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If politicians can be drunk on power, the equivalent for the technology industry is being drunk on your own disruption, when your confidence in knowing better than established industries, regulators and even governments risks tipping into hubris. The biggest technology companies, including Google, Amazon, Apple and Facebook, are increasingly intertwined in our digital lives, particularly through the phones in our pockets. These devices are also enabling a wave of technology startups, from streaming music services such as Spotify to cab-hire apps such as Uber, to build their businesses. But the big technology firms are also becoming powerful cultural gatekeepers, influencing the way we discover music, books, films and news.
There are many things to admire about this, but it is troubling when technology companies use these powers as leverage in disputes with creative industries or present regulations threatening to limit those powers as unfair.
A current dispute between independent record labels and YouTube, the Google-owned online video service, is instructive. YouTube is to launch a subscription music service later this year as a rival to Spotify, Deezer and Apple-owned Beats Music. Traditionally, music industry rights-holders have been portrayed as arrogant dinosaurs clinging to outdated business models in the face of fleet-footed internet innovation. In the latest row, though, the indie labels see themselves as David to YouTube's Goliath.
Trade body WIN claims that YouTube has signed lucrative licensing deals with the three major labels while sending non-negotiable contracts with inferior terms to independents, backed by the threat that if they don't sign up to the paid service, it will block their videos from its existing free one.
That would be a potent threat. YouTube has more than a billion visitors a month and is already the world's largest streaming music service, albeit with that music delivered mainly through videos rather than audio. Being blocked would damage small labels in particular. YouTube claims it is offering fair rates to labels, while confirming that it will block some videos from companies that decline its new service. WIN and fellow trade body Impala are filing a complaint with the European Commission and calling for politicians and musicians to lend it their "slings" for the battle.
This is not an isolated case. Amazon is under fire for halting pre-orders and delaying shipments of books from publisher Hachette and films from Hollywood studio Warner Bros, amid reportedly hardball negotiations over their distribution deals. For Amazon, fewer sales of JK Rowling's new novel or The Lego Movie DVD are a trifling matter – it has plenty of other books and DVDs to sell – but even for large media companies such as Hachette and Warner Bros, Amazon is an important enough distribution partner for the tactics to bite. The wider issue here is one of large technology companies as cultural gatekeepers, with a significant influence over our consumption of music, books, films and other media .
Google's Android software powered its one billionth device in 2013, with research firm Gartner suggesting it will ship a billion more in 2014 alone. Apple has sold more than 800 million devices running its iOS software, while Amazon has just unveiled its first smartphone, the Fire Phone. All three companies already sell tablets and all have a longstanding desire to control televisions in the living room too. These companies are cultural gatekeepers, whether through deciding what entertainment to carry or not carry on their stores and services, or through the algorithms that dictate what content they put in front of us on our smartphones, tablets, TVs and/or web browsers.
The power of recommendation algorithms is a topic that deserves to break out of technology circles. Streaming TV and films service Netflix, for example, says 75% of its subscribers' viewing choices come from its personalised homepage recommendations. The topic applies to social networks too. Facebook says its average user could see 1,500 new items a day in its news feed from friends, brands and media. Its news feed algorithm filters this down into the 300 stories deemed most relevant, but its exact workings are as much of a carefully protected secret as the algorithms governing Google's search engine results – or the details of YouTube and Amazon's licensing deals.
Our relationship with the large tech companies is based on trust: we trust Google to serve us the most relevant search results ; we trust Facebook to understand which friends' status updates are worth seeing; young people in particular trust YouTube as their TV replacement.
We trust… but we don't really understand these algorithms, much less whether other commercial and/or cultural considerations are influencing them. YouTube v indies and Amazon v Hachette are salutary reminders that we should be asking more questions about how technology companies flex their muscles.
We hold politicians to account to ensure they are not drunk on power and we should do the same with technology companies. It's a principle that applies beyond music and books: the tax affairs, employment practices and privacy policies of the most powerful technology companies have all been fair game for scrutiny in recent years and that will continue.
The disruption wrought by technology companies of all sizes can be a powerful and necessary force, but there are often nuances missed (or wilfully ignored) by the more evangelical wing of the tech industry. Uber, for example. A growing number of people love the ability to book a cab, pinpoint its location and pay for their ride from a smartphone and in many cities the startup is offering much-needed competition to entrenched taxi cartels. And yet… Uber faces deservedly rigorous questions about its tax policies – recent accusations that it minimises its tax arrangements in the UK – the transparency of its "surge" pricing and whether its process for vetting drivers meets regulations to protect people.
EC vice president Neelie Kroes has spoken about these nuances: the necessity of technological disruption alongside the fact that "these people all need to pay their taxes and play by the rules". Sometimes the rules are bad and need reforming. And sometimes technology companies think they are above good rules. The better we understand their beliefs and business practices, the better we can hold them to account. And that, in itself, will help us understand when their disruption is positive and important. Which it often is.


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McCulla (Ireland) is a well-known temperature-controlled storage and distribution company serving the UK and all of Ireland, as well as the rest of continental Europe.
The business has diversified significantly from standard refrigerated haulage into a fully integrated cold chain including cold storage and bespoke logistics solutions for customers of all sizes.
Because of this continual diversification, the company’s brand has had to evolve.
The McCulla fleet is extremely diverse, comprising around 110 trucks and 200 trailers as well as Mercedes Sprinter vans and dual temperature rigids up to 18 tonnes with tail-lifts.
This year, McCulla has taken delivery of 10 new Iveco Stralis NP trucks (with a further 19 on order) for use on contracts under the company’s new sustainable transport division.
The company is the first in Northern Ireland to provide a circular economy waste-to-energy transport model. McCulla is collecting food waste from customers and then using the waste to power its gas truck fleet with biomethane, which it produces using an anaerobic digester plant it has installed on-site.
To mark the launch of the new sustainable transport service, McCulla had a special livery designed to promote the circular economy and the “powered by food waste” message.
At an official launch, NI minister for the environment Edwin Poots attended McCulla alongside a range of McCulla customers and suppliers. The new livery was unveiled as part of the launch event.
The judges declared the new design “a real ‘stand out’ livery which showcases the brand, services offered, the nature of the market, company ethos and green credentials”.
They also said it was “a fantastic link between the old and the new livery and in the way it tells a story, with vibrant, noticeable colours used in the design.”
“The competition is ferocious, but for us to come from Northern Ireland and win in such a prestigious, competitive industry, is fantastic for us”
Peter Summerton, MD, McCulla (Ireland)

domain: news


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While the obvious talent Haitian-Japanese Osaka showed on court indicates that more experience can only keep her on the rise from her current ranking of number 48 in the world, Konta is on a sharper trajectory. "I think both of us have come a long way since the last time we played," an effervescent Konta told reporters after her 6-4 6-2 victory. I knew going into the match I had played her once previously, and we had two close sets. Konta is building on a roaring start to the year, with last week's warm-up win in Sydney, the city of her birth. True to the philosophy of the process-oriented athlete, Konta suggested that she had plenty of work to do before her meeting with former world number one Wozniacki.
Vijay Mallya, who is currently in UK, has been declared Proclaimed Offender by a special PMLA court in Mumbai. Vijay Mallya, who is currently in UK, has been declared Proclaimed Offender by a special PMLA court in Mumbai. The Debt Recovery Tribunal in Bengaluru on Thursday passed orders in favour of the several banks seeking to recover more than Rs 9,000 crore in loans from the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Owned by Vijay Mallya, the airline, once India’s second largest, was grounded in October of 2012, leaving several of its creditors and suppliers unpaid. Later that year DRT passed orders directing Diageo Plc to deposit the remaining $35 million from the deal with Vijay Mallya.
TOKYO: Japan's Nintendo said it will release an Android version of its Super Mario mobile game in March following the launch of Super Mario Run for Apple's iPhone in December.The Japanese company announced the planned launch on its Twitter feed.Super Mario Run represents a belated bid by Nintendo to tap mobile gaming after restricting its most popular gaming character to its own game consoles.After launching the game on December 15, downloads topped a record 40 million in just four days.By releasing an Android version, Nintendo can tap a much larger pool of potential gamers. More than four out of five smartphones shipped in 2016 use the Android operating system, according to market research company IDC.Analysts, however, note that so far less than one in 10 people who have downloaded Super Mario Run for free have agreed to pay $9.99 to unlock all the features of the game.Nintendo's shares were trading 1.1% lower during morning trading in Tokyo, compared with a 1 percent gain in the benchmark Nikkei 225 index.
After the impressive Redmi Note 3, Chinese phone maker Xiaomi has announced its successor. The Redmi Note 4 will be available in three price variants. The Moto G4 Plus with its plastic exterior looks plain but offers better grip and is lighter too. In Moto G4 Plus, it is placed on the front, while in Redmi Note 4 it is placed at the back. The Moto G4 Plus is powered by a 3,000mAh battery that provides a day’s backup at most.
NEW DELHI: The National Investigating Agency (NIA) on Thursday said that controversial preacher Zakir Naik 's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) has investments of as much as Rs 100 crore in real estate business. The government defended its action by saying IRF was luring youth to join ISIS. Many youths arrested in unrelated terror cases stated that they were inspired by speeches of Zakir Naik. What could have been a more urgent situation for a nation? His speeches are banned in the UK, Canada and Muslim-majority Malaysia.
Like we've mentioned at least 758575843 times before, Deepika Padukone manages to look flawless in what ever she chooses to wear. Her debut on international TV programs, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Late Late Show with James Corden being no different. The Bollywood star who recently took a plunge into the world of international cinema via xXx Return of Xander Cage opposite Vin Diesel, looked delightful in the Ralph Lauren gown she wore at the Golden Globes after-party, and now its her outfit choices on international shows that are grabbing eyeballs. The second look spells just the right amount of drama one needs in life. Picture courtesy: Instagram/ RomasinghWith her winged eyeliner and nude lips adding just the right amount of drama to Deepika's second look, the new colour on her wavy tresses spelled perfection as she seemed to dance off to the tunes of Lungi Dance, yet again!
Netflix signed up a record 7.05 million customers in the fourth quarter of 2016 to cap the biggest year in company history, according to a statement on Wednesday. The world’s largest paid video service added 19 million customers worldwide in 2016 after expanding to more than 190 countries, reaching everywhere but China, North Korea, Syria and Crimea. The more people use Netflix, the more money the company spends on shows, leading to favorable reviews and more users, he said. Netflix programs accounted for five of the 10 most-searched TV shows of 2016, based on Google trend data, the company said. The TV industry produced an all-time high 450-plus scripted shows in 2016, according to data from cable network FX.
The RC 200 has been priced at RS 1.71 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) while the RC 390 gets a Rs 2.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) price tag. RC 390The new RC 390 gets a host of new features like ride by wire throttle, a slipper clutch and a 320mm front disc brake. Also Read: 2017 KTM 200 and 390 to be shown at EICMARC 200The RC 200 only sees cosmetic changes and the mechanicals remain the same as the previous. The RC 200 retains the same underbelly exhaust that was present in the previous model motorcycle. Also Read: KTM 390 ADV motorcycle prototype spotted near test facility in Europe
In our excitement to get likes and shares on social media, we tend to forget basic human courtesy when someone needs help. In most cases, this lack of empathy has resulted in tragic consequences, such like the case of a road accident in Ludhiana on January 6. Bharadwaj feels that if onlookers had helped the victims instead of taking pictures and videos and sharing them on social media, her cousin may have still been alive. Everyone at the site were clicking pictures and making videos and posting on social media, but not a single person came to their help. Our lives are being governed by social media.
Watch: Hrithik mimics Amitabh Bachchan in the new ‘Kaabil’ trailerHrithik Roshan is all set for his much anticipated release, 'Kaabil' that is slated to hit cinemas on January 25.
Follow up to Xiaomi's much successful Redmi Note 3; the Redmi Note 4 exists primarily to correct the camera shortcomings of its predecessor, according to the company. It's a pretty high-end phone, the Redmi Note 4, when you look at its spec-sheet and yet it costs so little, just like the Redmi Note 3. Special features-- Just like the Redmi Note 3, the Redmi Note 4 boasts of a full-metal body and a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. Unlike the Redmi Note 3, however, the Redmi Note 4 has curved 2.5D glass on the front (with physical capacitive keys) and a bottom-facing mono speaker. -- A majority of Redmi Note 4 units will be made in India and the company will eventually discontinue the Redmi Note 3 in the days to come.
NEW DELHI: Indian arm of American automaker Ford has launched the 'Platinum Edition' of its compact SUV EcoSport for Rs 10.39 lakh (petrol variant) and Rs 10.69 lakh (diesel variant) (all prices ex showroom Delhi).The Ford EcoSport ‘Platinum Edition' will be sold with a choice of two powertrains - Ford 1.5L TDCi diesel engine as well as Ford 1.0l EcoBoost petrol engine.Its petrol engine churns out 125 PS of power and fuel efficiency of 18.88 km/l, and the diesel one delivers peak power of 100 PS (73.8 kW) and fuel economy of 22.27 km/l, claims the carmaker.Ford EcoSport Platinum Edition introduces dual tone exterior design, featuring a black roof, bigger 17-inch wheels, wider tyres with brand new alloys as well new rear and front bumper appliques.Inside, the EcoSport Platinum Edition features an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that allows users to control several features, including music and video playback. The new infotainment system features Satellite Navigation system as well as a rear view camera.The vehicle introduces Cruise Control which allows drivers to set a fixed speed at which the vehicle automatically cruises without the need to keep the accelerator pressed during long drives.
Harshvardhan Kapoor, who made his big Bollywood debut with Mirzya, went onto win a handful of Best Debut trophies at various award functions. And the 26-year-old actor was expecting the same at Filmfare Awards which took place recently. But to his surprise, the Best Debut trophy went to Diljit Dosanjh for Udta Punjab. He added, "For instance, if Leonardo DiCaprio works in a Hindi film, is he making an acting debut? While his debut film tanked at the box office, Harshvardhan is busy working on his second film Bhavesh Joshi.
WATCH: Ellen DeGeneres reveals the truth about Deepika and Vin Diesel's affair rumours on her showDeepika Padukone's chemistry with Vin Diesel in 'xXx - Return of Xander Cage' is quite evident in the promos and the movie, but there are some rumours about the two being more than just friends.
The 36 companies have been suspended from trading for over 13 years. The BSE on Thursday announced its decision to delist 36 companies listed on its platform from January 20 as they have remained suspended for more than 13 years. As per the circular released by the leading stock exchange, the step is in addition to over 250 firms already delisted by the exchange last year. "Trading-members of the exchange are hereby informed that 36 firms that have remained suspended for more than 13 years would be delisted from the platform of the exchange, with effect from January 20, 2017," read the BSE circular. The companies will be now shifted to BSE's dissemination board for a period of five years as per the Sebi guidelines.


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The development comes at a time when the company is preparing for the annual festive season and also has a three-day sale starting Wednesday. The resolution to expand its authorised share capital was approved last month. When contacted, a spokesperson of Amazon did not comment on the development.
Amazon, which has been aggressively investing in India, has committed $5 billion for the India market. It recently got government approval for investing an additional $500 million for the food retail business here. It also plans to launch a private label for the business, sources added.
Prior to this, Amazon has invested over Rs 270 crore in the logistics business here.As reported earlier by TOI, the company invested aggressively for its payments business here as well, pushing Amazon Pay in India.The approval for fresh capital infusion will help the company meet demands for the festive season, specifically for Prime deliveries. Amazon launched the popular subscriptions service Prime here last year at a much cheaper rate than the US.


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Mortgage and protection adviser Loans Arena has launched a new-look brand and website, as well as expanding its team.
Loans Arena’s refreshed brand and website now offers additional services, such as an online chat function and rapid call-back request.
The adviser has also bolstered its team throughout 2021 with the appointment of Raphael Lesser, who joins the business as senior mortgage adviser, in order to help meet increased demand.
Aldermore appoints non-exec director and creates ‘apprentice’ board role
Lesser has more than six years’ experience in the mortgage sector and joins from Habito.
Lesser said: “I’m delighted to be joining the business at such an exciting time.
“Having been in operation for almost a decade, Loans Arena already has a strong standing in the industry, and now also boasts an enhanced brand.
“The launch of the new website offers a much better reflection of our strengths and services and, more importantly, provides a quality online experience for our clients.
“The past year has by all accounts been an extremely busy, productive period for Loans Arena.
“Alongside our revamped digital presence, I look forward to offering my experience to clients to help them find the best possible mortgage or finance product, ensuring they can pursue their property purchasing goals.”


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Samsung tablet to be powered by Intel Atom IndianPrice.com: (24 Days ago) Intel, the popular chip-maker has inked a deal with Samsung to put... ...http://news.taaza.com/technology/1151179-intel-joins-alliance-for-wireless-powers-board-of-directors.html
The tablet packs an Intel processor and will be available via top brands. Acer may hold the laurel to officially launch the world's first Windows 8... ...http://www.efytimes.com/e1/fullnews.asp?edid=108024
Bangalore: India is lately been emerging as a gadget hub with multinational brands pouring in their latest gadgets. People also enjoy the privilege... ...http://www.siliconindia.com/gadget/news/10-Latest-Gadgets-That-Hit-Indian-Market--nid-149204.html
Kumud Srinivasan, President, Intel India along with George Chacko, Product Marketing Manager, Intel APAC, displaying the various range of products... ...http://www.dqweek.com/dq-week/news/190216/intel-concentrates-mobile-devices?WT.rss_f=Home&WT.rss_a=Intel+concentrates+more+on+mobile+devices
The new 2013 MacBook Air looks exactly like the 2012 model as far as size, shape, display, keyboard, and I/O, but lurking beneath the surface of... ...http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/479814/20130618/apple-macbook-air-macbook-air-mac-mac-air-macbook-air-2013-new-macbook-macbook-air-review-macbook-ai.htm
the new purple Gateway netbook...
Samsung ATIV Smart PC 500T features...
DELL LAPTOPS MINI 10/ 1014/...


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THE UK is watched by more than 5.9million CCTV cameras meaning the average Brit is filmed a staggering 70 TIMES a day, a study has found.
Despite having a population of roughly 65.1million compared to China's estimated figure of around 1.38billion, Britain has one-and-a-half more times the cameras, according to the Online Spy Shop.
CCTV cameras are installed to prevent crime and help catch criminals but may be fuelling social paranoia, according to the study.
Research commissioned by the Online Spy Shop looked at the amount of cameras in an average UK town.
It also examined how close they are to each other and where they are placed.
A map created for the study shows where you are most likely to be picked up by a CCTV camera.
Their findings claim that some schools have up to 40 cameras on their premises, and that the London Underground tube network is covered by 11,000 cameras.
They also claim there are 65 cameras on the road in an average town but explains "2.9million car dash-cams were logged in the last year" - suggest that not all the cameras mentioned in the study are traditional CCTV cameras.
The map provided by the Online Spy Shop says there a 60,000 cameras on London buses, but filming devices built into people's phones may be included in that figure.
The study also says that each bank has at least 2 cameras in their ATM machines.
There are also believed to be 53,000 and 159,000 cameras in restaurants across the country and 80,000 to 159,000 in hospitals.
Despite the estimated 5.9million cameras capturing the action on our shores, that figure is dwarfed by the roughly 30million that can be found across the USA.
According to the Online Spy Shop social paranoia has "grown substantially" in the past decades.
They claims the findings correlate with the increasing use and advancement of technology.
The Online Spy Shop sells spy cameras, GPS car trackers, audio surveillance, and listening devices.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at email@example.com or call 0207 782 4368


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Copyright FOURIN, Inc. 2024
Indian Auto Parts Supplier NK Minda Expands Telematics and Sensor Operations
Indian auto parts supplier NK Minda Group is continuing to diversify its business portfolio and improve value of its products. NK Minda Group’s core company is Minda Industries (MIL) and its corporate brand is “UNO Minda.” In the past, NK Minda Group has adnvaced its business with switches and horns as its main products, but in recent years it has been diversifying its operations through M&As and joint ventures with foreign companies. In addition, the company has recently begun manufacturing high-performance components such as telematics equipment and sensors, and it appears that it aims to promote these to become its future profit base.
In the telematics sector, MIL has been stepping up activities to strengthen its production and development system since the latter half of 2018. In November 2018, MIL’s board of directors approved an investment in the construction of a new factory for telematics products. In May 2019, MIL acquired the telematics-related hardware division of Indian engineering firm KPIT Technologies. In addition, in February 2020, MIL decided to merge with Minda i-Connect, a subsidiary of its telematics division.
In the sensor sector, the company started operation of its own factory in 2020, starting production of temperature sensors. In December 2019, MIL announced that it has formed a partnership with American sensor and control component manufacturer. Production of the wheel speed sensors has begun by November 2020 with the technology licensed from Sensata's Chinese subsidiary.
In the light metal sector, MIL launched a new aluminum wheel factory for motorcycles in Maharashtra state in September 2020. In addition, Minda Kosei Aluminum, a wheel production joint venture with Japan’s Kosei Aluminum Industry, has completed preparation of a new production line in the Gujarat plant by November 2020.
Looking at major M&A trends, in December 2019, MIL acquired Germany’s lighting system engineering company Delvis and made it a wholly-owned subsidiary. The acquisition is intended to strengthen MIL’s R&D of lighting products, expanding its lighting operations in the automobile sector. In the same month, MIL announced the acquisition of Indian seating manufacturer Harita Seating Systems (HSSL). After the merger, HSSL will become MIL’s new seating division.


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This article is more than 1 year old
Footy lovers hit in Wembley playoff card snatch scam
Man on - in the middle, claims club
Provider Ticket Zone is continuing a joint investigation with Brentford Football Club after it emerged that card details used to buy tickets for the League One playoff final last weekend were subsequently used for fraudulent purchases.
Yeovil beat Brentford 2-1 to reach The Championship on Sunday, piling on further misery for many Bees' supporters who had been stung by the fraudulent purchases. Fan Derek Abbey first heard of the apparent scam on a Bees' forum before discovering £380 in fraudulent Oyster Card payments had been deducted from his account, the BBC reports.
Reg reader Faisal told us he was also hit.
"It appears that fraudsters were able to access my online banking account and I don’t think it was my PC that was compromised," he said.
These cases were far from isolated, prompting Brentford and Ticket Zone to launch a joint investigation. Initial forensic work points to a “man in the middle” attack rather than a problem on Ticket Zone's systems or something linked to malware on consumers' PCs, the latest statement on the investigation explains.
Brentford Football Club is continuing its investigation to find out why some card details of those using Ticket Zone to purchase tickets for the npower League One Play-Off Final were compromised.
The Club learned last week that some cardholder data from those buying tickets for the match online had been used fraudulently.
An investigation was immediately launched and initial forensic work pointed to a “man in the middle” attack.
An independent investigation of Ticket Zone’s systems and those of the specialist online queuing company, Queue-it, is now underway and the Police Active Fraud Department have been informed about the security incident and are also investigating.
An investigation as serious as this will not, unfortunately, be resolved quickly.
Brentford FC acknowledged a "great deal of inconvenience has been caused to supporters" and promised it "will not rest until the full details of what has happened have been made public". It encouraged fans to report problems to Ticket Zone, the official club online sales ticketing partner.
An earlier statement, issued shortly after complaints began and the investigation was launched last week, states that Ticket Zone does not store customer card data.
Ticket Zone does not store customer card data at any point and all information is stored in a secure token system that is approved and provided by its banking partner.
Further examinations have also been undertaken in conjunction with the Danish IT company, Queue-it, who provided the front-end queuing system ahead of the Ticket Zone site.
Once again, all systems are shown as clean.
However, following an investigation, it has been noted that a small number of attempts to access the site from unknown web destinations have arrived through unauthorised links shared via social media sites.
Ticket Zone has commissioned forensic specialists to assist their own technical teams with the on-going investigations.
All investigations point towards a MITM “man in the middle” attack intercepting internet traffic prior to landing on the queuing site.
An attack like this would allow a fraudulent third party to record key strokes as they are being made on the customer’s own browser.
When this occurs, neither the customer or Ticket Zone is aware that fraudulent data capture is taking place behind the scenes.
The crime has been reported to the Police via Active Fraud UK and they are now investigating this on Ticket Zone’s behalf.
Supporters of Bradford City buying tickets through Ticket Zone for the League Two play-off final may also have been hit by fraud, according to local reports in Yorkshire. The pattern of fraud seems to be much the same as in the Brentford case, with one Bradford fan getting hit with a £900 fraudulent PayPal charge and another getting stung for £50 in scam mobile phone top-up charges. The fraud involving Bradford City fans have also become the subject of a police investigation, the Bradford Telegraph & Argus reports.
Bradford City FC, which gained promotion to League One in a League Two play off final at Wembley last Saturday, is yet to comment on the matter.
Ticket Zone is yet to respond to our request to comment on the matter. We'll update this story as and when we hear more. ®


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Online retailers and publishers are pushing back against Facebook Inc.'s efforts to track users across the Internet, fearing that the data it vacuums up to target ads will give the social network too much of an edge.
Web traffic experts say there is less data flowing from some sites to Facebook, suggesting they have been reprogrammed to hold back information.
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Grand Theft Auto V Earns $1 Billion in First 3 Days
September 20, 2013 4:27 PM
comment(s) - last by
It made $800 million in the first 24 hours
"Grand Theft Auto V"
is shattering sales records with $1 billion in sales in just the first three days of availability.
Take-Two Interactive -- which is the distributor of the hot new video game -- announced that GTA V's $1 billion sales in three days blasts the record of any other video game, film or entertainment product ever released.
In its first day alone, GTA V grossed over an
enormous $800 million
“Grand Theft Auto is a cultural phenomenon and Rockstar Games continues to redefine what can be achieved in interactive entertainment," said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman and CEO of Take-Two. “We are incredibly proud of the extraordinary critical and commercial response to Grand Theft Auto V.”
GTA V cost between $200 million and $250 million and took about five years to make. The last installment in the series -- GTA IV -- was released in 2008.
For comparison purposes, Activision Blizzard Inc's "Call Of Duty: Black Ops II" took 15 days to hit $1 billion in global sales after being released in November 2012. Its first-day sales hit $500 million.
GTA V gameplay allows gamers to cruise around a fictional world based on real-life locations such as Los Angeles. For those with youngsters, it does feature adult material like carjacking, picking up prostitutes and murdering bystanders (which is typical for the series).
The game was released September 17 and is available for
and PlayStation 3.
Take-Two Interactive Software
This article is over a month old, voting and posting comments is disabled
9/23/2013 10:02:14 AM
I absolutely thrilled to do 5 years of pre-planning to make a billion bucks in 3 days.
Lemme at it!
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Resident Evil 2 Remake shifted 3 million copies during its launch week and has been a big part of a successful year for Capcom, and now it's hit a significant milestone: Resident Evil 2 Remake is now more popular, or has at least sold better, than the original Resident Evil 2.
Since hitting 4 million sales in March, Resident Evil 2 Remake sales slowed down a bit, but by September it was just on the cusp of matching its progenitor, which boasts 4.96 million sales across its lifetime. Following the announcement of Resident Evil 3 Remake, Capcom noted that its predecessor, as of December, had already exceeded 5 million sales.
Rumours around the sequel, the reveal of Resistance and a tidal wave of sales have clearly had an effect, bumping up the total by several hundreds of thousands of copies over the last few months. That also puts the lifetime sales of the whole series at a whopping 94 million, so there's a decent chance we'll see it surpass 100 million next year.
Along with revealing Resident Evil 3 Remake, Capcom also announced that Resident Evil: Resistance, the 4v1 co-op spin-off, will be bundled with it, with both launching on April 3.


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INDIANAPOLIS - An expert said people who drink diet soda to cut sugar and lose weight might be experiencing the opposite effect.
Susie Swithers, a researcher at Purdue University, compiled decades of research into a new study.
She said the data is clear, diet soda is just as bad as regular soda when it comes to the long-term health risks.
"People who drink diet sodas regularly and often as little as one every day end up having a significantly increased risk not only for things like overweight and obesity, but for diseases like Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and stroke," Swithers said.
Swithers said there are two possible reasons. One is those who drink diet soda may think they can get away with eating more.
Another reason is drinking artificial sweeteners regularly may actually confuse the brain, so the brain forgets how to process real sugar.
"In studies where animals are given artificial sweeteners, what we see is even the animals are disrupted. They overeat; they gain excess weight and they have problems with regulation of blood sugar," Swithers said.
Swithers suggested drinking pop as an occasional treat, not a go-to drink.
The American Beverage Association isn't swallowing the new findings. They call diet drinks a safe and effective tool in weight loss and weight management.


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Plain packaging regs come into force
Monday, May 22, 2017
New regulations forcing tobacco companies to sell cigarettes and rolling tobacco in plain packaging came into force over the weekend.
The new regulations, which fall under an EU directive, were officially taken up for any cigarettes sold from Saturday (20 May) and for those manufactured after 20 May 2016.
All newly printed packs must be standardised in a dull green colour and covered in graphic health warnings and they may not feature company logos.
The move comes after the UK Supreme Court refused permission last month for tobacco firms to appeal against the plain packaging legislation. Tobacco producers including British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) were looking to appeal on the grounds that they believe the new legislation infringes their human and intellectual property rights.
There is now no cigarette packaging of any kind being printed in the UK, with the last remaining manufacturers – Amcor in Bristol and MPS in Bradford – closing last year. When the measures were passed, the UK was just the second country in the world to introduce rules on standardised packaging, although many have since followed suit.
Mike Ridgway, director of the Consumer Packaging Manufacturers Alliance (CPMA), said the regulations represent part of a “sad event” for the packaging sector.
“The fear for the packaging industry is that it sets a precedent for the consumer markets and if the trend of additional regulation by form of graphical health warnings and extra restrictions takes place in markets such as alcohol, confectionery products or snack foods, the packaging industry will lose lots of added value in its production processes,” he said.
"As far as the UK is concerned, the closures of major printing works producing cigarette packs that has resulted in no cigarette manufacturing being left anymore is a sad event and a serious event and I just hope the trend doesn’t continue.”
Packaging Federation chairman Ron Marsh said: “We’re enthusiastic about the changes because they will not have as much of a dramatic effect on consumer behaviour as the legislator’s fear."
All cigarette packs must also now contain at least 20 cigarettes so they are big enough for health warnings to cover 65% of the front and back. The new rules also include a ban on menthol cigarettes from 2020 and on promotional statements such as “this product is free of additives” or “is less harmful than other brands”.
Ahead of the ban last week, Marlboro owner Philip Morris appeared to be attempting to sidestep the rules by rolling out durable tins that look like cigarette packets. The tins are imitations of previous Marlboro packets and do not include graphic images, although they do contain the health warning “smoking kills”.
Tobacco firms consider options following UK plain packaging ruling
Tobacco firm JTI is considering an appeal in the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal last week...
Tobacco firms refused plain packaging appeal permission
The UK Supreme Court has refused permission for tobacco firms to appeal against the plain packaging...
Government brings forward plain cigarette packaging vote
A parliamentary vote on the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes and other tobacco...
Plans to ban cigarette packet logos 'may increase illegal trade'
Government plans to ban tobacco firms from using logos on cigarette packs may inflame the illegal...
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Ann Taylor Loft is leaving Peabody Place Entertainment and Retail Center for Germantown, another in a string of losses for the struggling Downtown complex that has Belz Enterprises considering new strategies.
The new strategies include bringing outlet retailers to the mall and expanding The Peabody.
Belz officials said the company is negotiating with multiple national retailers about opening "outlet" stores, among other more traditional retail prospects, in Peabody Place.
And Marty Belz, head of Belz's Peabody Hotel Group, said the company has even explored expanding The Peabody into the space occupied by eight movie screens Muvico closed last year.
"With the evolution of any project, there is an ebb and flow of tenants that move in and out," Belz senior vice president Andy Groveman said. "We are working with all kinds of different prospects to reposition that retail and entertainment center, and that's where we are."
Ann Taylor Loft, which is moving to nearly 6,000 square feet at the Shops of Saddle Creek in Germantown, is just the latest in a string of setbacks for Peabody Place.
California-based Tower Records closed its 20,844-square-foot Peabody Place location in October 2006 when the company went bankrupt.
In November 2006, Muvico announced it was closing eight screens at Peabody Place because of low attendance.
And the 18,000-square-foot Isaac Hayes Restaurant and Nightclub closed its doors earlier this year after a five-year run.
Meanwhile, Belz has had success with its outlet concept in markets nationwide.
The former Belz Factory Outlet World in Orlando, which features 200 stores and is part of the larger Festival Bay at International Drive complex, includes stores like Universal Studios Outlet, The Gap Outlet, Adidas Outlet, Nike Factory and others.
The former Belz Designer Outlet Centre, also in Orlando, featured retailers such as Coach, Ann Taylor Factory Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and DKNY.
Those Belz-managed malls were sold to New Jersey-based Lightstone Group in 2006.
Closer to home, the Belz Factory Outlet World in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., includes Hush Puppies Factory Direct, Burke's Outlet and Family Book Outlet among a host of other outlet and traditional retailers.
Retailers and department stores are increasingly selling top-tier goods in their outlet stores as a way to move more merchandise, often at steep discounts.
"An outlet store is basically a name-brand retailer that is selling their products at deep discounts and providing a much better value than if you were to walk into the mall and buy the same product," said Danny Buring of the Shopping Center Group.
"If that is something that came to fruition, Belz is the right company to do it because they were one of the premier developers of that concept."
Even upscale department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Brooks Brothers have outlet stores.
Saks has at least 49 discount or outlet stores, called Off 5th, nationwide.
In Destin, Fla., the Silver Sands Factory Stores center is called "The Nation's Largest Designer Outlet Mall."
Calvin Klein, J. Crew, Jones New York, Mikasa, Osh Kosh B'Gosh and Tommy Hilfiger are there.
"The industry has become much more sophisticated," Groveman said. "It's an additional distribution channel."
On the hotel side, Belz has for some time considered expanding The Peabody, either on vacant land the company owns near Peabody Place or possibly inside the darkened Muvico screens.
"We're exploring all the possibilities," Belz said.
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This might just look like yet another Chinese handset launching in India, but a close look guarantees that it is not one of the many. Chinese handset maker Gionee, which entered the Indian mobile market in March, has launched a campaign for its ELIFE E6 smartphone, conceptualised by Brand Curry Communications.
The TV commercial encapsulates various unique hardware features like the Glass Solution, DTS Sound, 1.5 GHz Quad Core Processor and Unibody design in a visual story. Speaking to afaqs! about the idea behind the campaign, Arvind R Vohra, managing director, Syntech Technology India, says, "The whole idea behind this launch is to go and talk about the hardware supremacy of the product. Our objective for Gionee was clearly to reach to the consumers at the national level so strategically we decided to push the phone through the hardware route. Because to enjoy the software features we need to have the right hardware to blend and give a world class experience."
Vohra further adds that after the company's launch in March 2013, it was a logical step for Gionee to push up its marketing efforts. "And, what better time to advertise a smartphone in India than the festive season? Besides we had to emphasise that we are not 'yet another Chinese brand' and thus we had given more focus on the hardware part on the TVC. We believe that the USP of a good phone lies in its hardware and that is the differentiator, while the software part is taken care of by the provider," he says.
According to Subrata Chakraborty, managing director, Brand Curry, the mandate from Gionee was to create the perception of a pedigree for brand Gionee at par with the global leaders in the handset category.
"This brand has a potential to redefine the concept of premium in the handset market. In the unlikely situation of any new software breakthrough in coming years, consumers are increasingly going to look for value proposition in the premium segment. Focus will be on hardware. Therefore marketers without any manufacturing base will find it hard to sustain premium positions. Also, Indian premium segment consumers are 'closet consumers'- looking for value even in the luxury segment. That will put pressure on existing premium brands to change the game and that creates a new segment for brands like Gionee, which is naturally equipped to play premium at a non-premium price band," he says.
The journey so far
Established in 2002, Gionee operates its overseas business through Syntech Technology Limited. Syntech Technology currently sells over 23 million handsets per year in China mainland and claims that it has been ranked second in the GSM market. Gionee has a special focus on research and development and has invested more than $160 million on it. It has an annual production capacity of 40 million units.
Vohra informs that since Gionee's launch in India, the smartphone market in the country has been growing at 20 per cent month on month and Gionee as a company has been growing three times that rate.
So far, 60 per cent of Gionee's sales in India comprise smartphones, while the rest is feature phones. Industry numbers indicate that among all phones sold in India, only 20 per cent are smartphones.
The company also has research and development centres in a number of areas including Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hangzhou. It embarked on its international expansion effort in 2011. Gionee products are currently sold in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Russia, the Middle East and Africa.
The unique market
The emerging market - China, India and Brazil - have seen a tremendous growth of smartphones in the past two years. But market shares (in volume) of giants like Apple, Samsung and the erstwhile leader, Nokia, are falling rapidly in these markets.
A recent report by International Data Corporation (IDC) says Micromax has moved to the second spot with 22 per cent of the Indian smartphone market share and Karbonn is at third with 13 per cent. Global market giant Samsung is at 26 per cent, while Nokia has 5 per cent of the smartphone market in the country.
Experts believe that the bigger players are targeting only the tip of the iceberg, whereas the real market lies at the lower segment where people are still switching from feature phones to smartphones. The major chunk, thus, lies in the mid to lower segment of the market - the bottom part of the iceberg.
Well aware of the trend, Indian brands are keeping a foot in each market - the feature phone and the smartphone - so that their devices become a natural successor for those who switch.
Vohra says that the primary challenge for a new entrant in the smartphone market in India is to establish the brand. "There are so many products being launched in the market that it becomes imperative for a serious growth-oriented company to focus on branding right from the word go. Making a connect with the consumer right at the launch of the product is very important," he adds.
Vohra further informs that now onwards, there will be flagship product launches from Gionee every quarter and the company will invest a substantial portion of its marketing budget on this. "We will be launching other products meanwhile as well but every quarter we will come out with a big flagship product and our marketing efforts will be focused towards promoting those products," he adds.
Gionee is currently targeting a 10 to 15 per cent share of India's handset market in the next two years. The company will spend Rs 40 crore on brand positioning and product promotion in this fiscal year and also plans to establish 250 outlets across India that will be rolled out from January, 2014.First Published : November 12, 2013


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The first of Sybase's regional Sybase TechWave Symposia will be held in Washington, D.C., Aug. 26-27, at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel. Representing a departure from Sybase's previous approach of holding one major TechWave event annually, regional events are intended to provide an opportunity to get closer to customers and prospects and to tailor content and presentations to a specific audience. The format includes keynotes from Sybase's executive leadership team, business content, exhibits and a day and a half of technical sessions.
Sybase also is tentatively scheduling a TechWave Symposium in Beijing in the September timeframe.
With the revamped approach for the August event, which will be easily accessible to the Washington-based government customers as well as a quick trip for customers in the financial services industry based in New York, Sybase is providing business-focused content concentrated on the first day of the event, enabling business people to spend less time away from their offices, Mark Wilson, vice president of corporate marketing, tells 5 Minute Briefing.
The business content will help people understand "how technology can change their business processes and positively affect them in getting closer to their customers, understanding how to reduce cost within certain business processes, or how to generate more revenue in their business," notes Wilson. Speakers will include both experts from Sybase as well as industry analysts and guest speakers from outside the company. And, "just like the prior TechWaves, we will have an exhibit hall and we will have partners and vendors that will have booths at the exhibit hall," he adds.
"We are really excited about doing it. We think it is incredibly important, given the new products we have that have come out, that our customers get the latest and greatest in terms of the training for the products, as well as for business people to see how Sybase is affecting their industries and their businesses."
The Washington, D.C., event will also contain vertical content specifically designed for mid-level and senior level IT staff from civilian agencies, intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense.
For more information, go here.


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The federal minimum wage might be stuck at $7.25 per hour, where it’s been since 2009, but at Costco, minimum wage is now $17 per hour. Of the big box giant’s 180,000 employees, about 90% are hourly. It’s the second $1 per hour raise the company has instituted in 2021.
“These increases are part of Costco’s continuing efforts to ensure our hourly wages remain extremely competitive in the retail industry,” Costco CEO Craig Jelinek said in a memo to employees.
And boy is retail competitive these days. The largest retailers in the country, names like Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Target are enticing new workers and trying to retain existing ones with benefit incentives such as college tuition as high demand during the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic gives workers more leverage than they’ve had in a decades.
Across industries, Americans are walking off jobs by the millions in search of a higher paycheck or a better work-life balance. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that hourly wages for retail workers were up 3.8% in September compared to the same month in 2020.
Costco sales were up 9.4% in September compared to the same time last year, an indication that it’s worth the company’s while to maintain a large crew of workers rather than risk being unable to fulfill customer demands.
“We’re certainly not perfect, but we try to take care of our employees, because they play such a significant role in our success,” Jelinek said in February when Costco announced it was raising starting wages to $16 per hour.
The company has a track record of retaining employees, with the average worker having been with Costco for nine years and more than half of them making upwards of $25 per hour. In keeping up with the other retail titans, they are raising their game again.


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Removing a white, brimmed Panama hat from a collection of men’s hats hanging behind him, Eslam Eltokhy then flipped the Biltmore-brand hat onto its back on the glass counter to expose the $89.99 price tag.
Eltokhy is the co-owner of the Mad Hats store that opened at Northgate Mall in March. The store has upscale collection of men’s Panama hats and fedoras, colorful church hats for women, cowboy hats and children’s sun hats.
Some retailers can sell higher-end hats for several hundred dollars, he said, but he believes his store he will be successful as long as he keeps prices reasonable and the atmosphere upbeat.
So far, Eltokhy said business is exceeding expectations.
“The more time goes by, the more people will know we’re here, the more business, obviously, will pick up,” Eltokhy also said.
The independent store is a family launched partnership between Eltokhy and his aunt, with management help from his mother, Soheir Eltokhy.
The concept was born after Eltokhy, who previously worked at a Northgate suit store, said he noticed customers coming in, and asking where to buy hats for men. He said he thought the store would fill a void.
He said he’s selling hats priced at up to $169.99, and pointed to a wall where he said he had hats in the $29.99 to $39.99 range. He also pointed to children’s hats selling for $9.99. He said he buys hats from Dorfman Pacific, a California-based wholesale provider of men’s hat brands including Stetson, Tommy Bahama and Scala.
The fedora hats are the most popular, he said, adding that he believes they catch on as people see professional athletes and actors wearing them. He’s also selling wallets, money clips, handkerchiefs, shoe shine kits and bandanas.
And although Eltokhy said he’s seen changes at the mall since he’s worked there, he said he believes business is picking up.
“I think Northgate is picking up as well,” he said.
At the mall to get his watch repaired, Granville County resident Curtis Cairns said the mall needs more unique stores like Mad Hats.
Cairns said he often has to buy hats in-store, rather than online, to make sure of the fit and hat shape. He said he’s had to send quite a few back that he bought online.
He walked through the store Thursday, explaining that he was a regular patron of The Hat Lounge, a men’s hat store that closed at Northgate at the end of 2011.
He said he’d visited hat stores around the country and internationally, and that was one of the best he’d seen.
He stumbled upon it at the birth of his second son at Durham Regional Hospital. He was hungry, ended up at the mall’s restaurant Pan Pan Diner, and found the Hat Lounge.
“This type of fashion … (store will) help put the mall where it needs to be,” he said of Mad Hats.


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2021 Design Awards: Landscape Design by Christian DouglasAuthor:Anh-Minh Le
With 25 years of experience in landscape design, including an emphasis on food-forward spaces over the past decade or so, Christian Douglas was well-matched to transform the grounds of a half-acre property in Kentfield. Edible plantings were a top priority for the homeowners, a couple with two young boys, and Douglas delivered in spades.
On the outward edge of the fenced-in front yard, he planted grapes that passersby are welcome to pick, along with fruit from a pair of large Mission fig trees. Just inside the entrance gate, the courtyard—featuring a fountain bordered by ever bearing strawberries—is home to bees and chickens. “From the moment you enter, it’s a celebration of food and life,” says Douglas, whose overarching vision called for layers of edible plantings (from an abundance of fruit trees and berries to an extensive kitchen garden) as well as pollinating flowers and formal greenery that nods to the architecture of the 1908 Nantucket-style abode (think topiaries and roses).
In the rear of the backyard, Douglas carved out lounging and dining areas. The family can now partake in myriad alfresco activities, from harvesting to exploring to relaxing in a creekside hammock. “We asked ourselves: Can we integrate food into a highly stylized landscape in a high-quality, beautiful home?” says Douglas, reflecting on the success of the project. “I think we answered that question and accomplished all of those things.”
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Sustainability is top of mind this week as oOh!media NZ helps bring the release of adidas Stan Smith show to life with a custom built, eco-friendly shelter.
The high impact Superama Special Build shelter celebrates the release of the revised Stan Smith adidas sneaker through a full take-over of the site. The unique special build process involved replacing the four light panels with pavement to ceiling living foliage creating multiple living walls. The shelter take-over gives adidas 100% share of voice through the custom oOh! Superama wrap.
The sustainability conscious values of this campaign align with our focus moving forward – a perfect partnership.Ben Gibb
By 2050, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish, now is the time to create change. adidas has taken their sustainability principles above the line ensuring that all OOH materials have been created from completely sustainable and green materials.
oOh! Head of Sales Ben Gibb said about the campaign, “We haven’t done anything like this to this scale before, so it was really exciting to see it come to life with adidas utilising the creative potential of oOh! Studio’s Special Builds. As well the sustainability conscious values of this campaign align with our focus moving forward – a perfect partnership.”
Marking the beginning of a new journey for Stan Smith, adidas Originals has committed one of its longest standing and most successful silhouettes to creating a more sustainable future. A new touchstone in the brand’s journey to help End Plastic Waste, the new Sustainable Stan Smith utilises 17 plastic bottles in each pair of shoes, with no compromise to the iconic look.
oOh!media offer a wide range of creative out-of-home build projects from 3D Special Builds and AR-led shelter takeovers through oOh!’s Studio department.
Creative agency: iD Collective
Media agency: MediaCom Australia


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MapQuest Intros HTML5 Web App for Android and iOS
MapQuest today announced a new browser-based version of its mobile mapping service that is accessible from Android smartphones and the iPhone. Using HTML5, MapQuest was able to take advantage of touch, display, and GPS capabilities through the Android and Safari browsers and provide as much functionality as is found in native mapping apps. The MapQuest web app can determine the users' location; find points of interest and user reviews; provide driving and walking directions with landmarks; and has simple controls for toggling on/off satellite views, traffic, and location data. The web app is available starting today and is free to use.
Mar 23, 2021
OnePlus today announced the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro, its newest flagship phones. The 9 Pro is a true flagship-class phone with a QHD AMOLED display with variable refresh from 1 to 120 Hz, and IP68 water rating, starting at $969.
Jan 14, 2021
Samsung today officially unveiled its Galaxy S21 series of flagship phones for 2021. All three models sport a distinctive new "Contour Cut Camera" design where the metal frame extends around one corner to surround the rear cameras.
Jun 7, 2021
Apple today announced iOS 15, the next version of its core software that powers iPhones. Version 15 is not a major overhaul, but does add a long list of new features.
Apr 14, 2020
OnePlus has revealed its new lineup for 2020 — the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro — both of which have 5G. They also manage to pack larger batteries into slightly thinner bodies compared to their predecessors.
Oct 1, 2018
Google today is making some additions to Google Maps that it hopes will help people get to work quicker and with less stress along the way. The app has added a "commute" tab that offers one-tap access to live traffic and transit details that are personalized for each person's specific commute.


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Is TVR coming back??
7th June 2013
With what appears to be a fascinating teaser page on www.tvr.co.uk, is there a possibility that the famous and much-loved Blackpool carmaker will rise from its GRP ashes? Set against this chink of hope, TVR's Russian owner said only last year that no more cars would be produced, citing various commercial reasons. Perhaps more to the point, where would they be made? Watch this page.


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Trisha Yearwood to host Heroes in Heels benefit
Country music star Trisha Yearwood is set to serve as celebrity host for a special fashion show in Franklin.
Heroes in Heels, a fashion show benefiting the YMCA Maryland Farms’ After Breast Cancer program, will feature more than 25 breast cancer patients and survivors modeling the fall fashions from Dillard’s.
All the proceeds will benefit the ABC program, which helps breast cancer survivors with post-treatment care and quality of life.
For Yearwood, the hosting opportunity touches a personal note.
“This cause is near to my heart because I lost my mom to breast cancer,” Yearwood said. “These women are an inspiration and I’m so excited to be a part of the event.”
If you go
Heroes in Heels is Tuesday, Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m., at Liberty Hall at the Factory at Franklin. Tickets are $60 in advance or $70 at the door, and options for tables are available. Register at http://give.ymcamidtn.org/events/heroesMFY.


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All hope is not lost for bricks-and-mortar retailers, if they act fast.
"If I were a retail chain today, I would be looking at the best in class internet-only business in my sector, and I would be using my cash flow to buy them and move as quickly as possible online," Steve Odland told TheStreet in an interview on Thursday. Odland is the president and CEO of the Conference Board's Committee for Economic Development, and former CEO of Office Depot (ODP - Get Report) , AutoZone (AZO) and grocer TOPS Markets.
"But they've got to act fast," said Odland, "because they don't have time to build it."
That's the main way, says Odland, to attempt to combat the online success story that is Amazon (AMZN - Get Report) which has bested Macy's (M - Get Report) , Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD) , Best Buy (BBY - Get Report) and others in consumer goods.
Odland said Walmart's (WMT - Get Report) recent online acquisitions underline that strategy. Recently, the world's largest retailer has bought e-commerce sites Jet.com, which is like a mini Amazon in its breadth of offerings, Moosejaw.com, seller of outdoor goods and apparel, and women's clothing retailer ModCloth.com. He added that Target (TGT - Get Report) is strong in e-commerce as well.
"Those that don't [make the shift to e-commerce] will be handing their business to Amazon," he added.
Bricks-and-mortar stores, he said are using a retail model hatched in the 1950's to sell in the 21th century. E-commerce has set up a system of "no harm, no foul," in which customers can buy whatever they want, have it delivered and can easily ship it back. If bricks-and-mortar retailers don't move to e-commerce quickly, the end of the line will be bankruptcy, added Odland.
"For a lot of retailers that are highly leveraged, any decline in sales wipes out 100% of their profit. Because you have an enormous fixed-cost base, you see retail rip [out] costs and close stores to reach an equilibrium," he said.
Nowhere has that failing model been more apparent than companies like Macy's, Sears and J.C. Penney (JCP - Get Report) , which are mall anchors that have had to shutter store after store trying to right their ships.
Earnings from Macy's on Thursday showed first-quarter earnings of 24 cents a share, a wide distance from the earnings of 36 cents a share Wall Street analysts were expecting. The retailer's revenue declined 7.5 percent to $5.34 billion, compared to Wall Street's estimates for $5.48 billion. The troubled mall-based retailer also saw its same-store sales drop 5.2 percent for the three months ended April 29.
Don't miss these trending stories on TheStreet:
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Editor's Pick: Originally published May 11.


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The jury is still out on whether Bitcoin is in the midst of a bubble or another growth spurt on a long-term journey to transform international finance. Yet at least one thing seems beyond dispute: the immense present value of America’s only market maker, CoinBase. The Y Combinator and Union Square Ventures-backed Bitcoin exchange, consumer wallet and merchant services platform has been growing exponentially, and recently buckled under the weight of new consumer interest and skyrocketing transaction volumes, hitting its daily buy limits in each of the past several days.
In light of recent activity, the question is no longer whether CoinBase will be worth multiples of the $6-7 million it raised from investors earlier this year, but rather: is the company already worth a billion dollars?
In February, the company announced it had processed $1mm buy/sell orders. In May, that number was $15mm Since then, the CoinBase user base has tripled, the moving average value of the currency in USD has more than tripled and transaction volume in the U.S. has increased five-fold. And that was before this week’s Senate hearings, which have been very positively received within the Bitcoin community.
So let’s say that those compounding growth drivers led to 10x growth in buy/sell volume since May. That would be $150mm in buy/sell orders processed this month. With CoinBase’s 1% transaction fee, that’s $1.5mm in revenue, or an $18mm run rate. And this ignores the additional revenue streams they may generate from merchant services, buy/sell spreads, etc.
We know ~30% of revenue goes to pay the international exchanges through which CoinBase submits its users’ buy/sell orders. But that would still leave $12mm in annualized gross margin which more than adequately covers salaries for their small team, rent, servers and legal. In other words, we’re talking about a company with real cash flow.
If you believe the company has just a 20% chance at continued exponential growth (and potential logarithmic growth in the near-term), and 80% chance of going to zero, you may still get to a $1 billion expected value. (For the finance-oriented: I’m thinking of an investment at a PEG of 1.0 into a company generating $5-10mm in run rate cash flow.)
Imagine if you had been able to value an early internet pioneer on the basis of earnings!
CoinBase has a first mover advantage in a new economy which disrupts multi-trillion dollar financial services markets. They benefit from strong network effects, and have the only two-sided marketplace in Bitcoin right now – offering both consumer wallets and merchant tools on top of its exchange services (although it appears that Circle will be joining them shortly). And they are building a robust, open-source developer library, which is driving integration with their API. At Bitcoin 2013 (the industry’s major conference), the majority of the entrants in the hackathon (including the winner BitWall) built applications using the CoinBase API. That Android-like creation of an entire open-source ecosystem will only serve to funnel more consumers and merchants to the core revenue drivers - the CoinBase exchange tools. Google has AdWords. CoinBase has its exchange.
Even when CoinBase is inevitably forced to lower its exchange fees due to new competition, it will come at a time when the team is in pole position to actually charge merchants for transaction processing.
So if you’re a competitor like Paypal, you’ve got to be scared to death because 18 month old CoinBase may already be a billion dollar company.
Expect investors to be champing at the Bit.


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- Augmented reality (AR)
- English Premier League
- Fitness Wearables
- Leagues and Events
- Major League Baseball
- National Basketball Association
- National Basketball League
- National Football League
- National Hockey League
- Rio Olympics 2016
- Smart Watches
- Unsuccessful Startups
- Virtual Reality (VR)
- Water Sports
- Wearable for Kids
- Wearable Smart Clothes
- Wearables for Gym
- Wearables for Weightlifting
Wearables for Cyclists
Wearables for Tennis
Tennis Innovation Challenge was conducted only last month under the Tennis Industry Association. The competition highlighted innovative tech based products and services to make tennis...
Wearables for Swimming
Olympics Games are one of the oldest and most hyped sporting events in history. In 2016, around 3.5 billion people tuned in to watch more than 200 nations compete against each...
Speedo’s new web app to track your swimming is here. Speedo On will replace the old app Speed Fit It syncs with water proof fitness trackers and sport watches to records your...
Are you scared of drowning? Do you ever get dreams about sinking in a bottomless ocean? Well, not anymore because Ploota will be your new lifeguard. We have helmets and seat...
To compete with the newly launched Fitbit’s Iconic smartwatch and Apple watch, Garmin added three new smartwatches to its Vivo lineup of wearables, Vivoactive...
Who remembers the time when everyone use to have a Bluetooth earpiece and it was the coolest thing ever? If you had one of...
Golf has always been a great source of recreation and fun activity for sports freaks. Working on your swing and upgrading it is a...
Intel in collaboration with NFL are devising new strategies to provide the viewers with better and better NFL experience. For the 2017 season, Intel...
WenWen has launched a smart jewellery (Eric and Joy) for you and your spouse or your lover. It has multiple smart functions which will make your life easier. It is quite...
Virtual Reality is slowly trying to make its way in the world of sports. The notion certainly looks promising. It is a lucrative idea that we can see sports from the...
The biggest highlight on the Australian Sporting Calendar is the State – of – Origin, a best of three Rugby series that pits players from Queensland and New South Wales against...
Global Sports Inc. is a crowdfunding platform that connects sports fans with sports startups seeking to raise capital. “Crowdfunding Meets Sports”. The platform is dedicated to the sports sector. Currently startups...
Air pollution has been a growing problem in recent years. This has also caused a lot health hazards and hence so many developments are constantly being introduced to eliminate this problem...
Sports is a passion that unifies everyone. Athletes are a source of pride for their teams. But to make them the legends that they are, a lot of hard work has...
Wearables in form of bands and watches are all over the fitness industry. Recently the fitness giants have realized that smart wearable clothes make much more sense than an added gizmo. Sensors...
Imagine a fabric softer than your favorite old tee shirt. Instead of cotton, it is made with the finest nylon and spandex fibers coasted with silver giving in a metallic shine....
The Japan based global leaders in field of technology, Seiko has recently came up with two models of Epson wearable labelled, J-300 and J-307. The two variants are reported to be...
The English Premier League team Stoke City has recently collaborated with a Dutch company “Beyond Sports” with the aim to make their training sessions more tech-oriented by amalgamating Virtual Reality to...


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The telecommunications industry is faced with an urgent dilemma in regards to coverage capability for consumers. The market has been inundated with connected devices over the past several years—6.4 billion are estimated to be in use this year, a 30 percent increase from 2015. More alarming, that number is anticipated to reach nearly 21 billion by 2020.
In order to meet demand, providers have been tasked with increasing coverage and connectivity. That process can occur in several ways:
- Companies can purchase and allocate spectrum to underserved or overburdened geographical locations.
- Telecoms providers can invest in technology to make existing spectrum more efficient to enable greater volume without negatively impacting connectivity.
- Capacity can also be increased with the addition of more sites for cell towers.
While these three solutions are possible, they come with their own set of challenges as well. Spectrum availability cannot keep up with demand and has led the FCC to begin auctioning unlicensed spectrum, which can create a conflict between technologies such as 4G and LTE.
Research itself takes time, meaning that any developments that arise to increase the efficiency of existing spectrum won’t bear fruit for some time. Investing in more cell towers seems the simplest answer, but is very costly, permanent and may prove inefficient as consumer needs change, more buildings are constructed and landscape that changes continually and in the process blocking more and more signals from cell sites.
As a result of the complexity facing telecoms providers, many consumers are looking for their own answers and are finding relief in the form of signal boosters.
According to SignalBooster.com representative, devices can be placed conveniently inside a car, home or business to amplify slow or poor connections and provide robust connectivity consumers have come to expect today. He said that with cellular amplifiers, there is no reason wait for telecom companies to provide the solution. However, it still does not address the cell phone dead zone problem when walking down the street.
At home, signal boosters can provide the support necessary to take advantage of many of the devices in use today. From laptops, smartphones and even video game consoles, users struggling with inadequate connectivity can resolve their issues conveniently with a signal booster.
Furthermore, they will be empowered to increase the use of smart home devices that have begun to hit the market, from smart surveillance systems to energy-regulating thermostats or even kitchen appliances.
Businesses, though, may be the hardest hit by slow network densification efforts. The rise of remote and mobile workforces has created an environment built for seamless communications and workforce optimization. Organizations that rely on a fleet force are especially vulnerable when inadequate coverage persists.
But businesses cannot put their earnings on the back burner until telecoms companies resolve the challenge of network densification, so signal boosters represent an affordable and convenient solution.
Neal Serrano is the CSO of SignalBooster.com.
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Last year, researchers affiliated with Google decided that Symantec, and their affiliated Certificate Authorities (CA), had mis-issued thousands of Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificates. As a result, Chrome researchers announced a formal plan to remove trust from Symantec-issued certificates. The first deadline of this plan hits in mid-April, and it seems clear that relationship between browsers and CAs is going to continue to change this year.
Now, this isn’t the first time browser companies have consistently expressed concern about the certificate issuance practices of CAs. However, Google’s actions are the first time that these concerns have been translated into significant action. It’s still early, but it’s pretty clear that the tension between CAs and browsers is likely to escalate, and this will increase the pressure on business models in the CA industry.
Ultimately, I believe the interdependency between browsers and CAs will be affected by three major market changes:
- Browser makers are taking a more active role in policing CAs. Last December, information security researcher Ian Carroll conducted an experiment that revealed how phishers could legally obtain Extended Validation (EV) certificates for malicious websites. Citing Carroll’s report as an example, many browser makers are pointing out that CA issuance practices require additional oversight. This report, and Google’s decision to remove trust from Symantec certificates indicate that CAs should expect more scrutiny from browser companies in the coming months.
- Web browsers will de-emphasize or remove certificate security warnings. Browsers may move away from issuing any type of certificate warning, as their research shows that these warnings rarely impact user behavior. And really, what do you do when you visit a website and get a certificate warning? You probably click through most of the time.
Here’s a recent example of the way this is already starting to happen; because most users don’t understand EV certificates and they generally don’t read security details, Chrome recently pushed out an update that wouldn’t allow users to view certificate details unless they accessed the Developer Tools section. Similar decisions could have a major impact on the sale of EV certificates, as validated information obtained by a CA can only be shown when browsers display all information from EV certificates in security warnings.
- CA business models will have to evolve. As browser makers take a more active role in determining which CAs they will trust and modify the user experience connected with weak, mis-issued or vulnerable certificates, the ramifications of these changes will force CAs to adjust and streamline their business models.
If browsers suppress certificate warnings for EV certificates, CAs will have to work harder to demonstrate the value for these higher margin products. Furthermore, CAs will have to find new ways to stay competitive, especially as Let’s Encrypt continues to exert downward pressure on the price of certificates. In addition to automating and streamlining the issuance of EV certificates, CAs will likely develop new product offerings to differentiate themselves from competitors.
Obviously, I don’t expect the relationship between CAs and browsers to shift overnight, but we are like to see significant changes as the year progresses. The Google Symantec event was just the beginning of larger changes that will ultimately impact the internet security and privacy of all users.
What do you think will happen with browsers and CAs in 2018?


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Enquiries into Airbnb’s UK tax structure have continued to plague the short-term holiday rental giant, even as its payouts to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have decreased.
Airbnb said it remains subject to “tax enquiries and proceedings concerning its operations and intracompany transactions”, filings seen by City A.M. reveal. It has also been contacted regarding its application of tax laws, “some of which may result in litigation”.
Read more: Airbnb reveals plan to go public in 2020
The tech firm paid out just £449,802 in corporation tax in the year ending December 2018, falling from £477,284 a year earlier when HMRC first began its questioning. However, Airbnb’s profit for last year rose to almost £2m, up 17 per cent from its £1.7m income in 2017.
Like other large tech businesses with a presence in the UK, such as Facebook and Google, the majority of Airbnb’s profits in the region are channelled through its Ireland headquarters. Its UK entities mainly look after operational costs.
Airbnb added that its continued operation via Airbnb Ireland is under “legislative risk”, as the status of legislation governing the firm “remains vague at best”.
The company has come under pressure in a number of European regions to ensure its users pay the appropriate tax for letting out their properties to holidaymakers. A legal challenge earlier this year which sought to classify the company as a real estate agent under French law was unsuccessful.
A spokesperson said: “We follow the rules and pay all the tax we owe in the places we do business.
“Airbnb’s UK office provides marketing services and pays all applicable taxes. The Airbnb model is unique and boosted the UK economy by £4.2n=bn last year alone. The vast majority of money generated on our platform stays with hosts and local communities, which makes Airbnb fundamentally different to companies that take large sums of money out of the places they do business.”
The spokesperson added that the tax enquiries are “routine checks”.
Airbnb said earlier this month it will court a US stock market flotation in 2020. Several tranches of shares awarded to long-standing employees are set to expire in November 2020 and in mid-2021, providing the company with a looming deadline.


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FirstGroup enjoys passenger surge
FirstGroup has reported an 8 per cent rise in rail passenger numbers in the past three months as more people ditch their cars amid soaring petrol prices. Its rail unit, which includes First Great Western, Capital Connect and Scot- Rail, also benefited from more people holidaying in the UK as the strong pound and fuel surcharges add to the cost of flying overseas.
BHP in $12bn shale gas deal
BHP Billiton has agreed to acquire shale gas producer Petrohawk in a deal valuing the US company at $12bn (£7.5bn). Petrohawk’s assets cover one million acres in Texas and Louisiana and add to the half-a-million-acre Fayetteville shale field in Arkansas that BHP bought in February from Chesapeake for $4.75bn.
Pixar helps drive up Mattel’s profits
Mattel, the world’s largest toy maker, said strong sales of Barbie and products tied into Disney/Pixar’s Cars 2 helped its quarterly profits climb by 56 per cent to $80.5m (£50m). Even though raw materials costs have been rising, the US group still managed to increase its international sales by 12 per cent during the three-month period.
Japan troubles hit Sony Ericsson
The mobile phone maker Sony Ericsson has posted a quarterly loss following disruption to its supply chain caused by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. The Swedish-Japanese joint venture, which is headquartered in London, revealed a €50m (£44m) loss for the three months to 30 June, compared with profits of €12m a year ago.
H&M feels the spending squeeze
H&M – the world’s second largest clothes retailer – saw sales fall last month as the consumer spending squeeze spread across Europe. The Swedish chain, which has 2,297 stores worldwide including more than 180 stores in the UK, posted a 4 per cent decline in like-for-like sales in June.
Volkswagen sets new sales record
Volkswagen, which is Europe’s largest car maker, has set a new first-half group sales record after strong growth in the Asia- Pacific region boosted deliveries. The Wolfsburg-based company said that it sold 4.09 million vehicles in the first six months of 2011, up by 14.1 per cent over the same period last year.
Financial advisers fight reform delay
A Treasury Select Committee call to delay reforms to financial advice has met with dismay in the industry. MPs want the Retail Distribution Review, due to start in 2013, moved back a year. But the City regulator said it was committed to the date and 49 per cent of financial advisers were already qualified.
Door-to-door sales team axed by CFS
Co-operative Financial Services is to cut 670 jobs as it shuts down its door-to-door sales team. The job losses are part of the company’s review of its life and savings business, which was set up to consider the impact of new rules on financial advice in the UK. CFS said the RDR will raise regulatory costs.
Three non-execs join board at RBS
Royal Bank of Scotland has appointed three non-executive board members. Alison Davis is a former director of First Data Corporation, Tony Di Iorio has been CFO at Deutsche Bank and Sheila Noakes is currently on the boards of Severn Trent and Carpetright following a career with KPMG.
Credit Suisse in US tax inquiry
Credit Suisse has been drawn into US investigations of tax evasion that has already cost its rival UBS £483m. The Swiss bank said it was notified on Thursday that it was a target of a Department of Justice inquiry into “historical private banking services provided on a crossborder basis to US persons”.Reuse content


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Starting tomorrow, Comcast will offer CW primetime shows such as Arrow, Gossip Girl, and The Vampire Diaries to customers with Xfinity On Demand service. The two companies announced the VOD agreement today, which lets Comcast serve up the four most recent episodes of the shows, including the most recent episode the day after it airs, at no additional charge to customers. The episodes will be available starting Thursday, Oct. 25 in both HD and SD resolution. Other CW shows listed in the deal include 90210, America’s Next Top Model, Beauty & the Beast, Emily Owens M.D., Hart of Dixie, Nikita, and Supernatural. This is the first time CW’s shows have been made available On Demand through a multi-service-provider.
“Our customers turn to Xfinity On Demand for the latest and most popular programs, and now we’re pleased to add The CW’s popular primetime lineup to our offerings,” said Matt Strauss, Senior Vice President, Comcast.


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It's time we fight so our dogs don’t have to.
One of the biggest areas in Animal abuse, is the one we don’t want to talk about. The one we don’t really know anything about. The one we look away from, because we feel completely hopeless in the attempt of trying to stop it.
[ Dog Fighting ]
It has become the new national sport! Not only does the animals involved get tortured, but it has a massive impact on communities as a whole with it’s linked crimes and how it escalates violence.
Dog fighting in South Africa has increased over 500% in the last few years.
Thousand of dogs every year, are left to die after a dog fight. Broken bones don’t get treated. They are chained down with heavy logging chains in order to trigger aggression and encourage survival instincts. One dog fight can continue for up to four hours. Even after limbs have been torn off, they are forced to continue fighting by their owners.
Cardies and NSPCA partnered up last year July and we created an amazing campaign for the NSPCA’s general needs to prevent cruelty. With the help of bracelet sales, we managed to donate ± R75 000 to the NSPCA. This year we are zooming in on an extremely sensitive subject. Dog Fighting.
The NSPCA’s Special Investigations Unit have successfully raided and saved thousands of dogs from dog fights since they have been actively involved in this matter. However, to be able to have a team to take on this intrepid task, funding can become a problem.
The different special services and skills needed to successfully execute a raid, save the animals involved, prosecute the dog owners etc, are endless and extremely specialized: Veterinary surgeons, pathologist examinations, forensic examinations, expert witnesses, forensic psychologists, equipment, travel costs around the country, training to saps, veterinarians, magistrates, prosecutors, community workshops, SPCA staff, crime scene management are just a few of the elements needed for this process.
Because dog fighting is something the general public avoids, we at Cardies decided to place ourselves in a league where we’re not seen as just another novelty card and gifting store, but as a retailer who actually makes a difference to very serious issues in the country.
Everyone wails about the violence levels in SA. Children and communities are surrounded by extreme violence that’s not acted upon – breeding tolerance to violence and eroding empathy levels. Dog fighting in a community is both an indicator and a predictor of a decaying society.
It’s time to stop this. We asked the NSPCA what they need in order to empower their Special Investigations Unit?
Funding and Awareness.
Cardies has a powerful retail footprint across South Africa, as well as a very strong recognizable brand. We therefor agreed to create a project within our retail stores, to assist them with their two requirements, and so, The Red Paw Project was born.
We developed 3 brand new product lines to introduce into Cardies stores, available for customers to buy, then taking a portion of that specific range’s proceeds and donating it to the NSPCA’s Special Investigations Unit. Will you be part of the reason they won’t have to fight anymore?


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The Elder Scrolls Online Studio Hires Mass Effect Dev
Zenimax Online, the company behind The Elder Scrolls Online, has hired former Mass Effect: Andromeda developer Colin Campbell as lead level designer. Campbell will be working on Zenimax’s new original IP, and will have a “major impact” on the game’s development, according to a tweet by Zenimax Online’s Creative Director Ben Jones.
Campbell hasn’t just worked on Mass Effect, though. The developer has helped creator many other major games, including the likes of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. Campbell also frequently creates impressive artwork, so his skills will likely be a major benefit to whatever new IP Zenimax Online is currently working on.
Very little is known about Zenimax’s next game, other than it being a new IP with a new game engine. Early job listings for the title indicated that it will be some sort of live service game, though those have become increasingly common in the past few years, so there are a large number of possibilities as to what the game will look like.
While Mass Effect: Andromeda faced horrible technical issues at launch, there were some interesting concepts to be found for those that could get past the unpolished exterior, including some interesting level design. Plus, Campbell’s work on other, better-received games should also instill hope for whatever Zenimax Online launches next.
With E3 canceled, it’s hard to say when that will be. Bethesda isn’t planning a digital showcase, which is likely where Zenimax Online’s game would have shown up. It’s possible that the game is revealed with a simple trailer, but it’s hard to tell if that will actually end up being the case, or if Zenimax will just wait until the opportunity to show up on stage comes up.
Xbox is planning digital events, and if Zenimax’s project is a next-gen or cross-gen game, there’s a chance that it will show up there. Xbox is touting big reveals in the near future, and a major triple-a game could be just what the console needs, even if it isn’t truly exclusive. Fans will just have to wait and see.
The Elder Scrolls Online is available for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.


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Flutter Entertainment today announced that the CEO of its UK & Ireland (UK&I) business, Conor Grant, has resigned and will leave his role before year’s end for a planned career break to spend more time with his family after more than 20 years in the online gambling sector.
Ian Brown, former CEO of Booking.com’s Trips division (which includes Rentalcars.com) and Oliver Wyman Senior Partner, will join Flutter in September. Ian will succeed Conor, assuming responsibility for the Paddy Power, Sky Betting and Gaming, Betfair and Tombola brands in the UK & Ireland. Conor and Ian will work together to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.
Conor joined Sky Betting & Gaming 12 years ago, where he oversaw a hugely successful period for the company, including its sale to The Stars Group (TSG). Following Flutter’s merger with TSG two years ago, Conor has led the consolidation of Flutter’s UK&I business, including managing the business through the pandemic, leading the business’ response on the UK Government’s review of gambling legislation and successfully completing the acquisition of the UK’s leading bingo operator, Tombola.
Peter Jackson, chief executive officer of Flutter Entertainment, said:
“I would like to thank Conor for his significant contribution to Flutter. His work on the strategic vision and direction of our UK&I business has set us in great stead for the future, and his passion and determination to put our customers’ safety at the heart of what we do has anchored our industry-leading Play Well strategy. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Conor and will personally miss his sound commercial judgment and keen eye for business opportunities. I’m sorry to see him leave but wish him well for the future.
“I am delighted to welcome a leader of Ian’s caliber to our executive team. He brings with him broad experience leading online businesses from a range of sectors, including travel, hospitality, business services, and financial services. He has been responsible for successful transformations in multiple large businesses, including global brands Booking.com and Rentalcars.com, building scalable tech platforms and organizations with a deep customer focus on ease, accessibility and safety to drive growth.”
Conor Grant said: “I have been immensely proud to lead the UK&I business through such a momentous period for both Flutter and the wider industry. Flutter’s market leading brands, talented team and approach to safer gambling are what sets the business apart. I have no doubt that the business is in good hands and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow sustainably and responsibly into the future.”
Ian Brown added: “I have followed the impressive story of Flutter and its brands for many years now, and I am delighted to be joining the UK&I business in September. Flutter has a fantastic portfolio of iconic brands and I look forward to helping develop their leadership position in the online entertainment space.”


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There have been a lot of rumors flying around about the release date and status for Grand Theft Auto V Remastered. Rockstar promises things are still on track for the game.
Rumors floated around that Grand Theft Auto V Remastered would be delayed until 2015 sometime. There was even an extreme rumor that the PC version was cancelled altogether. It appears all of these rumors are not true as Rockstar claims the game is still on track to be released in Fall 2014 sometime.
Rockstar Support revealed to concerned fans that you can still look forward to the PC release of Grand Theft Auto V Remastered. They also reiterate that the “release date has not changed”. If you go to Rockstar’s official website, it still states that the game will be out in “Fall 2014” for the PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
If you are worried about the release of Grand Theft Auto V Remastered, you shouldn’t be as the game is still scheduled to be released later this year. Many retailers have listed the game for a November release. Official details have not been confirmed yet, but a November release date seems likely. Hopefully Rockstar announces the official release date for the game very soon.
- This article was updated on:February 20th, 2018