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Samsung will reportedly introduce a smartphone with a curved glass display sometime next month
Samsung has revealed its intention to introduce a smartphone with a curved display next month.
The development is sure to form part of the South Korean electronic giant’s plans for smartphones with flexible displays, and follows the arrival (earlier this month) of its futuristic Galaxy Gear smartwatch.
Samsung revealed its plans for the introduction of the flexible display smartphone during a media event in Seoul, South Korea yesterday.
“We plan to introduce a smartphone with a curved display in South Korea in October,” Samsung’s mobile business head of strategic marketing D.J. Lee was quoted by Reuters as saying at the event to launch the Galaxy Note 3 smartphone. No other details were revealed about the upcoming device.
Curved and flexible displays have been in the pipeline for a while now. Samsung has already introduced a curved screen OLED TV. And in January this year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) it showed off a 5.5-inch flexible smartphone display. That flexible display smartphone featured a high-definition resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels.
Flexible displays do offer smartphone and device designers much greater freedom compared to the rigid screens commonly found in the highly competitive smartphone market. And Samsung has further indicated its interest in the flexible display arena when in August this year, it began a contest that offers cash prizes for the best ideas regarding possible uses of its flexible display technology.
Yet Samsung is likely to face stiff competition, as some of its rivals seem to have developed something of a head-start in this arena.
Nokia, in 2010, filed a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office that described a flexible interface that could be folded end-to-end in a shape like a soup can, into more of a C-shaped cuff or bent in a classic tent shape.
And then in October 2011, Nokia also unveiled of a bendable concept phone, dubbed the Kinetic, which could be controlled by physical actions, such as squeezing the handset.
That said, Samsung already offered a smartphone (the Nexus S) that has a slightly contoured display, designed to make it more comfortable to hold.
How much do you know about Samsung? Take our quiz!


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New Testing Facility will also help meet current and future legislation and quality standards
(MAHWAH, N.J.) – August 1, 2022 – Jaguar Land Rover has taken another step towards a new era of electrification and connectivity by opening a facility. All to test the next generation of vehicles for electrical and radio interference.
The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) laboratory at the Gaydon facility in the UK. For it will ensure future vehicles meet current and future legislation and quality standards. That’s for connectivity and electronics. The new Range Rover Sport, which launched in May, was the first vehicle to undergo a bespoke testing program at the in-house facility.
A critical aspect of vehicle performance is EMC. Which is the ability of electrical equipment and systems to function correctly in their electromagnetic environment. It works by limiting the unintentional generation, propagation and reception of electromagnetic energy to reduce the risk of unwanted effects such as electromagnetic interference.
Moreover, Jaguar Land Rover’s new vehicle laboratory features two anechoic chambers. An electrically ‘quiet’ rolling road that enables engineers to test vehicles at speed. And equipment to assess the performance of individual components. Like batteries or electric motors. Bluetooth, GPS, WiFi, 4G, 5G, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging and blind spot monitoring. Those are all examples of vehicle services and features that the facility will test for EMC.
“The importance of testing our vehicles for electromagnetic compatibility cannot be underestimated,” said Peter Phillips, Senior Manager, Electromagnetics and Compliance at Jaguar Land Rover. “Opening this new testing facility is an important step forward for the business. And it will play a crucial role in helping us deliver quality, legal, and customer satisfaction.”
Industry advances are set to increase the number of electric powertrains. Plus, the range of digital and cloud-based services on vehicles. That’s from Software-Over-The-Air updates to autonomous technology. Not to mention, testing for EMC is central to delivering quality, legal, and customer satisfaction. Moreover, this new facility demonstrates Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment. Which is to give customers the most advanced in-vehicle connectivity. That’s as the business accelerates electrification through its Reimagine strategy.

domain: news


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Dealers said the small year-on-year rise in the European first-quarter cocoa grind was further evidence that demand was holding up well. Earlier this week, Reuters reported that cocoa futures on ICE rose to six-and-a-half year highs boosted by tight supplies, particularly in Cote d’Ivoire, where port arrivals have been running behind last season’s pace while demand was providing resilient despite global economic woes.
“Supply tightness in West Africa continues to support cocoa futures,” an analyst told Reuters. The North America first quarter cocoa grind is due to be published on April 20.
The latest figures from The Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI) shows cocoa grinding from its 11 member companies involved in processing increased by 4.0% in the first quarter of 2023 4.0% compared to the same period in the previous year.
German production facilities, ground a total of 101,923.5 tonnes of cocoa in the 1st quarter of 2023 and the BDSI said that for or the first time, the figures for the first quarter are slightly higher than in the first quarter of 2019, when the coronavirus pandemic began.


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Final Verdict. Jeff Brown managed to connect the dots, leading him to an important supplier for Tesla, revolutionizing the $30 trillion megatrend industry. In particular, their image sensors are crucial not only for Tesla but the entire automobile industry.
Why is Sav a big deal?
Fortune magazine naming this company as one of the fastest growing companies in America. This company makes 10,000 other car products including semiconductors. It also manufactures power semiconductors can help bring down the cost of the car batteries. This company is also a supplier of General Motors.
What is a BMW SAV?
SAV stands for Sports Activity Vehicle and refers to SUVs with a sporty approach. A combination of power, performance, and luxury makes the BMW SAV more than just a vehicle you want to drive.
What is Jeff Brown’s secret stock?
“The #1 Tech Stock for 2021” is a presentation by Jeff Brown advertising his newsletter service, Near Future Report. The stock he is pitching in the video is a company that makes semiconductor chips. How much money could be made with this stock tip?
Who makes microchips for Tesla?
“Anything where they decided to make something by themselves, well then they had to have a direct relationship with the semiconductor supplier,” said Nakul Duggal, who leads the automotive business of Qualcomm Inc., which designs chips and supplies Tesla.
What is Elon Musk next big project?
Starlink explained: Everything you should know about Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture. The billionaire SpaceX CEO is launching satellites into orbit and promising to deliver high-speed broadband internet to as many people as possible.
What is Elon Musk next project?
Elon Musk, Founder of Tesla and SpaceX has announced a new programme that will seek to develop technology that converts carbon dioxide into rocket fuel. He wrote on Twitter: “SpaceX is starting a programme to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and turn it into rocket fuel.”
What is Elon Musk save project?
Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s new project focuses on controlling human mind – Details here. Musk’s human-computer interface company Neuralink’s mind-reading chip will be 10 times smaller than a hair follicle. They will be used in complex tasks such as brain surgery.
What is the difference between SUV and Sav?
The SAV differs from the standard SUV. Think of the SAV as an SUV that can go off-road, but with sports car power. The SAV is a combination of the BMW sports car engine with the cabin space and off-road features of a truck.
What kind of vehicle is an SAV?
While technically the X5 is a mid-sized crossover SUV, the company has dubbed it an SAV, which stands for Sport Activity Vehicle.
What does Sav mean on BMW X3?
Versatile vehicles at home on the open road and unexplored terrain. X1 Sports Activity Vehicle. The compact, yet intrepid, four-door SAV.
Who is the largest chip manufacturer?
U.S. TSMC, short for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is by far the world’s largest chip manufacturer. It’s also the sixth most valuable company in the world with a market cap of over $600 billion, and supplies chips to the likes of Apple, Intel, and Nvidia.
Who makes chips for Nvidia?
Why Apple, Nvidia and AMD use TSMC to make their chips : Planet Money : The Indicator from Planet Money One Taiwanese company, TSMC, makes 90% of the most advanced semiconductors — the chips for your phone or car. From Hong Kong to Boston to Texas to Taipei: This is TSMC founder Morris Chang’s story.
Who makes the chips for Ford?
The carmaker announced a partnership yesterday with the semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries to develop its own chips. Initially these will be designed for Ford vehicles, but the companies said a larger goal is to expand U.S. chip production.
Will Starlink be free?
Starlink currently costs $99 a month. You’ll also have to pay a one-time $499 fee for the Starlink satellite dish and Wi-Fi router, which the company will ship to your home.
How Much Will Elon Musk internet cost?
The standard Starlink service, which launched in October 2020, has a $99 refundable deposit, a $499 hardware fee and the service costs $99 per month. Elon Musk’s company is touting improved hardware, faster service speeds and priority support in its pitch to prospective premium customers.
How much will Starlink internet cost?
Starlink Premium will cost $500 a month compared to $99 per month for the standard plan. You’ll also pay $2,500 for the antenna and other hardware, compared to $499 for base plan, and will need to leave a $500 deposit to reserve the Premium dish.
What companies do Elon Musk own?
Elon Musk co-founded and leads Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink and The Boring Company. As the co-founder and CEO of Tesla, Elon leads all product design, engineering and global manufacturing of the company’s electric vehicles, battery products and solar energy products.
Can I buy SpaceX?
Because SpaceX is not a publicly-listed company, you cannot buy shares of the company or invest in SpaceX directly. The only way to invest in SpaceX is to invest indirectly. That means: Either invest in businesses that SpaceX works with or investing in companies that hold an interest in SpaceX.


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Utility vehicles are hot. There's no denying it.
The best-selling passenger cars in the U.S. have been mid-size sedans like the Toyota Camry for a couple of decades, but now they're likely to be eclipsed by compact crossover utility models like the Toyota RAV4.
Of course, the Ford F-Series line of full-size pickup trucks—with a profuse array of sizes, cabin configurations, engines, drive systems, and towing capacities—remains the single most popular vehicle line in the U.S.
But thus far, the electric cars on the market remain largely compact five-door hatchbacks.
There are a couple of reasons for that, the most prominent being that those cars are lighter and more aerodynamic than comparable crossovers on roughly the same footprint.
It also takes time to develop electric vehicles. While the popularity of crossover utilities has grown steadily for 15 years, it has really taken off in the past five.
Which will sell the first affordable electric SUV with AWD?— Green Car Reports (@GreenCarReports) November 6, 2017
That led us to wonder which major automaker will produce the first mass-priced all-electric compact crossover utility vehicle.
While we didn't have room to say all this in this week's Twitter poll, we have a few constraints on the question for you to consider before you vote.
First, by "mass-priced" we mean under $40,000 including the mandatory destination charge. (The 238-mile Chevy Bolt EV, at $37,500 for its base model, is a good example of a car close to the upper bound of that requirement.)
Second, we expect that battery-electric compact crossover to have at least 200 miles of EPA-rated range.
Third, it has to be a real crossover utility, which in our eyes means it must offer all-wheel drive, whether standard or as an option.
Three different front-wheel-drive vehicles—the Chevy Bolt EV, Kia Niro, and Toyota C-HR—have been called "crossovers" in marketing materials by their makers. We think that's nonsense, and deceptive to buyers.
Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept, 2017 Tokyo Motor Show
Finally, it has to be available in substantial numbers, and sold throughout the U.S.
Our four choices in the survey—BMW, GM, Nissan, and Tesla—have all built and sold electric cars in volume throughout the country.
That's why we chose them; we think they're all plausible candidates to launch the first
Recent news indicates that at least three of them are likely to introduce battery-electric crossover utility vehicles within the next two years.
So our poll question really boils down to which company will get any such vehicle into dealerships first.
As always, please note that our Twitter polls are far from scientifically valid, due to small sample size and self-selection by those who choose to participate.


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American meat importers gained valuable insight into the UK’s beef and pork sectors last week during AHDB’s first ‘Quality Meat from Britain’ virtual workshop.
Topics included everything from the UK’s high animal welfare standards to how best to cook cuts of meat, during the first in a series of digital events targeting the US foodservice market.
Major influencers from California heard from a panel of industry experts, farmers and butchers about the high quality of meat from the UK in a bid to create opportunities for exporters to this all-important market.
The US is a key target market for AHDB exports, with pork shipments up in value by 76 per cent in the first quarter of 2021 to £3.8 million compared to the same period last year, supported by the tariff suspensions agreed by the US Administration.
The event has been hailed a huge success by AHDB’s Export Manager and event organiser Susana Morris, after it resulted in a number of potential new business opportunities for both beef and pork exporters in the UK.
She said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the success of this, our first in a series of digital events targeting the US foodservice market. There was good engagement and a great deal of interest in our meat from our American attendees, who were given the chance to learn more about our practices and production processes here in the UK.”
Among those taking part in the event was outdoor pig producer Simon Watchorn who highlighted the industry’s impressive moves to reduce antibiotic usage – with figures dropping drastically over the last five years.
Attendees also had the opportunity to watch a butchery demonstration from AHDB’s Martin Eccles and cooking demonstrations by sous chef Luke Rhodes, who made it through the final eight of last year’s MasterChef: The Professionals, as well as award-winning Stoke Park chef Chris Wheeler.
Moderated by AHDB’s Lisa Bray, the event also provided an opportunity for attendees to put questions to the panel which covered everything from marketing products overseas to animal welfare standards.
Susana added: “The US is a major potential market for our high-end red meat exports and these digital events are key to ensuring we have the right connections with key influencers and build on our impressive export figures over the last year.”
The second in the series of US-focused online events will take place in June and will target Illinois, followed by a Florida session in September and a Texas-focused event in November.


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The refinery that has historically produced about a fifth of Southern California’s gasoline has been crippled since a February explosion — and may stay that way for months to come.
China and its swooning stock market pose a growing risk to the global economy, say economists surveyed this month by The Wall Street Journal. But healthier U.S. consumer spending and a stronger housing market will provide enough domestic power to offset any drag coming from the world’s No. 2 economy.
U. S. consumer prices rose in June—and for the first time in 2015 this broad measure of inflation is in positive territory when compared with a year ago.
In 1987, during the last period of productivity hand-wringing, Nobel Prize winning economist Robert Solow quipped: “You can see the computer age everywhere but in the productivity statistics.”
The state Senate approved a resolution on Thursday praising Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change and calling on politicians to heed its call for better stewardship of the environment.
“This kind of unregulated, unlimited power is concerning,” [Assemblyman Roger] Hernandez told the committeee. “We are the ones who make the law…. This is giving them a blank check … a complete transfer of power.”
Home sales are up. All-cash and investor purchases are down. And home prices are rising at a more sustainable pace than in the last few years.
Fueled by an increase in home sales, the assessed value of all taxable property in Los Angeles County rose 6.13 percent in 2015 — the largest jump since 2010 — the county assessor reported Thursday.
Since 2006, U.S. households have received more than $18 billion in federal income tax credits for weatherizing their homes, installing solar panels, buying hybrid and electric vehicles, and other “clean energy” investments. We use tax return data to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of program recipients. We find that these tax expenditures have gone predominantly to higher-income Americans. The bottom three income quintiles have received about 10% of all credits, while the top quintile has received about 60%. The most extreme is the program aimed at electric vehicles, where we find that the top income quintile has received about 90% of all credits.
The Labor Department issued new guidance Wednesday intended to help companies answer that increasingly fraught question. The issue has taken on greater urgency with the growth of sharing-economy firms such as Uber and TaskRabbit, which increasingly rely on independent workers, often for short-term projects.
Thanks to a rebound in the economy and real estate values, county assessment rolls — and by extension property tax revenues — are going up between 5.2 and 8.7 percent in eight Bay Area counties this fiscal year.
Nearly a third of California’s households “struggle each month to meet basic needs,” largely because of the state’s high cost of living, a new study by United Ways of California concludes.
The latest increases have boosted prices to $5 a gallon or more at some stations. And it begs the question — how much more can consumers take?
In this report, the Institute for Applied Economics of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) conducts a regional dependency study of the refinery industry, evaluating the ripple effect of a potential reduction of supply of refined petroleum products and byproducts in California.
Gov. Jerry Brown’s California Competes program has allocated some $200 million in tax credits in fiscal 2016 for companies to expand in or relocate to California.


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Consumers here are increasingly optimistic about their available spending income, boosting hopes of a revival in the battered retail industry.
The latest index to outline attitudes, the AIB/Amarach Recovery Indicator, jumped from 18.3 in December to 27.1 in January.
The survey found that 33pc of all Irish adults agreed that "the economic situation is bad but has stabilised" while more than 60pc are "optimistic" in spite of the current economic situation. This is 10 percentage points up on the December figure.
It's hoped that this research is an indication of a "seasonal boost" for retailers and service suppliers.
The figures also signalled a possible return to growth for the property market, with 66pc of those surveyed now believing it is a good time to buy a house.
The optimism is in stark contrast to other recent reports which clearly showed that sales in the last quarter of the year fell dramatically.
However, despite the upbeat mood, most respondents said that their main financial priority was paying off debts, while a quarter reported that they were saving more since the recession had begun.
Separate research from the European Commission's Economic Sentiment Indicator said that EU countries were similarly returning to a positive outlook. This indicator rose 2.1 points to 97.1 in January.


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Entries in 'secrets' (4)
You’ve undoubtedly read lots of rumours about tonight’s Xbox reveal. Forget them. Forget every one of them.
Four former employees of AMD have had a court complaint filed against them following accusations that they slipped secret documents to their new employer Nvidia.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II is out next week. Anyway, Medal of Honor: Warfighter is in the news. Coincidentally, we’re sure.
This year’s E3 was a spectacular return to for the show, with all three of the major platform holders making huge announcements that bode well for their respective platforms. But ...


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St. Eustatius-“Tiny, off-the- radar and rather unusual, the tiny island of Sint Eustatius (or ‘Statia’: population 3400) has been home to the Caribs, French, Dutch and British residents; in 1776, it became the first foreign ‘power’ to recognize the USA”.
So says the article in the Lonely Planet written by Robert Reid on CNN.com.
The article goes on to explain how Statia is also known for its diving, its history and historical sites, its nature, in particular the Quill, a once active volcano with great views from its crater. We are rather grateful for the writing of Mr. Reid and to be mentioned amongst cities such as San Juan Puerto Rico, Havana Cuba, Cockburn Town, Grand Turks, said Mr. Charles Lindo tourism Director of Statia. This type of exposure sure put us in a great spot when it comes to marketing the island as a niche market. We will continue to market and promote our tourism product home and abroad and hope to see lots more mention like this in the near future said Mr. Lindo. According to Mr. Reid and Lonely Planet, “life’s not always a beach, “some have histories that predate the pilgrims, cobbled centers that gaze out at the water and enough attractions to justify carving a day or two away from those perfect stretches of sand”.


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Prices of vegetables and fruits in the local markets stabilized as more shipments of vegetables and fruits supplies arrived in the KIngdom.
Shipments of 1400 tons arrived in Bahrain from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Pakistan, the U.A.E, Oman and Yemen, in addition to 40 tons of bananas and apples from Chile and 44 trucks from Egypt, which led to decreased prices in the local central market ranges between 50% and 70%.
The list of imports includes the following:
• Pakistan – Mandarins and all types of vegetables
• Sri Lanka – Strawberries, mangoes, papayas, avocado, guavas and all types of vegetables
• India – Bananas, ginger, garlic, mangoes
• China – Garlic, ginger, apples, carrots
• Italy – Assorted variety of apples, plums, kiwi, water
• Philippines – Bananas, pineapples
• South Africa – Lemons, assorted variety of apples, pears, grapes, persimmons, pomegranates
• Portugal and Poland – Apples
• Australia – Carrots
• Greece and Spain – Kiwis, apples, peaches, olives
• US – Apples, berries
• Lebanon – Assorted pickles
• Turkey – Lemons
• Egypt – Citrus, strawberries, broccoli
• Mexico – Strawberries
• Holland and Bulgaria – Cheese varieties
• Belgium – Mozzarella
• Chile – Apples, kiwis, plums, pomegranates
Head of the Food Wealth Committee at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Khaled Al-Amin, said that the local markets are witnessing a decrease in the prices of vegetables, as the Jordanian and Egyptian 5-kilograms potato bag reached BD2, while the same bag of Pakistani potatoes was at BD1.
He noted that the price of onions reached 300 fils per kilo at the wholesale price. He assured that the availability of food commodities on the market and confirmed price stability.


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Samsung (OTC:SSNLF) is often derided for copying Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), and it isn't difficult to see why. Early models of its Galaxy smartphones were similar in design to Apple's iPhone, while its recent foray into retail, the Samsung Experience shop, bears a striking similarity to Apple's own stores.
But regardless of its supposed rip-off nature, there's one popular trend Samsung definitely started: the phablet. Samsung's over-sized Galaxy Note was the first smartphone of its kind, and nearly all of its competitors have followed. Well, all except Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Apple -- but that could soon change.
Samsung's phablets have sold well and inspired imitators
While originally derided as an oddity, Samsung's Galaxy Notes have sold well -- not Apple iPhone well, but still relatively well, especially given their higher price tag. Samsung said back in September that, at that time, the company had sold 38 million Galaxy Notes (first and second generation combined). For comparison, Apple sold 31.2 million iPhones (all models) just last quarter
. Clearly, Samsung's Note isn't a flagship phone in its own right, but it's far from niche.
Many of Samsung's competitors, perhaps seeing its success, have followed: LG with the Optimus G, Sony with the Xperia Z Ultra, and HTC with the One Max. Even BlackBerry now offers a phablet.
A Windows Phone phablet is all but guaranteed
Nokia, soon to be Microsoft's official handset arm, is likely going to announce a phablet in the coming weeks. A recently released image teaser shows what looks like a large Lumia phone, one sporting a screen bigger than the current, 4.5-inch Lumia 1020.Ahead of that probable announcement, Microsoft has updated its Windows Phone operating system to run on devices with screens up to 6 inches.
I wouldn't bet on a Lumia phablet turning Windows Phone around. Microsoft's mobile operating system remains a distant third, far behind both Android and Apple's iOS in terms of worldwide market share. Nevertheless, a phablet can't hurt. There may be a segment of buyers in the market that's so attached to their phablets they'd never consider anything else -- if Microsoft is going to win over these buyers, it's going to need a phablet.
Will Apple finally go big in 2014?
With more than 40% of the US smartphone market, Apple doesn't have Microsoft's problem. Still, a larger iPhone wouldn't hurt.
As with tablets, avoiding the alternative form factor could allow Apple's rivals to carve out a stable niche. Although full-size Android tablets found little success when they went head-to-head with the full-size iPad, cheaper, 7-inch models sold well. Despite Steve Jobs famously deriding the smaller tablet form factor, Apple eventually caved, and released the iPad Mini.
It could do the same with phablets, if recent rumors are to be believed. NPD DisplaySearch, citing reports from Apple's supply chain, said last week it expects Apple to release a 5.7-inch iPhone sometime in 2014. Likewise, Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster also believes an Apple phablet could be coming next year.
Apple's management has been asked about a larger iPhone many times, and though they've never confirmed that one is in the works, they've never explicitly denied it either. CEO Tim Cook, when asked about a bigger iPhone back in April, said that the current phablets trade screen quality for size. But rather than say Apple would never make a larger iPhone, Cook only said the company wouldn't offer one while those "trade-offs exist."
Phablets are here to stay
At this point, it's clear that phablets are much more than a trend. Samsung's Notes have sold millions, and with a third generation out this month, that number should only grow. As Samsung has found success, most of its rivals have followed.
Soon, Apple and Microsoft could join the list of Samsung imitators, offering their own phablets in the near future.


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However, Clickatell says it is now authorised to give businesses access to the WhatsApp Business API, which it has already done with Absa, to roll-out the group's recently announced ChatBanking via WhatsApp.
While WhatsApp doesn't have advertising outright, it is increasing functionality for businesses on its platform called WhatsApp Business.
With Clickatell's integrations, a business can immediately start sending out notifications and conduct real time 2-way customer interactions. They can now programmatically send users information like shipping confirmations and boarding passes, offer real-time customer support, and accept inquiries via a click-to-chat button on their site (similar to how Facebook's Messenger plugin works). It is a standalone app separate from the other version of instant messaging platform WhatsApp being used by over 1.5 billion people.
In a WhatsApp blog, the company stated that it is introducing tools to help people and businesses communicate with each other.
FACEBOOK IS LOOKING to cash in on WhatsApp by charging sloppy businesses to send messages to customers.
A man poses with a smartphone in front of displayed Whatsapp logo in this illustration September 14, 2017. They will be charged for responses after 24 hours.
In addition to launching the Business API, the company will also launch a new display advertisement product on Facebook which will encourage people to start WhatsApp conversations with them.
The company stated that the approach allows users to have full control over the messages they receive, but that businesses will pay to send certain messages, which will be done so chats don't get cluttered. The new WhatsApp feature is now available for users around the world on iOS and Android.


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Tweets of the Week returns right in time for several important holidays: Valentine's Day, Presidents Day and National Drink Wine Day.
This past November, Pizza Hut, NYC & Company, Upworthy, and others made significant changes within their digital marketing departments by recruiting and promoting executives.
Nobody can predict virality, though some brands do create content that consistently gets lots of social shares. Here are three lessons from brands like Taco Bell, Delta, and.... the Kardashians?
Bud Light is officially selling smart fridges that let you know when you're almost out of beer. Is this a fun novelty item, or does it show how CPG brands will be impacted by the IoT?
This week on Twitter kicked off with the Women's World Cup, around which Nike had the most engagement. Shark Week and two food related holidays inspired other notable brand Tweets.
Largely through clever social feeds, Denny's has turned its older image around since John Dillon, now the chief marketing officer, joined the chain's marketing department eight years ago.
This TV-centric week, brands tweeted about the Red Nose Day charity event as well as The Late Show with David Letterman and Mad Men, both of which aired their final episodes.
Consumers can now text without getting their smartphones dirty, thanks to the Bluetooth-enabled trays KFC Germany premiered during the chain's new location openings.
Taco Bell's April launch in Japan was a major brand fail and reinforced the importance of ensuring a localized approach when entering new markets across the Asia Pacific region.


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Earlier this month, we previewed an upcoming Air Jordan XII Retro slated to release later this summer.
The official colorway for this release is "Grey/University Blue-White" and courtesy of realchickenwop on Instagram, we now have detailed images of this latest iteration. The close-up shots indicates the shoe is comprised of two types of leather, like previous XII releases and features hits of "Obsidian" in the shoe's outsole, heel, and inner lining.
While the "Wings" model certainly is the current focus for many Jordan fans, these XIIs should generate its own bit of buzz considering its summer friendly colorway. As reported in our previous story, June 25 is the reported release date with retail coming in at $190.


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Adriana Lima, Spokesmodel For Maybelline New York Once Again
Adriana Lima will return “as the face” of Maybelline New York, The Star Online reports today. Adriana Lima’s return was originally announced last week. She previously worked as the spokesmodel for the prestigious cosmetics brand between 2003 and 2009. Lima is excited to be returning to the brand after a five-year break. “I am proud to say that I am a Maybelline girl, and I look forward to the work we will do together, Adriana Lima stated, according to OK Magazine. Adriana Lima will represent the Maybelline brand in both television commercials and print advertisements. Adriana Lima has not indicated which specific Maybelline products she will represent, states Vogue.
Originally from Brazil, the Latina bombshell ranked as one of the highest paid models between 2006 and 2008. Beautiful Maybelline New York spokesmodel Adriana Lima follows a long line of flawless models who have represented the face of Maybelline, such as Jordan Dunn, Christy Turlington, Jessica White, Erin Wasson, Zhang Ziyi and Tomiko Fraser — just to name a few.
Adriana Lima, the former Victoria Secret’s Angel and Guess model, grew up poor, but that all changed when she began modelling in the 1990’s at the age of 15. In the book “Bad and Beautiful: Inside the Dazzling and Deadly World of Supermodels” by Ian Halperin, Lima stated that she had little knowledge of Vogue or fashion in general when she first started modelling.
At the time, teen model Adriana Lima seemed more excited by the opportunity to fly on a plane for the first time than her modelling contract. “I think my best moment was taking the plane. My family was really poor, and we would never have had the money to take a plane,” said Lima.
Since the announcement, social media has been abuzz with the excitement of Adriana Lima’s return. Maybelline New York tweeted:
— Maybelline New York (@Maybelline) June 19, 2014
Being a pretty face is not the only thing that matters to the Salvador de Bahia native. Adriana has been an inspiration to many teens all over the world, often telling girls to believe in themselves and to be strong. Adriana Lima also thinks it is important for girls to maintain a good attitude. Many feel that the 33-year-old beauty also served as a positive role model when she announced that she was still a virgin and had no intention on having sex before marriage. Adriana Lima eventually married Serbian NBA ball player Marko Jaric.
Historically, the Maybelline brand dates back to 1915. The sophisticated cosmetics line has been worn by some of Hollywood’s most intensely dramatic actresses—1920’s Gloria Swanson, and 1940’s Joan Crawford and Dorothy Lamour come to mind. In the 1940’s, American women proudly wore beautiful red lips and red nails, emulating the classic Hollywood style — a style that is still very much respected, even today.
With Adriana Lima’s return to Maybelline New York as the latest spokesmodel for the second time, it doesn’t look like she will be going anywhere soon. “As a model I plan to stay here much longer, I believe a woman becomes more beautiful with age and I want to prove that,” Lima says.


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A woman in Espanola faces fraud charges after using someone else’s credit card.
On Feb. 13 by Espanola police started looking into a situation where a victim had been contacted by a credit card company "regarding an outstanding balance, but the card had been mailed to a previous address and the victim had never received the card," according to a release.
Investigation determined the new occupant at the victim’s previous residence had received the card in the mail and fraudulently activated the card, which she then used several times to obtain cash.
The suspect was subsequently located and arrested on Feb. 24.
A 35-year-old Espanola woman was charged with three counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and one count of identity fraud.
She will appear in Espanola court on April 9.


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Montezemolo steps down as Fiat head
|Wednesday, April 21st 2010, 09:04 GMT|
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has announced that he will step down as chairman of the Fiat group.
The Italian will be replaced by 34-year-old John Elkann, scion of the Agnelli family that controls the group.
Di Montezemolo had been the Fiat chairman for the past six years, during which the car maker enjoyed a significant revival when it was struggling financially.


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Professor Louise Wilson, who was a long-serving course director at Central Saint Martins at University of the Arts London, has died at the age of 52.
Wilson had been credited with helping to shape the careers of lauded British designers Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney, and was recognised for her influence on fashion by receiving an OBE in 2008.
McCartney said Wilson was "an inspiration and force in fashion", adding: "No one will ever replace you because you were a true one off."
Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist Victoria Pendleton has been awarded a CBE by the Queen during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Pendleton retired after the London 2012, but her haul of titles stands at two Olympic gold medals, nine golds from the World Championships and podium-topping results in the Commonwealth Games and European Championships.
Designer Stella McCartney also received an honour today - an OBE for services to fashion.
McCartney, who designed Team GB's kit for the London 2012 Olympics, said before the ceremony she felt "really proud and really excited and honoured".
Designer Stella McCartney said she felt "really proud and really excited and honoured" as she arrived at Buckingham Palace to receive an OBE.
McCartney, who arrived with her husband Alasdhair Willis, was wearing one of her own creations - a blue fitted suit with a pencil skirt.
Stella McCartney will receive an OBE later today for services to fashion.
McCartney, who designed Team GB's kit for the London 2012 Olympics, will receive her award alongside cyclist Victoria Pendleton, who will be handed a CBE, triathlete Alistair Brownlee and sprinter Jonnie Peacock, who will both be given MBEs.
Stella McCartney, who designed the kit for Britain's Olympians, has posted a picture of her before she heads to the Games.
She tweeted: "On my way to the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony! Excited and proud! Going for gold!"
British designer Stella McCartney has told ITV News that designing Team GB's Olympic kit was "a big responsibility", especially as a "born-and-bred Londoner".
Team GB Olympic kit designer Stella McCartney has told ITV News that "it's been a real team effort, a once in a lifetime opportunity".


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However, one title seemed to slip under the radar at the awards show. “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II” has the potential to be one of the better games in a somewhat illustrious LucasArts video game company.
The first game in the series had a few problems that kept it from being considered a great game. Bugs were a major issue, along with unrealistic lightsaber effects and the frustratingly cheap “Sith Master” difficulty. However, most reviewers gave the game high marks for its story and voice acting, and stated that the concept drove the game to near excellence.
If the developers can fix the problems of the original, then this could be a title to watch in the future.


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It is finally official! Iconic bike maker Indian Motorcycles will step into the fast emerging bike market of our country on January 22.
Indian Motorcycles’ product portfolio for India will most likely include the new range of bikes that was unveiled earlier in August this year and this means that the three new cruisers, viz- Indian Chief Classic, Indian Chief Vintage and Indian Chieftain, have good chances of making it to us. All the three new models are powered by an all-new Thunder Stroke 111 engine that comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The new engine has a cubic capacity of 111 cubic inches (hence the name) and has a max torque of 161.6 Nm at 3,000 rpm.
There are good chances that the Indian Motorcycles will come to us via CBU route from the bike maker’s production facility at Spirit Lake, Iowa.
Of the three upcoming motorbikes, the new Indian Chief Classic is the most affordable and the prices of this model start in US market at USD 18,999 (approx INR 11.83 lakhs). The next model in the new range, the Chief Vintage, has a sticker price of USD 20,999 (INR 13.08 lakhs) and the new Chieftain, which is the flagship model in this line up, is on sale in US for USD 22,999 (INR 14.32 lakhs).
The new Indian Motorcycles Chieftain boasts of features like- powered windshield, an audio system hard saddle bags, electronic locks for the saddle bags and auxiliary headlights.
Are you excited about Indian Motorcycles India launch? Do you feel that the upcoming motorcycles will be well received in our market? Do let us know by commenting below.
Stay tuned to Motoroids for more dope on the Indian Motorcycles India Launch and other related details


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Ascend Wellness Holdings Inc. (AWH), a multistate, vertically integrated cannabis operator, filed an amended complaint against MedMed Enterprises Inc. and a motion to dismiss “baseless counterclaims” on Feb. 14 in New York.
The filings are the latest in Ascend’s legal battle with MedMen, which stems from a roughly $73-million definitive investment agreement between the two companies on Feb. 25, 2021.
Under the signed agreement, Ascend was to acquire 86.7% interest in MedMen NY Inc. (MMNY), MedMen’s subsidiary in New York, through investing $35 million in cash and issuing a senior secured promissory note in favor of MMNY’s senior secured lender in the principal amount of $28 million.
In addition, Ascend held an option to acquire the remaining equity in MedMen’s New York operation through an additional investment of $10 million, which also was intended to be used to repay MMNY’s senior secured lender if adult-use cannabis sales commence in MMNY’s dispensaries, according to a February 2021 AWH press release.
Ascend would have acquired one of New York’s 10 licenses to distribute medical cannabis through the transaction.
“We believe the proposed transaction will bring fresh capital and a new perspective to New York’s medical marijuana program and its patients,” Ascend founder and CEO Abner Kurtin said in the February 2021 release.
But MedMen backed out of the deal, announcing Jan. 3, 2022, its decision to terminate the investment agreement. MedMen Chairman and CEO Michael Serruya did not provide a statement in the press release announcing the termination.
That announcement came just weeks after the two companies received final approval Dec. 16, 2021, from the New York Cannabis Control Board and the state’s Office of Cannabis Management for the deal. Ascend announced Dec. 31, 2021, it had given notice to MedMen of its intent to close the transactions contemplated by the investment agreement imminently.
That intent included nearly $8.5 million in payments from Ascend to MedMen, according to Ascend.
After MedMen’s termination announcement, Ascend initially filed a suit in the New York Supreme Court last month, seeking to enforce MedMen’s “contractual obligations to sell its New York operations to AWH,” according to an Ascend press release.
MedMen responded by filing counterclaims, stating that AWH exerted “undue influence on New York State government officials in order to obtain regulatory approval of the transaction,” according to the most recent motion filed by Ascend to dismiss MedMen’s counterclaims.
Also, MedMen alleged an Ascend executive attended a fundraiser for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Dec. 8, 2021, in Manhattan, and that Ascend’s Kurtin met with the governor’s senior staff on Dec. 10, 2021, leading to a “highly suspect sequence of events,” according to Ascend’s most recent dismissal motion.
Ascend claims travel receipt records show the personnel in question were not at those locations on those dates, and the company is now requesting that the New York Supreme Court strike those allegations from the record.
“The court should see the counterclaims for what they really are—a transparent attempt by MedMen to distract from its own malfeasance in seeking to kill the agreed-upon sale of MedMen NY to Ascend,” the motion states. “This dispute is nothing more than a case about seller’s remorse.”
In addition, Ascend filed an amended complaint Feb. 14 seeking to force MedMen to uphold the February 2021 agreement. The amended complaint refers to MedMen as a “broken and mismanaged cannabis company,” and outlines what AWH plaintiffs refer to as a raft of “regulatory setbacks and lawsuits over its misconduct in recent years.”
According to Ascend, these setbacks include:
In 2020, MedMen’s cannabis license in Virginia was revoked by its regulator, and the city of Pasadena, Calif., rejected MedMen’s application for a conditional use permit due to the high turnover in MedMen’s leadership; MedMen has been sued by a number of its former employees for a wide range of claims; and MedMen’s stock price, which was more than $6 per share in late 2019, plummeted to $0.17 per share just before its deal with Ascend was announced in February 2021.
“Suffering from these financial, operational and reputational troubles, MedMen told New York regulators that it needed AWH to turn the company around,” an Ascend Feb. 15, 2022, press releases stated. “MedMen described AWH as ‘a well-capitalized investor’ with a ‘strong reputation’ that could ‘breathe new life into MedMen NY.’”


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Must-See: 2015 Clear Vision Football Shines in Newest Episode of Panini Unwrapped
It’s not every day that someone makes their Panini Unwrapped debut. Of course, it’s not every day that Panini America introduces a product as visibly unique as 2015 Clear Vision Football. That day comes tomorrow when the product releases in hobby shops across North America. Earlier today, Tracy Hackler sat down with Football Brand Manager Chris Barr, Unwrapped rookie Thomas Barchi and three boxes of the product.
The results, as you’ll see in the video that follows, speak for themselves. Enjoy the video and stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance for continued coverage of 2015 Clear Vision Football.


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Having missed debt payments, Enablence Technologies has secured a $3 million bridge loan to fund ongoing operations and is looking into several other options for raising more money, including selling its photodiode subsidiary.
Enablence missed payments on approximately $11 million in debt that came due at the end of June. The company is negotiating with the note holders to revise its payment schedule and said it expects to come to an agreement sometime this month. The note holders have agreed to a standstill agreement, meaning they will not initiate actions to collect on the notes during the negotiation period.
Meanwhile, Enablence plans to shop its wholly owned photodiode business, ENA Switzerland. The proceeds will be used to partially repay the bridge loan and the note holders and to fund continuing operations.
The company said it also intends to obtain additional financing, either from strategic or financial investors.
Enablence expects it will ultimately be aided by growth in sales of its PIC (photonic integrated circuits) products, including the production of the company's multichannel 100G optical components, including transmitter/receiver optical sub-assembly and 100G polarization multiplexed quadrature phase shift keying (PM-QPSK) products.
"This bridge loan and the planned sale of ENA Switzerland is a significant step toward putting Enablence on a sound financial footing so that the company can secure its long-term future and continue to provide its customers with reliable and uninterrupted products and services going forward," said Peter Dey, chairman of Enablence.
"Thanks to the continued support of our Tier 1 customers and key suppliers, we have been able to operate normally through the month of June. We expect to report an increase of over 30 percent in revenues for the June quarter as compared to the March quarter. Furthermore, our joint venture company, Sunblence Technologies, has begun shipping its first commercial splitter products and is aggressively ramping up capacity to meet anticipated growth in local access markets. We will provide more details when we report our year-end results later this summer."
Having missed debt payments, the company is making moves to endure long enough for an order for new products to roll in.


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Apps Riddled with Malware Return to Google Play Store
On a regular basis, app stores are conducting security scans on potential apps to ensure their legitimacy. They do this for a couple reasons. First, app stores do not want their platform to be used as a breeding ground for malicious activity. Secondly, the store will lose credibility with users if they’re allowing malicious apps to be distributed within their store. Although, there have been times malicious activity has slipped through the cracks, and it has happened again.
Recently the Google Play Store’s security has failed. Tremendously. For a reason, still unclear to the public, the Google Play Store allowed several malicious apps back into their Store, with a simple name change of the program and publisher. This means, none of the malicious coding was changed. Therefore, if the security teams and/or software scanners, were working as they should — these apps should have been easily blocked, as the coding was previously identified as malicious. However, that was not the case.
That malicious apps, disguised as productivity apps, have been removed from the Google Play Store. At this time, no specific application names are being disclosed. According to Engadget, Google has yet to comment.
Keeping Your Android Device Protected
It is important users keep their mobile devices, both tablets and smart phones, protected from malicious software. Often times users will keep just as much personal information on mobile devices, as they do on laptops or desktops, yet do not think to install a security solution on them.
Existing PC Matic consumers have the ability to add Android devices to their existing license, assuming they have not filled up all five device slots on their license. To do so, users must:
- Go to the Google Play Store
- Search “PC Matic for Android”
- Download the app
- Login using their existing PC Matic login credentials
Users who do not have PC Matic are encouraged to contact their existing security solution provider to inquire if they offer a plan for mobile devices.
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Thursday, June 21, 2012
Industry News: Accelerating
Ann Inc. expects to open 65 stores this year, but plans to downsize Ann Taylor stores and close 30 locations. It expects to have approximately 985 stores at fiscal year-end. At the end of the quarter, Ann had 947 stores…Subway has set 2012 development goals of 1,200 North American locations. Since January, Subway has opened nearly 900 new stores in 58 countries, 42 US states and 7 Canadian provinces…Dippin’ Dots, LLC, a newly-formed company, has finalized its acquisition of Dippin’ Dots, Inc, the manufacturer of flash-frozen ice cream. Presently, there are more than 1,600 Dippin’ Dots locations worldwide. By the close of 2012, the company plans to raise that number to 2,000...7-Eleven Inc. built, acquired or transitioned to the 7-Eleven brand 600 stores during 2011. 7-Eleven's 2012 goal is to exceed that number by adding at least 630 new stores by year-end. Globally, there are 46,400 7-Eleven stores in 16 countries. A new 7-Eleven store opens somewhere in the world approximately every two hours…Benihana Inc. will be acquired by Angelo, Gordon & Co.'s Private Equity Group for $296 Million. Benihana has 95 restaurants nationwide, including 62 Benihana restaurants, eight Haru sushi restaurants and 25 RA Sushi restaurants, and 16 franchised Benihana restaurants…Jack in the Box has sold 37 company-owned locations to franchisees in the Seattle area in two deals that generated about $20 million. Jack in the Box Inc. has been moving toward becoming an 80% franchised brand. At the end of fiscal 2011, Jack in the Box was 72% franchised. The 37 units are part of the projected 80 to 120 restaurants Jack in the Box expects to sell in fiscal 2012. The Jack in the Box chain includes more than 2,200 restaurants in 20 states. Jack in the Box Inc. also operates and franchises Qdoba Mexican Grill, which has more than 600 locations in 42 states...Costco Wholesale Corp.plans to open six additional warehouse clubs before the end of fiscal 2012…Tiffany & Co. is on track to add 24 stores this year. Four of these stores were opened in the first quarter...Ashley Furniture will open 50 sleep shops under the banner of Zzz's By Ashley this year...Fresh Market expects to open 14 to 16 new stores, as well as relocate one store and remodel two...Dollar General will open 625 stores, including 40 Dollar General Market stores, in 2012, and will remodel or relocate approximately 550 stores…Starbucks entered into an agreement to acquire Bay Bread and its La Boulange bakery brand. La Boulange, which also serves salads and sandwiches, has 19 Bay Area locations. Starbucks will serve the bakery’s pastries, breads and sandwiches in US stores under the La Boulange name, and will expand the company’s footprint in key US cities…Jersey Mike’s Subs will open 15 stores in the Washington, DC area before the end of the year, as part of a larger strategy to add up to 100 locations to its portfolio of 500 stores nationwide this year. There are currently 12 Jersey Mike’s locations in the Washington area. The company is aiming for 140 locations in the Baltimore-Washington area in seven years...Dick’s Sporting Goods will debut a specialty running store, True Runner, with the first location opening in Pittsburgh. The concept will cater to running enthusiasts with footwear, apparel and accessories, and is slated to open in summer 2012...Private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners will acquire a majority stake in Party City Holdings Inc. in a $2.69 billion deal. Party City operates 1,200 US/Canada stores...Starbucks’ Seattle’s Best division signed a deal with Coinstar to sell coffee in thousands of US kiosks at grocers, drugstores and mass-market retailers. The kiosks, which grind and brew beans on demand, will serve brewed coffee, mochas and vanilla lattes. Starbucks expects to sell about 10,000 cups of coffee a year from each kiosk...Gymboree will open 105 stores in fiscal 2012, including 80 Crazy 8 locations.


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At the same time, Samsung seemed to wish to reassure potential consumers that even though this device is new, the Android ecosystem with which it works is more than just robust - it's been prepared for this device quite specifically. We're talking average 4G download speeds of 39.4, 39, and 37.3 Mbps respectively, but although Samsung technically fell short of the United States podium, its Galaxy S10+ and Galaxy S10 are deemed part of the "joint top" club, with impressive rates of their own exceeding 36 Mbps.
We knew at nearly the same time as Samsung first introduced the Galaxy Fold's display technology (Infinity Flex) that Google was and had been working with Samsung on Foldable Device-optimized Android software. The company said it made several improvements to the Galaxy Fold's hardware. The reason why we are saying that is because Samsung has recently published a new blog post in which it revealed that Galaxy Fold will have access to hundreds of apps. One of the questions that many potential buyers are asking themselves these days is certainly the support of third-party applications for the foldable display of the Galaxy Fold.
It looks like Samsung is bringing its refreshed Galaxy A lineup to Malaysia very soon. Also available will be VSCO and App in the Air.
Samsung Galaxy A50s to launch on September 11 in India
As far as the specifications are concerned, the new Galaxy A50s will feature a FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity U display along with resolution of 1080X2340 pixels. Those features have been included in the just-released Android 10.
Google has also introduced changes in Android 10 which improve resizable activity, multi-resume functionality and enhanced multi-display type switching.
Samsung notes that for apps that haven't been optimized for the Galaxy Fold, there's the device's built-in "app-optimizing technology", which resizes an app's content and screen ratio to suit both the large display and folded-state display.


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KingGeorge is excited to announce this Gaming Bundle Vast Campaign ending on June 11th, at 11:59 pm pst. One winner will be drawn and notified via email to claim their prize and announced on Twitter. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.
– Corsair Harpoon wireless gaming mouse
– Corsair Hoodie
- Ends June 11, 2022
- Open to Worldwide


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Goldman cuts TRW Automotive to sell
By From Reuters|
Jan 22 2007
Goldman Sachs said it downgraded TRW Automotive Holding Corp. to "sell" and cut its price target to $23 from $26.
In a research note, the brokerage said it expected revenue headwinds in TRW's Commercial Steering business and rising costs of aiding distressed tier-2 suppliers, to slow down its growth in 2007.
Less favorable mix and product launch timing in TRW's Occupant Safety business will also affect the maker of safety equipments such as airbags, Goldman Sachs added.
TRW Automotive was 10th on the Automotive News ranking of top suppliers to North American auto manufacturers in 2005 with $4.4 billion in total sales.
We deliver timely, professional China automotive news and commentaries, and authoritative interviews on global purchasers, suppliers, CEOs of consultation firms and aftermarket companies; focus on the industry dynamic news and markets!


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Russian authorities temporarily transferred to the marking system of medicine in the notification mode, so that people on the background of increased demand for drugs could buy them without delay.
According to the head of Minpromtorg Denis Manturov, still remain problems including insufficient technical readiness of distributors and pharmacy organizations to work with marked drugs.
While wholesale and retail have addressed these issues, my colleagues from other departments, taking into account the peak of high demand, decided to temporarily transfer the marking system of medicine in the notification mode of operation in the pharmacy and distribution segments, — quotes TASS the head of Department.
In his opinion, it allows you to release the goods immediately, without waiting for the answer marking system.
Earlier, the Chairman of the party “Fair Russia” Sergey Mironov has urged to suspend the marking of medicines QR codes on consumer packaging. He noted that the situation where pharmacies are not allowed to sell products without the QR codes led to drug shortages and higher prices for them. The politician reminded that his party has appealed to the government to suspend such labeling until at least January 1, 2021. However, the situation has not changed, and now Mironov speaks about the urgent need to take appropriate measures wrote NEWS.ru.


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A tonnnn of businesses accept Bitcoin
Bitcoin: some think it will revolutionize currency, others think it’s nothing more than a Ponzi scheme. The worth of the open source cryptocurrency has fluctuated significantly since it was first introduced – mostly losing value. Nonetheless, a surprising number of major corporations have begun accepting payments for products in Bitcoin.
A Wired.com article encouraged those “uninitiated” in the ways of Bitcoin to “catch up,” noting that “irrespective of your opinion, the rise in popularity of cryptocurrencies cannot be ignored. Today, there are a number of billion dollar businesses that accept Bitcoin as a form of payment.”
Online retailers the first wave
The trend began in 2014 when Overstock.com announced that it would accept Bitcoin payments. Several other large online retailers, like Ebay and Amazon.com, followed suit.
Other major companies to accept Bitcoin payments include Target, CVS, WordPress.com, Subway, Victoria Secret, PayPal, Expedia, Home Depot, Kmart, Sears, the Apple App Store, Grooveshark, Dell and Zappos.
Products from several other companies, such as Whole Foods, The Gap, Game Stop, and JC Penney, are available through BitCoin by using the cryptocurrency to buy gift cards from sites like Gyft and eGifter.com.
Still other sites are designed to receive BitCoin payments exclusively. Bitcoin.Travel is a site for making travel reservations with Bitcoin. Meanwhile Domino’s Pizza set up PizzaForCoins.com. Bitcoincoffee.com is another example of a site catering specifically to Bitcoin users. Even the Republican Party of Louisiana accepts Bitcoin donations.
The future of currency?
Major corporations accepting Bitcoin may seem like a strong argument in favor of the stability of the currency. After all, it’s giving consumers something legal to buy with a currency heavily associated with the black market, and it’s keeping Bitcoin in circulation. However, an article from Time’s Money section explains companies aren’t exactly taking payments in Bitcoin. Instead, they are working with a middleman to immediately convert Bitcoin into U.S. dollars.
Even Overstock.com, the first major company to accept Bitcoin converts 90 percent of Bitcoin revenue into U.S. dollars. Companies like Coinbase and BitPay profit by charging transaction fees or selling subscriptions of their services to convert Bitcoin. Tony Gallippi, executive chairman of BitPay says that “most of our larger business do choose a settlement in 100 percent U.S. dollars.”
The fact is that Bitcoin isn’t a stable currency.
When the value of Bitcoin plummeted almost 50 percent, companies accepting Bitcoin didn’t feel the burn, because they’d already converted Bitcoin into cash.
Is the convenience of payment apps worth the risk of fraud?
(FINANCE) Peer-to-peer payment apps like CashApp and Venmo are quick and convenient – for users and scammers alike. What are Square and PayPal doing to help?
More and more people are using peer-to-peer payment services, like Square’s Cash App and PayPal’s Venmo, to make purchases, handle their banking, or just to pitch in on the pizza you and your friends had delivered last night. These payment apps have been particularly useful for folks who may not be able to afford bank fees or have other barriers preventing them from accessing a bank account.
That’s because they are very easy to set up, requiring nothing more than an email address or phone number. Even folks with bank accounts are using these payment apps more as folks are trying to stay home and reduce their in-person contacts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of daily users on Venmo has grown 26% since last year.
While these apps bring a lot of convenience to our lives, they have also made running scams more convenient for cybercriminals. According to experts, the rate of fraud on Venmo and Cash App is three to four times higher than with credit or debit cards. While PayPal and Square don’t provide statistics about scams, there are some telling signs. The New York Times and Apptopia, a mobile services tracking firm, found that the number of users mentioning frauds or scams in Venmo customer reviews had increased by four times in the past year.
It seems that Cash App has the most fraudulent activity, with the Better Business Bureau reporting twice as many complaints about Cash App as Venmo, even though Venmo has more users. Zelle has a better track record when it comes to fraud, most likely because it requires a more thorough authentication process when setting up an account. It also has better legal protections for folks who have been scammed.
Some of the things that make these payment apps so quick and easy are exactly the reasons it’s so easy to scam users. The instantaneous payments mean that there’s not much of a vetting process, and not much time to catch a fraudulent transaction before it’s too late. Because you only need an email address or phone number to set up an account, it’s easy for criminals to set up dummy accounts for running scams.
Other scams have been facilitated by the marketing choices of the companies. For example, Cash App regularly runs a Cash App Friday promotion, in which users are rewarded for sharing their username, or $Cashtag, on social media. Unfortunately, this has essentially created a Rolodex of potential victims for criminals.
Square and PayPal are doing what they can to address the problem. Lena Anderson of Square says that they are “aware that there has been a recent rise in scammers trying to take advantage of customers using financial products, including Cash App. We’ve taken a number of proactive steps and made it our top priority.”
One “proactive step” Square has taken is to roll out a customer service phoneline, not only to make it faster and easier for customers to vet potentially fraudulent transactions or report scams, but also because scammers have been creating fake customer service phonelines to target users and collect their personal information. The phoneline is currently available to only some customers, but Square plans to scale it up to be available for all users over time.
Until these companies come up with more robust security systems, there are several things you can do to avoid scams. While you might get a cash bonus from Cash App, it’s probably not worth it to share your $Cashtag on social media. Only share your username with people you know. Never share your personal or banking information with strangers. Examine all transactions carefully. Some scammers are stealing money by making a payment request from an account that looks legitimate, but may have a slightly different spelling or one-letter change in the name.
No legitimate agents of these services should ever ask you for your sign-in code, or to download software, and you shouldn’t click on any links in messages promising cash prizes. Never send small payments in exchange for a promised reward – if it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. Don’t use digital payment apps to pay for or receive payment from sales on Craigslist, Offer Up, or Facebook Marketplace.
If you think you’ve been scammed, changed your PIN number immediately and contact the company and/or the FTC.
Which generation has cried the most over money?
(BUSINESS FINANCE) Financial stress is tough on everyone. Here’s who has cried the most about money woes, and a few tips on how to alleviate some of that stress.
There’s been serious critique in the last several years about the educational system and what basic knowledge young people should be taught in the United States. Home Economics (Home Ec) comes to mind (everyone should probably know how to cook or sew a button), as well as financial literacy.
There are many young Americans who grow up not really having a deep understanding of budgeting and fixed and variable expenses… But it may not be their fault. Perhaps, Mom and Dad (or other guardians) have always been paying for all of their expenses, making sure they had a roof over their head, clothes on their backs, and food in their fridge. Because, that is what you’re supposed to do as a parent, correct?
So, while there’s no reason to blame anyone, often the process of learning what it costs to live and pay your bills is a rite of passage.
The current state of debt and financial fears also doesn’t mean that Millennials and Gen Zers weren’t educated around savings or working. Many young people have had part-time jobs (although much less in comparison to Gen X or Baby Boomers) but they may also be able to use the majority of that income for discretionary spending – which never created room for feelings of lack when they didn’t have to pay rent or a mortgage.
This scenario can ultimately create a challenge when you are finally out on your own and now have student loan debt, credit card debt, utility bills, and required car insurance. Especially if you are young person moving to a big city for exploration and/or new opportunities, where the cost of living can be quite high.
If you are feeling nervous or sad around finances, you are not alone. If you have cried over your personal balance sheet or your bank statements, you are also not alone. According to yahoo!money, a recent online survey of 1,004 Americans by CompareCards.com found that “7 in 10 Americans said they have cried about money in their lifetimes. Many cited worries over their job or making ends meet. Younger Americans appear the most vulnerable to financial tears. About half of millennials and half of Gen Zers said they cried at least once in the past month over money.”
So how can you cry LESS about money? Well, the first thing is to not be too hard on yourself. But you will also want to create a plan that works for you. Each person deserves financial freedom and not a bank statement that makes them cry on the regular.
Here are some financial literacy resources that may help you figure out how to navigate your way out of crippling debt.
Dave Ramsey Books – The Total Money Makeover – A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
Bravely Go with Kara Perez – Feminist economics + inclusive personal finance
Debt Relief Programs – you’ll have to do your research but there may be a program that is right for you and an agency that can help you set up a realistic payment program for you
Student Loan Forgiveness – it is worth looking in to your options if you are feeling overwhelmed with student loan debt and there may be ways for your loans to be forgiven
Financial Advisor – consider working with a professional that can help you with your budgeting, investing and retirement savings/funds
And you may still cry because this is big adult stuff… But hopefully you trust yourself to do the research, explore, ask, and find options that work for you to gain a little more control over your financial situation.
If you are not already doing so, it may be as simple as starting with a budget to better understand your income and outgoing expenses. Being informed can help you to plan better for the future and make you feel less like crying.
Stripe Treasury is modernizing banking, and Shopify is already onboard
(BUSINESS FINANCE) Stripe released a banking-as-a-service product that allows users to create bank accounts for their customers. Their first big user: Shopify.
Startup technology company Stripe is bringing banking to the 21st century. Recently, the company released a banking-as-a-service (BaaS) API called Stripe Treasury. This enables Stripe’s platform users to “build a full-featured, scalable financial product” for their customers.
Stripe Treasury lets you embed financial services into your marketplace or platform. In doing so, businesses can create bank accounts for their customers that easily send, receive, and store funds.
For instance, you can create an FDIC insurance-eligible account that earns interest and supports remote check deposit. You can make a one-time payment or set up recurring payments to pay bills. And, you can transfer funds through domestic or international wires.
“Everything about running an online business has been transformed by technology, but business banking has largely been left behind,” said Karim Temsamani, Head of Banking and Financial Products at Stripe. “But we’re changing this, just like we set out to change payments a decade ago. Offering a user-centric banking experience should be as easy as spinning up a virtual server—that’s what we’re starting to accomplish at Stripe with our bank partner network.”
By partnering with a network of global banks, Stripe Treasury can make it easier for businesses to embed banking services into their platform. Currently, Stripe’s partner network includes Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Evolve Bank & Trust as US partners, and Citibank N.A. and Barclays as global expansion partners.
According to recent Stripe research, accessing financial services for businesses today is an extensive process. To set up a bank account, it can take online businesses an average of seven days. To open an account, about 23% of businesses need to send over a fax, and about 55% of businesses are required to physically visit a branch to open an account.
From the research, Stripe also received feedback from users wanting a “digital solution for financial services” they can use directly from the software platform that powers their operations. So, Stripe Treasury is Stripe’s way of removing some of those barriers to create a solution.
“Together, Stripe and Goldman Sachs are focused on relieving the frustrations internet businesses find in making banking work for them,” said Hari Moorthy, Goldman Sachs Global Head of Transaction Banking. “The millions of ambitious, fast-growing businesses in the Stripe ecosystem will soon discover a dramatically improved end-to-end digital banking experience.”
Right now, Stripe Treasury is still invite-only, but it does have one big user. Major e-commerce platform Shopify will be the first to partner with Stripe Treasury. It will use the BaaS API to power Shopify Balance, the company’s business account built for independent businesses and entrepreneurs.
“At Shopify, we’re focused on reducing the barriers to entrepreneurship. As part of that mission, we will soon launch Shopify Balance to empower our merchants to take control of their finances,” said Tui Allen, Senior Product Lead for Banking at Shopify. “We’re excited to partner with Stripe to provide our merchants with critical financial tools and products for their banking experience, specifically designed for their businesses’ financial needs.”
With Shopify Balance, Shopify customers can open a bank account directly through Shopify. And, Shopify Balance will include a one-stop-shop account within the Shopify admin. Customers will be able to view cash flow, pay bills, and track expenses.
Shopify Balance will also have a Shopify Balance Card. With these physical and virtual cards, merchants can make a purchase in-store, online, or through their mobile wallets. They will even be able to withdraw money from ATMs. Additionally, there will be plenty of perks like cashback and discounts on everyday business spending.
The financial services Stripe Treasury offers do look like they can help businesses minimize the lengthy process used today to complete everyday banking needs. It might also create a new revenue stream for businesses by allowing them to perform like a bank.
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Courant, Fox 61 could benefit as FCC likely to ease media-ownership rules
WASHINGTON -- Federal regulators are poised to ease ownership restrictions on major-market media outlets in what could be a boost to some big players in the struggling newspaper industry.
After two failed attempts to loosen its rules, the Federal Communications Commission is expected by the end of the year to approve a new proposal to allow newspapers and television or radio stations in the 20 largest markets to consolidate. Unlike previous battles, there is little opposition this time to easing the so-called cross-ownership rules.
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Tea mills warn of not buying fresh leaves
Aug 16, 2014-
Mills have warned of not purchasing green tea leaves from farmers, stating that the District Development Committee (DDC) failed to address their demand
to rethink on the recently-hiked tax. After six years, the DDC recently doubled the tax on tea to Rs 2 per kg from Re 1.
Farmers, who are already suffering from lower prices and decreasing production, are worried the tax hike would hit them hard. Tea producers, or mill owners, have been agitating against the hike.
However, the DCC is firm on its decision. It said it would not roll back the hike as the decision was taken by the District Council. It said the tax is higher in other districts, and there is no reason for Ilam traders to agitate.
“The tax hike can’t be rolled back on the basis of my decision,” said Madan Koirala, local development officer. “It’s the decision of the council tax and traders should abide by it,” he said, adding tea producers should not pass the burden on to the farmers. However, tea producers said the tax hike would force them to close the mills at a time when tea prices are on the lower side.
Various rounds of talks have taken place between traders, DDC representatives, political leaders and stakeholders, but to no avail. Political leaders are also in the favor of tax hike. They have urged the traders to pay the tax as it was revised in line with the rules.
Tea produces have given a 7-day ultimatum to the DDC to roll back the hike. They have threatened to shut down factories if their demands are not met. “Annually, 35,000 kg tea is exported to overseas markets, while traders are forced to export rest of the tea to India at a cheaper rate,” said Kamal Mainali, official of the Himalayan Sangria-La Tea Industry.
Published: 17-08-2014 09:24


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The U.S. technology industry, once seen as the darling of the economy, is facing a reckoning as Americans wake up to the power and influence a handful of companies wield. As regulators and lawmakers seek to rein in Big Tech, a new settlement between the Federal Trade Commission and Facebook is setting the tone for what could be a politicized fight that reshapes how we think about competition and market dominance.
The FTC slapped Facebook with a long-expected $5 billion fine Wednesday, concluding an investigation into the company’s privacy practices. The FTC is deeply divided over whether the settlement goes far enough and several members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, expressed disappointment, though the fine is nearly 20 times larger than any privacy penalty ever levied worldwide.
The FTC settlement:
- Fines Facebook $5 billion
- Requires Facebook’s board create a new committee to monitor privacy practices
- Requires Facebook to report to the FTC when data of 500 or more users is compromised
- Orders quarterly certifications from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and compliance officers
Republicans on the FTC are championing the settlement as a serious penalty that will force Facebook to meaningfully change its behavior.
“The magnitude of the $5 billion penalty and sweeping conduct relief are unprecedented in the history of the FTC,” said FTC Chairman Joe Simons in a statement. “The relief is designed not only to punish future violations but, more importantly, to change Facebook’s entire privacy culture to decrease the likelihood of continued violations.”
But Commissioner Rohit Chopra published a scathing dissent Wednesday, claiming the settlement is a win for Facebook and questioning whether it’s possible to effectively regulate the tech industry using existing tools.
“When companies can violate the law, pay big penalties, and still turn a profit while keeping their business model intact, enforcement agencies cannot claim victory,” Chopra wrote. “If we cannot fix these problems, then policymakers must come together here at home and around the world to confront business models that rely on surveillance and profit from manipulation.”
Dissatisfaction with the settlement and partisan disagreement between FTC commissioners could be fodder for presidential candidates who have Big Tech in their crosshairs. The settlement could also be fuel for members of Congress who want to enact broader antitrust laws.
It is the intention of some policymakers to change the way privacy and competition are protected in the U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren is campaigning on a proposal to break up tech giants and enact new regulations to limit their reach. Other 2020 hopefuls have also expressed interest in reining in the tech industry. But legislation to change antitrust laws is not moving forward at this time.
That could change, according to Betsy Page Sigman, a Georgetown University professor specializing in social media and electronic commerce.
“Congress is likely to do anything that will put them in a better light these days,” she said. “And I certainly think reining in some unpopular aspects of high tech behavior these days would put Congress in a better light, and give them something that would be perceived as having benefits for their constituents.”
In the meantime, regulators are using their existing authority to examine the industry. On Tuesday, the Department of Justice announced a broad review of dominant tech companies to find out whether they are “engaging in practices that have reduced competition, stifled innovation, or otherwise harmed consumers.”
Last week, Amazon, Apple, Google, and Facebook testified before the House Judiciary Committee’s antitrust wing on competition and marketplace dominance. On Tuesday, the subcommittee’s chair, Rep. David Cicilline, sent follow-up letters to Amazon, Facebook, and Google demanding more clarity on issues raised during the hearing.
Prosecuting tech companies for anti-competitive behavior under current law is tricky. Traditionally, regulators have looked at whether companies are abusing their market power to raise prices for consumers as a benchmark. Tech companies don’t fit that mold because they often use their positions to lower prices, such as Amazon, or offer services for free, like Facebook and Google.
“We need to determine whether immunities granted by decades-old laws are compatible with this business model,” Chopra wrote in his dissent. “We need to make sure that the business model is not foreclosing competition and innovation.”
Conclusion: So above is the What the FTC’s $5B fine against Facebook means for the broader crackdown on Big Tech article. Hopefully with this article you can help you in life, always follow and read our good articles on the website: Ngoinhanho101.com


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In 2013, the twins took $11 million of their settlement money and invested it in bitcoin. It is believed to be the first billion-dollar return made by a cryptocurrency investor, a landmark moment for the controversial asset.
Last week, the value of Bitcoin went past $10,000 for the first time and now sits at $11,230.
They were quoted by Financial Times as saying: "We see Bitcoin as potentially the greatest social network of all", said Tyler in 2016.
Bitcoin's rise comes amid continued interest in the digital currency from both ordinary investors and institutions.
While the price of Bitcoin continues to rise, some owners of the most popular cryptocurrency have already made a fortune. But this does raise the question: Can they keep this billion?
"We've never sold a bitcoin, we're in it for the long haul", Cameron added. Noticing that bitcoin was close to hitting $1 billion in market capitalization, Camercon Winklevoss placed a small order in on the now defunct bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox to buy bitcoin for at least $91.26 - pushing bitcoin's market capitalization to 10 figures, according to Nathaniel Popper's 2015 book on bitcoin, Digital Gold. "Still, the twins" early comments about bitcoin appear to have been prescient.
Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of bitcoin, holds about five percent of the bitcoin's total supply.
Despite controversy surrounding the long-term implications of investing in bitcoin, the twins say they're committed to the digital currency. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has also issued a warning, pointing out that Bitcoin may have financial stability issues.
This year will be the most fantastic year for Bitcoin, the digital coin that employs impressive coding techniques to verify the transfer of funds.
Last week the Chicago Mercantile Exchange won approval to launch Bitcoin futures trading and plans to offer contracts later this month.


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The Japanese electronics major Sony today announced the launch of its latest noise-cancelling headphones at affordable pricing. The company has introduced Sony WH-CH710N wireless active noise-cancelling headphones in India. Prior to its launch in the country, Sony launched the headphones globally in April this year. These headphones are an upgrade over its predecessor WH-CH700N wireless noise-cancelling headphones that arrived in the market in the year 2018. It can deliver up to 35 hours of battery life and a 30mm driver unit.
The company said, “Sony India today announced the launch of wireless noise-cancelling headphones, WH-CH710N providing the perfect hassle-free experience for life on-the-go. Powered with a battery life of up to 35 hours, these compact and lightweight headphones are the perfect travel companions for on the go music lovers. Though WFH likely gives you the liberty to pump up the volume of speakers, headphones can still come in handy for work calls, Perfect for tuning out potential distractions around the house, or intruding sounds from outside, thanks to noise-cancelling of WH-CH710N. They’re especially well-suited for use during important work calls since the mics can isolate your voice from background noises, thanks to the built-in mic.”
Sony WH-CH710N wireless active noise-cancelling headphones pricing and availability
The Sony WH-CH710N wireless headphones have been launched in India with a price tag of Rs 9,990. The headphones are available in two colour options Black and Blue and are now up sale across Sony retail stores (Sony Center and Sony Exclusive), www.ShopatSC.com portal, major electronic stores and other e-commerce websites in India.
Sony WH-CH710N wireless active noise-cancelling headphones features
The Sony WH-CH710N wireless active noise-cancelling headphones come with oval-shaped earpads for long listening hours and with swivel fold design to be carried easily. The headphones are powered by 30mm dynamic drivers to deliver clear and powerful sound allowing you to receive crystal clear sound. It has dual Built-In Mis for hands-free calling.
The Sony wireless headphones come integrated with Google Assistant for voice access to music, information, notifications, set reminders and much more through hands-free, voice-controlled experience. As the name suggests the headphones are supported by Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancellation (AINC) to enjoy music without distraction. This feature also keeps on analyzing the environmental ambient sound components and automatically selects the most effective noise-cancelling mode according to the users’ surroundings so that they don’t miss out any important announcement or while they are crossing the road ensuring safety.
The audio device comes with an inbuilt Li-ion battery that is touted to deliver a music playback for up to 35 hours on a single charge. However, on a 10-minute charge, it can last up to 60 minutes. But if the battery runs out you can connect it to your device with the help of aux cable for uninterrupted music experience. Though the Sony WH-CH710N wireless headphones are SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs supported.
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Gourmet Passport, Dineout’s premium dining loyalty program has launched a one-of-a-kind health campaign called ‘Eat Good Resolution 2020’. The campaign is set to encourage Gourmet Passport subscribers to adopt healthy eating and living habits by introducing them to fun and alternative workout activities and bust the perception that gourmet food is rarely healthy.
Gourmet Passport has reinforced the fact that one’s pursuit of a healthy lifestyle need not be devoid of indulgence, and people can socialize at their favourite restaurants while eating healthy food. As a part of the event, Gourmet Passport members were invited to 18 specially curated events such as a ‘Run To Eat’ 5km run led by marathoner Tarun Walecha in Delhi, a mindful Yoga session by Rina Hindocha and meditation by Moushumi Saini in Hyderabad, an informative healthy eating session led by nutritionist Vidhi Beri in Kolkata, a healthy cooking masterclass by Chef Tia in Bangalore, a Zumba party in Pune, a cyclothon in Mumbai, and many more. The initiative also hosted curated menus with healthier food options at partner restaurants across Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.
Gourmet Passport membership is available on the Dineout App, and has over 2000+ premium restaurants across 5-star hotels, premium standalone outlets & chains. Members get access to unmatched privileges like 1+1 on food, drinks and buffets, as well as access to curated and immersive events.


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Google is launching a new, simplified version of its Enterprise security program for smaller businesses, called Enterprise Essentials. Rather than drown smaller firms with the multitude of Android Enterprise tools, the new Enterprise Essentials pares things down to a handful of simple critical features, like mandatory lockscreen and encryption requirements, Play Protect malware protection, and remote wiping.
If you're unfamiliar, these Android Enterprise programs exist to help secure phones as more and more of our work goes mobile. You might not think that phone security is as important as your work computer, but many of us store plenty of customer data and documents on our phones without realizing it. The phones in our pockets deserve just as much protection as any other device — if not more, since we carry them around everywhere and they're easier to lose.
A full list of feature differences between Android Enterprise and Android Enterprise Essentials wasn't provided, but Google implies the new suite has many of the same basic features, cut down with a mind towards ease of management and a tighter budget. That makes it easier for small businesses to dip their toes into enterprise-level device security without all the overhead, training, oversight, and (most importantly) costs that the full program might require. And, of course, even big companies can switch to the Essentials program and save a bit of cash if they don't need extra management tools.
The Android Enterprise program doesn't just impose security protocols for remote management, it also picks out certain phones that meet basic security standards. Last month, it added a handful of recent Samsung devices, and several so-called Enterprise Mobility Management providers (a long phrase for companies that handle enterprise-level mobile deployments) are also on board.
The initial Enterprise Essential rollout will happen through Synnex in the US and Tech Data in the UK, though other resellers will also pick it up across the world "early next year." Interested businesses can register for a webinar on the subject or check out the new Essentials site for an overview.


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According to this article over on pcgamer.com, Baldur's Gate Enhanced Edition is being pulled from vitual shelves due to "contractual issues." Trent Oster, President of Beamdog/Overhaul said:
“We recently removed Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition from sale on Beamdog and the Apple App Store. We’ve taken this step at our publishing partner’s request as we attempt to resolve a number of contractual issues.”
At the time of the article I can verify that BGEE was still up and running on Steam, however at the present time, Steam has been going up and down. Whether that is directly related to the potential removal of BGEE is unclear.


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Facebook has launched a buy button beta program with Shopify that will allow more merchants to sell their products on its platform. This will make it easier for users to shop without leaving the social networking site.
The move to step up its efforts in e-commerce comes weeks after Pinterest and Google issued similar announcements.
Facebook has been reportedly testing the buy button with selected merchants since July 2014. Now, the social network is opening the feature to more merchants.
Shopify revealed that it has started inviting merchants from the US to join the program, which allows them to post their products with buy buttons, promote them with paid Facebook advertisements, and manage the orders from Facebook.
While the feature is not available to all sellers, Shopify said that merchants who would like to receive an invitation can sign up on its website to express their interest.
“We help our merchants connect to their customers, wherever that may be,” said Satish Kanwar, director of product at Shopify.
“As Facebook is one of the highest drivers of traffic to all Shopify stores, we’re excited to offer it as a channel.”
Facebook has not indicated when the public can expect the buy button’s full rollout. However, a spokesperson said that the Shopify data would help the company “understand how the feature can drive sales for a wider variety of merchants.”
Retailers hope that the rise of buy buttons on Google and other social networking sites will make it easier for users to shop using their smartphones, boosting e-commerce sales.
This article is for information purposes only.
Please remember that financial investments may rise or fall and past performance does not guarantee future performance in respect of income or capital growth; you may not get back the amount you invested.
There is no obligation to purchase anything but, if you decide to do so, you are strongly advised to consult a professional adviser before making any investment decisions.


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Did you hear?… Hats off to Team Salomon
Hats off to Team Salomon for its efforts at the Salt Lake Winter Olympics.
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Hats off to Team Salomon for its efforts at the Salt Lake Winter Olympics. One of our reporters on the scene for the entire two weeks told us the following: “Salomon had a hospitality house in Park City, and a constant parade of athletes through, as well as a great on-the-ground staff who handed photo-sized skis to skiers for their post finish photos. Multiple Olympic gold medal winner, Janica Kostelic, was even seen holding some tiny Salomon’s and saying proudly, ‘These are my photo skis.’ Overall, the games were a blast, and Salomon far and away had the greatest brand presence – -and plan.” SNEWS® View: Let the post-show PR wagons grind into full gear as companies attempt to turn medals for athletes into product sales and hard cash for end of year reports. By all accounts, Salomon has a leg up on the competition simply because of its well-executed game plan.


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Motorola Inc. posted an unexpected profit in the first quarter, as
sales of its new phones outdid its own forecasts. It also gave an
outlook that was brighter than Wall Street was predicting, and its
shares jumped in premarket trading.
However, it has lost its position as the largest U.S. maker of
phones to Apple Inc. Motorola sold a total of 8.5 million phones
in the quarter, while Apple sold 8.8 million iPhones. Four years
ago, when the Razr was still popular, Motorola sold 46.1 million
phones in the first quarter.


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Waitrose axes ‘best-before’ dates to stop food waste
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The grocery giant will scrap the dates on packaged fruit and vegetables to encourage consumers to use their own judgment about when food has gone off. The move, to introduced next month, is expected to eliminate millions of baskets’ worth of food wasted by people throwing away products that are still edible, the retailer claimed.
Marija Rompani, director of sustainability and ethics at John Lewis Partnership, which owns Waitrose, said: “By using up existing fresh food, we can also save on our weekly household food shop, which is becoming an increasingly pressing concern for many.”
Earlier this month, Marks & Spencer axed “best-before” dates from more than 300 fruit and vegetable products after a trial.
Tesco led the way for the supermarkets when it got rid of the dates on more than 100 fresh food products in 2018.
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