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INFINITI will debut two vehicles and an industry first engine technology for the first time in North America today at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs Nov. 18 through the 27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Additionally, the INFINITI Q60 Neiman Marcus Limited Edition will be on display at the INFINITI stand.
The Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo made its first-ever appearance outside of China at the Copper Box in Olympic Park, London, during the launch of a new game, Grand Turismo Sport. Displayed alongside seven other full-size concept cars, the largest ever gathering of GT concept vision cars in one place, the vehicle provides a visualization of what a high performance Infiniti could look like in the future.
With the QX Sport Inspiration, Infiniti has started to explore the potential to expand its portfolio in the mid-size SUV market – one of the world's largest and fastest-growing premium segments. Here is an interview with Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director, about QX Sport Inspiration.
The Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration is an elegant and powerful expression of progressive SUV design. Laying down markers for future Infiniti QX models, the QX Sport Inspiration explores the brand's vision for a next-generation, premium mid-size SUV.
Infiniti has revealed its daring new QX Sport Inspiration concept car at a design-themed media preview, three days before the car makes its public world premiere at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. The QX Sport Inspiration was unveiled at Infiniti's Design studio in Beijing, one of the company's four global design studios.
Infiniti has revealed a first glimpse of its daring new QX Sport Inspiration, an exploration of the brand's vision for a next-generation, mid-size premium SUV. Inspired by Infiniti's "Powerful Elegance" design philosophy, the QX Sport Inspiration features the brand's design hallmarks and stands out thanks to its striking design details and sophisticated craftsmanship.


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Xiaomi, which is included in the big smartphone companies, has started laying off workers from many of its units. The company plans to reduce its workforce by about 15 percent. Xiaomi’s staff count stood at 35,314 at the end of September. Of these, more than 32,000 are in China.
A Hong Kong newspaper reports layoffs at Xiaomi, citing workers who have been laid off and local media in China Report given. It said that many posts have been made on social media platforms such as China’s Weibo and Xiaohongshu regarding job cuts. Thousands of workers can be affected by this decision of the company. Many of them had started jobs with the company in December last year. Xiaomi did not respond to an emailed query from Reuters. Lockdown has been imposed in many cities to prevent the spread of corona in China. This has reduced the demand for electronics.
Xiaomi’s revenue decreased by about 10 percent in the last quarter. company Sales of the smartphone have been affected by the slowdown in the global smartphone market and declining demand in China. There was a decrease of about 11 percent in the sales of its mobile devices. During July-September, the company’s sales stood at 70.5 billion yuan (about Rs 80,900 crore). Xiaomi’s sales were slightly higher than expected, but the company’s net loss of about 1.5 billion yuan was surprising. Xiaomi had written down nearly 3 billion yuan in items such as loss on investments, resulting in a net loss in its results. Due to the zero covid policy in China, the difficulties of tech companies have increased. This has hindered the supply chain. However, Xiaomi has managed to increase market share in Europe.
Global sales of smartphones are expected to decline by 2.9 percent next year. Xiaomi’s unit sales are expected to fall this year. The company’s unit in India has been accused of providing false information to its banker Deutsche Bank over the years. The company had claimed that it had an agreement for payment of royalty, whereas there was nothing like that. Probe against the company has found that it had ‘illegally’ remitted money under the ‘head’ of royalty to US chip maker Qualcomm and others.

domain: news


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- They are embracing web-based infrastructure
- They are using online business tools to ‘go global’
- 80% say online payments tools make expansion easier
UK online startups go global from the outsetSome 68% of the UK’s online businesses sell abroad during the first year of their existence. What’s clear is that these businesses have their minds on the international market right from the birth point of their brand. Further to this, global expansion is not as much of a staggering and costly concept because they and their services are fundamentally based online. Over the last five years, these ‘Global Natives’ industry grew at a staggering rate of 141% faster in revenue and 15% quicker in headcount than businesses slower to expand internationally.
“By breaking down barriers to selling online and allowing online businesses to flourish internationally, we hope to unlock internet commerce—and, with that, lift the GDP of the British internet economy.” – Iain McDougall, UK Country Manager, Stripe“The internet and borderless technology have drastically changed the landscape for UK businesses,” says McDougall. “Britain’s new generation of high-growth online businesses are pioneering a tech-first, export-oriented economy,” he continues. “These ‘Global Natives’ will be the future of the UK economy,” he adds.
Digital first rules: Testimony from a UK based tech entrepreneur
“Without internet-based SaaS tools, our business and a lot of others simply wouldn’t exist to the standard and scale that they do today. It’s often internet-based tools that help us to do business internationally.” – Nikolay Georgiev, Global Strategy Manager, Airsorted“It’s often internet-based tools that help us to do business internationally,” says Georgiev. ” Stripe helps us remain compliant globally when it comes to payments, this is one less regulatory concern for us to worry about so that we can focus on growing the business and delivering a good experience for our clients,” he continues. This is an important point. It’s serviced based digital businesses, including global payments platforms such as Stripe, that, as nimble businesses are able to expand internationally and at a fast rate…
Brexit could still be a barrier to expansionIt’s not only bulky, goods-based export businesses that could suffer from a tough Brexit climate. The research also shows that British online businesses are set to take a more cautious approach due to the barriers that Brexit may produce.
“A new wave of export-oriented online businesses in the UK are challenged by protectionist measures, tariffs and poor government support on immigration.” – Stripe
They will be more cautiousAccording to the statistics, only 28% of online businesses in the UK said they would “dramatically” expand their global outreach in the next year. – This is below the global average of 46% Why? Brexit has to be the reason here. This is evidenced in the fact that 44% of online businesses in the UK said they would “slightly” expand, which is higher than the international average of 34%, suggesting that digital businesses, like other sectors, may be scaling down their export strategies to see how Brexit pans out. They’re citing regulatory barriers (42%), government tariffs (35%) and taxes (34%) as the top factors why it would be harder to run a global business from the UK over the next year. – You don’t have to read between the lines here, it’s Brexit uncertainties that are the cause for this growing caution among ‘digitally native’ SMEs. Further to this, only 27% said that government support on international expansion was good, or excellent in the UK. This was the third lowest of all countries surveyed, suggesting that they don’t carry much hope that the post-Brexit government will help them facilitate their global export goals.
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Will Windows 8 be a hit with the enterprise? Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) seems to think so. Of course, they created it, so you’d be worried if they didn’t. The vendor made the pitch at a recent media event though, and put up several enterprise customers to tell their story.
RELATED STORY: Waiting for Windows 8’s SMB impact
In a report by IT World Canada, ING Direct Canada’s CIO seems two Windows 8 streams. They’ll be developing Windows 8 RT apps for their customers, and will take “a serious look” at deploying Windows 8 laptops or tables within their own walls. They’re currently conducting a pilot with the Surface Pro tablet.
Still, while Microsoft is touting strong license sales for Windows 8, enterprise adoption figures haven’t yet been broken out from those numbers. And given the usual enterprise propensity to move slowly into a new OS, the radical change in user interface that Windows 8 represents, and the face many enterprises have just completed their Windows 7 migrations, most analysts are not expecting a quick enterprise uptake.
Click here to read: Microsoft demos Windows 8 enterprise features


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TEAMSTORE is NOW OPEN. Store will remain open until Sunday March 8th, 2020 at 11:59pm.
All Screenprinted and Embroidered apparel will be available 2 weeks AFTER web store has closed.
All Sublimated apparel will be available 4 weeks AFTER web store has closed.
Lacrosse Uniforms will be sent to coaches for distribution and will be arrive the week before the season starts.


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Last year, according to the IAB, mobile ad revenues came in just under $3.4 billion in the US. On a global basis eMarketer (aggregating a range of third party data) estimates that mobile advertising was worth $8.8 billion. Of that Google was responsible for a staggering 52%.
In 2013 eMarketer argues that Google's share of global mobile advertising will continue to grow to 56%.
Impressively or shockingly, nearly 66% of global mobile ad revenue in 2012 was concentrated in the top five companies according to eMarketer. In 2013 that figure is expected to exceed 75%.
The eMarketer forecast is that this year mobile advertising will be worth nearly $16 billion worldwide. In other words, roughly $12 billion of the world's mobile ad revenue will be concentrated in the top five US-based companies -- and most of that at Google.
By comparison, the top 10 PC-based online advertising companies in the US control 72% of the revenue, while the top 50 control nearly 90%.
The eMarketer numbers may well be off. For example their YP figures are incorrect and underestimate the company's mobile revenues for 2012. However directionally the numbers are accurate and indicate the "concentration of mobile weath" in a small number of companies -- as well as the dominance of Google as the world's largest mobile ad company. (In terms of total digital advertising globally, Google controls 33%.)
Facebook is really the only other player currently in a position to challenge Google for mobile ad revenue and reach.


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Dan Davidson and Bilha Davidson recently purchased a plot of vacant Rosemary District land for $160,000.
Shop To It
If you're in need of some retail therapy, we've got you covered.
New Mote research finds that widespread ocean acidification caused by climate change could damage Florida's stone crab population and industry.
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate represented three multimillion-dollar home closings in Sarasota in the past week.
The online and mobile food delivery service Bite Squad this week expanded its service area to north Bradenton.
The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is sponsoring a complimentary shredding day on Saturday, April 21.
Conditioned Air was recently recognized as one of Lennox Industries' top 25 dealers in the United States and Canada.
The group meets at Darwin Evolutionary Cuisine on Wednesday, April 18.
C.J. Bannister was recently recognized by the Sarasota and Manatee county unit of the National Association of Social Workers' Florida chapter.
Allegiant began service between Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and the cities of Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
The next Sarasota Tiger Bay Club meeting will feature an update from the area's state lawmakers.
The sale is the highest-priced closing on Bird Key ever recorded.
The School District of Manatee County is breaking ground on its new Dr. Mona Jain Middle School in Lakewood Ranch.
Loveland Center, a nonprofit that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently hired Jennifer Bushinger and Julie Kostelec.
Port Charlotte's Southwest Florida Pain Center recently purchased a 4,994-square-foot medical office condo.
The program is intended to draw recently graduated medical students to complete their specialty emergency training in Sarasota.
Across its footprint in Florida and North Carolina, Premier Sotheby’s achieved a total sales volume of $4.1 billion in 2017.
Bold Lofts Sarasota is scheduled to be ready for occupancy in August.
The number of jobs in the retail industry fell by 6,400 in March, according to new stats released Friday by the National Retail Federation.
The keynote speaker will be environmental historian and author Jack Davis.


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|Bid||83,800.00 x N/A|
|Ask||83,900.00 x N/A|
|Day's range||82,800.00 - 84,400.00|
|52-week range||69,600.00 - 86,100.00|
|Beta (5Y monthly)||0.82|
|PE ratio (TTM)||N/A|
|Forward dividend & yield||N/A (N/A)|
|Ex-dividend date||29 Dec 2021|
|1y target est||N/A|
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -General Motors Co and LG Energy Solution Ltd said Friday they are investing another $275 million in their Tennessee joint venture battery cell plant to increase production by more than 40%. The new investment in the Ultium Cells Spring Hill plant will boost battery output from an annual capacity of 35 gigawatt-hours to 50 GWh, when the plant is operational in late 2023. It is one of at least four U.S. joint venture battery plants planned to supply GM electric vehicles as the largest U.S. automaker ramps up production.
Black Friday 2022 is nearly here. The annual mega-sale will run from Friday November 25 to 'Cyber Monday' November 28. The best Black Friday TV deals will come from the retailers with the largest stocks including Amazon, John Lewis, Very and AO and could see huge savings – last year we found a 65-inch LG with £600 off.


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Mexico’s consumer price inflation increased further in January to the highest level in seven months, in line with expectations, data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, or INEGI, showed on Thursday.
The consumer price index climbed 4.88 percent year-on-year in January, following a 4.66 percent rise in December.
Moreover, the inflation rate remained above the central bank’s upper target range of 4.0 percent.
Data showed that core inflation also moderated to 4.76 percent in January from 5.09 percent a month ago. The expected rate was 4.72 percent.
Prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages alone grew 7.28 percent in January, compared to a 6.07 percent gain in December.
Health costs were 5.71 percent higher compared to last year, and transportation costs moved up 3.46 percent.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 0.89 percent in January, after a 0.71 percent rise in the prior month. Economists had forecast a 0.88 percent rise. Core inflation eased somewhat to 0.40 percent from 0.44 percent.
For comments and feedback contact: firstname.lastname@example.org
What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.


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Ford Motor said Thursday that new vehicle sales rose 10 percent in the three months of April through June, thanks to strong demand for trucks.
The automaker sold 531,662 motor vehicles, up from 483,688 in the second quarter of last year, while sales of pickups, vans and heavy trucks increased 26 percent. The gain in truck sales more than offset the nearly 3 percent decline in electric vehicle sales.
Ford sold 14,843 battery-powered cars and trucks in the quarter, up from 15,273 a year earlier. The company has had to slow production to upgrade its assembly lines and make more vehicles later this year.
The upgrade work primarily affected the Mustang Mach-E, whose second-quarter sales fell 21 percent. Ford also sold 4,466 F-150 Lightning electric pickups in the quarter. That was more than double the year-earlier total and the second-highest quarterly total since the truck went on sale.
On Wednesday, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and Kia reported increases of 14 percent or more. Overall, automakers sold more than 4.1 million cars and trucks in the second quarter, according to Cox Automotive, a market research firm, up 16 percent from a year earlier. However, the total was about 400,000 fewer cars than the industry typically sold in the second quarter before the coronavirus pandemic.
Sales remain below pre-pandemic levels as parts shortages have forced automakers to produce fewer vehicles over the past three years. The supply of computer chips, which have been particularly hard to come by, has improved in recent months, allowing automakers to produce more of the vehicles consumers have been waiting to buy.
Cox now expects total sales to exceed 15 million vehicles by 2023. While that would be a big increase from last year’s 13.9 million, it is well short of the 17 million the industry sold before the pandemic.


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By Romesh Navaratnarajah: Singapore has emerged as having the most positive brand value among 16 Asian cities, according to a location branding survey by PublicAffairsAsia and Ogilvy Public Relations.
With a score of 9.7 out of 10, Singapore beat out rivals Tokyo, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Shanghai and Seoul.
According to the survey criteria, a city's positive brand is mainly attributed to infrastructure, transport, economic growth, culture, environment, political stability, low crime, healthcare and sanitation.
Singapore was recognised for its low-tax, political stability, clean and safe environment, as well as its growing arts, leisure and gaming scene.
However the city was poorly rated in terms of press freedom and small-c conservatism.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Sydney are tied in second place with a score of 9.5.
"We can see from the analysis that the strongest city brands in Asia Pacific - Singapore, Hong Kong and Sydney - are the cities whose reputations are comparatively long-standing," said Steve Dahllof, Chief Executive Officer of Ogilvy Public Relations, Asia Pacific.
"With 11 of the 16 rated cities receiving a very good rating from less than a third of respondents, many cities across the region still have their work cut out for them when it comes to defining their brand image." Related Stories: Singapore 2nd in competitiveness
Singapore's inflation to ease further
Singapore inflation slows


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This year, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Nevada Properties real estate sales executives represented 50 percent of the valley’s top 10 highest priced home sales. With 2018 expected to be its best year to date, the company has performed an average of 10 percent better than the overall market in home sales.
“This clearly demonstrates how the Berkshire Hathaway brand represents and attracts the top agents in the industry,” said Gordon Miles, president and chief operating officer of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada Properties. “Our customer-first focus on exposing properties around the world has attributed to our global success in all levels of real estate. While the brand certainly excels in representing luxury properties and buyers, the company has exceeded expectations at all price points and is truly focused on the consumer.”
According to a recent report published in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Nevada Properties agents were involved in 50 percent of the valley’s top 10 home sales this year, which accounted for more than $80 million in residential sales. In three of the 10 sales, the firm represented the sellers and the buyers in the transactions.
“This shows that our teams are not only exceptional representatives for their clients’ home listings, but in many cases bring buyers they are also representing,” Miles said. “Our customer-first philosophy includes representing buyers and sellers at all levels, helping them achieve their dream of homeownership. Whether we are working with people buying their first or 10th home, our deep community roots combine with one of the world’s most respected brands to provide the very best service available in the market.”
The firm is on track to exceed its overall sales in 2017, which was its best year to date. Miles attributes part of his firm’s success to the power behind the Berkshire Hathaway brand. Fortune magazine named Berkshire Hathaway the world’s fourth most admired company in 2016, 2017 and 2018, with iconic global brands including Apple, Amazon and Starbucks.
“The Berkshire Hathaway brand is extremely powerful for both buyers and sellers,” said Mark Stark, CEO and owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Nevada Properties and its parent company Americana Holdings. “In addition to the marketing benefits, Berkshire Hathaway values relationships and authentic communication with clients. When you are represented by our brand, prospective buyers know they can trust that they are dealing with a reputable brand that values its reputation.”
Americana Holdings was recognized by many global organizations this year, including the Inc 5000 Hall of Fame, which is given to companies who have been recognized five or more years on its prestigious list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. It was also one of the first corporate sponsors of the Vegas Golden Knights and its real estate sales executives work with many of the city’s professional athletes and sports management executives.


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In their latest Guidelines report published by NADA Used Car Guide, analysts observed April used vehicle values fell by only 1.4 percent, while new vehicle sales improved 5 percent during the month. With such a nominal change in the used market, NADA’s Used Vehicle Price Index only dipped by two tenths of a point to 124.3 in April.
According to Jonathan Banks, executive analyst at NADA Used Car Guide, “The warmer weather is finally here, and consumers are back on dealer new vehicle lots. With an abundance of incentives, competitive finance, and lease offers, it isn’t surprising to see new vehicles sell so well.”
The manufacturer incentive spending Banks mentions is one of the reasons for brisk new vehicle sales. Average spending per vehicle by automakers was up 3.2 percent ($2,671) versus April of last year.
If the growth in new vehicle sales continues, the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) will continue to rise past the 16.46 million it hit during April.
Click below to read the full article:


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Last-minute shoppers are out Monday, looking for last-minute deals. Retailers are welcoming them with open arms, hoping to salvage what has so far been a disappointing year. Original projections estimated a 5% increase in sales over last year; now, it's looking more like 2%. We want to know how your holiday budget is holding up: are you pulling back or going for broke? Leave your comments below.
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Apple To Regain Second Spot As Top Smartphone Vendor Globally With The iPhone 11 / Pro [Report]
Apple is working its way back to second place in the global smartphone maker rankings according to a report by DigiTimes. The report says Apple might replace Huawei in second spot in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Apple’s return to form appears to have come from the better than expected iPhone 11 sales that we’ve been hearing about in recent days.
The impact of Huawei’s trade ban in the United States might also have negatively impacted the company.
Despite that fact Huawei was reportedly still able to ship around 60 million phones which is the same number that it managed in the previous year, according to data from Gartner. But if the trade ban continues it’s believed that Apple could overtake Huawei with the latter’s shipments falling to around 50 million in the third quarter.
The success of iPhone 11, added to iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, is expected to see Apple’s shipments be higher than expected. In fact, the company is said to have already increased orders from suppliers in order to meet demand. Following a slowing of iPhone sales ahead of the 2019 lineup’s announcement, sales are now expected to increase again.
Ultimately, a combination of improved sales for Apple and slowed sales for Huawei will be enough to see a switch in locations. For how long however, it’s difficult to know.


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BETHANY, Okla. - The Children's Center's 6th annual Farmers' Market opens this weekend. From Saturday, May 24 through Labor Day weekend, various vendors will provide Oklahoma grown fruits and vegetables as well as jams and canned goods.
Six percent of the proceeds will directly benefit the center's young patients with complex medical and physical disabilities.
Located on the center's west lawn at 6800 NW 39 Expressway in Bethany, the Market is open Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
For further information, click here.


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"The retail environment in the U.S. has become increasingly challenging as consumer spending and traffic levels have slowed," said Chief Executive Officer Ron Snyder. "Retailers in general are planning more cautiously, and therefore, we did not experience the level of at once business we originally expected."
On April 4, amid a 53 percent drop in the share price (since the beginning of 2008) and rising short interest, Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst, Jeff Mintz, reiterated his Strong Buy and $44 price target on the company. Oops!
A director of the colorful shoemaker bought 250,000 shares, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing on March 10. In a Form 4 listed with the SEC, Michael E Marks, reported the purchase of $4.98 million in stock at an average price of $19.95 a share. Mr. Marks, retired CEO of Flextronics, has serves on the board of the OEM provider since 1991, and also serves as a director of NAND flash-storage card maker SanDisk Corporation.
I need a smart fellow
to make all the sounds,
Who can bark like a dog,
and bay like the hounds!
Of interest, two other board members have ties to Flextronics, too. Chairman Richard L Sharp (of Circuit City fame) acts as the chairman of Flextronics; and, Thomas J. Smach, a member of the board of directors since April 2005, is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Flextronics.
Your GONG is terrific,
your toot is inspired!
Quick come to BONG-BONG-BONG,
McMoing Boing—you’re hired! ~ American Writer Dr. Seuss, Gerald McBoing Boing (1904 – 1991)
A lesson learned too late: 'who-you-know' politics, electronics manufacturing, and knowing how to go BOING BOING instead of talking English do little to serve the best interests of shareholders in a shoemaker!
Editor David J. Phillips does not hold a financial interest in any stocks mentioned in this article. The 10Q Detective has a Full Disclosure Policy.


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In 2006, Chloe Beard and her two sisters, Sybil Ajay and Elizabeth Downing, launched Springboard Wine Company from a spare bedroom in one of their homes. Six years later, they are not only growing but hitting their stride.
The upstart wine brokering and distributing company recently departed digs in San Rafael and is now occupying about 1,400 square feet of office space in Novato. The sisters employ 18 sales representatives covering a territory that spans from Humboldt County to San Diego. In addition to the existing office staff of six, Beard said they plan to add two more sales reps next year and also transition two part-time employees to full time.
“We are doing $7.5 million in sales this year and we are projecting a sales growth of 25 percent for next year,” Beard said.
The sisters believe that they are developing a business model that is “financially healthy and sustainable over the long haul.” Beard said Springboard is positioned to assist smaller family-owned wineries.
“We fill a need," she said. "These smaller labels are really under-represented.”
On the distribution side, Springboard sells largely to independent restaurants and retailers. However Beard said they have been successful in placing their stable of labels in larger retail outlets such as Beverages and More and Whole Foods.
“Ultimately, we aim to double our current sales volume over the next five years,” Beard said.
Not a bad leap from the bedroom for the aptly named Springboard Wine Company.
Learn more by checking out Springboard's website.


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- 1 min read
LVMH-backed Moet Hennessy enters still wines segment
Moet Hennessy India, part of LVMH, has launched Chandon Aurva, a still wine, in India. The move is aimed at expanding the company's wine portfolio in the country while maintaining a focus on authenticity and quality. Priced at Rs 4,250, Chandon Aurva will initially be available in select upscale retail stores and later extended to other markets.
Ipsita Das, managing director at Moet Hennessy India said: “Aurva is a significant step in the made-in-India direction. We are expanding our wine portfolio while maintaining a clear focus on authenticity and quality.”
Priced at Rs 4,250, Aurva is being made available in select upscale retail stores for now, and will be extended to other markets subsequently.
Moet Hennessy’s existing portfolio in India includes Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Hennessy and Belvedere wines and spirits. In India, the wine and spirits company imports, sells and markets luxury wines and spirits, in addition to operating the Chandon winery in Nashik.
The development comes at a time when India’s wine consumption has been surging, fuelled by younger consumers, lower prices, flavour innovations and the mushrooming of neighbourhood bars. An India Wine Insider (IWI) report estimated the country’s wine market to be valued at $238 million currently.
Apart from select homegrown brands, imports into India have also been increasing, with reduction in excise duties.
At an overall level, sales of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) increased by 14 per cent by volumes to 385 million cases in FY 2022-23, and premium spirits priced at over Rs 1,000 per 750ml bottle grew by 48 per cent, a recent report by industry body CIABC said. The report said sales were close to 12 per cent higher than pre-Covid levels of FY 2019-20, signifying that the sector has overcome the downturn which it saw during the Covid-19 pandemic.


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Local Suppliers Meet Chicken Demand30 July 2013
MALAYSIA - More than 200 million chickens bred by poultry farmers in Johor will meet the domestic market need during the remaining days of Ramadan and right through the upcoming Hari Raya festival.
This number is expected to satisfy the needs of 3.4 million people in the state, New Straits Times reports.
Johor Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Ismail Mohamad said agreements have been made with local breeders to supply the chickens and solve the shortage problem.
"The local supply from breeders here will cater to the domestic needs, thus there will not be a necessity to import chicken," he said during a working visit to poultry farms here, in Muar and Batu Pahat.
"The shortage of chicken will be overcome as the Johor Poultry Association has given its assurance that there will be sufficient supply, to meet demand.
"The Johor Poultry Association had made checks with poultry farmers in the state, and their broilers will be ready.
"The shortage of chicken will be solved by tomorrow as the broilers will be 35 days old, which is when they will be ready for the slaughterhouse."
There will be sufficient supply for the remaining days of Ramadan and Aidilfitri. The next few harvest of broilers will also reach maturity as Hari Raya arrives. Ismail said supply would be coming from several plantation associations, where farmers also breed broiler chickens.
On the manipulation of chicken prices, Ismail said it was a serious problem as many people were affected.
However, he guaranteed that the problem would be solved in view of the sufficient supplies.
Chicken prices will be a controlled price item one week before and after the Hari Raya, where the ceiling price will be capped by the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Department.
Attributing the shortage and price manipulation to irresponsible traders, Mr Mohamad also called for stringent enforcement to be carried out to ensure all traders adhered to the price directive.
He said the traders should be responsible and understand their responsibility to the community.ThePoultrySite News Desk


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Citi to Apply for Stock, Futures Trading in China: Global Times
(Bloomberg) -- Citigroup Inc. plans to apply for a variety of wealth management licenses in China, the Global Times said in a tweet.
The firm wants approval to trade securities and futures, and underwrite the sales of stocks and bonds, according to the state-run newspaper.
A Hong Kong-based Citigroup spokesman said the lender continues to “explore opportunities to support its local and global clients in China further.”
The bank last week said it plans to exit retail banking in 13 markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa as part of a strategic overhaul, though it will continue to serve corporations and private banking clients in those areas.
©2021 Bloomberg L.P.


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MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Just in time for Spring Break, attorneys for The Clevelander hotel have effectively put a stop to the City of Miami Beach’s recently approved ban on alcohol sales after 2 a.m.
A judge granted a temporary injunction filed by attorneys for The Clevelander, halting the roll back which was supposed to go into effect March 7, affecting businesses south of 16th Street in South Beach.
The city commission pushed for the ban, hoping to curb violence and misbehavior on the beach during spring break.
Mango’s Tropical Cafe owner David Wallack says bars aren’t to blame.
“Those people out in the street, they’re not buying alcohol at $15 and $18 dollars a drink, they’re gong to wholesale liquor stores late in the afternoon or however that they can get into wholesale liquor stores and loading up,” Wallack said. “And they have it in the trunk of their cars, along with whatever drugs they’re doing out there.”
Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber released a statement to Local 10 News, which read:
“We are obviously disappointed. Our City seems to be held hostage by a handful of all night bars whose business model foments the disorder and chaos that endangers our residents, visitors and cops. In 2019, 19 police officers were injured during Spring Break. Ten last year. We will continue to enforce our laws but no city should be held hostage in this manner.”
The city plans to appeal Tuesday’s ruling, and city officials told Local 10 News they are hopeful.
Things have been pretty calm leading up to spring break and they are hoping it holds.


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When you order a certain brand’s product on Amazon and end up with a fake version of the real thing, who’s to blame? Some companies say it’s Amazon’s fault for commingling its inventory at some warehouses in the name of expediency, mixing up products that come directly from them with third-party sellers who also use the e-commerce giant’s warehouse order-fulfillment services.
The Wall Street Journal gives the example of the company that makes Tovolo-brand ice-cube molds and trays, ICI USA LLC. The company sells its products to Amazon directly but there are also third-party merchants sending Tovolo trays through the Internet retailer’s fulfillment warehouses. And that method is allowing fakes to squeak through, ICI says.
For example, one customer said his wife bought him a specific cube tray from Tovolo, listed as sold by Amazon. But the couple claims the tray was flimsy, water slopped out of it and it just basically sucked. When he bought the same tray at a kitchenware store, he realized he likely had a fake.
“The ice cubes slide out much more easily, and it’s more stable when full of water,” the man explained. “I definitely wish I’d gotten the correct tray…


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Earlier this year, BPG Maxus re-pitched for the opportunity to continue its partnership with Global Village. It has now re-won the account for the third consecutive time and will continue to develop and drive the brand’s media solutions in the Middle East. The renewed contract is applicable for the next three years.
“We are delighted to get an opportunity to continue our partnership with Global Village, yet again. Dubai is poised to be a global entertainment destination and we are excited to be part of it with the leading brand in that space,” says Satish Mayya, CEO, BPG Maxus, in a press statement.
“Global Village has grown many folds in size and entertainment options, into a revered brand in the region. BPG Maxus, over the years, has seen the dream with us and understands our aspiration to be the best in the world. This brings to the table insights and solutions that are filtered through years of learning and experience on the brand. We were happy to see the same hunger and passion but new ideas during the pitch process,” adds Bader Anwahi, COO, Global Village.
App analytics and market data company, App Annie, have released a new report that sheds light on Gen Z’s mobile behavior, in order to help marketers develop effective strategies to reach them. 98% of Gen Z report owning a smartphone, on average receiving their first at the age of 10. They are also part of […]
Experticity, the world’s largest community of influential category experts have released a new study that sheds new light on the importance of micro-influencers on the average consumer. The study was conducted with online interviews of more than 6,000 individuals from the United States drawn from Experticity’s micro-influencer network and the general population. In addition, more […]
Market research companies eMarketer and Global Web Index have collaborated together to release the 10th edition of the global media intelligence report. The report is a detailed compilation of data and insights about internet users’ traditional and digital media usage in 42 key markets worldwide. Communicate will be highlighting the key trends that are shaping the […]
Social Bakers, a global AI-powered social media marketing company has released the Q3 edition of their social media trends report. The report reveals where the industry is currently standing with regard to spending and engagement globally. Here are the key findings – ADVERTISING Worldwide ad spend increased by 56.4% in Q3 compared to where it […]


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After little more than two years in the job, Victoria's Secret CEO Jan Singer is set to depart, according to several news reports on Wednesday. Neither Victoria's Secret nor L Brands has responded to Retail Dive's requests for comment.
Singer had previously been CEO of Spanx and a Nike executive. She took over at Victoria's Secret in September 2016 after the abrupt departure of longtime brand chief Sharen Turney. Her appointment had been announced a few months before amid a set of other drastic changes like dropping swimwear sales and the brand's print catalog, as well as a broad organizational restructuring.
In August, Victoria's Secret owner L Brands said that Denise Landman, CEO of Victoria's Secret's PINK brand, is retiring at the end of the year after nearly 20 years at L Brands.
With $7.4 billion in sales last year, Victoria's Secret remains the giant in lingerie retail, but store comps and profits have taken several hits in recent years as the brand has failed to respond to sharp shifts in consumer preferences.
That has left plenty of space for giant killers to move in, and they have. E-commerce startups like Adore Me and ThirdLove have joined legacy retailers like Gap's Love and American Eagle's Aerie in offering the prettier, more comfortable, better fitting and decidedly less risque underwear that increasingly more women prefer.
Singer's departure is a sign that L Brands may understand that the situation is getting dire. Wells Fargo Senior Analyst Ike Boruchow said Wednesday that it "could be one more initiative aimed at a much-needed strategy shift at LB and their beleaguered VS concept." Boruchow also noted the company's shutdown of its upscale Henri Bendel women's apparel banner and pursuit of alternatives for its struggling La Senza lingerie business. In comments emailed to Retail Dive, Boruchow and his team said that the announcement "is the first announced change specifically related to the VS brand — which we view as another promising move in the right direction."
But the departure isn't the most important aspect of the changing-of-the-guard, according to GlobalData Retail Managing Director Neil Saunders. "In theory the change of management should help as someone coming in will have fresh ideas about reviving the fortunes of Victoria's Secret," he told Retail Dive in an email. "However, much depends on who that person is and where they come from."
An internal appointment would signal less appetite for change than an outside one, he also said, but warned that major change is exactly what a Victoria's Secret leader must embrace. "Despite a dire run of performance and very obvious social shifts, Victoria's Secret has been surprisingly obstinate in refusing to adapt its brand," Saunders said. "However, in my view the case for change is now overwhelming and it has to be a key priority of any new CEO."


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An online adult company, SexShop365, has created a new vibrating bicycle seat cover for women called "Happy Ride."
The normal looking bike seat cover is supposed to provide "vibration stimulation" while a woman rides.
According to the Daily Mail, the Happy Ride includes padded lining and a black nylon cover, but underneath hides a powerful vibrator.
Happy Ride's control gadget allows women to raise or lower the vibration rate, turn it on or off.
Claire Bowden of SexShop365 claims the demand for exercise adult toys has grown over recent months because of the bestselling erotic novel "Fifty Shades of Grey."
"It was only a matter of time before the two were combined to make your daily cycle even more pleasurable," says Bowen.
Source: Daily Mail


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Canada will suspend the manufacture and import of single-use plastic products from December this year.
The Canadian government announced on the 20th (local time) that it will ban the manufacture and import of six products: plastic bags, straws, take-out containers, spoons, forks, and beverage rings.
From the end of next year, a ban on sales of related products will also be enforced. Exports of single-use plastic products will also be banned from the end of 2025. The Canadian government explained that it was “the first to ban the export of (plastic products) internationally.”
Canadian Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duqlo said, “Only 8% of the plastic we throw away is recycled, and 43,000 tonnes of single-use plastic is thrown into the environment every year, including waterways. I am tired,” he said.
However, plastic straws that are packaged with beverages or used outside packaging will be allowed as an exception. An exception was made so that wholesale disposable straws could be sold.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in June 2019 that he would phase out the production and use of single-use plastic products with the goal of ‘zero plastic waste’. The Canadian government had planned to implement single-use plastic regulations in 2021, but this was delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
A 2019 study by the Canadian Environment and Climate Change Agency found that 3.3 million tonnes of plastic were thrown away, almost half of which was in plastic packaging. Recycled packaging materials accounted for less than 10% of this, and 29,000 tons were found to cause pollution in daily life as waste.
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It’s no secret that China’s hit rate at global award shows has been surprisingly low for a country of 1.3 billion people and around 100,000 ad-related companies. In 2018, China won just two graphite pencils and seven wooden pencils at D&AD. At Cannes Lions 2018, the country took home 11 Lions, just two up from 2017. (By way of comparison, Spain, population 46.5 million took home 44 Lions.)
5,000 years of creative culture, a diaspora that traverses the globe and a booming tech industry that is stealing a march on the rest of the world… one can’t help but wonder if global juries might be missing something. That’s what the organisers of the London International Awards began to suspect – which is why last year they set up the LIA Chinese Creativity category . And it wasn’t just the quantity of award winners that struck organisers, but the nature of them.
“We have been observing that all the work that comes from China that does well in award shows is visually-led, not culturally-led,” observes Gordon Tan, who heads up LIA. The entrants are not stupid – they’re not going to spend all that money investing in work they don’t think the jury will understand . So you will actually miss a lot of the good work, so we thought hey, there’s a good opportunity.”
What makes the show different is that it’s an international platform – as a Chinese language award, it’s open to work from all countries. And this year entries came from everywhere from the USA to Singapore, Malaysia to Thailand. Judges too come from countries as far flung as Brazil and Japan, as well as Chinese speaking places like Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and, yes, Mainland China. As the show isn’t limited to the PRC – which means that unlike local awards, they count towards international rankings.
And according to this year’s judges, there are all sorts of nuances that are given greater appreciation by juries with a greater understanding of the Chinese cultural context.
Richard Yu, CCO of ADK Taiwan and China network creative consultant headed up the Branded Entertainment jury for the Chinese Creativity awards this year. He’s noticed that longer format onlilne film content, which he describes as ‘micro movies’ , are particularly popular with clients and audience in Greater China. However the slow pace and heavily emotional storytelling tend to be tricky for non-Chinese speaking juries to get into.
“They are quite popular – the client feels that the long form film can touch consumers more because the amount of they spend online on mobile [content] is more than [they spend] TV commercials. So they can put some concept and brand spirit into the film,” says Richard. “In Greater China the micro movie is much more emotional and slow – you can’t quickly see the idea. So having the Chinese language show means that some of this outstanding work can be awarded.”
These longer, languid films tap into cultural preferences – but they’re also built for a young generation that spends much of its time attached to its smartphones.
The smartphone-enabled digital environment in Mainland China in particular is something that Western juries struggle to get their heads round. For example, the overwhelming dominance of digital ecosystems like WeChat is something that can feel almost alien – and Europeans and Americans can fail to appreciate the insight and creativity of activations within that environment.
“Maybe some idea is big in China but they don’t understand why. Maybe you change a feature or API for WeChat, the biggest social media network in China, and it’s quite important or quite creative, but you must explain many things for international juries. There’s a gap,” says Chris Chen, CCO at isobar China, who sat on the digital jury.
These Chinese social platforms are so pervasive that people can accomplish all sorts of tasks within them, from payment to sorting out legal matters.
“You know in China, no one carries a wallet or credit cards any more, you do everything on WeChat. You can even divorce your wife on the phone…” laughs Gordon. “If you go to restaurant they don’t even have a menu – they have a QR code on the table and you scan it and it beams straight to the kitchen and you pay through the phone. Now this is something an Australian wouldn’t understand.”
To illustrate the point, Gordon recounts the tale of one judge who had to frantically hunt for his credits cards ahead of his trip to judge in Las Vegas, so unaccustomed are people in China to using anything other than their smartphone.
A pertinent comparison is with Hispanic culture and language. International awards platforms for the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world are well established. The likes of El Sol and El Ojo, for example. The LIA Chinese Creativity show provides a similarly international platform.
And it’s particularly important when it comes to copy. The pictorial nature of the Chinese language means that copywriting comes with a different set of challenges and opportunities than alphabet-based languages.
Ultimately, the current international awards set up assumes certain shared core assumptions – and those with different cultural roots find the standard 2 minute case video taken up with explaining basic concepts to juries. “You don’t need to explain what Halloween is, what Christmas is, what the Super Bowl is. You don’t even need to explain them in China, most people know what Halloween is,” says Chris. “But people don’t know Chinese New Year , the background or the Moon Festival. So that is, I think, the cultural thing.”
LIA’s Chinese Creativity Awards are just in their second year – this year entries were about 700. The setup has drawn admiration from rival shows but it’s early days yet. However, perhaps it’s a much-needed platform for the international Sino-sphere.
LIA results will be revealed on November 5th.


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And this is exactly what the Swiss group has done in its home market, teaming up with cheese maker Emmi in a deal designed to maximise the synergies between the two firms' production and logistics facilities.
Under the terms of the deal, Nestlé Switzerland's fresh dairy products - in particular the butter, fromage frais and yoghurt sold under the Nestlé Hirz brand - will now be produced by Emmi, which will also handle the distribution of the brands.
All 90 employees at Nestlé's production facility in Hirzel (Zurich) will be retained by Emmi, and the Emmenthal specialist will also offer milk delivery contracts to the 200 milk producers affiliated to the plant.
The development, marketing and sales of Emmi and Nestlé brands will continue to be handled by the individual companies, although they are both said to be considering "other opportunities to solidify their product alliance".
This could, for example, include the extension of the partnership to other dairy products owned by Nestlé in Switzerland, such as Petit Suisse fromage frais and LC1 functional yoghurts.
As part of the deal, Nestlé Switzerland has taken a 4 per cent stake in Emmi, although neither company said how much this had cost.


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national identity card
A national identity card is a portable document, typically a plasticized card with digitally-embedded information, that someone is required or encouraged to carry as a means of confirming their identity. Since the World Trade Center tragedy of September 11, 2001, many countries have discussed issuing national identity cards as a way to distinguish terrorists from the law-abiding population. The government of the U.K. has discussed going in the direction of a national identity card that will use one or more biometric techniques such as iris or fingerprint recognition to confirm the identify of a card holder. The controversial plan would include developing a national database of basic personal information.
Many fear that a national identify card would compromise an individual's right to privacy and lead to the misuse of governmental power. The U.S. and Canada are among countries where a national identify card has been discussed but, so far, not seriously advocated by the government. A number of so-called Third World countries require their citizens to carry some kind of national identity card.
Today, airlines and banks require some sort of identity authentication. Typically, a driver's license, passport, or other card with your name and an embedded photo is sufficient.
Continue Reading About national identity card
- The Sierra Times points out some of the possible technical difficulties of a national identity card.
- The government of Pakistan requires a national identity card, but it does not include biometric information.


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Marking the 23rd anniversary this year, the exhibition is Asia’s largest photo cultural event where visitors can enjoy both the latest photo imaging technologies and professional photos.
At the exhibition, Sony Korea showcased the full-frame mirrorless camera A7S, first in Korea, which it disclosed at the National Association of Broadcasters 2014 held in Las Vegas on April 7.
The A7S is the world’s first full-frame mirrorless camera that can make 4K photographing. The camera model also boasts an ISO 409600-level high sensitivity noise processing feature.
Samsung Electronics set up a 540-square-meter booth, the largest among the participating exhibitors. The company plans to display a variety of smart cameras, including a premium mirrorless camera NX30, an ultra-slim mirrorless camera NX Mini, and Galaxy Camera 2.
In particular, the visitors of the booth can experience a variety of smart functions offered by the NX30, including a hybrid auto focus, a high-speed shutter spitting and a photo-sharing using wireless communications.


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In 2018, cable operators continued to shift their message to demonstrate that while their video business is still an important component, they are strengthening and promoting broadband Internet services to prepare for the future.
"The rise of app-based platforms and subsequent drop of traditional TV subscriptions is now widely accepted by the pay TV industry," said MOBITV CEO Charlie Nooney. "The growing economic pressure for a traditional cable operator to compete with MVPDs will continue to increase the need for lower cost delivery systems."
It is difficult to compete with old technology against lower cost new technology, Nooney said, and app-based platforms could allow operators to level the playing field from an overall cost perspective, user experience and constant innovation.
"Streaming video solutions are very important to expand (their) reach," Nooney said, noting that his company's solution will allow all-sized operators to "future-proof" offerings, and that MOBITV's managed service can "dramatically reduce" capital expenditure in video.
As for technology, there is discussion around the impact ATSC 3.0 and 5G could have on accelerating new distribution opportunities in 2019, but Nooney also believes that advancements in data intelligence will open up avenues in advertisement targeting and personalization.
"(This) will have a more direct impact on the business in the upcoming year. Beginning to maximize the benefits of streaming technology in these areas will be of great interest. The beauty of operating off retail streaming technology is that you can also ride the technical innovations of Apple, Amazon and Google," Nooney said.
With competition increasing faster than the market can support, there is sure to be more consolidation, Nooney said, which could mean leveraging shared content rights to create better packages for consumers at a lower price. Consumers also could continue to benefit from the ability to pay for just the content they want, when and where they want it.
"Content providers are being more flexible than ever, allowing for better value bundles to be offered, and video over IP always offers flexibility," Nooney said.
Overall, Nooney believes that in as little as 18 months the overall video landscape could look very different than it does now.
"Operators, content providers, and platforms that are not open to change will find themselves in a different position than those that understand that the landscape is changing faster than most originally anticipated," Nooney said.


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Starbucks got in trouble five weeks ago when the manager called police to eject two black men who were refusing to leave one of their Philadelphia stores after the men were denied use of the bathroom because they had not bought anything.
Starbucks response was to immediately blame the manager, imply her actions were racist and order their 8000 stores to close for a day of ‘unconscious bias training’ for all of their employees across the country on May 29.
But on Saturday, they went even one step further, making a move that is going to guarantee some of their managers trouble for sure in the future.
They have announced a new policy that allows anyone to sit in their stores or use their bathrooms even if the people don’t buy anything.
Company executives have said its previous policies were loose and ambiguous, leaving decisions on whether people could sit in its stores or use the restroom up to store managers.
Starbucks said it has told workers to consider anyone who walks into its stores a customer, “regardless of whether they make a purchase.”
The company said anyone can use its cafes, patios or restrooms without buying anything, but it noted workers should still call the police if someone is a safety threat.
“We are committed to creating a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome,” Starbucks said in a statement.
The Philadelphia incident was a major embarrassment for Starbucks.
The men who were arrested settled with Starbucks earlier this month for an undisclosed sum and an offer of a free college education. They also reached a deal with Philadelphia for a symbolic $1 each and a promise from city officials to set up a $200,000 program for young entrepreneurs.
But they may have bought the managers of their stores a lot of trouble.
In urban stores, the homeless may just have found a new place to live.
In the Starbucks at the Port Authority in NYC, it’s a daily, perhaps hourly occurrence of homeless people coming in and trying to solicit actual customers for money. The night manager a small 5’3″ black woman, has called the police countless times. Corporate has now left her hanging out to dry.
In busier Starbucks, such as the one in Philadephia or the one in the Port Authority, seats are a premium. Now, someone can camp there all day long (as they were already wont to do and again, what option does the manager have unless the person is a threat? At least requiring people to buy something kept the turnover moving. Now this means that someone could truly move in and make Starbucks their office or home.
Most people saw a problem, even if Starbucks doesn’t get it yet.
Starbucks may just have gored themselves in their haste to be politically correct and in the process hurt themselves with their hipster clientele who aren’t going to want to be hanging out with the homeless.


text: RGDATA has made a submission to Minister Eamon Ryan on the Government’s plans to introduce a so called “Latte Levy” on single use beverage cups. RGDATA called for a total ban on all non-compostable cups. The submission also argues that applying a levy to all single use cups could lead to more non-compostable cups in circulation. “Independent retailers have invested significantly in changing to the more expensive compostable cups so they should not be treated the same as non-compostable cups,” RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley stated. Read the full submission here.


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- Insider Intelligence publishes hundreds of insights, charts, and forecasts on the Payments & Commerce industry with the Payments & Commerce Briefing. You can learn more about subscribing here.
The grocery delivery service and meal delivery platform are both reportedly in the process of raising funds, capitalizing on their sudden importance as the pandemic has limited consumers' ability to visit grocery stores and restaurants.
- Instacart is raising $225 million, boosting its valuation from $8 billion in 2018 to $13.7 billion, per CNBC. The company plans to use these new funds to support its partner grocers and shoppers, who fulfill orders for customers, and boost other efforts, including advertising. Improving conditions for its shoppers may be particularly important to its future success because some of them have gone on strike multiple times during the coronavirus pandemic, seeking better working conditions and compensation adjustments, and Instacart may not be able to meet demand without its full workforce.
- DoorDash is close to raising funds at a $15 billion valuation, prior to adding the investments, after it was valued at around $13 billion in 2019, according to The Wall Street Journal. The size of the funding round is still being determined, and it's possible it will not come to fruition. But DoorDash may be in need of additional financial resources now that Grubhub — one of its chief rivals in the US food delivery market — has been acquired by Just Eat Takeaway.com for $7.3 billion.
Both firms are gaining these new valuations at a time when they have new importance to merchants and consumers alike because of the pandemic. As consumers try to limit their exposure to the virus, many have started using online grocery services like Instacart for the first time: We forecast 43% of US consumers will have used an online grocery service by the end of Q2 2020.
This led Instacart to see record demand as of mid-April. Meanwhile, restaurants in many markets had to close their dining rooms to customers for an extended period in response to the pandemic, forcing restaurants to rely on platforms like DoorDash, which even rolled out a new program to help merchants sell on their own sites in addition to through DoorDash. These shifts have surely driven up Instacart's and DoorDash's valuations, and likely their revenue as well.
But as the pandemic fades and businesses reopen, Instacart and DoorDash need to convince consumers to keep shopping with them and become profitable to find long-term success. Both firms could see their demand take a hit as consumers return to grocers and restaurants, so they should build out initiatives like their respective customer loyalty offerings, which could win them repeat business outside of a pandemic.
Additionally, Instacart was reportedly set to achieve its first profitable month during the pandemic, while DoorDash is still yet to turn a profit, per The Journal. Both firms need to shore up their operations so they can be profitable long term even without the demand a pandemic brings, or their lofty valuations may not get them very far.
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Serbia’s foreign trade stood at 25.08 billion Euro in the first eight months of the year, or seven percent less than in the same period of 2019, the Republic Statistics Office (RZS) said on Wednesday.
Goods exports stood at 10.62 billion Euro or 7.6 percent less than in 2019 while imports stood at 14.46 billion Euro or 6.5 percent less.
The foreign trade deficit stands at 3.84 billion Euro or 3.2 percent lower than in the same period of 2019. A total of 73.5 percent of imports were covered by exports compared to 74.3 percent last year.
Foreign trade was highest with the countries that Serbia has signed free trade agreements with, the RZS said adding that trade with European Union member states accounted for 60.6 percent of the total.


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A federal court ruling ordering a Utah-based archery manufacturer to pay $2.3 million for patent infringement should not have a negative impact on the company, a spokesman says.
"It's not going to affect the employment or the operations of our company at all," said Paul Thompson, who explained Browning Manufacturing Co. set aside money in an escrow account with which to make payment in case the decision went against it.But Browning attorney Thomas Rossa said the amount to be paid to Missouri-based Allen Archery likely will be appealed.
"It could take another year or a year and a half before any money is paid, if at all," Rossa said.
Allen's patent for a wheel-like device on compound bows expired in December 1986, he said, so Browning and other manufacturers can now use the design without paying royalties.
Robert Mallinckrodt, representing Allen Archery, said after inventing the compound bow in the late 1960s, the company had a problem finding anybody interested in taking a license on the patent to manufacture the bow.
Allen then began manufacturing the bow, said Mallinckrodt, who noted "since that time, the bow has taken over the archery industry."
He said after the bow became established, Allen Archery discontinued making it and dealt strictly in issuing licenses for companies wanting to make the bow.
Judge Aldon Anderson's 2-year-old finding that there was a patent infringement was recently upheld by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Rossa said Anderson's final judgment on the damage phase of the case is expected within the next three to six weeks.


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Last month an impromptu group of "urban explorers" infiltrated the abandoned and very much off-limits Domino Sugar Refinery on the East River in Williamsburg. The massive complex, built in 1884, was once the largest in the world, producing at its peak 3 million pounds of sugar a day and employing some 5,000 workers. It closed in 2004, and was later bought by a developer who tried (and failed) to turn it into a luxury condominium complex. That project was abandoned amidst the economic turmoil of recent years, but was recently taken up again by Two Trees Management, which gentrified much of DUMBO.
Two Trees bought the complex for $185 million, and is currently deciding what shape the "New Domino" will take. For now, the site sits as empty and forlorn as ever—except when a couple dozen curious adventurers risk arrest to explore it. And you can read all about what they found in our previous story about their pre-dawn "Wanderlust" expedition.


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Demand for green steel by car manufacturers is likely to impact the type of steel used in warehouse equipment production. While most European steel producers are developing more environmentally friendly green steel, it is still not being produced in large quantities, meaning that traditional tubular steel is still primarily used for warehouse equipment.
Accelerating green steel production beyond current pilot programs requires an increase in demand for it.
According to a report by the Brussels-based CEPS think tank titled “Can the Cars we Buy Drive Green Steel Production?”, car manufacturers and the construction industry will drive demand for green steel. The report defines green steel as
“steel produced in a way that is compatible with climate neutrality in the long run, i.e. close to zero GHG emissions”.
Green steel costs more than conventional steel, but the report suggests that the cost can easily be passed on to car buyers as cars are high-value items, whereas the price of green steel will not add a significant percentage to their cost. As green steel production increases, it is expected that costs will decrease, making it more cost-efficient for picking trolleys, storage racks, packing tables and other warehouse equipment to be made from green steel.
In general, consumers are demanding more environmentally friendly goods. This affects the whole supply chain, including warehouses and transport companies that rely on steel. Green steel is one way to reduce indirect carbon emissions in the warehouse, but it needs to cost less.Get a free quote


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Last week “CBS Evening News” launched a new on-air logo and graphics package to support its HD programming.
CBS news and sports president Sean McManus told “TVNewser” that the more contemporary graphics were inspired by the network’s 2008 election coverage in HD, when it used 3D graphic elements and virtual technology to report the political results.
An in-house graphics team, led by Bob Peterson, CBS News' executive creative director, developed the new design in about six months. The new design features a logo with three interlocking globes, moving images in the over-the-shoulder box and a bolder blue and red color scheme.
The package design also borrows from the Web, featuring special headers for each image (see after the jump), and drop-down tabs and boxes that would close a window.
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Wizkid Says Upcoming Second Album Is His Last With EME! Plus Talks Davido Beef & Tania Omotayo On Olisa Adibua’s “The Truth”
Wizkid’s second album has not ever been released and he is already saying it’s his final album with his current label EME – Empire Mates Entertainment! He revealed this & a whole lot more in an explosive interview with Olisa Adibua for his brand new web series called “The Truth”
According to the release sent our THE TRUTH with Olisa will feature perfect and sincerity refined sit down with celebrities across the globe. The media worldwide has always been a victim of half truth and stories to suit celebrities or personalities involved. THE TRUTH with Olisa has to do with nothing but THE TRUTH from celebrities.
Find out what he had to say about his beef with Davido & Watch the maiden edition of THE TRUTH with Wizzy after the jump


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GECUBE are also gearing up for CeBIT, and as such have announced their preperations into the event with the array of goodies they plan to showcase at their booth.
Taipei, Taiwan, March 02, 2006-- GECUBE the major supplier of the world's leading graphics card brand, announced today exciting showcases scheduled for the world's biggest technology trade exposition, Cebit 2006 in March at Hannover. Besides the GECUBETM RADEON® x1900 Crossfire platform showcase, exclusive products such as the heat pipe-powered RADEON® X1600 that offers a noiseless solution and Portable Media Player (PMP) will also both be on display. GECUBE plans to awe attendees and international buyers with outstanding innovation and solutions for 2006.
Further Reading: Read and find more news at our news index page.


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Last week we were thrilled to not only participate, but be acknowledged, in the annual Benzinga Fintech Awards. This year’s event was much, much larger than in previous years, with more attendees, more exhibitors, more presentations, and more networking!
We are also grateful to announce that Stocks for the Week was named Best in Class for Trading Idea Platforms & Apps.
We know many of the other nominees in the space and are thrilled to be recognized in this way.
As one of the evening’s award winners commented on Twitter, Benzinga is “the Oscars of #FinTech.” We couldn’t agree more, and wanted to share 3 key takeaways from the event.
The amount of investment going into Fintech products is growing exponentially – and continues to grow. Some of the biggest players in the industry were at Benzinga, looking for the next great innovations and to get a sense of where things are headed. This tweet sums it up pretty well:
— Benzinga.com (@Benzinga) April 8, 2015
If FinTech had a SFTW Investor safety score rating, we’re pretty confident it would be a high one. The overall industry is still ripe for technology disruption and innovation; at the consumer level, we’re only starting to see these products becoming mainstream – great examples being growing brands like Wealthfront or Betterment.
You don’t have to look hard to find partnerships in the Fintech space – whether it’s between the traditional banking brands and young startups, or small startups banding together (such as the Xignite API Ecosystem). Collaboration helps increase creativity and helps make more possible as it seems to avoid the “recreating the wheel” problem. While we’re not ready to share all of our partnership and collaboration news, we will say that we’re hoping to participate in the Fintech Sandbox, another great example of how Fintech startups are working together. The saying might be cliche, but it’s true: the rising tide raises all ships.
— J.C. Parets (@allstarcharts) May 24, 2016
While we might be biased being based in NYC, but New York is showing strides in its base of Fintech startups – in fact, if you look through the Benzinga Awards finalists, New York seems to be the most popular location, eclipsing Silicon Valley. One could argue that if the awards were held in San Francisco, the numbers might change, but it’s clear that New York is not going to rest on its traditional banking laurels. NY also has the Fintech Innovation Lab and plenty of other Fintech startups not featured in the awards program.
Big thanks to the organizers at Benzinga who worked so hard to create a classy, product event – see you again next year!


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Delphine Consigny, Marketing Director at Maybelline UK, revealed that the aim of the video was to create a disruptive marketing campaign that would highlight their mascara. The response in the comments section has been overwhelmingly positive, with people expressing their interest in purchasing the product and praising the marketing team for their creativity. Lauren Chapman, who is also part of Maybelline’s marketing team, explains how the idea came to life and that they “were not expecting it to blow up like it did”.
The intention behind the video was to make viewers question whether the spectacle was genuine or fabricated, and it seems that many were convinced by the realistic portrayal. Maybelline collaborated with video artist Ian Padgham from California to produce the content. Fan fact – the artist created more content like this that wasn’t selected. See more of his astonishing CGI work here.
The objective was to create a fun and entertaining digital asset that would emphasise Britain’s No.1 Mascara. The success of the video exceeded their expectations, with viewers astounded by its artificial nature and labelling it as “genius marketing.”
Maybelline’s Sky High mascara has garnered significant attention since its launch, thanks in part to various viral moments. Priced at £11.99, it has gained praise from TikTok users as one of the best budget mascaras available.


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The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council will consider tax rate increase on online skill gaming from 18% to 28% and taxation issues related to casinos in its next meeting at Madurai in the first week of August.
During the meeting, the Council will also consider the report of group of ministers (GoM) on setting up of GST Tribunals (in each state for dispute resolution), finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said after the Council meeting here. The GoM on tribunals will be set up in a couple of days with the mandate to submit report within a month. The decisions of the tribunals can only be challenged in high courts.
“The Council directed that the group of ministers on casino, race course and online gaming re-examine the issues in its terms of reference based on further inputs from states and submit its report within a short duration,” finance ministry said in a statement. Sitharaman said the GoM has been given 15-days and will submit its report by July 15.
“Goa finance minister said casinos need better understanding and treatment of casinos should be different. Some other ministers said let the GoM also look at once more issues related to online gaming and horse racing,” Sitharaman said. Goa had flagged issues such as how tax will be calculated if the full amount of token purchased is not utilised in a casino and returned the balance at the counter or some portion was used for food and entertainment.
The GoM had recommended that in case of online gaming, the activities will be taxed at 28% on the full value of the consideration, by whatever name such consideration may be called including contest entry fee, paid by the player for participation in such games without making a distinction such as games of skill or chance etc.
In case of race courses, GST will continue to be levied at the rate of 28% on the full value of bets pooled in the totalisator and placed with the bookmakers. In case of casinos, GST be applied at the rate of 28% on full face value of the chips/coins purchased from casino by a player. In case of casinos, once GST is levied on purchase of chips/coins (on face value), no further GST to apply on the 28% value of bets placed ineach round of betting, including those played with winnings of previous rounds, the GoM had said.
The tax incidence was seen increasing on online gaming substantially as the GST was proposed to be levied on on the full contest entry amount (CEA) instead of the platform fee as it is in the present scenario.
“Industry further expects clarity on the term “initial gaming amount”, which is being assumed to be largely covered as the contest entry charges. If left unclarified, such assumption could lead to undue litigations,”said Saket Patawari – Executive Director, Nexdigm.


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Is There A Christmas Tree Shortage In Michigan?
There have been several reports that there is a Christmas Tree shortage in Michigan this year that, among other things, will drive prices up. Geez, the price for a real tree is already outrageously high. The question I have is: How high do prices have to go for a family like the McKellys to break tradition and buy a fake tree?
We've always been a real tree family and will always be a real tree family. That having been said, there are many theories explaining the reson for the shortage but could the fact that more people who've been going with the fake trees be coming back to the real thing in recent years? I'm curious, what's your preference? Real or fake? Get the details on the shortage by clicking HERE.


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New Delhi: Cab aggregator Uber today said it has rolled out two new features -- 'in-app chat' and 'multi- destination' -- to improve experience for its riders in India.
Using the in-app chat feature, riders can provide information like their exact location without incurring any call charges. It will also be available for 'Pool' riders.
Also, both riders and driver partners will be able to see if their chats were delivered and read, helping confirm the receipt of communication, Uber said in a statement.
"This features also means that regardless of where they are located across the globe, riders and drivers won't have to share their phone number with one another should they have to get in touch," it added.
Also Read: Uber integrates UPI, BHIM payment interface
The multi-destination feature will enable riders to add multiple stops along their route, it said, adding that the same can be used while booking the trip


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Cadence Capital Management LLC Takes $229,000 Position in Visa Inc (V)
Cadence Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Visa Inc (NYSE:V) in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor acquired 2,175 shares of the credit-card processor’s stock, valued at approximately $229,000.
Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vantage Financial Partners Ltd. Inc. purchased a new stake in Visa in the second quarter valued at $958,000. Welch Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Visa in the third quarter valued at about $101,000. Cordasco Financial Network purchased a new stake in shares of Visa in the third quarter valued at about $105,000. Massey Quick Simon & CO. LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Visa in the third quarter valued at about $110,000. Finally, Motco raised its holdings in shares of Visa by 25.1% in the second quarter. Motco now owns 1,176 shares of the credit-card processor’s stock valued at $110,000 after buying an additional 236 shares during the last quarter. 81.57% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Shares of Visa Inc (NYSE V) opened at $113.86 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $258,030.00, a P/E ratio of 37.70, a PEG ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 1.03. Visa Inc has a 1 year low of $84.88 and a 1 year high of $126.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 2.07 and a quick ratio of 2.07.
The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 16th will be given a $0.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 15th. This is a positive change from Visa’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.74%. Visa’s dividend payout ratio is currently 25.83%.
Visa declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, February 1st that permits the company to buyback $7.50 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the credit-card processor to reacquire shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are typically a sign that the company’s board believes its stock is undervalued.
V has been the subject of a number of research reports. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Visa from $114.00 to $123.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. KeyCorp reaffirmed a “buy” rating and issued a $118.00 target price on shares of Visa in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Visa from $114.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, October 20th. Zacks Investment Research lowered shares of Visa from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 26th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Visa from $115.00 to $124.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty-one have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock currently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $133.85.
In related news, SVP James H. Hoffmeister sold 2,146 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $112.09, for a total transaction of $240,545.14. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 687 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $77,005.83. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Tullier Kelly Mahon sold 49,702 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.66, for a total transaction of $5,649,129.32. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 76,202 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,661,119.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 58,068 shares of company stock worth $6,597,262 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.14% of the company’s stock.
WARNING: “Cadence Capital Management LLC Takes $229,000 Position in Visa Inc (V)” was first posted by Daily Political and is owned by of Daily Political. If you are viewing this article on another publication, it was illegally stolen and republished in violation of US and international copyright and trademark laws. The original version of this article can be viewed at https://www.dailypolitical.com/2018/02/09/cadence-capital-management-llc-takes-229000-position-in-visa-inc-v.html.
Visa Inc (Visa) is a payments technology company that connects consumers, merchants, financial institutions, businesses, strategic partners and government entities to electronic payments. The Company operates through payment services segment. The Company enables global commerce through the transfer of value and information among the participants.
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Heinz launches vegan versions of its classic cream of tomato soup and baked beans with sausages
- Heinz has launched vegan creamy tomato soup and beans with sausages
- New products are additions to its range, and don’t replace traditional versions
- Brand manager said ‘sorry it’s been such a long time coming’ to excited fans
- Launch comes ahead of Veganuary, which sees people trying a plant-based diet
Heinz has released vegan versions of two of its classic products in the UK – its creamy tomato soup and baked beans with sausages.
According to the canned food giant, its new plant-based offerings boast the same flavour as their traditional counterparts – but without any animal-derived ingredients.
It says the release follows calls made by ‘numerous fans’ over the years, as plant-based diners requested vegan versions they too could enjoy.
Now, after years of recipe development, the products (which are additions to the range, and not replacements) are available from today via Ocado, and will launch in Sainsbury’s on January 8.
Heinz has expanded its range, adding two veganised versions of classic recipes, including an animal ingredient-free Creamy Tomato Soup (pictured)
Discussing the launch, Manel Jordao, Brand Manager at Heinz, said: ‘Since 1869, Heinz have been at the heart of food innovation and our founder, Henry J. Heinz, was truly one of the first plant-based food pioneers.
‘Not only did he develop some of his first products from ingredients grown in his mother’s garden, iconic products like Heinz Tomato Ketchup and Heinz Beanz have always been plant-based from the start.’
He described Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup and Heinz Beanz and Sausages as ‘most loved classic varieties’, and said the brand is ‘continuing to honour Henry’s legacy’ by offering the new versions.
‘We’re sorry it’s been such a long time coming but trust us when we say they’ve been well worth the wait. And just in time for Veganuary too,’ he concluded.
As well as launching a vegan version of its Cream of Tomato soup, Heinz is adding Beans with vegan sausages (pictured) to its canned food range
The launch comes ahead of Veganuary, an annual initiative which supports people as they try a plant-based diet throughout January.
Speaking about Heinz’s timely release, Dr. Toni Vernelli, International Head of Communications and Marketing at Veganuary, said: ‘This is SUCH exciting news.
‘These products are British staples and our participants have consistently told us they would love vegan versions so it’s wonderful to see Heinz responding to this growing demand for plant-based options.
‘Veganuary’s role is to help people choose plant-based foods, whether their motivation is health, planet, people or animals. And our job is made much easier when people can simply choose vegan versions of their favourite foods. Thank you, Heinz.’
Struggling with Veganuary? M&S nutritionist reveals 10 plant-based swaps YOU can make – from eating aubergine for a meaty texture to sprinkling nuts on soup to pack it with protein
That’s dipsy! Vegan footwear brand launches new boots and shoes featuring the TELETUBBIES
The environmental impact of your Christmas dinner: Study reveals how the average festive meal consumes 70% of your daily carbon budget – but the vegetarian option only uses 14%
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In a series of studies on food choice, author Juliano Laran (University of Miami) discovered that consumers exert more self-control when they make choices for themselves.
In one study, participants were asked to make a sequence of four choices from 16 items that were healthy (items like raisins, celery sticks, and cheerios) or indulgent (items like chocolate bars, cookies, Doritos, ice cream, and doughnuts). Half of the participants were asked to choose four items for themselves, while the others were asked to choose four items for a friend.
"When making choices for themselves, participants chose a balance of healthy and indulgent food items," Laran writes. "When making choices for others, however, participants chose mostly indulgent food items."
The author conducted another study of real consumers exiting a supermarket, which confirmed the earlier results, and showed that consumers bought equally indulgent items when purchasing for their families, friends, or roommates. A final study showed that consumer choices became more balanced after they were made aware of a healthy goal when making choices for others.
The author suggests that education could help consumers make more balanced choices when they are shopping for others. He also suggests that this phenomenon may be affecting public health.
"One of the reasons the population gets more and more obese is that a lot of the food we consume is chosen by other people, like friends throwing a party or parents buying for their children," Laran writes. "Taking responsibility for their own choices instead of letting others choose could help consumers fight against obesity and lead a healthier lifestyle."
Juliano Laran. "Goal Management in Sequential Choices: Consumer Choices for Others Are More Indulgent than Personal Choices." Journal of Consumer Research: October 2010. (Published online March 3, 2010).
Mary-Ann Twist | EurekAlert!
Europe’s Demographic Future. Where the Regions Are Heading after a Decade of Crises
10.08.2017 | Berlin-Institut für Bevölkerung und Entwicklung
Scientists reveal source of human heartbeat in 3-D
07.08.2017 | University of Manchester
Whether you call it effervescent, fizzy, or sparkling, carbonated water is making a comeback as a beverage. Aside from quenching thirst, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have discovered a new use for these "bubbly" concoctions that will have major impact on the manufacturer of the world's thinnest, flattest, and one most useful materials -- graphene.
As graphene's popularity grows as an advanced "wonder" material, the speed and quality at which it can be manufactured will be paramount. With that in mind,...
Physicists at the University of Bonn have managed to create optical hollows and more complex patterns into which the light of a Bose-Einstein condensate flows. The creation of such highly low-loss structures for light is a prerequisite for complex light circuits, such as for quantum information processing for a new generation of computers. The researchers are now presenting their results in the journal Nature Photonics.
Light particles (photons) occur as tiny, indivisible portions. Many thousands of these light portions can be merged to form a single super-photon if they are...
For the first time, scientists have shown that circular RNA is linked to brain function. When a RNA molecule called Cdr1as was deleted from the genome of mice, the animals had problems filtering out unnecessary information – like patients suffering from neuropsychiatric disorders.
While hundreds of circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abundant in mammalian brains, one big question has remained unanswered: What are they actually good for? In the...
An experimental small satellite has successfully collected and delivered data on a key measurement for predicting changes in Earth's climate.
The Radiometer Assessment using Vertically Aligned Nanotubes (RAVAN) CubeSat was launched into low-Earth orbit on Nov. 11, 2016, in order to test new...
A study led by scientists of the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) at the Center for Free-Electron Laser Science in Hamburg presents evidence of the coexistence of superconductivity and “charge-density-waves” in compounds of the poorly-studied family of bismuthates. This observation opens up new perspectives for a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of high-temperature superconductivity, a topic which is at the core of condensed matter research since more than 30 years. The paper by Nicoletti et al has been published in the PNAS.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, superconductivity had been observed in some metals at temperatures only a few degrees above the absolute zero (minus...
16.08.2017 | Event News
04.08.2017 | Event News
26.07.2017 | Event News
17.08.2017 | Physics and Astronomy
17.08.2017 | Materials Sciences
17.08.2017 | Materials Sciences


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The new iOS pop-ups can include a short message about why a developer wants users to enable tracking, essentially a pitch of what the benefits might be. And the popups won’t appear if a developer tracks you across its own services, like Facebook following you from its main platform across Messenger and Instagram. You probably assume that platforms owned by the same parent company would (or at least could) share data; the larger issue Apple wants to address is tracking across services that you wouldn’t intuitively think have any type of relationship.
If you notice Facebook popping up frequently in examples about the impact of Apple’s tracking transparency initiative, it’s because the company has been vocal, and aggressive, in its objections. Facebook chief financial officer Dave Wehner has mentioned privacy initiatives around IDFA as a concern in many company earnings calls since late 2019. And in December, Facebook ran a series of full-page newspaper ads with the line, “We’re standing up to Apple for small businesses everywhere.” A companion website for Facebook’s campaign says, “Apple’s latest update threatens the personalized ads that millions of small businesses rely on to find and reach customers.”
Facebook also disputes Apple’s characterization that this type of data sharing should really be called “tracking” at all. Facebook refers to it as “what Apple defines as ‘tracking’” in its support documents for developers and businesses.
Apple CEO Tim Cook responded to the claims in December, tweeting, “We believe users should have the choice over the data that is being collected about them and how it’s used. Facebook can continue to track users across apps and websites as before. App Tracking Transparency in iOS 14 will just require that they ask for your permission first.”
Announced in June 2020, Apple originally planned to start requiring developers to support ATT for the iOS 14 launch in September 2020. The company went ahead with rolling out another iOS 14 addition, its app “privacy labels,” in December 2020. But amid industry backlash, the company delayed the ATT requirement “to give developers time to make necessary changes.”
“This has been much needed. I wish it didn’t get delayed,” says Will Strafach, a longtime iOS security researcher and creator of the Guardian Firewall app. “Nonetheless it’s a fantastic step toward adding some level of plain-English user awareness about what apps are doing.”
Though the tracking changes in iOS 14.5 are significant, they don’t extend beyond the walled garden that is iOS. Kint likens the immediate impact to squeezing one part of a water balloon: The liquid just expands to the other side. Platforms like Android and the web on most browsers will still allow tracking, and marketers may focus even more strongly there. But Apple’s step with ATT could ultimately spark broader change.
For now, though, just download iOS 14.5 if you have an iPhone, and get ready to start tapping “Ask App not to Track” whenever you see it. Especially in places you never saw coming.
More Great WIRED Stories


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"Apple is investigating ways to charge iPhones and iPads wirelessly and without contact using the signal emitted by radio frequencies such as Wi-Fi, a patent filing has revealed.
The indication the company is working on the system will raise hopes that the end of having to physically plug a cable into a mobile device in order to charge it could be around the corner.
The filing reveals Apple is looking at ways to re-power its devices using mobile, Wi-Fi and millimetre wave signals. It proposes directing the electromagnetic frequencies, normally used for data transmission, towards device as a "beam" of energy.
Long-range wireless charging isn't a new concept and Apple has been working on different ways to achieve it for a number of years. It first filed a patent for a way to wirelessly recharge an iMac at a distance of one metre back in 2010.
Rumours suggest that Apple is planning to introduce wireless charging to the iPhone for the first time this year in time for its 10-year anniversary. Adding weight to reports, the company joined an industry group called the Wireless Power Consortium in February.
However, the method of wireless charging that Apple could use is still unclear.
It had been claimed that the iPhone would not feature the short-range "inductive" wireless charging used on the Watch and rival phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S8.
Instead, Apple was said to be waiting to introduce wireless charging on the handsets only when it had developed a long-range system.
Apple patented a separate "inductive charging station" concept for the iPhone last Autumn, paving the way for short-range wireless charging on the iPhone 8. The upcoming handset is rumoured to come with a glass case that could support the feature. "
Source: Cara McGoogan, www.independent.ie