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Disney might be best known for Star Wars but its R&D wing – Disney Research – has just unveiled first real-world mastery of the force – the “Force Jacket”.
The jacket is designed to apply force to a users body. Allowing them to experience a range of sensations from a hug to an animal climbing over their torso.
The idea behind the jacket is that it would be coupled with a VR headset to create a completely immersive experience. Actions in the VR world could be mirrored into the real-world using the jacket.
From the rumble pack to the Wii-remote – haptic feedback has played a basic role in entertainment systems for the last few decades. The Force Jacket provides much more sophisticated sensory feedback and will pave the way for other wearables in virtual environments.
While the device is the first of its kind it has predicted that as Augment and Virtual Reality technology improve; that the technology to create tactile sensations would have to expand alongside them.
The Dinsey team worked with Engineers from MIT and Carnegie Mellon University to build the jacket.
The jacket itself works using 26 pneumatically-controlled airbags. The jacket uses force sensors which can direct vibrations and force across the user’s upper body with a high level of precision. Developers can then use a “haptics effects editor” to control the location, force, direction and speed of force projected by the jacket.
So far the team have showcased 14 unique sensations using the jacket from being hugged; to slime dripping down your back.
The jacket represents the next step in 4D entertainment. Could this be the next step forward in VR technology or just the next fad? Join let us know your thoughts on Twitter or Facebook.


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New York, NY (PRWEB) September 29, 2010
DoubleVerify, the pioneer and worldwide leader in online media verification, today announced a new addition to the executive team, C. Eoin Townsend, senior vice president of partnerships and business development. Previously a senior product, services and business operations executive in the online media industry, Townsend leads DoubleVerify’s partnership and collaboration with ad networks and exchanges. He has more than 15 years of experience in designing and launching products as well as in creating and executing business strategies.
Townsend previously led DoubleClick’s international business expansion and product development, and has lived in London, Hong Kong and Japan as he supported its global growth. He was also a VP and GM at ChannelAdvisor, the leading software provider that helps retailers world-wide sell more online through search, comparison shopping, marketplace development and RichMedia. Most recently, Townsend was an active consultant, investor and co-founder of MainStreetSocial, a leading brand safe network focused on local government and community publishing and monetization. He attended the University of Toronto where he studied computer science and economics.
“DoubleVerify partners with ad networks and exchanges to increase the quality of online inventory and promote trust in our industry from all players,” said Oren Netzer, co-founder and CEO of DoubleVerify. “Eoin’s experience and expertise will help us tremendously in our efforts to ensure networks, publishers, DSPs and exchanges are well-equipped with the tools and services they need to drive change and bring more ad dollars online. We’re thrilled to have Eoin as a part of our team because he truly understands what the market needs to move forward.”
Recently, DoubleVerify announced various initiatives in an effort to bring more trust in online advertising, such as the “Advertising Fraud Detection Lab,” a team of online advertising security experts whose primary focus is to find fraudulent online advertising activities, and the first ever “Trust Index” benchmark report. With the goal of bringing accountability, transparency, brand safety and compliance to online advertising, DoubleVerify continues to be the leading technology provider for digital media verification.
DoubleVerify (http://www.doubleverify.com) is the worldwide leader in online advertising verification and the top choice of marketers, agencies, ad networks and publishers looking to ensure brand safety, campaign transparency and regulatory compliance. DoubleVerify verifies over 35 billion advertising impressions per month for hundreds of leading Fortune 500 marketers. DoubleVerify is headquartered in New York City, with engineering offices in Tel Aviv, Israel. Investors in DoubleVerify include Blumberg Capital, Institutional Venture Partners, First Round Capital and Genacast Ventures.
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domain: news


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APPLE is plotting a major design overhaul for the latest iPhone, which is currently being secretly developed at its headquarters in California.
But what will the next generation mobile phone look like? We’ve put together a guide based on the latest iPhone 14 rumors and leaks.
What is iPhone 14?
In our opinion, the iPhone 14 is Apple’s next big smartphone.
As always, we can never say exactly what Apple’s plans are, but we are expecting a new iPhone arrival in late 2022.
That’s because Apple does the same thing every year when it comes to iPhones.
In 2022 we are expecting some significant improvements.
That’s because Apple made smaller changes when switching from iPhone 12 to iPhone 13.
Most Read on Phone & amp; Tool
So experts say that means Apple is making a big move for the iPhone 14.
iPhone 14 release date – When will the next iPhone come out?
Crucially, Apple is a man of habit, always following a clear pattern for iPhone releases each year.
The big launch event always happens in September and usually falls at the beginning of the month – usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
For 2022, we expect the event to take place on Tuesday, September 13, or Wednesday, September 14.
This is followed by iPhone 14 pre-orders on Friday, September 16.
And we expect the actual iPhone 14 release date to be Friday, September 23.
We’ll learn about Apple’s event a week before it happens.
And remember: Apple may also hold an additional event in October or November for other devices.
Of course, we cannot guarantee any of these dates – but they are most likely to happen.
Apple could also change this whole model up a week earlier, holding an event on September 6 or 7 with a September 16 release date.
But we think a slightly later event is more likely.
iPhone 14 news and rumors – features and specifications leaked
We won’t find out exactly what the iPhone 14 will look like until much closer to launch.
And even then, we might still be in the dark – some iPhone news is always a surprise at night.
But we’ve been hearing drips about the mysterious mobile phone.
Apple is said to have finally removed the “notch” at the top of the iPhone – offering an all-screen front for the first time.
It’s part of the rumored iPhone change that will make it look different from the 2021 model.
The design is said to include a pill-shaped hole on the front of the device for the selfie camera.
Renowned TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has hinted that we will see a bezel-less iPhone 14.
And so did longtime Apple leaker and Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman.
Ming-chi Kuo has also said that the high-end iPhones in the 2022 range will use a 48-megapixel sensor for the main camera.
Based on Mac RumorsKuo thinks this will allow for impressive 8K video recording.
The analyst also thinks that the notch on the front screen of the iPhone will be smaller and by 2023, it may have disappeared.
The selfie camera, required for Face ID, may be hidden under the display.
Another Kuo theory is that the screen size options of the iPhone line will decrease in 2022.
Maybe we won’t see the iPhone Mini on sale like in previous years.
Apple is said to be unimpressed with how well the Mini lineup is selling, but could still include a version in its 2021 iPhone lineup.
It is assumed that 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch screen sizes are here to stay for the foreseeable future.
Kuo has previously hinted that we could see an under-display fingerprint scanner in future iPhones.
We certainly know a thing or two about the new iPhone.
For starters, it will almost certainly support 5G.
And maybe we’ll get a new Apple-made A-series chip that boosts performance – just like every previous iPhone generation.
iPhone 14 price – How much will the new iPhone cost?
Apple has been pretty consistent with iPhone prices in recent years.
In the US, it remains unchanged, while Britons get a small discount on some models.
Here’s how iPhone Pro prices have changed over the past two years in the UK:
- iPhone 13 Pro – £949
- iPhone 12 Pro – £999
- iPhone 11 Pro – £1,049
And here’s how iPhone Pro Max prices in the UK have fallen:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max – £1,049
- iPhone 12 Pro Max – £1,099
- iPhone 11 Pro Max – £1,149
The iPhone 13 price in the UK and US is:
- iPhone 13 128GB – £779 / $799
- iPhone 13 256GB – £879 / $899
- iPhone 13 512GB – £1,079 / $1,099
And the iPhone 13 Pro price for UK and US is:
- iPhone 13 Pro 128GB – £949 / $999
- iPhone 13 Pro 256GB – £1,049 / $1,099
- iPhone 13 Pro 512GB – £1,249 / $1,299
- iPhone 13 Pro 1TB – £1,449 / $1,499
So expect similar or identical prices for the iPhone 14.
Apple seems to have found a hot spot for its four models, so we don’t expect any wild departures from these prices.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Draws Lawsuit from Former Panama Dictator
Former military dictator Manuel Noriega sues Activision for what he says is the "blatant misuse, unlawful exploitation, and misappropriation for economic gain" of his image in the 2012 game.
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Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega has launched a lawsuit against Activision over 2012 first-person shooter Call of Duty: Black Ops II. According to a report from the Courthouse News Service, Noriega is taking legal action against the megapublisher for the "blatant misuse, unlawful exploitation and misappropriation for economic gain" of his image in the popular game.
Noriega was the military dictator of Panama from 1983 to 1989, until he was ousted. The 80-year-old now lives in Panama. As part of his lawsuit, Noriega claims: "In an effort to increase the popularity and revenue generated by Black Ops II, defendants used, without authorization or consent, the image and likeness of plaintiff in Black Ops II."
Call of Duty: Black Ops II launched in November 2012 and generated $1 billion in revenue in under a month.
Noriega goes on to claim that Black Ops II's portrayal of Noriega depicted him as "the culprit of numerous fictional heinous crimes, creating the false impression that defendants are authorized to use plaintiff's image and likeness. This caused plaintiffs to receive profits they would not have otherwise received."
The former dictator goes on to say that Call of Duty: Black Ops II depicts Noriega as a "kidnapper, murderer, and enemy of the state." He adds in the 13-page lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court that Activision intentionally chose to feature several nonfiction characters, including Noriega, to "heighten realism" for the game and in turn boost sales.
One mission in Call of Duty: Black Ops II--called Suffer With Me--features protagonists Alex Mason and Frank Woods tracking Noriega to a compound where they eventually capture him. The game also features the likenesses of well-known government people like John F. Kennedy and Robert McNamara (oh, and the band Avenged Sevenfold, too).
"Defendants deliberately and systematically misappropriated plaintiff's likeness to increase revenues and royalties, at the expense of plaintiff and without the consent of plaintiff," the lawsuit claims.
Noriega is represented by Girardi & Keese. He is seeking damages for unjust enrichment, unfair business practices, and violation of common-law publicity rights. In addition, Noriega hopes to collect punitive damages for "lost profits" and other charges, according to the lawsuit.
Noriega is not the first high-profile person to sue over a video game. Earlier this month, actress Lindsay Lohan sued Take-Two Interactive, claiming its subsidiary--Rockstar Games--used her image without permission for the record-breaking open-world game Grand Theft Auto V.
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Cemex offers to buy back debt
Reuters are reporting that Mexican cement maker Cemex has announced that it has launched an offer to buy back up to US$400 million of debt on senior note issues due to mature in 2018, 2019 and 2022.
The company announced in a statement the offer was for its 2018 floating rate notes, its 2019 notes bearing a 6.5% coupon and the 9.375% notes falling due in 2022.
However, Cemex did note that it would not buy back more than US$150 million of the 2022 debt.
Cemex said the offer would expire on 20 May, while notes tendered before 8am on 9 May would be eligible for an early tender premium.
Edited from source by Joseph Green. Source: Reuters
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/26042016/cemex-offers-buy-back-debt-972/
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World Cement Editor, David Bizley, sat down with Michael Tay, Advanced Analytics Product Manager at Rockwell Automation to discuss his recent article in World Cement.
Entitled ‘Smooth Sailing’, this article explains how machine learning can help save energy, reduce downtime and predict equipment failures, thus enabling the smooth running of cement plant operations.
Watch the interview now »
The cement industry has recently recognised Roanoke Cement Company (RCC) with top honours for Outreach in the 2020 Portland Cement Association (PCA) Cement Industry Energy and Environment Awards.


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A knowledge base article was posted to address concerns about packet sniffers discovered running on every iOS device.
The Apple Core
Apple technology keeps gaining respect in the executive suite, with businesses and in the data center. Jason O'Grady and David Morgenstern deliver critical news and penetrating analysis that managers need to succeed.
Jason D. O'Grady
Jason O'Grady is a journalist and author specializing in mobile technology. He has published six books on Apple and mobile gadgets and his PowerPage blog has been publishing for over 18 years.
David Morgenstern has covered the Mac market and other technology segments for 20 years.
Apple today pushed out the fourth beta of iOS 8 to members of the iOS developer program. Here's what you need to know.
During his talk at HOPE/X Jonathan Zdziarski detailed several undocumented services (with names like 'lockdownd,' 'pcapd,' 'mobile.file_relay,' and 'house_arrest') that run in the background on over 600 million iOS devices.
Who knew that Apple's tiny MagSafe power connector could attract the notice of accessory vendors? However, a number of new add-ons can help keep your MacBook powered up and ready to go.
Most people use the include Maps app or Google Maps for navigation on the iPhone, here's why Garmin's new offering is worth a look.
Apple launches a new blog on its new Swift language, while developers weigh its features and expected superior performance.
Apple today pushed out the third beta of iOS 8 to members of its developer program. Here's what you need to know.
When it comes down to it, battery life outweighs all other design considerations in a smartphone — bar none.
There are a growing number of clipboard managers on the market, one it seems for almost any workflow.
Apple announced on Friday that it is discontinuing its photo applications Aperture and iPhoto. Here's what I'll miss most and what I'm going to use until Photos arrives in 2015.


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Jamba Refranchising Efforts Moving Along
Jamba, Inc., the parent company of Jamba Juice, is continuing to make good on its rebranding initiative launched late last year. Just last month the company announced the completion of a refranchising agreement for 73 stores in the San Jose/East Bay and Sacramento markets. A company release said the brand expects to sell the remaining 27 company locations in the San Diego market by the end of the year.
Last December, Jamba announced the refranchising initiative with a stated goal of refranchising "up to 114" stores during 2015. The company has exceeded its initial plans with closed deals so far this year already representing 150 stores. The company expects that deals for 74 additional stores will be refranchised for three California markets by the end of 2015 and the Chicago/Midwest market by the first quarter of 2016. According to the release, the brand expects to be a "90 percent-plus franchise organization" by the end of 2015.
"We are pleased with the progress we continue to make in our refranchising efforts," said James D. White chairman, president and CEO of Jamba. "As we move ahead on the company's commitment to an asset-light model, these deals position us well to reach our goal of generating $60 - $70 million of cumulative cash proceeds from refranchising in 2015." There are currently more than 800 Jamba stores system-wide in the United States and more than 600 of those are franchise-operated stores.
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The Amazon headquarters sits just about empty on March 10, 2020 in downtown Seattle, Washington. In response to the coronavirus outbreak, Amazon advisable all staff in its Seattle workplace to work at home, leaving a lot of downtown practically void of individuals.
John Moore | Getty Pictures
The corporate confirmed the accuracy of the report back to CNBC.
Amazon instructed recruiters to shut all open job postings for these roles within the coming days, and advisable they cancel some recruiting actions, corresponding to cellphone calls to display new candidates, the Instances reported, citing inner communications.
Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser mentioned the retail big continues to have a big variety of open roles throughout the corporate.
“We’ve got many alternative companies at numerous levels of evolution, and we anticipate to maintain adjusting our hiring methods in every of those companies at numerous junctures,” Glasser mentioned in a press release.
Amazon is the most recent firm to reevaluate its hiring plans amid considerations of an financial downturn. A number of corporations together with Google, Apple and Meta have introduced they are going to sluggish or briefly pause hiring altogether. Firms are additionally searching for methods to chop prices to gird for potential headwinds.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has labored swiftly to rein in prices as the corporate grapples with slowing progress in its core retail enterprise, which nonetheless accounts for the lion’s share of Amazon’s income.
The retail enterprise loved breakneck progress through the Covid-19 pandemic as shoppers prevented journeys to bodily shops and flocked to on-line retailers. By early 2022, e-commerce spending started to decelerate, and Amazon in the first quarter reported its slowest fee of income progress because the dot-com bust in 2001.
Jassy has assured traders he is targeted on returning to a “healthy level of profitability” after slowing retail gross sales and rising prices ate into Amazon’s earnings. In latest months, Amazon has closed or cancelled the launch of recent amenities, and it is delaying the opening of some new buildings after its pandemic-driven enlargement left it with an excessive amount of warehouse area.
It has additionally closed practically all of its U.S. name facilities in a bid to avoid wasting on actual property, Bloomberg reported.
The corporate can also be contending with too many staff after it went on a pandemic hiring spree. Within the second quarter, Amazon shaved its headcount by 99,000 folks to 1.52 million staff.


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when I read the citations today I got pretty excited that the company management should swing safety engineers into full compliance mode. 27 citations will bring a lot more inspections. govt. workers know the economy is bad too. job security for them. swc must comply swiftly. NOT like HL.
Palladium Shortage Looms on Low Sales 26 January 2012 Bloomberg Russia, the world's largest palladium producer, may sell the smallest amount of the metal from state stockpiles in at least eight years, creating shortages at a time of record demand from carmakers.
An 80 percent plunge in Russian inventory sales to 150,000 ounces will mean a deficit of 275,000 ounces in 2012, Barclays Capital estimates. Demand will exceed supply until at least 2015, Credit Suisse Group predicts. The price of palladium, used in autocatalysts, may climb as much as 27 percent to $882.50 an ounce this year, the highest since February 2001, according to the median of 28 analyst estimates.
The metal already rallied 29 percent from a one-year low in October on signs that economies may skirt recession. Autocatalysts are fitted to 95 percent of new cars and PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates that global light-vehicle production will reach a record for a third consecutive year. Carmakers will use 6.22 million ounces in 2012, twice the amount a decade ago, as supply drops for the first time since 2009, Barclays estimates.


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Hyundai today presented a glimpse of its future design directions for its premium vehicles, accelerating its push into the global luxury segment.
Hyundai staged a world premiere of the HCD-14 Genesis concept. The luxury concept also hints at the company’s future premium convenience features by showcasing cutting-edge technologies such as innovative eye-tracking and gesture-based controls.
In 2012, Hyundai’s top end models such as the Genesis and Equus, saw a 24 percent sales increase outside Korea compared to the previous year. In particular, in the Middle East region, sales of the two models reached 4,132 units, an increase of more than 45 percent from a year earlier.
In the U.S., Hyundai’s largest luxury market outside of Korea, Hyundai has been steadily expanding its market share as well. Following the success of the Genesis, which was chosen as the 2009 North American Car of the Year, Equus sales are showing strong momentum since its launch at the end of 2010.
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE (PHEV)
Hyundai also exhibited its first PHEV system at the show. Based on a mid-sized sedan concept, the PHEV showcased Hyundai’s latest technological developments. Hyundai aims for mass production of PHEV based on this system. Powered by 2.0 GDI engine, the next-generation PHEV runs 32km on a single charge in all-electric mode, and when the battery power falls to a certain level, it automatically switches to hybrid mode, enabling longer driving distances. The battery can be fully charged at home in about three hours.
“Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles will surprise drivers with their economic driving experience. A bigger battery allows for longer driving ranges in the electric-mode, while the automatic switch to hybrid mode when battery is low eliminates the range anxiety that has plagued electric vehicles,” said Ki-Sang Lee, Head of Hyundai Motor’s Eco Friendly Vehicle R&D Center. “To flexibly respond to government policies and market demands, Hyundai is studying and investing in a wide range of eco-friendly technologies such as the PHEV, Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), Electric Vehicles (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV). Hyundai will continue to take the lead in the future of eco-friendly technology.”


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By Leonida Kombo,
As the world celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March 2017, Kenyans also celebrated the 10th anniversary of Safaricom’s M-pesa, a successful mobile banking service that has played a vital role in advancing women’s lives in the emerging markets. According to the World Economic Forum, women in emerging markets are six to nine percentage points less likely to have a bank account than their male counterparts. This financial gender gap narrows in Kenya where M-Pesa rules both in market share (over 21 million subscriptions in 2014 alone) and provides women with access to affordable financial services for scaling their businesses and in turn their dreams. .
We spoke with 350 Kenyan women to understand just how much M-pesa has impacted their lives and businesses and here’s what we found. Nearly all women we chatted with (96%) have an active M-pesa account and 78% of them made at least 2 transactions in a week.
M-pesa has spurred competition with the formal banking sector, making their services more affordable to the general public as well as supporting mobile banking through M-pesa. As such 71% of women now have access to a bank account, 39% of those who didn’t have an account stated that they didn’t have enough money to own a bank account yet. An indication that women are using M-pesa to complement the traditional banking methods.
More than a third (37%) of these women have their own business and 80% of them use M-pesa to do their business transactions. Almost all (96%) acknowledged that their businesses had scaled because of M-pesa. One woman told us that M-pesa makes work easier for her clients - if they don’t have enough cash to buy her products, no problem, they can pay with M-pesa! Another told us that M-pesa has helped her monitor her financial records and reduce customers’ debts by giving them an alternative means of payment. Twenty percent of female business owners shared that they use M-pesa to save their profits using M-shwari, a service linked to M-pesa that gives account holders access to small loans and savings accounts.
To expand the capacities of such businesses even further, we partnered with Safaricom to develop a new product called the Consumer Wallet that will enable businesses to track African consumer shopping habits, giving businesses insights on market trends. Such crucial data can be used by business owners to determine areas that they can invest in. A combination of M-pesa and the Consumer Wallet would exponentially increase the rate at which these businesses scale and women can grow in the market.
Beyond business, Kenyan women heavily rely on these services for the sustenance of their families. One of the initial selling points of M-pesa was enabling people to send money home. 95% of the women we spoke to told us that they use M-pesa to send money to their relatives. 62% of this money was used by their relatives to buy food, 14% to pay for bills while 3% was spent on getting medication. These transactions help cushion their families against various shocks, a safety net that didn’t exist before the days of M-pesa.
M-pesa overall has helped women contribute to Kenya’s economic growth and reduce poverty in their communities. Bringing Kenya a step closer to achieving the UN’s eighth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG ) of promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, especially the ladies.
Conversations at Scale podcast:


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GNC To Ax Nearly 900 Stores, Many In Malls
Supplement and vitamin retailer GNC has confirmed that it will close as many as 900 stores nationwide this year. The company, which has about 4,100 locations in the U.S., will reduce its inline mall locations by as much as half.
There are about 800 mall locations now, GNC Chief Financial Officer Tricia Tolivar said during the company's Q2 2019 earnings call Monday. "Over the long term, we could bring that closer to 400 to 500."
"The negative trends in traffic that we've seen in mall stores over the past several years [have] accelerated during the past few quarters, putting additional pressure on comps," GNC Chairman and CEO Ken Martindale said during the call.
The company reported that domestic same-store sales in Q2 2019 decreased 4.6% compared with the second quarter of 2018. GNC also reported revenue of $534M during the second quarter of this year, compared with $617.9M a year earlier.
As a result of poor mall traffic, it is likely the company will end up closer to the top end of the estimate of 700 to 900 store closures in 2019 that it made earlier this year, Martindale said.
That will represent an accelerated pace of closures for the second half, since only about 200 GNCs were closed in the first half of 2019, CBS Pittsburgh reports.
"As part of our work to optimize our store footprint, we're increasing our focus on mall locations ... we have a great deal of flexibility to take further action here due to the short lease terms we have across our store portfolio," Martindale said.
Martindale stressed that strip-center GNC locations have been more stable in terms of comp-store sales. About 61% of the Pittsburgh-based company's stores are in strip centers, while 28% are in malls.
The disappearing GNCs promise to accelerate the overall rate of U.S. retail store closures this year, which as of mid-July was 7,426 announced, according to Coresight Research.
Year-to-date retail closures announced in the U.S. have already exceeded the total for the full year 2018, when there were 5,864 closures and 3,258 openings, Coresight said.
Malls in many markets are taking a beating, especially as department store anchors fail. The Orchards Mall in Benton Harbor, Michigan, for example, lost its last remaining anchor tenant when its J.C. Penney closed after Independence Day. Even an offer of free rent for three years from the landlord couldn't persuade the retailer to stay.
Retail failure isn't consistent across the nation, however. Boom markets such as the major metros of Texas have been able to support retail growth. CBRE reported that the retail sector had a 94.7% occupancy rate across the Dallas-Fort Worth market, with 893K SF absorbed in the second quarter of 2019.


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The US sanctions against Huawei have had a drastic impact on its global business and sharply slowed its revenue growth in 2020. Yet the Chinese tech giant is determined to fight back and rely on other countries for growing its business if the US does not change its policy towards the company.
In a response to a question posed by Dawn during a media roundtable, global vice president of corporate communications at Huawei Karl Song explained that if it weren’t for the US sanctions, the Chinese tech giant could have grown impressively in terms of both revenues and profits.
“The US sanctions have had a very big impact on Huawei’s business. If not for this impact, I think the company’s latest annual report would probably have shown 15pc or 20pc growth – both in terms of revenues and profits,” the official pointed out.
The annual results for 2020 published in March showed that growth at Huawei had slowed, with the Chinese tech giant’s sales revenues going up 3.8 per cent to almost $136.7 billion from a year ago and net profit rising 3.2pc to $9.9bn in spite of the US sanctions that brought about serious operational difficulties for the firm in 2019 and 2020.
Elaborating further, Mr Song said that in the second quarter of 2020 Huawei shipped 55 million high-end smartphones, making it top selling brand in the world, surpassing Samsung.
“We were already under sanctions at this point, and we still managed to temporarily achieve this position as the world’s number one. If not for the sanctions, we could have remained on the top spot for years,” he explained.
Now, the number of high-end smartphones the company is shipping has declined dramatically. But, thanks to the “8” part of our “1+8+N” strategy, which increased by 65pc, the impact on its revenues was not so serious. In fact, the Chinese tech giant saw growth of 3.3pc last year. In the company’s 1+8+N strategy, “1” refers to the smartphones, while “8” includes PC, tablet, TV, audio, glasses, watches, locomotives, and headphones. On the other hand, “N” refers to mobile offices, smart homes, sports and health, audio-visual entertainment, and smart travel products.
“We acknowledge that the US sanctions have had a very big impact and will continue to create difficulties in 2021 and 2022. It’s extremely difficult for us but as a big company we are resilient and we can find some other growth engines,” Mr Song said.
The official said the company is continuing to invest very heavily in R&D to secure Huawei solutions and innovative products that allow it to better serve its customers and to create value for them.
“Huawei has almost 200,000 people working for it. They never give up,” he added.


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PC-exclusive titles are gone forever because of the popularity of consoles, according to an Nvidia official.
"I think we have to face the facts - the value of consoles is such that no-one is going to make a PC-exclusive game in the future," said Roy Taylor, Nvidia's vice president of content business development.
"Why would they? Why would they ignore consoles?" he asked rhetorically.
Taylor said the majority of PC gamers also own a console, which he described as the new "baseline" for development.
He predicted that there would be "co-existence" between the platforms, with console games getting ported to the PC and seeing improvements from the transition. He pointed to Assasin's Creed and Gears of War as examples of games seeing PC-specific improvements.
"That's an exciting future, and that's why I don't see anything threatening about consoles at all," Taylor said.
Nvidia dominates the discrete graphics card market on PCs, but many developers have jumped ship or decided to prioritize development for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 first.


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Vancouver-based Burcon NutraScience will see its first product in commercial production this summer after 13 years of research and development of plant-based proteins.
U.S. food-processing giant Archer Daniels Midland is tooling a factory in Illinois to produce Burcon’s Clarisoy 100 – a flavourless, odourless protein derived from soy beans – in commercial quantities for use in sports and recovery drinks.
The road to earning revenue has been bumpy. An agreement between ADM and Burcon to develop commercial applications for canola-based proteins Nutratein, Supertein and Puratein failed despite eight years of trying.
The development agreement with ADM for the canola-based proteins expired March 1.
But a 20-year licence agreement with ADM for Clarisoy signed last spring is ready to bear fruit, said Burcon president Johann Tergesen.
Clarisoy is the first Burcon product to go into commercial production.
Burcon will receive a percentage of revenue from ADM sales of Clarisoy as royalties beginning this year, after posting operating losses of $8.4 million, $6.6 million and $4.8 million over the past three years.
The company recorded just under $5 million in losses over the first nine months of its current fiscal year leaving it with a cumulative deficit of $51.8 million.
Archer Daniels Midland is working with several “global” beverage companies to create protein-fortified drinks, according to ADM spokes-woman Courtney Kingery.
The company confirmed that a new production facility is on schedule to produce commercial quantities of Clarisoy to be available this summer. ADM is providing sample size quantities to companies for product development.
ADM taste-tested a Clarisoy-fortified fruit drink at the Institute of Food Technologists trade show last summer and the product earned a nomination for a Food Ingredients Excellence Award, according to Kingery.
Clarisoy is a good fit for the beverage industry because it is water soluble, transparent and carries no “beany” taste. It is also heat stable and won’t precipitate into solid particles in low-pH drinks, such as acidic fruit juices.
“(Clarisoy) is able to be used in a new group of products that soy protein has never reached before, such as sport drinks, lemonades and fruit juices,” said Kingery.
Tergesen is convinced that Burcon is poised to benefit from a huge expansion in the production of functional foods – packaged foods that convey some health benefit.
“When you are looking at labels, protein is the one thing you want to see more of,” Tergesen said.
Health-conscious consumers are avoiding additives and nutrients such as fat, sugar, salt and carbohydrates.
Burcon operates in a dark corner of the food business, invisible to most consumers. We know the big brand-name companies that make sports drinks. But who knows who makes the potassium citrate or the acacia gum that are among its ingredients?
Companies such as ADM manufacture the ingredients needed to make ready-to-eat foods, while research-based companies search for the processes to tease those ingredients from commodity crops such as corn and soy – and in Burcon’s case, canola and now peas.
“We call it the subterranean world of food ingredients, because people just don’t think about how massive that industry is on a global basis,” he said.
Burcon’s lab in Winnipeg is dedicated to developing processes for isolating protein from plant sources and until recently they were focused on canola. Canada is the world’s leading producer of canola and the seed meal that is left after oil extraction is an inexpensive and incredibly abundant resource.
“Canola has been moved very much to the back burner,” said Tergesen.
In addition to continued work with soy, Burcon is in talks with a partner to commercialize a pea-based protein it calls Peazazz.
Noting that soy has some environmental baggage related to the massive expansion of soy production in Brazil at the expense of the South American rainforest, Tergesen says peas have a very light environmental footprint.
Peas do not require nitrogen fertilizers and can be cultivated as a no-till crop, reducing soil erosion.


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Festive spectaculars around the UK
Christmas markets and shows are popping up around the country. Chris Carter picks some of the best.
Forget London's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and the St Nicholas Fair in York, both of which achieved top-tier "gold" level status in a survey conducted by hotel chain Premier Inn. If it's the ultimate all-round Christmas market you're after, you need to head to Chatsworth House the Derbyshire estate came top overall. This year, the rooms in the 16th-century pile, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, have been "transformed into scenes from favourite festive stories for a spectacular entitled Once Upon a Time", says Gay Bolton in the Derbyshire Times. There's Snow White in the sculpture gallery and Cinderella in the chapel, along with more recent classics such as James and the Giant Peach and Charlotte's Web in the other rooms. Finally, in the vestibule, snowball decorations are to be found swirling around The Snowman.
Christmas at Chatsworth runs until 6 January and costs £25 for adults Chatsworth.org
A Yuletide village in Scotland
Aberdeen's Christmas Village proved so popular last year it has been made even bigger for 2018, says Emma Morrice in the city's Evening Express. Rides for thrill-seekers, a helter-skelter, candy-cane trampolines, a Santa Express train around the city centre and a grotto are new this year. Meanwhile, locally made food and drink, along with artisan arts and crafts, can be snapped up at the Christmas in the Quad market of German-style chalet stalls. At the Castlegate, Aberdeen's Norwegian fir Christmas tree an annual gift from its twin town of Stavanger, in Norway rises 35 feet into the air.
Newport in Wales is holding its debut Christmas market this year with chalet-like stalls in the city centre selling festive treats and gifts. There is even a German bar in Westgate Square, the South Wales Argus reports. Cardiff is also putting on its usual Nadolig (Christmas) shindig. Welsh slate, crafted candles, cheeses, fruit wines and liqueurs, jewellery, pottery and original artwork are on sale at more than 80 "beautifully decorated wooden market stalls" in the Festive Quarter, says Kathryn Williams on Wales Online. "You will be able to find something for everyone on your Christmas gifts list while enjoying a cup of hot mulled wine." But don't miss the Winter Wonderland. The "first-class" ice rink has returned and is even bigger this year. The Drop Tower is a new attraction it takes riders' breath away with a 90m free-fall. As for Santa, he's taken up residence in Cardiff Castle, surrounded by beautiful decorations, magnificent banquets and spectacular entertainment.
Cardiff Christmas Market runs until 23 December, Winter Wonderland until 6 January. CardiffChristmasMarket.com


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Exquis a new MPE controller
Published on 11/09/2022
Intuitive Instruments, a french based company, is proud to announce Exquis, a new MPE controller and app, based on their unique hexagonal keyboard....
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We’re not sure why the Droid X2 doesn’t already run on Android 2.3, but Motorola is now correcting the problem. Droid-Life reports that the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) update is now available to every Droid X2 owner on Verizon. To get the update immediately, head to the Settings menu, then “About phone,” then “System updates.”
Judging from the difference we’ve seen between the Gingerbread-powered Droid 3 and the Droid X2 (review), which launched with Android 2.2 (Froyo), users should be excited for the upgrade. The Droid 3 runs much faster than the X2 on 2.2 does even though the two devices have largely similar dual-core processors and specs. Motorola’s NinjaBlur interface is also much snappier and flashier with the new upgrade. Changing homescreens now has a 3D effect to it, much like Android Honeycomb and HTC’s first few Gingerbread phones (ex: HTC Sensation 4G). In addition, window and app opening have better transitions and when you turn the screen off, it shuts down like a classic television: a cool effect.
With that said, those hoping for big updates that bring NinjaBlur in line with HTC Sense or Samsung’s TouchWiz 3.0 will leave disappointed. The Android 2.3 update should significantly speed up your Droid X2 and improve the battery life, but don’t expect much else.


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💢The EU Trade Commissioner has "Concerns" over e-car tax incentives in the US. Now the fun question is, if we take the political jargon and journalese out of this statement, what on earth does it mean?
👮The European Trade Commission says the US's new EV tax credit rules could violate World Trade Organization rules.
⛔The announcement comes after Tesla halted plans to produce EV batteries in Germany to comply with the new US standards.
🔍Valdis Dombruvskis, the EU Trade Commissioner, says his teams are going more in-depth to determine if and what rules have been broken.
TL:DR — China thinks of Taiwan as Chinese territory, not a neighbor. Taiwan has never agreed. The US has historically been on the side of making new allies as opposed to maintaining old rivalries. Also, there are a lot of semiconductor chips on the table.


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Demand for the iPhone 12 is something that analysts have not seen in almost a decade.
As reported by AppleInsider, a new research note from Wedbush analysts Daniel Ives and Strecker Backe says that Apple has not yet made cuts to its build orders for the iPhone 12 lineup over the last three weeks. The analysts believe this is due to the popularity of the phone, a demand that has not existed since the iPhone 6 back in 2014.
For the March quarter, build orders for iPhones are said to remain in the range of 56 million to 62 million units. Builds for the June quarter are reckoned to be “basically unchanged” and remain in the mid-40 million range.
“We have not seen a robust launch upward trend such as this in a number of years for Apple,” write analysts Daniel Ives and Strecker Backe. The analysts believe the only iPhone trajectory comparable to the iPhone 12 would be 2014’s iPhone 6 launch.
The strong sales have prompted Wall Street to forecast 220 million iPhone units for the full year of 2021, according to Wedbush’s analysis. Wedbush’s own take on the matter is that Apple could still sell north of 240 million units, and possibly even reach 250 million.
The most iPhones Apple has ever sold in a year was 231 million units in 2015, so this year could break that record. The company is also experiencing a higher average selling price for the iPhone this year, with a “higher on a positive mix” for the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
In order to break that record, the company appears to be prepping for more units of the iPhone 13 at launch, an indication that Apple is expecting even more customers to jump on the 5G train once its newest phone launches in the fall.
Apple is said to be planning higher build orders for the “iPhone 13” at around 100 million units, versus initial predictions of 80 million iPhone 12 units before the onset of COVID-19.
“While this number will clearly move around over the coming months, we believe this speaks to an increased confidence with Cook & Co. that this 5G driven product cycle will extend well into 2022,” the note states. A “post-vaccine consumer reopening environment” may also be beneficial to sales.
If you’re trying to figure out what iPhone 12 is best for you, check out our list of the Best iPhone in 2021.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.


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Sartell Pizzeria to Close After 20 Years
SARTELL (WJON News) -- A family-owned Sartell pizzeria is closing after 20 years at that location.
House of Pizza, located in the Pine Cone Marketplace strip mall, will close on February 25th. Owner Brandon Testa says after failing to come to a lease extension with the owner of the property, he is forced to close the Sartell location.
Testa says it's a big blow to his business and his staff, many of whom have been with him for more than a decade. But, he'll work to transition his staff over to the St. Cloud location at 4040 2nd Street South.
The move will prompt the restaurant to pivot and extend its delivery range out of the St. Cloud location as much as possible. Catering services, business deliveries, and large team orders are also expected to continue.
As far as opening a new Sartell location, Testa says maybe someday...
Yeah, we would consider a new Sartell or surrounding area location and would welcome those proposals. But right now the priority is to focus on my staff, work family, the customers, and to try to be as celebratory as possible for our last month in business in Sartell.
Testa says his downtown St. Cloud location remains empty and the building remains for sale but he says reopening that location is not in his business plans at this time.
Testa adds that he wanted to sign an extension to his Sartell lease and never had plans to close. He also says efforts to buy Pine Ridge Gold & Tavern had no bearing on the Sartell House of Pizza closing.
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China on Friday announced the launch of its trans-bank foreign currency payment system to smooth foreign exchange transfers on the Chinese mainland.
The People's Bank of China officially launched a multi-currency foreign exchange (forex) payment system to meet the rising demand of trans-bank forex transfers between enterprises.
The system, which covers eight currencies including the euro, the Japanese yen, the Hong Kong dollar and the United States dollar, will shorten the forex transferring time and increase efficiency, the central bank said.
Foreign currency is banned from being circulated on the mainland. However, authorities have allowed forex settlement for eight types of payment needs such as trade insurance payments.
The system doesn't cover cross-board forex transferring. The system is limited to forex transfers for enterprises and is not open to individuals.
"The set-up of the system is a key move in China's payment system mechanism," said Su Ning, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China.
Eleven Chinese banks, which have nationwide networks, have joined the system. They include the country's big-four state-owned banks, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank and Industrial Bank.
More players, including overseas banks, can take part in the system based on their payment need, Su said.
The central bank decided to set up the system in February last year and started the Hong Kong dollar payment on April 28 after more than a year's system development.
More currencies were then added. The system has been running smoothly and meeting design requirements since it began operating.
Before the set-up of the system it took enterprises one to three days to finish the forex settlement, leaving them open to risks and increasing settlement costs.
(Shanghai Daily July 26, 2008)


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“User-generated content — from Wikipedianto YouTube to open-source software — is generating waves of excitement.nBut the opening of innovation to wider numbers of people obscuresnanother trend: many of the most popular new products, like the iPod, are dominated by a top-down, elite innovation model that doesn’t allow for customization. “New technologies are becoming so complex that many are beyond thenpossibility of democracy playing a role in their development,” saidnThomas P. Hughes, a science and technology professor at the University of Pennsylvania.”
According to skeptics interviewed for the New York Times article, “user-generated innovation is merely a kind of democracy lite,nemphasizing high-end consumer products and services rather thanninnovations that broadly benefit society.” In other words, “huge amounts of money arenspent on improving Web search engines or MP3 players” while “scantnattention” is given to alternative energy sources and the types of diseases that typically afflict the poorest nations of the world.
n nIn the most recent edition of its “Serious Innovation” newsletter, Swedish innovation consultancy Idélaboratoriet highlighted the innovation habits of leading-edge Swedish innovators. According to a study prepared by the […]


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The world of technology is constantly evolving, and it can be hard to keep up with the latest news. As the tech industry continues to grow, there are more and more products being released every day. From new phones to virtual reality headsets, it can be difficult to stay up to date on all the current trends.
One of the biggest stories in tech news is the ongoing battle between Apple and Samsung. The two companies have been competing for years in terms of smartphone innovation and design. Recently, Apple released their newest phone, the iPhone 12, which has been met with much excitement from consumers. The phone features an edge-to-edge OLED display and 5G capabilities. Samsung also recently released their newest flagship phone, the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which features a 120Hz display and a 108MP camera. Both phones are at the top of their respective classes and will likely remain popular for some time.
Another big story in tech news is the rise of 5G technology. 5G networks are becoming more available around the world as companies invest in faster speeds and improved coverage. With 5G speeds, users can expect faster download speeds, better streaming quality, and improved gaming experiences on their mobile devices. Companies such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint are all investing heavily in 5G infrastructure to ensure they remain competitive in this rapidly changing landscape.
Finally, virtual reality (VR) technology is becoming increasingly popular as well. Companies such as Oculus Rift have released exciting new headsets that allow users to experience immersive 3D worlds right from their own homes. VR is becoming more affordable too; with prices dropping dramatically over the past few years, it’s now accessible to a wider range of consumers than ever before.
These are just a few of the many exciting stories happening in tech news right now; there’s always something new on the horizon! Whether you’re interested in smartphones or VR headsets or anything else related to technology, there’s sure to be something that catches your eye!
9 Essential Tips for Staying Informed on Current Tech News
- Check reliable sources for tech news – look for reviews from trusted industry experts and websites.
- Follow tech influencers on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.
- Stay informed about new product launches, software updates, and industry events.
- Research before making any purchases or investments in technology products or services.
- Be aware of cyber security threats and take steps to protect yourself online.
- Understand the implications of using artificial intelligence (AI) in your business or personal life, as this technology is rapidly changing how we interact with technology products and services.
- Consider the environmental impact of new technologies before investing in them – look into energy efficiency ratings, recyclability options, etc., when deciding which products to buy or use regularly
- Be mindful of data privacy concerns when using cloud computing services or other online platforms that store personal information
- Stay up-to-date on the latest research related to emerging technologies such as blockchain, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), etc., so you can make better decisions about how these technologies could benefit you or your business
Check reliable sources for tech news – look for reviews from trusted industry experts and websites.
When it comes to staying informed about the latest tech news, it’s crucial to rely on reliable sources. With so much information available online, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction. To ensure you are getting accurate and trustworthy information, it is essential to check for reviews from trusted industry experts and websites.
Trusted industry experts and reputable technology websites have a reputation for providing unbiased and well-informed opinions. They often have access to pre-release products, allowing them to thoroughly test and evaluate them before sharing their insights with the public. By seeking out their reviews, you can get a better understanding of the pros and cons of a particular tech product or service.
When looking for reliable sources, consider well-established technology publications such as CNET, TechRadar, Engadget, or The Verge. These outlets have a history of delivering quality content and are known for their expertise in the field. Their reviews are typically thorough and provide valuable insights into various aspects of a product.
Additionally, keep an eye out for reviews from trusted industry experts who specialize in specific areas of technology. These experts often have extensive knowledge and experience in their respective fields. They may provide more technical details or niche-specific information that could be relevant to your interests.
By relying on reviews from trusted industry experts and websites, you can make more informed decisions when purchasing or exploring new tech products. Remember that it’s always beneficial to cross-reference multiple sources before forming your own opinion.
In this era of rapidly advancing technology, staying up-to-date is essential. By prioritizing reliable sources for your tech news needs, you can ensure that you are getting accurate information from knowledgeable individuals who have your best interests at heart.
Follow tech influencers on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.
In today’s fast-paced world, staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends and developments is crucial. With technology evolving at an unprecedented rate, it can be challenging to keep track of all the advancements. However, there is a simple tip that can help you stay in the loop: follow tech influencers on social media.
Tech influencers are individuals who have a deep passion for technology and are knowledgeable about the latest industry trends. They often provide valuable insights, product reviews, and updates on emerging technologies. By following them on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube, you can gain access to a wealth of information in real-time.
These influencers have their fingers on the pulse of the tech world. They attend conferences, product launches, and have direct access to industry insiders. This allows them to share firsthand experiences and opinions about new gadgets, software updates, and technological breakthroughs.
By following tech influencers, you can benefit from their expertise and get early access to news about upcoming products or services. They often share their thoughts on innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), or blockchain. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions when purchasing new devices or exploring new tech-related opportunities.
Moreover, tech influencers also foster vibrant communities where like-minded individuals gather to discuss and exchange ideas about technology. Engaging with these communities can provide additional insights and perspectives that you may not find elsewhere.
Remember to follow reputable influencers who have established credibility in the tech industry. Look for those who consistently provide accurate information backed by research or practical experience. It’s also worth diversifying your sources by following influencers from different areas of expertise or regions.
In conclusion, leveraging social media platforms to follow tech influencers is a fantastic way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the ever-evolving world of technology. So go ahead and hit that “follow” button – your journey towards tech-savviness begins now!
Stay informed about new product launches, software updates, and industry events.
In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed about the latest tech news is essential. With new product launches, software updates, and industry events happening all the time, it’s crucial to stay up to date to make the most of what technology has to offer.
One tip for staying informed is to actively seek out information about new product launches. Follow reputable tech news websites and blogs that provide timely updates on the latest gadgets hitting the market. These sources often provide detailed reviews, specifications, and comparisons that can help you make informed decisions when purchasing new tech products.
Additionally, keeping an eye on software updates is equally important. Whether it’s your smartphone’s operating system or your computer’s software, regularly checking for updates ensures that you have access to the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. Many tech companies release regular updates to improve user experience and address any issues that may arise.
Industry events such as conferences, trade shows, and expos are also great opportunities to stay informed about emerging trends and upcoming technologies. These events bring together industry leaders who share insights into their latest innovations. Attending or following these events online can give you a firsthand look at what’s on the horizon in the tech world.
To stay organized with all this information overload, consider setting up personalized alerts or subscribing to newsletters from trusted sources. This way, you’ll receive notifications directly in your inbox whenever there are significant announcements or updates in the tech industry.
Remember, technology is constantly evolving, and staying informed allows you to make well-informed decisions about which products to buy and how best to leverage them in your daily life. So keep yourself updated with current tech news – it’s a small investment of time that can yield significant benefits!
Research before making any purchases or investments in technology products or services.
In today’s rapidly advancing world of technology, it is more important than ever to do thorough research before making any purchases or investments in technology products or services. With the market flooded with countless options, it can be overwhelming to choose the right product that meets your needs and provides value for your money.
Before diving into a purchase, take the time to gather information about the product or service you are interested in. Start by reading reviews from reputable sources and trusted technology publications. These reviews often provide valuable insights into the performance, features, and reliability of the product.
Additionally, consider seeking opinions from friends, family, or colleagues who have experience with similar products. Their firsthand experiences can offer valuable perspectives and help you make an informed decision.
Comparing different options is also crucial. Look for alternatives that offer similar features or services at different price points. This way, you can ensure you are getting the best value for your investment.
Furthermore, don’t forget to check for warranties and customer support options offered by the manufacturer or service provider. A reliable warranty and good customer support can save you a lot of headaches in case something goes wrong with your purchase.
Lastly, consider the long-term implications of your investment. Will this product become outdated quickly? Is there a possibility of future upgrades? Evaluating these factors will help you determine if your investment will remain relevant and functional in the years to come.
By conducting thorough research before making any purchases or investments in technology products or services, you can ensure that you are well-informed and confident in your decision. This approach will not only save you from potential disappointments but also help you make choices that align with your needs and preferences in this ever-evolving technological landscape.
Be aware of cyber security threats and take steps to protect yourself online.
In today’s digital age, staying informed about cyber security threats is crucial for anyone who uses the internet. With the increasing reliance on technology and the rise of online activities, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and take steps to protect yourself online.
Cyber security threats come in various forms, from phishing emails and malware attacks to data breaches and identity theft. Hackers are constantly developing new techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and gain unauthorized access to personal information. Therefore, it’s essential to stay vigilant and adopt best practices to safeguard your digital presence.
One of the first steps in protecting yourself online is to ensure that your devices are equipped with up-to-date security software. Regularly updating your operating system, antivirus software, and other applications can help defend against known vulnerabilities. Additionally, enabling automatic updates ensures that you receive the latest patches and fixes as soon as they become available.
Another crucial aspect of cyber security is creating strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays or common phrases. Instead, opt for a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Using a password manager can also be helpful in generating strong passwords and securely storing them.
Beware of suspicious emails or messages that may attempt to deceive you into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, often mimicking legitimate organizations or individuals. Always verify the authenticity of emails before providing any personal details or clicking on embedded links.
Furthermore, practicing safe browsing habits is essential when navigating the internet. Be cautious when visiting unfamiliar websites or downloading files from untrusted sources. Stick to reputable websites with secure connections (look for “https” in the URL) when making online transactions or sharing sensitive data.
Lastly, consider using additional layers of protection such as two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. 2FA adds an extra step during login by requiring a verification code sent to your mobile device, thereby adding an extra layer of security to your accounts.
By staying informed about cyber security threats and implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to online attacks. Remember, protecting yourself online is an ongoing process that requires constant awareness and proactive measures.
Understand the implications of using artificial intelligence (AI) in your business or personal life, as this technology is rapidly changing how we interact with technology products and services.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly commonplace in our lives, with its applications ranging from personal assistants to self-driving cars. But while it’s important to understand the potential benefits of AI, it’s equally important to consider the implications of using this technology.
AI has the potential to revolutionise how we interact with technology products and services. For businesses, AI can be used to automate mundane tasks and improve customer service. Personal assistants like Siri and Alexa can help us manage our day-to-day activities, while self-driving cars can reduce traffic congestion and increase safety on the roads.
However, there are also some concerns associated with AI. As AI becomes more advanced, there is a risk that it could be used for malicious purposes or to invade our privacy. For example, facial recognition technology could be used by governments or corporations to track our movements without our knowledge or consent.
It’s therefore essential that we understand the implications of using AI in our lives before embracing this technology wholeheartedly. We should also ensure that any AI applications we use are secure and respectful of our privacy rights. By taking these steps, we can ensure that AI is used responsibly and for the benefit of all.
Consider the environmental impact of new technologies before investing in them – look into energy efficiency ratings, recyclability options, etc., when deciding which products to buy or use regularly
In today’s fast-paced world, technology plays a significant role in our lives. From smartphones to smart home devices, we rely heavily on these innovations. However, it is crucial to consider the environmental impact of new technologies before investing in them.
As consumers, we have the power to make informed choices that can contribute positively to the environment. When purchasing or regularly using tech products, it is essential to look beyond their features and consider their energy efficiency ratings and recyclability options.
Energy efficiency ratings indicate how much power a device consumes during operation. Opting for products with higher energy efficiency ratings not only helps reduce your carbon footprint but also saves you money on energy bills in the long run. Look for labels such as Energy Star certification or EU energy labels when making your decision.
Recyclability is another crucial factor to consider. Many electronic devices contain materials that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. Check if the product is designed with recyclable materials or if there are recycling programs available for its components after use. By choosing products that are easily recyclable, you contribute to reducing electronic waste and promoting a circular economy.
Additionally, consider the overall lifespan of the product you intend to purchase. Investing in high-quality, durable devices can help minimize electronic waste generated from frequent replacements and repairs.
Fortunately, many companies are now prioritizing sustainability and eco-consciousness in their product development processes. They are incorporating energy-efficient components and using recyclable materials wherever possible. Researching brands that align with your values and have clear environmental initiatives can guide your purchasing decisions towards more sustainable options.
By being mindful of the environmental impact of new technologies, we can make choices that align with our commitment to a greener future. Together, let’s embrace technology while considering its ecological consequences – ensuring a harmonious coexistence between innovation and sustainability.
Be mindful of data privacy concerns when using cloud computing services or other online platforms that store personal information
In today’s digital age, where cloud computing services and online platforms have become an integral part of our lives, it is crucial to be mindful of data privacy concerns. With the convenience and accessibility they offer, it’s easy to overlook the potential risks associated with storing personal information online.
When using cloud computing services or online platforms, it is important to understand how your data is being stored, processed, and protected. Take the time to read through the terms of service and privacy policies of these platforms to ensure that your personal information is being handled in a secure manner.
One key aspect to consider is encryption. Look for platforms that use strong encryption methods to safeguard your data. Encryption adds an extra layer of protection by encoding your information so that only authorized parties can access it. This helps prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.
Additionally, consider the location where your data is being stored. Some countries may have different regulations and laws regarding data privacy. Ensure that the platform you choose complies with relevant data protection regulations in your jurisdiction.
Regularly reviewing and managing your online accounts is also important. Delete any unnecessary personal information stored on these platforms and regularly update passwords to strengthen security.
It’s worth noting that while cloud computing services and online platforms strive to provide robust security measures, no system is completely foolproof. Being proactive in protecting your own data privacy can help mitigate potential risks.
By staying informed about data privacy concerns and taking necessary precautions when using cloud computing services or other online platforms, you can enjoy the benefits they offer while keeping your personal information safe and secure in this digital era.
Stay up-to-date on the latest research related to emerging technologies such as blockchain, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), etc., so you can make better decisions about how these technologies could benefit you or your business
Staying up-to-date on the latest research related to emerging technologies is crucial in today’s fast-paced digital world. With advancements happening at an unprecedented rate, it is essential to keep yourself informed about the potential benefits and applications of technologies such as blockchain, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and more.
Blockchain technology, for example, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to revolutionize various industries. By staying informed about the latest research in this field, you can gain insights into how blockchain can enhance security, transparency, and efficiency in areas like finance, supply chain management, and even healthcare. Understanding the possibilities of blockchain empowers you to make informed decisions about its integration into your business or personal life.
Similarly, keeping up with the latest research on virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) allows you to explore their potential applications beyond entertainment. VR and AR have the power to transform industries such as education, training, architecture, and healthcare. By staying informed about ongoing developments and breakthroughs in these technologies, you can identify opportunities for implementing them effectively within your organization or leveraging them for personal growth.
Being aware of emerging technologies also enables you to anticipate future trends and make strategic decisions accordingly. It helps you stay ahead of the curve and adapt your business strategies or personal goals accordingly. By understanding the latest advancements in fields like AI, robotics, nanotechnology, or quantum computing, you can position yourself as an early adopter or leverage these innovations to gain a competitive edge.
In conclusion, staying up-to-date on research related to emerging technologies is essential for making informed decisions about how these technologies could benefit you or your business. By keeping a finger on the pulse of technological advancements through reputable sources like scientific journals or industry publications, you equip yourself with valuable knowledge that can shape your future endeavors positively. Embrace the ever-evolving tech landscape by staying informed and harnessing its transformative potential!


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Office buildings are on a health kick.
With environmental ratings well established across the office sector, buildings are being measured on how they promote good health among occupants.
This follows the trend among companies to encourage white collar workers to adopt less sedentary lifestyles.
With the long-term health risks of sitting at a desk all day being compared to smoking, companies are looking to landlords to provide amenities that promote physical activity and general wellbeing.
This is illustrated by the rush by landlords such as GPT to open end-of-trip facilities – usually in office building car parks – to service the record numbers of workers cycling or jogging into Sydney's CBD every weekday.
And a simple bike rack and shower will no longer do.
Top companies are in a war for talent and if they are located in premium office space, they are looking for premium end-of-trip facilities to match. They also want green spaces, natural light and open plan stairways that promote the health and wellbeing of staff.
For what Sydney may lack in terms of bike lane infrastructure, it is making up in luxury health club-style end-of-trip facilities in many CBD landmark office towers.
The latest of these facilities is the GPT and QIC co-owned MLC Centre's Executive Quarters, which – aside from including a complimentary towel service, 318 lockers, 193 bike racks, ironing stations and secure access – includes a new elevator with direct access to Martin Place and connection to a large retail precinct.
The ease of access to Executive Quarters is designed to help workers find time to fit physical activity into their busy schedules.
With companies promoting active lifestyles among their workforce, figures also show the surge in bike commuting has largely come from office workers, particularly well-paid ones.
Between 2006 and 2011, the number of Sydneysiders riding to work increased 38 per cent to 22,320.
City of Sydney figures show 20 per cent of bike commuters into the CBD are managers, 56 per cent professionals and 11 per cent clerical or administrative workers.
About 52 per cent of the bike trips into the Sydney CBD in 2011 were by people earning more than $104,000 a year.
This surge in demand – particularly from office workers in Sydney's CBD – means it has become standard for premium-grade office buildings to provide facilities for workers to store their cycles, and shower before work.
Chris Davis is the head of commercial at GPT Group.


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During the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, Hot Toys announced a new The Force Awakens R2-D2 and now they’ve posted photos and new details.
R2-D2 will feature a die-cast dome, touch activated lights, and remote control activated sound effects. R2-D2 will also have a retractable middle leg so he can be displayed standing or rolling on all three legs. It’s not mentioned in the Hot Toys Facebook post or highlighted in the photos so it doesn’t appear that Artoo will have any opening panels or additional tools.
Updated 3:20PM: R2-D2 is now available for pre-order from Sideshow Collectibles. R2-D2 is priced at $219.99 with the payment plan available. Release is estimated between January and March 2018.


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Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde was arrested in New York yesterday (March 9) as one of a group of four animal rights activists involved in a protest against the Gap chain of clothes stores.
Hynde symbolically ripped up one of the Gap‘s leather jackets outside the shop (the chain’s flagship store on 48th Street) as part of her demonstration against their use of leather from what she views as “illegally and cruelly” slaughtered cows in India.
Hynde and her fellow members of PETA (People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals) were led away from the scene in handcuffs – much to the delight of assembled supporters – and later released on the minor charge of criminal mischief.
A spokesperson for Hynde‘s record label, Warner Brothers, said it was unclear at present exactly what the charge meant or if the singer would have to face a court appearence.
PETA‘s own website (www.peta-online.org) reports that Hynde also broadcast the group’s new anti-Indian leather video, hosted by Pamela Anderson, and waved ‘enlarged photos of abused cows’ to reinforce their point.
Hynde herself later claimed that Gap jackets with ‘Made In India’ labels were likely to use leather from cows slaughtered in India, where cows are sacred, despite the company’s claim that that was not the case.
Ironically enough, the New York Times carried a story on Tuesday (March 7) in which they said that some time ago Gap had approached Hynde with a view to using her track ‘Stop Your Sobbing’ in their ‘Everybody in Leather’ ad campaign. Hynde declined the 100,000 dollars offered.
Gap issued a statement saying that the company shared customers concerns ‘about the humane treatment of animals’, adding that it buys its finished goods from ‘apparel factories’.
It is not the first time Hynde has publicly protested against Gap. Since mid-February, when a report on the practices used in Indian leather was published, Hynde and PETA members have demonstrated outside stores in Vancouver, Toronto, Boston and Washington DC.


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KwataKwata campaign kicks off online account opening driveWamala said customers can now open accounts on the go using any camera compatible device such as laptop, tablet and smartphone.
Stanbic Bank Uganda is rewarding customers who open personal bank accounts online in a new campaign dubbed KwataKwata.
Unnie Wamala, Manager, Digital & Social Media said the revamped online account opening process is now quick, simplified and made more convenient. There are also plenty of rewards for new accounts that record a series of successful transactions.
She said early this week, “We are excited to offer an easy platform for anyone who would like to open an online account with Stanbic Bank. As the bank that aims to make our clients dreams possible, it is important that we have an online gateway for customers to open accounts and unlock convenience. Anyone can open a personal bank account online with minimum fuss and yet win exciting cash prizes while accessing world class banking services.”
She said the KwataKwata campaign will be rewarding customers who open an account online, deposit at least UGX 50,000 and transact five times. Stanbic is promising a seamless on-boarding banking experience with the best interest rates, digital interventions and customer service, Wamala said, “The more you transact, the higher your chances are of winning bigger cash prizes.”
“We are happy to be able to offer our customers the power of choice and freedom to pursue their dreams. Customers can now open accounts on the go using any camera compatible device such as laptop, tablet and smartphone. The application is web-based, accessible off the bank website www.stanbicbank.co.ug and compatible with all these devices. Customers do not need to download apps on their devices,” Wamala said.
Committed to digital transformation as an enabler to serve customers, we believe this will go a long way in making it easy to join the bank. We only need a National ID/Student ID (for Ugandans), Passport and valid visa for Non-Ugandan nationals, a passport photo and a digital signature, one can take a selfie, a photo of the ID and in 3 simple steps, submit their application.
She said the service also provides the opportunity for customers to deposit and immediately start transacting any amount onto their account remotely using our ATMs, Cash Deposit Machines, Agents and Mobile Money right away.


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It seems like a new data privacy scandal crops up every day for some major tech company or another (okay, mostly Facebook) — but Google is working to opt out of that pattern. The tech giant has announced that it is building data privacy controls — and clear explanations of what it does with user data — into Search itself, on both desktop and mobile. Additionally, it notes that it’ll give the same treatment to Maps next year, along with “many other Google products.”
The change comes not long after a mini-scandal erupted over the poor wording on Google’s support page regarding how and when it tracks users’ location data. The company’s plan for this new tool is to educate its users on what it does with their data through a dedicated section just under settings, accessible via the hamburger menu at the top of the Google Search app. On desktop, you can find this section in the settings menu on the bottom right hand corner of the site.
Within this new educational tool, users can review and delete Search activity (either the last hour, or all activity) and quickly access relevant privacy controls within their Google Account. Before today, the best way to review and manage your Google Search data was through visiting your Google Account — this update makes everything easier to access and more transparent.
Google is launching the new features on desktop and mobile web as of today, and in the Google app for iOS and Android in the coming weeks.


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Toyota Prius recall announcement from President Akio Toyoda.
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, announced Monday February 8, 2010 it will conduct a voluntary safety recall on approximately 133,000 2010 Model Year Prius vehicles and 14,500 Lexus Division 2010 HS 250h vehicles to update software in the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system (ABS). Associated press is reporting Tuesday February 9, 2010 that over 400,000 are recalled.
No other Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles are involved in this recall.
Some 2010 model year Prius and 2010 HS 250h owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the ABS is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction. Apparently it is early 2010 Prius models that are being recalled. Check with you Toyota dealer or watch the mail for your notice.
Toyota has responded to owner concerns with a running production change for 2010 Prius that was introduced last month, improving the ABS system’s response time, as well as the system’s overall sensitivity to tire slippage. The production change for the HS 250h is planned for later this month.CLEAR SKIES?  Weather Data for Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
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Super Mario News
IPhone 7, New Apple Watch Unveiled
Apple executives announced the latest generations of the iPhone and Apple Watch today in San Francisco, and both devices now have a special focus on fitness-minded consumers.
Super Mario To Hit iPhones Soon
During the live Apple event on Wednesday, Apple's CEO Tim Cook confirmed that Nintendo Mario will come to iOS first.
Mario Coming to Apple App Store
Tech journalists, packed into a San Francisco convention center this morning, erupted into cheers when Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that Mario, the iconic Nintendo video game character, would soon be coming to Apple devices in a new video game. Cook discussed Apple's App Store and its game
How the U.S. women won the Olympics
The 2016 Summer Olympics came to an end Sunday night with a closing ceremony in Rio that had a little of everything: samba dancers, giant parrots, Simone Biles carrying the American flag, an encore from Tonga's greased-up flag-bearer Pita Nikolas Taufatofua, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
Rio Games End With Carnival-Inspired Closing Ceremony
Gold medal-winning gymnast Simone Biles carried the flag for Team USA as Rio passed the torch to 2020 Olympics host Tokyo.
Super Mario Bros . Corn Maze Created by New York Farmers
A New York farm is bringing the 80s back with a super-sized corn maze featuring Mario and Luigi from the Super Marios Bros. video game . The maze covers nearly eight acres at Stoughton Farm in Newark Valley, New York. Every year, since 2005, the farm has featured a different corn maze theme. "My
ARCHIVAL VIDEO: The Early Days of Nintendo
Dec. 16, 1988: "20/20's" John Stossel looks at what made the video game console so captivating.
Man’s Creative Super Mario Proposal Gets High Score With Bride-To-Be
One man’s creative Super Mario marriage proposal definitely earned him the top score in his bride-to-be’s eyes. When Pam Edwards was unsuspectingly playing the game alongside her now fiancé, Shane Birkinbine, on May 21, she had no idea she’d soon be winning not only the game, but also a new sparkly
Man Hits High-Score With Creative Super Mario Proposal
Shane Birkinbine, of Arkansas, designed his own level of the game to propose to girlfriend Pam Edwards.
Bill Barnwell's offseason report cards: AFC East
After months of endless rumors, mock drafts and the occasional actual transaction, the player movement portion of the NFL offseason is basically over. Sure, we might end up with a few guys getting traded between now and August, but the vast majority of moves are in the can. What your favorite


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The owners of the highly controversial Backpage.com are selling the Village Voice, along with its dozen sibling newspapers, but let’s get one thing straight: That doesn't means sex ads are disappearing from the alt weeklies.
Reached by email, the newly formed Voice Media Group, which now owns the constellation of papers, offered the following explanation, “There will be no online adult classifieds in any market. Our print products will continue to operate with their current offerings -- these are separate from Backpage.” In other words, weeklies that contain escort and massage parlor ads will continue to contain escort and massage parlor ads.
With the proliferation of sex ads on Backpage.com, the alt weeklies’ physical back pages have largely been forgotten. Not so long ago, though, adult print ads were also being targeted -- on the grounds that they promoted illegal activity, including trafficking. Just a few years ago, activists managed to convince publications like New York magazine and the Washington Post to cut out massage parlor ads -- but not the Village Voice.
The Village Voice and its kin may have turned down the heat by severing their relationship with Backpage, but that doesn’t mean they’re entirely clear of controversy. Andrea Powell, executive director of the anti-trafficking organization FAIR Girls, which spearheaded a campaign to shut down Backpage.com, told me, “Our efforts are really focusing exclusively on Backpage.com,” she says. “I believe that researching those online ads is much more arduous; it’s a much easier place for victims to be hid by their traffickers than in a print ad. But the print ads are obviously a concern and something we do look at.”
She adds, "It is clear their recent split from Village Voice Media is a smoke and mirrors campaign."
That the remaining print ads have largely gone unremarked upon amid the highly covered split shows just how dramatically the online marketplace has grown. The question remains what leverage anti-trafficking activists will have now that Backpage is solely an Internet property -- and one without a mainstream parent company.


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Pioneering online clothing fim Nasty Gal files for bankruptcy after sales plunge
'Cinderella of tech': Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso
One of the first online clothing retailers has filed for bankruptcy.
Nasty Gal, which laid off 10 per cent of its staff in February after sales began to stall, said issues within the business and rising rents had caused debts to mount.
Nasty Gal enjoyed several years of rapid growth and toasted sales of over £80million at the height of its success.
But the business hit a bump in 2014 when it warned revenue would be flat compared to the previous year at worst and 10 per cent higher at best.
Nasty Gal began as an eBay store in 2006 but developed into a commercial site as its popularity grew.
Its founder, Sophia Amoruso – dubbed the Cinderella of tech – was just 22 when the company was launched.
It was one of the first to use social media and celebrity collaborations to develop a devoted online following.
Despite the filing, Nasty Gal said it was confident it would return to its previous success.
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Customers say they have been left in shock after being told that they'll be hit with a massive hike to their electricity rates next month - with some facing increases of up to 83 per cent.
AGL customer Judy Saunders, from Ashfield in Sydney's Inner West, said she was stunned when she received an email from the power company last week, informing her of the new electricity rates she would be charged from July 1.
"It was 51 per cent more than what I'm paying now - I just couldn't believe it," she told 9news.com.au.
Saunders said she had been on a single-rate plan for the past 12 months after her family had moved back into their newly renovated home.
From July, her electricity rates will surge from 16.5 cents per kilowatt hour to 24.98, with a credit of 5 cents per kilowatt hour for unused solar energy sent back to the grid.
Saunders acknowledged she had been on a seemingly cheap rate prior to the hike.
"As the cost of living went up, I started shopping around, and every time I went to one of those comparison websites, the usual response was you are getting it better than anywhere else, stick with what you have got.
"So that's what I did, but now obviously all my good luck has run out."
Contact reporter Emily McPherson at firstname.lastname@example.org.
When Saunders shared her dismay over the hike in a post on a community Facebook page, she was met with a rush of similar complaints.
One Sydney woman, Ashlah, said her rates with power company Alinta would be 56 per cent higher from July 1.
"My last bill was $595, these new rates would make the same bill cost me $900. It's insane," she wrote.
"They called me today too! To tell me how they are going to offer me a special deal, I compared the rates they are quoting me versus what I'm paying now and it's 38 per cent more, it's like: sorry I'll pass on your special deal!" another AGL customer commented.
Beating all of those increases, however, was an AGL customer who posted about an 83 per cent hike to his power rates on LinkedIn.
Customers have been warned to expect a surge in their winter power bills after the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) last month confirmed electricity prices will increase between 20 and 25 per cent from July 1 for about 600,000 customers.
The AER's decision will particularly impact customers in NSW, south-east Queensland and South Australia who are on the default market offer (DMO) over the coming financial year.
AER chair Clare Savage said at the time the regulator had to balance the cost-of-living pressures customers faced with the need for retailers to recover reasonable costs.
"We know households and small businesses continue to face cost-of-living pressures on many fronts, and that's why it's important the DMO provides a safety net for those who might not have shopped around for a better power deal," Savage said.
In its email to Saunders, AGL said there had been "significant rises in wholesale energy costs in Australia".
For customers in NSW, AGL said households on variable rates can expect increases starting at 29.7 per cent (about $540 per year).
An AGL spokesperson told 9news.com.au last week the rises were not a decision the company "took lightly".
"We understand that higher energy prices will put pressure on households and businesses amidst the broader cost of living pressures Australians are facing at the moment," an AGL spokesperson told 9news.com.au.
"Our decision to increase prices for our market contract customers is based on a detailed consideration of a range of factors including wholesale prices, network charges, retail operating costs, customer affordability and the value we offer to our customers."
Saunders said it felt like families were being hit with price increases from everywhere, thanks to high inflation and seemingly relentless interest rate rises.
"My mortgage rates are going bonkers too. It just all feels a bit overwhelming sometimes," she said.
Saunders said she tried to shop around for a better rate than what AGL was now offering, but across-the-board increases meant there were no attractive options.
"The sting in the tail is when I compare the rates that are being offered (by other companies), they're still higher than what I'll be getting with AGL," she said.
For now, Saunders said her family were doing its best to use their electricity in a smart way.
"We've conscientiously started running the washing machine and the tumble dryer during the daytime and using the solar power we are producing," she said.
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Archives for “Epson”
About a month ago, we showed you what a talented designer with a creative vision can do with the latest digital textile printing solutions from one of the world’s most innovative companies. We’re talking about Epson, which back then announced its partnership with Filipino designer John Herrera, who won the Top Designer Award in London […]
Virtual reality is commonplace these days because there are different types of devices that you can use to try it whether on the desktop or on mobile. But AR, or augmented reality, VR’s not-so-distant cousin, hasn’t quite found a place in the mainstream yet. We may still be a ways from that, but there are […]
There are companies that exist just to make money. Most of them do, actually. And while we can’t fault them for having those kinds of priorities, there are other companies out there who focus on real innovation and promoting life-changing applications of science and technology. Apparently, that’s the kind of company that Japan-based Epson aspires […]
Technology and art may be an odd couple, but when they work well together, it’s hard not to appreciate the finished product. That is why the recent win by Filino designer John Herrera at the London Fashion Week spells good news, for everyone.