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Market Update: September 14, 2017
Ocean and air freight rates and trends for the week of September 14, 2017.
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Ocean Freight Market Updates: September 14, 2017
Peak season brings volatile rates
Rates are generally steady or increasing slightly, and space remains very tight from Asia to the U.S. It’s important to book your shipments at least 2 weeks in advance, especially for Asia - U.S. West Coast and India - U.S. West Coast shipments. Read more peak season tips here.
Prepare for Golden Week
China will celebrate Golden Week October 1-8. Factories will be closed during this period.
If you’re shipping via ocean and want your cargo to arrive in time for the winter holidays, you should be sure to book your shipments prior to Golden Week. Read more about how to prepare for Golden Week here.
Hurricane Irma recovery
All terminals at impacted ports -- Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah, and Charleston -- have reopened and are fully operational.
Air Freight Market Updates: September 14, 2017
Air rates are still high, and capacity is still tight
International air cargo market demand growth remains strong at 13%, which is well above the ten-year worldwide average of 3%. Meanwhile, international capacity growth stalled at 4%. This supply/demand imbalance is keeping rates high.
Government restrictions on new routes / additional flights out of Shanghai and Beijing have exacerbated the capacity shortage in China.
What’s driving demand: economic growth, product launches, and e-commerce
Amidst a climate of strong global economic growth, e-commerce continues to expand. Many tech products are launching, which will take up a lot of valuable space -- especially the iPhone, which will further constrain capacity out of Shanghai.
Rates will increase after Golden Week
Peak season is hitting early this year, prior to Golden Week (Oct. 1 - 8). We expect to see rates increase after the holiday.
Asia-Europe is seeing increased demand
Demand for Asia-Europe air freight has grown in the double digits in all but 2 of the past 11 months, and is catching up to capacity. Prices are rising.
Other Freight Market Updates: September 14, 2017
Congestion and chassis shortages at the Port of Houston
The Port of Houston was closed for a week due to Hurricane Harvey, and they are now working through the backlog of vessels (and they’re doing so around the clock, unloading an average of 2-3 vessels per day!). Because there are so many containers, they’re being stacked higher than normal, which requires extra retrieval time upon pickup.
In addition, Houston is experiencing a serious chassis shortage. After Harvey, thousands of chassis were pulled for inspection, to ensure that they still meet safety standards. At the same time, there’s a drastic increase in traffic as the port is working to catch up.
Factory closures in China
Thousands of factories have shut down in China after a series of inspections by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. At this point, the closures are concentrated in Jilin, Shandong, Zhejiang, Chengdu, and Chongqing; factories in Guangzhou will soon be impacted as well. Read more about the closures here.


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November 11, 2018 — Samsung “Galaxy F” foldable phone could be ungodly expensive
After this week’s Samsung Developer Conference gave us our first look at Samsung’s foldable displays, analysts are starting to tell us how much it might cost, and the price one told The Korea Times is not for the faint of heart. Are you sitting down?
2 million won. That’s how much a head brokerage researcher thinks the “Galaxy F” could approximately cost before carrier subsidies. That comes out to about $1,770 in US currency, and for that money you could buy:
- 1 Google Pixel 3 and 1 Google Pixel 3 XL
- 3 OnePlus 6Ts and 3 Bullets Wireless headphones
- 7 Moto G 6’s
- 35 Google Home Mini
Scary as that number is on its own, I think what’s scarier is that with smartphone prices rising higher and higher the last two years, this number might not be as over-inflated as it seems. Samsung’s Infinity Flex display has taken years of costly research and refinement, and the price tag of the first Samsung phone to take use it will no doubt reflect it.
We’re still months away from the release of the Galaxy X or Galaxy F or whatever the name may be, and prices — and the global economies that drive them — can change a lot before then.
November 7, 2018 — Samsung details the specs for its Galaxy X foldable phone
Samsung showed off its foldable phone earlier today, and now the manufacturer has detailed some of the key aspects of the device. As noted by CNET‘s Shara Tibken, the Galaxy X has a fold-out design that transforms the phone into a tablet, with the phone part featuring a 21:9 4.58-inch screen with a resolution of 1960 x 840.
In tablet mode, the screen extends to 7.3 inches with a ratio of 4.2:3 and a resolution of 2152 x 1356. The pixel density in both modes is 420 ppi.
November 7, 2018 — Samsung is working with Google to develop guidelines for foldable devices
Samsung is partnering with Google to create developer guidelines for the “best experience” on foldable devices. In the short-term, Samsung will release an emulator that will let devs test how Android 9 Pie-based apps behave with changing screen sizes.
Starting with next year’s Android Q, Google will add support for foldable and multi-screen devices, and there will be an AOSP emulator that will allow for more fine-tuned testing.
November 7, 2018 — Samsung shows off its foldable display tech for the first time
The Samsung Developer Conference 2018 was held today, and while we didn’t get an actual product announcement for a foldable smartphone, we did see a live demo of how the foldable screen tech works.
Samsung’s calling its foldable panel “Infinity Flex,” and during the opening keynote, we saw a live demo of a device built with Infinity Flex. The gadget itself was hidden in a large case as to not reveal its actual design, but what we did see is that Infinity Flex has one display on the front, and when opened up, reveals a large 7.3-inch panel that’s not interrupted by any black bars or bezels.
Google’s already announced native Android support for foldable devices, and apps will be able to transition seamlessly from both the inside and outside of the display based on what you’re doing.
Mass production for Infinity Flex will begin on the coming phones, so while we’ll have to wait a little while longer before we can purchase one ourselves, we’re a heck of a lot closer to the long-awaited Galaxy X than ever before.
November 5, 2018 — Samsung begins teasing its upcoming foldable phone
They did it. They finally did it! After years of endless back and forth rumors, Samsung’s officially begun marketing for its upcoming foldable phone.
If you take a look at Samsung Mobile’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, you’ll see that the profile picture has been changed to show the Samsung logo folded underneath itself — obviously hinting at the foldable Galaxy X smartphone.
It’s still unclear when exactly the Galaxy X will be announced, but a report from late last week claimed we’d learn more about the phone at Samsung’s developer conference that’s taking place on November 7 and 8.
October 12, 2018 — Samsung’s foldable phone will basically be a pocketable tablet
The folks at CNET recently had a chance to speak with DJ Koh (Samsung’s head of mobile) about the upcoming Galaxy X, and during their conversation, Koh offered some further details about what we can expect from the upcoming foldable phone.
Per CNET‘s article:
DJ Koh, CEO of Samsung’s mobile business, said you’ll be able to use the device as a tablet with multitasking capability before being able to fold it up into a more portable phone.
We’ve been expecting that the Galaxy X will offer more screen real estate compared to traditional phones, so it’ll be interesting to see how close of a tablet experience it really is able to offer.
The Galaxy X is still scheduled to arrive at some point before 2018 is over, so stay tuned.
September 4, 2018 — Samsung confirms a folding phone will be launched this year
While there’s been no doubt that Samsung’s working on a foldable smartphone, one detail we haven’t had a definite answer on is when the thing will be released. That’s now changing, however, as the company’s CEO of its mobile division — DJ Kohn — confirmed to CNBC that a folding phone will launch at some point this year.
Koh told CNBC that “it’s time to deliver” and that Samsung has “nearly concluded” its development of the phone. We’re still uncertain how exactly the foldable nature will be implemented, but during IFA in Berlin, Kohn went on record saying:
You can use most of the uses … on foldable status. But when you need to browse or see something, then you may need to unfold it. But even unfolded, what kind of benefit does that give compared to the tablet? If the unfolded experience is the same as the tablet, why would they (consumers) buy it? So every device, every feature, every innovation should have a meaningful message to our end customer. So when the end customer uses it, they think ‘wow, this is the reason Samsung made it’.
July 18, 2018 — Galaxy X reported to fold in the shape of a wallet, might cost over $1,500
A report from The Wall Street Journal surfaced this morning outlining a few key details we can expect from the Galaxy X. When describing the design of the phone, part of the report notes that:
The screen can be folded in half, like a wallet, these people said. When folded, the exterior of the phone boasts a small display bar on the front and cameras in the back, they added.
Furthermore, it’s said that the Galaxy X has a screen that measures in at 7-inches diagonally.
As for pricing and availability, WSJ notes that the Galaxy X has “taken on a greater sense of urgency in recent months” and that its price tag could reach well beyond $1,500. The phone’s expected to be released at some point in early 2019.

domain: news


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Devita Saraf, CEO, Vu Technologies, announced its all-new online store for Vu, vustore.com, which focusses on selling directly to customers.
Nothing beats the experience of watching a movie or show on a big screen, in the comfort of your own bedroom or living room. The last two years have shown us that entertainment ranks high on our list of priorities as we work from home or spend time indoors, particularly when it comes to millennials and Gen Z-ers. Both believe in investing in the best experiences while keeping an eye on their pocket. Keeping this in mind, Vu Televisions has filled the gap for affordable luxury in this segment with a bang, with the vision to make 43-inch televisions the new norm.
Moreover, as shopping online becomes the first choice for both Gen Z and millennials nationwide, the company is now catering to them directly through vustore.com, launched on December 1, 2021. vustore.com has installed more than 10,000 TVs to their direct customers within a short span of time. Of these, 93% of the Vu premium TVs were installed the same day they were delivered. Since a lot of the youth are working in the daytime and are available only late evening, Vu TV has taken customer service to the next level by installing TVs as per the customer’s requirement anytime of the day or late evening.
Vu Televisions being an aspirational brand amongst the youth, customers from across India, even from remote locations have ordered Vu TVs from Vustore.com. At this rate, the Vu TV brand is delivering and installing around 20 TVs per hour, which is significantly high for a D2C vertical.
The Vu TV brand believes that the time has come when the 43-inch television will replace 32-inch screens. The brand’s 43-inch 4K TVs are available at an unbelievable price of Rs 24,999, which is currently the ongoing price of FHD TVs, while its 43-inch FHD TVs come for Rs 20,999. Vu Televisions is expected to add its other range of TVs on Vustore.com considering the demand from customers.
As Vustore.com sets out to be the most high-end direct-to-consumer platform in India, with the average selling price per unit of Rs.20,000, it comes with the promise of “the best prices, faster delivery, 100% genuine products, luxury company service, faster installation and guided shopping”.
As a pioneer in providing the best big screen experience with the best-selling segment of the 43-inch with Full HD and 4K TVs, Vu is poised to take over the market share of smaller sizes in the industry.
Stated Devita Saraf, Chairperson and CEO, Vu Televisions, “Ever since we started the company, Vu has been a youth favourite. However, during the lockdown, I received hundreds of messages on social media from young people across the country asking to make our products more affordable and accessible. Today’s Gen-Z and millennial buyers are the most informed, intelligent and connected generation in history. We’ve taken their requests seriously and launched a platform that addresses their needs without compromising on the luxury brand experience that Vu is famous for. Our hardworking youth deserves the best brand, product and service, and we at Vu take this as our motivation to launch our D2C platform http://www.vustore.com and build it into a Rs 500 crore business in 2022.”
Vu Televisions, the largest selling TV brand in the large size 4K TVs, has consolidated TV sales of Rs 5,000 crore with over 30 lakhs TVs sold in India. Presently, the range of Vu TVs available in the market are for customers to choose from include The Vu Masterpiece QLED TV, Vu Cinema TV Action Series and Vu Premium TV.
Recognised for the industry’s best customer service with its ISO 9001-certified 24×7 customer support centre, the new Vu Experience at Vustore.com will enable nationwide customers to browse with ease and shop with confidence, as the brand has always been customer-oriented and makes sure it exceeds customers’ expectations. In the world of automation and bots, the brand feels the need to help its consumer by giving the experience a human touch, through its guided shopping with personalised assistance via chats and calls. Vu will also notify all its customers via WhatsApp about the order and delivery status.
With 15 million TVs being sold in the Indian market every year, the Vu online store expects to sell 25,000 TVs worth Rs 60 crore during the initial phase of the D2C launch. The brand thus projects its D2C business to cross Rs 500 crore in revenue in 2022.
Established in 2006, Vu Televisions is self-funded and one of the only 100% debt-free and profitable companies in the consumer tech industry. The Vu TV brand owes this to the successful balance of its distribution across offline and online platforms, with a 50-50 ratio strategy. With Vu TV’s excellent quality product, added to the best customer service and experience in the industry, Vu TVs takes pride in its 97% customer repeat ratio.


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Can Cannabis Prevent Coronavirus? Inside of Brand-New Canadian Analyze
Could 18, 2020
This is unquestionably a fascinating advancement.
Considering the fact that coronavirus mostly effects the respiratory system, until eventually now, Medical doctors have believed that cigarette smoking nearly anything — such as pot — could put persons in danger. But Imagine if the alternative is https://www.washingtonpost.com/newssearch/?query=weed delivery los angeles in fact real? According to a different examine out of Canada, marijuana could truly support reduce COVID-19, and the outcomes are undoubtedly exciting. So what is the backlink between weed and preventing coronavirus? Can cannabis reduce coronavirus (COVID-19)? This is what we know up to now.
A minimum of a dozen strains of cannabis could possibly be powerful in blocking coronavirus.
In keeping with a examine out in the College of Lethbridge in Calgary statements that, just after learning 400 strains of cannabis, researchers were being capable of recognize at the least 13 strains that might be helpful in blocking COVID-19 from infecting the mouth, intestines, and lungs. “Several them have lessened the quantity of these (virus) receptors by seventy three p.c, the chance of it getting in is way decreased. If they will minimize the amount of receptors, there’s much less possibility of obtaining contaminated," said scientist Dr. Igor Kovalchuk. It works by switching ACE2 ranges. These strains of marijuana would manage to modify ACE2 ranges, that's an enzyme. It could work by maintaining the virus from locating a host in your body, guarding someone who were exposed to a COVID-19 optimistic affected person. This treatment will be helpful through CBD oil, not cigarette smoking.
CBD oil is exactly what's staying studied in this article — not using the strains through using tobacco. Scientists located that these strains would want to become higher in anti-inflammatory cannabinoid cannabidiols, which makes sense, considering the fact that we have listened to a whole lot about how inflammation can Participate in a job in contracting coronavirus as well as severity of the situation. It could be utilised to marijuana delivery service near me produce numerous different at your house treatment plans.
The Blood Style That is Most Vulnerable to Coronavirus
If successful, http://www.thefreedictionary.com/weed delivery los angeles these CBD oils can be employed to provide goods like mouthwash, inhalants, or gel caps, which could all be taken at your home — making a quite accessible and ideally very affordable way to safeguard ourselves https://en.search.wordpress.com/?src=organic&q=weed delivery los angeles and help to lessen the chance of infection throughout substantial populations. The proof nevertheless is just not conclusive, even though. It's also crucial to Notice this proof has not been peer reviewed but, and it's challenging to say needless to say whether or not the conclusions will basically wind up resulting in a preventative item available on the market. Researchers even have nevertheless to determine what ratio of THC to CBD would need for use in these products and solutions, both, so there could however certainly be a good distance to go right before we see these products on shelves — If they at any time make it to cabinets whatsoever.
Smoking cigarettes cannabis (or anything) remains considered harmful during the pandemic.
Regardless of these preventative Qualities, Physicians continue to suggest from smoking cigarettes anything at all at the moment, considering the fact that a weaker lung capability can set people prone to establishing a worse coronavirus an infection. At this stage, that features marijuana, vaping, and standard cigarettes. Ideally, this review is a sign that Great news is on just how.


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News about Jeep may have mainly revolved around the upcoming Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer in the last couple of weeks, but this does not mean the automaker is neglecting its other models.
In fact, there is another vehicle that is gearing up for a refresh for the 2022 model year—the Jeep Compass.
The crossover recently received a new turbocharged engine and dual-clutch automatic transmission when it debuted its 2021 version in Europe. But for the United States market, the model is getting a complete redesign.
Spy photographers recently spotted a Compass prototype while testing and the latest set of images provide a clear look at the most distinct changes on the vehicle.
Most noticeable are the automaker’s iconic seven-slat grille, which is now larger for the Compass, as well as headlights that feature slimmer clusters. The front bumper also seems to have been slightly revised, while the rear end gets new taillight graphics.
Meanwhile, a photo of the interior appears to reveal a larger tablet-style screen for the Compass’ infotainment and navigation system.
It remains to be seen whether Jeep will give the crossover a new powertrain, so customers can expect the return of the 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine for now. It delivers 184 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque while paired to either a six-speed or a nine-speed automatic transmission.
There has been no official announcement on the release of the refreshed Compass, but it is expected to arrive sometime in 2021 as a 2022 model.


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The federal government has been forced into a hasty rewrite of its own budget papers after initially stating that it will “phase out” National ICT Australia, following a recent article in StartupSmart.
From Wayne Swan underestimating company tax receipts to Stephen Conroy overestimating bids at the recent TV spectrum auction, the federal government has come up short. Make sure your business doesn't do the same.
The difficulty of obtaining capital from banks and other lenders means many entrepreneurs resort to borrowing from friends and family. However there are some pros and con that need to be considered – here are five key tips to keep you out of trouble.
As a curious and determined entrepreneur, you are going to take your interest in the Budget a step further and actually go and read the Budget papers yourself.
ANZ has won plaudits for going beyond the Reserve Bank's rate cut to slash 27 basis points from its variable mortgage rate, but businesses will not enjoy the same cut and ANZ will pass on just a 25 basis point cut.
Are you financially prudent? If so, make sure you don't put up with any nonsense about it.
Businesses which entered into interest-free payment arrangements with the Australian Tax Office during the global financial crisis are at risk of being refused funds by lenders, an industry expert has warned.
The Reserve Bank has cut the official cash rate to 2.75% – the lowest since records began in 1959.
The number of companies operating in Australia at a loss has decreased, according to the latest figures from the Australian Taxation Office.
Australian businesses are set to slash their spending to a three-year low in the coming months, amid gloomy sentiment over tight cashflow and tricky trading conditions, according to a new report.
Small and medium-size businesses are most likely to fail because of an inability to manage costs or anticipate rising costs, according to a survey of more than 1000 Australian owners of SMEs.
Bankruptcies are at their lowest level in 17 years, new quarterly figures reveal, but experts fear it's become harder for businesses to chase debtors.
The Westpac Index of Consumer Sentiment dropped by 5.1% in April, despite rises over the past two months and some recent positive economic news.
Shadow communications spokesperson Malcolm Turnbull has unveiled his alternative broadband vision for Australia – here is everything you need to know.
Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about a new virtual currency called Bitcoin. Here are all the basics you need to know – as well as how it will impact you.
Fewer business executives are planning on making capital investments in the June quarter, amid a fall in business expectations.
The federal government has picked three venture capital funds to co-invest at least $200 million into high-growth Australian start-ups via its Innovation Investment Fund.
A Brisbane speciality grocery store is charging browsers $5 if they do not buy anything from the store, after people have been browsing in the store and then going elsewhere to buy their products.
ASIC has released a new version of the electronic payments code, with the old version failing to take into account the myriad of ways consumers now pay for products on different devices.
Freelancer.com founder Matt Barrie recently caused controversy by calling the Australian VC sector “dead”. Is there any truth to his alarming comment?


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- Articles tagged "tesla"
NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang has revealed the cloud capabilities of its newly launched Kepler GPU. He also introduces a slew of hardware and software services built around this capability, effectively building high-performance computing ecosystems with the intention to democratize this technology.
We met with more than a dozen of NVIDIA's top executives at NVIDIA's GTC 2010 and covered quite a bit of updates from GP-GPU computing, Further CUDA notes, where general computing is heading, NVIDIA's processor strategy, Tesla and Tegra platform status and The Next Big Thing for consumers. Find out in this hard-hitting update!
- Alleged photos of an actual LG G4 leak online
- Facebook announces new Messenger Platform centered on content and businesses
- Canon's new 4K camera appears in China
- Amazon now offers unlimited cloud storage for just US$59.99 per year
- Twitter launches Periscope video sharing app
- ASRock releases world’s first mini-ITX X99 motherboard
- Kenneth Cole and Geneva Watch Group announce the launch of the Kenneth Cole Connect Smart Watch Collection
- The MX Master is Logitech's newest flagship wireless mouse


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Emma Watson is becoming a major fashion name. Just last week it was rumoured that Emma is to be the face of Burberry Prorsum next season and now she is the cover girl of uber cool American magazine Interview. She joins the likes of Kate Moss and Marc Jacobs as stars of the Warhol founded publication.
Emma, who recently celebrated her 19th birthday was shot by A-list photographer Nick Knight of ShowStudio for the May issue. She poses with a lip printed veil as the editorial promises to unveil the actress.
I think you'd struggle to find an unattractive image of Emma and her features look amazing in this photo. What do you think of the cover?


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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4 News) The Postal Service will capture a treasured moment in time this weekend by offering a Special Postmark commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
The postmark will be applied free to any item bearing a current First-Class stamp and will be available at the Post Office at Golden Spike National Historical Park this weekend.
“The Postmark combined with the new Transcontinental Railroad Stamps will make for a unique and inexpensive souvenir of this historical event,” said USPS District Manager Michael S. Mirides.
The Transcontinental Railroad stamps are being issued as Forever Stamps, sold in panes of 18. The stamps will be available at Post Offices nationwide beginning May 10 and will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price.


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Advertising technology software has grown in recent years as networks, exchanges and analytics suites have brought targeting, automation and measurement superpowers to advertisers and publishers.
But whereas venture investors poured money into ad tech just two short years ago, the outlook has turned decidedly more bearish. Follow-on rounds have become rarer, debt financing more commonplace, and larger players, like telecommunications and marketing services, are circling to buy up stricken vendors.
The reason is not just market clutter, though it is true that ad tech is embarrassed by so many “me too” software providers. Investors are also seeing something unappealing in the business model that advertising itself has relied upon for years.
Shifting The Model
That is why, in pursuit of the same kind of exit that Moat earned to Oracle, ad tech suppliers are now making a change that other tech firms did some years back — pivoting toward software-as-a-service (SaaS).
While software used to come in cellophane-wrapped boxes that commanded a single and often hefty fee, SaaS applications are hosted online and tend to require a smaller, regular fee, like a monthly subscription. That’s why SaaS spending is now growing five times fasterthan its traditional counterpart, as many IT consumers make the switch.
The ad industry, by contrast, has remained locked into its dominant pricing model for decades. Ad agencies, which buy ad space from publishers on behalf of brands, don’t charge their clients a standard price but rather a revenue-share fee proportionate to the amount of money their client is spending — typically 15 percent or more.
As the ad tech platforms of Silicon Valley have come online to fuel these trades in the digital realm, they have mimicked this same old revenue-share model of Madison Avenue, keeping a further 15 to 30% of brands’ media budgets before any ads are even bought.
Making The Pivot
Advertisers and publishers have long been in the dark about the practice of the revenue-share model, and there are good reasons why they are now clamoring for it to stop. Middlemen looking to hold onto the largest possible slice of their revenue share are more likely to buy cheaper ads for clients than quality inventory, maximizing the amount kept for themselves.
But there are now compelling reasons why the ad tech suppliers serving agencies and advertisers also want to pivot.
A SaaS company is a more resilient one because operating a recurring revenue plan gives founders more predictability about their future business pipeline. That is in contrast to yoyoing between feast and famine in a business that is still subject to the seasonal campaigns of advertisers. As a result, service-based ad tech businesses are now thought of as more solid, more dependable and more appealing to investors and acquirers.
The landscape is shifting. Slowly but surely, ad tech vendors are launching in the service arena, either adding on products or pivoting entirely toward those with which customers can go online to manage their own advertising fortunes for a regular fee.
There are significant advantages to vendors’ bottom lines. Becoming a service doesn’t just mean taking an evergreen paycheck. It also means you empower your customers to manage their own campaigns and results through your platform. No longer is your company solely dependent on employing staff to facilitate ad deals on customers’ behalf.
Now it is SaaS ad tech firms, not incumbents, that are attracting VC dollars again, and which are commanding higher valuations, too.
Look at the sales prices of the platforms still wedded to the revenue-share model, and you will see the tears of founders who did not sell for the sums they had hoped to. There are people like my friend, an ad tech entrepreneur who sold his firm for tens of millions on a lowly 1.25x revenue multiplier, but who could have reaped a 5x or even 6x return had he not deliberately avoided the option to follow the SaaS route.
Making this change will not be easy. Sure, new ad tech suppliers are emerging fresh in the market with SaaS baked in, and incumbent vendors are able to make the necessary tweaks to retool their offerings. Both of these things are happening, and companies like my own have seen the value in services for all strata of the supply chain for a long time.
But pulling the lifeblood of the industry — the advertising buying agencies — along with us will prove more challenging. This is a business that, as a report from the Association of National Advertisers exposed, has long been wedded to an opaque and complex structure of rebates, kickbacks, back-handers and commission fees. However, change is vital. If both brands and their technology suppliers are to make a profitable future, we must ensure that ads are delivered at their service.


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Twitter made public on Tuesday the news that the Twitter App for iOS and Android will be improved to suit best the new smartphone technology.
The improvements consist in adding new features and also in re-introducing the best features from older versions, but they will not be the same for both platforms.
Twitter App for Android will be enhanced to run on Ice Cream Sandwich versions and on Kindle Fire and Nook tablets.
The iPhone users should be more thankful because the iOS Twitter App will better improved, compared to the Android version. Besides the new design of the direct messages and new options added, such as the “Read Later Service” the company also brought to light older options, the most relevant being the possibility to change font size and to mark all messages as read with one single tap of the fingertip.
Both iPhone and Android versions got back the swipe shortcut that enables one to @reply, favorite, share, retweet and see other profiles without leaving he’s own. Twitter App also received a feature that can find one’s friends looking through e-mail or phone contacts.
All in all, even if you are an iPhone passionate or an Android fanatic, using Twitter will certainly be an improved experience.


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At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week, Sprint announced that it was still pushing ahead with its Xohm-branded WiMAX network and that it was working with Amdocs, OQO, ASUS, McAfee and other new partners to launch the service this year. Here's a quick run down of Sprint's latest partners and their role in the Xohm launch:
- Amdocs inked a multi-year agreement with the carrier that includes building and maintaining the Xohm Internet portal, customer relationship management, service activation and provisioning and billing.
- SwapDrive is providing Sprint with a hosted storage solution where Xohm subscribers can secure, organize, manage and access all their user-generated digital content.
- eTelecare Global Solutions is working with Sprint to provide voice and e-support customer care services.
- McAfee is set to implement online security products for PCs used on the Xohm WiMAX network.
- OQO has pledged to embed WiMAX wireless capability in an ultra mobile PC (UMPC) so it can run on Sprint's network this year.
- ASUSTek also plans to create a line of WiMAX-embedded devices, which should hit the market this year.
- Zyxel and chip supplier Sequans have announced a collaboration to produce a WiMAX modem subscriber device.
- Finally, Soho Square, a WPP company, has been named the advertising agency of record to help launch the Xohm brand in North America.
For more on Sprint's Xohm launch:
- read this press release
Sprint's WiMAX service to be branded "Xohm" Article
Sprint outlines Xohm WiMAX plans Article
Taking a new look at WiMAX Article


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The International Union for Nature Conservation (UICN) has released a report that states that one fifth of snake skins
coming from South East Asia and used in the fashion industry are obtained illegally.
Based in Geneva, the UICN has affirmed that many reptiles are hunted before they have had time to reproduce and in many regions the python has almost vanished.
The UICN also states that Indonesia. Malaysia and Vietnam arte the principal countires where pythons are obtained and 70% of all skins pass through Singapore on their way to Italy, Germany and France.
In the report the UICN asks representatives of the fashion industry to establish a system so as to be able to trace the origin of exotic skins with the aim of confirming that they are in fact coming from legal sources.
Information courtesy of CueroAmérica
Translated from Spanish by Richard Smith


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SPI to launch Brazilian pay-TV channels
DetailsGabriel Miramar-Garcia | 06 March 2015
SPI International is gearing up to launch nine FilmBox brand channels for Brazil's pay-TV market.
SPI has recently secured a formal approval from Ancine, the Brazilian regulatory body, to air FightBox, Fast&FunBox, DocuBox, FilmBox Arthouse, FashionBox, MadscreenBox, 360 TuneBox, and two adult entertainment channels, Erox and Eroxxx.
"The approval from Ancine is pivotal to the launch of our channels in Brazil," said Thivá Fróes de Souza, director at SPI Brazil. "We may now finalise our talks with several pay-TV networks which expressed interest in incorporating our channel portfolio into their linear TV offer," says
The FilmBox brand is already present in Brazil through SPI's worldwide app, FilmBox Live – a multiscreen video-on-demand service featuring movies, sports, fashion and documentaries, as well as a few live streaming TV channels.


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LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The much anticipated California re-opening is here, which means the hustle and bustle of LAX is expected to ramp up.
The reopening means no capacity limits or physical distancing requirements for businesses and fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks in most places.
However, the mask mandate is still being enforced at LAX so travelers at LAX can still expect to see masks.
And, these guidelines are expected to continue through September. Social distancing is also being encouraged as travel is likely to increase in the next couple of months.
Just last month TSA reported nearly 2 million passengers, the busiest month since the pandemic.
"A lot of people have been sitting at home for a year plus, and everyone wants to travel this summer," said Brian Sumers, Editor at large for Skift. "LAX is going to be about as busy as anybody remembers from 2019."
Sumers said: don't expect the middle seat on airplanes to be open when travelling this summer. That's because a lot more people will be coming in and out of LAX headed for some of the hottest destinations, like Hawaii.
Summers said other travel hit spots are anywhere within 100 miles of a national park.
"As people have been planning their trips, they've still wanted to go to places where you can take social distancing seriously and things like that," Sumers said. "And that makes the Rocky Mountains, the American West very popular."
LAX spokesperson Stephanie Sampson said there has been a steady increase in travelers and expects the trend to continue well after the California reopening.
"We do expect to see an increase in travel," Sampson said. "On June 11 we had a record of 84,500 passengers that came through screening, highest of the pandemic, and as we head into the Fourth of July weekend, we only expect to see those travel numbers continue to rise."
Sampson said as LAX begins to open up, more restaurants and retail, more jobs will return as well. Limo service operator and Uber and Lyft driver Jonathan Herrera is also looking forward to the increase in business.
"I hope that after June 15, once everything has opened back up, everything starts going back to the way pre-COVID," Herrera said. "And more people start visiting Los Angeles again."
Jordan Michael said he has to travel frequently for work and hopes to travel more as long as it's done safely.
"it's been about a year since I've traveled so I hope it picks up and hope they can do it in a safe organized manner," Michael said.
Sumers said not only will there be an increase in flights, but there will be a lot of booked hotels and Airbnbs. We may even see those Uber and Lyft prices begin to drop as demand increases.
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Under the auspices of owner Benji Haimoff, Bravo Pizza of New York fame is headed down south to North Miami Beach (NMB). The pizza joint is known for its NY-style slices as well as innovative pizza toppings that have included faux sausage, faux BBQ chicken, and faux chicken parm pies.
These epic creations are the brainchild of Judd Joffre, who has exciting plans for Bravo’s sister restaurant, Judd’s Memphis Kitchen, at the Mimosa Condominiums.
Bravo Pizza is set to open in NMB in the coming months. It will be located at 1550 NE 164th St, North Miami Beach, FL.
Check back here for new info as this story develops.


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Gov’t releases planned ownership structure of new private-public EV charging stations company
More details on the EV charging station company PPP: The private sector partners in the soon-to-be-established company for EV charging stations will hold a 55% stake (including a 25% stake for the operating and managing firm), Masrawy quoted Public Enterprises Minister Hisham Tawfik as saying. The remaining 45% will be owned by the ministry. Each stakeholder will put up a corresponding portion of the venture’s initial EGP 150 mn capital, with another EGP 300 mn to be raised from local banks. The company will set up 3k charging stations within 18 months in Cairo, Alexandria, Giza, Sharm El Sheikh and several highways.
Reminder: Companies looking to operate and manage the company have until this Thursday, 17 March to submit their bids, with the ministry set to announce the qualified bids the following Thursday, 24 March. The private sector partner selected to manage and operate the company will be locked in with a medium-term contract for its services in exchange for a portion of the company’s net income.
Other things we’re keeping an eye on this morning:
- British energy services company Petrofac will conduct an early-stage feasibility study on a new green hydrogen / ammonia facility for a subsidiary of low-carbon energy firm Mediterranean Energy Partners, which is chaired by Alaa Arafa, industry magnate and founder of Dolphinus Holdings.
- Pepsico spent USD 100 mn on expanding production and upgrading the tech infrastructure of its Egyptian business lines in 2021.
- Hitachi Rail will prepare a feasibility study for the operation and maintenance of the fourth metro line.


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Far from Rio de Janeiro's beaches and boutiques, Shopping Jardim Guadalupe is emblematic of the global economic boom fueled by Brazil, India, and China. "I want your store in my mall," reads a recent ad for the megacomplex due to open in November. It will be a hub of middle-class aspiration with not just a food court, eight anchor stores, six "megastores," and 250 smaller shops, but also a university, private high school, gym, medical center, movie theaters, and a bowling alley. More than 84 percent of the property has been sold.
Millions have long lived in Rio's poor suburbs, but only recently have they had enough money to attract a mall developer. From 2003 to 2008, 24 million people left poverty in Brazil, where the middle class now accounts for more than half of its roughly 191 million citizens. At home, they enjoy color TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners. Half have a computer; more than a third have Internet access.
Estimates of just how big China's middle class is range widely from a low of 157 million (which would be second only to the US) to more than 800 million. With such a large middle class driving consumption, China has seen an average 15 percent growth in retail sales in recent years and is already the world's largest market for cellphones and cars (in 2009 passenger car sales increased 53 percent). India's middle class is projected by the NCAER to grow by 67 percent in the next five years, to 267 million people, or nearly a quarter of its population.


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With changes in the technology and time, the opportunities available to the women nowadays are abundant. Rather, it should be said women these days are grabbing any good opportunity at site and do not hesitate to start their own business or do what they like to do. According to Center for American Progress, the number of women-owned firms in USA has grown by 59% from 1997 to 2014 on an average. So let’s have a look at the top six startups run by women.
1. Love With Food:
Love With Food, which was one among the 2012’s 500 Startups fall class, gives a subscription commerce service that sends monthly boxes of carefully selected gourmet treats to users more of less like Birchbox for the foodie set. Apart from the subscription commerce, it also offers a way for subscribers to purchase food that is part of its monthly shipments. Around 15-20% of its monthly subscribers come back and purchase regular e-commerce goods. The startup managed to attract customers all over USA. The subscribers are more from rural area than from urban area due to less accessibility and availability of high-quality gourmet treats at local markets.
Founded by Aihui Ong in 2012, she says, “Our platform help brands send out their products to our community of highly engaging foodies who pay a small monthly fee to discover new, organic, all natural products at their door and collect product feedback. By bridging an offline and online experience, LoveWithFood.com’s technology helps consumer brands cut their marketing and research cost by 99%.”The company received $2.1 million in 3 rounds from 11 investors and the recent one to be $1.4 million Seed on June 10, 2014. Apart from business, they give back things for the society. For every box delivered, a meal is donated to food banks across America. In less than 18 months, LoveWith Food.com has donated more than 100,000 to food banks all across America.
CakeHealth, the brainchild of Rebecca Woodcock and Andy Brett, is exploding on the market and shifting the way that people today view the world of health insurance. The ultimate aim of the company is to become the ‘Mint for health insurance in the market.’ With the services offered by the startup, users will be able to find out at ease which individual health services would benefit them based on the individual situation. The company works to make the simplify the entire process and make it straight forward for the consumers. All the users need to do is to sign up with the website that acts as a platform to connect with their health care provider’s site.
The services of the website helps in saving users money in few different ways. However, the biggest obstacles facing Cake Health are the fragmented healthcare industry and earning user’s trust. Co-founder Andy Brett says the company has developed scraping techniques that help it quickly process information from many providers, even if they don’t have a structured API. For the latter problem, there will be some people who are averse to handing over their data to a startup.
A San Francisco-based startup, Samahope is a non-profit crowdfunding site for doctors providing critical medical treatments to patients in poor communities. They pool in the donations made by many people through the Samahope platform and send them directly to heroic medical professionals, who are then enabled to treat more patients. Its #HonoryourMom project is soliciting donations for medical treatments for women along with tweet-length anecdotes about participants’ own parents’ uniqueness. Thanks to the company, there are millions of people of people who need corrective surgeries that the company takes for granted in the west.
Samahope has helped more than 1,000 patients with treatment through the supprt of nearly 8,000 people around the world. Founded by Leila Janah in 2012, the startup has already moved 25,000 people out of poverty. Janah’s website offers profiles of specific doctors, including the work they are doing and their location. One can directly fund the doctor of your choice from Samahope’s website. Angel investors including Laura Arrillage-Andreessen, founder of the Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund and Scott Banister, founder of Cisco-acquired IronPort Systems, have helped the organization raise more than $100K.Co-founder Patel says that 100 patients’ procedures have been funded by 250 users to date with monthly donations increasing at an average of 60%.
The Samahope platform strives hard to close the gap between finance and the patients who cannot afford to treat painful conditions arising from giving birth and for children who have burns or cleft palate. Soon they hope to grow into a platform for funding all kinds of treatable medical problems.
LearnUp is a startup behind a job training site that helps unemployed Americans learn the skills they need to get a job. The skills’ training platform connects job seekers and employers, helping the former learn or revise the skills from the latter, track progress on their skills resumes and receive job offers. Founder Alexis Ringwald, whose first startup green energy software company Valence Energy, was acquired by Serious Energy says, “there is tremendous skills gap in this country.” She also quotes the job seekers are not clear about the most useful skill sets are needed or they are interested in which is made known to them through their site.
The business was profiled by Wired but an SEC filing revealed that ‘LearnUp’ is well-funded. According to the regulatory filing, the startup has raised above $1.9 million during its early stage itself. The startup is backed by Silicon Valley VC firm New Enterprise Associates and has already establised partnership with large companies like Staples, Gap, Whole Foods and KPMG. The company share is job training content with California Community Colleges and Corporate Voices for Working Families as part of Clinton Global Initiative America. It has also tied-up with various companies/ employers like Staples, Safeway, Gap, KPMG LLP, Prudential, TeleTech and many others. Currently, the company is looking forward to expand its presence within USA though its collaboration companies are functioning globally.
A New York-based nonprofit startup launched in 2012 brought the US the closest thing it has ever had to automated voter registration. After pilot testing, TurboVote in 2012 scaled up for the big stage and got a power boost from Google that displayed its link to the registration site on Google’s homepaage on the week of voters registration. The startup is a program designed to help people register to vote, remember elections and vote from home. The nonprofit organization partners with numerous colleges and universities across the country to help students keep track of elections they may miss otherwise.
During the period of presidential election, 188,000 voters used TurboVote, which in turn mailed out 87,000 voting forms. It joined hands with 20 nonprofit groups and 58 colleges, all of which paid a license to use the technology. Currently, the company is seeking a ‘sustainability round’ of funding. in 2013, it raised $1 million through various grants and earned income, and it now hopes to raise a further $3 million to see it through this year. According to the founder Kathryn Peters, the goal of TurboVote has always been to build ‘a powerful utility of the future.’ Now that the drive for voting system reform has come from highest level, interest in groups like TurboVote will get more stronger. She adds, “If we are successful, we will be how every American experiences voting.” This website is definitely a different initiative to be appreciated. As the website says, “It is democracy, made awesomer.”
MoolaHoop is a rewards-based crowdfunding platform that specifically works with women-led businesses looking to raise capital. The businesses that are selected are posted on the site with a profile with details of their business, their story and a fundraising goal, with the lines of Kickstarter and Indiegogo. This startup works to do more than financial support, but by creating a robust ecosystem to help women leverage their existing social and professional networks, as well as gain access to mentorship, education and skill training. “MoolaHoop’s core mission is to improve access to capital for women entrepreneurs, helping them attract debt-free funding while building a strong base of supporters for their new venture.”
The Dallas-based company founded in 2012, was started by Brenda Bazen and Nancy Hayes. They had been executives of IBM before then left to enter the non-profit world. Since its inception, the company has started 11 campaigns. Nine women have secured over $100,000 in funding for their businesses, says the report. The company’s funding model makes them different from the other platforms. Instead of a conventional all-or-nothing or keep-it-all funding model, businesses will be permitted to set milestones on their way to their ultimate goal. In order to receive those funds, they will have to hit at least one milestone or else contributors won’t be charged for their pledged donation. For instance, a company may want total of $200,000 but set milestones at $20,000, $40,000 and $80,000, with explanations of what can be done with funds at those levels. Through this they are given a chance to show their backers what they are going to do with that funds, said Brenda.


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Making a More Sustainable Telecom Sector with Free Software
First step: liberate routers and smartphones
The dominant power of telecommunications operators and providers over internet access has sparked policy, regulatory, and legal reactions trying to impose accountability on large enterprises that control how end-users should use their devices to connect to the internet. Network operators can be vertically and horizontally integrated with other internet platforms, controlling diverse elements of the internet value chain (Marsden, 2017). Aside from the clear impact on end-users’ rights over access and control of the software, hardware, and services of their digital devices, such corporate power is also able to distort innovation (Ezrachi and Stucke, 2022) and competition in digital markets (Savin, 2020), negatively impacting the environment (BEREC, 2022). This article puts in context the latest set of norms in the EU dealing with the behaviour of network operators towards end-users’ internet devices from the perspective of sustainability and the recent legislative initiatives on the ecodesign of products. This context is achieved through two use cases: the free choice of routers/ modems and the right to replace mobile phones’ operating systems. Conclusions over both cases are reached in the light of end-user-oriented policies that positively impact the environment by mitigating e-waste and increasing the lifespan of devices.
Device lock-in and regulatory hurdles are not sustainable
The digitalisation of infrastructures and services comes along with a growing number of devices connected to the internet. The telecommunications sector (ICT) is a driving force in this process. The expansion of new broadband networks such as optic fibre (FTTx) and 5G poses sustainability challenges for the entire industry. For example, personal routers/modems are important elements of the ICT infrastructure for home internet connection. Although it may seem common sense that end-users should be able to choose their routers – as they do with mobile phones –, this is not true for Europe. In many cases, network providers do not allow end-users to use their own private routers/modems (Golem, 2022). This restriction is problematic for the environment because device interoperability can be limited, leading to unnecessary expense, fewer personalised features, and a lack of being able to make use of the right to repair. Safeguarding the free choice of routers/modems in Europe has followed an uneven path. While the 2015 Open Internet Regulation1
Regulation (EU) 2015/2120 (Open Internet Regulation), Article 3(1).
consolidated this right, further regulatory hurdles have impeded proper implementation. The latest reform of EU telecommunications law, introduced in 2018 by the European Electronic Communications Code,2
Directive (EU) 2018/1972 – European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). This law overhauls the regulatory framework for the telecommunications sector, implementing rules about net neutrality, increasing consumer protection, and improving data protection, as well as paving the way for the implementation of next-generation broadband networks, including optic fibre and mobile (Geus, 2019).
allowed national regulators to limit such freedom on technical grounds. The rules have led to fragmentation of the regulatory patchwork among EU member states to the detriment of end-users (Lasota, 2021). Interestingly, various reports from industry (VTKE, 2019), civil society (FSFE, 2019, 2022), and regulators (BIPT, 2022) have highlighted that, in countries where freedom of routers/modems has been guaranteed, no significant damage to public networks has been identified, fair competition evolved, and end-users’ awareness of e-waste was raised.
Annually, almost 1.5 billion smartphones are produced worldwide (Gartner, 2021). Among other factors, the lifetime of the smartphones hardware is often artificially shortened due to ‹software obsolescence›. ‹Software obsolescence› is defined as the end of life of a piece of software, mainly by the initial developer stopping support (Albers, 2021). In the case of operating systems, such obsolescence often leads to the premature end-of-life of a device: Although the hardware might still work properly, the insecurity and instability of the software negatively affect the device’s performance. From the sustainability perspective, this premature end-of-life is particularly concerning since the carbon emissions and energy investments necessary for producing a new smartphone outweigh several times the energy and emissions related to the smartphone’s entire lifespan.3
As Forti et al. (2020) explain, in 2019 the world generated a striking 53.6 Mt of e-waste, an average of 7.3 kg per capita. The global generation of e-waste grew by 9.2 Mt since 2014 and is projected to grow to 74.7 Mt by 2030 – almost doubling in only 16 years. The growing amount of e-waste is mainly fuelled by high consumption rates of digital equipment, short life cycles, and few repair options. In its yearly environmental responsibility report, Apple (2019) calculated that 79% of the overall carbon footprint of its devices applies to manufacturing and product transport while only 19% of the carbon footprint resulted from using the product use.
Free software spares hardware, thus the environment
One way to overcome hardware obsolescence is to allow users to exchange the initial operating system with one that is still benefiting from development and support. This exchange is becoming a current practice in the mobile phone and tablet sector. The environmental benefits are obvious: with almost 1.5 billion smartphones being produced every year, if users could use their devices one year longer, the production of hundreds of millions of smartphones would be saved annually (EEB, 2019). The same goes for routers/modems.
Enabling end-users to install free operating systems in their devices fosters reuse, repurposing, and interoperability. Free software licenses guarantee unrestricted access to software not only for all people but also unlimited in terms of space and time, fostering sustainability of solutions and hardware. The right to install any third-party software on any device would enable users to choose software that helps them to keep their devices running even if the initial manufacturer has decided to stop support. It would, furthermore, enable diversified aftermarkets and enhanced competition regarding re-use of devices. These are all good reasons why legal, technical, commercial, or other obstacles to reusing these devices should be discouraged.
In addition, ‹device neutrality› can serve as a regulatory tool to improve end-users’ control over devices. Device neutrality translates into a non-discriminatory IT environment, with any service and software application being treated equally within the running operating systems, their dominant platforms, and their respective hardware companies (Krämer, 2019). Hardware providers can discriminate how users access services and apps in a fashion similar to how network operators can discriminate end-users’ internet traffic. Therefore, device neutrality’s main objective is to resolve the monopoly on devices by safeguarding end-users: supplying them with alternatives to accessing software, services, and content with their equipment (Krämer and Feasey, 2021). Free software is a key in this process as it provides the alternatives for end-users to escape the restrictive lock-in imposed by device manufacturers, vendors, and internet platforms (FSFE, 2022b).
Upcycling the legislation
To avoid a greater impact on the environment, principles of digital sustainability can be incorporated into device-oriented policies that reflect the importance of open technologies. Specifically, for a critical, long-lasting, and sustainable change and extension of hardware lifetimes, legislation should strengthen end-user control over devices. The update of the 2009 ecodesign directive by the EU Commission (2022) has led to EU policy initiatives to make products more resource-efficient and applicable to circular economy methods. These initiatives include phones and tablets in the ecodesign criteria for the EU digital market and addressing the devices’ «shortcomings in durability, repairability, upgradability, e-waste, reuse and recycling» (European Commission, 2022).4
The update of the European ecodesign directive includes a set of regulations and directives that together build the framework for the ecodesign criteria of sustainable products within the EU. With the possibility for more regulations or directives to come and aspects being covered through horizontal rule-making, currently, two regulations directly target mobile phones and tablets: «Designing mobile phones and tablets to be sustainable – ecodesign» (European Commission, 2022a) and «Energy labelling of mobile phones and tablets – informing consumers about environmental impact» (European Commission, 2022b).
Although the regulatory starting point of the ecodesign directive’s update differs from the above-mentioned reform of the telecom law, sustainability aspects converge with how end-users exercise control over devices, providing ways to use devices for longer time periods. While the reform of the telecom sector relates mainly to routers/modems, the ecodesign directive’s scope is broader. Nevertheless, both cases represent a window of opportunity for civil society to step into these processes and demand from policy makers device neutrality and the right for any user or third party to install any software on any digital equipment.5
As a policy and awareness initiative, the Free Software Foundation Europe has published an open letter asking European legislators to use the update of the ecodesign regulations to establish a universal right to install any software on any device. By December 2022, more than 150 civil society organisations across sectors and companies had signed it (FSFE, 2022a).
Saving the planet, one device at the time
Developing sustainable regulatory solutions for the telecom sector must include policies dealing with the reuse of devices by end-users. Hardware production outweighs several times the ecological footprint of reusing existing devices. Repairability, reusability, and extending hardware lifespan are a matter of accessibility and the possibility to run free software. There is room for improving the current regulatory framework in the EU. Keeping end-users safe from lock-ins can amplify competition and freedom of choice for more ecological options. For a European shift from linear production and e-waste production towards a circular electronic economy, freedom to install alternative operating systems and device neutrality must be established.Next page


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Even though it’s worth US$700 billion, Tesla hasn’t quite been living up to expectations lately. Its stocks have been struggling over the last few months, and it did say on Wednesday that it expects to miss its vehicle delivery target this year. The Q3 2022 financial results just came in, and although the company just slightly missed revenue expectations, it delivered on earnings. CEO Elon Musk blames disappointing unit sales last quarter on there not being enough “transportation objects” for the products. Since reporting its Q3 earnings, Tesla has seen a share dip of 17%.
On Wednesday, CEO Elon Musk announced that Tesla will probably start a share buyback in 2023. Depending on board approval, this scheme could range between US$5 billion and US$10 billion. Basically, a company will buy back shares from investors at market price if they think it’s undervalued and they’re looking to boost the price of that stock.
And Musk clearly thinks that Tesla’s stock is undervalued, saying that he can see Tesla eventually being worth more than Apple (US$2.3 trillion) and Saudi Aramco (US$2 trillion) combined. He made a point to also mention that he sees this happening without even including Tesla’s AI product Optimus into the mix.
“I am of the opinion that we can far exceed Apple’s current market cap. In fact, I see a potential path for Tesla to be worth more than Apple and Saudi Aramco combined,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk said. “By the way, I should mention when I said that I see a path,” he added, “I wasn’t including Optimus.”
“I can’t emphasize enough we have excellent demand for Q4 and we expect to sell every car that we make for as far into the future as we can see,” Musk said. “The factories are running at full speed and we’re delivering every car we mak, and keeping operating margins strong.”
During a shareholder deck on Wednesday, Tesla confirmed, “Over a multi-year horizon, we expect to achieve 50% annual growth in vehicle deliveries.”
“This quarter was not rainbows and roses and it leaves investors wanting more from Tesla which is held to a higher standard than every other automaker,” Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives wrote in a client note. “Tesla must now prove again to the Street that the robust growth story is running into a myriad of logistics issues as opposed to demand softening with EV competition coming all angles around the globe.”


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PPC – Report: Google to appeal $2.7 billion EU fine
According to The Telegraph, Google is planning to file an appeal against the roughly $2.7 billion (€2.4 billion) antitrust fine imposed by the European Commission in June for abuse of market position in shopping search. The fine was the largest in EU history; the previous record fine was $1.3 billion against Intel.
Last week, Intel won a rare partial victory against EU antitrust regulators when the European Court of Justice instructed a lower court to re-examine its decision and take a closer look at the underlying facts and market impact of Intel’s behavior.
It’s not clear whether last week’s decision impacted Google’s thinking on whether or not to appeal (Google’s decision was likely made before last week). Though it will likely be in process for several years, an appeal makes sense because the company faces potential similar fines and demands for change around other types of “vertical search” results such as maps/local, travel and other categories.
Google is required to submit proposals for changes in its search results to bring them into compliance with EU rules. Google reportedly submitted its plan last month. It will be compelled to make those changes and live within them during the appeal process.
Google also faces private litigation from European shopping comparison site Kelkoo and potentially others. Kelkoo argues that Google shopping results have substantially deprived it of traffic. The European Commission decision and fine apparently can be entered into evidence in a civil case. Then the question to be litigated is whether Google’s behavior caused the alleged damages (loss of traffic, revenue).
In Google’s favor, UK-based Streetmap sued Google in UK court in 2015 under an “abuse of competition” theory. Effectively, the case was a mirror of the European Commission’s antitrust case (then not yet decided). However, the High Court of Justice in the UK ruled against Streetmap saying that Google’s Maps OneBox didn’t seem “appreciably to affect competition in the market for online maps.”
There are two other antitrust matters involving Google in the EU. One is focused on exclusivity provisions in Google AdWords agreements and the other on app-install requirements in Android-OEM contracts.
February 22, 2024
February 22, 2024
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LG Uplus is working with several partners across Japan, Taiwan, and the U.S. to launch an equally secure, robust, and scalable blockchain-based overseas payments platform for cellular carriers.
The Oregon Blockchain Venture Studio is pushing Oregon to Blockchain prominence. Top companies like Intel, Nike and New York-headquartered advertising firm R/GA will organize and host its incubator program.
New York’s Blockchain Art Collective (BAC) has recently unveiled a "holistic blockchain-based system" capable of registering physical artwork.
European Central Bank (ECB) president Mario Draghi clarified that the central bank has no plans of introducing a digital currency in the near future.
Japan-based tech firm SoftBank has revealed the creation of a cross-carrier mobile payment service powered by the blockchain.
Columbus, Ohio — The city of Dublin is exploring the feasibility of introducing a Blockchain-based personal identity system in the local government.
Hong Kong investment holding company Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group has disclosed plans of using a blockchain-based system for tracking diamonds.
Online pharmacy UK Meds is convinced that with the Stratis platform handling the monitoring of patient records, security will be beefed up to prevent dubious characters from claiming multiple prescriptions.
China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs, the government agency responsible for the country’s social and administrative matters, is exploring the integration of blockchain technology into its existing charity tracking system in an effort to boost transparency of social service affairs.
Soluna, the computing company that owns its own renewable energy, has announced plans of building a utility-scale blockchain computing facility in the city of Dakhla.
Tsukuba has reportedly deployed an online voting system in Japan but has encountered two problems.
Cryptocurrency companies Paxos and Gemini Trust have launched their stablecoins pegged 1:1 to the US dollar.
TraceLink Inc., the world's largest track and trace network for life sciences supply chains, has recently completed a $93 million investment round intended to be invested in the global pharmaceutical supply chain.
Technology giant IBM announces the launch of a financial settlement service powered by the Stellar platform known as the Blockchain World Wire.
The Linux Foundation has recently opened registrations for its new advanced training course for Hyperledger Fabric blockchain technology.


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A study published in Pediatric magazine revealed most medical devices for pediatric offices were actually initially tested on adults instead of children, according to a Reuters report.
This presents a potential problem, based on the findings of Thomas J. Hwang, one of the authors of the paper. Hwang noted that a product deemed safe for adults, may not be as risk-free for children. In the study, researchers evaluated 25 medical devices which received FDA approval for patients 21 years and younger, between 2008 and 2011.
Cohen Placitella & Roth PC has distinguished itself as proven leaders in product liability and consumer protection litigation, and has won multi-million dollar recoveries in a variety of these suits. We invite you to contact Chris Placitella, Esq. today for a consultation at 888-375-7600 to discuss your case.


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Back in December we let you know that Pizza Hut is moving into the Cloppers Mill shopping center in Germantown. It will be located at 18070 Mateny Rd, between Shoppers and Popeyes. After more than 6 months, construction has started at the restaurant. The location is smaller, so it will likely be similar to the upcoming Pizza Hut location that is taking over part of the former GameStop location in Four Corners, which is also a smaller store.
Last September, David Gibbs (CEO of Pizza Hut parent company Yum Brands), told investors, “We closed a lot of the dine-in stores that didn’t belong on the portfolio over the last 18 months in the United States,” according to a transcript on the financial services site Sentieo. “But for the most part, the stores we have in the portfolio now are good, long-term stores.”
The upcoming locations in MoCo suggest that smaller, delivery-based locations are the company’s focus.
According to the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) in Southern MD, emergency personnel arrived on the scene of a crash involving a horse and buggy and a vehicle on…
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call for a fire at a single family home on the 25300 block of Oak Drive in Damascus at approximately…
Maryland State Police are seeking public assistance as investigators work to identify a man who reportedly fled the scene of a traffic crash that occurred in Montgomery County Friday afternoon.
Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Amanda Maryann Singer, a missing 34-year-old woman.
SATURDAY 12/9/23 Join us for the ultimate year-end celebration of art, vintage finds, and fashion at CNXN.WORLD's Art & Vintage Event! Sponsored by So What Else, Inc. We will be hosting a hygiene product drive as well! Please bring items like soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and more to donate and make a difference. Sign up for a chance to WIN a $40 credit you can use towards any purchase at the event! We've got food, drinks, and more prizes during the event! Vendor Lineup: @thefoundrymd @poetic_sole @on2thenext_vntg @fleetwoodmarket @anatething @bimdayz @thriftlifeadvintage @yester_dayz @bratty_couture @camryncurtiss @crushthrifts @888deadgirl @ken_blendz @misfitbodega @mando.nc @mozartsthriftshop @seamslikenew @skuffstore @the.crucial.cookie @sowhatelsehelps Saturday, December 9th, 20231:30 PM to 6:00 PM4924 Wyaconda Rd, North Bethesda, MD 20852. See you there!


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A big recent report from German powerhouse Deutsche Bank turns some conventional thinking on its head.
Cash is here to stay but plastic credit and debit cards are set to disappear – and disappear soon.
The survey of 3,600 people across Europe, the USA and Asia finds “cash will stay” but digital payments will lead to “the extinction of the plastic card.”
Deutsche Bank Research’s Marion Laboure, Ph.D and Jim Reid wrote :
Cash has properties that no other payment method has. It helps users remain anonymous and avoids cyberattacks
However, these benefits are not why most of the 3,600 people surveyed prefer cash. The number one reason (over 40 percent) people like cash is easier budgeting and fast payments.
Cash is convenient, accepted almost everywhere, and secure say the researchers. For the rich and wealthy, cash has become buffer in uncertain times.
“Over centuries, people have developed a deep-rooted trust in paper and coins during uncertain times.
“The trade war between the US and China has led notable investors to increase their cash holdings.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has also noticed an increase in cash holdings by investors during COVID-19.
The value of cash on issue is surging and is on track to break $100 billion of notes of issue soon.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is reporting a continuing surge in new bank notes being issued and withdrawn by Australians during COVID-19.
Last week ending 5 August, $611 million in new Australian bank notes were issued by the RBA. $1.38 billion was issued in the last week of July 2020.
Around half a billion dollars per week is being withdrawn as cash by Australians since late March. The amount of cash in circulation or being hoarded will soon break $100 billion for the first time ever.
Since the second half of March, cash on issue has surged up more than 10 per cent from less than $84 billion to more than $94 billion.
“The death of cash has been exaggerated,” said Tim Wildash, CEO of Next Payments, Australia’s and New Zealand’s biggest independent ATM network.
“Aussies and New Zealanders are voting for cash, at this rate, Australia will have issued $100 billion in cash before Christmas. Our own data shows that cash withdrawals are bouncing back after social restrictions ease. In Australian states post-lockdown and in New Zealand we are seeing people come back to cash in droves.
“Meanwhile Deutsche Bank and other are predicting the death of plastic cards this decade, which may surprise some.”
Diital wallets will see plastic cards move onto people’s phones and other devices. The insecurity of plastic credit and debit cards is also a huge concern
Yesterday two more police reports from Melbourne’s South East – Kew and Frankston - have added to the deluge of warnings and public posts from police about contactless card fraud and the $200 limit for no-PIN transactions.
“The $200 limit has led to people’s cars being broken into, handbags stolen and criminals running rampant in our streets, suburbs and shops,” said Tim Wildash, Chief Executive Officer of Next Payments, Australia’s leading independent ATM network.
“Cards are dirtier than cash, less private and less secure.”
Cash will be a part of the economy for decades to come said the Deutsche Bank research which cited previous predictions about the death of cash:
1968: “As a result of the proliferation of credit cards, there has been widespread speculation about the possibilities of a checkless, cashless society in the future.” Jack Lefler, 24 July 1968: Las Cruces Sun-News, NM, USA.
1970s: Citibank leader writes: “Cashless Society Is Predicted by Credit Card Use.”
1981: “World of Tomorrow: School, Work and Play, Neil Ardley said, by 2002, “you do not carry any money on you and neither does anyone else. You pay for everything you buy with an identity card like a credit card. It has a magnetic strip containing your name and other personal information.”
February 2007, The Economist cover title: “The End of the Cash Era.” – cash is a dinosaur doomed to extinction.
2016: Larry Summers “It’s time to kill the $100 bill.”
We could also add these recent announcements regarding the death of cash:
July 2020: PayPal predicts death of cash: “PayPal executives said society has reached an "inflection point" when it comes to the "death of cash,"
August 2020: Washington Post: “Will the pandemic finally kill cash?”:
August 2020: Fox News TV: Does coronavirus mark the death of cash? “No cash will be around for a long time…”
Despite the resilience of cash and the continuing support cash enjoys among consumers and merchants, there are powerful forces who do not support cash.
“Governments, banks, and card providers share at least one common goal: the elimination of cash,” said the Deutsche Bank researchers.
Governments want to eliminate large cash notes and banks and card companies are targeting small payments with contactless cards and mobile payments said Deutsche.
“Thus, the global campaign against paper money is lively.”
Despite this campaign, ordinary people are voting for cash.
“A third of people in developed countries consider cash to be their favourite payment method and more than half believe cash will always be around,” said the Deutsche Bank study, “This statement was true regardless of country, gender, and age.”
Today, the 12th of January 2022, new data has been released by the Reserve Bank of Australia showing cash withdrawals are trending UP in Australia.
COVID-19 led to an immediate scare and fear of virus transmission via surfaces.


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F1 2018 is the official video game of the motor racing organisation and available PlayStation4, Xbox and Windows.
Reviews from gaming sites have hailed the latest version, with changes to the level of detail for players seen as improving an already strong franchise.
Tweaks include upgrades to the driver career media interviews with the attitude of the driver affecting the morale of both a player’s own team’s morale and rivals.
Frank Sagnier, Codemasters’s chief executive, said: “F1®2018 has received widespread critical acclaim in the run-up to release and we're delighted that our community is able to play the next great instalment in this growing franchise.
“The improvements made this year combined with the ever-increasing attention to detail will bring our players even closer to the dream of racing in the world's most popular motorsport."


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The first thing they teach you when learning to cook is that everything, even desserts, can benefit from some salt. That’s because salt – a sodium atom plus a chloride atom – helps food to taste more like itself, thanks to some fancy gustatory neuroscience. But sometimes, it seems, adding a little salt can make your food taste more like plastic.
That’s according to a new study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology. Microplastics, which are defined as any plastic particle less than five millimeters wide, have infiltrated our oceans and can now be found in a wide variety of marine critters, including the ones we eat. It stands to reason that microplastics might also find their way into sea salt since, well, it comes from the sea. The coast of China turns out to be a microplastics hotspot, and since “seawater is widely polluted by microplastics,” writes East China Normal University researcher Dongqi Yang, “sea salts might contain microplastics” as well.
To find out, Yang and his colleagues went shopping. They bought 15 different brands of sea salt from randomly selected Chinese supermarkets, with each salt originating in a different place, as well as a handful of lake and rock salts for comparison purposes. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they discovered the highest microplastic concentration in sea salt, with between 550 and 681 particles per kilogram. Next was the lake salt, which contained between 43 and 364 particles per kilogram. The rock salt also contained a bit of plastic, but only between 7 and 204 particles per kilogram. Because that value was so low, the researchers suspect that the plastic gets introduced into the salt in the production and packaging process, rather than being locked away in the salt mines themselves. Which means that it’s an additional route for salt intrusion into lake and sea salts as well.
More than half of the plastic particles they recovered were smaller than 200 micrometers wide. That’s about twice as wide as a human hair, and only slightly larger than the width of a paramecium. The dominant form of plastic they found was cellophane which, given its ubiquity in human culture, should perhaps be expected. These results tell us not just about the salt we sprinkle on our foods, but also something about the health of Chinese coastlines, from which the seawater to make sea salt is procured.
According to the World Health Organization, human adults should consume fewer than 5 grams of salt. At that level of intake, a human in China could consume as many as 1,000 pieces of microplastic each year from table salt alone – not to mention the plastics they could ingest by eating seafood. Though the risk from seafood is considerably higher (perhaps 11,000 pieces per year by eating mollusks), the use of salt is nearly universal, while folks can try to avoid seafood, if they so choose. Just what that means for human health is still very much an open question.


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The trend towards smaller and more fuel efficient cars has caused Daimler to reconsider importing the next-generation of its compact cars to the U.S., with the CEO of the company, Dieter Zetsche, stating earlier this year that such a move is likely given the current market conditions.
Executives previously reversed a decision to bring the current Mercedes-Benz B-Class across the Atlantic because of fears it would damage the luxury brand’s exclusivity and the low dollar exchange rate would make it too expensive.
However, unexpectedly strong sales of the Smart Fortwo minicar are prompting renewed interest in selling the next-generation of the A- and B-Class in the U.S., but two major hindrances remaining to the decision include exchange rates and pricing--though the company hopes the new cars will be able to overcome these with lower costs.
Under a new plan, revealed to the Wall Street Journal by Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche, Mercedes would import by 2012 at least one of four new compact cars currently in the works. It would be targeted at cars like the Audi A3, BMW 1-Series and the Mini Cooper.
Adding a few gas-sipping compacts to its U.S. lineup could be a good move for Mercedes. New emissions and efficiency regulations will be implemented soon, and some fuel-efficient vehicles would help Mercedes’ fleet meet the EPA's stringent standards. Also, the new models could address the shifting needs of Mercedes buyers, since, according to Zetsche, the definition of "luxury" is slowly changing: "It will be fewer CO2 emissions and more modesty in appearance."
Pictured above is Mercedes’ BlueZero trio of concept cars that were unveiled earlier this year and are said to preview the styling direction of the new A- and B-Class models.


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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Apheresis Market by Product, Method, Procedure, Component, and End User - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The global apheresis market was valued at $2,560.4 million in 2016, and is projected to reach $4,200.6 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2017 to 2023.
Apheresis system assists in the collection and separation of blood components for donation. In addition, this system can perform removal or exchange of blood components for therapeutic procedures. The American National Red Cross offers various therapeutic apheresis services across the U.S. that include plasmapheresis, photopheresis, LDL apheresis, and stem cell harvest. In addition, the center has employed qualified and specialized staff for apheresis procedures while maintaining the accessibility and availability regarding the same.
In addition, rise in government initiatives that promote blood donations in the developing countries such as China and India propels the market growth. For instance, Twitter has recently launched a social initiative called BloodMatters in India on March 2018. Twitter has collaborated with the voluntary blood donation helpline named Blood Donors.
The centrifugation method generated the highest revenue in 2016, and is expected to maintain this dominance throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to the fact that centrifugation is considered to be a standard method for apheresis, and is highly favored by the blood industry across the globe.
- Haemonetics Corporation
- Fresenius Kabi
- Terumo BCT, Inc.
- Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd.
- HemaCare Corporation
- Kaneka Corporation
- Kawasumi Laboratories Inc.
- Cerus Corporation
- B. Braun Melsungen AG
- Nikkiso Co., Ltd.
Key Topics Covered:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Executive Summary
Chapter 3: Market Overview
Chapter 4: Apheresis Market By Product
Chapter 5: Apheresis Market By Procedure
Chapter 6: Apheresis Market By Method
Chapter 7: Apheresis Market By Component
Chapter 8: Apheresis Market By End User
Chapter 9: Apheresis Market By Region
Chapter 10: Company Profile
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/n7hn2t/global_apheresis?w=4


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(Reuters) - U.S. budget carrier JetBlue Airways Corp JBLU.O, online travel agency Booking Holdings Inc BKNG.O and at least two hotel owners abandoned their financial outlook on Monday as travel demand takes a hit from the coronavirus outbreak.
The coronavirus, which emerged in the Chinese central province of Hubei late last year, has wrecked havoc to airline and travel stocks.
An industry body last week estimated that the outbreak could lower passenger revenue globally for airlines by as much as $113 billion this year.
JetBlue, which pulled its first-quarter and 2020 earnings forecast, said it was adjusting schedules between March and early May and was considering more flight cancellations.
Booking said that travel demand across Europe and North America has deteriorated since its forecast in February, forcing it to withdraw its first-quarter outlook. The company said it was unable quantify the impact of the outbreak on its future financial results.
Host Hotels and Resorts Inc HST.N, one of the largest owners of luxury and upper-upscale hotels in the United States, as well as smaller peer Sotherly Hotels Inc SOHO.O also retracted their 2020 financial outlook amid a number of corporate group cancellations.
JetBlue said the outbreak is expected to make at least a six percentage-point dent in its total revenue per available seat mile in the first quarter.
The carrier was considering voluntary time-off programs for employees, delaying some hiring and increasing the frequency with which it cleans aircraft.
JetBlue's U.S. rival Southwest Airlines Co LUV.N said last week it expected a hit of up to $300 million to its first-quarter operating revenue.
Another U.S. carrier Hawaiian Airlines Inc HA.O withdrew its outlook for unit revenue, a key profitability measure, citing "considerable uncertainty" about the virus impact.
On Sunday, Air New Zealand AIR.NZ also retired its full-year earnings outlook, while implementing a hiring freeze and offering unpaid leave to staff.
Reporting by Rachit Vats, Uday Sampath and Ankit Ajmera in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Arun Koyyur
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.


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Don't-Miss Web and Social Software Stories
David Plouffe, a former Obama campaign manager, will become Uber's senior vice president of policy and strategy.
Facebook is experimenting with a new feature that may help you determine that the story you saw about a hamster infestation at the White House is, in fact, an attempt at humor.
Turns out plane-sharing and ride-sharing are not at all the same.
The finger-pointing continues between the ride-sharing services, which both accuse the other of ordering and canceling thousands of rides.
A new program, now in beta, allows for paid video content in people's feeds.
The app’s use of push notifications may send tech companies scurrying to compete for your lockscreen.
Forget Silicon Valley. Never mind Halt and Catch Fire. The history of technology provides ample source material for your next big-screen blockbuster.
Lyft says that Uber employees have ordered and cancelled thousands of Lyft rides since last fall, hurting its business.
The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has posted a bulletin warning of the risks associated with the virtual currency, including exposure to hackers and scammers. Bitcoin advocates say it paints an incomplete picture.
Or to put it another way: A survey by the entertainment industry trade magazine found that YouTube stars are more popular among teenagers than movie, TV, and music celebrities.
I shared meals cooked by strangers and didn’t die. Thank you, technology.
Broadband Internet speeds can vary widely from state to state according to research from Broadview Networks.
You'll be able to get books the same day you order them from Barnes & Noble -- assuming you're living in the three cities where Google is offering the service through Google Shopping Express.
Uber beat Lyft to the punch on the announcement, but Lyft’s carpooling feature is a fully realized product.
UberPool connects riders who live in the same area to save everyone money.


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2023 – A year of disruptions, challenges and changes
by Paul Needham
For most courier, express, parcel and postal operators, 2023 proved a challenging year marked by supply chain disruptions, weak demand and high costs. There were several high-profile changes in management and brands along with numerous cost reduction and restructuring programmes. With ongoing conflicts around the world and mixed prospects for the world economy, international trade and private consumption, the outlook for 2024 looks uncertain at best.
This Review of 2023 looks back at some of the biggest news concerning the leading CEP companies in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. The links refer to CEP-Research articles on the topics mentioned.
It was a year of new names at Deutsche Post DHL Group. Tobias Meyer took over as CEO from Frank Appel in May and quickly made his mark by re-branding the German postal and logistics company with a more international name – DHL Group. The rationale: more than 90% of the group’s revenue is generated by DHL-branded businesses while the Deutsche Post-branded domestic mail business only accounts for 10% of revenues.
In parallel, the group’s DHL eCommerce Solutions division re-branded in various countries from ‘DHL Parcel’ to ‘DHL eCommerce’, including in the Netherlands, Spain and the UK. The division also made a significant acquisition, buying Turkish parcels firm MNG Kargo, and partnered with Cainiao in Poland as well as with Italy’s Poste Italiane.
Meanwhile, despite lower volumes and revenues, the group’s most profitable business, DHL Express, kept up strategic investments in key markets, including in Hong Kong, South Korea, the USA (Cincinnati, Atlanta) and Europe (Helsinki, Barcelona).
In the USA, both FedEx and UPS had a turbulent year, marked by labour disputes, restructuring measures, disappointing financial results and managerial changes.
UPS was heavily impacted by the threat of a Teamsters strike before a last-minute deal was agreed in July and lost US parcel volumes to rival carriers, although some business was won back in the final months of the year. There were also numerous managerial changes in the USA and Asia Pacific, while nearly 200 pilots accepted voluntary retirement. In Europe, the company focused strongly on SMBs during the year.
But UPS also invested heavily, spending $1.3 billion in total on the acquisitions of MNX Global Logistics and Happy Returns, buying a French healthcare logistics company, and opening new facilities around the world (or announcing them), including in Pennsylvania, Louisville, Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Madrid and Giessen (Germany).
Job losses and restructuring
Arch-rival FedEx remained strongly focused on its wide-ranging restructuring programmes throughout 2023. In February, the company announced it would cut 10% of top management jobs as part of a 12,000-person workforce reduction. Then, in April, the company presented a major transformation from separate businesses into a streamlined ‘One FedEx’ organization, including the merger of the US express and ground operations by June 2024. In parallel, the airline was gradually downsized during the year and pilots were encouraged to take voluntary redundancy. In December, the company then announced a further restructuring of the airline into a three-tier ‘Tricolor’ network, with Purple for priority express shipments, Orange for deferred shipments, and White for additional third-party airlift.
Meanwhile, the US Postal Service saw parcel volumes decline last year and continued to make massive financial losses although it vigorously promoted its long-term turnaround strategy and network restructuring to focus on parcels growth.
Name changes and disposals
In Europe, 2023 also proved a challenging year for the major postal and parcel operators as B2C business declined due to falling private consumption in many countries while B2B demand remained subdued. Cost saving programmes, including job reductions, were introduced or intensified at many companies.
France’s La Poste Group, and its express parcels subsidiary Geopost, faced difficult conditions in many markets, although the group achieved resilient results for the first half of 2023. In March, the ‘DPDgroup’ brand was dropped and replaced with the existing divisional name ‘Geopost’ to simplify its corporate identity and gain a more global name for growth ambitions outside of Europe. In October, Geopost CEO Yves Delmas stressed the parcels operator was focusing on diversification activities to achieve growth.
However, the French group also sold off loss-making on-demand delivery subsidiary Stuart, announced a major restructuring at DPD Germany, and appointed a new Europe chief. Strategic partnerships with CEVA Logistics and China’s JD Logistics were agreed, and a joint venture in Argentina was launched.
Across the Channel, there were changes at the top of International Distributions Services plc (IDS) and its two divisions, Royal Mail and GLS. In May, Simon Thompson resigned as CEO of loss-making Royal Mail following strikes over the British postal operator’s restructuring plans that were ended with a pay and ‘no compulsory redundancies’ agreement. In July, GLS Group CEO Martin Seidenberg was promoted to CEO of IDS, with GLS Germany chief Karl Pfaff stepping up to replace him. A new CEO for Royal Mail, which remains heavily in the red, has yet to be appointed. More positively, GLS, which is growing profitably and investing internationally, made several acquisitions last year to broaden its services and network in Germany, Italy and Canada, and expanded into Serbia.
Among other major European CEP operators, PostNord continued to restructure its operations as volumes, revenues and profits declined, and announced a major reorganization in Denmark where the USO ended on January 1, 2024. Posti downscaled mail deliveries to just three days per week under Finland’s new USO.
Meanwhile, Norwegian postal group Posten Norge re-named as Posten Bring in June to reflect its international logistics growth while in a surprise move CEO Tone Wille announced she would step down during 2024.
In the Benelux region, business at bpost was overshadowed by a long-running legal investigation into a Belgian government newspaper delivery contract, there were several management changes and a new CEO was appointed. The Belgian group acquired full ownership of e-logistics firm Active Ants and continued to invest in e-commerce logistics and sustainable deliveries. For its part, Dutch group PostNL tackled a business slowdown with 300 job cuts and managed to generate low parcels growth during the second half of the year.
Despite declining profits, Swiss Post maintained its diversification strategy with numerous acquisitions of small transportation, logistics and digital companies. Neighbouring Austrian Post generated solid parcels growth during 2023, not least thanks to strong growth at Turkish subsidiary Aras Kargo which also acquired a company in Azerbaijan. A CEO handover will take place later this year.
In southern Europe, Poste Italiane performed strongly during 2023 and signed an e-commerce parcels agreement with DHL Group. Portugal’s CTT grew profitably last year, investing in more parcel lockers and its Spanish business. In stark contrast, Spain’s Correos remained heavily in the red and a new CEO was appointed.
Asia Pacific investments
There were also contrasting fortunes in the Asia Pacific region where economic growth slowed in many countries but e-commerce remained a growth driver in most markets. Among significant developments, Singapore Post made a financial turnaround, stepped up its diversification strategy by acquiring another Australian company and partnered with Pos Indonesia. Pos Malaysia reduced its losses and focused on its ongoing business transformation.
Despite dropping into the red, Australia Post continued to invest in parcels growth with several new facilities and successfully secured reform of the country’s postal USO, enabling it to downscale loss-making letter deliveries this year. Meanwhile, NZ Post saw profits drop back and announced job cuts but plans to boost its logistics activities with a strategic acquisition.