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Samsung Galaxy A9-1st Phone With 4 Rear Cams; Apple Buys into Dialog Semiconductor; PayPal Partners With Walmart; Apple Watch Could Solve Journo MysteryPosted: October 11, 2018
The Pixel 3 just bowed, with a single rear cam that does amazing things. Now, Samsung fires back, introducing the Galaxy A9, a so-called ‘midrange’ phone with FOUR rear shooters! engadget.com reports that each has a different function. There’s a 24 MP ‘main cam,’ another lens with a 5MP sensor that just grabs depth info for bokeh mode, a 10MP telephoto with 2x optical zoom, and an 8MP extra-wide angle lens, with 120 degree field of vision…nearly fisheye. For a mid-range phone, it’s not cheap…the A9 will launch in Britain next month for $724.
Apple is dropping $300 million of it’s giant wad of cash to buy part of Dialog Semiconductor. Cupertino is also spending another $300 million committing to further purchases from what remains of Dialog’s business. Dialog has been making parts for Apple since the 1st iPhone. Apple picks up about 300 employees, chipmaking capacity in Europe, and licensing of some of Dialog’s technology.
PayPal has partnered with Walmart to offer some financial services in-store, a first in brick and mortar for PayPal. Zdnet.com says people will be able to deposit and withdraw cash from their PayPal accounts inside Walmart stores. It will be a flat $3 service fee for cash in or cash out. In addition, PayPal Cash Mastercard customers can access their cash balance using Walmart Service Desks, ATMs, and cash registers. In the US, about 7% of households are unbanked, and some 24.5 million households are considering ‘underbanked’ by the FDIC. This move will be squarely aimed at that market.
There have been lots of rumors swirling since Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi vanished from the Kingdom’s consulate in Turkey. Now, according to appleinsider.com, there might be a way to learn if he was actually killed inside, or spirited away back to Saudi Arabia or otherwise. The contributor to the Washington Post had worn his Apple Watch into the consulate, but handed his iPhone to his fiancee outside before going in. It’s possible that the Watch could have transmitted info showing his location and pulse to the phone’s health app. Turkish authorities say they don’t have the Watch or know which model it was, but are following this lead in an effort to determine what happened. The Turks claim he was murdered by a Saudi team who flew in for the purpose. The Saudis say he just walked right back out (but doesn’t seem to have been seen by anyone.) If alive, he may have been captured and taken back to Saudi Arabia. Perhaps the Watch health and location data will be able to crack the case.
Apple Watch May Not Make Voice Calls at Launch; PayPal & Apple Pay Cut off White Supremacists; Nokia 8 Boasts Dubious ‘Bothie’ PhotosPosted: August 17, 2017
Despite the very strong rumors that Apple Watch will launch with an LTE capable model, it looks like it won’t initially make voice calls. Appleinsider.com says the LTE capability will initially just work for faster data. Voice calling will likely be activated later in the year. In the meantime, the Watch will support FaceTime, Skype, and other apps that make calls, so it will still be pretty Dick Tracy. KGI Securities says it might even be early 2018 before the Watch will make cell calls over the regular carrier networks.
Apple Pay and PayPal have both cut off websites that sell Nazi apparel and materials. According to buzzfeed.com, white supremacist merch will be banned. Uber, Facebook, Twitter, MailChimp, and WordPress have also taken some live of action against the groups. Earlier, Airbnb had cancelled lodging attempts by white supremicist groups trying to book in Charlottesville.
In a sign that feature creep has gotten to the point of ridiculousness, the new Nokia 8, an otherwise good hero smartphone, has introduced the ‘bothie.’ Mashable.com reports that the phone has a feature called Dual Sight, that lets you view the back and front cams on a split screen, and shoot simultaneous photos with them. The ‘bothie’ feature works on both photos and video, and can be live streamed to social media. It’s $701, and rolls out in September. If you buy one…and it’s a nice phone…PLEASE don’t post ‘bothies!’
Just yesterday, we had a rumor that the iPhone 8 would keep a flat screen as it goes to AMOLED. Now, macrumors.com says a new one points to a ‘slightly curved’ screen…not near as curved as a Samsung Galaxy Edge, but a gentle curve. Actually, the present iPhones curve at the edges very slightly, so it may be a matter of semantics or maybe it’s because Apple generally builds a number of different test models before settling on a final design. In this case, we may not really know for sure until fall.
Users of the Gmail app on Android can now send or request money with anyone, including those who don’t have a Gmail address, with just a tap. Mashable.com says
it’s designed to make exchanging money as easy as attaching a file. Just tap the attachment icon (the paperclip), then choose either send or request money. A pop-up window appears where you can input the amount and add a note, and send. The entire process takes place in the Gmail app — you don’t have to have Google Wallet installed. Recipients can configure it so the money they receive through Gmail goes directly into their bank account. There are no fees involved. A little late to the party, but Google joins PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, Snapchat, and Facebook Messenger in adding a cash sending feature.
Apple is getting ready to move Apple Pay beyond apps to mobile purchases over the web. Recode.net reports that the service will be available on iPhones and iPads with TouchID using the Safari browser by the holidays this year. Paypal has already had a system called One Touch that more than 250 top retailers use, but Apple Pay will be quicker and cleaner at checkout, with just the touch of a fingerprint, and you’re done.
In other big mobile news, Sony has formed ForwardWorks corporation to develop games using PlayStation titles and characters for mobile games. 9to5google.com notes that they won’t be porting full blown PlayStation games over to Android and iOS, but even ‘lite’ versions of many titles will please mobile users…and considering that there are billions of them, that should be a huge market.
Huge improvements may turbocharge people connecting more of their homes to the internet of things. Engadget.com reports that the firm that oversees Bluetooth is making big updates in 2016…meaning Bluetooth connections should see a 100% speed boost and quadruple the range. This will be for all Bluetooth, not just connected internet of things gadgets. They’re also working on mesh networking- so a whole area, home, or building can be connected.
As more stores embrace Apple Pay…I just used it for the first time at Trader Joe’s this week…Apple is expanding in a new way. Geek.com says they’re working with banks on setting up peer to peer payments between friends and family over Apple Pay. This will hit PayPal’s Venmo right in the pocketbook, as Apple doesn’t play to charge the banks processing fees. It looks like they will just use it to attract and keep Apple Pay users and financial institutions. Of course, it also gives them more data to better target ads towards you!
The Federal Aviation Administration is beginning a study regarding drone flights beyond the pilot’s line of sight. Both Amazon and Google have clamored for this, and the Europeans are already getting ready for it. Geekwire.com notes that the present FAA policy-just set in February- limits drones to the pilot’s line of sight.
Home Depot is upgrading its point of sale equipment, and working towards accepting Apple Pay at all of its 2000 stores. Bloomberg.com says that would make the chain the largest retailer to accept Apple Pay. Home Depot doesn’t yet have an agreement with Apple, but already accepts PayPal, and is looking at including other kinds of mobile payment, too. This would presumably include CurrentC, the still developing pay system from the Merchant Customer Exchange.
Google seems poised to pull something clever regarding the Apple Watch. Businessinsider.com notes they may be building support for the iPhone into their Android Wear smartwatch software. The present Android wear smartwatches only work with Android phones, and of course Apple Watch only talks to iPhones.
According to forbes.com, Paypal will be allowed to work with Amazon and Alibaba after the split from eBay later this year. The parent company has been positioning Paypal as a ‘true neutral third party’ to commerce and retail clients. In the short term, eBay will remain Paypal’s biggest client, however.
Microsoft has launched without fanfare a new Android app that lets you control Powerpoint presentations on a PC from your Android smartphone. Thenextweb.com reports says the Office Remote app also works with Excel and Word. The remote app has previously only been available on Windows phones.
Amazon has quietly acquired Shoefitr, a startup that uses 3D tech to help match online shoppers with shoes that will fit them better. TechCrunch.com says it’s unclear so far if they will operate it as a freestanding site, roll it into their Zappos subsidiary, or both.


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Venture loan for entrepreneurs
Gousto tucks in to £5m funding from Barclays
Recipe kit provider uses venture loan to accelerate plan to eliminate food waste.
- Gousto says funding will help it please customers even more and ‘do good in the world’
- Barclays provides half of Gousto’s £10m funding round
Recipe kit provider Gousto has secured a further £10m of funding, £5m of which was provided by Barclays through a revolving credit facility.
With the remaining funds secured from Unilever Ventures, BGF Ventures, MMC Ventures and Angel CoFund, this funding will help Gousto to grow in the UK and support its cash runway.
The four-year-old company, which was voted the best company in its space by the Guardian and Time Out, has seen its turnover grow 238% each year for the last three years. A meal costs from £3.75 with free delivery – which Gousto claims is 20% cheaper than from the supermarket – and the company delivers nearly 100,000 meals each week to customers across the UK.
In just four years Gousto has attracted funding from leading venture firms and smaller angel investors, including Celebrity MasterChef contestant Andi Peters and England rugby star Jonny May. Gousto now employs almost 200 people in the UK with offices in Lincolnshire and London.
Timo Boldt, CEO and Founder of Gousto said: “Gousto is on a mission to eliminate food waste. We can only achieve our mission if we make customers’ lives easier, better and more natural. This means giving customers the most recipe choice and discovery of new cuisines. We offer the fastest turnaround time and delivery options, delivering incredibly fresh, seasonal, and high quality food.
“The additional funding will allow Gousto to accelerate our efforts to create the very best customer experience, and enable us to achieve our food waste mission. It’s really simple, but this way we please our customers, build a sustainable business, and do good in the world.“
Sean Duffy, head of technology, media and telecommunications at Barclays, says: “Gousto is a rapidly growing business in the exciting food technology arena, which is addressing a need where people want to eat well, reduce waste and save money. We are delighted to be able to offer Gousto a venture loan that will support their cash runway for them to achieve their strategic aims and build a sustainable business”.
Explore Gousto’s recipe kit service.
Find out how we’re supporting UK entrepreneurs.
You can also follow Barclays Entrepreneurs on Twitter and catch up with us on LinkedIn.
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Our work with clients makes headlines – find out exactly how we’re supporting some of the world’s most disruptive new businesses and ambitious entrepreneurs.
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We’re inspired by the vision and determination of the high-growth, entrepreneurial businesses we help to grow – and we’d like to share their stories with you.

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The company's so-called "flying cars" will cost as much as your average land fare.
How do Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus compare to rival Android flagships from LG, Huawei, Motorola, HTC, and Google? It depends on your priorities. We compared specs and features. See how they stacked up.
Need more storage space? Western Digital is now shipping the HGST Ultrastar He12 helium-based 'HelioSeal' 12TB hard drive.
Microsoft has started rolling out the Windows 10 Creators Update release to the dozen or so models of Windows Phones that will support the final version.
An easy-to-use form of ransomware is enabling even low-level cybercriminals to tailor attacks against organisations or even individuals with personalised ransom notes
Apple will launch 60 educational sessions at all its stores focusing on coding, digital media, and art and design.
Google has added Indonesian, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada its neural network-powered translations within its Chrome browser.


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CORNING, N.Y., July 22 -- Corning Inc. announced this week that its board of directors has approved a capital expenditure plan of $750 million to further expand its liquid crystal display (LCD) glass substrates manufacturing capacity. The company said most of the investment will be used to fund the first phase of a new Corning facility in Taichung, Taiwan. Corning announced in April that its board had approved preliminary funding to develop plans for the facility.
The first phase of the Taichung facility will add glass melting and finishing capacity capable of producing Generation 5.5 and Generation 6 glass substrates. Corning said it expects to begin initial manufacturing in Taichung during the third quarter of 2005, with additional capacity continuing to come online through 2006.
"Total worldwide flat-panel glass demand could triple over the next four years if LCD monitor penetration continues and LCD television emerges as we expect," said Wendell P. Weeks, president and COO. "We are increasing capacity to provide our customers with state-of-the-market large-size LCD glass substrates toward which the industry is quickly moving. We are closely monitoring consumer demand for LCD television, as well as supply chain inventory levels, and we will pace our manufacturing expansions accordingly."
As part of this capital expenditure plan, Corning's board also approved preliminary funding for two additional expansion projects: preparation for a second phase of construction at the Taichung facility, which would begin in 2005 and would double the facility's large-generation production; and preliminary funding for the expansion of the company's Shizuoka, Japan, LCD glass facility. Corning said this will add significant capacity for producing Generation 5.5, Generation 6 and larger glass substrates.
The announcement is Corning's third major LCD capital expansion in the past 12 months. The 2004 portion of this plan is included in Corning's previously announced capital spending forecast of $950 million to $1 billion for this year. Ongoing capacity expansions are also underway at Samsung Corning Precision Glass Co. Ltd., Corning's equity affiliate in South Korea, but are not part of this week's announcement.
Corning also announced this week it has entered into a long-term LCD glass supply agreement with Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp. of Taiwan to provide Generation 5.5 LCD glass substrates. As part of the agreement, Chi Mei will prepay $510 million to Corning in several installments in 2004 and 2005 for a portion of the contracted purchases. Chi Mei will be able to use the prepayments in the form of credits against glass purchases over the life of the contract.
James B. Flaws, Corning's vice chairman and chief financial officer, said, "The prepayment feature of the contract helps Corning, as we are constructing substantial additional capacity to meet the growing industry demand. At the same time, it provides Chi Mei with an assured supply of larger size glass for their new LCD fabrication facility."
For more information, visit: www.corning.com


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Each proactive investor and trader must be up to date on the recent stock market headlines. A major corporate announcement, new deals/projects, a move in management, or any scam/fraud charges regarding your favourite company might all lead to changes in your portfolio’s performance.
You must be aware of the Best Newspaper for Stock Market India to read newspapers on a daily basis via an app or website in the digital world.
We all understand that reading newspapers is a wonderful habit that may give a lot of educational value while also keeping us informed about what’s going on in the world.
A newspaper is a periodical publication that publishes well-written facts about current events on a regular basis. Furthermore, with the introduction of ‘e-Newspapers,’ or online newspapers, obtaining them is much easier.
In this post, we’ll go through nine of the best newspapers to read to remain updated about the share market.
These are the major nine newspaper to stay updated about the stock market:
The Economic Times is an English-language Indian daily newspaper founded in 1961 and published by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. in Mumbai, India.
They give the most recent news on investment, the economy, business, technology, and other topics. Aside from newspapers, the Economic Times also offers an e-edition for the user’s comfort.
The Economic Times (ET), India’s biggest digital business news publisher, had more than 3X the combined engagement (time spent) of the next 7 publishers in the business news segment, contributing to 77 percent of the section interactions, as per Comscore (a top web traffic measurement firm) December 2019 Data*.
Bloomberg Quint is a multiplatform business and economic news organisation based in India. Bloomberg News and Quintillion Media have partnered to create it.
Quintillion Media’s extensive expertise in the Indian market and digital news delivery complements Bloomberg’s worldwide dominance in business and financial information and data.
Bloomberg is the globe ‘s top ranked multi-platform business and financial media company, drawing on the editorial resources of over 2,400 editorial experts in more than 120 nations.
Its major focus is on high-quality business news, market-moving headlines, top trends, economic news, international financial news, and intriguing viewpoints. They also have a podcast on their digital platform.
Third in our list of Best Newspaper for Stock Market India is Mint. One of the most widely read publications for keeping up with the financial market is mint.
Mint is one of India’s premier business news magazines, with 76 percent of Mint readers saying they don’t read another business paper, making it a vital reach tool for the upper echelon.
Mint is the obvious No. 2 in terms of readership across business publications. Mint’s internet platform, www.livemint.com, is one of India’s fastest growing news websites and represents an integrated newsroom.
Mint delivers daily national, international, and business news, as well as market updates and in-depth coverage of major events. Multimedia elements such as videos, podcasts, and slideshows have been added to the site.
Serious business readers choose the daily newspaper Business Standard (which is also accessible as an e-paper). New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Bhubaneswar etc are among the 12 cities where it is published. Bhopal is also where it is printed.
New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bhopal, and Chandigarh are among the six cities in India where the Hindi Business Standard is published. Its contents are available at bshindi.com.
They stand for reporting that prioritises accuracy and reliability, educated, independent, and fair criticism, and journalism founded in ethical behaviour and characterised by a sacred relationship with the reader.
The Hindu BusinessLine
The Hindu BusinessLine is a business daily printed from 16 locations throughout India: Chennai, Bengaluru, Hubballi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Madurai, Mumbai, Noida, Tiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirapalli, Tirupati, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam etc.
It was first published on January 28, 1994, and is now in its 28th year. It is renowned for its trustworthiness, accuracy, in-depth market analysis, and serious coverage of business news.
Portfolio, the Sunday edition, is highly famous with readers since it provides guidance and suggestions on personal finance and investing.
143 years old The Hindu, FrontLine, and SportStar, all are sister newspapers of BusinessLine.
Moneycontrol.com is among India ‘s most famous business news websites. E-EIGHTEEN Dot Com Ltd., a subsidiary of the media company TV18, owns it.
Moneycontrol is a financial platform that provides end-of-day stock prices, news (text and video), analysis, statistics, and tools on investment (across several asset classes), the business sector, and the economy.
It also includes a list of Market Podcasts to listen to, such as “A Morning Walk Down Dalal Street.”
Moneycontrol.com now has over 17 million monthly visits across all of its platforms (web, mobile, and tablets), making it India ‘s leading digital financial platform.
Seventh in our list of Best Newspaper for Stock Market India is Financial express. The Indian Express Group owns The Financial Express, an English-language business daily in India. From 1961, the Indian Express group has printed it.
The Financial Express focuses on business and financial news from India and across the world. Its website, www.financialexpress.com, is a comprehensive online source for business news, finance news, stock market news, economic news, and the most recent news.
The Financial Express is filled with insightful news on every significant subject with balanced and thorough coverage, from corporate policy to market trends to the newest developments in every industry. Sunil Jain is the editor.
Business Today is a magazine, not a newspaper, that offers you the latest news in business, markets, finance, the new economy, and the rapidly changing world of technology. It’s the most comprehensive analysis of India’s newly liberalised corporate landscape.
As the tsunami of change rushes across business, the economy, and society like never before, they’ve made sure that their readers have all of the essential improvements to face tomorrow’s challenges. It delves deeper into the world of business to provide a comprehensive knowledge.
It has set one standard after another in business reporting since its launch in 1992. It was the first publication to devote substantial attention to management theory.
Last in our list of Best Newspaper for Stock Market India is Google Finance. Google Finance is more of a news aggregation than a newspaper. You can discover all the newest financial information on stocks, market news, economy news, and top articles from around the world in Finance on Google Finance.
You don’t need to go to any specific website because all of the top articles are available on Google Finance. It also shows you the charts & quarterly results of all the listed companies.
+ 1 Bonus: Reuters
Reuters is the leading worldwide multimedia news organisation in the globe. Thomson Reuters desktops, the world’s media organisations, and direct to consumers deliver trustworthy business, financial, national, and international news to individuals.
You may find stock market, business, technology, sports, and entertainment news here. Their newsletters are simple to sign up for. The Reuters app may be downloaded through the Google Play store.
Hundreds of newspapers are accessible in the market to read in order to keep informed about the share market. Nevertheless, not all are considered equal.
This is all from our side regarding Best Newspaper for Stock Market India. Let us know your views in the comment section.
Other Interesting blogs related to Best Newspaper for Stock Market India:
Best magazine for stock market India?
Business Today is the best magazine for stock market India. It has more readers than any business magazine in India.
Best financial magazines in India?
Business Today, Forbes India and Business World are Best financial magazines in India.
Best newspaper for Stock Market in Hindi?
Economics Times & Money Control both offer Hindi versions of their website content for Hindi business readers.
Best business newspaper in India for Students
Business Standard is the best business newspaper in India for Students.
How many types of stock market reports are published in newspaper?
There are many types of stock market reports that are published in newspapers including announcements, business outlook, brokerage reports, industry outlook and any legal issues.
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A recent survey of 2300 CIOs from twenty-three different cities in the US found that one out of four have no mobile strategy. While there are many understandable reasons for this -- budget restrictions, lack of ownership, and simple inertia -- these reasons pale beside the potential losses incurred by not taking advantage of the wealth of opportunities that mobile presents. Today, I'd like to share a roundup of compelling reasons to make mobile a priority in 2015.
There are a handful of assumptions that frequently come up when we read and talk about mobile performance. Today, I want to review the most common myths, discuss why they persist, and explain why they are incorrect.
2013 was a great year for Radware on the research front. We released numerous studies and blog posts about topics ranging from ecommerce performance to the neuroscience behind mobile user expectations. Below I've corralled 55 amazing things you should know about how your visitors use the web.
Mobile users have high expectations. Two out of three shoppers expect pages to load in four seconds or less on their smartphones (and three seconds on their tablets). Google recently raised that bar in the latest version of their mobile development guidelines, stating that sites should deliver “above the fold” content in less than one second.
Our annual mobile performance report, the 2013 State of the Union for Mobile Ecommerce Performance, released today, poses the question: How do the top 100 retail websites measure up to these expectations?
As their revenues decline and mobile carriers continue to struggle with the increasing traffic demand from their customers, Long Term Evolution (LTE) looks like a good candidate to reduce the cost per bit. I recently read a nice analysis from Deloitte that claims that 2013 will be a strong year for LTE adoption, predicting that more than 200 operators in 75 countries will launch LTE networks alongside their existing HSxPA networks. With a diverse range of LTE handsets and tablets available in the consumer market, overall LTE subscription is expected to exceed 200 million clients.


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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today greeted people on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and sought the blessings of Lord Ganesh.
BSE, NSE, Forex, Money and all commodity markets, including bullion and oils & oilseeds, remained closed today
Vice President Hamid Ansari hoped that Lord Ganesha would give his blessings to help India emerge as a peaceful country.
A computer science engineer from Anna University, Lakshminarayanan will report to Mu Sigma founder Dhiraj Rajaram.
With marginal footfalls and less spending power, businessmen of Curchorem, Bicholim, Sanguem and other markets in the mining area are buying lesser stock.
They are investors, mentors and entrepreneurs all rolled into one, with the likes of Ratan Tata and Ronnie Screwvala buying into their vision.


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Last summer, Samsung announced that – for the first time in a decade – it would not release a new Note. The future of the beloved phablet was a big open question, as the hardware giant recognized a shift in focus to foldables, a form factor it felt was finally ready for a truly mainstream push.
Muddying the waters even more is the Galaxy S line – Samsung’s flagship flagship, which has been steadily blurring the line separating the Note. “Instead of revealing a new Galaxy Note this time,” the company’s president wrote at the time, “we’re going to extend the Note’s beloved features even further to more Samsung Galaxy devices.”
This has meant a fairly steady increase in S-series screen sizes over the years, culminating in the addition of S-Pen functionality to the S21 Ultra this past January. In August, the company also brought its proprietary stylus to the Galaxy Fold line, leaving some wondering if the Note was being quietly phased out.
Coming out of CES and looking towards MWC, we find ourselves entering Unpacked territory – the time of year when the company announces the latest additions to the S series. Roh is back with another somewhat loosely worded post that celebrates the life of the Note, pointing out how its 5.3-inch screen caused a bit of a stir in 2011. It seems quaint now, though it’s worth pointing out to those who weren’t at the IFA launch, that big screens meant much bigger and thicker devices than they do now. .
the post strongly suggests a proper merging of the two flagships to make more room for their foldables.
“With each new evolution of Samsung Galaxy devices, we introduce features that redefine the entire mobile category,” writes the executive. “And we are about to rewrite the industry rules once again. At Unpacked February 2022, we’ll introduce you to the most remarkable Series [emphasis added by TC] device we have already created. The next generation of Galaxy S is here, bringing together the best experiences from our Samsung Galaxy into one ultimate device.”
“Remarkable” can mean many things in this context. The most obvious seems to be an S22 Ultra becoming the S22 Note. Does this mean a proper pen slot? Could we be seeing more S Pen integration across all lines? I would say probably not to this one, if only because the carefully worded post uses the singular “device worthy of note”. There are still some big questions leading up to the event – which may or may not be answered upfront given the frequency of leaks surrounding these devices. The range also brings enhanced night/low light photography and a more sustainable design, which has become a priority for the company in recent years.
Samsung is once again betting that consumer excitement and brand loyalty will be enough to lure users in, unseen, as it prepares to open reservations for the new smartphone and an unnamed Galaxy tablet tomorrow.


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KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — Malaysia’s January – July 2022 furniture exports have recorded an increase versus a year ago despite the many challenges facing the industry, the Malaysian Furniture Council (MFC) said.
Its president Khoo Yeow Chong, speaking to Bernama at the Reka Interiors Exhibition (RiX) 2022 in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today, that total overall furniture exports, including wooden furniture, stood at RM8.50 billion against RM7.20 billion for the same period in 2021.
“We would like to thank the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) for actively promoting Malaysian furniture products around the globe,” he said.
On a similar note, Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) chief operations officer Noraihan Abdul Rahman said that wooden furniture exports for the period amounted to RM6.93 billion, a 14.4 per cent increase from the same period last year.
“The strengthening of the US dollar also contributed to the increase in export value,” she said.
At the RiX event, MTC, MFC and the Malaysian Institute of Interior Designers (MIID) also announced the completion of TIMB3R Design Incubator Programme’s first and second editions, a first-of-its-kind furniture and timber products design and manufacturing initiative.
The programme aims to grow Malaysia’s timber and furniture sectors and to strategically strengthen the design and manufacturing value chains to serve the international market.
The six-month programme connects participating designers with manufacturers to conceptualise, design, and create one commercially viable furniture and timber product for the global market.
Final products will premiere at the Malaysia Export Furniture Exhibition (EFE) 2023, one of the largest international furniture and furnishing fairs in Southeast Asia.


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OnePlus took to its forums today to announce that the company is slashing the price on all of its devices, making us believe that the OnePlus 3 is closer than we think.
As we head midway into 2016, it’s getting closer to the time when everyone’s favorite upstart handset maker prepares to launch its new flagship killer. Yes, you guessed right, it’s OnePlus. After handing out 30,000 VR headsets a few days ago for its fans to view the upcoming announcement with, the OnePlus 3 leaks have begun in earnest. Earlier today, a certain serial leaker dished up the specifications on OnePlus’s upcoming handset. Read more
If you’ve thought about replacing your current television with a swankier model, perhaps Vizio‘s 2016 M-Series range of televisions with 4K resolution, HDR, and built-in Google Cast (SmartCast) could be what you are looking for. Vizio has just announced that the M-Series is now available to order in a range of sizes up to 80-inches and a price tag starting from $849 up to $3,999 for the 80″ model. Read more
A new filing for a trademark on ‘MOTO Z’ with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by Lenovo via their Motorola unit is no surprise after news of changes surfaced last week. According to sources, Lenovo plans to swap letters for their flagship line of devices, moving from ‘X’ to ‘Z’ with the 2016 models. This latest filing with the USPTO appears to provide confirmation that such a move is in the works. Read more
Samsung has put up a gigantic billboard to advertise their new flagship smartphone in Moscow, Russia. But this isn’t any standard billboard, it’s a larger scaled Galaxy S7 Edge smartphone that lights up and actually operates showing off some of the headlining features of the new handset on a loop.
Google may have announced Android Wear 2.0 at I/O 2016 last week, but it isn’t the only game in town when it comes to smartwatches. Pebble is a credible option when it comes to buying a smartwatch, appealing to users of both Android and iOS with its functionality. It’s been a little while since Pebble launched a new device, and it seems that something is afoot because Pebble has posted a countdown timer on its Twitter account alluding to an announcement being made tomorrow, May 24th. Read more


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CLAIM Elon Musk To Quit Tesla, Jumps On Financial Tech RATING False and Untrue ORIGIN http://www.cnntechs.com Elon Musk makes his biggest investment Real life ironman – Elon Musk, has just announced that […]
CLAIM There is verifiable evidence that a large earthquake will strike the Indian Ocean and cause a deadly tsunami in Sri Lanka before the end of 2017. RATING ORIGIN A man who […]
CLAIM Robbers are flinging eggs at cars to impair drivers’ vision and force them to stop. RATING ORIGIN Breathless e-mailed warnings about the (usually false) latest ways in which thieves are purported […]
Accepting a Facebook friend request from a stranger will not provide hackers with access to your computer and online accounts.
CLAIM Is plastic Rice found in Sri Lanka RATING ORIGIN The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has rejected claims in a Youtube video showing cooked white coloured basmati rice as “Plastic Rice […]
Claims about the (un)healthfulness of margarine include the false assertion that the product was originally created to fatten turkeys
10th July 2017 FactCheck Sri Lanka. CLAIM “Motto of the Royal College ‘Disce Aut Descede’ is pronounced as ඩිස්කේ අමුට ඩිස්කේ ඩිස්කඩි” EXAMPLES www.hondamagossp.com on 8th July 2017 stated in their website […]
CLAIM Red Bull and other brands of energy drinks contain bull semen. See Example(s) EXAMPLES Collected via e-mail, March 2014 I saw a post on FB stating that energy drinks such as […]


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Editor in Chief
Microsoft's "next chapter" for Windows 10 briefing is tomorrow morning at 9am PT. There will be a number of details shared about what Microsoft is doing with the OS. Beyond just the new software features and functions of Microsoft's biggest product, there are rumblings in the industry that they will also include some details on new hardware.
Nothing specific was mentioned, but we can't help but wonder if a new Surface device will be introduced. What do you think the folks in Redmond have planned for us?
Here's a link to their live-feed for tomorrow: http://news.microsoft.com/windows10story/?OCID=WIP_r_Jan_Body_Webcast_9


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Irvine, CA-based WLAN chip maker Intersil
today announced that its first dual-band solution, the two-chip 802.11a/b/g PRISM Duette announced back in June, is now sampling to customers.
The Duette chipset supports the current 802.11a/5GHz standard, and the draft for IEEE
Duette utilizes Intersil’s integrated Baseband Processor and Medium Access Controller (BBP/MAC) and direct down conversion (ZIF) architecture to eliminate the intermediate frequency (IF) stage found in most wireless radios, reducing manufacturing complexity and overall cost. This technology is also found in the company’s current PRISM 3 chip for 802.11b. The Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)-based technology it uses to talk with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WLAN devices is derived from Intersil’s Indigo 802.11a chipset. Indigo chips entered full production in September.
Intersil’s announcement claims that its initial testing shows Duette getting the same range as current 802.11b products and double the range of existing 802.11a products (almost all of which come with chipsets from rival Atheros). The company also reports three Duette getting times the throughput performance of the so-called “802.11b+” in products using Texas Instruments chips, which are rated at 22Mbps.
The Duette will be on display at Intersil’s suite next month at the Comdex 2002 show in Las Vegas. The company plans to demonstrate streaming high-definition television video signals using the wireless chip using 802.11g and 11a. Both are rated to handle 54Mbps speeds.
Intersil’s 802.11g-only (but 11b compatible) chipset, the PRISM GT, will likely start sampling with customers soon. GT will carry a lower price than Duette since it will have fewer components. Because it only uses the 2.4GHz radio band, it can be sold in more areas of the world — right now there are still issues with 802.11a distribution in areas of Europe and Asia. Both PRISM Duette and PRISM GT should be in full production by early 2003.
Intersil is being sued by Agere System for patent infringements on its various PRISM 802.11b chips, but Intersil says it continue to market products as usual while it defends itself.
Eric Griffith is the managing editor of 802.11 Planet.


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Clinique Launches a Virtual Lab
Clinique recently announced the launch of its Virtual Lab, a mobile-first platform designed to blur the lines between the physical and virtual worlds. The Virtual Lab is designed to bring Clinique’s brand and products to life in a fully interactive, 3D environment. It is the latest in a series of moves that Clinique has made towards leveraging the potential of the metaverse to provide shoppers with an entirely new, immersive online shopping experience.
The Virtual Lab was created to give customers the opportunity to explore Clinique’s products, ask questions, and get advice from experts, all while interacting in a visually stunning 3D environment. As customers move through the lab, they can access product information, tutorials, and even try on products using augmented reality. The lab is also designed to be mobile-first, so users can access it from any device, making it easier to shop on the go.
From a business perspective, the launch of the Virtual Lab is part of Clinique’s strategy to capitalize on the trend of growing web3 retail. By providing a more immersive shopping experience, Clinique will be able to stand out from the competition and build stronger relationships with customers. This will also help the brand to attract new customers and retain existing ones, as customers will be more likely to come back for more.
Overall, Clinique’s launch of its Virtual Lab is a great example of how brands can use the metaverse to provide consumers with an entirely new, immersive shopping experience. By leveraging the potential of the metaverse, Clinique is able to provide customers with a unique shopping experience that is sure to resonate with them. By using web3 retail strategies, Clinique has crafted a winning formula that will help them stand out from the competition and build stronger relationships with customers.


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Gucci is looking to hit a homerun later this month. The label has announced a forthcoming collection with Major League Baseball. As reported by High Snobiety the iconic French brand is giving America’s favorite pastime a luxurious upgrade. Last week they revealed a capsule that reimagines some of the most iconic marks from the sport. “Inspired […]
We are only a couple of weeks into 2022 and we may already have the drop of the year. Gucci has revealed an adidas collection and the streets are here for it. As per High Snobiety the two brands have come together for a capsule that is already the talk of the town. On Friday, February 25, […]
The North Face and Gucci collaborate on a second chapter of designs that celebrates the spirit of exploration and pushes the limits of tradition.
Bronx-based fashion designer K. Tyson Perez says French fashion house Givenchy stole his design and given him no credit.
A grand jury is set to hear Smollett's case; however, it may be delayed.


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Hundreds of millions of dollars are wagered each week online by fantasy sports enthusiasts looking to profit from professional players' on-field performances.
But do the players deserve a piece of the ever-growing wagering pie? That's the latest legal saga now playing itself out in a court of law. Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon is suing the popular online fantasy site FanDuel, saying the site is profiting off his and fellow NFL players' backs without their permission. His federal suit seeks class-action status to represent all affected NFL players.
The question of whether players own their on-the-field performance data—combined with whether FanDuel misappropriates NFL players' likenesses via thousands of FanDuel television commercials—is what's at the heart of Garcon's lawsuit.
The case poses the esoteric question of whether it's even possible to lawfully wager on somebody's performance without somehow violating their right of publicity. A leading case on the issue, at least insofar as stats go, dates to 1997. A federal appeals court struck down the National Basketball Association's claims that the game's stats were copyrighted. The court ruled in favor of a Motorola pager that disseminated real-time game info.
According to Garcon's lawsuit (PDF):
In the operation and sale of online daily fantasy football gaming products, Defendant FanDuel knowingly and improperly exploits the popularity and accomplishments of current Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garçon, along with all the other National Football League ("NFL") players at offensive skilled positions. In addition, through a comprehensive advertising campaign and in its daily fantasy football contests, Defendant FanDuel routinely uses the names and likenesses of these NFL players to promote FanDuel's commercial enterprise, collecting huge revenues from entry fees, without the authority of Mr. Garçon or the other NFL players. Plaintiff and the proposed Class members have not given their consent to Defendant's blatant misappropriation of their publicity rights. Nevertheless, Defendant FanDuel continues to promote and to operate its daily fantasy football contests on the backs of NFL players, whose popularity and performance make the Defendant’s commercial daily fantasy football product possible.
FanDuel, meanwhile, said the lawsuit was "without merit."
"There is established law that fantasy operators may use player names and statistics for fantasy contests," Justine Sacco, a FanDuel spokesman, said in a statement. "FanDuel looks forward to continuing to operate our contests which sports fans everywhere have come to love."
Sacco was referencing the year 2006, when Congress prohibited credit card companies from assisting gamblers in wagering on online sites. One exception carved out "participation in any fantasy or simulation sports game or educational game or contest." FanDuel and rival DraftKings say they offer fantasy wagering on various sports because of that exemption.
DraftKings was not named in the suit and has a marketing agreement with the NFL Players Association.
Both DraftKings and FanDuel, meanwhile, find themselves at a legal crossroads as Congress and other regulators begin probing whether online fantasy sports wagering is even legal.
Listing image by free pictures of money


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Apr 01, 2019
Mar 07, 2019
Jan 28, 2019
U.S.-China Green Fund is bringing green tech from the West to China, despite trade tensions.It believes environmental protection is an apolitical, universal goal.
Jan 17, 2019
The US-China Green Fund has spent $400 million in search of the next big thing in ESG investing – and it’s not what you might think.
Dec 19, 2018
The mass production of electric vehicles is the next big thing in green tech, Bo Bai of the U.S.-China Green Fund said at the Credit Suisse Asian Investment Conference in Hong Kong.
Dec 18, 2018
The US-China Green Fund has made strategic investment in property management operator ChangCheng Property Co Ltd to jointly develop green and smart communities, according to the company's top management.
Dec 07, 2018
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding is expanding its interests in rural China, with a new CNY 4.5 billion investment (about US$716.8 million) into Huitongda Network Co.
Nov 07, 2018
Oct 07, 2018
Sep 13, 2018
Jul 02, 2018
Jun 13, 2018
Apr 24, 2018
Mar 29, 2018
The Paulson Institute announced the launch of a new Green Finance Center, marking a significant step forward in its efforts to promote sustainable economic growth and environmental protection in China and the United States.
Jan 13, 2018
Just before Christmas, Bo Bai, a Beijing-based private equity investor, poured Rmb500m ($77m) into Huitongda Network, an e-commerce platform based in the Chinese city of Nanjing.
Dec 28, 2017
AIpark completed its Series A financing of over RMB 100 million, drawing market attention towards the hot topic of green smart transportation and cities.
Dec 22, 2017
U.S.-China Green Fund announced that it has closed a transaction to invest RMB 500 million into Huitongda Network Co., Ltd. ("Huitongda").
Dec 06, 2017
Dr. Bai introduces U.S.-China Green Fund
Nov 28, 2017
On November 10, 2017, the Green Low Carbon Investment Symposium and Strategic Cooperation Signing Ceremony between the China Beijing Environment Exchange and U.S.-China Green Fund were held in Beijing.
Oct 18, 2017
U.S.-China Green Fund and the Shanghai Oriental low carbon technology industry Limited by Share Ltd signed a strategic investment agreement in Shanghai
Beijing Office : 010-8540 6200
Shanghai Office : 021-3328 0508


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PURCHASE, N.Y. — Aquafina, a product from Pepsi-Cola North American Beverages, is launching a campaign encouraging people to drink more water. The brand has enlisted the help of New York Mets player Curtis Granderson and Sports Illustrated cover model Chrissy Teigen, in conjunction with Partnership for a Healthier America's Drink Up initiative, to help out with the initiative.
Aquafina's national "Pledge. Drink. Win!" Sweepstakes not only gives fans the chance to submit their personal hydration pledges, but also will automatically enter them for a chance to win a VIP experience to the 2014 MLB All-Star Game on July 15 at Target Field in Minneapolis.
"At Aquafina, we're always trying to think of new ways to encourage people to drink more water," shared Jennifer Dubin of marketing for Aquafina. "This new effort will help shine a spotlight on the benefits and importance of staying hydrated with water during the spring and summer months, especially as we get into the height of baseball season. We're honored to support PHA's larger "Drink Up" movement and help spread the word about the importance of adequate water intake through the Aquafina 'Pledge. Drink. Win!' campaign."
Teigen and Granderson will launch the campaign at the MLB Fan Cave in New York City. Consumers can visit the "Pledge. Drink. Win!" page at MLB.com/Aquafina to learn more about the sweepstakes and take the pledge. The brand is inviting fans to take to Twitter to stir up the conversation using the hashtag #SpreadTheWater.


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The Chinese pet-care industry is one of the world's fastest-growing and a United Kingdom company that specializes in fish-based animal food is targeting the nation's rapidly expanding middle-class, and its love for pets.
Fish4Dogs from England's Worcestershire county, in the West Midlands, has been using e-commerce platforms to find Chinese customers who want good-quality food for their pets.
Fish4Dogs started selling pet food in the world's second-largest economy in 2010, after it was approached by Ocean Star at a time when the online Chinese company wanted to expand its business, from selling local pet-food brands to specializing in Western brands on its websites and in stores.
Fish4Dogs also sells on JD.com, one of China's major e-commerce platforms.
Graham Smith, Fish4Dogs CEO, said: "E-commerce is a key channel to market, which was used by Ocean Star to promote Fish4Dogs outside of the traditional pet-shop trade, and this has enabled the brand to be purchased in more rural areas of China. Social media is harnessed to allow 'word-of-mouth' to spread from one engaged consumer to another. Satisfied customers with healthy, happy pets spread their good news to prospective customers, about the benefits of feeding a fish-based diet to their dogs and cats."
According to data from China's National Bureau of Statistics, the nation has become the world's third-largest pet market, after the United States and Japan.
The country's pet owners spent 130 billion yuan ($19.35 billion - €16.5 billion) on their animals last year, up 21.4 percent year-on-year. China's pet industry could be worth more than 200 billion yuan ($29.9 billion - €25.5 billion) by 2020.
"The biggest challenge was where and how to start," Smith said. "The solution was to build sales, one city at a time. So, with a tailor-made strategy of having a technical pet nutritionist, plus sales resources, we did just that, focused on one city at a time, starting in Ocean Star's home city of Shenzhen. Then, over the years, we moved to Shanghai, Beijing, etc."
In 2017, Fish4Dogs was awarded the Queen's Award for its export success and rapid development of international markets.
Dogs are much more popular than other types of pet in China, where people prefer pedigree breeds and high-quality products, meaning other companies are likely to target the market, but Smith is not worried about competition.
"Fish4Dogs had the advantage of being a first-mover in using fish as the single protein source in dog food. Of course, and partly driven by our own success, other players are entering the market. We believe we are the original and best and continue to innovate to stay ahead of our competitors," Smith said.


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The latest crash test results released by Latin Ncap this week reveal that the safety levels of some popular cars sold across Latin America are still 20 years behind the industrialised countries and below global standards.
The Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (Ancap) noted the increase in safety over the range of vehicles tested by collegiate programme Latin Ncap, but expressed alarm about extremely poor ratings for two vehicles and concern about another that also achieved a poor rating.
The Renault Sandero and Chinese-made JAC J3 were the worst performers of the eight cars tested in Phase III of Latin Ncap crash testing - both with a one-star safety rating.
The Volkswagen Clasico (Bora) also scored poorly with a three-star safety rating. Progress has been made, however, with several Latin American-sold models achieving four-star safety ratings. These include the Volkswagen Polo, Renault Fluence, Honda City, Toyota Etios and Ford Fiesta.
"In Latin American countries there is no government regulation of vehicle standards and manufacturers are taking advantage of this, selling cars with minimal, if not any, safety features whatsoever," said Ancap chairman Lauchlan McIntosh.
Several vehicles tested by Latin Ncap have demonstrated major structural differences when compared to the same model produced for a different market.
McIntosh added: "The majority of the results released by Latin Ncap to date are of great concern. Almost 40 per cent of the cars they've tested have scored a safety rating of one star or even poorer. This is sure to raise a red flag with consumers and should serve as a warning to all manufacturers that substandard levels of construction and lack of vital safety features will not be accepted by new-car buyers.
"In Australia, the Renault Laguna was the first car to achieve the maximum five-star Ancap safety rating back in 2001, so this one-star result for the Renault Sandero sold to markets such as Latin America is difficult to accept. Manufacturers talk often of a 'world car' without guaranteeing world-class safety."
The influence of Latin Ncap, a non-regulatory, consumer-driven programme established in 2010, is beginning to take effect with Ford and Volkswagen confirming airbags for the driver and front passenger will now be a standard fitment in the Fiesta and Clasico (Bora) models for all Latin NCAP markets.
"We are only now starting to see the fitment of airbags in models sold to the Latin American and Caribbean market - over 20 years after they were introduced in Australia. This is a step in the right direction but I want to emphasise that the fitting of airbags in cars which lack structural integrity is not an effective safety measure," said McIntosh.
Latin America is a rapidly growing vehicle market and source of production. It also has the world's highest per capita fatality rate from road crashes - 26 per 100,000 people, likely to rise further to over 30 per 100,000 by 2020.
In Australia the number of road crash deaths per 100,000 population reached such a peak of 30 in 1970 and has decreased to 5.9 today. Research has shown that safer cars have made a major contribution to this reduction.


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Micro Powders has made several executive changes. Gary Strauss has assumed the role of president and COO and Deena Strauss Kornblau has assumed the role of CEO and executive vice president. Both individuals have held leadership positions within Micro Powders for more than 10 years.
As president and COO, Strauss will manage the day-to-day functions of the company and will oversee the financial and operational departments. As CEO, Strauss Kornblau will focus her attention on the growth of the company as well as overseeing the sales and marketing departments.
Warren Pushaw, the former president of Micro Powders, will take on a new role as senior technical advisor. He will now focus most of his attention on the technology side of the business.


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Want to Kick start your Week with the best deals on Gadgets and mobile data plans in town? Visit now Pakistan’s biggest Tech mela of the year at www.techmela.com and buy your favorite brands in the best prices ever.
Pakistan’s Biggest Online Shopping Gala supported by Google has started from 11th till 20thSeptember 2015. The 10 day gala is something everyone should look forward to. The tech mela will include exclusive products, deals and discount up to 30% on gadgets, smart phones and data plans. Tech mela has launched 6 new cell phones and exclusive offers and attractive discount from other leading mobile brands and cellular companies of Pakistan. The brands like Huawei, Samsung, Microsoft Lumia, Telenor 3G and others will showcase their exclusive discount and deals. Tech mela is the best place to shop online and buy a cell phone and mobile packages on the best prices you can’t imagine.
The number of online users in Pakistan has expanded in the recent years with half of them using cellular phones as their basic internet source. So initiating a tech mela will clearly be a great support for many users to shop online for their desired product. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced statistics of the 3G and 4G users in Pakistan that has crossed the 14.611 million mark by the end of July 2015 and the number of users are about to reach the 15 million mark very soon. With the increasing number of online buyers, tech mela is just the right platform to introduce a much reliable and effective way to purchase gadgets on discount prices online. Best deals and a wide range of products urge you more towards purchasing your favorite product online than to visit shops to get your desired gadget.
Google’s Tech mela is launched with the aim to support the rapidly growing culture of online shopping in the country. It is a great way to raise awareness and adaptation of E-Commerce by a consumer in Pakistan. Google has collaborated with the leading online retailer Daraz.pk to ensure the access of everyone to the greatest online tech mela of the year. With more than 2.5 million online users looking for their desired product every month in Pakistan, online shopping has now become an easier option of shopping without any hassle. So to all the tech addicts, this event has brought the perfect opportunity to upgrade a latest gadget in your collection, that too on discount.
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Netflix has ordered a new special from British illusionist Derren Brown, in the wake of the star’s debut US live show, Secret, which made waves off-Broadway in New York City last year.
In addition, his Channel 4 special Derren Brown: The Push will also be made available on the streaming service on Tuesday 27th February, with a second, Derren Brown: Miracle, to follow later in the year.
- Sharon Horgan signs exclusive deal with Amazon – but Channel 4’s Catastrophe is safe
- Netflix’s Altered Carbon is an ambitious mess
- Blue Planet II wins NTA’s special impact award
Brown took to Twitter to share the news, and while details about the show are being kept quiet, he did announce that filming has just wrapped:
(Gentle cough…) pleased to announce that The Push (To The Edge) will be shown on Netflix from Feb 27th worldwide. Two more specials will appear on Netflix later this year including a big brand new one, which I have just today completed filming. Have been secretly very busy.
— Derren Brown (@DerrenBrown) January 23, 2018
Brown’s most recent UK show, Underground, enjoyed a successful run in London at the end of 2017, and is set to tour the UK and Ireland between April and July of this year. However, he’s not quite done with the USA: Secret will return to New York later this year ahead of a nationwide tour in 2019.
Brown is the latest British entertainer to sign a deal with a content deal with Netflix, following in the footsteps of Charlie Brooker and Ricky Gervais, whose latest stand-up special, Humanity, is set to debut on the streaming service this year.


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Apple Brings a new Challenge for International Women's Day
Apple Watch users can earn a virtual trophy and animated stickers by completing the challenge.
Apple Watch users will start to see the new challenge as it approaches March 8, according to 9to5Mac. The challenge requires Apple Watch users to complete a workout of at least 20 minutes or more on International Women's Day. The Apple Watch user can choose the desired activity, and it can be a 20-minute yoga session or a 20-minute run. The workout needs to be logged in the Workout app or any app that can sync with the Health app.
Apple Watch will reward users who complete the challenge with a virtual trophy. It will also unlock five animated stickers used in Messages and FaceTime and apps where iMessage stickers work. The stickers include a female gender symbol, two women in different skin tones standing and waving, a woman in a wheelchair waving, and a 2021 sticker.
With less than two weeks to go until International Women's Day, Apple Watch users should start to see the training challenge soon.
Apple regularly features Apple Watch challenges, this being the latest. You recently celebrated Heart Month by challenging yourself to complete 60 minutes of exercise on Valentine's Day. There is also the "Get Active India" challenge that runs until March 15. The challenge requires Apple Watch users to close activity rings every day. The points of all participants will be calculated to determine their city's ranking on the leaderboard.


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Herb Philipson’s Sold to Longtime Employee
An longtime employee of Herb Philipson's Army and Navy Stores is now buying the nearly 70-year-old sporting and outdoors retailer. Guy Viti, the company's current president of merchandising and operations, is the buyer and will take over ownership with nearly four decades of experience with Philipson's.
“My mother and I could not be happier than to see the sale of Herb Philipson’s to Guy Viti. Guy started working for my father thirty seven years ago and has worked with me for most of my career. We know the company and its Three Hundred and Forty plus employees are in good hands with our friend and co-worker Guy Viti. I’m sure there will be many new and exciting developments for the company under the ownership of Mr. Viti,' Gary Philipson said in a news release announcing the sale.
In that same release, Viti thanked the Philipson's and said he had great plans for the company's nine locations. ''The best is yet to come,'' Viti said.
Herb Philipson's Army and Navy Stores opened in 1951 in Rome, NY and currently operate nine locations in Rome, New Hartford, Oneida, Herkimer, Liverpool, Newark, Oswego, DeWitt and Watertown.


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in order to better promote the enterprise talent exchange, intensify training business talents, improve business competitiveness, Trade Development Bureau of Ministry of Commerce held in Beijing in April 23rd 12335 school enterprise docking activities and school enterprise exchanges". Foreign trade university professor Wang Jian said at the meeting, the future cross-border e-commerce from B2C to B2B, the whole system and logistics system may need to be changed, the policy should be from the so-called retail or B2C more to encourage B2B.
activities organized by the Ministry of Commerce Foreign Trade Development Bureau, Xinhua news agency, the economic information daily, the theme is to adapt to the new normal economic development of new competitive power to foster foreign trade". The association invited representatives, experts and business representatives, jointly "independent innovation, high-end manufacturing and globalization, service trade and culture go out" and "new pattern of cross-border e-commerce and other key industries and hot issues in the current foreign trade carried out extensive and in-depth exchanges, analyzes the direction and path of enterprise the innovation of new form of foreign trade, mode of development and the problem of cross-border e-commerce, discusses the new requirements of business personnel training, and achieved positive results.
experts pointed out that in the new form of foreign trade, on the one hand through a variety of policies to actively support exports, had a more significant effect; on the other hand, through various forms to intensify training business talents for enterprises, especially Small and micro businesses to participate in international competition to provide personnel protection, is China’s foreign trade transformation problem to accelerate the upgrade.
in the "independent innovation, high-end manufacturing and global forum, Beijing micro YAGE (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. strategy director Guo Shanghua believes that the transformation and upgrading to foreign trade enterprises, cannot do without innovation, but investors need more depth strategic participation," this thing by an enterprise, by a the gun dry up". For independent innovation, Shengrui transmission deputy general manager Chen Peng believes that independent innovation is the basis of collaborative innovation is to support, "now many enterprises can not achieve the industry, especially the industrial chain collaboration on the worrying."
talked about the service trade and culture to go out, clear production planning research institute writer Li Ji believes that Chinese culture to go out and set sail again, need to find a good carrier. The next step is to go out of Chinese culture, China to become a cultural power, which will inevitably involve the role of financial capital.
in the new pattern of cross-border e-commerce sub forum, Wang Jian believes that policy, law and regulation, which occupies a very important factor in the cross-border electricity supplier. The future development of cross-border e-commerce may be manifested in the space: from B2C to B2B, model innovation is still focused on the integration of intensive and integrated business model from the transaction to collaborative services. Future policy guidance should be more from the so-called retail or B2C to encourage B2B.
small Benniao network of cross-border platform CEO Liu Yin said that cross-border electricity heat basically belongs to the heat, but add fuel to the flames "from the entire industry, but also save >


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By Megan Doyle
The rise of instant payments has the potential to benefit all involved parties, as well as the economy as a whole. A full transition will, of course, take time, but here is where payments could be heading.1
According to a 2018 PYMNTS study, nearly 70 percent of workers surveyed expressed a desire for shorter pay periods, with nearly a quarter interested in being paid as their money is earned.2 The main two reasons were so they could pay their bills and better manage their cash flow. Separately, another expert corroborates the findings, saying that instant money transfers are particularly appealing to younger employees and the large majority of U.S. workers living paycheck to paycheck3 —which a CareerBuilder survey pegs at 78 percent.4
The ability to provide faster payments represents a win-win for both businesses and workers. One survey found that people are nearly twice as likely to apply for a job that pays daily, bolstering a company’s ability to compete for talent. Faster payments could result in happier employees and, therefore, less turnover.5 And in the freelance-based gig economy, where faster payments are becoming more popular, 84 percent of gig-working professionals said they would work more if they were paid faster.6
Indeed, faster payments are particularly enticing for gig workers, who typically get paid per individual job. Digital marketplaces, which are on the rise as a dominant source of finding gigs, also is making it easier for workers to be paid online. Several instant money transfer solutions have come to fruition particularly for gig-based workers.7
For example, for a small fee, food and grocery delivery service Postmates enables its gig workers to instantly receive their earnings instead of waiting four-to-seven days for their scheduled paystubs to be delivered via ACH.8 Similarly, ride-share companies Uber and Lyft both offer instant payment possibilities for their drivers. And payroll company ADP recently teamed with a technology company to provide a way for its customers to offer daily pay options to their workers.9
Faster payments for employees are making strides in the typical nine-to-five economy, too. For example, more than 200,000 Walmart workers signed up for the company’s new instant payments program within the first six months of its release. The program lets employees receive up to eight free instant payments per year for up to 50 percent of their wages already earned during a standard two-week pay period.10
Behind the scenes, some payment organizations are using new technology for programs that give merchants instant access to the funds generated by credit and debit card sales. Doing so involves eliminating the holding step used by the payments industry to assess risk and, instead, using AI-based technology to evaluate the likelihood of fraud in real time. If no risk is detected, money can be transferred instantly.11
A 2016 NACHA survey found that 82 percent of U.S. workers were already being paid electronically through direct deposit, with many businesses outsourcing payroll duties since managing tax and insurance deductions can be complicated.12 Given most employees are used to this decades-old method, getting them comfortable with changing over to instant payment systems, despite the benefits, could take some time, experts say.
Another potential obstacle is the process of validating the time-card systems of traditional payroll systems, especially for larger companies that must deal with more risk management and data flow issues. Instant money transfer technologies must also be able to verify that paycheck recipients are who they claim to be, say experts.13
However, as technology evolves and AI and automation systems mature, instant money transfers for employees may become status quo.14 Financial institutions appear to be growing more comfortable with the prospect, too: Nearly 90 percent of banks expressed interest in real-time payments in 2018, up from just over 50 percent in 2017.15
Instant money transfers have been on the radar in a variety of industries, but as gig workers get paid quicker, traditional hourly employees may begin to expect the same convenience. Changes to the traditional two-week pay cycle may be imminent as organizations inside and outside the gig economy make strides to pay their workers faster.
Megan Doyle is a business technology writer and researcher based in Wantagh, NY, whose work focuses primarily on financial services technology.
1. “A World Where Every Day is Pay Day,” Payments Journal; https://www.paymentsjournal.com/a-world-where-every-day-is-pay-day/
2. How Will We Pay: A Week In The Life Of The Connected Consumer, PYMNTS; https://www.pymnts.com/how-we-will-pay/
3. “How faster payments could kill the two-week pay cycle,” Payments Source; https://www.paymentssource.com/news/how-faster-payments-could-kill-the-two-week-pay-cycle
4. “Living Paycheck to Paycheck is a Way of Life for Majority of U.S. Workers,” CareerBuilder; http://press.careerbuilder.com/2017-08-24-Living-Paycheck-to-Paycheck-is-a-Way-of-Life-for-Majority-of-U-S-Workers-According-to-New-CareerBuilder-Survey
5. “Happy Employees Stay Longer,” DailyPay; https://www.dailypay.com
6. Gig Economy Index: January 2019, PYMNTS; https://www.pymnts.com/gig-economy-index/
7. Gig Economy Index: January 2019, PYMNTS; https://www.pymnts.com/gig-economy-index/
8. “Visa, Postmates Give Gig Workers Instant Pay,” PYMNTS; https://www.pymnts.com/digital-payments/2018/visa-postmates-gig-economy-freelance-worker-wages/
9. “2019: The Year Of Instant Payments,” PYMNTS.com; https://www.pymnts.com/news/payment-methods/2019/instant-faster-disbursements-gig-economy/
12. “New NACHA Survey Shows Adoption and Awareness of Direct Deposit via ACH Continues to Build, NACHA; https://www.nacha.org/news/new-nacha-survey-shows-adoption-and-awareness-direct-deposit-ach-continues-build
13. “How faster payments could kill the two-week pay cycle,” Payments Source; https://www.paymentssource.com/news/how-faster-payments-could-kill-the-two-week-pay-cycle


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Amid the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said the island nation will not receive shipments of petrol, diesel and crude oil, scheduled for this week and next...Know More
India's smartphone market registered a year-over-year (YoY) decline of 12 per cent in 3Q21 (Jul-Sep), shipping 48 million...Know More
There is always a trust issue with new brands, popular smartphone brands like Xiaomi and realme entered the laptop market in India last...Know More
Tech giant Apple has the biggest profit in the handset business as it captured 75 per cent of the overall handset market operating...Know More
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It’s fun posting Beer-fies on Instagram and Snapchat while on vacation, but you may want to skip these when travelling in Thailand.
I know, I know. Thailand has one of the most craziest party scene, ironically though the country has strict laws that try to regulate the promotion of alcohol, including one that requires clubs and bars shut down at midnight, and a “sin tax” that applies to cigarettes and booze. And, ICYMI it is actually illegal to advertise booze in Thailand. Hence, if you take a photo with your beer and post it on IG, this could get you into trouble.
Alcohol companies have been getting around this law since 2008, tapping influencers to promote their product on social media, but recently authorities announced that they will begin patrolling social media for any images or videos that promote drinking.
You can get fined up to $1, 500 for posting a photo of your drink on IG, as it could be interpreted as an endorsement of alcohol, which encourages others to drink when they see it. Earlier this month, a number of Thai celebrities were arrested for such offense as well as several girls who work at a bar after making an FB live video inviting people to drop by for a beer promotion.
Yikes! Unless you want to be featured on the next episode of Locked Up Abroad better stick to posting Pad Thai instead. lol
But don’t let this discourage you from visiting Thailand, believe me, this country has a lot to offer!


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Victoria's Secret's website violates New Jersey consumer laws, lawsuit says
Victoria’s Secret's website is accused of being in violation of New Jersey consumer-protection laws because of language in a legal disclaimer contained there.
The lawsuit, filed April 17 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, alleges that the L Brands lingerie brand through its "Site Terms, Conditions And Notices" section imposes illegal limitations on consumer rights, in violation of New Jersey law.
Plaintiff Bronwyn Nahas made several purchases from the Victoria’s Secret website on Nov. 22, 2015, according to the filing, which made her subject to the website's terms and conditions. In the suit, she contends those terms violate her state's consumer laws.
The website has a liability disclaimer that says, “in no event will Victoria’s Secret be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages for use of the site or any other hyperlinked websites."
Victoria’s Secret website terms also state that Ohio law applies to all transactions. The suit also takes the company to task for placing the language in the middle of a paragraph, where it is not clear and conspicuous, also in violation of New Jersey law.
New Jersey’s Truth-in-Consumer Contract, Warranty and Notice Act prohibits businesses from entering into consumer contracts that contain provisions that violate any part of New Jersey law.
Officials at Columbus-based L Brands had no comment on the suit.


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The drop in packaging recovery note (PRN) prices, following the publication of Q2 packaging recycling and export data, has continued as expected. Plastic, steel and aluminium PRNs, in particular, have fallen significantly since July in response to the positive recycling data which revealed that we remain in good stead to meet our 2016 targets.
Chris Taylor, Clarity Environmental Commercial Manager, said of the month’s PRN trading: “We’ve enjoyed an excellent period of trade following softening prices across all markets throughout September. Plastic, steel and aluminium prices have fallen significantly in the wake of such strong recycling performance. Steel and plastic markets have experienced turbulent times in recent years, but with both grades well on the way to hitting their targets, this year is revealing a very different story.”
Chris continued that prices are likely to remain steady with the next publication of recycling data: “Quarter 3 data will be released in late October and we expect to see a strong return. Whilst we are always mindful that external factors can force sudden changes to the market, there is currently no reason to believe that the massive hike in prices seen in the last quarter of 2015 will be repeated this year.”
Forthcoming changes to mixed paper PRNs were announced last month following a consultation between Defra, the Advisory Committee on Packaging (ACP), the Confederation of Paper Industries and the Recycling Association. Just over one third of mixed papers will count as packaging materials in the PRN system after new research into the paper grade. Coming into force from 1 January 2017, under the new rules more paper PRNS can be issued by accredited reprocessors and exporters, increasing from 23 per cent to 34.5 per cent. Around 200,000 additional mixed paper PRNs are expected to be supplied by reprocessors and exporters in 2017.
Clarity has been buying and selling packaging recovery notes (PRNs) since our business started in 2002. We are now one of the largest and most experienced open market traders of PRNs. To talk to our team about buying or selling any grade of packaging recovery note (PRN), contact us on 0845 129 7177.


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Google Wallet Sees Surge in Usage Alongside Apple Pay Launch
Increased consumer interest in NFC mobile payments related to Apple's recent launch of its Apple Pay mobile payment service appears to be having benefits for other services as well, reports Ars Technica. A major beneficiary of this new consumer awareness of mobile transactions is Google Wallet, which reportedly has seen a marked increase in usage over the past few months.
NFC-based mobile payments have had a boost in recent months, possibly thanks to the launch of Apple Pay, which was announced in September. Now, a person with knowledge of the matter tells Ars that Google Wallet, which launched back in 2011 and saw tepid success in the ensuing three years, has had considerable growth in the last couple of months. According to our source, weekly transactions have increased by 50 percent, and in the recent couple of months, new users have nearly doubled compared to the previous month.
Apple launched its mobile payment service in October with the support of major retailers and credit card companies. The service logged over 1 million card activations in the first three days of usage with overall positive reviews.
The Apple Pay launch was not without controversy with both CVS and Rite Aid suspending their mobile payments shortly after the service made its official debut, moves that affected not only Apple Pay but all NFC-based payment services including Google Wallet.
The two pharmacy chains, along with a number of other major retailers, are developing a competing service, CurrentC, which as currently implemented uses QR codes and an app to process transactions. The shutting down of NFC at these retailers has even resulted in an alliance between Android and iOS users on Reddit to boycott retailers involved in the CurrentC effort.
Apple is aiming to hold its first fall event on Wednesday, September 7, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The event will focus on the iPhone 14 models and the Apple Watch Series 8.
The standard iPhone 14 models are expected to get few changes, but the iPhone 14 Pro models will include updated camera technology, the removal of the notch in favor of a pill-shaped and hole-punch cutout, an A16...
Apple today released iOS and iPadOS 15.6.1, minor updates to the iOS and iPadOS 15 operating systems initially released in September 2021. iOS 15.6.1 and iPadOS 15.6.1 come a month after Apple released iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6 with new Live Sports features and bug fixes.
The iOS 15.6.1 and iPadOS 15.6.1 updates can be downloaded for free and the software is available on all eligible devices...
Apple's rumored 10th-generation iPad is currently in production and will feature "major" design changes, according to a report from Taiwanese website DigiTimes.
A mockup of the potential 10th-generation iPad design by Renders By Shailesh The report did not provide any specific details about the 10th-generation iPad's new design, but rumors suggest the device will feature a larger 10.5-inch...
Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro are finally nearing launch, with a release expected later this year. If you are considering upgrading to the new AirPods Pro once they are released, keep reading for a list of five new features to expect.
In addition to all-new features, the second-generation AirPods Pro will likely adopt some features added to the standard AirPods last year.
It's crazy to think about, but next month will mark five years since Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 3. Despite being a severely antiquated smartwatch, the Series 3 has remained at the bottom of Apple's lineup for $199.
Suppose you're still holding on to your Apple Watch Series 3. In that case, this article will list all the major new features and changes you'll get if you decide to...
Apple today seeded the sixth betas of upcoming iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the updates coming a week after Apple released the fifth developer betas.
Registered developers can download the iOS and iPadOS 16 profiles from the Apple Developer Center, and once installed, the betas will be available over the air.
iOS 16 introduces a revamped Lock...


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As a late-morning stream of customers lined up at the Darwin’s Ltd. coffee shop in Cambridge, barista Sam White stepped back from the espresso machine and made an announcement.
“Attention customers,” White began, as a hush fell over the shop. “We’re going to take a little break. We apologize to all of you in line for making you wait a little bit extra for your order today, but everything would run much more smoothly here if we had a real say on the job, if we were paid enough. … We hope you understand.”
In a coordinated effort across all four Darwin’s locations, employees emerged from behind the bar and walked out to protest delays in their unionization process. A small group of pro-union workers from other local coffee shops joined them on the sidewalk on Cambridge Street.
Last September, about 36 workers at Darwin’s cafes filed a petition to unionize, hoping to become the second independent coffee chain in Massachusetts to form a union, following a petition by Pavement Coffeehouse workers earlier that year. Workers said management has since been slow to schedule bargaining sessions and reluctant to negotiate a contract — delays that workers describe as a “union-busting tactic.”
Members of the cafe’s organizing committee on Tuesday met with management for their first bargaining session in seven weeks. While that meeting was occurring, Darwin's workers walked out for a simultaneous seven-minute break, a number signifying solidarity with the Memphis Seven, a group of Starbucks employees who were fired while seeking to unionize last month in Memphis. Starbucks has denied that those firings were related to the union effort.
“Management has stalled and has been refusing to engage and respond to our proposals,” White said. “We know that the only thing that’s going to make them listen is if we show that we are ready to act as a union, as one. That’s what today represents.”
Workers at Darwin's are in contract negotiations for a union right now -- they say management has been stalling negotiations, in protest, all shops are taking a simultaneous 7 minute break in solidarity with the #memphis7 @GBHNews @nejbUNITEHERE pic.twitter.com/YmZfwBuZWQ— Tori Bedford (@Tori_Bedford) March 29, 2022
Darwin’s owner Steve Darwin, who met with workers Tuesday for contract negotiations, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“If the Union has a written support of a majority of our employees, Darwin’s will recognize the Union and begin negotiations for a contract,” the cafe chain said in a social media post in September.
On the sidewalk outside the Cambridge Street shop, workers from Darwin’s stood beside baristas from Pavement Coffeehouse and pro-union Starbucks locations, holding signs reading “a living wage before tips” and “rebuild the labor movement.”
A growing number of workers in the coffee shop industry have coordinated efforts across Massachusetts, with members represented by unions including NEJB Unite Here, Workers United and others.
“We are one industry, and having the support from coffee workers all around Boston is just really important to show that solidarity and help out where we can,” said Angie Muse, a barista at Pavement’s Allston location. “We all communicate with each other in case anybody needs anything, or for instances like this.”
Ty Nolan, a barista at a Starbucks location in Lower Allston that began an effort to form a union last January, said efforts to unionize vary between small and large stores. He critized delays in reaching agreements on union contracts.
“While [Darwin’s] union was immediately recognized, they've still been facing forms of union busting through the negotiation process,” Nolan said. “If they're going to show solidarity with us, I think it's really important we stand with them as well.”


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To celebrate the launch of the all-new MX-5 roadster at the Festival of Speed, Mazda is turning Goodwood’s Stable Yard into a four day open-air music festival with an incredible line-up of new artists hosted by 6 Music’s Tom Ravenscroft.
Called “Raise the Roof”, all the music talent has a similar ethos to Mazda, each with its own unconventional approach. Visitors to the Stable Yard (to the left of Goodwood House as you look at it) will discover new bands and interact with the record-breaking roadster (coming up to one million global sales since it was launched in 1989) in ways you’d never expect. For example, visitors can literally make their own music by playing the car.
Claire Andrews, Marketing Director at Mazda, said: ‘We want to share that euphoric feeling you experience when driving the MX-5: top down, foot down and volume up.’
There’s also a chance to win an all-new Mazda MX-5 for the weekend when you take part in one of the music activations in Stable Yard. It certainly promises to be a break from the automotive norm at FoS.


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Ag Growth International (AGI) opens a new innovation center in Manitoba, Canada. The new center provides 1161,2 square meter of office, shop and storage area and will be the hub for developing standardized agricultural products amongst AGI’s equipment catalogue.
Leading manufacturer of portable and stationary grain handling, storage and conditioning equipment, AGI’s new innovation center opened its doors in July and offers their Research & Development team a collaborative environment allowing the team to develop and test cutting edge technology to better serve the agricultural industry in the world. Located in Manitoba, a state of Canada, the new facility offers over 12,500 square feet of office, shop and storage space..
The AGI Innovation Centre will be the hub for developing standardized agricultural products amongst AGI’s entire equipment catalogue. This commitment to quality has helped AGI become one of the leading manufacturers of grain handling, conditioning and storage equipment.
“Bringing this group of top engineers together at the Innovation Centre will significantly enhance new product development for all of the AGI brands. Innovation is a top priority at AGI and a key investment that separates our products and brands from a very competitive landscape. We are committed to investing in production, innovation and customer service to deliver an industry leading customer experience. This new Innovation Centre marks a dedication to continue to produce new products, improvements to existing products as well as improvements to production processes that deliver higher quality products for our customers,” said Tim Close, President of AGI.


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SOURCING THE BEST CARRIER/AIRPORT CONNECTIONS
Sourcing the best airport connection can be tough when big-name companies such as Amazon Air continue to announce expansions to create and delegate more space for operations. As a prime example, Amazon Air is aggressively taking over regions in the Midwest and South through increased fulfillment centers and expanding air cargo capabilities.
Back in December, Amazon Air confirmed the expansion investment of the Chicago Rockford Airport region by 120,000 square feet to make room for an additional eight-plus planes. The quickly growing logistics network Amazon prides itself in is provided with all the tools needed to continue leveraging growth momentum. Additionally, the company is not afraid to call out the need for the potential threat the expansion poses to competitors UPS and FedEx by adding that such competitive disruption is necessary.
Additionally, Amazon announced plans to expand its network in the Lone Star State at the Lonestar Dallas Air Hub, projecting “to handle multiple flights daily” that “will be tailored specifically to Amazon Air’s larger-scale regional needs.” A Morgan Stanley report estimates that “Amazon’s volumes moving onto Amazon Air are costing UPS/FDX Air roughly 200-300 bps of volume growth.”
Consider the substantial air-cargo growth reported for Budapest Airport. Most recently, the Central European hub confirmed record rates of double-digit growth for three years straight. It seems every time Budapest Airport makes the news, it’s to report on higher growth rates from before.
“These latest figures are exciting as they represent three years of uninterrupted double-digit growth at the airport,” says René Droese, Budapest Airport’s director of Property and Cargo. “We are focusing all our efforts to make good use of the ideal conditions in Budapest and turn Liszt Ferenc International Airport into a major cargo logistics hub for the Central-Eastern European region. For this, we are establishing appropriate technical, security and traffic conditions; the relevant projects entered the phase of implementation last year, and we can successfully complete them this year. As a first step we handed over a 16,000 m2 new cargo warehouse and office capacity for our integrator partners in 2017; their traffic has been constantly developing for years.”
To continue these significant growth rates for 2019, the airport is preparing a new cargo apron to house and simultaneously operate two Boeing B-747-8F freighters.
“The combined value of this development effort in 2019 reaches EUR46 million and is financed by Budapest Airport itself,” Droese notes. “Our goal is to deliver, by the end of this year, an ideal cargo infrastructure for all segments of our well-balanced customer portfolio, for full freighters, belly cargo, integrators and roader feeder trucking, too.”
The common denominator is proactive efforts to leverage and increase the momentum before it’s too late. Key considerations include regional advantages, current and potential partnerships, operational efficiencies and even integrating technology solutions that streamline communications and transports.
“Rising demand is illustrated by the fact that last year a number of widebody and jumbo freighters were being loaded at the airport each day, including Boeing B-747s operated by Cargolux, AirBridgeCargo and Silk Way West, and Airbus A300s, A310s, A330s used by Turkish Cargo and Qatar Airways Cargo,” Droese says.
Many might recall the June 2018 Air Cargo Advance Screening Program mandating foreign shipments to be subject to providing a laundry list of pre-arrival cargo data when the U.S. is the final destination, per measures from the Department of Homeland Security. Strict screenings such as these have been implemented globally, as recently reported for Dubai Customs, which prides itself on significant progress in performance due to the advanced infrastructure as well as supportive government policies assisting in facilitating global trade efforts. The success is also paired with a proactive approach involving careful evaluation and research of trade trends.
Director of Dubai Customs, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, explains: “We have an integrated strategy in place to develop the external trade performance further following the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, and along with the guidelines of Dubai Plan 2021 and the UAE Centennial 2071. We are watching closely the changes taking place in the international trade and we will turn challenges into opportunities by entering new markets and expanding our existing ones.”
More recently, however, Dubai Customs reported several cases where significant smuggling attempts were stopped because of the diligence and seamless communication strategies in place. One report identified 922 successfully prevented smuggling attempts, of which 38.5 percent were drug contrabands. Even more interesting is the time-frame the attempts occurred: between January and September of 2018.
“Thanks to our inspectors’ vigilance, we are closely in full control of all checkpoints,” explains Ibrahim Al Kamali, Dubai Customs’ director of Passenger Operations. “Our inspection officers receive the best training on body language and different types of drugs, and how to distinguish fake brands from genuine ones.”
“There are challenges facing customs authorities in countries that have strategic locations,” Musabih points out. “Dubai is not an exception. It’s strategically located between East and West, and it has spent billions of dirhams to develop its infrastructure, ports and airports.
“The Emirate has also provided an unprecedented host of services and products, including the iDeclare application which significantly reduces passengers’ time needed to declare different belongings. These advanced services will facilitate passengers’ entry into the country.”
From security and trust to reliability and competition, sourcing the best carrier and airport connection needs to align with customer needs, the types of products being transported, and compliance efforts for the region. Just because an airline is associated with a big brand does not guarantee a seamless transport of goods.
Conduct necessary research and review updated reports to learn and identify an airline’s strengths and areas of improvement. No two carriers are the same, and the options available depend on the amount of knowledge you have going in and what fits your long-term and short-term needs. Consider the partnerships involved with the airline of your choice and how these partnerships create competitive advantage. If you can’t identify what makes a carrier or airline significant, it might be time to reconsider market options.