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Smartphone security software is still a niche market, but its time may be coming as smartphones grow more capable, more popular and more dangerous. Smartphone security opportunities for the channel include antimalware and mobile data encryption product sales, as well as the potential for managed services.
In the last few years, antimalware vendors have spread a fair amount of fear, uncertainty and doubt, suggesting that cybercriminals will exploit smartphones on a large scale. Some experts agree that smartphones will become major attack targets in the next year or two. Campbell, Calif.-based Infonetics Research Inc. forecasts that the market for mobile security client software, pegged at $113 million in 2008, will soar to $1.56 billion by 2013.
"It's imminent; it could be any time in the next year or two," said Jeff Wilson, Infonetics principal analyst. "It's really the confluence of operating systems, standard browsers, computing power on the devices, and users actually using [smartphones] to send and store sensitive information."
With that kind of potential on the horizon, experts believe it's worthwhile for VARs and system integrators to consider creating a business around smartphone security and management.
Why smartphones will be a target
As with PCs, smartphones have operating systems, browsers, applications and trusting users that can be exploited.
While there have been a handful of examples of smartphone malware in the wild, attackers have largely ignored this vector for the rich profits in exploiting PCs and their users.
Experts cite several reasons why this will change, not the least of which being the sheer number of smartphone users. There are about 600 million smartphones in use now, compared to about a billion PCs, but this ratio is rapidly changing. Smartphone purchases are now outstripping PCs 2 to 1, said Khoi Nguyen, group manager for mobile security for Cupertino, Calif.-based security giant Symantec Corp.
As more smartphone business applications emerge, workers may be more likely use them as their primary devices.
"We need to realize that these are not just phones we are dealing with, but small computers with great connectivity," said Jesper Svegby, director of development for the mobile group at Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., a vendor based in Redwood, Calif. and Tel Aviv, Israel.
Further, smartphone operating systems are moving to open source platforms. Although Windows, Symbian, BlackBerry and iPhone operating systems (OS) have been tightly controlled, Google's open source Linux-based Android platform is changing the equation, allowing developers to build apps without any central review or signing procedures. Additionally, Nokia is working on a non-Linux open source Symbian OS.
Most platform vendors have followed Apple's lead and opened app stores, which has led to a proliferation of applications, some of which may be vulnerable to exploit.
"The trend is to more openness, and that will fundamentally change things, as people use phones more like PCs," Svegby said. "Any teen or hacker can publish malware that anyone in the world can download."
At the same time, the iPhone, and now Android, have further fragmented the mobile OS market. Unlike PCs, which are overwhelmingly dominated by Windows, attackers have to choose which smartphone OS to exploit. Still, Wilson noted, the phones run a handful of standard browsers that can be exploited.
Enterprises rely on smartphone operating systems, primarily BlackBerry in the U.S. and Symbian in Europe, to protect data at rest on the smartphones, he said, but when criminals start generating malware to exploit data in motion, "everyone will need AV."
Smartphone security business challenge and channel opportunity
Sales and support opportunities for encryption are likely to grow as smartphones use more business applications, such as SAP, and store more corporate data. As discussed earlier, the potential for antimalware sales and support is enormous when smartphones finally become subject to widespread attack.
While encryption vendors offer mobile-specific products on their own, they are also included as part of their overall corporate endpoint encryption suites. Check Point's Svegby said PC encryption orders for, say 5,000 seats, often come with an additional 150 to 200 licenses for smartphone encryption.
Some vendors, such as Credant Technologies Inc. and Check Point offer only encryption products, others such as F-Secure Corp. and Kaspersky Lab Inc. offer only antimalware, and still others, such as Symantec and McAfee Inc., offer both encryption and antimalware. In terms of operating systems, most vendors support Windows Mobile and Symbian, and some support Palm OS and Blackberry as well. There have been reports that several vendors are working on iPhone antimalware, as well.
Another key area of smartphone focus for the channel is in management. Mobile security is difficult for enterprises to manage, particularly since employees often use their personal smartphones to perform common work tasks.
Wilson cited the example of a large hospital that used a network access control (NAC) product to get a profile of the devices connecting to its network. It expected to find about 8,000, but discovered there were actually 12,000. Most of those unexpected 4,000 devices were smartphones.
"They don't procure, own, control or even see a lot of devices," he said.
Even with their own devices, enterprises struggle with smartphone management, from troubleshooting and provisioning phones over the airwaves to simple asset inventory.
There is an opportunity for system integrators and VARs to help enterprises and even smaller businesses implement smartphone management, which includes detecting and supporting user-owned devices, depending on corporate policy. There are also opportunities to provide ongoing managed services to handle chores such as user provisioning and de-provisioning, remote software updates, help desk support and secure disposal.
"There's definitely a huge potential for those system integrators that are knowledgeable enough and able to launch services in this area, said Check Point's Svegby. "Enterprises do not have this knowledge and need specialists to either set up their mobile workforce and define it for them, or even host or manage the solution."
Symantec's Nguyen says traditional VARs, as well as system integrators, can assist in provisioning devices by setting up email, installing the appropriate security software, and retiring the device safely to ensure that user credentials and sensitive data is thoroughly erased.
"I can see mainstream IT resellers getting involved," he said. "Most of the key issues are less telecomm issues, but rather, are very similar to lifecycle issues around laptops.


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Helping dogs and cats
The Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter will host a benefit yard sale beginning at 7 a.m. today in the Danielsville City Hall parking lot.
In the event of heavy rain, the sale will be moved to next Saturday. The sale will include numerous items from clothing to furniture.
The shelter also is accepting cat and dog food and other supplies for the animals. For information call (706) 207-0833.

domain: news


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Perth County Business Earns Innovation AwardDecember 13, 2017 8:00am
A Perth County agri-food business and a number of Wellington County businesses earned a Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence.
The awards honour the contributions of hard-working and innovative people across the province who are creating new agri-food products, adding value to existing products, supporting job creation and building economic growth in Ontario.
Perth County Ingredients is Canada’s only egg-drying facility and has adapted an innovative vertical egg dryer from Europe to enhance its dehydration operations.
The first of its kind in North America, the newly installed system can process eggs quicker than conventional dryers, increasing capacity and productivity. By optimizing the temperature, the processors expect the new technology will increase the shelf life and solubility of their powdered products, without compromising essential nutrients.
Now, the company is eyeing customized products for specialty markets such as whey powder from liquid whey.
And Fergus based Jewels Under the Kilt won its second Premier’s Award after being presented one in 2015.
The company produces a number of roasted Ontario nuts in a range of flavours and is now infusing Maple Syrup into their product.


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Digital TV News: GTPL Hathway
GTPL Hathway digital pay TV subscribers up 100,000 in 4Q 2019
Jan 10, 2020 – GTPL Hathway Limited (GTPL) has announced results for its third quarter and nine months ended on December 31, 2019. Digital CATV paying subscribers at period-end stood at 7.35 million, up by 100,000 in the quarter.
News categories: GTPL Hathway, Cable TV, Digital TV, India, Results, Set Top Box, Subscribers
GTPL Hathway digital pay TV subscribers up 150,000 in 3Q 2019
Oct 15, 2019 – GTPL Hathway Limited (GTPL) has announced results for its second quarter and half year ended on September 30, 2019. Digital CATV paying subscribers at period-end stood at 7.25 million, up by 150,000 in the quarter.
News categories: GTPL Hathway, Anirudhsinhji Jadeja, Cable TV, Digital TV, India, Results, Set Top Box, Subscribers
Major MSOs in India represent 52.33 million subscribers
Jul 22, 2019 – According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) the ecosystem of Distribution Platform Owners in the country is quite exhaustive. Different players are operating across the country making a choice of TV service provider available to consumers.
News categories: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Cable TV, Digital TV, India, Satellite, Subscribers
7.1 million digital paying CATV subscribers for Hathway at end-2Q 2019
Jul 10, 2019 – GTPL Hathway has announced results for its FY20 first quarter. GTPL seeded 200,000 STBs during the quarter, taking total seeded STBs as on June 30, 2019 to 9.70 million. Digital paying subscribers as on June 30, 2019 stood at 7.1 million.
News categories: GTPL, Cable TV, Digital TV, India, Results, Subscribers
GTPL Hathway adds 170,000 CATV digital subscribers in 4Q 2018
Feb 12, 2019 – GTPL Hathway Limited (GTPL) has announced results for its third quarter ended on December 31, 2018. GTPL seeded 300,000 set-top boxes (STBs) during the quarter, taking total seeded STBs to 9.50 million.
News categories: GTPL Hathway, Anirudhasinhji Jadeja, Cable TV, Digital TV, India, Results, Set Top Box, Subscribers
GTPL Hathway boosts channel count and OTT services with Harmonic
Jul 19, 2017 – Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) has announced that GTPL, India's leading digital cable TV distribution company has deployed a next-generation software-based unified video headend system from Harmonic.
News categories: Harmonic, Hathway, Tony Berthaud, Aniruddhsinh Jadeja, Cable TV, Content Distribution, Digital TV, India, TV Everywhere
Kudelski reports 2015 half year results
Aug 20, 2015 – The Kudelski Group (SIX: KUD.S) has announced 2015 half year results. The Group entered into several new contracts and completed deployments in the digital TV segment In Europe. Bundles of anyCAST security, OpenTV5 connectware and MediaLive multiscreen are seeing increasing market traction in Asia and Latin America.
News categories: Kudelski, Content Protection, Digital TV, Middleware, Results, Set Top Box, Worldwide
- TV sets still dominate video entertainment consumption
- MENA SVOD revenues to triple
- Tulix creates streaming platform for launch of Vidgo content
- 605 earns SOC 3 security certification
- Ampersand launches platform for audience-based TV advertising
- Comcast cable video subscribers down 149,000 in 4Q 2019
- 'Swisscom TV X' combines Netflix and TV content
- Netflix releases fourth-quarter 2019 results
- U.S. weekly time watching Netflix and Hulu up 20 minutes in 2019
- Allegro DVT unveils VVC compliance test bitstreams
- Synamedia partners with USSI Global for the U.S. market
- Disney+ brings forward EMEA launch date
- NürnbergMesse acquires SCaT India Tradeshow
- BARB begins reporting reach and time spent viewing across screens
- Synamedia partners with World Wide Technology
- Roku TV launches in Brazil in partnership with AOC
- Realtek, Jiuzhou join NAGRA Android TV Reference Program for Pay TV operators
- ENENSYS DVB-SIS solution ready for deployment
- Syncbak to debut simplified OTT syndication and monetization tools at NATPE 2020
- No growth expected for MENA pay TV revenues


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Bitmain Antminer Bitcoin Miner Top 100 Richest Bitcoin Addresses And Bitcoin Distribution 09/09/2017 · Examining the Bitcoin cumulative distribution, the richest 30% of all Bitcoin owners own 98.3% of all Bitcoins. So the poorest 70% of Bitcoin owners own less than 1.7 % of all Bitcoin. The 26-year-old had tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine, a substance banned by
One of the most enduring mysteries of bitcoin is the identity of its founder, Satoshi Nakamoto.Little is known about him. His last communication was in April 2011, two years after the network came.
09/09/2014 · Someone has taken over the email account belonging to bitcoin’s secretive creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, saying he will sell Nakamoto’s secrets for money. The hacker, who told WIRED his name is “Jeffrey,” claims to have also obtained information on Nakamoto that could be used to unmask his identity.
r/Bitcoin: A community dedicated to Bitcoin, the currency of the Internet. Bitcoin is a distributed, worldwide, decentralized digital money.
We stand for free speech. We will not ban legal content even if we find it odious or if we personally condemn it. Not because that’s the law in.
Hacker threatens to expose bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto after accessing email Bitcoin September 10, 2014 . 4 Businesses That Have Embraced Cryptocurrency Markets January 21, 2020 .
Hacker threatens to expose bitcoin founder Satoshi Nakamoto after accessing email.


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More than 1 million Shanghainese are residing overseas, either living or studying in 159 countries and regions around the world, with the United States being the most popular destination, authorities said recently.
The number of overseas Chinese with Shanghai hukou (permanent residence permit) and Shanghai native with foreign citizenship reached 1.02 million, surging 50 percent within the past eight years, according to the latest report.
Among the 1.02 million people, 41 percent have acquired foreign citizenship.
The US, Australia, Japan and Canada are the top four destinations as about 71 percent of overseas Shanghainese live in these countries, according to the report.
The city also has 1.08 million returned overseas Shanghainese, including students who once studied abroad and their spouses, a number that soared about 48 percent compared with the figure in 2004, according to the report.
- Living in China: Shanghai holds the highest population of foreigners
- Living in China: Foreign expert numbers on the rise in Shanghai
- Education in China: 43 percent of Shanghai students consider studying overseas
- China, Socialism & Consumer Behavior: World adapts to waves of Chinese tourists
- China, Socialism & Consumer Behavior: Chinese travelers shop until they drop
This entry was posted on Thursday, August 16th, 2012 at 5:17 PM
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154 days ago, a mystery bitcoin mining entity spent a string of 20 block rewards from 2010 that sat idle for well over a decade. Our newsdesk has been investigating this bitcoin whale’s actions since catching the entity in 2020. Now after the June 9th appearance, on November 10, the mystery whale returned once again to spend another 1,000 bitcoin stemming from 20 block rewards mined more than ten years ago.
1,000 ‘Sleeping Bitcoins’ Worth $68 Million From 2010 Wake After a Decade of Hibernation
Last year, following the market carnage on March 12, 2020, otherwise known as ‘Black Thursday,’ Bitcoin.com News discovered a large whale spending 20 consecutive block rewards in a row stemming from blocks mined way back in 2010. From here, similar to Herman Melville’s Captain Ahab, our investigation led our newsdesk to discover a myriad of whale sightings, as large quantities of 2010 bitcoin (BTC) block reward strings were spent in 2020 and 2021 as well.
According to our timeline, the entity spent 20 decade-old bitcoin block rewards on March 12, 2020, October 11, 2020, November 7, 2020, November 8, 2020, December 27, 2020, January 3, 2021 (Bitcoin’s 12th anniversary), January 10, 2021, January 25, 2021, February 28, 2021, March 23, 2021, and June 9, 2021. Now, five months later, on November 10, 2021, the mystery whale has once again transferred 20 decade-old bitcoin block rewards, spending 1,000 BTC at block height 709,029.
The 1,000 bitcoins from 2010 transferred on November 10 were discovered by a Bitcoin blockchain parsing tool Bitcoin.com News leverages called Btcparser.com. The 20-block-reward spend took place on early Wednesday morning at a touch after 1: 30 a.m. (ET). The transfer of the 1,000 so-called ‘sleeping bitcoins’ also followed the exact same patterns as the whale’s previous spends indicating that it is likely the same bitcoin mining entity.
These particular block rewards were mined in 2010 during the months of August, September, and October. Another similarity is the fact that this miner has spent the corresponding bitcoin cash (BCH) tied to the original 2010 bitcoin (BTC) addresses. The 1,000 BCH was transferred at Bitcoin Cash block height 713,430. The BCH was spent roughly an hour after the BTC was transferred and the bitcoinsv (BSV) tied to the coins remain idle. The mystery 2010 mining whale has followed this routine during every single 20-block-reward string spend.
Whale Could Transfer to an Escrow account or Coins Could be Held as ‘Virgin bitcoins’ for VIP Exchange Clients
Furthermore, the whale then consolidated the 1,000 BTC into one address (just like all the times before) and the coins are then distributed into wallets with 10 BTC each. The whale also consolidated the 1,000 BCH and then the coins were split into batches of 50 BCH per wallet. According to Bitcoin.com News’ creator, Btcparser.com, the coins could be going to an account. He said that the P2SH address looked like an escrow account. “When bitcoins are received, the previous owner gets paid and later the new owner begins his distribution among many 10 BTC wallets,” the onchain researcher added.
It appears that the coins could have been sent to an exchange. On January 27, 2021, Bitcoin.com News and other onchain researchers assumed it was possible that Coinbase was the final receiver of these ‘forgotten bitcoins’ from 2010. Essentially, the batches of 10 BTC could be held by an exchange and referred to as “pockets for withdrawal.”
The coins could possibly be held for the crypto exchange’s VIP user base as the coins are considered ‘virgin bitcoins.’ There’s been a longstanding rumor that ‘virgin bitcoins’ can fetch a premium of more than 20% above the spot price. “Virgin bitcoins” are coins that have not been mined and have never been linked to other transactions or bitcoins tied to unfavorable activities.
The cryptocurrency community has no idea who the 2010 miner is but it is quite clear the entity mined a great quantity of bitcoin in the early days. Today’s transaction of 1,000 so-called ‘sleeping bitcoins’ was worth $68.4 million at the time of transfer and the bitcoin cash (BCH) spend was worth $712,070.
It is also important to note that the block rewards and the 1, bitcoins that were sifted into wallets with The string of 20 block rewards and the 1,000 bitcoins sifted into wallets with 10 BTC per wallet could very well still belong to the original owner.
What do you think about the 2010 mining entity that has been spending 20 block rewards with 1,000 bitcoin in strings? Please comment below to let us know your thoughts on this topic.
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons, holyroger.com, Btcparser.com,
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not intended to be a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any products or services. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. The author and the company are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from or in connection to the content, goods, or services discussed in this article.
New Non-Custodial Telegram Trading Bot Bitbot Raises $300k In First 72 Hours Of Presale
New York, USA, January 24th, 2024, Chainwire Within 72 hours of its presale launch on the 17th of January, Bitbot raised an incredible $300,000. Bitbot aims to lead the market for Telegram trading bots, a rapidly growing segment of the trading app market that has seen a considerable $7 billion in lifetime trading volume. Telegram…
New York, USA, January 24th, 2024, Chainwire
Within 72 hours of its presale launch on the 17th of January, Bitbot raised an incredible $300,000.
Bitbot aims to lead the market for Telegram trading bots, a rapidly growing segment of the trading app market that has seen a considerable $7 billion in lifetime trading volume.
Telegram trading bots let traders manage a cryptocurrency trading portfolio within Telegram’s app. In practice, this means those investors with heavy telegram usage, which of the 800 million active Telegram users is substantial, no longer need to operate across two applications to manage their trades: an exchange and the Telegram app. Furthermore, Telegram trading bots offer all of the automated trading features seen in exchange apps, bringing the best of two worlds together into one seamless package.
Bitbot’s Technical Product Advisor, Andrew Jacobs, commented: “As we experience a pivotal point in Web3’s evolution, I’m happy to announce Bitbot’s launch. Our mission is to equip retail traders with powerful institution-grade tools in a simple and intuitive trading interface that is backed by robust security. We have a great team and I am looking forward to driving the product’s evolution and meeting the Bitbot community on our regular AMAs, which will be announced on our social channels throughout the presale.”
The Bitbot team is looking to act quickly with a comparatively small $4.3 million raise target, predicting a rapid presale, with prices starting at $0.0100 and ending at $0.0200, potentially offering 100% gains for the early investors prior to the project listing. An additional incentive is the attractive proposition that Bitbot token holders will receive 50% of the company’s profits distributed as a percentage of their holdings once it launches this year.
Bitbot (BITBOT) is available to buy on the official site.
Bitbot’s Push for Mass Market Adoption
Telegram trading bots enhance convenience by enabling users to execute the entire trading process within Telegram, the preferred messaging platform for crypto, bypassing the frequently convoluted user experience associated with exchanges.
Whilst trading volumes on Telegram trading bots have been impressive, it’s obvious that there is still a majority share left in the pie currently dominated by traditional cryptocurrency exchanges. Even Bitspay, consistently ranked among the top 70 exchanges on CMC, has a volume similar to that of all the Telegram trading bots combined. The sheer scale of the opportunity becomes evident in terms of the potential market share, and it’s this kind of potential that’s driving the product and development team and Bitbot to deliver a product suitable for mass adoption.
This is arguably one of the issues with Bitbot’s competitors. Telegram trading bots can be stubbornly complex, with many relying on user commands to operate them. Furthermore, a number of security issues have plagued even the biggest players in the market, leaving a sour taste for some but a potentially very sweet upside for the Bitbot brand.
Bitbot takes both of these issues head-on. Firstly, it gets rid of the need for complex commands by offering an intuitive in-app interface that will be immediately recognisable to exchange users.
Secondly, it offers non-custodial trading, meaning users can integrate Bitbot with their cold wallets and eliminate the uncomfortable need to give up their private keys for the bot’s powerful automated trading features to kick in. This is supported by the brand’s partnership with secure custody technology developer Knightsafe, and is thus far an unprecedented offering in the Telegram trading bot market, a truly unique and innovative approach focusing on institutional-grade asset security.
The bot offers a myriad of advanced features that will appeal to both beginner and advanced traders, from copy trading to automated sniping.
Tokenomics and Presale Roadmap
As per the project’s whitepaper, the Bitbot presale will run through Q1 and see the project list on exchanges in Q2 (unless the presale sells out early, which is possible at the current trajectory).
Allocation details include 30% reserved for the presale, 20% for the development team, 14% earmarked for marketing, 3% for liquidity, 2.3% available to the community (comprising rewards and airdrops), and 10% allocated to a treasury.
The 20% designated for the development team will undergo a 1-year vesting period, ensuring long-term commitment from the team.
Bitbot’s Impressive Journey In the Crypto Market
Unibot and Banana Gun, competing trading bots, swiftly gained prominence, with Unibot’s token price passing $230 in just three months of launch. Investors in Unibot’s presale reportedly saw gains of around 200x, according to a recent CoinDesk article.
Bitbot hopes to follow in their footsteps and its impressive raise has been aided by its community, which rapidly grew over 90K followers on X and over 5100 members on its Telegram within a week of the presale’s announcement. The project is now already in Stage 2, with the token priced at $0.011 and only 9,200,000 tokens left before the price increases by 5% for Stage 3.
Bitbot hopes to attract presale investors on the heels of the recent Bitcoin ETF acceptance and increased trading activity in the cryptocurrency market. This has drawn a significant social following and been picked up by notable crypto publications like Invezz who have already listed Bitbot among their top cryptos for 2024.
Bitbot is a new Telegram trading bot that aims to put institutional-grade trading tools in the hands of retail users, to enable them to trade using a variety of advanced features including sniping and copy trading.
Audited by Solid Proof, Bitbot focuses on security and follows the motto, “your keys, your assets.” To this end the project has partnered with Knightsafe to deliver the world’s first non-custodial telegram trading bot, mitigating against counterparty risk and reinforcing this with anti-MEV and anti-rug technology.
For more information and to buy Bitbot (BITBOT) users can visit Bitbot’s website.
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Ethereum Classic, Blur, and Rebel Satoshi: experts share their price predictions for early 2024
Experts are bullish on Blur (BLUR) in 2024, predicting a surge for the DeFi coin price to 2.3500 by the end of the first quarter. Price predictions for Ethereum Classic (ETC) inspire hope among investors. Top ICO experts advise investors to get in on Rebel Satoshi ($RBLZ) for the best ROI. According to crypto market experts, the…
- Experts are bullish on Blur (BLUR) in 2024, predicting a surge for the DeFi coin price to 2.3500 by the end of the first quarter.
- Price predictions for Ethereum Classic (ETC) inspire hope among investors.
- Top ICO experts advise investors to get in on Rebel Satoshi ($RBLZ) for the best ROI.
According to crypto market experts, the recent Bull Run suggests that investors in top crypto coins may find success in a few projects, such as Rebel Satoshi, as well as certain top DeFi projects, such as Blur and Ethereum Classic.
Let’s look at what sets $RBLZ apart from the crowd of altcoins, like BLUR, ETC, as one of the best cryptos to buy in early 2024.
Analysts predict a significant uptick for BLUR
As of December 18, OKX’s NFT platform outperformed the 24-hour trading volume of Blur, a well-known NFT marketplace. However, two weeks later, the Blur marketplace has recovered, accruing more volume to claim second spot among the NFT marketplaces in terms of volume.
Following these developments, the value of BLUR has risen. The value of Blur on December 18 was $0.4324. Since then, the BLUR token price has risen to $0.6664 on January 19, indicating a 54.12% increase. Experts are pleased with these developments and have predicted that the price will rise further to $2.3500 by the end of the first quarter.
On the contrary, in their price forecasts, some other BLUR analysts have cited price volatility as the reason why BLUR will decline in value to $0.1600 by the end of the first quarter.
ETC surges after the dissolving of ETHW Dev team
Recent news reports from the Ethereum Classic ecosystem claim that the Ethereum Proof of Work’s main development team was dissolved on December 19 to transition to community governance. This has translated to a proposal for a similar action for Ethereum Classic.
The value of ETC on December 19 was $19.71. In the two weeks since then, the DeFi coin price has risen to $24.75 on January 19, indicating a 25.57% increase in ETC’s valuation.
Regarding the ETC price prediction, experts on Ethereum Classic have expressed satisfaction over these developments and have predicted that the value of ETC will see a further rise to $40.00 by the end of March.
Conversely, some other analysts of Ethereum Classic have cited the lack of partnerships in the Ethereum Classic ecosystem as the reason why ETC could decline in value to $15.50 by the end of March.
Rebel Satoshi (RBLZ) continues to rise in presale
Rebel Satoshi has distinguished itself as an interesting investment option among a sea of cryptocurrency meme currencies. This meme coin, inspired by Satoshi Nakamoto and Guy Fawkes, has piqued investors’ interest even in the pre-sale stage. Rebel Satoshi’s native token, $RBLZ, aims to usher in a new era of decentralization. Its goal is to create a community that allows underdogs to collectively oppose centralized systems.
Rebel Satoshi‘s native coin, $RBLZ, has set presale records as the Early Bird Round 1 and Rebels Round 2 sold out completely in 10 and 15 days, respectively. Additionally, in the just finished Citizens Round 3, $RBLZ traded for $0.020. Over 120 million $RBLZ tokens have been sold thus far, with the Monarchs Round 4 of the Rebel Satoshi presale currently underway, seeing $RBLZ valued at $0.022.
This pricing provides a 120% ROI for those who bought $RBLZ at the $0.010 Early Bird Round price. When $RBLZ reaches its listing price of $0.025 in February, it will reward early investors with a 150% ROI.
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BIS unveils 2024 strategy: focus on CBDCs and tokenization
BIS’s 2024 Strategy Unveiled: CBDCs and Tokenization Key Focus. Project Promissa to digitize Promissory Notes using blockchain tech. Project Aurum advances CBDC privacy in retail payments with HKMA. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is set to make significant strides in digital currency research, emphasizing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and tokenization in its 2024…
- BIS’s 2024 Strategy Unveiled: CBDCs and Tokenization Key Focus.
- Project Promissa to digitize Promissory Notes using blockchain tech.
- Project Aurum advances CBDC privacy in retail payments with HKMA.
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is set to make significant strides in digital currency research, emphasizing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and tokenization in its 2024 strategy.
The BIS Innovation Hub has outlined a comprehensive program, featuring six new projects, exploring cybersecurity, financial crime, CBDCs, and green finance. Among the key initiatives are the second phase of Project Aurum and the launch of a blockchain-based tokenization project, Project Promissa.
Project Promissa: revolutionizing financial instruments with tokenization
Project Promissa, a collaborative effort involving BIS, the Swiss National Bank, and the World Bank, aims to usher in a new era for financial instruments. Focusing on digitizing promissory notes, a traditional yet paper-based financial commitment, the project leverages blockchain technology to enhance transparency and simplify management.
This proof-of-concept platform is set to revolutionize the handling of promissory notes by digitizing them, aligning with the BIS’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions in the realm of tokenization. The initiative is anticipated to conclude its proof-of-concept phase by early 2025.
Project Aurum: advancing CBDC privacy in retail payments
Building on the success of its wholesale interbank system and retail CBDC prototype in 2022, Project Aurum, conducted jointly by BIS and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), progresses into its next phase.
The project explores the privacy aspects of retail payments using CBDCs. With the HKMA’s achievements in developing a robust foundation for Aurum, the research now delves deeper into understanding the intricacies of privacy in retail CBDC payments. This initiative aligns with the broader BIS strategy, highlighting the pivotal role of CBDCs in the evolving landscape of digital currencies.
BIS’ additional initiatives
Alongside tokenization and CBDC-focused projects, BIS introduces four other initiatives – Project Leap, Project Symbiosis, Project Hertha, and Project NGFS Data Directory 2.0 – addressing cybersecurity, green finance, and financial crime.
These projects underscore BIS’s commitment to a multifaceted approach to shaping the future of financial technology. Additionally, the continued focus on projects like Mandala, Pyxtrail, and Cambridge showcases BIS’s dedication to innovation, automation, and experimentation across diverse aspects of the financial industry.
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Costing just IDR1,000 (USD11 cents), a small sachet of powdered chocolate Milo offers affordable nutrition to millions of low-income Indonesians struggling to afford healthy food.
Meanwhile, wealthier Indonesians can choose Dancow Nutrigold, an infant milk powder priced at IDR40,000 a can. Both are produced by Swiss global food giant Nestle, and form part of the company’s plans to expand its presence in one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the world.
To expand its market share in Indonesia, the company recently invested USD200 million for a factory in Karawang, West Java, to be completed in 2013. This is on top of a USD100 million expansion of its factory in East Java.
(Source: Jakarta Globe)


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Microsoft Store isn’t the only place to download apps and games for your PC. But Microsoft is putting a lot of effort into introducing new features to the Store app and making sure you use it more for getting your favorite apps. The company’s latest effort comes in the form of a new feature that pushes a toast notification whenever an app is installed via the Store app on your PC.
Microsoft has updated the Microsoft Store app, taking the version to 22312. The update is available for everyone and not limited to Windows Insiders. After installing the latest version of the Microsoft Store app, go to Settings and look for Notifications for app installations toggle. When turned on, it’ll show you a reminder when the app installation is complete and is ready to use.
The last time Microsoft rolled out a major update was a couple of months ago, in November last year. Taking Microsoft Store to version 22310, the Redmond tech giant introduced the ability to choose which drive to install games. The company did roll out another update in December last year, which wasn’t a significant one. All the update did was add a fix to an issue where the library page only displayed recently updated or installed products instead of listing everything.
Microsoft will continue to add new features to the Microsoft Store in the coming days. To look for if there is anything new in the Store app every time you update it, click the Profile icon and click or tap Settings. Rest assured, we’ll keep you updated about all the new features or changes Microsoft introduces to the Store app.


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3D TV shipments are on the rise with the availability of more TV models and increasing movie and sports content in 3D, research firm DisplaySearch said on Wednesday.
It's one of the best things about the Defcon hacking conference, and one of its most closely guarded secrets: the programmable badge that's handed out to show attendees every year.
Pixel Qi is trying to meet the growing demand for its innovative 3Qi displays, and has resumed shipment after a rash of orders for the low-power screens, the company said on Wednesday.
The highly anticipated low-power 3Qi laptop displays from Pixel Qi were sold out on Thursday, just a day after the screens were officially announced and went on sale.
HannStar Display, a Taiwanese maker of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), has agreed to plead guilty and pay a US$30 million fine for participating in a global conspiracy to fix prices of the displays, the U.S. Department of Justice said.
Sony has developed a flexible color display that's sturdy enough to be wrapped around a pencil while still showing video images.
Intel will bring its wireless display technology to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, company executives said this week.
LG Display has developed a flexible electronic-paper screen that's almost as large as a tabloid newspaper, it said Thursday.
In a small meeting room at the edge of the show floor at the Consumer Electronics Show, a startup company is demonstrating a motion-sensing interface technology that could offer a radical new way for interacting with games, PCs and televisions.
Nokia is suing display manufacturers Samsung, LG, Philips, Toshiba and others for price-fixing. As a result of the price fixing Nokia has paid too much for displays, and now the company wants some of its money back, it said on Tuesday.
Intel's chips already go into many laptops, but it is now making a play for television sets and cable boxes through a new processor it released on Thursday.
Intel is showing off a prototype laptop this week that has four screens, increasing the display area so that multiple applications can be viewed simultaneously.
Netbook sales keep growing, as do the sizes of their displays.
If new research bears fruit, the next stop for flexible display technology might be the side of a commuter bus or the front of a T-shirt.
The economy might still be in a fragile condition but it seems consumers can't get enough of flat-panel televisions. Sharp plans to increase production of LCD panels by tens of thousands of screens per month after seeing increased demand from TV make...
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Over two dozen providers, together with merchants Wayfair and Ikea, are portion of the Metaverse Specifications Forum, a group aimed at the development of open specifications and driving interoperability.
The founding membership roster includes 0xSenses, Academy Software program Foundation, Adobe, Alibaba, Autodesk, Avataar, Blackshark.ai, CalConnect, Cesium, Daly Realism, Disguise, the Enosema Foundation, Epic Video games, the Categorical Language Foundation, Huawei, Ikea, Jon Peddie Investigate, Khronos, Lamina1, Maxon, Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA, OpenAR Cloud, the Open up Geospatial Consortium, Otoy, Perey Exploration and Consulting, Qualcomm Systems, Ribose, Sony Interactive Leisure, Spatial Website Foundation, Unity, VerseMaker, Wayfair, the Web3D Consortium, the Planet Large Website Consortium and the XR Affiliation.
Membership is open up to any firm, college and organization at no value, according to a press launch. The forum will examine the place the lack of interoperability is proscribing metaverse deployment and aim on action-centered initiatives this kind of as implementation prototyping, hackathons, plugfests and open-supply tooling to accelerate the testing and adoption of metaverse specifications, although also producing dependable terminology and deployment tips.
The metaverse is driving integration and deployment of diverse technologies for collaborative spatial computing these kinds of as interactive 3D graphics, augmented and virtual truth, photorealistic material authoring, geospatial systems stop-consumer material tooling, electronic twins, genuine-time collaboration, actual physical simulation, on line economies, multi-user gaming and a lot more.
“The metaverse will bring collectively assorted systems, necessitating a constellation of interoperability requirements, developed and taken care of by a lot of criteria corporations,” Neil Trevett, Khronos president, mentioned in the launch. “The Metaverse Requirements Forum is a special location for coordination amongst requirements organizations and industry with a mission to foster the pragmatic and timely standardization that will be essential to an open and inclusive metaverse.”
“Ikea is wanting forward to this Metaverse Standards Discussion board as we believe that the way to democratize metaverse and spatial computing is to have quite a few open up specifications that get the job done perfectly together,” Martin Enthed, innovation manager at Ikea promoting and communication AB, stated in the release. “This forum we hope will be a spot exactly where that coordination could happen concerning SDOs, sector and where by Ikea can contribute with the use circumstances and ordeals from our sector.”
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Verizon Makes $3.6B Deal for Wireless Spectrum to Boost LTE
December 2, 2011 2:28 PM
comment(s) - last by
Verizon spends big on spectrum
Deal will require FCC approval
Verizon Wireless announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase new wireless spectrum from three different companies. The spectrum will come from Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks (the three company make up a joint venture called SpectrumCo LLC). The total cost of buying up the spectrum will be $3.6 billion.
The deal will land Verizon 122 Advanced Wireless Services Spectrum licenses that cover 259 million people. Comcast owns the majority of SpectrumCo with 63.6% holdings and will take the biggest part of the money paid out by Verizon. Comcast will get $2.3 billion of the sale proceeds. Time Warner has 31.2% of SpectrumCo and will get $1.1 billion while Bright House Networks has 5.3% and will get $189 million.
Neil Smit, President of Comcast Cable, said, “These agreements, together with our Wi-Fi plans, enable us to execute a comprehensive, long-term wireless strategy and expand our focus on providing mobility to our Xfinity services. We’re excited about this partnership with Verizon Wireless and the future innovations we will bring to consumers.”
The deal is subject to approval by the FCC as well as other closing conditions.
Dan Mead, President and CEO of Verizon Wireless, said, “Americans deserve excellence from a wireless service provider, and innovative wireless companies plan ahead in order to deliver on that expectation. Spectrum is the raw material on which wireless networks are built, and buying the AWS spectrum now solidifies our network leadership into the future, and will enable us to bring even better 4G LTE products and services to our customers. American businesses and consumers can have confidence that the best wireless network has the foundational resources to deliver on that promise.”
AT&T will have to feel slighted if this deal makes it past regulators after it has fought so hard to get spectrum though purchasing T-Mobile. AT&T’s bid may fail and if so will
owe T-Mobile billions
in break up fees.
This article is over a month old, voting and posting comments is disabled
12/5/2011 11:57:51 AM
You say this as though the industry is in a state where a one could enter the market without investing billions upon billions of dollars to even use said spectrum.
I can't even imagine the pricetag that must be associated with all the new infrastructure that will be required to expand their LTE network into these new areas.
I even have my doubts there were even any other suitable buyers, as they could have probably turned a bigger profit had they split it up into more pieces.
Not saying you are incorrect, in theory it would stifle competition, I just don't think said competition exists, or anyone wants to enter a market that is essentially propped up by the government by essentially allowing them to run virtual monopolies in their respective markets.
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Ratan Tata, the president of Tata Motor, has announced that the redesigned version of the Nano model will come to U.S. in 2015.
Ratan Tata also said that the new Nano will be more sophisticated that the ultra cheap model that has been sold in India. It will come with a bigger engine and with power steering and traction control.
"The U.S. is a very enticing market. We are redesigning the Nano for both Europe and the U.S." said Ratan Tata in an interview.
The president of Tata Motors also believes that a car below $10.000 would have appeal in the United States.
"The Smart and the Fiat 500 have high sticker prices, and people buy them because they are small cars. But everyone knows you put a lot of money into it. We hope that the sub-$10,000 car has appeal."
Source: Auto News


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Kentucky State Police in London are warning consumers about a scam that uses the 'Publishers Clearing House' name to try to rip people off.
Investigators said the way the scam works is people are told they've won the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes and are instructed to send money via PayPal to pay taxes and fees on their prize money.
Don't fall for it.
It is against the law to require you to pay money upfront in order to receive winnings from a lottery, sweepstakes or contest.
State Police said at least one person had fallen for the scam and sent the money.
Investigators offered these tips:
- Never send money, via PayPal, Western Union or any other money transfer service to receive a prize of any kind.
- Never give personal information over the phone unless you have made the call and know who you are speaking to.
- Immediately call or go to your financial institution to report suspicious or fraudulent activity connected to your account(s).
- If you are a victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency.
State Police are also reminding people that scams usually increase during the holiday season.


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Google has finally revealed all the juicy details about Google Music. Starting today, users can upload up to 20,000 songs in the cloud for free. Yes, that’s F-R-E-E. The service will conveniently allow users to stream their music collections via the web or their mobile devices anywhere there’s an internet connection. No wires whatsoever.
The platform is open to everyone across the U.S. right now, with no word on if and when it’ll be available globally. For users who hopped on the beta that was openned earlier this year, the cloud storage aspect will be nothing new.
In addition, a new Android Market music store has been introduced that will be fully integrated with Google Music as well. Users will have access to over 8 million songs starting today, with the grand total rising up to 13 million in the coming future. Of course, this will be tied neatly into Google+, allowing fans to share their favorite music finds via the social network. The new experience was presented by Google as a way to discover, purchase, share and enjoy digital music in a unique and personalized way.
The search giant has partnered with labels Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, EMI – absent is Warner Music Group – and over 1,000 well-known independent labels including Merge Records, Warp Records, Matador Records and XL Recordings – that’s a boatload of music.
Much like other digital music stores, users will have the option of purchasing either individual songs or full albums. Once music is purchased, it’ll automatically be added to the user’s Google Music library and accessible from anywhere.
As an incentive to get consumers to hop aboard, Google is celebrating the launch by offering up exclusive content from The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Busta Rhymes, Shakira, Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band and Tiesto.
What do you think of Google Music?


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In a significant boost to Australia’s manufacturing and construction industries, the Morrison Government has announced a new initiative designed to build momentum in the prefabricated building sector.
Minister for industry, science and technology Karen Andrews has announced that the government will spend up to $2 million to kick-start a new collaborative lab, which will help manufacturers design innovative prefabricated buildings that are more eco-friendly and affordable, and can achieve quicker turnarounds.
Prefabricated modular building involves creating modular homes and offices in a factory setting and then transporting them directly to site for assembly. The new lab will focus on a wide range of buildings, including tiny homes, larger houses and offices, and help strengthen Australia’s position in the global prefabricated building market.
According to Andrews, the prefab sector currently represents 3-5 percent of Australia’s $150 billion construction industry, a share that could grow to 15 percent by 2025, creating 20,000 new Australian jobs and adding $30 billion to the country’s economy.
The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre will receive up to $2 million in funding to undertake a feasibility study and establish a collaborative innovation lab.
The Coalition is already supporting leading research in this area, having allocated $4 million in funding to the Australian Research Council Training Centre for Advanced Manufacturing of Prefabricated Housing.
The latest initiative is part of the Morrison Government’s commitment to Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector, which is expected to boost the economy and create 1.25 million new jobs over the next five years.


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The screaming and exclaiming host of CNBC says that he wants to get paid in Bitcoin. Jim Cramer made this statement on the social media site Twitter. Cramer has previously been a successful hedge fund manager and now hosts a popular show on the CNBC network called MAD Money. Cramer was once among the most blatant crypto sceptics but mellowed down after the peak of last year.
In September, he put his stakes in Bitcoin and has now transformed into a full-fledged bull. He also advises the GameStop retailer to save its sinking markets with the help of cryptocurrency investment. Cramer further remarked that the digital currency market cap is going rapidly from $2 trillion to $3 trillion. In an appearance at another CNBC show, Squawk house, he displayed his trust in the flagship cryptocurrency as a store of value (SoV).
Bitcoin Salaries Making more Sense Now
A few months ago, the highest-paid NFL star Russell Okung announced that he has started to get 50%of his compensation in BTC. At the time, his move was considered premature and ridiculed. However, now it seems like a great idea and a timely decision that has allowed Okung to increase his returns exponentially.
Provided that the predictions of Crammer turn into reality, all the Bitcoin holders are set to get massive gains from their investment decision. Okung made the right call to receive half of his compensation, about $13 million in Bitcoin. The inception of the flagship digital asset in the mainstream investment pool is transitioning at a higher speed than ever.
An Entire Hollywood Movie is Ready to be Sold as an NFT
The famed filmmaker and comic book artist, Kevin Smith, is planning to launch a new movie that would be sold as NFT. The title of the movie is ‘Killroy was here’, and it would be available for the buyers at Jay and Silent Bob’s crypto studio marketplace. Smith is not the first person to sell a Hollywood flick as a Non-fungible token.
Trevor Hawkins has the honour of being the first filmmaker to sell his movie auctioned as NFT. A documentary film about the life of French filmmaker Claude Lanzmann, which is also nominated for an Oscar, was also sold as NFT last month. However, Smith is the first A-lister to join the program. The person who buys the NFT from Smith would also be awarded distribution rights for the movie.


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Kowloon, Hong Kong – For those who want to buy imported products online, the new GlobePanda e-commerce store offers a wise collection of latest gadgets, imported home décor and other goodies with lowest price and free shipping.
Set up to sell global products all around the world, Hong Kong based GlobePanda is an Indian start-up which has tasted early success by selling over 150,000 sold products. This translates into over 100,000 satisfied customers. Currently, the website lists an exclusive range of imported products, and the business model revolves around direct links with sellers to avoid intermediaries.
“GlobePanda has been accepted by the world community as the preferred platform to buy global products online. We have now embarked on a journey to expand it further to become the first choice for buying latest gadgets, imported home décor, and more online,” said a company spokesperson.
Not just another e-commerce store, GlobePanda guarantees the best deals and offers from around the world on products that make users stand out from the crowd. Some of the popular categories include consumer electronics, home and garden, health and beauty, travel and leisure, automobile accessories.
“These guys have an amazing international product collection with free shipping. Good to see the products that I saw on New York Airport and As seen on TV.com,” said a recent online buyer.
GlobePanda is all about providing its customers a convenient way to shop imported products directly from sellers and retailers sitting across the globe, directly from countries such as the UK, USA, China, Korea, Mexico, Swiss, Germany, Japan, UAE, France, etc.
Along with lowest prices, GlobePanda also offers free worldwide delivery, and vouches for the high quality of its products. The store has done this by a combination of technology, trends, and mechanisms under a single umbrella.
For more information, please visit: https://world.globepanda.com/
Company Name: GlobePanda
Contact Person: Abhishek Agarwal
Address:1701, 17F, Beverley comm.buil.,87-10 Catham Road, Tsim Shatsui


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The initiatives in the race to conquer the AV market can be seen as an opportunity for market players from different segments to collaborate on a high scale.
The platform provided ample opportunity to collaborate not just on the monetary ground but also merging of experience and knowledge with expertise from different sectors of the world.
As the AV market is seen as a lucrative trillion-dollar market, the sharing of space with respect to manufacturing mass production of units and also with respect to the electronic segments.
The partnership helps to cut down the cost in its early stage, rather than starting a unit from ground zero, collaborating on the use of such place minimizes the early investment cost, labor cost and saves time in focusing on a particular area rather than taking up the load of the complete unit.
Nissan-Renault with Waymo: In 2019, the team collaborated in the partnership for the development of self-driving vehicle systems to carry both passengers and haul packages where they worked exclusively so that technology was developed for the vehicles. The target zone is France and Japan, however, in 2020 Nissan announced of covering its 230-mile of the driverless journey in Britain. The roads with no or minimal markings, junctions, and roundabouts using advanced technology in positioning were used.
Mercedes Benz (Daimler) and BMW Group: In 2019, the two giant auto industry company joined their forces in developing autonomous driving technologies where the two companies are represented to be collaborating for a long-term agreement. In 2020, the focus was shifted to electric vehicles and autonomous trucks than self-driving cars. It indicates the intense rivalry is letting the auto industry select a particular segment and create a niche for themselves and conquer a mass market. The decision to change from the intense rivalry market of Auto to trucks shows that only time will prove its worth or the return it is expected from the huge market.
In Mar 2020, Hyundai formed a 50/50 autonomous driving joint venture with Aptiv. The collaboration is aimed at strengthening Hyundai’s design, engineering, manufacturing expertise, and autonomous driving technologies. The targeted project of such collaboration is Robo taxi providers, fleet operators, and automotive manufacturers.
In July 2019, Yandex, a Russian tech giant inked a deal with Hyundai to build a self-driving car tech. The official partnership led to the launch of an autonomous Hyundai 2020 Sonata with Yandex’s software and sensor suite.
In July 2019, Hyundai Autron and Wind River signed the partnership for developing autonomous driving and connectivity software platforms so that the next generation automobiles are powered for the global level market.
In June 2019, Hyundai Motor Group expanded its partnership with Silicon Valley self-driving start-up, Aurora.
In April 2019, Chinese technology firm Tencent Holdings and Hyundai Motor Co announced a plan for joint research and development program on safety and security systems for self-driving cars seeking to roll out commercially by 2030.
In October 2018, Mobis Technical Centre in India (a subsidiary of Hyundai Mobis in South Korea), collaborated with Tata Elxsi to develop Synthetic Scene Generator Tool. The main aim is to replicate real-world scenarios which an automobile can encounter.
In December 2018, Hyundai MnSoft, Hyundai Motor Group subsidiary partnered with Netradyne, an AI technology to specialize in location-based service focused on driver and fleet safety for cloud-based connected navigation software and high definition future maps (HD) for autonomous vehicles.
Jaguar-Land Rover: In October 2015, Jaguar-Land Rover went into a collaboration project with Engineering and Physical Science Research Council to develop an autonomous and connected vehicle project. The research is conducted at ten UK universities and the Transport Research Laboratory. It has also collaborated with German-based Robert Bosch Group to gather driving habits data and test vehicle communications technology.
Intel-Mobileye & BMW group: In July 2016, the two groups collaborated for making self-driving vehicles and future mobility concepts a reality or a real vision. The three leaders collaborate for automotive, technology, and computer vision for solutions-driven effort on automated driving series which is set to be in the production line by 2021.
Intel and Waymo: In Sep 2017, the collaborator joined forces on computing power necessary for level 4 and level 5 autonomous vehicles that can be driven irrespective of any condition. The minivans, Chrysler Pacifica, a self-driving car already featured Intel-produced technology from connectivity to sensor data processing capability.
Mobileye and NavInfo: In Jan 2018, leading autonomous driving solution providers in China market are in collaboration for high accuracy positioning and core businesses in HAD mapping so that it can build and distribute Mobileye’s Road Experience Management product in China. In General, the partnership’s purpose is the use of Mobileye’s REM technology in China for integration and aligning with NavInfo’s mapping solutions.
Volkswagen Group, Mobileye, and Champion Motors: In October 2018, the joint venture rolled out Israel’s first self-driving ride-hailing service. The venture was established on the theme of “New Mobility in Israel” where formally the Israeli government accepted the Smart Mobility Summit in Tel Aviv.
Baidu with Mobileye: In July 2018, the collaborator announced its plan to work together to integrate and commercially deploy Mobileye’s Responsibility Sensitive Safety (RSS) model in both the open-source project Apollo and the commercial Apollo Pilot program. The joint venture focused on adopting Mobileye’s Surround Computer Vision Kit as a visual perception solution.
Mobileye & Nio: The Chinese company partnership forecasted on developing autonomous vehicles with a strategic aim to collaborate on bringing highly automated and autonomous vehicles in the consumer markets in China and other territories.
In my opinion, collaborations are highly valued as it is not just technology but also geographical knowledge. However, only the future can predict how much such partnerships will be profitable and will sustain a long-term venture.


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The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has issued a strong rebuke of the Public Utility Regulation Commission (PURC) in Ghana, accusing the regulatory body of failing to adequately supervise the country’s utility service providers. The CPA has claimed that the PURC has not lived up to its obligations under Act 538 of the 1992 Constitution to protect the interests of consumers.
According to the CPA, the PURC’s focus on tariff adjustments has come at the expense of consumer protection, with utility service providers failing to provide satisfactory service to their customers.
In a press conference held in Accra on March 8th, the CEO of the CPA, Kofi Kapito, expressed concern over the lack of regulatory oversight of the utility companies, stating that the PURC had “failed woefully” in its mandate to protect the common interests of consumers.
Kapito highlighted the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act, 1997 (Act 538), which establishes the PURC as the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the provision of utility services by public utilities to consumers.
The Act also provides that the Commission should not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in the performance of its functions.
Despite this, the CPA has criticized the PURC for its apparent lack of enforcement power when it comes to ensuring that utility service providers meet consumer expectations. Kapito called on the PURC to use its power to enforce better service standards from the utility companies, and threatened legal action if the PURC continues to announce tariff adjustments while consumers continue to suffer poor service.
He further argued that the PURC should be using the same strength in enforcing service standards as it does in announcing tariff increases.
The CPA’s rebuke of the PURC highlights the need for regulatory bodies to prioritize consumer protection and hold service providers accountable for providing satisfactory services to consumers.


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Last week the thrift store in downtown Waupaca was broken into and vandalized. The cost to the store is over $1,000 and will not be covered by insurance.
The people at the Waupaca Thrift have provided a source for clothing and household goods at low cost to all of us in this community for nearly 20 years. Now the community has an opportunity to repay the favor by helping them to recover their loss.
We urge you to send your tax-deductible donation today to Waupaca Thrift Store, 123 E. Fulton St., Waupaca, WI 54981.


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Over 90% of the people think cryptocurrency and blockchain are challenging to understand. Most of them are interested in investing into cryptocurrencies, but don’t have enough information on how to do this. There is a lack of transparency in the industry which scares many people away or makes them hesitant to invest their money. Blockzeit a new media and education platform wants to change this and aims to make. The crypto and blockchain industry more accessible and manageable to newcomers. Blockzeit is one of the novice informational websites that provide transparent, reliable updates about trends in the market. Usually, the Blockzeit platform provides real-time cryptocurrency news, business news, politics, technology, educational material and other market-related updates. If you are looking for a reliable platform to know regular cryptocurrency trends or the latest cryptocurrency news, Blockzeit is an ideal choice. In 2021, Blockzeit was founded to bring transparency into the complex blockchain world and to provide people with the material they need to understand it. The Blockzeit website covers all information related to the blockchain and cryptocurrency industries.
Now, It’s Easier To Access Latest Cryptocurrency News
Cryptocurrency news sites are highly beneficial for novice Bitcoin and Defi traders and investors. That’s why Blockzeit provides everything about real-time cryptocurrency news, the latest blockchain technology trends, and other related information from scratch. It provides authenticated news and offers multiple reports daily about the critical developments in blockchain and various tools used to predict the market. The website is a boon for newcomers into the blockchain or cryptocurrency industry. Blockzeit is a one-stop for beginners or advanced users. Blockzeit is the right platform to know more about its trends if you want to be part of the blockchain game. Apart from the crypto news, the website gives the best information about business, market, investing, technology, and politics. The best part of the website is that it’s available in both English and German language.
Learn about the Cryptocurrency Trends with Blockzeit
Blockzeit is one of the active and trusted all-in-one (market, blockchain, cryptocurrency, technology, political, etc.) news platforms. It’s worth visiting the platform as it provides the authenticated information about everything that you need. Now, you don’t need to spend hours and hours reading blockchain magazines or the internet. All you need to do is stay on the Block Zeit platform for regular cryptocurrency trends and updates. Moreover, the detailed educational articles on the website help to understand more about decentralization. To know more, visit the website using the given link. https://blockzeit.com/#pll_switcher


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Updated: Jul 29
May 28, 2020
Mendocino, CA --- Solectrac, Inc, manufacturer and distributor of electric farm and utility tractors launched its equity crowd funding campaign on Start Engine today.
“We are excited to begin a new chapter of growth and offer a piece of the action to the public,” said Steve Heckeroth, CEO and Founder. “Our quiet, zero emission tractors are the start of a new era in farming and everywhere tractors are used. Electric tractors let you get the work done without suffering the noise and exhaust from a diesel tractor.”
Solectrac is currently selling a 30 HP 4 WD compact electric tractor, a 40 HP utility tractor while developing the eFarmer for row crops and a 70 HP model for more demanding tasks. These climate smart tractors have the power and torque to outperform diesels at low speeds and match their performance at higher speeds. They are built to be used anywhere diesel tractors currently function, including small farms, vineyards, greenhouses and livestock operations, as well as park maintenance in municipalities.
Solectrac’s battery packs can be charged from the electric grid or directly from clean renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind or micro hydro to eliminate GHG emissions and fossil fuel use. The battery can also provide power, on their own, during utility interruptions and offers a convenient back up to run essential loads in homes, clinics, schools, and emergency shelters.
Customers “can become energy independent with our tractors,” Heckeroth said. All that is needed to charge the Solectrac battery packs is a 4kW solar array. “Imagine your food coming from a farm where the tractors were charged directly from the sun and the workers enjoying clean air and a conversation while they work” Heckeroth said.
Solectrac partnered with Start Engine for this fundraising campaign, “because the platform has been both supportive and successful working with environmentally friendly companies that are on the road to producing substantial change toward a sustainable future,” noted Christiane Heckeroth, CCO.
Solectrac was nominated for Innovator of the Year 2019 at the Farm Progress Show in Regina, Canada and received the 2019 Innovation Award from Escorts of India. As other North American tractor companies are just getting started with R&D for electric tractors, Solectrac has already been producing and selling their tractors in the United States, Canada and Norway.
Solectrac launches their campaign in a market that is focused on the “green revolution”, with little competition. “Solectrac represents the very future of agriculture and the start of an electric tractor revolution” Dr. Roger Hoy, Director of the Nebraska National Tractor Testing Laboratory. Solectrac is clearly positioned to grab the attention of investors and may just be “the future of farming.”


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By Simon J Evenett of the University of St Gallen
Three reports on protectionism have recentyly been published in as many weeks: by the WTO , by the European Commission (EC), and by the independent Global Trade Alert, which I coordinate. What do these reports reveal about the sectors at greatest risk of 21st century protectionism? What do they mean for businesses operating internationally and for investors? Read more
Free-trade champion Mexico is on a reform drive that promises new openness in key sectors of its economy, especially energy. So what is it doing slapping protectionist measures on its shoe industry?
Fighting unfair competition from China, officials say.
The raft of new measures to protect Mexico’s industry – which makes 240m pairs of shoes a year – sounds distinctly off message, especially since President Enrique Peña Nieto has made boosting trade ties with China a priority. (He met his Chinese counterpart three times within six months to forge closer relations.) Read more
India has succumbed to pressure from governments, multinationals and industry bodies abroad to review its policy of boosting locally-made electronics.
It’s good news for international business. But what are the consequences for the Indian economy if demand for electronic products is increasingly served by imports? Read more
It’s bad news for consumers and the government but good news for traders (and vampires). Indonesia is suffering from a garlic shortage and prices have skyrocketed as a result, up by an average of 31 per cent in February alone.
Indonesians like to eat garlic and the surge in prices, which contributed to higher than expected inflation last month, will make life particularly tough for the nearly half of Indonesian’s 240m people who live on less than two dollars a day. Read more
By Humayun Shahryar of Auvest Capital Management
While the world is focused on the ongoing currency war, not enough attention is being paid to the rise in global protectionism. The number of trade disputes at the World Trade Organization in 2012 is estimated to be more than in 2010 and 2011 combined, with the G20 countries accounting for 80 per cent of the protectionist measures. While the recent stock market rally, resolution of the US fiscal cliff and the perceived easing of the European crisis may have taken attention away from falling global demand and slowing economic growth, a sharp rise in protectionism is on the cards in the coming months as governments react to rising unemployment, growing income inequality and slowing economic growth. Read more
After restrictions on foreign banks, foreign mining companies and foreign fruit and vegetables, the latest protectionist push in Indonesia is focused on credit card payment systems.
Bank Indonesia, the central bank, and a number of major state-owned banks are trying to breathe new life into an old proposal to develop a national credit card payment system to break the dominance of MasterCard and Visa, as has been done in China with UnionPay. Read more
Brazil’s tax system these days increasingly resembles the country’s popular soap operas or ‘telenovelas’- convoluted, farcical and incredibly hard to follow.
After months of frequent tax breaks and hikes, the finale of Brazilian protectionism seemed to come on Tuesday night with the announcement of higher import taxes on no less than 100 products. Read more
Anti-trade measures aren’t just about slapping simple tariffs on goods and services. There are new, subtler forms, and emerging markets are coming off worse when it comes to exports.
That’s according to the annual World Trade Report, published by the WTO this week. It has some important points for people with an interest in emerging markets. Read more
A series of somewhat ill-thought out and badly-communicated restrictions on trade and investment has given many investors in Indonesia the jitters.
But, say the Indonesia bulls, the backlash has been overdone and most of the new measures on everything from mining to fruit imports are either understandable or of limited impact. Read more
Ivan Ramalho does not think the government of Brazil is becoming more protectionist.
But the head of Abece, Brazil’s industry group representing international trading companies, says there are some sectors that are becoming more protectionist and some of them have the government’s ear.
“There is an intent that exists today, not in industry as a whole, but in some specific sectors towards more protection,” he said. “They want, of course, more protection and with more protection, prices will increase.” Read more
Few politicians in Latin America have the flair of Colombia’s finance minister, Juan Carlos Echeverry, when it comes to making a point. Opening up an economy is “as painful as giving birth”, Echeverry told Reuters recently.
The fact that Brazil and Argentina remain oblivious to Echeverry’s point, sticking uncompromisingly with protectionism, is an irritation for many in the region. Read more
Only the Argentines know why they still have not asked formally for a renegotiation of a trade agreement on cars that it has with Mexico.
This week, the country’s minister of industry said that the country would seek to do exactly that – presumably in an attempt to piggy-back on the example of Brazil, which last week renegotiated its own car agreement with Mexico to cap Mexican exports for the next three years.
But while Buenos Aires’ silence on the issue so far is unclear, one thing is crystal: the answer they will receive if and when they finally do get around to asking is going to be a big fat No. Read more
The news on Tuesday that Argentina will seek to renegotiate a bilateral trade deal on cars with Mexico could hardly have taken anyone by surprise.
In recent months, Buenos Aires has tried to halt the rise of imports in an attempt to protect its trade balance. After witnessing Brazil’s successful renegotiation last week of its own trade deal with Mexico, it must have felt that it would be crazy not to try the same. Read more
In the red corner: local contentism and currency war. In the blue corner: free trade and a floating currency. And the red camp wins with a technical knock-out in round one.
That was the surprise result of the clash of two economic models in Mexico City on Thursday, as Mexico went down without a fight before Brazil’s demand that it re-write a 2002 car trade accord. The nimble Mexican featherweight gave way to the lumbering heavyweight from Brazil. Read more
Did Mexico lose its battle with Brazil? That is what many pundits think happened after the two countries on Thursday settled a month-long wrangle over car exports that had, as its centre, the threat from Brazil to end a 2002 agreement on free trade in light vehicles.
Observers were quick to point out that Mexico had vowed to set 2011 export levels as a floor for any agreement on capping future car exports to Brazil. Clearly, that did not happen. Read more
After all the tough talks and posturing, in the end Mexico caved.
Mexico said late on Thursday night that it has agreed to limit its auto exports to Brazil over the next three years in order to avoid Brazil slapping a 35 per cent tariff on Mexico-made cars. Read more
As Brazil tries to force Mexico to accept changes to a bilateral agreement on trade in autos, Mexican car manufacturers are making it clear they won’t give in without a fight.
Teams from the two governments were holding negotiations in Mexico city on Wednesday after Brazil failed to impose an ultimatum last week. Mexico’s car makers recognise that the agreement has worked in their favour recently – but point out that it was strongly in Brazil’s favour for most years since it was enacted in 2003. Read more
The auto fight between Mexico and Brazil is heating up.
Mexican officials on Friday said they had rejected an ultimatum issued by Brazil on a long-standing bilateral auto accord. The terms the Brazilians are seeking would in effect kill the whole deal, they added. Read more
Brazil may be hot and Mexico not in the eyes of most of the world. But, says Jorge G. Castañeda, the Mexican political analyst and former foreign secretary: “There’s only two things in which Brazilians are infinitely better than we Mexicans: one is football, and the other is spinning yarns about their own successes.” Read more


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The Ashram yoga studio, which specializes in teaching hot yoga classes, celebrated its second anniversary earlier this month. The Ashram opened its doors on May 18, 2006, and has grown to offer more than 35 hot vinyasa and Bikram style classes per week. The studio marked the occasion May 18 by offering free classes to first-time clients, a raffle and a reception.
“Reaching this milestone presents the perfect opportunity to thank all of the loyal customers who have helped The Ashram grow and become a premier hot yoga facility in the Puget Sound region,” said Gary Olson, studio owner and primary instructor.
For more information about The Ashram, visit www.theashramyoga.com or call (425) 828-YOGA.


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From a science-fiction dream to a critical part of our everyday lives, artificial intelligence is everywhere. You probably don't see AI at work, and that's by design. AI is changing everything. But do we want it to?
Nvidia researchers found that A.I. could be used to remaster older game titles, adding more details to textures, lighting, and shadows. Researchers claim that games can be re-rendered in real time and new levels can even be added.
Google is bringing a new feature to Gboard that should make it better for those that regularly use GIFs and stickers. The feature essentially uses A.I. to recommend GIFs and stickers based on your conversation.
CyberLink is bringing its suite of artificial intelligence-based video effects directly to Adobe users as a plug-in for Premiere Pro. The A.I. Style video plug-in "redraws" video in the styles of artists like Vincent van Gogh.
At this point, the question isn’t so much “if” AI will ever surpass humans in terms of thinking abilities, it’s “when.” What happens when we reach that point? Charles J. Simon attempts to answer that question in his upcoming…
Arlo is infusing its line of cameras with artificial intelligence that is capable of detecting animals, vehicles, and packages. Device owners can set up custom notifications based on what the camera sees.
The idea that artificial intelligence in smartphones will transform our lives has been heavily hyped, but the reality often disappoints. Google may not know how to make a beautiful phone, but its A.I. features are truly useful.


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Recently, the first stop of the series of activities of "manufacturing cluster digital open cooperation service for thousands of miles" and the industrial forum of "intelligent transformation digital transformation" of Changzhou National High tech Zone were successfully held in Changzhou. Peng Sen, President of China Economic System Reform Research Association, Li Yikai, Deputy Director of the Center for International Economic and Technological Cooperation of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Changshi Xuchong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Working Committee (Xinbei District Committee) of Changzhou National High tech Zone, Acting District of the People's Government of Xinbei District, Xia Zhijie, Foreign Academician of the Russian Academy of Engineering, and Director of Jiangsu Provincial Innovation Center for High end CNC Machine Tools and Complete Equipment, Wang Xin, the green intelligent manufacturing consulting director of Schneider Electric, and representatives of many partners attended the forum.
The speech segment of the activity, Li Yikai, Deputy Director of the Center for International Economic and Technological Cooperation of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, said: "In the context of accelerated transformation of the current economic development mode, significant increase in factor costs, and more intense industrial competition, for the manufacturing industry, digital transformation is no longer a 'choice', but a 'required course' related to the long-term development of the industry. All relevant parties in the industry need to further gather consensus, deepen exchanges, strengthen cooperation, improve the level of supply and demand matching, solve the difficulties of transformation, and improve professional service capabilities. ”
Deeply implement the development goals of the "Fourteenth Five Year Plan", and enable the high-quality development of manufacturing clusters. The International Economic and Technological Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, together with Schneider Electric, China Telecom, Lenovo Group, AsiaInfo Technology, Zhongke Chuangda, Twin Technologies, Bintong Intelligent Technology, Vichain Technology and other industrial partners, jointly set up the "Manufacturing Ecological Open Cooperation Platform". As an important part of the platform to provide public services for enterprises, "Manufacturing Cluster Digital Open Cooperation Service Wanlixing" is committed to promoting the best practices of digital transformation at home and abroad, building an open, cooperative and efficient supply chain ecosystem, and helping to smooth the domestic and international double cycle.
At the event site, on the topic of digital transformation practice of manufacturing enterprises, Wang Xin, the green intelligent manufacturing consulting director of Schneider Electric, believed that "industrial enterprises are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities, and lean production and energy management are still the core focus. Enterprises should focus on business development, planning first and scenario focused, effectively improve the management level of green intelligent manufacturing, and achieve" vertical to the end "and" horizontal to the edge ", To accelerate digital transformation and achieve sustainable development. Schneider Electric will integrate strategic initiatives and business scenarios to provide customers with digital solutions and successful practices covering top-level planning, supply chain optimization, lean management and "lighthouse factory" building. Through intelligent manufacturing digital transformation and carbon neutral overall solutions, Schneider Electric will make every effort to help manufacturing enterprises move towards an open, efficient, resilient, sustainable and people-oriented future industry. "
Wang Xin, the green intelligent manufacturing consulting director of Schneider Electric, delivered a speech
In addition, China Telecom Jiangsu Branch, Lenovo Group, AsiaInfo Security and other partners shared and discussed the theme of 5G+industrial Internet to help enterprises develop high-quality practices, intelligent digital transformation technology to help manufacturing users, and industrial Internet security. Focusing on the topic of the rapid development of the new energy industry, many enterprises, including Zhongke Chuangda, Shuangshu Technology, Bintong Intelligent Technology and Weilian Technology, also shared their experiences and insights through the round table forum.
Many local manufacturing enterprises in Changzhou attended the event. As one of the birthplaces of modern industry, Changzhou has insisted on improving the core competitiveness of the industry with digital empowerment for many years, enhancing the level of industrial intelligence and development toughness, and promoting the systematic development of intelligent manufacturing. In the future, the "Manufacturing Cluster Digital Open Cooperation Service Wanli Travel" plan will go to more cities, open exchanges with partners in different industries, and deepen cooperation. As an expert in digital transformation in the field of global energy management and automation, Schneider Electric will also continue to provide industrial users with strategic path and digital technology support, and make more contributions to the realization of digital transformation and sustainable development of China's industry with the mission of "becoming a digital partner for customers to achieve efficient and sustainable development".


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One north Edmonton shop owner is forced to watch his game store sit empty due to new mandatory health restrictions put in place by the Alberta Government in November.
“I’d rather have the lockdown happen now than have a month of [these restrictions], and then be forced into a lockdown,” said Shawn Ford, who has been the owner and operator of Gamer’s Den since 2018.
Ford said that the pandemic has already drastically reduced his sales, but prior to the new restrictions, he was still able to host game nights which drive the bulk of his sales through impulse purchases.
“We sell Magic: the Gathering singles and those are usually a big part of our profit. That’s why we like to have people come in and play. They learn a new game and they love it so they buy a new twenty dollar starter deck, for example,” he said.
“Most of the time now, people call ahead to see if what they’re looking for is here.”
Ford would open his store each night for free, allowing people of all ages to come in and enjoy games ranging from Magic: the Gathering, Warhammer, Warmachine and others.
“On a weeknight [pre-COVID], we could have anywhere from 10-15 people per day playing some type of game. Fridays were always the busiest when our Friday night Magic happens. We could have upwards of 30 people,” said Ford. “Instead of 25-30 people now, we were looking at 8-15 at most.”
Ford said that with the new restrictions leaving his store unable to host game nights, his life wouldn’t be much different should the government impose a hard lockdown.
“Honestly, this is pretty much being locked down. The only difference is that I’m here instead of somewhere else,” he said.
And for a business like his where they operate as a community space on top of being a store, it has been difficult to qualify for federal assistance.
“I think we were able to qualify for one month of [federal aid] this year. I’d have to completely shut down,” said Ford, who has been working solo at the store since March when he was forced to lay off his other two staff members.
But while the company is able to make enough to keep afloat, it’s an unsettling place to be.
“All it takes is one little setback and you could shut down – and that could be for any store. Thankfully we’ve been jumping over those hurdles when they come but there’s no way to guarantee that you’ll make it every time,” he said.
Ford hopes that a hard lockdown could curb the virus, flattening the curve much like the province did in May. With community engagement and game night a large part of his business, Ford hopes to see people back in his store soon enjoying the games they love.
“I like having people coming in to play. Even if they don’t spend a dime here, I would love to see people come in and play. People having fun is always a good thing to have, especially recently.”


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U.S. lost $14B on auto bailout... Excellent!
July 22, 2011
Yes, the U.S. government will lose money on the auto industry bailout. But, in return, we saved jobs and got an auto industry that's finally ready to compete.
NEW YORK --Including the $1.3 billion loss on its Chrysler investment, announced Thursday, the United States government has lost about $14 billion on the auto industry bail-out. All in all, it was a bargain.
That $14 billion figure is far less than than the $40 billion bath the Congressional Budget Office expected U.S. taxpayers to take in the total auto industry bailout.
Saying the U.S. taxpayer "lost money" is probably the wrong perspective, considering that spending no money at all likely would have meant a financial catastrophe for millions of Americans far in excess of a mere $14 billion.
Had GM and Chrysler collapsed, it would have cost the federal government about $28.6 billion in lost tax revenues and assistance to the unemployed in just the first two years alone, according to the Michigan-based Center for Automotive Research. In other words, doing nothing could have cost more than twice as much the bailout.
By the way, that $28.6 billion figure doesn't include the business taxes the federal government would have lost but can now expect from two large, profitable automakers and their suppliers. It also doesn't include any lost state and local tax revenue.
At any rate, the federal government didn't become involved in lending money to Chrysler, General Motors and others in the auto industry in order to make a profit. Had that been the goal, the Treasury Dept. should have bought Google stock, instead.
No, the government stepped in to secure a pillar of American industry that was in the process of disintegrating. In the year leading up to the Chrysler and General Motors' bankruptcies, the auto industry lost 400,000 jobs. Since the bailout, about 113,000 of those jobs have been recovered, according to the Treasury Department.


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Apple launches redesigned 'Bug Reporter' website for developersApple's online "Bug Reporter" tool, also known as "Radar," has been given a facelift with new features, such as improved searching and auto-saving.
The revamped website became available to developers this weekend, and boasts further improvements for attaching files, and also recognizing when a bug has already been reported. Details and pictures from the new website were shared by AppleInsider reader Hunter.
Apple's Bug Reporter includes the ability to filter bugs, and utilize an advanced search to find specific problems. Development can be divided into a number of categories, including operating systems like iOS, and services like iCloud.
Bug Reporter is only accessible by authorized Apple developers.
On Topic: General
- Judge rules Apple entitled to potential ongoing royalties from patent-infringing Samsung products
- Union pushes Apple for better treatment of campus security guards
- More secrets could come from GT Advanced bankruptcy as Apple divulges details to creditors
- Google's search deal with Apple expires in early 2015, could bring new default to Safari
- Facebook details upcoming privacy changes with notifications to users on mobile & desktop