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Perhaps needless to say more about the benefits that electric cars bring to the natural environment and human life. However, besides the price, one of the factors that makes electric vehicles difficult to reach users lies in the fact that the number of charging stations on the road is still limited, while the charging time is too long.
But this could soon change thanks to a new invention by researchers from Pennsylvania State University, a charging technique that allows a full charge of lithium batteries in just 10 minutes, the equivalent of a distance of 200 to 300 miles.
Basically, to shorten the charging time, a large amount of power must be 'pumped' directly into the battery for a short time. But this can cause lithium to deposit into the battery electrode. This lithium-plated coating will, in the long run, reduce battery performance and lifetime, even causing a dangerous short circuit.
The key behind the new charging technique is temperature. Researchers have found that if they charge the battery at 60 degrees Celsius and then cool it quickly, the charging speed will improve significantly while the heat will also be quickly drained into the space. out. To get uniform cooling and heating time for a short period of time, the team dipped a nickel foil in each lithium cell cell. In this way, the battery only takes 8.3% of its capacity (bottle) with every 2,500 charges - far exceeding the goal of the US Department of Energy of 500 charging cycles with 20% 'bottle' of battery.
In addition, all of the battery cells used by the research team are based on electrodes and electrolytes that are currently being mass produced, so the prospect of commercializing this fast charging technology is immeasurable. Prospects. If applied successfully on a large scale, this technology will certainly contribute to significantly accelerate the growth of the global electric vehicle market.


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Posted on 26 March 2014.
Shenzhen makes push into GSM interception market
A Chinese outfit is hoping to export interception materiel made in cut-price Shenzhen but marketed by a British front company. The facts – The British legal interception newcomer UK Speedog has been doing the rounds of the specialist trade fairs in …
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Google data suggests about 42m Android devices activated in December
Posted in: Mobile & Wireless at 06/01/2012 16:15
Roughly 42m Android devices using Google's services were activated during December, according to calculations by the Guardian using data which suggest that there are now just less than 280m active "Google Android" devices.
The figures also suggest that about 1.7m Samsung Galaxy Nexus devices were sold in the month, as they are the only devices presently available which run Android 4.0, or "Ice Cream Sandwich".
To read this report in The Guardian in full, see:


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China to Lead in Carrier Aggregation says Strategy Analytics
Launch of LTE-A in China Augers Well for Domestic Chinese OEMs and Chips
Jun 15, 2015, 12:34 ET
BOSTON, June 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The launch of LTE-A with carrier aggregation in China this year will put mobile phones and chipsets from China on a strong competitive footing in global markets against today's top-selling, global smartphone and chipset brands, concludes Strategy Analytics in the report "China to Lead Global Carrier Aggregation in 2016." The report from the Strategy Analytics RF & Wireless Components (RFWC), and Wireless Network and Platforms (WNP) advisory services, predicts rapid growth in LTE-A devices and radio chipsets made in China this year as wireless operators move to carrier aggregation for higher capacity and data speeds.
Guang Yang, Senior Analyst, said "China Mobile has the lead in LTE, and has quite a bit of spectrum in B41 available for carrier aggregation. China Telcom and China Unicom have started to roll out LTE in FDD bands, and carrier aggregation will be a big part of their strategy to attract LTE customers and compete with China Mobile this year and next."
Christopher Taylor, Director of the RF & Wireless Components advisory service, added "Qualcomm was the main supplier of cellular radio chipsets that supported carrier aggregation in 2014, but this year HiSilicon, Spreadtrum, Intel, LG, Marvell, MediaTek, and Samsung have announced new LTE chipsets that support high data rates through carrier aggregation. This will give domestic Chinese phone OEMs a wider choice of chipsets and price-points for serving both the domestic and export markets."
About Strategy Analytics
Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides a competitive edge with advisory services, consulting and actionable market intelligence for emerging technology, mobile and wireless, digital consumer and automotive electronics companies. With offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Strategy Analytics delivers insights for enterprise success. www.StrategyAnalytics.com
China Contact: Guang Yang, + 44 1 908 423 662, [email protected]
US Contact: Christopher Taylor, +1 617 614 0706, [email protected]
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SOURCE Strategy Analytics
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Bringing you stories from the world of wine and beer.
The owners of Vallée de Vin are said to be in talks to buy a significant stake in India’s Grover Vineyards. The Nasik-based winery is close to finalising a deal to buy Grover shares held by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey (LVMH) and Indian-based distribution company Brindco, Harpers has learnt.
The move would create India’s second largest winery behind the dominant Sula Vineyards.
Vallée de Vin officially launched its Zampa range in the UK at a Indian food and wine matching event during the London International Wine Fair, following a distribution deal signed with Thierry’s earlier this year. Bibendum currently distributes Grover in the UK.
The winery is run by managing director Ravi Jain and owner Deepak Roy, two former entrepreneurial allies of UB Group chairman Vijay Mallya, owner of Whyte and Mackay.
Sources said Kapil Grover family will hold at least 33% after the merger with Vallée de Vin. Grover’s other investor, ex-Citibanker and entrepreneur Jerry Rao, will continue to be a shareholder in the combined entity.
A merger of the two wineries would help Vallée de Vin overcome restrictive distribution access into India’s second largest grape growing region Karnataka near Bangalore and in turn, Grover will have greater access to Mumbai based in Maharashtra.
“Grover Vineyards is a great brand but it is underperforming,” a source close to the deal told Harpers. “If this deal is finalised Vallée de Vin will have the muscle and know how to really push Indian wines both domestically and internationally.”
Vallée de Vin and Grover Vineyards have both refused to comment on the deal.
India’s wine industry has been struggling since 2008. Several new wineries have come and gone with those that have survived plagued with a production glut and facing financial ruin.
Last year, Verlinvest SA, an investment vehicle belonging to the three founding families of beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev, bought 15% stake in Sula Vineyards valued at around US$100 million.
Story by Shirley Kumar
Courtesy of Harpers Wine and Spirit Trades Review


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Burger King scraps plastic toys in children's meals, launches amnesty
(Reuters) - Burger King will stop handing out plastic toys in its children's meals and said on Thursday it was launching an amnesty for customers to return any freebies in a bid to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste. The action at its restaurants across Britain will save an estimated 320 tonnes of single use plastic every year, the fast food giant said.
(Reuters) - Burger King will stop handing out plastic toys in its children's meals and said on Thursday it was launching an amnesty for customers to return any freebies in a bid to tackle the growing problem of plastic waste.
The action at its restaurants across Britain will save an estimated 320 tonnes of single use plastic every year, the fast food giant said.
Larger rival McDonald's Corp announced on Wednesday that some of its restaurants in Britain and Ireland would allow customers to swap toys in happy meals for a fruit bag from next month and that it planned to introduce books as an option from early next year.
Burger King said it had been galvanised by Southampton sisters Ella and Caitlin McEwan's Change.org petition calling on Burger King and McDonald's to stop giving plastic toys with their kids' meals for the sake of the environment.
The chief executive of Burger King UK, Alasdair Murdoch, said the plastic toy initiative was one strand of a wider strategy to reduce packaging.
"What we are really focused on is removing single-use plastics, and that's why we've done that with the toys," Murdoch said.
Burger King, a unit of Canada's Restaurant Brands International, said on Thursday it was also installing amnesty bins at its UK stores that would accept donations of plastic toys that are given away free by either competitors, magazines or in cereal boxes.
These items would then be given a "new purpose" and transformed into play areas for selected stores and special trays encouraging play across restaurants.
McDonald's sells 3.2 million happy meals per day, data from research firm Sense360 showed, and comes as the world's largest restaurant chain rolls out paper straws, removes plastic lids on its McFlurry drinks and eliminates single-use plastic from its salads.
(Reporting by Siddharth Cavale in Bengaluru; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek police used teargas and water cannon to disperse people who had gathered in central Athens on Saturday to protest against mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations. More than 4,000 people rallied outside the Greek parliament for a third time this month to oppose mandatory inoculations for some workers, such as healthcare and nursing staff.
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Two Turkish soldiers were killed and two were wounded in an attack on their armoured vehicle in northern Syria, and Turkish forces immediately launched retaliatory fire, Turkey's defence ministry said on Saturday. "Our punitive fire against terrorist positions is continuing," the statement on Twitter on said. It did not specify where the attack occurred, but media reports said it was in the al-Bab area.
By Marcelo Rochabrun SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Protesters took to the streets in several Brazilian cities on Saturday to demand the impeachment of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has fallen in recent weeks amid corruption scandals against the backdrop of the pandemic. This week, news broke that Brazil's defense ministry told congressional leadership that next year's elections would not take place without amending the country's electronic voting system to include a paper trail of each vote. Bolsonaro has suggested several times without evidence that the current system is prone to fraud, allegations that Brazil's government has denied


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A pretty serious security vulnerability has been discovered in AMD’s Zen 2 family of CPUs that powers desktop PCs, laptops, as well as data centers. This new “Zenbleed” security flaw was first discovered by Tavis Ormandy, a vulnerability researcher working for Google’s Project Zero team. It can potentially allow attackers to steal security information from Zen 2 CPUs including passwords and encryption keys.
Zenbleed is a speculative execution vulnerability, similar to the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities that were discovered in Intel, AMD, and ARM chips back in 2018. This type of vulnerability leverages the CPU process known as speculative execution as an attack vector to compromise register files and access sensitive information on a device.
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This new “Zenbleed” security flaw doesn’t require physical access to a device to be exploited. On his blog, Ormandy has a pretty detailed technical explanation of how this vulnerability works. Cloudflare, which uses AMD Zen 2 CPUs on some of its servers, also published a slightly more practical explanation of it.
AMD has now published a security advisory detailing when it’s planning to release microcode updates to mitigate this new vulnerability on its Zen 2 family of CPUs. The company has already released patches for its EPYC 7002 ‘Rome’ processors for data centers, but updates for Zen 2 desktop and mobile CPUs won’t be released until October at the earliest.
In a statement shared with Tom’s Hardware, AMD said that it’s not aware of the vulnerability already being used by attackers, which is something that Cloudflare also said today. AMD also added that customers may also expect a performance impact after installing microcode updates. “Any performance impact will vary depending on workload and system configuration,” an AMD spokesperson said.


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Weyerhaeuser posts a strong 2013
Federal Way, Wash.-based Weyerhaeuser posted net earnings of $540 million for the full year 2013, up from $385 million in 2012.
Net sales for the year were $8.5 billion, up from $7.1 billion in 2012.
The company noted that in 2013 it doubled earnings before special items, increased its per share dividend by nearly 30% and announced a deal to combine its real estate operation with TRI Pointe Homes. It also acquired about 645,000 acres of timberlands in the Pacific Northwest through the purchase of Longview Timber.
"As 2014 begins, we are relentlessly focused on driving operational excellence to fully capitalize on improving markets and deliver value to our shareholders," said President and CEO Doyle Simons.
In the fourth quarter, Weyerhaeuser’s net sales were $2.26 billion, up from $2.00 billion in the same quarter last year. Fourth quarter net earnings declined from $143 million in last year’s quarter, to $43 million.
BMC introduces BMC Design
Boise, Idaho-based BMC launched a brand extension called BMC Design, aimed at boosting service for existing customers and appealing to homeowners, designers and architects.
BMC describes the new service as “elevated customer service, additional support and a sophisticated experience that builders can share with their buyers as a valuable project-development tool.”
BMC CEO Peter Alexander said the new brand brings the company’s industry-leading specialists to help inspire and guide product selection, while aslo managing expectations and budgets. “Whether your goal is to deliver on a home buyer’s vision, increase sales or differentiate your company from other builders, BMC can help you achieve that goal,” he said.
Additionally, the company unveiled its first BMC Design Center in Salt Lake City in November. BMC plans to have a BMC Design Center in each of its markets within the next two years.
“BMC Design is all about product selection and customer experience,” Alexander said. “You’ll be working with certified Product Specialists in millwork, windows and cabinetry to select your options. BMC handles everything else, with service you can count on from order to delivery.”
BMC operates in 16 markets in 10 states, eight of which are in the top 25 single-family construction markets, and has nearly 4,000 employees.
Pope Resources climbs out of the red in 2013
Pope Resources posted strong earnings for the full year and fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2013, pulling itself into the black after a 2012 riddled by losses.
Net revenue for the quarter was $19.1 million, up from $12.9 million during the same quarter in 2012. For the full year, revenues were also up substantially — 30.8% — at $70.7 million.
Net income of $2.5 million in the fourth quarter was a significant turnaround from year-ago losses of $673,000. Full-year income was $11.7 million, compared with a loss of $6.8 million in 2012.
"Gradually improving domestic housing starts and steady export log demand drove strong log prices for the quarter and the year," said David L. Nunes, president and CEO. "These market forces allowed us to increase our harvest volume, capturing previously deferred volume. Our Real Estate segment also benefited from improved market conditions as revenue for 2013 was nearly double the level of 2012. Together, these factors combined for a record year of revenue for the Partnership, and they laid the groundwork for a promising 2014 as we anticipate healthy prices for our logs and a string of real estate sales flowing from our Gig Harbor project."


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Europe Temperature Sensor Market revenue to reach $1.5bn by 2026, says Graphical Research
Major temperature sensor market players in Europe region include TE Connectivity, Endress+Hauser, Siemens, WIKA Instruments, ABLIC Inc, Amphenol Advanced Sensors, ams AG, Analog Devices, Inc, Honeywell International Inc, OMEGA Engineering, On Semiconductor, Pyromation, Siemens, STMicroelectronics.
Pune, India, Aug. 08, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
As per a recent industry report put forward by Graphical Research, the North America temperature sensor market is forecast to register its name in the billion-dollar fraternity down the line of seven years, by exceeding a revenue of USD 1.5 billion by 2026.
With the use of wearable bands, patient monitoring devices and smartphones becoming pronounced, Europe temperature sensor market forecast is likely to gain prominence. A growing need for HVAC systems in aircraft and temperature stabilization will boost the need for temperature sensors. Besides, the demand for high-performance, reliable and low-cost sensors has fared well across U.K., France and Italy.
Access sample pages of the report, “Europe Temperature Sensor Market Forecasts 2026” in detail along with the table of contents (ToC) @
The rising penetration of temperature sensors in portable healthcare equipment amidst the surging geriatric population will reshape the industry dynamics. The integration of technologies, including machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data analytics and IoT will solidify the position of temperature sensor manufacturers. In July 2019, the European Commission had proposed a plan to update Energy, Environment and Development (EED) through 30% energy efficiencies by 2030.
Non-contact devices thrive amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
The need to measure the surface temperature of a body or object without any physical contact has triggered the growth of non-contact equipment. These temperature sensors have become trendier with the soaring adoption of advanced portable healthcare devices. Developments of advanced thermal imaging equipment in the medical sector will spur the penetration of infrared temperature sensors.
SegunLife, in May 2020, came up with an infrared thermometer with an accuracy of around 2 degrees Celsius. Europe temperature sensor market share from non-contact segment is likely to grow at a moderate growth rate of 3% up to 2026.
Multi-channel digital output to usher growth
End-users have exhibited increased traction for multi-channel digital output owing to easy usage and high accuracy when compared to analog output. So much so that industrial and home automation systems have upped investments in the digital output portfolio. It is worth noting that these devices use remote temperature sensors for accurate measurement and monitoring with increasing adoption across smart homes.
For instance, Dobeny rolled out a new infrared temperature sensor and controller in July 2020. Europe temperature sensor industry value from multi-channel digital output will grow at around 5% growth rate through 2026.
Automotive industry boosts investments
The adoption of temperature sensors will gain popularity in automotive sector for comfort, reliability, control and monitoring of electric motors inside EVs. Moreover, the palpable penetration of ADAS, HVAC systems and thermal seats has triggered the demand for sensors. OEMs in Europe have upped investments to roll out advanced products.
To illustrate, Files Thru The Air rolled out a new sensor for monitoring temperature threshold in autonomous vehicles in December 2020. Automotive sector contributed around 17% share to Europe temperature sensor market in 2019 and could expand at a stable CAGR of more than 2.5% through 2026.
Request for customization of this report @
U.K. market to have immense growth potential
Stakeholders expect England, Scotland and Northern Ireland to be favorable destinations for temperature sensor suppliers. Specifically, in December 2020, NTT had announced the launch of the London 1 data center that would triple their U.K.-based data center penetration. Leading players are expected to develop smart sensors for intelligent wearables and data centers. U.K. temperature sensor market could grow at a 2.5% CAGR up to 2026.
Considering the stride Europe has taken in automation systems and wearable devices, companies are poised to invest in R&D to design advanced products. In doing so, they will explore opportunities across the healthcare, automotive and oil & gas industries.
About Graphical Research:
‘Graphical Research’ provides a large collection of market research and industry analysis reports covering healthcare, automotive, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, IT, agriculture, chemicals, and many other sectors, across diverse regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and others. The comprehensive reports we provide are aligned with the key industry trends and insights in specific regional markets. The data we deliver helps our customers make better strategic decisions. Our goal is to offer competitive and quality customized market research reports.
CONTACT: Contact Us: Parikhit B. Corporate sales, Graphical Research Phone: 1-800-986-6917 Email: email@example.com Web: https://www.graphicalresearch.com


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Investors jumped on board Trainline after it cashed in on demand for travel and outlined plans to reward shareholders despite ongoing rail strikes.
As the London stock market hit its highest level for situs slot tergacor over six weeks, the FTSE 250 online ticketing app said ticket sales rose by nearly a quarter to £2.6billion in the first half of the financial year – the six months to the end of August.
That led to its revenue increasing by 19 per cent to £197million.
In the UK, ticket sales were up 19 per cent to £1.7billion as more commuters switched from paper to digital ticketing.
Trainline said its results underlined the strength of the industry’s post-pandemic recovery, with passenger numbers moving closer to where they were before Covid-19 struck.
On track: Trainline said ticket sales rose by nearly a quarter to £2.6bn in the first half of the financial year – the six months to the end of August
However, it estimated that each of the 11 days of strikes over the six-month period cost it between £5million and £6million in lost ticket sales.
Elsewhere, strong demand in Spain and Italy saw the group’s international ticket sales surge 24 per cent to £559million.
Trainline’s overall performance gave it enough confidence to reiterate annual expectations for revenue to increase by 13 per cent to 22 per cent.
And with its boss Jody Ford optimistic about the company’s ‘continued growth’, Trainline also launched a share buyback programme of up to £50million over the next 12 months. Shares climbed 11.6 per cent, or 28.6p, to 276p.
Russ Mould, investment director at investment platform AJ Bell, said: ‘Despite another period marred by industrial action, the group has seen an eye-catching increase in ticket sales, suggesting it is gaining traction with travellers not just in the UK but overseas too.
European Central Bank raises rates to a record 4% despite… Arm shares soar on blockbuster New York debut: UK Chip… Hipgnosis ditches hits by Shakira and Nelly in bid to… Spire enjoys healthy revenues as it cashes in on strong…
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‘There remain limited barriers to entry in this market, but Trainline’s brand is becoming increasingly entrenched, which should provide it with a measure of protection from any prospective rivals.’
The FTSE 100 rose 2 per cent, or 147.09 points, to 7673.08 and the FTSE 250 added 1.8 per cent, or 338.2 points, to 18899.7.


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In its fourth-quarter 2020 report, cloud technology provider ON24, Inc (NASDAQ: ONTF) reported strong growth. This is the first report since the ON24 Inc. went public, and so far, ON24 has maintained strong momentum.
ON24 Inc (ONTF) closed the regular trading session at $55.21, up 3.16%. This stock is currently trading at an average volume of 639.52K shares per day, and it traded a total of 1.41 million shares on Friday. The 52-week high and low points of a stock’s current and future price are essential to consider when determining its current and future price. ON24 Inc. (ONTF) shares are currently 32.65% below their 52-week high mark and 20.28% above their 52-week low.
Last quarter, ON24 generated revenue of $ 53.3 million, a rise of 123 % YoY. The ONTF stock achieved a GAAP loss of $ 20.8 million in 2019, compared to a $ 17.5 million and $ 3.68 loss in 2019.
Increased demand for cloud collaboration solutions led to the addition of more than 2,000 new customers over the past year. Simultaneously, the number of customers with an annual spend of 100 thousand dollars or more increased by 110%. Nearly one-third of clients have long-term contracts, and orders received simultaneously for two or more solutions from ON24.
Many companies have deployed On24’s digital engagement platform that facilitates virtual meetings such as webinars and online conferences. The demand for such solutions has grown during the COVID-19 period.
The ON24 believes that solid growth will continue in 2021 as more companies transform, deploy telecommuting and web-based services. Losses are forecasted to be between $ 0.14 and $ 0.07. In this market, one of the advantages of ON24 is the seamless integration of newly released services into the existing business processes of customers.


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In addition to apps like aisle411, there are data gathering companies like Euclid, Path Intelligence and GISi Indoors that track where consumers go and how long they stay there. There are Bluetooth beacon makers like Estimote, Qualcomm and StickNFind. There are household names like Nokia, which is focused on indoor mapping through its Here business.
And there are Wi-Fi hotspot operators like Boingo Wireless, which detects passive changes in Wi-Fi signals on cellphones to measure foot traffic. The company is already using the technology in airports to give travelers estimates of security checkpoint wait times.
But while the players are many, they have one or two common goals: to give retailers more shopper information on the back end, so stores can better manage their inventory, layout and hiring practices; and to give shoppers more information on the front end, through maps, coupons and loyalty programs.
Path Intelligence is working on the back end. It uses laptop-sized receivers to map people's movements at a given location by reading radio-frequency signals sent between cellphones and cell towers. The technology is designed to be anonymous, so the location of the phones can be seen but not the user data stored on them.
The technology is being used in about 150 locations, including shops, malls and sporting venues, to provide information about where people go and how long they spend there. The company says its equipment is meant to be marked and clearly visible, though ultimately it's up to the retailer if they notify people they're being tracked.
Path's technology is useful, one real estate developer said, because it can help malls see whether people are going to a movie and leaving right after, or grabbing a bite to eat next door after the credits roll. That can help the mall decide whether to re-think its dining options.
Indoor marketing is different from e-commerce, which is geared toward online purchases. Rather, it's about everything that happens up to the physical point of sale -- something brick-and-mortar retailers know very little about.
"There is a lot of use for this information," said Bob Rosenblatt, a consultant and former chief operating officer at Tommy Hilfiger Group. Compared to consumer apps, a lot more activity happens behind the scenes, he said, because store executives are already accustomed to reviewing and analyzing data to make decisions.
Research by Opus suggests retailers might be on the right track. In the U.S., most people already use smartphones in stores to do things like look for coupons, compare prices or pull up product reviews, surveys have shown.
Indoor marketing builds on those habits, with the hope that consumers will allow the occasional pushed offer, or even some tracking, if they feel they are getting something out of it.
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Yael Selfin, UK Chief Economist, details the three key outcomes we expect to emerge from new technologies' influence on UK trade in post-Brexit Britain.
Investment in innovation and technological change can drive a step change in trade and an acceleration of trade growth in a post-Brexit Britain, in contrast to the damage expected to be caused by the UK’s departure from the European Union.
Our research into current trends points to three key outcomes that we expect to emerge:
1 All our trade forecasts in this report are in 2016 prices.
© 2021 KPMG LLP a UK limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.
For more detail about the structure of the KPMG global organisation please visit https://home.kpmg/governance.


text: DCB Bank on Monday launched its Unified Payment Interface (UPI) app, a month after the application developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) went live. The DCB UPI app is aimed at enhancing banking experience for customers, the lender said in a statement. The app dispenses with the need to swipe debit or credit cards while making payments at merchandise outlets by creating a “virtual payment address” for customers, which in turn serves as an identifier for enabling transactions.”In the coming months, UPI is likely to create a significant change in the way transactions are done, especially peer-to-peer transactions, known as P2P. A very important and powerful feature of UPI is the ability to send a ‘collect’ request, which did not exist in the industry,” Murali Natrajan, DCB Bank MD and CEO, said in a statement.The UPI interface was billed as a revolutionary of sorts in digital banking by the NCPI.”This is a success of enormous significance. Real-time sending and receiving money through a mobile application at such a scale on interoperable basis had not been attempted anywhere else in the world. Now the UPI App will be made available on Google Play Store by banks,” AP Hota, MD and CEO of NPCI, had said in a statement last month.


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Fleur of England has relaunched its website fleurofengland.com. The new site has been designed to reflect the luxury aspect of the lingerie brand as well as to create a unique buying experience which offers increased help on lingerie sizing and gift finding.
“The site has been re-designed to reflect the successful global reach of our luxury company and its customers,” said CEO and creative director Fleur Turner.
“The new site has been completely rebuilt around our customer’s requirements. Our lingerie is luxurious, sophisticated, elegant and fits beautifully, making it ultra comfortable, and we wanted to create a website that showcase all of these values.”
Suzanne Foster, brand development co-ordinator commented: "The user experience is paramount and we felt our customers deserved an even more luxurious buying experience. In the same way that our brand has been setting new directional trends in lingerie design we believe the new site pushes the bar of luxury lingerie e-commerce higher and we want to continue as a forerunner in British e-tail."
The site is also optimised for tablet and mobile browsing and transactions.


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The Trailer For Independence Day: Resurgence "Is Definitely Bigger Than The Last One"
on December 13, 2015 at 03:33 PM
Next year marks 20 years since the release of Independence Day , and will also mark the release of the film's sequel, Resurgence . Today, we got our first look at the movie with its first trailer. Jeff Goldblum returns alongside the aliens who have held a grudge for two decades while humanity borrowed...
Watch Dogs And Mario Dominate June NPD Numbers, Console Sales Strong
on July 17, 2014 at 05:59 PM
Ubisoft's open-world hacking epic and Nintendo's latest racer posted strong sales in June. In the latest NPD charts, last month's big games continued to dominate the charts. Ubisoft's Watch Dogs and Nintendo's Mario Kart 8 experienced strong sales. Nintendo has confirmed that Mario...
Xbox One June Update Adds Real Names And External Storage Support
on May 21, 2014 at 08:00 AM
After just rolling out the May update for the console , Microsoft has announced what's coming in the June Xbox One update. The big additions are support for external storage, and the ability to display your real name instead of just your gamertag, but there are other updates on the way, too. SmartGlass...
Ouya's E3 Presence Is In A Parking Lot And Open To The Public
on May 19, 2013 at 12:20 PM
Ouya will be attending E3, but much in the same way it encourages anyone to develop for the system, its presence will be open to the public. Ouya's show will be held down the street from the Los Angeles Convention Center where E3 is held in a parking lot. They will have televisions with Ouya console...
June Game Informer Digital Edition Goes Free Until May 30th
on May 26, 2011 at 09:03 PM
For over a year now, Game Informer has offered a digital subscription to the magazine that was simple in design. With the most recent June issue we went back to the drawing board and started building digital issues from the ground up, with some added digital bonuses. From exclusive content to interactive...
3DS eShop And Internet Browser Update Delayed
on May 12, 2011 at 09:04 PM
3DS owners who have been waiting for an update that would install the handheld's eShop and Internet browser will have to wait a while longer. Previously, Nintendo head Satoru Iwata had told investors that the eShop would be up by the end of this month with a free download of Excitebike, an announcement...
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text: General Motors (GM.NYSE) reported strong first-quarter sales in China while Toyota Motor (TM.NYSE, 7203.TYO) posted more middling results as both car makers contend with slowing growth in the world’s largest auto market, The Wall Street Journal reported. GM and its local partners sold 745,152 vehicles in the first quarter, up 8.7% from a year earlier, after March sales rose 11% to buoy quarterly results. First-quarter sales for Toyota and its two local joint-venture partners rose 1.8% year-on-year to about 211,500 vehicles, with March sales up 2.2%, spokesman Takanori Yokoi said. Overall sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles in China slowed considerably last year, rising just 2.5% in 2011 after the government terminated some subsidies for smaller-engine cars and commercial vehicles. Car sales in China rose 46% in 2009 and 32% in 2010.


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Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine (EMC), Yang Ming, and Wan Hai Lines reported a collective operating profit of TWD 238.7 billion ($8.01 billion) for the first three months of the year after revenue increased 9%. compared to the previous quarter, reports Alphaliner. Evergreen was the strongest performer, it reports the highest operating margin among the three, coinciding with its recent rise to position six in the global carrier rankings.
Operating profit (EBIT) increased 23% quarter-on-quarter to TWD 117.2 billion (USD 3.9 billion), equivalent to an operating margin of 68.8%.
Additionally, Alphaliner adds that the now sixth largest carrier in the world saw revenue of TWD 170.8bn, up 90% year-on-year and 9% quarter-on-quarter. Taiwanese lines, which have a smaller proportion of contract business than some of their European counterparts, have nonetheless benefited from higher freight rates, port congestion and cargo commotion ahead of the Chinese New Year.
According to Alphaliner, Yang Ming, which posted the highest operating margin the previous quarter, saw a slowdown in growth, with revenue and profit up just 4% from the fourth quarter. The airline posted an operating profit of TWD 72.6 billion (USD 2.4 billion) on revenue of TWD 106.7 billion.
Finally, Wan Hai Lines posted an operating profit of TWD 48.9 billion (USD 1.6 billion) on revenue of TWD 80.5 billion. As with the other lines, the figures marked a new record for the airline, which is increasingly expanding outside its specialty within Asia, concludes Alphaliner.


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Amid supply chain challenges, a port in British Columbia is looking to expand and potentially double its capacity.
DP World, a logistics supply chain solutions provider announced that it would be working with the Prince Rupert Port Authority to assess the feasibility of a new container terminal project. The agreement is for two years.
The port is Canada’s third-largest. It bills itself as the closes port to Asia.
The potential project would add up to two million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of annual capacity to the Port of Prince Rupert. This would increase Canadian trade capacity with critical Asia-Pacific markets.
The pair will begin various studies on the proposed site. A key focus will be on steps required to minimize environmental and community impact, improve the resilience of Canadian supply chains and ensure the project’s full integration into the port’s intermodal ecosystem.
“A second container terminal will help consumers, exporters and industries across the country while continuing to contribute significant economic benefit for local communities, the broader region and our Indigenous partners,” said Shaun Stevenson, president and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.


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The company behind Carphone Warehouse and Currys PC World has warned its UK mobile division will remain "significantly loss-making" this year.
Shares fell as much as 27% in early deals after Dixons Carphone used the publication of its full-year results to tell investors it would take time for plans to transform the business to deliver value.
They ended trading down 5% on the day.
The annual figures were announced against a backdrop of a half-year loss of £440m - reflecting a £490m writedown in the value of its Carphone Warehouse operations.
It divulged a statutory loss before tax of £259m for the year to 27 April as a result, compared with a profit of £289m in the previous 12 months.
Included was a £20m bill for a 2017 data breach - not discovered until 2018 - that affected millions of customers.
The company's headline profit measure, which better reflects day-to-day trading, came in at £298m - a fall of 22%.
Dixons Carphone guided that the headline figure was likely to dip further in the current financial year, towards £210m, as it gets to grips with challenges including the loss of market share in its mobile operations.
It has been badly hit by the trend of customers holding on to costly mobile handsets for longer at a time of already weak consumer confidence in its core UK market that has hit the retail sector as a whole.
But it has also complained that the division has been held back by its contracts with network partners - agreements that have restricted its offering on price and handset choice.
Dixons Carphone said it was accelerating its turnaround efforts through further negotiations with network operators and integrating its more successful electricals and mobile businesses into one entity.
Other work includes investment in online and bolstering customer service.
But it warned this extra effort would come at a cost.
Chief executive Alex Baldock said: "This means taking more pain in the coming year, when mobile will make a significant loss.
"But accelerating our transformation provides certainty that this year is the trough, as during next year the legacy contractual constraints on our mobile business lift, and the integration cost benefits build.
"We expect mobile will at least break even within two years, and beyond that, equipped with a stronger and unconstrained offer, we will of course aim to do better. In any case, cash generation from mobile will be strong."
Patrick O'Brien, UK retail research director at analytics firm GlobalData, said the chief executive may feel he has to go further in trimming its exposure to physical retail.
He wrote: "Baldock joined Dixons in March 2018. In his early months he substantially lowered profit expectations in a clearing-the-desks exercise, heavily criticised his predecessor and slated the lack of integration of the Carphone Warehouse merger.
"He also had a data breach to contend with (which occurred before his tenure). While he quickly identified the problems of the mobile business, there is a question mark around the company's ability to adapt quickly enough, and despite the closures in the last year, its portfolio of over 1,000 stores in the UK looks way too heavy.
"Baldock may have to take further action here, which would be costly.''


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Codemasters® has released the first full gameplay video for F1® 2018, the official videogame of the 2018 FIA Formula One World Championship™, which reveals the incredible depth and feature set of this year’s game. Launching onto PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X and Windows PC (DVD and via Steam) worldwide on Friday 24th August 2018, F1® 2018 lets you live the life of an F1® driver like never before.… Read the rest
FACEIT are pleased to reveal viewing figures for the Minors that took place throughout July. The Minors saw teams from Asia, CIS, Americas and EU compete over the course of three weeks for a spot at the Major this September with the Europe Minor breaking records for the highest viewership. Total hours watched across the four regions amounted to over 6.4m excluding Chinese viewership over 3x the number of hours watched for the last Minors.… Read the rest
Team Razer athletes bag an additional $600,000 for the charity of their choice in Charity Showdown category.
South Korea’s Gen.G Gold made history over the weekend in the world’s first PUBG Global Invitational 2018, winning the top prize in two out of three competition categories.
Now in its eighth year and powered by Virgin Media, EGX Rezzed is the world’s premier indie games event and an essential destination for both creators and consumers.… Read the rest
Owlcat Games and Deep Silver proudly announce that the critically acclaimed and highly anticipated cRPG Pathfinder: Kingmaker, which will be released digitally and in selected retail outlets on PC September 25, 2018 is coming to Gamescom 2018 and PAX West 2018.
Both shows offer aspiring adventurers the unique opportunity to get a first glimpse of what will be one of the most epic adventures in RPG history!… Read the rest
Dutch publisher SOEDESCO has loads of exciting scoops planned for Gamescom 2018, which takes place from 21 to 25 August in Cologne, Germany. Their booth can be found in Hall 10.1, stand B-62, and will star 10 playable games. In addition to letting players experience their games, SOEDESCO will also hand out special game goodies at their stand!… Read the rest
GameOn and Challengermode are very happy to announce their partnership for the Baltic Esports League, connecting the local scene with the European esports circuit.
Baltic Esports League – esports revolution in the Baltics
GameOn, the Baltic Gaming Culture Convention and Challengermode, the automated tournament platform and digital home for competitive gamers, are revolutionizing esports in the Baltic region by creating the Baltics Esports League (BEL) for three major esports disciplines – CS:GO, PUBG and League of Legends – as part of their new partnership.… Read the rest
Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. has announced its line-up for this year’s gamescom (August 21st– 25th) in Cologne, Germany. Following a successful E3 in June, new playable demos of PES 2019, ZONE OF THE ENDERS The 2nd RUNNER: M ∀ RS and HYPER SPORTS R will all be featured at the company’s main booth located in hall 8.1/A033.… Read the rest
Codemasters® has released the second part in a series of developer diaries for F1® 2018, the official videogame of the 2018 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, detailing how even greater depth has been added to the Career mode by expanding the player’s research and development options. The changes and additions to the system will now see each F1 team have its own unique technology tree with differing strengths and weaknesses.… Read the rest
The much-anticipated NAG LAN is back at rAge this October, and tickets go on sale on Saturday 28 July 2018 at 09h00, both online and at Computicket outlets. As SA’s most popular LAN, tickets to the NAG LAN are expected to sell out mega fast, and this year – as promised – the organisers are delivering an even more awesome event and experience!… Read the rest
Tencent Games and PUBG Corp. supercharge the intensity of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBG MOBILE) by introducing a major game update that introduces an action-packed War Mode and all-new clan system.
Following June’s introduction of First Person Perspective Mode, PUBG MOBILE’s latest content drop amplifies the action from the rugged terrain of the Miramar and Erangel realms.… Read the rest
When fans, players, and regular folks think about DRAGON BALL, images of Goku and Vegeta are sure to pop in everyone’s minds. While DRAGON BALL FighterZ launched with the SSGSS versions of both characters, their original forms were missing from the roster… until now.
Goku and Vegeta will be joining the character roster in DRAGON BALL FighterZ in their original outfits.… Read the rest
Start your engines: Mountain Dew® has teamed up with award-winning sports-action game Rocket League to create a new tournament that amateur gamers will not want to miss. The newly created Game Fuel League promises to be a competitive tournament with a prize like no other – offering gamers the chance to break into the big leagues.… Read the rest
Retro gaming festival Power Up is set to return to Manchester with more consoles than ever before.
The two-week extravaganza will be at the Museum of Science and Industry from August 3rd.
Household names PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch sit alongside iconic retro consoles including the SNES, SEGA Dreamcast and the original educational computer, the BBC Micro.… Read the rest


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The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) has invited members, but also other companies in the sports industry, to participate in a survey on the corona pandemic and its consequences.
Answering the questions should not take more than three minutes. Participants will be informed of the consolidated results of this industry survey.
The survey should help to better understand the impact of Covid-19 on the sporting goods business. According to the WFSGI, such information is not available at all at this stage. However, it would be valuable to better understand how the situation might develop.
The WFSGI promises to keep all responses confidential and to make the collected data anonymous.


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Galaxy Fit 3 user manual leak reveals sensor and strap design
Samsung is failing miserably to keep the Galaxy Fit 3 a secret.
For weeks, we have been getting steady leaks about Samsung’s next fitness tracker, the Galaxy Fit 3. The Korean tech giant has yet to set a launch date, but it hasn’t stopped the leaks from coming in.
Now, Samsung has posted the Galaxy Fit 3’s user manual online (first spotted by SamMobile), re-revealing a plethora of information about its upcoming fitness tracker, which we have seen in the previous – now pulled, official listing.
Galaxy Fit 3 is inching closer to launch
While most of the details showcased in the manual have been revealed in the past, the highlight of this leak is a closer look at all the buttons and sensors like barometer, optical heart-rate sensor, etc., placed at the bottom of the device and the quick-release mechanism for straps.
In addition, the manual also delivers a look at Samsung’s next fitness tracker’s quick panel, notification panel, lock screen, app screens, daily activity, call/text integration, stress tracking, heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, blood-oxygen monitoring, and more.
Most of these were already known from the previously leaked listing. But the online manual posting has confirmed our underlying suspicion that the Galaxy Fit 3 is very close to the launch.
- First Galaxy Z Fold 6 leak shows a massive shift in screen aspect ratio
- Leak reveals Galaxy Z Flip 6 will get a larger 4,000 mAh battery
- Samsung breaks silence on Galaxy AI’s pricing for the future
- Pikata’s Case 4 is one of the best Galaxy S24 cases, hands down


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Mentioned in this article
- The NBA 2K League secures a partnership with gaming headset company HyperX.
- HyperX will be the official gaming headset of the league, and has also partnered with several teams directly.
- The headset company joins Twitch and Intel as high profile, experienced esports brands that have partnered with the NBA 2K League.
The NBA 2K League expanded its partner portfolio today adding one of the biggest names in esports partnerships. HyperX has signed on to be the official gaming headset of the league.
Players and casters will wear HyperX headsets exclusively during all league matches. The headset brand will also run several promotions and sweepstakes throughout the season. In addition to the league partnership, HyperX has partnered directly with several teams in the league, including Bucks Gaming, Grizz Gaming, Mavs Gaming, and Jazz Gaming.
Related Article: Turtle Beach Partners With NBA 2K League Team Knicks Gaming
HyperX general manager Mark Leathem said:
“The convergence of esports and sports, as seen with the launch of the new NBA 2K League, is creating an exciting new form of entertainment. Hearing every detail and communicating effectively during NBA 2K League competitions is critically important to these players. HyperX leads the way with its iconic gaming look, comfort, and great sounding gaming headsets.”
The NBA 2K League has secured a number of strong endemic esports partnerships ahead of its inaugural season. Both Dell and Intel signed multi-year deals, and the league has an exclusive broadcast partnership with Twitch. The league and its teams have shown a clear focus on securing high profile partnerships and have thus far been remarkably successful in doing so.


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The Office of Fair Trading is to launch a wide-reaching inquiry into online shopping to test levels of consumer protection and confidence in the rapidly growing web marketplace, worth about £18bn in Britain, or 2.5% of household spending.
The study, to be published in the spring of 2007, will focus on four of the most popular areas of online retailing: auction websites, airline ticket sales, electrical goods and web music stores, including download sites.
The OFT pointed to a recent consumer survey which found 29% of shoppers said they were deterred from buying, or never bought, goods and services online because of security concerns. Another survey suggested a third of online consumers had fears about the state in which their purchased goods might arrive, if at all.
Confidence in the delivery process has been undermined by reports of scams abusing online payment systems such as eBay's PayPal. There have been a number of allegations that auction site sellers have sent out goods only for buyers to falsely claim they have not been received and demand their payment be blocked. A range of much-publicised hoax, or misleading, websites and e-mails have also undermined consumer confidence.
John Fingleton, chief executive of the OFT, said: "The internet is fast becoming a hugely important channel for consumers and businesses. Its rapid evolution means that we need to ensure that the consumer protection regime gives current and future users the confidence to realise the internet's potential for shopping. This study is core to the OFT's mission to make the markets work well for consumers."
Whatever the fears of some consumers, however, online retailers have continued to increase sales. Retail goods sales alone were last year estimated at £8.2bn in Britain, or 3.1% of all retail sales. Adding in services such as subscriptions, gambling and pornography, government figures valued total UK internet sales for 2004 at £18.1bn - up 68% on the previous year. Where online sales accounted for 0.1% of the retail trade in 1997, they now have a 3.1% share of the market.
If many shoppers still fear buying online, others have made it part of their everyday routine, the OFT noted. Some surveys have found typical internet consumers spend £560 a year on the web.
The OFT has already moved to clamp down on specific concerns raised by some areas of online retailing. Last month it asked supermarkets to clarify their web pricing after complaints that online promotions appeared not to have been honoured on the day goods were delivered. The watchdog has also clamped down on websites offering misleading or outdated flight prices to attract potential customers. Shoppers who tried to book at these prices were diverted to less attractive offers.
An OFT spokeswoman stressed no individual companies were under investigation in the latest exploratory research, which will seek contributions from operators and consumer groups as well as conducting a mystery shopping programme. While the OFT has received a small and growing number of complaints concerning internet retailers, the study has not been prompted by any allegation of anti-competitive or illegal practices.
The OFT inquiry will not tackle widely publicised gripes such as disparities in music download prices between the US and Britain from sites such as iTunes.


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As the USDA forecast for oranges continues to drop, the industry’s citrus department is asking the state for money for their budget next year. USDA reduced this season’s orange crop by 5%, a total of 5.6 million boxes, to 96.4 million boxes. It is the first time in 49 years that the Florida orange crop is projected to fall below 100 million boxes.
The production decline came entirely in the Valencia orange crop down 6 million boxes to 49 million boxes, an 11% reduction. The grapefruit crop declined by 100,000 boxes to 12.9 million boxes, the lowest in 79 years for a nonhurricane season.
USDA revised its early and mid-season orange harvest to add 400,000 boxes based on deliveries to Florida juice processing plants, which buy 95% of the state’s oranges. But even that is not good news for the industry as juice processors continue to hold large inventories of orange juice as sales in U.S. supermarkets have declined, pushing down demand and price for the current crop. A recent Florida Citrus Mutual market report showed an average Valencia price of just $2.03 per pound solids, $0.30 less than the Florida Department of Citrus predicted in October.
The Citrus Department, charged with marketing Florida citrus products, has seen a decline in its annual budget financed mostly by a grower-paid state tax on that harvest. To offset some of the revenue lost to production declines, state Rep. Ben Albritton is pushing for a $5.75 million appropriation from the state’s general fund for the Citrus Department’s 2015-16 budget.
The budget includes $5 million for general marketing programs, $500,000 for marketing-related economic research and $250,000 to operate the five Welcome Centers at entry points into the state.


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A second company in the lucrative prepaid phone-card market has been fined, after pleading guilty in Auckland’s District Court, to breaching the Fair Trading Act.
Compass Communications was fined $140,000. It admitted to “conduct liable to mislead the public”, contravening Section 11 of the Act, in respect of promotions for five phone cards. The prosecution was brought by the Commerce Commission, which last year succeeded in a similar action against prepaid-card issuer Tel Pacific New Zealand.
Comcom spokesperson Mary Macpherson says the Commission has no further phonecard prosecutions in train.
Compass, based in Auckland, but with offices also in Wellington and Christchurch, has been in the prepaid phone card market since 1999. The prosecution related to five of its cards: WorldPhone, Talk ’N’ Save, Go Call, V8 and Meihua.
“Marketing material for the Compass phone cards included posters in retailers’ windows, sale rate cards, rate comparison cards and store flags, among other items,” says the Commission. “The promotions emphasised a particular per-minute rate to selected destinations, or in the case of the WorldPhone card a bulk minute rate. The fees, surcharges or conditions were in smaller fonts, or run together at the bottom of posters.”
“In practice a consumer could only get the advertised number of minutes by making one continuous phone call until all credit was used; for example, a single 576 minute call to the UK using a WorldPhone calling card,” says Commerce Commission Competition branch manager, Stuart Wallace.
Using the card for a number of phone calls resulted in a higher payment per minute overall than that advertised, owing to a connection fee of up to 25 cents plus GST which applied to each call. Some of the cards had a daily service fee of 20 cents plus GST which applied once the card was first used.
“The phone cards are frequently bought by migrants and international students who need to make international phone calls. These groups, in many cases, are unlikely to speak English as a first language,” Wallace says. “We consider that this increased the likelihood of consumers being misled, as these users were less likely to closely review and appreciate the fine print.”
Between 1 November 2008 to 30 June 2009, Compass earned over $5 million from the five phone cards that were the subject of the court case, Comcom says in a statement on the court action.
Industry sources have told the Commission the prepaid phone-card market in New Zealand has an annual turnover of $70 million to $90 million. The success of prepaid phone cards in New Zealand is partly due to the inbound travel market and the relatively high cost of mobile phone calls, the Commission says.


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Stocks have a good chance of trading higher in the week ahead, if the typical Thanksgiving holiday week trading patterns take over. » Read More
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A weekly recap of some of the most interesting venture capital deals, funds and start-ups. » Read More
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The most expensive boardroom battle ever isn't over yet.
A new entrant to the peer-to-peer economy hopes to capitalize on the trend of consumers wanting to rent recreational vehicles.
Firefighters began gaining ground on wildfires that killed at least 40 people in the past week, the deadliest blazes in California's history.
The Fed will probably need to raise interest rates in December and then three or four times "over the course of next year," Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren said.
For $89, "RTR Update" allows shoppers to choose four pieces from Rent the Runway's selection of more than 200 brands every month.
Viacom and Charter Communications agreed on a short-term extension of their renewal deadline, a source familiar with the matter said.
Aramark said it would buy Avendra and uniform and linen supplier AmeriPride Services for roughly $2.35 billion.
U.S. government debt yields rose Monday, as investors digested the latest comments coming from the Fed and awaited key data.
U.S. stock index futures pointed to a slightly higher open, as investors turned their attention to upcoming corporate earnings reports.
Passengers on an Indonesia AirAsia flight from Australia to the holiday island of Bali described a panicked flight crew announcing an emergency.
This week, Wall Street will be watching the Senate debate on Trump's tax plan and earnings, including Goldman Sachs, Verizon and GE.
BestBlackFriday.com has confirmed from six U.S. shopping centers that their Macy's locations will open at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving.
His campaign has raised more than $36 million since January.
Negotiators at talks to modernize NAFTA are running out of time and look set to extend the remaining rounds.
Rex Tillerson insists he and the president have a strong working relationship, despite reports that he called Donald Trump "a moron."
Germany's Social Democrats beat Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats in Lower Saxony on Sunday.
Alphabet has money to service its own cars. But time is more valuable than cash in the race to get self-driving cars on the road.
Amid sex assault claims, the fate of everything associated with Harvey Weinstein hang in the balance.
The wildfires in California have killed at least 40 people and destroyed at least 5,700 homes.
NowRX has delivered a skill to order meds through Amazon Alexa and Google Home, and expects to come to market later this month.
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Jim Cramer examined the recent spate of Chinese companies coming public on U.S. exchanges and explained why they're not worth the investment.
Jim Cramer caught up with Applied Materials President and CEO Gary Dickerson about his company's role in artificial intelligence and big data.


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Beyond Meat said it expects sharper revenue growth in the second half of 2023 after reporting a smaller-than-expected quarterly loss on easing supply chain pressures and cost controls.
Sales in Beyond Meat's international foodservice segment nearly doubled in the quarter, helped by partnerships with quick-service restaurants including McDonalds Corp that recently introduced Beyond patties in its Double McPlant burger across restaurants in UK and Ireland.
Beyond Meat finance chief Lubi Kutua said on a post-earnings call that focus on expanding distribution of recently launched products in the US and new items in international markets will help bolster revenue growth in the latter part of the year.
The company has cut jobs, ramped up automation in its manufacturing processes and strengthened its sourcing network in to keep a tight lid on costs and expand margins.
Beyond Meat, which is also restructuring certain contracts and operating activities related to Beyond Meat Jerky, said it intends to assume distribution responsibilities for the product from fourth quarter of 2023 and expects this to result in gross margin expansion.
"Achieving significant margin improvement will be challenging until sales trends reverse," said CFRA research analyst Arun Sundaram.
The company reiterated its annual revenue forecast of $375 million (€341.4 million) to $415 million (€377.8 million).
Total operating expenses in the first quarter fell to $63.9 million (€58.2 million) from $97.8 million (€89 million) a year earlier, also seeing a relief from easing freight and manufacturing costs from pandemic highs.
The company's net loss narrowed to $59 million (€53.7 million), or 92 cents per share. Analysts on average expected the company to post a loss of $1.01 cents per share, as per Refinitiv IBES data.
Net revenue fell 15.7% to $92.2 million (€83.9 million) in the first quarter but beat expectations of $90.8 million (€82.7 million).


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Concerns for Choupette the 'high-flying fashion cat'
When Karl Lagerfeld died in 2019, rumours circulated that his Birman cat, Choupette, was to inherit his $270 million (approx.) fortune.
A year on and the Chanel creative director's estate has yet to be finalised but details have emerged that while Choupette is an heir, she isn't the only one set to inherit a share of his sizeable fortune, and the seven beneficiaries are struggling to access Lagerfeld's assets — that includes property in Paris and Monaco, a bookstore and designer furniture.
Enter: Lucien Frydlender, 87, Lagerfeld's "trusted" accountant for many decades. Tasked with managing the creative director's finances, Frydlender is responsible for distributing the estate according to the will that was drafted by Lagerfeld.
However, according to an investigation by French publication Le Parisien featured in Voici magazine, Frydlender has not been taking calls from the beneficiaries, and "after closing his office in September 2019, the former collaborator of Karl Lagerfeld has simply disappeared from radar," raising questions for those involved.
Frydlender's wife has come out defending her husband assuring there's nothing suspicious going and he is not "on an island paradise with a hidden treasure." Instead, she reports he is "very sick".
When Choupette will get her inheritance, and what that will look like, is anyone's guess, but over a year since the death of her owner, Lagerfeld, Chanel and, of course, Choupette fans have been concerned for the pet, that made over $4 million in 2015.
"People came by the store and said how sad they were, and half of it was about Choupette," Caroline Lebar, head of communications for the Karl Lagerfeld brand, admits. "They'd say, 'If she's alone, I'll take her home.'"
But Ms. Lebar promises Choupette is in safe hands, living in Paris with Lagerfeld's former housekeeper Françoise Caçote. "She is in good shape, and is surrounded by love."
The fortunate cat has starred in magazine spreads, had makeup lines named in her honour and is the inspiration for the novelty novel Choupette: The Private Life of a High-Flying Fashion Cat. She has her very own agent and according to The New York Times, at the height of her fame she had two minders, a bodyguard, a doctor and a chef.


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The hawking of a president
Hurry! Don’t Delay! Only 39 more Barack Obama shopping days before Christmas!
How many times in the past 24 hours have you turned on the television and heard a commanding male voice:
“He gave America hope,” it begins. “He inspired the country,” it continues.
“Now you can own a piece of American history. Call today!”
The economy may be in the tank, but the American entrepreneurial spirit is still hard at work.
The special TV offer for Barack Obama coins — buy one Inaugural Dollar layered in 24-karat gold and get the President Barack Obama Kennedy half-dollar for $4.95! — is just a whiff of the opportunistic post-election hawking of all commemorative things Obama.
Americans were never ones to let a timely money-making prospect expire before cashing in. After all, Joe the Plumber has a book deal. So, in true American fashion, campaign bumper stickers and buttons have given way to a memorabilia jambalaya of DVDs, coins, travel coffee mugs and even porcelain plates bearing images of Obama’s face.
Certainly you’ve seen the plates.
“America’s first African-American commander in chief,” the commercial voice-over explains. “His confident smile and kind eyes are an inspiration to us all.”
“I never thought this day would come,” says a white man seated alongside his wife and two children.
At $19.99 apiece, these plates are being sold by the same “as seen on TV” company that brought you those steps to help your dog get up onto the bed. There is a two-per-person limit on the plates.
But wait! There are other plates. The “Yes We Can Barack Obama Commemorative Collector Plate” is more expensive ($34.95). But the center of this plate has three images of Barack Obama, each from a different angle.
Obama’s election has not escaped the mainstream media, either. Commemorative newspapers and magazines are being sold for many, many times their newsstand prices.
Time’s Obama edition is going on eBay for $18, and a Craigslist posting offers Newsday’s Sunday-after-the-election copy for $10 — more than six times the newspaper’s cost. The Chicago Sun Times has an online store for commemorative Obama trinkets, including a DVD chronicling election night.
The New York Times is also cashing in, offering a copy of the Nov. 5, 2008, Gray Lady (“which boldly reported Obama’s decisive victory over John McCain,” the promo intones) for just $14.95. Or how about their “Deluxe ‘OBAMA’ Framed Front Page Reprint — With Brass Plate,” for the amazingly low-low price of just $299?
Even the newspaper in Middletown, Ohio, is selling extra copies of its Nov. 5 edition. The 50-cent price includes a free “commemorative, glossy President-elect Barack Obama ‘Hail to the Chiefs’ poster.”
There are Obama key chains, fake $8 bills with Obama’s face printed on them, and the downright perplexing his-and-hers Rastafarian red, green and gold Michelle and Barack Obama T-shirts.
To borrow from one of the plate commercials: “Yes, you can own a piece of history.”
But sorry — so far, at least, no Ginsu knives included.


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Wireless customers of WorldCom Inc. are being prompted to transfer their business to other U.S. wireless carriers to avoid an interruption in service, the company said Tuesday.
The company previously resold wireless service from U.S. carriers to customers, who will start receiving letters in the mail with instructions on how to switch their accounts to one of the five carriers affiliated with WorldCom: Verizon Wireless Inc., Cingular Wireless LLC, AT&T Wireless Services Inc., Alltel Corp., and a fifth carrier that isn't being disclosed yet, said a WorldCom spokesman.
Wireless customers are being assigned a transition provider, in most cases the same provider that carried their wireless calls under WorldCom's resale programs, said Les Kumagai, a WorldCom spokesman. The features and services offered under WorldCom's plans are similar to those offered by the respective carriers, so in most cases customers will maintain the same level of services, he said.
Depending on the transitional provider, different deadlines will be in place for customers to switch their service to a carrier to avoid headaches such as having to switch phone numbers, Kumagai said. He urged customers to carefully read their transition letters.
After a U.S. bankruptcy filing for Chapter 11 creditor protection, the company is engaged in a restructuring process estimated to last anywhere from six months to over a year. Since it admitted to falsifying its financial results from 2001 and the first quarter of 2002 in June, the company has filed for Chapter 11 protection, been delisted from the Nasdaq market, and seen its former chief financial officer and controller indicted on securities fraud charges.
WorldCom's bankruptcy and restructuring efforts have shifted its focus away from the wireless business, which is expected to save the company US$700 million a year, Kumagai said. It will concentrate on voice, data and Internet services for businesses in hopes of righting its ship, he said.
When it announced its plans to exit the wireless resale business, WorldCom, based in Clinton, Mississippi, had nearly 2 million wireless customers, Kumagai said.


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Bioshock Infinite: Burial at Sea -- Episode Two Videos
Jun 02, 2016 -
From Left Behind to Burial at Sea, the crew talks about their favorite video game DLC.
May 05, 2015 -
Far Cry 4, Assassin's Creed Unity, several Call of Duty games, and BioShock Infinite's story content are all discount...
Oct 30, 2014 -
2K Games has revealed that BioShock Infinite: The Complete Edition will be available for the Xbox 360 and PS3 on Nove...
Most Popular Videos on IGN
Jul 03, 2014 -
Fox News appears to be quite fond of the BioShock Infinite logo - so much so, in fact, they've decided to use it as i...
May 31, 2014 -
Booker (Troy Baker) and Elizabeth (Courtnee Draper) came together at MomoCon -- an anime/gaming convention in Atlanta...
Feb 27, 2014 -
Greg and Brian put your fears about the BioShock brand's next step to rest.
Feb 18, 2014 -
We analyze the fallout from the BioShock developer's massive layoffs.
Feb 05, 2014 -
Two inbound major Xbox One updates & Titanfall on PC will require EA's Origin to play. Plus, Metal Gear Solid 5: Grou...
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We pick out the first details about BioShock Infinite's final DLC.
Dec 23, 2013 -
Courtnee Draper tells us what it's like being not-so-innocent in Burial at Sea, and Brian Altano tells you everything...


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Google’s data restore tool may soon allow users to transfer their WhatsApp chats from iOS to Android devices. The latest update to the app that was recently added to the Google Play store reportedly shows a reference to copy WhatsApp chat history from an iPhone to an Android phone. If you are setting up a new Android phone, then at the same time you will get the option to restore data from iOS. Last week, Google launched a separate app called Google Data Restore Tool, which you can download from Google Play Store.Also Read - Apple iOS 15 Now Available to Download on Various Apple Devices | All You Need to Know
By default, the data restore tool on an Android device appears when you are setting up a new Android phone and want to transfer your data from an old device. As of now, Google has not shared any information about the WhatsApp cross-platform chat transfer feature. Both Google and WhatsApp are apparently working on a more intuitive way to transfer chats from iOS to Android, with a feature likely to be officially unveiled soon. However, so far neither Google nor WhatsApp has shared any information about this. Also Read - Apple Releases iOS 14.8 and iPadOS 14.8 with Security Updates To Fight Pegasus Spyware and Major Security Loopholes
According to 9to5Google, the app’s latest update – version 1.0.382048734 – contained a reference to copying WhatsApp chat and history from an iPhone to an Android phone in its code. References to “Scan the QR Code with your iPhone to open WhatsApp, then tap Start”, “Keep your iPhone unlocked and WhatsApp open”, “Scanning problem? On your iPhone, open WhatsApp, then Settings > Chats > Move Chat to Android” Also Read - This WhatsApp Trick Will Let You Send Messages Without Typing
How to transfer data from iPhone to Android
- While setting up the new Android phone, you will get the option of data to restore. Tap on it.
- Now there will be an option to scan a QR code for WhatsApp data.
- After that click on the Start option.
- After that open WhatsApp on iPhone.
- Now go to Settings and then to Chats.
- Now click on Move Chats to Android.
In May 2021, there was a report testing the feature of WhatsApp data transfer from iPhone to Android. WABetaInfo’s report said that after the new update, chats can be easily transferred from Android to iOS and from iOS to Android. In addition to chat transfer, media files can also be transferred. The new update will benefit those who want to switch from iPhone to Android and from Android to iPhone or from iPhone to Android.


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Monero is one of the foremost privacy-focused cryptocurrencies in the world and is the netizens privacy coin of choice. As part of its plans to be completely decentralized and secure, it frequently has to implement hard forks to rid the network of ASIC miners. Recent patterns indicate that several ASIC rigs are currently operating on the network, creating a realm of centralization from these handful of miners. When the hard fork goes live on March 9th, it’s expected that around 5,400 ASIC rigs will be removed from the network – causing the hash rate to drop significantly.
Anyone Can Mine Monero
Monero is designed to be mined and powered by your average Joe, meaning the hash rate must remain low enough so that CPU and GPU rigs can still mine. In fact, this is the reason why Monero cryptojacking scripts are so popular. Hackers can mine a relatively valuable altcoin by simply stealing a tiny portion of someone’s computing power. As the hash rate plummets after the hard fork, miners will get more bang for their buck, so get ready to boot up your machines and start mining Monero.
No New Upgrades Coming
This is the fourth Monero hard fork to occur in the past 365 days, but this time it won’t contain any other additional upgrades to the network. Back in October – during the last Monero hard fork – the Monero developers added in an upgrade named BulletProof. This upgrade was designed to slash transaction fees and make using the Monero network more feasible. Fees fell by 96% in the weeks following the hard fork, a clear sign of success from BulletProof. However, this new hard fork won’t contain any upgrades and will simply update the proof of work algorithm to ensure Monero remains as ASIC resistant as possible.
Monero Making Waves Around the Globe
At the start of the year, the Fortnite merch store started accepting Monero as a method of payment. It’s well known that Tim Sweeney – Epic Games CEO – is a fan of crypto, so the news came as the next logical step for the gaming franchise. Yet, it turns out that accepting Monero was an accident and that it wasn’t planned step at all. While it has since been removed from the merch store, thousands of gamers from around the globe used Monero to pay for Fortnite merchandise.
The upcoming hard fork might cause some slight issues on the day, but as the network settles down transactions should go back to normal. As the hash rate plummets, mining will become more profitable for Monero miners – so consider using your computer to mine some Monero while you sleep.


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The field of graphic design is constantly evolving to adapt to the ever-changing trends in the design industry. After the unprecedented circumstances faced by designers and the rest of the world in 2020, experts predict that graphic design trends for the remainder of 2021 will be a “breath of fresh air” compared to the trends we’re used to.
As 99designs points out, “past trends were driven by the promise of a new decade, borrowing from sci-fi and futuristic tech.” However, these trends were uprooted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; 2021’s graphic design trends will focus more on putting people first and focusing on community and collaboration.
The pandemic also increased the collective amount of time we have spent on social media, namely, on apps that rely on proliferation of popular content with high engagement rates – like TikTok and Instagram. The nature of these apps have made it easy for trendy, popular content to reach larger audiences. Design trends have nonetheless been heavily inspired by content on these apps.
Experienced graphic designers have weighed in to predict what trends will take control of the design industry in the remainder of the year.
Sustainability & Positive Packaging
As Tom May points out, “the idea of developing a new, more sustainable relationship with our environment has been growing steadily throughout the 2010s.” This provided a great basis for the widespread appreciation of sustainability that arose in 2020; during the pandemic, time spent outdoors became much more valuable, therefore increasing a worldwide positive sentiment with sustainable practices.
Nostalgia is at record heights, once again due to the pandemic’s effect on the population. Time spent indoors and in isolation has invoked a sense of missing “the good old days” for many. This sentiment is beginning to manifest in the design realm, and experts predict it will prevail for the rest of the year.
There is a certain optimism that we find within nostalgia; a sentimental, warm reflection of days of the past. Utilizing these emotions within design have shown to attract a greater number of consumers due to our collective yearning for better days.
If you follow the design industry, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the recent popularity of dream-like gradients, grainy textures, and bright color palettes. Experts predict that graphic designers in 2021 will be “reviving psychedelia through excessive color and intensely intricate abstractions” (99designs).
Although the pandemic has no doubt invoked a sense of nostalgia in all of us, it has also created an excitement for a future time where these hard times are long gone. This longing for better days on the horizon is shaping the futuristic, abstract trends seen within psychedelic design.


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In a move Willy Wonka would approve of, See's Candies is bringing the world's largest lollipop, weighing in at 7,003 pounds, to their store at The Grove this Saturday, July 20. Because, of course, it's National Lollipop Day.
According to the Guiness World Record, the chocolate-flavored lollipop was created around this time last year at the candy company's lollipop factory in Burlingame, California. The lollipop candy alone stands 4-feet and 8.75-inches in length, 3-feet and 6- inches in width, and 5-feet and 11-inches in height. The stick is 11-feet,10-inches tall. The recorded weight above reflects of the candy alone.
See's Candies will set up its massive lollipop, which holds the current Guinness World Record, outside of its store. Meanwhile, the company will also give away free lollipops all day to customers who stop by at any of its 200 store locations nationwide — more incentive to stop and gawk at the one-year-old behemoth. Because it's much more fun to be given a sucker than to be one.
And in related news:
Want more Squid Ink? Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook. Follow the author on Twitter at @chrstnchiao.


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Thieves made off with three Apple desktop computers valued at $5,400 after a break-in at Palo Verde Elementary School, Palo Alto police said.
Several electronics and computer thefts took place at Palo Alto schools last summer. Police said the thefts increase when the schools are closed for vacation.
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[email protected] director Chris Charla has been speaking to GamesIndustry.biz as part of a new interview this week, and some of his comments about Xbox Game Pass are particularly interesting, including whether he feels the service is "disruptive" to the games business or not.
Long story short, he doesn't think that. Charla says that it's perfectly natural and healthy for business people to be worried about the growth of subscription services, but he feels Game Pass has been more "additive" than "disruptive".
"I wouldn't describe it as disruptive, because I don't think it is in the way that like Uber came in and got rid of all the taxis in that industry...."
"It's additive. People still buy a lot of games and they still buy a lot of games on Xbox. They buy games through Game Pass at a discount, which is what they get as members. And so I don't think Game Pass has been a disruptive business model, it's been additive in a really positive way."
Chris also used the arrival of free-to-play games on consoles as an example, acknowledging that a lot of people thought it was going to "completely change everything" and all games would become free, but that ultimately didn't happen. Nevertheless, he says those concerns were "valid, rational, normal, and healthy".
The question is, will Xbox Game Pass be able to remain additive in the future? Chris is full of optimism about this, mentioning in the interview that he's "super hopeful" as the engagement levels of Game Pass are still extremely high:
"We see Game Pass players play more games, engage with more games in more genres than they've ever engaged with. Those kind-of metrics is what we saw at the beginning of Game Pass, and every time we look we still see it. So yeah, I remain super hopeful about it."
"When we see developers coming to us and talking to us about second, third, fourth and fifth games in Game Pass, it's clearly working for them. That's good extrinsic validation about the value of the programme."
There are plenty of other interesting quotes from Chris in the interview, such as the importance of Game Pass delivering a high-quality and diverse offering, as well as how third-party titles will remain essential to Xbox even after the Activision Blizzard acquisition (potentially) goes through, so the full thing is well worth a read if you're interested!


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The arrangement marks one of the most high-profile marketing initiatives yet for a low-level Philadelphia sports website and comes as the sometimes illiterate writing styles of Dan Goggin, Matt Ryan, Kyle Babcock and founder Ben Lebo continue to gradually make inroads into mainstream media.
The game will not air on ESPN, nor any major networks, but KBMY 17 Bismarck may remain a possibility . Tickets, which start at $2 each, and associated merchandise will also be available for purchase with U.S. currency and BSB dollars.
The Bismarck game, which previously bore the name of the Tordo's brand of flavored chip dusts, is in its first year of a new college football affiliation with Conference USA and the Mid-American Conference, each of which will field a team for this year's event, the last place finisher of the C-USA meeting the 3rd to last place finisher of the MAC.
The Bismarck Bowl looks to be one of the stronger bowl games of the 57 that currently exist and provides a major tourism boost for the Bismarck metropolitan area, as if they needed it.
-BSB Business Insider Ben Lebo
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat


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On June 23, the BeiDou 3 global satellite navigation system constellation deployment was completed half a year ahead of schedule, which means that China's self-developed BeiDou system has completed the global network deployment.
Undoubtedly, this will further drive the layout of the whole industry chain of "BeiDou +", and the application will also be deepened and expanded.
By 2019, the total output value of China's satellite navigation and location services industry will reach 345 billion yuan, an increase of 3.5 billion yuan over 2018. 14.4%, in which BeiDou's contribution to the core output value is more than 80%.
According to expert analysis, China BeiDou system industry chain has basically realized independent research and development, especially in the upstream components and other key technology areas have made breakthroughs, product advantages are gradually emerging, involving BeiDou navigation positioning chip, antenna, RF chip and clock chip.
Recently, Zhejiang Saisi Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. has developed a clock synchronization SoC chip based on high-precision phase-locked ring technology to support BeiDou system, but there was no such commercial chip in China before.
BeiDou satellite timing system is good, can achieve a single star stable timing, to ensure that the entire timing application does not require satellite switching, to ensure timing stability and reliability, compared to GPS satellite switching will affect the timing accuracy is more promising.
Saisi's high-precision positioning timing service and functional technology can provide guarantee for time synchronization equipment, which will be widely used in 5G, smart grid, rail transportation, finance and other fields in the future.


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In the News
Competition Policy - Biden signs anti-monopoly executive order
“Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism, it’s exploitation." said Joe Biden last week as an executive order was signed curbing the market power of a raft of businesses and sectors.
Many of the provisions in the executive are encouraged but not mandated, and would be more powerful if enacted into law. But among them is a provision for hearing aids to be sold over the counter and for pharmaceuticals to be imported from Canada at cheaper prices to help make the US market more contestable and lower prices for consumers.
It seems that the Biden administration has decided that the concentration of power in many sectors is increasingly operating against consumer interests.
In the long term, a decline in the intensity of competition as barriers to entry entrench the market power of large corporations, can have a negative effect on innovation and productivity - two key elements of long run aggregate supply.
There is plenty of economics to be devoured in the executive order statement itself which you can find here


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By John Gruber
Kolide ensures only secure devices can access your cloud apps.
It’s Zero Trust for Okta.
Alex Heath, reporting for The Verge:
On Wednesday, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook parent company Meta, announced that creators will soon be able to share custom web links directing their fans to pay them for subscriptions using Facebook’s native payments system. If a fan signs up through the link rather than Apple’s in-app subscription, the creator will keep all of the money minus taxes. Facebook subscription feature, which lets creators charge on a reoccurring basis for access to exclusive content, is available in 27 countries and accessible to creators who meet certain eligibility requirements.
Facebook is operating in a gray zone under Apple’s rules for the App Store, though a spokesperson said the social network believes its approach has always been allowed on iOS. The App Store currently forbids iOS apps from offering alternative payment options for purchasing digital goods, but in this case, it’s the creator, not Facebook, the app developer, that will be sending people to pay for a subscription on the web. The spokesperson for Facebook confirmed the social network isn’t removing the ability for users to sign up for a creator subscription using Apple’s native payments system.
Think: Substack or Patreon, but through Facebook.
Is this payment scheme going to fly with Apple? A year ago, I think Apple would have nipped the idea in the bud. It’s been a long year, though. Optically, Apple is pinned down here. Facebook is making a legit case that it’s scrappy independent creators who’d be paying these fees to Apple, not mega-profitable Facebook. And in spirit, this is a workaround Apple should have (and could have) allowed years ago: that in-app means “in the actual app”, and if you want to steer users out of the app to the web, fine. If in-app purchasing is so good as to justify Apple’s fees, let it compete with out-of-app purchasing flows on the web.
Facebook isn’t a “reader app”, but to me, allowing this would be aligned with the spirit of Apple’s settlement two months ago with the Japan Fair Trade Commission. It is about content creation and consumption.
As ever, stock up on the popcorn.
★ Wednesday, 3 November 2021


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A member of staff at a rural Preston shop was headbutted and threatened with a meat cleaver according to police.Advertisement
Preston Police have launched a witness appeal after the armed robbery on Tuesday (17 October) evening.
Three men wearing balaclavas entered the Spar in Alder Drive, Hoghton at around 9.50pm. They were armed with a metal bar and a meat cleaver.
A male staff member was physically forced to hand over cash. One of the gang headbutted the staff member.
The gang took cigarettes and alcohol from the shop before ordering another male staff member into an office area and demanding he open the safe.
Around £13,000 in cash was taken and the gang made off from the shop.
DS Chris Walsh from Preston CID said: “This was an extremely violent incident where a shop employee, just doing his job, was badly assaulted. Both he and the other worker have been left extremely shaken up by their ordeal.
“We think that the store was targeted and I would like to reassure people that there is not thought to be any wider threat to residents in the area, however, we have stepped up police patrols.
“If you have any information about the incident, please contact us as soon as possible.”
Read more: Hoghton homes plan is thrown out by councillors
One of the offenders is described as white, around 6ft and of medium build. Another is described as black, around 5ft 9ins, of medium build with a moustache. The last offender is described as white, around 5ft 7ins and was of slim build. All three were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.
Anyone with information can call Preston CID on 01772 209749 or if they fail to get an answer, 101, quoting incident reference 1585 of October 17th.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.


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ATM Skimmers Breach Another Machine
The new round of skimming this weekend — initially reported to be the residual effect of last year’s skimming operation, is now believed to be due to a breach of a third ATM machine. DBS Bank officials are keeping the location and details private while investigation is ongoing.
DBS reimbursed almost S$ 1 Million (US$ 773,224) to 696 affected customers last January, and $23,000 (US$ 18,348) to 17 customers this week. Two machines at Singapore’s busy shopping district were tampered by the thieves last year. Three suspects were caught last month and were charged with possession of equipment for replicating ATM cards. DBS issued a statement in addition to their initial press release last Thursday.
On Sunday, the bank was alerted to unauthorised ATM withdrawals by 17 customers after they received real-time SMS alerts. After we were informed of this, we were able, through our customer analytics, to establish common patterns amongst the affected customers. From there, we now believe that a different ATM has been compromised at around the same time of the Bugis skimming. We are unable to disclose further details, as this may jeopardise the ongoing investigation.
The bank deactivated the cards of customers who were at risk of unauthorised ATM withdrawals and issued new cards. No new skimming incidents have been reported so far. DBS enacted new security measures to curb further incidents, such as disabling of ATM card usage overseas, SMS alerts for suspicious overseas transactions and SMS alerts for local withdrawals and payments above a certain threshold.
Always be on the lookout for card skimming devices on ATMs, check for the vibrating function and blinking light in the ATM card slot. Cover your hand when entering your PIN, and keep your PIN secure by changing it regularly and using complex combinations.
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From its latest quarterly earnings, Micron Technology expects a memory chip market recovery as soon as late 2019. Outside sources are now corroborating this forecast with analysis of the company’s demand drivers.
Cloud Computing Spend may Boost DRAM
In a recent Seeking Alpha article, analyst Robert Castellano posited that cloud computing industry growth expectations later in the year should fuel DRAM memory chip demand.
“[On] CapEx, our full year outlook remains unchanged. Therefore, we expect a sequential dollar increase in capital expenditures in Q4 as we continue to invest to meet growing customer demand”
DRAM Recovery’s Timing in Focus
Industry analysts generally agree about a late 2019 DRAM recovery, but the precise timing of this recovery is a topic of uncertainty.
Kinngai Chan of Summit Insights told Reuters that investors are looking to Q3 to mark a bottom for Micron’s near-term sales and gross margin. However, Micron Technology CEO Sanjay Mehrotra anticipated Q3 to be a time of rebound, rather than bottoming-out, in the company’s 2Q earnings call in March.
Despite the Q2 seeing customer inventory levels rise, weaker server technology demands, and CPU shortages at select OEMs, Mehrotra voiced optimism about Q3.
“[A]s we discussed on our last earnings call, we still expect DRAM bit shipments to begin increasing in our fiscal Q3, with demand growth strengthening in the second half of calendar 2019 as most customer inventories are likely to normalize by mid-year.” Mehrotra said.
The company’s optimistic Q3 forecast may depend upon news about the ongoing US-China trade conflict. In the call, Mehrotra alluded to the trade conflict to explain part of the price depression in DRAM.
A March DRAMeXchange article found mobile DRAM to be in better condition than other end markets, but with a caveat that overall declines in mobile should still keep mobile DRAM contract prices low through at least Q3 2019.


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Latest Canary Nightly Build of Chrome includes support for touchscreen keyboards, swiping to change tabs and pinch to zoom.
Google is working on improving and increasing the number of touchscreen friendly features on the Chrome Web browser for desktops and laptops. The new features were spotted in Chrome’s latest Canary Nightly Build, a version of the browser that’s still being tested and not released for mass distribution. The new touch-friendly features for Chrome include swiping left and right to access different tabs and a pinch to zoom feature too. Apart from those, Google has also added support for a touchscreen keyboard when tapping on text fields in the browser.
With the addition of these new features Google will be hoping to attract users of Windows 8 desktops and laptops with touchscreens and also Google’s own Chromebook Pixel laptop. So far, only Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 8 supports swiping to change tabs and Google will hope to pull away Windows 8 users from IE 10 to the Chrome browser.
Chrome is currently present as a Windows 8 Metro app but the browser is basically the same as the regular desktop version with no touch-friendly features. With Microsoft’s continuing focus on touch input on desktops and laptops, the addition of touch specific features to Chrome will come as good news to Windows 8 users.
Source: The Verge via Slash Gear