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HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) has announced the launch of Original HP ink cartridges made with plastic from bottles recycled in Haiti. Made possible through close partnerships with Thread and the First Mile Coalition, this launch exemplifies HP’s efforts to reinvent how products are designed, manufactured, used and recovered in the shift toward a circular and low-carbon economy.
Fulfilling a commitment made in September 2016, HP now purchases recycled plastic collected in Haiti. By opening a new market opportunity, generating a steady revenue stream and partnering to improve conditions for workers, HP is helping to create jobs and bring dignity to the collectors of recyclables in Haiti—all while creating sustainable ink cartridges. Furthermore, this initiative helps prevent plastics from reaching the Caribbean Sea, combatting the ever-growing problem of ocean pollution.
Spearheaded by Thread, the First Mile Coalition addresses child labour in the “First Mile” of global supply chains, beginning with communities that neighbour the Truitier landfill—the largest landfill in Haiti. Other members of the coalition include Timberland, Team Tassy and ACOP (Association des Collecteurs des Objets en Plastique).
Over 300 children currently collect recyclable materials from the Truitier landfill. These children and their families are exposed daily to hazardous working conditions. This joint initiative aims to improve the lives of the children by providing them with educational opportunities, including scholarships, as well as full access to medical care and health and safety training. Additionally, commitment partners provide job training for the adult family members of the children who are also working in the landfill and will invest over $150,000 in entrepreneurs, micro enterprises and/or small-to-medium enterprises in targeted neighbourhoods.
HP has long been an industry leader in closed-loop recycling, combining material from products returned by our customers through the HP Planet Partners program with other post-consumer materials to create new Original HP cartridges. Through 2016, the company has manufactured more than 3.4 billion HP ink and toner cartridges using more than 88,900 tonnes of recycled content material—including 3.7 billion post-consumer plastic bottles. Today, more than 80 percent of HP ink cartridges contain 45–70 percent recycled content, and 100 percent of HP toner cartridges contain 10–33 percent recycled content. By making Haiti a starting point of the supply chain, HP is going beyond the boundaries of its sustainable legacy by enabling social and environmental change.
“HP has been committed to sourcing materials responsibly and treating all workers with respect for decades,” said Stuart Pann, HP Chief Supply Chain Officer. “Our work in Haiti enables us to reach the vulnerable collectors in Haiti and make their plastic part of our supply chain—which creates economic opportunities and a better quality of life for these families.”
“Sustainable supply chains have to start from the bottom up, and the First Mile of the supply chain is where we thrive,” said Ian Rosenberger, Founder and CEO of Thread. “While Thread usually makes yarn for apparel brands, some of the waste Thread entrepreneurs process is more suited for other products. In this case, we are proud this partnership can expand Thread’s mission to improve working conditions for collectors and create consistent urban markets for the poor.”
“The work that [Thread and] HP are doing helps me get my children to school, and helps me pay for my home,” said Rosette Altidor, a Haitian collection center owner. “It motivates me to motivate others to collect plastic as well. Everyone can benefit from clean-up work in Haiti.”


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UPDATE: Facebook said late Thursday that it’s reviewing user comments submitted since the proposed changes were announced on Aug. 29. While it’s no longer accepting input, the changes won’t go into effect before next week.
“We are taking the time to ensure that user comments are reviewed and taken into consideration to determine whether further updates are necessary and we expect to finalize the process in the coming week,” a Facebook spokesperson said.
It’s almost a law of physics: Action – Facebook announces changes to its terms of service. Reaction – Watchdog groups complain the new rules would give the company more leeway to violate users’ privacy.
In the latest flap, a coalition of watchdog groups is asking the Federal Trade Commission to block a set of proposed new rules that Facebook announced two weeks ago – which the critics say would make it easier for Facebook to use members’ profile pictures and other personal information in advertising.
The critics say the new rules violate terms of a settlement that Facebook reached with the FTC over previous privacy complaints in 2011. Ironically, the social networking company drafted the new rules partly in response to a recent settlement in another privacy case brought by class-action lawyers, which required Facebook to warn its members more clearly about how it uses their information.
But the critics are complaining that the new rules have changed the “default” setting for Facebook users’ consent, so that users are now assumed to have given permission for their information to be used. They also charge the company has changed its privacy controls so it’s more difficult for users to withdraw that permission.
“As a consequence, Facebook users who reasonably believed that their images and content would not be used for commercial purposes without their consent will now find their pictures showing up on the pages of their friends endorsing the products of Facebook’s advertisers,” the critics say in a letter sent to the FTC by the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the Center for Digital Democracy, Consumer Watchdog and three other privacy groups.
Facebook says it hasn’t changed its practices and is only trying to explain them more clearly. The company has posted the changes on its site and is inviting public comment. And while a number of Facebook users have expressed their displeasure — sample comment: “Poor decision, Facebook.” — it seems likely the changes will be adopted.
The FTC has shown an interest in privacy issues involving Internet companies like Facebook and Google, but so far there’s been no word of any reaction to the latest complaint.
(Photo of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg by John Green/Bay Area News Group)

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Big corporate names, including Starbucks, Microsoft, and Intercontinental Exchange, are partnering up to launch an integrated platform that enables consumers and institutions to buy, sell, store, and spend digital assets on a seamless global network.
Leveraging Microsoft’s cloud solution, the open and regulated global ecosystem for digital assets may be the tool Starbucks was looking for to accept payments in cryptocurrency.
Bakkt to Launch Regulated, Physical Bitcoin Futures Contract in November 2018
The integrated platform’s, Bakkt, first use cases will be for trading and conversion of Bitcoin versus fiat currencies.
The platform is expected to go live in November 2018, bringing institutions, merchants, and consumers together, said Kelly Loeffler, CEO of Bakkt, in a press release.
“Bakkt is designed to serve as a scalable on-ramp for institutional, merchant and consumer participation in digital assets by promoting greater efficiency, security and utility,” said Kelly Loeffler, CEO of Bakkt. “We are collaborating to build an open platform that helps unlock the transformative potential of digital assets across global markets and commerce.”
Intercontinental Exchange, which will play a leading role in developing Bakkt, has been active in the cryptocurrency sphere.
ICE recently partnered with Blockstream to create a real-time virtual currency data feed, taken from over 15 different cryptocurrency trading platforms around the world. This includes trading volume and order book for all of the leading cryptocurrencies. The NYSE parent company aims to bring regulatory compliance to cryptocurrency payments in order to foster institutional and consumer trust, said Jeffrey Sprecher, founder, chairman, and CEO of ICE.
“In bringing regulated, connected infrastructure together with institutional and consumer applications for digital assets, we aim to build confidence in the asset class on a global scale, consistent with our track record of bringing transparency and trust to previously unregulated markets.”
Bakkt will be backed by Intercontinental Exchange, Starbucks, Microsoft’s venture capital arm M12, Boston Consulting Group, Fortress Investment Group, Eagle Seven, Galaxy Digital, Horizons Ventures, Alan Howard, Pantera Capital, Protocol Ventures, and Susquehanna International Group.
Starbucks Wants to Play Pivotal Role in Bringing Digital Assets into Consumer Payments
The third-largest fast food restaurant chain by number of locations in the world is no stranger to Bitcoin. Back in 2015, long before the cryptocurrency hype broke out, Starbucks was accepting Bitcoin at its Hong Kong stores through the Fold app, a U.S. startup affiliated with the Bitcoin Association of Hong Kong.
The new venture is expected to definitely put the coffee giant on the map in regard to cryptocurrency payments. The company wants to be a global pioneer of regulated virtual currency payments for consumer goods, according to Maria Smith, vice president of partnerships and payments for Starbucks.
“As the flagship retailer, Starbucks will play a pivotal role in developing practical, trusted and regulated applications for consumers to convert their digital assets into U.S. dollars for use at Starbucks. As a leader in Mobile Pay to our more than 15 million Starbucks Rewards members, Starbucks is committed to innovation for expanding payment options for our customers.”
Earlier this year, Starbucks’ former executive chairman Howard Schultz said Bitcoin will fail to become a currency today or in the future, but that offline mass consumption is key for the rise of a few legitimate, trusted digital currencies.


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Author: By James Thompson
The maker of Dairy Milk swiftly delivered its verdict after Kraft, the world’s second-largest food group, made its formal cash-and-shares offer yesterday, as widely expected ahead of a 5pm “put up or shut up” deadline by the Takeover Panel.
Cadbury pointed out that the bid was about 5 per cent lower than the £10.2bn, or 745p a share, indicative offer its board rejected on 7 September, even though the terms of the offer were unchanged, because of the fall in Kraft’s share price since then. Last week, Kraft posted a disappointing 5.7 per cent decline in revenues to $9.8bn. The maker of Oreo biscuits and Kenco coffee has offered 300p in cash and 0.2589 new Kraft shares for each Cadbury share, worth 709p a share by the time the London market closed yesterday.
It is the third largest hostile bid for a food company globally and the biggest unsolicited bid for a food company in UK corporate history.
Roger Carr, the chairman of Cadbury, said: “The board has emphatically rejected this derisory offer and has strengthened its resolve to ensure the true value of Cadbury is fully understood by all.” He added: “Kraft’s offer does not come remotely close to reflecting the true value of our company, and involves the unattractive prospect of the absorption of Cadbury into a low-growth conglomerate business model.”
Kraft has 28 days to send an offer document to Cadbury’s shareholders.
Irene Rosenfeld, the chairman and chief executive of Kraft, who has previously stuck to the line of maintaining financial discipline, said: “We remain convinced of the strategic merits for both companies of combining Kraft Foods and Cadbury. We believe that our proposal offers the best immediate and long-term value for Cadbury’s shareholders and for the company itself compared with any other option currently available, including Cadbury remaining independent.”
Yesterday, Cadbury’s shares rose by 3p to 761p, valuing the confectionery company at £10.4bn. Kraft shares were down more than 1 per cent at $26.44 in New York yesterday afternoon.
While the 709p-a-share offer is lower than the previous bid, Kraft said the offer was more than a third higher than Cadbury’s share price of 524p on 3 July 2009, “prior to analyst suggestions regarding potential sector consolidation”.
Kraft said the offer valued Cadbury at a “fair and attractive” multiple of 13.9 times Cadbury’s 2008 underlying Ebitda. But City analysts expect Kraft will have to bid up to 850p to convince Cadbury’s shareholders and secure its prize.
Jeremy Batstone-Carr, at Charles Stanley, said: “We continue to believe that Kraft will need to offer up to 850p per share (or its equivalent including a raised cash component) in order to be more certain of success. Kraft probably does need Cadbury more than Cadbury needs Kraft, a reflection of the former’s relatively pedestrian top-line performance over the past four quarters.”
Martin Deboo, at Investec, said: “Kraft look to have opted for a long and patient siege over immediate shock and awe. We expect the bid to be raised, but struggle to reconcile an offer of much more than £8 with Kraft’s published criteria.” He added: “We think that Cadbury are holding plenty of cards, but will need to think hard about how they convince investors that their current robust progress is sustainable. We urge shareholders to sit tight and await events.”
Last month, Cadbury boasted a 7 per cent increase in third-quarter sales, up from 4 per cent in the first half.
Yesterday, Mr Carr said: “Cadbury is an exceptional standalone business. It has strong iconic brands, a sharp category focus and an enviable geographic scope. Our successful financial delivery and strong business model reinforce the board’s belief in both the strategy and prospects of Cadbury as an independent company.”
Bank bonanza: Advisers set for $75m in fees
*As Kraft’s takeover approach for Cadbury descends into a hostile scrap, the real winners so far look like the two companies’ investment banking advisers, who are set to share more than $75m in fees if the deal goes through.
The Cadbury defence team, comprising Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and UBS, will pick up an estimated $15.1m each, while Lazard, Citi and boutique adviser Centerview Partners, masterminding Kraft’s bid, are set to pocket $10.8m.
The estimated earnings was pulled together by Freeman, an M&A consultancy firm, and Thomson Reuters, which estimate advisory fees on mergers and acquisitions. Those advising Kraft are likely to see their fees soar in the event of successfully sealing the takeover. Similarly a successful defence could see Cadbury’s bankers boost their earnings.
This does not take into account the fees to the lawyers. Slaughter & May are acting as counsel to the target, while Kraft has called in Clifford Chance; Cravath, Swaine & Moore; Gibson Dunn & Crutcher and Arnold & Partner to advise. ……… Nick Clark
View full article here
Author: Ezine Article BoardThis author has published 5774 articles so far.


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Walkers’ Poppables launch in the UK
Walkers has announced the launch of its latest potato snack, Poppables. Available from the end of May in the UK, the light and airy snack is said to be flavoured inside and out for the ultimate taste experience. The product has already seen a successful launch in the US.
Kate Charman, brand manager at PepsiCo, comments, “We are seeing strong growth from the sharing segment and anticipate the launch of Poppables driving growth through a fun, new shaped snack, perfect for the ‘big night in’ occasion.
“With a strong performance already demonstrated in the US, we look forward to mirroring that success in the UK. We anticipate the brand engaging shoppers with its flavour-packed fun shape as we aim to drive additional traffic, and ultimately purchases, at the sharing fixture.”
Poppables is available in a variety of flavours including: Sweet Chilli, Cheddar Cheese and BBQ Ribs.
The full range is available as a 110g sharing bag and the Sweet Chilli variant can be purchased in a 60g pack and single-serve 25g format, perfect for consumers on the go.


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With commodity prices expected to remain depressed for the foreseeable future, mining companies need to get over the pricing shock and recognize they are part of a new norm, the era of lower-for-longer prices. Time to forget about the traditional supply and demand cycle and instead focus on a model that targets both global and local demand.
Eventually, the combination of supply tightness and the industry’s responses will drive demand back to level, balancing the economics of mining in the coming years. This is a long-term process, and companies will need to adapt to it.
"The drop in commodity prices has been a huge blow to our resource sector. It's weighted down the Canadian economy. Now, the issue is going to be the fact that industries need to adjust to the new reality."
Despite the long-term downturn, crude oil remains Canada’s largest export category. The US has been Canada’s main export destination for years, but finding alternative ways to grow the oil industry’s performance in the country might help offset the current low-price situation.
By reinforcing ongoing export pipelines and building more channels from east to west, Canada will be able to further expand into growing markets like Asia Pacific and the Atlantic, giving the country’s economy an opportunity to grow past the American market.
"...we really do need to diversify into the faster growing markets of Asia Pacific if we want to have a healthy oil industry and all the benefits that come from it for the Canadian economy."
"When the world economy is weak, it's really difficult for the Canadian economy to grow."
Since Canada’s economy represents only a small piece of a much bigger global pie, its development usually depends on what’s happening worldwide. Low commodity demand in Asia, Europe and the US impacts the Canadian resource sector directly, stalling economic growth.
Once the global economy catches up with the slowdown in the mining industry and this new demand-driven standards, prices will gradually begin to improve, bringing the Canadian economy along for the ride.
As the industry continues to suffer from low commodity prices and an unstable global market, mining companies are being forced to look for innovative ways to transform the way they do business and survive the extended economic downturn.


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GENEROUS Advertiser readers have shown they have hearts of gold after donating more than £1,000 worth of items to this year's tin appeal, making it the most successful yet.
Hampers provided by you, our readers, help people on tight budgets who would otherwise be unable to afford to celebrate the festive season.
Your kindness means that their limited funds go further so they have money available to give themselves and their families the sort of Christmas treats the rest of us take for granted.
Editor Gerry Sammon said: "We've been overwhelmed once again by the generosity of our readers who each year manage to make the Advertiser Tin Appeal even more successful than the last. We thank you all very much."
Community wardens were astonished when they arrived at The Advertiser office on Beswick precinct to pick up the groceries to be distributed to lonely pensioners, disabled people and needy families across north and east Manchester.
Their transit van was packed to capacity with bags full of cheer which are being handed out to people living in supported accommodation, sheltered housing schemes, refuges for women and children whose lives have been shattered by domestic violence and to others who too often go forgotten at Christmas time.
Janet McGlashin, the wardens supervisor, was delighted to be able to help with the distribution for the second year running.
She said: "The response has been bigger this year than before. We will have plenty of food to make up hampers that will go to those who need them most."
Trolley loads of tinned soup, vegetables, meat and fish as well as packets of biscuits, dried foods and festive treats have been piling up at Asda stores in Harpurhey and Eastlands where staff have been doing their bit for the 2004 Advertiser Tin Appeal.
The appeal was launched at the beginning of November to give customers at the two stores plenty of opportunity to drop in a tin while stocking up with their weekly groceries.
Chris Percival, events coordinator at Asda Eastlands, was delighted to have been able to help the campaign.
She said: "Although Asda Eastlands has helped the appeal in the past, this is the first time I've been involved in it from our end and I've been really impressed by the way customers have responsed. It's been great."


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Interoperability events allow participants the opportunity to test their products in a neutral and safe environment where companies come together to advance existing technology and achieve the rapid introduction of new services.
In this post, Robin Ku explores some of the synergies between the SNAPS projects and the Kyrio NFV Interop Lab.
Kyrio’s Mitch Ashley is sharing his top trends at CES 2018, which includes better user experiences, better IoT device security and more.
Kyrio is showing off its IoT reference platform at the OpenADR Alliance booth (#2453) at DistribuTECH 2018 from January 23 – 25, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas.
Kyrio’s team leads take a moment to give their 2018 predictions relating to B2C models, IoT security, Remote-PHY, 5G and more.
Kyrio is excited to announce that the company has added the octoScope octoBox personal testbed to its suite of testing services.


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Beckett Bronze manufactures bronze bearings, bronze bushings, and bronze bars. Custom made cast bronze bearings, bushings, and bars are made from over 50 alloys in our own foundry.
Copper prices swung between small gains and losses on Tuesday, with traders looking ahead to the next trade updates from the U.S. and China.
Copper for December delivery was recently up 0.1% at $2.8390 a pound on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange. Prices have rebounded lately after entering bear-market territory this summer, though they are still well below their June four-year highs amid worries that a tariff fight between the U.S. and China will weaken the global economy and limit consumption.
China is the world’s largest consumer of industrial metals broadly, accounting for about half of global copper demand.
Although the U.S. and China have laid out plans to end their tariff fight ahead of planned November meetings between leaders from both countries, the latest duties from both sides took effect on Monday.
China also canceled trade talks that were planned for this week.
Analysts are also keeping an eye on the dollar, which has fallen lately after hitting a 15-month high last month. A weaker dollar makes commodities cheaper for overseas buyers and has helped materials stabilize following punishing drops in the summer. The WSJ Dollar Index, which tracks the dollar against a basket of 16 other currencies, was down 0.1% Tuesday.
Among precious metals, gold for December delivery added 0.2% to $1,206.80 a troy ounce. Prices have fallen about 8% this year, hurt by the dollar’s stability and higher short-term Treasury yields that have made gold less attractive to some investors. Traders were looking ahead to Wednesday’s statement from the Federal Reserve for the latest reading on the central bank’s plan for interest-rate increases.
Elsewhere in precious metals, most-actively traded silver futures rose 1.1% to $14.495 a troy ounce. Platinum was down 0.3% at $827.30, while palladium climbed 0.6% to $1,058 in a 10th straight session of gains.
On the London Metal Exchange, aluminum for delivery in three months inched up 0.4% to $2,067.50 a metric ton. Zinc dropped 0.7% to $2,545.50, tin was down 0.1% at $18,900 and nickel edged up 0.2% to $12,975. Lead fell 0.4% to $2,035.
Over 100 Years Experience – Manufacturers of Bronze Bearings, Bushings, and Continuous Cast Bars Since 1913


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PayPal has bought digital money transfer provider Xoom for about US$890m. “Xoom is a leader in international remittances, enabling customers in the US to send money to, and pay bills for, family and friends around the world in a secure, fast and cost-effective way using their mobile phones, tablets or computers,” PayPal says.
- Dejamobile raises €2.5m to expand its technical and commercial teams
- Singapore banks begin rollout of NetsPay NFC and QR mobile wallet
- Apple Pay set to launch in Poland and the Netherlands?
- Eftpos brings Apple Pay debit payments to Australia with Rambus tokenization technology
- NFC mobile payments users triple in Poland in a year


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Rejoice, because Samsung has finally decided to roll out Android Nougat for the slightly old Galaxy A5 (2016) and Galaxy A7 (2016) now. The update began rolling out first in Russia but now it's also rolling out in India reportedly. Check out the firmware in our today's list of daily firmware updates. Also visit our firmware section which has hundreds of firmware for every Samsung smartphone and tablet released yet.
This update basically brings the A5 and A7 at par with the S7 series in terms of software because it's the same interface, albeit without a few of the extra bells and whistles that Samsung endowed its 2016 flagship smartphones with. The only thing is that there has been a gap of roughly three weeks since the Russian updates were first released and now; something that makes us wonder when will the other regions be receiving the same treatment.


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Fears are growing for the Chinese economy after the country's stock market suffered a flotation flop for the first time in seven years.
Chemical maker Luoyang Jianlong went public in Shanghai on Wednesday but shares closed 2.2pc lower than their listing price - making it the first firm to suffer a day-one drop on a mainland index since Haixin Foods plunged 8pc in October 2012.
It comes amid a burst of floats on the Shanghai Star Market - dubbed the Chinese answer to America's tech-focused Nasdaq - that have faded quickly.
The fall suggests that investors are losing their enthusiasm amid concerns about a slowdown in growth due to a trade war with President Donald Trump.
Jiang Liangqing, of Ruisen...
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Ghanaian born and raised Model, Setornam Nyendu also known as Bijoux Duchess on her social media profiles was one of the models chosen to model for Kim Kardashian’s shapewear line, SKIMS.
SKIMS is a solution-oriented underwear, loungewear, and shapewear brand that is developing the next generation of underwear, loungewear, and shapewear.
After spending most of her life in Ghana, Setornam moved to the US where her modeling career started. She has modelled for New York Fashion week and many other fashion shows.
She shared the news on her Twitter and Instagram handles saying:
” Who would have thought that little girl from Ketasco will be working with @KimKardashian for Skims. #Grateful.
Congratulations to Setornam!


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The Taxi of Tomorrow — the oblong Nissan minivan unveiled with great fanfare by the city this spring — is a few steps closer to becoming the Taxi of Today. And the public is being invited to take a peek.
A mock-up of the car’s proposed interior is on display through Saturday on the Madison Square pedestrian plaza at Broadway and 23rd Street. It includes only a bare-bones version of the eventual backseat; a true
prototype is not expected for several more months. But a visitor seeking a preview of the minivan that will soon usurp the Ford Crown Victoria as the iconic vehicle on New York’s streets will be greeted by
a bright 15-inch Taxi TV screen, bigger than the current model, and a Plexiglas moon roof.
The design of the taxicab — in reality, a spruced-up version of Nissan’s NV200, a commercial vehicle available in Europe — is still being worked on at the company’s design plant in San Diego, where engineers have been auditioning various honks for the cab’s “low-annoyance” horn and trying to pinpoint the perfect shade of yellow.
Also on the table: the number of air vents in the backseat; an anti-slick flooring treatment to avoid tumbling luggage; and the placement of the ballyhooed laptop chargers and USB ports. One idea is to put the chargers in the side doors so that riders will be less likely to forget their smartphones as they scramble out, said Joe Castelli, Nissan’s vice president of commercial vehicles and fleet.
Even the taxi’s exterior could be in for a tweak. Engineers are considering a new type of roof light, with more easily readable LCD displays, and branding options that would allow taxis to create a citywide campaign for major events, like the 2014 Super Bowl in New Jersey. The current taxi logo, a hodgepodge of font faces, is also being reconsidered, although officials say any changes would be a long way off.
On the color side, the aim is for a “fresher, brighter and lighter” yellow hue, according to François Farion, the Nissan design manager in charge of the project. He noted that metallic yellow paints can be more difficult for owners to repair (so think sunflower, not neon).
David S. Yassky, the chairman of the Taxi and Limousine Commission, has visited the San Diego plant to oversee the design process. He praised Mr. Farion’s work, noting that the city “insists on somebody with a sense of style commensurate with the New York City taxi.”
The mock-up on Madison Square is slightly narrower than the spacious Crown Vic, but city officials say the Nissan’s legroom will be more generous than its predecessor’s. The seats are outfitted with cushy headrests and a textured covering, and airplane-style reading lights are installed overhead.
Still, stylish amenities aside, the Nissan taxi has not been immune from the politics of the taxi trade.
The Bloomberg administration was sued earlier this year by a disability rights group that contends that the city’s tiny fraction of wheelchair-accessible taxicabs amounts to a violation of the American With Disabilities Act. Federal prosecutors have urged a judge to rule against the city.
The NV200, which could soon become the exclusive vehicle of the taxi fleet, is not wheelchair accessible, and a handful of activists protested on Monday beside the mock-up, arguing that the vehicle is discriminatory.
The city is “on the wrong side of the Justice Department and of history,” said Edith Prentiss, a disabled rights activist and chairwoman of the protesting group, the Taxis For All Campaign. Ms. Prentiss promised to return to the mock-up later in the week, “to show how the Nissan is inaccessible to wheelchair users and why that’s the wrong choice for New York City.”
The city, for its part, is working on an advanced telephone dispatch system that it says will greatly improve the ability to match disabled travelers with accessible cabs. And Nissan engineers promise that the NV200 is designed for an easy retrofit of wheelchair ramps and other accessibility tools.
The future of the NV200 could hinge on the ruling in the lawsuit, and whether the judge makes any references to the Taxi of Tomorrow contest. In the meantime, the city and Nissan say they are proud of their work so far — so much so that the Taxi of Tomorrow is now the centerpiece of an international marketing campaign for the NV200.
“It if it can make it in New York,” reads a Nissan ad slated for the Asian market, “it can make it anywhere.”
Our transit reporter, Michael M. Grynbaum, advises you on the latest chatter from the city’s roads and rails. Check back every Monday. Got a tip? He can be reached at OffTheRails@nytimes.com.


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Groceries were stolen Sept. 29 from Super Valu Foods, says Nanton RCMP.
The suspects, two Caucasian males, left the store at about 4:15 p.m. without paying for two baskets of food, police said last week.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
One suspect was wearing a dark-coloured jacket with a red Calgary Flames hoodie underneath, blue pants and a light-coloured ball cap, and the second was wearing a dark-coloured hoodie and grey pants.
After leaving the store, the suspects drove off in a white two-door Ford F-150, said RCMP.
Anyone who can identify the suspects or provide any further information is asked to phone the Nanton RCMP at 403-646-5722.


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What price do we pay for social media? This week, Gizmodo, a popular design and information technology blog, claimed that former Facebook contractors told them Facebook routinely suppressed news stories of interest to conservatives and "injected" news stories that were not trending at all.
Facebook claims to be a neutral space, where trending topics and news are determined by algorithms. Such a reassuring word, algorithm, with all its connotations of mathematical and scientific objectivity. Except that algorithms are designed by people, and in Facebook’s case the people employed by them appear to have predictable world views – allegedly left-leaning but also completely tied to producing company profits.
Facebook says it investigated Gizmodo’s claims of bias and found them to be false. The company claims it merely reflects trends, and analyses them in order to sell advertising. But most people have only the faintest glimmer of how relentlessly Facebook analyses their preferences in order to maximise its revenue.
And what revenue! In the first quarter this year it tripled its net income to $1.5 billion (€1.33 billion). Some 1.65 billion people use it on a monthly basis.
Think about that level of influence. Facebook has an overview of all the connections that a Facebook user has, so if someone likes or shares particular material that material is bumped up on the news feeds of all the people connected to that user. This produces an echo chamber where people are less and less exposed to contrary ideas and therefore may begin to believe that all reasonable people share the same views.
Liberal world view
This seems to be the opposite problem from what Gizmodo’s sources claimed – that people are being actively steered away from conservative issues. Because if the echo-chamber theory is the problem, Facebook would be as likely to be reinforcing conservative views as the opposite.
Except that this would ignore the fact that the majority of Facebook users are likely to be young, and the young generally have a liberal view of the world. So do many of the people who are employed by Facebook.
It also ignores the fact that Facebook promotes certain viewpoints, such as taking a stance on last year’s same-sex marriage referendum by hosting events for employees and for others involved in the technology industry.
This giant company is now the major source of news for many people. According to Gizmodo, an estimated 600 million people see a news story on Facebook every week, and Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's chairman and chief executive, has said that he wants it to be "the primary news experience that people have".
In Ireland we have quite a narrow spectrum of editorial viewpoints in our news media. But at least you can compare how one radio station covered a story with how another one covered it.
How, though, do you compare my personalised news feed with your personalised news feed, and to what can we compare the impact of Facebook? It is the biggest player by far in social media.
Humans are social animals who like to fit in. Given that Zuckerberg said recently that the average person spends 50 minutes a day online using Facebook and its other platforms, such as Instagram and Messenger, this means people are being subjected to powerful influences for a significant chunk of the day.
Perhaps the main message that Facebook reinforces is consumerism. After all, in order to keep on generating its mind-boggling profits, it has to continue to sell advertising tailored to each user. But the key message of advertising is simple: you are lacking something and we have a product or service to fill that gap. When the product or service predictably fails to satisfy, we can point you to another product to give a quick fix.
Our entire capitalist economic system is built on selling people things that they often don’t really need, to fix problems that cannot be solved by possessions.
It’s a model that fails to recognise the limits of natural resources, or that many of the products we buy are produced by people living in the developing world where working conditions are often dire.
Zuckerberg may hold liberal views on some issues, but in order to continue generating profit he has to reinforce the central gospel of consumerism.
So while his employees may fret, as they did recently, about whether they had a moral obligation to try to stop Donald Trump being elected president, in fact they are part of the ugly culture that spawned Trump.
In the Trump world view, everything is subjugated to the need to generate profit and power. Success is measured in visibility, influence and wealth, not in consistency, courtesy or kindness.
Whether it be insecure teenagers editing their image to gain maximum numbers of “likes”, or adults unconsciously consuming news that has been tailored to reinforce their prejudices, it all stems from worship of the mighty dollar.
After all, when a service is free, remember something is still being sold, and in this case, it is you. That’s the Facebook world view: our primary value is as beings who buy and who, in turn, are sold.


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Ottawa-based Shopify has launched a new mobile app this morning, called Sello. As the name and the company’s heritage would imply, the app allows consumers to sell stuff. It’s the how and why that differentiates Sello from Shopify’s core product.
For Sello, Shopify has ditched the shopping cart in favour of social media.
For Sello, Shopify has ditched the shopping cart in favour of social media, allowing anyone to snap a pic of their item, and push a sales link to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and several other social media channels.
“Ecommerce is still out of the hands of too many people. Sello removes those barriers, helping people focus on ideas they believe in,” said Shopify Product Manager Chris Lobay. “We’re giving them a simple, fast, and approachable way to sell for the first time.”
Shopify’s supposition is that the common consumer folk who might never have need of a full Shopify store would take advantage of a simplified mobile app to hawk their wares. It also may be an excellent lead gen tool to onboard entrepreneurs onto the company’s more robust ecommerce options after getting a taste (Shopify is producing tutorials to teach neophytes how to sell). Smartly, Sello doesn’t take any transaction or listing fees (although processing fees from payment providers will still apply), further lowering the barrier of entry.
“We assume there are going to be people who are selling very occasionally, like used goods or collections or whatever. But I think we’re putting [Sello] into the hands of people who are aspiring entrepreneurs,” Lobay told VentureBeat.


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Samsung Galaxy Note III Could Usher-In Unbreakable Display Tech
Upcoming Samsung smartphones can never seem to shake rumors that they could be the models to premiere some of Samsung’s flexible display technology. Samsung’s been previewing its work on such flexible OLED components at trade shows over the years, and everyone’s been wondering when the company will get around to finally commercializing them. One idea has been that Samsung would start small, and rather than introducing a full-on bendable phone, might market such display panels as being “unbreakable.” That popped-up early on in the rumors for the Galaxy S 4, but didn’t come to pass. The very same notion is back on the table now, this time attached to the Galaxy Note III.
We’ve already heard that the Note III could be the largest model in the series to date, measuring-in at 5.9 inches and moving up to a full 1080p resolution. Honestly, that has us a little wary of these claims, as trying do a big, 1080p display while also trying out this new fabrication technique to make indestructible screens sounds like putting too many eggs in one basket; might it not be more likely for Samsung to try out this flexible tech on a screen it’s more comfortable making – maybe something phone-sized and lower-res?


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Richard Liu Qiangdong made an appearance in this year’s World Economic Forum, which was held in Davos, Switzerland. The celebrated Founder and Chief Executive Officer of JD.com spoke to high profile gatherings of fellow prominent business personalities and media houses from across the world. In all his speeches and interviews, Richard Liu explained his grand plans to take JD.com to the next business level in the coming days. Currently, JD.com is one of the leading e-commerce retailers in China.
In one occasion, Richard Liu Qiangdong addressed a gathering of 50 prominent businessmen and women at a lunch event. Among those in attendance included the Chief Executive Officer of Adidas Group, Kasper Rorsted and the chief of Walmart in the United States, Greg Foran. Speaking in his refined English, he informed the gathering of his plans to expand JD’s coverage of the European market. Richard Liu Qiangdong confirmed that plans are in top gear to secure partnerships with leading European retailers. Through the partnerships, JD will grant leading European brands access to its online platform and logistics network. In return, JD will have access to the markets in which the partners operate.
According to Liu Qiangdong, JD will introduce superior European brands into the Chinese market through its cutting-edge online platform. At the same time, the company will market leading Chinese brands into the European markets. This way, customers will afford the comfort of buying products of their choice without necessary traveling out of their country. Liu expressed his confidence that JD.com will bring a revolution in e-commerce within the next ten years.
In a separate event at Davos, Richard Liu Qiangdong disclosed to CBNC JD.com is planning to take its logistics business public. He also said that the company is considering a dual listing. Dual listing happens when a company trades its shares in multiple stock exchange markets. According to Liu, the move will give investors an upper hand regarding flexibility and increase the liquidity of the stocks. View More Information Here.
Even though the CEO did not state the exact time when the listing will take place, he hinted at the possibility of the initial public offer happening by the end of the year. Additionally, Richard Liu confirmed that the listing of the logistics business, which is currently owned by JD International Ltd, will take place in either mainland China or Hong Kong.
Learn more about Qiangdong on https://www.sentaclinic.com/dr-richard-liu/


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With the growing concept of the green building movement all over the world, even greener places are going green by constructing GREEN APARTMENT. And in this list, Pacific star homes is the first developer who has taken an initiative to construct innovative residential property for sale in Moradabad.
Living in this green apartment can have many additional benefits that can bring positive impact on the environment and as well as on the economy. Further, the concept also helps in improving the health and lifestyle.
With its visionary approach, the company has used the right construction material in all its construction that could impact the environment and the economy of the country. Since its inception, Pacific star homes have crafted world-class 2 /3 bhk flats for sale in Moradabad that is fully equipped with all ultra-modern amenities.
The green concept can affect the economy in three most important ways:
Improving the condition global economy– many nations all over the world have now understood the benefit of protecting the environment for the betterment of mankind. Thus this concept of going green also helps in improving the standard of the global economy.
Creating more jobs – Since this is a new concept, so it attracts numerous business opportunities and thus helps in increasing qualified professionals to work on clean energy production. Now a day this green concept is very necessary and is more in demand.
Minimizing cost of production and consumption – since going green has become more widely accepted and adopted method by many businesses. It also helps in reducing the cost of production, thus the user also gets more green goods and services at lower cost. And this way more consumers can make green purchases even in a struggling economy.


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GENEVA, Switzerland – September 14, 2018 – Temenos (SIX: TEMN), the banking software company, today announces that this year’s Innovation Jam winner SONECT is now live on Temenos MarketPlace, Temenos’ platform for connecting banks and fintech companies.
Swiss-based SONECT, which won the public vote at the Innovation Jam Final, offers a location-based matchmaking platform, connecting those who need to withdraw cash with those who want to deposit it. By democratizing cash distribution, SONECT is providing convenience to consumers, more footfall for retailers and saving banks millions of dollars in ATM operating costs.
The solution has now been integrated with the Temenos solutions and is live on MarketPlace. Practically, this means that for any Temenos customer wishing to deploy SONECT or any other MarketPlace provider, the significant challenges around procurement and integration have been greatly simplified, speeding up time to value from years to weeks.
Sandipan Chakraborty, Founder & CEO, SONECT, added:
“What UBER is to Taxis, AirBnB is to Hotels, SONECT is for ATMs. SONECT democratizes the ATM industry by enabling any shop in the neighborhood or any human being to act as a ‘virtual ATM’. In essence, we connect people who have cash with people who need cash, saving the banking industry billions of dollars of cash distribution costs in the process. We were delighted to have won the Innovation Jam and now to be live on Temenos MarketPlace, where we hope to create significant value for the Temenos community.”
Ben Robinson, Chief Strategy Officer at Temenos and Head of MarketPlace, said:
“The aim of the Innovation Jam competition is to help us to discover the best fintech solutions from around the world. But, since the competition captures the imagination of our customers, it is also a great lead-generating tool. SONECT joins the MarketPlace having already generated significant interest and we expect fast take-up as banks seek to capitalize on the latest fintech innovation to stay ahead of their peers.”


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Virgin Media O2 has urged the government to reduce VAT on social broadband and mobile tariffs from 20% to 5% to help consumers cope with the cost-of-living crisis.
The company said it was committed to helping its customers as much as possible, citing its creation of a national databank and plans to expand the eligibility criteria for its social tariffs which are usually available to those in receipt of universal credit.
However chief executive Lutz Schüler said there was more that could be done and echoed consumer watchdog Which?’s call for VAT to be reduced to the same amount levied on other utilities like gas and electricity. This could save households an average of £120 a year.
“By cutting VAT on social tariffs to 5%, as Which? has been calling for, Government could put more money back into the pockets of those struggling most in a targeted way,” he said. “We would pass on any social tariff VAT cut in full and urge the next PM to review this as a priority.”
Which?’s analysis of Ofcom data found that 5.7 million households, or a fifth of all homes in the UK, experienced at least one affordability issue during April 2022. Meanwhile the number of households that experience multiple affordability issues increased by 56% from February 2022.
However, it said the fact that many people were willing to cut back on other areas rather than lose their broadband or mobile connection highlights the fact that connectivity is now essential to everyday life and that taxation should reflect that.
Schüler added that Virgin Media O2 would introduce a new government tool that automatically assesses social broadband eligibility
“This was very welcome news and something we’ve long called for,” he said. “We’re committed to using this API as soon as possible, with work already underway to implement it, and we will also expand our eligibility criteria to include a wider range of benefits so even more people can access our social tariff.”
Several other major broadband providers offer social tariffs and many mobile operators have donated free data to the national databank or provided free SIM cards to those most in need.
- Here are the best broadband deals
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Steve McCaskill is TechRadar Pro's resident mobile industry expert, covering all aspects of the UK and global news, from operators to service providers and everything in between. He is a former editor of Silicon UK and journalist with over a decade's experience in the technology industry, writing about technology, in particular, telecoms, mobile and sports tech, sports, video games and media.


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California regulators have fined Uber more than US$7.3 million after the company failed to hand over data related to Uber's operations under an agreement between the state and the company.
Uber has reached a confidential settlement with the family of a girl who was hit and killed by an Uber driver.
Windows Phone isn't going away.
A networking protocol that could be whizzing around your home's airspace in a few years came one step closer to reality on Tuesday.
Smartwatch maker Pebble will start manufacturing its new Pebble Time Steel this week and begin shipping the device at the end of this month.
Apple sells about 20 percent of the world's smartphones and makes 92 percent of the industry's profit, a staggering imbalance that reflects the premium prices Cupertino can ask for its phones compared to competitors like HTC and Samsung.
Privacy concerns might throw a wrench into companies' plans to make Internet-connected devices mainstream fixtures in the home.
The FCC's radiation standards for your smartphone date back to the 1990s. But that's OK. You use a belt clip, don't you?
Microsoft is letting developers create apps for its Band fitness tracker that convey information pulled from RSS feeds and display it on the device's screen.
Google Glass appears to be on its way back, and it's heading straight for the workplace with a bigger, faster design.
A few well-regarded flagship devices, a focused core experience, a vibrant app ecosystem, and a belief in the quality of its own products: Apple lives and breathes these things, and has achieved massive profitability in the phone space as a result. A...
Microsoft today wrote off billions of dollars related to its Nokia acquisition, saying it's taking an "impairment charge" of US$7.6 billion, or nearly the full amount it paid for the Finnish firm's smartphone business and patents last year.
Microsoft is scaling down its mobile phone activities, writing off the entire value of the former Nokia smartphone business it bought last year and laying off almost one-third of that business' staff.
Microsoft plans a new round of layoffs that could affect its hardware and smartphones businesses, besides other parts of the company, according to a newspaper report.
A federal court in Texas has ordered a new trial on damages in a patent infringement dispute between Apple and Smartflash that could modify an earlier US$533 million damages award to the patent-licensing company.
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Apple Watch will usher in 'reimagining' of content marketing, say agencies
Apple's highly anticipated smart watch range was finally unveiled last night, with prices ranging from $349 (£299) to $17,000 (£13,500), depending on the metals they are made from and the straps they are bought with.
The watches, which will go on sale on 24 April, boast features including longer battery life for the larger models, and incorporate Apple Pay – opening up contactless mobile payments for the watches.
BMW and Facebook have already produced apps for the Apple Watch, and The Drum spoke to mobile experts to decipher what other opportunities the new products could raise for marketers.
Meanwhile some have urged marketers to be cautious when it comes to the kinds of experiences they should look to create on the watches, so as to ensure they don't risk alienating consumers.
James Chandler, global mobile director, Mindshare
The Apple Watch demos clearly showed that content has to be reimagined for the device – repurposed experiences from desktop and iPhone simply won’t work. Not only is the visual real estate smaller but the unique features of the Watch are a treasure trove for developers to explore and make more meaningful, personal connections with Apple Watch users.
Its launch will undoubtedly accelerate smartwatch take up, similar to iPad (50%+), although, they really defined the tablet category with iPad whereas the smartwatch category is already cluttered. Regardless, if you have an Apple ecosystem (TV, iPhone, Mac, iPad) this is an extension of that - and even more so where you start to link to HomeKit and CarPlay - opportunities are amazing.
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The real plus is that content, marketing, experience (whatever we want to call it) has to be completely reimagined for Watch. Brands will need to think about frequency too - there's a scenario where the Watch becomes like a notifications hell - would liken it to the Minority Report scene when Tom Cruise has the Japanese guys eyes is walking down the street getting 'shouted at' by hundreds of brands. Intimate, context-aware and meaningful communication makes sense - but there's no playbook or guidelines for wearables yet - which I think is the most exciting bit.
Illico Elia, head of mobile, DigitasLbi
Apple is expected sell between 15 and 20 million watches by the end of the year, significantly more than the 6.8 million smart watches sold in total last year. We anticipate competing products, especially those undercutting Apple on price, to sell in considerably larger volumes than in 2014, with the market as a whole reaching 30 and 35 million units.
This changes the market dynamics for smart watch apps and service, we are already seeing a lot of interest in this space, primarily a consequence of the Apple halo, but it is important to retain an appreciation that developments in 2015 should be driven by a desire to experiment, build positive perception, and be a first mover in this space, rather than being primarily about direct return on interest.
Apple Pay on the Apple Watch is chiefly about replacing the credit card in physical point of sale transaction. Just as with contactless credit and debit cards this requires both awareness, infrastructure implementation, and consumer behaviour change. In the UK, the last of these, outside an early adopter minority, will be the most significant barrier.
The key question is around speed and convenience. Previous mobile payment services have found, once past the initial honeymoon period, that it is very difficult to beat the utility of a physical wallet and card combination.
The Apple Watch will offer a small time-saving by being ever present on the wrist, compared to a few-seconds-away wallet in the pocket, but will face other hurdles such as hardware limitations, a lack of retail awareness and training, and the contortions that may be required to get a watch in close range of the payment terminal in some circumstances. It will only take a couple of failures for a consumer to switch back to tried and tested payment methods.
Ben Phillips, global head of mobile, MediaCom Worldwide
Apple helped define the mobile market when it launched iPhone and is set to repeat this with the Watch.
As the “invisible exhibitor” at CES & MWC this year, comparisons made against the Apple benchmark where inevitable. Watch will also create consumer focus around wearable’s, payment, proximity, design and UI creative, these are all reasons for advertisers to be excited.
Today’s winners in mobile are thinking “Mobile Creative First” and the Watch offers a new canvas for consumer engagement. Using the mobile phone as the generic UI, advertisers will be able to link powerful consumer data between a physically tethered device and the traditional handset.
When consumers invest in a device, they want to maximize the features it provides. There is no silver bullet in mobile payments; to be successful you need reach and adoption from consumer and advertiser.
Mobile payments via Apple Pay will become a natural progression as retailers begin to support the technology. The proof is in the pudding of course, but expect to see a number of advertisers building dedicated Watch/iPhone combinations to sustain the appetite of the connected consumer.
Ross Sleight, chief strategy officer, Somo
Apple’s winning formula is taking an existing technology, making it beautiful and user friendly, and opening the door for mass adoption by showcasing compelling use cases. The Cupertino gang has done it once again with the Apple Watch, showing sexy demos like the ability to check-in and unlock your door at the W without even stopping by the desk or taking out your phone.
Apple Pay integration will be a step ahead for mobile payments, however the technology isn’t necessarily much more advanced than standard contactless payments that some retailers, such as Starbucks, already accept. Additionally, as Apple Pay is still only available in the US (albeit to an extensive list of retailers now), we still have time to see the impact of an international rollout.
What will make Apple Watch really take off is the way it brilliantly packages the best functionality of all personal devices together. From fitness to phone calls to one-touch, hands-free payment through Apple Pay, the watch is about to take centrre stage in day-to-day life. Starting at $349, the Apple Watch won’t be within reach for many consumers around the world, but then again neither was the iPhone. Originally debuting at $499, an amazing 700 million iPhone devices have now been sold. It’s only a matter of time until Apple Watches are as ubiquitous as iPhones.
Mass adoption of the Apple Watch will be particularly interesting for advertisers as it is the most personal device ever. In the words of Tim Cook, “it’s not with you, it’s on you.” This allows marketers to capture increasing amounts of data on customers and target them with contextually relevant messages like never before. However, marketers should proceed with caution in considering the Apple Watch just another ad platform. We have to rethink how marketers communicate in a useful and utility-focused way through the device rather than interruptive advertising.
The Apple Watch will have its own app store, so brands need to start thinking about smartwatch strategies now. At launch, major players from Facebook to Uber already have apps available so it’s only a matter of time before consumers will expect to receive adaptations of the content they receive through smartphone apps.
Julian Smith, head of strategy and innovation, Fetch
The launch of the Apple Watch is sure to help shine a spotlight on the growing connected wristwear market. The media buzz that this launch inevitably garners will help to bring the smartwatch category to the attention of the technology laggards out there, much more so that all the previous smartwatch launches (from the likes of Samsung, Motorola or LG) have managed to do.
It is, however, only likely to be seriously considered for purchase by a few early adopter Apple lovers, given its expected high price tag and unestablished consumer demand. From a brand opportunity perspective, my recommendation would be not to get too carried away with the hype for the time being.
The primary marketing communication opportunity on all smartwatches will be push notifications. And in order to deliver those efficiently and effectively marketers need to have fine-tuned their app CRM strategy for smartphones before worrying about smartwatches.
Alistair Dent, head of product, iProspect
With their premium pricing, Apple have moved the perception of smartwatches from gimmick to luxury product. With pricing more akin to a smartphone or fashion watch than an accessory, they are lending an air of legitimacy to smartwatches. Although the features are similar to Android watches and the platform integration is weaker, you can be sure the build quality and third party support will be stronger.
A fractured landscape makes mobile payments a tougher play for Apple. The banks’ own system Softcard failed miserably, and Google’s Wallet product has never made it beyond the US. With the marketing savvy of Apple, consumers in the UK can hopefully expect enough retailer and bank interest to help move mobile payments across the Atlantic.
The opportunity for app developers to make their notifications and simple actions even more streamlined should help the best brands leverage this new marketing and UX.
JR Little, global head of innovation, Carat
The watch will kick-start a new era for app developers – some good and some bad. Usefulness is key. If the developer and app is trying to sabotage a screen with advertising, it will not work, it will only annoy users. If the developer and app serves an unmet need and delights the consumer, it will will thrive.
However, Apple will suddenly have access to a lot more data. The new watch will provide Apple with a wealth of data about health, movements, interactions, purchases, and more. This, more than the sale of metal wrist straps, is highly valuable. Advertisers will want access to that data. Advertisers and media companies need to think beyond traditional definitions of advertising and be useful. Make something that consumers want and slip in the advertiser name in a subtle manner.
The Apple Watch will expedite the shift to mobile payment.Contactless has spoiled consumers, it’s only a matter of time till consumers want to carry even fewer items and save even more time. Why pull out a wallet and card to tap, when the watch is faster and more secure?
Lawrence Weber, managing partner innovation, Karmarama
If Apple convince people who don't wear watches to wear watches, they are going to do it in two ways:
1) By allowing consumers and brands to explore the powers of the Digital
Touch in creative ways
2) By making the watch a piece of aesthetic utility that makes our lives
The watch is too small for traditional content to be hugely successful, beyond tease content, and notifications too intrusive for brand advertising however well targeted.
The winning brands and agencies will those that can develop user experiences with longevity and utility, once the initial spate of PR led one-offs have faded. The watch is an even more personal device than the phone, so it feels like a medium for relationship building not interruption.
Paul Bennun, chief creative officer, Somethin Else
This isn’t a venue for content marketing in the sense most agencies use the word — although it most certainly is a place where brand promises can be delivered, and content can be a part of that. When Tim Cook says it’s the most personal device Apple have ever made, he’s right.
Every pixel, every interaction, has to be entirely solicited by the user and provide value to the watch owner; absolutely everything that is not utterly user-focussed and economical, designed with the same precision and design as the watch itself, will be viewed with anger and disgust by the user. Even if brands could push random content to the device — which they can’t — they shouldn’t. If you want to be on that phone, you have to deserve to be there.


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Witness the power of Facebook's ever-growing bankroll. Oculus has acquired Israeli computer vision experts Pebbles Interfaces, a company that specializes in hand-tracking technology. Here's a handy demo:
Oculus says Pebbles has spent the last five years developing custom optics, sensors, and software to track hand motion—all of which seems like a natural fit for Oculus' growing vision and motion tracking technology portfolio, which already includes acquisitions like Nimble VR and Surreal Vision.
The company thinks the acquisition will "help advance virtual reality, tracking, and human-computer interactions." Figuring out how to let users interact with VR is still an open problem. Oculus showed off prototypes of its Touch controller technology in June, but a solution like Pebbles' could allow users to manipulate their surroundings without hand-held controllers.
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A week after New York began with an initial reopening, New Jersey on Monday enters phase two of Gov. Phil Murphy’s reopening road map, opening up outdoor dining, in-person retail and child care services with restrictions in place to reduce the risk of the spread of the coronavirus.
New Jersey now has one of the nation’s lowest transmission rates as well as one of its most robust testing programs, according to Murphy. More than one million coronavirus tests have been administered in New Jersey in just over 100 days.
“Over the past several weeks we’ve been able to take our first steps on our road back because we stayed true to our guiding principles: Public health creates economic health. Data determines dates,” Murphy said.
Meanwhile, Asbury Park backed off Friday on its plans to offer indoor dining beginning Monday, in defiance of a state order.
Asbury Park’s council had authorized restaurants to offer indoor dining with restrictions beginning Monday, violating Murphy’s executive order. After the state sued on Friday and a judge issued an order temporarily blocking the town’s attempt, Mayor John Moor and the council released a statement Friday evening recommending that restaurants not serve diners indoors.
“We are advising Asbury Park businesses not to open indoors as we had announced earlier this week, as opening indoors would violate the court order and could jeopardize your business’s liquor licenses” and subject businesses to fines and other penalties, the statement said.
As part of the second phase of the state’s efforts to reopen its economy, Murphy has authorized outdoor dining and nonessential retail but hasn’t authorized indoor dining. Murphy said Friday he would crack down on businesses that weren’t in compliance.
“We have one set of rules and they are based on one principle, and that is ensuring public health,” he said.
Murphy has not indicated when restaurants will be able to reopen for indoor seating, aside from saying he hoped it would be “sooner rather than later.”
Business owners and town leaders have chafed at being forced to remain closed as the pandemic gradually subsides in New Jersey. Last month, health officials closed a southern New Jersey gym that had received several summonses after a highly publicized reopening in defiance of a state order.
Also on Friday, Murphy announced summer schools can begin in-person classes on July 6 if they adhere to safety protocols including social distancing, temperature checks and staggering pickup and drop-off times.
Personal care services can reopen on June 22, as can pools and outdoor, non-contact organized sports.


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American financial firm Square recently created controversy by buying $ 50 million worth of Bitcoin. Many analysts commented on Bitcoin, whose price rose after Square’s move. The discussion that took place between Peter Schiff and Willy Woo on Twitter came to the fore.
Famous Europac CEO Peter Schiff, known as a gold investor, made a controversial comment after he learned that the financial firm Square bought $ 50 million worth of Bitcoin. His comment on Twitter drew many reactions. Among those who reacted is famous analyst Willy Woo.
Peter Schiff said in his tweet of October 8, 2020:
“Bitcoin has increased 4% following the news that Square has invested $ 50 million (1% of total assets) in #Bitcoin. But this purchase had already taken place. Speculators believe the announcement will attract new buyers. The real news is that Square’s purchase cannot push Bitcoin above 2019’s highs. ”
Reactions to Schiff, who argued that there was speculation on the bitcoin price, were quick. Willy Woo replied to Schiff on October 9:
“The real news is that Bitcoin swallows Square’s $ 50 million worth of Bitcoin purchases without even affecting the price, thanks to its high liquidity. The same can be said for MicroStrategy’s $ 425 million acquisition. ”
Bitcoin is more liquid than gold, according to Woo
Willy Woo went on to explain that the liquidity that Bitcoin has is already sufficient for incoming purchases. Woo reported that Bitcoin is trading at a similar volume with LBMA, one of the largest gold markets. According to him, BTC performs much better per dollar invested and is more liquid than gold. Finally, Woo said in his tweet:
“A $ 50 million buy-and-hold move to be seen in Bitcoin could raise the organic valuation price of BTC by roughly $ 50.”
Peter Schiff has not yet responded to Woo’s comments.


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- WHITE PAPERS
LONDON -- After Pizza Express warned on June 24 that comparable store sales for the second half of 2002 likely will decline 1 percent, the stock's value dropped 16.3 percent. Shares closed trading at 513 pence each (about U.S. $7.72).
The drop in store sales is the company's first since it went public in 1993.
Multiple news reports cited Pizza Express chief executive David Page's claim that the ongoing international economic slump has claimed the jobs of many media and financial workers who are among the company's key target customers.
Additionally, the BBC reported that supermarket sales of Pizza Express' frozen pizza -- though three times greater than expected -- also are draining restaurant sales. Supermarket exit poles revealed that more than 20 percent of the frozen pizza buyers say they otherwise would have bought the same pizza at a Pizza Express store.
According to Reuters, some analysts fear Pizza Express is facing other problems, such as market saturation, tough competition and the need to update its menu. Since last September's terrorist attacks on the U.S. sent London's tourist industry into a tailspin, stores based in the city have struggled, while the company's suburban stores have fared positively.
Page did announce that Pizza Express is completing new marketing deals with other major food retailers and rolling out new pizzas, such as the Parmense (topped with Parma ham and asparagus).
Page did not rule out widely reported speculation that the company will return as much as £120 million (U.S. $180 million) to shareholders through either a share buyback or special dividend. A decision either way, he added, won't be made soon.
Topics: Public Companies


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Under-display cameras were on the plans of phone manufacturers for years, but now it finally becomes a reality. The widely spread notch has annoyed a lot of people, as surely our lives will improve dramatically without it. Not being able to see a photo or video on the entire screen of a phone is heartbreaking for many.
But ZTE comes to save the day, another Chinese brand that wants to impress the smartphone world with its achievements. Huawei, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and others will surely have tough competition, considering that the first smartphone with an under-display camera will most likely be selling like hot cakes.
Behold the ZTE Axon 20 5G
ZTE introduced its Axon 20 5G model on September 1st, being the first phone packed with an under-display front camera. Speaking of the display, this phone’s screen is huge, measuring 6.92-inch. It’s of OLED type, and it features FHD+ resolution and a refresh rate of 90Hz. If you buy the phone, you’ll get plenty of exciting stuff showcasing themselves on the display. The gadget is equipped with a quad-camera array that features a 64MP primary shooter. There’s an 8MP ultrawide sensor and two smaller 2MP sensors for depth data and macro shots.
ZTE Axon 20 5G runs on Android 10, and it’s powered by the Snapdragon 765G processor. The phone is available in two versions of RAM and storage: 6GB for the 128GB version, and 8GB for the 256GB variant. The 4,220 mAh battery with 30W fast charging is also worth mentioning, as it’s higher than plenty of other smartphones available on the market.
The presence of punch holes, pop-ups, and flipping workarounds were also not considered worthy alternatives for the notch. The under-display front camera is the technology of the future, and we can expect many more companies to implement it as well.


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Motorcycle News - Honda Neo Sports Cafe CB1000R – Ride Review
In the world of modern-retro motorcycles, there’s a new player who is somewhat of a black sheep. That’s mainly due to the fact that this motorcycle isn’t as “retro” looking as it’s brethren. To get around the issue its manufacturer (Honda) has created a new category of motorcycle which they’ve coined ‘Neo Sports’. The bike in question is the Honda CB1000R Neo Sports Cafe and thanks to that one word tacked onto the end of its title I had to give one a go.
via Return of the Cafe Racers http://bit.ly/2TaWClU
January 11, 2019 at 05:42PM


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Who could have imagined that virtual reality was going to take the music industry by storm! Now, Vr in online gaming and entertainment is a relatively new concept but the tech evolution keeps redefining what we know as the norm. You now don’t need to physically attend your favourite music concert! With a VR headset, you can tune in and immerse
Many artists have kicked off 2021 in style, with virtual performances and livestreams in place of real-life events due to Covid-19. Just because we all had to go virtual for our NYE celebrations this year, doesn't mean it was any less epic and Jean-Michel Jarre proved this. In what was one of the most impressive selections of the New Year's Eve shows for
French electronic musician Jean-Michel Jarre will perform live in 'Alone Together'. 'Alone Together' is anticipated as a virtual live 2D and 3D performance broadcast across digital platforms. The unique performance, imagined and composed by Jarre in accordance with VrROOM, a social virtual reality world, will feature Jarre as a virtual avatar in a custom made virtual world where the audience can
Live concerts that aren't in person, but rather online, are catching heat and trending pretty quickly in today's ever-changing music world. They're a great way to ensure that anyone around the world can see a performance put on by their favourite artist for free and it also shows how fast technology is evolving and giving many more opportunities to artists.


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Samsung has unveiled a major new ad campaign to launch its latest smartphone models, the Galaxy S23 series. Focusing on the enhanced capabilities of the phone’s camera, the most powerful ever seen in a Samsung phone, the campaign puts social sharing front-and-centre with its memorable catchphrase “Can you send me that?”
New Digital Age chatted recently with Annika Bizon, Marketing and Omnichannel Director at Samsung Electronics UK, to discuss the launch in more detail.
Are you excited about the launch of the S23?
Absolutely, this is an exciting moment for our business. It’s our first major launch since the pandemic that all our contact centres and retail outlets have been open as usual . During the lockdowns, of course, smartphones became more integral to all our lives. These new models have been designed around contemporary customer expectations of a smartphone, both at work and play.
We know what our customers crave – more storage, ground-breaking camera technology and an intuitive, seamless experience – and the new Galaxy S23 series undoubtedly delivers. It’s our most advanced mobile technology to date.
The TV campaign focuses heavily on the capabilities of the phone’s camera. Why did you decide to do that?
The S23 Ultra offers Samsung Galaxy’s most advanced camera system, tailored for nearly any lighting conditions, meaning anyone can capture a great shot whether they are filming a song at a concert or taking a group shot of friends at dinner.
With this launch, we were keen to highlight not just what features our devices have, but what they can empower users to achieve. For example, every group of friends has an unofficial photographer who is always the one to record key moments. With our new camera capabilities, the Galaxy S23 Series will offer our customers more social currency, as owners can expect to be asked ‘Can you send me that?’ on a regular basis when it comes to the photos they capture.
We also have a big partnership with ITV coming up on Saturday nights that will see Fleur East and Olly Murs being set live challenges around London that demonstrate what the S23 series can do in a fun and playful way.
Gaming seems to be another big focus area of the launch campaign. Why is that?
We’re really proud of our Qualcomm processor, which really leans into gaming. With the S23 series, we can credibly talk to gamers and say this is one of the fastest processors around, and lean into partnerships with platforms like Twitch and gaming influencers, which is something we haven’t done much of before.
The gaming community is actually a collection of many different micro-communities, each with their own habits and behaviours, none more so than the mobile gaming community. By doubling down on our work with influencers and brand ambassadors, we can start to build an authentic narrative with those communities.


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Last month, I attended NAHB’s midyear meeting in Miami and had the pleasure of sitting in on a presentation by Daniel Swift, president and CEO of Des Moines-based architecture group BSB Design.
Industry Data & Research
Industry data and research for professional home builders and remodelers.
But while those numbers indicate a drop from 2013, the group still outperformed home sales nationwide, according to John Burns Real Estate Consulting
Houston ranks first in a list of the fastest growing U.S. cities. Photo: Hequals2Henry/Wikimedia Commons
Five Texas cities make the top 10.
Many homeowners are choosing remodeling over relocation.
Photo: Phineas H./Creative Commons
The end of the suburbs is not approaching, and Americans are not hypermobile
Million-dollar home sales continue to taper
Photo: Coolcaesar/Wikimedia Commons
The fiscal fourth quarter results of Lennar Corp. contains good news for homebuyers, not so good for investors.
Builders are more optimistic about the industry as the overall economy becomes less of a concern, even as the rising cost of materials and labor commands more attention.


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A brand new team messaging service is available today Quilland is positioned as “for people who focus” with “conversations designed for people, not robots”. The new messaging team features a thoughtful design with advanced features such as “structured channels” and “social channels”, retroactive threads, passive / priority mentions, nested channels and much more.
Quill, the new messaging service for teams and companies was officially launched today for Mac OS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux and the Web. Quill’s idea is to remove the overwhelming aspects of services like Slack and give users a place to collaborate while facilitating concentration.
Read more from source
Copyright @ 9to5mac.com
- According to this source Quill launches as a team messaging antithesis with Slack
- Check the more updates related to Apple Tips and Apple news now.
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It has been revealed that a staggering one fifth of UK Company insolvencies over the past year have been caused by late payment of invoices or a debtor going insolvent.
New research conducted by Insolvency Trade body R3 has found that late payment was the primary cause for 23% of companies becoming insolvent. In addition, the failure of a corporate partner or suppliers was a contributory factor for 20% of cases.
The President of R3 Andrew Tate commented “A Business can have a great product and great staff but if it doesn’t get paid for what it sells, things can go wrong very quickly”
“On the surface, late payment or the failure of another company can seem like factors outside a business’s control, but there are plenty of steps a business can take to reduce the risks posed by its supply chain.
One of those steps is to take Debt Recovery action when an invoice becomes overdue. Instructing a professional Debt Recovery Agency can massively improve a companies cash flow. It also allows the creditor to focus on the payers, not the non payers which is far more productive.
Chris Spencer of Debt Recovery specialists Federal Management said “Goodwill does not pay the bills. No company has ever lost a customer simply by requesting them to pay on time”
“Some Businesses still do not view a Professional Debt Recovery Agency as a valid means of recovering their unpaid invoices. A top Professional Debt Recovery Agency will conduct their operations in a business like manner and be mindful of existing trading relationships”
“It really does pay to look at the options and avoid the potential financial landmines”
The issue of late or non payment continues to put a strain on UK Business. Taking action is now viewed by the majority as an imperative step to maximising the cash flow of a company.
The previous research that was conducted by R3 revealed that around 6% of British Companies had been creditors in another companies insolvency. This is creating a massive vacuum in the economy.
Whilst some companies still allow late payment to put a strain on their business, there seems to be no short term solution until the culture is changed. This has to change within the UK where not paying invoices on time needs to become unacceptable.


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Former professional Dutch footballer Edgar Davids has won a lawsuit against Riot Games for infringing on his image and will be paid for the use of his image.
According to a report by Voetbalprimeur, Davids claims that the Striker Lucian skin in League of Legends is a ripoff of his iconic look, primarily his glasses and hairstyle. While the claim may sound a bit crazy at first, take a look at the similarities between Davids and Lucian below.
Riot Games insists that League of Legends players would be able to recognize Lucian without linking a connection to Davids. However, the courts ruled that the resemblance between the two is great, and ruled in favor of Davids.
As a result of the court case, Davids will receive all within the jurisdiction of the court that Riot has generated from sales of the skin. Whether Davids will pursue further legal action in other countries is yet unknown.
Ironically, Davids was excited three years ago when he first saw the Striker Lucian skin but may have wanted some form of compensation after learning of how much Riot Games may have profited off of his trademark image.
Image Credit: nu.nl


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Porsche’s ultimate expression of performance wrapped in luxurious, four-seat motoring, the 2021 Panamera has arrived at Porsche Centre Dubai, Al Nabooda Automobiles, with prices from AED 353,200.
The new model was launched at an exclusive yet contactless event at the Dubai Autodrome end of last week. Porsche enthusiasts and guests enjoyed a rare opportunity to experience the new Panamera on the race track under the supervision of qualified instructors while following strict safety measures and social distancing.
Commenting on the arrival of the first units, K Rajaram, CEO of Al Nabooda Automobiles, said: “The Panamera is the quintessential executive express that set the trend for performance saloons and has played a big part in Porsche’s family from the day it was launched over a decade ago. With the 2021 range, the new Panamera covers an even wider spectrum of variants comprising biturbo V6 and V8 engine options, hybrid efficiency as well as all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. It is a car that’s just as rewarding for the driver as it is for its passengers.”
The latest range delivers more power, state-of-the-art technology, enhanced driving dynamics and new design features that visually connect it to the full Porsche range with trademark cues front and rear.
K Rajaram added: “There is nothing like the new Panamera on the road, it’s unmistakably Porsche in its design and engineering which makes it an exciting car to drive but also supremely comfortable for the whole family to enjoy at the same time. It’s a true sports car for four.”


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SAN FRANCISCO — For now, CBS's connected device strategy has centered on offering its owned and operated digital brands on alternative viewing devices like Rokus, rather than its TV brands, said Marc DeBevoise, senior VP and general manager for CBS Interactive, during a recent Beet.TV interview at the OMMA Video conference.
That means Roku users can find sites from the CBS Audience Network, such as Chow, CNET and soon Gamespot, but not CBS, because the network is assessing the competitive issues with delivering its TV programming on such devices. DeBevoise said the network is evaluating the range of over-the-top and additional viewing options and expects to take more steps in that direction with entertainment content in 2012, he said.
He added that food-centric site Chow.com will expand its video offerings shortly.
Posted on 10/28/2011 at 5:59 PM by Daisy Whitney


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Vook Acquires a Deteriorating Byliner for Its First Publishing Imprint
"We are excited to welcome Byliner's authors to Vook," said Vook CEO Josh Brody. "Acquiring Byliner is our first step towards applying everything we've learned from powering large brands' digital publishing programs to create a new publishing model that empowers authors to publish faster, market smarter, and keep more creative and financial control of their work."
Until now, Vook has used its enterprise-level technology and data to create, distribute, and promote over 5,000 ebooks in partnership with leading brands, publishers, and media companies. With the acquisition of Byliner, Vook will support the existing titles and acquire new projects for release under the Byliner imprint.
"We have always been huge fans of Byliner's writers and books. We're looking forward to working with Byliner writers to publish more titles, and to adding new writers to the imprint," said Vook Co-Founder and Publisher Matthew Cavnar.
Byliner writers will be among the first authors to get direct access to Vook's publishing technology, including insight into Vook's proprietary data, a daily sales and marketing dashboard, distribution to more retail channels, and high quality production and support for new projects.
"Byliner built a quality brand and content business that set a new standard for digital publishing. As a recognized leader and innovator in the ebook marketplace, Vook's team and technology is a perfect fit for Byliner authors," said Deanna Brown, President of Byliner.
Vook, based in New York City, is funded by Tribeca Venture Partners, VantagePoint Capital Partners, Baseline Ventures, Felicis Venture Partners, Floodgate, Founder Collective, Lerer Ventures, and SV Angel. Byliner's investors include Avalon Ventures, Freestyle Capital, SoftTechVC, Bullpen Capital, Random House Inc., ICG Ventures, and Crunchfund.
Letter to Byliner Authors
On Wednesday, September 10, 2014, Byliner became Vook's first digital imprint. Below is the email from our CEO to Byliner's authors and partners welcoming them to Vook.


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u verse internet cap
The smartwatch market has fallen short of expectations, but Gartner predicts the segment will see significant growth over the next few years.
ATIS hits the pedal on connected car security
To address the need for a comprehensive cyber-approach, ATIS has proposed an end-to-end security framework.
Breakthrough could make quantum data transmission a reality
Imagine sending data over the air in the form of light rather than radio waves.
The 5G MoNArch project will test-drive real-world applications
The 5G Mobile Network Architecture research project will implement two 5G use cases in real-world test beds.
Uplevel debuts real-time trouble ticket alerts for MSPs
One of the most difficult nuts to crack on the differentiated customer service front is being proactive.
Samsung s Galaxy Note 8 sports big screen, big price tag
Samsung introduced its fall flagship device, which features a 6.3-inch screen and a price tag that places it firmly at the high end of the market.
Virgin offers $1 for year of unlimited to BYO iPhone users
Users who activate their own iPhone through Sprint s prepaid brand can receive a year of unlimited service for $1 as well as a free SIM card.
Kymeta drives away from eclipse with renewed focus
Kymeta’s mobile hotspot of a car played a supporting role for the Greenville Police Department during the eclipse on Monday.
Jarich—MWC Americas: What would success look like?
How should the wireless industry gauge the success of the first Mobile World Congress Americas show?
Can Verizon s network meet demand in the era of unlimited?
Verizon s new unlimited plans may pay off in the short term, but they raise questions about whether the carrier s network can meet demand in the era…


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EA have just announced their secret event for the summer and it’s called The Sims Sessions.
The announcement revealed that Bebe Rexha, Glass Animals, and Joy Oladokun will be performing in an in-game sessions event in The Sims 4. The in game festival will be taking place from June 29th to July 7th. This period will see a host of session activities for you to take part in.
Light up your summer with the hottest tracks from your favorite artists. Experience Bebe Rexha, Glass Animals, and Joy Oladokun for the first time all over again—in Simlish! Catch the live event from June 29 at 10 a.m. PT to July 7 at 10 p.m. PT.
Shop the Festival
Buy artist-themed merchandise, run your own craft sales table, or snack like a rockstar at a food stand.
Festivals are fun but exhausting! Get some sleep in one of the tents – or Woohoo to the music.
Enjoy the Show
Gather around the stage to watch, dance, and cheer on the performances!
Perform on Stage
After the performances, go on stage and keep the tunes flowing. Jam on the piano and sing your heart out.
Featured image credit: EA


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Your favorite Apple, iPhone, iPad, iOS, Jailbreak, and Cydia site.
05-29-2012, 12:48 AM #1
Apple Rejects All Apps that Utilize Micro-Payment Service - Flattr
Apple recently announced that it will be rejecting any app that integrates the donation services from the social micro-payment company, Flattr. According to the Cupertino California company, the donation services violates the App Store terms and conditions regarding third-party payments.
The problems first began in early May when Apple rejected an update for the popular podcast manager Instacast, after citing the app’s new integration with Flattr, which allowed users to donate money with the click of a button. Flattr is designed to allow in-app monetary support for content creators who would go unfunded otherwise. Examples of content creators who utilize services such as Flattr include podcasters and video makers. In the system, users allocate a specified amount of money to a pool at the beginning of each month and when they see a Flattr button on any site or app, they can click to donate. Flattr then keeps count of the number of clicks at the end of the month and distributes the pooled money evenly.
It’s likely that Apple is just taking precaution and protecting themselves from possible lawsuits, such as the lawsuits seen last year regarding children purchasing in-app game currency without parents’ knowledge. Another likely reason for the rejection of Flattr integration is that the service competes directly with Apple’s own in-app payment system, which currently nets the company 30% of each transaction made. As of right now, Flatter said that the current ruling “is not the end,” noting that Vemedio will continue talks with Apple alongside Flattr’s own efforts to test new in-app integrations.
Source: Flattr (blog)
05-29-2012, 01:08 AM #2
I feel that this is a good and bad thing.
I think apple is 100% in the right because this would open a "child donated $100 through Flattr", but on the other side I do think apple should work out a way to allow flattr into apps because programming teams work extreamly hard in their products and a .66 cent profit per buy is not always a lot.
It was smart of apple, but apple should look into allowing Flattr
05-29-2012, 07:39 AM #3
Apple's policies will prevent this service from working on iOS, and they will end up just purchasing Flattr.
05-29-2012, 09:03 AM #4
It seems reasonable that Apple would disallow this. No one likes surprises at the end of the month when their kid presses stuff they shouldn't. That reason alone justifies Apple's actions. The 30% rule should apply to all apps, indiscriminately. Them's the rules that everyone must play by.
05-29-2012, 12:14 PM #5


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Back in September, when Apple unleashed the current generation iPhones – iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus at a big event, the vendor also launched the Apple Watch. This smart wearable device is known to be available in early 2015 with the mass production alleged to debut in January.
Lately, Rosenblatt Securities analyst Brian Blair predicts that the Cupertino tech tycoon is facing production issues. Consequently, it is claimed that the Apple Watch will not enter into mass production until January next year at the earliest. Moreover, this delay is speculated to have an impact on the launch of the smartwatch.
Possibly, the Apple Watch will be launched as soon as February next year, but in limited quantities. The primary suppliers for the Apple Watch parts will be capable of producing enough parts for about 15 million Apple Watch units and all of them will be made by Quanta. Analyst Blair believes that if the firm sees the demand in its first wearable gadget, it could turn up the production limit to around 20 to 25 million units.
Apple Watch will be priced at $349 onwards, but no further pricing details were announced. However, Apple analyst John Gruber estimates the Watch Edition to retail for $1,999 onwards and Apple Watch with stainless steel and sapphire glass to be priced starting from $999.


text: Tuesday Links: ‘Trouble’ with Hydropower, and What Happens to ‘Recycled’ Glass? Posted on July 18, 2023July 18, 2023 by Jane Shaw Stroup Hydropower creates greenhouse gas emissions! Kerry praises China for renewable energy progress. Mark Mills: Banning gas-powered cars is as bad as the Prohibition amendment and the 55-mile-per-hour speed limit. “Neither achieved its goals.” French government to spend $173 million to spur repair of shoes and clothing to keep them out of landfills. Exposé: A lot of “recycled” glass goes into landfills—it’s crushed and used as daily coverage to keep out pests. (Sounds all right to me.) Image by MFranz on Pixabay.