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Five-inch Full HD display of PadFone X joined by nine-inch tablet dock
AT&T has revealed details about the upcoming PadFone X, close to three months after its initial announcement. The smartphone section will use a 5-inch 1080p display, which can be slotted into the back of an accompanying tablet dock, providing a larger 9-inch 1920x1200 screen as well as an extra power supply by a secondary battery, among other extras.
Report claims leaked memo reveals new Microsoft policy over dual-booting devices
Asus is receiving pressure from both Microsoft and Google to drop plans to sell a dual-booting notebook, according to reports. The manufacturer has apparently postponed its plans to ship the Transformer Book Duet, a combined notebook and tablet that could switch between Android and Windows, and is also looking to stop the sale of other dual-boot devices as well.
Major online retailers open up pre-orders for March 14, 2014 release
The small form factor Asus Chromebox has gone up for pre-order at a handful of online retailers ahead of a March 14 release. Previously, the desktop machine was listed for a release in March without a firm date attached. Pre-orders cover only the Intel Celeron 2955U 1.4GHz-powered low-end option for the Google Chrome OS-based machine.
Apple still most successful individual tablet maker
Android ruled global tablet marketshare in 2013, accounting for 62 percent of devices by shipments, according to somewhat questionable data from research firm Gartner. That represents a significant upset, since in 2012 the iPad was in firm control with a 52.8 percent share. Apple, however, continued to do best among individual tablet makers in sales, with a 36 percent share and claimed sales over 70.4 million units -- an increase from a figure just under 61.5 million in 2012.
Lenovo score drops
Amazon has shot to the top of Rescuecom's latest annual Computer Reliability Report, according to a press release. The company achieved a score of 7,590, vastly outdoing Samsung, which came in second with 768. Rescuecom determines reliability rankings by comparing computer and tablet vendors' marketshares with the numbers of repair calls its Level 3 technicians handle.
32GB version of VivoTab Note 8 hits retail, 64GB version missing
The Asus VivoTab Note 8 has gone on sale in the United States, with Microsoft's online store being the first retailer to offer the Windows 8.1 tablet. Originally confirmed by Asus itself via a leaked user manual before its launch at CES in January, the VivoTab Note 8 has an 8-inch IPS 800x1280 display using a Wacom digitizer, offering over 1,000 levels of pressure sensitivity.
Higher-specification models can display Ultra HD-resolution images
Asus has launched a new Chromebox it will be shipping later this quarter, one it hinted at during Intel's IDF Keynote in September. The small form factor device is similar in size to the Intel NUC Kit, with the compact computer running Chrome OS on a choice of a Haswell-based 1.4GHz dual-core Celeron, Core i3, or Core i7 processors, and integrated Intel HD graphics.
iPad shipments still on rise
Following up on its release of smartphone data, IDC has published numbers on tablet shipments and marketshare for the fourth quarter of 2013. Apple's iPad saw shipments grow from 22.9 million to 26 million year-over-year, but lost marketshare, sliding from 38.2 percent to 33.8. This appears to have primarily benefited Samsung, which grew its share from 13 percent to 18.8, based on a unit increase from 7.8 million to 14.5 million.
RealSense will use embedded 3D cameras to allow for NII interface
Intel's CES press conference on Tuesday focused on the interaction between man and machine, thanks to an embedded 3D camera the company has developed in conjunction with a number of hardware partners. The devices Intel will integrate the technology into include 2-in-1 tablets, ultrabooks, touch-enabled all-in-one PCs, and other mobile devices.
New computer features 4GB RAM, up to Haswell i7 processor
Asus today announced the Transformer Book Duet TD300, the world's first quad-mode, dual-OS laptop and tablet convertible that allows users to switch between Windows and Android, in either laptop or tablet modes, with a push of the Instant Switch button or a virtual key on the tablet. With a Intel Core i7 processor at its heart, the Transformer Book Duet runs up to twice as fast as existing tablets based on ARM processors, according to Asus.
Name of Asus Windows 8.1 tablet confirmed in website error
Asus has accidentally confirmed the existence of the rumored VivoTab Note 8 tablet, by publishing its instruction manual. The PDF on the company's website, still accessible at the time of writing, confirms the tablet's name and Windows 8.1 as its operating system, as well as giving a general view of the front and back of the tablet, and basic operating instructions.
Clip points to three devices with 4, 5, 6-inch displays
Asus could be preparing a trio of smartphones to show off at CES next month, if rumors based on the company's second video teaser are to be believed. The clip, asking "What's your number?" and focusing on the numbers 4, 5, and 6, could be suggesting that Asus will be showing off three devices sporting a 4-inch, 5-inch, and a 6-inch display.
Video teases possible Windows, Android tablet spotted in early December
A dual-booting tablet may be making an appearance at CES, according to a new teaser video from Asus. The hardware producer has released a clip of a computer-generated Statue of Liberty, showing the peace hand gesture and holding a color-changing tablet in the air, with the alternating green and blue hinting at a device that runs both Android and Windows.
8-inch Windows tablet from Asus appears in presentation
Asus may be preparing to release another Windows tablet in the VivoTab range, according to a new leak from a presentation. A low-resolution image for what is described as the VivoTab Note 8 has surfaced, apparently showing it will have some form of stylus support, as well as a list of specifications suggesting it will have a 1.33GHz quad-core Intel Atom "Bay Trail" SoC for processing.
Asus working with major US operator on second-quarter release
Asus has launched its rumored PadFone Mini in Taiwan, as well as revealing that part of the PadFone range will be making its way to the United States in the future. The smartphone and tablet-dock system seen in earlier, larger iterations is now available as a 4.3-inch 960x540-resolution smartphone that combines with a tablet with a 7-inch 1,280x800 display.
Smaller device combination uses 4.3-inch smartphone, 7-inch tablet
Asus is launching a smaller version of its combinable smartphone and tablet-dock device range in the very near future. Invitations have been sent out to the media for a launch event in Taiwan on Wednesday, 11th of December, with the invitation naming the Padfone Mini outright as the device being shown off by the company.
Asus tablet variants in filing will run Windows, Android, or both
A tablet from Asus capable of running two operating systems has appeared in an FCC filing. The tablet, going under the model names M82T, L82T, and R82T, is able to run on both Android KitKat and Windows 8, though a further six variants are listed as Windows-specific and Android-specific models, suggesting there will be a total of nine available using the same base hardware.
Apple positioned as biggest computer maker
Samsung continues to hold top place in RescueCom ranking of the most reliable computer brands. The firm's scores are determined by balancing each company's US marketshare versus the number of repair calls handled by Level 3 RescueCom technicians. In Q3 figures, Samsung holds a score of 694; coming in a distant second is Apple at 259, which RescueCom notes is less than half of what it managed in Q2.
Asus Designo cinema monitor for $470 and more
Newegg.com has cut the price on the Asus Designo Series 29-inch widescreen LED backlit cinema LCD monitor from $570 down to $520. This $50 price cut is not the only savings; mailing list subscribers can take advantage of promo code 'EMCWXVV39' dropping the price further to $470, which is the lowest price currently offered by about $50. This extra-wide monitor features 5ms refresh rates, a resolution of 2560x1080, an aspect ratio of 21:9, built-in 32mm diameter speakers, and multiple connectivity options including HDMI, DVI and DisplayPort 1.2. A three-year warranty on parts and labor is included from Asus.
MacBook Pros, Mac minis and more
All MacBooks are on sale now at BestBuy.com, with big savings on a wide selection of models. The 13.3-inch MBP with a 2.5GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 500GB hard drive is now $1,050 after a $150 price cut. Save $350 on the 15.4-inch Retina MacBook Pro with a 2.6GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 768GB flash drive which was $3,500, but is now $3,150.
Device focuses on design
ASUS has introduced a new all-in-one computer, the ET2321, featuring a minimalist design that appears to be as compact as a standalone display. The device integrates a 23-inch IPS panel with 1920x1080 resolution and 178-degree viewing angles, with a choice of Intel Haswell processors and optional Nvidia discrete graphics.
Asus-made Nexus 10 shown in retailer's stock system
Google could be planning to launch an updated Nexus 10 tablet in the coming weeks, according to a leaked store inventory screenshot. The claimed image from a retailer's inventory system arrives at the same time as another rumor suggesting a change of manufacturer for the Nexus 7 tablet could also be on the cards for next year.
Custom Android branches by each company responsible for boosts
Following reports of Samsung rigging benchmarking scores on its Galaxy S 4 flagship device and Galaxy Note 3 phablet, the entire speed-testing process for Android devices has come under some fire by enthusiast websites. It has been discovered that most, if not all, of the Android device manufacturers -- including Samsung, HTC, and Asus -- are guilty of artificially boosting benchmarking results by identifying the benchmark application by name, with the phone OS branch customized to then have the processor to run, and stay, at maximum speed possible for the duration of the tests.
Transitional PC industry period could prompt Acer, Asus merger
Taiwan-based computer producers Acer and Asus could potentially merge in the future, according to a new report. Asus chairman Johnny Shih, responding to a query relating to a possible merging of the two companies, suggested that the industry is currently in a transitional period, and that everyone involved should "keep an open mind" about such a prospect.
Next Nexus 10 set to be designed and manufactured by Asus
Evidence is starting to mount that Asus will be making the second-generation Nexus 10, replacing Samsung in doing so. Asus already makes the Google Nexus (2013) following on from the 2012 iteration it also manufactured. This would leave Samsung without any known Nexus devices in the pipeline, with its archrival LG producing the Google Nexus 4 and is strongly suspected to be behind the Nexus 5 sequel as well.
Faster processor, lower storage capacity, microSD slot in new model
As teased by the company last week, Asus has launched the updated version of its PadFone Infinity. The new version of the combined smartphone and dockable tablet system uses an improved quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 clocked at 2.2GHz with 2GB of RAM, instead of the 1.7GHz Snapdragon 600 used in its predecessor, as well as a few other minor changes.
Budget Bay Trail convertible
Asus introduced several new devices last week at IFA, however the company saved one gem for Intel's Developer Forum: the Transformer Book T100. The convertible tablet is one of the first devices to be powered by Intel's quad-core Bay Trail chip, promising impressive battery life and a budget price tag. Electronista had a chance to try out the T100 today at its unveiling event in San Francisco.
Tablet integrates Bay Trail processor
Asus has introduced the Transformer Book T100, a convertible ultraportable powered by Intel's new Bay Trail system-on-chip (SoC). Notably, the new 10.1-inch tablet and detachable keyboard are powered by Windows 8.1 and carry a $349 entry price for the 32GB model.
New hardware much more powerful than Atom, ARM models
At Intel's IDF 2013 keynote in San Francisco, Google and Intel have introduced four new Chrome-based computers, all running the Intel Core "Haswell" family of processors. Acer, HP, and Toshiba have demonstrated Chromebooks, with Asus rolling out a Chromebox, a desktop-oriented implementation of Google's Chrome OS.
Teaser video suggests smartphone, tablet dock design remains the same
Asus is preparing to launch the latest incarnation of its dockable smartphone early next week, one which could have some slight internal upgrades compared to the original model. A video teasing a launch event for the new PadFone Infinity, advises that the company will be showing the combination smartphone and tablet dock in Taipei on September 17th.
Transformer Pad, Transformer Book sees upgrades, name changes
Asus has used IFA to relaunch a number of devices it revealed earlier this year under new names, as well as introducing upgraded versions of existing devices. The Zenbook Infinity, now named the Zenbook UX301, was shown at the same time as a Transformer Book with Haswell, a new Transformer Pad, and other Android devices.
Nokia Lumia 1020 due on Telus, Rogers in Canada in the future
The Nokia Lumia 1020 will be heading to Canadian carriers in the near future. The phone producer's Twitter feed for Canada states that the camera, complete with its 41-megapixel rear camera, will be available to buy on both Rogers and Telus soon. Launch dates and prices for each carrier were not revealed, but should be a similar cost to that of the AT&T version, namely around $300 on a two-year contract.
New Z87 Deluxe/Quad motherboard features 16 USB ports, Thunderbolt 2
Asus has revealed the Z87-Deluxe/Quad, the first motherboard with Thunderbolt 2 technology certified by Intel. Based on the new Intel Z87 chipset and ready for the latest fourth-generation "Haswell" Intel Core processors, the ASUS Z87-Deluxe/Quad ATX motherboard has a pair of Thunderbolt 2 ports for connecting up to 12 devices at once. Each port has up to 20Gbit/s transfer rate and is backward-compatible with the original Thunderbolt specification.
Apple-related troubleshooting calls fall by more than half
Apple's score has almost doubled quarter-to-quarter -- to 503 -- in a Q2 Rescuecom survey of computer reliability. The data is based on a mix of manufacturer marketshare and the number of calls Rescuecom's Level 3 technicians have to handle. Between Q1 and Q2, the number of Apple-related calls dropped by more than half, even though Mac marketshare has remained largely unchanged.
Budget-friendly Windows 8 notebook boasts touchscreen, small size
Asus will be expanding its VivoBook range with a 10.1-inch Windows 8 notebook, according to new leaked information. The VivoBook X102BA, shown in a promotional image, is said to have a touchscreen display with a resolution of 1366x768, with its compact size and potential student-friendly low cost being its biggest selling points.
Google switching from Samsung to Asus for Nexus 10
Google may be consolidating manufacturers for its Nexus line of tablets this year, as an inventory screen spotted by Geek.com suggests the device will be manufactured by Asus. Should the screenshot's prediction prove accurate, it would represent a change from last year's model, which was manufactured by Samsung. It is possible, though, that the inventory screenshot, which appears to come from an electronics retailer's system, contains filler or incorrect information.
Taiwanese computer maker to drop struggling platform
Asus has told The Wall Street Journal that it will no longer make tablets to run Microsoft's Windows RT operating system. The announcement came on Friday, but it has been expected for some time, since Windows RT and the devices that run the operating system have been sorely underperforming since Microsoft rolled out the platform last October. In revealing the policy change, Asus CEO Jerry Shen said that the company had taken a writedown on its Windows RT tablets, though he did not say how large of a writedown.
Asus and Google take aim at iPad mini
Despite Android's dominance in the smartphone arena, Google and its hardware partners have struggled to compete with Apple in the tablet market. The second-generation Nexus 7 appears to serve as Google's answer to the iPad mini, adding a Retina-resolution display while undercutting the entry price by $100.
Google could partially unify Nexus offerings with LG
The 2013 Nexus 7 has just gone on sale, but there is already speculation on what form its successor might take. Prominent technology industry analyst Mingchi Kuo has published a report postulating that Google will switch away from Asus, which built the last two models of the 7-inch tablet. Instead, Kuo expects that the search giant will partner with Korean tech firm LG for the 2014 model, citing a number of reasons for the possible switch.
Patent shows similar system used in Asus PadFone
Samsung has been granted a new patent that allows for a smartphone to be docked into a larger screen and effectively turned into a tablet. The patent appears to be similar to the system used by Asus in newer versions of itsPadFone range of devices, though the actual way that the smartphone slots into the tablet dock is slightly different.
Quad-core Snapdragon 600, 2GB RAM, 5MP rear camera suggested
Chat support for Asus may have provided information about the expected update to the Google Nexus 7 tablet. Screenshots shared on Google+ appears to show an employee at the electronics manufacturer stating some unconfirmed specifications for the Asus K009, something which is believed to be the upgraded version of Google's popular Android slate.
Ultra-HD display uses IGZO panel, has 140ppi pixel density
Asus has opened up pre-orders for its first UHD-resolution consumer-level monitor, one the company announced in May alongside a possible 39-inch version. The PQ321Q IGZO LED-backlit display measures 31.5-inch diagonally, is capable of displaying 4K images at a resolution of 3840x2160 at 60Hz with 10-bit RGB color.
Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, 32GB storage also detailed
An Asus tablet that could be the successor to the Nexus 7 has appeared at the FCC, matching previous rumors. A device by the name of "ASUS Pad" with the model number K009 appeared in a filing, and according to details listed in the Commission's paperwork, would include LTE connectivity as well as a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera.
Optional multitouch, HDMI in and out ports on both AIO machines
Asus has unveiled two new All-in-One PCs at Computex, with both computers having large screens and options to add five-point or ten-point multi-touch controls to the system. The 23-inch ET2311 offers a 1080p full HD IPS display, while the ET2702 uses a larger 27-inch widescreen IPS display with a WQHD resolution of 2560x1440.
Ten-inch MeMo Pad FHD 10 includes 1920x1200-resolution display
At the same time as unveiling its Transformer tablet notebooks, Asus has revealed high definition versions of its affordable tablet line. The MeMo Pad HD 7 increases the display resolution of its existing seven-inch tablet from 1024x600 to 1280x800, and the MeMo Pad FHD 10 adds in a ten-inch screen and a 1920x1200 resolution.
Docks for Transformer tablets add extra battery capacity, ports
Asus has shown off two new additions to its Transformer range of convertible devices, The Transformer Book Trio is billed as a "three in one" device that converts between an Android tablet, a Windows 8 notebook, and a Windows 8 desktop PC, while the Transformer Pad Infinity is an upgraded version of something the company has demonstrated previously.
Asus FonePad FHD Note takes on Galaxy Note with Intel Atom inside
Foregoing the customary ‘ARMdroid’ combination, Asus has incorporated 1.6GHz a dual-core Intel Atom (Z260) into its new 6-inch FonePad Note. Squarely aimed at Samsung’s popular 5.3-inch Galaxy Note 2 line (rumored to go 6-inches for the Galaxy Note 3), the FonePad Note also includes a stylus for handwritten input. Although running Android, Asus has not yet confirmed which iteration of ‘Jelly Bean’ that it is shipping with.
IGZO-based monitor has UHD resolution, 10-bit RGB
Asus has announced it will be producing two 4K-resolution monitors, and revealed details of one of them ahead of Computex 2013. The PQ321 True 4K UHD monitor measures 31.5 inches diagonally and has a native resolution of 3840x2160, and the company will be showing off an even bigger 39-inch version at the event.
Phone-tablet gains boost to processor, internal storage
Asus is making a number of changes to its Fonepad, increasing a number of core specifications for customers in Taiwan. The 7-inch phone-tablet, seen by Electronista earlier this year at Mobile World Congress, will receive a processor upgrade from the current 1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2420 to the faster 1.6GHz Z2460, also from Intel.
Earnings rise for seventh time in a row, eighth unlikely
Asus managed to sell 3 million tablets in the first quarter, offsetting a drop in sales of notebooks and computer parts, according to the company's latest quarterly results. Overall, the company managed to earn $3.5 billion in revenues for the quarter, with its $202 million quarterly profit an improvement compared to both year-on-year and the previous quarter by 5.8-percent.


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U.S. Consumers Frustration Grows with Lack of Fuel Efficient Car Choices
86% of consumers think that vehicles from U.S. and foreign carmakers achieving a fuel efficiency of 35 miles per gallon (mpg) or more should be available to them inside the U.S. This translates to a potential market of at least 2.5 million U.S. consumers for the introduction of fuel-efficient cars currently sold outside the country.
In addition, 85% of Americans now agree that higher fuel efficiency is needed, and 80% would support "Congress in taking the lead to achieve the highest possible fuel efficiency as quickly as possible" by raising the federal minimum standard to 40 mpg. More than three-quarters think that requiring the same kind of vehicle fuel efficiency that is already achieved in Europe would help troubled U.S. carmakers to close the gap on their global competitors.
These results from a national opinion survey conducted by the non-profit Civil Society Institute do not come as a surprise bearing in mind that only two vehicles sold in the U.S. achieve a combined gas mileage of at least 40 mpg while 113 of such vehicles are already available overseas.
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February 28,2006 address to National Governor's Ethanol Coalition.
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It was reported that Suzy’s contract with JYP is set to expire on March 31st and she will not be renewing it.
Suzy has been in talks with Management SOOP, an agency that specifically works with actors. They manage several famous actors, so Suzy will be in good hands with SOOP.
JYP has issued a statement confirming Suzy’s departure. This departure seems very amicable and we’re excited to see what Suzy does as part of Management SOOP!


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Mercer Amsterdam has unveiled its first vegan sneaker, and it’s sourced from fruit. In collaboration with Piñatex, the style uses leather alternative made from the leaves of the pineapple plant, which is a natural and sustainably sourced, cruelty-free material. The leaves, which are discarded from the pineapple harvest, are bought from farmers in the Philippines.
Entrepreneurs are, as a rule, pretty excited about their ideas. They almost have to be, since the journey from idea to instantiation is arduous under the best circumstances. Only a true believer is likely to ever make it across the finish line, as the less convicted and committed are more than likely going to be worn down and out by the process itself.
The CFDA just announced its 2019 Fashion Awards nominees on Instagram, and there are some new names in the mix. Womenswear perennial Marc Jacobs is on the list, as is menswear favorite Thom Browne, and Off-White’s Virgil Abloh made the cut not once but twice, but all five of the Emerging Designer nominees are first-timers.


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On a voice vote, the House approved a 10-month extension of the Andean trade preference program, which provides Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia with duty-free access to the U.S. market for most of their exports.
So those countries — Colombia! — have duty-free access to the United States already. That must mean that a free trade agreement with, say, Colombia, will not be lowering U.S. tariffs, since they’re already gone. Which means that the lowering of trade barriers will be on Colombia’s part, creating greater access for U.S.-made products.
And why are people opposing it?
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Everything you need to know about the Met Gala
Behind the scenes of New York’s top social event. By Isabel Edwards-Brown.
This year, the annual Met Gala celebrates The Costume Institute’s “Punk: Chaos to Couture” exhibition, so expect eccentric vintage, Alexander McQueen and fashion-forward mohawks. “Punk broke all the rules when it came to fashion, and everything became possible after punk,” says Andrew Bolton, The Costume Institute curator. "Its impact on high fashion became so enormous, and continues at the same time." Images courtesy of Vogue.com.
The honorary chair:
With both a US and UK Vogue cover already under her belt this year, Beyoncé Knowles will act as honorary chair at this year’s Met Gala. The singer-songwriter and all-round superstar wore a show-stopping Givenchy gown to last year’s event, and considering his co-chair position this year, we’re predicting Riccardo Tisci will once again step in to create Knowles’ red-carpet look.
Actress Rooney Mara, Moda Operandi co-founder Lauren Santo Domingo, US Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci will host the event.
The main sponsor:
Moda Operandi is one of the event’s sponsors, but that’s not all their involvement in the night. The luxury e-commerce site – which features trunk shows of designers as they’re shown during fashion week – will be selling a selection of gowns, straight from the red carpet. Pieces from Balmain, Nina Ricci, Rodarte, Wes Gordon, Anthony Vaccarello, Delpozo and more will be offered up on May 7, the day after the Met Gala. With a rumoured 10 looks to be going live, it’s quite literally a case of first-in, best-dressed – not to mention one that will definitely max your credit card out.
Images courtesy of Moda Operandi Instagram.
The guest list:
Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman, Emma Stone, Amanda Seyfried and Kristen Stewart are expected alongside a host of big-name models and designers.
Kanye West will be taking to the stage on the night, dressed in custom Givenchy. West’s pregnant girlfriend Kim Kardashian – who was reported to have been banned from attending last year’s Met Gala – is rumoured to be accompanying the 35-year-old rapper.
The live stream:
US model Hilary Rhoda and US Vogue’s William Norwich will host a live stream of the Met Gala’s red carpet, featuring interviews with all of the event’s co-chairs. Viewers can pose questions to the co-chairs via Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #metquestions before watching the stream online at metmuseum.org/metgala, Vogue.com, Samsung.com/galaxys4/punk and Modaoperandi.com from 7pm Monday May 6 (New York time) or 9am EST Tuesday May 7 in Australia.
Every year, The Costume Institute holds a special exhibition. This year, the installation features more than 100 punk-influenced fashion pieces – think Elizabeth Hurley’s Versace safety-pin dress, among other iconic creations. The exhibition is on show at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 9 to August 14.
Images courtesy ofVogue.com.


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Koury Corp. will redevelop its Lawndale North shopping center in Greensboro, adding about 4,000 square feet of space and making the retail strip total about 48,000 square feet.
Ron Mack, Koury's executive vice president of retail, said The Fresh Market will anchor the space, taking about 25,000 square feet at Lawndale North. Fresh Market will be moving from its existing space at a nearby shopping center at the corner of Lawndale Drive and Pisgah Church Road.
Mack said demolition of the current Lawndale North would begin this spring, with a scheduled completion date of late 2007 or early 2008. He said no other tenants have signed on for the project other than Fresh Market.
The new Lawndale North will have space for about a dozen tenants, he added. The tenants currently in the shopping center, including Food Lion, have leases that either have or will soon expire.


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Sex offenders banned from online games
Microsoft, Sony, Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and more agree to remove New York's registered sex offenders from their online gaming networks.
New York is dropping the banhammer on registered sex offenders. The state's attorney general, Eric T. Scheiderman, today announced that 3,580 online accounts belonging to sex offenders have been struck from online gaming networks--or at least had their communication privileges revoked--as part of "Operation: Game Over."
The state had cooperation from Microsoft, Sony, Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Warner Bros., Disney, and Apple, all of whom agreed to the account purge. New York requires that convicted sex offenders register all of their e-mail addresses, screen names, and similar identifiers for the purposes of limiting their access to certain online networks. This is the first time the law has been invoked relative to online gaming.
The attorney general said that sexual predators have been using voice and text chat in online gaming services to find and arrange meetings with underage victims. Earlier this month, a 19-year-old Monroe County man pled guilty to sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy he met through Xbox Live.
"At Microsoft, we continually evaluate ways to manage safety for our 40 million Xbox Live members and particularly for children on our service," Microsoft VP and deputy general counsel Rich Wallis said in a statement accompanying the attorney general's announcement. "Our partnership with the Office of the New York Attorney General helps further this cause."
When asked for comment, an EA representative told GameSpot, "This was an [Entertainment Software Association] initiative; EA is a member."
An ESA representative then commented on the program, saying, "Our industry welcomes appropriate efforts allowing people of all ages to play games in a safer environment. Online gameplay with friends is a social experience and we encourage parents to be aware of what games their children are enjoying and with whom they are interacting in the virtual space. Through the use of robust parental controls and awareness of the online world, playing games online can be a fulfilling and rich experience."
Inquiries as to which companies were able to simply limit communication functions and which purged entire accounts were not returned as of press time.
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Recently, Xiaomi launched its first ever Redmi smartwatch in India. Now, the company aims to launch more smart watches in the country. Under the Mi sub-brand, the Chinese company has officially announced to launch a new smart watch in India. According to reports, The Mi Revolve Active watch is launching in India. This upcoming smart watch will be another variant of the original Mi Watch Revolve. The company has also confirmed the launch date for the same. The Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active will be launching on June 22 via an online event. The report also suggest that the new Xiaomi watch will be launching alongside the Mi 11 Lite smartphone. To recall, this Mi 11 Lite phone has already been launched in global markets.
Mi Watch Revolve Active coming to India:
Xiaomi has now started sending out the invites for the launch of its new Mi smart watch. The company has started sending out the “Block the dates” invite. The all-new smart watch will launch at 1200 IST on June 22. The Chinese brand will be organizing an online launch event for the same. You can watch this online launch event via Xiaomi’s official YouTube channel. Additional information is available on Xiaomi’s social media accounts. This report comes after the smartwatch is spotted on the microsite on Amazon India. However, this listing on Amazon India was removed later. But this listing does reveals that the all-new Xiaomi watch will be launching on June 22.
Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active: Features
The upcoming Xiaomi Mi Watch will be another variant in the Mi Watch Revolve series. The smart watch looks similar to the Mi Watch Revolve. However, according to reports, the upcoming Mi Watch Revolve Active comes with a lot of improvements. The upcoming smartwatch gets the highly expected support for blood oxygen level or the SpO2 Monitoring. To recall, the vanilla variant of Mi Watch Revolve skips this SpO2 Monitoring feature. Additionally, the smartwatch will get all the important features like VO2 Max Tracker, heart rate monitor, and other health and fitness related features.
As for its specifications, just like the Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve, the latest smart watch will feature a circular dial. It supports a 1.3-inch AMOLED display. Additionally, the wearable comes with multiple sports modes, in-built GPS Tracker. The watch also gets 5ATM water resistance certification. It also gets some of its feature from Mi Watch Revolve. These features include a sleep tracking, step tracking and much more. Regarding price details, the company did not reveal the official price for the same. However, according to reports, the Mi Watch Revolve Active price is likely to fall under Rs 8000. The upcoming watch will compete with the likes of the Realme Watch, Amazfit watch and others. Also Read: Apple Watch 2022 to launch with body temperature monitor, Watch Series 7 leaked


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Microsoft teased the imminent arrival of the first non-Nokia Lumia last week, and now it has unveiled the Lumia 535, a budget device priced at €110 (that’s just under US$140) with improvements across the board.
The phone looks much like previous Lumia incarnations with an obvious branding difference. Gone are the Nokia logos, replaced instead by Microsoft’s name on the front — above the screen — and written horizontally on the colorful back of the device.
That basic difference apart, the Lumia 535 looks like, well, a Lumia, albeit with some important changes under the hood. Microsoft has given the phone five-megapixel cameras on the front and back, and equipped it with a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor and 1GB RAM. There’s 8 GB of on-device memory, which can be expanded by up to 128 GB via an external memory card.
That RAM is an increase on previous mid-range Lumia devices, while the most recent budget-minded Lumias — the 630 and 635, announced back in April — strangely lacked a front-facing camera altogether. In a clear sign that the Lumia 535 is principally targeted at Asian markets, the phone is available as a dual-SIM variant.
Software-wise, it will run the latest Windows 8.1 operating system, including the most recent Lumia Denim update. The company is also bundling a range of its services — including Skype and OneNote — which is part of its strategy to get (and lock) customers into its services ecosystem, the idea being that they will buy another Lumia phone when it is time to upgrade their device.
Microsoft said the phone will go on sale in China, Hong Kong and Bangladesh this month, with “other countries to follow.”
That’s a pretty aggressive price point given the decent specs of the device. Under Nokia’s parentage, the budget devices in the Lumia family performed best — last year’s top seller was the Lumia 520, which accounted for one quarter of the line’s sales. Microsoft seems to see the potential in playing to that strength and offering something bright, shiny and capable at a price point that won’t break the bank.
Microsoft opted to remain in the cellphone game — launching the $25 Nokia 130 in August — but the new Lumia 535 is our first look at the kind of devices that it thinks will attract first-time smartphone buyers and those on a budget. This new Lumia focus is Redmond’s answer to Nokia’s X range of Android phones and the budget Asha range, both of which were slated for emerging markets but quickly axed following the completion of Microsoft’s purchase of Nokia.


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Apple faces new lawsuit over monopolistic practicesBy Jose Vilches
Apple has been hit with yet another class action suit. This time, a Florida resident by the name of Frederick Black is accusing the company of illegally linking iPods to the iTunes Store in order to control the digital media market. According to Black, music bought from other stores cannot be played on the iPod and music bought at the iTunes Store cannot be transferred to players that aren't iPods.
True, you can't transfer DRMed tracks using iTunes to a non-iPod player but you can sure buy DRM-free tracks at iTunes Plus that can be played on any device. Also, Black appears to have forgotten about online music stores like Amazon or eMusic that sell DRM-free songs which can be added to iTunes and played on the iPod as well.
Black also alleges in the nineteen-page suit, that by controlling such a large part of the portable digital media player market, the online music market and the online video market, Apple has garnered sufficient power to control consumer pricing in these markets, which has resulted in consumers paying inflated prices. He is seeking more than $15,000 in damages, plus a court's award of treble damages, attorney fees and any further relief the court may deem proper.


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MySpace is over, it's just not cool anymore." So say the teens Lynn Hirschberg talked to for her recent article "The Music Man" in the New York Times Magazine. Grown-ups like Lee Lorenzen, a venture capitalist who has invested in Facebook-affiliated companies, agree: "MySpace is not based on authentic identities," he told the NYT. So what's cool now? For the moment, it's Facebook, the social networking site founded by a Harvard student in 2004 that's "based on who you really are and who your friends really are," as Lorenzen says. "That is who marketers really want to reach, not the 'fantasy you' that lives on MySpace and uses a photo of a model."
Brands including Blockbuster, Conde Nast and Coca-Cola are all clamoring for the attention of Facebook's 60 million members, 40% of whom are over the age of 25. Is there room for book publishers and booksellers, too? The number of book-related tools on Facebook suggests so; out of the 5,000+ "applications" that exist on Facebook, some 125 of them are books-related. This week-in-the-life diary reveals what these applications are, how to use them--and why publishers and booksellers should care.
Number of books read about: 181
Number of people contacted about books: 3
Number of virtual gifts received: 1
* 10:19 a.m.
I log in to my Facebook …


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Apple has confirmed that the one millionth iPad was sold in the US on Friday, as the company also launched its first 3G version of the tablet computer.
Around half a million iPads were snapped up in America during the first week after the device went on sale at the start of April.
In a statement, Apple chief executive Steve Jobs highlighted that the iPad needed just 28 days to achieve 1m sales, compared to the 74 days it took the iPhone.
"One million iPads in 28 days - that's less than half of the 74 days it took to achieve this milestone with iPhone," he said.
Jobs added that "demand continues to exceed supply" with the iPad, while over 12m apps and 1.5m eBooks have already been downloaded for the device.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Piper Jaffray & Co analyst Gene Munster claimed that around 300,000 iPad 3G models were sold in the US over the weekend.
In reaction to strong US demand for the iPad, Apple last month opted to delay the tablet's international launch until the end of May.


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Kia Soul spotted
The Kia Soul is the Korean company’s latest attempt at delivering a big package for a small price. The vehicle that made it’s U.S. debut at the L.A. Auto Show was spotted on the opposite coast driving towards Miami Beach, soaking up some that South Florida sunshine.
Kia’s television ads, that can be seen on the car’s website, promise to deliver an alternative from the ordinary everyday people mover. The problem most manufacturers face when attempting this is that they release a design that is so far out there that consumers are hesitant to be seen in one. That is not the case with the Soul. The vehicle is a box, but the way that the designers have been able to mix the squared shape with round edges and bulging curves makes for an attractive design.
The Soul will compete directly against Toyota’s Scion xB. Starting at around $13,000, the Kia’s low entry price should make it attractive purchase for both young and old car buyers. With the growing trend of small crossovers that offer similar cargo capacity to their larger counterparts while consuming less gasoline, combined with the vehicle’s styling should make the Kia Soul a hit.


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Though it has yet to be reflected on B&H, Sigma has informed me today that the 85mm f/1.4 Art lens is shipping in both Canon and Nikon mounts as well as the Sigma mount. The 85mm was announced back at Photokina long with two other lenses, and has to be the most anticipated revamp of a lens since Sigma started their whole Global Vision with the 35mm f/1.4.
If you’re curious about seeing the new 85mm as well as some of their other new lenses, make sure to check out their series of demo-days, where you can try out the lens for yourself. There are several options taking place all over the country, so see the locations and dates here. The first is on November 10 at B&H Photo in New York.


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David Beckham grabs an early morning juice as he settles back into his healthy LA lifestyle. He is in superb shape and is often seen leaving the gym following an intense workout session, but it seems like regular exercise isn’t the only the reason David Beckham stays in good shape.
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The 39-year-old sportsman also sticks to a healthy diet and was spotted making a quick dash to Juice Crafters in Brentwood on Sunday morning. Dressed down in a black T-shirt and matching shorts, the father-of-four was pictured buying some fresh acai juice. David and his fashion designer wife Victoria are known to be huge fans of the berry, which is renowned for aiding weight loss.
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The former Spice Girl previously tweeted: ‘Obsessed with Acai berries! Native Brazilian super food.’ Juice Crafters describes the popular treat for Californians as an icy blend of ‘a small purple berry that grows on a palm tree in the Brazilian Amazon’ and is then topped with granola, honey, coconut, strawberries and banana.
Acai is ‘famous for having the richest antioxidant content of any naturally occurring fruit’ and can ‘increase your body and mind’s performance’, according to the store. On Thursday, David was seen heading back to his beloved SoulCycle classes just hours after arriving back in Los Angeles.
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The jet-set star was seen at LAX along with his pal Chris Martin after disembarking the plane, it appeared as if they had flown together. The Coldplay singer has been known to party with the David Beckhams on occasion, most recently for Victoria’s 40th birthday bash in April. Meanwhile, the international fashion mogul – who has been named the new UN International Goodwill Ambassador – was recently snapped at her flagship London store. Victoria ditched her signature pout for a genuine smile as she enjoyed her trip to her shop on Dover Street, which only opened last month.


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As part of a larger Gamasutra interview
, Nintendo's Charlie Scibetta explains that the company's games will draw buyers to 3DS, and the PS Vita debuting for the same price is not going to change its strategy.
When asked if $249 is too high a price for the casual gamers who flocked to the original Nintendo DS, Scibetta, Nintendo of America's senior director of corporate communications, told Gamasutra that it's the strong lineup that will bring the audience.
"I think if you give people enough reasons to buy, eventually they will. We're not too concerned about the long term viability of the platform."
It's not about dropping a price, then, to drive interest. "If we give them good enough content," he said, success will follow. "I'll keep coming back to the games, and we've got the experiences that will appeal."
Of course, Sony announced its new handheld, the PS Vita, will ship in 2011 at $249 -- the same price as the 3DS. Scibetta is not worried, toeing the usual Nintendo line. "We tend to focus more on what we have to offer."
He added, "We certainly wouldn't change our strategy or our approach based on what a competitor is doing." The company will "continue to innovate... and encourage our third party developers to take advantage of the system."
The full interview, which discusses the 3DS more extensively and also covers the newly-announced Wii U, is also live on Gamasutra


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Speaking at a privacy conference, Euclid Elements Co-Founder Will Smith said the company's new product that tracks retail shoppers via unique IDs known as MAC addresses should not raise privacy concerns, CNET News reports. The company offers retailers a sensor that "passively detects smartphones that come near the store," Smith said. The company currently employs an opt-out model; MAC addresses are stored for 18 months and only aggregate information is available to retailers, the report states. A representative from the Electronic Frontier Foundation said, "If it really creates value for the shopper, it should be something they opt in to."
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Nintendo had a terrific lockdown-hit quarter — that's April through June — thanks to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, with operating profit jumping 428 percent year-on-year to nearly JPY 145 billion (roughly Rs. 10,290 crores) off total revenue of JPY 358 billion (roughly Rs. 25,400 crores). The new Animal Crossing title — released last quarter in March — sold over 10 million copies and took its cumulative total to 22.4 million units in less than five months, second only to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (26.74 million) that has taken three years to achieve that number.
It's evident that Animal Crossing: New Horizons directly contributed to Nintendo Switch sales. The Japanese gaming giant noted [PDF] that out of all the new Switch units that were played on for the first time during Q1 of this financial year, more than half played New Horizons on the first day. In doing so, Animal Crossing: New Horizons contributed to a 167 percent year-on-year increase in new members joining the Nintendo Switch family, with 5.68 million Switch consoles — including 2.62 million Switch Lite units, and 3.05 million of the regular Switch — being sold during the quarter.
Thanks to that, Nintendo has now shipped 61.44 million Switch units in total, despite stock shortages created by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Nintendo said it's working hard to deliver more units “as quickly as possible” but admitted that manufacturing could be affected if COVID-19 continues to expand. The shortage hit was much bigger with the Ring Fit Adventure game, an exercising adventure that many stuck-at-home folks opted for.
“Demand for this new proposal from Nintendo of exercising by playing an adventure game was so much higher than our forecasts that the global supply has been unable to keep up since release,” Nintendo said [PDF] in a statement. “We saw a temporary drop in sell-through due to product shortages, especially in March through May, but we have since increased production […] which has helped sell-through to recover. The lingering effects of this product shortage in the market are still an inconvenience to a large number of consumers, but as with the Nintendo Switch family of systems, we will continue to work to ensure a sufficient amount of shipments for the holiday season.”
Still, Nintendo sold a lot more games this quarter, with sales growing 123 percent year-on-year to 50.43 million units. Nine titles — including seven from Nintendo — passed a million units sold. Nintendo didn't talk about any upcoming titles, though given the momentum garnered by Animal Crossing: New Horizons, it looks set to dominate this quarter too.


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ITW Dymon (Olathe, KS) has developed the SCRUBS Green Cleaning Wipes for hard surface cleaning with environmental advantages, according to the company. The 6 by 10.5” wipes are saturated with a non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-flammable formula. They contain no dyes, disperse in water, and are flushable.
U.S. physicists might have found what is commonly known as "the God particle," an elusive, minute substance that has long promised to revolutionize the way we look at the physics of our universe. Bill Nye (aka The Science Guy) seems cautiously optimistic of the findings, which could unlock new forms of hyper-powerful energy sources.
Q&A with Fred Melms, Manager — Packaging R&D, WhiteWave Foods WhiteWave Foods is one of the largest producers of creamer singles in North America, primarily through its International Delight® and LAND O LAKES® brands. The company has recently developed alternative packaging to reduce the environmental impact of its products.
At the end of the day, consumers that receive poor customer service do so at their own choosing. It is not the fault of the company because the customer gets to vote everyday with their money as to who gets to stay in business and who does not. What an interesting question to ask in a capitalistic market where, theoretically, there are many companies competing to serve customers with their products.
Engadget ’s Tim Stevens sat down with Alan Mullaly, CEO of Ford, on the future of not only his company, but the transportation industry in general. Like most other automakers, Ford is taking steps to get into the electric-vehicle market with an all-electric Focus. By the time 2025 rolls around, Mullaly predicts that at least 20 percent of the cars on the road will be electric.
According to a recent economic forecast, China's economy could overtake the U.S.'s by 2016 — or earlier than projected by other recent forecasts. What would this mean for China? But more importantly, what would this mean for the ever-improving American economy? CNN 's Ramy Inocencio breaks things down in this video.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, just back from China, said the United States must compete with the Asian nation to be a global leader on renewable energy. The Nevada Democrat led a bipartisan delegation of 10 senators on a taxpayer-funded trip to China that included meetings with top Chinese government officials and business leaders.
NEW YORK (AP) — New York Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle and a flight instructor did everything they could to save their lives after the small plane they were piloting malfunctioned, causing them to crash into a Manhattan building, a lawyer for the men's families told a jury Wednesday at the start of a civil trial.
CINCINNATI (AP) — Plastic or ... a different plastic? Procter & Gamble said Tuesday that it has started producing some of its shampoo bottles from a plastic made from sugar cane because it's a renewable resource. Customers won't notice a difference, the company said, but the environment will: Most traditional plastics are petroleum-based.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Johnson & Johnson's CEO said Wednesday he hopes most of the company's product recalls are behind it, but he can't promise that. William Weldon, who has run the health care giant since 2002, said J&J has learned some lessons, invested heavily in improving quality and will work to regain consumer confidence.
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Wisconsin woman who created a bra with pockets has filed a federal patent infringement lawsuit against another person who came up with a similar idea. Tammy Pintor, owner of TJ Secret in Menomonee Falls, has a patent for a brassiere that holds and conceals electronic devices, cosmetics, money or other items.
John Ryland worked a dozen years at an advertising firm, only to get laid off. Instead of mourning his loss, he got to work on what had always been a hobby and a passion: building custom motorcycles. He now heads Classified Moto , a fledgling business that builds those custom choppers for eager riders.
"That German slingshot guy" is back with another preposterous invention: the slingshot Gatling gun. Jeorg took to designing the repeating gun mechanism, and the result is the launch of eight 20mm projectiles in less than half a second. According to the inventor, the theoretical firing rate reaches 960 rounds per minute, which is faster than an M16.
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Automaker Volkswagen AG sharply increased net profit to euro1.71 billion ($2.5 billion) in the first quarter as stronger sales in emerging markets such as China, Argentina, and Russia more than made up for slumps in debt-stricken European countries. Earnings per share of euro3.
NEW YORK (AP) — Apple Inc. denied Wednesday that iPhones store a record of their users' movements for up to a year and blamed privacy concerns partly on a misunderstanding. A data file publicized by security researchers last week doesn't store users' locations, but a list of Wi-Fi hotspots and cell towers in their general area, the company said.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (AP) — Union members from across West Virginia are gathering to remember fallen workers as a new report puts the state among the 10 worst for on-the-job fatalities. The West Virginia AFL-CIO planned to observe national Workers Memorial Day on Wednesday in Huntington at Local 317 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A Chinese drywall supplier's insurers have agreed to pay up to $8 million to settle court claims against the company over damage to homes from the corrosive product, according to a proposed settlement filed Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon in New Orleans must approve the deal between plaintiffs' attorneys, Interior/Exterior Building Supply and two of its three insurers.
DETROIT (AP) — Details are still being worked out, but Chrysler Group LLC on Thursday will make an announcement about a refinancing package that will repay its government loans, according to a person briefed on the matter. Final details are likely to be revealed Monday, when Chrysler releases its first-quarter financial results, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the company is still negotiating the package with banks.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Businesses increased their orders for heavy machinery, computers, autos and steel in March, boosting demand for long-lasting manufactured goods for a third straight month. Orders for durable goods rose 2.5 percent in March, the Commerce Department said Wednesday.
HELSINKI (AP) — Nokia Corp. said Wednesday it will slash 7,000 jobs worldwide, through both layoffs and outsourcing, as it strives to cut costs and catch up with its top rivals in the smartphone market. Most of the 4,000 layoffs, due by the end of 2012, will be in Denmark, Finland and Britain, Nokia said.


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UK battery manufacturer Britishvolt will collaborate with Italian design firm Pininfarina to build its planned large-scale gigaPlant on 80-plus acres of green industrial park in Bro Tathan in South Wales.
The 2.5m square feet plant, on the site of the former RAF base of Bro Tathan, is anticipated to be finished and operational by 2023, a Britishvolt spokesman told The Manufacturer. The initial investment of £1.2bn is described as one of the largest industrial investments in British history. The gigaplant will employ 3,500 skilled workers.
Start-up Britishvolt wanted to work with a design firm with expertise in batteries to create a facility sensitive to the surroundings and welcoming to the local residents. Pininfarina, a global design firm based in Turin marking its 90th anniversary this year, has been at the forefront of electric mobility since 1978 with the Ecos automotive prototype, the companies said in a joint announcement. The design studio continues to work in eco-sustainable and zero emission mobility and is fully committed to numerous electric propulsion solutions in the mobility market.
Britishvolt signs a collaboration agreement to create UK’s first gigaplant with design firm Pininfarina. Image credit: Britishvolt; Pininfarina.
“Britishvolt’s aim to become the world’s first zero carbon battery manufacturer aligns perfectly with Pininfarina’s expertise in creating green, high tech and innovative environments” said Orral Nadjari, CEO and co-founder of Britishvolt. “We believe in prioritizing an innovative design to match the future quality of our lithium ion cells. The balance between pioneering design and understanding of local culture is one Britishvolt is proud to take forward. With Pininfarina bringing the full force of its elegance and heritage in automotive design to architecture, we believe we can accomplish this desire.”
“Sustainable design is no longer an option to consider down the line,” said Silvio Pietro Angori, CEO of Pininfarina. “It’s a necessary commitment to create social and economic value for future generations.”
The Britishvolt project is still at an early stage, but it’s already Britain’s foremost investor in battery technologies, a Britishvolt spokesman said. “Although there are many challenges ahead, its aim is to establish the UK as the leading force in battery technology” the spokesman told The Manufacturer. “Britishvolt is working with partners, investors and suppliers to achieve this because it’s of paramount importance for the future of the UK automotive industry and the overall economic and industrial health of the UK.”


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Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or digital collectibles are having a terrific 2021, with the industry achieving a record sales volume of more than $12 billion.
The sheer sales volume reflects NFTs’ success in attracting huge investments from entrepreneurs, celebrities and crypto enthusiasts. Momentum in crypto prices like bitcoin has been a tailwind for NFTs. The popularity of NFTs exploded this year, thanks to marketplaces like the OpenSea, Rarible and The U.S. National Basketball Association Top Shot that allow fans to buy and trade NFTs. Popularity of NFT’s has helped marketplaces raise capital from venture funds. For instance, OpenSea raised $100 million in a Series B round led by Andreesen Horowitz. The marketplace is now valued at $1.5 billion. But before delving deep into NFTs’ worth as an investment vehicle, let’s find what a NFT is. As the term suggests, NFTs are irreplaceable digital items. These can be images, artwork, collectibles, video snippets, music albums, in-game items, and many other items. NFTs are minted on a blockchain, similar to cryptocurrencies. Hence they are unique and scarce and hard to falsify. Although NFTs don’t offer any royalty, interest or dividend on the digital item traded, bought and sold, NFTs give the investor a chance to benefit from crypto price momentum, as they are denominated in cryptocurrencies. The popularity of NFTs is driven by a collector’s enthusiasm in gathering the authentic and authorized version of a collectible. However, speculative nature, lack of cash flow and higher liquidity risk are headwinds for NFT investors. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Hence, NFTs are not for the weak-hearted or investors looking for regular income. Instead, stocks with exposure to NFTs can offer better returns. Here we discuss three such stocks.
Funko ( FNKO Quick Quote FNKO - Free Report) – This maker of pop-culture collectibles has been a frontrunner in expanding its footprint in the NFT space. Funko acquired a majority stake in TokenWave, developer of TokenHead, a mobile app and website for showcasing and tracking NFT holdings, in April this year. Funko launched its NFT offerings on the WAX platform, the leading decentralized wallet on the blockchain, which provides verifiable authenticity for purchases of Funko NFTs. Funko currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Mattel ( MAT Quick Quote MAT - Free Report) – This toy-maker giant has launched NFTs featuring one of the hottest brands – Hot Wheels. In June, Mattel launched Hot Wheels NFT Garage series that featured three vehicles from “The First Editions” vehicle collection. Mattel’s popular product portfolio that includes iconic toys like Barbie, American Girl and UNO presents significant growth opportunities in the NFT space. This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock recently announced a collaboration for the NFT community and cryptocurrency holders from Mattel Creations and VeeFriends with a reimagined UNO deck featuring Gary Vaynerchuk’s VeeFriends NFT signature characters. The new deck offers UNO fans and NFT collectors the opportunity to own a VeeFriends collectible in the physical form of a UNO deck. Cloudflare ( NET Quick Quote NET - Free Report) – Another Zacks Rank #3 stock, this fast-growing cloud computing focuses on providing security solutions and a plethora of business solution tools, including packages for content delivery, software development kits, website development and analytics tools. In April, Cloudflare announced that its Cloudflare Stream, the company’s video streaming service, is supporting NFTs. This means that creators and developers can embed NFTs in their videos, which affirms ownership rights and reduces the chances of piracy.


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Apple has introduced an in-app purchase feature for free iPhone apps that allow you to fulfill transactions within the iPhone applications themselves - no Apple App Store required. The feature was previously available for paid applications.
iPhone users will be the first to gain access to a new video streaming service running over Telstra’s NextG network.
There is an FM radio inside our iPhone and iPod touch devices and we may soon get to use it. That's today's tasty Apple rumor and it makes sense in a "why not?" sort of way.
Apple is developing an in-house iPhone and iPod Touch radio application, which will enable users to listen to FM radio on their existing devices, according to sources quoted by 9to5Mac.
Apparently, Apple isn't taking this whole iPhone jailbreaking hooplah too lightly. Last week, Apple began shipping 3GS iPhones with an updated bootrom (iBoot-359.3.2) that effectively blocks the current 24kpwn jailbreak exploit.
In an updated forecast on how smartphone operating systems will fare in 2012, Gartner Inc. has moved the Apple iPhone OS to fourth place, slightly behind the BlackBerry OS.
Apple's "no refunds" policy for iPhone App Store purchase is both not as bad--and worse--than it sounds. Readers say Apple occasionally gives refunds, but also complain that Apple's own updates break apps for which no refunds are given.
Australian smartphone shipments rose 29 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2009, with sales of "data-centric" smartphones exceeding those of voice-centric handsets for the first time, according IDC research.
Fast food giant Pizza Hut today announced it will launch an iPhone app and 3G mobile phone ordering service in Australia.
The 'geniuses' at the Apple Store in Vermont have probably run into all sorts of excuses for broken iPhones, but they just didn't believe Kris Rowley. "A bear ate my iPhone," she told them.
AT&T Wireless CEO Ralph de la Vega bemoaned the disproportionate wireless bandwidth usage of iPhone users in a speech to wireless industry professionals here today, and hinted at an unpleasant way of dealing with the problem.
Adobe's decision to give Flash developers a way to craft iPhone applications is an "end-around" Apple's decision to ban Flash Player from its popular smartphone, an analyst said today.
Yamaha and two partners have developed an iPhone application that lets up to 10 people play a piano at the same time, among other features.
AT&T reversed course today, announcing that it would "take the steps necessary" so iPhone owners could run voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications, presumably including Google Voice and Skype.
IBM/Lotus Tuesday whittled its client licensing options from 11 to two and said its Domino Designer development tool would now be offered free of charge in hopes of increasing application development on the platform.
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Upbeat Morrisons' pension shock for staff
Morrisons showed again today that it is outrunning rivals Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's in the recession with half a million new customers, but revealed a nasty pension shock for staff.
Competition: Morrison keeps the pressure on rivals with hefty discounts
Sales at the supermarket rose 7.3% in the first quarter of 2009 by offering shoppers heavy discounts, offering 8,000 price cuts under the group's 'Price Crunch' campaign.
Morrisons' sales hike in the 13 weeks to May 3, which excludes fuel but includes VAT, was broadly in line with the 7.9% hike in annual sales reported in March, despite easing food price inflation.
Morrisons said with VAT excluded, first quarter sales rose 8.2% - matching the 8.2% seen over the year to February 1.
But of more concern to the company's 10,000 employees will be the news that their final salary pension scheme will be closed from July. It means their pension will be based on an average of what they have earned over their careers rather than on their final pay when they retire – and is likely to be significantly less.
The news comes a day after Barclays said it was closing its final salary pension scheme, and would shift its 18,000 members to a cheaper retirement plan paying out on the basis of what they have saved rather than what they earned.
Morrisons finance director Richard Pennycook said: 'We have been in discussions with the pension trustees for a long time. We have pumped some £200m into the schemes, reduced the funds' exposure to equities and moved actuarial assumptions, particularly on mortality, to a very prudent level.
'We are not closing the scheme as such but people will move from a pension based on their final salary to one which moves in line with inflation.'
On today's results, Morrisons said it was stealing further market share from rivals, with good growth in traditionally weaker areas for Morrisons, such as London, the South and Scotland.
The most recent data from TNS Worldpanel showed Morrisons enjoyed the greatest level of annual growth in the four weeks to May, chipping away further at Tesco's dominance.
Marc Bolland, chief executive of Morrisons, said today's sales figures were a 'particularly good result' against last year's strong comparative result, when sales rose 7%. He added the group was taking its next step from 'national to nationwide' as it ploughs on with expansion plans.
Morrisons aims to expand by around 350,000 square feet of new retail space over the year ahead - on top of the 500,000 square feet it has already agreed to acquire from the Co-operative Group.
The group is opening two of its acquired stores this month after refurbishment, in Kingsbridge in Devon and Shefford in Bedfordshire.
Shares in the group rose 2% after the first quarter update, with the sales figure coming in higher than most analysts were expecting.
Mike Tattersall, an analyst at Cazenove, said it was 'clearly a highly creditable performance'. But he said the supermarket faced tougher comparatives going forward, given last year's strong quarterly sales increases.
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Chinese internet behemoth Tencent Holdings has made yet another investment in India. This time, it led the $115 million round in music service app Gaana. The round also saw participation from the incubator of the company, Times Internet. Gaana plans to use the funds to invest in artificial intelligence, product development and enhance user experience. The music streaming company claims to have over 60 million active users.
Commenting on the investment in Gaana, Martin Lau, President of Tencent Holdings said, “As more affordable mobile data plans are driving smartphone penetration in India, we believe growth in the music streaming market will accelerate.”
Talking on Tencents recent investment in Gaana, Gautam Sinha, CEO of Times Internet said, “We are happy to welcome Tencent as a partner in Gaana and benefit from their global learnings. Gaana has demonstrated exponential growth over the years.” He further stated that Tencent operates the largest music streaming business in China, and that Times Internet is looking forward to using their expertise in the sector to innovate and drive the market in the country.
This is not the first investment Tencent has made in a music streaming service. Tencent holds majority of shares in Tencent Music, one of the biggest music streaming services in China. It also administers Joox, one of the famous music streaming platforms in south east Asia. Among Tencent’s recent investments in India was cab-hailing firm Ola where the company led a $1.1 billion round in October last year, with participation from Japanese conglomerate Softbank and others.
According to a recent report by Statista, the total revenue in India’s music streaming service segment is expected to be at $101 million this year 2018. It is expected to hit the market volume of $117 million by 2022, growing at a rate of 3.8 percent per year. User penetration now is at 6.6 percent, and is expected to go up to 6.7 percent in 2022. While the average revenue per user currently amounts to $1.13.


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Aya Dixon, 15, has dreams of working for a top design house before eventually branching off to create her own line of couture. Up until now, her only brush with that industry was thumbing through glossy magazines or watching reality shows on television.
That changed Wednesday when the Baltimore Design School sophomore got a chance to mingle with the likes of Anna Wintour, popular designer and "Project Runway" judge Zac Posen and other big names in the fashion industry.
Dixon was part of a group of 10 students from Baltimore Design School who attended the White House's first Fashion Education Workshop, led by first lady Michelle Obama. About 150 youths were selected from mostly East Coast schools to attend the White House event.
"I'm going to tell them [friends and family] about all the people I met today," Dixon said on the bus ride back to Baltimore from Washington. "I'm going to show them all of the notes I took. I'm going to show them the lanyard with my name on it. I'm going to show them everything. It was really a great experience."
During the daylong event, students participated in panels and workshops led by the world's top names in fashion, including magazine editors and designers. The roster of presenters and panelists was a who's who of fashion, including Tracy Reese, Jason Wu, Diane Von Furstenberg and Prabal Gurung.
Dixon got to interview Posen during a journalism workshop led by Ursula Carranza, fashion and beauty director for People en Espanol. The admittedly reticent high-schooler was encouraged by Carranza to approach Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, for a picture and a quick chat.
"She really pushed me to get out there," Dixon said about Carranza. "She helped me with designer names. She really directed me. She was key in helping me introduce myself to designers."
But it was Posen's words that really stuck with Dixon, she said.
"I had a really fun time interviewing Zac Posen. He told me to 'learn how to sew, get your hands dirty and build from your heart,'" Dixon said. "Listening to all of the designers speak was very, very inspirational."
White House officials said the goal of the event was to "show young people what it takes to succeed in the fashion industry, and how important it is for the next generation to commit to their education."
Students and staff at Baltimore Design School were pleasantly surprised to learn that their school was selected to be among the 14 represented at the workshop.
"Just to be named is an honor," said Molly Roberts, the fashion design teacher at Baltimore Design School, who accompanied the students to the White House. "Being a school that is so new, it's an amazing opportunity."
During the morning, the students participated in several workshops focused on topics such as inspiration, wearable technology, journalism, entrepreneurship and clothing construction, followed by remarks from Obama and a panel discussion featuring designers and experts.
"I know that many of you are hoping to one day pursue a career in fashion — and that's why we invited you here today … because we want you to really understand what it's going to take to be successful," Obama said during a luncheon for the students.
The first lady stressed the importance of education and hard work even when pursuing a career in the often glamorized world of fashion.
She said she knows people think "it's all about catwalks and red carpets and 'who wore it best,' and whether some famous person wore the right belt with the right shoes. … But the truth is that the clothes you see in the magazine covers are really just the finished product in what is a very long, very complicated and very difficult process, as I've come to learn working with many designers."
Obama's message resonated with the students, according to Roberts.
"It really sank in when they were in the East Room having lunch," Roberts recalled. "Yes, they got this amazing opportunity, but now they can go back and share with their classmates. They can tell them all the hard work and dedication that fashion and design takes."
The opportunity to be in the company of the first lady was a major draw for the Baltimore students, Roberts said. "Younger girls look up to Michelle Obama as a woman of color and as a woman who is of interest to them," she added.
Tyler Beasley, a 15-year-old student from Park Heights, got to eat lunch at the same table with Obama and Wintour.
"She [Obama] told me how lucky I was to be there," he said. "It was a really nice day. We all learned something new."
Beasley said he was most excited to meet Wintour. "Vogue is the magazine that all of my family reads," he said. "To meet her was a big accomplishment."
He was able to take a picture and speak at length with the famed editor. "She was telling me [about] the hard work that it took to get into her position," he said. "She also told me to love doing what you do."
Roberts immediately noticed a change in her students by the end of the day. "They became so comfortable around these people who they were totally star-struck by a few minutes before," she said. "They seemed at ease."
Quentin Klein-Alfano, 15, said he most enjoyed the vast selection of designers who participated during the day.
"I got to observe some of the greatest designers of our time," the Roland Park resident said.
Roberts could not believe the caliber of fashion industry leaders that participated during the day.
"There wasn't a name on this list that didn't have me in tears because I was so excited," she said. "This group provides all the professional experience that I could give them, and then some."
Educational opportunities like the event at the White House further legitimize the fashion industry and encourage the next generation of innovators and leaders, according to Michele Nagel, director of evening, weekend and pre-college programs at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
"Summits such as the one at the White House show students the breath of these careers," she said. "It's connecting interest and potential careers. Any opportunity we have to bring children into the realities of the industry, it is important. For the White House to endorse America as a fashion source is fabulous."
The lessons learned were invaluable to Dixon.
"I can now put names to clothing," she said. "I'm building up my fashion vocabulary."


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Sales figures all point to one sad reality.
Fiat Chrysler has announced a slate of updates for the 2020 model year. And most of it is information we already knew. But noticeably absent from the new lineup is one of the automaker's core models.
As Autoblog reports, all forms of the little Fiat 500 are being discontinued in the United States for 2020. That includes both the hatchback and quasi-convertible models – and yes, we regret to confirm, the Abarth performance versions as well. So there goes not only the model that relaunched the Fiat brand in America a decade ago, but one of our favorite little hot hatches along with it.
The move, while potentially surprising on the surface, makes sense when you look at the 500's sales performance in America. Where Fiat sold over 40,000 Cinquecentos here in 2012, sales have fallen with each passing year. Last year it sold just over 5,000 of them in the US.
The apparent departure of the 500 – which would ostensibly also take the battery-powered 500e with it – leaves Fiat's US lineup populated only by the 500X crossover, 500L minivan, and 124 Spider. Of those, only the 124 is offered in Abarth spec, and that model's days being numbered, the Scorpion sub-brand looks to be on shaky ground as well.
The big question on our mind is whether the Fiat 500 will see a replacement on these shores. FCA is expected to reveal an all-new Cinquecento at the Geneva Motor Show next year as a purely electric vehicle to replace the 500e. Whether that model will eventually be offered in America, we couldn't say.
Chrysler's former owners at Daimler, for their part, have been reconfiguring the Smart brand with an electric-only lineup, but abandoned the US marked in the process. Whether FCA will find the business case that Daimler apparently hasn't, we suppose, we'll find out sooner or later. But for now we'll miss the 500 in all its retro quirkiness.
Join The Discussion


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Hideo Kojima and his company Kojima Productions released Death Stranding on PlayStation 4 in 2019. Following a successful launch, the studio wanted to work on its next title, which was apparently meant to be an exclusive title for Google’s now-dead Stadia platform.
According to a report by 9to5Google, Kojima Productions was to work on a new title but it isn’t confirmed if this title was to be a sequel to Death Stranding — an asynchronous multiplayer game where you could indirectly interact with other players by building bridges, leaving messages, and helping others get to their destination. Instead, this project was supposedly a single-player title.
From the sounds of it, the decision to make the experience strictly single-player is what led Google to axe the project because Google assumed the project wouldn’t sell. It was reportedly in early development too after being given a green light from Google. However, the mockups shown to executives led to a swift cancellation.
Yesterday’s not-so-shocking news that Google would be shuttering Stadia on January 18, 2023, and closing the store and Pro subscriptions, doesn’t come as surprise to me. From the initial reveal at GDC, Stadia never really stood a chance due to terrible executive decisions that led to adding another body to the Google Graveyard. The technology the platform offered was some of the best I’ve used to stream my library but it was the lack of games and incentive to use it that led to its demise.
I wouldn’t worry about Kojima though, during the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase it was revealed Kojima Productions would be developing a new game for Microsoft.


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Since its launch in July, Jet.com is surpassing other retailers on gross merchandise value and doing a good job of building customer loyalty, according to Channeladvisor.
Target is entering the grocery delivery fray by offering its customers same-day delivery of groceries and other items through Instacart as a way to challenge Amazon and other retailers.
Lane Bryant is taking its campaign to make women of all shapes and sizes feel beautiful across channels this fall.
GameStop, which has long been known as an innovative company, has become one of the first major retailers to accept Google's new mobile payment system.
More and more consumers are browsing, creating baskets and making purchases from their smartphones, according to the latest Demandware Shopping Index.
Apple Pay has a new rival, and it’s a formidable one.
Whole Foods Market is encountering a peculiar wave of opposition as it looks to expand growth opportunities in a new target market in California.
The introduction of Amazon Prime Day on July 15 created a new mid-summer e-commerce event that had a profound impact on back-to-school shopping.
Early and optimistic are two words that sum up retailers’ attitudes toward the 2015 holiday season, according to new retailer survey conducted by ChannelAdvisor.
With Halloween still more than a month away, two of the biggest names in retail have released their lists of the hottest toys this holiday season.


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Mthabisi Tshuma, Business Correspondent
LOGISTICS companies are slowly shifting focus to servicing the domestic sector in response to slowdown in business due to Covid-19 induced lockdowns globally.
Under normal circumstances most logistics companies prefer facilitating transportation of goods from overseas by road, air or shipping.
Most of the goods are imported from countries that include China, United Kingdom, United States of America, Dubai and distributed in the region via South Africa and other countries.
Chinese-based logistics company Bheksaz Shalom Solutions chief executive officer, Mr Bhekoluhle Dube, said the pandemic has affected their earnings as borders are closed and business is low.
“International transportation of goods at the present moment is low as most of the goods are Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which are being prioritised by individuals and companies.
“Covid-19 has affected us so much as prices of airlines doubled and this has forced prices of shipping to rise,” said Mr Dube.
In that light, he said they have taken advantage of the inter-city travel ban to transport goods countrywide.
“Most people rely on intercity buses to send their parcels but buses have been banned. We will be operating in Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe, Kadoma, Chegutu and Harare,” said Mr Dube.
Zimbabwean based logistics service provider Member Investments owner Mr Bulisani Tshuma said the loss of earnings during the lockdown by the logistics company should serve as an eye opener to budget for losses in future.
Mr Tshuma said the affected logistics companies should shift focus to transporting goods locally such as mealie-meal and other basics. — @mthabisi_mthire.


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Monday, December 23, 2013
Cracker Barrel Christmas Miracle
Amazing what can happen when a man stands and refuses to grovel to the Cathedral.
Cracker Barrel has heeded to an old adage: The customer is always right.
Late Sunday, the Tennessee-based restaurant chain, which has 625 locations in 42 states, reversed course and said it would resume selling "Duck Dynasty" merchandise.
h/t for comic: https://twitter.com/elduderino1684/status/414940624006041600/photo/1


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This is a key housing market to follow since Phoenix saw a large bubble and bust, followed by strong investor buying.
The Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS) reports (table below):
1) Overall sales in March were up 8.8% year-over-year.
2) Cash Sales (frequently investors) were down to 23.9% of total sales.
3) Active inventory is now down 9.8% year-over-year.
More inventory (a theme in most of 2014) - and less investor buying - suggested price increases would slow sharply in 2014. And prices increases did slow in 2014, only increasing 2.4% according to Case-Shiller.
In 2015, with falling inventory, prices increased a little faster. Prices were up 6.3% in 2015 according to Case-Shiller.
With flat inventory in 2016, prices were up 4.8%.
This is the fifth consecutive month with a YoY decrease in inventory following eight months with YoY increases.
|March Residential Sales and Inventory, Greater Phoenix Area, ARMLS|
|1 March 2008 probably included pending listings|


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皇冠博彩app（www.hg9988.vip）:More US media stocks see worst decline in 30 years
Losses at Disney’s direct-to-consumer arm, driven by the Disney streaming service, more than doubled to US$1.47bil (RM6.9bil) in the company’s fiscal fourth quarter, due to higher programming expenses and the cost of rolling the service in new countries. – Reuters皇冠网址（www.hg108.vip）是一个开放皇冠正网即时比分、皇冠网址的平台。皇冠网址（www.hg108.vip）提供最新皇冠登录，皇冠APP下载包含新皇冠体育代理、会员APP。
NEW YORK: Walt Disney Co just suffered its worst one-day rout in 21 years.
Warner Bros Discovery Inc, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp, and AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc are all trading for less than US$10 (RM47).
Paramount Global – the home of MTV, CBS and Top Gun: Maverick – has lost half of its value this year.
In a matter of months, Hollywood’s feel-good streaming story has turned into a horror show.
Consumers are streaming more movies and shows, and watching less in theaters and on traditional channels.
To encourage the switch and attract subscribers, media companies are putting some of their best programmes online.
But the new services are losing boatloads of money, even as viewers drop traditional channels in droves.
Executives who promised a smooth transition to the digital era are getting punished by Wall Street, with media stocks headed toward their steepest annual loss since at least 1990.
“The media and entertainment industry is going though a major transition,” said Porter Bibb, a longtime investor and observer of the business.,
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“They’ve entered the tunnel, and nobody knows where they’re going to come out.”
The shift is evident in the number of consumers cancelling their pay-TV subscriptions.
Cable-TV giants Comcast Corp and Charter Communications Inc together lost almost 800,000 TV subscribers last quarter.
At that pace, it will mean millions of fewer customers to help pay for MTV, CNN and ESPN.The one bright light this quarter was Netflix Inc, whose subscriber loss in the first half of the year prompted a reevaluation of the industry’s business models and stock values.
The streaming industry pioneer reported a better-than-expected 2.41 million new subscribers last quarter. Its shares are still down 57% this year.
Losses at Disney’s direct-to-consumer arm, driven by the Disney+ streaming service, more than doubled to US$1.47bil (RM6.9bil) in the company’s fiscal fourth quarter, due to higher programming expenses and the cost of rolling the service in new countries.
Weakness in cable-television advertising revenue also hurt the company’s performance, as it has for other media giants.
Disney finished the day down 13%, the biggest one-day loss since Sept 17, 2001, when trading resumed after the Sept 11 terrorist attacks.
The losses in media stocks aren’t all Hollywood entertainment companies.
The biggest loser in the S&P 500 Media & Entertainment Index this year is Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc, which gets nearly all of its revenue from advertising.,


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Events have always been an exciting source of community and connection. But with large in-person gatherings put on pause for the time being, Acquia wanted to bring that same sense of shared innovation to our customers, prospects and partners around the globe. While the world has changed, the desire to come together and help businesses accomplish their goals is stronger than ever. So on June 30, we gathered Acquia experts and digital visionaries online to host our virtual Experience Acquia event.
The traditional playbook for digital experiences has been thrown out. Every industry from retail to travel to government has been disrupted and is trying to figure out how to survive in our new digital-first landscape. At Experience Acquia, we wanted to help organizations understand why it’s been so difficult for brands to fast-track their digital experiences. Over 500 professionals spanning all industries from healthcare to retail to financial services registered to participate in open and honest discussions about what they need to prepare for the years ahead and learn how they can provide the kind of value customers expect from brands moving forward. See our recap below and if you want to watch the full event yourself, download the recording right here!
How to Make the Digital Leap
Acquia CMO, Lynne Capozzi jumped into the first presentation with a focus on speed. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re seeing companies press the fast-forward button on their digital transformation plans. Lynne identified three major challenges for brands when it comes to digital agility and shared examples of how well-known organizations developed innovative solutions. Here’s how these brands were able to fulfill their promises to customers by keeping their minds educated, their bodies in shape and their stomachs full.
The Challenge: In an incredibly short time, people’s lives have been altered and businesses need to adapt fast to meet new demands with relevant content, convenient services and on-demand digital experiences
The Customer Solution: The City of Boston understood that it needed to provide clear and rapid information to its citizens to keep them up-to-date with the latest news regarding the pandemic. They leveraged the enterprise functionality of a robust content management system with flexible site-building tools to spin up new sites providing resources on COVID-19 and to post regular updates on the city and state’s daily press conferences.
The Challenge: Outdated technology systems confine customer data to silos and make it difficult to gain a 360-degree view of the customer.
The Customer Solution: In the first week of physical store closures, athletic apparel brand lululemon used a customer data platform (CDP) to understand how to best pivot their marketing to reach their customers on new channels and maintain their community connection. They promoted online yoga, meditation and dance classes to their customers, using a CDP to understand who to target with what offer.
The Challenge: An explosion of content and data along with increased online activity has added a burden to IT departments tasked with securing their digital ecosystems at scale and maintaining governance.
The Customer Solution: When King Arthur Flour was hit with a surge of online orders and visits to their website as people turned to baking during lock-down, they quickly scaled their cloud infrastructure to support the interest. The King Arthur Flour team also launched new recipes and video resources to give customers a more entertaining experience.
We followed up this strategic deep dive with even more stories from digital leaders who embraced innovative solutions to stay connected with their audiences and maintain momentum in the face of uncertainty.
Former financial television host Mark Jeffries moderated a Q&A with Steve Nathanson, Newell Brands Senior CMS Manager, E-commerce; Shaun McDougall, Director of Marketing at Leidos; and Nikhil Deshpande, Chief Digital Officer for the State of Georgia.
All three digital leaders spoke about their ongoing journey with digital transformation over the past few years and how the pandemic pushed them to be more proactive about building digital connections, pursuing new technologies and channels and above all else, making sure to be an available and reliable presence to customers as they struggle to cope with so much other disruption.
As customers rushed to stock their homes with supplies in the first few weeks of the pandemic, Newell Brands saw unexpected consumer interest in products like food storage and cookware. “We needed to pivot our messaging to account for people’s new buying reactions, but we also wanted to maintain consistency across all of our 150+ brands and consolidate all of our different tech systems,” said Steve Nathanson.
Steve is hoping to continue Newell’s digital transformation by focusing more on personalization and AI technology so that their teams are able to offer recommendations to customers that feel relevant even as their buying patterns change.
Nikhil Deshpande and the entire digital team at the State of Georgia also had to work fast to make sure all of their sites could accommodate the massive influx of web traffic as citizens turned to their state leaders for a plan. “Visits to Georgia’s Department of Health site spiked from 50,000 to 5 million sessions per day and citizen concern about COVID-19 has increased traffic to Georgia State websites by 1,100%!”
Since the State of Georgia had already migrated their sites to the cloud, Nikhil said it was a straightforward process to scale. “We were able to expand to accommodate the capacity without interruptions. So as the demand multiplied, the panic didn’t multiply,” said Nikhil.
Leidos supports the IT and digital infrastructure of organizations dedicated to public safety from aviation to biomedical research to the Department of Defense. With so much at stake, they had to remain always-on and ready to provide fast and dependable services. Sean McDougall at Leidos understood that the need to secure and equip their digital operations was extremely critical during this global situation.
“We’ve been on a digital transformation journey over the past few years and building a foundation that can be relied upon to take us through the unknown,” said Sean. He echoed Lynne Capozzi’s earlier thoughts on the power of open technology as a way to look toward the future. “At Leidos, we talk less about digital transformation and more about integration. It’s not about doing something new but finding innovative ways to leverage the data we already have and get close to our customers without a literal face-to-face connection.”
Deep Dive Into Acquia Marketing Cloud
Continuing with the theme of integrating data and building seamless solutions, Acquia’s Lead Product Evangelist Eric Fullerton gave Experience Acquia attendees a tour of the brand new Acquia Marketing Cloud!
For far too long marketing technology had lacked true insight into the customer experience with customer data scattered across systems and teams. Brands who depended on these disconnected tech stacks, ironically, made the mistake of not looking before they leap. They were trying to engage a customer without first understanding the context of how each individual prefers to have a conversation. Eric referred to this as an “activation-first” approach. Marketers lack direction and end up trying to do everything at once (more posts, more advertisements, more emails) without a clear objective.
Acquia Marketing Cloud is the only marketing cloud solution that offers a data-first approach that shifts the lens of marketing away from activation and into understanding. “By providing unified customer data from multiple channels, stitched together by machine learning algorithms and grouped into more accurate customer segments, brands can send fewer, more effective messages,” Eric explained.
Especially in difficult, unfamiliar times, organizations need to make things as simple and straightforward as possible for their customers. A digital leap starts with open technology that removes the barriers to opportunity. The power of an open, data-first marketing cloud is that it helps brands know where customers are in their journey so they can guide them forward.
If you weren’t able to attend Experience Acquia and you’re hoping to use some of our tactics to drive your own digital transformation efforts, check out the event recording as well as our resources page for The Path Forward: Digital Transformation.