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Traditional radio is still massively trumpeting over internet streaming radio in terms of ad dollars, according to the latest annual report from professional services company PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). And this is expected to continue.
The current projection from PwC for the next five years sees internet radio going form $60 million ad dollars in 2014 to $146 million in 2019.
Terrestrial radio is still millions ahead with the forecast set at going from $1,062 million in 2014 to $1,185 million in 2019. Internet radio is expected to be just 12 per cent of its terrestrial equivalent by 2019.
The streaming space in Australia is strong though. Megan Brownlow, editor of the report, said: “Streaming radio’s really doing very well and we’ve got big players here with very attractive offerings.
“ARN did that great deal with iHeartRadio, Pandora’s here and rapidly growing and hiring people, we’ve got Spotify here and so they have really great data about users. Because so often our consumption of music is mobile, including location data.”
One of the biggest bits of news coming out of the report was the programmatic trading of radio. In the internet radio space, the report predicts internet radio will have higher margins on programmatic trading than other parts of the internet “due to the finite supply of audio inventory and the limited number of players in the space”.
However, the report pointed out not everyone is excited about programmatic radio, as managing director of Pandora Internet Radio, Jane Huxley, was reported as saying programmatic trading will be a “race to the bottom”.
“We have a data-driven premium audience at Pandora, and we are not interested in selling that at a cheap price, which is what I think a lot of programmatic is doing,” she said.


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Project Metamorphosis will make it dramatically easier for any organization to use event streaming to unlock new business, exceed customer expectations, and drive massive operational efficiencies
Mountain View, Calif. – April 21, 2020 – Confluent, Inc., the event streaming platform pioneer, today announced the closing of a $250 million Series E round led by Coatue Management. New investors Altimeter Capital and Franklin Templeton joined existing investors Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital who also participated in the round, bringing Confluent’s total funding to $456 million. The adoption of event streaming as the platform for all current and historical data is rapidly accelerating as demand for real-time digital experiences are higher than ever. This groundswell of adoption led Confluent to double its annual recurring revenue year over year in 2019 and increase Confluent Cloud revenue more than 450 percent year over year. The acceleration of event streaming as the data infrastructure for real-time organizations has propelled Confluent’s valuation to $4.5 billion.
“In every industry, companies are moving to real time as they digitally transform their businesses. This has made event streaming a critical platform for enterprise IT,” said Kevin Wang, partner, Altimeter Capital. “Confluent has the unique product-market fit, leadership, and customer focus to help organizations become agile, event-driven winners in the new digital economy.”
Apache Kafka® Ignited a World of Event Streaming
Traditional 24-hour updates from batch-processed data cannot keep up with the speed and personalization people demand. Data in motion, otherwise known as event streams, has become the basis of today’s digital experiences. Every change in a bank account, update to a rideshare ETA, or adjustment to a store’s inventory triggers a stream of events. The ability to quickly access and act on these events influences an organization’s ability to be competitive in the modern digital world.
That is why Kafka ignited the event streaming trend that quickly gained traction with Fortune 500 companies. But, the full power of Kafka can only be unlocked when it serves as a central nervous system for the entire organization. This stage of event streaming maturity is marked by all the data in an organization becoming instantly available to all applications and people through the event streaming platform. As a result, new business can be uncovered, customer experiences exceeded, and new operational efficiencies realized.
However, building and scaling event-driven applications is notoriously challenging as sources for event data often span across on premises, multiple clouds, microservices, and more distributed environments. This resulted in Kafka becoming the highest paid technical skill in the United States, putting pervasive event streaming out of reach for most organizations.
“Confluent is re-architecting businesses around event streaming which helps to modernize applications,” said Thomas Laffont, co-founder, Coatue Management. “We believe Confluent is a thought leader in event streams and we look forward to seeing how the team advances the space with game-changing products like Confluent Cloud.”
Project Metamorphosis: Event Streaming’s Next Act
Confluent was created by the original founders of Apache Kafka, using their exceptional Kafka expertise to ensure that any company can harness the power of event streaming at scale. Confluent launched the industry’s first event streaming platform built for the enterprise. Now, organizations in every major industry, can run real-time, event-driven applications supported by the expertise of the founders of event streaming.
As a part of Confluent’s relentless pursuit to ensure that any organization can make event streaming the central nervous system for their business, it is initiating the next generation of event streaming through Project Metamorphosis. With Project Metamorphosis, Confluent will solve the most pressing issues that organizations run into when making event streaming a pervasive part of their business, and provide the solution as a fully hosted platform in Confluent Cloud.
Over the next eight months beginning in May, Confluent will announce major capabilities or highlight new product announcements on the first Wednesday of each month. Each release in 2020 will address the major technical challenges organizations face when putting event streaming at the heart of their business, and 2021 will kick off the next wave of innovation that will transform how businesses serve their customers.
“Today’s high expectations for on-demand services has given rise to a new data infrastructure paradigm where data is no longer just a static database of information,” said Jay Kreps, CEO and co-founder, Confluent. “Event streaming has set the new standard for how data can be leveraged across an organization as a continuous stream of real-time events. We’re looking forward to helping more companies put event streaming at the heart of their businesses to deliver the real-time, contextual experiences customers demand.”
Confluent, founded by the original creators of Apache Kafka®, pioneered the enterprise-ready event streaming platform. With Confluent, organizations benefit from the first event streaming platform built for the enterprise with the ease of use, scalability, security and flexibility required by the most discerning global companies to run their business in real time. Companies leading their respective industries have realized success with this new platform paradigm to transform their architectures to streaming from batch processing, spanning on-premises and multi-cloud environments. Confluent is headquartered in Mountain View and London, with offices globally. To learn more, please visit www.confluent.io. Download Confluent Platform and Confluent Cloud at www.confluent.io/download.
Confluent and associated marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Confluent, Inc.
Apache® and Apache Kafka® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of the Apache Software Foundation in the United States and/or other countries. No endorsement by the Apache Software Foundation is implied by the use of these marks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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The team behind this month’s Burnham-On-Sea Food Festival are looking to the taste buds of their visitors to choose their Best in Show entries.
The Best in Show competition, sponsored by food and drink specialists Old Mill Accounting, is open to all visitors to eat:Burnham in the town centre on Saturday 26th May.
Visitors will be invited to collect a voting card from a Show Maker steward, complete it with the trader details and post it into one of the four voting buckets around the festival. All the votes will be counted and one lucky voter will win three food & cookery books, while the best producer gets bragging rights.
Phil Mills from Old Mill Accounting said: “Old Mill are delighted to sponsor ‘Best in Show’ at this year’s eat:Festivals. It is fantastic to see some exciting businesses exhibiting at eat:Festivals throughout 2018, and we can’t wait to sample the food and drink.”
“At Old Mill, we have always been passionate about supporting local food and drink businesses and are proud to offer specialist business advice to food and drink businesses in the region.”
Last year’s People’s Choice winners were Passion and Soul and Intents Catering.
Victoria from Portishead-based Intents Catering said: “Winning the people’s choice in the festival was amazing – to know that our hard work preparing for and on the day was appreciated by so many people means a lot to us. We are still a relatively new trader but that doesn’t stop us aiming to be the best.”


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Award-winning baby care brand Cheeky Chompers launches its first crowdfunding campaign this week on equity crowdfunding platform Crowdcube.
The Edinburgh-based company, who last year won a Queen’s Award for enterprise for international trade, plans to use the investment to further scale the business through new product development, direct sales growth and increased brand awareness in key markets.
Cheeky Chompers products are now sold by over 1,500 retailers in 49 countries, with US, China and the UK largest markets. The overall global market for baby soothers and teethers is forecast to reach nearly $8 billion by 2020 and with over 31 distributors globally, exports by Cheeky Chompers account for approximately 65% of the total sector sales.
“Our vision is to be one of the go-to brands worldwide for baby products and gifts and we’re excited to be sharing our vision and future successes with our loyal customers, supporters and the crowdfunding community,” said founding director Julie Wilson. “We have a strong base from which to scale the business with an extensive international distribution network already in place. We are really excited about the next phase of growth.”
Cheeky Chompers sells in major retailers including John Lewis, JoJo Mama Bebe, Tesco, Boots and Nordstrom and has developed exclusive products for carefully selected retailers such as Joules and The White Company.
“We have exciting new products in progress to expand our product range and feed our strong distribution channels,” added founding director Amy Livingstone. “In addition, we will significantly drive digital growth and create even closer connections with our individual customers in order to grow the higher margin direct to consumer channel.”
The crowdfunding campaign is being supported by corporate finance boutique Quest Corporate and corporate advisory firm Full Circle Partners.


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Following the massive hoopla surrounding fast-food chain Chick-fil-A over its gay marriage stance last week, pro-same-sex marriage activists hoped to show support for Starbucks, a company that has come out in favor of gay rights. But, unfortunately for those organizing the "National Marriage Equality Day" on Tuesday, turnout was relatively low -- at least when compared to the number of Americans who came out to laud Chick-fil-A just days earlier.
Prior to the event, The Christian Post explained the intentions behind the initiative:
Gay marriage activists and their supporters plan to consume more than their daily allowance of caffeine on Tuesday by visiting their local Starbucks in an effort to challenge last week's "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" that was staged by pro-family supporters to demonstrate their support for the company's stance on traditional marriage.
Tuesday's event is being dubbed as "National Marriage Equality Day" and Starbucks was chosen because they offer benefits to the partners of same-sex relationships.
Leading up to "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" last Wednesday, an effort organized by Mike Huckabee, more than 585,000 people were registered to attend and show support for the restaurant chain, which opposes gay marriage. Much like activists' counter "kiss-in" event that intended to rail against Chick-fil-A's anti-gay marriage sentiment, the Starbucks event experienced a much lower attendance.
This morning, one day after the pro-gay marriage event was held, the Facebook event page shows that only 37,802 people planned to attend. And the fan page for the "National Marriage Equality Day" has only 970 "likes." Of course, this dearth in attendance, especially when compared with the Chick-fil-A protest, can be potentially chalked up to a number of factors (and consider that we're basing actual turnout here upon the number of people who pledged social media support).
To begin, intense controversy led to demonstrations and shows of support surrounding the Chick-fil-A incident. This, of course, came with a great deal of media coverage. As a result of constant chatter about the drama surrounding the debate, people became educated about the issue. The Starbucks event, on the other hand, didn't receive as much attention and, thus, fewer people were likely aware that it was happening in the first place.
Also, the group behind the latest initiative -- Equally Wed, a wedding magazine -- ended up expanding the cause and encouraging people to embrace other gay-friendly brands in addition to Starbucks. This may have had an effect in dissuading people from going to the coffee chain, while encouraging them to embrace other businesses and causes that were more difficult to track. The New York Daily News has more:
...it was originally announced as “Starbucks Appreciation Day,” but organizers said the company asked that other corporate supporters of gay marriage, such as Nike and Amazon, be included as well.
The event page includes a long list of “brands that support LGBT rights” to support –Absolut Vodka, Google, Disney, Target and Southwest Airlines are among them – and had nearly 35,000 people promising to take part as of Tuesday afternoon.
In the end, while turnout was low, grassroots movements have a way of growing, especially when it comes to issues that some view as being rooted in "civil rights." The magazine's Facebook page is currently accepting photos from the day for a special contest it is running among participants. There's no telling if and when another "Starbucks Appreciation Day" could be in the works.


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Apple announced on Monday that a new iDevice could soon be found on the market. This time, however, we are not dealing with tablets or smartphones, but rather with smart wrist-watches, according to a recent report published on CNET News.
The idea of smart wrist-watches is not new to producers and consumers. While this product seemed possible only in spy movies, Apple could very soon change this belief once and for all. The Cupertino company revealed on Monday that they are performing the final tests on a new device that will be worn around the wrist. The new gadget is going to have the looks of a watch, but will encompass many of the functions that are specific for smartphones.
The company that will develop a partnership with Apple for the production of the new iWatch is Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. also known as Foxconn. This move will enable Apple to expand its array of products beyond the well-established segments of tablets, notebooks and smartphones. In addition, the iPhone maker will thus, keep up the pace with rival companies in the production of wearable gadgets that can measure the physical activity of the body.
According to sources at Foxonn, the manufacturing company is currently producing pieces that are perfect for wearable devices. Power-efficient displays and advanced chip sets are some of the new characteristics that Foxconn is trying to add to its new pieces. Reporters at CNET were unable to find out what capabilities will the new wrist device have, but it will most likely have to do with iPhones. These rumors haven’t been confirmed by any of the two companies.
In the near future, wrist devices could be closely related to smartphones, whereas in the distant future, analysts believe the former could completely replace other types of gadgets. Until then watch-like gadgets can only cover basic functions as most Nike products do. Google and Pebble Technology Corp., on the other hand, plan to release watch-like products that connect to mobile devices and exchange various types of information and messages.


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USA – As demand for online shopping surges and many grocery stores impose quotas on meat, Impossible Foods has launched a new e-commerce platform allowing US consumers to purchase its plant-based burger.
The food-tech startup said that the direct-to-consumer channel will offers family-size quantities of the Impossible Burger starting at US$49.99 with compostable, recyclable packaging, free shipping and two-day home delivery.
The meat asile producer will offer its plant-based burger in various bundles; “Impossible Convenience Pack” – four 12-oz. packages for US$49.99; “Impossible Combo Pack” – two 12-oz. packages and ten quarter-pound patties for US$59.99; “Impossible Family Pack” – a single, 5-lb bulk package for $64.99 and “Impossible Grilling Pack” – twenty quarter-pound patties for $69.99.
Impossible Foods further revealed that it has increased its retail footprint nearly 20-fold since the start of 2020, and its flagship product is now available in over 3,000 grocery stores nationwide.
In May this year, the company announced a partnership with America’s largest grocery retailer, The Kroger Co., to rollout its Impossible Burgeat more than 1,700 grocery stores owned by Kroger nationwide as well as the retailer’s online platforms. Impossible Foods has unveiled plans of expanding its retail footprint more than 50-fold this year alone.
Impossible Foods settles trademark battle with Nestlé
The US-based company recently won and injunction in a trademark infringement case after an European Union court ordered the global food conglomerate, Nestlé to stop using the product name “Incredible Burger” and further prohibited several Nestlé from marketing its products under “Incredible Burger.”
The District Court of The Hague ruled on 27 May that the use of “Incredible Burger” in Europe infringed upon Impossible Foods’ Impossible trademarks, including Impossible Burger, and was likely to confuse customers.
As a result, Nestlé subsidiaries in Europe were prohibited from branding products “Incredible Burger.” Nestlé launched the Incredible Burger under its Garden Gourmet brand in Europe last year.
The court further ruled that if Nestlé or its subsidiaries fail to remove the infringing branding within four weeks, each of 10 separate Nestlé subsidiaries involved in the case would be subject to a penalty of €25,000 per day.
In the ruling, the court stated that Nestlé appeared to have deliberately tried to impede Impossible Foods’ entry into the European market hoping to capitalize on the strength of Impossible Foods’ brand by promoting its own plant-based foods under a similar name.
“While we applaud other companies’ efforts to develop plant-based products, we don’t want consumers confused by simulacra,” commented said Dana Wagner, Impossible Foods’ Chief Legal Officer.
“We’re grateful that the court recognized the importance of our trademarks and supported our efforts to protect our brand against incursion from a powerful multinational giant.”


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WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is tweeting that an initial trade agreement with China is still on after a top White House adviser’s comments seemed to suggest it was over, spooking markets late Monday.
Trump tweeted: â€œThe China Trade Deal is fully intact. Hopefully they will continue to live up to the terms of the Agreement!”
The Trump administration has been extremely critical of China’s efforts to contain the novel coronavirus early on and the president repeatedly blames China for the pandemic in his remarks, leading to questions about future cooperation in areas such as trade.
Peter Navarro, director of trade and manufacturing policy at the White House, told Fox News â€œitâ€™s over,” when asked a question that was focused on the China trade deal.
When contacted by The Associated Press, Navarro said his comments had been taken out of context and had nothing to do with the deal.
â€œI was simply speaking to the lack of trust we now have of the Chinese Communist Party after they lied about the origins of the China virus and foisted a pandemic upon the world,” said Navarro, a longtime critic of the Asian country.
In January, the U.S. and China reached an interim trade deal to reduce tariff tensions. China agreed to buy massive amounts of U.S. products.
United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer testified on Capitol Hill last week that he is confident China will live up to its purchase commitments even though its economy has been weakened by the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed to contain it.


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Benzinga Staff Writer
The Fresh Toast
Follow us for all the lastest entertainment and news with a side of cannabis
other Featured Stories
You might be surprised to learn that the two are very different.
The AHA recommend users shy away from smoking or vaping.
Bladder cancer accounts for about 5% of all new cancer diagnoses in the U.S. each year and kills more than 16,000 individuals annually.
Groundbreaking new human studies are about the change what we understand about the underlying biological mechanisms of cannabis and CBD.
The current popularity of CBD usage among religious communities underscores just how mainstream medicinal usage has become
With 170 wholesale accounts and seven retail stores, Green Peak is a “good barometer of what’s happening in the state.
Medically speaking, microdosing means to consume a small amount of a substance, then gradually increase the dose in order to achieve a desired effect, such as pain relief.
As it stands today, cannabis is federally illegal in the U.S., defined by the federal government as a Schedule 1 drug, along with heroin and LSD.
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The coronavirus brought down one of the biggest technology fairs.
The MWC (formerly Mobile World Congress) in Barcelona, the largest mobile commerce event in the world, was canceled by its organizers on Wednesday.
"With due respect to the safe and healthy environment of Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA canceled MWC Barcelona 2020 because global concern about the coronavirus outbreak, concern about travel and other circumstances makes it impossible for the GSMA to host the event, ", wrote the GSMA CEO, John Hoffman, in an email statement to USA TODAY.
MWC was scheduled to operate from February 24th to 27th and attracted around 100,000 participants and more than 2,400 exhibitors.
The GSMA will not attempt to reschedule the show in 2020. Hoffman's statement went on to say that "the GSMA and parts of the host city will continue to work in unison and support each other in MWC Barcelona 2021 and in future editions".
At the moment, MWC Shanghai is still in progress at the end of June, and MWC Los Angeles at the end of October.
Top Samsung 5G flagships:Samsung grows by 5G, cameras with the Galaxy S20 and launches foldable Z Flip phone
It is not clear whether the GSMA will provide resources to help participants organize refunds or make other travel accommodations. The GSMA said more updates will be provided on its website.
The additional global launch of the next generation 5G hammocks would be an important topic on the show.
In the days leading up to the event, however, several global A-list exhibitors said they were leaving the event, including Amazon, Cisco, Deutsch Telekom, Ericsson, Facebook Intel, LG, Nokia, Sony and Vodafone. Several other companies, such as Samsung, announced that they were decreasing the number of participants.
Huawei, Oppo and Xiaomi, from China, were also among the companies still planning to exhibit.
The GSMA hoped to save the program by implementing health safeguards. All travelers from China's Hubei province were forbidden to attend. Travelers who were in China recently would have to prove that they were out of the country at least 14 days before the event. Some participants would have their temperature tracked. And everyone was asked to make sure that they were not in contact with anyone infected.
Organizers also intended to double their medical support on the spot. But in the end, these efforts proved not to be enough.
The GSMA has no estimate of the financial cost of the cancellation.
"Nobody wins in a situation like this," said Stephanie Lynch-Habib, director of marketing for the GSMA. "I believe that the industry is after us. I believe that our participants and exhibitors are after us. It is a painful process to overcome, but I am sure that we will emerge."
E-mail: email@example.com; Follow @edbaig on twitter


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Convenient Greek eatery The Gyro Shack has expanded to Vancouver, WA with a location in the Hazel Dell Marketplace at 7902 NE 6th Ave., Suite 106. The restaurant opened on Monday, March 5, with a gyro-eating contest with the first prize including a free original gyro a week for a year.
The Gyro Shack franchisees Vince Carich and Tim Martens will also open additional restaurants in the area, including a second location on Vancouver’s east side.
Founded by the Zaharioudakis family in Boise, The Gyro Shack has long been known as a fast, affordable option for Greek food. For those not familiar with the chain, gyros are made to order with meat carved off a spit and an array of toppings from traditional Mediterranean flavors like hummus and tzatziki. Or customers can go a completely different route with a BLT on a pita or a spicy bacon and avocado option. There’s also an option for salads and baklava.
The Gyro Shack in Vancouver is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• The Gyro Shack [Official]


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The Rwandan central bank may not know whether it can issue a digital currency until December 2022, when it completes a study that looks at the benefits and risks that come with such a currency, the bank’s deputy governor has said.
The Investigation Phase
The deputy governor of the Rwandan central bank, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, recently suggested that Rwanda is likely to know the outcome of the bank’s investigation into central bank digital currencies (CBDC) by the end of the year.
In her remarks published in The New Times, Hakuziyaremye revealed that the decision to issue or not issue a CBDC will depend on the findings of the research study currently being undertaken by the National Bank of Rwanda (NBR).
“We are now at an investigation phase. We are analysing what could be the benefits to Rwandans to have CBDC but also the risk not only to our economy but the sector depending on the form of digital currency we would issue,” Hakuziyaremye explained.
As reported by Bitcoin.com News in June 2021, the Rwandan central bank had commenced a research study that looked at the possible implications of a CBDC on monetary and financial stability. In addition, the report said the study would also look at “the operationalization model.”
By launching the research study, the NBR became one of the few central banks in Africa to signal its intention to embrace digital currencies. However, only the Central Bank of Nigeria has rolled out its digital currency so far.
CBDCs and Financial Inclusion
Meanwhile, the deputy governor suggested that if Rwanda were to proceed with the digital currency launch, any such CBDC must lead to the reduction of the number of people that are financially excluded. She explained:
“What is important is to look at financial inclusion because if you issue a digital currency, you shouldn’t be excluding your population, it has to go with closing the digital divide and making sure that people have the option to use it.”
Olivier Mugabonake, the chairperson of Rwanda Fintech Network, is quoted in the report discussing the potential opportunities that CBDC can bring to the local economy. He said: “Technically speaking, there are some companies which are ready to start adopting the technology. I understand the regulator needs to assess wisely and make sure it is adopted in a secured manner.”
What are your views on this story? You can tell us what you think in the comments section below.
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons


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Two days ago, during an interview with Bill Shope at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference, Apple CEO Tim Cook mentioned some 120 million people walked through the doors of Apple's 394 (approximately) stores open in 2012.
To put the magnitude of those 120 million visitors into perspective, The Mac Observer has put together an interesting article (with charts and all) stacking that number against some of the biggest attractions in the world.
For example, Disney's 13 theme parks drew 125 million attendees in 2011; that's a scant 5 million higher than the number who visited an Apple Store in 2012. Also note that the 2012 Super Bowl drew about 111.3 million viewers. Credit the NFL as deserved, though: that was for just one evening, not the entire year!
Perhaps the most striking statistic is that, compared to the entire world population in 2012, estimated at 7.07 billion people, Apple's 120 million store visitors equates to 1.69 percent of the world population -- a noticeable and discernible percentage in the total. It's staggering to think that Apple draws such significant foot traffic.
For more comparisons -- and charts -- do check out The Mac Observer's post here.


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Google's Trademark Tussle
It's vexing for a company to see its brand name disparaged. It can be downright infuriating when that brand is used to drum up business for a rival.
So some companies are up in arms over a practice by Google that lets advertisers use a competing brand name in efforts to attract customers. Google's opponents won a legal victory recently that could presage limits on how Internet companies use brand names to sell search-related ads.
On Apr. 3, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit reinstated a suit filed by computer repair firm Rescuecom, which alleges that Google's practice of letting competitors bid for each others' names as search keywords infringes its trademark. Consumers who searched the term "Rescuecom" have been shown ads of rival computer repair companies.
The setback for Google (GOOG) highlights simmering questions about the rules of the road for advertisements linked to Internet search. At issue is the practice of letting marketers bid on and purchase the right to use trademarked names—even when those brands belong to a competitor—as part of online ad campaigns. Yahoo! (YHOO) is embroiled in similar litigation.
litigation spans the Atlantic
While businesses have flocked to place paid ads on Internet search pages, some have challenged Google's policy on trademarks. Around the globe, Google will block the use of trademarked terms in the actual text of a display ad if the trademark owner complains. In most of the world, even Google will also bar use of someone else's trademark as an unseen keyword to trigger an ad's display. But in the U.S.—as well as in Canada, Britain, and Ireland—Google's stated policy is to allow rivals to vie for each other's trademarked names or terms.
The approaches differ, explains Rose Hagan, Google's senior trademark attorney, because the law in many jurisdictions outside the U.S. is friendlier toward trademark owners. Still, the issue has spawned litigation on both sides of the Atlantic and the law remains unsettled.
The Rescuecom ruling merely allows the company's case against Google to go forward in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York. To prevail, Rescuecom must still prove at trial that consumers will be confused if they are drawn to the Web sites of rivals. In an e-mail, Google spokesman Andrew Pederson said that Rescuecom's claims are "without merit." Adds Hagan: "We think consumers are smart and are not confused when they see ads running in response to a query."
Risk of "Scam Ads"?
As Internet search has become the arbiter of much of what consumers know and where they shop, concern has increased over how search engines choose what to present in both paid and unpaid listings. Advertising Age noted in March that big media companies are upset that in free searches for information on a topic, their expensively produced content often ends up buried under Wikipedia entries and Twitter tweets. The Associated Press has threatened to take legal action against sites that it says unlawfully reproduce large sections of its news stories. Frustrated by what it considers Google's tendency to point readers toward nonauthoritative information sources, the AP also plans its own news aggregation pages.
Like Rescuecom, a number of companies are unhappy that their own brands can be bought by others for the purpose of placing an ad on Google. Under Google's Adwords program, bidders agree to pay Google a certain amount each time a user clicks on an ad. A high bidder has a better chance of having its ads displayed more prominently than those that pay less, though Google does also consider how relevant the ad is to the search query. For instance, search "1800 Contacts," the name of an online retailer of contact lenses, and "sponsored links" that appear typically include many competitors that have outbid 1800 for its own name. That's particularly troublesome to a company whose online name is essentially its storefront. Says 1800's general counsel Joe Zeidner: "It's the same as if someone came and just plastered their sign over our store."
The lens retailer is a member of an organization called Alliance Against Bait & Click, which seeks to publicize what it says are the risks to consumers of "scam ads" that may land them at an unintended Web site. Other members include Delta's (DAL) Northwest Airlines and Marriott International (MAR), which are unhappy that searches for their names commonly generate ads for travel consolidators that can direct travelers to competitors. 1800 has also pushed for legislation in its home state of Utah to bar advertisers from using rivals' trademarks to trigger ads. Google and others, including Microsoft (MSFT), Time Warner's (TWX) AOL, and Yahoo, opposed the measure, which died in the state senate in March.
Yahoo bars use by competitors
Efforts by trademark holders to win redress in the courts have met with mixed results. Some cases have involved claims filed directly against Google or Yahoo. In others, a company has sued whomever purchased its trademarked term as a keyword. One thing a claimant must prove to win an infringement case is that its trademark was used in commerce without its permission. Courts have divided as to whether buying a keyword is such a "use" under the trademark statute. In the Apr. 6 Rescuecom ruling concluding that it was, the federal appeals court included an 18-page appendix discussing the question.
The law's uncertain state is reflected in the fact that Yahoo's trademark policy differs significantly from Google's. Yahoo permits advertisers to bid on search terms that are trademarks of others, and it allows these trademarked terms to appear in the text of an ad. But there's a huge exception: Competitors are not allowed to do this. American Airlines (AMR) sued Google and Yahoo for trademark infringement in 2007. It settled its suit with Google for undisclosed terms last year, but its case against Yahoo continues. Yahoo says its approach is a legitimate "fair use." A search of "American Airlines" on both sites currently yields no ads.
In Europe, keyword cases have also met with mixed results. Even though businesses there can ask Google to remove trademarked keywords, some have filed suit anyway, alleging violation of unfair-competition laws as well as trademark. They "feel like they don't need to go through our [complaint] procedure and they just sue us in court," Hagan says. Google is currently appealing a French court's 2006 award of €300,000 ($398,000) to LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton in an infringement case filed by the luxury goods company. Google has prevailed in similar cases in Germany, however, and courts in both countries have now asked Europe's highest tribunal, the European Court of Justice, to rule on the issue. A decision is likely by yearend.


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New Delhi : US-based cab aggregator Uber today said it has launched 'UberEATS' in Delhi and has partnered 200 restaurants for the food delivery service.
"Partnering with over 200 restaurants in South Delhi, Delhiites can now order their local favourites from restaurants like Barista, Moti Mahal, Pita Pit, and Dimcha," Uber said in a statement.
Earlier this year, Uber had launched UberEATS in India starting with Mumbai. It then extended the service to Gurugram in June.
UberEATS is Uber's attempt to bite into the food delivery market that is currently dominated by the likes of FoodPanda, Swiggy and Zomato in India.
Started in 2014 as a small delivery pilot in Los Angeles, UberEATS was later launched as a separate mobile app in Toronto in December 2015. Since then, it has been expanded to 27 countries covering over 45,000 restaurants globally, including India.
UST Global invests in Singapore-based MyDoc
Tech major UST Global has invested an undisclosed amount in MyDoc, a Singapore-based digital health platform.
The investment will fund MyDoc's ongoing initiative to drive population-wide digital health programmes, including disease management and health data tracking, UST Global said in a statement.
"MyDoc will complement our suite of digital offerings and we strongly believe that this investment and partnership with MyDoc will create significant value to our customers in their digital transformation journey," Krishna Sudheendra, CFO at UST Global, said.
MyDoc's client list includes insurers like AIA, AXA and Aetna as well as government partners like Health Promotion Board of Singapore, among others.
VCI extends registration deadline for counselling to Sept 18
The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) today extended registration deadline till September 18 for counselling to fill up 15 per cent all-India quota seats for veterinary science degree course in recognised colleges.
The earlier deadline for registration ended today.
However, to provide sufficient time period for students, the government has permitted VCI to extend the date of registration and also reporting, an official statement said.
Now, eligible candidates can register for counselling till September 18. The processing and allocation will be done on September 19 and even the allocation letter will be issued on the same day.
The selected candidates will have to report to the allotted colleges by September 25.


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European Commission launches antitrust investigation into Android
Following three years of scrutiny, the European Commission is to formally investigate claims that Google is abusing its Android operating system to unfairly gain market share for its services and software.
The investigation will examine whether Google has unfairly hindered access to rival applications, excessively bundled its apps with other essential services or APIs, and if the company has illegally prevented manufacturers from running modified versions of the open-source Android operating system.
The investigation will examine whether Google has unfairly hindered access to rival applications
One of the key causes for the commission’s concern is Google’s controversial approach to controlling its operating system. By preventing forked versions of Android from running its software, Google locks them out of important services like the Play Store.
There are also an increasing number of pre-installed Google services that ship with new devices, which may unfairly disadvantage competing applications. Chrome, Hangouts, and Youtube are just a handful of the Google owned applications found pre-installed on smartphones these days, and the commission wants to know if manufacturers are being forced or incentivised to exclusively pre-install Google’s apps.
In its defence, Google has responded by suggesting that Android has helped offer users more choice than was available before. Google cites carrier and manufacturer choices to pre-install rival services, such as Facebook or Microsoft’s Office, and its anti-fragmentation agreement, which stipulates that apps work across a range of different Android devices, as part of its rebuttal.
Google says that Android has helped offer users more choice
Google is also keen to point out that it ships far fewer Google apps on Android phones than Apple does on iOS devices. However, the two have rather different business approaches.
Furthermore, the European Commission has formally accused Google of breaching antitrust laws. Specifically, by abusing its dominant position in the search engine space to promote its own services ahead of more relevant results from its rivals.
The EU regulator states that it is “concerned that users do not necessarily see the most relevant results in response to queries—to the detriment of consumers and rival comparison shopping services, as well as stifling innovation.” A final decision regarding the search case could be made before the end of the year. If supported, the commission may impose large fines and injunctions against Google that would affect its European business.
Again Google has already responded, showcasing a selection of the most popular shopping and travel sites in Europe, with Google’s own services ranking among the lowest. Google claims that innovation and competition has increased in these markets, not slowed, and believes that it has a very strong case against these charges.
As for the investigation into Android, Google will be discussing the commission’s concerns in the coming months and any decision could take a considerable length of time. Do you think that the European Commission is right to try and keep Google in check or might these claims unreasonably hamper Google’s ability to offer high-quality services in Europe?


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Red Hat go commercial with cloud platform OpenShift
Following two years of beta testing, Red Hat decide to roll out premium support for their public cloud platform.
Red Hat has taken the plunge today, finally rolling out commercial options for their two-year old cloud platform OpenShift.
The open source solutions company claim that, since the developer preview arrived in 2011, more than one million applications have been created on OpenShift Online. Red Hat explained in a press release that customers had demanded “a supported enterprise-class public PaaS offering’ and that now was the right time to fully push the full project commercially.
With OpenShift, users can build, launch and host applications either publically or privately through OpenShift Enterprise. Red Hat has spent two years testing the water with OpenShift in attempting to generate a strong community behind the project, as any fledgling cloud platform should.
To appeal to as many developers as possible, the PaaS has been polyglot from the start, supporting Java, Ruby, PHP, Python, Node.js and Perl. OpenShift also supports multiple database types, including MySQL, MongoDB and PostgreSQL. Plenty of effort has gone into acquiring partners along the way too, with the likes of 10gen, Codenvy, Blazemeter and New Relic all backing the platform.
Last May, Red Hat released the entire codebase behind the platform, in OpenShift Origin. Ashesh Badani, Red Hat’s general manager for the service told IDG’s Joab Jackson, that OpenShift picks up approximately 1,500 new users a week.
Pricing for OpenShift’s Silver tier begins at $20 per month, and is available in North America from today. The lowest price gets users three “gears”, Red Hat’s term for application containers. Europe will have to wait an extra week to uses the premium services on offer, including technical support, auto scaling, custom SSLs and extra storage.
By going public with the platform, the Linux company will go toe-to-toe with Engine Yard, Heroku, Microsoft and Google. Interestingly, the other long in-beta platform Cloud Foundry looks set to reveal a paid model imminently too.With solid community and commercial backing and a polylgot approach under their belt, Red Hat are in the right position to push their way into a crowded market.


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SEGA offering up a massive Humble Bundle
SEGA has announced that they are putting forward a rather massive Humble Bundle.
The bundle offers up Alpha Protocol, Company Of Heroes, Rome: Total War and Hell Yeah! Wrath Of The Dead Rabbit in the first tier which comes in at 5.99 USD. The second tier adds Typing Of The Dead: Overkill, Binary Domain, Medieval II: Total War, SEGA Genesis Collection and Renegade Ops for another 5.99 USD.
SEGA's John Clark said, “We’re extremely proud to present gamers with a SEGA themed Humble Bundle. It’s a fantastic way to bring some of our classic games to a new audience while helping fund raising efforts for a variety of extremely good causes.”
For more information on the bundle and other excellent Humble Bundles head over to the official Humble Bundle store.
- Watch Us Play.tm: Metro Redux
- Capcom suing Koei Tecmo for a lot of patent infringement
- New fighters and gameply features come in with EA Sports UFC's second free update
- NHL 15 demo faces off on PS4 and Xbox One
- Chair bringing the Infinity Blade saga to a close next week
- Watchmen and Dexter actors provide the voices for The Evil Within
- Square Enix apologises over confusion surrounding the Rise Of The Tomb Raider announcement
- Antitrust issues caused Google to back out of buying Twitch
- Metro Redux launch trailer arrives as the collection launches in North America


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Google, Amazon and Financial Times are just a fe of the big names that offer web alternatives to popular mobile apps for functions like email (Gmail), ebooks (Kindle) and e-newspapers. Here’s a smaller name to add to the list.: i.TV.
i.TV for Web now in public beta
i.TV already has a free iOS app for the iPhone and iPad. i.TV’s mobile friendly website can be found at:
The site provides nearly all the features available in the app with the exception of the ability to check-in to a show. It provides limited TV show news on its home page, lists of new shows and most favorited, the ability to declare favorite shows via Facebook, Twitter, Google and AOL, and a TV show guide.
The site also works with desktop browsers that supports HTML5.


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Indian automobile classifieds portal CarDekho has retrenched around 200 employees amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected businesses across the country.
The Jaipur-headquartered company becomes the latest in the list of well-funded startups to adhere to job cuts as it undertakes measures to tide through the ongoing crisis. It has also initiated pay cuts across the board.
The development was first reported by news portal Entrackr.
CarDekho, which reportedly has over 5,000 employees including third-parties, is a car search venture that helps users buy cars. The company claims to have tie-ups with several auto manufacturers, over 4000 car dealers and numerous financial institutions to facilitate the purchase of vehicles.
CarDekho.com, which went live in 2008, is backed by investors including Google Capital, Tybourne Capital, Hillhouse Capital, Sequoia Capital, HDFC Bank, Ratan Tata and Times Internet.
Since the lockdown has been announced in India on March 25, the automobile sector in the country has seen no business. What’s making matters more uncertain is the lack of clarity over the next 6-8 months, with consumers preferring to pull their purse strings and adopting a ‘wait and watch’ policy.
CarDekho is said to have slashed salaries of those earning between Rs 2.5 lakh and 5 lakh by 12 per cent, while those getting between Rs 5 lakh and 15 lakh are said to get 15 per cent deducted salary from May to July, the Entrackr report added.
The company recently made headlines when it bought Indonesian media conglomerate Emtek Group existing 30 per cent in automotive website OTO.com for $7 million. OTO.com was formed as a joint venture between CarDekho and Emtek subsidiary KMK Online in 2015 with a 70:30 per cent share split.
CarDekho has operations in markets such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and UAE, apart from India.


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Ghost Robotics releases new dog tail accessory
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Susan Wojcicki’s latest quarterly blog post made one thing very clear: YouTube really, really wants the music industry to like it.
YouTube’s CEO usually uses her blog posts to update the platform’s creators about what’s going on behind the scenes. But as 2020 marks YouTube’s 15th anniversary, she wanted to use this quarter’s to “address the entire YouTube community to reflect briefly on the past, and lay out our vision for the year ahead.”
While Wojcicki’s top point was about showing appreciation for creators (YouTube is launching its third annual #LoveNotes campaign), her second note was about YouTube’s intent to tango with the music industry.
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YouTube and music artists, producers, and labels have been in a symbiotic relationship for years. On the plus-for-YouTube side, music videos draw massive view counts–sometimes, after a while, stretching into the billions–and all those views contribute to the billions YouTube makes in ad revenue each year. On the plus-for-music-industry side, YouTube provides a distribution platform, a cut of ad revenue, and the ability to copyright claim/monetize videos that use artists’ songs without permission.
Wojciki specifically highlighted that moneymaking potential, saying YouTube “offers twin engines for revenue with advertising and subscribers.” She revealed that in 2019 alone, YouTube paid out more than $3 billion to the music industry “from ads and subscriptions.”
Ad revenue, presumably, came from videos artists uploaded as well as videos claimed via Content ID. “Subscriptions” likely means income from the $9.99-per-month YouTube Music. Like Spotify, it pays out a specific amount to artists based on the number of times their songs are streamed.
Wojcicki also leaned on the popularity of Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish, both of whom were discovered after uploading their music to YouTube. They “have built massive global audiences by directly connecting and engaging with fans on YouTube,” she wrote. She additionally credited YouTube for giving pop band OK Go a viral platform to publish their imaginative music videos, and said last year’s top song, “Old Town Road,” “became a YouTube phenomenon” before going on to be the longest-leading single on the Billboard Hot 100. (Signs indicate momentum for the song was mostly built on TikTok, where it became a meme.)
YouTube’s end goal here is to “partner with the music industry to grow revenue, break new artists and promote music,” Wojcicki concluded.
That’s a bit vague, but there is one potential concrete reason YouTube might want to remind the music industry, right now, how much money and exposure it generates. And that reason is: original content.
Last year, YouTube backed down from its plan to compete with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and all impending newcomers by making its original productions free to watch (rather than accessible solely through $11.99-per-month YouTube Premium). In the wake of that decision, it announced that music-focused originals were one of its key areas, along with educational series like Retro Tech and Age of AI. It made good on that announcement by producing a swath of originals featuring Colombian pop artist Maluma, Coldplay, Johnny Cash, and producer Mark Ronson.
Then it reportedly invested more than $20 million in the 10-episode Justin Bieber: Seasons. The price tag makes the show YouTube’s most expensive original ever–and it’s an investment that seems to be paying off. Seasons (which is still airing) swiftly became YouTube’s most viewed original to date, in terms of views earned within the first week of a series premiere; its 11-minute first episode earned 32.56 million views in seven days (now up to 59 million), topping Liza on Demand (25.4 million) and Cobra Kai (21 million).
While YouTube hasn’t yet announced its content slate for 2020, there’s a good chance the platform will want to continue building on that Bieber momentum by making more music originals–so it doesn’t hurt to tout that $3 billion contribution.


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Cadbury has struck a blow against Nestlé in a long-running legal dispute over Cadbury’s famous purple branding.
Zetar has reported a 2.2% increase in group sales for the six months to 31 October despite exiting business worth millions of pounds during the period.
The new lottery backed by Daily Express owner Richard Desmond has come under fire for supposedly taking cash away from the good causes aided by the National Lottery.
With their wealth of farming knowledge and expertise on nose to tail butchery and native breeds, it quickly becomes clear
You won’t miss it when you give it; but patients could miss it if you don’t.
The global grocery sector has few rivals when it comes to sheer size, growth rate and appetite. Here are the players leaving the rest of the competition behind
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I noticed this week that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected automotive engineering test solutions provider AVL North America to assist in the creation of an Integrated Battery Cycling System at the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
AVL will provide “a road, vehicle, and driver-simulation environment that enables tests to be defined and executed at a vehicle-maneuver level.” It said the combination of products will enable the EPA to efficiently evaluate a variety of testing standards.
AVL North America Chairman and CEO Don Manvel said the technology “will lead the way for the industry as it turns to ever-renewable sources of energy.”
AVL’s press release noted that President Obama’s goal to have one million electric vehicles on the road by 2015 requires the establishment of standards to guide manufacturers in the production of these vehicles. It also said that historically, technologies certified by the EPA in emissions testing have become the benchmark for the industry, and it is expected that the same will happen for battery testing now that the EPA is beginning to test batteries for electric vehicles.
A year ago, the EPA and NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) said they expect auto manufacturers will meet 2012-2016 fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards through wider adoption of conventional technologies, and some manufacturers may choose to pursue fuel-saving technologies like hybrid vehicles clean diesel engines, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and electric vehicles.
Fuel economy and reduced emissions are worthy goals, in my opinion, and the government through the EPA provides a valuable service to the public in mandating both. The automotive industry has responded to government mandates with innovative technology. For example, developers estimate that electric power steering systems can reduce CO2 emissions by 16 grams per-mile and start/stop technology can reduce emissions by up to 8%.
I’ve not heard anyone complaining about the EPA’s involvement in EV battery testing – at least not yet – but it is, after all, the same EPA that raised the eyebrows of some members of Congress when it proposed to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and oil refineries. Responsible governmental regulation and industry cooperation brings benefits. It’s unfortunate that cooperation these days is such a rare commodity.


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Facebook’s Real Mobile Opportunity is Right Outside Your Door
Published: December 6, 2012
Author: Marc Poirier
Facebook is still learning about mobile advertising. Since entering the fray in March of this year, they’ve fiddled about, adjusted, tried things and failed, succeeded with others, and are trying to find the balance between showing enough ads to make advertisers happy, and showing so many ads that people stop wanting to use the app.
The coming year is crucial for Facebook’s offering to marketers. Not only do they have to show their investors more revenue, but they’re also going to have to show marketers than they have more to offer than just embedded stories on a News Feed.
While the Facebook mobile platform is providing great opportunity for marketers, Facebook’s biggest opportunity is to start integrating a local advertising scheme into their mobile offering.
For example, let’s say I’m Bob the business owner. I have a brick-and-mortar business — let’s say it’s a restaurant. I’m hoping to get some more customers into my business, and so, instead of blanketing the neighborhood with flyers that no one ever even looks at anymore and end up in the recycling before you can say, “environmental waste,” were Facebook to make it available, I could launch ads at Facebook mobile users when they’re within a certain distance of my restaurant, maybe within 200 feet or so.
Conversely, one could advertise to someone who’s far away. For example, a Club Med in Mexico could send an offer to a mobile user in Montreal. And integrate a dynamic ad with the weather (It’s -20 in Montreal, wouldn’t you be happier on the beach in Mexico?), and you start to see the real possibilities here.
This, of course, depends on Facebook’s willingness to open this up to business owners. But if Facebook is truly looking towards more options for mobile advertising, then this is one that could be a real winner, and for all three parties involved.
Facebook wins by being able to deliver relevant ads based on proximity (after all, they know more about you than your parents do now); the businesses win by being able to offer discounts or specials to individuals who they can target very specifically, or just send ads to anyone at all within a specific distance; and the end users win by getting ads that they can act on immediately.
If there’s one thing we know about Facebook users, it’s that they love immediacy, and this is the perfect place to make that happen. This is, of course, reliant on the users allowing Facebook to send them notifications, and some statistics show that push notifications can enhance user retention up to 26%. Another win.
This is a strategy that Facebook glossed over very briefly last June. Carolyn Everson, VP of Global Marketing Solutions said, “Phones can be location-specific so you can start to imagine what the product evolution might look like over time, particularly for retailers,” and added that they had begun testing. But that’s the last we’ve heard of it since then.
There are real, amazing opportunities for Facebook mobile in the coming year, and we’re hoping to see them start to really give mobile advertisers more ways of reaching potential customers. The audience is listening, so let’s hope Facebook gives us more ways of talking to them.
– Marc Poirier


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Windows Blue has leaked onto the Internet, giving brave users a showcase of what's to come. A video has emerged which shows the updated version of Windows 8 running across multiple monitors.
A week of Windows, iThings and Lollipop... and FLAMES
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A recent update to the developer version of Google's Chrome OS finally adds multi-monitor support, allowing Chromebooks to extend their monitors to another device.
After briefly posting and then removing a post on the official Windows 8 blog about multi-monitor support last week, Microsoft has reposted the blog entry, which includes Release Preview info.
In a post that appeared briefly on Building Windows 8, Microsoft has outlined some of the mult-monitor enhancements that are coming to Windows 8 including the extended taskbar and wallpaper support


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Commenting on the joint venture, Varun Berry, executive vice president and managing director of Britannia Industries, said, "Britannia's partnership with Bel Group will enable consumers to enjoy world-class cheese products that will now be manufactured in India. [...]
"This joint venture will help Maharashtra's milk producers gain substantial and greater market access through our yield-optimised milk collection initiative, which has grown significantly over the past three years."
Bel, Britannia Joint Venture
The joint venture aims to bring a range of nutritious, delicious and affordable cheese products to the Indian market.
The cheese products will be manufactured at the joint venture's new state-of-the-art facility in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra, with milk collected from local farmers in the region.
The products will be marketed under a combination of the 'Britannia' and 'The Laughing Cow' brands and will be introduced in innovative formats to capitalise on the rapid growth of the cheese category in the country, Bel Group noted.
Abhishek Sinha, chief business officer of dairy business at Britannia, has been appointed as CEO of the joint venture.
Cécile Béliot, CEO of Bel Group stated, "This strategic partnership with Britannia in India is a new step for Bel Group's development in Asia, in line with our mission to offer healthier and more responsible food for all.
"We are proud to partner with Britannia, a company with an iconic brand in India and a powerful distribution system. By combining their expertise with our iconic brand The Laughing Cow, and our know-how and knowledge of cheese products, this joint venture is well-positioned to offer delicious, nutritious and affordable cheese products to all Indian consumers and become a leader in the growing Indian cheese market."


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The US trade gap narrowed slightly less-than-expected in February, following a surge in the previous month.
The US trade deficit of goods and services fell to $45.8 billion in February compared with a deficit of $47 billion in November, the Commerce Department said on Tuesday.Markets had expected the US trade deficit to decline to $45.7 billion in February.
While the exports from the US fell by $2.4 billion to $165.1 billion in February month-on-month, imports were down by $3.6 billion to $ 214.5 billion. However, the US trade deficit in February was $6 billion higher compared with the same month last year.
Exports of automotive vehicles & components dropped by $1 billion in February, leading the drop in overall US exports in the month. Also, imports of automotive products went down by $2.3 billion.
However, exports of services remained virtually unchanged in February. Year-on-year, exports of services went up by $2.9 billion, while imports recorded an increase of $1.1 billion.
Also, the US trade deficit with China, the world's largest trade imbalance between two countries, narrowed to $18.8 billion in February from $23.3 billion in January, while deficit with European Union (EU) increased to $6.9 billion, up from $5.6 billion.
Last Friday, China reported a trade deficit in the first quarter this year, its first in six years during January-March period.


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On what would have been the weekend of the annual Blacknose Beauties Show & Sale the Valais Blacknose Sheep Society took their event online for the first time in its history.
Keen to continue showcasing the breed and bring VBSSUK members together, the Society announced the online event with the aim to offer an experience to newcomers, bring back memories to those who would usually be enjoying the weekend celebration in Carlisle and encourage the future generations of breeders from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
The online Young Handler competition featured 3 classes, with each class winner put forward to compete for the overall Young Handler Champion title. Competitions were judged by VBSSUK committee members Andrew & Jemma Knowles-Brown of Crookedstane Valais Blacknose who are also yearly Blacknose Beauties class sponsors. The overall Young Handler Champion title was awarded to 6-year-old Beau Houston of the Houstons Valais Blacknose flock.
Following the success of last year’s fancy-dress competition, the Society also hosted 3 online classes. Classes were open to children, adults and family entries and judged by Hannah Jackson, the Red Shepherdess, recently seen on BBC Countryfile and SAS: Who Dares wins. The overall Fancy Dress Champions were brothers Alfie and Luca Jones from the Snowdonia Valais Blacknose flock with their ‘Avengers’ theme entry.
Commenting on the online competitions, Jenni McAllister, joint director of VBSSUK, said: “Set against the disappointment surrounding the cancellation of the event in Carlisle, we endeavoured to reproduce what we could online. Whilst not a substitute for the show, it was an opportunity to bring people together and demonstrate our resilience at this difficult time and have some fun. We received and overwhelming response from members and are grateful for their continued support. We look forward to welcoming everyone back under better circumstances next year”.
In addition to the online competitions the annual sale which forms part of the show was also hosted online via Harrison & Hetherington. The timed sale ran from Tuesday, 18th August – Friday, 21st August.
The Society’s online sale saw over 100 lots of Valais Blacknose sheep go under the hammer, with Scottish Breeders Raymond Irvine and Jenni McAllister’s ram lamb Highland Hero topping the sale at £6,550. Following at £6300 was Westmorland Hollie a ewe lamb belonging to Cumbrian breeder Tim Dunne. Cheshire breeder Eliott Ford sold Maverick Import VBN3291, an ewe with lamb at foot for £5650. Ewe lamb, Accraplatts Heather bred by Caroline Brown sold for £5,100 and Goldies Valais Blacknose sold their shearling ewe Denne Manor Penelope for £5000.
Speaking about the online Sale Jenni McAllister continues, “Hosting the online sale was a first in the history of the society, but it has been our largest Sale yet featuring over 100 lots. We were thrilled with the amount of entries which attracted both UK and global breeders, incredibly happy with the response from respective buyers and the overall sales results for all society members.”
Alongside the online event, the society also launched a fundraiser to raise money for The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) who provide an array of support to families and individuals in the agricultural industry. Semen pellets from fantastic rams belonging to the Highland, Westmorland and Whitehall flocks were sold at the end of the online sale with all proceeds donated to the charity, in addition to 25% of all online raffle tickets and 2019/2020 calendar sales proceeds.
Lot 119 Highland Hero £6550 purchased by J Knowles-Brown and H & E Duncan
Lot 40 Westmorland Hollie £6300 purchased by J Knowles-Brown
Lot 27 Maverick Import VBN3291 £5650 purchased by Cockerill (Farms) Ltd
Lot 48 Accraplatts Heather £5100 purchased by Mr Simon Slann
Lot 2 Denne Manor Penelope £5000 purchased by Ms Lisa Shaw


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On Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd June, the Fashion Department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp is presenting its annual runway show SHOW2017. During the show, first years to Masters’ students will debut their designs. This is a tradition that is followed by more than 4.000 fashion enthousiasts, journalists and professionals from all over the world. Which is no surprise, concidering the Antwerp fashion Academy is currently rated by BOF as the 3rd best fashion design school in the world.
Moments ago, the Antwerp Fashion Department announced the jury of this years show. The academy always makes sure to include some of the world’s most respected professionals out of the fashion and art scene into the jury. This year is no exception to the rule.
The jury of SHOW2017 include people like Stromae, Glenn Marten (designer of Y/Project), the editor in chief of DUST Magazine and more. There’s also Patrick Scallon from the Dries Van Noten-team who is joining. Famous Antwerp-based streetwear store ‘VIER‘ also has its co-owner, Giancarlo Angeletti, in the jury of the fashion academy. Full list below.
ENFNTS TERRIBLES will be present at the show to give you a front row look at this year’s graduates. We’re also able to give you an exclusive backstage look on instagram and instagram stories, thanks to MAC Cosmetics. Make sure to follow us on INSTAGRAM for the full report.
Here’s the full line-up of this year’s jury for the annual Antwerp fashion academy show:
ANJA ARONOWSKY CRONBERG – Editor-in-chief Vestoj, London
LUCA GUARINI – Editor-in-chief DUST Magazine, Berlin/London
STROMAE & CORALIE BARBIER – Designers Mosaert, Brussels
AXEL KELLER – Consultant, Paris
COCO CAPITAN – Artist, London
ELISA PALOMINO – Designer and teacher BA CSM, London
SOFIE VAN DE VELDE – Owner Gallery Sofie Van de Velde, Antwerp
GLENN MARTENS – Designer Y/Project, Paris
ELISABETH CLAUSS – Fashion writer, Brussels
JOHN DE GREEF – Fashion director Elsevier ST L, Amsterdam
PATRICK SCALLON – Director communications Dries Van Noten, Paris
GIANCARLO ANGELETTI – Co-owner VIER, Antwerp


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FedEx Chairman Frederick W. Smith Urges Greater U.S.-EU Cooperation, Customs Reforms and Open Skies Agreements
Speaking to a gathering of European policy makers, business leaders and international journalists in
Since it pioneered the air express industry more than 30 years ago, FedEx has been an outspoken advocate of free trade and has maintained a strong record of promoting multilateral and bilateral agreements that open up markets.
Breaking Down The Barriers
According to Smith, continued liberalization of trade and the breaking down of regulatory barriers, such as aviation protectionism and archaic customs procedures, will ultimately expand choices and opportunities for the world’s citizens and businesses.
“There are several issues that France and all EU members must address to ensure that we continue to enjoy the free flow of goods and the benefits of world trade for all countries,” noted Smith. “I compliment
France and the
“In Europe, the adoption of an ‘Open Skies’ policy between the
In respect to customs reform, Smith urged every country in the world to streamline its customs clearance processes to more readily facilitate global commerce and productivity. He added that productivity was key in an economy that is being increasingly defined by goods that arrive to final destinations “just in time.”
Smith also noted the increasing interdependency of both the cultures and the economies of the two trading giants--the
The Role of the Air Cargo Industry
Smith elaborated on the role that FedEx and the air cargo industry play in facilitating global trade by enabling companies of every size and description to source, assemble and sell their goods anywhere in the world.
FedEx is optimistic about the future of air cargo, especially international air express. According to industry forecasts, air cargo traffic is projected to expand at an average annual rate of 6.2 percent for the next 20 years, in effect tripling current traffic levels.
In response to the estimated growth in the international air cargo sector, FedEx continues to invest in its infrastructure in order to facilitate anticipated demand. FedEx was the first North American carrier to purchase the Airbus A380-800F aircraft in order to meet the growing needs of its international customers. The company will acquire 10 A380s and expects delivery of the first aircraft in August 2008.
The investment in the A380 is part of FedEx’s international growth strategy. With a capacity to carry nearly 40,000 cubic feet and 330,000 pounds, and boasting a range of about 6,000 nautical miles, the A380 will be able to complete a single trip in what now takes two or more FedEx Express flights, creating enhanced efficiencies in the FedEx system and enabling FedEx to take advantage of global growth trends.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $27 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 250,000 employees and contractors to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, please contact FedEx Media Relations, 901-434-3900.


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Due to the outbreak of the corona virus, the need and demand to wear face masks as increased enormously. While many people are willing to wear a face mask, they find it uncomfortable or difficult to breath in. Furthermore, not all masks are of good quality, and disposable masks are costly and wasteful.
Electronics company LG has developed a portable air purification system that serves as a face mask. It includes replaceable HEPA filters and battery-operated fans for easy breathing. It protects the wearer against particulate matter, pollen, allergens, bacteria, and viruses.
The mask, also called PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier, combines a gas mask and mouth mask into one. It has dual fans and a breathing sensor, allowing users to constantly take in clean, filtered air. The fans automatically accelerate upon inhalation, accelerating the air flow. They shut down upon exhale, allowing less resistance with the outflow. The mask comes with a cover that is equipped with UV LED lights to kill harmful germs while the mask charges. Furthermore, the cover indicates via an app when the filters need to be replaced. It is fully recyclable, even further reducing the waste problems associated with masks.
While LG is pleased with the innovation – “the PuriCare is an exciting addition to our growing line of products designed to provide meaningful health and hygiene benefits” – it continues to explore the extent to which it protects against Covid-19.


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Harvey’s groans still make a casePUBLISHED: 16 Jan 2012 00:06:17 | UPDATED: 16 Jan 2012 00:06:17PUBLISHED: 14 Jan 2012 PRINT EDITION: 16 Jan 2012
Gerry Harvey makes the point that overseas purchases by local consumers from internet sites owned and operated outside Australia avoid paying GST under $1000.
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West was seen last week looking miserable in the front row at Alexander Wang, Diesel Black Gold, Hood by Air and a show by British designer Louise Goldin, who’s married to West’s manager, Izvor (Izzy) Zivkovic.
And yes, you read our headline correctly. According to sources, the designers fear that West might steal their creations.
“It was something that was discussed beforehand — ‘Do we let him in and risk our ideas being sold off by him?’ ” says an insider.
West has taken to LinkedIn to staff his new fashion company including a vice president of production and a chief officer for an unnamed “Kanye West clothing project.”
The description for his fashion venture “will leverage Mr. West’s success in high fashion and music to bring accessible style to malls and other outlets across America and around the world.”
The first clothing line from West debuted back in 2011. He recently joined forces with French fashion house A.P.C. on a menswear line, while consulting with Goldin for a knitwear line.
As for Fashion Week, our source speculated: “He is there because he is coming out with a new clothing line and is desperate for ideas on what’s hot.”
When Confidenti@l tried quizzing West at the Diesel show Tuesday, he lashed out. “Don’t ask me questions!” he shouted at us. When we repeated our soft question, asking what he was wearing, baby North West’s moody new dad made a quick getaway through a side exit while his security manhandled us.
A rep for West has yet to respond, according to Confidenti@l.
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Qualcomm has a dominant position in smartphones, and has made headway in tablets, too. But there are two other big markets the chip maker is focusing on at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show–cars and TVs. Read More »
Jan 6, 2014
The ink had barely even dried from jotting down Qualcomm operating chief Steve Mollenkopf as a Microsoft CEO candidate before his name was scratched off the list.
Qualcomm announced today that Mollenkopf is ascending from the No 2. spot to CEO at the semiconductor company and will take a seat on the board. He officially starts March 4, replacing Paul Jacobs, who has been CEO since 2005. Jacobs will stay on as executive chairman. The WSJ on his tenure at Qualcomm. Read More »
Twitter has displaced Facebook as the top tech employer, according to a new best-workplace list from Glassdoor, a website where employees rank their companies and employers list jobs. Tech companies occupy seven of the top 10 spots on the 2014 edition of the site’s list.
Making its debut in the rankings, Twitter is listed as the second-best place to work in the U.S. Rival social networks LinkedIn and Facebook are ranked fourth and fifth respectively; in the prior rankings, Facebook was first. Software makers Guidewire and Interactive Intelligence placed sixth and seventh, and Google landed at eighth. Orbitz Worldwide, the online travel services company, nabbed the ninth slot. Read More »
How are things going to find each other once they are all connected? A lot of companies are discussing such questions these days, with some of them banding together in an effort that will exploit technology from Qualcomm.
The Linux Foundation, a non-profit group that oversees development of operating system and other projects, on Tuesday is announcing a group called the AllSeen Alliance to help enable a technology trend called the Internet of Things. Read More »
Apple attracted attention this fall by delivering a new iPhone with a 64-bit processor, a novelty among chips used in smartphones. Qualcomm is now joining that party.
The San Diego-based company is using an industry event in Hong Kong to introduce a new set of chips aimed at smartphones priced in the sub-$150 range, which are expected to sell especially well in some countries in Asia. They have lots of new features, but one stands out: they are the first that Qualcomm has described as “64-bit capable.” Read More »
Many people have gotten used to LTE, the fourth-generation cellular technology now found in smartphones. Get ready to see it used in new ways in new places, says Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs.
The speedy technology, whose initials stand for long-term evolution, now sends voice calls and data over cellular networks using licensed radio frequencies. But Jacobs disclosed Wednesday that Qualcomm now plans to push the use of LTE also in unlicensed radio spectrum, the approach used for short-range technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Read More »
Qualcomm has done well by the smartphone boom, with a market value that currently tops $120 billion. The chip maker is now angling to bring more smarts to the smart home and beyond.
The San Diego-based company, in news pegged to an analyst meeting in New York Wednesday, is introducing an unusual chip line that combines communications functions–including Wi-Fi, and the ability to send data down power lines–with a substantial amount of computing capability. Read More »
Belgium doesn’t frequently conjure up comparisons with Silicon Valley. But a research group there thinks it has come up with a nifty way to make much faster semiconductors.
The organization known as Imec says it has demonstrated a practical way to fabricate key parts of transistors on chips from what the industry calls III-V materials, while still using a cost-effective variety of silicon wafers. Read More »
Most people call Qualcomm a chip maker. But the San Diego company has historically reaped more of its profit from licensing patents–a novel business model whose architect is departing.
Steve Altman, 52 years old, said Wednesday that he will retire after 24 years at the company. He has most recently served as vice chairman, but held a series of roles at the company that include general counsel and head of its technology licensing business. Read More »
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Sverdrup Steel is excited to enter the new year with a strengthened Export Team.
As of the 2nd of January Arne Kyllingstad is the latest member of Export Team. Arne will be based out of Oslo, taking on the role as our new Team Leader Export Sales.
– “We have been looking for an addition to our export team for some time know. In Arne I believe that we have found the right resource to coordinate and to handle the daily follow-up of our export team. With the growth we have had over the last two years in exports. I simply needed more resources in the team to reach the goals we have set ourselves. Both in terms of generating new business and taking care of existing partners in the manor Sverdrup Steel has set out to conduct relations.” Says Export Director Erik Sandell.
Arne Kyllingstad has vast experience from projects sales of stainless steel products. He is used to working in a team environment, and with international sales. Arne will bring a new dimension to our export department.
Sverdrup Steel would like to welcome Arne Kyllingstad to our team and look forward to take on 2020 with him on our rooster.
And to all of you a happy new year.


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Google’s latest survey reveals that parents with children attending school online are more worried about online safety than the ones whose children attended school in person. Parents believe that their child’s privacy and security are at risk as there are high chances of fraud or account hacking in online space.
The research says 74 percent of Indian parents expressed increased concern about online safety. But around 34 percent or more than a third of parents interviewed said they “have never spoken to their children about online safety.” The research was conducted in India, and in other countries and the results were almost similar everywhere.
The survey was conducted by Google’s Online Safety Education and the Trust Research team in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Brazil, Colombia and other countries.
So, what can be done to help children and teens stay safe online? As today is Safer Internet Day, Google has given some tips on how one can stay safe online.
Google’s advise is that parents should teach their children how to choose strong passwords and avoid simple passwords that use names, birthdates, or even favourite cartoon characters. One is advised to use those platforms that “have a strong reputation for user safety. For instance, using an email service like Gmail comes with built-in safety filters to detect phishing emails.” The search giant claims that Gmail blocks 99.9 percent of phishing attacks.
Google says the messaging or gaming apps (with voice chat feature) are the easiest way to reach out to children and could prove to be harmful. Therefore, parents should be aware of their child’s online activities and whom they talk to online.
“When assessing if a game is suitable for your child, it is important to check not only the content of the game, but also whether the app allows online communications with others. Some multiplayer games allow only a few options for social interaction, like a thumbs up rather than a text chat. This reduces risks of unwanted social interactions by quite a lot,” Lucian Teo, Google’s Online Safety Education Lead said in a blog post.
One can enable SafeSearch feature on Google to filter out explicit content in Google’s search results for all searches. These include images, videos and websites. “SafeSearch is designed to help block explicit results like pornography from Google search results,” he added.
Parents can create a Google account for their child and manage it using Family Link. The company says “This allows you to add filters on Google Search, block websites or only give access to the ones you allow or track the location of your child if they have their own device.”
There is a separate app called YouTube Kids, which offers many parental controls. You get to limit screen time, only show videos that you approve or select suitable content based on the age of your child.


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The bitcoin exchange industry is widely considered to be in a process of transition, with big players stepping in and acquisitions leading to greater consolidation. As such it is not surprising to hear that Bitstamp is on the shelf, although a rumored buyer now denies it.
Also Read: Bitcoin in Brief Wednesday: Crypto Leakers, Hackers and Rappers
Nexon Korea Denial
Lee Jung-hun, the CEO of Nexon Korea, has denied reports that the company is engaged in negotiations to acquire the cryptocurrency exchange Bitstamp. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at the company’s headquarters in Pangyo, South Korea he reportedly said: “Nexon Korea does not have anything to do with a Bitstamp acquisition.” The CEO added that: “We do not have any plans to link cryptocurrencies with our game business.”
Nexon is an online gaming giant established in Seoul back in 1994, which moved its headquarters to Japan in 2005 and went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2011 (TYO: 3659), and now employs close to 6000 people. Its parent company, NXC Corp., has acquired a controlling stake in one of Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, Korbit, back in September 2017. Considering this, it is technically possible that NXT is in talks to buy a part of Bitstamp too, and that Nexon Korea is just not involved, but the CEO gave no indication that that is the case.
Bitstamp Acquisition Rumors
Founded in 2011 as a European-focused bitcoin exchange, Bitstamp is considered to be the longest surviving cryptocurrency exchange to date. The rumors about its acquisition by Nexon Korea appear to have started with a report by Business Insider that Bitstamp is up for sale and that the South Korean gaming company is in pole position to acquire it. The price according to the report is said to be about $350 million, citing two people familiar with the deal.
If Bitstamp will indeed by acquired by a Korean group that will not be very surprising. The cryptocurrency exchange business has seen a lot of rapid changes recently, especially in the Far East where established internet conglomerates see an urgent need to enter the space before they miss the boat as regulators are stepping in and making it harder on smaller companies to get licensed. Most recently Coincheck exchange has decided to sell the company to one of the largest online securities trading companies in the Japan, Monex.
Do you believe the CEO of Nexon Korea that nothing is going on with Bitstamp? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Images courtesy of Shutterstock.
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Travel insurance company launches the first customer service AI chatbot in the US
Through machine learning, VisitorsCoverage’s new tool is expected to improve with time.
VisitorsCoverage launched its AI chatbot on Tuesday, with the aim to help people shopping for a travel insurance policy.
Named Luna, the chatbot relies on artificial intelligence to respond to customer queries. It has machine learning capabilities, which means its accuracy improves with each answer. Customers can try out Luna by clicking on the icon for the brunette in the lower-right corner of the VisitorsCoverage.com website.
The Silicon Valley-based company began developing the chatbot in early 2019 as a way to connect with its customers, regardless of where they are in the world.
“Insurance is a complex subject with a lot of specifics and contingencies. With Luna, we want to make it easier and faster for our customers to learn about travel insurance in any timezone,” VisitorsCoverage CEO Rajeev Shrivastava told Finder.
“[The chatbot] allows us to help customers around the clock while staying true to our technology-first roots,” Shrivastava said.
“It allows VisitorsCoverage to address a number of customer needs simultaneously.”
He said the company would roll out new chatbot features as the technology improves.
The chatbot in action
Luna is the first AI-enabled chatbot in the US. A Singaporean travel insurance company, NTUC Income, briefly experimented with a chatbot in 2017 before reverting back to its traditional customer service methods.
While Luna is quick and responsive, it isn’t always accurate. It appears to pull answers from existing pages and blogs on the site, and directs shoppers to the various policies on offer, which include standard, business, multi-trip, cruise and immigrant travel insurance.
VisitorsCoverage says the answers will become more applicable over time.
“Using deep machine learning capabilities, Luna will adapt and grow with every customer interaction to become smarter, more accurate and give increasingly relevant responses,” Shrivastava told Finder.
If the chatbot doesn’t answer your questions, you can still contact the travel insurance company via phone, email or a WhatsApp message.
Photo credit: Getty Images


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Where's The Bacon? Wendy's Launches Breakfast Nationwide in Canada Today
Today is the day morning routines change forever with Wendy's® craveable breakfast menu launching nationwide in Canada, served from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.* To celebrate the launch, Wendy's is giving customers one less reason to hit snooze with a FREE hot cup of their soon-to-be favourite coffee all day long at participating locations through May 29.** Customers will not want to miss out because for the first time ever, Wendy's is serving a new signature medium-roast coffee blend uniquely crafted for Canadian customers...
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Coming out of a crisis, one thing about beef consumers is certain: They’ll still have questions.
“They want to know are animals handled right? Are we doing the right things? Are we treating animals the right way? Are we damaging the environment? What are we doing to make the environment better? Are we creating waste? Are we creating packaging waste? These are important issues to the consumers, the people who are actually buying our products,” says Wayne Morgan, President Protein Products and Sustainability, Golden State Foods.
Financial backers hear those questions and move to action.
“Investors are looking at sustainability and they're looking at what companies are doing in regards to sustainability and they're making investment decision based on what they see and what they hear. It's also not enough to just tell a good story. It's got to be grounded in facts and you've got to be able to demonstrate those facts through verified metrics,” Morgan says.
Morgan says Golden State Foods is on a path of continuous improvement to keep their business sustainable and ahead of the curve.
“We've sunk resources into doing better and to developing strategies and plans so that we can be the best that we can be and always look for the next best thing,” Morgan continues.
“But it won't last forever if we don't continue to move forward. The other industries aren't standing still. Everyone is trying to be better and trying to be more efficient. We're in the lead and we can either sit where we are and continue where we are and watch people catch up with us or we can continue to lead. We continue to look for new ideas, new technologies, that will make us be the best, not only today, but on into the future.”
It’s an area that’s growing fast, and the more the beef community learns, the more they can do.
“We need you to be looking at the things that you do today and how they're going to impact the environment tomorrow and how things are changing. We've got new information today. We know things we didn't know 20 years ago and it's important to apply these new things that we know, whether they be technologies or techniques, and use them to make us even more efficient and make us even better,” Morgan notes.
That’s not just advice from a foodservice distributor – it’s the voice of his customers.


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Update: Following E3 2018’s Nintendo Direct, it has been confirmed Each Poké Ball Plus will contain Mew, as will all the Poké Ball Plus accessories sold in special packs. Players can use a variety of Candies to strengthen their Pokémon in a training system exclusive to the new games. Players will also be able to trade and engage in Single and Double Battles with other players online and via local wireless communication.
Amid speculation surrounding potential new Pokémon games, Nintendo has now officially announced two new Nintendo Switch games in the franchise. The trailer for the two games show’s that one – Let’s Go, Pikachu! – will focus on arguably the series’ most famous character, while the other will focus on Eevee.
Both games are inspired by Pokémon Yellow, which was released 20 years ago this year. The trailer gives a glimpse of gameplay, and shows how the game is controlled with one joy-con, allowing for multiplayer games. The two Let’s Go titles will also be playable using a special Poké Ball control and can be connected to Pokémon GO. Both new Nintendo Switch games are set to be available from November 16 this year, and tease the chance to “meet a special Pokémon.”
As well as Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s go, Eevee!, Nintendo has also announced a new RPG title. Pokémon Quest is set to feature cube-shaped Pokémon and will focus on searching for treasure on Tumbluecube Island. As it stands, there are few details on what else to expect from Pokémon Quest, but keep checking back ahead of the game’s release date.
In related news, Pokémon GO festival is returning to Chicago.