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Sam Mwandha, the executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, spoke to Bamuturaki Musinguzi on how the pandemic has impacted the country’s travel and tourism sectors
The government recently eased the Covid-19 restrictions and reopened Entebbe International Airport. What does this mean for the country’s travel and tourism sector?
We can now have visitors come into the country and travel out freely. However, many tourists are likely to postpone their travel for many reasons including loss of income and also the pandemic is still not under control. There is limited travel so it will be a while before we get the tourism numbers up again.
In UWA's assessment, what impact has the pandemic had on the travel and tourism industry in Uganda?
Covid-19 has had a major impact on the tourism industry in Uganda to a level never experienced before and this will continue to be the case for a long time. Transport costs have gone up because vehicles and planes take fewer people, thus raising the cost.
Hotels have to provide for standard operating procedures (SOPs) and can only handle a few number of visitors, yet their operational costs remain high. There is a lot of uncertainty about how long this pandemic will last and therefore many people are being cautious with their expenditures. The travel and tourism industry has therefore been highly affected negatively.
Unfortunately, many sectors of our economy that are linked to the travel and tourism industry, including the food industry, labour and insurance among others have also been impacted. It will take a while to recover.
How is the Covid-19 pandemic affecting UWA in terms of revenue collection?
UWA is currently losing over $2 million in tourism revenue per month. This has affected our operations and put us in a state of uncertainty. With the little resources we had saved, we have had to prioritise key activities of wildlife protection (law enforcement), human wildlife conflict management and animal monitoring.
What measures has the government put in place to support the travel and tourism sector?
The government granted a waiver of some of the taxes related to accommodation facilities in rural areas to encourage investments. The same goes for tourist vehicles. It has also worked with partners such as the European Union to provide grants (up to 6 million) to tourism players to support their businesses. Unfortunately, there are issues on how the grant is to be accessed, which has made it difficult for the most vulnerable businesses to access the funds. I am however aware that some discussions are ongoing to make this grant accessible.
What measures has UWA put in place to ensure the safety of its workers and visitors?
Right from the start of the pandemic, we provided guidance to our staff to remain alert and observe the Ministry of Health guidelines. UWA also developed its own SOPs, in line with those of the Ministry of Health to make them more applicable to our situation. We procured and distributed personal protective equipment, including provision of sanitisers and washing equipment. Staff members were trained in the implementation of the SOPs. Luckily SOPs have been part and parcel of our work even before Covid-19. We have SOPs for patrols, for handling offenders/poachers and traffickers, for mountain gorilla tracking and for chimpanzee tracking, among others. We continue to observe and implement the guidelines and a visit to any of our protected areas is safe.
Although we were not receiving visitors until the partial lifting of the lockdown in June, our day-to-day activities for protecting wildlife and attending to human wildlife conflicts continued. This is especially because the government included UWA as part of essential services.
Has the wildlife been safe from poaching during the lockdown?
The wildlife is safe. While we saw a spike in April and May, the figures in June show poaching numbers have already started going down.
The government is promoting local tourism to revive the sector, is this sustainable in the long run?
Yes, domestic tourism is sustainable in the long run. If we had a strong domestic tourism base, we would not be as badly affected as we are now. Therefore, a campaign to boost local tourism is the way to go.
Current position: Executive director, Uganda Wildlife Authority since 2018.
Previous positions: Chief of Party, African Wildlife Foundation (2013-2017)
Executive secretary, Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (2011-2012)
Director for conservation, UWA (1996-2010)
Uganda National Parks (1994-1996).
Education: Bsc (Forestry), Makerere University
MSc (Natural Resource Use and Planning), University of Twente, Netherlands.


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Regardless of the finite number, the operation will be massive and will be a new record since the ipo of Alibaba, in 2014, to $ 25 billion (21 billion euros). The chinese manufacturer of smartphones Xiaomi has planned to be listed in Hong Kong with a valuation of between 70 and 80 billion dollars, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The chinese group has however reviewed its ambitions downward, so that it was initially a valuation of 100 billion dollars. Its leaders would, however, be admitted to have been too greedy and have failed to take sufficient account of the decline of 10% of the value of the tech since the beginning of the year.
“Great products at fair pricing “

domain: news


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Around $2m of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive items have been lost after Valve shut down trading bots used by OPSkins.
That's according to users on the r/GlobalOffensiveTrade - as spotted by PCGamesN - who have compiled a list of bots that have been banned, along with an estimate for how much value they were each holding.
The current count is 2,843 trading bots who were responsible for 1.5m items worth a massive $2m.
These bots were shut down on June 21st and follows a cease and desist order from Valve to OPSkins at the start of June. Said C&D appears to have been issued via Twitter which, um, seems unusual.
All of this comes in the wake of OPSkins launching the Express Trade service. This free enterprise allows users to get around the current seven-day hold on trading CS:GO items which was launched in March.
OPSkins has reassured users that it is not going to be shutting down and that their money is safe. In a statement on its blog, the company said that this was an attempt by Valve to maximise sales on its own Steam Community Marketplace, and went on to highlight its burgenoning blockchain business - World Asset Exchange (WAX) - as well as highlighting the pros of its service.


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At the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2019, Nvidia announced they would bring artificial intelligence-powered (AI) Level 2+ autonomous driving and smart cockpits to mainstream cars in 2020 through their Nvidia Drive Autopilot. The company says they see industry support from manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Volvo to major auto suppliers like ZF and Continental for the software-defined car which contributes to the build-out of the autonomous car market.
Looking toward the inside of the car, Tamir Anavi, Chief Technology Officer of Eyesight Technologies says his startup wants to make the inside of an autonomous vehicle safer.
Eyesight Technologies’ CabinSense, uses AI computer vision that monitors drivers and is designed to help prevent accidents caused by distracted or fatigued driving through real-time alerts to the driver. The Israeli company has raised 45.9 M from private investors and China’s Jebsen Capital, Arie Capital, Mitsui, CEVA and Kuang-Chi.
“The car’s external sensors combined with computer vision and AI are crucial for autonomous cars to be able to ‘see’ and ‘understand’ the road, while computer vision and AI inside the car allow to us to increase the safety of the passengers,” said Anavi. “In-cabin sensing allows carmakers to adjust safety features in real-time according to data, the number of passengers, their age and gender as well as state of driving such as wearing a seatbelt, sitting properly, body pose, etc.,” said Anavi.
Anavi says that once fully autonomous vehicles become a reality, people may get a false sense of safety and stop wearing seatbelts or sit in unsafe positions. “Without attendants, as we have on planes, the car systems will be responsible for reminding passengers to wear their seatbelt sand otherwise sit safely,” added Anavi.
“Communications and synchronization need to happen not only within an autonomous car and its systems, but also between cars on the road, and between the cars and the city and infrastructure,” said Anavi. “Once these systems can speak the same language and communicate data in real-time between each other, the roads will become a safe and efficient place.”
For the full article click here.


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Indonesia’s Department of Trade Defense has decided to revoke anti-dumping measures on certain cold-rolled steel products originating in or imported from Vietnam. The move implies that Vietnam steel exports to Indonesia will not have to tolerate anti-dumping duties that could be up to 49.2pc.
Indonesian Anti-Dumping Committee (KADI) opened the case on August 26, 2019. In February 2021, KADI announced the final results of the investigation and proposed anti-dumping taxes of 3.01-49.2 percent on Vietnamese products. Indonesia imported 365,000mt of Vietnamese steel worth $290mn, annually, during the period of investigation.
Contrarily, the ministry said that steel products have sensitive characteristics that can be probed for trade corrective measures. Therefore, the Department of Trade Defense will coordinate with the Vietnam Steel Association and relevant companies to keep track of new developments in the Indonesian market to deal with them aptly.


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TD Bank Group Newsroom
TD Thanks Customers & Colleagues for Highest Rating in Customer Satisfaction Among Big Five Canadian Retail Banks
Focused on legendary personal and connected omni-channel experiences to drive customer confidence, TD Canada Trust receives top marks in J.D. Power Study
TORONTO, May 2, 2019 /CNW/ - TD Canada Trust is proud to be named highest in overall customer satisfaction among the big five Canadian retail banks by J.D. Power in its 2019 Canada Retail Banking Satisfaction Study. This recognition reflects direct feedback from thousands of retail banking consumers who were surveyed by J.D. Power about their experiences with their retail bank.
"We're delighted to receive this recognition from our customers," said Teri Currie, Group Head, Canadian Personal Banking. "We are more focused than ever on what matters most to our customers – helping them confidently achieve their financial goals and aspirations in moments that matter."
According to the study, TD Canada Trust ranked highest in overall satisfaction, convenience and channel activities and was recognized for being customer-driven and innovative.
"As customer expectations evolve - and increase - TD is investing to deliver elevated advice and personalized, omni-channel experiences across our branch network, by phone, mobile, online banking options and through our ATM network. My heartfelt thanks to our TD colleagues across the country for everything they do to enrich the lives of our customers and communities and bring legendary experiences to life every day."
About the Canada Retail Banking Satisfaction Study
The Canada Retail Banking Satisfaction Study measures customers' satisfaction in six factors (listed in alphabetical order): channel activities; communication and advice; convenience; new account opening; problem resolution; and products and fees. Channel activities include seven subfactors (listed in alphabetical order): assisted online service; ABM; branch service; call centre service; IVR/automated phone service; mobile banking; and online banking. The study is based on responses from over 15,000 retail banking customers of Canada's largest and midsized banks regarding their experiences with their retail bank. It was fielded over two waves in June/July 2018 and January 2019.
About TD Bank Group
The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group ("TD" or the "Bank"). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves more than 25 million customers in three key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe: Canadian Retail, including TD Canada Trust, TD Auto Finance Canada, TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; U.S. Retail, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®, TD Auto Finance U.S., TD Wealth (U.S.), and an investment in TD Ameritrade; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with more than 12 million active online and mobile customers. TD had $1.3 trillion in assets on January 31, 2019. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.
About J.D Power
J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. These capabilities enable J.D. Power to help its clients drive customer satisfaction, growth and profitability. Established in 1968, J.D. Power has offices serving North America, South America, Asia Pacific and Europe.
SOURCE TD Bank Group
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The Gospel Lighthouse Christian Bookstore in Tillsonburg, and four other Gospel Lighthouse stores in Brantford, Guelph, Kitchener and Cambridge, are closing Aug. 29.
Retirement, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and changing consumer buying habits all contributed to a decision made by owners Murray and Marna Mudford of Port Rowan to close their five remaining stores.
“It was a combination,” said Marna Mudford. “We are getting on in years and need to be free of it. Our daughter Lynda has really been doing the major part of running the business for quite a few years now. But because of the change in retail it’s not the same any more. People are ordering online, and with the whole COVID thing it’s magnified the situation. So we feel like this is a good time to make a change.”
Currently they have 30 per cent sales – they will not be continuing as an online book store.
“The shipping is really expensive,” said Marna. “The big companies can do shipping for a good price. If you’re smaller and you take something to the post office, it costs $10 to mail a book. And to start over again with something small, we’re just not in a place to do that right now.”
Gospel Lighthouse has been in business for 32 years. It opened its first store in Simcoe in 1988. The second store was in Tillsonburg.
“We’re really thankful for the relationships that have been built, for the staff that have helped us out, for the small town communities that have supported us,” said Mudford. “It has really been a blessing. We feel like we’ve been a blessing in every community we’ve been in. I know that a community that has a Christian bookstore is different because the Christian bookstore is there, because of the material that we sell.
“It’s been really difficult for us to give it up. We’ve been doing it for a few years just because we couldn’t give it up. It hasn’t been a ‘Business’ with a capital B, it’s been a love.”
The original Simcoe store and building was sold two to three years ago. Over the years the Mudfords have served 20 communities in southern Ontario, and a few years ago they had 12 stores.
“We’ve been closing them, one-two-or-three a year for a couple years,” said Marna Mudford. “And now we’re down to five. We had the Lighthouse on Bay in Port Rowan, and were running the business there, but we sold that just this summer.”


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Harley-Davidson Inc. says it has discovered a growing fan base in the northeastern states of India and may look at opening a dealership there.
Hero Honda Motors Ltd.’s results for the first quarter of this fiscal year are an aberration. Late on Thursday, the New Delhi-based affiliate of Japan’s Honda Motor Co. posted its first decline in quarterly net profit in nearly three years.
Ironically, the drop in profits for April through June comes after the company, India’s largest two-wheeler maker by sales, posted its highest-ever quarterly net profit of 5.99 billion rupees for the January-March quarter. The results made for a negative surprise after rivals Bajaj Auto Ltd. and TVS Motor Co. reported robust profit growth for the same quarter, aided by higher vehicle sales.
The words “Harley-Davidson” might traditionally conjure up a vision of a beefy grizzled leather-clad biker. But in India, the typical Harley rider is likely to be a sober, hardworking businessman for whom the bike is the one time he (or she) can disconnect from the laptop and Blackberry.
Harley-Davidson India, which has been asking motorcycle-lovers to “stake their claim” through their web site for several months, began taking actual bookings on April 20. The company hasn’t yet said how many people have put their money down for a bike, but marketing director Sanjay Tripathi said the response had been “overwhelming.”
India Real Time offers analysis and insights into the broad range of developments in business, markets, the economy, politics, culture, sports, and entertainment that take place every single day in the world’s largest democracy. Regular posts from Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Newswires reporters around the country provide a unique take on the main stories in the news, shed light on what else mattered and why, and give global readers a snapshot of what Indians have been talking about all week. You can contact the editors at email@example.com.
Check out the main contributors to the blog and their bios here.
Managing consultant Harshdeep Rapal shares some tips for entrepreneurs looking to raise investment for startups.
Today’s rollercoaster economic environment presents a challenge to entrepreneurs. But it’s still possible to successfully launch and develop a business, particularly if you stick to a few key principles, says Avi Basu, founder of Connectiva Systems.
Leadership training programs tend to focus too much on soft skills like psychological attitudes and not enough on boosting a firm’s financial performance, writes Ariff Kachra.
Not by flooding them with newsletters and calling them three times a day. Here are a few tips from Milind Mody, CEO of eBrandz.
Pravin Lal, director at Sapient Global Markets, says the proposed Dodd Frank Act presents an opportunity for Indian IT companies.


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There are so many weblogs and websites which cover news about Android OS and Android devices, and if you search the term “Android News”, you will definitely get surprised by the search results. But how can you make sure the publishing source is trusted, and how can you find the news about your favorite devices among so many other news?
Here in AW Center, we added “News Digest” articles to inform you about the latest important Android news all over the world, from trusted sources. These news include: Official announcements, Gossips, General news, Reviews, Statistics, and more..
Android News – 04 October 2013 – 12:00 GMT / 07:00 EST:
1. Touch ID for Android Devices Arrives Next Year
While iPhone 5S users are enjoying unlocking their device with their fingerprint, The FIDO Alliance (as a well known company with the support of 48 companies like Google, and LG) believe the biometric security technology, and beyond it, is coming to Android devices in early 2014.
2. HTC's Quarterly Financial Statements Announced: $101 Million Net Loss
It seems we should get used to hear just bad news about HTC. For the first time since 2002 (the year they went public), HTC announced a new loss in the 3rd quarter of 2013. The main reason for this loos, is about sales of HTC One which is far less than expected.
2. Samsung's Quarterly Financial Statements Announced: $9.4 Billion Operating Profit
Unlike HTC, it seems everything is going great at the Korean company, Samsung. Estimates show they broke another record and the profit increased 13% compare to the same period last year. There is no detailed information about the sales of different devices yet and we just know the total revenue is around $53.9 billion and operating profit is around $9.4 billion.


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While the rising inflation in isolation won’t have a direct impact on demand for either passenger or commercial vehicles (CVs) or two-wheelers, a moderate slowdown in the pace of growth in the economy has the potential to keep demand for purchases muted, says Umesh Revankar, vice chairman & managing director, Shriram Transport Finance Company (STFC), the largest commercial vehicle lender in the country.
“Used vehicle demand has picked up, given the subdued purchasing power for new vehicles. The commodity price inflation is leading to higher vehicle prices for both new and used vehicles,” Revankar said, speaking to The Sunday Express.
On the impact of rising interest rates, he said rates alone cannot dent demand for vehicle financing. “Demand for CV financing has improved in the last four months. We expect the demand momentum to sustain in FY23. Higher infrastructure spending is driving demand for newer vehicles and equipment especially in earth moving activities. Macro trends have been positive and with normal monsoons and a good harvest, we expect that our customers will be able to absorb higher interest rates,” Revankar further said.
He noted that light CVs (LCVs) are doing well on the back of a surge in e-commerce and better last-mile connectivity, adding, “The demand for LCVs is likely to increase, as the logistics and e-commerce industries are growing rapidly.” LCVs largely cater to the movement of agricultural produce, e-retail, pharmaceuticals and consumer staples, and are showing resilience.
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Additionally, due to rapid urbanisation and digital disruption, there are continuous new retail and e-commerce platforms, which require efficient logistics, leading to the growth of the LCV market and thereby driving demand for LCV loans.
“At STFC, our small and light CV portfolio loan book has grown from 19 per cent to 27 per cent of the AUM in the last four years and stood at Rs 34,600 crore as of March 2022,” he said.
On the tightening of NBFC rules by the RBI, Revankar said NBFCs have historically enjoyed a regulatory arbitrage versus banks and in the last three years, a lot of that has gone away.
“Despite the changing regulatory framework, the NBFC sector still enjoys some benefits in terms of flexibility, product innovations, geographic expansion and resource-raising ability. NBFCs have been able to take the changing regulations in their stride and I believe enhanced supervision, better regulation, transparency and accountability are in the long-term positive for the sector.
“In FY23, with the improving macro-economic situation, the rural sector in revival mode, normal monsoons and infra spending kicking in, we expect asset quality to further improve.”
Covid led to non-deployment of assets in certain segments and geography. As the situation returned to normalcy, a lot has improved and lenders have managed to progressively pare down their stressed loans, gradually in the last three quarters, with an improvement in the economic cycle, Revankar added.
He also ruled out any plan to apply for a commercial bank license. “We prefer to be an NBFC. Our customer base is unbanked and under-banked and to serve my customers better I need to be nimble-footed and understand my segments.”


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Square Enix has released an official survey, asking fans to weight in on various aspects of Final Fantasy XV. The survey, which can be accessed here, focuses on post-release content including DLC, Season Passes and general buying habits.
According to a mass email sent out to consumers, this survey will help Square Enix “shape the future of Final Fantasy XV.”
The survey comes on the heels of the latest Active Time Report, where director Hajime Tabata outlined a number of updates for the game slated to roll out starting February 21. Catch all the details here.


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United States of America
Michioki Inafuku has the distinction of being the very first member of NPUSA! He joined at the end of November 2013---more than six months before Naturally Plus officially launched its U.S. company.
"In 2013, CEO Tajima visited Hawaii to give an opportunity presentation," says Inafuku. "Right away, I knew I could trust him; I signed up immediately."
Since joining, Inafuku has continued to blaze the trail for other NPUSA members. In nearly every month since January 2014 he's been earning bonus income. By September 2014 he'd become the first-ever NPUSA Affiliate to achieve the Spirit Bonus. By November 2016, Inafuku had attained the Star Bonus.
"In an organization full of great leaders, I have become a leader, too," he says.


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The Apple Watch 4 has yet to be confirmed, but it’s heavily rumored to be coming out later this year and it may be the main competition for Samsung’s newly announced Galaxy Watch.Samsung spent a good portion of its Unpacked 2018 event talking through the Galaxy Watch, and while we haven’t had enough time with the device to conduct a full review, everything is looking positive for this top-end watch so far.Below we’ll talk through the rumors about the Apple Watch 4 and what we know about the Galaxy Watch to compare the two devices and give you the best picture of what device will be best placed for you.As we don't yet know anything for sure about the Apple Watch 4 and haven't fully tested the Samsung Galaxy Watch you shouldn't take this as a definitive answer to the question of which watch you should be upgrading to this year. Instead take it as an educated guess and with a big pinch of salt.Design and display Samsung’s Galaxy Watch comes in two … [Read more...] about Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Apple Watch 4 rumors: should you wait?
Apple watch vs gear s
The wearable market is about to get a tad heated this year as two of the major players on the scene - Apple and Samsung - are slated to release their fresh new top-shelf wearables. Of course, you know we are talking about the freshly-released Galaxy Watch and the upcoming Apple Watch Series 4. Without a doubt, these two will be the hard-hitters on the smartwatch scene which is already mostly dominated by those two's previous product offerings - the various Apple Watch and Samsung Gear watches out there are usually our go-to recommendations to potential buyers, and rightfully so.With that in mind, it's time to summarize our expectations about the two gadgets and see how these two would likely measure up:Design & hardwareIn a little surprising move, Samsung announced the Galaxy Watch alongside the Galaxy Note 9. The hot new wearable is available in two sizes a feminine 42mm one that'd be available in black or rose gold, and a larger, more masculine 46mm one that will only be … [Read more...] about Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Apple Watch 4th gen: Preliminary design, features, and pricing comparison
If recent reports are anything to go by, we are about to see a couple of pretty exciting smartwatch releases in the second half of 2018. These being the Samsung Gear S4 — or Galaxy Watch as it will actually be called — the Apple Watch Series 4, and the Google Pixel Watch(es). Now, this is going to be a tough battle, especially for Google. Apple is already reigning supreme on the smartwatch market with its usual mass-appeal approach, while Samsung is enjoying quite a bit of popularity as well with its excellent Gear lineup of Tizen-powered wearables. Both companies offer good-looking, feature-rich, durable products that are becoming increasingly harder to compete against, so far as the average user is concerned, at least. Google, however, intends to jump into the smartwatch race head-first this year with its own, in-house developed Pixel Watch. Android smartwatches have had a tough couple of years, dragged behind the competition by aging hardware and … [Read more...] about Google Pixel Watch vs Apple Watch Series 4: design, features, price and release date expectations
Jul 03, 7:29 AM EDT Newsletter Signup BusinessTechnologyWorldNationalMedia & CultureOpinionSportsLuxury Technology By Fionna Agomuoh @FionnaatIBT 02/27/17 AT 4:47 PM Huawei announced its latest smartwatch during a Mobile World Congress press conference Sunday. The Huawei Watch 2 is expected to release between March and April, and will go up against several wearables, including the Apple Watch, Samsung Gear S3 and LG Watch Sport. The Huawei Watch 2 also adheres to the latest wearable trend, featuring cellular connectivity to allow users to make phone calls directly from the watch.Here’s how the Huawei Watch S2, Apple Watch Series 2, Samsung Gear S3 and LG Watch Sport compare by specs.DisplayProcessorRAMStorageBatteryConnectivityResistanceOperating SystemStrap SizeDimensionsAvailability Price … [Read more...] about Apple Watch 2 Vs Samsung Gear S3 Vs Huawei Watch 2 Vs LG Watch Sport: Specs Comparison After MWC 2017 Addition
The wearable market is about to get a tad heated this year as two of the major players on the scene - Apple and Samsung - are slated to release their fresh new top-shelf wearables. Of course, you know we are talking about the anticipated Samsung Gear S4 and the Apple Watch Series 4. Without a doubt, these two will be the hard-hitters on the smartwatch scene which is already mostly dominated by those two's previous product offerings - the various Apple Watch and Samsung Gear watches out there are usually our go-to recommendations for potential buyers.With that in mind, it's time to summarize our expectations about the two gadgets and see how these two would likely measure up:Design & hardwareGear S4For the most part, we expect the Gear S4 to flaunt the same general design as its precursor and retain the rotating bezel that Samsung's smartwatches are known for. To put a spin on things, however, the Gear S4 might feature an OLED display just below the bezel which would most … [Read more...] about Samsung Gear S4 vs Apple Watch 4th gen: Preliminary design, features, and pricing comparison


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Jimmy Choo launches Diwali edit as India exclusive
Jimmy Choo has launched an exclusive capsule collection for the Indian market this Diwali. The luxury accessories brand has launched the golden collection across all of its stores in the country.
“This year, Jimmy Choo celebrates the festival of lights in India by curating an exclusive Diwali edition for the Indian market,” the brand announced in a press release. “Featuring a perfect amalgam of sparkle and glamour, the Diwali edit by Jimmy Choo is perfect for any wardrobe. With the redesigned editions, you are sure to feel festive this season!”
The collection features a glittering interpretation of the brand’s classic ‘Bing 100’ shoes, complete with a jewellery-esque crystal strap and slender heel. The ‘Bon Bon’ evening bag has also been given a Diwali edit with a champagne sandy glitter fabric.
Jimmy Choo has held a number of exclusive launches for the Indian market. In 2021, the brand teamed up with celebrity Rhea Kapoor to launch its ‘Core Collection’ in the country. More recently, the brand launched its ‘Varenne Avenue’ handbag line in India for the first time last month at an exclusive dinner party attended by guests including Shanaya Kapoor and Anshula Kapoor among others, Asian News International reported.
Jimmy Choo retails in India through five stores located across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, according to the brand’s website. The brand opened its first store in India in Mumbai in 2007.
Copyright © 2023 FashionNetwork.com All rights reserved.


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SCORE competition open to area small businesses
Pennsylvania small businesses now have the opportunity to participate in a national competition.
The American Small Business Championship is back for its fourth year, offering $177,000 in prizes and $25,000 each to three grand prize winners — or Grand Champions.
SCORE, a nonprofit which supports small businesses, will recognize two businesses from each state and the District of Columbia, for a total of 102 winners.
The prize for each of the winners will include a $1,000 Sam's Club gift card, an all-expense paid trip to train and network in Dallas, and mentoring from SCORE's business experts.
“Our small business members tell us they need training, access to capital and mentoring, and through our giving efforts like this program with SCORE, we’re able to deliver on those valuable resources," said Tracey D. Brown, senior vice president and chief member officer of the competition's sponsor, Sam's Club, in a press release.
The competition will run through Feb. 13, and winners will be chosen in late-March. Winners will then be judged by a panel of small business experts to become the Grand Champion based on how effectively they use their winnings to grow their businesses.
Related: Markets at Hanover highlight importance of small businesses
Last year's Pennsylvania winners were Wonder Health and Wellness from Breinigsville and the Australian Walkabout Inn Bed & Breakfast in Lancaster.
The 2016 Grand Champion Garrett Takach, co-owner of Ninja Park Obstacle Fitness Gym in Albuquerque, used his $25,000 grand prize to fund a training program for children with autism.
Applicants are required to have been in business for at least one year and currently generate revenue to be eligible for the competition.
To apply or nominate another business, visit www.score.org/championship.
Applicants have to answer the question: “What one unique aspect of your business will make you succeed over the next year?”
They will be expected to respond with a video or written statement and photo and receive 100 votes between Jan. 12 to Feb. 13.
At that point, the business will be judged by SCORE leadership, mentors and board members before winners are announced in late- March.The winners of the Grand Champion prizes will be chosen by September.


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2013 November 19
Cameron Silver Launches Vintage Capsule Collection With Tommy Hilfiger
BFA View Gallery
(NEW YORK) Decades founder Cameron Silver has curated a one-of-a-kind vintage collection in partnership with Tommy Hilfiger, his longtime client and friend. The collection will include hand-selected items Silver found at the Manhattan Vintage Fair and will include 32 women's pieces and 27 men's pieces that celebrate iconic American design. Expect to find pieces like bow ties, handbags, blazers, jewelry, tops, pants, dresses, and hats ranging from $200 to $2,500.
Hilfiger is known for having one of the largest personal vintage collections in the country and owns memorabilia such as Elton John's famous Union Jack Star Spangled Banner boots, a Tina Turner stage dress and shoes, and Marilyn Monroe's cowboy boots from the 1961 film The Misfits. "I've always been inspired by vintage," said Hilfiger in a statement. "Vintage was one of the earliest inspirations for my designs and continues to influence my work every season." Hilfiger's stores have carried vintage pieces since 2006. Silver's vintage collection will launch at Tommy Hilfiger's Los Angeles flagship on November 21st. Check out a sampling of what will be on offer in the Gallery.
Want to stay chez Karl Lagerfeld? The designer has signed on to create a signature hotel in Macau, China which will welcome guests come 2017. Lagerfeld's major hospitality endeavor...
Phoebe Arnold, formerly fashion director at Ponystep, has been named senior editor at LOVE...David Perel, formerly president at Next Act Media, has been named editorial director at...
Big shuffles at Bauer Publishing: Dan Wakeford is out as EIC of In Touch and Life & Style, 12 years after joining the European mag company's stateside HQ. David Perel has been named...


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39th edition of CIFF in Guangzhou
CIFF (China International Furniture Fair), the world’s largest furniture exhibition with its 1.15 million square metres of exhibition space, 6,000 participating companies and 250 thousand visitors from 200 countries worldwide in total (Guangzhou in March and Shanghai in September), once again proves itself to be a key occasion during which all those working in the sector can establish contacts and take advantage of opportunities.
CIFF 2017 in Guangzhou is held in two phases: the first from 18 to 21 March, the second from 28 to 31 March. The figures speak clearly: every year, the spring edition of CIFF, divided into 2 phases in order to cater for the innumerable attendance applications, connects 3,900 major brands and 170,000 specialist visitors. These figures make CIFF an essential business opportunity.
Increasingly dedicated to internationalisation and exchanges between exhibiting companies and buyers, this year the fair will tackle the topic of "Better Life, Better Work", with the aim clearly set on enhancing the values of the growing quality and excellence of Chinese products.
An unmissable event! Unmissable both for those wishing to buy and for those who want to test the potential of the world’s largest market in the furnishing sector. Yes, because in a period recording rapid changes, the Chinese market is truly leaping ahead toward an increasing higher-quality and better-designed product.
The Made in China label connotation is less and less that of poor quality and low price, and instead is now able to provide appropriate and tangible solutions even for a medium-high client sector target. In fact, Chinese producers are proving able to interpret international taste in an innovative manner; many western designers are bringing value and know-how to Chinese producers, and a good number of Chinese designers are acquiring international prestige, and becoming perfect links in the chain between eastern and western taste. This leads to the creation of poetic products that can communicate and evoke ancestral images. Perfect products for every lifestyle, even for the most demanding markets.
CIFF also hosts many international exhibitors coming from several countries including USA, Italy, Germany, Japan, Korea, Turkey, etc.
39th China International Furniture Fair (Guangzhou)
Phase 1 | 18-21 March 2017
The first phase of CIFF 2017 in Guangzhou introduces a full range of solutions, from classical to modern styles; a vast selection of products in a variety of typologies: furniture for the home, furnishing accessories, furnishing fabrics, furniture for outside and free time.
The scheduled events include:
ASFD Pinnacle Asian Awards (1st edition)
This event follows in the wake of the enormous success met in the previous edition of the ASDF Pinnacle Awards China Tour, which was organised in collaboration with High Point Market and American Society of Furniture Designers, with the aim of promoting major Chinese and American designers. The ASFD Pinnacle Asian Awards has a similar format but the objective of this edition is to facilitate the involvement of Chinese designers in the conception of products aimed at the American market.
China Decoration Design Conference (1st edition)
This forum, involving major brands from the décor sector and renowned interior designers, will tackle the topic: "Design + of the times".
Global Garden Lifestyle Festival
This event will tackle the issue related to the new philosophy of garden living and different lifestyles.
Phase 2 | 28-31 March 2017
The second phase of CIFF 2017 in Guangzhou will exhibit office furniture and chairs, hotel furnishing, metal furniture, furniture for public spaces and waiting areas, accessories, materials and machinery for the furniture industry.
The scheduled events include:
The Office Life Theme Pavilion, an event dedicated to wellbeing in the office environment and solutions aimed at improving the quality of work.
The Global Office Furniture Outlook (8th edition), a forum organized by CIFF and Edimotion, where international professionals and journalists of the office furniture sector will debate matters regarding the workplaces trends.
And other interesting forums which will be announced soon.
For further information: http://ciff.fairwindow.com.


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You can now use Apple Pay within the Subway app, which also gains curtsied pickup.
McDonald’s has updated its iOS app to bring support for Siri Shortcuts and also 2-factor authentication.
The BC Services Card app now supports video identity verification.
CBC Gem now supports Sign in with Apple.
The 7-Eleven iOS app looks to be offering a mobile payment option from the iPhone soon.
You can now use Apple Pay within the Canada Post app
You can now sign up for a Cineplex account with Sign in with Apple.
Facebook says you can now protect your Messenger chat using Face ID and Touch ID.
Apple’s SVP of Worldwide Marketing says the email app Hey must follow current App Store rules.
BMO Mobile Banking for iOS has been updated with a feature to let you order a replacement credit card.
Photoshop Camera is now available for download for iPhone and Android users.
Google’s Gmail iOS app has finally completed its roll out of Dark Mode.


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By Thane Grauel
WESTPORT — About 100 customers and employees were evacuated from Whole Foods supermarket Friday afternoon after an alarm was triggered in ventilation equipment.
Several fire and police vehicles responded to the grocery at 399 Post Road West around 1 p.m.
Everyone was allowed back inside about 1:30 p.m.
Assistant Fire Chief Brian Meadows said a sensor in the store’s ductwork was activated.
“It was probably dust,” he said.
Firefighters checked out the store, and the mechanical equipment on the roof above before declaring it a false alarm.


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Jobless Growth: Tackle Unemployment, Poverty LCCI Tells FG
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI, has urged the federal government to tackle the menace of unprecedented unemployment and poverty rates in the country, following the just released 2.4 per cent Q4 2018 and 1.9 per cent full year GDP growth of the country, which has been tagged a ‘jobless growth’.
The data which was released by the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that Q4 2018 GDP numbers grew by 2.4 per cent compared to Q3 2018 growth of 1.8 per cent YoY, mirroring the performance of the non-oil sector which improved by 2.7 per cent YoY.
LCCI in a statement described the full year GDP improvement of 1.9 per cent against 2017 0.8 per cent as a weak and fragile performance, noting that it is far below a three per cent annual population growth and gives cause for concern, considering its wider implications for poverty, inclusive and sustainable growth.
“The growth in the economy is also tagged a “Jobless growth” as unemployment keep on rising. The latest report by poverty world clock also suggests that the number of extremely poor Nigerians has risen to 91.6 million. We suggest that policies and reforms that will attract investment into the key employment elastic sectors should be implemented,” the Chamber advised.
According to LCCI analysis the economy has sustained a growth path. However, the Chamber noted that the growth is still weak, vulnerable and fragile, stressing that it was far below the country’s population growth of 3.0 per cent.
The Chamber noted that economic sectors such as Trade, Manufacturing and Agriculture recording low performances was due to significant weakness on the part of the consumers’ purchasing power.
“The declining performance of the trade sector signifies that Nigerian consumers are still under severe pressure in terms of weak purchasing power, as trade is a major consumer facing sector,” the Chamber said.


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No tracking, no revenue: Apple's privacy feature costs ad companies millions
from The Guardian
Internet advertising firms are losing hundreds of millions of dollars following the introduction of a new privacy feature from Apple that prevents users from being tracked around the web. Advertising technology firm Criteo, one of the largest in the industry, says that the Intelligent Tracking Prevention feature for Safari, which holds 15% of the global browser market, is likely to cut its 2018 revenue by more than a fifth compared to projections made before ITP was announced.
7701 Las Colinas Blvd., Ste. 800, Irving, TX 75063


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Study ranks H-E-B as top U.S. grocery retailer
Texas-based grocery chain H-E-B is receiving some mainstream recognition this year as the top grocery retailer in the U.S., according to a leading customer data science firm.
H-E-B bumped Trader Joe’s from the No. 1 spot in consumers’ wallets and hearts — a spot Trader Joe’s had held for the past two years in data science firm dunnhumby’s Retailer Preference Index. The San Antonio-based chain’s most loyal customers famously travel long distances — sometimes across state lines — just to shop at H-E-B locations.
The data firm evaluated more than 60 grocery retailers operating in the U.S., including Food Lion, Albertsons, Aldi, Safeway, Target and Walmart. Rather than looking at retail growth based on store count and revenue size alone, dunnhumby surveyed 7,500 consumers to better understand how they think and feel about the $700 billion grocery industry.
Price and quality were the two most important factors to customers, according to the study. Top grocer H-E-B didn’t land in the top five grocers ranked by price alone. Aldi was ranked the top grocer for price, followed by Market Basket, WinCo, Lidl and Trader Joe’s.
Along with identifying the most popular grocery brands among consumers, the study found that traditional regional grocers are “experiencing a resurgence in customer preference." The study points to regional grocery chains’ ability to keep a relevant assortment of foods on shelves as part of that success.
The survey found that regional grocery stores like H-E-B and Fry’s are not only very popular but “just as prepared” as industry leaders like Costco for a potential downturn in the U.S. economy.
“If they can compete on price and quality — the value core for grocers — they are especially well-positioned to fend off the growing threat of nontraditional players," Jose Gomes, president of North America for dunnhumby, said in a written statement.
H-E-B said in December that it was targeting South Austin for a major expansion that includes $200 million in investment and more than 1,000 new jobs.
The grocer said the growth plans were driven by the growth and increased density across South Austin and include the opening of three previously announced new stores and a major remodel of an existing location.
H-E-B has operated in Austin for more than 80 years and has about two dozen stores and 14,000 employees in the Austin area, according to the company. Analysts estimate that the company controls about 60 percent of the grocery market in Austin, a rarity in U.S. cities, where Walmart usually dominates sales.


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AutoGuide News Blog
The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.
Every time we get behind the wheel we’re at the mercy of a multitude of variables that are simply out of our control. Weather, crashes and highway design flaws can all conspire to turn a short trip a drawn-out nightmare. But what is being done to minimize congestion? Municipalities can do a few things to reduce on-road problems, and so can you.
Adding convenience and confidence to the used car buying experience, today Carfax announced a mobile app for Android users.
GM is introducing a new way for people who own its cars to make money: integrating a car sharing service with OnStar.
Any car from 1996 and newer can have a real-time gas consumption meter thanks to an Android app, but you might not want to pay for it.
OBD Mileage is now available for Google Android smartphone users who want to watch their car’s mpg change during hill climbs, highway driving and schlepping around town. The developer says the app can display “55 different kinds of information,” hopefully that includes switching between kilometers and miles per gallon. Unfortunately, the program looks sketchy at best and costs a boatload.
The picture you see above is a shot of what OBD Milage looks like while running — you can be the aesthetics judge here. Not only that, but running the app requires a plug-in bluetooth device to bridge communication between your phone and car. The device recommended on the OBD website costs $99.99 and that’s on sale.
The app itself also seems to cost something, though the site doesn’t make it readily obvious how much you’re spending. Instead it says discomforting things like: “We use the Google wallet for the payment,” and “When you purchased the validity period, it is not possible for the refund even if there is any reason.”
The validity period is also more-or-less unexplained but it seems like a temporary license to use the program. Worse yet, uninstalling the app and changing your phone’s date and time both render your purchase void.
So much for customer service, it’s probably better to use the in-dash fuel gauge and avoid all the nonsense.
A new Kickstarter project looks to make your smartphone the center of your car stereo needs in not only a painless and effective manner, but in one that won’t break your bank account.
Compared to any traditional, high quality head unit, the Devium Dash is complete steal right now for just $250. The retail pricing will be around $300 when it’s completely released to the market in July, but what exactly does $250 get you? Well it’s a fully-functional head unit that uses your smartphone to access GPS, send texts by voice, play music, etc. Everything that you’re used to doing on your phone will now seamless integrate to the rest of your car’s stereo system.
The head unit itself will pump out 4×50 watts of power and has two preamps for front and rear subwoofers. In addition, it supports a video pass through so owners can also play video on external monitors. Best of all, the head unit will keep your phone charged while it’s in use. To make everything less distracting while you’re driving, Devium includes an app for your smartphone that will allow you to quickly bookmark your most-used automotive applications onto a quick-access home screen.
That’s not all it can do however. The Devium Dash also has your typical FM tuner and AUX input, but will also allow users to eventually connect to their vehicle’s computer.
The first Dash will be shipping out in June 2012, and will initially only support the Apple iPhone 4 and 4S, but Devium hopes to support additional smartphones in the near future including your collection of Android units out on the market now.
Watch the video here showing how the Devium Dash will operate.
Are you a Bostonian who hates potholes? There’s an app for that, or at least there will be soon. The city is behind a new app for Android called Street Bump which addresses the problem.
Available this summer, the app picks up on potholes using a smartphone’s accelerometer, which is the device that measures movement. When you go over a bump in your car and the app is on, it will report the location to the city’s database. The Street Bump advises the city of the size and the location of the pothole with a GPS coordinate.
The Street Bump app gives Boston the ability to keep drivers informed of real-time road conditions, as well as keep the city on top of potholes that can be fixed while they are still small. Other cities in the U.S. have plans in place to follow suit with similar apps.
There are still a few bugs to work out of the Street Bump app (that’s why you’ll have to wait until the summer to download it) and there may be an iPhone app that may come at a later date. We will keep you posted on the latest developments.
Cell phones behind the wheel— they’re a deadly plague on traffic safety that cause frequent and preventable crashes. Even worse is the fact that scores of mature drivers are just as guilty as any number of 16-year-old sidewalk terrors more concerned with texting back than taking the wheel.
One company is offering a solution that could help cut down on the number of cellular offenders endangering themselves and others. Scosche is offering a device that blocks cell usage in a car while the vehicle is in motion called CellCONTROL.
As with any new technology, compatibility is always a concern. All the same, Scosche insists that the CellCONTROL is broadly compatible and easy to use. Any car sold in the U.S. in 1996 or later was made with an OBD-II interface, which is all their system needs to work within the car. They also claim that it works with more than 1,200 different phones such as BlackBerry 4.5 and higher, Android 2.1 and above, yet the iPhone is unmistakably missing from their list.
Once installed, drivers will find that their phone is only accessible via bluetooth headset. Email, SMS and really everything that would take your eyes off the road is out of reach until the wheels stop spinning.
While this is certainly a step in the right direction, we wonder how many people will really use this device. It costs $129.95 on the company site, so after shipping and all costs, you’re likely to drop at least $150 when you can just as easily put the phone out of reach, say in a briefcase behind your seat.
The bluetooth headset should still reach at that range and you won’t be tempted to send snarky tweets while steering. Another obvious question: what about your passengers? Unless you’re the antisocial type or always drive alone, it would be a real nuisance for the co-pilot to be locked up as well.
That said, there are some great applications which are surefire selling points. Parents looking for a way to enforce safe driving habits probably wont bat an eyelash at a one-time expense to keep the kiddies safe. To sweeten the deal, the CellCONTROL gets a designated administrator, say mom or dad, and notifies them if someone tampers with the device.
It’s a good idea that parents will probably buy into, but unless insurance companies start offering discounts to drivers who install these things, it seems like a hard sell to the adult crowd.
Take the brand new Volvo FH16 out for a spin… but be careful of obstacles. That’s the idea behind Volvo Trucks’ new game for smartphones and tablets.
Released to coincide with the 25th anniversary of Volvo’s flagship truck, FH16 750 is an exciting and entertaining game that tests your lighting fast reflexes. The object of the game is to get rid of various obstacles that pop up and get in your way. To move to the next level (there are eight to get through), you need to accumulate enough points… and not crash your truck. The game also offers some interesting facts about the Volvo Trucks’ FH16-750.
“It’s easy to learn, but hard to master. If you’re good, you can get onto the high-score lists and boast about your results on Facebook or Twitter. There is also a contest on Worldtrucker, our online truck community, where weekly prizes are awarded,” said Niclas Hermansson, Digital Marketing Strategist at Volvo Trucks.
You can download the FH16 750 game for free at the Apple App Store, Android Market or Volvo Trucks’ game site To download the game, you need the iPhone 4/4S or iPad 2 or Android 2.3 phones or tablets with 480×800 screen resolution or higher.
Be sure to check out the game trailer after the jump.
If you weren’t addicted to your Crackberry before, you will be once you get your hands on the Porsche Design P’9981 Smartphone from Blackberry.
Encased in stainless steel and leather, the Porsche Design P’9981 comes with a host of luxe features that will make sure you’ll never want to put it down. With an enhanced 1.2 GHz processor and 8 GB of onboard memory, you’ll be able to browse the Internet to your heart’s content. In terms of technical features, it also comes with 720p HD video recording, dual band Wi-Fi, a built-in compass and access to a selection of exclusive apps.
The Porsche Design P’9981 Smartphone’s wide QWERTY keyboard means texting is a lot easier, and its Liquid Graphics 2.8” high resolution display touch screen ensures you won’t be squinting to read your messages.
Some special features that come with this cool Blackberry include the Wikitude World Browser app, which lets you find and send relevant information instantly. You’ll also get a limited edition PIN series, Near Field Communication and BlackBerry Tag, as well as access to BlackBerry App World 3.0.
No word on a price for the Porsche Design P’9981 Smartphone from Blackberry, but we’re guessing since it’s being touted as a special edition, it’ll come with a special edition price.
Distracted driving isn’t just limited to texting and talking on your cell phone. Now, more than ever, there are so many things that can shift our attention from the road like GPS units and MP3 players.
To cut down on all the potential distractions that surround you in your car, a company called ALPS has come up with a concept steering wheel that cuts out all those buttons and instead offers touch sensitive pads.
Designed to be safer for drivers, the ALPS wheel trackpad would let you centralize all of the commands you commonly use in your vehicle and put it right in the steering wheel. To check directions or change a tune, all it takes is the sweep of a finger, kind of like using a smartphone. This means you wouldn’t have to take your eyes off the road when you wanted to crank the volume on your stereo. In the future, the ALPS wheel trackpad could even incorporate handwriting recognition, which would make it much easier to type in directions to your GPS.
[Source: Oh Gizmo]
With every development of a new app, the smartphone is turning into a necessity. The latest to be created for car owners is the Car Recalls iPhone app.
For owners who want to find a better way to stay on top of all the recalls regarding their vehicles, they can refer to this software and search for recalls that date as early as 1950. New recalls that are issued with be notified to your phone as well.
As handy as this tool may be, the Car Recalls iPhone app does have some shortcomings. The app does not provide a contact number to get in touch with specialists that handle the recall, nor does it provide details on the consequences if one does not address the problem in a timely manner. Regardless, if your car is recalled, call your local dealer and book a service appointment.
The app isn’t free, but it does cost just $.99 and can be purchased here.
Well if you have the new Craftsman garage door with AssureLink, you can close your door using your smart phone, laptop or tablet.
The system works similarly to that used by some car companies to remotely unlock doors or start the car. This system will allow you to close your garage door as long as you have a working smart device.
What if someone is in the way as the door closes? The system has you covered, as it makes plenty of audible sounds, plus will re-open if its obstructed by an object, so no worries about crushing anyone.
This system will appeal to many, but it does come with a price. Craftsman will require you to register for this app and it has an annual user fee of $19.99. Not bad if you are in California, wondering if your garage door is open in Kansas.
[Source: USA Today]
Good news for parents – taking a stand against distracted driving, Sprint has just launched a new app that disables smart phone functions while driving.
The Sprint Drive First app locks your cell phone when the car is moving over 10 mph and sends calls automatically to voice mail. It won’t distract you with an annoying beep to let you know you just got a new email or text, and just to let the sender know you can’t get to your phone at the moment, the app sends out an automated, customizable message as a response. Once you come to a stop, the app can tell you’re not moving anymore, so it will unlock your cell phone. Even if you’re stopped in traffic, it won’t unlock your phone unless you’ve been sitting there for a few minutes.
If you want to override the app and turn on your phone, just hit the Exit or 911 buttons, but be warned teenagers – your parents will receive a notification. For even more control, parents can choose up to five numbers that can ring through the locked phone and three apps that can still be used when the car is moving, such as GPS or a music player.
Sprint is the latest cell phone carrier to fight distracted driving with a dedicated app. AT&T recently released a similar app for Blackberry users that sends an auto-reply to texts, emails and calls. And in January, T-Mobile unveiled an app that limits smartphone functions while driving.
Sprint Drive First will cost $2 a month and will only be available on Android. If you’ve got a Blackberry, don’t worry – a version of the app will be available for your phone in the near future.
[Source: Consumer Reports]
Imagine having a gadget in your car that could tell you how fast to go to avoid stopping at the next light. Well, now you can. A network of dashboard smartphones can monitor traffic lights and congestion helping drivers avoid idling, cutting fuel use by 20 percent.
SignalGuru collects and analyzes traffic data from images captured on dashboard smartphones, to inform drivers of the most efficient routes. The researchers installed iPhones on car dashboards in Cambridge, Massachusetts and in Singapore, where traffic lights have fixed schedules. SignalGuru can predict when lights will change with an error margin of two-thirds of a second.
The SignalGuru study won a best paper award at last month’s Association for Computing Machinery MobiSys conference, but the program would require many users to be a real solution for traffic congestion.
“If you can save even a small percentage of that, then you can have a large effect on the energy that the U.S. consumes,” Emmanouil Koukoumidis, a Princeton PhD candidate and visiting researcher at MIT, was quoted as saying.
Today, Nissan announced that it will be the first automaker to offer Quick Response codes on individual vehicle window stickers across its entire 2012 lineup. The QR codes link consumers to additional vehicle information, providing a free interactive shipping experience through smartphone devices.
“Nissan’s new QR code program puts important decision-making information at shoppers’ fingertips while on dealership lots, helping sales personnel make a more effective presentation, as well as providing customers with a ‘silent salesperson’ if they are shopping the lot after hours,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Marketing, Nissan North America. “It’s a true mass market effort across all products and all Nissan dealerships nationwide – part of our pledge to bring innovation to every aspect of the vehicle design, buying and ownership experience.”
Important information available through the QR codes includes:
- Specific vehicle information, including grade walk, key features and available accessories
- Video based product overviews
- Image gallery
- Incentive offers
- Dealer inventory
- Request a quote capability
- Join mailing list request
- Dealer location support
“Initial consumer response, based on early 2012 Altima QR code availability, has been extremely encouraging, with consumers viewing multiple pages and requesting follow-up information regarding current offers and inventory,” said Brancheau. “It’s one more way Nissan helps the consumer by delivering content on their terms.”
Something to allow city-dwellers, sports car owners, or high-school principals to sleep easy at night: a new app for iPhones, Droids, and Blackberries will warn you when some @#%! is messing with your car, allowing you to dispense justice as you see fit.
Budding Charles Bronsons can take comfort in knowing that this is the first specific app designed for cars. Developed by Intel, it connects to your car’s existing security system and begins working when that is triggered. It can stream video (placed in and around the car, presumably) to a cloud server through WiFi, directly to your phone, or record it for World’s Wildest Police Videos.
Intel is also checking to see if the app can share data with carmakers, but that level of privacy intrusion may get messy. There’s no word on when the app will be finished, but for anyone who uses faculty parking, hopefully before the school year starts.
Technology has progressed so much that sometimes it can be unsafe, even for your car. Mobile apps can now allow drivers to unlock car doors and remotely start their engines. However two hackers have exploited this convenience and now have access to vehicles with remote starters. Researchers Don Bailey and Mathew Solnik managed to use a laptop to hack the mobile app connection in two different car brands, and will demonstrate this at the upcoming Black Hat conference in Las Vegas.
When users push the unlock or remote start button on the phone, a signal is sent to a service center, which then sends a signal to the car telling it what to do. The researchers intercepted the signal and duplicated it, allowing them to have full access to the cars. The researchers have not revealed the car brands which have been hacked, but both GM and Mercedes-Benz were the first to market the smartphone app that offers these functions. However, the researchers have vowed not to reveal anything more, until automakers fix the security breach.
[Source: Network World]
Those of you who will become stranded in an Audi, never fear: the Audi Roadside App is here!
No more fumbling through your wallet for that ragged AAA membership card that expired in 1999, or dialing 911 and sheepishly admitting that nobody around you has been shot. For those Audi owners with an iPhone, Android or Blackberry—and let’s face it, many who own Audis will likely play with one—the app allows owners to call for the nearest tow truck and request specific service.
The app works by using GPS to locate the vehicle’s owner, then calling for the nearest tow service. Owners submit their vehicle registration data to Audi via the app, which “greatly shortens the time it takes to dispatch service.” Tin-hatters need not apply. The app works in conjunction with the 4-year complimentary roadside assistance available on new models; older Audi owners should have a hacksaw ready to sacrifice a limb in payment.
Chevrolet’s Volt plug-in hybrid isn’t the only vehicle that will get its own smartphone app. The Chevrolet Cruze compact will also join the bandwagon with an OnStar-supported program that gives owners new access to various functions of their vehicle via a smartphone.
Owners using the Chevy Connect feature on their phones will be able to monitor the fuel guage, door locks, tire pressures and activate the horns, lights and alarm system.
GM also announced that many of its 2011 vehicles from across the brand spectrum would be able to utilizie the Connect system, which could easily become an attractive selling feature to technology-savvy customers.
Get more Chevy Cruze news and info at CruzeTalk.com
[Source: Inside Line]
You multitask, so your cell phone should too. It’s a good thing the T-Mobile USA has just announced that the new Garminfone will be coming to a car near you soon.
This is the first Android-powered smartphone that comes equipped with a fully integrated Garmin premium navigation system. Set to hit stores soon, the full-touch 3G Garminphone is sleek and stylish, and sports large 3.5″ screen, so you can clearly see how to get to your destination. A few of the other cool features this phone will come with include:
- Integrated Navigation + Smartphone Experience: Garminfone delivers navigation capabilities beyond what other smartphones and standalone navigation devices provide. Customers can navigate to an address simply by clicking on it from a text message or e-mail, contact, calendar appointment, or web page. Garminfone can even remember where you are parked and navigate you back to your car. The 3-megapixel camera with autofocus automatically geotags images so you can navigate back to where your family vacation photos were taken, e-mail geo-tagged images to friends and family members, or post geo-tagged pictures on the Web for others to enjoy. Helpful Garmin travel applications such as dynamic, real-time traffic; weather local events; movie listings; and gas prices are pre-installed and easy to access and use.
- Garmin Navigation: Driving, walking and public transportation navigation with voice and on-screen directions and automatic re-routing are deeply integrated into the smartphone features of Garminfone to simplify navigating your daily life. On-board North American maps offer fast and reliable directions – whether in or out of cell phone coverage – and multiple overlapping positioning technologies ensure Garminfone customers have one of the best location and navigation experiences a smartphone can offer. In addition, Garminfone utilizes text-to-speech technology to speak street names, and the screen automatimobically switches between day and night modes for easier viewing while driving.
- Garmin Voice Studio: Garminfone is the first to feature Garmin Voice Studio, an Android application, which allows customers to record and share custom voice directions from family and friends.
This cell phone also includes a convenient charging window and dashboard mount that lets you navigate and charge the phone’s battery simultaneously. Other cool features include easy access to personal and work e-mail, including support for Microsoft Exchange e-mail, contacts and calendar; social networking; instant messaging; an advanced music player; and a 3-megapixel autofocus camera.
[Source: Press Release]
Tech addicts, the 2011 Ford Fiesta may be your next car. (Just as long as you don’t own an Apple iPhone, ’cause it’s not supported yet.) SYNC, the in-car technology platform developed by Microsoft in partnership with Ford, will soon allow for third-party cell phone applications to be controlled by voice commands and in-car controls.
Forget the fact that no other automaker is even close to offering such integration, Sync AppLink will be on production vehicles this year. AppLink works — at launch — on Android and BlackBerry phones, with titles such as Pandora Internet radio, Stitcher “smart radio”, and Orangatame’s Twitter client OpenBeak available.
“The growth in smartphone mobile apps has been explosive, and Ford has worked hard to respond at the speed of the consumer electronics market,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford’s Connected Services Organization. “SYNC is the only connectivity system available that can extend that functionality into the car. AppLink will allow drivers to control some of the most popular apps through SYNC’s voice commands and steering wheel buttons, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”
Once developers realize they can help distract drivers while on the road, this list is sure to grow exponentially. May we suggest an in-car fart app that can deliver a disgusting noise through a speaker closest to the intended victim?
OnStar has produced a new smartphone application providing Chevrolet Volt owners 24/7 connection to their cars.
Compatible with Apple’s iPhone, RIM’s Blackberry Storm and Motorola’s Droid smartphones, the app provides real-time data connection and control over vehicle functions such as programming charge times.
The OnStar Mobile Application retrieves information from the Volt such as battery charge level, odometer readings, miles per gallon and electric-only mileage, and displays them in real time on a smartphone.
Volt owners can receive text or email notifications for charge reminders, power interruptions and when the battery is fully recharged. Owners can also manually program the Volt to recharge at off-peak power usage times to take advantage of lower electricity rates.
Traditional OnStar features such as remote door lock, unlock, horn and light controls, typically available only by calling OnStar’s control center, will also be available for Volt owners through the application.
Volt owners with internet-ready phones other than the iPhone, Storm and Droid will be able to access the application through a mobile browser.
The OnStar Mobile Application will be available for the Volt’s launch. Online demonstrations for the Motorola Droid and Blackberry Storm are available at OnStarMobileDemo.com, while an iPhone demo app is available through the iTunes store.
Gallery: OnStar Chevrolet Volt App
Official release after the jump:


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The Raritan Valley YMCA’s Healthy U program got families in a festive mood on Tuesday, October 31 with their Healthy Halloween event. The day-long event featured a “Trunk or Trails” that encouraged physical activity among the children. During the day, child care classes hosted individual Halloween parties that featured themed games, activities, and even healthy ‘fruit snacks,’ consisting of a variety of different fruit skewers.
“Halloween can be presented without so many sugar sweet drinks and snacks,” said Preeti Srivastava, senior director for the Raritan Valley YMCA. “A little creativity goes a long way to keep children healthier and active.”
Parents were notified prior to the celebration, asking them to choose more nutritional snack items to place in trick or treat bags. While the children trick or treated through the YMCA parking lot, they were asked to do a trick (perform a simple exercise) in exchange for a healthy treat.


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Chatter all over Twitter and the game world indicates that "Fallout 4" fans are left irritated with the latest "Automatron DLC" when they found an error message when trying to purchase the DLC at the store. The message reads: "This Content Cannot Be Selected At This Time."
It is unknown what caused the error to pop up in the first place but that little error message has caused a wave of disappointment. According to Forbes, Bethesda says they are working on the fix right now. The company released a statement saying, "Sony is working to prop Automatron for the North American PlayStation Store. Will update as soon as we hear new information."
Now, "Fallout 4" followers are pained to wait for the latest update because Bethesda promised an ambitious Automatron with an airtight DLC schedule release that features new environments and missions. Plus, new features and sandbox changes that will permeate the rest of the game. Which basically means more new stuff that will get players to go back to the game.
Avid follower and game writer David Thier mentioned that there are easter eggs abound in the new "Automatron" DLC. You can check the Youtube video from Fluffy Ninja Llama for some Silver Shroud easter eggs. Thier writes that the DLC revolves around robots which will give the player the ability to mod and collect mechanical bots that will follow the player's tail. The plot revolves around a new villain called "The Mechanist."
Thier has been sharing his initial thoughts of the game starting with the "Fallout 4" add-ons, and has been psyched about the "Automatron" DLC. Until he received the error message, too. Thier has personally reached out to Sony but has not received any reply as of yet.


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Police investigate shooting at Washington state Costco Three suspects were reported at the scene
Police in Washington state are investigating a shooting that occurred outside of a Costco, officials reported.Issaquah Police responded to a shooting at 6:30 a.m. after a truck drove up to the store and shots were fired. Police told Fox News that they had reports of three suspects, all wearing dark clothing.
Around 6:30 am, a truck was driven into the front of the @Costco retail store. Shots were fired, and glass jewelry case was hit. Search and investigation continues. No injuries reported.
— IssaquahPolice (@IssaquahPolice) August 2, 2020
No one was shot, but a glass jewelry case was hit. The store was not yet open, according to the Seattle Times, and employees were the only people inside the store at the time.
Tweets from witnesses indicate that police closed down the roads surrounding Costco while they carried out their investigation.
Shooting/hostage situation at the Costco in Issaquah. Stay clear of the area. Surrounding roads shut down. @KING5Seattle
— 𝕁𝕚𝕞 𝔾𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕘𝕙𝕖𝕣 (@originaljimbo) August 2, 2020
As of noon, the Costco was still closed while police catalogued what was stolen. Police are still investigating what or how much might have been taken.
Read more Disturbing photos of a 7-year-old boy who was gruesomely beaten by his stepfather ( Disturbing photos)


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But does Volkswagen actually have any interest?
In a blockbuster deal earlier this week, the French PSA Group decided to purchase Opel and Vauxhall from General Motors. It is rare that we see deals of this magnitude in the auto industry, and now other car companies are starting to spread rumors about mergers. In particular, rumors are surrounding FCA after CEO Sergio Marchionne claimed that his company could partner with Volkswagen Group. Detroit News reports that Marchionne is looking for a strategic partner to consolidate the auto industry and codevelop technology with.
For this deal to happen, Volkswagen would likely have to buyout FCA as PSA did with Opel and Vauxhall. Both companies could benefit from this deal because FCA needs better R&D and a better reputation in Europe. Volkswagen, on the other hand, could benefit from FCA's presence in the US with trucks and SUVs. However, both brands have struggled recently with reliability claims, and FCA could even be dealing with a Dieselgate scandal of its own. FCA has desperately looked for a strategic partner to help it replace the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200. FCA has been great at building trucks and 700 horsepower monsters, but a practical, affordable family sedan has still eluded the company.
While this FCA-Volkswagen news does sound intriguing, it seems unlikely to occur according to a report from Autoblog. At the Geneva Motor Show, VW CEO Matthias Mueller said that "We are not ready for talks about anything ... we have other problems. I haven't seen Marchionne for months." Marchionne was also interested in partnering with GM in Europe, although GM was not interested. It seems like Marchionne is almost desperate to find a strategic partner, but will any company answer the call?


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Rainbow International Restoration, a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group has announced Friday the re-acquirement of the Germany master franchise license from the previous master licensee, according to a press release.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Reacquiring this master license confirms our commitment to direct franchising in select international markets,” stated Mike Bidwell, President and CEO of The Dwyer Group. “We are particularly excited about the opportunity to continue to build the Rainbow International brand in Germany, where there is room to build a very large network.”
The Dwyer Group first sold the Rainbow International master license in Germany in 1992, with the goal of expanding the brand in Europe. Rainbow International is currently building its brand in Germany, Ireland and the UK.
States Rainbow International President Mark Welstead: “The headway made in Germany by our previous master licensee will allow our brand to continue to grow and strive in the German economy. We look forward to continuing this forward momentum and expanding our service reach throughout the country.”


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Bestway Retail is to roll out age estimation technology to more Bargain Booze stores, following a successful trial.
The trial, in partnership with Innovative Technology, launched earlier this year at three Bestway Retail stores – Bargain Booze in Otley, Wine Rack in Roundhay and Tippl in Garforth. It is part of the government’s regulatory ‘sandbox’ scheme to test technologies that can fulfil the requirement for age verification for off-trade sales.
Andrew O’Brien, product manager from Innovative Technology, said the company’s MyCheckr age estimation tool is a “standalone device that retailers can simply plug in to help cashiers with age check decisions”. MyCheckr features a green LED above a screen indicating that no age check is required, or a red light showing when an age check is recommended.
Clive Binks, head of corporate stores at Bestway Retail added: “As a direct result of the successful trial we will now be installing Innovative’s MyCheckr device at more of our Bargain Booze stores. The technology is helping to boost staff’s confidence when asking customers for ID and of course anything that ensures we protect children is paramount to us as a responsible business.”


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Apple has no plans to release a MacBook Pro with an Intel i5 processor
Apple has announced that it will not release a new MacBook Pro with a 7th-gen Intel Core i5, but will continue to make laptops with its own high-performance Core i7 processor.
“We’re not going to release the 7th gen [processor] with a Core i3,” Apple spokesperson Jason Sorensen told the Wall Street Journal.
“There is no need for us to do so.”
“We don’t want to release it with a lower clock speed,” he added.
Apple’s move to bring its MacBook lineup to Intel has been in the works for a while, and Apple announced in February that it would be bringing its MacBook Pro line to Intel processors in late 2018.
It hasn’t been announced whether Apple plans to offer the new laptops with Intel processors or use its own processor instead.
The move to Intel’s next-generation processors will likely impact Apple’s sales in the Macbook Pro market, which is the top Macbook segment in the world, according to market research firm IDC.
It was previously estimated that Apple would sell around 7 million Macbook Pros in 2018.


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More innovative financial smart phone apps could be available soon, thanks to a recent move by MasterCard.
The credit card issuer announced this week its plans to allow third-party and outside software developers to use its technology to create or refine their own apps. The program is the first initiative from the company’s brand new MasterCard Labs branch.
“We feel this will unleash innovation within our industry,” said Josh Peirez, MasterCard Worldwide chief innovation officer. “Especially in the burgeoning areas of e-commerce and mobile payments.”
What’s it Mean For You?
You could benefit from this move if third-party developers use MasterCard’s Open API to improve user experience when buying goods and making payments via smart phone.
MasterCard has already released several internally created iPhone applications, including MasterCard ATM Hunter, which locates ATMs. This step provides other tech-savvy brains the tools they need to create similar applications.
MasterCard is providing 20 services that developers can use in their own applications. These services include payment technology, bill payment systems and technology that could be used to send coupons to consumers.
MasterCard Provides Developers a Box of Tools
Any third-party or external developers who were interested in creating a mobile payment or e-commerce application must have been thrilled by MasterCard’s new plan. The company will provide for developers technical documentation, software development kits, sample source code, reference guides, and virtual labs for testing new apps.
For more information on MasterCard’s new Open API, click here.


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FirstCry plans to raise $700 million in the Upcoming IPO
Based on multiple sources, FirstCry.com, an eCommerce company specializing in baby products headquartered in India, intends to launch an initial public offering (IPO) this month that could raise up to $700 million.
The online baby products marketplace is reported to be seeking a valuation of $6 billion or more. Shares could be issued from existing and new shares. The listing is likely to occur this year.
From clothing to other essentials, FirstCry offers a wide range of baby and kids products. The company was founded in 2010 by Supam Maheshwari and Amitava Saha. Besides having an online lead in its presence, the startup boasts of having more than 300 stores in 125 cities.
The startup, based in Pune, says it offers 200K baby and children’s products from around 2,000 brands. The company has secured investments from TPG, SoftBank Group Corp., and PremjiInvest, a family office linked to Wipro founder Azim Premji.
SoftBank raised $296 Mn for FirstCry in its Series E round in 2020, giving the company membership in the unicorn club. Additionally, FirstCry is a shareholder in GlobalBees, which went public in December valued at $1.1 billion after a $110 million Series B round of fundraising in order to expand its digital-first business portfolio.
More Details on FirstCry’s IPO
According to the latest company filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Texas-based private equity firm TPG-backed baby & kids marketplace, led by founder Supam Maheswari, FirstCry had a landmark financial year ending March 31, 2021 (FY 20-21).
In the previous financial year, revenue was INR 896.7 Cr.
This year, it was INR 1,740 Cr. That’s a 141.3% jump. News outlets report that the Pune-based e-commerce startup has racked up a profit after tax of INR 215.94 Cr in FY21, up sharply from INR 190.8 Cr of losses it suffered in FY20. The shift to online shopping was accelerated by the pandemic, causing the company to reverse its losses.
National Investment & Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), India’s sovereign fund, canceled its investment in an eCommerce startup a few days back. SoftBank’s shares in FirstCry were supposed to be purchased by NIIF. A stake of $2.7 billion to $3 billion is expected to be purchased from Premji Invest now.
In view of several other reports, considerations of the IPO, including size and timing, are still ongoing. Details of the IPO, including size and timing, could change at any time. An official announcement from FirstCry has yet to be made on the subject.
Future Ahead for FirstCry
A possible frontrunner would be FirstCry, launching an IPO for the baby market. Supam Maheshwari’s kids’ product marketplace will receive $100 Mn from NIIF in February 2022.
SoftBank still owns 30% of the company, although it has sold off a portion of its shares. Approximately INR 1.7 Tn in sales are expected to be generated by the kid’s wear segment by 2028, as per Statista.
It has been a successful planning process for the company’s IPO debut. A number of companies have already invested in this venture, including Kotak Mahindra and Morgan Stanley.


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SAK is very proud to announce its new partner Soccercity. Simultaneously, the first 3D leg-scanner arrives in Austria as part of the partnership. With two stores, Soccercity is one of the main addresses for football enthusiast in the country as well as beyond with their great online store.
“Soccercity is in the market since many years and is a true expert in the football retail business, offline as well as online. Just like SAK, Soccercity focuses on quality. Therefore, we are looking forward to a strong and close partnership to provide the world´s best football protection products to Austrian football players, from amateurs to professionals.” says Stephan Grafl, SAK´s Key Account Manager for Central and Eastern Europe.
Founded in 2012, Soccercity created a milestone in Austria with the first premium football retail store in Lanzenkirchen, close to the capital Vienna. The offer includes the latest football equipment from head to toe. Soccercity focuses particularly on individual customer service and quality. In 2016, the company opened another premium store in the heart of Vienna.
SAK is passionate about developing innovative and top-quality performance gear that inspires and protects athletes all around the world.
The company combines years of R&D, field testing, feedback from doctors and athletes from top level clubs, state-of-the-art materials and innovative production techniques.
Founded in 2013, SAK is based in Viseu, Portugal.
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The recent layoffs at LEGO Universe make a little more sense today as studio owner Gazillion announces that it has sold the rights to the game and the Louisville, Colorado studio developing it. The majority of LEGO Universe development team members, formerly part of Gazillion’s NetDevil subsidiary, have been offered employment by the LEGO Group, who will continue game development and operations from the current Louisville, Colorado studio.
"We’re excited about the launch of LEGO Universe, and are happy to have the developers officially join the LEGO team," said Jesper Vilstrup, Vice President at the LEGO Group. "This acquisition demonstrates our commitment both to the ongoing success of LEGO Universe and to an overall strategy to expand our brand online."
In 2006 – prior to Gazillion’s acquisition of the company in 2008 – LEGO Group entered into a work-for-hire relationship with NetDevil to build LEGO Universe. LEGO says that the deal was part of a provision in the contract – an option they chose to take today. "The acquisition of the rights to the game and the ability to transition members of the team to continue work on the game follows the fulfillment of the LEGO Universe development contract," the company said in a press release yesterday.


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February 18, 2022
Michael Rubin's Fanatics sports apparel empire will now be home to one of Philadelphia's oldest clothing brands.
The Sixers co-owner's sports merchandise company and a team of celebrity investors have acquired vintage sports clothing brand Mitchell & Ness for $250 million, according to the New York Times.
The celebrity group includes rappers Meek Mill, Jay-Z and Lil Baby, businessman Maverick Carter and social media influencers the D'Amelio family. Fanatics will own 75% of the company, while the other investors will combine to own 25%.
The deal will fold Mitchell & Ness' portfolio of throwback sports apparel and casual wear into Fanatics' existing platform as part of an effort to increase the former's global reach, expand product offerings and acquire more licensing rights.
Mitchell & Ness will continue to operate as a separate brand within Fanatics' commerce division. All 132 Mitchell & Ness employees, including those based in its home city of Philadelphia, are expected to be retained.
"Mitchell & Ness is an iconic brand and pioneer within our industry. I’m incredibly excited for Fanatics to partner with this incredible group of innovative owners to build upon the company’s already strong business that has kept the brand culturally relevant for more than 100 years," Rubin said in a statement provided to Billboard. "Growing up as a kid in Philadelphia, we looked at Mitchell & Ness as a badge of pride, and I truly believe this legendary brand has no limit."
Mitchell & Ness was founded in 1904 by Frank Mitchell and Charles Ness and had its first retail store on Arch Street. The company began as a sports equipment manufacturer stringing tennis racquets and creating custom golf clubs.
By 1925, Mitchell & Ness expanded into making uniforms for high school, college and semi-pro teams in Philly and the surrounding area.
The company began making on-field jerseys for the Eagles when the franchise was founded in 1933 and continued to do so through 1963. By 1938, the company expanded into professional baseball and started making Philadelphia Athletics and Phillies uniforms.
Mitchell & Ness then pivoted to creating vintage sports jerseys and apparel in the 1980s. Along with its authentic throwback uniforms, the brand has become synonymous with street fashion and hats. The company has apparel deals with the NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS and a number of NCAA schools.
The business was purchased by Adidas in 2007, which it later sold to Juggernaut Capital Partners in 2016 for about $50 million, according to the New York Post.
Mitchell & Ness has seen its revenue triple since Juggernaut's purchase. The company had $350 million in revenue last year, with $70 million in profit.
CEO Kevin Wulff told the Philadelphia Business Journal last year that the company has been looking to expand its brick-and-mortar locations in the U.S. and around the globe. The flagship retail store currently sits along Walnut Street in Center City.
Fanatics' deal to acquire Mitchell & Ness comes as the sports apparel giant continues to rapidly expand. The company purchased Topps trading cards last month after inking a number of exclusive, billion-dollar deals with the MLB, NBA and NFL last year to become the dominant brand in the sports card market.
Fanatics purchased sportswear retailer and manufacturer Majestic Athletic in 2017 as Rubin's company became an exclusive distributor of MLB apparel. It now operates the e-commerce websites for the NBA, NFL, MLB and other major professional sports leagues.
Rubin and Jay-Z, a Fanatics investor himself, have also partnered to form Fanatics Sportsbook and push the brand into the sports betting market. Rubin, Meek Mill and Jay-Z started the REFORM Alliance, a nonprofit criminal justice reform organization that focuses on addressing parole and probation laws.
Founded in 1995 as a brick-and-mortar store in Jacksonville, Florida, Fanatics was most recently valued at $18 billion.


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The new EV’s combined rating of 105 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) edges out the Nissan Leaf by 6 miles.
Ford announced this week that the EPA has certified its 2012 Focus Electric as America's most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicle. The new EV’s combined rating of 105 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) edges out the Nissan Leaf by 6 miles. According to the EPA label, the hatchback has a range of 76 miles. The Focus Electric began production in December 2011, and will go on sale in 19 markets across the US by the end of 2012.
To a greater extent than other carmakers, Ford is taking the approach of offering basically the same car with a range of powertrain options. Ford customers will be able to choose a Focus or Fusion in old-fashioned gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full electric models. Ford believes its decision to electrify vehicle platforms, instead of designing EVs from scratch, as some of its competitors have done, allows the company to offer better quality and more choices. Ford's electrified vehicle lineup shares various modern features, including smart phone apps and seat fabric made from recycled fiber.
"Focus Electric shares many of the same premium components and features as its gasoline-powered counterpart while delivering distinct efficiencies and a uniquely exciting driving experience," said Eric Kuehn, the Focus Electric’s chief engineer. "Ford is giving customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy regardless of what type of vehicle or powertrain technology they choose. The Focus and Fusion are great examples of how we transformed our fleet of cars, utilities and trucks with leading fuel efficiency."


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Your house is often the largest purchase you'll make in your lifetime. Unfortunately, housing is getting increasingly costly, thanks to rapid home appreciation over the past few years and a spike in mortgage rates. High housing costs will impact the economy and consumers in various ways, but it could be a big boost for Home Depot (NYSE: HD).
Stock for the home improvement retailer is trading down 31% from its high, making the housing situation a potential buying opportunity for those interested in holding shares for the foreseeable future. Here is why the housing market is setting up to create substantial growth for this retail success story.
Will people stop moving?
Interest rates rose at the fastest pace in decades in 2022, and the economy is starting to feel the impact. Mortgage rates surged, more than doubling since the start of 2022. That surge impacts a buyer's monthly payment more than you might realize.
For example, the median price of a U.S. home is roughly $430,000. Assume you bought the average home with a 20% downpayment and financed the remaining $344,000 at a 3% rate on a 30-year mortgage. That would give you a monthly payment of $1,450.
Now, assume you bought the same house but did so recently, financing at a 6.4% mortgage rate (the current going rate). Your mortgage payment would rise to $2,152, a 48% higher payment for the same loan.
That's a tough pill to swallow for people who bought or refinanced during low rates, who may choose to stay put instead. According to mortgage banking software company Blend Labs, mortgage volumes declined 68% year over year in the fourth quarter.
How does a home sales drop benefit Home Depot?
What will people staying put do with their money if they are not saving for a downpayment? They could instead put it toward improving the home they are already in, investing in building value in a house that might otherwise decline in value as the market cools off. Home Depot is the country's largest home improvement retailer, dominating the market with its chief competitor Lowe's.
Home improvement spending was up an estimated 14.5% in 2022, and following that up will be tough after a year of rampant inflation. Predicted spending growth for 2023 will slow sharply to 2.3%, but that's still an increase despite a potential recession hitting the country this year. A report by Harvard highlights roofing, HVAC, and general maintenance as key spending areas that could drive growth in the coming years.
Additionally, millennials between roughly 27 and 40 years old are coming of age as the primary consumer in the economy. Their tastes and higher income could support remodeling demand as they update older homes to their liking.
The stock's fall creates an opportunity
Home Depot's stock now trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 17, near its lowest valuation over the past decade. Given such a sharp decline, you would think Home Depot's growth days are over. Admittedly, analysts' estimates for this year's earnings per share (EPS) are calling for a decline in profits.
But that could be what happens when you follow strong sales years like 2020 through 2022, not to mention when a cooling economy impacts business. Things look much better further out -- analysts expect 11% annual EPS growth over the next three to five years. In other words, Home Depot's growth should return after a down year.
Given the transition to millennial homeownership and the stock's cheap valuation, investors could make out well if they're willing to hold the stock for at least a few years. Home Depot's compelling story as a long-term investment doesn't look like it's ending anytime soon.
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Justin Pope has positions in Blend Labs. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Home Depot. The Motley Fool recommends Lowe's Companies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.