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The issue regarding monetisation of iTunes Radio has now been explained in detail. According to Ad Age, when Apple’s new music streaming app launches in September, it will do so with a group of ultra high profile band partners on board.
For at least three months, each advertiser will have exclusivity within its industry. The names announced so far include McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble, Nissan and Pepsi, and the “deals range from the high single-digit millions of dollars to tens of millions of dollars” according to Ad Age.
Each of the launch partners has signed a 12-month deal with Apple, but the exclusivity clause will only last until the end of this year.
From January 2014, ads will be widely available on iTunes Radio.
Of course, with Apple renowned for the huge level of publicity surrounded any of its product launches, the knock-on effect for those original advertisers will be significant to say the least.
Ad Age explains the format breakdown with: “Advertisements on iTunes Radio will come in three forms: interstitial audio and video ads and ‘slate’ ads; interactive display ads that will take over whatever screen the consumer is using.”
The online marketing news source goes on to report that the format will comprise of one audio ad every 15 minutes and one video ad every hour, with the latter targeted at users at appropriate times; i.e. when they’re looking at their screens after hitting play or skipping a track.
Some of the launch partners won’t run regular ads, but will instead sponsor blocks of curated playlists, using a short ad to brand the block.
The iTunes Radio service with ads will be free to listeners, but for those wanting an ad-free service, it will be available. All they have to do is subscribe to the cloud-based storage feature iTunes Match (currently $34.99 a year in Australia).
If that launch set-up sounds familiar, it may be because Apple employed a similar tactic when it launched its mobile ad network, iAd, in 2010. That also kicked off with plenty of publicity, high minimum buy-ins and a select group of launch partners. It hasn’t exactly thrived since then, facing the Google and Facebook powerhouses, but Apple will be hoping that by using iAd to sell iTunes Radio inventory, the network will experience a lift too via more valuable audio and video inventory.
Apple believes, however, that iTunes Radio’s greatest source of revenue will be from its application as a selling tool, with a buy button placed next to each song played on the service. Every time a user listens to a song and then proceeds to buy that song, Apple will profit.
Add that to the tens of millions of dollars associated with the initial buy-in detailed above and the whole enterprise could prove lucrative for the Cupertino California company.
by Macworld Australia staff


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John Lewis and Waitrose raises funds for NHS charities collectively
John Lewis and Waitrose announce further branded sales to raise funds for NHS charities
John Lewis and Waitrose recently started selling face covers in stores to raise funds for charities helping people with the pandemic. In September, Waitrose will also begin selling a redesigned charity bag for life in its stores and online.
Profits from the sale of these products will be collectively donated to NHS Charities Together, adding to the £ 2.7 million in support the John Lewis Partnership has made or pledged to provide or pledge to charities and local communities as financial or product donations to charities and local communities since the coronavirus pandemic has started.
The face coverings are made in John Lewis & # 39; s Lancashire factory, Herbert Parkinson. Thousands of medical gowns for the NHS and thousands of face covers for John Lewis and Waitrose Partners to be worn at work were also made there.
The packs of three face masks in black, gray and blue are washable and reusable. They come in two sizes – one for adults and one for children at a price of £ 10 a pack. The bags, made from recycled plastic bottles, will go on sale in mid-September at a price of £ 5.
These are the latest products developed by the John Lewis Partnership to raise funds specifically for NHS Charities Together.
John Lewis is also raising funds for NHS Charities Together by selling a private label leather rainbow trainer for £ 79 sizes 3-8 and a £ 8 Heroes mug for house prices. In April, the retailer held a #DesignYourSuperBear competition. The victorious bear will be sold for Christmas to collect donations for NHS charities.
Caroline Silke, Partner and Social Impact Manager, said; Through our relationships with local hospitals and NHS staff, we know the amazing efforts our heroes continue to make and the importance of continued support so that they can continue their important work on which so many people depend. The partnership goes out of its way to help and is excited to support NHS Charities along with these products. "
Ellie Orton, General Manager of NHS Charities Together, said, “Thank you, John Lewis & Partners, for donating money to NHS Charities Together by selling these great products. The funds donated will help us support the NHS, community health and welfare services with the ongoing and long-term effects of Covid-19 across the country. Your support during this crisis has been incredibly impressive – thank you. "

domain: news


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Living His Dream Life, Artist Rodney Robinson Inspires
Achieving the success of shows in New York City, artist Rodney Robinson has sold work domestically as well as internationally.
Adrienne Jones, Creator of The Black Dress Exhibit
In 2014, Adrienne Jones conceived and co-curated the landmark exhibition Black Dress, which honors Black designers in the fashion industry.
UpClose: Jackie Miranne, Powerful Voice in Fashion, Entertainment and Lifestyle
From dishing on the hottest red carpet looks to styling head-turning fashion shows, Jackie Miranne has truly become a powerful voice in the industry.
Passion Forward: Ronald Cadiz, Fashion and Celebrity Photographer
Fashion photographer, Ron Cadiz, says to be willing to learn something new, cherish your accomplishments, and know you can pick yourself up if you fail.
UpClose: Elizabeth Meredith, Celebrity Costume Designer and Wardrobe Stylist
Elizabeth Meredith prides herself on being able to take on any creative challenge and lend her talent to create the best look for every occasion.
Passion Forward: Paolo Votano, Designer and Founder of Ntte Hats
Coming from a country like Italy, Paolo Votano discovered the love for vintage at a young age, in particular, his love for hats.
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by MarkLives. Of the shortlists released on Tuesday, 19 June 2018, South Africa has made it onto Entertainment, Film Craft and Industry Craft.
by Herman Manson. Today we reveal which ad agency is the most digitally integrated in South Africa!
by Oresti Patricios. Do you sing in the shower? Sanlam, City of Cape Town, Cape Town Tourism and King James Group think you should — and here’s a song or two to keep that shower short and save water.
by Herman Manson. This follows the news that Graham Lang, CCO of Y&R SA and Africa, is leaving the agency at the end of November 2017.
Sanlam collaborates with Laduma Ngxokolo, new look and feel for OUTsurance, and Kulula launches Flying 102 — Cheryl Hunter’s weekly pick!
by Oresti Patricios. South Africans love soap operas and WhatsApp. King James has traded on these two insights for a campaign for Sanlam.
by Herman Manson. After recently ending its relationship with Ogilvy Cape Town, Allan Gray has announced its new agency partner.
by Bogosi Motshegwa. We need more strategies that help push brands outside of what is expected, especially within their respective categories.
by Herman Manson. Today we reveal which agency South Africa’s ad execs consider the most digitally integrated in the country.
by Remon Geyser. Marketing, creative and advertising professionals in Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria take a look at “Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum”.


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WASHINGTON (AP) - Superstorm Sandy packed a bigger economic punch than most people had thought.
PLEASANTON (AP) - Ross Stores Inc. said Thursday that its revenue at stores open at least a year rose 2 percent in November, missing Wall Street expectations.
NEW YORK (AP) - Optimism that a budget deal will be reached in Washington sent stocks modestly higher Thursday. A pair of economic reports also brightened the mood.
NEW YORK (AP) - Black Friday was no match for Superstorm Sandy. Major retailers from Target to Macy's reported weak November sales as the strong start to the holiday shopping season - including a good showing on the day after Thanksgiving - wasn't enough to fully offset the damage caused by Sandy earlier in the month. The storm stunted enthusiasm among shoppers during the first couple of weeks of November just as stores were preparing ...
The Los Angeles Auto Show opens to the public Friday. Here are some of the most talked-about vehicles that will be making their world debuts at the event:
• Drought threatens to close Mississippi to barges: ST. LOUIS (AP) - After months of drought, companies that ship grain and other goods down the Mississippi River are being haunted by a potential nightmare: If water levels fall too low, the nation's main inland waterway could become impassable to barges just as the harvest heads to market.
WASHINGTON (AP) - A pickup in consumer spending and steady home sales helped lift economic growth from October through early November in most parts of the United States, according to a Federal Reserve survey released Wednesday. The one exception was the Northeast, which was slowed by Superstorm Sandy.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration put a stop to new federal contracts with BP on Wednesday, admonishing the British oil company for a "lack of business integrity" and also disqualifying it indefinitely from winning new leases to drill on taxpayer-owned lands.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Former Baltimore Orioles all-star Doug DeCinces and three others were indicted Wednesday on insider trading charges involving the use of information prior to the takeover of a medical device company in California, authorities said.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Striking workers shut down the largest terminal at the Port of Los Angeles for a second day Wednesday, and the job action later widened to close three terminals at the Port of Long Beach, threatening to paralyze the nation's busiest port complex.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Microsoft believes the latest version of its Windows operating system is off to a great start, but it's going to take more than that to prove the revamped software will win over enough people to revive the slumping personal computer market.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - A New York man claiming part ownership of Facebook indicated Tuesday that his lawyer wants off the case because he's received threats, but he opposed the lawyer's motion to withdraw.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay more than $2.2 billion to resolve criminal and civil allegations that the company promoted powerful psychiatric drugs for unapproved uses in children, seniors and disabled patients, the Department of Justice announced on Monday.
NEW YORK (AP) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is upping the ante on holiday shopping.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved a new drug from Roche to help treat patients with a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The agency cleared Gazyva to fight chronic lymphocytic leukemia in combination with chemotherapy in patients who haven't previously been treated for the disease. Gazyva works by killing cancer cells and encouraging the immune system to fight against them. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia develops slowly over ...
EVERETT, Wash. (AP) - Police say the service at a bikini espresso stand in Washington state was too hot. Officers arrested three baristas Wednesday at the Hillbilly Hotties coffee stand in Everett. Spokesman Aaron Snell tells KOMO that police received complaints the women were exposing body parts and behaving inappropriately. A 20-year-old and 21-year-old are facing charges of violating the city's adult cabaret law. A 33-year-old was arrested for investigation of lewd conduct. <p class="MsoNormal" ...
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Greeting card giant Hallmark said Thursday that it shouldn't have changed the lyrics to "Deck the Halls" on a new holiday ornament that stirred a backlash from customers online. The Kansas City, Mo.-based company has been defending itself after it began selling a miniaturized version of a tacky holiday sweater that changes the lyrics to the holiday carol. The ornament removes the word "gay" and emblazons the sweater with the ...
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The Obama administration has recruited engineers from several prominent technology companies to help fix the problems preventing people from signing up for government-mandated health insurance. Oracle and Red Hat are pitching in as well as Michael Dickerson, an engineer on leave from Google, according to a blog post Thursday by Julie Bataille, a spokeswoman for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison told shareholders at the ...
COLLINGSWOOD, N.J. (AP) - When he was on trial for racketeering, Angelo Lutz denied the mob's existence, but now he's using his past in organized crime to promote his new restaurant, the Kitchen Consigliere.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Two financial firms sued Twitter on Wednesday, saying it supported their own world tour to sell its shares last year, only to disallow the sales in a ruse aimed at boosting the company's valuation above $10 billion for an initial public offering.


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Hackers claim to have stolen 73.2 million user records from 10 businesses, including 1 million from the Star Tribune, and are now attempting to sell the records on the dark web.
The hackers didn’t access subscribers’ credit card or other forms of financial information, and Star Tribune leadership is still working to confirm whether a hack took place, said Steve Yaeger, vice president and chief marketing officer for the newspaper.
“We haven’t been able to verify that it happened, but we’re acting though it has,” Yaeger said. “The information that the hackers alleged to have accessed is simply used by our subscribers to log on to startribune.com and read the news.”
On Monday, the Star Tribune sent an e-mail to subscribers alerting them of the alleged hack.
Yaeger said subscribers should change their passwords and advised them not reply to e-mails from people claiming to have their login information. He said the newspaper is working to make sure its systems are secure and will be reporting the alleged breach to law enforcement.
The hacker collective called ShinyHunters recently sold 91 million stolen records from Tokopedia, Indonesia’s largest online store, for $5,000, according to technology site ZDNet. In addition to the Star Tribune, the hacker group alleges to have stolen user databases from the Chronicle of Higher Education, health magazine Mindful, South Korean magazine GGuMim, dating site Zoosk, Chatbooks, SocialShare, Home Chef food-delivery service, Minted and Indonesian store Bhinneka.
The hackers are selling the databases individually, asking for $18,000 total.
Subscribers are encouraged to take the following steps:
1. Go to Startribune.com/updatepassword and update your password. This is the password that gives you access to StarTribune.com content and allows you to manage your subscription account online.
2. If you use this same e-mail address and password combination in other places online beyond Star Tribune, you should change your password on those sites as well. Best-security practices recommend you do not use a specific password for more than one site.
3. Do not respond to any e-mails you receive from anyone who claims to have your information. The Star Tribune will never ask for sensitive information by e-mail.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Star Tribune if you need assistance or have additional questions. Call at 612-673-4343 or e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.org.


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Source: PaxForex Premium Analytics Portal, Fundamental Insight
Tesla was the most admired company in 2020. At first, it looked like the admiration would continue into 2021, when the stock price hit a record high of $884 on Jan. 8.
But since then, Tesla's stock has fallen 8% in a day and is now trading nearly 4% lower. Has reality finally tempered investor appetite for Tesla?
Regardless of our investment preferences, many of us have been watching Elon Musk's company closely for years, and the business has proved incredible performance notwithstanding being in a tough automotive industry. Tesla just missed its target of delivering 500,000 cars in 2020. It was impressive given the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on global manufacturing.
If you had bought $10,000 of Tesla stock ten years ago, you would be a millionaire now just from that investment, but the Tesla buyers crave even more. They're backing that this year will be another high-grade year for the electric car maker, which is why the stock is up about 20.5 percent in 2021, despite the recent decline.
But some analysts doubt that now is the best time to buy Tesla stock. And here's why:
- The company is approaching a trillion-dollar market capitalization
2020 was an incredibly successful year for Tesla. A record 139,000 cars were delivered in the third quarter of 2020, giving the company its fifth consecutive quarter of profit. Besides, major automakers, such as General Motors, announced larger plans to promote battery-powered cars, which gave Tesla confidence. Investors reacted extremely positively, and the company's stock rose nearly nine-fold.
Tesla's spectacular rally, as well as its recent inclusion in the S&P 500, has attracted a new crowd of retail and institutional investors. Meanwhile, existing Tesla bulls are sticking with the stock, repeating the mantra of long-term investing.
Both camps share a common belief - that Tesla will continue to grow rapidly in 2021, continuing to increase vehicle production and launch new models.
But it will be nearly impossible for Tesla to repeat last year. Tesla's market capitalization is already approaching $800 billion, and it may only be a matter of time before it reaches the estimated $1 trillion mark. A simple doubling from current levels would make Tesla one of the three largest companies in the world!
Size aside, Tesla's valuation is excessively high and 29 times behind sales. General Motors trades at less than 0.5 times that.
Of course, Tesla fans believe that the company is more than just a carmaker; it is also involved in renewable energy and autonomous cars. But while this argument makes sense, all of this is already reflected in Tesla's exorbitant stock price.
Investors may think they are hedging their bets on a "high risk, high reward" situation. But those expecting another three- or five-fold return in 2021 are likely to be disappointed.
- As expectations match reality, the stock could face a sharp correction
So far, most investors have focused on what could go right for the company, not what could go wrong. It means that they viewed Tesla's huge potential as a leading global player in the electric car market. For Tesla, all of this is possible - but there is still work to be done.
The reality is that Tesla is still primarily an automaker, at this point and shortly. As a result, it is subject to all the risks the auto business faces, including production delays, supply disruptions, recalls, and regulatory issues.
Sooner or later Tesla will get into trouble, causing it to fall short of market forecasts. It could be the result of an ongoing global recession, an escalating trade war between the U.S. and China, or even a simple production delay.
When that happens, investors could be left out. Then gravity will bring Tesla stock back to Earth.
Let's see what happens if Tesla's valuation drops from 29 times to 10 times. That's still 20 times what General Motors is trading at. But to get there, Tesla stock would have to drop 66%, turning every $1,000 invested into $440.
Thanks to its ambitious CEO, Elon Musk, Tesla is a one-of-a-kind company. With Musk at the helm, Tesla has positioned itself as a leader in electric cars, renewable energy, and other game-changing industries.
But a great company is not necessarily a great investment. Everyone knows that overpaying for a stock can turn a great company into a poor investment. Tesla, despite its romantic boss and unimaginable potential, is a shaky investment proposition because investors have priced in all the upside without considering the risk.
Everyone laughs when their stock goes up. But if Tesla gets into a hole - and chances are it will - there will be plenty of tears. Even if you're a die-hard Tesla fan, at the current stock price you're better off buying a real car from the automaker. At the very least, you are likely to enjoy yourself as a Tesla car owner. What you can't say about Tesla shareholders.
While the price is above 735.00, follow the recommendations below:
- Time frame: D1
- Recommendation: long position
- Entry point: 845.00
- Take Profit 1: 885.00
- Take Profit 2: 950.00
If the level 735.00 is broken-down, follow the recommendations below:
- Time frame: D1
- Recommendation: short position
- Entry point: 735.00
- Take Profit 1: 680.00
- Take Profit 2: 620.00


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That’s prep as in preppie, as Marrello Management Group leaves the era of the fern bar, which Houlihan’s helped launch nationwide back in the early 1970s. The new concept, described as an environment combining Ivy League prep school with polished casual dining, will offer salads, burgers, sandwiches and tacos.
The Crossgates Houlihan’s opened in 1998 and was the second in the Capital Region. At the time, there was another one on Central Avenue in Colonie. But that one closed, and the number of Houlihan’s restaurants statewide has dwindled to just three, according to the restaurant’s website. The conversion at Crossgates, set to take place over the summer, will leave just two.
Marrello Management operates a number of restaurants in the Capital Region, including Bellini’s Italian Eatery, and Jacob & Anthony’s American Grille in Saratoga Springs.
The Prep Kitchen is intended to appeal to just about everyone, including mall shoppers and families, according to a press release announcing the change.
“We value our Houlihan’s fans and encourage them to join us for our new venture as we spice things up with the Prep Kitchen,” said Joe Marrello, the group’s owner.


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US Banks payments jump from days of the Beatles all the way to 2005’ish for rest of the world
For non Americans the significance that it took the President to sign an Executive Order is large. An Executive Order is required for either inconsequential items, but more often those which cannot otherwise be agreed upon by the legislative Congress who are generally governed by lobby groups, and therefore cannot make a decision.
US Banks have been stuck in the past and refusing to buy into Chip Cards. They have even been balking at PIN rather than signature. This is the country with Miles and Gallons of course. Most wanted to stick with Chip and Signature, as indicated in this recent Forbes article, which to the rest of us is nonsensical.
So the President fell on the side of common sense, and pushed through what the banks deep inside know they actually want. This really only brings them to Europe and Canada in 2005’ish, but its a good step. Not sure how they will feel about Apple Pay which hits tomorrow (Oct 20th) but thats for another day.
US president Barack Obama has signed an executive order mandating the use of chip and PIN technology at executive departments and agencies for card payments.
The president called on the private sector to up its game, commending those that have taken action, including breach victims Target and Home Depot, who are now rolling out chip and PIN. Earlier today, a trade body set up to push the migration from magstripes, estimated that nearly half of US merchant terminals will accept EMV chip card payments by the end of next year.
As Mathew Shay of NRF indicated, the current credit card technology in US dates back to the days of the Beatles. It also drives the matter that kills me where Canadian Banks insist on having a mag stripe on a chip card. The only reason is because we are beside America and the Marketing folks can’t get there mind around not having american access when Canadians shop across the border.
Why is credit card data so easy to steal?
Because the technology designed to keep consumers’ confidential information secure was developed at the same time the Beatles arrived in America, says Matthew Shay, CEO of the National Retail Federation.
“We’re using essentially an 8-track tape from the 1960s,” Shay said in an interview on CNBC in January.
For once, I will say, go Obama!


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U.S. pig farmers have committed more than $6 million in antibiotic research since 2000
DES MOINES, IOWA — September 20, 2016 — The National Pork Board is leading the conversation to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and preserve the responsible on-farm use of antibiotics in pork production. The Pork Checkoff, funded directly by America’s 60,000 pig farmers, defined its three-point antibiotic stewardship plan in mid-2015 and has delivered on its pledge of promoting research, pig farmer education and consumer and influencer outreach during 2016.
“Real, substantive change is underway on pig farms across America with the farmers themselves shaping the discussion around responsible antibiotic use,” said Jan Archer, National Pork Board president and a pig farmer from North Carolina. “We were the first food-animal industry to announce our stewardship plan, which underscores that antibiotics are essential tools for veterinarians and farmers to raise healthy livestock and to produce safe food.”
Archer added that today’s pig farmers stand ready to implement the new, more stringent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules when they take effect on Jan. 1, 2017. These rules – FDA Guidelines 209 and 213 and the Veterinary Feed Directive Rule – end the use of medically important antibiotics for growth promotion and bring the use of medically important antimicrobial medicines under the direct supervision of veterinarians and dictate that they be used only when necessary to ensure animal health.
“We have been listening closely to the many audiences touched by food production,” said Archer. “From retail grocery chains to the foodservice industry, and from consumers to those influencers who define food production policy, we completely understand the important role pig farmers play in delivering safe food. We are committed to defining the ideal balance of the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time for our pigs.”
Toward that end, in 2016 the U.S. pork industry has:
• Collaborated with federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and veterinary and farmer organizations to look for ways to continuously improve responsible antibiotic use.
• Introduced the Don’t Wait… Be Ready! pig farmer awareness and education campaign.
• Invested $750,000 in five research areas that include defining alternative antibiotic technologies, studying the environmental fate of antibiotics and better understanding the impact of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Named a third-party panel of non-farm experts to provide objective, independent counsel on the National Pork Board’s current and future research, education and communication priorities.
• Hosted several events and presentations with key influencers and the media to shape discussion around antibiotic use in both livestock and human health.
“America’s pig farmers embrace the new FDA rules which truly change the long-standing practices of our industry,” said Bill Even, National Pork Board chief executive officer. “Pig farmers are committed to a process of continuous improvement in a number of areas, especially regarding responsible antibiotic use. One key element of that commitment is strengthening the relationships farmers have with their veterinarians.”
“We take our role as pig farmers very seriously when it comes to using antibiotics responsibly,” Archer said. “Just as in human medicine with patients and doctors, we realize that pig farmers and their veterinarians are the linchpin to keeping food safe, and antibiotics effective, for future generations.”
Materials outlining each of the pork industry’s efforts are available from the Antibiotics Resource Center (pork.org/antibiotics). They explain how producers should prepare for the expansion of the veterinary feed directive (VFD) and the elimination of growth promotion use of antibiotics deemed medically important to human health. The Checkoff also is introducing a new infographic that highlights the major steps forward in responsible antibiotic use over the past year.
The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkoff-funded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $0.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. Importers of pork products contribute a like amount, based on a formula. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and foodservice marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, science and technology, swine health, pork safety and sustainability and environmental management.
For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675 or check the Internet at pork.org. #RealPigFarming #CombatingAMR


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News > Tesla wants to split its stock; shares jump 5%
Tesla wants to split its stock; shares jump 5%
Techly360 | 28/03/2022 09:07 PM | Click to read full article
Shares of Tesla rose sharply Monday after the electric car maker announced its second stock split in less than two years.
Tesla’s shares have rocketed higher in recent months and are up more than 60 per cent during the past year. A single share now costs more than $1,000.


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One of the biggest new features on Apple's iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus is wireless charging.
That means instead of plugging in your new phone, you can simply place it on a special charging mat.
But Apple didn't release its own wireless charger for the iPhone X and iPhone 8. It teased its own, but that won't...
This is the $60 wireless charger Apple prefers for the iPhone X and iPhone 8 (AAPL)
Sunday, 17 September 2017 (6 days ago)
Wochit Tech - ▶ 00:32
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Reduces total onboarding time to 3 minutes
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#KYC—Onfido, the global identity verification provider, today announced that yallo, part of Sunrise Communications AG, one of the leading mobile providers in Switzerland, has partnered with Onfido and Moflix to launch yallo swype, Switzerland’s first 100% digital mobile subscription. The streamlined identity verification process has helped reduce customer onboarding time by 90% – from 30 minutes to 3 minutes.
Strict identity checks are a regulatory requirement for many telecommunications providers which traditionally meant a customer would need to complete online documents and wait for their subscription to be manually verified – a process that could take hours to complete.
Onfido partnered with the digital interaction platform service provider Moflix, to streamline identity verification for yallo’s new on-demand service, yallo swype; a flexible subscription-based platform where customers onboard onto a network contract remotely and pay one low fee with no term limits.
Partnership results include:
- 90% reduction in time to verify a customer, from 30 minutes to 3 minutes
- 100 days deployment, compared to years with legacy systems
- Onboarding new users with customer-first account opening at scale
- Driving down cost per customer acquired, as there is less time spent on internal processes
With Onfido’s AI-powered identity verification solution, applicants simply take a photo of their government-issued identity document (ID) and Onfido checks if the ID seems fraudulent or genuine, increasing trust on the platform while reducing fraud and risk. yallo can effectively verify customers at the start of their journey anywhere, anytime, through a simple and user-friendly online experience that meets regulatory requirements.
“We are delighted with the partnership that we have established with Onfido,” said Marc Degen co-founder at Moflix. “Our experience with yallo swype shows that with Onfido identity verification, we can support a fully digital onboarding experience while still complying with legal and regulatory requirements.”
“Modern telecommunication organisations, such as Moflix and yallo, understand the need for a new verification approach that meets regulation and provides strong fraud protection while creating a positive user experience,” said Husayn Kassai, CEO and co-founder at Onfido. “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Moflix and yallo swype, the first 100% digital-first telecommunications brand, to power a secure onboarding process connecting them to more customers as they continue to scale.”
Read more in the Case Study here.
Moflix is the brainchild of an international group of telco veterans who recognized that the market needs a platform that can support a new kind of telecommunications operator with a light-weight BSS replacement solution – with simple processes, fair offerings and digital experiences – while still complying to legal and regulatory requirements.
For more information, visit moflixgroup.com or follow Moflix on LinkedIn Moflix
Onfido is building the new identity standard for the internet. Our AI-based technology assesses whether a user’s government-issued ID is genuine or fraudulent, and then compares it against their facial biometrics. That’s how we give companies like Zipcar, Orange and Bitstamp the assurance they need to onboard customers remotely and securely. Our mission is to create a more open world, where identity is the key to access.


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Convenience stores will soon be prohibited from promoting vape products in Mississauga
The provincial government has announced a ban on the promotion of vape-related products in convenience stores and gas stations.
Starting January 1, 2020, vape-related products will only be able to be promoted in specialty stores and cannabis stores--which are only accessible to people who are ages 19 and older.
“Restricting the promotion of vapour products in retail stores will help prevent youth from being exposed and influenced by promotion in retail settings,” Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Christine Elliott, said in a news release.
“This is just one way our government is taking action to protect young people in Ontario,” she continued.
These new regulations are based on emerging research from health experts that indicates vaping is on the rise among Ontario’s youth.
According to the available data, in 2017, there was a 74 per cent increase in people ages 16 to 19 vaping. Additionally, 66 per cent of young people who vape use products with nicotine.
“Vaping is not without risk, and the potential long-term effects of vaping remain uncertain,” Elliott added. “As we continue to engage with experts and families to identify further action we can take to protect our youth, this first step will help begin to curb the alarming increase in young people vaping.”
These new regulations will align rules for in-store promotion of vaping products with those for tobacco under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017--which will make Ontario the seventh province to impose similar restrictions.
- The Province has proposed new legislation regarding vape products
- Canadian Vaping Association concerned about potential government regulations
- New vaping rules regulating sale of flavours in effect this week in Ontario
- Canadians concerned about number of youths vaping: poll
- New research links vitamin E acetate to lung injuries caused by vaping and e-cigarettes
- OPINION: Here's what I experienced at The Credit Valley Hospital drive-thru COVID-19 assessment centre in Mississauga
- Suspects, armed with a knife and gun, sought after Mississauga stabbing
- Male hospitalized following stabbing in Mississauga
- Houses in Mississauga significantly more expensive than they were just one year ago
- PHOTOS: Intersection gets a fun makeover in Mississauga


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Britain is locked in a battle to carry on to manufacturing of Jaguar Land Rover’s future vary of electrical automobiles as issues develop that the UK is falling behind within the race to construct important large-scale battery factories.
The corporate, which is owned by the Indian conglomerate Tata, mentioned it continued to “discover all choices” for battery provide amid studies it might construct electrical automobiles in jap Europe.
Bloomberg reported that JLR was contemplating shopping for batteries from Sweden’s Northvolt AB or China’s SVOLT Power Know-how for a variety of electrical automobiles that it might assemble in Slovakia.
The agency can be in talks with the UK authorities over funding for the development of a battery plant, or “gigafactory”, to make sure an area supply of batteries.
This follows JLR’s dedication final 12 months to make the Jaguar model electric-only by 2025, in addition to a pledge to desert petrol automobiles fully within the subsequent decade. It at the moment has only one pure electrical mannequin, the I-Tempo, in-built Austria.
The corporate mentioned it might “retain our plant and meeting amenities within the house UK market and around the globe” as a part of its technique. “We proceed to discover all choices across the provide of batteries. No selections have been made but,” a spokesperson mentioned.
As a part of JLR’s swap to electrical, the corporate – which employs 30,000 individuals within the UK – has beforehand mentioned it might preserve all of its most important factories situated within the West Midlands.
The agency additionally has manufacturing websites in Slovakia and Austria and different amenities in Brazil and Asia.
Battery factories are seen as essential for the long run prospects of the UK automotive business because it strikes away from the manufacturing of worldwide combustion engine automobiles.
The worldwide battery provide has been dominated by Asian producers – particularly in China, Japan and South Korea – though Europe and the US have been racing to catch up.
Batteries are by some margin the costliest a part of an electrical car, however till now the event of UK factories has been sluggish.
China’s Envision is increasing a plant in Sunderland subsequent to Nissan’s automobile manufacturing unit, and the UK startup Britishvolt has been elevating funds for a gigafactory close to Blyth, Northumberland.
The UK authorities introduced a £100m funding in Britishvolt firstly of the 12 months as a part of its automotive transformation fund. It has additionally held talks with six automobile producers about constructing gigafactories.
Attracting different funding has proved tough in recent times, which Mike Hawes, the chief government of the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT), mentioned was not helped by Brexit.
“Europe is taking part in catchup with Asia,” he mentioned. “The uncertainty of Brexit and what was going to occur for 5 years made the UK very tough to put money into as a result of by definition you didn’t know what the buying and selling circumstances had been going to be so that you didn’t know what the longevity of the viability of producing was going to be.”
Commerce unions are involved that the sluggish improvement of battery crops within the UK might transfer automobile business jobs overseas.
Des Quinn, a Unite nationwide officer, mentioned: “The federal government must get up and scent the espresso about the truth that with out new gigafactories and a provide chain for electrical automobiles there’s going to be mass unemployment and financial harm from 2028 onwards.”
A spokesperson on the Division for Enterprise, Power and Industrial Technique declined to touch upon studies about JLR’s plans, however mentioned it commonly speaks to firms within the business.
They added: “The UK continues to be among the best areas on the planet for automotive manufacturing due to a significant funding programme to affect our provide chain, create jobs and safe a aggressive future for the sector.”


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Fiji - eCommerceFiji - eCommerce
Internet usage rose to 419,958 users in June 2016 from 7,500 users in 2000, with a 45.9 percent internet population penetration rate. The development of the country’s ITC infrastructure has increased access to the Internet and lowered costs, although electronic commerce still has a limited market reach.
Notable developments in the consumer to business market segment include the growing popularity of electronic commerce for bill payments through the commercial banks and mobile phone money transfers.
Current Market Trends
Fiji has a large “unbanked” population and access to financial products and services is low. In 2015, the ability of households and firms to use financial products and services was estimated at 21.78 per 10,000 adults, with more than half of rural adults and one-quarter of urban adults without bank accounts. The Fiji government is committed to accelerating the transition from cash to digital payments in order to reduce poverty and drive inclusive growth. In 2011, with the support of the Pacific Financial Inclusion Program, the Fiji Government-to-Person (G2P) electronic welfare payment initiative (which switched from voucher-based payments to electronic transfers to a bank account) was the first in the region and benefited about 33,000 recipients. Other major institutions such as the country’s superannuation fund, the Fiji National Provident Fund, and the iTaukei Lands Trust Board, which distributes land lease payments, are also making payments through banking and electronic channels.
In February, the Fiji government passed in parliament the Interchange Network (Payments) Act. The law provides for the regulation of payment systems and services through the Fiji interchange network. The Act also establishes the Fiji Interchange Network Authority which will have oversight, supervisory and regulatory powers over the interchange, its members and its activities. According to the law, the State owns the network. The network is yet to be implemented.
Mobile cellular subscription in 2015 rose to 108.2 per 100 people from 98.8 in 2014. The mobile service provider Vodafone’s M-PAISA program allows the transmission and receipt of money using the mobile phone network. The M-PAISA program has over 194 agents (non-bank retail outlets) across the country and partners with 27 registered businesses.
There are about 380,000 Facebook users in Fiji, a 41.5 percent penetration rate. Many informal and micro-home based businesses use social media as a tool to promote their services and products. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
Fiji eCommerce Industry Trade Development and Promotion eCommerce


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Some consumers who want to put their money where their patriotism is have had a hard time finding French's ketchup — made with Canadian tomatoes — on store shelves.
Now a new not-for-profit online retailer aims to solve the problem by selling directly to consumers.
And if the retailer does turn a profit, the founder says the money will be donated to Leamington, the Ontario tomato capital that has struggled in the wake of the shutdown of a Heinz plant.
The GetFrenchs.ca website is the brainchild of Joel Paglione, a Chicago-based entrepreneur and Leamington native whose mother worked at the plant, and who watched friends lose jobs when Heinz shut down its tomato operations in 2014.
Paglione says even in Leamington itself, it's difficult to find French's ketchup.
“People end up lobbying companies or complaining, but I thought, why not just do e-commerce?” Paglione said.
Cars drive past the Heinz plant in Leamington, Ont. on Feb. 27, 2014. Some 740 people lost their jobs when Heinz halted tomato operations at the plant. Highbury Canco now processes tomatoes there, but with about a third as much staff. (Photo: CP)
The website is selling 750-mL bottles of French’s ketchup for $3.95, a typical retail price for ketchup. Paglione says he’s buying the ketchup at retail prices and selling it at cost.
That French’s ketchup is made entirely with Canadian tomatoes became a viral fact earlier this year, with many consumers — and even politicians — seeing an opportunity to reward a made-in-Canada alternative to the long-popular Heinz ketchup brand.
In one well-publicized incident, grocery giant Loblaws removed French’s ketchup from its shelves, before quickly reversing that decision after public criticism.
Paglione thinks grocery retailers may just be “pacifying everyone” by stocking the ketchup while its profile is high. He suspects grocers will start removing it from shelves again in the future.
A stall of peppers from Leamington is seen at the Detroit Eastern Farmers market in Detroit, Mich., Saturday, June 8, 2013. (Photo: CP)
If his website turns a profit, Paglione says he will cut a cheque to Leamington, either to support its schools or to help the city grow its tomato culture. He would like to see the money help ensure the city’s tomato festival continues, and help rehabilitate the city's tomato-shaped tourist information booth.
French’s itself is also racing to capitalize on its sudden made-in-Canada reputation. The condiment maker announced last month it plans to bottle its ketchup in Canada as well, on top of using Canadian tomatoes.
Sun-Brite Foods' Primo brand ketchup jumped into the made-in-Canada race last week as well, promoting the fact that its ketchup is already made from Canadian tomatoes and bottled in Canada.
Correction: An earlier version of this article suggested Leamington had removed its tomato-shaped tourist information booth. According to Paglione, the booth remains but is in disuse and in need of repair. HuffPost Canada regrets the error.
Also on HuffPost:


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BMW AG is recalling certain S 1000 RR sport motorcycles from the 2012 model year because their high-performance engines could suddenly fail and possibly cause the rider to lose control and crash.
In a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the German car and motorcycle maker said the bikes’ connecting-rod bolts, used to attach the connecting rods to the engine crankshaft, can loosen under high engine temperatures or at high engine speeds. Such loosening can result in the engine’s internal workings coming apart or, as some riders would say, throwing rods.
If this happens, the engine’s sudden failure and spilled oil that may accompany it could cause a loss of control.
BMW said the recall includes 1,414 bikes built from Sept. 1, 2011, through April 10, 2012.
Under the recall BMW dealers will replace the connecting rod bolts free of charge. The recall is expected to begin next month. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 800-525-7417.


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Sometimes the news cycle is quick, and sometimes it is quick. In less than 24 hours we learned about the new Snickers Pecan bar, salivated over it, and cried when we realized the limited-edition pecan snickers bar were already sold out. Earlier this month the candy company took part in 'The Great American Nut Search' where it asked fans from across the United States what nut they would most like to see in their candy bar. Cashews from Florida, pistachios from California and macadamia nuts from Hawaii were all top contenders, but Snickers lovers from Texas were the most passionate and took the lead, prompting famous snickers bars to be stuffed with delicious pecans.
"We were eager to involve our fans in developing our newest flavor innovation," said Josh Olken, Brand Director on SNICKERS shared in a press release. "It turned out that fans from Texas and across the south are nuts about pecans and wanted to taste America's native nut in our iconic candy bar. We hope our fans are as excited to try the limited-edition SNICKERS Pecan Bar as we are proud to produce them right in our Waco plant."
According to the brand, the limited-edition Snickers pecan bar features the caramel and milk chocolate of the classic snickers bar with an addition of Texas pecans in place of the classic peanuts.
Will The Limited-Edition Pecan Snickers Ever Come Back?
The bars, which were only available in custom-curated boxes containing 15 SNICKERS Pecan Bars, sold out almost immediately, leaving many candy lovers wondering how to get one. While there is no news yet about if the new bar will be released again, hopeful fans can enter their email address at snickerspecan.com to receive the latest news if the limited time bar drops again. Let's keep our Texas fingers crossed.
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Sales are turned to ash, falling from 4.8m.
Market analyst IDC reports a dismal start to Q1 for Amazon, following an impressive debut in mid-Q4 when it became the world's number two tablet maker by securing 16.8 per cent of the market with the Kindle Fire.
The fall was likely due to its lack of international presence, as Amazon chose to release the tablet in the US only.
The drastic turnaround in sales performance allowed Samsung to overtake Amazon and push it into to third place, while Lenovo secured the fourth position, leaving Barnes & Noble in fifth.
Unsurprisingly, Apple continued to lead the market with the iPad. However, sales fell from 15.4 million in Q4 to 11.8 million, but it was still able to grow its market share from 54.7 per cent in 68 per cent as demand for Android tablets waned.
Meanwhile, total worldwide tablet shipments hit 17.4 million units in Q1, down 38.4 per cent from the record-breaking 28.2 million units in Q4.
Tom Mainelli, research director, mobile connected devices, IDC, said: "Apple reasserted its dominance in the market this quarter, driving huge shipment totals at a time when all but a few Android vendors saw their numbers drop precipitously after posting big gains during the holiday buying season.
"Apple's move to position the iPad as an all-purpose tablet, instead of just a content consumption device, is resonating with consumers as well as educational and commercial buyers. And its decision to keep a lower-priced iPad 2 in the market after it launched the new iPad in March seems to be paying off as well."
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The Ksheera Bhagya scheme has a flaw.
Essential energy-giving fat is not reaching the 47,101 severely malnourished and 10.1 lakh moderately malnourished children aged below 6 in anganwadis.
They get fat-free skimmed milk under the scheme, while schoolchildren aged 6-16 get 150 ml of nourishing whole, or full cream, milk thrice a week.
Officials of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), the nodal agency for the implementation of Ksheera Bhagya, say that the issue was discussed threadbare in the preparatory meetings for the scheme. “We have a limited capacity to produce whole milk powder and can give up to 75 lakh tonnes for the scheme. An additional 25 lakh tonnes is needed to supply the milk to anganwadis also. The state government took the decision that the anganwadis will get skimmed milk powder,” KMF managing director A S Premnath told Express. Activists term this move “a lack of common sense”.
“Lesser the age, more the requirement of energy from fat. Real catch-up growth happens when the child is below five, through protein and fat. In the mother’s milk, almost 50 per cent of the energy comes from fat. Milk with fat is exactly what these children need and giving them skimmed milk defeats the purpose of the scheme,” says nutrition expert and activist Dr K C Raghu.
Government sources said that the mismatch happened because the Primary and Secondary Education Department moved more quickly than the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department to take the whole milk powder.
“It is actually WCD and the anganwadis that need the whole milk. Skimmed milk could have been given to high school students and the shortage could have been tided over. But Primary and Secondary Education Department officials managed to get the entire whole milk powder supply allotted to them, and the WCD was left with just skimmed milk,” a source, who attended the meeting concerned, told Express.
The KMF says it is not in a position to upscale its production capacity to produce an additional 25 lakh tonnes of whole milk powder.
“We will need to invest and set up another plant to make the additional whole milk powder, and the process will take at least a year and a half,” KMF additional director (marketing) Mrutyunjaya Kulkarni said.
The government can just divert 25,000 tonnes of whole milk powder to the anganwadis and give the skimmed milk to high school children. But this is not being done.
Dr Raghu said the other problem with the scheme was that the milk was being supplied in powder form and not fresh.
“The KMF could decentralise the entire procurement procedure and give fresh milk to the children daily. Even if the milk powder quality is very good, it will still lose nutrients while being converted from milk to powder and then again to milk with the addition of water,” he said.
KMF, however, insists that the quality of its milk powder and its nutrient capacity is very good. “The only difference is a small change in taste. But the powder is as nutritious as the milk. It doesn’t even need hot water, the powder can just be mixed with cold water and it will be as smooth as milk,” Kulkarni maintained.


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- January 28, 2019
- Posted by: Next Century
- Category: Scams & Security Threats
Customers of streaming service Netflix are being urged to exercise caution when checking and responding to emails from the company, as a scam email that looks almost identical to a legitimate customer service message circulates.
The email pretends to come from Netflix – with the spelling “NETFLlX” using a lower-case L instead of an I, and the subject line “We’ve temporarily suspended your account until you verify your details.”
Here is an example of what it looks like:
In the body of the email, the customer is informed their account has been “suspeneded [sic]” due to “issues in the automatic verification process” and warned that if they don’t update their details their account will be deleted.
After the customer clicks on the “update your details” button, they are redirected to a site that looks just like a real Netflix login page, where they can “log in” and then enter their full credit card details.
The scam was picked up by mail security service MailGuard, which detects abnormalities in email messages and blocks fraudulent emails from reaching clients’ inboxes.
People could easily go through the entire process without realising they have been swindled, said MailGuard CEO Craig McDonald, who described the scam as “very well executed with high quality graphical elements in the email message and phishing page.
“It’s easy to imagine that it could potentially trick a lot of unsuspecting people.”
While the scam is well executed, Mr McDonald said it is not necessarily unusual – and it’s not the first scam to target Netflix users in the past month.
A similar scam targeting Netflix customers with the claim their account had been “suspended” due to issues with their billing information was detected by MailGuard’s email filters in December.


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Former Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova left a huge void in the tennis world when she retired last year. The two-time French Open champion, who drew the curtains on a 19-year long career, is estimated to have an approximate net worth of $195 million as of 2020, according to The Richest.
Holder of five Grand Slam titles, Sharapova from a young age has been fond of fashion. Now a successful full-time entrepreneur, Sharapova recently revealed how she spent the money she got from her first paycheck. To date, the five-time Grand Slam champion is nostalgic about her first-ever prize money and what she gifted herself with it.
The 33-year-old took to her Instagram and wrote it was a mature investment when she was 17 years old. Sharapova said that her earliest paycheck had gone towards collecting pieces made by Elsa Peretti, a renowned Italian jewellery designer who passed away on March 18, 2021, at the age of 80. She mourned the death of Peretti by sharing an article by Vogue Magazine which featured an image of the late designer immersed in work. With great sadness, the Russian star wrote, “I collected Elsa Peretti’s @tiffanyandco pieces with my first prize money checks from tournaments (sad and broken heart emojis).”
After a long and glorious career, Sharapova left the world of professional tennis after losing in the first round in the Australian Open to Croatian Donna Vekic. Taking her love for art and design to another level after bidding adieu to tennis, Sharapova teamed up with an architectural group to cement her spot in the business world.
Talking about Elsa Peretti, the fashion model turned jewellery designer died in her sleep at her home in Sant Martí Vell, a village in Spain. According to Vogue, Peretti’s designs represented almost 10 per cent of Tiffany’s global sales. The famed jewellery designer and member of the Tiffany family since 1974 was the brain behind the elegant, sculptural creations for the house. She repositioned sterling silver as a luxury material and revolutionized taste in accessories.


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The 9th Food Packaging Forum (FPF) workshop “Different perspectives on food contact materials: Working together to make FCMs safer” took place online on October 6-8, 2021. This article summarizes the presentations given during the workshop on Friday, October 8th. Two additional articles have been published summarizing the presentations from Wednesday and Thursday.
In the first talk of the day, Florian Suter, scientific officer at FPF presented the Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard, a free and easy-to-use web-based tool to assess sustainability impacts of common foodware and food packaging choices. He shortly introduced the multi-stakeholder approach and idea behind the tool before highlighting the six metrics calculated in the UP Scorecard (climate impact, water use, plastic pollution, chemicals of concern, recoverability, sustainable sourcing). He then turned the spotlight on the chemicals of concern metric and briefly explained the applied method, which is a starting point for further developments. Finally, he gave an outlook on potential upgrades within the tool, namely an option for regionalization, options for bringing in additional products and container types, and possible links to other tools. He closed his talk with an announcement that the second beta version of the tool will be released later this October.
Simona Bălan is a senior environmental scientist at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) currently working to implement the state’s Safer Consumer Products (SCP) regulations which includes researching and regulating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products (FPF reported here and here). In her presentation, Bălan discussed how the DTSC is working to regulate PFAS as a class. DTSC follows a four-step framework to identify and regulate consumer products beginning with that it (i) keeps a “candidate chemicals list” of potentially harmful chemicals as designated by “23 authoritative bodies” which includes all PFAS (as defined by Buck et al.), (ii) prioritize products when they are identified to contain a chemical on the candidate list, (iii) manufacturers of the product are tasked with evaluating alternatives, and (iv) DTSC reviews the alternatives proposed by manufacturers and makes a regulatory response such as banning, requiring labeling or engineering changes, or she explains that “if there are no safer alternatives… we can require manufacturers to put aside some funding; grants for green chemistry research.”
When prioritizing products to review in the second step of the framework, DTSC must demonstrate that there is both potential consumer exposure to a candidate chemical and that “one or more exposures have the potential to contribute to or cause significant or widespread adverse impacts.” The hazard characteristics DTSC found for PFAS were “environmental persistence, mobility in the environment, bioaccumulation, lactational and transplacental transfer,” as well as a wide range of toxicological and environmental hazards (FPF reported). The impacts DTSC considers are broader than direct human toxicity. Products with chlorofluorocarbons, for example, would have been considered a priority because the chemicals destroy the ozone layer. Bălan explained, “they were not toxic, but they did have very significant impact on our health by leading to ozone destruction up in the stratosphere.” And persistence is considered especially important to DTSC since “we don’t know all the potential adverse effects of the class of PFASs but because they’re so persistent these effects that we don’t know about can manifest in the future.” DTSC was in the process of proposing regulation for plant-fiber based food packaging but stopped when California’s Governor signed a regulation that will ban intentionally added PFAS in all food packaging effective January 1, 2023 (FPF reported).
The third presentation of the day was given by Lydia Richter, laboratory manager at Chemical and Veterinary Official Control Laboratory Stuttgart (CVUA), who tests consumer products to see if they live up to their material sustainability claims. “For us as an official control laboratory, always the question is: Is this true?” Her lab analyzes about 2000 food contact materials, textiles, and other consumer products each year. In her presentation, Richter used the example of bamboo tableware that was being marketed with claims like “this cup is made of 100% bamboo and cornstarch and is biodegradable.”
Under EU policy (No. 1935/2004), the labeling and advertising of food contact materials (FCMs) or articles “shall not mislead the consumers.” When CVUA tested bamboo tableware, they found that 30-70% of the products contain melamine resin as a glue to hold the bamboo and cornstarch together. Melamine is a plastic that was not listed as an ingredient and is not biodegradable even in industrial processes. In further migration tests both with acetic acid warmed to 70 degrees Celsius as a food simulant and again with hot lemon drink, CVUA found that melamine increasingly migrated into drinks the more times the takeaway cup was used.
Studies by CVUA, the European Food Safety Authority, and others, determined that plant products such as bamboo, rice straw, and sunflower seed hulls should not automatically be treated as equal to wood products, and the legislation was updated accordingly (FPF reported). Richter argued that some of the key challenges surrounding FCMs are that the technologies are still in an early stage of development, there are unclear definitions for materials like bioplastics (FPF reported), and there is a lack of knowledge passed along the supply chain (FPF reported). “We can see it in our laboratory that there is a lot of fancy advertising, and the product does not [always] meet these advertising [claims],” Richter concluded.
The next presentation introduced recent work by the Minderoo Foundation on plastics and human health. Given by Lisa Hooyer and Sarah Dunlop, who both work in a multidisciplinary team as Engagement and Impact Manager as well as Director Plastics and Human Health, respectively. Hooyer introduced two plastic-related projects, the No Plastic Waste (FPF reported) project and the Plastics & Human Health project. In the second project, the impacts of chemicals and microplastics on human health will be reviewed and summarized, further researched, and publicly communicated. Through a worldwide network and scientific collaboration, the goal is to reduce exposure, design safe and sustainable plastics, and better protect human health through global policy and laws. Dunlop then continued by introducing an additional research project on measuring plastic particles in human tissues and announcing a series of systematic reviews and reports on the health effects of plastic chemicals that will be published soon.
Poonam Arora, Professor and Chair in the Management Department at Manhattan College gave the final presentation of the day. In her research, she explores how individuals’ choices can create economic, environmental, and social sustainability for their communities, organizations, and society. Though she normally works and studies group decision-making around climate change issues, she took the knowledge gleaned from other presenters over the three days of the workshop to tailor her presentation to food packaging concerns.
Arora’s investigations into the game theory of group decision-making have found that “when you don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring… if you think of that uncertainty… as a threat you want to defend what you have [to the detriment of society as a whole]. But when you think of that opportunity as opening up opportunities for… conversation, innovation, technical advancement… you actually want to cooperate further because you see the benefits that derive from it.” So how can societies encourage this opportunity mindset? According to Arora, it’s in the framing.
When two groups share a task in which the outcome matters to the wellbeing of all, cooperation is greater and there is a prioritization of what the greatest number can benefit from. An icebreaker, for example, doesn’t work to bring groups together, but making a group of students agree on one issue they will write about in a letter to the University leadership will. The trouble Arora sees with many of the large decisions facing society today is that when group identity is a central focus of the discussion, especially coupled with financial or social standing, hate between groups is substantial. “When you put in-groups and out-groups together, have them do a shared task, and then have them come together to cooperate, the cooperation is close to 100%.” Much of the work still needed for society currently is to bring groups from hating one another to being neutral towards one another. “When you share connections, you actually share a reality.”
Bălan, et al. (February 17, 2021). “Regulating PFAS as a Chemical Class under the California Safer Consumer Products Program.” Environmental Health Perspectives DOI: 10.1289/EHP7431


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Jo Malone, the creator of the brand Jo Malone which has been part of the Estée Lauder Cos. group since 1999 and is out of her hands since she left in 2006 as their artistic director, is going back to fragrance-making after a four-to-five-year hiatus.
The stay-at-home-mom-and-entrepreneur is now tapping back into her entrepreneurial dreams. Inspired by her recent homey experiences. Jo Loves, her new brand, will be devoted to exploring flavor-inspired fragrances aka "gustatory" and "gourmand" perfumes in industry lingo...
Jo Loves has been conceptualized as a global high-end brand although the founder has no specific target audience in mind. She plans to appeal to people who will have similar tastes as hers. The label to be unveiled more fully later this year is supported by a dedicated website, joloves.com, which has gone live today.
Designer Jo Malone told Women's Wear Daily that her TV shows "Highstreet Dreams," which gives breaks to deserving budding entrepreneurs, made her realize how she longed for new beginnings,“It made me remember I love the beginnings of anything,” she said.
Words that describe fragrance will also be re-thought by the designer as, "she will also introduce her own terminology to describe the different types of fragrances she’s created."
While perfume will be the focus and the central reservoir of ideas for Jo Loves, apparently there might be a more plural approach for the brand, which might include other (undisclosed as of yet) items.
“Fragrance is the thing that makes my heart beat, it’s the thing I think about every single day,” said Malone. “It’s something that makes me incredibly happy and fulfils me as a human being.”
You can watch a video featuring Jo Malone explaining her vision,


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Valley Stream-based Face Up Entertainment Group has received a standby letter of credit worth $6.45 million.
The online interactive, subscription-based card game company received the financing from U.S. Capital Funding II Series Trust I, an institutional trust with over $600 million in assets.
Face UP CEO Felix Elinson said the money would be used to close on debt financings and other credit facilities needed as the company gets ready to launch its first product, a nonwagering poker game that allows players to win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.
Face Up’s platform allows players to see, hear and talk to each other via their computer’s built-in webcam. Future expected additions to the company’s line include games of backgammon, chess and checkers.
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OTTAWA — Canada’s annual inflation rate in July hit its highest level in nearly seven years as gasoline prices and the cost of air transportation pushed prices higher.
Statistics Canada said Friday the consumer price index for last month was up 3.0 per cent on a year-over-year basis, compared with a 2.5 per cent increase in June.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Economists had expected a year-over-year inflation rate of 2.5 per cent, according to Thomson Reuters Eikon.
The result, the highest reading since September 2011, put inflation at the top end of the Bank of Canada’s target range of one to three per cent.
CIBC economist Andrew Grantham said the reading “at least modestly” increased the odds of a September interest rate hike by the Bank of Canada.


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January 5, 2013
LG unveils drool-worthy 100 inch Laser TV!
LG is all set to take the television industry by storm and has recently unveiled the massive 100-Inch class (100 inch diagonal) Laser TV. Packed to the brim with Smart TV and Digital TV features, this brilliant mode of entertainment sports an external Ultra Short Throw (UST) projection unit and will be demonstrated at the 2013 International CES. Boasting Full HD 1080p resolution and unbeatable contrast, this television simply makes projection technology a lot more applicable and practical.
It goes without saying that the amazing LG Laser TV is probably the closes you could get to enjoying a cinema experience at home, or perhaps even better! With a 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, this television also includes two 10W built-in speakers, RS-232 interface and LG’s CINEMA SCREEN Design.


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Matthew BeedhamEditor, SHIFT by TNW
Matthew is the editor of SHIFT. He likes electric cars, and other things with wheels, wings, or hulls. Matthew is the editor of SHIFT. He likes electric cars, and other things with wheels, wings, or hulls.
How exactly are you supposed to bring back an uneconomical brute of a vehicle when there is growing pressure on vehicle manufacturers to clean up emissions? Make it electric, of course.
General Motors Company (GMC) is planning to do just that with the Hummer brand which went defunct back in 2010, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
People familiar with the matter say GM is set to revive the Hummer name on an electric pickup truck.
Apparently, American basketball player LeBron James will help promote the 4×4 ex-military vehicle’s comeback. James will reportedly appear in a commercial during next month’s Super Bowl.
Pegged for sale in early 2022 the new Hummer is supposedly going to only be manufactured in small volumes. And will be a “rugged, jeep-like” pickup truck, for “off-road enthusiasts.”
Indeed, not much has changed for Hummer in that regard, except the new machine will be battery-powered.
It’ll be first in a series of electric sports utility vehicles from GMC.
That said, the new Hummer won’t be a standalone brand in its own right, as before. It will just be the name of one model.
Most people will know Hummer for their brutish off-roader, based on the US military’s Humvee, that used to drink gasoline in the same way a black hole consumes all that comes near.
There’s no mention of the supposed new Hummer’s range and battery capacity, but hopefully it’ll be able to compete with best.
Whatever the case will be, it’s certainly a new direction for the name, that’s for sure.
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THE STOCK MARKET moved sharply higher Tuesday, buoyed by foreign and institutional buying, generally strong earnings reports and rumors that the nation's trade deficit would be smaller than expected. Technology and auto stocks led the charge, and the Dow Jones industrial average closed at a record 2,481.35, a gain of 28.38. The New York Stock Exchange, the Standard & Poor's 500 and the American Stock Exchange index also set records.
SALES OF DOMESTIC CARS fell 12.4 percent in the July 1-10 selling period, while light-truck sales rose 2 percent over the same period a year ago, automakers said. Total sales of U.S.-made passenger vehicles fell 7.8 percent against a year ago. In the eight selling days from July 1-10, automakers sold 257,221 domestic cars and trucks, down from 279,024 a year ago. General Motors car sales for the period fell 22.1 percent from the year-ago period, Ford rose 0.8 percent, Chrysler fell 27.8 percent, American Honda rose 235.4 percent, American Motors fell 50 percent and Volkswagen of America fell 51.6 percent.
A FORMER INTELSAT OFFICIAL pleaded guilty with two others to charges they participated in a scheme to obtain $4.8 million in connection with rigging construction and financing contracts for the agency's new world headquarters in Washington, D.C. Richard R. Colino, 51, pleaded guilty to a charge of interstate transportation of money obtained by fraud. He will be sentenced later. Prosecutors said the grand jury investigation was continuing and more charges were expected.
VARIETY, THE TRADE PUBLICATION that is known as the bible of the entertainment industry, has agreed to be acquired by Cahners Publishing Co. of Newton, Mass., the U.S. unit of Reed International PLC of Britain, ending more than 80 years of family ownership. The deal marks the latest in a series of recent acquisitions of top entertainment industry trade magazines. Variety was founded in 1905 as a film trade paper by Sime Silverman, the current owner's grandfather. It has branched into covering television, cable and music, couching its stories in its own unique brand of jargon. Last November, the Times Mirror Co., parent of the Los Angeles Times, acquired Broadcasting magazine. Since then, Affiliated Publications, parent of The Boston Globe, acquired Billboard, publisher of the record business bible; and Westwood One of Los Angeles bought Radio and Records.
OTHER MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS: In Dallas, Greyhound Lines Inc. said it completed its $80 million purchase of the routes and selected assets of Trailways Lines Inc., gaining control of about 80 percent of U.S. intercity bus traffic. . . . WPP Group PLC of Britain said it either owns or has accepted for payment about 97 percent of JWT Group Inc. common stock following expiration of its $55.50-a-share tender offer for the advertising giant. . . . Robert Holmes a Court, the Australian financier who has been rumored as a possible bidder for Texaco Inc., said he has applied to boost his stake in the beleaguered oil company's shares to 10 to 15 percent. He now has about 9.5 percent. . . . Security Pacific Corp. of Los Angeles and Rainier Bancorp. of Seattle said their shareholders approved Security's $1.16 billion purchase of Rainier, the second-largest bank takeover on record. Chemical New York Corp.'s $1.19 billion acquisition of Texas Commerce Bankshares is the biggest. . . . The New York Stock Exchange said it is reviewing the withdrawal of the purchase of a large block of shares last week in Pay 'N' Pak Stores Inc. of Kent, Wash. by the investment house Morgan Stanley & Co. The shares' buyers included Tampa investor Paul Bilzerian, who said his bid to acquire Pay 'N' Pak is now dead. The company was acquired by an investor group that includes management. Morgan Stanley said it withdrew the block trade after Pay 'N' Pak attorneys told Morgan of a court order barring Bilzerian from buying Pay 'N' Pak shares. . . . In Stamford, Conn., Xerox Corp. expanded its profitable financial services group, saying it agreed to buy Furman Selz Holding Corp. of New York, an institutional securities firm, for $110 million.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NATION: In Greensboro, N.C., Burlington Industries Inc. will lay off workers and sell assets to pay off a $2.4 billion debt from a leveraged buyout by a group that includes company managers and Morgan Stanley Group Inc. . . ., The three U.S. broadcasting networks, which were bracing themselves for a downturn, are seeing brisk sales of advertising time in the the crucial "upfront" fall selling season, broadcasting and advertising executives said. . . . Nucor Corp., a North Carolina steel company, will build a $250 million steel mill that will employ up to 600 people in Montgomery County, Ind., about 40 miles northwest of Indianapolis, Indiana Lt. Gov. John M. Mutz said. . . . Business starts fell 6.1 percent in May from year-ago levels as the economy slowed and large corporations moved to cut costs, Dun & Bradstreet Corp. said.
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE of Careers of Miramar said it has entered into a joint educational pilot project with Berlitz Language Centers. The project, which begins Aug. 17 at the National Institute of Careers' Prospect Hall campuses in Miramar and Pompano Beach, will combine Berlitz's program of teaching students wishing to either learn or improve their English skills with the National Institute of Careers' vocational training program, NIC said.
SHAREHOLDERS OF Communications & Cable Inc. of West Palm Beach have approved the terms of a merger proposal submitted by CIC Acquisition Corp., a privately held corporation which owns 80 percent of Communications and Cable's shares. Stockholders also approved the sale of all Communications and Cable's interest in the Wynmoor Limited Partnership cable TV concern in northern Broward County to a subsidiary of Cenvill Development Corp.
ELSEWHERE IN FLORIDA: Florida Express Inc. of Orlando said its revenue passenger miles (one passenger flying one mile) rose 39.9 percent to about 682.86 million in the year ended June 30 from about 488.2 million the year before. Percentage of seats filled slipped to 65.6 percent from 66.9 percent the year before. . . . Continental Airlines said it will pull out of the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport to consolidate operations in Tampa, on the other side of Tampa Bay.


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Netflix Uses Speed to Fend Off Wal-Mart Challenge "Wal-Mart has enough money "to send a man to the moon," Mr. Hastings said. "We alternate between stark raving fear and bracing optimism."
So far, Netflix has stayed several steps ahead of Wal-Mart and other threats, like movie services using streaming video technology over the Internet.
Netflix "has taken one step by moving its stores onto the Internet," says Michael Ramsey, chief executive of TiVo, the digital video recorder service, and a Netflix board member. "The next step is moving into electronic distribution."
"I'm worried that we'll be the king of DVD's," Mr. Hastings said, "but then someday that won't matter."


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AT&T’s 4G LTE rollout is underway, with the operator turning on the service in three new markets and expanding it in four others. The process will continue this summer.
AT&T’s Galaxy S2 Skyrocket is next in line to receive the Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update.
Earlier today, Google officially unveiled its plans to expand its Google Fiber services to Austin, Texas. Not wanting to let Google show them up, AT&T has now announced that it will also be bringing one gigabit Fiber to the city– eventually.
Best Buy is now taking HTC One pre-orders and lists AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile versions in stock.
The HTC One is available for pre-order at Wirefly for $149.99 with new two-year Sprint contracts.
HTC is offering U.S. buyers the unlocked 32GB HTC One for pre-order straight from its website.
HTC One pre-orders start in the U.S. today and tomorrow, via AT&T and Sprint, respectively.
LG Optimus G owners on AT&T are finally getting their devices updated to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean! Have you gotten yours?
AT&T has updated Galaxy S4 pricing information to reflect that the 16GB model will cost $199.99 on contract, while the 32GB version will be priced at $249.99.
Are you still holding out for AT&T 4G LTE coverage? The carrier just announced a large expansion where 14 more markets now have the blazing fast LTE speeds.


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UPC Ireland and Nagravision settle court proceedings
December 3, 2008
UPC Ireland and Nagravision have reached a settlement of court proceedings against an illegal distributor. This brings to a conclusion a prolonged investigation which originally commenced in November 2006.
Operation Gaelic, a covert investigation, revealed an extensive distribution network in Ireland managed by Thomas Roddy which involved the sale of illegal digital boxes and distribution of software codes that give access to digital TV subscription channels for free.
Robert Dunn, CEO of UPC Ireland said: "Some ambivalence may exist in public opinion as to the seriousness of the crime of TV piracy. This may appear to be a victimless offence, but in reality this causes substantial damage to legitimate Irish enterprises which has an impact on people's livelihoods. Like any black market activity, this act has serious financial consequences for the economy as a whole. UPC is aware that these fraudsters have a wide ranging underground distribution network which supports this illegal activity. Some consumers using these boxes on our network may be unaware that this is a civil wrong and criminal offence under Irish law. This investigation has also disclosed detailed intelligence of Roddy's Irish distribution chain and individuals that purchased from this source. UPC is currently considering next steps as part of its ongoing anti â€“piracy investigations."


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Many people who are bored with eating at home often prefer to go to a restaurant and dine with family or go out with friends.
But, starting in March 2020, the number of people going to a place with their family due to corona epidemic has completely decreased. Corona epidemic time constraints, including social distance, had bound us. The government has allowed 50 per cent of customers to sit and eat in restaurants and cafes since the last 6 days due to the low spread of the epidemic.
We inquired at some of the restaurants how the business is doing as the restaurants have been open for the last few days. First we went to Saravanabavan Restaurant near Ashok Pillar in Chennai.
We spoke to a manager there and said, “We have 40 branches in Chennai. We closed up to 8 branches due to corona lockdowns. 32 stores continue to operate. During last year's lockdown and this year's lockdown we were only giving parcels.
Read also: Village Cooking Channel
Due to the lockdown relaxations announced by the government, we now allow only 50 per cent customers in 32 branches in Chennai. We only allow customers to test their body temperature. We advise customers to adhere to corona infection controls.
Ordering via zomato, Swiggy was high due to corona restrictions. Parcel order is now reduced from the July 5th. We understand that the public prefers to come and eat directly at the restaurant. The spread of corona infection can be reduced if customers follow the rules of corona infection without fail. We hope the government will allow 100% of customers to sit down and eat,”said the manager who spoke to us.
Next we went to Tiruchendur Mani Iyer Restaurant in Ashok Nagar. The restaurant, which had been operating for only a few days due to the lockdown, remained closed for several days. Mani Iyer Restaurant in Thiruchendur opened in Ashok Nagar, Chennai last year. The afternoon was captivating customers with new plans such as Unlimited Dining with the South District flavor and Unlimited fiffen in the morning. The restaurant reopened just two days after the government announced the relaxation. Customers have started flocking here again for Unlimited Lunch. Many customers wait and eat because only 50 percent of customers are allowed. Some go back. The management of Tiruchendur Mani Iyer Hotel hopes that full-scale working will take place soon.
Also read: Dont forget Okra in your diet must
They say the restaurant’s business is not the same as it was before the Corona era. But, they denied that they could not say openly about it. They say regular customers come because the parcel is priced the same for both eating at the restaurant. They say business will be better if 100 percent of customers are allowed.
#AfterCoronaRelaxation #ChennaiRestaurants #HotalSaravanaBavan


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Pune based health insurance startup, Loop Health, has raised USD 12 million in a Series A round co-led by Elevation Capital and General Catalyst. This round also saw participation from other investors including Vinod Khosla through Khosla Ventures, YC Continuity Fund and Tribe Capital. The round also featured many leading angels. Startup Street spoke to Mayank Kale, Co-Founder & CEO of Loop Health to know how Loop Health is revolutionizing the way health insurance policies work.
Also watch Startup Street in conversation with Sachin Taparia, Founder & CEO of LocalCircles who discussed the findings of their consumer sentiment survey.
Moreover, Tarun Sharma, Founder & CEO of mCaffeine outlines how the company plans to redefine the Indian beauty personal care market.
Watch video for more.


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As the date for implementing mandatory country of origin labeling for meat approaches, tension is mounting between domestic cattle producers who support the requirement and the meatpackers who oppose it.
Last week, the American Meat Institute — the trade association representing packers — sent a letter to the Ranchers-Cattleman Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America, advising the group as to what documentation its members would require of producers in order to comply with the law that goes into effect Sept. 30, 2008. The letter stated that packers should require proof — in the form of affidavits and declarations — of where livestock was born, raised and purchased. Packers should also demand access to suppliers' records and hold producers liable for inaccurate information.
R-CALF shot back with a press release stating it would file formal complaints with the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration against "any meatpacker that follows AMI's recommended demands that would deceive, mislead, coerce and threaten U.S. cattle producers."
R-CALF CEO Bill Bullard described AMI's recommendations as a tactic to delay country-of-origin labeling by intimidating producers and making the process appear more burdensome than it needs to be. "This is déjà vu," he said. "The meatpackers deployed this same strategy in 2003 when they thought COOL would be implemented in September 2004. The packers are pre-empting the federal agency charged with determining how the law is to be implemented."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently soliciting comments on how labeling should be carried out for beef, lamb, pork, peanuts and some perishable produce. Bullard argues that it is not necessary for producers to trace back the origins of every animal because all animals imported into the U.S. are already branded with their country of origin, and packers could use that information to label meats.
While AMI makes no secret that it opposes COOL as a costly, burdensome law, senior vice president of public affairs Janet Riley says the recent recommendations were not about threatening producers. "We need to assist our members in complying with the law," she said. "They need to tell their suppliers what they're going to expect come 2008 because our members are the ones that are going to face fines."
AMI General Counsel Mark Dopp says Bullard's scenario for labeling would violate fair trade laws and still wouldn't tell packers where an animal was raised or solve the logistical nightmare of segregating meat in the plant according to where animals were born, raised and slaughtered. The association estimates that for products to bear the country label, consumers will have to pay 15 to 30 cents more per pound for meat.
Bullard says that consumers have a right to make independent purchasing decisions about where they want their food produced.
Riley, however, says there's no evidence that consumers want that right. "If consumers really want this the market will respond, but there's no evidence that this is what consumers look at," she said.


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InvestIndustrial has snapped up a 37.5 per cent holding in the company which is owned by a consortium led by Kuwaiti fund Investment Dar.
The Italians beat off competition from Indian motor firm Mahindra and Mahindra in a deal that values the business at about £759million.
Aston Martin, whose iconic sports cars have been made famous by the James Bond films, said the investment would help it spend more than £500million on new products and technology over the next five years and recover from a downturn-led sales slump.
The firm, which sold 2,340 cars in the nine months to September 30, down 19 per cent on last year, said it would look at developing existing markets and entering new territories.
It is understood that InvestIndustrial is particularly hoping to drive further expansion of Aston Martin in China. Wealthy Chinese buyers bought 110 cars in 2010, a figure expected to be approaching 500 this year.
We look forward to rejuvenating it by expanding the model range and strengthening the dealer network
InvestIndustrial, which recently helped to revamp luxury Italian motorcycle maker Ducati, may also look to improve Aston’s technology and manufacturing processes through the sourcing of new materials and partnering with new engine suppliers. However it remains committed to keeping Aston’s UK manufacturing base in Gaydon, Warwickshire, which employs 1,600 workers.
Andrea Bonomi, senior principal at InvestIndustrial, said: “We are delighted to form part of this iconic global but quintessentially British brand. We look forward to rejuvenating it by expanding the model range and strengthening the dealer network.”
Fellow shareholder and Aston chairman David Richards said: “This investment reflects and sustains the unique position of Aston Martin within the industry. We look forward to working with our shareholders as we realise our vision and exciting future plans.”
The company, founded in 1913 by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin as “Bamford & Martin”, changed its name in 1914 after Martin competed at the Aston Hill Climb in Buckinghamshire.
Its newest model, the Vanquish, sells for £189,995.


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Television is a competitive business, and more and more companies are getting into the streaming game to give consumers new and even more convenient way to watch TV. We have standalone streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, network streaming services like CBS All Access, premium cable streaming services like HBO Now, and multi-channel services like Sling TV. Now, Comcast is starting a streaming service of its own. Assuming the streaming service goes about as well as everything else Comcast does, it may not fly with customers.
The Comcast streaming service has been called XFinity Instant TV and is currently estimated to cost between $15 per month to $40 per month. Reuters reports that the option will be available to broadband subscribers who want access to a variety of TV stations but do not want to pay for a traditional cable package. XFinity Instant TV is slated to include sports channels, Spanish language channels, and major broadcast networks.
Comcast will roll out Xfinity Instant TV in the third quarter of the year to more than 50 million households. Cities included in that 50 million include the large markets of Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Chicago. The new service will be the second launched by Comcast, the first being a service called Stream that has been available in Boston and Chicago to Comcast subscribers for an extra $15 per month. Xfinity Instant TV will be a more advanced version of Stream when it becomes available later this year.
Now, objectively speaking, Comcast's Xfinity Instant TV doesn't sound like too bad a deal. A lot would obviously depend on the details that will presumably be released as the launch date draws closer, but it sounds like it could be pretty good... if it was coming from pretty much any company other than Comcast.
If Comcast is known for anything nowadays, it's not for TV packages, Internet bundles, or new services. The company has been voted Worst Company In America by Consumerist on two separate occasions, and came in either second or third on four different occasions. Customer service is so inadequate than some users are actually suing. It set an Internet data cap that could prevent consumers from enjoying Netflix to their hearts' delight.
Then, there are the stories from individual consumers that are pretty appalling. One family was repeatedly charged for porn flicks that they didn't order. One man claims his complaints to Comcast resulted in Comcast calling his employer and getting him fired. A woman's credit was ruined. The supply of Comcast horror stories seems to be endless, and each tale comes across as more depressing than the last. Call me a pessimist, but I don't foresee a great deal of success from Comcast's new streaming service. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see what happens next.
Check out our midseason TV premiere guide and our summer TV premiere schedule to discover all of your viewing options now and in the coming weeks, and be sure to take a gander at our rundown of all the TV cancellations and renewals so far. If you're in the mood for some streaming, take a look at our 2017 Netflix premiere schedule for a list of what's available when.
Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News
Laura turned a lifelong love of television into a valid reason to write and think about TV on a daily basis. She's not a doctor, lawyer, or detective, but watches a lot of them in primetime. Resident of One Chicago, the galaxy far, far away, and Northeast Ohio. Will not time travel and can cite multiple TV shows to explain why. She does, however, want to believe that she can sneak references to The X-Files into daily conversation (and author bios).


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Motorola Moto Z2 Play is launched in India by once the mobile phone market leader Motorola. Moto Z2 Play is said to bring back the old position of Motorola in market and is priced at Rs 27,999. The new phone will be available on Flipkart and offline retail stores as well. The new Mods will be coming to India by the end of the year, says Motorola.
Motorola Moto Z2 Play, along with four new Moto Mods has entered in India at a price of Rs 27,999. Motorola’s new Mods include – JBL SoundBoost 2, Moto TurboPower pack, Moto Gamepad, and Moto Style Shell with wireless charging, although there is no confirmation if these Mods will be right now, or later.
Motorola Moto Z2 Play also comes with some launch offers, including 100GB of Reliance Jio 4G data free. There will be 50 per cent off on some Mods as well. The pre-booking period for Moto Z2 Play is from June 8 to June 14. The devices will be up for pre-booking on Flipkart as well as offline stores starting today. Motorola is going for an online and offline sales strategy with the Z2 Play. Moto Z2 Play comes in Lunar Gray and Fine Gold colour options.
Under Moto’s ‘hello finance’ offers, users can pre-book the phone for just Rs 2,000 and pay the rest of the balance at 0% interest in 10 months. Moto’s without interest EMI offer is only valid through Bajaj or Homecredit. Alternatively buyers can swipe their credit card to convert the payment into EMI without any interest at select stores.
Moto Z2 Play features a 5.5 Full HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat. The rear camera is 12MP with 1.4um dual autofocus pixel, ƒ/1.7 aperture, laser auto focus, and phase detection auto focus. Z2 Play sports a 5MP front camera with 1.4um and ƒ/2.2 aperture.
Moto Z2 Play is powered by an Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 processor clocked at 2.2 GHz, with Adreno 506 GPU. It comes with 3GB/4GB RAM and 32GB/64GB of internal storage. The memory is expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card.
Moto Z2 Play is backed by a 3,000mAh battery, which is claimed to last for up to 30 hours. It supports company’s TurboPower charging technology, offering up to 8 hours of use in 15 minutes. Moto Z2 Play can be charged to 50 per cent in 30 minutes.