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By 2040 the way we purchase consumer goods items will have changed irrevocably. Whereas consumers today have the choice between buying in-store, or ordering online and then either selecting home delivery or in-store collection, in the future a third option will increasingly become prevalent: the ability to create the product you’ve just purchased, in the comfort of your own home.
Although this may sound like the far-fetched wet dream of a sci-fi fantasist, it’s a reality that’s inching ever closer every year thanks to the rapid adoption of 3D printing technology.
3D print expert Terry Wohlers of research firm Wohlers Associates says the 3D print market will be worth $3.7bn by 2015, rising to $10.8bn by 2021. Today it’s worth around $2bn. Take-up will be increasingly fuelled by entry-level machine prices falling in line with what you might expect to pay for a high-end desktop inkjet printer today. As a result, it’s forecast that by 2040 every home in America will have a 3D printer.
But what impact will this ‘print your own product’ revolution have on fmcg? And what’s the grocery industry doing to try and get a piece of the action?
Although 3D printing has been a retail buzz phrase over the last couple of years, this is not a new technology. The automotive and aerospace industries have been using 3D printers to create prototype parts since the 1980s and since the turn of the millennium the medical profession has also been investigating how it can use 3D machines to create replacement body parts, such as teeth and bones.
But then around five years ago the technology started to enter the mainstream after the hobbyist ‘maker’ movement in the US embraced these machines to create a wide range of different items ranging from phone cases through to jewellery. Among these early adopters an influential band of ‘3D printrepreneurs’ emerged, led by the founders of 3D printer manufacturers bearing exotic names such as MakerBot and RepRap Mondo.
As the technology rose to prominence and started to attract mainstream media attention, it was inevitable that retailers and fmcg groups would realise and start to explore the potential applications and implications of 3D print technology.
“The potential for 3D technology to revolutionise the way we view stores and what we can get from them is vast”
Paul Wilkinson, Tesco
So it hardly came as a surprise when Tesco announced in June last year that Paul Wilkinson, lead research specialist in the retailer’s IT R&D team, was heading a fact-finding mission to Silicon Valley to explore the possibility of printing 3D products in Tesco’s stores. To date the retailer hasn’t revealed detailed plans as to how it will integrate 3D print into its business, and a spokeswoman for the retailer says they don’t have any concrete news they can share at the moment, but in a blog post last year Wilkinson hinted at a few possible applications for the technology in-store.
“We already offer print photos and posters in many of our larger stores so why not other gifts and personalised items?” wrote Wilkinson. “How about letting kids design their own toys and then actually being able to get them made? What if we had a digital catalogue of spare parts for items that you’d bought? They could be printed on demand and ready for you by the time you’d finished your shopping. You could even take a broken item into store. We could scan it in 3D, repair it digitally and make you a new one. The potential for 3D technology to revolutionise the way we view stores and what we can get from them is vast.”
Although Tesco appeared to have first-mover advantage with its Stateside trip, when it comes to putting good ideas into practice it was usurped by Asda, which launched a 3D printing service in-store in October.
Phil Stout, buying manager of photo and personalisation at Asda, says the company had been looking at how it could use 3D printers in-store to provide a point of difference around its personalisation range for some time, with Asda colleagues visiting the Walmart innovation centre to see what was possible. The outcome was the creation of an in-store facility capable of producing highly detailed, personalised, 3D-printed full-colour mini figurines, which retail from £40.
To create the figurines, which are made from a ceramic material, consumers are scanned by a handheld device that captures colour and geometry - the device takes 1,000 to 1,500 images in the space of two minutes. Software is then used to build the image as a 3D file, which is sent to Asda’s own industrial-sized 3D printers located off-site. The figurine is then printed and shipped back to store for collection a week later. During the original trial, at Asda’s York store, customers used the 3D ‘mini mes’ for all manner of different occasions, says Stout.
“We had couples coming in who were getting married and wanted to have figurines of themselves for wedding cake toppers,” says Stout. “We also had soldiers about to go on a tour of duty who scanned themselves and presented the figures as presents to loved ones. The ideas consumers are bringing to this technology, because we’re allowing them to be educated on it, are awe-inspiring. Everyone has a different story and is using this in a unique way.”
The trial was so successful that late last month Asda embarked on a 50-store ‘3D printing roadshow’, with Stout hopeful the company will eventually offer the option as a permanent fixture in some stores.
The retailer isn’t the only business in the food and drink space looking to make 3D print a permanent fixture. Some suppliers have also recently started to explore how they could use the technology in their business. Last month it was announced that Italian food business Barilla was working with a Dutch organisation called TNO to see how 3D print could be used in food production. One possible idea that the group intends to explore is selling cartridges of dough that can be used to print bespoke pasta designs, although a spokeswoman will only say “Barilla can confirm that we’re working on a 3D pasta printer with a Dutch research partner, but cannot provide details as the project is still at an early phase”.
“Barilla can confirm we’re working on a 3D pasta printer with a Dutch research partner”
US confectionery giant The Hershey Company is equally tightlipped about its plans for 3D print, even though it announced last month that it had teamed up with 3D Systems - an American 3D printing press manufacturer, which in January launched a range of kitchen-ready ‘3D printers for edibles’ called ChefJet - “to explore and develop innovative opportunities for using 3D printing technology in creating edible foods, including confectionery treats”.
A spokesman for Hershey confirms “we are just now entering into this multi-year development agreement with 3D Systems to explore opportunities for using 3D printing technology in creating edible foods for the future”, but adds “because we are just beginning this innovation exploration, it’s too early to speculate on the possible outcomes”.
Although it’s likely that it will be a couple of years before these relationships begin to bear fruit, there are myriad potential applications for 3D print in the food and drink industry. Some bullish experts believe 3D print could be a truly disruptive technology that completely changes our understanding of how a supply chain works - after all, the beauty of the technology is that you don’t need to maintain expensive fleets of vehicles, large warehouses and hold lots of inventory to fulfil orders. With items printed on demand, in customers’ own homes, huge swathes of the supply chain could be completely eradicated.
Others believe this supply chain doomsday scenario is far-fetched and that although the technology may be a good bedfellow in product design, the creation of packaging prototypes or even printing replacement parts for consumer goods, disruptive changes to the way retailers do business won’t be felt for many decades to come, if at all. Wohlers estimates that only 23,000 3D print ‘units’ were sold in 2012, a significant rise on the 350 sold in 2008, but still a long, long way behind annual sales of conventional desktop printers.
However, as the entry-level price of a 3D printer continues to fall - a price decline that will be speeded by the arrival on the scene of established manufacturers of conventional printing presses such as HP and Konica Minolta, both rumoured to be weighing up a 3D press launch soon - thus bringing the technology within the reach of food start-ups and consumers - this sci-fi idea could be on track to become part of our everyday reality sooner than people think.
How 3D print works
Essentially 3D printers work by printing layers of material on top of one another. The machines fundamentally operate in the same way and use similar technology to conventional printing machines, which apply different layers of colour to a substrate in consecutive passes.
But in the case of 3D the machines use materials ranging from metals through to plastics to form the finished item. Although technological advances in 3D print are being made at phenomenal speed, the technology is not without its drawbacks. For one, the presses are pretty slow - even industrial models can take hours to print a small item. And the range of materials that you can use are also fairly restricted.
However, 3D press manufacturers are pushing the boundaries - the new ChefJet range of kitchen-ready printers from 3D Systems offers the ability to print chocolate, vanilla, mint, cherry and watermelon.


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Today I read two pieces of news involving Nintendo that made me question them yet again.
The first one was the news that the UK is getting the Wii Mini next month. The console, which was released at the end of last year in Canada was on sale for $99 (which converts to around £65), made people question Nintendo's intentions seeing as the new model Wii was coming out AFTER the release of the Wii U! Who are they expecting to buy this system? To me, I think people will buy this thinking they have got the new Wii U system at a great price, to get it home and likely realise that they just bought another Wii to go next to the other one that is gathering dust. Maybe some people are still looking at buying Wiis, but with preowned consoles available for £40 and with more features (the Wii Mini doesn't have internet access or backwards compatibility), why would a consumer purchase the new model?
The second story was the announcement that Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is being released on the Wii U this spring, around 9 months after the orignal release other consoles. Why are games companies releasing games on the Wii U that were available on other consoles months previously? The majority of gamers aren't going to suddenly think 'ooo, I must go out and buy Lego Batman 2' when they could have played it on other consoles, including the Wii. At least this release makes more sense than the release of Batman: Arkham City and Mass Effect 3. Gamers who wanted to play them, will likely already have. It unlikely that a parent will look at the titles and get them for their children to play on their new Wii U. At least Lego Batman 2 fits that audience!

domain: news


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For the most part of 2011 there were persistent rumours of Facebook going public at some point in 2012. If this happens, it’s set to be one of the most eagerly anticipated listings in recent times, with some predicating an IPO (Initial Public Offering) that would end up valuing Facebook at up to $100 billion. As the world’s largest social network, with 400 million people accessing the site each and every day, Facebook has become an integral part of a tremendous number of people’s lives.
A few days after social media was being lambasted in the UK press for its role in the London riots, new media has emerged as a saint over night for its efforts in helping community groups clean up some of the damage that has been caused.
Whilst this really is a case of being two sides of the same coin, there’s no doubt that sites such as Twitter and Facebook have played a significant role throughout the recent rioting. As the police continue in their efforts to keep the streets safe, good hearted citizens are offering their help with clean up operations in all of the affected areas of London using the hash tag #riotcleanup on Twitter.
For marketers and agencies alike, the news of Facebook’s API will be met with great anticipation. Before this announcement, it was only a few brands that had access to Facebook’s Ads Application Protocol Interface (API), but now businesses of all sizes can gain full access to it.
There are a number of benefits that come with accessing the array of tools that other larger brands have been using for a while, and Facebook yesterday made this happen by officially launching the API Programme.
As Bing join forces with Baidu to power their English based searches, once again our attention turns to their ongoing battle with Google over internet domination. Are they readying up for another challenge?
It certainly looks that way. Whilst this could just be pure blind optimism, there have been a few noises coming out of Bing which are certainly making me think there maybe something large on the horizon for them.
In terms of Google’s social network, we’ve had rumour, we’ve had various names, we’ve had platforms that have been and gone and now we’ve got Google+; the new social network from the search engine giant.
Google have been desperate to compete with Facebook as the web looks increasingly towards social media and social platforms. With Facebook boasting 600 million users, does Google + even stand a chance of competing? Let’s take a look…
A question which often pops up in our industry is ‘Do Facebook Likes affect SEO?’ The short answer is yes. However, the more appropriate question should be ‘How much of an influence do Facebook Likes have on SEO?’ This post will help explain the influence of Facebook Likes and how to include this approach in your search marketing strategy.
Facebook held a Webinar on the 17th June detailing the new features they have recently added as well as new items for advertisers to get to grips with. As part of our Facebook Management campaign we attended the webinar to bring an update on new features. This post includes:
Just in case you didn’t believe the headline, I will have to say it again – after all it is worth repeating. That’s right, the French government are banning the use of the words ‘Twitter’ and ‘Facebook’ from being spoken on television or radio news programmes.
In accordance to a 1992 decree, commercial enterprises should not be promoted on news programmes and the French government have decided to uphold this stance. Before you say, “je ne comprends pas”, let’s have a look at what’s happened.
Google has its fair share of competitors across a wide range of industries, most of whom would probably be more than happy to put the boot in on them. Whilst these undercover operations are far from uncommon, it is extremely rare that they are ever uncovered.
Facebook presents businesses with a fantastic opportunity to identify and engage with current, as well as potential customers. This is done through the use of pages, which allow businesses to house pertinent information within one place and promote it to a potential audience of over 500 million!
Google and Facebook have held low level talks with Twitter over a possible sale. The move values the micro-blogging site at around $10 billion (£6.2 billion).
Early suggestions are that little other than the valuation of Twitter has actually been discussed, which is believed to be in the region of $8 – $10 billion according to the Wall Street Journal. That’s more than double the $3.7 billion price tag reported a year ago!


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These new Access points are designed to enable businesses to handle increasing Wi-Fi demands of their staff and customers, with unparalleled bandwidth, seamless usage and flexible Wi-Fi connectivity.
The new OPPO Reno2 and OPPO Reno2 Z come packed with smart new features to unlock users' creative potential, including a quad-camera set up, new photography and video capabilities, as well as an easy-to-use editing studio.
AC1750, AC1900 and AC3000 Smart Routers with McAfee protection combine advanced Security features and Parental Controls with sophisticated mesh Wi-Fi technology for safer and more seamless connectivity.
Smartphone brand, OPPO New Zealand is set to launch its latest value-packed smartphone on 15 October; the OPPO A Series 2020.
OPPO has announced it will be among the latest batch of device companies to support Google's CameraX, the new Android Jetpack support library for camera app development.
"We have been making steady progress since we announced our AI strategy in October last year. We promised a full-stack, all-scenario AI portfolio. And today we delivered, with the release of Ascend 910 and MindSpore."
The DSP-W118 mydlink Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug provides enhanced features for simple home automation and added security, and connects to Google Assistant, Alexa and IFTTT allowing you to create flexible responses.
New aesthetic and visual experience to offer users ultimate full-screen display, with a near-square edge rollover.
If you would like to personalise your PC, try 3D printing parts for yourself. Whether that's with your own 3D printer or using one in a shop down the road, if you want your PC build to be truly unique, 3D printing your parts is a fun and cost-effective way to do so.


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“An analyst bumped his price target by 10% on Wednesday, and he barely even mentioned the iPhone,” Alex Eule reports for Barron’s.
“Apple has been talking up its services business recently, but RBC Capital Markets says the opportunity from things like the App Store, iTunes, Apple Care, and iCloud are still under appreciated by investors,” Eule reports. “Services could be a $50 billion business by Apple’s 2020 fiscal year, RBC analyst Amit Daryanani wrote in a note to clients Monday night.”
Eule reports, “‘We see potential for upside to Apple’s current valuation if the company were to continue to increase its mix of higher margin, less cyclical services revenue over time,’ Daryanani wrote.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Note: AAPL today cracked $140.
$142.86 per share equals $1000 per share pre-split (2014’s 7:1 split).


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خلال مؤتمر CES شهدنا أنطلاقة خدمة السكايب لشاشات التلفاز وكانت بانسونك الأولى من تريج هذه الخدمة والآن أخيرا يمكنك أن تجد التطبيق عبر VIERA Cast الأصدار 2010 ستجدها في سلسلة شاشات VT25 و VT25 و G25 و G20. من جهه أخرى عليك دفع 170 دولار أمريكي للحصول على الكاميرا TY-CC10W والتي تدعم نقل فيديوهات أما عن طريق جودة VGA أو جوده أكبر وأعلى 720p . توجه إلى الداخل لترى الفيديو والمؤتمر الصحفي بالداخل
Panasonic and Skype Go Live With Voice and Video Calling on 2010 VIERA CAST-Enabled HDTV Models
Panasonic’s Skype-enabled Communication Camera Now Available at Retail
SECAUCUS, N.J., May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Panasonic, a worldwide leader in High Definition technology and built-in TV web entertainment, and Skype, today announced the activation of Skype™ on your VIERA® on 2010 Panasonic VIERA CAST™ enabled HDTVs as well as the availability of Panasonic’s Skype-enabled communication camera (TY-CC10W). The collaboration with Skype, a leading provider of Internet communications software, was announced in January at the International Consumer Electronics Show.
The addition of Skype to Panasonic’s VIERA CAST IPTV(1) offerings allows owners of 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTVs (VT25, VT20, G25, and G20 Series) to make voice and video calls to family and friends(2) from the their living rooms directly through their Panasonic VIERA HDTV using Panasonic’s Skype-enabled camera(3) (TY-CC10W) which is sold separately (SRP $169.95).
“Adding Skype to Panasonic’s VIERA CAST IPTV offerings takes the role of the television to whole new level for consumers,” said Henry Hauser, Vice President, Panasonic Display Group. “Panasonic’s VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs have truly become the hub of communication and connectivity in the consumer household enabling users to talk live via video to their family and friends right from the comfort of their couch.”
“Panasonic prides itself on listening to our customers and when talking to them about enhancements to our VIERA CAST offerings, Skype was prominently mentioned,” said Hauser. “Panasonic is extremely pleased to work with Skype to deliver this unique, high-value feature to VIERA owners.”
“A family can now simply turn on their TV set, gather together on the couch, and talk to loved ones face-to-face. It’s easy to use and is now available for the masses thanks to a strategic collaboration between Skype and Panasonic,” said Jonathan Christensen, general manager of Skype Platform. “Launching TVs that are Skype-enabled with Panasonic is a big milestone for us, and part of our strategy to deliver Skype beyond desktop and laptop computers.”
The launch of Skype on your VIERA on 2010 Panasonic VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs will also be supported as part of Panasonic’s new VIERA HDTV advertising campaign. The Skype on your VIERA television ad is expected to air beginning in early June on local Network TV, national Cable TV and DirecTV. For a sneak peek at the ad, please visit http://www.youtube.com/panasonicusvideos.
Skype on your VIERA® delivers many familiar Skype features including:
* Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
* Calls to landline or mobile phone at Skype’s low rates
* The option to receive inbound calls via a user’s online Skype number
* Skype voicemail (set-up required)
* Being invited to participate in voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties
With more than 560 million registered users, Skype is well known for providing free voice and video calling for people on Skype around the world. Calling on Skype now accounts for 12 percent of the world’s international calling minutes according to TeleGeography.
Skype on your VIERA, in addition to providing a larger screen, gives the user the benefit of high definition video at up to 1280×720 resolution at a maximum frame rate of 22 fps. Skype on your VIERA also features VIERA CAST’s easy-to-use GUI that is operable from the TV’s remote.
The Panasonic TY-CC10W Skype-enabled camera is the only camera that enables access to Skype on your VIERA video calling features. The camera features four unidirectional microphones, echo canceling system, and audio processing for collecting voices in the living room environment. The camera also features beam-forming technology to record clear audio over typical TV viewing distances of 3-4 meters. The TY-CC10W delivers a wide viewing angle, making it possible for more people to take advantage of the Skype application. The camera plugs in to VIERA CAST-enabled 2010 Panasonic VIERA HDTVs via a USB port. To further increase the versatility of the camera it can either be placed in the center on top of the VIERA HDTV or the camera’s stand can be used to place it on a table or wherever the user would like to place the device.
VIERA CAST, Panasonic’s proprietary IPTV functionality, enhanced the user experience for 2010 by adding USB connectivity, allowing for the addition of a wireless LAN adaptor, keyboard and USB memory. With the continuation of such favorite entertainment sites as Amazon Video-on-Demand™, YouTube™, Google’s Picasa™ Web Album, Bloomberg and a weather service, VIERA CAST for 2010, in addition to the inclusion of Skype on your VIERA service, provides the consumer with access to such targeted sites as Netflix™, Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports. VIERA CAST requires no external box or PC. VIERA CAST is accessed via a single button on the television remote control and there is no fee to use the VIERA CAST functionality (some VIERA CAST services such as VOD have a separate fee structure).
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic’s U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth’s natural resources and protect our environment through the company’s Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
Skype is software that enables the world’s conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people everywhere also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles. Download Skype to your computer or mobile phone at skype.com.
(1) Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Panasonic’s TV webcam (TY-CC10) is required for Skype video functionality and sold separately.
(2) Skype is not a replacement for traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling. Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the “S” symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.
(3) Only Panasonic’s proprietary Skype-enabled communication camera (TY-CC10W) can be used to access Skype on your VIERA video calling features.


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We wanted to share a press release highlighting the Alumni Association's initiative for alumni-owned businesses hitting a pandemic milestone. We are proud of our face mask project helping produce a 817% increase in sales for alumni businesses!
Highlights from the press release include:
- The MN Alumni Market reached top 1% of fastest-growing businesses on Shopify in 2020.
- 27,000 donated face masks provided to vulnerable medical patients, family caregivers, and University of Minnesota students living in on-campus housing.
Full Press Release
The COVID-19 pandemic created life-altering economic challenges for University of Minnesota alumni business owners. In the earliest days of the pandemic, learning that alumni business owners were struggling and other alumni wanted to take action to support them, the University of Minnesota Alumni Association addressed the challenge by partnering with alumni entrepreneurs and consulting with University of Minnesota public health experts to create a reusable maroon and gold face mask. The mask was then sold in the Association’s MN Alumni Market, an online boutique that sells only products made by University of Minnesota alumni-owned businesses. For every face mask sold, one is donated to healthcare providers for use by medical patients and their family caregivers as well as U of M students in on-campus housing. The face mask project will continue for the rest of 2021.
In April 2021, the Alumni Association assessed the one-year results of the face mask initiative and discovered that after the face mask was added to the MN Alumni Market, sales increased 817% for alumni-owned businesses across the digital marketplace. It also helped catapult the Alumni Market into the top 1% (in terms of growth) of over one million businesses utilizing Shopify in 2020. In addition, 27,000 face masks have been donated to medical facilities for use by vulnerable medical patients and their family caregivers. Masks were also donated for use by U of M students living in on-campus housing.
“The University of Minnesota Alumni Association is proud to collaborate with alumni entrepreneurs and University of Minnesota experts on initiatives that provide value to alumni-owned businesses and contribute to community well-being,” said Lisa Lewis, Alumni Association President and CEO. “The results of the face mask program tell us that U of M alumni are both talented entrepreneurs and philanthropic consumers who look for opportunities to assist one another while protecting the vulnerable and others in need. The Alumni Association is honored to support their efforts.”
The masks are produced by Synergy Imports, which is owned by U of M alumnus Corey Kopacek (B.S.B. ’98). They are distributed via the Alumni Association’s MN Alumni Market by Jessen Media, a product development and marketing company owned by alumnus Mark Jessen (B.A. ’86), who also serves on the Alumni Association’s board of directors.
“As the effects of the pandemic started rippling through the economy, our company’s sales declined significantly,” said Corey Kopacek. “Searching for a new revenue stream, we were able to partner with the Alumni Association on the Buy One Give One mask project that not only helped save our business, but also impacted the lives of so many U of M alumni and friends who supported the program. It was very special to be involved in a program that helped connect and impact so many people in a positive way.”
“The Alumni Association has been a strong partner to alumni business owners during one of the most challenging times many have faced,” said Mark Jessen. “Doing business in the MN Alumni Market’s digital space has helped some companies weather the COVID economic storm. This is exactly the kind of support alumni need from their alumni association right now. As a University of Minnesota graduate and business owner, I’m grateful the University of Minnesota Alumni Association was there for so many alumni entrepreneurs when they needed it most.”
“The generous support we have received from the University of Minnesota Alumni Association and other businesses, organizations, and people has helped our health system face the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said M Health Fairview Chief Quality Officer Abe Jacob, MD, MHA. “Their maroon-and-gold donated masks not only helped keep our patients safe – they also served as a visible reminder that in times of need our community would be there for us.”
“From the start of the pandemic, we at Housing and Residential Life understood the value face coverings would bring to the health and safety of our communities,” said Susan Stubblefield, Interim Director, University of Minnesota Department of Housing & Residential Life. “This has been a critical element in the Maroon & Gold Sunrise Plan, which enabled students in residential housing to have a positive on-campus experience. We are grateful that our U of M alumni made the generous donation of masks. The masks provided through the MN Alumni Market were made available to any student living in residence halls and apartments, making them easily accessible.”
Shop all our MN Reusable Face Masks here. New bulk pricing is now available!


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Are These The Top Leisure Stocks To Have On Your April Watchlist?
Amidst all the pandemic-fueled chaos throughout the past year, many have come to rely on the leisure industry. Admittedly, this is why some of the top leisure stocks continue to rise in general. On one hand, you have companies that have and continue to provide consumers with home entertainment services. On the other hand, leisure companies looking towards post-pandemic gains have also been catching investors’ attention.
Evidently, pot stocks like Aphria (NASDAQ: APHA) and Canopy Growth (NASDAQ: CGC) have skyrocketed in value over the past year. APHA stock, in particular, is looking at gains of over 500% in that time. With more states legalizing the use of recreational marijuana, I could see why investors would be keen to invest in these leisure stocks. Whether it is the current leaders in the industry or reopening plays, one thing remains. People will always need something to do in their free time.
Could NFT Stocks Be Worth Investing In Now?
Notably, the latest trend in the collectibles industry now would be non-fungible tokens (NFTs). If you didn’t know, NFTs have been making headlines lately with NFT-based digital assets being sold for millions of dollars. Without going into too much detail, NFTs are authenticated by the same blockchain technology behind digital currencies like Bitcoin. Essentially, this tags them with unique codes, making said assets rare and more importantly, extremely valuable. In line with that, here are four leisure stocks making moves in the NFT space now.
Best Leisure Stocks To Watch Right Now
- Dolphin Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: DLPN)
- Livexlive Media Inc. (NASDAQ: LIVX)
- PLBY Group Inc. (NASDAQ: PLBY)
- Funko Inc. (NASDAQ: FNKO)
Dolphin Entertainment Inc.
For starters, Dolphin Entertainment made a huge splash on the stock market yesterday. Namely, this is because DLPN stock skyrocketed by over 236% during intraday trading. Before we get into the details, what does Dolphin do exactly? Well, it identifies as an independent entertainment marketing and premium content development company. Overall, the company offers strategic marketing and publicity services to organizations in the entertainment industry. This comes in the form of creative branding and production as well as social media and influencer marketing services. Regarding DLPN stock’s movement yesterday, it likely has something to do with the company’s latest partnership.
In detail, Dolphin is now working with Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: HOFV). Through this deal, Dolphin can now offer NFT-based services to sports fans looking to buy or sell exclusive HOFV content. If you think about it, this move makes sense. Given the vast amounts of collectibles in the sports industry now, NFT would be the next frontier. At the same time, the company also launched a dedicated NFT division that will design, produce, and promote NFTs. This timely expansion and partnership suggest that Dolphin is looking to jump on the lucrative NFT trend now. Accordingly, investors appear to be doing the same by flocking to DLPN stock. Would you consider following suit?
[Read More] 4 Top Software Stocks To Watch Right Now
Livexlive Media Inc.
Another leisure company making waves now would be Livexlive Media (LIVX). In brief, LIVX is a leading global all-in-one streaming platform. Through its platform, users can watch live streams of premium music and entertainment content from the world’s top artists. Additionally, it also contains curated streaming radio stations, podcasts, and original video and audio-on-demand content. Since January 2020, the company has reportedly streamed over 1,800 artists across most of the major streaming platforms. This includes but is not limited to Roku (NASDAQ: ROKU), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) TV, and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) Fire. With in-person music events mostly being halted amidst the pandemic, LIVX offers consumers the next best thing. As such, LIVX stock has surged by over 250% in the past year.
Despite its current momentum, LIVX does not seem to be slowing down at all. Yesterday, the company announced additional acts for its upcoming annual streaming festival, Music Lives 2021. Notable names include John Mayer, Pitbull, and Wiz Khalifa. Indeed, this would bolster its existing lineup. But, investors are likely focusing more on LIVX launching the world’s first NFT music festival poster. As the company attracts attention from both consumers and investors alike, could LIVX stock be worth watching? I’ll let you decide.
- Best Stocks To Buy Today? 4 Health Care Stocks To Know
- Takung Art (TKAT) Vs Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment (HOFV): Which Is A Better NFT Stock To Buy?
PLBY Group Inc.
Following that, we have a leading pleasure and leisure lifestyle company, PLBY Group. Most would be familiar with the company’s world-renowned, Playboy brand. According to PLBY’s estimates, the Playboy brand drives over $3 billion in global consumer spending across 180 countries annually. Meanwhile, investors have also been driving PLBY stock up as it gained by over 5% during yesterday’s trading session. This bump coincides with the company’s recent financial announcement.
In its fourth-quarter fiscal reported yesterday, PLBY saw a 118% year-over-year jump in total revenue. This added up to an 89% year-over-year bump in annual revenue for its fiscal year 2020. CEO Ben Kohn cites PLBY’s expansion of its e-commerce offerings as a key growth driver for the company. Not to mention, PLBY also acquired the leading omnichannel sexual wellness chain, Lovers, earlier this month. If that wasn’t enough, PLBY is also looking to join the hot NFT market now. In a recent conference, Kohn mentioned that NFTs would be a “perfect example of a new revenue stream” that the company could engage in. Given the massive archive of content under the Playboy brand name, a move into the NFT market would make sense. To this end, will you be adding PLBY stock to your watchlist?
Last but not least we have pop culture collectible company, Funko. Funko’s flagship product line would be its Funko Pop collectible action figures. The likes of which have apparently been selling well throughout the pandemic. Evidently, Funko reported green across the board in its recent quarter fiscal earlier this month. Now, all this is great for Funko, especially with a new round of stimulus checks that could possibly boost sales further. Likewise, FNKO stock has more than quadrupled in value over the past year. In fact, it climbed by 9.8% yesterday on account of a possibly delayed investor reaction to the company’s NFT plans.
Specifically, CEO Brian Mariotti mentioned Funko’s intention to join the NFT market during a Yahoo Finance interview two weeks ago. Mariotti said that the company would be “out in the market fairly soon” and in a very different way. How Funko plans to set itself apart would be by tying digital NFTs with physical products. In this case, customers that purchase rare Funko NFTs will also receive a specific one-of-a-kind physical product to match it. For the most part, Funko’s experience in the collectibles market could help it navigate the new NFT medium. All things considered, will you be watching FNKO stock?


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Emerging shares fall Apple on the background of General growth of the technology sector suggests that traders are pessimistic about the future of the company.
According to EN.insider.pro, 15 may, short positions in the shares of Apple rose $1.3 billion while during the same time period exchange traded Fund that tracks the overall technology sector, registered a decline in the number of short positions at $316 million
The last two days were especially successful for those who play against Apple as a result of falling stock by 6.2%, the amount of short positions has reached more than $500 million.
Given that Apple is superior to the other companies of technological sector, it is not surprising that she became the target of speculators,”bears.” By the middle of last week, shares of the iPhone maker rose by 34% YTD, compared with 8.7% in the case of S&P 500.
From that moment on 9 January 2007 Steve jobs presented the world the first iPhone price of Apple stock increased more than 12 times, from $12 to $145. the iPhone forever changed the world and the company itself. Since that time the company’s shares and its market capitalization is valued highly.
Of course, when the iPhone was a familiar device, investors have come to expect from Apple’s revolutionary device, which also could change the world. Unfortunately, presented to the public in late April 2015, the Apple Watch, this device did not. This device did not cause changes in the minds of customers and disappointed investors, who began a massive sale of Apple shares.
It was not until 27 July 2016, when Apple celebrated the sale of their one billionth iPhone and stock prices have moved to growth, having overcome a breakaway. Later in 2016 the fiasco with the release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has given impetus to growth of Apple shares, which was fully apparent during the craze of the shares of the U.S. stock market after the election of the President of the United States, in the Wake of the frenzied rise in prices due to the bright prospects of the presidency of the trump. At this point, Apple has returned to its former glory, when its shares rose to a peak of $135, recovered to the level preceding the presentation of the disappointing Apple Watch.
The current sale of shares of technology companies has forced investors to think that it may be a prelude to the collapse of the market after Friday, Goldman Sachs released a report in which its analysts found similarities between the current market situation and conditions prevailing before the collapse of the dot-com
As of 21:30 GMT, Apple shares traded at $145,43 (-0,79%).


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One thing that has been able to get lots of media coverage and has created hysteria among people is swine flu. It has been a cause of huge panic among the masses since April 2009 when the first few cases were detected in Mexico. The flu is contagious in nature and spreads from person to person. There is a need for some effective bactericidal cleaner that can kill such bacteria and viruses and keep you safer. One such product on offer at the moment is SMITTSTOP which has long term effectiveness against harmful bacteria and viruses.
According to a new research published by University of Otago, Wellington, the swine flu virus is more contagious than it was previously thought and is spreading faster. According to research every person who has swine flu can pass it to two other people on an average. It spreads in same way as ordinary colds and flu. If you are within a meter or 3 meters from the person who coughs or sneezes, then you are a possible destination for the virus.
Similarly a person who coughs or sneezes and touches any surface, transfers it easily to the surface. If you touch the same surface that patient touches like door handles, phones, keyboards and then touch your face then the virus can enter your system and you may be infected. The flu virus usually lives on a hard surface for about 24 hours and on a soft surface for about 20 minutes. The people who are infected may be infectious soon after they develop symptoms. They may spread the virus for up to five days and for seven days in children. There are different medical masks that that are being used to prevent easy transfer of virus.
Swine flu being highly contagious, there needs to be an effective bactericidal cleaner that would help kill it. Most cleaners that are available are anionic. There is a growing need for cleaners like cationic polymers. It is a novel technology that can be used around the world in places like hospitals and even public places to prevent contamination. At the moment Smittstopp spray seems to be the only cationic, bactericidal cleaner with long term effectiveness. It can be sprayed on surfaces to be cleaned and it may be able to disinfect and kill virus and bacteria in 1 second.
When sprayed on an area to be cleaned it leaves a molecular thin layer of positively charged polymer which attracts virus like that of swine flu. Even if you touch such an area which has the disinfectant and has been touched by an infected person, the virus may not be transferred as the virus would break and die. The cationic polymers technology has the potential to be effectively used on protective material, medical devices, cleaning and personal hygiene products, filter material, medical devices, etc, where bacterial contamination needs to be avoided.
Smittstopp is the only spray that is being offered at the moment, though efforts are on by the company to develop some other effective disinfectant products like soaps. They are also offering good quality masks on the web shop allfreightfree.com. The mask has a ventilator which enables you to breath easy even while working or moving up the stairs and so on.
The cationic polymer cleaner Smittstopp seems to be a very good disinfectant spray to help reduce the spread of the swine flu virus. The technology may be a wonderful idea for a wide range of material and products to ensure protection from a variety of infections.


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Mercedes-Benz has also started a marketing campaign for one of its upcoming models, the 2015 C-Class. We get a glimpse of the new sedan in an official teaser video, and from what we can ascertain from the short clip it’s going to be a great looking car.
Despite Fisker’s ongoing woes, VL Automotive, a startup that plans to sell Fisker Karma sedans powered by good ol’ American V-8s, says its plans remain on track. In an interview, VL backer Bob Lutz said the company will be back at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show in January and will have a new concept to show off.
You'll find all of this and more in today's car news headlines from around the High Gear Media network, right here at Motor Authority.
BMW Teases New 2-Series, Plans October 25 Reveal: Video
2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Teased In New Video
VL’s V-8 Fisker Karma Project On Track, Additional Bodystyle Planned
10 Practical Tips To Get Your Car Ready For Fall
McLaren Heads Back To The ‘Ring In Potential Record Chase
Audi Sees Tesla As Direct Competitor, But Likes Dealers Over Direct Sales
McLaren Confirms Performance Figures For P1
Contest: Name The Next Dodge SRT Viper Color, Win A Trip To Daytona
If This Is What Millenials Really Think About Cars, They're Screwed: Video
Tesla Cars To Use AT&T Wireless Internet Service _______________________________________


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JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The best hotel in the world is in Indonesia, according to Travel + Leisure, which releases its World's Best Awards annually. The top spot this year goes to Capella Ubud Hotel Bali.
Capella Hotels and Resorts Group, which operates Capella Ubud, also won second-best in Travel + Leisure's hotel brand category.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award,” Capella Hotels and Resorts CEO Nicholas M. Clayton said in a statement on July 9. "This award reflects our desire, care, the attention that our colleagues bring to Capella each day.”
“Our vision is to create a perfect living space which is made possible thanks to our dedicated team who provide the highest level of personalization and experience that is curated to celebrate their community and culture,” Nicholas said.
The World’s Best Awards winners are based on the results of Travel + Leisure’s survey with readers, which closed on March 2, 2020.
Hotels were ranked based on several categories including rooms, facilities, location, service, food, and value where Capella Ubud Hotel Bali took the top prize.
Capella Ubud Hotel Bali not only took the coveted award for the Hotel in the World category but also for the Resort Hotel in Asia category.


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FOUNDERS of popular events on Lusaka’s social calendar such as the Safari Picnic, Lusaka July and the Penthouse Fashion Brunch are at it again with yet another exciting edition of the 7th annual Beerville-Oktoberfest to be held on Saturday, 30th September 2023 at the Chita Lodge Gardens in Lusaka. As an event that was introduced in 2017 as a fun-filled garden that gathers food and beer enthusiasts in a day of great music performed by rotating DJs, PR Girl Media has themed the 7th edition as Dancehall, calling on attendants to channel their inner Jamaican vibes through their outfits in a colourful display of fashion and creativity.
Speaking in an address aired on the PR Girl Media Facebook page – The Managing Partners of PR Girl Media Monde and Chishimba Nyambe stated that the Beerville Oktoberfest was created as a stage that promotes upcoming DJs and talent in the entertainment industry. “We urge all event attendants to embrace the DJ performing culture, we have selected some of Zambia’s most promising talent and are certain that their sets will be the best that the city has ever seen and heard.” DJs featured on the Beerville 2023 line-up are as follows; Nia B, Toots, Superstar Hussein, Twizie, My Boyfriend, Zhu, Mini Chocolate, Andie Stone and Switcher. On an electrifying stage that will be hosted by trendy MCs K’chinga and Medad, the chart-topping musician Towela Kaira will end the show with a 10pm performance.
Besides the thrilling entertainment, PR Girl Media has collaborated with the local hospitality industry by bringing together the city’s most vibrant restaurants and bars to set up pop-up versions of their venues in the beer garden. For this year’s edition, Soax Enterprise, The Backyard, Bar Three, The Bottle Shop, Seventeen and Chef Womba will be serving up delicious Caribbean-inspired meals and beverages to an expected attendance of over 3,000 people.
Corporate sponsors of the 2023 Beerville-Oktoberfest are Big Tree Beverages with Brothers Mixers and Zambian Breweries with Castle Lite, Flying Fish and Stella Artois. Tickets are available at K200 per person through the BGS Tickety Whatsapp on +260961696458. Further details of the event can be found on social media via hashtag #Beerville2023.
MultiChoice launches GOtv Stream in Zambia. A new way to experience the best of sports and entertainment!
NO stranger to bringing entertainment into homes across the nation, MultiChoice is expanding its online offering, by introducing GOtv Stream to GOtv customers across Zambia.
“It is no secret that more and more people are leaning toward streaming services to experience uninterrupted entertainment that’s uninhibited by infomercials and ads. GOtv Stream is just another way MultiChoice Zambia is continuing our trend of upward innovation, as we strive to evolve with our audiences and their viewing needs.”, says Leah Kooma, Managing Director, MultiChoice Zambia
MultiChoice and DStv have already made their presence in the digital space with their online platform – DStv Stream, and now GOtv customers can enjoy the same user-friendly, and personalized streaming at their fingertips. The new feature allows viewers to seamlessly watch their favourite programmes and other content on electronic devices, keeping them connected at any time and from anywhere.
Ms Kooma reiterates that, “You may recall, GOtv was officially launched in Zambia on 5th September 2011, and now with the introduction of GOtv Stream customers will enjoy a great online service. What drives innovation for us, is providing our customers with the content they love, in the way that best suits them. As the home of the best sports and entertainment we will continue to deliver unrivalled value and choice for our customers”.
She adds: “GOtv Stream is an online service that will allow all GOtv customers take a subscription and enjoy our content anywhere and at any time. The launch of GOtv will allow us to expand our online offering and bring more great entertainment closure to the customers”.
Some of the functionality available are; Live TV, TV guide, CatchUp, use on up to four devices, downloading content to devices, and Live Chat. All paid up GOtv customers, with an internet connection can download and use GOtv Stream for free – available on Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
(Mwebantu, Saturday, 2nd December, 2023)
Government secures an equity partner for Mopani Copper Mines
FOLLOWING the ongoing negotiations to revamp operations at Mopani Copper Mines on the Copperbelt, Government has finally secured an equity partner.
The Equity partner being International Resources Holdings (IRH) an affiliate of Abu Dhabi Conglomerate International holding was selected after an extensive process.
The process was undertaken by ZCCM-IH, together with Rose Child and Company, a company based in South Africa.
In carrying out the process of revamping the mine, which started last year in June, the process focussed on assessing Mopani’s balance sheet due to high level indebtedness and also finding a suitable partner for sustainable development.
Announcing the development, Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe said the selection of an equity partner will help restore life back into Mopani.
“I wish to announce and I am so glad and exited to announce that after extensive and thorough process, Government through the directors of ZCCM-IH have appointed a strategic equity partner for Mopani. The preferred partner selected is International Resource Holding Limited an affiliate of Abu Dhabi Conglomerate International holding company,” he said.
He said the partner selected is expected to inject funds into Mopani to stabilise short term work requirements, completion of the mine projects and unlock its potential.
Mr Kabuswe also stated that the equity partner will also reset the existing relationship with Glencore.
He further added that other details of the development at Mopani will be announced in due course when signing of the deal is being made.
(Mwebantu, Friday, 1st December, 2023)
Over 30 people trapped after a mine accident in Chingola
MORE than 30 people are believed to be trapped in an open pit mine in Chingola district on the Copperbelt after a mining accident.
Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu said the affected are trapped as a result of earth collapsing and has since asked the nation at large to put the affected in prayer.
Mr Mwiimbu speaking in Parliament said more than 30 people are trapped and the rescue team is on site
“May I just inform the nation that we have a tragedy that is brewing in Chingola where a number of our people have been affected by a collapse of the open pit in Chingola. We have more than 30 people under the rubble and we are struggling to retrieve them. We would like to ask all of us to put our citizens in prayer,” he said.
(Mwebantu, Friday, 1st December, 2023)


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British super label Burberry has unveiled its latest installment of autumn/winter 2011 campaign images, featuring new models Edie Campbell, Milly Simmonds, Callum Turner, and existing campaign model Cara Delevingne.
And yes, the tweed-infused military outfits are every inch the classic British heritage style the brand has always vowed to uphold.
The collection itself features garments in a mixture of textures and deep autumnal tones – complete with white fur hats, khaki tweed jackets and black leather riding boots.
And as for the men out there, expect beige war time styled parkas and buckled leather military boots next season.
All that’s left now is for autumn to rear it’s ugly head. But hey, at least we’ll look good.


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Tag Archives: Iphone 5
Apple cried foul about the explosively popular Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet saying that the elements of design were copied from iPad. While the patent war between the world majors in handsets and tablets is on in its full swing, this move by Apple was seen as many as a sign of insecurity since Samsung showed a stunning growth of a stunning 365% in the second quarter of this year alone. Apple had the sale of Galaxy Tab 10.1 brought under the scanner and had the court impose a blanket ban on selling the device anywhere in Europe other than the Netherlands. This week, however, the ban was lifted and the device was made available for sale until the appeal by Samsung which is to take place next week.
Starting the Round-Up with some Apple, people around the country and many interwebs and tech journalists and bloggers are waiting for the next generation iPhone to hit the stores which the company has not yet confirmed when. According to the iPhone 5 speculations, the phone will comprise of new enclosure with 4 inch screen and an 8 mega pixel camera. Whether it will be iPhone 5 or 4G or 4GS, it is not sure until its launch in September or October this year. When asked from the people about their expectations from this new iPhone, many of them asked for good battery life and sleek body. Better camera and water proof body were also some answers but did not come for many mouths. There are people who will ready switch to new iPhone 5 and few will wait for some months to get the reviews. In any case, Apple will surely seek the advantage!
According to the latest survey by ICD, Apple has made a clean sweep of the smart phone market by capturing a majority share. The company has sold 20.3 million smart phones in the second quarter, with Samsung following at a close second. The company captured 19.1% of the smart phone market share. While the company sold 8.4 million smart phones in the second quarter of 2010, the sales in 2011 grew by an astounding 141.7%. The sales of iPhone has remained largely unaffected by the continuous postponement of iPhone 5, which was due in June, was postponed to September and as per the latest reports, the launch will now take place in October.
iPhone 5 has been under speculations ever since it was announced. More concrete evidence has now come to light that Apple is planning for the fifth generation phone to be more than just an upgrade. The phone features a new size and is a lot more powerful than its predecessors. The major changes in the appearance of the phone are a slimmer design and bigger display. Shaw Wu, an analyst, said that the phone does seem to be a lot more than an upgrade of the previous version. The facts have come to light through chain supply sources. iPhone 4 has a 3.5 inch screen and the new phone will definitely have a bigger display although the overall size will be same. A bigger screen is expected to make usage easier. The processor used in the phone will be A5 processor. iPad 2 also uses the same processor.
iPhone 4, a product from the house of Apple, has passed more than a year of its journey, that’s why in the technology field it has become one of the ancient technology in this world. But more surprising news is that with this new product this mobile phone giant Apple is still dominating the smartphone industry and there should not be any doubt about that.


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Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer some time in their lifetime? In order to help raise awareness for breast cancer GrimmSpeed has teamed up with RallySport Direct to bring you these limited edition breast cancer awareness radiator shrouds.
We are pleased to announce that 100% of the proceeds will be going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (nationalbreastcancer.org).
These custom radiator shrouds will be available or 02-07 Subaru Impreza Models and 08-14 Subaru Impreza Models.
Fore more information click on any of the links or photos below:


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What kind of weapon it is?
The developers, Respawn Entertainment just released the Apex Legends one week ago, without any commercial, announcement or preparation. But even without all that kind of stuff, Apex Legends is becoming extremely successful. In just a one week, Apex Legends raised its player counts to the magnificent 25 million! The reason behind this success is hidden between Respawn unique gameplay design.
After the huge success of the Apex Legends, Respawn speeded up the development of the Apex and already started on new contents for the game. And today, from the official twitter account of Apex Legends, they announced a new assault rifle named Havoc for Apex Legends which is going to release today.
Get ready to cry havoc—a new gun is coming to King's Canyon pic.twitter.com/w8LNa2GDWn— Apex Legends (@PlayApex) 19 Şubat 2019


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VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) - Valdosta State University students began moving in this morning.
"My stuff is waiting to be taken up an elevator!" exclaimed incoming freshman Ashleigh McRoy.
McRoy is one of nearly 3,000 students making the VSU dorm her new home, and the school will welcome thousands more students this fall.
Students local business owners hope will make their way downtown.
"We'd be happy to have students drop by and look at the books or just sit and read for a while," said Mike Orenduff, owner of Book and Table in downtown Valdosta.
Since students left campus in May, a few new restaurants and businesses have opened up. Business owners and city officials said bringing students to downtown will help the area thrive while also providing students with opportunities.
"The downtown has much more to offer than it did a few years ago when we first moved here," said Orenduff, "There are more stores, more restaurants, so I think we need to encourage the students to do that."
"There's the opportunity here for internships and jobs that they might can just stick around," said Main Street Director Ellen Hill
And some students are already preparing to explore everything Valdosta has to offer.
"I like all the shops, the little downtown, and everything like that. I'm pretty excited," said incoming freshman Trey Teahan.
"I've asked a couple people where some good restaurants are, and some of these places I've never heard of. I'm excited to try them out! Me and my roommates are actually trying some out tonight," McRoy said.
Some businesses plan to offer discounts to students to encourage them to try out new restaurants.


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GM on July 25 introduced its smallest diesel car engine anywhere in the world to power its Chevrolet Beat in India as the company takes on rivals in the fast-growing small diesel vehicle market.
The 1.0-liter diesel engine has been developed by GM's engineers in Europe and modified to suit Indian driving conditions, said Karl Slym, president and managing director at GM India.
Slym said GM India is the sole producer of the new diesel engine and there are plans to export it to Europe.
GM India intends to introduce five new vehicles in the next 18 months in India, including a hatchback, he said.
The new diesel hatchback is aimed at helping GM boost sales in Asia's third-largest automobile market, where the popularity of diesel vehicles is rising due to the fuel's lower cost.
General Motors India also sells a 1.2-liter gasoline-powered Beat car.
Most other car makers in India, including market leader Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors and Ford's local unit already sell diesel-powered small cars. Maruti sells its Swift and Ritz hatchbacks with diesel engines, while Tata Motors' flagship Indica is the cheapest car in the diesel segment with prices starting at 395,453 rupees (US$8,900) in New Delhi.
The diesel Beat's base model is priced at 429,000 rupees at showrooms in the capital.
GM India sold a record 110,804 cars in India in 2010, which it aims to increase to about 150,000 vehicles this year and 200,000 next year.
Diesel costs 41.29 rupees per liter, far less than the 63.70 per liter for gasoline. The government controls diesel costs while fuel-marketing firms can set gasoline prices.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2011


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UK-based wealth analytics startup Starbo storms past crowdfunding target
Strabo, which offers wealth analytics and a customisable investment dashboard, has surpassed its crowdfunding target, with 16 days still left.
Canada’s Neo Financial hits unicorn status in just 3 years
Canadian FinTech Neo Financial, has reached the $1bn valuation milestone, after the close of its Series C round on $185m.
Prize-linked FinTech EverUp closes crowdfunding 124% above target
Prize-linked FinTech app EverUp has closed its crowdfunding campaign on ?496,185, which was raised at a pre-money valuation of ?9.9m.
FinTech for low-income families Propel nets $50m
Propel, a FinTech company designed to help low-income families in America to improve their financial health, has reportedly raised $50m.
Lemonade rolls out US pet insurance coverage
Lemonade, the digital insurance company that leverages AI technology, has expanded its pet insurance offering to customers in Massachusetts,
France whacks Google and Facebook with $210m in fines
Franceâ€™s data privacy and protection body has slapped Facebook with a â‚¬60m fine and Google with a â‚¬150m penalty following misdemeanours around internet cookies.
Pento scores Series B for payroll software enhancements
Pento, a cloud-based payroll software solution, has scored $35m in its Series B funding round to support its product development.
ZenBusiness to propel the future of US entrepreneurism following funding
ZenBusiness, the platform that strives to empower entrepreneurs, has secured $200m in Series C funding led by Oak HC/FT and SoftBank.
Konfio said to reach $1.3bn valuation after funding round
Mexico-based Konfio has reportedly reached the unicorn status, after a $125m funding round brings its valuation to $1.3bn.
Thailand central bank unveils plans for digital currency pilot in 2022
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has revealed it intends to begin a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot study in the second quarter of 2022.


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Yesterday Omnicarservice.dk reported year end 2021 report, where turnover grew 65% and reached SEK 17,9 mio.
In that connection we hosted an event with Chairman Claus T. Hansen CEO i Mikkel Kofod Christensen.
The focus on the event where on the underlying achievement that has created the high growth rates, and a look into 2022 and the targets for both OCS business (repair vans) and the new Online E-car sales business.
For the OCS business they expect to grow the revenue to SEK 58 mio. on a 12-month rolling basis end 2022, up from SEK 27 mio. this year. With 20 vans on the road compared to 8 end of 2021.
For the online e-car platform they give targets on number of expected cars sold and how much bundled sales. the targets are 570 cars and 60% sold with other services.
Later this year though, the comp any will be more specific on a financial number for online business.
HC Andersen Capital receives payment from Omnicar Holding AB trough a Digital IR/Corporate Visibility agreement./Michael Friis, 01-03-2022, kl. 13:00


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PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020) – The reasons for eating a healthy diet are obvious but have you ever thought about the relationship your diet has to cancer? One doctor think there is a strong link and hopes that people change their minds about that link in the next few years.
Dr. Colin Champ, Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at UPMC joined “The KDKA Morning News” with Larry Richert and John Shumway to talk about the link between nutrition and cancer.READ MORE: WVU Medicine Extends Deadline For All Employees To Be Vaccinated
What are some specific foods should you eat or not eat when preventing or during cancer treatment?
“The first and foremost is avoiding sugar and foods that further increase your appetite that lead to binge-eating, like the bread basket at the restaurant,” said Dr. Champ.
Dr. Champ says that the sugars and breads are carbohydrates that turn into sugar when you eat them and, “that can feed cancer cells.”
How many grams of carbs can you have a day?
“I generally think in terms of grams ranging anywhere from 50 to a 150 or even 200,” Dr. Champ said. “A can a Coke or half a two-liter bottle, that’s your carbs for the day. That’s why you should stick to nutrient-dense foods.”
Specifically, Dr. Champ says you should eat, “leafy green vegetables, some berries and fruit and then well-sourced and health meats like grass-fed beef, free-roaming chickens, and wild salmon.”
But isn’t that kind of food hard to find?
“You just get on [Interstate] 79 or [Route] 28 and within a couple minutes, you can find these items (at a farm),” Dr. Champ said.READ MORE: Giant Eagle Looking To Fill More Than 1,000 Permanent Jobs
For example Dr. Champ says that grass fed beef has higher amounts of Omega-3s.
“Overall, a lot more vitamins and nutrients,” Dr. Champ said.
How much of a difference can a change of diet make to a future prognosis? Dr. Champ says it makes a big difference.
“There’s data that shows if you gain weight, specifically about 10 pounds or so, after treatment for breast cancer, it increases the risk of it coming back by about 60 percent, so staying slim can make a difference.”
When it comes to a diet being a cure for cancer Dr. Champ says that the information is still unclear.
“I think diet can work (with) treatments that exist (for cancer) like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation and that’s a question that is currently being perused in the field and hopefully there will be an answer in a couple years,” Dr. Champ said.


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Ipswich: Trading Standards seize 186 hair clippers, perfume and a watch during raid at The Outlet Shop
- Credit: Archant
Police and Trading Standards officers have swooped on a town discount store discovering products being sold against safety laws.
Officers were called to The Outlet Shop, in Westgate Street, at around 11.25am.
A police spokesman confirmed they had attended but on arrival left Trading Standards to take charge as it was a “civil matter”.
A spokeswoman for Suffolk County Council, which manages Trading Standards, said: “We were called as there was concern that products in the store may be counterfeit.
“No branded products were found, however we have seized a sample of perfume to test against the cosmetic regulations to ensure it is safe.
“We also seized one watch to test whether it contains nickel, and we have seized 186 hair clippers as they were being sold with a two-pin-plug which is an offence under electrical safety legislation.”


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Information about the latest and most significant access to information issues.
A consultation process for PIPEDA's data breach notification and reporting regulations was commenced last week through the release of a discussion paper by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISEDC).
A research paper entitled The Internet of Things - An introduction to privacy issues with a focus on the retail and home environments was released by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada today.
Privacy regulatory authorities from around the world are encouraging governments and companies to increase transparency in relation to lawful access requests for personal information held by companies.


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KATHMANDU, March 17: Prime Minster Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the government was committed to attracting more foreign investments sustainable development of Nepali economy.
Inaugurating the 6th Nepal International Trade Fair in Kathmandu on Thursday, Dahal said that the government has approved several laws in the past few months to create environment conducive for foreign investors in Nepal.
The government has introduced Industrial Enterprises Act, Special Economic Zone Act, Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, Intellectual Property Rights Act and Company Act, among others in the past few months.
“We are introducing new laws, policies and regulations to improve business doing environment in the country attracting new investments and create employment for youth,” he said.
PM Dahal also said he was hopeful that the expo would enhance trade relationship, help Nepali entrepreneurs to learn from foreign exhibitors and promote Nepali products in the international market.
Likewise, Pashupati Murarka, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said that introduction of new laws should encourage foreign investors to come to Nepal. “End of power cuts has already started to attract foreign investments,” he said, adding: “Now the government should introduce new programs to become self-sufficient in agricultural products.”
Similarly, Bhawani Rana, senior vice-president of FNCCI said that the high lending rate and liquidity crunch has hit industrialists and entrepreneurs very hard.
The expo aims at promoting Nepali products in both domestic as well as international market. According to the organizers, the expo will showcase handicraft, IT, agricultural, construction, medical, metal, steel, leather, furniture, and fashion products, among others. The expo will have a total of 340 stalls. Exhibitors from countries like China, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Thailand, among others. Buyers from Japan, Korea and Thailand are also participating in the expo, according to the organizers.
Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal (FHAN) and Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association are the co-organizers of the expo.


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Finish companies, HKScan Corporation and Hes-Pro Oy, are cooperating to develop, produce and launch plant-based protein ingredients.
The agreement will see Hes-Pro Oy – part of the same group that owns fast food chain Hesburger – develop the products.
The company will initially manufacturer the products at its new production unit in Kaarina, though there are plans to expand production to HKScan’s units as well.
The plant-based protein products will then be launched by HKScan in the first half of 2020, firstly into foodservice and then later into retail.
The products will be first launched in Finland, but HKScan is also looking into opportunities to sell the products in its other home markets in the Baltic Sea region.
“Responsibly produced meat and meat products will continue to be at the core of HKScan’s operations, but to establish a broader base for our future growth, we want to be actively present in new consumer trends,” said HKScan’s CEO Tero Hemmilä.
He added: “The collaboration is a good example of HKScan’s partnership strategy whereby we are involved in evolving product categories and sales channels also through strong partnerships.”
Heikki Salmela, Chairman of the Hes-Pro Board, said: “We recognised the growing need for plant-based protein products several years ago and started developing our own plant-based protein products. Our goal is to make exceptionally tasty products using our own recipe.
“We have been looking for a suitable partner to launch our products widely to the consumer market. We were looking for an experienced partner with a strong presence in the consumer market and a wide geographical reach. So it is great to start working with HKScan, a company with an extensive sales and distribution network in the Nordic countries.”


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The issue of mega farms has come up at a topical time, when the UK House of Lords is also discussing the impact of Brexit on animal welfare in the UK.
Animal welfare or economic growth?
The UK has always been a world leader on animal welfare, but when new markets (such as the USA) want to trade animal products that involve poor welfare practices, there’s an obvious conflict of interest. What comes first: animal welfare or economic growth?
To me, the answer seems obvious: impose high levels of animal welfare as an obligation and accept that meat /milk/eggs have a price that reflects this.
Cheapness should not always be the number one priority
There are a number of other areas in life where we don’t accept that “cheaper is necessary”:
- There are minimal safety standards for consumer goods
- Medicines have to be properly licensed to ensure safety of patients
- Cars are obliged to have minimal safety standards
- Health and safety regulations make many products and services more costly
high animal welfare should trump cheapness
Our society has decided that “human safety trumps cheapness”.
Why can we not agree that “high animal welfare trumps cheapness” as well?
Read my article on mega farms at the Daily Telegraph by following the link below.


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Trade unions are backing a proposal to stop foreign companies suing the Government over controversial laws.
New Zealand First has put forward a member's bill to stop foreign companies like tobacco companies being able to sue the government for laws they don't like.
Council of Trade Unions secretary Sam Huggard says it could stop the threat of lawsuits over plain packaging laws.
"Any sensible Government who wants to introduce pro-health measures like plain packaging shouldn't be held to ransom by foreign companies through trade agreements."
The CTU hopes the bill would undermine any right-to-sue provisions in the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement currently under negotiation.
Sam Huggard says the bill will be vital for controlling medicine prices and environmental protections.
"It's about simple things like standing up for water quality, medicines and labour conditions."


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Six places in Norfolk where KFC could open a new restaurant
- Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
Fried chicken lovers could be in for a treat after KFC revealed it is eyeing up new sites in Norfolk.
The fast food chain has revealed a list of potential locations across the county where it could open new restaurants as part of a nationwide expansion.
The list of "target locations" was published on its website, with each location in Norfolk earmarked for a drive-thru.
Norwich South, Norwich East, Norwich Riverside and Thickthorn are on the list, as well as potential sites in Thetford and Cromer.
But a spokesman for KFC described the list as "speculative" and declined to comment further on the chain's plans for expansion in Norfolk.
In December Burger King had plans to open a new restaurant in Brigg Street in Norwich approved by Norwich City Council.
In planning documents it stated that the new restaurant would generate 26 jobs and help to drive footfall and improve the “viability of the shopping area”.
- 1 Norfolk pub gets booked up every Sunday for its roast dinner platters
- 2 Custom-built six-bedroom home with indoor slide on the market for £900,000
- 3 Staff and customers gutted after fire badly damages popular takeaway
- 4 Is this Norfolk's quirkiest cafe?
- 5 Investigations continue after stabbing in town park
- 6 'Covid has killed us' - 65-year-old Norwich venue The Talk to close
- 7 18 sights you will remember from Norfolk in the 1980s
- 8 Norfolk recruiting police officers - but not those with 'offensive' tattoos
- 9 Pressure waves of Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption felt across East Anglia
- 10 'The time has come' - Landlord of seaside pub retires after 50 years at helm


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Which Company Should the Dow Dump?
Four Dow components release quarterly results Friday. But over the last several months, a few not-so-happy shareholders and commentators have been calling on CEOs from three Dow components to shove off — specifically Bank of America, Cisco and Microsoft.
Today, we want to know which company you'd choose to remove if the Dow 30 were to become the Dow 29?
Share your opinion:


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It’s really important to get more vitamin D from your diet, especially during lockdown. Vitamin D plays an essential role in cell growth, bone strength and a healthy immune system. Given the fact that we are now spending most of the day at home, there is actually an increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiency.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin D is 600 international units (IU), which is 15 micrograms (mcg) for most adults. For individuals older than 80, the RDA is 800 IU (20 mcg).
To understand the big picture of vitamin D deficiency, before the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, almost 42 percent of Americans had this deficiency, now that percentage is increasing at an exponential rate as most of us are staying home to stop the spread of COVID-19. It’s crucial to add more vitamin-D-rich foods to your diet these days.
You can also opt for supplements. Lori Zanini, RD, a Los Angeles–based dietitian recommends vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is found in animal sources of food and is generally better absorbed in the body, though plant-derived vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is used in supplements as well. However, research is mixed on whether vitamin D supplements offer concrete health benefits.
Still, “getting vitamin D from food is a priority,” says Zanini. Read on to discover some healthy foods that are also high in vitamin D.


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IKEA offers first look at furniture designed for millennials by Virgil Abloh
IKEA has revealed some of the products set to feature in its long-awaited furniture collection by fashion designer Virgil Abloh, including slogan-covered rugs and a cabinet for storing and displaying sneakers.
Abloh, founder of fashion brand Off-White, and Henrik Most, a creative leader at IKEA Range and Supply, unveiled a selection of prototypes in a live-stream broadcast from New York yesterday at 5.30pm EST (9.30pm GMT).
The range, which was revealed to be named Markerad, is aimed at students and young people moving into their first homes.
Comprising a mix of furniture and home accessories, many of the designs in the collection appear similar to traditional IKEA pieces. But Abloh has added subtle adjustments that he likens to pop art – a movement that thrives on irony.
"The essence of the project is not just us designing something cool for cool's sake," said Abloh. "I'm trying to invest an artistic quality in things that you already have."
Among these "elevated" designs is Door Stop Interruption. The product is a simple wooden chair, but it comes with a bright red doorstop that slot onto one of its legs.
"When we were stuck in the beginning looking through what we wanted to do, I had this image of an airplane wheel and two doorstops to stop it," said the designer.
"I just posed the question that the person who designed the wheel must think he is God's gift to earth," he added. "But the person who designed the doorstop is equally impactful because it can stop a plane in its tracks."
Also in the collection is a glass cabinet with a wooden frame, to offer millennials a place to store and showcase sneakers. Abloh said he came up with the idea for the credenza after forgetting about items that he owns. He hopes it will help to reduce unnecessary purchases.
"This is a means of curating your junk drawer or curating the most coveted things," he said. "At least they're stored and they become an art object. I think that will have an impact on our consumption level."
The cabinet has red handles that are shaped like nails, as a reference to the tools needed to assemble IKEA's flat-pack furniture.
The collection will also include Abloh's take on the IKEA Frakta bag
A hotly anticipated item in the series is Abloh's take on the Frakta bag. Although not featured in the showcase, it could be spotted in the background. It has also appeared on social media, shown in beige instead of blue, emblazoned with the text "SCULPTURE".
Quotation slogans, which are a signature of Abloh's previous work, also adorn two rug designs revealed. The word "BLUE", made from letters that are hand-shaved in blue textile, decorates a bold red design. The other is a decorative Persian rug covered with the text "KEEP OFF".
The collection will also include rugs emblazoned with slogans
IKEA announced last year that it was working on a collection with Abloh, who is also a trained architect and a long time collaborator of rapper Kanye West.
Abloh said the prototypes mark a "milestone" in the progress of the collection. But he will continue to test the products with millennials before designs are finalised.
"The process will include us taking this chair to a dorm room, a person's first home to see what can be effective," he said. "I have another few months until I have to stop and put the pencils down."
IKEA is expected to reveal more details about Markerad during annual Democratic Design Day event, which takes place in Sweden on 7 June 2018. The collection set to launch in 2019.
For job opportunities at IKEA, visit their company profile on Dezeen Jobs.


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From my Forbes.com blog The New Persuaders:
PayPal, the online payments company that eBay bought in 2002, is legendary in Silicon Valley for spawning an incredibly talented group of founders, investors, and executives at startups that read like a Who’s Who of Web success stories. The so-called PayPal Mafia includes Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, LinkedIn cofounder, angel investor and Greylock VC partner Reid Hoffman, hedge fund and early-stage investor Peter Thiel, Yelp cofounder and CEO Jeremy Stoppelman, YouTube cofounders Chad Hurley and Steve Chen, and many more.
Now, it looks like a new corporate organization is moving in: the Google Mafia. With the surprise appointment today of longtime Google executive Marissa Mayer as CEO of Yahoo, it now appears that the Google Mafia could prove almost as powerful, though in a different way: It’s more of an executive mafia than a startup mafia. But these former Googlers are now in high-profile positions around the Valley and the larger tech industry, in very influential companies. …
Filed under: AOL, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, payments, Silicon Valley, startups, Twitter, venture capital, Yahoo, YouTube Tagged: | Facebook, Google, Silicon Valley, startups, Twitter, Yahoo, YouTube


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VR Porn Booth to Appear at E3
According to the recently released floor plan for this year's E3, adult entertainment company Naughty America will have a booth in the main South Hall.
Senran Kagura: Estival Versus E3 Trailer
Next up in our continuing coverage of E3 and Senran Kagura, Marvelous and Operation Rainfall have unveiled a new trailer for the upcoming Senran Kagura
Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson English E3 Trailer
Lewd E3 content is finally upon us with the newest Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson trailer from the English version of the game.


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It’s no surprise how much the esports scene is rising, but a Dubai based company is about to make significant investments.
W Ventures announced that it will spend $50 million (Dhs183 million), together with its first online and offline gaming platform, in building the regional Middle East Esports and gaming ecosystem.
With help from RedPeg gaming and sports company, the project seeks to increase the state of gaming in the region.
The UAE has seen an increase in the number of professional gaming teams involved in international sport turnouts, such as Yalla Esports, which has qualified for three international tournaments with US$1.2 million (Dhs4 million) in prize pools.
“With the help of instruments and technology to be found and built-in this growing, global phenomenon, we see the opportunity to offer gamers in the area a totally unique and true experience,” said W Ventures President Habib Wehbi at our sister site Arabian Business.
CEO of RedPeg, Brad Nierenberg added: “Food, energy, and gaming communities in the United States and worldwide for the past 8 years we have been working with publishers, endemic and non-endemic brands, influence makers as well. It’s high time to develop the industry too because worldwide gaming is expected to generate $196 billion in revenues by 2022. Gaming is obviously booming.
For the new gaming site, W Ventures said that later in this month they would reveal more details. See the updates on this site.


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Huawei: A Global Chinese Brand
Arriving in the Netherlands, I suddenly realized my urgent need to buy another mobile phone for my contacts both in China and in the Netherlands. In two minds as to whether I should choose an iPhone over a Samsung, I suddenly spotted the black phone that my Dutch colleague was using; its display took up 80% of the front panel with the following white letters at the bottom: HUAWEI (华为). “How do you like your mobile phone?” My interest was aroused; for she was using a Chinese brand in the Netherlands. “It recognizes your fingerprint,” she said, setting out to enumerate the features of her newly bought phone to me: “six inch screen, eight cores, 13MP lens, power saving”, while my thoughts just lingered on the question: “Is Huawei popular outside of China?”
Actually my very first impression of Huawei came to me twelve years ago in China when one of my best friends excitedly asked me to congratulate him on his success of becoming a Huawei Ren (华为人), which employees of Huawei proudly call themselves. Since then I got to know that for graduates who major in Information and Communication desiring to work in a global and innovative company, Huawei is the place to be. Mr. James Dai (戴民), the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Huawei Technologies in the Netherlands confirmed as such in an interview with Global China Insights on October 21, 2014. Joining Huawei in 1996 when graduating from University, Mr. Dai is very proud of his career at Huawei.
According to Mr. Dai, the most representative feature for Huawei to attract young elites is the culture and mechanism, both of which encourage and guarantee one’s initiative. Original ideas, he added, should always be valued and rewarded. People are promoted not according to their seniority but based on their contribution to the group. Also, Huawei’s philosophy of team work is really what drives their great strength in technological innovation and in other developments: Huawei Ren always gets the most cordial congratulations from their team on their success and the most sincere help from their co-workers when in difficulty.
Huawei is still a young company; it was established 27 years ago with a start-up capital of only 20,000 Chinese RMB (€2,620), but this was enough for the Huawei people to work miracles. In the course of a little over two decades they have transformed into a multi-billion company. On 31 March 2014, Huawei released its 2013 annual report, revealing another great year with sales revenue of USD 39.4 billion (€31.6bn), surpassing Ericsson’s revenue of USD 35.3 billion (€28.48bn) and making it the world’s No. 1 telecommunications equipment provider.
-HUAWEI Ascend P7 (Copyright: Huawei)
Even though Huawei has been well known for years in the business market as one of the world’s largest telecommunications equipment providers in China, individual consumers are not yet that familiar with the brand. As Mr. James Dai explains, Huawei’s business was mainly focused on the operators’ side prior to 2010, and as early as the end of 2007 Huawei became a partner to all the top operators in Europe. From British Telecom (BT), Deutsche Telekom (DT), France Telecom/Orange (FT) to Vodafone and KPN, millions of people in Europe rely on the company’s equipment every day. It was only since Huawei decided to make and sell its own mobile phones in 2010 that private users are gradually getting to know this name brand.
Ever since 2010, Huawei has been making consistent efforts to build its brand recognition within the consumer’s market instead of just among industry insiders. Mr. James Dai explained the developing trace of Huawei’s strategy in the users’ market: To ensure sales volume in the initial phase, Huawei focused on producing low-cost customised mobile phones for major operators in China. Since 2011, it has adjusted its marketing and positioning strategies and started to march into the middle and high-end markets by launching its self-owned ‘Huawei’ brands. From Huawei Vision C8850, the world’s first ‘cloud’ smartphone; to Huawei Honor U8860 featuring a ‘Cloud +’ network drive to Huawei Ascend P6 the only 6.18mm (0.24in) thick mobile phone, Huawei brand has been continuously stimulating the interest and passion of domestic consumers in this national brand and at the same time changing the intrinsic concept of overseas consumers of ‘Made in China’.
-Huawei Netherlands signs a partnership agreement with Ajax and the Amsterdam Arena stadium (Copyright: Huawei)
In 2013, to promote brand awareness for Huawei mobile phones, the company conducted a series of branding campaigns worldwide, including sponsoring football games and clubs, such as Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s A.C. Milan, Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, and the Netherlands’ Ajax Amsterdam.
According to the newly released smartphone market statistics by the International Data Corporation (IDC), Huawei shipped 12.7 million smartphones in the third quarter of 2013, a 4.8% share of the market, making it one of top three smartphone makers after Samsung (31.4% of the market share) and Apple (13.1% of the market share). Those numbers prove that Huawei is no longer solely well known among telecom operators, but it has also begun to win its ‘smart’ place among individual consumers.
All these achievements stemmed from just a small sales agency established in 1987 in a residential building in the Nanyou New Village in Shenzhen (深圳南油新村) by the current CEO Ren Zhengfei (任正非), a former engineer in military’s Engineering Corps, together with five other investors who each put in 3,500 Chinese RMB (€459). Nobody expected that this humble business born in a shabby workshop would rewrite the history of the telecommunications manufacturing industry both domestically and worldwide. On some occasions, people have called Ren Zhengfei and Huawei the Chinese version of Bill Gates and Microsoft.
-Mr. James Dai, the COO of Huawei Technologies in the Netherlands
In 27 years, Huawei has grown from a humble beginner to a global leader in the ICT industry: from 6 to 150,000 employees; from a registered capital of 20,000 Chinese RMB (€2620) to a yearly revenue of USD 39.4 billion (€31.6bn); from a seller of foreign telecom equipment to the world’s biggest telecommunications company serving telecom providers, enterprises and consumers from over 170 countries and regions. In the 15th annual Best Global Brands Report unveiled by Interbrand on 9 October 2014, Huawei was listed No. 94, making it the first Chinese company to break into the top 100.
When asked about Huawei’s secret to success, Mr. James Dai said that ‘customers first’ has long been the core value of Huawei and innovation cantered on customer needs has been and will always be Huawei’s priority. Huawei consistently invests over 10% of its revenues on Research and Development (R&D), with its R&D employees comprising 45% of the total workforce. Thanks to its integrated services and enormous investment in customer-centric innovation, Huawei’s enterprise business, which just started in 2012 in Western Europe, has become the fastest growing section among Huawei’s three business units, namely carrier network, enterprise business and consumer business.
The success of the Huawei brand does not come by accident. Nor are people using Huawei smartphones outside of China, like my Dutch colleague, isolated examples. It is true that the company still has a long way to go in building its brand recognition, especially in the overseas markets, but its persistent efforts have paid off. In the face of new opportunities and challenges, Mr. James Dai added, Huawei is endeavouring to become a world-renowned brand leader by delivering a consistently superior customer experience.
-Huawei Headquarters (Copyright: Huawei)


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Shares of Bit Digital (BTBT 0.58%), a company that mines Bitcoin, soared on Wednesday, closing the day almost 8% higher. Part of this is due to the price of Bitcoin going up. According to CoinDesk, Bitcoin was up 10.5% over the previous 24 hours as of 4:20 p.m. EDT. But Bit Digital also had news that shareholders should know about.
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday, Bit Digital provided its shareholders with a transcript of prepared remarks from CEO Bryan Bullett for the LD Micro Conference. In it, Bullett noted how the company is shifting operations out of China and into North America, due to the uncertain regulatory environment in China. In January, the company was operating at full capacity and mined 425 bitcoins in that month alone. Production is down with the transition, but it believes this is a good benchmark for its capability going forward.
Two things in the presentation could be exciting investors. The first is the valuation for Bit Digital stock. The company generated revenue of $44 million in the first quarter of 2021 and currently has a market capitalization of about $400 million, according to Yahoo Finance. On an annualized basis, that's a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of about 2.3. Bullett points out this is a value stock compared to Bit Digital's peers. Considering stocks like Marathon Digital and Riot Blockchain trade with trailing P/S ratios of 200 and 92, respectively, Bullett may have a point. To make it an apples-to-apples comparison, Bit Digital trades at a P/S ratio of around 6, which is still a discount.
Bullett said, "In the coming months, we look forward to announcing several exciting new initiatives in the digital assets ecosystem that we believe will drive attractive returns for shareholders, and further differentiate our company." A seemingly attractive valuation coupled with the possibility of new growth initiatives may be a combination that's attracting investors to Bit Digital stock today, even with the ongoing uncertainty of relocating its mining operations.


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With Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) having raised its selling prices the moment again, some are inquiring regardless of whether Spotify (NYSE: Location) – the quality model of which nevertheless costs $9.99 per month in the United States – will shortly observe accommodate.
Los Gatos-headquartered Netflix just recently introduced the amplified membership price ranges for buyers in the United States and Canada, in advance of a Q4 2021 earnings call that’s scheduled for this Thursday, January 20th.
Stateside, the movie-streaming giant’s normal system now costs $15.50 per month, in accordance to Movieweb, and $19.99 for every thirty day period for the 4K Ultra-High definition tier. These heightened charges have previously absent into impact for new subscribers, but present users will acquire at least 30 days’ notice in advance of they are billed at a greater price.
Netflix has upped its regular monthly charge 6 occasions because 2014, also per Movieweb – in a stark contrast to Spotify and other audio streaming providers, the single-user premium subscription selections of which have value $9.99 for every thirty day period from the outset in the U.S.
Of training course, Netflix (as nicely as competing film and television platforms) generates distinctive displays and videos in an hard work to catch the attention of followers and justify rate jumps. But as the big labels did away with streaming exclusives years back again, arguing that they destruction the subscriber market place, Spotify, Apple Songs, and Amazon Music have turned to High definition audio, merch outlets, podcasts, remixes, and particular versions of initiatives to stand out from the group.
Notwithstanding the mainly identical music libraries that have compelled songs solutions to proceed charging $9.99 for every thirty day period in the U.S., Spotify previous April lifted particular plans’ charges.
While the leap impacted Scholar, Duo, and Family programs alike throughout Europe and the British isles, stateside subscribers only noticed the price of the Spotify Household possibility increase, from $14.99 to $15.99. Furthermore, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek acknowledged that his firm would retain on “playing it quite carefully” in phrases of boosting high quality membership fees in America, to take advantage of ongoing subscriber growth in different areas.
Now, approximately 1 12 months afterwards, it is doable that Spotify could be scheduling to hike the pricing of domestic membership offers after and for all.
The timetable affiliated with the Stockholm-centered company’s doable stateside price maximize(s) could possibly rely in part on the variety of subscribers that the company boasted as of Q4 2021.
Spotify is set to unveil its Q4 2021 (and comprehensive-year) efficiency specifics on Wednesday, February 2nd, obtaining forecasted 400 million to 407 million MAUs (from 381 million) and 177 million to 181 million quality subscribers (from 172 million) for the quarter. On the other hand, it bears noting with regard to this fairly bold steerage – Q3 2021 sent just 16 million new MAUs – that Spotify’s every month cost may differ radically by state.
As a result, surpassing the subscriber and MAU milestones won’t necessarily carry a materials revenue advancement for Spotify – and missing the targets could expedite the arrival of the prolonged-rumored cost boosts for the reason that of the ensuing earnings.
And in a broader perception, it is value noting that Spotify’s per-stream royalty amount has declined in latest a long time – as Daniel Ek anticipates as several as 50 million on-system creators by 2025.