be looking good right now because of the increase in transactions in the formal channel.


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German chancellor Angela Merkel is urging negotiations as the key to resolving a controversial solar power sector trade dispute between Europe and China.
“We should try to solve the problems in the solar sector to avoid an anti-dumping case,” Ms Merkel said. “We have time for that, and it would be better if we could find a solution through talks.”
The German leader’s words came at a meeting with the Chinese premier, Wen Jiabao in Beijing.
Her reluctance to support a trade action taken by German solar company, Solar World, may raise the hackles of EU trade commissioner Karel De Gucht, who is taking a tough stance on what are perceived to be unfair trade practices by China.
Mr De Gucht is due to open a formal investigation next week to determine whether Chinese manufacturers have dumped their products on the EU market. That review could lead to punitive tariffs – an outcome the chancellor told her Chinese hosts she was keen to avoid.
Mr Wen welcomed Ms Merkel’s call for talks, saying it could serve as a model for the solution of trade conflicts worldwide.
Meanwhile a spokesman for Mr De Gucht said: “We’ve seen Chancellor Merkel’s comments and we take note of them.”
Privately, EU officials and diplomats said it was unlikely that talks to resolve the dispute could be concluded before a 45-day review period ends next Friday. They also noted that Mr De Gucht was required to handle cases in accordance with EU trade law – not diplomacy.
For more renewable energy news


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1999 saw a flurry of high profile mergers and acquisitions, with lawyers having to fight hard to win their trophies. Dearbail Jordan looks back at a busy year
It was a deal that should never have happened. In February 1999 the Italian-based Olivetti Group launched its audacious £36.5bn bid for Telecom Italia, a company seven times the size of its aggressor.
Financial centres around Europe sent out cries of disbelief that a company like Olivetti – which was recovering after selling off its loss-making PC business while struggling with massive restructuring costs – could possibly raise the capital needed to make such a purchase.
But Olivetti's ultimately successful bid for Telecom Italia was indicative of what the market could expect over the next 12 months.
As Nigel Boardman, head of corporate at Slaughter and May, says: “One of the strands of M&A work in 1999 was hostile continental takeovers.”
The Telecom Italia/Olivetti transaction was ground-breaking for a number of reasons.
Firstly, Olivetti's financial advisers Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette Securities, Lehman Brothers, Chase Manhattan and Mediobanca were charged with raising £15.4bn to fund the takeover – one of the largest syndicated loans ever.
Secondly, the takeover tore at the delicate social fabric which binds together the Italian economy.
In Italian society, an enormous amount of credence is placed on establishing and maintaining highly personal and political relationships between banks and businesses. However, Mediobanca was originally aligned with Telecom Italia, and the fact that it worked for Olivetti on the takeover sent shockwaves through the Italian business community.
Nick Wrigley, managing partner at Clifford Chance's Italian office, says: “[The deal] upset so many relationships between banks and customers.”
Most importantly, Olivetti's hostile bid opened the eyes of the Italian legal profession to the threat of UK lawyers benefiting from the boom in the Italian economy.
Both Olivetti and Telecom Italia were represented by local firms Erede & Associati and Chiomenti Studio Legale respectively. But UK firms Herbert Smith and Clifford Chance scooped work on the financing side of the deal.
Although Italian firms had already begun to consolidate earlier in the year, for example Erede merged with Bonelli e Associati and Pappalardo e Associati, the Telecom Italia/Olivetti deal enhanced the desire to merge.
Wrigley says: “As a result of the takeover there were concerns that local firms needed critical mass.
“Europe had begun to consolidate in the same way that businesses in the US did about five years ago.”
Wrigley points to the merger in July between French energy giants Elf Aquitaine and Totalfina as an example of European consolidation.
What began as a hostile takeover bid by Totalfina for Elf quickly became a game of cat and mouse as the takeover target made a counter-offer to the predatory company.
Totalfina's £28bn bid for Elf eventually won out, despite predictions that Elf would take the role of acquirer since it was perceived as the stronger company. But in a year where normal M&A protocol went out the window, Totalfina's success seemed positively normal.
As did Wal-Mart's, when in June it thwarted retail giant Kingfisher Group's £17bn merger with Asda at the last minute.
Freshfields was acting for Kingfisher on the agreement to merge with Asda, represented by Slaughter and May, which was first announced in April. On 13 May, the closing date for the merger was set for 18 June. But three days later, Simmons & Simmons received a phone call from investment bank Wasserstein Perella inquiring about legal advice on behalf of its US client Wal-Mart.
Only four days before the closing date, Kingfisher discovered it was not Asda's preferred partner when the Wal-Mart takeover was announced to the public.
Ultimately, in a cloud of cloak and dagger secrecy – throughout the negotiations Wal-Mart was code-named “Wishbone” and Asda was known as “Apple” – the US retail giant emerged triumphant while Kingfisher slunk off to lick its wounds.
And just to add insult to injury Kingfisher sustained a £4.3m exceptional charge in its interim results for the period ended 31 July 1999 due to the failed merger.
But Wal-Mart's success in taking Asda from the clutches of Kingfisher was nothing compared to the fun and games which began in May when Whitbread attempted to buy Allied Domecq's retail arm.
By the end of May, Whitbread's £2.3bn bid for Allied's 3,500 pubs seemed assured.
Both sides had engaged the services of magic circle firms – Clifford Chance for Whitbread and Linklaters & Alliance for Allied Domecq – to reach an agreement and set a completion date for 2 August.
But in an unexpected twist, rival brewery Punch Taverns launched its own bid for Allied's pubs.
The company had sold-off a 70 per cent stake in the brewery to US private investment partnership Texas Pacific to raise money for an attack and what ensued was one of the most aggressive takeover battles the City had ever witnessed.
By 24 June, Punch had trumped Whitbread by offering £2.7bn for the retail arm while Bass, represented by Allen & Overy, promised that if Punch's bid was successful, it would pay £1bn for 700 of the pubs. The bid was rejected. Punch then launched its advertising campaign through the press, urging Allied's shareholders to reject Whitbread's offer.
Boardman says Punch's tactics were reminiscent of old style corporate battles, when businesses would pull out all the stops to secure their target. “It used to be much more fun,” he muses.
Unfortunately for Whitbread its downfall in the battle was confounded by the fact it had announced that its bid did not create any competition issues.
If only the Office of Fair Trading had seen it that way. In July, Whitbread bid was referred to the Competition Commission, at which point the brewer withdrew. Just three months later, Punch closed the deal with Allied.
Punch, represented by Slaughter and May, spent over £100m on fees, although it was not specified how much went to its legal adviser.
Allied shelled out £27m on fees, while the frugal Whitbread kept its costs down to between £8m to £10m.
While lawyers were still reeling from the Allied/Punch deal, they could not have guessed that yet another major corporate fight was just around the corner.
In September, the Bank of Scotland, advised by Herbert Smith, stunned the City and the banking sector by launching a £21bn bid for its rival NatWest Bank.
NatWest, represented by Linklaters & Alliance, was already engaged in a proposed £10.7m merger with UK insurer Legal & General, which was being advised by Slaughter and May, when the Bank of Scotland stepped into the fray.
In a situation reminiscent of Olivetti's takeover of Telecom Italia, the Bank of Scotland is much smaller than the company it is targeting. But this has not deterred the bank, and it is still going ahead with the hostile bid.
Since the initial bid, the Legal & General merger has effectively fallen through, while the Royal Bank of Scotland, represented by Freshfields, has launched its own hostile £26.5bn takeover for NatWest.
NatWest has rejected both offers, even after the Bank of Scotland raised its bid to £26.3m.
Jeremy Parr, corporate partner at Linklaters, says: “I think it is the biggest UK to UK takeover ever. There has been an awful lot of speculation about the future of the banking sector. While there is a great deal of excitement, a lot of players in banking know they will be affected.”
UK lawyers are aware that 1999 has been an outstanding year for M&A and financing work.
James Featherby, corporate partner at Slaughter and May, says: “We were all talking about a recession last year. But [the market] got going as soon as we realised that a recession wasn't going to happen.”
And corporate battles look set to keep the work rolling in. The fight for NatWest is not yet over and the latest hostile £19.8bn bid from Vodafone AirTouch, represented by Linklaters, for German telecommunications giant Mannesmann, will continue well into the new year.
In a climax to one of the most entertaining years in the M&A world, Mannesmann tried to stall Vodafone AirTouch's bid.
The German group went to the High Court, on the advice from Norton Rose, to stop financial adviser Goldman Sachs acting for Vodafone since it had already acted for the German group on its purchase of Orange earlier in the year.
At the moment, Mannesmann seems helpless to stop Vodafone AirTouch's bid, with the UK telecommunications group on the verge of securing the financial backing it needs to continue its hostile bid.
Vodafone AirTouch is now likely to publish its offer before Christmas, after prompting from the German takeover commission.
But whether Mannesmann can keep Vodafone AirTouch at bay, in the year when the aggressor has emerged triumphant, remains to be seen.


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Chillin’ and grillin’ Burger & Beer Joint joins craft brews, beef at Mall at University Town Center location
BY JANELLE O’DEA
email@example.com 7, 2015
Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2015/04/07/5732946_burger-beer-joint-opens-sarasota.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy
UNIVERSITY PARK — Players from Florida’s famous craft beer industry will pair with craft burger chain Burger & Beer Joint at The Mall at University Town Center.
The new restaurant is the fourth Burger & Beer location in Florida, with a fifth location in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
A soft opening of the Sarasota restaurant will happen sometime this week.
“We always try to try to open quietly to work out the kinks,” said Bill Herman, director of brand development for Burger & Beer Joint.
The restaurant, located on the mall’s east side, will serve customers with a menu including two dozen draft beer and hard cider selections and more than 75 bottled beers.
The beer menu features several local breweries, including Big Top Brewing out of Sarasota, Darwin Brewing Company in Bradenton and Tampa’s Cigar City Brewing.
Motorworks Brewing, a Bradenton-based company, has its Cruiser Kolsch featured on the Burger & Beer Sarasota menu.
“It’s a pretty hot concept, putting craft beer with craft burgers, so it just seemed like a natural pairing,” said Barry Elwonger, Motorworks Brewing marketing director. Burger & Beer and Motorworks have worked together in some of the restaurant’s other locations, as well.
Burger & Beer offers unique burgers like the Paradise City, complete with Cajun-spiced shrimp and a tarragon remoulade. In addition to traditional beef burgers, the menu also includes turkey burgers, chicken burgers, Bison burgers and an exotic Ahi tuna burger.
The new Burger & Beer location brought 60 jobs to the area and almost all positions are filled, but Herman said they’re still looking for a few line cooks.
Burger & Beer Joint will host its grand opening at The Mall at UTC from 11:30 a.m. to midnight April 22.
Part of the opening includes a VIP event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., but it will close only a part of the restaurant. The general public is welcome to enjoy the grand opening all day, Herman said.
Local band Kettle of Fish will play from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Herman said they may extend the band’s playing time by an hour if the crowd is large enough. Radio station 107.9 WSRZ will broadcast live from the event.
Attendees will also be able to participate in a silent auction benefiting All Faiths Food Bank. Items for auction will be provided by other retailers in The Mall at University Town Center, with 100 percent of the auction proceeds going to the food bank.
After the restaurant finishes getting through the first few weeks of opening, it plans to have live music every week, probably on Friday or Saturday, Herman said.
The location hopes to book mostly duos and trios instead of full bands like Kettle of Fish.
“A duo or trio is not quite as invasive; you can still talk, but you can feel the vibe and energy of the music without it being intrusive for people,” Herman said.
The newest addition to The Mall at University Town Center’s restaurant spread will offer outdoor seating as well as options for private parties.
“There’s an upper-level area, so we can do large private parties there,” Herman said. “We can do private indoor parties as well as outdoor parties. Depending on the situation, we could book the entire restaurant.”
Burger & Beer Joint is also seeking franchisees in “key Florida cities” such as Orlando and Tampa. In the first quarter of next year, they’re planning to open locations in Texas, California and Washington D.C.
The lively Sarasota market and the “impressive” Mall at University Town Center attracted the chain to open here.
“We’re excited to be a part of Sarasota,” Herman said.
Burger & Beer Joint will be open from 11:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
For the full article: Click Here


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On a brisk and cold Tuesday afternoon in November, some of the Californian ingenuity that has created global brand names such as Apple, Cisco, Sun and Google shone on a little side street of Dublin.
“I’m a technical person, not a finance person,” deadpans Google vice-president of operations, Urs Hoelzle (pictured), commenting on the factors that led a Stanford University research team to become a globe-straddling internet powerhouse that floated on the New York Stock Exchange in August, achieving a US$27.2bn valuation that puts it on a par with blue-chip stalwart General Motors.
Indeed, Hoelzle’s reticence to liken himself to the suits of the business world couldn’t have been more apparent. Long hair and beard, diamond earring and not wearing any shoes, Hoelzle is a cross between a professor of philosophy and a long lost member of the Grateful Dead.
Hoelzle was in Dublin last week to conduct interviews with prospective management for Google’s recently opened operations centre, which it is envisaged will employ 240 people within three years. He was one of Google’s original dozen or so employees and is rumoured to have maxed out his credit card at the time in efforts to acquire the servers needed to power what is today the world’s number one search engine.
“Apart from [Google co-founders] Sergey [Brin], Larry [Page] and myself there were only three other people in Google’s engineering department. My business card read ‘search engine mechanic’. On the maxing credit card thing, well, that was due to the fact that we had no money and were extremely cost focused. That was one of the things I really liked about the company then. The internet bubble was in full swing and everyone was throwing around money, except for us.
“When we eventually got US$25m venture capital money in 1999 the first thing we did was spend it on the cheapest servers you could get. Even from the beginning we had a focus on making good use of money in order to get to a point where we could offer a viable service. We made money on every deal from day one but it was only exactly four years ago (Q1, 2001) when we had our first profitable quarter.”
Google didn’t go the initial public offering (IPO) route like many of its counterparts in the dotcom sector in the frenzy of 2000 and, says Hoelzle, this was for a good reason. “We waited until we got the product right. Our corporate motto is: ‘Organising information to make it useful and accessible’ – the organising, being useful and accessible are the hard parts.”
Hoelzle cites Google’s foray into news with its News.google.com service (allowing web surfers to have news presented to them in the context they require) as a critical dimension of being useful and accessible. “The strength of the web is what’s out there. Without it being accessible it wouldn’t be useful to the average person. We are not a news site, yet we pull streams of information together to make it more comprehensive and therefore more valuable.”
Hoelzle says Google’s forthcoming move into ‘searchable desktop’ technology – an area also being eyed by Microsoft – is also about getting information to people in a way that is organised, accessible and useful. “It’s the same principle; there’s a lot of information on people’s desktops and laptops that they could use but can’t find, whether it’s text or photos. Why not have it organised to be useful, even years after the files were created?” asks Hoelzle.
“A lot of people asked us why it is easier to search the web than it is to search the hard drive on their own personal computer.” It was a similar principle that drove Google to create the Gmail email service, which was an industry first with more than 1GB of storage as well as spellchecking and auto-complete technology.
In many ways Google can also be credited with reigniting the floundering online advertising sector, which lost its way in 2001 due to the unpopularity of banner ads, by developing its Adsense business. The company was central to the introduction in the past few years of the ‘sponsored search’ element that is driving internet advertising today – effectively pushing advertising to web surfers based on the context of their search.
After three steady years of marked decline the online advertising business is understood to be projecting major growth this year. The internet advertising market will be expected to triple over the next three years and will be worth €4bn by 2008.
Hoelzle warms to this particular subject. “There are many major sites that dominate the web, but also many micro sites that drive traffic. Many of these sites had no way to make money before Adsense came along because they were too small to attract the interest of the advertising agencies. Now that’s changed,” Hoelzle says, citing one US site called www.seatguru.com – dedicated to people who want to talk about seats on particular airplanes – which is reeling in US$10k a month in advertising, although “this is the exception rather than the rule,” he points out.
Although Google is one of the best known brands in the world of the web, the company employs only 2,400 people, and endeavours to keep a small company mentality, a factor Hoelzle says is central to driving innovation. Since Google’s multi-billion dollar IPO in the summer, however, many of these workers are now millionaires, which begs the question – how will the company hold on to these people?
Hoelzle contemplates the question. “We worry about that because it’s a part of handling growth but people would work at Google for free if they could afford to because it’s a great job. That’s the kind of employer we’d like to be. We had a number of employees who came to us and were already millionaires.
“If you can work for a company that makes products that meet millions of users, that’s satisfying for people such as engineers. Also, we’re closer to our customer base than most people realise. If we add a new version of spellchecker, within five minutes we’d have feedback from the outside world. Now that’s phenomenal,” he concludes.
By John Kennedy


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The electronics titans square off in a tangled tale of mobile technology, centered on Apple's iPhone
Apple's latest patent filing could produce an Apple TV product that's a DVR and a movie rental box, and could also be controlled by an iPod.
Apple has launched the world's thinnest laptop -- the MacBook Air -- along with Time Capsule, updates to the iPod touch and iPhone, new Apple TV and iTunes movie rentals
Forbes magazine calls the Apple TV an "iFlop," and details why the product will never measure up to the success of the iPod.
Shares fall because of iPhone price drop, but who's Apple really competing against?
Apple has been showing off the kinds of stuff you'll be able to do with the iPhone's forthcoming firmware update, including playing games
This security update for the Apple TV device follows one last month for desktop and laptop users.
Apple iPhone Design Awards: AOL Radio, Enigmo, OmniFocus
Latest QuickTime security updates address security issues that affect Mac and Windows users of the Apple media player.
Don Reisinger thinks Apple may try to get out of the exclusivity agreement with AT&T. But will AT&T let that happen?
A random walk around the web reveals a collection of random stories.


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Timberwolves fans will find a menu fit for a playoff-chasing team when they arrive at the renovated Target Center for the new season.
The team announced a series of new additions to the concessions at its Minneapolis home, expanding its offering by teaming up with a number of Minnesota restaurants.
And among the headline items for sale at the arena is the Parlour Burger, the mouthwatering creation found at the Parlour Bar beneath Borough in Minneapolis' North Loop.
The burger needs little introduction, but for those not familiar with it, it's generally considered one of the Twin Cities' best, featuring in second place on Thrillist's 2016 rankings of the top metro area burgers.
Featuring patties of chuck, ribeye and brisket, it was also No. 1 on CityPages' 2014 list of 100 best Twin Cities dishes, and now will be available for hungry Wolves ... fans.
Walleye sandwiches and sushi burritos also on the menu
Other partnerships announced include a collaboration with SotaRol, which will be bringing its popular sushi burritos (Sotaritos), and Lord Fletcher's of Spring Park, which will be selling its famous walleye sandwich.
The menu overhaul was led by Timberwolves and Lynx executive chef David Fhima, who will have his own dedicated restaurant space in Target Center where he'll make free-range organic chicken tulips with gorgonzola sauce.
He'll also be making organic cookies that will be available at Mother Dough Bakery stations around the arena.
Also involved in crafting the new menu was Levy Restaurants, which operates the concessions stands dotted around Target Center.
Here's a full list of food options available for the new season, with the Timberwolves playing their first home game on Friday, Oct. 20 against Ricky Rubio and the Utah Jazz.
The overhauled menu will be available during future Timberwolves and Lynx games and presumably other events at Target Center, though we've contacted the Timberwolves to confirm this.


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In his second year of business, David Simons continues to focus on different ways to market his new mosquito control company. So far, he has redesigned the website, created yard signs, and advertised in the local weekly newspaper.
But the company’s vehicle wrap has helped gain even more exposure by catching people’s attention while driving on the road.
“Our Ford Transit Connect’s wrap is great,” says Simons, owner of Mosquitoes B-Gone. “We drive the van around even during non-business hours. It’s helping get the word out about our brand.”
Simons chose CSI Signs in Noblesville, Ind., to design the wrap on his Ford Transit Connect fleet van. When designing a vehicle wrap, it’s important to create something that stands out without going overboard.
“Less is more when creating a vehicle wrap,” says Chad Huff, owner of CSI Signs. “Don’t overcrowd it. When on the road, you usually only have a few seconds for people to typically read a vehicle wrap.”
Serving Hamilton County in Central Indiana, Mosquitoes B-Gone started operating its mosquito control service last summer. Currently, the company operates with one Ford Transit Connect, but it’s planning to add another van once it hires another technician for its second summer season.
“I started by servicing my house,” says Simons. “The mosquito spray worked so well that my wife and I decided to open up our own business. Because mosquitoes go dormant in the winter, we operate from the end of April through mid to late October.”
When working with CSI Signs, Simons knew that he wanted a photo of a mosquito as part of the vehicle wrap. He found a close-up photo where the hairs on its legs are even visible.
“We recommend that people bring in photos of what they want on their vehicle wrap,” says Huff. “Simons’ photo gave the designers an idea of the type of mosquito he wanted on the van.”
Typically, CSI Signs will first meet with clients to learn more about their needs and budget. Designers will then discuss the design process and the types of materials used. Instead of using a pre-built online car template, designers will take photos of all sides of the vehicle and build a template using the customer’s car, according to Huff.
“We print out the photos and start getting measurements of the vehicle,” says Huff. “That way, we know where things will fall on the vehicle and a word won’t get cut off by a door handle.”
Once the measurements are taken, CSI Signs starts working on the wrap’s design. Then the graphics are printed. For Simons' van, it took four to five hours to print the graphics and add a laminate that helps protect the wrap from UV rays, according to Huff.
“Once everything is done in production, we install the wrap,” says Huff. “The installation process includes cleaning the vehicle, smoothing out the vinyl wrap, and trimming out door handles and cutting door seams so doors can open. It takes about eight hours for two installers to work on a van.”
Mosquitoes B-Gone’s van went from solid white to a bright and bold wrap featuring different shades of green, mosquito graphics, a company logo, and text including its phone number, website, and slogan “Taking the bite out of outdoor living.”
“If you are trying to drum out business, you want a wrap that’s bright and loud,” says Huff. “Because a vehicle is always moving, people need to be able to read the wrap far away and fast.”
Originally posted on Work Truck Online


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COVID-induced smell loss could take away the pleasure of wine, but new research shows that, in some cases, smell training might bring it back. Beyond its effectiveness as a recovery tool, could this olfaction-enhancing training be useful for wine professionals?
I remember Friday March 14, 2020, very well. It was…
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November 1st, 2008
To make Indian industry a part of the nanotechnology revolution, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has decided to tie up with educational and research institutes in the country under its 10-point action plan.
The CII action plan aims to empower Indian industry to come out with commercial nanotechnology products, which it believes will drive the future of industry worldwide.
The action plan includes awareness creation, training and skills development, technology facilitation and networking and facilitating collaborative projects.
According to CII, it is important for Indian industry to become part of the nanotechnology revolution, which is projected to become a $1 trillion market by 2015.
CII hopes that the action plan will set the stage for Indian industry to excel by providing value added services in nanotechnology.
As part of its action plan, the CII has urged the government to establish a strong network of infrastructure facility to support industry.
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