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The wife's in Argentina, and I hear everything starts late in there. Though I also accept that it's hard to ruin your weekend with alarming parenting news and way-too preliminary research findings if I'm only getting the post out on Sunday.
Wait, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends cholesterol-lowering drugs for children? Apparently so. A study of fat kids ages 10-16 found they had the arteries of 45-year-olds. "'As the old saying goes, you're as old as your arteries are,' said Dr. Geetha Raghuveer of Children's Hospital in Kansas City, who led one of the studies. 'This is a wake-up call.'" I have never heard that saying. [boston via dt freakout correspondent sara]
A longitudinal study in New Zealand finds that sleep deprivation as a kid makes people fatter. Because you know how new parents are, always trying to get their kids to stay awake. [msnbc]
The March of Dimes has issued its first annual Premature Birth Report Card, and America got a D. There were no A's at all, though Vermont did get a B. 18 states got F's. Does the March of Dimes know what this is going to do to these states' self-esteem? Do they want to ruin the states' chances of ever getting into Harvard? Seriously, they could at least grade on a curve. [marchofdimes.com]
An Indiana University paleoanthropologist's reconstruction of a 1.2 million-year-old pelvis of a female homo erectus shows that the birth canal was 30% bigger than previously thought, which "has led researchers to speculate early man was better equipped than first thought to produce larger-brained babies." When you're in the delivery room, extolling the great service being performed to the cause of human evolution, be sure not so say "early man." Just a suggestion. [abstracts and press releases at stoneageinstitute.org via iu.edu]
Montreal psychology researchers report that babies who receive "incubator care" are up to three times less likely to develop depression by the time they're 21. But doesn't that mean that depriving a newborn of an incubator by selfishly insisting on mother-child bonding actually triples the kid's chances of depression?. This is exactly the kind of study the Friday Freakout was created for. Beauty. [eurekalert]
. On the product safety, class-action lawsuit, and soon-to-be-optioned-by-Jerry Bruckheimer front, Jeremiah from Z Recs gets both CSI and Law & Order on the CEO of Carter's about the company's skin-irritating tagless clothing scare. Incredible grilling and sleuthing. Tagless: The Movie, in theaters Summer 2010. [zrecs]
And finally, there are a million E. coli bacteria on every shopping cart in America, according to scientist Meredith Vieira of NBC's Today Show. Of course, they would say that, since NBC is owned by GE, which is the world's largest manufacturer of quilted shopping cart covers. [msnbc]


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Following the announcement of Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition‘s release date on PC, the Sony Interactive Entertainment title quickly climbed atop the Steam top seller list, where it’s still sitting comfortably at the time of this writing. This is quite a feat for Sony considering Horizon Zero Dawn was originally released over three years ago.
The $49.99 edition will put PC players in Aloy’s shoes next month on August 7th, with exclusive features including:
- Support for multiple resolutions up to native 4K
- Unlocked frame rate
- Customizable keyboard and mouse controls alongside support for DualShock 4, Xbox, and Steam controllers
- Option to change preferred field of view, up to a maximum of 100 degrees
- Support for 32:9 ultrawide ratio and at a 3840 x 1080 resolution
Head of PlayStation’s Worldwide Studios, Herman Hulst, said back in March that releasing Horizon Zero Dawn on PC will enable the company to introduce more players to the world of PlayStation. However, he quickly assuaged concerns about PlayStation console exclusives making their way to PC.
“I think it’s important that we stay open to new ideas of how to introduce more people to PlayStation, and show people maybe what they’ve been missing out on,” Hulst explained. “Releasing one first-party AAA title to PC doesn’t necessarily mean that every game now will come to PC. In my mind, Horizon Zero Dawn was just a great fit in this particular instance.”
If the list of Steam top sellers is any indication, Horizon Zero Dawn has been welcomed by PC players with arms wide open.

domain: news


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Avatar tech company Genies unveils $1 million developer engagement fund
Genies, the Avatar tech company, has unveiled a new developer engagement fund of $1 million aimed at supporting developers in creating augmented reality (AR) experiences for an upcoming interoperable avatar social network set to launch this fall. Initially, the network will offer a set of experiences, with additional ones planned for the following months. The fund will not only aid developers but also offer further funding opportunities based on their performance achievements.
According to Genies CEO Akash Nigam, avatars have become essential components for interactive and social experiences in the future of hardware. The company has been anticipating this moment for years and is enthusiastic about contributing to the creation of use cases in this new reality.
Augmented reality has been gaining significant attention, especially with the success of games like Pokemon GO. The recent announcement of the Apple Vision Pro has brought even more attention to the sector, highlighting Apple's ongoing investment in this emerging field.
In addition to the funding, developers will have access to a development kit allowing for various avatar options, an AI generative gameplay bot to facilitate the creation of interoperable experiences, and XR compatibility for enhanced performance. Genies believes that these technologies will enable developers to craft a wide range of experiences, from mini-games to social worlds, all leveraging augmented reality.
Developers seeking to participate in the program can apply for the Genies Developer Incubator, where selected individuals will gain access to the development kit or the fund. Through this incubator and funding initiative, Genies aims to empower and nurture the next generation of developers, offering support, mentorship, and access to the company's network of industry experts.
The incubator is scheduled to launch this summer, and interested applicants can apply now.
Evaluations will be based on entrepreneurial skills, prior experience with Unity or gaming/XR projects, and the creative use of Genies' avatars and tools to enhance the AR experience.
Source: Lewis Rees, Staff Writer at PocketGamer


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From Maine to Lake Tahoe - The never ending search continues!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Families hit the slopes!
Tomorrow marks the beginning of one of the big weeks for ski areas around the country. Traditionally, Christmas vacation and February vacation weeks are the money makers for resorts and this year is no exception. Even with the fledgling economy, people are still spending on weeks in the mountains. And yet there was and is much concern over the total number of skier and rider visits for the year, one large component of the financial figures – filling the bed frames - is factored largely by these two weeks.


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Google and its rivals are using a new weapon in the battle for cloud computing market share: massive investments in companies that agree to sign on to their services.
With Thomas Kurian serving as cloud chief operating officer since 2019 after a long tenure at
The unit tapped $142 billion in cash to make it more appealing to customers. Google has acquired stakes over the past year in companies including Univision Communications Inc. and
CME . Group Inc.,
in turn won multi-year commitments to its cloud service worth up to $1 billion or more.
The deals make Google one of the most active of the big companies try to get the position above
Cloud market leader.
also bought shares in several startups as part of transactions that required them to use its cloud. And last year, Oracle tried to buy a large stake in TikTok as part of a deal to let the Chinese-owned social media app use its cloud service — and cited a business boost. its cloud this month when it announced its biggest deal ever, plans to buy back 28.3 billion dollars company’s medical records
The fledgling strategy has helped Google increase its market share in a huge and rapidly expanding industry that has been key to its growth. Google now accounts for 6% of the cloud market, up 1 percentage point from a year earlier, though still far behind Amazon’s 41 percent and Microsoft’s 20 percent.
“Nobody wants to do this to ‘buy’ customers, but if you’re number three or four, you’re going to be,” said Holger Mueller, an analyst at Constellation Research Inc., who focuses on enterprise technologies. must be creative.
The investments underscore how tech companies’ strong cash flow gives them a big advantage over smaller competitors in selling cloud infrastructure services, business operations at its core is to provide remote, rented computing and storage services. Those companies can afford the massive infrastructure investments needed to build multi-billion dollar data centers and subsidize the cost of moving customers to their cloud systems – helps explain why three firms control two-thirds of the market.
A Google Cloud spokesperson said that they have won over the majority of customers with their capabilities, adding that investments are part of their strategy. “In certain cases, Google pursues investments and partnerships in attractive growth areas, a practice common to many companies in the enterprise industry,” he said.
Alphabet investors see Google Cloud as the most promising growth area and the best opportunity to diversify beyond the online advertising business that accounts for 80% of revenue. The cloud unit, which begins disclosing its financials in 2020, has recorded more revenue in the first nine months of 2021 than it did for all of 2020 and is expected to grow 50% to $19.26 billion during the year. whole year.
Those profits have come with high costs, with the company spending heavily to develop its infrastructure and expand its sales force. Google Cloud for the January-September period halved its operating loss from a year earlier, to $2.2 billion.
Google deals have covered customers of various sizes and sectors. Over a period of over a year, it invested $1 billion in futures trading CME Group company; $450 million in home security provider
; and Undisclosed amount in Spanish-language media company Univision and health tech startup Tempus Labs Inc. All have signed long-term cloud computing contracts with Google.
Kurian played a central role in opening up the investment strategy, said the former Google Cloud executive. Before coming from Oracle, Google prioritized developing new technologies to attract customers instead of traditional sales. He improved its approach, more sales staff and sweetening performance bonus.
Microsoft announces an investment and cloud deal with a food delivery startup
Grab Holdings Ltd.
in 2018. Mr. Kurian floated the idea of adopting a similar strategy to catch up with his competitors, said the former Google Cloud executive. The investments are designed to give companies another reason to choose Google over competitors and convince them that Google is financially committed to developing technologies to benefit them. their business.
Microsoft has continued to leverage investments in emerging startups to achieve cloud partnerships, with one of its biggest bets become a share in
Synthetic engine Have.
Start the driverless car, Cruise. Under the terms of the agreement, Cruise will use Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform to deploy its autonomous vehicle services.
As Microsoft moves on, Google follows suit, participating in a $200 million investment round for Chicago-based Tempus, which uses artificial intelligence to improve patient care. As part of its 2020 investment, Google offered a significant discount for Tempus to move to its cloud from Amazon, said a person familiar with the details of the deal.
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Under the contract, Tempus agrees to spend at least $20 million the first year on Google Cloud, the person said, meaning Google’s revenue from the deal could exceed its investment within a few days. five.
Tempus did not respond to a request for comment. The Univision CEO said the Google investment was a corporate negotiation separate from the cloud deal but called Google a partner truly committed to growing its business.
The search company took a broader approach with its partnership with ADT. In 2018, the home security company was looking to move some of its on-premises data to the cloud, said Don Young, CEO of ADT. It met with representatives from Google, who ultimately proposed a deal that extends beyond the cloud to include a partnership between ADT and Google’s Nest smart home business as well as $450 million investment in ADT.
Young said ADT will put some data in Google Cloud regardless of the investment, but added that the company has increased spending on Google’s cloud services since then.
“Yes, we did a cloud deal,” said Mr. Young. “But the exact cloud deal we did? I’m not sure.”
During the negotiations to move his trading system to Google Cloud, CME Group CEO Terry Duffy invested his solid key in a deal. “I wanted a partner, not just a cloud service provider,” Mr. Duffy said in an interview.
“The equity investment is representative of our commitment,” Mr. Kurian said at the time. He said they make sure Google appoints its best people to support CME Group’s cloud efforts.
–For more WSJ Technology analysis, reviews, tips and headlines, subscribe our weekly newsletter.
—Alexander Osipovich contributed to this article.
Copyright © 2021 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-and-tech-rivals-tap-cash-reserves-to-realize-cloud-ambitions-11640773806?mod=pls_whats_news_us_business_f Google and Tech Competitors Tap Cash Reserves to Realize Cloud Ambition


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International trade and global politics have long been interlinked.
The movement of goods across borders will always be impacted by international politics, as the last few years have demonstrated. Even since the end of Covid, we’ve seen regional alliances shift and contract, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupt international shipping lanes.
Over the last few days, London International Shipping Week has been focused on this question of trade and geopolitics, with a number of expert panellists discussing what this means for importers and exporters across the world.
The first theme from discussions across the week's events was the resilience of both shipping and trade.
“We're actually a little bit more optimistic about trade prospects in the short term than we were at the start of the year,” Stephen Gordon, MD at Clarkson’s Research, told the audience during a panel discussion on Building Resilience Through Trade.
“We have a lot of negative headlines out of China exports, but when we look at the volume, it's quite positive.”
He said that global shipping, the main carrier of international trade, had been quick to rebound from the Covid pandemic and looked remarkably resilient in the future.
Gordon said that Clarkson’s analysis showed that trade was likely to get more complex rather than slow down completely, despite some of the grimmer predictions on the wider economy.
It was “too early to talk about reversing globalisation”, he added, pointing to US trade remaining stable with most Asian nations, despite falling with China.
“We still believe that there will be trade growth,” added Gordon, noting that growth was likely to slow down but still remain relatively stable, despite increasingly complex world politics.
Many ‘blocs’ were forming, such as a Latin America group and ‘the West’, but many would continue to trade with each other.
There was also likely to be a restructuring of how commodities were obtained, with trade flows changing as a result of geopolitics and changing alliances.
Laure Baratgin, head of commercial operations at Rio Tinto, said that she was seeing wider evidence of countries moving different parts of the commodity value chain and trying to shorten routes.
Ports were also becoming better able to handle larger ships across the world, as countries and companies invested more in their global supply chain.
Other areas, such as the Western Balkans or Latin America, were seeing more investment in critical minerals as they looked to take advantage of changing trade patterns. Serbia and Argentina in particular were named as a future potential sources of lithium production and processing.
Flashpoints and chokepoints
In another panel on geopolitics and shipping, held under Chatham House rules, one panellist mentioned the Western Balkans as a possible flashpoint in international relations, citing its location between western nations and Russia as a major reason.
Another panellist pointed out that, despite all the talk about the US and EU decoupling from China, the Asian nation was importing record levels of commodities, and is dependent on these foreign imports to keep its economy growing.
One panellist predicted the creation of a cartel, similar to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), but for critical minerals instead of oil.
A major concern was how rising tensions would hit common ‘chokepoints’ through which international trade flowed.
The ongoing war in Ukraine provided a clear example, as the conflict created a ‘chokepoint’ in the Black Sea through which food and energy commodities flowed.
A few key trading lanes getting snarled up by geopolitics could be a regular feature of geopolitics and trade in the future, was another conclusion drawn by the panellists.
The straits around Taiwan were cited as another possible risk point in international trade.
“We’ve seen how this has happened in the Suez Canal, in a limited way, when the Ever Given was stuck,” said one speaker, adding that the collapse of a single government controlling a major passage was another risk factor.


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After Crazy Price Spikes over the Summer, Wholesale & Retail Prices Drop, amid Lower Sales and Plenty of Supply.
By Wolf Richter for WOLF STREET.
The prices of used cars and trucks that are sold at wholesale auctions around the US dropped again in the week ended November 8, compared to the prior week, the 12th week in a row of week-to-week declines that followed a historic 36% spike from April through mid-August, according to data reported by J.D. Power on Thursday. Wholesale prices are now down over 8% from that peak but are still 6% higher than they’d been at the beginning of March. What a historic trip:
There is typically a seasonal decline in wholesale prices at this time of the year. For the month of October, according to Manheim, the largest auto auction house in the US, the typical seasonal price decline would be 2.1%.
But the typical seasonalities have been upended all around in this stimulus-driven economy, including in the used vehicle market whose wild ride violated every seasonality since March. The price decline over the past four weeks in the J.D. Power data was 3.2%.
Sales volume at auction houses around the country has also been on a downtrend since June. In January and February this year, around 110,000 to 115,000 up-to-eight-year-old vehicles were sold each week, according to J.D. Power data. In March and April, the market froze up. And then it thawed and recovered with volume returning to the old normal in June. But volume has since declined. In the latest week, 80,000 used vehicles up to eight years old were sold at auction, down 19% from what is typical for this period. The decline in sales volume was across all segments:
Wholesale supply of used vehicles was at 26 days, up from the normal level of 23 days, according to Manheim.
The combination of declining prices and lower sales volume in the wholesale market, with plenty of inventory on hand, is a strong indication that demand from dealers, who buy at these auctions to replenish their inventories, is waning – at least at these prices. Ultimately, demand is a function of price.
What these dealers are facing is a retail market that had gone haywire. Weirdest economy ever. During the three-month period of July, August, and September, retail prices of used cars and trucks spiked by 15.1%, according to the Consumer Price Index data. The 6.7% spike in September alone was the biggest month-to-month jump since February 1969.
But in October, used-vehicle retail prices, based on the Consumer Price Index for Used Vehicles, released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Thursday, ticked down 0.1% — “seasonally adjusted,” meaning it already accounts for any typical price declines in October:
There is a lag between wholesale price movements and retail price movements. So the decline in wholesale prices takes a while to work its way into retail prices.
That the CPI for used vehicles ticked down, rather than further rising, is an indication that these huge price increases in the used-vehicle retail market bounced off a ceiling too, and that the 12 weeks of wholesale price declines have started to work their way into retail prices – just like the wholesale price spikes over the summer had contributed to the wild spike in retail prices.
Retail sales volume of used vehicles in October was down 5% from a year ago, according to estimates by Cox Automotive (which owns Manheim). It appears that the crazy price spikes over the summer have tamped down on sales volume.
Used-vehicle retail inventory, at 44 days of supply at those sales, was back to normal. In other words, dealers in aggregate have plenty of inventory, and in aggregate, sales are slow-ish, struggling with the distorted prices of the past few months in the weirdest economy ever.
The Ford F150 XLT & the Toyota Camry LE are at it again. My annual brain-twisting stunner. Read… The WOLF STREET “Pickup Truck & Car Price Index” for 2021 Models Crushes Official “CPI for New Vehicles”
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Sunderland based car manufacturer Nissan has linked up with American power systems firm Eaton to make ‘second use’ electric vehicle batteries available to the residential market as electricity storage. The system, branded xStorage, should provide savings on electricity of around £500 year at a cost of around £3,500. The partnership expect to sell 100,000 units over the next five years.
The venture is the first for the partnership that will provide energy storage solutions for both the residential and commercial sectors. In light of these plans Nissan recently invested £26m in battery production at Sunderland for ‘next generation’ batteries.


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What can you do, inevitably, some sort of trouble comes around to your business endeavour no matter how good the cars you make are. This is certainly the case of Porsche, a company that has been struggling for quite some time now as far as the money is concerned.
Well at least financially that’s what happening to the Japanese Zoom Zoom car maker. The actual term is something rather financial as Mazda’s largest shareholder will no longer be Ford but in fact a bank which is based in Tokyo.
The ever important word in recent months at General Motors, their Initial Public Offering has recently become an even more interesting to watch affair than it was not that long ago. A few days ago, GM’s CEO, Ed Whitacre had a bit of a chat with a reporter from Reuters who got it out of
Tesla Motors, the exclusive will start trading today on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker of TSLA has already sold its shares and with quite a bit of a result. The company has already raised $226 million by selling shares above its forecast price range, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
According to some “inside sources” General Motors and the US Treasury are expected to already have chosen a lead bank for the carmaker’s initial public offering as early as this following week. Since GM’s Ed Whitacre is eagerly expecting public listing, the report claims that GM, which is majority-owned by the US government, would have
Ford Motor Company’s executive chairman William Clay Ford Jr. announced this week to shareholders that dividend payments would not be made until the automaker pays down more of its debt. During the same statement he also mentioned that shareholders don’t have any right to complain, considering the soar in stock value and the fact that


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Schoodic Arts for All’s annual “Wow!” Award for artists and performers is intended to recognize just that factor: someone whose work makes one stop in one’s tracks because of its special power to bring wonder, insight and enjoyment. This award is by invitation by the Board of Directors of Schoodic Arts for All, and is granted at the Board’s discretion.
This year’s recipient of the $1,000 award is clothing designer Brianna Saad, who has made the unlikely journey from her Maine hometown of Steuben to the London College of Fashion and recently concluded a six-month apprenticeship with Nepalese designer Prabal Gurung in New York. Gurung has dressed celebrities such as the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, Nicki Minaj and Michelle Obama and is considered one of New York’s most socially conscious luxury women’s brands. At last month’s New York Fashion Week, Gurung’s diverse models all wore a pageant-style sash with the words: “Who Gets To Be American?”
“She has attended all of the Schoodic Arts for All festivals since she was little and was an exemplary student,” said Executive Director Mary Laury. “Her creativity has always amazed me. And her skill in the arts was beyond her youthful years.”
Saad was nominated for the Wow! Award by SAFA Board Chairman Colleen Wallace, who said she was an “outstanding young woman and artist.
Excerpted from an article in the October 9, 2019 Ellsworth American. Click here to view the full article and to learn more about Brianna.


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In January 2009, the bitcoin network was created when Nakamoto mined the first block of the chain, known as the genesis block. Embedded in the coinbase of this block was the following text: "The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks." This note has been interpreted as both a timestamp and a comment on the instability caused by fractional-reserve banking.:18
Illiquidity. This is mostly moot due to Bitcoin’s $47 market cap but it still makes users sweat. It’s highly unlikely that Bitcoin’s price would plummet and you’d be unable to take action, but it’s still unsettling. As more investors invest, however, illiquidity becomes a negligible risk, as there will likely always be a buyer for Bitcoins waiting.
In July 2013, a project began in Kenya linking bitcoin with M-Pesa, a popular mobile payments system, in an experiment designed to spur innovative payments in Africa. During the same month the Foreign Exchange Administration and Policy Department in Thailand stated that bitcoin lacks any legal framework and would therefore be illegal, which effectively banned trading on bitcoin exchanges in the country. According to Vitalik Buterin, a writer for Bitcoin Magazine, "bitcoin's fate in Thailand may give the electronic currency more credibility in some circles", but he was concerned it didn't bode well for bitcoin in China.
The use of bitcoin by criminals has attracted the attention of financial regulators, legislative bodies, law enforcement, and the media. In the United States, the FBI prepared an intelligence assessment, the SEC issued a pointed warning about investment schemes using virtual currencies, and the U.S. Senate held a hearing on virtual currencies in November 2013. The U.S. government claimed that bitcoin was used to facilitate payments related to Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections.
New Market Read


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Comprehensive M&A data with integrated detailed company information
WeWork undresses deal for Naked Hub
Posted on Thursday, 12 April 2018 13:08
WeWork has announced plans to take over Naked Hub, a China-based co-working firm, in a bid to boost its presence in the world’s second-largest economy.
While the company did not disclose the value of the transaction, two people familiar with the deal told Bloomberg the New York-based firm will pay about USD 400.00 million, the majority of which will be in the form of equity.
Naked Hub is part of the Naked Group, a leading hospitality, design, technology and lifestyle brand founded in 2007 with over 1.00 million guests worldwide.
The target was officially launched in 2015 and provides 10,000 members across 24 locations with a network of shared workspaces.
WeWork said it also has 10,000 members across a dozen sites in China and by the end of this year it expects to have 40,000 across 40 locations in the country.
The addition of NakedHub will see the community grow to 80,000 people this year, expanding to 1.00 million by the end of 2021.
According to a report by Reuters, WeWork is billed as one of the world’s leading startups and is backed by SoftBank, which has invested around USD 4.40 billion in the firm, valuing it at around USD 17.00 billion.
The company, that last year was rumoured to be exploring an initial public offering, has already closed one acquisition this year after it picked up online search engine optimisation group Conductor for an undisclosed amount.
This is also WeWork’s second purchase of a competitor in Asia after picking up SpaceMob of Singapore in 2017.
Zephyr, the M&A database published by Bureau van Dijk, shows there have been 2,346 deals targeting data processing, hosting and related services providers announced globally since the start of 2018.
Cayman Islands-incorporated Tencent featured in the largest deal as Naspers via MIH TC Holdings agreed to sell a stake worth HKD 76.94 billion (USD 9.80 billion). JPMorgan also offloaded an interest in the internet instant messaging service provider for HKD 73.26 billion in the second largest deal.
US-based MuleSoft, China’s Shanghai Lazhasi Information Technology and Ant Financial Services Group of China, among others, have also been targeted.
© Zephus Ltd


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The gaming vertical continues to thrive during the pandemic. Nonetheless, there is still plenty for brands to learn about this group of consumers, according to a piece in AdExchanger. Considering that 50 percent of consumers globally play video games at least one a month, and 25 percent do every day, it behooves marketers to stay on top of the behaviors and preferences of this group. Following are insights and research marketers can use for gaming-focused campaigns.
*French mobile game studio Gameloft and its parent company Vivendi found that more than half of gamers are older than 36 and more than half of them are women.
*Gamification has begun to be applied outside of B2C marketing programs. For instance, human resource managers are using it to learn about employees or for training, e-health businesses are applying it, and teachers are using it within learning environments.
*Many consumers who have increased gameplay during the pandemic did so to escape the anxiety caused by their situations and to stay connected—socially—to the outside world.
*For younger demographics in particular, gaming is a way to make friends, socialize and maintain relationships. The space is used as a way for them to gather.
*Gamers tend to be interested in cultural trends, technology and brands’ social responsibility. They are more likely to develop trust for socially and environmentally-responsible brands that non-gamers.
For more insights on gamers that marketers can use, read more in AdExchanger.


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C.H. Robinson Worldwide is adding experience in value-added distribution services with its appointment of Scott P. Anderson, president and CEO of the Patterson Cos., to the third-party logistics operator’s board.
Patterson, a publicly traded business based in St. Paul, Minn., is the parent company of various medical supply distribution operations, including dental, veterinary and rehabilitation equipment. The distribution model, said, fits with Robinson’s combination of logistics and distribution services.
“Scott leads an organization with a business model that has comparable opportunities and challenges to Robinson’s,” John P. Wiehoff, chairman and CEO of Minneapolis-based Robinson said in a statement. “In addition, Scott brings substantial sales and marketing expertise.”
Anderson, 45, may bring Robinson guidance as the company spreading its services into more supply chain management operations beyond transportation management. Patterson says it is committed to “a total-package approach to doing business.”


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PETALING JAYA (April 12): Knight Frank Malaysia expects to see an increase in hotel transactions over the next 24 months, supported by improved appetite of hotel owners and operators as shown in its latest market survey report.
According to the Malaysian Hospitality Investment intentions Survey released by Knight Frank, some 64% of the hotel owners, operators and owner operators survey respondents are considering increasing their exposure to the Malaysian hotel sector, a sharp hike compared with 36% in 2020.
Even though 36% of the respondents are currently not interested in increasing their exposure to hotels, it is already a significant drop compared with 64% in 2020. Knight Frank Malaysia opined that it is a positive sign that sentiment towards the sector is returning.
“Given the last two tumultuous years, it is not surprising that investment in hotels across Malaysia fell from a 2017 high of RM2.2 billion to just RM556 million in 2020 and RM177 million in 2021. International travellers' confidence is slowly returning and this is filtering through to the 2022 survey with investor sentiment recovering. We expect to see an increasing number of hotel transactions over the next 24 months,” said James Buckley, the capital markets executive director of Knight Frank Malaysia, in a press statement on Tuesday (April 12).
The report also showed that investors continue to seek high returns to offset the risk of investing in the sector. About 33% of respondents are targeting a net yield of above 7% (versus 36% in 2020) when acquiring a four- to five-star hotel in Malaysia, while 26% of respondents are targeting net yields of 6%-7% (versus 29% in 2020). Some 19% would accept 5%-6% (versus 29% in 2020).
“I think investors are seeing 2022 as a good time to invest in Malaysian hotels. They can see that the economy is recovering, especially now that the borders have opened. Many can see strong pent-up demand for holiday travel and in the short term, Singapore tourists, coupled with domestic demand, will drive hotel performance in 2022,” Buckley noted.
He also expects to see an increase in hotel transaction volumes in 2022 as the price gap between vendors and purchasers will narrow, while banks will begin to lend again as they see improvements in the sector.
“Historically, Malaysia has attracted a diverse pool of international tourists from all over the world and is particularly well positioned to capture the growth of halal tourism. Malaysia ranked as the top destination out of 140 countries in the MasterCard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2021 for being the most Muslim-friendly holiday destination, beating Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. Traditionally prime hotels do not come to market regularly and the next 12 months present a window of opportunity to acquire some unique opportunities,” he shared.
The majority of hotels have conservative levels of gearing. About 43% have a less than 49% loan-to-value ratio, while 17% have no debt at all. However, 31% have a loan-to-value ratio of between 50% and 69%, and 9% have high gearing of above 70%. On the whole, hotel owners with conservative gearing have managed to weather the Covid-19 pandemic storm and have not had to sell at fire sale prices.
Edited by Racheal Lee Mei Nyee
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In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, NexTorch, Inc. announced in a news release Wednesday, that they are voluntarily recalling flashlight batteries due to a fire hazard, posing a burn risk to consumers.
According to the release, approximately 16,000 NexTorch NT123A flashlight batteries are subject to recall because the batteries can overheat and rupture, posing a risk of fire and burn to consumers. One complaint has been reported in which the batteries caught fire, leading to burns on the body, clothes and vehicle of the consumer.
The recalled batteries are NexTorch NT123A flashlight batteries that bear the trademark superscript, ®, as opposed to the registered trademark superscript, ®. The body of the battery is a silver, metallic color and displays the NesTorch logo and the battery’s voltage, 3V. The batteries are often sold packaged with NexTorch flashlights, and the batteries affected by the recall were sold in stores and online at firearms dealers, law enforcement supply stores, amazon.com and on nextorch.com. They were sold between July 2007 and July 2011 for about $2 per battery.
Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the batteries and to contact NexTorch for information on how to receive a free replacement.
I hope no one else has been harmed by using these batteries. As a Fresno personal injury lawyer, I encourage anyone who is using the batteries affected by the recall to cease doing so and arrange to have the batteries replaced.


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Green Square Capital LLC cut its holdings in Paypal Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:PYPL) by 10.2% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,061 shares of the credit services provider’s stock after selling 804 shares during the quarter. Green Square Capital LLC’s holdings in Paypal were worth $594,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.
A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in PYPL. Virtus ETF Advisers LLC grew its holdings in shares of Paypal by 33.7% during the fourth quarter. Virtus ETF Advisers LLC now owns 448 shares of the credit services provider’s stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 113 shares during the last quarter. Cpwm LLC grew its stake in Paypal by 3.6% during the fourth quarter. Cpwm LLC now owns 3,397 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $286,000 after buying an additional 118 shares during the period. Concorde Asset Management LLC grew its stake in Paypal by 3.1% during the fourth quarter. Concorde Asset Management LLC now owns 4,027 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $339,000 after buying an additional 121 shares during the period. SevenBridge Financial Group LLC grew its stake in Paypal by 3.8% during the fourth quarter. SevenBridge Financial Group LLC now owns 3,385 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $285,000 after buying an additional 125 shares during the period. Finally, Homrich & Berg grew its stake in Paypal by 2.3% during the fourth quarter. Homrich & Berg now owns 5,930 shares of the credit services provider’s stock worth $499,000 after buying an additional 134 shares during the period. 81.34% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Shares of NASDAQ PYPL traded down $1.45 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $107.36. The company had a trading volume of 10,220,713 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,312,107. Paypal Holdings Inc has a 12-month low of $70.22 and a 12-month high of $109.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $125.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 59.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 1.03.
In related news, insider Gary J. Marino sold 2,017 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.11, for a total transaction of $183,768.87. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 42,317 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $3,855,501.87. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, COO William J. Ready sold 29,686 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.33, for a total value of $2,651,850.38. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 66,558 shares in the company, valued at $5,945,626.14. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 280,295 shares of company stock worth $26,469,952. Company insiders own 0.20% of the company’s stock.
Several equities research analysts have issued reports on PYPL shares. Guggenheim downgraded shares of Paypal from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and set a $90.82 price objective for the company. in a research note on Wednesday, February 6th. Zacks Investment Research upgraded shares of Paypal from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, January 14th. BidaskClub lowered shares of Paypal from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, February 7th. BTIG Research upped their price target on shares of Paypal to $114.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 19th. Finally, Barclays restated an “overweight” rating and set a $115.00 price target (up previously from $110.00) on shares of Paypal in a research report on Monday, January 7th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. Paypal presently has an average rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $101.63.
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Paypal Company Profile
PayPal Holdings, Inc operates as a technology platform and digital payments company that enables digital and mobile payments on behalf of consumers and merchants worldwide. Its payment solutions include PayPal, PayPal Credit, Braintree, Venmo, Xoom, and iZettle products. The company's Payments Platform allows consumers to send payments, withdraw funds to their bank accounts, and hold balances in their PayPal accounts in various currencies.
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| | Balsillie Announces the Release of Seven New Devices in the next few Months
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During RIM's annual general meeting that took place in Waterloo, ON on Tuesday, Jim Balsillie announced that seven new BlackBerry devices would be coming to market over the next few months in rapid succession. Obviously we all already know about the Bold 9900 and the Torch 2 but, I feel as though this might be them hinting at a new Curve or Curve Touch as a cheaper alternative to the new Torch. On another note, it was also firmly stated that the upper-management of Research In Motion would be staying intact for the time being, contrary to the recent demands of angry investors.
SOURCE: I was there.
P.S. First post/thread, glad to be a part of the community.
Last edited by TheDailyBerry : 07-16-2011 at 12:45 AM.


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C&S Wholesale Grocers, one of the largest wholesale grocery suppliers in the United States and owner of Piggly Wiggly stores in the South and Midwest, has recently made a strategic move and is ready to take over several grocery stores in Oregon as part of a proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons.
This acquisition is ready to reshape the retail landscape in the state, bringing both opportunities and challenges for the industry and consumers alike. C&S Wholesale Grocers, headquartered in Keene, New Hampshire, has a longstanding reputation as a key player in the wholesale distribution of grocery products. The company serves retailers of all sizes, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers. With a vast network and extensive experience, C&S has become an influential force in the grocery supply chain.
The decision to expand into Oregon is part of C&S Wholesale Grocers’ broader strategy to enhance its market presence and meet the evolving needs of consumers. By acquiring grocery stores in the state, C&S aims to strengthen its distribution network, optimize operational efficiency, and provide a diverse range of products to Oregon residents.
While the acquisition presents an opportunity for C&S to establish a stronger foothold in the Oregon market, it also raises questions about the fate of existing local grocery stores. Some smaller, independent retailers may face increased competition and challenges in adapting to the changes brought about by a large-scale wholesale distributor entering the scene.
On the positive side, C&S’s involvement could potentially lead to improved supply chain management, increased product diversity, and enhanced efficiency for the acquired stores. The infusion of new resources and technology might enable local grocery outlets to offer a more extensive range of products and compete more effectively with larger chains. Consumers in Oregon can expect to see changes in product availability, pricing, and overall shopping experiences with C&S Wholesale Grocers at the helm. The company’s scale and efficiency could translate into cost savings that may be passed on to consumers through competitive pricing and promotions. Additionally, the broader product selection may cater to diverse preferences and dietary requirements.
As with any significant acquisition in the business world, C&S Wholesale Grocers’ move into Oregon is likely to undergo regulatory scrutiny. Antitrust concerns may arise, particularly if the acquisition significantly impacts market competition and consumer choices. Ensuring fair competition and safeguarding the interests of local businesses and consumers will be a key focus for regulatory bodies.
C&S Wholesale Grocers’ expansion into Oregon marks a pivotal moment in the grocery industry, bringing both opportunities and challenges. The impact on local businesses and consumers will depend on how well C&S navigates the delicate balance between efficiency and preserving the unique characteristics of the local grocery landscape. As this story unfolds, it will undoubtedly shape the future of the grocery retail sector in Oregon and beyond.


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Here’s a just-in-time-for-summer scoop: Ice Cream Sandwich—an iconic ice cream shop that has changed hands a few times in recent years—is scheduled to reopen this weekend.
The shop is perched on a shady hilltop across Route 6A from Stop & Shop and Merchants Square. This week, red, white and blue bunting festooned the wide, shaded porch.
On Tuesday afternoon, June 23, manager Chelsea Stathopoulos transferred several houseplants from her car and placed them on the floor of the ice cream shop’s porch.
“We are hoping to open this weekend. We are just waiting for a couple more inspections,” Ms. Stathopoulos said.
On Thursday, June 25, a spokesman for the building department said the inspections had been completed and the ice cream shop was cleared for opening.
Neither Ms. Stathopoulos, nor her partner, Joel Finley, could be reached to confirm for details about opening day before press time.
Mr. Finley also owns Off the Grid BBQ, which recently relocated from Freezer Road to the former Hillport Gallery just down the road at 91 Route 6A.
“We are a sister ship to Off the Grid,” Ms. Stathopoulos said.
Ice Cream Sandwich will have limited offerings right now, but expects to add some gustatory surprises later this summer, Ms. Stathopoulos said.
Cape Cod Donuts, another sister ship to Off the Grid, will operate in the ice cream shop’s parking lot and may contribute to the menu.
“We might feature some ice cream sandwiches made with fresh donuts,” Ms. Stathopoulos said.
The spot has been home to an ice cream shop for more than 40 years. It was originally owned by Robert F. Hannon, and most recently named Owens Ice Cream, but the shop changed hands last year and subsequently closed.
Although the previous shops also sold gourmet lunch sandwiches and lobster rolls, Ms. Stathopoulos said she did not yet want to discuss future plans for food other than ice cream.
The colorful chalk menu currently posted at the shop offers several ice cream flavors—from chocolate to green tea—several flavors of frozen yogurt, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, floats and frappes.
Off the Grid, which started in Sandwich as a humble—and seasonal—food truck, had only outdoor seating at its former location. The new location has a vast terrace and lawn area and will eventually be home to an art gallery and a coffee shop, Mr. Finley has said.


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India Bans Mastercard from Issuing New Cards
Mastercard has been forbidden from issuing new debit or credit cards to domestic customers in India due to ongoing violations of data storage rules.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the indefinite ban will go into effect on 22 July 2021 following Mastercard’s continued non-compliance with data storage laws dating back to 2018.
As a rule, private companies access and—in many cases—monetise personal payment data from cashless transactions going back months or years as part of their business model. India’s data storage laws require all data on Indian payments to be stored within the country to allow regulators ‘unfettered supervisory access’.
Notwithstanding the lapse of considerable time and adequate opportunities being given, the entity [Mastercard) has been found to be non-compliant with the directions.
This development follows bans on American Express and Diners Club International beginning in April 2021 and stemming from similar violations. While these are relatively minor players in the payment arena, Mastercard is far more significant, accounting for over 400 million of India’s 900 million debit cards as of June this year.
Cashless payment providers operating in India are responsible for ensuring full end-to-end transaction details and customer information for a rolling period of six months are stored exclusively within India. The guidance—issued 6 April 2018—also requires a report of compliance to the RBI and the submission of an approved System Audit Report. These criteria have reportedly not been met by Mastercard.


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One of the most mesmerising, frustrating and rewarding games on iOS is making its way to PC and Mac on November 27. Over on his distractionware Blog, the game’s creator Terry Cavanagh, has confirmed that Super Hexagon is on its way to Valve’s digital distribution platform. The game has been built from the ground up for the Steam release, to ensure that it runs as smoothly as possible. The man behind VVVVVV also confirmed that;
“It’s going to cost $2.99 (the same price as the iOS version), but I’m hoping to launch with some sort of discount (still talking to Valve about that).”
Cavanagh also confirmed to a fan that it doesn’t have gamepad support “yet”, but there are plans to add that “very shortly after launch”. I’m sure you’ve already played this if you have an iOS device, but if you’re not packing a phone with an Apple logo in your pocket, this is your chance. The game uses the touch based controls of an iPhone, for example, extremely well and I’m sure this Steam version will be just as exquisite.
Super Hexagon is available now on iOS. The game will be released on November 27 for Windows PC and Mac (via Steam)


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After weeks of speculation and substantial leaks, the highly anticipated Google Pixel 7a made its official debut during this week’s I/O 2023. Serving as the successor to last year’s midrange Pixel device, this new smartphone introduces several noteworthy hardware enhancements, including an upgraded chipset and camera system. Additionally, Google entices users with a captivating color selection, showcasing the vibrant hues of Sea and Coral.
With the exception of the limited Coral version, all other colors of the Pixel 7a were originally listed at £449, offering customers the same benefits, such as the option to receive the free Pixel Buds A-series or avail of discounted Pixel Buds Pro as part of the pre-order bonuses. The UK launch of the Pixel 7a encountered a minor setback when it was discovered that the Google Store-exclusive Coral model had an unintentional £50 price increase. However, the company swiftly acknowledged the error and promptly initiated the process of issuing refunds to affected customers. This rectification ensures that customers are reimbursed for any discrepancies and reaffirms Google’s commitment to providing a seamless and transparent purchasing experience.
During the Pixel 7a announcement, Google did not mention any additional charges for the Coral color variant, which happens to be exclusive to the Google Store. Therefore, it came as a surprise when Alex Dobie, XDA’s head of video content, discovered that the UK Google Store was pricing the Pixel 7a in Coral at £499, which was £50 more than the original price. However, it appears that this was an error, as customers who purchased the device in the Coral color are now reportedly receiving a £50 refund to rectify the situation. This gesture reflects Google’s commitment to customer satisfaction and ensures that the pricing discrepancy is promptly addressed.
Looks like it was an error. Have been issued a £50 refund – so that's a win! pic.twitter.com/fibiAWHVot— Damien Wilde (@iamdamienwilde) May 12, 2023
The refund notification regarding the pricing error for the Coral Pixel 7a was initially shared by Damien Wilde of 9to5Google. Wilde included a screenshot of the refund email in response to Alex’s tweet, providing further confirmation of the refund process. According to the notification, refunds will be processed to the “original form of payment,” eliminating the need for store credit or alternative methods. As of now, it seems that the pricing issue was limited to the UK region. However, if similar discrepancies arise in other regions, it is expected that Google will promptly address the situation and issue the appropriate refund notifications to affected customers.
In the United States, the Pixel 7a in Coral was priced at the same $499 as the other color variants. The only exception is the Verizon version, which carries a higher price tag of $549. For interested customers, several retailers and all major mobile carriers are already offering some sweet deals for the Pixel 7a handset. It’s important to note that the Verizon version is exclusively available in the United States and offers mmWave 5G connectivity, a feature not available in the United Kingdom market. This discrepancy in pricing and features reflects the variations in regional availability and network compatibility.
Upon reviewing the Google Store UK listing, it appears that the pricing for the Coral Pixel 7a has been adjusted to £449, aligning it with the pricing of the Sea, Snow, and Charcoal models. This ensures that individuals who are considering purchasing the latest midrange Pixel phone will not encounter any pricing discrepancies. For those who have already purchased the Coral Pixel 7a at the original price of £499 in the UK, a refund email should be forthcoming, if it has not already been received. This proactive measure by Google aims to rectify the situation and provide appropriate refunds to affected customers who paid the incorrect price.
The pricing error for the Coral Pixel 7a on the Google Store UK could indeed have had an impact on sales of this visually striking variant. It was unfortunate that this error was limited to the UK storefront, potentially causing confusion and dissatisfaction among customers. However, it is commendable that Google swiftly recognized and rectified the issue, demonstrating their commitment to customer satisfaction. By promptly issuing refunds to affected customers, Google aims to address any inconvenience caused and maintain a positive customer experience.


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Apple is getting ready to completely revamp the Maps app on iPhone and iPad, according to Mark Gurman of 9to5 Mac.
Instead of relying on Google for iOS maps, Apple will use its own solution. This will likely come from its acquisition of C3 Technologies, a company that makes incredible 3D maps.
Luckily, there are a bunch of videos of C3's mapping tech, so we can get a good idea what maps will look like in the next version of iOS. Check out the screenshots below.
The Statue of Liberty looks incredibly detailed
Now let's swoop over to Manhattan. What are those bubbles floating over the buildings?
A closer look reveals location-based Facebook updates from nearby friends. Neat.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Please follow SAI: Tools on Twitter and Facebook.


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Emami logo. (Photo: Wikipedia)
Investors have cheered the move by Emami promoters to divest their shareholding in the company to reduce debt and keep share pledging in check. Following the move, shares of Emami gained nearly 13 per cent on Tuesday to close at Rs 407.5.
On Monday, the promoters – the Agarwal and Goenka families – of the consumer goods company announced that they have sold 10 per cent stake in Emami for Rs 1,600 crore. The move was to pare the debt of other group companies such as Emami Cement and Emami Power. While the move resulted in a drop in promoter holding in the Kolkata-based company from 72.74 per cent to 62.74 per cent, it would also help in bringing promoter shares pledged with lenders.
“The stake sale proceeds will reduce promoter debt which was used in creation of assets like cement and solar power,” the company said in a statement.
The share sale took place on the stock exchange platform and SBI Mutual Fund, Premji Invest, Amundi, IDFC and L&T Mutual Fund were among the buyers, the company added.
The move gains significance in the light of the recent developments in companies belonging to the Essel Group and Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group. The promoters in the two groups had availed loan by pledging shares of listed companies.


text: Serious Sam Announced For XBox!Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., Gathering of Developers and Croteam Announce Serious Sam for Microsoft Xbox NEW YORK--May 23, 2002--Serious Sam, a landmark title in the first person shooter video game genre, will now be available on the Xbox(TM) platform. The announcement was made today by Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., its Gathering of Developers video game publishing subsidiary, and Croatian-based based development team Croteam. The latest incarnation of Serious Sam will feature frantic single-player action in a cyberpunk world, as well as multiple online modes of play through Xbox Live(TM). Gathering of Developers plans to ship the game in the fourth quarter of 2002 at a suggested retail price of $49.99. "The original Serious Sam featured incredible action in a wide-open environment with no place to hide," said Kelly Sumner, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, Inc. "We think our partners at Croteam have outdone themselves on the newest version - console gamers will be blown away by Serious Sam on the Xbox." "All of us at Croteam are ecstatic to be working on Serious Sam for Xbox, which has proven to be the perfect platform for Sams adventures." said Roman Ribaric, CEO of Croteam, Ltd. "With broadband online play and more enemies on screen than any other game, it will give gamers the ultimate Serious Sam experience." For more information about Serious Sam for the Xbox please visit: http://www.serioussam.com.


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While India might not be known as a ‘sporty’ nation, the near religion status of cricket with an occasional detour towards hockey, football, tennis and F1, are reasons enough for companies to put in mega bucks into sports events. Following the success of movies like ‘Chak De! India’, and with the upcoming Commonwealth Games, etc, companies are putting in place their strategies to gain maximum brand mileage out of sports events.
But how big is the sports sponsorship market in India? The figures vary. Arun Sharma, General Manager-Marketing and Head-Media, Bharti Airtel Ltd, said, “The sports sponsorship market in India is approximately worth Rs 700 crore.”
And what is the brand mileage from sponsoring sports events? Corporates firmly agree that sponsoring sports events added value to the brand and one also found a committed and sustained viewership.
Vijay Narayan, Vice President-Marketing Communication, Havells India Ltd, said, “Sponsoring sports events is more secure than having a sportsperson as brand ambassador. The popularity of a brand ambassador might fluctuate according to his/her performance, which could put the identity of the company at stake.”
After acquiring Sylvania in March 2007, it was essential for Havells India, which manufactures and supplies lighting products and electrical equipment in India and abroad, to create brand awareness beyond the Indian shores. And the company did that through an “advertising blitzkrieg on television”, according Anil Gupta, Joint Managing Director, Havells India Ltd.
Gupta further said, “Cricket sponsorship is the magic formula for grabbing the largest number of eyeballs as advertisers get good mileage for their sponsorship deals.” Havells was the co-presenting sponsor of the Natwest Series as well as the Twenty20 Championship. The company is also sponsoring the telecast of the ongoing India’s tour of Australia.
Some companies have gone beyond cricket for brand associations. PepsiCo’s Mountain Dew is one such example. The aerated beverage brand from the company has been successful in associating itself with alternative adventure and extreme sports like river rafting, paintball and biking events like ‘Crusty Demons’. However, PepsiCo has not overlooked cricket altogether. Through several innovative campaigns like ‘Toss ka Boss’, ‘Khufiya’ and ‘Blue Billion’, Pepsi has been able to unite the passion of cricket fans across the country and kept its brand association with the game alive.
Punita Lal, Executive Director-Marketing, PepsiCo India, said, “Similarly, with Gatorade Pacers, we have been able to facilitate the growth of budding sports talent while driving the linkage of Gatorade as a sports drink.”
Bharti Airtel has also been sponsoring cricket events for quite some time now. The company recently also got into sponsoring football events with an investment of about Rs 100 crore.
Bharti Airtel’s Sharma said, “The spending on sports sponsorship is high as the ROI on one media dwindles after a point and one needs to add more media vehicles for more impact media multiplier effect.”
Maj Vinod Krishna, Head of Sports at ONGC, “Sponsors spend a lot of money on such events as they find the returns worth the expenditure. In the case of ONGC, we spend roughly Rs 10 crore on sports sponsorship annually.”
Sports equipment and apparel manufacturing companies like Adidas, Nike and Reebok have been sponsoring some of the biggest sporting events for several decades. Adidas was one of the main sponsors of the FIFA World Cup and the French Open 2007. In 2008, they will be the sponsors of the Beijing Olympics as well as the European League football championships.
Hartwin Feddersen, Director-Marketing, Adidas, said, “It is fair to say that sports are a unique platform where people with different backgrounds engage with sports events and sports brand at an emotional level.”
Commenting on the association of Reebok, the official partner for ICC events, with cricket, Puneet Sewra, Brand Manager, Reebok India, said, “In India, cricket grabs the maximum attention, which is evident from the TRPs during major matches. However, to harness sports events just to get brand awareness is not the right strategy. We at Reebok make sure that we only take part in events or campaigns related to sports.”


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South-East Asian drinks brand, Carabao, is launching a new energy drinks range
Carabao, which will be a top-tier sponsor of Chelsea FC and Reading FC from next season, offers consumers a more carbonated and full flavoured alternative to other energy drinks.
Established fifteen years ago in Thailand, Carabao will initially be available in two variants - ‘Original’ and ‘Sugar Free’, in a 325ml can (rrp £1.19), with further flavour launches planned for later in the year.
Partner company Intercarabao will be managing the product distribution in the UK, before embarking on a global roll out.
The product takes inspiration from ‘the Carabao’, the revered Asian water-buffalo admired for its physical power, extraordinary stamina and unbreakable spirit. Styled with energetic typography and the ‘Bring It On’ tagline, the sleek can has been designed to bring to life the heritage and story of the Carabao brand.
Intercarabao CEO Peter Gutierrez said: “Our UK research demonstrates there is a huge community of consumers that feel energy drinks do not speak to them or are not relevant for their lifestyle. It’s clear to us that the category could be doing a much better job of appealing to a broader audience, reaching beyond the niche of thrill-seeking young men.
”That’s why we’re bringing Carabao to the UK. We want to give consumers with stressful and busy lives a great tasting energy boost that they feel speaks to them.”
Carabao’s launch will be supported by a multi-million pound integrated marketing campaign. Kicking off from August 2016.


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If you're looking for a linktree alternative choosing the right and link in bio tool can be harder than it looks. On we list the top 3 linktree alternatives that you can start using today.
Instagram takes on YouTube with the launch of IGTV.
Sweden's fastest growing Instagram accounts for the last 30 days.
Facebook has announced more changes surrounding user data after the Cambridge Analytica scandal
Facebook is going up against YouTube and Patreon with its new Creators platform while Instagram launches new features for creators and brands.
Everything you need to know: Snapchats redesign boost Instagram, Facebook now competing with TV, and YouTube Studio is out of beta
Mysocial CEO, Mustafa Alfredji predicts who will win in the battle between Snapchat and Instagram.
New app update give influencers access to their Snapchat analytics.
Research reveals Facebook use among younger demographics dropped in 2017.
Snapchat is tempting advertisers away from Instagram.
Snapchat ended 2017 with positive user and revenue numbers
Twitter has launched a new format for sponsored content called Sponsored Moments
The new snapchat is seperating the social from the media.
Snapchat app redesign includes new shareable link for public Stories
YouTube offers new changes as the company bounces back from a controversial 2017.
Instagram is challenging Snapchat again by testing three new features.
Vine co-founder Dom Hofmann hinted at a resurrection of the beloved video app.
Instagram announced changes to its Stories feature. Good news for brands but bad news for Snapchat.
Instagram Direct is still being tested, but it has the potential to put Snapchat out of business.
This latest announcement in an exciting month of news from Instagram.
Facebook takes moves against engagement baiting posts.
2018 will be an important year for influencer marketing. Learn everything you need to know to be prepared.
Snapchat is in a heated competition with Instagram but is hurting itself with the slow roll-out of its app update
In your inbox, every other week. And unsubscribe in a click, if you want.


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Consumers First: Why the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Matters
Nana Adjeiwaa-ManuNana Adjeiwaa-Manu is a former Research and Writing Fellow at the Center for Global Policy Solutions. She is interested in identity, social support systems, and the connection between health and wealth. Nana holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology and African & African-American Studies, and will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology this fall. You can follow her on Twitter @AdjeiwaaKodyie.
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB), an independent agency of the United States government, issues and enforces rules to ensure that consumer finance markets work and allows consumers to retain control of their economic lives. The Bureau puts consumers first, serving as the public’s advocate when one of the three branches of government makes a decision that impacts the economic well being of consumers. Through staying informed about changes in economic policies around lending, the agency holds the government accountable for its actions.
Unfortunately, the CFPB is in jeopardy. This week, the House Financial Services Committee is considering the Financial CHOICE Act (H.R.10), a bill introduced by Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (TX-5) that would substantially weaken the CFPB and its ability to tackle predatory business practices. Under the legislation, the CFPB would be renamed the Consumer Law Enforcement Agency, reporting to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs and receiving its funding from Congressional appropriations. This change would strip the Bureau of its independent status, effectively rendering it a part of the executive branch. Further, the Bureau would lose its rule-making and enforcement authority to monitor payday and title loans or restrict arbitration. Even worse, the legislation would no longer require the Bureau to maintain its consumer complaint system, which gives the public the ability to call out what they see as unfair practices. A weaker CFPB means less protection for consumers, regardless of their race, gender, or income level.
External oversight of businesses is key to developing a more equitable economy. The CFPB provides such oversight in the digital age through monitoring predatory practices in the FinTech industry. In November 2015, for example, the CFPB filed a lawsuit against the now-defunct online lender Integrity Advance and its leader “for deceiving consumers about the cost of short-term loans.” This lawsuit shows that the CFPB is committed to protecting consumers by taking action against predatory lenders. Legislation to weaken this crucial agency does a disservice to consumers, leaving them economically vulnerable. In light of the accountability that the CFPB’s consumer-focused advocacy provides, Congress should block any legislation that threatens consumers’ economic well-being, empowerment, and security.


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Symach has announced the installation of its futuristic technology and equipment at Better Image collision repair facility in St. Catharines, Ontario.
“I wanted to build the perfect facility,” said Josh Kazdan, owner of Better Image Collision. “With Symach technology and equipment, we can be the provider of choice and employer of choice. Our shop looks and operates drastically different than other shops. I truly believe this was the ONLY way to go, given that the playing field has changed before our very eyes. I wanted to be prepared for the future of the collision industry.”
Kazdan said he has been impressed with the Symach company ever since he saw an ad in a collision repair magazine featuring the equipment and body shop solutions.
“I remember looking at it and thinking, ‘yes! That’s the kind of shop that I want. It looks so modern and clean, futuristic and out of this world,’” said Kazdan.
|Image courtesy of Rousseau Communication|
Speed was also a factor in his decision to purchase Symach equipment. Not only will it help the shop keep up with the demands of insurance companies, but Kazdan said the equipment will also enable the facility to repair cars quicker for out-of-pocket customers. The patented drying process ensures there is a concrete repair from the beginning stages to the final product.
“Our customers don’t want to wait four or five days to have their car tied up in a body shop,” he said. “Utilizing Symach equipment, we can now provide one-day repairs on small collision jobs. Quicker turnaround and less rental days, mean happier customers.”
The facility uses Symach’s FixLine system, which includes two filler bays, the SprayTron prep stall, a FlyDry robot and an oversized mixing room, which they refer to as their “paint lab.” The nine-meter paint booth has side-load doors and is equipped with an EasyDry robot.
“The quality of the actual paint jobs coming out of this booth is jaw-dropping,” said Kazdan.
The shop also has a carwash detailing bay, two Symach frame machines and in-ground hoists, so technicians don’t have to crawl on the floor to work.
“It’s awesome. The Symach equipment is in and the shop looks exactly how I had envisioned,” said Kazdan. “There’s a bit of stigma around old body shops and I know people are changing and upgrading to get better prepared for what’s coming. I think by being the first one in Niagara we can attract like-minded technicians who want to work in a forward-thinking, lean shop using the very best equipment and processes.”
One of his goals was to continue with his journey to PCE (process centered environment).
“I was really working on setting up the ultimate shop for lean production,” explained Kazdan. “I wanted the correct layout for processing repairs properly and efficiently, and having the best equipment means we can throw a huge volume of vehicles into our shop, repair them to the highest standards and never bottleneck the system. This machine is hungry and can handle anything we throw at it with ease.” Naturally, he said Symach was the perfect solution.


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Motion capture service Performit Live has officially launched in the United States, Canada and the UK with the aim of revolutionising motion capture by enabling directors to work remotely.
The technology uses a motion capture suit and real-time avatar technology to enable animators to remotely direct performers in a virtual world.
It is currently available as an iOS app, with the creators planning to release Android version later this year.
Initially developed for high-speed sports, Perfomit Live has spent over five years in development. As it can be used remotely, it significantly lowers both the carbon footprint and cost of motion capture, said the creators.
“Performit Live revolutionises motion capture, granting animators unparalleled access to talent and offering a greener approach to animation,” said Jon Dalzell, CEO and co-founder of Performit Live. “We are thrilled to empower animators with our innovative technology, allowing them to unleash their creativity like never before.”
James Banfield, head of entertainment and co-founder at Performit Live, added, “Our remote motion capture technology opens up endless creative possibilities. With Performit Live, creatives can collaborate with top-notch performers from anywhere, ensuring their artistic vision comes to life flawlessly.”


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Home Depot announced yesterday that its security breach, which went undetected for five months beginning in April, may have compromised 56 million cards. This would make Home Depot's attack larger than Target's, in which case 40 million cards were affected.
Independent security analyst Brian Krebs broke news of the breach on September 2, and the company confirmed the reports on September 8.
Security experts previously hypothesized that the same malware used in this incident was also to blame for the Target hacks. However, Home Depot reported that its investigation found "unique, custom-built malware" in the invaded systems. All malware has now been fully eradicated from the Home Depot point of sale terminals.
Consumers have criticized the company for failing to scan its systems after the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security issued their malware warning in July. More recently, these organizations have estimated that 1,000 U.S. businesses have been affected by security breaches.
"We apologize for the frustration and inconvenience this breach may have caused," Home Depot said in a statement on its website. "We also want to emphasize that you will not be liable for any fraudulent charges to your accounts, and we're offering free identity protection services, including credit monitoring, to any customer who has shopped at a Home Depot store in 2014, from April on."
Home Depot began fully encrypting its payment systems in January and the project has just been completed. It is also in the process of transitioning to EMV payment methods to meet next year's October PCI deadline.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the company expects to spend $62 million for all the identity monitoring services and call centers related to the breach.
Make sure you're protected by updating your credit card processing software. In cases of retail security and data theft, prevention is always less costly than compensation.


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A recent report by the Fast Company shares that not all countries will get the iPhone 12 version with the fastest 5G bands.
Apple is set to unveil four new iPhones this September. In the base model lineup will be a 5.4-inch phone and a 6.1-inch phone, which will be the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max. The higher-end models will come in at 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch. These two phones could be called the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
All these handsets are expected to be 5G capable. Apple is already more than a full year delayed in this game. Nonetheless, the company always plays safe to the mantra of ‘better late than never’. After all, they only release perfected products in the market.
iPhone 12 with fastest 5G limited to three countries
A report by Fast Company revealed that not all countries with Apple stores would get the fastest and greatest iPhone to date. It shares that only Korea, Japan, and the U.S. will get the iPhone 12 that has the fastest 5G bands. All the rest will have to settle with a second-rate 5G hardware.
Fast Company revealed that the majority of Apple’s market would only get support for sub-6GHz 5G connectivity. The faster version of this band is the mmWave 5G. As mentioned earlier, the faster bands will only be available in the three countries enumerated. In addition, it will only be available on the iPhone 12 Pro Max model.
Sources reveal that only that model can physically fit the hardware of the mmWave 5G. The report says,
The source says only the largest phone in the line has room inside for the special antenna design required for millimeter wave and larger battery needed to accommodate millimeter wave’s significant power draw. Also, only the U.S., Korea, and Japan versions of the Pro Max will support millimeter-wave 5G.
Why only these three countries?
It is most likely that only the U.S., Japan, and Korea have a fully rolled out mmWave 5G network. Other countries have different deployment schedules for this. Therefore, Apple could have seen it only worthwhile to push for this feature only in these three countries.
The majority of the countries around the world only focused on the 6GHz 5G connectivity for their initial rollout. It might still take a while before they can completely support faster connections. Nevertheless, 5G is still overall faster than 4G and LTE. As such, customers don’t have much to complain about. They will just have to wait a little while longer to get faster bands.
Image from DANIEL CONSTANTE/Shutterstock


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(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Isuzu Motors International Operations Thailand Co, Limited, recently hosted a two-day event at the Bab Al Shams hotel in Dubai where they launched the latest model of their renowned pickup line, the D-Max.
Held on December 10 and 11, the event was attended by VIPs and associates of the brand who also got a chance to test drive the vehicle.
Now available in eight countries around the Middle East, the all new Isuzu D-Max is one of the most dependable pick-up trucks from the brand as it has been crafted after nearly 50 years of refinement and pioneering development. Ushering in a new era in pickup trucks and with almost a century of truck-manufacturing DNA, the All new Isuzu D-Max redefines the toughness and is an amalgamation of splendid design, excellent performance, durability, immense safety and resilience.
A plethora of novel and improved features are visible in the Isuzu D-Max. Some of the notable new features the brand possesses include the new 2.5L diesel engine (4JK1) with common-rail engine designed with superior knowhow that has seen over 23 million Isuzu diesel engines sold worldwide. This innovative engine has accomplished class leading fuel efficiency, power, torque and environmental friendliness all in the same time.
The fresh tough chassis means even better balance and performance whether loaded or not, delivering superior stability and road holding in all conditions. With, a larger and stronger rear cargo body and 4x4 electronic shift on-the-fly, there's not much it cannot handle.
An aggressive form exterior design with a perfect proportion seen in the All New D-MAX does not only end in design, but also accomplishes outstanding aerodynamics.


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Channel 4 Dispatches has raised an important matter. We were contacted by the filmmakers and stressed the point to them that too many consumers are unaware that these practices are illegal and therefore fail to complain.
The key issue at the heart of this matter is consumer education. We hope programmes such as these assist in raising awareness and educating consumers so they understand their rights and can identify when and how to complain.
TPO independently investigates consumer complaints against registered agents to resolve disputes but it does not have the power to prosecute. That power rests with Trading Standards, who we work closely with.
We will be seeking assurances from the firms featured in last night's programme that the action they have publicly promised has been implemented to ensure every consumer is treated fairly in accordance with TPO's Code of Practice. While the Code provides a comprehensive set of standards to protect consumers, effective industry regulation is the only way to stamp out this sort of behaviour.
While TPO has no jurisdiction over financial advisers, we would emphasise that if any individual feels they have been disadvantaged by the actions of an estate agent they should contact TPO in the first instance to seek guidance on what steps they can take to make a complaint.
To view the C4 Dispatches programme, visit: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/4od


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Organic Egg Irony
Mar 03, 2014
There's a shortage of organic eggs across the country, and the shortfall draws attention to an ironic and spectacularly silly phenomenon. National Public Radio's food blog, The Salt, reports that demand for organic eggs is rising at the same time supply dwindles. The supply problem can be traced to the fact that America's farmers don't produce enough organic corn and soybeans to feed our organic chicken flock. Therefore, organic egg producers are forced to import organic corn and soybeans from places like China, India and Argentina. That's right, the U.S. exports soybeans to China, and they ship us organic soybeans so we can claim sustainability and save the planet by eating expensive organic eggs. You can't make this stuff up!
Wet or Dry, Warm or Hot?
The bitter winter of 2014 seems to reinforce the reality that man's attempts to forecast weather is only mildly successful. Still, as spring approaches farmers and ranchers are anxious to find clues about the upcoming growing season. Will it be wet or dry, warm or hot? The NOAA's Climate Prediction Center sees a hot summer ahead, while an independent weather service finds evidence of a drought brewing for the Central U.S.
Other meteorologists see hope in a developing El Niño, nature's most powerful influence on weather around the globe. Observations and computer models show increasing signs of El Niño's return, which might portend more rain for California.
Cattle Markets Set Another Record
Cash fed cattle prices posted $5 to $6 gains last week, with trading at $152 per cwt. in the North and $150 in the South. Yearling feeder cattle sold unevenly steady with noted pressure on those over 850 pounds. Calves were called steady to $5 per cwt. higher. USDA Market News reporter Corbitt Wall says there were "crazy prices again this week."
Is That a Bull in the Corn Market?
After many dismal months, there is now plenty of positive news coming out of the corn and soybean markets. "You have to go back to September to see prices this high," says Jerry Gulke, president of the Gulke Group.


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IC shortages seen, but inventories grow
April 01, 2010 // Mark LaPedus, EE Times.com
The IC industry is recovering, but there are also signs of growing chip inventories in the channels. VLSI Research Inc. said IC inventories reached $24.38 billion worldwide in February, a 46 percent increase from the same month in 2009.
''They are close to passing the peak set in October of 2008,'' said G.
Dan Hutcheson, CEO of VLSI, in a report . ''While alarming, VLSI does
say that current inventory-to-billings ratios are within healthy
On the other hand, there are also widespread reports of select
component shortages in the supply chain. Analog, dicretes and memories
are in tight supply.
Last week, memory was ''red hot as shortages continued to drive spot
prices through the roof. DRAM in particular, was on fire. Spot prices
for legacy parts soared by more than 20 percent amid fears that supply
will remain tight due to lack of capacity. NAND flash also had a strong
week thanks to improving demand. The good news was that MPU prices
finished the week flat, following three consecutive weeks of
declines,'' according to VLSI.
''Wafer production capacity is overheating the market and
leading to double booking,'' Hutcheson said. ''This is being compounded
by the fact that chip makers have failed to invest enough to keep
yields high as they introduce new designs based on smaller
February chip factory utilization levels were 93 percent for
the front end, 95 percent for test, and 94 percent for assembly,
according to the firm.
Chip market growth was strong Q1 in US, China
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InterviewInfineon: CAN FD success goes at the expense of FlexRay
The faster version of the venerable CAN bus, CAN FD is currently taking off at several carmakers. Infineon's Thomas Böhm, Head of Body / Automotive, believes this could well go at the expense of FlexRay. ...
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In this month's reader offer, Analog Devices is giving away five Blackfin Low-Power Imaging Platform (BLIP) Development Systems (ADZS-BF707-BLIP2), worth 199 dollars each, for EETimes Europe's readers to win.
Targeting demanding ultra-low-power, real-time applications for image sensing and advanced audio, the development platform leverages the company’s ADSP-BF707BBCZ-4 Blackfin processor as...MORE INFO AND LAST MONTH' WINNERS...
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DALIX adds Coinbase Commerce: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash Payment Methods
Posted on April 18 2018
We are happy to announce that Cryptocurrencies Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and Bitcoin Cash are now accepted at DALIX as a formal method of payment through Coinbase! As the payments and financial landscape changes, we believe that keeping up with the newest technology is key to the success of our customer experience. If you are interested in learning more about this payment method please visit Coinbase.
Cryptocurrencies have dramatically lowered the barrier to accepting payments on the web. Coinbase Commerce makes it easier than ever to accept cryptocurrency in the way cryptocurrencies were designed to be accepted: in a truly peer-to-peer fashion.


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In fact, in an earnings name last week, web-only house furnishings giant Wayfair Inc. stated it has elevated its prices because of inflation and its conversion fee has not been impacted. Other highly impacted categories in online spend include electronics, hardware/home improvement, and residential furnishings. Merchants in these classes increased online sales considerably in 2020 and have been able to maintain growth in 2021, Digital Commerce 360 finds.
- Consumers are now incorporating both digital and physical features once they shop; they could view the products at bodily stores earlier than making the acquisition online to benefit from the reductions and offers.
- It stated that “despite the challenging retail market there is a chance to re-energise the enterprise to allow it to benefit from constructive developments in the high-growth magnificence market”.
- Brent Bell, the company’s vp of recycling, mentioned the net shopping craze through the pandemic generated essentially the most quantity


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icelandbased valitor 100mfaridi crowdfundinsider
Rapyd, a multinational Fintech as a Service (FaaS) provider, has entered into a definitive agreement with Arion Banki (Arion Bank) in order to acquire Valitor, an Icelandic payments solutions firm.
As confirmed in a release shared with Crowdfund Insider, the deal size is $100 million and “subject to regulatory approval.”
Valitor is an established payments brand and it’s also one of Europe’s payments leaders, offering in-store and online payments acceptance options along with card issuing to SMB merchants in Iceland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and across Europe.
The acquisition of Valitor will aim to complement Rapyd’s extensive payment capabilities throughout Europe, while improving its issuing portfolio.
After Rapyd’s recent investment round, the firm is actively seeking out key acquisition opportunities, “targeting strong payments companies and enhancing their capabilities by connecting them to the Rapyd Global Payments Network,” the announcement revealed.
With its solid European market presence, the acquisition of Valitor will aim to empower clients from any sector to “streamline integration of omni-channel payments, expand into new markets, flatten FX fees, unlocking revenue and growth potential that would otherwise be inaccessible to them.”
Rapyd’s extensive Cloud-enabled tech supports quick and seamless integration of payments and related Fintech services into any web or mobile app while simplifying the complexity of providing domestic payment solutions. This services are offered in a compliant manner.
By leveraging Rapyd’s Collect, Disburse, Wallet, and Issuing capabilities, Valitor businesses and merchants can “expand into a broad set of new use cases and services, quickly enter new markets thanks to a ready-made payments infrastructure that fits their needs


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Indian government has recently come in light with regards to how Internet laws are being made and practiced in the country. In 2019, India became the country with the highest number of internet shutdowns. And it seems like there’s more in store, as rules faced by social media companies could get stricter.
However, the government has recently announced that only social media companies will be affected by these decisions and other ecommerce and streaming companies like Netflix should not worry about content takedown, traceability and grievance officer.
This came after industry associates and cloud companies objected to the decisions, as they were worried about coming under the radar even though the changes were proposed to curb the spread of misinformation on social media platforms, something they had no connection with. IT industry lobby group Nasscom and Amazon Web Services (AWS) said last year that the rules should only apply to social media companies and not to technology intermediaries such as cloud platforms and the IT and business process management (BPM) sectors.
The company said that it will be unfair to impose laws on intermediaries that do not apply to them. After the clarification from the government, companies like Facebook, Youtube and TikTok are expected to be the most affected by these new laws.
Companies will be notified of the new draft of the laws by January 15, MeitY said in an affidavit to the Supreme Court.


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Long car journeys can sometimes be boring. But that was without counting on the limitless inventiveness of the Tesla factories and its CEO, Elon Musk. On the occasion of the Chinese New Year this Tuesday, February 1, the automaker unveiled a brand new accessory only available in China for the moment: the TeslaMic. This is a microphone kit for organizing karaoke parties in the car. Electrek media published the first images of this unusual object on YouTube on January 28.
To celebrate each start of the year, Tesla has made a habit of designing fun new elements on board its vehicles. This time, the American giant has bet on the good atmosphere and the family spirit. A box including two microphones, together with an additional battery, is now available in stores located in China. Both microphones are designed to work with Leishi KTV, a karaoke system that is included in the new update made on Tesla vehicles.
A gift from Tesla to its Chinese customers
Priced at 1,199 Chinese yuan, or around 168 euros, the kit should appeal to Chinese owners. Indeed, karaoke has always been a very popular activity in Asian countries. In China, more than 50,000 karaoke rooms are listed. This musical function in Tesla vehicles has existed since 2019, but the interface and the catalog offered are greatly improved in this new update. And as the car manufacturer led by Elon Musk does not forget any detail, some sound effects have been installed to help singers less comfortable with the exercise.
Tesla: here is the most important product of 2022 according to Elon Musk
If you are a karaoke fan, don’t panic, the accessory will soon be available in other countries. According to information from Electrek, the American giant has every intention of launching the TeslaMic to other markets in the years to come. Pending new information, only the Chinese will be able to bring their microphones to start the year of the tiger in song
Tesla could soon sell surprising new devices
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E-ticketing plan set for takeoff on the mainland
An electronic ticketing scheme for air travel is set to be launched on the mainland in the next few months.
The scheme would be set up by the mainland branch of the International Air Transport Association (Iata), major airlines and Travelsky, the nation's largest computer reservations system provider.
E-ticketing proponents on the mainland said the industry could have saved 1 billion yuan last year if the plan had been in place. Under e-ticketing, travellers receive a confirmation code when they buy seats on flights, rather than a traditional ticket. E-ticketing has been increasingly popular in Hong Kong in the past few years.
Zhang Baojian, Iata director for North Asia, said e-ticketing accounts for 30 per cent of air travel in the US, saving US$3 per ticket. The savings include the cost of printing, storing and transporting tickets, collecting the stubs from airlines and data collection.
Mr Zhang said the mainland industry spent 70 million yuan last year in transport costs alone, while each ticket costs 76 fen to print.
He said the plan would be launched this year between cities such as Beijing and Shanghai or Beijing and Guangzhou.
In the US and Europe, e-ticketing has grown, with the popularity of low-cost airlines and consumers used to buying tickets online. Instead of issuing paper tickets, travel agents will provide a receipt with an authorisation code to be presented at the airport check-in.
'For each passenger, we will save about 20 yuan. We had 50 million transactions last year,' Mr Zhang said.