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eHyundai is a famous automobile manufacturer and is very popular for its worldwide range of high-quality cars. In the present day, the Hyundai Company is making progress in a range of cars that appear in the Pakistani market. Car buyers are much excited due to the upcoming Hyundai cars in Pakistan in 2023. Because Hyundai introduced plans to launch a range of upcoming Hyundai cars in Pakistan in 2023. These upcoming Hyundai cars in Pakistan are expecte to offer the latest design, high-level performance, and new technology, and a strong contender in the national cars industry.
Upcoming Hyundai Cars in Pakistan 2023
A new Hyundai car, the Elantra, will arrive on the roads of Pakistan in 2023. The Elantra is a well-liked vehicle produce by a South Korean automaker. It has won praise for its attractive exterior, plush inside, and cutting-edge technology. A 1.6-liter engine that delivers a refine and potent ride is promise, and other high-tech amenities like power windows, keyless entry, and a touchscreen infotainment system are all likely to be standard. Expect the Hyundai Elantra to come standard with airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a rearview camera. The Hyundai Elantra is anticipate to be a popular choice among Pakistani vehicle buyers looking for a high-quality sedan that fulfills their demands and budget thanks to its attractive design, cutting-edge amenities, and affordable price.
Expected Price: 8,855,480 PKR
The Hyundai Staria is a brand-new vehicle that will soon be on sale in Pakistan in 2023. The Staria was create as a versatile car that could serve a variety of purposes while still being pleasant to ride in and looking good doing so. Its contemporary, sleek look and roomy, sumptuous interior set it apart from automobiles in the same class. A huge touchscreen display, a top-notch sound system, and modern safety systems like lane-keeping assist, front collision warning, and adaptive cruise control are all characteristics we may hope to find in this vehicle. It is predicte that the Hyundai Staria will be offere a selection of fuel-efficient engines that will make long trips enjoyable. The Hyundai Staria, with its innovative styling and cutting-edge amenities, is a welcome addition to the growing market for multi-purpose vehicles.
Expected Price: 18,500,000 PKR
The Hyundai Tucson has been a best-seller among those looking for a compact sport utility vehicle ever since. The car’s sophisticated look, cutting-edge amenities, and powerful performance have earned it widespread acclaim. The newest Tucson comes in a variety of trim levels, each with its own set of advantages. The vehicle comes with an option between a four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2.0 liters and a more potent four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2.4 liters. Additionally, the vehicle can be equipped with a wide variety of state-of-the-art technology, such as lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring, as well as a huge touchscreen display and quality sound system. The Tucson has a roomy and relaxing cabin, with enough space for a large family and their luggage. The car’s sophisticated suspension and finely-tuned chassis contribute to its comfortable and engaging drive.
Expected Price: 6,299,000 PKR
The Hyundai Accent is a new vehicle that will debut in 2023 in many of Pakistan. It is predicte that the new Accent will have a number of upgrades and enhancements over the previous model, including a new exterior design that gives the car a more contemporary and sporty appearance. A wide variety of high-tech technologies, such as lane-keeping assist, front collision warning, and adaptive cruise control, are likely to be standard equipment for the vehicle. The vehicle will likely be offere with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions and a variety of fuel-efficient engines that together create a relaxing and enjoyable driving experience. As a whole, the new Hyundai Accent looks to be a practical and adaptable vehicle that can keep up with the demands of today’s motorists.
Expected Price: 2,500,000 PKR
The Hyundai i20 is a new car that will soon be available in Pakistan. The Hyundai i20 has become a best-seller because of its attractive exterior, versatile interior, and efficient performance. The revised exterior design is meant to give the car a more contemporary and dynamic appearance than its predecessor. The car’s inside should be roomy and comfortable, with high-tech amenities like a huge touchscreen display, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technology like lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The vehicle will likely be offered with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions and a variety of fuel-efficient engines that together create a relaxing and enjoyable driving experience. The Hyundai i20 is aime squarely at the needs of today’s drivers in Pakistan, and the company has made good on its promise to deliver a reliable and cost-effective vehicle.
Expected Price: 2,000,000 PKR
In 2023, Hyundai plans to introduce the Creta to Pakistani drivers. The Creta has made a name for itself as a top-tier compact SUV thanks to its attractive styling, flexible interior, and powerful performance. The revise exterior design is meant to give the car a more contemporary and dynamic appearance than its predecessor. The car’s interior is anticipate to be roomy and comfy, with a number of cutting-edge technologies including a sizable touchscreen display, a top-notch sound system, and numerous active safety tools including lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The vehicle will likely be offered with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions and a variety of fuel-efficient engines that together create a relaxing and enjoyable driving experience. The new Creta is an SUV that’s been built with current Pakistani drivers in mind, so it has the potential to be both practical and adaptable.
Expected Price: 2,280,000 PKR
The Hyundai Ioniq is a new car that won’t be available until 2023 in Pakistan. In the hybrid car market, the Ioniq stands out for its high ratings in these areas as well as its practicality, good looks, and low price. It is anticipate that the new model would have numerous enhancements and modifications over its predecessor, including a new exterior design that provides the car with a more contemporary and aerodynamic appearance. The car’s interior is anticipate to be roomy and comfy, with a number of cutting-edge technologies including a sizable touchscreen display, a top-notch sound system, and numerous active safety tools including lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The new Ioniq is said to be an environmentally friendly and functional vehicle that is tailored to the requirements of today’s Pakistani drivers.
Expected Price: 7,000,000 PKR
In sum, Hyundai is a top-tier manufacturer because of the reliability, affordability, and cutting-edge technology that it incorporates into its cars. In 2023, the business plans to release a slew of new models in Pakistan, including the much-awaited Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Grandeur Calligraphy Black Ink, and Hyundai Ioniq. These vehicles are said to be functional, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing, all of which are important to today’s Pakistani drivers. These cars claim to provide a secure and relaxing ride thanks to their array of cutting-edge technologies, which include things like huge touchscreen displays, high-quality sound systems, and several safety options. Hyundai’s forthcoming vehicles in Pakistan are widely anticipate to usher in a new age of excellence for the automotive market as a whole.
Which new Hyundai cars are coming to Pakistan in 2023?
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Hyundai Creta
- Hyundai i20
- Hyundai Tucson
What is the price of the Hyundai 2023 in Pakistan?
Hyundai Tucson 2023 Prices in Pakistan begin at PKR 6,899,000 and rise to PKR 7,399,000 for the top-of-the-line model.
Is Hyundai launching a new car in Pakistan in 2023?
In Pakistan, the Hyundai Elantra will be offere with a 1.6-liter engine. The estimated cost of a new Hyundai Elantra is 3.20 million Pakistani rupees.
Is the new Elantra coming to Pakistan?
The number of Hyundai Elantras sold grew by 186% between January 2023 and February 2023. In light of this enthusiastic reception, the Korean automaker has decided to introduce the Elantra 1.6L to the Pakistani market. As a result, the top trim levels of the Toyota Yaris and Honda City will provide stiff competition for this sedan in the target market.


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The Colorado State University Annual Flower Trial Garden, 1401 Remington St. in Fort Collins, is a great place to get ideas. The main focus is annual flowers, but the garden also sports vegetables, perennials, ground covers, grasses, shade plants, container plants and more.
A lot of people have been starting their own gardens this year as a way to get out of the house and grow their own food.
If they did their research, they found out it’s best to start small and get a feel for what it’s like. Then, after they get their feet wet and hands dirty, it’s time to think about expanding.
But what should those wanting to go bigger consider growing in next year’s garden?
The Colorado State University Annual Flower Trial Garden, 1401 Remington St. in Fort Collins, is a great place to get ideas. The main focus is annual flowers — those that live out their lives in one growing season. Annuals draw the pollinators, so they are a huge benefit to a garden. The trial garden also sports vegetables, perennials, ground covers, grasses, shade plants, container plants and more.
New entries arrive every year from companies developing new varieties of flowers and plants. The trial garden is used for research purposes by companies that want to test their new varieties, as well as consumers looking for plants that will thrive in the Colorado climate.
Thousands of options
This year there are about 1,100 different entries in the annuals section and about 100 new entries in the perennial section across Remington Street near the CSU Center for the Arts. There are about 300 total in the 3-year perennial trial and about 500 containers, according to Jim Klett, trial garden coordinator.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Klett had fewer helpers than normal to get all those entries planted. Companies send in cuttings mostly that Klett and his team grow and care for in a greenhouse and then move outside when the weather is good. He and a crew of 9 other people at a time started with the containers in May and just finished planting and labeling all the entries this past week.
The trial garden covers a large outdoor area, so it is a safe place to wander during the pandemic. Klett says visitors are still advised to keep safe distances and wear a mask. It is open to visitors during daylight hours when you can really see how well the plants are growing.
Klett said the containers planted in May are filling in nicely, but the garden should peak in mid-July through September. That’s when you will see flowers in full bloom, vegetables ripening and ground covers really filling in the spaces they occupy.
Choosing the best
On Aug. 4, there will be an evaluation day for professionals that enter the trials to see how well their varieties are growing. They learn valuable information from the trial garden that they can use as they develop more varieties. They rank the plants to determine the Best-of winners.
Consumers will be given an opportunity to vote on their favorites from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 8. Klett said there will be door prizes every hour to encourage participation. Knowing what consumers like is helpful information for the companies submitting entries.
If allowed, Klett said they will host group tours, but that depends on social distancing requirements at the time. Currently, Larimer County allows up to 175 people in outdoor gatherings depending on the size of the venue with restrictions such as masks, registration and social distancing, in place, according to Larimer County Public Health.
If they can’t meet those requirements, Klett said they will have consumers do self-guided tours and have people spread throughout the garden to answer questions.
Planning for next year
Homeowners and gardeners can go to the garden anytime between now and winter.
Use the garden to see how well the different varieties grow in this area. Signs in front of each section let people know how much water each variety gets.
This is helpful when wanting to add huge pops of color to a garden with flowers that don’t need a lot of water. Klett said a common myth about annuals is they take a lot of water, but that’s not always true.
He said the gardens are irrigated with non-potable water and given liquid fertilizer through the irrigation system about once or twice per week. They also add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil.
There are signs posted in front of each variety that you can take pictures of in case you want to look for the plants next season. The plants that are ranked Best-of will be the ones most likely to show up in independent garden centers next year. Once the Best-of plants are chosen, some are replanted in the large circular raised bed in front of the shade plant gazebo.
There are also brochures printed up and found at the garden to help consumers know what plants are in the trial.
The garden is also just a beautiful place to stroll and a great setting for photos. Klett said it is one of the top tourist spots in Northern Colorado.
So, put your mask on and head over to see what new wonders await you and your garden.
To learn more about the CSU Annual Flower Trial Garden or learn the Best-of results from previous years, go to http://www.flowertrials.colostate.edu.

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Barclays: Good Outlook for Holiday Spending
Posted on November 25, 2014 by
NEW YORK-All of the signs for a stronger holiday shopping season than last year are in place, according to retail analysts with Barclays Capital.
In a meeting yesterday with reporters, the analysts provided their takes on the factors that will play into holiday shopping traffic this year. Research material provided at the meeting showed that the National Retail Federation has predicted that U.S. retail sales during the holidays should increased by 4.1 percent. The International Council of Shopping Centers has forecast a 4 percent gain, while Deloitte has projected a gain of from 4 to 4.5 percent.
Barclays' research calls for an overall comparable-store sales increase of from 2 to 2.8 percent for the holidays. "We're more optimistic than we were 60 days ago, but still not as optimistic as NRF," said analyst Alan Rifkin.
According to Rifkin, retail is now benefiting from an overall better macroeconomic environment in 2014 versus this time last year. "You have housing on an upswing, you have six more shopping days this year than last year, and you have energy prices working in the consumers' favor," Rifkin said. The weekly U.S. average regular gasoline price at the pumps has dropped more than 80 cents a gallon since June, and is now at its lowest level since 2010, according to Barclays' research.
Among the stocks Rifkin covers are Bed Bath & Beyond and Best Buy. He said e-commerce will be "a big deal with my companies, which have had a low penetration in e-commerce thus far. My retailers are streamlining their e-commerce functions with their stores, because the omnichannel retailers now have a distinct advantage." He cited Best Buy in particular, which is "more effective online now than a year ago," and Williams-Sonoma.
Overall, e-commerce sales should increase by 8 percent in the fourth quarter, up from a 7 percent pickup in the fourth quarter of 2013 and a 6.3 percent gain in the fourth quarter of 2012.
For analyst Matthew McClintock, who covers Target and specialty softline retailers, "there will be no end to the promotional environment" at retail during the holidays. "The holiday season will be intensely promotional, which will be a positive for Target," McClintock said.
Analyst Meredith Adler, who covers Walmart, the dollar stores and food and drug stores, said Walmart's sales thus far in the fourth quarter have been better than expected. Adler said that for the dollar stores, holiday traffic levels will depend on the jobs picture for their target lower-end consumers, and perhaps gasoline prices. Barclays' research showed that the U.S. unemployment rate has slipped below 6 percent, compared to about 9 percent two years ago.-David Gill


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Huawei Applied sciences’ chairman mentioned whereas US sanctions have choked its smartphone enterprise, it won’t surrender and plans to ultimately return to the trade’s “throne”.
In 2019 former US Presidentaccused of being a risk to nationwide safety, put it on an export blacklist and barred it from accessing crucial know-how of US origin, affecting its capacity to design its personal chips and supply parts from outdoors distributors.
“Everybody is aware of that cellphone chips want superior know-how in a small dimension with low energy consumption. Huawei can design it, however nobody might help us make it: we’re caught,” Huawei Chairman Guo Ping was quoted as saying in a transcript of a current Q&A with employees seen by Reuters.
Guo added, nevertheless, that the issues had been solvable.
“Huawei will live on within the subject of cell phones and with steady advances in chip manufacturing, the smartphone throne will ultimately return,” he mentioned.
Huawei, as soon as briefly the world’s largest smartphone vendor, dropped out of the ranks of China’s prime 5 sellers within the newest quarter, the primary time in additional than seven years, in response to analysis agency Canalys.
In November,its lower-end smartphone model – a transfer aimed toward retaining the enterprise alive.
Huawei’s income tumbled 29 % within the first half of this yr, its largest ever fall, with income from its shopper enterprise group which incorporates smartphones, diving 47 % to CNY 135.7 billion (roughly Rs. 1,55,550 crores).
© Thomson Reuters 2021


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They have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to commercialize time-critical goods deliveries with unmanned aerial vehicles, leveraging PEN UAS-based solutions. This initiative is in partnership with Raya Airways as the cargo drone operator.
DHL will participate in a Proof of Commercialization (POC) by the end of 2021 to demonstrate the commercial viability of time-critical cargo drone delivery for port logistics missions, focusing on the maritime industry.
Continue reading “DHL Express & Pen Aviation seal a strategic partnership to participate in cargo drone delivery”
Unmanned Cargo Aircraft (UCA) get more and more attention. UCA offer the potential to transport loads of 1 kg to 10 tons or more over both short and long distances, on routes that are unfeasible or uneconomical for other modes of transport. During the conference, internationally renowned speakers will introduce UCA development projects, potential applications and current deployments.
Continue reading “PUCA is strategic partner of the Unmanned Cargo Aircraft Conference”
Skyports, an enabler of cargo drone deliveries and advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure, and Kencoa Aerospace, a Korea-based global aerospace solution supplier and manufacturer, have announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to implement cargo drone deliveries to and on South Korea’s Jeju Island.
Continue reading “Skyports and Kencoa Aerospace announce BVLOS cargo drone project in Korea”
A report published by the International Transport Forum. This report presents policy options for the successful integration of drones into the transport system. How can countries reap the benefits of drone transport while limiting risks? The report examines concerns about the acceptability, efficiency and sustainability of drone transport.
The analysis covers passenger and freight drones with different payloads and ranges, and also addresses other drone uses that support the transport sector.
Continue reading “Drones in the Transport System: Acceptability and Integration”
The BOOSTLOG project, commencing in 2021, is a 3 year project funded by the EU through HORIZON 2020, aiming to boost the impact generated from EU funded R&I projects to contribute to EU policy objectives, address societal challenges and increase EU’s competitiveness.
Continue reading “BOOSTLOG, boosting the impact of EU funded research in the field of freight transport and logistics”
The DRONAMICS European Droneport Network is the world’s first cargo droneport network and includes private airports and airport groups operating more than 35 airports in 11 European countries, connecting 300 million people with a low-cost same-day cargo service. DRONAMICS will operate same-day flights within the network using its proprietary DRONAMICS “Black Swan” large cargo drones, each with a capacity of 350 kg and range of up to 2,500 km, reducing time, cost and emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional air cargo.
Continue reading “DRONAMICS Announces International drone delivery network”
On the final day of the World Cargo Symposium, the future of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the industry was a hot topic, especially following a morning presentation by Matternet, a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of drones that are currently being uded to deliver life-saving drugs to remote field clinics in Malawi. Continue reading “Matternet Cargo Drones Are Currently Used to Deliver Life-Saving Drugs in Malawi”


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Emerald Health Therapeutics (TSXV:EMH,OTCQX:EMHTF) announced it received its first purchase order from Société Québécoise du Cannabis (SQDC) for recreational product in Quebec.
As quoted in the press release:
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to supply Quebec with our Emerald-branded cannabis products,” said Dr. Avtar Dhillon, President and Executive Chairman of Emerald. “With C$71 million in sales during the first six months of legalized recreational cannabis, the SQDC recorded the second highest provincial sales in Canada, making it a significant market for Emerald to now offer our recreational cannabis products as well as introduce our locally-produced Verdélite-branded products in the months ahead.”
Emerald is currently delivering cannabis to the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation, Cannabis Retail Store, the British Columbia Liquor Distribution Board, the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation, PEI Cannabis, the Yukon Liquor Corporation and to licensed private retailers in Saskatchewan. Emerald has also been authorized by the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation to supply cannabis to Manitoba and signed a sales agreement with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis to supply cannabis to Alberta.


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Aldi Tullow store size set to increase by over 25%
29 June 2021 | 0
Aldi Ireland is planning to extend and fully revamp its Tullow store in a move that will create five new permanent jobs in the town.
The extended store will offer customers a larger shopping space, with the retail floor increasing by 26% from 907sq m to 1,147sq m. Tullow shoppers will also benefit from two new electric vehicle-charging points at the store and 10 bike parking spaces. The new store will also receive a full makeover, including new hi-spec fixtures and fittings.
Aldi has submitted a planning application to Carlow County Council and says it hopes to pursue the project in mid-2022.
“Our new and improved Aldi store will provide an even better shopping experience for customers in Tullow,” said Donald Mackay, regional managing director. “The Aldi Tullow team are excited by this announcement, and we are looking forward to the store being revamped in line with Aldi’s award-winning Project Fresh store layout. In addition, it’s great to see five new jobs being created in the town!”
Opened in February 2007 on the Dublin Road, Aldi Tullow currently employs 22 full-time staff.
Aldi also recently submitted a planning application to replace and upgrade its Hanover Road, Carlow store. The group aims to start the project in 2022.
Operating three stores in County Carlow, Aldi presently employs 70 full-time staff in Carlow, spending almost €4m on wages annually.
Through its partnership with FoodCloud, Aldi’s Carlow stores have donated over 35,000 meals to local charities to date. Each store is also part of Aldi’s Community Grants network, with Eist Cancer Support Centre Carlow and Forward Steps Resource Centre, Tullow among those to avail of the €500 bursary grant in recent times.


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Hewlett-Packard is planning to announce a partner program with Internet service providers (ISPs) and hopes to strike a deal with local telecommunications carrier Telstra.
According to Nigel Ball, HP's general manager for the Internet and applications systems division, the ISP program will be formally announced in September and the company hopes to have five to 10 partners signed up by the end of the year. Several organisations, including PSINet, have already signed up for the program and according to Ball, HP has been "talking" to Telstra.
"ISPs are emerging as key players" in the market of low-cost e-business outsourcing, Ball said.
It will be "critical to partner with them to take e-business applications out to customers".
Ball said although ISPs will continue to work with the likes of Sun Microsystems as they grow their Web hosting services, they will look to partner with organisations in the enterprise market as well.
"If we go forward with ISPs we have a much better chance of delivering the capabilities that enterprises are looking for," Ball said.
In Sydney for HP World '98, Ball also said through its Electronic World strategy announced in March, HP aims to gain a 20 per cent market share in server sales delivering e-business services by the year 2001.
"We have all the pieces to deliver the E-World strategy so we start from a position of greater strength over any of our competitors . . . even IBM," Ball said.
According to Ball, although IBM "clearly" has a better services organisation, HP's "breadth is greater" and technology capabilities go beyond IBM's.


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PRETORIA – President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed Ford South Africa for partnering in the R3.6 billion investment in Tshwane and said yesterday that the launch was a sign of growing investor confidence in the country, just a day before the opening of the Second South Africa Investment Conference.
The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is expected to create 6 700 jobs, with at least 18 car manufacturing companies operating on the premises.
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) embarked on a public-private partnership with the government to facilitate the creation of the Automotive SEZ adjacent to Ford’s Silverton Vehicle Assembly Plant in Pretoria. South Africa desperately needs new investments to ignite its dwindling economy after the growth outlook was slashed from 1.5 percent to 0.5 percent last week.
Moody’s has revised the credit rating outlook from stable to negative, due to the risk that the government will not succeed in arresting the deterioration of its finances, although it maintained the country’s credit rating at investment grade.
In light of these economic headwinds, Ramaphosa said he was encouraged by the decision of the FMCSA to work with the government to establish the first automotive incubation centre.


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Android Nougat Beta Ends; Android O Coming Soon
To all Android device users out there, there will be no more testing of beta versions of Android Nougat software. This information is from Google who has finally killed off the beta program for its latest operating system. Instead, the search engine giant is now focusing on the full launch of Google’s Android O, following the release of its Developer Preview on March 21.
Google's Android Nougat
Android Nougat is the seventh major version of Google's operating system(OS). It was first released in its alpha version on March 9, 2016. And in August at the same year, the full consumer release came rolling out its first to Google’s own Nexus devices, as reported by Trusted Reviews.
Based on Google Play traffic data, 7.1 percent of all Android devices are running on Android Nougat as of this month. The 0.5 percent of those who listed users are on the latest Android 7.1 version and the remaining 6.6 percent are still using the Android 7.0. However, Android Nougat software is not officially stopped and there will be no more beta testing of the OS.
Google's Android O
As reported by Neowin, Android O Beta is coming soon and Google wants to focus on this upcoming operating system. In fact, Google has concluded that all devices that were opted in Beta Program for Android Nougat have been updated to the current public version. The search giant also mentioned that once "the Android O Beta Program begins," they will update their site.
The first-ever Developer Preview build of Google's Android O was rolled out a couple of months ago. It is currently available as an alpha release for selected Android-running devices. The Beta Program for Android O is scheduled to begin this month of May, may be May 17 during Google’s annual I/O developer conference. Android O's general release dates slated for Q3 2017.
Facebook Oculus Story Studio VR Content Division Is Shutting Down
Oculus Story Studio, the award-winning studio behind virtual reality (VR) short films like “Dear Angelica” and “Henry,” is being shut down, Facebook announced Thursday afternoon. The studio’s 50 staffers are encouraged to apply for new jobs within Oculus.
Apple And Amazon Finally Resolve Their Spat
The lack of an Amazon Video app for Apple TV is only one of the issues between the two companies since their disagreements impact customers who avail services from both Apple and Amazon.
OnePlus 3T In Midnight Black Is Officially Sold Out Worldwide
Unlike many other smartphone makers with black color phone options, OnePlus uses on its OnePlus 3t black a fingerprint resistant coating on the aluminum body. And because of that, it really stands out above all.
Surface Phone Might Launch On May 23, What We Know So Far
Microsoft is rumored to make a major design overhaul compared to its previous smartphone models but it is still not clear what the company's plan is for the upcoming Surface Phone, which is said to be a Windows 10 mobile.
HTC Will Build Another Flagship Phone, Even After Billion-Dollar Deal with Google
HTC is showing signs of revival with the announcement of $1.1 billion smartphone business deal with Google.
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The tension with the USA and the disappearance of Google Services from its latest devices has certainly damaged Huawei: but it has not stopped its growth. Between January and June 2020, the Chinese giant reported a 13.1% increase in revenue compared to the previous year, and now thanks you have data provided by Canalys we know it has just reached a historic milestone.
For the first time in history, Huawei is in fact the manufacturer that shipped multiple smartphones over the course of a quarter, thus surpassing Samsung. A result that, apparently, was driven by the wind of the pandemic. Huawei's strength lies in the consolidated leadership within the huge Chinese market, which by paradox has been affected much less than many others by the economic crisis linked to the health emergency, which is why Samsung instead took the hit, but without going in crisis: the figures for the last quarter are solid, and the mobile division managed to remain growing despite the slowdown in sales.
According to analyst Ben Stantan of Canalys it is a "extraordinary result that few would have expected a year ago. If it hadn't been for COVID-19, it wouldn't have occurred. Huawei has taken full advantage of the Chinese economic recovery to restart the smartphone business".
It is not said, therefore, that Huawei's leadership is destined to last even when conditions have normalized: but not even to crumble. The ability to resist the pressures due to the US ban and the pandemic, benefiting from it, is however a proof of the resilience and flexibility that the company is capable of: all things that please shareholders. And above all the first, concrete sign of the fact that Huawei's business can be penalized by external factors and a certain isolation, but without being truly destabilized by it.


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ANA Holdings logs ¥143.6 billion net loss in FY2021
14:21 JST, April 29, 2022
TOKYO (Jiji Press) — ANA Holdings Inc. Thursday reported a group net loss of ¥143,628 million in fiscal 2021, citing low passenger demand amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
But the size of loss shrank from ¥404,624 million a year before thanks to the solid performance of international cargo operations and cost-cutting efforts.
Revenue at the airline group, including All Nippon Airways, totaled ¥1,020,324 million in the year that ended in March, up 40% from the previous year. Operating loss fell to ¥173,127 million from ¥464,774 million.
Revenue from international cargo operations doubled from the previous year to hit a record high of ¥328.7 billion, reflecting brisk demand for transportation of semiconductors.
ANA Holdings’ hopes for an earnings recovery, however, was hampered by stagnant passenger revenue following COVID-19 infection waves. Revenue from domestic flight operations was 40% of the level marked in fiscal 2019, before the spread of the novel coronavirus, and 10% of the fiscal 2019 level for international flight revenue.
Demand for domestic flights is recovering recently following the full lifting of the government’s COVID-19 pre-emergency measures in late March.
ANA Holdings expects that the average number of passengers for fiscal 2022 to recover to 80% of the level before the pandemic for domestic flights and 35% for international flights.
For the current year, the company projects a net profit of ¥21 billion, which would be its first black figure in three years.
“We’ll strive with determination to completely capture the recovering travel demand,” President Koji Shibata told a press conference.
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United States and the significance of global choke points
.The global system has never been as interconnected as it is today. Around 80% of world trade is conducted via sea routes. Global supply chains have become the blood vessels of the globalized networks of economy and trade. Several chokepoints are of immense importance within the global system with major geopolitical and geoeconomic implications for international affairs. In addition to the Covid 19 crisis, which caused global supply chain disruption, all regions of the world are now affected to varying degrees.
When the „mega-ship” Ever Given ran aground and blocked the Suez Canal in both directions, the event illustrated the real costs of disrupting interconnected supply chains. The canal remains one of the most important maritime chokepoints for global trade, located in Egypt and connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean. The blockade of the Suez Canal highlighted real vulnerabilities for European trade. The state Suez Canal Authority estimated the lost revenue at around USD 16 million per day. As a result of the blockade, the delays had a major impact on the supply of crude oil as well as a negative impact on energy prices. Almost 400 ships were affected because they were stuck in the canal during the blockade. Even though some ships were diverted around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the blockade, the diversion took at least seven to ten days longer, causing further immense costs. After Ever Given was freed, more logistical problems kept occurring in the ports due to the many ships arriving at the same time.
Why pay attention at the global choke points?
.The Suez Canal is just one of several major global chokepoints for daily transit from tankers to container ships (like Evergreen) to military naval vessels. Up to 15% of all world trade passes through the canal annually, linking global trade between Asia and Europe. Other major canals and passages along the busy sea routes include the Turkish Strait connecting the Black and Mediterranean Seas, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait connecting the Horn of Africa and the Middle East as a gateway to the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean, the Strait of Hormuz as the most important chokepoint that offers no alternative for ships in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Malacca as the most important Asian chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and Asian destinations, and the Panama Canal connecting Asian countries with the West. While the primary chokepoints mentioned above do not have low-cost shipping alternatives, there are also secondary choke points that have alternative shipping routes, which include the Strait of Magellan, the Strait of Dover, the Sunda Strait, and the Taiwan Strait.
Following the outbreak of the Covid 19 virus and the disruption of global supply chains, leading state powers discussed the idea of reconfiguring their transport and trade routes to cut certain dependencies. Alternative shipping routes could be the proposed Nicaragua Canal or the Kra Canal, but without offering a valuable substitute so far. China sees these choke points as strategically important for its maritime Silk Road, but Beijing is also seeking to develop Arctic shipping routes and railways alongside the terrestrial connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative as an alternative to US-dominated sea routes.
Geopolitical implications of global choke points
.Global shipping routes are increasingly vulnerable to various threats and risks – from piracy to military conflicts to cyber and hybrid threats due to the rapid digitalisation of supply chains and port infrastructures. The boundaries between global shipping routes and geopolitics are increasingly blurred. The geopolitical impact of a prolonged blockade, sudden incident or military conflict can lead to a surge in food and energy prices, which in turn can have cascading effects on conflict-prone areas of the world, leading to social revolt and political chaos. Some of these choke points are quite narrow shipping lanes with high traffic volumes due to their strategic location and therefore face international security problems and cross-border terrorism threats.
The major geopolitical game of the 21st century is likely to be played out in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific, with other hotspots located in the Middle East, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea, which carry a large share of the most significant choke points. Moreover, the map of global chokepoints for maritime transit of oil overlaps with the map of choke points for global food trade to a great extent, which is another indicator of geopolitical disruption in the future. Any long-lasting disruption at one of these key points of natural congestion could have devastating effects on global energy and food security, directly endangering millions of people.
What is the impact on Europe?
.The EU Maritime Security Strategy identifies the disruption of global supply chains as one of the events with a major impact on Europe. Therefore, free movement along the chokepoints connecting Europe with the Indo-Pacific region is crucial for European trade and the economy. Around 90% of European trade takes place via sea routes, thus any disruption could have a significant negative impact on the old continent. For Europe, the Suez Canal is one of the most important geostrategic links with the Indo-Pacific. Besides the canal, the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Malacca are other choke points of immense importance in the region. Several EU countries such as France, the Netherlands, and Germany have also published policies and guidelines on the Indo-Pacific to ensure the safety and freedom of global shipping.
Facilitating security and ensuring free movement along global supply chains cannot be achieved by a single global player in today’s complex world. Attempting to establish supremacy during the Fourth Industrial Revolution requires a quest for self-sufficiency in critical technologies and global supply chains. However, the reconfiguration will be mainly initiated by the US to bring manufacturing and supply chains home or to trusted third partner countries. Regional trading centers such as Japan and the European Union (EU) have already begun to consider shifting production out of China. In the long run, two parallel networks of supply chains are likely to emerge – one centered around the US, the other supported by China.
.Global sea lanes continue to be secured by the active engagement of the US and its allies in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Economic powers and countries with hostile intentions could take control of one of these strategic passages and create a blockade of a global bottleneck – with devastating consequences for already fragile global supply chains. Global trade is increasingly dependent on these maritime chokepoints, the disruption of which could easily throw global food supplies and energy markets into disarray, as well as plunge conflict zones into political chaos and social uprisings.


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The Mahindra Xylo is a feature-rich car, convincing even sedan shoppers in our country with its pricing. It has worked for Mahindra, I see a million Xylos on the roads of Chennai everyday. I'm sure that is the case in your city too.
GM India will adopt a similar approach on its Cruze sedan. The new car is already available in markets like Korea and China. It was launched in China two months back and 20,000 cars have been sold already. It is not a fair comparison, but it hints the Cruze' capability.
GM India says the Cruze will have "luxury features" found in premium models at a "lower" price. It will be launched sometime in October and will create an "intermediate" segment. It will be manufactured at the company's Halol facility.
Could someone tell us if the Optra will be replaced by the Cruze.
2010 Chevrolet Cruze Image Gallery
Source - Business Standard


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When you go shopping online, most retailers are ready to welcome your business provided that you have one thing: a credit card.
Thanks to the wide availability of credit cards in the Western world, online retail has become a multi-billion dollar business. But how much business are online retailers missing out on from would-be customers who don’t have credit cards?
The answer is largely unknown, but for some retailers, it may be significant. Walmart, for instance, says that just 15% of its in-store customers pay with a credit card.
While that doesn’t mean that the 85% of transactions that don’t involve a credit card in store are conducted by customers without credit cards, or that Walmart’s online customer base is the same as its offline customer base, the retail giant isn’t taking any chances.
Today, it is launching a Pay with Cash feature that seeks to ensure customers who don’t have credit cards can still participate in online commerce. How it works is simple: cash customers shop at Walmart.com as anyone else would and at checkout, they select the Pay with Cash option. At that point, they’re given an order number which they can take to a local Walmart within 48 hours to make a cash payment. Once that payment has been made, the order will be processed and shipped.
Citing the fact that just 15% of offline transactions are credit-based, Walmart.com CEO Joel Anderson stated “We definitely think [this] could be a big opportunity.” As AllThingsDigital’s Tricia Duryee notes, other companies think so too and are trying to cash in on cash-only. One player, PayNearMe, allows retailers to offer their own pay with cash option; customers make their payments at local 7-11 stores.
While not every retailer may have a pressing need to woo cash-only customers, for Walmart, bringing cash-only customers online could prove significant. While Walmart stores carry a lot, the selection on Walmart.com is far greater, and the retailer has been increasingly building smaller stores. If Walmart can eventually introduce its cash customers to Walmart.com, it could be a real shot in the arm for the company’s ecommerce venture.


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Shocking! Famed fashion house Schiaparelli revived
In their heyday, Coco Chanel dismissed Schiaparelli as ‘‘that Italian artist who makes clothes.’’ Schiaparelli responded, equally cattily, calling Chanel ‘‘that milliner.’’
Fashion rivalries are in vogue at the moment. A highlight of this year’s fashion calendar involves the media pitting the two new designers at Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior against each other.
So after 60 years does the Schiaparelli revival signal there'll once again be handbags at dawn on the Place Vendome?
‘‘No! Chanel is Chanel. It remains Chanel,’’ says Khelfa. She hesitates: ‘‘But Schiaparelli is coming!’’
Thomas Adamson can be followed at http:/ /Twitter.com/ThomasAdamsonAP


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While it doesn’t look like there will be a Dark Knight Rises comic book, there is going to be a Dark Knight Rises novel. Warner Bros Pictures, Legendary Pictures, and Titan Books announced today an official tie-in novel for The Dark Knight Rises. The novel will be written by author Greg Cox, and it will be published by Titan Books under a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products.
In the comics field, Greg Cox is the same author who wrote the official novelizations for Infinite Crisis (2006), 52 (2007), Countdown (2009), and Final Crisis (2010). Cox has also written adaptations and original novels based on Star Trek, Underworld, Warehouse 13, Terminator Salvation, CSI and more.
“Batman is one of the most iconic characters of popular culture,” Titan Publisher Nick Landau said. “We’re tremendously excited to work with Warner Bros. on the novelization of ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ especially since it is the culmination of everything Christopher Nolan has done with his amazing trilogy. This is a part of motion picture history.”
Interestingly enough, the press release for the novel states, “The publishing of Titan Books’ The Dark Knight Rises is timed to reach consumers worldwide on the same day as the Warner Bros. Pictures release. The Dark Knight Rises opens in theatres on Friday, July 24, 2012.” Of course, Batman fans know that The Dark Knight Rises is scheduled to be released on July 20 and those with a calendar know July 24 is a Tuesday. Not sure if the book will actually be released on July 20 or July 24, but never fear the movie is still on target for July 20.


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It is launching a crowdsourcing Facebook app that sources advertising ideas directly from the motorbike brand’s Facebook fans.
The “Fan Machine” app allows Harley-Davidson’s Facebook community to review advertising briefs, submit creative ideas and vote on other fans’ suggestions.
Harley Davidson will reward fans for their contributions and then work with its existing marketing partners to develop the ideas.
The brand has been approaching crowdsourcing in a minor way for several months but hopes to bring it to scale through Facebook. Its “No Cages” campaign in February began as a crowdsourced idea.
Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson’s chief marketing, officer says: “This is not a publicity stunt, or a limited time engagement. We’re committed to crowdsourcing because these ideas naturally flow from our passionate fans. As the true stewards of our brand, our fans now have a huge new platform to share their ideas.
“It works for us because their passion for our brand is second-to-none. They’re going to light this thing up, and it will be fun to watch.”
He adds that Facebook is helping the brand engage with younger audiences as the average Facebook fan is between 18 and 34.
The first design brief is available now via Facebook.


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As a tech company, we spend a lot of time reading the blogs, digital newspapers and sentiments of other Cloud companies. However, like anyone, we have more on our mind than just Cloud technologies and virtualization solutions. I am a keen follower and advocate for everything social/blogging. With this in mind, I want to present a counterpoint to a blog our content friends over at Brafton published yesterday titled, “4 Reasons Why Facebook Isn’t Dead“. It was a well written article yet there are some holes.
1. Does It Really Boast the Most Members?
Ghost accounts. Liking parties. Spammers. As noted in the Brafton piece, Facebook has over 1 billion active users worldwide. 1 billion? Let’s look at that figure a bit deeper and go beyond scratching the surface. According to Facebook, the social media giant has 1 billion strong however according to multiple sources – The Huffington Post, Mashable, The Globe Press, Business Insider, CNN etc. – Facebook is constantly skewing their user base by a range of 10 – 20%. Quick math, that means the social media giant has between 100 million and 200 million fake accounts floating around, posting and spamming. Brafton is correct in the sense that the Facebook user base of 800 million active accounts is a “huge pool of potential customers your brand can engage with and turn into loyal customers” however while other social media networks are gaining a larger following within the teenage community, Facebook is holding steady/shedding them.Continue


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The South Korean giant LG is the well known brand in the mobile market currently with some excellent smartphones including LG G4. We recently saw two new LG G4 variants approved by FCC, out of which, one looks like to be the variant of LG G4 and other the variant of LG G4 Stylus. A couple of days ago, LG launched the LG G4 White Gold Edition in South Korea for the LG U+ carrier, for which there is no news if it will be available outside Korea or not. It might be the model number LG-H815PX approved by FCC few days back.
Now, a new LG device with model number LG-H410YK have been approved by FCC. There is not much information available in the FCC documents about this new model. But, if we check the model LG-H410, its the LG’s Wine smart flip phone launched in August this year. This may be the indication that LG is going to launch the LG Wine smart phone in the US with model name LG-H410YK and will be some carrier exclusive.
If we check out the specifications of the LG Wine smart phone, it comes with a 3.2-inch IPS LCD touchscreen display with 320×480 pixels resolution. This flip phone is powered by a 1.1 GHz quad-core processor along with 1 GB of RAM. It comes with 4GB of inbuilt storage with micro SD card expandable storage slot. It runs on the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop OS out of the box.
It features a a 3-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a 0.3-megapixel front facing camera. it has a 1700mAh removable battery and comes with 4G LTE, 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Micro-USB connectivity options. It measures 117.7×58.7×16.6mm and weighs 143 grams. It comes with a T9 keyboard and a leather-like finish on the back panel.
LG Wine smart is the international variant of LG Gentle that was launched in South Korea with weak specs than Wine smart flip phone. So wait for LG to announce it officially in the upcoming days. Stay tuned.


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Committee Approves Bill to Freeze Job-Killing Regulations
The House Judiciary Committee Tuesday approved a bill to provide immediate relief to small businesses and freeze the implementation of significant regulations by the Obama administration. The Regulatory Freeze for Jobs Act of 2012 (H.R. 4078), which was introduced by Congressman Tim Griffin (R-Ark), puts a moratorium on new significant regulations until the national unemployment rate stabilizes at or below six percent. The bill was approved by a vote of 15-13.
The Obama administration has quickly turned the United States into a regulation nation. This Administration has adopted an unprecedented amount of costly new regulations, which hinder small business growth and stall job creation.
According to a study by the Small Business Administration, regulations cost the American economy $1.75 trillion annually. We need to encourage small businesses to expand, not tie them up with red tape.
Unfortunately, rather than add much-needed jobs to the economy, the Obama administration has only added job-killing regulations that burden businesses and stifle economic growth. In 2011, the Obama administration’s agenda had over 200 ‘economically significant’ new rules, each of which typically affect the American economy $100 million or more each year.
The Freeze Act gives small businesses a much-needed break from new significant federal regulations until the unemployment rate stabilizes at six percent. The Act encourages job creators to make the kinds of investments that will jump-start our economy and gives them confidence about future regulatory actions.
The Freeze Act helps lift the burden on small businesses and frees them up to spend more, invest more, and produce more in order to create more jobs for American workers.
H.R. 4078 is narrowly tailored only to stop unnecessary regulations. The bill contains reasonable exceptions for significant regulations that are necessary to protect health and safety, for national security, to enforce criminal laws or to implement trade agreements. Information on today’s markup of the Freeze Act can be found here.
Background on Regulation Reduction Bills: Last year, the House of Representatives passed three House Judiciary Committee bills to help reduce the impact of burdensome regulations on small businesses and the economy. The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act (H.R. 10) requires Congress to approve regulations that have an economic impact of $100 million or more before they can be imposed on the American people. The Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (H.R. 527) requires federal agencies to identify and reduce the costs new regulations would impose on small businesses. The Regulatory Accountability Act (H.R. 3010) places permanent restrictions on regulatory agencies and restores accountability by requiring openness and transparency in the regulatory process.


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SINGAPORE – The Singapore economy grew by 0.2 per cent on a year-on-year basis in the first quarter of 2021, a turnaround from the 2.4 per cent contraction recorded in the previous quarter, according to advance estimates released by the Ministry of Trade and Industry on Wednesday (April 14).
On a quarter-on-quarter seasonally-adjusted basis, the economy expanded by 2.0 per cent, extending the 3.8 per cent growth in the preceding quarter.
The first-quarter growth was a surprise as analysts had tipped the economy to shrink 0.5 per cent year-on-year, according to a Bloomberg poll. The survey also forecast a growth of 1.7 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted basis in the January-March period.
This was the economy’s first quarterly growth since the fourth quarter of 2019, before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
MTI has maintained its November forecast of the economy growing by 4.0 to 6.0 per cent this year. The higher end of the 2021 estimate would make it the best year since 2011, when gross domestic product grew by 6.3 per cent.
After an unprecedented 5.4 per cent economic contraction, which was Singapore’s worst-ever recession since independence, the 2021 estimate looks stellar. The economy grew by 1.3 per cent in 2019.
However, the growth acceleration this year can be partially attributed to the low base set in the second quarter of last year when the economy shrank by 13.3 per cent – the worst in a quarter ever.
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Source: Read Full Article


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Two Tribes' Final Game RIVE Gets an Exhilarating Launch Trailer
Two Tribes has released a launch trailer for RIVE, which will be their final game.
RIVE is a fast-paced shooter/platformer hybrid. Two Tribes has stated that this game is the “absolute best they could do” before they depart from the game industry. The video highlights some of the game’s main features.
You can watch the trailer below. RIVE is available now on PC, Mac, Linux, and PS4.


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Premier Wen Jiabao accompanies British Prime Minister David Cameron as they review a guard of honor at a welcome ceremony in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. [Wu Zhiyi/China Daily]
He may have flown halfway around the world but David Cameron found himself in familiar surroundings when he arrived in China on Tuesday - a Tesco supermarket.
The chain's trademark red-and-blue sign is ubiquitous in Cameron's home country, although the British prime minister will no doubt have noticed a few subtle differences with the store he visited after landing at Beijing Capital International Airport.
Instead of the usual bread and biscuits in the United Kingdom, the store in Beijing's eastern Happy Valley area is stocked with foods popular with Chinese customers, meaning more fresh fish and noodles.
This ability to adapt to a very different market has proved a real strength for Tesco, whose executive director, Lucy Neville-Rolfe, is part of the largest-ever British delegation to China.
The company has become an increasingly common sight in cities on the Chinese mainland since opening its first store in 2004. Today, it boasts 99 outlets and is planning a 2-billion-pound ($3.2 billion) investment over the next five years, according to media reports.
It is this kind of success that many of the more than 40 other business leaders, part of the visiting delegation, are keen to replicate.
British Prime Minister David Cameron (left) leaves a Tesco store, his first stop after arriving in Beijing on Tuesday. [Darren Staples/Reuters]
Cameron, who is also accompanied by four ministers (Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, Business Secretary Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne and Education Secretary Michael Gove), stated before leaving London that the mission of his two-day visit to China, his first since he took office, was to boost trade between the two nations.
The prime minister said he plans to more than double British exports to China over the next five years from their current level of 7.7 billion pounds to 18.5 billion pounds by 2015.
A number of deals had already been announced, including measures to boost sales of Scotch whisky and allow the import of breeding pigs into China. But the highlight on Tuesday was a $1.2-billion tie-up inked by China Eastern Airlines and Rolls-Royce for 16 Airbus 330-200 jet engines.
The signing was witnessed by Cameron, who met Premier Wen Jiabao for afternoon talks at the Great Hall of the People to discuss ways to boost trade.
Beijing is expecting London to expand cooperation in the fields of high-end manufacturing, innovation industry, finance service, energy saving and environmental protection, said Wen during the meeting. He also urged Britain to further release the restrictions on high-tech exports to China, a move that would be conducive to more balanced and sustainable bilateral trade growth.
The Chinese premier reaffirmed his nation's commitment to intellectual property rights protection, vowing to provide a more transparent, regulated and convenient environment for investment. He also promised to encourage more Chinese investment in Britain, calling for a simple administrative process, more targeted service and easier visa application.
In response, Cameron said Britain views China's development as an opportunity and welcomed Chinese companies' participation in the UK's infrastructure construction.
In 2009, UK exports to China increased by 6.2 percent year-on-year, despite trade with other countries dropping dramatically due to the global financial crisis.
In the first three quarters of 2010, British investment in China also expanded by 43 percent year-on-year, according to Sun Yongfu, director-general of European affairs department for China's Ministry of Commerce.
"Overall, the Sino-UK relationship has been stable, especially compared to relationships with (other nations in) Europe. It has always been very practical," Tian Dewen, an expert on UK studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told China Daily.
Cameron is scheduled to meet President Hu Jintao on Wednesday to focus on the topic of the G20 summit in Seoul, the South Korean capital, this week. He will leave Beijing later that day after giving a speech at Peking University.


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Internet-connected toys are currently a rage among parents and kids alike but what we are not aware of are the associated security dangers of using Smart toys. It is a fact that has been acknowledged by the Center for Digital Democracy that smart toys pose grave privacy, security and similar other risks to children. There are certain privacy and security flaws in a pair of smart toys that have been designed to engage with kids.
Last year, we reported how “Hello Barbie” toy spies on kids by talking to them, recording their conversations and send them to company’s servers which are then analyzed and stored in another cloud server.
Now, the dolls My Friend Cayla and I-Que Intelligent Robot that are being marketed for both male and female kids are the objects of security concern. In fact the Federal Trade Commission’s child advocacy, consumer and privacy groups have filed a complaint against these dolls.
It is being suspected that these dolls are violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) as well as the FTC rules because these collect and use personal data via communicating with kids. This feature of the dolls is being termed as a deceptive practice by the makers. The FTC has been asked in the complaint to investigate the matter and take action against the manufacturer of the dolls Genesis Toys as well as the provider of third-party voice recognition software for My Friend Cayla and I-Que, Nuance Communications.
The complaints have been filed by these groups: the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC), Consumers Union, Center for Digital Democracy (CDD) and the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC).
According to complainers, these dolls are already creepy looking and the fact that these gather information makes them even creepier. Both these toys use voice recognition technology coupled with internet connectivity and Bluetooth to engage with the kids through answering questions and making up conversations. However, according to the CDD, this is done in a very insecure and invasive manner.
The Genesis Toys claims on its website that while “most of Cayla’s conversational features can be accessed offline,” but searching for information would require internet connectivity. The promotional video for Cayla doll also focuses upon the toy’s ability to communicate with the kid as it stated: “ask Cayla almost anything.”
To work, these dolls require mobile apps but some questions might be asked directly. The toys keep a Bluetooth connection enabled constantly so that the dolls could reach to the actions in the app and identify the objects when the kid taps on the screen.
Some of the asked questions are recorded and sent to Nuance’s servers for parsing but it is yet unclear how much of the information is kept private. The toys’ manufacturer maintains that complete anonymity is observed.
The toys were released in late 2015 but still these are selling like hot cakes.
As per researchers’ statement in the FTC complaint, “by connecting one phone to the doll through the insecure Bluetooth connection and calling that phone with a second phone, they were able to both converse with and covertly listen to conversations collected through the My Friend Cayla and i-Que toys.”
This means anyone can use their smartphone to communicate with the child using the doll as the gateway.
Watch this add to see how Cayla works
Watch this video to understand how anyone can spy on your child with Cayla and i-Que
If you own a smart toy, keep an eye on the conversation between you and your kid.


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(Sept. 21) Unable to keep up with demand, the makers of equipment that keeps produce fresh and disease-free have turned to an outside manufacturer to boost production.
AirOcare, Rockville, Md., announced Sept. 1 that it had selected Mid-South Industries Inc., Gadsden, Ala., to build its air purification and sanitation equipment.
AirOcare units use oxygen ions to sanitize the air in cold storage facilities, eliminate odors and kill bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew and other contaminants.
In Mid-South, AirOcare picked a company that manufactures equipment for Xerox, Frigidaire and other top-shelf companies, said Bob McDonald, AirOcare’s president and chief executive officer.
The partnership between the two companies will help AirOcare lower the costs of its products and develop new technologies, McDonald said.
AirOcare equipment has been adopted by other industries, but the company got its feet wet in produce, McDonald said.
“Our initial market focus was in serving the needs of grower-shippers of fresh fruits and vegetables,” he said. “We continue to emphasize this market area while we have been expanding into the full cold chain from growers to carriers to processors to retailers.”
According to the AirOcare Web site, AirOcare treatments of fresh produce have resulted in the following:
- 15% reduction in weight loss and 41% reduction in rotting in apples.
- 27% increased shelf life in bananas.
- 90% reduction in environment contamination in potatoes.
- 84% reduction in fungus in peaches.
- Spoilage reduction from 70% to 10% in cauliflower.
- 30% more juice and 15% more weight in citrus.
- increased storage from two to six months in a variety of fruit.
What separates AirOcare from other companies, McDonald said, is its use of a nonchemical approach using ambient air to remove up to 99.9% of the bacteria and contaminants from coolers, controlled-atmosphere rooms and other cold-storage settings.
Scrubbing the air with AirOcare air purification equipment extends the shelf life of fresh produce, improves quality and enhances food safety, McDonald said.


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Mediaset spins off premium pay-TV business
| 15 November 2014
Not taking lightly the challenge of a beefed-up Sky Italia, Mediaset has a launched a new pay-TV business for its premium content, most notably football.
The new concern, Mediaset Premium Spa, will launch on 1 December 2014 and will be a joint venture between the parent groupís subsidiary RTI and Spanish telco Telefůnica, which will hold an 11.11% stake.
Explaining the new offer, Silvio Berlusconiís firm said that Mediaset Premium would aim to focus and develop more and more commitment to the production and distribution of content broadcast on pay-TV platforms, as well as to further enhance the recent investments made by the Group for the exclusive acquisition of significant sports rights absolute in the coming years.
The new firmís business plan schedules a general increase in premium quality product as well as for delivery on new distribution platforms. Premium content will be offered to new customers with value-added services, including subscriptions. A shareholders' meeting is convened for 26 November 2014 to elect a new board of directors. Current head of Mediasetís pay-TV assets Franco Ricci has been nominated as managing director for the new company, which will have a formidable rival in Sky Italia which has now officially been integrated with the Sky pay-TV business in the UK and Sky Deutschland.


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At midyear, we take stock of the major trends we identified in January to see how they have played out in global retail in the first half of 2019, and identify two new trends we think will be significant in later 2019 and into 2020.
Alibaba’s supermarket chain Freshippo’s introduction of Pick’n Go leverages China’s growing away-from-home-breakfast market, expected to be worth ¥840 billion (around $126 billion) by 2021. The new store format is also part of Freshippo’s effort to diversify its revenue streams.
Several major trends have solidified in the first half of 2019. The new e-commerce law has driven customers to buy though official, regulated channels, putting daigou on a downward trajectory.
We look at the growing importance of sustainability in retail and, using the results of a consumer survey, we offer a case study of a sustainably positioned retail business — Watermill Express.
Coresight Research estimates the woman’s plus-size clothing market in the US is approximately $30.7 billion in 2019. Women who wear plus sizes spend less per capita on apparel and live in lower income households relative to the overall female population.
We look at recent exhibitions by luxury brands and their impact, particularly on social media. These exhibitions suit the current trend and the needs of Chinese consumers in terms of the "clock in" culture and "taste upgrade" on social media.
IVAs can improve supply chain operations by cutting labor costs and enabling faster and more accurate service delivery, ultimately leading to better customer experiences. Companies such as Alibaba and Aramex have been employing IVAs to improve supply chain efficiency.
In May, US wage growth softened a little, as did inflation; UK retail sales were weak; and China retail sales growth picked up to 8.6%, but inflation was high in food.
The Xcel Brands x Coresight Research Monthly Fashion Trend Report highlights the fashion trends that are just emerging, growing quickly or hitting maturity
The Internet of Things can improve supply chain operations by controlling the quality of goods, making predictive maintenance possible, the logistics processes more efficient and deliveries more accurate.
The Fashion Trend Monthly Data Report report accompanies the Xcel Brands x Coresight Research Monthly Fashion Trend Report.
This report explores the senior population in the US, its spending power and spending habits. We also look at senior spending in core retail categories compared to average household spending to understand how seniors allocate their budgets.
Blockchain is a promising technology that offers improvement to retailers’ supply chains through better traceability of products, prevention of counterfeiting and improved customer experience.
Chinese consumers have higher expectations than ever before: They are more digital than their Western counterparts, have rising incomes and are experiencing an explosion in retail and product options.
Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Innovative Companies Emphasize Personalization, Sustainability, Subscriptions and Grooming
Coresight Research has selected five inspiring Father’s Day gift ideas from innovative brands including GiftNow, Same But Different, MYRO, Birchbox Grooming, and OneBlade.


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Bloomberg says the downsized iPad would probably sell for half the current price, matching the competitors.
Industry analysts say companies that supply components and assemble products have been set up. And it's now only a matter of Apple getting production up and running.
It's been rumored that an iPad 'Mini' could go on sale sometime next year and would be priced at $299.
Apple hasn't confirmed any of the reports.


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Receive breaking news and special reports. The news and stories that are important were delivered on weekdays.
John Cortinas knows exactly how many calories he gets.
The government's 54-year-old meteorologist chews a salad at a chipotle in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he says he carefully reads the calorie counts on the menu options.
"I am seeking to make healthy choices," he said. "I watch my weight," Cortinas said, nodding at the diet lemonade he bought to go with his salad.
Cortinas said he was aware and grateful for the labeling requirements of the Food and Drug Administration, which came into force on Monday. "I pay more attention to the low-calorie options," he said.
It took a long time to get here, but in all restaurants with 20 or more outlets, calories and other nutritional information must be on their menus. These include popcorn popcorn and drinks in bars.
The Affordable Care Act of 2010 challenged the labels, but the FDA has since been negotiating with industry and Congress.
Many restaurant chains have published these calorie numbers for years. Others have fought hard against them, and a year ago, the FDA postponed the labeling requirement for a year.
There will be no delay from Monday.
"Giving you calorie information in foods can help you make more informed decisions about your diet – decisions that can help improve your overall health and family," said the FDA.
"And that's just as important that you and your family have access to this information when you eat, as you do at home, when you're able to look at calorie counter on food packaging."
Chipotle, Focusing on burritos, tacos and salad bowls, it offers a breakdown of ingredients. Thus, the menu tells the guests that a burrito can deliver between 740 and 1,210 calories, depending on rice (210 calories), beans (130 calories), salsa (15-80 calories) or cheese (110 calories). 19659004] "What's good is not just understanding the total calories, but the calorie counts of the ingredients of what you have," Cortinas said.
Celis De La Cruz also estimates calorie counts. "I'm not carbohydrates," she said as she plummeted from the same Silver Spring chipotle. "Just about everything I get is salads – lettuce and chicken," added the 40-year-old analyst. "I'm one of those people who can eat the same for lunch every day."
The menu labels are nothing new at Silver Spring. The suburb of Washington, D.C. Located in Montgomery County, which met its own menu requirements in 2010.
The idea behind the laws, both at the federal and local levels, is to help Americans control their weight. With over 40 percent of the American population overweight, and over 70 percent either obese or overweight, the need is grim.
"For consumers who want to consume less calories, information about calories and other nutrients have the potential to save lives and improve," said Susan Mayne, director of the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
Some studies have shown that menu names do not affect consumer behavior. Most customers in a Panera bread around the corner from Chipotle said they had not paid attention.
"I just eat what I want to eat," said a man in his thirties who did not want to give his name when he ate a bagel (about 300 calories) with peanut butter spread (250 calories)
But Allen, a 48-year-old IT security specialist who did not want to give his full name said he memorized the calories of fast food chains.
"I'm looking to make sure it's not overly high," he said as he finished a sandwich in a Panera. "I usually keep it at around 500 calories, you have three meals a day, and you get 1,500 to 2,000 calories for a day."
He estimates his own sandwich provides 400 calories. "The chips are around 80," he said. "It is not so bad."
A Panera Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is the low calorie option of the 440 calorie restaurant chain, although the flatbread sandwiches cost less than 400 calories. A steak and white cheddar panini roasts 940 calories.
It is this type of information that people really need to make decisions, the Center for Science argues in the public interest. The CSPI has been publishing spectacular annual reports on the calorie, fat and salt content of meals at popular restaurant chains for decades, and filed a lawsuit to force the federal government to pass the menu labeling law. Without it, it would be hard to say that the Louisiana Chicken Pasta (2,330 calories) is much tougher on the waist than the four cheese pastas (1,190 calories) in the Cheesecake Factory, "said the CSPI in a statement on Published Monday.
"The numbers tell you it's about 1,000 calories more, and at Starbucks, a big caffè mocha with whole milk and whipped cream (400 calories) has five times as many calories as a great fat-free cappuccino (80 calories)."
Cleveland Clinic Nutritionist, Kristin Kirkpatrick, thinks the labels are good
"There are many more things I think we need to do as consumers demand more and more information from their food and drink," she said you.
"But it will definitely reveal a little more and we'll see – time will tell if the behavior will change."
Even if it's a special treat, the calories fall on the menu, Aaron said Kimbrough, manager of a Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Parlor in Silver Spring
"It's funny, some people joke about it," he said. "I had a wife last weekend, she wanted a scoop of ice cream with the lowest calorie content," he added.
But Kimbrough said he doubted that the calorie list changed the behavior of most customers. "You know, when you come here, you do not want to save calories," he said, laughing.


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NEW YORK, April 11 (UPI) -- IBM is reportedly pursuing further profits and setting a precedent by freely sharing many of its formerly secret patents.
In January, the company announced what it called a "new era" in how it controls intellectual property, by making 500 patents -- mainly for software code that manages electronic commerce, storage, image processing, data handling and Internet communications -- freely available to others.
It also said more would follow.
"The layer of technology that is open is going to steadily increase, but in going through this transition we're not going to be crazy," John Kelly, a senior vice president, told the New York Times. "This is like disarmament. You're not going to give away all your missiles as a first step."
The world's largest supplier of information technology services and computers collected 3,248 U.S. patents last year and yet showed earnings of more than $1 billion last year from licensing and selling its ideas.
"The business world today is engaged in a huge experiment in figuring out what different parts of intellectual property should be open and closed," said Steven Weber, director of the Institute of International Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.


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Personal electric vehicles (EVs) have turned the automotive industry inside out thanks to top-down intervention. To visualise the positive effect local governments have had, consider that nearly a quarter of all vehicles in Europe are now electrified! But there’s always been a case for personal cars to ignite the e-transition, as the barriers to entry are much lower than larger vehicles in terms of cost, adoption and environmental impact. Now that consumer EVs are nearing the ‘tipping point’, intervention is needed in other sub-sectors to further reduce the vast CO2 emissions the automotive industry emits.
Commercial fleets are next up on the list as these are the last road vehicles to join the e-transition – this isn’t limited to the UK, as it’s been observed across Europe. Indeed, Germany leads the sector shift and questions are now raised as to whether other nations will follow and how much of the transition will come down to decisions by national leaders? To bolster things in 2023 and beyond, local governments need to apply the same pressure to the sector that we saw in the personal car industry.
Why are HDVs and LDVs the slowest electrifying road vehicles?
New research shows that 47% of trucking fleet managers believe light and heavy-duty vehicles (LDVs and HDVs) are the last vehicles to make the switch to electric due to the challenges surrounding a country’s charging infrastructure.
A further 41% of trucking fleet managers require readily accessible charging points that are affordable in the face of an impending energy crisis. This means that fleet managers will need EV schemes that are geared towards lessening their dependence on diesel-powered vehicles.
In order to successfully transition to fully electric fleets, businesses will also need guaranteed access to charging depots. As of 2022, there are only 31,507 charging depots across the UK. Research shows that there is an average of 420,000 EVs on the road, highlighting an urgent need for charging infrastructure investment to keep up with demand.
The demand for charging depots is only set to increase as European countries are striving for a net-zero future. Fleet managers are aware of this, but finding a solution that is within budget and actually feasible is proving to be a challenge. Governments now have the opportunity to change the course of direction and assist fleet managers in addressing their concerns.
Read next: Our favourite electric cars and SUVs
Covering all bases with electromobility schemes
A total of 20 European countries have subsidy programmes to help consumers and businesses alike purchase EVs. Commercial fleets need to make the most of all available funding as this is vital to securing a successful e-transition.
However, almost two-fifths (39%) of fleet managers say their company has not taken advantage of available electromobility schemes in their respective regions. This is in part due to the lack of awareness of such schemes. In the Netherlands, the second largest EV nation in Europe, 45% of fleet managers are unsure if their companies are even aware of local subsidies, with a further 26% fully in the dark.
It is more important than ever for governments to make fleet managers aware of all available funding. In Germany, over half of fleet managers are aware of the incentive schemes offered and as a result, they recorded the highest number of eTrucks registrations in 2021.
This awareness is crucial as reducing the total cost of owning an eTruck creates momentum in EV adoption. The International Council of Clean Transportation (ICCT) predicts that eTrucks will become more price competitive than diesel trucks by 2025 in the Netherlands and 2026 in the UK, but this can be accelerated with greater awareness of support mechanisms.
As fleet managers are currently feeling the financial effects of owning regular diesel trucks, this is the perfect opportunity for governments to demonstrate the full benefits of transitioning to EVs by offering tax relief incentives as well as toll-free transport and charging grants.
Germany’s successful transition comes down to three things
Out of the 1,394 eTrucks registered in 2021, 800 eTrucks were German, revealing the Deutsche nation as leading the trucking e-transition within Europe. The only other countries keeping up with Germany are the UK with 333 registered eTrucks and the Netherlands with 216 registered eTrucks.
Germany has managed to achieve successful fleet electrification through three key pillars:
- The shift away from diesel-powered trucks,
- Strong awareness of governments electromobility programs,
- Investment in public charging options.
To shift away from diesel-powered trucks, the HoLa project (high-performance charging in long-haul trucking) was launched by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) in 2021. This innovation cluster of eco-friendly truck driver technology aims to bring industry-wide change to the forefront of the German market.
The effect of the HoLa project has been increased by the collaboration between various manufacturers and policymakers to bring about further standardisation in the location of charging plugs.
In bringing awareness to electromobility programs, Germany’s Umweltbonus (environmental bonus) program offers grants of up to €9,000 in EV purchases that are proven to resonate amongst those in charge of electrifying fleets. We see this with over 50% of German fleet managers being aware of subsidy schemes offered by their government with a further 60% taking advantage of this.
By investing in public charging options, Germany is leading the way with impressive tax reliefs and toll-free options for eTrucks, whilst funding 80% of infrastructure costs.
Through this approach, local German authorities are positioned perfectly to effectively push for top-down reforms, becoming powerful climate advocates as they implement the three key transition pillars.
Governments can enable the e-transition
Despite the current incentive schemes put in place by European governments, less than a fifth of businesses are on par to fully electrify their fleets by 2030. For nations who are looking to reach net-zero emission targets by 2050, this should serve as a wake-up call. It’s time to budget for change and recognise that there must be developments in infrastructure and greater empowerment of businesses that wish to join the transition.
Fleet managers’ dependence on vigorous policies and continuous financial support exemplifies just how pivotal top-down support can be in aiding their decision to switch. By hammering home the three pillars of successful electrification, we can start to see other European countries follow in Germany’s footsteps.
At the top of local authorities’ agenda must be legislation for reliable and accessible charging infrastructure – this will unlock e-mobility. The infrastructure gap is what holds back many fleet managers and other players in the automotive industry from concentrating their electrification efforts. Individuals with decision-making power have an opportunity to solve this if we see the same pressure applied to the trucking industry as we did with consumer EVs. Once EV charging points are widely available, we will see businesses take the environmental plunge to train and invest in the next generation of HDV and LDV drivers.


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Central Bank of Nigeria has now stated that people who get duped by online scammers can get their money back, but this can only be possible if the money is paid into any bank account in the country.
The CBN has mandated all banks to open a fraud desk to handle cases in order to help victims get back money from online fraudsters.
The bank will investigate, prosecute and reverse such dubious transactions even if the scammer has withdrawn the money.
Let’s say you use UBA and you paid money into your Instagram seller’s (scammer) Zenith account, you can simply send a mail to [email protected]
Make sure you copy the CBN at [email protected] (This puts the banks on their toes) and this applies to every bank in Nigeria.
The banks should block such a suspicious account IMMEDIATELY if any complaint is received via the fraud desk, said CBN.
They can also receive customer’s STOP-TRANSACTION complaints to block their own account.
You can visit CBN’s website for more details on how the procedure works.
The Central Bank of Nigeria hope this will reduce the method of online scamming and put the mind of Nigeria citizens at rest.


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[This post has been updated to include comment from Microsoft]
Nokia, whose phone business is soon to become part of Microsoft, introduced its first Android-based smartphone today at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
The Nokia X line of phones — which include the Nokia X, Nokia X+ and Nokia XL — is based on Google’s Android operating system, meaning the phones will run Android apps and that it should be relatively easy for developers to port their Android apps to the Nokia Store.
But the phones will also take users to Microsoft’s cloud — not Google’s — and will include Microsoft services including Skype, OneDrive and Outlook.com, as well as Nokia services such as Here maps and MixRadio.
The move can be seen as targeting two key weaknesses in Nokia’s and Microsoft’s 3-year-old Windows Phone partnership: comparative lack of apps and the ability to sell cheaper smartphones in emerging markets
Nokia had made a huge bet in 2011 to use Windows Phone as its primary smartphone operating system.
But while Nokia’s line of Lumia Windows Phones played a key role in boosting Microsoft’s (still tiny) smartphone market share, the partnership was not as beneficial to Nokia. In its most recent quarterly earnings report, the company saw sales in its handset division slide 29 percent from a year ago.
So Nokia is focusing on creating smartphones that cost less than 100 Euros (about $137) and that will appeal in growth markets — “a massive opportunity for us,” said Stephen Elop, executive vice president of Nokia’s Devices and Services group, who spoke at Nokia’s press conference at Mobile World Congress. (The webcast of the press conference is here.)
Elop, a former Microsoft executive who left to become Nokia CEO, will be returning to run Microsoft’s hardware division once Microsoft’s deal to acquire Nokia’s handset business closes.
All of the Nokia X phones will be “available widely around the world starting in growth markets,” Elop said.
The Nokia X, available immediately, will sell for 89 Euros; the X+, available in the second quarter, will sell for 99 Euros; and the XL, also available in the second quarter, will sell for 109 Euros.
Elop said the Lumia line of Windows Phone will continue to be the flagship line of smartphones, while the Nokia X line will be priced below the Lumias and be targeted toward growth markets. Nokia’s Asha line, and the new Nokia 220, is geared toward even lower price points.
Even as Elop introduced a Nokia phone based on a platform created by Microsoft’s archrival Google, he also tried to have it both ways.
The Nokia X line provides a gate to Microsoft, he said.
“We are deliberately using Android Open Source Project without Google cloud,” Elop said. “This assures a high degree of Android app compability while introducing the next billion people to Microsoft.
Shortly after the conclusion of Nokia’s press conference, Microsoft posted a statement from spokesman Frank Shaw that said, in part:
First, our transaction with Nokia has not yet closed. Today, we operate as two independent companies as required by antitrust law, and we will until the acquisition is complete. The anticipated close timeframe for the acquisition remains end of the first quarter of 2014.
Second, we’re pleased to see Microsoft services like Skype, OneDrive and Outlook.com being introduced on these devices. This provides the opportunity to bring millions of people, particularly in growth markets, into the Microsoft family. …
Finally, our primary smartphone strategy remains Windows Phone, and our core device platform for developers is the Windows platform.


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New Investment Product For High Net Worths set to Disrupt The Industry
Promoted by IPO Wealth.
Melbourne-based investment management company, IPO Wealth, has recently launched a disruptive investment product aimed at higher net worth customers who are not happy with earning low rates of return on idle money.
The investment product, a "Term Investment", provides customers with the option of 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 60 month terms at attractive advertised rates currently ranging from 3.25% to 6.45% per annum. With the Reserve Bank of Australia’s base rate at 1.5% and inflation at 2.1% IPO Wealth’s Term Investments are aimed at helping higher net worth customers build on their wealth.
IPO Wealth's Managing Director, James Mawhinney, said "It's about time someone entered the market with an investment product tailored toward higher net worth customers. They are generally more sophisticated and expect better returns. Unfortunately, most places to invest for fixed terms pay the same rate regardless of your investment amount".
The company attributes its ability to offer the investment product to running a cost-effective business model and making strategic investments locally and internationally in growth companies.
Disrupting the Way Investors Think
IPO Wealth advises its investors that it is not a bank and that the investment product has a higher risk than cash investment products, though this has not stopped the company attracting the interest of many investors across Australia.
IPO Wealth has no setup fees or account-keeping fees and has opted for a transparent approach to its fee structure by providing customers with a detailed Information Memorandum.
Making Smart, Strategic Investments in Growth Companies
The IPO Wealth group has a portfolio of debt and equity investments in growth companies. The company's investment strategy is to identify businesses in Australia and abroad that are undergoing a period of growth, need access to capital, and have a clear exit strategy.
"As an innovative, disruptive company we like to focus on growth industries, the ones that are generating above average returns," said Mr Mawhinney. "These include mobile payments, mobile apps, fintech, big data, smart cities, internet services, e-commerce, shared economy such as Uber-style companies, mining technology, software, and gaming."
IPO Wealth's investment philosophy is that it cannot afford not to be in these industries given the returns that can be achieved by working with technology-based businesses. That being said, IPO Wealth also has a focus on the property sector as a means of diversifying its interests.
More information on this new investment product is available at www.ipowealth.com.au


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Google is all set to unveil its flagship smartphones of the year — Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL — today at an event in New York. Along with the launch of the smartphones, the technology giant’s Pixel slate tablet, a new Chromecast and Google Home Hub will also get showcased.
Just before the global launch of the devices, a report has surfaced online that says that Google’s flagship smartphones will be launched in India this month itself. According to MySmartPrice, Google will be holding a media event to launch the two smartphones in India on October 22. Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are expected to go on pre-orders in the country soon after they are launched formally.
The report further stated that Google will be selling its devices on Flipkart, much like Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. However, there is no word on the specific availability and pricing details.
Scheduled to launch today, Google Pixel 3 series is expected to feature a design that will be similar to its predecessors. The smartphones will reportedly come with IP68 certification — making them dust and water resistant. The Pixel 2 series by Google, on the other hand, had IP67 certification.
Reports have also suggested that Google Pixel 3 will feature a 5.5-inch display, whereas the Pixel 3 XL will sport a 6.3-inch screen. The smartphones will be powered by the most powerful processor in the world — Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845. Both Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will come with 4GB of RAM and have two storage variants — 64GB and 128GB. However, the presence of a microSD card slot seems unlikely.
For imaging duties, Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are expected to sport a 12.2MP primary camera that will come with AI powered features. The devices will reportedly have a ‘Top Shot’ feature that will work similarly to Samsung Galaxy Note 9’s Scene Optimizer. For selfies and video calls, the smartphones will reportedly feature an 8MP front facing snapper. Google’s flagship smartphones of the year will run its latest Android 9.0 Pie out of the box.