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TORONTO (WKBW) — In less than a week, the Canadian border is set to re-open to fully vaccinated Americans for non-essential travel.
Canada has been closed to most American tourists since March 2020, but starting Monday, August 9, the Canadian government will start to allow entry to Americans who can prove they are full vaccinated against COVID-19.
However, vaccinated Americans still need to get a COVID test within three days from entry into the country.
They also need to fill out a travel questionnaire on Canada's new Arrive-Can app.
Even with all this, Canadian businesses are thrilled to have tourists welcome once again.
Pheben Kassahun takes a closer look at how the pandemic brought tourism to a standstill in Toronto, and how long it may take for this capital city to rebound.
Toronto: known for its many high-rise buildings, home of the 2019 NBA champs, and its multiculturalism has been battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing tourism to a screeching halt.
Destination Toronto president and CEO, Scott Beck said, "We estimate the first year of the pandemic to have resulted in about $8 Billion in lost economic activity for the city of Toronto. I would also stress that it's still ongoing."
Every part of Toronto's visitor ecosystem was hit, and a return to normal does not look realistic for the next three to four years, according to Beck. He anticipates Toronto tourism to fully recover by 2024 and 2025.
Beck said, "With the current restrictions it's not as though the pandemic has ended the impact. We're estimating about $650M a month that is lost in visitor spending, in the city of Toronto due to the pandemic."
In a normal year, let's say 2019, Beck said about 27.5 million people visited Toronto. This resulted in an economic impact of $10.5 billion. About 70,000 businesses associated with tourism and hospitality were supported.
Now, "The Big Smoke" is working to rebound."We decided to come up with an offer— up to 25% off of our best available rate of the day with a minimum 2-night stay," The Chelsea Hotel public relations director, Tracy Ford said.Ford said this is an exclusive offer for the city's close neighbors here in New York."
We have a really great attraction like Ripley's Aquarium, of course the iconic CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, the art gallery. There's a lot of things to see and do and all of those attractions are opening up or have opened up. So, by the time the border opens up, these attractions will be ready and available," Ford said.She said safety measures should not be a concern for visitors to the popular hotel.
Ford said, "We just were awarded the safe travel stamp. It's actually an international symbol to allow travelers to know that our hotel has been following proper hygiene and been following protocol."
Those arriving to "The Six" with family will have the option to have a unique social distancing adventure on water.
"The other one I can suggest, which will be interesting to Americans, would be a Houseboat Holiday. There are no houseboat holidays anywhere in New York State," DCMi president and Stars & Maple Holidays president, Prasad Gopinath said. "It's a top-of-the-line product. They can take from two people or four people, all the way up to 10 people."
Another socially distant attraction suggests is 1,480 feet high."Within four or five hours of Buffalo, there is a Blue Mountain which is very good for families," Gopinath said. "We have suits that can take from four people all the way to six people."
Of course, those who would like to stay closer to sea level will have a ton of food options to choose from.
Gopinath said, "You got Moroccan food; you've got Lebanese food. If you want Mexican food, there's a great Mexican food downtown. There's a great steakhouse— any kind of food you would like to have it's there."Though, Gopinath warns to plan ahead for safety measures.
"They have allowed restaurants to open with limited seating and social distancing, and all that," Gopinath said. "Wearing a mask is a must, it's not optional."


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March is now unequivocally identified as women’s month and not surprisingly ad campaigns are dominated by themes of female empowerment.
All padded up for WPL
To build up excitement for the first ever Women’s Premier League, which kicked off on March 4, broadcast and digital partner to the tournament, Viacom18 beamed the T20 tourney’s inaugural campaign Naam Hoga Tera Har Zubaan Par. The rousing anthem, and TVC made by Ogilvy stresses that attack is the best form of defence.
The ad shows the influence of the current crop of women’s cricket on young aspiring girls and how they plan to leave their mark in the upcoming WPL. As Sukesh Nayak, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy India says, “Our campaign is a showcase of that — the immense potential of these players and their fierceness which will be unleashed at WPL, making them a household name across the gullies of India.”
Listen to what you want
Senco Gold and Diamonds’ women’s day campaign puts the spotlight on how women grow up listening to a lot of judgemental talk, and comments around them, be it from family, friends, colleagues or social media. Women grow up being taught to “listen to others”. The well-made film shows confident women ignoring the negative advice and doing what they feel is right. “ Suno Jo Tum Chunho” (Listen to only what you want) is the inspiring slogan of the campaign.
A case for dining out
Swiggy delivers yet another classic ad with its new campaign for Dineout. The food delivery aggregator which acquired online restaurant booking platform Dineout last year, but has just begun the integration, is announcing it in its trademark witty style. The ad titled ‘Go Out with Swiggy Dineout’ features celebrity couple Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar bickering in a car on whether to Dineout or Swiggy. While Dandekar insists on dining out, Akhtar is adamant on using Swiggy. The driver intervenes saying it is the same thing.
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Samsung has unveiled the final design and name for its cutting-edge Galaxy Fold phone that has a screen that folds in half and costs $1,980.
The new device will be released on 26 April in the US and 3 May in Europe, after nearly a decade in the making.
The Galaxy Fold literally folds in half like a book to use as a phone with a 4.6in screen on the outside, and unfolds to reveal a large 7.3in screen to use as a tablet on the inside.
The Samsung senior vice-president for mobile Justin Denison said:
“With the Galaxy Fold we’re giving you powerful smartphone and a revolutionary tablet.”
Available in 4G and 5G versions, the phone is seen as a crucial product for Samsung as it tries to maintain its position as the biggest smartphone manufacturer against stiff competition from its Chinese rivals.
The Fold has a powerful and smooth hinge with hidden gears, a split battery and a new software system called app continuity that switches between the screen as you open the phone.
It also comes with 12GB of ram and 512GB of storage, making it one of the most powerful smartphones available. It also has six cameras: three on the back, two on the big screen and one on the front screen for selfies when the phone is closed.
DJ Koh, the head of Samsung’s mobile business, said:
“We are pushing past the boundaries of technology to inspire renewed innovation and interest in the smartphone industry.
“To those who say they’ve seen it all, I say, buckle your seatbelt, the future is about to begin.”


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M&S sure know how to make a statement piece.
It started with the Alexa Chung-approved skirt, followed by the coveted constellation dress and much talked-about £19.50
The brand took to instagram to share a snap of the new red and blue floral jumpsuit, and it has gotten fashion fans into a frenzy.
In the caption for the snap, the brand wrote
“Jump into the new season with one of our most in-demand jumpsuits (as seen on the @thefrugality ). With its red and blue floral design and long sleeves it is perfect for spring, while its wide leg and button down front makes it super flattering.”
A lot of women took took to the comment station to show their interest in the piece, while other proud owners revealed how beautiful and flattering the dress was.
Plenty of women who already own the jumpsuit told fellow fashionistas how many compliments they’d received on wearing it.


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Google brings that affordable flight knowledge and the feds examine Elon’s glass area
Welcome again to The Station, your central hub for all previous, provide and long run method of transferring other folks and applications from Point A to Point B. Kirsten is away, so I’ll be your host this week.
It’s been some other week of probes into Tesla that seem to be coming from each side:
First, let’s get started with Autopilot, Tesla’s complicated driving force help gadget (ADAS). As a part of an ongoing investigation into the ADAS after a chain of Teslas crashed into emergency cars, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is requesting more info from the automaker. This time, it’s a few device trade that permits drivers to make use of the gadget for prolonged sessions of time with out prompting the driving force to position their arms at the wheel. The NHTSA mentioned this is able to “lead to greater driver inattention and failure of the driver to properly supervise Autopilot.”
Meanwhile, in Tesla’s battery division, federal prosecutors are investigating Tesla’s performance claims after Reuters reported that the EV maker exaggerated the possible using distance of its cars.
And in the end, the Elon Musk–owned automaker is reportedly under the microscope from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the use of corporate finances to — *assessments notes* — construct a large glass area for Musk close to Tesla’s Austin HQ.
Have I neglected anything else?
Before we leap into the inside track, slightly replace about TechCrunch Disrupt. Kyle Vogt, CEO and co-founder of Cruise, will probably be becoming a member of us September 20 at the Disrupt Stage in a consultation referred to as “The Robotaxi Revolution.”
Reminder that you’ll drop us a notice at firstname.lastname@example.org. If you would like stay nameless, click here to contact us, which incorporates ProtectedDrop (instructions here) and quite a lot of encrypted messaging apps.
If you’re into e-bikes, you’ve most probably spotted that the brand new ones are being constructed with GPS monitoring enabled, ostensibly so you’ll in finding your motorbike if any individual steals it. But the general public aren’t going to trace down their motorbike and confront a probably unhealthy thief, and the police most probably have extra essential issues on their plates.
Enter BackPedal, a UK-based startup that’s construction a industry style round e-bike recovery. Using a community of on-the-ground restoration brokers, just right relationships with police, and GPS monitoring, the corporate will pass and get your stolen e-bike for you.
The industry style is a per 30 days subscription carrier, beginning at £8.99 monthly, that still contains insurance coverage within the tournament that the startup can’t reclaim the motorbike. But thus far, BackPedal boasts a 90% good fortune price and is operating on making improvements to that price because it grows around the U.Ok.
Deal of the week
Chinese EV startup XPeng will acquire the smart EV assets of ride-hailing large Didi for $744 million. The Didi belongings will grow to be a brand new sub-brand referred to as “Mona” underneath XPeng and is scheduled to release in 2024. There are a number of the explanation why this piqued my hobby.
The deal marks Didi’s give up of its carmaking dream. The company has been slowly climbing out from underneath a dismal cloud following a chain of regulatory crackdowns from the Chinese govt, so promoting off a money-hemorrhaging EV industry was once an effective way for Didi to focal point again on ride-hailing.
The deal may also lend a hand XPeng, a Tesla competitor, amplify its marketplace achieve, specifically if Didi options Mona cars as a most popular possibility for riders.
A partnership between the 2 corporations may just spice up each XPeng’s independent using generation and Didi’s robotaxi interests. In April, Didi mentioned it was once operating with Chinese carmakers to deploy self-developed robotaxis to the general public through 2025. And whilst XPeng has basically fascinated with ADAS, the automaker has been making strikes to check its G9 SUV as a commercial autonomous vehicle.
Real fast prior to we get to the opposite offers . . .
Chinese startups are starting to get the OK to promote stocks in a foreign country — however they have got to stick to China’s strict new set of rules. Two startups that experience surfaced not too long ago are Zeekr, a tender but well-financed EV model underneath Chinese auto large Geely, and WeExperience, an independent using startup that’s raised over $1 billion in investment. Zeekr has been given the golf green gentle to factor as much as 926 million commonplace stocks at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and WeExperience is permitted to factor 159 million stocks on both the NYSE or Nasdaq.
Both the steerage set through Beijing and an settlement through the U.S. to just accept auditing of Chinese corporations through Chinese accounting companies method there’s now a trail ahead to IPO in a foreign country. This has ended in a slight rebound in Chinese IPOs.
Other offers that stuck my consideration . . .
The Biden management is providing $15.5 billion in funds and loans to spur the EV transition. The cash will pass towards retooling present auto factories for electrical, hybrid and hydrogen gasoline mobile cars, in addition to boosting battery production locally.
Bosch’s deal to procure TSI Semiconductors has gone through, nevertheless it’s going through some hurdles. The corporate mentioned it wishes subsidies from the U.S. govt to hold out its complete enlargement plans. California has authorized a $25 million tax credit score for the manufacturing facility.
Lyft lead impartial director, Sean Aggarwal, purchased over $1 million in Lyft stocks. The corporate’s percentage worth rose round 11% within the days that adopted.
Redwood Materials, the battery recycling and fabrics startup based through Tesla co-founder JB Straubel, raised $1 billion to amplify the U.S.’s battery provide chain.
VanMoof, the flashy e-bike startup that declared chapter this summer time, has gotten a lifeline. British e-scooter corporate Lavoie has acquired the business, with plans to spend money on the emblem and relaunch the industry. Sources instructed TechCrunch that Lavoie paid “tens of millions” of euros for VanMoof.
Notable information and different tidbits
Ford‘s BlueCruise hands-off ADAS has been approved to be used in Germany.
Tesla has dropped the cost of its “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) beta device to $12,000, down from $15,000. The EV maker didn’t say why, however I’ve my suspicions. As different ADAS, like Ford’s BlueCruise, takes to the air, Tesla may well be seeking to enforce dynamic pricing to stick forward of the sport. But I feel it’s extra about knowledge. Musk has made no bones in regards to the significance of attaining exact complete self-driving, and to take action with handiest cameras and no lidar or radar would require the entire knowledge Tesla can get its arms on. A less expensive FSD price may incentivize extra consumers to put in the arguable device.
AB316, a California invoice that will ban absolutely driverless heavy-duty AVs within the state, is getting as regards to making it to the state’s Senate flooring. The California DMV has spoken out, pronouncing the ban won’t building up protection and can as a substitute have a chilling impact at the building of generation in California that’s supposed to extend protection on roadways.
Cruise is starting guide knowledge assortment in Seattle; Washington, D.C.; and Las Vegas, whilst its tech comes underneath scrutiny in its place of origin of San Francisco. This article runs via what that implies and lists the entire markets Cruise is in lately.
Volvo Autonomous Solutions has effectively got rid of its protection driving force in an energetic industrial mining operation in Norway.
Electric cars, charging & batteries
FreeWire Technologies, an EV charging tech corporate, unveiled an AI-enabled prediction device to lend a hand industry and C-store store shoppers to decide the optimum places to position EV charging stations. The device will probably be to be had around the U.S. and in 4 Canadian provinces in Q1 2024.
Fisker published more details about its Pear crossover EV, however what we discovered maximum fascinating was once the automaker’s affirmation that Foxconn would certainly be construction the EV at its Lordstown, Ohio, manufacturing facility. CEO Henrik Fisker instructed TechCrunch in August that the deal was once nonetheless no longer finalized, and certainly we nonetheless have some questions. Like, what different main points do Foxconn and Fisker want to hammer out? And how the heck does Fisker suppose it’ll be capable to pull off construction a sub-$30,000 EV at a benefit?
Mercedes-Benz is opening its first EV DC fast-charging hubs in Atlanta, China and Germany, beginning within the fourth quarter of 2023. This is the automaker’s first step towards putting in 2,000 charging hubs international through the tip of 2024, and 10,000 chargers through 2030.
Tesla has additionally packed higher-end Model S and Model X features — like ambient lights and ventilated seats — into the refreshed Model 3.
Apple has filed a patent for an augmented truth heads-up show. Whether or no longer Apple is if truth be told operating on its legendary Apple Car, this product would make just right use of the corporate’s XR tech.
General Motors is the use of Google’s AI chatbot, Dialogflow, to power its OnStar in-car concierge carrier. The AI will be capable to deal with non-emergency requests, like routing, navigation and answering questions on GM cars in an oh-so-lifelike means.
Speaking of Google, Google Flights has released a new feature that can lend a hand vacationers determine the most cost effective time to ebook. The new insights device will lean on historic pattern knowledge to let customers see when costs have usually been the bottom to their selected vacation spot on their decided on dates.
Toyota Motor Europe has introduced Toyota Open Labs, an innovation platform designed to deliver in combination startups with industry gadgets around the Toyota ecosystem. The function is to lend a hand become Toyota right into a mobility corporate with experience throughout power, round financial system, carbon-neutral tech, good communities and extra.
Rivian has introduced on Dr. Kjell Gruner as leader industrial officer and president of commercial enlargement. Gruner involves the desk with 25 years of automobile revel in, maximum not too long ago serving as CEO of Porsche Cars North America. He additionally labored as director of technique at Mercedes-Benz for 6 years.
Grab your cross to TC Disrupt 2023
We’re protecting all issues sustainable mobility at TechCrunch Disrupt 2023, going down in San Francisco on September 19–21. Last-minute passes are nonetheless to be had. Save 15% with code STATION. Register now!


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Meet 5 entrepreneurs, who have learnt vital lessons from India to fuel their global startups
Along the way, the globetrotting and varied experiences of these entrepreneurs are helping shape the way the startup ecosystem in India is evolving.
Shuttling between the US and India is something that Tibrewal has done a lot over his two-decade career. The engineer first moved to the US in the late 1990s where he steered his first business intelligence startup Ellianz. It wasn’t long before he shut it down as the dotcom bubble burst. He then went on to pursue an MBA from Kellogg after which he took up a job with McKinsey, US in 2004.
In 2008, as the global financial crisis roiled the US economy, Tibrewal moved to India, betting his career on the big dreams of organised retailing pioneer Kishore Biyani. It wasn’t a spectacular career move. After four years at Future Group, some of it as chief operating officer of Pantaloon Retail India, he did a brief stint at HT Media. In late 2012, Tibrewal quit to think startup again. “I was brimming with ideas,” he says.
Looking back, this back-and-forth shift between India and the US may not have given Tibrewal’s corporate career a big leg up. But it has helped enormously in shaping him as an entrepreneur.“What I like about some of these people is they have a global mindset,” says angel investor Sasha Mirchandani, founder of Kae Capital. They have their networks in Silicon Valley as much as in India. They know how a mature market like the US works. They are also alive to the opportunities and challenges that an emerging market like India throws up.
“They really think big. And this combination of thinking big [that the US teaches] and thinking frugal [that India teaches] is deadly,” adds Mirchandani.
Tibrewal agrees. The startup’s core idea itself came to him while he was steering Pantaloon. One fine day, when struggling with myriad Excel data printed on paper sheets spread out on the floor for analysis, the idea of building a product to analyse Excel data better struck him. So while still working at the retailing company he built a crude tool to do that. And that’s when he realised he could productise it for mobile devices. “In India, the problems — and opportunities — stare at you everywhere,” says Tibrewal.
The location, though, wasn’t to be India. As he turned entrepreneur, Tibrewal decided to shift to Silicon Valley in March 2013. “That’s the place for global startups.
It has a very well-oiled startup ecosystem,” he says. Having worked in the US, he was also very well networked there. His app, out last month and available for iPad (currently free), has got an encouraging response in both developed and emerging markets. The startup has raised $4.5 million from Shasta Ventures and has got fivestar ratings on the Apple store. It is getting roughly 1,000 downloads every day, about a fifth of them from the US and the rest from countries such as Mexico, India, Thailand, the UK, Spain, Taiwan, Germany, says Tibrewal.
Initially, the criss-crossing of continents felt random. And the trips were often borne out of either crises — or, sometimes, opportunities.
Over the last decade, a booming Indian economy and the global economic crisis brought home many natives in search of opportunities. While most came from the US and the UK, Singapore and other western European countries too contributed to the return of the expat Indians. The jury is still out on how these executives have fared in climbing the corporate ladder in India (not many seem to have really made it).
The Indian sojourn though has contributed richly to the entrepreneurial journey of the likes of Tibrewal. And driving a startup from a developed economy as well as an emerging one gives them a unique vantage point and perspective. “This B-to-B [Bengaluru to Bay Area] movement has been happening for some time but is now reaching a crescendo. It is also a big boost to the startup ecosystem in India,” says serial entrepreneur K Ganesh who is also an angel investor.
The B-to-B MovementRamashish Ray, 42, has been a working professional for over two decades. He left India in 2005 to work with Nokia in Singapore and Finland before returning to India to join Samsung India. He recently quit to turn entrepreneur and is preparing to shift to Singapore.
Meanwhile, he is tapping into his corporate network to pivot two startups (they are still in the development stage and Ray wants to keep them under wraps). On the other hand, he is partnering with ex-colleagues in Finland for research and development work.
“They are very good with 3D technologies and are keen to explore emerging markets. But a complex market like India overwhelms them,” Ray says.
With Singapore as his base, Ray is exploring options for contract manufacturing in China even as he is tapping into his India network to get programmers to do some coding on the side. “Hiring them full time would have required time and money,” he says.
The wearable devices he is thinking of, with safety as their focus, are specially being developed keeping India in mind, although they would be relevant for other markets such as Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia too. While his overseas stint helped him get the big picture and learn about strategy, it was in his operational role in India when the rubber hit the road. “It tickled my brains, showed me opportunities and gave me the confidence that I could handle scale, speed and chaos,” he says.
It was something similar for Sunil Thomas, co-founder, Wiz-Rocket Technologies. Thomas was working in Seattle till 2009 as the chief technology officer (CTO) of online search engine firm InfoSpace when he decided to relocate to India for both personal and professional reasons.“There are only three places in the world critical to hone your skills — the US, China and India. I had worked in the US and then wanted to come back for an India stint,” he says.
In India, he worked with the Network18 Group in different capacities before deciding to turn entrepreneur. “I was here earlier in the ’90s but it’s only when you’re a little older — Thomas was 39 when he moved back to India — that a stint here can make a whole lot of difference,” he says.
In early 2014, Thomas moved to Silicon Valley. His startup, WizRocket Technologies, has built a user-behaviour analysis and targeting tool that helps web businesses interact with their users — both offline and online. It has raised $1.6 million funding from Accel Partners. It was different for Sanjay Kakkar.
Born and raised in the UK, he studied at King’s College London and Harvard. He worked for MNCs and startups, in the process moving from the UK to the US to Italy and Germany before coming to India in 2010. Kakkar wanted to establish a healthcare enterprise, keeping in mind the high incidence of heart disease in south Asia. “My biotech experience and medical background provided an ideal opportunity to build my next venture in India,” he says.
Today, as Kakkar steers his startup Jai Medica, he has shifted base to the UK, and shuttles between Europe, North America, India and the Far East. But it’s the India stint of the past that “completely changed my perspective,” he says.
Straddling Two Worlds
For one, the spell in India introduced Kakkar to the desi virtue (not always a virtue, though) of frugal innovation, or jugaad. “I had to learn to innovate with very few resources and to think carefully about how end users of healthcare technologies make buying decisions,” says Kakkar.
In India, consumers pay their own healthcare bills at the point-ofdelivery, unlike advanced economies where third-party payers such as government and insurers reimburse costs. However, in those economies the cost of healthcare is becoming unsustainable and individuals will have to soon face the prospect of paying at the point-of-delivery.
“Therefore, India is an ideal place to develop healthcare technologies designed to cater directly to the consumer,” he says. Once established, such technologies and services can be modified and deployed internationally.For many, like Thomas, an India spell brought them face to face with myriad problems — giving them little option but to find solutions in quick time.
It is a fertile ground for thinking of new ideas as there are so many problems that need to be solved,” he says. Fortunately or unfortunately, many of those problems have already been solved in developed markets like the US.
And many of those solutions are relevant for other global markets. “Because you are constantly dealing with problems, you also get better at problem solving,” he says.
For some like Anu Duggal, 35, founder of F Cubed (Female Founders Fund), India teaches resilience. “It is a very difficult place to do business. You encounter problems day in and day out — from corruption to infrastructure-related,” she says. In India, she first dabbled in business with a venture called The Tasting Room in 2005 for a year. Erratic power and water supply, and getting business permits were all real issues.
For many executives who have done stints in the developed world, often honing their strategy skills at the headquarters, India brings them close to the operational challenges that companies often grapple with. “It helps develop a 360 degree view of the world,” says Ray. During his stint in India, Ray did his bit to contribute to the rapid growth of Samsung’s mobile retail network. The stint refreshed his understanding of the Indian market and helped develop connections in marketing and distribution.
India’s Startup Ecosystem
Along the way, the globetrotting of these entrepreneurs is helping shape the way the startup ecosystem in India is evolving. They bring along with them rounded and balanced views of how to tackle both the developed as well as an emerging market; they are able to integrate their networks in the two worlds seamlessly to better negotiate their way through hurdles; and from day one they are able to dream big and build startups with better global relevance.
This also fits in well with the way India today figures on the global startup map. Earlier, the moment a tech startup was formed in the US, it would look to set up a development centre in India. “It was about cost arbitrage, talent, time and all that,” says Jay Jaykumar, a managing partner at Netspoke Partners, a technology and risk advisory firm for earlystage ventures and venture funds. “It has changed now,” he adds. India’s importance as a market is rising at a global level. Today, many tech companies – including startups – are looking at India not just as a place to set up their development centre but also as a market.
All the big tech companies — from Amazon, Facebook and Google to Whatsapp and Groupon — are looking at India seriously as a market. This is equally relevant for these budding entrepreneurs and their exposure to both the developed and emerging markets comes handy in targeting both.“This is a country that will test anybody’s conviction. You need to have a lot of patience with time horizons,” says Bejul Somaia, managing director, Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Take for example Kakkar’s Jai Medica. Over the first three years of his India sojourn, he invested time in India to understand the market needs, discovered an innovative solution, validated it, then developed a proprietary web application and then set up distribution logistics backed by a robust marketing strategy.
With a solid team and successful pilots in India, Kakkar is now in the process of commercialising the technology globally. “I am now looking to expand my company internationally [into other markets]. Being in London helps,” says Kakkar.
Equally comfortable operating and living in two different worlds, these executives are able to exploit the respective advantages of the two places with a lot of ease.
Serial entrepreneur Ganesh recalls the time he was setting up TutorVista in the early 2000s. He was looking for a CTO who understood US consumers and would help in developing tech products. It wasn’t easy. “He was my employee No 1. I could not have moved forward without him,” he says. It took Ganesh four months (a long time in a startup’s freneticpaced life) to find him. In India, during those days, such talent was difficult to get.
Life is a lot easier for many of today’s straddling entrepreneurs. For the Silicon Valley-based Tibrewal, hiring his head of growth — who joined as the co-founder — happened quite easily. A connection on LinkedIn, followed by a few meetings, and bingo! he was on board.
Not surprisingly, many startups today maintain a twin-country presence to steer their growth. Mirchandani of Kae Capital says of the 20-plus companies in his portfolio, promoters of more than eight today are straddling the US and India.
Not just entrepreneurs, even globetrotting investors are helping India’s startup ecosystem. Jaykumar — who invests and advises startups — says Koramangala in Bengaluru is full of startups operating out of 100 sq ft offices. “Earlier, global venture funds would be scared betting on startups operating so frugally,” he says. Today, they are a lot more comfortable. Just as the entrepreneurs are.


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New Game Gets A Launch Date And Server Closure Notice In The Same Announcement
You only get three months to play this game.
Publisher Bushiroad and developer KLab Games have announced that the global version of Love Live School Idol Festival 2 Miracle Live will launch in February 2024.
In a peculiar turn of events during the same announcement, the companies also revealed that the game's servers will close on May 31, 2024, along with cutting off in-app purchases. This leaves interested players only about three months to play the game. "We appreciate the love and support you've shown, and we're committed to making these last few months an unforgettable moment," they said on Twitter.
【Global Launch Notice】— Love Live! School idol festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE! (@lovelive_SIF_GL) January 25, 2024
We are excited to break the news to you that the global version of Love Live! School idol festival 2 MIRACLE LIVE! is launching soon in February 2024.
However, we also want to inform you that, the Global Version will close its doors on May 31, 2024, and… pic.twitter.com/0LYQ6YnD61
Many Twitter users have left comments under the announcement, mainly asking why even bother launching the global version of the game at all if it's only going to be around for three months. The previously launched Japanese version of the game is also already set to shut down and will be closing its doors on March 31, 2024.
This mobile title is a rhythm game that utilizes nine-buttons and lets players bond with characters to unlock unique character interactions. The first Love Live School Idol Festival game launched in 2013 before being shut down in March 2023. Festival 2 Miracle Live launched in Japan shortly after in April 2023 but is now being shut down after less than a year.
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email firstname.lastname@example.org


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The hospitality industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and the consequent lockdown. In the first quarter of 2020, the hotels’ sector in India witnessed a decline of more than 65 per cent in occupancy levels as compared to the same period in the previous year, according to a report by JLL India.
Amid the crisis, one of India's largest hotel chains OYO too has announced new measures to adapt to the "new normal" in a post-pandemic world. In an interview with Outlook’s Lachmi Deb Roy, Founder and Group CEO of OYO Hotels and Homes Ritesh Agarwal said that as people begin travelling again, they would prefer independent boutique hotels or private vacation homes where they can plan get-togethers with friends and family. Excerpts from interview:
The hospitality industry is the worst affected, what is the situation going to be like post-pandemic?
As COVID-19 continues to impact the business and forces businesses to rethink, our teams have come together to plan for business continuity and recovery measures. We are building OYO to be the preferred hospitality brand for consumers in the new post-COVID reality.
Hygiene is going to be a key consumer question post-COVID. Our sanitised stay offerings and commitment towards ensuring minimal contact-based check-in is an important step. Customers will now look for both affordability and flexibility as uncertainty around the ability to travel will remain there for some time.
OYO Wowcher, our recently launched customer-centric initiative, focuses on this and offers double its value for the customers and has flexibility in the duration of redemption. With a reduction in non-essential work travel and the expected downturn in the economy in the near future, more corporates will look at budget accommodation options that are safe and sanitised. We can also expect domestic travel to boom as restrictions continue on international travel across most destinations. Pilgrimages, road trips to closer destinations will gain momentum. As people begin travelling again, there will also be a growing preference for staycations where travellers would prefer independent boutique hotels or even private vacation homes where they can plan get-togethers with friends and family.
You started OYO when you were just 19 years old to make available bookings for budget rooms in hotels. Like any startup, it has faced its own ups and downs. How difficult is the present time as compared to the pre-pandemic period?
COVID-19 is unlike any other challenge the world has faced, affecting people from every socio-economic background and causing a disruption in operations and processes across industries. Financial stress on individuals, government and industries is immense. Internally, we worked hard to minimize the financial impact by reducing controllable costs across the board.
For now, our goal is to ensure long-term sustenance of our business, which is critical for the industry’s recovery as well. We are also focusing on adapting the business to operate in a new normal in a post-pandemic environment.
How different is your concept of hospitality and how are you coping with the situation?
OYO operates an asset-light chain of predictable, easy to book, low-cost accommodations globally while enabling its 43,000+ hotel and homeowners to get improved quality and revenue. We are an asset-light transformative platform that converts sub-standard unbranded hotels / unutilized vacation homes into quality living spaces, with easy to book, hassle-free check-in experience. Today OYO enables its 43,000+ hotels and homeowners to get improved quality and revenue (up to 2.5x jump in RevPar, up to 30 per cent increase in occupancy).
Given the current scenario, it is hard to pre-empt a due-course of action. However, OYO is in a unique place to observe changes globally and derive a plan of action to operate in the current situation.
While there will be changes in customer needs and given the highly uncertain timing of recovery, our focus is to adapt and retool with a new operating model focused on safety and hygiene. We are working with our partners to understand their concerns and give them necessary guidance and financial support through tie-ups with banks/ NBFCs. We are optimistic that the budget and economy segment will bounce back faster with individuals and corporations tightening purse strings, while domestic travel in India will be a big gainer given the current circumstances.
Can you give some statistics in terms of revenue as to how it has affected OYO? As of now how many OYO rooms are vacant?
OYO much like the industry has also been impacted during this crisis. Our occupancy rates and therefore, revenue has reduced by 50-60 per cent. We are also seeing trends of around 75 per cent drop in occupancies in established hotel chains globally. As we get ready to open our hotels on June 8 in India with sanitised stays, we’ll be in a better position to evaluate our road to revenue recovery. We are likely to see a slow but sure recovery, especially since we’re in the affordable segment.
The fact that you don't own any hotel rooms, how do you ensure a safe experience for the consumers?
At OYO, we are responsible for end-to-end customer experience with the support of our hotel partners. The COVID-19 pandemic has created fundamental shifts in consumer behaviour, especially related to travel and hospitality. Higher hygiene standards, minimal contact service and enhanced credibility top the list of consumer requirements while planning travel after the lockdown. We recently launched the Sanitised Stays initiative where we are training our partners to offer a minimal touch experience to consumers during check-in/check-out, room service and also give consumers visibility of the sanitisation level of a property of the same on our online platforms. Our hotels will go through regular background audit checks for sanitisation, hygiene, and protective equipment. We will be training 1000 hotel partners over the next few days under this program. I would like personally thank our asset owners who have come together with us to boost sanitised stays across properties to welcome our guests.


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As part of the cash cum equity deal, Exclusively.in’s senior management along with its employees will be folded into Myntra and will contribute towards strengthening Myntra’s private label portfolio. Myntra will leverage Exclusively.in’s fashion and design expertise to strengthen its private label and presence in the US market. Myntra will also maintain Exclusively.in’s New York design studio to tap into the latest trends from one of the world’s leading fashion capitals.
Mukesh Bansal, Co-Founder & CEO at Myntra.com said “We are very excited about this acquisition. Exclusively.in’s team has built a niche offering of high-end traditional Indian brands which speaks to the global marketplace. We are very confident that this acquisition will significantly enhance Myntra’s fashion and design expertise and create inroads for global expansion.”
Sunjay Guleria, Co-Founder & CEO at Exclusively.in added – “We couldn’t have asked for a better long-term fit than Myntra. As the leader in the fashion and lifestyle e-commerce space, Myntra will now expose our award-winning designs and superior quality to millions of consumers in India and US and help us create long-term, sustainable brand equity.”
Exclusively.in retails high-end traditional Indian apparel as well as scarves, jewelry, handbags, paintings and other home accessories made by Indian designers. The company launched its sports-inspired lifestyle apparel brand Sher Singh in 2011 and has Indian cricket superstar Zaheer Khan and Supermodel and Bollywood actress Lisa Haydon as its brand ambassadors.
The company has offices in New Delhi and New York and has created the world’s first global Cricket-inspired lifestyle apparel brand with its signature “INDIA” polo worn by Cricket heroes such as Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan, MS Dhoni, and Harbhajan Singh.
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EU/JAPAN: Brussels slam Japanese import barriers
An EU report has called on Japan to consider introducing international standards for food safety, arguing the country’s tough national rules impeded EU food exporters from penetrating the market.
The report assessed that EU food companies’ costs when selling into Japan rise at least 25% over domestic production costs.
In a survey, the report's authors found 30% of EU food company respondents wanted “international standards [as] an effective tool to reduce barriers in the Japanese food sector”.
The report also backed writing a “common positive and negative list of additives” but nonetheless noted there was “great potential to export significant volumes” to Japan.
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International art auction house Sotheby’s has teamed up with ecommerce giant eBay to offer online auctions that will allow viewers to bid on art and collectibles.
Both companies said they want to benefit from the growing use of online mobile devices, noting that online art sales are expected to increase to $13 billion by 2020.
Last year, the number of lots bought online rose 36%.
“eBay in the near future will be launching a newly-designed experience on its site, tailored for collectors of rare, unique and premium art and collectibles as well as first time buyers,” the companies said in a joint press release.
Sotheby’s Chief Operating Officer Bruno Vinciguerra said the company hopes that the new venture will reach “the broadest possible audience around the world.”
The venture will begin by streaming live auctions from Sotheby’s New York headquarters. It is expected to offer 18 categories, focusing on jewelry, watches, photographs, and 20th century design.


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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa– In line with its commitment to building a safer online world for all, Facebook is supporting Safer Internet Day (5 February) with a campaign spanning 15-plus African countries.
Aligning with the Safer Internet Day call to action – “Together for a better internet” – by joining hands with more than 20 non-profit organisations and government agencies, the campaign aims to raise awareness about Internet safety and security concerns such as cyberbullying and cyber-crime.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about Internet safety and security concerns such as cyberbullying and cyber-crime
Facebook is supporting the Safer Internet Day by sponsoring the printing of online safety awareness booklets, facilitating training sessions and creating a family-friendly animation to help raise awareness of the Facebook Safety Centre
“We know that safety is a shared conversation, which is why we are excited to be working with so many stakeholders around the continent to make the Internet a better place,” says Sherry Dzinoreva, Public Policy Programs Lead at Facebook Africa. “Together, with Safer Internet Day as a platform, we can address emerging online concerns, so that people and especially children and the youth, can get the most from their Internet experience.”
The campaign covers most of sub-Saharan Africa, including Benin, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Facebook’s highlights for the week of Safer Internet Day include:
In South Africa, Facebook is partnering with The Film and Publication Board (FPB), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), Google, Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS) to launch the Web Rangers Programme 2019. Facebook is also supporting this effort with educational content.
Facebook’s Emilar Gandhi will participate in panel sessions to talk about how Facebook strives to keep its community safe.


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Jack Ma’s Ant Group was given the go-ahead to start operations at its consumer finance company — Chongqing Ant Consumer Finance Co. — after being forced to restructure its business after its record-breaking dual public listing was halted last year by Chinese regulators.
The newly licensed arm is the nucleus of Ant’s restructured lending business, according to a notice from the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) on Thursday (June 3). Chongqing Ant Consumer Finance can issue consumer loans, borrow from banks and issue bonds.
Aside from lending and consumer finance products, Chongqing Ant’s yuan-denominated business also can engage in insurance product sales and advisory services, and can invest in fixed income and other businesses approved by CBIRC, the statement said.
Ant’s new entity is licensed for consumer lending and other financial operations and will contain Ant credit services Huabei and Jiebei, currently used by almost 500 million people in China, The Wall Street Journal and other news outlets reported.
Ant Group, controlled by Ma, will hold a 50 percent stake in the new entity and invested $625 million in registered capital. The balance of the firm will be held by six other shareholders, including two state-owned financial institutions — Nanyang Commercial Bank and China Huarong Asset Management Co.
“Under the guidance of regulators, Ant will work with other shareholders of Chongqing Ant Consumer Finance to serve the needs of consumers, and to continue enhancing the quality of financial services and risk management capabilities,” Ant said on Thursday, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
Chinese regulators reached an agreement in February with Jack Ma and Ant Group to create a financial holding company, operating under rules similar to banks. The decision followed the scrapped $34 billion initial public offering (IPO), which then valued Ant at an estimated $316 billion. The new regulatory mandates also require 30 billion yuan (approximately $4.6 billion).
Increased scrutiny by Chinese regulators after the unsuccessful IPO led to Simon Hu stepping down as CEO of Ant Group in March. Hu was CEO since 2019 and was replaced by company veteran Eric Jing, who is also staying in his current role as executive chairman.


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(HBO) - In the first months of 2023, the province's agricultural exports showed signs of recovery as some of its products found ways into new export markets. To maintain export growth momentum, in addition to exploring potential markets and improving product quality, it is necessary for businesses and cooperatives to diversify agricultural products to meet market demand.
White sugar cane is cut into pieces before packaging and freezing for export at Tien Ngan Trading Investment Co. Ltd. (Hoa Binh City).
The first batch of One Commune One Product (OCOP) product - pink-fleshed Eureka lemon in honey - by Ha Phong Cooperative in Cao Phong district was exported to the UK in late July.
Bui Van Dan, head of the district’s Agricultural and Rural Department Sub-department, said an increasing competition in exporting goods requires businesses and cooperatives to work harder to diversify their products, along with exploring new markets.
He held that Ha Phong Cooperative is one of the units that focus on investing in developing more orange-related products, aiming to enhance the value of fresh oranges, thereby contributing to sustainable production development, creating job opportunities for many people, and promoting local economic development.
In line with the implementation of the OCOP programme, departments, agencies and local authorities have supported business establishments in building brands for their products, he continued.
To date, the whole province has 123 products of 101 entities recognised as OCOP products, including 96 agricultural ones.
The organisation of production and linkage between production and marketing of agricultural products in general and OCOP products in particular has been gradually strengthened and deployed regularly, contributing to stabilising product outputs and enhancing their value.
The province’s agricultural products have affirmed their position in the domestic market and they are appreciated by many consumers for their quality. Thanks to the attention of the provincial Party Committee and People's Committee as well as the engagement of relevant agencies, especially the efforts of producers, typical agricultural products of the locality have been exported to foreign markets such as Tan Lac red-flesh pomelos and Dien pomelo of Yen Thuy to the UK, Son Thuy longan (Kim Boi) to the EU and fresh sugarcane to the US.
Statistics from the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development showed positive signs in agricultural exports in the first six months of this year. Up to 20 tonnes of frozen fruits of Indochina Dragonplum (scientific name Dracontomelon duperreanum) trees were shipped to Japan, 43 tonnes of vegetables to the UK market and 300 tonnes of frozen white and purple sugarcane to the US, Canada, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.
Dinh Cong Su, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said Hoa Binh's agricultural products can meet customer requirements not only in the domestic but also in foreign markets, including those that require high quality and food safety.
In the coming time, localities will continue to strengthen production, creating raw material areas that ensure quality and support manufacturers to improve product quality, packaging design, and traceability, he said.
The One Commune One Product (OCOP) programme has helped encourage active labour among farmers, increasing production and creating high-quality products. In response to the programme, farmers in Phu Cuong commune, Tan Lac district, are working on their local sweet potato branding and forming a concentrated production area for better income and economic development.
Measures have been taken in Hung Thi commune, Lac Thuy district to eliminate hunger, reduce poverty and increase the income of residents. Currently, the commune has an average income of 51.1 million VND ($2,120 USD) per capita per year and its poverty rate is just 18%.
A delegation from Sao Do (Red Star) Entrepreneurs’ Club led by its President Nguyen Canh Hong has visited Hoa Binh to explore investment opportunities in the province.
Over the years, businesses located in local industrial parks (IP) have operated stably, completing and exceeding their plan and enjoying growth in revenue, export revenue and State budget payment, while contributing to creating jobs for local labourers.
In the cause of sustainable poverty reduction, the State’s supporting policies are considered a powerful lever to help poor and near-poor households escape poverty in Hoa Binh province. Over the past years, the Party committee and authorities of Tan My commune (Lac Son district) have always paid attention to and focused on implementing sustainable poverty reduction. Their efforts have produced positive results.


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The Sloane Stanley Estate has announced that Verte and Round Retail have launched a collaborative pop-up shop at 340 King’s Road, in support of local mental health charity, SMART (St Mary Abotts Rehabilitation and Training).
Verte, the pop-up swap shop for pre-loved fashion, and Round Retail, which aims to bridge the gap between fashion resale and charitable stores, have created a two-week shopping experience where customers can buy and swap pre-loved fashion items from mid-luxury brands. The pop-up encourages visitors to celebrate fashion that already exists within the economy, boasting curated collections from brands such as Whistles, Acne Studios, Rixo, and Toast.
The 1,178sq ft store will also host a series of events throughout its time on King’s Road, such as crochet and Galentine’s beading workshops, as well as offering free repairs with The Seam, further encouraging a circular approach to shopping. The funds raised will go to SMART, which aims to help people suffering from mental health issues by providing paid employment opportunities through community businesses, such as cafes, gardens, and more.
Hannah Grievson, property director at Sloane Stanley, commented: “Our on-demand pop-up leasing strategy enables us to be flexible and innovative, and concepts such as the Verte and Round Retail store demonstrate our ability to be adaptive and forward-thinking with our prime retail units. This pop-up will provide our local catchment with the ability to shop and swap their fashion favourites, all while supporting an amazing charity.”
Jessica Brunt, Founder of Verte, said: “The King’s Road is an iconic destination within London, and it is such a privilege to be able to trade here and raise money for SMART. We are on a mission to encourage shoppers to be more sustainable while bringing people together through their love of fashion.”
Annie Hought, Founder at Round Retail, added: “We are so excited to collaborate with Verte for this pop-up, and the Sloane Stanley team have been fantastic in enabling our vision. Accessibility is a key part of making sustainable shopping front-of-mind, and we look forward to encouraging more people to adopt a more circular approach.”
This announcement follows the news that Chinti & Parker has opened its first permanent store on King’s Road following a raft of successful pop-ups. Located at 322 King’s Road, Chinti and Parker adds a unique element to the Sloane Stanley Estate, delivering collections to enliven and invigorate women’s wardrobes.
Verte and Round Retail dealt direct, while Miles Commercial and Levy Real Estate represented the Sloane Stanley Estate.


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Prince Charles' 'sustainable fashion' line arrives – and it's going to cost you
Prince Charles – the Prince of Wales, environmental activist, organic farmer, preservationist, charity campaigner, social reformer – can add a new credential: Fashion entrepreneur.
Get ready to pay dearly for his vision, but remember it's for charity and for reimagining the future fashion industry as "sustainable" for the environment.
As promised, Charles' ready-to-wear luxury capsule collection, created by Italian and British students in the prince's sustainable fashion-training program, launched Thursday as a collaboration of The Prince's Foundation charity behemoth and the international online fashion retailer Yoox Net-A-Porter.
Pieces from the 18-piece collection made their debut on Mrporter.com, Net-a-Porter.com, Theoutnet.com and Yoox.com, heralded by The Prince's Foundation as a "sophisticated collection that marries formal lines and simple construction" and was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci.
Net-a-Porter featured 10 items with eye-watering price tags, ranging from $475 for a creamy white cable knit cashmere sweater to $1,495 for a luscious double-breasted merino wool and cashmere-blend belted coat.
MrPorter.com had similar steep prices for its eight items, including $795 dollars for a blue, button-down Oxford shirt.
Assuming people will start buying fashion again after the coronavirus pandemic eases, they can soothe their doubts about the prices with the promise that all profits from the sale of the collection will be donated to The Prince’s Foundation to help fund training programs aimed at preserving traditional textile skills.
This is the latest business-for-charity project from Charles, 71, who already raises millions for his many causes selling organic products through his Duchy Originals organics line.
His Modern Artisan Project is aimed at creating a new generation of young people trained in traditional design and textile skills to produce fashion that has less damaging impact on the environment.
Italian students from Politecnico di Milano designed the collection while British artisans trained in small-batch production skills at the prince's Dumfries House in Scotland made most of the collection by hand in the estate’s Textile Training Centre.
“The Modern Artisan project is a unique collaboration that champions sustainability and prepares trainees with the skills and confidence needed to gain employment in the fashion and textile industry, or start their own business," Charles says on his foundation website.
"I am very much looking forward to seeing what the artisans do next and am confident that each and every one of them will use the skills they have developed throughout The Modern Artisan project to make a positive impact on the fashion and textile industry and help preserve these invaluable heritage craft skills.”
According to the Prince's Foundation, the collection, created during the 500th anniversary year of the death of da Vinci, was influenced by the convergence of art and science in da Vinci’s work.
"Da Vinci’s knots are a feature throughout the collection. His studies of drapery inspired the womenswear, realized through folds, pleats, smocking, ties and bows," the foundation website says. "The menswear references da Vinci’s technical studies of engineering and anatomy, and his fascination with architectural details."
Long admired for his natty wardrobe, Charles opened up to British Vogue in a new interview about his mantra of "Buy once, buy well." He said he hates to throw anything away, would rather get something repaired than replaced, and even wore a 36-year-old morning coat to son Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018.
The interview featured a picture of the prince standing in the lush gardens of his country home, Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, wearing a 30-year-old linen jacket made for him by Anderson & Sheppard, the venerable Saville Row bespoke tailor.
Charles, who recovered from COVID-19 in the spring, spoke to British Vogue editor Edward Enninful, stressing the importance of a sustainable approach to fashion as crucial to fighting climate change, another important cause for Charles.
More:Prince William caught COVID-19 in the spring, but kept his diagnosis a secret: reports
Not only is the fashion industry vital to the British and global economy, the textile industry contributes about 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gas, more than the entire aviation and shipping sectors, Charles said.
"So it is critical that we address the whole issue around how we produce clothes" and the toxic chemicals that are used in the process, Charles said. "Then there’s all the waste and throwing away of clothes into landfill sites, which is why it matters so much if we’re going to tackle these huge global challenges around global warming and climate change."


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Lawmaker wants to ban plastic bags state-wide
Plastic bags are already banned in much of the Bay Area, but tonight a local lawmaker is trying to ban them state-wide.
Assm. Marc Levine, D-San Rafael, says plastic grocery bags are killing marine life and littering beaches.
Retailers have unsuccessfully fought bag bans in many cities and counties already, but Levine says a uniform ban is actually better for business.
"If you're operating a market in the northern part of the state and one in the southern part that both happen to be in jurisdictions that have different tweaks to these policies, or one that has a ban and one that doesn't, it makes it more difficult and so this will actually make it more uniform for everybody, both from the consumer standpoint, and even for our markets," he said.
Levine's proposal outlaws use of the bags in large grocery stores by 2015. They would then have to offer recycled paper bags and sell re-usable bags.
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PC manufacturers that expected to get their hands on the final version of Windows Vista on Wednesday have to wait a couple more weeks for the OS, according to sources familiar with the company’s plans.
Microsoft Corp. originally targeted Wednesday for Vista’s release to manufacturing, but a last-minute bug that “took most of the Vista team by surprise,” caused an unexpected delay, said Ethan Allen, a quality assurance lead at a Seattle high-tech company that tests its products for Vista. Allen also oversees the website.
Allen said the Vista team discovered the bug, which “would totally crash the system, requiring a complete reinstall,” in Vista Build 5824 on Friday, Oct. 13. The team fixed the bug a week later in Vista Build 5840, he said, but it delayed the delivery of the OS to PC makers.
The team is now targeting a new date of Wednesday, Nov. 8, for Vista’s release to manufacturing, Allen said. He also said that the business release of Vista, which Microsoft recently said is track for release next month, “will barely make the end of November deadline.”
A story in DigiTimes Wednesday first reported the delay of Vista’s RTM, citing Taiwanese PC makers.
Microsoft’s public relations firm said Wednesday that the business release of Vista has not been delayed, and that the OS is still expected to be generally available in January 2007.
Vista’s RTM isn’t the only thing for which Microsoft is keeping people waiting. Consumers concerned about the change in Windows client licensing that will allow them to transfer a Vista license only once are still wondering what happens when they switch out the motherboard and other components of computers. Some power users, who like to build their own computers from scratch and rebuild PCs frequently, have wondered whether they will have to purchase a new Vista license every time they do this.
Microsoft is in no hurry to give them an answer. A week after users first raised the issue, Microsoft on Wednesday declined to comment on the issue, according to a representative from its public relations firm.


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IBM has agreed to purchase enterprise marketing firm Unica Corporation in a $480m (£308m) deal that will add marketing and customer analysis services to IBM's Software Solutions business.
Unica's services will be offered alongside IBM's business analytics and optimisation consulting platforms.
The deal will allow IBM to purchase Unica stock at $21 (£13.50) per share. IBM is planning to close the acquisition and bring all 500 Unica employees onboard by the fourth quarter of 2010, pending shareholder approval.
The company said that the move will bolster IBM's ability to provide business process management services, and complements the recent acquisitions of web analytics firm Coremetrics and business transaction specialist Sterling Commerce.
"IBM understands the demands on today's organisations to transform core business processes in functions such as marketing with intelligence and automation," said IBM industry solutions general manager Craig Hayman.
"Unica was a clear choice for IBM based on its power to automate a broad set of marketing capabilities and its established reputation for delivering customer success in marketing to organisations around the world."
Dust storm on Titan only the third Solar System body where such storms have been observed
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Systrom and Krieger taking time off "to explore our curiosity and creativity"
Comcast's £29.7bn winning bid more than twice the £13.7bn Rupert Murdoch valued Sky at just eight years ago


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Amazon is ramping up its crackdown on distant staff, monitoring how usually workers badge in on the workplace.
Amazon has been pushing its workers to return to the workplace, even attempting to power distant workers to relocate nearer to bodily places of work. Based on an e mail seen by the Monetary Instances (through Tech Radar), the corporate is now monitoring how usually workers badge in on the workplace to see whether it is assembly firm expectations.
The e-mail was despatched to workers who had “badged in fewer than three days per week for 5 or extra of the previous eight weeks [or] haven’t badged in three days per week for 3 or extra of the previous 4 weeks.” Amazon did acknowledge “there could also be cases the place we’ve got it mistaken,” evidently in response to complaints from workers who stated they didn’t match the factors Amazon was utilizing.
The incident is simply the newest effort by Amazon that has seen the corporate ignore knowledge in its effort to implement return-to-office mandates. In a current assembly with workers, Mike Hopkins, SVP of Amazon Video and Studios, admitted he had “no knowledge both approach” on the effectiveness of being within the workplace.
“I feel it’s simply time, it’s time to disagree and commit. We’re right here, we’re again — it’s working,” he added. “I don’t have knowledge to again it up, however I do know it’s higher.”
These feedback got here regardless of current research exhibiting that the overwhelming majority of workers work longer and extra effectively when working from house.


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Rapper Nipsey Hussle Shot Dead In LA
Nipsey Hussle has died, according to NBC News and TMZ.
The Crenshaw rapper was reportedly shot multiple times outside of his clothing store Marathon Clothing Company in LA. Hussle and his business partner had recently purchased the plaza that houses the clothing store, according to Forbes. They were planning to revamp the complex into a six-story mixed use community.
“Before we was renting here, I was hustling in this parking lot,” he told the publication last month. “It’s just always been a hub for local entrepreneurs.”
Following several mixtapes, Nipsey Hussle released his official debut album, Victory Lap, in 2018. The album garnered the rapper’s first Grammy nomination (Best New Album). The rapper spoke with FADER about the unexpected nomination earlier this year.
He was 33 years old. Hussle is survived by a son with actress Lauren London and a daughter from a previous relationship.
The FADER has reached out to Nispey Hussle’s publicist for comment and will update this post once more information becomes available.
LAPD confirms to ABC’s Alex Stone they responded to Nipsey Hussle’s Marathon Clothing store at 3:20pm PT. 3 people shot. All were transported. One has died. Two are in stable condition. The suspect fled from the scene.
— Stephanie Wash (@WashNews) March 31, 2019
This doesn’t make any sense! My spirit is shaken by this! Dear God may His spirit Rest In Peace and May You grant divine comfort to all his loved ones! 💔🙏🏿
I’m so sorry this happened to you @nipseyhussle pic.twitter.com/rKZ2agxm2a
— Rihanna (@rihanna) April 1, 2019


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Nokia Alpha 10 2023: Price, Review, Features & Full Specifications…Hello Dear, Today we are Greeting a Nokia new upcoming Handset. According to trusted sources, the Korean multinational company Nokia is working on a new smartphone. It will be the flagship killer, which will be launched in competition with Samsung’s devices in the market. This flagship will be launched with the name “Nokia Alpha 10 5G 2023”.
At present, there are many Smartphone Bands in the Hole World. One of the best of them is Nokia. Always Nokia manufacture is making very High-Quality Handsets for their Customer. They have many amazing smartphone series and every year they are releasing their amazing handset under these smartphone series.
In this context, we are going to share full details about the “Nokia Alpha 10 5G” Price, Release Date, News, Specs, and Rumors. Also here we have conceptualized how the Nokia Alpha 10 5G smartphone would look like. So let’s go, just Read the full Content and Collect details.
Nokia Alpha 10 5G Battery, Display & Camera Info:
Let’s talk about the camera section, Nokia Alpha 10 5G camera offers a triple camera setup. This device featured a setup of five camera sensors at the back which includes a 150MP main sensor, a 48MP telephoto sensor, a 16MP ultra wide-angle sensor, a 5MP depth sensor, and an 8MP wide-angle lens. Also, the Nokia Alpha 10 5G phone has 20MP under-display front-facing cameras.
Firstly, let’s see about the display. The Nokia Alpha 10 specs offer an enormous 6.7-inch QHD Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, with a 4K resolution. Nokia’s this Smartphone offers a premium look, and fantastic design, however, the body of the smartphone is made of aluminum. while its back has a metal glass construction. It also supported Gorilla Glass 6 screens protection.
For the battery section, Nokia Alpha 10 5G Upcoming flagship is powered by a Li-Polymer 6000mAh Non-removable battery with a Quick Charger 4.0 feature. So, you will get a fast battery charger with this smartphone that will help you to refill the battery in a very short time.
Nokia Alpha 10 2023 Storage Device:
Nokia’s flagship gets power from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset as the processor. Nokia Alpha 10 5G arrives in several versions such as 10/12/16 GB RAM and 128/256/512 GB ROM. There is a MicroSD card to upgrade the storage up to 1TB.
On the software front, the Nokia Alpha 10 5G 2023 works on Android 10.0. This flagship has added top and the latest security, it consists under-display Fingerprint scanner. Other sensors also include a Light sensor, Fingerprint, Face ID, proximity, accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, etc.
This smartphone also has considered many options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11, b/g/n, Mobile Hotspot, GPS with A-GPS, Glonass, USB Type-C so on.
Nokia Alpha 10 2023 Price:
This is very good news for Nokia smartphone lovers if the Nokia multinational company brings this model smartphone at a cheap price. According to rumors, The price of the Nokia Alpha smartphone can be much lower than Samsung’s Note series. Although, Nokia manufacture hasn’t published the official price yet. According to our expectation, this Nokia Alpha 10 2023 Price should fall around $1000 ~ Rs. 75, 999.
Nokia Alpha 10 2023 Release Date:
Until now, there is no official announcement about Nokia Alpha 10 2023 smartphone released to date. But don’t worry! We expect to satisfy Nokia Alpha 10 2023 in the second quarter of 2023. When we Officially Announced the Date, we will try to update our website.
Thank you for staying on this page. If you want more details about this smartphone, just Read the full Content and Collect details.


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New Travel Ban Announced by White House
September 26th, 2017
On September 24, 2017, the President issued a new version of the prior travel bans, which includes an expanded list of countries whose nationals are affected, and the impact on those nationals varies. The U.S. Department of State has published detailed information about each of the countries affected and how the new ban impacts the nationals of those countries: Presidential Proclamation on Visas.
Chenhalls Nissen, S.C. is watching this development closely, particularly in light of the recent delay in the Supreme Court's review of the prior travel ban. If you are from one of the affected countries, please contact your attorney before any travel abroad.


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Best Upcoming Smartphones Launching in August 2019: July is to end and new smartphones will be launched with the new month of August. Several top-smartphone launches have been launched in India in July and this is going to be the same in August. In the month of Independence, some top devices will be launched in India. Xiaomi launched its most important device Redmi K20 and K20 Pro in July. In August, the company could launch Mi A3 in India. This Android and smartphone have been introduced in Spain a week ago. Now the phone is ready for its global launch. This list includes many phones including Asus, Honor, Vivo, Samsung.
Table of Contents
5 Best Upcoming Smartphones Launching in August 2019
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10 Plus
The Smartphone comes with a 6.3-inch screen size. It’s going to a Dynamic AMOLED panel offering a 60Hz refresh rate. It will be a punch-hole display as the Galaxy S10 series. Galaxy Note 10 will come with a base variant running on 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in the base model. The company will launch an extra Plus model as other Pro variations.
Galaxy Note 10 Plus will come with 12GB of RAM as standard variation alongside a similar 256GB of storage as the ordinary model.
Under The Hood, the gadget will keep running on the new Qualcomm chip. The company will utilize Qualcomm’s recently declared Snapdragon 855 Plus for the regular Note 10 model, according to the new leak. The company will unpacked the Note 10 smartphones on 7 August and India on 8 August, and it will hit the Indian shores before the months over.
Xiaomi Mi A3
Xiaomi has launched this phone in Spain. Soon it will be launched in India too. It is expected that it will be launched in India by the end of August. Mi A3 launched is the rebranded version of Mi CC9. However, this phone can be launched in India with a little better features. Currently, the Mi A3 is launched, it has a Circular Notch with a 6.08 inch HD Plus AMOLED display. The handset comes with features like in-display fingerprint, sensor, Snapdragon 665 SoC, up to 4GB of RAM, triple rear camera, 32MP selfie camera.
Vivo has released some highlights features of this phone officially. Its main features include a 48MP sensor, in-display fingerprint sensor. In Viva Z5’s TENNA listing, almost everything is known about this phone. Vivo Z5 smartphone will be like Vivo Z1 Pro’s design technology. This phone will have a 6.38 inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 712 chip, 48MP camera, 4000mAh battery, and fast charging support.
Asus ROG 2
The brand new gaming beast from Asus packs in highlights and capacities which beats some top leads in the market, in pretty much every division. The Taiwanese Tech Goliath as of late divulged the second generation ROG smartphone in China, presently planned to launch in the country this month. The organization has effectively sent the review units, and it’s looking at a launch in the country in August.
Asus hasn’t left any proviso for you to whine about, be it cameras or software or generally speaking ergonomics.
The Asus ROG Phone 2 smartphone is very much adjusted with everything that will take into account the necessities of both gaming users and general users. The ROG Phone 2 keeps running on the most recent Qualcomm flagship processor, the world’s first gaming smartphone to keep running on Snapdragon 855 Plus SoC.
Honor 9X and Honor 9X Pro
Honor 9X and 9X Pro as of late propelled in China, and the gadgets may arrive in the nation soon, probably in August. The gadgets are by the Honor 20 series featuring the glass back in gradient colors with X-shaped patterns design. Honor 9X and 9X Pro feature all-screen no-notch shows with a 6.59-inch OLED show on top.
Both the Honor 9X cell phones are powered by the new Kirin 810 chipset, in light of a 7nm process.
Honor 9X offers a double camera setup featuring a 48MP primary camera combined with a 2MP profundity sensor. Honor 9X Pro model has an extra third 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera sensor. On top, the pop-up camera houses a 16MP selfie camera. Both the Honor 9X and Honor 9X Pro come with the equivalent 4,000mAh battery with support quick charging.


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Congress will soon put the finishing touches on the Chips Act, which will provide more than $52 billion to companies that design and manufacture semiconductor chips.
The subsidy is demanded by the biggest chipmakers as a condition for making more chips in America.
It’s pure extortion.
The largest chipmaker in the world (in terms of sales) is already an American company – Intel, based in Santa Clara, California.
Intel hardly needs the money. Its turnover reached 79 billion dollars last year. Its chief executive, Pat Gelsinger, earned a total compensation of $179 million (which was 1,711 times higher than the average Intel employee).
Intel designs, assembles and tests its chips in China, Israel, Ireland, Malaysia, Costa Rica and Vietnam, as well as in the United States.
The problem for the United States is that Intel is not helping America deal with its current chip shortage by giving preference to American producers. And that doesn’t keep America at the forefront of new chip technologies.
Clearly, Intel would like some of the $52 billion Congress is about to throw at the semiconductor chip industry. But why exactly should Intel get the money?
Other likely beneficiaries of the Chips Act will include GlobalFoundries, which currently manufactures chips in New York and Vermont, but also in many other places around the world.
GlobalFoundries is not even an American company. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Co., the sovereign wealth fund of the United Arab Emirates.
The country where a chipmaker (or any other global high-tech company) is headquartered has less and less to do with where it designs and manufactures. things.
Which is why every industry that can be considered “essential” is now lobbying governments for subsidies, tax cuts and regulatory exemptions, in exchange for designing and manufacturing products in this country.
It’s a giant global shakedown.
India, Japan and South Korea have all recently enacted tax credits, subsidies and other incentives worth tens of billions of dollars for the semiconductor industry. The European Union is finalizing its own chip law with $30-50 billion in subsidies.
Even China has extended tax and tariff exemptions and other measures aimed at improving chip design and production there.
“Other countries around the world … are making major investments in innovation and chip production,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “If we don’t act quickly, we could lose tens of thousands of well-paying jobs to Europe.”
But who is “we”, senator?
John Neuffer, the chief executive of the Semiconductor Industry Association (the Washington lobbying arm of the semiconductor industry) warns that chip manufacturing facilities are often 25-50% cheaper to build in foreign countries than ‘in the USA.
Why is that? As he admits, this is largely due to the incentives offered by foreign countries.
As capital becomes increasingly global and mobile, it is easy for global corporations to pit nations against each other. As the chief executive of the American company ExxonMobil shamelessly declared: “I am not an American company and I do not make decisions based on what is good for the United States”.
People, on the contrary, are rooted in nations, which gives them much less bargaining power.
This asymmetry helps explain why Congress is willing to hand over $52 billion to a highly profitable global industry, but can’t even provide $22.5 billion, according to the Biden administration, to address the health crisis. current Covid public.
If public, corporations must be loyal to their shareholders by maximizing the value of their shares. But more than 40% of the shareholder value of US-based companies is owned by non-Americans.
Furthermore, there is no reason to assume that American business owners will be happy to sacrifice returns on investment for the good of the nation.
The real question is what conditions the United States (or any other country that subsidizes chipmakers) should impose on the receipt of such subsidies.
It cannot be enough for chipmakers to agree to produce more chips in the country that subsidizes them, because chipmakers sell their chips to the highest bidders around the world, regardless of where the chips are produced.
If the United States wants to subsidize them, it should demand that chipmakers give the highest priority to their US-based customers who use the chips in products made in the United States by American workers.
And Congress should require them to produce the highest value-added chip manufacturing in the United States — design, design engineering, and high-precision manufacturing — so that Americans gain that technological expertise.
What if every nation that subsidizes chipmakers demands them for itself?
Chipmakers will then have to choose. The extortion will then end.


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Kentucky-based regional carrier Bluegrass Cellular originally had plans to offer the iPhone 5 at the end of September following its launch, but today announced it will finally have the device to offer its customers starting Friday, November 2nd. Like it and other regional carriers have done in the past with the latest iPhone models, it will offer the entry-level iPhone 5 for $50 less than you’ll find it through most others. You’ll of course need one of the carrier’s 3G plans starting at $64.99/month and a two-year commitment to take advantage. Bluegrass will also have the 32GB iPhone 5 for $249, and the 64GB model for $349.
As for the iPhone 4S, the carrier’s customers can now pick it up starting at just $49, while iPhone 4 is still be offered on contract for $0.99. Details on Bluegrass Cellular’s iPhone plans below:
Bluegrass Cellular to Offer iPhone 5 on November 2
Elizabethtown, KY—October 30, 2012—Bluegrass Cellular announced it will offer iPhone 5 beginning Friday, November 2. iPhone 5 will be available starting at $149 for the 16GB model, $249 for the 32GB model and $349 for the 64GB model in all Bluegrass Cellular Customer Care Centers, select Authorized Agent locations and online at www.bluegrasscellular.com/iphone. In addition, iPhone 4S will be available starting at $49 and iPhone 4 will be available starting at $0.99. Bluegrass will allow iPhone 5 customers to connect to its fast 3G network.
iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, completely redesigned to feature a stunning new 4-inch Retina display; an Apple-designed A6 chip for blazing fast performance; and ultrafast wireless technology—all while delivering even better battery life.* iPhone 5 comes with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features including: Shared Photo Streams, Facebook integration, all-new Maps app, Passbook organization and even more Siri features and languages.
“We are pleased to offer iPhone 5 to our customers throughout the Bluegrass Cellular service area nationwide,” said Ron Smith, President and CEO, Bluegrass Cellular. “Our customers are excited to experience this new device’s unique features and applications on our exceptional network, wherever they go.”
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


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element14 to distribute Mountz torque and calibration tools23 July, 2021 | Supplied by: element14
The Mountz product range now available from element14 includes cutting-edge torque analysers, screwdrivers and wrenches.
Industry 4.0 set to be lead application for IoT within five years09 July, 2021 | Supplied by: element14
The top three industry segments leading the way in IoT applications are industrial automation and control (25%), home automation (18%) and AI (12%).
Electronex Expo returns in September05 July, 2021 | Supplied by: Australasian Exhibitions and Events Pty Ltd
After a one-year break, Australia's dedicated trade event for the electronics industry will be held in Sydney in September.
Digi relocating Australian HQ from Rocklea to Milton01 July, 2021 | Supplied by: Digi International (HK) Ltd
Digi International has announced that it will relocate its Brisbane-based headquarters from Rocklea to Milton in September 2021.
Action Plan to accelerate AI in Australia22 June, 2021
The Australian Government has released the country's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan to help accelerate the development and adoption of AI technologies.
ST and Politecnico di Milano to build MEMS research centre21 June, 2021 | Supplied by: STMicroelectronics Pty Ltd
The joint research centre has been created to give researchers the means to conceive, design and develop MEMS technology and to create new MEMS products.
Digi-Key launches dedicated site for startups17 June, 2021 | Supplied by: Digi-Key Electronics
Digi-Key Electronics has launched a new microsite and help manual dedicated to making startups' dreams become realities.
Digi-Key celebrates partnerships new and old01 June, 2021 | Supplied by: Digi-Key Electronics
Digi-Key Electronics has announced it has secured a global distribution partnership with Mini-Circuits, just days after celebrating its 30-year relationship with Bourns.
Electrical safety and compliance for Australia in the 21st century01 June, 2021 by Peter Dwyer, CEO | Supplied by: Comtest Group
It has become abundantly obvious that the way in which consumers purchase electrical products and devices in this country has changed forever.
Teledyne completes its acquisition of FLIR Systems28 May, 2021
FLIR Systems will now be included in Teledyne Technologies' Digital Imaging segment and operate under the name Teledyne FLIR.
Delta Electronics opens new HQ in Sydney26 May, 2021
The new head office, based at St Leonards, was opened on 20 May by Member for North Sydney Trent Zimmerman and David Leal, Australia Country Manager for Delta.
ST receives IEEE Milestone, acquires Cartesiam21 May, 2021 | Supplied by: STMicroelectronics Pty Ltd
STMicroelectronics has announced its acquisition of Edge AI software specialist Cartesiam as well as its receipt of an IEEE Milestone.
The end of just-in-time for electronics manufacturing07 May, 2021 by Serena Ross, CEO, Circuitwise Electronics Manufacturing | Supplied by: Circuitwise Electronic Manufacturing
We are used to the cycle of shortage and supply in electronics, though the current one is of a magnitude we have not witnessed before.
Würth's Application Guide enables easier component selection06 May, 2021 | Supplied by: Wurth Electronics Australia Pty
The easy-to-use tool offers the most common switching regulator and interface topologies and an overview of which components are required for them.
Digi-Key announces distributorship with ERNI, video series03 May, 2021 | Supplied by: Digi-Key Electronics
Digi-Key Electronics has secured a global distribution partnership with ERNI Electronics and separately announced a three-part video series on smart cities.


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AUSTIN, Minn. — The economy is in tatters and, for millions of people, the future is uncertain. But for some employees at the Hormel Foods Corporation plant here, times have never been better. They are working at a furious pace and piling up all the overtime they want.
The workers make Spam, perhaps the emblematic hard-times food in the American pantry.
Through war and recession, Americans have turned to the glistening canned product from Hormel as a way to save money while still putting something that resembles meat on the table. Now, in a sign of the times, it is happening again, and Hormel is cranking out as much Spam as its workers can produce.
Spam, a gelatinous 12-ounce rectangle of spiced ham and pork, may be among the world’s most maligned foods, dismissed as inedible by food elites and skewered by comedians who have offered smart-alecky theories on its name (one G-rated example: Something Posing As Meat).
Boy, I hope the Safeway doesn't run low. I love the stuff.


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The number of smartphones is forecast to triple to 5.6 billion globally by 2019, according to a new report by Sweden's Ericsson AB, the world's largest maker of telecommunications networks.
Ericsson also predicts that smartphone data traffic will grow tenfold over the same period, reaching 10 billion gigabytes by 2019. It expectsto account for about 50 percent of that traffic, while social networking and web services account for about 10 percent each.
The total number of mobile subscriptions worldwide -- including both smartphones and regular cellphones -- is predicted to reach 9.3 billion by 2019.
Smartphones account for about 25-30 percent of all current mobile subscriptions. However, their prevalence is increasing; Ericsson says smartphones now make up about 55 percent of new mobile phone sales.
Douglas Gilstrap, Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy at Ericsson, says the shift from regular cellphones to smartphones is likely to continue as prices come down. "This trend will be driven by uptake in China and other emerging markets as lower-priced smartphone models become available," he said.


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WILDBRAIN CPLG GROWS GLOBAL STRATEGY WITH EXPANSION INTO INDIA
Neesha Krishna promoted to Managing Director of MENA and South Asia to lead new India strategy; Mangesh Hande appointed as Commercial Director for India
Existing agency clients and WildBrain franchise brands join local roster as first deals announced for the territory
Dubai & Mumbai – 2 September 2021 – WildBrain CPLG, one of the world’s leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agencies, is further strengthening its global footprint with the launch of a dedicated office in India. The new local strategy will be led by WildBrain CPLG’s Neesha Krishna who has been promoted to Managing Director MENA and South Asia. Previously Commercial Director for MENA, Krishna will now be responsible for strategically managing and growing WildBrain CPLG’s business across the larger territory. Based in Dubai, Krishna reports to WildBrain CPLG’s Pau Pascual, who also takes on an expanded remit of VP Southern Europe, MENA and South Asia and Managing Director for Iberia (previously VP Southern Europe and MD of Iberia and MENA).
Neesha Krishna and Mangesh Hande
Additionally, experienced licensing and retail executive Mangesh Hande has been appointed to the newly created role of Commercial Director for India. Reporting to Krishna and based in Mumbai, Hande will be responsible for building WildBrain CPLG’s team and driving new business in the market. Hande joins WildBrain CPLG this month from Viacom 18 Media where he served as Director of Consumer Products for Kids Cluster and has also previously held positions at Benetton and Spykar.
With a priority focus on the massive opportunity in India, Krishna and Hande will leverage WildBrain CPLG’s expansive global reach and infrastructure to support and drive growth for existing licensors as well as WildBrain’s own brands, while also expanding WildBrain CPLG’s portfolio of entertainment, lifestyle and sports properties for the overall territory.
WildBrain CPLG India is currently representing entertainment, lifestyle and sporting properties from the agency’s portfolio, including Yale and Harvard universities, Tetris, Archie Comics, emoji® – The Iconic Brand, Juventus Football Club and OSPREY LONDON, plus Authentic Brands Group’s celebrity brands Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali, fashion brands Aéropostale and Nine West and sports brand Prince Tennis.
The team has already signed its first wave of deals in the Indian market, including Trucarekidz for a Yale University apparel line; Reliance for an Archie Comics apparel, back to school and stationery line; Clovia.com and Myntra as fashion partners for emoji®; Alpha Digital Corp for Aeropostale accessories; and Suditi for a Juventus Football club apparel range.
WildBrain CPLG India will also focus on broadening licensing activity to support the ambitious global strategy for WildBrain’s proprietary brands this year and beyond, including Strawberry Shortcake and the ongoing expansion of the Teletubbies licensing programme into the adult market targeting Gen Z and their kids.
Maarten Weck, EVP and Managing Director at WildBrain CPLG, said: “An integral part of our strategy is ensuring we’re equipped to think globally and act locally for our partners by fully embedding ourselves in local markets around the world. To this end, we’ve been accelerating on-the-ground capabilities this year, first with our North American expansion and now with the launch of dedicated Indian operations. With the highly experienced Neesha at the helm of our Indian efforts, supported by Mangesh who brings an impressive track record in consumer products, we’re ready to harness the vast potential the Indian market offers and deliver growth for both new and existing partners.”
Neesha Krishna said: “The licensing and consumer products industries are rapidly accelerating in India, as both local and international IP owners increasingly tune in to the significant growth and revenue potential this burgeoning market presents. I’m looking forward to working closely with Mangesh to bring WildBrain CPLG’s long-standing expertise to the market and to give Indian consumers the opportunity to enjoy merchandise from their favourite brands.”
For more information, please contact:
Aimée Norman at The DDA Group
+44 (0) 7957 564 050
About WildBrain CPLG
WildBrain CPLG is one of the world’s leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agencies, with offices in the UK, Benelux, Nordics, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Greece & Turkey, Russia, the Middle East, and the US. With more than 45 years of experience in the licensing industry, WildBrain CPLG provides each of its clients with dedicated licensing and marketing industry professionals and a fully integrated product development, legal and accounting service. WildBrain CPLG believe that collaboration is about clarity, openness and trust, and is widely known for its no-nonsense, straightforward approach – Expert Common Sense. WildBrain CPLG is part of WildBrain Ltd., a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment. Please contact us or visit the WildBrain CPLG website for more information: www.cplg.com.


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After a period of downtime on July 10, Unibet Pennsylvania is back up and running, now using the latest online casino and sportsbook platform from owner Kindred Group. Unibet made the same upgrade for New Jersey players in May. That means the company has now rolled out the new platform in both its US online casino markets.
The shutdown on Monday was for scheduled maintenance, including the platform update. The most significant changes are under the hood and may not be immediately apparent to most users. They include enhanced security and better analytics, allowing Unibet to offer players a more personalized experience.
We are delighted to be able migrate our customers in Pennsylvania onto the Kindred platform. Since launching in New Jersey, our customers have reported enhanced design, navigation and stability. We look forward to rolling out the Kindred platform to further States.
Unibet is also available for sports betting only in Virginia, Arizona, and Indiana. However, it has not fared well in such markets and is still running on the old platform there. Andén’s remarks suggest the upgrade is coming soon for these sports-only states.
Last year, Kindred aborted its foray into Iowa while stating that its plan going forward would be to focus on states where online casino gaming is legal.
Meanwhile, overseas, it has been locked in a battle with Norway’s regulator, Lotteritilsynet. Being forced out of that country would be a massive blow for Kindred, for whom the Nordic countries are a crucial market.