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Are off-pricers holding a glass that is half-full or half-empty?
TJX, Ross Stores and Burlington Stores all reported sales shortfalls in the first quarter, but they remain confident they will eventually benefit from consumers trading down in a potentially tougher and more promotional marketplace.
Burlington blamed its first-quarter sales miss on late deliveries and gave cautious second-quarter guidance due in part to inflation’s impact on lower income customers. Michael O’Sullivan, CEO, also said many retailers are “overinventoried and overbought” and that may drive a “very promotional environment” later in the second quarter. He said, “This kind of environment tends to hurt our business.”
On the positive side, he said the buying environment is “better than it has been for years” and inflation and a possible broader economic slowdown should lead to consumers trading down for value. Mr. Sullivan added, “Clearly, there is a lot of focus and concern about the lower income customer right now.”
Ross Stores cut its annual guidance due to a below-plan quarter and macroeconomic pressures.
“We knew 2022 would be a difficult year to predict, especially the first half when we were facing last year’s record levels of government stimulus and significant customer pent-up demand as COVID restrictions eased,” Barbara Rentler, CEO, told analysts. “The external environment has also proven extremely challenging as the Russia-Ukraine conflict has exacerbated inflationary pressures on the consumer not seen in 40 years.”
Ross Stores inferred that any benefit from trading down by customers may be offset by pressures on lower-income shoppers. Michael Hartshorn, COO, said, “Obviously, with higher fuel and food prices, discretionary spending for the lower-end customer is being squeezed.”
Fairing best was TJX, which raised its earnings guidance while slightly lowering its comp guidance for 2022 as first-quarter earnings exceeded expectations. Ernie Herrman, president and CEO, told analysts, “In today’s highly inflationary environment, we believe our value proposition is as appealing as ever.”
Mr. Herrman also said he isn’t concerned about rampant promotions returning to full-price retailers in the fashion and brands space. He said, “If anything, we continue to watch their prices go up and promotions be decreased which continues to favor our selective pricing retail strategy as we look out here, I think, for a number of years.”
- Ross Stores Reports First Quarter Earnings – Ross Stores
- Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST) Q1 2022 Earnings Call Transcript – Seeking Alpha
- Burlington Stores, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2022 Earnings – Burlington Stores
- Burlington Stores, Inc. (BURL) Q1 2022 Earnings Call Transcript – Seeking Alpha
- The TJX Companies, Inc. Reports Q1 FY23 Results; Marmaxx Comp Store Sales Increased 3% – TJX Companies
- TJX Companies Inc (TJX) Q1 2022 Earnings Call Transcript – Seeking Alpha
- Will inflation be positive or negative for off-pricers? – RetailWire
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Will off-pricers see greater headwinds or tailwinds for the rest of 2022? Are inflationary pressures, the return of widespread promotional selling or a broader economic slowdown the wildcard for off-pricers?


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Microsoft held a press event in New York today and unveiled a ton of new products from Lumias to the first ever Microsoft laptop, the Surface Book.
Hololens was shown off in more detail, giving us a glimpse of wearable gameplay, where the enemies were all around the player, using the walls and furniture to attack. It looked really cool but how well it will work in practice is another story. Most importantly towards a general release date, Microsoft announced that developers can now apply for dev units which will ship in Q1 2016 for $3000.
The Microsoft Band 2 was announced (yeah there was a Microsoft Band 1, not surprising if you didn’t know, the device never launched in Ireland) and keeps a similar style to the first but now includes a barometer which can measure elevation. It’s also now more scratch resistant with Gorilla Glass 3 and will work with Windows Phone, iOS and Android.
Three new Lumia devices got unveiled, the high end Lumia 950 and 950XL and the cheaper Lumia 550 which barely got one slide in the entire show.
The 950 and 950XL had their entire specs and renders leaked weeks ago, so much so that Panos Panay, head of MS Devices breezed through it because “you already know all this”. The 950 has a 5.2” “Quad HD” AMOLED display while the XL has the same screen just in a 5.7” size.
The 950 and 950XL will use Windows Hello Beta to unlock the phone by scanning your face, have 20MP cameras and have a hecta-core and octa-core processer respectively.
Probably the coolest feature is Continuum, which allows you to plug your phone into a small device which has USB and HDMI ports and use your Lumia almost as a full PC, including watching full 1080p videos and accessing USB flash drives etc.
The star of the show was of course the Surface Pro 4, the newest member to the Surface family. The Pro 4 is a bump from 3, thinner, lighter and with a PixelSense display (that’s a Microsoft term for a very impressive display).
Not to be outdone by Apples infamous “one more thing”, Panos Panay had another surprise in store – the first laptop from Microsoft, the Surface Book.
It’s a slick, 13.5” laptop with the newest generation of Intel CPU and NVIDIA graphics inside, making it more powerful than the MacBook Pro according to Microsoft. And like the Surface Pro, the Surface Book can detach from the keyboard to become a “clipboard” (Microsoft wouldn’t call it a tablet) or the thinnest fully powered PC on the market right now.
The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book are expected to launch in the United States on October 26th, Microsoft Band 2 on October 30th, the Lumia 950 and 950XL in November and the Lumia 550 in December.
All of the devices shown today looked great, the Surface Book especially, but like all previous Microsoft launches, expect to wait a bit longer to actually be able to buy them here in Ireland or in the case of the Microsoft Band, if ever.

domain: news


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Bangladesh Cricket Team jersey. (Photo Source: Saif Hasnat/Twitter) Bangladesh have recently revealed their jerseys for the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. During an ...
More Bangladesh Cricket All Jersey images
Bangladesh cricket team Jerseys for ICC T20 World Cup 2021 are available here. List of Official Bangladesh Cricket Team Sponsors for T20 World Cup 2021 New Kits and Uniform. Wait is over for all cricket fans as mega cricket event ICC T20 World Cup 2021 is all set to kick off in India. ICC T20 World Cup 2021 will start from 18 th October and will continue until 15 th November 2021.
Bangladesh cricket team's jersey for the upcoming T20 World Cup has been made from recycled fabric. The front part of the two-part jersey is made from recycled jacquard fabric while the back is of mesh fabric to allow air circulation for the players to be slightly relieved from the middle eastern heat. Bangladesh Cricket Board and its official jersey manufacturer Sports and Sportz launched the Bangladesh jersey through an unveiling ceremony at a Dhaka hotel Monday.
According to the report by dhakatribune, the front part of the two-part jersey of the Bangladesh Cricket Team is made from recycled jacquard fabric while the back is of mesh fabric to allow air circulation for the players to be slightly relieved from the middle eastern heat. The official launch of the Bangladesh cricket team jersey was done by Bangladesh Cricket Board and its official jersey manufacturer at an unveiling event in Dhaka hotel on Monday.
This new jersey, designed specifically for the Tigers to wear in the home series, has been marketed in very small quantities. Aadi website (www.aadi.com.bd) is responsible for delivering the jersey to cricket fans all over the world, said Fatema Begum, the owner of the company. Aadi.com.bd is the only cross-board platform in Bangladesh that only markets products made by Bangladeshi fashion brands, technicians, and small entrepreneurs all over the world.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has revealed the new Bangladesh Jersey for T20 World Cup 2021. The new kit comprises dark green and red shades, and the trousers are entirely green; there is no other color on them. There is a big Daraz logo on the top right side of the shirt and many other sponsors on the sleeves.
The T20 World Cup is back, bringing along new avatars of (arguably) the most exciting aspect of the game – cricket kits. The official jersey of each of the 16 teams at the T20 World Cup 2021 have been revealed; while most of them are new-look, a few of retained their old shades ahead of the competition.
EOI Advertisement – Title & Ground Branding Rights – Home Series involving Bangladesh National Cricket Team. View Details (Amended) RFP General Guidelines Sports TV Production – Home Series (men) 2021-23
10-Bangladesh Kit/jersey for the World Cup 2019: [Update] The Team Bangladesh, The Tigers have already revealed their Official ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Kit/Jersey. It has all Green on it with White written Bangladesh on it. Here it is how it looks like.


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If one is to believe the latest rumors from Taiwan, Microsoft is throwing its legal weight around to keep Android and the Chrome OS off of Acer and Asus netbooks. So reports DigiTimes, which learned from its sources that the company intends to seek royalties from Taiwanese hardware makers who use the Google operating systems. The "e-mail, multimedia and other functions" of these OSes allegedly infringe on Microsoft's patents.
No, I'm not making this up. DigiTimes says cell phone maker HTC has already "signed for licensed use of Microsoft patents," and Microsoft demands "at least" $10-15 per phone in royalties. The site goes on to explain that Acer and Asus don't sell high volumes of phones, so by targeting them, Microsoft could be attempting to discourage the firms from straying from Windows with their other products—netbooks, that is.
I don't know about the veracity of this report, but this isn't the first time we've heard about Microsoft (or Intel, for that matter) exerting pressure to keep Google- and ARM-products at bay. In August, DigiTimes reported that PC vendors weren't terribly excited about offering Atom-based slates running Windows, but they would do so anyway, partly to "maintain their relationships with Intel and Microsoft."
|Cortex-A73 CPU and Mali-G71 GPU power up next-gen phones||16|
|Toshiba's OCZ RD400 512GB SSD reviewed||21|
|Gigabyte shows off its thin Aero laptops and Aorus RGB Fusion Keyboard||20|
|Deals of the week: 25% off Das Keyboard 4 and more||5|
|Everyone and their gran announces non-reference GTX 1080s||52|
|AMD FirePro S7100X is ready to virtualize blade-server graphics||5|
|Thermaltake Pacific water coolers gain hard tube option||10|
|Rumor: Google shames partners into updating Android||42|


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Typical host pulling in about $8,700
By Mark Reaman
Crested Butte-area homeowners who short-term-rented some or all of their homes last ski season through Airbnb earned about $1 million. The online short-term rental booking company released statistics this week for several Colorado mountain towns, including Crested Butte. The Airbnb stats indicated “income earned by hosts compared to the last ski season grew by 142 percent in Crested Butte.”
Based on the “Airbnb Ski Season report for Colorado” approximately 121,000 Airbnb guests used the service last ski season in the state in places like Crested Butte, Breckenridge, Vail and Telluride—a 90 percent increase over the previous year. The guests brought in a total of about $32 million to the state.
Airbnb press secretary Jasmine Mora provided the Crested Butte News with localized numbers that show there were more than 220 listings booked on Airbnb during the ski season in the upper valley north of Crested Butte South.
The statistics compiled by Airbnb indicate the annual earning for a typical host was $8,700. The average host’s age in the Crested Butte area is 43, and 61 percent of them are female. Local homeowners earned $991,000 in income through Airbnb.
Approximately 5,100 inbound guests came in for the Crested Butte ski season and the average price a guest paid was $70, or about $250 per listing. The guests spent an average of 3.2 days in the home; 41 percent of the guest nights were on weekdays.
While Airbnb guests came from all over the world, the vast majority was from the United States. The top cities of origination were Denver at 25 percent, Boulder at 10 percent, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins at 3 percent, and Dallas at 2 percent of Airbnb guests to the valley.
The stats show that there are 2,800 active hosts in Colorado ski country and average earnings range from $7,200 in Avon to $16,000 in Telluride.
The data for booking was compiled between November 15, 2016 and April 15, 2017 and includes only Airbnb and not any other short-term rental companies such as VRBO.
In the town of Crested Butte, lodging tax collections have increased substantially since 2010. According to town figures, in 2010 $153,588 in lodging tax was collected by Crested Butte. Of that, 47 percent came from short-term rentals like Airbnb. In 2016, $380,969 in lodging taxes were collected and of that, 65 percent, or $247,264, came from STRs.


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July 16, 2014
A startup is raising funds on Kickstarter to launch ASMO, the first smart charger that you won’t need to unplug because it automatically turns off when you unplug your phone. How had no one ever done it before? Not even they know it, but now there is an alternative to save energy and reduce the risk of accidents that can be caused by leaving it connected to the power.
KickstarterASMO is used just like a normal charger and works for iPod, iPad, iPhone, Android smartphones, cameras, among other devices. ASMO wants its charger to revolutionize the way energy is consumed around the world and its technology to become a standard in the mobile device industry to deliver real energy savings.
via ASMO, the first charger that you can leave connected without wasting energy [Futuro Verde] – I see Green.
[+] Videos de nuestro canal de YouTube


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Word is getting out on the “iMac notebook.” A manufacturer has been named, and News.com is reporting that production is set to begin in June. That means they could be on the shelves by July.
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We are only a little over a month into 2019 and we already have quite a few headlines to talk about. Here are some of the biggest topics in the tech industry from the last month.
What is 5G?
If you’re involved in the tech industry at all you’ve definitely heard the term 5G, especially after CES this year. Even if you’re not in the tech industry there’s still a pretty good[…]
Every year Spiceworks puts out their “State of IT” report on tech trends for the new year. For those of us in IT this is a really good overview of what we need to be paying attention to for our[…]
In October of this year, as part of the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month developed by the National Cybersecurity Alliance, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched a bank of resources for[…]
One night last June (2017), I was working from home, writing some software that would add Microsoft multi-factor-authentication to a VPN service that IT Freedom offers. The software itself was[…]
"End of Life" signifies the last day that a certain product or piece of technology will receive security updates. We talk a lot about how important it is to stay on top of updates, and it's just as[…]
We get a lot of questions about colocation from our customers and prospective customers. Questions like, “what is colocation?”, “why should we consider colocation?”, and “what should we be looking[…]
Last month some changes were made to Gmail and Windows 10. Since both of these are pretty widely used, we thought it was important to talk about some of the changes you will see in the near future if[…]
Have you been putting off purchasing new hardware or equipment for your business? Well, this might be the year to pull the trigger. Why?
This past December the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was[…]


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There are many fan-favorite dishes at Mandarin Noodle House, which the owner prepared to serve while the crowds were out celebrating the Lunar New Year in Monterey Park.
Like many other restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley, Denny Mu’s has stocked its kitchen to prepare for the post-Christmas rush, which is typically the most profitable time of year for many businesses in the area. However, after the mass shooting on Saturday night, that all came to a screeching halt.
“That morning I had two parties for 12 cancellations,” Mu said. “I canceled another party of 10.”
Mu said there have been many empty seats at his restaurant in the past week, but said he is determined to persevere – and is encouraged to see customers returning today.
“Seeing our customers dine with us and fill their bodies with soul food is a reward in itself,” Mu said.
After a dreary and slow week, some small business owners in Monterey Park tell us they hope the community will come out this weekend and support them, including the owner of Mr.Obanyaki’s candy store.
“We specialize in Japanese fusions called ‘obanyakis,'” said owner Kevin Mok. “First we put the dough and it bakes for about 10 minutes.
Mok said he had a surplus of ingredients to make sure his shop had enough obanyaki for the late-night crowds.
“We thought Lunar New Year would be happy, joyful. But now, everybody – the streets are empty at 5:00, 6:00,” Mok said.
He never saw the crowds he expected, but remains optimistic that his community won’t live in fear and will continue to help small businesses like his.
“Everyone, just a blessed year,” said Mok. “New week, hopefully, new luck for everyone.”
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If you have a modified track-only motorcycle, then we have some news to share that you will enjoy, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has withdrawn proposed language that would have specifically given it the ability to regulate the emissions of production vehicles that were being used at track days or similar events.
The proposed rule caused quite a storm in automotive enthusiast circles, as it would have affected racing and recreational uses of products that have been sold under “race use only” provisions for years. Of course, the larger issue at stake here was the continued selling of race parts to street enthusiasts.
Still, since it is hard to find a motorcycle on the road these days that hasn’t seen its emissions equipment modified, it doesn’t surprise us to see the backlash coming from the motorcycling community.
The effort, lead by Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), which the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) participated in, saw five members of Congress to propose a bill – aptly called the RPM Act of 2016 – that specifically would have prevented the EPA going forward with its plans.
Seeing the fallout from the proposed rule change, the EPA has withdrawing its stance about regulating production vehicles, even when they are not used on public roads.
To its credit, the AMA is pushing for members of Congress still to enact the RPM Act, in order to ensure a future effort from the EPA does not get ignited.
“The RPM Act would make it clear that it has always been legal to modify motor vehicles – including motorcycles – for competition-only use,” said Wayne Allard, AMA Vice President of Government Relations.
“This practice continued unquestioned until last July, when the EPA proposed a new regulation that would make these conversions illegal. The EPA has never claimed the conversion of street vehicles into competition vehicles was prohibited before this regulation was proposed.”
In an announcement released on Friday, April 15th, the EPA said that it “supports motorsports and its contributions to the American economy and communities all across the country.”
“The EPA’s focus is not on vehicles built or used exclusively for racing, but on companies that don’t play by the rules and that make and sell products that disable pollution controls on motor vehicles used on public roads. These unlawful defeat devices pump dangerous and illegal pollution into the air we breathe.”
“The proposed language in the July 2015 proposal was never intended to represent any change in the law or in EPA’s policies or practices towards dedicated competition vehicles. Since our attempt to clarify led to confusion, EPA has decided to eliminate the proposed language from the final rule.”


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China announced today that all Beijing residents will immediately make plans to stay inside for at least the next six months and not go outside unless completely unavoidable.
Chinese officials last week issued a Red Alert, which is the highest possible, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency says, then this week issued a Double Red Alert, followed by a Triple X Red Dragon Alert, which Chinese authorities hope will finally convey the seriousness of the situation and that people will stop venturing outside to take pictures and selfies in the airborne toxic sludge.
Schools in Beijing have been closed and outdoor construction was ordered stopped when smog levels rose to dangerous levels and tractor tires were found to be melting.
Cars are restricted, those with odd and even number plates now must take to the roads on alternate days. Uber is advising its drivers to upgrade their vehicles with air filtration systems and with very dark window tints.
Even dogs and cats have been seen about the city wearing masks. “Their meat is not safe for consumption when smog levels are this high,” said Ling Chau, owner of the Hidden Leaping Duck restaurant, known for its canine and feline delicacies.
Mike Baker, new Beijing resident, when asked for comment, said, “What the fuck am I doing here?”
Chinese officials have also been notifying construction companies, both domestic and foreign, that henceforth all buildings will be built below-ground. Chinese scientists are said to already be working on ground-breaking research on plants that can grow without sunlight.
Alibaba, China’s leading e-commerce company, and one of the top retailers in the world, has begun marketing a line of fashionable bio suits and masks, complete with self-contained, battery operated, oxygen tanks and filters, with organic speakers and digital displays, for surround-sound music and gaming enjoyment, ideal for sealing yourself from what is going on around you.
China is the world’s largest polluter and has long claimed that it could not afford the counter-pollution measures suggested by other countries and environmental groups. Said Li Keqiang, premiere of the Chinese State Council, “We got this.”


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Gojek finalized its acquisition of Tokopedia to form GoTo Group, Indonesia’s biggest technology group. Aside from ride-hailing and food delivery, the combined entity will also offer eCommerce and financial services under the new brand GoTo Financial, which encompasses GoPay and other merchant and financial services.
The merger between the two tech behemoths is the biggest in Indonesia’s history. It is also the largest between two internet platforms based in Asia, according to a press release on Monday (May 17). The deal was backed by major investors including Alibaba, BlackRock, Facebook, Google, JD.com, PayPal and others.
Gojek’s Andre Soelistyo will head the newly combined entity as GoTo Group CEO, and also will continue to lead payments and financial services under the new brand of GoTo Financial. Tokopedia’s Patrick Cao will take on the role of GoTo Group President. Kevin Aluwi will continue as CEO of Gojek and William Tanuwijaya will remain CEO of Tokopedia.
Soelistyo called the merger “historic” and said it is an opportunity that will benefit drivers, merchants, and consumers using its platform. The combined scale of the two entities will “increase financial inclusion in an emerging region with untapped growth potential.
“Our goal has always been to build a company that creates social impact at scale, leveling the playing field for small businesses and giving consumers equal access to goods and services across the country,” Tanuwijaya said.
He added that the merger will advance Indonesia’s digital economy and facilitate access to goods and services “for people from all walks of life.”
Founded in 2010, Gojek began as a ride-hailing business that branched out into food delivery and digital payments. Tokopedia, founded in 2009, started with a mission to create a digital landscape to facilitate commerce throughout the region.
Both companies have been in merger talks for several months, with plans to list shares on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). The combined entity was estimated to have a value of as much as $40 billion. Gojek’s shareholders are expected to hold a 60 percent stake in the combined company, and Tokopedia shareholders would own the remainder.


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Many will be electric, but good ol' gasoline isn't done yet.
Last month, Audi revealed a new SUV called the Q6, which is the company's largest model to date. The Q6 looks quite nice, but it will not be sold in the United States. But according to a future product report from Automotive News, there could be another large Audi model on the way.
The report claims that Audi's product planning cycle has been pushed back a bit due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the global microchip shortage. Audi still plans to stop selling internal combustion engines by 2023, but each model has at least one more product cycle before going all-electric.
The most interesting vehicle mention is a rumored Q9 SUV. This model would sit above the Audi Q7 and compete with the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The Q9 is expected to arrive in 2025 and has reportedly been shown to US dealers. This has the potential to be the brand's final gas-powered vehicle added to the lineup.
In other Audi SUV news, the Q8 model line (including the S and RS variants) will receive an update in late 2023 with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system and infotainment improvements. The Q7 line will get similar changes, but they have been pushed back until 2025. Audi's popular Q5 will have its final major redesign in 2025, which will remain in production until 2033 when the brand phases out all ICE vehicles. Finally, a redesigned Q3 is expected in 2024 with a mild-hybrid setup.
On the sedan side, the A8 likely won't receive any updates before production ends. The A7 lineup will get refreshed in 2025, while the A6 family will gain enhanced driver assistance tech and a mild-hybrid system in the second half of 2022. The A4/A5 lines will be refreshed in 2024, but the A3 won't be updated until 2025.
Now for the sad news, the R8 won't live on much longer in its current form. The V10 supercar will live on as an EV after the current model ends production. Audi wants to continue the TT in some capacity, but no next-generation model has been confirmed.
The brand will add a slew of new EV models to the lineup, including the Q4 E-tron later this year, A6 E-tron in 2024, Artemis Project EV in 2026, and other Premium Platform Electric-based models in 2025. Much to our surprise, the e-tron will get a final update in 2023 and the e-tron GT will get a mid-cycle refresh in 2025.


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Amazon launches Prime Student in the UK with one-day delivery, Prime Video and more
University students and anyone in higher education in the UK can now take advantage of Amazon's Prime Student. The monthly plan costs just £3.99 -- half the regular price of Prime -- and it includes unlimited one-day deliveries, access to Prime Video, Prime Music and much more.
Anyone eligible for the program can take advantage of a six-month free trial to see if it's something that works for them. In addition to numerous Amazon services, Prime Student also gives subscribers money off textbooks, stationery and university essentials.
- Amazon hikes monthly Prime fee by 18 percent
- Amazon offers refunds to people who paid to remove ads from Prime Exclusive Phones
- Amazon buys smart doorbell and home security firm Ring for over $1 billion
Prime Student has been available in the US for a number of years now, and the expansion to the UK shows that it's clearly a program that has worked well for Amazon in addition to its subscribers. The six-month free trial is provided "courtesy of Braun" and for anyone looking to save even more money, it's possible to sign up for a year for £39 rather than the £47.88 it would cost to pay out £3.99 each month.
Amazon highlights some of what's included with Prime Student:
- Unlimited One-Day Delivery on millions of eligible items including Same-Day delivery in selected post-codes
- Unlimited access to award-winning movies and TV shows with Prime Video
- Access to more than two million songs and hundreds of ad-free Prime Playlists and Prime Stations with Prime Music
- Exclusive student offers including discounts on selected textbooks, electronics including Amazon Echo, AmazonBasics homewares and essentials, fashion and much more
- Secure unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos where cherished memories are safe in Amazon Drive and accessible wherever you are
- 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals on Amazon.co.uk before other customers
- Unlimited reading from a rotating selection of books, magazines, comics, Kindle Singles and more with Prime Reading
- Discounted subscription to Twitch Prime, including exclusive gaming benefits for Prime Student members
- Access to Cloud storage, for storing essays and keeping track of course materials


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The International Air Transport Association has raised its 2012 and 2013 profit forecasts for global aviation. The original forecast, made in October, was increased from $4.1 billion to $6.7 billion, an increase of 63%. The forecast for 2013 was also increased by $900 million, and North American airlines are expected to post a combined profit of $3.4 billion.
Swelblog.com says that the Business Travel Coalition's latest campaign, "We the People," shows that the consumer is not its primary interest. "[I]t is impossible for the BTC to represent air travel consumers because it represents, and advocates for, a sector of the industry that monopolizes airlines," this blog says.
Southwest Airlines posted a 1% gain in passenger revenue per available seat mile and a 1.5% decline in traffic for November compared to a year ago. The figures include those of AirTran Airways, which was purchased by Southwest in May 2011.
At General Electric's Minds + Machines event in San Francisco late last month, CEO Jeff Immelt unveiled a 6.87-ton jet engine equipped with sensors to monitor the engine's performance. Information gathered -- about 1 terabyte worth on a single cross-country flight -- will help GE to build smarter machines and offer more lucrative services, this feature says.
Boeing is on pace to outsell European rival Airbus for the first time since 2006. Sales of Boeing's narrow-body 737 jets are driving the company's boost over Airbus, which is reporting sales less than half of Boeing's.


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Tech giant Apple is preparing to flood the market with device the latest series that will start in September until early 2023.
According to reports Bloombergthis deluge of devices from Apple includes four iPhone 14 devices, one new iPad series, three Apple Watches, several Macs with M2 or M3 chipsets, a new pair of Airpods Pro, HomePods, and an updated Apple TV.
The iPhone 14, which is rumored to be launching in the fall, is already equipped with Apple with iOS 16. Apple has also updated the lock screen feature on its latest mobile phone series to be compatible with the new feature, always-on display.
Feature always-on display allows iPhone 14 pro to display widgets such as weather, calendar, stock prices, and other activities with low brightness and frame rates. iPhone 14 also has a feature that prevents sensitive data from appearing on the front screen to maintain privacy.
The iPhone 14 Pro model is also rumored to come with a 48-megapixel camera sensor, a new notch featuring a “pill-shaped cut” for Face ID, as well as a hole-punch-style selfie camera.
Bloomberg also revealed the standard iPhone 14 will have the A15 chip included in the iPhone 13 with a 6.7-inch variation replacing the Mini model. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models will get an A16 chip and an alwas-on display feature.
For tablets, Apple will launch 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models equipped with M2 later this year. There’s also a larger 14 or 15-inch iPad coming in a year or two.
Meanwhile, Apple didn’t talk much about tvOS at the 2022 worldwide developer community (WWDC). However, Bloomberg said the company is likely to launch a new Apple TV with an A14 chip with more RAM.
The presence of this device is said to provide an increase in gaming capabilities on Apple TV devices.
Apple has also not missed the smart watch sector. Quotes The VergeThe company led by Tim Cook is said to be releasing three new Apple Watch models this fall: the standard 8 series (S8) model, the new SE series, and a series aimed at extreme sports enthusiasts.
Apple’s S8 chip will also be embedded in their HomePod. In terms of performance and size, the new HomePod will be closer to the original series than the mini. There will also be a multi-function touch feature and a new display on the top.
In addition to these sets of devices, reports Bloomberg also said the M3 processor is in development and is likely to be available in 13-inch and 15-inch Macbook Airs next year.
Regarding the Macbook, Apple is predicted to embed the M2 chip in the Mac mini, Pro Mac mini, Pro, Max 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, Ultra and M2 Extreme Mac Pro series. Previously, the M2 chip was embedded in the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro.


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Quick-delivery startup Gopuff is planning to sell more than a dozen of its own private-label goods as it expands its product offerings ahead of a public listing as early as the second half of this year, said a person with direct knowledge of the matter.
The startup, last valued at $15 billion by investors, will first focus on selling its own snack and household products, starting with a bottled water line under the brand Basically, in the next few months, the person added. It also filed trademark applications for a range of its own branded health and wellness products, including prescription medication and medical testing devices like blood pressure monitors.
The plans reflect the Philadelphia-based startup’s ambitions to expand beyond its core business of delivering convenience items in a time frame now averaging around 15 minutes. Instead, it’s added features more akin to those of a larger retail company, including brick-and-mortar stores, as well as delivery of hot meals like pizza. The approach could help differentiate nine-year-old Gopuff from DoorDash, which introduced a 15-minute delivery service in New York in December, and a host of smaller startups like Jokr and Getir, which are threatening to curb Gopuff’s growth in the ultrafast-delivery market.


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By CRU Senior Analyst Erik Hedborg, from CRU’s Raw Materials Monitor
The iron ore price has risen again in the past week as offloading activities have continued while demand from China’s steel mills has been robust. On Tuesday, Sept. 1, CRU has assessed the 62% Fe fines price at $124.5 /dmt, up by $1.5 /dmt w/w.
Last week, Chinese sheet products demand was stable, but the HRC price dropped after peaking at a two-year high of RMB4,090 /t in the previous week. Construction steel performed differently with underlying demand softened w/w while prices changed little. However, the prices of both products rose on Monday after a message came out over the weekend that the Tangshan government would tighten the enforcement of operating restrictions on BF, sinter capacity and independent rolling mills. At the time of this writing, we have yet seen any significant restrictions on BFs, but sinter capacity utilization was heard to have dropped since last week.
Because of lower sinter fines demand in Tangshan, iron ore port outflow slightly dropped last week, helping build up port inventories. As most of inventory increases were Brazilian products, its share has now risen to 26 percent from the recent low of 20 percent in May, while the Australian share has now declined to 51 percent from 58 percent. Our contacts told us that steel mills in Tangshan expected current operating restrictions to be short-term, so they did not plan to immediately shift to higher lump rates.
Seaborne supply was mixed in the past week, with Port Hedland and northern Brazil shipping at a high rate while southern Brazil and Rio Tinto saw lower shipments. Maintenance at Rio Tinto’s Dampier port resulted in shipments being affected between Aug. 28-30. South Africa, which accounts for ~4 percent of seaborne iron ore supply, has seen an increase in shipments at end-August as the country loosened its lockdown restrictions. Shipments in the past week were the highest since March and our sources mention an increase in rail capacity as the reason for the rise.
In the coming week, we maintain the view that iron ore prices should fall based on supply and demand fundamentals. Steel margins have taken a negative turn in the past week, while inventories of steel and iron ore have risen in the past week.
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Erik HedborgRead more from Erik Hedborg
Latest in Steel Products Prices North America
HRC vs. CRC price spread jumps in second week of new year
The spread between cold-rolled coil (CRC) and hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices jumped during the week of Jan. 8 as cold rolled tags continued to rise while hot rolled tags held steady.
Cliffs increases sheet prices again, seeks $1,150/ton HRC
Cleveland-Cliffs is now targeting base prices of $1,150 per ton for hot-rolled coil (HRC), according to a press release on Wednesday morning, Jan. 3.
Cliffs moves sheet prices higher, seeks $1,100/ton HRC
Cleveland-Cliffs is now targeting base prices of $1,100 per ton ($55 per cwt) for hot-rolled coil (HRC).
SMU price ranges: Sheet surge continues on limited spot availability
Sheet prices shot higher again this week on the heels of another round of mill price increases as well as on reports of production and supply chain issues at certain domestic producers.
Galvanized Sheet’s Premium Over Hot Rolled Hovering Around $200/Ton
The spread between hot-rolled coil (HRC) and galvanized sheet base prices has been hovering near $200 per net ton since late July, according to SMU’s latest analysis.


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Arizona jobless rate stands at 9.1 percent
PHOENIX -- Arizona's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a point last month, to 9.1 percent.
The state added 26,100 jobs between August and September. While most of those were in public education -- people who normally go back to work this time of the year -- private sector employment also was up by 4,100.
That's the first month-over-month gain for a September in private employment since 2006.
Aruna Murthy, director of economic analysis for the state Department of Administration, said there were unusually strong showings in several sectors of the economy. Even the state's construction industry, where employment remains just half of what it was at its June 2006 peak, managed to add 3,700 jobs in September.
There also were big jumps in the number of people working in retail trade and at bars and restaurants.
Some sectors of the economy continue to languish, including employment in financial activities and professional and business services. But Murthy said it appears that the Arizona economy is recovering faster than much of the rest of the nation.
"I am quite actually happy looking at the over-the-year numbers,' she said.
For example, she noted that Arizona's employment in the leisure and hospitality industry is 4.3 percent higher now than it was a year earlier. The national growth rate is 1.4 percent.
The health care sector grew by 5.4 percent, versus 2.5 percent nationally. And the number of people working in manufacturing is up by 2.9 percent annually, against a 1.6 percent nationwide figure.
Even the retail sector, a key indication of consumer confidence and consumer spending, grew by 1.6 percent, three-tenths of a point higher than the rest of the nation.
Overall, there are 51,600 more people working in Arizona now than a year earlier, a 2.2 percent increase.
Murthy said there are other indications the economy is improving, including a decline in first-time jobless claims. But Murthy said it's harder to say whether the long-term unemployed -- those whose benefits already have expired -- are having any better luck in getting jobs.
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The Node.js Foundation, a consortium of organizations fostering the development of the Node.js platform, today announced the results of its first Node.js User Survey Report.
The foundation interacts regularly with Node.js developers but decided to conduct a survey to take a more definite pulse of what developers are doing with Node, Rogers said.
"We're always looking at what people are doing with Node and how we can help them as a foundation," Rogers told eWEEK. "We do a lot with metrics. But we found that the metrics weren't enough, so we built out this survey and had over 1,700 responses. Every time we pull up new data, we end up invalidating some of our old assumptions."
Indeed, the user survey report features insights on emerging trends in the Node.js community, including microservices architectures, real-time Web applications and IoT.
The report paints a detailed picture of the technologies that are being used, in particular, with Node.js in production and language preferences (current and future) for front-end, back-end and IoT developers.
Among the key findings of the survey is that Node.js has begun to take off in the enterprise. Indeed, Node.js being increasingly used in enterprises such as PayPal, Go Daddy, Capital One and Intel. The foundation survey results showed that more than 45 percent of respondents said they are already using the Node.js Long Term Support release (v4), which is targeted at medium to large enterprise users who require stability and high performance. Of those who haven't upgraded, 80 percent report definite plans to upgrade to v4, with half of respondents planning to do so this year. In addition, the survey showed there is strong interest in enterprise tooling among 34 percent of technology leaders.
"Node has always been very efficient—really fast startup time, good on memory usage, a lot of I/O and throughput on very little resources in a single CPU," Rogers said. "As Docker and microservices and these stacks are built out, they're cutting up machines more and more into smaller chunks and it's very important that you're very, very efficient. So we've been a good technology choice and very competitive in that environment. So it was really no surprise when we saw enterprises start adopting this new stack—like two-speed development and microservices, Node was one of the things that they went for."
Moreover, enterprises are beginning to see the value of "full stack" Node.js development.
"One of the things we found is that Node really is this more universal platform," Rogers said. "We kind of redefined front-end development and, of course, we're very good for back-end development. So there's the full stack that we've always maintained. But now the definition of full stack is expanding and starting to include not only mobile and Web front ends and back ends, but also these new API tiers and basically connected devices in IoT.
The popularity of real-time, social networking and interactive game applications is advancing this new stack among developers, Rogers said. The MEAN—MongoDB, Express, AngularJS and Node.js—stack can handle the number of concurrent connections and the scalability required by these applications. The MEAN stack also enables developers to more efficiently do both front-end and back-end development.
"The MEAN stack has been around for a long time; it's been a buzzword out there for quite a while, but the popularity of it and the market share is tremendous," Rogers said. "We did not expect to see this much of it because our community is so broad. But Express is showing 80 to 90 percent market share in this kind of thing. So the MEAN stack is still very much a dominant force in Node development." The survey showed that 83 percent of Node.js developers are also using Express.


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Experts are of the view that the success of S2 is an important factor for the brand to become the world’s best-selling mobile phone maker.
“Definitely, we expect so. The level of interest from our partners has been bigger,” Won-Pyo Hong, head of product strategy at Samsung’s mobile business, told Reuters in an interview.
“We need to spend more on marketing to address consumer interest and to meet requirements of our partners,” he said.
“Samsung must make the most of a 4-5 month window of opportunity with the Galaxy S3 before Apple changes the game once more with its next generation iPhone,” said Geoff Blaber, analyst at CCS Insight.
Samsung said that the new Super Amoled (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) display was 22 percent larger than its predecessor.
The development allows Samsung to boast it has a slightly larger screen than the 4.7 inch dimensions of the HTC One X, the top of the range model from its Taiwanese rival.
S3 is also significantly bigger than the 3.5-inch display of Apple’s iPhone 4S and the 4.3 inch screen of Nokia’s Lumia 900.
Samsung may have been influenced by the popularity of its phone/tablet hybrid, the Galaxy Note, which has an even bigger screen and has proved to be more popular than many industry watchers had forecast.


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Raf Simons is now a certified legend! Thanks to his time at Calvin Klein.
The Belgian-born, New York City-based designer, who’s been leading the American fashion house for a little less than a year, was awarded both Menswear and Womenswear Designer of the Year. Continue reading
Earlier this year, the CFDA even released a set of guidelines encouraging designers to be more “inclusive of racial diversity” when casting models for their runway shows. To address this issue, Los Angeles-based model Deddeh Howard has created a beautiful and thought-provoking photo series entitled “Black Mirror,” recreating images of major fashion advertisements featuring It models like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and more. Continue reading
Restructuring at Calvin Klein has led to the departure of Francisco Costa and Italo Zucchelli as the label’s womenswear and menswear creative directors, respectively. According to Calvin Klein CEO Steve Shiffman, their exit is part of a new global strategy to “unify all Calvin Klein brands under one creative vision,” essentially making their place at the top redundant. Continue reading
Calvin Klein plays host to stars, Justin Bieber, Kendrick Lamar, Kendall Jenner, FKA Twigs, Fetty Wap, and Sakia de Brauw in their new campaign.
The stars, showing off pieces from the brand’s spring 2016 collection, told us what they do in their calvins filling the blank space in the campaign’s call to action, ‘I ______ in #mycalvins’ in their unique ways.
This marks the first time the popular line will be presenting all its different brands – Calvin Klein Collection, Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Jeans and Calvin Klein Underwear – together. And as for me I would have joined in the trend but I don’t own a Calvin #mycalvins


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India's creaky infrastructure has long been derided by foreign investors and local companies alike. And 2017 may have made little difference. Still, there were some bright spots.The infrastructure ...
- Valuation and Fundraising for Tech Startups, Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru, 2020-02-26
- VCCircle India Limited Partners Summit 2020, Trident, Nariman Point, 2020-02-27
- Business Transformation Summit 2020, ITC Kohenur, Hyderabad, 2020-03-14
- VCCircle Consumer Investment Summit 2020, Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai, 2020-03-20


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GM Defies Recall Taint as U.S. Rebound Spurs Truck DemandTim Higgins and Mark Clothier
General Motors Co. is shrugging off the impact of a 2.59 million small-car recall with new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups that are luring buyers into dealerships as the weather warms and the U.S. economy rebounds.
GM sales rose 6.9 percent in April, beating the average of industry analysts surveyed by Bloomberg that projected a 5.7 percent gain. Sales of GM’s redesigned full-size pickups gained 12 percent while large sport-utility vehicle deliveries increased 22 percent, the Detroit-based company said.
The year-over-year “trend in GM’s total and retail sales has only improved since news of its ignition-switch recall affecting older-model cars became widely reported upon in the media -- we believe furthering our thesis that GM market share will not be materially impacted as a consequence of the issue,” Ryan Brinkman, an industry analyst with JPMorgan Chase & Co., said yesterday in a note to investors.
GM’s sales gain, after better than projected earnings reported last week, are a bright spot for Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra, grappling with the recalls for faulty ignition switches. Federal safety regulators, Congress and the Justice Department are investigating why it took the company more than a decade to address the defective parts.
While GM beat sales estimates in April, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC missed analysts’ estimates as industrywide sales rose 8.1 percent to 1.39 million cars and lights trucks, according to researcher Autodata Corp. The annual sales rate, adjusted for seasonal trends, climbed to 16 million from 15.2 million a year ago. That missed analysts’ projections for a 16.2 million pace.
GM rose 0.4 percent to $35.03 at 9:31 a.m. in New York. Through yesterday, the stock had pared its losses for the year to 15 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index had gained 1.9 percent.
Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg say GM will reach $42.50 a share in 12 months to create a 22 percent return from yesterday. This is the 26th highest projected return among S&P 500 companies, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Among the 100 largest global auto companies, GM has the fourth lowest price-to-cash flow ratio, fifth lowest price-to-sales ratio and 35th lowest price-to-earnings ratio.
GM joined Ford, Chrysler and Toyota Motor Corp. in boosting sales of trucks in the U.S. last month.
Ford, as it named Mark Fields its new CEO, said pickup sales gained 8 percent, while cars fell 9.1 percent. Ford’s total light-vehicle deliveries fell 0.8 percent. Analysts had projected a 3.1 percent increase. Chrysler’s 17 percent jump in Ram pickups and 52 percent surge in Jeep brand sport-utility vehicles weren’t enough to top estimates for a 16 percent gain. A 14 percent gain at Chrysler produced its best April since 2007.
Pickup sales were helped by pent-up demand coming out of January and February when bad winter weather kept buyers away from showrooms, suggesting contractors are feeling more confident about housing starts, Mark Wakefield, leader of AlixPartners LLP’s automotive practices in the Americas, said yesterday in a telephone interview.
“The cold snap recovery has quite a bit to do with it,” he said. “I don’t think we’re seeing a mass return to the urban cowboy that we had before.”
Toyota sales rose 13 percent to 199,660, matching analysts’ estimates. The automaker, based in Toyota City, Japan, saw U.S. truck and car deliveries advance 17 percent and 11 percent, respectively. Sales of the full-size Tundra pickup jumped 23 percent.
“For Toyota, truck sales continue to soar,” Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager, said in a statement.
Nissan Motor Co. sales increased 18 percent, exceeding the 14 percent average of analysts’ estimates. The company’s car sales bucked the declining trend with a 24 percent gain as Nissan Versa deliveries jumped 46 percent. The Yokohama-based company reported mixed results on pickups: The compact Frontier was up 11 percent while the full-size Titan slid 7.9 percent.
Honda Motor Co.’s sales of Honda and Acura brand autos rose 1.1 percent last month to 132,456, the company said in separate Twitter posts. That was below an expected 3.3 percent increase.
Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp., affiliated South Korean automakers, reported a combined sales gain of 8 percent, topping an estimated 5.9 percent increase. Hyundai’s sales grew 4.4 percent to 66,107, while Kia’s jumped 13 percent to 53,676, the Seoul-based companies said in separate statements.
GM, the nation’s largest automaker, reported sales of 254,076 in April. Deliveries of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup rose 8.5 percent while those of GMC Sierra trucks increased 21 percent. Both trucks were redesigned and began arriving in showrooms last year. Sales of GM’s large sport-utility vehicles, including the Chevrolet Tahoe, gained 22 percent, the company said in an e-mailed statement. Deliveries of GM’s Chevy Cruze small car slid 1.3 percent and the mid-size Malibu dropped 8.2 percent.
With GM’s recent introduction of heavy duty and full-sized SUVs, “we believe sales of these vehicles are finally hitting their stride and we project continued sales strength and market share gains,” Joseph Amaturo, an analyst with Buckingham Research Group, said in a note yesterday to investors.
GM said it used “strategic” discounts to boost sales of its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, aiming incentives on double-cabs and V-6 models where the company felt it was losing share to price competition. Incentives as a percentage of average transaction prices rose to 12.4 percent in April from 10.2 percent in the first quarter, GM said, citing data from J.D. Power & Associates. The company noted that its incentives on large SUVs and heavy duty trucks declined.
Higher prices on those new trucks helped GM offset losses in the first quarter from the cost of recalling 7 million vehicles, including the 2.59 million with potentially faulty ignition switches that allowed the key to slip out of the “on” position, shutting off the engine and disabling air bags. First-quarter profit fell to $213 million from $1.18 billion a year ago. North American adjusted earnings before interest and taxes fell to $557 million from $1.4 billion.
Ford reported U.S. light-vehicle sales of 210,355 last month, the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker said in a statement. Deliveries of the Ford Focus dropped 15 percent while F-Series pickups gained 7.4 percent. Ford said it trimmed discounts on its F-Series in April by $380 from a year earlier to $3,700 a truck.
Deliveries of Chrysler’s outgoing 200 sedan plunged 66 percent, as the company’s car sales dropped 26 percent. Chrysler’s results were hurt by a 26 percent drop for the compact Dart. Ram pickup sales totaled 36,674.
“Strong consumer demand for our Jeep sport-utility vehicles and Ram pickup trucks continued in April,” Reid Bigland, Chrysler’s U.S. sales chief, said in the statement.
Dodge brand added 50 sales to 53,463 in April as gains by the Grand Caravan minivan and Journey SUV made up for declines for the Dart and outgoing Avenger. Fiat brand sales increased 10 percent to 4,298 deliveries.
The latest consumer confidence survey, which rose in April to a nine-month high, showed Americans are growing more upbeat about the economy as the labor market gains traction. Consumers were more optimistic about current conditions than at any time since July 2007 as smaller ranks of the unemployed, near-record stock prices and higher property values help bolster household finances.
The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan final index of sentiment increased to 84.1 from a four-month low of 80 in March. The median projection in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for 83 after a preliminary April reading of 82.6.


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Hallelujah! Physical Buttons Could Make a Comeback Due to New Safety Regulations
It’s a cost-cutting automotive trend that has turned into an epidemic and one that could now be thankfully nipped in the bud. Yes, we are talking about the onslaught of touch screens and the gradual disappearance of physical controls in new cars. It’s no secret that integrating functions into a touchscreen saves money, but putting crucial functions at the mercy of touch controls has also infuriated car buyers.
Along with the being quite annoying, they’re also a major safety hazard and now regulations have finally caught up with them. Euro NCAP has stated that from 2026, for a car to get the perfect safety rating it must incorporate some crucial physical controls for some features.
“New Euro NCAP tests due in 2026 will encourage manufacturers to use separate, physical controls for basic functions in an intuitive manner, limiting eyes-off-road time and therefore promoting safer driving,” said Matthew Avery, Euro NCAP Director of Strategic Development.
This includes a minimum requirement of proper buttons for indicators, windscreen wipers, hazard warning lights, horns, and SOS functions. It’s worth noting that these changes will not make physical buttons mandatory for a 5-star safety rating but will encourage their use through a scoring system.
Furthermore, ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg told the media, “Physical buttons or stalks to operate these key vehicle controls will be encouraged through scoring, with manufacturers awarded points for the prioritisation of physical controls.”
While currently the list is limited to safety features, physical controls for basic climate control and multimedia functions should also be added as these days you are forced to go deep inside various touchscreen menus to operate basic functions.
This trend was arguably pioneered by Tesla with a stark and minimalist cabin design while later everyone hopped onto the bandwagon. That said, due to the growing displeasure voiced by buyers and experts alike, carmakers like Volkswagen have vowed to turn the tide and have started re-introducing physical controls in some of its new cars.
It must be said that while the Euro NCAP is voluntary, it is an influential car safety organisation and the addition of these new regulations will also influence new car development which would be seen in markets beyond Europe too.
Our take is that while touchscreens would not go away, some physical controls for the functions on the steering wheel to the climate control system should be there and if regulations need to step in to ensure that, then this is a step in the right direction.
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Whoops! WeChat is China’s most popular chat app by a country mile, but the folks behind China’s new WeChat Phonebook were left apologizing on Thursday after its Wednesday launch was marred by severe technical problems. WeChat Phonebook has garnered a lot of interest in China as a way to make your phone smarter and cheaper. The app offers free VOIP calling (as long as you’re on wifi) and a variety of convenient services like automatic contact list backup, syncing WeChat avatar images with your contact list, easy group texting, etc.
The newest data from Tencent, China’s social media web giant, shows that its WeChat messaging app now has 468.1 million active users (MAUs) in Q3 2014. That’s up from 438 million MAUs in Q2. It represents quarterly growth of 6.8 percent – by far the lowest it has ever seen. WeChat’s growth is nearly half the rate that it saw from Q1 to Q2. Once again, Tencent did not indicate how many of WeChat’s active users are outside China. This is the app’s growth rate in terms of MAUs so far:
As Hong Kong’s Occupy Central protests continue to gather momentum and attention, Hong Kong’s denizens are sharing photos of the moment on social media. But apparently , photos of the protests posted to WeChat by Hong Kong-based users are being censored, and are not visible for WeChat users in mainland China. For example, Hong Kong-based blogger Cam MacMurchy shared the screenshots below with Tech in Asia. On the left is an image from Hong Kong he posted to WeChat on September 30th.
WeChat gets a v6.0 update today – only on iOS so far – that adds in two useful new features. But, as often happens with WeChat, one of these is restricted to its China-based users. The new WeChat feature open to everyone is Vine-like short videos called Sight. This is available in both personal messages and the more public WeChat Moments. In either case, you’re limited to a six-second video. If it’s sent as a message, it autoplays rather like a Vine video or a GIF. It looks like this:
The younger generation in Singapore and other Asia Pacific countries are adopting WeChat, a mobile social communication application for smartphones, in droves. According to GlobalWebIndex (GWI), a market research company specialising in online consumer behaviour, WeChat’s active user base has increased over 55% from Q2 2013 to Q2 2014 globally, with Singapore’s growth attributed at 60%.
Tencent has introduced in-store mobile payments in WeChat, its popular mobile messaging app, for nine retail chains across China. As Pingwest reports, Chinese WeChat users will spot a new “Small Payments” (shuaka, or “swipe card” in Chinese) feature inside the “Wallet” section of the app. Pressing the icon and entering one’s password for WeChat Payments will subsequently generate a QR Code or a barcode that retailers can scan to accept payments for in-store purchases.
China’s biggest internet company Tencent has signed a deal to buy a stake in Sinopec’s sales and marketing arm, according to MarketWatch . This gives Tencent access to the oil giant’s retail operations across China. The maker of WeChat is one of several investors involved in the deal with China’s biggest oil company. The deal is worth RMB 107.1 billion (US$17.44 billion) from 25 new investors, which also include insurance giant PICC, and asset management firm Munsun. Each company can own up to a 2.8 percent stake.
BEIJING: Apple Inc has a lot for which to thank people like Deng. A Beijing-based quality analyst, she gave only her surname as she’s embarrassed by how much money she spends playing mobile games on WeChat, a hugely popular messaging app developed by Chinese internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd.
Tencent today announced a suite of new features for businesses to better engage customers through their public WeChat accounts, according to TechNode . One day earlier, Alibaba’s mobile Alipay Wallet released over 60 new APIs for third party developers to build online storefronts, according to the company’s official English-language blog .
WeChat and Weibo are huge in China, each with more than half a billion registered users. But their respective might in messaging and microblogging hasn’t stopped entrepreneurs from building niche social networks for all kinds of specific groups of people. China’s netizens have, in turn, flocked to these fun and hyper-focused new apps. They’re not meant to replace WeChat or Weibo – indeed, many of these specialist social apps integrate with the country’s top social networks.
A full year after WeChat rolled out its social gaming platform, the popular messaging app finally has a foreign-made game in its portfolio. Over the weekend, the hotly anticipated WeChat edition of Candy Crush Saga rolled out on Android. An iOS version will likely arrive soon. The WeChat edition Candy Crush Saga can be tied either to the messaging app or to QQ, the IM service that’s also run by Tencent (HKG:0700). At the moment, Candy Crush Saga for WeChat is only available via Tencent’s AppGem app store, and can only be used by those with a special invitation code.
Just over two weeks ago, cab-booking app EasyTaxi started taking orders within the WeChat messaging app. How’s that working out so far? Joon Chan, EasyTaxi’s regional manager and director for Southeast Asia, tells Tech in Asia that 5,000 rides have so far been taken by people who booked in WeChat. Joon describes the WeChat tie-up as a “fantastic partnership.” It’s only available in Singapore at the moment ahead of rolling out across EasyTaxi’s other markets in Asia. To use it, a WeChat user must first search for the EasyTaxi ‘official account’ in the messaging app (called ‘EasyTaxiSGP’).
WeChat receives a fair amount of attention from the English-language press for its grasp on China’s mobile messaging market, its steady forays into ecommerce, and its strategic importance to parent company Tencent. But one of the app’s most overlooked qualities is its role as a hub for online media. News outlets, small businesses, and solo bloggers alike will push posts through their subscription accounts, and the app even features a simple but effective “read it later” feature.
With a newly-minted IPO under its belt, Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com Inc. announced today that is now taking pre-orders for Microsoft’s Xbox One gaming console. As part of an agreement between the companies, JD.com will have the exclusive right to accept pre-orders for Xbox One in China from July 28-30, 2014, through JD.com’s Mobile QQ and WeChat entry points. On July 31, the JD.com website and JD.com’s exhibition booth at the ChinaJoy Expo in Shanghai will also begin taking pre-orders.
WeChat isn’t just used by friends for messaging – in China it’s also used by more than two million bloggers, celebrities, media outlets, small companies, and major brands to reach out to people. Trouble is, WeChat has a huge problem with fake brand accounts. While the best way for a WeChat user to add a brand’s official account is via a QR code – which are plastered over nearly every major store in China – there are still many cases in which a user might search within the app for a certain brand account. That’s when the user will find it’s a disaster zone.
Huawei Technologies is now using Chinese messaging app WeChat as their marketing tool to sell smartphones. The company introduced the marketing strategy during the last week of May when WeChat integrated a virtual shop of JD.com, an online retailer and second-largest e-commerce in China next to Alibaba group. According to JD, its WeChat store have received 550,000 Honor 6 pre-orders from customers. Also, portions of the orders were attributed the sales campaign the company launched before the handset was released on Tuesday.


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Kuoni’s move to ditch web discount pays off for agents
Luxury operator Kuoni’s decision to scrap its online discount has shown it did not drive more business and was unnecessarily alienating its travel agency partners.
The firm ditched its web discount last October and, although it has seen online bookings reduce more than anticipated, its own retail and third party business has made up for this.
Derek Jones, Kuoni vice president of distribution and operations, said this showed customers who were going to book anyway were simply going to its website to take advantage of the discount.
He claimed the decision to ditch the 5% discount was a risky move, but it was paying off as trade support has increased, particularly through independent partners since February.
Jones admitted he was nervous having scrapped the discount as the resultant upturn in trade sales did not materialise immediately.
But he told Travel Weekly: “The trade is much more easily dispensed than six months ago to pushing their customers in our direction.
“Knowing we are not undercutting them online means the conversation with the customer is very different.
“Talk to any frontline travel agent and they will tell you their biggest frustration is doing all the hard work and losing the customer to an online discount and not being rewarded for it.”
Jones said the tactic might not work for all brands, particularly in the more commoditised less-complex end of the market.
And he said Kuoni would continue to offer anyone who wants to book online with it the opportunity to do so.
But he believes that thanks to more sophisticated booking tracking techniques travel firms can ensure they are not discounting their product needlessly believing this is driving sales.
“For me it’s about confidence. Having confidence in the product you sell, or if you are third party travel agent the service you offer.
“If you are confident in what you are doing this whole issue of offline online becomes less important.
“I can see the more commoditised the product is there is a cost equation as if customers are happy to book online then arguably it’s more cost effective for them to transact entirely online.
“The real challenge going forward is conversion rates online are much lower historically so the amount of traffic you need to drive might be cost prohibitive.”
Jones said despite a reduction in volumes of online bookings he expected revenues to increase.
What the ending of the discount has done is to ensure offline bookings are transacted offline rather than switching channel at the last step.
“We are left with a reasonable number of people who even now are booking online without a discount,” Jones said.
The new strategy is likely to see Kuoni merchandise less on its website and provide content to inspire customers earlier on in the booking cycle.
“What we will do is make it really clear where our points of difference our in terms of product and service,” said Jones.
“We are starting to talk about this business not in B-b or B-C terms but P-P [people to people] in order to demonstrate the value of wha


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We’re living in a bittersweet timeline considering downsizing is in full swing but there are still a few notable exceptions of cars with large-displacement engines. BMW’s V8 is a survivor, and the M division has promised to keep the twin-turbo 4.4-liter mill until the end of the decade. It might even survive past 2030 in regions of the world where emissions regulations are not as strict, such as the United States.
When BMW gave the X7 a radical mid-cycle facelift last year, it rebranded the M Performance version from M50i to M60i. The decision was taken to highlight a change underneath the hood where the sporty luxobarge received the new mild-hybrid engine dubbed S68. The powertrain didn’t come with extra oomph but it did promise better efficiency courtesy of the 48V tech. This new video focuses on the performance delivered by BMW’s latest (and maybe even its last) V8.
For a vehicle that weighs 2,600 kilograms (over 5,700 pounds), the BMW X7 M60i is impressively fast. It managed to hit its top speed limiter without breaking a sweat while being driven at full tilt on an unrestricted section of the Autobahn. The M Performance X7 got up to 155 mph (250 km/h), and should you want to go even faster, the more powerful ALPINA XB7 will do 180 mph (290 km/h).
It’s not just the way it picks up speed that impresses but also how perfectly stable and comfortable the X7 M60i remains even when the accelerator pedal is pushed to the floor. When it comes to in-gear acceleration, it did 62 to 124 mph (100 to 200 km/h) in 11.55 seconds whereas its predecessor, the X7 M50i, needed 11.86 seconds.
There’s a lot to like about the X7, especially in this M60i flavor, although the Life Cycle Impulse sparked controversy due to the unusual split headlight arrangement. In addition, the asking price keeps going up, reaching $108,700 for the 2024 model year in the United States, before options. That said, it’s still much cheaper than the 2024 ALPINA XB7 which will set you back an eye-watering $149,400.
Source: AutoTopNL / YouTube


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It’s exciting times for our subscribers as some of our top featured companies are breaking out higher leading the indices both on the US and Canadian side.
The GDXJ(NYSEARCA:GDXJ) is breaking above the 200 DMA and the TSX Venture index which tracks small cap junior miners may be on the verge of a big breakout. Some of our high quality gold juniors are beginning to move parabolic. So I am quite content that we were patient and held onto our positions especially in precious metals and energy(NYSEARCA:XLE) that are now breaking out of classic technical patterns that could lead to outsized parabolic moves.
1)First off one of our new holdings and sponsors which I featured last week has broken out higher on huge volume. It is an exciting emerging gold producer right here in the US who is constructing a new gold (NYSEARCA:GLD)mine which I believe has tons of upside potential. They are drilling away. If they make a high grade hit this season I believe they will be a takeout target as there are very few gold mines that can produce below $700 per ounce of gold.
2)I have been highlighting a near term lithium and cobalt producer for weeks now and highlighting a potential breakout for this company. The one thing many investors were waiting on is management. This recently changed over the past few weeks as they announced the appointment of the head of Research of giant lithium producer SQM to its advisory board and a known mine builder, the former CEO of True Gold who brought the company to become fully financed and permitted to construct a gold mine. Now that they got these two additions I believe the company will be quickly rerated higher and breakout.
3)For months now I featured a small Canadian company with big time scientists and entrepreneurs working on nanostructured materials for batteries which could drive down costs for lithium-ion battery makers. This is a huge $2 billion plus market that ranges from consumer electronics, electric vehicles and power storage. The company is filing new patents and advancing the pilot plant. Once it is completed it may gain further recognition especially from Asian battery makers. The stock is currently breaking out of a cup and handle.
4)Last few months I have highlighted a small oil company with top notch shareholders. They recently raised a bunch of money and appear to have attracted even bigger names to the company according to some online websites. Its a growing company that has increased production over 180% this year from 2015. This year could even be bigger and greater especially if oil(NYSEARCA:USO) prices stabilize and move higher. The stock has also recently made a huge breakout on great volume from a classic cup and handle.


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Nintendo Switch online services, including eShop, are down
Nintendo’s on-line companies are briefly down, in response to official statements from the corporate. Which means accessing companies such because the Nintendo Swap eShop and on-line multiplayer video games are impacted. In Polygon’s personal testing, we have been unable to entry the eShop and play video games comparable to Tetris 99 on-line. Nonetheless, we have been capable of enter on-line video games of Tremendous Smash Bros. Final.
Nintendo of America’s online network status page signifies that on-line companies are down throughout a number of platforms. The latest replace to that web page, as of March 17 at 1:56 a.m. PT, reads “Unable to connect with the community service. Please attempt once more later. We apologize for any inconvenience this will trigger.”
In accordance with Nintendo’s Japanese-language Twitter account, community companies cannot be used on Swap. The corporate apologized through Twitter and mentioned it’s engaged on the difficulty.
Nintendo’s on-line service outage follows an analogous service interruption from Microsoft’s Xbox Stay platform earlier this week, and comes simply days earlier than the launch of a significant Swap launch, Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Polygon has reached out to Nintendo for remark and can replace this story with extra info.
COPYRIGHT_BP: Published on https://bingepost.com/nintendo-switch-online-services-including-eshop-are-down/64298/ by - on 2020-03-17T12:56:45.000Z


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From the hottest commercial submarkets, such as Downtown Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood, to far-flung suburbs like Lynnwood, the Puget Sound multifamily market has been firing on all cylinders lately. [caption id="attachment_181873" align="alignright" width="100"] David Young, JLL Capital Markets[/caption] [caption id="attachment_181872" align="alignright" width="100"] Corey Marx, JLL Capital Markets[/caption] A major reason for this is the huge growth in tech employment..
SEATTLE — Takenaka Corp. has purchased Tilt49, a 290,573-square-foot office building in Seattle, for $268.5 million. The Class A building is located at 1812 Boren Ave. in the Denny Triangle area of the city. Tilt49 is triple-net leased to Amazon through 2033. The newly constructed project includes 1,646 square feet of retail leased to Mighty-O Donuts. NKF represented the seller, a joint venture between Principal Real Estate Investors and Touchstone. The firm’s Kevin Shannon, Ken..
The Puget Sound region is one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S. We are seeing that reflected in the retail landscape, with innovation and expansion throughout the area. We are at the forefront of retail evolution, thanks to having some of the best-known retail innovators in our back yard who have turned the world of retail upside down by giving every consumer access to virtually every product available via home delivery. And yet, they are also innovating into brick and mortar..
Seattle is on the rise, and companies are thriving in the downtown core and surrounding submarkets. Seattle’s office market is one of the healthiest in the country. Leasing continues to be led by a robust technology sector that’s fueled by both the expansion of homegrown companies and the addition of engineering offices from mostly California-based companies. These companies have established significant footprints in Seattle as they have been able to attract, hire and retain workers from a..
The Puget Sound region may be home to the growing online retail giant of Amazon, but bricks and mortar retail development is in the best shape it’s been in since the beginning of the Great Recession. After five consecutive years of strong employment growth and resultant in-migration of highly paid tech workers, the Seattle market is continuing to enjoy gains in retail sales volumes, which are projected to grow 4.5 percent in 2016. [caption id="attachment_184047" align="alignright"..
BELLEVUE, WASH. — Carey Watermark Investors 2 has acquired the 384-room Seattle Marriott Bellevue for an undisclosed sum. The 17-story hotel is located at 200 110th Ave. NE. The property opened in July 2015. It includes 21,000 square feet of meeting and event space, a food and beverage outlet, lounge, fitness center and business center. "The opportunity to acquire a recently developed, high-quality urban asset in the Pacific Northwest is a unique opportunity to expand our portfolio into..
[caption id="attachment_144577" align="alignright" width="150"] Kip Spencer, SECO Development[/caption] Developers are doing everything they can to make their projects attractive to corporations and their brokers as competition in Seattle continues to increase for high-growth tech tenants. And they’re doing it with good reason: Seattle was recently ranked the No. 1 city in the country for technology jobs. Seattle’s tech industry has grown by 12 percent over the past two years, according..
[caption id="attachment_143872" align="alignright" width="150"] Raymond Allen, Marcus & Millichap[/caption] The underlying forces bolstering the strength of the Seattle metro multifamily marketplace are robust job growth, new development projects and the short supply of single-family houses. While these factors also slightly impact vacancy levels, property prices and sales activity are expected to continue to rise. New and expanding companies, particularly in the tech sector, have..
[caption id="attachment_134559" align="alignright" width="150"] Allen N. Safer, Integra Realty Resources[/caption] With all the recent froth in the multifamily markets, knowledgeable observers are expressing concern regarding all of the cranes that are sprouting around Seattle. To assess the apartment market, we have compiled data recently published in the “March 2015 Apartment Development Report” by Dupre + Scott Apartment Advisors. The Seattle Metro area is in the midst of an..
[caption id="attachment_133722" align="alignright" width="150"] Matt Christian, Cushman & Wakefield | Commerce[/caption] The Seattle office market has been a shining example of strength and solidity. Compared to the U.S. job rate, which expanded by 2.4 percent over the past year to drop the unemployment rate to just 5.5 percent, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan Statistical Area is looking good. Seattle added jobs at a rate of 3.1 percent in the first quarter of 2015. It also saw..


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Filed under: Laptops
Dell has a new post titled “Dell’s 23 confessions” up on their official Direct2Dell blog. The fact that Dell’s Digital Media Manager, Lionel Menchaca apologizes for some embarrassingly public missteps made recently makes the piece worthy on its own. However, one of our favorite disclosures has to be confession number 9 where Dell confirms both the new XPS m1330 and Inspiron series of laptops coming “later this month.” We must say, Dell’s frank, open discussion with the consumer community is certainly refreshing and — for good or for bad — stands in stark contrast to the brutal, one–way flow of information out of Apple. Speaking of which, confession number 19 states, “If Steve Jobs ever changes his tune on OS X, we’d probably offer it too.” Not that that’s going to happen mind you.
[Thanks, CR H.]
Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!


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Pandemic doesn’t deter criminals hungry for your cash and sensitive data
Fraudsters across the U.S. are sending counterfeit stimulus checks to people in an attempt to con them into paying an advance fee or turning over personal data, the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) warns.
“It’s fraud — it’s illegal,” Kathy Kraninger told AARP in an interview on pandemic-related frauds on the agency’s radar. The fraudsters sending fake checks could be after sensitive information, such as your bank routing number, says Kraninger, 45, a lawyer who has led the CFPB since 2018.
So-called “advance fee” fraud schemes aren’t new, but they adapt to the times. In the latest twist, crooks are trying to capitalize on Americans’ eagerness to receive their stimulus payments, made possible under a new law called the CARES Act, to make rash choices and divulge personal details that should be kept private.
On April 2, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) warned consumers that the tax agency would not call them and ask them to verify financial information to get a stimulus check — or to get it faster. The IRS cautioned that scammers might mail bogus paper checks and tell consumers to call a number or substantiate certain information online to cash it.
80 million stimulus payments delivered
More than 80 million stimulus payments — what the IRS calls economic impact payments — already have gone out to Americans via direct deposit, federal officials said Saturday, though some consumers still are waiting for theirs. The payments are up to $1,200 per individual, or up to $2,400 for a married couple. People with eligible dependents under 17 may qualify for an additional $500 payment per dependent. Paper checks are starting to go out this week.
Fraudsters who successfully obtain personally identifiable information such as a Social Security number can commit an array of financial crimes. According to the CFPB, federal agencies are working with the IRS to alert people to scams related to the stimulus payments. Key points from the consumer protection bureau:
- Generally, the IRS will first contact you by mail, not by phone.
- The IRS will not insist upon a payment through a prepaid debit card, gift card, money order, wire transfer or other vehicle.
- Federal agencies with jurisdiction over such illegal practices will work “to stop these scammers and their ill-conceived practices and … enforce the law,” a CFPB spokeswoman says.
The CFPB, an independent agency headquartered near the White House, was begun in 2011 in the wake of the financial and housing crises and Great Recession. Most of its roughly 1,500 staff members, including Kraninger, now are teleworking as they strive to ensure that banks, credit unions, credit card issuers, lenders including mortgage firms, debt collectors and other financial firms treat their customers fairly.
Two more COVID-19 scams
The CFPB has issued alerts about two other kinds of COVID-19 fraud, advising:
- Older Americans should be on guard against scammers who prey on them by offering to pick up groceries, medications or supplies — but run off with the cash and leave consumers empty-handed.
- Online shoppers seeking in-demand products — such as medical or cleaning supplies — should avoid unfamiliar sellers on the internet who advertise such goods but in reality don’t have them. Use an established delivery service, order directly from a store or take advantage of grocers and pharmacies offering contactless delivery, the CFPB says.
Talking about fraud prevention, Kraninger, who hails from suburban Cleveland, says she’s counseled her parents to never provide information to someone over the phone or in an email. “Hang up the phone or go to a trusted source,” she says. If there’s a purported issue with a credit card, call the customer service phone number on the back of the card, Kraninger says, and don’t accept someone’s word that they represent the card issuer.
“We all get busy. We all get distracted,” she says. “You have to be incredibly skeptical and vigilant.”
Kraninger, who years ago helped start up the Department of Homeland Security after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, says despite cybersecurity training she once almost fell victim to a phishing scam. With phishing, a bad actor emails, calls or texts you to trick you into sending cash or disclosing personal information. Or the communication is intended to allow the perpetrator to infiltrate your computer and steal sensitive data.
The CFPB enforces 20 federal laws, including the Truth in Lending Act and Truth in Savings Act. With civil enforcement powers, it acts against predatory companies and has returned billions of dollars to harmed consumers. The agency also works to educate consumers to empower them to make informed financial decisions.
Reprinted from AARP Fraud Watch Network


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Johnny Tai of Bennche on his companies Megelli 250m
The latest Megelli motorcycles are some of the sharpest looking quarter-liter bikes to hit the beginner bike scene. In 2009 QLINK had all but secured US distribution of the bikes, announced rollout plans and retail price.
Former QLINK VP Johnny Tai left the company last year and started Texas based Bennche, Inc. He and his team put together a business plan and pitched it to UK design firm Megelli and their manufacturing partner Hisun. Obviously they were impressed and now Bennche has been granted exclusive distribution of the 250r, 250s and 250m to the USA market.


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Lighting Science, a well known company in next-generation LED lighting solutions, has expanded its existing line of successful biological LED technology -to include new form factors for the commercial and contract market and presented it at the LIGHTFAIR 2017. The company’s mission is to bring life-changing products in human health, agriculture, and infrastructure to market. Their extensive technology and intellectual property, including the company’s nearly 400 LED lighting technology patents, has set them apart in the industry. Their proprietary product line includes the spectrum-focused HealthE series, the urban agriculture sensation VividGro, and FreeLED. They are dedicated to providing high-quality service and technological solutions its customers and channel partners have come to expect.
At the LIGHTFAIR 2017, their patented GoodDay technology, which amplifies productivity by mimicking the physiological effects of sunlight, was displayed in multiple new form factors as will the GoodNight technology, which has been scientifically proven to allow higher melatonin release than conventional lighting, and increase restful sleep. Lighting Science, the first pure play LED company in the United States, has long understood the implications this technology can have in an educational, workplace or health care environment, and is currently working across these industries, generating data that they hope will change the lighting industry forever.
Ute Besenecker, Ph.D., Director of HealthETM Lighting and Senior Scientist at Lighting Science, said, “I have been observing a paradigm shift happening in lighting over the past 10 years. Now, after decades of research and development, industry leaders and even the general public recognise that carefully engineered LED lighting technology is the perfect, non- invasive and natural solution for wellness and preventative care. It is an exciting time to work in this field.”


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Greggs' Christmas sales give 'a strong finish' to 2016
High Street baker Greggs has reported "strong" Christmas sales, with takeaway food, mince pies and its Festive Bake pie proving popular.
Like-for-like sales grew 6.4% in the final three months of the year, and were up 4.2% in the year as a whole.
The Newcastle-based baker added full-year results were set to be "slightly ahead" of its previous expectations.
However, Greggs added that rising costs this year were likely to have a "modest impact" on profit margins.
"Looking forward there is greater uncertainty in the trading environment with increased pressure on real income growth," it said.
"We also continue to expect some industry-wide cost pressures in 2017 and these are likely to have a modest impact on margins in the short term."
Greggs said its takeaway food range had been "the main driver of sales" during the year, including its Balanced Choice range, which it markets as being a healthier option.
The company now has 1,764 shops, having opened 145 outlets during 2016 - including 56 franchised stores - and closed 79.


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Philly Bike Expo gets rolling this weekend
It's an action-packed weekend for Philadelphia's bike lovers. Thousands will pedal to the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday for the sixth annual Philly Bike Expo, the city's largest celebration of cycling.
It's an action-packed weekend for Philadelphia's bike lovers.
Thousands will pedal to the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday for the sixth annual Philly Bike Expo, the city's largest celebration of cycling.
The festival will feature more than 160 vendors and exhibitors (a record for the event) and 20 informational seminars, along with several hands-on demonstrations, themed bike rides, and food trucks.
"Over the last five years, biking in Philadelphia exploded," said Stephen Bilenky, founder of the Philly Bike Expo and the North Philadelphia repair shop Bilenky Cycle Works. "There's a growing bicycle-commuter population and a big, enthusiastic recreational bike community here, and we're trying to encourage it."
Philadelphia is the most-biked big city (of population over one million) in the United States, according to a 2014 U.S. Census Bureau survey. The Philly Bike Expo unites the region's bike enthusiasts with the organizations, companies, and artisans who fuel their passion.
Bilenky said that the festival attracted about 4,000 people last year and that it has doubled in size since it was first held in 2010 at the 23d Street Armory. What makes the expo different from others, he said, is the variety of vendors.
"How do we get together the bike nuts, the bike-tech geeks, the city riders, the people doing advocacy who are fighting for roads and things, instead of having this segmented, disparate community?" Bilenky said. "Everyone likes bikes for different reasons, so let's get all the reasons together for one show."
The festival features a range of events, from Gary Sanderson's antique-bicycle displays to fast-paced BMX demos. Seminar themes include advocacy, history, lifestyle, and technical issues. Those looking to stretch out between lectures can attend daily cyclist-inspired yoga sessions.
This will be Wayne Bingham's fifth year attending the festival. Bingham, 65, owns Mel Pinto Imports, a niche bike-product provider in Virginia. He'll hold wheel-building demonstrations on both days of the festival.
"I've been to a lot of trade shows, but the Philly Bike Expo in particular is a very diversified show," Bingham said. "There's a sense of community and camaraderie, especially with the regulars."
Mel Kornbluh, 69, has used a tandem (two-person) bike for 40 years. He said he and his wife, Barbara, have traveled roughly 183,000 tandem miles on trips around the world. Mel will hold a Tandem 101 lecture from 3-4 p.m. Saturday, and Barbara will exhibit Evelyn Hill, her line of cycling apparel for women.
Mel said that they've visited "thousands" of bike expos, but that this was one of their favorites. "It brings enthusiasts and people that live the lifestyle of cycling together," Mel said. "A bicycle gives you tremendous freedom. You can get on that and feel 7 years old again."
Bilenky said he hoped to see at least 5,000 people at this year's expo, and he believes it'll only keep growing.
"In terms of a livable city, all of a sudden, people are saying, 'Bikes are a thing,' " Bilenky said. "They're green and ecological and sustainable.
"You can drive a car, but it's not your life," he added. "But for some of these bike people, like myself, your bike is your life."
The Philly Bike Expo takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., Hall E. Tickets: $10 for day pass; $15 for day pass with seminars; $25 for all-access pass. Information: 215-740-7068, www.phillybikeexpo.com.


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Google has been quietly expanding its network of parters for its daily deals service Google Offers since it first launched last year. Today, the company is announcing that 11 new partners are joining its platform. These new partners are 8Moms, APDailyDeals, AT&T Interactive, Boston.com, DailyDeals.com, DoubleTakeDeals, Half Off Depot, Morgan’s Deals, Savored, Signpost and Urban Dealight. In addition, Google also announced that it is bringing it "full slate" of partners to Austin, Houston, Philadelphia and Miami today.
Out of the 40 cities where Google offers is currently available, customers in 23 of these now get offers from the company's partners in addition to Google's own offers.
In its announcement, Google explicitly acknowledges that in order to bring its users the best deals, it needs to work with partners. At the same time, though, it's also clear that these smaller niche sites need bigger partners to have any chance in succeeding in a market that is dominated by Groupon and LivingSocial.
Maybe the most interesting of these new partners is Signpost (which, it is worth noting, is partly funded by Google Ventures). The company sets up online stores for small businesses and also works with its customers to set up daily deal campaigns.


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Truecaller launches first ever campaign1 min read . Updated: 20 Aug 2015, 01:40 AM IST
The campaignTake the right callwill feature actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui
New Delhi: Truecaller, the Sweden-based caller identification mobile application, on Wednesday launched its first ever marketing campaign—Take the right call—in India featuring actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The campaign created by advertising agency Contract India has been designed in line with the company’s effort to provide users the right to know who is calling them.
“This is our first advertising campaign globally. While at present most of our users in India come from the metros, with this campaign we are talking to people in tier I and tier II cities. The way smartphone penetration in these areas in growing is an indicator of the times to come," said Kari Krishnamurthy, vice president, growth and partnerships, Asia & country manager, India, in a phone interview from Stockholm.
Truecaller has over 80 million users in India, making the country its largest market, followed by the Middle East and North Africa and then the US.
The television commercial has Siddiqui reminiscing about his struggling days when he had to work as a security guard after his theatre rehearsals. During his shift he would get calls from an anonymous number.
Initially he did not answer but eventually when he took the call, it changed his life. “It is not just a TV commercial, it’s my own story. My career in the movies started with a phone call, which I was lucky enough to take after missing it a few times. Truecaller helps users do exactly that - take the right call," said Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
According to media buyer estimates, in the fist phase of the campaign the company will spend an estimated ₹ 6-8 crore across radio, television and digital media. Truecaller has bought ad time on prime properties like the ongoing India-Sri Lanka cricket series. However, its overall channel mix includes Hindi movie, music and news channels. The television commercial for Truecaller goes live this weekend. The company has also bought radio spots across 50 cities.
On the creative aspects of the ad, Ashish Chakravarty, national creative director at Contract India, said, “It is to inform the rest of India which is unaware about the opportunity Truecaller offers. That’s where Nawazuddin came in. Nawaz is the voice of the emerging India, his screen presence is magnetic and persuasive," he said.
“We saw an effortless link between the task and Nawaz’s story. In his story in the ad, the product just slips in effortlessly..," he said.