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The Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) recently held a meeting with leading startups in the country to discuss the implications of Google’s User Choice Billing system. Attendees, including Paytm, TrulyMadly, Shaadi.com, and Matrimony.com, expressed concerns that Google’s non-compliance with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) orders would negatively impact the Indian startup ecosystem. The ADIF spokesperson stated that the organization is exploring all avenues to challenge the said policy as being in violation of the CCI order and Competition Act.
Google’s Recent Billing Requirement Change
Google recently changed its billing requirement for app developers. Under the new policy, if a user pays through an alternate billing system, the Google Play service fee will be reduced by 4 percent. However, an alternative billing system will be permitted by Google, but it will continue charging service fees from the developers which will be 4 percent less than the normal service, meaning the commission rate under user choice would be 11 percent or 26 percent.
Impact on Indian Startups
Google’s non-compliance with the CCI orders could hurt Indian startups, which are already struggling with high costs and limited resources. The ADIF spokesperson said that Google’s policy is a blatant attempt to violate the decision of the CCI and that the organization is exploring all avenues to challenge the said policy as being in violation of the CCI order and Competition Act.
CCI’s Penalty on Google
The CCI had imposed a penalty of INR 936.44 crore on Google in October last year for abusing its dominant position with respect to its Play Store policies, apart from issuing a cease-and-desist order. The Commission also directed Google to modify its conduct within a defined timeline.
Supreme Court’s Refusal to Modify the Court’s January 19 Order
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea by Google seeking modification of the court’s January 19 order and asked the tech giant to raise its objections before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). In January, the apex court had declined to entertain a plea by Google challenging an NCLAT order, which refused to stay the operation of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order imposing a fine of INR 1,337.76 crore on the tech giant.
Google’s non-compliance with the CCI orders could have a severe impact on Indian startups. The ADIF is exploring all avenues to challenge the policy as being in violation of the CCI order and Competition Act. Startups are already grappling with high costs and limited resources, and Google’s policy could add to their woes. It remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved and what impact it will have on the Indian startup ecosystem.
- Sme Times. (2023, February 28). Google’s non-compliance to hit us hard: Leading Indian startups. Retrieved from http://www.smetimes.in/smetimes/news/top-stories/2023/Feb/28/google-copliance-startups90781.html
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Tasman Venture whale watching cruise listed as the best
A WHALE watching cruise aboard Tasman Venture has been listed as the number one experience on offer in Hervey Bay.
Rated by one of Australia and New Zealand's largest youth online travel agents, Experience Oz, has released a list of popular experiences on offer in our region.
A whale watching tour on board Tasman Venture was number one on the list, edging out a visit to Fraser Island and Hervey Bay Skydiving.
Tasman Venture Cruises marketing manager Kate Ernst was delighted with the accolade from the reputable agent.
"The youth sector is a key target market for Tasman Venture and it is a market we actively pursue for both our whale watching tours, and particularly for our remote Fraser Island tour," she said.
"To be acknowledged in this way by an industry leader is a real feather in our cap."
Ms Ernst said their remote Fraser Island tour had been popular this season, with a noticeable increase in international visitors in comparison to previous years.
And despite the whale watching season being months away, bookings for the upcoming season are already performing well.

domain: news


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Are you ready to fall in love with four new Android phones? Samsung announced the new Galaxy S20 series yesterday, and the phones offer big upgrades over previous generations, from speed to high resolution photos and 8K video. Plus, there’s a slick new flip phone on the way, the Galaxy Z Flip, and the new Galaxy Buds+.
GoPro is so synonymous with action cameras that they’ve became a verb. GoProing really became a thing because they led the field with cameras that could practically go to extremes and capture stunning videos. So what does the future hold for the company?
Among the thousands of new products announced at CES this year, there was a lot to take in, and Samsung stood out with new products that kept their booth very busy, including a personal robot that could be your next assistant.
Summer driving instantly sprang to my mind when I first saw the 2020 X1 xDrive28i. December doesn’t make me think of summer normally, but the X1 has the sporty style of a car you want drive to the beach–or on the beach–and maybe a weekend getaway in the woods.
Creators looking for versatile new gear are going to be excited about Insta360’s One R action camera system that they announced at CES last week, and is already available to order.
Looking for a few last-minute gift ideas? Look no further. I have gadget suggestions from big to small, including cameras, smart speakers, phones, and smartwatches, to helpful business products.
Disney+ has become one of the most talked-about streaming services in less than a month, and Baby Yoda may just be the unofficial mascot. Plus, it’s the perfect holiday treat for everyone in the family.
Are you ready to visit Arendelle for storytime? The fairytale world from Disney’s Frozen 2 has popped up in Toronto’s CF Toronto Eaton Centre until December 8, and the interactive experience includes stories thanks to the Google Nest Mini.
The Insta360 Go is unlike any other stabilized action camera you’ve ever seen, and it’s one of the most interesting cameras I’ve tried because it’s clever, efficient, and easy-to-use.
Like a lot of people, I knew a little about electric vehicles, but until I drove the 2019 Hyundai Kona EV, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. How fast can an EV go and how far can you drive? Does the car handle differently? And what comes in a standard model?


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Businesses that have optimized their websites for tablets and smartphones may be developing a distinct advantage over those that haven’t, new statistics from Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX:RCI) suggest.
OutRank – a service offered to Rogers business clients to improve search engine optimization and sponsored rankings – released statistics this week that showed a 60% increase in web traffic from mobile devices.
In the first quarter of 2012, 18% of the visits to OutRank customers’ websites were from mobile devices. That increased to 29% by the fourth quarter of 2012 – a 60% increase in just nine months.
The data suggests that good search engine optimization is no longer enough to drive web traffic because an increasing number of users may not be able to properly view websites on their devices.
“These statistics are one more proof point that Canadians are increasingly searching for products and services using their smartphones and tablets,” OutRank general manager Milind Mehere said in a press release.
“If a small business does not have a mobile web presence, it will find itself at a great disadvantage when competing for new business opportunities.”
As reported by Business in Vancouver in March 2012, Morgan Stanley predicts half of all website visitswill be via smartphones or tablets by 2014.
Many websites designed for large screens do not render well on smaller screens. That doesn’t mean all businesses need to develop native apps for the whole range of smartphones and tablets, experts say, but it does mean they should have their websites optimized for mobile viewing.


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According to recent public records, healthy fast-casual franchise Toastique will be opening an Austin location at 2620 Perseverance Drive.
“As I’ve gotten older, I realize that you are what you eat; you hear that in kids’ cartoons when you’re young, but as you age, you really start to feel the aches and pains and realize that if you eat like that your longevity isn’t going to be as great,” Dr. Carrie Carretta states in a recent interview with Franchise Direct.
“I was interested in something that really thought about the health and wellness of it but also gave variety. [With Toastique], it wasn’t like just one offering where [they] specialized too much. I thought it was a really great mix, and I really liked the story behind what Brianna and Kyle did. I felt really good about all of it.”
When asked what she looks forward to the most about the location, Dr. Carretta points to income and community.
“Wow – everything! I’m looking forward to the grand opening [and] seeing what the response is from the community. I plan to personally pursue corporate business – because that’s my background – for catering. I feel like that [a great] revenue stream. [I’m excited to] be able to mentor younger people and give them opportunities to grow in a career where maybe they decided that college wasn’t for them or they didn’t want to be in a large corporation and they want to be in a smaller environment – giving people opportunities to make a career path if that’s what they’re looking for since we plan to open multiple locations.”
Readers unfamiliar with the brand can refer to the brand’s mission statement: “Toastique believes healthy food that should be simple to understand and appreciate, easy to enjoy, and above all, accessible to everyone. We pride ourselves on using fresh ingredients and keeping all our ingredients pure without adding any preservatives or “filler” additives. With a unique menu that includes toast-focused creations, all natural smoothies, cold pressed juices, and smoothie bowls, Toastique is truly unlike any other health focused restaurant.”
The restaurant is expected to open in spring 2024.


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Tradeindia's weekly Exim Newsletter is a whole-hearted editorial effort dedicated to give the
community a fair perspective on matters related to trade, aspects of Government Economic Policy,
exporters-importers and issues in global trade.
Contains in-depth analysis of the latest happenings in the exim industry, trade offers, trade fairs &
online catalogs to choose from.
Covid second wave: Lockdown or no lockdown
13 April, 2021
From the Editor's Desk: The second wave of Covid-19 is now sweeping over the country, with the new cases count crossing 1.5 lakhs for the first time on April 11. Stock market indices are plummeting on concerns of fresh localised lockdowns.
Special Report On: India, China disengagement at Ladakh: An unfinished agenda
Pre-pack insolvency for MSMEs
06 April, 2021
From the Editor's Desk: The central government has introduced pre-packaged insolvency resolution process (pre-pack) for companies classified as Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Special Report On: Indian agriculture: Maladies and remedies
Suez Canal unblocked
30 March, 2021
From the Editor's Desk: The container ship that blocked the Suez Canal has been freed and is now on the move. Last week, this massive 400-meter container ship, 'Even Given', weighing 200,000 metric tons, stuck in the canal, leading to a sudden halt in regional shipping supplies.
Special Report On: India central to the Indo-Pacific region
Resurgence of Covid: It's time to act
23 March, 2021
From the Editor's Desk: The Centre last week started inviting applications for the Business confidence has just started picking up, if we go by the findings of some recent surveys.
Special Report On: Quad Summit 2021: Forward trajectory disturbs China


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BID NOW: Trent Lockett Jersey with Majerus Patch
May 23, 2013
MILWAUKEE - Plenty of new auction items, including game-worn jerseys of former men's basketball stars Jerel McNeal, Cordell Henry, Junior Cadougan and Trent Lockett, have recently been added to the GoMarquette.com auction site.
Lockett's light blue jersey, featuring a patch commemorating the life of Rick Majerus, is the only one of its kind and was worn in MU's Big Monday victory over No. 12 Syracuse on Feb. 25, among others.
A special edition Carrier Classic jersey, worn by Junior Cadougan in 2012-13 was also added recently and has one week remaining. Due to court condensation issues, the Carrier Classic was cancelled and Marquette wore the camouflage-inspired uniforms in its home opener on Nov. 11, 2012 against Colgate.
For authentic team-issued, game-worn and autographed Marquette memorabilia, check back throughout the year as new auctions are added.
All proceeds benefit the Blue & Gold Scholarship Fund.
GOMARQUETTE.COM THE OFFICIAL HOME OF MARQUETTE ATHLETICS


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L'ABUS D'ALCOOL EST DANGEREUX POUR LA SANTÉ. À CONSOMMER AVEC MODÉRATION.
Kenzo Marais Store Opening Cocktail Party
A few days ago KENZO has launched a new event store. Located in the heart of le Marais district, the … Read more
TO GAETHER FESTIVAL COCKTAIL OPENING PARTY AT CARREAU DU TEMPLE
After the huge success in January that gather close to 20,000 art lovers, last night was the opening of the … Read more
#WEARESUPRA EURO TOUR PARTY
For the launch of the global #WeAreSupra campaign the Supra Skate Team, almost in its entirety, landed in Europe for … Read more


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The four-seat A1 e-tron was designed for daily driving in cities and metropolitan areas. It is not just an electric car; it also has an internal combustion engine (ICE).
“It was a close contest, but the 2012 Audi A7 managed to edge out the competition with its compelling combination of handsome styling, dynamic handling and advanced in-car technology," said Laura B
There were 32 final entries in the competition, including both Audis, up for recognition during the eighth-annual Active Lifestyle of the Year program, this year held in Chandler, Ariz.
Considering that Audi already offers the popular mid-size A6 sedan and full sized A8 sedan, one may wonder about the purpose of 2012 A7.
The new Toyota Auris, shown here being unveiled by Mufti Maqbool Khatieb and Kent Pluke of Toyota at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, is a limited-production hatchback coupe powered by a 1.6
This fresh Volkswagen diesel fuel system recall pertains to Jetta TDI and Jetta TDI Sportwagen models built between May 2008 and September 2011, along with Golf TDI and Audi A4 models built between
This Audi drama will consist of eight different installments, all produced by Audi’s Studio Progress Films. They will appear as small pieces of a television series or film.
Earlier this year, the Audi R18 TDI brought the company their 10th win at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans and with Audi America’s Team Joest bringing two cars to Road Atlanta for the October 1st
Based on an analysis of depreciation value, incentives and rebates, warranty, assistance services and features, NADAguides analysts are recommending these vehicles to people shopping for a new car
Audi AG (Public, ETR:NSU) saw the changes of its RS5 appearing on the internet even before its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
“Drivers daily face an unintelligent road. Frustrations, distractions and deterrents bombard drivers as they go from place to place,” said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer of Audi of America.
The campaign calls attention to the fact that 38 million drivers who are on the road today would not pass their state’s driver’s exam according to a study conducted by the Illinois Public Interest
The Audi R8 E-Tron will have four motors one for each wheel blending the concept into a true quattro.
What you’ll see at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is an online tour consisting of a realistic display of photos and an all-encompassing plethora of information about the vehicle.


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Last week, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that local telephone companies would be required to share their wires with rival data providers, the telephone company CEOs let out a collective wail.
“There is no need for corporate welfare that gives one sector of a very competitive industry an unnecessary advantage,” said Bruce Posey, senior vice president of US West.
The FCC’s line-sharing order means that customers who want high-speed data services from a company other than the local phone monopoly won’t have to pay for a second phone line to be installed. It also means that those that have stayed clear of the high-speed Internet business will be able to drive down prices by offering fierce competition to the phone companies.
However, the bottom line, according to the FCC, is that the ruling will result in faster deployment of high-speed Internet service to residential areas via digital subscriber line (DSL) technology.
Initially, the ruling appears to be a victory for competitive local exchange providers, or CLECs, such as Covad Communications Group, Inc. and Northpoint Communications Group.
These companies’ customers are currently forced to pay approximately $20 (US$) a month for a second phone line if they want high-speed service, while local phone companies who sell their own DSL service can split existing lines to carry voice and data simultaneously.
The FCC’s ruling had been expected, especially because such broadband capacity is needed now more than ever with the tremendous growth in e-commerce and the Internet.
Nonetheless, local telephone companies have been battling against the inevitable for years and complaining bitterly that the FCC’s action could cause interference with their voice services.
After listening to these claims, it seems to me that the phone companies have a case of collective amnesia. The reason they hold title to so many miles of copper cable is because they enjoyed the privileges of being a government-sanctioned monopoly for years – and the result was that the consumer footed the bill by paying artificially high rates for telephone service.
Before the FCC’s ruling, these same consumers were forced to buy high-speed Internet service from the same local phone companies, because the local companies’ bogus claims to millions of miles of copper wire had effectively shut out any competition.
Precursor To Opening Up Cable Access
While the phone companies continue to bitch and moan in their defeat, I only hope that cable companies learn a lesson from their mistakes.
Instead of fighting to block the inevitable and rightful access to millions of miles of consumer cable, they should sit down with their rivals now and work out a deal to share access, rather than waiting for the FCC to do it for them.
What do you think? Let’s talk about it.


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Soft brands are not new to the hotel industry. While such collections as Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Leading Hotels of the World, Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the like have helped pave the way for soft brands, many in the industry credit Choice Hotels International’s launch of the Ascend Hotel Collection in 2008 as the beginning of the race for what we know today as soft brands, defined as a collection of independent hotels that join a major brand’s platform while retaining their own names and branding.
“The simplest definition is a hotel backed by a brand whose name does not appear on the building,” said Robert Rauch, CEO of RAR Hospitality. “It’s one where the customer does not know the name of that brand; they only know the name of the hotel.”
Rauch said that once Ascend came to the market, other major brand companies began to realize the value of these collections. The biggest reason? “They have run out of locations to put the same brand right next to another in the family,” he said. “You can’t keep adding Hiltons and Marriotts to the same neighborhood. It’s not because there’s not enough demand, necessarily, but because owners will get angry.”
Additionally, he said this type of product that shies away from brand standards has become a favorite for a new kind of traveler with a “millennial” mindset. “The mindset came to fruition about five years ago because millennials are just not as brand-conscious as baby boomers or Gen Xers. The soft brands allowed the core brands to expand and at the same time to offer product in sync with the millennial mindset,” Rauch said.
At the end of 2018, there were 342 hotels with 57,810 rooms in soft-brand collections in the United States, according to The Highland Group’s “The Boutique Hotel Report 2019,” which tracks lifestyle hotels, soft-brand collections and independent boutique properties. At the end of 2018, hotel guestroom supply for the total U.S. rose 2 percent, while soft brands increased their room count 31.6 percent, according to the report.
That supply figure will only continue to grow as brand companies continue to announce new launches. Kim Bardoul, partner at The Highland Group, said the reason big brand companies continue to introduce new collections is clear: The flexibility they offer to developers is attractive. “Soft-brand collections are more flexible in design, and a lot of them are conversions or adaptive-reuse projects, which makes them unique,” she said.
Rauch agreed that flexibility is key when adding value. “The brands create an onerous situation for managing a hotel because they are basically saying you need to do your [property improvement plan], telling you what changes to make even though you might not see it the same way,” he said. “As a franchisee, you may not agree with everything the brand is coming out with because you’re an operator and the people who work for the brands are not, so operators have a better grasp than someone at corporate. If I’m a soft brand, I don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.” At the same time, soft-brand hotels get the benefits of being backed by a big brand, he added. For example, online-travel-agency fees are lower when an independent hotel has a brand behind it.
“And you’re going to get reservations at a much higher rate through the brand’s system than you would if you were an independent. If you go at it alone, you’re going to spend much more on marketing,” Rauch said. “The brand is an insurance policy.”
But, of course, that risk mitigation comes at a cost. “It’s a plug-in, and you pay for it,” Bardoul said. “If you can pull off being an independent alone without a brand, then it will obviously be better for your bottom line.”
Bardoul also noted that food and beverage is a critical component that drives financial performance at soft-brand hotels—but that F&B outlet can’t be a run-of-the-mill offering. “Almost everyone is adding a rooftop component, for example. But what happens when there are five rooftop bars in the market? Your F&B really has to be a standout,” she said, adding that many properties partner with well-known chefs, hone in on the local clientele and/or offer a tailored concept such as farm to table. According to the Highland report, luxury and upper-upscale soft-brand hotels in the sample achieved occupancy of 75 percent with 31 percent of revenue coming from F&B.
All told, sources said that soft brands will only continue to grow in favor with consumers, developers and brand companies alike. “It appears as if soft brands will be the new norm,” Bardoul said, adding that she doesn’t think the audience for core brands is likely to disappear either. “But you will see more soft-brand collections because consumers want them.”


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During the week of Nov 4 – 10, the Computer Systems industry ranked top with a sentiment increase of 42 points. HP and Lenovo were the main topics of discussion in news, blogs and tweets and achieved the highest sentiment scores in the category.
Top Industry: Computer Systems
Xerox is considering making a cash-and-stock offer for HP Inc. Xerox, which makes printers and copiers, has a market cap of $8.05 billion, less than a third of HP’s $27.27 billion market value. The potential deal boosted HP’s sentiment to a positive score of 47.
Chinese personal computer maker Lenovo Group Ltd reported a 20% year-on-year jump in second-quarter profit, slightly beating analysts’ estimates. Lenovo expects the global demand to “remain volatile amid a complex macro environment,” the company said in a statement. Lenovo’s sentiment reached 52 points.
Flop Industry: Restaurants
Meanwhile, it has been a rough week for two companies in the restaurant industry where sentiment dropped by 42 points for the period from Nov 4 to Nov 10: McDonald’s and Buffalo Wild Wings ranked bottom with a sentiment score of -70 and -59 respectively.
Former McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook could receive $70 million worth of stock and options in compensation. On top of that, he will be getting a cash severance of $700,000. McDonald’s fired Chief Executive Steve Easterbrook for violating company policy by having a consensual relationship with an employee. The sentiment for McDonald’s plunged to -70.
Two managers of Buffalo Wild Wings have been fired after a patron said they asked her group, which included black diners, to move because another customer in the restaurant was racist. After going back and forth with management, the group decided to walk out. Last week, the sentiment for Buffalo Wild Wings dropped to a level of -59 points.
1 Companies that contributed most to last week’s industry sentiment change.
2 Top trending event related to the respective company.
3 Weekly aggregated company sentiment score (ranging from -100 to +100).
4 Weekly aggregated company attention buzz (the percentage by which the number of news, blogs and tweets about an asset deviates from normal attention).
*Industry name and classification as per Morning Star


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What’s the Secret Behind the Sudden Surge in US Mailbox Purchases? In recent months, a peculiar trend has emerged across the United States – a sudden surge in mailbox purchases. While most people may not give much thought to this seemingly mundane item, it begs the question: what’s behind this growing demand? One possible explanation could be the increasing popularity of online shopping. With more people opting to have goods delivered to their doorstep, having a sturdy and secure mailbox has become essential.
Another factor that may contribute to the surge in mailbox purchases is increased emphasis on home security. As communities strive to prevent porch thefts and other crimes, homeowners are turning to mailboxes with lockable compartments or built-in cameras for added protection. The rise of subscription services like meal kits and monthly subscriptions boxes might also be fueling this newfound interest in mailboxes, as customers seek convenient ways to receive regular packages US mailbox purchase.
Beyond convenience and security, another reason for the spike in mailbox sales might lie in aesthetics. As homeowners place greater importance on curb appeal, they are using mailboxes as a way to enhance their homes’ overall aesthetic value. This can involve choosing unique styles or materials that complement the architecture or landscaping of the property. The desire for personalization extends even further with custom-made mailboxes becoming an increasingly popular option among consumers looking for ways to showcase their individuality.
Overall, it seems that a combination of factors is driving the sudden increase in US mailbox purchases.
The Rise in US Mailbox Purchases
Over the past year, a significant surge in US mailbox purchases has left many curious about the driving force behind this trend. While traditional reasons for purchasing mailboxes, such as security and convenience, still hold true, there are several new factors contributing to this sudden spike.
One major factor is the rise of online shopping. With more people opting to shop from the comfort of their own homes, having a secure mailbox becomes essential for receiving packages and reducing delivery mishaps. Mailboxes have become more than just a place for regular mail; they now serve as an important hub for collecting packages from various retailers.
Another key driver is the growing popularity of subscription boxes. From beauty products to meals kits and even pet supplies, subscription services have exploded in recent years. These monthly deliveries require a reliable mailbox to ensure that customers receive their items promptly and securely.
Lastly, amidst concerns over privacy and identity theft, individuals are turning to personal mailboxes as a way to safeguard their sensitive information. By owning a private mailbox instead of using communal mail services or apartment building slots, individuals can reduce the risk of their mail being stolen or tampered with.
The convenience factor: online shopping boom
One of the main factors contributing to the sudden surge in US mailbox purchases is undoubtedly the convenience factor. As online shopping continues to boom, consumers are increasingly relying on home delivery services for their purchasing needs. With busy lifestyles and limited time, Americans are finding it more convenient to have packages delivered directly to their doorstep rather than making trips to physical stores. This trend has led to an uptick in mailbox purchases as people seek a reliable and secure method of receiving their mail and packages.
Another reason behind this surge could be attributed to the growing concern for privacy and security. With the rise of package thefts and porch pirates, homeowners are looking for solutions that can protect their deliveries from potential theft or damage. A mailbox provides a secure location for packages, ensuring that they are safely stored until retrieved by the homeowner. Additionally, many mailboxes now come equipped with advanced security features such as lockable compartments or electronic monitoring systems, further enhancing protection against unauthorized access.
The sudden surge in US mailbox purchases can also be seen as a reflection of changing consumer preferences. As more people embrace the digital age, traditional forms of communication such as handwritten letters have taken a backseat while online communication platforms dominate. However, having a physical mailbox allows individuals to maintain a connection with nostalgia and tradition. It serves as a tangible reminder of simpler times when physical mail was eagerly anticipated and brought joy when received – an aspect that might explain why people still opt for owning personal mailboxes despite living in an era dominated by digital communication channels.
Increase in remote working and e-commerce
One of the driving factors behind the sudden surge in US mailbox purchases can be attributed to the increase in remote working and e-commerce. As more people are working from home, they are finding it necessary to set up a dedicated space for receiving mail and packages. With the rise of online shopping, individuals are now receiving more packages than ever before, making a mailbox an essential component for their daily lives.
Furthermore, the convenience of having a mailbox cannot be understated. With many physical stores closed or limited in capacity due to the pandemic, consumers have turned to online shopping as their primary source for purchasing goods. This has resulted in an influx of packages being delivered directly to people’s homes, necessitating the need for secure and reliable mailboxes.
In addition to remote working and e-commerce, there is also a growing concern about safety and security among Americans. By having a personal mailbox, individuals can ensure that their important documents and sensitive information remains protected from theft or tampering. In uncertain times like these, people want peace of mind when it comes to their personal belongings, which is why investing in a mailbox has become a popular choice across the country.
Overall, as remote work becomes more prevalent and e-commerce continues its upward trajectory, the surge in US mailbox purchases makes perfect sense. From providing a designated space for receiving mail and packages to enhancing safety and security measures, mailboxes have quickly become an essential item for individuals who value convenience and peace of mind in today’s rapidly changing world.
Safety and security concerns amid the pandemic
Safety and security concerns in the midst of a pandemic have driven a sudden surge in US mailbox purchases. With more people staying at home and practicing social distancing, the reliance on online shopping has skyrocketed. As a result, individuals are seeking convenient options to receive packages safely without risking unnecessary exposure from face-to-face interactions with delivery personnel or community mailboxes.
Moreover, the rise in remote work arrangements has led many professionals to prioritize an organized mail system for their home offices. This trend is not restricted to large corporations but extends to smaller businesses and even freelancers who depend heavily on timely mail deliveries. The ability to have a dedicated mailbox ensures that essential documents and correspondence reach recipients promptly, eliminating any potential gaps or delays associated with shared mailbox units.
Soaring fears about identity theft have also propelled this sudden spike in US mailbox purchases. In an age where cybersecurity threats continue to evolve alongside rapidly advancing technology, safeguarding personal information has become paramount. Having a secure and private mailbox allows individuals to receive sensitive documents such as bank statements, credit card bills, or legal papers without worrying about them falling into the wrong hands. Furthermore, some mailboxes offer additional features like package tracking notifications and enhanced security measures like password-protected access keys, further assuaging these security concerns.
The sudden surge in US mailbox purchases can be attributed to a combination of factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to rely on online shopping and home deliveries more than ever before, leading to an increased need for secure and convenient mailboxes. Additionally, the rise of remote work and virtual communication has made having a reliable mailbox essential for receiving important documents and packages. Furthermore, with the upcoming election season, there may be a heightened interest in having a personal mailbox to ensure the safe delivery of ballots. Whatever the reason may be, it is clear that owning a mailbox has become increasingly important in our modern society. So why wait? Invest in your own mailbox today and enjoy the convenience and peace of mind it brings.


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The honey vodka brand rose 136.8% from 1.9 million 9-litre cases in 2010 to 4.5 million cases last year.
Krupnik now sits tenth in the Euromonitor-compiled, Drinks International-published, list of the world’s million-case spirit brands, ahead of Grey Goose, Svedka, Skyy, Stolichnaya, Finlandia, Sobieski and Russian Standard.
Coupled with a 16% year-on-year increase for scotch brand William Peel, Krupnik helped to mitigate the effects of the French-based group’s down-trading vodkas, Sobieski (-8.2%) and Starogardzka (-32%).
Jeremy Cunnington, senior alcoholic drinks analyst at Euromonitor International said: ”With this brand the company has successfully tapped into Polish consumer demand for high quality, low-priced vodka, something Stock Spirit’s Cysta De Luxe did so successfully up until 2010.
“Growth was driven by heavy promotional support, which also included the introduction of a lemon-flavoured variant.”
Krupnik’s results will be published alongside those of the world’s other million-case selling brands in Drinks International's The Millionaires' Club 2012 supplement in July.


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Steel demand collateral to Vehicle Demand
There’s no denying that the world has seen one of the biggest hits in decades, because of corona virus which has led to a severe impact on many business sectors.
One of those sectors includes the automotive industry, which took a huge hit during the pandemic. That said, the industry appears to be in recovery, and the future of the automotive industry is looking strong with cutting edge Electronic Vehicle (EV) Technology.
Initially, analysts predicted that it would take a long time for the industry to recover from such a huge impact of the pandemic and lockdown, but a bounce in the industry is visible and no one can deny it, and that means the steel industry will follow the same trend, as the demand of the steel is directly proportional to the demand in the automotive sector. But on the contrary, we cannot deny the fact that it will take years for the industries to resume the operations at the full capacity. But people are still willing to buy vehicles, and sales for vehicles and ultimately for steel are in an upward trend.
The reality is, if people buy vehicles, manufacturers will need to produce more, and eventually they’ll need different types of steel to meet consumer demand.
Vehicle Demand Post Pandemic
Without questions asked, it is clear that the demand in 2020 for vehicles is lower overall than that in 2019, but sales have increased for several consecutive months beginning in May worldwide, which has also increased the demand for the prime steel products. That’s a positive sign for the auto industry and the steel industry as well. As retail sales continue to increase, the demand for steel and steel parts will rise along with it.
Variable Steel Prices
As per the law of demand, when the demand is high, the price usually follows the increase, and this economic principle holds true, it holds true for the steel industry too. The Steel prices dropped off in
late February as the pandemic took the whole world for a toss and steel demand plummeted. The prices stayed lower than usual until June but slowly it began to increase as the world reopens after the end of lockdown.
Steel prices continued to increase and leveled off in August, but as the automotive industry continues to recover, steel prices should follow the suit.
Steel prices depends not only the Automotive industry, but also on other factors too as there are many usages for steel. Given that, these are changing global times and it’s hard to predict the future price of steel, but it makes sense that as industries start to need steel for production, demand and prices will grow.
Steel Supply and Demand
The big giants of steel industry (steelmakers) are flexible and quick to adjust and adapt to the changing market conditions. This puts the steel industry at an advantage in meeting consumer demand.
But they also face a challenge as integrated mills use blast furnaces, and that typically causes a problem. Generally, when the steel factories shut down, it takes time to restart the blast furnaces and bring the factories back up to speed. But since vehicle demand is still down from 2019 and the other industries using the steel produces are still coping up with the pandemic changes, the demand is low for the prime steel, with low production low will be the secondary steel (which shares a good market space in third world and developing countries) as it is a by-product and if the steel production is done at a full capacity the producers and the mills will be at loss, and that is the reason why most of the producers and mills are not operating at a full capacity and hence there is a shortage of material which started to reflect since the beginning of May, 2020.
So, to conclude, if the trend continues, there may be a full recovery sooner than expected for all the industries circling Metal Industry.
What we think
We at EU Metal think that being a major consumer for steel, the automotive industry is one of the key drivers impacting the production cycle.
We are optimistic that the demand will gradually increase for steel and with time the market situation will be back to normal as it was before the pandemic, the signs of which are already visible globally, however because of the shortage of production, it might take quite some time for the prices to stabilize.
For more insights follow us on our social handles.


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Why the mobile patent wars got so hot
If you feel like you’ve been seeing more news about patents than ever before, you have. In July, a consortium that included Apple, RIM and Microsoft made a move on Nortel’s patent portfolio, outflanking Google. In August, Google hit back by proposing to acquire Motorola Mobility in a $12.5 billion deal, largely for its massive cache of patents. HTC and Apple continue to spar in court over patent infringements. And now, Kodak and InterDigital are being eyed for their intellectual assets. Patent lawsuits in the U.S. rose to 2,833 in 2010, up nearly 25% from a decade earlier, according to IP litigation research firm Lex Machina. The 2011 total will almost certainly be higher.
What exactly is going on? How did a seemingly sleepy subject like patents suddenly become an active fault line in American business?
Tech companies have long sparred over patents. Major players like Microsoft (MSFT) and Apple (AAPL) have known the value of a hefty portfolio for years. And, at first blush, Google’s (GOOG) move to take over Motorola (MMI) is in line with decades of defensive business strategy. What’s changed, in part, is the speed and intensity with which firms feel they have to make such moves. “Patents were meant to encourage innovation, but lately they are being used as a weapon to stop it,” blogged Google chief legal officer David Drummond less than two weeks before the company announced its Motorola deal.
Patent suits between competitors — often distracting and costly skirmishes — are suddenly much more likely, according to Dennis Crouch, a professor of patent law at the University of Missouri. “The right to shut down or limit the operation of a competitor is especially valuable when parties are competing over platforms,” he says. “The result of a successful patent lawsuit is still typically an injunction to stop ongoing infringement.” That can mean pulling products from store shelves and hurting fledgling digital marketplaces.
It is also very easy to file such lawsuits and countersuits because there isn’t any lag-time between acquiring a patent and wielding it as a legal weapon. A company being sued by a patent holder today can buy a set of patents tomorrow that allows them to counter sue immediately. “This aspect really does make it a game,” says Crouch. “The whole idea in the smart phone business now is to puff yourself up in a way that wards off lawsuits.”
Complicating the mix are NPEs, or non-practicing entities — dubbed “patent trolls” by many for the way they seek out valuable patents and buy them, often without intention of using them to innovate. Nathan Myhrvold’s firm Intellectual Ventures, which has an arsenal of 35,000 patents that it uses mostly to extract licensing royalties from big companies, is one of the most prominent in the field. He defends the practice, saying, “If people who are good inventors aren’t necessarily good businessmen or marketers of their product, they still deserve to be paid for their invention.”
Experts say that lawsuits from NPEs are now almost always settled with a licensing royalty before they even get to court. Big companies resent them but have nonetheless come to view the fees like a tax. It’s litigation from competitors that can really bring down a business thanks to damaging injunctions. Such is the case with Apple, which recently won a major injunction that should bar HTC from conducting much of its business in the U.S. HTC, meanwhile, has filed a number of lawsuits against Apple using patents purchased from Google. (Google has taken some heat for standing idly by while its Android partners suffer a barrage of lawsuits.)
There may be a way out of this legal morass. Once firms perceive that no one has any short-term patent advantage anymore, competitors may just cross-license intellectual property with each other. After all, Silicon Valley has as long a history of cooperation on technical standards and technology-sharing consortiums as it does rancorous lawsuits. “They absolutely are talking and are going to talk,” says professor Crouch. “This communication is going on. So I’m hopeful on some settlement of the patent front.”
The only problem: it is unlikely the NPEs will be willing to play along. No matter how the biggest firms resolve their differences, lawsuits from NPEs will likely continue. “All that’s new here is that companies like Apple, Microsoft and Google, who had never been part of the wireless game before, are treating patents like an essential business tool,” says Myhrvold. As he says, this may not exactly be a new war, but the same war with new players and tactics. “And I don’t see any reason for it to ever stop.”
[Check back at Fortune.com on Thursday for an extended interview with Myhrvold.]


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Consumer Prices up Slightly in April 05/22 07:38
The fate of the government's bulk collection of Americans' phone records is
unclear following an FBI warning, House-Senate disagreements and more than 10
hours of criticisms by a GOP presidential candidate.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. consumer prices were up slightly in April, but
overall gains were held back by another decline in energy costs that offset the
biggest one-month jump in medical care in eight years.
The Labor Department says consumer prices edged up 0.1 percent last month
compared to March, when prices rose a modest 0.2 percent. It was the smallest
monthly gain since prices fell 0.7 percent in January.
Energy costs were down 1.3 percent and food prices were unchanged, keeping
Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy, increased 0.3
percent. It was the biggest gain in 15 months. Core inflation was driven higher
by a 0.7 percent rise in medical care, reflecting a surge in hospital costs.
Inflation pressures have generally been well contained since the recession.


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5 Min(s) Read
The number of telephone subscribers in India as of November 2022 was 117 crore. While 83.7 crore people had internet connections as of June 2022, more than 97 percent of all users (114.3 crore at the end of November 2022) were linked wirelessly.
According to this year's Economic Survey, the introduction of 5G services could open up new economic prospects and assist India in overcoming its long-standing development challenges while encouraging corporate and startup innovation.
The Economic Survey 2022–23, which was presented to Parliament on Tuesday, said that both conventional and new-age sectors have benefited from the tremendous surge of digitisation, increasing smartphone penetration, and use of technology.
According to the report, "the introduction of 5G services can unlock new economic prospects and assist the country leapfrog the old development hurdles, promote innovations by startups and business enterprises, and further the 'Digital India' agenda.


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KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — On May 4, shopping malls which had been largely empty and quiet for the last 47 days slowly came alive after the government announced that restaurants and other retail outlets could resume business with new standard operating procedures (SOPs).
A quick check at some popular malls found temperature screenings of patrons as well as personal check-ins through various smartphone tracing apps in place.
One stark change at these malls was the limited entry and exit points. Where before there were multiple entrances (and exits), these are now restricted in an effort to manage foot traffic.
This has, however, led to a safety worry with fire escape routes (emergency exits) now closed off.
Following a tip-off from Malay Mail about emergency exits being blocked at several malls, checks by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) were carried out at two shopping complexes last week, one in the city and the other in Petaling Jaya.
Bomba officials from both states found emergency exits at both malls obstructed and informed the management of these malls of the potential hazards and recommended changes.
In both instances, Bomba officials explained the oversight by the malls’ management as they prioritised controlling the traffic flow of shoppers, resulting in only a few designated entry and exit points.
After personally inspecting all the emergency exits within the parking areas of The Curve in Damansara Perdana, Selangor Bomba director Norazam Khamis told Malay Mail all emergency exits within the lower levels of the mall are accessible, not locked, and can be used in case of an emergency.
He expressed empathy for shopping malls; like everyone else, they are facing confusing and uncertain times dealing (and living) with the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We don’t blame [the mall]; maybe it is the lack of a full understanding concerning fire safety hazards, but they are aware of their responsibility to ensure fire escape routes are accessible.
“We advised the management of The Curve to make sure exit signs must be clearly indicated, that fire-resistant doorways must always remain unlocked, and to include clear signage that certain entrances are meant to be used only during emergencies so as not to confuse visitors,” he said, adding they were also advised to remove any cones obstructing these exits
Kuala Lumpur Bomba Fire Safety Division assistant director Nor Mahathir Mohamad, who ran checks on the Mid Valley Megamall on Friday, also confirmed that several emergency exits were indeed obstructed, even though they are unlocked.
“We ran checks on the mall, and as per the observations by Malay Mail, found that despite being obstructed or blocked off, these exits, some of which are emergency exits, were unlocked and can be utilised in times of emergencies.
“We also advised the management on how they should be labelling the exits meant for emergencies and those meant to access the mall,” he said.
Nor Mahathir also sympathised with the struggles faced by these malls as they attempt to manage the flow of shoppers in and out of their complexes, saying some of these mistakes were only committed due to oversight and not neglect of safety standards.
“They redirected the traffic flow into the malls because of the Covid-19 pandemic, as they want to control the flow of shoppers and this is understandable.
“The mall has also made sure there are sufficient security personnel available to direct traffic flow in case of an emergency,” he added.
Selangor Bomba’s Norazman added that in general, shopping malls have been exemplary in adhering to the government’s safety measures in compliance with the conditional movement control order (CMCO), with minor challenges causing temporary confusion.
Norazman said that as a proactive measure, Selangor Bomba will be running checks on malls within the state starting this week to ensure adherence to the guidelines and fire safety standards are maintained.
Acting general manager of The Curve, Gina Long Ahmad, elaborated on the challenges the mall has faced in operating under a pandemic, stressing that the safety of shoppers was a priority.
“This is very new for everyone, not only for us, but even for government bodies, so from time to time there will be new regulations, maybe every week there is new information that needs to be addressed.
“But most of these changes we have complied with, and we also have our own in-house safety officer to look into the requirements from everybody, including the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, the Health Ministry, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health,” she said.
What does the law say
Federal Bomba Director-General Datuk Hamdan Wahid explained to Malay Mail that blocking emergency exits is a breach of the Fire Services Act 1988.
“If it is assigned as an emergency means of escape, (and if it is found to be) blocked or locked, or impossible to be opened from inside, then it is a breach of Act 341 of the Fire Services Act,” he said.
Hamdan stressed the importance of maintaining clear access to such emergency exits.
Hamdan said that often, in cases where malls choose to close off certain entrances or emergency exits, calculations would have been made by the building's management on the required steps to handle an emergency situation.
He said these calculations would have to be made after factoring the volume of visitors at the mall against the possible number of emergency exits available.
“If [the malls] feel that they want to control some emergency escape by blocking them, then they must have proof that there are some calculations done showing alternatives escape routes have been assigned to cater to the number of shoppers.
“If the calculation is right, then most probably we will give them some conditions for the approval.
“But, if they feel that there could be a big crowd and their calculation does not show the sufficient numbers to facilitate the discharge and sufficient number of routes, then we would never allow it,” he explained.


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American Christmas & COVID-19
14 December 2020
More than half (57%) of Americans have changed their Christmas plans because of COVID-19.
But 34% still plan to travel (same day or longer) this Christmas.
For a snapshot, check our infographic summary.
For Canadian results, check out our Canadian summary.
Most Americans are staying home - but many still plan to travel
Half (51%) of Americans have decided to celebrate with only their immediate family over Christmas. Rural residents are less likely to be confining their celebrations, with only 40% celebrating with immediate family. An additional 30% of rural residents will celebrate with fewer people. Other precautions include wearing masks (35%) and forgoing physical greetings (32%). Travel has been reduced - while half of Americans typically travel for Christmas, only 34% plan to do so in 2020. Those living in the Northeast are most likely (41%) to still plan travel this Christmas season (same day travel most commonly).
“In the US, a significant number of people, particularly those in the Northeast, and members of GenZ, are still planning same day or overnight travel over the Christmas holiday period.”, says Lori Reiser, Principal Consultant at Advanis, who conducted the survey of Americans.
Messaging Clear - in most regions
⅔ of Americans have heard messaging about safer Christmas gatherings. Messaging has the highest penetration in the Northeast (66%) and lowest in the Midwest (52%). Half of our participants say that there are mandatory bans on holiday gatherings in their area (highest in the West at 60%, and lowest in the South at 38%).
Generation X is most worried about the impacts of COVID-19, perhaps taking on worry both for their children and for their parents (⅔ have kids in the home, and more than half have a family member at high risk for COVID-19).
Expecting things to get worse before they get better
68% of Americans expect COVID-19 cases to rise after Christmas (significantly lower than the 81% of Canadians who feel this way in a similar survey). Country-wide, there is modest support for bans on large gatherings (58% strongly/somewhat agree) - and the majority support closures of school and non-essential businesses to reduce spread (66% and 57% respectively). 62% plan to keep their families isolated for a few days after the holiday. There is stronger support for current rules - only 22% strongly agree that current rules have gone too far, and only 21% strongly agree that religious services should be exempt from gathering limits.
“Despite government interventions in many regions, Americans expect an increase in COVID-19 cases after Christmas. Many are planning to take action to keep their families isolated, and would support government interventions in schools”, says Reiser.
Vaccine hesitancy exists, low support for mandating vaccinations
Only 59% of Americans assert that they will for sure get vaccinated when it is available (a further 19% are unsure). Only 50% feel that the COVID-19 vaccine should be mandatory. Vaccine hesitancy is higher among women (51% of women vs. 70% of men plan to get vaccinated), and only 46% of rural residents and 36% of African Americans plan to get vaccinated.
While Americans worry about older relatives, Americans 60+ are less worried about themselves, more likely to vaccinate
Although 65% of people under 60 are worried about potentially impacting their older family members, only 42% of older people are concerned about their own health during a Christmas family visit, perhaps because they have chosen to isolate themselves more: older Americans are less likely than younger Americans to be attending a celebration (48% vs. 62%). Older Americans are more likely than younger Americans to plan to be vaccinated - 69% of those over 60 plan to be vaccinated when available, compared to 56% of those under age 60. Despite this, only 44% feel that vaccines should be mandatory.
Half (48%) of Americans plan to spend less on gifts, decorations, and food this Christmas season, with those negatively impacted financially by COVID-19 most likely to be spending less (60%). 48% of Americans are very (19%) or somewhat (29%) pessimistic about the economy. Only 34% expect that 2021 will see a return to normalcy. Negative financial effects are most likely to be felt by American households who earned less than $40K/year prior to COVID-19.
An online survey of 1030 American (U.S.) Adults and 1121 Canadian adults was conducted by Advanis from December 9-13th, 2020. Details are available upon request.
US data was collected using quotas that aligned with US Bureau of Statistics populations by age and gender. American participants were recruited using a non-probability online panel.
National results of a similarly sized probability sample would be accurate to within +/- 3.0%, 19 times out of 20.
Advanis is a member of the Canadian Research Insights Council (CRIC) and confirms that this research fully complies with all CRIC Standards including the CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements.
Lori Reiser, Principal Consultant (email@example.com)
Follow Advanis on social media:
@AdvanisInsights on Twitter
Advanis on LinkedIn
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The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously Monday to deny $3.3 billion in discounts sought by two small partners of Dish Network in an airwaves auction earlier this year.
The order was circulated by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in July and the agency had briefed the company on its recommendation. The decision led Dish Chairman Charlie Ergen to shift his tone earlier this month on possibly entering the wireless industry, saying that selling or leasing its airwave holdings might make more sense.
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According to NIQ data, Spaniards spent 11.3% more in the shopping basket in the month of July, compared to the same period last year. Specifically, volume has experienced a slight increase of 0.8%, while prices have registered an increase of 10.4%.
Taking this situation into account, it is important to note that there are some products that are an exception: their cost is not only not increasing, but rather decreasing.
This is what happens with milk. Proof of this is that there is a supermarket that has decided to ‘throw away’ its price. This is Alcampo, which sells six liters of its white-brand semi-skimmed milk (Auchan) for 3.60 euros. In this way, the price of each liter of the aforementioned milk is only 0.60 euros.
Asaja warns of the dramatic situation in the sector due to price drops
However, as stated Europe Press, from the agricultural union Asaja Asturias, emphasize that the drop in the price of milk is not good news for farmers. According to Asaja, these price reductions have been unilaterally passed on by the dairy industry to farmers, and the trend is expected to continue in the coming months.
The agricultural union emphasizes that the situation is totally unacceptable taking into account the significant decrease in production and livestock farmers, a fact that has been confirmed by data published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
“That in a deficit country like Spain, there is a drop in price in the face of a product shortage corroborates that the only interest of the Spanish dairy industry is in achieving a good profit and loss account,” warns Asaja.
The group claims to have proof of imports of milk and dairy products from other countries by the dairy industries, which allows them to obtain significant benefits at the cost of abandoning the Spanish production sector.
For this reason, Asaja demands that the Ministry of Agriculture carry out exhaustive monitoring and control so that under no circumstances are milk or dairy products from other countries labeled as a Spanish product.


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Illegal Cigarette Traffic Increasing in Hungary
The illegal cigarette market in the European Union continued to grow last year, with France leading the consumption list of counterfeit products. However, illicit cigarette traffic also increased in Hungary, according to KPMG's annual study, writes profitline.hu.
Despite declining cigarette consumption in Hungary, the illegal market grew by three percentage points, which meant roughly 500 million cigarettes were consumed in 2022, which is 7.2% of the total consumption.
Despite the decline experienced in recent years, the share of the illegal market at home has reached the level of 2019 again, mainly due to products manufactured explicitly for contraband and, to a lesser extent, counterfeit tobacco products, according to KPMG.
Illegal tobacco products with a designation of origin arrive in Hungary mainly from Ukraine, it wrote.
According to KPMG's calculations, the Hungarian budget lost about HUF 31 billion in excise tax revenue last year due to tobacco products from illegal source s.
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India has agreed to reduce import duties on Indonesian processed palm oil to 45 per cent bringing about parity with imports from Malaysia.
The decision was taken by India in a meeting between Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and his Indonesian counterpart Enggartiasto Lukota on the sidelines of the 51st ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM) in Bangkok, Thailand, earlier this week, according to the Commerce Ministry.
In response to this, Indonesia has offered market access for India to export raw sugar by lowering the standard requirement for imported refined crystal sugar to a level that the country could find possible to meet, according to Lukita who spoke to the media in Bangkok. Indonesia has offered to lower the standard of International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis (ICUMSA) for imported refined crystal sugar, from 1,200 to 200.
In addition to the RBDPO export duty, Jakarta has also urged New Delhi to eliminate the trade barriers for gold exports. India has agreed to assess the barriers for Indonesian gold exports, including the pre-requisite bank guarantee required for exporting the yellow metal.
India had imposed a 45 per cent tariff for Malaysian palm oil exports under the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation, while the export duty on palm oil under the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement was set at 50 per cent.
Interestingly, the Director-General of Trade Remedies in India has recently recommended an increase in the rate of customs duty by 5 per cent on imports of two varieties of palmolein oil originating in Malaysia for a period of 180 days to safeguard the interest of the domestic industry. The Finance Ministry is deliberating on the recommendation.
Indonesia’s exports to the country in 2018 were recorded at $13.7 billion and imports at $5 billion.
Indonesia’s main exports to India comprise coal, with exports reaching $5.37 billion in 2018, palm oil and its derivatives, $3.56 billion, natural rubber, $429.2 million, and copper ore and concentrate, $414.9 million.


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WATCH OUT: Firm is in a race with Google and Facebook for ad spends this festive season.
A slew of Indian B-to-B founders are shifting base to Silicon Valley, chasing customers and global dreams.
Taking The Moolah Route Earnings rise 150-200% across segments as even orthodox brands flock to digital branding.
Cafe Coffee Day came into existence in 1996 and quickly became an integral part of the younger society of Indian millennials and Gen Z.
The anti-trust regulators in the US are scrutinising Facebook, Amazon, Apple and Google's parent company Alphabet over biased market practices and data privacy violations.
India’s internet commerce is seeing explosive growth. But that growth has been mostly driven by what men want, with little less focus on the requirements of women
The centre will work for the new FMCG businesses which includes packaged food, personal care, education and stationary products, agarbatti and safety matches.
Warren Buffett plans to donate $3.6 billion of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. stock to five charities.
Businesses are rethinking consumer marketing experiences with more video-format stories in apps.
Protectionist voices are on the rise in the internet commerce space as Indian entrepreneurs find it increasingly difficult to keep up with deep-pocketed competitors from overseas.
Started in 2015, the Bengaluru-based startup connects re-sellers to manufacturers to sell goods via social media platforms. These re-sellers, who are typically housewives and small business owners, use platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to sell products like art & craft, fashionwear, home & kitchen products, electronics and travel packages.
Since mega influencers are expensive, macro and micro influencers who have less than 10,000 followers with high engagement levels can be considered as they reflect trust, credibility, authenticity and value for money.
With rising customer complaints, firms are investing more to train executives.
When startups increasingly rely on social media marketing to get an edge, Tea Time is doggedly pursuing the path of letting its happy customers be its brand ambassadors.
Social media influencers are the latest drivers for cosmetic companies like Lakme, Estee Lauder and MAC, as well as online platforms like Nykaa and Amazon India.
To figure out how you can sell your products online and grow your business, look at these three options.
Firm setting up an R&D centre to focus on cyber security, cloud computing and data protection.
Editor's Picks ›
ICRA cuts rating of Coffee Day’s Long Term Loans / Titan Company gets relief from Delhi HC against sale of counterfeit watches on Snapdeal / Titan Company gets relief from Delhi HC against sale of counterfeit watches on Snapdeal / Domino’s soon to promise pizza delivery in 20 minutes / Smaller towns to lead the growth of Home category for Flipkart / Bigbasket to have 3,000 e-vehicles by 2020 / Flipkart expands pick-up capabilities in tier III towns / Uniqlo unveils India specific collection ahead of launch / Indian shoppers move to ‘Bricks-and-Clicks’ from ‘Bricks versus Clicks’ / Flipkart launches Hindi interface to tap next 200 mn online shoppers


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Apple Won’t Launch a 5G iPhone Until 2020: Bloomberg
Apple might be late to the 5G party.
According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple has decided against launching a 5G iPhone in 2019 and will instead introduce it in 2020, at the earliest. Bloomberg’s sources said that Apple will follow a tack it took with 3G and 4G wireless technology and wait at least a year for early adopters to access the technology before offering 5G itself. Bloomberg also cited “5G boosters” who believe the jump to 5G will be great and Apple’s decision to wait “riskier.”
Long-time iPhone users will not be surprised to see Apple taking a different route than competitors. After all, the company took its time to release a 3G iPhone, and it wasn’t part of the first wave of smartphone vendors who released 4G devices.
Apple‘s thinking, the report says, is that early 5G networks and devices will come with a slew of issues, including spotty coverage, as carriers gradually roll out their new networks.
Apple has long believed that stable performance is more important than cutting-edge performance. And in 5G, there’s a reason to believe that philosophy makes sense.
Bloomberg suggests that Intel is the most likely candidate to provide the 5G modem. That makes sense in light of Apple’s ongoing dispute with Qualcomm and rivalrous relationship with Samsung and Huawei, two other semiconductor giants who are investing heavily in 5G but happen to have their own smartphone lineups competing against the iPhone.
Waiting could prove problematic for Apple, however. Being able to offer 5G early is going to be a clear selling point. With the smartphone market slowing down — and Apple’s recent slump in share price — waiting an extra year could cost it.


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GERMANY: GM's Saab brand made US$300 mn loss in 2005 – report
German business newspaper Handelsblatt has reported that GM's premium brand Saab lost more than US$300 million in 2005.
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PERRY -- Lagging sales tax revenue means Houston County department heads wont be spending as much on vehicles, equipment and other capital items as they had planned this year.
Houston County Commission Chairman Tommy Stalnaker said at Tuesdays board meeting that the county plans to cut special purpose local option sales tax spending by 10 to 12 percent from what had been budgeted. Thats about the amount collections are down from projections.
The SPLOST was expected to raise $155 million countywide, with $35.4 million to go to the unincorporated area.
The reduction lasts through the fiscal year, which ends June 30. Stalnaker said after the meeting the board also may reduce sales tax spending in next years budget in anticipation of the trend continuing.
Factoring into that is the implementation of sequestration, which is automatic federal spending cuts that will mean 22 days of furlough for about 15,000 civilian employees at Robins Air Force Base. The 21st Century Partnership has estimated that will mean a drop of $54 million in discretionary spending power for those employees.
While sales tax revenue in the county hasnt dropped compared to last year, he said, the growth hasnt been what was expected. SPLOST collections in January were down $400,000 from what had been projected, Stalnaker said.
The proceeds are not coming in as anticipated, therefore we cannot spend more than we are taking in, he said.
The reductions impact only expenditures from the SPLOST voters approved last March. Other projects funded through a 2006 sales tax, such at the Ga. 96 widening, will not impacted.
To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.


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Apple iPad has topped the electronic gadget wish list of kids aged 6-12, beating probables like Nintendo and Sony PlayStation game consoles.
A survey by Nielsen in October revealed that 31 percent of US kids aged 6-12 years are eyeing iPad as a potential future purchase in the next six months. The second electronic gadget on the list is a computer and an iPod touch with 29 percent of the kids vouching for these devices.
The probable gaming consoles Nintendo and Sony PlayStation figured at the third and fourth spot respectively.
However, for kids above 13 the top electronic gadget is a computer followed by a Television Set and a Smartphone (non-iPhone). iPad is the number three with 18 percent desiring to posses one in the next six months. Computer, TV set and smartphone are desired by 20 percent and 19 percent respectively.
The survey also indicated that for kids aged 6-12 years the most desired gaming console is a Nintendo DS/DSi followed by Sony PlayStation 3 while for kids entering teens, i.e. 13+, the top gaming consoles are Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3.
Also 20 percent of kids in age group 6-12 desire an iPhone in the next six months while 13 percent of the 13+ are interested in an iPhone.
The recently launched Xbox Kinect is desired by 14 percent of the 6-12 year kids while only 8 percent of the 13+ desired a Kinect.
However, for kids 6 to 12, eReaders figured at the bottom of the list with only 11 percent of respondents desiring one. Though for 13+ year-olds eReader notched the fifth spot with 15 percent.


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To say it’s been interesting times for Konami would be a slight understatement. The company has undergone a major structural reorganization and in doing so had confusion as to whether Kojima was fired and whether or not they were abandoning consoles altogether for the mobile market. To help with the confusion (on the latter) they’ve released a statement clarifying their mobile future.
According to Konami, the confusion all started with “certain brief quotes” from a Japanese article being taken out of context. This resulted in everyone, including their stakeholders, getting a little confused and uncomfortable with their future outlook. So they’ve provided an English translation to help all of us stateside.
Apparently the major shakeup at the company was to allow Konami to “accurately observe new customer demands and market trends” in the “quickly changing digital entertainment industry” because “new game designs and platforms constantly alter the market environment.” All of that to basically say that they’ve recognized mobile as an actual gaming market and are planning to cater to it as well as their others.
Konami also stated that they’re not done with the Metal Gear or Silent Hill series. What Kojima has to do with the future of these titles was never said, but it was stated again that Kojima and co. is hard at work on Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. The future of these titles was also never revealed. All we know is that “products” will continue to be made for them.
Once again Konami said all of this to basically say that they’re looking at mobile as well as the markets that they’re already in. To quote: “Konami will continue to embrace the challenge of creating entertainment content via different platforms; across not only mobile platforms, but for home consoles, arcade units, and cards, to meet the changing needs of the times.” Does this mean you’ll see mobile versions of Metal Gear or Silent Hills? Nobody knows. Will Kojima have anything to do with the future of the company? Nobody knows. All we know for now is that Konami is looking at mobile.
You can read Konami’s full official statement below:
There have been certain brief quotes reported by several media outlets taken from a Japanese web article about Konami that was issued recently. Some of these quotes have lacked the necessary context and caused unrest within our key stakeholders including our community, members of the press, our partners, and our fans. We are aware that the conjecture surrounding our recent changes has prompted a great deal of anxiety, for which we apologize. To further aid in your better understanding of Konami’s business strategies, we would like to share the English translation of the entire article.
Konami, as a company, underwent a major structural reorganization in March this year. The aim of this reform has been to guarantee that, in the quickly-changing digital entertainment industry where new game designs and platforms constantly alter the market environment, we can accurately observe new customer demands and market trends, and apply our long-established technology and knowhow quickly and effectively with a range of targeted responses.
The reorganization process has entailed repositioning our production studios, shifting our game development to a more centralized production division system. “Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain” director Hideo Kojima and his team members are hard at work in the new production division system, bringing the game ever closer to completion. Regarding the release of “Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain,” we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from fans in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and elsewhere worldwide who are eagerly awaiting the game’s much anticipated September 1st launch. To this end, the development team is diligently working together to ensure those high expectations are answered in full.
We would also like to take this opportunity to state that the Metal Gear and Silent Hill series, both beloved by countless fans around the globe, are also extremely important to Konami. We have nurtured them with care over many years since their inception, and will continue to produce products for both franchises, but we are not currently at a stage where we can announce the path these future titles will take.
Konami will continue to embrace the challenge of creating entertainment content via different platforms; across not only mobile platforms, but for home consoles, arcade units, and cards, to meet the changing needs of the times.
Your support for our current endeavors, and your spurring us on to greater heights, are as always deeply appreciated.


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Muniq, a Black-owned, food-as-medicine brand, has raised $8.2 million in a Series A round to expand sales of its nutritional shakes that help lower blood sugar by improving gut health.
Muniq is the creation of Marc Washington, the founder and CEO of Uplifting Results Labs. The new funds will help the Los Angeles-based company further its mission to address underlying health conditions such as diabetes, which disproportionately affect Black and Brown communities, Washington said.
The Series A round was led by Alpha Edison, Acre Venture Partners and strategic investors including Baron Davis, a former NBA All-Star, and Cathy Richards, founder of Simply Protein. These investors join The Production Board, a San Francisco-based venture foundry that led the seed round.
Washington, who earned his MBA at Harvard Business School, said he was motivated to start his own business a year and a half ago by both “head and heart.” After a long career in the food and nutrition industries—he last served as the CEO of Irwin Naturals, a supplement company—he could see a market need for products that addressed underlying health conditions.
But he was also motivated by personal sorrow. Muniq is a tribute to his late sister, Monica, who suffered from diabetes, obesity and hypertension and died five years ago. (Muniq is an amalgam of Monica and the word “unique,” which, he said, describes her outsized personality.)
“I always wished she had better solutions to regain control of her health,” Washington said. “I want to honor her legacy with solutions that could have changed the trajectory of her life
Muniq’s first product, which launched online in May 2020, is a meal replacement drink that targets the microbiome, that huge, teeming community of microbes inhabiting the human digestive tract. It helps manage blood sugar levels through the use of a proprietary blend of prebiotic resistant starches including green bananas and maize. Resistant starch can’t be digested by humans, but it provides a veritable smorgasbord for the “good bugs” in the large intestine.
”Resistant starch effectively feeds the bacteria in your gut that are responsible for keeping you healthy,” Washington said.
The idea is to drink Muniq at least once a day, instead of a meal. While the main goal is to attain healthy blood sugar levels, many customers also report weight loss, said Washington.
The powdered shake mixes up quickly in the blender with ice and water or unsweetened milk, It comes in five flavors, including two that are vegan. Mocha Latte, for instance, has 170 calories, 15 grams of protein and 15 grams of dietary fiber —and also packs 100 milligrams of caffeine, making it a nice substitute for morning coffee. It also contains 26 vitamins and minerals and 4.5 grams of healthy fats, according to the packaging.
Washington is well aware of the health disparities that plague minority communities—which became all too evident during the Covid-19 pandemic. “We want our products and brand to help close some of the health disparity gap,” he said. “We make sure our products are as appealing and accessible as possible.”
The website’s Ambassadors section features a diverse collection of customers who say they have benefited from Muniq shakes. The goal, said Washington, is to “not just put the product out there, but really connect with individuals.”
One challenge is making the products affordable to everyone, particularly in low-income communities where the need may be greatest. A monthly subscription currently costs $99 on the website, but the team is looking into ways to making it more accessible, Washington said.
The funding round will help expand Muniq’s distribution and brand awareness, conduct more clinical studies and develop new products, Washington said. The funds will also go toward expanding the company’s 12-member team.
New products under development will focus initially on gut health and blood sugar management, but Washington wouldn’t say more.
Would he consider some sort of bar? “Bars are one of the things our customers have asked for,” he said. “It’s a crowded space, but bars are easy and convenient.”
Sounds like a yes to me.


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Canada lauds Taiwan move to import its beef
By Joseph Yeh ,The China Post
January 18, 2014, 12:00 am TWN
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Canada yesterday welcomed Taiwan's plan to further liberate its ban on some Canadian beef products to allow bone-in beef imports, the de facto Canadian embassy in Taiwan said yesterday.
"This announcement reflects the strong economic ties between Taiwan and Canada, and demonstrates clearly Taiwan's desire to further liberalize their economy and further integrate into the broader regional and global economy," the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT) said yesterday in a statement.
The office represents Canada in Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
The CTOT statement came after the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced earlier yesterday that Taiwan will soon allow imports of Canadian bone-in beef and other meat products from cattle under 30 months of age.
The new market-opening measure will take effect as soon as administrative procedures are completed, the ministry said.
The CTOT statement quoted its Executive Director Kathleen Mackay as saying that this new liberation "will benefit an important part of the Canadian economy, namely agricultural exports, while also benefiting the Taiwanese consumer through greater choice."
"Canadian beef, as has been recognized globally, is both of very high quality and safe. The Canadian food safety regime is among the world's best, and guarantees that Canadian agricultural products are a healthy and safe choice for the Taiwanese consumer," Mackay said in the statement.
"We look forward to continuing close cooperation with Taiwan to enhance and deepen our trading relationship," she said.
After Canada's first outbreak of mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, in 2003, Taiwan imposed a ban on beef from the country, but reopened its market to imports of boneless beef in 2007.


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Faraday Future appears to be alive and kicking again. The EV startup originally wanted to launch its first model, the FF91 SUV, back in 2018. However, the startup faced a wide array of financial setbacks and staff turnover issues. Founder Jia Yueting filed for bankruptcy in 2019 and stepped down as CEO, instead taking up a more reserved role as Chief Product and User Officer.
In July 2021 the company was listed on the Nasdaq and plans were announced for additional FF81 and FF71 models. Still, many were doubtful about FF91 production and little progress was seemingly made in the months following Faraday Future's listing. Clearly, the startup was still struggling financially and needed to raise more capital.
Faraday Future reported an operating loss of $137 million in Q2 of this year and suggested that it would need to raise $325 million in order to continue running. Furthermore, the company's largest shareholder, FF Top Holding, sued the startup stating that it's "suffering from a crisis of leadership at the board level”. Hence FF Top Holding called for several board members to be removed, including director Brian Krolicki.
Earlier this week it was revealed that Faraday Future had settled its dispute with FF Top Holding and several executives had been replaced with new members coming in. An additional $40 million in near-term funding from convertible notes has subsequently been raised, as well as a further $60 million from Senyun International.
Whether or not this latest round of funding will be enough to see the FF91 reach production remains to be seen. After all, Faraday Future stated a few months ago that it needs in excess of $300 million in order to "continue operations".


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Shoppers staged a ‘mass unwrap’ at the Steyning Co-op to highlight the amount of unnecessary plastic packaging used.
In protest, customers unwrapped items bagged in plastic packaging and left the plastic on a table outside, with more than 500 boxes and wrappers collected by the end of the day.
The event was part of Greening Steyning’s campaign to make Steyning, Bramber and Beeding plastic free communities.
Organiser Ronnie Reed said: “We’ve engaged with so many people over this and most are really concerned over the amount of plastic they take home after they’ve done their weekly shop.”
John Griffin from the Steyning and District Business Chamber, one of the campaign coordinators, said: “The aim of the protest was to send a clear message to Co-op headquarters, rather than staff of the local branch, that shoppers of all ages are unhappy with their unnecessary use of single-use plastic.
“Local staff have been super helpful, and besides letting us advertise the event inside the store were happy to take away all of the plastic we collected and pass it on through the Co-op’s recycling set up.”
Local resident David Howarth said: “I’ve lived in Steyning for a few years and I’ve noticed in the last two or three years that more and more vegetable and fruit are wrapped in plastic.
“I don’t think the Co-op asked the people of Steyning if they wanted their fruit and vegetables to be wrapped in plastic. So if the Co-op is a customer-responsive organisation, it should stop doing it.”
Ann Blakelock, another resident, said: “The Co-op is an ethical supermarket and they should be leading the way on this.”
Shoppers were asked to sign a petition, which read: “I urge Co-op food stores to radically cut down their use of plastic packaging, especially single-use plastics.”
More than 130 signatures were collected in a few hours, and the petition is to be handed to the store manager and passed on to the head office. Ronnie Reed said that the message was ‘received loud and clear by local Co-op staff’. Members of staff at the store explained that the packaging of items was largely out of their control, urging customers to either make their views known through the Co-op’s customer care website or, if they are Co-op members, raise the issues at members’ meetings.
The ongoing campaign for Steyning, Bramber and Beeding to become plastic-free communities is part of a wider effort involving more than 600 villages and towns around the country, spearheaded by marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage.
The campaign’s next event will be a stall at the Steyning Farmers’ Market on Saturday, December 7, focusing on reducing plastic use at Christmas. Greening Steyning is run by the Steyning 10:10 Climate Action Group that exists to encourage local people to take action on climate change.
To directly contact the Co-op’s customer service, shoppers can log onto www.yourstoreyoursay.com and quote store number 9818 for the Steyning store.
For more information on the area’s plastic free campaign, visit www.1010steyning.org.


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THIS is the chilling moment a woman realised her web camera was spying on her when it turned to look at her and said "bonjour madame".
Several warnings have been issued over internet-connected cameras that can be remotely hacked by pervs and used to spy on people.
Now one woman in the Netherlands has learned just how intrusive these gadgets can be after buying a cheap version from the Dutch retailer Action.
Rilana Hamer, who recently graduated from university and works at a financial services firm, thought the webcam would be a good way to keep an eye on her puppy while she was at work.
But it turned out that she was the one that was being monitored.
Hamer was with a pal when she noticed the rotating camera swivel to look at her from across the room.
"I heard, bonjour madame," she wrote in a Facebook post that has since gone viral.
"I moved to the left and right, and the camera came with me".
Hamer whipped out her smartphone to film, and the chilling clip she recorded appears to show a mumbled voice having a conversation with terrified Hamer as she screams "get out of my house".
It continues to swivel, before uttering "suck my d***".
“My privacy, my house, my personal stuff and myself... I’m scared.. terrified,” wrote Hamer.
“I’m being watched, but for how long? What did that person see from me?”
Hundreds of thousands of unsecured personal cameras are available to watch online, in real-time thanks to sick websites that allow voyeurs to snoop on the general public.
The websites allow pervy peepers to peer through thousands of cameras placed in British car parks, offices and communal corridors as well as bedrooms and waiting rooms around the world.
The problem is so widespread even Mark Zuckerberg and Pope Francis have placed stickers over their smartphone cameras to stop someone watching them.
Action has been selling the Maxxter 3D webcams since May this year and has warned anyone who purchased one to change their pin number to stop hackers accessing their device.
It published a statement on its website, which said: "In response to messages on Facebook and in the media about the possible hacking of a security camera purchased from Action, we would like to inform you that Action takes the security of its customers and the products we sell extremely seriously.
"We are in touch with this customer about this incident.
"In order to investigate the cause and to determine whether it is in camera or something else, the camera concerned is requested so that it can be checked by the supplier thoroughly.
"Should it prove that the camera does not meet our requirements then it will, of course, be called back and we will inform our customers about this.
"This camera has been sold at Action since May 2017. Customers who bought this product, we strongly recommend that you change the default ID password and use a strong wifi password.
"See also the operating instructions."


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Selena Gomez is giving her followers one thing new to bounce to amid the coronavirus pandemic.
On Thursday, the “Lose You to Love Me” singer, 27, dropped a brand new music video for “Dance Once more,” a observe off her newest album Uncommon.
Together with the video, Gomez unveiled “Dance Once more” merchandise, of which a portion of proceeds will profit MusiCares’ COVID-19 Aid Fund, on her web site.
“It feels somewhat unusual releasing one thing so lighthearted in the course of such a heavy time for our world, however I additionally assume it’s a great reminder that we’ll get by means of this collectively,” the star wrote on Instagram. “ For each buy of the brand new Dance Once more merch in my retailer, a portion of proceeds will profit the MusiCares COVID-19 Aid Fund.”
RELATED: Meet Daisy! Selena Gomez Introduces Cute Pet She Adopted Whereas Social Distancing to Followers
It feels somewhat unusual releasing one thing so lighthearted in the course of such a heavy time for our world, however I additionally assume it’s a great reminder that we’ll get by means of this collectively. For each buy of the brand new Dance Once more merch in my retailer, a portion of proceeds will profit the MusiCares COVID-19 Aid Fund.
A publish shared by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on Mar 26, 2020 at 9:11am PDT
During the last week, Gomez — who took half within the #SafeHands hand washing problem on Instagram — has been encouraging her followers to remain at dwelling to assist flatten the curve amid the unfold of COVID-19.
She additionally launched the world to her new pet Daisy, who she initially supposed to foster however ended up adopting.
“I do know just a few associates which are fostering proper now simply to provide animals a secure place … I couldn’t assist it, I’ve to maintain her,” she mentioned throughout an Instagram Stay on Tuesday.
RELATED VIDEO: Selena Gomez Releases Tune ‘Really feel Me’ from 2016 Revival Tour After Fan Demand
Shelters throughout the nation are encouraging animal lovers to foster a pet through the coronavirus pandemic, citing the selection as a method to assist rescues, pets and your individual psychological well being through the disaster.
The Facilities for Illness Management, the World Well being Group and the American Veterinary Medical Affiliation have all said that pets usually are not liable to spreading COVID-19, and science has proven time and time once more that including an animal to your life makes you happier and more healthy.
As details about the coronavirus pandemic quickly adjustments, PEOPLE is dedicated to offering the latest information in our protection. A number of the data on this story could have modified after publication. For the most recent on COVID-19, readers are inspired to make use of on-line assets from CDC, WHO, and native public well being departments and go to our coronavirus hub.


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Terraria was such a big hit with PC gamers and not just because it was inspired by Minecraft, but due to the fact that it had its own unique gameplay, which is why console gamers can thank 505 Games for bringing it to the PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE Arcade.
“The block-building genre has taken the world by storm and Terraria has garnered a massive following through its increased focus on adventure and discovery.” said Tim Woodley, Head of Global Brand for 505 Games. “We’re looking forward to bringing an already hugely successful experience to a brand new console audience and we can’t wait for the existing Terraria fan base to experience all-new content”.
Andrew Spinks, creator of Terraria added
“I can’t say how excited I am to finally have Terraria come to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3! To see it come so far is a complete shock, especially after such humble beginnings. It’s always been my dream to have as many people as possible know and enjoy Terraria as much as I have, and this is another big step in that direction! It’s been awesome working with 505 Games, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the additional features that they’ve been able to bring to this new edition of the game.”


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Fingerprint scanning coming to Samsung smartwatches?
It’s been a little slow to happen, but fingerprint scanning on mobile devices is slowly beginning to make a comeback. After Apple got things rolling with the iPhone 5S, we’ve seen efforts from HTC, and most recently Samsung, to bring such sensors to their own models – we’re even likely to soon see the tech extend to tablets. But the hottest space in mobile right now isn’t smartphones nor tablets, but the exploding wearables market; will fingerprint scanning find a home there? Sensor-maker Synaptics says “yes,” and that we might see such devices arrive next year.
That’s according to Synaptics CEO Rick Bergman, and while he didn’t identify a specific smartwatch that might feature such a scanner, nor even which company might deliver it, Synaptics is Samsung’s source for the scanner in the Galaxy S5 and Samsung Z, and we expect the relationship between these companies to continue. As such, we wouldn’t be surprised for a 2015 Gear model to arrive with the kind of fingerprint scanning abilities Synaptics is talking about here.
There’s a lot of potential for what could be done with a smartwatch capable of authenticating users like this, and we’re sure that mobile payments will only be one of the use cases we see arrive.
Synaptics also talks about its move to area-type scanners (like on the iPhone) rather than the swipe-type we see on the GS5; the company expects to start getting such scanners into phones this fall, and these area-type sensors are the same ones it plans to bring to smartwatches next year.